City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020 [HELD BY TELECONFERENCE DUE TO THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY] 1. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Taylor asked, without objection, that the rules be suspended to provide this Council meeting be held via video teleconference, in accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-75, and that participation of no less than four (4) Councilmembers on this conference call constitutes a quorum for purposes of conducting this meeting pursuant to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Mayor Taylor additionally requested, due to the current state of emergency, and without objection, to suspend the rules to allow public comment germane to any agenda item or city business to be provided via Zoom teleconference during communications from citizens toward the end of the meeting at (929) 205-6099, and when prompted, residents should enter Meeting #441199775 and press #, noting a passcode is not required. Mayor Taylor asked if there is any objection to proceeding in the manner he outlined. There were no objections from City Council members. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 2 2. Mayor Taylor recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag on behalf of City Council, and Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. 3. Council Members participating at roll call: Michael C. Taylor, Liz Sierawski, Deanna Koski, Michael V. Radtke, Jr., Maria G. Schmidt, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Participating: 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 Sierawski, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on the Covid-19 statistics, showing a graph that reflects a steady trend downward in both the number of Covid-19 cases and the number of Covid-related deaths in Sterling Heights. He noted they were averaging about two deaths per day at one point, and that is down to about one death per day. He added that they would like to get that number down to zero. Mr. Vanderpool announced that the City’s 39th SterlingFest, scheduled for July 23 through 25, has to be canceled. He noted this is the first time in its history that they have had to cancel the SterlingFest, but state and federal guidelines limiting large gatherings necessitated the cancellation. He emphasized that it was not an easy decision, but it was done for the safety of all participants, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 3 including vendors, volunteers and everyone who attends that event. He assured they are working hard on the 2021 event, and he stated all of the artists have agreed to extend their contracts for the following year, so Simply Queen, Plain White T’s and The Original Voice of Foreigner and Asia will be performing next year. He stated the City has a lot of activities planned this year, but it will be different than a normal summer. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Governor’s Stay-At-Home order has now been lifted, so most city facilities will open on Wednesday, June 10, with employees reporting on Monday, June 8 and Tuesday, June 9, to get reacclimated to the various setups in a very restricted environment, with about twenty-five percent occupancy. He added that they will have daily health screenings and will be ready to greet the public at their facilities on June 12. He informed that playgrounds will be opening this week, with all of them open by the end of the week, along with signage posted to encourage parents and children to maintain social distancing. Tennis and pickleball courts will be open this week, with basketball and sand volleyball not reopening until Phase 5 of the Governor’s plan. He added the Governor expects to be into Phase 5 by the Fourth of July. Pavilion rentals are expected to begin in mid-July. Mr. Vanderpool, on behalf of County Commissioner Joe Romano, would like to invite the residents of Sterling Heights to attend the Virtual Yoga at the Hill on Saturday, June 6, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. He noted this will be livestreamed on the County Board of Commissioners Facebook page, offering an hour-and- Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 4 a-half of meditation and all-level yoga. Those who register at www.yogaatthehill.com will receive a free t-shirt, and he encouraged all county and Sterling Heights residents to attend, noting this event is normally held in person at Freedom Hill County Park, but due to the circumstances, it is being held virtually this year. Mr. Vanderpool addressed a couple of items on tonight’s Consent Agenda. There is a Resolution Declaring June 5, 2020 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Sterling Heights. He explained this movement started after a 15-year-old was shot and killed in Chicago in 2013 when she was on her way home from school. Communities across the nation recognize this important day to bring awareness to gun violence and ways to minimize it. He stated that the Halo on Hall Road will be lit up orange, which is the official color for National Gun Violence Awareness Day. He noted another item on tonight’s Consent Agenda is the State of Emergency which was declared by the Mayor on March 13, 2020. There is a need to extend it further, and the Resolution ties their local emergency to the duration of the county-wide emergency. They anticipate that the County’s Emergency Declaration, which expires at the end of this month, will likely be extended into July. He indicated that concludes his report for this evening. 6. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to introduce the fiscal year 2020/21 Appropriations Ordinance. He invited Finance & Budget Director Jennifer Varney to give a presentation. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 5 Finance & Budget Director Jennifer Varney stated the City is facing challenging times due to the unprecedented public health crisis, and the proposed budget reflects anticipated reductions in revenues resulting from the economic downturn. It proposes spending cuts and a measured use of General Fund balance to make up the shortfall. She stated the total City budget is $213.9 million, which can be broken down into five major fund types, with the largest being the General Fund at $108.1 million, or 50 percent of total fund budget, followed by the Water and Sewer Fund at $53.4 million, which is nearly 23 percent of the total fund budget. Special Revenues, Capital Projects and Debt Service Funds make up the remainder. Ms. Varney explained that the budget decreased $55.6 million, or 21 percent, over last year, and she showed a slide depicting the major changes. She reviewed the break-down of those decreases, beginning with a decrease in the Capital Project Fund of $28.5 million, with $24 million budgeted for the construction of the new Public Works building in the prior year. The Sidewalk Gap and Repair program has been put on hold until next year, so only the most critical capital projects are included in the budget. Departmental requests totaled $11.8 million, with $5.9 million, or 50 percent of requests, originally to be proposed; however, that was cut an additional $1.3 million to total $4.6 million due to the Covid-19 crisis. Ms. Varney stated the decrease of $10.1 million in major road construction is due to the completion of several large projects in the prior year, although they are anticipating a cut of nearly $2.4 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 6 million in road funding from the state over the next three years; however, $6.1 million is still proposed in the budget for new road projects this year. The decrease of $10 million in Parks and Recreation Fund is due to the wind-down of construction funded through the ReCreating Recreation millage, and a decrease of $4.2 million in Facilities Improvement is due to the timing of renovation projects funded through a $20 million bond issued in 2018. A decrease of $2.3 million in the Road Bond Construction fund is due to a slight delay in the Mound Road project, as well as a decrease of $2 million in Local Roads Construction due to timing of projects. She added that, thanks to the renewal of the Safe Streets millage, $5.1 million of neighborhood road reconstruction is funded in the proposed budget. A decrease of $550,000 in the Water and Sewer fund is primarily due to grant-funded sewer televising in the prior year. Ms. Varney explained these decreases are partially offset by an increase of $2.6 million in the General Fund. Ms. Varney showed a slide for the General Fund budget, which totals $108.1 million, and is divided into the City’s eight departmental budgets. The General Fund budget increased $2.6 million, or 2.5 percent, over last year, and she explained the breakdown of the increases. She stressed that many cuts in the budget from the originally-proposed $110.3 million were made in the last thirty days. She provided breakdowns on what was cut from the budget, including the reduced retiree medical contribution, although the City is still making the total recommended contribution as calculated by the actuary. They have Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 7 eliminated all previously proposed personnel additions, including six firefighters, four fire cadets and multiple interns and part-time positions. The Sidewalk Gap and repair programs, as well as employee-wide training initiatives, have been postponed for this year. Ms. Varney reviewed General Fund Revenues, which total $105.5 million, and she showed the major categories. This amount decreased by $840,000, or 7 percent, over the last year due to decreases in state revenue sharing, court fines, building permit revenue and investment income totaled over $4 million and are attributed to the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis. She stated the overall city millage rate remains the same as last year, and General Operating Revenue increased only $850,000, or 2 percent, which is due to the inflationary taxable value increase of 1.9 percent. The total General Fund Revenue was reduced by nearly $5 million from what was originally to be proposed in the budget. She showed a slide comparing the City’s tax rate compared to others in the County, noting it continues to remain one of the lowest in the County. Ms. Varney explained that the proposed General Fund Expenditures exceed expected General Fund Revenue by $2.6 million. Over $2.2 million in expenditures have been removed from the budget, leaving a proposed use of Fund Balance of $2.6 million. She stated the City has worked diligently to build up the Fund Balance since the Great Recession, and as of the 2019 audit, the General Fund Balance was nearly 25 percent of expenditures. She assured the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 8 General Fund Balance is for the purpose of helping the City weather unexpected financial storms without making immediate drastic cuts to residential services. The proposed use of Fund Balance will reduce the overall percentage of that balance to 23 percent, which is still a healthy level and will allow the City time to analyze the changing economic conditions over the next six months and bring proposed budget adjustments to City Council in December. Ms. Varney reviewed the Water and Sewer Fund, totaling $53.4 million, with nearly 80 percent of that made up by water purchases, sewage disposal and the City’s share of Macomb County Debt Service make up nearly 80 percent of the cost. The water rates from the Great Lakes Water Authority increased 3 percent this year but delaying that increase to October 1 due to the Covid-19 crisis saved rate payers approximately $220,000, and that savings has been passed on to the rate payers. There is a 4.8 percent increase from Macomb County Public Works but is a reduction of their original proposed increase of 5.1 percent, and the bulk of that increase is related to a 26 percent increase in debt service. She explained usage affects water and sewer rates, with nearly 50 percent of those costs being fixed, so lower usage increases the rate per unit to cover the cost. Ms. Varney showed a chart depicting how the usage has decreased nearly 20 percent over the last decade. She indicated the budget includes a rate increase that will cost the average user an additional $3 per month, which is nearly 50 percent less than what was originally proposed. She Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 9 stated the average annual usage is down to 9,000 cubic feet as opposed to the 12,000 cubic feet used for years, so the average residential customer is paying $64 a month for water and sewer services. She showed that Sterling Heights still has one of the lowest water and sewer rates of comparable communities, and the lowest rates in Macomb County. She acknowledged that, while water and sewer rates increased by 4.3 percent over the last twelve years, it is lower than the average increases nationally. Ms. Varney reviewed the Special Revenues Fund totaling $33.6 million and include funds for Parks and Recreation and major and local road construction. Gas tax revenue losses over the past few months, and a reduction in revenue to the City of nearly $2.4 million is projected over the next three fiscal years. She added these reductions have been incorporated into the current year estimates and proposed budget. She outlined the proposed road construction projects that will still take place, and their estimated costs. She stated that $5.1 million for neighborhood road repair and reconstruction is included in the proposed budget. She provided details of the Parks and Recreation budget, totaling $10.1 million, with nearly $10 million less spent this year due to the wind-down of the millage construction. She outlined some of the highlights of this year’s projects. Ms. Varney reviewed the Debt Service funds which total $6.3 million and provide funding for the debt payments on outstanding bonds. The voter- Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 10 approved debt on the Fire Stations is also included, which will be paid off in 2024. Ms. Varney concluded her presentation by noting that this is not a normal budget season, and while they were not able to hold the detailed budget workshops as they have in the past, she hoped the overview will provide City Council and residents insight into the proposed budget. She added that a budget video has been created and is available for viewing on the City’s website. The video provides more detail about the proposed budget and includes presentations from each department director. She encouraged any residents who would like more information on the budget to watch the video as well as review the 450-page document also available on the website. She reminded that the proposed budget is scheduled for adoption at the next City Council meeting, and she encouraged any City Council members interested in amending the proposed budget to do so this evening. She stated she, as well as all of the department directors, are available for questions. Mayor Taylor thanked Ms. Varney and informed that they are receiving public comments on this item via telephone conferencing. He opened the floor for public comments, but there were none. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to introduce the Appropriations Ordinance for fiscal year 2020/21. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked all of the directors, especially Ms. Varney, noting this budget was almost complete prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Because of unknown costs that the City will be paying as a result of this emergency, they Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 11 had to prepare the budget twice. She noted by the reductions they are being cautious on their spending. She understood why they are doing this, and she added that they can amend the budget any time throughout the year. She suspected once they get through the crisis and know what money they have available, they will have longer discussions moving forward when they adopt the amendment in December. She thanked everyone involved for their input and the effort they put into the video. Councilwoman Schmidt echoed Councilwoman Ziarko’s sentiments. She recalled in 2008, they went into a mode of trying to save wherever they could. She added that, because of the unknown and they do not know what funding will be coming to the City, she felt this is a good compromise. She is glad they are meeting their requirement for retiree health care obligations because they have been very conscientious about making those contributions. She thanked Administration and all of the directors who dug deep into their budgets and eliminated what they could. She hoped they will be able to reinstate some of those items before the end of the year. Councilman Radtke questioned whether they should suggest budget amendments at this point or at the end of the meeting. Mayor Taylor replied any proposed amendments should be made at this time during the agenda item. There is language provided if someone has an increase to the budget or a deduction from the budget for a specific purpose, and he advised this would be the appropriate time to propose an amendment. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 12 Councilman Radtke stated he would like to propose an amendment to the budget to have the City pay for return mail postage for absentee ballots going out this year because of the Covid-19 crisis. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to request the City Administration prepare a Budget Amendment to provide return postage for absentee ballots going out this year because of the Covid-19 crisis. Councilman Radtke stated that, in talking to his colleagues and citizens of Sterling Heights, there is a lot on their minds due to the Covid-19 crisis, but he stressed the number one thing is to protect the election this year. He noted there were several options provided to them at the last meeting by City Administration, and he felt providing return postage for the ballots of the absentee voters will help them keep social distancing, especially not knowing what is ahead with this disease. He wanted everyone to know they have a right to vote, either through absentee ballots or at the voting polls on Election day. He hoped there will be ballot boxes installed at the Fire Stations. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated it is concerning at this time not knowing what funding will be coming in and what they can do to protect residents and meet their fiduciary responsibilities. She agreed they need to protect the right of each person to vote, and they have to make sure they do not create a burden on anyone and keep anyone from voting who wishes to vote. She is torn between not spending any additional funds and also understanding that they have an opportunity to ensure the ability for people to vote. Covid-19 has Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 13 taught everyone they have no control and do not know what the future holds. The City has to provide a number of contingencies, which means they have to plan now so they are prepared. She is in support of the motion and is confident they can offset the cost of this postage if they have the additional ballot boxes. She clarified that if there is return mail postage on an envelope but it is dropped off and not mailed, the City is not charged for postage, adding it is only charged if it goes through the post office meter. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she is not in favor of this amendment. She agreed that everyone should have the right and the means to vote. [Note: At this point in the meeting, Councilwoman Schmidt lost connection with the teleconference meeting, so she completed her comments when she was able to reconnect]. Councilwoman Koski thought that the ballot boxes were already being installed at four of the fire stations. She did not recall that the return postage was going to be too expensive and that money was already available to included it. She questioned how much they will have to budget for the return postage, and how much the four additional ballot boxes will cost. Ms. Ryska replied that the return postage on ballots amounts to $0.71 per ballot, but they only pay for those that are returned through the U.S. postal service, and it does not cost the City if they are dropped off in one of the ballot boxes. She stated she does not know the cost of the ballot boxes, but they have been ordered for Fire Stations #2, #3, #4 and #5. The cost was less than Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 14 $10,000 so they did not have to bring that back to Council, but they are in process now and they hope to have them in place by July 1. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether they have to do a budget amendment for the boxes, or whether, because it was under $10,000, it was a project they could move forward. Ms. Ryska replied that is correct and they have already started on the project with the drop boxes. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether they will have any idea of the amount of the postage, because they will only pay for what is returned through the mail. Ms. Ryska replied they will not know exactly how much postage they will actually incur, but they have to budget for it. She also informed that the envelopes for the August primary have already been ordered. Mayor Taylor questioned the fact that the envelopes have already been printed impact this amendment. Ms. Ryska stated they have already placed the order with their vendor, and it is likely they have already been printed. If they opt for return postage, they will have to reorder new envelopes, so that will incur an additional cost, and it would have to come out of this fiscal year’s budget because she had provided them a date prior to July 1. She replied to further inquiry they print 30,000 envelopes at approximately $0.11 each, for a total of about $3,300; however, if Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 15 they have to reprint them, the total cost would be double that amount, or $6,600. Mr. Radtke stated he would like to withdraw his motion because he does not want to incur additional costs for reprinting. Mayor Taylor asked Mr. Kaszubski whether it would be appropriate for Councilman Radtke to withdraw his motion so he can make a new motion, or whether should they continue the discussion on this motion until everyone has had an opportunity to opine. Mr. Kaszubski replied that Councilman Radtke has the opportunity to withdraw his motion at any time. If he makes a new motion, it will end the discussion on this motion. Councilman Radtke stated he would like to make the motion to pay for the return postage for November’s election only and not include the August primary. He stated he did not realize the envelopes are already printed for August, so more money would be incurred for reprinting. Mayor Taylor asked Ms. Ryska if that would make a difference. Ms. Ryska replied affirmatively, noting it will allow them to move forward with the August primary as planned. It will not be a problem to have the return postage printed for November’s absentee ballots. Councilman Radtke withdrew his motion, adding that he did not know the envelopes have already been printed for August, and he does not want to incur additional cost for reprinting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 16 Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to request the City Administration prepare a Budget Amendment to provide return postage for absentee ballots going out for November’s election this year because of the Covid-19 crisis. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she in not in favor of this increased cost at this time. She pointed out they are trying to cut the budget rather than adding to it. She could not recall ever having been told by any residents that they were unable to vote because the City did not put postage on their absentee ballot, and she added that they are providing other avenues for voters to return their ballots at the Fire Stations and City Hall without incurring additional expense. She understood the fear for Covid-19, but they still have to provide an opportunity for people to vote at the polls. She did not feel there is a compelling reason for her to justify this cost at this time, especially when their fund situation is unknown at this time. She stated she will be voting no on this motion. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she would not be in favor of the proposed amendment to the budget at this time; however, she would be open to Councilman Radtke bringing it back after the primary election if they see they have a problem. She felt they are trying to solve a problem right now that does not exist. She is aware the State is investigating paying for a return, and she would prefer they pay it, especially if they are going to cut revenue-sharing. She reminded they can amend the budget at any time, so if Councilman Radtke wants to bring this up for discussion immediately after the August Primary, she has no objection to having a discussion on it at that time. She compared this to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 17 recycling, where some people like curbside recycling, others prefer to take their recycling items to a designated center, and still others do not recycle at all, and the same holds true for voting, with some voting at the polls, some voting by absentee ballot, and others not voting. She does not want to pay for something the voters do not want. She could not recall ever hearing anyone complain because if they opt to return it by mail, they have to pay $0.71. She asked Ms. Ryska how many absentee ballots were sent out in the last election, how many were returned, and how many complaints she had about them having to put postage on it in order to drop it in the mail. Ms. Ryska replied that for the March Presidential Primary, they sent approximately 11,800 absentee ballots out, and received back just over 11,000 of those. She confirmed she did not receive any complaints about people having to pay postage. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she would like to hold off on this amendment until after the Primary to see if they have a legitimate problem with people not having the opportunity to vote, she would be willing to listen to this again. She questioned how many other communities in the State of Michigan are going to be paying the postage for their residents to return absentee ballots. She suggested that possibly Councilman Radtke may know people in Lansing where he could take the opportunity to lobby them to have the State pay for this. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 18 Councilman Yanez inquired as to whether the amendment is for November 2020. He felt if the year is not included in the motion, it could be construed as every November. Mr. Kaszubski stated the motion needs to be clarified. Councilman Radtke stated he is making the motion for this November election only. He would like to see how it goes and evaluate it before they would consider doing it for each election. Councilman Yanez questioned how many absentee ballots Ms. Ryska anticipates sending out for the Presidential Election in November 2020. Ms. Ryska replied it is difficult to say at this point. She explained that because of the Covid-19 crisis, she is confident that the number of absentee ballots will increase. She felt they will be around 25,000 for the August primary, noting they have already received 4,000 to 5,000 applications. She anticipated that number will double for the November election to between 40,000 and 50,000. Councilman Yanez calculated 50,000 at $0.71, that would be $35,500. He would like clarification on the amount tied to the motion. He felt the motion needs to be amended to include a financial amount tied to it. Mayor Taylor questioned whether they need a monetary amount included in the motion, especially since one of the variables is known and the other is unknown. Ms. Varney replied that she has to budget an amount, so she suggested they estimate on the high side so they have enough to cover the cost. She Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 19 suggested that if 50,000 absentee ballots go out, many people will use one of the drop boxes rather than the mail, so she felt they should probably estimate about 30,000 of those ballots being mailed. She suggested possibly setting aside $25,000 to be safe but reminded that the money will not have to be spent for any ballots that are not mailed through the United States Post Office. Mayor Taylor replied to inquiry that a number has to be affixed to this budget item. He explained if that amount is not enough, they will have a budget amendment at a later date when that spending occurs. If the total amount set aside ends up being more than they need, they will have a budget amendment in December. Ms. Varney stated she cleans up the budgets and amendments in December, so the exact dollar amount would be approved by Council at that time. Councilman Yanez offered a friendly amendment to the motion maker to include an amount of $25,000 in his motion for this cost. Councilman Radtke accepted the friendly amendment. Mr. Kaszubski replied to inquiry that at this point, there is a question of the year in the original motion, as well the dollar amount. He suggested that Councilman Radtke withdraw his motion on the floor, and make a new motion specifying that the return postage for absentee ballots is for the November 2020 election, and the budgeted amount is to be $25,000. Councilman Radtke withdrew his previous motion. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to request the City Administration prepare a Budget Amendment in the amount of $25,000 to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 20 provide return postage for absentee ballots going out for the November 2020 election because of the Covid-19 crisis. Councilman Yanez appreciated the input from his colleagues who are opposed to this, and while he felt their concerns are heartfelt, he stressed voting is the most basic function of democracy. He expressed concern of the unknown about Covid-19 coming back or whether the State will be shut down again, but he felt this is worst-case-scenario planning. He added that if all else fails, the one function they will be able to carry on with is voting, making sure everyone has that opportunity. He commented that the five absentee ballot drop boxes will help, and he assured he wants to make sure they have a fiscally-sound budget, but he supports this one-time amendment to pay for return postage on absentee ballots. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether the $25,000 includes the printing of the envelopes as well as the return postage. Ms. Varney replied the printing of the envelopes would already have been included in the budget so the $25,000 is just an estimate based on Ms. Ryska’s anticipation of possibly issuing 50,000 absentee ballots for the Presidential election, with 30,000 of those being returned through the U.S. mail. She noted that some people will use the drop boxes, but 30,000 returned at $0.71 each would amount to about $21,000, and she bumped that up to $25,000. She felt it is a high conservative estimate on how much return postage they may expend for the November election only, and she replied to further inquiry that the money would increase the use of the Fund Balance. Ms. Varney clarified Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 21 that if the people do not use the return postage, it will not be spent, so when she comes before Council in December with the amendment, she can provide an update as to the exact amount spent so they can adjust the budget either up or down, depending upon the actual spending. Councilwoman Schmidt took exception to Councilman Yanez’s comment and she stressed she takes function of democracy seriously. She stated her vote is her word. Councilwoman Ziarko agreed with Councilwoman Schmidt and also took exception to Councilman Yanez’s comment. She stressed that whether or not the City pays $0.71 for postage for a return ballot, they are never denying anyone the right to vote. She agreed voting is very important but stressed there is no price tag attached. Councilman Radtke stated a study was done in Colorado, which is a vote-by- mail state, and he claimed 55 percent of the ballots were returned by the provided drop boxes. He anticipated that at least half of the absentee ballots will be returned in the drop boxes here in Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor appreciated the passion expressed by Councilman Yanez about fundamental democracy, and he felt Councilwoman Schmidt and Councilwoman Ziarko gave very good reasons for voting they way are going to vote on this amendment, which he does not necessarily disagree with, and he has never had anyone complain they cannot afford the $0.71 it cost to return the envelope. He stressed with the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact it has Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 22 had on their budget, they have to be mindful of how they are spending their money, but he added he is going to vote in favor of this motion because it is temporary and gives the City the ability to look at where they are after this fall, and potentially discontinue it. He anticipated with the drop boxes at four of the fire stations, the cost of postage should be reduced. He talked about the question of the security of voting by mail, and he assured it is secure, although many people feel better placing their ballot directly into a receptacle owned by the city and located on city-owned property. He also understood concerns of voters and election workers with the threat of Covid-19 and voting in person, so possibly the voting by mail will start a movement. He wants to make sure they are doing everything possible to promote voting and making it as easy as possible for everyone. Mayor Taylor called for a roll call vote on the amendment of a $25,000 increase to provide return postage for absentee ballots for the November 2020 election. Roll Call vote on amendment: Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Koski, Radtke. No: Schmidt, Ziarko. Absent: None. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor stated they are now considering the main motion which is to introduce the Appropriations Ordinance for the Fiscal Year 2020/2021. Councilman Radtke commented he was impressed with the work Mr. Vanderpool and Ms. Varney did on this budget, especially having to eliminate $5 million from a budget that was basically done because of the anticipation of the cut in revenue-sharing. Although he is disappointed, he understands the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 23 postponement of the Sidewalk Gap program for this year in light of the extra costs incurred with the Covid-19 pandemic, but he stressed he is not giving up on it and will be looking for it next year. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski appreciated the work of all the directors, Ms. Varney, Mr. Vanderpool, and everyone else in the City who was responsible for reworking this budget. She questioned how much was cut from the budget. Ms. Varney replied they cut $5 million from the originally-planned budget. Mayor Taylor clarified that the originally-planned budget was actually $50 million less than last year, and with the additional $5 million cut in the last month, it is a total of $55 million less than last year. Councilman Yanez thanked everyone who worked hard on this budget, especially considering they had to do it a second time. He expressed disappointment that they cannot hire the six firefighters that they need, but he hoped they will have the opportunity to look at it again as they go through the year and reevaluate the budget. He commended the City for getting them through this difficult time. Councilwoman Koski congratulated Ms. Varney and her team for the great work they did on the budget. She hoped the economic situation will improve and they can hire the six firefighters by December, as well as anything else they may need for public safety programs. She added she is looking forward next year being a better year. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 24 Mayor Taylor thanked Ms. Varney for her presentation and working with Council over the last couple of weeks. He noted this has most likely been the unique budget season of any they have had in the City.. He stressed a lot is expected of their City Manager, Attorney, Department Heads and all of their employees, and he felt this has been a display of the professionalism and class that has set an example for this County and the State of Michigan. He thanked all of the department heads for being on the call tonight, and for all of their continuous updates through Administration to Council members throughout this crisis. He stressed they have been doing an incredible job to not only keep their departments running but to provide City Council with the information they need to keep the residents informed and have their questions answered. He stated they are introducing a budget that substantially saves every service relied upon by residents and businesses. Although they had to make cuts, he felt it is a budget for which the City can be proud. Mayor Taylor called for a roll call vote on the motion to introduce the Appropriations Ordinance. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether they are only voting on the introduction of the Ordinance, or whether this includes the amendment. Mayor Taylor clarified they are voting on the introduction of the Appropriations Ordinance, as amended. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 25 Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether she can vote no on the motion, adding that she had made the original motion to introduce the Appropriations Ordinance. Mr. Kaszubski replied that it has been amended, so Councilwoman Ziarko can vote no if she so chooses. Roll Call vote on original motion as amended: Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Koski, Radtke. No: Ziarko, Schmidt. Absent: None. The motion carried. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 19, 2020. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $628,238.69, Water & Sewer Fund - $83,698.18, Other Funds - $1,047,581.40, Total Checks - $1,759,518.27. C. RESOLVED, to approve the fiscal year 2020/2021 schedule of regular City Council meetings and direct the City Clerk to post notices in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for water service installations and repairs and water main valve maintenance to S&W Excavating Co., Inc., 37220 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310, for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022, at unit prices bid and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid award for two (2) additional one-year periods, upon mutual consent, at unit pricing bid. E. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Mando Construction, Inc., 75 Lafayette St., Suite 100, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043, for construction of a partition wall at the Clinton River Storage Facility at a cost of $12,240. F. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the application by FCA US, LLC for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate at 39600 Mitchell Drive. G. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating June 5th, 2020 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Sterling Heights and to encourage the wearing of orange on this day to honor and support those impacted by gun violence. H. RESOLVED, to extend the State of Emergency declaration executed by Mayor Michael C. Taylor on March 13, 2020 until such time as the State Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 26 of Emergency declared by the County of Macomb is canceled and/or conditions warrant cancellation by the City Manager after consultation with the Macomb County Emergency Management Coordinator. Yes: Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. 8. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this item is to consider nominations to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. He stated that, without objection and to avoid duplication, he would like to allow nominations of multiple members to same Boards and Commissions with same term ending to be taken together, unless someone objects to a particular nomination. If they do not have a nomination to a Board or Commission, he will pass on the nomination, and ask that they entertain one motion to postpone all of the nominations at the end, and they would be postponed to their first meeting in July, which would be Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Nominations to Planning Commission Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to nominate Lori Doughty, Nathan Inks, and Edward Kopp for consideration as appointees to the Planning Commission at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she knows each of the nominees and they have all done a good job. Yes: Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor. No: None. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Code Appeals Moved by Koski, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to nominate Thomas Szatkowski for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Code Appeals at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council Meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 27 Yes: Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez. No: None. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Ordinance Appeals I Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to nominate Michael Stickney for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals I at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Ordinance Appeals II Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to nominate Roman Stojalowski for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II (for term ending June 30, 2023) at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: None. The motion carried. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to nominate Shtjefen (Steven) Ujkic for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II (for term ending June 30, 2021) at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Councilman Radtke stated he talks with Mr. Ujkic quite often and he expressed an interest in getting involved with the City. He felt this would be a good position for Mr. Ujkic. Yes: Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke. No: None. The motion carried. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to nominate Ben Ancona for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II (for term ending June 30, 2022) at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt. No: None. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Review Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 28 Moved by Koski, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to nominate John Fenn and Raymond Nadolski for consideration as appointees to the Board of Review at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski. No: None. The motion carried. Nominations to Pension Board – Police and Fire Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, to nominate John Lamerato for consideration as an appointee to the Pension Board – Police and Fire at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Councilwoman Schmidt recalled Mayor Taylor indicated this term ends in 2022; however, her backup material indicates it ends in 2024. Mayor Taylor clarified that the electronic packet that was loaded on the City’s website indicates a term ending June 30, 2024, but the memo prepared and sent to City Council early this afternoon indicates the term ends on June 30, 2022. Ms. Ryska replied that she will need to look at it and make the clarification, but at this point, it is not necessary to include the term ending date for the nomination. She apologized for the error and assured it will be clarified by the next meeting. Yes: Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor. No: None. The motion carried. Nominations to Zoning Board of Appeals Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to nominate Devin Koski for consideration as an appointee to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Ziarko, Koski, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez. No: Radtke. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 29 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, to postpone the remaining position for the Zoning Board of Appeals not nominated at tonight’s meeting to the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this item is to consider appointments to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. Appointments to the Corridor Improvement Authority Moved by Koski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Phillip Hunsberger to the Corridor Improvement Authority to a term ending June 30, 2024, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor passed on an open position on the Corridor Improvement Authority, so this position, along with other unfilled positions, will be postponed to a future meeting. Appointments to the Economic Development Corporation / Brownfield Authority Moved by Koski, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Cynthia Orchard and Paul Palmeri to the Economic Development/Brownfield Authority to terms ending June 30, 2026, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Wayne Davis to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission to a term ending June 30, 2027, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 30 Mayor Taylor stated there is an open appointment to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission. He requested for a postponement to the September 1, 2020 City Council meeting, so it allows three months for this item to come back. He explained he is requesting it because he is going to be requesting a change to the ordinance over the Planning Commission. He noted that Planning Commission members are currently not able to serve on more than one board or commission, which he felt is an antiquated ordinance and no longer necessary under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. He noted there is another board this evening that has an opening and a Planning Commission member has expressed interest in that, so he would like to see the ordinance allow Planning Commissioners to hold dual roles. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to postpone the appointment to the vacancy on the Elected Officials Compensation Commission to the September 1, 2020 City Council meeting. Yes: Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Ethic Community Committee Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Sharron Allen, Mohammed Alomari, and William Dechavez to the Ethnic Community Committee to terms ending June 30, 2023, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Local Development Finance Authority Moved by Koski, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint David Corba, Phillip Hunsberger, Steven Pomaville, Howard Sizemore II, and Jill Tomyn to terms ending June 30, 2024, subject to the appointees meeting the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 31 qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor passed on an open position on the Local Development Finance Authority, so this position, along with other unfilled positions, will be postponed to a future meeting. Appointments to the Arts Commission Mayor Taylor noted that there are two openings on this commission, with two of the members seeking reappointment. He asked Mr. Kaszubski as to whether they are taking these one at a time. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Koski, RESOLVED, to appoint Mona Yassine to the Arts Commission to a term ending June 30, 2024, 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, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Moved by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Stacy Ziarko to the Arts Commission to a term ending June 30, 2024, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilwoman Koski noted the motion should include the wording “it being in the best interest of the City”. Mr. Kaszubski requested Councilwoman Schmidt withdraw her motion and start over. He explained that, with respect to the City’s Charter provisions, since Stacy Ziarko is a daughter of Councilwoman Ziarko, there is a requirement for a permanent finding that it is in the best interest of the City to appoint her to this Board, so that needs to be part of the motion. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 32 Councilwoman Schmidt stated she did not have the verbiage in front of her and replied she had no objection to Councilwoman Koski making the motion. Moved by Koski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, it being in the best interest of the City, to appoint Stacy Ziarko to the Arts Commission to a term ending June 30, 2024, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Beautification Commission Mayor Taylor explained that there are five positions open, with three current members seeking reappointment. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Koski, RESOLVED, to appoint Henrietta Baczewski, Sharon Mason, and Joyce Tye to the Beautification Commission to terms ending June 30, 2023, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor passed on two open positions on the Beautification Commission, one term ending June 30, 2022, and the other ending June 30, 2024, so these positions, along with other unfilled positions, will be postponed to a future meeting. Appointments to the Historical Commission Moved by Koski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Cynthia Appleton to the Historical Commission to a term ending June 30, 2023, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Library Board of Trustees Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 33 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Christopher Frezza and Wendy Popko to the Library Board of Trustees to a term ending June 30, 2023, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilman Radtke thanked Ms. Popko for stepping up and volunteering for this job, and he expressed confidence that she will serve this board well. Yes: Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Solid Waste Management Commission Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Christine Kesek to the Solid Waste Management Commission to a term ending June 30, 2023, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor passed on the remaining open position on the Solid Waste Management Commission so this position, along with other unfilled positions, will be postponed to a future meeting. Appointments to the Sustainability Commission Mayor Taylor stated this is a new commission that was recently formed just before the Covid-19 pandemic, and they have not had the opportunity to recruit for this Board. There are five openings, and so far, only one application is on file. He opened the floor to Council for anyone who would like to make an appointment. Motion by Yanez, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Mark Graff to the Sustainability Commission to a term ending June 30, 2023, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 34 Councilman Radtke inquired as to whether they can appoint Mr. Graff since it is indicated that he submitted his application past the 13-day deadline for appointment at this meeting. Mr. Kaszubski replied he would need confirmation from Ms. Ryska as to whether Mr. Graff submitted his application in time to meet the deadline. Ms. Ryska confirmed that Mr. Graff submitted his application yesterday. Councilman Yanez withdrew his motion. Mayor Taylor stated there are five openings and since no one is qualified to be appointed, he would like this item to be postponed to the July 7, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to postpone appointments to the Sustainability Commission to the July 7, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Appointments to the Youth Advisory Board Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to appoint Sarina Bedawid, Allison Habba, and Andre Konja to the Youth Advisory Board to a term ending June 30, 2021, subject to the appointees meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Councilwoman Ziarko pointed out that the nominees being appointed this evening have two weeks to take the oath of office. She questioned whether that date is two weeks from today, or whether it is two weeks from the date Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 35 they send the letter, and she further questioned when the office will be open for them to take the oath. She felt it would be helpful to clarify that. Ms. Ryska replied that they will be open to the public on Wednesday of next week. She indicated they can extend the period if they cannot come in within the fourteen-day deadline, but that would be the prerogative of Council to set that deadline. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether an extension of that time is something on which they would have to vote. Mayor Taylor questioned what will happen if these nominees do not take the oath of office within two weeks. Mr. Kaszubski replied that would mean they would not get the appointment. He advised that if they want to extend that time period, they will have to do that now. Mayor Taylor inquired as to whether all of these can be extended in one motion. Mr. Kaszubski replied affirmatively. There were no appointments to the seventeen vacant positions on the Youth Advisory Board, so he stated he will pass on this at this time. Mayor Taylor suggested they could make a motion to extend the requirement that the nominees take the oath of office within four weeks. Councilwoman Ziarko felt four weeks is fair if Ms. Ryska is not going to be in the office every day. She added it is up to how many hours she is going to work Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 36 until they are back to full staff and normal hours. She questioned whether they could get sworn in via a Zoom meeting. She wanted to make sure they are not penalized for not getting sworn in within the specified time frame. Ms. Ryska replied that she is not aware of any provisions which would not allow her to swear someone in via a Zoom meeting, so she deferred that question to Mr. Kaszubski. She clarified that she and her staff will be back in the office and open to the public beginning next Wednesday. Mayor Taylor stated they can look into the question regarding swearing in on Zoom, and they will let the nominees know if that is an option. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, to extend the period of time to June 30, 2020 for all appointees to boards and commissions to take the oath of office. Yes: Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. Postponement of Remaining Appointments Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to postpone the remaining appointments not filled at tonight’s meeting to the June 16, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Mr. Kaszubski clarified that this is a postponement of any appointments not filled tonight or rescheduled to another date. Mayor Taylor confirmed that is correct, and this motion does not include the Sustainability Commission or the Elected Officials Compensation Commission. Yes: Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke. No: None. Absent: None. The motion carried. 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor stated that the communications from citizens will be entirely via telephone conference. He explained how the comments will be taken from Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 37 those on the phone who wish to participate, indicating they will be recognized in turn and that person will be asked if they want to participate and they will have four minutes in which to speak. Ms. Catherine LaChance – in support of the proclamation of National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Sterling Heights; lost her cousin to violence; pleased to be a citizen of Sterling Heights and thanked the City for its continued support. Ms. Pam Leidlein – appreciated Council’s support of National Gun Violence Awareness Day; thanked the City for lighting the Halo orange on that day to bring noticeable awareness on M-59. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he has nothing further. Mr. Kaszubski stated he has nothing to report on this evening. Councilman Yanez offered an apology to his colleagues who felt he disparaged them in an earlier comment, and he assured it was not his intent. He knows both Councilwoman Ziarko and Councilwoman Schmidt have served this Council and the democratic process well for many years. He apologized for his passion on the issue. Mayor Taylor thanked all the directors who worked hard to prepare the budget and their continuing service to the City. Councilman Radtke questioned whether operation guidance is needed for preparation of the ballot issue they discussed at the last meeting. Mayor Taylor believed the biggest issue is the time constraints. He spoke with Mr. Kaszubski this afternoon and based on the options they presented at the last City Council meeting, Administration and legal council believe they have Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Page 38 enough direction to start preliminary discussions with the Attorney General’s office so they are not behind. Mr. Kaszubski confirmed that is correct and they have enough direction to move forward on four-year term ballot language for the Attorney General to consider, as well as whether it will be a percentage or flat number for signature reduction. He understands they will be bringing something back for the next meeting. Mayor Taylor appreciated the continued efforts on behalf of the residents to do what they can to stay safe as they go through what is turning out to be a difficult summer, but he is proud of what they have done so far. 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 Mr. Kaszubski stated there is no Closed Session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt. No: None. Absent – None. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk