City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan April 08, 2024 A City Council Regular Meeting was held on Monday, April 08, 2024 at 7:30 PM at City Hall - Council Chambers, 300 W. 13 Mile Rd. PRESENT Mayor Roslyn Grafstein Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss Councilman Sean Fleming Councilman William Mier Councilor Emily Rohrbach Councilman David Soltis Councilor Quinn Wright OTHERS PRESENT City Manager Melissa Marsh City Attorney Larry Sherman Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Cheryl Rottmann Mayor Pro Tem Bliss gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. CM-24-69. Additions to the Agenda. Motion to add to the Agenda under Reports: Agreement Between the a) Madison Heights 43rd District Court and the City of Madison Heights and b) Litigation: Jessica Toski v. Thomas Baker and the City of Madison Heights. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. PRESENTATIONS: Condolence Resolution - Lila Richards On behalf of City Council, Mayor Grafstein presented the family of Lila Richards, a long-time resident and active member of the community, with a Condolence Resolution. Lila’s daughter Rochelle Karl was in attendance to accept the resolution. 1 04-08-24 MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: There were no members of the public wishing to speak. CM-24-70. Consent Agenda. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as read. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-71. 2024 Fireworks Display Permit Approval. Motion to approve the 2024 Fireworks Display Permit for 2024 Festival in the Parks Fireworks Display on June 30, 2024. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-72. 2024 Arbor Day Resolution. Motion to approve the 2024 Arbor Day Resolution, as follows: 2024 Arbor Day Resolution WHEREAS, the City of Madison Heights is committed to establishing a strong tree canopy within the city; and WHEREAS, trees are proven to improve air quality, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, produce life-giving oxygen, provide habitat for wildlife and reduce the erosion of topsoil by wind and water; and WHEREAS, in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and WHEREAS, this holiday is called Arbor Day and in 2024 this holiday is nationally observed on April 26, 2024; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS, AS FOLLOWS: 2 04-08-24  Recognizing that trees, in addition to all the benefits listed above, increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community; and, On April 20, 2024 in honor of Arbor Day, the Environmental Citizens Committee will hold an informational presentation on tree planting and maintenance at the Recreation Division’s Annual Run for the Health of It 5K Race; and, The City Council and Staff remain dedicated to including tree replacements in future budgets including grant matches for any tree grants available; and, Furthermore, the City of Madison Heights urges all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees increasing the City tree canopy to promote the well-being of our community. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-73. Civic Center Basketball Court Paving. Motion to approve the quote from Italia Construction for the Civic Center Basketball Court Paving in an amount not to exceed $27,556. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-74. 2024 Drinking Water Week Proclamation. Motion to adopt the 2024 Drinking Water Week Proclamation as follows: 2024 Drinking Water Week Proclamation WHEREAS, water is our most valuable natural resource; and WHEREAS, drinking water serves a vital role in daily life, serving an essential purpose to health, hydration and hygiene needs for the quality of life our citizens enjoy; and WHEREAS, tap water delivers public health protection, fire protection, support for our economy and the quality of life we enjoy; and WHEREAS, the hard work performed by the entire water sector, designing capital projects, operators ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water or a member 3 04-08-24  of a pipe crew maintaining the infrastructure communities rely on to transport high quality drinking water from its source to consumers’ taps; and WHEREAS, the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the importance of drinking water for health, hydration and hygiene needs; and WHEREAS, we are all stewards of the water infrastructure upon which current and future generations depend; and WHEREAS, the citizens of our city are called upon to help protect our source waters from pollution, practice water conservation and get involved with their water by familiarizing themselves with it; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Madison Heights hereby proclaims May 5-11, 2024, as Drinking Water Week in the City of Madison Heights. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-75. 2024 West Nile Virus Reimbursement Resolution. Motion to approve the 2024 West Nile Virus Reimbursement Resolution, as follows: 2024 West Nile Virus Reimbursement Resolution WHEREAS, upon the recommendation of the Oakland County Executive, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has established a West Nile Virus Fund Program to assist Oakland County cities, villages, and townships in addressing mosquito control activities; and WHEREAS, Oakland County’s West Nile Virus Fund Program authorizes Oakland County cities, villages, and townships to apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in connection with personal mosquito protection measures/activity, mosquito habitat eradication, mosquito larviciding or focused adult mosquito insecticide spraying in designated community green areas; and WHEREAS, The City of Madison Heights of Oakland County, Michigan has incurred expenses in connection with mosquito control activities believed to be eligible for reimbursement under Oakland County’s West Nile Virus Fund Program. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, The Mayor and City Council of Madison Heights authorizes and directs its Public Works Supervisor, Chris Woodward, as agent for the City of Madison Heights, in the manner and to the extent provided under Oakland County Board of Commissioners 2024 Mosquito Smarts Program 4 04-08-24  to request reimbursement of eligible mosquito control activity under Oakland County’s West Nile Virus Fund Program. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-76. Resolution Annually Designating April as Arab Heritage Month. Motion to adopt the Resolution Annually Designating April as Arab Heritage Month, as follows: Resolution Of The City Of Madison Heights Designating April Annually As Arab American Heritage Month WHEREAS, The National Arab American Heritage Month initiative, launched in 2017 by Arab America and the Arab America Foundation, has gained significant momentum. Last year, this grassroots initiative comprised of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states, secured 144 proclamations from states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts; and WHEREAS, throughout April, National Arab American Heritage Month acknowledges and celebrates the accomplishments of Arab Americans and WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture. WHEREAS, since immigrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants. WHEREAS, Arab Americans brought resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to our great democracy. Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes the nation prosperous and WHEREAS, the celebration of Arab American ancestry and cultural heritage educates fellow Americans and counters misconceptions, harmful stereotyping, and prejudices. Arab Americans join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and diverse society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe, and. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the city of Madison Heights hereby designates the month of April, annually, as Arab American Heritage Month in the city of Madison Heights in recognition of and appreciation for the rich legacy and significant contributions made by the Arab American community. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. 5 04-08-24  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-77. Resolution Annually Designating April as Chaldean Heritage Month. Motion to adopt the Resolution Annually Designating April as Chaldean Heritage Month, as follows: Resolution Of The City Of Madison Heights Designating April Annually As Chaldean-American Month WHEREAS, Chaldeans/Assyrians, a Semitic people who also identify themselves as Syriacs, are the indigenous people of Mesopotamia who have lived in the Middle East since ancient times, including in what is today Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Collectively, there are nearly half a million Chaldeans / Assyrians / Syriacs in the United States, including about 160,000 in Michigan, the largest concentration in the country. WHEREAS, April is an important month to the Chaldean / Assyrian / Syriac community for several reasons: The Assyrian / Babylonian New Year, Akitu, is a celebration of spring, rebirth and renewal which often culminates in a celebration on April 1. The Chaldean Catholic Church, a descendant from the Church of the East, commemorates All Martyrs & Confessors Day during the month of April, in remembrance of the Church’s devoted priests, nuns and laypeople. WHEREAS, the Chaldean / Assyrian / Syriac people are a community of rich tradition and culture who enrich Michigan’s cultural tapestry and prosperity through their success in the arts, business, law, politics, education, medicine, architecture, and engineering. Nearly 60% of Chaldean households own one business, which contributes to a vibrant local economy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council for the city of Madison Heights hereby designates the month of April, annually, as Chaldean- American Month in the city of Madison Heights in recognition of the positive and significant contributions that Chaldean Americans have made within the community. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. 6 04-08-24 CM-24-78. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2024. Motion to adopt the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2024, as printed. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-79. Agreement Between the 43rd District Court and the City of Madison Heights. Motion to approve the agreement between the 43rd District Court and the City of Madison Heights. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-80. Litigation: Jessica Toski v. Thomas Baker and the City of Madison Heights. Motion to approve the recommendation of Special Legal Counsel made in the Closed Special Meeting in the matter of Jessica Toski v Thomas Baker and the City of Madison Heights. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Soltis. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-81. Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Administrative Agreement. Motion to approve an agreement with Wilson & Wilson P.C. for MIDC administrative services for up to a five-year term and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement, subject to legal review. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. 7 04-08-24  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-82. Professional Auditing Services Contract. Motion to approve a five-year contract with Rehmann Robson LLC (Rehmann) for professional auditing services and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract, subject to legal review. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-24-83. Ordinance 2198 - New Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map, First Reading. Motion to approve the first reading of Ordinance #2198 and schedule the second and final reading and a public hearing for the May 13th, 2024, City Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss stated this Zoning Ordinance revision has been several years in the making and many meetings have been held. While zoning may not be exciting, it helps with the future planning of a City and encourages the types of developments we may want in the areas of the City we desire and fixes issues that are currently in the existing Zoning Ordinance. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Motion carried. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Mier noted that there was a lot of good stuff covered in our Consent Agenda. He noted his support for the basketball courts, fireworks, heritage months and drinking water resolutions. Volunteers are the heart of our community and Rich Clark has been involved in Little League Baseball for many years. He thanked Justin Kowalski and crew for their work on the fields. He invited Council to Little League Opening Day and commented that Councilor Wright, Councilman Fleming, and City Attorney Sherman have been long-term sponsors of teams. He stated that he attended the State of Oakland County event last week and it was very informative. He learned today that 1% of the sun is still very light. He thanked staff and Council 8 04-08-24 for work on Zoning Ordinance. He noted that April is Autism Awareness Month so please understand that people are different than you, remember to be kind. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss remembered Rich Clark and noted that you can always have an impression on how someone handles a disagreement. He recalled how he interacted with him over ITAC, with Rich ultimately voting for ITAC and supporting the concept. He noted that two years later, Rich called him and thanked him for proving him wrong. Rich Clark was a true leader. Being able to serve with Rich Clark has helped make us better Council members and he expressed condolences to his family in this diffiucult time. You can disagree and move forward and stay friends and neighbors and he hopes there will be more Rich Clarks in the world. The History of Music in Madison Heights and Beyond will be presented before the next City Council meeting on April 15th. Michael Sheppard from Northern Audio will be talking on the subject, and it will be a great presentation. He added that it is his hope to be able to preview our Heritage Rooms as well. Save the date - the Arts Board second Annual Gala will be on November 8th and have a disco, 70’s theme. All money raised will be reinvested into Arts Board projects. Tickets will be on sale shortly Councilor Wright stated remember to be kind and noted that there are a lot of people in the world that are struggling. City Attorney Sherman reminded the audience that Madison Heights Police Department put out a press release pertaining to spoofing of the Police Department. If you get a call like that, hang up and report it to the Police Department. He stated that he is very saddened to hear of the passing of Rich Clark and agrees with Mayor Pro Tem Bliss’ comments regarding him. Rich Clark was a delightful person and always had the citizens’ interests in mind. He was always willing to listen to anyone's viewpoint and he expressed his condolences to Rich's family. Rich Clark is fixture in Madison Heights and will be sorely missed. He stated that he would also say the same thing about Lila Richards. He became friends with both Jim and Lila Richards, and they were both very civic minded and participated in everything. These are the types of people that make the City a great place. City Manager Marsh stated that the next regular Council meeting is next Monday, April 15th and the budget presentation will be held as well. She thanked City Planner Matt Lonnerstater for his work on the Zoning Ordinance rewrite and noted that he did a great job. Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Rottmann expressed her condolences to Rich Clark’s family. Councilor Rohrbach stated the Arbor Day celebration will be at the City's 5K on April 20th. There is still time to sign up for the 5K, so please do so. The State of the County was last week, and she noted that the Madison Heights business Design to Shine was featured. She thanked the City Manager and staff for the Energy Futures Grant work, noting there were only 40 nationwide awards and only 2 in Michigan which are designed to advance innovative clean energy programs that will enhance energy affordability, access, and opportunities for our community. She stated that Senator Peters recognized our staff for their ability to access grants and communicate the needs of the community. She stated that the Environmental Citizens Committee met last week, and the final draft of Master Sustainability Plan was presented. She noted that today we received a text saying our students were in lockdown and, fortunately, the school was able to deal with the situation. As a parent, at any school and at any age, it is easy for them to lose site of the seriousness of a situtation. Please hold conversations with your kids about taking these things seriously and not as a joke. 9 04-08-24 Councilman Fleming gave condolences to Rich Clark's family and commented that Rich gave a lot as a veteran and to his community. He appreciated that today we made proclamations on Arab and Chaldean Heritage month. He noted that the United States Census has a new classification of northern african/middle eastern and asked City forms to be updated. He announced that the City- Wide Garage sale will be sometime in June. Councilman Soltis expressed condolences to Lila Richard's family and noted that he met her at the Women’s Club Teas. He stated he was very fond of Rich Clark and worked together with him on senior home repairs and considered him a mentor. May 1st is the senior trip to Lansing. It will be a fantastic trip and if you are interested in participating, please contact him or the City Manager's office. Mayor Grafstein stated she met Rich Clark before she was on Council regarding Neighborhood Watch. He left his imprint on the City and he will be missed as will Lila Richards. She stated that she is happy about the Energy Futures Grant and grants really helped budget wise. She recognized Brenda from Design to Shine. Mayor Grafstein thanked City Planner Lonnerstater for all his work on the Zoning Amendments and commented that he was great to work with, despite the tedious work. Today was the solar eclipse and she was at Lessenger School for the fun event. Thank you to those that organized the event. The next City Council meeting is April 15th. ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business, Mayor Grafstein adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Roslyn Grafstein, Mayor Cheryl E. Rottmann, City Clerk 10 04-08-24