City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL MONDAY MARCH 17, 2025 IN CITY HALL 1. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. 3. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Michael V. Radtke, Jr., Maria G. Schmidt, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Andrea L. Bara, Recording Secretary. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as amended, moving item 7-I to 8-D. Yes: All. The motion carried. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool informed everyone that yard waste pick up will begin the week of March 31. Residents can use old green GFL cans labeled with “Yard Waste” stickers, paper yard waste bags or purchase a new brown cart from Priority Waste. SHINE Clean-Up Day will be on Saturday May 3, 2025, where a group of volunteers cleans up about twenty to thirty homes throughout the City, helping seniors and other individuals throughout the community who have mobility limitations, or hardship issues and cannot do this themselves. Volunteers meet at 9am and work for two to three hours and make a difference in the City. He encouraged anyone who is able to volunteer. Information is available on the City website, www.sterlingheights.gov. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the next item, a traffic calming study in the City, which is funded by a Safe Streets for All $500,000 grant. There is a task force consisting of many stakeholders, including Leah Michaels, Lieutenant Susalla, Deputy Chief Dave Allen, Ken Swartz, Brent Bashaw, Scott Sharon and many others. They are working on the Vision Zero plan to make roadways safer and eliminate fatalities and serious injuries. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 2 Mr. Brent Bashaw, City Engineer, discussed the collaborative and inclusive plan to eliminate all fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. Ms. Leah Michaels from Hubbell, Roth & Clark, discussed new safety features that will be implemented, using the safe system approach. She also discussed community engagement and collaboration. Identifying high risk intersections and segments. Deputy Chief Allen discussed complaints received by the Police Department and streamlining the process. The Police are focusing on the trouble areas and collaborating with other departments to ensure all safety measures are taken. City Engineer Brent Bashaw discussed the current traffic calming measures that are already in place. Stating there has been a lot of positive feedback from the residents regarding speed cushions. He also discussed the medians that were installed, bike lanes, curb extensions and pedestrian activated crossings. Mr. Bashaw discussed the 2025 upcoming safety measures such as fourteen traffic signal upgrades, speed cushions, curb extensions, medians, tree canopy, speed limit markings, etc.. He also commented on future opportunities for additional Federal Grants. Mr. Vanderpool stated that this is a very comprehensive plan that creates so many opportunities to make the roadways safe for pedestrians and vehicles in the City. He also spoke about how successful Sterling Heights has been at receiving the road grants. He confirmed that the City will continue to illicit community feedback and engage with stakeholders. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes his report this evening. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski inquired about pedestrian bridges. She also discussed battery operated vehicles and the weight; she inquired about lighter materials in the manufacturing of vehicles. She then inquired about pavement markings and how to minimize damage and maintain the delineators. Mr. Bashaw stated that they are looking at places that can make pedestrians safer. He discussed that the plan is multi-faceted, and they will address the “emerging Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 3 technologies” portion of the plan. Mr. Bashaw commented that part of the plan is to use best practices to minimize damage and best maintain the delineators. Councilwoman Koski inquired about walkable areas for children, crossing safely. She inquired about push button lights at pedestrian crossings, if this information will be available to residents. She also asked how the residents can correspond with the City. Mr. Bashaw responded that the traffic lights will be improved and modernized as part of the safety plan to include fourteen lights. He stated that there will be information available to residents and the opportunity for additional public input. There is a new portal that residents can access anytime for information or to give input or concerns @ https://sterlingheights.gov/2374/Traffic-Calming-Program. Councilman Yanez questioned if the City is going to continue to monitor speeds, and what action will be taken if there is an uptick in speeds. Mr. Bashaw responded that they will continue to monitor speeds. They will take pre and post data to compare. The task force will be looking at alternate measures to decrease speeding. Mr. Yanez questioned Mr. Vanderpool about the chapter of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access in the Transportation Safety Access Plan. He is concerned about the current environment and getting Federal Grants. Mr. Vanderpool responded that the plan doesn’t have anything to do with the Federal ban on DEI, this plan is simply making sure that the roads are accessible to all people in the City, ADA compliant, safe for children, etc., grants will not be affected. Councilwoman Ziarko inquired if the funding and improvements are outside of the Safe Street Millage. Mr. Vanderpool stated that it correct. Councilwoman Schmidt agreed that the Brougham needs more speed cushions because they are working. She inquired on how DPW maneuvered over cushions with the snow plows the snowplows. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 4 Ken Swartz, DPW, replied that they did a dry run before it snowed. The front and middle carriages were lifted prior to driving over the speed cushions. DPW made it through the entire winter with no damage to vehicles or the speed cushions. Councilwoman Schmidt expressed her concerns about the number of accidents on 15-mile road, she would like additional safety measures instituted in that area. She discussed utilizing the safety islands, educating and promoting pedestrian use in the City. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned which neighborhoods are being targeted for this summer. Mr. Bashaw responded that he will find out and respond with the answer. Councilman Radtke thanked the committee for all of their great work. He questioned the safety of the intersection of 15 mile and Dodge Park. He wants to confirm that this will be addressed. He also expressed concern with the safety islands on 15-mile road. Councilman Radtke inquired about working with SMART to make the bus stops safer and more efficient. He inquired if the new traffic signals will be mast arm. Mr. Bashaw responded that they are on strain poles but will try to apply for the grant to include mast arm signals. Councilman Radtke would like to use mast arm signals. He also discussed right turn lanes and pedestrian crossing areas. He would like to incorporate greenery in the pedestrian islands. Councilman Radtke inquired if there is a possibility to lower speed limits. He also discussed protected bikeways, improvements to 15-mile road. He would like a very forward pedestrian focused design with the roadways. Mr. Bashaw responded that they will look into the concerns and reminded everyone that the speed limits are set by the Michigan State Police. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone who is participating in the Vision Zero plan. Traffic safety is a big concern for residents, and he is glad that Sterling Heights has established a detailed plan moving forward. 6. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is an Ordinance Introduction to consider introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 23, Section 23-10, of the City Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 5 Code of Ordinances to establish new regulations to address nuisance conditions relating to permitted non-compliant mechanical containers located at commercial establishments and residential condominium complexes not receiving curbside collection. He invited Donald Denault, Jr., Assistant City Attorney to give the presentation. Mr.Denault stated this Ordinance is in order to help commercial establishments and condominium complexes come into compliance with City Ordinances. The new ordinance will enable the City to work with property owners to abate nuisances and create mitigation plans. Ideas include screening walls, gate or fence, concrete pads, etc. Mayor Taylor opened the public hearing and invited comments from the audience, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Yanez, RESOLVED, to introduce the ordinance amending Chapter 23, Section 23-10 of the City Code of Ordinances to establish new regulations to address nuisance conditions relating to permitted non- compliant mechanical containers located at commercial establishments and residential condominium complexes not receiving curbside collection. Councilman Ratdke discussed sites that have been grandfathered in that are creating nuisances and rodent problems who are not making improvements. He stated that they need to come up to code. He is happy to support this Ordinance. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0) 7. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda. He opened the floor for public comments. • Mr. Ken Nelson questioned the Federal Funding for item H, citing the Federal government is eliminating DE&I funding. Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended, moving item 7-I to 8-D: A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $905,122.84, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,399,978.47, Other Funds - $2,146,427.52, Total Checks - $6,451,528.83 C. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Warren Contractors and Development, Inc., 14979 Technology Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315, for general construction services in connection with the rehabilitation of a section of the Clinton River Trail in North Clinton River Park at a total cost of $163,289.92.. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 6 D. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc., 51301 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315, for professional engineering services in connection with rehabilitation of the East Hampton Storm Water Pump Station at a total cost of $20,300 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. E. RESOLVED, to accept the proposal by Warren Contractors and Development, Inc., 14979 Technology Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315, for general construction services in connection with the installation of an asphalt path in Gerald N. Donovan Park at a total cost of $156,597.43. F. RESOLVED, to approve the facility license agreement, inclusive of indemnity, between the city of Sterling Heights and Macomb Community College, 14500 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48088, and authorize the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. G. RESOLVED to: 1. Award a bid for medical assessments of firefighters and police command officers to Bio-Care, Inc., 1778 Holloway Drive, Suite A, Holt, MI 48842, for a period of two years at unit pricing bid and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid term for three (3) additional one (1) year terms upon mutual consent; and, 2. Approve a budget amendment to the General fund in the amount of $190,717 for firefighter physicals, 90% offset with grant proceeds. H. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution adopting the Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan for the city of Sterling Heights. I. Moved to 8-D Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0) 8. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of the fiscal year 2025/26 Community Development Block Grant One-Year Action Plan (Presentation – Sydnie Allor, HUD Program Coordinator). Ms. Allor gave a presentation regarding the funding programs for CDBG and the funds distribution. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Mr. Ken Nelson – Stated he is opposed to use the CDBG funding for Senior Center improvements • Mr. Paul Smith – Discussed Federal Government grant elimination Moved by Sierawski, Seconded by Ziarko, Resolved, to approve the fiscal year 2025/2026 Community Development Block Grant One-Year Action Plan as recommended by the Citizens Advisory Committee and City Administration based on an estimated annual entitlement of $780,000, and authorize City Administration to complete the Federal application and secure the funds. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated that she is in favor of money designated to assist those in most need and she is in support of the program. Councilman Yanez inquired how the administrative fee is determined. Mr. Vanderpool responded that the cap is stipulated by the CDBG parameters. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 7 Ms. Allor stated the fee is fifteen percent of the total grant received capped by the Federal government. Mr. Yanez discussed if the City needs to keep the entire fifteen percent, inquiring if this amount can be cut and money given to the programs. He questioned if general funds can be used to fix the Senior Center instead of CDBG funds. Councilman Radtke welcomed Ms. Allor. He stated that this is our money coming back to us to help those in most need. Seniors are an automatic funding category that requires very little paperwork, it makes sense to use the money on the Senior Center. He stated that the City has a goal to give money to groups that need funds. Councilman Radtke would like to increase the amount allotted for snow shoveling and grass cutting, as that is a common request of senior residents. He wants to help them stay in their homes and community. He is excited about the mobile home repair program to ensure safety and compliance. Councilman Radtke questioned the funding and justification for salaries from CDBG, informing that the City did not take the full fifteen percent. He stated that the City is administering the program very efficiently and he is happy to vote in favor of the program. Mr. Vanderpool responded that the money taken for salaries from CDBG funds is analyzed very closely, that the fifteen percent does not cover the City’s costs. Councilwoman Koski inquired if CDBG funds were used to build the Senior Center. Mr. Vanderpool stated that a good portion of the cost to build the Senior Center and expansion was funding primarily through CDBG, subsidized by the general fund. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of memorandums of understanding between the city of Sterling Heights and MAPE Professional and Technical Employees. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Mr. Vanderpool discussed the new and retitled positions that are already budgeted for, simply a procedural issue. Planner II to Sustainability Planner was Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 8 reclassified to more reflect the functions of the position. A very thorough review was performed, supported and an MOU was negotiated. The second position in the HR department was codifying through a position description, Lead Human Resources Coordinator. Lastly a retitle of a classification in the Community Relations Department that better reflects the job duties performed, Community Relations and Event Planning Specialist. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Schmidt, Seconded by Ziarko, Resolved, to approve the memorandums of understanding between the city of Sterling Heights and MAPE Professional and Technical Employees for the purpose of implementing the reclassification of the Planner II to Sustainability Planner, creating the Lead Human Resources Coordinator job classification, and re-titling the Community Relations Specialist job classification and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the memorandums of understanding on behalf of the City. Councilwoman Schmidt stated that the positions are already budgeted, and she is satisfied with Mr. Vanderpool’s explanation. Councilman Radtke inquired about the title of Sustainability Planner vs Planner III. Ms. Baldwin, HR Director stated that the Sustainability Planner is equivalent in pay to Planner III, which is not filled, Planner II is promoted to Sustainability Planner. The progression from Sustainability Planner would be to Assistant City Planner. Councilman Radtke stated that the Planning Department really stepped up and is doing more than they used to. He agrees that this is well earned and is in support. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). C. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider an appointment to the city of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Mayor Taylor requested a postponement until the next Council meeting in order to speak to the candidate. Moved by Ziarko, Seconded by Radtke, Resolved, to postpone the appointment the Local Development Finance Authority to a term ending June 30, 2028, to the April 01, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 9 D. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of a resolution of support for the preservation of the federal tax exemption for interest earned on municipal bonds. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, Seconded by Sierawski, Resolved to adopt the resolution of support for the preservation of the federal tax exemption for interest earned on municipal bonds. Councilman Radtke requested that Jennifer Varney, Finance & Budget Director, speak briefly on this issue. He informed that this was an issue discussed majorly at the National League of Cities Capital Conference. There is a program that is floated that will eliminate the tax-free exemption on Municipal Bonds. This would increase borrowing costs to communities significantly. Ms. Varney stated that it is a way to cover tax cuts and potentially raise revenue. Bonds are used to borrow money for building roads, community centers, pickleball court, etc. Bonds are tax exempt, the people who buy the bonds do not have to pay tax on the interest, so the City gets a significantly less interest rate. A higher interest rate will be charged if this program passes. This will ultimately impact the residents of Sterling Heights. Councilman Radtke wanted to make residents aware of the possibility of increased costs. He is happy to support keeping municipal bonds tax free. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments. • Ken Nelson – commented regarding the Mayor and Council pay increases. He praised the Intern Program the City created. Discussed withdrawing from DEI programs • Theresa – discussed wanting chickens at her residence • Michelle Vitale – discussed sidewalk replacement in the City • Paul Smith – discussed bonds and Lakeside development 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated that there are no illegal DE&I efforts, programs or initiatives in the City. The City is able to certify every Federal grant application. Chickens are not allowed on property that is less than 8 acres. He also informed everyone that there have been long standing assessment programs in Sterling Heights for the Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 10 last fifty years. There is now a better way of repairing and replacing sidewalks with the new millage that was passed. Mr. Vanderpool discussed Mr. Smith’s inaccurate comments. Almost all Cities have to borrow money, which should be in a smart, wise, conscientious way to result in the least impact on finances. Sterling Heights is in the 800 bond rating, with a very solid financial position. Mr. Vanderpool stated that there have not been any bonds issued for Lakeside and the City will not increase taxes for any perspective bond related to Lakeside. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski encouraged residents to help with the Shine event on Saturday May 3rd. She also discussed getting signatures for re-election and discussing issues with residents, informing that they are very pleased with the Pathway to Play and Preservation millage that was passed. Councilman Radtke informed that it is the 190th Birthday of Jefferson Twp. He discussed the sidewalk replacement and millage going forward. He discussed that Sterling Heights is the standard for Council Meetings. He also encouraged residents to contact their Congressmen regarding the Municipal Bond tax exemptions. Councilman Yanez questioned the expenditures from O’Reilly and requested that City Administration provide information regarding the charges. He requested to see the cost of administration of CDBG grants. Councilman Yanez discussed the bonds and Lakeside redevelopment. He stated that the City needs to help residents in need. He is excited about the Shine event and invited Council to join him. Councilman Yanez informed that he received the determination from Elected Officials Compensation Commission for pay raises for Mayor and Council and requested a resolution to decline the increase, there was no second. Councilwoman Ziarko informed about spring clean up days at DPW. Shred Day, April 12th, Hazardous Waste, April 19th, Electronic Waste, April 26th. She would like an additional Shred Day in the fall. Mayor Taylor stated that the raise was 3% from the Elected Officials Compensation Commission that meets every two years. They set the salary for Mayor and Council. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2025 Page 11 Backyard Chickens has been discussed many times, eight acres are required, City Council has decided against allowing chickens in any residence less than eight acres. He sympathized with Ms. Vitale regards the sidewalk replacement, but there has to be a cut off. He stated that they are not betting the City’s money on Lakeside Mall, there will be no general fund money put into the infrastructure. The City will bond eventually to do the infrastructure, which is guaranteed by the developer. The taxpayers are very well protected. Mayor Taylor discussed that the Lakeside developer is currently planning on twenty-five hundred to three thousand units. He also stated he is comfortable with the CDBG money that was spent. He discussed that only about ten percent of the registered voters participated in the last Local election and that has not stopped any Council Members from expressing their opinions or voting on matters brought before them or enact policy. Mayor Taylor stated that he supports the millage that was passed and will continue to support it, being good for the City. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 12. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 13. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for Closed Session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk