The council granted developer Abood Properties, Inc. a 24-month period to explore the feasibility of building another project where the Valley Court Community Center currently exists, near Grand River Avenue and Abbott Road.

Tim Dempsey, community and economic development administrator, said the development firm was satisfied with the pace of its sales on the property. The project includes the construction of 15 townhomes and an adjacent building containing permanent units and rental units. Five of the townhomes have already been sold.

Taxi cab controversy

The City Council approved a taxi cab license for Danny’s Taxi Service, but not before discussing some concerns with the behavior of taxi services throughout the city. Mayor Sam Singh said he spotted one of the company’s taxis in the city Saturday afternoon before it was granted its license. Singh then said he was troubled by a media report that delved into the potential use of drugs and alcohol by taxi drivers throughout the city. The council agreed there needs to be stricter drug testing laws for taxi drivers.

Modified 2007-08 budget

The City Council approved a proposal to amend the 2007-08 fiscal year budget in anticipation of increased support of arts and culture programs. City officials announced earlier this month a new program designed to provide financial aid to arts-oriented business throughout the city through a two-year period. There will be a press conference about the program today at 10 a.m. at Kresge Arts Center.

Approved contract with VisionAIR

The City Council approved a $42,250 contract amendment with VisionAIR. VisionAIR is a North Carolina-based company that installs data-sharing equipment for police agencies throughout the country. The equipment will allow the city to share information with nearby cities.