City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 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 D. Vanderpool, City Manager; Jeffrey Bahorski, City Attorney; Mark Carufel, City Clerk; Susan Pitrone, 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 that there are two important Community Forums coming up where the Master Plan will be discussed. The Parks and Recreation Plan is a major component of the Master Plan. There are a number of major park initiatives that are being set forth in the plan. Two Community Forums will take place. The first one will be held on March 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm and the second one will take place on April 20 at 7:00 pm. The Senior Center will be the location for the forums. Everyone is welcome to attend. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool reported that May is Sterling Pride Month. This is a new tradition which will kick off a month of activities preserving and beautifying green space, cleaning up residential areas, and encouraging the planting of trees on both public and private property. The overall effort is multifaceted and will help increase the tree canopy of the City and encourage residents to continue taking pride in their neighborhood. A schedule of activities will be highlighted at the April 19, 2016 City Council meeting. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Department of Public Works will be sponsoring a Tree Sale Program during the month of May, offering discounted trees to encourage residents to purchase trees for fall planting. Trees will be available for $150.00 for the month of May, which is a $50.00 discount from the normal purchase of $200.00. The Department of Public Works will distribute a list of trees available to residents for planting in the public right-of-way. Trees purchased in May will be planted following the first frost of the season. The City of Sterling Heights is doing as much as possible to increase the tree canopy throughout the City. More information will be forthcoming as an even more robust tree planting program will be made available as the year progresses. Mr. Vanderpool reported on the Dodge Park Road construction. He stated that it will be completely reconstructed from Metro Parkway to Utica Road. This includes an entirely new roadway system including a center lane, curb and gutter, new landscaping, new lighting, a pedestrian bridge, a ten foot bike path, resulting in a whole new look and feel of the Dodge Park Road corridor. Over the next month, there Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 3 will be some sporadic lane closures, still allowing traffic in both directions. However, in mid-April, southbound traffic will be closed from 17 Mile Road to Metro Parkway. The next leg of construction is scheduled to begin after Sterling Fest. In addition, the front of the City Hall project will be started simultaneously. The projects will be done this construction season. Mr. Vanderpool apologized in advance for some inconveniences that may occur. Discussions have taken place with neighbors and the school district, who have worked with the City to reroute businesses and establish detours. Planning has been underway for about one year. Mr. Vanderpool reported that a number of complaints have been received from residents regarding holiday decorations that are still up in several areas. Code inspectors are out in force giving residents notice that these decorations should be taken down within 60 days of the holiday. Once notice is given to residents, there is a ten days compliance deadline. PRESENTATION Lieutenant Burgess introduced residents Jennifer Pellow and Christina Ortenburg in recognition of being Nice Neighbors. Councilwoman Schmidt stated that this is another presentation in the Nice Neighbor Program, which honors homeowners and businesses that improve the quality of life for their neighbors. The Community Relations Department is proud to present Jennifer Pellow and Christina Ortenburg for recognition as recipients of a Nice Neighbor award. Ms. Pellow and Ms. Ortenburg were nominated by Sterling Heights Police Lt. Aaron Burgess for the Nice Neighbor award. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 4 In support of this nomination, Lt. Burgess reports that Ms. Pellow and Ms. Ortenburg witnessed a serious personal injury accident involving a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle. As a result of the accident, the motorcycle driver was rendered unconscious and stopped breathing. Disregarding their own personal safety, Lt. Burgess states, “Jennifer and Christina entered the roadway and began providing emergency care to the motorcycle driver. As a result of their actions, the driver regained his ability to breathe on his own.” Lt. Burgess adds that if not for the prompt response of Ms. Pellow and Ms. Ortenburg, the motorcycle driver may not have survived the accident. Being a Nice Neighbor can take many forms. The care and compassion that Ms, Pellow and Ms. Ortenburg demonstrated in coming to the aid of someone in need of lifesaving first aid certainly merit their recognition as Nice Neighbors. Councilwoman Schmidt presented Jennifer Pellow and Christina Ortenburg with a Nice Neighbor Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their efforts to assist the community and contributions in making Sterling Heights’ overall quality of life second to none on behalf of the Mayor and City Council. Mayor Taylor introduced Mr. Derek Miller, Macomb County Treasurer, who presented an update on foreclosures and what is going on in the Treasurer’s Office for the past 2 1/2 years for the City of Sterling Heights. Mr. Miller stated that the biggest job for the Treasurer’s Office is to handle the local municipalities and delinquent taxes over the course of a year. A public service campaign was recently launched to announce to residents the March 31, 2016 deadline which is quickly approaching. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 5 The foreclosure process is a 27 month process. On March 1, 2014, 2,864 delinquent parcels of property taxes from the City of Sterling Heights were collected. Based on that, the Treasurer’s Office cut a check to the City of Sterling Heights for all the delinquent taxes for 2013 so business can be conducted as usual, payroll can be met, and fire and police services can continue in the City of Sterling Heights. There were over 2,800 delinquencies in 2013. Over the next following two years up to March 31, 2016, the Treasurer’s Office is diligently working contacting those people, and collecting the taxes. Mr. Miller was pleased to report that on February 5, 2016, the 2,864 delinquent parcels were decreased to 89 delinquent parcels. As a result, millions of dollars the county government collected was given to the City of Sterling Heights. Mr. Miller pointed out that residents delinquent in their taxes can visit the Treasurer’s office, get assistance in setting up a payment plan so their homes are not foreclosed, and also partner with the MSU Extension to understand the dynamics of taxes. Another area that is handled in the Treasurer’s office is personal property taxes. In 2014, a personal property tax exemption for corporations, dealing with manufacturers in the State of Michigan, was passed. However, in the City of Sterling Heights, from 2009-2014, 3,058 parcels of business properties were delinquent with their taxes. Those 3,058 parcels equated to 3.97 million dollars in tax revenue for the City of Sterling Heights that was missing. Mr. Miller was pleased to report that over the past five years, 2.7 million dollars has been collected for the City of Sterling Heights. Mr. Miller invited the residents to reach out to him with any questions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 6 Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Miller for his time and for providing this information to the residents. Mr. John Berg, Interim Police Chief stated the succession plan is moving along very well. He proudly introduced and performed the swearing-in ceremony of the following four experienced individuals and who have been recently hired to serve the City of Sterling Heights, its business, and residents as police officers in the Sterling Heights Police Department: Officer Dominic Countryman, from the Detroit Police Department with 2 ½ years experience, Officer Jeremiah Orvelo, from the Detroit Police Department with 12 years experience, Officer Shane Palmer from the Detroit Police Department with 15 years experience, and Officer Dominic Redman from Mackinac Island with 7 ½ years experience. Interim Police Chief Berg stated he was very proud and honored to introduce the four new members of the Sterling Heights Police Department. The new officers expressed their appreciation. Mr. Christopher Martin, Fire Chief proudly introduced and performed the swearing-in ceremony of Geoffrey Campau, who has recently been hired to serve the City, its business, and residents as a firefighter/paramedic in the Sterling Heights Fire Department. Mr. Campau’s experience includes attending the Macomb County Fire Academy, being a paid on-call firefighter for the City of Mt. Clemens for the past 7 yrs, paramedic training, and a member of Universal Ambulance for the past 9 years. Fire Chief Martin was proud and honored to introduce the new member of the Sterling Heights Fire Department. The new firefighter expressed his appreciation. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 7 Mayor Taylor thanked the new officers, new firefighter, and their families for their support. Mayor Taylor also thanked the residents for making this possible. He stated that the residents of the City of Sterling Heights want to live in a community with professional police and fire services. Mayor Taylor stated the City of Sterling Heights is looking forward to having the new employees with the city for a long time protecting our residents. Mayor Taylor personally thanked them on behalf of the City Council. Mayor Taylor requested a brief recess at 7:59 p.m., resuming at 8:03 p.m. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 1. Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner addressed the proposed consideration of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property on the east side of Mound Road, south of Burroughs Avenue in Section 4 from O-1 (Business & Professional Office District) to R-60 (One Family Residential District); Case No. PZ15-1139. Mr. McLeod stated that the parcel would be split into single family lots with the following specifics: 1. Build four (40-1,800 square foot, ranch style homes) 2. Lots measuring 75 x 125 (corner lot would be larger) 3. Intention of selling the south twenty two (22) feet of property to the adjacent property owner to the south Mr. McLeod stated that this case was before the Planning Commission in January earlier this year. The Planning Commission recommended denial of that application Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 8 by a vote of 7-0, there were two members absent. The Office of Planning has also provided a recommendation at this point for denial including the following reasons: 1. The proposed conditional rezoning of he subject property from O-1 (Business & Professional Office District) to R-60 (One Family Residential District) is contrary to the City’s Master Land Use Plan. This portion of Mound Road frontage is designated Transitional, with the intent to phase out, over time, the older single family residences fronting Mound Road. This transition has been occurring for many years and it would be inconsistent to now rezone the subject property to introduce single family residential uses within this area. 2. The proposed conditional rezoning would create inconsistent adjacent uses. The parcel to the south is zoned O-1. The adjacent R-60 and O-1 districts will require imposition of greater separation (screening) and set back requirements for the owner of the property zoned for business and professional office uses. Future developments of the property zoned O-1 has the potential to adversely impact the single family residential uses being proposed. 3. The proposed conditional rezoning to single family residential is inconsistent with the zoning and land use patterns along the Mound Road frontage in this area, which include commercial office and multiple family. 4. The Applicant’s proposed conditions do not mitigate or outweigh the material zoning concerns outlined above. By example, the proposed transfer of the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 9 twenty two (22) feet of orphan property from the south side of the subject property cannot be guaranteed. Mr. McLeod stated that the applicant has requested this item be remanded back to the Planning Commission. At this point, the Planning Department still stands by their recommendation of denial. Mr. Michael Mitchell presented on behalf of the petitioner. He stated what Mr. McLeod said was true, however, his research will show that rezoning would bring four new family homes to the City of Sterling Heights, and paying into the tax base. The development will be on Burroughs Road and will not front on Mound Road. He proposed that the City, schools, and business would benefit from having younger families move into the City. He stated that the residential population needs to increase to support the commercial development in the City and a younger population, which are the intended market for the proposed development, would help support the local economy and that the master plan supports that no additional land should be used for commercial purposes and healthy and vibrant neighborhoods are essential for the long-term health of the City. He stated his client is willing to invest $800,000 in the development in these 4 lots and there has been no other interest in this property to develop it as office space for more than two years. He stated that this development would increase the value of the existing homes in the area, and that 11 residents on Buroughs and Cotter fully support the development and there are compelling reasons to grant the rezoning request, including the strong support from the neighbors, the Master Plan calls for offering a broad range of residential options Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 10 and for the enhancement of the characteristics and quality of the existing neighborhoods. Mr. Julio Russo – The owner of the property adjoining the property being discussed concurred with the summary Mr. McLeod presented. Mrs. Linda Godfrey – Inquired what the side setback is for Mound Road and asked if residential would be better than an office building; stated property has been vacant for 2 years; commercial property development; residential development would bring in additional families and tax dollars. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to deny introduction of the map amendment to conditionally rezone property on the east side of Mound Road, south of Burroughs Avenue in Section 4 from O-1 (Business & Professional Office District) to R-60 (One Family Residential District); Case No. PZ15-1139. Councilman Romano stated that our Planning Director summed it up in its entirety. Councilwoman Ziarko stated City Council would follow the recommendation of the Planning Department and the Planning Commission. Mayor Taylor stated that Mound Road should be a commercial road and commercial activity should be on Mound Road. Adding more residential to the Mound Road area isn’t something he supports. There are a number of residential projects going on now in other areas. Mayor Taylor stated that the petitioner can go back to the Planning Commission if certain changes are made in the development. Yes: All. The motion carries. CONSENT AGENDA Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 11 2. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 1, 2016, as presented: B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $732,534.76, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,904,279.96, Other Funds - $953,197.80, Total Checks - $3,590,012.52. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for turf and concrete restoration services to Luigi Ferdinandi & Son Cement Company, 16481 Common Road, Roseville, MI 48066, at unit prices bid through December 31, 2016, and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid award one (1) additional year at unit prices bid. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid to replace the engine in a 2006 Ford F-650 Super Duty chipper truck to Troy Motors, Inc. d/b/a Elder Ford, 777 John R . Road, Troy, MI 48083, in the amount of $15,989. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for landscaping and snow removal services in connection with nuisance abatement activities to United Lawnscape, Inc. 62170 Van Dyke, Washington Twp., MI 48094, through April 30, 2018, at the unit prices bid, with an option for the City Manager to extend the bid award for an additional one-year period with the vendor’s consent on the same terms and conditions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 12 F. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the purchase and planting of street trees to Marine City Nursery Company, 5304 Marine City Highway, China Township, MI 48054 for the period April 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, at unit prices bid. G. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a trench box to Efficiency Production, Inc., 685 Hull Road, Mason, MI 48854 in the amount of $12,119.25. H. RESOLVED, to award the bid for operable partition walls for the Sterling Heights Senior Center, rooms 2 and 3 (primary) and rooms 5 and 6 (optional), to National Business Supply, d/b/a/ NBS Commercial Interiors, 1332 Anderson Road, Clawson, MI 48017, at a cumulative cost of $38,080. I. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by SeeClickFix, Inc., 746 Chapel Street, Third Floor, New Haven, CT 06510, for customer service software with mobile app for the period July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019 at an annual cost of $18,696, and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. J. RESOLVED, to approve the purchase of managed internet services from AT&T Corporation for the period July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019 and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. K. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Galui Construction Co., Inc. 33805 Harper Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48035 in the amount of $50,439.60 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 13 plus interest on retainage for the 2014 Local Road Concrete Reconstruction Program, City Project #14-250. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 3. There were no nominations for the Board of Ordinance Appeals Panel II. Mayor Taylor requested a motion to postpone the item to the April 5, 2016 regular City Council meeting. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED to postpone the nomination and consideration of an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals Panel II to the April 5, 2016 regular City Council meeting. Mayor Taylor stated this is not a debatable motion and if the motion is withdrawn, Councilwoman Ziarko can make a comment. Councilman Romano withdrew his motion. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned the short term of this appointment expiring on June 30, 2016. Mayor Taylor referred to City Attorney Jeff Bahorski regarding the ending date of this term. City Attorney Jeff Bahorski offered clarification of the two-step process, stating the first meeting in June would be the appropriate date to postpone this appointment. June 7, 2016 would be the appropriate City Council meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 14 Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED to postpone the nomination and consideration of an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals Panel II to the June 7, 2016 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carries. 4. There were no nominations for the Beautification Commission. Mayor Taylor requested a motion to postpone the item to the June 7, 2016 regular City Council meeting. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to postpone the nomination and consideration of appointees to the Beautification Commission to the June 7, 2016. regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carries. Mayor Taylor nominated Brian Cole for appointment to the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Authority. Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Brian Cole to the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Authority to a term ending June 30, 2019, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: All. The motion carries. Mayor Taylor nominated Kozeta Elzhenni for appointment to the Ethnic Community Committee. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Kozeta Elzhenni to the Ethnic Community Committee to a term ending June 30, 2018 subject to the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 15 appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: All. The motion carries. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Michael Lombardini – The recent passing of Marjorie Upton DeFrancis, who worked on the restoration of the Upton House that her great-grandfather built; maintaining institutional knowledge; and recommending appointing the existing Interim Police Chief to the permanent position. Ms. Linda Godfrey – Water testing report; rumor on status of Liberty Park; advertising the public forums for the Master Plans for parks and recreation; locating information on the city website; cost factor for the trails in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan; and road repairs. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove– Positive feedback on the cultural exchange; maintaining knowledgeable City employees; retaining the current Finance Director; and trash pick-up in the beginning of May. Ms. Hatten- Trash proposal. Unidentified – Thanked administration for the prompt follow-up stating that the street lights at Lakeside Mall on South Cover Drive are now working. Mr. Paul Schimeck – Congratulated the City Council on their election. Mrs. Jazmine Early – Insufficient lighting on Van Dyke and timeline of completion; roads needing repair, tax increase, cost factor of projects. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 16 Unidentified -Thanked the City of Sterling Heights for commencing with road work on Dodge Park Road; not in favor of mile road pylons on Van Dyke; Parks and Recreation Plan; current millage tax rate, trash contract; and campaign contributions. Mr. Charles Jefferson – Roads need repair; hiring practices. Mr. Dennis White- Safety hazards on Van Dyke, uneven pavement. Mr. Harry Marchalones – Trash contract; campaign contributions. Mr. Julio Russo – Parks and Recreation facility; supports a swimming pool as part of a community recreation facility, stated pool revenue could fund the cost. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed comments from residents on a few issues. The City of Sterling Heights conducts regular testing of our water system, in addition to having random samples tested. Tests are done directly for lead and there have been no noteworthy results from the testing. The City of Sterling Heights does not have lead pipe service lines to the houses so we are in a much better position in terms of our infrastructure compared to older cities. We do a substantial significant testing annually and then a more robust testing every other year. The testing has proved to be very positive for water quality. Mr. Vanderpool addressed road concerns. Over a five year period of time, the City of Sterling Heights is spending over $100,000,000 on various roadway improvements, including Van Dyke. There are many projects scheduled over the next few years including the Dobry Service Drive which funding has been secured. Other roadway improvements include the resurfacing of Canal Road, 15 Mile Road from Schoenherr Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 17 Road to Morningdale Road, Schoenherr Road south of 15 Mile Road, 14 Mile Road, Ryan Road, and Hayes Road will start construction next year. Dodge Park Road and Van Dyke will be finished this summer, completing lighting and landscaping. The lighting infrastructure is presently being worked on. The two intersections still needing improvements include Metro Parkway and 18 Mile Road. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the City millage rate is slightly over 15 mills. The City of Sterling Heights continues to have the lowest millage rate of cities in Macomb County, and being in the bottom third statewide. Property taxes for next year will be lower than they were in 2007. This will be pointed out in the upcoming budget hearings. This is primarily due to the decline of property values that occurred in 2007-2008. Mr. Vanderpool stated the City of Sterling Heights has diligently been working on succession plans for retiring employees over the past ten years, while experiencing a complete turnover in the leadership team. These positions include: Community Relations, City Controller, Department of Public Works Director, Fire Chief, City Development Manager, City Engineer, Deputy City Clerk, Police Chief (soon to be), Parks and Recreation Director, Library Director, City Treasurer, City Planner, City Development Director, and the Economic Development Advisor is under contract. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the well trained leadership team in place is working incredibly well. The replacement for the Budget and Finance Director, due to retirement, is being trained and groomed for an orderly transition. Mr. Vanderpool is confident the succession plan is working very well. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 18 Mr. Bahorski reported there are no items for closed session. Councilman Romano stated that he was honored to swear in Fire Chief Chris Martin as President of the Macomb County Fire Chiefs Association. Fire Chief Martin was elected to the position by the Fire Chiefs in Macomb County. Councilman Romano stated he is very proud of the high utilization of the City of Sterling Heights Library. Councilman Romano responded on hiring practices of the City, if they apply and are qualified, we will hire them. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated a 4-3 vote on the Waste and Recycling Contract is not necessarily a bad thing and City Council agrees 95% of the time. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated that rejecting bids and approving an RFP is a policy issue. He believes the RFP process will save the City money. The recycling piece will have to be looked at and a decision will be made with that information. Councilman Skrzyniarz expressed his respect for his colleagues. He stated that road funding is primarily a state and federal funded activity. Councilman Skrzyniarz referred to the lack of road funding due to the large corporate tax cut that was given by the State of Michigan a few years back. The lack of revenue also affected higher education as well. The state needs to step up. Councilwoman Schmidt requested Mr. Vanderpool contact the state to see if the timing of the lights from 14 Mile Road to south of 17 Mile Road can be reevaluated as it is cumbersome to residents. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 19 Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Vanderpool when the costs of various projects in the Master Plan will be available and how they will be made available to residents. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the City is working diligently with the architect to review different options, scenarios, and scope of service. At the Community Forums, discussions include the general scope, interest from the community, and different ideas, being in the conceptual design phase. Estimated costs are diligently being worked on and will be presented to City Council in the next 90 days or so. Councilman Shannon stressed the importance of people doing their own homework on issues of concern and dispelling rumors, which can cause confusion to the residents on important issues. Councilwoman Ziarko agreed with Councilwoman Schmidt regarding the traffic on Van Dyke and added that Schoenherr Road also backs up to 16 Mile Road. Councilwoman Ziarko reported the county is actively working on repairs on Schoenherr, as well as Moravian Road. She inquired if Schoenherr Road will be addressed north of 15 Mile Road. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the scope of repair is south of 15 Mile Road to the bridge this year. Referencing Councilman’s Skrzyniarz comments, the problem is statewide road funding. Money will not be available to use until 2017, at which time road funding is expected to increase. Portions of Metro Parkway and Mound Road are in bad condition. Mr. Vanderpool stressed the importance of working with the county to make sure there is a game plan for the county roads in the City of Sterling Heights. Mr. Vanderpool commented that the City is doing a good job in repairing our City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 20 neighborhood roads. He stated that it will take many years to catch up on major roads and county roads once funding is available. Mayor Taylor addressed comments from residents. In response to Ms. Hatten, Mayor Taylor stated that he understood her frustration. In the vast majority of people he spoke to, residents want a low cost curbside recycling option without their taxes being increased. He explained the process offering clarification stating there is almost no likelihood that there will be a high price on the base trash contract. If anything, the rebidding process will drive costs lower, benefiting the residents. Mayor Taylor stated there is not going to be a tax increase. He guaranteed every resident in the City, if the proposal passes, that they will not be made to have a cart unless it is their choice to have one. Mayor Taylor agreed with Councilman Skrzyniarz comments on the 4-3 vote on the proposal. Mayor Taylor addressed comments on campaign contributions and supporting Mayor Taylor’s election to office. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business discussed. NEW BUSINESS There was no New Business. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Page 21 The meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk