City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 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 with the deletion of Ordinance Introduction – Item #2. Yes: All. The motion carried. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that Columbus Day will be observed on Monday, October 9, 2017, and all city offices will be closed for an in-service training day for staff. He added that there will be no interruption in refuse collection. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted several important construction projects centered on major manufacturing investments throughout the City. He began with a PowerPoint presentation of how manufacturing investments have created an economic impact by way of jobs, new supply chain investments, spin-off on commercial investments, and more demand for housing. These manufacturing investments include Fiat Chrysler’s investment at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, which amounted to about $1 billion for a new paint shop about five years ago, and a $1.4 billion investment for production of the Dodge Ram pick-up truck. This latest investment will result in 750 new jobs and is gearing up to start by the year end. He explained the economic impact has resulted in supply chain Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 2 investments, and as a result, the former Sunnybrook Golf Course is now being developed as Enterprise Park. Mitchell Plastics, a supplier of FCA, is opening a state-of-the-art high-tech facility on Enterprise Drive in Sterling Heights. He informed that the entire manufacturing park is fiber-ready, so that will be a big attraction to businesses. He reviewed other large industrial investments along Metro Parkway and Van Dyke, and noted that BAE and General Dynamic Land Systems are also headquartered in Sterling Heights, and they are also making large investments. BAE, an aerospace manufacturer, is investing $12 million adjacent to their flagship building, which will result in ancillary spin-off in the region. Mr. Vanderpool stated the demand for manufacturing space is so strong in Sterling Heights that existing companies wanting to expand are not looking elsewhere, and they are constructing new buildings in the City, and he cited some of those projects. He showed some of the commercial developments, including commercial centers being upgraded and new commercial centers being built on vacant land. He also noted a few new hotels going up along the entire Van Dyke corridor, including a Hilton brand called “Tru.” He stated the Venezia Grand Banquet Hall has resumed construction. Mr. Vanderpool stated this economic impact has resulted in new housing demands, so the City is witnessing unprecedented growth in new housing. He showed some examples of the high- end housing being built and is in great demand, and he mentioned the Maple Lane development scheduled for next year, involving the construction of over 800 new residential units called “The Verandas,” which will also preserve 18 holes of golf, along with a separate 9-hole golf course. Mr. Vanderpool introduced the City’s Economic Development Advisor, Mr. Luke Bonner, to explain the overall impact of this development compared to other areas in the country, and to announce an exciting branding initiative. Mr. Luke Bonner reviewed the work they have been doing over the last couple of months. He stated they often get used to the construction they are seeing and the investments regularly occurring by Ford and FCA, but he raised the question as to what that means in terms of impact, jobs, wages and how this City has been Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 3 shaped by those factors. He explained they retained two different companies to assist them to “tell that story.” He stated they hired EMSI (Economic Model Specialists, Inc.), which is an economic model specialist to conduct an economic impact study of their most recent investments but also to look at the city overall to determine the impact of all manufacturing, and Ms. Olivia Metz is here tonight to review that information. He also acknowledged Ms. Sarah Stanley, CEO of Hoyden Creative Group, who helped them creatively articulate this in a video which will be shown at the end of the presentation, to reflect how the manufacturing community has come into play to form the City of Sterling Heights over time and dictates what they are today. Ms. Alivia Metz, of EMSI, talked about the “multiplier effect” and provided an overview of the report. She explained that one manufacturing job in Sterling Heights equates to approximately one-half of a job created in other industries. There are 25,000 manufacturing jobs in Sterling Heights, which equates to 14,000 jobs created in other industries, including retail and commercial space. She advised that with Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and the Sterling Stamping Plant, that multiplier is higher, so for every job created there, another two jobs are created in other industries in the area because of their strong supply chain, and even more in the greater region, as that region grows. Ms. Metz stated that Sterling Heights has 5.5 times the number of private-sector engineers per capita than any other city of its size, and the average annual salary of an engineer in Sterling Heights is $93,000. She reviewed the Peer Region Review, comparing Sterling Heights to other areas that have the same concentration of engineering jobs and manufacturing jobs. She noted there are a lot of skilled trade jobs very significant to the Sterling Heights region and overall economy. Mr. Bonner explained the numbers Ms. Metz reviewed are concentrated in their 6- square-mile “industrial corridor,” from Mound to Van Dyke, and from 14 Mile north to the city border, which has 28 million square feet of industrial high-tech spaces that houses corporate giants like FCA, Ford, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Kuka and Key Safety Systems. He stated that, based on the information Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 4 they have in being unparalleled across the country from a peer perspective, they are taking the approach of identifying their industrial corridor in a new way, and today they officially launched what they are calling the “Sterling Innovation District.” He noted that there will be four tasteful signs identifying this district and he showed one of the signs located on 18 Mile Road at Velocity Drive. He stated the area, which involves automotive, defense contracting or aerospace, does $30 billion of imports and exports annually, which is significant. If some of the area outside of that area is included, the City’s gross regional product exceeds that of ten other states. A video, created with the help of Hoyton Creative Group, was shown and will be used to help promote the City. He explained it is more of promoting the narrative of the City backed by the research just completed and the constant investments that occur here. Mr. Vanderpool stated this is a video they will be using on retention and recruitment efforts. He thanked the entire team for the hard work they put into the presentation and video, and he is confident it will pay additional dividends going forward. Mr. Vanderpool stated the FBI’s Preliminary Crime Statistics Report was released a couple of weeks ago, and the City of Sterling Heights fared very well. He introduced Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski to review the report. Police Chief Dwojakowski stated that on September 25, 2017, the FBI released the 2016 Crime Statistics. He explained each community reports their crime statistics to the State of Michigan, and they report them to the FBI. The FBI takes about ten months to release the numbers, so these are the figures just released for last year. He stated the City did very well, recording lower crime rates than 2015 in seven of the ten crime categories the FBI tracks. He noted that Sterling Heights is already one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of over 100,000 residents, and the 2016 crime statistics show a continued trend of making Sterling Heights an even safer community. Chief Dwojakowski proceeded to review the numbers, pointing out that in property crimes, the City of Sterling Heights has the lowest of any of the seven cities in the State of Michigan with Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 5 population over 100,000. He added that the statistics showed a decrease in property crimes, burglaries, larceny and thefts, forcible rape, arson, murders and motor vehicle thefts. There was a slight increase in robberies and aggravated assault, but only Ann Arbor reported less. Violent crimes were up slightly at 3.8 percent but he stressed that is a national trend, with the national average rising by 4.1 percent. He stressed the Sterling Heights police force works relentlessly to keep the crime rate low, but he also attributed it to a collaborative effort with the residents, business owners and city officials working together to keep Sterling Heights a fabulous place to work, live and play. He thanked Council for their support and funding to keep the Police Department the best in the State of Michigan. Mr. Vanderpool stated that at the conclusion of tonight’s agenda, he is requesting the City Council convene in closed session to consult with the City’s legal counsel regarding a confidential written legal opinion. He stated this concludes his report. PRESENTATION Mayor Taylor stated that the first presentation tonight is for the Ninth Recipient of a Sterling Heights Fire Department’s Survival Coin. He introduced Fire Chief Christopher Martin to make the presentation. Fire Chief Martin stated he is proud to present the ninth survival coin in the one year since this program started. He stressed it is about teamwork, and this was unique because it involved a 15-year-old man who was otherwise healthy. He reviewed the details of the incident that occurred on August 26, 2017 involving Robert Brown III, who visited the Country Cabin Restaurant on Van Dyke, north of 15 Mile, with his father, Robert Brown Jr. While he was there getting breakfast and applying for a job, he suddenly became unresponsive and collapsed. He commended the dispatchers for doing a fabulous job walking the people through the incident. The young man was not breathing, so a woman jumped up and began to administer CPR, which she continued until three police officers arrived and took over. The Fire Department arrived, followed by Rescue 1 and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 6 Universal. The team worked over the next six minutes to provide three defibrillations, start an IV, place an advanced airway and continue CPR and drug therapy. After the third defibrillation, Robert Brown III was revived and became conscious. He was taken to Beaumont Troy, where he was given excellent care, and then flown to U of M, where he was released a few days later after having a defibrillator implanted into his chest. Chief Martin explained he wanted to know the identity of the woman who started the CPR, and after doing some investigation and publicity, they identified the woman as Mrs. Susan Pendygraft. He credited her for starting the teamwork that saved Mr. Brown’s life. Lt. Tony Lulek, of the Sterling Heights Fire Department, presented the ninth Survival Coin to Mr. Robert Brown III, who thanked everyone, especially Ms. Pendygraft for being there for him, and he is happy she was the right person there at the right time to save his life. Chief Martin stated Ms. Pendygraft had no duty to act, but she knew she had something that she could do to help him survive, so she started CPR and continued until the police officer could take over, and the Fire Department after that. Because of her starting the teamwork, and the others jumping in to continue, Mr. Brown is here tonight. He stated he is very proud of her, and thanked her for her life-saving actions. He added that, because of all the publicity, they have an award from the Save MI Heart Association, a non-profit organization in Michigan that tracks all cardiac arrests in this state and try to figure how there can be more survivors. On behalf of the Save MI Heart Association, Chief Martin presented Ms. Pendygraft her award from Save MI Heart. On behalf of the Sterling Heights Fire Department, they would like to award her with the Exceptional Civilian Service Award. Ms. Pendygraft thanked Chief Martin, along with all the firefighters, police officers and EMTs, adding that without them, Mr. Brown would not be here today. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 7 Chief Martin presented Officer Archer, Officer Connelly and Officer Schmaltz with the Save MI Heart award, and he added they will be honored at the Open House at noon this Sunday at Fire Station #4. Chief Martin also presented the Save MI Heart awards to the firefighters and the paramedics from Universal who responded. Chief Martin introduced Mr. Rico Gjonaj, owner of the Country Cabin Restaurant, who held a fundraiser over the weekend. Mr. Rico Gjonaj stated he is honored to be part of such a great city, with all the paramedics and police officers who responded so quickly, and residents like Ms. Pendygraft who stepped in to perform CPR immediately. He recalled that Mr. Brown had applied for a job that day, and he had talked with him. He explained that, after the incident, they waited until he was feeling a little better to hold a fundraiser. He stated that not only is he giving Mr. Brown a job, but ten percent of the proceeds from the weekend, in the amount of $850, are being donated to him. Ms. Sierawski congratulated Mr. Brown, and credited Ms. Pendygraft, an off-duty nurse, for jumping into action to save Mr. Brown’s life. She credited the first responders in this city, and felt this reflects “who we are and what we are” in Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor stated this is a unique Survivor Coin presentation, with all of them being emotional and impactful. This stands out because of the age of the victim and the collaborative effort of community members, first responders, emergency workers and hospitals working together. He stated he has witnessed them in action, and was impressed with the way they spring to action and work together to save a life. He also credited Ms. Pendygraft’s quick actions, and added that, without residents like her, this would not be the great city that it is, and he was confident that she and Mr. Brown will be connected for the rest of their lives. He stated he is happy to see Mr. Brown here, and noted he has been given a second chance on life. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 8 Mayor Taylor stated the second presentation tonight is the swearing-in ceremony for the new Firefighters. Fire Chief Chris Martin introduced the nine new firefighters who started yesterday and are being sworn in this evening. He stated this represents the 15 firefighters they have hired this year, which also represents the 15 they needed to hire to start ALS transport on November 1st of this year. He outlined the training and experience of the new firefighters. He performed the swearing-in of the following nine new firefighters: Shawn Lumley, Vito Adamo, Joshua Kiekbusch, Eric Refenes, Aaron Sanders, Mark Kouza, Kyle McCuen, Alex Gross and Derrick Southard. The Mayor and Council members congratulated and welcomed them to the City of Sterling Heights. Firefighter Eric Refenes spoke on behalf of the new firefighters, stating they want to thank the Mayor, City Council, Fire Chief and the Fire Department for allowing them to become part of this great city. He stated this is a great job, and he assured they will not let the City down with the ALS transport. They are thankful and honored to be a part of it, and are thankful for the firefighters who fought for this service. He stated on behalf of the new firefighters, they want to thank the citizens of Sterling Heights and are proud to serve them. Councilman Shannon stated he is happy to see these new firefighters, and ALS transport is something he has wanted for the city for a long time. He is pleased they could figure out a way to incorporate this service while remaining cost- neutral, yet providing an upgrade to service. Mayor Taylor was impressed with the sentiments expressed by Firefighter Refenes, especially where he called out the residents, because the residents have made a big investment into the community and into the Fire Department. They have a legacy to live up to, and he was pleased to see the mix of firefighters, some with experience and some brand new. He also liked that a lot of the firefighters come from “firefighter families” so this is a sense of pride and is “in their blood”. He wished them all the best and thanked them for keeping the community safe. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 9 Mayor Taylor called for a five-minute recess. The meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m. and reconvened at 8:01 p.m. Mayor Taylor stated the last presentation of this evening is for the 2017 Beautification Awards. He invited Mr. Gary Isom, Chairman of the Beautification Commission, to present the awards. Mr. Gary Isom commented on the uplifting meeting this has been, with residents saving lives, new firefighters being sworn in and a police force doing their job in reducing crime. He stated he is proud to present the 2017 Beautification Awards. Over the last five months, they have received nominations for over 60 properties, and out of those, they selected those that had “the wow factor” when seen from the curb. They were selected based on aesthetics, beauty and artistic use of color, and the award categories include commercial properties, multiple-family properties, churches and single-family residential. He stated that the Commission has added a new category of gas stations this year to encourage gas station owners to beautify their properties. He added the “Best of the Best” will be honored in each of those categories. He introduced the Beautification Commissioners present this evening, and thanked them for their hard work. He invited Mayor Taylor and City Council members to present this year’s awards, which included the following: Commercial: Leo’s Coney Island; Mercury Promotions; Roncelli, Inc.; Subway (16 Mile & Van Dyke) Multi-Family Properties: American House; Arden Courts Memory Care Community; Laurel Valley Apartments; Nottingham Cove Condominium Association; Palmer Woods North; Plumcreek Estates; Shoal Creek Apartments. Church Properties: St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. Residential Properties: Admir Agic (35470 Dearing); Lenda & Nazar Bally (39039 University); Denise Blue (14589 Emerson); Susan Bratkowski (11954 Ontario); Denice & Wally Bronson (36239 Melbourne); Hoyt & Nancy Bush (12520 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 10 Raleigh); Wendy & Dan Bush (8740 Alwardt); Linda Carbone (8721 Alwardt); Edward Carroll (11336 Village); Terri & Dave Consiglio (39078 Ledgate); Rosemary & Dominic Farchione (11140 Canterbury); Robert & Judy Fleming (14570 Sundew Lane); Tim & Judy Freeland (40247 Lizabeth); Fred & Marie Gibson (14939 Congress); Monica Gomolka (34801 Valleyview); Thom & Beth Hall (35120 Koch); Sue Hoste (2530 Pall Mall); Linda & Lorenzo Howard (34401 Amsterdam); Karen & Bill Jensen (2241 Camel); Ingrid & Scott Kucharek (14593 Sundew Lane); Cathy & Harry Lazar (11128 Hannah); Ron & Pat Marx (37624 Adrian); Sharon Mason (11735 Seaton); Beverly McQuade (11125 Grenada); Kim McQuade (43243 Chardonnay); Kenneth & Barbara Milczynski (3521 Leason); Janet Nelson (38120 Sumpter); Paul & Georgia Osak (38978 Marlborough) Craig & Mary Pawlowski (14327 Peterboro); Vince & Joanne Russo (13843 Bathgate); Tim & Janet Sagert (14572 Emerson); Mary Sancimino-Polakowski (35615 Rainbow); William & Gwendolyn Schoeb (33148 Monticello); Adrian Shehu (42247 Sycamore); Rick & Gail Straughen (14267 Lakeshore); Jason & Elisabetta Stupera (37281 Belcrest); Mark & Cathy Sullivan (2073 Serra); Joe & Pat Wagner (8459 Leslie) Dennis Wozniak (11557 Canterbury); and Carol Yeager (2019 Camel). Mr. Isom announced the “Best of the Best”: Commercial: The City of Sterling Heights; and BP Oil (17 Mile & Van Dyke). Multi-Family: Aberdeen Gardens Churches: St. Matthias Volunteer Gardeners Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 11 Residential: Anna Maria & Antonio Maraccini (11524 Anna Lisa) Mr. Isom thanked everyone for attending tonight’s award presentations, and thanked Eckert’s Greenhouse for providing each of the nominees with a $25 gift certificate. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to individually and collectively recognize the 2017 Beautification Award winners and thank them for the dedication and effort in making their properties, neighborhoods, and the city of Sterling Heights a more beautiful place to live, work and play. He explained the mission of the Beautification Commission to encourage residents and businesses to preserve and enhance the beauty of all public and private properties. Mayor Taylor thanked all the nominees and all who won awards. He stated they take great pride in this city and when everyone pitches in, it makes it a better place to live. He thanked the Beautification Commission for all the work they do. Yes: All. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor called a brief recess. The meeting recessed at 8:18 p.m. and reconvened at 8:23 p.m. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider the application from Curtis Metal Finishing Company to establish an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate (IFEC) at 6611 Sims Road, Lot 14. He invited Mr. Luke Bonner, Senior Economic Development Advisor, to make the presentation. Mr. Luke Bonner stated that Mr. Jeff Miles from Curtis Metal Finishing is present tonight to answer questions. He stated that on September 5, 2017, City Council approved an Industrial Development District, creating an opportunity for Curtis Metal Finishing Company to apply for consideration of an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate application. He stated Curtis has been in the City since 1978, and they provide corrosion-resistant coatings for metal products in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense and agriculture. They plan to be a tenant in a 32,400-square-foot building that is currently under construction, addressed as 6611 Sims Road. He stated the real property Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 12 investment is approximately $1.7 million and will create three jobs within two years. A seven-year term is being recommended, which will be an annual savings of $7,200 on city taxes, annual savings of $17,086 on school taxes, for a combined annual savings of $24,286. On a 7-year abatement, that also generates a total of $50,400 in taxes for the city over the seven years, and $120,000 in school taxes over the seven years, for a total of $170,000 in total taxes generated and abated because of tonight’s action. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. Mr. Giulio Russo – recalled that Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Bonner about loss of revenue for school tax, and the response was that “the State makes up the difference.” He felt it is the same for taxpayers, whether they pay the state or the city, but he claimed the taxpayers are ultimately paying for this. He stated he has had his own business for eight years, but he received a form in the mail from the City for a new business application. He claimed he did everything he needed to do to open his business eight years ago, but questioned why, as a small business owner, he must pay $49 to submit this application, when the large companies get abatements and do not have to pay. Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to approve the application by Curtis Metal Finishing Company for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate at 6611 Sims Road, Lot 14, 10-16-176-018-000 for a period of 7 years. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated this has been explained to them, and although she could understand Mr. Russo’s concern about small businesses, the state does not give the small businesses the benefits it affords to the larger industry. She explained the City must go by the standards of the State of Michigan. Mayor Pro- Tem Ziarko inquired as to whether this application meets all the requirements established by the State, and she questioned whether any exceptions been made specifically for them. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 13 Mr. Bonner replied the application has been filled out appropriately and meets all city and state guidelines. He assured they are screened when they come in to make sure they qualify. He replied to further inquiry that they already know the guidelines and know they are eligible. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko reiterated her understanding of Mr. Russo’s concern, noting there are other small businesses that would also like a tax break. Mr. Bonner stated they have talked about that, and the Mayor has brought it up. This is governed under Public Act 198 created in 1976 as a response to a lot of automotive investment taking place in Michigan. It is a tax relief act for industrial investments and it is not unique to the State of Michigan. He added that all 50 states have some type of tax abatement for manufacturing or high-tech businesses. Yes: All. The motion carried. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION This item was deleted from the agenda. 3. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. There were no comments from the audience. 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 19, 2017 as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $475,770.37, Water & Sewer Fund - $118,767.79, Other Funds - $1,570,989.12, Total Checks - $2,165,527.28. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a new air handling unit for the Police Department Building to Professional Thermal Systems, Inc., 2650 Beck Road, Howell, MI 48843, at a cost of $129,000. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 14 D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a Husqvarna concrete saw, model FS5000D-30 ET, and lighting kit to Cougar Sales & Rental, Inc., 46845 12 Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377, in the total amount of $25,309.27. E. RESOLVED, to: A) Approve the purchase of a 2018 Ford F650 Crew Cab chassis from Gorno Ford, 22025 Allen Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183, at pricing available through the State of Michigan cooperative bid, MiDeal contract #071B1300005, in the amount of $62,509; and B) Approve the purchase and installation of an aerial truck package to include a platform body, aerial platform lift and specified accessories from Cannon Truck Equipment, 51761 Danview Technology Court, Shelby Township, MI 48315, at pricing available through the State of Michigan cooperative bid, MiDeal contract #071B7700166, in the amount of $76,769. F. RESOLVED, to: A) Purchase the Caterpillar mini hydraulic excavator, model 308E2, from MacAllister Machinery Co., d/b/a Michigan CAT, 12550 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315, at pricing available through the state of Michigan cooperative purchasing program, MiDeal contract #07B7700084, in the amount of $164,168.00; and B) Purchase the Towmaster T24 trailer from MacAllister Machinery Co., d/b/a Michigan CAT, 12550 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315, at pricing available through the National Joint Purchasing Alliance (NJPA) purchasing program, contract #032515-CAT, in the amount of $17,995. G. RESOLVED, to schedule a special City Council meeting for Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. and direct the City Clerk to provide public notice in conformity with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. H. RESOLVED, to purchase eleven (11) shade structures manufactured by USA Shade & Fabric Structures, Inc., 8505 Chancellor Row, Dallas, TX Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 15 75247-5519, at pricing available through a National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA) cooperative RFP, Contract #030117-LTS, in the cumulative amount of $85,496.80. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mr. Nick Cavaleri – questioned whether Davis Park is scheduled for the Sport Court tile upgrades; condition of baseball nets and hockey rink has no nets; insufficient lighting in the area and around the park. Mr. Harry Marchlones – contract between Rizzo and City of Sterling Heights, as well as contract between GFL and the City; requested copies through FOIA but only received Rizzo’s contract, and not GFL’s contract. Mr. Charles Jefferson – addresses listed on campaign signs; concerns about Mr. Gariepy’s post on social media. Ms. Jazmine Early – concerned about alleged complaints that her supporters who post her signs are being harassed; reminded residents of “Meet the Candidates” to be broadcast from October 9th through 15th; concerned about Mr. Gariepy’s post. Ms. Sanaa Elias – hosting community outreach to meet the designated district officer covering the area between 16 Mile to 18 Mile, Van Dyke to Dequindre, on Saturday, October 14th from 10 to noon in the room off the lobby at the Sterling Heights Library; expressed concern over incorrect addresses on campaign signs, stating she corrected her one sign but other candidates have not corrected their signs; felt campaign laws should apply to everyone. Mr. Giulio Russo – requested help on Merrill Road with trucks backing into industrial properties, creating problems for the residential homes on that street; concerned about the speed of vehicles cutting through on Merrill, noting speed limit is 35 miles per hour. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 16 Mr. Mike Davidson – concerned about the amount of industrial traffic on Merrill and the speed of the vehicles travelling that road; urged City to do something about it or place it on a City Council agenda for discussion. Ms. Theorella Adera – complained about industrial traffic on Merrill; inquired as to whether businesses got approval from the City to have their truck traffic enter from Merrill. Mr. Geoff Gariepy – stated he posted an inappropriate picture on social media in a “poor attempt at humor,” he apologized to anyone he has offended through this action, adding it is an embarrassment; understood that persecution is very real in these countries, and informed that to atone for this bad mistake, he has made donation to UNICEF to go for children of war-torn Syria; thanked the Council for allowing him to make a public apology. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool commented on concerns expressed regarding Merrill Road. He stated the City is also concerned about truck traffic on that road, and he assured he has followed up immediately with the Police Department every time they have had contact with Mr. Russo. They have sent police crews out, and have talked to the businesses. They are trying to catch the truck drivers in the act so they can issue citations. Their first approach was to let the business owners know this is not allowed and they are to alert their delivery personnel that it must stop. Mr. Vanderpool stated there is nothing in the ordinance that would prohibit an access drive; however, the drive cannot be used for daily truck traffic but can only be used at times when a large truck is required, which is about once a month for this business. When semi-truck deliveries are on the property, it creates an ancillary effect on Merrill Road. He advised the individual owner is required to put up a gate which will be a complete screen and aesthetically pleasing. The owner is completely re-landscaping the berm area at that location so there will be more trees, and the berm will look better when it is done. Mr. Vanderpool advised there is only one other business that could do this on Merrill, and that company Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 17 has not expressed an interest to do so. He stated they are working with other businesses, one in particular that is using Merrill to have their trucks back in onto their property, to reconfigure that drive as they consider an addition to their building so that trucks could come in parallel off Merrill. Mr. Vanderpool concluded that the City is very mindful that this is going on and are looking at all options to alleviate the situation. They will conduct a traffic study on Merrill to see if the speed limit should be lowered, and require more regular increased speed enforcement. He recommended anyone with concerns can call him, and if it is on weekends, they can get police personnel out there. They hope to have better solutions in the future. Mayor Taylor inquired as to the resident’s concern about a contract between the City and GFL. Mr. Kaszubski replied the corporate structure of Rizzo had multiple layers, and it was the parent company that changed ownership. He clarified that “GFL” is simply a new name for the company with whom the City has been working. There was no actual sale or assignment of assets of that company, and the Rizzo contract remains in effect. As far as Sterling Heights is concerned, it is the same contract and that is why there is no other contract. Mr. Kaszubski stated there is one item for closed session this evening. Councilman Lusk stated this has been an interesting meeting, and he assured the City Council is always here to listen to the concerns of the residents and business owners. He outlined some of the great aspects of this city that were brought out tonight. He stated they have heard Mr. Gariepy’s apology this evening, and he has forgiven Mr. Gariepy. He added that he does not like social media for these types of issues. Councilwoman Schmidt responded to the citizen’s comment about campaign signs being stolen, and explained that is unfortunately “the nature of the season”. She stated it happens every election season, and she had over 50 signs stolen or removed during the last election. She assured she does not steal anyone’s signs and expects that no one will steal her signs, but it is something that occurs. She Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 18 questioned whether there are fines for companies that back their trucks in from Merrill Road. Mr. Kaszubski replied there are traffic fines for backing in off Merrill Road when they do not have that authority. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to whether all the businesses along Merrill Road have been contacted and informed that this activity is not permitted. Mr. Vanderpool responded the City is in the process of doing so, but business owners cannot always control all their delivery personnel, and unfortunately, there is not always a police car at that location to ticket those using the driveways illegally. If they are caught in the act, a citation can be issued to the driver, and the City intends to continue to issue these violations. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she would like to see more patrol in the area, because she felt everyone needs to follow the laws. She reminded everyone of the upcoming Fire Department Open House this Sunday, noting the award ceremony at noon and a lot of fun activities for the family. Councilwoman Koski addressed the comment about the addresses on campaign signs. She stated her signs are 15 years old and bear the address of where she lived when she purchased those signs. She was with the understanding that the signs indicated “Paid for by the committee” and that committee address at that time is where she lived when she purchased the signs. She questioned the City Clerk whether those signs are still considered legal. Ms. Ryska, City Clerk, explained that campaign finance laws are governed by the County, and she stated they can be contacted through the Macomb County Elections Division at (586) 469-5209. Councilwoman Koski requested that Mr. Kaszubski get clarification on the issue and report back to the Council. Mayor Taylor stated the summer water bills are out and his bill was over $600, although he acknowledged that he frequently watered his lawn. He understands that some residents have difficulty paying the summer water bills all at once. He recalled last year that late fees were waived due to the high bills, and he Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 19 questioned whether the City is prepared to do anything like that this year for the summer water bills. Mr. Vanderpool replied the good news is that they have not had the drought conditions that resulted in the high percentage increase in the bills last year. He acknowledged that the summer bills are the highest because of lawn watering, and if the Council wishes, the City can work with the residents who have a bill they need additional time to pay, and penalty fees could be waived in those cases. Mayor Taylor suggested monitoring it over the next two weeks, and possibly he could report back to the Council at the next meeting if a lot of calls are received regarding the water bills. He stated this was a good meeting, representing what the City is, and he thanked Mr. Gariepy for his apology. He was confident that Mr. Gariepy was truly sorry for his comment and has learned from it, and he was confident that Mr. Gariepy will be a better Planning Commissioner for it. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated the State of the City was held last Friday at the Macedonian Cultural Center, and the event is available on YouTube. She suggested it be posted on the City’s website, and she commended Mayor Taylor for the exceptional job he did in representing the City. She stated the seven people that make up the Sterling Heights City Council, although they do not always agree, have worked together harder and better than any other group with which she has worked. She stated the City was showcased so well on Friday morning and she was proud to be there and be a part of it. ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn into Closed Session. Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Ziarko, Koski, Lusk, Schmidt, Shannon. No: None. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned into Closed Session at 9:16 p.m. and reconvened at 9:21 p.m. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to authorize the City Attorney to pursue all available remedies to abate the nuisance conditions and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 20 code violations existing at 33200, 33400, 33350 Mound Road and 5955, 5963, 5977, 6023, 6035, 6249, 6284, and 6313 Almore Drive. Yes: All. The motion carried. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk