City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2021 IN CITY HALL 1. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. 3. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Michael V. Radtke Jr., Maria G. Schmidt, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool stated the first item on his report involves the good work of the Sustainability Commission, created a couple of years ago to begin working on preserving the City’s history and natural assets, and looking toward the future. He complimented the Commission and introduced City Planner Chris McLeod. He added that Sustainability Commission Chairperson Nathan Inks and Commission Member Mark Graf are also present this evening. City Planner Chris McLeod stated the Commission has done an incredible job to this point in creating a very viable Sustainability Plan for the City. He noted the Chair is Nathan Inks, Vice-Chair is Mark Graf, and Secretary is Jonathan Matthews. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 2 He noted that Mobashira Farooqi is one of their members, and they now have one vacancy that will be coming forward to City Council in the near future. He also credited the past members who contributed greatly to the plan over the last year. He explained the brief history of the Sustainability Commission and explained the Sustainability Commission Ordinance came forth in March 2020, members were appointed in Summer 2020, the draft review started in September 2020, and all meetings through the pandemic were held via Zoom. The plan adoption occurred in June 2021, the distribution of that plan to Council and Administration was in July 2021, and it is being presented to City Council this evening. He added they hope to have ongoing discussions with Council, Administration, and other applicable boards, and they can implement, revise, and adapt as it grows and evolves. He outlined the Sustainability Goals outlined in the Ordinance, noting they are the guiding principles for this Commission that were kept in mind when bringing recommendations forward, including recommendations on tree preservation and curbside recycling. He introduced Chairperson Nathan Inks to talk about the plan. Sustainability Chair Nathan Inks explained the plan initiated with a draft proposal from former City Intern Alexander Bahorski. They took the plan and incorporated a number of other resources to draft the plan, including the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the City’s Master Plan, and Non-Motorized Transit Plan, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report, the Visioning 2030 Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 3 Plan, and the United Nations Sustainability Goals. They began working on the plan in September 2020 and officially adopted it in June 2021. He explained the United Nations developed seventeen sustainable development goals, and the Commission identified eleven of those goals they thought were relevant based on their mandate from the Sustainability Ordinance. He outlined those goals, including good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life on land, and partnership. They broke the plan down into four primary sections which addressed different issues, including natural assets, sustainable mobility, sustainable development of land use, and environmental stewardship. An executive summary is also included in the beginning of the plan, and it was concluded with a section on how to implement the plan. The UN Sustainable Development Goals were highlighted at the beginning of each section that they felt were relevant to that section. He added they also provided narratives and references in the form of footnotes, and they also provided explanations as to how the information in each section applied to the 2030 Vision Statement as well as the Guiding Principles. They concluded with a list of suggested actions as well as a list of responsible parties who would be responsible for deciding whether or not the City is going to implement those suggested actions, or actually implement them. They decided not to prioritize each of the suggested actions because they would prefer to get Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 4 feedback from City Council. They will be having additional discussions with Council at the Strategic Planning Sessions in early 2022; however, he assured the Commission is very willing to sit down with members of Council or Administration if they have any questions prior to that time. Mr. Inks assured the Commission will continue to work on any task that Council or Administration assigns to the Commission. He mentioned a quote included at the end of the Sustainability Plan that the Commission felt was relevant to summarize the important principles in the plan. He thanked the Council for their time and offered to answer questions. Mr. Vanderpool stated that a lot of the plan is already coming to life in different ways, noting the Tree Preservation Ordinance approved is a giant step. He stressed increasing the tree canopy is so important and, pending further review, public engagement, and approval by City Council, the City has hundreds of thousands of dollars allocated to increase their tree canopy through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). They look bringing that forward to City Council and further engagement with the Sustainability Commission. He added that many of their non-motorized trail systems have been improved and extended, and they are looking at bolder and bigger extensions of that system. He also pointed out the Sidewalk Gap Program, where they have been closing the gaps and making steady progress. The Clinton River is now open for navigation and has become a huge asset for the City of Sterling Heights. He noted the many building improvements, and assured that they look at best practices with respect to energy efficiencies, window treatments, HVAC, lighting, electrical, plumbing, water conservation, etc. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 5 He added that in their development plans, they consider bioswales and making better use of natural assets to treat stormwater runoff. He thanked the Sustainability Commission and City Planner Chris McLeod for their continued good work in this area. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for questions from Council. Councilwoman Sierawski noted that the Clinton River is a wonderful waterway going through the City of Sterling Heights, and she inquired as to why United Nations Sustainability Goal #14 (Life Below Water) was not one of the goals the Sustainability Commission addressed. Mr. Inks replied that “Life Below Water,” according to the United Nations, is focused on oceans. Anything that is an inland waterway, such as a lake or river, is covered under “Life on Land.” Councilman Yanez questioned who wrote the actual document for the City. Mr. Inks replied that former City Intern Alexander Bahorski started the draft, and all of the Commissioners made significant revisions, so there was no one single person who wrote the entire document. It was a conglomeration of contributions from all of the Commissioners and from the Office of Planning. Councilman Yanez commended Mr. Inks and City Planner Chris McLeod for submitting an excellent document. He felt it was one of the best documents he has read in a long time, especially with regard to technical issues and policy issues. He enjoyed reading the document, and he congratulated all who participated. He Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 6 looks forward to future discussion as City Council, along with the Sustainability Commission, on making Sterling Heights a better place. Mayor Taylor commended Mr. Inks on his good presentation, and he added he appreciates the work the Sustainability Commission is doing. Mr. Vanderpool reminded that one week from today at 5:00 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, the State of the City will be held. He explained this event is sponsored each year by the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce. He added this gives the Mayor an opportunity to highlight all of the accomplishments over the past year as well as noting some of the challenges and looking forward to the many initiatives outlined for the next year. He stated refreshments are available, and the general public is invited, although advised that there is no cost but registration is required so they have a head count. Hundreds have already registered, and he advised registration can be made by calling (586) 731-5400. He stated this 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 spoke. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 17, 2021. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $1,241,294.96, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,686,061.91, Other Funds - $2,346,598.91, Total Checks - $5,273,955.78. C. RESOLVED, to purchase eight (8) Stalker DSR2X Radar and two (2) DSR 2Ka Radar units, with accessories, shipping and warranty, from Applied Concepts, inc., d/b/a Stalker Radar & Video, 855 East Collins Boulevard, Richardson, TX 75081, at pricing available through the State of Michigan’s Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 7 cooperative purchasing program, MiDeal Contract No. 21000000351, in the cumulative amount of $29,030. D. RESOLVED, to purchase one (1) in-ground picnic table, one (1) in-ground ADA compliant picnic table, and one (1) trash receptacle, inclusive of installation services, from PlayCore Wisconsin, Inc., d/b/a GameTime, 150 Playcore Drive SE, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967, at unit pricing available through an OMNIA Partners / US Communities cooperative RFP, Contract #2017001134, in the cumulative amount of $10,000. E. RESOLVED, to reject the bids received, waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(a) and approve the rental of tents, lighting, tables, chairs, and accessories, including set-up and take-down, for Oktoberfest 2021 from Party Dreams Rental, Inc., 42730 Merrill Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314, at the cost of $13,055. F. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Allied Building Service Company of Detroit, Inc., 1801 Howard Street, Detroit, MI 48216, for interior renovations to the Police Department Property Room at a cost of $28,000 and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $8,550 using Capital Project Fund reserves. G. RESOLVED, to approve the Statement of Work between the City of Sterling Heights and Ashling Partners, LLC, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, for software licensing and technical support of the City’s business licensing software application and authorize the City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED, to reject the bids received and waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(b) and purchase eighty-one (81) AVON Max Pro IIIA protective helmets, with shields, from Galls LLC, 1340 Russell Cave Rd., Lexington, KY 40505, in the total amount of $24,239.25. I. RESOLVED, to reject bids received for the 14 Mile Road and Somerset Drive Sanitary Sewer Lining Project, ITB-SH21,022, and authorize the Office of Purchasing to re-bid with an expanded project scope. J. RESOLVED, to: (1) Approve the Independent Contractor Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and Elizabeth Wilk in accordance with City Code §2-227(A) for the period September 14, 2021 to August 31, 2023, with an option to have the City Manager renew the Agreement upon mutual consent and on the same terms and conditions; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents required in conjunction with this approval. K. RESOLVED, to: (1) Approve the contract between the City of Sterling Heights and Northern Red Inc., PO Box 5431, Pinehurst, NC 28374, for tactical training of the Special Response Team of the Sterling Heights Police Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 8 Department at a cost of $46,000.00 and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval; and (2) Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $46,000 to apply grant proceeds from United States Department of Homeland Security Grant Program – Urban Areas Security Initiative. L. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to Warren Contractors & Development, Inc., 14979 Technology Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315, in the amount of $49,993.39, plus interest on retainage, for Neighborhood Park Improvements – Phase 6 – Park Improvements at Joseph J. Delia, Jr. Park. Yes: All. The motion carried. 7. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a nomination to the City of Sterling Heights Planning Commission. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Mayor Taylor stated there are a number of very qualified and eager applicants. He indicated he has had the opportunity to speak with a number of them, but he felt the highest qualified and best candidate is Brandy Wright. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to nominate Brandy Wright for consideration as an appointee to the Planning Commission at the September 20, 2021 regular City Council meeting. Councilman Radtke agreed with this choice and felt Ms. Wright has shown herself to be active in the City’s government, and he felt she will do a great job on the Planning Commission. Yes: All. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 9 Economic Development Corporation / Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Mayor Taylor stated this is an appointment to a partial term ending June 30, 2024. He requested the appointment of Lauren Tackett to this position. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Lauren Tackett to the Economic Development Corporation / Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to a term ending June 30, 2024, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Yes: All. The motion carried. Youth Advisory Board Mayor Taylor stated this is a requested Council appointment of Amanda Amir to a term ending June 30, 2022. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to appoint Amanda Amir to the Youth Advisory Board 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. 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one spoke. 9. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he has nothing further to add this evening. Councilman Yanez stated it is time for the annual Clinton River Watershed Council cleanup. He stated he has volunteered for the past several years to clean up the Plumbrook Drain, which has been cleaned up considerably through local and county efforts. This year he will be supporting the cleanup of the Clinton River in Dodge Park, which will take place on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 10 a.m. to noon, and he will be stationed at the Senior Center. He advised anyone Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 10 interested in helping to sign in and register to spend a couple of hours cleaning up the river as it runs through Dodge Park, as well as Dodge Park itself. Councilwoman Ziarko reminded that September is Library Card Sign-up Month, which is a national program. The Sterling Heights Library is participating in this event, and she advised those interested to sign up online or come into the office. There is an opportunity to win a gift certificate for those signing up for a new card or using the one they have. She stated that Stellantis (formerly FCA) is hiring and will be having a recruiting event at Conner Center in Detroit, with some of that recruitment taking place for the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP). She noted it has been mentioned in discussions about Sterling Heights residents being able to get the jobs within the City, and she felt this is a great opportunity. She believed the starting salary is $15.78 per hour plus medical benefits and prescription coverage, as well as other benefits. Councilwoman Ziarko stated that at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, the Sterling Heights Drug-Free Coalition, in partnership with the Youth Advisory Board, is hosting a talk about vaping. The event will be held at the Community Center, and a panel of people will be presenting, including their District Court Judge, as well as representatives from the local hospitals, the Youth Advisory Board and the County Traffic Safety Board. She stressed it is important for parents to learn more about the long-term side effects of vaping and addiction. She noted that this, along with mental health, was one of the top points of interest the Youth Advisory Board had in discussing with not only parents but the community. She Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 11 encouraged the support of this endeavor. She suggested anyone wanting more information can go to their Facebook page. Councilwoman Ziarko referred to materials they received regarding the new passport application process. She questioned whether they are renewing passports through the City. City Clerk Melanie Ryska explained the City is officially a Passport Acceptance Agency, and they accept new passport applications as well as passport applications that have been expired for more than five years. If a passport has been expired for less than five years, or it is time to renew the passport, the City has the applications people need, and they can take photos; however, those individuals would send that application in themselves, so the renewal is the responsibility of the passport holder. Councilwoman Ziarko noted that September is Emergency Preparedness Month. She referred to some of the recent power outages and flooding, and she recalled at one time the Fire Department put out an Emergency Preparedness Booklet, in which a checklist was included for people to make sure they were prepared in an emergency. She felt it would be a good idea to make sure all residents have a copy of that booklet, and she would appreciate if Administration could look into it. Councilwoman Ziarko also advised that Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation is also hiring. Councilman Radtke talked about the possibility of a Landmark Tree Ordinance in Sterling Heights. He noted the apartment complex on the east side of Dodge Park, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 12 just north of 15 Mile Road, had cut down nine landmark trees believed to have trunks over 32 inches in width. He noted they cut them down without any permits or notice given to the City, and it destroyed trees over 70 feet tall. He added because the trees were indicated on the site plan, they will be required to replant some trees, but he questioned whether City Administration could or should present a new ordinance to protect the landmark trees in Sterling Heights. He felt the large trees add community appeal as well as adding to the aesthetics of an area, and when they are removed, they are losing trees in the tree canopy. Councilman Radtke noted that the apartment owner had indicated they cut one of the trees down because it was damaged in the storm, which he felt was totally understandable. He added the apartment owner claimed they cut the rest of the trees down because “they got too big.” He felt this detracts from what the City is trying to do with their current tree ordinance, which only addresses vacant land. He stressed he would like to see an ordinance that protects landmark trees on already-developed land. Councilman Radtke stated he has been talking to his neighbors about Consumer’s Energy replacing gas lines and the poor job they are doing in resodding the grass. He has had multiple complaints from residents in different areas of the community regarding the reconstruction of their yards once Consumer’s Energy is done with their work. He requested that Mr. Vanderpool contact a representative at Consumer’s Energy to let them know this is occurring. Councilman Radtke hoped everyone had a wonderful Labor Day, and noted it is a time to reflect what organized labor has done for their country. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 13 Councilwoman Schmidt reminded that the next City Council meeting is on a Monday evening rather than on Tuesday. She explained the Michigan Municipal League is holding their annual convention in Grand Rapids and that starts on Tuesday, so they amended the meeting schedule quite some time ago. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski congratulated her Hispanic family and friends, noting September is Hispanic-American month. She mentioned she received a call from someone interested in purchasing her home with cash for $100,000 more than its value. She stressed it is good to hear property values are currently high, although she cautioned people that these types of offers can be scams. Councilwoman Koski informed that the City has six police officers sponsored by FOP Running in The Law Enforcement Torch Run. They started on September 13, and will be running 730 miles in five days, and they are required to run five miles every eight hours. She explained this is to fund the Special Olympics, and anyone interested in donating to this cause can contact Lt. Dave Allen at (586) 446-2892. She reminded that their donations go to the Special Olympics. Mayor Taylor thanked Council, and he congratulated all parents who have their kids going back to school. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 11. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 12. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for closed session this evening. 13. ADJOURN Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, September 7, 2021 Page 14 Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk