City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan April 15, 2025 A City Council Regular Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 7:30 PM at City Hall - Council Chambers, 300 W. 13 Mile Rd. PRESENT Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss Councilman Sean Fleming Councilman William Mier Councilor Emily Rohrbach Councilman David Soltis Councilor Quinn Wright ABSENT Mayor Roslyn Grafstein ALSO PRESENT City Manager Melissa Marsh City Attorney Larry Sherman Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Cheryl Rottmann 43rd District Court Judge Keith Hunt 43rd District Court Administrator Sharon Arseneault City Planner Matt Lonnerstater Community and Economic Development Director Giles Tucker Finance Director Linda Kunath Fire Chief Greg Lelito Human Resources Director Tracee Miller Library Director Vanessa Verdun-Morris Police Chief Brent LeMerise Public Services Director Sean Ballantine Councilman Fleming gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. CM-25-50. Additions/Deletions. Motion to add under Bids Awards/Purchases, OLSHA ARPA Funded Senior Home Chore/Yard Services Contract with Capital Landscapes. Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. 1 PRESENTATIONS: National Telecommunicators Week Proclamation Mayor Pro Tem Bliss read the National Telecommunicators Week Proclamation, and the City Council proclaimed April 13th - April 19th, 2025, as National Telecommunicators Week in the City of Madison Heights. A week to celebrate and thank telecommunications personnel who serve our city, citizens, and public safety personnel 24 hours a day seven days a week. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss presented PSA Christine Tyrsh with the proclamation and thanked her and all the City’s Public Service Aides for their service to the city. National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week Proclamation Mayor Pro Tem Bliss read the National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week Proclamation and City Council proclaimed April 13th - April 19th, 2025, as National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week in the City of Madison Heights. He presented Animal Control Officer Paige Wallace with the proclamation and thanked her and all the aides for their service to the City. Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget City Manager Marsh began the presentation by acknowledging the outstanding efforts of the Finance Director Linda Kunath, Assistant to the City Manager Harley Mordarski, as well as all Department Heads and staff for an excellent effort in preparing a priority-based budget that continues to maintain existing services and implements our city’s strategic plan. She also thanked the Mayor and City Council for their leadership and support in planning the City’s financial operations responsibly and progressively. This budget is the product of our collective efforts, bringing success to our community. City Manager Marsh stated that the Proposed Budget is presented in accordance with a detailed calendar that is contained in the Policy Document. Last Fall, the annual budget process formally began with the review of the long-range Financial Outlook and Capital Improvement Plan, which was presented to the Council and subsequently adopted on January 13th. These plans set the future years’ priorities and preparation of the Operating Budget, which began in December, all leading to the Proposed Budget we are reviewing tonight. This proposed budget was posted online and submitted to the City Council on April 3rd. The remaining highlights of the budget calendar include tonight’s Council Budget Presentation and then the adoption of the Budget and Tax Levy scheduled to take place at the Council meeting on May 12th, which is the second Monday in May. Finance Director Kunath noted that the proposed FY 2026 budget reflects our continued commitment to maintaining high-quality services while adapting to financial constraints. With revenue challenges stemming from tax rollbacks, declining federal and state funding, and rising costs, we’ve had to make some difficult decisions to keep the budget balanced. The total proposed budget for FY 2026 is $66.1 million, with the General Fund allocation set at $42.3 million. This represents a decrease of $392,383 compared to the adopted FY 2025 budget. The primary factors contributing to this reduction are the elimination of four full-time positions and a decrease in planned capital expenditures. Of this $66.1 million, $8.8 million is Capital Outlay. This includes assets such as vehicles, equipment, building maintenance, and infrastructure 2 such as road rehabilitation and reconstruction, and water and sewer line replacements. Our largest revenue is still property tax, and our largest expense is personnel services. Although the City has the ability to levy 25.6063 mills, Finance Director Kunath stated, this proposed budget is supported by a tax rate of 25.4572 mills for FY 2026. The proposed tax rate is the same rate as FY 2025. The City is nearing our maximum operating tax levy authorization with only 0.166 capacity, and we must prepare for budget constraints. While we continue to manage resources carefully, the long-term financial outlook will require thoughtful discussions about potential millages to ensure we can maintain the services, infrastructure, and public safety investments that make Madison Heights a great place to live and work. Finance Director Kunath continued by stating there is a projected limited revenue growth of $431,847 across all funds. This growth is driven by a State Tax Commission Inflation Rate Multiplier of 3.1%, offset by a millage roll-back of approximately 1.73%, and reductions in federal and state revenues, court revenues, and miscellaneous revenues. The City’s taxable value for Fiscal Year 2026 is now 97% of what it was in FY 2008. However, we continue to face significant expenditure pressures, as inflationary increases across all service areas which far exceed the 3.1% inflation rate multiplier. Therefore, the overall Budget focuses on following the strategic plan for moving the City forward by implementing projects that address long-term maintenance issues and align with the City Council's long-term visions. For Fiscal 2026 the average home market value is $225,757 with a taxable value of $59,758 and an average tax bill of $1,521.27 for City services. Finance Director Kunath stated that the city, like the businesses and residents that call Madison Heights home, have continued to feel pressure on expenditures due to inflationary increases. While many expenditure areas have returned to traditional increases of 2%-3%, we experienced wage pressure to remain competitive in the region, especially with public safety departments. This is reflected in the proposed budget based on the wage reopeners and extensions for all Union contracts. This budget eliminates four vacant positions and denied department requests for additional staff, opting to increase part-time hours to support the full-time staff’s activities. City Manager Marsh noted that in December, the City Council and staff met to review and update the strategic plan. One significant change was to combine the focus area of sustainability within each category. These plans take into account the needs of everyone who lives, works, or visits Madison Heights, with a focus on building a solid tax base to support a strong community and superior services. Now, in year seven of this process, we continue to follow this path. The key priority areas guiding our work are: 1) Public Safety, 2) Infrastructure and Capital Assets, 3) Quality of Life, 4) Economic Development, and 5) Financial Stability. City Manager Marsh stated that public safety is the number one priority in our strategic plan and is supported by a range of initiatives. To start, the proposed budget includes the addition of a second School Resource Officer (SRO) for the 2025–26 school year, in partnership with Lamphere Schools. This position will be jointly funded, 70% by the district and 30% by the city, with a total cost of $182,000, including benefits. Moreover, the CoResponder program will continue in FY 2026 with existing grant funding. Although we will continue to seek grant funding, full city funding is anticipated to begin in FY 2027. While no expansion is planned this budget year, the 3 continuation of this program reflects our commitment to addressing behavioral health through collaborative response efforts. The budget also proposes targeted IT upgrades, including a firewall replacement and Phase 2 of the citywide phone system upgrade—both critical to ensuring secure and reliable communication infrastructure for emergency services and protection against cybersecurity threats. Our refuse collection program also plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe community. With the current contract set to expire in June, staff are evaluating both our existing service level and a cart- only model, which may offer operational efficiencies in future years. The FY 2026 budget includes funding equal to FY 2025 at $1.8 million. We have conducted several community engagement sessions and have very favorable feedback regarding moving to a cart-only system which coupled with the new cart program would increase our cost approximately $53,000 as opposed to $200,000 a year. Once the City Council has reviewed all the details and made a decision, a budget amendment will be required. Finally, traffic safety enhancements including pavement striping and pedestrian upgrades on John R are incorporated into the John R Overlay project, reinforcing our ongoing efforts to improve mobility and safety for all users of the road. City Manager Marsh continued that infrastructure is another major focus of our strategic plan, and this proposed budget reflects key updates across several areas. At Fire Station #1, phase two of the roof replacement project has been deferred, resulting in a $220,000 reduction in the FY 2026 budget. While this work is still a priority, we’ve submitted a State Enhancement Grant application to support the project, and we anticipate learning the outcome of our submission this fall. If successful, that external funding would help move the project forward without impacting the General Fund. On our streets, the budget includes a combined $1.9 million for major and local road improvements. This includes $150,000 for the city’s share of the Tri-Party John R Overlay project between 12 ½ Mile and 14 Mile, scheduled to begin this June. In addition, we’ve allocated $800,000 for the next phase of the John R Overlay, spanning from 11 Mile to 12 ½ Mile, with work expected to begin next spring. Finally, we continue to invest heavily in our underground infrastructure, with $2.5 million budgeted for water and sewer capital outlay, including service line replacements. These investments help us ensure safe, reliable service and reduce long-term maintenance costs. City Manager Marsh stated that the city is beginning the process of updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which will guide future capital investments in parks and recreation programming. In the interim, the budget continues funding for Rosie’s Park upgrades, including a new pavilion, field rehabilitation, hardball and softball field rehabilitation, and the refurbishment of the Gardenia parking lot. The Recreation budget includes funding for community engagement, intended to expand facility use for programming, such as shared spaces with school districts or partnerships with private organizations to offer access facilities such as gyms, tennis courts, and programming. We have also continued to fund $50,000 a year for special projects funding. Since these funds have been added to the budget, we have utilized it for grant matches to bring programs such as the bandshell, pickleball courts, and new play structures to the city parks. The library budget includes ongoing funding for the makerspace and Library of Things programs. Also new in this budget is a citywide informational quarterly newspaper insert newsletter, which will focus on city updates, news, and department services. This cost should partially be offset by a reduction in the pages of the recreation brochure, which will now focus primarily on recreation programming 4 and events. Tree plantings continue to be included at $27,000, in addition, we have applied for a city-wide tree inventory and planting grant for 150 trees, which will not be added to the budget until awarded and does not require city funding. The food composting drop-off program has been successfully implemented and is included in the budget at $3,000. Finance Director Kunath stated that the City has long maintained a strong reputation for sound financial policies, which have been further enhanced through strategic planning and multi-year budgeting. Since 2007, the budget process has highlighted the City's significant financial challenges with legacy costs of pensions and retiree health care. With changes made to benefit levels in 2021, the retiree health care trusts are both fully funded. However, we still struggle with funding the pension systems. The General Employees’ pension system is closed. However, the Police and Fire System remain open to new hires. Since 2021 the City has made additional contributions to improve funding for the Police and Fire Pension, which is currently 60% funded. The FY 2026 budget continues to include additional contributions, above the required annual amount, with the total amount proposed at $7.7 million ($3.4 million for the Fire Department and $4.3 million for the Police Department) supported by the Police and Fire Pension millage. This is $4.0 million above the actuarially required contribution, which will continue to raise the funding level above 60%. As of June 30, 2024, Finance Director Kunath stated that the unreserved but assigned fund balance for the General Fund stood at $15.9 million. After accounting for budget carryforwards for capital assets and maintenance projects across the city, this balance is expected to decrease to $11.4 million by the end of FY 2025, with a planned use of $436,521 in FY 2026. In FY 2026, we will levy almost all the allowable millage through Proposal MH and anticipate using this fund balance to support future years’ budget stabilization. This approach aligns with the financial policies approved by the City Council, which direct staff to maintain a fund balance of at least 16% of regular operating expenditures, plus one year of debt payments. Staff carefully adhered to this policy while developing the Citywide Strategic Plan and proposing this budget for Council’s consideration. Finance Director Kunath reviewed other funds, including Major Street, Local Street and Water and Sewer. In the Major and Local Street funds, this FY 2026 budget continues the neighborhood roads program which will expire next year. Roads to be completed this year under this program include Diesing Drive (Bellaire Ave to Alger), Groveland Street (E. Lincoln to E. Cowan), and E. Rowland Ave (John R to Battelle). Other budgeted items include $20,000 for continued painting of local crosswalks and stop bars. Also included in Major Streets is $150,000 for the tri-party City portion of John R overlay from 14 Mile to 12 ½ Mile. This project is starting this Spring/Summer. In addition, we have been saving for the city project of John R from 12 ½ to 11 Mile. We have saved $1.5 million with another phase of funding included in FY 2026 of $800,000 as our match to a federal grant for this work. This work is being planned for Spring/Summer 2026. Regarding the Water and Sewer Fund, total expenditures and revenues are projected at approximately $14.2 million, with a planned use of the fund balance amounting to $148,434 for FY 2026. The budget includes a proposed 6.366 % increase in both water and sewer rates. This increase is necessary to offset rate hikes from our water and sewer treatment providers, who are raising their rates by 7.38% for water and an estimated 5.34% for sewer treatment. As of June 30, 2025, the Water and Sewer Department is estimated to have approximately $3.9 million available. Even with this proposed 5 6.336% increase, Finance Director Kunath noted that Madison Heights still has some of the lowest rates in our region. Based on the consumption average of 12 units (748 gallons of water/unit) Madison Heights’ average bill will be $140.40 per quarter. City Manager Marsh concluded the budget presentation by noting that as we develop this budget, there are several uncertainties that may impact our financial outlook. Over the past few years, many of these uncertainties have had a positive effect, thanks to federal grants and new state funding mechanisms. However, this year is significantly different, and we want to highlight several issues for your consideration as we proceed through the budget process. Franchise Fees from Cable Companies - in the past, franchise fees from cable companies accounted for more than $500,000 in our General Fund budget. With the rise in streaming services and the absence of legislation that requires public access for these platforms, this revenue stream has declined to its current level of $350,000. We are concerned that this revenue may be eliminated entirely as traditional cable companies transition to streaming platforms such as YouTube TV. Court Revenues - court revenues, which were traditionally $1.8 million, are now budgeted at $1.55 million due to recent legislative actions and restrictions on probation, payment, and collections. We continue to advocate for the State Court Administrator’s office to assume oversight and funding responsibilities for courts, but a comprehensive plan for this seems unlikely in the near future. Millage Rate and Funding Issues - as mentioned earlier, the FY 2026 Proposed budget only leaves 0.166 of operating millage capacity. Allowing us to maintain the same tax rate as FY 2025, with close to $1 million of capital either eliminated or deferred. Unless the state addresses the interaction between Proposal A and Headlee, the city will face significant challenges in funding services at the current levels without alternative revenue streams, such as special millages. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss invited the Council to comment and ask questions. In response to Councilor Wright’s question, City Manager Marsh stated capital assets are infrastructure that is an expenditure of $5,000 or more. Each year department heads come up with a comprhensive plan and try to phase them over a five-year period. City Manager Marsh identified items that we may defer for a year. Examples of those that were deferred are: Phase II of the Civic Center project parking lot, Dispatch furniture, Fire Station parking lot, and the Fire Station roof replacement. We are hoping for a grant for the roof; but the rest of the capital projects we are hoping to phase fund in the future. Councilor Wright noted that the city is not cutting back wants, but rather things that we need due to budget constraints. In response to Councilor Rohrbach’s question, City Manager Marsh stated that the positions that were eliminated in the budget are all vacant, three of which were created but not filled in the previous budget. The other position was the Grant Administrator position that was recently vacated. In response to Councilman Soltis’ question, Chief LeMerise answered that the SIU is still in the upcoming budget and is operating with a Seargeant and an Officer, with the intention of keeping it moving forward and the hope of adding another officer in the future. Chief LeMerise stated that the SIU is considered a support position. In response to Councilman Fleming’s inquiry, City Manager Marsh noted that the majority of the fee increases for the water and sewer funds are coming from the water and sewer rate increases charged to the city that the city passes through. Manager Marsh added that the city has been 6 aggressive in replacing water mains, which is a way to save money and be fiscally prudent. Forgoing replacing infrastructure increases the costs in the long run. Further, the FY 2026 water/sewer rates are still on the low side and economical in comparison to other Oakland County communities. The city cannot sustain continuing to repair the infrastructure without passing on the rate increases. In response to Councilman Fleming inquiry about the increase in the parks maintenance line item and the possibility of future grants, City Manager Marsh noted that Oakland County is investing $7.2 million in Madison Heights parks including the re-imagining of Ambassador, improving Red Oaks, and providing a grant for pickleball courts; therefore, she does not expect any further grants becoming available at this time. Also included is the $50,000 that is set aside for upcoming projects and/or grant matches, some of the roofs are being replaced in pavilions, and there is a $525,000 grant expenditure to replace ballfield lights, but that is offset with the same amount as a grant receipt. In response to Councilor Wright’s question, City Manager Marsh answered that any time you levy a tax that there is a specific use for it, such as with R-4 (Roads) or a tax for solid waste those funds can only be used for those approved uses and not comingled. City Manager Marsh added that we do use priority-based budgeting by setting goals through strategic planning. We craft our line item around this strategic plan. For example, one priority of our strategic planning was the Co- Responder program, so that is included in the budget. Staff focus on the priorities of the Council, taking care of our infrastructure, delivering public safety and providing for quality of life. In response to Councilman Soltis, City Manager Marsh noted that one of the reasons Council approved marihuana licensing was to enhance economic development and increase property values. In addition, marihuana community contributions helped form the Madsion Heights Community Foundation. The city also gets money through the State for marihuana licensing. Revenue from marihuana licensing is included in the budget. Councilman Mier commented that almost every department had a decrease in budget for this upcoming year. Some of the things that were eliminated were things that we should be doing, but we are trying to keep us in good footing for the future. In response to his question pertaining to pension funding, City Manager Marsh noted that the City had a defined benefit pension that has been closed since 2009, but there is still liability for those who are still here or currently retired. She continued explaining that we used to spread that liability among all the employees, but it is not transparent and not completely accurate, so the city moved these liabilities into the General Administration budget, to be more accurate and so that they are among the funds where the employees have worked or work. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss added that it is not as easy to slash the budget because we are responsible for paying for past benefits and maintaining current services; 27 cents per dollar goes towards retiree liabilities. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss suggested that the budget includes a breakdown of general operating funds allocated for items such as quality of life - things that our residents care about and want to see where their tax dollars are being allocated. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss thanked all the Department heads for being present this evening, noting Council appreciates them being here. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: No members of the public present wished to speak. 7 CM-25-51. Consent Agenda. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as read. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. CM-25-52. Director of Public Services - Arbor Day Resolution. Motion to approve the following resolution to declare Arbor Day and affirm the City's commitment to trees and tree maintenance. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS, COMMITTING TO HONORING ARBOR DAY 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 2025 this holiday is nationally observed on April 25, 2025; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS, AS FOLLOWS: 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 26, 2025 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 Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. 8  CM-25-53. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2025. Motion to approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2025, as printed. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. CM-25-54. Police Chief - Amendment MOU for School Resource Officer for Lamphere. Motion to approve the Amendment to the School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding with the Lamphere School District. Motion made by Councilman Mier, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Discussion followed on engaging both the Lamphere and Madison school districts regarding this service and the city’s efforts to date; how the additional position was budgeted for and who would fill the position; the successes and benefits of the program; and a request to continue dialogue with Madison District for potential future participation. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. CM-25-55. CED Director - Special Land Use Request # PSP 25-01 - 31691 Dequindre Road - Major Auto Repair and Service. Motion to approve the Special Land Use request number PSP 25-01 for a major auto repair and service facility at 31691 Dequindre Road based upon the following Planning Commission findings and with the listed conditions: 1. The applicant requests Special Land Use approval for a Major Auto Repair and Service facility at 31691 Dequindre Road as permitted by Section 3.17 of the Zoning Ordinance, M-1 Light Industrial District. 2. The Planning Commission held a public hearing for PSP 25-01 at their April 8th, 2025 meeting. 3. The proposed Major Auto Repair and Service use is consistent with the special land use review standards and criteria set forth in Section 15.05.3. In particular: 9  a. The use is designed, located, and proposed to be operated in a way that protects the public health, safety and welfare. b. The use will not involve activities that will be detrimental to adjacent industrial land uses. c. The use is designed and located so that it is compatible with the principal uses permitted in the M-1, Light Industrial district. d. d. The use is designed and located so that it is compatible with the Madison Heights Master Plan and the Industrial future land use designation. e. The design of this auto-centric use minimizes nuisance and blight as the repair uses and operations are contained within the building. 4. The use satisfies the use-specific standards for Major Auto Repair and Service facilities as contained in 7.03.2 of the Madison Heights Zoning Ordinance and is in general compliance with site design standards contained within the Zoning Ordinance. And with the following conditions: 1. The Major Site Plan, when submitted, shall be substantially consistent with the concept plan approved with this Special Land Use submittal. However, the site plan shall be modified, as needed, to meet the minimum interior parking lot island requirements of Section 11.06, the minimum storm water management requirements of Section 11.03, and all other minimum Zoning Ordinance standards, unless waived as part of Special Land Use or Major Site Plan review. 2. Given the adjacent industrial land use and minimal buffer widths, the minimum perimeter parking lot landscaping requirements of Section 11.06.3 may be reduced along the southern property line as part of Major Site Plan review. 3. The final site plan and use shall satisfy the use-specific standards for auto repair and service facilities contained in Section 7.03.2 and attached to the staff report. The use-specific operating conditions shall be listed on the final Certificate of Occupancy. Discussion followed on the concerns of permitting another automotive related business in the city, the zoning designation and permitted uses of the site; existing conditions and surrounding businesses, impact of this type of use to the surrounding properties, the fact that adjacent properties are non-residential, security measures to be taken, fencing requirements and design standards, and site improvements that will increase the value of the property. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilman Soltis. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. 10  CM-25-56. Director of Public Services - DPS Material Hauling. Motion to award the bid for DPS Material Hauling to the lowest responsible bidder, GFL Environmental, of Northville, at the unit prices specified, for five years. Motion made by Councilman Mier, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. CM-25-57. OLSHA ARPA Funded Senior Home Chore/Yard Services Contract. Motion to approve the contract for OLSHA ARPA funded Senior Home Chore/Yard Services with Capital Landscapes and the City of Madison Heights in an amount not to exceed $100,000. Motion made by Councilor Wright, Seconded by Councilor Rohrbach. Voting Yea: Mayor Pro Tem Bliss, Councilman Fleming, Councilman Mier, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilman Soltis, Councilor Wright Absent: Mayor Grafstein Motion carried. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilman Mier was happy to say that there are 172 kids signed up for Little League and they are waiting for Opening Day on May 17th. Thank you to those who support the program, please join us for Opening Day. Recreation Department registration is open so take a look at the programs that are available. April 26th is the Run for the Health of It; and there are Library programs such as the Tween Book Club and Toddler Story Time as well as others to check out. He gave a thank you to staff for their work on the budget. This month is Alcohol Awareness and Underage Drinking Awareness Month so talk to your children about the dangers of drinking and take preventative measures. This month is also Autism Awareness Month, so in a world that you can be anything, please be kind. Councilor Wright stated that April is National Minority Health Month, and Black Maternal Health Week is from April 11th - 17th. He noted that the infant mortality rate is significantly higher for minorities. Kudos to City Manager Melissa Marsh and staff for their work on the budget. He stated he would like to see programs like the School Resource Officers and Co-Responders expanded, if possible since they have a significant impact on our community. He noted that one of the reasons for the Madison District to table the SRO program for now is due to existing relationships the students may have with officers. He added that these are the types of programs that bring the community together. Please remember to be kind. 11 City Attorney Sherman expressed condolences to the family of Dolly Ferries. She was a lovely person and the kind of person that makes Madison Heights great; she will be missed. He wished everyone happy holidays. City Manager Marsh thanked the Council for their support of the budget process, and she believes that this budget puts forth our priorities to the best of our abilities. Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Rottmann noted that early voting for the Lamphere School District Special Election on May 6th will begin Saturday, April 26th at the Royal Oak Senior Community Center at 3500 Marias which is located north of 13 Mile Road and west of Crooks. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day through May 4th, except for Thursday, May 1st when the hours of 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Councilor Rohrbach echoed the kudos to City Manager Marsh and Finance Director Kunath noting the budget is a monumental project and you always do a great job. May 25th is the ECC’s Native Plant Sale in the City Hall parking lot. This sale will help every household to be populated with as many native plants as possible; proceeds fund the ECC’s Garden Grant Program. The Garden Grant award announcements will be at the 5k on April 26th, and this will also be part of our celebration of Arbor Day. She stated that she will be traveling to Italy for her 20th anniversary and has a work travel commitment which will cause her to miss both May Council meetings. She wished everyone who celebrates a Happy Passover and Happy Easter. Councilman Fleming expressed thanks to all the hard work staff has put into the budget. He stated that he looks forward to public participation and comments on the budget and trash pickup. If you have comments or questions, please feel free to email the City Manager, Council, or the City Clerk. Input is important for our decision making. The Oakland County Nature Center is free for admittance, and you can visit any Oakland County Park for free. There will be a Spring Food Truck Rally from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on May 17th at Civic Center Park and the programs coming to the bandshell will be great. April is Autistic Awareness Month, and he suggested that the city hold a public meeting on what we can do to make our programming more accessible and inclusive. He requested that staff look at the scheduling of an ECC meeting that was held on a date that the Council canceled their regular meeting to ensure that we are inclusive and consistent in our meeting policy. Councilman Soltis had no comments this evening. Mayor Pro Tem Bliss concurred with Councilman Fleming’s comments on meeting dates, noting it is important to be consistent. He commented that he wants to make sure that we are consistently reaching out to the Madison District and offered to attend one of their meetings to further discuss the SRO program. The SRO is an impactful, helpful program and he would like to see it in both districts. He stated that his daughter was one of the young entrepreneurs at the Lessinger Craft Show which was a huge success. The One Short Night Broadway Dance Party with a hometown hero as a guest of honor will benefit the Arts Board. Tickets are available on the Arts Board Facebook page. He requested that more public information and education be done on the impact that the Headlee Amendment has on taxes when a new person buys a home. 12 ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business, Mayor Pro Tem Bliss adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m. Mark Bliss, Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl E. Rottmann, City Clerk 13