Mayor Clark called the meeting to order at 6:18 P.M.

ROLL CALL: Mayor Clark, Mayor ProTem Lorenzo – absent/excused, Council Members Bononi, Crawford-absent/excused, Csordas, DeRoche, and Kramer

Mr. Toth stated he had the experience and training necessary for this position in the community. Council questioned Mr. Toth on the following:

• Motivating factor for applying – Mr. Toth responded there were many important issues coming up that he has experience with including Sandstone and the Fire Department.
• 3 areas of priority - 1. budget 2. Fire Department direction and 3. Sandstone. He has historical background with fire department and budget.
• Personal goals as a potential member of Council – He would attempt proper resolution to Sandstone, fair and equitable solution to fire department and balanced budget.
• Personal decision making process – He would make decisions based on a full evaluation comprehensive study and what is fair for the community.
• Growth management - He felt Council had done a fair job, and what he would do differently would involve budget hearings throughout the year and an on-going process. He would spend each month with one or two departments to ascertain their needs and balance needs of individuals vs. community – community would be first.
• Sandstone process – He felt this was an internal procedure. How to handle this issue? If any liability exists, it’s shared liability with other agencies.
• Fire Department – He felt a comprehensive study should be completed first. The only way to figure it out was to be involved with a detailed study.
• Weight to be given to report from Fire Chief? It should weigh in importantly along with what other communities do and possibly hire a private firm. Communications and understanding where tax monies are going was important to Mr. Toth.
• Tax abatement – He agrees with the concept and felt it was a balancing act.
• Stormwater management – He felt it was a good plan at the time and should be reviewed from time to time.
• Development (specifically Fountain Walk) – was it a good decision to rezone? Mr. Toth responded he was not in favor of more commercial development.

Mr. Fuller stated he wanted to participate in the community. He is an E-business specialist. Council noted that as a fairly new resident to the community, he should consider application to Boards and Commissions. That would probably be the first step in the process of involvement in the City. Mr. Fuller commented on the issue of balancing desires of the community versus the individual and felt they should be considered the same. Asked Council how this might differ? Asked what the town wants to be? Has lived in many different locations and seen the effect of lots of decisions. Council questioned Mr. Fuller on the following:

• Campaign work - Mr. Fuller responded he worked on the campaign for the State Attorney General in Massachusetts.
• Budget background – He understands the distinction of the public body’s budget versus the private company budget.
• Fire Department or departmental issues – He has the knowledge to ask the right questions.
• Relative background with regard to e-business and related savings – He felt the City’s web site didn’t appear to have much cost attached. He had some knowledge of fire department issues.
• Plan for contribution – This would involve organization of topics and distribution of items. Mentioned he was a quick study.
• Tax abatement – general opinion – professional perspective – He would take a look at the situation to assess fairness, financial solvency, etc. Council appreciated the fact that the willingness to jump in and learn was quite important.
• Areas of service to the citizens – He felt it was important to get information to the citizens about what the City has and what is done. Gave the example of snow removal services. Items such as this should be on-line. Comparison of schools – offer people more chances to help.
• Growth management – He felt Council should bear in mind the capacities for schools, sewers, etc.
• Zoning questions about Fountain Walk – Mr. Fuller replied he wasn’t familiar with it but noted CSX railroad crossing changes to assist with traffic flow.
• Ordinances for wetlands and woodlands – decisions should weigh heavily as those areas become scarce and should be considered valuable.
• Novi’s strengths and weaknesses – He felt the strengths were the schools. Any weakness would be to a specific development. Asked Council what does the community want to become?
• Personal strengths with regard to function on Council – capacity to work, quick study.
• Personal goals – finding the best way to live with decisions.

Mr. Meyer has lived in Novi for past twenty years. He has been Involved with Novi Youth assistance, and Treasurer of Homeowners association. Seeks this opportunity as he felt he had the time, knowledge and experience to serve the community. Noted his willingness to run the race for Council in 1995, 1997 and 1999. Knows there is still much to do and felt it was

remarkable that Council has gained the confidence of the community with the passing of the road bond issue. Council questioned Mr. Meyer on the following:

• Top two priorities – Mr. Meyer responded it would be to work with Council on budget, planning, etc. and become aware of what is going on.
• Top two issues are 1) traffic – turn signals 2) communication – Channel 13 was an opportunity to communicate what is going on in the City. He felt the passage of road bond was remarkable because of Sandstone issue still looming and Council and City Manager were able to win the trust of the people.
• Growth management – He agreed with concerns of Mayor Pro Tem Lorenzo with regard to the Fountain Walk development and if it might become a ghost town. With growth comes the need for more services – police, fire, DPS.
• Strengths and weaknesses – He felt the City’s strengths include a community of intelligent and thoughtful people that come together when it wants to. This includes the strength of senior citizens. Weaknesses or challenges were communication, better listening skills and budget.
• Time constraints – Mr. Meyer responded that his Tuesday evening schedule was focused on serving the community now as faith community coordinator and bereavement counselor for the Assarian Center at Providence.
• Areas of improvement with regard to city services – Mr. Meyer felt the City should be more specific with developers at the outset; sometimes it appears to be a combative process. Felt the City could use more listening skills with more time invested.
• Tax Abatement policy – Based on information read and received, he felt there were certain times when it would be warranted. Businesses who have brought tremendous benefits to the community should be considered.
• Wetland and woodlands ordinances and preservation – He felt a great deal of attention should be given to the aesthetic beauty of Novi.
• Sandstone – He felt unable to make comment until attorneys have completed handling the case.
• Perception of strengths of the community – He felt the strengths were the intelligent and caring community. A weakness would be the need for a greater collaboration with the schools.

Mr. Cassis stated he was a businessman and his background is in education. Believed in the City of Novi and thought it was a great place to invest. Became invested spiritually as well. Participated in the studies of the Council. Semi-retired from business and more involved in civic activities with hospital and committees. Council questioned Mr. Cassis on the following:

• Most important issue – Mr. Cassis replied the most important issue was the budget. A good rating was very essential with regard to bonding. Should be very careful with allocating resources. The city has enjoyed a good rating and should be mindful of that.
• Roads – He felt there are challenges but there are other cities with much bigger challenges. It wasn’t a panic situation yet. Need to be careful with zoning and to assemble OST and focus on that before any other thing that might be radical.
• Tax abatement – Philosophically, he felt that business people should rely on themselves. However, retention of businesses was important to remain economically sound. The criteria that has been established was sound and well thought out. Mr. Cassis stated he has the time, knowledge and experience to devote to the city.
• Benefit of the experience as planning commissioner – Mr. Cassis noted he used this as a basis for research when developer’s proposal is reviewed. Felt it was important to visit the location, and speak with consultants. He felt he had experience as to what has progressed through the years, analysis of each project on its own and impact on the community.
• As the owner of commercial property in the community, what effect on development of personal property would this have and potential conflict of interest and how would his vote be handled? Mr. Cassis responded he never asked for favors regarding properties or business in the 25 years in the community. Knows the ethics of the City Council. Would ask to abstain from the process as others have done in the past if personal property were considered in an issue.
• Top 3 strengths and weaknesses – He felt the biggest strength was the people including their involvement. Volunteerism is unmatched here in Novi. Location is the second biggest asset with natural resources and location. Also, the school system was one of Novi’s strengths.
• Challenges – He felt there should be openness with communication. Felt cable channel was underutilized. Need to think of the future and how to meet the challenges of the future. Communicate what we stand for and why we are in business. Felt we need to tell our story of Novi.
• Responsiveness of government - He felt he would utilize skills, experience and hard work to analyze the projects that come to the Council table as he did not come with an agenda because he did not run a campaign. He would do the homework using skills and talents. The voice of the people is paramount to respond to, bearing in mind what is correct.
• Areas of improvements with regard to city services – He felt that the City was doing a good job now and did a good job with snow removal. We have a good fire department but have challenges to be managed in a slow and economic fashion. Biggest resource is volunteers. Competitiveness with pay for on-call fire fighters – this should be studied more extensively in comparing other cities by what is done and where we are with this issue. Analyze what has occurred with this department.
• Fountain Walk rezoning - Commented that it’s done now and impressed with the infrastructure work being done but the need for vigilance is of the utmost importance.
• Wetland and woodland ordinances preservation issues – His record shows that he stood firmly with regard to these issues on managing wetlands and cited Magna and also cited Novaplex for the woodlands issue. Must operate within those ordinances.
• Sandstone – Mr. Cassis believed that the City should listen carefully to the lawyers representing us.

Mr. Capello is a Planning Commissioner, member of Town Center Steering Committee, resident and parent, businessman in the City of Novi. Knows about traffic, restaurants, and so on since he has his business in the City. Opportunity to run into consultants throughout the day and find out what is transpiring. Wetland ordinance was revamped due to listening to developers. Regional stormwater detention basins and how fees are collected. Cited these examples as preventing lawsuits. Involvement with Grand River Corridor, Main Street concept and wants to see those decisions through to resolve what is coming.

Council questioned Mr. Capello on the following:

• Comments on the process and what he expects to accomplish – Mr. Capello felt it was important to debate with respect and accomplish the ability to work together. Didn’t feel that was happening now.
• Estimate the affect his votes as a Planning Commissioner have had on urban sprawl – He felt it was positive. Tried to have ordinances passed to stop the sprawl and give developers room to accomplish this.
• Reasons for desiring to serve – He has a vision for 2010 and felt he needed to be part of the process. This includes building roads, specifically Grand River Avenue. Planning Commission has allocated funds to see the City grow as they have wanted it.
• Challenges – Mr. Capello this included working together and communications Felt Channel 13 should be used more. Planning department, including Rod Arroyo, have attempted to educate on planning issues with little turnout. Felt that complaints should be addressed in a timely manner. He noted City Manager Helwig has been accomplishing this. Also noted that Mayor Clark’s proposal for neighborhood services will work out well.
• Reaction to decisions where one might not agree – Mr. Capello felt strongly to end it once a decision has been made.

Mr. Avdoulos stated that his first inclination was to apply for planning commission and felt that his civic obligation was more toward that end. The second inclination was to become a member of City Council as they set the path for the City. His intention was first to interview on December 11, 2000 for Boards and Commissions. As a resident of the City for 8 years, built his own home and bought the property long before that. Noted he could obtain more experience under his belt by being on Planning Commission. Council questioned Mr. Avdoulos on the following:

• familiarity with architectural ordinance and façade review ordinance – Mr. Avdoulos agreed there were many good architectural firms within the community. Influx of new ideas can sometimes shift people’s ideas and a better result is obtained.

At 8:26 p.m., Mayor Clark noted that this special meeting had run longer than expected prior to the regular meeting. With the indulgence of Mr. Avdoulos and approval of Council, it was requested to temporarily adjourn this meeting as Congressman Knollenberg was present to award the medals to Novi veterans Weldon Clark and William Hurley. It was necessary for Congressman Knollenberg to leave shortly.

Council adjourned to the Regular meeting at 8:27 p.m.

Council returned to the Special Meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Member Kramer noted that he would accept Mr. Avdoulos’ idea to interview to become a planning commissioner. Mayor Clark recommended that Mr. Avdoulos return to interview for the vacancy on Planning Commission.

Mr. Mutch noted his activity on Library Board, Planning Commission and had many positive ideas about how to move the City forward. Council questioned Mr. Mutch on the following:

• Did he own property in the City? Mr. Mutch responded no. With regard to receiving a tax bill, asked if he felt residents received adequate services for the taxes they pay. Mr. Mutch felt this city delivered a wide range of services for the taxes paid. Felt any municipality needed to constantly review services provided.
• Greatest accomplishment – He felt it was working with fellow commissioners in a positive way to effect changes.
• Greatest frustration – Mr. Mutch though the communication challenge involved a number of things. Planning process was difficult because residents only see it due to a notice they receive. Communicate to residents in clear and easy to understand terms the ordinances and how it relates to them and how the process works.
• Goals, personal goals and personal approach to the job. His immediate goals were to hit the ground running and to be an active member of this body. Felt he has shown his capability to work with people who have diverse opinions. If he were to obtain the seat, he would run to retain the seat. He has positive goals for the community.
• Growth management – Mr. Mutch felt that understanding the true cost of development and managing those costs was important. Understanding the alternative to long and short terms costs including demand on infrastructure services.
• Three challenges – His response was 1) infrastructure costs 2) over-commercialization and 3) communications with residents.
• Ideas for providing efficient city services – He felt Council should explore valid issues such as that with Fire department. Even though the proposal offered an all or nothing idea, residents might support an alternative if provided. Felt there were ways to mitigate those costs with long term or future development, utilizing technology that has the potential to extend services and maximize taxpayer dollars.
• Road bond issue – He would like to see a package of bond issues and then an on-going millage.

• Land use decisions - He asked about how much thought went into the designation of OST? Noted the impact on surrounding properties would cause over-commercialization. Impact of re-use of Novi Expo Center. Concerned about going back to industrial use. Asked about the loss of the expo center from the town center district. Loss of foot traffic of those going to hotels, restaurants and stores.

_______________________________ _____________________________

Richard J. Clark, Mayor Maryanne Cornelius, City Clerk

Date approved: January 8, 2001