Farmington Council Wrap-Up

Farmington officials on Monday took another step toward forming an authority that would oversee redevelopment in the Grand River corridor, shared with Farmington Hills.

Council members approved a resolution that signals their intent to form the Grand River Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). The area affected stretches from Mayfield in Farmington to Eight Mile Road in Farmington Hills, and council members toured the Farmington side during a study session prior to their regular meeting.

State law requires both cities to form a separate corridor authority, but the intent is to have a joint authority, created through an interlocal agremeent, Pastue said.

"After going through this process, I am more convinced this needs to be done," he said. "Even if it was separate, I think it would be worth pursuing."

After the meeting, Pastue explained his renewed passion for the authority stems from getting an up-close look at the area. He realized "there's a lot of areas that need help. This is really needed, it's a tired, old corridor."

During the van tour, officials finalized the proposed corridor boundaries. Farmington Hills officials are expected to consider taking similar action during their March 28 meeting.

The law requires a number of public hearings in both communities before the authority can be formed. The first will be held May 16.

County commissioner update

Bill Dwyer has been representing Oakland County commissioner District 14 for a little over two and a half months, and on Monday, he made his first official report to Farmington city officials.

Dwyer said the county has a three-year "rolling" budget, and officials are now working on the 2014 budget. The 2011-2012 budget of $761.6 million represents a drop of $58 million from 2010.

"We know we're in good shape through 2013," he said. "In 2014, we're going to have some challenges."

Dwyer said many people don't know what the county board does, and many think the county board has control over the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC). However, the county board only appoints the three RCOC members, he said. Through regular meetings with seniors, a Commissioner's Corner cable access show and a May 7, 9-10 a.m. coffee hour at in Farmington, he will explain his role and answer constituent questions, he said.

He also hopes to help local officials deal with any roadblocks at the county level. "I'm kind of a newcomer to this," he said, "but I think I'm catching on pretty fast."

River Glen paving project hearing

A public hearing on the special assessment district for a road project at River Glen condominiums netted a largely positive response from residents. The project would involve total removal and replacement of River Glen's main entrance off Grand River, Department of Public Works director Kevin Gushman said. He expects a project bid to be awarded in early to mid-May, and the project will start at the end of May or beginning of June.

Gushman said the city will work with the condo association board to determine whether the front entrance will be completely closed, which would expedite the project. He expected construction to last about a month, "weather contingent."

Youth suicide prevention

Farmington officials also passed a resolution Monday to support community efforts to prevent youth suicide. At a joint meeting with Farmington Hills officials earlier this month, Hills council member Nancy Bates explained that a spike in teens either attempting or threatening suicide concerned officials. Bates, council members Ken Massey and Randy Bruce brought a resolution to their council asking for support, and asked Farmington officials to do the same.

City manager Vince Pastue said he and Public Safety director Bob Schultz would attend the first suicide prevention committee meeting Tuesday at Farmington Hills City Hall.