Meeting Recap: Ferndale City Council OKs Ban on Texting While Driving

Here are some highlights from Ferndale City Council's Monday evening meeting at .

Council approves ordinance against texting while driving

Council members approved ordinance amendments on Monday night regarding "super drunk" driving, text messaging while driving and impeding traffic.

The "super drunk" driving ordinance refers to drunk drivers who are first-time offenders who test at 0.17 percent blood alcohol content or above. The ordinance amendment approved Monday night adopts the Michigan Vehicle Code regarding "super drunk" driving and outlines penalties for violations.

Another amendment approved Monday prohibits the reading, typing or sending of text messages while operating a motor vehicle in the city. A violation of the law will result in a civil infraction punishable by an amount not to exceed $500. A third amendment approved by council addresses impeding traffic without the vehicle moving and also results in a civil infraction not to exceed $500.

Art studio planned on Livernois

Council approved the sale of 320 Livernois to Grant Johnston - co-owner of the , and - who plans to renovate the building into an art studio/fabrication shop.

The city recently purchased the property for $66,611.01 and paid for environmental testing. Grant will pay the purchase price incurred by the city and half of the testing costs.

Derek Delacourt, community and economic development director, said the proposed use is consistent with council's goals for the corridor and could be a catalyst for future development along Livernois.

Web site project continues

Council members got an update on . City of Ferndale Project Manager Joseph Gacioch said more than 250 residents submitted their input about the site redesign in and provided an overview of the site redesign process.

Gacioch said the web site - which will include customizable options - is being designed as an accessible tool for taxpayers, new residents, renters, visitors, students, current and prospective businesses and more.

Stay tuned to Ferndale Patch for more detailed information on these issues. You can also view a video of the full meeting here.