City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 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. 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. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported in observance of Thanksgiving, City offices would be closed for business on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28. The municipal offices include City Hall, Public Library, Parks & Recreation Center, Senior Active Life Center, 41-A District Court and the Nature Center. Hours of operation will resume on Monday, December 1. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool reported the City's refuse collection would be delayed one day the week of Thanksgiving - Thursday's collection will be on Friday and Friday's collection will be on Saturday. Mr. Vanderpool reminded residents that separate collection of yard waste for the 2014 calendar year ends Friday, December 5, 2014. Residents are reminded not to place leaves into the street and that no refuse or yard waste should be placed at the curbside earlier than 1 pm the day before collection. Homeowners disposing yard waste are asked to use either garbage containers labeled with city "yard waste" stickers or heavy-duty paper yard waste bags. Mr. Vanderpool reported the DPW's Annual Clothing Drive would be held on Saturday, December 6 at 9 am - 2 pm at the Public Works Building on 18 Mile Road. Donation of canned food and other non-perishables will be accepted through Monday, December 8. Mr. Vanderpool reported the 36th annual "A Sterling Christmas" would be held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 5:45 pm to 8:30 pm in Dodge Park. The official ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm with entertainment, the lighting of holiday decorations and the arrival of Santa Claus. The event activities will include pony rides, a petting farm, wagon rides, carousel and caroling around a campfire. Children can visit Santa in the Recreation Center. Parents are urged to bring a cameras to take souvenir photos. Optional donations of canned and boxed foods will be collected for the needy. For further information on this FREE event, residents may call the Parks and Recreation Department at 446-2700. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool was pleased to announce that Sterling Heights was honored as a four star community for its work to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn's Center for Innovation Research on Thursday, November 13th. Sterling Heights was recognized due to the proactive entrepreneurial environment resulting from the City's economic development program and the fact that we have issued over 1,300 permits to projects estimated to be worth around $68.4 million. Mr. Vanderpool reported MDOT would be holding a meeting in the Council Chambers on Thursday, November 20 from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm to discuss the Van Dyke reconstruction project, which would begin this fall. Mr. Vanderpool reported the City Attorney and he are requesting that City Council convene in closed session for the purpose of discussing strategy in connection with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement and a privileged and confidential communication from the City Attorney. ORDINANCE ADOPTION 1. Mr. Donald Mende, City Planner, noted that there was nothing additional to add from the introduction of the ordinance at the last City Council meeting. He did state, however, that the rezoning request was unanimously recommended by the Planning Commission. Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt, BE IT ORDAINED, to adopt a map amendment to conventionally rezone property on the northwest corner of 14 Mie Road and Red Run Drive in Section 35 from O-1 (Business & Professional Office District) and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 4 R-60 (One-Family Residential District) to RM-2 (Multiple-Family Low Rise District), Case No. PZ14-1128. CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS COUNTY OF MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 278-XX AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MAP OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN. THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS ORDAINS: Section 1. That the following parcels of land located in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, and described as follows: Parcel 1: A parcel of land situated in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, and described as follows: Town 2 North, Range 12 East, Section 35: Beginning at the intersection of the South line of Section 35 and the centerline of Red Run Road; thence North 0 degrees 01 minute East 1211.6 feet; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes West 187.36 feet; thence South 0 degrees 01 minute West 1211.6 feet; thence North 89 degrees 32 minutes East 187.36 feet to the Point of Beginning, EXCEPT the Easterly 35 feet of the Northerly 740.03 feet thereof deeded to the City of Sterling Heights for Red Run Road as disclosed by instrument recorded in Liber 16361, page 75, Macomb County Records. Parcel 2: A parcel of land situated in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, and described as follows: Town 2 North, Range 12 East; Beginning at a point 187.36 feet South 89 degrees 32 minutes West of the intersection of the South line of Section 35 and the centerline of Red Run Road; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes West 60 feet; thence North 0 degrees 39 minutes West 343 feet; thence South 89 degrees 17 minutes West 172.77 feet; thence North 0 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds East 869.33 feet; thence North 89 degrees 32 minutes East 232.52 feet; thence South 0 degrees 01 minute West 1211.6 feet to the Point of Beginning. Subject to any and all easements and rights of way of record or otherwise. Parcel Identification Nos. Parcel 1: 10-35-400-015 Parcel 2: 10-35-400-014 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 5 Commonly known as: Parcel 1: 33333 Red Run Drive Parcel 2: 13001 East Fourteen Mile Road Common Description: North side of Fourteen Mile Road, west of Red Run Drive in Section 35, Z-1128) currently zoned O-1 (Business Professional Office District) and R-60 (One-Family Residential District) be rezoned as provided for below. Section 2. That the following parcel of property be rezoned from O-1 (Business and Professional Office District) to RM-2 (Multiple Family Low Rise District): Parcel 1: A parcel of land situated in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, and described as follows: Town 2 Town, Range 12 East, Section 35: Beginning at the intersection of the South line of Section 35 and the centerline of Red Run Road; thence North 0 degrees 01 minute East 1211.6 feet; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes West 187.36 feet; thence South 0 degrees 01 minute West 1211.6 feet; thence North 89 degrees 32 minutes East 187.36 feet to the Point of Beginning, EXCEPT the Easterly 35 feet of the Northerly 740.03 feet thereof deeded to the City of Sterling Heights for Red Run Road as disclosed by instrument recorded in Liber 16361, page 75, Macomb County Records. in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Sterling Heights and that the Zoning Map be amended accordingly. Section 3. That the following parcel of property be rezoned from R-60 (One-Family Residential District) to RM-2 (Multiple Family Low Rise District): A parcel of land situated in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, and described as follows: Town 2 North, Range 12 East; Beginning at a point 187.36 feet South 89 degrees 32 minutes West of the intersection of the South line of Section 35 and the centerline of Red Run Road; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes West 60 feet; thence North 0 degrees 39 minutes West 343 feet; thence South 89 degrees 17 minutes West 172.77 feet; thence North 0 degrees 17 minutes 30 seconds East 869.33 feet; thence North 89 degrees 32 minutes East 232.52 feet; thence South 0 degrees 01 minute West 1211.6 feet to the Point of Beginning. in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Sterling Heights and that the Zoning Map be amended accordingly. Section 4. All other provisions of the text and map of the Sterling Heights Zoning Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 6 Section 5. This amendment shall become effective seven days after publication of this amendment or a notice of adoption. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights on the 5th day of November, 2014, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights on the 18th day of November, 2014. ___________________________________ MARK CARUFEL CITY CLERK INTRODUCED: 11-05-14 ADOPTED: 11-18-14 PUBLISHED: 11-23-14 EFFECTIVE: 11-30-14 Yes: All. The motion carried. 2. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, BE IT ORDAINED, to adopt a map amendment to conventionally rezone property on the northeast corner of Van Dyke and Riverland Drive in Section 3 from C-2 (Planned Comparison Business District) to C-3 (General Business District), Case No. PZ14-1129. CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS COUNTY OF MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 278-YY AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MAP OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN. THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS ORDAINS: Section 1. That the following parcel of land located in the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, and described as follows: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 7 Land situated in the City of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, State of Michigan, described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest 1/4 of Fractional Section 3, T.2 N.- R.12 E., City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan, described as follows: To fix the point of beginning, commence at the Southwest corner of said Section; thence N.02°-32'-50”E., on said West Section line, 1555.11 feet; thence N.76°- 48'-30”E., 62.34 feet to the East line of Van Dyke Avenue (120.00 feet in width) and the point of beginning of this description; thence N.02°-32'-50”E., on said East line, 105.77 feet; thence S.87°-27'-14”E., 189.00 feet; thence S.02°-32'- 50”W., parallel with said West Section line, 219.23 feet to the North line of said Riverland Drive; thence S.76°-48'-30”W., on said North line, 21.36 feet; thence N.02°-32'-50”E., on parallel with said West Section line, 166.72 feet; thence S.76°-48'-30”W., parallel with the North line of said Riverland Drive, 175.00 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to any and all easements and rights of way of record or otherwise. Parcel Identification No. Parcel 10-03-301-010-000 Commonly known as: Part of 43500 Van Dyke Avenue Common Description: East side of Van Dyke between Riverland Drive and Canal Road in Section 3 be rezoned from C-2 (Planned Comparison District) to C-3 (General Business) in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Sterling Heights and that the Zoning Map be amended accordingly. Section 2. All other provisions of the text and map of the Sterling Heights Zoning Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. Section 3. This amendment shall become effective seven days after publication of this amendment or a notice of adoption. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights on the 5th of November, 2014, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights on the 18th day of November, 2014. ____________________________________ MARK CARUFEL Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 8 CITY CLERK INTRODUCED: 11-05-14 ADOPTED: 11-18-14 PUBLISHED: 11-23-14 EFFECTIVE: 11-30-14 Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 3. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 18, 2014, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $850,143.53, Water & Sewer Fund - $2,645,305.13, Other Funds - $2,120,173.62, Total Checks - $5,615,622.28. C. RESOLVED, to receive the report of the Purchasing Manager pursuant to City Code §2-221(B) regarding emergency repairs to a public sanitary sewer line installed on the west side of the Red Run Drain, north of 15 Mile Road and east of Schoenherr Road by the following contractors: a. Capital Contracting Co., 6336 Millett Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 in the amount of $183,931.36; b. Utility Services Authority, LLC, 6001 Schooner, Belleville, MI 48112 in the amount of $121,396; and c. Godwin Pumps of America, Inc., 300 Temple Street, Painesville, OH 44077-1152 in the amount of $32,225.60. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 9 D. RESOLVED, to: a. Approve the purchase of eight Stalker 2X radar units with accessories from Applied Concepts, Inc., d/b/a Stalker Radar, 2609 Technology Drive, Plano, TX 75074, at pricing available through the State of Michigan's MiDeal Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract No. 071B4300042, in the cumulative amount of $21,533.20; and, b. Authorize an amendment to the Public Safety Forfeiture Fund budget in the amount of $4,033.20 from Public Safety Forfeiture Fund reserves. E. RESOLVED, to: a. Award the bid for the purchase of two Stalker SAM stationary radar trailers to Applied Concepts, Inc., d/b/a Stalker Radar, 2609 Technology Drive, Plano, TX 75074, at a total cost of $15,930; and b. Authorize an amendment to the Capital Projects Fund budget in the amount of $15,930 to reflect receipt of the Justice Assistance Grant funds in the same amount. F. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Best Asphalt, Inc., 6334 N. Beverly Plaza, Romulus, MI 48174, in the amount of $66,169.95, plus interest on retainage, for the 2013 City Park Improvements at Beaver Creek, Magnolia, and Fairfield Parks, City Project #13-237. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 10 4. Mr. Vanderpool made a presentation on his recommendation to appoint Bridget Doyle as Community Relations Director effective December 17, 2014. He stated in accordance with both the City Charter and the collective bargaining agreement between the City and the MAPE Executive Group, City Council confirmation of this appointment is required. Mr. Vanderpool explained Ms. Doyle is currently employed as the Communications Coordinator for the Village of Lombard, Illinois. She is responsible for generating all forms of the municipality's communication, including press releases, social media and website content. As the designated Public Information Officer, Ms. Doyle is charged with providing updates on public safety incidents, including natural disaster. She also served as the coordinator/planner of all special community events. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the City of Sterling Heights is in the process of developing a new website with the input and assistance of consultant, Civic Plus. Ms. Doyle coordinated Lombard, Illinois' website development using Civic Plus, as well. Her work experience in Lombard, Illinois will also aid in the City's social media outreach that will be enhanced through the new website. Marketing the City's varied quality of life programs is an aspect of the Community Relations Director position that motivated Ms. Doyle to apply. She brings an energetic personality and fresh outlook to the position as well as a sound technical background in media relations. Prior to her current public sector employment position, Ms. Doyle was employed by the Chicago Tribune as a metro reporter. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri. Adjectives used by references to describe Ms. Doyle included: enthusiastic, everyone liked her, self-starter, excellent writer, team player, tech Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 11 savvy and ambitious. The Lombard City Manager described Ms. Doyle as being savvy, respectful, very responsive, energetic, innovative, ethical, civil minded and a team player. Mr. Vanderpool is recommending the City Council confirm his appointment of Bridget Doyle as the Community Relations Director for the City of Sterling Heights. He invited Ms. Doyle to make a few remarks at this time. Ms. Doyle thanked the City Council, City Manager and City staff for giving her this opportunity. She is excited and confident that she can continue with what the staff has started and plans to bring her own ideas as well. Ms. Doyle is looking forward to serving the City of Sterling Heights, and stated this community has a wonderful reputation. She stated she will work hard to make sure services are above the expectations of the residents and City Council. Mr. Paul Smith of Sterling Heights welcomed Ms. Doyle, but felt that the City could easily find more qualified people in the City of Sterling Heights for this job. He inquired whether the City was paying for her relocation to Sterling Heights. Mr. Michael Lombardini welcomed Ms. Doyle to the City of Sterling Heights and expressed to her that she will love the City as much as the residents and City Manager. He hoped she would bring the same professionalism, experience and job quality as Mr. Vanderpool has brought to the City. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to confirm the City Manager's appointment of Bridget Doyle as Community Relations Director effective December 17, 2014 in accordance with the Charter of the City of Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 12 Councilwoman Ziarko welcomed Ms. Doyle to Sterling Heights, stating she is very qualified for the job and she has confidence in what Ms. Doyle will bring to this community. Councilwoman Schmidt stated after meeting with Ms. Doyle, she was totally impressed. She stated it is refreshing to see new people moving into Michigan for jobs instead of people moving out for jobs. Councilwoman Koski pointed out Ms. Doyle scored the highest of all the applicants. She is looking forward to her new ideas for the City. Councilman Romano stated Ms. Doyle does have the qualifications for the job and it's impossible to please everyone all the time. Councilman Skrzyniarz welcomed Ms. Doyle to Sterling Heights and stated he is looking forward to having her in our community. He encouraged residents to go online and read the E-packet with Ms. Doyle's resume. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor echoed the comments from his colleagues and stated he looks forward to working with her. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Mike Jurban - Dispatch consolidation, Furlough days. Mr. Mike Lombardini - Urged residents to research candidates for City Council. Ms. Jasmine Early -Smart Meters. Ms. Jackie Ryan - Smart Meters. Mr. Paul Smith - Smart Meters. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 13 REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool responded to questions from residents as it relates to dispatch consolidation and furlough days. He pointed out the savings of $5 million to the City with the consolidation of dispatch and pointed out it's not unusual to train dispatchers. In regard to furlough days, Mr. Vanderpool stated they are being restored. Mr. Vanderpool stated Ms. Ryan gave a great presentation on Advance Meters, but he encouraged her to give that presentation to the Michigan Public Service Commission, since they have complete jurisdiction over the equipment used by utility companies. Mr. Bahorski indicated there were two items for closed session and the motion would require a roll call vote. Councilman Skrzyniarz wished his colleagues, administration and residents a very Happy Thanksgiving. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1967 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to recess to closed session for the purpose of discussing strategy in connection with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement and a privileged and confidential communication from the City Attorney. Roll call vote: Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Koski, Romano. The motion carried. The meeting recessed at 8:24 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor reconvened the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Page 14 Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to authorize the City Manager to pursue all available remedies to abate the nuisance conditions and code violations at 5701 through 5757 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights. Councilman Romano pointed out he is making this motion because he received an abundance of information and he is satisfied with what he has seen. Yes: All. The motion carried. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk