City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2020 IN CITY HALL 1. Mayor 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., Maria G. Schmidt, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. 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: All. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool stated that February is Black History Month, and he invited residents to an event on Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. for a free screening and discussion of Evanston’s Living History with Craig Dudnick, the filmmaker of that movie. He provided some information on the story of a community’s courageous fight to free Evanston from the bondage of racial discrimination. A brief preview of the film was shown, and he added that the film is about one hour in length, followed by a one-hour discussion about how Evanston struggled through this and became a very inclusive and welcoming Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 2 community. He commented that many communities have overcome discrimination, but others are struggling to achieve the level of inclusiveness already realized in Sterling Heights. According to the last census, the black and African American population in the City was 8,590 but they anticipate that number will increase to over 10,000 in the 2020 Census. Sterling Heights is an inclusive community in which all citizens are respected and recognized. The City’s rich diversity will be celebrated on Thursday, March 6 at the Cultural Exchange Program in the new Community Center, where there will be a display on the City’s black and African American heritage. He stated that from February 6 through February 9, The Halo will feature the colors of red, green, yellow and black, which are widely used to represent Black History Month. The social media outreach program will explain the importance of Black History month and list activities in Sterling Heights and other communities that celebrate this. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that the City Offices will be closed for business on February 17 for President’s Day, which is also an employee in- service training day. There will be no effect on refuse collection in the City. Mr. Vanderpool stated Mound Road will be completely reconstructed from I- 696 to M-59, starting in summer 2021. Innovate Mound 101 is a community opportunity to learn about the design and construction plans, and he invited residents to meet the Innovate Mound project team to share their input and ideas on Tuesday, February 25 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the UAW Local 228, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 3 located at 39209 Mound Road. More information can be found on the City’s website. Mr. Vanderpool requested that, at the conclusion of tonight’s agenda, the City Council convene a closed session pursuant to Section 8(h) of the Open Meetings Act to consult with the City Attorney regarding a confidential written legal opinion. Mr. Vanderpool stated he is honored to recognize County Commissioner Joe Romano, who would like to make a special presentation. He invited Commissioner Romano to make his presentation. County Commissioner Joseph Romano stated that the Macomb County Board of Commissioners would like to honor a person who has served the City of Sterling Heights for many years, exemplifying the epitome of professionalism, good judgment and complete loyalty to the City. This individual has worked to make sure that Sterling Heights remains a great place to work, play and raise a family, and he invited Councilwoman Deanna Koski to step to the podium. He thanked her for introducing him to a political career approximately twenty years ago by encouraging him to run for City Council. He stated it has been his pleasure and an honor to serve with her, and he commended her thirty years of outstanding public service since she was first elected to City Council in 1989, presenting her with a tribute from the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 4 Mayor Taylor thanked Commissioner Romano for making that presentation honoring Councilwoman Koski’s thirty years on City Council, adding that she has been here for nearly sixty percent of the City’s history, which is an incredible achievement. Councilwoman Koski stated this was a surprise, and thanked Commissioner Romano. She commented that it has been a pleasure serving this community together with him over the years, and she was proud that he has gone on to be a County Commissioner. Mr. Vanderpool stated that concludes his report this evening. 6. PRESENTATION Mayor Taylor stated this is a presentation of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ 2020 Inside/out Exhibition in Sterling Heights. He invited Chairperson of the Arts Commission Jeanne Schabath-Lewis to provide an introduction. Mrs. Jeanne Schabath-Lewis stated she was supposed to introduce Mr. Ian Rapnicki from the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), but there has been a change, and she proudly introduced Senior Vice-President of Public and Community Affairs David Flynn, as well as Detroit Institute of Arts Director Salvador Salort- Pons, both of whom will discuss the millage as well as some of the different programs they are bringing to the City of Sterling Heights and Macomb County. Mr. Salvador Salort-Pons provided an update as to what the museum has been doing over the last eight years in the way of their programs, adding they are currently showcasing great works by African-American artists in honor of Black Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 5 History Month. The museum was founded in the late 1800’s, and since 2012, they have been very fortunate to have the support of the residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. As a result, they have been able to provide services to the communities. He introduced Senior Vice-President for Public Affairs David Flynn and invited him to speak about the service agreement. Mr. David Flynn stated they have a service agreement with each of the counties, and Macomb County’s agreement is with the Art Institute Authority. He explained in 2012, the County voted in favor of having a millage for .2 mills, which equates to $15 per year for a home valued at $150,000. In exchange, every resident receives free unlimited general admission to the world-class DIA museum every day. Educational programming is the most desired tool to assure that future generations have the opportunity to continue to visit a world-class museum. The DIA plays a substitute role due to many school districts cutting art and culture from their curriculums. Their service agreement provides free K-12 curriculum-based field trips to any school district, including public, private, parochial and home schools, and this includes transportation to and from the DIA as well as the admission. Prior to the millage, the DIA served less than 30,000 students, and this year alone, 90,000 students came through the museum, with 80,000 of them from the tri-county area. They started in 2013 with 9,000 students from Macomb County, and last year they had a record-breaking 17,000 students. The DIA tailors programs to specific curriculums, working with the school’s curriculum directors, and he cited the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 6 example of where Native American History was incorporated as part of the museum experience for the fifth graders in the Utica Community Schools because that is part of their school curriculum. Every third grader in the Warren Consolidated Schools visits the DIA each year, and that does not include the other classrooms from that district that sign up. They also offer summer recreation programs for students in grades K-12. For every senior group of 25 or more, the DIA will send out a bus to provide transportation to the museum, provide a tour, film experience, art-making, lecture and Art Bingo, followed by a cookie and coffee reception. Mr. Flynn talked about community partnerships, and he credited the City of Sterling Heights for investing a lot into public art, including it in their annual budget. He talked about a recent public art project where the DIA worked with the City of Sterling Heights Police Department to come up with a co-created mural to reflect community policing. Their families came down on two or three Saturdays to create a mural with their kids and grandkids, and that will be put up beside the mural project. Mr. Flynn summarized that in eight years, they have seen over 2.3 million visits from the tri-county area residents and over 439,000 students. They also offer professional teacher development, providing training for teachers in critical thinking skills to take back to their classrooms. They have had over 1,300 senior groups. The Inside/Out program is now taking place in 157 communities, and they are proud to now be on display at the airport and will soon have art Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 7 reproductions on the walls of the Secretary of State branches in the tri-county area. He thanked the community leaders and partners, noting they could not do this without them. Mr. Salort-Pons stated it is important to him to listen to the community, take those ideas back to the museum, and along with their experts, turn those ideas into museum-quality product. He talked about some of their recent exhibitions, including Star Wars, the Great Lakes, and upcoming exhibits, including Car Design, and Van Gogh. He provided details on these exhibits, stressing that creativity is very important to them, and he encouraged everyone to come down to the DIA and let their friends know as well. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Salort-Pons and Mr. Flynn for their presentation this evening. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated her mother was an art teacher, so each year as she was growing up and attending Grand Ledge schools, they would take a field trip by bus to the DIA. She values the education aspect of the museum, and she is appreciative that this is basically in her “backyard.” She stressed having free entry as a resident for $15 a year is amazing. She thanked Mr. Salort-Pons and Mr. Flynn for being here and for all they do for the community. Mayor Taylor echoed Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski’s sentiments, and admitted that, although he has not used it as much as he should, he stressed it is a fantastic experience every time he visits. He commended them on their Star Wars exhibit and added that all of the programming at the DIA is incredible. He Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 8 visited last year when mayors from all over the country were in Detroit, and he noted that a lot of them had said they have nothing like the DIA anywhere near them. He felt they tend to take it for granted, but it is truly unique. He appreciated the presentation this evening and thanked Mr. Salort-Pons and Mr. Flynn for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend this meeting tonight and provide this update. Mr. Salort-Pons stated they have all kinds of art, including a Kermit the Frog puppet, as well as the first Van Gogh painting in America. They also have Howdy Doody, along with one of the most important puppet collections in the world. He stressed they are all about creativity and bringing that into the community and schools, teaching people to love the arts and make the world a better place. 7. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider introduction of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the east side of Dequindre Road, between Oakcrest Road and Maplecrest Road, north of Fifteen Mile Road, in Section 30, from R-60 (One- Family Residential District) to O-1 (Business and Professional Office District); Case PZ19-0003 – Ghazawan Kashat. He invited City Planner Chris McLeod to give a presentation. City Planner Chris McLeod stated this is a request for a conditional rezoning from R-60 (One-Family Residential District) to O-1 (Business and Professional Office District) to construct an approximate 3,600-square-foot office building. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 9 The property is 0.62 acre and there have been some changes since the application was received, with one property dropping out since that time, but application is now solid and moving forward with the singular property. The building will be used for a three-physician family practice, and they will have an ancillary pharmacy. The hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is one ingress / egress and one variance request for parking encroachment into the front yard. He showed the zoning map of the area, pointing out this is the last residentially-zoned parcel in this section of the City along Dequindre. The property to the north is generally commercial, and property to the south is office. The adjacent property to the east that was part of the original request, but it been dropped from the project. The Master Plan indicates this property as office, so the rezoning request is consistent with their Master Land Use Plan. He showed an aerial photo and pointed out the surrounding developments, noting that the request is consistent with land use patterns in the area. He showed the site plan, noting the extensive landscaping throughout the entire site and a small stormwater detention facility on the north side of the property. He pointed out where the parking encroachment is located, adding that it is supposed to be set back 35 feet and they are seeking a reduction down to about 15 feet. This is a corner site and it becomes very difficult to provide all parking without encroaching into the front yard setback. There will be landscaping, and all other ordinance requirements have been met or exceeded. He showed a rendering of the facility, with all-brick construction Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 10 on the one-story building. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval to City Council, and City Administration is also making a recommendation for approval. He offered to answer any questions Council may have. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comment, but no one from the audience spoke. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to introduce the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the east side of Dequindre Road, between Oakcrest Road and Maplecrest Road, north of Fifteen Mile Road, in Section 30, from R-60 (One- Family Residential District) to O-1 (Business and Professional Office District); Case PZ19-0003, and direct the Applicant to proceed to finalize a proposed agreement so that the City Council can further evaluate the offer of conditional rezoning of the property at the February 18, 2020 regular meeting. Councilwoman Schmidt commented that since this is the last piece of residential property in the area, it is appropriate to rezone it; otherwise, that residential parcel is a spot zoning by default. She is comfortable with the plan, including the ingress / egress, parking, and especially the landscaping. Councilman Radtke questioned whether there will be a wall along the back of the site that abuts the residential property. Mr. McLeod replied affirmatively, noting the district wall will be put in place. He replied to further inquiry that they will also be putting in sidewalks along Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 11 both roadways and around the building, with a connection out to the exterior pathway. Councilman Radtke agreed with Councilwoman Schmidt that this is an excellent development to link the commercial to the north with the existing offices to the south. A residence tucked between businesses and offices would not be a good way to develop that property, so he is in favor. Yes: All. The motion carried. 8. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS Mayor Taylor stated this item is to consider adopting an ordinance amending Chapter 30 of the City Code to update the City’s massage establishment regulations. He opened the floor for public comment, but no one from the audience spoke. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adopt the ordinance amending Chapter 30 of the City Code to update the city’s massage establishment regulations. Councilman Radtke stated he is comfortable with updating their massage ordinance but he believed they set the cap too low compared to comparable cities in the region. He referred to the City of Troy, which is close to Sterling Heights in proximity and size, and they allow 18 establishments. He suggested raising the cap from twelve to eighteen. Moved by Radtke to amend the ordinance, which amends Chapter 30 of the City Code to update the city’s message establishment regulations with a cap of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 12 eighteen licenses rather than the twelve as proposed. The motion failed for lack of a second. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether they could revisit the number of licenses in six months to a year, and could raise the cap if necessary at that time. Mayor Taylor inquired as to the number of massage establishments they currently have now. Assistant City Attorney Donald P. DeNault, Jr. stated that the last count they did when researching this for the ordinance amendment was non-scientific, but they are at 28 businesses that offer some type of massage service, with 6 of those being medical, bringing the total down to 22. Of the 22, only 12 are actual massage primary-use establishments. The other 10 are either nail or hair salons that offer massage as an ancillary service. Mayor Taylor questioned if someone who applied for massage license for ancillary use would be denied because of the cap. Mr. DeNault replied they would be denied if the cap was in place at the time of the application. Everyone who has already applied would have a license in Sterling Heights. Assuming the cap is met and that they are all licensed, then only by attrition would those start to fall off of the list. If one current licensee dropped out, they would have room for one more. If all twelve were in use, they would have to deny an application or they would come back to Council for an increase in the number. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 13 Mayor Taylor stated he feels comfortable with the cap at 12, and if they find it needs to be adjusted, they can adjust it at that time. Councilman Radtke questioned how many ancillary businesses offer massages, and how many would that be in excess of what is permitted. Mr. DeNault replied if they count the hair and nail salons, the yoga studio, alternative healing location and a training school, they would be 10 above the cap. Councilman Radtke stressed he does not want illegal businesses in the City but at the same time, he does not want to squeeze out legal businesses. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether all of the current massage facilities are registered and licensed, and how often the City receives a request for this type of license. Mr. DeNault replied that, to his knowledge, not all 22 current massage facilities have a license, but it could be that they are advertising it or it is still online even if they are no longer offering the service. He stated that 1 of the 12 is closed down, so only 11 are open. Clerk Ryska clarified that the businesses which offer massage as an ancillary use are currently not required to apply for a license. With regard to the frequency of applicants, she estimated that since she has been here in 2016, they have had four or five new applications, and the rest were renewals. Mayor Taylor questioned what would happen if 2 or 3 of the primary massage facilities closed, and there are 9 or 10 primary and 9 or 10 ancillary massage Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 14 establishments. They would not be able to approve any more primary massage facilities because they would be capped out when counting the ancillary uses as well. He questioned whether there was thought given to differentiating licenses. Mr. DeNault replied that part of this initiative is to try to ensure law enforcement has all the tools it needs for all of the uses, whether primary or ancillary, and he reminded the zoning component is part of this. He assured they are zoned very rigidly, so if they are not in the right zoning district with the right special land use conditions, they have to go before the Zoning Board for a variance. If they get past that hurdle, it is possible they may be capped out and may have to wait for the next opening. Councilman Radtke agreed with Mayor Taylor about the idea of differentiating between the types of licenses. He pointed out all of the massage establishments could leave the city, and all that would be left are those offering massage as an ancillary use, therefore leaving the city without any full-time massage facilities. He was concerned the goal of this ordinance is to squeeze out legitimate business. He suggested 12 licenses for those specifically offering massage, and 12 licenses for those offering massage as an ancillary use. Councilman Yanez questioned whether the individuals offering massage therapy are licensed. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 15 Mr. DeNault confirmed that the individuals are licensed. He clarified that if the business has a license to operate as a massage therapy spa, then each of their individuals should be licensed as well. Councilman Yanez clarified they are trying to stop the spas that are running illegitimately with sex workers and human traffickers. He felt the numbers seem artificial because if they go through the training to get a license to be a massage therapist, he does not understand why they would be getting pushed out under this ordinance. Mr. DeNault clarified legitimate licensed massage therapists are not being pushed out as individuals, but they would be limited to working in one of the establishments licensed by the city. Councilman Yanez questioned whether this ordinance is helping to rid the City of illegal operations. Mr. DeNault replied that is the goal, but they do not know at this point. Mayor Taylor stated the point is to get rid of the underground businesses and give the police the tools they need. He questioned whether the cap provides those tools for the police, or whether it is so the police do not have to deal with such a large problem. Mr. DeNault replied a lot of discussion in preparing this was the idea that police have only so many resources, so if they reign in the number of places they have to regulate, inspect and watch, it is more manageable. The goal is to bring that number down through time and attrition. He explained when an illegitimate Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 16 place is caught and their license is revoked, that place typically tries to find a straw owner or a new person “to sell it to” and that starts the process all over again. If they do not have a cap that prevents that place from coming back, they will get licensed again. He stated part of the goal is to limit it to a number with which the police department and administration feel comfortable, and once they get to that number, they can evaluate how it is working. If there is too much of a demand for that business, it can come back to Council. Councilman Yanez asked how many of the 28 existing businesses offering massage have licensed massage therapists. Mr. DeNault calculated that, when eliminating the medical facilities and those offering massage as an ancillary use, which the city does not currently regulate, it leaves 11 businesses currently operating as primary massage establishments with City licenses, and they should all have licensed people working for them in order to get the license from the City, but it is unknown if they swap someone out who is not licensed. Councilman Radtke stated Troy has a smaller population and smaller police department than Sterling Heights, yet their cap is higher. He questioned how they can police a larger number of establishments with fewer police officers. He clarified he is in favor of hiring more police officers, but he wants to make sure they are not creating a problem because they do not to do that part of the job. He stressed it is their job to make sure the legal businesses can operate and the illegal businesses are shut down. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 17 Councilwoman Koski questioned whether the ordinance can address the two types of licenses separately: those exclusive to massage therapy and those offering it as an ancillary service. She questioned as to whether they are working to eliminate 15 of the businesses currently offering massage therapy. Mr. DeNault clarified the medical facilities are not included in this ordinance because the massage is done by doctors and chiropractors for medical treatment. They talked about the possibility of trying to create two categories, but the struggle is in trying to define them in a way they cannot get around the ordinance. He cited an example where the primary licenses are full, so a business that wants to operate primarily offering massage therapy may lie to say they are only offering it as an ancillary use in order to get a license. He stressed policing that has been one of the biggest struggles that zoning, planning and police have had over the last twenty years. He addressed the concern with law enforcement resources and stated he has personally watched and it is not that the police department has not prioritized these, but the police department resources have to be allocated elsewhere, especially during the recession. They are only now starting to get back to a point where the police departments have the resources and the ability to monitor, and this is part of the goal. Trying to sort out who is deceitful and who is not has been a problem, and he was concerned that the games that will be played by facilities trying to get the ancillary permission probably outweigh anything they can write to try to govern that. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 18 Councilwoman Schmidt noted the medical facilities are exempt, but she questioned whether any new medical facilities that go in will have to obtain licensing. Mr. DeNault replied that medical is totally exempt from this ordinance. Councilwoman Schmidt stated her salon has a massage table and they offer periodic massage. She questioned as to what if these places are not on the City’s radar and how they are going to determine the true number. Mr. DeNault replied they do not know the exact number but are doing their best to try to identify that number. He hoped they will get the message out so the owners will come in to get licensed. The City may have to evaluate what to do about existing businesses that did not come in originally but want to continue to operate, and they may have to come back to Council for amendments if they find that is a problem. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she is comfortable with the way the ordinance is currently worded because if it becomes too restrictive, it can be amended. She commented that she would like to give their officers, as well as the other departments, a chance to see how this works. She noted that Clerk Ryska had indicated the City does not receive many license applications for this type of business, so she is comfortable with the ordinance as presented. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned whether they can come back at any time to amend the ordinance. Mr. DeNault replied affirmatively. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 19 Mayor Taylor stated if Councilman Radtke makes a motion again to increase the cap from 12 to 18, he will second it. Councilman Radtke stated he would prefer to have the cap higher and they can lower it in the future, if needed. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to amend the ordinance, which amends Chapter 30 of the City Code to update the city’s message establishment regulations with a cap of 18 licenses rather than the 12 as proposed. Mayor Taylor stated he does not want to make two separate types of licenses because it would be difficult to regulate. He believed this ordinance will give police officers a better ability to ensure that nothing illegal is happening. He did not see adding 6 more as being something outside of what the police and administration can handle and he is comfortable with 18. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Koski, Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez. No: Schmidt, Ziarko. The motion carried. Roll Call Vote on Amended Main Motion: Yes: Radtke, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Koski. No: Schmidt, Ziarko. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 20 9. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one from the audience spoke. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 21, 2020. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $750,087.87, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,379,110.08, Other Funds - $2,195,804.21, Total Checks - $4,325.002.16. C. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid for asphalt materials to the vendors and at the unit prices specified below for an initial six month period and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid three additional six-month periods on the same terms and conditions, upon mutual consent: A) Cadillac Asphalt, LLC 2575 Haggerty Road, Canton MI 48188 Section A – UPM Cold Patch– DPW to pick up $114.00/ton Section B – UPM Cold Patch – Delivered $119.50/ton Section B1 – 1100 Leveling (20AA) – DPW to pick up $ 62.50/ton Section B2 – 1100 Topping/Wearing (20AA) – DPW to pick up $ 63.00/ton Section B3 – Wearing 36A – DPW to pick up $ 69.50/ton B) AJAX Materials Corporation, 1952 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084 Section B – UPM Cold Patch – Delivered $117.50/ton C) Asphalt Materials, Inc., 940 N. Wynn, Oregon, OH 43616 Section C – AE-90 Emulsion Solution – Delivered $ 3.25/gal D) SJR Pavement Repair, Inc., 22120 Ryan Road, Warren, MI 48091 Section D – Ohio 9 Clean Wash Stone Aggregate $ 27.00/ton D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the Public Works Facility Lift Project to Vehicle Service Group, 2700 Lanier Drive, Madison, IN 47250, at a total cost of $1,252,203.30. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for upfitting of a K-9 officer police vehicle to Arrowhead Upfitters, Inc., 15 S. Elba Rd., Lapeer, MI 48446, at a cost of $15,561.25, with provision of the Stalker Dual DSR 2X radar unit and front and rear antennas by the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 21 F. RESOLVED, to award the bids for All Trades Work per the recommendation of Construction Manager Roncelli, Inc. at a cumulative cost of $12,237,804. G. RESOLVED, to purchase forty-six (46) Dell Latitude 3500 laptop computers from Access Interactive, LLC, 46665 Magellan Drive, Novi, MI 48377, at pricing available through the Midwestern Higher Education Commission cooperative purchasing program, contract #MHEC- 07012015, at a cumulative cost of $32,131. H. RESOLVED, to authorize the Community Relations Department to proceed with contracts for the 2020 Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair headliner performances on Friday, July 24, 2020 and Saturday, July 25, 2020 and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required in conjunction with this action, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney. I. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution approving the 2020 Real Property Tax Hardship Exemption Guidelines for Tax Relief under Section 211.7u, Public Act 206 of 1893. J. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating the meeting place for the Sterling Heights Board of Review for 2020. K. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Terrance Lee Witt v Sterling Heights Police, 41A District Court Case No. S-19-5383-GZ. Yes: All. The motion carried. 10. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2019 Class C Liquor License from Karet Projects, LLC to Soul of Detroit, LLC, transfer location from 17470 Hall Road, Clinton Township to 13830 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, with new SDM license and Sunday Sales (AM/PM), new Dance-Entertainment and Outdoor Service permits. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one from the audience spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2019 Class C Liquor License from Karet Projects, LLC to soul of Detroit, LLC, transfer location from 17470 Hall Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038 to 13830 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, MI Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 22 48313, with new SDM license and Sunday Sales (AM/PM), new Dance- Entertainment and Outdoor Service permits be considered for approval. Applicant Maurice Ford stated he and his wife are opening the Soul of Detroit restaurant and were lifelong Detroit residents before moving to Chesterfield. They would like to bring a little piece of the city with them, with jazz and blues entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. He replied that they will be serving an upscale version of Cracker Barrell cuisine. Councilman Radtke stated they are moving to this location at a good time with the rebirth of Lakeside Village. He appreciated that Mr. Ford wants to invest in this city. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski thanked Mr. Ford for coming, and her husband loves blues music, so she is sure they will be looking forward to this new restaurant. She pointed out it is different from anything they currently have in this area, and she welcomed Mr. Ford. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to the proposed location on Lakeside Circle. Mr. Ford replied they are located adjacent to Kohl’s, in the Dominic’s Fine Jewelry complex. He replied to further inquiry they will be specializing in some of his grandmother’s recipes, including homemade macaroni and cheese, collard greens, chocolate cake, as well as his wife’s family recipes. They are combining their family recipes with their love of music. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Ford being here tonight and he is looking forward to the new restaurant. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 23 Yes: All. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a request to transfer ownership of escrowed 2019 Class C Liquor and SDM Licenses from Don Pablo’s Operating, LLC to First Watch Restaurants, Inc., transfer location from 14181 Hall Road, Shelby Township to 14463 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, with new Sunday Sales (AM/PM) and Outdoor Service (1 Area) permits. Mr. Steve Grobel, Liquor Licensing Attorney for First Watch, stated they are relatively new to Michigan with 6 restaurants, but they are currently in 26 states with approximately 300 restaurants. They are open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. so they serve breakfast, brunch and lunch. They have a limited alcohol menu, and Michigan is one of the first states where they are offering their very limited menu of five cocktails and mimosas, all pre-mixed. There is no bar, and there is only one item on tap, which is a hard seltzer. He stated that alcohol is a very small percentage of their sales, with about 95% being food, and 4% to 5% being alcohol. It is not a primary part of their business but something that First Watch wanted to make available to their customers. He noted they have a soft opening this weekend for friends and family, and anticipate opening on Monday, February 10, pending approval of Council. He assured they have their MLCC license and it has been transferred. He opened the floor for public comments. • Resident of Sterling Heights – questioned location of proposed restaurant. Mayor Taylor stated it is just to the east of BJ’s Brewhouse. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 24 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of escrowed 2019 Class C and SDM liquor licenses from Don Pablo’s Operating, LLC to First Watch Restaurants, Inc., transfer location from 14181 Hall Road, Shelby Township to 14463 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, with new Sunday Sales (AM/PM) and Outdoor Service (1 Area) permits be considered for approval. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she is familiar with First Watch because they are in Ohio. She thanked them for choosing Sterling Heights for another location is special for this City and is a great addition to what is already going on in that area. She added that they are coming in at the right time. Councilwoman Schmidt is excited about this because she has been to First Watch in Troy a few times, and they offer an amazing product. She wondered why they would go through the entire liquor license process for only 4% of their sales, but felt it is something they can offer their customers. She has no problem with it and wished them well. She added that this is two new restaurants coming into Lakeside Circle, which is exciting. She wished them well. Mayor Taylor questioned how the drinks will be prepared. Director of Operations Vanessa Hertenstein explained they have fresh- squeezed juices made in an industrial juicer each morning, which is something they have been doing for a long time and sets them apart from their competition. They are finding their consumer wants a Bloody Mary or a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 25 Mimosa, so this will bring in more people who may want a cocktail with their brunch or lunch. They will be made by a state-licensed bartender each morning, make the recipe and put it into small cocktail bottles. As someone comes in to order a drink, they will be served in the little bottles with ice on the side. The server will bring it to the table, pour half of it into the cocktail glass, and the rest is up to the consumer to decide how much they want to drink. Mr. Grobel confirmed they will be put into the little bottles, and those will be refrigerated until needed. Mayor Taylor agreed with Councilwoman Schmidt that it is exciting to have two new restaurants at Lakeside Mall, offering two awesome products. He wished them both success. Councilwoman Koski stated First Watch is unique, and she inquired as to whether customers can have their unfinished alcoholic drink capped and take it home. Mr. Grobel replied no, indicating the LCC frowns on that. Councilwoman Koski wished them good luck. Yes: All. The motion carried. C. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of memorandums of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and Michigan Association of Public Employees (MAPE) Professional and Technical Employees Union and MAPE Technical/Office Employees Union. He invited Mr. Vanderpool to give a presentation. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 26 Mr. Vanderpool explained that, based on the conditions of the current collective bargaining agreements, bargaining unit members may request a reclassification of their current position in circumstances where they feel there has been a fundamental and permanent change in their job responsibilities. He explained the process that was followed following the filing of the reclassification requests in October 2019, and informed that the City’s third- party consultant, Rahmberg, Stover and Associates, determined that three reclassification requests should be granted. He outlined those requests. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one from the audience commented. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to approve the memorandum of understanding between City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Professional and Technical Employees Union creating the Facilities Maintenance Superintendent and Criminal Investigations Assistant job classification and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it on behalf of the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. 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 Lead Civil Engineer job classification and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it on behalf of the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 27 Yes: All. The motion carried. D. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider nominations to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one from the public spoke. Mayor Taylor explained this is for a partial opening on the Zoning Board of Appeals and is a City Council appointment. He inquired as to whether anyone has a nomination. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Devin Koski to the Zoning Board of Appeals to a term ending June 30, 2020, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath office within two weeks. Mayor Taylor stated Councilwoman Ziarko had included in her motion to appoint Mr. Koski, and it is supposed to be a nomination. He inquired as to whether she needs to withdraw her motion. Mr. Kaszubski replied affirmatively. Councilwoman Ziarko withdrew her motion, and Councilwoman Schmidt withdrew her second of that motion. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to nominate Devin Koski for consideration as an appointee to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the February 18, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 28 Councilwoman Ziarko stated, for disclaimer purposes, that Devin Koski is Councilwoman Koski’s son. In reviewing the applications and his involvement with the City for over 33 years, along with the fact he has a background in many different areas which she outlined, she stated he is seen at many different city events and is courteous, knowledgeable and articulate. She felt he would be a good addition to this Board, and she pointed out he had to go above and beyond what another applicant would have to do in order to get this nomination and prove he is overqualified for this volunteer position so no one accuses him of nepotism. Councilman Radtke appreciated Councilwoman Koski’s son, commenting that he is a great guy and would be a credit to the City, but he did not believe that her son should be appointed because it is nepotistic. He is opposed to it for any member of this body to appoint a family member to an essential committee in the City that has control over either law or money. He did not feel it is proper and indicated he will be voting no. Councilwoman Koski recalled this was done years ago when former Finance Director Virginia Fette’s daughter wanted to be employed in Sterling Heights and had great qualifications. They voted to allow her to be hired because in that Council’s opinion, the only one who would suffer for not appointing her would be the residents. It is this Council’s duty to get the best qualified people in the positions that serve the residents. Councilwoman Koski provided some background on how active her son has been in the community, and she felt Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 29 there is no one more qualified than her son to serve in that position. She emphasized that he was a certified Section 8 inspector, and he was very young when he got his real estate license. He earned his Associates degree, followed by his bachelor’s degree, and works for General Motors, where he is a great employee and a great leader. She stated she is very proud and added that she will be voting tonight because she believes in him and he will do a great job for the City and the residents of Sterling Heights. Coucilwoman Schmidt stated their families are precluded from becoming employees of the City, and she understands that as nepotism. She pointed out, however, that Mr. Koski has been a resident of this City for all but seven years of his life and being on a board or commission requires that they be a resident of the City. He is professionally more qualified than some of the sitting members on that board. He is professional, courteous, educated in what this board does, including knowledge of real estate and housing, and to think that he or any family member should not be able to volunteer in their community because of a parent being on this Council, she does not agree with that. The fact he wants to volunteer in the City in which he grew up is commendable. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated her husband is a City employee, having been elected as Judge. She noted he was elected long before she sat on this Council. She understands the concern of nepotism, but when there is someone very qualified, they need to be considered. She vouched for Mr. Koski’s qualities, stating he is a good person, extremely honest and a hard worker. She does not Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 30 want to hurt the City or the opportunities they could have by denying someone with great knowledge and a wonderful personality from volunteering in their community. She stated she will be voting in favor of the motion. Mayor Taylor stated Councilwoman Koski was honored tonight for thirty years on City Council by County Commissioner Romano, who was her former colleague on City Council. He questioned whether she has ever asked any other family members to serve on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals or to get them a job at city hall. Councilwoman Koski replied to inquiry that her granddaughter served on the Beautification Commission. Mayor Taylor stated that he is sensitive to the concerns raised by Councilman Radtke and he felt there is a reason why they have an anti-nepotism ordinance. It should be followed and they should be vigilant to assure it is not abused, noting they have an incredibly professional city and are fortunate to have the dedicated professionals who are here. He has no doubt that every person in every position of leadership throughout the entire organization is there because they deserve it, and not because they have the right connections. He felt this is no exception, and he stressed Mr. Koski has all of the qualifications they would want in a Zoning Board of Appeals member. He is confident this was not brought to them as any type of political favoritism. This discussion is very open and transparent, and Mr. Koski meets the qualifications for this Board. He noted that Councilwoman Koski has been here thirty years so it is not Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 31 as if she was elected into office and immediately began bringing relatives in to try to get them into leadership roles. He stated that is evidence to him that this is not something for which they need to be concerned. Councilwoman Ziarko stated, in full disclosure, that her daughter sits on the Library Board of Trustees and the Art Commission; however, her daughter was employed by the City of Sterling Heights, working in the library during her high school years, and that was long before Councilwoman Ziarko was elected to the Council. She added her daughter was well-qualified for the positions to which she was appointed. Councilman Radtke commented that an anti-nepotism policy or ordinance is only as good as if they follow it, and he was concerned that there can always be an exception made. He agreed that Mr. Koski deserves this and has no objection to his qualifications, but he was concerned this is a “slippery slope.” He mentioned that he had a conversation with Mr. Kaszubski about the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission, and he recalled Mr. Kaszubski told him it would be improper for a City Council member to discuss a case with a Planning Commission member with the objective of influencing their vote. Mr. Kaszubski replied to inquiry that City Council members should not give into purview of a decision made by a Planning Commissioner or ZBA member for the intent to sway their vote. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 32 Councilman Radtke commented that is part of the problem because the City Council reviews boards for the ZBA. It is difficult, and he would prefer not to start on this path. Mayor Taylor stated that Councilman Radtke’s points are noted. Based on the reasons stated by himself and the other colleagues on Council, he did not feel it is inappropriate to make this appointment. Councilwoman Koski stated in thirty years, she cannot once recall influencing anyone who served on the Planning Commission, Board of Review or any decision-making board. She assured she would never do that, especially with her son, and added that he would never let her influence him. Mayor Taylor believes her, and that is why he is comfortable with this motion. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: Radtke. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor explained the next item is for a partial vacancy on the Board of Review and is a City Council appointment. He inquired as to whether anyone has a nomination. Motion by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, to nominate John Hages for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Review at the February 18, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 33 Councilman Radtke stated Mr. Hages was recommended by City Assessor Marcia Magyar-Smith, who had indicated he would be a welcome addition to the Board of Review. Yes: All. The motion carried. E. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one from the public spoke. Mayor Taylor stated the first appointment is for the Housing Commission and is a request for a reappointment to a term ending December 31, 2024. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Thomas Szatkowski to the Housing Commission to a term ending December 31, 2024, 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. Mayor Taylor stated the second appointment is for the Youth Advisory Board, for which there are still seven vacancies. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Fadie Arabo, Brendan Bailey, and Muhtasim Chowdhury to the Youth Advisory Board to terms ending June 30, 2020, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 34 Yes: All. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor stated there are still four more vacancies on the Youth Advisory Board. He questioned whether that should be postponed to the first meeting in March. He questioned the Clerk where they are in their recruitment and whether they are actively seeking new candidates to apply for this Board. Clerk Ryska stated the Community Relations Department has reached out to the local high schools to try to recruit more individuals. They have not received additional applications at this time. She those vacancies would sit until they had recruitment to bring to Council for consideration. Mayor Taylor advised that administration can bring this back when it is ready and there is no need for postponement. 11. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from citizens. • Resident in Sterling Heights – resides near Van Dyke, between 14- and 15-Mile Roads; reported sidewalk curb cuts not being cleared of snow for wheelchair access. • Ms. Jazmine Early – opposed to a roundabout at 15 Mile and Ryan Roads; concerned it would be unsafe. 12. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed the citizen’s concern about snow removal of embankments from sidewalk curb cuts that results from plowing, and he agreed that is a valid concern. He felt the City can do a better job working with businesses to make sure they clear those areas, and they focused more on that after the last snow emergency. The City tried to clear some of those and will continue to do so, especially along the Van Dyke corridor. Regarding the 15 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 35 Mile and Ryan intersection, he clarified that there was a large study done, initiated by the County, and numerous intersections across the city were looked at. In that particular study, a roundabout was highlighted as a long- term need, so the resident’s comments were inaccurate in that respect. The specific study for 15 Mile and Ryan outlined a number of short-term, mid-term and long-term improvements to be implemented at 15 Mile and Ryan. A number of those have been made but there are additional long-term improvements that need to be made, including the acquisition of property to close the access drives, which will take some time. The City recognizes the additional work that needs to be done in that area and is committed to making sure those improvements get made, both in land acquisition and in securing financial resources necessary to make the improvements. He outlined some of the improvements already made, including right-hand turn lanes, change in signal timing, pavement markings installed, and left-hand turns prohibited. Councilman Radtke mentioned Black History month and has given thought recently to the Ethnic Advisory Committee, recommending that it be made a Commission. He stated, without objection, he would like the City Attorney to prepare the documents to rename the Ethnic Advisory Committee to the Diversity and Inclusion Commission and expand its mandate to all residents of Sterling Heights to show this is a community of the future and everyone is included. He would like to add that the Commission report to City Council to let Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 36 them know what they are working on. He inquired as to whether there are any objections. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she would like to think about it before they do anything tonight, and she would like more information from City Administration. Councilwoman Koski would like to understand exactly what Councilman Radtke is looking for. Mayor Taylor stated he has had this conversation both with Councilman Radtke and Mr. Vanderpool, and he emphasized that the Ethnic Committee is doing tremendous work. He commented that the term “ethnic” infers they are from a different country, but that group focuses on diversity, which has a different meaning. He suggested using that committee to make it more about inclusion, and the name of the committee should reflect that and having City Administration look into the best practice. He questioned how much time the City Attorney would need to get this information back to Council. Mr. Vanderpool suggested he could report back in thirty days. Mayor Taylor indicated the two main goals are changing the name and making sure their mission fits the City’s core guiding principles. He inquired as to whether there are any objections. Councilwoman Koski recalled when that committee was first established, the idea was because they had a new nationality moving into the area, and it was to help getting over the language barrier. Their purpose was to communicate Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 37 with them, let them know about what Sterling Heights had to offer, as well as rules and regulations. It has changed over the years, and she suggested the possibility of establishing a new board. Mayor Taylor stated that may be what the Administration will bring forward. Councilwoman Koski stated they can name the new board what they want, set up its purpose to what they want to achieve, and leave the other board along to go back to its original purpose. Councilman Radtke felt the Ethnic Committee is a throwback to a time that no longer exists because those people are now fully assimilated into the City. The name could be better, reflecting that it is not only various ethnicities that are included, but also various religions and sexual orientations. He stressed they can do more to make their City a more inclusive place. He would like to see this committee’s mandate expanded to show everyone they are welcome in Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor replied to inquiry that it was not in the form of a motion but a request for more information on best practice. Councilman Radtke noted he would like a Resolution honoring Black History Month on the next agenda, spotlighting the efforts of Sterling Heights to be a more inclusive community. There were no objections, and Mayor Taylor stated that will be brought forward at the next Council meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 38 Councilman Radtke questioned what the City is doing regarding the safety issue in front of Sterling Heights High School. Mr. Vanderpool had a discussion with Councilman Radtke about a constituent’s concern that the drive approach to the high school was dark and the individual had almost hit a pedestrian. He explained that, although they did not have a traffic report filed, they looked at the intersection and discovered there was an existing DTE light that was out. He assured they are trying to escalate its replacement with DTE to replace it as quickly as possible. They are going to look at the intersection to see if there are upgrades possibly similar to what they did at Davis Junior High School, where there is a highly demarcated crossing with a strobe effect when someone pushes the pedestrian button. He spoke with the Warren Consolidated Schools Superintendent, who communicated with the high school principal, and there is a more meaningful public education campaign that is going to be put forth with parents and others using that drive to be more alert coming and going. He stated they are doing all they need to be doing to take a good look at that intersection. Councilman Radtke felt the City has too many commissions and committees that do not serve their original purpose. He stated that, without objection, he would like City Administration to examine a combination of the Beautification Commission and the Arts Commission and report back to City Council within thirty days. He felt they may be more effective as a unified group. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 39 Councilwoman Ziarko stated she does not have any objection to Administration looking at both Commissions, but the Commission members of each respective commission do not feel they have the same responsibilities and that their jobs are in different directions. She noted one is for beautification as far as gardening, and the Art Commission feels they are more interested in public art, which is different than someone taking care of their yard. She noted that they may come up with a different name for the Beautification Commission to include the word “gardening.” She stated, in talking to both Commissions, their members feel their responsibilities are different. Councilman Radtke agreed that their responsibilities are somewhat different, but the goal is to make a more beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing city. He did not feel the Beautification Commission accomplishes a lot beyond their current mandate of the Beautification Awards. He would like to see them do more and felt the only way to do that is to combine the Commissions and make sure the City is beautiful in all areas. He replied to inquiry that he has talked to the members of both Commissions. Mr. Yanez questioned that this is coming to the Council without prior discussion, and whether all the members of these boards and commissions agree that they need to be changed, eliminated or combined. He does not have an objection to progressing, but he would like the input of the people on these boards, commissions and committees. He questioned whether Mr. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 40 Kaszubski intends to talk with every member to find out how they feel or what they think can be changed on their committee as opposed to City Council making these changes without their input. He felt this process could be slowed down to make sure they have everyone’s input. If the members feel strongly that things need to be changed, they need to let the Council members know that. Council should have enough respect for the members of the commissions, who do the job, to listen to them and make sure we are moving in the right direction. Councilwoman Koski agreed with Councilman Yanez. Councilman Radtke stressed the City Council is the leadership of the City and they don’t lead from behind, but from the front. It is up to Council to take on the hard fight when something is wrong, noting that the Beautification Commission would not be a hard fight. He noted in his role as a leader, he is requesting a report. He stated that is their job. Mayor Taylor stressed their board and commission volunteer members are very important to the City and they are what makes this community great. They are willing to sacrifice their time, energy and effort to serve on a board, committee or commission for which they are passionate, and he agreed Council should be soliciting their input and taking that into consideration. He also felt they have the opportunity to take a comprehensive look at some of the boards and commissions to see if there are some adjustments they can make. He suggested, as a City Council, they can provide leadership and they can also Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 41 seek input from the most important stakeholders. He also noted that because they are asking City Administration to look at the Arts and Beautification Commissions to see if they can make changes does not mean they will make those changes. He would like to hear the Administration’s report, so he is not opposed to having a study on it. He suggested they request this come back to Council in sixty days rather than thirty days. Councilman Yanez emphasized that the best quality of a leader is being able to listen, and they need to listen to the people who are doing those jobs. Councilwoman Ziarko agreed with Councilman Yanez, but added that leadership brings compromise, and she felt that is what will happen here. She did not Council should be dictating what they should be doing. Councilwoman Schmidt commented that the Arts Commission and Beautification Commission have two totally different roles in the community, and she explained the difference. She stated she will listen to whatever Administration tells them but cautioned that reinventing the wheel just to reinvent the wheel is not necessary. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski agreed they can look at what the commissions do, what their intent was and the best practices in other communities, but true leadership is about bringing forth the best of the people they lead, not telling them how to do it, but listening, observing and weighing the good and the bad to come up with a good solution. She is agreeable to listen and possibly “tweak” but does not believe they should eliminate any committee or Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 42 commission. She stressed that is an opportunity for residents to serve and use their skills for the community. Mayor Taylor stated the Historic Commission is doing tremendous work, and they had requested Council expand their mission, which was great unsolicited feedback. He hoped this will be an opportunity to engage those commissions and committees to make sure they feel they are valued and are wanted to be a part of the community. It is an opportunity to see if there is something more they want to be doing that City Council could support. He stated that, without objection, this can come back in sixty days with a report from Administration to suggest some areas that could be improved or other areas that are working well. He agreed with including everyone and making sure they feel valuable. Councilman Radtke would like what they do on an annual basis, including their activities, frequency of meetings, to be included in the report. He would also like their purpose to be included, and he would like to have reports from these groups so they can share what they are working on over the year so Council lend their expertise and fund them. Councilman Radtke stated that a resident approached the City late last year and wanted to work with the Youth Council on a Martin Luther King (MLK) celebration. They had a meeting with Community Relations and Mr. Vanderpool, and this is what spurred him to think about the need for a Diversity and Inclusion Commission. He hoped someday they can have an MLK Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Page 43 celebration in Sterling Heights to show their support. He would like to be able to match people with the activities in which they are interested in serving. 13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 14. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 15. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there is an item for Closed Session this evening. 16. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to recess into Closed Session. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt. No: None. The motion carried. The meeting recessed into Closed Session at 9:31 p.m. The meeting adjourned from Closed Session at 10:41 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk