City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 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 reminded families that the Sterling Frights Halloween Party for children twelve years of age and younger will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be live music, a straw maze, hayrides, cider and donuts, goodie bags for all participants, inflatable activities for younger participants, and their classic Scarecrow and Miss Pumpkin. He informed that the first 400 participants will receive a free pumpkin. The Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 2 program is free, but a donation of a canned or boxed food item for those in need will be collected. He advised that more information on this event can be obtained by calling 446-CITY. Mr. Vanderpool announced that on November 1st, the Sterling Heights Fire Department will transition their service delivery model to include transporting all patients within the City of Sterling Heights who need medical attention to an area hospital. He stressed this change will have a positive ancillary effect on the overall capability of the department, and will make the Sterling Heights Fire Department in a better position to deliver the best possible service for decades to come. He stated there will be a ceremonial kick-off of this new service on November 1st, beginning at 5 p.m. at Fire Station #5, located on Ryan Road, just north of 18 Mile Road. He welcomed the public to attend this event, and stated they are excited to begin this service. Mr. Vanderpool explained the city has sixteen emergency sirens strategically placed throughout the city. They are made up of parts that were over forty years old, and the failure rate was increasing, so they have replaced ten sirens to date, with the remaining six to be replaced over the next year at a cost of approximately $35,000 each. He explained the new sirens are compatible with all software and master signaling components located in the Police Department, so they have direct access to each siren. The new sirens are capable of audible static alarms, but also spoken word messages that are clear, and instead of a rotating speaker sound, it is audible 360 degrees without any Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 3 rotating or moving parts. He added the poles have been increased to a height of 60 feet for better coverage. Mr. Vanderpool announced that City Assessor Dwayne McLachlan was recently named “The Most Valuable Member of the Michigan Assessors Association,” and he read what was said about Mr. McLachlan at the time they presented him with his award. He included his accomplishments throughout his forty years in the field, and his thirty years as an educator/mentor and MAA activist. He stated the City of Sterling Heights has been blessed to have Mr. McLachlan’s service over the past five years, and they will miss him as he has announced his retirement next year. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Ms. Tammy Turgeon, Library Director, to talk about a new program through the library. Ms. Turgeon explained that the library is providing a great new service for their residents, called “GoChip”, a unique new program with a focus on providing access to movies anywhere residents want to go. She explained the details of the GoChip, which is a physical device that acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot and is free for residents to borrow. Each device contains five movies from various genres, such as drama, comedy, animation, romance, children and family. They can be borrowed for one week and can be placed on hold. Up to eight users can go to the chip device at one time and can watch any of the five movies. She explained they have twenty devices and will be adding three new devices each month as the vendor provides them. She outlined the three steps to follow to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 4 use the GoChip, and explained what is included in the package. Since there is no need for internet access, these movies can be watched anywhere, including in a car, on a plane or in the park. They are being distributed by Library Ideas of Virginia, and the Sterling Heights Library is one of the first libraries in the country to provide this service to their patrons. She is excited that this service can be provided to their residents. Mr. Vanderpool stated they are excited to have this new technology in Sterling Heights, and he thanked Ms. Turgeon and her team for getting this implemented. He introduced Mr. Jason Castor, Interim City Development Director, to provide an update on the Clinton River clean-up. Mr. Castor provided an update on the Clinton River Habitat Restoration project. He provided an overview of the project, encompassing nine miles of river targeted for improvement with the $4.5 million, no local match EPA grant. He informed that last year, the contractor for this project completed work from Hayes Road to Dodge Park, and is continuing this year through Utica. He stated all the river work for this project has been completed, although items such as the planting of additional trees, final restoration and punch list items may extend into next year. He explained that 17 worksites were completed this year, and in total, the project completed 28 of the planned 29 improvements. He outlined the goals, and stated they are noticeable when viewing the project areas. Mr. Castor showed slides depicting the areas that have had the improvements, and explained in detail the work that was done in each of those Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 5 areas. He stated that 24 water trail markers, provided by the Clinton River Watershed Council and installed by Clinton River Canoe and Kayak, were added between Van Dyke Avenue and Rotary Park, providing a way to identify a location if help is needed while on the river. They have become necessary with the increased paddling through Sterling Heights. He outlined the soft landings installed, which provides paddlers a location where they can get out and take a break, and Dodge Park visitors a safe way to get up to the water’s edge. He stated that, in addition to the soft landings, formal launch and landing sites will be added. He showed a rendering of a park launch, using the EZ Dock launch system providing ADA accessibility to the river. EZ Dock launches are planned to be installed with the next phase of ReCreating Recreation at Northwood River Park and Rotary Park. The addition of a canoe & kayak livery is also included in the ReCreating Recreation Initiative, where canoes and kayaks can be rented. He concluded that they can start to see more river recreation and reduced sediment in the river, and informed that the City has partnered with Clinton River Canoe and Kayak to manage woody debris to keep the river open for safe paddling. Mr. Vanderpool invited Fire Chief Chris Martin to address a Safe Sleep Program on which he and his team have been working. Fire Chief Martin explained that over the last several months, there have been great statistics showing how safe the City of Sterling Heights is, and he addressed a new program called Safe Sleep, which aims at preventing Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 6 unexpected infant deaths while they are sleeping in their first year of life. He stated that, in 2015 across the nation, over 3,700 infants died unexpectedly, with 900 of those occurring in a manner known as Accidental Suffocation or Strangulation in Bed (ASSB). He reviewed state, county and city statistics, noting that Sterling Heights had nine of these deaths in 2015 and ten in 2014. He reviewed the “ABC’s” of this public education program, explaining in detail each of the three steps for safe sleep: Alone, On their Back, and In a Crib. He stated that 33% of the infant deaths in Macomb County involved a baby sharing a sleep surface. He added that 33% of the babies found unresponsive were not on their backs; and 75% of deaths occurred in an unsafe sleep location. He stated the Fire Department is proactive in this education, and he showed some information on the brochure, “ABC’s of Safe Sleep,” which is written in English, Spanish and Arabic. A brief video was shown, and Chief Martin concluded his presentation by thanking Community Relations and Cable for the video. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted some construction projects taking place in the City. He noted the former party shop, behind the gas station at Dodge Park Road and Utica Road, has been demolished. The property was purchased by the City and is part of the ReCreating Recreation initiative to make room for the new community center that will be built starting next spring. He showed some pictures of the site. He added the old vacant diner located on north Van Dyke will be demolished, as well as a former veterinary clinic, and he stated there is a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 7 lot of revitalization and reconstruction going on in that entire district. Mr. Vanderpool stated they have a prospective development they are working on for the latter site which will be transformational for the entire area, with more details forthcoming. He updated the work being done at Dodge Park as part of the ReCreating Recreation initiative. He stated this evening the City Council unveiled a new Washington Square Park, one of many parks being upgraded with new playscapes, basketball and tennis surfaces, pickleball, signage, landscaping, walking paths and more. He apologized to the community for the roadwork, and added that all road projects are delayed about a week due to the recent rain. All roadwork is anticipated to be completed by mid-November. 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 trial or settlement strategy in connection with pending litigation. He stated this concludes his report. Mayor Taylor regretted to inform that the City of Sterling Heights lost a great volunteer, Mr. Donald Schinzing, and he extended his condolences to Mr. Schinzing’s family. Mayor Taylor stated Mr. Schinzing and his wife, Ruth Ann, were supporters of all aspects of this City, especially the library. A moment of silence was taken to remember Mr. Schinzing and his many years of volunteerism in this city. 1. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 8 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 October 3, 2017 as presented. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $669,355.73, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,190,355.88, Other Funds - $16,322,232.40, Total Checks - $10,181,944.01. C. RESOLVED, to purchase five ARROW® EZ-10 Intraosseous Vascular Access System kits and replacement needles on a recurring basis at unit pricing from Teleflex, Inc., 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560. D. RESOLVED, to purchase the GraniteNet Asset Inspection and Decision Support software system and services from CUES Software Division, 3600 Rio Vista Avenue, Orlando FL 32805 at a cost of $37,829. E. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating October 2017 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Sterling Heights. Sterling Heights City Council A resolution of the Sterling Heights City Council designating October 2017 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Sterling Heights: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 9 Whereas, the purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is to educate the public about disability employment issues and celebrate the many contributions of America's workers with disabilities; Whereas, NDEAM is a nationwide campaign celebrating the skills and talents that workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces. Whereas, the 2017 NDEAM theme of “Inclusion Drives Innovation” is in unity with the City of Sterling Heights’ efforts to innovate living and working in Sterling Heights; Whereas, Sterling Heights recognizes that every American who is willing and able to work should have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. This includes the 30 million American adults with disabilities; Whereas, Sterling Heights’ employers and workplaces welcome the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, as an essential component for an inclusive community and strong local economy; Whereas, in this spirit, the City of Sterling Heights acknowledges the efforts of Professional Contract Services, Inc., whose mission is to create employment opportunities for people with every type of disability and raise awareness about disability employment issues; Whereas, the President and Congress have officially declared October 2017 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, and State of Michigan, hereby designates October 2017, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the City of Sterling Heights and invites all employers and workplaces to celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace; This Resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the Sterling Heights City Council held on the 17th day of October, 2017. F. RESOLVED, to purchase Neptune water meters and replacement parts from Ferguson Enterprise, Inc., 799 E. Whitcomb Avenue, Madison Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 10 Heights, MI 48071, at unit pricing available through an Oakland County cooperative bid, Contract #004822, through August 31, 2018. G. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the purchase and installation of upgrades to the municipal campus fiber ring to Fiber Link, Inc., 3529 W. Genesee, Suite 6, Lapeer, MI 48446, in the amount of $81,172.44. Yes: All. The motion carried. CONSIDERATION 2. Mayor Taylor stated this is consideration of an application by Painting and Pinot L.L.C., d/b/a Rècolte Meads, for a new Small Wine Maker License at 42862 Mount Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314. He inquired as to whether the petitioner would like to make additional comments, and he invited comments from the audience. The petitioner indicated she had nothing further to add to the request, and there were no comments from the audience. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, that the application by Painting and Pinot L.L.C., d/b/a Rècolte Meads, for a Small Wine Maker License at 42862 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, be considered for approval by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated it is a good idea, and understood the applicant worked for Kuhnhenn Brewing Company, where she recalled people could come in and make their own wine, Kuhnhenn’s would store it until it was aged, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 11 then bottle and cork the wine. She inquired as to whether this will be the same type of operation. The petitioner replied that she worked for Kuhnhenn, but stated their sales will strictly involve distribution and will not be open to the public. Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated that is important for the residents in the area to know, and she wished the applicant well. Yes: All. The motion carried. 3. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. He invited comments from the audience. There were no comments from the audience. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Ms. Brittany Koski to the Beautification Commission to fulfill a term ending June 30, 2017, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Mayor Pro-Tem stated this is Councilwoman Koski’s granddaughter, and she is interested in a volunteer position in the City. She explained this appointment is to fill an unexpired term. She stated Ms. Koski is very talented and this would be a great opportunity for her to see if she likes it. She may apply for another position in the future. Yes: All. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor stated the next appointment is to fill an unexpired term on the Ethnic Community Committee, which is a mayoral appointment, with Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 12 confirmation by City Council. He asked for a motion to appoint Mr. Talil Abrhiem to fill this position. He stated Mr. Abrhiem is a 25-year resident of Sterling Heights, holds an MBA and a PHD in education, and he works at the Chaldean Community Foundation, where he is a case manager. He was confident Mr. Abrhiem would be a tremendous fit for this committee. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Mr. Talil Abrhiem to the Ethnic Community Committee to fulfill a term ending June 30, 2019, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: All. The motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Ms. Linda Godfrey – met a resident of Sterling Heights who is blind, listens to all City Council Meetings and expressed concern about expenditures of tax dollars; expressed concern about Facebook posts; urged residents to watch Meet the Candidate. Mr. Thomas Neil – status of Schoenherr, Dodge Park; questioned whether more trees will be planted; Safe Sleep brochures printed in Chaldean as well as Arabic, Spanish and English. Ms. Linda Komer – 22-year resident of Sterling Heights; questioned whether there will be a sidewalk along Maple Lane; thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his quick response back to her about her street, North Hampton; bad condition of Warwick Street; thanked the Mayor and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 13 Council for all the time they put in, and felt they care for everybody, regardless of ethnic background. Mr. Harry Marchlones – 35-year resident; commented good things are happening in the city; trash contract; television guide available at City Hall. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed the concern about Schoenherr, noting it will be resurfaced during the next construction season. It will be resurfaced from 15 Mile Road to north of Metro Parkway, and the entire intersection of Schoenherr and Metro Parkway will be constructed, including both directions on Metro Parkway to the turn-arounds on both eastbound and westbound. He added that next year will be another busy construction season with both city and county road projects. Mayor Taylor inquired about a resident’s concern about sidewalks along Maple Lane, and he understood that Mr. Moceri is going to do something, possibly sidewalks along the east side. Mr. Vanderpool replied that sidewalks will be installed as part of the Maple Lane project. He does not believe they are being done with the bridge project; however, it is a requirement of the Maple Lane development, so they will be installed. He assured he will provide City Council, as well as Ms. Komer, an update on that item. Mr. Kaszubski stated they have one item for tonight in closed session. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 14 Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated she was on Maple Lane recently, and the sidewalk from the bridge to 14 Mile was completed as part of the bridge project. She also noted that Meet the Candidates is on demand on the City’s website, so anyone can watch it at any time. Councilman Lusk referred to the three brochures discussed earlier for the Safe Sleep Program. He questioned how these brochures will be distributed, and he also noted the video that was shown told the story, but it was only in English. He stated all the videos produced in Sterling Heights are in English and perhaps they can look at producing them in multiple languages. He questioned what the city’s Arabic population in comparison to the Chaldean population. Mr. Vanderpool responded that he will have to check with the Community Relations Director and get back to the Council with that information. Mayor Taylor reminded that the next Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held on Wednesday, November 8th, which is delayed one day due to the city election which will be held on Tuesday, November 7th. He urged everyone to get out and vote. CLOSED SESSION Mayor Taylor stated the Council will be going into Closed Session and will not be reconvening this evening. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to recess into Closed Session at 7:56 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Page 15 Yes: Taylor, Ziarko, Koski, Lusk, Schmidt, Shannon, Sierawski. No: None. The motion carried. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, Seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk