City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2016 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 Councilman Romano removed Consent Agenda Item F and made it Consideration Item 8. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, to approve the Agenda as amended. Yes: All. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool announced a new scholarship season has commenced as the Sterling Heights Community Foundation will award nearly $40,000 in scholarships from 10 scholarship partners. This year marks its 24th year in awarding scholarships, with a total of over $400,000 awarded to 318 college Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 2 bound students since the program's inception. For more information about the program, or to access the scholarship application, please visit the foundation's website at www.sterlingheightscommunityfoundation.org. Applications must be submitted by mid-March to be considered for a scholarship. Awards will be presented in May at a televised City Council meeting. Mr. Vanderpool reported the road construction season is continuing, weather permitting. He pointed out a public information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13 from 4-7 p.m. at Reuther Middle School in Rochester Hills regarding the reconstruction of Dequindre Road. The first phase will be from 19-1/2 Mile to just north of M-59 and amount to just under $8 million. The second phase will start the following year from 18 Mile Road. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the good news is that Van Dyke will be finished entirely this year, but the reconstruction of Dodge Park Road will commence in early spring and will be under construction most of the year. The City Engineer will make a presentation on this project at the next City Council meeting and following that, neighborhood meeting will be held. Mr. Vanderpool stated the bad news is that after Dodge Park, M-59 would be completely reconstructed from Delco to Hayes. In total, almost $100 million in new roadway improvements will occur in Sterling Heights in the next five years. Mr. Vanderpool reported on the first Business Spotlight for 2016 and showed a video explaining the expansion of Beta Steel in the City of Sterling Heights. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 3 1. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove stated the Fire Chief made a very thorough presentation of the lock boxes at the last City Council meeting and he believes it's a good idea. He hopes that businesses would go along with it to save money for both their company and the Fire Department. Mr. Charles Jefferson questioned the timeframe for notification to the businesses. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt the ordinance to amend Chapter 20 of the City of Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances by enacting local amendments to the International Fire Code to implement new requirements for rapid entry systems in commercial buildings. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned the procedure for a business that doesn't want one of the new lock boxes and inquired whether they were mandatory. Chief Martin responded they are not mandatory. The business would notify the Fire Marshal that they want to opt out and in that case they would need to supply a letter from their insurance company. Chief Martin stated another requirement would be for the company to hold the Fire Department harmless for damages by signing a hold harmless agreement. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned enforcement and Chief Martin responded the businesses with the old system would have one year to comply with the new law. The Fire Department will be reaching out to the 740 plus businesses in the City to obtain additional information from them. The Fire Marshal will be reaching out Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 4 to all the owners of the strip malls and have them put in one box with multiple keys inside for all the businesses. Councilwoman Schmidt discussed residential boxes for those residents who live alone and stated this is a great opportunity for children of elderly parents to invest in their parent's care and having access faster. Chief Martin stated in the last three weeks they have taken many calls from residents interested in the lock boxes. He pointed out Dino from Van Dyke Towing stated they wanted to buy 30 boxes for the Fire Department to give out to low income seniors. Councilwoman Ziarko doesn't have a problem with this ordinance and was happy to hear that Dino from Van Dyke Towing donated the 30 boxes. Councilman Shannon pointed out that not one of the 740 businesses in Sterling Heights have come here to speak against the lock boxes and that is one of the reasons he is in favor of it. He also thanks Dino from Van Dyke Towing for their donation. Councilwoman Koski questioned the procedure for residents to purchase the Knox boxes. Fire Chief Martin stated there are many different ways for the residents and businesses to comply and obtain the boxes. He pointed out information will be available on the City's website, there will be information on each of the fire engines, there will be boxes available for purchase at the Fire Department or they can purchase them directly from the company. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 5 CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MACOMB COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 443 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 20 OF THE CITY CODE BY ENACTING LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE TO IMPLEMENT NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR RAPID ENTRY SYSTEMS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WHEREAS, many buildings within the City are equipped with automatic systems that may cause the Sterling Heights Fire Department to be summoned at a time of emergency when the building or business is not occupied or when the occupant is not available to provide the Sterling Heights Fire Department entry into the building; and WHEREAS, the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Sterling Heights are promoted by requiring a building equipped with automatic systems to have a key box emergency access system installed on the exterior of the structure to provide the Sterling Heights Fire Department rapid entry into the building during a time of emergency; and WHEREAS, the key box emergency access system will eliminate costly damage from forcible entry into buildings equipped with automatic systems by the Sterling Heights Fire Department checking for fire or other dangerous conditions; and WHEREAS, the Sterling Heights Fire Department can reduce the potential for rapid extension of fire and other hazardous conditions by quick access and decreasing dangers for firefighters; and WHEREAS, a mandatory key box rapid entry system is authorized by Section 506 of the International Fire Code, which has been adopted by the City, and the key box rapid entry system will operate on a controlled master key basis by the Sterling Heights Fire Department; and WHEREAS, the Sterling Heights Fire Department has studied various key box options and recommends the only one brand of key box rapid entry system, known as “Knox Box®,” which has been determined to be the most widely used, the most durable, and the most consistent with systems accessed by the City’s neighboring mutual aid partners; and WHEREAS, the City desires to ensure that existing and aging key box systems throughout the City are replaced with uniform key boxes of the same type and for which Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 6 only one master key is required to be maintained on emergency apparatus, and to specify the uniform key box required for that purpose so that existing properties without key boxes may also be encouraged to voluntarily participate. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Section 20-23 of the City Code shall be amended to add new local amendments to the existing provisions of the International Fire Code, to be inserted in numerical order and to read as follows: Section 506 shall be replaced and shall read as follows: SECTION 506 RAPID ENTRY SYSTEMS 506.1 Required. All buildings and locations within the City that are currently equipped with a rapid entry key box shall be required to replace the key box if it is not the Knox Box® type and size approved by the code official in accordance with UL 1037 as the exclusive key box system to be utilized throughout the City. Commercial buildings not currently equipped with a rapid entry key box, including properties with a locked gate or driveway which allows access to a commercial building or business, shall install an approved key box within 90 days of any forced entry emergency response by the Fire Department into such building or through such gate or driveway, or within 90 days of finished reconstruction in the event that the building was so severely damaged as to not be able to install a key box sooner. In addition, and in the sole discretion of the Fire Marshal, a rapid entry key box shall be required in any building where lack of access may result in loss of life and/or large property or environmental damage, based on factors including, but not limited to, fire load, occupant load, exposures, building construction, age of building, and storage or use of hazardous materials. 506.2 Maintenance. The responsible party shall immediately notify the code official when any or all of the locks or keys have been changed and shall keep the immediate area of the key box free and clear of any and all obstructions. The responsible party shall provide the proper keys for the key box to the Fire Department and shall not have access to a key that can open the key box. 506.3 Requirements. The responsible party is required at all times to keep a key(s) in the key box that will allow access to, and/or into, the structure. The key box shall contain, but not be limited to, the following items as designated by the code official: a. Labeled keys to locked points of egress, whether in interior or exterior of the building; b. Labeled keys to the locked mechanical and electrical rooms; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 7 c. Labeled keys to locked elevator rooms and controls; d. Labeled keys to any fence or secured areas; e. Labeled keys to areas of the building where fire alarm panels and fire protection systems are located; f. Labeled keys to any other areas as required by the code official; g. A card containing the emergency contact people and phone numbers for the building; h. Floor plans of the rooms within the building showing locations of shut offs; i. Hazardous materials information; j. An inventory of the keys inside all key boxes; k. Digital codes for access to any gates or any electronic door locks within the building; l. Any other keys, instructions, and/or information required by the Fire Department’s administrative regulations and guidelines. 506.4 Registration and installation. The responsible party shall apply for a registration for a key box on forms provided by and obtained from the code official. A registration is required prior to the installation of a key box in order to verify the proper mounting location and installation of the key box. The key box shall be installed on the exterior of the building at a location and in a manner approved by the code official. No key box shall be installed, voluntarily or otherwise, without first obtaining the approval of the code official. The responsible party shall be responsible for the cost to purchase, install, and maintain the key box. 506.4.1 Waiver. The requirement for a key box may be waived by the code official if, in the opinion of the code official, the size of the building or other unusual circumstances render the key box ineffective for its intended purpose, or if the building houses a business, firm, or other entity that provides sensitive personal services or routinely stores or handles potentially hazardous or expensive, rare, or unique materials. Businesses, firms, or other entities that are legally required to maintain customer, client, trade, or patient confidentiality may opt out of the key box requirement. 506.4.2 Opt out. Any property owner not otherwise exempt may opt out of the key box program if such owner or owner’s authorized insurance agent furnishes the code official with a letter of understanding from the insurer of the subject premises directed to the City of Sterling Heights and neighboring fire departments acknowledging its understanding that the City and the fire departments are not authorized to obtain access to the premises during an emergency by way of a lock- box key, and that damage resulting from forced emergency entry and/or delayed entry may occur. Additionally all owners of such premises shall execute and deliver to the code official an agreement, in the form and substance required by the City Attorney, holding the City of Sterling Heights and all neighboring fire departments free, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 8 harmless, and indemnified from any claim relating in any way to forced emergency entry damage or delayed access. 506.5 Compliance dates. All properties with existing key boxes that are not the type and size approved by the code official shall comply with this section by February 1, 2017. All newly constructed buildings not yet occupied or buildings currently under construction and all buildings or businesses applying for a certificate of occupancy shall comply, if required by the code official to install a key box, within 90 days of the adoption of this Section 506 or prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy, whichever time period is longer. The cost of purchasing and installing, along with any cost associated with implementation of the program at a specific property, will be borne by the responsible party. The code official shall ensure that written notification is sent to all responsible parties regarding the key box program requirements and the exemptions and opt out conditions at least 90 days before a building is required to be in compliance. Such notice shall be sent by regular mail to the name and address of record in the assessor’s office and/or on file as a business registration with the City Clerk. 506.6 Regulations. The Fire Department shall create administrative guidelines and regulations governing placement and approval of key boxes, the keeping and use of Knox Box® keys, and Knox Box® access. Any administrative guidelines and regulations imposing an obligation or duty upon a building, property, and/or responsible party shall have the force and effect of law as if fully set forth in this section 506. 506.7 Definitions. As used in this chapter: Commercial building. A building protected by an automatic fire suppression and/or standpipe system or protected by an automatic fire alarm system (automatic dialer, central station, external audible/visual alarm), but does not include owner-occupied freestanding residential homes, government buildings, or multi-family apartment buildings with units that have direct outdoor access doors and individual addresses. Key. Any device that functions as a means to afford access and/or to unlock that which secures or controls entrance to a building, property, or other location, including but not limited to a standard key, an electronic card, or a code. Knox Box®. A key box known by its brand name, and the type of key box required by the City for uniformity, security, access, and long-term durability. Responsible party. The property owner of a building or property that is subject to this Section 506. In the event that the owner is a corporate entity, a property manager, business manager, or other individual responsible for the daily and legal operations of the business or enterprise on the property may be cited by the code official as the “responsible party” under this section. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 9 506.8 Applicability. This section shall not apply to owner-occupied one and two family dwellings. However, any dwelling and any building or property may participate on a voluntary basis by purchasing a Knox Box® key box independently or through a discount program arranged with Knox Box® by the Sterling Heights Fire Department. SECTION 2. All other provisions of the Code of Ordinances not specifically amended shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon publication of a notice of adoption. This ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights on the 15th day of December 2015, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights on the 5th day of January, 2016. MICHAEL C. TAYLOR, Mayor MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk INTRODUCED: 12-15-15 ADOPTED: 01-05-16 PUBLISHED: 01-13-16 EFFECTIVE: 01-13-16 Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 2. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda, as amended: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 15, 2015, as presented. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 10 B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $837,101.66, Water & Sewer Fund - $79,862.15, Other Funds - $1,074,090.29, Total Checks - $1,991,054.10. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for motor oils, solvents, and anti-freeze to Corrigan Oil Company, 775 North 2nd Street, Brighton, MI 48116, based on unit prices bid for a one-year period. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for pruning of street trees to Wonsey Tree Service, Inc., Post Office Box 1142, Alma, MI 48801, for the period of January 6, 2016 to March 15, 2016, at unit prices bid. E. RESOLVED, to approve the purchase of heavy-duty truck parts from Kirk's Automotive, Inc., 9330 Roselawn, Detroit, MI 48024 at unit pricing available through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network cooperative request for proposals for a three-year period and an additional two-year period should the option be extended under the same terms and conditions. F. Moved to Consideration Item 8, G. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Pamar Enterprises, Inc., 58021 Gratiot Avenue, New Haven, MI 48048 in the amount of $19,153.68, plus interest on retainage for the Canal Road Storm Drain, Sterritt Street to Morang Drive, City Project #14-258. H. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Asphalt Specialists, Inc., 1780 E. Highwood, Pontiac, MI 48340 in the amount of $1,715.10, plus interest Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 11 on retainage, for the Maple Lane Golf Course Parking lot Repairs, City Project #14-264. I. RESOLVED, to approve the Municipal Primary Street Maintenance Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and the Macomb County Department of Roads for the period October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016, and authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. J. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Lubinski vs. City of Sterling Heights; Macomb County Circuit Court Case No. 15-4191-NO. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 3. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council for December 1, 2015, as corrected. Yes: All The motion carried. 4. Mr. Dominic Moceri, representing Maple Lane Golf Course, LLC., explained their request to transfer ownership of a 2015 Class C liquor licensed business from Maple Lane Golf Club to Maple Lane Golf Course, LLC and stated he looks forward to a smooth transition and continuing to serve the community. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove asked Council to request the petitioner to explain more about his proposal, which sounds really good for the City. He stated he is 100% in favor of the transfer and questioned the intentions of the petitioner. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 12 Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of a 2015 Class C liquor licensed business, with new dance- entertainment permit, Sunday Sales (AM and PM), four bars, outdoor service and specific purpose permit, located at 33203 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 from Maple Lane Golf Club to Maple Lane Golf Course, LLC, be considered for approval. Councilman Romano pointed out Maple Lane Golf Club has been sold to the Moceri family. He asked Mr. Moceri to explain their intentions. Mr. Moceri explained they are working with the City planners and stakeholders to come up with a comprehensive master plan for the golf course within the residential zoning currently in place and to retain golf as an anchor. He explained it would be a high quality development and they would be bringing a world class residential community to south Sterling Heights. Councilman Romano stated that some of the holes would be eliminated in order to build residential homes around the golf course. Mr. Moceri stated it would be a mixture and blend of housing types, not to exceed the depth density of the current zoning. He went on to state that the existing club house has facilities for the golfers, but no weddings could ever be held there because there was no dance floor. That is the purpose of the new dance-entertainment permit. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 13 Councilman Romano pointed out this is only a transfer from one corporation to another corporation. Councilwoman Ziarko is excited about what is happening at 14 Mile and Maple Lane. She stated this is an opportunity to bring something good into the community and Mr. Moceri has great ideas. Councilman Skrzyniarz thanked Mr. Moceri for the development and what he is bringing into the City. He stated it is a good validation for the residents, City Management and administration that they have chosen to do this in Sterling Heights. He stated it feels good to have a company of their caliber here. Mayor Taylor expressed his excitement with the project and stated it will be adding an opportunity for a lot of new residents to move here. He wishes them the best and is happy to support this request. Yes: All. The motion carried. 5. Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to nominate Dale Deming for consideration as an appointee to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the January 19, 2016 regular City Council meeting. Councilman Romano pointed out Mr. Deming has served on the Zoning Board before and wants to be appointed again. Yes: All. The motion carried. 6. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to postpone the appointment to the Arts Commission to the regular City Council meeting of January 19, 2016. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 14 Yes: All. The motion carried. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to appoint Stacy Ziarko to the Library Board of Trustees 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. Councilwoman Schmidt stated, as a point of clarification, that Stacy Ziarko is the daughter of Councilwoman Barb Ziarko. This is a non-compensated board and Stacy has been involved with the library since high school as a coop. She is a perfect fit and has read over 60 books since last year. Councilwoman Schmidt is excited to have Stacy on the Library Board of Trustees. Mayor Taylor pointed out the Arts Commission and Library Board of Trustees is losing Commissioner Don Schinzing. He thanked him for his many years of service on these commissions and looks forward to seeing Mr. Schinzing around the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. 7. Mr. Vanderpool made a presentation explaining the proposed amendment to the City of Sterling Heights Governing Body Rules of Procedure. He stated since adoption on April 5 1994, the Governing Body Rules of Procedure have been periodically reviewed and amended eleven times to address desired changes to the rules and procedures that govern the conduct of City Council meetings. At the regular meeting of December 15, 2015, Councilman Skrzyniarz, with the consent of the City Council, proposed an amendment to the Rules be drafted and brought Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 15 forward that would reduce the time allotted to citizens to comment on agenda items and under Communications from Citizens from seven minutes to four minutes. The seven minute time limit was introduced into the Rules in 2012. Mr. Vanderpool stated a survey of time limits adopted by comparable municipalities indicates that on average, 3.6 minutes is granted to a citizen when addressing the governing body. He is recommending the City Council approve the amendment to reduce the time limit from seven minutes to four minutes. The following residents spoke against the proposed amendment: Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove Ms. Jazmine Early Mr. Michael Lombardini Ms. Linda Godfrey Mrs. Dolores Hatton Mr. Michael Radke Mrs. Christina Ruble Mr. Charles Jefferson Mr. Dennis White. Moved by Skrzyniarz, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to approve the amendment to Rule No. 5 of the City of Sterling Heights Governing Body Rules of Procedure to reduce the time limit for persons addressing the City Council to four minutes. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 16 Councilman Skrzyniarz stated when he looked at this issue, the first question he asked is "what is reasonable". He questioned what a reasonable time limit would be in order to protect a person's right to express their opinion. He pointed out the many opportunities residents have to speak at the City Council meetings. Councilman Skrzyniarz believes that three to four minutes is more reasonable than seven minutes. He also stated it is arbitrary to give the power to the Mayor to cut someone's time off. Councilwoman Schmidt stated when she was first appointed and then elected, there were no time limits for citizen comments and the meetings were very long. She stated it is her personal belief that she was elected by the residents of the City to listen to them. There is a seven-minute time frame in place and the City Council has a tool, whereby the time could be reduced to three minutes, if there is a subject that brings a large number of residents to the meeting. Councilwoman Schmidt is comfortable with keeping Communications From Citizens at seven minutes as long as that tool is in place. She stated the only amendment she would like to see is for Sterling Heights residents to speak before non-residents. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that a resident had come up to the podium and complained that seven minutes was not enough time to speak. She then asked the City Manager to research what other communities allow and she knows that seven minutes was more than any other community. Councilwoman Ziarko has always said she is here to listen to the people. She doesn't have to agree with them and they don't have to agree with her. The City Council is here to listen to what the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 17 residents have to say. She also discussed the tool the Council has to reduce the time limit when there are numerous speakers on a specific item. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she has received many phone calls from residents about the trash contract and the limits on speaking time. In regard to the comments about the City Council's salary, she pointed out the Council does more than attend the meetings and this is like a full time job for them. Councilwoman Ziarko is opposed to changing the time limit for the speakers at the podium. Councilwoman Koski stated she has seen communications handled a number of different ways in the many years she has been on City Council and she doesn't want to go back to some of those ways. She believes people can learn to say what they have to say in a reasonable amount of time. Councilwoman Koski stated she is open to suggestions, but if the City Council cannot agree tonight, the item should be postponed. Councilman Shannon stated this is an issue to get people to be more prepared and more concise with what they want to speak about on City business. He believes by going from seven minutes to four minutes, people will be more concise. He stated to the resident that said they are doing the City Council's homework, he appreciates the fact that they think they are doing that, but he will do his own homework. He stated there is a lot of misinformation given to him, which has no relevance to his position on a specific item. He agrees with Councilman Skrzyniarz that the City Council is here to represent the residents of the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 18 community. He takes that job very seriously and has no objection to the lowering of the time limit from seven minutes to four minutes. Councilman Romano stated in regard to the Council's salary, it does not end at the meetings. On average, he gets calls from residents three to five days a week and he is happy to get the calls. The City Council has to attend many functions and work their vacations and time off around the meetings. Councilman Romano stated many speakers repeat themselves. He thanked Mr. White for being prepared and saying what he wants to say in a few words and then sitting down. Councilman Romano stated the City Council is trying to serve the residents. Mayor Taylor stated he looked at what other cities are doing because in any line of work people want to see what their competition is doing. It does not make the City a follower. The main reason for the reduction in the time limit is to conduct meetings in an efficient way. He pointed out if residents have a problem, they don't have to wait until the 1st or 3rd week to come before the City Council. They can contact the City departments or the City Manager. If they don't get a resolution to their problem, then they can come to the City Council. Mayor Taylor stated in regard to the amount of money made by the Mayor and City Council, a lot of time is spent preparing for the City Council meetings. He spends two to four hours a day handling City business. Mayor Taylor stated he is not trying to limit the amount of time or the ability of the public to present anything to the City Council. He stated his private phone number is on the City's website and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 19 residents could call him or come to his office hours. He is comfortable going with four minutes for citizen comments and allow more time if it is needed. Roll call vote on motion to approve the amendment to Rule No. 5: Yes: Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Shannon. No: Schmidt, Ziarko, Koski, Romano. The motion FAILED. 8. Item F from the Consent Agenda: Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to authorize the Community Relations Department to proceed with the contract for a headliner act to perform at the Sterlingfest Art & Jazz Festival on Saturday, July 30, 2016 and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney. Councilman Romano stated the City will be spending $20,000 for a headliner group and that's a good thing because it attracts bigger crowds. He is in total and complete agreement with this item. Councilwoman Ziarko asked for Community Relations Director Bridget Doyle's opinion on this contract and why we need this amount of money. Ms. Doyle explained the group (without revealing their name) that would be performing this year and feels comfortable going into this year with a lot of new opportunities. She could not say that the City would be increasing sponsorship, but she feels comfortable that they are. She stated this is something new and worth a try. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 20 Councilwoman Ziarko stated the City has been criticized about the amount of money they have spent in the past for Sterlingfest. She stated it is probably the best form of public relations and you cannot put a price tag on what the City accomplishes on that weekend. Councilwoman Koski stated her concerns are the same as in the past when we were able to buy headliners for all three nights. This is something the City can no longer afford to do. She is concerned about the ability to raise funds. She questioned Ms. Doyle about the budget she projects for Sterlingfest, the City's profit and whether any money is received from the rides or beer tent. Mr. Vanderpool responded in terms of the budget for Sterlingfest, in the old days when we had headliner acts, we spent significantly more. The last time the City had a headliner act it was in 2008. The average net cost (out of pocket costs) for Sterlingfest, with headliners cost, was $250,000 to $300,000 annually. After 2008, Sterlingfest was changed and we no longer used headliner acts and used tribute acts in the $2,000 to $7,000 range. Mr. Vanderpool went on to state the City worked out different revenue sharing agreements with the Chamber and we were able to increase our revenue. We were able to get the cost of Sterlingfest down to $50,000 per year. In terms of the net cost, he will be providing the proposed budget for Sterlingfest to the City Council. Mr. Vanderpool stated considering the magnitude of the event and the positive impact on the community and sponsors, a $50,000 investment in Sterlingfest is money wisely spent. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 21 Councilwoman Schmidt agrees that Sterlingfest is an important event in our community. She stated when the City was going out for the millage increase, more residents came up to her and said don't cancel Sterlingfest. She is in support of the contract for a headliner act. Mayor Taylor echoes the comments from the City Council members. He is glad this item was pulled off the Consent Agenda to allow the City Council to explain what Community Relations is doing. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Michael Lombardini - Fire Department response to a vehicle accident at a Sterling Heights party store, benefits of mutual aid agreements. Mr. Harry Marchlones – Correcting comments made concerning Rizzo Environmental Services at the prior City Council meeting. Mr. Charles Jefferson - Affect on residents in the north end of the City by the new ballpark in the City of Utica; Possibility of purchasing vacant parcel of land on Mound Road for use as a parking lot for people attending the ballpark; Possibility of right hand turn only on Canal Road from Super Kroger. Mrs. Dolores Hatton – Fire Department Study/Council members reelection/positive feedback. Mrs. Jazmine Early - Application to boards and commissions; Invited residents and interested parties to participate in and attend March 4th Cultural Exchange. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 22 Mr. Joe Judnick - Taping of Sterling Heights sporting events; Sale of Mr. Ruggeri's property on Poplar Avenue; Catch basin west of Merrill; Push button doors for handicapped people entering Doctor offices. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool responded to comments/inquiries from residents. He stated a plan will be in the proposed budget to close the gap of sidewalks between Clinton River and 17 Mile Road. In regard to parking for the new ballpark, the City of Utica would have to provide parking. There will be parking lots in addition to on-the-street parking and municipal parking lots. As far as the Kroger parking lot, he agrees there are problems with traffic congestion in this area and they will continue to monitor it. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the Fire study is not completed yet and it is not only for consolidation. There will be public comment time. Mr. Vanderpool stated in regard to revisiting the Sterling Heights videotaping of sporting events, they have contacted the schools in the past about this and hope to use their sound crews. Mr. Vanderpool stated they will look into the catch basin. There was no report from Mr. Bahorski at this time. Councilwoman Koski discussed the absentee ballots and thought the voters would not have to select a party. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 2016 Page 23 City Clerk Mark Carufel responded for the Presidential Primary Election on March 8, voters will have to select either Republican Party ballot or Democrat Party ballot. He stated the elimination of straight ticket voting the Governor recently signed into law will not affect the March 8 election. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:09 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk