Historic District Commission and Commission on Aging give annual updates

Two city advisory bodies presented annual updates to the council on Feb. 23. Ken Klemmer, chair of the Historic District Commission, summarized the commission’s 2025 work: eight meetings (four canceled for lack of business), issuance of 10 certificates of appropriateness (three administrative), three public events (Spicer House open house, cemetery workday, Oakwood Cottage centennial), and ongoing cemetery preservation at Utley and West cemeteries where 11 broken markers were repaired.

Klemmer highlighted continued work on the Spicer House exterior and outreach to recruit additional properties into the city's historic program; he thanked volunteers and noted the commission’s city liaison and new city contact. Council liaison praised the commission for partnering with Public Works and volunteers to preserve local historic assets.

Dan Fantour, chair of the Farmington Area Commission on Aging, reported on a recent tour of the Rochester OPC senior center. He emphasized features the commission found useful for Farmington Hills planning: a walking track (17 laps = 1 mile), multiple pools including a therapeutic pool, rooms rented or staffed by the local hospital system for clinics and physical therapy, on‑site meal preparation for Meals on Wheels and congregate dining, and sponsor‑funded rooms that offset costs. Fantour said the commission will continue to visit and report on centers the city might use as models for improvements.

Council members thanked both commissions for their active volunteer work and said the information will inform future city facility planning and cemetery preservation efforts. The presentations were informational; no council actions were taken.