City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2014 IN CITY HALL Mayor Pro Tem Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Mark Carufel, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Joseph V. Romano, Maria G. Schmidt, Doug Skrzyniarz, Michael C. Taylor, Barbara A. Ziarko. Council Member absent: Richard J. Notte. 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: Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported the Michigan Challengers are holding the 15th Annual Junior Wheelchair Basketball Bowling Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, February 8th at 12 pm. He explained the Challengers would compete at the 2014 National Wheelchair Basketball Association Junior Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky in April 2014. All proceeds from the bowling tournament will fund the airfare, ground transportation and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 2 lodging for the team. The fundraiser, which includes pizza and pop, 50/50 and gift basket raffles, would be held at Bowl One in Troy with a registration fee of $20 per bowler. Mr. Vanderpool recognized Special Recreation Program Director Diane Winterstein for her efforts in making this program successful. Mr. Vanderpool reminded residents the 2014 Cultural Exchange, sponsored by the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee, is scheduled for Friday, February 7, 2014 from 6-10 pm in the Senior Activity Center. This event will feature a wide array of ethnic music and dance, cuisine from city restaurateurs and educational cultural displays from area groups and retailers. He pointed out last year’s event drew nearly 1,000 people. Mr. Vanderpool added the event is free and there would be shuttle service available in Dodge Park. Mr. Vanderpool reported community help is needed to pack boxes of supplies to send to our military troops serving overseas and special items will also be packaged and sent to a refuge home for girls. Requested items include: toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, Q- tips, craft ideas, needles, thread, yarn or anything along those lines. Donated items can be brought to the Senior Center by Friday, January 24th. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Macomb County Economic Forecast, presented by Macomb County Community College President Dr. Jim Jacobs, can now be seen on the City’s TV station and on the City’s website with the on-demand service. Ms. Michelle Murphy, Executive Director of the Sterling Heights Community Foundation, made a presentation announcing the 2014 Scholarship Program. She explained the Foundation has awarded over $200,000 in scholarship funding since the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 3 program’s inception. Ms. Murphy pointed out this year’s scholarship program would be awarding 38 awards in 10 categories, totaling $31,500 to college-bound students. Scholarship partners include: BAE Systems, the Chrysler Foundation, General Dynamics Land Systems, Macomb County Chiropractic, Mayor Richard J. Notte, Rotary Club of Sterling Heights and Selfridge Air National Guard Base Community Council. PRESENTATION Mayor Pro Tem Taylor presented the Nice Neighbor award to Joe and Dawson Voorhis, nominated by their neighbor, Mr. and Mrs. Al Hetkowski. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 7, 2014, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $408,549.36, Water & Sewer Fund - $2,175,918.50, Other Funds - $814,395.52, Total Checks - $3,398,863.38. C. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirements in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(5) and purchase the Cardinal Peak Case Cracker digital audio/video management system upgrade from Absolute Sales International, 314 West Walton Boulevard, Pontiac, MI 48340-1041 in the amount of $17,325 and approve a budget amendment in the amount of $17,325 to reflect use of State Forfeiture funds. D. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by WatchGuard Video, 415 Century Parkway, Allen, TX 75013 and purchase nine WatchGuard 4RE high definition in-car video systems, back office software and hardware, warranties and maintenance, and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 4 implementation services, at a cumulative cost of $85,122 and approve a budget amendment in the amount of $47,922 to reflect use of Federal Forfeiture Funds. E. RESOLVED, to purchase office supplies from Office Depot, 17335 Haggerty Road, Northville, MI 48168 at pricing available through The Cooperative Purchasing Network contract through February 28, 2015. F. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirements in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(6) and approve the purchase of a software interface between the Police Department’s record management and accident reporting systems from New World Systems, 888 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 600, Troy, MI 48084-4749 in the amount of $11,000 and approve a budget amendment in the amount of $11,000 to reflect the use of Federal Forfeiture funds. G. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Distinguished Development, Inc., 7750 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316, in the amount of $7,327.13 plus interest on retainage for the 2012 Sidewalk Gap Completion Program, City Project #11-217. H. RESOLVED, to: 1. Adopt the resolution approving the Macomb Animal Control Consortium (“MACC”) Interlocal Agreement; 2. Adopt the resolution designating the City’s MACC representatives; and 3. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to sign all documents required in conjunction with participation in the MACC. Yes: Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 5 CONSIDERATION 2. Fire Chief Chris Martin made a presentation regarding the Interlocal Agreement to fund an efficiency feasibility study of fire service operations. He explained in June of 2013, the Macomb County Office of Emergency Management submitted an application on behalf of the Charter Township of Clinton, Charter Township of Harrison, City of Mount Clemens, City of Sterling Heights and County of Macomb for a grant available through the State of Michigan Competitive Grant Assistance Program. The purpose of the grant is to assist in the funding of a professional study into the feasibility of consolidating fire services among the participating municipalities. He explained on September 24, 2013, the Macomb County Office of Emergency Management received notice that the grant application was approved for funding for 25% of the cost of the feasibility study, not to exceed $50,000. The balance of 75% is to be paid for by contributions from the participating municipalities, fire unions representing their respective firefighters/paramedics and Macomb County. It is anticipated that the total cost of the feasibility study will be $200,000. Chief Martin reported the Macomb County Office of Emergency Management submitted an extension request to the State of Michigan on October 21, 2013 and it was approved on November 1, 2013. The new deadline for the submission of resolutions approving the Interlocal agreement is January 24, 2014. Chief Martin stated the Request for Proposals would be studied by a task force from each department from February 2014 through December 2014, with a completion date of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 6 January of 2015. The anticipated timeline for the study to be conducted is from January of 2015 through March of 2016. The study has to be done by September of 2016. To determine how the 75% funding obligation would be divided, the Interlocal agreement provides that Macomb County and the fire unions would be allocated 10%, or $15,000 each. The participating municipalities would split the remaining $120,000 based upon a combination of taxable value and population provided by SEMCOG. Using this formula, the City of Sterling Heights funding allocation would be $58,175.70. Chief Martin stated this study represents a large financial commitment on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights, but it is recommended it be approved. This will develop a framework that can be used to determine how to best provide fire services to the residents of Sterling Heights for years to come. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor opened the discussion to the audience. Ms. Linda Godfrey discussed the cost factors and pointed out Macomb County is going to retain the lead in this and she has a real issue with that. She stated Macomb County is only providing $15,000, while Sterling Heights has to pay $58,000. She questioned whether the consultant would be involved in this process and wanted an assurance that he would not be affiliated with the Sterling Heights Fire Department. Ms. Godfrey questioned why the City of Warren was not approached, as well as Utica and Shelby Township. She questioned the effect on Obama care and the Affordable Health Care Act and inquired whether it would cover the cost of ambulance transport. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 7 Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove pointed out how well the City of Sterling Heights has located its fire stations and trucks. He inquired whether the other communities are going to use our money to fund their studies. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution approving the Competitive Grant Assistance Program Interlocal Agreement and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated he would not commit to any partnership agreement until he finds out how this will affect response time and service excellence. He believes this is a great opportunity to plan for the future of our City. He stated this resolution does not commit the City to any specific changes, but helps us make an evidenced based decision on how to move forward. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned why the four fire chiefs from each community could not get together and do the study on their own. Chief Martin stated if it was just operations, the four fire chiefs could sit down and work out the problem. There are bigger issues involved in consolidations and mergers and this is not something they could handle. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she would have voted against this back in December, but since then she has educated herself. She pointed out it is $.45 per resident in every community, but we have more residents and that is why we are paying more. Councilwoman Ziarko stated it would be negligent not to get the best information available and for this reason, she will vote in favor of it. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor asked the Chief to respond to some of the audience questions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 8 Chief Martin responded to Ms. Godfrey the original September 1st deadline was extended to January 24, 2014. As far as Macomb County being the lead, he has no problem with them taking the lead and being the deciding vote. As far as the consultant, Chief Martin is unsure of the person Ms. Godfrey is referring to. He pointed out as far as communities being excluded anyone would be welcome. In regard to the Affordable Health Care Act, there is so much that is unknown and this study has perfect timing; hopefully there would be more information available on what it would do to the fire service. Chief Martin agrees with Mr. Norgrove that we have an excellent system, but as a result of staffing reduction on fire engines from 4 to 3, we frequently need help from our neighboring agencies. Councilwoman Koski inquired whether the City Council could obtain a copy of the RFP’s after they are drawn up. Mr. Vanderpool responded he spoke to the County’s EMS Coordinator and expressed to her that our City Council might be interested in viewing the proposals and that the City Council would be interested in seeing the proposals as well before a contractor is chosen and she agreed that would be a good idea for all the partners. Councilwoman Koski inquired when the participants would be decided. Mr. Vanderpool responded right now in the grant application, the communities have been identified, but others would have to pay their fair share to join in. Councilwoman Schmidt stated it is important to have full disclosure of any conflict of interest ahead of time. She stated the state has forced all of us to look at service sharing to save costs. Councilwoman Schmidt stated $58,000 is a big number to her, but it is an Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 9 investment in our future and something the City has to do. It is important to research if this would even work. She pointed out the City Council has the ability to adjust down the millage rate before the end of the sunset if any of the recommendations are implemented. Councilman Romano stated if $200,000 is what is being allocated, he believes the study will come in right around that amount and he has an issue with the cost. He inquired when the City of Utica and Township of Shelby were invited to join. Chief Martin responded this did not start with the City of Sterling Heights and no one is being excluded. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out there is some interest from Shelby Township in participating in this study down the road. He stated he referred them to the County’s EMS coordinator. Councilman Romano questioned the number of fire stations in each of the other communities named and inquired why the City of Sterling Heights was paying more when all the communities were going to utilize the study in the same manner. Councilman Romano pointed out the people of Sterling Heights approved the millage for police, fire and roads and they are willing to pay for it. Councilman Romano stated he could not in good conscience vote for this. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor questioned the County’s interest in being a part of this study. Chief Martin responded the County considers our residents their residents and they wanted to be a good neighbor and be at the table when this was discussed. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor inquired whether the Chief gets a sense that the County wants to make it a Macomb County Fire Department. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 10 Chief Martin responded no he doesn’t think it is the County’s end goal at all, but he did point out there are a lot of well-run county fire departments. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor stated the cost is more than other communities, but it would be the same amount to the residents no matter where they live. He stated the City has good coverage and good services and he would not be in favor of anything that would jeopardize our residents’ safety. Councilman Taylor stated if we are moving toward a fire district down the line, he wants to make sure that this is the right thing to do and we are studying it thoroughly. Vote on motion to adopt the resolution approving the Competitive Grant Assistance Program Interlocal Agreement: Yes: Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko, Koski, Schmidt. No: Romano. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. 3. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Robert C. Maleszyk to the Sterling Heights Police & Fire Pension Board to an unexpired term ending June 30, 2014, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Schmidt, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Linda Godfrey – Cost sharing; State revenue; FOI response. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 11 Mr. Vanderpool stated in regard to the savings from cost sharing, the City has saved $21,200,000.00 with our service sharing efforts. He pointed out revenue sharing is also outlined on the City’s budget center. There was no report from Mr. Bahorski at this time. Councilman Skrzyniarz reminded everyone about the Strategic Planning Session scheduled for next Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m. and urged residents to attend and participate in that process. Councilwoman Schmidt reported on the unfortunate passing of one of the City’s firefighters, Eric Post and wanted to have letters of appreciation sent to the communities that filled in for our City so our firefighters could mourn their brother. The communities were: Warren, Centerline, Utica, Shelby Township, Washington Township, Clinton Township and Macomb Township. Councilman Romano made a motion that any and all money allocated for the new millage be set aside in a special account. His motion lost for lack of support. Councilman Romano discussed the number of detectives in the Police Department and stated with 24 detectives we are being reactive instead of being proactive. He believes we need to put more officers on the streets. Councilwoman Ziarko asked Mr. Vanderpool to approach the Macomb County Road Commission and bring to their attention the problem with the cycle and timing of the new lights, particularly at 15 Mile and Maple Lane. Councilwoman Koski questioned the accounting procedure for tracking the millage. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Page 12 Mr. Vanderpool stated the City will have to account for the new millage and they will be able to show the City Council how it is tracked. He will discuss this with the Finance & Budget Director, as well as the Controller, and see if there is more specific detail beyond what they already provide. Mayor Pro Tem Taylor inquired the possibility of inviting a representative from the Macomb County Road Commission to attend a City Council meeting and explain how the new lights are working and be available to answer questions. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: Ziarko, Romano, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Koski. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk