City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan February 27, 2023 A City Council Regular Meeting was held on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 7:45 PM at City Hall - Council Chambers, 300 W. 13 Mile Rd. PRESENT Mayor Roslyn Grafstein Councilwoman Toya Aaron Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss Councilman Sean Fleming Councilor Emily Rohrbach Councilman David Soltis Councilor Quinn Wright OTHERS PRESENT City Manager Melissa Marsh City Attorney Larry Sherman City Clerk Cheryl Rottmann The invocation was given by Councilman Fleming and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. CC-23-44. Addition to the Agenda. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright, to add under Reports: Interlocal Agreement with Hazel Park for S-1 Services. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-45. Addition to the Agenda. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach, to add under the Executive Session: Madison Heights v Sayers. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. 1 02-27-23 PRESENTATIONS: Certificate of Appreciation for Jennifer Ramirez City Manager Marsh read the Certificate of Appreciation and on behalf of City Council, Mayor Grafstein presented the Certificate to Jennifer Ramirez. CC-23-46. Designating Public International Artist Day on October 25, 2023 as Jennifer Ramirez Artis Day in the City of Madison Heights. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright, to designate Public International Artist Day on October 25, 2023, as Jennifer Ramirez Artist Day in the City of Madison Heights. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. Certificate of Appreciation for Michael and Holly Hayter City Manager Marsh read the Certificate of Appreciation and on behalf of City Council, Mayor Grafstein presented the Certificate to Michael and Holly Hayter. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Vita Palazzolo, resident and food pantry volunteer. She stated that people are still without power and have lost their food. This Saturday is a pantry distribution day at the Central Church location and she is reaching out to the community, because shelves are getting low so please make donations at the many locations within the City. Your help is appreciated. Kevin Wright, resident and member of Board of Directors for Citizens United. He spoke in support of Jennifer Ramirez’s work. They are beginning to plan the June 17th Civic Center Park Juneteenth event and already have a great line up. More info is available on their social media. He appreciates the City's embrace of the holiday and looks forward to seeing it grow even more in the future. Michael Howard stated that he also serves on Citizens United and acknowledge the public art in the City. This is the last day of Black History Month and the date was established in relation to Fedrick Douglas's birthday. He stated that it is a pleasure to be part of a city that embraces all cultures, even if he isn't a resident. He encouraged all to participate in Juneteenth and thanked Council for their continued support. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion made by Councilwoman Aaron, Seconded by Councilor Wright, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. 2 02-27-23  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-47. DPS Vehicle #460 Scheduled Replacement. Motion made by Councilwoman Aaron, Seconded by Councilor Wright, to approve the purchase of one 2022 Chevy Silverado with options as quoted from Todd Wenzel Chevrolet, of Hudsonville, Michigan, in the amount of $49,284.74, through the Oakland County Cooperative Purchasing Contract. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-48. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2023. Motion made by Councilwoman Aaron, Seconded by Councilor Wright, to approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2023, as printed. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENTS: Each board liaison gave a brief review of the activities of boards that they are serving on as Council Representative. CC-23-49. Crime Commission. Motion by Councilman Fleming, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss to appoint the following to the Crime Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Beth Scott Regular 08/31/23 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. 3 02-27-23 CC-23-50. Downtown Development Authority/Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Motion by Councilor Wright, seconded by Councilwoman Aaron, to appoint the following to the Downtown Development Authority and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Yousif Jarbo Regular 02/28/27 Michael Van Buren Regular 02/28/27 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-51. Environmental Citizen Committee. Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Councilor Wright to appoint the following to the Environmental Citizens Committee: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Jennifer Bartleman Regular 02/28/26 Michael Salley Regular 02/28/26 Vasilki Harris Alternate 02/28/26 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-52. Historical Commission. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, seconded by Councilman Fleming to appoint the following to the Historical Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Margene Scott Regular 02/28/26 Robert Konenske Regular 02/28/26 4 02-27-23  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-53. Human Relations and Equity Commission. Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Councilor Wright to appoint the following to the Human Relations and Equity Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Syed Murtaza Regular 08/31/25 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-54. Information Technology Advisory Committee. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, seconded by Councilman Fleming to appoint the following to the Information Technology Advisory Committee: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Brian Davis Regular 02/28/26 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-55. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Councilwoman Aaron to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of the following to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Jason Theodoroff Regular 02/28/25 5 02-27-23  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-56. Tax Board of Review. Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, seconded by Councilwoman Aaron, to appoint the following to the Tax Board of Review: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Marilyn Mayle Regular 02/28/25 Barbara Kastle Regular 02/28/25 Elizabeth Shields Regular 02/28/25 Tyler Hemmingsen Regular 02/28/25 Marie Bessler Regular 02/28/25 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-57. Zoning Board of Appeals. Motion by Councilwoman Aaron, seconded by Councilman Soltis, to appoint the following to the Zoning Board of Appeals: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION DATE: Linda Corbett Regular 02/28/26 Margaret Marentette Regular 02/28/26 Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. 6 02-27-23 CC-23-58. Interlocal Agreement for S-1 Services. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron, to approve the Interlocal Agreement with Hazel Park for S-1 Services not to exceed $2,000 per month and authorize the City Manager to sign the contract on behalf of the City. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-59. CDBG Funded Yard Services/Lawn Service Program Contract. Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron, to award the CDBG funded yard services/lawn service program contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Zimmerman Lawn & Snow, at a unit price of $21.00 per lot for the 2023 mowing season, and to authorize the City to proceed to the next lowest responsible bidders, Michigan Mowers at unit pricing of $28.50 per lot or Mobile Guru/Total Lawn Care at unit pricing of $33.00 per lot in the unlikely event that the contract with Zimmerman is cancelled due to nonperformance or other issues. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-60. 2023 Major & Local Sectional Concrete Repairs. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron, to concur with the recommendation of our City Engineer, and award the bid for the 2023 Major and Local Sectional Concrete Repairs to the lowest responsible bidder, DiLisio Contracting, Inc., of Clinton Township, Michigan, for the total project amount of $965,230.90. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CC-23-61. 2023 R-3 Residential Road Projects. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright, to concur with the recommendation of our City Engineer, and award the bid for the 2023 R-3 Residential Road Projects to the lowest responsible bidder, DiLisio Contracting, Inc., of Clinton Township, Michigan, for the total project amount of $1,633,871.56. 7 02-27-23  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION: CC-23-62. Executive Session: Legal Opinion – Madison Heights v Sayers. Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron, to enter into Closed Executive Session to discuss the Legal Opinion - Madison Heights v. Sayers which is exempt under Section 8 of the Open Meetings Act. Roll Call Vote: Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. Mayor Grafstein stated that since the Council was entering into an Executive Closed Session, she had Council give their comments at this time. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Aaron thanked Jennifer Rameriz for representing the City is such a positive way. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss commented that he appreciates all the public art in the City and noted that it is rewarding to see it is not coming from anything formally. He stated that he is excited that October 25th will be designated as Jennifer Rameriz Artist Day. He thanked Corey Almas for his work and knowledge, as well as the creativity he brought to the City. The City has many great boards and commissions, please consider joining one. He stated that while the DTE workers are great and do a phenomenal job, he finds the DTE policy underwhelming. The structure and policy of DTE needs to be changed for responding to such events as last week's ice storm. He encouraged the public to reach out to try to change DTE policy and noted that he would like representatives to come before Council. Councilor Wright stated to all our neighbors that don't have power, we support you. We are all in this together, so let's keep this in mind when we talk - we must lift each other up. We celebrate Black History month because it's important to acknowledge all the history of the past; it is important to recognize the past. He stated that he was president of MSU Student Government in the past, and the college is like a second home. To have this tragedy happen is hurtful; MSU means a lot to me and so do all the people there. Please remember to be kind, we are all trying to do our best and we need to take care of each other. Thank you, Jennifer Ramirez, for sharing your work with us and thank you for being a kind person. To the Hayter family, your skeletons bring us joy. We all have our own stories, so let's celebrate them all. To anyone who may be interested, please join a board and get involved. 8 02-27-23 City Attorney Sherman thanked Corey Almas for his years of service and wishes him all the best in his new position. Thank you for the birthday wishes at the last meeting. The MSU tragedy hit very close to home, as his son attends there. This a senseless tragedy, we are all Spartys. We wish the survivors Godspeed. City Manager Marsh wished Corey Almas well in his new position and stated that the City is going to miss you. City Clerk Rottmann had no comments this evening. Councilor Rohrbach echoed the sentiments about Corey Almas, noting it has been a pleasure to work with you over the past several years. She stated that she appreciates how you care about the work you do for the residents of this city. Thank you for investing yourself in the city. She concurred with the sentiments from Councilor Wright on the MSU tragedy and calls on our law makers to make some real policy changes. Councilman Fleming congratulated all those appointed to boards and commissions and expressed his congratulations to the Hayters and Jennifer Ramirez on their artwork and recognition. Mayor Grafstein congratulated Corey Almas on his new position. She thanked everyone who opened their homes to MSU students; as a parent, she can't think of anything more terrifying to know this is happening and you can't do anything about it. Thank you to those who assisted those without power. She thanked the Hayters and Jennifer Ramirez for bringing art to the City. Thank you to both Kevin Wright and Michael Howard for speaking about Juneteenth; we appreciate all that you do. Mayor Grafstein adjourned the Regular Council meeting at 9:02 p.m. Mayor Grafstein reconvened the Regular Council meeting at 9:30 p.m. All members of Council were present. CC-23-63. Executive Closed Session - Legal Opinion - Madison Heights v. Sayers. Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Councilman Fleming, to adopt the recommendation of the City Attorney as discussed in the Closed Executive Session. Roll Call Vote: Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Councilwoman Aaron, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business, Mayor Grafstein adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m. Roslyn Grafstein, Mayor Cheryl E. Rottmann, City Clerk 9 02-27-23