City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 IN CITY HALL Mayor Richard J. Notte called the meeting to order at 6:30 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, Doug Skrzyniarz, 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. BUDGET WORKSHOP DISCUSSION 1. Community Services Department Public Works Department Water and Sewer Fund Community Relations Fire Department Mr. Vanderpool explained this evening's meeting is the second of three budget hearings. The Administration would be continuing with presentations and he requested comments be held until the presentations are concluded. Mr. Vanderpool requested that budget amendments, if any, be introduced this evening so they could be incorporated into the final Appropriations Ordinance on May 6th. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Brian Baker, Finance & Budget Director, provided a power point overview of the departments being reviewed this evening. The Community Services Department includes the Library and Parks and Recreation. Mr. Baker reviewed the budget summary, funding level summary and personnel summary for the Community Services Department and pointed out the proposed capital projects for the Parks and Recreation Department: Replace flooring in the Recreation Center and four park maintenance projects, including Delia Park lighting, repairs to Hampton Park and the second phase of improvements to Beaver Creek Park. The Fire Department consists of 86 full time staff in three divisions, the largest being the Extinguishment Division. Mr. Baker reviewed the budget summary, funding level summary and personnel summary for the Fire Department and pointed out the proposed capital projects: 28 personal computers to replace the existing six-year old units, asphalt and concrete parking lot repairs at Fire Station #5, eleven automatic defibrillators to replace obsolete units, heavy-duty replacement rescue vehicle and replacement of Battalion Chief vehicle. The Community Relations Department consists of seven staff members. Mr. Baker reviewed the budget summary, funding level summary and personnel summary for the Community Relations Department ad pointed out the proposed capital projects: Upgrade of failing Video Editing System, Two video cameras to replace ten-year old obsolete cameras, sign repairs and LED lighting upgrades to the outdoor message board signs at City Hall and Fire Station #1. The Public Works Department consists of nine divisions and is the third largest department totaling 18% of the General Fund. There are 59 full time and 29 part time employees. Mr. Baker reviewed the budget summary, funding level summary and personnel summary for the Public Works Department and pointed out the proposed Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 3 Capital Projects: City Hall chiller and boiler repairs, roof replacement at the Clinton River storage building, heavy duty hoist for mechanics to lift heavy vehicles for repair, Athletic Field Top Dresser, Front End Loader, Right-of-way mower, 4x4 pickup truck with plow and Tandem Axle Dump Truck. Mr. Vanderpool asked Ms. Tammy Turgeon, Community Services Director, to make her presentation. Ms. Turgeon reviewed the proposed budget for the Library and pointed out the main objectives: to expand the library's digital and online resources, to continue to foster an environment of creativity to preserve the quality of life services, to work with the Friends of the Library Board to diversity and enhance revenue sources, to develop the Library's relationship with local school districts to promote library programs and support students during the summer months and to seek grants, community partnerships and other sources of revenue to improve core library services. She discussed the new programs and services, the Library's collection expenditures and Friends and fundraising. Mr. Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Manager, reviewed the proposed budget for his department and pointed out the loss of nine positions in the past six years. He gave a brief introduction of new programs, the enhancement of existing programs and pointed out the restoration of several programs that had been eliminated due to budget constraints. Mr. Langlois reviewed the park improvement projects scheduled for the upcoming year, as well as the Parks and Recreation Master Plan update and new additions, including a Farmers Market, Dog Park, Disc Golf Course and Canoe Livery. Mr. Steve Guitar, Community Relations Director, reviewed the proposed budget for his department. He reviewed the history of Sterling Heights TV from its beginning with Comcast, followed by WOW to Live Streaming, You Tube, On Demand Programming and now on U-verse. Mr. Guitar pointed out the various areas of programming they have Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 4 been able to maintain with the reductions in staffing levels. He discussed the aging equipment and pointed out this budget includes funding for the replacement of two video cameras and a new editing system. The proposed budget also contains funding to light up two of the four electronic signs that have been dark for more than one year - the sign at City Hall and the one at Fire Station #1. Mr. Guitar discussed the Volunteer Corps and volunteer opportunities. He announced the next Pride & SHINE day is scheduled for May 3rd. Mr. Guitar discussed the redesign of the City's existing website. Fire Chief Chris Martin reviewed the proposed budget for the Fire Department. He announced as a result of the passage of the Safe Streets Proposal, they were able to recall several firefighters that had been laid off and all fire stations will remain open. All emergency fire apparatus will remain in service and they will be able to fill positions open by attrition with new hires. Chief Martin discussed the company inspection program and pointed out the capital purchases, which include: Rescue/Pumper, Battalion Chief vehicle, Electric Positive Pressure Fan, Portable Extrication Equipment, Automatic External Defibrillators and Fire Headquarters parking lot. He reviewed the performance objectives in detail. Mr. Sal Conigliaro, Public Works Director, reviewed the proposed budget for his department. He highlighted the five maintenance divisions: Streets, Water, Sewer, Fleet Maintenance and Parks and Grounds. Mr. Conigliaro discussed the Pavement Preservation Initiative, the Street Division Capital Equipment, the Sewer Division Capital Equipment, Parks and Grounds Division Turf Rehabilitation Program and Capital Equipment. He pointed out the Ball Diamond Rehabilitation Program, Noxious High Grass/Weed Cutting Program, Sanitary and Storm Sewer Management Plan goals and Asset Management. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 5 Mr. Vanderpool recognized Budget Management Coordinator Janice Schoenrath, the behind the scenes person. Mayor Notte opened the workshop discussion to the audience. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove questioned the outcome of the early morning fire if the Fire Department did not have the millage increase and why the big ladder trucks are necessary. He is glad to see the frisbee golf course in the programs and hopes it could be done quicker. Mr. Norgrove indicated the need for period furniture in the Upton House and inquired whether money could be put in the budget for that purchase. Mr. Charles Jefferson is happy to see the volunteer appreciation banquet reinstated and would like to see money appropriated to support Sports Time Out and bring that program back. Mayor Notte opened the discussion to the City Council members. Councilwoman Ziarko discussed the World Book Night scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd, where residents were able to sign up to give away free books. She pointed out there is no cost to the City, the recipient or the book giver. It's a program the City should promote. Councilwoman Ziarko stated residents miss the Calendar and she inquired whether a calendar could be included in the pages of the months the Sterling Magazine covers. Councilwoman Ziarko hopes with the additional employees in the Department of Public Works more of the snow plowing could be done in house. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned what is done with the retired fire trucks. Chief Martin responded they keep three fire engines, one ladder truck and one rescue truck in reserve. They leave it up to the DPW to decide which truck is put up for sale or junked. Councilwoman approves of the plan of action to replace retiring firefighters. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 6 Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the Delia Park lights and inquired the timeframe for installation of the lights. She also questioned the status of the grants that were applied for. Mr. Langlois responded they applied for multiple grants, with the two main ones through DTE Foundation and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They did not receive those grants, but are going to resubmit the grant to DTE with a different angle now that City funds are available. Mr. Langlois responded in regard to the timeline for the Delia Park lighting, they cannot start the process until November of 2014 when the football leagues are off the field and they have until April 2015 to get it done before opening day for baseball and softball. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the status of the soccer fields at Baumgartner Park. Mr. Langlois responded the north field is being rented fully on the weekends and they are addressing the south field also. Councilwoman Schmidt stated to Mr. Conigliaro, she had an opportunity to see the new infrared machine in use on 15 Mile Road and stated it is phenomenal. She is anxious to see how the patching holds up and excited to see the reminder of the roads repaired. Councilwoman Schmidt is glad the Department of Public Works was able to obtain new equipment, thanks to the voters and stated from a safety standpoint and the work that could be accomplished, it is greatly appreciated. Councilwoman Schmidt was amazed at the work that gets done by the Community Relations Department with only seven employees. She stated all employees have stepped up in all departments and it is amazing what has been accomplished with the amount of employees we have. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether Mr. Langlois has selected a location for the Dog Park and Disc Golf Course. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 7 Mr. Langlois responded the Disc Golf Course is tentatively identified for South Nelson Park. In regard to the Dog Park, after much debate, they are looking at Clinton River Park North for that space based on the infrastructure we have with the parking lot and close proximity to the nature system and trail system. He pointed out these are tentative plans right now. Councilwoman Koski wants to see something done with South Nelson Park. She discussed lining of the ball fields and inquired whether this is going to be done on a regular basis for the different leagues that play at the City parks. Mr. Langlois responded they are continuing to stripe all City owned fields and baseball diamonds. The City is reimbursed for supplies from the Youth Baseball and Softball organizations at school fields. Councilwoman Koski discussed the filming of ball games and inquired whether they researched the possibility of having a media co-op student trained to perform this duty for the City. She suggested the possibility of getting corporate sponsors to help cover the costs. Mr. Guitar responded they would be open to that, but it would require multiple people. He pointed out the equipment the City uses is ten to twelve years old, which could be different from what they use in the schools. He would be willing to research it further. Councilwoman Koski questioned Chief Martin about the pediatric emergencies and asked how that would work. Chief Martin responded they sent four people away for training in pediatric advanced life support and this will allow them to have one on each shift giving hands on training to other firefighters. Councilwoman Koski questioned the new hires and whether they would be pre-trained for ALS. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 8 Chief Martin responded there are strict requirements that limit the field of candidates. They interviewed 54 people that met the written requirements and the Fire Department requires them to be firefighter one and two paramedic as well as advanced cardiac life support, so that takes away some of the training the Fire Department has to do. They will be run through a three year orientation program to bring them up to speed with the Sterling Heights Fire Department requirements and then they have a year of probation. Councilman Skrzyniarz questioned Chief Martin as it relates to Fire Prevention and inquired whether the anticipated increase in inspections is due to the hiring of a full time specialist position. Chief Martin responded the new specialist will have two goals: He will coordinate company inspections and he will do planning reviews. He can also do fire inspections as needed. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated if we are going to get back up to pre 2011 levels, it will be necessary to hire more inspectors in future years. Councilman Skrzyniarz requested for next budget year the Chief provide a calculation on the return of investment in the area of fire prevention. Councilman Skrzyniarz questioned the annual cost for the printing of the City magazine. Mr. Baker responded $35,000 for the three editions, including postage. Councilman Skrzyniarz questioned social media and how the Community Relations Department deals with it. Mr. Guitar responded the City has an active Facebook and Twitter page and they monitor it closely. Councilman Skrzyniarz questioned who usually is assigned the task of sending out messages on a daily basis. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 9 Mr. Guitar responded he does that, along with two members of his staff and Mr. Langlois sends messages out as well. Councilman Skrzyniarz asked Mr. Guitar to consider in the future the use of college interns to help with social media coordination. Councilman Romano questioned the cost of the new rescue pumper. Chief Martin responded $650,000. Councilman Romano inquired whether it is a new piece of equipment because the City does not have one. Chief Martin responded yes it is a new piece of equipment. Councilman Romano inquired the possibility of service sharing and using a rescue pumper from another municipality. Chief Martin responded the Fire Department deals with extrication and people have to be stabilized and removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible. Councilman Romano questioned the use of a rescue pumper. Chief Martin responded it is the jaws of life and can carry water. Councilman Romano pointed out the City has been very frugal in what it spends and what they are spending now. The requested equipment is something that has been needed, but put aside because of the economy. He believes things are improving and he has no problem with this proposed budget. He believes the administrators have done a great job in keeping costs down. Councilman Taylor believes in an open Facebook policy. Councilman Taylor asked Ms. Turgeon about expanding Library hours or more resource material in the event more funds become available. Ms. Turgeon responded before the Library is open for more hours, she would like to see the Library resources increased. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 10 Councilman Taylor asked Chief Martin how the budget addresses the staffing of the heavy rescue and ladder truck. Chief Martin responded they are staffed twenty-four seven with a minimum of two people. Councilman Taylor wanted to focus on code enforcement efforts and asked about coordinating with the police department. Mr. Conigliaro responded the police department does take care of a number of issues for the Department of Public Works. He stated he would have to discuss increased code enforcement efforts with the Police Chief. Ms. Denise Gerstenberg added that they work with the police on quite a bit on code enforcement procedures, from the removal of vehicles during a snow emergency, cars parked in the right of way, the towing of vehicles, vacant buildings left open, etc. Councilman Taylor wanted to see more communication between the police officers and code enforcement officers. Councilman Taylor questioned the services provided by Neighborhood Services. Ms. Gerstenberg responded they try to be in the community and be good partners. They are accessible for phone calls and work with Community Relations to get properties cleaned up. Councilman Taylor questioned the Property Maintenance Educational Brochure and inquired how the information is distributed to the residents. Ms. Gerstenberg responded they have brochures that explain the different types of violations, they have SHINE tags that are placed on doors to explain the violations and they offer phone support. Councilman Taylor wants to see funding for a resource guide that explains the City codes. He suggested it be produced in several different languages. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 11 Ms. Gerstenberg responded they do some things in different languages, but she doesn't believe there is anything that relates to code enforcement. Mr. Vanderpool stated if the Council is inclined to allocate money for a resource guide, he suggested a motion be made at this time. Mayor Notte stated this is a great budget and there is no increase in the millage, other than the voter approved 2.5 mills. The millage last year was 12.6858 and this year it will be 15.1858. There are a number of capital improvements this year. He commended the Administration for the quick response to the pot hole problem. Moved by Taylor, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to amend the Appropriations Ordinance for fiscal year 2014/15 to increase the amount budgeted for code enforcement activities in the amount not to exceed $15,000 for the production of a code enforcement resource guide for non-English speaking residents. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were no Communications From Citizens. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL There were no reports from City Administration or City Council. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Page 12