City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:30 PM 27400 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076 1. Call to Order by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor at 7:41 pm A. Oath of Office - Maria Mannarino City Council Appointment 2. Roll Call Present: Kantor, Hammond, Jenings, Mannarino Thompson, Garrett at 8:14 pm Also Present: City Administrator Greene, Attorney Baker, City Clerk Emanuel Absent: NA 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of Agenda Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Mannarino Thompson, to amend the agenda, adding item 8J to include a resolution for a temporary sign ordinance. Yes: Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried 5. Presentations A. Proclamation - Juneteenth 2025 B. Proclamation - Pride Month 2025 C. Proclamation - Lathrup Village Tree Committee & Volunteer Appreciation 6. Public Comment for Items on the Agenda (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) Tim Hillman, San Quentin, spoke in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Cheryl Tipton, Community Field Representative for Representative Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, invited everyone to attend a Town Hall on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm, and encouraged people to call in. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Karen Harris, Cambridge Blvd., appreciated hearing the 3 Proclamations, and spoke in support of a Juneteenth and Pride flag outside of City Hall, and expressed support for the PILOT program and the development at the School building. Don Eichsteadt spoke against the PILOT program being utilized for the School building development project while raising residents’ taxes, and thinks that if the project is viable, it doesn’t need a subsidy, and if it is not viable, it should be canceled. Lauren Beras, expressed appreciation for all groups who helped with the tree planting and Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s involvement, and spoke in support of flying both the Juneteenth and Pride flags at City Hall, spoke against negative behavior and comments directed against City Council instead of offering solutions, and also spoke in support for the PILOT agreement and that it is not subject to public vote, and the decision is made by elected officials that were chosen by the public to lead. Samantha Davis, Calif Dr NE, spoke on behalf of her and her wife Gabrielle, in support of the Juneteenth Awareness Day and Pride Proclamations and flying the Juneteenth and Pride flags outside of City Hall, and commenting on racism and exclusion in the City’s past ordinances. Brian Sherman, San Quentin Drive, spoke in support of the City of Lathrup Village, showing that all are welcome in LV and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Andrea Brouchard, Wiltshire, spoke against the PILOT ordinance while raising residents’ taxes, and wants the public to have a say and have the PILOT ordinance put on the ballot for a vote by residents. Carol Greene, Lathrup Blvd., expressed concerns regarding the lower limit of income to qualify for the affordable housing at the School building project as well as the data used to calculate the upper and lower incomes, and that she has concerns and questions regarding the proposed PILOT ordinance, commenting that with PA 33 and Headlee on the ballot that will raise resident’s taxes, and asking questions including how much the developer would pay in taxes with traditional financing? Diane Anderson spoke in support of the Juneteenth Awareness Day and Pride Proclamations and noted support for them in the U.S. Constitution. Councilmember Jason Hammond read letters in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall, that were submitted by email from: Sandra Johnson, Dane Johnson, Christina Schindler, Nancy Perchard, Cora Morgan, and a letter in support of the City recognizing Pride month from Christopher Pomeroy. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Mayor Garrett read a letter in support of the City recognizing Pride month from Mary Beth Jones. Mayor Garrett read letters that were submitted by email to be read at the meeting by: Andrea Brouchard, asking Mayor Garrett, “Why has there not been a Town Hall specifically for the Surnow project like you promised” at the January Council meeting, and requested that Mayor Garrett personally put the PILOT Ordinance change on the ballot. Mayor Garrett responded that there was a Town Hall, a business Town Hall, and CA Greene said there will be a PILOT Town Hall, with an outside party that will be brought in, who was recommended by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and when it is finalized, it will be advertised. Mayor Garrett expressed that she cannot guarantee that the Surnow Company will be here, but she will ask them to be here, and the PILOT ordinance is an ordinance, not for Surnow per se, and is not approving anything for Surnow; it still would have to come before the Council. Mayor Garrett expressed that the way the Council is set up, she has no more authority than the other Council members, and all Council members would have to put it on the ballot. Andrea Brouchard asked if Mayor Garrett could initiate it. Matthew Lindhardt opposes the PILOT agreement for the Surnow Company and wants it on the ballot, sharing that residents shouldn’t have to pay more while well-funded private developers pay less. Sandy Berris, in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Councilmember Hammond read a resident's letters (unknown residents) in support of the City of Lathrup Village, flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Councilmember Mannarino Thompson read a letter from Karen Thompson, in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Councilmember Hammond read letters from: Kelly Swagler and Bradley Stern, in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Mary Lou Resnick, in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. 7. Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  i. 5-19-25 - Study Session ii. 5-19-25 - Regular Meeting iii. 6-2-25 - Study Session B. Police Department Monthly Reports C. Building & Code Enforcement Reports D. Finance Department Reports E. Community & Economic Development Report F. Request to Approve SOCRRA & SOCWA Appointments Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, to approve the Consent Agenda with modification in pulling the meeting minutes from the May 19, 2025, Regular meeting. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve the Regular City Council May 19. 2025 meeting minutes with stated corrections at the top of paragraph 2, on page 5 of the minutes, by adding the word “to” before 20 mills and 3 mills. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried 8. Action Requests - For Consideration / Approval A. Request to Approve Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Amendments Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Amendments. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried B. Request to Approve Assessing Services Contract 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the proposed three-year assessing services contract with the City of Southfield for a three-year cost of $150,000 pending final City Attorney review. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried C. Request to Approve Fire Protection Services Contract Extension Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, to approve the City of Southfield and the City of Lathrup Village Fire Protection Services contract extension for a one- year cost of $754,721.90. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried D. Request to Approve Agreement for Police & Fire Dispatch Services Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the City of Southfield and the City of Lathrup Village agreement for Police & Fire Dispatch Services for a first-year cost of $66,393, and a second-year Southfield option of $69,713. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried E. First Reading - Ordinance #2025-01 - An Ordinance to Amend the City of Lathrup Village Code of Ordinances at Chapter 77. Urban Redevelopment, by Adding a New Article, Article III. Workforce Housing PILOT, to Provide for Approval of an Exemption from Ad Valorem Property Taxes for Housing, as Authorized by Provisions of the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, Public Act 346 of 1966, As Amended, MCL 125.1401, ET SEQ. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the first Reading - Ordinance #2025-01 - An Ordinance to Amend the City of Lathrup Village Code of Ordinances at Chapter 77. Urban Redevelopment, by Adding a New Article, Article III. Workforce Housing PILOT, to Provide for Approval of an Exemption from Ad Valorem Property Taxes for Housing, as Authorized by Provisions of the State Housing Development Authority Act of 1966, Public Act 346 of 1966, As Amended, MCL 125.1401, ET SEQ, and schedule a second reading for July 21, 2025. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried F. First Reading - Ordinance #2025-02 - An Ordinance to Amend the City of Lathrup Village Code of Ordinances at Chapter 22. Elections, by Amending Section 22-1. Division of City Into Precincts Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to conditionally approve the first reading of Ordinance #2025-02 - An Ordinance to Amend the City of Lathrup Village Code of Ordinances by amending section 22-1 division of City into Precincts and schedule a second reading during a Special meeting on June 23, 2025 pending formal approval of the Election Commission. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried G. Request to Approve Resolution #2025-15 - Establishing Charter Amendment Ballot Proposal Language Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve Resolution #2025-15 – Establishing Charter Amendment Ballot Proposal Language to be placed on the November 2025 ballot. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried H. Request to Appoint Planning Commissioner Mayor Garrett recommended Jo Robinson. Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to appoint Jo Robinson to the Planning Commission for a term expiring August 31, 2026. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried I. Request to Appoint Election Commissioner Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, to appoint Maria Mannarino Thompson to the Election Commission. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried J. Request to Approve Resolution #2025-16 – Temporary Sign Ordinance Resolution Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve Resolution #2025-16 – temporarily suspending section 52.28E of the Lathrup Village Sign Ordinance. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried 9. City Administrator Report None 10. City Attorney Report Due to Election dates that were on a City Council candidate packet letter not aligning with the current City ordinance, the dates need to be changed: from a term beginning 11-17-2025, to a term beginning 11-10-2025, and from a term ending 11-19-2029 to 11-12-2029 for the two highest vote getters, the third highest vote getters term would begin on 11-10-2025 not 11-17-2025, and conclude on 11-15-2027 not 11-22-2027. 11. Reports of Boards, Commissions, and Committees a. Downtown Development Authority - None b. Planning Commission – Meeting tomorrow, June 17, 2025, with Zoning amendments for Solar Panels and battery storage, and other items on the agenda c. Parks & Recreation – Improvements for Sarrackwood Park were discussed at the last meeting, last Friday there was an end of school bash with a food truck, this Friday June 27th Food Truck from El Flaco Tacos, there will be a Kids Zone at the September 13th Lathrup Village Music Festival, Trivia night Sept 26th, Puzzle competition October 8th, Road Rally Oct 12th d. Tree Committee - Meeting tomorrow, June 17, 2025 e. Finance Review Committee – Updated information on the next set of Town Halls is on the website; the next one is August 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm. f. Southfield School Board – Councilmember Jennings attended both graduations 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org 12. Unfinished / New Business None 13. Public Comment (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) Tim Hillman, San Quentin Dr., supports Precinct consolidation, and wonders how it might impact our Precinct Delegates and expressed that Kim Hodge is a good Precinct Delegate, expressed that he was moved by the amount of support for advocating for Pride month in Lathrup Village, and read a letter from Antonio Alarcon, in support of the City of Lathrup Village, both recognizing Pride month and flying the Pride flag outside of City Hall. Will Fobbs, Lathrup Blvd., acknowledged having been sick and now doing better, and that he formally resigned last week from the Planning Commission, and wanted to say publicly that taking responsibility for the Community is important, and he is thankful for his years on the Planning Commission and expressed excitement for the candidates. Don Eichsteadt expressed that the proposal for the School building is ugly and the exterior does not harmonize with the current building, offered suggestions for the development plan, and asked how we keep it from being low-income. Lauren Beras said she likes the look of the School building plan. Carole Greene, Lathrup Blvd., commented that as the Surnow Company School building development plan continued, residents felt the need to know more, and residents held a Town Hall, and at a January City Council meeting residents were told by Mayor Garrett, that the City would hold a Town Hall, and asked for a well-publicized and long overdue Town Hall to be held before taking a vote on the PILOT ordinance. Diane Anderson, expressed her thoughts that Southfield Road businesses have been trashed with low quality business, and things that would draw upper middle class are missing, commented that we need low income housing but this is not the neighborhood to do that, and there are several apartments in the suburbs, and there is no evidence that there is a need for this and mentioned the rates that Surnow wants to charge and the rates in other areas, and the City should have held a Town Hall meeting with notices sent out by mail not just the internet. Samantha Davis, Califonina Dr, asked where the place for low-income housing is, and shared her thoughts that instead of the words “City Attorney,” the Attorney’s name should be on the placard in front of his chair. 14. Mayor and Council Comments Mayor Garrett’s comments  Response to Diane, commented that she owns rental properties and has looked at the rates, and said the average amount for rent in this area for a two-bedroom, 1 and a half bath unit, is between $1534-1780. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org   Shared that her first week as Mayor, on that Thursday her house was spray painted, and that never happened until she was Mayor and that same year her house was egged, and she wondered what would make someone feel so comfortable to come to her home and desecrate her home, she believes it comes to one thing, that she is different. Mayor Garrett shared that the reason that she is so passionate about the Pride discussion, is that she would never want that to happen to anyone else, and shared that her Grandparents and Mother are from the South and they told her things about the racism and unfair treatment they endured and she was brought up to respect everybody. Mayor Garrett expressed that she was hurt and felt attacked over how people thought she felt about people, and has loved ones who are concerned for her safety.  Mayor Garrett read a statement that she prepared: “I am deeply sad and outraged by the recent acts of violence against election officials in Minnesota, including the tragic loss of former speaker Melissa Hortman and the injury of Senator John Hoffman. These horrifying attacks are not only senseless, they are an attack on the values of Democracy, public service, and civil discourse. As your Mayor, I wanted to reaffirm that violence has no place in our political process or our community. Public servants regardless of political affiliations deserve to do their work without fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones, to my colleagues on the City Council and the citizens of Lathrup Village, let us stand united in condemning political violence in all its forms, let us lead with empathy, listen with intention, and continue to build a community rooted in respect, justice, and peace. My heart is with the victims and their families during this time of unimaginable loss.” Mayor Pro Tem Kantor’s comments:  To CA Greene, about reminding Tringali that their trucks need to be on one side of the road  To CA Greene, the Parks and Recreation committee wants to do some maintenance updates to Sarrackwood Park, and wants to know who they could hand it off to from the City afterwards? o CA Greene responded, mentioning meeting with DPS, Paradise, and exploring other options  Thanked the people who spoke during the meeting.  Expressed condolences to Don McGhee’s family  Congratulated the Nature Group on the Garden Tour  Thanked the Tree Committee and volunteers for planting the 50 trees  Mentioned sidewalk work in the City  Thanked Will Fobbs for all he’s done and complimented his work on the Planning Commission  To Carol Greene, regarding taking the pulse of residents, stating that every week he walks the streets and knocks on doors to get resident input, he attends events, has office hours, and the majority of the people that he has talked to want something done 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  with the School building and that we can get more than we are getting now with the PILOT ordinance  That he supports Pride month, he wants to make sure that flying flags are done in a way that is described in a City ordinance Councilmember Hammond’s comments:  In regards to an influx of population due to the additional residents from the apartments at the School building, he noted that the City had 200 more residents in the past, and believes that the City is more than capable of supporting the infrastructure, Public Safety, and City Services  Noted Will Fobbs' expertise, skill, professionalism, and experience were a huge benefit, and that he was missed, and he appreciates the work that he did.  He supports flying a Pride flag in the City, but the City has to go through the right process to do it and the conversation needs to move forward, he wanted to go on record saying Attorney Baker has been in contact with the Attorney for the City of Madison Heights which has an ordinance supporting flying of the Pride flag, so we are going to get more information about that. Councilmember Jennings’s comments:  Asked if we are going to meet the goal of installing the Hawk signals, and CA Greene responded  Noted that an oil company is doing work at Goldengate Park  Supports the Pride flag and is glad the City is trying to do it the right way 15. Adjourn Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Kantor, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to adjourn at 9:50 pm. Yes: Garrett, Mannarino Thompson, Hammond, Jennings, Kantor No: N/A Motion Carried 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org