City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 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 on the Treasure Hunters Market, which is being held at Dodge Park on Saturday, August 9 from 8 am to 3 pm. He explained this event brings more than 100 sellers together with avid bargain shoppers for a day of fun-filled transactions. More information can be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 446-2700. Mr. Vanderpool gave a heads up to the community that the Fire Department would be conducting a very unique training at Schoenherr Towers. On August 25, 26 and 27, they Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 2 will be conducting a rope rescue training scenario in which the crews will be expected to mitigate a scenario in "real time". The actions they take will be supervised by the Training Captain and one of our Firemen that is a rope rescue technician. The training will take place at Schoenherr Towers on Schoenherr Road north of Metropolitan Parkway. Mr. Vanderpool wanted to thank so many individuals for putting Sterlingfest together. He recognized the DPW for their work before, during and after the event, the Police Department for keeping everyone safe and the Fire Department for their response to a number of medical emergencies. He pointed out the Community Relations Department, led by Steve Guitar, did a fantastic job coordinating the event, the Facilities Maintenance Department, the Community Foundation that sponsored the Beach Ball event, the strong partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and especially the sponsors. Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on the M-53 closure for the bridge repair over the Clinton River. He explained the City had very little advance notice about this significant repair. He reported residents will continue to see more of these problems in Southeast Michigan because the State doesn't fund major roads and continues to underfund road repairs and maintenance. He apologized for the inconvenience to motorists and wished the City had some control over it. Mr. Vanderpool reported they would be providing updates to the residents on upcoming neighborhood projects. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 3 1. Mr. Donald DeNault, Assistant City Attorney, made a presentation explaining the state law and regulations governing marijuana and drug paraphernalia and the implementation of local regulations governing medical marijuana. He highlighted the ordinance, whereby they would be implementing a registration process to keep track of all the locations within the City that grow, cultivate or harvest marijuana. In addition to the registration requirement, the ordinance would also impose new restrictions on the secondary effects of the use and growing of medical marijuana that are not addressed by the Act. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor opened the discussion to the audience. Mr. Michael Lombardini of Sterling Heights has no problem with the ordinance in theory. He questioned whether there would be a change in the probable cause or search and seizure laws if a person is pulled over. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove of Sterling Heights questioned whether there would be fines for not registering, how the City would know if a location was not registered and how they would address the delivery devices sold at party stores and gas stations. He also questioned whether the ordinance addresses the waxes and oils being used. Ms. Linda Godfrey of Sterling Heights inquired the possibility of having an ordinance allowing one facility where medical marijuana is available to everyone. Mr. Paul M. Smith of Sterling Heights stated he is 100% against this ordinance. He expressed concern that this is going to lead to the legalization of marijuana. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 4 He urged the City Council to vote no on the ordinance and leave things the way they are. Mrs. Moira Smith of Sterling Heights expressed concern with children being exposed to this slippery slope toward legalizing marijuana and wanted to see the moralistic implications addressed. Mrs. Beverly Marocco of 44247 Nova , Sterling Heights, sees no reason to grant people permission to grow marijuana in this state and pointed out it is available for sale online. She expressed her concerns with the City contributing to a less productive population. Mr. Harry Marchlones of 13403 Brougham, Sterling Heights, has mixed emotions about this ordinance. He pointed out 75% of the police department and 70% of the fire department employees are not residents of Sterling Heights and they are being charged with enforcing this ordinance approving the marijuana law changes. Mr. Marchlones believes anything as important has marijuana being grown in the City of Sterling Heights should be on the ballot for the taxpayers to vote on. Mr. Gerald Sieja of Sterling Heights questioned the legal ramifications for a person operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or drugs. He also expressed concern with the packaging of marijuana. Ms. Karen Harris, former Sterling Heights resident and business owner in the City, stated Sterling Heights has a reputation of having a family friendly environment. She discussed brain development and the effect of marijuana on a Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 5 child. Ms. Harris believes there should be more thought on this issue and that it should not be approved by a small group of people, since it affects a lot of people in the State of Michigan. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to introduce the ordinance amending Chapter 35 of the City Code to conform with state laws and regulations governing marijuana and drug paraphernalia and to implement local regulations governing medical marijuana. Councilman Skrzyniarz clarified in 2008 this issue was put to a vote by the residents of Michigan and residents of Sterling Heights. 61,059 people voted on the legalization of medical marijuana and nearly 60% of the voters in Sterling Heights supported this referendum that was on the ballot. He stated the whole reason for doing this is because there were areas in the referendum that were very vague. They are trying to make it safer for residents and neighbors by implementing these changes and it is actually toughening up the law. For those reasons, he is in support of the ordinance. Councilman Romano expressed concern about people abusing medical marijuana and stated people have been abusing the system for a long time. He stated by the City Council passing this ordinance, they are trying to conform more so to the state so that we can enforce it. We are making this law stronger. He stated there are people out there suffering and if this eases their pain, and it can be done legally, we should embrace that and help them out. He believes this is a good ordinance. Councilwoman Schmidt discussed penalties for someone found not to be registered, but they have approval as a grower or a provider. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 6 Mr. DeNault explained they reviewed each of the new provisions with the police department and determined as a group which ones should be civil infractions, which ones should be criminalized and which ones should be hybrid or first offense for those people that don't know better but repeat the violation. The fine schedule on the books at this time is $150.00 for the first offense, $375.00 for the second, $750.00 for the third and over $1,000.00 for the fourth offense. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether the building inspectors will go out and make sure the electrical is up to code when a location is registered. Mr. DeNault stated the plan is for each individual to submit registration materials to the City Clerk's Office and they would send it to the police, fire and building departments for review. If the person is only proposing to grow personal plants in a very small area of the home, there may be no need for any type of inspection or permit. If they are proposing to use an outdoor shed with 72 plants for six people, that would present more of a risk and permits would probably be required. It would come down to each individual situation. Councilwoman Schmidt expressed concern that people can say anything on a registration form. She would be more comfortable if there was an actual physical inspection to make sure what is in the registration form would be the truth. She also expressed concern with growing marijuana in apartment buildings. Mr. DeNault responded as it is written, it would not be permitted in any attached residential structure. It has to be a single detached residence. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether the City would be more diligent about enforcing the sale of paraphernalia in the gas stations. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 7 Mr. DeNault stated from a legal perspective they are confined by the definition given them by the state. If the state allows ornamental devices, it would be very difficult to separate those and enforce that aspect. Councilwoman Koski inquired how much of the information in the registration is public. Mr. DeNault responded it is strictly confidential. Councilwoman Koski inquired how they would know if a location was licensed to grow medical marijuana. Mr. DeNault responded there is no way to know and that is one of the purposes of this proposal to try and figure that out. Law enforcement is only allowed to know the name of the person and the fact that they are holding a card. Councilwoman Koski questioned who would be required to register with the City, the person themselves or the caregiver. Mr. DeNault responded it would be the caregiver. Councilwoman Koski questioned reinspections. Mr. DeNault stated there is an annual re-registration requirement, but if no significant changes have been made, there would be no reason for a reinspection. Councilwoman Ziarko stated the state tells us that residents of Sterling Heights are allowed to grow medical marijuana, but we have no way of knowing that they are doing this. She stated it is always a possibility that people will break the rules no matter what regulations are in place. Councilwoman Ziarko stated there are people that use this legitimately to decrease their pain and we would want them to have it for that reason. By Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 8 changing the ordinance and putting these restrictions in place, we are limiting or making sure that recreational marijuana does not creep into the medical part. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor stated his understanding of this ordinance is that it will make it more restrictive and harder to grow, use and possess marijuana. If we were to do nothing, it would be counter-productive and would not lead to a better result. He asked Mr. DeNault to respond to the resident's questions as to how this would affect reasonable suspicion, probable cause determinations. Mr. DeNault responded that is all case law defined and would not change. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor asked Mr. DeNault to address the question from Mr. Smith why Sterling Heights could not be a dry city. He inquired if there was a mechanism under the state law to allow municipalities to opt out of the law and criminalize even medical marijuana use. Mr. DeNault responded no community could opt out because municipalities are arms of the state and must act as arms of the state. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor asked Mr. DeNault to reiterate or confirm that this would not make it permissible for a person with a medical marijuana card to operate a motor vehicle while impaired. Mr. DeNault confirmed there are still criminal penalties that would apply. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor stated when voters are asked to pass legislation themselves, it leads to difficult results. This is an opportunity that shows when governing bodies have a chance to debate it and fill in the gaps, that is usually the best way to go about it. Vote on motion to introduce the ordinance: Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 9 Yes: Skrzyniarz, Romano, Schmidt, Taylor, Ziarko, Koski. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 2. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 15, 2014, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $958,563.61, Water & Sewer Fund - $2,211,668.94, Other Funds - $1,847,274.74, Total Checks - $5,017,507.29. C. RESOLVED, to purchase janitorial supplies from Nichols Paper & Supply Co., d/b/a Nichols, Inc., 1391 Judson Road, Norton Shores, MI 49456 at pricing available through the National IPA Cooperative Contract #100489, for a one-year period. D. RESOLVED, to purchase fifty-five model X26P Tasers, with accessories, software and training suit, from Michigan Taser Distributing, Inc., 10422 Londonberry Drive, South Lyon, MI 48178, at pricing available through MiDeal Contact #071B4300067 in the cumulative amount of $64,964.42. E. RESOLVED, to: (A) Purchase software maintenance services and upgrades for the GIS from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373 for a three-year period ending June 30, 2015 at a cost of $38,850; and,  Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 10 (B) Authorize the City Manager to extend the terms of the maintenance agreement annually on the same terms and conditions and sign all documentation required on behalf of the City. F. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating September 17 - 23, 2014 as Constitution Week in the City of Sterling Heights: ~ Resolution ~ Sterling Heights City Council A resolution of the Sterling Heights City Council designating September 17th through September 23rd, 2014 as Constitution Week in the City of Sterling Heights Whereas, the Constitution of the United States of America sets forth this Nation’s fundamental laws, providing the framework for its governance and the principles under which it must operate; and, Whereas, signed on September 17, 1787 by 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, the Constitution and its amendments were written to define and protect the rights and liberties of all American citizens, and were intended to endure for ages to come; and, Whereas, through the years, the Constitution has been amended to meet the changing needs of the American people, but continues to protect our rights as citizens by exercising the principle “to rule by law, not by men;” and, Whereas, it is of great importance that all citizens fully understand the provisions and principles of the Constitution in order to support, preserve, and defend it against all encroachments; and, Whereas, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17th through 23rd as Constitution Week. Whereas, to commemorate the 227th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States of America and to encourage patriotism and reaffirmation of the ideals set forth by our Founding Fathers, the General Josiah Harmar Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sterling Heights, MI, encourages all citizens to observe Constitution Week. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, and State of Michigan, hereby designates September 17th through September 23rd, 2014 as Constitution Week in the City of Sterling Heights and encourages residents to proudly fly the flag of the  Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 11 United States, celebrate the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, and reaffirm their commitment as citizens of this great nation to uphold the duties and responsibilities that good citizenship requires. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of Sterling Heights to be affixed hereto on this 6th day of August, 2014. ________________________________ Mark Carufel, City Clerk Yes: Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 3. Mr. Vanderpool made a presentation explaining the amendment to the Sterling Heights Governing Body Rules of Procedure in response to a request by Councilwoman Ziarko as it relates to the time limit for communications to the City Council. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor opened the discussion to the audience. Ms. Linda Godfrey proposed additional changes to the Council rules of procedure, along with the proposed change. She stated since 1994, the City Council has made ten changes to their rules of procedure and in each case, those changes have been against the residents. Ms. Godfrey stated when there are a vast number of people that want to speak, the City Council should extend the meeting past midnight to allow all speakers to be heard. She would be in favor of leaving the time limit as it is since it is not that often that there is a large crowd of speakers. Ms. Godfrey discussed the fact that the City Council violates their own rule by responding to citizens and debating with them. Under public hearings, Ms. Godfrey suggested that speakers give their name and city of residence, in lieu Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 12 of their full address. Council Rule 20 addresses voting and she would like to see included in that rule the reason a council member abstains from voting. Also, if the council member is planning to abstain, they should not speak on the issue. Mr. Paul Smith discussed the violations of the Open Meetings Act and stated that everyone that comes to a City Council meeting is entitled to speak. He believes the City has the ability to reduce the time limit if there are a large number of speakers. Ms. Beverly Marocco likes the idea of shortening the time limit and stated it would be more beneficial to the residents of the City to have a little bit more time to speak as opposed to nonresidents. Mr. Gerald Sieja is against time limits for communications and stated Council is here to listen to the public. He believes the meetings can be extended past midnight to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to approve the amendment to Rule No. 5 of the City of Sterling Heights Governing Body Rules of Procedure to allow the Chair to reduce the seven minute time limit to three minutes to ensure that all persons interested in addressing the City Council have an opportunity to speak. Councilwoman Ziarko pointed out there were several issues that people spoke on this evening and they didn't use their time limit, but still got their message across. She stated the Council is listening to the residents. The reason for this amendment is to allow lesser time when there is a heated item and many people want to speak. Most people can get their point across in two to three minutes without repeating themselves. She pointed out Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 13 there are people in the audience that have to get up early for work and it wouldn't be fair for them to sit in the Council chambers well after midnight in order to be heard. Councilwoman Schmidt spoke in favor of the amendment. She stated she is comfortable with the fact that it pinpoints specific agenda items. In response to a comment from a resident, she pointed out that Mayor Notte did not cherry-pick people that were on one side or the other, he went back and forth with the speakers - one in favor and one against. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor pointed out there are 16 people in the audience this evening and seven agenda items. If the City Council were to allow all speakers to speak on every item for the full seven minutes, that would amount to thirteen hours. The Council is not taking away the voices of the residents, but improving the communications we receive. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor agrees that the meetings should go past midnight if need be in order to listen to all the residents. He is happy with this amendment and will vote in favor of it. Vote on motion to approve the amendment to Rule No. 5: Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Koski, Romano. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. 4. Ms. Karen Harris, founder and CEO of Integrated Living, Inc., was present with Business Manager Rachel Cormany, to explain the request for recognition as a local nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a charitable gaming license. Ms. Cormany explained how they want to expand their fund raising by selling raffle tickets to the public for the next four months. In December they will hold their annual holiday party and draw the winners. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 14 Mr. Gerald Sieja spoke in support of the organization and hopes the City Council approves their request. Mr. Paul Smith stated these issues always pass. The State of Michigan approves the charitable organizations to allow the established charities to run a poker game to finance their charities. He stated now we are establishing charities to run poker games. He recently became a member of the K of C and stated the money the K of C raises with their poker games is designated for crippled and disadvantaged children and identical to what the ladies described. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, that the request from Integrated Living, Inc., of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, asking that they be recognized as a nonprofit organization operating in the community for the purpose of obtaining a charitable gaming license be considered for approval; provided, however, that this action is not an endorsement of the organization and the City of Sterling Heights should not be listed on any promotional materials associated with their charitable gaming activities. Councilwoman Schmidt stated as a member on the board of a nonprofit, she is aware how difficult it is to raise funds. She pointed out the application the applicant has applied for is a raffle license, it is not for gaming and it is very specific for that use. Councilwoman Schmidt is comfortable with the request and wishes them well. Councilwoman Ziarko agrees with the comments made by Councilwoman Schmidt. She appreciates the fact that the petitioners have a Plan B if they don't sell enough tickets to meet the prize amounts it would go to a 50-50 raffle and she is comfortable with their plan and wishes them well. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 15 Councilman Romano questioned how the organization is funded. Ms. Harris responded it is Medicaid funding through the State of Michigan. Councilman Romano questioned the healthy balance in their account and how they acquired the funds. Ms. Harris stated they have accounts with different banks for different purposes. They have acquired these funds though conservative fiscal management over the past 22 years. She pointed out it is not easy and they are facing Medicaid cuts of 5%, which might mean they will have to use some of this fund balance. Councilman Romano stated with the raffle tickets being only $5.00, there is no money to be made here. He questioned the advantage of the City Council giving them this license, when in fact that money is there through all the other agencies they get money from. Ms. Harris clarified that this is not a gaming license, it is for raffle tickets. This money is designated for special projects outside of their Medicaid funding. Councilman Romano questioned the compensation and number of officers. Ms. Harris questioned the relevance of this question to their request. Councilman Romano expressed concern that the money from the raffles would be comingled with other funds. Ms. Harris stated they have a separate account at Chase Bank for donations and fund raising. She pointed out they pay their direct care staff $9.35 per hour and go up from there for benefits. None of the board members are compensated unless they do business with them. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 16 Councilwoman Koski pointed out they are already a nonprofit organization and they have a 501 C-3 status. She asked Ms. Harris to explain how they get this 501 C-3 status and how they keep it. Ms. Harris explained the application they are required to file with the Federal Government and IRS. Vote on motion to approve the request by Integrated Living, Inc.: Yes: Schmidt, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. 5. Mr. Harry Marchlones questioned Mr. Wawrzyniak's qualifications for the position on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Aaron Wawrzyniak to the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term ending June 30, 2017, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking oath of office within two weeks. Councilman Romano pointed out Mr. Wawrzyniak has been a resident of Sterling Heights and is head of the Beautification Commission. He has served this community in an excellent manner. Councilwoman Ziarko stated when a person is appointed to a board or commission they learn the rules and procedures, so it is a learning opportunity. Yes: Romano, Ziarko, Koski, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 17 6. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor recommended the appointment of Julie Bondy to the Ethnic Community Committee. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Julie Bondy to the Ethnic Community Committee to a term ending June 30, 2016, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilman Taylor stated he had a chance to speak with Ms. Bondy and she has more than enough experience to be a very favorable addition to the community. Yes: Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Schmidt. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor recommended the appointment of Laurel Johnson to the Local Development Finance Authority. Moved by Romano, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Laurel Johnson to the Local Development Finance Authority to a term ending June 30, 2015, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Romano, Taylor, Koski, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Ziarko. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to postpone the appointment to the Cultural Commission to the next regular City Council meeting of August 19, 2014. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Koski, Romano. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 18 Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to appoint Henrietta Baczewski to the Solid Waste Management Commission to a term ending June 30, 2015, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko. Absent: Notte. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Harry Marchlones - Property at 35852 Marina. Mr. Michael Lombardini - Petition relating to the discrimination ordinance; Support for Mayor Notte. Mr. Joel Thomas - Support for Mayor Notte; Penalties for late summer tax payments. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove - Support for Mayor Notte; Thank you for National Night Out and Sterlingfest; Cal Phipps, grand national hydroplane summer champion. Ms. Linda Godfrey - Support for Mayor Notte; UCS flyer with pictures of ReMax realtors from City of Troy; Medical Marijuana forms; Fireworks issue/Councilman Romano's comment. Mr. Paul Smith - Primary election/District 4 County Commissioner Joel Thomas; Saturday's event in front of Upton House/peaceful nonviolent demonstration to raise awareness of things being done against Christians in the northwest quadrant of Iraq; Behavior of Councilman Skrzyniarz at recent petition drive in front of the Library. Mr. Gerald Sieja - Support for Mayor Notte; Resident's right to vote on the discrimination ordinance/disappointed with actions of Councilman Skrzyniarz; Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 19 Ms. Jennifer Abed - In favor of people's right to voice their opinion on the discrimination ordinance; Appalled by Councilman Skrzyniarz' actions. Ms. Verna Babula - Thank you to Councilman Romano, Councilwoman Schmidt, Councilwoman Koski and Councilwoman Ziarko for not interfering with the petition drive regarding the nondiscrimination ordinance/disappointment with Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor and Councilman Skrzyniarz. Mr. Tony Rand – Credit card processing equipment and worn out signs at the Court building. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL There was no report from Mr. Vanderpool or Mr. Bahorski at this time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business discussed at this time. NEW BUSINESS 1. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that some of the suggestions made by Ms. Godfrey are worth looking into. 2. Councilman Skrzyniarz questioned the status of the farmer's market. 3. Councilman Skrzyniarz discussed the road conditions and encouraged residents to contact their state legislators and advocate for the proper road funding. 4. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor asked Mr. Vanderpool if he wanted to respond to a couple of the issues raised. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 20 Mr. Vanderpool stated on the farmer's market, it is something they would be addressing in the master plan update. He stated it is an area where they would be looking at some grant funding. As it relates to the road conditions, Mr. Vanderpool also encouraged residents to contact their state legislators. 5. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked all of the employees, volunteers, sponsors and everyone involved in Sterlingfest. She pointed out there was a phenomenal turnout. She stated to Mayor Notte "God speed, we miss you and look forward to your coming back". 6. Councilman Romano congratulated Steve Guitar and the staff of the Community Relations Department for the success of Sterlingfest. 7. Councilman Romano cautioned residents about the use of Chinese lanterns and suggested they increase their insurance. 8. Councilman Romano pointed out this is not a eulogy for Mayor Notte, he will be back. 9. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor echoed the sentiments of some of his colleagues and residents and said he is keeping the seat warm for Mayor Notte. He stated we all miss him and can't wait to see him back at the Council table. 10. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor pointed out he went to the Library on Friday and he believed it was democracy in action and what happens in America. He stated they both had a right to voice their opinions and he was proud to be there. 11. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor congratulated Mr. Joel Thomas and stated he still has a long Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Page 21 road ahead of him. He did say, however, that it would be nice to have someone from the county commission at the regular City Council meetings. 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 10:19 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk