City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2015 IN CITY HALL Mayor Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mayor 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, Nate Shannon, 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 City Development Department Fire Department Community Relations Department Mr. Vanderpool explained this is the second budget hearing and they will be reviewing a number of departments, with presentations from each. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 2 He pointed out any budget amendments the Council wished to make would have to be made this evening so they could be incorporated into the final Appropriations Ordinance for Council consideration at the May 6th City Council meeting. Budget & Finance Director, Brian Baker, provided an overview of the departments up for review this evening. Ms. Tammy Turgeon, Community Service and Library Director, reviewed the contributions received from residents and Friends of the Library. She explained the Historical Commission provides access to Upton House and received support from Target for a new Community Family Tree, which will be unveiled during Sterling Christmas. Ms. Turgeon discussed other new projects and initiatives, including: Little Free Libraries, Project S.N.A.P., increased use of Library meeting and study rooms, new technology with a new wireless internet upgrade, a scanner, mobile printing system and iPad (donated by the Kiwanis High Noon Club of Sterling Heights). Ms. Turgeon explained programming needs continue to be addressed for children, teens and adults. She pointed out a new program, Tablet Talk, a two-part program that offers a thorough presentation on how to use the library's e-book services, tablets and mobile devices. She discussed the increase in collections, the digitizing of historical photographs, an international language collection from 28 different languages and a selection of e-books, e-audio books, digital magazines and digital music. Ms. Turgeon discussed a new online reference source called "Mango Languages". She pointed out in May and June she would be holding two sessions on how the library could work better for residents. The summer reading program has a new software component, online games. Ms. Turgeon pointed out the Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 3 Michigan Activity Pass is expanding this year and anyone with a library card can get into museums and cultural venues throughout the state. The Library is looking to add a 3-D printer to their services next year. Mr. Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Manager, explained the variety of programs offered, the online sign up for services and a senior program for the 50+ population to encourage them to remain here for the duration of their lifetime. Ms. Kristen Briggs, Senior Recreation Specialist, explained the new program being offered in conjunction with the Macomb County Office of Senior Services, Dining Senior Style every Wednesday. She pointed out the Senior Center became a distribution point for Meals on Wheels. In the fall, the Sterling Heights library staff will be providing computer classes for the seniors. She explained the Smart Bus will be providing transportation to non-driving seniors and bringing them to the Farmer's Market in Dodge Park. Ms. Briggs discussed the 5K walking program two nights per week, the Bike Club beginning in May, the addition of Cornhole boards and new registration software to allow seniors to sign up online. Mr. Langlois explained the Farmer's Market will be open on Thursdays from June 4 to October 29, 3-8 p.m. and they have been receiving many vendor applications. In addition to the market, there will be activities for children, a variety of food trucks on site and concerts in the park. He explained the creation of the logo "DPFM" for the Dodge Park Farmer's Market. Mr. Langois discussed the replacement of the Pedestrian Bridge in Dodge Park and improved decorative lighting. He pointed out Edison Court is the proposed four acre site Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 4 for the dog park and they are working with the County on this project. The replacement field lighting at Delia Park has been completed and Mr. Langlois showed the before and after pictures. Ms. Denise Gerstenberg, City Development Director, presented an overview of the department and new projects proposed. She explained the new construction brochures and revisions to all permit applications to include email addresses and pointed out all the new brochures are available online through the City's website. In addition, there is an expedited permit review process for small projects, where applicants sign affidavits of understanding and receive their permit immediately. Ms. Gerstenberg discussed two other new projects they are hoping to implement later this year, the building and construction news bulletin for contractors and developers and a project to achieve solar readiness in our Community. In addition to the service improvements, they are also working on updating the City's residential landscaping requirements. Ms. Gerstenberg explained the implementation of new positive changes in Code Enforcement over the past two years and the new zoning amendment regulating temporary real estate signs. She thanked Building Official and Facilities Maintenance Manager Mike Viazanko and the entire City Development staff for their patience and assistance. Ms. Gerstenberg introduced Fire Chief Chris Martin. Fire Chief Chris Martin gave an overview of the 2015-16 proposed Fire Department budget. He explained the increase in incidents and training needed to prepare for the high level of attrition. Chief Martin pointed out there were 11 new firefighters hired; four more will be starting on May 4 and three more in early June. With all the retirements, Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 5 they are still two or three short. Chief Martin explained the stepped up training programs. He pointed out the significant promotions in the Fire Department and the mentor program, which is the pairing of an experienced officer with a new officer. Chief Martin explained the new firefighting tactics, the handling of pediatric emergencies and high performance CPR. This was brought to the attention of the Fire Department by Sgt. Vinnie Schwartz. Chief Martin discussed the capital purchases in the current budget - the new heavy rescue vehicle, the Battalion chief vehicle, an electronic positive pressure fan, extrication tools, the replacement of automatic defibrillators, and parking lot at fire headquarters Station Five. Chief Martin discussed the consolidated dispatch center and thanked Assistant Fire Chief Rob Duke and IT Manager Steve Deon for their leadership and hard work. He explained the Company Inspection Program has been in service for over one year now. He stated in the current budget, there is a feasibility study about to begin. They received eight bids from contractors interested in conducting this study. The committee reduced the number to three and then selected one contractor to meet their needs. He stated the study could start as early as May and be completed by November. Chief Martin pointed out the purchase of capital equipment with the funds from the approved Safe Streets Proposal, a new fire engine to replace the 27 year old engine, two thermal imagining cameras and two portable gas monitors. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 6 In regard to staffing, Chief Martin stated the proposed budget includes the addition of one fire inspector in the Fire Prevention Division. He concluded with the performance objectives. Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle explained the complete redesign and revamping of the City's website and stated it would be presented to City Council on May 19th. She also pointed out the new logo and slogan (Sterling Heights Innovating Living). She discussed the upcoming marketing efforts, which included: Welcome to our new website video and promoting business in Sterling Heights video, marketing video, new banner for light poles along Utica Road and an Economic Development blog on the new website. Ms. Doyle discussed the social media sites and the large increase in Facebook and Twitter. She pointed out the instagram account created in 2015 for the City to share images with the community. Ms. Doyle explained the residents are interested in weather emergency information, police news, fire news, good news, Sterlingfest information, Parks and Recreation registration information, road construction information and trash and recycling updates. Ms. Doyle explained the City had one of the biggest Facebook posts in its history. It was the Police Department announcing the lobby could be used as a safe zone for Craig's List transactions. She explained a new initiative they are working on to share good news from every department in the City. The City will update their focus on employees and reinstate the Volunteer Recognition Dinner and revamp the wellness committee. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 7 Ms. Doyle discussed the neighborhood cleanup days scheduled for May and showed the designated areas. Mayor Taylor opened the discussion to the audience at this time. Ms. Linda Godfrey of Sterling Heights discussed the decline in contracted services under Fire Administration and inquired where the $36,350 is coming from. She questioned other charges for dispatching operations and where this figure came from. Mr. Mike Lombardini discussed the library budget and reminded Council and members of the audience of the excellent program where citizens are allowed to check out digital copies of books on their phone, tablet, e-reader, etc. and send them back when finished. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove asked if Ms. Turgeon could explain more about Star Wars night coming up in August. He asked Mr. Vanderpool to remind people that SHINE is coming up this Saturday. In regard to dispatch, he asked that the new non-emergency phone number be posted on the City's website for the residents. In regard to Codes and Ordinances of the City, Mr. Norgrove suggested they be offered in different languages. He suggested special parking spaces for pregnant women. He questioned the possibility of bringing back the citizen police and fire academies and whether the Fire Department offers CPR training. Ms. Jasmine Early from Sterling Heights thanked the library staff for the great job they do. She is impressed with the number of seniors using the Senior Center. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 8 Ms. Early stated to the firefighters they are risking their lives every day and she appreciates the work they do. Councilman Skrzyniarz congratulated everyone on the great presentations this evening. He stated innovation is something that is being promoted in the City and he is happy to see this. He commended Councilwoman Schmidt for her idea of the Craig's list safe zone in the Police Department and stated ideas matter. He was excited about the Farmer's Market as well. Councilman Skrzyniarz noted the medical runs are up a little under 4,000 in less than ten years and that will continue to go up. He suggested the City start looking at ways to address the aging population when they study the long range plan. He was excited about the 30% increase in the Meals on Wheels program. In regard to the dog park, Councilman Skrzyniarz stated it would be great to get feedback from the residents. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked everyone for the interesting presentations this evening. She spoke in favor of the library and hoped her colleagues on the City Council would agree to an amendment to allow the library to open on Sundays from 1 - 5 p.m. She is very excited about the unveiling of the mosaic on May 11. Councilwoman Ziarko is hoping for a big push for Friends of the Library membership. Councilwoman Ziarko is happy about the Meals on Wheels program and the Farmer's Market. In regard to the 50+ events, she suggested cornhole tournaments. She asked Mr. Langlois to explain more about the All American Family Picnic on July 2nd. Mr. Langlois responded they are trying to find ways to get families and more people to attend the Music in the Park Concert series. With the Fourth of July holiday, they are Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 9 trying to attract the people that are not going away. They will also have a bounce house for kids, cornhole boards and bocce balls. Councilwoman Ziarko agrees with Councilman Skrzyniarz about the dog park and stated it is a great idea. She stated the funding is probably what will move it forward or stall it. Councilwoman Ziarko hoped there would be an opportunity for more code enforcement officers in the future. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether there was any difference in response time with the new dispatch system. Chief Martin responded they have not seen any difference in response time. Councilwoman Ziarko is excited about the new website and inquired whether the app is going to be free for residents. Ms. Doyle responded the app will be developed once the website is live. It is still in the works. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired about a reverse 911 to notify residents on their phone as to what is occurring in the City. Ms. Doyle responded she would have to work with IT on that. She stated the idea of a reverse 911 is very expensive and doesn't come with the app or website, so she would have to provide follow-up after talking with IT. Councilwoman Ziarko likes the idea of sharing good news to the residents, reinstating the wellness committee and hoped the wellness challenges could be brought back as well. Councilwoman Ziarko discussed the possibility of body cameras for the police officers. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 10 Chief Reese responded they are looking at that and working with the City Attorney's Office because there are some legal and privacy issues. Councilwoman Koski questioned how residents could find out about events being held on a given day in the library. Ms. Turgeon responded they would be directed to visit the library website or the Friends of the Library Facebook page. Councilwoman Koski questioned the City's upcoming birthday and activities the library is planning Ms. Turgeon responded the City will be turning 50 in three years and they have it on the Historical Commission agenda to talk about how they would celebrate it. They will take oral histories or videos from current city employees to talk about what the City was like. Councilwoman Koski questioned Mr. Langlois as to whether they have any plans for a senior chore program for snow removal and grass cutting. Mr. Langlois responded the home chore program is offered through the County. There might be a supplemental list to log those needs and try to assist with that internally, but they have not formulated any plan yet. Councilwoman Koski questioned the possibility of a skating rink. Mr. Langlois stated they have tried to use the City's natural resources, but the weather has not been consistent enough. It is in the Master Plan and they will continue to review it. Councilwoman Koski asked Chief Martin to explain Page 184 in the proposed budget, which states overtime costs of $210,000 to increase staffing to three firefighters and a Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 11 rescue truck is not included in the budget. She asked if that was a necessity to him and how it could be put in the budget. Chief Martin responded this has been in negotiations, so he can't comment too much on it. He stated it would turn into a Sixth ALS unit, but it could not be a temporary thing. He stated it has to be something that would be supported constantly. He is in favor of it, but it is a hefty price tag. Councilwoman Koski questioned the possibility of reinstituting the Fire Explorer Program, the Citizens Fire Academy, the Little Hoser and Stop-Drop-Roll programs. Chief Martin stated it is a good idea, but everything cannot be done at once. Councilwoman Koski asked Chief Martin to put together the individual cost figures for the City Council's review of each of the programs. Councilwoman Koski asked Chief Martin whether his department has become reactive rather than proactive in regard to the fire inspection program. Chief Martin responded they have difficulty keeping up with the current inspections due to the staffing cuts. He stated even when they had six inspectors and a fire marshal, they were not meeting all the inspection requirements. Councilwoman Koski asked Chief Martin if we would object to her making a motion to add a second full time fire inspector and Chief Martin responded no, he would not object. Councilwoman Schmidt agrees with Councilwoman Koski that it's time to become more proactive instead of reactive with inspections and she would be in favor of the motion if Councilwoman Koski made it. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 12 Councilwoman Schmidt asked Chief Martin to explain the difference between high performance CPR and regular CPR. Chief Martin responded the American Heart Association sets standards and a lot of emphasis is placed on chest compressions. It concentrates on having very minimal stops on the chest compressions so there is a lot of rotation by the crew. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the number of company inspections being done on average per week. Chief Martin responded they are not done every week. For the first year, they assign two per officer and there are 21 company officers. It was up to them to plan when they would do them. The time schedule was eight months out of the year, less four months of winter. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the Little Free Library and inquired whether there was a way for people to just put books there. Ms. Turgeon responded residents could put their own books in there. There would be volunteers taking care of them and keeping them replenished with books. Councilwoman Schmidt wanted to see the free magazine subscriptions advertised more on the library's website. As far as Sunday hours, she would be in favor of that also. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the lunches being provided at the senior center on Wednesdays and inquired whether they were based on need. Mr. Langlois responded they are open to everyone. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the cuts in the Coffeehouse Concerts. She inquired whether there are plans to bring any of them back. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 13 Mr. Langlois stated yes, they did scale back to one St. Patrick's Day theme, but with the stabilization of their department, they should be able to open up one or two additional concerts. Councilwoman Schmidt stated the Farmer's Market is very exciting. She inquired when a vendor applies, whether it is for the whole season or a week-to-week basis. Mr. Langlois responded there are two different ways, either week-to-week or the entire season. They provide a small discount to vendors that sign up for the entire season. Councilwoman Schmidt is happy about the lights at Delia Park and thanked Mr. Langlois for his good work in that regard. Councilwoman Schmidt expressed concern with the lack of code enforcement officers and hoped that additional officers could be added. Councilman Romano explained the budget process and the wish lists from the departments. He is very satisfied with the budget this year and stated it will be beneficial for everyone involved. Councilman Shannon was impressed with the presentations and what each department is doing. He is in support of the Farmer's Market and likes the idea of another inspector. Mayor Taylor asked Chief Martin to address the question from Ms. Godfrey as it relates to other charges in Fire Administration and the $36,000. Mr. Baker responded the feasibility study was more than the $36,000, but the state radio fee increases offset that, making the net $36,000. Mayor Taylor asked Chief Martin to discuss the advanced defibrillators. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 14 Chief Martin responded they are in every city building and they are very user friendly. He pointed out the first line of defense is to call 911, start CPR and put the defibrillator on. Mayor Taylor stated there is one behind double enclosed lock doors and he feels it might be worth it to have one in the hallway. Mayor Taylor thanked all the presenters for doing such a great job. He is also very excited about the Farmer's Market. 2. Budget Amendments Ms. Linda Godfrey questioned the police clerical positions. Councilwoman Koski withdrew her request for the motions. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to increase the 2015/16 Proposed Budget by $33,500 to convert a part-time Police Technical Secretary position to full-time and reduce the contribution to General Fund reserves. Councilman Skrzyniarz believes the addition of this position would make a significant difference in the Police Department. Yes: All. The motion carried. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to increase the 2015/16 Proposed Budget by $68,340 to restore library Sunday hours and reduce the contribution to General Fund reserves. Councilwoman Ziarko stated this is a good opportunity to expand services to our community. Yes: All. The motion carried. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 15 Moved by Romano, seconded by Koski, RESOLVED, to increase the 2015/16 Proposed Budget by $152,400 to add an additional fire inspector position and reduce the contribution to General Fund reserves. Councilman Romano stated we talked about one, but we needed two and it's time to do this. Councilman Shannon supports adding a second fire inspector to the budget. He referred to Page 186 and stated a third inspector is budgeted for next year. He stated we need to increase the inspectors this budget from one to two, making a total of three. He compared the number of fire inspections in 2007 with six inspectors to the number in 2014-15 with one fire inspector and stated there is a large difference. He is in full support of adding two fire inspectors into this budget. Councilman Skrzyniarz expressed his concern with the number of industrial sites in the City and the possibility of fires occurring because of the lack of inspections. He is concerned with the safety of our firefighters. Yes: All. The motion carried. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to increase the 2015/16 Proposed Budget by $27,700 to convert a part-time Clerk Typist position in the City Clerk's office to full-time and reduce the contribution to General Fund reserves. Councilwoman Schmidt stated we need consistency in the City Clerk's Office and the workload is significantly increased. Yes: All. The motion carried. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 16 Moved by Koski, seconded by Shannon, RESOLVED, to increase the 2015/16 Proposed Budget by $210,000 to increase staffing on the Rescue Truck from two to three personnel and reduce the contribution to General Fund reserves. Councilwoman Koski stated she made this motion because this is something we need to do to continue to provide the service to the community. Councilman Romano spoke against the motion because of the ongoing negotiations. Mayor Taylor is also voting no because this is not the time and place to make this motion with the negotiation going on. Roll call vote: Yes: Koski, Shannon. No: Romano, Schmidt, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko. The motion FAILED. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to increase the 2015/16 Proposed Budget by $30,000 to fund overtime costs for Police Clerical staff and reduce the contribution to General Fund reserves. Councilwoman Ziarko explained this doesn't mean we are going to use the whole $30,000, but it gives the opportunity if the need arises. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Linda Godfrey - Upcoming election; WOW services; proposed Dog Park; Against 14' bridge; Necessity for budgeting two council elections; Irrigation system and light post Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 17 expenses for streetscape improvements; Against monument markers; Miscellaneous charges in the proposed budget; Water rates. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove - Against monument markers; retiming of lights on Van Dyke across 15, 16 and 17 Mile Roads; moratorium on windmills; Visibility with landscaping on Van Dyke. Ms. Jasmine Early from Sterling Heights - Invited residents to attend a Rally (Proposal One) on Friday, May 1st from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Ryan Road and 15 Mile Road. Mayor Taylor stated over a month ago he invited Mr. Paul Smith to bring in people to talk about the opposing view on Proposal One, but Mr. Smith never responded. Mr. Mike Lombardini - Smart Meters. Mr. Joel Thomas - Proposal One. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated to Mr. Norgrove that the non-emergency number has not been changed. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone May 2, 2015 is set for the next SHINE cleanup day and volunteers are needed. There was no report from Mr. Bahorski. Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Vanderpool to clarify whether the meeting at the Velocity Center was an information meeting. She stated it was an MML event and not a City event. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Page 18 Mr. Vanderpool responded it was an information meeting and these meetings are held across the state and country. The MML chose Sterling Heights because of our population, we did not put on the event. Mayor Taylor stated tax increases are very easy to explain. If you don't want to pay more in taxes, you should vote no. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk