City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 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; Madeline L. Ranella, 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 in observance of Veterans' Day, City offices would be closed for business on Friday, November 11. The municipal offices include City Hall, Public Library, Parks & Recreation Center, Senior Active Life Center, 41-A District Court and the Nature Center. He pointed out the closure will not affect the City's refuse schedule. Mr. Vanderpool reported the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony would be held at 11 am on Friday, November 11 at the Sterling Heights Recreation Center. The ceremony is co- sponsored by local veterans' groups with the assistance of the Sterling Heights Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 2 Community Foundation and made possible this year with the generosity of Sam's Club and Utica Van Dyke Towing. He stated the Foundation is presently seeking additional sponsors to support the ceremony. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Community Relations Department at 586-446-CITY. Mr. Vanderpool reported this year's Pride & SHINE Day is this Saturday, November 5th. Residents are encouraged to make their properties "SHINE" in preparation for the upcoming winter months. He pointed out volunteers are needed to assist residents who need help in cleaning up their property and this might be a good opportunity for students in the audience to take part in the cleanup efforts. For more information interested persons could contact Community Relations at 586-446-CITY. Mr. Vanderpool reported as part of Pride & SHINE Day, the City of Sterling Heights has partnered with ReLeaf Michigan to plant 15 trees on Saturday, November 5th along 17 Mile Road and Utica Road in Sterling Heights. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help out on Saturday morning. He pointed out this is a family friendly event and is free to any members of the public wishing to volunteer. ReLeaf Michigan will demonstrate how to properly plant a tree at 9:00 a.m. ReLeaf Michigan, a non-profit organization, partners with communities statewide to increase tree canopy cover through tree planting events. Trees provide many benefits to communities such as shade, improving economic vitality of commercial districts, absorbing storm water and reducing carbon in our atmosphere. By partnering with ReLeaf Michigan, the City of Sterling Heights continues to build on an already successful forestry program that invests in the City's future. This Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 3 planting is being sponsored by ReLeaf Michigan, DTE Energy Foundation and the City of Sterling Heights. Mr. Vanderpool reported on an item in the Consent Agenda for approval to purchase new software for the Department of Public Works and stated the purchase is mostly funded through grant revenue. This software will create a "virtual blueprint" of the City's utility assets and will allow DPW staff to track location, age, maintenance performed and useful life expectancy of all its utilities. By utilizing this software, DPW staff will make informed decisions on when it is most cost effective to repair, replace or rehabilitate utility assets, and to develop a long-term strategy to ensure its ability to deliver reliable utility service. The Cityworks Software Suite will integrate with SeeClickFix and allow residents to report issues that will generate work orders through Cityworks, preventing double entries and keeping all departments up to date and in-sync. Mr. Vanderpool reported the City is expanding our on-demand snow removal and lawn mowing offerings by working with Michigan-owned and operated "LawnGuru", which is now available for residents to download and use. Lawn Guru allows users to summon a certified contractor, pay for requested services via credit card and receive a receipt and picture of follow-up, all from the convenience of a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. He pointed out the City is hosting two LawnGuru signup fairs on Monday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Thursday, December 1 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Library Programming Center. A public service announcement was shown at this time and Co-Founder Brandon Bertrang from LawnGuru explained the partnership with the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 4 Mr. Vanderpool pointed out Sterling Heights residents that sign up will receive a discount and $15.00 off their first snow-clearing service. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the importance of parks and recreation and highlighted the key points of the resolution, pointing out the various studies that were done to show the importance of parks. He introduced Mr. Jason Castor, City Development Manager, to provide an update on the Clinton River cleanup. Mr. Castor used a PowerPoint presentation to show the Clinton River Habitat Restoration, the tree removals, the installation of launches, soft landings and the new pedestrian bridge. Mr. Jamie Burton from HRC talked about the things that will start occurring and showed all the opportunities available for residents. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the EPA $4.5 million grant doesn't build out all of the amenities. These amenities have been incorporated for inclusion on the ballot. PRESENTATION Mr. Vanderpool made a presentation as it relates to Tammy Turgeon, Library Director of the Sterling Heights Public Library and Director of the Suburban Library Cooperative being named as 2016 Librarian of the Year by the Michigan Library Association. He introduced Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director, to make the presentation to Mrs. Turgeon. Ms. Gail Madziar pointed out the achievements of Mrs. Turgeon and the reason she is so deserving of this award. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 5 State of Michigan Representatives Jeff Farrington and Henry Yanez presented a special tribute that was endorsed by themselves as well as State Senator Tory Rocca and Governor Snyder. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to recognize and honor Sterling Heights Public Library Director Tammy Turgeon for being named 2016 Librarian of the Year by the Michigan Library Association. Councilwoman Schmidt congratulated Mrs. Turgeon on a well deserved honor. Yes: All. The motion carried. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION 1. City Planner Chris McLeod, explained the request for introduction of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property on the west side of Schoenherr Road, south of Moravian Road, in Section 35 from O-1 (Business & Professional Office District) and P-1 (Vehicular Parking District) to C-3 (General Business District); Case No. PZ16-1143. Mr. Phil Ruggeri, 43231 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights, attorney representing the petitioner, Leonardo Plaza, LLC, explained the architect Michael Gordon was also present along with the petitioner. He explained the history of this property and the request being made. Mr. Ruggeri pointed out the many concessions made by the petitioner to address the concerns of the abutting neighbors. Mr. Paul Smith of Sterling Heights stated the petitioner was able to purchase this property for a good price and this development is a good value for the developer if all the variances are approved. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 6 Mr. Bob Moffa expressed concern with the safety of persons exiting the site. Mr. Guilio Russo expressed concern with the deceleration lane and felt it could be eliminated. He stated there is a need to let owners of property know what could be developed on their properties in the future. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to introduce a map amendment to conditionally rezone property on the west side of Schoenherr Road, south of Moravian Road in Section 35, from O-1 (Business & Professional Office District) and P-1 (Vehicular Parking District) to C-3 (General Business District), Case No. PZ15-1143, and direct the Applicant to proceed to finalize a proposed agreement so that the City Council can further evaluate the offer of conditional rezoning of the property at the December 6th, 2016 regular meeting. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she has been waiting for this left turn arrow since she moved into her house. She asked Mr. Ruggeri to expand on the requirements of the key tenant, Tim Hortons, to allow certain types of businesses. Mr. Ruggeri responded they don't want another fast food facility and would prefer a telephone store or something of that type. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether the petitioner had any other tenants at this time. Mr. Ruggeri was not aware of any. Councilwoman Schmidt stated her only concern is the speaker for the drive-thru and where it's going to be located. She appreciates the petitioner working with the condominium association to try and resolve their fears. She believes this is going to be a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 7 good development for this corner, which has been empty for a long time. Councilwoman Schmidt wanted an assurance that this would really be a Tim Hortons and not a Taco Bell. Mr. Ruggeri reassured Councilwoman Schmidt that they had a signed agreement from Tim Hortons. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned the possibility of a no left turn to go north on to Schoenherr. Mr. Ruggeri responded there would be ample distance from the intersection and the deceleration lane is more than sufficient to take care of any issues. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether there were any improvements going in on the westbound going eastbound side of Schoenherr. Mr. Ruggeri responded he could not speak for the other side of Schoenherr. Councilwoman Ziarko asked Mr. McLeod to give another example in the City of a center similar to this one with more than one tenant with a drive-thru and how successful that has been. Mr. McLeod responded one of the most successful ones is at 16 Mile and Dequindre and another at 16 Mile and Mound. He also pointed out there is a total of four requests in the planning stages right now. Councilwoman Ziarko appreciates the petitioner working with the residents. Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Ruggeri to confirm the traffic pattern coming in off of Schoenherr and making a right or left turn into the property. Mr. Ruggeri pointed out the one-way traffic to the drive-thru. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 8 Councilwoman Koski questioned whether the petitioner has contacted the Condominium Association in regard to their acceptance of additional landscaping. Mr. Ruggeri responded they indicated they were going to meet with their association and see if they approve it. He pointed out they made it a condition in the proposal. Councilwoman Koski inquired whether the Association could go to the petitioner after the additional tenants move in and request additional buffering. Mr. Ruggeri responded yes, it is an open condition. Councilman Shannon pointed out the concerns of residents during the Planning Commission meeting as it relates to traffic issues and stated this should be an improvement and make residents happy. Councilman Shannon asked Mr. McLeod to address the area where the proposed development is going and to show how that is the only lot that is available for any type of development. Mr. McLeod showed the location of the proposed development and stated all the property around it is owned by Consumers Energy. Councilman Shannon is in favor of Tim Hortons on this site. Mayor Taylor stated he would be voting in favor of this request since the concerns of the residents have been addressed. He pointed out he is not too concerned about the deceleration lane and is comfortable with the fact that it would be a safe and good development for this area Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 9 2. Moved by Koski, seconded by Romano, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 18, 2016, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $649,265.94, Water & Sewer Fund - $28,348.93, Other Funds - $1,239,443.05, Total Checks - $1,917,057.92. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the removal and replacement of the roof at Fire Station #5 to Esko Maintenance Company, d/b/a Esko Roofing & Sheet Metal, 14000 Simone, Shelby Township, MI 48315, in the amount of $139,200. D. RESOLVED, to: (a) Purchase the Cityworks computer maintenance management from Azteca Systems, LLC, 11075 South State St., Suite 24, Sandy, UT 84070 at a cost of $31,500; and, (b) Accept a proposal by Geographic Information Services, Inc., 2100 Riverchase Center, Suite 105, Birmingham, AL 35244 for the implementation of the Cityworks Software system at a cost of $73,100; (c) Accept a proposal by SeeClickFix Inc., 746 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510 for the integration of existing data with Cityworks at a cost of $21,000; requiring a $600 budget amendment from Water & Sewer Fund reserves; and, (d) Authorize the City Manager to extend the term of the maintenance agreement annually on the same terms and conditions and sign all documentation required on behalf of the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 10 E. RESOLVED, to approve the Municipal Primary Street Maintenance Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and the Macomb County Department of Roads for the period October 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, and authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. F. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution establishing a Sister City Partnership between the Cities of Sterling Heights, Michigan, U.S.A. and Jaffna, Sri Lanka: RESOLUTION STERLING HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL A resolution establishing a Sister City partnership with Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Sister City partnerships create opportunities for the partners and their respective municipal officials and residents to explore and learn about other cultures. These long-term partnerships can also foster an environment in which economic and community development can be implemented and strengthened. The partners learn about and creatively solve common problems through reciprocal cultural, educational, municipal, business, professional and technical exchanges and projects. The city of Sterling Heights forged Sister City Partnerships with Tetovo, Macedonia in 1982, Legazpi City, Philippines in 1999, Cassino, Italy in 2006, Sorsogon City, Philippines in 2008, Sant’ Elia Fiumerapido, Italy in 2010, and Shengjin, Albania in 2013. The city of Sterling Heights has received a request by a resident to establish a Sister City Partnership with Jaffna, the capital city for the northern province of Sri Lanka. A city of 88,000 residents, Jaffna has a rich cultural history dating back many centuries. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 11 The city of Sterling Heights has a rich tradition of forming partnerships with cities in other countries, in an effort to learn from other cultures and traditions. In an increasingly global economy, the city of Sterling Heights can benefit by increasing awareness of other communities across the globe. The Sterling Heights Ethnic Community Committee will share information about each others’ communities and residents through e-mail and other means of communication. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, to approve a Sister City Partnership between the City of Sterling Heights, State of Michigan, United States of America and Jaffna, Sri Lanka. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Sterling Heights looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the citizens of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Sterling Heights to be affixed this 1st day of November, 2016. _______________________________ Mark Carufel, City Clerk G. RESOLVED, to approve the application by SW Navarre LLC, d/b/a Game Lane, for a Type A Amusement Device License located at 43648 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. RESOLVED, to approve the request SW Navarre LLC, d/b/a Game Lane for a variance from the requirements of City Code §7-12(B) and allow for at least one adult attendant during hours of operation at 43648 Schoenherr, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 based on the following findings: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 12 (a) That the number of amusement devices, size of the amusement device center and occupant load makes the requirement for two attendants unreasonable; (b) That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to those intended to be protected under Chapter 7 of the City Code; and (c) That the granting of the variance is consistent with the intent of Chapter 7 of the City Code, and properly balances the interests of the applicant in seeking the variance and those to be protected by strict application of the provision of Chapter 7 of the City Code. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 3. City Planner Chris McLeod made a presentation explaining the reason for a moratorium in the City of Sterling Heights on the opening and operation of new banquet facilities and on the expansion of existing banquet facilities, for a period of 6 months. He explained the concept of a banquet facility is not defined anywhere in the City Code or within Zoning Ordinance No. 278. They need time to study this issue and then report back to City Council. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove spoke in support of the moratorium. Mr. Paul Smith wants to see the difference between a bar or restaurant. He stated he has never seen City Council go against any kind of development before and inquired why banquet halls would be a problem. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 13 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution instituting a moratorium in the City of Sterling Heights on the opening and operation of new banquet facilities, and on the expansion of existing banquet facilities for a period of 6 months to afford City Administration time to research, draft and present ordinance text amendments and other pertinent regulations to govern existing and future banquet facilities within the City: RESOLUTION This Resolution was made and adopted at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan held at the City Center on the 1st day of November, 2016. Members Present: Koski, Romano, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Taylor, Ziarko. Members Absent: None. The following preamble and resolution was offered by Member Ziarko and supported by Member Schmidt. WHEREAS, the City of Sterling Heights, a home rule city governed by the Constitution and laws of the State of Michigan, desires to maintain and protect its residents and the employees and patrons of its businesses as well as the public’s health, safety, and welfare; WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that a need has emerged to study the City’s current regulations for the establishment, expansion, and operation of facilities within the City that operate as reception, banquet, catering, rental, and gathering halls (collectively referred to as “banquet facilities”); WHEREAS, the City’s zoning ordinance currently has a specific provision that allows banquet facilities in the C-3 General Business District, which is designed to provide for a wide diversity of business activities that are higher intensity in nature and are predominantly retail in character; WHEREAS, with the exception of parking requirements, the City’s zoning ordinance provides no additional regulations applicable to banquet facilities; WHEREAS, some communities in Michigan and throughout the country allow banquet facility uses only by special approval land use review that includes certain conditions and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 14 requirements, recognizing that banquet facilities possess unique characteristics and their external effects on the surrounding areas necessitate more in-depth review and consideration; WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it is necessary to research the possibility of developing consistent, cohesive, and objective land use and regulatory standards applicable to the placement and operation of banquet facilities in order to secure the health, safety, and welfare of the community; WHEREAS, the City Council finds that banquet facilities of varying size and scope are becoming more prolific in the Metro Detroit area and throughout the City, with no process in place to track the actual number currently operating in the City; WHEREAS, the City Council finds that it would be counterproductive to approve the development and operation of more banquet facilities within the City while the City studies, develops, and adopts new regulations; WHEREAS, Section 4i of Act 279 of 1909, being MCL 117.4i, authorizes the City to provide for the enforcement of police, sanitary, and other ordinances that are not in conflict with the general laws, and the City of Sterling Heights needs appropriate time to study the public health, safety, and welfare issues related to the proliferation of banquet facilities and their potential external effects; WHEREAS, certain state laws and administrative regulations govern the service of alcoholic liquor at banquet facilities, but the City of Sterling Heights needs appropriate time to prepare and adopt ordinances that are within the City’s authority to enact so that the City’s approval and regulation of the placement and operation of banquet facilities is governed by specific standards; WHEREAS, due to the recent proliferation of banquet facilities within and around the City and throughout Michigan, current state laws and administrative regulations are likely not sufficient to, nor designed to, protect the health, safety, and welfare of City residents and guests at a local level; WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to impose a moratorium upon the opening, expansion, and operation of new and existing banquet facilities within the City after the date of enactment of this Resolution, so that the City has the opportunity to study and develop appropriate regulations for such operations within the City; and WHEREAS, this moratorium is a temporary measure designed to preserve the status quo without impacting existing banquet facilities while stopping and preventing any new banquet facilities from opening and operating and any existing banquet facilities from expanding within the City, and this moratorium will remain in effect only as long as deemed necessary to develop and enact appropriate ordinances and regulations, and in no circumstance for longer than a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 15 period of six (6) months unless extended for an additional period of six (6) months by lawful action of the City Council. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. Effective upon adoption of this Resolution and for a period of six (6) months, through April 18, 2017, a moratorium is hereby established on the opening and/or operation of any banquet facility not already lawfully open and operating, and on the expansion of any lawfully existing banquet facility operations, within the City. 2. During the period of this moratorium, there shall be no consideration or action taken by the City, any elected or appointed official, or any employee on any request to operate or expand a banquet facility, whether a new operation or a location transfer, including an application for a certificate of occupancy. 3. City officials shall proceed to promptly investigate and consider appropriate regulations upon existing and future banquet facilities within the City. THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 1, 2016. CERTIFICATION I, Mark Carufel, certify that the above resolution is a true copy of the Resolution made and adopted by the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights at its regular meeting held on November 1, 2016. ________________________________ Mark Carufel, City Clerk Councilwoman Ziarko clarified that the moratorium for this short period of time tells her the Planning Department wants more tools in their tool box. It is just to allow them to put an ordinance in place. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired whether the facilities would be notified before they could open in the event they are in the process. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 16 Mr. McLeod responded if they have a current permit or an ongoing permit they would be able to complete it. This would be for new facilities coming in. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she would not want to see the moratorium go beyond 6 months. Mayor Taylor pointed out the City doesn't know what's going on until they receive a complaint. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove - Possibility of code enforcement officers working nights; Hold on transportation issues/ambulance business; Update on Rizzo. Mr. Bob Moffa, Sterling Heights - Rizzo's lack of notice to the City; Recreating Recreation; Questioned motive behind the "Say Yes to Sterling Heights" committee. Mrs. Jazmine Early - Protection of refugees/security threat; Recreating Recreation and Rapid Transit. Mrs. Nancy Ulrich - Recognition of former Council members and volunteers in the City; Council/City Manager form of government. Mr. Joel Thomas of Sterling Heights – Recreating Recreation; Respect for other people's opinion. Mr. Paul Smith of Sterling Heights - Water bills and sewage mark ups; Recreating Recreation. Mr. Guilio Russo - Increase in water bills/need for separate meters. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 17 Mrs. Barbara Batanga - Believes our city government is doing an excellent job; Need to replace plaques that were removed. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool responded to questions from the residents as it relates to code enforcement officers working nights and stated they already make them available on weekends and we also work with the police officers that report violations to code enforcement. In regard to Rizzo Environmental Services, Mr. Vanderpool pointed out the City is looking into the new company, GFL, checking references and meeting with the CEO. With respect to the recreating recreation initiative, he stated it is not fiscally possible for the City to do this without the millage and discussed the reduction in state shared revenue. With respect to the water bills, Mr. Vanderpool stated the City is concerned about them also and they are working with the proper authorities to do what they can. Mr. Vanderpool stated to Mrs. Ulrich, they realize the need to honor current and past City officials and they plan to do this as they go through with the plans for the City's 50th Anniversary. They will work on a display where they will be in a permanent fixture. The City is also working on a history book to honor past officials. Mr. Vanderpool stated in regard to our Council/City Manager form of government, the City Manager is the chief appointed officer and the Mayor serves as the spokesperson for the City. There was no report from the City Attorney at this time. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 18 UNFINISHED BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS Councilman Skrzyniarz wished all the candidates running for office good luck. He pleaded with the residents to think about the collective demeanor as we move away from this election. He pointed out we are all neighbors, all Americans and all Michiganders. He stated there seems to be a lot of anger on all sides of the political spectrum and that is not good. In regard to recreating recreation, Councilman Skrzyniarz stated it is really a choice that the people are making about the future of the City. As it relates to recognition as a City Councilman after he is gone from office, Councilman Skrzyniarz doesn't care if people remember him after he leaves office. He knows people will judge him by the success of the City and success of the Council during his tenure. He stated we have an incredible City Manager and City employees and our police and firefighters are the best in the country. That is why we are a great City. Councilwoman Schmidt stated Mr. Vanderpool said we are doing our due diligence regarding Rizzo Environmental Services, but if the City decides to continue with the contract, she would like to see the CEO or a representative of the company at one of our City Council meetings to reassure our residents of their position. Councilwoman Ziarko reported a week ago, she and Mr. Vanderpool went to the Michigan Municipal League workshop in Flint regarding municipal finance. The State of Michigan has diverted approximately $7.5 billion in revenue sharing from local governments since 2002. She wants the residents to go after the state to get the money back, so the City would not have to put these issues on the ballot. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 19 Councilwoman Ziarko stated to the residents, the water bills will be discussed in the near future. She believes they will probably ask for some kind of audit to see what was done. In regard to Mrs. Ulrich, she stated Jean DiRizze Gush should also be recognized for her service to the City. Councilwoman Ziarko suggested the City work with the Chamber of Commerce and see how we can support small businesses and stated we could have a small business day in the City of Sterling Heights. Councilwoman Koski reminded residents the Sterling Heights Police Explorers are having a recruitment night November 14th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sterling Heights Police Department. This is for young adults between the ages of 18 and 20. Councilman Romano reminded everyone he would not be here for the November 15th City Council meeting. Councilman Romano stated in regard to the upcoming election, if you don't like the candidates, at least respect the office. In regard to recreating recreation, Councilman Romano pointed out this s a 20-year commitment and it is not $63.00 per household. He believes this is not necessary and the residents do not need another tax burden. In regard to separate water meters, Councilman Romano asked what steps he would have to follow to get one. Mayor Taylor stated he would be in favor of separate water meters also, but it's a mixed bag. He's not sure if it would benefit residents. Mayor Taylor also discussed the fact that Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Page 20 there are large commercial operations within the City that use a lot of water to water their grass. He wants to see an analysis on how it would work. Mayor Taylor stated he met with Mrs. Ulrich and discussed ways to incorporate more of the history of Sterling Heights. The City's 50th anniversary is a great opportunity to do that. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk