City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 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 Taylor, to approve the Agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported the City of Sterling Heights invites children and people of all ages to a new exciting "hands on" opportunity to "Touch a Truck", a fun event that puts kids and even their parents in the driver's seat of the city's biggest heavy-duty rigs. Participants are able to take photos, climb in the vehicles and learn how the rigs are used every day. There will be a salt truck, front end loader, backhoe loader and sewer truck from the Department of Public Works. A fire engine and police rescue truck will also be available. This event takes place in conjunction with the final Dodge Park Farmers Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 2 Market for this season on Thursday, October 29th. The trucks will be available from 3 to 6 pm. Mr. Vanderpool reported the "Sterling Frights" Halloween, for Sterling Heights' children 12 years of age or younger, will be held Saturday, October 24th at the Recreation Center from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Also the Senior Center will be holding its annual Senior Halloween Party on Friday, October 30, 2015 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Senior Center has become certified as an Alzheimer's friendly business and the two-year designation was awarded after multiple staff members completed training on how best to serve patrons with Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Vanderpool reminded residents the General Election will take place Tuesday, November 3, 2015 and the polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. He stated if a resident has lost their voting registration card or is unsure where to vote, they can go to the City's website www.sterling-heights.net, locate the City Clerk's webpage, click on Election and Voter Information and then click Voter Information Center. He pointed out the next regular City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle to give an update on the City's continued website build-out. Ms. Doyle shared a marketing video to help communicate the services offered by the City to current and prospective residents. She introduced Ms. Kim Stricker from Social Coop to present a Social Media update. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 3 Ms. Stricker used a power point presentation to illustrate the various social media outreach programs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and the role they have played in highlighting the individuals in the community, doing event promotions, promotional contests and covering events in the last six months. She pointed out how they monitor the posts as well to make sure they are aware of all the conversations about the City. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner to provide a quarterly update to the City Council. Mr. Bonner used a power point presentation to highlight four areas that he outlined in the Strategic Plan this year: Business Retention, Business Attraction, Collaboration and Growth and Development. Mr. Bonner reviewed the Economic Development website and pointed out they received top scores from National Economic Development Marketing Company. He reviewed the top projects for 2015: AGM Automotive, Group Stahl, Faurecia, Beta Steel and Redevelopment of Utica Transit site. Mr. Bonner discussed the Cyber Range at Velocity and stated Mr. Sean Carlson from Michigan Defense Center would provide a more detailed explanation when he concludes his presentation. Mr. Sean Carlson, director of the Michigan Defense Center was present along with Vicky Salva. Mr. Carlson explained what they do and who they are. He stated this is a $3.3 billion industry with over 51,000 jobs related to this industry in the State of Michigan, with an average wage of $72,000. He thanked the City for the partnership and looks forward to further collaboration in the future. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 4 Mr. Vanderpool thanked Mr. Carlson and Mr. Bonner and their teams and the entire Economic Development team for their efforts. PRESENTATION Ms. Doyle presented the Premier Soccer Group Michigan Gators U-13 Girls soccer team and showed a video to honor the Gators win. Ms. Doyle congratulated Head Coach Jeremy Harkins, Assistant Coach Laci Jalics, Assistant Coach Radek Papiez and Team Manager Jon Novak. Mr. Jon Novak, Team Manager, thanked the City Council for the recognition. Mayor Taylor read the resolution acknowledging and congratulating the PSG Michigan Gators U-13 Girls soccer team. All members of the Gators U-13 Girls soccer team, as well as the coaches, were invited to shake hands with the City Council members and have their pictures taken. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution acknowledging and congratulating the PSG Michigan Gators U-13 Girls soccer team for winning a United States Youth Soccer National Championship: ~ Resolution ~ Sterling Heights City Council A resolution of the Sterling Heights City Council acknowledging and congratulating the Premier Soccer Group (PSG) Michigan Gators U-13 Girls soccer team for winning the United States Youth Soccer Association National Championship. In July, 2015, the PSG Michigan Gators U-13 Girls soccer team won the United States Youth Soccer Association National Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before advancing to the championship round, the Michigan Gators first captured the Michigan Cup and the Midwest Cup to become a regional qualifier for the National Championship round in Tulsa, Oklahoma from July 21st to July 26th, 2015. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 5 Despite fierce summer heat and stiff competition, the Michigan Gators advanced to the championship game where the girls faced the Southern California Blues, a team that was both undefeated and unscored upon in pool play. In a memorable championship game, the Michigan Gators battled to a 1 to 1 draw through regulation and two ten minute overtime periods. With the game to be settled on penalty kicks, the Michigan Gators scored on all five of their chances and defeated their opponent, which missed on one of their penalty kicks. In recognition of this athletic triumph, it is fitting and proper to acknowledge Head Coach Jeremy Harkin, Assistant Coach Laci Jalics, Assistant Coach Radek Papiez, Team Manager Jon Novak and the following Gators: Jenna Blackburn Megan Gleason Madaline Novak Oliva Watson Emma Bourtorwick Arianna Jalics Caitlin O’Malley Emily O’Malley Sarah Bridenstine Jessica Koje Adela Papiez Taylor Stanley Alexia Czerwien Emily Mathews Eva Papista Grace Miller Justina Gaynor Madison Medalle Oliva Sampson Itala Gemelli NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Sterling Heights City Council hereby acknowledges and congratulates the PSG Michigan Gators U-13 Girls soccer team for winning the 2015 United States Youth Soccer Association National Championship. Approved at the October 20, 2015 City Council Meeting by the Sterling Heights City Council. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my official signature, this 20th day of October 2015. __________________________ MARK CARUFEL City Clerk Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Mr. Michael Lombardini discussed Item D and asked that in the future the item indicate the type of lawsuit. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 6 Moved by Koski, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 6, 2015. B. To approve the bills as presented: General Fund - $761,936.52, Water & Sewer Fund - $2,943,978.34, Other Funds - $2,408,456.16, Total Checks - $2,408,456.16. C. RESOLVED, to approve the excavation removal and replacement of the 72" culvert pipe under Red Run Street, north of 14 Mile Road, by V.I.L. Construction, Inc., 6670 Sims, Sterling Heights, MI 48311 in the amount of $80,700 and authorize a budget amendment of $80,700 from General Fund reserves to the Capital Project Fund. D. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Michael P. Esuchanko v Sterling Heights Police, 41A District Court Case No. S-15-3812-GZ. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 2. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed Class C liquor license at 58510 Main, New Haven, MI 48048 from Louie's Dining, Inc. to Jinsung, Inc. and transfer location to 34788 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 be considered for approval. Councilman Skrzyniarz pointed out recommendations were included in the backup and there were no negative comments. Councilman Romano asked the applicant, Hyeon Joo Choi, how long she has been in the United States and she responded 18 years. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 7 Councilman Romano asked whether she is a United States citizen and Ms. Choi responded she is a green card holder. Councilman Romano pointed out the lack of information on Item 10 on their application. Mr. Carufel responded the personal information is provided in the confidential backup and they did receive a favorable response from the Police Department. Roll call vote on the motion: Yes: Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Shannon. The motion carried. 3. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Taylor, to postpone the appointment to the Citizens Advisory Committee - CDBG to the regular meeting of November 4, 2015. Yes: All. The motion carried. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Taylor, to postpone the appointments to the Solid Waste Management Commission to the regular meeting of November 4, 2015. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove - Upcoming Election; Safety of trick or treaters. Ms. Linda Godfrey - Waste Management Hauling Contract/Councilman Shannon's motion at the last meeting. Mr. Joseph Rimarcik - Dates of expired millages, Budget for Retiree Medical benefits; Percentage of funding figures, Police & Fire Pension, General Employees Pension. Mr. Jodi Horan of Sterling Heights - Thank Council members for their service, Street repairs. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 8 Mrs. Sanaa Elias - Highlighted all the amenities in Sterling Heights; Money for City roads instead of place-making efforts. Mrs. Verna Babula - Syrian refugees coming to America/concern for residents & costs; Referendum petition drive. Mrs. Jackie Ryan of Sterling Heights - Management of Police and Fire Pension Fund; Time limits for Communications from Citizens; Smart meters; FOI requests; Accountability. Mr. Michael Lombardini - Rights of people to move into our neighborhoods. Mr. Harry Marchlones - Supports the Mayor and City Council. Ms. Linda Palmer - Spoke in support of the City Council; Appreciation for the Library; Appreciates the forward thinking by the City in working with Plowz and Mowz;; Time limits for citizen communications. Mr. Michael Radke of Sterling Heights - Echo sentiments of Mr. Lombardini, Sterling Heights is a welcoming community. A resident identified as Jim - Recycling program. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed the inaccurate statements made by Ms. Ryan as it relates to the pension fund and retiree health care. He pointed out the fixed pension plan has been eliminated for general employees and the police and fire have been cut by 1/3. Retiree health care has also been eliminated. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 9 Mr. Vanderpool responded to the comments made by Ms. Elias in regard to the redirection of some of our place-making funds to roads, he pointed out that is not legally possible because the grants are federal grants or EPA grants. Mr. Vanderpool responded to Mrs. Babula in regard to the Syrian refugees, the US Refugee Settlement Program has nothing to do with Welcoming Michigan. Welcoming Michigan does not place refugees. He stated refugees come here legally and go through a long screening process to enter this Country. Mr. Vanderpool responded to the comments about the Freedom of Information requests and stated the City has completely complied with all requests and the City Attorney reviews them. In regard to the Smart Meters, the City of Sterling Heights has no control over utility companies. Mr. Vanderpool stated in regard to the recycling program in the City of Warren, they use city employees to collect their refuse and city vehicles. He pointed out 95% of communities contract out that service to save money. Mr. Bahorski responded to the question regarding lawsuits and stated this particular lawsuit refers to a claim for the return of property that involved a police response. The residents are free to look up the case via the case number with the court. Councilman Skrzyniarz expressed pride in the work that Mr. Luke Bonner has done. Councilwoman Schmidt pointed out to the resident that moved here from the City of Warren, the City has three recycling centers available to the residents free of charge. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 20, 2015 Page 10 Councilman Shannon stated in regard to the comments made by Ms. Godfrey, he would be happy to discuss the waste hauling contract with her if she would like to contact him. Also, he did his homework and researched other city's waste contracts. Mayor Taylor responded to the resident by the name of Jim, the City of Warren spends $56.00 per resident on refuse collection, including recycling. The City of Sterling Heights spends $36.00 per resident. The tax rate in Sterling Heights is 15.4 mills, while the City of Warren tax rate is 27 or 28 mills. He pointed out there is no cost figure for recycling at this time. The motion made by Mr. Shannon at the last meeting was for an agenda item so the residents could come and speak and then the City Council could decide if they wanted to go out for bids and discuss the specifications they wanted included. Mayor Taylor encouraged everyone to vote on November 3rd. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk