City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 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, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool advised the community about an important property maintenance issue they will begin enforcing, explaining that per City code, holiday decorative lights must be removed no more than sixty (60) days after the holiday for which they are displayed. All of the Christmas holiday decorations must now be taken down, and they are politely asking residents who may still have them up to take them down as soon as possible, adding that they do not like to issue the violations but have to enforce the ordinance. Mr. Vanderpool stated that on tonight’s Consent Agenda, there is a Resolution recognizing a Sterling Heights Drug-Free Coalition celebration of Black Balloon Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 2 Day on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 5 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 12500 Canal Road. He explained the event will take place outside in the parking lot and attendees will be able to sit in their vehicles to promote social distancing. He encouraged everyone to look at the Resolution and understand the importance of this event. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by requesting that, at the conclusion of tonight’s agenda, the City Council convene in Closed Session pursuant to Section 8-C of the Open Meetings Act, for Council meet in connection with the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements. 6. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Taylor stated this is a swearing-in ceremony for the new Fire Chief Kevin Edmond and eight (8) new Sterling Heights Firefighters. He invited Mr. Vanderpool to give a presentation. Mr. Vanderpool stated the Sterling Heights Fire Department is one of the top- rated fire departments in the country, and this distinction comes with decades of hard work from the men and women who make up the department, including past, present, and future recruits. He stated the City’s long history of excellence continues this evening with the swearing in of the City’s new Fire Chief and eight new firefighters. Mr. Vanderpool stated Fire Chief Edmond commenced employment with the City yesterday, having formerly served as the Fire Chief in the Collinsville Fire Department in Illinois since 2017. He outlined Chief Edmond’s previous experience, positions held, his degrees, and he stressed the City is pleased to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 3 have Chief Edmond joining the City’s leadership team. He is confident the Chief will make a great addition to lead the City forward. He invited City Clerk Melanie Ryska to administer the departmental Oath of Office of the Fire Chief. City Clerk Melanie Ryska administered the departmental Oath of Office to Fire Chief Edmond. Fire Chief Edmond thanked the Council, Mayor, and City Manager for giving him this opportunity. He thanked Assistant Fire Chief Ed Miller for running the organization prior to his start of employment with the City, and he looks forward to Assistant Chief Miller’s support in the future. He introduced Assistant Fire Chief Miller to swear in the eight new firefighters. Assistant Fire Chief Ed Miller introduced the eight new firefighters, adding that the first two were actually hired on October 19, 2020; however, Covid caused them to make some adjustments to the swearing-in process. He introduced Pierre Youhana and Ryan Gatny, who started in October. He explained they added six additional firefighters who started yesterday, with the assistance of a FEMA SAFER grant. He introduced them and outlined their training and experience. Assistant Fire Chief Ed Miller performed the swearing in of the eight (8) new firefighters: Pierre Youhana, Ryan Gatny, Alexander Rolling, Ashley Brouwer, Jacob Stichhaller, Matthew Perkins, Donovan Huber, and La’Porscha Jones. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 4 Each of the eight firefighters spoke briefly about their gratitude for the opportunity to work for the City, and they thanked those who have supported them along the way as well as those who provided them with this opportunity. Councilman Radtke stated he is excited to see so many young people going into public service. He felt there is nothing more fulfilling than helping out their neighbors and their community. He thanked them, especially during this time of Covid, which he suspected is one of the biggest strains on the Fire Department that they have ever experienced. He expressed confidence that they will get the ISO 1 rating they have been working for. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski welcomed the Chief and the new firefighters to Sterling Heights, and stressed the City is happy to have them. She felt their presence will make all of the residents safer, and she is thrilled they now have four females in their department. She applauded all of them. Councilman Yanez congratulated Chief Edmond and the eight new firefighters. He stressed it is a great job, and he was confident they will have great careers in Sterling Heights, which has a premier fire department in the State of Michigan. Councilwoman Koski congratulated and welcomed the Chief and new firefighters to Sterling Heights, adding they have chosen the best fire department in the State of Michigan and in the nation. She noted the firefighters will have the opportunity to learn much more, will have a great time, and she added the Mayor and Council are always there to support them. She urged them to stay safe. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 5 Councilwoman Ziarko welcomed the Chief and new firefighters to one of the best cities in the country. She recognized the efforts of Assistant Fire Chief Miller in keeping the department running over the last several months, and she thanked him for his efforts and professionalism, adding she was very impressed with his service to the City. Councilwoman Schmidt welcomed the new firefighters, and she expressed confidence that they will all be a great asset. She stressed that they need to do what they have to in order to be safe. She added that the City’s training is impeccable and they will make sure they have everything needed. She welcomed the Chief and his family to Sterling Heights, and she is looking forward to his long relationship with the City. She agreed with Councilwoman Ziarko and commended Assistant Chief Miller for doing a fantastic job in leading the way over the last several months, adding she is very appreciative. Mayor Taylor thanked the new Chief and the eight new firefighters. He commented that many of them come from a line of firefighters in their families, and there is pride that comes with that. He acknowledged many of them referred to the Sterling Heights Fire Department as a “destination department.” He stressed there is a tradition of excellence in every department in the City, and they try to push forward on everything they do to deliver the highest level of service possible. He stated the City is proud to have them, a lot is expected from them, but he added they would not be here if they could not deliver on that. He wished them well and asked them to do everything they can for the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 6 The meeting recessed at 7:26 p.m. and reconvened at 7:35 p.m. 7. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider introduction of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the east side of Van Dyke, north of 15 Mile Road, in Section 27, from C-3 (General Business District) to M-1 (Light Industrial District); Case PZ20-0003. He invited City Planner Chris McLeod to give a presentation. City Planner Chris McLeod stated the consideration of introduction for a map amendment from C-3 to M-1 is on the agenda this evening; however, the applicant has requested a postponement of this request for at least thirty (30) days. Mr. McLeod provided a brief introduction, noting this property is just over ten acres and the proposed use is unknown at this time, although they have defined it as a warehouse or distribution center. The site would remain essentially as is, with some landscaping improvements, as well as minor building and parking lot improvements, but with no other significant changes. He reiterated the applicant has requested the postponement, although he stated he would be glad to give a further presentation if the Mayor and City Council would like. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. • Mr. Charles Jefferson – opposed to another warehouse or storage facility; suggested they come back with a different use; would like to see redevelopment of the area into an entertainment corridor. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to postpone indefinitely consideration of the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the east side of Van Dyke, north of 15 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 7 Mile Road, in Section 27, from C-3 (General Business District) to M-1 (Light Industrial District); Case PZ20-0003-Phil Ruggeri. Mayor Taylor questioned whether an indefinite postponement is debatable. Mr. Kaszubski replied affirmatively. Mayor Taylor questioned how an indefinite postponement comes back to City Council. Mr. Kaszubski replied they would look for the applicant to make a substantial change to the application, and that would make administration bring it back to Council in the future. Mayor Taylor indicated he was requesting a definite postponement. He questioned whether there would be anything that would stop the petitioner from coming back in the next fifteen to thirty days to request to be placed on the agenda for the second meeting in April. Mr. Kaszubski replied that if it is postponed indefinitely, they would like to see a substantial change. If it is postponed to a date certain, they would not need to go through that step. Mayor Taylor stated he spoke with the petitioner’s attorney this morning, and they asked for a thirty-day postponement. It was his understanding they would be taking action to postpone for thirty days rather than an indefinite postponement. He would prefer to see a postponement to a certain date. Councilwoman Schmidt withdrew her motion on the floor. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to postpone the consideration of the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the east side of Van Dyke, north of 15 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 8 Mile Road, in Section 27, from C-3 (General Business District) to M-1 (Light Industrial District); Case PZ20-0003-Phil Ruggeri, to the April 20, 2021 Regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried. 8. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 51, Article III of the City Code to update and enhance regulations governing the preservation of trees. City Planner Chris McLeod replied to inquiry that he has nothing to add unless Council has further questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Jon Matthews – as a member of the Sustainability Commission, this was discussed extensively; they considered a variety of trees and made sure it was not exceptionally onerous on any developers; felt this is part of a larger roadmap the City can take in the coming years. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to adopt the ordinance amending Chapter 51, Article III of the City Code to update and enhance regulations governing the preservation of trees. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski outlined some of the points she felt are important in this update, including increasing the Tree Preservation requirement on a property from 37 percent to 50 percent; eliminating the exclusion of non- desirable trees, including scrub trees; requiring 100 percent replacement of landmark trees which have a certain size and age; require replacement of the trees on site; and streamline tree preservation process. She felt it is a great start to get the City’s tree canopy back, adding that they have not quite recovered from the damage of the Emerald Ash borer. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 9 Councilman Radtke agreed with Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski, and he clarified that this does not apply to owner-occupied homes. It applies to new development, commercial development, and vacant land. Yes: All. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the west side of Van Dyke, south of Metropolitan Parkway, in Section 28, from M-1 (Light Industrial District) to C-3 (General Business District); Case PZ20-0004 – Paul Duncan. City Planner Chris McLeod replied to inquiry that he has nothing to add unless Council has further questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the west side of Van Dyke, south of Metropolitan Parkway, in Section 28, from M-1 (Light Industrial District) to C-3 (General Business District); Case PZ20-0004, subject to the terms and conditions of the conditional rezoning agreement that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign on behalf of the City. Councilman Yanez noted presentations were made in February, and he recalled they all agreed this is a nice project. He is looking forward to having them in the City. Yes: All. The motion carried. 9. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 10 Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 16th, 2021. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $872,656.75, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,380,821.15, Other Funds - $2,037,888.43, Total Checks - $6,291,366.33. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for right-of-way irrigation system maintenance to Techseven Company, P.O. Box 182247, Shelby Township, MI 48318, for the period of April 1, 2021 to November 30, 2023, at unit prices bid. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for maintenance of irrigation systems at municipal sites and park restroom water systems to Techseven Company, P.O. Box 182247, Shelby Township, MI 48318, for the period of April 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022, at unit prices bid. E. RESOLVED, to: 1. Purchase laboratory equipment from Labconco Corporation, 8811 Prospect Ave., Kansas City, MO 64132 at pricing available through a General Services Administration cooperative purchasing contract, #GS-07F-0441X, in the amount of $24,276.55; and 2. Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $24,276.55 from State Forfeiture Fund reserves. F. RESOLVED, to accept a proposal by Allied Building Services of Detroit, Inc., 1801 Howard Street, Detroit, MI 48216, for the design and construction of a three-season building at pricing available through MiDeal cooperative purchasing contract, #00861, at a total cost of $356,200 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents.. G. RESOLVED, to purchase the OnBase Boards and Commissions Process Management software module and professional IT technical services from Applied Imaging, LLC, 5555 Glenwood Hills Parkway, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, at a total cost of $23,325 and authorize the City Manager sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. H. RESOLVED, to approve the Letter of Agreement between the County of Macomb and City of Sterling Heights for participation in the 2021 Gypsy Moth Suppression Program at a cost of $37,265 and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney. I. RESOLVED, to approve the Settlement Agreement and Release in resolution of Awni Safadi v Ryan Braathen; US District Court Eastern District of Michigan, Case No. 2:19-cv-11022, and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. J. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating March 6, 2021 as Black Balloon Day in the City of Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 11 K. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution authorizing a resident taxpayer to file a protest before the Board of Review by letter in lieu of a personal appearance by the taxpayer or his or her agent pursuant to Section 30(8) of the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893, (MCL 211.30(8)). L. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the application by Sunbyrnes Properties LLC for a Planned Unit Development on approximately 4.38 acres situated on the west side of Mound Road, south of Hall Road, PPUD20-0003. M. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Robert Fort v Sterling Heights Police Department, 41A District Court Case No. S-20-2598-GZ. Yes: All. The motion carried. 10. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider the application by Casadei Structural Steel, Inc. to amend the final cost of the real property investment made pursuant to Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate (IFEC) No. 2018- 140 at 40675 Mound Road. He invited Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner to give a presentation. Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner explained this item is the result of a postponement from the February 16 meeting. This application is from Casadei Structural Steel, Inc. to amend the previous Tax Abatement to add an increase in cost for the project. He explained on October 16, 2018, the original abatement was approved by City Council for 25,950 square foot expansion to its current facility on Mound Road. The total cost of the project of real and personal property was $5.9 million at that time, with $1.3 million of that being for the actual real property investment. On November 17, 2020, Casadei Steel submitted an amendment for the final cost of the real property investment and are seeking to increase the improved amount of the real property investment by Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 12 $1,753,019 from the previous $1,369,272, for a total of $3,122,291. He stated that new cost is based on adding a new receiving bay and a new material transfer bay as well. The real property investment will also increase the total overall real estate property taxes for the seven-year term by an additional $47,390 to the City, and an additional $52,790 to the schools. Mr. Bonner stated that Casadei Steel started on 19-1/2 Mile Road in a small building and has grown exponentially since approximately 2000. They purchased a larger building on Mound Road that was in very bad disrepair and based on the renovation of that building and the expansion they just concluded, it has become a model facility for their industry. Mr. Bonner explained that Mr. Paul Calmi, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Casadei Steel, Inc., is present tonight to answer questions. Casadei Steel’s CFO Paul Calmi thanked the Mayor and Council for considering their application. He advised that they are open for business and need help, so he urged residents to apply for these employment positions. He invited City Council to stop in to see their facility and what they do. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution approving the application by Casadei Structural Steel, Inc. to amend the final project cost of the real property investment made pursuant to Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate No. 2018-140 at 40675 Mound Road. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she and Councilwoman Schmidt had the opportunity to tour Casadei Steel, and it was very interesting. She stated she is in favor of this request. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 13 Councilwoman Schmidt questioned what jobs are available. She commended them on specifically welcoming residents of Sterling Heights. Mr. Calmi replied they are in need of machine operators, welders, structural fitters, structural steel engineers, and computer data entry positions. He urged those interested in employment to come in and apply. Yes: All. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider an appointment to the City of Sterling Heights Board of Review. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Mark Magni to the Board of Review to a term ending June 30, 2022, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: All. The motion carried. 11. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from citizens. • Charles Jefferson – questioned length of time allowed to remove snow from sidewalks after a citation is issued; standards on how well sidewalks are cleared; activities to recognize Women’s History Month in March; talked about recent police incident. • Jon Matthews – congratulated new firefighters; liked positivity of welcoming them to the community, adding it is a necessity to keep the City safe; hoped for same positivity in welcoming all new hires to the City. 12. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool replied to Mr. Jefferson’s question that sidewalks must be clear of snow within 24 hours after a snow event, pursuant to the City’s ordinance. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 14 Councilwoman Ziarko commended the City’s vaccination center, and explained she began volunteering there. In her training session, she found out this has become Fire Captain Will Walker’s full-time job to set up this center, and he had mentioned in his introduction that after 9/11 and the concern for bioterrorism, many people were trained in mass vaccinations, including himself. He commented that, after nearly twenty years since that training, he felt many others who were trained at that time are now retired. She is so impressed with the operation but is aware there are still people in the community concerned about getting vaccinated. She announced that the Chamber is having a Facebook event, with the panel including members of the different hospital networks speaking to residents about not being afraid to be vaccinated. She requested that the information on this event be posted on the Sterling Heights Facebook page. She also suggested the City have some stickers to distribute saying “I’ve been vaccinated at the Sterling Heights Senior Center.” She requested, without objection, to have Administration place the recommendation of the Elected Officials Compensation Commission regarding Mayor and City Council’s salaries on the March 16, 2021 regular Council Meeting for consideration, and she further requested they include the public packet of information they were provided, along with the unofficial minutes. Mayor Taylor asked the Council members if there is any objection to Councilwoman Ziarko’s request, and no one objected. Mr. Kaszubski replied he has clear direction on Councilwoman Ziarko’s request. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 15 Councilman Yanez questioned whether the City has a final tally on the number of tickets issued for vehicles not removed during the latest snow emergency. Mr. Vanderpool replied they issued just over 400 tickets, and he can follow up with an exact number. Councilman Yanez stated he put out a Facebook post to ask why people are not moving their cars when there is a snow emergency, and the responses were interesting. Some claimed they did not know they could get emails and text messages, others complained that people in their neighborhood never move their cars and never get ticketed, and one woman complained that she had to pay $40 to have the front of her driveway plowed because her neighbor parked in front of her house and the plow could not clear around it. He understood 400 tickets is only 1 percent of the residential properties, but he would still like to see that number reduced, possibly by finding another way to notify people. He felt they need to move to progressive fines. Councilman Yanez also inquired as to the last time the City has held a city-wide mock disaster. Mr. Vanderpool replied this year with Covid has been a very good tabletop exercise, and the City has performed remarkably well. He indicated they have historically held tabletop exercises in conjunction with the Police and Fire Departments for mock disasters, and as a result, they have procedures set up with the high schools, where they could evacuate individuals to Stevenson High School, depending upon the nature of the event. They have warming facilities identified in the event of a major power outage in cold temperatures, although Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 16 thankfully they have not had to activate a number of those situations. He agreed it is something they can always do more of, especially since over the last year, training has been sidelined in order to focus on the emergency at hand. They are still addressing the current emergencies with the pandemic but he appreciated the inquiry, and he assured they will continue to be focused on that in the future. Councilman Yanez felt it is a great opportunity with the new Fire Chief to look at something later in summer or early fall to do something on a much larger scale. He reiterated Black Balloon Day, acknowledging that people are still dying of overdoses every day. He addressed the citizen’s comment about Women’s History Month, and although some do not feel that individuals or groups should be recognized as being different from others, but he stated every time there is a special recognition, he learns something. He suggested possibly a Resolution recognizing Women’s History Month in Sterling Heights could be drafted for the next City Council meeting. Councilwoman Schmidt congratulated Parks & Recreation Director Kyle Langlois and his entire department for their flexibility over the last year, from hosting Council meetings, hosting the election, closing the Senior Center, and hosting the Election Center and now the vaccination center there. She felt they have done it without a complaint. Councilman Radtke felt the vaccination program the City is hosting is amazing. He felt the City has moved as fast as possible to help their residents get Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 17 vaccinated, with the former Sear’s drive-thru facility for Phase 2, and the current Senior Center for Phase 1, he noted they are doing it without having their own health department. He indicated this is a testament to their firefighters and to Assistant Chief Miller, who served as Interim Chief and did a wonderful job. He requested that Mr. Vanderpool talk about the City’s recent approval for being vaccinators in Phase 2. Mr. Vanderpool replied they are excited to announce the news that, in addition to the vaccination center the City is now operating at the Senior Center, where they are very well-organized and currently administering approximately 100 vaccinations per day, they have applied through the State’s Department of Health and Human Services to become what they believe is the State’s first city without a certified health department to become approved as a provider to receive vaccine doses. To date, only certified health departments, hospitals, and some pharmacies have been approved. Sterling Heights will be the first city, or one of the first, to actually receive vaccines. In order to do that, they set up a partnership with Beaumont Health System to store the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in cold storage to meet their protocol. They had to have a facility in which to administer the vaccines, so to provide vaccines to the mass population in Sterling Heights, they needed a different facility other than the Senior Center. City Council approved a lease to run a vaccination center out of the closed Sear’s Auto facility at Lakeside Mall. They are current renovating that facility and making sure everything is presentable and in working order for drive-thru Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 18 vaccinations. He emphasized it is ideally located and there is ample parking, and they got a great deal on the lease. He anticipated they will be able to handle hundreds of vaccinations per day at the new site. They are working with the health care provider, who will provide the software to schedule the appointments and provide personnel, although there will be some cost-sharing to supplement the City’s personnel for what they anticipate will be one of the best vaccination centers in southeastern Michigan. He recognized the Mayor and City Council for their support of that effort. Councilman Radtke suggested the City may need to think about having their own health department. He hoped snow shoveling is over for this winter, but he requested that Mr. Vanderpool elaborate on what people are responsible for, adding that the City clears some paths for school children. Mr. Vanderpool stated he had a conversation with Councilman Radtke on this yesterday, and he assured he will follow up with a report for the Mayor and City Council as far as the snow routes throughout the City for sidewalks. He explained there are a few blocks they clear for public safety for kids to get to school safely, citing some anomalies such as the path system on Dodge Park Road, which involves 10-foot-wide pathways in front of homes and is not realistic to expect residents to clear it. He assured he will distribute a map to City Council. He estimated in 90 percent of the cases, homeowners are responsible for removing snow from their sidewalks that are either in the front, on the side, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 19 or to the rear of their property, although he added there are certain locations where the City clears the walk in those specialized situations. Councilman Radtke would like to make sure they are clearing snow where they have to, but he wanted to make sure it is equitable. Councilwoman Koski acknowledged that the former Sear’s Auto center will be opening for vaccinations in a few weeks, and she inquired as to whether they will be keeping the Senior Center open as well. She further inquired as to the procedure for people to get their name on the waiting list for a vaccination. Mr. Vanderpool clarified that the facility will be ready to open in a few weeks because the work will be completed, although they are still in Phase 1, and the opening of the second site will not occur until they are in Phase 2. He added that it is conceivable that the site may be activated prior to Phase 2 through a partnership with the County or another health care provider. It is premature for him to instruct individuals to sign up, but they have been working hard developing lists for Sterling Heights residents that they are currently sharing with the County. The County is then scheduling appointments for them at the Senior Center. They have a list of almost 30,000 Sterling Heights residents that they can mobilize from that list. He reminded the general public that those wishing to schedule an appointment must go through the County website or call the County Covid hotline to schedule an appointment, and it cannot yet be done through the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Page 20 Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated that, as a nurse, she wants to remind everyone to wear a mask, be careful, and stay safe. Mayor Taylor recalled the last time the Council met in their council chambers was the first meeting in March last year, so this has been going on for one year. He commended the Police, Fire, and DPW departments, as well as all of their staff, for the tremendous job they have done to adapt and transition through this pandemic and continuing to get residents what they need and providing services the entire year in the best way possible. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 13. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 14. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there is one item for closed session this evening. 15. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting and go into Closed Session. Roll Call: Yes: Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez. No: None. The motion carried The meeting adjourned into Closed Session at 8:29 p.m. The meeting adjourned from Closed Session at 9:32 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk