City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2015 IN CITY HALL Mayor Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:30 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. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported Sterlingfest will take place this weekend beginning Thursday, July 23 and extending through Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Additional information can be obtained on the City's website. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Sterling Heights Police Department joins law enforcement agencies across the country in hosting the 32nd annual National Night Out on Wednesday, August 19th from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Sterling Heights Police Department. The event will include demonstrations of public safety equipment and displays from the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 2 police and fire departments. Emergency service personnel will speak to residents about established volunteer programs like the Citizens' Emergency Response Team (CERT), Neighborhood Watch and Citizens on Patrol (COPS) unit. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Treasure Hunters Market is back by popular demand. It will be held at Dodge Park on Saturday, August 8th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the importance of the Boards and Commissions and volunteerism and showed a short promotional video at this time. PRESENTATION Councilwoman Koski presented the Nice Neighbor award to Arnold Dzwonkowski, nominated by his neighbor, Rocco Mistretta. Police Chief Michael Reese introduced and performed the swearing-in of the following two newly hired police officers: Andre Basin and Dustin Leak. Management Services Specialist, Amanda Thomas, explained the request for Council consideration of a resolution designating the City of Sterling Heights as a Purple Heart City and annually recognizing August 7th as National Purple Heart Day in Sterling Heights. Several members of The Military Order of the Purple Heart were present: Commander Larry Pretzer, Executive Committeeman John Syco, Jr., Joe Dedura with a unit called the Walking Dead and John Sawyer, a Korean War Veteran. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating the City of Sterling Heights as a Purple Heart City and annually recognizing August 7th as National Purple Heart Day in Sterling Heights: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 3 ~ Resolution ~ A resolution of the Sterling Heights City Council designating the City of Sterling Heights as a Purple Heart City and annually recognizing August 7th as National Purple Heart Day in Sterling Heights. WHEREAS, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, chartered by an act of Congress, is composed of military men and woman who received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat: and, WHEREAS, the residents of the City of Sterling Heights have a long history of recognizing individuals who have selflessly served their country and community, and have great admiration and utmost gratitude for all men and women who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces; and, WHEREAS, the City of Sterling Heights is home to hundreds of military veterans and their families, and has had a number of residents who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country and several who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat; and, WHEREAS, the City of Sterling Heights appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients have made defending our freedom, and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned and deserve; WHEREAS, it fitting and proper to demonstrate that appreciation for these brave men and women by designating the City of Sterling Heights as a Purple Heart City and annually recognizing August 7th as National Purple Heart Day in our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, and State of Michigan, hereby designates the City of Sterling Heights as a Purple Heart City; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that August 7th shall be recognized annually as National Purple Heart Day in Sterling Heights. This Resolution was approved at a regular meeting of the Sterling Heights City Council held on the 21st day of July, 2015. _________________________________________ Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 4 Mark Carufel, City Clerk Yes: All. The motion carried. Commander Larry Pretzer presented Mayor Taylor with a recognition award for dedication and support and requested that their flag be flown in honor of all veterans who were wounded in action. Councilwoman Ziarko requested that the City of Sterling Heights send a letter to our State Representatives and State Senator and urge them to designate the State of Michigan as a Purple Heart state. Councilman Shannon thanked all the veterans for their service. Councilman Skrzyniarz thanked all the veterans on behalf of the residents of Sterling Heights and pointed out their humble attitude and selfless acts. Mayor Taylor echoed the remarks made by Councilman Skrzyniarz and stated this is a small token of appreciation for all the veterans service to our country. He pointed out the flag ceremony would be held on August 7th at 9:00 a.m.at City Hall and invited all residents to attend. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing to consider the application by Kemp & Company, Inc., to establish an Industrial Development District at 6525 Center Drive. City Assessor, Dwayne McLachlan, made a presentation explaining the company had previously created an Industrial Development District, but the property owner has made some changes and now needs to designate a new district. He stated Mr. Kemp is in the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 5 audience. Mr. McLachlan stated if the City Council votes favorably on the establishment of the Industrial Development District, there is an item on the Consent Agenda to schedule a public hearing for August 18th to consider the request for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate. Mr. Michael Lombardini spoke in support of the request. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, that the application by Kemp & Company, Inc. to establish an Industrial Development District at 6525 Center Drive is hereby approved in accordance with the guidelines established by City Council and the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign, as applicable, all documents required in conjunction with this approval. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated there is no bigger priority than helping to create new jobs in this community. Councilman Romano pointed out this will create 11 new jobs and he is always in favor of new jobs in the City of Sterling Heights. Yes: All. 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 7, 2015, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $588,575.00, Water & Sewer Fund - $2,418,753.05, Other Funds - $2,221,727.61, Total Checks - $5,229,055.66. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 6 C. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the application by Universal Tool Equipment & Controls, Inc. for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate at 6525 Center Drive. D. RESOLVED, to purchase two 2016 Ford Focus motor vehicles from Gorno Ford ELC, LLC, 22025 Allen Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183, through the State of Michigan cooperative bid, MiDeal contract #071B1300005, in the cumulative amount of $32,816. E. RESOLVED, to purchase Vactor parts, maintenance and repair services from Jack Doheny Supplies, 777 Doheny Court, Northville, MI 48167. F. RESOLVED, to: a) Approve the Cost Sharing Agreement for Schoenherr Road Pavement Repairs from 14 Mile Road to Moravian Drive, subject to approval by the Macomb County Department of Roads, and direct the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights; and, b) Authorize a budget amendment to use $113,000 of Major Road Fund Balance Reserves to complete the project. G. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to James P. Contracting, Inc., 67222 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48095, in the amount of $87,654.26, plus interest on retainage, for the 2014 Neighborhood Asphalt Resurfacing Program, City Project #14-249. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 7 3. Moved by Romano seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint John Connor, Frank DiMaria, Douglas J. Harvey and Scott Townsend to the Historical Commission to a term ending June 30, 2018, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 oath of office within two weeks. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Kyle Shiman, senior at Stevenson High School - Chinese lanterns, Fireworks law. Mr. Paul Gutman, Fireworks. Mr. Mark Owens - Construction project on Sebastian Lane. Mayor Taylor stated someone from the DPW would be out there tomorrow as he promised him. Mr. Joel Thomas - Opposed to a Chinese lantern ban. Mr. Michael Lombardini - Polish Market on Mound Road, Pierogi eating contest, Chrysler Stamping Plant investment. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove - Thank you to the City for Music in the Park, Sterlingfest event. Mrs. Jasmine Early - Safety issue with open manhole in retention pond near Rudgate Mobile Home Park. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool reminded residents to visit the City's website for information as it pertains to Sterlingfest events this weekend. Councilman Skrzyniarz thanked all the volunteers, CERT and police officers in advance for all their hard work during Sterlingfest. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 8 Councilman Skrzyniarz reminded everyone about the Sterlingfest 5K run this coming Saturday. Councilman Romano discussed the safety concerns with the use of Chinese lanterns. Councilman Romano pointed out Representative Yanez would be attending the next City Council meeting to discuss the plan to allow municipalities to bring the fireworks ordinances back to the communities to designate who could or could not buy fireworks. Councilwoman Ziarko stated Representative Yanez will find alternatives for funding sources for the fire fighter training if the fireworks ordinance is brought back to the communities. Councilwoman Ziarko discussed the pierogi eating contest and stated the City Council should recognize the Polish group for the great festival they hold. Councilman Shannon stated this was his first time as a participant in the pierogi eating contest and he intends to do better next time. Councilman Shannon is against the legal sale of Chinese lanterns and in favor of a ban to make them less available to the public. Councilman Shannon is in favor of restricting the use of fireworks. Mayor Taylor thanked the American Polish Century Club and all residents who attended the Polish Festival. Mayor Taylor discussed the concern expressed with the financial impact on the State of Michigan and the loss of funds for fire fighter training. He believes the state should be able to come up with money to train the fire fighters without the fireworks tax. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2015 Page 9 Mayor Taylor encouraged everyone to attend Sterlingfest this weekend and stated the Farmer's Market would return next week. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk