Woods council accepts resignation
of city administrator Wollenweber
Mark Wollenweber is leaving his position as Grosse Pointe Woods city administrator, but he'll be staying awhile longer.
The council accepted Wollenweber's resignation at its Monday meeting (April 19), but also improved a 90-day consulting contract to retain his help in reorganizing city administration and assistance in the city's ongoing labor negotiations. His last day as a full-time employee is June 30.
“I’ve appreciated the opportunity to be here for almost six years,” said Wollenweber. "I think I’ve done – not everything right, certainly – but I think this community is very special. I’ve met so many nice people, so many people who’d call with a question and leave as a friend.”
In other business, Mayor Robert E. Novitke proclaimed April 30 Arbor Day in the Woods. For the 32nd year, the Woods was recognized as a “Tree City U.S.A.” by the National Arbor Day Foundation. City Forester Joe Shock and representatives from the tree commission were on hand to accept a plaque on behalf of the proclamation as well as present a banner to the city.
Lois Baker, owner of the Grosse Pointe Dog Wash, came before the council with the hope of fighting a city ordinance and reconciling an outstanding payment. A current city ordinance enforces a late penalty by doubling a past due payment from individuals wishing to renew their business license. The fine doubled Baker’s payment, which was due April 1, adding $100 in costs.
“One hundred dollars is hard to come by in today’s marketplace,” Baker told the council.
Baker said that she decided to ask for relief after being told by a representative of the city clerk that she would be required to pay $250 in order to appeal the ordinance. She called the ordinance an “unfriendly rule.”
Novitke consulted City Attorney Donald R. Berschback, who told the council that the city had experienced problems with late payments in the past and that is why the ordinance was in effect. He further said they have the ability to change the ordinance if they choose to do so, but that they were not in a position to waive the current fee for Baker.
The council also:
- Approved a recommendation of a water sewer rate increase of 5.67 percent made at the Committee-Of-The-Whole meeting on April 12. The rate increase will go into effect July 1.
- Approved a request by the Grosse Pointe Woods/Shores Little League to hold its annual parade on Sunday, May 2 from 12:50 to 2 p.m. and a request by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church to hold the Crop Hunger Walk on Sunday May 2 from noon to 3 p.m.
- Approved a motion to award B&B Pools with a contract for the city’s pool opening services not to exceed $7,250.
- Passed a motion to approve an exclusive contract with Rizzo services to go into effect in January 2012 for yard waste disposal of the city’s fall leaf collection. This would save the city $15,000-17,000 annually, Wollenweber said.
- Approved a proclamation for National Military Appreciation Month and National Public Works Week.
- Approved a license application for Leyfudin Plivodich to become a refuse vendor for the city.
- Accepted the mayoral appointment of Philip Hage to the Beautification Commission.
- Approved a motion to refer the financial report for March to the finance committee.
