City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023 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. Councilman Radtke requested that Item 7-M be removed from the Consent Agenda and be made Consideration Item 8-B. Mayor Taylor confirmed that Consent Agenda Item 7-M will become Consideration 8-B. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commented as a point of order that moving this item to a consideration item would be bringing this item into deliberation. She requested through the Chair to Mr. Kaszubski whether deliberations should be done in a public hearing so that any questions and concerns the Council has can be discussed in a public forum. Mayor Taylor stated it is on the Consent Agenda, so it is available for the public to comment and debate it. Mr. Kaszubski explained the matter before Council tonight is to set a public hearing and to adopt a resolution of intent, which is generally a perfunctory matter to set that agenda item; however, it is on the Consent Agenda and can be pulled by a Council member and it becomes a Consideration Item. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski pointed out the intent this evening is to set the public hearing, so anyone who would have wanted to have public input may not be here this evening because they would be waiting to attend the public hearing. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 2 Mr. Kaszubski pointed out if a Council member would want to change the date of that public hearing, that would be a debatable question and reason for it to be moved to Consideration. Mayor Taylor stated if anyone wanted to talk about this and hear the discussion, they should be here because it is on the agenda. He added it has been common practice that if a Council member wants to move an item from the Consent Agenda to Consideration, it is usually granted. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she does not have an objection but wants to make sure anyone who wishes to express their opinion or voice their concerns should be able to do so, and that is generally done at the public hearing, which has yet to be set. Councilman Radtke clarified this is to set the public hearing, and the reason he is requested it be pulled from the Consent Agenda is to talk about the type of public hearing they are going to have, whether it is for a DDA (Downtown Development Authority) or a CIA (Corridor Improvement Authority). Councilman Yanez questioned whether the discussion of this item under Consideration is strictly pertaining to the date of the public hearing, or whether they can discuss the issue of CIA versus DDA. Mayor Taylor replied they can discuss anything pertaining to the item. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that the yard waste collection program started yesterday, so yard waste can now be set out at the curb in 32-gallon, 64- gallon, or 96-gallon containers, or in paper bags. He added that it cannot be placed in plastic bags. The Department of Public Works will discount its tree program in the month of May to encourage residents to purchase trees to be planted in the right-of-way in Fall 2023. They are now taking reservations, and he urged anyone interested to contact the DPW department or visit their website for more information. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool talked about an exciting program they have started, which is a new website portal that enables residents to sign up. They can review their water usage almost instantaneously and are able to view whether they have any unusual spikes in their water usage, which is useful for any individuals who think they may have a leak. Prior to this portal, residents would have to wait three months for their water bill, and if there was a drastic spike, they could surmise they have a leak, but with this portal, alerts can be set, and the system will send a message or an email that there was unusual water consumption. Daily, weekly, and monthly usage can be monitored through this system, and a comparison can be viewed as to how they are doing with other users throughout the system. He showed images of what is reflected on this portal, indicating it is very easy to use. He talked about how to get logged in by taking a picture of the QR code, which will take the residents directly to the webpage, and once account information is entered, they will be logged in and can use it on their computers and SMART devices. He also pointed out this provides good information about how much a water leak, such as a leaky toilet, would cost per month if it is not fixed. He added that another program being rolled out with this is encouraging residents to sign up for paperless billing and autopay. Paperless billing is environmentally friendly and there is an electronic archive of bills, and autopay is very simple, with payment through a checking or savings account, or through a credit card. He advised that residents who sign up for this service will receive a $5 credit on their monthly bills, which will save $60 per year. Mr. Vanderpool commented that it is a unique program, and he is not aware of other communities that have developed this type of program. He compared average monthly water and sewer bills to other communities, noting Sterling Heights ranks very favorably at the bottom, with an average of $68 per month, compared to the City of Fraser at $146 per month. He encouraged residents to take advantage of the paperless billing and autopay by going to the City’s website to sign up. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 4 Mr. Vanderpool stated they have an exciting program coming to Sterling Heights through their Human Library. He invited Community Relations Director Melanie Davis to talk about this program. Community Relations Director Melanie Davis shared information about an upcoming event, the Human Library, being held on Thursday, April 13, from 6 pm to 9 pm. At the Community Center. She explained this event is made possible through a partnership between the Sterling Heights Library, the CommUNITY Alliance Commission, and The Human Library, which is an international organization headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. She provided some history on the The Human Library, which aims to contribute to greater tolerance and understanding between people worldwide through a method to create a dialog between different individuals who may not otherwise have an opportunity to talk to each other. It started in 2000 and is now available in more than eighty countries, and this is the first time a Human Library event has been held in Macomb County. She explained the library and the CommUNITY Alliance act as a “publisher”, publishing people as open books for conversations about unique life experiences. A “book” is a person who volunteers to represent a group in the community, and based on personal experiences, can answer questions for “readers” to help challenge stereotypes, so that people do not judge a book by its cover. Conversations are about thirty minutes long, and readers can check out more than one book if they have the time. A brief video about the Human Library was shown. She encouraged everyone to attend this exciting event next Thursday. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by reminding everyone that the next regular City Council meeting will be held on Monday, April 17 rather than Tuesday, due to the Michigan Municipal League Capital Conference being held in Lansing. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is a presentation of the Employee and Department/Office Awards for 2022. He invited Community Relations Director Melanie Davis and Human Resources and Benefits Manager Kate Baldwin to give the presentation. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 5 Benefits Manager Kate Baldwin stated they are excited to host their Employee Awards Ceremony, in which they announce and celebrate employees receiving 2022 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. 10 Years: Elizabeth Gadioli (court), Kathleen Jacobs (Library), Lamar Kashat (Police), Lance Stevens (Fire), Roy Vultaggio (Senior Center) and Grace Zacharias (Court) 20 Years – Mario Bastianelli II (Police), Chad Conover (Police), Kenneth Cooper (Fire), Brian Demuynck (Police), Sue Giallombardo (Community Relations), Mark Glazewski (Building), Brian Krueger (Police), Jennifer Lindquist (Police), Anthony Roeske (Police), Donald Rogowski (Crossing Guard), Jeffery Salloum (Public Works), Jocelyn Scoggins (Police), Shannon Swanson (Purchasing), Derek Upton (Public Works), Remie Verougstraete (Police) and Robert Wojciechowski Jr. (Police) 25 Years – Jon Beaupre (Police), Ryan Braathen (Police), Richard Clark Jr. (Police), Leona Cross (Senior Center), Suzanne Deplancke (Police), John Farah (Fire), Colleen Hopper (Police), Robert Kovalcik (Police), Todd Marsh (Public Works), Kenneth Mercer II (Police), Paul Muskovin (Police), Krista Smith (Engineering) and George Tsouroullis (Police) 30 Years – Mark Schmidt (Building) 35 Years – Donna Guitar (Court) and Michelle Kaput (Police) 45 Years – Horst Hrinciuc (Building) 50 Years – David Brook (Court) The Department awards were presented after a brief introduction and explanation in each instance as to why these individuals were selected. In some instances, the recipient could not be present, so the respective presenter accepted their award for them, or a brief acceptance video from the recipient was shown. The 2022 Departmental awards were presented to the following: Library Employee of the Year Barbara Petrowski (Presentation by Karen Stine, Library Service Area Coordinator) Parks and Recreation Full-Time Employee of the Year Jennifer Rizzo (Presentation by Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Director) Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 6 DPW Full-Time Employee of the Year Derek Browning (Presentation by Erik Skurda, Public Works Operations Manager) DPW Part-Time Employee of the Year Robert Kennedy (Presentation by Erik Skurda, Public Works Operations Manager) Firefighter of the Year Vito Adamo (Presentation by Kevin Edmond, Fire Chief) Fire Officer of the Year Lieutenant Scott Widzinski (Presentation by Kevin Edmond, Fire Chief) Police Officer of the Year Officer Scott DeMuynck (Presentation by Dale Dwojakowski, Police Chief) Police Command Officer of the Year Sergeant Jamie Dubay (Presentation by Dale Dwojakowski, Police Chief) Detective of the Year Detective Natalie Abram (Presentation by Dale Dwojakowski, Police Chief) Police Department Civilian of the Year Administrative Secretary Michelle Kaput (Presentation by Dale Dwojakowski, Police Chief) 41-A District Court Full-Time Employee of the Year Roberta Rybicki (Presentation by Stephen Sierawski, Chief Judge) 41-A District Court Part-Time Employee of the Year Jaclyn Skelaj (Presentation by Stephen Sierawski, Chief Judge) Sterling Heights Part-Time Employee of the Year Adam Shultis – Parks and Recreation (Presentation by Mark DiSanto, Recreation Superintendent) Outstanding Performance of the Year Charlie Waldorf – Facilities Maintenance (Video Presentation by Todd Macovis, Mark DiSanto and Matt Sharp – Live Presentation by Mark Vanderpool) Sterling Heights Full-Time Employee of the Year Lewis Gardella – Information Technology (Presentation by Steve Deon, IT Director) Sterling Heights Administrator of the Year Melanie Ryska – City Clerk (Presentation by Mark Vanderpool, City Manager) Office/Department of the Year Department of Public Works (Presentation by Mark Vanderpool, City Manager) Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 7 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 a successful event each year. Ms. Davis congratulated all the award recipients, and a group photo was taken. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to congratulate and thank all the employees recognized for years of service and outstanding performance in 2022. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she is happy to have these employees recognized for their great work, and she extended her personal congratulations. Mayor Taylor stated, on behalf of all the residents of Sterling Heights, that they brag about their community and, although he and Council get to take a lot of the credit, they could not do that without their full-time and part-time employees who work for the City of Sterling Heights. He added they are incredibly grateful for all the work they do, and he expressed pride in being part of this team. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). The meeting recessed at 8:37 p.m. and reconvened at 8:47 p.m. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda as amended. He opened the floor for public comments. • Ben Orjada – questioned whether the joint meeting for Item L is open to the public. Mayor Taylor replied affirmatively. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 21, 2023. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $352,360.09, Water & Sewer Fund - $77,765.39, Other Funds - $809,199.26, Total Checks - $1,239,324.74. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for tactical pants and shirts for the Metro Macomb SWAT team members to NYE Uniform Co, 1067 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, MI 48085, at unit pricing bid and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $34,900 from General Fund reserves. D. 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 2023 fees for services schedules. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 8 E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for replacement glass partitions to Edwards Glass Company, 32000 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150, at a total cost of $32,250. F. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the purchase and installation of floor covering in the Council Chambers within City Hall to Conventional Carpet, Inc., 7155 19 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48314, in the amount of $29,640. G. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Xpert Lawn and Snow, Inc., 21083 Mound Rd., Warren, MI 48091, for noxious weed/grass cutting services through December 31, 2023, with an option for the City Manager to extend the terms and conditions of the proposal two additional one-year terms at the same pricing. H. RESOLVED, to purchase an annual subscription for the LeadsOnline PowerPlus Investigation System Service Package from LeadsOnline, LLC, 6900 Dallas Parkway, Suite 825, Plano, TX 75024, in the amount of $13,719. I. RESOLVED, to: 1. Accept the proposal by Josh’s Barrel Company, LLC, d/b/a MiRainBarrel, 25911 Northline Commerce Drive, Suite 303, Taylor, MI 48180, for the administration of a rain barrel program for City residents and authorize the City Manager to sign the project proposal on behalf of the City, and 2. Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $50,000 from American Rescue Plan Act Fund reserves. J. RESOLVED, to approve the application by Fenix Prats Detroit LLC, for a junkyard license at 6785 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. K. RESOLVED, to ratify the Intergovernmental Metro Macomb SWAT Mutual Aid Agreement effective March 1, 2021. L. RESOLVED, to schedule a special joint meeting of the Sterling Heights City Council, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals at the Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., and direct the City Clerk to provide public notice in conformity with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. M. This item was moved to Consideration Item 8-B. Yes: All. The motion carried. 8. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a First Amendment to Amended and Restated Planned Unit Development (PUD) Agreement for the PUD development of 7.85 acres of land situated on the west side of Schoenherr Road, south of Hall Road, PPUD21-0001. Mayor Taylor invited members of their Planning Office, Mr. Ryan Fox and Ms. Alexis Richards, to give the presentation. Mr. Ryan Fox provided a brief explanation of the proposed amendment. This apartment development was brought before the Council in Summer 2021. The applicant is seeking to amend the PUD agreement to allow for a total of four internally illuminated wall signs. Under the existing agreement, there are two free-standing ground mounted signs on the site, one of which services the shopping center to the south of the development, and one internally illuminated identification sign on the eastern façade facing Schoenherr and Lakeside Circle. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 9 The applicant is proposing the addition of three additional signs, and he showed a slide depicting these signs. One would be a 30-inch-high sign on the north façade reading “Sterling Center Apartments.” There would be one on the south façade also reading “Sterling Center Apartments” and would be like the previously approved sign on the eastern façade, but slightly larger at 134 square feet. Below that sign would be a 48-sq-ft wayfinding sign that reads “Leasing Office.” He indicated the applicant is present tonight to answer questions. Applicant Tony Gallo stated he is here to answer questions, and he thanked the Mayor and Council for the opportunity to construct this development. He added they are very proud of it, and they hope to open in June. Mayor Taylor appreciated Mr. Gallo’s development in the City, and he is looking forward to this development being open. He opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to approve the first amendment to the amended and restated planned unit development agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and Sterling Retail LLC and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated this is a request to update the signage, and she is happy with it, adding she has no questions. Councilman Yanez questioned why this additional signage is necessary. Mr. Gallo replied the size and magnitude of the building are the reasons why this additional signage is being requested. He indicated many people have been calling to inquire as to whether this is a hotel, so they want to identify the type of product on the building. He added they want exposure along the M-59 corridor, which they feel will assist them long-term. Councilman Radtke commented that this type of request is usually accompanied by a recommendation from the Planning Office. He questioned whether they have a recommendation on this signage. Mr. Fox replied their recommendation is to approve the signage as requested, and he indicated this is not out of character for an area that is predominantly commercial. They feel the signage is appropriate. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 10 Councilwoman Schmidt noted that she would prefer the signage on the walls as proposed rather than a pole or monument sign, so she appreciated their change. Councilwoman Koski stated she likes the signage as presented this evening, because it clearly identifies the building. She questioned whether the signage will be illuminated. Mr. Gallo replied it is internally lit. Councilwoman Koski stated it looks good and she is in favor of it. Mayor Taylor commented that it is a great building, and although it is very large, it works well in its location. He recently read in The New York Times or the Wall Street Journal that cities across the country are looking for ways to take parking lots that are underutilized and turn them into something better. He indicated this building looks better than the empty parking lot, and it fits the City’s need for housing. He commended Mr. Gallo for a great product. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). B. Mayor Taylor stated this was previously Item 7-M on the Consent Agenda, which is to adopt a resolution of intent to establish the Lakeside Corridor Improvement Authority and to designate the boundaries of the Corridor Improvement Authority Development Area. He opened the floor for public comments. • Ben Orjada – excited for this development; wants to make sure tax revenue generated that benefits the city-at-large; stressed they cannot lose sight of the greater city, a lot of areas that need help; does not want the tax revenue compartmentalized and reinvested into this space over and over again at the expense of the greater Sterling Heights region. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to adopt the Resolution of Intent setting a public hearing for June 6, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. to consider the establishment of the Lakeside Corridor Improvement Authority and designation of the boundaries of the Development Area. Councilman Radtke stated he requested this to be pulled from the Consent Agenda because he believes a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) would benefit that area much more than a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA), noting that both use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) so excess tax revenue, once the district is set, can be spent within the area to improve it. He questioned whether the CIA Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 11 would require this money to be spent within 350 feet of the roadway that the parcel is fronting. Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner replied the distance is 500 feet. Councilman Radtke stated that creates a situation on the south side of Lakeside Mall, where a couple of properties are left out. He added he is not as worried about the senior communities that are already built, but there is a vacant lot, as well as Island Park. He recalled discussion in the past about a bridge to Island Park and activating it as part of this development. If it is not a part of the CIA, the money generated from the CIA cannot be spent outside of the CIA; therefore, he felt a DDA would encompass Island Park and give them more options. He added a DDA gives the ability to put up to a 2-mill ad volarem tax on the property to generate money in addition to the TIF revenue. He clarified he is not saying this is an action they should take, but he does not want to see the City have limited options in the future. He noted the Van Dyke Corridor already has the CIA, and they would have to start over to make it a DDA, whereas in this area, they are just beginning the process. He requested that Mr. Bonner briefly explain the difference between a CIA and a DDA. Mr. Bonner explained that a CIA and a DDA operate the same on the surface, with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as the basis for both economic development tools. They made the recommendation for a CIA for a couple of reasons, the first being that the CIA is intended for suburban-commercial areas, whereas the DDA is statutorily intended for downtowns, which this area is not. There is a limitation on the CIA which is spelled out on the map, and the boundaries can only go so far. The DDA boundaries can continue on and on. He clarified the major difference when creating boundaries has a lot to do with the kinds of properties that are included. In a DDA, the intent of the boundary is to prevent conditions of blight and deteriorating property conditions, and the intent of having a downtown area. There is the ability to add 2 mills, which was discussed, and there are other layers Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 12 of bureaucracy. The CIA is intended for suburban commercial corridors, and Lakeside area meets the overall intent to help in its redevelopment. The district also includes Schoenherr, and there are a lot of properties along Schoenherr which, over time, can be redeveloped. It is intended to create a bigger district other than only the Lakeside property. When they looked at both, he stated his professional opinion that the DDA is targeted at downtown areas, and this is not a downtown area. It is also targeted at areas with blighted property conditions, and in this case, Lakeside is the only property that would potentially have blight in the future, which is the reason they want to redevelop it. He reiterated this area better fits a CIA rather than a DDA, and he felt the CIA is the best economic tool for this area. Councilman Radtke pointed out that the City of Warren has a DDA where they are trying to build their downtown area. He commented that the DDA is the best option, and he understands if they choose a CIA, but he emphasized he is looking to improve Island Park and the bridge they would like to build at that location. He pointed out this corridor also expands to the ITC corridor, so it will be built. He is concerned about adding something for the residents in the area. He recalled they had a budget request for that bridge for about five years on their Capital Improvements plan at an estimated $1.2 million, and he would like to see a funding structure to get that bridge for the residents. If they include all of Island Park in a potential DDA, they could also rectify the bridge to the south which cannot carry a motor vehicle at this time and needs repair. Councilman Yanez questioned who has the authority to expand the DDA area. Mr. Bonner replied to inquiry that the City Council has the authority to establish the DDA boundary. He clarified the current intent of creating a CIA comes with the designated boundary depicted on the map. He explained there are limitations and can include parcels that are within 500 feet of the defined corridor, which is M-59 and Schoenherr. Anything beyond that 500 feet cannot be included, and he clarified the statute was meant to do this so that it would not become a massive Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 13 corridor that would continue. With a DDA, they can determine whether to expand the boundaries farther and wider, but it would take a majority vote of City Council. Councilman Radtke recalled when they first contemplated a CIA or a DDA, it was for only the inside of Lakeside Circle. He inquired as to whether the boundaries can be shrunk. Mr. Bonner replied that could be done if it was the Council’s decision, although he cautioned some parcels must be included because they are off Schoenherr or M- 59, and they must be contiguous. He added there are some areas along Schoenherr, south of M-59, that they need to pay attention to because there are some vacancies that have been there for a long time. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski looked at the boundaries of the proposed CIA, and Island Park is outside of that boundary. She questioned whether they could use the CIA to access Island Park. Mr. Bonner confirmed they would not be able to use any TIF revenue from the CIA to make any physical enhancements or improvements to Island Park or any connections to it because it is outside of the district boundaries. He replied to further inquiry it is too far from Schoenherr. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned whether they could adjust the boundaries. Mr. Bonner replied the boundaries shown on the map are what is allowed under the statute, so they are at their limits, and there is no way to capture Island Park. Part of the eligibility requirement is a roadway that qualifies it as an eligible roadway. M-59 and Schoenherr are both considered eligible, but the collector roads that feed into Lakeside do not count as a defined roadway. He replied to further inquiry that Hayes would qualify, but he estimated the distance of Island Park would be too far away. He explained the additional requirements in the CIA statute includes that the corridor must have at least fifty-one percent of existing floor space classified as commercial. If they look to extend the boundaries, they are getting into more residential properties, which could be a disqualifier. He noted the corridor must have been in existence for the past thirty years, and it Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 14 must be adjacent or is within 500 feet of a road classified as an arterial or collector road by the Federal Highway Administration, and both Schoenherr and M-59 meet these requirements. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she would never consider Lakeside a downtown, so she did not feel it would qualify for a DDA. She would rather see it as a CIA based on the qualifications. She pointed out the City found grant money for the bridge for Dodge Park, so she felt they may find other avenues to fund an access bridge to Island Park in the future. She appreciated Mr. Bonner’s input. Councilwoman Ziarko does not have any objection to the map as proposed. It is continuous with some of the commercial and retail already there, so she can understand why they crossed Schoenherr. She pointed out that there are some large parking lots that could have some type of development in their outlots if the number of parking spaces ends up being reduced. She questioned whether this district extends to Canal. Mr. Bonner replied it stops at Canal Road. Councilwoman Ziarko commented that she would not want to install a bridge from Island Park to Lakeside at this time with all the construction anticipated, although she added it may be something they can look at in the future, possibly finding money in the budget at that time. She has no objection to this as presented. Mr. Bonner commented they had an update call with Lakeside earlier today, and they started discussing design guidelines for the project. He noted the benefit of having an expanded district is to be able to take those design guidelines through the rest of the area so that Lakeside itself is not one single development, but it is good for harmony and theme throughout the defined district. He noted, with reference to Island Park, that as Lakeside progresses with a lot of residents as they hope, Island Park will be very popular, and it may behoove the City to make that improvement at that time. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 15 Councilwoman Ziarko questioned the advantages that some of the existing businesses have now with the CIA that they did not previously have. Mr. Bonner replied to inquiry that the biggest advantage will be when Lakeside redevelops, adding a significant amount of density, new retail, new consumers, and all a short distance from their existing businesses. He indicated a well- thought-out themed district tends to benefit everyone. Councilwoman Koski requested an update on how a CIA works. She understands the City’s portions of the property taxes for those properties in the district will be stopped. As the property increases in value, that additional tax will go into the CIA fund. She questioned how that money is spent, and whether each property is entitled to the value of their increase, or whether it goes into one pot and spent as needed. Mr. Bonner replied that TIF is based on tax revenue generated from the increase in property values in a defined district. Once the TIF plan is adopted, the City General Fund will receive what it has always received from those properties; however, as property values increase and the property tax revenue increases as a result, that goes to the Authority, and any new development in that area that is generating new property tax revenue goes to the Authority. The Authority then, via a development plan, would prioritize and identify different improvements in that district. The Authority would then spend its dollars on those improvements throughout the entire district. The property owners continue to pay taxes as they always have, but they are in an area where their property taxes are being reinvested back into their area. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned Mr. Bonner as to some examples of improvements that can be made with TIF funds. Mr. Bonner replied that they can be used for general public improvements, such as lighting, landscaping, signage, roads, water, sewers, sidewalks, bridges, pedestrian areas, plazas, and façade improvements on existing buildings. He clarified the types of improvements must be public improvements, except for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 16 façade improvements. They all must be improvements that the City ends up owning in the end. Councilwoman Schmidt is comfortable with the fact that DDAs are for downtown areas, and she stated she does not view this as a downtown area. She is comfortable going forward with the CIA. Councilman Radtke questioned whether the TIF is required to capture 100 percent of the taxes, or could it be set up to capture less. Mr. Bonner replied it is a policy decision, so the TIF can capture 100 percent of the taxes, but if it decides it is only going to capture 90 percent, then it is 90 percent across the board for every millage that is captured in that district, including for the city, county, Huron Clinton Metro Authority, college, etc. Councilman Radtke questioned whether a DDA or CIA can do an advertising campaign, such as decorations or other things to improve the general area. Mr. Bonner replied affirmatively. Councilman Radtke noted it is not just for buildings and sidewalks, but it can be used to market the area. He noted the definition of “downtown”, which came from New York City, and it refers to the commercial center of the city. He commented that Lakeside is, or was, the commercial center of Sterling Heights, and he reiterated the advantages of a DDA, including the optional added tax of up to 2 mills, although he clarified they are not required to assess that tax. He indicated if they are going to create a district to make improvements, they need to make improvements for the residents, such as the pathway to Island Park. Councilman Yanez questioned who will issue the bonds proposed for the Lakeside project, and who will be in control of the money, whether it will be the City or the Authority. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry the City would issue the bonds, and the CIA would oversee paying the debt service. It would all be paid for through the TIF. There would be some excess revenue as well, but he noted that is only for the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 17 Lakeside proper redevelopment, but with the larger district, they can use TIF revenue for other improvements outside of the Lakeside proper area. Mr. Bonner explained the City issues general obligation bond which is backed by the revenues from the TIF District. The Authority passes the budget every year, but that budget includes the bond payment. Councilman Yanez asked Mr. Kaszubski if an Authority be sued. Mr. Kaszubski replied affirmatively. Councilwoman Ziarko understood that the elected body oversees the CIA, so it has double layers of protection. Mr. Bonner replied that the Authority ends up being a recommending body to City Council, which is how they have always had the policy. Mayor Taylor stated he is in favor of a Corridor Improvement Authority for this property. He clarified this is to set the date for the public hearing. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor, Yanez, Ziarko, Koski. No: Radtke. Absent: None. The motion carried (6/1). 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Norm Simpson - resident for over thirty years; been in the recycling business for fifty years, talked about curbside recycling; opposed to it, noting only one out of five households participate; trucks create more pollution and burn more energy than they can recover by recycling; prefers to see one or two recycling centers reopen. • Ben Orjada – advised Worker’s Memorial Day is April 28, honoring those who have been injured or lost their lives on the job; would love support from City Council through a proposed Resolution to present at a future Council meeting; would love to help the City coordinate an event commemorating this day in the future. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he has nothing further this evening. Councilman Yanez requested an update on the street sweeping. Mr. Vanderpool replied they have four street sweepers and will be starting in a couple of weeks. They begin with the major roads, followed by the arterial streets, and lastly the neighborhoods. He advised they have five revolutions they complete on the major roads, and four revolutions in the neighborhoods. He noted that one of their sweepers is a waterless sweeper, but the others do have Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 18 water, so they must wait for the weather to warm up to ensure there are no icing conditions. Councilman Yanez noted it is important for cars to be off the street when the sweepers are in their neighborhood. He pointed out that the month of April is Autism Awareness month, noting that one in thirty-six children is born on the spectrum. They would like to honor those who are on the spectrum and their families by lighting the Halo blue, which is the color for Autism Awareness Month. He inquired whether the City could do that the weekend of April 14th through 16th. Mr. Vanderpool replied that, without objection from City Council, they are happy to light the Halo blue in honor of Autism Awareness Month. He added that they will put out some information on social media. Councilman Yanez noted they recently tore out the Veteran’s Memorial area and put in a new one; however, he noticed they are missing recognition to those who fought in both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. He referred to Desert Shield and Desert Storm, including Desert Sabre, and there was Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom following 9/11, which was the longest war in the history of the country. He commented that the Global War on Terror, which includes the post- 9/11 wars, involved many people who served multiple tours of duty due to the fact the U.S. military is volunteer. He stated this is taking a toll on those who served, and an estimate of more than 30,000 who served in the Global War on Terror have died by suicide because of the mental and emotional conflicts, while just over 7,000 died in battle. He would like, without objection, for Administration to do an investigation on the cost and timeline to create a monument in the Mike Adragna Veteran’s Memorial Garden to commemorate those who served in these conflicts. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski would like to echo Councilman Yanez’s request, but she would like to see them separated, noting one age group served in the Gulf War, and second who served more recently in Afghanistan. She felt there are two different groups, and they should be separated. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 19 Councilman Yanez stated that is acceptable to him and he only suggested one to save space. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski felt they need to each be identified separately. Mayor Taylor stated it is well-intentioned and he appreciates Councilman Yanez bringing it up and Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski’s point that they both deserve separate appreciation and recognition. They have a beautiful park meant to honor veterans and people who served in the Armed Forces, and they can request Administration to take the comments made tonight to see what they can do to appropriately recognize those members of the Armed Forces who served recently (over the last thirty years). Councilman Yanez requested whether they can request the City to report back on this within the next sixty days, if possible. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry he is confident they can get some meaningful concept plans within the next sixty days, and if there is further direction, they may have to do some fine-tuning and provide more research. Councilman Yanez thanked Mr. Vanderpool. Councilman Radtke supported his colleagues and felt the memorialization is a worthy cause, and he felt they can find a way to make sure everyone is equally honored. He expressed concern about an accident that occurred on the pedestrian island at 15 Mile and Van Dyke, where an individual was crossing in the crosswalk at the island and was struck by a vehicle and had to be transported to a hospital. This individual is mentally disabled and was going to McDonald’s. He stressed it is unconscionable that they have created a pedestrian island to make it safer, yet it is the fifth person who has been struck at that location, with two of those pedestrians killed. He pointed out that drivers are not obeying the basic traffic law of yielding to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk. He understands the City is looking for more improvements in the area, but he emphasized that too many drivers are not paying attention, so he urged everyone driving to pay attention. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Page 20 Councilwoman Ziarko acknowledged that the crosswalk is there, but she has watched people quite often cross the street between the crosswalk and Van Dyke, so it is not just the drivers, but the pedestrians are at fault when they do not use those crosswalks to stay safe. Mayor Taylor stated they will be holding a Special Meeting next Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. for their first Budget Hearing, the next Council meeting the Monday night after that, and the second Budget Hearing in three weeks, again at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Vanderpool replied that is correct. Mayor Taylor thanked the employees who were honored and recognized this evening, along with every City employee who works hard for the residents of this City. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 12. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 13. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for Closed Session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk