City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan September 09, 2024 A City Council Regular Meeting was held on Monday, September 09, 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 William Mier Councilor Emily Rohrbach Councilman David Soltis Councilor Quinn Wright ABSENT Councilman Sean Fleming ALSO PRESENT City Manager Melissa Marsh City Attorney Jeffrey Sherman Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Cheryl Rottmann Councilor Rohrbach gave the invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. CM-24-169. Excuse Councilmember. Motion to excuse Councilman Fleming from tonight's meeting. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-170. Addition to the Agenda – Suicide Prevention Week Resolution. Motion to add to the agenda under Presentations, Suicide Prevention Week Resolution. Motion made by Councilman Mier, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. 1 09-09-24 PRESENTATIONS Resolution Recognizing September 17-23, 2024 as Constitution Week. City Council recognized September 17-23, 2024 as Constitution Week in the City of Madison Heights. Amelia Hoffert, a representative from the Chapter, accepted the resolution and delivered a brief message of thanks to City Council. 2024 Summer Beautification Awards. DPS Director Sean Ballantine presented the 2024 Summer Beautification Awards and gave a powerpoint presentation of the nominees. The awards went to the following: First Place: Sabah Kado 30749 Blairmoor Second Place: Chris Howlett 28226 Couzens On behalf of the city, DPS Director Ballantine thanked all the residents for making Madison Heights a beautiful place to live. He reminded the audience that the Holiday Lights contest would be coming soon. 2024 National Senior Center Month Proclamation. City Council recognized the staff and volunteers of the Active Adult Center by declaring September to be Senior Center Month in the City of Madison Heights and encouraged all citizens to recognize the contributions that our Active Adult Center employees make everyday to the health, safety, emotional wellbeing and quality of life of the Madison Heights 50+ community. Active Adult Center Supervisor Jennifer Cowan accepted the proclamation and thanked those that work and attend the center. Suicide Prevention Week Resolution. City Council recognized September 8-14, 2024 as Suicide Prevention Week in the City of Madison Heights and called upon our citizens and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote awareness that there is hope - suicide is preventable and mental illness is treatable. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Paul Sanders, resident, spoke in opposition to the 11 Mile Road 3-lane configuration. Dolores Mowry, resident, stated that she wants to honor our Fire Department and said they are wonderful. They assisted her in July and were caring and compassionate and she appreciates them. 2 09-09-24 Collette LeClair, resident, stated a few years ago, Madison Heights residents were able to utilize the Warren Recreation Center, but they are no longer permitted to do so. She asked that the City looks into this and try to reinstate the privilege. CM-24-171. Consent Agenda. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as read. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-172. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2024. Motion to approve the City Council Special Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2024, as printed. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-173. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2024. Motion to approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2024, as printed. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-174. Scheduled Replacement of Vehicle #121. Motion to approve the purchase of one 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, of Lansing, through the State of Michigan MiDeal Vehicle Purchasing Program in the total amount of $45,000. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. 3 09-09-24  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-175. Human Trafficking Task Force Interlocal Agreement. Motion to approve the Human Trafficking Task Force Agreement between the Oakland County Sheriff and the City of Madison Heights and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. Board and Commission Appointments: CM-24-176. Active Adult Advisory Board Appointment. Motion to appoint the following to the Active Adult Advisory Board: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Marie Bessler Regular 08/31/27 Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-177. Arts Board Appointments. Motion to appoint the following to the Arts Board: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Laurie Geralds Regular 08/31/27 Vita Palazzolo Regular 08/31/27 Sue Popp Regular 08/31/27 4 09-09-24  Toya Aaron Regular 8/31/26 Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-178. Construction Board of Appeal Appointment. Motion to appoint the following to the Construction Board of Appeals: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Brad Brickel Regular 08/31/26 Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-179. Crime Commission Appointments. Motion to confirm the Mayor's appointment of the following to the Crime Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Martha Covert Regular 08/31/27 Jeffrey Hilliard Regular 08/31/27 Anthony Roberts Regular 08/31/27 Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. 5 09-09-24 CM-24-180. Downtown Development/Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities Appointment. Motion to confirm the Mayor's appoint of the following to the Downtown Development/Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Gerry Hambright Regular 02/28/27 Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-181. Elected Official Compensation Commission Appointment. Motion to appoint the following to the Elected Official Compensation Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Angela Brunke Regular 08/31/31 Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-182. Environmental Citizens Committee Appointments. Motion to appoint the following to the Environmental Citizens Committee: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Cathy Ellison Alternate 02/28/27 Katrianna Studtmann Regular 02/28/27 Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. 6 09-09-24  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-183. Police/Fire/General Retiree Pension and Health Care Trust Boards Appointment. Motion to appoint the following to the Police/Fire/General Retiree Pension and Health Care Trust Boards: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Jeffrey Geralds Regular 08/31/28 Motion made by Councilman Mier, Seconded by Councilman Soltis. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-184. Human Relations and Equity Commission Appointment. Motion to appoint the following to the Human Relations and Equity Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Rebecca Chambliss Regular 08/31/26 Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-185. Library Advisory Board Appointments. Motion to appoint the following to the Library Advisory Board: 7 09-09-24  NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Toya Aaron Regular 08/31/26 Regina Juska-Svoba Regular 08/31/26 Kristina Mentzer Regular 08/31/26 Motion made by Councilman Soltis, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-186. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Appointment. Motion to confirm the Mayor's appointment of the following to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Chas Bruske Regular 02/28/25 Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-187. Planning Commission Appointment. Motion to confirm the Mayor's appointment of the following to the Planning Commission: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Josh Champagne Regular 08/31/27 Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilor Wright. 8 09-09-24  Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-188. Zoning Board of Appeals Appointment. Motion to appoint the following to the Zoning Board of Appeals: NAME: TERM TYPE: EXPIRATION: Gloria Thompson Alternate 02/28/25 Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-189. Turnout Gear Purchase. Motion to waive the formal procurement process for the purchase of Turnout Gear and accept the lowest quote received from Axes & Irons through Sourcewell for the purchase of 17 sets of turnout gear in the amount of $54,736.43. Motion made by Councilman Mier, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming Motion carried. CM-24-190. Turnout Gear - Budget Amendment. Motion to approve a budget amendment in the amount of $54,736.43 to account 101-336- 774-0000. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Grafstein, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Councilman Fleming 9 09-09-24 COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Mier gave a huge shout out to the Active Adult Center for all the work that you do; he loves all the activities that are going on. Staff and DTE will be meeting later in the month to discuss their progress and what their plans are to help alleviate outages. He noted that DTE is struggling with personnel, much like other businesses in the State. DTE has a strict order on how they address outages and the video explaining the process is on the city's website. We are working to mitigate the outages. This month, the Fall/Winter brochure came out and registration starts today. In the Police and Fire Department softball game, the Police Department won this year’s competition – it is a great game and cause. The MML conference is later this week, and he stated that he is looking forward to networking and learning. Revin the Heights, the Fire Department Open House, Harko canine demonstration, and the Band Shell opening is all taking place this month. School is in session, so please be careful and look out for children. It is an exciting time to be in Madison Heights. He expressed thanks to Council for their support of the Suicide Prevention Resolution. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss noted we had a full house tonight and thanked all for attending; it was a pleasure to have the room filled. He wishes Council had more say over DTE, but we do not. Council is hoping to have a good plan from DTE, and we are continuously involved in the dialogue. He recommends that everyone submit a ticket with each outage experienced, no matter the length, and send messages to the State legislature and stay engaged. He commented that for the first time, the Arts Board has a few open slots and noted that he would like to fill those spots with people who want to be active. Please come to the Trail Tunes event and volunteer or come out to support the event on September 21st. Trail Tunes will be starting with a ribbon cutting for the bandshell and features the Battle of the Bands winner from last year at 2 p.m. Trail Tunes starts at 2:30 p.m. and the final event will be around 6:30 p.m. The weekend prior is Revin’ in the Heights and he commented that he is excited for both events. Please support the hard work of the volunteers of both events. Councilor Wright echoed Mayor Pro Tem Bliss's comments, and he would also love to have the Human Relation and Equity Commission seats filled. There will be cool cars at the Revin’ in the Heights on September 21st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. so please come out. It will be a nice event and there will be food trucks. There will be activities for the kids, awards, and an overall fun event for the whole community. Also, the Fire Department Open House will be at the same time, come on out and support. If you want to learn more, you can go to the HREC’s Facebook page. On a personal note, he stated that he lost his dad a few weeks ago and thanked those that were there for him and supported him. Assistant City Attorney Sherman stated that the City of Madison Heights truly provides excellent activities for all its residents, and we all benefit from it. City Manager Marsh had no comments this evening. Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Rottmann stated that the Clerk's office is tentatively scheduled to mail out absentee ballots on September 27th so look for your ballot the first week of October. If you have not already requested an absentee ballot, you can do so online, in-person or on the Michigan Secretary of State's website. Councilor Rohrbach commented that she started a new job since the last meeting and that the City of Detroit Police Department has volunteered to be food judges at the Revin’ in the Heights. She 10 09-09-24 appreciates all the work that Councilor Wright has put in to bringing this event to the city. On September 1st, the Environmental Citizens Committee had its first composting in the city. You can bring compost any day to DPS on Ajax, we have a pilot program so please utilize it. We can make an impact on our carbon footprint in the city. She requests staff place a few informational posts on the 3-lane configuration on social media. It is going to be safer situation for the community, and it is starting to be a “place.” Prior to this, we haven’t had the ability to make big changes, and she believes it will be a positive change for the community. Councilman Soltis stated he was also present at the DTE meetings. Each year we have had the Suicide Prevention Resolution, and it especially hits home for him because his father committed suicide; after all these years it still effects the families. It is important to tell those you love that you love them; suicide is very traumatic. Keep each other together and love one another. Mayor Grafstein commented that this has been an interesting meeting. A meeting of life as we are living it, including the beautification awards and recognizing our Active Adult Center. The celebration of the start of school, yet we are mourning those that did not come home. We need to keep our kids safe. Presenting the Suicide Prevention Resolution and she stated that she appreciates Councilman Soltis being so open. She commented that her father was able to get help, but you carry a family member’s mental illness with you. It affects you and stays with you. Remember to tell the people you care about that you care about them. Reminder not to believe everything you read on social media. We have had several meetings on the 11 Mile configuration including public forums, and we sought input and have had a lot of time and thought put into these decisions. The next City Council meeting September 23rd. ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business, Mayor Grafstein adjourned the meeting at 8:36 p.m. Roslyn Grafstein, Mayor Cheryl E. Rottmann, City Clerk 11 09-09-24