Comcast Digital Enhancement Announcement

Comcast is going to be digitally enhancing its cable system in our community. Company representatives have visited us to provide information on what this means to cable viewing and our residents. Comcast customers, who will be affected by this digital network enhancement, have started receiving information from Comcast on what actions they will need to take to retain the channels they currently view. Standard basic channels, channels 29-72 will be converted to a digital transmission to improve picture quality and sound, and to allow Comcast to provide more digital and High Definition (HD) programming, larger video on demand (VOD) libraries, faster Internet speeds and innovative advanced services.   Customers with only Limited Basic service channels are not affected by Comcast’s digital network enhancement.   Customer television sets which already have Comcast digital equipment connected will not be affected by this change.  In addition, Customers having a digital QAM tuner television will not be affected until the completion of the project.

Comcast is offering customers who now receive Standard basic channels and do not have any digital equipment, one digital receiver and up to two digital transport adapters (DTAs) at no additional cost.  This equipment will allow customers to continue seeing the programming they currently receive, at no additional cost for the first 3 TV sets (national average is 2.8 TV sets per household).  Instructions on how to obtain this equipment have been mailed to all affected customers. 

The world is going digital and this technology is allowing Comcast to provide a world of more innovation to its customers.   Please do not confuse this company digital network enhancement with the federal digital broadcast transition program that occurred last June, affecting over-the-air broadcast channels.  For more information, or to see if you will be affected, please call 1-877-634-4434

Principal Shopping District Board Meeting April 6, 2010 Meeting Rescheduled

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the meeting date for the Principal Shopping District Board Meeting scheduled for APRIL 6, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. at City Hall, 200 N. First Street, Brighton, Michigan has been rescheduled to MARCH 30, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. 

Diana Lowe
City Clerk

City of Brighton Department of Public Service Downtown Snow Hauling Press Release

WHO:               Department of Public Service, City of Brighton

WHAT:                 Snow Clean-up & Hauling in the Downtown Business District

WHEN:              Wednesday (2/24/10), Thursday (2/25/10) and Friday (2/26/10) mornings from 12:00 am – 5:00 am

WHERE:            Main Street (from the R/R tracks to West / St. Paul Street                                

WHY:                Due to the heavy snowfall, snow must be cleaned up and hauled from the area to provide safe parking and pedestrian movement

MISC:               Business owners should remain patient and not throw piles of snow out into the parking areas or roadways. This causes extreme difficulty in cleaning up this thrown snow due to freeze down                                  

CONTACT:           David Blackmar, Asst. DPS Director (810/225-9282)  

 

The City of Brighton City Council encourages all interested City of Brighton citizens and taxpayers to consider applying to a new Citizens’ Capital Improvements Funding Advisory Task Force

The City of Brighton City Council encourages all interested City of Brighton citizens and taxpayers to consider applying for a new Citizens’ Capital Improvements Funding Advisory Task Force that the City Council has recently voted to appoint and establish.  The mission that the City Council has established for the Task Force is to do the following:

1. Identify & reach consensus on what the Capital Improvement needs (such as Street improvements, Drainage improvements, Sidewalk improvements or repairs, Equipment & Vehicle Replacement for City Service Delivery, Traffic, Sewer, Water, Parks and other Quality of Life facilities) are which need funding sometime within the next 10 years at minimum.
    

2. Identify & reach consensus on What the Preferred Financing Methods (Cash/pay as you go, Short and/or Long-term Capital Debt, or other methods such as Special Assessments) should be for all of the identified consensus Capital Improvement needs.
    

3. Identify & reach consensus on How best to Fund the given Financing Methods selected (i.e. where will the funds come from to support any given financing method selected) with an eye towards the words “dependable and stable” with respect to any given Funding Method selected & recommended since that is what the core essence of the City Council-adopted goal which is driving the creation of this Citizens’ Advisory Task Force is about.
    

4. And to develop a comprehensive report with related recommendations for all three of the above-listed objectives that is submitted to the City Council for final review and action consideration.

The City Council has determined that the Task Force needs to represent all sectors of the City of Brighton community including but not limited to the following:

-          Residential Property Taxpayers

-          Older/longer-established Neighborhoods

-          Newer Neighborhoods

-          Traditional Single-Family Residential neighborhoods

-           Multi-Unit/Multi-family Residential neighborhoods 

-          Business Property Taxpayers

-          Retail Business Property Taxpayers (Property owners and/or Tenants paying Personal Property Taxes as a business)

-          Industrial Property Taxpayers

-          Service Sector Business Property Taxpayers

-          Dining Sector Business Property Taxpayers

-          Non-Profit/Tax-Exempt Property Owners & related Tenants conducting operations/activities in our community

The City Council therefore at this time is soliciting applications from interested citizens and taxpayers.  Applications need to be in the form of a written Letter of Interest, which would include or have attached to it a statement or summary of qualifications, skills, experience, and interests, which directly relates to the above-stated Mission of this new Advisory Task Force.

Please submit Letters of Interest to the City of Brighton City Clerk at City Hall, 200 N. 1^st Street or via email to the City Clerk at lowed@brightoncity.org by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 12, 2010.  The City of Brighton City Council thanks you in advance for your interest in this process.

Diana Lowe, City Clerk

Snow Emergency In Effect--February 22, 2010

WHO:           Department of Public Service, City of Brighton

WHAT:            Prohibition of all on-street parking along the City’s designated Emergency Snow Route

WHEN:         Beginning at 10:00 am, Monday, February 22, 2010 and until further notice

WHERE:       The following streets are designated as the city’s emergency snow route;

STREET NAME	FROM	TO
Grand River Ave	E. C/L	W. C/L
Challis Road	W. GRA	W. C/L
Main Street	W. C/L	E. C/L
S. Third Street	W. Main	Brighton Lake Rd.
Brighton Lake Road	W. C/L	E. GRA
Rickett Road	E. GRA	S. C/L
S. Church Street	E. GRA	Rickett
Spencer Road	E. Main	E. C/L
Liberty Street	W. GRA	Flint
Flint Road	Liberty	E. C/L

 

WHY:        The national weather service has issued a winter weather advisory indicating potential for significant accumulation of snow, ice or sleet

 MISC:          All vehicles parked along the designated snow emergency route shall be towed by authorization of the Police Chief after all reasonable attempts are made to inform the vehicle owner. The owner(s) of said vehicle(s) towed shall pay all related fees

CONTACT:      David Blackmar, Asst. DPS Director (810/225-9282)          

 

City of Brighton Notice of Public Hearing regarding City-owned Cemeteries

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Brighton City Council will hold a public hearing at 7:30 p.m., March 4, 2010, at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 for the purpose of soliciting public input and suggestions regarding the City of Brighton-owned Fairview, Brighton Hills, Brighton Hills Veterans Only Section and Old Village Cemeteries.

ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS are invited and encouraged to attend this public hearing.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

ORDINANCE NO. 549    Adopted February 18, 2010

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF BRIGHTON, CHAPTER 22, ARTICLE III. SIDEWALK CAFES AND OUTDOOR SEATING AREAS, BY ADDING SECTION 22-98 WHICH SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS SEC. 22-98. TEMPORARY USE AUTHORIZATION.

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, HEREBY ORDAINS:

Sec. 22-98. Temporary Use Authorization.

In the event a sidewalk café and outdoor seating permit holder requests to utilize city right-of-way or city public property outside the time allowable by this Article, being May 1 through November 2, the City Manager or his designee may administratively approve such a temporary use time period.  Prior to consideration of any temporary use time period, the sidewalk café and outdoor seating permit holder must submit a written request stating the requested time period, including a site plan as required under Sec. 22-88(h). The submittal must also comply with all other applicable sidewalk café and outdoor seating area requirements set forth in this Article, including but not limited to Sec. 22-88(f) insurance requirements, as well as meet all applicable building and fire codes.

This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect fifteen (15) days from the adoption as provided by the Brighton City Charter.

______________________________                       

DIANA LOWE, City Clerk                                      

City of Brighton seeking qualified applicants for a Downtown Program Planning Intern within the Community Development & Planning Department

Seeking qualified applicants for a Downtown Program Planning Intern within the Community Development & Planning Department. Duties & Responsibilities include: Assist Planning/CD staff with a variety of tasks related directly to the Michigan Main Street Program including:  preparation of Michigan Main Street Application; communication with prospective Citizen Volunteer Advisory Committee members; public relations effort including press releases, downtown newsletter, web site updates and email updates to downtown business community; assist in the preparation, reviewing and publishing of informational brochures, information packets and flyers; assist with staff and board communications; help facilitate inter-departmental collaboration within the City government organization and synchronization of all activities and development efforts between existing interest groups involved in the advancement of the City of Brighton Main Street program; provide general support to administrative staff for other tasks and projects that fall within the scope of Community Development/Planning responsibilities, and other duties as may be assigned by the Community Development/Planning Director and/or the City Manager.

Necessary Qualifications include: Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing or similar applicable program.  Additional preferred qualification would be current enrollment in a Master’s/Graduate degree program with a concentration in Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing or similar applicable program.

The position will be for 20 hours a week at $9.00 per hour. Interested applicants should send a resume and letter of interest to piaseckij@brightoncity.org or by mail:

Main Street Program Intern
Jennifer Piasecki, Human Resources Director
City of Brighton
200 N. First St.
Brighton, MI 48116

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Phone inquiries for applications only. EOE. 

 

City of Brighton Department of Public Service Snow Emergency In Effect 2-9-2010

WHO:        Department of Public Service, City of Brighton

WHAT:       Prohibition of all on-street parking along the City’s designated Emergency Snow Route

WHEN:        Beginning at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, February 9, 2010 and until further notice

WHERE:      The following streets are designated as the city’s emergency snow route;

STREET NAME	FROM	TO
Grand River Ave.	E. C/L	W. C/L
Challis Rd.	W. GRA	W. C/L
Main Street	W. C/L	E. C/L
S. Third St.	W. Main	Brighton Lake Rd.
Brighton Lake Rd.	W. C/L	E. GRA
Rickett Rd.	E. GRA	S. C/L
S. Church Street	E. GRA	Rickett
Spencer Road	E. Main	E. C/L
Liberty Street	W. GRA	Flint
Fliint Road	Liberty	E. C/L

 

 

WHY:    The national weather service has issued a winter weather advisory indicating potential for significant accumulation of snow, ice or sleet

MISC:   All vehicles parked along the designated snow emergency route shall be towed by authorization of the Police Chief after all reasonable attempts are made to inform the vehicle owner. The owner(s) of said vehicle(s) towed shall pay all related fees

CONTACT:    David Blackmar, Asst. DPS Director (810/225-9282)          

 

City of Brighton Notice of Second Reading and Public Hearing Amendment to the Outdoor Café Ordinance

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Brighton City Council will hold second reading and public hearing at 7:30 p.m., February 18, 2010 at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 to amend the Outdoor Café Ordinance.

The proposed ordinance would amend the Café Ordinance to allow the City Manager, or his designee, to issue permits for temporary outdoor café use outside of the stated permitted season.

The proposed ordinance is available for inspection at City Hall, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan.  Public comment is invited.  ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS are invited and encouraged to attend this public hearing.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

 

Ordinance No. 548 Approving Amendment to the Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Brighton

WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Brighton (the “Authority”) has previously prepared and recommended for approval a Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan (the “Original Plan”) which was approved by the City Council of the City of Brighton (the “City”) pursuant to Ordinance 327 adopted on December 15, 1988; and 

WHEREAS, the City Council has approved amendments to the Original Plan pursuant to Ordinance No. 379 adopted on May 5, 1994 and Ordinance No. 536 adopted on December 6, 2007 (together with the Original Plan, the “Amended Plan”); and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the provisions of Act 197, Public Acts of Michigan, 1975, as amended (the “Act”), the Authority has prepared and recommended for approval further amendments to the Amended Plan for the Development Area in the Downtown District within the City and has filed said amendments with the City Clerk, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Plan Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, on December 3, 2009, the City Council held a public hearing on the Plan Amendment pursuant to the Act; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has given the taxing jurisdictions in which the Development Area is located an opportunity to meet with the City Council and to express their views and recommendations regarding the Plan Amendment, as required by the Act; and

WHEREAS, after consideration of the Plan Amendment, the City Council has determined to approve the Plan Amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF BRIGHTON ORDAINS:

1.         Findings.

(a)        The Plan Amendment meets the requirements set forth in the Act.

(b)        The proposed method of financing the development is feasible and the Authority has the ability to arrange the financing.

(c)        The development is reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act.

(d)        The land included within the Development Area to be acquired, if any, is reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of the Plan Amendment and the purposes of the Act in an efficient and economically satisfactory manner.

(e)        The Plan Amendment is in reasonable accord with the master plan of the City.

(f)        Public services, such as fire and police protection and utilities, are or will be adequate to service the project area.

(g)        Changes in zoning, streets, street levels, intersections, and utilities, to the extent required by the Plan Amendment, are reasonably necessary for the project and for the City.

2.         Public Purpose.  The City Council hereby determines that the Plan Amendment constitutes a public purpose.

3.         Best Interest of the Public.  The City Council hereby determines that it is in the best interests of the public to proceed with the Plan Amendment in order to halt property value deterioration, to increase property tax valuation, to eliminate the causes of the deterioration in property values, and to promote growth in the Downtown District.

4.         Approval and Adoption of Plan Amendment.  The Plan Amendment is hereby approved and adopted.  A copy of the Plan Amendment and all later amendments thereto shall be maintained on file in the City Clerk’s office.

5.         Amendment to Ordinance Nos. 327, 379 and 536; Conflict and Severability.  Ordinance Nos. 327, 379 and 536 are hereby amended by this Ordinance.  All ordinances, resolutions and orders or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of the Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed, and each section of the Ordinance and each subdivision of any section thereof is hereby declared to be independent, and the finding or holding of any section or subdivision thereof to be invalid or void shall not be deemed or held to affect the validity of any other section or subdivision of the Ordinance.

6.         Paragraph Headings.  The paragraph headings in this Ordinance are furnished for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered to be a part of the Ordinance.

7.         Publication and Recordation.  The Ordinance shall be published in full promptly after its adoption in the Livingston County Press & Argus, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, qualified under State law to publish legal notices, and shall be recorded in the Ordinance Book of the City, which recording shall be authenticated by the signature of the City Clerk.

8.  Effective Date. The Ordinance is hereby determined by the City Council to be immediately necessary for the interests of the City and shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as required by law.

 

A copy of Exhibit A (the “Plan Amendment”) is available in the Clerk’s Department for viewing.

Diana Lowe
City Clerk

 

Ordinance No. 547 Approving Amendment to Boundaries of the Downtown District of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Brighton

WHEREAS, the City of Brighton (the “City”), pursuant to Act 197, Public Acts of Michigan, 1975, as amended (the “Act”), has previously established the Downtown Development Authority of the  City of Brighton (the “Authority”) and set forth its boundaries (the “District”) pursuant to Ordinance No. 287 of the City adopted on March 6, 1986; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 378 of the City adopted on May 5, 1994, the City made certain amendments to the boundaries of the District by amending Ordinance No. 287; and

WHEREAS, to further the purposes of the Authority under the Act, the City has determined that it is necessary to further amend the boundaries of the Authority’s District to add additional parcels; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the requirement of the Act, on December 3, 2009, the City Council held a public hearing on the amendments to the Authority’s District and provided Taxing Jurisdictions, as defined in the Act, the opportunity to address the City Council; and

WHEREAS, not less than 60 days has passed since the date of the public hearing; and

WHEREAS, the City has received a resolution adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Livingston County exempting its property taxes from capture by the Authority within the area being added to the District pursuant to this boundary amendment.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF BRIGHTON ORDAINS:

1.         Findings.  The City hereby determines that it is in the best interests of the residents and taxpayers of the City of Brighton to amend the boundaries of the District and jurisdiction of the Authority which shall operate to halt property value deterioration, eliminate the causes of that deterioration, increase property tax valuation where possible in the business district of the City, and promote economic growth, pursuant to the Act.

2.         Amendment of Ordinance Establishing Brighton Downtown Development Authority.  Ordinance No. 287 of the City of Brighton, is hereby amended to provide that the boundaries of the Downtown District in which the Authority shall exercise its powers as provided in the Act shall consist of the territory of the City described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof, subject to such changes as may hereinafter be made pursuant to this Ordinance and the Act.

3.         Conflict and Severability.  All ordinances, resolutions and orders or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of the Ordinance are to the extent of such conflict hereby repealed, and each section of the Ordinance and each subdivision of any section thereof is hereby declared to be independent, and the finding or holding of any section or subdivision thereof to be invalid or void shall not be deemed or held to affect the validity of any other section or subdivision of the Ordinance.

4.         Paragraph Headings.  The paragraph headings in this Ordinance are furnished for convenience of reference only and shall not be considered to be a part of the Ordinance.

5.         Publication and Recordation.  The Ordinance shall be published in full promptly after its adoption in the Livingston County Press & Argus, a newspaper of general circulation in the City, qualified under State law to publish legal notices, and shall be recorded in the Ordinance Book of the City, which recording shall be authenticated by the signature of the City Clerk.

6.         Effective Date. The Ordinance is hereby determined by the City Council to be immediately necessary for the interests of the City and shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as required by law.

 

CITY OF BRIGHTON, MICHGAN - LEGAL DESCRIPTON OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) DISTRICT

Parts of Sections 24 and 25, Township 2 North, Range 5 East and part of Sections 19, 30, 31 and 32, Township 2 North, Range 6 East, City of Brighton, Livingston County, Michigan described as BEGINNING at a point on the North line of Section 31 being Easterly 204.50 feet from the North One Quarter Corner of Section 31, Township 2 North, Range 6 East; thence S88°30’E 118.75 feet along the North line of Section 31; thence S01°30’W 33 feet; thence S01°54’W 75.90 feet; thence S88°04’W 73.45 feet to a point on the Easterly Right of Way line of East Street; thence Southeasterly along the Easterly Right of Way line of East Street to an intersection of the South Right of Way line of Dutcher Street extended Easterly; thence Southwesterly along the South Right of Way line of Dutcher Street to the Northeast corner of Lot 56, “Noble’s Plat”; thence Southeasterly to the Southeast corner of Lot 59; thence Southwesterly along the Northerly line of Spencer Street to the Southwest corner of Lot 59; thence Southeasterly along the Northeasterly Right of Way of Grand River Avenue 66 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 60; thence N70°00’17”E 147.75 feet along the Southerly line of Spencer Street; thence S19°57’49”E 260.4 feet; thence N71°E 114.4 feet; thence S18°E 260 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 7, Block 2, “Anthony Gale’s Addition”; thence East 72.12 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot 7; thence S17°52’05”W 177.68 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 3, Block 2; thence S72°39’54”E 133.74 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot 4, Block 2; thence Southwesterly along the West Right of Way line of Church Street to the Southeast corner of Lot 4; thence Southeasterly 66 feet along the North Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue to the Southwest corner of Lot 1, Block 3 of “Anthony Gale’s Addition; thence Northeasterly 152.00 feet along the Easterly line of Church

Street; thence Southeasterly 109.5 feet running parallel to Grand River Avenue; thence

Northeasterly 95.5 feet running parallel to Church Street; thence Southeasterly 88.5 feet to the Northeast corner of the South 1/2 of Lot 8, Block 3; thence Southwesterly 82.5 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 4, Block 3; thence S72°04’10”E 132 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot 5, Block 3; thence Southwesterly 166.08 feet to the Southeast corner of Lot 5; thence Southeasterly 66 feet to the Southwest corner of Lot 1, Block 4, “Anthony Gale’s Addition”; thence Northeasterly 165 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 1; thence Southeasterly 231 feet to the Northeast corner of the West 1/2 of Lot 4, Block 4, “Anthony Gale’s Addition”; thence N17°20’E 355 feet; thence N72°40’W 264 feet; thence N17°03’20”E 315.34 feet; thence S72°31’20”E 363 feet; thence S17°20’30’W 33 feet; thence S72°31’20”E 165.06 feet; thence S17°04’20”W 23.42 feet; thence S72°03’25”E 660 feet; thence S 17°11’39”W 80.5 feet; thence S71°15’E 127.59 feet; thence S10°54’W 141.24 feet; thence S71°15’E 213.99 feet to a point on the East line of Section 31; thence S01°55’W 598.16 feet along said East line of Section 31 to a point on the North line of the Grand River Avenue Right of Way; thence South to a point on the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River being N01°56’E 175.08 feet from the 1/4 Section Corner between Sections 31 and 32, Township 2 North, Range 6 East, thence S68°56’30”E 431.28 feet along the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River; thence N21°03’30”E 17.00 feet; thence S68°56’30”E 163.26 feet to a point on the East-West 1/4 line of Section 32; thence N87°41’53”W 52.87 feet to a point on the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence S68°56’30”E 57.41 feet; thence S71°87 feet; thence N01°15’05”E 53.02 feet to a point on the Centerline of Grand River Avenue; thence S69°18’30”E 673.12 feet along said Centerline of Grand River Avenue; thence S00°51’36”W 53.13 feet back to the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence N69°31’13”W 7.00 feet; thence S20°48’01”W 175.06 feet; thence S00°45’42”W 313.05 feet; thence S18°17’44”E 100.57 feet; thence S00°51’36”W 396.98 feet; thence N89°06’24”W 258.14 feet; thence N69°18’30”W 375.42 feet; thence N01°39’05”E 420.07 feet; thence N01°15’05”E 550.61 feet; thence N73°28’W 125.76 feet; thence 71°35’30”W 331.76 feet to a point on the Westerly Right of Way line of Appian Way; thence S15°26’10”W 47.89 feet; thence N70°55’03”W 151.00 feet; thence N68°56’48”W 61.47 feet; thence N69°16W 50.00 feet; thence N01°30E 91.40 feet; thence N86°40’30”W 94.77 feet to a point on the East Right of Way line of O’Doherty Avenue; thence N01°34’26”E 159.97 feet to a point on the South line of Grand River Avenue; thence N69°03’19”W 71.08 feet; thence S01°19’05”W 150.00 feet; thence N69°04’52”W 128.00 feet thence S01°19’38”W 0.78 feet; thence N88°30’W 24.16 feet to the Southeast corner of Lot 1, “Kissane Park Subdivision”; thence N88°30’W 128.62 feet to the Southwest corner of Lot 2, “Kissane Park Subdivision”; thence N01°30’E 202.98 feet to the Northwest corner of said Lot 2; thence N69°35’W 63.42 feet along the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence S01°30’W 223.54 feet along the West Right of Way line of Kissane Avenue; thence N88°30’W 164.75 feet; thence S01°30’W 1,294.09 feet to a point on the Northerly Right of Way line of the C&O Railroad; thence N47°48’19”W 564.71 feet and N51°42’W 251.40 feet along the Northerly Right of Way

line of the C&O Railroad; thence N02°34’57”W 647.94 feet to the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 31; thence N02°E 600.56 feet to a point on the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue and the Northeast corner of Lot 5, Block 5, “Anthony Gales Addition”; thence Southwesterly 165 feet to the Southeast corner of Lot 5; thence Northwesterly 264 feet to the Southwest corner of Lot 2; thence Southwesterly 16.5 feet along the East line of Lot 1, Block 5 extended; thence Northwesterly running parallel to Grand River Avenue to a point on the Centerline of Hope Street; thence Northeasterly along the Centerline of Hope Street a distance of 98.5 feet; thence Northwesterly on a line parallel to Grand River Avenue to a point on the East line of Lot 3, Block 9, “Anthony Gale’s Addition”; thence S18°W 159.86 feet along the East line of Lot 3 extended; thence S70°15’W 25.95 feet; thence N18°30’W 77.5 feet; thence N19°29’W 40 feet; thence N18°E 66 feet; thence N71°W 82.5 feet; thence S18°W 3.00 feet; thence N71°W 82.5 feet to a point on the East line of Church Street being S18°W 102.00 feet from the Northwest corner of Lot 1, Block 9 of “Anthony Gale’s

Addition”; thence N71°W to a point on the Westerly line of Church Street; thence  southwesterly along the Westerly line of Church Street to an intersection with the Easterly Right of Way line of Rickett Road; thence Northwesterly along the Easterly line of Rickett Road to an intersection with the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence Northwesterly along the Southerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue to a point on the Southwesterly Right of Way of Rickett Road; thence Northwesterly along the Westerly Right of Way of Grand River Avenue to a point S20°34’22”E 335.06 feet and S28°34’22”E 34.40 feet from the South line of Brighton Lake Road; thence S17°59’04”W 146.70 feet; thence N70°46’51”W 279.23 feet; thence N00°36’30”W 29.04 feet along the North-South 1/4 line of Section 31; thence N33°09’53”E 83.81 feet; thence N10°46’40”W 166.24 feet; thence N71°55’21”E 12.75 feet; thence N18°04’39”W 72.86 feet to a point on the South Right of Way line of  Brighton Lake Road; thence N71°54’ 44”E 179.68 feet along the South Right of Way line of Brighton Lake Road to an intersection with the Westerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence N20°34’22”W 66 feet along the Westerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue to an intersection with the North Right of Way line of Brighton Lake Road; thence S72°44’W 152.3 feet along the North Right of Way line of Brighton Lake Road; thence N17°25’W 144.96 feet; thence S70°45’W 121.7 feet; thence S17°25’W 141.00 feet to a point on the North Right of Way line of Brighton lake Road; thence S72°44’W 95.00 feet along the North Right of Way line of Brighton Lake Road; thence N15°35’W 165.00 feet; thence S72°44’W 152 feet; thence N15°40’W 317.5 feet; thence S86°W 161.7 feet to a point on the Easterly line of Lot 133 of “Smith & McPherson’s Addition”; thence Southwesterly along said Easterly line of Lot 133 in the following two courses: (1) S09°30’W 106.26 feet (2) S31°30’W 75.24 feet to a point on the Northeasterly Right of Way line of the C&O Railroad, said point also being the South corner of lot 133, Smith and McPherson’s Addition; thence Northwesterly along said railroad Right of Way line to the South line of lot 115, Smith and McPherson’s Addition; thence West to the intersection of the Southwesterly Right of Way line of the C & O Railroad with the North Right of Way line of Madison Street; thence West along the North Right of Way line of Madison Street to an intersection with the East Right of Way line of Second Street; thence North along the East Right of Way line of Second Street extended to an intersection with the North Right of Way line of Main Street; thence East along the North line of Main Street to an intersection with the Northeasterly Right of Way line of the C & O Railroad; thence Northwesterly along the Northeasterly Right of Way line of the C & O Railroad to an intersection with the Centerline of Challis Road; thence S88°52”55”E 295.56 feet along the Centerline of Challis Road; thence S88°49’16”E 374.03 feet; thence N42°57’32”W 60.17 feet; thence N42°W 1337.28 feet; thence

Northwesterly 299.50 feet along the arc of a 1686.52 foot radius curve to the left, the long chord of which bears N48°W 299.11 feet; thence S89°08’40”E 550.68 feet; thence N00°08’38”E 1580.97 feet to an intersection with the Southerly Right of Way line of Interstate Highway I-96; thence Easterly and Southeasterly along the Southerly Right of Way line of I-96 to an intersection with the Westerly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence Northeasterly to a point of intersection of the Easterly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue with the Southerly Right of Way line of I-96; thence running along the Southerly Right of Way line of I-96 in the following 4 courses: (1) S48°E 407.84 feet (2) S45°32’17”E 113.26 feet (3) 924.59 feet along the arc of a 3969.83 foot radius curve to the left, the long chord of which bears S52°11’07”E 922.50 feet (4) S58°50’57”E 815.57 feet; thence S21°19’13”W 315.00 feet; thence N89°22’47”W 194.00 feet; thence S38°37’13”W 230.00 feet; thence S13°40’19”W 200.00 feet; thence N82°16’22”W 120.00 feet; thence S89°55’10”W 66.00 feet; thence S00°04’50”E 524.45 feet to the Southeast Corner of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 30, Township 2

North, Range 6 East; thence South 150.00 feet; thence N69°39’E 5.00 feet; thence S20°21’E 150.00 feet thence S69°39’W 50.00 feet; thence S16°06’E 563.50 feet; thence S69°39’W 185.80 feet to a point on the northeasterly Right of Way line of Grand River Avenue; thence S20°21’E 66.00 feet along said Right of Way line; thence N69°39’E 500.00 feet; thence S20°21’E 300.00 feet; thence S69°39’W 300 feet; thence S20°21’E 159.17 feet to a point on the East-West ¼ line of Section 30; thence East along the East-West 1/4 line of Section 30 to a point West 398.85 from the Center of Section 30; thence S00°43’E 671.23 feet to a point on the Northwesterly Right of Way line of Flint Road; thence Southerly along the Northwesterly line of Flint Road in the following 4 courses: (1) S28°42’30”W 145.36 feet (2) S20°35’30”W 97.67 feet (3) S01°55’W 90 feet to the intersection of the Northerly Right of Way line of Liberty Street (4) Southerly to the Northeast corner of Liberty Street and Flint Road; thence Southwesterly to the

Northeast corner of the West 47 feet of Lot 72, “Nobles Plat No. 3”; thence Southeasterly to the Southeast corner of the West 47 feet of Lot 71; thence Southwesterly 47 feet to the Southwest corner of Lot 71; thence Southeasterly 132 feet to the Southwest corner of Lot 69; thence Southwesterly to the Southwest corner of Lot 68 of “Nobles Plat No. 3”; thence Southeasterly 66 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 63 of “Nobles Plat No. 2”; thence Northeasterly to the Northeast corner of the West 1/2 of Lot 63; thence Southeasterly 66 feet to the Southeast corner of the West 1/2 of Lot 63; thence Northeasterly to the Southeast corner of Lot 63; thence Southeasterly 726 feet to the Northwest corner of Lot 74; thence Northeasterly 132 feet to the Northeast corner of Lot 74; thence Southeasterly 198 feet along the West Right of Way line of East Street to the Northeast corner of Lot 76; thence; thence N71°E 154.7 feet along the Southeasterly line of Saint Paul Street; thence S18°133 feet; thence S15°20’20”E 275.80 feet to a point on the North line of Main Street; thence S00°01’E 33 feet back to the POINT OF BEGINNING.

Diana Lowe
City Clerk

City of Brighton Notice of Early Blue Sky CIP Worksession of The City Council February 18, 2010

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Brighton City Council will be conducting a worksession on Tuesday, February 18, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 North First Street, Brighton, Michigan, for the purpose of reviewing the proposed Capital Improvement Program.  All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact the Brighton City Clerk at (810) 225-0463. 

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 227-1911, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

City of Brighton Arts, Culture and History Project

In regards the participation of the Livingston Players and their involvement in the recently opened CoBACH Center, we encourage you to promote their individual efforts for the month of February 2010. While CoBACH - the City of Brighton Arts, Culture and History project - grows in stature as the artistic centerpiece of Brighton, Michigan, the City of Brighton encourages the public to be further informed about the efforts of each individual organization involved in CoBACH, which also includes the Brighton Art Guild, and the Brighton Area Historical Society.

Founded in 1962, the two-fold mission of the Livingston Players is to provide a supportive outlet for theatrical talent, and entertainment for the entire community. Working outside the CoBACH Center, major productions are staged at larger facilities in the area, while the Center itself houses a place to conduct workshops for adults and children, as well as rehearsals and play readings, puppet shows, smaller cast plays, poetry readings, music, one actor shows, and theater classes. In the long run, playwrights are able to see their works performed, and actors have a venue to regularly showcase their talents in an unprecedented way.

In February and March at the CoBACH Center, the Livingston Players present “Junior Theater Winter Workshops,” geared for second to sixth grade students. Each four week session is available at $25/per child, with class times scheduled every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

In February, the Livingston Players offer “Session I - Theater Basics,” - introducing children to theater terminology, understanding how to form characters, learning how to work with props, and developing basic improvisation skills through games or exercises.

March will offer “Session II - Performance Prep,” an introduction and review of theater basics, learning parts of a play, as well as stage presence, scenery and set design. Demonstrations of character development in a simple play will be performed for the attendee's parents only at the conclusion of Session II.

This follows the highly successful Livingston Players seven week holiday shows from November 22 through December 13, 2009.

The CoBACH Center is located at 202 W. Main St., at the historic Old Town Hall building in downtown Brighton. After many months of planning and cooperation from the city, the CoBACH Center officially opened its doors for business on Wednesday, November 18, 2009.

These activities are a prelude to the CoBACH Grand Open House events, with separate days geared for parents and children, or the general public respectively, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 24, and Saturday, May 22. Details and specific offerings are forthcoming.

For more information or suitable quotes, please contact Sharon Sutis of the Livingston Players at (810) 220-2256, or e-mail s_sutis@sbcglobal.net

www.livplayers.org on the Internet

Winter office hours for the CoBACH Center are...
Monday & Tuesday; closed,
Wednesday through Saturday;  2-8 p.m., and Sunday; 2-5 p.m.
The CoBACH office phone number is (810) 229-2784
Admission during business hours is free of charge.
For more information, quotes on the development of these events, or more information,
   please contact...

Jim Miller, CoBACH Executive Director,  (810) 923-2784  JMillerCoBACH@gmail.com
Dana Foster, City Manager-City of Brighton  (810) 499-1544  citymgr@BrightonCity.org

 

City of Brighton 2010 March Board of Review

The Board of Review for the City of Brighton will convene for its Organizational Meeting with the Assessor on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 8:00 a.m.  The Board of Review will hear property assessment appeals by appointment only on the following dates:

Monday, March 8, 2010	10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010	4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday, March 11, 2010	9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010	5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday, March 22, 2010	8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. or concluded

                                                          
Appointments may be made by calling the Assessor's Office at (810) 227-9006. All meetings of the Board of Review are held at Brighton City Hall, 200 North First Street, Brighton, Michigan.   

Non-Residents may appeal by mail.  A form L-4035 “Petition to Board of Review” must be completed and submitted with your written appeal.  The L-4035 approved by the State Tax Commission is available at www.michigan.gov/treasury.  When you reach the site, click on Local Government Services, Forms/Instructions, Local Government Officials Forms, Number 618 (Form L-4035).  All such appeals must be postmarked by March 11, 2010.

Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for each class of property for 2010 are as follow                                                                              

Commercial	49.97%	1.0000
Industrial	49.95%	1.0000
Residential	49.97%	1.0000
Personal	50.00%	1.0000

To comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA):

Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting, and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA coordinator, (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting.

Kathy Lupi, Assessor

 City of Brighton Notice of Special Meeting of the City Council February 8, 2010

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that there will be a Special Meeting of the Brighton City Council to be held on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 North First Street, Brighton, Michigan. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct the City Manager’s annual performance evaluation.  All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact the Brighton City Clerk at 227-0463.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 227-1911, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Livingston County Assessors Reachout to Explain Property Tax Policies & Procedure

The Livingston County Assessors in conjunction with the County Equalization Department will be holding an informational forum on assessment administration

at the following location and time:

 January 28   Howell High School Auditorium              6:00 pm

the session will be approximately 2 hours

The forum is designed to better inform taxpayers of the current issues associated with property valuation.  In addition, the forum will review the following important and timely issues:

•  Assist property owners in understanding the assessment process

•  Explain the statutory requirements of the assessment process

•  Discuss how assessments of properties are developed

•  Explain sales selections and how sales are used in the process

•  How to prepare an effective appeal before the board of review

•  Question and answer period

Presenter:
Susan Murray, CMAE III, PPE, Hamburg Township Assessor

Information for media only:
For additional information contact:
Susan Murray, 810-231-1000  ext 216

City of Brighton Community Development & Planning Department Main Street Program Intern

Seeking qualified applicants for a Main Street Program Intern within the Community Development & Planning Department. Duties & Responsibilities include: Assist Planning/CD staff with a variety of tasks related directly to the Michigan Main Street Program including:  preparation of Michigan Main Street Application; communication with prospective Citizen Volunteer Advisory Committee members; public relations effort including press releases, downtown newsletter, web site updates and email updates to downtown business community; assist in the preparation, reviewing and publishing of informational brochures, information packets and flyers; assist with staff and board communications; help facilitate inter-departmental collaboration within the City government organization and synchronization of all activities and development efforts between existing interest groups involved in the advancement of the City of Brighton Main Street program; provide general support to administrative staff for other tasks and projects that fall within the scope of Community Development/Planning responsibilities, and other duties as may be assigned by the Community Development/Planning Director and/or the City Manager.

Necessary Qualifications include: Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing or similar applicable program.  Additional preferred qualification would be current enrollment in a Master’s/Graduate degree program with a concentration in Planning, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing or similar applicable program.

The position will be for 20 hours a week at $9.00 per hour. Interested applicants should send a resume and letter of interest to:

Main Street Program Intern Jennifer Piasecki, Human Resources Director City of Brighton 200 N. First St. Brighton, MI 48116

Resumes will be accepted until January 22, 2010. Phone inquiries for applications only. EOE.

City of Brighton Notice of Second Reading and Public Hearing Amendment to the Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing of the Downtown Development Authority of The City Of Brighton

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Brighton City Council will hold second reading and public hearing at 7:30 p.m., February 4, 2010 at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 to amend the boundaries of the Downtown District of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Brighton.

The proposed ordinance would amend the Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Brighton.

The proposed ordinance is available for inspection at City Hall, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan.  Public comment is invited.  ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS are invited and encouraged to attend this public hearing.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Notice of Second Reading and Public Hearing Amendment to Boundaries of the Downtown District of the Downtown Development Authority

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Brighton City Council will hold second reading and public hearing at 7:30 p.m., February 4, 2010 at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 to amend the boundaries of the Downtown District of the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Brighton.

The proposed ordinance would amend the boundaries of the Downtown Development Authority District.

The proposed ordinance is available for inspection at City Hall, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan.  Public comment is invited.  ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS are invited and encouraged to attend this public hearing.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Christmas Tree Disposal 2010

The City of Brighton’s trash removal contractor, Waste Management, will pick up Christmas trees on regular trash collection days during the first two weeks of January, 2010.  You can place your tree at the curb for pick up on Tuesdays and Wednesday, January 5^th and 6^th, and January 12^th and 13^th.

Please remove all decorations and place your tree out at the curb.  Do not put in plastic trash bags.

If you have questions, please contact the DPS at 810.225.8001.

Notice to Electors of the City of Brighton of Intent to Issue Bonds

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Brighton, Livingston County, Michigan, intends to issue and sell general obligation capital improvement bonds, pursuant to Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended, in one or more series, in an aggregate principal amount of not to exceed One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) for the purpose of paying all or part of the cost of acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping improvements to the City’s wastewater collection system including pump station improvements and all related appurtenances and attachments thereto.

BOND DETAILS

Said bonds will mature in annual installments not to exceed twenty (20) in number, with interest rates to be determined at a public or negotiated sale but in no event to exceed such rates as may be permitted by law on the unpaid balance from time to time remaining outstanding on said bonds.

SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF BONDS

THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF THE BONDS shall be payable from the general funds of the City lawfully available for such purposes including property taxes levied within applicable constitutional, statutory and charter tax rate limitations.

RIGHT OF REFERENDUM

THE BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A PETITION REQUESTING SUCH A VOTE SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE CITY IS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.  IF SUCH PETITION IS FILED, THE BONDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN APPROVING VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY VOTING THEREON.

THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 517, Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended.

Diana Lowe Clerk
City of Brighton

Christmas Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule

Please be advised that City of Brighton Residents’ trash pickup over the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays will continue as normal.  The holidays will NOT impact or interfere with the regular waste collection schedule for the City of Brighton.  Both Christmas Day and New Years Day fall on Fridays, and therefore, will NOT delay garbage collection for either the week of December 21^st or December 28, 2008.   

Please contact the Department of Public Services at 810.225.8001 for questions.

City of Brighton Planning Commission Vacancy

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Brighton City Council will be accepting applications from residents who would be interested in an appointment to the Planning Commission.

Per City Charter and Ordinances, the minimum qualifications for a Planning Commission member can be summarized as follows:

1.   Minimum residency in the City at least two years prior to the date of an appointment.

2.   Must be a qualified and registered voter in the City.

3.   Not being in default to the City of Brighton.

Additional information regarding the position including minimum qualifications, responsibilities, compensation, length of term, can be received by contacting the Human Resources Director at (810) 225-9251, during regular business hours Monday through Friday.

Letters of application and resumes summarizing one’s experiences and qualifications which could help demonstrate leadership qualities including any specific experiences on governing boards or committees of other public or civic service organizations should be sent to Jennifer Piasecki, Human Resources Director, 200 N. 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116. Application deadline is Monday, January 4, 2010.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

City of Brighton Notice of Early Blue Sky Session of The City Council December 17, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that there will be an early Blue Sky session of the City Council on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 for the purpose of discussing the 2009/2010 fiscal year General Fund budget forecast.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact the Brighton City Clerk at 227-0463. 

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Public Hearing to Regarding the City of Brighton's Intention to Utilize U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Funds

DECEMBER 17, 2009 – 7:30 P.M.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held regarding the City of Brighton’s intention to utilize U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Funds through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Downtown Infrastructure Program.  The program will consist of $399,600 in state funds $44,400 in local matching funds from the City of Brighton Downtown Development Authority for the cemetery parking lot and streetscape components and private matching funds of up to $2 million.  These components will be directed to a commercial building project at 205 W. Grand River.  All residents are invited to attend and comment on the project at a public hearing being held on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N. First Street, Brighton, Michigan, 48116.

Individuals interested in viewing the grant application and accompanying documentation may do so by visiting Brighton City Hall, 200 N. First Street, Brighton, Michigan between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Written comments may be mailed to or dropped off at Brighton City Hall prior to the public hearing.  

ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS are encouraged to be present at this meeting to express their opinion on this matter, as public input is an important element in the City Council’s deliberation.  Furthermore, a decision on this matter is likely at this meeting.  If you have any questions regarding this matter please call (810) 225-9244.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator, (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

                                                                                                            DIANA LOWE, CITY CLERK
810-227-0463

           

City of Brighton Special Meeting Goal-Setting Retreat Minutes

The City of Brighton City Council’s annual Special Goal-Setting meeting for 2009 was called to order by Mayor Bandkau at 8:00 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2009.  A roll Call was conducted and all Council Members were present.  Also in attendance were all three attorneys from the City Attorney’s Office, the City Engineer, the City Clerk, Police Chief, Human Resource Director, Community Development/Planning Director, Department of Public Services Director, the Assistant Finance Director, the City Manager, Colleen Layton from the MML Staff, and an audience of one.

The Mayor and Council then proceeded to adopt the proposed Goal-Setting meeting agenda on a motion made by Cooper and seconded by Roblee.

The Mayor then conducted a Call to the Public. The City Council then received comments and inputs from Ms. Susan Walters-Steinacker with regards to recent Council Members’ statements in a recent Council Meeting about FOIA requests. Ms. Walters-Steinacker stated that the FOIA request volume could be reduced if the City improves its work at posting Meeting Minutes of all City-related boards and commissions regularly and more timely on the City’s website.

The City Council then proceeded to discuss both City Council and Staff inputs to date for Goal Setting consideration along with the related inputs and suggestions given to the City Council from the MML Staff with regards to the eight asset categories recommended by the MML’s 21^st Century Community Design program. 

During the course of the City Council’s Goal-Setting Meeting discussions, which occurred on both Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15^th, the following Draft GOALS were developed:  

Budget & Financial:

-     Consider City Hall relocation to free up current site for commercial development

           Pursue recent inquiries from Rotary and SELCRA for possible Community Center “spin­off” if either organization is able to operate & assimilate the operating costs for same to relieve the City’s General Fund

            Pursue Benchmarking of City services & practices with the help of MML staff; including possible MML presentation on same at a near-future Early Blue Sky session

-Research possible SEMCOG-funded 6-week Survey / analysis of City services/practices

-Consider Council appointment of a Citizens’ Advisory Task Force to determine recommendations for stable/ongoing funding sources for Capital Improvements

-Price City Services to Sell for marketing outside of the City of Brighton 

-Consider self-funding options for City Health Insurance for cost savings

-Explore Alternative Staffing for City services such as increased use of part-time employees and privatization

-Conduct Early Blue Sky Session on 12/17 at 6:00 PM on Budget & CIP matters

-Review deferred CIP’s @12/17 Early Blue Sky

-Michigan Tribunal cases:  bring report on Additional Cost projections to City Council & info on possible settlements

-Ask City Assessor for report about residential rental property assessments & monitoring thereof

-Consider pursuit of cost-sharing on Michigan Tribunal cases through the RCG with neighboring units of government

-Include OPEB implementation status in 12/17 Early Blue Sky session 

Main Street Program:

-Move it forward from paper / concept into reality this year 

DDA Amendments’ Process:

-Closely monitor completion of the pending process & related outcomes.  Get in position to implement new items/programs that will become Eligible DDA Expenditures in February when the Amendments’ process is completed 

***************

The Following Additional Draft Goals were developed Pursuant to each of the Eight Asset ategories of the MML’s 21st Century Community Design Program:

Green Initiatives:

-Energy Audit recommendations’ implementation

-Advertise / promote the use of separate Lawn Watering Meters to our Water utility customers

-Consider the facilitation of Increased Density with our Developments and redevelopments

-Pursue installation of Waterless fixtures in City’s public facilities & promote same in private developments in our site plan review processes

-Consider the facilitation of Increased Mixed-Use in our developments/redevelopments

-Overt Recruitment of Energy, Ecology, & Leading Technology-based businesses/industries in our Economic Development work

-Do/complete the MML’s online  “Green Challenge”

Transit:

-Install Bicycle Racks at key points in the community

-Review / update Ordinances re: possibly amend/modify/rescind current prohibition of bicycles on sidewalks

           Develop definitive plan for Sidewalk repairs

           Develop definitive inventory of Sidewalk  “gaps” that need to be filled in 

-Renew attention / focus on Grand River avenue traffic congestion

-“Restart” the I-96 + Grand River Interchange improvements’ project efforts through and with the RCG ---to get cooperative funding on next phases of Engineering work needed to get it to be a fundable  “shovel-ready” project

-Need recommendations from City Attorney and Police Chief regarding Dog-related regulations at Civic Events

-Examine costs & funding for possible Police use of Segways in downtown as alternatives to bicycles.

Physical Design + Walkability:

-Complete the Village Cemetery related Legal Research Request from the Historical Society re:  headstones’ maintenance/movement, the property ownership lines regarding the location of the proposed walkway to and from the new gateway

-City Cemeteries : publish notices of Decorations’ related timelines

-Maintain Public Hearing for inputs’ process to occur well in advance of Memorial Day each year

-Review signage of Rules & Regulations at the Cemeteries to make sure they’re clear for the public/patrons

-Reenders’ Public Housing Alternative : more research & analysis needed;  see also the related goal in the Cultural Economic Development goal category

     Pursue implementation of the Main Street Program’s recommendation to develop common & implemented Design Standards for the community                        Pursue filling in the Sidewalk Gaps

 

-Keep the Northwest Neighborhoods’  Residential Curb & Gutter CIP on the high-priority list

-Bring Review of the City Staff Blight removal Task Force to the City Council to update the Council on the Task Force’s pending work

-Waterfowl Waste: get Matt Schindewolf’s Retreat Issue paper of last week to the City Council for review with respect to next possible remediation options to consider,  and pursue Education Program in local School classes,  consider possible simple split-rail or single-wire fence or similar low-impact screening on the Mill Pond’s water’s edge near the Imagination Station, City Hall, & Gazebo locations.

-Conduct a World Café forum  in the early part of 2010 to gather / solicit public input on the basic question of “What do We want the Town to be and look like ?  “ to then serve as a guide for related work on all Physical Design+Walkability goals going forward

    Pursue work on developing Zoning Ordinance Amendments for Building Heights consistent with MML 21^st Century Community Design Concepts

    Pursue work on Zoning Ordinance Amendments affecting Density of new and/or redevelopments consistent with MML 21^st Century Community Design Concepts

    Pursue work on Ordinance Amendments affecting Downtown-related Off-Street Parking regulations/requirements consistent with MML 21^st Century Community Design Concepts

   Pursue implementation/work on implementing the recommendations of the recently completed DDA-funded Downtown Parking Study 

Entrepreneurship :

-Pursue possible MML 21c3 staff’s review/auditing of Existing City practices and processes affecting business development/growth, & redevelopment in the community with City staff to identify areas of improvement in the City’s ability to facilitate entrepreneurship

-Also consider use of related Resources from area colleges/universities for similar reviews with City staff

-Conduct a Business Roundtable with Staff to get Inputs on what has worked in the past vs. what did Not work relative to City processes and regulations ;  that targets both recently-established businesses in our community and longer-term businesses

-Create an identifiable package of new incentives to attract new business and to promote/encourage expansion/growth of existing businesses

-Conduct more proactive marketing of the City outside of the Brighton region in other urban centers in Michigan

Education :

-Retention of Lindbom School in the community is a high priority, and acknowledgment that Lindbom school is a core part of the City of Brighton’s identity

-High priority for the Mayor to send a formal letter to the School Board requesting retention of Lindbom School relative to the School District’s consideration of closing 1 of its existing elementary schools due to the District’s budget/finance crisis.  Said letter should also thank the District for its recent decision to provide funding to re-start the high School Police Liaison Officer program

-Mayor was also asked to in turn ask the School District Superintendent to read the Mayor’s letter out loud at the District’s future public input meeting regarding possible school closures.

-Pursue active Outreach to Area Community Colleges and Universities for Economic development and enhanced education purposes/opportunities in our community

Messaging & Technology :

 -Start a City Facebook page   

       -Start a City Blog website     

    Use the above two new internet related City communications media outlets in place of traditional public information media / mechanisms(but also such that state statutory public  notification requirements are also still followed) to reach all segments of our customers/public and to proactively communicate what we want to communicate and what we want people to know

 

-Start utilizing Twitter and Facebook & related social networking communications’ systems & technologies regularly / daily

 -Resume “Project Funding provided By “ signs on all City and/or DDA related construction projects in the City so that the public will clearly know how a given project is being funded 

-Increase the use of the City’s Cable TV channel for public information purposes

-Pursue implementation of Live Council Meeting broadcast/telecast streaming on the City’s website

Cultural Economic Development :

-Investigate / Analyze the  “Reenders” public housing/city ownership alternative as recently proposed by the Reenders’  Development group further; bring more analysis and details to the City Council for further review. This needs to include Marketing Analysis details with respect to the ability of the project to generate the necessary rental income to enable the City to meet bond related debt service payments if the City is to pursue this as a public housing project with City ownership

-Create a package of New Incentives and Related Process improvements for qualifying commercial projects 

 

-Increase the City’s activity with respect to proactive Industrial Economic Development/business attraction and with an eye towards the Green Initiatives’ related goal category’s objectives for such new businesses

Diversity & Multi-Culturalism :

-pursuit of the Reenders related public housing alternative research/analysis goals

-Continue promotion and encouragement of downtown-based Civic Events

-Outreach to area colleges & universities

-Evaluate the effectiveness / impact of the CoBACH which opens to the public on Nov 18^th i.e. to answer the question 6 or 12 months from now of  “Did this public investment and experiment work / produce for us ? “

 ********

Additional Goals / Direction given to the City Manager related to all Council-established goals :

-Resume regular Goals’ Progress Reports to Council in a checklist / quick at a glance format

-Pursue implementation of  Online Work Activity checklist-type Update reports for City Council to access which reflect all of staff & consultants’ ongoing work that involves both the City-Council established goals as well as highlights of other ongoing work activity that is significant with respect to use of staff & other resources

***********

At approximately 4:00 on Saturday,  November 14, 2009,  the City Council voted unanimously to approve  a motion made by Council Member Roblee and supported by Mayor Pro Tem Bohn for the City Council to recess this Special Goal-Setting Meeting to then resume at 8:00 AM on Sunday Morning, November 15, 2009.

At 8:00 AM on Sunday Morning, November 15, 2009, Mayor Bandkau called to order and resumed the Special City Council Goal-Setting Meeting and all seven City Council Members were present. Also in attendance was the City Manager and an audience of one.

Council Member Schillinger was excused to leave the Special Council Meeting at approximately 10:30.

After the Mayor and City Council had completed its Special Goal-Setting meeting discussions,  the Mayor conducted a Call to the Public.  The Council then received comment and input from Ms. Susan Walters-Steinacker. Her inputs included her concerns about the Council’s goal-setting discussions being too focused on downtown-related subjects and not enough about residential related concerns or subjects. She also stated her concerns about the allocation of City tax dollars relative to the needs.

There being no further business to discuss or conduct, a motion was made by Council Member Bohn and supported by Council Member Cooper to adjourn the meeting and the motion was approved unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:45 AM on Sunday, November 15, 2009.

Respectfully submitted by:

Dana W. Foster,
City Manager City Council November 19,2009
Page 2

Hearing no further comment, the Call to the Public was closed at 7:37.

EAGLE SCOUT PROCLAMATIONS

Mayor Bandkau read and presented an Eagle Scout Proclamation to Quinn Stouder.  Quinn stated his Eagle Scout project was building three benches at the Huron Meadows Metro Park that are to used by cross-country runners and back packers.

Mayor Bandkau read and presented an Eagle Scout Proclamation to Justin Tarahomi.  Justin stated his Eagle Scout project was to restore the beaver exhibit at the Howell Nature Center.

CITIZEN INQUIRY RESPONSE

Mayor Bandkau read a Citizen Inquiry from Robert Henderson who was asking how he could request a meeting with Council to address his concerns regarding our Police Department. She stated the Police Chief has contacted Mr. Henderson to address his concerns.

AGENDA APPROVAL

It was moved by Councilmember Roblee, seconded by Muzzin to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.  Delete item #9, Councilmember Liaisons.  Move from Consent Agenda to Action Agenda item #11, PSD Board Extension. Move to Consent Agenda from Action Agenda item # 12, Village Cemetery-related parking lot. Motion passed 7-0.

The following items were approved:

1    Approval the annual Goal-Setting Retreat Minutes and related New Goals for 2009 – 2010 with the addition of item #10, To review and consider action of wind turbine ordinance.  

2   Approved and authorized the City Manager as the grant application certifying officer for the upcoming   Village Cemetery-related Parking Lot project related MSHDA grant application (action required by MSDHA procedures)

 

It was moved by Councilmember Cooper, seconded by Bohn to approve the Action Agenda as amended.  Delete item #14, City-paid Health Insurance Plan.  Move from Action Agenda to Consent Agenda item #12, Village Cemetery-related parking lot.  Move to Action Agenda from Consent Agenda item #11, PSD Board Extension. Add item #13a, FOIA Appeal and item #15a, Water Utility Service request.  Motion passed 7-0.

 

Special Meeting of the Downtown Development Authority on December 1, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that there will be a Special Meeting of the Brighton Downtown Development Authority to be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 7:15 a.m. at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 North First Street, Brighton, Michigan. The purpose of the meeting is to review and rank the proposed DDA activities and projects.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact the Brighton City Clerk at 227-0463. 

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 227-1911, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Thanksgiving 2009 Holiday Trash Schedule

Please be advised that City of Brighton Residents’ trash pickup over the Thanksgiving Holiday will continue as normal.  The holiday will NOT impact or interfere with the regular waste collection schedule for the City of Brighton.  Thanksgiving Day falls on a Thursday, and therefore, will NOT delay garbage collection for either the week of Thanksgiving or the following week.  We will maintain the normal trash collection schedule for the weeks of November 23^rd and 30^th.   

Please contact the Department of Public Service at 810.225.8001 for questions.

2009 December Board of Review meets Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 9am

The Board of Review for the City of Brighton will convene for its December meeting with the Assessor on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.  The Board of Review will meet at Brighton City Hall located at 200 North First Street, Brighton, MI.  The purpose of this meeting is to correct clerical errors, mutual mistakes of fact, qualified errors, Homeowner’s Principal Residence Exemptions and to consider applications for Hardship Exemptions. 

To comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA):

Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting, and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA coordinator, (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting

Kathy Lupi
Assessor, City of Brighton

Main and Grand River Intersection Improvements Project Update November 2, 2009

From:  Matthew J. Schindewolf, DPS Director

As you can see, the contractor is moving along steadily with the construction project at the Main Street and Grand River Avenue intersection. 

Following are the tasks that will be upcoming over the next few weeks.

The work on the northeast corner (CVS Parking Lot) is complete with irrigation and landscaping to be completed by Friday, November 6^th. 

The work on the southeast corner (Coldwell Banker) is nearly complete.  All of the sidewalk work from this corner south to the corner of North and Grand River (Champs Pub) has been completed.  The work at the Champ’s corner will begin soon.

The curb and walk on the northwest corner (Lu & Carls) will begin on Monday, November 9^th.  The Grand River sidewalk will remain open in order for patrons to enter the restaurant.

The final phase of this project will be the installation of the new mast arms and traffic signals at this intersection.  This work is expected to be completed in December, and before the Christmas holiday.

The allowable construction times remain the same, and are:

• Mondays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
• Tuesdays through Fridays – 8:30 am to 11:00 am
• Monday through Friday mornings from 12:00 am to 6:00 am

During each of these work times, drivers can expect lane closures on Main Street and / or Grand River to accommodate certain portions of the work.  Please be assured that all closures and detour routes will be posted.

The contractor and the City will be working together to complete this project as quickly as we can, knowing that the end of the construction season is nearing and the winter weather is fast approaching.

As always, the City of Brighton appreciates everyone’s understanding during this construction project and as we continue to Build a Better Brighton!
 

City of Brighton Mill and Resurface Project requires No Parking after 8pm on Main St

From:  Matthew J. Schindewolf, DPS Director

The contractor will begin working on the mill and resurface portion of the construction project tonight.  We will be placing orange cones with "No Parking after 8 pm" signs on them so that no cars will be on Main Street when the contractor begins their work, which will be shortly after 9 pm.  These signs will be placed on Main Street each day that work is scheduled to take place.

Also, the pedestrian crosswalk work that has been ongoing along Main Street will be completed by the end of this week, and all sidewalks and intersections will be open. The three corners at Main and Grand River,that are part of a separate project, are still continuing to be worked on and are not scheduled to be completed this week.

Please contact the Department of Public Services at 810.225.8001 if you have any questions and as always, thank you for your continued patience as we near the last phase of this project!!! 

City of Brighton Crack Sealing Road Work

In order to extend the lift of the pavement surface, the City of Brighton’s contractor will be performing crack sealing work on East Grand River Avenue from Main Street west / south to the City Limits at Appian Way.

This work will be done from 9 pm Monday, October 19^th, through 5:00 am on Tuesday, October 20^th.

If additional time is needed, the contractor will also be working during the same hours on Tuesday evening, October 20^th, into Wednesday morning, October 21^st.

If you have any questions, please contact David Blackmar, Asst. DPS Director at 810.225.9282. 

City of Brighton Halloween Trick-or-Treating Hours

RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON:

Please be advised that the City of Brighton’s Trick-or-Treating hours for Halloween 2009 have been set for 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2009.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Brighton at 810.227.1911

City of Brighton CSX Transportation Railroad Crossing Work on Brighton Lake Rd

Please be advised that CSX Transportation will be performing a complete replacement of the grade crossings, including the replacement of the asphalt approaches, at the Brighton Lake railroad crossing in downtown Brighton.

Brighton Lake Road will be closed at the railroad crossing Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20^th and 21, 2009.

Please follow the posted detour sign.

City of Brighton Notice of Early Blue Sky Session  of the City Council on November 5, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that there will be an early Blue Sky session of the City Council on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 for the purpose of having a speaker from the Michigan Municipal League to make a presentation and to facilitate a preliminary City Council plus City Staff discussion about Goal-Setting for 2009 and 2010. 

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact the Brighton City Clerk at 227-0463. 

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

City of Brighton Notice of Public Accuracy Test

A public accuracy test will be conducted on the following date and time for the purpose of testing the accuracy of the tabulating equipment and programs which will be used to tabulate voted ballots for the General Election to be held on November 3, 2009 in the City of Brighton, Livingston County.

The Public Accuracy Test will be held at:

Brighton City Hall

Council Chambers

200 N. First Street

Brighton, MI  48116

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 @ 1:30 p.m.

All interested parties are invited to attend.

For further information contact:

Diana Lowe, City Clerk

810-227-0463

 

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator, (810) 227-1911, at least give business days prior to the meeting.

Diana Lowe
City Clerk

The Main Street Mill & Resurface project will begin on Monday, October 12^th

The Main Street Mill & Resurface project will begin on Monday, October 12^th starting with work on the pedestrian crosswalk approaches. This portion of the project will be ongoing for approximately two weeks. There will be short pedestrian detours associated with this work. There will be no daytime road closures for this work; however, there will be sporadic and intermittent daytime parking lane closures and nighttime parking and travel lane closures between 9 pm and 6 a.m. All of the City's municipal parking lots will be available for parking at all times.

The road work portion of the project on Main Street that includes milling of the pavement, crack repairs, patching, resurfacing and pavement markings will occur between October 19th and November 1st. All of this work and lane / road closures will occur between 9 pm and 6 am. All or some parking will be unavailable on Main Street during these times. There will also be intermittent lane closures and/or traffic shifts as well as certain times when Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic. A detour will be in effect when Main Street is closed to all traffic. Main Street will not be closed to traffic between 6 am and 9 pm.

A document is attached showing details of the project.  We will continue to keep you informed as necessary as this project progresses.

As always, the City of Brighton thanks you for your cooperation during this project and please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

City of Brighton Main and Grand River Intersection Improvements

The City of Brighton’s contractor, Contracting Resources, has begun their work on the Main Street and Grand River intersection improvements.

In order to bring this project to completion, the City has instituted the following work days / times for the contractor:

• Mondays from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
• Tuesdays through Fridays – 8:30 am to 11:00 am
• Monday through Friday mornings from 12:00 am to 6:00 am

During each of these work times, drivers can expect lane closures on Main Street and / or Grand River to accommodate certain portions of the work.  Please be assured that all closures and detour routes will be posted.

The contractor and the City will be working together to complete this project as quickly as we can, knowing that the end of the construction season is nearing and the winter weather is fast approaching.

As always, the City of Brighton appreciates everyone’s understanding during this construction project and as we continue to Build a Better Brighton!

City of Brighton Notice of Biennial Election Meeting
Monday, November 9, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, there will be a Biennial Election Meeting held on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. at the Brighton City Hall, 200 N. First Street, Brighton, Michigan for the purpose of Swearing into Office Councilmembers-Elect, Electing the Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem and the Presentation of the State of the City Report.  All interested citizens are invited to attend.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting. 

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Ordinance No. 546 Adopted by City Council

                                    ORDINANCE NO. 546       Adopted 10/1/09

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN, BY REPLACING SECTIONS Sec. 98-331. Definitions., 98-332. Locations restricted., 98-333. Use regulations., and 98-357. Use Regulations. WHICH SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS Sec. 98-331. Definitions., 98-332. Locations restricted., 98-333. Use regulations., and 98-357. Use Regulations.  OF CHAPTER 98 OF THE CODE, AND AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF THE CODE BY ADDING NEW SECTION 98-330.

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, LIVINGSTON COUNTY, HEREBY ORDAINS:

I.          Sections 98-331, 98-332, 98-333 of Division 2 of Article XII of Chapter 98 are hereby replaced and shall read as follows:

Sec. 98-331. Definitions.

            The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

            Adult books means books, magazines, newspapers, video tapes, video discs and motion picture films which are characterized by their emphasis on portrayals of human genitals and pubic regions or acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy.

            Adult cabaret means a nightclub, bar, juice bar, restaurant bottle club, or similar commercial establishment, whether or not alcoholic beverages are served, which has as an activity:

            (a)        Performances by persons who appear nude or semi-nude;

            (b)        Live performances which are characterized by the exposure of “specified anatomical areas” or “specified sexual activities”; or

            (c)        Films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, electronic, digital or other photographic reproductions which are characterized by their emphasis on exhibition or description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas”.

            Adult entertainment business means a business having as a principal activity one or a combination of more than one of the following activities: the sale of adult materials, operation of an adult motion picture theater, operation of an adult minimotion picture theater, operation of an adult cabaret, or operation of an adult personal service business.

            Adult materials means one or a combination of more than one of the following types of materials: adult books and adult novelties

            Adult minimotion picture theater means an enclosed building having as an activity the presentation of material characterized by emphasis of portrayals of human genitals and pubic regions or actions of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy for observation by patrons therein in individual viewing booths.

            Adult motion picture theater means an enclosed building with a capacity of 50 or more persons having as an activity displaying motion pictures characterized by their emphasis on portrayals of human genitals and pubic regions or acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy for observation by patrons therein.

            Adult novelties means devices of simulated human genitals or devices designed for sexual stimulation.

            Adult personal service business means a business having as an activity a person of one sex providing services to individuals of the same or opposite sex, on an individual or group basis in a closed room. It includes, but is not limited to, the following activities and services:  modeling studios, body painting studios, wrestling studios, individual theatrical

            Partially nude means having any or all of the following bodily parts exposed: buttocks, genitals, pubic area or female breasts.

            Principal activity means a use accounting for more than 20 percent of a business’ stock in trade, display space, floor space, live entertainment time, or movie display time per month

            Specified sexual activities means

            (a)        Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;

            (b)        Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy; and

            (c)        Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breast.

            Specified anatomical areas means

            (a)        Less than completely and opaquely covered:

                        (i)         Human genitals, pubic region,

                        (ii)        Buttock, and

                        (iii)       The nipple and/or areola of the female breast; and

            (b)        Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.

Sec. 98-332. Locations restricted.

            An adult entertainment business may be located in the city only if that location complies with the following restrictions:

(1)        No such business shall be located within 1,000 feet of a school, church or community building.

(2)        Such businesses shall only be located in a district classified pursuant to this chapter as C-1.

Sec. 98-333. Use regulations.

            (a)        No person shall reside in or permit any person to reside in the premises of an adult entertainment business.

            (b)        No person shall operate an adult personal service business unless there is conspicuously posted in each room where such business is carried on a notice indicating the prices for all services performed by said business. No person operating or working at such a place of business shall solicit or accept any fees except those indicated on any such notice.

            (c)        No person operating an adult entertainment business shall permit it to be used for acts of prostitution or to be frequented by known prostitutes who have been convicted of the act of prostitution.

            (d)       No person shall operate an adult entertainment business without obtaining a license. Such license shall be issued by the city clerk following the completion of the promulgated application procedure outlined in chapter 22 of this Code

            (e)        No person operating an adult entertainment business shall permit any person under the age of 18 to be on the premises of such business either as an employee or customer.

            (f)        No person shall become the lessee or sublessee of any property for the purpose of using such property for an adult entertainment business without the express written permission of the owner of the property for such use.

            (g)        No lessee or sublessee of any property shall convert that property from any other use to an adult entertainment business without the express written permission of the owner of the property for such use.

II.        Sections 98-357 of Article XIII of Chapter 98 is hereby replaced and shall read as follows:

Sec. 98-357. Use regulations.

            A building or premises in a C-2 district shall be used only for the following purposes:

            (1)        Any use permitted in the C-1 neighborhood shopping center districts, with the exception of adult entertainment businesses which are restricted to solely C-1 districts by this Code.

            (2)        Advertising signs and billboards that comply with chapter 66.

            (3)        Dyeing and cleaning works, providing the cleaning fluid used has a base which is of a nonexplosive material.

            (4)        Hotel, motel.

            (5)        Laundry employing not more than ten persons on the premises.

            (6)        Plumbing shop.

            (7)        Printing shop.

            (8)        Public garage and automobile sales room.

            (9)        Tinsmithing shop.

            (10)      Used car sales or storage lots.

            (11)      Radio broadcasting and telecasting stations, studios and offices.

            (12)      Retail lumber yards

            (13)      A carnival, outdoor circus or migratory amusement enterprise may be permitted by specific approval of the city council; to the application for such a permit shall be attached a letter of consent from the owner or owners of the property to be used for such purpose and an affidavit that such location is a minimum distance of 200 feet from any existing residential building and a minimum distance of 30 feet from the street or highway right-of-way.

III.       Section 98-330 of Division 2 of Article XII of Chapter 98 is hereby added and shall read as follows:

Sec. 98-330 Purpose.

In the development and execution of this Division, it is recognized that there are some uses which, because of their very nature, have serious objectionable operational characteristics, particularly when several of them are concentrated under certain circumstances or when one (1) or more of them are located in near proximity to a residential zone, thereby having a deleterious effect upon the adjacent areas. Special regulation of these uses is necessary to ensure that these adverse effects will not contribute to the blighting or downgrading of the surrounding neighborhood. These special regulations are itemized in this Division. These controls are for the purpose of preventing a concentration of these uses within any one (1) area, or to prevent deterioration or blighting of a nearby residential neighborhood. These controls do not legitimatize activities, which are prohibited in other Sections of this Code.

In regulating sexually oriented businesses, it is the purpose of this article to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City, and to establish reasonable and uniform regulations to prevent the deleterious secondary effects of sexually oriented businesses within the City. The provisions of this ordinance have neither the purpose nor effect of imposing a limitation or restriction on the content or reasonable access to any communicative materials, including sexually oriented materials. Similarly, it is neither the intent nor effect of this ordinance to restrict or deny access by adults to sexually oriented materials protected by the First Amendment, or to deny access by the distributors and exhibitors of sexually oriented entertainment to their intended market. Neither is it the intent nor effect of this ordinance to condone or legitimize the distribution of obscene material.

Based on evidence of the adverse secondary effects of adult uses presented in hearings and in reports made available to the City Council, and on findings incorporated in the cases of Pap's A.M. v. City of Erie,  529 U.S. 277 (2000);  Thomas v. Chicago Park District,  122 S. Ct. 775 (2002),  City of Renton v. Playtime Theatres, Inc.  , 475 U.S. 41 (1986), Young v. American Mini Theatres, 426 U.S. 50 (1976), Barnes v. Glen Theatre, Inc.  , 501 U.S. 560 (1991);  California v. LaRue  , 409 U.S. 109 (1972);  DLS, Inc. v. City of Chattanooga  , 107 F.3d 403 (6th Cir. 1997);  East Brooks Books, Inc. v. City of Memphis,  48 F.3d 220 (6th Cir. 1995);  Broadway Books v. Roberts,  642 F.Supp. 486 (E.D. Tenn. 1986); Bright Lights, Inc. v. City of Newport, 830 F.Supp. 378 (E.D. Ky. 1993);  Richland Bookmart v. Nichols,  137 F.3d 435 (6th Cir. 1998);  Dj vu v. Metro Government,  1999 U.S. App. LEXIS 535 (6th Cir. 1999);  Bamon Corp. v. City of Dayton  , 7923 F.2d 470 (6th Cir. 1991);  Threesome Entertainment v. Strittmather  , 4 F.Supp.2d 710 (N.D. Ohio 1998);  J.L. Spoons, Inc. v. City of Brunswick  , 49 F.Supp.2d 1032 (N.D. Ohio 1999);  Triplett Grille, Inc. v. City of Akron  , 40 F.3d 129 (6th Cir. 1994);  Nightclubs, Inc. v. City of Paducah  , 202 F.3d 884 (6th Cir. 2000);  O'Connor v. City and County of Denver  , 894 F.2d 1210 (10th Cir. 1990);  Dj vu of Nashville, Inc., et al. v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County  , 2001 U.S. App. LEXIS 26007 (6th Cir. Dec. 6, 2001);  Z.J. Gifts D-2, L.L.C. v. City of Aurora  , 136 F.3d 683 (10th Cir. 1998);  Connection Distrib. Co. v. Reno  , 154 F.3d 281 (6th Cir. 1998);  Sundance Assocs. v. Reno  , 139 F.3d 804 (10th Cir. 1998);  American Library Association v. Reno  , 33 F.3d 78 (D.C. Cir. 1994);  American Target Advertising, Inc. v. Giani  , 199 F.3d 1241 (10th Cir. 2000);  Z.J. Gifts D-2, L.L.C. v. City of Aurora  , 136 F.3d 683 (10th Cir. 1998);  ILQ Investments, Inc. v. City of Rochester  , 25 F.3d 1413 (8th Cir. 1994);  Bigg Wolf Discount Video Movie Sales, Inc. v. Montgomery County  , 2002 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 1896 (D. Md., Feb. 6, 2002);  Currence v. Cincinnati  , 2002 U.S. App. LEXIS 1258 (6th Cir., Jan. 24, 2002); and other cases; and on testimony to Congress in 136 Cong. Rec. S 8987; 135 Cong. Rec. S. 14519; 135 Cong. Rec. S 5636; 134 Cong. Rec. E 3750; and reports of secondary effects occurring in and around sexually oriented businesses, including, but not limited to, Phoenix, Arizona - 1979; Minneapolis, Minnesota-1980; Houston, Texas - 1997; Amarillo, Texas; Garden Grove, California - 1991; Los Angeles, California - 1977; Whittier, California - 1978; Austin, Texas - 1986; Seattle, Washington - 1989; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - 1986; Cleveland, Ohio - and Dallas, Texas - 1997; St. Croix County, Wisconsin - 1993; Bellevue, Washington, - 1998; Newport News, Virginia - 1996; New York Times Square study - 1994; Phoenix, Arizona - 1995-98; and also on findings from the paper entitled "Stripclubs According to Strippers: Exposing Workplace Sexual Violence," by Kelly Holsopple, Program Director, Freedom and Justice Center for Prostitution Resources, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and from "Sexually Oriented Businesses: An Insider's View," by David Sherman, presented to the Michigan House Committee on Ethics and Constitutional Law, Jan. 12, 2000, and the Report of the Attorney General's Working Group On The Regulation Of Sexually Oriented Businesses, (June 6, 1989, State of Minnesota), the City Council finds that sexually oriented business as a category of establishments are correlated with harmful secondary effects, and that the foregoing reports are reasonably believed to be relevant to the problems that Brighton is seeking to abate and prevent in the future. 

III.       This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect fifteen (15) days from the adoption as provided by the Brighton City Charter.

 DIANA LOWE, City Clerk                       

Notice of Special Meeting of the City Council on November 14 & 15, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be a Special City Council Meeting of the Brighton City Council to be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Brighton Community Center, 555 Brighton Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116.  The Council is meeting for the purpose of discussing and possibly taking action on Goal Setting Issues.  All public is welcome to attend the meeting.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Main Street Mill and Resurface Project Meeting--Wednesday October 7, 2009 at 9am

This project will be the complete mill and resurfacing of Main Street from Grand River to Third Street.  It will also include some sidewalk and curb reconstruction.

An informational meeting for residents and business owners will be held at the Brighton Community Center, 555 Brighton Street, at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.  Please join City staff and City Engineers to learn more about this project.

The schedule calls for construction to begin on October 12th and to be completed within three weeks.  The closure of Main Street will occur between the hours of 9:00 pm and 6:00 am.  The majority of the sidewalk construction will be completed during the daytime hours.

This project is federally funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

For additional information and a map of the project area please visit: www.brightoncity.org - Main Street Mill & Resurface

* No RSVP required but a phone call to Patty Thomas, DPS Adm. Asst. at 225-8004 will help us estimate attendance for set-up purposes.*

City of Brighton’s Leaf Collection Program will begin the week of October 5, 2009

Since its inception, the City of Brighton continues to refine its Curbside Leaf Pickup Program, with regard to both service levels and taxpayer expenses for this service.  We need all residents’ cooperation in order for it to run as smoothly as possible.  We are requesting that all citizens follow the guidelines below.  Please take the time to read and understand the following regarding the City’s Leaf Collection Program for the year 2009.  Thank you for your cooperation with this program.

The City of Brighton’s Leaf Collection Program will begin the week of October 5, 2009.  Waste Management is picking up yard waste and leaves FROM ALL CITY RESIDENTS in the brown yard waste bags every week on your normal trash pickup day from the week of October 5^th through November 25, 2009.  The brown leaf bags will be available beginning Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Department of Public Services Office, 420 S. Third Street, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am through 5:00 pm. In an effort to reduce and control costs as well as to ensure that leaf bags are being picked up and utilized by City of Brighton residents only, the City has removed the large bin at the end of the driveway that was used in previous years for after-hours leaf bag pick up. Each resident is asked to take only two bundles (10 bags) at each pick up.  Although there is a limit to the number of bags that can be picked up from the City, there is no limit on the number of bags that can be put out for collection.

In an effort to make the curbside leaf bag pickup work as efficiently as possibly, please store yard waste bags where they are not exposed to heavy rain.  Yard waste bags should be stored in the garage or under an over hang.  If heavy rain is expected in the evening before your pick up day, we are asking residents to place yard waste bags out in the early morning.  Wet, heavy leaves/yard waste can cause collection issues. 

In addition to this service, the City will once again be offering its curbside leaf vacuuming services FOR ALL CITY RESIDENTS.  This service will begin when accumulations of leaves merit the mobilization of this equipment and will continue as needed and as weather permits.  Leaves only will be vacuumed as brush and twigs do not process in the machines.  Residents are asked to rake their leaves to the edge of their lawn.  Please note that leaves should not be raked or blown into the street as this can cause driving hazards.     

DPS Personnel will be reviewing the City on a day-by-day basis to determine which areas need to be addressed and those leaves will be vacuumed that day.  Please understand that we will strive to remove your leaves in a timely manner after you have raked them to the curb.  Please remember that it is not possible for the City to vacuum leaves on an on-call basis.

Remember, burning your leaves is not allowed in the City of Brighton, by ordinance. 

For more information call the Department of Public Service at 225-8001.

City of Brighton Fire Hydrant Flushing begins at 12:00am on Monday, September 28, 2009

RESIDENTS OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON AND THE RESIDENTS OF GENOA AND BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP THAT HAVE CITY WATER SERVICE:

The City of Brighton Water Division will be flushing fire hydrants between the hours of 12:00 am and 7:00 am beginning Monday, September 28^th, through Saturday, October 3^rd, 2009.

Please plan your water use accordingly.  Your water pressure may be lessened during these times.   You may experience periods of discolored water during this flushing as well as the day following the flushing of the hydrants in your area.  Should this occur, please run your cold water faucets only for approximately 10 minutes to clear the discolored water from your system.  If you still continue to experience discolored water, please call the Utilities Superintendent, Tim Krugh, at 227.9479.

City of Brighton Special Meeting of the Downtown Development Authority on September 29, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that there will be a Special Meeting of the Downtown Development Authority on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 7:15 a.m. in the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 North First Street, Brighton, Michigan.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and consider possible action on proposed DDA Plan Amendments to recommend to the City Council.  All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

If you have any questions regarding this meeting please contact the Brighton City Clerk at 227-0463.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK

Voter registration closes at 5:00pm on Monday, October 5, 2009

All City of Brighton electors are hereby given notice that the General Election will be held in the City of Brighton on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 for the purpose of electing four Councilmembers.

City of Brighton electors who wish to vote in the General Election must be registered to vote no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2009.  Notice is hereby given that staff will be in the office on Monday, October 5, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the purpose of registering qualified electors.

If you have any please call 810-227-0463.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  To obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator 810-225-8001.

Diana Lowe
City Clerk

Notice of  November 3, 2009 Election for Office of City Council

To the qualified electors of Livingston County, notice is hereby given that an Election will be held on November 3, 2009, from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of electing four candidates for the Office of City Council.

The polling places are as follows:

Precinct One:  Brighton Area District Library, 100 Library Drive, Brighton

Precinct Two:  Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N. First Street, Brighton

Precinct Three:  BECC (Brighton Education Community Center) Building, 125 S. Church Street

Precinct Four:  BECC (Brighton Education Community Center) Building, 125 S. Church Street

All City of Brighton voting precincts are handicap accessible and voting instructions will be available in all precincts in alternative formats (Audio and Braille).

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator, (810) 227-1911, at least give business days prior to the meeting.

Diana Lowe
City Clerk

 

Second Reading and Public Hearing on Adult Use Amendments

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Brighton City Council will hold second reading and public hearing at 7:30 p.m., October 1, 2009 at the Brighton City Council Chambers, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan 48116 to amend Chapter 98 of the Brighton City Code.

REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 98 ARTICLE XII, C-1, DIVISION 2 – ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS; AND CHAPTER 98 ARTICLE XIII, C-2, SEC. 98-357 – USE REGULATIONS.

The proposed ordinance is available for inspection at City Hall, 200 N 1^st Street, Brighton, Michigan.  Public comment is invited.  ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS are invited and encouraged to attend this public hearing.

To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):  Any citizen requesting accommodation to attend this meeting/function and/or to obtain this notice in alternate formats, please contact David Blackmar, ADA Coordinator (810) 225-8001, at least five business days prior to the meeting/function.

DIANA LOWE
CITY CLERK