April 22, 2024
City of Dexter City Council Meeting
Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
3515 Broad Street, Dexter, MI 48130 and via Zoom
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Meeting ID: 827 1693 8464#
Meeting Agenda: https://files.dextermi.gov/City_Council/2024/Agendas/2024-04-22-CC-A.pdf
Meeting Packet: https://files.dextermi.gov/City_Council/2024/Packets/2024-04-22-CC-P.pdf
Dexter Senior Center Site Plan Under Consideration: https://files.dextermi.gov/City_Council/2024/Packets/sen.ctr.&7001.siteplans..pdf
PRE-ARRANGED PARTICIPATION
Pre-arranged participation will be limited to those who notify the City office before 5:00 p.m. Monday of the week preceding the meeting, stating name, intent and time requirements. (10-minute limit per participant)
Students from Wylie Elementary School will make a presentation about trees.
NON-ARRANGED PARTICIPATION
Non-arranged participation will include those in the audience not listed on the agenda that wish to speak. At the Mayor’s discretion, members of the audience may be called on to speak at any time. Those addressing the Council will state their name, and address. This section is limited to 5-minutes per participant or 10-minutes for group representative.
As always, there are two opportunities for non-arranged public participation: one near the beginning of the meeting and one near the end of the meeting. See the agenda for details. Just state your name and address and then share your thoughts–it’s that easy!
VARIOUS UPDATES
Council will review (1) minutes of its most recent meeting(s) and (2) the upcoming meeting list. We will also hear various updates from staff, including the City Manager and the Mayor (note that corresponding written reports are included in the meeting packet).
Updates that might be of interest:
Downtown Development Authority
The 3045 Broad Street Sub-Committee met with representatives from the Trowbridge Companies and Franklin Property Corporation to discuss the 3045 Broad Street Redevelopment Area Project. Following the meeting, the DDA received a Letter of Interest from Trowbridge Companies expressing a desire to enter into a pre-development agreement with the City and DDA. Staff is working with the City/DDA attorney, Scott Munzel to draft a new agreement for the DDA and Council’s consideration in June. In the meantime, the DDA is planning a work session to discuss its wants for the 3045 Broad Street Project and what it expects from the Trowbridge Companies. Staff has sent a Doodle Poll to identify a date.
At its meeting in March, the DDA approved a proposal from Advanced Redevelopment Solutions (not to exceed $16,000) to provide consulting services to assist the DDA with the development and implementation of Policies and Procedures, under the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act (PA 381 of 1996, as amended). The services would specifically support the DDA’s efforts to provide incentive tools to redevelop property within the DDA District. A subcommittee of the DDA (Mayor Keough, DDA Directors Schroeder and Penn) will meet with Mr. Helzer to develop goals and objectives for Policy and Procedures of a Brownfield (Housing) TIF Program. Staff anticipates that date will be May 9th.
Master Plan Amendment for Housing Readiness
The joint meeting of the Planning Commission, City Council, and DDA to define the expectations, limitations, and geographies for the MSHDA Housing Readiness Grant Amendment to the Master Plan is scheduled for Wed, May 24th at 5:00 pm.
The public workshop for the 3045 Broad Street Redevelopment Project area has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 11th, at 6:00 pm. The workshop will take place at the Dexter District Library.
Planning Commission Update – The Planning Commission will hold 4 public hearings on May 6th, to consider the following:
Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) FY 2024-2029
Preliminary Site Plan for the Kentwood Place Planned Unit Development
Amendment to Master Plan Future Land Use Map
Dexter Community Schools Rezoning Request for 2505 Baker Road
Dexter Crossing Commercial Outlot – Staff anticipates a proposal will be submitted in the near future for a drive-thru coffee café, on an outlot in front of the Dexter Crossing Commercial Shopping Plaza.
Noteworthy Events from Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Police Services Monthly Report (March). On March 20th Deputies investigated a Larceny from Auto complaint in the 7600 block of Grand Street. The victim reported that their vehicle was broken into overnight and several items were stolen including credit/debit cards. Deputies processed the victim’s vehicle and located fingerprints possibly belonging to the suspect. During their investigation, Deputies learned that the victim’s credit/debit card was used at a local fuel station. Deputies reviewed the video footage and obtained still photographs of the suspect. Utilizing the still photographs, Deputies identified the suspect from previous contacts and have been actively trying to locate the suspect for an interview. No charges have been filed as of this date.
Associate Planner. Over the last few weeks, staff interviewed four candidates for the Associate Planner position. Following a second interview, the position was offered to Jenna Elswick. Jenna comes to Dexter with a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning from EMU, and experience as a planner with HNTB (transportation planning), the City of Holland, and the City of South Haven. Staff anticipates that Jenna’s first day will be May 28th.
DTE Gas Work. Staff met with representatives of DTE, who will be performing gas line replacement work on Ann Arbor St., Forest St., and Hudson St. DTE indicated that the work would be restricted to the right-of-way, and would not impact roads. There may be temporary sidewalk closures while work takes place.
Farmers Market Opening Day.The Dexter Farmers Market marks its 18th year! Opening day is May 4th, 2024 8am - 1pm. The market is located on Alpine St. and is open May - October, every Saturday. The Tuesday Farmers Market will be held in Monument Park this season June -September, 11am to 3pm. Make sure to stop by the market and enjoy fresh seasonal produce, local meats, eggs, baked goods, flowers, honeys & jams, coffee, handmade crafts, and live music every week. We accept SNAP, EBT, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Market Bucks. Ed Young, a local favorite, will be singing opening day! Kids stop by the market booth for a scavenger hunt, prizes, and May the 4th be with you coloring sheets, Free seeds will be handed out at the market booth while supplies last. Some special events throughout the season include:
May 11th - Special Wellness Meditation event for 30 kids ages 7-17 sponsored by the Dexter Community Fund Grant - Register here:
The Dexter Garden Club will be at the Farmers Market May 11th selling geraniums, scented houseplants, shrubs, succulents, foxglove, monarda (bergamot), bleeding heart, & other great perennials, and unique/rare plants.
May 18- June 29 - The Bike Medic will be at the Market.
August 24th - Food Safety event - free cutting boards to the first 250 customers,
grant provided by Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).
Master Gardeners will be at the market 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month.
Dexter's 200th anniversary Bicentennial celebration will be held June 20-23rd, the
Farmers Market will hold a pie eating contest!
Other special events will be announced throughout the season!
Dexter Chamber (Dexter Daze) Meeting. Staff met with representatives of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 12th. The Chamber representatives shared that the Dexter Daze Committee is disbanding, and that the Chamber would be taking over the planning and management of an event now called the Dexter Summer Festival. While the Chamber is planning to retool the event, the Dexter Summer Festival is planned to take place annually on the same weekend as the former Dexter Daze. As of the April 12th meeting, the conversation included not holding the parade or fireworks, but continuing with the DAFD social tent, sales exhibit, sidewalk sale, and children’s area.
Parks and Recreation
Mill Creek Park North Playground Vision Board Session. At their last meeting, the Parks Commissioner completed the vision board exercise by consolidating the two groups’ boards into a single board. With the combined vision board, staff will use the equipment listed as a part of the future bid to playground vendors when soliciting designs. As the next steps, Parks will be looking at other factors of the playground that will be pertinent to the bidding process such as the play area size, etc.
Lighting Under the Main Street Bridge. As a part of their FY 2024-25 budget request, the Parks Commission requested funding to install lighting beneath the Main Street Bridge to improve pedestrian safety and visibility beneath the bridge. During the inquiry into the feasibility of the project, staff has received positive feedback from both DTE and WCRC related to the project.
Baker Road from Main St. to Grand St. The City of Dexter was awarded federal transportation grant funds for the resurfacing of Baker Rd. from Hudson to Main St. This project includes the mill and overlay of the road surface, addition of a marked crossing at Forest St, and changes to lane widths. The Baker Rd. resurfacing project is anticipated to begin in late-June 2024 and last through August 2024. During this project, Baker Road will be closed to through traffic (residents and businesses will be able to access to driveways, except during limited periods). The detour routes include Dan Hoey, Dexter- Ann Arbor Rd., and Hudson St. A public meeting with impacted residents and business owners has been set for Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00pm at the intersection of Forest St. and Baker Rd. near Palmer Insurance.
Forest St. Mill and Overlay.As of the bid deadline for the mill and overlay of Forest St., the City received five bids from prospective contractors. The as-read low bid was from Cadillac Asphalt. This project will involve the removal and replacement of the asphalt road surface. The project is anticipated to take place starting in June 2024 and last through August 2024. During this project, the road will be closed to through traffic (residents will be able to access driveways, except during limited periods). A public meeting with impacted residents has been set for Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 1:00pm at the intersection of Forest St. and Baker Rd. near Palmer Insurance.
Huron Farms Mill and Overlay. As of the bid deadline for the mill and overlay project in Huron Farms, the City received five bids from prospective contractors. The as-read low bid was from Cadillac Asphalt. This project includes the mill and overlay of: Ulrich St. from View Dr. to Wilson Dr.; Wilson Dr. from Ryan Dr. to the Wilson Dr. cul-de-sac; North and South Wilson Ct. The project is anticipated to take place in June 2024, and last through August 2024. During this project, the road will be closed to through traffic (residents will be able to access driveways, except during limited periods). A public meeting with impacted residents has been set for Friday, May 10, 2024 at 1:00pm at Community Park.
Westridge Slurry Seal. The City of Dexter has contracted with Pavement Maintenance Systems for the application of a slurry seal overlay to all roads in Westridge. The process will involve a temporary rolling closure of each road in the Westridge neighborhood while the contractor applies a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, and aggregate to the roads. The slurry seal application is designed to seal the roads and prolong their useful life. The project is anticipated to take place in June 2024, and is anticipated to take up to three weeks once underway. A public meeting for Westridge residents to discuss this project has been set for Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 3:00pm at the intersection of Parkridge Dr. and Westridge Dr.
Dexter Business and Research Park (Industrial Park). The City of Dexter has contracted with Pavement Maintenance Systems for the application of a microsurface overlay to all roads in the Business and Research Park (Industrial Park). The process will involve a one- way only traffic pattern for each road in the Industrial Park while the contractor applies a mixture of water, asphalt emulsion, and aggregate to the roads. The microsurface application is designed to seal the roads and prolong their useful life. The project is anticipated to take place in June 2024, and is anticipated to take up to three weeks once underway.
8050 Main St. Staff met with Sam Ashley of Cunningham-Limp on April 16th regarding high- level budget numbers for improvements at 8050 Main St. (former Hotel Hickman). Mr. Ashley provided the attached estimate for City Council’s review. The estimate comes with the following notes:
This is only a high-level estimate for planning purposes. There are no drawings or renderings associated with the estimate.
Estimate is for splitting the building into: 1) public restrooms in the back, and 2) white box rental space in the front.
Reworking two entrances to the exterior
Partitioning between restrooms and lease space
Finishes include painting, fixing wood floor, LVT in bathrooms
Electrical to provide convenience outlets in appropriate locations
Plumbing/mechanical – mostly related to the provision of bathrooms and reworking existing electrical to meet code.
Water heater, furnace (one thermostat) shared between both spaces
Accessibility features for public restrooms
Small janitorial space – mop sink, janitorial shelving, etc.
Not included: modifications to outside of the building, sidewalks, repainting the exterior.
Architectural and engineering and GC/CM costs may be light, unless tagged onto another project.
Contingency at 20%, due to project size
Total project cost may be able to be cut back 25% - 35% for exclusion of public restrooms and taking it all to white box standard for lease.
Notice of Filing Deadline for the Election to be Held of Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 for the City of Dexter (as will appear in forthcoming Spring Newsletter)
To the qualified electors of the City of Dexter, Washtenaw County, Michigan:
In accordance with City Charter Section 4.10, notice is hereby given that the filing deadline for candidates to be included on the November 5, 2024 General Election Ballot is Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 4:00pm. The following City offices will be included on the ballot:
THREE (3) CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS The qualifications for these offices are as follows:
(1) A candidate must be a registered elector residing within the boundaries of the City of Dexter for a minimum of one year prior to the date of the Election; and
(2) Submit an Affidavit of Identity in duplicate and City/Township Nonpartisan Nominating Petition(s) bearing the signatures of a minimum of 15 (maximum of 30) qualified electors residing within the boundaries of the City of Dexter.
All petitions and forms may be obtained by appointment at the Dexter City Hall, 3515 Broad St., Dexter, MI 48130; 9:00am to 5:00pm. Requests for appointment or for more information, please contact the Dexter City Clerk at jbreyer@dextermi.gov or (734) 426-8303.
CONSENT AGENDA
Following the presentation and any discussion of these reports, Council will consider (i.e., take formal action on) the following items as part of the Consent Agenda. Unless Council votes to do otherwise, these items are voted on as a single bundle without Council discussion.
Bills & Payroll in the amount of: $205,015.43
Award of 2024 Mill and Overlay Program to Cadillac Asphalt for an Amount not to Exceed $1,018,800
As part of the City’s Transportation Asset Management Plan (Road Plan), the 2024 program included the mill and overlay of Forest St. (Kensington St. to Baker Rd.), Wilson Dr. (Ryan Dr. to the eastern cul-de-sac), N. Wilson Ct., S. Wilson Ct., Ulrich Ct., and Ulrich St. (Wilson Dr. to View Dr.). This project also includes approximately $33,000 in sidewalk removals and replacements in Huron Farms. The bid documents for this portion of the road program were released in March and were due on April 11th). As of the bid response deadline, the City received five bids. The lowest bid was from Cadillac Asphalt for $993,800. OHM Advisors has reviewed the accuracy of the bids and contacted vendor references. The City recently worked with Cadillac Asphalt on the mill and overlay of Dan Hoey, and Cadillac was the awarded bidder for the Baker Rd. mill and overlay project. The recommendation is to proceed with the bid award to Cadillac Asphalt with a 2.5% contingency for a total project award of $1,018,800.
Award of 2024 Mill and Overlay Program Construction Engineering to OHM Advisors for an Amount not to Exceed $115,000
As part of the City’s Transportation Asset Management Plan (Road Plan), the 2024 program included the mill and overlay of Forest St. (Kensington St. to Baker Rd.), Wilson Dr. (Ryan Dr. to the eastern cul-de-sac), N. Wilson Ct., S. Wilson Ct., Ulrich Ct., and Ulrich St. (Wilson Dr. to View Dr.). The bid documents for this portion of the road program were released in March and were due on April 11th). As of the bid response deadline, the City received five bids. The lowest bid was from Cadillac Asphalt for $993,800. OHM Advisors has reviewed the accuracy of the bids and contacted vendor references. OHM has provided a proposal for construction engineering on this portion of the project for an amount not to exceed $115,000.
DISCUSSION AND/OR CONSIDERATION ITEMS
In addition to any items described under Consent Agenda (above), Council will consider (i.e., take formal action on; “C”) or discuss (i.e., take no formal action on; “D”) the following business:
Application for Combined Preliminary and Final Site Plan Review (PSPC24-0001) for Dexter Senior Center, 2740 Baker Road (C)
On April 1, 2024, the Planning Commission considered the above referenced Application for Combined Site Plan (PSPC24-0001) for the Dexter Senior Center, located at 2740 Baker Road (08-08-06-455-022). The application was submitted by A.R. Brouwer Company. The plans call for the construction of a 9,094 sq. ft., single-story buildings on Unit 2 of the Dexter Town Center Condominium.
The subject site is zoned BRC Baker Road Corridor-Form Based District. The Regulating Plan for the BRC shows the site is a Site Type F, on a Corridor Street type. The proposed Single Use Building Form and Community Center are a permitted in the BRC District.
Following presentations by the applicant, staff, and planning (CWA) and engineering (OHM) consultants, the Planning Commission voted (5-1) to recommended approval of the combined site plan for the Dexter Senior Center to City Council, subject to a number of conditions as outline beginning page 67 of the packet.
Application for Special Land Use (PSPS23-0001) Review for an Indoor Kids Play Zone, 7001 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd. (C)
On April 1, 2024 the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider a special land use request, submitted by Ben Lee/BJ Management, LLC. The applicant is proposing to divide an existing 44,274 sq. ft. retail/commercial structure, located at 7001 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road (08-08-08-200-013), into two (2) tenant spaces. The proposed use for tenant space #1 is a dance studio, which is a permitted use in the Dexter Crossing PUD. The proposed use for tenant space #2 is an indoor kids play zone. The proposed indoor kids play zone is an indoor commercial recreation use, which is a special land use in the Dexter Crossing PUD.
When the Chair called the case, Member Covert announced he had a conflict of interest, recused himself, and left the chamber. The applicant addressed the Planning Commission and explained his project. The planning (CWA) and engineering (OHM) consultants presented their reviews, and then staff presented her review and the DAFD review to the Planning Commission. The Chair then opened the public hearing. No comments were provided online or in-person, but written comments from two residents were received and included in the Planning Commission’s meeting packet. After the hearing was closed, the Planning Commission determined the proposed indoor kids play zone met the standards for special land uses in Sections 8.03 and the specific use provisions for commercial indoor recreation in Section 14.31, and recommended approval to City Council, subject to the conditions outlined beginning page 93 of the packet.
Presentation from Fleis & Vandenbrink Regarding Wastewater Treatment Capacity Study (D)
In July 2023, City Council approved a scope of work from Fleis & Vandenbrink (F&V) to review the City’s wastewater treatment capacity and provide a report on the impacts from existing and proposed developments in the City. F&V has completed the Wastewater System Capacity Study, and representatives from F&V are planning to attend the April 22, 2024 City Council meeting to present their findings and answer questions.
Public Safety Facilities Alternates (C)
At the April 8th meeting, City Council discussed the desire to see a timeline for decisions regarding bid alternates. To that end, Partners in Architecture has provided a list of current design alternatives, and when they would like to see decisions made regarding each alternate. Decisions on the inclusion or exclusion of specific alternatives have an impact on the site plan design and bidding. PIA is working with Cunningham-Limp to get cost estimates for all of the alternatives prior to the meeting. At the April 22, 2024 meeting, PIA is anticipating asking City Council about:
The inclusion or exclusion of the temporary apparatus structure at 3515 Broad. It has been suggested that this structure could be eliminated, and DAFD could utilize the drive under bay for squad truck parking.
Stair and Elevator Tower and North Wall Foundation Depth – is the City planning to do this piece 1) now, 2) sometime in the future, but not as part of this project, 3) never.
