Austin Colson

This document records proceedings from the City of Lathrup Village's Winter Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Key discussions included welcoming attendees and wishing them a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Remarks were provided by city officials, acknowledging sponsors such as the DDA, Southfield Fire Department, Southfield Chamber of Commerce, and Lathrup Village Chamber of Commerce, as well as Parks and Recreation volunteers. The event included a countdown for the lighting of the tree. The Mayor also extended holiday wishes to all residents.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda was approved with several modifications, including pulling the November 24th city council meeting minutes from the consent agenda and adding a motion to approve the recording of city council study sessions. Significant time was dedicated to recognizing promotions within the Lathrup Village Police Department, specifically Officers Houston and Roberts being promoted to Sergeant, followed by the swearing-in ceremony. Following this, a proclamation was presented to honor the retirement of Chief Scott McKe after his long service, detailing his accomplishments. Another presentation honored William H. Besky, who died in service during the Vietnam War, involving the display of a tribute certificate and reading a letter from his family, emphasizing themes of unity and community despite division.

The meeting involved administrative approvals, including the approval of the agenda and the minutes from a prior meeting. Key discussions centered on New Business, specifically providing updates regarding the second annual Winter Festival scheduled for December 5th, detailing various activities planned, such as cookie decorating, fire truck visits, Santa Claus photos, ornament making, dreidle instruction, library card sign-ups, and a Christmas tree lighting. Another significant agenda item addressed the Snow Removal Contract for sidewalks along Leather Mile and overpasses, where Paradise Gardens was recommended for the contract due to competitive pricing and strong performance record, despite receiving only three bids due to industry labor and cost challenges. Finally, the board discussed the proposed purchase agreement for the property at 27907 California Drive, which the potential buyer indicated was outside their cost structure for a proposed urban nursery and educational center; the board resolved to explore a lease option with the interested party instead of proceeding with the sale.

The Planning Commission meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, following the acknowledgement of absences for two commissioners. Key agenda items included the approval of the previous November meeting minutes and the agenda for the current session. The primary focus was the update to the Master Plan, presented by representatives from Giles Webster. The presentation covered results from a previous October kickoff meeting, including a SWOT analysis summary highlighting community strengths such as character, safety, natural features, location, and growth potential, alongside weaknesses like lack of business diversity, limited economic growth, and aging infrastructure. Guiding principles derived from participant voting were also reviewed, emphasizing environmental stewardship, community values, infrastructure sustainability, and data-based decision-making. The discussion also touched upon the 2021 Comprehensive Plan goals and the Future Land Use Map, with specific consideration given to development along major corridors like Southfield Road and potential adjustments to parking requirements.

The meeting included discussions on several key items. A public hearing was hosted for a cryptocurrency ATM ordinance, which involved considerations for operator registration, fraud warnings, and location restrictions. There was also a review of a site plan concerning a change of use for a building from retail to restaurant to support the expansion.