City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 IN COMMUNITY CENTER 1. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:04 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. Mayor Taylor announced that tonight’s meeting is being held in accordance with both state and federal guidelines. The Department of Health and Human Services has revised its face mask requirements to be consistent with the CDC guidelines for vaccinated people; therefore, those who are vaccinated do not need to wear a mask at this meeting. Those not fully vaccinated, as well as anyone moving about, are requested to leave their masks on. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool announced an event that will occur tomorrow morning at dawn, which is two areas of the City that will be sprayed for gypsy moth suppression. He explained this will be done by aerial application through a low-flying plane, and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 2 although the timing depends upon weather conditions, the weather forecast looks good for tomorrow. He assured the spray is not harmful to humans, pets, birds, fish, plants, and other beneficial insects other than the gypsy moth, and if they do not spray, they risk long-lasting harmful effects to the forestation in this area. For the last few years, they have been conducting this aerial spraying, and there are about ten communities in Macomb County that participate in this very regulated program, which is run by Michigan State University Extension. He showed an aerial map and pointed out one of the areas, just under 200 acres located west of Dodge Park, south of 17 Mile Road to 16-1/2 Mile, contains about 389 homes. He pointed out the second area, located northeast of the first section, with 17 Mile in the middle, east of Dodge Park and extending east toward the ITC Corridor. He stated this is a one-time spray this season, and they will have to move onto other areas of the City next year. He advised anyone interested in more information about this program can go to www.macombgov.org and search for “gypsy moth suppression,” where they will be able to find a full background of the spray content and the purpose of the spray. Mr. Vanderpool stated that, in observance of Memorial Day, city offices will be closed for business on Monday, May 31, and that includes the City Hall, Public Library, Parks & Recreation Center, Community Center, Senior Center, Nature Center, DPW Recycling, and 41A District Court. He indicated normal business hours resume on Tuesday, June 1, adding that there will be no refuse collection on May 31, so each day will be delayed, and Friday’s normal pickup will be on Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 3 Saturday. He advised anyone with questions to call 446-CITY or visit their website. He encouraged residents to join virtually for the Memorial Day Tribute on May 31, honoring their local veterans and others, with a brief ceremony starting at 9 a.m. in front of the Police Station, including remarks from Grand Marshall Sharon Allen and others, and a special unveiling of the newly-renovated City Hall Memorial Garden. He indicated they will allow some in-person participation of the event, but there are attendance limitations. A short Memorial Day Cruise will follow at 10 a.m., although it is not the normal parade due to the pandemic. He provided details of the cruise, noting they will travel through the neighborhood of the winner of their Young Artist Competition, and he advised that route information can be found on social media and their website. He stated the event will be streamed live on Facebook. Mr. Vanderpool reminded the community of the fireworks law in place in the State of Michigan, noting the first day fireworks can be used legally is the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day; however, they cannot be used on Memorial Day. They will also be allowed from June 29 through July 4, but he cautioned they can only be used between the hours of 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on those dates, and only on private property with permission of the property owner. He reminded that spectators must be 25 feet away, and no other city codes can be violated, including disturbing the peace if it during non-allowed hours, and depositing litter. He assured the City does their best to enforce this, both by way of confiscating fireworks not used properly as well as issuing violations. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 4 Mr. Vanderpool introduced the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation Executive Director Karl Oskoian, who will talk about the Scholarship Awards Program this year. Executive Director Karl Oskoian stated the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation is proudly celebrating its thirtieth year serving the Sterling Heights area community. He provided information about the Foundation and the 2021 Annual Scholarship Awards Program. The Foundation was established in 1991 to strengthen the quality of life for all Sterling Heights area citizens through cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. Through partnership and collaboration with area businesses, companies, citizens, and other non-profit organizations, there are nine scholarship partners awarding a total of eighteen scholarships worth a total of $18,000. He explained they started awarding scholarships in 1999 and has awarded scholarships totaling $432,000 to 482 area students, including this year’s 2021 awards. The partner organizations awarding scholarships in 2021 include BAE Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, Macomb County Chiropractic Association, Former Mayor Richard J. Notte Public Service Endowment for Government Public Service, Round Table of Science Scholarship, Rotary Club of Sterling Heights, Selfridge ANG/Base Community Council, the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation, the Sterling Heights City Manager Professional Public Management Scholarship, and the Credit Union. He explained the scholarship process and how they are awarded, adding that it is not an easy process because there are so many qualified applicants. On behalf of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 5 their Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee, he congratulated each of the 2021 students, their Foundation, and their nine scholarship partners who are awarding this year. Mr. Oskoian announced that a video of their 2021 Scholarship Program, announcing all 21 award winners by their sponsorship organization, will premier via a Facebook watch party on YouTube tomorrow, May 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. This video will continue to be available on demand on the City’s YouTube channel, and it will be rebroadcast on Sterling Heights TV beginning Thursday, May 20 through Friday, May 28, beginning at 6 p.m. each day. The award recipients will also appear in the fall quarterly Sterling Heights Magazine. He encouraged all interested to view the video, adding that these students are making a positive difference in their community, and on their way to making a very positive difference in the world. He thanked Mr. Vanderpool, Mayor Taylor, and City Council members for allowing the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation to share its annual scholarship program and for their ongoing support of the Foundation. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes his report this evening. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Oskoian and added he hopes they have the Scholarship Award presentation back in person in 2022. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is a swearing-in ceremony for new Sterling Heights Police Officers. He invited Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski to make the presentation and swear in the new officers. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 6 Police Chief Dwojakowski stated Sterling Heights is very fortunate, because while many departments struggle to get any candidates, there will be a shortage of police officers; however, Sterling Heights still gets applicants, including those who have come from other jurisdictions, as well as new recruits out of the Police Academy. Chief Dwojakowski introduced Johnathan Journeau, Johnathan “Max” Kretzschmar, and Brooke Krassa, providing a brief summary on each of their education and work backgrounds. He swore in the officers, and each officer in turn thanked the City and the Police Department for the opportunity to serve the people of Sterling Heights, and they thanked their family and friends for their support. Chief Dwojakowski thanked the City Council for their continued dedicated support of public safety, and he is looking forward to hiring seven additional officers next year. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski congratulated the new officers, noting police officers hold a dear place in her heart, adding that her son is a major in the Marine Corps and a military police officer. She thanked the newly-sworn officers for their service. Councilman Radtke stated he is impressed by the candidates that the Police Chief brings forward. He felt they will make their department even better, and he congratulated the new officers. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 7 Councilwoman Koski welcomed the new officers, and she is pleased they chose Sterling Heights for their police officer career. She assured they have the support of this Council, and she wished them well. Mayor Taylor welcomed the new officers on behalf of all of the residents of Sterling Heights. He stated their Police Department has a reputation of excellence, providing the highest level of service. He assured the residents and community are there for the officers because the officers are there for them. He thanked them for choosing this dangerous profession, and he wished them well. He also thanked the families for their support. The meeting recessed at 7:31 p.m. and reconvened at 7:39 p.m. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to adopt a Resolution designating June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Independence Day in the City of Sterling Heights. He invited African American Coalition member Eric Hawkins to give a presentation. African American Coalition member Eric Hawkins stated he is a four-year resident of Sterling Heights, and he thanked the Council for allowing him to talk about the Juneteenth Resolution. He congratulated the new Sterling Heights police officers who were sworn in this evening. He provided some background on the history of Juneteenth Independence Day, which occurs on June 19th and is recognized throughout much of the country as the day slavery came to an end in the United States. It is celebrated as a day of celebration, inspiration, encouragement, and remembrance, and continues to celebrate African-American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous development and respect for all Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 8 cultures. It promotes healing, reconciliation, sincere discussion, and reflection. He quoted the 2030 Visioning Statement of Sterling Heights, and stressed this city was one of the first communities in the region to join Michigan in welcoming a more diverse and inclusive environment. He outlined some of the steps the City has taken that are consistent with this vision. He felt it is impactful and encouraging that the City is taking steps to encourage inclusion and recognize and appreciate all of the different ethnicities and cultures. Mayor Taylor presented the Resolution to Mr. Hawkins. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to adopt the Resolution designating June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Independence Day in the City of Sterling Heights. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski thanked Mr. Hawkins for providing more information about this date, and she stressed this is a day for all Americans to remember and celebrate, regardless of color, creed, or country of origin. She is pleased they are able to adopt this Resolution. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Hawkins for his presentation, and he stated he is happy to support this Resolution. Yes: All. The motion carried. C. Mayor Taylor stated this is to adopt a Resolution designating the month of June 2021 as “Pride Month” in the City of Sterling Heights. He invited Chairperson of the Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance Lea Mitchell to give a presentation. Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance Chairperson Lea Mitchell shared what this Resolution personally means to her, and she provided details of her life growing Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 9 up in Sterling Heights. She explained that she was like many other kids whose parents divorced when she was in elementary school, but unlike other kids, her parents ended their marriage with love and friendship, and her mother was free to begin her relationship with another woman. Ms. Mitchell stressed they continued to spend a lot of time together as a family, but she was not prepared for the response of the adults around her regarding her mother’s relationship. She felt if she worked extra hard and continued to appear perfect, no one could fault her mother’s life choices, and they would not be judged; however, keeping up this appearance was exhausting, and did not allow her to “just be a kid.” She had great friends who stuck up for her and did their best to shield her from hate, crediting the youth of Sterling Heights who embraced her. She explained the youth of her generation has now grown up, and she emphasized the diversity and inclusivity that can be seen in this City they call home. At one point, she and her husband had wanted to move to a community where their son “did not look like everyone else in his classroom,” and they spent hours looking in other communities, only to realize that the diversity they were seeking is right here in Sterling Heights. She felt adopting this Resolution is one of the numerous actions by the Mayor and City Council that is changing the narrative for their city. She showed a picture of her family at her mom’s wedding, which took place at Sterling Heights City Hall. She felt adoption of this Resolution is more than a polite gesture and is one of the ways they can tell their LGBTQ neighbors that they need not hide in Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 10 She thanked the Mayor and City Council for creating a city that she is so proud to call home. Mayor Taylor presented the Resolution to Ms. Mitchell. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating the month of June 2021 as “Pride Month” in the City of Sterling Heights. Councilman Radtke commended and thanked Ms. Mitchell for sharing her touching story. He felt Sterling Heights is not changing as much but it is growing and diversifying to become a place where everyone is welcome. He thanked Ms. Mitchell for chairing the Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance, a group that is doing great things. Councilwoman Ziarko commented that Ms. Mitchell’s presentation was exceptional. She is proud that Ms. Mitchell is Chairperson of the Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance. She stated she recently heard the phrase, “recovering perfectionist”, and felt Ms. Mitchell’s story of how she “recovered” from being a perfectionist is a great story. She felt many other families in Sterling Heights have similar stories and bringing this out helps everyone. Mayor Taylor stated they had two great presentations this evening that helped put into perspective the incredibly diverse community they have, made up of all different races, religions, ethnicities, and creeds, and they work well together. He felt the community is thriving because of those differences. He thanked Ms. Mitchell for sharing her story, adding that it will inspire others. He added that he is proud to be part of this multi-generational City Council and proud of the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 11 leadership team of this City that makes the effort to do all they can to support diversity and inclusion. Yes: All. The motion carried. 7. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of a Tax Exemption Ordinance providing for payment of service charges in lieu of real property taxes for the Van Dyke Apartments residential housing located at 43700 Van Dyke, 43720 Van Dyke, and 43750 Van Dyke. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. • Paul Smith – opposed to this proposal; this development will not meet front yard setbacks; inquired as to whether residents can donate flood plain property in their backyards. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to: 1. Adopt the City of Sterling Heights Tax Exemption Ordinance providing for payment of service charges in lieu of real property taxes for the proposed Van Dyke Apartments residential housing located at 43700 Van Dyke, 43720 Van Dyke, and 43750 Van Dyke: and, 2. Approve the Municipal Services Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and CCF Development LDHA LLC, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. Councilman Yanez felt the future of North Van Dyke has been discussed many times, including at the last meeting. He felt this is an important development that will kick off the future development in the area. He stated he is in full support of this ordinance. Councilwoman Ziarko felt this was covered at their last meeting. He questioned whether Mr. Bonner would like to respond to the comments made this evening. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 12 Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner replied he did not feel the comments were worth a response, but he thanked Council for the opportunity. Councilwoman Ziarko felt this will be a great project as a beginning for this corridor. She thanked the applicants for having the courage to go through with this plan, acknowledging that it has been difficult and they have had to revise their plans many times, and she indicated the City has faith in the applicants. Councilman Radtke addressed Mr. Smith’s earlier comment about anyone wanting to donate land and suggested anyone wanting to donate land to the City in order for them to create a better greenway and park along the Clinton River can email him at City Hall. He felt what the Chaldean Community Foundation is doing is wonderful and it will create a bikeway/ greenway to connect their new urban downtown district on North Van Dyke. He stressed this development meets the City’s code, pointing out they rezoned North Van Dyke to mixed use. They are hoping to make North Van Dyke a hub of activity where people may not have to use their cars. He admitted it will take time, but it also offers affordable housing, which has been lacking in Sterling Heights. A PILOT allows them to do this, and he assured it is not a “giveaway” but is a multi-million-dollar project, adding that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) gets involved in this. He stated he is happy to support this. Councilwoman Koski requested that Mr. Bonner reemphasize a couple of points so people understand this program. She questioned who pays for any water and sewer connection to this development. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 13 Mr. Bonner replied the Chaldean Community Foundation still has to pay all permits and fees. This agreement is specifically related to the ad valorem property tax because this is an affordable housing development, which means they are offering lease rates for their apartments at lower-than-market rates that are more conducive to lower-income people. He explained PILOT programs allow them to do this. He replied to further inquiry that MSHDA would hold the mortgage on this development. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether the PILOT program ends when the mortgage is paid off. Mr. Bonner replied he is not sure of that technical aspect so he would have to do more research on it before answering that question. Councilwoman Koski believed it does but agreed to leave it as a question. She questioned whether the school and county are affected by this program. Mr. Bonner replied that the $12,200 figure would grow in time and is equally divided among the taxing jurisdictions so they would get their equal pro-rata share of that amount. Councilwoman Koski recalled it is 1 percent or a minimum of $12,000 and questioned whether that is correct. Mr. Bonner replied affirmatively. He added that they will be getting another estimated $20,000 in real property taxes based on the commercial portion of the project. He also pointed out this is the Corridor Improvement Authority District, which is a Tax Increment Finance Authority, and that district has captured all real Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 14 property tax growth in that area since 2008, and it will continue to do so for the next ten years. Any real property tax revenue generated in this district goes to the Corridor Improvement Authority, which in turn can be invested back into the district, so even if this were a typical ad valorem property tax situation, those taxes would go to the Authority for public improvements within that district. He also mentioned that property has been vacant. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether it is required that the applicants donate the property in the back of the development. Mr. Bonner replied the Chaldean Community Foundation will donate the leftover acreage they cannot use. The City will then take and master-plan that donated property for future park improvements, and that would support the future vision of the Corridor Authority. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether the land they are actually developing is on solid ground, and whether they will have to do any draining. Mr. Bonner replied there is some sophisticated engineering they have to do because there is a floodway and a flood plain. They have to manage the flood plain in order to develop on it, so for any soil they remove from their property, they will also be required to fill in order to compensate. He clarified no development is allowed within the floodway, so the majority of property the City will be receiving is property that cannot be developed. Councilwoman Koski understood that donated property will not be under water. Mr. Bonner replied that is correct. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 15 Councilwoman Koski questioned whether it will be something the City can use without a large expense. Mr. Bonner replied affirmatively. Councilwoman Schmidt noted that this is not the first PILOT program in the City, and she recalled approving another a few weeks ago. She inquired as to how many they have in the City. Mr. Bonner replied that he does not know, although he can find out. He estimated there are four. Councilwoman Schmidt pointed out this is not something new. She questioned whether the petitioner will be paying for their municipal service fee, which includes police, fire, DPW, and all other city services. Mr. Bonner replied that is correct. He reminded that this is a non-profit foundation developing this property for the purpose of providing housing to a lower-income individual. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether the municipal service fee is guaranteed. Mr. Bonner replied affirmatively, noting it is money that would come directly to the City. Councilwoman Schmidt felt this is a good project and good utilization of property that, in the past, has remained vacant. They anticipate it will be a $29 million project, and the retail on the bottom level will also capture taxes as well, so it is Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 16 not totally tax-free. She commented it is a good asset for the community and their lower-income residents looking for good housing. Mayor Taylor pointed out the agreement indicates “the duration will last as long as there is a mortgage loan outstanding and unpaid, or the property is otherwise eligible for a PILOT pursuant to applicable laws”. He emphasized this is not a situation where a wealthy developer comes in and makes a deal to put in high-end apartments and condominiums and receives a tax break, but this is a situation where they will have affordable housing units for those who cannot otherwise afford market rent in Sterling Heights. They will be paying based on payment in lieu of taxes, so there will still be a payment, and the City will be made close to whole because they will be paying for the municipal services that will be provided to them. He felt this will be a tremendous development and will hopefully be the cornerstone of what they anticipate being a dynamic, vibrant, downtown-like area in the next fifteen to twenty years and could be a transformational area for the City of Sterling Heights. He is in support of it, and he felt the Chaldean Community Foundation has a track record of doing things very well and for the right reasons, helping those most vulnerable. He is confident this project will be great. Yes: All. The motion carried. 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments. • Paul Smith – commented on Items G & H, amounting to nearly $12 million in involved in water tax-related spending; hiring someone for marketing; opposed to water smart meters. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 17 Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of April 27, 2021. B. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 4, 2021. C. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $705,728.00, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,642,637.52, Other Funds - $1,925,999.34, Total Checks - $6,274,364.86. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for sewer maintenance supplies to Core & Main, 6575 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316, at unit prices bid for a one-year period. E. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(b) and purchase appliances for City Facilities from Sargent Appliance & Video, 20201 Hall Road, Macomb, MI 48044, in the cumulative amount of $27,846.95. F. RESOLVED, to purchase interior signage, graphics, and installation services from Banner Sign Company, 6538 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48211, at pricing available through a U.S. General Services Administration cooperative purchasing contract, #GS-07F-0265N, in the cumulative amount of $84,534. G. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., for water utility strategic communication services and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Ferguson Waterworks, 24425 Schoenherr Rd., Warren, MI 48089, for a water meter replacement program and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents in conjunction with this approval. I. RESOLVED, to: 1. Waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(9)(b) and approve a contract between the City of Sterling Heights and Galui Construction Co., 33805 Harper Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48035, for the 2021 Concrete Sectional Replacement Program, City Project #21-278, and Sanford Drive Reconstruction, City Project #21-377, at a cumulative cost of $1,573,276 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all documentation requested in conjunction with this approval; and, 2. Authorize a budget amendment to use $100,000 of Local Road Fund Balance Reserves and $100,000 of Major Road Fund Balance Reserves to complete Sections 1 and III of City Project #21-378. J. RESOLVED, to: 1. Waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(9)(b) and approve a contract between the City of Sterling Heights and DiLisio Contracting, Inc., 23525 Lakepointe, Clinton Township, MI 48036, for the 2021 Local Road Concrete Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 18 Reconstruction Program, City Project #21-379, in the amount of $4,051,724 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all documentation required in conjunction with this approval; and 2. Authorize a budget amendment to use $400,000 of Local Road Fund Balance Reserves to complete the project. K. RESOLVED, to approve the fiscal year 2021/2022 schedule of regular City Council meetings and direct the City Clerk to post notices in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. L. RESOLVED, to set the public hearing on Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the application by Philip Ruggeri, for and on behalf of Tony Gallo and Sterling Retail, LLC, for a Planned Unit Development on approximately 7.85 acres situated on the west side of Schoenherr Road, south of Hall Road, PPUD21-0001. M. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Daniel L. Moreno v City of Sterling Heights, et al, United States District Court Case No. 2:20-cv-13292. Yes: All. The motion carried. 9. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider nominations to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. He opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one spoke. Nominations to Planning Commission Mayor Taylor explained this is a mayoral appointment to a term ending June 30, 2024. He explained there are three nominees, all current members of the Board and seeking reappointment. He would like to nominate two of the current Board members for reappointment, respectfully thank Mr. Donald Miller for his many years of service, and at this time, requests the reappointment of Mr. Geoffrey Gariepy, Mr. Pashko Ujkic, and the appointment of Mr. John Myers III for the Planning Commission to terms ending June 30, 2024. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to nominate Geoffrey Gariepy, Pashko Ujkic, and John Myers III for consideration as appointees to the Planning Commission at the June 1, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 19 Councilman Radtke stated two of the three have already served on the Planning Commission, and they are exemplary appointments. He commented Mr. Gariepy for his outstanding job as Chairperson, and Mr. Ujkic for his job as Chairperson of the ZBA and liaison between the two organizations. He knows Mr. Myers III, who is a member of the African American Coalition and the Brownfield Authority, and added he is a wonderful local businessman who has given everything to the City. He felt he is an excellent nominee and will bring diversity to that board. Mayor Taylor stated that Mr. Miller served for a long time, and honorably on the Planning Commission, with nothing but kind words. He is thankful for his service, but at this time, he felt it would be a good opportunity to give someone else a chance on that board. He gave this decision a lot of thought and felt that Mr. Myers would be a great addition. Yes: All. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Ordinance Appeals I Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to nominate Robert Ervin and Julie Hoff-Windhorst for consideration as appointees to the Board of Ordinance Appeals I at the June 1, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she is very satisfied with the jobs both of these individuals have been doing. Yes: All. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Ordinance Appeals II Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to nominate Michael Stickney and Steven Ujkic for consideration as appointees to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II at the June 1, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 20 Councilman Radtke felt both of these appointees have done a very good job on this board. He noted that almost all of the nominees this evening have had nearly perfect attendance and have done a great job. Yes: All. The motion carried. Nominations to Board of Review Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to nominate John Hages and Mona Yassine for consideration as appointees to the Board of Review at the June 1, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commended the appointees for doing a good job, and she is happy to reappoint them. Yes: All. The motion carried. Nominations to Zoning Board of Appeals Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to nominate Derek D’Angelo and Pashko Ujkic for consideration as appointees to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the June 1, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated the appointees have done a fine job, she is pleased with their service, and is happy to reappoint them.. Yes: All. The motion carried. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. • Nathan Inks – thanked the Sterling Heights Police Department for making the Citizen Police Academy available to residents; indicated he just completed it, and it is a great program. • Paul Smith – commented on tax increase in the budget. • Kelley Skillen – complimented City Council for doing a lot toward diversity in this community; questioned whether they would reconsider the anti-discrimination ordinance for LGBTQ community. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 18, 2021 Page 21 • Shania Shehab – offered to hold free LGBT training to any council members interested; offered to work with CommUNITY Alliance to set it up. • Benjamin Orjada – in favor of ordinance to protect LGBTQ community; thanked Council for what they have done so far and urged them to go the next step in protecting their community. 11. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he has nothing to add this evening. Councilman Radtke stated the budget adopted for the upcoming year took money from the reserves they were going to put into their Major Road fund. He pointed out Items I and J on the Consent Agenda use more reserve funds from their Major Road Fund to do repairs. They were able to take advantage of a good deal from the contractors. He expressed concern that they may not be able to take advantage of that in the coming years. He referred to them as “deferments” rather than “cuts” in the budget, because eventually they will have to make the repairs. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone for coming out to the meeting this evening. 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 are no items for closed session this evening. 15. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk