Farmington Officials Bid Council Farewell

Monday night's meeting was short, and bittersweet, for council members Valerie Knol and David Wright.

Both declined to run for re-election, so the Nov. 7 regular meeting was their last. Each made a statement praising city staff and expressing their continued strong support for the community.

"I think I'm a better person for this opportunity," said Wright, who was appointed in 2007 and won a 4-year term later than year. "I better appreciate local government in my community." He also encouraged others to get involved, and to attend council meetings.

Knol, who was first elected in 2003, said one of her "proudest and most memorable" moments on council was helping to lead the Farmington Forward movement that championed the streetscape on Grand River in 2008. Residents petitioned to put the bond issue on the ballot, and it passed with overwhelming support.

"Looking back, I believe this vote ... helped bring our community together and helped build loyalty towards Farmington. It helped build friendships and helped us grow our pride," she said.

Retiring employee

Officials passed a resolution commending Paul Smith, assistant Dept. of Public Works director, who will retire on Friday after 26 years with the city. City manager Vince Pastue said Smith has been a "hard-working, conscientious, reliable and innovative employee" and often an unsung hero. The city will celebrate his retirement with a 2:30 p.m. party in council chambers, during which the resolution will be presented.

Parking changes

Parking orders presented during the council's Oct. 17 meeting received final approval:

• a two-hour limit on both sides of Grand River, between Farmington to Warner, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday
• elimination of time-limited parking west of , at the north end of the municipal lot
• elimination of on-street parking regulations on Flanders St., near the old Flanders Elementary School site
• parking on Liberty between Grand River and State Street is now limited to the east side of the street, and will be prohibited on northbound Liberty, 50 feet from the Grand River intersection.

When disaster strikes

Council members approved an agreement with Oakland County building officials who will offer mutual aid with damage assessment in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Pastue said assessing damage is necessary to qualify for state and federal assistance. He said Farmington city workers may be called on to assist in the process as well.