City Council

Delivered May 11, 2017 Agenda Item 3-A.1 Meeting: May 16, 2017 CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2017 IN CITY HALL Mayor Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Melanie Ryska, Deputy City Clerk, gave the Invocation. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Gary Lusk, Maria G. Schmidt, Nate Shannon, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie Ryska, Deputy 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. BUDGET WORKSHOP DISCUSSION 1. Parks & Recreation Department Public Library Department Police Department Community Relations Public Works Department Water & Sewer Fund Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool stated that, like the last Budget Hearing, there will be several presentations this evening, after which the staff will be available to answer questions from the audience and City Council. He reminded that there are two proposed budget amendments pertaining to reinstating the Citizen’s Police Academy and funding dedicated to the Upton House, and these should be introduced this evening. He advised that any other amendments desired by City Council should also be introduced this evening so they can be incorporated into the final Appropriations Ordinance for consideration at the first City Council meeting in May. Ms. Jennifer Varney, Budget & Finance Director, provided an overview of the individual departments with the use of a PowerPoint presentation, broken down by Parks and Recreation, the Public Library, Police, Community Relations and Public Works, including the Water & Sewer Fund. Ms. Varney started with Parks and Recreation, which has nine full-time and five permanent part-time positions, as well as seasonal staff. A Special Revenue fund was created to easily track expenditures related to the new dedicated millage. She explained that, due to the ReCreating Recreation millage, there is a large increase over the prior year, with the personnel budget increasing 25.6%, which includes the addition of three permanent part-time and additional seasonal employees necessary to implement the new programs and activities funded through ReCreating Recreation. Additional hours for bus drivers are funded through SMART credits to increase bus service for seniors as well as transportation to the Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 3 Warren Community Center. She reviewed the funding level summary in detail. Ms. Varney depicted graphs showing that the Parks & Recreation programs continue to be well-attended, as well as the attendance at the Senior Center, and attendance for special events has risen due to the addition of the Farmer’s Market and additional Music in The Park concerts. Ms. Varney presented an overview of the Public Library budget, which has twelve full-time and 26 part-time employees. She reviewed the funding level summary in detail. She stated the number of library items circulated has declined over the last ten years, although she noted a slight uptick in the last two years. She stated 385,000 visits were recorded last year, which breaks down to about 125 visits per hour that the library is open, and 548,000 items were circulated. Sunday hours were restored last fall, resulting in an increase in the number of visits and the number of items circulated. Ms. Varney presented an overview of the Police budget, which is the City’s largest department and totals over 35% of the General Fund budget. The department as 205 employees divided into four divisions. She explained the Police budget decreased 5.1% from the prior year, mainly due to the budgeting for the early hiring of additional officers in advance of retirements in the prior year, and which will not reoccur this year. She reviewed the funding level summary in detail. Ms. Varney stated that Community Relations has seven full-time and two part- time employees. She explained that the total supplies increased by $226,000, Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 4 primarily due to the funding for the maintenance, cleaning and commissioning of public art, and other charges increased 56% to fund the activities related to the City’s 50th Anniversary and to reinstate the Ethnic Committee’s Diversity Award Banquet. She reviewed the funding level summary in detail. Ms. Varney stated the Public Works Department is the City’s third largest department, made up of 59 employees divided into five divisions, not including the 42 employees in the Water and Sewer division. She reviewed the funding level summary in detail. Ms. Varney reviewed the Water and Sewer fund, which has 30 full-time and 12 part-time employees in three divisions. She explained that nearly 80% of the $42 million of the costs in the Water and Sewer fund are controlled by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the Macomb County Public Works office. She added that over $35 million of these costs are fixed, which means these costs are incurred regardless of how much water is used. The total fund increased about 11.3%, and she reviewed in detail the breakdown of those increases, which also includes an estimate for a new payment for a portion of the cost of the repair of the 15 Mile Road sinkhole. Ms. Varney noted that City costs are increasing 24%, but that is primarily due to grant-funded sewer line cleaning and televising. She reviewed the funding level summary in detail. She stated that water consumption continues to decrease and is down nearly 30% since 2008. This affects water rates as she reminded that nearly 80% of water and sewer rates are fixed. Ms. Varney explained the average City resident pays $65 a month for Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 5 water and sewer services, which compares favorably to other similar cities, and is much less than what residents are paying in smaller neighboring communities. She concluded her presentation by noting that the proposed budget includes a rate increase which will equate to an approximate $9 per month increase for the average user. Ms. Denice Gerstenberg, City Development Director, stated the voters of the City of Sterling Heights approved a dedicated Parks and Recreation millage for ReCreating Recreation, which is a place-making initiative that will deliver a diverse mix of recreation opportunities to City residents, with their goal to complete all the ReCreating Recreation projects within the next three years. She outlined the projects that will be started this year, including the new community center, Dodge Park Skate Park, Farmer’s Market, Ice Rink, and the first phase of improvements to the neighborhood parks. Ms. Gerstenberg provided an overview of these projects with the use of a PowerPoint presentation, showing site plans, floor plans, artist renderings and photographs. She stated the Community Center is scheduled to begin construction in Spring 2018. The construction of the skate park is scheduled to start later this summer and should take about four months to complete. She reviewed in detail the proposed improvements to the neighborhood parks, which will start this summer with Chappelle Park, followed by Hadley Park, Hampton Park, Imus Park and Washington Square Park. She explained the existing tennis and basketball courts will be resurfaced with interlocking sport tiles, a product that can be installed over existing concrete courts and provides Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 6 excellent shock absorption and traction. Ms. Gerstenberg reviewed the plans in detail for the total refurbishment of Dodge Park, which will include the new ice rink and Farmer’s Market pavilion. She stated the existing amphitheater will be demolished and a new one built that will face the Farmer’s Market pavilion, allowing residents to enjoy the Farmer’s Market and music at the same time, will provide more space for seating and will face the music away from the local neighborhoods. Ms. Gerstenberg concluded her presentation by briefly outlining other projects in the ReCreating Recreation plan that will be done in 2018/2019. Mr. Kyle Langlois, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed some other exciting facets of the ReCreating Recreation initiative that are scheduled for this year. He reported that Imus Park has already been completed, and Chapelle Park, Franklin Park, JC Park and Carpathia Park are currently underway in their renovations, adding that each playground takes about a week-and-a-half to complete. He reviewed in detail the “sport court” surfacing going in on all athletic courts in the parks. He presented a sample so the Council could see it up close, and in his PowerPoint presentation, he showed photographs of the existing deteriorating courts that will benefit from this replacement. He explained the average surface-coating that is currently on the courts has a five-year life span, and the “sport court” will last much longer. He stated the interlocal agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and the City of Warren allowing the Sterling Heights residents access to the Warren Community Center officially begins on July 1st, 2017, although as a show of good faith, Warren’s Parks and Recreation Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 7 has already offered the lower rates, resulting in a 20% increase in annual membership purchased by the Sterling Heights residents. He reviewed the newest SMART bus acquisitions and how this will help to provide more transportation services to the City. He stated that there will be bus service on Mondays for individual appointments, something that has not been available. He added that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the bus will transport the seniors to the Warren Community Center during the day, and they will do the same on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. They anticipate the ridership will increase by more than 1,000 people, and this is at no additional cost because it is being paid for by SMART. Mr. Langlois urged everyone to mark their calendars for Saturday, June 24, 2017, when the City of Sterling Heights will be hosting their first ever inaugural paddling event and explained the details of the modest per-person registration fee which will provide an opportunity for residents, friends and family of all ages to take a trip the most family-friendly section of the Clinton River, from Edison Court to Rotary Park. He urged anyone interested in signing up to go to www.clintonriverkayak.com and registration must be done by June 9th to get a t-shirt. Police Chief Berg provided an overview of the proposed Police budget. He explained the succession plan is still taking place, and with the 50th Anniversary of the City, the second generation of officers are retiring or have recently retired. He informed that they have had 54 new hires between 2014 and the end of this year, resulting in more than one-third of the entire department having been Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 8 replaced in that time. He explained the orientation process and showed a short video of some of the training that takes place. Chief Berg reviewed some of the ongoing programs, including the Canine program, the newly-implemented CORE program, the Marijuana Task Force, and Hope Not Handcuffs and provided details on each of the programs. He highlighted the new Hope Not Handcuffs program, explaining that this is a joint effort with other local police agencies and Families Against Narcotics (FAN) that employs the use of life-saving medicine and other tools to bring help to those addicted to narcotics. He explained the Traffic Data Collector will allow their enforcement to be efficient and effective. Chief Berg outlined the capital expenditures proposed for this budget year. He included items being purchased out of the Forfeiture fund, as well as items funded from grants. He explained the new positions being incorporated into the Department. He concluded his presentation by emphasizing that the City of Sterling Heights is still one of the safest cities in the nation. He announced his departure from the City after 28 years of service and expressed his thanks to the City for all of the years of their support. Mr. Mike Moore, Public Works Director, reviewed the equipment proposed to be replaced in this next budget year. He showed a short video on an extremely useful piece of equipment that will greatly aid in tree-trimming in difficult-to- reach areas, especially in clearing back parts of the Dodge Park trails. He detailed the SAW (Stormwater and Wastewater) grant that will allow the DPW to implement ways to track its assets and real costs. He outlined the responsibilities Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 9 of the new positions being incorporated in their department. He discussed the efforts to increase the tree canopy, and informed that the City has received a grant for 165 free trees, and he displayed a map depicting where these will be planted. He stated that this fiscal year, they have budgeted an additional $125,000 in local road fund for tree-planting, which equates to over 500 trees. He added that this is the first time Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have been designated for tree plantings in the amount of $10,000, and he concluded that they anticipate the planting of 1,200 trees this fiscal year, which is ten times the amount planted in previous years. Ms. Bridget Kozlowski, Community Relations Director, stated their department is the voice of the city, coordinating public engagement, transparency and feedback. They support the beautification and greening of Sterling Heights, and coordinate City events and other outdoor activities, promote and support art in the community and help to share the everyday hard work of the Sterling Heights employees. She explained their increased digital and video communications and their commitment to provide information both in digital and printed formats. She explained the “See Click Fix” citizen engagement and reporting tool. She stated this year marked the first “State of the City,” and she advised that a citizen survey is being planned, with the last one administered in 2014. The purpose of this survey is to measure public opinion in key areas regarding resident perceptions on quality of life and related services in the community, and there will be public outreach to make people aware of the survey. She stated they are working on Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 10 shorter video content through Sterling Heights Television to help share messages quickly and more often. She noted some of the shows launched so far this year. They are working on the City’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2018, and she outlined some of the exciting events planned. She provided a few highlights of this year’s SterlingFest, and added that “SterlingFast” is celebrating its fourth year as one of the area’s most successful races. She suggested residents and business owners interested in signing up can join at www.sterlingfast5k.com for more information. She expressed excitement at being able to bring Brett Michaels as the headliner for the entertainment and they are looking forward to this concert. Ms. Kozlowski stated they are investigating reinstating the annual Diversity Distinctions Awards as a banquet celebration rather than a short presentation at a City Council meeting, and she outlined the parameters for being considered for the prestigious honor of a Diversity Distinction Award. She outlined the goals of their Public Art program, including paying for the cleaning, refurbishment and identification plaques of existing art pieces, many of which have fallen into disrepair, as well as the purchase of a new piece of art, and funding public art engagement pieces. She concluded by stating the Community Relations is excited to be the voice of the City once again. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes the presentations for this evening, and he thanked the directors, managers and staff for their good work. He advised Council they will need to approve the budget amendments proposed, along with any others they would like to introduce. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 11 Mayor Taylor opened the comments to the audience. Ms. Linda Godfrey – Police Chief John Berg’s stellar performance, her disappointment in seeing him leave, and thanked him for his years of service; opposed to another canine being brought into the Police Department. Mr. Charles Jefferson – Chief John Berg leaving the Police Department; procedure for his replacement; missed the show “Sports Time Out”; “Sport Court” surface and whether it becomes slick when wet; rental of City soccer/baseball fields. Mr. Jeffrey Norgrove – appreciation for the work that went into budget preparation; thanked Chief Berg for his service. Ms. Jazmine Early – thanked Chief Berg; procedure for his replacement. Mr. Paul W. Smith – ReCreating Recreation expenditures and projects resulting in increase in taxes. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko requested that Mr. Vanderpool respond to any citizen comments he feels are not based on accurate information. She questioned the cost of the bridge in Dodge Park, and the necessity for that bridge. She further questioned the reason for a 1.9 mil increase and a 2.5 mil increase. Mr. Vanderpool explained the bridge in Dodge Park is being replaced because the prior bridge was over fifty years old and was becoming a public safety hazard, adding that emergency vehicles could not access the other side of the bridge in the event of an emergency. The City received hundreds of thousands of dollars in Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 12 grant funding, but the cost was approximately $700,000. The bridge is now open, but there is still more finishing work to be done. The City is planning a grand opening of the bridge in late May, and the landscaping is anticipated to be completed by that date. Mr. Vanderpool explained that the downturn in the economy, along with the collapse of the housing market and the decrease in state revenues, resulted in a loss of over $90 million in revenues to the City. He explained the housing market is starting to recover, but they do not anticipate getting back to the 2007 tax levels until the early 2020’s. The City had to make up the lost revenue, and they accomplished it in a number of ways. They developed their own emergency management plan, eliminated 200 full-time positions, eliminated fixed pension for employees, eliminated retiree health care for all employees, and contracted out services. He added that they could not “just cut their way” out of the crisis, so they increased the millage by 1.9 mils, and the voters approved the 2.5 mil increase for road improvements and saving about 70 police and firefighters from losing their jobs. He emphasized that the average Sterling Heights resident’s property taxes are still lower than they were in 2008. Mr. Vanderpool stated they are back on solid financial ground but are not “out of the woods” yet. He explained that was the need for the cost recovery approved by the community, and the City Council has made wise and prudent choices in their financial planning. The City has a good bond rating and they are adding to their reserves, trying to get them back to a level of 20% to 25%. Today’s labor force in the City is a Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 13 reimagined and reengineered operation, but he emphasized that the services offered have been enhanced and not sacrificed. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko noted the 1.9 mils, because they were staying within the Headlee limit, was already approved by the voters giving the responsibility and authority to the Council to make that raise, so all the millages were approved by the voters. She felt the City has done a good job through hard times. She inquired as to whether there will be any entrance to the Community Center from Utica Road. Ms. Gerstenberg replied there will be access from both Dodge Park Road and Utica Road. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko inquired as to how the proposed “sport court” surface is rated for injuries if someone falls on it. Mr. Langlois replied they have done research on this product and have seen no evidence that any more injuries occur on this surface than on asphalt, although he indicated wet surfaces of any kind can become slick. He noted that if there is a low point on the court, water can pool and the surface can become slick, but that would be the same with asphalt. He stated the “sport court” is supposed to be a better surface as far as impact on the body. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated it is great to see bus service offered for individual appointments on Mondays. She inquired as to which bridges the City is responsible for maintaining, and which bridges are the responsibility of the Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 14 County. She replied that she was specifically requesting about the bridge on the east side of Schoenherr, near 15 Mile Road. Mr. Moore replied the City is responsible for those bridges. He stated he would have to defer questions regarding codes for bridge repair to the City Engineer, who is not present this evening. They have a bridge inspection coming up next week. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated 15 Mile Road was repaired last summer and it is part of her walking route, and she noted a portion of the curbing on the bridge must be fixed, but when she questioned it, she was told it was part of a bridge project and not a road project. Mr. Moore explained that Public Works does a lot of the road repair, and when it involves infrastructure, it is almost always handled by the Department of Engineering. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko appreciated the fact they are telescoping the infrastructure, and she was pleased to see all the trees proposed to be planted this year. She thanked all the department heads and their staff for their presentations. She also thanked Chief Berg for his years of service with the City. She questioned the “Sports Time Out” that was brought up by a resident, and asked who paid for it. She recalled the City was paying for it, the schools were benefitting from it, but the City was not getting reimbursed. Mr. Vanderpool confirmed that was a City cost. They met with the school districts to see if they wanted to participate in that, and they were unfortunately Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 15 not able to do so. There are different trends now, especially with smart phone video that has become technologically advanced, and it became difficult for the City to continue that programming. Trends show that viewers are more interested in short video clips shown on social media, so he does not anticipate the City will be going back to that format. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko liked the idea of the Diversity Dinner, promoting unity. Councilwoman Sierawski thanked the department heads and their staff for the presentations. She stated she attended the recent Governor’s luncheon, which she noted was very bi-partisan, and she was glad to see how Macomb County is being promoted. She added that Sterling Heights was mentioned numerous times, and there was a lot of mention about parks. She inquired as to the proposed location of the canoe/kayak liveries. Mr. Langlois replied there will be a full-scale livery by the Nature Center, which is closely located to the northernmost launching spot. He hoped they will eventually install a landing spot by Edison Court. They are planning for a southernmost landing spot by Rotary Park, and would like one day to traverse all the way through Clinton Township and Mount Clemens to Lake St. Clair. They are also planning for a temporary respite spot in Dodge Park, where people can get out, have a picnic, use the restroom, and then continue their way down the river. He replied to inquiry that it will be more of a natural landing spot in lieu of a dock. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 16 Ms. Sierawski stated she is in favor of the “sport court” surface option if it is sturdy and comparable to blacktop in wet conditions. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether they are planning on placing another bike rack in front of the library. Mr. Vanderpool replied they can do that and are currently looking at plans to put up a couple more bike racks around the City’s campus. Councilwoman Koski stated this is the first time she viewed the plan for the renovation of Dodge Park, and she inquired as to how much it is going to cost to move the music pavilion and turning the stage around, or whether they are going to tear it down and rebuild. Mr. Vanderpool replied the entire recreation structure and bandshell will be demolished, and the bandshell will be relocated at the other end facing towards the woods. He stated he does not have the exact cost. Ms. Gerstenberg replied she does not have the exact cost but she assured it is within the budget originally allocated for the park. She replied to further inquiry that the plans will be available for residents to review. The plans are in the early stages but they hope to put them out for bid in about two months, at which time they will be available to view. Councilwoman Koski understood that some of the landscaping along the M-59 median will be irrigated, and she inquired as to how that will fit into the budget. Ms. Varney replied there will be an increase in water usage for the sprinkling of the Van Dyke medians and the M-59 medians in this current budget. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 17 Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether that cost will be paid by Sterling Heights alone or whether it will be shared with the bordering communities. Mr. Vanderpool replied that on both Van Dyke and M-59, it is the City’s responsibility for the irrigation. He explained that the landscaping along M-59 will be condensed to the intersections only and they will be making a few maintenance improvements that will lower maintenance costs, one of those being the elimination of the retention pond at Hayes and Hall, so that will partially offset the increased irrigation costs. Councilwoman Koski was pleased that the inspections of sewers and preventative measures will be taken on the infrastructure. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to why the City of Sterling Heights is absorbing the total cost for the irrigation of M-59, when it is also shared by Shelby Township and the City of Utica. Mr. Vanderpool explained there is cost-sharing between Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and the City of Utica with the mast arm signals, and some of the landscaping is being cost-shared with the City of Utica. Most of the landscaping will be more visible from the Sterling Heights side. They have not gotten to the point where they are in a service-sharing agreement, although he indicated that may come later. Councilwoman Schmidt stated that, to be fair, she would like to see that cost shared. She inquired as to whether there is any way the City can communicate to residents, especially senior citizens, the events they are entitled to take part in at Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 18 the Warren Community Center. She inquired as to whether it would be possible to copy the pages out of Warren’s city magazine or newsletter and leave them in the Senior Center or the Library. Mr. Langlois replied that they approached the City of Warren this year and have incorporated a professionally-done media piece in the Sterling Heights magazine about the Warren Community Center. He stated Warren has been willing to provide anything the City wants to promote the partnership. He agreed they want everyone to know the amenities, but rather than putting the entire booklet out, they are working to condense it into a meaningful document that is easy to read and follow. Councilwoman Schmidt suggested putting an announcement in the water bills. She inquired as to whether the “sport court” surfaces will be removed in the winter. Mr. Langlois replied they do not get removed in the winter and are made to expand and contract and be played on all year round. He stated there is a 15-year warranty, and they are hoping to get 20+ years out of them. He pointed out that even if they last 15 years, they would have had to resurface three times and that cost would have been more than the initial cost of the “sport court” surface. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to the soccer field behind Station #4 and whether it is being utilized or rented. Mr. Langlois replied this year they have had one of the highest rental rates on that field. Travel soccer teams are using it, and there is a woman’s league with three Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 19 teams that consider that field their home field. They are working with AYSO to see how they can use that field with the strong need for downsized soccer fields. They are looking at how they can better serve the residents, and he added that the field is in good shape since it has been reseeded and drainage has been addressed. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned, regarding the new music pavilion, where the access will be for bands to drop off and pick up their equipment. Mr. Langlois replied any type of delivery trucks will come in through the Senior Center, and there will be a new driveway/path that will lead from the Senior parking lot directly to the stage. Ms. Gerstenberg showed the delivery area on the plan. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to whether the number of items circulated, as referred to on the graph shown earlier by Ms. Turgeon, includes online electronic books. Ms. Turgeon replied that the total number of items circulated is all items, including both electronic and physical items checked out at the library. Ms. Schmidt was glad everyone is enjoying the library and pleased that the Sunday hours are back. She referred to the citizen comment about the possibility of a new police department, and she informed that the voters turned that down, so they have tried to do as many repairs as possible. She is excited about the CORE program, and residents are glad to have a “go to” police officer. She thanked the Police Chief for his service, and is disheartened by his announcement this evening. She commended DPW for looking at the City’s infrastructure, and she Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 20 questioned if the City has an approximate number of people who have made reports through “See Click Fix”. Ms. Kozlowski replied they have wonderful data on that, and she would be glad to present that information at a future Council Meeting. She indicated this September will mark one year. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she would appreciate seeing that information presented at a Council meeting. Councilman Lusk recalled the former DARE program where Mayor Notte and a police officer would visit the schools. He inquired as to whether these officers could support the schools. Chief Berg responded that the DARE Program was eliminated in 2011, and the CORE officers are road patrol officers, so to have them try to fulfill the additional responsibilities of being in the schools would not be practical. As time allows, they meet with citizens and business owners and put together neighborhood watches. He stated that DARE in the schools is not practical for these officers. Councilman Lusk stated he talked with a doctor who indicated the drug problem in Macomb County is becoming an epidemic, and he questioned how the City is providing outreach for the people they need to reach. Chief Berg replied that they have teamed up with Families Against Narcotics (FAN), and he added that Judge Linda Davis is a huge force in the southeast Michigan area. In addition to FAN, they have teamed up with all the other agencies in Macomb County, and they have been doing a blitz since February, Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 21 when the Hope Not Handcuffs program was implemented. He noted the Narcan program started last summer. Chief Berg replied to further inquiry that by the end of 2017, they will have had 54 retirements since mid-2014, with 30 of those being command and 24 patrol officers, so 85% of the command staff will be new from 2014, and over one-third of the police department will have had less than 3 years with the department. Councilman Lusk stated that is concerning to him with so many new officers. Chief Berg stated the good thing is they have been hiring some senior officers with a lot of experience in other communities, as well as hiring some right out of the Police Academy. He assured the morale is phenomenal, and the new officers add a breath of life. His main concern is to make sure the supervisors get training and make sure everything is done by the book. Councilman Lusk thanked Chief Berg for his years of service with the City. Councilman Shannon thanked the department heads and their staff for all the work that went into the presentations. He appreciated each department going after grants whenever possible. He inquired as to whether the construction on the Community Center is going to start this year. Mr. Langlois confirmed that the ground-breaking will take place in 2018, which is within this fiscal year but not this calendar year. Councilman Shannon inquired as to the location of the new bike kiosks in Dodge Park. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 22 Mr. Langlois replied they have been researching bike-sharing opportunities, including operating their own rental facility, having an informal setting where bikes are available for people to use them, or entering a contract with a company that provides that service. He stated they would like to have that amenity available because it is a growing trend, but it is too early to determine their exact plan because they are still considering costs and want to make sure they remain lean. Councilman Shannon stated he would like to see that amenity available, and suggested locked bikes where a credit card could be swiped to rent the bike. He stated the use of the SMART credits to provide more transportation opportunities for seniors is great, enabling them to stay in the area as they age. Mr. Langlois stated what they are implementing takes the City to the next step to see if they can enhance what they are doing. There is more demand for this generation of seniors to be able to get around in the evenings. Councilman Shannon stated he would like to do more research on the “sport court” surface, and he inquired as to whether the City is 100% committed to the “sport court” product. Mr. Langlois replied they have not spent the money on it yet, and he assured he had the same concerns; however, they took a field trip to Davisburg, where they have had the “sport court” installed several years ago and it looks like new. He stated immediately after installing it, there was an increase in the number of players who used the courts. They were extremely comfortable with the report Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 23 and reviews they received from the staff in Davisburg. He assured it is low- maintenance and it is very popular, and until they come to City Council with a request to purchase the product, they are still formulating their plan. Councilman Shannon addressed the comment about the canine purchase and stated he talked with the Chief, who indicated a canine is not being purchased this year or last year, although there was a puppy replacing an older canine. Mayor Taylor thanked the Council for their questions and the department heads for their presentations. He also thanked the staff for all their hard work that went into this budget preparation, especially Ms. Varney in her first year as Budget and Finance Director. He stated it is exciting to see the ReCreating Recreation program coming together, and with all those improvements taking place, it is transformational. He added it is great to see the City finding new ways to provide transportation for seniors. He thanked all the directors and staff for helping to deliver the vision they have presented. He thanked Chief Berg for implementing the CORE program, and the measures being taken with the Narcan program and the City’s commitment to address the opiate epidemic. He explained the City is working toward elimination of marijuana grow houses, and he stated he has received many calls asking what the City is going to do based on new state laws going into effect later this year. He understands that cities will be able to opt in, where there will be a lot of tax revenues to the city, or they can opt out. He questioned what process the City will be going through during this fiscal year to Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 24 determine whether there will be a recommendation to opt in or opt out, and what the potential revenue aspect would be if they would decide to opt in or opt out. Mr. Kaszubski stated they have been studying this issue for a while and are looking at the new state laws passed last year. The state legislature is writing the rules, but they have not yet been published, so it is difficult to ascertain whether the City will or will not be interested in opting in. He explained there is a potential revenue of $700 million a year in sales but it would be less coming to individual cities because it would be split by the county, the state police, the training of local police, and the cities, with the revenue-sharing being the 3% tax. In addition to that revenue, there are five licenses that could be charged up to $5,000 each. The City will have the ability to opt in, opt out, not do anything, adopt a resolution to opt out, or enact an ordinance if they opt in, but no licenses can be granted unless the City enacts an ordinance. He explained the City’s Task Force is doing their best to control “home-grows,” that are in violation of state law. He advised there will be a study session and public forums to discuss the pros and cons, and these will most likely be occurring within the next couple of months. Mayor Taylor stated he is proud the City is increasing the number of trees being planted to increase the tree canopy, noting the City has been designated as a “Tree City” for 32 years in a row. He commended Ms. Kozlowski and her staff for doing a great job in Community Relations, and he commented that the videos Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 25 produced by her department are phenomenal. He added he is also excited about the public art program. 2. Budget Amendments Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to increase the 2017/18 Proposed Budget by $5,000 to conduct one session of the Citizens’ Police Academy between July 2017 and December 2017. Yes: All. The motion carried. Moved by Shannon, seconded by Koski, RESOLVED, to increase the 2017/18 Proposed Budget by $4,000 for the purchase of period furniture and other supplies for the Upton House. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Sanaa Elias – opposed to ALS support by the Fire Department. Mr. Charles Jefferson – former DARE program; unisex bathrooms at the new Community Center; ordinance on Christmas lights and how that affects “fairy lights.” Ms. Jazmine Early – upcoming Warren Consolidated Schools election on May 2nd. Ms. Linda Godfrey – Police Chief’s contract. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool responded to the comments about EMS transport services, and a resident indicated that this service will increase taxes and residents will be paying, Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 26 unlike the current service which is free. He emphasized that is not the case, and clarified that under the City’s Transport Program, taxes will not be increased for the service, but instead, as is currently commonplace for the industry, including the current private company, the insurance companies of the individuals who use this service will be billed, whether that be private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. He explained the transport program, with the labor reform the City has achieved, makes the program entirely self-sustaining, and that includes all reserve money needed to operate the program, equipment replacement, maintenance, additional personnel, training, administration, billing and all associated costs, including future equipment replacement. He stated this service is important to the City because it offers continuity of service, and the City’s EMS personnel/firefighters are the first to arrive on the scene 9 times out of 10, with an average response time of 3 to 4 minutes, so it makes sense once the City’s personnel start IV’s and life-saving services that they would continue that care and transport to the hospital. He emphasized that the City’s firefighters are highly trained, well-compensated and they provide excellent service. He stated the City’s Fire department is one of the highest-rated departments in the country, and there is only one other department in the state that has an ISO rating, which is the score insurance companies use to rate the fire departments, and that is the City of Kalamazoo. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted the other critically-important parts of the program that make it important for the City to provide this service, including priority dispatch, so they will not be sending out a $700,000 piece of equipment Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 27 for someone who has sprained their ankle, but would be sending out a $100,000 ambulance. Less personnel would also be sent out in those cases, so it is far more efficient for the community. He was confident the model that has been developed is very solid for the community moving forward. Mr. Vanderpool stated there is no intention to install a unisex bathroom at Dodge Park. He added that it is not appropriate for him to comment on matters involving personnel. Mr. Kaszubski stated he has nothing to add. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko commented that some residents are always questioning the decisions of City Council, especially when it comes to expenditures. She inquired as to why these residents are not just as enraged with the State for cheating them out of promised dollars, and balancing the State’s budget on the backs of the local communities. She suggested residents start writing letters to their representatives to let them know “enough is enough.” Councilwoman Schmidt stated she and Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko attended the MML (Michigan Municipal League) conference in Lansing a few weeks ago and the discussion of medical marijuana was one of the workshops they attended. She explained it is unfortunate that the Licensing Department for the State consists of three people so she stated she will be shocked if this gets approved. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Vanderpool for this thorough summary on the ALS explanation. He recalled the resident’s comment that “no business would take this on,” but he pointed out Universal Ambulance is a business and they take it Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 28 on. He stated the City has laid out a very thorough business proposal on this so he is very comfortable with it, adding that this is one of the best new services the City has offered to its residents in a long time. He stated he would like to see unisex bathrooms at the Community Center at Dodge Park, where parents will be bringing young children. He explained it is difficult for him to choose to send his 7-year-old daughter into the women’s bathroom alone, or take her into the men’s bathroom, so a unisex bathroom makes a lot of sense. He added they are usually accommodating to people with disabilities as well, so he would like to see a unisex bathroom as part of the plan. Mayor Taylor announced that there is an election on May 2nd for Warren Consolidated Schools, so the next Regular City Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 3rd at the regularly scheduled time of 7:30 p.m. He advised there will be a presentation on the awarding of scholarships to their high school students starting at 6:30 p.m. Councilwoman Schmidt stated the next meeting is the budget adoption, and she would like the public to know that she works for Warren Consolidated Schools and they paid for her to attend a conference starting on May 3rd. She thought the budget approval would be on May 2nd, and the conference was paid for before the election was scheduled, so she will not be present for the budget adoption. She stated she fully supports the budget as it has been presented. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, to adjourn the meeting. Special City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 29 Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m. MELANIE RYSKA, Deputy City Clerk