City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL MONDAY APRIL 17, 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; 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. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that the second Budget Hearing will be on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., He also informed everyone that the first meeting in May will be on Monday, May 01, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. due to a Utica Community School District bond election on Tuesday, May 02, 2023. He noted that the City of Sterling Heights Department of Public Works is preparing for their annual street sweeping program, which includes all city streets. He advised that the program typically begins in late April or early May, depending on the weather, and runs through December, starting with the major roads, followed by the neighborhood roads. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the very successful Department of Public Works clean up days. April 22, 2023 is Sterling Heights Shred Day and April 29, 2023 is Electronic Recycling Day, both at the DPW building from 9am-2pm. Saturday, May 13, and May 20, 2023 is Clean-up Day from 9-2. Dumpsters will be available for yard debris, furniture, lumber, and other household items. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted the success of Hazardous Waste Day last week. There was a significant amount of waste eliminated, keeping it out of landfills. There were over a thousand vehicles bringing in items, filling over fifty pallets onto three semi- Regular City Council Meeting Monday April 17, 2023 Page 2 trailers and two twenty yard roll off dumpsters. He thanked Mayor and Council for continuing to fund and support the clean-up days that are so important to the Sustainability plan and keeping the community clean. Spring SHINE (Sterling Heights Initiative for Neighborhood Excellence) Day is being held on Saturday, May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to mid-afternoon at First Church. It is a citywide cleanup program to help residents who are unable to accomplish outdoor activities such as raking, painting, mowing grass, etc. The program is aimed at keeping property values strong and neighborhoods aesthetically pleasing. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Community Relations at 446-CITY. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the new “Think Sterling Green” program and the “Go Green” grants, which are consistent with Visioning 2030 and the city’s Sustainability plan. Sterling Heights is one of the first cities rolling out this program. He then introduced Mr. Todd Parker, Program Director, from “Michigan Saves”. Sterling Heights partnered with “Michigan Saves” to administer the program. Sign up is very easy on the Sterling Heights website. Mr. Parker stated that Sterling Heights was the first community in the State to use ARPA funds to invest in homes throughout the City. The program is unique because everyone in the community is eligible to apply for funding. There are two levels in the program. The first is an income qualified level, where residents can get up to seventy-five hundred dollars in qualifying energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements at no cost to them. Improvements such as furnace, water heater, windows, doors, etc. The second level for residents who do not qualify on income, are eligible to get a twenty percent incentive in qualifying energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements, not to exceed five thousand dollars. Both levels are eligible for low interest “Michigan Saves” financing for larger more extensive projects. Mr. Parker informed everyone that the program launches May 01, 2023. There is an online application process found at www.sterling-heights.net . The program is on a first come - first serve basis. Applicants are required to work with the “Michigan Saves” authorized contractors, to get quotes and bids for their projects. Regular City Council Meeting Monday April 17, 2023 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool stated Sterling Heights appreciates the partnership that City Council approved several months ago with “Michigan Saves”. Council challenged Administration to do whatever they could, to leverage additional funds. Administration was able to turn the one million dollars into over two and a half million dollars. He stated that the city is on a good course leveraging as many resources as possible. Mr. Vanderpool discussed another important component, the rail barrel program. Each resident can receive a free rain barrel, including the installation kit. Installation is very simple, or a contractor can install the rain barrel for fifty dollars. There are no income qualifications for Sterling Heights residents to receive a free rain barrel. Mr. Vanderpool is looking forward to promoting the program under the banner of Sustainability. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Vanderpool and Mr. Parker. He commented that this is an exciting program and urged residents to tell their neighbors. Mayor Taylor wants to put the money to good use and help resident’s lower utility bills and get new high-efficiency appliances in their homes. Councilwoman Schmidt inquired if residents are required to obtain bids prior to submitting the online application. Mr. Parker responded that residents should obtain the quote from the authorized contractors, and then apply for funds through the online application at the city’s website. Mr. Parker stated that there is a link on the website to the authorized contractor list. 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments. • A member of the Armenian community thanked the Mayor and Council for Issuing a resolution to mark April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Sterling Heights. She discussed the continuing dire humanitarian crisis that still exists. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 04, 2023. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $693,423.51, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,671,067.39, Other Funds - $10,233,498.81, Total Checks - $12,597,989.71. Regular City Council Meeting Monday April 17, 2023 Page 4 C. RESOLVED, to approve the property and liability insurance program with the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority for the period of May 1, 2023 through May 1, 2025 at a cost of $880,520 the first year and a cost increase not to exceed seven percent (7%) for the second year and authorize the City’s member representative to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. D. RESOLVED, to approve the Master Services Agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and Cantaloupe, Inc., 100 Deerfield Lane, Suite 300, Malvern, PN 19355, for a period of three years, with an option to extend the term one additional year, and authorize the City Manager to exercise the option and sign all required documentation. E. RESOLVED, to: 1. Split the award of the bid for police uniforms and bullet resistant vests to the following vendors at the respective unit prices bid for a three-year period: a. To Nye Uniform Company, 1067 E. Long Lake Road, Troy, MI 48085, for items comprising the complete Class A uniform, SRT uniform and Honor Guard uniforms; b. To CMP Distributors, Inc., 16753 Industrial Parkway, Lansing, MI 48906, for officer bullet resistant vests; and, 2. Authorize the City Manager to exercise the option of extending the bid award for the fourth year at the unit prices bid. 3. Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $38,425 for the immediate purchase of 53 bullet resistant vests from General Fund Reserves. F. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution recognizing April 24th annually as "Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day" in the city of Sterling Heights. Yes: All. The motion carried. 8. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of the fiscal year 2023/24 Community Development Block Grant One-Year Action Plan. He introduced Sydnie Allor, HUD Coordinator to give the presentation. Ms. Allor gave an overview of the 2023-2024 CDBG Action Plan. She discussed the CDBG National Objectives. The primary objective is the development of viable communities by the provision of decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally persons of low to moderate income. Eligible activities must meet one of the following national objectives: • Benefit Low to Moderate Income Persons • Aid in the prevention and elimination of slums and blight • Meet a need having a particular urgency Ms. Allor discussed how the CAC Allocates funds: • 20% for Administration • 15% for Public Services: Nonprofits & Interagency Programs • 35% for Capital Projects: Road Improvements, Senior Center Improvements, Minor Home Repair, and Home Rehabilitation Regular City Council Meeting Monday April 17, 2023 Page 5 Ms. Allor discussed 2023-2024 Funding Distribution Allocation: • Administration - $137,629 • Public Service - $114,817 • Public Improvements - $413,000 • Housing Activities - $100,000 Ms. Allor stated that the Organizations and Programs that will be funding during 2023/24 are: • Macomb County Community Action Agency • Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers • Adaptive Recreation, City of Sterling Heights • MATTS & MCREST • Care House & Turning Point • Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids • Hearts 4 Homes Ms. Allor indicated the Capital Projects are as follows: • Beaver Creek Parking lot - $413,000 • Minor Home Repair - $40,000 • Home and Property Improvement Loan Program - $60,000 Ms. Allor reviewed the Minor Home Repair Program which provides an $800 grant to income-eligible seniors, persons with disabilities, and owner-occupants of mobile homes to make necessary repairs to their homes. The Home and Property improvement Loan Program provides no interest-deferred payment loans up to $30,000 to income-eligible applicants to assist owner-occupants of single family residences to maintain their homes and bring them into conformance with housing quality standards. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, Seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to approve the fiscal year 2023/2024 Community Development Block Grant One-Year Action Plan as recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee and City Administration based on an entitlement of $765,446 and authorize City Administration to complete the Federal application and secure the funds. Councilman Radtke congratulated the Citizens Advisory Committee on a very good project list. He stated that Beaver Creek Park is a hidden gem, and this is the type of project that the CDBG funding should be used for. He stated this is another example of how Sterling Heights is improving the entire park system, one of the best in the State, and he is very proud of the work being done in the City. Councilman Yanez questioned the cost of the Administrative wages for the program. Regular City Council Meeting Monday April 17, 2023 Page 6 Ms. Allor responded that the amount includes wages, trainings and delivery of the program. Mr. Yanez questioned who is getting wages from this program. Mr. Vanderpool responded that there are two HUD Coordinator positions that are funded by the program. There are a lot of Federal restrictions and strings attached to the program. Sterling Heights is audited yearly by the Department of Housing and Urban Development obtaining the highest audit scores possible. Mr. Vanderpool added that the administrative costs are very much in line with the amount of detailed work that go into the program. Councilman Yanez questioned how many people are being paid out of the Administrative portion of the program. Ms. Allor responded that the costs are primarily to pay the salary for herself and Ms. Jarzab, the other HUD Coordinator. Councilman Yanez questioned if all of the money is going for Sterling Heights residents. Ms. Allor stated that they receive quarterly reports from every sub recipient that details every resident that they have served in Sterling Heights. The HUD Coordinators perform a yearly review of the program. Councilman Yanez questioned why the program was closed this year. Ms. Allor responded that there were currently no open spots, but if anyone is in need of a service, to call their office and they will contact Macomb Community Action. Councilwoman Ziarko informed everyone that in order for one of these agencies to get funding, they are required to do a presentation and include the requested amounts, then a decision is made. Mayor Taylor thanked Ms. Allor for her presentation and information and stated that he is glad that Sterling Heights can allocate this money through the CDBG program. Yes: All. The motion carried. 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Regular City Council Meeting Monday April 17, 2023 Page 7 Mr. Vanderpool and Mr. Kaszubski stated they had nothing further to add this evening. Councilman Radtke discussed Michigan Municipal League training that starts on Tuesday. He stated that he appreciates the resident’s willingness to change the Council meeting to Monday. He is looking forward to learning in Lansing to better serve the City of Sterling Heights. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she is excited about the rain barrel, and will be putting one at her house. She is encouraging residents to go to the website and click on the “Go Green Grants” for more information. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated that she would like to have a friendly competition with other cities, such as “Most Sustainable City”, possibly challenging Ann Arbor, they can be “Go Blue”, and Sterling Heights will be “Go Green”. Mayor Taylor reminded everyone of the upcoming Council Meeting Schedule: • Tuesday, April 25, 2023 @ 6:30 pm for the Budget Meeting • Monday, May 01, 2023 @ 7:00 pm for the Regular Council Meeting • Tuesday, May 09, 2023 @ 7:00 pm for the Special Joint Meeting at the Community Center 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 is one item for closed session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk