City Council

Delivered March 30, 2017 Agenda Item 1-A Meeting: April 4, 2017 CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL MONDAY, MARCH 20, 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 as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reported that on Saturday, April 1st, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shred Day will be held at the Department of Public Works (DPW) facility, with the services to be provided by Shred Legal. He advised that documents can be shredded for no charge, the shredding will be conducted on-site for security and the shredded materials will be recycled. He stated a limit of three paper-sized boxes will be shredded per person, and he reminded this is an event for Sterling Heights residents only, so identification will be requested. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool announced that on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the first annual Household Hazardous Waste event will be held at the DPW facility. He stated that U.S. Ecology will be on site collecting and preparing for transport acceptable hazardous waste materials. He advised that this event is for Sterling Heights residents only. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Electronics Recycling event will be on Saturday, April 22nd, 2017, and Great Lakes Electronics will be at the DPW facility from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept electronics for recycling. Residents, business owners and school officials looking to get rid of old televisions, computers or any other electronic devices that have an electrical cord attachment are invited to drop them off. Mr. Vanderpool urged those interested in taking advantage of these services to get there early, especially for Shred Day and the Electronics Recycling, because they are very popular with long lines. He recommended that anyone looking for more information on these events can go on the City’s website. th Mr. Vanderpool stated the first weekend of April will begin the City’s 26 year of their curbside Yard Waste Collection program. He reminded that yard waste material must be placed in paper bags or a container not larger than 32 gallons that has a sticker on it. He advised the stickers can be obtained from any of the City’s public facilities, including City Hall. Mr. Vanderpool reminded that anyone with holiday lights still outside are in violation and the Code Enforcement Officers are in full force, enforcing this Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 3 restriction. He urged anyone still having them up to take them down quickly or risk getting a fine from one of the Code Officers. Mr. Vanderpool stated the City often showcases businesses through their Business Spotlight Video Program. They often talk about the large manufacturers because they are the backbone of the City’s manufacturing tax base, which helps to keep residential taxes low. He stressed that, while the large businesses are important, the small businesses fuel the local and national economy, and there are thousands of small businesses in the City, making up about 70% of the local economy. A short video was shown this evening which showcased Studio 9, a full-service hair and nail salon located at 16 Mile and Mound. Mr. Vanderpool stated he is proud to announce the SterlingFest 2017 main stage lineup for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, July 27th through July 29th, 2017. He stated that, following tonight’s meeting, all stage lineups, including the Kidztent, Jazz and Blues Stage and Suds N’ Sounds Stage, and Community Relations will be opening sponsorship for all stages beginning tomorrow so interested businesses and community groups should contact the Community Relations Department for great marketing opportunities. A brief video showcasing the headlining acts was shown, including Killer Flamingos on July 27th, Danny D and the Vagabonds – A Tribute to Rod Stewart on July 28th, and Bret Michaels on July 29th. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by stating he looks forward to seeing everyone at SterlingFest this year, and the upcoming marketing on this event that will be occurring over the next few months. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 4 PRESENTATION Mayor Taylor introduced and welcomed Judge Sierawski to swear in the new City Council member, Mr. Gary Lusk. Judge Sierawski complimented the Council on their selection, adding that he has known Mr. Lusk for about nine years. At this point, he swore in Councilman Lusk, who then took his place at his council seat. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated Councilman Lusk is someone she has looked up to in the community since he ran for City Council. She added that, knowing how he serves other people, she is confident he will do a good job serving this community. She stated this is a learning experience offering a lifelong learning experience, and she welcomed Councilman Lusk and wished him well. Councilwoman Sierawski welcomed Councilman Lusk, stating that she has known him for close to twenty years because of his service as a public servant and a servant leader. She is confident he will continue to do that for the City of Sterling Heights, and she looks forward to working with him. She does not expect that he will be a “yes” man, and she looks forward to some good debates and discussion with him. She thanked him for being here and stated she is glad he is on City Council. Councilwoman Schmidt welcomed Councilman Lusk, stating she has known him for years since they bowled together. She commended him for being very even- tempered and mild-mannered, and she expected they will help each other along the way. She agreed with Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko that the position on Council is a Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 5 lifelong learning experience, and she welcomed Councilman Lusk to his new position. Councilwoman Koski welcomed Councilman Lusk, stating that she does not know him but looks forward to getting to know him and working with him on Council. Councilman Shannon stated he sat down with Councilman Lusk when he had applied to fill former Mayor Pro-Tem Romano’s position, and he was pleased with Mr. Lusk’s knowledge of the issues. Councilman Shannon stated he is pleased with this appointment and the fact that Councilman Lusk is willing to take on this challenge. Mayor Taylor welcomed Councilman Lusk to the City Council. He stated they worked closely in 2011, and he recalled a lot of meetings with him. Mayor Taylor stated he was impressed with Councilman Lusk’s inquisitive nature, his desire to know more about Sterling Heights, and his willingness to serve the community. He added he is very well-respected in his church, and has a record of service in his church. He looks forward to working with him and is confident he will make a great councilman. Councilman Lusk stated he is honored to accept this position on Council. He wished Councilman Skrzyniarz well and hopes he continues to serve in his community. He stated that last week he had the opportunity to meet with members of City Administration and was able to look at the beautification plan to showcase Sterling Heights as the Golden Corridor of Macomb County. He was Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 6 able to visit several areas of the City to see the new developments underway, which brings new businesses along with employment to the City and allows the City to invest in their beautification without increasing taxes. The Council and Administration continue to define Sterling Heights as a place where young families want to raise their children, see them off on their careers and spend the rest of their lives living in this safe community. He committed to the taxpayers that he will research each agenda item and will always base his vote on what he considers to be in the best interest of the community. He thanked the Council for this appointment. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Mayor Taylor opened up the floor to comments from the audience regarding the Consent Agenda. Ms. Linda Godfrey – yearly cost the City is paying to bond counsel on Items “L”, “M” and “N”. Mr. Paul W. Smith – high dollar value on consent agenda items and why they are not considered individually. Mr. Thomas Neil – Item “K”, details should be included; Item “F”, location of outdoor sirens. Ms. Jazmine Early – commented on Item “K” and citizen’s rights to respect. Mr. Jody Horan – In favor of Item “D” for animal control. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 7 Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 7, 2017, as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $623,881.97, Water & Sewer Fund - $4,698,563.67, Other Funds - $874,303.75, Total Checks - $6,196,749.39. C. RESOLVED, to approve Traffic Control Order #6-80 to prohibit on-street parking for 110’ on the west side and 144’ on the east side of Phoenix Drive, immediately north of 19-1/2 Mile Road. D. RESOLVED, to approve the Agreement for Macomb County Animal Control Services between the County of Macomb and City of Sterling Heights and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. E. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid for supplies and materials for the Department of Public Works to the vendors and at the respective unit prices specified below for a one-year period: To: J.T. Express, Ltd., P.O.Box 204, Imlay City, MI 48444 A. Fill Sand $ 7.50 per cubic yard C. 2NS Sand $ 12.25 per ton E. 60x40 Gravel $ 14.25 per ton H. Pea Pebble $ 14.35 per ton To: B & W Landscape Supply, Inc., 43291 North Ave., Clinton Twp, MI 48036 B. Mason Sand $ 10.28 per ton Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 8 To: Osburn Industries, 5850 Pardee, Taylor, MI 48180 D. 21AA RAP Gravel $ 10.00 per ton Q. Stone Aggregate $ 23.00 per ton T. 23A Limestone $ 15.90 per ton To: Fiore’s Crushed Concrete, Inc., 33200 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 F. Fine Crushed Concrete $ 11.49 per ton G. Coarse Crushed Concrete $ 13.49 per ton U. 321 Crushed Concrete $ 12.49 per ton To: Ellsworth Industries, P.O.Box 5366, Plymouth, MI 48170 M. Limestone Athletic Meal $ 21.50 per ton To: PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc., One PPG Place, Pittsburg, PA 15272 J. Athletic Field Marking Paint $ 5.60 per gallon To: Spurt Industries, P.O.Box 930818, Wixom, MI 48393 L. Clean Topsoil $ 12.34 per cubic yard To: Dale’s Landscape Supply, Inc., 16720 13 Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066 I. Athletic Marking Chalk $ 5.75 per bag K. 30A Slag Sand $ 17.50 per ton O. Playground Mulch $ 16.95 per cubic yard P. Red Infield Conditioner $118.00 per ton To: SiteOne Landscape Supply, 1385 East 36th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114 N. Mulch $ 16.28 per cubic yard To: Asphalt Materials, Inc., 940 N. Wynn Road, Oregon, OH 43616 R. Asphalt Emulsion – AE-90 $ 3.15 per gallon S. Asphalt Emulsion – APME $ 3.15 per gallon F. RESOLVED, to purchase four Federal Modulator II Omni Directional Array sirens (model MOD 8032B), four transformer rectifiers (model UV 24 Volt UVTR), and four 60’ Class I wood poles from West Shore Services, Inc., 6620 Lake Michigan Drive, P.O. Box 188, Allendale, MI Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 9 49401, at a total cost of $123,756.00 and authorize a $15,756.00 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. G. RESOLVED, to reject the bids received pursuant to ITB-SH17-007 and authorize the Purchasing Manager to proceed with a re-bid for a gear- driven rotary screw compressor. H. RESOLVED, to: A) Purchase electronic patient care reporting software and training from ESO Solutions, Inc., 9920 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., Building II-300, Austin, TX 78759, in the amount of $22,562.40; B) Authorize the City Manager to renew the annual software subscription at a cost of $18,077.40; and C) Authorize a $22,562.40 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. I. RESOLVED, to purchase four Dell S3148P Network Switches and four Stacking Cables to upgrade the replication server infrastructure from Access Interactive, L.L.C., 46665 Magellan Drive, Novi, MI 48377 at unit pricing available through the Midwestern Higher Education Commission master price agreement, #MHEC-09C701.02 in the cumulative amount of $16,855.56. J. RESOLVED, to purchase thirteen (13) Microsoft Surface Pro 4 tablets, protective cases and extended service agreements from CDW Government LLC, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 1515, Chicago, IL 60675-1515, at unit Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 10 pricing available through the State of Michigan’s cooperative purchasing program, MiDeal contract #071B6600110, at a cumulative cost of $20,267.00 and authorize a $20,267.00 budget amendment from General Fund reserves. K. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Kamal Anwiya Youkhanna, et al v. City of Sterling Heights, et al; United States District Court Case No: 2:17- cv-10787-LVP-MKM. L. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution authorizing issuance of not to exceed $45,000,000 in Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Improvement Bonds, Series 2017. M. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution authorizing issuance of not to exceed $2,075,000 in Michigan Transportation Fund Bonds, Series 2017. N. RESOLVED, to adopt the Resolution to Authorize Official Statement and Continuing Disclosure Undertaking in connection with the proposed issuance of new Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds by the Macomb Interceptor Drain Drainage District Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 2. Mayor Taylor explained this is a consideration of an appointment to the City of Sterling Heights Planning Commission. He opened the floor for citizen comments. Mr. Charles Jefferson – Candidate vetting and selection. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 11 Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Ms. Parmpreet Sarau to the Planning Commission to a term ending June 30, 2019, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilwoman Schmidt stated that Ms. Sarau was one of the candidates who interviewed for Mr. Romano’s former seat on City Council, and through that process, she indicated she is very comfortable appointing Ms. Sarau on the Mayor’s recommendation. She explained this is not someone who “came out of the blue” and she reiterated her support of this candidate. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko agreed with Councilwoman Schmidt, stating the Council had the opportunity to meet the candidate. She was impressed with her presentation at that time and is comfortable with her appointment to the Planning Commission, confident that she will be an asset to the community. Councilwoman Sierawski stated that Ms. Sarau is a highly-educated pharmacist, business owner and resident in Sterling Heights and has done a lot of work in the City. She was confident that Ms. Sarau is very qualified to fill this position. Mayor Taylor stated he was impressed with Ms. Sarau’s presentation and her resume when she applied for the vacant council seat, and he inquired as to whether she would be interested in serving the community in another capacity. He noted that Ms. Sarau did an outstanding job answering questions he asked of her and outlining her vision for Sterling Heights, and added that she is a long-time resident who is raising her family here, as well as working as a full-time Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 12 pharmacist and teaching classes at a university. Mayor Taylor stressed he is looking for people with talent to serve the residents of Sterling Heights, and he is happy Ms. Sarau will be appointed to the Planning Commission. Yes: All. The motion carried. 3. Mayor Taylor explained this is an agenda item to consider an amendment to the City of Sterling Heights Governing Body Rules of Procedure to reduce the time allowed for public comment on agenda items and Communications from Citizens. Mr. Vanderpool made a presentation on this item by providing some background on the Michigan Open Meetings Act, which allows a public body to set rules to ensure efficient and orderly conduct of meetings. He informed that since its adoption on April 5, 1994, the Governing Body Rules of Procedure have been amended eleven times to address changes to the rules and procedures that govern the conduct of City Council meetings. He clarified that opportunity must be provided for public participation, but the Open Meetings Act does not establish a minimum time requirement, and allows the public body to set the length of time allotted to each person to address the public body. Mr. Vanderpool explained the City Administration and City Attorney have done a study of comparable communities, which is something they often do when they gage their services and practices compared to industry standards. He outlined the results of this survey, noting that most communities do not allow comments on individual agenda items, and over half of the communities surveyed provide a total time limit of three minutes of discussion on all agenda items combined and a Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 13 separate time limit of three minutes for Citizen Comment. Based on this survey, the “middle ground standard” would be to allow each person attending a meeting of the City Council three minutes for each agenda item and three minutes during Comments from Citizens. He advised that if City Council wishes to approve the three-minute allocation and desires a pilot period, the City Administration will carefully monitor feedback and report back to City Council at year-end. The City Council could then decide whether to continue with the three-minute rule or modify it accordingly. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his presentation by stating the City Administration is recommending the proposed text amendment to Rule 5, reflecting the three-minute time allocation for any agenda item and three minutes for Citizen Comments. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his presentation, and opened the floor to comments from the public. Mr. Michael Lombardini – could not recall any citizen every using maximum time to address Council on every item on the agenda in one night; questioned “best practice” versus public’s right to free speech; stressed importance for citizens to be able to speak at local government level, and the responsibility of the Council members to listen to the residents. Mr. Sam Mansour – concerned that if time is to be limited for the audience members, it should be limited for the Council members as well; concerned about violation of First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 14 Ms. Jazmine Early – opposed to reduction of speaking time; concerned that lowering limit to three minutes is not “best practice” and encourages residents to stop becoming involved; emphasized it is difficult for residents who do not speak English as a first language to express their thoughts, concerns and questions in three minutes. Ms. Linda Godfrey – opposed to reduction of speaking time; stated residents have a right to be heard; admitted a few may have abused it over the years; calculated that since the first of this year, approximately 4 hours were spent on communication from citizens and 17 hours on Council business; restated her opposition to lowering the time limits for public comments. Mr. Thomas Neil – opposed to the reduction of speaking time; concerned that the survey is not a fair comparison as many of the communities included are much smaller than Sterling Heights; talked about meetings in the City of Detroit, where residents have no time restrictions on their comments; stressed communication and respect are important; communication is a great skill that should not be limited. Mr. Cavalli – opposed to reduction of speaking time for public comments; reminded this Council serves at the discretion of the voters of Sterling Heights; commented it is important to allow citizens and residents opportunity to speak, and recognized it has to be limited when meeting is Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 15 crowded; suggested “best practice” is for the Council members to listen to the residents of Sterling Heights. Unnamed resident – opposed to time limitations; concerned it will interfere with First Amendment rights of free speech. Mr. Jerry Sieja – urged Council to leave the time limit at seven minutes; concerned about rights of residents being taken away; recalled the years before televised meetings and no time limits on public comments. Mr. Charles Jefferson – objected to time limitations being lowered; pointed out there is not generally a high attendance at meetings so allowing members of the general public to comment for seven minutes should not be a problem. Ms. Karen Wiegand – objected to reduction of time limitations for public comments; not concerned what other communities do because she lives in Sterling Heights; suggested the City strive to be unique and listen to their residents; complained about the two-minute time limit placed on the general public for their comments at a recent meeting regarding the mosque; stated the job of the City Council is to listen to the residents. Mr. Paul W. Smith – opposed to reducing time limits; felt it goes against what former Mayor Notte incorporated. Mr. George Parker – questioned why the vote on this was postponed from the last meeting; opposed to reduction of speaking time; cited County Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 16 meetings allow each speaker to comment five minutes on each item, plus an additional five minutes during Public Comment period. Unnamed speaker – opposed to reduction of time limits for public comments; concerned about violation of First Amendment rights and Equal Protection law. Ms. Jackie Ryan – stated number of minutes for speakers should be increased, not decreased; concerned reduction of time for speakers is in violation of Open Meetings Act; recalled previous administration where open dialog could occur between Council and residents; felt citizens in a diverse community should be able to take as much time as necessary to express their thoughts and concerns. Mr. Michael Radtke – opposed to time limitations on public comments; addressing City Council is the outlet for residents to voice their concerns, and admitted some ramble; reminded it is Council’s responsibility to listen to residents. Unnamed speaker – opposed to time limitations on public comments; anticipated more people will come to speak if their rights are reduced to a three-minute limit for comments; understood the Council’s concerns, but although seven minutes is not always necessary, it is needed at times. Mr. Mitchell – concerned about reducing speaker time limits; opposed to reducing time based on “industry standards” or “best practices”. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 17 Moved by Shannon, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to approve the amendment to Rule No. 5 of the City of Sterling Heights Governing Body Rules of Procedure to reduce the time allowed for public comment on each agenda item and under Communications from Citizens to four minutes. Councilman Shannon stated Council has been split on this issue, and he indicated this is reasonable compromise in order to have more efficient meetings. He suggested reducing the speaking time to four minutes will help achieve that goal and, while he appreciated everyone speaking out this evening, he indicated they will have to agree to disagree. He stated he has received a lot of telephone calls from residents, and he explained the majority of them are not concerned with going from 7 minutes to 4 minutes because it is a business meeting. He emphasized they have a lot of issues to address at these meetings, and he reminded they are not taking away the rights of residents but only limiting the comments from seven minutes to four minutes. He responded to a resident’s previous comment that more people will come to speak if this is approved, which would be a good thing. Councilwoman Ziarko explained that she was originally against any adjustment to the time limit, and a Council member suggested that consideration be given to remove all time limits, which would place a lot of responsibility on the Mayor to monitor the meeting. She considered a five-minute limit but anticipated there would not be sufficient votes. She reviewed the minutes of the June 5, 2012 meeting where time limits were first instituted to restrict comments to a maximum Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 18 of seven minutes, which was a compromise. The intent was to try it and evaluate whether it was working. She reminded that this is a business meeting, and although it is open and people have the right to give their opinion on business germane to the City, they have to realize it is also a privilege to be able to speak at the meeting. She addressed an earlier question by a resident regarding why certain items are on the Consent Agenda and are not discussed in detail, and she clarified that the majority of those items have already been approved through the budget. While she understands the concerns of many people here tonight who have expressed their opposition to reducing the time limit for public comments, she also hears from other residents who watch the meetings at home and let her know that they “couldn’t listen to it anymore” or they left the room knowing the comment would go on for seven minutes and they could do something else in that time. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated if someone cannot explain their concern or ask their question in the allotted four minutes, they can request an extension, but there must be guidelines. She appreciated seeing the survey of the other communities to see what they are doing. She pointed out that the majority of people who spoke this evening did not exceed four minutes and were able to get their points across. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned legal counsel on a comment made by a resident that the Council is breaking the law if they reduce the speaker time limits. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 19 Mr. Kaszubski stated that is an untrue statement, and under the Open Meetings Act, the City has the right to set reasonable rules. He assured that what is being proposed does not violate any state or federal law. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she is concerned that Councilman Lusk has to make a decision like this at his first Council meeting. She inquired as to whether he is comfortable with this task. Councilman Lusk stated he has been looking forward to this, he has taken notes, and he is ready to act on this tonight. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she and the other council members were elected into office to listen to the residents. She appreciated everyone being respectful tonight, and added it is unfortunate that there are a few people who do not understand the process of the Council meetings. She stated she is not in favor of the four-minute limit, and while she would prefer to stay with the seven-minute limit, she is willing to consider a compromise but nothing under five minutes would be acceptable to her. She indicated she will not be voting in favor of the motion on the floor. Councilwoman Sierawski stated she is not in favor of any limits going forward. She explained that when she was getting signatures over the past two weeks, she asked each person whether they thought reducing the speaking time was a good idea, and only one person out of about 350 that she asked were in favor of it. She appreciated everyone attending tonight’s meeting and speaking very passionately Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 20 about the issue, and she stated she will be voting no on the motion that is on the floor. Councilwoman Koski stated it is her job to listen to the voice of the people, so this is difficult for her. There is their governing body’s rules of procedure so they can assure a professionally-conducted meeting. She stated she would love to remove all time limits but she knows that would not work. She indicated she would be in favor of a compromise with something between three minutes and seven minutes, and added that if there is talk about five minutes, she would be willing to consider it, but will be voting against the four-minute limit being proposed. Councilman Lusk had asked Mr. Vanderpool how many minutes are allowed in the City of Warren, and Mr. Vanderpool had informed him that the City of Warren has a limit of three minutes for public comments. He explained that he conducts a lot of business meetings, and he is required to be on target and concise. He understood the difficulty for some people to get up and speak in front of City Council and an audience, but stressed there still has to be rules. He stated seven minutes is a long time, and when he was trying to keep track of how long each person spoke tonight, he noted that a four-minute limit would have worked. He did not feel three minutes would be adequate, but he expressed his favor of a four- minute limit. Mayor Taylor agreed with Mr. Lombardini’s assessment that not everyone uses the maximum number of minutes to address every item on the agenda, but he Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 21 could not recall an instance where the entire seven minutes was necessary to get a point across. If someone truly felt they could not get their point across, he recommended they talk to Clerk Carufel, and he was confident the matter will be addressed, and everyone on this Council will make sure the problem is addressed. Mayor Taylor dispelled the allegation that the Council is reducing the speaking time to avoid the residents, and he calculated that the public comment section of the meetings comprises about 2% of his total time of 35 to 40 hours a week fulfilling his mayoral duties. He estimated that even if more people come to speak, which he would welcome, it will not make a huge difference in that percentage of time. He stated he spends a lot of time serving the residents of Sterling Heights because it is his passion, and he does not intend to stop. He welcomes messages and telephone calls because it engages the residents and he can talk about issues with them and help them resolve their problems. He clarified that the Communications from Citizens is not to provide a forum to talk to people at home but rather to address city issues. He advised those having a difficult time speaking in public, or those who feel they did not have enough time at the podium for their issue to be addressed, to contact him by telephone or in person after a meeting. Mayor Taylor was confident that their meetings will become more efficient, and he did not hear any new information presented after the first four minutes of anyone who spoke tonight. He hoped the shorter comment time will encourage more speakers, and he added he would prefer to Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 22 hear from a lot of people. He was confident that when the quality of their meetings improve, it is better for all of the residents of Sterling Heights. Yes: Shannon, Taylor, Lusk, Ziarko. No: Koski, Schmidt, Sierawski. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Linda Godfrey – Hall Road improvements, cost of irrigation of medians. Mr. Charles Jefferson – ordinance requiring lawns to be watered; motorists on M-59 using “cut-through” roads, causing disruption in residential neighborhoods; Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding cuts, settlement regarding mosque. Mr. Paul W. Smith – increases in water, sewer and refuse bills. Mr. Thomas Neil – upcoming election of City Council in November. Mr. Sieja – agreed with the Council’s decision about the mosque; thanked the City for installing the sign in front of Upton House designating it is 150 years old; meeting tomorrow night at 6:00 at City Hall on the City’s 50th Anniversary celebration; Sterling Heights Honor Guard Spaghetti Dinner at Penna’s on Van Dyke on March 29th; positive comments on City’s progress. Mr. Steven Bilan, Commander of VFW American Legion – received request from City for POW/MIA flag; flag replacement. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 23 Dr. Steve Naumovski – encourage diversity and make everyone feel welcome. Ms. Jackie Ryan – truth and transparency in city government. Mr. William McGregor – interested in finding a community outreach group where he can donate his time; interested in community service and cleaning up Dodge Park. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed some of the questions raised this evening. He stated bond counsel costs are typically about $70,000 but that depends upon the size, scope and complexity of the bond. Mr. Vanderpool addressed the M-59 project, and advised that one of the guiding principles of the 2030 Visioning Plan is to have aesthetically-pleasing roadways that are focal points, especially for corridors that include a significant number of businesses. He stated the Van Dyke corridor contains billions of dollars in business assets. He explained when they design a roadway, they do not design it under standards that were relevant 25 or 30 years ago, but they look at new standards, best practices, and the expectations of businesses and residents. He stressed businesses expect the roadways will be inviting and aesthetically pleasing, especially the major corridors, and he added that the City has received many positive comments about Van Dyke and also Dodge Park Road. He stated the businesses along M-59 want state-of-the-art improvements and not what was constructed 30 years ago, so there will be some limited irrigation and landscaping Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 24 put in on M-59. He explained it will be concentrated around the intersections, especially Schoenherr and Hayes. He cited another example of the detention basin with chain-link fencing currently in the middle of M-59 at Hayes, and stated that will be eliminated and will no longer be an eyesore. He advised there will be some improved signage and branding of the corridor, and the City is currently working with state partners and other communities. Mr. Vanderpool reported that the overall costs for landscaping, lighting and signage improvements is approximately 3% of the overall cost, so it is well within the standards of a roadway improvement. Mr. Vanderpool stated there is no ordinance against watering lawns so he suspected there must be some confusion on that issue, and he offered to talk more about it with Mr. Jefferson if he would like more information. He also noted they have been talking with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to try to control cut-through traffic in residential areas off of M-59. He stated it is complex, and they have to determine the scope of the problem, meet with the City Attorney to determine their legal options in controlling signage. He assured the City’s Engineering staff, along with MDOT’s staff, will be monitoring it closely. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Federal budget recently presented included a potential cut to CDBG funding across the country by approximately 30%. He added that if Congress approves the budget, it would mean an approximate $200,000 cut to the City’s CDBG program, which serves low- to moderate-income people, including seniors, and helps the City to provide many programs for those groups. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 25 Mr. Vanderpool assured he will check into the flag situation, and if the weather has been a deterrent to the new flags not going up. He addressed Mr. McGregor’s desire to become involved in volunteering, and stated the City can use him in the upcoming Pride and Shine Day scheduled for May 6th, where they have about 100 volunteers who go out and clean up about twenty-five to thirty homes across the city, providing services such as leaf-raking, lawn-mowing, trimming and painting. He advised Mr. McGregor to consider himself signed up, but he assured the City will get back to him with the details. Mr. Kaszubski stated he has no items this evening. UNFINISHED BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated the mention of possible cuts to the CDBG program brought to mind a customer assistance program known as THAW, which is sponsored by DTE and Consumer’s Energy. She explained instead of requiring everyone needing assistance to go downtown to their office, the have a mobile office they bring out to the communities. She just received notification that they will be on Wednesday. She provided fliers to Mr. Vanderpool and requested it be put on the website for those who need temporary assistance with their utility bills. She explained it is partially based on income as well as other life events that would put a strain on a budget. She advised this will take place on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Career and Tech Center at 22805 McArthur in Warren. The flyers inform as to what documentation is needed, including identification, social security card, etc. She stated it is a way to help Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 20, 2017 Page 26 people who may be cut off, and it is state-wide. She clarified the person never receives the money, but it is the service provider, so the amount is taken off of the bill. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko wanted to bring up some items before they get into the budget. She stated each May, the City used to honor acting military and their families for Memorial Day. She would like to bring that program back, although she does not know the cost, but she recalled it was stopped because they did not have the personnel to do the work. She also noted the City had started to honor the valedictorians from the different high schools within the city, as well as those valedictorians who were attending high schools from outside the city. She recalled they were honored at the June meeting, and she would like to see that program brought back as well. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:24 p.m. MARK CARUFEL, City Clerk