City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 06, 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; Andrea Bara, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool informed everyone that City Offices will be closed on Friday December 16, 2022 for an employee in-service training day. The Community Center will open at that day at 5pm. Refuse collection will not be affected, however, this is the final week for leaf collection. He commented that the City does not want to ticket residents for not collecting or mulching leaves. He noted that the community looks good, and the vast majority of residents are in full compliance. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that there will inevitably be a snow emergency in the City. Snow emergencies are advertised on major media outlets, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 2 social media, television and radio. He urged residents to sign up for the alert notification program in Sterling Heights. Residents can go online to the city’s website www.sterling-heights.net and sign up to receive text message and email notifications when a snow emergency occurs. This will help residents to get their vehicles off the road quickly. Also, sidewalk clearing is difficult in the winter, but very important. On demand snow removal services are available for purchase. Residents can go to the City website and view various “on-demand” companies for hire. Signing up for this service is comparable to signing up for service apps like uber. Residents download the app and are able to get someone out fairly quickly, without being required to sign a contract. The service is really convenient, not free, but more cost effective then having a contract for the entire season for a winter that you may only need to use two or three times. Any questions regarding the emergency preparations for winter snow clearing, please go to the Sterling Heights website. Mr. Vanderpool stated there are a few presentations this evening. First up is the new City Council OnBase Agenda platform. He discussed the comprehensive electronic City Council packets that are provided prior to all Council Meetings. The packet consists of hundreds of pages of material, some packets are over a thousand pages long. The packet is well organized and neatly bookmarked, and is posted on the website for viewing by the public. These are the exact same documents that are provided to Council this evening. There has been frustration regarding the ease of viewing such long documents as a single PDF. Depending Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 3 on the version of Adobe that a user has, you could possibly have to scroll through hundreds of pages until you locate the item that you want to view. Mr. Vanderpool stated that there is a new system in place to address this issue. He invited Clerk Ryska to give a presentation on the new platform. Clerk Ryska thanked Council, City Manager, City Attorney and members of the public. Clerk Ryska also thanked Andrea Bara, from the Clerk’s office, for working diligently to get the new platform up and running. Clerk Ryska discussed the concerns and ease of usability of viewing back up material online. Council packets can be over a thousand pages, and users have to download the large pdf. As Mr. Vanderpool stated, depending on the version of adobe that a user has, it can be difficult to find the necessary bookmarks, which causes users to have to scroll through hundreds of pages of material to locate what they are looking for. Clerk Ryska stated that the new online Agenda platform provides a remedy for the tedious task. She then presented an interactive live presentation of the new City Council Agenda platform, which is ready for viewing and can be accessed @ https://publicdocs.sterling-heights.net/onbaseagendaonline. Mrs. Ryska concluded the presentation and stated that she is available for questions. Mr. Vanderpool thanked the City Clerk and Mrs. Bara for designing such a user friendly platform. He stated that he is usually the litmus test, and that if he can understand and use it, the program is ready to roll out to the public. Mr. Vanderpool added that he welcomes any feedback regarding the new City Council Agenda platform, and to contact the Clerk’s Office with any questions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 4 Mr. Vanderpool explained that the City has been highlighting the good works of the Boards and Commissions at the Council meetings all year. The work that the volunteers do is very impressive. He stated, that with any big organization, you have a core group of volunteers doing what they can to better the community, and advance the objectives of the organization. Tonight’s spotlight is on the Beautification Commission. Mr. Vanderpool introduced the Chairperson of the Beautification, Gary Isom, who has served on the Beautification Commission for 22 years. Mr. Isom has done great work and provided great leadership to the Commission. Mr. Isom commented that the Beautification Commission is made up of twelve members that includes a variety of City residents appointed by City Council. The Community Relations Department serves as staff liaison to the Commission. He stated that the Beautification Commission’s mission is to promote public interest in the general improvement of the City’s appearance. Mr. Isom announced that they sponsored the “Mayors Monarch Pledge”. To fulfill the pledge the Commission created a Monarch habitat, planted milkweed, and maintained the garden at the Library Children’s Garden. In addition, the Beautification Commission hosted an annual plant exchange, handed out one thousand Milkweed seeds at the Memorial Day parade. Mr. Isom discussed hosting the Beautification Council of Southeastern Michigan Fall Quarterly Meeting with a Monarch themed luncheon at the Community Center. Mayor Taylor was also present at the luncheon to discuss his Mayor Monarch Pledge. Mr. Isom moved on Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 5 to discuss the annual Beautification awards and contests held throughout the year such as the snowman contest, fall decoration contest and a December holiday decoration contest. Mr. Isom informed everyone that Sterling Heights celebrated thirty seven consecutive years as a Tree City USA. Each April a new tree is planted on the City campus on Arbor Day. He also explained that next year to continue the Mayors Monarch Pledge, that there will a new Monarch weigh station located in Sterling Heights. Mr. Isom discussed that the Beautification Commission meets once a month to discuss ways to enhance the beauty within the City, and is looking forward to what the Commission can accomplish next year. Mr. Vanderpool discussed that one of the many important functions of the Mayor and City Council is to appointment almost two hundred Board and Commission members that are serving the City. The Council has done a great job appointing the members, including impressive, dedicated members such as Mr. Isom. Mr. Vanderpool stated that he has one more presentation, which is the three latest additions to the Public Art collection in Sterling Heights. Public Art is important to quality of life in the community. It creates conversation and brings people together. He discussed that the City’s art inventory is very impressive, valued at well over one million dollars, and sets Sterling Heights apart from other communities. Mr. Vanderpool introduced Community Relations Director, Melanie Davis to give the presentation. Mrs. Davis thanked Mayor Taylor and members of Council for allowing her to share the three newest public art pieces. She reminded everyone that the public art Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 6 program was relaunched in 2017 to provide art throughout the City. Mrs. Davis stated that Parks and Recreation Director, Kyle Langlois, approached her regarding adding public art in the parks. Mr. Langlois spoke to Eric and Israel Nordin of the Detroit Design Center about creating sculptures to memorialize and honor one fallen Firefighter and two fallen Police Officers in the parks that bear their name. Mr. Eric Nordin thanked everyone for supporting public art. He commented that he and his brother Israel were born and bred in the City of Sterling Heights. He spoke about creating the seed sculpture in Sterling Heights, and discussed several other pieces of art they have created throughout Michigan. He also stated that there is no greater honor for an artist to create art that memorializes fallen heroes. He and his brother were honored to create the memory of these great men. Mr. Nordin said what a pleasure it was working with Sterling Heights on this project, and thanked everyone involved. A video of the public art installation at the parks was shown. Assistant Fire Chief, Shawn Allen, spoke on the loss of Firefighter James Nelson who was injured on February 23, 1983, responding to an arson fire at Sterling Heights Junior High school. Firefighter Nelson left behind a wife and two children. He succumbed to his injuries on March 26, 1983. Assistant Fire Chief Allen discussed what an exceptional man Firefighter Nelson was. Mr. Nelson’s wife, Francis, advocated for Firefighter safety. Mr. Nelson’s daughter, Catherine Lovett, spoke of the overwhelming support of the Sterling Heights Fire Department while growing up. She was so grateful for all of the help that the department provided Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 7 to her and her family throughout the years. She commented on what a beautiful, powerful tribute and inspiration the artist created for her father. Police Chief, Dale Dwojakowski, spoke on the loss of two Sterling Heights Police Officers killed in the line of duty. First, was Officer Leroy Imus, killed in a hit and run accident on December 02, 1971, during a traffic stop. Officer Imus left behind a wife and four children. In 1972 a resolution was made to honor Officer Imus by naming a ten acre park after him. Officer Imus’ daughter, Susan Imus, spoke regarding how her father would always offer a hand. He would take a rookie officer under his wing and bring him home for a hot dinner with the family. She stated how much the Police Department helped her family throughout the years, with countless male role models who stepped up to help. She appreciates how the City is honoring her father. Chief Dwojakowski discussed Officer Mark Sawyers next, who was killed by a fatal gunshot wound on June 04, 2005, while sitting in his car completing a police report. Officer Sawyers left behind a wife and daughter. He made a lasting impression on his fellow officers and the community. In 2005 a resolution was passed to dedicate a ten acre park as the Mark Sawyers Family Park. Officer Sawyers’ sister, Michelle Weston, spoke about his love of family, coworkers and friends. Mark loved being a Police Officer in Sterling Heights. She also spoke about how much the City was there to support her family, and still is. Community Relations Director, Melanie Davis, thanked the artists, Mr. Langlois, SHTV, DPW, City Council and the families of the fallen Firefighter and Police Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 8 Officers. She encouraged all residents to come out to Nelson, Imus and Sawyers parks to view the three memorial sculptures. Mr. Vanderpool stated that is the last item on his report. He commented that there is no doubt the power of public art. Mayor Taylor the families for being there and sharing their stories. He opened up comments from the Council. Mrs. Schmidt sincerely thanked all of the families for their incredible sacrifice they have made for the residents of the City. She wished them well and a happy and healthy future. Mr. Radtke thanked the families for coming out. He reminded everyone that Sterling Heights is one of the safest cities because their relatives. Mr. Radtke stated that the sculptures are tremendous. He commented that the sculptures keep the families close and help people remember their sacrifice. The sculptures will stand the test of time. Mrs. Ziarko thanked the families for coming and sharing their stories. It is a tribute to the families. She appreciates the service they provided everyone for all of these years. Mrs. Ziarko appreciates that the Police and Fire Departments do so much so everyone can remember these heroes. Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski thanked the families. She commented on how much support the Fire Fighters and Police Officers gave to the families after the tragedies. She is proud that the City stepped up to help. She commented on the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 9 fact that the sculptures stand for families, specific people that died for service of the residents. People make a difference and will be remembered. Mrs. Koski thanked the families for coming and sharing their stories. She commented that the monuments are a small token of appreciation, a small way to say thank you for the service of their family members. Mr. Yanez commented on the impact the tragedies had on the families and the City. He thanked the families for the sacrifices they have made and for being part of the Sterling Heights family. Mayor Taylor stated that he is proud of the Police and Fire Departments. The camaraderie that is born out of doing something extra ordinary, and taking care of each other, being there to help when needed. He is proud of the City for honoring those who keep us safe, putting their lives on the line to protect us. Mayor Taylor thanked the Nordin brothers for their tremendous work, the sculptures are something to be proud of. Mayor Taylor also thanked Chief Berg, and all of the families for being at the meeting to honor Fire fighter Nelson, Officer Imus and Officer Sawyers. He offered the best to all of the families on behalf of the residents, employees and visitors to the City. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes his report for this evening. Recess: 8:03 p.m. Reconvene: 8:11 p.m. Mayor Taylor stated that with no objection from Council, he would like to have a brief presentation on BAPS Mandir. He informed everyone that the BAPS Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 10 community has been very active in Sterling Heights, they are a worldwide community dedicated to helping others, serving their community, improving and enriching the lives of their followers. Mayor Taylor has issued a Mayoral Proclamation claiming December 07, 2022 as his holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj day in Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor presented a group of BAPS followers with the Proclamation. Mr. Piyush Anam from the BAPS Sterling Heights community thanked the Mayor and Council for recognizing his holiness’ birthday. He discussed what the BAPS community has done this past year in Sterling Heights. He stated the group is available and willing to help the community, their doors are always open. Mayor Taylor stated that he is happy to recognize all the good work the BAPS Community is doing. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to receive the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. He invited Assistant Finance & Budget Director, Nick Makie, and a representative from Plante & Moran, PLLC, to give the presentation. Assistant Finance & Budget Director, Nick Makie presented the results of the 2022 Financial Audit, which is a very time-consuming and detailed process and involves the cooperation of many employees throughout the organization, he thanked everyone involved, especially the entire finance team. He provided an overview of the audit and summarized the financial results, adding that the full 153-page Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 11 audit report has been supplied to City Council, is also available on the City’s website, and hard copies are available at the Sterling Heights Library. The net position of the City, which represents total assets minus total liabilities, has increased by $1.1 million from the prior year. He then reviewed different expenditures, revenues, financial highlights, etc. Mr. Makie announced that the City has once again been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting, as well as a Distinguished Budget Award. He pointed out that this is all accomplished while maintaining the lowest taxes paid per resident in comparison with the largest cities in Michigan by population, and the City continues to have one of the lowest millage rates in Macomb County. Mr. Dave Helisek partner from Plante and Moran, PLLC, thanked Mr. Makie for doing a terrific job covering the financial highlights. He stated he is happy to report another clean, or unmodified, opinion on the financial statements, which is the highest level of assurance they can receive. When a local unit of government receives and spends over $750,000 worth of Federal monies, a single audit, or Federal Programs Compliance Audit is required. Plante and Moran, PLLC conducted the financial statement audit and Federal Programs Compliance Audit concurrently. Mr. Helisek stated that the City received an unmodified opinion on that audit as well. The internal controls were assessed and no improvement was recommended. He commended the City for a great year and another year in receiving the GFOA Certificate. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 12 Ms. Veronica Tuazon thanked Mr. Makie, Mr. Denton and the entire Finance Team. She discussed the AARPA funding program, which was the largest federal grant program that the City has had to administer. The fact that the City was going through two audits simultaneously, and had no findings, was a really big feat. The finance team also had the implementation of a new accounting standard Gasby 87. Ms. Tuazon reported that the Finance Department did a great job, the results highlighted the strength of the finance team. They are always prepared and the data is clean, leading to another successful audit this year. Mr. Helisek discussed the communication timing and scope of the audit, he stated that he and Ms. Tuazon are available to answer any questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor to any public comment. No one from the public spoke. Moved by Sierawski, Seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to receive and file the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski gave kudos to the financial team. She commented that dealing with governmental regulations and audits for years, that an audit with an unmodified opinion no findings is a very remarkable feat. She applauded the team and stated that she is very happy to hear the successful outcome of this audit. Mayor Taylor thanked the team from Plante and Moran, PLLC, and on behalf of City Council, he thanked Ms. Varney, Mr. Makie and the finance team from Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor commented as staff turnovers, the City demands a high level of performance from everybody. He stated that it is reassuring that the City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 13 is in good hands with Administration, and the tax payers know the City is being good stewards of their money. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments. 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 November 15, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes B. Bill Listing To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $564,502.51, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,816,789.83, Other Funds - $1,445,787.72, Total Checks - $3,827,080.06. C. Resolved, to award the bid for Sterling Heights Senior Center main restroom renovations to In-Line Construction, Inc., 22120 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48091, at a total cost of $153,910. D. Resolved, to award the bid for pruning of street trees to Wonsey Tree Service, Inc., PO Box 1142, Alma, MI 48801, at unit pricing bid. E. Resolved, to purchase the PL Custom Classic 170” Type I ALS transport ambulance and accessories from Halt Fire, Inc., 50168 West Pontiac Trail, Unit #5, Wixom, MI 48393, at discounted pricing available through a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, #110921, at a cost of $255,604 and authorize a budget amendment of $85,604 from Capital Project Fund reserves. F. Resolved, to purchase the Algo PoE+ horn speaker system and installation services from Teoma Systems, 560 Kirts Boulevard, Suite 120, Troy, MI 48084, in the amount of $12,476.54. G. Resolved, to accept the proposal by Strategiz, LLC, 4 Charles, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230, for professional facilitation services and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 14 H. Resolved, to approve the Cost Sharing and Participation Agreement for Traffic Control Device between the city of Sterling Heights and the Macomb County Department of Roads for traffic signal modernization and maintenance of the signal at the intersection of Dobry Road and Ryan Road and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. I. Resolved, to approve final payment to Galui Construction, Inc., 33805 Harper Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48035, in the amount of $20,000, plus interest on retainage, for the 2020 Concrete Sectional Replacement Program, City Project #20-363, Hamilton East Drive Reconstruction, City Project #20-360, and Fire Station #3 Parking Lot Reconstruction, City Project #20-368. J. Resolved, to approve final payment in the amount of $35,423.10, plus interest on retainage, for Delia Park Parking Lot Improvements, City Project #22-388. K. Resolved, to waive the competitive bidding requirements in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(9)(c) and accept a proposal by Song & Spirit, Inc. for a mosaic tile mural artwork, inclusive of design, construction, delivery, site preparation, and installation, at a total cost of $34,000 and authorize the City Manager to sign the Public Artwork Services Agreement on behalf of the City. L. Resolved, to schedule a special meeting of the City Council for a strategic planning session at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 8:30 a.m., and direct the City Clerk to post the appropriate notices in accordance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. M. Resolved, to adopt the resolution in support of the application by the city of Sterling Heights for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources SPARK Grant to partially fund the replacement of the Lakeside Island Park Bridge located at 14801 Island Drive, Sterling Heights 48313. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. No one commented. 9. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated there is nothing further for tonight. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 15 Councilman Yanez questioned Mr. Vanderpool regarding the pruning of trees on Van Dyke and Schoenherr, if the trees in the medians were included in the Consent Agenda item that was approved this evening. Mr. Vanderpool responded the approval from this evening includes the right of way trees in neighborhoods. Mr. Vanderpool stated that the subject median trees will be pruned this winter in house, including Metropolitan Parkway. Councilman Radtke stated that public art does make the City better. He is hopeful that the program will expand to local businesses and parks throughout the City. Councilman Radtke would like to put a call out to local businesses that would like to host public art, or possibly put a mural on their building, to contact city administration. He discussed other cities that put up several murals per year. He would like to work with businesses to enhance public spaces, in particular Burlington Coat Factory and Zap Zone. Councilman Radtke wants to include the western area of the city as well. He stated that public art enhances all of the spaces, to get it out in the community so everyone benefits. Councilwoman Schmidt reminded everyone that this week through December 10th is Walk-In Passport Week, information is on the City website. City Clerk Ryska stated that the walk-in week does not require an appointment. After walk-in week, any US Citizen can make an appointment for a passport at the City website. The City Clerk’s Office also offers passport photo’s at any time, without an appointment needed. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 16 Councilwoman Schmidt thanked and congratulated City Clerk, Melanie Ryska, and her entire department, for being singled out along with three other Clerks in the State of Michigan, by the State Board of Canvasser’s regarding how well and efficient Sterling Heights maintains their Elections. She commended Clerk Ryska for an outstanding job administering the Election, and said Sterling Heights is in good hands. Councilman Yanez thanked Parks and Recreation Director, Kyle Langlois and his team for making Sterling Christmas such a great event. He also thanked the Finance team for doing a great job as well. Mayor Taylor stated that it was a great Council meeting and thanked all of the families of the fallen Firefighter and Police Officers for attending. He commented on the great discussion of public art, Police Department, Fire Department, Finances and all of the good positive things going on in the City of Sterling Heights. Mayor Taylor informed that the City is on really good footing going into the New Year. 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 tonight. 13. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, December 06, 2022 Page 17 MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk