City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2015 IN CITY HALL Mayor Pro-Tem Joseph V. Romano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano 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, Barbara A. Ziarko. Council Member absent: Michael C. Taylor. 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 Ziarko, to approve the Agenda with Agenda Item 2D being removed from the Consent Agenda and considered under Consideration Item 6. Yes: Koski, Ziarko, Romano, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported on snow emergencies and reminded residents during the winter months, the City has to declare Snow Emergencies in order to effectively remove snow from city streets and sidewalks. Emergency alerts are broadcast on Sterling Heights Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 2 Television (Channel 5 and 10), Sterling Heights Radio (AM 1700), the City's website (www.sterling-heights.net), press releases and list serve notices. He pointed out when an emergency is declared, vehicle owners must remove vehicles from the street. Cleared roadways are necessary to ensure safe vehicle travel, but most importantly, parked cars represent a hazard to snowplow drivers which thus prevents the plowing of streets curb-to-curb. Cleared streets also allow safe travel for public safety transport, such as police & fire vehicles and ambulances. Vehicles must be removed two hours after a Snow Emergency is declared, giving owners ample time to remove their vehicles. If not removed, the violation will result in the issuing of a $25 citation and the possibility that the vehicle may be towed at an additional cost ranging from $80 to $200. In addition, adjoining sidewalks of all residential, commercial and industrial properties must be cleared within 24 hours following a snow event. If not cleared, City inspectors will leave a door tag notice indicating the violation must be corrected within 24 hours of receipt of the notice. If the sidewalk is still not cleared within the next 24 hours after the notice has been issued, the City will remove the snow at the property owner's expense. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone the new on-demand snow removal service from Plowz and Mowz is now available to assist residents with driveway and sidewalk clearing. He reminded residents they can download the app from the City's website. If a resident does not have access to the internet, they can contact the City. This is the first year the City is trying this service. Mr. Vanderpool reminded residents the 39th annual A Sterling Christmas will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 5:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Dodge Park. The Official Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 3 Ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. 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. Mr. Vanderpool reported on the Van Dyke improvements and stated all concrete roadway pavement, including cross-overs have been poured. Currently all 3 through lanes in each direction are open to traffic. New permanent traffic signals south of 17 Mile Road are operating and the signals north of 17 Mile Road will be operating in the weeks after Thanksgiving. Various work will continue through the winter as weather permits, such as work on medians and street lighting. Work on the intersections of Metro Parkway and 18 Mile Road will continue as the weather breaks in the Spring, along with landscaping and other aesthetic improvements. Mr. Vanderpool reported Sterling Heights is on the cutting edge of economic development in Michigan, including the operation of our Velocity Center. He stated a new Cyber Security Range is currently under construction, with the opening scheduled for 2016. A short video was shown of the visit by the Governor of Ohio, John Kasich. The Governor was here to view the Velocity Collaboration Center to see how the State of Ohio could benefit from this type of operation. PRESENTATION Fire Chief Christopher Martin introduced and performed the swearing-in of the following individuals who have recently been hired as firefighters in the Sterling Heights Fire Department: Lance Stevens and Clint Bess. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 4 Mayor Pro-Tem Romano thanked the good people of Sterling Heights for the passing of the Safe Streets millage allowing the City to hire police and firefighters. He questioned the number of new firefighters hired and the total firefighters. Chief Martin responded this makes 21 new and 88 total. Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle opened the Diversity Distinction Awards presentation and acknowledged Comcast and their representative Fred Eaton for their sponsorship of the awards. She introduced Mr. Andrew Pulford, Chairperson of the Ethic Community Committee, to present the 2015 Diversity Distinction Awards. Mr. Pulford explained the mission of the Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee and the process they completed to select the Diversity Distinction Award winners. He thanked all the Committee members present this evening: Sharron Allen, Mohammed Alomari, Omie Brooks, Stephanie Guran, Robert Lulgjuraj, Susan Kattula and Iqbal Singh. Mr. Mohammed Alomari presented the 2015 Diversity Distinction Award to Carmen Bordea, Refugee Services Program Coordinator, Lutheran Social Services. Mr. Iqbal Singh presented the 2015 Diversity Distinction Award to William Dechavez, Educator who served on the Ethnic Community Committee for 12 years. Mrs. Stephanie Guran presented the 2015 Diversity Distinction Award to Oras Yono, Owner of Dream Dollar and Dream Market. Mrs. Susan Kattula presented the 2015 Diversity Distinction Award to Fadl Maatouk, Owner of Maatouk Bakery. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 5 Mr. Robert Lulgjuraj presented the 2015 Diversity Distinction Award to Max's Deli, Sterling Heights business for over 25 years. Mr. Pulford thanked Mr. Eaton from Comcast for the awards that were presented this evening. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to individually and collectively recognize the 2015 Sterling Heights Diversity Distinction award winners and thank them for their personal dedication and efforts in championing diversity and creating a welcoming environment and inclusive community for all Sterling Heights residents. Yes: Schmidt, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Shannon, Skrzyniarz. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano called a five (5) minute recess at 8:02 p.m. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano reconvened the meeting at 8:06 p.m. Mr. Brian Baker, Finance & Budget Director, explained the City's independent auditor, Plante & Moran, PLLC, City Administrators Leslie Reinhart and Nick Makie and personnel from the Office of Financial Services recently completed work on the audit of the City's financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. He provided an overview of the audit showing the financial statements of the City with the use of a power point presentation. He pointed out the additional funds to Fund Balance Reserves, the additional amount for capital spending, the increase in funds for local road repairs in the neighborhoods and major roads and showed a video of all the road work that has been done over the past year. Mr. Baker discussed retiree medical assets and pointed out we now have over four times the assets we had six years ago and eleven times the assets we Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 6 had ten years ago. The City continues to benchmark itself with other communities and in terms of our tax rate, the City compares very well with all cities in Macomb County and we are almost six mills below the average and thirteen mills below the City to the south. The taxes paid per resident are the lowest of any of the ten largest Michigan cities by population. Mr. Baker pointed out in terms of debt, the City of Sterling Heights ranks the lowest and we have not borrowed money and had a problem paying it back. He stated they continue to provide an accurate look to the future actual spending and continue to follow the long range financial plan. The City is starting to see some savings from the retirement plan change, adding additional police and fire officers and reinvesting in capital assets. Mr. Baker introduced Mr. David Helisek, Partner at Plante & Moran, to present the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2014/2015. Mr. Helisek introduced Mr. Rumzei Adallah to provide a background on the process used by Plante & Moran. Mr. Adallah explained the process and reported all the City's financial records are accurate. Mr. Helisek stated Plante & Moran is about to give the City's audit the highest level of assurance they can give a set of financial statements. He commended the City for their proactive approach in addressing post retirement benefit funding liability and stated the City is contributing nearly 50% funding in a short period of time. Mr. Helisek commended the City on the budgeting process for the roughly $93 million budget and stated it is within 1% of the revenue side. He pointed out with the CAFR's unqualified Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 7 opinion it allows the City to maintain its outstanding bond rating, saving the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. He thanked the City's finance staff for the outstanding job recording all the information. Ms. Leslie Reinhart presented the CAFR and Distinguished Budget Presentation awards to Mayor Pro-Tem Romano. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano expressed kudos to the entire finance staff for all they do. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to receive and accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked the City staff and Plante & Moran for helping the City with this report. The City Council is happy the City receives all these awards for all the hard work they do. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Koski, Romano. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 1. Mr. Brian Baker, Finance & Budget Director, made a presentation on the mid-year budget amendments. He explained the Appropriations Ordinance allows for the expenditure of City funds. The ordinance is amended twice a year - mid year in December and then in June at the end of the fiscal year. The amendment includes items the City Council has authorized a budget amendment for throughout the year and items approved in last year's budget that need to be carried forward into the current year's budget. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 8 Mr. Baker pointed out the General Fund budget contributes $869,000 to fund balance reserves. The contribution decreased only $59,950 due to the carry forward of unspent prior year encumbrances and public safety grant match funding, partially offset by additional revenues. The budget for the other City Funds was adjusted by $12.9 million. $4.5 million is to record the new Clinton River Bank Restoration grant. $4.4 million is to carry over unspent Major Road projects from last year including the reconstruction of Van Dyke. $1.4 million is to re-appropriate unspent Capital Projects including the repairs to the City Hall parking lot. The amendment also includes capital items approved since the budget was adopted. Mr. Baker pointed out this is the first reading of the ordinance and it is scheduled for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting. Ms. Linda Godfrey questioned the new items purchased under capital expenditures. Mr. Baker responded to the resident's question and stated there was an air conditioner replacement system approved by City Council, Dodge Park Road property acquisition, City Hall floor covering and sewer repairs, Information Technology purchases, Motor Vehicles, Police weight room equipment, Exercise equipment and some replacement vehicles. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to introduce the first amendment to the Appropriations Ordinance for the 2015/16 fiscal year. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Koski, Romano. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 9 CONSENT AGENDA 2. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended: A. To approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of November 10, 2015 and Regular Meeting of November 17, 2015, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $1,220,914.85, Water & Sewer Fund - $88,005.60, Other Funds - $313,125.00, Total Checks - $1,622,045.45. C. RESOLVED, to reject the bid received and authorize the Purchasing Manager to proceed with a re-bid for snow removal services. D. Moved to Consideration Item 6. Yes: Koski, Ziarko, Romano, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 3. Mr. Victor Maza, appearing on behalf of Taza, Inc., was present with Joe Shaba and Louie Odishana in their request to transfer ownership of a 2015 Class C liquor license. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Shannon, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of 2015 Class C liquor licensed business with Sunday (PM) sales permit and new dance permit located at 2383 Fourteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 from Taza, Inc. to Taza Banquet Hall, Inc. be considered for approval. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 10 Councilman Skrzyniarz indicated he reviewed the backup information with the favorable recommendations from the City departments and he sees no reason not to move forward with this transfer request. Councilman Shannon also reviewed the recommendations and indicated there was no objections from any of the City departments and that is all he needs to support the motion. Yes: Skrzyniarz, Shannon, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Schmidt. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. 4. Mr. Constantini Antonis from Fuddruckers was present Moved by Shannon, seconded by Skrzyniarz, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2015 Class C liquor license, with SDM license and Sunday Sales Permit (new A.M. and P.M.) at 13883 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights MI 43813 from Cheeseburger of Sterling Heights, LLC to AG Foods, LLC, be considered for approval. Councilman Shannon stated the same recommendation is being made by the City administration and he is comfortable with the motion. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether the 18 Mile Fuddruckers was closing and Mr. Antonis indicated no. Yes: Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Ziarko. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. 5. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano recommended the appointment of Donald McCoy to the Solid Waste Management Commission. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 11 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to appoint Donald McCoy to the Solid Waste Management Commission to a term ending June 30, 2016, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Ziarko, Romano, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Koski. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. 6. Item D from the Consent Agenda: Mr. Vanderpool gave a brief overview of the proposal for the continued operation of the police detention facility. He stated the Sterling Heights Police Department operates an on-site, 26-cell detention/lock-up facility for the booking and lodging of all Sterling Heights arrests. In addition to the initial booking and lodging of arrestees, the detention staff also prepares those arrested for arraignment, transfer to the Macomb County Jail following arraignment, transfer to other law enforcement agencies, and release. The facility operates 24/7/365 and handles 4,000 arrests per year, or about 11 per day. He pointed out in October 2010, City Council accepted a proposal by G4S Secure Solutions, (USA) Inc. for the operation of the police detention facility for a two-year period. In December 2012, the City exercised an option to extend the terms and conditions of G4S' proposal for another two years based on the effective and efficient services being delivered. Mr. Vanderpool stated the current proposal accepted by City Council in October 2010 expires January 10, 2016. Anticipating this expiration, the Police Department and Office of Purchasing issued a Request for Proposals for operation of the police detention facility. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 12 The Police Department and Office of Purchasing are recommending that the proposal by G4S be accepted for the following reasons: A. The current model of having a third-party contractor operating the detention/lock- up facility allows the City to realize substantial savings over the old model of staffing the facility with police personnel. The City will realize an estimated annual savings of $552,473 and an estimated cumulative savings of $1,657,421 over the course of the three-year proposal. In addition to direct financial benefits, the reliance on a third-party contractor allows the Police Department to deploy and devote sworn police officers to street and other essential duties that directly assist in keeping the City safe. B. G4S is the world's largest private sector employer in the world, with over 620,000 employees. G4S operates the City of Southfield's detention facility and has been providing daytime detention facility services and court security to the 36th District Court for over 24 years. C. G4S' proposal contemplates operation of the detention/lock-up facility 24/7/365, with a lead officer (supervisor) and a security corrections officer at all times. A dedicated facility manager will oversee operations 40 hours per week (Monday through Friday) to allow coordination of services with the Police Chiefs' office and address issues if they arise. D. G4S indemnifies and holds the City harmless from liability claims arising from the operation of the detention/lock-up facility. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 13 E. Employees of G4S undergo a thorough background investigation by both G4S and the Sterling Heights Police Department before assignment. Mr. Vanderpool stated G4S Secure Solutions is committed to providing the same level of service to the Sterling Heights Police Department as they have over the past five years. The proposed three-year pricing from G4S represents a 3% increase over the rates being currently charged. A recommendation is being made by the Police Department and Office of Purchasing to accept G4S' proposal. Mr. Vanderpool stated Bryant Carter from G4S is available as well as Captain Berg from the Police Department. The following residents spoke: Mr. Michael Lombardini expressed concern with a private company performing this role and believes this would be a violation of the social contract between the government and the citizens. He is opposed to outsourcing police duties. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove spoke against the privatizing of this service and expressed concern with possible future protests. Mr. Michael Radke is not against saving money, but government has a duty to take care of its own citizens. Mr. Joel Thomas echoes what the other residents have said. Government has a role to play and to provide security and justice for the people they serve. Mr. Charles Jefferson agrees with the previous speakers and stated we have a viable police force and that is all the citizens ask for. The majority of the citizens Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 14 want to have the police out in the neighborhoods and keeping violators off the street. Mr. Michael Rath of Sterling Heights agrees with Mr. Lombardini and stated if it was a good idea to prioritize this service, Macomb County would be doing it. He stated we need sworn officers doing this job. Ms. Linda Godfrey is in total agreement with all the speakers. She pointed out the reason the City privatized the jail was because of financial constraints. At this time, she would prefer to see the jail staffed with sworn personnel. Ms. Godfrey would like to see Dispatch returned to the Police Department. Captain Berg responded to the comments made by the residents. He stated the Police Department has had a great relationship with the people running the jail. It would require eight officers less on the road to main the jail. He pointed out the problems they have experienced with technology in the jail. Captain Burke pointed out the people at G4S are trained on this technology and they do it every day. He stated this is working very well for the Police Department. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano stated when the City privatized the jail, it was done for financial reasons and we were able to put more officers on the street. His biggest concern is with liability and we have had no problems with this company. They are doing the job at a lot less cost and the City has no liability. Moved by Koski, seconded by Skrzyniarz, RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by G4S Secure Solutions, (USA) Inc., 29200 Vassar Street, Suite 240, Livonia, MI 48152, for operation of the police detention facility based on the fees as proposed for a three-year Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 15 period, with an option for the City Manager City Council to extend the terms and conditions an additional three years, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney. Councilwoman Koski pointed out this is a three-year contract. The City can hire its new police chief and have him review this for the next couple of years and if he finds an issue with it, it is something the City can review. She inquired how the company is supervised and who is responsible for making sure that everything is done properly in the detention facility. Captain Berg responded they have a supervisor there Monday through Friday. Lt. Dave Smith is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the jail. Councilwoman Koski questioned how many police officers it would take to man the jail on any given day. Captain Berg responded two per day, but eight officers would have to be assigned to that jail facility. Councilwoman Koski questioned the number of officers that would want to be assigned to the jail and Captain Berg responded a few. Councilman Skrzyniarz agrees with Councilwoman Koski's remarks. The Council has to make tough decisions on the budget and we want to keep police officers on the streets. For these reasons, he will support the motion on the floor. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned the cost if our police officers were to man the jail. Mr. Vanderpool responded the cumulative cost would be just over $1.6 million. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned supervision on the weekends. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 16 Captain Berg responded in the evenings and on weekends, each shift has a lower level supervisor and there is always a senior detention worker there at all times. Councilwoman Schmidt stated to the resident that wanted the item postponed to go out for re-bids, no one else bid. She believes the residents of Sterling Heights would prefer to have eight police officers on the streets rather than our officers manning the jail. She is comfortable with extending this contract. Councilman Shannon stated he had an opportunity to tour the facility and speak to G4S employees. Everything is going smoothly. He questioned the main duties of the G4S employees. Captain Berg responded it is to take care of the people that are locked up. They are searched by our police officers and then G4S does the booking of the prisoners. Councilman Shannon questioned how people at the desk have a visual of that part of the jail. Captain Berg responded there is a camera at the front desk to monitor most of the jail where the prisoners are housed. Councilman Shannon agrees with the contract and stated it is a huge savings for the City. Yes: Koski, Skrzyniarz, Ziarko, Romano, Schmidt, Shannon. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove - Community Tree at the Upton House/ornament donations; December 12th meeting at the Senior Center. Mr. Michael Rath - Refuse contract. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 17 Mr. Charles Jefferson of Sterling Heights - Refuse collection, Drone ordinance, Inspection of buses/Ride-Share. Mrs. Jazmine Early - Interfaith event November 22/invitation to residents, Refuse contract. Ms. Linda Godfrey - Phone scams/need to alert residents, ornament contest ; Waste hauling contract/transfer station, M-1 zoning requirements. Mr. Dennis White of Sterling Heights - Citizen's right to speak at City Council meetings. Mr. Harry Marchlones of Sterling Heights - Trash hauling contract. Mr. Michael Lombardini - Chief Reese's retirement; Capt. Berg as Interim Police Chief. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL There was no report from Mr. Bahorski at this time. Mr. Vanderpool responded to questions from residents and indicated the City is having a Visioning Fair on December 12th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is in response to the City's Master Plan process that is underway and the Parks and Recreation Plan that is being updated. He encouraged residents to provide feedback on what they want to see included in the Master Plan and Parks and Recreation Plan. In regard to the questions about the refuse contract, Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the last time we went out to bid on refuse, we included an option for Citywide curbside recycling and that option was not chosen because it turned out to be too costly. We need to look at all the options and obtain prices on them. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out we cannot comingle providers in the City and we will only have one provider in the City. With respect to the containers, it's time to look at them for a number of reasons. He pointed Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 18 out there are rodent problems in certain areas of the City and there is the aesthetic element as well. Robotic arm trucks would be used to dump the containers at the curb, eliminating the need for another person on the truck for a significant savings. Mr. Vanderpool stated in regard to the phone scams, the City did post something on social media today and had over 20,000 hits. Mr. Vanderpool stated an ornament contest for next year is a great idea and they will look into it. Mr. Vanderpool stated it is time for the City to review its taxicab ordinance and see if it needs to be updated with respect to the ride-share option. In regard to a Drone Ordinance, Mr. Vanderpool believes it is too early to consider that. Councilwoman Schmidt reported that she received one of the scam phone calls today. She suggested that something be put on SHTV or the City's website or both. Councilwoman Schmidt stated in regard to the trash situation, she has received an overwhelming amount of messages and phone calls. She has not had one person speak in support of doing anything other than what we are doing right now. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned a statement made by Mr. Vanderpool that there would not be multiple haulers in the City. She pointed out there is the potential for multiple haulers for two years if Waste Management doesn't get the Waste Hauling Contract since they still have the recycling contract until 2018. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired whether December 12th is the only Visioning Fair the City will be hosting for the residents. She stated she just found out about it on Monday Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 19 and stated some council members already have plans for December 12th. She stated the Saturday before Christmas is not the most ideal time to have this meeting. Councilwoman Ziarko agrees with Councilwoman Schmidt and stated no one has called her and said they are in favor of changing anything we have right now with our refuse contract. She has heard negative comments about the bins and inquired what the residents would do with their existing bins. Councilwoman Koski stated she received the same phone scam and the City needs to put something out there for the senior citizens. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether there would be a presentation at the December 12th meeting or whether it is only to obtain information from the residents. Also, if there would be open communication between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Mr. Vanderpool responded it would be set up in such a way that people can come and go in that time frame. There would be boards set up for residents to write down their thoughts. The City would be providing updates on what is in the current Parks and Recreation Plan. It would be a very informal process. Councilwoman Koski stated the Historical Commission is asking residents to bring an ornament representing their family this Saturday, December 5th for Sterling Christmas. The ornaments would be used to decorate the community tree in the Upton House. She asked Mr. Vanderpool to explain how the residents would bring in their ornaments. Mr. Vanderpool responded he is sure the Upton House would appreciate any ornaments for the tree and if there is excess, they could be donated to a family in need. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Page 20 Councilman Shannon stated in regard to the waste hauling contract, not once did he say he was in favor of the 96-gallon trash cans. The City needs an opportunity to review the bids with the different alternatives. Councilman Shannon pointed out this bid process was going to happen in one or two years anyway. The City Council will continue to solicit comments from the residents on what they want. If the residents don’t want a change, that is ok too. He is only asking for bids to save the City money. Councilman Skrzyniarz announced that he is setting up a scholarship with the Sterling Heights Community Foundation. The name of the scholarship will be the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship on Diversity and Inclusion. He stated if anyone is interested in supporting this award, they could contact Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Koski, Romano. Absent: Taylor. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk