Meetings

Agendas and minutes are available by clicking here

Northville Youth Network - Tuesday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m., Community Center

Historic District Commission - Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall

Senior Advisory Commission - Thursday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m., Community Center

Anyone needing assistance should contact the City Manager's office at 248-449-9905. More information about online meetings and a user guide are available here.

This Just In

George Lahanas chosen as new city manager 

The former city manager of East Lansing, George Lahanas, was unanimously chosen by members of City Council on Feb. 6 to become the new city manager for the city of Northville. He has accepted the position and the planned starting date is March 1.  

The vote for the resolution to make him an offer of employment came exactly one month after former City Manager Pat Sullivan’s retirement date of Jan. 6. A field of 24 candidates had been narrowed down to five highly qualified individuals who came in for interviews before Council at a special meeting on Feb. 4. 

Lahanas has served in progressively higher-level jobs in East Lansing for 24 years, including 11 years as city manager. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University, with a concentration in Personnel and Labor Relations, and a Bachelor of Science degree, *** laude, from Northern Michigan University, with a major in Criminal Justice. 

Mayor Brian Turnbull and other Council members said they expect that Lahanas will work well with staff, Council and others as he manages city functions, oversees new development and helps drive implementation of priority projects designed to improve the quality of life in Northville.

City Council recap of Feb. 6 meeting 

The mayor declared Feb. 11, 2023 as Marfan Syndrome Day in the city of Northville and also issued a proclamation after a Northville High School student, Christopher Cowden, spoke of how the disease has affected his brother, Charles. The rare genetic disease occurs in only one of 5,000 people and impairs the development of connective tissue, which anchors and supports organs and other structures in the body. It often impacts the aorta and must be closely monitored. The condition can be mild or severe and while there is ameliorating treatment, there is no known cure.

Sustainability Team presentation – Following an introduction by Chair Dave Guttman, members AnnaMaryLee Vollick and Kathy Spillane presented an update of the group’s recent activities as well as goals and objectives they want to see enacted as part of the city’s short-term and long-term goals. Their recommendations are designed to help the city enhance energy-efficiency (LED lighting is one example), improve the environment (replenish the tree canopy and reduce stormwater runoff), maintain a strong economy, and improve lifestyle measures, such as better walkability and safer streets. View the presentation deck on the website. 

A comment made by Lenore Lewandowski, 119 Randolph, asked the city to consider adding recycling bins to the social district and would like to see more pervious pavement rather than concrete. 

Discussion and vote on new city council manager – Two days after the Feb. 4 special City Council meeting at which five candidates for Northville city manager were interviewed, Mayor Brian Turnbull called for each council member’s #1 choice from that meeting. A list of criteria that council members used to rank each candidate as “The right fit” was read by Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne (begins at 36:22 in video). George Lahanas, former city manager of East Lansing, was the #1 choice of each and every City Council member to become the new city manager, contingent on his acceptance, a background check and other employment details. 

Strategic Financial Plan - Council approved the proposal by the team of Vettraino Consulting and Municipal Analytics to develop a strategic financial plan for a not-to-exceed amount of $14,950. The team will perform a comprehensive financial analysis of citywide capital and operational needs, with a quantitative and qualitative evaluation, and supporting analytic tools, to support the city’s efforts to deliver municipal services and maintain financial stability.

Consultant chosen for Ford Field Master Plan - Council approved the proposal by Wade Trim to provide professional services for the Ford Field West and East Master Plan Update for a not-to-exceed amount of $55,000. Four firms bid on this project; Wade Trim’s proposal was second lowest in price but they have extensive experience in working with renovating park land with waterways. The vendor will conduct topographical surveys of the east-west park land; provide professional engineering, planning and landscape architectural services on specific project tasks; and work with Parks and Recreation through the entire Master Plan and public engagement process. The final plan will be inclusive of all ages and abilities. 

Traffic Control Order 23-01 approved – Police Chief Al Maciag requested a new

Traffic Control Order at the T-intersection of N. Center and Baseline Road, near the Kroger Store, to provide for safer student and pedestrian crossings. Order 23-01 designates the intersection as a School Crossing zone, with new, upgraded school signs on both sides of N. Center and supplemental sign plaques leading to that intersection, as well as new pavement markings that make it a Continental Crosswalk. The new order was in response to a traffic accident that occurred in November 2022 when a Hillside student entered the crosswalk and was struck by a vehicle. (The student is fine.) Maciag asked Traffic Improvement Association (TIA) to perform a study of the crossing and make recommendations, which are now part of the new order.

Non-Motorized Plan picks up speed – Council approved a proposal by The Greenway Collaborative to update the city’s Non-Motorized Plan for a cost of $45,000, plus a 10% contingency. The consultant was selected from two companies that bid on the project and were interviewed by a city administrative/task force team led by city consultant Nate Geinzer. The firm will create a workable non-motorized plan to connect paths in the city with regional trails and paths. They will integrate the work of the Mobility Network Team where appropriate. A SEMCOG Planning grant for Funding Year 2023 would reimburse $40,000 of the cost to complete the project titled, City of Northville – Non-motorized and Complete Streets Planning. TGC was not only the lowest bidder but also has extensive non-motorized experience in Southeast Michigan, including the city of Novi. 

There were no public comments aside from those made during agenda item discussion. 

Council Communications 

Mayor Brian Turnbull expressed condolences for the passing of former city police chief Rodney Allen Cannon, who died on Feb. 5. He was police chief for more than 20 years in the city of Northville and earlier in the city of Plymouth. He mentioned a water break that has since been fixed and said they will become less common with new infrastructure.  

Interim City Manager Mark Wollenweber gave an update to council on city operations. He thanked council for allowing some of the staff to ask questions of the city manager candidates prior to being interviewed by council. He said he is pleased to see so much community involvement by members of task forces and boards and commissions. He said they, along with City Council members, are intent on making the city better. He thanked the DPW staff for their work (moving desks, files and equipment to newly relocated offices, and doing handyman work and painting), and noted there is now work to be done in the basement offices. 

View meeting video here.

City Clerk Mike Smith begins role in Northville

The city clerk wears many hats: election manager, keeper of city records, a gatekeeper for processing FOIA requests, administrative liaison to City Council – taking notes, counting votes and clarifying parliamentary rules when needed, and posting notices of public hearings. If that wasn’t enough, the clerk in Northville also oversees the Building Department and manages membership of boards and commissions. 

Mike Smith’s organization skills and ability to get along well with others will serve him well as city clerk. “I enjoy the day-to-day tasks and processes of working with residents, staff, and elected officials on a myriad of projects,” he said. “I love learning and growing every day and will continue to challenge myself and others to do better and be the best they can be.” 

He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Grand Valley State University in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on Leadership and Diversity, and a Master of Public Administration from Oakland University along with a Post Masters Certificate in Local Government Management from OU. He is committed to ongoing education. 

A Certified Municipal Clerk, Smith has worked in municipal offices for nearly 19 years with positions in Oakland County Clerk’s Office; the city of Clawson, where he began as deputy city clerk, rose to city clerk, left and returned as the city manager; and as an administrator/clerk in the village of Wolverine Lake. He most recently was assistant to the city manager in Berkley.  

He is committed to working with residents and staff to continue to operate the City Clerk’s Office with professionalism. “It is my goal to maintain the sound leadership, good governance, accountability, honesty, and integrity that all residents are accustomed to in this office. I hope to bring some positive changes as well.” 

During his first year here, he intends to keep the status quo where necessary and streamline tasks and oversight in response to the new election laws (Proposal 22-2 in 2022) and other election law changes. Since Northville straddles two counties, that adds another layer of processes to be evaluated and refined.  

“It is important to remain professional and have accountability and integrity in everything you do and I pride myself in those values,” he said. “I also believe it is important to have humility and be able to laugh at yourself and with others to create a positive culture in the office.”

Having a skilled staff is very important to Smith, who notes, “You’re only as strong as those you surround yourself with.” He appreciates “the staff’s experience, dedication, and the wonderful customer service they provide.” He plans to learn from them as they learn from him, especially when his new deputy city clerk is hired. (See job posting on the Employment web page.) 

Mike and his wife, Jennifer, live in White Lake with their two elementary-aged children (Natalie and Andrew) and their dog (Dexter Jr.). He served as an elected School Board member at the Walled Lake School District from 2010-2013 and volunteers at his children’s school. In his spare time, he runs a small handyman/woodworking business and a municipal services consultant agency. He enjoys reading, playing music, woodworking, spending time with his family, traveling, and walking in Downtown Northville. He’s a Detroit sports fanatic and also exhibits that passion on local fields by assisting with his daughter’s soccer team and coaching his son’s baseball team.

Water tank maintenance to be rescheduled 

 Routine water tank maintenance and inspection of the reservoir near the water tower, slated to begin this week and last for one month, has been postponed. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is working with OHM engineers to find a good way to conduct the inspection without interruption to consumers’ water. Stay tuned. A new cleaning and inspection date will be posted with sufficient notice. The inspection process is required by Michigan’s Safe Drinking Act 399.

AARP income tax preparation assistance

AARP tax-aide provides free tax assistance to taxpayers with low and middle income, with special attention to those who are 60 and older as well as the disabled. Appointments are required. One-on-one sessions will be conducted at the Northville Community Center on Thursdays, February through March 30. To register, please call 248-305-2851 or visit the Senior Services desk at the Community Center, 303 W. Main Street. 

Northvillians and friends, 

Valentine’s Day 2023 – It’s that time of the year again, when we slow down and give a Valentine’s Day gift to a spouse, friend, family member, a loved one or even a neighbor. Take a moment to reach out to those you know who would appreciate some Valentine’s Day cheer, and let them realize how much you appreciate them.

This week I’ve gone back to look at past Valentine’s Days in the Ville, according to clips from The Northville Record, dating back to the 1800’s.

Background on Valentine's Day

- Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on Feb. 14. Its origins can be traced to Rome (496 A.D.), having originated as a festival day honoring the Christian martyr Saint Valentine.

- Through folk traditions, it has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

Read the full letter here. It appears weekly on the city website.

Keep that Northville Valentine’s Day Faith!

Historic District Homes Series - Watch for future articles in City News. View the series to date on the city website.

Doing Business

Winter tax bill payment is due Feb. 14

Winter 2022 taxes are payable without penalty and/or interest through Feb. 14. On Feb. 15, 2023, a 3% penalty will be added.

Taxpayers who live in Oakland County, north of 8 Mile, will see an additional tax on their winter tax bill to cover the voter-approved .95 mill transportation millage to maintain and expand public transit services in Oakland County for the next 10 years. 

Online payments for utility bills, taxes and more 

Citizens can pay online for taxes, utilities, delinquent property taxes and other miscellaneous payments. Go directly to the BS&A website and enter your address. You will be redirected to the Point & Pay website to make a payment, which also includes a convenience fee of 3% for credit cards (minimum $2) and for e-checks a $3 fee for payments up to $10,000 or $10 for any amount over $10,000. 

Save time – schedule inspections online 

The City of Northville offers online inspection scheduling. Contractors and homeowners may schedule inspections using an online portal to request all types of inspections, such as building, electrical, plumbing and heating. Users need an assigned permit number, obtained from the City Building Dept., when using the Inspection portal. If you are requesting an inspection for the following business day, it must be scheduled by 3:30 p.m.

Dog licenses are up for renewal     

All dogs four months and older must be licensed. The annual license fee is $13 ($10 with documented spay/neuter). Dog licenses for 2022 expire on Feb. 28. Provide a current rabies vaccination certificate at the time of application. Licenses are available at the City Clerk’s Office. If you want to register by mail, please download an application.  

Around Town

Have fun in city and township parks   

There are many parks – large and small – available for individuals, families and groups of friends to gather in both the city and township. Some are small pocket parks located within a neighborhood; others are larger spaces with plenty of room for nature hikes, ball playing or frisbee tossing. Some parks have play structures. Check out the variety of parks maintained by Northville Parks and Recreation on the department’s legend/map. All the parks are open to the public. (Membership is required at the dog park.) 

Report water main breaks 

Each year the City of Northville has between 10 and 20 water main breaks. If you see water bubbling out of the ground on City property, contact the Public Works Department at 248-449-9930 or 248- 349-1234 after hours and report its location. The sooner the leak is identified and reported, the quicker it can be repaired, reducing the chances of contamination entering the water system and minimizing the cost for lost water.

At Home

Northville Police Department has free gun safety locks

Don’t take the risk of having an unlocked gun get into the wrong hands - especially if you have young children and teenagers. You can pick up a free gun safety lock at the Northville Police Department lobby. There are no forms to fill out and no waiting. 

Sewer back ups 

An individual making a claim for property damage or physical injury due to sewerage backup on their property must prove that the public sewer had a defect. Further, they must prove that the City of Northville knew or should have known about the defect, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, and failed to take timely action to repair or remedy the defect.

These steps are outlined in the State of Michigan’s Public Act 222 of 2001, known as sewer backup legislation. The legislation clarifies when municipalities are liable for sewer backups, sets standards to determine the extent to which a municipality is liable, and provides a process to seek compensation when a backup occurs.

If you experience an overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system or storm water system and seek reimbursement, you must file a written claim with the City of Northville within 45 days after the overflow or backup is discovered. Claim forms may be obtained online, by calling DPW at 248-449-9930 or inquiring at the front desk of City Hall.

When presenting a written claim, you will be required to provide the following items:

-  Copies of receipts for cleaning costs, plumbing bills, or other bills.

-   List of the damaged items and receipts to prove the age of your items. Reimbursement for the actual cash value of damaged items is the maximum amount payable.

-   If possible, bring pictures of items damaged during the storm water or sewer back-up.

The filing of a claim does not guarantee reimbursement. 

Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover sewage backups but insurance often can be obtained as an added item. Also, consider having a plumber install a check valve - backflow preventer - to reduce the risk of backups and related damage.