Committee-of-the-Whole

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 01/27/25 – 01 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE OF THE CITY OF GROSSE POINTE WOODS HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS/COURTROOM OF THE ROBERT E. NOVITKE MUNICIPAL CENTER, 20025 MACK PLAZA DRIVE, GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN. Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:29 p.m. PRESENT: Mayor Bryant Council Members: Brown, Gafa, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall ABSENT: None Also Present: City Administrator Schulte Assistant City Administrator Como City Attorney Walling City Clerk Antolin City Treasurer/Comptroller Schmidt Director of Public Services Kowalski City Engineer Wilberding Peter Basso Associates Representative Eric Graettinger Motion by McConaghy, seconded by Granger, that all items on tonight's agenda be received, placed on file, and taken in order of appearance. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: None The first item discussed was the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) grant review to fund electric vehicle chargers for public use. City Engineer Wilberding stated that in 2023, a grant application was submitted as the city expressed interest due to the lack of available charging stations in the area. The city has been awarded $500,000 from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for Fiscal Year 2026 with the city to match $125,000. Mr. Wilberding introduced Peter Basso Associates representative, Eric Graettinger, to provide an overview and explain the challenges and benefits of electric vehicle charging stations. Peter Basso Associates, Inc. is a consulting firm specializing in energy management.  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 01/27/25 – 02 Mr. Graettinger presented a power point titled “Planning For Electric Vehicle Charging Stations”. In his presentation, he discussed the basics of the industry and charging types. The following charging types mentioned were as follows: 1. Level 1: Very Slow Charging (20-33 hours); location at residence and least expensive option 2. Level 2: Faster Charging (3-4 hours); location on road-way and more expensive option (approx. $10K) 3. DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Fastest Charging (10-50 minutes); location at businesses/public lots and most expensive option (approx. $100K) He addressed various applications that may apply including city goals, pay-to-charge vs. free-to- charge, local ordinances and the number of EV chargers to install. Challenges were identified including costs, recouping initial investments, competition with private investors and optimal placement. However, possible solutions were offered such as grants and rebates, partnering with a provider that may offset some of the costs or possibly concentrating on city fleet opportunities. There are incentives and grants available to assist in the implementation of an EV charging station program. Mr. Graettinger answered questions from the committee regarding the following topics:  Electrical infrastructure availability  Purpose of grant - public use or possibly fleet usage, carbon reduction  More safety issues to be addressed  Advanced technology – charging upgrades and cost association  Location(s) of installation – multi-housing units/residential opportunities/current locations/ city hall/Torrey Rd. parking lot  Planning Commission involvement – governing ordinances  Public/Private use – limiting hours, installing fence  Partnering with investors and charging a fee After discussion, the Committee-of-the-Whole expressed interest in the project but requested the following information from administration:  Can the charging station be placed in Lake Front Park?  How many businesses currently have EV stations and are they for employee or public use?  Does the grant need to be paid back if the city decommissions the stations?  Can the city use the grant funding for fleet use? This topic will be revisited at a future Committee-of-the-Whole meeting when more information is gathered.  COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE 01/27/25 – 03 The next item discussed was regarding the GPW 75th Anniversary Banner Selection. There were two banners displayed in the council chambers for the committee to review and select. There was a consensus of the committee to select the double-sided banner with white and gold letter/accents and green background. It was also decided to add a thin black outline around “75” and “Years”. Under New Business, the following individual was heard:  Mayor Bryant submitted a document regarding GPW 75th Anniversary priority ideas to discuss at the next GPW 75th Anniversary Committee meeting. Motion by Motschall, seconded by Granger, that the Committee-of-the-Whole receive and place on file the document submitted by Mayor Bryant titled “75th Anniversary Ideas to Celebrate December 11, 2025”. Motion carried by the following vote: Yes: Brown, Bryant, Gafa, Granger, Koester, McConaghy, Motschall No: None Absent: None  Mayor Bryant, City Administrator Schulte, and Assistant City Administrator Como attended the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Hours hosted by Dan Curis of Big Boy Restaurant, where he announced the closing of the restaurant and opening of Daily Jam in spring. Under Public Comment, no one wished to be heard. Motion by Motschall, seconded by Koester, that the meeting of the Committee-of-the-Whole be adjourned at 8:28 p.m. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ _________________________ Paul P. Antolin Arthur W. Bryant City Clerk Mayor