City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2022 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; Judy McHale, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Councilwoman Schmidt requested that Consent Agenda Item 7-Q be pulled off the Consent Agenda and made Consideration Item 8-B. Yes: All. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool announced some of the upcoming events coming up in April and May regarding community clean-up, starting with Sterling Heights Shred Day on April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DPW facility on 18 Mile Road. He noted this is a residents-only event, and residents are invited to bring up to three banker boxes containing documents to be shredded at no charge. He added the shredding will be conducted onsite for security. On April 23, Sterling Heights will hold their Household Hazardous Waste Event at the DPW facility from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 2 event is also for residents only, and a list of acceptable items is on the City’s website. He added that residents can also participate in the Sterling Heights Electronics Recycling Event to be held on Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DPW facility, where items such as old televisions, computers, or any other electronic device that has an electrical cord attachment, can be disposed of. Mr. Vanderpool announced that there are two Clean-Up Saturday events to be held on May 14 and May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., where residents may bring items like furniture, lumber, tires, dirt, tree stumps, and the like, to be disposed of at the DPW facility. He noted that Spring SHINE (Sterling Heights Initiative for Neighborhood Excellence) Day is being held on May 7 from 9:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon. He explained it is a citywide cleanup program aimed at protecting property values by encouraging all residents to maintain the exterior of their homes. They have had about one hundred volunteers who clean up about thirty homes of residents who cannot maintain their property due to a physical or age-related condition. He informed that anyone wishing to volunteer should meet at First Church on Dequindre at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Vanderpool informed that yard waste collection started back up yesterday. Mr. Vanderpool explained the Department of Public Works is offering a discount on its tree program during the month of May to encourage residents to purchase trees. The trees are being offered at the discounted rate of $260 each through the month of May, and they will be planted after the first frost in Fall 2022. He stressed the City is doing all it can to increase its tree canopy. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool requested that, at the conclusion of tonight’s agenda, the City Council convene a Closed Session pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the potential purchase or lease of real property. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois to talk about an upcoming job fair. Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois informed that the City will be hosting a hiring fair taking place tomorrow evening, April 6, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Center, where a number of their supervisory staff will be present to talk with prospective employees, answer job-specific questions, and conduct on-the-spot interviews for those interested in making a positive impact in this community. He explained that some positions will be able to start as quickly as they can process a background check and paperwork through Human Resources Department. He noted there are a variety of positions available for those aged fourteen and older, and in addition to being a fun atmosphere in which to work, the employees in Parks and Recreation get to work alongside two hundred great employees and make many friends. He added that higher wages have been implemented, with Sunday and holiday premium pay, discounts on fitness classes, as well as new hire and employee referral bonus incentive programs, with more anticipated incentives in the next year or two. Mr. Langlois advised that those interested in attending tomorrow’s hiring fair do not need to bring anything with them, and blank applications will be available to complete. He added that light refreshments will be served to those participating. He concluded that they look Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 4 forward to meeting and talking to prospective employees for their department, and he encouraged everyone interested to attend tomorrow at the Community Center. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by drawing attention to one of the most important elections in the City’s history, which occurred on April 4, 1870, in Sterling Township. He explained that 152 years ago today, the Detroit Free Press announced the results of that election, and he read a portion of the article, noting it stated that “owing to the condition of roads, a light vote was polled” and “out of three hundred names registered, 206 voted.” Mr. Vanderpool stated the article went on to explain that three citizens were able to vote due to the passing of the Fifteenth Amendment two months prior, and it was the first election in which African American citizens could vote. Based on the census data, the 1870 election saw a one-hundred percent turnout from African Americans in Sterling Township, and one of these notable electors was an elderly man named Charles Russell. He explained Mr. Russell was born in 1794 in a southern slave state, he was 69 years old by the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, 74 years old before he was a legal American citizen, and he cast his first ballot at the age of 76. Mr. Vanderpool stated they will be working with the City’s African American Coalition and the City’s Historical Commission to determine how best to honor this historical moment in this community’s history, and he added it would be fascinating to track down Mr. Russell’s descendants, seeking their involvement in a special recognition. He thanked the City’s expert historian, Michael Lombardini, for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 5 providing this background information. He felt the community would appreciate hearing this information. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this the presentation of the Employee and Department/ Office Awards for 2021. He invited Community Relations Director Melanie Davis and Human Resources and Benefits Manager Kate Baldwin to give the presentation. Benefits Manager Kate Baldwin stated they are excited to host their Employee Awards Ceremony, in which they announce and celebrate employees receiving 2021 Employee Recognition Awards. Community Relations Director Melanie Davis began by announcing the Years of Service awards, starting with those celebrating ten years of service. Ms. Baldwin and Ms. Davis took turns announcing those celebrating twenty years of service, then twenty-five years of service, and concluding with forty years of service. The Department awards were presented by the various Department Directors to their employees, after a brief introduction and explanation in each instance of why these individuals were selected. In some instances where the recipient could not be present, a brief video of their acceptance was shown. The 2021 Departmental awards were presented to the following: Loa Foreit, Library Employee of the Year Sterling Stars Dance Instructors Jennifer Kraemer, Cristina McCabe, Maria Slagle, and Olivia Jourdan, Parks and Recreation Part- Time Employee of the Year Karen Oddo, Parks and Recreation Full-Time Employee of the Year Jeff Steinmetz, DPW Full-Time Employee of the Year Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 6 Harry Ellison, DPW Part-Time Employee of the Year Kori Sinauskas, Firefighter of the Year Stephen Kohut (Chief of Training), Fire Officer of the Year Officer Remie Verougstraete, Police Officer of the Year Captain Kenneth Pappas, Police Command Officer of the Year Detective Matthew Willard, Detective of the Year Kristen Messing (TAC/LASO), Police Department Civilian of the Year Ms. Baldwin stated this portion of the awards ceremony includes the Recognition awards, and each of these award recipients were nominated by their coworkers and friends. She explained these individuals have proven to add value to the organization and city operations through their merit, hard work, and dedication. Library Director Tammy Turgeon announced Krista Ghazar from the Library as Part-Time Employee of the Year, providing a brief introduction and explanation of why Ms. Ghazar was chosen for this award. She stressed that Ms. Ghazar meets every challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism, and her creativity has enabled her to lead many successful, well-attended programs. She credited her for being the creative mind behind their fairies display case located in the entrance to the Youth Services area. She outlined some of her major contributions, especially with the Cricut machine, 3-D printers, and their sewing machine, and she presented the award to Ms. Ghazar. Ms. Davis announced and presented the Outstanding Performance of the Year to SHTV Broadcast Programming Specialist Bob Sergott and she explained why he was selected, including his outstanding job on projects, his work on trying to find the very best national headline acts for Sterlingfest, in spite of a pandemic that created challenges, delays, reschedules, and even replacement events, his Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 7 constant enthusiasm, and his deep commitment to his fellow employees and his community. SHTV Broadcast Programming Specialist Bob Sergott thanked the City for this award, and stressed he loves telling the positive stories of Sterling Heights, adding this is a great community. He added that he loves working with the Drug-Free Coalition and on Sterlingfest, and he commended the Community Relations Department for their hard work. Building Official Frank Bayer announced and presented the Full-Time Employee of the Year award to Arewa Hussain in the City Development Department. He explained why she was selected, including streamlining their work, introducing several new programs to the residents, creating the workflow that seamlessly connected the clerical staff, code enforcement and the inspection staff, and training them. He added she is happy, caring, enthusiastic, motivated to go above and beyond what is asked of her, and she takes the time to help anyone in the office. Mr. Vanderpool stated he is honored to present the next two awards, and thanked all the honorees this evening, as well as those who submitted the nominations. He stressed the City has one of the most dedicated employee forces in the municipal business nationwide. Mr. Vanderpool announced and presented the award for Administrator of the Year to City Planner/City Development Manager Chris McLeod, pointing out that he is involved in every development project in the City, large and small. Mr. Vanderpool Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 8 explained that Mr. McLeod must assure, in each case, that the prospective developments conform to the City’s sign ordinance, landscaping ordinance, zoning ordinance, tree ordinance. He coordinates those projects with numerous boards and commissions, including Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and City Council. He noted there were seventy-five of these cases over the last year alone, and it is a very involved, complex process, often taking hours, days, and weeks. He commended Mr. McLeod for his dedication, professionalism, his ability to work with a wide variety of people, and his pleasant demeanor. A brief video was shown of Mr. McLeod expressing his thanks and appreciation for this award. Mr. Vanderpool presented the 2021 Office/Department of the Year award to the Office of Information Technology. He stressed how much everyone is relying on computer technology, whether it is desktops, smart phones, tablets, laptops, iPads, smart TVs, and more. He added their city vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks and snowplows, have all become high-tech mobile offices with an unbelievable amount of computer technology involved. These technology needs extend to City Council, as well as boards and commissions, to receive communications and board packets. He talked about the ways in which the technology is used throughout the City, all requiring relentless behind-the-scenes work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, not only maintaining the equipment but also assuring the systems can withstand cyber-attacks. He referred Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 9 to the IT Department as the City’s unsung heroes, working with every department, countless contractors, and vendors, and collaborating and problem-solving with one another every day. A brief recorded video was shown, with Information Technology Director Steve Deon expressing his gratitude for this award. He introduced the members of the IT Department. He acknowledged the Purchasing and Facility Maintenance Departments that provide support and assistance to Information Technology. Ms. Baldwin thanked the Mayor and Council, Mr. Kaszubski, and Mr. Vanderpool for their time and continued support. She also thanked Community Relations for making this event a success and fun each year. Ms. Davis congratulated all the award recipients, and a group photo was taken. The meeting recessed at 8:13 p.m. and reconvened at 8:19 p.m. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to congratulate and thank all the employees recognized for years of service and outstanding performance in 2021. On behalf of the entire City Council and all the residents of the City of Sterling Heights, Mayor Taylor thanked all the City’s employees for their hard work and dedication to the City. He stated they make Sterling Heights a great place to live and work, adding he often hears compliments about their exceptional employees from business owners, developers, and people from all around the area. Yes: All. The motion carried. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 10 Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one from the audience spoke. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, with the omission of Item Q: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 14, 2022. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $585,754.14, Water & Sewer Fund - $6,315,003.96, Other Funds - $3,044,051.14, Total Checks - $3,044,051.14. C. RESOLVED, to purchase computer equipment from Access Interactive, LLC, 46665 Magellan Drive, Novi, MI 48377, through the Midwestern Higher Education Commission cooperative purchasing program, contract #MHEC- 07012015, at a cumulative cost of $39,314. D. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Tyler Technologies, 840 West Long Lake Road, Troy, MI 48098, for information technology services in connection with server build-out and migration of the Sterling Heights Police Department’s New World records management system and data to new servers at a cost of $11,600 and authorize the City manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. E. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by CST Fleet Services, 1325 Central Rd., Clemmons, NC 27012, for a Fleet Vehicle Study and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement for Fleet Vehicle Study on behalf of the City. F. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(b) and accept a proposal by LaBelle Electric Services, Inc., 24546 21 Mile Road, Macomb, MI 48042, for electrical services and repairs for a two-year period, with an option for the City Manager to extend the terms and conditions of the proposal for two (2) additional one-year periods at the hourly rates and percentage mark-up on parts set forth in the proposal. G. RESOLVED, to purchase contracted services from Kone, Inc., 11864 Belden Court, Livonia, MI 48150, for the modernization of the City Hall elevator at pricing available through the OMNIA Partners / National IPA Cooperative Request for Proposals, contract #EV2516, in the amount of $144,770, and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Wade Trim Associates, Inc., 500 Griswold Street, Suite 2500, Detroit, MI 48226, for professional consulting services in support of the development of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Master Plan and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 11 I. RESOLVED, to purchase veterinary services associated with the trap, neuter, and release program for feral cats and for sick or injured animals in the custody of Animal Control Officers from Advanced Animal Hospital of Michigan, 43065 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, and All About Animals, 23451 Pinewood Street, Warren, MI 48091, at the pricing established by the respective 2022 fees for services schedules. J. RESOLVED, to approve the Independent Contractor Agreement for Entertainment Booking Services between the City of Sterling Heights and Bands Galore Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Carey and Paul Group, 16207 Mott Dr., Macomb, MI 48044, and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. K. RESOLVED, to purchase park benches for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Memorial Park Bench Program from Michigan Playgrounds, LLC, d/b/a Midstates Recreation, 1279 Hazelton Etna Rd., SW, Pataskala, OH 43062, in a cumulative amount not to exceed $20,000 per year. L. RESOLVED, to approve the Agreement for Towing, Storage, and Auction of Accident, Impounded, and Other Vehicles and Lease between the City of Sterling Heights and Utica Van Dyke Service, LLC, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval on behalf of the City. M. RESOLVED, to approve payment of the nuisance abatement invoice from Optimum Contracting Solutions LLC, 2211 Devonshire Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, for the roof replacement at 5018 Northlawn Drive in the amount of $12,635. N. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to James P. Contracting Inc., 67222 Van Dyke, Washington, MI 48095, in the amount of $85,717.29, plus interest on retainage, for 19 Mile Road Improvements, Dequindre Road to Ryan Road, City Project #21-376. O. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution authorizing issuance of not to exceed $16,850,000 in Michigan Transportation Fund Bonds, Series 2022. P. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution authorizing issuance of not to exceed $12,500,000 in Limited Tax General Obligation Capital Improvement Fund Bonds, Series 2022. Q. This item was moved to Consideration Item 8-B. R. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Darwish vs. City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County Circuit Court Case No. 22-000731-NO. Yes: All. The motion carried. 8. CONSIDERATION Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 12 A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and the MAPE Professional and Technical Employees. He invited Mr. Vanderpool to give a presentation. Mr. Vanderpool explained that, with the midyear amendment to the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations Ordinance, the City Council funded a new classification within the Community Relations Department, and he explained the job classification of Marketing and Communications Coordinator addresses long-term departmental need for an employee with talent and experience to lead efforts to brand, market, and effectively communicate the myriad of initiatives and programs that have made Sterling Heights a municipal leader. The City has not had the opportunity to capitalize on all these marketing opportunities, and he outlined a few of the assignments of this new position. He explained that, to create this classification, the City was required to negotiate with the MAPE Professional and Technical Employees union. He informed that these negotiations produced the Memorandum of Understanding, which is before Mayor and Council this evening, and it has been approved by the bargaining unit. He highlighted the need for this position, emphasizing the staffing cuts that were made during the Great Recession. He stated the Community Relations Department experienced significant position loss at that time, and in Fiscal Year 2009, there were fourteen full-time positions and five part-time positions in Community Relations. With this position tonight, the Fiscal Year 2023 budget will only include eight full-time positions and two part-time positions, which is sixty percent below where their Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 13 department was during its peak. He respectfully requested that the Mayor and City Council approve the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, and he offered to address any questions they may have. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to approve the memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Professional and Technical Employees creating the Marketing and Communications Coordinator job classification and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it on behalf of the City. Councilwoman Ziarko felt this was well-explained by Mr. Vanderpool, and she agreed that Community Relations was one of the departments that received a lot of cuts in 2009. She stated they need to start adding more people back to that department. Yes: All. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this was formerly Consent Agenda Item 7-Q. He opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one spoke. Mr. Kaszubski replied to inquiry that he did not prepare a presentation for this item, but he offered to answer questions. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution on behalf of Sterling Heights businesses and residents objecting to increased water and sewer rates created by Highland Parks’ refusal to pay for water and sewerage services rendered by the Great Lakes Water Authority for the past ten years and, as of July 1, 2022, authorize the withholding of payments equal to the City’s proportionate share of Highland Parks’ bad debt. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked her colleagues for agreeing to have this Resolution put together by Administration. She read it so the residents are aware Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 14 of what it is saying, and she stated the numbers are staggering. She recalled when this first started, Mr. Brian Baker was the City’s Finance Director, and he had mentioned it. Those on Council at the time mentioned how outraged they were that this was going to continue to happen and that their ratepayers should not be responsible for this debt; however, it never went away, and she appreciated that the County and more communities are on board to do something. She stressed the State must do something about this debt, and she pointed out that no one can just stop paying their bills. She asked whether Mr. Kaszubski has any updates he can provide. Mr. Kaszubski provided updates on the pending litigation, advising that Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has taken a lot of steps to get Highland Park to move off its position, but it is the courts that are allowing this to happen. It has been going up and down to the Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court, and back down. There is no resolution in sight now, but another appeal ruling occurred last month, so that appeal is back up to the Court of Appeals and scheduled to be completed this month, with a decision anticipated within six months. He explained the County and GLWA is looking to the communities to put pressure on Highland Park and the State of Michigan, and that is why this resolution is so important. He is happy they can move forward with this resolution tonight. Councilwoman Schmidt commented that the residents of Sterling Heights are donors to the state and federal government, and she stressed she is tired of it. She hopes they can resolve this quickly. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 15 Councilwoman Ziarko noted this is referred to as Highland Park’s “debt,” but she questioned whether the ratepayers in Sterling Heights and other communities are paying this debt. Mr. Kaszubski replied that is correct. Councilwoman Ziarko stated the City is fiscally sound and they watch their water rates to keep them low. She questioned whether there is any discussion about Highland Park paying their fair share moving forward, every other community stops paying Highland Park’s share, and they can talk about the $54 million debt they owe later. Mr. Kaszubski replied that is not a discussion at this time, because Highland Park is taking the position that they owe no money to the City of Detroit. Councilwoman Ziarko suggested possibly Sterling Heights and the other communities should take the same position as Highland Park, because if it is good for one community, it should be good for all communities, and everyone should get the same privilege. She clarified she wants everyone to have good drinking water, but they are supporting another community, so they need to start talking to other communities and putting pressure on the GLWA and the City of Highland Park. Councilman Radtke pointed out the City of Sterling Heights is subsidizing a decision made by the State, but the GLWA functions as a cooperative, where they cooperatively purchase water to get the best deal. Mr. Kaszubski replied that is correct. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 16 Councilman Radtke questioned, as part of a cooperative, when one member does not pay or has trouble paying, the charges are there so those costs are spread across proportionately by population to all the customers. Mr. Kaszubski confirmed that is correct. He replied to further inquiry that Highland Park is taking the position they have already paid because of a proportionate amount based on an old agreement going back to the 1980’s. Councilman Radtke stated he is in favor of holding this money in abeyance until they get a resolution from the State. He did not agree with the current comments being made to the press from Highland Park’s Mayor and City Council, and their idea that their community of 10,000 residents will raise $90 million to reopen a water plant that has been broken down for ten years does not make fiscal or common sense. He expressed concern that the debt is likely bad at this point, but they need to resolve it, so it does not continue into the future. He did not feel Highland Park can pay that debt, so the only one that can come in and pay it is the State of Michigan. He felt this resolution is a good first step in trying to resolve this crisis that the State has created in the GLWA. Councilwoman Koski was under the impression that the residents of Highland Park are actually paying their water bills, but that money is being held in escrow and not being paid to the GLWA. Mr. Kaszubski replied that he has not been able to confirm that, but his understanding is they are paying something for their water rates to the City of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 17 Highland Park, and the City is looking to reopen their water treatment plant. He does not know whether that money is being earmarked for that purpose. Councilwoman Koski questioned what the City of Highland Park is doing with the money they are collecting from their residents. Mr. Kaszubski stated he does not have an answer to that question, but he offered to try to find out the answer. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned if the residents of Highland Park have been paying their water bills, and the money has not been earmarked for the water but has been spend elsewhere, what can be done about it. Mr. Kaszubski explained he does not like to discuss legal strategy with a potential pending case. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski understood Mr. Kaszubski’s point. Mayor Taylor commented that this is a matter of fundamental fairness, but he cannot understand why someone from the State of Michigan will not step up and recognize that they have an agreement from the 1980’s between Highland Park and another party that they will pay a specified amount for water, so they are tied into the City of Detroit and also GLWA on an emergency basis. They are refusing to pay, and for whatever their reason, they are taking advantage of the GLWA, and they do not care. He stressed this must stop and they cannot continue to take advantage of their neighbors and the communities around them. He emphasized they need to do the right thing, and the Governor needs to look at it as well and put a stop to it. He stated the City of Sterling Heights will stop making Highland Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 18 Park’s share of the payments, but it will hurt the GLWA, which ultimately hurts everyone in the GLWA. He suggested that possibly if the GLWA feels enough pain, they can start to pressure the Governor. He cannot understand how this is continuing and no one is doing anything about it, and he considered it a failure of the court system and government. Yes: All. The motion carried. 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. • Ken Nelson – talked about recently-passed Ordinance 480, noting referendum petitions submitted for same exact ordinance in 2014; questioned why some minutes online are “Official” and some are “Unofficial.” • Ben Orjada – street sign that was knocked down at the intersection of Mandale and Amsterdam, requested it be reinstalled; thanked the Mayor and Council’s recent adoption of the ordinance amending Chapter 25 of the City Code. • Brandy Wright – talked about the City’s tree program and was very impressed with the City’s arborist; advised that in some instances, grant trees are available. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool assured they will check the street sign at the corner of Mandale and Amsterdam and will make sure it is reinstalled quickly. 13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 14. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 15. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there is one item for closed session this evening. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 Page 19 16. ADJOURN Mayor Taylor indicated that they will not be reconvening after Closed Session. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting and go into Closed Session. Roll Call: Yes: Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: None. The motion carried. The meeting adjourned into Closed Session at 8:49 p.m. The meeting adjourned from Closed Session at 9:07 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk