City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 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 Melanie D. Ryska, 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 D. Ryska, 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 the State of the City Address will be held starting at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017 at the Macedonia Cultural Center. Attendees will hear from Mayor Taylor and city leaders on current projects and future initiatives. This event is open to the public, and anyone interested can contact the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, who is the host Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 2 and key sponsor of the event, at (586) 731-5400 for more information and to register. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Sterling Heights Fire Department’s Open House will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station #4, which is on 15 Mile Road near Schoenherr. These are always well-attended, a lot of fun for all, and involve many activities for children. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Sterling Heights Community Foundation is putting on its 5th Annual Puttin’ on the Ritz Gala honoring Congressman Sander Levin, Representative of Michigan’s 9th Congressional District, who will receive the third annual Richard J. Notte Civic Service Leadership Award for all he has done to strengthen Macomb County during his 35 years as Representative of Michigan’s 9th Congressional District. Mr. Vanderpool announced that this event will take place from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, November 17th at Villa Penna, located on Hayes, south of M-59. Anyone wanting more information can contact Community Relations on the website or by calling (586) 446-CITY. Mr. Vanderpool announced the Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) has selected the City of Sterling Heights’ grant proposal for funding. With this grant, the City of Sterling Heights will receive $100,000 to fund the planting of approximately 400 trees to help rebuild the tree canopy that was affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. As a long-standing “Tree City” community, this is one of many examples they have underway to increase their tree canopy. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on various development projects in the City. He began with the road projects, highlighting Dequindre from Long Lake Road to 19 Mile Road, where they are preparing for the work by relocating traffic and electric poles and installing a new storm sewer. He stated there will be significant road closures at 19 Mile and Square Lake Road during this ongoing project. He recommended those interested look at Cone Zone updates on the City’s website to see the latest information. He stated the City Council is considering several Metro Parkway improvements on the agenda this evening, with one of those improvements just east of Dequindre on Metro Parkway, and he showed a slide of the area that will be repaired. Another project is a resurfacing near the post office, and the temporary work is slated to start by the end of the week. Another section is both east and west along Metro Parkway on either side of Dodge Park Road. He mentioned the worst section is near Schoenherr and that intersection will be done next year, whereas the other projects he mentioned will be completed this year. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted some of the commercial construction projects taking place in the City, including the former Red, Hot and Blue restaurant that has been demolished and the new construction will begin soon. He showed an artist’s rendering of the proposed development that will be starting soon and finishing up next year, and it will include all of the upgrades required of developers, including landscaping and decorative lighting. He stated the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 4 major development project located at 15 Mile and Van Dyke will be starting soon, and that will be a Christian Financial Credit Union, along with a Staybridge Hotel immediately to the east of the credit union. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted the Police K-9 Certification Trial held last week. He stated the City has been a leader in utilizing canine services. They currently have two handlers and three dogs, with one in training to replace the City’s oldest canine, which will occur in the next six months or so. He explained this was an international certification, so there were canine members from all over the country, including Canada. A brief video was shown, highlighting this training. Mr. Vanderpool stated that on October 5, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Lecture Hall A at Macomb Community College Center Campus, a town hall meeting called “Save Mi City” will be held. This is being sponsored by Crain’s Detroit Business, Macomb Area Communities for Regional Opportunities (MACRO), Michigan Municipal League, Macomb Community College, Michigan State University and the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The purpose of this town hall meeting is to explain to stakeholders throughout the state that the current municipal finance system is “broken”. Mr. Vanderpool explained the current way the state is funding cities is not working, and Michigan spends the least amount of money in revenue sharing than any other state in the country. He stated that the City of Sterling Heights has lost Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 5 $45 million cumulatively in reduced revenue sharing from the state since 2000, and that is on top of the $50+ million that has been lost in reduced property tax values that still have not recovered to where they were in 2007, which, when combined, equates to about $100 million less in Sterling Heights, and other communities are experiencing proportional losses as well. He added that if this is not corrected, cities will continue to struggle and core services will continue to be challenged. He acknowledged that, thanks to the plan the City implemented years ago, Sterling Heights is not “in the red”, but there are still challenges, including living off property tax growth, which is about 1%, and within that 1%, they still have to honor labor agreements, wage increases, benefits and other services that keep rising. Mr. Vanderpool informed that this town hall meeting will be moderated by Mr. Chad Livengood, of Crain’s, and presented by Michigan Municipal League, including profiles on the cities of Sterling Heights, Roseville and Utica. There will be a discussion with legislators, the media and other stakeholders throughout the region to discuss how they can collectively collaborate to solve this problem for cities. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes his report. ORDINANCE ADOPTION 1. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property at the northwest corner of 18 ½ Mile Road and Merrill Road, in Section 9 from M-1 (Light Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 6 Industrial District) to C-3 (General Business District). He invited Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner, to speak on the issue. Mr. Chris McLeod, City Planner, stated he went through the presentation at the last meeting, but would be glad to answer questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe Judnick – questioned how large items such as appliances can be stored on the second and third floors; questioned size of units, noting 750 units seems like a lot. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property at the northwest corner of 18 ½ Mile Road and Merrill Road, in Section 9 of the City, from M-1 (Light Industrial District) to C-3 (General Business District), Case No. PZ17-0006, 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. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether Mr. McLeod can answer Mr. Judnick’s question. Mr. McLeod deferred the question to Mr. J.J. Jenkins, of North Pointe Development LLC. Mr. J.J. Jenkins replied that the units range in size from 5 feet by 5 feet, which is about the size of a closet, all the way to 10 feet by 30 feet. He explained there Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 7 are centrally-located elevators so all loading and unloading is done inside the building. There are carts available to place items on that need to be transported to and from the loading area, and elevators that can go up to and down from the second and third floors. Yes: All. The motion carried. 2. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property along the north side of 17 Mile Road, west of Mound Road, in Section 17, from R-60 (One-Family Residential District) to RM-1 (Multiple Family Low Rise District). He opened the floor for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe Judnick – in favor of this proposal; did not think this could have been developed as industrial, which he recalled being mentioned at the last meeting. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property on the north side of 17 Mile Road, west of Mount Road, in Section 17 of the City, from R-60 (One Family Residential District) to RM-1 (Multiple Family Low Rise District), Case No. PZ17-0007, 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. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 8 Councilwoman Sierawski commented that this is a beautiful addition to the City, and is in a nice location. Yes: All. The motion carried. 3. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. Ms. Linda Godfrey – addressed Item 3-J; questioned location of 43401 Van Dyke; questioned why there is limited information through Assessing’s link on city’s website about higher address numbers on Van Dyke. Mr. Joe Judnick – regarding Item 3-J, address is on Van Dyke at Riverland; regarding Item 3-P, expense of traffic light at 17 Mile and Mitchell. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 5, 2017 as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $1,064,677.03, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,279,386.16, Other Funds - $4,801,614.36, Total Checks - $9,145,677.55. C. RESOLVED, to award a bid for the purchase and installation of a Cumins diesel-powered generator, Model DSGAC, at Fire Station #1 to Airport Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 9 Lighting, LLC, 833 Lincoln Ct., Lansing, MI 48917, in the amount of $139,800. D. RESOLVED, to purchase the Caterpillar utility compactor, Model CB22B, and NoRamp U-14 tilt trailer from Michigan CAT, 12550 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315, at pricing available through the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) cooperative purchasing program, Contract #032515, in the total amount of $53,052. E. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the purchase of the transport van at pricing available through the State of Michigan’s MiDeal cooperative purchasing program, Contract #071B1300005, at a total cost of $46,356; and B) Authorize an amendment to the Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $19,356 from Federal Forfeiture Fund reserves. F. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the purchase of the 2018 Ford Transit Van 350XL from Gorno Ford, 22025 Allen Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183, at pricing available through the State of Michigan’s MiDeal cooperative purchasing program, Contract #071B1300005, at a total cost of $46,048; and B) Authorize an amendment to the Capital Projects Fund budget in the amount of $46,048 from Federal Forfeiture Fund reserves. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 10 G. RESOLVED, to approve the application for and use of Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funding to purchase miscellaneous equipment and supplies for the Sterling Heights Police Department’s Special Response Team in the cumulative amount of $18,448.50 and authorize a budget amendment to recognize the grant proceeds for the amount of the purchase. H. RESOLVED, to receive the report of the Purchasing Manager pursuant to City Code §2-221(B) regarding the emergency purchase of a pump from Kennedy Industries, Inc., 4925 Holtz Drive, P.O. Box 930079, Wixom, MI 48393, in the amount of $29,550 and repairs to check valves by Midwest Power Systems, Inc., 2401 Hickory Oak Lane, Milford, MI 48380, in the amount of $11,500 at the Moravian Pointe retention basin situated west of Hayes Road, south of 15 Mile Road, Section 26. I. RESOLVED, to approve agreements between the City of Sterling Heights and Weber Security Group, Inc., 95 South Rose Street, Suite A, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043-2187, for the maintenance of security systems and equipment at an annual cost of $18,900 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreements on behalf of the City J. RESOLVED, to award the bid for demolition services at 40275 Utica Road and 43401 Van Dyke to Blue Star, Inc., 21950 Hoover, Warren, MI 48089, in the amount of $68,100. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 11 K. RESOLVED, to receive the report of the Purchasing Manager pursuant to City Code §2-221(B) regarding emergency repairs to Fire Engine/Pumper #5 by Cummins Bridgeway, LLC, 43575 N. Gratiot, Clinton Township, MI 48036, in the amount of $29,075.57. L. RESOLVED, to purchase park amenities for installation at city parks from Game Time, 150 Playcore Drive SE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967, at unit pricing available through a U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance cooperative RFP, Contract #2017001134. M. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the Cost Sharing Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and the County of Macomb for eastbound 16 Mile Road Concrete Pavement Sectional Repairs from Dequindre Road to Ryan Road and at the 16 Mile Road and Dodge Park Road intersection, subject to approval by the Macomb County Department of Roads; B) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights; and C) Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $350,000 from Major Road Reserves. N. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the Cost Sharing Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and the County of Macomb for hot mix asphalt pavement Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 12 resurfacing of the westbound 16 Mile Road Service Drive from Van Dyke to Mound, subject to approval by the Macomb County Department of Roads; B) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights; and C) Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $40,000 from Major Road Reserves. O. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the Agreement for Underground Water Line Occupation between the Consolidated Rail Corporation and the City of Sterling Heights; B) Approve the agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and Chalk Spade Investments (USA), Inc., regarding the installation of water main in the Conrail right-of-way; and C) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreements on behalf of the City, subject to Chalk Spade Investments (USA), LLC, paying all attorney’s fees and costs incurred by the City in the preparation of the agreements. P. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the Cost Sharing and Participation Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and the County of Macomb for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 13 installation and annual maintenance of a traffic signal at 17 Mile Road and Mitchell Drive; B) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights; and C) Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $68,000 from Major Road Fund Reserves. Q. RESOLVED, to reject the sole proposal received for the residential survey, SH17-005, and authorize the Purchasing Manager to proceed with the re-issuance of the request for proposals. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 4. Mayor Taylor stated the next item is to consider a request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2014 Class C liquor license with two (2) Bars and Sunday Sales (PM) permit from One North River Road, LLC to Larsa Palace, LLC, transfer location from 1 North River Road, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, to 3995 Fourteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310, with new Sunday Sales (AM) permit, Extended Hours permit and Dance-Entertainment Permit. Mr. Phil Ruggeri, on behalf of the petitioner, introduced Mr. Oras Zuhair, the principal of the company, as well as Mr. John Lauri, manager of the restaurant and banquet facility. He stated that Mr. Zuhair is not unfamiliar to the community, having transformed the former Farmer Jack site at 15 Mile and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 14 Ryan, which was in a state of blight, into Dream Market, which he claimed is a flourishing business that is well-patronized in the community. Mr. Ruggeri stated Mr. Zuhair also took the subject site on 14 Mile and transformed it into a beautiful, state-of-the-art banquet facility, and he showed some photographs of the interior and exterior of the renovated building, showcasing the expensive marble detail throughout the facility. Mr. Ruggeri stated Mr. Zuhair’s family is well-versed in managing similar facilities, having had three 5-star hotels in Lebanon, and he outlined the excellent credentials that Mr. Lauri brings to the business, noting he has a Master’s Degree in restaurant administration and certification in serving alcohol. He explained that last week, they spent some time with the City’s administration and attorney to detail the Mitigation Plan, and he indicated that outlined plan is attached to the documentation included in the agenda packet. Mr. Ruggeri stated the owner is close to getting his Certificate of Occupancy upon completion of one more item, and he assured it will be a first-class facility for both banquet needs as well as a restaurant. He noted that it is open to everyone and they will be serving a wide variety of menu items. He noted that Mr. Lauri worked at the Gourmet House in St. Clair Shores and has a lot of great experience in the field. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. Mr. Joe Judnick – in favor of request; concerned about hours of operation, and noise from loud music and patrons coming and going; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 15 questioned whether this facility abuts residences; questioned definition of “extended hours”. Moved by Shannon, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2014 Class C liquor license with two (2) Bars and Sunday Sales (PM) permit from One North River Road, LLC to Larsa Palace, LLC, transfer location from 1 N. River, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 to 3995 Fourteen Mile, Sterling Heights, MI 48310, with new Sunday Sales (AM) permit, Extended Hours permit and Dance-Entertainment Permit be considered for approval. Councilman Shannon liked the Mitigation Plan and commented that this will be a beautiful facility. He noted that the extended hours apply only to five holidays throughout the year. He added that the Police Department considered the liquor license applications and had no issue, so he is in favor of the request. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko agreed, and could not recall the extended hours having been an issue in any of the liquor transfer requests which she has been requested to consider. She inquired as to whether the purchased licenses had all these amenities and whether anything has been added. Mr. Ruggeri confirmed the licenses have not been changed. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko expressed concern about the extended hours but indicated she is in favor of the rest. She indicated that, since the extended Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 16 hours are limited to only five holidays, she has no problem with approval of this request. Mr. Ruggeri assured that was covered in the Mitigation Plan and it was addressed. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to the arrangement for parking. Mr. Ruggeri replied the property is enclosed with a 6-foot masonry wall that traverses in an “L” shape. He assured there is adequate parking for the site, but because they could see some possible issues, all employees will park at the Hatherly Commons facility and will be transported by shuttle to the facility, and valet parking will be available for patrons of either the restaurant or the banquet facility. He indicated the west row of parking will be valet, and during the weekends that will extend by one row. Mr. Ruggeri stated they have a letter from the owner of Hatherly Commons that they have permission to park there. He also noted they have a “gentlemen’s agreement” to park across the street, east of the site, He is confident that these arrangements will prevent any parking problems, and he added this arrangement and related agreements were examined by the City attorney. Mr. Ruggeri stated the kitchen is at the north end of the building, and the building is soundproofed, so he does not anticipate any problems with noise, noting the doors will be closed during the hours of operation. There are two dumpsters, and garbage can only be brought out three times throughout the day and evening, noting that it shuts Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 17 off after 11 p.m. Bottles and cans are taken care of inside the facility and are taken outside the next day. Mr. Ruggeri stated their Mitigation Plan covers every noise and parking problem, and it is a well-thought-out plan. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether the off-site parking is for the employees only. Mr. Ruggeri replied affirmatively. He replied to further inquiry that he does not own the off-site facility that will be used for employee parking, but he is a major tenant who has a long-term lease there. He has a lot of money invested into that facility, so as long as he is around, Mr. Ruggeri is confident he will have that right. He confirmed that he owns the 14 Mile and Ryan location and leases it to himself under different entities. He confirmed that Mr. Bill Froling granted the right for the employees of the subject development to park at Hatherly Commons. He replied to still further inquiry that there are apartments to the west and north of the subject property but they are a considerable distance away. Councilwoman Koski stated she is looking forward to the opening of this new facility. Mayor Taylor stated he is also looking forward to the opening, adding that he has heard nothing but great things about the Dream Market. He understood that the owner went to Dubai to pick out the tile, and the building and landscape is beautiful. He is confident it will be a great asset to the community. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 18 Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Linda Godfrey – City signs should meet ordinance requirements; concerned that “Meet the Candidate” is on in the morning; timing of absentee ballots; political postings by a Planning Commissioner and member of CERT; questioned water bills that reflected “projected increase”; recordings of meetings. Mr. McGregor – suggested update to noise ordinance. Mr. Harry Marchlones – maximum amount of money for contributions to candidates; recommended four-year terms of office for Council members; talked about bribery cases in Macomb County. Mr. Charles Jefferson – concerned about inappropriate political postings by someone who has a paid position for the City; felt that individual should be removed from the Planning Commission. Mr. Joe Judnick – complained about political postings and felt it should not be tolerated by the City Council; commended Mr. Vanderpool and the City for the great job the contractor did on their road, including notification to each resident ahead of time; wished Ms. Gerstenberg luck in her new position. Mr. Nick Cavalli – suggested being less subjective in interpreting noise ordinance; found political posting to be disgusting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 19 Ms. Jazmine Early – political posting in Facebook was disturbing; individual should be removed from appointed position on Planning Commission; questionnaire for candidates; Meet the Candidates on October 5th at 9 a.m. Unnamed resident – upset with political posting on Facebook. Ms. Sanaa Elias – political Facebook post inappropriate. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he had nothing further to report this evening. Mr. Kaszubski stated he had nothing to report this evening. Councilwoman Sierawski assured residents that the Council members listen closely to what the residents have to say. She promised her neighbor that she would remind everyone that those who have dogs must pick up after them. She also stated that when a biker observes a pedestrian in front of them, the biker should announce his/her presence so as not to scare them when coming up from behind them. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated that there have been some updates to the noise ordinance, and it has been years since she has received any calls from the residents who live behind Freedom Hill; however, she has recently received a lot of calls from these residents, complaining about noise levels, and she inquired as to whether the City is still receiving monitoring reports from Freedom Hill. She stated she could hear the last two concerts from her house. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 20 Mr. Vanderpool stated he has talked to the City Clerk, and they are supposed to be receiving noise level reports. As soon as they are received, he will pass them on. He added that they have not been in violation of the court order in the past, so he does not expect that they have been in violation this season, but it will be confirmed with the report. Councilman Shannon clarified that the “Meet the Candidates” is not sponsored by the City but rather the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Council members are not consulted. He inquired as to when the absentee ballots will be mailed out. Mayor Taylor stated that a citizen referred to a date of September 23rd, 2017 for the absentee ballots to be mailed out. He understood that they are going to be mailed out during the first week of October, and he requested clarification from Ms. Ryska. Ms. Ryska replied that, by state law, the ballots must be available by September 23rd, which is 45 days prior to the election; however, they have internal processing that needs to occur, so their target date for the first mass mailing of absentee ballots is October 5, 2017. Councilman Lusk stated that last week, he attended the Michigan Municipal League’s 2017 Convention, along with 400 other government officials from across the state. They talked about best practices and had break-out sessions. He was impressed with the selfless commitment to community that each Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 21 representative shared with him. He explained the City of Holland wanted to try a variation of issuing a ticket when someone is pulled over. They wanted to deliver a message to control bad behavior, but without issuing a citation so, at the discretion of the officer, a “promissory note” could be issued in place of the traffic ticket, which could have resulted in a fine of over $100. The offender is requested to take their family out to dinner at a local restaurant or possibly support a local charity, and the city administration was amazed at the wonderful stories people shared from this experience. He talked with the Sterling Heights Police Chief about the possibility of doing something like that in this city. He attended a session called “American Bloom”. This national organization helps work with local cities to help them become more welcoming places to live, work and play, and plant colorful plants and trees, and work to clean the environment through volunteerism. He noted that, since this is a “Tree City”, the volunteerism would work well with the ReCreating Recreation Initiative which is already transforming the local parks and rivers. He found the entire conference to be inspiring and stated he will bring ideas forward as he hears about them. Mayor Taylor thanked the residents for coming up and bringing up an important issue to them about the political posting. He has talked with Mr. Gariepy, and is confident that Mr. Gariepy realizes the posting was in bad taste and Mayor Taylor believes he regrets what he did. Mayor Taylor assured he has Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Page 22 full trust in all of the Planning Commissioners to represent the best interest of the residents, and while he felt Mr. Gariepy’s post was an attempt at humor, it failed. Mayor Taylor does not believe that Mr. Gariepy truly believes that is an accurate depiction of what should happen. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk