City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 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 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 the second Community Forum will be held on be held on April 20th at 7 pm at the Senior Center. The goal of the second Community Forum is to formulate planning proposals related to the redevelopment, land use, recreation and non-motorized networks throughout the City. More information is available on the City’s website. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the City has held a number of these forums over the past few months. He pointed out the City is in the midst of updating Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 2 the Master Plan, which includes the Parks and Recreation Plan. Initiatives of the Parks and Recreation Plan will be highlighted at the upcoming Community Forum. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Town Hall meeting on April 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at 12900 Hall Road, to talk about major road reconstruction work to begin in 2017 on M59. A presentation from MDOT will explain the scope of work, the temporary lanes that will be installed, the timeframe for construction, and what the entire $35,000,000 project will entail. It will encompass from Delco Blvd to Hayes, both sides of M59, a complete reconstruction of the roadway including new lighting and landscaping. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the Website Technology Plan is going through an update and the City is seeking to hear from the community in regards to IT needs, ways to provide better information and allow improved access to City services. Mr. Vanderpool encouraged residents to access the main page of the City’s website at www.sterling-heights,.net and share their technology experiences by taking the Technology Plan Survey. Mr. Vanderpool reported on Velocity Jr., which is seeking ways to inspire tomorrow’s tech-oriented workforce. The City, Utica Community Schools, Fiat Automobiles (FCA) Foundation and community businesses, have partnered to offer more programming than ever before, including, innovative programs aimed at creating excitement for elementary and middle school students in engineering, computer science, robotics, and more during the summer break. Classes begin at the end of June and continue through the summer. Classes take place at Velocity, Jr., which used to be Rose Kidd Elementary School. This is a unique program Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 3 recognized by the White House to stimulate interest in STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at an early age. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the huge demand for STEM jobs in southwest Michigan and the opportunity to keep our younger generation in Sterling Heights and/or Michigan. Mr. Vanderpool reminded the community that starting this week the City of Sterling Heights will begin its 25th year offering separate curbside collection of yard waste. He reminded residents that clear plastic bags can no longer be used for yard waste disposal. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the 2nd Annual Charity Basketball Tastefest will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2016 when the Sterling Heights Fire Fighters and Police Officers take on the Utica Fire Fighters and Police Officers in a game of basketball at Joe Dumars Fieldhouse. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Admission is a minimum of $5 donation and includes food samples from local restaurants, and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit Henry Ford Health System Josephine Ford Cancer Center. In addition, there will be a Police Honor Guard all-u-can-eat Spaghetti Dinner on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Penna’s of Sterling, 38400 Van Dyke. The proceeds will help offset costs with the Honor Guard. Mr. Vanderpool reported that Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. is “E- Waste Recycling” Day. Anything that plugs in can be brought to the DPW and recycled. Mr. Vanderpool reported that on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. the Department of Public Works will hold their “Shred Day” for the general public. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 4 Mr. Vanderpool reported the City of Sterling Heights has scheduled Saturday, May 7, 2016 as this year’s spring Community Pride & SHINE Day, and will be cleaning up numerous homes throughout the city. Volunteers are always welcome. Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact the Community Relations Department at (586) 446-2480. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the City of Sterling Heights Police Department is seeking applicants for its CERT program, which is our Community Emergency Response Team. Residents who are interested should contact the police department at 446-2946 or email the department. Mr. Vanderpool commented that it is very well organized and an excellent program. Mayor Taylor recognized and thanked State Senator Phil Pavlov for attending the City Council meeting this evening. In addition, Mayor Taylor recognized a young man named Jaden, in attendance at tonight’s City Council meeting. Jaden is a webelos cub scout and personally received a tour from Mayor Taylor of the City Council chambers. PRESENTATION Councilwoman Ziarko recognized and presented Nice Neighbor Award Certificates in recognition of their efforts to assist the community and contributions in making Sterling Heights’ overall quality of life second to none to residents Mary Lou Francek and Jane Personen. Mary Lou and Jane were nominated by Rhonda Kasper for the Nice Neighbor Award. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that Mary Lou Francek and Jane Personen help Rhonda Kasper with yardwork, planting flowers, and chores around Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 5 the house. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that Rhonda said they are both wonderful woman and that she is lucky to have them as neighbors. CONSENT AGENDA 2. Mr. Dennis White, Consent Item E, Civic Center improvements, unsafe potholes. Ms. Linda Godfrey, Consent Item C, similar approved agenda and grant item from 2014 and 2015, status of previous grants for basically the same criteria, financial commitment for the Certification Program, opposes expenditure of taxpayers’ dollars. Ms. Mary Marciniak, Consent Item E, number of fire hydrants protecting City buildings . Mr. Horan, Consent Item F, promoting small business, more information should be available on lawsuits. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 15, 2016, as presented: B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $1,078,219.33, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,154,064.79, Other Funds - $3,565,788.51, Total Checks - $7,798,072.63. C. RESOLVED, to approve the Peer Fitness Trainer Certification Program to be hosted by the Sterling Heights Fire Department. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 6 D. RESOLVED, to schedule a special meeting of the City Council on May 4, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of recognizing and congratulating recipients of scholarships awarded through the 2016 Sterling Heights Community Foundation Scholarship Program ad direct the City Clerk to post the appropriate notices in accordance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. E. RESOLVED, to award the base bid for Richard J. Notte Civic Center Improvements – Phase II, City Project #15-279, to DiLisio Contracting, Inc. 3525 Lakepointe, Clinton Township, MI 48036 at a total cost of $1,825,692.78, authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all required documents on behalf of the City, and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $700,000 from General Fund Reserves. F. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, John T. Zawadzki v. Sterling Heights Police, 41A District Court Case No. S-16-808-GZ. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 2. A presentation was made by Ms. Denice A. Gerstenberg, City Development Director for consideration of approval of the fiscal year 2016/17 Community Development Block Grant One-Year Action Plan, a recommendation for the 42nd year of the Community Development Block Grant Program as discussed by the Citizens Advisory Committee. The City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation is just over $700,000, which is 2% higher than last year’s allocation. CDBG is a federal program that provides eligible communities with funds that can be used to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable housing, and improve Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 7 community facilities for low and moderate income residents. Each year, the Citizens Advisory Committee review requests for funding and make recommendations to the City Council following the appropriate qualification requirements. The guidelines for the use of the money are the same as last year: 20% of the money can be spent on administrative expenses, and 15% of the money must be used for public services. The Citizens Advisory Committee is recommending funding for all of the public service agencies that received funds last year, including Turning Point, Salvation Army, MCCrest, Care House, the Sterling Heights Library, and Wigs for Kids. There were no new public service agency requests this year. The remainder of the dollars, 65% or just over $478,000 of the total must be used for capital projects. This year, recommended projects for continued funding include the minor home repair program, code enforcement, lighting and technology upgrades at the Senior Center, and concrete replacement on one of our local roads Arlingdale Drive. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko , RESOLVED to approve the fiscal year 2016/2017 Community Development Block Grant One-Year Action Plan as recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee and City Administration based on an estimated entitlement of $736,837, and authorize City Administration to complete the Federal application and secure the funds. Yes: All. The motion carried. 3. A presentation was made by Mr. Michael Moore, Public Works Director, for consideration of acceptance of a proposal for Refuse, Recyclables, and Yard Waste Collection Services. The current contract between the City of Sterling Heights and Waste Management of Michigan, Inc expires on April 30, 2016. The bids received Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 8 from the Invitation to Bid as approved by the City Council were rejected at the February 16, 2016 City Council meeting with the goal being to save additional money and enhance curbside recycling. He reported that all objectives have been met. The Department of Public Works and Office of Purchasing prepared the RFP (Request for Proposals), for refuse, recycles, and yard waste collection that was approved by City Council on March 1, 2016; Proposals from interested vendors were due on March 17, 2016; Interviews of vendors who submitted proposals were conducted on March 21, 2016; Follow-up interviews with the two lowest vendors were conducted March 24, 2016; Recommendation for a Council award with a contract beginning date of May 1, 2016. An evaluation committee was developed and comprised of Mr. Brian Baker, Finance and Budget Director, Ms. Denice Gerstenberg, City Development Director, Mr. James Buhlinger, Purchasing Manager, and Mr. Michael Moore, Public Works Director. The goal of the committee was to evaluate the vendors on qualifications/experience, capacity, methodology, references, and cost. Three vendors submitted proposals and were interviewed by the committee: Emterra Environmental, Rizzo Environmental, and Waste Management. Each vendor had the opportunity to give a 15 minute power-point presentation and a 45 minute question and answer question. After the interviews were complete, Mr. Moore reported that the two most qualified and lowest cost vendors returned for a follow-up interview and further negotiation. Upon completion of the second interview, there was one recommendation of the vendor that could provide the desired service at the lowest cost. Rizzo Environmental Services provided the lowest cost which included a 2% annual discount if awarded an eight year contract equaling $800,000 over the term of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 9 the contract. Rizzo’s proposal does not include a fuel surcharge which means there is no cost to the City for fuel increases over the eight year period. Rizzo will absorb all fuel related charges. Rizzo Environmental Services is headquartered in Sterling Heights and also services Bloomfield Township, the City of Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, St. Clair Shores, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Madison Heights, and Livonia. All of the aforementioned, are eight year contracts or longer. Mr. Moore stated that residents can expect to see ten new refuse trucks and five new yard waste trucks. Rizzo Environmental Services employs over 60 Sterling Heights residents. To insure Sterling Heights is being serviced properly, Rizzo Environmental will be adding 20% more staff and equipment in the first couple of months to make sure Sterling Heights will be handled efficiently. The routes and scheduled pickup dates will not change. A transition team is in place to make sure the transition progresses in a smooth and inefficient manner. A mailing will be sent to residents along with updates to the City’s website and to the Rizzo Environmental Services website listing the changes and the options available. Residents will be able to contact the call center at Rizzo Environmental Services to ask questions. A back-up plan is in place should Waste Management discontinue their subscription curbside recycling services resulting in no interruption in the service to the residents. Within 12 months, a software application will be available through Rizzo to residents to place a service requests and access other important information through their Smart Phone regarding refuse, issues, complaints, etc. Mr. Moore reviewed the three options proposed by Rizzo Environmental Services. These options are: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 10 Option #1: Weekly collection of refuse in approved containers along with a weekly collection of yard waste in approved containers on a seasonal basis. The recycling centers would remain open and continue to be operated by City staff. Rizzo Environmental Services is proposing an enhanced subscription curbside recycling program that would be ten dollars less than our current cost and it would be a weekly program. Refuse and yard waste carts would be available for purchase to residents at a cost of $75.00 for a 64 gallon cart and $85.00 for a 96 gallon cart with no increased cost to their collection. The two carts along with a 35 gallon cart and an 18 gallon bin are on display in City Council chambers. Option #2: Weekly collection of refuse in approved containers along with a weekly collection of yard waste in approved containers on a seasonal basis. Recycling centers would close and each resident would receive a recycling cart. The recycling program would be paid by the City and free to the residents. Option #3: Weekly collection of refuse in approved containers along with a weekly collection of yard waste in approved containers on a seasonal basis. However, each resident would receive an 18 gallon bin for free to be paid by the City. Larger bins are available to residents for purchase: A 35 gallon cart for $45 and a 65 gallon cart for $65. Mr. Brian Baker, Finance and Budget Director, addressed the benefits of an eight year contract as opposed to a five year contract. He pointed out that Rizzo Environmental Services offered a 2% discount per year for eight years saving the City $800,000 and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 11 it would be unlikely the City could benefit that amount of savings on a five year contract. In addition, there is not a fuel adjustment cost, which locks in the City’s potential fuel savings for an additional three years. In comparing the Waste Management and Rizzo Environmental Services proposals, Rizzo is less expensive for each of the options for either five years or eight years. In regards to the enhanced subscription curbside recycling program, Rizzo will save residents $50,000 per year, dropping the subscription price of $67 a year to $57 a year. In addition to any option, there is a potential $100,000 savings per year in fuel. Mr. Baker stated that there was a savings rebidding the service from the January bids to the March Request for Proposals. Each of the vendors came in lower with Rizzo Environmental Services being the lowest. Keeping the recycling centers operational and run by City staff, there is a net eight year savings to the City of over $4,000,000 as a result of rebidding. Mr. Baker reviewed the impact on the proposed budget of options 1, 2, and 3. The recommendation is Option 1 as the low cost service option as well as an increase in pickups for subscription based service from biweekly to weekly as well as a cost savings to residents who have a subscription based service. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove, disapproval of how the bid process was handled, eight year contract; who told Rizzo Environmental Services to buy the trucks; the original bid from Waste Management came in at $2,800,000 and was thrown out; campaign money. Ms. Linda Godfrey, contract for Rizzo Environmental Services drawn up after the fact; requested a special meeting be held to review the language with the option(s) and approve the contract as written; the free 18 gallon bin is not free, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 12 but paid for by the taxpayers; any cost savings needs to be added to the proposed budget regarding the millage rate, disapproval of the waste hauling contract process, campaign donations. Ms. Mary Marciniak, agrees with prior speakers, clarification of bulk pick-up; wear and tear on roads; where will the trucks be stored, pending litigation against a bidding contractor , condition of the Recycling Center on 18 mile . Mr. Chuck Myers, trucks needed to pick up different trash containers, use of trash bags and containers. . Ms. Jazmine Early, concern about Rizzo Environmental Services; a flyer; and a channel 7 report. Ms. Dolores Hatton, weight of the carts; and her disapproval. Mr. Michael Lombardini, campaign donations from the bidding parties. Mr. Charles Jefferson, refuse contract bidding process. Mrs. Elias, concern of approving an eight year contract as opposed to a five year contract with a new business client. Mr. Dennis White, Recycling Center. Mr. Greve from Waste Management, consider awarding Waste Management a five year contract noting the residents have been very satisfied with their services over the years. He added that Waste Management was not asked about the subscription program, and not asked for a final and best offer. Mr. Rod Runyon, support for Waste Management, unhappy with the way the Rizzo trucks are driven on 17 Mile Road, new trucks purchased by Rizzo. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 13 Mr. Moore responded that the ten Rizzo Environmental Services trucks the residents referred to are available for immediate use by the City of Sterling Heights due to a contract that was awarded to Rizzo Environmental Services by the City of Southfield that does not start until June or July, making the trucks available. In addition, he explained residents can use the 32 gallon containers or approved paper bags for yard waste, noting that does not change for any of the options. If a recycling option is chosen, a bin or cart would then be used. Residents will not be forced to buy a cart but it will be available. The trucks have the ability to handle a cart pickup and a bag pickup. Mr. Moore commented that the same amount of trucks will be seen. There are a total of ten refuse trucks and five compost trucks. There will be four different kinds of trucks, a refuse truck, a yard waste truck, a recycling truck, and a typical commercial truck to pick up the dumpsters. As far as the disclaimer mentioning the May 1st deadline, Waste Management does have a license for curbside recycling so the disclaimer was to inform residents and City Council. Bulk pickup would not change. Moved by Shannon, seconded by Skrzyniarz, RESOLVED to accept the proposal by Rizzo Environmental Services, Inc., 6200 Elmridge, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, for provision of base refuse and seasonal yard waste collection and disposal services for the period May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2024, and provision of a subscription-based weekly curbside recycling program services starting no later than May 1, 2018 and continuing to April 30, 2024, at a cost of $4,349,620 per year and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 14 Councilman Shannon stated that this is Option 1 of the proposal. He commented that the process started in October of 2015 with a goal of saving money on the refuse contract. Councilman Shannon then made a motion to put the contract out to bid. After reviewing the bids received, the bids were not good enough. After extensive consideration, an RFP was put out asking the companies to do better. Councilman Shannon reported that these efforts were successful saving the City a substantial amount of money. Based on the original bids, Rizzo Environmental Services underbid Waste Management by approximately $5,000,000 over eight years. Rizzo is not taking advantage of the fuel adjustment clause, which means there is no cost to the City for fuel increases over the eight years of the contract. Residents will be able to participate in a subscription based recycling program on an enhanced weekly basis and a 2% annual reduction resulting in a $800,000 savings if an eight year contract is approved with Rizzo Environmental Services. In addition, there is a 15% decrease in cost to residents in a subscription based recycling program for our residents, a $50,000 savings per year. The Recycling centers will stay open. To clarify, no one is required to use a bin for regular refuse. Subscription based recycling would require the bin, but if that isn’t something a resident prefers, the Recycling Center is still an option. Councilman Shannon encouraged residents to use some type of receptacle or trash bin when putting their garbage out to the curb to discourage animals from making a mess. In addressing a concern what residents can do with their used oil, there may be some other options forthcoming, but at this time the oil can still be taken to the Recycling Centers. In referencing the eight year contract, he assured the residents that if Rizzo Environmental Services does not adhere to the contract, they Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 15 would be in breach of the contract, and that does not mean the City would have to continue if they were not doing what they agreed to do. Councilman Shannon stated that he is happy with the decision and will be voting yes. Councilman Skrzyniarz commented that he is excited to conclude the issue this evening. The contract has been thoroughly debated. He questioned the sizes of the recycling bins. Mr. Moore responded that depending on what option is chosen, residents would receive an 18 gallon bin and a 32 gallon or 64 gallon cart could be purchased. In Option 2, everyone would receive a 32 gallon or a 64 gallon cart. Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired what size cart residents could chose in Option 1. Mr. Moore stated a 64 gallon cart would be the only option on Option 1. Councilman Skrzyniarz referenced a complaint on our current recycling program is the bulky size of the 96 gallon cart. The size will be decreased in 2018. He referenced the feedback he received from citizens wanting to keep the Recycling Centers open. Councilman Skrzyniarz would like to continue to review the use of the Recycling Centers. He extended a challenge to the residents to take a closer look at recycling and spend the participation fee, to invest in the future. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated that he will support the motion on the floor, Option 1, and it meets the goal to save money and maintain quality services. Councilwoman Koski requested Mr. Mark Vanderool, City Manager to address the issues that were brought up by the audience. When will the contract be written; doing business with someone who is in litigation; and what is the policy regarding condominiums? Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 16 Mr. Vanderpool stated that as part of our due diligence effort, an agreement has been worked on by the City Attorney, our Finance and Budget Director, our Purchasing Manager, and the DPW Director, and is ready to be signed and executed tomorrow. With respect to the litigation question, Mr. Vanderpool stated it is his understanding that the litigation has been settled. Regarding the condominiums, Mr. Vanderpool requested Mr. Moore address the question. Mr. Moore stated that as far as condominiums, apartments, and mobile home parks are concerned, if a recycling subscription exists and they have door step pickup, that will continue. If that does not exist, Rizzo Environmental Services will work with the management company and designate a location for a certain amount of carts, or Rizzo Environmental Services can place a large commercial style container for recycling there as well. It would work the same way for their refuse. Councilwoman Koski questioned if the trucks would be driving down the narrow streets in those facilities. Mr. Moore stated that it could provide the curbside pickup or by working with the management companies of the facilities, designated areas would be assigned. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she did not like the process but thinks that City Council should see a copy of the contract before it is signed. She inquired if the other two vendors had the opportunity to match this contract? Mr. Moore responded yes, everybody was interviewed the initial time. The second process involved the two lowest vendors and the committee negotiated to get lower costs and extra services for this costs. The vendors were asked if there was anything else they wanted to provide in their RFP or best and final. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 17 Councilwoman Ziarko repeated that Mr. Greve stated he was not asked for his best and final. She asked Mr. Moore if he got the impression that he was. Mr. Moore responded yes he was, 100%. Councilwoman Ziarko asked if a precedent is being set with the eight year contract. Mr. Vanderpool responded that the City has numerous terms of lengths of contracts beginning with a one year contract, three years, and four years. Mr. Vanderpool commented that eight years would certainly be on the longer end. He stated that he is not aware of an existing eight year contract but stated that there are protections in the contract should there be poor performance. Both contractors have excellent reputations and have been in business a long time. They both have had long term contracts in place with comparable communities. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the vendors have a track record of being able to fulfill the eight year terms. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned if there is a change in cost savings over the next eight years if Waste Management continues their recycling services? Mr. Baker responded that the cost savings would not change. However, the residents would not save the $50,000 in their subscription program per year until 2018. If Waste Management exercises their 90 day out clause, Rizzo will step in. Councilwoman Ziarko would like to see the out clause in the Waste Management contract. She requested to ask the following question of a representative from Rizzo Environmental Services: If the company is sold off, will the buyer assume all the responsibilities. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 18 A representative from Rizzo Environmental Services, Tom Baretto, responded that Waste Management has been sold a couple of times and that Rizzo Environmental is not going anywhere. Councilwoman Ziarko commented that individuals are appointed to provide the best information to City Council to make the difficult decisions that have to be made. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that before making a decision, she asks herself what is in the best interest of 130,000 people, not necessarily my own best interest. Councilwoman Schmidt echoed Councilwoman Ziarko’s sentiments on the process that has taken place over the past few months. She has concerns over the eight year contract and would hope a five year contract with extensions continuing the exact same contract would be considered. Regarding the curbside recycling, does the $57 cover the cost of the cart and the service? The City is not paying for these carts, correct? Mr. Moore stated that the $57 would cover the cost of the cart and the service. Councilwoman Schmidt commented that the taxpayers that do not participate in curbside recycling program will not be paying for that program. Mr. Moore stated that is correct. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she was happy that the Recycling Centers will remain open. She reiterated that the eight year contract makes her uncomfortable and would appreciate it if Rizzo Environmental Services would consider a five year contract with extensions with the cost savings included. Mayor Taylor commented on the process stating the bid was put out in October. With less than 30 days away from the expiration of the current contract, the City could not Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 19 have waited any longer. Mayor Taylor stated that every step of the process resulted in cost savings to the residents. The backup is public information and shows the review committee rating Rizzo Environmental Services the highest, 98% on the review. References were obtained from communities Rizzo has been doing business with for over a number of years resulting in very few problems, or no complaints. Mayor Taylor stated the process was met with resistance and misinformation as they were trying to save more money. The process ended up saving money every step of the way. Mayor Taylor stated the process worked perfectly and provided an opportunity for the City and residents to get what they wanted at the best possible price. In addition, Mayor Taylor stated his preference would be Option 3 striking a balance between cost savings and a group service. In March, Mayor Taylor had the opportunity to read to the 6th and 7th grade class at Noir Academy in Sterling Heights. He asked the class if they recycled at their curb and out of the 80% of the students that raised their hands, none of them lived in Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor stated that his goal for the City has always been the lowest cost and enhanced recycling ability for the residents. In regards to the campaign contribution question from audience participation, Mayor Taylor responded that he did not receive any campaign contributions from any contractor. That is public information. Mayor Taylor stated that City Council leads with integrity and does not allow any campaign contributions to dictate what they are going to do. In response to an audience participation comment about Rizzo Environmental Services back loading the savings. Mayor Taylor did not agree. Mayor Taylor stated that he will be in support of the contract Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 20 and also commented that he would like to see a better recycling program in Sterling Heights. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned if the refuse millage rate will be changing in the budget that will be discussed next week. Mr. Baker responded that there will be a slight savings as a result of choosing Option 1 in the budget, about $180,000. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Ziarko, Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Taylor No: None Motion carried 7-0. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS State Senator Phil Pavlov – Introduced himself and announced he has filed to run for the vacant seat in the United States Congress. Mr. Scott Morrison – Police Chief position hiring process. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove – Upcoming budget meeting dates and times; and the results of the fire survey. Mr. Michael Lombardini – Recommending appointing the existing Interim Police Chief to the permanent position. Ms. Mary Marciniak – Requesting better communication on this year’s spring clean-up; also questioned how services are segregated, according to their SEV, in the budget process. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 21 Ms. Dolores Hatton – Positive feedback on shredding; concerned that Dodge Park is becoming over commercialized; growth of natural resources; positive feedback on meeting with the City Manager; and nature center funds; Mr. Charles Jefferson – suggested one week just for Sterling Heights vendors at Farmers market; recycling; and an Airbnb City ordinance. Ms. Elias - Requesting a resolution to the Michigan Department of Education opposing the guidance of student gender identity in schools. Ms. Jazmine Early – opposes the guidance of student gender identity in schools; amenities of the Master Plan; 6th tax increase in six years; development of land on 15 Mile Road between Mound and Ryan. Mr. Michael Radtke – disagreed with previous speakers regarding gender identity. Mr. Horan – Thanked the Mayor for saving money; Police Chief position. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated there are budget hearings on April 12, 2016 and April 26, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. The final budget hearing is on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. There is a special part of the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. for the Foundation Scholarship Awards. In response to Ms. Marciniak’s inquiry about special drop-off days, Mr. Vanderpool stated that they will be every Saturday in May. With respect to the budget information, the average price home is what the budget is based on, the typical priced home in Sterling Heights is around $170,000. Mr. Bahorski reported there are no items for closed session. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 22 Councilwoman Schmidt stated that she is getting phone calls on the construction on Van Dyke and asked what is left to be done, and the anticipated timeframe. Mr. Vanderpool responded that there are two major intersections left, Metropolitan Parkway and Van Dyke, and 18 Mile Road and Van Dyke. They are planned to be completed by summer, followed by landscaping in the median, lighting, and the underground irrigation needs to be completed and should be finished up by the fall. Councilman Romano commented that his brother passed away unexpectedly and thanked everyone for their kind words, cards, and outpouring of sympathy. Councilman Skrzyniarz commented that former Detroit Mayor Roman Griggs passed away earlier today and expressed condolences to his family. He also addressed comments during audience participation opposing the Parks and Recreation Plan. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated that the details have not yet been rolled out on the plan. In referencing a couple of speakers in tonight’s audience participation, he commented that the City Council joined together a couple years ago in support of anti- discrimination in the City of Sterling Heights. He stated he was disappointed in some of the comments from tonight. Councilwoman Ziarko requested a hard copy of the construction scheduled on Dodge Park. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no Unfinished Business discussed. NEW BUSINESS There was no New Business. ADJOURN Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 23 Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Romano, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk