City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY NOVEMBER 07, 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. Absent: None Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Andrea L. Bara, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Schmidt, 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 are closed on Friday November 10, 2023 in honor of Veteran’s Day. Refuse pick up will not be affected. He invited everyone out to the annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony at 11am on Saturday November 11, 2023 at the Sterling Heights Community Center, which will be hosted by the Community Relations Department in collaboration with many local Veterans groups. A presentation and ceremony will be MC’d by 41-A District Court Chief Judge, Stephan Sierawski, who served in Desert Storm. The Keynote speaker will be Brigadier General Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 2 Slocum. Special guests include Mayor Michael Taylor, Congressman John James and a representative from the Governor’s Office. There is no charge for this event and is open to the public. Mr. Vanderpool is looking forward to seeing everyone there. Mr. Vanderpool announced that the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation will be hosting the 11th annual “Puttin on the Ritz” at Villa Penna on Friday November 17, 2023, honoring Macomb Community College President, Dr. James Sawyer. He discussed how the proceeds from the event support various activities of the foundation, including scholarships. Details of the gala are available at www.sterlingheights.gov. Mr. Vanderpool stated that he will be giving an update at a future meeting regarding all of the road projects that are coming to a conclusion. He informed everyone that next year will be full of road projects, including sidewalk gap and trail system projects. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Taylor stated this item is to consider adoption of a resolution supporting and authorizing the submission of the application by the city of Sterling Heights for a conversion of grant-assisted property for purposes of a public road inside Puffin Park located at 34601 Viceroy Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. He invited Kyle Langlois, Parks and Recreation Director and Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner to give the presentation. Parks and Recreation Director, Kyle Langlois, discussed the background at Puffin Park, including the Land & Water Conservation Fund from 1972. He Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 3 went through the procedure required to obtain approval, including conceptual plan review, preliminary approval, yellowbook appraisals, 30-day public review/comment period and a public hearing. Mr. Langlois stated that he has not received any comments in person, via email or phone either in favor or opposed to this conversion plan. He displayed a map of the conversion area that showed the new access point to the south of the property which was previously not there. Mr. Langlois discussed tasks that still needed to be completed including an Archaeological/Architectural review that is in progress, an Environmental impact review and the final application which is also in progress. He informed everyone that the final packet would be submitted by the end of 2023, and a review and ruling by the National Park Service within 3-6 months. Mr. Langlois discussed the development agreement with Clearview Homes to develop the 10.38 acre site into a single family home residential site where Warner Elementary was formerly located. The development will include onsite detention, roadways, sidewalks and private utilities. The proposed development is permitted by right and only requiring administrative review. He highlighted the development agreement that was brought to Council in December of 2020, includes the commitment of funds by Clearview homes in the amount of $120,000 for park amenities and in-kind labor to create an internal path loop within the park. The project in total would create more available housing for the community and a larger park footprint and the development of a currently underdeveloped park site. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 4 Mayor Taylor opened the Public Hearing at 7:13 pm. He opened the floor for anyone in the audience wishing to speak on this item. No one spoke, and he closed the public hearing. Moved by Sierawski, Seconded by Yanez, RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution supporting and authorizing the submission of the application by the city of Sterling Heights for a conversion of grant-assisted property for purposes of a public road inside Puffin Park located at 34601 Viceroy Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated that this is a great opportunity to get the development underway. She is happy to have this approved. Councilman Radtke stated he is in favor of the conversion and the resources that are being brought to the park. He also inquired about sidewalks for the development, stating that is very important to him. 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. • Mr. Mazur spoke regarding the Native American Heritage Month. To think about that with curiosity and humility. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 16, 2023. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $727,552.89, Water & Sewer Fund - $1,871,187.79, Other Funds - $9,901,784.68, Total Checks - $12,500,525.36. C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for motor oils, transmission fluids, and diesel additives to Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc., 10480 Harrison Road, Romulus MI 48174, based upon unit prices bid for a one (1) year period and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid term one (1) additional year upon mutual consent. D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for large diameter fire supply hose to HD Edwards & Company, 8550 Lyndon, Detroit, Michigan 48238 for a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 5 one-year period at unit prices bid and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid term one additional year at unit prices bid upon mutual consent. E. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid for sewer maintenance supplies to the vendors and at the respective unit prices specified below for the period of November 8, 2023 through November 7, 2024: Core & Main, LP, 6575 23 Mile Rd. Shelby Twp, MI 48316 Item B Portland Cement @ $610/pallet Item E 2-1/2" x 8" manhole brick @ $345.60/pallet Item F 2' x 6" manhole block @ $265.58/pallet Item G 3' x 6" manhole block @ $265.58/pallet Item H 4" perforated weeptile @ $.95/ft Item I 4" Tee @ $8.63/tee Item J 4" Cap @ $5.39/cap Item K Hydraulic Cement @ $32.29/bucket Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Ferguson Waterworks, 24425 Schoenherr Rd. Warren, MI 48089 Item A Type S masonry cement @ $405/pallet Item C Expansion Strip 3" x 5' x 3.8" @ $.75/ft Item D Expansion Strip 6" x 5' x 1.2" @ $1.10/ft F. RESOLVED, to: 1. Split the award of the bid between the following vendors based upon the lowest unit price and percentage discount bid for each emergency lighting and equipment item for the period of November 8, 2023 through September 30, 2024: a. Canfield Equipment Service, Inc., 21533 Mound Road, Warren, MI, 48091; b. Cruisers, Inc., 5977 Brighton Pines Ct., Howell, MI 48843; 2. Reject the sole bid received for the Whelen light bar with takedown. G. RESOLVED, to approve the Purchase Agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and DTE Electric Company for the installation of street lighting on Plumbrook Road, from 17 Mile Road to Utica Road, and authorize the City Manager to sign all documents required on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED, to approve the intergovernmental agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and the Macomb County Department of Roads to secure federal SS4A grant funding for a City-Wide Safety Action Plan and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. I. RESOLVED, to approve final payment to LaSalle Group, Inc., 30375 Northwestern Hwy, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334, in the amount of $280,152.40, plus interest on retainage, for general contractor Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 6 construction services to construct the Department of Public Works Facility at 7200 18 Mile Road. J. RESOLVED, to: 1. Accept the proposals by Warren Contractors & Development, Inc., 14979 Technology Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48315, for general construction services in connection with the rehabilitation and relocation of sections of asphalt trail between Farmstead and Donovan Parks at a cumulative cost of $271,864.48; 2. Authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City; and, 3. Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $56,864.48 from Capital Fund reserves. K. RESOLVED, to purchase the Departmental End User Unlimited License for Cityworks Enterprise Software for a three-year term from Azteca Systems, LLC, 11075 South State St., Suite 24, Sandy, UT, 84070, at a first-year cost of $72,100, with 3% annual increases thereafter, and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. L. RESOLVED, to purchase ten (10) Stalker DSR 2X Radar units, with fast lock remote, shipping and warranty, from Applied Concepts, Inc., d/b/a Stalker Radar & Video, 855 East Collins Boulevard, Richardson, TX 75081, at pricing available through state of Michigan MiDeal cooperative contract no. 21000000351 in the cumulative amount of $27,800. M. RESOLVED, to: 1. Purchase a two-year software subscription to Graykey technology at the Essentials level, including a twenty (20) Advanced Actions expansion pack, from Magnet Forensics, Inc., 2220 University Ave East, Suite 200. Waterloo, Ontario N2K 0A8, at a cumulative cost of $31,115; 2. Authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City; and, 3. Authorize a budget amendment from general fund reserves in the amount of $18,290 and from public safety forfeiture reserves in the amount of $12,825 to fund this purchase. N. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating the month of November annually as Native American Heritage Month in the city of Sterling Heights. O. RESOLVED, to: 1. Accept the proposal by Dorchen/Martin Associates, Inc., 29895 Greenfield Road, Suite 107, Southfield, MI 48076, for professional architectural services for the Sterling Heights Community Garden; 2. Authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City, and; Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 7 3. Authorize a budget amendment to use American Rescue Plan Fund reserves in the amount of $24,000 to fund the services. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to transfer ownership of a 2023 Class C liquor license, with SDM license, existing Sunday Sales (PM) permit and new Sunday Sales (PM) permit, from Picano Enterprises, Inc. to Alara Enterprises, LLC. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. No one spoke Moved by Sierawski, Seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of the 2023 Class C liquor license, with SDM license, existing Sunday Sales (PM) permit and new Sunday Sales (PM) permit, from Picano Enterprises, Inc. to Alara Enterprises, LLC, be considered for approval. Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski stated that she is happy that Antonio’s is continuing to stay in business and has no issues with the transfer. Councilwoman Ziarko asked the petitioner if the transfer was approved by the State. • Mr. Bashar responded that the license will be issued in 4-8 weeks. Councilwoman Koski inquired about the location of the restaurant, and suggested a ribbon cutting, inviting the community. She wished Mr. Bashar well. • Mr. Bashar stated the restaurant was on East 14 mile and Dequindre, serving Italian food. He is excited to own a restaurant in the City which he has been a resident since 2007. He stated he will be updating the restaurant in the future. Councilman Yanez inquired if Mr. Bashar is keeping the original recipes. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 8 • Mr. Bashar responded that he is keeping the menu the same. Mayor Taylor congratulated Mr. Bashar and wished him luck. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). B. Mayor Taylor stated this was to consider a request by Henry Ford II Instrumental Music Boosters for recognition as a local nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a State of Michigan charitable gaming license. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Ms. Joy Johnson– explained she is the Vice-President of the Henry Ford II Instrumental Music Boosters. She discussed holding raffles to support marching band camp, cost of instruments, etc. Mayor Taylor inquired about the private concert that is being raffled off by the Henry Ford II Instrumental Music Boosters. • Ms. Johnson stated the concert needs to be in the UCS boundaries, and many local businesses have been purchasing tickets as well. She also discussed the music being done this year is “music al caliente” (Latin music). Moved by Schmidt, Seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, that the request from Henry Ford II Instrumental Music Boosters of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, asking that they be recognized as a local nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a State of Michigan charitable gaming license be considered for approval; provided, however, that this action is not an endorsement of the organization and the city of Sterling Heights should not be listed on any promotional materials associated with their charitable gaming activities. Councilwoman Schmidt stated that she is very comfortable with this Charitable Gaming Resolution as presented. She was a band booster for 14 years and knows how hard the boosters work to raise money for the kids. She is pleased and honored to help the kids. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 9 Councilman Radtke inquired how someone would contact Ms. Johnson to purchase a ticket. He also questioned how many students are currently in the instrumental program. • Ms. Johnson replied, to purchase tickets go to www.HF2IMB.org. She stated there are approximately 60 students currently. She anticipates the number of students to rise next year. Councilman Radtke confirmed that the funds raised will pay for band camp and questioned if additional funds were raised, would that pay for instruments. • Ms. Johnson replied that the additional funds would go to purchase instruments, repair instruments, food, bussing, etc.. Councilman Radtke commended Ms. Johnson and volunteers who donate their time to make neighborhoods and cities function. He is purchasing a raffle ticket and encouraging those at home to support this group. Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski thanked Ms. Johnson for all she does. Mayor Taylor thanked Ms. Johnson for the presentation, he is happy to support local high school students. He also encouraged students to apply for the Sterling Heights Youth Advisory Board. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Zoning Board of Appeals C. Mayor Taylor stated that this is to consider a nomination to the Zoning Board of Appeals. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 10 Mayor Taylor explained this is an open seat to a partial term ending June 30, 2026, and a Council appointment. This is a two-step process with the nomination on November 7th and appointment on November 21st . Moved by Radtke, Seconded by Yanez, RESOLVED, to nominate Jafar Chehab for consideration as an appointee to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the November 21, 2023 regular City Council meeting. Councilman Radtke stated that Jafar is the current alternate and has attended the last five ZBA meetings and is doing a wonderful job on the board. He is happy to recommend him. Councilman Radtke urged city administration to increase the amount of candidates for Boards and Commissions, to have a larger pool to choose from. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Youth Advisory Board D. Mayor Taylor stated that this is to consider two appointments to the Youth Advisory Board. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Mayor Taylor explained this is a Council appointment. Moved by Radtke, Seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Christopher Dejonckheere to the Youth Advisory Board to a term ending June 30, 2024, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilman Radtke commented that all of the Youth Advisory Board members are highly qualified and appreciates their hard work. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 11 Mayor Taylor explained that there is one seat left, and would like to see someone apply. Moved by Sierawski, Seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to postpone the appointment to the Youth Advisory Board to the December 5, 2023 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience. • Pattie Mitchell spoke about the bike path behind her house, requested that the path be put father away to allow retention of many trees. • Will Frost spoke about his business Eastpointe Energy specializing in grid connected energy storage systems. He has a proposed project in the city and wanted to introduce himself. 9. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool discussed the bike path that will connect the town center to the epicenter in Sterling Heights. Community feedback stated a large interest in expanding the bike and hike trail system. Filing gaps in sidewalk connectivity, making the City pedestrian friendly. Mr. Vanderpool informed everyone that the City was able to secure funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to connect the city’s town center, through the Lakeside ReDevelopment, all the way to the Dodge Park Trail System, which also provides a connection to the Iron Belle Trail System. Mr. Vanderpool stressed that the project is in the preliminary design phase and has not been finalized. Residents will be contacted when the project has more detailed information available. The saddle brook area will have the path set fifty feet from the rear property line. The path area is confined due to the amount of utilities, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 12 overhead wires and poles. He stated there will be buffers and trees installed, as the city does with all trial projects. Mr. Vanderpool is looking forward to further collaboration with Homeowners Associations to address any concerns that might arise. Councilwoman Schmidt reminded everyone that it is the 45th year for the Ken Stompski Food Drive and encouraged everyone to bring in non-perishables to the DPW Facility on 18 Mile Rd. or to the Community Relations Department at City Hall to help this food drive. Councilman Yanez discussed the recent EGLE Sustainability Conference that himself and four other Sterling Heights representatives attended. He stated that Sterling Heights is on the cutting edge of sustainability in Macomb County. Sterling Heights was recognized by Michigan Municipal League as a Silver Certificate City for the work that has been done. A Silver status allows the City to apply for a cohort that will work with the City to achieve Gold status, in addition Mr. Nathan Inks was awarded a Yeti. Councilman Yanez spent time with a representative from CMS Energy discussing grant money to help with energy waste reduction in the City. Mr. Vanderpool will be meeting with the representative. Councilman Yanez commented that the conference was excellent and everyone learned a lot. He is proud of the work that the Sustainability team has done. Councilman Yanez discussed a recent visit to Maple Lane Elementary. A school for students with emotional disabilities that he has been working with for the last ten years. While he was there, a Police Officer pulled up to assist Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 13 with an issue, then additional Officers and a Sergeant showed up. Councilman Yanez stated the Officers were very professional and handled the situation quite quickly. A member of Youth Services Bureau was previously stationed at the school because of the amount of calls the Police received. He is interested in alternative forms of response regarding the school besides sending Police Officers to handle a meltdown at an Elementary school. Councilman Yanez requested a report from the Police Chief at strategic planning, outlining ways to respond to this type of situation. Councilman Yanez touched on Native American/Indigenous Day and ancestry. He discussed the trail project on the ITC Corridor, stating that he would like to leave as much wooded area as possible. The connection between one part of the City and another is a very important pathway to move people back and forth. Councilman Yanez inquired how many volunteers showed up for the fall Shine Day. Mr. Vanderpool stated that approximately eighty volunteers were in attendance to help with the clean-up. The recipients were very grateful. The volunteers felt it was a very rewarding experience. Councilman Yanez commented that his group collected forty-four bags of leaves, and still had more to do. His crew was made up of a myriad of diverse people working side by side to help fellow residents in need. Councilman Yanez was touched by the outpouring of help and kindness from Sterling Heights residents, considering what is going on in the world currently. He is Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 14 proud to be a resident of Sterling Heights and thanked everyone who volunteered their time to support Shine Day. Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski applauded Councilman Yanez on his comments. She thanked all of the kids who came out to trick or treat for Halloween, especially the teenagers. Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski informed everyone of a cute event going on at Dodge Park, a Corgi/Dachshund meet up that includes a free photo with Santa. The event is sponsored by Dachshund House Rescue. Mayor Taylor agreed with Mayor Pro Tem Sierawski regarding Councilman Yanez’s comments. Councilman Yanez spoke very articulately about the inclusivity of Sterling Heights. Councilman Radtke welcomed any and all Veterans to join them for the beautiful ceremony on Saturday. Councilwoman Koski informed everyone that Sterling Heights is a member of the National League of Cities. She requested that money be set aside so members of the Youth Advisory Board could attend the next NLC Conference. Mayor Taylor agreed that is an idea worth exploring. 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. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday November 07, 2023 Page 15 Yes: All. The motion carried, and the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk