City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2019 IN CITY HALL 1. Mayor Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. 3. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Michael V. Radtke Jr., Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Absent: Maria G. Schmidt Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Agenda as presented. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool recapped the recent Sterlingfest, which he indicated was one of the best Sterlingfests ever with record-breaking crowds over the entire three days, and he added it continues to be rated one of the best festivals in southeastern Michigan. He thanked everyone involved for their good work on this event, including the Mayor, City Council members, employees, volunteers, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 2 vendors and sponsors who all contributed to make Sterlingfest the best festival around. Mr. Vanderpool noted the City is already starting preparations for winter with the recent additions to their snowplow fleet, and photographs were shown of some of the latest equipment. He noted that of their twenty-three large snowplow trucks, eight have been purchased within the last five years so they are trying to get the entire fleet up to state-of-the-art condition. Mr. Vanderpool announced that tomorrow, August 7, the Macomb County Clerk and Register of Deeds mobile office will be at the Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with featured services including CPL applications and renewals, marriage license applications, business license registrations, copies of birth and death certificates, marriage or business records, notary application, voter registration, voter identification and more. He urged anyone interested in obtaining applications or getting those documents updated can go to the Senior Center tomorrow between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mr. Vanderpool addressed recent inquiries about the development on Schoenherr and Moravian, which was scheduled to be a Tim Horton’s and commercial center. The project has been stalled for over a year, but they have been informed by the owner that the project will be completed, and work has started up again. The site has been cleaned up as required by the City, and the brick is on site, with masonry work anticipated to begin later this week. He indicated the exterior sidewalks, exterior site improvements and the remainder Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 3 of the build-out is anticipated to continue through the construction season, with the project being completed in September/October of this year. He added they do not have confirmation of the final tenants at the center at this time, but he noted that an important component of that project is the intersection improvements at Schoenherr and Moravian, with left-hand turn lanes. Mr. Vanderpool congratulated City of Sterling Heights Building Plan Review Coordinator Frank Bayer, who was recently appointed to the State Construction Code Commission to represent municipal building inspectors for a term expiring in January 2023. He stated this appointment comes from the Governor, and it is gratifying to have the City’s employees appointed to such prestigious positions across the state. He added Mr. Bayer’s expertise and knowledge is recognized by not only the governor but also by other state and national associations and reflects the outstanding individuals employed by the City of Sterling Heights and the good work they do on a daily basis. Mr. Vanderpool provided an update of the construction work being done at City Hall, with all of the concrete work and steps being replaced at the entrance to make it more pedestrian-friendly. A handicap-accessible ramp that meets today’s ADA code requirements is being installed, and the retention wall is being improved. He estimated this construction work will be ongoing for approximately five weeks, and similar work will then begin between City Hall Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 4 and the Police Station, with all of this work being completed this construction season. Mr. Vanderpool stated the City is nearing completion of the ReCreating Recreation build-out with so many exciting projects being completed over these last few years since the initiative was approved by the voters. He invited Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois to provide an update on the status of the remaining projects. Mr. Kyle Langlois provided an update on ReCreating Recreation as they are nearing the finish of their three-year timeline. He summarized the projects that have been completed over the last couple of years, including park renovations, and this year’s most recent update being the pickleball courts at College Park. They have completed the renovation of Dodge Park as well as the completion of the skate park on the City’s campus. He focused on projects in progress and provided an update, including that of the Community Center, noting that crews are working six days a week and trying to complete the building as quickly as possible. He provided details on the progress, and noted that because of the extreme cold this past winter, combined with historic rainfalls in May and June, they have had to move back their originally scheduled opening date of December 2019 to hopefully open in February 2020, adding their goal is to host the 2020 Cultural Exchange at the new center. He provided updates on the restroom renovations in the parks, and photographs were shown. He also provided updates on the dog park as well as the trails. He noted that Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 5 tonight’s Consent Agenda includes the purchase of site amenities that will finish out bidding the rest of their pavilions with permanent picnic tables and garbage cans. They are anticipated to be delivered and installed by mid- to late-September, and until that time, they will have their older wood-style picnic tables and metal garbage cans in place. He showed before and after pictures and explained in detail the improvements to Delia Park, including the dog park and nature trail to the nature preserve at Beaumont Hospital’s property, with completion anticipated for November. He provided updates on the final phase of the park reconstruction plan, which includes Nelson, Farmstead, Carpathia, Magnolia, Moravian, Sawyers Family, Northwood River and Rotary Parks. Mr. Langlois spent some time talking about Rotary Park, specifically the hard- surfaced path that will be installed. He noted the landings were installed last fall, and while there is a path to connect the park to the landing, there has been some confusion for residents and users. This path, once paved, will establish a direct pedestrian route to the river paddle landing. The bids for this project are due on August 13, and it is anticipated the project will be completed by late fall. He assured the landing is in Rotary Park, although the area adjacent is owned by Clinton River Canoe and Kayak (CRCK). The only vehicle access to this landing is through the private property owned by CRCK. He clarified that the City’s plan never included vehicular access to the CRCK landing spot, but it was always going to be a pedestrian walkway. He stated the City and CRCK have forged a very mutually beneficial public and private partnership, and he Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 6 outlined the items of the agreement. He noted the CRCK is responsible for keeping the Clinton River free of trash, and he added that today they hauled off a couple trailers full of tires and other debris pulled out from the river by CRCK, and this is done on a daily and weekly basis. CRCK is also responsible for keeping the river traversable, and they install and remove the launch and landing docks annually. He stressed working with this company is a great way to utilize resources from an outside company for these tasks. Mr. Langlois outlined details of the agreement arrived at between CRCK and the City earlier today for Sterling Heights residents. Sterling Heights residents, with proper photo identification, will be able to park in the CRCK lot for free, but the gates will close at 7 p.m. Sterling Heights residents can also load their own boats at the landing (by access through the CRCK lot) at no charge. He stressed this is not something CRCK would have had to do but is a sign of good faith because they value their partnership with the City and the residents of Sterling Heights. He outlined the instances where there is still a $5 fee in place, and he noted he is happy they have been able to work out this arrangement and make sure the river remains traversable and accessible for those who want to use it. He offered to talk with anyone who has questions. He summarized that the goal of three years to complete the build-out for ReCreating Recreation was ambitious and he is proud to say they have delivered results that their residents can touch, feel, enjoy and appreciate, adding he is proud to have been a part of it. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 7 Mr. Vanderpool thanked Mr. Langlois for his outstanding leadership in this project over the past three years, adding that he and his entire team have done a remarkable job in bringing these projects to fruition. He concluded his report by noting that he is looking forward to the 2020 Cultural Exchange program being held in the new community center. Mayor Taylor opened the floor to the Council for questions or requests for clarifications from Mr. Langlois. Councilman Radtke recalled a few weeks ago, Councilwoman Koski had suggested contacting ITC Holdings Corp. regarding the possibility of a pedestrian bridge crossing over the Clinton River at Kleino Road, and he inquired as to whether there is an update. Mr. Langlois replied they have not looked into it at this time. He anticipated it may be a topic for Strategic Planning that they can report on. He noted it would give them a few months to get in touch with the real estate department for ITC to see if that is something to which they would be amenable. Mr. Vanderpool explained he had a conversation with Councilwoman Koski yesterday, and he noted that the challenge of a pedestrian bridge is that it crosses the ITC right-of-way. He indicated that ITC rejected the City’s past request for a pedestrian bridge at that location because they do not want structures that could cause any type of arcing in their clear zone. He explained they used to have a full vehicular bridge across the Clinton River at that point, but that was prior to ITC’s current standards and procedures being in place. He Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 8 stated that does not mean they will not relax that stance and may be more willing to reconsider, especially in light of the City’s Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, so he assured they are not giving up on the idea and will renew their effort. He hoped to have a more meaningful update at Strategic Planning. Mayor Taylor requested an update on the current path that will link Rotary Park to the launch site. Mr. Langlois stated it is part of the last round of neighborhood park improvements currently out for bid. They are looking for a ten-foot-wide concrete path linking from Rotary Park parking lot to the landing spot. It would meet all the requirements of being located in a flood plain, and he anticipated with bids are due on August 13, the project should start mid-September. Mayor Taylor appreciated the update on the resolution with Clinton River Canoe and Kayak (CRCK). He stated some residents have expressed concerns about CRCK operating on the river, and he assured this is a reputable licensed and insured company and has the right to operate on the river. He questioned whether Mr. Langlois can address those concerns. Mr. Langlois stated that CRCK has been operating for a long time out of the City of Utica, running river expeditions from Yates Cider Mill all the way down the river. He assured they have a true vested interest in keeping the river nice and have been a huge part of making the river what it is today. They continue to pull trash from the river and are licensed, so they want to make sure they are Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 9 doing things right. He reminded that the river is not owned by any one livery company, but CRCK is one that operates on the river and is based in this area. He explained the City uses that company for nature center events, city-wide paddle events, and the County is using them for their upcoming paddle event. They are reputable, have been in business for a long time, and are extremely knowledgeable about the river. Mayor Taylor inquired as to what will be done, in light of the recent changes, to make sure residents know about the new policies, including the fact that the gates in the private parking area will close at 7 p.m. Mr. Langlois replied the website has been updated and will continue to be updated with the latest information. He added that they will be getting information out on social media and will be working on signage with CRCK. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is the presentation of the seventeenth recipient of a Sterling Heights Fire Department’s Survival Coin. He invited Assistant Fire Chief Ed Miller to make the presentation. Assistant Fire Chief Miller stated they are honored to present the 17th survival coin this evening to Mr. Arnold Pollis. He explained what the survival coin signifies, and he relayed the details that occurred on May 29, 2019, when Mr. Pollis experienced cardiac arrest. He credited Mr. Pollis’ wife for beginning CPR immediately and credited the efficiency of the Kristen, the dispatcher from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department who handled Mrs. Pollis’ 911 call. He also noted that Mrs. Pollis recognized the symptoms and knew how to do CPR, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 10 which also helped. He credited the entire crew who responded to the call, noting that from the time of the initial call to the crew’s arrival on scene was 3 minutes 51 seconds, well exceeding national standards for an incident of this type. He relayed the details of what followed and credited the Sterling Heights Fire Department personnel who continued patient care during ALS transport, noting from the time of the call to the return of spontaneous circulation was 20 minutes, which is very fast. The treatment continued and the hospital was alerted so they had time to prepare. He thanked all involved and noted that Mr. Pollis showed up at the Fire Station one week after the event, which was a surprise to everyone. Lt. Mark Wellhausen presented the 17th Survival Coin to Mr. Pollis. Mr. Pollis stated he is Facility Maintenance Foreman for the City of Livonia and expressed his thanks “from one civil service worker to another.” He stated he works close with his Fire and Police Departments, and he thanked the Sterling Heights Fire Department and all involved for their professionalism. Mrs. Pollis expressed her thanks to everyone involved, noting their quick actions saved her husband’s life. She emphasized she has a great respect for what they do. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she is a nurse and served as a triage nurse. She commended Mrs. Pollis on the great job she did and for taking the time to be trained in CPR. She also congratulated and thanked Kristen and all of the dispatchers, as well as the firefighters, for doing what they do to save lives. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 11 Councilman Yanez concurred with the sentiments expressed by Mayor Pro- Tem Sierawski. He stressed that every successful 911 emergency call starts with the clear thinking of a very good dispatcher, and it is so important to have good qualified and dedicated dispatchers. He questioned Assistant Chief Miller as to whether the national standard for having Advanced Life Support (ALS) on scene is 8 to 10 minutes. Assistant Chief Miller responded affirmatively, noting that in this event, they were on scene in 3-1/2 minutes. Councilman Yanez stressed that is the type of care the City of Sterling Heights gets with their great fire department. He thanked and congratulated all involved. Councilwoman Koski requested that Kristen, the 911 dispatcher, stand, and a round of applause was given for the great job she did. Mayor Taylor thanked Assistant Chief Miller for his presentation, Mrs. Pollis for her quick action, and stated he is glad to have Mr. Pollis here this evening. He commented that 3 minutes 51 seconds may seem like a long time at the moment, but he compared it to the four minutes between classes in high school, noting that it took all of that four minutes just to walk to the next class, and here a call was received and a life was saved in less time. He credited the dedicated men and women in the Fire Department, dispatchers, first responders, and all involved for all they do. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 12 B. Mayor Taylor stated this is a swearing-in ceremony for new Sterling Heights Firefighter/Paramedics, and he invited Assistant Fire Chief Ed Miller to introduce them and swear them in. Assistant Fire Chief Miller stated the Fire Department was able to hire four firefighter/paramedics as replacements of retirees and vacancies that occurred in the department. He outlined the training and experience of each of the new firefighter/paramedics and performed the swearing-in of the following four new firefighters/paramedics: Jacob White, Henry Schuchard, Justin Segal and Greg Smith. The Mayor and Council members congratulated and welcomed them to the City of Sterling Heights. Councilman Yanez commented that it is a great job and jokingly advised them to not “screw it up.” Councilman Radtke stressed that the City has a very high standard for the Fire Department, and he is confident the four new firefighters/paramedics will make an impact here in the next twenty-five years. He welcomed them and added that it is also a great place for them to make their home. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated this is a great community with high standards. She was confident the new firefighter/paramedics will deliver because they have had the experience. She thanked them for being here. Mayor Taylor thanked the new firefighter/paramedics for joining the Sterling Heights Fire Department and for committing their lives to public service. He stressed their service to the community is appreciated. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 13 The newly sworn-in firefighter/paramedics made a couple of comments, indicating that they are happy to be here, and they thanked the City for this opportunity. 7. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to adopt an ordinance, as amended, to amend Chapter 2 of the City Code of Ordinances to create a Youth Advisory Board. He invited Assistant City Attorney Donald P. DeNault, Jr., to give a presentation. Mr. DeNault reviewed the changes made since the feedback received from Council at their last meeting. He detailed the three changes: • Membership has been modified from the original proposal of 15 members to a total of 20 members, if willing to serve and appointed by Council. • Grade point average as standard for applications has been modified from 3.0 to 2.5 grade point average. • Quorum requirement modified because of the adjustment in number of members in case they do not have enough, and the quorum would now be one-third of the membership rather than one-third of twenty. He clarified that this does not supersede the requirements for making formal recommendations to Council, which would require a two-thirds vote, and asking for funding would require a majority vote. The quorum Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 14 allows them to have an official meeting and work on their projects or initiatives. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but there were none. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt, as amended, the ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the City Code to create a Youth Advisory Board. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated this is a great idea, and there are so many young people who want to become involved, and this provides them an opportunity to feel they have a voice to use it to help their community. She is aware they had it in the past, she is glad it has been resurrected and she looks forward to what they have to say. Councilwoman Koski stated this is a great program and she likes the ordinance. She requested Mr. DeNault provide a brief understanding of how it will work, when it will be ready, how applications will be submitted, whether there will be a budget, and whether they can delegate a couple of the youth members to attend a conference with the Mayor. Mr. DeNault indicated some of those questions are what will be addressed at their first meeting and are all items for which they should look into to determine what is important and what they should request, whether it is a budgetary adjustment to allow them to attend a conference or funding for a particular program or initiative that they think is of value. He explained it is an advisory board comprised of youth from freshman level in high school up to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 15 the age of 19. They study youth initiative programs and issues that are of interest to youth in the community and that would encourage the youth to be more involved. He indicated there would be no subject off-limits for this board to consider and prepare a recommendation for Council. The goal is to have this up and running soon, and they will be working with Community Relations and City Administration to assure protocols are in place. He explained there will be an application process, and if they have a lot of interest, there could be up to twenty appointments for City Council to look at. The intent is for them to create a three-year plan in their first year. They are one-year appointments, but there are no term limits to prohibit reappointment, and there are no limits as to whether they are in public school, private school or homeschooled, so any youth of the community are welcome to apply. He replied to further inquiry they will apply to Community Relations and will be reviewed by Community Relations and City Administration. Councilwoman Koski questioned how they will know when applications will be accepted. Mr. DeNault replied they will be working with Community Relations. He indicated it will be put out in the media, notice to school districts, public channels and websites. He indicated it is modeled after a lot of initiatives in other states, but it is not seen too often in Michigan. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned why the applications for this commission will be applying to Community Relations rather than the City Clerk. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 16 Mr. DeNault replied they looked at it but felt because it involves such interaction and dynamics with the community in terms of getting feedback from the younger people in the community, it seemed to make sense for Administration to recommend it go through Community Relations. Councilman Yanez questioned who their advisor will be. Mr. DeNault replied it is currently set as the Community Relations Director, as well as any designee on their behalf. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. DeNault for helping to develop this program. He stated he is excited about it and feels it will be great to encourage civic engagement among the youth. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda as presented. He invited public comments, but there were no comments from the audience. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 16, 2019. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $1,317,629.44, Water & Sewer Fund - $428,602.78, Other Funds - $3,388,341.39, Total Checks - $5,134,573.61. C. RESOLVED, to purchase park and nature trail amenities from GameTime, 150 Playcore Drive SE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967, at unit pricing available through a U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance cooperative RFP, Contract #2017001134, in the cumulative amount of $115,469.16. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 17 D. RESOLVED, to purchase two Henderson Mark-E dump bodies, including parts and labor, from Knapheide Truck Equipment, 1200 S. Averill Avenue, Flint, MI 48503, at pricing available through a Sourcewell cooperative contract, #080114, in the amount of $56,700. E. RESOLVED, to purchase a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe police pursuit vehicle from Berger Chevrolet, 2525 28th Street, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 48512, at pricing available through an Oakland County cooperative purchasing contract, #05218, in the amount of $36,776. F. RESOLVED, to purchase two (2) 2019 Ford F150 XL extended cab 4x4 pick-up trucks from Gorno Ford, 22025 Allen Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183, at pricing available through a State of Michigan cooperative bid, MiDeal contract #071B17700181, in the total amount of $58,474, and authorize a budget amendment from Capital Project Fund reserves in the amount of the purchase price. G. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Integrated Design Solutions, LLC, 1441 West Long Lake, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48098, for Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Administration Services in conjunction with renovations to facilities on the Richard J. Notte City Center campus at a cost of $995,891 and authorize the City Manager to sign all necessary documents on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Macomb Community College for the Lean Six Sigma employee training program at a total cost of $39,500 and authorize the City Manager to execute all required documents on behalf of the City. I. RESOLVED, to approve a contract with US Bank Equipment Finance, 1310 Madrid Street, Suite 101, Marshall, MN 56258, for the leasing of a Canon ImagePRESS C750 Digital Color Production Press at pricing available through a Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) cooperative Request for Proposals, with provision for maintenance and repair services, supplies, software, installation, and training through Applied Imaging, 46620 Ryan Court, Novi, MI 48377 for a five (5) year period commencing on September 1, 2019 and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. J. RESOLVED, to award the bid for paper and envelopes to Veritiv Express, 1376 Rankin, Troy, MI 48083, for the period of six months from date of bid award at the unit prices bid, and authorize the City Manager to exercise the option to extend the bid period for an additional six-month period under the same terms and conditions upon mutual consent. K. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the official city newspaper for the publishing of legal notices and advertisements to C&G Publishing, Inc., 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089 for a one-year period based on the following unit prices: • One full page at $371.00 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 18 • Column inch at $7.42 • Classified help wanted per line at $2.00 L. RESOLVED, to award the bid for tree and stump removal, inclusive of the option for storm damage removal services, to Wonsey Tree Service, Inc., PO Box 1142, Alma, MI 48801, for a two-year period at unit prices bid. M. RESOLVED, to award the bid for Section II of the 2019 Sidewalk Gap Completion Program, City Project #18-303, to Audia Concrete Construction, Inc., 2985 Childs Lake, Milford, MI 48381 in the amount of $168,574.00, reject the bid for Section I, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City. N. RESOLVED, to approve the Revocable License Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and Gibson Drain Drainage District and authorize the City Manager to sign it and any future license agreement in conjunction with the installation of the nature trail along the Plumbrook Drain, upon approval by the City Attorney. O. RESOLVED, to approve the cost sharing agreement for the asphalt resurfacing of 14 Mile Road, from Dequindre Road to Ryan Road subject to approval by the Macomb County Department of Roads and the City of Warren, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights. P. RESOLVED, to designate Mark D. Vanderpool as the voting delegate for the City of Sterling Heights at the Annual Convention of the Michigan Municipal League to be held September 25-27, 2019. Q. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Mukheld Hana v Sterling Heights Police Department, 41A District Court Case No. S-19-2183-GZ. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. 9. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Technical/Office Employees Union, and he invited the City Manager to give a presentation. Mr. Vanderpool explained the current budget contemplated the creation of a new job classification within the office of Assessing, known as Assessing Coordinator. He outlined the reasons for the creation of this job classification, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 19 noting it would facilitate an orderly and effective succession plan that is needed to accommodate retirements of three key employees in the office of Assessing within the next four years. He explained the City has been working on a robust succession plan for years, and this is an offshoot of that plan. It is anticipated the job will be filled internally, with promotional opportunities for existing personnel, preparing them for future leadership roles within that office. This person will be assuming a second-in-command position in the Assessing office and will have more clearly defined supervisory oversite of staff and can perform the duties of the City Assessor in their absence. He informed that since 2012, the State Tax Commission has required that all Assessing personnel be certified at the appropriate level for the type of work they are performing, and with the creation of this position, the job duties will be realigned to ensure there is conformity with those requirements. He detailed the job duties for this position and stated that in order to create this position a memorandum of understanding had to be negotiated with the Technical/Office Employees Union, which is before Council this evening. He anticipated if approved, this position would be filled by the end of the year, but hopefully by the end of September. He respectfully requested that the Mayor and City Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding before them tonight, and he recognized the good work of the union board in negotiating this, as well as Human Resource Benefits Coordinator Kate Baldwin. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 20 Mayor Taylor invited public comments, but there were no comments from the audience. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to approve the memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Technical/Office Employees Union creating the Assessing Coordinator job classification and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it on behalf of the City. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she felt Mr. Vanderpool explained the position well, and she is pleased there will be another employee working for the City. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to the City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. He opened the floor for public comments but no one from the audience spoke. Appointments to Board of Ordinance Appeals I Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint James Mandel to the Board of Ordinance Appeals I to a term ending June 30, 2022, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Justin Smith to the Board of Ordinance Appeals 1 – Alternate to a term ending June 30, 2022, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 21 Appointments to Board of Ordinance Appeals II Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Roman Stojalowsky to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II to a term ending June 30, 2020, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to appoint Benjamin McMartin to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II – Alternate to a term ending June 30, 2022, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Ms. Rose Fessler – requested advice on a violation she received regarding cement work done at her house. • Mr. Jerry Sieja – impressed with National Night Out; questioned marked trees along proposed nature trail; questioned date of ribbon-cutting for children’s garden at the library; status of memorial in parking structure for Officer Sawyer; in favor of Safe Streets renewal; questioned how much of city budget was for Safe Streets campaign. • Mr. Jon Matthews – in favor of Safe Streets renewal; urged residents to read about it in Sterling Heights magazine; in favor of Youth Advisory Board; suggested appointing designee from City who has a lot of time to spend with these youth members. • Ms. Jazmine Early – thanked volunteers who worked on Sterlingfest; recommendation of information to be included in notification to residents with regard to driveway approaches. • Mr. Nick Cavalli – thanked everyone involved in Sterlingfest; status of improvements to Upton House. 11. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed the question about the marked trees on the proposed nature trail. He explained there was a tree inventory taken and all of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 22 the trees were inventoried and tagged. He stated that approximately 70 noteworthy trees will be removed, but it will not be all of the tagged trees, and he added that they will be planting approximately 300 new trees. He informed that the ribbon cutting for the Children’s Garden at the library will be held on August 20, 2019 and there will be more information forthcoming. Mr. Vanderpool stated the public information being provided on the Safe Streets Millage renewal is being done in-house with existing resources, noting a document that was already produced was used in the City’s magazine, so there is no external funding used for the public education effort of the millage renewal. He addressed Ms. Early’s concern and recommendation about adding information to letters going out with regard to road construction work in neighborhoods, commenting that it is a good idea and they will look into it. He stated the letter they send out is quite long, but he felt it may be beneficial to include a Question and Answer page attached to the letter. Mr. Kaszubski stated he has nothing to report this evening. Councilwoman Ziarko appreciated that the residents pay attention to what is going on and in thanking the employees and volunteers in the City. She stated the residents understand how important the Safe Streets millage has been and how important it is to vote on it in November. Councilwoman Ziarko stressed the Census is coming up next year and that is extremely important to get an accurate count, noting that people can go online to fill it out. She understood Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 23 that April 1, 2020 is the day they want everyone to be counted. She requested that City Clerk Melanie Ryska provide more information on the census. City Clerk Melanie Ryska confirmed the census date is April 1, 2020, and about mid-March, every residential property in the City will receive some type of notification, noting it may be a postcard or a complete census in paper form. Residents will be directed to either go online to fill out the census, by phone or by the traditional method of filling it out manually and sending it in. After April 1, 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will send delegates out to the community to knock on the doors of anyone who has not turned in their census information. She stressed it is very important for everyone to complete their Census questionnaire, and the City is working hard to get the word out, adding they will have resources for the individuals who need assistance. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked Ms. Ryska and stressed the City receives money from the government based on how many residents they have, so it is an important to have an accurate count. Councilman Radtke stated he is pleased that the stretch of 14 Mile, between Ryan and Dequindre, is under construction. He found out recently that the City’s meeting agendas are no longer printed in the Sterling Heights Sentry, and he questioned whether they could look into publishing a summary of items that are going to be considered by City Council, especially for those who do not have access to the internet for that information. He addressed the concern some have expressed about rodent problems and he assured the City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Page 24 fights this problem. He requested that Mr. Vanderpool provide an update at a future meeting as to the efforts the City makes to combat them. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski thanked the residents for a wonderful Sterlingfest, noting the residents not only attended but brought a lot of non-residents with them. She indicated the festival gave them a taste of what Sterling Heights is about. She stated she has lived here for 25 years, and because of the wonderful planning of previous management and city councils, and the residents, it is a wonderful place to live, work and play. She encouraged people to make Sterling Heights their home. Mayor Taylor agreed that Sterlingfest was phenomenal, and he thanked everyone who was involved and participated. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 12. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 13. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 There was no Closed Session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Schmidt. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk