City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 IN COMMUNITY CENTER 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, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Absent: Liz Sierawski. Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Sierawski. The motion carried. Mayor Taylor stated Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski is not able to be present this evening because she is attending a work training. She apologized for not being present because of her job, but indicated she will be at the next Council meeting. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool began by a reminder of the holiday schedule in observance of Labor Day, noting the city offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8. This will also cause a delay in refuse Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 2 collection, so there will be no collection on Monday, September 7, and it will be delayed one day throughout the week, with Friday’s collection taking place on Saturday. He suggested anyone with questions on the refuse schedule can visit the city’s website or call Public Works at (586) 446-2440. Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on the Census 2020, noting there are only four weeks to complete it for those who have not done so. He stated the response rate in Sterling Heights is one of the highest percentage rates in the country in their population category, with nearly eighty-four percent completed. He added they have surpassed their participation rate in 2010 at this time, and they anticipate they will end up with a rate in the high eightieth percentile. He encouraged anyone who has not completed their census to do so as soon as possible to assure everyone in the city is counted. He stressed its importance for revenue-sharing purposes and the funding of many projects for the City. Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) projects that Sterling Heights will become the third largest city in the State of Michigan, which would surpass Warren, which is currently the third largest city, so that would give Sterling Heights bragging rights as well. Mr. Vanderpool stated he is pleased to recognize a few individuals present this evening, including Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candace Miller, who is joined by her team to give an update on a number of drain projects throughout the City. He also recognized County Commissioner Rob Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 3 Mijac and County Commissioner Joe Romano who are both in the audience this evening. He invited Commissioner Miller to provide an update. Mayor Taylor thanked Public Works Commissioner Candace Miller for being here, and also welcomed Commissioner Mijac, Commissioner Romano, and Chief Deputy Public Works Commissioner Brian Baker. Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candace Miller also recognized Chief Deputy Brian Baker for his very good career in Sterling Heights for many years as their Finance Director, and added he is now doing a fantastic job for the Public Works office in his position as Deputy Chief. She also recognized County Commissioners Joe Romano and Rob Mijac, adding that many of these projects would not be done without the input and support of both of these County Commissioners. She added that she will also be recognizing two members of her team, Mr. Jeff Bednar, Environmental Engineer, and Mr. Steve Downing, Construction Engineer. She stated she is proud as County Drain Commissioner to recognize Sterling Heights as being an important community, and she added a critical component of economic prosperity is making sure they have a good infrastructure in place. She indicated that many people do not give much thought to the relief drains, but when there is a heavy rain, they become very important to make sure there is not flooding on roadways or in neighborhoods. She explained that in the last three or four years since she has been in her position, they have done a number of drain inspections in the City of Sterling Heights, and she stated they will be talking about three principal Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 4 issues this evening, to be followed by a question and answer period on these projects or any other issues for which they have questions. One of the projects involves the Sterling Relief Drain, which is one of the largest drains in Macomb County, intersecting with Macomb and Oakland County, running between 15 Mile and 16 Mile Roads, extending to behind Freedom Hill County Park. She advised they have done a project involving approximately two-and-a-half miles of the approximate five-mile length of the drain. She stressed this was all done with grant funds and no assessment to citizens of Sterling Heights or Macomb County. She explained culverts were commonly installed years ago, but they have found that if they can remove some of these hard culverts and replace them with a more natural system, it is much better for the environment. They plant species that are native to the area, which has worked out very well, and they also serve as good pollinators and provide a good environment for the critters living in the area. She assured they need to make sure it drains, but they are also cognizant of aesthetics when completed. Ms. Miller stated they will also talk about the Gibson Plumbrook Drain and their plans for short-term as well as long-term solutions for that drain. She stated they will also talk about their Hildebrandt Drain Pump Station, one of a number of pump stations in the County that had been neglected for a long time and needed a lot of work. She noted this particular drain handles approximately 330 acres involving a beautiful residential area with some commercial development as well. She commented that they had literally completed the work on the pump and the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 5 very next day they had a deluge of rain; however, the pump worked exactly as needed. County Commissioner Candace Miller invited Mr. Jeff Bednar to review the Sterling Drain. Environmental Engineer Jeff Bednar provided some history of the Sterling Relief Drain, constructed in the 1960’s and conceived as a flow-through for the cities of Troy and Sterling Heights to go from the northern parts of those communities. The idea was to take the flow away as quickly as possible from expanding neighborhoods. A four-foot diameter concrete pipe was installed to serve as an underdrain system, so when it rained, the water would go into this underground pipe and be taken away. During the floods, they determined they needed a larger channel, and he reviewed the subsequent history of that drain. He noted that they realized they had to look at ways to improve water quality so they would not be taking in all of the pollution running off the roads and from the industrial corridors into this system without treatment. They opted to “daylight” the drain and force the water to come up to the surface, where plants can absorb that water and the nutrients. They sought help and applied for money from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to support them in converting this drain from a traditional drain to one that can also have water quality benefit, which also has a side benefit of creating habitat. They received a total of $1,852,183, which is the largest award ever in the Sustain the Great Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 6 Lakes program, and they were able to work on about two-and-a-half miles of the drain at no cost to Macomb County taxpayers or to any of the residents of Sterling Heights. He provided details on how they “daylight” the water level and showed a series of photos through a PowerPoint presentation. He explained they planted in three zones, and in one of those zones, they planted approximately 250 to 300 trees to increase the tree canopy and to absorb the water. They also planted pollinators, which have a deep root system to break up the clays and allow more water to infiltrate the area, in addition to attracting butterflies. He noted in the bottom of the retention cells, where they may store eighteen inches to two feet of water once or twice a month after larger rains, they planted approximately 135,000 native plugs of species that love the water. In this case, they will either take up the water or it will be recharged to the ground. He talked about the amount of pollution that is taken up by these plants, and it is significant. Mr. Bednar explained they received a grant from ITC so they can water the trees, so they were able to purchase a water trailer. They have a NFWF Resilience Grant in the amount of $300,000 to work on another phase of this behind Freedom Hill and up to Schoenherr Road. He noted they also applied for an EGLE 319 Implementation Grant in the amount of $500,000, so they are working to build the next phase of this project. Mr. Bednar provided some information on the Gibson/Plumbrook Drain, noting it is comprised of a collection of legal drains, but it is not one unified plan for how to maintain this area of Sterling Heights. He explained they have met with Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 7 Sterling Heights, Troy and Rochester Hills to talk about ways they could establish this as one consistent drain, so that when there is a need for cleanouts, inspections or repairs, the cost will be shared by all users and not just on Sterling Heights. He showed pictures of the drain, pointing out the bank erosion and the resulting sandbars. They are working on a fair and equitable way to share the cost in fixing this problem. He introduced Mr. Stephen Downing to talk about the Hildebrandt Drain. Construction Manager Stephen Downing provided an update on the Hildebrandt Drain through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. This drain services approximately 330 acres and acts as a regional detention basin. During dry weather water flows through a twelve-inch straight-through gravity sewer and during rain events it flows into the wet well of the pump station, where it is pumped down Hayes Road. When the wet well structure was evaluated in “fair condition” in 2019, they compared refurbishment with replacement and the cost was nearly equal. The pumps were at the end of their useful life and the electrical system was dated. They opted to design and install a new pump station, and he described the scope of work, including a new wet well, new electrical, SCADA integration, and a new fence and some trees planted along Hayes Road, with an anticipated completion in September 2020. He showed the site plan and construction photos of the project as it has been progressing. He stated the new pump station was tested and activated on August 27, 2020, and it performed on August 28, 2020 during a rain event. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 8 The total project cost is $840,000, funded with existing Sterling Heights drain funds, so no special assessment was required. They have begun removal of the existing pump station, and the decorative fence will be installed last, along with some site restoration work. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for questions from the Council members. Councilwoman Ziarko stated the Sterling Relief Drain is along part of her walking route, so she agreed it needed some improvement. She expressed concern as to its appearance from the road or the sidewalk, and felt it could use a little more housekeeping, including maintenance along the fence, edging along the sidewalk and possibly six feet in. She noticed there is hardware on one side of the gate to make it stationary, but nothing in the ground to stabilize it, so when it is windy, one side of the gate is concave and the other side is convex. She emphasized it is not a criticism but she noticed it because she is walking past it frequently. She appreciated all of the hard work that has been done and she can see the progress. She is glad Mr. Bednar explained some of what is going to happen in the future with all of these improvements. She thanked Commissioner Miller and her team for putting the time, money, and efforts into taking care of their drain system. Commissioner Miller thanked Councilwoman Ziarko for her comments and knows her team has taken note of her constructive input. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she realizes there is more standing water than there used to be because they are allowing it to drain into the ground rather Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 9 than carrying it out to the lake. She has received some calls from residents expressing concerns about mosquitoes from the standing water. She questioned whether there is something they are doing to address the mosquito issues. Mr. Bednar replied that when they built the bioretention cells, they put underdrains in them so the water will be drained within forty-eight to seventy- two hours, which is before the mosquitoes can breed. Mayor Taylor thanked Commissioner Miller for being at the meeting tonight, and they appreciated the very informative presentation. He felt the City of Sterling Heights also agrees they have to be functional, but if they can do it in a way that improves the quality of life and makes it look better for their residents and the neighborhoods, they try to do that. He appreciated her leadership at the County. Mr. Vanderpool stated that concludes his report this evening. 6. 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 commented. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 18, 2020. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $969,731.75, Water & Sewer Fund - $105,732.69, Other Funds - $1,755,728.14, Total Checks - $2,831,192.58. C. RESOLVED, to purchase park and nature trail amenities from PlayCore Wisconsin, Inc., d/b/a GameTime, 150 Playcore Drive SE, Fort Payne, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 10 Alabama 35967, at unit pricing available through an OMNIA Partners / US Communities cooperative RFP, Contract #2017001134, in the cumulative amount of $99,889.65. D. RESOLVED, to purchase one (1) LIFEPAK 15 V4 cardiac monitor/defibrillator and ancillary equipment from Stryker Medical, PO Box 93308, Chicago, IL 60673-3308, in the amount of $32,794.11. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for storm and sanitary sewer repairs to Superior Excavating, Inc., 2420 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, as primary, and V.I.L. Construction, Inc., 6670 Sims Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, as secondary, based on the respective unit prices bid for a one-year period, with an option for the City Manager to extend the bid term one additional year upon mutual consent under the same terms and conditions. F. RESOLVED, to: A) Award the bid to C&G Newspapers, 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089, and designate the Sterling Heights Sentry as the primary official city newspaper for publication of legal notices and advertisements for a one-year period based on the following unit prices: • One full page at $400.00 • Column inch at $8.00 • Classified help wanted per line at $1.45 • On-line only at $50.00 per advertisement B) Designate the Macomb Daily as the secondary official city newspaper for publication of legal notices and advertisements for a one-year period based on the following unit prices: • Column inch at $12.00 • Fee for Affidavit of Publication $11.00 • Fee for Online Publication $20.00 G. RESOLVED, to waive competitive bidding requirements in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(a) and accept the proposal by LGC Global Energy FM, LLC, 7310 Woodward Avenue, Suite 500, Detroit, MI 48202, for COVID 19 disinfecting services within City facilities at a cost of $12,145.40 per month. H. RESOLVED, to approve the maintenance plan with Applied Imaging, 46620 Ryan Ct., Novi, MI 48377, for multi-function and single-function devices and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. I. RESOLVED, to approve the municipal advisory service agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and Northland Securities, Inc., 150 South Fifth Street, Suite 3300, Minneapolis, MN 55402 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement and extend its term an additional three years upon mutual consent. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 11 J. RESOLVED, to approve the Purchase Agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and DTE Electric Company for the installation of street lighting on 18 Mile Road, from Van Dyke to Mound Road, City Project #20-374, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City. K. RESOLVED, to approve the cost share agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and Macomb County Department of Roads for Utica Road Asphalt Resurfacing, from Schoenherr Road to Hayes Road, and 18 Mile Road Asphalt Resurfacing, from Dequindre Road to Ryan Road, subject to approval by the Macomb County Department of Roads, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the city of Sterling Heights. L. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution urging the Sterling Heights Postmaster to implement all measures to ensure timely mail delivery of absentee ballots to the City Clerk for the November 3rd election. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Sierawski. The motion carried. 7. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to City of Sterling Heights boards and commissions. He opened the floor for comments from the public, but no one spoke. Elected Officials Compensation Commission Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to postpone the appointment to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission to the October 6, 2020 regular City Council meeting. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Sierawski. The motion carried. Sustainability Commission Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Nathan Inks to the Sustainability Commission to a term ending June 30, 2021, 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, September 1, 2020 Page 12 Councilman Radtke stated he supports Mr. Inks to join this commission because it was partly his idea to form the commission. He approached members of City Council with the suggestion that it would be wonderful to not only talk about solid waste or recycling, but if they had a commission that would research the best practices. He added that Mr. Inks is a member of the Planning Commission, but Council has revised the rules and he can now be appointed. He felt Mr. Inks will be a wonderful addition. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Sierawski. The motion carried. Youth Advisory Board Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Clara Barsoum and Zion Williams to the Youth Advisory Board to terms 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, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Sierawski. The motion carried. 12. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from citizens. • Mr. Charles Jefferson – Police Chief should explain what City is doing to prevent events from occurring here that are taking place across the country; suggested purchase of more non-lethal weapons for police; questioned status of a case that occurred about a month ago. 13. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated in response to Mr. Jefferson’s comments, the Sterling Heights Police Department utilizes non-lethal weapons and it is advantageous in many situations. The City Council recently approved an upgrade of their taser replacement system, and they have other forms of non-lethal weapons. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 13 They have had numerous protests in and around Sterling Heights over the last few months, and he is proud to say they have had no arrests or points of conflict or any of the problems being encountered throughout the country. He attributed a lot of that to good police work, noting they are going through a thorough accreditation process which requires that every standard operating procedure and guideline be reviewed and updated accordingly, and that any and all best practices are identified in part of their day-to-day operations. He is hopeful this trend continues in Sterling Heights. He also pointed out they have a very strong collaboration with community groups across the City, including the Drug Free Coalition, and the new African American Coalition, for which they have had two meetings and outstanding participation. He felt all of this is helping to ensure that Sterling Heights can continue to be a model for other communities. Councilman Yanez commented the update from Commissioner Miller this evening was very appropriate, and he pointed out the Clinton River Watershed Council has its annual River Clean-Up Day on September 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. He stated he is excited this year to host the clean-up of the Plumbrook Drain, and he invited his colleagues on City Council to join him if they would like. He noted it is hard dirty work and they pick up a lot of trash through the drain, and this year they have a very large blockage, so he will be contacting Commissioner Miller’s office for help on the removal because they will need heavy equipment. He encouraged those who have waders and gloves to bring Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 14 them but indicated they will have some supplies for those who need them. He added they will also be providing snacks and water. He explained he will be posting more information on his Facebook page, but encouraged anyone needing more information to email him. He stated he attended the African American Coalition meeting and it was a phenomenal event, with a very informative presentation on equity and equality. He stressed the ideas and support coming out of this is very uplifting, and he added that the Police Chief gave a presentation that evening on everything the Police Department is doing to try to alleviate any problems they are seeing across the country. He stated with everything going on, he wants to publicly say he supports the police, he supports Black Lives Matter and the issues that are causing all the problems in this country; however, he stressed all first responders are men and women who want to go home at night and they have a very stressful job. He felt mental health care is important for them, and they should have the help they need in this area. Councilwoman Schmidt attended the African American Coalition Meeting that was held on Zoom. She felt it is phenomenal to see residents who never thought they could engage with their community now happy to be there and to have their voices heard. She stated she is there to listen and to learn, and she appreciated those residents who have stepped up to take the time and lead this. Councilwoman Schmidt stated the paving of Utica Road, from Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 15 Schoenherr to Hayes, was approved on their Consent Agenda this evening, and she inquired as to the time frame. Mr. Vanderpool replied he does not have the exact time schedule but it will be done this construction season. He informed that Utica Road has to get done this year, along with 18 Mile Road, and some additional work on Metro Parkway. He informed that Schoenherr Road, which is a big county project that will be started this year, will not be completed this construction season. He reiterated that Utica Road will be completed by the end of this construction season, which they anticipate will be around December. He replied to further inquiry that Hayes, from Moravian to 14 Mile, will also be done this construction season. He stated they were able to get a good jump on their road projects, even when they were working remotely during Covid-19, and all of their neighborhood road projects are well underway, with many completed. He advised that Saal Road is about halfway done, and 19 Mile Road is well under construction. The County is starting their projects now, but they are projects that will be completed this year, with the exception of Schoenherr. Councilwoman Koski stated she has been watching the Planning Commission and Zoning Board meetings and they have had some challenging cases lately. She recalled they had said that anyone appointed to Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals should take classes so they know how to handle these situations. She requested that Mr. Vanderpool provide them with a report to let Council know what classes they have been given, who has attended them, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 16 and what is planned. She questioned whether they are coming back for continuing education regarding changes in the law, even if they are long-time members of the commission or board, and whether they are given any type of legal classes where they know how to handle different situations. She would appreciate the information in case there is something they need to do to get these members additional training. Mr. Vanderpool assured he would be happy to put that report together. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether the Planning Commissioners and Zoning Board of Appeals members have been given iPads so everyone is able to make their notes and bring them to the meeting. Mr. Vanderpool provided a brief update and stated he will follow up with more details. He explained it is their hope in the near future, possibly in the next budget cycle, to be able to get all Planning and ZBA members iPads and get them fully integrated. He added those are the two boards that need them, and the Ordinance Board of Appeals have iPads assigned to them when the come to the meeting. Some members on Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals prefer to use their own equipment because it is more portable. He admitted it has been a challenge but they are working on it. He indicated he will provide a better report on who has been assigned iPads, and they have had an upgrade on iPads for some of their groups, so they have a small inventory of used iPads that they can assign on an as-needed basis. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether the Boards receive legal advice. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 17 Mr. Vanderpool replied that the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission members receive actual classroom training every year on a rotating basis through the Macomb County Planning Extension office. He added the attorney and his legal team provide regular legal training to both groups, and they have done that consistently throughout the years. He agreed there have been some complex issues regarding land use law, so it is better for them to have more training. Councilwoman Koski inquired as to whether the members are able to communicate with each other prior to the meetings. Mr. Vanderpool replied that the City Planner and the legal liaisons arrive at the meetings early and often plans are made available. They can have collaboration before the meeting if there are questions, and that is the best means of coordination. He noted they also have periodic workshop sessions where they can get a preview of what may be on the horizon, and special training is available. Councilwoman Koski stated she was looking at the background on some of their issues, and most of their meetings have been through the Zoom Meeting format and not face-to-face, which was her concern. Councilwoman Ziarko commented the recent meeting of the African-American Coalition was their second meeting, and it was the second meeting she attended. She recalled the first meeting when she had the opportunity to introduce herself, and she asked them to teach her what they know. She Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 18 understood that they do not record the meetings, but she questioned whether there are minutes from the meetings. Mr. Vanderpool replied they do not have formal minutes but they take good notes. He added the good thing about the Zoom format is that they have a history of any comments that come up on the chat session. The PowerPoint presentations are saved and can be used for follow-up information. He reiterated they do not take formal minutes similar to City Council, but it is something they can do in the future. Councilwoman Ziarko commented that the Coalition has become so popular that it will not be long before they will have a waiting list or a rotating group of people that come to the meetings. She pointed out all of the groups that want to be involved, including residents, business owners, and clergy members. It is a great learning experience for anyone who wants to listen, but one of the key issues that is raised all the time is mental health. She recalled with their Youth Advisory Board recently came before Council to outline their five goals to work on and their plans to reach those goals. She pointed out that mental health involves all ages, especially with the ongoing pandemic. She felt it was the right timing for this Coalition and she is looking forward to their next meeting and learning more. 14. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 15. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 1, 2020 Page 19 16. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated he has nothing tonight. 17. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No: None. Absent: Sierawski. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk