SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
MILFORD CIVIC CENTER
President Nader called the meeting to order in the Milford Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. President Nader led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PRESENT
President Thomas Nader; Councilmembers Michael Glagola, Elizabeth Heer, Richard Kostin, James Kovach, Theresa Rusas, Kevin Ziegle
ALSO PRESENT
Arthur Shufflebarger, Village Manager; Don Green, Milford Township Supervisor; Cynthia Dagenhardt, Milford Township Treasurer; John Heidt, Planning Commission Chairman; Myles Davis, John McDaniels, Parks & Rec. Commissioners; Judith Reiter, Beautification Commissioner
NEW BUSINESS
Approve Conceptual Plan for Fire Station at Existing Location & Approve Request for Additional 25 feet
CM-07-120-08 Kostin moved, Glagola seconded, to approve the conceptual plan to renovate the fire station at 325 W. Huron and approve the request for an additional twenty-five (25) feet to the east of the existing building with the following conditions:
1. Milford Township will participate on maintaining Southside Park.
2. Council will review the design in terms of historic aesthetics.
3. Approval valid through November 2010.
DISCUSSION
Tige Reader, 311 E. Liberty; Kurt Manecke, 134 S. Houghton; Duane Freitag, 445 Crystal; Judith Reiter, 401 E. Liberty; Thomas Johnson, 1653 Indian Garden; and James Reiter, 401 E. Liberty; were in favor of the Fire Station staying at the current location, but were not in favor of giving up 25 ft. of parkland. They suggested a smaller building.
Edith Nader, 434 W. Huron, supported the plan to renovate the existing building and giving them the 25 ft. for parking.
Mary Lou Gharrity, 510 Union; read a letter from Tami Averill (on file in Village office). Ms. Averill objected to the fire station remaining on this site and objected to giving them an extra 25 ft.
Mrs. Gharrity, Jay and Brooke Qualman, 508 Olivia, and Don Sleek of Clawson, agreed with Ms. Averill and suggested they build a new station on the north edge of the Village.
Stacy Peterson, CDPA, architect; gave a brief presentation. He showed two different building configurations and three different apparatus bay configurations.
Cynthia Dagenhardt, Milford Township Treasurer, explained that these drawings were conceptual only. They are to show Council how a building would fit on the site and why they need the extra 25 ft. She said if this concept with the additional 25 ft. is approved, then they will have complete site plans drawn up.
John Heidt, 990 Panorama, Planning Commission Chairman, suggested a different configuration for parking that may eliminate the need for the additional 25 ft. He reminded them that if the plan is approved, they will need a railing on top of the retaining wall. He said this should not be looked at as Township vs. Village, he said this is one community.
Linda Dagenhardt, 9125 Clinton, Holly, said this could be an opportunity for the Historical Society, Township and Village work together and compromise. She suggested water could be brought to the cabin, and the Township and Village could help maintain the site.
Susan Gumpper, 804 E. Liberty, said the Historical Society has a real fear that if they take 25 ft. now, ten years from now they may ask for more. She said they reduced their request from the whole park to 25 ft. which shows they are trying to compromise. She said we have to respect both history and progress.
Council discussed the proposal. They thanked the public for coming and letting Council know their concerns. They agreed that keeping the station at the current location was a good idea. There was further discussion regarding the number of parking spaces shown on the plan and whether they were all needed; whether the 25 ft. of parkland should be given and whether Council could have a say in the aesthetics of the building to help preserve the historical aspect of the site.
CM-07-120-08
Roll Call Vote
Yes – Glagola, Rusas, Kostin, Nader No – Ziegler, Kovach, Heer Motion CARRIED
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Ann Collins, CMC
Milford Village Clerk | 
