City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2013 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 Mark Carufel, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. 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 Vanderpool, City Manager; Jeffrey Bahorski, City Attorney; Mark Carufel, 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 the City’s foreclosure rate per 1,000 residential parcels dropped to the lowest levels (3.3) since the beginning of 2012, a decline of 37.7%. Additionally, the combined 1st and 2nd quarterly foreclosures declined by 38.2% (222 to 137) from 2012 to 2013 so far. The City maintained its rank of 16th lowest of 24 jurisdictions in Macomb County in the second quarter of 2013. The Macomb County foreclosure rate per 1,000 residential parcels experienced a similar decrease in the 2nd quarter of 2013. The City’s current rate (3.3 per 1,000) parcels) is 31% below the county average (4.8 per Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 2 1,000 parcels). He stated if this trend continues, Sterling Heights foreclosure rate could decline as much as 68% from the highest rate of foreclosure of 874 in 2010. Mr. Vanderpool showed a chart comparing the City’s June 2013 unemployment rate (7.6%) to that of comparable cities in the state averaging 8.69%, with June 2009, the height of the recession. Sterling Heights unemployment has dropped 50% sine then (2009) and has moved up from the 6th lowest to the 4th lowest unemployment rate for comparable cities showing an increasingly positive trend. From 2009 to now, there has been a steady decline in the overall unemployment rates for both the County and more significantly, the City of Sterling Heights. Even more promising, Sterling Heights has the lowest unemployment rate when compared to county and state rates. Mr. Vanderpool reported the City of Sterling Heights would commemorate Patriot Day, the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on America, with a solemn ceremony honoring first responders. The brief outdoor ceremony will begin at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, September 11 outside of Sterling Heights Fire Station No. 1 (at Van Dyke and 17 Mile Road). The observance will feature remarks from Fire Chief Chris Martin, Chief of Police Michael Reese and Fire Chaplain Ray Ahonen, an appearance by the police and fire honor guards and will mark a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the moment of the first attack into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Flags at all City facilities will be flown at half-mast throughout the day. The public is invited to attend and participate in this event. Mr. Vanderpool reported Sterling Heights AT&T U-verse subscribers would soon have the ability to access and watch Sterling Heights Television and the Library Channel on Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 3 their televisions. The Community Relations Department and Office of Information Technology are now taking steps to lay the infrastructure to stream Sterling Heights government access programming on U-verse’s Channel 99. Channel 99 enables all U- verse TV customers in the area to access Sterling Heights Television even if they reside outside the City of Sterling Heights. Mr. Vanderpool stated they hope to have the Council meetings, board and commission meetings and our award-winning programming available to U-verse subscribers later this year or in early 2014. Mr. Vanderpool provided a brief overview of the City’s Safe Streets Proposal and stated the voters would have an opportunity on November 5, 2013 to shape the future of this City. He pointed out if the Safe Streets Proposal is approved, it will provide funding to avoid the loss of 45 police officer and 20 firefighter positions. Improvements will also be made to most neighborhood streets throughout Sterling Heights. The City will continue to be one of the safest in the country with excellent response times and low crime. In addition, quality of life programs offered by the library, nature center and parks and recreation will forego further cuts. Simply put, the City’s reputation as a great community to live, work and play will be preserved for future generations. Sterling Heights will still have one of the lowest millage rates in the State of Michigan, continuing its long tradition of low cost government. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the contingency plan in the event the Safe Streets Proposal is defeated and stated it is necessary because we don’t have enough in savings from other departments. The City cannot continue to rely on the use of fund balance. He pointed out this past week residents received the City magazine explaining Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 4 this proposal in detail; there is information on the City’s website and hard copy brochures are also available. PRESENTATION Councilwoman Ziarko presented the Nice Neighbor award to Mary Martinson, nominated by her neighbors, Greg and Rachel Gorday. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Mrs. Joyce Fitch discussed Consent Agenda Item E and requested that legal notices be posted on the City’s website in addition to being posted in the newspapers. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 20, 2013, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $669,606.01, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,955,719.97, Other Funds - $452,711.09, Total Checks - $3,078,037.07. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for print shop paper and envelopes to Xpedx Paper & Graphics, Inc., 1376 Rankin, Troy, MI 48083 for the period of six months from date of bid award at the unit prices bid, and authorize the City Manager to exercise the option to extend the bid period for an additional six-month period, upon mutual consent. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for motor oils, solvents, and anti-freeze to Central Oil, 30759 Edison, Roseville, MI 48066, based on unit prices bid for a one-year period. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 5 E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the official city newspaper for the publishing of legal notices and advertisements to Advisor & Source Newspapers, 51180 Bedford Drive, New Baltimore, MI 48047 for a one-year period based on the following unit prices:  One full page at $912.00  Column inch at $7.60  Classified help wanted per line at $4.82 F. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Rotondo Construction Corp., 20771 Randall Street, Farmington Hills, MI 48336 in the amount of $8,514.82, plus interest on retainage, for the 2012 Sidewalk Replacement Program, City Project #12-230. G. RESOLVED, to direct the City Attorney to prepare the necessary agreement to vacate a portion of the existing water main easement for the proposed Times Square Shopping Center Redevelopment, Section 29, PSP13-0008, and the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Also, RESOLVED, that City Council indicates no objection to the issuance of a building permit for Times Square Shopping Center Redevelopment, Section 29, PSP13-0008, subject to the following: 1. That site plans and building plans be approved by the Administration prior to issuance of a building permit; and 2. That the developer pays all costs incurred by the City in the preparation of the easement vacation document(s), including attorney fees; and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 6 3. That the developer agrees in writing to indemnify and hold the City, its officers and employees, harmless from all damages to persons or property arising from construction activities in the existing easement prior to completion of the vacation process. H. RESOLVED, to award the bid for 2013 City Park Improvements at Beaver Creek, Magnolia, and Fairfield Parks, City Project #13-237, to Best Asphalt, Inc., 6334 N. Beverly Plaza, Romulus, MI 48174 in the amount of $214,044.54, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City. I. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution approving an agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and Consolidated Rail Corporation for the 17 Mile Road Bridge over Conrail Superstructure Replacement, City Project #12-235, and authorize the City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City, subject to approval by the City Attorney. J. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating September 19, 2013 as Drive 4 Pledges Day in the City of Sterling Heights: (Please insert adopted resolution here) K. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Rudnicki vs. City of Sterling Heights, et al; Macomb County Circuit Court Case No. 13-2760-CH. L. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, CitiMortgage, Inc. vs City of Sterling Heights, et al; Macomb County Circuit Court Case No. 13-2642-CH. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Mike Lombardini – Police coverage/2-man units. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 7 Mrs. Mary Marcinak – Millage proposal language/Police & Fire Pension Funds. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove – Citizen verbal attacks/Council response; Amendment to Council Rules of Procedure; Millage proposal. Mr. George O’Brien, 33715 Elford – Millage proposal/Budgets for Police & Fire Departments; Salaries and Pensions for Police Command Officers; Dispute with Councilman Romano. Councilman Romano called a point of order in response to the remarks being made by Mr. O’Brien. Mayor Notte asked Mr. O’Brien to refrain from personal attacks. Mr. Charles Jefferson – Millage proposal/resident’s need to address their own situations; Meet the Candidates Night. Mr. John Abro – Expressed appreciation to the City for working with him on the redevelopment at 15 Mile and Ryan Roads. Ms. Linda Godfrey – Millage proposal/informational town hall meeting scheduled for October 22nd at the Senior Center; Mr. Baker’s inability to provide information regarding taxes paid by residents and business/industrial. Mrs. Joyce Fitch – Ability to record and preserve City meetings; Promotional information regarding the proposed millage. 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 the Police and Fire pension funds and other obligations and read some comments from the City’s auditors. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 8 He stated in regard to the police and fire wages and benefits, the City was successful in obtaining concessions from all employees, including police and fire. He discussed Public Act 312 and arbitration. Mr. Vanderpool stated in regard to the millage proposal informational material, it is important for the City to provide public information. The residents will have to decide which position to take. The public information provides both sides of the equation. Councilwoman Ziarko doesn’t have a problem with residents coming to the City Council meetings and speaking for or against the millage. She believes the residents have a right to voice their opinion on a public matter, but they don’t have the right to call people names. Councilwoman Ziarko stated the City Council has done all they could and now it is up to the residents to decide how they want the City to proceed in the future. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business discussed at this time. NEW BUSINESS 1. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired the possibility of the City researching some type of regulation against sky lanterns. 2. Councilwoman Schmidt asked residents to support three Sterling Heights police officers Dave Allen, Scott Lucas and John Carion in their run for Special Olympics September 9-13, 2013. 3. Councilman Smith discussed meaningful two-way discussions between City Council members and the audience. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 9 4. Councilman Smith inquired whether the Firefighters participation in Patriot Day was an annual event. 5. Councilman Smith discussed the millage proposal and City government. 6. Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Vanderpool to address the use of dedicated road funds for other purposes, in particular the emerald ash borer issue. 7. Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Vanderpool to address the October 22nd meeting at the Senior Citizen Center. Mr. Vanderpool responded he would have to follow-up with a report on the funds used for the emerald ash borer issue. In regard to the public forum, Mr. Vanderpool pointed out there is no plan for him or Mr. Baker to be the presenter and there is time to finalize the date. 8. Councilman Taylor informed Mr. Jefferson, “Meet the Candidates” is scheduled for the morning again and he inquired whether there is any way the Council members could ask the Chamber of Commerce to move that into the evening. 9. Councilman Taylor discussed the lack of respect from the residents and stated many of their comments are inappropriate. 10. Councilman Taylor related his experiences when he accompanied police officers and fire fighters on a ride along and stated it was an eye opening experience. He wanted the residents to know that these officers take their jobs very seriously. 11. Councilman Romano addressed the suggestion by Mr. Norgrove for an amendment to the Council Rules of Procedure to address citizen verbal attacks and Council Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Page 10 responses. He pointed out this would not be constructive because it would lead to a back and forth discussion. 12. Councilman Romano stated in regard to the millage proposal, it’s time for the people to decide. 13. Mayor Notte asked for mutual respect between the residents and City Council. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk