City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 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; 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 thanked everyone involved in Sterlingfest, noting they had an outstanding turnout this past weekend, possibly one of the best ever. He added that the weather was perfect. He thanked all the employees who worked hard to put Sterlingfest on, not only for the setup but also the cleanup. He also thanked the volunteers, sponsors and businesses throughout the community who helped make this a success. He thanked the Mayor and City Council for helping and participating all three days, and he also thanked everyone who attended and made it such a successful event. Mr. Vanderpool explained that in past meetings, they have been highlighting the good work of their board and commission volunteers, and this evening they will be hearing a brief presentation regarding their Water System Advisory Council and the Solid Waste Management Commission. He invited Department of Public Works Operations Manager Eric Skurda to lead the presentations. Department of Public Works Operations Manager Eric Skurda started with the Solid Waste Management Commission, consisting of five members appointed who are appointed by City Council after recommendation by the department. He Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 2 explained the vacancies on the commission are filled by appointment as needed, and one representative of the solid waste hauler may serve without vote as a member of the commission. He added that he members of the commission serve without compensation. He named the members serving on the commission, along with the number of years they have served as well as the number of years they have been Sterling Heights residents. The commission meets approximately two to four times per year during mid stretches of contract periods with the City’s waste hauler, and they are called upon for their input and research during proposal processes regarding anything related to refuse and recycling. He informed their current contract is valid through April 2024. Mr. Skurda outlined the commission’s project and objectives, including curbside recycling and uniform refuse arts, Cell Phones for Soldiers (noting they have collected 657 to date), review of tonnage reports, Christmas tree recycling and chipping counts, and annual spring collection events. He explained that DPW hosts five Saturdays spread over the months of April and May that consist of the paper shredding event, household hazardous waste event, electronics recycling, and their two generic waste days. The commission also reviews the refuse collection contract and revisions. He stated that, on behalf of the residents and the community, he thanked these commission members for their service, making the environment a better place for all. Mr. Skurda provided an update on the Water System Advisory Council, which was established in 2018 for the direction of the State of Michigan for water supplies serving a population of 50,000 or more. He explained the Council is required to meet at least once a year; however, meetings are typically held twice per year. This council consists of five members appointed by the community water supply and must consist of people who have demonstrated interest or knowledge about drinking water quality and its effects. He added that at least one member must be a local resident who does not formally represent the interests of any incorporated organization. He noted that resident members serve on a voluntary basis and are not compensated. He named the members serving on the council. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 3 Mr. Skurda explained the water infrastructure is quite expansive over thirty-six square miles, with almost 700 miles of watermain, over 7,000 fire hydrants, 7,000 control valves, and a fully functioning booster station to maintain water pressure on the northeast corner of the City. He reported that the City has not exceeded an action level for harmful contaminants in their drinking water. He outlined the goals and objectives of the council, including assisting and keeping the public aware about drinking water quality, review public awareness materials provided by the State, and he assured drinking water quality is the main focus of this group. He informed that information can be found on their annual Sterling Heights Water Quality Report at www.sterling-heights.net/waterquality. The council also assists in promoting transparency of all data and documents, and they collaborate with local community groups to ensure that residents have the opportunity to be involved. Mr. Skurda stated this concludes his presentation of these two groups, and he indicated he is available if there are any questions. Mr. Vanderpool stressed this continues to show all the good work that the City’s boards and commissions are doing, and there are many more to present through the remainder of the year. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted a company, American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) that is expanding in the City. It is a German-based company with their headquarters in Sterling Heights, and they make defense vehicles and is affiliated with the automotive industry as well. They are currently located on Sterling Ponds Drive, off 14 Mile Road, west of Van Dyke. They expect to create more than one hundred fifty new high-paying jobs, with the company growing in its design and development, engineering, and system integration for its key customers. They plan to build a new North American headquarters facility in Sterling Heights where they will house office space and manufacturing space for prototype operations. Mr. Vanderpool stressed that high-tech companies have invested billions of dollars in Sterling Heights over the past ten years, continuing to validate Sterling Heights’ reputation as a great place to conduct business, especially in the sectors of defense, automotive, aerospace, and the supply chains that go with it. He Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 4 assured they will work with ARV to promote their job fairs and provide other assistance with their expansion going forward. Mr. Vanderpool requested, at the conclusion of tonight’s agenda, that City Council convene a closed session pursuant to Section 8(C) of the Open Meetings Act for Council to discuss ongoing collective bargaining negotiations, and Section 8 for Council to consult with the City Attorney regarding two confidential legal opinions. Mr. Vanderpool stated that concludes his report. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this a Nice Neighbor Award Presentation. H explained the Community Relations Department is thanking and presenting to Sterling Heights residents, Ted and Kay Stoebling, Rick and Tracy Essad, and Heather DeWitt for recognition as recipients of the Nice Neighbor Award. He provided some background on the neighbors, as well as Susan DiPace, the neighbor who nominated them. Mayor Taylor stated that Ms. DiPace, a widow, explained that she had significant health challenges for a few years, and during that time, her neighbors stepped up to take care of everything she needed help with around her house and yard. She cited specific instances where they went above and beyond to help her with gardening needs, snow removal, and repairs. She emphasized they all agree on how lucky they are “to have found a perfect court to live on here in Sterling Heights!” Mayor Taylor stated they are pleased to be able to thank these neighbors for all the work they have done and making quality of life in Sterling Heights second to none. He added that, unfortunately, none of them could be here tonight, noting the weather outside this evening is presenting some people from attending, but their awards will be mailed to them. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to present Ted and Kay Stoebling, Rick and Tracy Essad, and Heather DeWitt with the Nice Neighbor Award in recognition of their efforts to assist the community and contributions to making Sterling Heights’ quality of life second to none. Yes: All. The motion carried. 7. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 5 A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article V of the City Code for the purpose of implementing changes in the benefits paid to eligible personnel of the 41A Judicial District Court. He invited Mr. Vanderpool to give a presentation. Mr. Vanderpool explained the benefits for the personnel of 41A District Court are established by City ordinance and codified via Chapter 2, Article V of the City Code. He specified the employees covered under this ordinance, including the Magistrate, Court Administrator, Clerk of the Court, Court Officers, Court Reporters, and the Probation Officers. He noted that following the recent resolution of new three-year collective bargaining agreements with the City’s bargaining units, the Human Resource division met with court administrators to discuss potential amendments to benefits set forth in that portion of the City Code. He briefly summarized the amendments as follows: • Schedule of mandated holidays to be observed by Michigan courts, by recent order of the Michigan Supreme Court, was amended to include Juneteenth, and celebrated annually on June 19th, so this amendment is reflected in the District Court’s schedule of paid holidays. • Following all other general employee bargaining units, transition is being made to Paid Time Off (PTO) in lieu of separate leave banks for vacation, sick and personal leaves, and an amendment introduces the schedule of PTO being granted to ordinance employees hired after August 31, 2022. • A new, more compassionate bereavement leave policy has been introduced by the City over the past three years, and the ordinance amendment grants that same bereavement leave to ordinance employees. • The amount of Compensatory Time that may be accumulated by Magistrate, Court Administrator, and Clerk of the Court positions will increase consistent with other bargaining units. • Base medical and hospitalization will continue to be the High Deductible Plan, with employees to pay ten percent (10%) of the health insurance premium. • Lifetime maximum benefit available for orthodontic services provided to an employee’s dependent through the age of 19 is increasing from $1,000 to $2,000, commensurate with benefits of the other bargaining units that have been approved. • There are no longer any ordinance employees hired prior to July 1, 1996, which is a requirement for being eligible for the fixed pension system. All current and new ordinance employees will be recipients of the equivalent of a 401K retirement benefit (DC), and the City is increasing its annual contribution to the ordinance employees’ DC retirement accounts from 4% of base salary to 5% as of July 1, 2022, and 5.5% as of July 1, 2023, consistent with the increases in the other collective bargaining agreements already approved. • For ordinance employees hired and judges first elected after July 1, 2012, who are not otherwise eligible for retiree health care, the City will contribute $2,000 annually to the Retirement Health Savings (RHS) account Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 6 of an eligible employee or district court judge, and this is consistent with other bargaining units representing general employees. He highlighted that eliminating retiree health care has save the City millions of dollars over time, so this is a very affordable benefit increase in lieu of what used to be done years ago. • All other monetary benefits remain at the current levels specified. Mr. Vanderpool stated that City Administration is respectfully recommending introduction of the proposed ordinance. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated that, prior to the motion being made, due to personal connections to this, she is abstaining to any vote or any comments on this motion. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to introduce the ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article V of the City Code for the purpose of implementing changes in the benefits paid to eligible personnel of the 41A Judicial District Court. Councilwoman Schmidt stated this brings the 41A District Court employees in line with other bargaining groups, and Mr. Vanderpool’s explanation is very clear. Roll Call Vote: Yes - Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko. No - None. Abstain – Sierawski. The motion carried. 8. 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 July 19, 2022. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $885,438.09, Water & Sewer Fund - $5,120,687.88, Other Funds - $1,406,692.08, Total Checks - $7,412,818.05. C. RESOLVED, to purchase Unique Chat fully managed, live on-line chat services from Unique Management Services, LLC, 119 E. Maple Street, Jeffersonville, IN 47130, for a one-year period at a total cost of $10,535. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a new irrigation control system at Joseph J. Delia, Jr. Major Park to Techseven Company, P.O. Box 182247, Shelby Township, MI 48318, at a total cost of $35,801.20 and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of the bid award from Capital Fund reserves. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the maintenance and repair of City-owned generators to American Generators Sales and Service, LLC, 6158 Delfield Industrial Drive, Waterford, MI 48329, at unit pricing bid for a two-year period, with an option for the City Manager to extend the bid term one additional year at unit pricing bid. F. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid for automobile and light truck body repairs to Crest Collision Center, 36200 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights, MI 48312; Lakeside Collision, Inc., 14665 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315; and Showcase Collision, 6330 14 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092, for a two-year period based on the respective unit prices bid. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 7 G. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid between the following vendors based upon the lowest unit price and percentage discount bid for each emergency lighting and equipment item for the period August 4, 2022, through August 31, 2023. 1) Canfield Equipment Service, Inc., 21533 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48091 2) Cruisers, Inc., 5977 Brighton Pines Ct., Howell, MI 48843 3) Truck & Trailer Specialties, 900 Grand Oaks Drive, Howell, MI 48843 Yes: All. The motion carried. 9. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of a fiscal year 2022/2023 budget amendment to reduce City of Sterling Heights water and sewer rates by 1%. He invited Finance and Budget Director Jennifer L. Varney to give a presentation. Finance and Budget Director Jennifer L. Varney provided an update on the City’s water rates for the current year. She acknowledged that this is unusual as they do not generally adjust water and sewer rates after budget adoption; however, recent events regarding the Highland Park bad debt issue have allowed the opportunity to recalculate the rates for this year. Ms. Varney provided some history on the Highland Park dispute with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) for over ten years, noting that unpaid water and sewer charges by Highland Park are passed on proportionately to all the member communities of the GLWA. As of the current fiscal year, the City of Sterling Heights has absorbed nearly $2.7 million in bad debt expense over the ten-year period, with $340,000 of that included in this year’s rates. She explained that for the last decade, Highland Park has been paying a portion of their water bill, but earlier this year, Highland Park stopped sending even partial payments to the GLWA. Sterling Heights, Macomb County, and other GLWA members acted, and Sterling Heights City Council passed a resolution to withhold payment to the GLWA equal to the amount of the bad debt, noting many other communities throughout the region took this step. City Council sent a letter to Governor Whitmer requesting state intervention in the ongoing litigation. There was increased public pressure to come to a resolution on this issue, and there has now been movement in the litigation in favor of the GLWA, and Highland Park has resumed at least making Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 8 partial payments. Due to these actions, the GLWA rolled back the portion of its rate increase due to the current year’s bad debt expense, thereby lowering the City’s water and sewer cost by about $340,000, and that savings can be passed on to residents through a 1 percent decrease in the previously adopted water and sewer rates. Ms. Varney advised that, upon approval, this water and sewer decrease will go into effect with the water and sewer bills that are mailed on September 1, 2022. Ms. Varney provided a brief update on the citywide conversion to monthly water bills, with all city residents receiving their first monthly bill on August 1. She explained residents may find that their August water bill was not as low as they anticipated, when calculating that their bill may have been approximately one- third of the previous quarterly water bill. She reminded, however, that the August bill covers the month of July, which was a very dry month. She assured the bill is not higher because they switched to monthly billing, but it is higher because it is summer. She hoped the monthly billing will help residents from getting a giant quarterly bill. She advised that all fixed fees on the quarterly billing were divided by three, and the winter consumption is also divided by three on the monthly bill. Last month, sewer was charged on the monthly bill based on winter consumption. She stated the conversion has gone smoothly overall. They have seen a very big increase in their e-bill, with nearly 660 residents utilizing e-billing last year, and they are now up to nearly 2,200. They have also seen their auto-pay option go up, with 2,250 participating as of last December, and that number is now up to nearly 2,900. Ms. Varney explained that in the past, residents could only use checking or savings accounts for autopay, but now they can use a credit card. She urged anyone interested to sign up for autopay by going to the City’s website at www.sterling-heights.net/waterbill. She offered to answer questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Ken Nelson – recalled talk about how residents will be able to go online to check their usage; questioned when this feature will be available. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to approve an amendment to the fiscal year 2022/2023 Water & Sewer Fund budget in the amount of Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 9 $342,000 to reflect lower water and sewer costs and a corresponding 1% reduction in water and sewer rates. Councilman Radtke commented that this was well-explained that because GLWA withdrew their request for Sterling Heights to pay for Highland Park’s water debt this year, they can now pass on the savings to the residents that they should have never had to pay. Mayor Taylor asked Ms. Varney if she would respond to Mr. Nelson’s question. Ms. Varney explained their status on the meter replacement project, noting to date they have replaced over 20,000 meters, which equates to about half, or 57 percent, of all the meters. They are starting to work on “WaterSmart”, but it will not be incorporated until a time closer to when all the meters are installed. She anticipated they will have all the meters installed within the next twelve months, and they will begin rolling out the “WaterSmart” product, which will allow residents to monitor their usage on an hourly basis. Yes: All. The motion carried. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2021 Class C liquor license, with Sunday Sales permit (PM), from Mary’s Holdings, LLC to Oscars Restaurant & Entertainment, LLC, and transfer location from 47250 Hayes Road, Macomb, Michigan to 2173 Eighteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, with a new dance/entertainment permit. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Jessica Hallmark, with the law firm of Adkison, Need, Allen, & Rentrop, PLLC, representing Oscars Restaurant and Entertainment LLC. She indicated Jim Wiseman, sole member of the company, is also present this evening. They are requesting approval of transfer of ownership and location of a Class D liquor license from a location in Macomb Township to a location within the City of Sterling Heights. She explained the license will be used for the operation of a restaurant and bar business in the Windmill Plaza Shopping Center, located at 18 Mile and Dequindre. She noted the Michigan Liquor Control Commission has already approved the transfer of this liquor license, and her client has already Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 10 closed on the purchase of the liquor license, so it is currently in escrow at this location. She further explained that activation of the license by the Liquor Control Commission will be subject to a final inspection by their Enforcement Division to confirm that the renovations have been completed as proposed and installation of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The license will also be subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the City. Ms. Hallmark stated that Oscars satisfies the criteria for approval of the liquor license, and she added that Mr. Wiseman has extensive experience in managing liquor-licensed restaurants and bars. He operated the first Oscars location in Midland for twenty years, beginning in 2001, he operated the second Oscars location in Lake Orion for eleven years, beginning in 2007, he has an excellent business reputation, strong moral character, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He has no criminal background, does not use alcohol to excess, and the Sterling Heights Police Department has investigated and did not have any negative comments or information during their investigation. Ms. Hallmark assured the applicant has the financial ability to build out and operate this location. She clarified this is a purchased liquor license and is not from the City’s quota. The applicant has received an SBA loan and will be receiving a tenant improvement allowance from the landlord. She stressed the license will have a positive impact on the development of the surrounding area. The space in the shopping center is currently vacant, and the landlord will deliver it in white box condition, with the tenant completing the build-out. She reiterated this is a responsible operator with extensive experience, and he will have the entire staff trained by a Liquor Control Commission-approved server training program. This will provide an additional dining and recreation option in the City. She confirmed the concurrence with the City Departments, noting the Police had no objection, the Planning Department has confirmed this use is consistent with the zoning at this location, and the applicant will work closely with the Building Department and Fire Marshall to secure permits. Ms. Hallmark explained the applicant is seeking a dance and entertainment permit because they may occasionally have one or two person bands, and although a few guests may dance Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 11 from time to time, that is not going to be their main business. They have executed the City’s agreement regarding dance and entertainment. She assured Mr. Wiseman will personally manage the business and will oversee its operations. She respectfully requested that Council approve this request, subject to the applicant’s completion of the buildout and the City’s issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. She stated they are willing to answer questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of an escrowed 2021 Class C liquor license, with Sunday Sales permit (PM), from Mary’s Holdings, LLC to Oscars Restaurant & Entertainment LLC, and transfer location from 47250 Hayes Road, Macomb, Michigan to 2173 Eighteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, with new dance/entertainment permit, be considered for approval. Councilman Radtke commented that this will be a nice addition to the area, and he questioned what they will have on the menu. He questioned whether the menu submitted is current. Jim Wiseman, applicant, replied that is an older menu, and the menu will be changing. They are not going to have a hood and grease for cooking but will be offering more of a health-conscious menu moving forward. He pulled out a small 3-D model of the restaurant, and it was shown on the overhead. He talked about the layout of the restaurant. A lot of the menu that can be made in the kitchen can also be prepared behind the bar for lower-volume periods of time. There will be a large TV, with smaller TVs next to it. He will have power convection ovens to heat sandwiches, and he considers it a high-end meeting place, where they will serve appetizers, entrée salads, etc. He assured he will be there to make sure all training is done, adding in the past he has been a trainer, but he will have someone come in and train when they open. He assured he will supplement their presentation, and throughout the day-to-day operations, he will be talking to his employees to make sure they truly understand the responsibility they are given. He wants to make sure it remains a clean facility to serve the community’s needs. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 12 Councilman Radtke felt Mr. Wiseman will do well in this community. He will have an area where small groups want to gather after work, and he may possibly offer a brunch, not to be a main focus, but to accommodate smaller groups. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski inquired as to whether the two other Oscars locations are still in business. Mr. Wiseman replied those businesses are not still open, so this will be a hard reset. He sold one of his businesses in 2018 so he could spend more time with his daughter; however, she is older now, so he has the time to invest in this business. He added that the Midland Oscars location was closed as a result of Covid. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commended Mr. Wisemen for coming out to walk her in with his umbrella in the pouring rain, so she attested to his honor and Marine Corps training and thanked him for his assistance. She wished him luck in this endeavor and felt this will be a great addition to the community. Mayor Taylor appreciated the presentation, and he is looking forward to the opening of the business. He inquired as to when Oscars will open. Mr. Wiseman estimated it will take about a month to get architectural drawings submitted and start the process. He stated it is an easy build, and does a lot of it himself, noting he was a general contractor prior to 2017. Yes: All. The motion carried. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one spoke. 11. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he had nothing further to add this evening. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski noted tonight’s meeting is being held on a Wednesday because yesterday was Election Day. She congratulated those who won their primary elections and wished them well, and she gave her condolences to those who did not win, although she congratulated them for a hard-fought race and urged them luck as they move forward with other things. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commented on how wonderful Sterlingfest was this past weekend, and she thanked the residents. She stated it felt like they had about Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 13 13,000 people in attendance on Saturday, and it was the best-behaved crowd she has ever seen. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked all the employees, hundreds of volunteers, and city residents who helped when needed. She felt they should all be very proud of where they live and pointed out there were a lot of people present from other communities who commented how wonderful it is here in Sterling Heights and how they should possibly reconsider where they are living. She emphasized that it takes everyone to make it a success, and that happened from the top on down. She thanked everyone who participated for such a successful and fun weekend. Councilwoman Ziarko stated Sterlingfest was a great experience for all, and she thanked everyone for the preparation that went into this event, including the County, State Police and their mutual aid was phenomenal between the runs they had to make from the festival but still getting aid from other communities to take care of runs going on throughout the City. She expressed gratitude to the other communities for helping, and she pointed out it is no longer “just a Sterling Heights festival”, but it is a regional event. People from all over come here, feel safe, bring their families, and the food vendors want to be here. She stressed that safety is the most important part of an event like this, and it was safe. She thanked everyone for all they did to ensure that safety. Councilman Yanez stated there was a meeting and discussion earlier today regarding a potential marijuana ordinance. He questioned the timeline for the task force to give a final presentation. Mr. Vanderpool replied the timeline includes a draft report that will be submitted to City Council by September 30, with the final report provided to City Council by October 31, 2022. Councilwoman Koski understood the meeting was held earlier today on the marijuana issue, and she inquired as to whether there is a way the Council members could receive a synopsis of that meeting. She indicated she was unable to attend but would like to know the comments made. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 14 Mr. Vanderpool replied there was an individual present to take thorough notes and minutes, and they intend to include that in their draft and final report to City Council. He added that will also include the public forum that will be held next Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at the Community Center, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Councilwoman Koski commented that this Sterlingfest was the best. She noted that that the City has always striven to be even better the following year, so she mentioned that they always welcome suggestions and input, such as possibly having more food trucks. She urged those interested in providing suggestions or input can send an email or contact Community Relations. Councilman Radtke stated Sterlingfest was wonderful this year and the busiest that he can ever recall. He felt it was an amazing comeback for the community, and although it is hard to top the best, he agreed they are open to suggestions. He addressed the concern about possibly having more food trucks, but he noted that many of their local restaurants indicated they do not have enough employees to handle both Sterlingfest and their main restaurants. He assured they will “iron out the kinks” and bring it back even better next year. Mayor Taylor thanked Council about all the comments regarding Sterlingfest. He agreed it was an incredible weekend, and they were very lucky with the great weather. He added that the crowds were phenomenal, the food was great, the music was great, and he was glad everyone was able to come out to enjoy it and have a good time. He indicated a lot of planning and hard work goes into this event, and he thanked all who made it possible, giving a shoutout to Bob Sergott of Community Relations, who does a great job every year. He clarified he does not want to single Bob out, but he is so proud and energetic about this event. He thanked everyone who contributed to make Sterlingfest a success, and he looks forward to next year’s event. 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 Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Page 15 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are three items for tonight’s closed session. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn into Closed Session. Roll Call: Yes – Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No – None. The motion carried. The meeting recessed into Closed Session at 7:53 p.m. and returned from Closed Session at 8:19 p.m. Kada v. Sterling Heights Moved by Yanez, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to approve the release of the self-insured retention in the matter of Kada v City of Sterling Heights, et.al., Macomb County Circuit Court Case No. 20-000308-NI. Yes: All. The motion carried. 42300 Van Dyke Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to authorize the City Attorney to pursue all available remedies to abate the nuisance conditions and code violations existing at 42300 Van Dyke. Yes: All. The motion carried. 15. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk