City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Monday, February 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM 27400 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076 1. Call to Order by Mayor Kantor at 7:07 pm 2. Roll Call Present: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond Also Present: City Administrator Greene, 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 item 8.A.ii (January 26, 2026, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes) from the Consent agenda. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried 5. Presentations A. Proclamation - Celebrating February as Black History Month – read by Mayor Kantor B. MEDC Redevelopment Ready Community – presented by MEDC Stephanie Pena 6. Zoning Board of Appeals A. Request to Convene as the Zoning Board of Appeals Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to convene as the Zoning Board of Appeals at 7:12 pm. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  B. Public Hearing - 28919 Southfield Road - Off-Street Parking Variance Request Public hearing opened at 7:20 pm Diane Anderson expressed that she opposes the parking variance, shared the property's past uses, noted that the area was developed for small businesses with little traffic, and described the dangerous traffic around the area, along with her belief that carry- out businesses are inappropriate for Lathrup Village. Jonathan Tara shared in part that this property is one where there are multiple curb cuts between the parking and Southfield Road, and it is a huge traffic hazard with two streets, many curb cuts, and 4 places people can go out in traffic. Public hearing closed at 7:24 pm C. Request to Approve an Off-Street Parking Variance Request for 28919 Southfield Road Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond to approve the request for a variance from Section 5.13 of the City of Lathrup Village Zoning Ordinance to permit the establishment of a restaurant/café at 28919 Southfield Road without providing the required seventeen (17) off-street parking spaces, representing a one hundred percent (100%) variance from the minimum parking requirement. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried D. Request to Close the Zoning Board of Appeals and Reconvene as the City Council Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to close the Zoning Board of Appeals and reconvene as City Council at 7:44 pm. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried 7. Public Comment for Items on the Agenda (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) Jonathan Tara expressed in part that he is glad that we (the City) have another certification and mentioned the Police and Tree City Certifications, and expressed concern that a Tree City would discontinue chipping services. Diane Anderson expressed in part that she is appalled about the treatment of the Lathrup Village Women’s Club (cited examples), commented on former clubs and associations, and 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  how she feels that there is not enough effort to keep groups here, and that keeping associations is a vital part of the Community. 8. Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes i. 1-26-26 - City Council Study Session ii. 1-26-26 - City Council Regular Meeting iii. 2-2-26 - City Council Study Session B. Building & Code Enforcement Reports C. Finance Department Reports D. Community & Economic Development Reports E. Lathrup Village Police Department Monthly Logs F. Request to Approve Oakland County P25 Simulcast System Interlocal Agreement G. Request to Approve Updated Board of Review Poverty Exemptions Procedures & Guidelines H. Request to Approve Partnership Agreement Between the City of Lathrup Village & Lathrup Village Women's Club Moved by Maor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve the Consent Agenda with the removal of the January 26, 2026, meeting minutes. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond, to approve the January 26, 2026, meeting minutes with corrections as stated, adding Councilmember Hammond's yes vote to items 2, 4, 7, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9F. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried 9. Action Requests - For Consideration / Approval A. Request to Approve Site Plan Extension Request - 27700 Southfield Road 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, Councilmember Jennings seconded to grant the applicant a 12-month extension of the site plan approved on April 15, 2025, for the adaptive reuse of the former School building located at 27700 Southfield Road, as the approved plan continues to represent current site conditions and remains consistent with the zoning ordinance. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried B. Request to Approve Ordinance #2026-01 - An Ordinance to Amend the City of Lathrup Village Zoning Ordinance Article 5, to Amend Section 5.17.3 - General Provisions, adding Subsection 6: Applicability of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Regulations; and to Amend Section 5.17.4: Permitted Systems, consolidating Subsections 4, 5, and 6 into one subsection Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis to approve Ordinance #2026-01 – An ordinance to amend the City of Lathrup Village Zoning Ordinance Article 5, to Amend Section 5.17.3 – General Provisions, adding Subsection 6: Applicability of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Regulations; and to Amend Section 5.17.4: Permitted Systems, consolidating Subsections 4,5 and 6 into one subsection. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried C. Request to Approve Resolution #2026-05 - Approving the MDOT Category B Contract No. 25-5622 for Rainbow Circle Improvements Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to approve Resolution #2026-05 – Approving the MDOT Category B Contract #2026-05 for Rainbow Circle Improvements. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried D. Request to Approve AWIA Risk and Resilience Assessment & Emergency Response Plan Engineering Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Hammond to approve the HRC engineering proposal for the AWIA Risk and Resilience Assessment & Emergency Response Plan, for a cost not-to-exceed $15,700. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried E. Request to Approve Community Room Roof Replacement Project Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve Butcher & Butcher for the Community Room roof membrane replacement project for an estimated cost of $52,938; and Denny’s Heating and Cooling for the Community Room roof RTU re-install for a cost not to exceed $36,000. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried F. Request to Approve Cured-In-Place Pipe Sewer Rehabilitation Project Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to approve DVM Utilities, Inc for the 2026 Cured-In-Place Pipe Sewer Rehabilitation for an estimated cost of $97,740.75, and authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary documents. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried G. Request to Approve LVPD Ballistic Shield Purchase Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the LVPD purchase of four Rapid Deployment Systems III+ with Protech Sales Ballistic Shields for a cost of $11,620.00. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried H. Request to Approve the Cancellation of Curbside Chipping Services from Fontenot Landscape Services LLC via SOCRRA Agreement; effective June 30, 2026 Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Jennings, to approve the cancellation of curbside chipping services from Fontenot Landscape Services LLC via SOCRRA Agreement; effective June 30, 2026. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Hammond No: Garrett Motion carried 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  I. Request to Approve Downtown Development Authority Appointment Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to appoint Jeff Fitrzyk, Lisa Burr, and reappoint Charlotte Jones to the Downtown Development Authority for a term ending February 1, 2030. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried J. Request to Approve Board of Review Appointment Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garrett, to appoint Diane Damskey to the Board of Review and to appoint Colin Walsh as the alternate for the Board of Review for a term expiring on February 28, 2029. Yes: Kantor, Jennings, Sousanis, Garrett, Hammond No: N/A Motion carried 10. City Administrator Report None 11. City Attorney Report None 12. Reports of Boards, Commissions, and Committees a. Downtown Development Authority Some of the highlights from the last meeting are that they have approved CED/DDA Project Coordinator Thomas Kennedy to work up to 4.5 hours for the Parks & Recreation Committee, approved the same vendor as last year for hanging baskets at City Hall, approved the LVMF 2026 performers, discussion of entering into a partnership with The Lathrup Village Chamber of Commerce and Oakland Thrive to develop an online presence workshop for businesses (some that have no online presence or profiles), the DDA encourages all residents to take the Master Plan survey that is online, the MEDC renewed our Re-Development Ready Community Certification, and we have been accepted into the Recast City program that focuses on redeveloping empty sites for makers. b. Planning Commission Elected Officers: Chair Timothy Hillman, Vice Chair Jo Robinson, and Secretary Jerianne Clarke, recommended for approval for 27700 Southfield Road site plan extension, and 28919 Southfield Road site plan contingent on ZBA approval, reviewed for the first time Capital Improvement plan FY 26-27, discussed possible 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org  Sign Ordinance revisions, and had a Public Hearing regarding amendments to the Solar Power and Battery Energy Storage Systems, and a workshop on the Master Plan (Review) centered around housing types. c. Parks & Recreation Food Trucks will be back May 1st through Sept 18,, 2026, Crochet class March 7, 2026 10:00 am -12:00 pm in the Meeting Place, another Trivia Night March 20th, Sourdough Bread Making Class on March 14, 2026 from 10:00 am -1:00pm, and Breakfast with a Buddy will be back March 29th 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, more information can be found on the Newsletter and our website, they are still looking at taking over the Community Garden and Children’s Garden, still providing the Family Fun Zone for the LVMF. d. Tree Committee – was approved today, to be part of Tree City USA. They applied on October 19, 2025. e. Southfield School Board – Southfield Lathrup/University High School final walk- through is on March 28th, 2026, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm f. Communications & Engagement Had their first meeting and elected Officers: Chair Robin Kinnie, Vice Chair Erica Alford, Secretary Kenita Doss, set rules, they are looking for as much participation as possible, welcome any data, want to be able to measure goals, they are an advisory committee for now, they might also hold Study Sessions, and their next meeting is in March. g. Chamber of Commerce Will host a Black History Month discussion panel, An evening of Conversation, Community and Culture, at City Hall on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, hosted by Josh Landon of Fox 2 News, with State Representative Jason Hoskins, Terrance Wheeler, Loretta DeLouch, Ryan Noble, Maria Mannarino Thompson, and Dice Clark Please come share your voice and connect with others who care about Black History. 13. Unfinished / New Business None 14. Public Comment (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) Jonathan Tara, expressed in part: that he is disappointed in the vote of City Council to end the Chipping Services, and thanked Mayor Pro Tem Garrett (for her no vote), said that he will participate in the audience of the Communications and Engagement Committee, shared the idea of having a transcript for the meetings, hopes that maybe the Homeowners Association will look into chipping alternatives, and said he was disappointed in voters for turning down the millage. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org Rick Wisz expressed in part that he understands residents having to pay for chipping their own trees, but not having to pay for chipping a City tree. Diane Anderson, expressed in part: that she thinks there are inappropriate businesses in Lathrup Village, that don’t fit the Bedroom Community, that it is City Council’s job to look at what is appropriate development and they should work with Preservation Michigan, many Lathrup Village homes could be Historic and recognized by the State, and commented on the lack of support for long term Community groups. Timothy Hillman, San Quentin, shared in part: that Southfield City Council started their meeting at 6:00 pm tonight, as of 8:30, Public comment is still ongoing regarding their concerns about ICE signing a lease at 11 Mile and Lahser Road, many people in this community share those concerns, he spoke of a letter that was emailed to City Council on January 3rd, 2026, and the City Council’s response not being communicated Publicly, and shared his ideas of responding to ICE concerns: 1st issue a Public statement similar to Oak Park and Berkley clearly articulating the City’s position on local Policing and ICE, 2nd because we contract with the Berkley Police Department for the use of their holding cells, we should coordinate to ensure individuals detained in Lathrup Village are treated according to our guidelines, 3rd formalize a requirement that any 287G agreement be approved by a formal act of Council subject to Public comment. 15. Mayor and Council Comments Mayor Kantor commented in part:  Disappointed in the chipping services being canceled too, with Headlee defeated, the City is still looking at $350,000 to figure out, and hard decisions have to be made  Condolences to Bruce Copus’s family  Fraud seminar will be held on April 29th at 10:00 am at City Hall, hosted by Chase Bank and the LV Police Department  The LVMF “Halfway to the Music Volunteer Get Together” is Friday, March 13, 2026, at 7:00 pm at the Dog & Pony Show Brewery Company  Planning Commission opening, please apply Councilmember Jennings commented in part:  Thanked Jonathan Tara for sharing technology and transcription suggestions, and he believes the City should update its technology, but it does take time Mayor Pro Tem Garrett commented in part:  MML is asking for local support on House Bill #5529-5532 that would significantly restrict local authorities, by preempting local decision-making on key zoning issues, including duplexes, ADUs, minimum setbacks, lot sizes, and dwelling unit sizes. If you go to the MML under House Bill #5529-5532, and add your name to the letter of opposition  SEMCOG event tomorrow, arrival 10:00 am, and the Press Conference at 10:30 am at 1001 Woodward Avenue, Ste 1400, Detroit, MI 48226 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org   Congratulations to Tim Hillman on becoming the Chair of the Planning Commission  Condolences to the Copus Family Councilmember Hammond commented in part:  Condolences to the Copus family and acknowledgement of his respect for Mr. Copus and the work they had done and conversations that they had, and Mr. Copus’s commitment to the service of the community Councilmember Sousanis commented in part:  Condolences to the Copus family, and that he appreciated talking with Mr. Copus and that Mr. Copus encouraged him to run for City Council  Reiterating what Mayor Pro Tem Garrett said, people in this community can take action and reach out to their Reps and the MML regarding (House Bills #5529-5532) to keep local decision-making  Hats off to Kelly (Mayor Pro Tem Garrett) for voting no on canceling the Chipping service. One good thing about the discussion is that we are putting the City in a position to have further discussions and options  The Parking Vote did help bring up Safety issues, which can emphasize bigger, broader conversations in the Community  Community and Engagement Committee was formed for a reason, not for people here (that show up at meetings and are engaged), but for so many who are not here, and those that do not engage 16. Adjourn Moved by Councilmember Hammond, seconded by Councilmember Sousanis, to adjourn at 9:09 pm. 27400 Southfield Rd | Lathrup Village, MI 48076 | 248.557.2600 | www.lathrupvillage.org