City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016 IN CITY HALL Mayor Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Mark Carufel, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Maria G. Schmidt, Nate Shannon, Doug Skrzyniarz, Michael C. Taylor, Barbara A. Ziarko. Council Member absent: Joseph V. Romano. 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 Ziarko, to approve the Agenda as presented. Yes: Koski, Ziarko, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Romano. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported that City Hall will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th. The offices include City Hall, Library, Parks & Recreation, Senior Active Life Center, 41A District Court and the Nature Center, with normal hours of operation resuming on Monday, November 28th. He advised that the refuse collection will be delayed Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 2 one day starting with Thursday’s collection, which will take place on Friday, and Friday’s collection will take place on Saturday. Mr. Vanderpool announced that the 40th Annual Sterling Christmas will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Dodge Park, with the official ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. There will be a variety of fun activities for the whole family, including the tree-lighting, holiday music, caroling, visits with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. Canned and boxed food donations are encouraged for needy groups with which the City is associated. He stated there is more information available regarding this event on the City’s website. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Mr. Larry Herriman, Interim Executive Director of Macomb-OU INCubator, who will talk about some new classes coming up pertaining to the new Cyber Security Range in the Velocity Center. Mr. Herriman highlighted a few of the activities taking place at the Leaders of Macomb INCubator, held in the Velocity Collaboration Center at 18 Mile Road and Mound. He advised that on March 18th, 2016, they launched the Velocity Hub of the Michigan Cyber Security Range. The Velocity Hub is a computer lab used for cyber-security activities, and they offer over twenty different certificate courses out of this facility. Courses are aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cyber-Security Education, which is the accrediting body for this type of security within the United States. The courses run for five days each, and students who complete the course and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 3 pass the test at the conclusion are given a credential. Mr. Herriman explained that they also hosted a significant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) event, which was the 2016 SAE/Battelle Cyber Auto Challenge. He outlined the details of this five-day event held at Macomb Community College and showed a brief video highlighting the event. He stated the Cyber-Security Certificate Training schedule has been established for the next 12-month period, and he advised those interested to check their website at wwwp.oakland.edu/macombouinc/cyber-institute. Mr. Vanderpool thanked Mr. Herriman for his presentation, noting that the Velocity Collaboration Center was approved by City Council about eight years ago, and is the only collaboration center of its kind in Macomb County and home to Michigan’s defense center. He also informed that there is an International Landing Zone at the Velocity Center, where Canadian companies and others can set up a temporary office to start their business here or do other business work in the area. There is an INCubator, where the city is doing all it can in conjunction with the state, county and Oakland University to foster and grow start-up companies that can grow into larger companies. They are also working on a robotics innovation lab, and he indicated the City is lucky to have such a facility. Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on ReCreating Recreation, noting that it was passed in the recent election. He stated their endeavor is to complete all projects within three years, and he provided a rough timeline: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 4 2017 Community Center plan completed in September, permits and approvals issued in October, and sent out for bids in December. Construction will begin in the summer on the Skate Park and Splash Pad, the Farmer’s Market Pavilion and the Clinton River Paddle Landings and Launches. 2018 Construction of the Community Center is anticipated to begin in March, with construction through the spring and summer on the Canoe/Kayak Livery Building and the Dog Park. 2019 Construction of the Community Center is anticipated to be completed, along with the construction of the Delia Park to Nature Preserve Trail completed. Mr. Vanderpool stated they will have a much more detailed timeline after the first of the year in their Strategic Planning Session, and he explained that multiple department heads and team members will be overseeing this. He was confident that the project will be on time and under budget. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to the plan for the neighborhood park improvements. Mr. Vanderpool replied that they will have a better timeline after the first of the year, but they plan on accelerating the work on those neighborhood parks in late 2017, with completion by early 2018, adding that work is not as intensive as the Community Center. PUBLIC HEARING Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 5 1. Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner, explained the request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) concept plan for The Verandas, which is a redevelopment plan for Maple Lane Golf Course, a site that contains 288 acres on the north side of 14 Mile Road, west of Maple Lane, currently zoned R-80 One-Family Residential. He stated the property is to be developed by the Moceri Companies, a premier residential development company known for their residential developments throughout southeast Michigan, including Sterling Heights. Mr. McLeod explained the requirements for a PUD, including this public hearing in front of Council this evening. He stated if the City approves the PUD as presented, they would enter into a development agreement with the developer to assure the concept plan is built to that which is approved and to which all conditions are adhered. Mr. McLeod reviewed the concept plan, noting that it is comprised of 807 residential dwelling units to be developed in conjunction with an 18-hole golf course, an illuminated 9-hole Par 3 course for both daytime and evening golf, a new 30,000-square-foot clubhouse/community center for the entire development, along with other improvements. He explained the breakdown of the 807 dwelling units would consist of 277 single-family dwellings, 116 duplex units, 110 four- plex units, 144 townhomes and 160 units within a senior housing complex. He reviewed the plan, indicating the western portion will be single-family residential, and moving inward toward the center of the development, the use is more intense with the development of the townhomes and some duplexes. The northeast corner Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 6 of the property would consist of duplexes, followed by four-plexes, and senior living fronting Maple Lane, with a small portion of single-family residential homes in the southeast corner of the property. He explained the overall density of the PUD was established by the submittal of a PUD Yield Plan, which showed how the property could be developed conventionally. The yield plan indicated 808 units could be developed by building to the City’s specifications with very little creativity and very little open space, and it was verified to meet all current zoning regulations. The proposed concept plan will have one entrance and one exit off of 14 Mile Road, as well as one entrance and one exit off of Maple Lane. The main road will be coming off of 14 Mile and will be a boulevard. He assured there will be no interconnection of traffic or roads with the surrounding neighborhoods, so it will not impact any of the surrounding neighborhoods with traffic. Mr. McLeod also noted that traffic counts for seniors are less than for single-family, and the times those trips are taken tend to be spread out throughout the day rather than at the peak periods generally associated with trips generated by single-family homes. Mr. McLeod explained some of the unique features of the proposed golf course, including the design of two fairways deep along the perimeter of the golf course to maintain a significant greenspace for the homes that currently abut the site, and he added that, from Maple Lane, the property will still appear as a golf course. The nine-hole executive course will be at the southeast corner of the development, and will be illuminated for night golfing. He stated the designer of the golf course Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 7 is present tonight and can answer further questions. He stated the Veranda, a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse in the center, will serve as both the public clubhouse for the golf course, offering many amenities such as a restaurant, banquet space and pro shop, while the other half will be for private use by the residents of the development, serving as their community center and providing amenities to them. He reviewed the various communities within the PUD, including the Groves and the Cottages, both comprised of single-family homes ranging from 1,600 to 1,800 square feet. The Fairways will consist of duplexes, the Gables will be fourplex units, the Terraces is a townhome setting, and Blossom Lane will consist of the 160-unit senior housing facility. He stated there will be very upscale architecture throughout the entire development, and he showed some of the floor plans and elevations provided. Mr. McLeod explained the Planning Commission heard this at their October 19th meeting, and there were a lot of questions answered and a lot of discussion took place regarding traffic and impact. They voted 6-0 to recommend approval, so it is in front of the Council this evening. Mr. Dominic Moceri, owner and president of Moceri Companies, stated his roots began in Sterling Heights with the Vineyards Community and he is glad to be back with plan for The Verandas. He emphasized the key to this development is “resident retention” so people will want to stay in the area, noting that SEMCOG supports 62% growth rate for those residents 62 years and older. They will continue to attract residents with all the amenities they are offering, and he Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 8 pointed out this is a “state-of-the-art” community not just for Macomb County and southeast Michigan, but for the United States. They blend in the character of the neighborhood with a transition of recreation, which is the City’s vision. Mr. Moceri explained they met with the City leaders shortly after purchasing this property to discuss visions and the needs of the community. He stated they are offering a PUD, which is a contract, and they will fulfill everything that is promised in this package. Mr. Matt Schwanitz, of Giffels Webster Engineers, who is the key planner for this development, stated they want to try to maximize the open space and green space for every residence in this community. The main entrance will be off 14 Mile Road, with a secondary entrance off of Maple Lane. The boulevard road leading in will be very dramatic, with a lot of green and open space and a view of the grand clubhouse that “will take your breath away”. Navigation throughout the communities will be made very easy. There will be “play spaces” for friend gatherings or places to play with grandchildren. There will be fire pits and attractive areas throughout. The project will have five product types of living space to create diversity, but which will allow them to market and compress their development time. He anticipated it will be a 10-year project. There are approximately 15 acres of floodplain, but these areas will be incorporated into the 18-hole golf course. He added the golf course will be designed in such a way as the golfers who slice will be slicing into the course and not into the residential areas, and he stressed this is a total rebuild of the golf course, so they will not be Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 9 retaining any of the holes from the existing course. They will be providing approximately 14 miles of public pathways throughout the development, with about 6 of those miles comprised of cart paths. All the streets will be bike- friendly, and are designed to discourage motorists from speeding. They have minimized street crossings on the cart paths, limiting it to only three. To provide adequate access for emergency vehicles, there will be one other secondary pathway and emergency access toward the southwest corner of the property. It will resemble a path rather than a road, but it will be able to be plowed and can handle emergency vehicles, and will serve as a secondary bicycle lane going out to 14 Mile Road. Mr. Schwanitz explained they will be preserving the barn and will reprint the logo on it. They also intend to preserve the old stucco building for maintenance equipment. He emphasized that this will not be a gated community, and all of the roads will be open to the public. All the signage will be made of stone and will have indirect lighting with high-end landscaping throughout. Mr. Ray Hearn, designer of the proposed golf course, stated he works out of Holland, Michigan, and has been doing this for thirty years. He used to work with Jerry Matthews, and he added he was thrilled to receive the call from Mr. Moceri because Maple Lanes is the second golf course he ever played back in 1971. He stated the trees make the course, and they are preserving the trees. They have designed it in a way that golfers will either be able to golf 9 or 18 holes, and they will be providing an illuminated 9-hole Par 3 course. He also mentioned that 95% of golfers slice to the right, so the holes are designed so that they slice away from Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 10 all the existing and proposed homes. He added that the residents will all have beautiful views of the course. He assured this course will be newsworthy throughout the State of Michigan. Mr. Moceri discussed the proposed clubhouse, explaining that it will be over 700 feet in length. There will be both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, and they are excited to be able to work with the City to provide a program for senior residents of Sterling Heights to come and use this beautiful building. It will have a grand hall, which will be their sales center. There will be a large fire pit and veranda for special events, a dining facility for catering and golf, and about one- third of the seating will be in a three-season room with a fireplace in the center. This building will contain the pro shop, an active lifestyle center and movement studio, fitness area, and a private clubhouse only for the use of the residents of the Verandas. The cart garage will be underground. He stated that the golf course portion of the development will retain the name “Maple Lane”. Mr. Moceri explained when they purchased the property in August 2015, there were 43 leagues. In 2016, they had increased to 83 leagues, and they now have 109 leagues, so they have committed to keeping all 54 holes open through the 2018 golf season. They appreciate the loyalty of the community and want to assure that Maple Lanes is not going anywhere for a while. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing. Mr. Jerry Sieja – impressed with Moceri Companies. Glad they are keeping the barn. Questioned plans to widen Maple Lane. Questioned Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 11 whether all ponds will be in center of development and who will maintain them. Expressed favor of the proposed PUD. Ms. Dorothy Hatton – glad to see Par 3 golf course and that they are keeping the “Maple Lane” name and the old barn. Concerned large water bills for such a large area will discourage development, suggested doing something about Great Lakes Water Authority. Questioned whether amenities are available for everyone, and who will maintain the lawns. Mr. Casmir – welcomed Mr. Moceri as a great neighbor. Complimented him on getting rid of barbed wire fence. Mr. Greg Hinski – complimented Mr. Moceri on quality of homes. Inquired as to possibility of berm rather than plastic fence in northeast corner of development. Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to approve the application by Maple Lane Holdings LLC for a Planned Unit Development on 288 acres situated north of 14 Mile Road, west of Maple Lane Road, PPCM-1161, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Verandas Planned Unit Development Agreement, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. Councilwoman Ziarko commented there have been several meetings on this and she felt it is a great project. She stated the redevelopment of the golf course and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 12 the fact that it will remain public is a great selling point. She questioned whether the golf course or the homes will be built first. Mr. Moceri replied that the golf course and the homes will be built simultaneously. They will be making open space improvements and working on the golf course along with the development of the homes, and hope to have the model homes and the first nine holes of the golf course open at the same time. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired as to when they plan to start the project. Mr. Moceri replied they want to begin construction in Fall 2018, although they will be doing some work around the perimeter in the meantime. He stated it will not affect any of the holes or the neighbors, but they will work on ground water issues and engineering. He explained the ponds will all be in the open areas of the golf course so they will not be a maintenance burden for the residents. He added that no one will maintain their own lawns, and that service will be provided through their homeowner’s associations. They will have community gardens, but all the eaves, sidewalks and lawns will be maintained as part of the association. Mr. Moceri replied to inquiry that 20% of the housing must be available to those under 55 years of age, and he indicated that is a good thing for diversity. Councilwoman Ziarko stated having familiarity with The Villages and she likes that there are different levels of home ownership available. She felt they will sell themselves, and she is glad this development is proposed for Sterling Heights. She was confident it will be beautiful and people will be proud to live there. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 13 Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether they will start construction of the single-family homes only or all the phases at the same time. Mr. Moceri replied they will start with two types of the homes, possibly the single-family homes and the duplexes, followed by the townhomes. He assured there will be no missing pieces and it will be an orderly development, with the ring road to be completed first, followed by the clubhouse, then at least three of the communities coming off the crescent-shaped road. Mr. Moceri replied to further inquiry that the residents will be able to own golf carts, but there will be specific permits required. Drivers must be licensed, and they will be working with public safety to make sure rules are followed. He added that they will not be permitting any “hyped-up” golf carts, but it will be part of the experience to live in that community and own a golf cart that meets the established rules. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to the price points for the various homes. Mr. Moceri anticipated the condominiums will start in the mid-$200,000 range, and the single-family homes will range from the high-$200,000’s to the low- $400,000’s. He suggested some of these may be lateral moves for current Sterling Heights residents, and he added there will be lease opportunities available in the luxury townhomes starting at approximately $1,200 per month. These would be rentable condominiums with two-car attached garages. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to whether there is any plan to widen Maple Lane. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 14 Mr. McLeod replied the petitioner is providing the right-of-way so the possibility of widening Maple Lane will be there. The Master Plan indicates Maple Lane will eventually be widened to five lanes but at this time, that is not included as part of the Capital Improvement Projects. He stated it will be assessed on a yearly basis. Councilwoman Schmidt hoped it will be a top priority within a year or two as this development continues to go in. She stated she is excited about this plan, and has talked with a lot of people who are also looking forward to it. She wished the developer well as he proceeds. Councilwoman Koski complimented Mr. Moceri on this first-class operation. She was pleased that they selected Sterling Heights for this project. She inquired as to whether each phase of the project will have their own association. Mr. Moceri replied that each phase will have their own association, but they will all belong to a master association. He explained the sub-associations will each determine their own budgets, but since there are phases, it is difficult to have just one association. Mr. Moceri replied to further inquiry that no one can opt out of the association, and they have a great master plan within the entire community. They will be offering the various housing choices and the state-of-the-art amenities that go along with it, and that is why they have the by-laws which bind all the associations together. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether they will be taking any reservations for the units. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 15 Mr. Moceri replied they will not be taking any reservations until early 2018. They will have a price range because costs change and so do products. He acknowledged that there are always better products that are coming out all the time, but those details can be worked out after they put in their reservations. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether one-half of the clubhouse will be exclusive to the residents in the development. Mr. Moceri replied affirmatively. He explained the west one-third of the clubhouse will be open to the public, with the central area for sales and special events, the eastern area for private use by the residents with its own entrance from the parking lot. He stated the homeowner’s association will go toward maintaining that portion of the building. He added that there may be three or four days a week where they may allow seminars where the public will be inside on a reservation basis to use that part of the facility, and the bylaws will outline that use. Councilwoman Koski questioned the citizen comment about the possibility of a berm rather than a plastic fence. Mr. Moceri replied that they are proposing a high-style architectural fence, but it can be enhanced with landscaping. They will be able to change it with ventilation and height, and with permission, they can implement with some landscaping, but he stated there is not sufficient room for a berm in lieu of the fence. Councilman Skrzyniarz complimented the Moceri Companies on their comprehensive plan, noting that many developers lack the comprehensive Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 16 planning aspect. He felt they have “done things the right way”, and he appreciates that people will know this development is in Sterling Heights. Councilman Shannon thanked the Moceri Companies for choosing Sterling Heights for this investment. He added this is the type of development he would envision seeing in Florida or in the Southwest, and he was confident the residents living in this area will appreciate this fantastic project and great asset to the City. Mayor Taylor commended the Moceri Companies for always trying to find opportunities to partner with the city to enhance recreational opportunities and enhance living areas for the residents. He asked what course this could be compared to in the Metro Detroit area. Mr. Hearn anticipated this will be a notch above Sycamore Hills, and he was confident it will rank in golf courses in southeast Michigan. He stated there are a couple of courses in southeast Michigan that are not user-friendly, but he stated this will have something for everyone. Mr. Moceri stated he wants it maintained like The Orchards, but he wants the landmark trees like the Detroit Golf Club. He reviewed some of the features he would like to see for this golf course Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Moceri and his group for their presentations this evening. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Koski, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Romano. The motion carried. 2. CONSENT AGENDA Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 17 Ms. Mary Marcinak – questioned Item “E”. Ms. Linda Godfrey – questioned Items “D” and “E” and hiring architect before having the Master Plan. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 1, 2016, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $690,276.23, Water & Sewer Fund - $2,994,417.57, Other Funds - $2,997,864.71, Total Checks - $6,682,558.51. C. RESOLVED, to authorize the City Attorney to pursue all available remedies to abate the code violations and nuisance conditions existing at 36950 Dequindre Road. D. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. regarding the proposed Parks, Recreation and Non-Motorized Master Plan 2017 – 2021. E. RESOLVED, to approve: (A) The Agreement for Professional Architectural Services for Construction of Community Center between the City of Sterling Heights and George J. Hartman Architects P.C.; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 18 (B) The Agreement for Professional Architectural Services for Construction of Park Improvements between the City of Sterling Heights and Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc.; and Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreements on behalf of the City. Yes: Koski, Ziarko, Schmidt, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Romano. The motion carried. 3. CONSIDERATION Mr. Mark Vanderpool, City Manager, made a presentation on the consideration of approval of memorandums of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Professional and Technical Employees and MAPE Supervisory Employees Union. He explained the Human Resource functions for the City Administration Department, which have been historically understaffed for a city with 500+ personnel, and he outlined some of the effects on the organization because of this understaffing. He stated that City Administration has been carefully examining an optimal organizational structure for Human Resources and Risk Management going forward, and the recommendation is to restructure the Human Resources Division to provide the following: A. Human Resources Director/Assistant City Manager, with the current deputy to assume the vacancy created by the June 30, 2017 departure of the current Human Resources Director/Assistant City Manager; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 19 B. Human Resources and Benefits Manager, which is a new position taking direct responsibility for employee recruitment, selection, training, benefits and compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations affecting city employment; C. Risk Management Coordinator, who will be responsible for the investigation, coordination, mitigation, resolution and reporting of claims; and D. Administrative Assistant, who will provide existing clerical support to the Human Resources Division. Mr. Vanderpool explained that, to create the Human Resources and Benefits Manager and Risk Management Coordinator classifications, the City had to negotiate with the MAPE Professional and Technical Employees and MAPE Supervisory Employees bargaining units, respectively. He clarified this reorganization will not increase the number of full-time employees because the Deputy City Clerk position will replace the current City Clerk and the Deputy position will not be filled. He explained how this will have a positive impact on the City’s organization. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to: (A) Approve the memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Professional and Technical Employees creating the Risk Management Coordinator classification; and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 20 (B) Approve the memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Supervisory Employees Union creating the Human Resources and Benefits Manager job classification; and (C) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the memorandums of understanding on behalf of the City. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Koski, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Romano. The motion carried. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Mary Marcinak – Proposed Skate Park location and its proximity to 41-A District Court; noise from the Skate Park. Ms. Linda Godfrey - Transparency of possible future Fire Department Transport Services; amount of revenue sharing received by the City of Sterling Heights since 2000. Ms. Jazmine Early – The recent election and anticipated vacancy on City Council; the trash-hauling contract. Ms. Dolores Hatton – Great Lakes Water Authority; contract with the City of Warren for the use of their pool. Mr. Sieja – The Verandas project; appreciation for sidewalks along Schoenherr between Clinton River Road and 17 Mile; concern about small gap in sidewalk along 19 Mile, west of Schoenherr; commended Parks & Recreation for great job; concerned about location of proposed Dog Park; status on replacement of Dodge Park bridge and Riverland foot bridge; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 21 budget for Historical Commission with upcoming 50th Anniversary of Sterling Heights; commended officers who ride bikes to Washington DC to honor fallen officers. Resident (unidentified) – concerned that many residents are not aware of city events; maintenance of parks; bullying in the community. Mr. Charles Jefferson – cost for keeping the mile markers clean; time frame for removing Halloween decorations and putting up Christmas decorations; questioned restricted turns onto Higgins Street; procedure to fill anticipated vacancy on City Council. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove – voter turnout; Veteran’s Day celebration; Upton House open for Sterling Christmas. Ms. Sanaa Elias – transparency in city government; anticipated vacancy on City Council; cost of mile markers. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool replied that the Dodge Park bridge and the Riverland foot bridge will both be replaced, with the work taking place this winter and into next spring. He reminded that Sterling Heights continues to have among the lowest property taxes of any city in the State of Michigan, and it has the lowest property taxes of any city in Macomb County. Mr. Kaszubski had nothing further to add. UNFINISHED BUSINESS/ NEW BUSINESS Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 22 Councilwoman Ziarko stated it is important to talk about the water bills. She also stated a resident informed her that there is an area lacking on the west side of Schoenherr, between Utica Road and 17 Mile Road, where there is a gap in the sidewalk, and she stated she would like to find out how much it would be to complete that section. She stated it was brought to their attention at the last election that there was money spent on the election from outside of the city; however, she received a “vote no” piece of literature that came from a pack in Virginia, so she stated it went both ways. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked those involved in redoing 15 Mile Road and Schoenherr, as well as Moravian. She and her neighbors are happy they can now get in and out of their subdivision in a reasonable time. She stated that she is looking forward to marching in the Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Sterling Heights Marching Band, which has not been represented in that parade for twenty years. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to the procedure for filling Mr. Romano’s term once he is certified in his new position. Mr. Vanderpool outlined the procedure according to past practice and according to City Charter. The City Council has the power to fill the vacancy of an office on City Council by an appointment within sixty days of vacancy. If they assume Mr. Romano will serve until December 31st, the appointment power must be exercised by March 1st, 2017. In the event City Council does not exercise the power of appointment within that sixty days, the City is obligated to conduct a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 23 Special Election to fill the vacancy accordingly. He stated that what has occurred in past practice and what they would recommend is to establish a deadline for residents interested in the vacancy to submit a letter of interest and a resume. The recommended deadline is Monday, December 12th. The City would then publish a notice in the Sterling Heights Sentry Newspaper advising residents interested in the vacancy to submit the required letter of interest and resume by the December 12th deadline. He added the same notice would be published on the City’s website, and he stated they can do that immediately if that is the direction the City Council wishes to follow. The notice would advise the residents who are interested to make a presentation at the January 3, 2017 Regular Meeting, with the presentation limited to 3 minutes, and interested residents would be instructed to cover their qualifications for office, reasons for interest in the office, and a vision for Sterling Heights. As letters of interest and resumes are received, they would be forwarded to the Council Members for their review and upon presentation, Council Members could then follow up and ask residents for any additional information they feel is necessary. At the January 17th Regular City Council Meeting, there would be an item for consideration which would be to consider an appointment to City Council to serve the unexpired term. The new Council Member would then be sworn in at the January 24th, 2017 Special Meeting convened for Strategic Planning. The process, as outlined, is similar to the process and procedures taken in 2014 to fill the vacancy created by Mayor Taylor’s appointment. Mr. Vanderpool explained the benefits are that the process Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 24 is streamlined, simple, transparent and the replacement would be in place for the Strategic Planning meeting, so it does not drag on for an extended period. He concluded that it complies with the City Charter. He stated that is the process they recommend, and if the Council wishes to proceed along those lines, he felt it would be good to have that direction this evening. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether they should give direction this evening or whether they should wait for Mr. Romano’s certification. Mayor Taylor did not feel they need to wait, noting they can always stop the process if necessary. He would like to follow the process as outlined by Mr. Vanderpool this evening. A short recess was taken at 10:17 p.m., and the meeting reconvened at 10:20 p.m. Mayor Taylor addressed the earlier question of the skate park location, and he felt being next to the library is a good location, and added they have not had problems with people coming in and out of 41-A District Court. He said a resident brought up Mayor Pro-Tem Romano’s support of transport for the Fire Department, and he had asked for the City Administration to prepare a report and look into whether it is a possibility. He assured that any decisions that would be made regarding transport would be done at an open meeting. Mayor Taylor addressed an accusation that he would not allow a specific resident to be appointed to City Council, and he stressed he never indicated that, and if the individual receives four votes from City Council members to appoint him, then he will be appointed to City Council. Mayor Taylor addressed an earlier comment about why Higgins Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Page 25 Street has limited turns, and stated his understanding that it is because the residents on that street have asked for it to be that way. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: Ziarko, Schmidt, Koski, Shannon, Skrzyniarz, Taylor. Absent: Romano. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk