City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 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; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Mark Carufel, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, 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 on the successful Department of Public Works (DPW) Open House this past weekend, with about 500 people attending. He commended the DPW on the great job they do every day. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the new fire rescue truck is parked outside the building this evening and he encouraged anyone interested to look at it when leaving the meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool stated the dedication ceremony for the completion of Van Dyke will take place near the Van Dyke/Metro Parkway intersection tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Annual Fall Grub Crawl will begin at 5:30 p.m., and he stated the restaurants will appreciate many people taking advantage of the event and visiting their restaurants. Mr. Vanderpool announced the Van Dyke project is near completion, with some punch list items that need to be addressed. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the City of Sterling Heights will be having its first annual State of the City address on Friday, September 30th at 8:00 a.m. at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, and registration is being handled by the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Fire Department’s Annual Open House will be held on Sunday, October 2nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station #4, located adjacent to Baumgartner Park. He added that the city’s Firefighter’s Union and local businesses are donating time, goods and services, and the firefighters and paramedics are volunteering their time to be at this event. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the Sterling Heights Community Foundation will be presenting the 4th Annual Puttin’ on the Ritz Gala on October 28th and will be honoring Ms. Barbara W. Rossman, President and CEO of Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals. He informed that tickets for this event are available through the Sterling Heights Community Foundation. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on the upcoming elections, noting that there has been some legislation challenged at the state level, and he stated Deputy City Clerk Melanie Ryska will give an overview of the upcoming election. Deputy Clerk Melanie Ryska provided an overview of the upcoming presidential election to be held on Tuesday, November 8th, 2016, with polling hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. She reminded the public of some important dates, including October 11th, which is the last day to register to vote in November’s election, and November 5th, which is the last day to apply for an Absent Voter Ballot. She reminded everyone to keep in mind the mailing time for the absentee ballots because they have to be received in the Clerk’s office no later than November 8th. She added that the Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, November 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ms. Ryska explained that legislation last year eliminated straight-ticket voting in Michigan; however, a federal district court judge issued an injunction on that ruling. The State officials subsequently went to the US Supreme Court to appeal it, but the Supreme Court refused to hear the case, so straight-ticket voting in Michigan will be permitted in November. She advised there is a new party, “The Working Class Party”, that will be on the ballot. She explained that residents can register to vote at a Secretary of State office, or visit the State of Michigan’s voter information site, which is mi.gov/vote. There are registration forms on the table outside of the Council chambers, and she reminded that both answers have to be answered under the qualifications; otherwise, the registration will be denied. For those wishing to request an absentee ballot, they Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 4 must meet the qualifications of being over 60 years of age, or the expectation of being out of town on Election Day. She stated that the absentee ballot allows people to vote in the comfort of their own homes and avoid the long lines that are anticipated this election day. She stated those wishing to apply for an absentee ballot can do so on line, or there are more applications on the table outside of the Council Chambers. Anyone interested in being an election inspector, precinct worker or absent voter counting worker can download an application from www.sterling-heights.net. A party affiliation is a requirement. The process is being streamlined to process voters quicker, they will have electronic poll books at the precinct. At dual precinct locations there will be tablets where an inspector can look it up and direct voters to the correct line. She urged residents to look at the Michigan Voter Information Center (www.mi-gov/vote). She informed the ballot is a two-sided one-page ballot, with the proposals on the back. She urged anyone with questions to contact the Clerk’s office. PRESENTATION Councilman Skrzyniarz presented the Nice Neighbor award to Mr. Bill Koza, nominated by his neighbor, Mr. Ed Biegas. Fire Chief Chris Martin presented the Nice Neighbor award to Marriott Towne Place Suites on Lakeside Circle. He stated that they have implemented the Helping Hands Program for the benefit of Sterling Heights residents who are impacted by a fire or other casualty loss, and through this program, a displaced Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 5 family is afforded a complimentary, one-night stay at the Marriott Towne Place Suites. Ms. Patti Najduk of Marriott Towne Place Suites accepted the award. She stated they understand how a difficult situation such as a fire affects everyone, and they are happy to provide a helpful service to the residents of the community. She was thanked by the Mayor and each of the Council members. Fire Chief Chris Martin explained the Survival Coin Program, where, through a small token presented by the Sterling Heights Fire Department to victims who survived cardiac arrest, a bond that started under emergency conditions is sealed through a personal connection between the first responder and the patient who is celebrating their life that was saved. Fire Chief Martin introduced the first three recipients, each who suffered cardiac arrest and through early recognition and prompt intervention and transport by paramedics, were saved. The first responders for those three individuals presented them with their Survival Coins. Chief Martin explained that a fourth recipient is not present this evening because he is out-of-town for work, but he will be presented with his Survival Coin next week. Mayor Taylor thanked all of the police officers, firefighters and paramedics for their quick actions, and he thanked those present tonight for taking time out of their evenings to be here. He thanked Chief Martin for the powerful presentation and was certain that everyone can see the important work done on a daily basis by the Fire and Police Departments. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 6 Chief Martin thanked Mr. Jack Voss of Buff Whelan Chevrolet on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights for their generosity in hosting an appreciation luncheon on Firefighter Appreciation Day at the dealership for its employees and on-duty personnel of the Fire Department. He also thanked them for their $500 donation to the City to fund the Fire Department’s public education outreach initiatives, stating that the money will be used in support of the annual Fire Department Open House and future educational programs. Mr. Voss stated that the Sterling Heights Fire Department is outstanding, and the staff at Buff Whelan Chevrolet are humbled by the dedication and service of the Fire Department staff. Moved by Romano, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to acknowledge and accept the donation in the amount of $500 to the Sterling Heights Fire Department by Buff Whelan Chevrolet, 40445 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, Michigan. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano felt it is nice when their business partners step up and help out not only the community but the individual departments in the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor expressed his appreciation to Buff Whelan Chevrolet and all of the Fire Department personnel and the families present tonight. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 1. Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner, explained this is the consideration of an ordinance amending Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to upgrade the landscaping and site improvement standards for non-residential properties and developments Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 7 within the City. He explained the purpose is to further the City’s 2030 Visioning Plan and to help the City expand and maintain its green footprint. He stated these proposed amendments represent practices that the Planning Department has been doing over the last year, and most developers have been very receptive to the idea. Mr. McLeod summarized the proposed changes: • Frontage landscaping is being increased, with one frontage tree required for each 750 square feet of frontage greenbelt. • Frontage greenbelt is to contain landscape other than trees. • Foundation plantings must be installed along 50% of the linear frontage of an office or commercial building. • Off-street parking lot landscaping is being required. • Allow reserved future parking areas to be developed as needed rather than installation up front when it may not be needed. • Screening of trash receptacles • Decorative fencing • Screening of transformers and other ground-mounted appliances. • Pedestrian connections are being required between public sidewalks and the entrance to a commercial or industrial building to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety. • Installation of a bicycle rack for every commercial building or shopping center containing at least 5,000 square feet. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 8 • Irrigation systems to be expanded to include all landscaped areas and not just the front. • Tents approved for a temporary use (not residential) will be required to be white. Mr. Giulio Russo stated he was surprised this came up when he heard nothing about it before tonight, and he requested that they be provided more information before they act on it. He was concerned about this ordinance adding a lot of cost to developers when putting in and maintaining landscaping, and he questioned whether this will have to be followed. Mr. Joe Judnick stated this ordinance is restrictive and questioned as to whether a commercial property owner will have to submit a landscape plan if some of their trees and shrubs die and need to be replaced. He stated he does not want to see a place like Lakeside Mall have to tear up a lot of their pavement to put in the mandatory sprinkler system. He liked the screening of dumpsters and felt that will be an improvement. He expressed concern that if the City is going to be “business-friendly”, this ordinance is too restrictive, and he urged the Council members to give this careful consideration. Moved by Romano, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to introduce the ordinance amending Articles 23, 24, 27, 28 and 31 of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 and to upgrade the landscaping and site improvement standards for nonresidential properties and developments within the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 9 Mayor Pro-Tem Romano said there will be heavy cost factors for those property owners who have to modify their plans if some of their vegetation dies, because they will have to then bring their site up to the current code. He stated he is in favor of the dumpster screening, and he has no objection to the required bicycle racks for buildings over 5,000 square feet. He added the reserved parking areas are a good idea. He explained this is an introduction and it will come up for a final vote anticipated at the next meeting, so there is time for anyone with questions on it to meet with Mr. McLeod or Mr. Clark Andrews, the attorney who has worked on this. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano does not want to hamper developers of small commercial centers with something that will cost them so much money, and they need to make sure it is financially feasible for them to follow the ordinance. He suggested they determine what it is going to cost some of these developers to adhere to these requirements. He inquired as to whether Mr. McLeod can reject a landscape plan during the planning review process if he is not happy with the number of trees being proposed. Mr. McLeod replied the ordinance requires a minimum number of trees and shrubs, and in response to the City’s directive to create a more vibrant centers and increase the green footprint, the proposed ordinance is a way of achieving this goal. They have been working with developers over the last year to go above and beyond, and most of them have done so. For the developers who do not want to do this, he stated that without the proposed ordinance, he has no way of forcing them to do any more than is required under the current ordinance. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 10 Mayor Pro-Tem Romano estimated that the City is 98% built out, and the majority of developers who are building on the remaining 2% to 4% of the vacant land are adhering to most of their suggestions. He added that those who submit for Conditional Zoning can be held to higher requirements, so there is some type of tool in place to require more from them. He felt putting this in place for the small percentage of unbuilt properties may be cost-prohibitive for those developers. He urged those who feel it is too restrictive to contact Mr. McLeod or Mr. Andrews, and possibly this can be fine-tuned. Councilwoman Schmidt agreed with Mayor Pro-Tem Romano. She inquired as to whether current businesses are grandfathered from these amendments. Mr. McLeod explained that the proposed ordinance revision contains a clause that if a commercial development is in compliance with the ordinance as it stands now or their approved plans, they are grandfathered. If the site is not in compliance with either the current ordinance or the approved plans, they will have an opportunity to come into compliance with the current ordinance, not the proposed ordinance changes. If they still do not comply, the new ordinance requirements will then be triggered and the property owner will have to bring the site up to the new standards. He stated it is not that the City will be out looking for these sites, but he considered it “another tool in their toolbox”. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to the time frame for an owner to bring their site into compliance before the new rules will apply. Mr. McLeod replied they must come into compliance by mid-2017. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 11 Councilwoman Schmidt questioned why the City is doing this, and she felt the proposed ordinances are very restrictive. She was concerned that adding more shrubs and trees in parking lots will end up restricting the views of motorists and pedestrians as that vegetation grows. She inquired as to whether industrial sites will be held to the same standards. Mr. McLeod replied the frontage for industrial developments is held to the same standards as commercial. They would not be held to the same standards if they have parking in the back of the building. He replied to further inquiry that the requirement for white tents applies to festivals or temporary uses, and this has been a policy for a few years, which is now being proposed to be adopted into the ordinance. He clarified that tents used on residential properties are exempt from this requirement that they be only white. Councilwoman Schmidt was concerned about the cost that will be imposed on businesses, and how the City will police it and enforce it, especially for current businesses. She did not feel it is necessary, and was concerned about more trees and shrubs in parking lots. Councilwoman Koski questioned why the City would be more concerned with the front of the site than the borders of the property. She agreed with Councilwoman Schmidt about planting a lot of shrubs and trees in parking lots that will end up obscuring the views of cars. She questioned the burden that this will place on businesses. She questioned whether the required trees will be the type that lose their leaves because that can result in more clogged drains. She inquired as to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 12 whether these proposed amendments could be adopted as guidelines and not mandatory ordinances. Mr. McLeod replied the City can adopt guidelines for any standard, and that is what the Planning Department has been doing for the last year with these requirements. He cautioned that if they are guidelines, they are not regulatory, so there could be no enforcement and they may not get compliance. He felt the proposed ordinance amendments provide flexibility in plant varieties. Trees along the frontage would be required to be leaf-bearing so that they will not block the view of businesses or hamper visibility for motorists and pedestrians. He added the proposed ordinance allows for more flexibility than the current requirements because this does not dictate where those trees have to be located in the front. Mr. McLeod addressed the concern of additional landscaping being required in the parking lots, and agreed if the wrong types of plants are selected, it will create a nuisance, but that is part of the landscape plan process. Evergreens in parking lots are prohibited because they create blind spots. Councilman Skrzyniarz inquired as to what other cities have in place with regard to their landscape ordinance. Mr. McLeod replied that many of the communities to the north and west have ordinances in line with what is being proposed. He stated the proposed amendments reflect the guidelines the Planning Department has been encouraging over the last year, and the majority of developers have complied. He added that it is not only what they have been applying, but it is the industry standard. He Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 13 stated he has talked with developers, and they have no problem following the ordinances but they want to know what those regulations are. Councilman Skrzyniarz felt they need to decide what they want the city to look like, not only today but ten, twenty or thirty years from now. He stated this is an opportunity for the city to design what they want to see in the future. He said the communities with similar ordinances in place are aesthetically-pleasing, and he does not see them being void of businesses. He was confident that developers will comply with the standards because Sterling Heights is a great and vibrant community. He explained that if these proposed ordinances are instead adopted as guidelines, there are developers who will not want to spend the additional money and their sites will not be up to the same standard, so they need laws to address this. He is interested in what the additional cost will be for the developers, but he is happy with the presentation tonight. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she would like to see two or three existing developments with breakdown comparisons as to how much it would cost to develop under the current ordinances, and how much it would cost under the new ordinance. She would like to see this information displayed in side-by-side columns. She added that they will need to install more bike racks at City Hall if this goes into effect. She thanked all who were involved in putting together this presentation. Councilman Shannon stated he would like to see an example of the cost for landscaping under the old requirements compared to the cost under the new Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 14 requirements, but he would also like to know the entire cost of developing the site to see what percentage would have to be spent on landscaping. Mr. McLeod explained the costs are scalable to the size of the development. He stated the larger developments are better able to absorb the costs; however, smaller developments will not require as much landscaping so it is proportionate. He estimated to develop a 15,000 square foot shopping center, the landscaping may range between $50,000 and $75,000. He stressed they are not forcing any existing businesses to do this overnight, but it is a tool moving forward to get sites that are non-compliant to meet current requirements. He stated he will be glad to provide the information requested, but he cautioned a lot of the cost will depend on the site and how far out of compliance they are. He said they will pick two average sites. Councilman Shannon stated the last thing he would want to do is to discourage development. He does not feel this ordinance will do that, but he would like to see it quantified as to what percentage of the total cost of a development will have to be spent on meeting the requirements of the proposed amendments. Mayor Taylor stated the City is trying to improve the standards for commercial development and he felt that is good. He added vibrant commercial areas bring in more business and attract more people to the area. He recalled discussions in the past as to complaints about the appearance of commercial developments and what the City could do to make commercial areas more aesthetically pleasing. They need to look at existing businesses to make sure they are not overly-burdened in Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 15 meeting the requirements. He receives calls from developers asking him why the Planning Department is requiring them to meet certain requirements, but he was confident the businesses that are here will do it because they like being in Sterling Heights. He is in favor of the proposed ordinance amendments and was confident they will get it worked out. Yes: All. The motion carried. 2. Mayor Taylor stated the City has been advised that the petitioner has requested postponement of this item. Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner, explained the applicant has requested postponement to October 18th, so it would be appropriate for the Council to postpone to that date. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Taylor, MOVE to postpone consideration of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property on the east side of Ryan Road, south of Nathan West, in Section 17 from R-60 to C-1, Case No. PZ15-1136, to the October 18, 2016 regular meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 3. Mr. Joe Judnick Item “C”, replacement of two cars, adding to the fleet? Whether the investigative vehicles are retired when the odometer reaches 80,000 to 100,000 miles? Item “E”, opposed to all tax abatements. Item “H”, bridge going over the Clinton River in Dodge Park, cost is over Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 16 $400,000, and whether the remainder of the cost is coming from a grant? How much the Department of Transportation is paying toward the bridge. Mr. Bill Dobran agreed with the purchase of the vehicles, claiming his life was saved many times with the aid of police, fire and EMS. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 6, 2016, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $634,971.80, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,268,621.71, Other Funds - $2,973,104.44, Total Checks - $6,876,697.95. C. RESOLVED, to approve the purchase of two police investigative vehicles at pricing available through the State of Michigan’s MiDeal cooperative purchasing program, Contract No. 071 B1300010, at a total cost of $46,482. D. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code 52-217(A)(9)(b) and purchase DSX Access System Upgrades from Weber Security Group, Inc., 95 South Rose Street, Suite A, Mount Clemens, MI 48043-2187, at a cost of $56,391.45 and authorize a budget amendment to 43700700 (Capital Projects Fund) 975000 (Buildings & Improvements) from Self-Insurance Fund reserves for the purchase price. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 17 E. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the application by DM Tool & Fab Inc. for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate at 6101 Eighteen-1/2 Mile Road. F. RESOLVED, to (A) Approve the change order in connection with repairs to the 48” storm sewer pipe at 42724 Pond View to effectuate the removal and replacement of an additional 100 L.F. of 48” storm sewer pipe in the amount of $81,800; and (B) Authorize a budget amendment to the Capital Project Fund using fund reserves in the same amount. G. RESOLVED, to (A) Approve the change order in connection with repairs to the 72” storm sewer culvert under Red Run Street, north of 14 Mile Road, to effectuate the installation of an end section and rip-rap erosion control in the amount of $24,500; and (B) Authorize a budget amendment to the Capital Project Fund using fund reserves in the same amount. H. RESOLVED, to approve contract, #16-5401 between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Sterling Heights for the Dodge Park Shared Use Trail Bridge Over Clinton River, City Project Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 18 #15-277, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 4. Moved by Romano, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Ms. Junina Jean to the Zoning Board of Appeals 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 carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Parker – Communications from Citizens and voting on ballot issues. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove – accuracy of water bills. Mr. Joel Thomas – citizens videotaping public meetings. Ms. Jazmine Early – recent DPW event, upcoming Police Department training exercise expanded to include residents, Safe Street Millage and condition of roads, upcoming rally. Mr. Joe Judnick – punch list items for the Van Dyke project, water bills. Ms. Dolores Hatton – upcoming election and deadlines for registration and absentee ballots, water bills, millages. Mr. Giulio Russo – impact of proposed ordinance amendments on small businesses, water bills. Mr. Dennis White – Council remarks at the end of the last meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 19 REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated that in regard to Item “H” of the Consent Agenda, the federal grant for the bridge installation is $623,000, which covers more than 50% of the total cost. Mr. Brian Baker, Finance Director, addressed the questions on the latest water and sewer bills. He explained the September bills covered the months of May, June and July, with June and July being much drier and hotter than the last four years, and the water rate is higher than it was four years ago. The weather has been the main factor in the higher water bills. He informed that citywide residential water consumption was up 235% over the prior quarter, with the usage this summer being 65% higher than last summer. He stated that 85% of the reason for the average higher bills was due to consumption and only 15% was due to the City having to pass on increases from the Great Lakes Water Authority and the Macomb Public Works Office. He added that the costs from those two entities account for 80% of the City’s costs. As far as the rates being passed on, the City is paying the $50 million in lease payment, and the suburbs are paying for the unpaid Highland Park bills and that accounts for about 3.2%. He stated that 60% to 65% of the bills are for sewer, and those rates have gone up 120% from the Macomb Public Works in the last seven years. He said that even though the rates have gone up, the City’s rates are still much lower than those of other communities, although he added everyone is experiencing these increases. Mr. Baker stated he looked at the bills of everyone who addressed their water bill Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 20 concerns at the last meeting, and in all cases, the largest factor for the increase was higher usage. He understood the frustration of the residents, and stated there is a link on the website to enable residents to compare their consumption with that of the last four years. He suggested they look at 2012, which was also a dry summer. There is also information on a “Q&A” link that explains the reason for the higher bills. There will be an insert in the next water bill that will explain the rates, but he stated anyone can call the water billing office at (586) 446-2320 to confirm a reading, make sure the bill is accurate, and possibly obtain suggestions of ways to lessen consumption or determine if there is a leak, which happens infrequently. He reminded that off-peak usage lowers everyone’s bills. They have decided to waive any late fees for the September and October bills so that people will be able to pay these larger summer bills all the way up until May, which is when they roll delinquent on the tax bill. He stated they have hired additional staff to take calls. They offer budget billing that does not reduce any of the bill but keeps it more evenly divided throughout the year. They also offer the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) for qualified low-income residents, with 40 to 45 residents currently taking advantage of that plan. He addressed the idea raised at the last meeting of dual meters, but explained the initial cost of the meter to the homeowner is $400 to $450 plus paying for the additional plumbing needed. He added it takes the average homeowner about five years to break even, and he cautioned that the eventual loss of revenue to the water and sewer system that could arise if a lot of residents take advantage of this Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 21 would have to be made up in the way of increased water and sewer rates in order to pay the fixed rates for sewage services from the County. Mr. Baker stated a 25% summer discount is already given up to a maximum of $26. That could be increased slightly but they would have to make up the revenue. He also clarified that adding the water and sewer rate increases together does not provide an accurate percentage of the increase, but they have to be averaged to determine the overall rate increase. Mr. Kaszubski stated he has nothing to report. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano stated Mr. Baker is an ally for Macomb County on the Great Lakes Water Authority. He stated in some cases, the double meter may be cost-effective for some, but he pointed out if everyone does it, the costs will rise. He questioned whether the City will be accepting partial payments on the outstanding water bills. Mr. Baker replied that the City has extended payment through May 2017 for the September and October 2016 water bills, and partial payments can be made during that time. Mayor Pro-Tem Romano stated property owners can contact the City if they still have questions about their bills. He explained that those residents who do not have dual meters are also paying for sewage when they water their lawns so they may want to water less to keep their bills down. He talked about the ReCreating Recreation ballot proposal and that the proposed average cost for a household will be $63 per year, but he reminded that is for the first year, and as taxable values Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 22 rise, that amount will go up slightly as well. He took the taxable values of his home, as well as those of his colleagues, and calculated their payments, noting that all of them would be more than the $63 average, with his own being $64 for the first year. He stated the ballot proposal is a twenty-year commitment. Councilman Skrzyniarz stated at the last meeting he addressed the Communications from Citizens portion of the meeting, but clarified he never suggested changing their model of government. The seven-minute time allotment for residents to speak is one of the longest allowed in communities throughout the state. He had stated that Warren has a different system and have a different time allotted for the comment period. He added that the time could possibly be shortened to three or four minutes, or public comments could be heard at 7 p.m. for a half hour before the start of the meeting. He does not want to take anyone’s ability away to be able to talk about city business, but he noted there is a lot of non-city business being discussed. Councilwoman Schmidt congratulated the DPW for their successful open house. She stated that even though it was a rainy day, they were able to move everything indoors, and her family is looking forward to next year’s event. She said that DPW does not often get the recognition they deserve for clearing the streets in the winter and enabling safe water to reach everyone. Councilwoman Ziarko suggested if they know ahead of time that an item will be postponed, it may be beneficial to make that announcement at the beginning of the meeting so that residents attending the meeting for that item do not have to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 20, 2016 Page 23 site for a long time. She stated with regard to the comments from citizens, she has no problem listening, but she is offended when people use the podium as a “campaign stop”. Mayor Taylor stated he would not be opposed to dual water meters, but he pointed out that the cost of the sewer system is spread over the entire system, so that total cost would be shared by those using the sewage system, resulting in higher costs. He encouraged residents to continue watering their lawns to keep them green. He thanked the residents who spoke tonight and he thanked the DPW for hosting their recent open house. He stated they do a great job and help to keep the city running smoothly. He informed that the first State of the City Address is scheduled for September 30th, and he as well as other stakeholders will be speaking. 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. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk