City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Regular Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan May 11, 2026 A City Council Regular Meeting was held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall - Council Chambers, 300 W. 13 Mile Rd. PRESENT Mayor Corey Haines Mayor Pro Tem William Mier Councilwoman Toya Aaron Councilman Sean Fleming Councilor Laurie Geralds Councilor Emily Rohrbach Councilor Quinn Wright ALSO PRESENT City Manager Melissa Marsh City Attorney Larry Sherman Community Economics Director Giles Tucker Finance Director/Treasurer Linda Kunath Police Chief Brent LeMerise Deputy City Clerk Phommady A. Boucher The invocation was given by Councilor Geralds and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. CM-26-103. Appointment of Acting City Clerk. Motion to appoint Deputy City Clerk Boucher as the Acting City Clerk for tonight's City Council meeting. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-104. Addition to the Agenda. Motion to approve the agenda with the additions to Reports as Item 11A tentative agreement effective July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029 for the International Association of Firefighters (IIAF) Local 1357 and item 11B tentative agreement effective July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029 for the Police Command Officers Union. 1  Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Mayor Haines opened the public hearing at 6:38 p.m. to hear comments on 28220 John R Road. There being no comments on 28220 John R Road, Mayor Haines closed the public hearing at 6:39 p.m. CM-26-105. 28220 John R Rd Brownfield Plan. RESOLUTION APPROVING A BROWNFIELD PLAN Under Public Act 381 of 1996, as Amended for 28220 JOHN R LLC WHEREAS, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority of the City of Madison Heights (the "Authority"); pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act, being Act 381 of the Public Acts of the State of Michigan of 1996, as amended (the "Act"), has reviewed, adopted and recommended for approval by the Madison Heights City Council, a Brownfield plan (the "Plan"), as described on Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated by reference, for property located at 28220 John R Road (tax identification number 44-25-13-106-013); and WHEREAS, the Madison Heights City Council has, at least ten (10) days before the meeting of the Council at which this resolution has been considered, provided notice to and fully informed the taxing jurisdictions that levy taxes subject to capture within the site (the "Taxing Jurisdictions") about the fiscal and economic implications of the Plan, and the Council has previously provided to the Taxing Jurisdictions a reasonable opportunity to express their views and recommendations regarding the Plan and in accordance with Sections 13(13) of the Act; and WHEREAS, the Madison Heights City Council has made the following determinations and findings: A. The Plan constitutes a public purpose under the Act; B. The Plan meets all of the requirements for a Brownfield plan set forth in Section 13 of the Act; C. The proposed method of financing the costs of the eligible activities, as described in the Plan, is feasible and will not require the Authority to arrange the financing; D. The costs of the eligible activities proposed in the Plan are reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act; 2  E. The amount of captured taxable value estimated to result from adoption of the plan is reasonable. F. Subject to approval and minor modifications by the City Attorney. WHEREAS, as a result of its review of the Plan, and upon consideration of the views and recommendations of the Taxing Jurisdictions, the Madison Heights City Council desires to proceed with approval of the Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1. Plan Approved. Pursuant to the authority vested in the Madison Heights City Council, by the Act, and pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of the Act, the Plan is hereby approved in the form attached as Exhibit "A" to this Resolution. 2. Severability. Should any section, clause or phrase of this Resolution be declared by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of this Resolution as a whole nor any part thereof other than the part so declared to be invalid. 3. Repeals. All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with any of the provisions of this Resolution are hereby repealed. Motion to adopt a resolution to the Brownfield Plan for 28820 John R Road as presented and to authorize the Mayor and Acting City Clerk for this meeting to sign the Reimbursement Agreement following the City Attorneys review. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. Mayor Haines opened the public hearing at 6:44 p.m. to hear comments on FY 2027 Budget Resolution and Tax Levy. There being no comments on FY 2027 Budget Resolution and Tax Levy, Mayor Haines closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m. CM-26-106. Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Resolution and Tax Levy. ADOPTED FY 2026-27 Budget Resolution A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A BUDGET FOR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES FOR THE CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR SAID PURPOSES AND TO PROVIDE FOR A LEVY OF TAXES FOR SAID BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 8.4 of the Charter of the City of Madison Heights, it is provided that the City Council shall adopt a budget for the fiscal year, 3 appropriate funds for said purposes and provide for a levy of taxes for said Budget appropriations; and WHEREAS, on May 11, 2026, a public hearing was held in accordance with Section 8.3 of the Charter of the City of Madison Heights, and the statutes of the State of Michigan for the fiscal year. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: 1. That the Budget hereto as Exhibit “A” is hereby adopted. 2. That the amounts set forth in said Budget are hereby appropriated for the purposes stated therein. 3. That 24.9022 mills per $1,000 State Taxable Valuation on the real and personal property in the City of Madison Heights be levied to provide funds for said Budget for municipal purposes: General Operating 13.5384 Solid Waste 2.3984 Police & Fire Retiree Benefits 6.5015 Neighborhood Road Improvements 1.8131 Senior Citizens 0.4305 Chapter 20 Drain Debt 0.1786 Publicity 0.0417 Total 24.9022 4. That the City of Madison Heights approves the imposition, by the City Treasurer, of a one percent (1%) property tax administration fee for all property taxes levied in Fiscal Year 2026-27 and for the imposition of a late penalty charged, when applicable, in accordance with Public Act 1982, specifically Michigan Compiled Laws, Section 211.44(7). 5. That the City of Madison Heights approves the levying of taxes to cover the necessary expenses for the operation of the Police and Fire Pension System. 6. That the City of Madison Heights assigns the authority to the City Manager and/or Finance Director to assign amounts for fund balance to be used for specific purposes. 7. That the City of Madison Heights approves and establishes Department Fee schedule, set forth in Exhibit “B”. Water and Wastewater Charges were approved at meeting of March 9, 2026. 8. That the City of Madison Heights approves the levying of taxes to cover the necessary expenses for principal and interest for the Chapter 20 Drain Debt Obligations. 9. That the City of Madison Heights approves the levying of taxes for Publicity, Recreation, and Advertising promotion, pursuant to Act 359 of 1925, otherwise 4  known as MCL 123.881, to be levied starting with the 2026 tax year; and recognizing that the total amount to be recovered will not exceed $50,000.00 in any one year. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to make budgetary transfers within the appropriation centers established throughout the Budget, and all transfers between appropriations may be made only by further action of the Council, pursuant to the provisions of the Michigan Uniform Accounting and Budget Act. Motion to approve the FY 2027 Budget Resolution. City Charter Section 7.6 (b) requires a super majority of five votes to appropriate funds and set the tax rate for the Budget. Motion made by Councilwoman Aaron, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: Martha Covert presented a flag celebrating the country's 250th anniversary and requested it be flown between the upcoming festival and the 4th of July. Katherine Chambers requested "No Parking" signs near her driveway at Forest and Lennox due to apartment parking obstructions and asked for additional trees at Edison Park. Police Chief Brent LeMerise thanked the Council for recognizing National Police Week. Daniel Bucksbaum expressed gratitude for the Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation. Deputy City Clerk Phommady A. Boucher read into record an email from Kevin Trabucchi regarding a car wash at John R and Parker, which was made part of the official meeting record. CM-26-107. Consent Agenda. Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. Mayor Haines read the Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation into record and presented the certificate to Mr. Daniel Bucksbaum. CM-26-108. Jewish American Heritage Month Proclamation. 5  Motion to proclaim the month of May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. Mayor Haines read the 2026 National Police Week Proclamation into record and presented the certificate to MHPD Officer Justin Hartman. CM-26-109. 2026 National Police Week Proclamation. Motion to proclaim May 15, 2026 as. Police Officers Memorial Day. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. Mayor Haines read the Professional Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation into record and presented the certificate to Deputy City Clerk Phommady A. Boucher. CM-26-110. Professional Municipal Clerks Week Proclamation Motion to proclaim last week, May 3-9, 2026, as Municipal Clerk’s Week in recognition of the city’s professional municipal clerk’s staff for their vital services and exemplary dedication they have to the citizens of the City of Madison Heights. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-111. Older Michiganians Day 2026 Resolution. Motion to resolve May 13, 2026 as Older Michiganian Day in support of advocacy efforts on behalf of Michigan’s older population and their ability to live independently with dignity. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. 6 CM-26-112. Kevin's Song Charitable Gaming License. Motion to approve the required Local Governing Body Resolution for Charitable Gaming Licenses for Kevin’s Song. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-113. City Council Special Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026. Motion to approve the City Council Special Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026, as printed. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-114. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026. Motion to approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of April 27, 2026, as printed. Motion made by Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-115. City Council Ethics Policy. Motion to approve the City Council Ethics Policy as written. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-116. Tentative agreement effective July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029 for the International Association of Firefighters (IIAF) Local 1357. Motion to approve a tentative agreement effective July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029 for the International Association of Firefighters (IIAF) Local 1357. 7  Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilor Wright. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-117. Tentative agreement effective July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029 for the Police Command Officers Union. Motion to approve a tentative agreement effective July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029 for the Police Command Officers Union. Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mier. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. CM-26-118. VoIP Voice Over Internet Protocol Phone System. Moiton to award the contract to UniVoxx for VoIP Phone System Equipment and Services for a five-year term in an amount not to exceed approximately $110,164.20. (This includes a one-time implementation and equipment cost of $3,450 and a monthly service cost of $1,778.57, totaling approximately $24,792.84 annually over the five-year term. The City currently pays approximately $38,000 annually for phone services). Motion made by Councilor Rohrbach, Seconded by Councilwoman Aaron. Voting Yea: Mayor Haines, Mayor Pro Tem Mier, Councilwoman Aaron, Councilman Fleming, Councilor Geralds, Councilor Rohrbach, Councilor Wright Motion carried. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Councilwoman Aaron addressed traffic issues on 12 Mile Road and the no left turn during construction. America’s 250th anniversary photography exhibit will be hosted and displayed at the Library. Wellness and Wisdom: Recharge, Reset, Restore: Self Care and Mental Health is on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Library. Music Summer Concert series with be on Wednesdays; June 10th, June 17th, and June 24th from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Park Bandshell. Mayor Pro Tem Mier spoke about Little League Opening Day and the Madison Community Coalition hosting a Youth Recognition breakfast at the Active Adult Center. The Library and the Arts Board are working collaboratively on America’s 250th anniversary photography exhibit. 8 Councilor Wright promoted the Paradise Eve Lantern Festival on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 5 – 9 p.m. at Civic Center Park. The Arts and Pride Festival is on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1 – 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park. For the National Mental Health Month in May, Councilor Wright reminded everyone to “Be Kind." City Attorney L. Sherman shared a personal account of the attack at Temple Israel synagogue and emphasized the bravery of law enforcement. City Manager Marsh highlighted the Proposal R-4 Neighborhood Road Millage and announced the following upcoming public engagement meetings at various times: June 13th at Civic Center Park; June 15th the Library; June 18th & 25th at Madison Early Childhood Center; June 28th at Civic Center Park; and June 29th at Active Adult Center. Deputy City Clerk Boucher had no comments this evening. Councilor Rohrbach promoted the Food Truck Rally on Saturday, May 16th from 1 – 3 p.m. at Civic Center Park and the Native Plant Sale on Sunday, May 24th from 2 – 5 p.m. at City Hall. Music Summer Concert series with be on Wednesdays; June 10th, June 17th, and June 24th from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Park Bandshell. Councilor Geralds had no comments this evening. Councilman Fleming requested a police review of parking on Forest Street and Stephenson Highway. He commended the police for a recent life-saving response at a local restaurant. Mayor Haines briefly talked about Little League Opening Day, Older Michiganian Day trip to Lansing on Wednesday, May 13th, and the Madison Community Coalition hosting a Youth Recognition breakfast. He attended the grand opening for Geotab USA on Stephenson Highway along with special guest Governor Gretchen Whitmer. ADJOURNMENT: Having no further business, Mayor Haines adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m. Corey K. Haines, Mayor Phommady A. Boucher, Deputy City Clerk 9