City Of Northville: Council Hears City's Priorities For FY 2022/23

Northville MI

13 January, 2022

3:48 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Northville: 01/13/2022 Translate Goals and Objectives meeting held City Council held a special meeting in council chambers on Jan. 10 to learn about the administration's goals and objectives for Fiscal Year 2022-23 and of progress made on last year's goals. City Manager Pat Sullivan presented a summary report on departmental achievements in 2021 and answered follow-up questions from council members. Department directors presented highlights of their goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, and also responded to questions from council members about plans and projects. With the return to in-person meetings on Jan. 1, 2022 in compliance with the State Open Meetings Act, and amidst a public health crisis due to the COVID-19 variant Omicron, all participants wore masks and maintained social distancing to help keep the virus at bay. The council and city manager will hold a separate strategic session to review task force recommended initiatives, and assimilate high-priority goals of those groups into the FY 2022-23 goals and objectives. Both council and administration will also discuss how best to manage and monitor new construction at the Downs. The city is looking into contracting with a consultant to manage hybrid meetings. Among the year's achievements, the new water meters are helping prevent water loss and the pension fund is 77% funded and the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) plan is fully funded. The city has realized a 3% increase in tax revenue, due to higher assessments and new construction. Much ground was covered – from finances and water savings to building inspections, parking lots and making simple fixes to improve walkability. Social issues came up too. These include: a new social worker resource to help police and Northville Youth Network with mental health issues in the community, ways to bring new retailers and restaurants to the city, and new grants for senior fitness. Watch the video of the meeting for particular areas of interest. Public comment was made by Nancy Darga, 516 N. Center, former City Council member and current chair of the Northville Rouge River Restoration Task Force. She strongly urged City Council to have an action plan in place for the three task forces so the city would be "shovel ready" for funding opportunities. She also took issue with the Feb. 1 deadline to finalize elements in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, noting that Ford Field priority items should be added to that report. Council communications Mayor Brian Turnbull thanked citizens for taking an interest in city government by serving on task forces and applying to board and commission positions. Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Moroski-Browne thanked City Hall staff and guests for coming to City Hall in the midst of a "COVID tsunami." Council Member Andrew Krenz said the Farmers Market Task Force, which he chairs, will present a report to City Council in February. View the video here. This press release was produced by the City of Northville. The views expressed here are the author's own.