City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Monday, December 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM 27400 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076 1. Call to Order by Mayor Kantor at 7:36 pm 2. Roll Call Present: Mayor Kantor, Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, Councilmember Sousanis, Councilmember Jennings, Councilmember Hammond Also Present: City Administrator Greene, City Attorney Baker, City Clerk Emanuel Absent: N/A 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of Agenda Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to approve the agenda, with the removal of 7.A.ii (11-24-25 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes), and the addition of Item 8K, a Motion to Approve the Recording of City Council Study Sessions. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 5. Presentations A. Lathrup Village Police Department - Chief & Sergeant Oath of Office Oaths of Office were taken due to promotions within the Police Department by Sergeant Huston and Sergeant Roberts. The Oath of Office was taken by the new Chief of Police, Michael Zang. B. William H. Beske Jr. Memorial Gift Timothy Hillman explained that after hearing Diane Anderson talk about a missing memorial plaque for Pfc. William Beske, he acted and reached out to Pfc. Beske’s family to learn more about him and the plans that he had for his future. Mr. Hillman was able to gather items for a framed memorial to Pfc. Beske, including: a photo of him in a LIFE Magazine article, his name etching from the Vietnam War Memorial, and photos of him in his younger days growing up in Lathrup Village, Michigan. The Memorial Tribute hangs on the wall upstairs in City Hall. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org 6. Public Comment for Items on the Agenda (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) Lauren Beras, Goldengate, expressed in part that cuts in the City’s budget must be made. She hopes not to lose the library access, but would hate to lose the City’s Police Department even more. Ian Ferguson expressed in part that as a Veteran himself, he appreciates that Diane Anderson brought Pfc. William Beske’s name and the missing memorial to the City Council’s attention. Mr. Ferguson also requested that the City Council table Item G, regarding looking into the cost of outsourcing the City of Lathrup Village’s Police force, as an option for budget cuts, especially after the retirement of Chief McKee and promotion of a new Chief and two Sergeants. Lisa Fort expressed in part that she was grateful to see the Police Department promotions and the importance of having our own Police Department, which knows the community, versus a contractor. Juanita McReynolds, a 26-year resident, expressed in part her support of keeping the Lathrup Village Police force, sharing her own personal experiences with great Community-oriented Policing that helped her out after she lost her husband in many ways, including the adopt a senior program. Marietta Leon, a 12-year resident, expressed in part that if the Lathrup Village Police Department is outsourced, there will be a negative domino effect, with some examples of no more local connection and increased response times, and does not want the Police force to be taken for granted; they are amazing, hard-working officers. William Whitehouse, Saratoga, expressed in part against losing the Lathrup Village Police Force; the Community slowly transforming, coming up with other ways to find funding, and a mileage that was for Public Safety might have gone another way. Karen Harris, Cambridge Blvd, expressed in part that there are (budget) consequences of Headlee not passing, and looking into Southfield Road becoming a Boulevard could be a great opportunity to slow things down on Southfield Road and help businesses. Diane Anderson expressed in part support for the Lathrup Village Police Department, and that they have been kind and supportive, and that the missing plaque that had the son of the first Police Chief, and Pfc Beske on it. Autumn Sousanis, Rainbow Dr, expressed in part that elections have consequences. On the record, she doesn’t want to lose the Lathrup Village Police force or lose Library (access), and spoke against the study into Southfield Road becoming a Boulevard. Jonathan Tara expressed in part about the agenda item for considering a contractor for a northern main project and wanted to hear feedback about the status of Federal Grant funding. Leslie Balian, Rackham Dr., expressed in part support for the Lathrup Village Police force, referencing personal interactions with them and that she thinks they are a gem. Darrin Towers, Bloomfield Dr., expressed in part, encouraging the City Council not to take away funding for the Library, as they are the center of the Community and an essential resource that is worth more than a specific dollar amount. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org 7. Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes i. 11-24-25 - City Council Study Session ii. 11-24-25 - City Council Regular Meeting iii. 12-1-25 - City Council Study Session B. Building & Code Enforcement Reports C. Finance Department Reports D. Community & Economic Development Reports E. Police Department Monthly Reports F. Request to Approve 2026 Board of Review Meeting Dates Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the Consent Agenda, minus item 7.A.ii. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to amend, to approve item 7.A.ii the meeting minutes from the November 24, 2025, Regular City Council meeting, as corrected. The Correction being under Mayor and Council Comments in a Bullet point that says Councilmember Hammond comments: that says “if we have budget surpluses, it is reasonable to assume that we don’t have a revenue problem they need to be looked at in full context” and to be corrected to: “if we have budget surpluses it is uninformed to assume that we don’t have a revenue problem they need to be looked at in full context” Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 8. Action Requests - For Consideration / Approval A. Request to Approve 2026 Southfield Road Water Main Contractor - DiPonio Contracting, LLC Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to award DiPonio Contracting, LLC the 2026 Southfield Road Water Main contract for an estimated construction cost of $989,359.77 and authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary documents. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried B. Request to Approve 2026 City Council Meeting Dates & City Observed Holidays Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the 2026 meeting dates and City observed holidays, with the City Council Regular Meeting start time being 7:00 PM. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried C. Request to Approve Resolution #2025-20 - Tentative Special Assessment Roll for General Purposes & Schedule a Public Hearing Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to approve Resolution #2025-20 – Tentative Special Assessment Roll for General Purposes & Schedule a Public Hearing for January 26, 2026, at 7:00 pm. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried D. Request to Approve Resolution #2025-21 - Southfield Road Improvement Project Preliminary Engineering Commitment Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve Resolution #2025-21, supporting the preliminary engineering (PE) phase commitment for the Southfield Road Improvement Project. Yes: N/A No: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond Motion defeated E. Request to Adopt - Ordinance #2025-10 - An Ordinance to Amend Article 18. Business, by Adding a new Article, Article VIII. Outdoor Collection Boxes, to Provide for the Licensing & Regulation of Outdoor Collection Boxes Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to adopt Ordinance #2025-10. An Ordinance to Amend Article 18. Business, by adding a new Article, Article VIII. Outdoor Collection Boxes, to provide for the Licensing & Regulation of Outdoor Collection Boxes. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried F. Request to Approve DPS Building Gutter Replacement 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to award the DPS Building Gutter Replacement Project to Great Lakes Gutter for an estimated cost of $9,984. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried G. Request to Approve the Solicitation for Quotes for Lathrup Village Police Department Services Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to not approve the solicitation of quotes for LV Police Department services. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried H. TABLED ITEM - Request to Approve the Cancelation of the Library Contract between the City of Lathrup Village and the City of Southfield Item left on the table. I. Request to Approve City Council Board/Committee Liaison Appointments Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to appoint Councilmember Hammond to the Planning Commission. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to appoint Mayor Kantor to the Parks and Recreation Committee. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Garrett to the Tree Committee. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to appoint Councilmember Jennings to the Election Commission. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to appoint Councilmember Jennings as the Southfield Public School Board Liaison. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Garrett as the Lathrup Village Chamber of Commerce Liaison. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Sousanis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to amend the agenda to include the creation of the Communications/Inclusion Committee. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve the creation of a Communications/Inclusion Committee. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to appoint Councilmember Sousanis to the Communications/Inclusion Committee. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to appoint Councilmember Hammond as the SEMCOG Delegate and Councilmember Sousanis as alternate. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Moved by Councilmember Sousanis, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to appoint Councilmember Hammond as the advisor to the Communications/Inclusion Committee. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Garrett to the DDA as an alternate. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried J. Request to Appoint Parks & Recreation Committee Member Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to appoint Lossie Pearson to the Parks & Recreation Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2026. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried K. Request to Approve the Recording of City Council Study Sessions Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to authorize CA Greene to spend no more than $400 on equipment to record Study Sessions and to establish a procedure for the recording and publication of Study Sessions. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 9. City Administrator Report None 10. City Attorney Report None 11. Reports of Boards, Commissions, and Committees Planning Commission - Meeting tomorrow at 7:00 pm – Action Item for Master Plan Review preliminary discussion Southfield Public School Board – No Report Parks & Recreation Committee – There was a great turnout for the Winterfest. On 12/17, there is a wreath-making class. The Committee does have an interest in taking over the Community and Children’s Gardens. On 12/18 at 5:00 pm, there is a gift-wrapping event. 12. Unfinished / New Business None 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org 13. Public Comment (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) Ian Ferguson, Lathrup Blvd., expressed in part three points: about the Road Commission trying to force us to make a decision and we should possibly work with Beverly Hills and Southfield to partner in 2027 for the road project(s), he asked for an update on Lead piping, and asked people to consider becoming a board member, since the entire Children’s Garden Board has retired. Jonathan Tara, expressed in part: congratulations to City Council for deciding not to look into outsourcing the Police, referenced an article from Crain’s Detroit Business and read an article from Bridge MI that were related to funding the Michigan Legislature canceling funding for community projects, and he referenced concern for water pressure in the City including his own that is at 40psi, and concern for the negative impact from the lower water pressure. William Whitehouse, Saratoga, expressed in part to look at Livernois South of 8 Mile as an example of a Boulevard that has slowed down traffic speed as well. Diane Anderson expressed in part that all libraries are not created equal, and Southfield Public Library is the best, with supporting details referencing the number of books, computers, and the amount of time that people are allowed to use the computers Leslie Balian, Rackham Dr., expressed in part if the Giffels Webster presentation is online to be reviewed, and inquired about the stop sign at Red River Drive and 11 Mile being covered. Timothy Hillman expressed in part that the wreath-making class will be hosted by resident Ed Blondin, under the Parks & Recreation Committee Banner, and he has also hosted events under the Nature Club Banner. It is important to show up to support the individuals and the Parks & Recreation Committee. 14. Mayor and Council Comments Mayor Kantor:  All identified lead pipes have been remediated; if more are identified, they will be replaced as required  Canceled grant monies do go back into the State Fund  The packet for that (Giffels Webster presentation) meeting is online, linkable from the Home page, and Councilmember Hammond referenced that there is a Website with more information related to the Master Plan and the next steps for public engagement  MDOT covers stop signs when there is no merging traffic due to projects  Reminded residents that it is their responsibility to clear their sidewalk within 12 hours after the snowfall  Major hurdles have been cleared with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board $400,000 Grant for a playscape that requires matching funds, looking for other grants to cover those matching funds.  Oakland Thrive held an event here, which was 1 of a 6-part series. There is a $174 million project at the Phoenix Center in Pontiac, and they wanted to help local contractors and businesses learn how to bid and become a part of those projects Councilmember Hammond: 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org   Congratulated Chief Zang, Sergeants Huston and Roberts, and thanked Chief McKee  Referenced being pleased with the discussion around considering the solicitation of Public Safety services from other communities Councilmember Jennings:  Asked about the Board application for the Children’s Garden, and CA Greene mentioned that they have an interest link in our Newsletter, they are a 501c3, and that Parks & Recreation has expressed interest  Mentioned that he thought Diane Anderson’s idea of visiting potential libraries was a good idea and planned on visiting them Mayor Pro Tem Garrett:  Her thoughts and prayers are for Bondi Beach and Brown University, and she hopes that we will get gun violence under control  Thanked everyone who participated in the Forgotten Harvest Food Drive  Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to everyone Councilmember Sousanis:  Possibly increasing the size of the Parks & Recreation Committee  He enjoyed the Winterfest  Asked for clarity regarding the money, and CA Greene explained that the Natural Resource Trust Fund Board is highly likely to move forward, and this would be a 2027 project  Encouraged everyone to go to the Planning Commission meeting tomorrow  He had an issue with the way the other initial (Master Plan – Joint Board) meeting was promoted (late and not a lot of promotion)  Data from a small sampling of residents  The information gathering was not done like a SWOT analysis  More opportunities to get involved and affect the future of this community 15. Closed Session A. Request to enter into a closed session for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement per MCL 15.268(c) Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to enter into a closed session for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement per MCL 15.268(c) at 9:47 pm. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Hammond No: NOTE: Garrett was out of the room for the roll-call vote Motion carried Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to come out of Closed Session and reconvene the City Council meeting at 9:59 pm. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org No: Motion carried 16. Request to Approve Letter of Agreement between the City of Lathrup Village & the Lathrup Village Police Officers Association Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the Letter of Agreement between the City of Lathrup Village and the Lathrup Village Police Officers Association. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 17. Request to Approve Letter of Agreement between the City of Lathrup Village & the Lathrup Village Command Officers Association Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve the Letter of Agreement between the City of Lathrup Village and the Lathrup Village Command Officers Association. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 18. Request to Approve Personnel Manual of Employment Regulations Updates Moved by Councilmember Jennings, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve the Personnel Manual of Employment Regulations updates. Yes: Kantor, Sousanis, Jennings, Garrett, Hammond No: Motion carried 19. Adjourn Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to adjourn at 10:01 pm. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org