City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014 IN CITY HALL Mayor Richard J. Notte called the meeting to order at 7:00 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, Doug Skrzyniarz, Michael C. Taylor, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark D. Vanderpool, City Manager; Jeffrey Bahorski, City Attorney; Mark Carufel, City Clerk; Meghan Ahearn, 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 STRATEGIC PLAN DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Staff Presentations A. The Future is Now / 2030 Visioning Mr. Vanderpool explained the purpose of the Strategic Planning session is to seek feedback from Council and residents on a number of topics. He stated they have a number of presentations planned for this evening under the guiding principle of continuous improvement. There would be a presentation to unveil a new visioning process that will Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 2 look forward over the next 20 years. There would also be presentations highlighting major roadway improvements, investments in neighborhoods, and efforts to beautify our major commercial corridors. He requested that comments be held until all four 15 minute presentations were completed. Mr. Vanderpool began with an update on the City’s visioning effort. Now that the worst of the financial crisis is behind us we can start focusing on the future, establishing a clear vision for the next 20 years. He explained that it is important to keep in mind that there are a number of formal plans that must be updated over the next couple of years including the Parks and Recreation, master land use, technology, and succession plans. In addition to the plan updates we’ll have to determine how best to provide core services with a significantly downsized organization, and determine how best to invest in quality of life services which are integral to attracting new families and new residents. The visioning process will consist of four primary focus groups that we will be meeting with and seeking feedback: city officials, community members, city employees, and business leaders. He explained that the goal will be to identify strengths and weaknesses so we can develop a strategic plan with guiding principles. Ms. Ginger Juncker, SEMCOG representative, explained that SEMCOG will serve as the facilitator in both the private and public sector to complete the visioning process. The vision lays the foundation for formal plan updates, service delivery plans, and enhanced outcomes. She explained that the strategic plan will serve as an umbrella to all efforts. She stated that the first step is to create a SWOT analysis which includes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The tool utilizes data as an input and provides the foundation Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 3 for the visioning effort. The stakeholders play a key role in the visioning effort and will be engaged in focus groups and surveys. The focus groups will meet for 90 minutes and discuss the information on the draft SWOT diagram, giving feedback to point out strengths and weaknesses, and then updating the SWOT diagram with the new information. The ultimate goal is taking the insights gained by the stakeholder groups and using them to create the vision of Sterling Heights. B. Development Projects / SHINE Mr. Vanderpool began the presentation by showing a slideshow that highlights the projects that have improved the City of Sterling Heights including new decorative requirements such as masonry in signage, decorative light fixtures, and landscaping. He explained that improvements to parks will be coming soon. He stated that residential areas continue to grow and that the City population is rising. There are many residential developments in the works. Denice Gerstenberg, City Development Manager, presented enhancements to code enforcement and the SHINE program. She explained that City Development has been using a new software program, the inspectors now have iPads which allow them to do everything in the field while transmitting all details wirelessly to the office, they have developed a revised notice of violation letter, ordinance board of appeal agendas are now electronic, there is an additional Ordinance Board of Appeals meeting every month, and there is a SHINE door hanger sign system. She stated that there was a 30% reduction in complaints from July to December of 2012 to July to December of 2013. The goal has shifted to proactive enforcement. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 4 C. Street Improvements Sal Conigliaro, Department of Public Works Manager, stated that he will be reviewing four major infrastructure projects including the 2014 local road improvement program, the 17 Mile Conrail Bridge, the Dodge Park Road reconstruction, and Van Dyke reconstruction. He explained that with the passing of the millage in the fall of 2013, that local road repair funding will jump from $2.1 million for the 2012/13 fiscal year to $5.4 million for the 2014/15 fiscal year. Mr. Scott Black, Grissim Metz Andriese Associates Project Manager, discussed the landscape improvements at the 17 Mile Road and Van Dyke intersection. He detailed the safety concerns related to the current conditions and explained what they plan to make it better. He stated that the crosswalks will be widened and the cement painted to highlight pedestrian walkways and that new trees would be planted at each intersection. D. Real Estate Sign Ordinance Don Mende, City Planner, presented highlights of a new real estate sign ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission. He explained that real estate signs have an impact on aesthetics of the city streets and that the solution is to allow owners to effectively advertise without adverse impact on the city’s streetscapes. He stated he plans to present amendments to the existing sign ordinance to include mandatory use of existing monument signs. He explained that temporary signs may be erected only if there’s no space on existing sign. He stated that currently, no permit is required for these types of signs. He explained that by requiring a permit, City Code Enforcers will be able to better track and maintain. He stated that signs will be more uniform and structurally stable and that the City will give a 6-month Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 5 phase-in of the ordinance. The sign ordinance amendments will apply to commercial sales, not single-family residential homes. 2. Resident Comments Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove commented about the Council meetings being broadcast on AT&T, upkeep on medians to see if the City can cut down service to every 3 weeks, that community service be used more in sentencing, to raise permit/ticket prices, code enforcement to make a note in their iPads about existing potholes, garages as living spaces, neon signs being turned off at business day end, if we still have a non-emergency number once dispatchers move to the County, looking into donations to get Victorian furniture to make the Upton House look more time period appropriate, bringing back the Farmer’s market, Frisbee golf at Nelson park, liability if we started a dog park, and that the tennis courts be sealed so they can be turned into skate rinks in the winter. 3. Mayor and City Council Comments Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired how Council members fit into the visioning focus group. Ms. Juncker responded that the sessions will be set up and they will be invited to attend. Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired if the intent is to bring all comments pertaining to the diagram to the session. Ms. Juncker explained that any questions or comments about the diagram could be discussed at the session, but that they are invited to share any ideas in advance. Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired about a plan for a dedicated bike lane on Dodge Park during the widening. Mr. Conigliaro responded that they are still considering that and also a pedestrian walkway. Councilman Skrzyniarz also inquired about a design for the 17 Mile bridge for pedestrian walkway. Mr. Conigliaro responded that they are very constrained and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 6 will be difficult. He explained that there wouldn’t be any pedestrian issues resolved as part of this project. He stated that a pedestrian project would be completely independent of the 17 Mile Road project. Councilman Skrzyniarz discussed the future of Sterling Heights and what can attract outside residents, such as having walkable and bike paths to businesses. Councilwoman Schmidt commented about the P&R building being underutilized and could bring in more revenue by renting out the conference room. She commented on visioning and suggested that they reach out to the youth of the community when gathering people for focus groups. She inquired about who would participate in the community survey. Ms. Juncker responded that it would be put out for anyone who would like to participate in the survey. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired about the cost of SEMCOG’s services to the City. Mr. Vanderpool responded that the project is included in the City’s membership, so there is no cost. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired if the elimination of the Jersey turns at Van Dyke and 15 Mile Road and 16 Mile Road would include 14 Mile Road. Mr. Conigliaro responded that it is the intention down the road, but not included in this project. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired about who would pay for the irrigation costs on the Van Dyke Road project. Mr. Conigliaro responded that the cost of irrigation would fall to the City; however, it is necessary to maintain the landscaping. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired if there would be a permit fee for temporary signs. Mr. Mende answered that, yes, the intention would be for a fee to be implemented, however, it would be up to Council. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked everyone for their presentations. Councilman Romano requested to keep in mind not to give too much weight to the 2012 survey in relation to its usage for the visioning purposes due to the downturn of the economy at Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 7 the time. The City economy has since improved. Councilman Romano commented that when there is a code enforcement violation posted on a house or cars, the residents try to call the City and can’t get ahold of the code enforcement officer. He inquired if there can be more communication between the officers and office staff. He commented that he would like to see more administration involvement in searching for volunteers. Councilman Romano inquired about the amount of money generated from the millage for the roads. Mr. Conigliaro responded around $3.4 million dollars. Councilman Romano stated that he would like to see some kind of guarantee and project into the future the breakdown of the roads. He suggested to residents that are affected by potholes to call DPW, Community Relations, Administration or City Council so it can be resolved. Councilman Romano commented about temporary signage. He stated that he is a real estate broker and he has concerns that the ordinance would not be supportive of the property owner or broker. Councilman Taylor commented about people complaining about potholes and snow not being plowed in their complex. He stated he would like to see a dedicated place on the website for people to lodge complaints about the roads. He stated he would like to make the city more appealing to young people. Councilman Taylor inquired if there are other communities that utilize real estate sign permits. Mr. Mende responded that there are many communities that utilize sign permits. Councilman Taylor spoke against the sign permits stating that he is against doing anything that affects businesses. He inquired about U-verse and when the council meetings will be available on AT&T. Mr. Vanderpool responded that they have worked out a contract for AT&T subscribers to watch Council meetings. Councilman Taylor Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 8 suggested that there could be more regulations in the ordinance to deter repeat code offenders. He suggested that the police department get involved in code enforcement. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked all presenters. She stated that she enjoyed the flow of the presentations. She explained that she looks forward to the focus groups and being a part of the process. She inquired about the plan to get community and business members involved in the focus groups/surveys. Mr. Vanderpool stated that residents would be randomly selected by precinct. He explained that they anticipate a group of 30, but also will also be utilizing results from the online survey. Councilwoman Ziarko praised the SHINE program and that it seems to be working. She inquired about the street improvements and wanted to clarify that it will be all contracted work. She inquired how many more people they need to fill the potholes. She questioned whether it’s the lack of staff and/or poor equipment as reasons why they are not being filled more quickly. Mr. Conigliaro responded that despite throwing all of our resources at it, we are battling the storm and the cold. He explained that we will have the pothole issues every time it gets cold and then thaws. He stated that the goal is to get the roads fixed. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired about how to make sure the proposed sign ordinance amendment will apply to everyone. Mr. Mende responded that there will be a 6-month phase in process and after that point all commercial businesses would be required to apply for a permit. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked everyone for their presentations. Councilwoman Koski inquired about the 2030 visioning project and if Ms. Juncker would be taking a lead role in the process. Ms. Juncker responded that she will be handling things from the SEMCOG side and that Mr. Vanderpool will be taking the lead from the City side. Councilwoman Koski inquired if Mrs. Juncker would be sharing her findings at the City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 9 Council meetings. Ms. Juncker responded that it wasn’t planned at this time, however, they could update Council as they go through the process. Councilwoman Koski inquired about an update for the sale of the Ryan Road parcels. Ms. Gerstenberg responded that the documents have been prepared by the Purchasing Department and would be going out to bid shortly. Councilwoman Koski inquired about an update about the sidewalk gap program. Mr. Vanderpool responded that we are restarting the sidewalk gap program. He stated that the City has been working on closing the gaps in the major traffic areas. He explained that there is a project in the works to create a bike path that goes up to the UP, which would cut right through Sterling Heights. Councilwoman Koski inquired about the Parks. Mr. Vanderpool explained that the Parks and Rec plan would have to be worked out in the next fiscal year. Councilwoman Koski inquired if Mr. Mende has spoken with any commercial retail brokers. Mr. Mende responded that he has spoken with one that was in favor of the ordinance amendments. Councilwoman Koski recommended that more brokers are contacted for their input about the sign ordinance amendments. She stated that she is not in favor of any permit fees. Mr. Mende responded that there are communities that charge fees and some that do not. He stated that there will be pre-approved sign designs to make permit applications much easier. Councilwoman Koski inquired if there was some cost involved in creating the sign permits. Mr. Mende responded that there is a cost for the employee to enter the permit in the system, as well as the inspector for code violations. Councilwoman Koski stated that years ago Council tried to start a Teen Council. She suggested considering bringing it back. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Page 10 Mayor Notte thanked everyone for their presentations. He stated that Council did a good job with their comments and that this was one of the best strategic planning sessions he’s ever attended. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk