City Council

Delivered March 15, 2017 Agenda Item 1-A Meeting: March 20, 2017 CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2017 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, Liz Sierawski, 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 Ziarko, to approve the Agenda with the deletion of Item No. 4 and direct the City Manager to place Item No. 4 on the agenda for the March 20, 2017 Regular Meeting of City Council. Yes: All. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported reminded everyone in the audience that, due to a scheduling conflict with the annual Michigan Municipal League Capital Conference, the second City Council meeting in March will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 instead of Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool advised the Mayor and City Council that, regarding Item 2E on the Consent Agenda, involving the purchase of stair chairs to maneuver patients requiring EMS services from tight spaces, equates to $16,076.90. The staff report indicated a grant application was submitted in the amount of $5,000 to partially offset the cost. He stated he is pleased to report that, since the agenda was finalized last week, the grant has been approved. The City’s action this evening will not change, but he informed that the City’s net cost will be reduced by $5,000. He thanked Deputy Chief Rob Duke, Risk Management Coordinator Amanda Opalewski and City Clerk Mark Carufel for their efforts in obtaining this grant. Mr. Vanderpool advised that the City has a new fire engine going into service this week at Fire Station No. 4. He outlined some of the features of the new engine, including 1,500 gallons per minute pumping capability, and the multi-purpose features will support many tasks on fire and accident scenes. He explained when a life-threatening EMS call for services is placed, based on new dispatching protocol, the engine will be dispatched to provide additional personnel on location to perform lifesaving tasks to continue the high survivability rate from which the citizens of Sterling Heights will benefit. He showed some photographs of the new apparatus, and was confident that the Fire Department personnel are grateful to not only the City Council for approving this purchase but also for the community’s continued support of purchasing state-of-the-art equipment for the department. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool anticipated that most residents have now received their assessment notices, he showed a brief public services video to help analyze those notices. He stated it is good news that property values are going up, estimated at an average of 5% this year, and he added that the taxes do not go up by that amount but are rising an average of less than 1% this year. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the desperately-needed M-59 project is underway, and he introduced Mr. Jim Petronski, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Construction Engineer to provide an overview of the project. Mr. Jim Petronski, of MDOT, explained the scope of the $60 million reconstruction project of the 3.8-mile stretch of M-59, from M-53 to Romeo Plank Road. They began last week with some utility relocations. He explained they will be reconstructing the entire arterial system of all four lanes and shoulders by removing the concrete and replacing it with a hot-mix asphalt roadway. Signal modernizations, drainage improvements, ADA ramp and sidewalk improvements, including decorative crosswalks and the addition of six mid-block crossings, four of which will be serving the community of Sterling Heights. He cited the four mid-block crossings in Sterling Heights being located at Delco, Westbrook, Eastbrook and Pine Drive, with the last three serving the area of Lakeside Mall. He added that sign improvements will also be included in the overall project. He informed that their prime contractor, Angelo Iafrate, will begin on Thursday to cut off the left lane and begin the temporary widening so they Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 4 can maintain three lanes during construction. He advised that all the work in Sterling Heights will be completed this year, going from M-53 to just east of Dalcoma, where Macomb Community College is located. Mr. Petronski stated there will be decorative concrete, mast arm signals, enhanced landscaping, sidewalks from end-to-end, and they will be working from now until October to complete that work. They will be shutting down over the winter months, and next spring will be putting in the enhanced landscaping through the Sterling Heights area, and the remainder of the project will be completed to Romeo Plank through summer 2018. He explained they will be keeping three lanes of traffic open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with their main line paving taking place during the overnight hours, so during those nighttime hours, they will be maintaining two lanes of traffic. He advised that some of the approaches to the bridge over M-53 will take place in March and April, and two lanes will remain open for the first six weeks of the project. He stated they are pleased to be able to partner with all of the communities in the aesthetic upgrades because this is the most important corridor in Macomb County. Mr. Petronski stated there are over 400 businesses that have access to M- 59 in this 4-mile section, and that does not include the tenants at Lakeside Mall and the Mall at Partridge Creek. Mr. Petronski addressed some of the aesthetic upgrades, including the HMA (hot mix asphalt) crosswalks, which will provide a “downtown feel” Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 5 to the corridor. With 90,000 cars a day, it is busier than many freeways, but they want to make it more accessible for pedestrians, so these crosswalks at the major intersections and mid-block will accommodate that need. The black mast arm signals, like those along Van Dyke, will be added to the entire corridor. He reported that the detention ponds in the median will be expanded in length down the median, resulting in the fence being able to be removed. He showed some renderings of the proposed landscape enhancements, with the removal of some trees but the replacement of those trees at a ratio of 2:1. He noted there will be three areas of enhanced landscaping. He also showed the symbols, or emblems, they will be placing at the end of the project to let people know they are on the “Golden Corridor”. Mr. Petronski stated there will be constant updates on their website, www.movingmacomb.org, which will include plans, interactive maps to see what driveways are open and closed, and travel times, not only for M- 59 but for the some of the local surrounding streets as well. He advised anyone wishing to contact them can do so through the website, email or telephone at (586) 201-3867. He informed they are also available through www.facebook.com/mvgmacomb or www.twitter.com/MovingMacomb. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by stating those links are on the City’s website. He explained it will be a difficult project, but he was confident they will Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 6 be proud of the result. The City values its good working relationship with MDOT and the neighboring communities. PRESENTATION #1 Mayor Taylor introduced Police Chief John Berg to make a presentation tonight and swear in the new police officers. Police Chief Berg stated it is an honor for him to introduce the four new police officers: Officer Anton Marki, a graduate of Henry Ford II High School and a December graduate of the Macomb Police Academy; Officer Aaron May, an officer who comes here after serving as an officer for the City of Port Huron; Officer Larry Reynolds, who is a December graduate of the Macomb Police Academy; and Officer Furat Zoma, a Stevenson High School graduate and a December graduate of the Macomb Police Academy. He indicated these are a youthful addition to the force and are the future of the Police Department. Police Chief Berg swore in the four new officers, and they each took the opportunity to say a few words to thank their family and the City for their support and the opportunity to serve in this community. Mayor Taylor welcomed the new officers, stating the community is lucky to have them, and they are lucky to have a community that supports and respects their police officers. He stated the Sterling Heights Police Department is a destination for a lot of police officers, and once they start working for this community, there is a good chance they will work their entire careers here. The new officers were congratulated by the City Council members. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 7 PRESENTATION #2 Mayor Taylor stated this is a presentation to recognize and honor Mr. Brian Walker, for his many years of distinguished and dedicated service to the residents of Sterling Heights as General Manager of Universal Macomb Ambulance Service for over fifty years, noting that Mr. Walker passed away on February 22nd, 2017. Fire Chief Chris Martin, on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights and the Sterling Heights Fire Department, he is recognizing an individual whose passing has left a hole in his family, his business and this community. He stated Mr. Walker passed away on February 22nd, 2017 following a two-year battle with cancer. He stated Mr. Walker had been very active in the community and for over fifty years, was General Manager of Universal Macomb Ambulance Service which was a company founded by his father and now being run by his sons. He stated that Universal Macomb Ambulance Service has been responding to medical incidents along with the Sterling Heights Fire Department for over the past fifty years, and during that time, he has also been a great community partner, dedicating personnel and resources to many community events. He was also instrumental in developing many emergency medical protocols, policies and training standards throughout the state and the country. He noted some of his achievements and awards throughout his career. Chief Martin stated that Mr. Walker had two sons and two grandchildren, but he quoted one of his longtime employees that Mr. Walker “raised many kids” through all the young employees who started their Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 8 careers with his company. He added that dozens of Sterling Heights firefighters, both past and present, started their careers with Universal Ambulance. He is confident Mr. Walker’s legacy will live on through his sons who are now running the company. Mayor Taylor stated that many firefighters in this community and others started their careers with Universal Ambulance, and in the fifty years of service that Mr. Walker provided through his company, he not only gave many young people a start to their career, but many people were kept together by the lifesaving service he provided to families who may have otherwise lost a loved one. Mayor Taylor stated the service Universal has provided to this community has been invaluable and Mr. Walker’s legacy will live on. He stated there was not a more dedicated man to his community, his family and his business than Mr. Walker, and the Mayor presented a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Walker’s son, Mr. Duncan Walker. Mr. Duncan Walker thanked the Council for recognizing his father’s efforts in the City. He stated his father spent over fifty years working in this City, and he served right up to the end. He stated it would mean a lot to his dad to receive this recognition, and he emphasized the thing that meant the most to his dad was the opinion of the residents of the City. He thanked the Council and Chief Martin for reaching out to him and suggesting this recognition. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 9 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution recognizing and honoring Brian Walker for his many years of distinguished and dedicated service to the Sterling Heights community as General Manager of Universal Macomb Ambulance Service. Yes: All. The motion carried.     Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 10  ORDINANCE ADOPTION 1. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance 278 to conditionally rezone property on the south side of Lakeside Circle, between Shore Line Drive and South Cove Drive, in Section 1 from O-2 (Planned Office District) to RM-3 (Multiple-Family Mid and High Rise District), Case No. PZ16-1147, and he introduced Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner, to give a presentation. Mr. McLeod stated this proposal is being considered this evening for adoption for the purpose of developing a three-story, 57-unit senior living facility on the south side of Lakeside Circle with a potential connection to Island Park. This proposal was introduced at the February 7, 2017 Regular meeting, and the introduction was unanimously passed by Council. He explained that the petitioner, with the City and legal counsel, has drafted the necessary Conditional Zoning agreement, as Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 11 well as the easement language. He advised one of the conditions offered by the applicant is the overall access easement being provided to Lakeside Circle along with the western side of the property to the water’s edge as well as the foundation easement for a potential bridge to Island Park, and he confirmed that language has been included and verified by all parties. He noted there were questions raised during the introduction as to the overall height of the building, and the age restriction for the residents of the development. He confirmed the age will be 55 years of age and older, and the total height will be about 50 feet, but the midline, which is where they measure the height, is about 35 feet. Mr. McLeod verified that all notifications were mailed out properly. He showed renderings of the proposed project, and clarified that it will be senior living in senior apartments that are age-dedicated, but there will not be assisted living or partial assistance at this development. He showed a slide of the proposed site development plan, and he offered to answer any questions the Council may have on this proposal. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. Ms. Mary Marcinak – questioned the drainage and whether the area drains are adequate to handle this development; concerned about basements in the area. Mr. Paul Smith – concerned about the size and density of the development based on the artist’s renderings. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to adopt the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property on the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 12 south side of Lakeside Circle, between Shore Line Drive and South Cove Drive, in Section 1, from O-2 (Planned Office District) to RM-3 (Multiple Family Mid and High Rise District), Case No. PZ16-1147, subject to the terms and conditions of the Conditional Rezoning Agreement that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign on behalf of the City. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko requested that Mr. McLeod address the concerns raised by members of the audience. Mr. McLeod explained that, as with any development, this is only the first step in the process. Even though there are site plans, floor plans and elevations attached to this Conditional Rezoning, site plan approval has not officially been granted at this point. As part of the site plan approval process, the site plan will go through engineering review, which will provide a very thorough analysis to make sure all water, sewer and storm drains provided for this site are adequate. In terms of the density question, Mr. McLeod stated that the applicant is seeking this dense development; however, he explained the City has adopted the new Master Plan that calls for the intensification of the Lakeside area as part of the potential redevelopment of that entire section of the city. He advised one of the things they should do to provide a base for that area is to increase the density, and the proposed development falls in line with the Master Plan. He stated it is not uncommon to see senior housing or taller buildings in this section of the City, and the Master Plan moving forward calls for intensification of this area. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 13 Mayor Taylor stated this was thoroughly discussed at the previous City Council meeting. He agreed with Mr. McLeod that this is an area they can look to increase the density to support the retail aspect. He hoped there will be a lot more of these developments coming forward as they reimagine what Lakeside will look like in the future. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Paul Smith – Item C, reason for change in May 2017 City Council meeting date; revenue and expenses from ambulance project in Items E, F, G, H and I. 2. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 21, 2017, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $342,869.84, Water & Sewer Fund - $771,430.06, Other Funds - $1,481,260.93, Total Checks - $2,595,560.83. C. RESOLVED, to reschedule the first regular City Council Meeting for May, 2017 from Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. to Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. and direct the City Clerk to provide the appropriate notice as required by Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 14 D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for transit mix to Paragon Ready Mix, Inc., 48000 Hixson, Utica, MI 48317, as primary, and Protocon RM, 6227 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights MI 48312, as secondary, based on the respective unit prices bid for a one-year period. E. RESOLVED, to purchase five Stryker Stair PRO stair chairs, model 6252, from Stryker EMS Equipment, 3800 E. Centre Avenue, Portage, MI 49002, at a total cost of $16,076.90 and authorize a budget amendment from General Fund reserves in the amount of the purchase price. F. RESOLVED, to purchase six sets of Hurst Jaws of Life electro-hydraulic extrication equipment, with mounting brackets, from Apollo Fire Equipment Company, 12584 Lakeshore Drive, Romeo, MI 48065 at unit pricing available through the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network cooperative proposal, contract #RH-16-027, and authorize a $161,700 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. G. RESOLVED, to purchase five (5) 800 MHz and five (5) VHF two-way mobile radios and accessories from Motorola Solutions Inc., 1301 East Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60196, at unit pricing available through the State of Michigan MiDeal contract #071B200101, and authorize a $22,493.10 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. H. RESOLVED, to purchase five (5) LIFEPAK 15 V4 cardiac monitors/defibrillators and ancillary equipment from Physio-Control, Inc., 11811 Willows Road NE, P.O. Box 97066, Redmond, WA 98073-9706 in Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 15 the amount of $176,478.40 and authorize a $176,478.40 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. I. RESOLVED, to purchase five (5) Dell Latitude 14 Rugged Laptops and five (5) Dell Havis Docks with power supply from Access Interactive, L.L.C., 46665 Magellan Drive, Novi, MI 48377, at a cumulative cost of $17,305.00 and authorize a $17,305.00 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. J. RESOLVED, to receive the report of the Purchasing Manager pursuant to City Code §2-221(B) regarding the emergency repair of the abandoned sanitary sewer line situated at 14030 15 Mile Road by F.D.M. Contracting, Inc., 49156 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, Michigan 48317, in the amount of $24,300. K. RESOLVED, to receive the report of the Purchasing Manager pursuant to City Code §2-221(B) regarding the emergency repair of the public sanitary sewer line servicing 35073 Lana Lane by Superior Excavating, Inc., 2791 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48371, in the amount of $24,000. L. RESOLVED, to award the bid for mowing and maintenance of miscellaneous right-of-way sites to Green Meadows Lawnscape, Inc., 2359 Avon Industrial Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, for the period April 1, 2017 through October 31, 2018, at unit prices bid, with an option for the City Manager to extend the term of the bid one (1) additional year on the same terms and conditions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 16 M. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the mowing and maintenance of the Hall Road (M-59) boulevard median from Dequindre Road to I-94 to Green Meadows Lawnscape, Inc., 2359 Avon Industrial Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, for the period April 1, 2017 through November 30, 2019 at unit prices bid, subject to approval and provision of funding by the Michigan Department of Transportation. N. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the mowing and maintenance of medians, interchanges, and right-f-ways to Green Meadows Lawnscape, Inc., 2359 Avon Industrial Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, for the period April 1, 2017 through November 30, 2019, based on unit prices bid, subject to the approval of the bid and provision of adequate funding by the Michigan Department of Transportation and County of Macomb. O. RESOLVED, to approve the resolution authorizing issuance of not to exceed $3,200,000 in Unlimited Tax General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2017, for the purpose of refunding the 2008 Unlimited Tax General Obligation Fire Station Improvement bonds previously issued and paying the associated costs of the refunding. Yes: All. The motion carried. 3. CONSIDERATION Mayor Taylor explained this is a mayoral appointment to the Planning Commission to fill a current vacancy, with confirmation by City Council. He explained that Mr. Ancona resigned due to scheduling conflicts, and he is Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 17 recommending Ms. Parmpreet Sarau, a resident of the City, a pharmacist and a professor, and he is confident she will make a good fit on the Planning Commission. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to nominate Ms. Parmpreet Sarau for consideration as an appointee to the Planning Commission at the March 20, 2017 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 4. This item was deleted from tonight’s agenda and will be on the March 20, 2017 regular City Council meeting. 5. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider an appointment to the vacant elective office of City Council member. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Mr. Gary Lusk to fill the vacancy in the elective office of City Council member for the unexpired term of Doug Skyzyniarz. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated Mr. Lusk was brought to their attention about four to six years ago when he ran for City Council. She added that he is active and knowledgeable about the community. She reminded this appointment is from March 20th until Election Day in November. She hoped Mr. Lusk will want to run for office in November, and she welcomed him to the Council. Mayor Taylor stated Mr. Lusk is a friend of his whom he has known since 2011 when they were running for City Council. He explained he learned about Mr. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 18 Lusk, his family, his commitments to the City, his charitable work, his commitment to his church, and helping small businesses. He stated he has been impressed by Mr. Lusk’s temperament and leadership within the community, and he is confident he will be a tremendous asset to City Council and will do what is best for the community. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. George Parker – opposed to reduction of speaking time for citizens. Ms. Mary Marcinak – suggested a Charter Amendment on next ballot that states a vacancy on City Council is filled by the individual who obtained the next highest number of votes on previous election, and that there should be one City Council member from each quadrant of the City to assure fair representation. Mr. Charles Jefferson – concerned residents and businesses will stop watering their lawns this summer to avoid high bills; concerned about motorists on M-59 using “cut-through” roads, causing disruption in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Paul Smith – expressed support for residents’ freedom of speech. Mr. Jerry Sieja – spoke highly of Mr. Brian Walker’s legacy in this community; questioned as to future plans for the island at Lakeside; proud of the Sterling Heights Public Library; spoke highly of Police Chief Berg, the fact he grew up in this community and the outreach plan to have Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 19 liaison officers in each section of the City to listen to the concerns of the citizens. Ms. Linda Godfrey – expressed sorrow for family and friends of Mr. Walker, adding he was always willing to help anyone and he will be greatly missed; concerned about future premiums for health care being high, similar to auto insurance. Mr. Thomas Neil – expressed appreciation to Councilwoman Koski for taking the time to speak with him at the library; thanked staff for answering his questions regarding drainage issues at one of the parks; concerned about burned-out street lights; questioned future widening plans for Dodge Park Road, south of 16 Mile; concerned about condition of roads after cold patch; suggested incentive plan for residents to have rain barrels that save water. Ms. Jazmine Early – expressed sympathy to Mr. Walker’s family; questioned requirements for appointments to boards and commissions. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool referred to a comment made by a resident that claimed a transport model was going to generate a deficit of $50 million, and he stated that is grossly inaccurate. The revenues projected over the ten-year analysis is slightly over $32 million, and the expenditures over that same period is slightly over $31 million, so it is a self-sustaining model. He clarified this does not include anticipated grant revenue which will likely exceed $2.5 million, as well as other ancillary Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 20 revenues that may come up over time. He assured their projections are conservative based on a very comprehensive analysis of best practice standards, looking at real data from other communities that provide this service, as well as companies in the private sector, and he indicated that information is public. Mr. Vanderpool admitted there are frequent street light outages because there are thousands of street lights across the City. He stated they report these outages to DTE on a weekly basis, and he encouraged anyone who notices outages to email the him or call (586) 446-CITY, and he will make sure it is called in that day for repair. Mr. Vanderpool addressed the concern about Dodge Park Road, stating there are no plans now to widen the stretch south of 16 Mile Road. He acknowledged the traffic on that road is heavy at times, and they have gone through some signal timing changes, but will continue to monitor the traffic patterns. Mr. Kazsubski stated he had nothing to report. UNFINISHED BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS Councilwoman Sierawski addressed a resident’s earlier comment and stated Mr. Lusk, the new Council member appointed this evening, has not been to Council meetings on Tuesday evenings because for the last twenty years, he has taught catechism at St. Lawrence every Tuesday. She stated she has been friends with him for years, and stressed that he is a good man. She added that he has done a lot of volunteer work with MCREST, and he is someone who speaks his mind and stands up for what is right. She requested that City Attorney Kaszubski or City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 21 Clerk Carufel explain why the procedure in Sterling Heights is to appoint for vacancies as opposed to having an open election. Mr. Kaszubski explained the City Charter provides the City Council the ability to appoint a Council member. He stated there is no process in the Charter so it is at the discretion of Council to appoint. He noted they recently went through an extensive search for candidates, and Mr. Lusk was one of those members presented to Council. With the upcoming budget, it would be appropriate to have an appointment in place. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated when she was at the CORE meeting earlier today, one of the residents brought up the fact that he went to the Police Civilian Academy and how much he learned from it. She would like to request that Mr. Vanderpool determine a cost to initiate those programs again, possibly starting out with one police and one fire academy per year, and if it is successful, and residents sign up for it, they may consider it twice a year. Mayor Taylor stated that since there are no objections, he requested that Mr. Vanderpool look into the costs for the academies. Councilwoman Koski echoed Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko’s comments. During the Strategic Planning session, she had suggested starting up those academies again, in addition to hosting one for high school students. Councilwoman Schmidt requested that, regarding the M-59 project, a designated turn signal for southbound Delco turning east onto Hall Road be considered. She stated it is a bad intersection with motorists turning right from northbound Delco Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 7, 2017 Page 22 onto eastbound Hall Road at the same time as motorists turning left from southbound Delco onto eastbound Hall Road results in a lot of “near-misses”. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she had the pleasure of spending last Thursday with the Fire Department and personnel from Universal Ambulance, involved in active shooter training at Magahay Elementary, a closed elementary school. They invited the EMT students from the career prep center, with whom she works, to be active participants as victims or triage personnel. She stated it was a great experience for the students as they look forward to how they will be performing their duties. She thanked the Fire Department and Universal Ambulance for providing that opportunity. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone who came out for the Cultural Exchange event, noting they had a great turnout. He added it was fun serving the food and seeing all the diversity in this community, with everyone getting along and enjoying each other’s company. He encouraged everyone to attend next year’s event, and thanked the City’s staff and volunteers for all their hard work. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk