City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 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 reminded residents that the City has to declare Snow Emergencies in order to effectively remove snow from the City streets and sidewalks. He pointed out emergency alerts are broadcast on Sterling Heights Television (Channels 5 and 10), Sterling Heights Radio (AM 1700), the City's website (www.sterling-heights.net), press releases and list serve notices. Mr. Vanderpool reviewed the procedures for the removal of vehicles from the streets and sidewalks. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone about the 36th annual Sterling Christmas being held this Saturday, December 6 from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m., with the official ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. He encouraged residents to visit the City's website for other planned Christmas events. Mr. Vanderpool reported on the upcoming Van Dyke construction project and showed a video highlighting the simple resurfacing from 13 Mile Road to 14-1/2 Mile Road and the complete reconstruction of Van Dyke from 15 Mile Road to 18 Mile Road. He pointed out all the concrete will torn up and reconstructed in this $37 million project. Mr. Vanderpool stated although it will be a major inconvenience, MDOT plans to complete the reconstruction in one year. In addition to the streets, sidewalk gaps will be filled in. The landscaping will be done in the Spring of 2016 and a rendering of the 17 Mile Road intersection was shown with the new pedestrian friendly crossing, monument signage post, lighting poles, stamped concrete and the various trees and shrubbery planned for the medians. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out Van Dyke would be open to the businesses and MDOT has been working with them to provide ingress and egress during the entire construction project. PRESENTATION Councilman Skrzyniarz presented the Nice Neighbor Award to Tom Mitchell, nominated by his neighbor Brittany Todd. Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee Chairperson Ike Cabase explained the purpose of the Committee, the many events they sponsor and process for selection of the Diversity Distinction Award recipients. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 3 Chairperson Ike Cabase introduced members of the Ethnic Community Committee in attendance: Sharron Allen, Susan Kattula, Andrew Pulford, Iqbal Singh, Omie Brooks, Mohammed Alomari, Ann Jerzowski and Dr. Steve Naumovski. Mr. Cabase invited Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor and the City Council members to join him in presenting the awards. Mr. Cabase presented an award to Stephen Ministry at St. Lawrence Church and explained the group's dedication to offering one-on-one care to individuals in the Parish and/or surrounding communities, regardless of religious or ethnic background. The group has been part of St. Lawrence Church for 14 years and presently has 20 ministers that have been equipped to provide care. These individuals go through 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care to those who may be experiencing the loss of a loved one, hospitalization, divorce, job loss, a chronic or terminal illness, loneliness and much more. Ms. Omie Brooks presented an award to Michelle Dubiel, who brings people together in the community and takes an interest in children through her work with the autistic children as a para professional with the MISD and with the seniors at Seville Terrace. She hosts events for different people regardless of their descent or origin. She has served on the board for the last 13 years, with the Macomb/St. Clair Autism Society, which is a parent support group. Ms. Sharron Allen presented an award to Melanie Grund, who works in the office of Congressman Sander Leven as their Multi-cultural Outreach Coordinator. She volunteers many hours with Welcoming Michigan and has participated in several ESL chat sessions, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 4 sharing her time, talents and experiences to connect with new immigrant and refugee residents. Ms. Grund is also a supporter of the Cultural Exchange. Mr. Andrew Pulford presented an award to Pastor Alvin Thomas, Pastor and Hospice Chaplain at Seasons Hospice and The Nation Church. Pastor Thomas is dedicated to promoting a message of respect and understanding of all cultures through his volunteerism and involvement with several organizations. He is a regular volunteer with Welcoming Michigan, participating in the ESL chat program and spending time with immigrants and refugees to help them learn English in a casual environment. Pastor Thomas is also a supporter of the Interfaith Center for Racial Justice. Mr. Mohammed Alomari presented an award to St. Ephrem Catholic Church Food Pantry. The food pantry has been in existence practically since the beginning of the parish in 1964. The pantry serves needy families from every ethnic group living in Macomb County, with distributions weekly to families ranging in size from one to six people. The food in the Pantry is donated by the parishioners and is supplemented by the Macomb Food Bank. The staff, led by Mary Steffes and Carol Frontera, shop for perishable food, stock the shelves and distribute the food. Dr. Steve Naumovski presented an award to SET Logistics, owned and operated by two female residents of Sterling Heights, Donna Elliott and her daughter, Kristina. The trucking business is a champion in recognizing the ethnicity in every individual. The Italian heritage is not forgotten while the company hires ethnic truck drivers, including immigrants from European and Eastern European countries. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 5 Ms. Susan Kattula presented an award to WINGS - Women in God's Service, a volunteer group made up of parishioners from St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church. The ladies have monthly events to raise money for various charities throughout the state of Michigan. In addition, this group of women participated in the St. Jude Coins for Cancer, volunteer monthly for special needs events hosted at St. Joseph and with the BEAM Project, a project that assists newly arrived refugees that are blind and learning Braille, English, Mobility and Acculturating to the USA. Ms. Ann Jerzowski presented an Honorary Diversity Distinction Certificate to Lt. James Selewski, an officer with the Sterling Heights Police Department for over 20 years and a liaison to the community for 4 years. Lt. Selewski has been a constant supporter of the Ethnic Community Committee and participated in the annual Cultural Exchange Program. He will assist in the hiring process of several new officers in the next five years and wants to create a police force that will better represent the diverse population in the City. Mr. Ike Cabase presented and accepted an award on behalf of Steve Guitar, former Community Relations Department Director, for his dedication, devotion and commitment to the Ethnic Community Committee and to the City of Sterling Heights. He played a key role in many of the City's special programs and events that have made a lasting impact on the future of this community. Mr. Cabase thanked Gerald Smith of Comcast for the donations of the award trophies. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to individually and collectively recognize the 2014 Sterling Heights Diversity Distinction award winners and thank them Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 6 for their personal dedication and efforts in championing diversity and creating a welcoming environment and inclusive community for all Sterling Heights residents. Yes: All. The motion carried. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor called a five (5) minute recess at 8:06 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor reconvened the meeting at 8:13 p.m. PRESENTATION Mr. Brian Baker, Finance & Budget Director, made a presentation on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014, with the use of a power point presentation. He thanked the entire Finance Department staff, especially Leslie Reinhart and Nick Makie, and introduced Mr. Mark Hurst from Plante & Moran to present the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). Mr. Mark Hurst, along with Mr. Rumsey Abdellah, presented Council with the results of the external and independent audit and referenced the opinion letter, which is the highest opinion possible from Plante & Moran. Mr. Hurst pointed out the key facts in the audit are that the City of Sterling Heights has no adjusting journal entries and the City prepares the statement, which is the way it should be. Ms. Leslie Reinhart highlighted the City's financial accomplishments for the past year and presented Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor with the following awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for excellence in financial reporting: CAFR for the past 26 years and the Distinguished Budget award for the past 27 years. She pointed out the City received special recognition for the use of performance measurements. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 7 Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor accepted the awards on behalf of the City and thanked Mr. Baker and his staff. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to receive and accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014. Councilwoman Schmidt extended congratulations and thanks to all the Finance Department staff. Councilman Romano pointed out the bills are paid, we have a couple bucks in the bank, most pensions are funded almost completely and we are looking forward to the road improvements. Councilman Romano inquired the length of time Mr. Hurst from Plante & Moran has been working with the finance staff and Mr. Hurst responded 24 years. Councilman Romano inquired the number of years the City has received the CAFR award and Mr. Hurst responded 26 years. He thanked Mr. Baker and Mr. Vanderpool, stating this speaks volumes for the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 1. Mr. Brian Baker made a presentation on the first amendment to the Appropriations Ordinance for the 2014/15 fiscal year and stated this is the first reading of the ordinance that is scheduled for adoption at the next regular meeting. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to introduce the first amendment to the Appropriations Ordinance for the 2014/15 fiscal year. Yes: All. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 8 2. Mr. Mark Carufel, City Clerk, made a presentation explaining the changes to state law as it relates to massage therapist licensing. He pointed out the City is no longer allowed to license massage therapists, but they can continue to license massage establishments and require proof that the massage therapists are licensed with the state. The proposed amendments will update the City Code to use the term "massage therapists", include the state law definition of "massage therapy", delete local ordinance requirements for massage therapists to apply for a license from the City Clerk, adopt the new Administrative Rules governing prohibited conduct by massage therapists and continue to regulate certain additional conduct by massage therapists, such as providing services for an illegal purpose and engaging in deceptive advertising. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to introduce an Ordinance to amend Chapter 30 of the City Code to update the City's massage establishment regulations to conform with recent changes to state law. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 3. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove discussed Item E and inquired whether this involved grant funding or donations. Mr. Harry Marchlones discussed Item E and stated we have an excellent park there with excellent facilities, but the light poles are in need of replacement. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 18, 2014, as presented. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 9 B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $409,126.36, Water & Sewer Fund - $111,678.01, Other Funds - $1,250,086.06, Total Checks - $1,770,890.43. C. RESOLVED, to schedule a special meeting of the City Council for a strategic planning session on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. and direct the City Clerk to post the appropriate notices in accordance with Michigan's Open Meetings Act. D. RESOLVED, to: 1. Split the award of the bid for commercial grade fitness equipment to the following vendors at the respective unit prices bid: a. To All Pro Exercise, 45255 Five Mile Road, Plymouth Township, MI 48107 for the Octane Lateral X elliptical machines; b. To Direct Fitness Solutions, LLC, 600 Tower Road, Mundelein, IL 60060 for the Precor TRM 835 treadmills; and 2. Authorize a Capital Project Fund budget amendment in the amount of $76,958 to 43733339 (Capital Project Fund - Fire Extinguishment) and 982001 (Machinery & Equipment - Grant), recognizing $69,262.20 AFG grant revenue and using $7,695.80 of General Fund reserves for the 10% City match. E. RESOLVED, to: 1. Award the bid for installation services in connection with the new field lighting system at Joseph J. Delia Jr. Major Park to Countyline Power, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 10 LLC, 1350 West Curtis Road, Sanford, MI 48657 in the amount of $210,000; and 2. Authorize an amendment to the Land & Water Conservation Fund budget in the amount of $131,737.79 from General Fund reserves. F. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a floor scrubber/sweeper to Tennant Sales & Service Company, 701 North Lilac Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55422 in the net amount of $49,071.61. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 4. Mr. Nate Shannon, Sterling Heights resident, expressed his confidence in Mayor Pro- Tem Taylor and believes he would make an excellent choice for Mayor. Mr. Harry Marchlones, Sterling Heights resident, concurs with Mr. Shannon and stated Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor has excellent qualifications and the capability to fill the position. Mr. Geoff Gariepy wanted to lend his support to Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor and stated he has demonstrated the capability for the job. He made it known that anyone of the City Council members could fill the role as well. Mr. Jeff Norgrove discussed the personal commitment made by the former Mayor Notte and hoped Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor had the time to devote to the City. He stated that even though it is a part time position, it was a full time one for Mayor Notte. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Michael C. Taylor to fill the vacancy in the elective office of Mayor for the unexpired term of former Mayor Richard J. Notte. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 11 Councilman Romano stated he is comfortable with the motion he made. He believes Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor has done a good job in the absence of our beloved Mayor Notte. Councilman Romano stated Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor has to remember to always keep the residents first and he feels he will fit the job very well. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she has watched Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor chair the meetings over the last couple of months and he has been there for the City. She believes there is a good mix on the City Council and they all know how to work together to move the City forward. Councilwoman Ziarko believes at this time that it is in the best interest of the City to appoint Michael Taylor as Mayor. She stated the City Council will be available to assist him. Councilwoman Koski agrees with her colleagues and everything that has been said. She pointed out Michael Taylor is the people's choice because he is the Mayor Pro-Tem right now. She encouraged him not to be like Mayor Notte, but to be his own person and do what he thinks is right for the City. Councilwoman Koski reminded Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor that his family must always come first and that the City Council is a team and will be available to support him. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she will support Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor as well. She pointed out eleven years ago, she had small children just like he does. She also reminded him to keep his family as his number one priority and stated the City Council members would be ready to assist him if he needed them. She pointed out the City Council members respect each other and at the end of the day, they all do what is in the best Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 12 interest of the City. Councilwoman Schmidt doesn't expect Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor to be Mayor Notte, but he should be himself and do what is right for the residents. Councilman Skrzyniarz agrees with the other City Council members. He stated Michael Taylor is already the highest vote getter after the Mayor and people are very supportive of him and have a lot of confidence in his leadership. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated it is very appropriate to elevate him to the position of Mayor since people spoke at the polls and voted for him. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor spoke in support of the motion and stated it is very humbling to be going through this process right now. He thanked his wife and stated they came to this decision together, thanked the residents who voted for him and thanked his Mother, Father, Brother, Grandmother and Grandfather for all the work they did to help him get into this position. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor stated that he will not try to match or fill Mayor Notte's shoes; he can only be his own person and will do that. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Mike Lombardini - Congratulations to Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor. Mr. Harry Marchlones, Sterling Heights resident - Congratulations to Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor. Mr. Jeff Norgrove - Congratulations to Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor. Mr. Geoff Gariepy - Congratulations to Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor; Process for filling vacancy on City Council; Sterling Heights CERT team funding and equipment. Mr. Charles Jefferson, Sterling Heights resident - Warming centers. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 13 Mr. Mike Jurban - Congratulations to Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor; M-53 project and need for sidewalks. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool responded to the question from Mr. Jurban as it relates to sidewalks and stated all of the sidewalk gaps will be filled in. Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Vanderpool to include Mr. Gariepy's suggestion on the CERT team as part of the Strategic Planning Session. Mr. Vanderpool responded he could do that and will prepare a list of the needed equipment and come up with a funding plan in the event we could not get it funded in the proposed budget. He pointed out a lot of times businesses like to fund those types of emergency things. Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Vanderpool to address the question regarding funding for the lighting at Delia Park. Also in regard to the M-53 project, she inquired whether there was a written plan that he could make available to the residents and Council. Mr. Vanderpool stated they do have a plan and will post it on the City's website. With respect to the Delia Park lighting, it is being funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired how Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor wanted to be addressed - Mayor Taylor or Mr. Mayor. She asked Mr. Vanderpool to explain the process for filling the vacant seat on City Council. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 14 Mr. Vanderpool responded City Administration has researched and developed an outline for the process to be followed in filling a vacancy on the City Council. The process was developed with three key objectives in mind: 1. Expediency - the Council is required by Charter to fill the position within 60 days. In addition, the City's Strategic Planning process will be held on January 27, 2015. To the extent possible, it would be good to have the position filled by this date. 2. The process needs to be well organized but not too cumbersome, thereby potentially discouraging applicants. 3. Lastly, the process needs to be transparent so that the community has a chance to weigh in. Mr. Vanderpool stated the process below achieves the aforementioned: 1. Establish a deadline for residents interested in the vacancy to submit a letter of interest and resume. The recommended deadline is Monday, December 15th. 2. The City will publish a notice in the Source newspaper - Sterling Heights edition on Sunday, December 7th advising residents interested in the vacancy to submit the required letter of interest and resume by the December 15th deadline. The same notice will be posted on the City's website tomorrow. The notice will also advise interested residents of the opportunity to make a presentation at the December 16th regular meeting. The presentation should be limited to three minutes and interested residents will be instructed to cover: (a) Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 15 qualifications for office; (b) reasons for interest in the office; and (c) vision for Sterling Heights. 3. As letters of interest and resumes are received, they will be forwarded to Council members for review along with voting records. 4. Between December 16th and January 6th, based on the letter of interest, resume, and presentation (if one is made), Council members will have an opportunity to contact an interested resident for follow-up questions. Likewise, residents will have a chance to contact City Council members with their thoughts regarding each candidate. 5. At the January 6th regular meeting, the City Council will have a consideration item: To consider an appointment to the City Council to serve an unexpired term. 6. The newly appointed Council member would be sworn in at the January 20th regular meeting. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out this process is similar in timing and procedures to that undertaken in 2002 to fill the vacancy caused by Kathryn George's election to the Macomb County Probate Court. The major difference is the inclusion of the three minute presentation by interested parties. The benefits of Administration's recommendation include the following: • The process outlined is streamlined and results in appointment prior to the January 27th Strategic Planning special meeting which is important to have input from the entire City Council knowing certain aspects of the City's Visioning 2030 Plan will be put into motion. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 16 • The Public Presentation opportunity results in a very transparent process. At the same time, the presentation would not be required but would be a benefit to the individual, City Council members and the community at large. • The process is simple and objective. • The process allows interested residents sufficient time to contact City Council members with their thoughts regarding the Council candidates. • The process is not cumbersome and does not drag out for an extended period. Mr. Vanderpool stated in conclusion, if City Council concurs with this process, City Administration will begin implementing it tomorrow with the vacancy posting on the City's website. Councilman Skrzyniarz discussed the very important legislative decision being made this week concerning road funding. He encouraged residents to contact the two Sterling Heights representatives - Jeff Farrington at 517-373-7769 and Henry Yanez at 517-373- 2275 regarding House Bill 5477. Councilman Skrzyniarz thanked Senator Tory Rocca for his vote on truck weights. Councilwoman Schmidt reminded residents that the DPW will be holding their annual clothing and food drive this Saturday, December 6th and we need to help those less fortunate in our community. Councilwoman Schmidt reminded residents to attend "A Sterling Christmas" on Saturday, December 6th. Councilman Romano discussed the road improvements on Van Dyke from 15 to 18 Mile Roads and inquired whether the City Administration could review the possibility Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Page 17 of giving the businesses an extension of time to pay their taxes without penalty, giving them some relief because of the inconvenience and loss of business they will suffer with the construction project. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor inquired whether any Council member had any objection to the plan presented by Mr. Vanderpool for filling the council vacancy, and hearing none, he instructed Mr. Vanderpool to move forward with the plan. Mayor Pro-Tem Taylor thanked everyone for attending the meeting and the City Council for supporting him. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk