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In this edition:

1) Comment: Scott Moore for Commission
2) Comment: Tom McDaniel for Commission
3) Crunch Time Dept.: Candidates, PAC need your support
4) Comment: Join 94 calling for Lanzetta to retire
5) In interview, Moore calls commission 'broken,' proposes a vote on Orangeburg sewer solution
6) Open letters heat up police labor dispute
7) City responds to cops: Ad is misleading; arbitration is way to achieve everyone's goals
8) Cops plead in Eccentric ad: 'Stop wasting money and cutting services; give us a contract'
9) City OKs banquet hall, but dooms train station
10) City eyes banning pole signs
11) PSD appointees win swift approval
12) West side will get flood relief
13) Campaign briefs: Sept. 19, 2003 -- McDaniel's feet say, "Just buy the election!"


1) Comment: Scott Moore for Commission

Sept. 25, 2003

The Birmingham Buzz endorses Scott Moore for City Commission.

More than any other single candidate, Moore seems to understand the issues we face and the proper role of government. He is a proven leader (having served on the commission from 1995 to 1999, one year as mayor) with a good grasp of recent political history in Birmingham. He is clear-thinking, articulate, respectful of others and their ideas, and fair.

We like, for example, Moore's suggestion that we thoroughly research the Orangeburg sewer issue, and then take it to residents for a vote.

We also like his ability to see through the smokescreens sent up around the proposed tree ordinance, ethics ordinance and historical survey. All of these, he noted, sounded good in principal but were in fact nefariously motivated by the obsession of some commissioners with heavy-handed control.

Moore understands the interdependent relationship between our neighborhoods and downtown, and rejects attempts by candidate Dante Lanzetta and his followers to pit one against the other.

He would also advance our Downtown 2016 and Parks master plans, which commissioners have approved but have been slow to implement.

Most of all, Moore understands the economic realities of managing a city under the tax limitations imposed by the Headlee Amendment and Proposition A.

He astutely points out that our current City Commission is broken, with members failing to focus on what is truly important (economic issues, for example), and instead spending their time either micro-managing issues that are best left to staff (watch any five-hour commission meeting for abundant examples), or focusing on pet projects such as the aforementioned tree and ethics ordinances or historical survey.

Scott Moore would help set an agenda for the commission that would focus on what is important. He would help get the right things done.

We urge you to vote for Scott Moore for City Commission on Nov. 4.


2) Comment: Tom McDaniel for Commission

Sept. 24, 2003

The Birmingham Buzz endorses Tom McDaniel for City Commissioner.

McDaniel has the leadership skills and temperament we look for in a good commissioner. He retired from General Motors in 1995 after 29 years with the company, the last eight as vice-president in charge of Asian and Pacific Operations. He is an extremely qualified administrator.

Furthermore, he is balanced and fair. As Chairman of the Historical Board (on which he has served for four years) and as a seven-year member of the Historic District and Design Review Commission from 1995 to 2002 (two of which he served as chairman), he has been a champion for historic preservation in Birmingham. He spearheaded the creation of the Birmingham Historical Museum at the Allen House, and has been immersed for 15 years in his own historic preservation project -- the beautifully restored home on the southeast corner of Southfield and Lincoln that he shares with his wife, Susan, and their 12-year-old daughter, Christina.

While supporting historic preservation and the integrity of Birmingham's neighborhoods, McDaniel also understands the need for Birmingham to encourage sensible development. Without new investment and a solid tax base -- or an increase in taxes to its residents -- Birmingham can't sustain the services that are so valued here. To keep the town we want and need, he realizes we have to work with property owners and potential investors, not against them.

We like McDaniel's calm but firm demeanor when it comes to describing certain commissioners and their initiatives, and his practical approach to governance. He doesn't shrink from challenging Dante Lanzetta, for example, on Lanzetta's claim that unnamed developers are trying to "buy" the election. He called the proposed historical survey "a complete money-waster," and the $1 million sidewalk-to-nowhere over the Adams St. bridge "a classic example of the foolishness this commission has been engaged in." And he says commissioners "jumped the gun, bigtime" on the proposed tree and ethics ordinances, bringing them before the public, and unnecessarily stirring emotions, long before they were ready for formal introduction.

We also like McDaniel's positions on sewer improvements (he thinks the city can and should do more to assist residents) and the business community (he thinks the commission needs to mend fences).

Finally, McDaniel would give a boost to at least two ratified city plans that get plenty of lip service but little real support in the form of implementation by the current commission: the Downtown 2016 Plan and the Recreation Master Plan.

We urge you to vote for Tom McDaniel for City Commission on Nov. 4.


3) Crunch Time Dept.: Candidates, PAC need your support

Sept. 24, 2003

Candidates for the Birmingham City Commission, and Neighbors for a Better Birmingham, the political action committee formed by editors of the Buzz to influence the election, need your support.

Donations of up to $500 per person (personal checks only, please; no cash) can be sent to the following:

Neighbors for a Better Birmingham
124 Peabody
Birmingham, MI 48009

Committee to Elect Julie Plotnik City Commissioner
592 Henrietta
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 647-4319
jap1103@aol.com

Citizens to Elect Thomas S. McDaniel
1119 Southfield Rd.
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 540-2677
mcdaniel_tom@hotmail.com

Committee to Elect Scott Moore
984 Rivenoak
Birmingham, MI 48009
(248) 644-2875
sdm984@ameritech.net

The Buzz will announce an additional endorsement soon. You can also support candidates by agreeing to distribute literature or by holding an informal gathering at your home. Contact the candidates directly.


4) Comment: Join 94 calling for Lanzetta to retire

Sept. 29, 2003

Ninety-four concerned citizens have signed an open letter calling for the retirement or ouster of Dante Lanzetta from the Birmingham City Commission. It's not too late to add your name to the list.

Visit http://www.bhambuzz.org/dumpdante.html to see the letter and its signatories. It states simply: "We, the undersigned, believe it is time for Dante Lanzetta to retire from the Birmingham City Commission. If he chooses not to retire, we believe he should be voted out of office on Nov. 4."

More than 50 signers were added to the list in the first 24 hours after an initial call for support a week ago, said Buzz Editor Clinton Baller. "These people are really courageous, and my hope is that with publication of the list today, more people will come forward and publicly and fearlessly urge Lanzetta to step aside. He's been in office for 18 years now, and whether you agree with him or not, many people think that's long enough, and it's time to let others govern," Baller said.

To add your name to the list, simply send an email to info@bhambuzz.org
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5) In interview, Moore calls commission 'broken,' proposes a vote on Orangeburg sewer solution

Sept. 24, 2003

The Birmingham City Commission is "broken," with some commissioners creating an "us vs. them mentality," ignoring important budgetary issues, focusing on pet projects, and micromanaging city staff so much that creativity and morale at City Hall have been destroyed, says commission candidate Scott Moore.

Moore, an attorney, teacher and lifelong Birmingham resident, served on the commission from 1995 to 1999, and as mayor in 1999. He is seeking re-election.

"We have commissioners who profess to be 'for the neighborhoods' --- but what exactly is their record?" asks Moore. "Over the past few years, they have spent an inordinate amount of commission time, staff time and taxpayer money on things that hardly seem neighborly --- like new fees, higher taxes, fewer city services, and tighter restrictions on individual property rights. Tax dollars have been wasted on expensive pet projects, and on investigating city staff. Some seem to have gone out of their way to create an 'us vs. them' mentality between our neighborhoods and our downtown. They even refused state money to help make safe a white-knuckle intersection (Lincoln and Woodward) that many of us drive frequently. How is any of this pro-neighborhood?"

Moore's comments came in a wide-ranging interview about issues facing the city. He said the Orangeburg sewer issue should be thoroughly researched and then brought to voters for a decision.

"The Orangeburg Pipe controversy demands accurate information and community input for its resolution," Moore said.

"Who among us doesn't worry if we have a 'time bomb' lateral connected to our house? Unfortunately, too many of our fellow residents have already discovered the answer to this expensive question. Forget the hide-n-seek approach to problem solving that focuses on finger-pointing and defensive posturing; let's get all the facts out there, develop sound alternatives which will help achieve a just result, and then take it to all of us for a vote. A commission with sound leadership can make this happen. The city must plan and budget for infrastructure renewal, just as businesses and homeowners do," Moore said.

"Our downtown and residential areas are interrelated and interdependent," said Moore. "Most people understand that for the city to be financially sound we need both commercial and residential taxpayers to share the cost of city services. The failure of some on the commission to recognize this, to in fact go out of their way to polarize relationships with the Principal Shopping District (PSD), is not good for this city or its long-term health."

Differences of opinion are normal, inevitable, and even healthy, Moore said. "I believe that any differences can be worked through with open and skillful dialogue."

"I am determined that our city center will continue to be safe, friendly to pedestrians, and 'people-sized.' By utilizing our 2016 master plan and through sound fiscal management, I am determined to once again fully fund our fine Police Department, which helps make this happen."

One obvious goal of the City Commission should be the wise stewardship of the city's budget, Moore noted. Yet, he says, "this present Commission has seemingly been oblivious to the emerging budget crisis created by our "Prop A" world. Our taxes are high --- too high --- and we are right to demand that our tax money be used wisely and for the greatest common benefit. We all want quality services, a sound infrastructure and a safe environment, but Proposition A will make this increasingly difficult to achieve, unless there is solid financial oversight. When 75% of our tax revenue is capped at inflation (a good thing), but when the costs of running a city exceed inflation (a bad thing), there will ultimately be a gap."

"This year our city taxes went up and city services were reduced. We need a commission that understands that pet projects, high priced consultants, and money wasted on witch-hunt investigations is not good stewardship. We need a commission that understands that broadening the tax base by encouraging investment will maintain quality services without raising taxes. We need a commission that understands that seriously discussing city finances is an absolute necessity and an essential part of good government. When was the last time that the current commission did just that?" Moore asked.

On parks acquisition and improvements, Moore said the Parks & Recreation master plan is a good one and "will allow us access to state and federal tax money. Our Parks and Recreation Board has done a good job prioritizing and attempting to move important projects forward. I wish that I could say the same for the current Commission. I am concerned at the slow pace of the Booth Park improvements. Booth Park is an important piece of green space for the Mill Pond area, as well as for the city as a whole. I also feel the purchase of the Barnum property was a good decision for us and for future generations. The citizens committee has a difficult job of exploring ways to best utilize this property. Any viable plan for this space must to be self-supporting and not cost the taxpayer."

Commenting on the recent debate over an ethics ordinance, Moore said, "a big concern for the current Commission has been ethics. But ethics are about more than filing detailed lists of what you and your relatives own. Ethics have to do with the direct and honest expression of motives, being clear in your intentions and open in your goals, and providing government that is transparent to the stakeholders of this city."

"Let's talk about the ethics of proposing ordinances that sound so warm and fuzzy but are really intended to accomplish a hidden agenda --- one that is only found in the fine print. For example, ordinances that seem to focus on preserving trees and capturing the town's history."

"I mean, who can be against trees or in preserving one's history? I certainly am not! However, the gap between the stated intent of the proposed ordinances and the actual details powerfully suggests a different, darker agenda that could not stand the scrutiny of the public spotlight: the deliberate elimination of your ability to redevelop your property by the imposition of high fees, additional restrictions, and heavy-handed regulation by city government. That is simply lacking in honesty. We all deserve better. If it is worth doing, it can stand the rigors of fair and open debate."

"As I listen to friends, neighbors, and merchants, I have heard varied accounts of problems with city staff. I do not question the truthfulness of what I have heard, although sometimes it is the policy that is disliked, and the employee is merely performing as required," Moore said.

"It has been four years since I last was a commissioner, but I can tell you that our city staffers are committed to doing their jobs and performing their assigned responsibilities. Unfortunately, morale among staffers is the lowest that I have ever observed -- due to the micromanaging of the commission and its appointed board members. When every action is subject to mistrustful second-guessing, when an adversarial relationship with staff is created, then the public is hurt, and talented individuals are difficult to attract and retain. This is wrong. The proper roles of the City Commission, its appointed Boards, and city administration need to be re-established --- and when they are, balance and solid progress will follow."

Moore said the commission and appointed boards must respect their roles as public servants. "Our city, despite its relatively small size, is extremely complex in its issues and its niche within our immediate communities and region. Being an elected or appointed board member in our community is both an honor and a service. It is volunteer work and takes an inordinate amount of time and commitment, often at a personal sacrifice. However, our public servants must remember that when governance is driven by private agendas it does a disservice to those they serve. Those who come in front of the commission, those who live and work and do business in this city, deserve better service and more responsive government from our elected and appointed leaders."


6) Open letters heat up police labor dispute

Sept. 28, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

The labor dispute is growing ugly at Birmingham City Hall.

Birmingham police officers and firefighters have worked for more than a year without a new contact and decided to go to binding arbitration - a plan management was waiting for when they saw an advertisement in the Eccentric that turned up the heat on the previously civil talks.

"There is always conflict in contact negotiations," Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said. "But this is unfortunate. That ad was nothing but an inflammatory bargaining tactic. I guess they are trying to build up sympathy."

In the ad, the Birmingham Police Officers Association claims the city is spending hundreds of thousand of dollars to do such things as paint the backs of stop signs green, plant flowers and install sprinkler systems that "serve egos, but not the citizens."

Police claim city managers got hefty raises - as much as 13 percent - while they can't get a fair offer that competes with surrounding communities.

Markus said the ad is rife with misleading bits of information. The improvements mentioned are paid for with taxes collected by the city's principal shopping district. That money can only go to improvements downtown, not to pay police. And the talk of pay raises were largely attributed to staffers who attained new job classifications, Markus said.

David Greenwood, president of Local 911 of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union, said previously that health care is the major issue and that both unions were "basically trying to keep what we have now."

A date has not been set for arbitration and some 70 officers and firefighters are without a contract. All personnel are obligated to work under the old contract until a new agreement is reached so service to residents won't be disrupted.

Dan Schulte, assistant city manager, agreed that health care is a difficult nut to crack because costs are rising and the city has to find a way to deal with it.

"I don't have a crystal ball, but health care costs are rising fast," Schulte said. "It would be hard to believe that the type of coverage they have now will last."

In the mid-1990s, the city switched from Blue Cross medical coverage to Professional Providers of Michigan. At the time, the switch stalled contract negotiations so police and firefighters went to arbitration. A deal was struck two days into arbitration and the process was called off.

Union members pay $5 for generic prescriptions, $10 for brand-name drugs and $15 for office visits. Discussion centers on increasing employee contributions to the health care costs up to 20 percent to a certain level. The total amount an employee could pay would be capped and the city would also offer a reimbursement account that would allow employees to stash untaxed cash for future medical costs.

Workers are also seeking a salary hike, but officials from both sides of the bargaining table wouldn't provide specifics

Both sides went to mediation months ago, but the sessions ended in a stalemate with consensus far off on a few issues.

Published with permission from the Birmingham Eccentric.


7) City responds to cops: Ad is misleading; arbitration is way to achieve everyone's goals

Sept. 26, 2003

The City of Birmingham published the following letter in response to the Birmingham Police Officers Association letter.

An Open Letter to the General Public

Re: Birmingham Police Officers Association

Dear Citizens:

During the course of negotiations over the past two years the City has attempted to meet the economic concerns of the City's police officers in a fair and equitable manner. During this time, the City has consistently offered a wage package with increases identical to that of other City employees-including management employees and the City Manager. With regard to health care, the union leadership knows very well that the identical health care provisions recently approved for management employees would also be made available to police officers in a contract settlement. Such a wage and benefit settlement would assure the Birmingham police officers a highly competitive compensation package.

Unlike the private sector, unresolved differences between Michigan cities and their police officers unions are settled in binding arbitration. The Birmingham police officers union has filed their demand for arbitration with the State, and arbitration proceedings will be scheduled in late 2003 or early 2004. This is an expensive and time consuming process which the City has always sought to avoid by being fair and equitable with all employees. In the meantime, the current wages and benefits remain in place until an arbitration award is issued. Arbitration awards invariably establish wage increases as retroactive to the last day of the old labor contract.

In the meantime, the police officers union leadership is attempting to create public sympathy for their economic demands by placing misleading and inflammatory advertisements in the local press. We deeply regret any inconvenience that you may experience as a result of this, or any other activities designed to attract City residents to support their economic demands.

We hope that you will not be inconvenienced by employees who choose to exercise their constitutional rights of free speech. At the same time, we believe that the City's offers would have achieved both competitive compensation for police officers and fiscal responsibility on your behalf. We will continue to maintain a course during good faith negotiations and the arbitration process which will achieve these goals.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Markus
City Manager


8) Cops plead in Eccentric ad: 'Stop wasting money and cutting services; give us a contract'

Sept. 25, 2003

The following open letter appeared on Page 2A of today's Birmingham Eccentric. Visit http://www.bhambuzz.org/images/Birmingham Police Ad.jpg to see a copy of the original ad.

Letter from the Birmingham Police Officers Association

To: The fine citizens and business owners of Birmingham

There comes a time when your Police Officers Association, which inherently practices patience and tolerance, feels the need to advise the public of issues within the city that affect our community.

We have been working without a contract for well over a year. We have been told by the city that they are under-funded and that personnel costs are unmanageable. As a result we continue to lose vital services.

Our Police Paraprofessional was laid off. The Paraprofessional handled routine police service calls, which allowed police officers more time on patrol. We lost our horse program, a vital community relations program, which resulted in less police presence in the Uptown. Our traffic enforcement unit was eliminated. We have lost these vital services, yet the city approved wage increases for City Administrators and Managers from 3% to 13.5% for the next one-year period. Meanwhile, our association cannot even negotiate a reasonable wage to keep up with neighboring communities.

Moreover, we sit back and watch hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars spent on costly endeavors. For example: We have painted backs of stop signs green, planted flowers and installed a sprinkler system on Woodward Avenue and approved sidewalks that serve egos, but not citizens. The list goes on and on. Millions of dollars are spent creating a visual sense of community while the Police Department infrastructure continues to erode away.

We have lost good police officers to other departments and the private sector because the city will not act. Nearly 25% of the patrol officers have left the city's employ within the last 5 years. We have pleaded for more officers to handle the changing demeanor of our uptown only to be forced to work mandatory overtime, draining the officers' ability to do a quality job. At the same time the city is demanding major reductions in health care.

Our concerns have been met with deaf ears and indifference. Never before has your Police Officers Association felt compelled to express ourselves in this way. We are professionals committed to the citizens and business owners of this fine community. We are concerned that if the city continues on this course of indifference, the level of service and protection will continue to deteriorate.

If you are concerned as much as we are, please e-mail your comments or questions to BirminghamPOA@aol.com
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We thank you in advance for your continued support of the men and women of the Birmingham Police Officers Association.


9) City OKs banquet hall, but dooms train station

Sept. 25, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Brides will have another place to hold wedding receptions, but riders of the Amtrak train may be left out in the rain.

"This is exactly what our area needs," said Frank Carnovale, president of Birmingham's Rail District - an emerging shopping area on Eton Road. "The commission must consider a lot of rules, but Big Rock is something you can trust."

Carnovale was talking about a proposal to bring a 250-seat banquet hall called The Reserve to the Eton Road Corridor. After more than three years of trying, local restaurateur Norman LePage got approvals from the city Monday to build a 6,840-square-foot hall in the parking lot of his Big Rock Chop and Brew House restaurant at 325 S. Eton.

That the nod came after nearly two hours of debate came as no surprise to attendees of the meeting, who cheered when the final vote was cast.

"I'm very excited about getting the banquet facility," resident Pat McKenna said. "It's the best thing we could get for that site."

There were concerns over traffic, the width of a sidewalk and the hours of operation, but the most contentious issue was the fate of the Birmingham train station. Officials call it a train station, but it is actually a small, glass shelter in which riders of the rail can huddle to stay out of the rain. The shelter, which is in LePage's parking lot, will be leveled to make way for the banquet center.

"I don't want the Birmingham train station to move to Troy," Birmingham City Commissioner Dante Lanzetta Jr. said. "And I'm more concerned that it will be called the Troy train station."

Many Birmingham residents recall the days when LePage's chop house was a bustling train station. But that was long ago. Ridership is down all across the country and particularly so in Birmingham. The city used to lease 24 parking spaces from LePage, but recently reduced that number to four because so few people ride the train.

Some commissioners, however, were concerned that removing the shelter would all but kill the tradition of having a train station in Birmingham. They asked LePage if he would pay for a ramp to a new location for people to get on and off the train. LePage has been leasing parking spaces to the city for years, and he balked at the notion of paying for the ramp. His construction foreman estimated it would cost $60,000 to build the ramp.

But not all commissioners said the last-minute negotiation tactic was fair.

"The train station is not Mr. LePage's problem, it's the city's problem," Birmingham City Commissioner Rackeline Hoff said. "If we want something for the future of that train station, then shame on us. We knew about this project years ago. We could have done something ourselves. For us to hold up this project ... I think is very unfair."

In the end, the commission unanimously approved the special land use permit for the banquet hall. The agreement allows the facility to stay open until 2 a.m. LePage said he hopes to have it open a year from now.

Meanwhile, Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus has a meeting planned with Troy officials to determine if a joint project for a train station is feasible.

Published with permission from the Birmingham Eccentric.


10) City eyes banning pole signs

Sept. 25, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Area business owners may have to dish out thousands of dollars to replace their building signs.

The signs at issue are mounted on poles, and the Birmingham City Commission is considering banning them by 2010. Pole signs are already against the city's sign ordinance, but some 50 pole signs were grandfathered in as non-conforming when the city revised the ordinance in 1999.

"The idea is to do this without any legal expense along the way and get rid of them," Birmingham City Attorney Tim Currier said.

Keith Deyer, chairman of the historic district and design review commission, suggested the ordinance amendment.

"We assumed since we haven't approved any other pole signs that they would go away, but they haven't," Deyer said. "If you let non-conforming signs stay up, why do you have an ordinance at all?"

Under the recommended amendment, a handful of signs, including the one for Alban's restaurant, 35064 Woodward Ave., may be preserved as historic, but all others would have to go by 2010. Barring historic designation, the only recourse a business owner would have is to appeal a demolition order to the zoning board of appeals.

The commission could have voted on the matter Monday, but chose to have a public hearing instead.

"I see two or three situations where this is particularly troublesome," Birmingham City Commissioner Dianne McKeon said. "Some of these people are small business owners who would have trouble paying to have a sign replaced."

Currier said the amendment would likely hold up in court because other cities have done it. He said cities have a right to their aesthetics and seven years gives owners enough time to pay for new signs.

The way the city rules currently work, non-conforming pole signs don't have to come down even if the business changes hands. A new owner can change the name by ordering a new panel for the pole sign and stay within the law by installing it within 30 days.

The new rules would protect that right for seven years, but by 2010 all non-conforming signs would have to be replaced.

Commissioner Dante Lanzetta said the commission could have a public hearing, but most people who attend would likely oppose the ordinance because it would cost them money to comply with it. And after the complaints are heard, the commission would still face a tough decision.

"Sooner or later we are going to face the hard vote of whether we really meant it when we passed the sign ordinance," Lanzetta said. "If not, we might as well let everyone have the same right to a pole sign. We can't duck it."

Birmingham Mayor Seth Chafetz said the city's image suffers because signs south of Lincoln on Woodward are unsightly.

In addition to calling for a public hearing, the commission referred the amendment to the city's principal shopping district for comment. No business owners spoke on the sign topic.

Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said business owners weren't notified because the city didn't have to by law. He said the city would place a legal ad and do what it could to get the word out on the public hearing, which will most likely take place in October.

Published with permission from the Birmingham Eccentric.


11) PSD appointees win swift approval

Sept. 25, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

A year of acrimony gave way to reconciliation Monday as three volunteers were reappointed to the city's principal shopping district board.

"I recognize that there is a time and place for debate and a time and place to pass, and this is a time and place to pass," said Birmingham City Commission Donald Carney. "I wish the nominees well."

Carney made a resolution to reappoint the same three people who were denied last year and the resolution was unanimously approved with little comment.

Appointed to four-year terms were Jayme Leib Kirschner, Cheryl Daskas and Geoffrey Hockman. All three own area businesses and have been active in the PSD for years. Until Monday, they were serving in limbo due to a dispute with some on the commission.

Carney previously led a charge to revamp the PSD. He wanted to rid the board of founding members and replace them with new people.

Members of the PSD claimed Carney was motivated by political revenge - a charge Carney consistently denied.

The dispute started during the 2001 Birmingham City Commission election. Several retailers in the PSD supported a slate of candidates that opposed Carney and displayed the political signs of his opponents in their store windows. The PSD didn't officially endorse anyone in the election, but some city commissioners said the PSD shouldn't take positions on local politics at all.

When PSD members subsequently came up for reappointment, Carney said the entire department needed to be overhauled. He suggested sweeping changes including reducing the number of board members and putting the mayor in charge of appointments. A series of combative public meetings between the PSD and the commission followed.

The last time Kirschner, Daskas and Hockman were denied reappointment, merchants stormed out of the commission chambers, with several saying the majority of the commission was trying to wrest control of the PSD by stacking it with their friends and associates.

Carney denied the allegations but continued to question the $100,000 the PSD gets from the Woodward Dream Cruise. At one point, he openly asked current board members to resign in the hopes that a transfusion of new blood would revitalize downtown's retail scene.

Members of the PSD board didn't resign and the commission eventually approved its ability to collect taxes from businesses within the PSD - thus ensuring funding for years to come.

It was City Commissioner Dianne McKeon who asked for the reappointments to be put to another vote Monday. She said it was "just time to appoint them and move on."

Published with permission from the Birmingham Eccentric.


12) West side will get flood relief

Sept. 25, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

The long-awaited project to alleviate basement flooding on Birmingham's west side was approved Monday.

"This should bring the relief that residents have been waiting for," Birmingham City Commissioner Rackeline Hoff said.

The commission approved a contract award for a joint $4.4 million project with neighboring Beverly Hills. The contract was awarded to Anderzack-Pitzen Construction, an Ohio company that hasn't done work in this area before.

Birmingham officials once pressured the village to expedite the project and even tried to find a legal way to loan the village money. The Beverly Hills Village Council said no thanks - the village intended to stick to its pay-as-you-go approach.

That approach took longer than Birmingham wanted, but Hoff said she was glad to see the project move forward.

The Acacia Park Drain was built in 1926 to serve 816 acres in Beverly Hills and Birmingham. Back then, the area was rural and had comparatively little concrete and few residents. Now it has 6,400 residents and a relative sea of concrete - factors that added shed water to an already stressed drainage system.

To combat the problem, a retention and treatment facility was built in 1994 to stop sewage overflows into the Rouge River. The facility didn't address the capacity problem, and in 1998 a major rain storm hit the area, flooding scores of basements.

Nature has spared both communities since then, but residents are still wary that the next flood is a major storm away.

The new project will avert such basement floods, said Renzo Spallasso, Beverly Hills director of public services, with 8,000 feet of new pipe. It will be installed along Beverly, Waltham, Warwick, Kinross and Southfield roads during the next year. The pipes will range in size from 24 inches to 96 inches in diameter.

Most of the work will be open-cut construction, which basically means digging trenches along the side of the roads. Preconstruction meetings will get under way soon and the shovel should hit the ground by the end of October, with completion in October 2004, Spallasso said.

The entire project is expected to cost $8.5 million, with Beverly paying $5.95 million and Birmingham paying $2.55 million.

Logistics dictate that the work must begin in Beverly Hills and proceed east to Birmingham, but the first phase will bring relief to Birmingham's Stanley Street neighborhood at 14 Mile and Southfield Road. Residents in that area have complained about flooded basements for years.

Once the first phase is done, the village will concentrate on designing the second phase while collecting tax dollars to fund the second phase. The second phase will add capacity to the Kinross_Bates area of the village, and it will begin in late 2005 and end in 2007.

For a basement to flood with the current system in place, the area would have to get more than 1.75 inches of rain in an hour.

Published with permission from the Birmingham Eccentric.


13) Campaign briefs: Sept. 19, 2003 -- McDaniel's feet say, "Just buy the election!"

Commission candidate Tom McDaniel writes:

"After nine hours of door-to-door campaigning the last two days in Precinct 7, my feet are asking me, 'Why don't we forget all this and just buy the election, like Dante says. Forget the message and the 64% of the people who said they never heard of Tom McDaniel. Just liquidate some assets and get some of that PAC money, like Dante says, and we'll be all set'.

"My response is: 'I don't know who to give the money to. Noone at City Hall is on the take (thanks to the Ethics Ordinance), and we aren't running any media spots, so how do I buy this thing? Any ideas, anyone?' "


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In this edition:

1) In interview, McDaniel calls for 'ombudsman' on sewers and fence-mending with businesses
2) Buzz closes forum, invites signed letters
3) Comment: Moore, seeking re-election, says we can keep what we love and allow change
4) Comment: Surprise! Buzz backs Julie Plotnik
5) Buzz archives are brought up to date
6) Comment: There you go again, Dante

1) In interview, McDaniel calls for 'ombudsman' on sewers and fence-mending with businesses

Sept. 16, 2003

An ombudsman dedicated to helping residents cope with sewer replacements and a subcommittee of the Birmingham City Commission devoted to mending fences with the business community are among the proposals Tom McDaniel would advocate if elected to the commission Nov. 4.

McDaniel is making several suggestions he says will restore confidence in the commission, make city government more responsive to residents and businesses, and help the city "recover positive momentum."

"City Hall's performance on the lateral sewer problem hasn't been very good and, until recently, has been totally unhelpful to residents," said McDaniel in a wide-ranging interview about issues facing the city. "The city does bear some responsibility for the Orangeburg problem, and I strongly endorse the process now underway involving a residents group and the city administration trying to find workable solutions acceptable to both sides.

The identification of a contractor who will repair laterals at much less cost is a start, and so is the encouragement of residents to have their sewer problems fixed while their streets are being rebuilt, said McDaniel.

"While the taxpayers cannot, and should not, write a blank check to repair sewer laterals, much more can be done. The city needs to approve several contractors, and their work needs to be monitored to make sure, over time, that they are doing quality work at the lowest possible price. This way, affected residents can get competitive bids with confidence that the low bidder will do the job right," he said.

"Beyond all that, residents need a knowledgeable City Hall sewer ombudsman to provide answers to technical questions, scheduling and general information about the approved contractors. Today, people are having too much trouble getting any information at all, and this cannot continue. If the Engineering Department needs additional people to address this issue, then so be it. They should be hired ASAP," McDaniel said.

With regard to the business community, "the commission has a lot of fence-mending to do," McDaniel said. "Rightly so, they feel abused, under-appreciated and traumatized by attacks from certain City Commissioners. This needs to be fixed, or we will have a very difficult time recruiting new businesses, much less retaining the ones we have."

McDaniel proposes forming a subcommittee of the commission to have a series of working sessions with representatives of the business community to determine what is needed to mend fences and make doing business with the city easier and less expensive. "I would propose working with the Chamber (of Commerce), the merchants association and the PSD to set up three or four meetings, after which the subcommittee would report to the full commission and suggest steps that need action to benefit businesses and, therefore, the city, McDaniel said.

After all, said McDaniel, the City Commission "is really the board of directors for a very large business -- the business of Birmingham. The commission needs people who have experience, the right temperament, good judgment and positive leadership skills," said McDaniel.

"Unfortunately, some current Commissioners come up short on these qualifications, and that is foremost among the reasons why relationships with the business community are at what is probably an all-time low," McDaniel said.

He noted that one commissioner, Dante Lanzetta, has consistently attempted to gain support by instilling fear of unnamed developers and other "powerful interests" committing unspecified sins in our city. He challenged Lanzetta, who is up for re-election, to "name these conspirators and identify their misdeeds -- or else retract the allegation."

With regard to the neighborhoods, McDaniel contends that "homeowners want, first and foremost, to be safe and secure in their homes. Secondly, they want dependable city services and amenities at an affordable cost. And they want reasonably stable taxes. These are the things the commission should focus on instead of trying to choke off sensible, quality development, harassing the business community, and passing ordinances that undermine our property rights."

On preserving the charm and character of the City, McDaniel said that he has "a consistent record of supporting historic preservation in Birmingham." He is a member and past president of the Birmingham Historical Society; he served more than three years on the Historical Board (and has been chairman for two years), and he served seven years on the Historic District and Design Review Commission. He also lives in a carefully restored 105-year-old historic home.

"I am a strong advocate of saving what is worthwhile and, with the exception of protecting some real architectural gems, we have pretty much done that in Birmingham. There are more than 40 homes officially declared historic, and much of our downtown area also has been designated. We also have the Historical Museum, whose mission includes the preservation and promotion of Birmingham's history for the benefit of future generations," said McDaniel.

McDaniel was instrumental in forming the museum, which opened in the spring of 2000. He led the Historical Society effort to convince the city to turn the Allen House into a museum, developed a business plan and raised an endowment of more that $350,000, the income from which goes to the city to help fund museum operations.

McDaniel described the recently proposed historic survey as "a complete money-waster. The study would not have produced the kind of detailed, research-intensive information required to justify historic designation," he said. Instead, he believes it was intended to give proponents ammunition to obstruct redevelopment of private property. "Motives aside," said McDaniel, the study would have produced much data that duplicates what the city already has and would constitute a massive information overload for the few volunteers and city staffers who would use it."

Continuing on the subject of preservation, McDaniel points out that "the commission, in the last decade, has been reluctant to force historic designation on unwilling residents." A better solution is what he calls "commemoration or recognition." A good example of this is the more than 30 Wallace Frost homes in Birmingham, many of which display plaques that identify them as having been designed by this famous local architect. McDaniel said the City should pay for similar plaques for homes that are identified as having significant architectural or historical value.

Commenting on the 2016 Plan, McDaniel said it is high time the City Commission is held accountable for the progress, or lack of it, in implementing the various elements. "Taxpayers have more than $750,000 invested in the plan and design work done on various parts of it, so it is time for a full accounting of where we are and where we are going," he said.

He proposes a second commission subcommittee that would "review, in detail, the status and recommend to the full commission what needs to be done, what the obstacles are, and a road map to completion." An important part of this review would be input from the various boards and committees as well as the business community. He would also establish a six-month timetable to complete the review.

"This process puts the ownership and accountability back together at the commission, where it belongs," he said. "We need more progress -- and closure -- on 2016".

McDaniel also commented on the one-size-fits-all ordinances dealing with lot coverage and building heights in residential areas. "This makes no sense whatsoever and needs to be corrected on a priority basis. Why the Commission ignored the original recommendations of the Planning Board, which called for differing standards based on lot size, is a complete mystery."

When the Commission passed the lot-coverage ordinance in 2000, several commissioners said the issue needed further evaluation and should be reconsidered. Three years later, the commission has neither studied the effects of the ordinance nor proposed any changes.


2) Buzz closes forum, invites signed letters

Sept. 16, 2003

The Birmingham Buzz has temporarily closed its discussion forum for the election season, but invites readers to submit signed letters for publication on its website and email newsletter.

"Outside the context of an election, the forum was a lively place for folks to exchange ideas -- often anonymously," said Clinton Baller, Buzz editor. "During the election season, however, our editorial board decided that anonymity was inappropriate and a more stringent editorial policy ought to be followed."

The Buzz welcomes signed letters. Please email them to info@bhambuzz.org, and be sure to include daytime and evening phone numbers so that authorship can be verified.


3) Comment: Moore, seeking re-election, says we can keep what we love and allow change

Sept. 16, 2003

The following letter to voters was written by candidate Scott Moore:

As we enter this beautiful Michigan fall season, it's time to begin thinking about the Tuesday, November 4 election to fill four positions on our City Commission. There will be much discussion within our community about the issues that concern us at this point in our city's storied history. Whether we discuss ways to preserve our neighborhoods without sacrificing individual property rights, ways in which to increase revenue (in order to maintain services without having to raise taxes), or ways of maintaining the vibrancy of our downtown without destroying its town-like feel, we need to ask the question: "Can we keep what we all love about Birmingham and still accommodate the future?" As a life-long resident and former Commissioner and Mayor, my answer is YES!

I feel so strongly about the issues facing Birmingham that I have decided to run, once again, for City Commissioner. Historically, it has been our city's ability to change with the times that has kept our neighborhoods healthy and our downtown vibrant. If asked, we all could probably list the aspects of Birmingham we love. We might include a favorite walk through one of our tree-lined neighborhoods, where older and newer homes combine to enhance the beauty of our streets. We might name a spot in a downtown restaurant, or in the park, where we sip coffee and people watch. Yet, to hear some of our Commissioners, our city is in jeopardy; with our neighborhoods in deep peril and our downtown in mortal danger, as the result of growth and redevelopment. I don't believe that for a minute!

Think back with me to the 1980's and early 1990's. Empty store windows and "For Lease" signs were prevalent in our downtown, and sidewalk traffic was a mere trickle. We were without a movie theater (a historical mainstay in Birmingham), and without the diversity of restaurants, retail stores, galleries and housing needed to create a living city. Many of our residential neighborhoods were showing age and real estate values were, for many parts of the city, stagnant. Then, in 1995, residents, realizing that our residential and downtown areas were uniquely interdependent, but in need of redevelopment, voted in a City Commission that understood that:

* Downtown is more than a place to shop, it is a place that unites retail with restaurants, entertainment, jobs, housing and civic functions.

* Healthy housing stock and "walkable neighborhoods" are essential to a community's economy, vitality, identity and sense of place.

* Healthy neighborhoods do not exist without a vibrant, living downtown, and visa-versa. And,

* Considerable investment along with public and private creativity is always going to be needed to maintain what Birmingham has been for generations of families and business owners.

Many citizens, along with that newly elected City Commission (of which I was honored to be a part), and "world class" experts shaped this understanding into what has been known as the downtown Birmingham "2016 Plan." This plan, with some necessary tweaking, was a resounding success during the ensuing six years. Some problems were confronted and dealt with, but most everyone would agree that his or her home is more valuable, and that our downtown is more vibrant, than was the case a decade ago.

Unfortunately, over the past two years this plan has been gutted and discarded by a majority on the City Commission. It is apparent that many commissioners view change and development as something to be feared, and those who wish to invest in maintaining the vibrancy of our downtown or in securing our property values as enemies to be turned away. This attitude by the Commission now threatens our tax base, meaning that either our property taxes will need to be increased, or city services will need to be cut. The beginning of this unsettling trend is evident in the current 2003-2004 budget, in which the City Commission voted to increase taxes. The present Commission's desire to somehow hermetically seal the present (or return to the past) ignores the need for managed and healthy growth, and will inevitably result in the decline of the very thing that residents want to safeguard, i.e., a healthy, secure and vibrant city in which to raise a family or retire.

Many of our surrounding communities have noticed the success and desirability of our City, and have put considerable effort towards attracting the financing and entrepreneurship to duplicate it. This competition for resources and creativity is real, and unless we remain competitive, we will notice a leveling off in housing values and decline in our downtown.

As one who has recently become qualified to belong to the AARP, I have come to learn that growth and change are inevitable. The question for us is whether this change can be managed to allow us to benefit from its freshness without losing those things that "make Birmingham, Birmingham." Those who embrace change and those who fear or fight change will have differences. Politics is, by definition, the management of competing interests, and the crafting of a path among those competing interests that leads to the greatest public good.

Who do you trust to manage the future of Birmingham? While each of you judge candidates for City Commissioner based on the issues you deem important, I believe that all candidates should also be evaluated on three important points:

* How well does the candidate cope with the challenges and consequences of valid, but opposing opinions? A candidate who is an extremist, who sees the world and the choices before us only in black and white, will have little to contribute when choices have a little white, a little black and a lot of gray. Oftentimes these candidates care more about achieving a preset agenda than in facilitating fair and open discussion. They fail to understand that different opinions can be valid and that an opposing view can contribute something of value. Birmingham deserves commissioners who have the ability to listen, who respect and accept different points of view without the threat of retribution, and who will govern fairly.

* Is the candidate knowledgeable and can he or she think independently? Commissioners who cast their votes according to who has the last word, or who serve as a "yes person" to another commissioner do the city a disservice. The same can be said for those who are appointed by the City Commission to the various boards based solely on their willingness vote for narrow special interests. Birmingham deserves qualified, well-prepared commissioners who vote fairly and independently.

* Does the candidate treat others, both privately and publicly, with civility and respect? Civility comes in many forms. An example that remains vivid in my memory was the opening of the Palladium. The building of the Palladium was not without controversy and division within our community, some of which was justified. Despite hard fought compromises with the developer, and despite the fact that the developer (who is now the second highest tax payer in the city) faithfully fulfilled all that it promised, not one of the sitting commissioners (who received gratis invitations) attended the opening gala event to wish the developer or the new tenants well. No matter the individual stance of any City Commissioner towards this huge investment into our city, civility dictated better treatment. Civility also dictates that residents, business owners, and city staff who appear before the Commission are treated respectfully. Birmingham deserves commissioners whose behavior is a credit to!
the city.

We ALL want what is best for Birmingham. Can we keep what we love and accommodate the future? I think so, and I ask for your support on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003.


4) Comment: Surprise! Buzz backs Julie Plotnik

Sept. 15, 2003

The Birmingham Buzz endorses Julie Plotnik for City Commission.

Plotnik, 37, is indefatigable.

She ran on a shoestring two years ago and lost by a hair. But her campaign, as well as her ideals, were and remain admirable. She's a working mom with aspirations for her family, and all she wants is a fair shake from her city government. Whether it's getting a handle on the wavering rules about how you can improve your home, or dealing with the unforeseen high cost of replacing a pipe connecting your home to the city's sewer, Plotnik understands the challenges we face in dealing with the city, and is in tune with Birmingham's homeowners. She is truly representative of a wide spectrum of Birmingham residents.

(Unfortunately, so many of those whom she represents are unaware and uninvolved in the political process, and don't vote. Her challenge two years ago was to get them to vote; it remains her challenge.)

As a downtown worker, Plotnik also keeps her finger on the pulse of our central business district.

She's been attending City Commission meetings regularly for more than two years now, which gives her the ability to hit the ground running the moment she's seated.

And she is a proven leader: She was co-organizer of the so-far successful Birmingham Farmers Market. For that alone, she deserves our support.

We urge you to vote for Julie Plotnik on Nov. 4.


5) Buzz archives are brought up to date

Sept. 15, 2003

The Buzz archive of back issues has been brought up to date. It now includes all 55 editions published since our first issue on Jan. 1, 2002. The Buzz offers a comprehensive look at Birmingham city government over the past 21 months, and represents a valuable resource.

We urge voters and others to peruse our archive by clicking on the "Read back issues!" or the "Archive of back issues" links on our home page, or by visiting http://www.bhambuzz.org/archives.html.


6) Comment: There you go again, Dante

Sept. 12, 2003

We've known for some time that Birmingham City Commissioner Dante Lanzetta plays fast and loose with the truth, but we were truly astonished by a letter he sent to Birmingham residents this week.

Seeking support for his re-election bid, and betting that a significant percentage of recipients don't know any better, Lanzetta starts out by appearing to take credit for 18 years of good deeds: everything from timely garbage pickup to a "bustling" downtown. In fact, most of the credit for our smooth-running city belongs to our excellent city staff. And far from expressing appreciation for our downtown and its contribution to our tax base, he has repeated referred to it curiously and derogatorily as a "petting zoo."

Then, with the amazing bravura of someone who actually believes his lies, he says the following:

"Powerful interests -- principally some developers and property speculators -- want a city government that will let them do whatever they want -- without scrutiny. They will stop at nothing. They have already formed a political action committee to raise thousands and thousands of dollars to hire high-priced political consultants to help them 'buy' this election."

For the record, the facts (of which Lanzetta is aware but chooses to ignore) are:

* Neighbors for a Better Birmingham, the only PAC to be formed so far during this election and so the political action committee to which Lanzetta must be referring, was founded by Buzz editors Clinton Baller, Shelli Weisberg and Christopher Longe. Unabashed, one of our goals is to unseat Lanzetta.

* All of the PAC's founders are Birmingham residents; none are developers or property speculators, and none has nearly the power of a four-term commissioner like Lanzetta. Baller operates a credit card merchant services business; Weisberg is a member of the Birmingham School Board, and Longe is an architect.

* The PAC has raised some $5,300 to date, all in small donations from Birmingham residents who populate the neighborhoods about which Lanzetta claims to care so much.

For some reason, only Lanzetta seems shy about expressing the truth. His desperate actions would be laughable if his odds of success in persuading otherwise uninformed voters weren't so strong. He depends on scaring uninformed voters, and fear can be a powerful motivator. With his base of support eroding before his eyes, he's taking huge risks to remain in office. His campaign of lies and innuendo is off and running.

If you didn't receive one of these letters, which you can read by clicking here, there's a good chance one of your neighbors did. Talk to them. Don't be shy. Tell them the truth. Lanzetta has served our community for 18 years. In that time, he has done some good. But he's changed. Now, he's full of anger and resentment. If ever he was a positive force in our town, those days are over. Now, he'll cook up phony issues, divide the community, and lie about his opposition -- all in a single-minded attempt to hold onto power. We think it's time he gave others the chance to govern. If he chooses, he can remain an effective voice from the sidelines.

Don't let Lanzetta and his lies win him re-election.

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In this edition:

1) Chamber plans candidates forum
2) McDaniel statement
3) Plotnik statement
4) Grzech statement
5) To slate or not to slate
6) Y takes High Road
7) On your mark
8) Get set
9) And they're off!
10) Buzz position
11) In your face!
12) 'Not Ready for Prime Time'
13) Bond business
14) Lanzetta support thin
15) Vote! Or else!
16) Comment: Farmers' Market off to great start

Campaign briefs: Sept. 11, 2003

1) Chamber plans candidates forum

The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Birmingham City Commission Candidates forum at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Townsend Hotel.Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard will moderate. The forum will be taped for replay on public access TV. Visit http://www.birminghamareacableboard.org for a list of dates and times.

The Philip R. Seaver Title Co. will providing one complimentary drink to all participants; a cash bar will be open after that. There is no charge for the event. Seating, however, will be limited and is for chamber members.

2) McDaniel statement

The following statement from Candidate Tom McDaniel is taken from a letter announcing his Aug. 23 fundraiser:

"I have been a Birmingham resident for 33 years and have lived in the immediate area for 49 years. I am married and have five children, four of whom graduated from Birmingham public schools. I retired from General Motors in 1995 after a 29-year career.

"As you know, Birmingham is a special place. It has beautiful neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown and a strong tax base that funds public schools and municipal services that are second to none. Birmingham is also fortunate to have a professional and dedicated administration that contributes greatly to making our city an enjoyable place to live, work or visit. It is, in every respect, a city that works.

"It is also a city that needs continuous residential, commercial and infrastructure investment, as well as successful businesses, to maintain what we have all come to enjoy. Until recently, the majority of those who have served on the City Commission and appointed boards seemed to understand this reality and governed wisely. Unfortunately, that is now changing, and what has made Birmingham so successful is under serious threat.

"We need to preserve the charm and character of our city, but we also need to let our neighborhoods and downtown evolve sensibly. We have a 2016 Plan that is an excellent roadmap for downtown development. We have sufficient controls on house size and lot coverage to to allow our neighborhoods to retain their character. Why then do we have a group of commissioners and appointed board members for whom this is not enough? Why do they treat investors with such disdain and disrespect? Why do they jeopardize Birmingham's financial stability and outstanding bond ratings through micromanagement and wasteful spending? These and many other concerns have motivated me to get in the election fight."

3) Plotnik statement

The following statement from candidate Julie Plotnik is taken from a handout distributed among Birmingham voters:

"Birmingham is a wonderful community, and it takes all of us working together to keep it that way.

"That means we must work to preserve the character of our neighborhoods at the same time as we enact policites that keep our downtown thriving.

"Our neighborhoods and businesses are complementary communities, two parts of the same whole. It is essential to have thriving downtown businesses to help pay for our schools, police and other city services.

"We hope you will support our campaign as we seek to encourage progress in our communities, while preserving our neighborhoods -- without eroding our tax base.

"As your City Commissioner, I will only support policies that benefit ALL of Birmingham. Together, we can keep Birmingham moving forward."


4) Grzech statement

The following statement from candidate Denise Grzech is taken from her website, http://www.electdenise.com.

"I am running because I have the time, energy, dedication, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to handle this responsibility. I enjoy living in a community with such vitality, and I would like to assist in helping others to achieve the future vision of this city. There are many individuals throughout the community that are experts in their fields and volunteer their services. By listening to each other, respecting all opinions, keeping an open mind, and working together, I believe that we can continue to strive for excellence, improving the quality of life for all residents through intelligent change.

"I am looking forward to talking with everyone personally regarding his or her ideas about the future of our city. I am committed to the citizens of Birmingham."


Campaign briefs: Sept. 9, 2003

5) To slate or not to slate

All indications are that Lanzetta, Chafetz and Grzetch are running as a slate, but at least one of the three denies it. Chafetz declared himself "independent" on Sunday during a brief chat at the Farmers Market. "We're all running independently," he told the Buzz. Later that day, of course, he showed up at the same block party where Lanzetta and Grzetch campaigned earlier. All three, and no other candidates, were invited to a so-called "candidates forum" arranged by Tom Elliott (you remember ... the bird-watching photographer) scheduled for this evening at the YMCA. (More on that below.) So we'll leave it up to savvy observers to decide if the group represents a slate. We suppose we'll know for sure if Chafetz and Grzech add their names to our Dump Dante list...


6) Y takes High Road

Organizers of a planned "candidates forum" at the YMCA this evening were given an ultimatum by the Y after it was discovered that the forum included only Lanzetta, Chafetz and Grzech. Invite all the candidates -- including Dixon, McKeon, McDaniel, Moore and Plotnik -- or move the meeting elsewhere, YMCA Executive Director Parrish Underwood told organizer Tom Elliott. "We're a community organization and a non-profit; we have to be inclusive," Underwood told the Buzz. Elliott, who planned to rent the space, told Underwood he'd move the event into St. James Park, which is adjacent to the Y.

Campaign briefs: Sept. 8, 2003

7) On your mark

Filing deadline for candidates for the Birmingham City Commission is Sept. 16.


8) Get set

Candidates for City Commission, as of this date, include (in alphabetical order): Seth Chafetz, Russell Dixon, Denise Grzetch, Dante Lanzetta, Tom McDaniel, Dianne McKeon, Scott Moore and Julie Plotnik.


9) And they're off!

Candidates have been out and about getting face time with voters. Tom McDaniel was seen knocking on doors Saturday, and he was joined at Sunday's Farmers Market by Dianne McKeon, Seth Chafetz and, of course, market organizer Julie Plotnik. Naysayer Lanzetta, who led the opposition to the market, was a no-show, as were Lanzetta lackeys Gordon Thornsby and Don Carney.


10) Buzz position

The Buzz will announce endorsements closer to the election. But you can guess who won't get our support: Lanzetta tops our hit list, with Chafetz coming in second. But more on that later.


11) In your face!

Lanzetta and Grzetch showed up at the Villas of Birmingham block party Sunday afternoon, unofficially invited by resident and HDDRC member Marcia Rowbottom, but hardly welcomed by the likes of Buzz editor Chris Longe and others. Seems Longe felt politics had no place at a social occasion, and seems neighbor and candidate Russ Dixon, who attended but refrained from campaigning, agreed. As if the Lanzetta/Grzetch appearance wasn't enough, soon after their departure, Rowbottom reappeared with Chafetz. That was more than Longe could take, so he angrily confronted Rowbottom like Sparky Anderson charging an ump. Rowbottom will be hearing (officially) from the neighborhood association's board.


12) 'Not Ready for Prime Time'

We borrow the phrase from the lexicon of our nemesis Lanzetta to describe his running mate Grzech and her new website. Check it out at http://www.electdenise.com. Why anyone would hitch her wagon to the runaway train led by Lanzetta is beyond us. Chalk it up to the same inexperience that makes her Not Ready for Prime Time.


13) Bond business

Speaking of the runaway train, it took aim recently at the Birmingham School Board and its campaign for a $135 million bond issue. Apparently, the train was none-too-pleased with publicized calls for him to step aside by Buzz editor and school board member Shelli Weisberg. She should be ousted, he told School Board President David Garrett, who was sufficiently shaken (by the prospect of Lanzetta opposing the bond issue?) to pressure Weisberg to curtail her after-school activities. Is an investigation by the new Ethics Board in order?


14) Lanzetta support thin

Lest anyone think the Buzz is alone in calling for Lanzetta's ouster, the list of respected Birmingham residents and politicos publicly calling for his retirement is a long one. Incumbent commissioners and others who backed his re-election four years ago are noticeably absent from his current roster of supporters. Add your name to the list of courageous Birmingham residents calling for Lanzetta's retirement: Send an email to info@bhambuzz.org now! We'll publish the list.


15) Vote! Or else!

The Buzz will continue its short tradition of publishing the list of voters who participate in the November election. Don't believe us? Check out the list from November 2001 by visiting http://www.bhambuzz.org/pdfs/voter_list.pdf.

***** Vote Nov. 4*****


16) Comment: Farmers' Market off to great start

Sept. 8, 2003

The first Birmingham Farmers Market exceeded expectations in almost every respect Sunday. The weather was spectacular, the turnout was phenomenal, and sales were through the roof. It showed what good people can do when they put their heads together toward a common, worthwhile goal.

Organizers Julie Plotnik (a Buzz editor and candidate for City Commission), Stephanie Jacobson and others deserve our thanks and congratulations. They overcame some minor organizational headaches -- not the least of which was a harrowing appearance before naysayers at the City Commission -- to put on a truly first-class event.

Most of the concerns about noise, traffic, cleanup and rats -- yes, rats -- were unfounded and should be put to rest. Even neighbors who experienced heightened traffic in their neighborhoods seemed delighted overall with the event. Doubts about the market's location should also be put to rest.

Parking Lot #6 was a perfect location, close to downtown and right in the middle of the under-exposed gallery district. Tightly enclosed by the Rouge River and surrounding buildings, the market had a warm and cozy feel, something we can't imagine achieving in the Eton Corridor, which was a suggested alternative.

The challenge now is to smooth out all the wrinkles and begin to approach the market as a regular weekly occurrence. Marketmaster Don Hobson needs to bring in the right mix of vendors to attract the most customers. And organizers need to deal with any perceived traffic and parking issues. What seemed to be minor inconveniences on Sunday could take on greater significance as the event becomes a regular weekly thing. Some signage and a few strategically placed traffic directors could solve most of those problems.

We can't resist the temptation to remind our readers that Commissioners Dante Lanzetta, Donald Carney and Gordon Thornsby all voted against permitting the market. All were noticeably absent on Sunday. Lanzetta is up for re-election, and those who enjoyed the market should remember his opposition when they go to the polls in November.


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THE BIRMINGHAM BUZZ
"Cast your vote for intelligence and reason"
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Birmingham Buzz # 54 -- BULLETIN -- Sept. 3, 2003

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In this edition:

First Farmers' Market is Sunday

Sunday is Opening Day for the Birmingham Farmers’ Market.

The market will run every Sunday for eight weeks from Sept. 7 until Oct. 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in City Parking Lot #6, on the east side of North Old Woodward, north of Harmon in the Gallery District.

More than 20 booths will feature a diverse array of locally and regionally grown produce, including organic vegetables, fruits, flowers and garden plants. Beyond this traditional selection, specialty cooking stations from Birmingham food merchants such as Aunt Olive's Good Food 2 Go will provide a variety of freshly cooked foods.

Come shop, eat and listen to music in a festive atmosphere. Special features such as children's activities and a package pickup station will further enhance the experience for attendees.

More detailed information and a map can be downloaded at http://www.bhambuzz.org/pdfs/marketmap.pdf. Please pass this along to all of your friends. We hope to see you there!

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THE BIRMINGHAM BUZZ
"It's the 2016 Plan, stupid."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buzz # 39 -- Feb. 17, 2003

Promoting intelligence and reason in city government. Our mission: To inform and involve all Birmingham citizens.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE at http://www.bhambuzz.org for:
-- Up-to-date news items
-- Resources such as the 2016 Plan.
-- A lively and (usually) intelligent discussion group

We want to hear from you! Please send questions, suggestions and feedback to info@bhambuzz.org
{{PERIOD}}
In this edition:

1) City, residents at odds over sewer repair costs
2) After 54 years, Maskill's is clearing out
3) Parking drives plan for Shain Park
4) Opinion: Mind the bottom line
5) Letter to Eccentric: PSD and history
6) City refunds $28,470 in snow fines
7) Letter to Eccentric: No petty politics
8) Safety, parking balance Woodward median plan
9) Quarton dam needs $1.3 million repair
10) City releases Duany's preliminary Shain design
11) Quarton Lake update: What are those huts?
12) To be removed, send mail to info@bhambuzz.org
{{PERIOD}}

City, residents at odds over sewer repair costs

Feb. 16, 2003

From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Mary Jou Barker wants the city of Birmingham to pay for repairs to pipes leading to her house installed some 50 years ago.

"The city put this Orangeburg in and the city should be the one that pays to fix it," said Barker. "They used the cheapest material they could and the pipes are on city property anyway."

Barker is one of a group of residents who circulated a petition demanding the city fix the pipes in question and reimburse residents who have already had to pay for repairs. The petition is an information item on Tuesday's 8 p.m. Birmingham City Commission meeting at City Hall at 151 Martin.

Barker said she intends to push for more than that and wants a public hearing before the commission, so the city is forced to justify why residents must pay for the repairs.

Hundreds of residents have already had to replace Orangeburg pipes at a cost of $10,000 to $20,000. The city installed Orangeburg pipes from 1945-62, but does not have records that show where or how many were installed.

The majority of lateral sewer failures have occurred on the city's east side where Orangeburg pipe was installed on a wide-scale basis. That type of pipe -- though considered by some to be the industry standard -- was made of tar paper and later proved to be inferior to other types of pipes.

The city provided a 30-year warranty on the pipes but the warranties have expired. Adjacent cities didn't use Orangeburg pipe. Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus has said the pipes benefit individual homeowners and are on private property, so the cost of repairs falls to the residents and not the city.

The Birmingham City Commission has not formally objected to that interpretation, but members have asked for quick action on a plan to bring down residents' repair costs.

The person working on that plan is Dennis Dembiec, director of engineering and public services. He said the program will offer residents "the best of both worlds" because prices will be lower and highly qualified contractors will do the work.

He also offered further explanation to residents.

"Since it is the homeowner's responsibility to discharge one's own liquid waste to the city sewer, the building sewer is initially installed or purchased when buying a home," said Dembiec. "It is operated and maintained by the homeowner."

Dembiec said a lateral travels from city property to a private residence and only serves that house. The city is giving an "implied easement" to allow the private pipe on city property and residents or the developer have to pay for the pipe. And because they paid for the pipe, they are responsible for maintenance and repairs.

That explanation didn't fly with Barker.

"That's a new one on me," she said. "I built this house, and I don't remember paying for any pipe."


2) After 54 years, Maskill's is clearing out

Feb. 16, 2003

From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Margaret Suter began going to Maskill's True Value Hardware when she was 2. Whenever her father had a project to do, he announced "we're going to Maskill's" and the family piled in the car for a trip to their favorite store.

Back then, the aisles at Maskill's were packed with hammers, toys and smiling faces - they are now full of clearance signs.

"We need a small-town hardware store," she said. "We need a place where you can go in, get help and leave with what you are looking for. The guys at Maskill's were always so nice. It's going to be a great loss to Birmingham."

Skip Maskill and his son, Tim Maskill, announced the family business was closing after more than 60 years, with the past four decades at its current location at 619 S. Adams.

"The days of the small hardware store have come and gone," said Skip Maskill. "Now you've got the big boys fighting it out against each other and we are left holding the bag."

Skip Maskill's father, Alfred Maskill, opened the store in 1942 in Owosso and moved it to Birmingham in 1948. The first store at 4400 Woodward was small, but a simple formula of good products and friendly service led to growth.

Just about every member of Maskill's large family worked there, and the store provided a first job for hundreds of high school students. Two of them fell in love and got married. Others went off to college and still occasionally drop by to say hi.

Current store manager Dan Conroy started working at Maskill's in 1962.

"I started out unloading trucks," said Conroy. "You have an opportunity to learn so much in a small store. You learned every time someone came in with a problem. I was never bored because I wasn't at a desk doing the same thing everyday."

Conroy said high school teams ordered uniforms from Maskill's and many youngsters got their first pair of ice skates from the store. But most customers came in because they were doing small projects, like hanging a new door or painting the garage.

Tim Maskill said the beginning of the end was Sept. 11, 2002. While most people know the date for the terrorist attacks, that was also the fateful day Farmer Jack's grocery store moved out of Adams Square shopping center. Tim Maskill said many hardware customers came in after grocery shopping. When the grocery store closed, the once-steady flow of customers slowed.

With no sign of another grocery store coming in to replace Farmer Jack, and hardware sales off 50 percent, the Maskill family decided to close the store. The last day will be March 30 and everything will be sold at deep discounts.

"It's kind of sad, but the customers came back when the sales signs went up," said Skip Maskill. "We had one of best weeks in months last week. If another grocery store came in, we'd restock the shelves and stay, but that's not going to happen."

Steve Higbie, a customer of 30 years, came in Wednesday to buy a replacement chain for his chainsaw. It soon became clear that saying goodbye was just as important.

"The saddest thing about Birmingham these days is that we are losing our home-grown businesses," said Higbie. "We are losing our sense of community. It's sad to see you go guys. It's sad to see you go."


3) Parking drives plan for Shain Park

Feb. 16, 2003

From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Parking continues to be the primary concern with a proposed plan to expand Shain Park.

City officials discussed a preliminary plan from urban designer Andres Duany Monday. The central idea is to expand the park by planting grass on much of what is now municipal parking lot No. 7, and add parking spaces around the perimeter of the park.

There would be a loss of approximately 16 parking spaces overall. The possibility of adding an underground parking lot was also discussed, as was the need for a drop-off spot for patrons of The Community House.

With all the talk of parking, one resident stood up and asked why the commission wasn't more concerned with how the park would be used instead of where cars fit into the plan.

"The park expansion is coming at the expense of a surface lot that has 160 spaces, so the issues can't be separated," said Birmingham Mayor Seth Chafetz.

While the plan rendering shows one-half of the park as a "formal room" with a water feature and ornate trees, some residents said a basic "village green" concept would do because most people simply want more greenspace in the middle of town.

Duany suggests moving the Marshall Fredericks sculpture Freedom of the Human Spirit to what would be the new center of the park.

"We wouldn't even go clean the statue without going to the Marshall Fredericks family to find out their thoughts," said Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus.

Duany's plan calls for realigned walkways, a water feature, head-in parking around the perimeter of the park, a Merrill Street promenade, tiered lawn seating, a north-facing bandshell and a 48-space lot at the south end of city parking Lot No. 7. He wanted to plant grass on all of Lot No. 7, but relented when told parking was at a premium.

Duany was hired last fall for $10,000 to work on a park expansion concept that he proposed in the Downtown Birmingham 2016 Plan. The city has been studying ways to expand the park for years, but parking has always been a stumbling block.

Some in the audience questioned whether the new design would lend itself to hosting all the current annual events held in the park. Duany has said all the events could be held with the new design, but members of the commission were skeptical.

The city commission is considering bringing Duany to town April 16 to have him explain the plan.

One sticking point is that Duany doesn't believe playground equipment should be included in the park. The vast majority of residents who attended the study session said they wanted such equipment. Duany will be asked to answer that question and some concerning parking and park usage before the commission decides whether to meet with him.

"I think generally this plan answers most of what we were looking for," said Birmingham City Commissioner Gordon Thorsby. "As an overall concept, I kind of like it."


4) Opinion: Mind the bottom line

Feb. 13, 2003

From the Birmingham Eccentric

The dam at Quarton Lake needs $1.3 million in repairs. This was an expense city officials hadn't counted on and comes while it is spending or preparing to spend millions of dollars on a host of other projects.

There already is a $2.5 million program going on to dredge the lake and make improvements to the surrounding park. And the city is spending $574,500 for a small stretch of sidewalk along Adams, has bought the Barnum Center for $8.5 million and will have to spend more to put it into use. The city is also looking at a cost of some $2 million to redo Shain Park.

A million here. A million there.

And this is occurring while the state is cutting revenue-sharing and the city's fund balance is well on its way south.

The bottom line here is the bottom line, and Birmingham needs to mind its spending habits now more than ever. We urge the Birmingham City Commission to focus on the needs of the city and take a prudent approach to the wants.


5) Letter to Eccentric: PSD and history

Feb. 13, 2003

In an article published on Jan. 30, 2003, titled "City's PSD Board Comes Under Fire," a variety of opinions were expressed about the role of the PSD (Principal Shopping District). With all that is being said, I felt it was important to give some historical perspective.

While in the (State) Senate, I wrote Public Act 146 of 1992 that created the PSD mechanism now in place in Birmingham. I can attest to the fact that it was designed to serve as an autonomous group within the city to meet the needs of area merchants, thus ensuring a vibrant downtown for all. I wrote the law after many long meetings with area merchants including Geoffrey Hockman, Larry Sherman, Richard Astrien and others. They spoke at length in favor of the PSD and lent their blood, sweat and tears to its creation. As malls were flooding the area, the PSD was created to help merchants band together to keep a thriving and competitive downtown.

The work that they do helps sustain current businesses and provides incentive for the attraction of new ones. In turn, this helps to maintain and increase property values downtown and in the neighborhoods. In addition, by having the city manager rather than an elected official appoint members of the PSD, consistency and stability are provided for in the long-term. As a resident living within four miles of downtown since 1958, I believe the downtown is not only part of what makes our area fun and special, but also an important factor in its future vibrancy.

I hope all those involved will recall where we came from, as they guide us into the future.

Michael J. Bouchard
Oakland County Sheriff


6) City refunds $28,470 in snow fines

Feb. 13, 2003

From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

A resident in the 1500 block of Hazel returned home from vacation the week of Jan. 5 to find a $65 bill from the city of Birmingham for snow-shoveling services awaiting her. The woman complained that she wasn't home when the flakes flew on Jan. 2, but it didn't help. But that woman and 437 other Birmingham residents will soon get refunds thanks to a technicality.

"We feel like we have egg on our faces because we didn't catch the notice provision," said Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus. "But we do make mistakes."

Bob Fox, assistant director of public services, explained how the process will work.

"Some people have already paid their bills," said Fox. "So the department will put together a letter explaining exactly what happened and people will get a refund check."

Fox said violators are typically billed $65 because city crews take less than 30 minutes to clear sidewalks. Add all the bills up, and they come to $28,470 in refunds.

According to the city's snow removal ordinance, legal notice has to be provided each calendar year prior to enforcement. The fact that the city placed a Dec. 8, 2002, legal ad in a newspaper and notified every resident in the city's quarterly newsletter on Dec. 1 wasn't good enough, said Birmingham City Attorney Tim Currier.

On Monday, the Birmingham City Commission unanimously approved the refunds and amended the ordinance. The new standard is an annual notice that doesn't necessarily have to fall within the same calendar year as the enforcement.

One resident suggested the city hand out notices with water bills, while Birmingham City Commissioner Dante Lanzetta Jr. said awareness is key.

"We really need to be proactive in getting these out," said Lanzetta. "Not for legal reasons, but just to give people notice."

Markus said there will be a "snowstorm" of notices sent out next year, but he isn't sure the extra effort will eliminate the problem.

"We can inundate people with notices but I'm still convinced we would get 200 to 300 scofflaws who won't follow the law," said Markus. "The key is to consistently enforce the ordinance."

Fox said earlier that his department doesn't want to be in the snow-removal business and any enforcement is based on maintaining the "health, safety and welfare" of the public.

According to the ordinance, residents must clear snow or ice within 12 hours. If snow stops falling in the middle of the night, it must be removed by 6 p.m. the following evening. In the neighborhoods, residents must keep sidewalks clear of snow and make sure firefighters have access to hydrants.

In the business sector, merchants have the added task of making sure people can use parking meters.

In 2000, the city was blanketed with 27 inches of snow in a day and some sidewalks downtown were impassable for days. Large mounds of snow blocked parking meters all around town and the snow-removal ordinance was toughened shortly thereafter. When some merchants complained about the charges, the city took to handing out free shovels as a reminder that the snow had to be shoveled.

If the snow is at least one inch deep, a contractor clears the sidewalks within the city's principal shopping district area. The cost is picked up by the PSD. Merchants are still responsible for any additional snow in front of their stores including the area near parking meters.

City inspectors commonly drive around town after a snowfall and some complaints come in from residents. Either way, if the city verifies that the snow is not shoveled within the time limit, a work order is issued and the property is added to the list of sites the city assumes responsibility for clearing.

A crew is then dispatched and the walk is cleared.

When the city shovels snow for a resident, it does so without warning. Soon after the walk is shoveled, a bill is mailed out. If the bill isn't paid within 60 days, a special assessment roll is created and the outstanding amount is added to the annual property tax bill.

Subsequent violations can be subject to $100 fines and appeals can be made to the Birmingham City Commission.


7) Letter to Eccentric: No petty politics

Feb., 9, 2003

I have just finished reading the article on the PSD in today's Eccentric. (Jan. 30)

In the 35 years that I have been a resident and a taxpayer in Birmingham, I thought we were a democracy and not a dictatorship. That seems to be the mentality of this (city) commission, to make this change.

We have an excellent city manager, as was the previous one. Being a city manager is a profession, and it is not a job for a lay person, whether you are a store owner, real estate owner, attorney, etc. I have owned a number of companies these past 56 years, and with all of this expertise, I would no think for one second that I could be a city manager, or an assistant city manager.

Let our city manager make his suggestions to you, evaluate them, and make a non-political decision for the good of Birmingham.

It is not necessary to have a furniture owner, or any other specialty business, as most business owners think alike or close to it when it's for the betterment of Birmingham or any other city.

Let's forget the petty politics and work for a better Birmingham.

Ed Katz
Birmingham


8) Safety, parking balance Woodward median plan

Feb. 9, 2003

From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Safety and parking are the biggest concerns in a proposal to add a median to North Old Woodward.

"We hope the parking situation doesn't degrade," said Robert Greenstone, owner of a business on North Old Woodward. "...We are looking forward to beautification, but we don't want a net loss of parking."

Greenstone was one of some 30 residents and merchants who talked with Florida-based traffic engineer Walter Kulash Monday about transforming Birmingham's art gallery row into a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

"In most parts of the country traffic is treated like waste water. It has to work perfectly and there is no option," said Kulash. "... We used to regard traffic that way, but we now understand that it is at one end of the continuum."

Kulash said slowing down traffic is not a bad thing, especially if it makes walking around and shopping easier for downtown visitors.

"The quality of the adjacent neighborhoods is such that they simply deserve a better street," said Kulash.

Marked crosswalks are the primary traffic calming measure. One has a pedestrian-directed strobe light, but it is broken and the city is waiting for repairs.

Kulash said a key aspect of the new design is the shortened distance pedestrians would have to cross. Currently, anyone walking has to navigate 70 feet, and what amounts to three lanes of traffic. The proposed redesign reduces that to two 16-foot spans with an island in between. It also moves much of the parking from the east side of the street to the west and recommends motorists back into angled parking spaces.

That would be easier than backing into oncoming traffic, which is the way it now works, said Kulash, and car trunks would face the sidewalk making shopping easier and safer. He also said narrowing the road will make drivers realize that they can't zip down the hill heading south from Woodward Avenue.

"We can't pull a rabbit out of a hat," said Kulash. "We are either going to accommodate the vehicles, or we are going to accommodate the people."

Kulash is the traffic consultant who worked on the Downtown Birmingham 2016 Plan and many of the traffic-calming measures he recommended seven years ago have been put into action.

The primary safety concern is that residents who live in the Mill Pond area would have to make a U-turn before they could drive north. And that wouldn't be easy, said Kulash, because the narrow lanes would force drivers to swing out wide before making a U-turn. The possibility of an impatient motorist smacking into a car as it tries to pass someone making a U-turn is increased, said Kulash, but the positives far outweigh the danger.

Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said the talk was preliminary and even though the city had budgeted $1 million for the project, it would likely get delayed a year or two as Birmingham tries to cope with dwindling resources.

An estimated 11,000 cars travel the area per day, and Kulash said the new configuration could handle as much as 18,000 cars per day. Some members of the Birmingham City Commission said the concept deserved further study but no formal action was taken.


9) Quarton dam needs $1.3 million repair

Feb. 9, 2002

From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

The dam that keeps the water of Quarton Lake in place needs $1.3 million in repairs - A cost city officials hadn't banked on.

"If you don't fix the damn dam, you don't have the damn lake," said Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus.

His comments came as elected officials discussed the future of the city at a long-range planning session last week. When the topic of park improvements came up, the matter of the dam did as well. Dennis Dembiec, director of engineering and public services, said the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality sent a recent letter to the city demanding the dam be repaired and that the adjacent spillway be expanded.

In 1996, part of the dam failed and the city made partial repairs. Dembiec said the city had always intended to finish the job, the MDEQ's demands weren't totally unexpected. The insistence that the repairs occur in 2003 was a surprise, he said.

"They were pretty forceful in the letter," said Dembiec. "They wanted something done."

The MDEQ has since backed off that demand, but now wants the city to come up with a plan of action complete with a timeline for the repairs.

In Nov. 6, 2001, voters approved $25 million in bonds for park improvements. The city subsequently purchased the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Health Center, commonly known as the Barnum Center, for $8.5 million and announced plans for a new community center.

An ambitious $2.5 million project to dredge Quarton Lake and improve the surrounding park also began. The city received $834,500 in state and federal grants to cover half of the $1.6 million dredging cost and that part of the project recently concluded. Park improvements are to begin this spring at an estimated $900,000.

However, none of the money budgeted for Quarton Lake was intended to go repair the dam. When Dembiec mentioned the possibility of using parks bond money to repair the dam, not every member of the Birmingham City Commission was pleased.

"It's a $1.3 million cost that wasn't there before," said City Commissioner Donald Carney. "And it may be the opposite of what we told a lot of people."

Dembiec and Markus said the problem was serious and the money had to come from somewhere. Some commissioners said one or more projects may have to be delayed or cut back.

The matter is expected to come back to the commission at a future meeting but no date has been set.

Mark Gerber, city finance, said Birmingham had more than $4 million in its undesignated funds account.


10) City releases Duany's preliminary Shain design

Feb. 10, 2003

The City of Birmingham has released a color rendering of the atest proposal from Andres Duany for the redevelopment of Shain Park and municipal parkingn Lot #7. To see it, visit http://www.bhambuzz.org/images/shain1102.jpg{{PERIOD}}


11) Quarton Lake update: What are those huts?

Feb. 6, 2002

If you're wondering what those funny-looking structures are on Quarton Lake, read on.

Work on the Quarton Lake dredging project is ahead of schedule, as lead engineering contractor Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC) continues progress on bank stabilization as weather and ice conditions permit. All five shoreline stone terraces have been installed, and dead and fallen trees have been marked for removal.

The sediment removal process was completed in December. The city is verifying the removal of some 40,000 cubic yards of muck from the lake bottom; but it appears that the promise of a much less disturbing and smelly dredging process has been kept.

Buckthorn and other invasive plant species are not only being removed, but also being put to good use. Some of this nuisance brush will line the inside of eight 8'x 8' log structures that currently sit on the ice around the lake island. As the ice melts in spring, these brush cribs will sink to the bottom forming ideal habitats for desirable fish species. Additional aquatic vegetation will also be added to the structures in summer months.

HRC has spread gravel on the ice along the east and west shorelines, which is melting through to form other aquatic habitats at the lake bottom. Due to these and other weak ice areas, the city has posted "Unsafe Ice" warning signs along the construction barrier fencing and advises residents to stay off the ice this season.

Additional stone slab placement and other bank stabilization procedures will continue into the spring months, which also will bring the start of the recreational improvement phase to be carried out by contractor Wade Trim.


12) To be removed, send mail to info@bhambuzz.org
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Number 44: Sept. 3, 2003

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THE BIRMINGHAM BUZZ
"It's the 2016 Plan, stupid."
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Buzz # 44 -- March 20, 2003

Promoting intelligence and reason in city government. Our mission: To inform and involve all Birmingham citizens.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE at http://www.bhambuzz.org for:
-- Up-to-date news items
-- Resources such as the 2016 Plan.
-- A lively and (usually) intelligent discussion group

We want to hear from you! Please send questions, suggestions and feedback to info@bhambuzz.org
{{PERIOD}}
In this edition:

1) City passes on Quarton Lake grant
2) PSD gets initial funding OK
3) Opinion: Local economy must be promoted
4) Letters to the Eccentric
5) Eatery cracks down on serving liquor
6) Amid recession, some positive signs for business
7) Government battles own form of recession
8) Opinion: Keep Mr. J trotting
9) BID may be viable alternative to PSD


1) City passes on Quarton Lake grant

March 20, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Residents who expected Quarton Lake Park to be improved this year won't be disappointed after all.

"I have visions of Quarton Lake Park being like Booth Park where it's full of puddles and the kids can't get to the playground equipment," said Denise McKewan, president of the Mill Pond neighborhood association. "Is it really worth $250,000 when the residents voted to have the bond money restore our parks?"

In November 2001, voters approved $25 million in bonds for park improvements. Since then, the city purchased what will become a new community center and also planned improvements for several parks. McKewan wanted to know if the city was prepared to wait a year to make improvements that were supposed to happen by September.

No was the answer Monday as the Birmingham City Commission rejected a plan to delay improvements to Quarton Lake Park.

"We can't dredge the lake then let it sit there for a year while we wait for a possible grant," said Birmingham Mayor Seth Chafetz.

"I don't like to walk away from funding sources but this comes too late," said City Commissioner Donald Carney.

Bob Fox, assistant director of public works, was prepared to submit an application for a $250,000 state grant to improve the park through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and Land and Water Conservation Fund. He said the city stood a good chance to get the grant because the project would improve the wetland habitat.

Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said delaying park improvements would give the city time to complete $1.3 million in repairs to the dam at Quarton Lake - repairs that were unexpectedly ordered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Delaying the park improvements would also make the logistics easier because it would negate the chance of two different construction crews interfering with each other. Members of the commission, however, said progress was more important because residents need access to the lake this year rather than next.

Last year, the city applied for a similar grant for Booth Park and was turned down. In that case, 90 grant applications were submitted and 21 were approved. Grants are awarded based on factors that include population, household incomes and how much local money the city is willing to spend on a project. Birmingham was willing to provide $342,000 in local funds for the Quarton project but there were no guarantees the grant would be approved.

The commission's vote means the city will pay the entire $694,000 for the project, with $102,000 going to engineering and design work. It will also mean park improvements will begin this year and should conclude this fall.

Planned improvements include a walking trail, pedestrian bridge, native prairie grasses, a dam overlook and improved fishing banks.

Parking is still unresolved in the latest design. A small parking lot on Maple has been removed but the issue of how much perimeter parking should be included remains. Several residents have said they want more parking but people near the park are generally against it.

The city spent some $3,000 on the grant application and will now not send it in.


2) PSD gets initial funding OK

March 20, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

The city's Principal Shopping District is one step closer to surviving.

"I have lived in Birmingham since 1950 and sold real estate for 30 years," said resident Carol Frick. "And I can tell you the value of this community, both as residents and investors in our homes ... is the health and vibrancy of the downtown community. It's what makes my life worthwhile and my property very valuable."

Frick urged the Birmingham City Commission to approve continued funding for the PSD. The first step in the process was declaring a necessity to continue the special assessment tax. PSD Director John Heiney asked for a 3.5 percent across-the-board increase, which is allowed under state law to make up for increases in the cost of living, said Heiney.

Initial reaction was mixed. Two letters objecting to the raise were filed with the city and one person spoke out Monday at the public hearing. Others, mostly merchants, said Monday that they favored the continuation of the PSD. Talk then shifted to the commission.

"The fact that more people aren't here protesting is an indication that the businesses are supportive of the increase," said City Commissioner Rackeline Hoff.

"I don't want to create a false impression that I'm not in favor of renewing the funding for the PSD," said City Commissioner Donald Carney. "But I'd like a budget in hand before I do so."

The city's budget process takes place in April and Carney wanted to see the PSD budget before voting - something that wasn't possible.

Carney also wanted to know if the across-the-board raise was legal - a question that is to be researched by legal staff before next week's commission meeting.

"I'm concerned with the many increases that the businesses are dealing with and the revenues that they aren't getting right now," said City Commissioner Gordon Thorsby. "The least we can do is help them out."

Thorsby wanted a tax cut, not an increase but a 4-2 majority of council disagreed.

"My first concern was what we are doing to people in this downturn in the economy," said Birmingham Mayor Seth Chafetz. "I had a concern with increasing costs. But at the same time it is important to continue marketing the downtown."

The PSD is a city department that is funded by special assessment districts. At next week's meeting, the commission will vote on whether to confirm the tax rolls - a must for the city to assess and collect taxes. The new rates are 38 cents per square foot for businesses on the first floor and 15 cents for businesses located on other floors. Businesses outside the primary area downtown are taxed at half the rates.

Most small-business owners pay less than $1,000 per year to the PSD and the typical increase is less than $50 per merchant. The maximum PSD tax is capped at $11,998.

The PSD was formed 10 years ago in response to the then-planned opening of Troy's Somerset Collection mall. Its primary duty is recruiting businesses and marketing downtown. Heiney outlined how the department spends nearly $900,000 per year.

"Close to $300,000 goes to maintenance and capital improvements," Heiney said. "That includes anything from sidewalk cleaning, to flowers downtown to snow removal ... the idea is to keep the streets clean and looking good. To enhance what the commercial district is already doing."

He also said some $250,000 goes to marketing and $156,000 to hosting special events.

If the tax rolls are confirmed next week, the PSD will have funding for another year.

The department also faces the possibility of changes recommended by Carney. He wants the mayor to make future appointments to the board, the size of the board reduced from 12 members to nine and for longtime members to resign. Those issues remain unresolved.


3) Opinion: Local economy must be promoted

March 20, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

Even as the last hopes for peace in the Middle East were fading, persons attending the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber annual real estate luncheon Thursday got some good news about the local economy.

Downtown Birmingham is still a strong shopping district, despite the national recession and economic uncertainty fueled by the threat of war with Iraq.

Joan Primo delivered the encouraging news. She is founder of Strategic Edge, a Southfield-based marketing company. Strategic Edge conducted a survey of downtown Birmingham last year, and among the findings were:

More than 70 percent of Birmingham residents shop downtown at least once a week.
Downtown shoppers stay an average of 1.5 hours per visit.
More than half of the patrons come to town to eat rather than shop.
Birmingham rated equal or better than the Somerset Collection in nine of 12 categories considered.
In a related area, commercial and home building continues at a steady pace throughout the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. New construction is going up around the township, including construction of a new mall at Long Lake and Telegraph.

This area remains a prime site for development. That gives us some insulation from the downturns in the economy. But just some.

The city must follow a steady course of fiscal responsibility and do everything it can to promote the downtown shopping district. It needs to encourage the Principal Shopping District, not dilute it. The city needs to ease the way for new businesses and watch all spending.

Birmingham needs to continue to build on its strengths and never assume that conditions won't change.


4) Letters to the Eccentric

March 20, 2003

Whi is biased?

I find it more than interesting that City Commissioner Don Carney chose to defend his continuing attack on the PSD by writing a Letter to the Editor in the very same paper he canceled Nov. 4, 2001, (Sunday Perspectives, "Cancel Our Subscriptions").

Mr. Carney chose to cancel his subscription stating that the Eccentric was "clearly not supportive of the interests of the residents." He further states the reason for his cancellation is the Eccentric's endorsement of three candidates for city commission (none of which were him).

He now seeks support for his attack on the PSD using the same "media organization" he admonished as having a "bias toward business interests." Mr. Carney seems to have quite a "bias" himself.

Christopher J. Longe
Birmingham

Usurping the PSD

It is said that all politics is local. Let's take a look at ours.

Commissioner (Don) Carney has decided the Principal Shopping District charter should be changed to relieve city manager, Tom Marcus, of conflicts of interest in appointing of PSD candidates. Senate Bill 582, which established the criteria for the board in 1992, is specific in its language. It states that the "Chief Executive Officer of the City shall appoint candidates with the concurrence of the governing body of the City." The charter also requires that one member of city government sit on the board. The Michigan legislature did not view this as a conflict of interest but rather an efficient, objective method of providing representation of parties to the board.

The spirit of Senate Bill No. 582 was to provide a representative, independent body of commercial and residential property owners and business owners the ability to "promote economic activity" and enhance the retail experience in Birmingham. Short of a Downtown Development Authority, this independent board could determine an assessment method of collection and direction of the disbursement to meet the ultimate objective of tenant recruitment.

This bill was embraced by our city to counter the impending threat of the Somerset Collection to our retail businesses. In the 10 years the PSD has functioned such amenities as snow removal and gardens have been added. What is less visible is the tireless effort of the PSD to assess and improve signage ordinances, state liquor licensing, parking, pedestrian traffic, appropriate advertising and promotion and, of course, tenant recruitment. This volunteer commitment by the PSD board members translates into increased revenue for the city, keeping our property in high demand.

Today, the PSD faces a challenge by the city commission to usurp its independence. By decreasing the number of board members the commission, through attrition can quickly change the constitution of the board. Enabling the mayor to appoint candidates reduces the pool to the usual suspects. In less time than it takes to say "too tall" we will have another city body in place to do the commission's bidding.

As with most issues that continue to confront us, everyone involved here is probably just a little bit right. That is why healthy debate flourishes. To get the best results we must all pay attention to what is really on the table here. Some feel that the PSD should be controlled by the city commission to enhance its power and influence. Others feel that professionals and business owners have a right to representation in city government as a means to grow their investment in a better community.

Connie Lovell, ASID
Birmingham

City owns the pipes

In each and every article that I have read in the Eccentric pertaining to the collapsing of the lateral sewer pipes, there are two statements that consistently arise which deem to be false and provoke my writing this letter.

It seems as though the city needs to lead us into believing that these collapsing "Orangeburg" sections of sewer pipes are on "private property"; also, that we, as homeowners, have questionably been provided with a 30-year warranty from the city. False. The city did not provide, but instead was provided with a 30-year warranty on these pipes that they say are on "private property." Sorry, Birmingham, but it is your warranty that has expired, not ours.

These "Orangeburg" pipe sections start at and run ONLY under the city's sidewalks then proceed down to the street where they are connected to the sewer main. The main runs underneath the center of the city's streets. The sewer pipe, usually crock, that is in fact on "private property" is the pipe that connects from our homes to this Orangeburg pipe.

There is no one who is as stupid as you must believe who thinks this Orangeburg pipe is on private property or is privately owned. From prior viewed excavations and replacements of these pipes, it is obvious that they are entirely on city property. Are we to believe that the sidewalk and the trees that are growing between the sidewalk and the street are also on private property?

I suppose it would be logical to say that the pipe sections in question do belong to each property owner but only in the same respect that we also own City Hall, Baldwin Library, etc. What's yours in all reality is by definition also ours. Birmingham is Our City and we love it! It's supported, run and held together in conjunction with our tax dollars. We are by no means asking the city for any favors. Let it be that our tax dollars will be used for the pipe replacement and indirectly we will be paying for these sections of pipe. How rude that the powers invested within our city's government would even consider refusing to correct this city maintenance problem.

Our city needs to take on the liability of replacing them and the responsibility of compensating those in our community who have already been forced to replace the non-optimally working Orangeburg pipes, at their own expense, that have disintegrated within the vicinity of their private property.

Alice Dinan-Thimm
Birmingham


5) Eatery cracks down on serving liquor

March 20, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Faced with the possibility of losing its liquor license, Buca Di Beppo fired several employees and now checks every customer's identification before pouring a drink.

"To my knowledge, this is the first time in our history that any of our restaurants has received two violations," said Greg Gadel, executive vice president of Buca. "... We take the privilege of serving of alcohol very seriously, and we will not let the city of Birmingham down."

The Italian restaurant, at 250 N. Old Woodward, is noted for serving bountiful plates of pasta but it was the eatery's past instances of serving alcohol to minors that got it in trouble. Buca Di Beppo was busted twice for serving alcohol to minors in 2002.

Several Buca officials flew to Birmingham this week from Minnesota to appear before the Birmingham City Commission. At stake was the commission's approval of Buca's Class C liquor license renewal. Without the approval, the eatery would have to take its chances with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, which could have approved the renewal without Birmingham's consent.

Gadel said Buca has nearly 100 restaurants in 21 states and all the others had never had this type of trouble before. He also said the restaurant will chance alienating patrons rather than risk losing its liquor license. No matter how old a person looks, identification will be checked in all instances, said Gadel.

He passed out a recent letter from an irate 60-year-old customer who was denied alcohol because he didn't have proper identification.

"We check everyone," said Gadel. "That's the policy."

The restaurant installed a machine that checks identifications and retrained staff to make sure alcohol isn't served to minors in the future, said Gadel.

Gadel's presentation convinced local officials.

"I feel encouraged that obviously, you are taking the situation seriously," said Birmingham City Commissioner Gordon Thorsby. "Especially considering the environment you are in ... an area where there are a lot of young people who congregate."

The commission voted 6-0 to renew the license.

Birmingham Police Chief Richard Patterson said earlier that Buca sold to minors on June 18 and again on Dec. 18. Police carry out annual sting operations on every establishment that sells liquor in Birmingham.

Midtown Cafe was the only other establishment charged with serving to a minor, but it was only busted once, on June 18, and paid an $1,200 fine. Buca was fined $900 for the first violation and the second charge is still pending before the MLCC.


6) Amid recession, some positive signs for business

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

March 16, 2003

Flexibility is key in a shrinking economy, but advantages can be gained with the right approach, said Peter Burton, president of Burton-Katzman Development.

"We went into a hunker-down mode," said Burton. "We paid down debt and watched every penny."

Burton was one of three speakers at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber's annual real estate forecast luncheon at the Townsend Hotel Thursday.

He and partners Robert Katzman and Laurence Goss formed a new company, BKG, Birmingham LLC, and bid $4.3 million for the former Jacobson's men's store at 325 N. Old Woodward Ave.

They are expected to close on the deal in a few weeks and many in the crowd wanted to know what would become of the site.

"We plan to raze the building," said Burton. "We believe it's functionally obsolete. It has six or seven different additions. It's like a Rubik's Cube and we can't make any sense of it."

Burton said he didn't want to reveal too many details before making a proposal to city officials. But affordable housing, retail and office could all play a role in the planned three-story development. When asked what passes for affordable housing in Birmingham, Burton said the $350,000 range. He also said he expects the entire redevelopment process to take three years.

Burton said the former Jacobson's site was a "market rate deal" -- meaning he was able to get prime property at a price that was too attractive to pass up.

The focus of Burton's presentation was how to flourish in a recession. Getting rid of debt and unloading undesirable property is key, he said, as well as shifting marketing and production strategies. Offering smaller tenant spaces and affordable housing is the way to go, he said.

"It's not that the market goes away in a recession," said Burton. "It just becomes smaller. You have to find a way to capitalize on that."

THE RETAIL SCENE

Joan Primo, founder of Strategic Edge, a Southfield-based marketing company, gave a presentation on the extensive survey her company conducted last year on Birmingham's retail scene. Despite a downturn in the economy, said Primo, the area is ripe for success.

"Downtown Birmingham has an expansive trade area," said Primo. "This is truly an embarrassment of riches if you will."

Among Primo's findings were:

* Over 70 percent of Birmingham residents shop downtown at least once a week.
* Downtown shoppers stay an average of 1.5 hours per visit.
* More than half of the patrons come to town to eat rather than shop .
* Nearly 14 percent of Birmingham residents consider downtown their core shopping area.
* Downtown rated equal to or better than Troy's Somerset Collection in nine of 12 categories.

Surveyors were positioned outside 32 Birmingham establishments, and they interviewed 437 people on the street in May and June -- before Jacobson's went bankrupt.

Primo said the city is fairing well considering the close proximity to Somerset. Most people who were surveyed didn't identify any specific additional stores, restaurants or services that were needed in Birmingham. Parking was listed as the biggest problem, but Primo was upbeat about that too.

"If you don't have parking concerns, you don't have customers," said Primo.

BLOOMFIELD PARK

Dan Devine, treasurer and interim supervisor of Bloomfield Township, spoke on the settlement that paved the way for the controversial $1 billion Bloomfield Park development to proceed at Square Lake and Telegraph roads.

"We had many signs that we weren't going to prevail in court," said Devine. "If we had gone to the Supreme Court and lost, we would have lost the property forever."

Devine said he still doesn't know what hotels, retailers or businesses will come to the area because the developer is being less than open.

He said the township did what it could to ensure whatever gets built there will complement downtown Birmingham and not compete with it. Developer Craig Schubiner, of the Harbor Companies, has said the project will bring some 4 million square feet of office, hotel, retail shopping and residential space to the region.

It was once planned to be a $2 billion development with 9 million square feet of new space and buildings as high as 20 stories. Controversy erupted when township officials objected to the density and scale of Schubiner's first development proposal. The plans didn't conform to existing zoning laws and several lawsuits followed. Schubiner then took his proposal to the city of Pontiac, which set out to annex the site. All sides eventually settled the dispute and plans are proceeding.

"We want a quality development," said Devine. "And we are going to work hard to make sure it happens sooner rather than later."

7) Government battles own form of recession

March 16, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Chuck Moss

What's going on with all the state and local budget problems? The best way to describe the current situation is to call it a "Government Recession." We all know about slowdowns. In a business recession, demand slows and income drops. When income falls, a business or family cuts expenses to balance the budget, which lowers someone else's income so the effects ripple onward. GM cuts, so suppliers lay off, families don't spend.

The government recession works in a different way. It's not caused by a drop in demand for services, but a drop in income. Fundamentally, though, the effect is the same. Government finance is at heart really simple. Like any balance sheet, you have income and expenses. When income is greater than expense, everything's fine. When expense is bigger than income, you have problems. That gap between income and expense is called the deficit. The State of Michigan's deficit is estimated to be $1.7 billion for 2004.

Let's take the income side first. Michigan gets its income by three main sources: sales tax, income tax, and the Single Business Tax. All three are declining. The sales tax is down because people aren't buying things. Income tax is down because people aren't working - but there's more. Michigan has decided to cut taxes. The personal income tax is being rolled back, and that will forego 8 percent of General Fund Revenue. So, one-third of Michigan's General Fund/General Purpose account - the state's main checkbook - is going away.

Now Michigan is one of America's highest-taxed states, so tax cuts are good, right? Let's look at the other side of the balance: spending. Eighty percent of General Fund spending occurs in four areas: Higher Education; Community Health, including Medicaid; Corrections, and the Family Independence Agency.

Keep in mind that 62 percent of revenues end of flowing down to counties, cities, townships, school districts and universities. Also keep your eye on Medicaid. That state/federal program accounts for roughly 25 percent of the State budget and grows about 20 percent per year. Left alone, it will swallow up the rest of the budget.

Imagine the state of Michigan as our governmental GM. (California is Enron.) When the big guys cut, effects ripple down. This means both revenue sharing and payments for programs get cut. Local and county governments get most of their revenue from property taxes, which also drop during an economic slowdown. This income is even more dicey, as both Proposition A and the Headlee Amendment limit what you can assess and charge. Local government's income is potentially as squeezed as the state's.

So that's the public sector recession. Be prepared to see government programs you like get cut. But recessions have a good side: They temper, test and transform organizations. They weed out the weak and inefficient. Now government can't be totally "run like a business." Kmart could drop Martha Stewart towels if they lose money, but Oakland County can't quit funding the sheriff's department. Still, governments have fattened up during the good years. Benefit programs have expanded. Costs have risen.

Now the Government Recession will force public bodies to refocus on their core missions, make their operations more productive, and put programs on a fiscally sound basis. Recessions are the hard but necessary and inevitable days of reckoning and renewal. The public sector tends to lag the general economy by about a year-and-a-half, so when times get good, governments will come out of these hard times as well, chastened and wiser, as better and more effective stewards of the public's tax dollars. Then they can slowly backslide again, like everybody else does, until the next recession comes.

Chuck Moss is an Oakland County commissioner representing Birmingham, and is a former Birmingham city commissioner.


8) Opinion: Keep Mr. J trotting

March 13, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

Given the emotional response that already is rising over the possible termination of the services of Mr. J, the city might want to rethink its budget priorities.

Mr. J is the city's police horse. Some folks around town are mighty upset the police department might have to stop using the horse because it costs a lot to keep him in oats. Exactly just how much isn't clear yet as the numbers are still buried in the police department budget.

And Birmingham, like just about every other city in Michigan, is facing a budget crunch.

Even though there are no plans yet to send Mr. J packing, the mere hint that that might happen already has people circulating petitions to keep him in service.

OK, as far as we know he hasn't solved a single crime. In fact, he seems blitheringly unaware of the fact that he even is a police horse. But people like him. He's friendly and has a certain charm that endures him with the public.

If it comes down to laying off police officers or Mr. J, we'll opt to retain the officers. But let's try to not let it get to that point.

9) BID may be viable alternative to PSD

March 16, 2003

>From Our Discussion Forum

Posted by michael: Mar. 16 2003,12:15

Perhaps Birmingham City Commissioner Donald Carney has a point. Maybe the downtown business and property owners should consider creating a business improvement district (BID) in Birmingham.

In the last hours of the 2001 Michigan Legislative session, Public Act 260 of 2001, the enabling legislation for Business Improvement Districts throughout the state, passed the House and Senate by a wide majority.

The beauty of Michigan's PA 260 of 2001 is that it is a "bottom up process" that allows eligible property owners to be masters of their own destiny. In short, the BID Legislation provides that a 60% majority of eligible commercial and/or industrial property owners must want the district, develop boundaries, identify eligible property, win the support of their fellow property owners, detail a scope of services and corresponding budget to satisfy all concerned and then win the support of the city's governing body.

Owners in the district retain direct control of the budgeted services, elect a board of directors made up of property owners to serve as fiduciaries, and oversee the daily operations of district services and amenities. The board may contract with a non-profit entity to act as managers on its behalf.

A BID provides enhanced improvements and activities, such as security, maintenance, marketing, events, and business recruitment, in addition to those provided by local government.

It is designed and created by those who will pay the assessment.

It is governed by those who pay through a property and business owner advisory board that supervises operations and submits a yearly service plan.

It is implemented by those who pay through a nonprofit, private sector, management organization.

It is established through petition support from property owners who will pay the proposed property assessments.

BIDs are established for a set term determined by those who pay the assessment and must be reestablished by those who pay through a new petition process.

To establish private-sector control and accountability, an advisory board consisting of downtown property and business owners manages the district. Annual management district work plans and budgets are developed by the advisory board, ensuring that the district will be accountable to those who pay the assessment. Security, maintenance, and marketing programs are subject to private-sector performance standards and controls.

BIDs have been used in other cities and states since the 80's. Michigan adopted it in 2001. Perhaps it is something to look into as our city commission prepares to dismantle to PSD.

For more information, visit:

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan at http://www.crcmich.org/EDSurvey/financg-taxauthorities/bid.html.

The Main Street Group at http://www.mainstreetgrp.com/bids1.html.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance at http://www.downtowngr.org/purpose.htm.

Detroit Downtown Inc. at http://www.detroitdowntowninc.org/Gateway/.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BIRMINGHAM BUZZ
"It's the 2016 Plan, stupid."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buzz # 40 -- March 4, 2003

Promoting intelligence and reason in city government. Our mission: To inform and involve all Birmingham citizens.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE at http://www.bhambuzz.org for:
-- Up-to-date news items
-- Resources such as the 2016 Plan.
-- A lively and (usually) intelligent discussion group

We want to hear from you! Please send questions, suggestions and feedback to info@bhambuzz.org
{{PERIOD}}
In this edition:

1) Pierce garage improvements planned
2) Big Rock loses bid for new hall -- again
3) Opinion: Stop tinkering with the PSD
4) Quarton Lake Park plan delayed a year
5) Debate heats up over PSD control
6) Opinion: Losing Maskill's a bitter blow
7) Opinion: PSD power grab unfair to Hockman
8) To be removed, send mail to info@bhambuzz.org
{{PERIOD}}

1) Pierce garage improvements planned

March 2, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

Planned improvements to the Pierce Street parking garage will make getting in and out easier.

"Sure I think it will be good for the city," said Birmingham Mayor Seth Chafetz. "Anything that makes the garage more user friendly has got to be good."

The garage, located on the west side of Pierce between Merrill and Brown street, is the busiest parking garage in the city but filling it up with cars isn't easy. Always open is the Pierce street entrance and cars stream in and out. But the more unwieldy Brown-Street entrance is often closed. And even when it's open, making the sharp turn in isn't easy.

Planned improvements, which were approved by the Birmingham Planning Board Wednesday, include redesigned driveways, relocation of the cashier booth and the installation of pedestrian walkways and public art. A new cashier booth will also be installed at the Pierce Street entrance.

The work will cost some $400,000, said Paul O'Meara, city engineer, and the job is expected to begin in August.

"There will be a two-month period where the only access to the garage will be from the Pierce Street entrance," said O'Meara.

The board approved the design after eliminating trees from the plan to give more space for public art. O'Meara will now put the project out for bids and the Birmingham City Commission will have to approve the final contract.


2) Big Rock loses bid for new hall -- again

March 2, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

The fourth time wasn't a charm for Big Rock Chop and Brew House owner Norman LePage as he was once again turned down on a proposed banquet hall at 325 S. Eton.

"We were obviously disappointed, but encouraged that three of them went with us this time," said LePage of the Birmingham Planning Board. "... I just had a talk with my attorney, and we have two weeks to decide how to react."

LePage went before the board Wednesday for the fourth time in three years and once again parking was the major topic of discussion.

"You are really stealing spaces from the train station to accommodate this use," said Planning Board Member Willem Tazelaar. "And I have a problem with that."

LePage wants to open an 8,100-square-foot banquet facility for 300 people where the current Erb Lumber building sits adjacent to the Big Rock restaurant. Across the parking lot sits a small train station terminal that would have to be moved to make way for more parking spaces.

Tazelaar said he was concerned the number of parking spaces for the station would be reduced. But that was just one concern with LePage's latest design, said Planning Board Chairman Gary Kulak.

"The board felt comfortable with a 6,000-square-foot building," said Kulak. "... I'm not going to recommend a variance on top of a special land use permit."

The board makes recommendations to the Birmingham City Commission. In this case, LePage was seeking preliminary site plan approval but it was turned down with a 3-3 vote. To get approval, LePage needed a host of concessions from the city.

He needed a variance for a shortage of 15 parking spaces, a variance for 60 spaces that were too small and a special land use permit to allow the banquet facility to stay open until 2 a.m. and the construction of a bigger building than 6,000 square feet, which is the limit for buildings in the mixed-use zoning classification.

The area has a large parking lot that already serves an office building, the restaurant and the train stop. LePage proposed using a shared parking provision that the city occasionally allows when neighboring buildings contain businesses with different hours of operation. He said the banquet facility would be busy on weekends, when the office building would be closed.

He also said valet parking would use space more efficiently, thus requiring fewer overall spaces.

"There is a need in the community for this," said LePage. "I am looking forward to offering a banquet facility that will fit in right between what the Townsend and The Community House offer."

LePage commissioned a marketing study that identified a niche for a mid-priced hall that could seat some 250 people. He isn't willing to reduce the size of the project because making a profit would prove difficult, said LePage.

Another concern raised by board members was that banquet users would have to use a local street to navigate from aisle to aisle while looking for a parking space.

LePage's daughter in-law Suzanne LePage said she went door-to-door in the nearby neighborhood and people didn't object once they learned the facts. But Greg Blake, a member of the Torry Homeowners Association, which is further down the road, did object.

"Everyone in our neighborhood is worried about this place closing at 2 a.m.," said Blake. "These people aren't coming from a Bible meeting, they are coming from a banquet hall."

LePage hired a court reporter to record the proceedings Wednesday.


3) Opinion: Stop tinkering with the PSD

Feb. 24, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

Leave the PSD alone.

There is a movement among some city commissioners to restructure Birmingham's Principal Shopping District board and essentially turn it into an arm of the commission.

This is misguided and inappropriate.

The PSD was formed nearly 10 years ago to help the city's main shopping area deal with the threat posed by the area shopping malls, especially the Somerset Collection.

The PSD offers a variety of services and programs to enhance the shopping district. It is a quasi-governmental agency, funded by a special tax on merchants and businesses in the district's boundaries.

It is overseen by a 12-member board, and it has been proposed that the board be cut to nine members and that they be appointed by the mayor, not the city manager, as is currently the case.

Perhaps an argument could be made to reduce the size of the board to nine members and perhaps there is a need for some new faces on the board. But there is no need to take the appointments away from the city manager. Indeed, the more distance there is between the city commission and the PSD the better.

Since the last election, the PSD has become more and more politicized - through no fault of its own. It's true that some member merchants took an active stance in the election, supporting certain candidates. Those candidates lost and their victorious opponents have not forgotten who supported whom.

The fact the merchants supported certain candidates should have no bearing on the PSD itself. Those folks had every right to support whoever they wished in the election.

And for a commissioner to imply that PSD board members who don't have the same views as the commissioners shouldn't be on the board is absurd. Even PSD members have a right to an opinion.

With the economy wilting, Birmingham's businesses need all the help they can get. Tinkering with the PSD now would be counterproductive.

Leave the PSD alone.


4) Quarton Lake Park plan delayed a year

Feb. 23, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

The remodeling of Quarton Lake park will be delayed a year so the city can repair a dam and apply for a grant.

"We don't think we can delay construction of the dam," said Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus. "It's something we need to address. It didn't make sense to fix up the park then tear apart the dam."

The dam, which keeps the water of Quarton Lake in place, needs $1.3 million in repairs. City officials didn't plan to make the repairs this year, but the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality forced the issue.

"There won't be a noticeable drop in the lake level," said Dennis Dembiec, director of engineering and public services. "We intend to go out for bids in August and complete the project by the end of the year."

In 1996, part of the dam failed and the city made partial repairs. Dembiec said the city had always intended to finish the job, but the MDEQ's insistence that the repairs occur in 2003 was a surprise.

In Nov. 6, 2001, voters approved $25 million in bonds for park improvements. The city subsequently purchased the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Health Center, commonly known as the Barnum Center, for $8.5 million and announced plans for a new community center.

An ambitious $2.5 million project to dredge Quarton Lake and improve the surrounding park also began. The city received $834,500 in state and federal grants to cover half of the $1.6 million dredging cost and that part of the project recently concluded. Some $900,000 in park improvements were to begin this spring, including new park seating, landscaping and recreational features.

Those improvements will be delayed about a year to give the city time to repair the dam and apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant that would, if approved, cover less than half the cost of park improvements.

Grant are awarded due to factors that include population, household incomes and how much local money the city is willing to spend on a project. The city was recently turned down on a similar application for Booth Park, but officials believe planned improvements to the lake, such as planting marsh grasses, will give the city an edge this time.

"We stand a better chance with this application, but there are no guarantees," said Bob Fox, assistant director of public services.

Markus said the city plans to use $300,000 of bond money to repair the dam, though members of the Birmingham City Commission raised the possibility that voters might not be pleased because they thought the bonds were to go only to park improvements.

"We think there is some legitimacy for taking $300,000 because there are some recreational uses considered here," said Markus.

Markus was referring to a dam overlook included in the park improvement plan.

The Birmingham City Commission will have to hold a public hearing on the grant application. That hearing is expected to take place at the regular 8 p.m., March 17, commission meeting at City Hall, located at 151 Martin.


5) Debate heats up over PSD control

Feb.23, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Larry Ruehlen

Agree with me, be quiet or risk getting replaced - that's basically what Birmingham City Commissioner Donald Carney said to the Principal Shopping District Board Wednesday.

"I don't think (the commission) should be able to say the board can't make a point," said Carney. "But we, as the elected officials, ought to have the ability to change the composition of the board if it does that."

Weeks ago, Carney, citing political unrest between the board and commission, suggested sweeping changes that would reduce the number of board members and remove the city manager from the appointment process. The possible impact of those changes was discussed at a joint meeting of the commission and PSD board Wednesday.

City Attorney Tim Currier said the key points of Carney's plan would be legal if adopted by the commission. Though no formal action was taken, the mere possibility rankled attendees.

"You don't want us to think," said PSD board member Richard Astrein. "You don't want us to have an opinion of our own. These are the merchants' funds and you don't have control over them. That's what you want, control."

Individual members of other boards often express opinions on commission actions at public meetings without question, but Carney has not let members of the PSD forget two incidents.

In the 2001 city election, many retailers in the PSD supported a slate of candidates that opposed Carney and displayed the political signs of his opponents in their store windows.

In addition, the PSD officially opposed reducing the maximum allowable heights of buildings downtown - a move the city commission later approved. Since then, Carney has said the board needs to be revamped because it is too political.

After Currier spoke, Carney made a brief speech about the need to bring the PSD under the commission's "umbrella" of control. The commission has not reappointed board members who disagreed with commission policy in the past.

The possibility of that happening again had other PSD members spewing vitriol in Carney's direction.

"We need to make sure retailers want to come to this town, and the only way to do that is to revitalize this town," said Jayme Leib Kirschner. "If we don't do something to keep up, our town is going down the tubes. Do you know what that's going to do to property values? Å I'm so frustrated because this is just ridiculous."

Kirschner said reducing the size of the board is a bad idea because it has too much work to do.

Currently, City Manager Tom Markus chooses appointees and the commission gets a final vote. Carney wants the mayor to be in charge of future PSD appointments. In Birmingham, the mayor is chosen on a rotational basis and Carney is slated to be the next mayor.

Kirschner, Cheryl Daskas and Geoffrey Hockman are seeking reappointment and no one else has applied. A vote on the reappointments was delayed while the commission considers Carney's suggestions.

Carney said a lack of turnover on the board has hurt the retail scene downtown, and he encouraged members to step down to make room for new faces and new ideas. He also wants the majority of PSD board members to be people who lease rather than own property.

Carney's wife leased a store in the heart of the PSD district for years and recently moved it to the PSD's secondary area, where taxes are lower. Several PSD members have privately questioned whether Carney has a conflict of interest that should preclude him from setting PSD policy, but the matter has not been discussed at a public meeting.

SETTING DIRECTIONS

For members of the PSD, control of the board is important because it sets the marketing, advertising and recruiting direction for the merchants downtown.

The PSD is funded by special assessment of 37 cents per square foot for businesses on the first floor and 14 cents for businesses located on other floors. Businesses outside the primary area downtown are taxed at half the rates.

Most small-business owners pay less than a $1,000 per year to the PSD and the tax is capped at just over $11,000 per year.

It was formed 10 years ago in response to the planned opening of Troy's Somerset Collection mall. The PSD has a 12-member board and four founding members remain. The department, which runs on a budget of some $900,000 per year, employs a full-time director and three part-time employees.

PSD board member Cheryl Daskas said she didn't want the commission hand-picking people who would control the downtown shopping scene.

"Whether it be the planning board or another appointment, I've seen very qualified people get up there and read a resume that's a mile long and all of the sudden, (the commission says) 'Oh, we'll take that dermatologist over there,'" said Daskas. "I'm sorry, but I've seen it over and over and over."

DEMOCRATIC PROCESS

Birmingham City Commissioner Dante Lanzetta Jr. said the commission's appointment process for all other boards is more democratic than the PSD process because positions are posted and anyone can apply and show up for a public interview before the commission.

Three members of the commission, Rackeline Hoff, Russell Dixon and Dianne Mckeon, have opposed Carney's proposed changes to the PSD.

There will likely be an action item on a future commission agenda. Carney assured everyone that changes wouldn't occur without a public vote.

PSD board member Douglas Fehan summed up his opinion.

"You (Carney) are being the judge and jury and that's the part I don't like," said Fehan. "The reality is we are powerless. You are going to do what you want to do, and we have to sit back and suffer the result of it."


6) Opinion: Losing Maskill's a bitter blow

Feb. 20, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

It's heartbreaking when a store like Maskill's hardware goes out of business,

Stores come and go. That's the nature of any community. But there are some that become so ingrained into the soul of a town that their loss is especially wrenching. Even losing Crowley's or Jacobson's does not have the impact of the loss of Maskill's, at least from an emotional standpoint. The big chain stores were in Birmingham for decades, but ultimately they were just that -- branches of big stores.

Stores like Maskill's, Neighborhood Hardware and some select others find their way into people's hearts in a way that no big store ever can. They become extensions of the people who own and run them. And losing them is like losing an old friend.

The closing of Maskill's is just another bump in the overall Birmingham business scene. But it is a gaping hole in the hearts of many who worked at the store as high school kids, embarked on their first do-it-yourself project or salvaged that home project from near disaster because the part that suddenly became essential was only a few minutes away on the shelves of Maskill's.

So long, guys, you will be missed.


7) Opinion: PSD power grab unfair to Hockman

Feb. 20, 2003

>From the Birmingham Eccentric

By Judith Doner Berne

It's hard to see competent people who volunteer to make a difference publicly humiliated.

Birmingham is guilty of political maneuvering that may cause the community to lose one of its most valuable assets.

In an obvious power grab, some anti-development members of the Birmingham City Commission are seeking as much control as possible over the Principal Shopping District that recruits businesses and markets Birmingham's downtown.

Funded by a special assessment on the owners of these downtown properties, the PSD has responsibility for how the approximately $900,000 per year it collects is spent.

One way to better control those funds is by knocking strong people off and reducing the membership of the PSD board. The suggestion has been made to shift the power to make future appointments from the city manager to the mayor and to cut the number of board seats from 12 to nine.

PSD president Geoffrey Hockman, whose term is up for renewal, would be one of the board members eliminated. That is both cruel to Hockman, who has for years been a leader in both the business and community life of Birmingham, and to the Birmingham community.

Now president of the Empire Investments Corporation, based in Bloomfield Hills, Hockman is a co-founder and co-developer of The Townsend Hotel. The Four Star, 4 Diamond hotel is a focal point of downtown Birmingham.

Hockman will leave the Birmingham School Board after 16 years in June. He is currently its president - for the fourth time. He has also served six years on the very city commission that is trying to oust him, including a term as mayor.

Beyond that, Hockman is chairman of the Beaumont Foundation and a director of Beaumont Hospital. It's no secret that Hockman was a key person in Birmingham's purchase of the hospital's Barnum rehabilitation facility for a future recreation center.

Hockman says that the other two board members - Jayme Leib Kirschner and Cheryl Daskas - whose reappointments are also in question are critical to the PSD's efforts.

"I'm frustrated," he says. "This isn't about ego. I've got plenty of other things to do. But the community's good will and needs are being subordinated to the will of three or four people."

Elected officials must be held accountable when they put narrow political interests before community interests and hurt good people in the process.

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