Livonia City Council Study Meeting - June 1, 2026
LIVONIA — 6/7/2026
The Livonia City Council held its June 1, 2026 Study Session — the 2,043rd session on record — at City Hall Auditorium, presided over by Vice President Patrick Brockway in the absence of Council President Kayleigh Reid, who departed after the preceding 7:00 p.m. regular meeting. All 13 agenda items were moved forward for official action at the Regular Meeting of June 15, 2026. No votes were taken at the study session itself; all items were recommended for the consent or regular agenda.
The meeting drew spirited audience participation, particularly on the city's proposed public safety millage and ongoing concerns about the Spree outdoor festival. Council members also weighed in on the city budget timeline, upcoming Finance and Budget Committee meetings, and the importance of cooperative purchasing agreements.
Council Members Present
Complete Agenda — Action Summary
All 13 items reviewed at the study session are set for official vote at the Regular Meeting of June 15, 2026. Items 1–5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 were designated for the consent agenda. Item 6 was designated for the regular agenda due to the need for a separate resolution waiving the 300-foot separation requirement and specific stipulations added at the study session.
| # | Item / Petitioner | Category | Recommendation | June 15 Placement | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Block Party & Street Barricade — Lauren Feigel | External Request | Approving | Fourth annual gathering combining the Orioles youth football program and Churchill High School families. Sunday, June 28, 2026, 4–10 p.m. along the Five Mile Service Road from 36996 to 36916 Five Mile Road. Attendees will also view Spree fireworks from the boulevard. Moved to consent by Council Member McCullough. | |
| 2 | Block Party — Collin Buerkle | External Request | Approving | Celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Saturday, July 4, 2026, 12 p.m.–10 p.m. on Roycroft Street between Woodring and Loveland Streets. 15490 Woodring. Moved to consent by Council Member McCullough. | |
| 3 | Block Party — James Rumrill, Ray Franges & Mark Miller | External Request | Approving | 23rd annual neighborhood block party. Saturday, August 29, 2026, 12 p.m.–10 p.m. on Brentwood Street between Jacquelyn Drive and Meadowlark Street (14430 Brentwood). Rain date: Sunday, August 30, 2026. Moved to consent by Council Member Persconi. | |
| 4 | Non-Profit Designation — Kindred Spirits Quilters of Livonia (Barbara Sexton) | External Request | Approving | The Kindred Spirits Quilters, a social quilting club at 20604 Chestnut Circle, seeks city recognition as a non-profit organization as required by the State of Michigan to obtain a Charitable Gaming License for closed-event raffle fundraisers. Proceeds support charity quilt-making. Moved to consent by Council Member McCullough. | |
| 5 | Driveway Ordinance Waiver — Aquelio Garcia (15273 Gary Lane) | External Request | Approving | Contractor Aquelio Garcia of Southgate inadvertently cut a curb approach 2 feet 4 inches beyond the 25-foot maximum permitted under city ordinance (Sec. 12.04.250). The Engineering Division confirmed the excess is minor and the contractor followed appropriate permit procedures. City Engineer Zielinski described it as a "formality." Moved to consent by Council Member McCullough. | |
| 6 | Waiver Petition 2026-03-02-11 — Maison Rose Events (Banquet/Event Facility) | Planning Commission | Approving w/ Stipulations | Regular | Husband-and-wife owned event decor and facility business proposing to operate at 37176 Six Mile Road (KeyBank Commons Plaza, NE corner of Newburgh & Six Mile, SW ¼ of Section 8) in a 4,300 sq ft space. Occupancy limited to 136 guests. Planning Commission approved 4–2 (AYES: Dinaro, Bongero, Long, Wilshaw; NAYS: Ventura, Caramagno; ABSENT: Droze) on May 5, 2026. Council added stipulations: events must end by 11 p.m.; all alcohol service must be by a licensed bartender; events may not charge admission while alcohol is present (Michigan Liquor Control regulations). A separate resolution waiving the 300-foot separation requirement will also be needed. Placed on regular agenda by Council Member McCullough. |
| 7 | Waiver Petition 2026-04-02-12 — Second Showing LLC (Consignment Furniture) | Planning Commission | Approving w/ Stipulation | Existing consignment furniture business at 20412 Farmington Road (east side, between 8 Mile and Norfolk, NW ¼ of Section 3), operating for approximately two years in a small three-tenant complex. Technically classified as a "second-hand store" under city zoning, requiring a waiver. City Planner Taormina noted the business is clean, well-managed, and poses no issues typical of second-hand or pawn shops. Stipulation: approval is limited to this applicant; any transfer requires City Council approval. Petitioner was not present at study session. Moved to consent by Council Member Persconi. | |
| 8 | Appointment of Substitute Magistrate — Timothy J. Klisz, 16th District Court | 16th District Court | Approving | Judge Jim Jolley of the 16th District Court introduced Timothy J. Klisz as substitute magistrate per Administrative Order No. 3035 and Public Act 16 of 1976 (MCLA §600.8501(2)). Klisz is a 30-year attorney, past president of the Livonia Bar Association, graduate of the Livonia Citizens Police Academy, and a longtime mentor to law students. He will substitute for full-time Magistrate Roger Spence approximately 2–3 weeks per year. Klisz was present at the meeting and noted he had already been shadowing Spence. Moved to consent by Council Member McCullough. | |
| 9 | Special Assessments — 2025 Sidewalk Program, Contract 25-G | City Treasurer | Approving | City Treasurer Susan Nash presented a resolution placing special assessments on properties whose owners have not paid charges for sidewalk replacements under the 2025 Sidewalk Program. Approximately 184 properties are on the list. A subset (9–10) requested payment plans. Property owners have until September 30 to pay without interest; interest accrues October 1; unpaid amounts roll to the December 1 tax bill. Moved to consent by Council Member McDonnell. | |
| 10 | Award of Bid — Custodial Supplies (Cintas) | Dept. of Public Works | Approving | Assistant Public Works Director Zach Coppola presented the award of bid to Cintas for custodial supplies (cleaning chemicals, microfiber cloths, mops, dispensers) for city buildings. A custodial supervisor conducted a walking audit of all facilities to identify the most cost-effective products. Pricing was secured through both the Omnia cooperative purchasing agreement and Michigan state bid pricing — both public procurement vehicles that ensure competitive rates. Total contract value approximately $140,000. An audience member questioned the no-bid nature; Coppola clarified state bid pricing constitutes a competitively bid contract. Moved to consent by Council Member McCullough. | |
| 11 | Streetlight Replacement — Idyl Wyld Golf Course West Parking Lot (35780 Five Mile) | Engineering Division | Approving | A light pole at the Idyl Wyld Golf Course west parking lot was struck by a vehicle in November 2025. Repairing one pole would cost ~$11,000. The Engineering Division instead negotiated a DTE Electric agreement to install 11 new 138W LED Leotek fixtures on Code 41 posts for $26,889 (CIAC amount after $21,095 revenue credit on a $47,984 total construction cost) — approximately $2,445 per light. Under the agreement, DTE owns and maintains the lights, and will repair or replace damaged equipment in perpetuity at no additional cost to the city. Funded from the 401 capital improvements account. The upper parking lot is city-owned; the lower lot is shared 50/50 with One Under. Council Member Ptashnik quipped it was a "no brainer" and noted the cost-effectiveness. Moved to consent by Council Member Ptashnik. | |
| 12 | ZBA Appointment — Daniel Steele (by Council President Reid) | City Council | Approving | Council President Kayleigh Reid nominated Daniel P. Steele Jr. (36824 Munger Dr.) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term expiring July 12, 2029. Steele is a lifelong Livonia resident and 15-year member of the State Bar of Michigan. He holds a J.D. from Thomas Cooley Law School (magna cum laude) and is currently an attorney at Vahdat Weisman Law in Livonia. Steele attended the full meeting and was warmly received. Council Member Ptashnik offered approving on consent. No dissent. | |
| 13 | ZBA Appointment — Christopher Boloven (by Council Member Ptashnik) | City Council | Approving | Council Member Martha Ptashnik nominated Christopher Boloven (17405 Ellen Dr.) to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a three-year term expiring July 12, 2029, filling the seat vacated by Brian Maher. Boloven is an attorney and CPA at Apex Law PLC and Apex CPA PLC in Livonia with nearly 10 years of legal experience, including prior ZBA service with Ptashnik. Ptashnik stated Boloven was "the first one I thought of" when the seat became vacant and that he mentored her through the ZBA process. Audience member Christopher Martin endorsed the appointment and called for ZBA meetings to be broadcast publicly. Council Member Persconi offered approving on consent. |
Significant Event: Maison Rose Events — Banquet Facility Permit (Item 6)
The most substantive discussion of the evening centered on the waiver petition from Maison Rose Events, a business owned by Alphonso and his wife Wienclaw, healthcare professionals who have been building an event décor company for several years. They seek to open a 4,300 sq ft event and banquet facility with up to 136 guests at the KeyBank Commons Plaza on Six Mile Road.
City Planner Tony Taormina summarized the proposal, noting adequate parking, compliance with code, and that the Planning Commission approved it 4–2 with six conditions including a floor plan adherence requirement, a 136-guest cap, no LED lightband or exposed neon, and a non-transferable waiver. The petitioner outlined planned community programming: yoga, tai chi, CPR and first aid training, health workshops, self-defense classes, domestic violence awareness events, and seasonal gatherings.
Council Member Ptashnik pressed the petitioner on several operational details: hours (events end at 10 p.m. with one hour for cleanup), alcohol handling (licensed bartender only, no sale of alcohol, no admission charge while alcohol is served per Michigan LCC rules), security (on-site security company for evening and large events), and crowd management at the rear of the building (back door to be locked; security will enforce).
Parking was flagged as a concern at the Planning Commission level. The petitioner acknowledged that peak-use large events would occur at most four times per month (Saturday evenings), while weekday events would draw fewer than 20 people. Council Member McCullough moved approval on the regular agenda with stipulations: 11 p.m. hard close and licensed bartenders only. A separate resolution waiving the 300-foot separation requirement will accompany the item on June 15.
Council Study Session Action Moved to regular agenda by Council Member McCullough with stipulations: 11 p.m. end time; licensed bartender required for all alcohol service; no separate resolution needed for alcohol sale (facility will be unlicensed). Separate 300-ft separation waiver resolution required June 15.
Significant Event: Idyl Wyld Golf Course Streetlight Upgrade (Item 11)
City Engineer Todd Zilincik presented a creative solution to a problem that began in November 2025 when a vehicle struck a light pole at the Idyl Wyld Golf Course west parking lot. Rather than spend ~$11,000 to repair a single pole that remained vulnerable to future damage, the Engineering Division negotiated a DTE Electric purchase agreement to install 11 new 138W LED fixtures across the entire parking lot for $26,889 — less than 2.5x the cost of replacing just one pole, and with a key advantage: DTE will own, operate, and maintain the lights in perpetuity.
Council Member Ptashnik joked she initially wondered why the city wouldn't simply repair the one light, then recognized the quantity differential on re-reading the memo. She also drew knowing laughs by noting the pole "won't be the last time" it gets hit — a reference apparently to a known City employee's past vehicular incidents in the parking area.
Public Comment — Opening Audience Communication (Timeline)
The council set aside 30 minutes for audience communication on items not on the agenda. Three speakers addressed the council prior to the start of the formal agenda.
| Timestamp | Speaker | Topic | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~0:17–4:11 | Steve King Country Gardens neighborhood |
Public Safety Millage — Opposition | King, a vocal millage opponent, directed viewers to his Facebook reels (5,000–10,000 views each) and argued the millage uses first responders as "human shields" to protect mismanaged general fund spending. He compared the tactic to the Michigan Lottery, where lottery proceeds substituted rather than supplemented school funding. King contended that by creating a dedicated public safety millage, the city freed up general fund money that was then diverted to "nonessential capital projects" and items like the $150 million Livonia Built plan rejected by voters. He pointed to savings suggestions — including a salt purchase deal that could have saved $100,000 — as evidence of wasteful spending. He called on voters to vote "no" on the millage and "yes on accountability." |
| ~4:12–7:17 | Katie Rogan Livonia, 11-year resident |
Spree Fence/Safety; Public Transit Crime Concerns; Millage Split | Rogan raised three issues: (1) She contacted the Livonia Fire Marshal about perimeter fencing requirements for the Spree outdoor festival, noting the event claims only two entrances but may need more. She alleged the Spree's Facebook administrators blocked her after she raised questions publicly, calling it "petty behavior." She also noted difficulty reaching the Traffic Bureau despite a council member apparently receiving prompt email responses. (2) On regional public transit, Rogan argued that bus service increases crime, citing her husband's experience as a police officer in an Oakland County township that was forced to adopt transit and saw crime rise. She referenced a recent stabbing near a bus stop on Plymouth Road and called on the council to consider proactive crime prevention strategies. (3) She suggested the police and fire components of the millage should be separated into two distinct measures, arguing the fire department has performed well while the police department has "failed on so many levels." |
| ~7:25–10:25 | Christopher Martin Resident of Michigan |
Wasteful Spending; Library Conduct Concerns | Martin flagged what he characterized as wasteful spending, describing city work-detail workers sitting in vehicles doing nothing on Saturday and Sunday outside the old courthouse — paid on taxpayer time. He noted a mix-up in his previous statements: the relevant program is run by the Chief Judge (Susan Church), not the female director he had previously named. Martin then pivoted to describe a recurring disorder problem at the Livonia Civic Center Library, where a patron had been talking loudly to herself and attempting to engage others. Martin said police were eventually called after he complained and the situation improved. On the day of the meeting, he reported a new incident where a different individual caused a disturbance; the desk employee on the second floor took no action. He spoke with the library director, who said she would "have a talk with her boss" — a response Martin found absurd since, in his view, the director was the boss. He said he would have fired the employee and was publicly reporting the incident as promised. |
Council Member Remarks — Between Audience Communication and Agenda
| Timestamp | Speaker | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| ~10:30–11:35 | Council Member Ptashnik | Responded directly to Steve King's millage comments, pushing back on the claim that no general fund money goes to public safety. Ptashnik stated that 66% of the city's general fund — approximately $50 million — is already allocated to public safety. She noted an upcoming annual audit and laid out the budget calendar: Finance and Budget Committee meeting tentatively set for Monday, August 10; the Mayor is required by charter to submit a preliminary budget by September 15; a public hearing follows; budget adoption targeted for late October. She encouraged residents to engage with the public process as dates are confirmed. |
Public Comment During Agenda Items (Timeline)
| Timestamp | Speaker | Item | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~29:05–30:11 | Christopher Martin Michigan resident |
Item 8 — Klisz Appointment | Martin spoke in favor of the Klisz magistrate appointment, citing that a former attorney friend of his (Frank Kokkinakis) had spoken highly of Klisz. Martin acknowledged that he has appeared before the court system himself and stated he is "in favor of this." He also noted the short appeal window (21 days to circuit court) for ZBA decisions and called for ZBA meetings to be broadcast publicly. |
| ~32:24–32:55 | Unidentified speaker | Item 9 — Sidewalk Assessments | A member of the audience questioned whether there were "hundreds" of properties on the assessment list and noted the list appeared to contain approximately 184 entries. Asked what the circumstances were that led to the assessments. Vice President Brockway clarified the assessments are for properties where city-contracted sidewalk replacement work was completed and owners have not yet paid. No further objection raised. |
| ~34:45–35:12 | Unidentified speaker | Item 10 — Custodial Supplies Bid | The speaker expressed concern that the dollar amount of the contract (~$140,000) was not prominently displayed in public-facing materials. He also questioned whether the bid process was properly followed, characterizing it as a "no bid contract." Council Member McCullough responded after the item was moved, clarifying that Michigan's state bid (MI Deal) pricing constitutes a competitively procured contract under state law and that the pricing is preset and leveraged for cost savings across many municipalities. |
| ~40:17–41:35 | Christopher Martin Michigan resident |
Item 13 — Boloven ZBA Appointment | Martin expressed support for the Boloven ZBA appointment, noting Boloven's past ZBA service and forgiving the fact that Boloven is an attorney. He renewed his call for ZBA meetings to be broadcast publicly, noting that ZBA decisions carry a 21-day circuit court appeal window — a significant legal consequence for residents who may not even know the hearings took place. He also commented on what he viewed as excessive spending on decorative hanging flowers on lampposts at the expense of civic transparency investments. |
Closing Audience Communication
Vice President Brockway opened the floor for closing remarks from audience members who had not spoken at the start of the meeting. No one came forward. One council member joked about hoping Christopher Martin would leave behind the plants he had apparently brought. The meeting was adjourned.
Vote Summary
As a study session, no binding votes were taken on June 1, 2026. All items are scheduled for official vote at the Regular Meeting of June 15, 2026 (the 2,043rd Regular Meeting). Below is a summary of the proposed disposition of each item.
| # | Item | Moved By | Disposition | June 15 Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Block Party — Feigel | McCullough | Approving on consent | |
| 2 | Block Party — Buerkle | McCullough | Approving on consent | |
| 3 | Block Party — Rumrill/Franges/Miller | Persconi | Approving on consent | |
| 4 | Non-Profit Designation — Kindred Spirits Quilters | McCullough | Approving on consent | |
| 5 | Driveway Waiver — Garcia | McCullough | Approving on consent | |
| 6 | Waiver Petition — Maison Rose Events | McCullough | Approving on regular w/ stipulations (11 p.m. close; licensed bartender) | Regular |
| 7 | Waiver Petition — Second Showing LLC | Persconi | Approving on consent w/ stipulation (operator-specific) | |
| 8 | Substitute Magistrate — Timothy Klisz | McCullough | Approving on consent | |
| 9 | Special Assessments — 2025 Sidewalk Program | McDonnell | Approving on consent | |
| 10 | Bid Award — Custodial Supplies (Cintas) | McCullough | Approving on consent | |
| 11 | Streetlight Upgrade — Idyl Wyld Golf Course | Ptashnik | Approving on consent | |
| 12 | ZBA Appointment — Daniel Steele | Ptashnik | Approving on consent | |
| 13 | ZBA Appointment — Christopher Boloven | Persconi | Approving on consent |
Unfinished Business: None listed on the June 1 study agenda. The council noted new data had been submitted for Item 9 (sidewalk assessments) and it was noted at the start of the agenda review.
Budget Process: Ongoing. Finance & Budget Committee meeting tentatively August 10; Mayor's preliminary budget due September 15 by charter; public hearing and adoption expected in October 2026.
Meeting: Livonia City Council Study Session No. 2043 · Date: June 1, 2026 · Location: City Hall Auditorium, 33000 Civic Center Drive, Livonia, MI 48154 · Presiding Officer: Vice President Patrick Brockway · Next Regular Meeting: June 15, 2026 · Source: Official transcript and agenda packet.