City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 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. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool highlighted some of the events taking place in the City for Black History Month. The City’s African American Coalition is coordinating a display that will be in the library lobby, highlighting various black leaders from across the area. The Halo has been lit red, yellow, and green in honor of Black History Month. The film Till will be the library’s morning movie on February 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., and the library will also play the children’s movie, Akeelah and the Bee, on Saturday, February 24, 2024. There are adult, youth, and teen book displays available at the library. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 2 Mr. Vanderpool talked about the new refuse collection program. There will be a very significant change in their refuse program this spring, which will now include universal curbside recycling. Every household in Sterling Heights, pursuant to their award-winning Sustainability Plan, will be able to set out their recycling material at curbside every week. In addition, every household will receive a recycling cart, which will help beautify the community by eliminating garbage bags sitting at the curb. It will decrease litter and streamline refuse collection with the incorporation of automated trucks. He provided details on the timeline, with every household being delivered a postcard in February. Residents can scan a QR code included on the postcard or type in the website address and go to their landing page to learn more about this exciting program that will have some unique touches. He showed a sample of the postcard everyone will be receiving. A detailed letter will be mailed to all residents in March from the Director of the Department of Public Works, providing more details on the new program. In April, refuse and recycling carts will be delivered to all households, along with information on each cart as to what can be recycled. Mr. Vanderpool explained that there is no charge for the refuse cart and the recycling cart because they are part of the program, but there will be brown yard waste carts for residents who are interested, although he noted that those carts would have to be purchased. They also have a feature for seniors and others who are mobility-limited and may not be able to roll the carts to the street. He clarified it has not been a problem in other communities, but the City wants to make sure they accommodate Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 3 those with mobility limitations. The collectors will come up to the house and help those residents bring those carts to the curb for a reasonable price. He advised the 10,000 residents who currently participate in the subscription- based curbside recycling program will have their carts picked up on the last collection date for that program. He added the letter, and the landing page will specify the dates. Mr. Vanderpool explained they held a very comprehensive Strategic Planning process, where they unveiled a lot of new and exciting projects, and they launched their Visioning 2040 plan, which will be back in front of City Council in March for formal consideration. He informed that they also have their Master Plan update coming up, and he invited Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, to provide a preview of what will be entailed with the Master Plan update, as well as all of the public engagement that will be taking place over the next year with regard to this plan. Dr. Jake Parcell explained the Master Land Use Plan is the visioning document that guides most of their recommendations and their development suggestions they bring forth to City Council. They have begun the process to complete a comprehensive rewrite of their entire existing Master Land Use Plan. He explained the reasons why this is needed, noting the last one was written in 2017, and since that time, they adopted their Sustainability Plan in 2021, the North Van Dyke Avenue Sub-Area Plan in 2021, they made it through a pandemic with shifting land use patterns, and they have more problems with their current plan as a result. He talked about the inclusion of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 4 the Climate Action Plan (CAP), outlining specific measures, policies, and recommendations directly related to greenhouse gas emissions, and it will work to make the City resilient and promote sustainable practices. They will have Comprehensive Housing Assessment, so they will be pairing the market analysis housing assessment that is data-rich and will make recommendations to help the City ensure housing goals are aligned with what the community wants, and what the community can withstand for future growth. He provided details on this section. Dr. Parcell talked about the community participation on the Master Land Use Plan, which will ensure diverse representation from all segments of the community, raise community understanding of the Plan and its implications, incorporate local knowledge, create ongoing collaboration with community members, and ensure the plan can adapt to changing community needs. He talked about the ongoing engagement efforts the community can expect, along with a timeline for these steps. He talked about a GIS tool on their website to allow citizens to pinpoint areas of concern. They are going to get students involved by facilitating workshops and potentially creating an art contest for putting Art in Action into their plan. They are also launching an education and training pack for citizens to receive their own Master Plan 101 introductory class. They will also have meeting toolkits for community leaders to host small discussions through focused groups, and they have a new intern in the Office of Planning who has already identified seventy-five organizations they started to reach out to, in order to make sure people throughout the City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 5 will be involved. He stated they will be holding targeted or specialized public workshops throughout the City and will be conducting a short online public input survey. They will be launching a comprehensive website that will have a forum available for people to converse and express their favorite things about the City, interact with one another, and work with bringing the City together as they move forward with this plan. Dr. Parcell outlined a proposed timeline of engagement for the next year and called to attention specific Planning Commission meetings held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Community Center, starting with February 14, where they will start with Master Plan 101 to kick it off. They will generate discussion on these topics, work with people in the community, all of their boards and commissions, and they will bring them together to build their recommendations. They received some exciting news today that they received the full $50,000 from the MSHDA Housing Readiness Inventory Grant, so in addition to that, with any matching funds from MEDC, their Master Plan is about forty-six percent paid for through grant funding, and they are very appreciative for that. He is looking forward to the plan being ready for adoption at this time next year and having a product to move the City forward. He thanked the members of the Planning Commission who are here tonight, and he introduced their consultants from Giffels Webster, who would like to say a few words. Jill Bahm, AICP, partner at Giffels Webster, stated she has been a planner for over twenty-five years, and she leads their planning team. She is Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 6 delighted to be working with the City of Sterling Heights on this Master Plan project. She stressed there is a lot of community engagement, and a big component is helping the community to understand what a Master Plan is and what it is not. Andy Wakeland, P.E., partner at Giffels Webster, stated he has worked with Sterling Heights in the past as a planning consultant. He provided some of his background experience and recalled his experience with Sterling Heights, noting it is a very energetic place with great staff. He stated is very excited to work on this Master Plan update with the City. Ms. Bahm introduced a few others on the Giffels Webster team who will be working with the City on this Master Plan update, adding they have a fleet of other planners, engineers, and GIS specialists back at their office who will be part of this team as well. She offered to answer any questions. Mayor Taylor invited comments or questions from City Council, but no one spoke. Mr. Vanderpool mentioned this a few weeks ago, and last week at Strategic Planning, they heard from Peter Kageyama, author of For the Love of Cities, and he talked about unique things cities should be doing to create focal points and create attachments with residents and businesses, becoming a destination place. Mr. Vanderpool highlighted a unique use in the City by showing a short video on a new business, Zmash Padel, founded by former Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg, who brought this over from Sweden, with this location in Sterling Heights being the largest indoor padel facility in the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 7 country. Mr. Vanderpool stated that it is located at 6635 Sterling Drive South. He showed a photograph of the incredible lounge at this facility, where people can sit and relax while waiting for a court. Mr. Vanderpool announced that the City Offices will be closed on Monday, February 19 in honor of President’s Day. He noted it will be an in-service training day for the employees; however, the buildings will be closed. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by requesting that City Council convene a closed session at the conclusion of tonight’s meeting, pursuant to Sections 8(c) and 8(d) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss strategy in connection with collective bargaining. 6. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider introduction of a map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the south side of Fifteen Mile Road, west of Mound Road, in Section 32, from R-60 (One Family Residential District) to O-1 (Business & Professional Office District); Case No. PZ23-0010. He invited Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner/City Development Manager, to give a presentation. Dr. Jake Parcell explained this is a proposed rezoning from single-family to office use. The applicant is requesting this as a Conditional Rezoning for the intent of constructing an office building and a second medical office building, located on the south side of 15 Mile Road, west of Mound Road. City Council previously approved a rezoning of this property for office use. This happened in 2008, shortly before economic conditions made development of this Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 8 unfeasible. As a result, it reverted back to the underlying R-60 zoning. He showed the Zoning Map and the current zoning of the surrounding area. He informed the Master Land Use Plan designates this property for suburban residential, noting that it is a relatively large vacant residential property, but there are some challenges for residential development on this site. They do not believe the rezoning is in line with what is indicated in the Master Plan; however, it is reasonable to assume that with past approvals and the surrounding land use pattern as developed with the office extending into the fire station, an office would be compatible with surrounding uses. Dr. Parcell showed a street view, noting there will be two office buildings measuring 6,048 square feet each located to the east side of the property, closest to Fire Station 3 to provide as much buffer room as possible toward the fire station. He informed the applicant has one modification request from the zoning ordinance with the reduction of the side yard setback from thirty- five feet to twenty feet when abutting a residential district, shortening the setback to the Fire Station, but providing a larger setback to the west where the residences are located. They are providing one parking space in excess of what is required. There will be a detention pond built to the Office of Engineering standards, and that will be located in the front yard. He provided the rezoning analysis, explaining that this site is located near the intersection of two of the City’s busiest thoroughfares and is not anticipated that one general office and one medical office would create more vehicular traffic to the area in an adverse way. Due to the City ordinance, it would be difficult to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 9 split the parcel without a private road, and if were split into two residential parcels, a variance would be required from the Planning Commission because they would be violating the four-to-one lot depth-to-width ratio. The only option to develop by right without any private infrastructure in place would be one single-family home. Dr. Parcell stated this meets the size parameters of the O-1 Office District. Dr. Parcell showed the site plan and explained the details. He noted there will be a six-foot masonry wall and associated landscaping plan to buffer any headlights, although the office buildings are not anticipated to be open past 5 p.m. He showed elevations and provided details, adding that they are proposing very high-quality materials. He offered to answer questions, an added that the applicant is also present this evening. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comment. • Unidentified woman – stated she is here on behalf of the applicant, who was unable to attend this evening due to the fact he is an accountant, and this is tax season. • Ken Nelson – would like them to talk about the difference between traditional rezoning and conditional rezoning; questioned if it is because Planning Commission can authorize variances for a conditional rezoning; felt that variances should be granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals and not the Planning Commission; concerned about the closer distance to the Fire Station, where there are a lot of large trucks moving through that site. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, introduce the map amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to conditionally rezone property situated on the south side of Fifteen Mile Road, west of Mound Road, in Section 32, from R-60 (One Family Residential District) to O-1 (Business & Professional Office District); Case No. PZ23-0010; and direct Applicant to proceed to finalize a proposed conditional rezoning agreement so the City Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 10 Council can further evaluate the offer of conditional rezoning of the subject property at the February 20th, 2024 regular meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commented that, because there was a rezoning approved for this use in 2008 for a different owner but reverted back to its underlying zoning because it was not built, she does not have any questions. Councilman Radtke pointed out that the site currently has trees on it, and he questioned how this complies with the Tree Ordinance in the requirement that fifty percent of trees must be preserved or paid for. Dr. Parcell replied to inquiry that the applicant has provided a landscape plan for replacement trees, and any that are not brought into the Administrative site plan review process will have a requirement to be paid into the City Tree Fund. He clarified this is an updated plan because the plan they received in 2008 is out of compliance with the 2017 ordinance. Councilman Radtke commented that, in looking at the site plan, it appears the intention is to pave most of the site, which does not coincide with the City’s sustainable initiatives to reduce parking lot and impervious surfaces. He expressed concern about their landscaping plan. He also questioned whether there is a connection from the sidewalk to the building. Dr. Parcell explained that even with the landscaping plan, there is still a large amount of pavement. He noted they will be required to landscape fifty percent of the parking lot islands, but there will still be a large swath of pavement wrapping around the buildings. There is currently no connection from the sidewalk, although when they receive the concept plans, there are generally Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 11 a few items that “need to be cleaned up,” and they would not allow this to go through site plan approval without meeting the City’s ordinance. He confirmed the ordinance requires connection to the pedestrian walkway. Councilman Radtke commented that eighty-four parking spaces seems to be a lot, even for two office buildings, especially if they close at 5 p.m. He questioned whether the petitioner has explored the possibility of sharing parking. The applicant’s representative replied to inquiry that they are requesting that number of parking spaces to accommodate the staff for both the accounting office building as well as the medical building. She emphasized that during tax season, they hire extra personnel to accommodate the needs of the clientele. She believes they intend to share the spaces because both buildings will be under one ownership. Councilman Radtke admitted that the ordinance allows the eight-four parking spaces, but he felt the petitioner will find that he has too many parking spaces on site. The applicant’s representative respected Councilman Radtke’s opinion, but stressed that during tax season, they accommodate walk-ins as well as appointments. During the walk-in days, people sit in their cars in the parking lot, sometimes for hours, so they want to make sure they have sufficient parking. Councilman Radtke stated he supports this in concept, and he hopes they can get more greenery on the site. He suggested the Office of Planning talk Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 12 to the applicant to see if some of these parking spaces could be land banked. If they find they need the extra spaces, they can then develop them. He has no objection to the rezoning, acknowledging that they will be putting in the connection to the sidewalk. The applicant’s representative questioned the term “land-bank” and whether the cars can park in the green area. Councilman Radtke clarified that the area that could be used for extra parking would be left as a green area; however, if they determine in the future that extra parking is necessary, they could then pave that area to be turned into the extra parking spaces needed. He stated he is fine with the plan as it is, with the changes he noted. Councilwoman Schmidt understands they positioned the building as close as possible to the property line abutting the Fire Station, and she appreciated it; however, she indicated that leaves only one tree on the opposite end abutting the residential property. She is concerned that there is no other area for landscaping on the residential side. Dr. Parcell explained that would be the logical place to present some land- bank parking spaces. There is minimal shrubbery, but there is a six-foot masonry wall that restricts tree placement. If they were to remove some parking spaces, they may suggest that they could be land-banked in that area. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 13 Councilwoman Schmidt appreciated them considering the abutting residents and moving the building as far away from them as possible. She stated she has no issue with this development. 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, but no one spoke. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 16, 2024. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $857,907.26, Water & Sewer Fund - $42,901.15, Other Funds - $2,813,205.93, Total Checks - $3,714,014.34. C. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(b) and purchase banquet and catering services associated with Parks and Recreation Department events and programs from Soprano’s Catering, 17600 Clinton River Road, Clinton Township, MI, Century Banquet Center, 33204 Maple Lane Road, Sterling Heights, MI, Little India, 8194 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI, Jersey Mike’s, 35382 Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights, MI, Jet's Pizza, 40808 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, MI, My Pizza Place, 11570 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI, and Sweetwater Coffee & Tea, 45629 Hayes Road, Shelby Township, MI for the period February 7, 2024, through December 31, 2025. D. RESOLVED, to purchase a three-year subscription to PowerDMS digital management software from Governmentjobs.com, Inc., d/b/a NEOGOV, 2120 Park Place, Suite 100, El Segundo, CA 90245, at a cost identified in quote #241208 valid through March 20, 2027, and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City. E. RESOLVED, to purchase an evidence library cloud storage solution based on unit pricing for a five-year period, from Motorola Solutions INC, 500 W. Monroe St Chicago IL, 60661 at pricing available through the State of Michigan MiDeal cooperative purchasing contract, #190000001544, at a cumulative cost of $353,125; and authorize the City Manager to sign all documentation needed to facilitate this purchase. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 14 F. RESOLVED, to award the bid for printing of the city of Sterling Heights Magazine to Grand Blanc Printing Company, Inc., 9449 Holly Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, for a one-year period at unit pricing bid. G. RESOLVED, to: 1. Award the bid for street sweeping of Schoenherr Road (from 14 Mile Road to Hall Road), Mound Road (from 14 Mile Road to Hall Road), Metropolitan Parkway (from Dequindre Road to Utica Road), and Van Dyke (from 14 Mile Road to north City limits) to SCA of MI, LLC, 21430 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park, MI 48237, at unit pricing bid for the period February 7, 2024 through November 30, 2024, and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid term two additional one-year periods, at the unit pricing bid; and, 2. Reject all bids received for street sweeping of Hayes Road (from Hall Road to Clinton River Road), 14 Mile Road (from Hayes Road to Dequindre Road), 18 Mile Road (from Dequindre Road to Utica Road), and Dequindre Road (from 14 Mile Road to Dobry Road). H. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution approving the 2024 Real Property Tax Hardship Exemption Guidelines for Tax Relief under Section 211.7u, Public Act 206 of 1893. I. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution designating the meeting places for the Sterling Heights Board of Review for 2024. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider an appointment to the City of Sterling Heights Art Commission. He opened the floor for comments from the audience, but no one spoke. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to appoint Jessica Conti to the Sterling Heights Arts Commission 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. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Ken Nelson – Last December, he recalled seeing a requested expenditure for FLOCK system on upcoming Consent Agenda; however, that item was not on the agenda and has not been on since; questioned whether this expenditure still requires City Council’s Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 15 approval; felt the public’s questions regarding city business need to be answered; would like to see City Council review their documents regarding ethics, rules, procedures, and ordinances that pertain to City Council; commented that the four-minute limit on public comments is unconstitutional; suggested other people should be able to give their time to a speaker in order to let that speaker continue their thought; comments should be germane to city business; commented City of Sterling Heights cannot act on request for ceasefire in Gaza. • Sylvia Orduño – Director of the People’s Water Board Coalition; talked about State’s water affordability legislation; engaged in conversations with many communities across Macomb County; emphasized this is a matter that deserves Council’s deliberation; important for communities to put controls or limits on what the residents will be paying because costs are going up, with communities having no clear plan going forward; many households continue to struggle and afford growing costs of housing, pointing out unpaid water bills roll over to tax liens on the subject property, further jeopardizing housing stability; urged City Council to be influential to the State on this critical issue; stated they have upcoming meetings, and she provided information to the City Clerk to be distributed to the Mayor and City Council members. • Rubaiya – expressed concern regarding comments made on social media by Councilman Radtke; she talked about the request residents have made to Council about adopting a ceasefire resolution for Israel to stop bombing Gaza; she talked about many of the events taking place there; questioned why City Council supported Ukraine two years ago but they will not support Gaza now. Mayor Taylor stated he has received the messages regarding this request. He disagreed with Mr. Nelson about public comments and clarified the Public Comment portion of the meeting is for speakers to talk about anything, not necessarily limited to city business. He informed that they are limited to four minutes, and while it may not sound like a lot of time, it is actually a lot of time for each person to express their concerns. He recommended they keep their “Twitter wars to Twitter.” Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 16 • Nick – resident of Sterling Heights; he spoke with Councilman Radtke after the meeting last week; he understands some have underlying concerns that a ceasefire resolution is not within the purview of the Council; he disagreed, noting seventy city councils across the country have passed ceasefire solutions; reminded that City Council showed enthusiastic support when Ukraine was invaded, including the lighting of The Halo; talked about some of the history of what has occurred in Gaza; questioned how many Palestinians have to die before the City supports a ceasefire. • Unidentified woman – stated she is a friend of a nurse working at a hospital being bombed in Gaza and has not heard from him in two weeks; she fears for his life; talked about atrocities in Gaza; questioned why City Council stood in solidarity with Ukraine, but not Gaza; stressed the residents of Sterling Heights, whether from Ukraine or Gaza, are U.S. citizens and the City should speak for those who do not have a voice. • Sarah Wincline – resident of the City of Warren; has been trying since November 30 to encourage city councils in this area to pass a ceasefire resolution; talked about the number of Palestinians killed; felt American cities must unite to pass ceasefire resolutions in order for the killing to stop and prisoners will not be released; cited the communities in Michigan that have passed ceasefire resolutions; cited a poem entitled “The Prison Cell” by Mahmoud Darwish, a Palestinian poet and writer. • Michael Koki – stated he is a Christian raised in the church, a Chaldean and an American; he stated he condemns all violent crimes and called for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine; he does not want his taxes being sent to make another country prosper; commented with the large Middle Eastern American population in Sterling Heights who stimulates the economy and enriches the fabric of the community, it is Council’s responsibility to serve the public; he stressed they are not here to attack, but to exercise their political representation, and the more cities that raise their voices, the more pressure will be on federal government to change its current position. • Unidentified woman – apologized to Mayor Taylor for speaking out of turn, but she stated she is very emotional about this because is a Palestinian Christian, and her family is from the Holy City of Jerusalem; she stressed everyday is a nightmare, checking to see if their loved ones are still ok; she emphasized she is blessed to be in America, which has given her a voice for the voiceless; she emphasized how Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 17 much she loves living and raising her children in the City of Sterling Heights, known for its diversity and safety; she stressed she is hurt that City Council is not calling for a ceasefire. • Lucy Bazzi – resident on Butler Drive; admitted her concerns pale in comparison to what is going on in other parts of the world, but she is “standing up for the trees”, specifically in Dodge Park, along the bike trails, and along the Clinton River; she complained that so many trees and vegetation have been cut down along Clinton River; claimed vision of Dodge Park was to keep it natural; talked about the benefits of trees; she commended those who are standing up for more landscaping and trees in the City. • Diane Wackerly – public health nurse here to talk about the water affordability bills, but she also condemned the genocide in Gaza; talked about the legislation on water affordability, and highlighted the benefits of this package of bills; cautioned that the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) helps, but it is a temporary assistance program that lasts a maximum of two years and is not financially sustainable in the long run; she urged Council to support these bills. • Selah Saad – student studying neuroscience and going into pre-law at Michigan State University; she does not live in Sterling Heights; questioned comments made by Councilman Radtke on social media, although she admitted he was exercising his First Amendment right; however, when those in elected positions are not listening to their constituents, it is frustrating; urged Mayor and City Council to listen to their constituents in Sterling Heights and pass a ceasefire resolution. • Paul Smith – facetiously referenced Mayor Taylor’s ability to end this war, the Middle East hostilities, the unpleasantness in Taiwan, North Korea, and Ukraine, as a rebuttal to the comments that have been made requesting a ceasefire resolution; he expressed concern about the word “genocide” being used; he talked about events that led up to the hostilities; he acknowledged this is not the business of City Council; cited experiences he had in the Middle East when he served in Strategic Air Command in 1973. Mayor Taylor addressed several members of the audience who were being disrespectful to the speaker and instructed that even if someone is speaking an opinion that does not match their opinions, they still need to be quiet and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 18 let that person speak because it is his/her right, just as the audience sat quiet and was courteous when they spoke. People have different viewpoints, but it is not professional nor productive to make noise when they are speaking. • Paul Smith – provided more detail of his experience in the Middle East; stated there has been a war in the Middle East since 1947, and many people bigger than Sterling Heights City Council have tried to end that war, but without success; he recommended those wanting to get away from war in the Middle East should come to America; stressed they cannot fight the Middle East war from a Council meeting in Sterling Heights. • Lizabetta – stated she was hopeful after the last City Council meeting that they would adopt a ceasefire resolution; complained about their tax dollars being spent to fight Gaza; stated she wants to continue to be proud she lives in a diverse community and urged City Council to consider a ceasefire resolution. • Syed Mohsin – resident of Sterling Heights; addressed a comment made at the last meeting that ceasefire will not work unless both sides agree, but he commented the Palestinians are innocent, caught in crossfire, and have nothing to do with the conflicts but suffer the most; could not understand why they have to be concerned whether both parties are going to commit to a ceasefire; Hamas’ election in 2006 does not reflect the current sentiments of the Palestinian people, and seventy percent of Gaza’s population today were not qualified to vote in 2006; stressed this is not political as much as it is a humanitarian issue; noted that many large cities have passed ceasefire resolutions, and felt Sterling Heights does not stand for its residents if they do not take action and adopt a ceasefire resolution; urged Council to pass it. • Motiger Sheraf – resident of Sterling Heights for two years, resident of Warren, Michigan for eleven years, and resident of Michigan for twenty-four years; stated he would go to Gaza if he could to protect the people he believes should be protected, but is unable to do so because of the relationship between the United States and Israel; he stated that he, as a Muslim, does not hate Israeli people, and that same sentiment should be extended to the people of Gaza as well; requested same level of consideration and humanize the people of Gaza, spread their voices, and let them be heard. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 19 • Roxy Sprowl – stated that is her government name, but she also identified her Anishinaabe name, noting she is a proud citizen of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, based out of Northern Wisconsin, although she is from the Upper Peninsula, and also a student at Michigan State University; voiced her support for fellow indigenous people in this room; stated she has an intimate relationship with genocide as a native person, she felt the minimum Council can do is pass a resolution asking for a ceasefire; she commented the land we are all living on in this area is Anishinaabe land, and she compared what the Palestinians are going through to what the United States did to her people on this very land in the Great Lakes region that most people in this area call now call “home”. • Unidentified man – a Sterling Heights resident; felt bad for children, and if any Sterling Heights resident was being beaten, hurt or in need of some protection, he would be the first to defend them; stated he is Jewish, he lost a cousin in Israel; and his parents are Holocaust survivors; he stated a lot of the comments about what is happening in the Middle East are correct, but a lot of the comments are untruths; he referred to the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militants on innocent Israeli people, explaining that is war; he referred to some of the historical events that took place in the Middle East; he commented that Hamas receives billions of dollars every year, more than Israel; he stressed there are still Israeli hostages being held there; he agreed war is not good, but stressed this resolution should not be brought by a city to support anyone in the world other than the City of Sterling Heights for their trees, sidewalks, schools, police, fireman, etc.; he stated he is an American first and will defend any American. • Saleem Wahab – stated Muslims, Christians, and Jews lived in harmony for years; commented it is not religious, but it is a Zionism mindset; commented there has been no evidence of rape by Hamas or any Palestinian, and that most hostages have been released with “smiles on their faces.”; talked about the events taking place, and commented that everything Israel is doing is illegal. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Councilwoman Koski stated she requested information about power bb guns, and they received that information on January 18th in their brief. Without objection, she would like to request the City Attorney prepare an amendment Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 20 for Council review to regulate the use of power bb guns in the City, similar to what the cities of Grand Rapids and Birmingham have adopted. Mayor Taylor questioned whether there are any thoughts or objections. Councilman Radtke requested clarification as to whether Councilwoman Koski is asking to limit but not ban the use of power BB guns in the City. Councilwoman Koski replied that is correct, and she wants to see that the pellets stay within the BB gun user’s property. Mayor Taylor stated he has no objections to City Administration bringing forth an ordinance, but he is not sure exactly what is being requested. He questioned whether Mr. Kaszubski feels he has clear direction. Mr. Kaszubski stated he will look at Grand Rapids and Birmingham to see what they have put together. Councilman Yanez stated that March 22nd is recognized as World Water Day, the month of April is Autism Awareness Month, and without objection, he would like Resolutions supporting both of those to be prepared for the March 9th meeting. Mayor Taylor questioned whether there are any objections. No objections were expressed. Councilman Yanez stated he has been reading the City’s Charter, and he has noticed that it is not written in a way that is gender neutral. He does not know how it has been done in the past, but without objection, he would like City Administration to put together a Board or Commission to review the Charter and all City Council documents to update the language. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 21 Mayor Taylor questioned whether the City Council is allowed to clean up language in the Charter without voting on it. Mr. Kaszubski stated he will have to look into it, and he is not sure whether they can make the changes just to make it gender neutral. He will try to get an answer and report back. Councilman Yanez stated that would be good. With regard to the water affordability bills being considered at the state level, he has had many conversations with Senator Chang. She felt strongly that if they are not going to be supportive, which she understands the situation, she felt the best thing to do would be to stay out of it. He felt this is a state problem, and that the state legislators should be handling this. He felt it would be great if they had input from the senators and representatives who represent Sterling Heights, but he commented that people have to get into a room and solve the problem. He agreed there is a problem, adding that he delivered cases of water to Flint during the Flint Water Crisis, he worked with a private organization to bring clean drinking water to the citizens of Flint, and he walked many blocks in the City of Flint. He understands the difficulty and the poverty that exists, not only in Flint but in other cities, and something needs to be done. He noted that it cost the State of Michigan $350 million for the Flint Water Crisis, and that was only for the first payment, not including the payments for many years to come for the children who were injured by the lead lines. They are talking about $2 per month on a water meter, but if they divided the cost of the initial Flint water payment, it would be $13 per month per water meter. He felt they should take Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 22 care of the problem now and pay the $2 per month, although he cautioned it has to be a smart, well-written piece of legislation. He expressed concern that Lansing “will kick the can down the road.” He stressed people cannot live without clean drinking water. He reminded people that everyone is concerned about an increase in taxes, yet they spend $2 billion in the state funding their prisons, and that comes out of everyone’s pockets. He fully supports those pieces of legislation getting passed. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she has listened to the people who have been attending the City Council meetings for the last month regarding what is happening in Palestine. She assured that she has heard them and she is not ignoring them or the issue. She also stressed they are against the bombing, maiming, and/or killing of children and the innocent, citing it as appalling and horrible, adding no one likes war. She understands many of the residents who have spoken feel this is a genocide. She recalled a gentleman named Nick asking about the purpose for this war, and that question is always asked about wars. She cited a narrow escape her son, an officer in the Marine Corp, had when he was serving in Afghanistan. She emphasized this unrest has been going on for many years, with so much history behind it. There is a lot of hate, anger, and misinformation, and it is painful to hear. She acknowledged they are talking about a resolution, but that will not get resolved this evening. She questioned by a show of hands how many here tonight are from Sterling Heights. She suggested they get organized, choosing one or two representatives, which is important. She Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 23 stated she will be on vacation for a couple of weeks, but she explained she talked to the representative from Congressman John James’ office, representing the City in the U.S. House of Representatives. She has placed a call in to Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office, and they will get back with her. She also talked with Carl Marlinga. She assured these people will talk with the residents, and these are the people who spend the tax dollars, so they are the people to whom the residents need to speak and they are the people who matter. She felt it will make more of an impact because the residents need to leverage their vote and their voice. Councilman Radtke stated he was looking at the Planned Unit Development (PUD) that was considered and subsequently denied for the property next to Baumgartner Park. He heard the developer is coming back, asking for the plaza and self-storage. He inquired as to whether that is the current plan for that site. Mr. Vanderpool replied that he has heard from Dr. Parcell that the applicant is proceeding with the commercial part of the project. The property is zoned commercial, so by right, he can proceed with that part of the project. Councilman Radtke questioned whether self-storage is allowed across the City in the commercial district. Mr. Vanderpool replied it is allowed in that particular commercial district. He can proceed but he will have to submit site plans and go through the administrative process required. He can put any commercial use allowed in that zoning district by right. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 24 Councilman Radtke commented that is very depressing to him. He is very regretful that the project first presented did not get approved. He believed if the applicant develops a commercial project, it will draw more traffic than what was originally proposed. Because the parcel has a node overlay on it for mixed use, they have passed a moratorium on car washes and drive-throughs in mixed zones. Although he admitted it is most likely too late to do that for this parcel, he felt they should ponder putting a moratorium on self-storage facilities while they rewrite their zoning ordinance. He stressed that is a car- based use, and it adds no street life to the area, employees very few people, and is a continuous use in what should be a mixed-use corridor. He could not think of a worse building next to a park than a giant self-storage facility. Councilman Radtke addressed the people who came to speak this evening, he appreciated their comments. He explained the references to his social media comments were taken completely out of context, and he clarified what he said. He stated he cannot solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, even though he wishes he could, but he emphasized he has never made a value judgment about the conflict. He does not believe this is the forum to make a statement about it, but he and his colleagues are discussing it. He recalled visiting Palestine, Israel, and Jordan in 2011, and he commented how welcoming they were. He added it is a beautiful area, and he can see why people are so attached to it. He supports the United States, and felt the government is working its hardest to establish a Palestinian state while trying to ring in their ally. He felt they all want peace. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 25 Councilwoman Ziarko recalled talking yesterday about bringing the congressional leaders together to meet with some of the residents, and she questioned whether the City could facilitate that meeting, which could take place here. She explained the definition of a resolution is “a letter of good intent.” She is concerned it is relatively meaningless, but she would prefer to see action. She felt bringing congressional leaders here so they can talk to them would make a bigger impact than a resolution. She suggested the residents get several people together to serve as their representatives. It would be good to have people from various walks of life having different experiences, so they are not all saying the same thing. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that they would be happy to look into it, and if it is the will of the Council to bring their congressional leaders together to talk about this in an organized setting, such as a town hall meeting at the Velocity or Community Center, they would be happy to work on it, report back to Council, and establish a date. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked Councilwoman Ziarko for the amazing idea. She assured that the Mayor and City Council are not against anyone but are for everyone. She works in the Warren Consolidated School District at the Career Prep Center, so she sees juniors and seniors. She is so happy to see the love and diversity between all of the students, who all work together, get along, and care for each other, which is what makes this community great. She felt if there is something they can do to help facilitate this meeting, she is in favor of it. She indicated they cannot solve the world’s problems from Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 26 here, but she does not feel the residents are expecting them to do so. If they can do something, she is in favor. She urged everyone to stay respectful and calm, and she appreciates all of their comments. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone for commenting and giving their perspectives. He heard a few of the speaker express their love of diversity in this community, and the fact that if City Council does not pass a ceasefire resolution, they are “on the wrong side of history.” He understands they want their city to take this action so they can be proud of their city. He did not criticize them, and he understands their passion; however, he explained it is difficult being in the leadership position within a city representing residents who are diverse in ethnicity, culture, religion, politics, age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, so this is a “lightening rod” issue. He commented he cannot separate a call for a ceasefire from seventy to eighty years of conflict in the Middle East. If they call for a ceasefire, it will be interpreted in different ways by different people. He stated they are happy to facilitate a conversation to try to bring the community together, heal it, and show they are concerned, using their position to try to help. He stressed this whole situation is bigger than a ceasefire resolution. He cautioned that if they do not meet the demands from one group to call for a ceasefire, it does not mean they do not care what is going on in the world. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 12. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Page 27 13. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there is one item for Closed Session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Mayor Taylor stated they will be going into closed session and will not be reconvening this evening. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to recess into closed session. Roll Call Vote: Yes: Yanez, Ziarko, Koski, Radtke, Schmidt, Sierawski, Taylor. No: None. The motion carried (7/0). The meeting recessed into Closed Session at 9:18 p.m. and adjourned from Closed Session at 10:11 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk