City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 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, acting 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; Walter C. Blessed, acting 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 Mr. Vanderpool reported that according to a February 11th report from the Detroit News, most Metro Detroit property values are rising. Macomb County has had an overall 4.78% increase while Sterling Heights had a 16.8% increase, which is the 2nd highest percentage increase between all three major counties of Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne. He noted that the actual taxable value is capped at 1.6% this year. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Mr. Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Manager, to speak about quality of life services in the City of Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Langlois reported that the Michigan Challengers Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team travelled to Philadelphia, PA at the end of January to compete in the Katie Kirline Regional Qualifying Tournament. He reported that the Challengers won all six of their game against the other 5 varsity teams in attendance. He explained that they have qualified for the 2014 National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s Championship by finishing the tournament in 1st place. He stated that the Challengers will represent Michigan as the first team from Michigan to qualify for the national championship. Mr. Langlois also reported that starting February 25, 2014, Sterling Heights will begin its first of the kind, senior aquatic exercise classes at Henry Ford II High School for adults 50 years and older. He stated that unlike other programs, these classes will be held during the school day. He also stated that Sterling Heights will provide transportation via SMART bus from the Senior Center. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the City of Sterling Heights Housing Commission has received a perfect score of 100% from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. Mr. Vanderpool reported that although we are not in a snow emergency, we are plowing the residential subs to clear the curblines. Mr. Vanderpool reported that a group that the City belongs to, the Macomb Area Communities for Regional Opportunities (MACRO), which consists of a consortium of municipalities, have come together to collaborate and improve service delivery of public services. He stated MACRO works toward bringing issues to the State’s attention. He stated that last week MACRO approved a resolution encouraging State legislators to allocate the State’s surplus of money to road improvements. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 3 PUBLIC HEARING 1. Mayor Notte opened the public hearing on the application by Lounis, Lounis, & Lounis, LLC to establish an Industrial Development District at 34100 Mound Road. Mr. Dwayne McLachlan, City Assessor, explained the request is the first part of a two-step process. He stated that the purpose of this hearing is to establish the district. Once the district is created, the applicant can come forward with the tax abatement application. Mayor Notte opened the discussion to the audience. Mr. Dennis Lucas, Vice President of Serapid, explained that they have been here in Sterling Heights for a number of years at a facility in 18 mile and Mound. He stated that the business is involved in industrial manufacturing, specifically in defense, theatrical, and aerospace. He stated that when the company outgrew the space, they found 4 acres of property located at 34100 Mound Road, which gives plenty of room for their current business, but also room to expand, which they are already considering. He explained that the company purchased the building last year and rehabbed the interior. They are expanding for new façade, new landscaping, and new parking lots in the front. He stated that they will also be hiring more employees. Mayor Notte closed the public hearing. Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt , RESOLVED, that the application by Lounis, Lounis & Lounis, LLC to establish an Industrial Development District at 34100 Mound Road is hereby approved in accordance with the guidelines established by City Council and the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign, as applicable, all documents required in conjunction with this approval. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 4 Councilman Romano stated that this item only sets up the Industrial Development District and the company will have to come before Council again for any tax abatements. Yes: All. The motion carried. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 2. Mr. Donald Mende, City Planner, made a presentation regarding the proposed text amendment to real estate property signs. He stated that the text amendment to the current ordinance will monitor commercial and industrial real estate signs. He stated that recent inspections and surveys have revealed problems with maintenance issues with temporary real estate signs placed on commercial and industrial properties. He explained that the purpose of the amendment is to promote the availability of vacant lease spaces, while being mindful to the appearance of the City streetscapes. He stated that the amendment covers 3 main areas. The draft ordinance stipulates the mandatory use of existing monument signs if space is available and that the owner can place window signs in up to 25 percent of the area if space is limited. He stated that an owner can place a free-standing real estate sign if no space is available on the existing monument sign. He stated that the current ordinance states that the real estate sign must be removed after one year. He explained that the amended ordinance eliminates that standard. He stated that currently there is no permit requirement for the placement of the free- standing real estate signs so the City has limited control over the placement or construction methods used to place these signs. He stated that knowing when and where these signs are being erected allows the City to better monitor them. He explained that permitting these signs will allow the City to work with the petitioner up front resulting in better long-term maintenance and tracking. He stated that through the City’s new BS&A permit tracking Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 5 system, sign companies will be able to apply and receive permits online. He explained that specific minimum construction standards will be enforced so that signs don’t fall into disrepair. He stated that there will be a six month phase-in of new standards. He stated that the amendment would allow for a larger monument sign allowing for a permanent space for real estate and leasing information. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to introduce the ordinance amending Article 28, Section 28.13 of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to revise the regulations governing standards, location, permitting, construction type, duration and implementation for placement of temporary real estate signs, Case No. PZ-1126. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that in her experience, people looking to buy property do research as opposed to just looking at real estate signs. She stated that she has no problem with the proposed changes. She questioned Mr. Mende on how will the signs be enforced. Mr. Mende explained that it would be a combination of the Building Department for approving the permits and the Code Enforcement Department being able to monitor the signs in the field using the BS&A system. Councilwoman Ziarko asked about strip malls that might have two different property owners and how would they be allowed to display signs. Mr. Mende explained that signs are based on individual properties. Councilwoman Ziarko asked about fees for sign permits. Mr. Mende stated that this is just an introduction and that the fees would be worked out at the ordinance introduction. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired whether the preferred materials used for signs were recommended or mandatory. Mr. Mende responded that the materials would be mandatory. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired if real estate companies would still be able to use their colors. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 6 Mr. Mende explained that, yes, the real estate companies would be able to keep their colors, only that they keep uniform colors with their support materials and framing. Councilwoman Schmidt asked if the current signs would be grandfathered in. Mr. Mende explained that there would be a 6-month phase-in period when the City would then begin to monitor the signs. Councilwoman Schmidt stated that for the shopping plazas, the owners would not have as much space to advertise on the monument signs as if they were to erect their own sign. Mr. Mende responded that the ordinance amendment will allow for 25 percent of their window space to advertise the property. Councilman Romano inquired about whether the City would be notifying the real estate companies that they will be required to abide by the new ordinance. Mr. Mende stated that the City will be notifying the existing businesses, and as new sign companies come in for permits. Councilman Romano stated that individual family businesses will not do research or hire marketing companies when searching for open buildings. Councilwoman Koski inquired about what the City plans for requiring as a permit fee. Mr. Mende stated that other communities used a $100 fee for signs. Councilwoman Koski inquired if this ordinance amendment would be for all signs or just for the construction of temporary real estate sign. Mr. Mende answered that it would only be for temporary real estate signs. Councilwoman Koski inquired if a sign was approved if the permit would cover all signs that would be erected. Mr. Mende stated that the fee schedule would be up to City Council to set. Councilwoman Koski stated she was not in favor of fees. Councilman Taylor stated that he’s concerned with the monument sign idea. He stated that he’s also concerned that it costs more to the brokers to erect multiple signs. He stated he is not Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 7 in favor of the use of monument signs first. He inquired if the V-shaped signs were permitted. Mr. Mende responded that V-shaped signs were permitted. Councilman Taylor asked why fees were necessary and why we should require a permit. Mr. Mende responded that it is up to Council to set a fee and that we want to require a permit so the City can more easily track them. Councilman Taylor inquired if the ordinance amendment would apply to property owners not going through a real estate broker. Mr. Mende responded that, yes, the ordinance amendment would apply to properties for lease by owner. Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired if someone could reuse their sign permit. Mr. Mende stated that there will be a 2-year period to reuse their sign permits. Councilman Skrzyniarz questioned the details regarding the window sign advertisement. Mr. Mende responded that the window signs will generally be constructed of paper and hung from the inside of the window and can be a maximum of 25 percent of the available window area. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated that he thinks the ordinance amendment was well-thought out and with all of the different businesses within the City of Sterling Heights, that he thinks it’s a great idea to have some uniformity in how the signs are constructed and displayed. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Notte, Romano, Skrzyniarz. No: Koski, Taylor. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 3. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of January 28, 2014 and the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 4, 2014, as presented. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 8 B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $473,973.42, Water & Sewer Fund - $83,897.66, Other Funds - $637,458.22, Total Checks - $1,195,329.30. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for rental of linens to Sure-Fit Laundry, 33121 Glenwood, Wayne, MI 48184, for a three-year period based on unit prices bid. D. RESOLVED, to purchase automobile and miscellaneous replacement tires at pricing available through the State of Michigan cooperative bid, MiDEAL contract #071B8200076, through January 15, 2015. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for trimming of street trees in Sections 31, 32, 34, and 36 to Wonsey Tree Service, Inc., PO Box 1142, Alma, MI 48801 for the period of February 19, 2014 to June 1, 2014 based at unit prices bid. F. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on March 4, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the application by Serapid, Inc. for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate at 34100 Mound Road. G. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on March 4, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the application by Miba Hydramechanica Corp. for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate at 6515 Cobb Drive. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 4. Ms. Kelly Allen, attorney, introduced Natham Karuumi, the applicant and owner of Karrumi Brothers, LLC. She explained that he intends to open a new restaurant, The Tilted Kilt in the City of Sterling Heights. She stated that the building has been vacant for over a year, it will have around 350 seats, and employ around 100 people. She explained that The Tilted Kilt is a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 9 franchise and that the one being opened in Sterling Heights is the second in Michigan, the first being located in Novi. She stated that Mr. Karrumi is a chiropractor who works out of Sterling Heights. She stated that Mr. Karrumi has hired a general manager who has regional experience for another national chain. Moved by Romano, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed Class C liquor licensed business with Sunday Sales (AM) and Dance Permit located at 43601 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 from 11th Frame Lounge, Inc. to Karrumi Brothers, LLC and transfer location to 44935 Hayes, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 with new entertainment permit be considered for approval. Councilman Romano inquired why no taxes have been paid yet. Mr. McLachlan stated that the entity is not in the City yet, so there is not tax accountability yet. Councilman Romano inquired if a lease has been signed yet. Ms. Allen responded that Mr. Karrumi has signed the lease. Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired what kind of restaurant is the Tilted Kilt. Mr. Karuumi responded that it is a pub with a Celtic theme. Councilman Skrzyniarz thanked Mr. Karrumi for choosing to invest in the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Lombardini spoke about animal control and the Macomb Animal Control Coalition. Dr. Matthew Bruzek spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Ms. Brenda Peabody spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Ms. Alissa Sullivan spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Page 10 Ms. Courtney Sanders spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Mr. Charles Jefferson spoke about animal issues and the budget meetings. Ms. Julianna Rutland spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Ms. Carrie McGowan spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. Ms. Marney Florka spoke about the Trap-Neuter-Return program. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL There was no report from Mr. Bahorski at this time. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated that DPW will be out clearing the streets and we should thank them for all of their work this winter. Councilman Taylor stated that he has done a lot of research and he is opposed to the Trap- Neuter-Return program because the returned animals are not going to be adequately cared for. Councilman Romano stated that he has had a negative experience with feral cats. ADJOURN Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk