[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6251401,"mediaKeyId","3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e","parentId",3195734,"title","Livonia council votes to place $150 million municipal facilities bond on August 5 ballot","audioSeconds",4796,"startMs",2318000,"endMs",7114000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e&start=2318&end=7114","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e/thumbnail_2318000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6251401/Livonia/Wayne-County/Michigan/Livonia-council-votes-to-place-150-million-municipal-facilities-bond-on-August-5-ballot","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251401-02ea6b1853bd408d8bef2f4a0af6ef47/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136022&Signature=NocPwW5hyyRVxYVWkCd5kQSaL-zhqIJZazptqtOGcOm24dxiZjHi-mLFY1Rap1FRwM40I-PefmovMbhTPiVS5w~cqtOSSszzhk-bX7Sd3Qj0hYE4Hoj4lrm-U2y4s9wgcBd6sXHJrSKo5mt6twLZ4VcwLWVUerPqj8xCD1L1i-~4eM3ZoZiLZNlAvV-yETzBHS~Z1IbF0NtJn5UssZ3y-S8gqaHyCUY-us09GvV5uLz1z09PjKdwzkQPLKnQdcc1f8khzlIzQ80ctb2Yv2k3OzKgyWsz5NmBfxQE4KbnfWs8YsifHA3a1AJiBqVAv7CW0~c0oU~dodTU05RLLJ8rTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","LivoniaTV","date","2025-04-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Livonia City Council voted 6–0 Tuesday to put a proposed $150 million municipal facilities bond before voters on the August 5, 2025 primary ballot. The measure would finance a new police headquarters, upgrades to the city’s fire stations, a new Civic Center library and a central gathering plaza and connected bike and walking loop.

The proposal, described by the mayor as “one solution to two major problems,” asks residents to authorize borrowing up to $150,000,000 over 25 years. The administration and consultants told council they plan to issue the bond in two series: a first draw of up to $100,000,000 and a later request of up to $50,000,000 if additional funds are needed.

Why it matters: city officials said the city’s municipal buildings are aging or functionally obsolete, and that reinvestment is required to maintain public safety, accessibility and services that support families and local businesses. City leaders framed the bond as an investment in public safety, modernized facilities and a civic gathering space intended to help retain and attract residents.

Mayor (unnamed) told council the plan is intended “to modernize our police and our fire stations, to build a new state of the art library, and to create a central gathering space and bike paths to keep families in Livonia and to attract some new ones.” She said the plan reflects multi-year study of city assets beginning in 2020 and that the administration believes the package is affordable for residents over the long term.

Details officials cited include: a new police headquarters adjacent to the courthouse with updated technology and secure parking; renovations and additions to the main fire station and upgrades at the four other stations; a new Civic Center library to replace the 40‑year‑old Bennett Library; a central plaza activated by the library and pathways connecting parks. The administration and consultants (Plant Moran RealPoint) and bond counsel (Miller Canfield) were present for council questions and said the project scope was based on facility condition assessments and space‑needs studies.

The council and administration emphasized the two‑series financing structure. Councilmember Rob Donovic explained the first series would fund initial construction and the administration must return to council to justify any second draw, saying the two‑draw approach “will be very, financially smart and allow for some, protections there.”

Public response at council: several residents spoke for and against moving the question to the ballot. Supporters said new facilities could spur activity, help retain families and support emergency response; opponents urged postponing to November to allow more public outreach and said the combined package was too large or included elements (library, plaza) they did not support. Comments included requests for clearer ballot language and more public education about tax impacts.

Council discussion and vote: council members said the issue had been discussed at length in multiple committee meetings since 2020 and that related professional contracts (architectural, engineering, construction management) had previously been approved by council. After debate and unsuccessful substitute motions to alter timing or scope, Councilmember Scheele (mover) and Councilmember Donovic (second) put the administration’s language on the ballot. The motion passed on a roll call vote: Donovic—Aye; McCullough—Aye; Tashnick—Aye; Budzinski—Aye; Scheele—Aye; Toye—Aye.

What’s next: If council’s placement of the measure survives any legal or procedural review, the city plans an information rollout and a website (livoniabuilt.org) to publish project details and a tax calculator. If voters approve the bond in August, the first borrowing would follow; if the first draw does not cover final costs, administration said it would return to council with justification before seeking the optional second draw.

Votes and limitations: councilmembers repeatedly said that if the measure fails, the city will need to revisit options for funding repairs or partial projects. Several council members asked administration and consultants to tighten cost estimates and pledged ongoing oversight of spending if the bond is approved.

Ending: The ballot question will appear on the August 5, 2025 primary ballot after the 6–0 council vote. The council’s action sends the proposal to voters rather than approving any construction contracts. Quotes and sourcing for the article come from council deliberations, the mayor’s presentation, consultant remarks and public comments recorded at the Livonia City Council meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - April 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Livonia City Council voted 6–0 Tuesday to place a proposed $150 million municipal facilities bond on the August 5, 2025 primary ballot, asking voters to finance a new police headquarters, upgrades to fire stations, a new Civic Center library and a central gathering plaza.","taxTitle","Livonia, Wayne County, Michigan","taxId",4046,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251391,"Votes at a glance: Livonia council approves several ordinance changes, contracts and permits (April meeting)",2416,2045000,4461000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e&start=2045&end=4461","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e/thumbnail_2045000.jpg","/articles/6251391/Livonia/Wayne-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Livonia-council-approves-several-ordinance-changes-contracts-and-permits-April-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251391-b6e4b0095338c8f66b541bfabe4d720e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136022&Signature=aR-RA568WztFdj4siN8u-LFIuXNesjxXUGNX3gZHxT2ZMk8U2aoJOhUKq5FZjAoVl8WL2KzlsZe62H6CmaLHNp2ndriBQSQafeXUdMFoA0hze~wTkmLuXcH2o7rydemekbYuikp8bwCF~LObO59U0j4fI67E7z04fOzb8dO8NCbULa~TBuABwvgfCd8e6-rJeRvoLZeQ0VajeNXIL6-45VhrY8NIX5u~oUt0NwoXnTRyOQ~Ao4Bn9OQnPo2AHFpvcCSSNo5cbSx7WbwssMglE20pZUSIVnqv-U3DcJgAjEUqRQEzEoP6itzsfcUkEXeEj3IXhSTy10kse~6nEQjS3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Livonia City Council approved multiple items by roll call during its regular meeting. Most measures passed unanimously (6–0). The full council vote list and key details are below.

What passed (selected items):

- Consent agenda (items 1–8): passed 6–0 as a group; these items were previously discussed at the study meeting and deemed non‑controversial.

- Item 9 — Ordinance amendment, Title 6 (animals), chapters 110/120/220 (pet licensing policies): second reading and approval (6–0).

- Item 10 — Ordinance amendment to establish a chief financial officer position and reporting responsibilities (Title 3, Chapter 4): second reading and approval (6–0).

- Item 11 — Ordinance amendment (Title 2, Chapter 13) to designate the city chief financial officer as the direct manager of the director of information systems: second reading and approval (6–0).

- Item 12 — Ordinance amendment repealing Chapter 25 (capital improvement ordinance) in its entirety (Title 2): second reading and approval (6–0).

- Item 14 — Amendment to Council Resolution 360‑24 to correct budget references for the portable toilet program (public works): passed 6–0; described as housekeeping.

- Item 15 — Acceptance of a $1,000,000 state grant and authorization to purchase a ladder truck (Livonia Fire and Rescue): passed 6–0. The department reported the grant will reimburse $1,000,000 of the approximately $1,800,000 purchase; the apparatus fits the city’s replacement schedule and addresses reach and equipment needs.

- Item 16 — Acceptance of a donation from Bill Brown Ford (Penske Automotive Group) to support Sheldon Park redevelopment: passed 6–0.

- Item 17 — Request to Wayne County to close portions of Farmington Road for the city’s Memorial Day ceremony on May 24 (Farmington Road closure, 8:30–10:00 a.m.): passed 6–0.

- Item 18 — Waive formal bidding and approve a three‑year animal sheltering agreement with the Michigan Humane Society (01/01/2025–12/31/2027): passed 6–0. Administration noted significant proposed price increases from respondents; council accepted the immediate extension while the department pursues options.

- Item 19 — Additional expenditure for Merriman Road water main improvements (Plymouth Road to CSX right‑of‑way): passed 6–0. Staff said the project required relocation under the road to avoid abandoned utility lines and to improve durability.

Votes and movers: most motions were moved and seconded by council members during the meeting; roll call votes were recorded in the meeting transcript and showed unanimous support for the items listed above. Where first and second readings were required, council confirmed the second reading and then voted to adopt.

Notes and follow‑up:
- Several items were described as the product of prior study meetings and committee review. Council members noted that professional services (A&E, construction management) have already been procured for several projects and that contracts had previously been approved in separate agenda items or committee actions.
- The animal sheltering contract drew particular attention because of a large projected price increase in later years; staff said the city issued an RFP and received only one respondent and will return to council with alternatives as available.

Ending: The roll-call votes make these items approved and actionable under existing administrative procedures; several items (capital contracts, purchases, and the animal contract) require staff follow‑up and implementation steps recorded in department plans.","At its regular meeting the Livonia City Council approved consent items, four ordinance amendments, capital adjustments and several contracts and permissions including a ladder truck purchase partially funded by a state grant, a donation for Sheldon Park, a farmington road closure for Memorial Day, and a three‑year animal sheltering agreement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251396,"Residents raise ADA and group‑home concerns; city attorney says state law limits local bans",1094,306000,1400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e&start=306&end=1400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3195734-0f07702e75623f34045cd97fa812458e/thumbnail_306000.jpg","/articles/6251396/Livonia/Wayne-County/Michigan/Residents-raise-ADA-and-grouphome-concerns-city-attorney-says-state-law-limits-local-bans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251396-4bc15a881b2410537f287ee3d4d2af56/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136022&Signature=IN9GeNHCD~IQe-dF37Llehhd18YhhajdIbe4xPgmcQoUze2Cy~TMz-~0bUlRu3-yWODxK1a1-uxJ4Gc2JzzKEofPNt-3KJbfX6IeJjL9do9fqmp4YNkb~pLOwuw6JlAAbRRlpXWdKr0CFilSezThWX7XNYy73vApzsOIaeZOWfkHV3AC6FsIJFkz0e4DIfklSN5OLKgsDOCr1My9u4BO4uulJ50XVAvKrw5QsK~LMW40pVoPM4CJmS9DVy4xZYf5XPnoy~DoLQSWAKgl5wLZeB25HASclmKNgat6TKKJJbVMVdQRXzfIV1rQRCz0uk-jfgLNKpkNxzcWyMIotUCwnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Livonia residents used the council’s public comment period to press officials on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance at public buildings and on the proliferation of adult foster‑care/group homes in residential neighborhoods.

Nicole Reed, who identified herself with a Livonia address, summarized Title II of the ADA and related legal obligations, saying there is no grandfather clause and that “buildings built before 1977 are required to provide program access” and that entities that receive federal funding should have conducted accessibility audits and transition plans submitted to the Department of Justice.

During public comments, residents also expressed concerns that privately owned adult foster‑care homes operating for profit have appeared in single‑family neighborhoods. One resident said the number of such homes near her house has increased and asked whether the city could use ordinance authority to limit them.

City response: the city attorney explained the legal position in plain terms: state law licenses and permits these group homes to operate in residential neighborhoods, and local ordinances generally cannot prohibit licensed group homes from locating in single‑family districts. The law department said the city may have limited options to “legislate around the edges,” but a blanket ban is unlikely because state law supersedes local zoning. Councilmembers advised residents to pursue relief from the state level—through state legislators, the attorney general or appropriate state licensing agencies—if they want to change licensing or siting rules.

On the ADA question, Reed and other speakers said the law requires regular accessibility audits and transition plans for publicly funded facilities and that noncompliance can jeopardize federal funding. A resident asked a factual question about a claim that the city received $300 million for ADA-related work between 2020 and 2025; Councilmember Donovic said the city’s finance director indicated that claim was not correct and that any such funding would have to come before council for appropriation.

What council did: no ordinance change or formal action was adopted at the meeting on this topic. Councilmembers asked the law department to re‑examine statutory options and to report back. Councilmember Toye offered to help residents contact state representatives, and the city attorney said the law department would re‑review the matter and provide clearer guidance.

Ending: The discussion clarified the limits of local authority: the city can examine its ordinances and consider incremental adjustments, but residents were told that broader changes to licensing or the legal framework for group homes would require state action or intervention by state agencies. ADA compliance questions were referred to staff and the finance office for any records of related funding or audits.","Several Livonia residents raised accessibility concerns and complaints about adult foster care/group homes in residential neighborhoods. City officials said Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires program access and that state licensing limits the city’s ability to ban licensed group homes in single‑family districts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Livonia council votes to place $150 million municipal facilities bond on August 5 ballot

Votes at a glance: Livonia council approves several ordinance changes, contracts and permits (April meeting)

Residents raise ADA and group‑home concerns; city attorney says state law limits local bans