Northville City Council Cuts Unused Phone Lines, Boosts Savings

Unused city phone lines cut following audit

The City Council learned Monday night that the city has been paying for eight unused phone lines, which if cut could save the city $12,807 annually from its general fund.

Financial director Sandy Wiktorowski presented the findings from an audit by Detroit-based consulting company Abilita. She also said that the company helped the city renegotiate its contract with AT&T to save the city $11,262 per year.

The city council voted to approve a new three-year AT&T contract, which would also cut the unused phone lines.

City closer to Certified Local Government status, new funding

The city council voted to approve changes to its historic preservation ordinance that moves a little closer in the direction of becoming a “Certified Local Government.”

There are financial benefits to becoming a certified local government (CLG.)

“Becoming a CLG makes a community eligible to apply for subgrants available only to CLG communities. At least 10 percent of the annual Historic Preservation Fund grant made to Michigan under the National Historic Preservation Act must be distributed to the CLGs," according to the State Historic Preservation Office page on the state website.

Sign ordinance changes

The city council also made changes to a sign ordinance that would streamline the process for sign approval. The newly adopted amendment allows a sign committee – made up by the City Manager, city building official and chairperson of the planning commission – to okay business signs without having the approval of the whole planning commission.

City Manager Patrick Sullivan said simplifying the process will make getting sign approval quicker for Northville business owners.

Contract renewed for city water program overseer

City Public Works director James Gallogly asked the city council to renew the contract of Troy-based Hydro Designs, Inc. (HDI) to maintain the city’s Cross Connection Control Program. The program is intended to safeguard the city’s water from contamination by inspecting Northville businesses for compliance with state regulations under the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.

The city council voted to extend the HDI contract for another three years at the cost of $6,420 per year, which is a reduction from previous years. HDI first began this service for the city in 2004 and, for each of the past six years, charged $8,760 per year.

Councilman Allen out until March, next meeting rescheduled

Due to an injury, Mayor Johnson explained that councilman James Allen would be out until mid-March.

Also, the city council rescheduled its Feb. 22 meeting for Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.