City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012 IN CITY HALL Mayor Richard J. Notte called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Notte led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Walter C. Blessed, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. Mayor Notte asked for a moment of silence for two deceased residents, Mike Kinney, who served on the Board of review from 1996 to 2008 and F. James Dunlop, who served on the first City Council in 1968 and was the City’s first Mayor Pro Tem. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Richard J. Notte, Joseph V. Romano, Maria G. Schmidt, Paul Smith, Michael C. Taylor, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark D. Vanderpool, City Manager; Jeffrey Bahorski, City Attorney; Walter C. Blessed, City Clerk; Madeline L. Ranella, Recording Secretary. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, to approve the Agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported on the BetterBuildings for Michigan grant program piloted in one City of Sterling Heights neighborhood last year that helped Sterling Heights homeowners reduce their energy bills and is now available to the entire City. Homeowners may be eligible for up to $5,000 in incentives and rebates, as well as low- interest financing options, for energy-saving home improvements. There is a cost of $100 to enroll, which includes an initial check-up, as well as air sealing and insulation to reduce drafts and the installation of energy saving devices like CFL light bulbs and faucet aerators. After the check-up, residents get a full report on their home that helps them choose and prioritize their options for saving energy at home, and BetterBuildings for Michigan helps fund any improvements the homeowner chooses from the report. Residents can choose from various incentives including matching funds of up to $1,500 for their DTE Energy rebates or reduced-rate financing as low as 0% APR for 2 years. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 2 Residents may sign up online at http://regionalenergyoffice.org/betterbuildings/particpating-cities/sterling-heights/ or contact Kendal Conerly, Outreach Specialist at 313-566-4801 x721 with any questions. Mr. Vanderpool reported on the implementation of a new service on the City’s website: LIVE streaming of Sterling Heights Television. This service allows anyone, anywhere in the world, the opportunity to view SHTV and its government meetings and programming live on the Web (24 hours/7 days a week), regardless of which cable system or satellite service they subscribe to. While this a free solution provided by Ustream, Inc. of San Francisco, CA, the service is funded through advertisements to support their channels. It is very similar to that used on YouTube and other web video sites. This free solution is becoming more popular by municipalities across the world, with the cities of Troy, Lansing, Rochester Hills, Hillsdale and other major county and collegiate units throughout the state airing programming through this service. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Community Relations Department. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Gainsley Drive project is beginning this week and will last approximately three weeks. Notification was delivered to all residents in the area. This is the final phase of that project. Mr. Vanderpool reported on several upcoming community events, all taking place on Saturday, May 5, 2012: Community Pride & SHINE Day, which is a citywide continued effort to improve property maintenance throughout the City. Residents and businesses are being encouraged to make their residential and commercial properties “SHINE” with a spring-cleaning after the long winter months. Fostering community pride will help ensure properties are maintained to the highest standards. To assist in this effort, the Sterling Heights Initiative for Neighborhood Excellence (SHINE) program has recruited an impressive number of community volunteers to assist those residents who cannot help themselves with property maintenance. They will be assigned to homes that have contacted the City for assistance. Those interested in volunteering or to request assistance may contact the Neighborhood Services Office at 586-446-2360. Treasure Hunters Market from 8 am-3 pm at Dodge Park is a free event that brings over 100 vendors together with avid bargain shoppers for a day of fun-filled transactions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 3 For additional information, residents may contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 586-446-2700. Plant Exchange, hosted by the Beautification Commission will be held from 10 am-12 noon at the Nature Center. The free “green” event allows gardeners to exchange plants of various varieties. Residents may contact the Parks and Recreation Department for additional information. Electronics Recycling Day runs from 10 am to 2 pm at the Public Works Department. Residents, business owners and school officials are invited to drop off old TVs, computers and other electronic items for recycling during this city-sponsored event. To obtain additional information including a list of eligible items for recycling, citizens are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at 586-446-2440. Letter Carrier-USPS Food Drive Day, coordinated through the Macomb Food Program, stresses the increased need for food throughout Macomb County. The Macomb Food Program collects and distributes food donations through a network of 55 pantries throughout Macomb County. The citizens of Sterling Heights have always contributed generously to the food drive and once again are invited to participate in this worthy cause. Further information is available by contacting the Sterling Heights Post Office at 586-983-2359. Mr. Vanderpool, along with the City Attorney, is requesting that City Council convene in closed session at the conclusion of the regular business portion of tonight’s agenda for the purpose of discussing pending litigation in the case of Estate of Moroni vs. City of Sterling Heights. PRESENTATION Mr. Karl Oskoian, President of the Sterling Heights Community Foundation, made a presentation and highlighted the many accomplishments of the Foundation. He explained they would be recognizing 23 area students with 9 scholarship-sponsoring organizations. Mr. John Bozymowski, Foundation Secretary and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, welcomed all scholarship recipients and their families. He introduced members of the scholarship selection committee: Angie Lommen from BAE Systems, Michael McCurry from Consumer’s Energy, Dr. Martin Brown, Foundation Vice Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 4 President and President of the Macomb County Chiropractic Association, Steve Pomaville from J.P. Morgan and Chase and Wayne Oehmke from the Sterling Heights Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mayor Notte was invited to assist in the presentation of the scholarships. Mr. Oskoian presented $500 scholarships from the Sterling Heights Community Foundation to Nicole Corso, Stevenson High School; Nicole Elkhoury, Stevenson High School; Xheni Gjergo, Sterling Heights High School; Sherine Jacob, UCIS and Joseph Kirma, IA. Mr. Oskoian presented $1,000 scholarships from Chrysler Scholarship Fund (on behalf of Brian Glowiak) to Christina Harkiewicz, Stevenson High School; Cody Kollinger, Sterling Heights High School; Andrew McMullen, Henry Ford II High School; Sajan Patel, Sterling Heights High School; and David Quesada, Henry Ford II High School. Mr. Oskoian presented $500 scholarships from General Dynamics to Jennifer Gmerek, Stevenson High School and Robert Henigan, Henry Ford II High School. Dr. Martin Brown, presented $1,000 scholarships from Macomb County Chiropractic Association to Joshua Henk, Warren Woods Tower High School; Jacob Tazzi, Anchor Bay High School (His father accepted the scholarship on his behalf) and Zachary Vansen, Chippewa Valley High School (His mother accepted the scholarship on his behalf). Dr. Brown presented $500 scholarships from the Rotary Club of Sterling Heights to Lauren Bell, Henry Ford II High School (Her father accepted the scholarship on her behalf) and Blaze Travis, Henry Ford II High School. Mr. Oskoian presented the $500 Mayor Richard J. Notte Scholarship for Public Service to Matthew Jones, Henry Ford II High School. Mr. Oskoian presented the $500 Tom Kroll Scholarship to Shruti Jha, UCIS. Mr. Oskoian introduced Mr. Joseph Hallman, President of Selfridge Civilian Support Group. Mr. Hallman presented the $1,000 scholarships from Selfridge ANG Base Community Council to Brianna Dobson, Salem High School and Kaya Dobson, Salem High School. Mr. Oskoian introduced Mr. Mark Cignorelli, Vice-President and General Manager of BAE Systems. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 5 Mr. Cignorelli presented the $500 scholarships from B AE Systems to Lauren Letherwood, Stevenson High School and Eric Riedel, Stevenson High School. Economic Development Manager Kasey Green presented a resolution in opposition to proposed reductions in the fiscal 2013 budget for the United States Air Force that would result in the elimination of the A-10 squadron based at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. Mr. Joe Hallman, Selfridge Base Community Council President, was present along with Commanding Officer Chief Dobson. Ms. Green shared a video from the National Guard Association of Michigan. Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution in opposition to proposed reductions in the fiscal 2013 budget for the United States Air Force that would result in the elimination of the A-10 squadron based at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, Michigan. ~ RESOLUTION ~ A resolution of the Sterling Heights City Council in opposition to proposed budgetary cuts impacting the A-10 Squadron based at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a part of the U.S. Air Force’s fiscal 2013 budget. WHEREAS, the Air National Guard has evolved into a cost-effective military operational force that is critical to our national security and our essential ability to respond to domestic emergencies; and WHEREAS, the Air National Guard delivers efficient and essential military services both domestically and abroad; and WHEREAS, the Selfridge Air National Guard Base (SANG) in Macomb County, Michigan is strategically located to protect our national security on the northern border of the United States; and WHEREAS, the A-10 squadron based at SANG is a critical component in fulfilling the Air National Guard’s mission. The proposed elimination of the A-10 squadron from SANG not only compromises the Air Forces’ ability to quickly respond to foreign military threats and domestic emergencies, but threatens the fragile economic recovery in southeastern Michigan through the loss of 650 jobs and an annual $300 million stimulus to the local economy; and WHEREAS, despite comprising only 21% of the uniformed personnel in the Air Force, the Air National Guard will disproportionately absorb 59% of the draw down in the military aircraft budget and six times more in personnel losses. WHEREAS, because the men and women of the Air National Guard have demonstrated an ability to perform critical military services, both domestically and abroad, in an effective and cost efficient manner, any proposal to eliminate or reduce the funding necessary to their mission can and should be reconsidered; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 6 NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the city of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, does hereby oppose proposed reductions to the fiscal 2013 budget for the United States Air Force that would result in the elimination of the A-10 squadron based at the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County, Michigan. Dated this 1st day of May, 2012. MOVED BY: Romano. SECONDED BY: Schmidt. AYES: Romano, Schmidt, Koski, Notte, Smith, Taylor, Ziarko. NAYS: None. ABSENT: None. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my official signature this 1st day of May, 2012. WALTER C. BLESSED, City Clerk Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 17, 2012. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $773,318.11, Water & Sewer Fund - $44,817.26, Other Funds - $956,333.44, Total Checks - $1,774,468.81. C. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating Saturday, May 5, 2012 as Community Pride and SHINE Day in the City of Sterling Heights. Resolution Sterling Heights City Council A resolution designating Saturday, May 5, 2012 as the Spring Community Pride and SHINE Day in Sterling Heights The city of Sterling Heights is renowned throughout Michigan as a great place to live, work and raise a family as evidenced by a growing population, continual safe city distinctions and new corporate investments equating to more than $1 billion in the last several years. A key element in establishing this reputation has been clean, well-maintained, and safe neighborhoods that enhance the overall quality of life for residents. In order to preserve the city’s excellent reputation in these trying times, the Sterling Heights Initiative for Neighborhood Excellence (SHINE) was created. Through SHINE, city personnel are working directly with a variety of groups in a concerted effort to maintain high standards of property maintenance. SHINE is also coordinating volunteers from churches, service clubs, schools, and other civic organizations to help homeowners who are unable to help themselves with exterior property maintenance. To prepare for the forthcoming growing months, the Office of Neighborhood Services is encouraging residents and businesses to set aside Saturday, May 5, 2012 as a day for clean up, fix up, and shine up of their residential and commercial properties. To give this day of cleaning and caring a boost, the Office of Neighborhood Services is requesting that the City Council designate May 5, 2012 as Community Pride and SHINE Day. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 7 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, and State of Michigan, does hereby designate Saturday, May 5, 2012 as the Spring Community Pride and SHINE Day in Sterling Heights. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Sterling Heights to be affixed this 1st day of May 2012. WALTER C. BLESSED, City Clerk D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for construction and utility castings to East Jordan Iron Works, Inc., 301 Spring Street, East Jordan, MI 49727 for a two-year period based on unit prices bid. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for maintenance or irrigation and park restroom water systems to American Sprinkler & Landscape, Inc., 34567 Glendale, Livonia, MI 48150 for the period of May 2, 2012 through October 14, 2014 at unit prices bid. F. RESOLVED, to approve the application by Warhoops Auto Parts, Inc. for the annual renewal of a junk yard license at 7575 18-1/2 Mile Road. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 2. Mr. John Carlin, attorney representing American Multi-Cinema, Inc. was present along with Mr. Noel MacDonald, Senior Vice-President in charge of operations. Mr. MacDonald addressed some of the concern expressed at the last City Council meeting as it relates to their request for a liquor license. He stated they recently remodeled the concession stands and have spent a great deal of money to convert this theatre to digital presentations. He pointed out they have 150 years of experience in serving alcohol to their guests and have had only one violation. Mr. John Carlin discussed the ages of the employees and persons that would be doing the monitoring of alcoholic beverages. Mr. Guilio Russo, 6156 Catalpa, spoke in support of the request as long as alcoholic beverages are monitored. Councilman Romano made the following motion for discussion: Moved by Romano, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2011 Class C liquor licensed business with Entertainment Permit, located at 42300 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, Macomb County, from Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 8 Ping On of Sterling Heights, Inc., to American Multi-Cinema, Inc. (a Missouri Corporation) and transfer location to 44681 Mound, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, Macomb County; and New Specific Purpose Permit (Entertainment) for Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to noon, be considered for approval. Councilman Romano made the motion to allow a Council member absent at the last meeting to express her views. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the backup information that shows Sterling Heights approved the request but has not issued the license. Mr. Carlin responded that was an error. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the theatres that surrendered voluntarily. She questioned the hours of operation and the presence of young children in the theatres when alcoholic beverages are being served. Councilwoman Schmidt expressed her concern with minors being passed alcoholic beverages in a dark theatre. She stated that she conducted her own poll and has not found one person that would be in favor of this request because of the issue with minors. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she would have no qualms if they had an area in the lobby where patrons could consume their alcoholic beverages. Mr. MacDonald responded they hear this concern in every community in which they operate. He stated they card everyone every time and closely monitor the alcoholic beverage sales. Councilwoman Schmidt appreciates the investment of AMC in this community, but states she would be more comfortable if they had a lounge area in the lobby. Councilman Romano stated he has always been very business friendly and he appreciates the taxes they pay, which is substantial. His concern is with alcohol being in the theatres in the morning and before 6:00 p.m. Councilman Romano stated he would not support the request. Councilman Taylor stated he would be voting in favor of this request. He stated he visited the location in Orlando, Florida and it was a nice looking upscale bar area with decorative lighting. He believes if this can work in Disney World it can work in Sterling Heights. He discussed the possibility of minors being passed alcohol in a dark theatre Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 9 and stated it seems impractical that this would be a problem. He asked Mr. MacDonald if there were any instances in their 28 other locations in which this has been a problem. Mr. MacDonald responded they have not. Councilman Taylor pointed out he has never heard this Council say that they would disapprove of a license for a liquor store because someone under age could go in and buy alcohol for a minor. He stated he is comfortable that this is not something that would be bad for the community and for all the reasons stated, he would be voting yes. Mayor Notte stated he doesn’t have a problem with giving them a liquor license and it is up to them to monitor it. He stated the police department would be monitoring them also. Mayor Notte is willing to give them a chance and supports the liquor license. Councilman Smith stated he talked to several residents and the majority of them are strongly against this. He discussed their hours of operation and stated he doesn’t believe the issue of an adult buying liquor for a minor is really an issue. He stated once the Council issues them a liquor license, there is no way to get it back. If it is not approved, they can come back in six months and request it again. Councilwoman Koski pointed out with the liquor licenses the City Council cannot tell them what time to serve alcohol. She inquired their company policy regarding the time to open sales. Mr. MacDonald stated they don’t have a firm policy. They normally open around 3 or 4 p.m. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether any of their theatres serve alcohol at 10 a.m. and Mr. Mac Donald indicated none that he knows of. Councilwoman Koski questioned the age of the bartenders and Mr. MacDonald indicated almost all of them are 21 or older. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether they would recognize a false ID and Mr. MacDonald responded they hire experienced bartenders. Councilwoman Koski questioned the frequency of monitoring in the auditorium and the different colored cups that are being used. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she would not have a problem if they were serving alcohol in the lobby or in a small restaurant. She inquired the concessions made to the City of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 10 Livonia in order to bring the liquor license into their theatre besides the hours of operation. Mr. Carlin stated they agreed to start at 4:00 p.m. with the last cocktail being served 15 minutes after the show. The cups would be different colors and there would be incandescent bracelets that the person would have to wear if they purchased an alcoholic beverage. They would be willing to do the same things here in Sterling Heights. Mr. Carlin also discussed the training for servers. He pointed out their discussions with the police department and they indicated to them that they don’t see a problem. They like the idea of server training, monitoring and special cups. Councilwoman Ziarko stated from her experience, it is not very easy to revoke a liquor license as Mr. Carlin makes it sound. She stated she is not convinced that this would work and she doesn’t think that theatres should be serving alcohol. Mayor Notte asked Mr. Carlin if they would agree to start serving liquor at 4:00 p.m. and he indicated they would. Mr. Bahorski stated he needs some direction from City Council on what would make them comfortable. He recommended the Council postpone action on this request to a date certain to allow them time to present an agreement to the City Council. Moved by Romano, seconded by Koski, RESOLVED, to postpone for two weeks the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2011 Class C liquor licensed business with Entertainment Permit, located at 42300 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, Macomb County, from Ping On of Sterling Heights, Inc., to American Multi-Cinema, Inc. (a Missouri Corporation) and transfer located to 44681 Mound, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, Macomb County; and New Specific Purpose Permit (Entertainment) for Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Yes: All. The motion carried. 3. Mr. Michael Viazanko, Building Official, made a presentation on an Interlocal Services Agreement for Building Inspection and Plan Review Services between the cities of Sterling Heights and Rochester Hills. Mr. Guilio Russo urged the Council to approve the request. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 11 Moved by Taylor, seconded by Koski, RESOLVED, to approve the Interlocal Services Agreement for Building Inspection and Plan Review Services between the cities of Sterling Heights and Rochester Hills and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Michael Kuneth, Sterling Heights Police Officer – Police layoffs of experienced officers; residents’ safety. Ms. Cindy Critzon – Michigan Association of Public Employees layoffs; Custodians and the security issue. Mr. Phillip Saliba, Custodian for the City of Sterling Heights – Concessions made by the custodians; layoffs. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Jersey – Safety record of the City/police department layoffs, safety of the residents, elimination of Sterlingfest. Mr. Guilio Russo – Tax abatements, Personal Property Tax loss, layoffs. Mr. Mark Austin – Layoffs, safety for residents, loss of property values. Mr. Dave Todd, Sterling Heights Police Officer – Layoffs in the Police Department. Mr. Nathan Schoenherr – Diminishing city services with the intended layoffs in the Police Department, need to raise property taxes to avoid layoffs. Mr. Brian Hartner – Building Inspector layoffs, liability issue. Mr. Fred Gibson – Wages and salaries for police and fire; living within our means. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL There was no report from Mr. Bahorski at this time. Mr. Vanderpool responded to comments from residents as it relates to tax abatements, housing market decline, loss of state shared revenue, use of fund balance reserves and the need for new revenue. Councilman Taylor responded to comments from residents as it relates to the housing market and concessions made by employees. He stated he is not laying anybody off and this Council will set the budget for the police and fire departments. He stated the City doesn’t have the money and these problems will not stop until the systematic problem is Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 12 addressed. Councilman Taylor stated to save five police officer’s jobs all that would have to happen is the 192 people in the police department would have to go from making $162,000 to $158,000. There is no other answer. In regard to the fire department, if we want to retain the 10 positions, we would have to go from an average of $188,000 to $169,000 per employee for salaries and benefits. Councilman Smith stated one of the residents talked about a tax increase, but we had a $1.9 mill increase that was just absorbed. We have a police department with 192 people and they will lose five. Councilman Smith stated a police force with $132 million and 192 people and a fire department with $17 million and 90 people can divide the pie and not lose any manpower. Moved by Smith, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the legislative budget be reduced from $140,740 to a flat $130,000 with the savings transferred to Community Services to mitigate the proposed cutbacks for shut-ins library services in the Senior Center. These legislative reductions would be achieved by discontinuing payments of elected officer’s home internet connections and cancellation of the projected Mackinac Island Council trip of $7,290.00 as shown on Page 50 of the Budget. Councilman Smith stated the solution begins at home and if are asking other people to make cuts we should throw in $10,000 of our own to start off. Councilman Taylor supports the motion to get discussion going. He is in favor of reducing the legislative budget from $140,740 to an even $130,000, discontinuing payment for elected official’s home internet connections and the non-reimbursement for the Mackinac Island trip in the amount of $7,290.00 but he does not believe it should go to mitigate those cutbacks in the library services. He would prefer to see us reduce the amount we are going to use in fund balance. Councilman Taylor asked Mr. Bahorski to comment on how he could accomplish this. Mr. Bahorski stated Councilman Taylor could make a motion to amend Councilman Smith’s motion and if it passes, his supported motion on the floor will be as amended. If this motion fails, Councilman Smith’s motion is still on the floor. Councilman Taylor inquired whether Councilman Smith would agree to this amendment and have the reduction put in the fund balance. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 13 Councilman Smith withdrew his motion. Moved by Smith, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the legislative budget be reduced from $140,740 to an even $130,000 with the savings being used to reduce the use of fund balance. Councilwoman Koski stated she doesn’t believe Council members plan on going to Mackinac Island so she doesn’t see why this would be an issue. As far as reimbursement for home Internet connection, she doesn’t see that as an issue either. Mayor Notte questioned Mr. Vanderpool where the $10,000 would be absorbed. He questioned the amount of the Mackinac trip. Mr. Baker responded the $7,290 budgeted is based on 2008 costs for the Mackinac trip. The Internet reimbursement is $2,200 for a total of $9,490. Mayor Notte stated we are talking about $10,000 a year and we have been talking all evening about laying off people. Our POA is in negotiations with the City and the Firefighters contract is coming up. He stated we need pension reform and unfunded liability is part of the problem. As far as salaries, our salaries are comparable to other cities and might even be a little higher. He stated the Council needs to come to the table with something significant. Mayor Notte stated this $10,000 is a very small amount and he doesn’t believe anyone would be going to Mackinac Island. As far as Internet services, that is what the administration started doing a few years ago. Mayor Notte stated he is not in favor of the motion and will vote against it. Councilman Romano stated he couldn’t remember the last time any of the Council members went there. The $7,000 for the Mackinac Island trip is irrelevant. As far as the Internet service, Councilman Romano stated an employee would have to drive to each councilperson’s home to deliver their package. He will not vote in favor of this motion. Councilman Taylor does not propose that we have home delivery of the council packets. We can get rid of reimbursement for home Internet and continue receiving our packets. The Council can give back by not taking the reimbursement. Councilman Romano stated it is not the matter that everyone should be on the Internet. It is the idea that the majority of this Council received an increase about eight years ago and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 14 he doesn’t have a problem with that. He doesn’t understand why Council members should pay for something that administration is sending to them via the Internet. Councilman Smith is proposing that we have $16,000 in expense money over and above our wages and he was going to give back $10,000 out of the $16,000, which is $10,000 out of $140,000 to do our part. The Council could begin the process and start the ball rolling. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the actual expenditure for the Internet services that the administration pays for the Council and stated she doesn’t get reimbursed. Mr. Baker stated the total is $2,200 and it depends on each individual service provider the Council uses. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she has no intention of going to Mackinac Island, but she does use the Internet. She stated if it is a gesture and we have asked our employees to give us concessions, she would go along with the motion. Councilwoman Ziarko does not have a problem giving up the Internet. When it comes to Mackinac Island, she knows Council is not going but she would still like Mr. Vanderpool to go and bring back information. Roll call vote on Councilman Smith’s motion: Yes: Smith, Taylor, Koski, Schmidt, Ziarko. No: Notte, Romano. The motion carried. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to recess to closed session to discuss pending litigation in the case of Estate of Moroni vs. City of Sterling Heights. Roll call vote: Yes: Ziarko, Romano, Taylor, Koski, Notte, Schmidt, Smith. The motion carried. The meeting was recessed at 11:10 p.m. ADJOURN Moved by Taylor, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Page 15 The meeting was adjourned at 11:29 p.m. WALTER C. BLESSED, City Clerk