City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 IN CITY HALL 1. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski 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, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko Absent: Michael C. Taylor Also Present: Jeffrey Bahorski, Assistant City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, Recording Secretary. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated that Mayor Taylor is on a family vacation and unable to attend tonight’s meeting. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Bahorski explained that the City of Sterling Heights employs nearly five hundred full-time employees, and there are many challenges for recruitment, especially in the area of public safety, both for the Police Department and Fire Department. They continue to look for innovative ways to not only recruit but retain police officers and firefighters. He invited Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski to give a presentation on a sponsorship program developed by the Chief and his assistant. Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski stated it is an honor to talk about their first-ever Sterling Heights Law Enforcement Explorer Police Academy Award. He explained he worked with City Administration on this as a way to give back to their Explorer Program, which has been a great asset to the City. He stated this is a financial award given to a Police Explorer to help them pay for the Police Academy. He provided some background on the establishment of the Law Enforcement Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 2 Explorer Program by the City of Sterling Heights Police Department in the 1970’s, in conjunction with Boy Scouts of America, to help introduce law enforcement careers to young men and women. They are taught the importance of higher education, self-discipline, and respect for diversity and human dignity through training, involvement in community service projects, and other exploring events. The City has decided to invest further into youth who participate in this program by establishing a $5,000 merit-based financial award to an Explorer who is planning on attending a regional police academy. This is a one-time disbursement to the regional police academy for the selected Explorer. He explained that any Explorer in good standing and who has been a member of the program for at least two consecutive years, holds the rank of Sergeant or higher, has completed at least one hundred hours of community service, and has at least fifty college credit hours by the time they start the academy is eligible for this award. He reviewed the selection process, which will be an evaluation based on academic record, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, application, and a required written essay. Chief Dwojakowski announced the first-ever award winner, Mirna Daghlian. He provided information on her background in the Explorer program, noting she was fourteen years of age when she joined, and she is currently nineteen, serving as the Chief of their Explorer post for the last four years. He stated she attended Sterling Heights High School and was dual-enrolled with Macomb Community College starting in her junior year of high school. He talked about her participation in extracurricular activities, and had a conversation with her, where she shared her family’s journey from Iraq, to Syria, to Turkey, and finally to the United States in search of a better life, finding it here in Sterling Heights. Chief Dwojakowski stressed how proud they are of Mirna, and he expressed his appreciation of Captain Hopper and Sergeant Susalla for running the Explorer program for so many years, as well as Police Explorer Advisor Officer Andre Basin for working with all of the young people in the Explorer program. He noted they serve as positive Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 3 role models and mentors in teaching young people how important the job of police officer is in society. He thanked City Council for their unwavering support of the Police Explorer program over the years, and the new financial award to help send a deserving candidate to the Police Academy. He stressed he cannot think of a better person to receive this inaugural award than Mirna, who is currently working as a technical secretary in the Police Records Department, and plans on attending the Macomb Police Academy in Fall 2023. He hoped they will see her in a Sterling Heights Police uniform soon. Chief Dwojakowski presented Mirna with a certificate. Sterling Heights Police Explorer Mirna Daghlian stated she is honored to be here today, noting she is pursuing her criminal justice and law enforcement degrees. She has had an interest in the criminal justice system since she was very young and attended her first Explorer meeting when she was fourteen years old, although she was ready to quit the program because she was the youngest and felt lost. She was advised to give it another chance, and over the past five years, the Explorer program and the Police Department have given her the opportunities and experiences of a lifetime. She stressed that coming from a country where safety was not an expectation, but a miracle, has put her in a different position than others. She added that Sterling Heights is a community that is shared by many from all over the world, with many having been in the same situation as she and her family, fearing for their lives and safety to the point of leaving the place they called home. She explained that, as an immigrant, she wanted better for her family and those who have gone through similar experiences, and Sterling Heights has community-based policing. She has had opportunities to use her background to help others, translating in Arabic and Chaldean on multiple occasions to help those with a language barrier to get the interaction they need with the police. She thanked Chief Dwojakowski, Captain Hopper, and Sergeant Susalla, for their continued support, and she commended Officer Basin for being a great advisor Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 4 and her biggest inspiration, showing her the kind of officer that she hopes to become one day. Councilwoman Schmidt congratulated Mirna and stated they are so proud of her. She urged her to stay safe and come back to Sterling Heights as a police officer. Councilman Radtke stated Mirna is one of his neighbors and will make a great police officer. He stressed the Explorer program is a great program, turning out young citizens who they should be proud of and who will be great regardless of what they chose to do. He added that the people chosen to run that program should all be commended. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked Mirna for volunteering and dedicating her time to be an Explorer, and she congratulated her for the scholarship award. She is confident that someday there will be another student standing at the podium and using Mirna as an example of what they want to be someday. She congratulated her and urged her to keep up the good work. Councilwoman Koski stated she is so proud of Mirna, and she has emphasized to Chief Dwojakowski that they get good police officers by getting them into the Explorer program, then mentor and teach them, with the hopes they will come back to Sterling Heights. She noted that Mirna is currently serving as Chief of the Explorers, and she would love to see Mirna as Chief of Police someday. Councilman Yanez stated Mirna’s background, along with the fact she overcame her own doubts about the program when she first joined, shows great fortitude. He stated that Mirna, her parents, and her community should be so proud of this achievement, and he is confident she will achieve future greatness. He looks forward to having her back as one of the City’s police officers soon. He thanked her for her hard work. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she has great pride in hearing what Mirna has done and what she is confident Mirna will achieve in the future. She stressed it is a tough job, and is confident Mirna will do well, noting she is speaking from a law enforcement family, having a son serving as a military police officer in the U.S. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 5 Marine Corps. She congratulated Mirna and added that she hopes they will see her back here in a couple of years. Mr. Bahorski reported that the National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) is expanding its footprint at the City’s Velocity Center. He explained that NAMC is the preferred proven source of ground vehicle automotive and intelligence technology for the U.S. military. He explained that, based in Ann Arbor, the organization has a long history of supporting members and creating technology to improve conditions for those on the front lines. He added that NAMC has more than five-hundred member organizations, including academia, non-profits, defense contractors, small businesses, and non-traditional defense contractors. He provided some additional information on NAMC’s focus, as well as Velocity. He pointed out that NAMC is another organization that has chosen to base its operations at Velocity, adding that it is a great location because of its close proximity to so many military assets. Mr. Bahorski concluded his report by reminding that the Annual Cultural Exchange is this Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Community Center, located at 40250 Dodge Park Road. He emphasized the public is encouraged to attend this free event, which offers a wide array of ethnic music, dance, desserts, light appetizers from eighteen restaurants, and over fifty-five educational tables and displays. 6. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. She opened the floor for public comments. • Bob Sergott – referred to Item 6-N; informed the Drug Free Coalition will be hosting the annual Black Balloon Day at Christ Lutheran Church, located on Canal Road, on March 6 at 6:00 p.m.; explains this event gives friends and family members who have lost someone a chance to get together and celebrate the lives of those they have lost to the terrible disease of addiction; he provided some statistics on drug overdose in the United States; he clarified they do not actually release black balloons into the air, but it is about pausing and remembering those they have lost; advised the Halo on Hall Road will be lit purple on that same evening, which is the color of overdose awareness; welcomed those interested to join them at the Drug-Free Coalition meetings on the second Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Sterling Heights Police Department. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 6 A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 7, 2023. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $1,162,945.64, Water & Sewer Fund - $5,250,945.68, Other Funds - $1,310,361.13, Total Checks - $7,724,252.45. C. RESOLVED, to purchase two (2) software licensing subscriptions through February 2024, training, and hardware for Universal Forensic Extraction Devices from Cellebrite, Inc., 7 Campus Drive, Suite 210, Parsippany, NJ 07054, at an estimated cumulative cost of $11,103.49, and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. D. RESOLVED, to purchase the 2024 Ford E450 cutaway van with a 14’ cube van body from Lunghamer Ford of Owosso, 1960 E. Main St., Owosso, MI 48867 at pricing available through MiDeal cooperative purchasing contract #071B7700180 at a total cost of $53,239. E. RESOLVED, to approve the agreement between the International Association of Fire Fighters, Performance Redfined Corporation, and the City of Sterling Heights to conduct a Fit to Thrive 101: Fitness Principles and Practice Course at a cost of $24,975, and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. F. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc., 51301 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315, to provide quality control oversight for the cleaning and televising of sanitary sewers, and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. G. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a Security Gate Addition ,with DSX Access System Integration, to D/A Central Inc., 13155 Cloverdale, Oak Park, MI 48237, at a cost of $42,788.76. H. RESOLVED, to award the bid for motor oils, transmission fluids, and diesel additives to Lyden Oil Company, 8151 Millis Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317, based on unit prices bid for a six-month period. I. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid for bulk supplies and materials to the vendors and at the respective unit prices bid below for a one-year period: To: J.T. Express, Ltd., P.O. Box 204, Imlay City, MI 48444 A. Fill Sand $10.75 per ton E. Road Gravel $14.50 per ton To: J & H Transportation, 37580 Mound Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 B. Fine Crushed Concrete $15.50 per ton To: Bedrock Express, 1290 North Ortonville Rd., Ortonville, MI 48462 C. Clean Topsoil $11.45 per Cu.Yd. To: Osburn Industries, 5850 Pardee, Taylor, MI 48180 D. 6A Limestone $25.50 per ton J. RESOLVED, to suspend Governing Body Rule of Procedure No. 2 and hold the first regular meeting of the Sterling Heights City Council in May, 2023, on Monday, May 1, 2023, and direct the City Clerk to provide the appropriate notice as required by Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. K. RESOLVED, to set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. regarding the application by MRFR, LLC for a single-family residential Planned Unit Development on 8.53 acres of vacant land situated on the north side of 17 Mile Road west of Mound Road; PPUD21-0004. L. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution establishing the schedule of the City Council Budget Workshops and Charter Public Hearing for the purpose of reviewing and acting upon the fiscal year 2023/24 proposed budget, and direct the City Clerk to provide the appropriate notice as required by Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. M. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Marogy v. Sterling Heights Police Department; 41-A District Court Case No. S-22-4562-GZ. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 7 N. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating March 6th annually as Black Balloon Day in the city of Sterling Heights. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). 7. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated this is to consider appointments to the City of Sterling Heights CommUNITY Alliance. She explained there are two vacancies, one for a partial term to June 30, 2024, and the other is for a term to June 30, 2025. She opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, to appoint Connie Maciejewski to the CommUNITY Alliance to a term ending June 30, 2025, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. The motion failed for lack of support. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Michael Mazur to the CommUNITY Alliance to a term ending June 30, 2025, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilman Yanez stated he has known Mr. Mazur for several years. He is an attorney who lives in the southeast section of Sterling Heights and has been quite involved in the community, so Councilman Yanez felt he will make a good addition to the CommUNITY Alliance. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to appoint Sandy DelVillano- Marchi to the CommUNITY Alliance to a term ending June 30, 2025, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she is very familiar with Ms. DelVillano-Marchi, who is very active in the community. She is also a professor in the social work department at Wayne State University and is very connected with different populations, so she will be a great asset to the CommUNITY Alliance. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski noted that the motion on the floor specified the term to June 30, 2025, and it should be to June 30, 2024. Councilwoman Schmidt amended her motion to a term ending June 30, 2024. Councilman Radtke explained that he recommended the appointment of Ms. Maciejewski because she is a volunteer with the Drug-Free Coalition, and she was recommended by the liaison. He added that Ms. Maciejewski’s husband is the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 8 Chairman of the Oakland County Boy’s Home, and they both volunteer extensively. He stated he is frustrated because Ms. Maciejewski attends a lot of events, and she is very active in the City of Sterling Heights. Yes: Koski, Schmidt, Sierawski, Yanez, Ziarko. No: Radtke. The motion carried (5/1). 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski opened the floor for public comments. • Ms. Johnson – explained a recent incident she experienced when she was at a local park with her dog, noting she was not feeling well but wanted to get her dogs some fresh air. She was subsequently approached by a police officer, asking what she was doing there and requesting to see her phone and her driver’s license. She provided more details of the incident, and stated she wants to know why she was singled out. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she is so sorry this happened to Ms. Johnson, and she explained that Council does not conduct back-and-forth discussions with residents during Communications from Citizens. She requested that Ms. Johnson provide the City Clerk with her contact information, and they will request that the City Manager or Assistant City Manager get back with her to discuss it. • Ms. Johnson thanked Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski and left her contact information with the City Clerk. 9. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Bahorski stated he has nothing further to add this evening. Councilwoman Ziarko would like to provide City Clerk Melanie Ryska with an opportunity to talk about Passport Week. City Clerk Melanie Ryska stated that during the week of March 6 through March 11, they are hosting a Passport Walk-In Week, where people can come in without an appointment, which is usually required to have a passport accepted by their facility. They have late hours on Monday and Wednesday, and they will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. She added that, for those who need to renew their passports, they offer photos and will also look over their paperwork to make sure everything is in order before it is sent in. She clarified this is open to any citizens and is not limited to Sterling Heights residents. Councilman Radtke noted their agenda package this week included reports on the possibility of reducing parking minimums, as well as the subject of beekeeping. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 21, 2023 Page 9 He commented the reports were both very short and he requested, without objection, that Giffels Webster, who prepared both reports, come to a Council meeting to give a presentation so they can ask questions and gather more information. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski asked if any Council members had any objections to Councilman Radtke’s request, but there were no objections. She agreed that it would be a great opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Bahorski inquired as to whether Councilman Radtke has a specific meeting agenda in mind for this discussion. Councilman Radtke stated he will leave it up to him to schedule, but he would like to see it in the near future. Mr. Bahorski suggested they can tentatively look at the meeting of March 21. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski reminded everyone of Cultural Exchange event on Friday, February 24, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Community Center. She added that it is free to the public, and is full of food, fun, music, dance, and opportunities to meet neighbors. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 11. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 12. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for Closed Session this evening. 13. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk