City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 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 Consent Agenda Item 8-I be moved to Consideration Item 9-A. Yes: All (on the amended motion). The motion carried (7/0). 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool stated that in this extreme cold, it is difficult to think about canoeing and kayaking along the Clinton River, along with the importance of that river to this entire region, but this next presentation will center on that amazing asset. He indicated that millions of dollars have been spent on cleaning up the Clinton River, including many log jams, and now it is one of the City’s most popular recreational amenities. They have installed landings, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 2 launches, new bridges, and it has become a point of pride for the community. He introduced Jennifer Hill, Executive Director of the Clinton River Watershed Council, to talk about what they are doing, with much of it centered in Sterling Heights. Jennifer Hill, Executive Director of the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC), explained that this organization has been in existence since 1972, when there were concerns about rapid development and changing landscape in metro Detroit, leaving less and less area for water to infiltrate back into the ground and to the river through groundwater. The Council’s mission is to protect, enhance, and celebrate the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair. She explained the definition of a watershed, which is an area that drains into a common body of water. The Clinton River is that body of water in the Clinton River Watershed, which contains 760 square miles. They also service the Lake St. Clair direct drainage communities, along with some communities in the Anchor Bay Watershed as well. They have over sixty members who are municipalities, including the City of Sterling Heights, and they also partner with individuals, businesses, and homeowner/lake owner associations. Ms. Hill detailed the impacts to the watershed and the water quality as the area becomes more populated, including bacterial contamination, contamination from combined sewer overflows, and wetland loss. The Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, and it had a lot of great impacts on the health of the watershed, but they still face a lot of challenges, including the greatest Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 3 challenge of managing stormwater. She showed a map depicting impervious surfaces where water cannot infiltrate into the ground, so they have challenges they need to figure out how to work with in this urban environment. Ms. Hill outlined numerous areas of their work, one of which includes education, and she detailed the various areas where this is done by involving students in local schools to participate in water quality monitoring. They also involve students in Water Festivals so they can teach them at a young age what the water resources mean in their community. Ms. Hill stated their work also involves clean-up, and she detailed those events. She noted they choose a different park each Wednesday from April through November, and this past year, parks in Sterling Heights included Dodge Park, Beaver Creek Park, James C. Nelson Park, and Joseph Delia Park. She informed that in Sterling Heights alone, with the help of volunteers, over 2,600 pounds of trash were pulled out of those parks and along the Clinton River. She explained they also monitor the quality of the water and curb invasive species before they invade the area, and this is done through their Adopt-A-Stream program, with five sites monitored in Sterling Heights. She added they have data going back thirty years for every site they monitor. Ms. Hill also explained their Water Towns, of which Sterling Heights has been a member since 2015. This work helps communities get access to engineering and design for green infrastructure improvements. She showed some examples of options for green infrastructure, and she believed this helped with installation of a new bridge and kayak launch, adding they have Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 4 mini grants they give to communities. She believed Sterling Heights used theirs for installation of bioretention cells, rain barrels, and permeable pavers, and she showed before and after photos of the bioretention cells. Ms. Hill the CRWC also manages the Clinton River Water Trail and are excited to hear how they can continue to support the work the City is doing at Rotary Park. They have also worked on a project in the last year to increase safety signs along the water trail and are working with communities to put those up. They have worked so that residents have more access to outdoor opportunities, through their Nourished by Nature program, and she cited the various events that have taken place. She mentioned an event, Crafts on the Clinton, that they hosted at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion in Dodge Park in September, which is an annual event for the CRWC, where they bring in local brewers, wine vendors, and art vendors, and have a celebration along the river. She stated they are excited to be partnering with Sterling Heights on this event at such a beautiful venue. She thanked the City for the support they give to the CRWC, and she assured they are always here as a resource for the community. She offered to answer questions. Mayor Taylor thanked Ms. Hill for her presentation and invited Council members to ask questions, but no one spoke. Mr. Vanderpool continued with his report by informing that now is the time to apply for the City’s 2024 Summer Internship Program. He stressed they have a robust program, hiring about twenty interns each year across many disciplines, and those interested can go to the City’s website and search for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 5 “summer internships.” There is a QR code to obtain the application, or an application can be obtained from the City. He stressed this is a very meaningful internship opportunity, and some of their interns stay on to become full-time employees, eventually moving up to managers and directors. Mr. Vanderpool stated the last presentation in his report this evening is about the “Let’s Vote!” campaign, and he invited City Clerk Melanie Ryska to make a presentation. City Clerk Melanie Ryska shared some new voting options that will be put into place for elections taking place in 2024. She explained that in November 2022, voters overwhelmingly approved Proposal 2 (advertised as “Promote the Vote”), which is a constitutional amendment to voting rights. This amendment provides a number of new options for voters, including the following: • Early voting – voters now have nine days (including Saturdays and Sundays) before the election to come into the City’s Election Center to cast their ballot directly into a tabulator rather than in an envelope to be counted on election day. She noted the results from those tabulators will not be advertised until Election night. • Permanent ballot list – voters can now fill out one universal application and automatically receive an absentee ballot at their home for every election, and they are not required to fill out an application for every election if this option is selected. She added that if voters receive this ballot at home, they can bring the ballot in and put it through a tabulator at the City’s Election Center during early voting, or they can take it to their precinct on Election Day and put it through a tabulator at their polling location. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 6 Clerk Ryska stated the other option that has been in place is the application ballot, so if a voter is on a permanent application list, they automatically receive an application for every election cycle, and they can then advise the Clerk’s office the address where they want their ballot sent. This is a popular option for individuals who are frequent travelers because the United States Postal Service does not forward ballots. If a ballot is sent to a voter’s home, but they are out of town with a temporary forwarding address, the ballot will not be forwarded and will come back to the City as undeliverable. The City will then have to try to determine how to contact the voter to obtain the proper address for the ballot to be sent. She advised that anyone who receives a ballot this way can still go to their Early Voting Center and have their ballot tabulated there, or they can take it to their precinct on Election Day. She noted that on Election Day, which is February 27, 2024 for the Presidential Primary, all polling locations will be open for voting, and she reminded that any absentee ballots can be taken to the polling location by the voter and tabulated there. A slide was shown reflecting the dates and hours of the Early Voting Center, which is located in the Election Center, located in the Community Center at 40250 Dodge Park Road. Clerk Ryska explained that, because of all of these overwhelming changes opening up many different options for voters, the City Clerk’s office has embarked on a voter education campaign, including the issuance of mailers sent to every registered voter in the City, a massive social media campaign, information included in the City’s magazine, the hosting of a number of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 7 community events, and a video series. She showed a slide of the mailer that was sent out to all registered voters in Sterling Heights, and she pointed out QR codes are included, directing the voters to various websites with dates, times, and additional information. She informed the first Community Forum is being hosted on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Community Center, and she and her team will be there to answer any questions people have regarding the voting process and options available. She urged those interested to register at www.sterlingheights.gov/vote. The premier of the first video in their series of Know Your Options was shown. She noted they will have videos on Permanent Ballot Voting, Absentee Voting, as well as Election Day Voting. Clerk Ryska thanked her team who has worked tirelessly on this to make sure it is up and running, mentioning especially Chelsea May, Management Services Specialist, and Bob Sergott, Broadcast Programming Specialist of SHTV. She offered to answer questions. Mayor Taylor thanked Clerk Ryska for her presentation. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether the program on Thursday evening is a formal program or whether it is available for walk-ins to ask questions. Clerk Ryska replied they have put together a fact sheet of typical questions asked, and she will be going through that fact sheet. They will be allowing individuals to come to the podium to ask questions, and they will do their best to answer those questions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 8 Mayor Taylor complimented Clerk Ryska and her staff on a good presentation and the great job they do. He added the City is blessed to have professionally well-run elections in the City of Sterling Heights, and he knows the residents are thankful for the Clerk and her team. He commended Mr. Sergott as well for the video, and they are looking forward to seeing more of the videos in the series. Mr. Vanderpool stated that concludes his report this evening. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is a swearing-in ceremony for new Sterling Heights Police Officers. He invited Captain Kenneth Pappas, Interim Chief of Police, to make the presentation and swear in the new officers. Captain Kenneth Pappas, Interim Chief of Police, welcomed and introduced Alex Roberts and Jesse Ingrum, providing a brief summary on each of their education, work, and background experience. He swore in the officers, and each officer in turn thanked the City and the Police Department for the opportunity to serve the people of Sterling Heights, and they thanked their families for their support. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski welcomed the new police officers, noting she has a son who is a Marine and a military police officer. She wished the two new officers the best and to be safe. She appreciated the sacrifices they are making, and she thanked them for putting their lives on the line every single day. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 9 Councilwoman Ziarko agreed with Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski on welcoming and thanking the new police officers. She stated this is one of the best places in the State to work, and she knows it will be a good partnership between the new officers and the City. She thanked them for choosing Sterling Heights, wished them well, and urged them to stay safe. Councilman Radtke thanked Interim Chief Pappas for the wonderful recruits he and his predecessor have brought to the City. He stressed that the City asks a lot of their police officers to meet a very high standard, but he expressed confidence that they will meet that standard, adding they will be given everything they need to do so. He urged them to stay safe, and he thanked them for all they do. He thanked Officer Ingrum for his service in the Army. He thanked them for choosing Sterling Heights. Councilwoman Koski thanked the officers for choosing Sterling Heights, and she welcomed them, adding that they will find that this City will be “like their second family.” She urged them to be safe. Mayor Taylor agreed with the sentiments expressed by his colleagues, and he welcomed the new officers to Sterling Heights. He thanked them for choosing this community, noting the City has a reputation for excellence. He asked the new officers to do their best for the residents and keep them safe, and he added that the community supports their police in a meaningful way. He wished them the best, and he urged their families to do what they can to support these young men. He urged them to stay safe, and he thanked them for serving the City of Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 10 B. Mayor Taylor stated this is a presentation of the employee and department/office awards for 2023. He invited Community Relations Director Melanie Davis and Human Resources & Benefits Manager Kate Baldwin to make the presentation. Community Relations Director Melanie Davis stated that Human Resources & Benefits Manager Kate Baldwin is unable to be here tonight because she is ill, but she sends her regards. Ms. Davis stated she is very excited to announce and celebrate the employees receiving 2023 Employee Recognition Awards. She explained the City of Sterling Heights takes great pride in celebrating their exceptional employees who consistently demonstrate exemplary performance and go beyond their responsibilities to contribute to the success of the City, and the wellbeing and happiness of all of the residents and businesses that call Sterling Heights their home. She noted these individuals embrace the City’s mission of innovating living, and they are commended for their exceptional work ethic and their unwavering dedication. Ms. Davis explained they will invite various Department Directors and Supervisors to come up, announce, and present their department-level awardees. They will then announce the citywide Part-Time Employee of the Year, Outstanding Performance of the Year, Full-Time Employee of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and Office/Department of the Year. She noted that after all of the awards have been presented, they will request a brief recess Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 11 so that a group photo can be taken in the lobby of all of this year’s distinguished honorees, along with the Mayor and City Council members. The Department awards were presented by various Directors and Supervisors to their employees, after a brief introduction and explanation in each instance of why these individuals were selected. In many cases, the awardees spoke a few words, expressing their thanks, appreciation, and gratitude for the awards. In a couple of instances where the recipient could not be present, the Director/Supervisor indicated they will be giving them their awards in person. The 2023 Departmental awards were presented to the following: • Sterling Heights Public Library Employee of the Year: Karen Stine (presented by Public Library Directory Tammy Turgeon) • Parks and Recreation Part-Time Employee of the Year: Katie LaChance (presented by Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois) • Parks and Recreation Full-Time Employee of the Year: Mary Zito (presented by Parks and Recreation Directory Kyle Langlois) • Department of Public Works (DPW) Part-Time Employee of the Year: Bonnie Rau (presented by DPW Director Mike Moore) • Department of Public Works (DPW) Full-Time Employee of the Year: Cory McKinney (presented by DPW Director Mike Moore) • Sterling Heights Fire Department Firefighter of the Year: Thomas Nowicki (presented by Fire Chief Kevin Edmond) • Sterling Heights Fire Department Fire Officer of the Year: Tracy Davis (presented by Fire Chief Kevin Edmond) • Sterling Heights Police Department Patrol Officer of the Year: Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 12 Officer Natan Bittou (presented by Police Captain/Interim Chief Ken Pappas) • Sterling Heights Police Department Command Officer of the Year: Sergeant Margaret Courtley (presented by Police Captain/Interim Chief Ken Pappas) • Sterling Heights Police Department Detective of the Year: Detective Eric Jobe (presented by Police Captain/Interim Chief Ken Pappas) • Sterling Heights Police Department Civilian of the Year: Administrative Secretary Christine Fisher (presented by Police Captain/Interim Chief Ken Pappas) • 41-A District Court Part-Time Employee of the Year: Nora Nikprelaj (presented by Chief Judge Stephen Sierawski) • 41-A District Court Full-Time Employee of the Year: Elizabeth Buss (presented by Chief Judge Stephen Sierawski) Ms. Davis stated that, for the last segment of their Employee Awards Ceremony, they are moving on to the City Recognition Awards. Each of these individuals were nominated by their coworkers and friends. These individuals have demonstrated hard work, dedication, going above and beyond, all while being gracious and adding positivity to the workplace. Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner/City Development Manager, announced Walt Garon, Code Enforcement Officer in the City Development Department, as Part-Time Employee of the Year, providing a brief introduction, background, and explanation of why Mr. Garon was chosen for this award. He stated he was brought in to help launch their “Elevate” program with City Director Jason Kastor. He goes to large sites and plazas throughout the City, bringing them into code compliance. He has made lasting changes to the City’s zoning Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 13 ordinance, including the recent changes in shipping and storage containers, and helps to provide safe and thoughtful solutions for many of their industrial property owners throughout the City. He relayed some of the staff’s kind words about Mr. Garon. Dr. Parcell personally thanked him for helping him when he started in City Development, and being one of the first people he sees every day. He presented him with the award. Mr. Garon provided a few words of thanks, especially in City Development and City Planning, for their support. Ms. Davis invited City Manager Mark Vanderpool to announce the final four award recipients: Outstanding Performance of the Year, Full-Time Employee of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and Department of the Year. Mr. Vanderpool announced Todd Macovis as the recipient of the Outstanding Performance of the Year award. He provided a brief introduction, background, and explanation of why Mr. Garon was chosen for this award. He was recently promoted from Facility Maintenance Superintendent to Facilities Maintenance Manager. He pointed out the City has nineteen public facilities that Mr. Macovis and his team have to manage, which is a never- ending assignment. He referred to his “can-do spirit,” positivity, and he read other kind words from staff about Mr. Macovis’ work ethic and performance. Mr. Vanderpool stressed that he appreciates Mr. Macovis’ work ethic, adding that he works hard “24/7”, with the past few days being no exception. He pointed out that Mr. Macovis and his team were hard at work to ensure all of the City’s buildings were open. He also mentioned how chipper and happy Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 14 he is, even in the middle of the night when he is called with a problem. He presented Mr. Macovis with the Outstanding Performance of the Year Award. Facilities Maintenance Manager Todd Macovis thanked his team, pointing out that they make him look good. He thanked his wife and expressed his thanks to everyone for their kind words. Mr. Vanderpool announced Meghan Ahearn, Special Projects Coordinator in City Administration, as the recipient of the Full-Time Employee of the Year award. He provided a brief introduction, background, and a sampling of the many projects she has helped to coordinate. He relayed some of the comments of the Mayor and City Council, and he agreed with all of the attributes that City Council and Ms. Ahearn’s coworkers have bestowed on her, and he appreciates her hard work and ability to keep him on task. He presented Ms. Ahearn with the Employee of the Year Award. Special Projects Coordinator Meghan Ahearn thanked everyone for their kind words. She appreciated the recognition but assured that is not why she is doing this job, clarifying that she loves serving the public and helping any way she possibly can. She thanked her parents, her husband, and her kids, adding that the support from home greatly helps. She stressed that she would not be where she is today without all of the wonderful people with whom she works, and she thanked the City for that opportunity. Mr. Vanderpool announced Jason Castor, City Development Director, as recipient of the Administrator of the Year award. He provided a brief introduction, background, and scope of Mr. Castor’s responsibilities in his Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 15 position. Mr. Vanderpool explained that Mr. Kastor started with the City twenty-six years ago as a high school intern in the Office of Engineering. He continued to grow in the organization, and in 2018, he was promoted to City Development Director. He shared some of the complimentary comments from the employees in the City Development Department, and he agreed with all of those comments. Mr. Vanderpool commented that Mr. Castor is a great family man and takes pride in talking about accomplishments of his kids. He expressed his gratefulness for Mr. Castor’s great leadership and service, and he presented him with the Administrator of the Year award. City Development Director Jason Castor thanked the Mayor and City Council, Mr. Vanderpool, and all of the employees for this honor, adding it is very humbling to receive this award. He thanked his City Development team, as well as current and former employees he has worked with throughout the years. He congratulated all of the awardees this evening, and he thanked everyone for this award. Mr. Vanderpool concluded the presentations with the Office/Department of the Year award and stated this is being presented to the Finance & Budget Office, consisting of five distinct departments and a total of forty employees. He reviewed some of the major processes handled by this department, including payroll, where they generate over 26,000 payroll checks annually. He stated Accounts Payable is another department, and they process 17,000 of those annually. They annually process 90,000 tax payments and over one- half million water bills. He noted for the last thirty-seven consecutive years, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 16 the City has won the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Award. They process the City’s total budget of $250 million, but when including pension funds and other ancillary funds, it totals nearly $800 million annually. He added that they process 1,500 purchase orders and 48,000 assessment notices on an annual basis. They handle pension checks and other pension employment benefits for 1,000 retirees. He stressed they manage a lot each year, and do it with humbleness and great expertise, led by Finance & Budget Director Jennifer Varney. He invited her to talk more about her great department and her team. Finance & Budget Director Jennifer Varney stated that on behalf of the entire Finance team, about half of which are present this evening, she thanked City Council and Administration for this recognition. She stressed it is the completion of their critical behind-the-scenes functions that enables the Police and Fire Departments to respond to 911 calls, and the Public Works Department to fix roads and plow snow. She emphasized the forty employees in their office work tirelessly every day to ensure the many tasks are performed proficiently and accurately, enabling city government to continue to function. She stated they are always looking for ways to improve, and she named some of the recent accomplishments of the Finance office. Ms. Varney asked the members of her department to stand up and be recognized, including those in Utility Services, Financial Services, Treasury Office, Assessing, and Purchasing. She thanked them all for their hard work and attending this evening, and requested they join her in accepting this award. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 17 Ms. Davis led a round of applause for all of the recipients of tonight’s awards. She thanked the Mayor, City Council members, Mr. Vanderpool, and Mr. Kaszubski for their time and their continued support of the City’s employees. She thanked her team members in Community Relations for their hard work in helping to coordinate this event and make it a success. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED, to congratulate and thank all of the employees receiving awards for outstanding performance in 2023. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski congratulated all of the awardees and their families. She thanked them for the great job they do for the City, and she added they are honored to have these employees represent the City. Mayor Taylor stated they could not have the city services and the community they have without the work of their employees, and he thanked them on behalf of 135,000 residents. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). The meeting recessed at 8:52 p.m. and reconvened at 9:03 p.m. 7. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Article 6, Section 6.05 and Article 7, Section 7.05 of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to eliminate the parking space requirements for boats, trailers, and recreational vehicles in RM-1 and RM-2 (Multiple Family Low- Rise Districts) and RM-3 (Multiple Family Mid- and High-Rise Districts). He opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Yanez, RESOLVED, to adopt the ordinance amending Article 6, Section 6.05 and Article 7, Section 7.05 of Zoning Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 18 Ordinance No. 278 to eliminate the parking space requirements for boats, trailers, and recreational vehicles in RM-1 and RM-2 (Multiple Family Low Rise Districts) and RM-3 (Multiple Family Mid- and High-Rise Districts). Councilman Radtke stated this was explained at the last meeting and has been a long time in coming. He stated he has been on Council for six-and-a- half years and has never had to vote in favor of this, so he felt it is good to eliminate it. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda, as amended, with the omission of Item 8-I. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 3, 2024. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $674,820.68, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,475,556.25, Other Funds - $2,083,218.07, Total Checks - $6,233,595.00. C. RESOLVED, to accept a proposal by the Center for Public Safety Management, LLC to complete a Community Risk Assessment: Standards of Cover Analysis for the Sterling Heights Fire Department (Total cost of $49,500 plus travel costs). D. RESOLVED, to: 1. Award the bid (Part B) for the Noregon JPRO suite of diagnostic software and related hardware and accessories to Diagnostic Innovations LLC, 2843 Hilton Road, Ferndale, MI 48220 at a cost of $12,590; and, 2. Reject the bid (Part A) for the Dell Latitude 5430 rugged laptop. E. RESOLVED, to split the award of the bid for police ammunition to the following vendors through December 31, 2024 based upon their respective unit prices bid: 1. Vance Outdoors, Inc., 3723 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43224, for eXact iMpact 40 mm #6530 training kits, eXact iMpact 40 mm #6525 sponge round, and Hornady ELD Match Tap Precision .308 Win 168 #80725 rifle ammunition; and, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 19 2. Kiesler Police Supply, 2802 Sable Mill Rd., Jeffersonville, IN 47130, for Federal Buckshot Frangible 12 ga. Ballisticlean #BC13200 ammunition and Federal Slug Frangible 12 ga. Ballisticlean #BC127RS ammunition. F. RESOLVED, to approve the Enterprise Subscription Agreement, inclusive of Indemnification, between Artlist Ltd. and the City of Sterling Heights and authorize the City Manager to sign it on behalf of the City. G. RESOLVED, to approve the reduction in the retainage for the 2023 Concrete Sectional Replacement Program, City Project #23-406, Bonneville Drive Reconstruction, City Project #23-411, Pond View Drive Reconstruction, City Project #23-416, and City Hall West Parking Lot Improvements, City Project #23-418, to $50,000. H. RESOLVED, to approve final payment in the amount of $213,097.01, plus interest on retainage, for the 2022 Local Road Reconstruction Program, City Project #22-392, and Ryan Road Concrete Repairs, 14 Mile Road to Metropolitan Parkway, City Project #22-396, inclusive of Change Order No. 1. I. This item was moved to Consideration Item 9-A. J. RESOLVED, 1. To waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(b) and approve the Vector Solutions Public Sector Software Service Agreement between TargetSolutions Learning, LLC, d/b/a Vector Solutions, 4890 West Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33609, and the City of Sterling Heights and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City, and; 2. Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $11,285 from General Fund reserves. K. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution approving Contract No. 23-5473 between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Sterling Heights for sidewalk construction along Clinton River Road, from Henry Ford II High School and 19 Mile Road, and M-59, from Sterritt Street to the M-59 bridge over M-53, City Project #23-420, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City. L. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Ahmed Saber v Sterling Heights Police Department; 41-A District Court Case No. S-23-5154-GZ. M. RESOLVED, to receive the lawsuit, Ross A. Hood v Sterling Heights Police Department; 41-A District Court Case No. S-23-5298-GZ. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 9. CONSIDERATION ITEM Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 20 A. Mayor Taylor stated this was previously Consent Agenda Item 8-I, to approve a Real Estate Purchase Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and DWG Property, LLC for real property commonly known as 37384 Utica Road, 37370 Utica Road, 37398 Palmer Woods Blvd., 37330 Palmer Woods Blvd. (Cumulative purchase price of $150,000). He opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to approve the Real Estate Purchase Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and DWG Property, LLC for real property commonly known as 37384 Utica Road, 37370 Utica Road, 37398 Palmer Woods Blvd., 37330 Palmer Woods Blvd., and authorize the City Manager or his designee to sign, as applicable, all documents required in conjunction with this approval. Councilman Radtke stated he requested that this be moved off of the Consent Agenda because he wanted to make sure everyone in the audience and watching at home understand this is a tremendous agreement to expand Rotary Park. He congratulated City Administration on the purchase price of $150,000, and he frequently speaks to residents who love Rotary Park. He receives a lot of compliments to be relayed to Parks and Recreation for the rail to pull kayaks up to the parking area. He felt this is a further commitment by the entire City Council to expand their parks program. Rotary Park is a very small hidden asset, and they were looking to expand it because of its popularity with kayakers. He commended the City, stressing that the residents’ support of the parks goes a long way, and they are able to expand Rotary Park because of that support. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 21 Councilman Yanez agreed this is a great deal for the citizens of Sterling Heights to expand this park. He pointed out that Rotary Park has been greatly underutilized because it is so small, and although many have used it for canoeing and kayaking, families rarely use it. He felt they can do a lot with this property, it is overdue for expansion, and it is a good deal for the citizens, so he proudly supports it. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Diane Wackerly – retired public health nurse; talked about the legislation on water affordability; stressed water is a necessity of life and everyone needs it; clarified the intention of the legislation is not to get rid of the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP), but rather to support it, strengthen it, and make it financially sustainable; the legislation will provide guidelines for these programs. • Carol Chi – retired public school teacher; agreed with previous speaker; urged Council to not consider a resolution against the five bills in the House and Senate, noting they are very important; emphasized what life would be like without water, stressing no one can survive without water; the five bills being considered in the House and five bills in the Senate will stop automatic water shutoffs; one of the bills proposes charging $2 extra per month to every household currently being charged for water; stressed they need to help people living in poverty. • Sylvia Orduño – echoed the comments of the last two speakers; she is a Detroit resident and has been working on this water affordability issue since 1997; urged Council to take a seriously look at this because it impacts the entire state; expressed concern over comments made by the Macomb County Public Works Commissioner; clarified this is not a tax or “double tax”, and no residents are paying a tax through their water bills for WRAP (Water Residential Assistance Program); commented this was decided upon by bankruptcy court and is built into the budget agreement, but the WRAP program does not have enough funding to meet the needs of the residents; urged City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 22 Council to not rush to judgment on this, and outlined some of the benefits of the bills. • Eddie Kabacinski – former Warren City Councilman and business owner in Macomb County; talked about Lakeside Mall, recalling that the original developer, Albert Taubman, built five indoor malls to enable people to shop while getting out of extreme weather conditions; concerned about this one-time gem in Macomb County falling by the wayside; pointed out Macomb Mall and Oakland Mall are thriving, and there is room for “mom-and-pop” businesses; urged the City to work to save the mall. • Miriam – arrived eleven years ago as an immigrant; outlined her experiences growing up in this area, now as a medical assistant and studying to become a doctor, with her journey deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and teachings of Jesuit and Mercy traditions; urged City Council to pass a ceasefire resolution. • Rubaiya Al-Sayeed – stressed she is standing up for the values that matter deeply to she and her community; commented that her neighborhood embodies the character and kindness that defines Sterling Heights, where her four children have a sense of safety, strength, and belonging; emphasized it is imperative for the City to stand up for justice, consider their collective call for justice, and adopt a ceasefire resolution. • Luxio Ahnex – speaking today because of what has continued to happen in Palestine and other countries; relayed personal experiences of a friend from Baghdad; called for a ceasefire resolution to move toward world peace. • Joshua Feinstein – proud Jewish American citizen whose mother survived the Holocaust; referred to Israeli’s attack on Palestine as genocide and compared it to the Holocaust, Africa’s Apartheid, and four hundred years of oppression in America; commented that a child in Gaza is slaughtered every ten minutes by the Israelis; stated the Nazis were successful because public was silent and complicit; clarified this is not a political request but a humanitarian plea to City Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution; welcomes a discussion and follow-up if Council has questions. • Rubaiyat – resident of Sterling Heights; requested City Council introduce a resolution that embodies the values of their City; understood international matters do not fall under purview of City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 23 Council, but well-being of community does; resolution would be a powerful statement to the residents indicating they understand and oppose the killing of the innocent, especially children; cited other communities that have adopted ceasefire resolutions; suggested a sign-in sheet for those who are going to speak during Public Comment section. • Hussain Khan – resident of Sterling Heights; talked about what is happening in Palestine; pointed out sympathy has been expressed in this meeting for safety of police officers, and in another instance, sympathy for those who do not have water; requested City Council sympathize for the Sterling Heights residents who are affected by the killings in Palestine and show their support by initiating a ceasefire resolution. • Syed Mohsin – resident of Sterling Heights and real estate broker; requested the City of Sterling Heights adopt a ceasefire resolution for what is occurring in Palestine; referred to this as a genocide, with the killing of over 30,000 to 50,000 people, with the majority being women and children; opposed to this being funded by U.S. taxpayer money, adding everyone in this City is contributing to this through their tax dollars; emphasized it is their moral obligation to stand against this genocide and call for an immediate ceasefire. • Ashley Pratt – health care professional; read this evening that the last standing hospital on the Gaza strip is being invaded; concerned there is no anesthesia or proper surgery tools available for those having to go through surgeries and amputations; stressed they cannot remain silent any longer, and urged City Council to consider passing a ceasefire resolution, which will voice their commitment to peace, justice, and sanctity of human life. • Mushera Khandaker – concerned about families torn apart, children living in fear, and communities facing devastation in Palestine; urged City Council to look to the words of Martin Luther King Jr., seeking a path of peace and justice, seeing each other as brothers and sisters beyond borders; urged City Council to take a stand on Gaza and adopt a ceasefire resolution, a significant step toward a world without violence. • Jabhat – member of National Guard; opposed to tax dollars being spent for funding going toward these other countries when so much is needed within our borders; concerned this money is funding bombing Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 24 of people, including children; urged City Council to pass a ceasefire resolution. • Nita – resident of the City of Troy; asked for some hope in resolving the injustices they are witnessing; urged City Council to stand with their residents and voice their concerns through adopting a ceasefire resolution to be sent to their leaders. • Ken Nelson – questioned how many Sterling Heights voters received an application for absentee voting, adding his wife received one and he did not; questioned the status of the purchase of an automatic license plate reader for the FLOCK system, which he commented on December 5 that was to be on the December 16 Consent Agenda, but it was not on that agenda; questioned why there is an Interim Chief of Police, and why it was not made known publicly that former Chief Dwojakowski was retiring; questioned clarification on a rumor he heard that the City’s Police Department is possibly eliminating the Captain positions and incorporating Assistant Chief positions, adding he is opposed. • Shoma Anum – resident of Sterling Heights; loves the City of Sterling Heights, adding it is a great environment for her family; concerned for safety of children, adding she has been greatly impacted by the number of displaced children in Gaza; urged City Council to listen to the people they serve and adopt a ceasefire resolution on the attacks on Gaza, to put a stop to the killing of humanity. • Alisa Saleem – recently moved here from Illinois; appealed to City Council’s sense of humanity and responsibility to respond to the collective pain of many of the City’s residents; urged them to live up to the standards of being the best city and stand on the right side of history to adopt a ceasefire resolution; noted there were earlier concerns raised about people in Michigan having to face living without water, yet Palestinian people are experiencing no water or electricity on a daily basis. • Unidentified woman – congratulated all of the employees, and pleased they are appreciated for their hard work; she commented she cannot imagine the wrongful killings of mothers and children in Palestine, and stressed they must express their collective disapproval as a community; urged Council to stand up for the residents and with them to adopt a ceasefire resolution. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 25 • Jaffe – father of three; concerned about kids who are losing their parents in Palestine; cited some experiences that some of the Palestinian residents are going through; reaching out to the leaders of this community to call for an immediate ceasefire by adopting a resolution. • Mohammad – explained they come here in peace and are a religion of peace; commented that living in Gaza is terrifying now, and he hopes the City Council will pass a resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. • Farwa Huq – registered dietitian working in a hospital; cannot fathom surgery and other medical procedures and treatment without pain medications; commented children did nothing to deserve this other than being born in Palestine; she stressed they do not have food, water, or supplies; supported a permanent ceasefire and urged City Council to adopt a resolution. • Abdul Naheed – stated he is a taxpayer, and he does not want his taxes going to Israel when it is needed to help people here in the United States; would like to call for a ceasefire and to stop all funding from the United States to Israel. • Rakaya Aaliyah – referred to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., which was celebrated yesterday; urged City Council to use their voice and platform to call for a ceasefire through a resolution, and like Dr. King, to stand up for those who are suffering; she outlined reasons why City Council may be hesitant to do so, but she stressed change comes from the bottom up and not from the top down; humanitarian organizations worldwide are all calling what is happening in Gaza one of the largest humanitarian crises in over one hundred years; she commented that Martin Luther King Jr. was not popular during his time but held his moral stance, continued to march and fight for civil rights, and history vindicated him and his cause because he held his moral stance; requested that Sterling Heights join other cities in calling for a ceasefire resolution to stand for justice. • Unidentified man – thanked the Mayor and Council for providing the safest city in the State of Michigan; he also thanked the employees for their efforts the success of this city; commented he has felt anger over what is occurring in Gaza, yet the people there remain resilient in spirituality, hopes, and in their best practices of humanity, providing for each other’s needs the best they can; he is confident City Council takes all of these testimonies to heart, so he is not requesting them for a ceasefire resolution, but he asks them to reflect the hopes this Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 26 community sees in the people of Gaza, making sure righteousness is maintained, and to be brave enough to stand up against injustice. • Unidentified man – resident of Sterling Heights, an electronics engineer, business owner, and father of two; cited statistics of the number of people, especially children, who are missing or have been killed in Gaza; commented it is their duty as human beings and as taxpayers whose money is sent to Israel to stand up against the genocide occurring in Gaza; implored City of Sterling Heights to adopt a ceasefire resolution in Palestine; thanked his neighbors for coming tonight to stand up for justice against oppression and tyranny. • Babar Qadri – resident of Sterling Heights, and a physician assistant; started his career as PA by working at HUDA Clinic in Detroit, which provides free medical care for patients with no health insurance; taught that healthy food is medicine, started a garden to grow food and distribute it, resulting in many people being able to get off of their medications; emphasized how blessed we are in this country; opposed to taxpayer money going to Israel for weapons, and felt that money should be staying here to take care of needs of U.S. citizens; urged City Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution. • Abdul Ahmad – stated he is a surgeon; relayed a text he received from his aunt, who lives in Gaza; stated that more than fifty of his extended family members have been killed, and about half of those were children; talked about details of the injuries, atrocities, and lack of medical care, supplies, etc.; commented he does not know how he could go back to Gaza and face the people there, knowing his tax dollars paid for those bombings; urged City Council to consider adopting a ceasefire resolution. • Bibi Farah Halio – stated she was one of a half million people in Washington DC last week to show support for Palestine; stressed this movement to stand up for a free Palestine will not slow down; urged City Council to adopt a ceasefire resolution to show they are on the side of the oppressed, not the oppressor; stressed she wants her tax dollars to remain in the City rather than being spent on the destruction of humanity. • Unnamed – supported adoption of a ceasefire resolution, adding it is not supporting a side but is encouraging both sides to sit down together and talk. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 27 • Justin Faraj – born and raised in Michigan, and of Iraqi and Jordanian descent; opposed to their taxes going to fund this killing; read an excerpt from Rev. Dr. Isaac’s Christmas sermon in Bethlehem. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone for speaking and for being so respectful of the time limits, of each other and of Council. He appreciates the passion they have, adding it is a very important issue about which all of the speakers feel very strongly. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated there was mention of a rumor about getting rid of Police Captains, and he assured that there is no move to do that. He commented on former Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski, explaining he joined the Early Retirement Option Plan (EROP) five years ago. He noted this is an option for police and firefighters. According to the rules of that plan, individuals must depart five years after they join. The expiration date for former Chief Dwojakowski just came up, so he retired. He added the City has an option for directors, which would include a Police Chief, to consider hiring the individual back under established rules and procedures after a given amount of time. In the meantime, the City is fortunate to have a very capable person and appointed Interim Chief Ken Pappas to serve in that capacity. Councilman Radtke stated he watched a recent Planning Commission meeting, and one of the issues on one of the projects was the applicant was proposing a Planned Unit Development (PUD) across two parcels. He understands that, while it is allowed, it has never been done before in the City. He questioned whether it is allowed if they do not combine the parcels. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 28 Mr. Kaszubski replied to inquiry that the City’s ordinance does not prohibit it so there is not a requirement to combine the parcels if they are under common ownership. Councilman Radtke stated he has concerns about a project that can span multiple parcels without being combined. He cited his condominium complex where this occurred, and the carport was owned individually as a separate parcel. Several of the carports were lost to bankruptcy auction and were purchased by outside individuals. Their condominium complex had to go and purchase those parcels back, and they have now redone the Master Deed, so they are all combined into one parcel. He expressed concern this could happen to other developments when the parcels are not linked. He likes the current PUD ordinance, but if they are going to review it, he suggested possibly amending the PUD ordinance to require that if there are multiple parcels, they be joined into a single parcel for a project. Councilman Yanez addressed the comments about the proposed legislation regarding the water issue, and he has seen information from both Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller and Senator Chang. He strongly believes this is something that needs to be worked out at the Lansing level, and he does not support a resolution to stop these bills. He stated he delivered water in Flint, so he has seen people without water. He agreed it is a problem and a very important issue that will require serious consideration to make sure everyone has the ability to have clean drinking water without having their water shut off. He addressed the many people who spoke tonight Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 29 during Communications from Citizens, and he appreciated their compassion about the issue. He stressed this is a difficult situation that has been going on for decades, and he assured them their voices are heard. He commented that it is an overwhelming problem when looking at the whole situation. He cannot imagine people going through their daily lives, and not everyone living in certain territories is a terrorist. He cited the Israelis who were attending a music concert and were raided, kidnapped, and killed by Hamas, with many of those still held hostage, leaving their families in sorrow, wishing their loved ones could come home. He appreciates the fact they feel this starts at the local level, and it is heart wrenching. He pointed out, however, that a ceasefire means both sides have to agree, and he is not sure that one side or the other is ready to do that. He is not sure whether a resolution is the answer, and he will have to think hard about this, adding he is not someone who will put his name on a piece of paper and then feel he has done his job. He would entertain a resolution if it were something they could do, but he assured his voice will be heard. He reiterated it would take both sides to come to an agreement, and he does not know if they can put decades of hate and fear aside to do that. He sympathized for all sides who have lost loved ones, both in Palestine and in Israel. He pointed out he is grateful that all who are here tonight can go back to their safe homes tonight, living in a safe community. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone for coming to the meeting this evening. He recalled a resident who spoke and talked about some excuses people may Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 30 produce for not adopting a resolution. One of the possible reasons is that “this is not the proper level of government,” and he could see where people could ask that question; however, he felt cities can and should lead, and they are not getting leadership in Lansing and Washington D.C., so maybe it does need to start at the local level. He appreciated everyone speaking and having their voices heard, although he advised he does not have a decision on it and will have to give it some thought. He assured that he listened intently to everyone who spoke, took notes, and he heard what they were saying. He agreed this is a devastating humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. He stressed he cannot imagine his kids going through that, and he will not because it is unimaginable. He pointed out that the City Council does adopt resolutions on a number of different things, including health problems, supporting different communities and cultures, so he felt they can do something. He assured he does not want to be critical, but this is a very complicated, political issue. He stated he is one hundred percent against genocide, and he is in support of both sides laying down their weapons and having meaningful dialog to settle their disputes. He does not believe any reasonable human being would challenge that, but there is so much that goes into this issue. He commented that either side could have a ceasefire, but it does not appear to him that either side wants one. He assured he will continue to listen to the residents and will consider what they have said this evening, taking it all to heart. He appreciates them all being here this evening. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 2024 Page 31 Councilwoman Ziarko addressed the earlier comments about water legislation, noting it was a topic brought up in December at the Michigan Municipal League (MML). She would like to get some information and find out how the MML stands on that issue because they represent cities, villages, and towns throughout the State. She understood when this began, it was a line item in a budget that was supposed to be taken from tax dollars they were already paying. Regarding the requests made by residents for the adoption of a ceasefire resolution, she would like to see the resolutions passed in the other communities and verbiage they used. She quoted a comment made by Florine Mark, former Weight Watchers president/CEO and Israeli, about two days prior to her death that “I don’t want war, I want peace.” Councilwoman Ziarko felt that is what everyone wants. 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 motion carried (7/0). The meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk