Livonia City Council Greenlights Infrastructure, Public Art, and Maintenance Projects
LIVONIA — 2/11/2026
The Livonia City Council held its 2034th regular meeting on February 9, 2026, advancing a broad range of community improvements. Council President Kayleigh Reid presided over the session, which saw the unanimous approval of several major initiatives, including a public art partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and significant investments in city infrastructure and park maintenance.
A key highlight was the authorization of a Memorandum of Understanding for the DIA Partners in Public Art Program, which will bring a community-driven mural to the Ben Celani play area. Additionally, the council approved several park upgrades, including the resurfacing of courts at Dufour Park and backstop replacements at Ford Field.
The council also addressed critical city services, such as increasing the annual budget for rock salt by $75,000 through 2029 to ensure road safety during winter months. The meeting concluded with the council moving into a closed session to discuss pending litigation involving the estate of L.V. Means.
Meeting Summary: Actions Taken
| Item # | Category | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consent | Noise Ordinance Waiver: Robert Rais (Knights of Columbus) for a car show with a DJ at St. Colette's Catholic Church on June 6, 2026. | Approved |
| 2 | Consent | Board of Review Reappointment: Mary Ciolino reappointed for a three-year term expiring Feb. 16, 2029. | Approved |
| 3 | Consent | Board of Ethics Reappointment: Lora Weingarden reappointed for a three-year term expiring March 1, 2029. | Approved |
| 4 | Consent | 2026 Board of Review: Approved the schedule of meeting dates/times, compensation rates, and 2026 Hardship Guidelines for property tax relief. | Approved |
| 5 | Consent | Public Art MOU: Authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with the DIA for a community-driven mural at the Ben Celani play area. | Approved |
| 6 | Consent | Pool Automation Bid: Awarded bid for a Pool Chemical Automation System and granular chlorine to maintain city aquatic facilities. | Approved |
| 7 | Consent | Dufour Park Resurfacing: Awarded bid for resurfacing tennis and inline hockey courts at Dufour Park. | Approved |
| 8 | Consent | Greens Rollers Purchase: Authorized the purchase of two Agrimetal greens rollers for city maintenance. | Approved |
| 9 | Consent | ROW Tree Planting: Awarded the 2026 Right-Of-Way Tree Planting bid to Crimboli Nursery for $155,250.00 (450 trees). | Approved |
| 10 | Consent | Ford Field Upgrades: Awarded bid for backstop and dugout bench replacements for Diamonds #3 and #6 at Ford Field. | Approved |
| 11 | Consent | FOG Treatment: Awarded a contract for Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) prevention treatment through Dec. 31, 2026. | Approved |
| 12 | Consent | Fleet Vehicle Purchase: Authorized the purchase of one 2026 Ford F150 Super Cab XLT 4X4 through the State of Michigan bid process. | Approved |
| 13 | Consent | Rock Salt Increase: Approved a $75,000 annual increase to the rock salt budget through 2029 for seasonal ice control. | Approved |
| 14 | Consent | Act 51 Street System: Approved additions and decertifications to the local street system for 2026 revenue computations. | Approved |
| 15 | Unfinished Business | Exterior Lighting Policy: Discussion regarding business illumination levels referred to the Law and Education Committee. | Referred |
| 16 | New Business | Wayne County ROW Permit: Adopted the 2026 Annual Right-of-Way Permit to allow DPW infrastructure maintenance within county roads. | Approved |
| 17 | New Business | Closed Session Request: Scheduled a closed meeting to discuss strategy regarding Estate of L.V. Means v. City of Livonia (Case No. 25-017576-NI). | Approved |
Significant Events & Highlights
- Public Art Advocacy: The council officially joined the DIA’s Partners in Public Art program. This project will involve the community in designing and installing a mural at the Ben Celani play area, highlighting local investment in culture and park aesthetics.
- Winter Safety Investment: Due to increased seasonal usage, the city committed to an additional $300,000 in rock salt funding over the next four years, ensuring the Department of Public Works is prepared for winter weather.
- Residential Illumination Concerns: Prompted by resident feedback regarding excessive business lighting ("light pollution"), Councilmember Brandon McCullough successfully referred the city’s exterior lighting policy for a formal review to update local ordinances.
- Legal Strategy: The council exercised its right under the Open Meetings Act to enter a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding the lawsuit Estate of L.V. Means v. City of Livonia, focusing on attorney-client privileged communications.