City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL APRIL 1, 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; 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 stated he has a number of special presentations on his report this evening, and the first is about the debut of a new and exciting messaging program to better connect with their residents and businesses. He invited Marketing and Communications Manager Marissa Russo to give the presentation. Marketing and Communications Manager Marissa Russo stated she is excited to present the launch of their new communication tool that will strengthen their relationship with their residents. They currently have many ways to communicate with their residents and community members, including mail, email newsletters, social pages, the City’s website, and their Sterling Heights television channel (SHTV). Even with these many avenues of communication, they still miss opportunities to immediately get important information to residents. Text marketing and communication are powerful tools because of the high response rates and direct communication, as well as cost effectiveness. Ms. Russo introduced CodeRED, a new digital platform through Onsolve, explaining it is a critical communication solution that will allow the City the opportunity to communicate effectively and directly with their residents. They are able to notify Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 2 residents and businesses by telephone, text messaging, email, and even social media to alert them of emergencies and community updates. The system can reach hundreds of thousands of residents within minutes to ensure information is quickly shared. They can also provide updates on non-emergency items such as ConeZone, Sterlingfest, Dodge Park Thursdays, Library news, and volunteer opportunities, and it is an option for residents to tap into. They can also provide information on road closures, snow emergencies, parking bans, and weather- related updates impacting special events. They will have the ability to mass- communicate with their residents in a crisis situation, such as extreme weather situations, an active shooter situation, a child abduction, etc. They will get certification through FEMA and will develop a strategic plan for crisis communication. Ms. Russo explained that the City will have the ability to see their geotargeted map, and it will show how many users are selected within the area. If there is a watermain break, they will be able to reach residents who signed up on a specific street and in a specific area to communicate with those residents. She noted there are other communication tools in place for notification purposes, but people are not always home if someone comes to their door. She reiterated the digital communications of emergency situations go out in the form of a mass text, and could involve information such as a parking ban, extreme weather conditions, cooling and warming shelters, major road updates, boiled water alerts, large-scale event communication, and everyday city operations that can be disrupted. The plan they are currently using will not greatly change, but CodeRED will give the City a better opportunity to directly target people. It will now take the place of the previous LISTSERV, so they will be able to utilize their list in CodeRED to specifically call, text, and email. Ms. Russo informed that those interested in signing up for CodeRED should visit www.sterlingheights.gov/codeRED or text “shconnected” to 24639. She stressed it is important to log in to the account and sign up so they can capture information, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 3 including different lists available for notification. There will be a flash page on the City’s website for the next month to urge people to register to get connected, and it will also be promoted on social media. Ms. Russo explained that the City will be sending out mass text to people in the database to inform them of this new platform and instruct people on how to sign up for the updates that are important to them. They will be able to select updates on Sterlingfest, road construction updates, specific events, and City updates, which include information like refuse pickup delays and preplanned building closures. She explained that people may opt to only receive a phone call to their phone or an email; however, text updates are encouraged if that is the best and quickest way to contact them. Mr. Vanderpool stated they are excited to kick this off, and it is one of many technological improvements the City has had over recent years, including the WaterSmart app, which allows people to track their water usage and detect leaks. These technological investments pay big dividends to residents, so they are glad to add this service as well. Mr. Vanderpool pointed out that Sterling Heights has achieved a lot over the decades, some of those achievements being the distinction of being one of the safest cities in the country, having very strong property values with a ranking of being in the top five statewide, having low taxes in the City and one of the lowest in the county and the state, and having a very high quality of life with all the amenities of the parks and the City campus. He added that, per capita, the City has one of the largest engineering job bases in the country for a city of this size. They can be proud of these accomplishments, but in going through their Visioning 2040 process, they noticed that their fastest-growing age population is 65 and above, which is not a bad thing; however, in addition to seniors, they also want to make sure the City is attractive to younger people, families, and individuals who will continue to create the vibrancy of the City as it continues to evolve. They launched the “Look No Further” campaign in an effort to tell the story of Sterling Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 4 Heights to others beyond their boundaries. He invited Community Relations Director Melanie Davis to give the next presentation. Community Relations Director Melanie Davis stated the City’s “Look No Further” campaign was launched just over a year ago, and in that time, they have seen some amazing results. She stressed the importance of the campaign, noting that although they are creating a community where people want to move in and become residents and the business community is vibrant with significant economic development, they cannot sit back and expect it to happen. Campaigns such as “Look No Further” are critical to the City’s success. She cited a quote from Steuart Henderson Britt: “Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing but nobody else does.” Ms. Davis emphasized that the City and its residents know what a great community this is with an amazing quality of life, unparalleled public safety and amenities, and thoughtful innovation, and they need to get the word out rather than “winking at people in the dark.” The best way to do that is to let their most loyal residents and business partners tell their stories. She stressed this campaign heavily emphasizes their economic development and the 70,000+ jobs they have here, as well as their thriving business community, from the largest companies all the way down to family-owned businesses and everything in between. Residents can also tell their stories about why the live and remain in Sterling Heights. This can lead people to shape their perception of this community and ultimately lead them to buying a home or establishing a business here. Ms. Davis explained they are now very specifically targeting the individuals, businesses, and families throughout the state who are not yet here but are likely to move their home or business to this community based on data points gathered by the media agencies they are utilizing. She reviewed the metrics to show the positive effects since February 2024 when they launched the campaign, including over twenty-three million impressions across digital, social, radio, and all integrated media. They have had 813,000 video views across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, and she provided Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 5 statistics for engagement, including nearly 70,000 people who have clicked on their content in the last year. She provided other statistics that show the great start they have had with their campaign in just a year. She invited Identity Partner Brandon Chesnutt to share the exciting next stages of the campaign and how they will be evaluating the campaign’s successes moving forward with metrics that demonstrate how they are changing the attitudes and perceptions of their target audience, ultimately moving them to action. Mr. Brandon Chesnutt stated they have exciting ideas and activations they will be sharing with the City, and they have also been working with the most important residences and economic powerhouses to set up what will be the next phase of this campaign. A brief video was shown, highlighting what they have been working on over the last year. At the conclusion of the video, Mr. Chesnutt acknowledged that one of their special storytellers, a resident who spoke in that video, Ms. Lea Mitchell, is present in the audience this evening. He thanked her for taking time from her busy life and family to share her special story with everyone. He explained that the video combines a number of interviews and stories, and he emphasized they have some incredible video from Stellantis, who worked hand- in-hand with them. He felt this will be very important in opening a lot of doors for other companies and creating a new wave for them as they talk about Phase 2 of the program. Mr. Chesnutt pointed out they are here to continue to show target audiences that not only does this City provide the information and resources to give them what they need to thrive, but they want every resident, business, and organization to leverage what the City has to offer in order to live their best lives. Mr. Chesnutt highlighted a few parts of their action plan. When they began the campaign, they talked about the difference between awareness and intention, and an impact showed some actual information they can digest and utilize to make better decisions and craft different types of marketing and outreach to communities of interest. He explained the things that are changing as they roll out the next phase of their campaign is that they have some very intentional Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 6 audience targeting by developing different cities and areas around Sterling Heights that have audiences that match their criteria. They are looking at people who are possibly making the decision between moving into one of the neighboring communities or moving into Sterling Heights or expanding their business. They have some select campaigns and they want the residents and businesses in Sterling Heights to be part of it. They will be leveraging what they know works, which is the most popular social networks and channels available to them through Google and Instagram, and they are rolling out new streaming radio on Spotify and podcasts. They are also leveraging platforms such as Hulu in thirty- second spots in target cities over the next several months. Mr. Chesnutt emphasized the new community voices they are bringing, and one of those was Councilwoman Koski’s idea to team up with a local realtor who can talk about what it is like to work in the community. They are identifying other business owners who have expanded inside the City and are looking here as their next element of growth. He explained they are also putting faces behind successful City programs, such as Citizens On Patrol. He stressed they are very excited about survey data, where they are working with groups that will be able to ask audience pools very specific questions. He pointed out the good thing about survey data is that it can be as big as they want, or as focused as they want. They can track and revisit this data over time. They will be utilizing City tools and communications to address that information and send out survey questions. Mr. Chesnutt informed that they have some exciting activations this summer on the “Look No Further” campaign, and he provided details on the following: • Partnership with Jimmy Johns Field and the United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL) to create a custom “Look No Further” campaign engagement. This is customized to include a Sterling Heights Trivia Night, and everyone there will learn a little about the City. They will have a special discounted ticket night, and Mayor Taylor has been identified to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 7 potentially throw out a first pitch. He stressed they can be very creative on how they roll out different messages to emails on their database. • WDIV’s Live in the D program with Tati Amare. Mr. Chesnutt stated his agency has a standing relationship with them, and they have worked out a custom program to have promotional “Look No Further” across all of their channels, and they will have curated articles and dedicated eblasts with survey information and data they can collect as part of that. He added that Live in the D will be doing a live broadcast with their entire crew at Sterlingfest, interviewing vendors and attendees. He pointed out that event sells itself, but it will be great to reach out to other communities, promote Sterling Heights, and amplify other summer events that will be taking place. Mr. Chesnutt thanked City Council for giving them a lot of confidence. He assured he has a lot of great ideas to deploy, and he pointed out they are only entering Phase 2, with many more to come, a lot to learn, and many more audiences to reach. He offered to answer questions. Ms. Davis recognized Patrick Michalski, a member of the Sterling Heights Art Commission who was also featured in the video. She thanked the two storytellers for their part in the video and being present this evening. She stated this concludes their presentation. Mr. Vanderpool stated they are very proud of this campaign, and the City will be seeing more. He added they appreciate the support of the community as well as the Mayor and City Council. Mr. Vanderpool knows that the Mayor and City Council take great pride in recognizing their award-winning departments, and he does the same. He explained that tonight they will be highlighting a special award the City received for the Plumbrook bike lanes. He invited City Engineer Brent Bashaw to lead this discussion. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 8 City Engineer Brent Bashaw informed that American Public Works Association (APWA) is here today to present the City with an award for the Plumbrook Bike Lane Project, which he refers to as the Plumbrook Road Safety Project. He stated it started as a project to address pavement, and it moved into bike lanes. As the project took shape, it became a safety project, with improvements to the Davis Junior High School entrance, improvements on midblock crossings for pedestrians, and traffic signal improvements. They included a space on the road for cyclists and a space for pedestrians, making the road safer for everyone. They took speed data before and after the project, and he informed that the recorded speeds on Plumbrook went down by two miles per hour, which is significant. He added that the number of excessive speeders on Plumbrook went down sixfold, and that is all because of the efforts they put into allocating space for the roadway and incorporating some safety procedures that they had in their Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan. He stressed he is very proud of this project, and he introduced Nick, one of the HRC Design engineers, who is outstanding and brought a lot of great information to the City on how to design and get what they were looking for out of their bike lanes. He mentioned some of Nick’s professional experience, and he thanked him for all of his contributions, noting he worked on sidewalks in the cities of Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Mr. Bashaw also recognized City of Sterling Heights DPW employee Nick Holly, and they are happy to have him. He attended Stevenson High School, he became the project manager for this project, and he thanked him for the outstanding job he did. He also introduced Jesse Schmittler, who serves as their field engineer, and he credited him for doing an outstanding job, adding he is responsible for having the project built the way it is designed and specified, which involves long hours on the site. A short video highlighting the project was shown, and Mr. Bashaw thanked Community Relations for putting the video together. Mr. Bashaw introduced Ms. Nancy Kolinski from APWA to talk about the award and present it. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 9 Ms. Nancy Kolinski, secretary of APWA Detroit Metro Branch Committee, and when scoring all of the submitted projects, they soon realized that this project went from a standard road resurfacing project to an innovative multimodal project. Bike lanes are not a new concept, but they are new to the City of Sterling Heights, with this being their first, and this is among the first in the County. She stressed that the City’s concern for safety was very evident in this project, and the multimodal improvements pushed this project to the top of the category. She stated that the APWA Detroit Metro Branch is pleased to announce the Plumbrook Resurfacing Project as Project of the Year in the $5 million to $25 million Quality of Life category. She congratulated the City on this recognition, and she presented Mr. Bashaw with the award. Mr. Vanderpool urged residents to take note of the City’s ConeZone page on their website to get the latest information on all of their road projects, which also include road closures. He stated it will be a busy summer with a lot of road activity, and it has already begun. He advised that 18 Mile Road will have the bridge torn out, and the road will be closed through the end of July. He also urged everyone to sign up for the alerts so they can be kept updated on the construction activity. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone of the DPW clean-up days coming up at the DPW facility this month: Shred Day on April 12th; Household Waste Event on April 19th; Electronics Recycling Event on April 26th; and Clean-Up Saturday events at DPW on May 10th and May 17th, where numerous items can be dropped off that would not be permitted at the curbside. He urged anyone interested to go to the City’s website for more details. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by requesting that City Council convene a Closed Session at the close of tonight’s agenda, pursuant to Sections 8-C and 8-H of the Open Meetings Act to consider the purchase of lease of real property and to discuss a confidential legal opinion provided by the City Attorney. Mayor Taylor thanked everyone for their presentations and added that they were appreciated. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 10 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is a swearing-in ceremony for new Sterling Heights Police Officers. He invited Interim Chief of Police Kenneth Pappas to give a presentation. Interim Chief of Police Kenneth Pappas introduced Daniel Brockmann, Christian Media, Joshua Hillwig, and Alejandro Parra, providing a brief summary on each of their education and work backgrounds. He provided a background story of how he met Daniel Brockmann at a local gym, and he was wearing a memorial shirt for an officer who had fallen. After some conversation with him, Interim Chief Pappas suggested that Daniel apply to Sterling Heights for one of the open police officer positions. Long story short, he followed through and two months later, after a chance meeting, a subsequent application, testing, and interview, he is here being sworn in tonight. He swore in the officers, they each designated someone to pin on their badge, and each officer in turn thanked the City and the Department for the opportunity to serve the people of Sterling Heights. A photo was taken of the newly sworn officers with the Mayor and City Council members. Interim Chief Pappas thanked City Council and City Administration, noting that because of the equipment, training, and contracts they approve, they are able to steal the best officers from other cities. He is very grateful for the results from what the City has provided to the Police Department. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she is the mother of a Marine who is also in charge of part of their national security in Washington, D.C. She understands the feelings their parents have, as well as the pride, and she emphasized the City is so grateful to have these officers here. She is glad that those who grew up in this City are now back and have the opportunity to serve in this community. She is confident that all of the officers will make the City proud. Councilwoman Schmidt welcomed the officers and wished them the best. She stressed that the residents of this City support their police officers one hundred percent, and they give them the tools they need. They are now part of the “best of the best,” and she welcomed them to the family, urging them to stay safe. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 11 Councilman Radtke stated it is always good to see home-grown talent. He added he is touched that so many of them have ties to Sterling Heights, and they are choosing to serve this community. He pointed out that the City of Sterling Heights has the highest standards, and their residents expect the best because they pay for the best. He is confident the officers will deliver that service, and he assured that the Council and residents will give them whatever they need. He is confident they are getting the best, and he urged them to stay safe. He thanked their families for being here, noting this position takes a lot of support. Councilwoman Koski welcomed the newly sworn officers to Sterling Heights, and she thanked them for choosing this City for their career. She stressed this Council is very supportive of their Police Department and are here to help them get the tools they need so they can keep the residents and themselves safe. She compared the City to a family, and welcomed suggestions that will make them a better department. She urged them to stay safe, and she is sure they will love it here in Sterling Heights. Councilman Yanez stated that, as a former City employee, this is a great place to work. He indicated he worked with Christian Media’s dad in the Fire Department prior to his retirement. He stressed that the City is a great employer, and they will live good lives with very good retirements, and although they are giving of themselves, he assured the City will give back. He stressed that the citizens of this City love their Police Department, so they will be well-liked and well respected. He wished them all a great 25-year career, ultimately enjoying a great retirement knowing they have served this community. Councilwoman Ziarko stated these police officers making the choice to come to Sterling Heights to work help the City Council keep a promise to their residents. They have a Safe Street millage, and because they promote that millage and educate their residents on how the City will spend this money, which is to take care of their roads and hire police, so they are fully staffed. She questioned whether there are any more openings in the Police Department. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 12 Interim Chief Pappas replied to inquiry that they are down two individuals, but one will be graduating from the Police Academy so they cannot hire that individual until May 15th. They will have one vacancy, although they anticipate eight more before the end of the year due to retirement. Councilwoman Ziarko agreed with her colleagues that the City is very supportive of the Police Department, adding that they campaign on public safety. She emphasized that the residents support them, and the Administration as a whole supports each other, so she is confident the choice they each made to come here was a good choice. She recalled that Christian’s dad ended up working for the Macomb County Health Department once he retired from the City because she recalled seeing him at the Senior Center when they were administering the Covid vaccines, so he was still a part of the City of Sterling Heights even after his retirement. She welcomed them all and thanked some of them for coming to their hometown to serve the residents of the community in which they grew up. She urged them to be safe. Mayor Taylor thanked Interim Chief Pappas, and complimented him on the badge- pinning, which gives the family a chance to have a moment to come up with the officers. He commented that it was special watching their family members come up to pin the badges. He thanked the families for their support of these officers, and he thanked them for being present tonight and sharing with their family members with the City of Sterling Heights and the approximate 135,000 residents who live here. He stressed they live here because it is a safe city, and this department’s reputation precedes the new officers here by decades, and it is on their shoulders. He assured they would not be hired if the City did not feel they were up to the task, so he thanked them for making the sacrifice in doing what they do, and he wished God’s blessings upon each one of the officers and their families. The meeting recessed at 8:13 p.m. and reconvened at 8:21 p.m. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 13 B. Mayor Taylor stated this is a Nice Neighbor Award Presentation. He invited Councilwoman Ziarko to make this presentation. Councilwoman Ziarko stated this is a presentation in the Nice Neighbor Program which honors homeowners and businesses that improve the quality of life for their neighbors. She informed that the Community Relations Department is presenting this award to Joe and Dottie Rice for recognition as Nice Neighbors on account of their exceptional kindness and neighborly spirit. They were nominated by senior citizens Denise and Doug Verner, residents of Sterling Heights for over forty years, who have lived across the street from Mr. and Mrs. Rice for over twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Verner cited the incredibly thoughtful and caring actions that Mr. and Mrs. Rice have shown to them, especially as they have grown older, and they referred to the Rice’s many acts of kindness, including cooking and delivering meals to them, picking up and delivering their groceries, and handling household chores when they were out of town. Mr. and Mrs. Verner emphasized that Mr. and Mrs. Rice’s reliable presence in their lives, their kindness, attention, care, open arms, and smiles embody the spirit of the Nice Neighbor Award, and the Verners felt this merits recognition. Councilwoman Ziarko presented Joe and Dottie Rice with the Nice Neighbor Award. Mr. Rice thanked Mr. and Mrs. Verner for the nomination and thanked the City for this very nice honor. He commented that this award could go right back to their neighbors who nominated them, adding they are wonderful neighbors. 7. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider introduction of an ordinance amending Article 14 B. of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to create Neighborhood and District Nodes and establish permissible, special approval land and nonconforming uses within the newly created nodes. He invited Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, to give a presentation. Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, explained he is requesting a further postponement of consideration of this introduction. They have been working very hard following the comments received from property owners when this was last introduced. The Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 14 Office of Planning believes they have a very strong direction on how to move forward with the questions raised on this ordinance. They would also like to bring forth a concurrent map amendment as a Zoning Text Amendment rather than link it to the Master Land Use Plan. He explained this would make it easier to amend at City Council level rather than reopening the process to adjust the Master Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map. It makes the ordinance much cleaner, and it models their other overlays, rather than this one being different. They are requesting postponement until the May 6th, 2025 regular meeting, at which time they will be able to reintroduce the amended ordinance to Council and move forward at that point. They believe the timeline would be appropriate to have all changes considered. He believes the suggested actions procedurally needed would be to withdraw the motion on the floor and have a second motion to postpone consideration of the introduction until the May 6th, 2025 regular City Council meeting. He offered to answer questions. Mayor Taylor noted this will be postponed. He opened the floor for anyone who felt they had something to say, but no one spoke. Councilman Radtke questioned whether this is coming back as an overlay or a straight zoning change. Dr. Parcell replied to inquiry that it will still be an overlay. He explained that to do the zoning change and make it a separate zoning district, the zoning ordinance is not written that way, so it would have to go through substantial reworking similar to the North Van Dyke Avenue District. It would have to include landscaping standards, bulk and area standards, height, setbacks, etc., and they do not believe that there is a type of blanket ordinance that would accommodate all of the nodes. He clarified it will be moved forward as a use overlay without any of the further standards that would make it a true change in zoning classification. Councilman Radtke recommended that it should not be an overlay in the future. He pointed out they have had problems with the overlays, and he felt they should become their own zoning category. He stated he is happy to withdraw his motion Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 15 after everyone else who wants to speak has an opportunity to do so, but he is concerned that the overlays create situations where people take the best parts of either part, leading to confusion. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for Council comments or questions, but no one spoke. Councilman Radtke withdrew his motion on the floor. Mayor Taylor confirmed that the motion on the floor has been withdrawn. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to postpone consideration of the introduction of an ordinance amending Article 14 B. of the Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to the May 6th, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 23, Section 23-10, of the City Code of Ordinances to establish new regulations addressing nuisance conditions relating to permitted non-compliant mechanical containers located at commercial establishments and residential condominium complexes not receiving curbside collection. He opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to adopt the ordinance amending Chapter 23, Section 23-10 of the City Code of Ordinances to establish new regulations addressing nuisance conditions relating to permitted non- compliant mechanical containers located at commercial establishments and residential condominium complexes not receiving curbside collection. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 9. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Taylor stated this item is consideration of the Consent Agenda as presented. 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 March 17th, 2025 Regular Meeting. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $709,334.99, Water & Sewer Fund - $30,757.09, Other Funds - $2,860,517.07, Total Checks - $3,600,609.15. C. RESOLVED, to approve the Clinton River Maintenance Agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and Outdoor Escorts, LLC, d/b/a Clinton River Canoe & Kayak, and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 16 D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for the mosquito control program to Vector Disease Control International, LLC, 1320 Brookwood Drive, Suite H, Little Rock, AK 72202, at unit pricing bid for the period April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2027. E. RESOLVED, to award the bid for maintenance of irrigation systems at municipal sites Target Facility Management, 13301 Cloverdale Street, Oak Park, MI 48237, at unit pricing bid for the period April 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. F. RESOLVED, to: 1. Award the bid for rental of portable toilets to Turner Sanitation, Inc., 1149 Rhodes Road, Lake Orion, MI 48361, based upon unit pricing bid for a two (2) year period, and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid term three (3) additional one (1) year periods on the same terms and conditions upon mutual consent; and, 2. Reject all bids received for supplemental rental of restroom trailers on a per day, per weekend and per week basis. G. RESOLVED, to: 1. Award the bid for mobile home contractors for minor home repair program to the following contractors based on unit prices bid for a two- year period and authorize the City Manager to extend the bid term one (1) additional two (2) year period upon mutual consent: • Allied Building Services Company of Detroit, Inc. 1801 Howard Street, Detroit MI 48216 • Comfort Mechanical Heating and Cooling, LLC, 455 E Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 300, Ann Arbor MI 48108 • Anderson Group Holdings, LLC, d/b/a Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing, 36611 Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48035 • We Preserve Michigan, LLC, 22750 Shelvington Drive, Southfield, MI 48034 2. Authorize the City Manager to sign the respective Mobile Home Repair Agreements on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution declaring it necessary to take private property for the use and benefit of the public for installation and use of a shared use path along 6600 Dobry Drive, directing the City Manager to sign the Declaration of Taking pursuant to Public Act 87 of 1980, as amended, and Public Act 149 of 1911, as amended, on behalf of the City, and authorize the City Attorney to initiate all necessary condemnation proceedings in the Macomb County Circuit Court on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights. I. RESOLVED, to purchase subscriptions for UFED 4PC Ultimate software from Cellebrite, Inc., 8065 Leesburg Pike, Suite T3-302, Vienna, VA 22182, for the period of April 5, 2025 through April 4, 2026, at a total cost of $14,500 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. J. RESOLVED, to: 1. Purchase Haworth office furniture from Interphase Interiors, Inc., 2937 E Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, at discounted pricing available through MiDeal cooperative purchasing contract no. 22000000043 at a total cost of $33,726.66 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City; and, 2. Authorize a budget amendment to utilize federal forfeiture funds budgeted at account #262 322.310 (Federal Forfeitures) 977.000 (Furniture) to fund the purchase. K. RESOLVED, to purchase Haworth office furniture from Interphase Interiors, Inc., 2937 E Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, at discounted pricing available through state of Michigan MiDeal cooperative purchasing Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 17 contract nos. 22000000043 and 220000000497 at a total cost of $25,409.10 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. L. RESOLVED, to schedule a special meeting of the City Council on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. within the City Hall Council Chamber at 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, and direct the City Clerk to post the appropriate notices in accordance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. M. RESOLVED, to adopt the resolution in support of the application by the city of Sterling Heights for Bird City Michigan designation by the American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 10. CONSIDERATION A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a request to transfer ownership of a 2024 Class C liquor licensed business located at 33120 – 33126 Ryan Road from Ryan 14 Inc. to Bella and Mana, Inc. Applicant Marvin Savaya replied to inquiry that he will be glad to answer any questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, that the request to transfer ownership of a 2024 Class C liquor licensed business, with Sunday Sales Permit (AM & PM), Dance/Entertainment Permit, and Extended Hours Permit (Dance- Entertainment), located at 33120 - 33126 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48310, from Ryan 14 Inc. to Bella and Mana Inc, be considered for approval. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned whether this will be located on Ryan Road. Mr. Savaya replied to inquiry that is correct. He replied to further inquiry that they are new owners of this business, which will be called Al Shoroq Restaurant. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned what the applicant’s plan is for this restaurant. Mr. Savaya explained that he will be keeping the same business, but he has done some upgrades, which are attracting more families. They are also able to host special occasions for families. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commented that it sounds good, and she felt it is a good location for this type of business. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned what type of experience Mr. Savaya has in working in establishments that already have a liquor license. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 18 Mr. Savaya explained that he used to work in a liquor store, and he has a lot of friends in the community who have experience with liquor stores. He has been to bars and many restaurants, so he anticipates he is ready. Councilwoman Ziarko pointed out there is a difference between selling liquor by the bottle and selling by the glass. She hopes he will get some type of training. Mr. Savaya assured he took a class through TIPS Alcohol Training. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether the transfer of the license has already been approved by the State of Michigan. Mr. Savaya replied to inquiry that it has already been approved by the State. Councilwoman Ziarko noted that since it has already been approved by the State, the action tonight by Council will mean nothing, because if the State approved it, it goes through. This is a courtesy to let us know you are going to transfer the liquor license. She questioned whether the restaurant had a liquor license. Mr. Savaya replied affirmatively, and this is just a transfer. Councilman Radtke felt that they will be approving this request tonight, but he pointed out that corner has historically had some issues. The owners were not serving the public properly and were staying open a little later, although he assured, he is not blaming Mr. Savaya for this because he is just now taking it over. He recommended that Mr. Savaya will want to make sure it is a good business that is benefiting the community and is not violating the laws. Mr. Savaya admitted he and his family were also concerned about that when he took over, but he decided to try it, and he assured they had had no issues since he has been there. He added that everything is up to code with the Fire Department, and they have no violations. Mr. Savaya stated they have people from all over Michigan who come to his restaurant, and even from the Middle East. Councilman Radtke noted that they will be watching to make sure everything is good. He hopes Mr. Savaya has a successful business with a good clientele, and that he stays within the bounds of the law. He added that if the law is not followed, they have to enforce it and have done so in other restaurants in that area. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 19 Mr. Savaya assured that is the right thing to do if the law is not followed. Councilman Radtke wished him much success, and they appreciate his hard work. Mr. Savaya welcomed the City Council members to stop in and try the food at his restaurant. Councilwoman Schmidt commented that Mr. Savaya did not submit a sample of the menu. She questioned whether it will be a full restaurant, or whether it will be more along the lines of bites or appetizers. Mr. Savaya replied to inquiry that they mainly serve Middle Eastern food because that is what their customers are looking for. He assured they will be serving full lunches and dinners. Councilwoman Koski noticed that the applicant has a Dance/Entertainment Permit, and she inquired as to whether he is planning to have an extension with the banquet hall. Mr. Savaya replied to inquiry he thought about it because the previous owners had to decide whether to have the banquet facility but seat less people. He receives a lot of requests for celebrations, such as baptisms and first communions, but he can only allow 130 people at the max. If he has the opportunity to have more people, he would be happy to do so. Councilwoman Koski stated she was familiar with this restaurant about twenty years ago. She noted that there will be the restaurant portion where they will be serving food. She inquired as to whether they will have an area in that section for dancing, or whether it will be the adjacent unit to the east. Mr. Savaya stated there is a stage. They cannot serve over 130 people and if they get more than that, their names will be added to a list, and they will call them if they have room for them. He added they have not had that problem since he has been there, and there are usually less than one hundred people for the special events. Councilwoman Koski questioned whether they will be using the unit to the east as part of the restaurant. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 20 Mr. Savaya explained there are two addresses: 33126 Ryan Road, which is what he uses for the dance floor (for parties); and 33120 Ryan Road, which is for regular customers in the restaurant. He clarified that 33120 Ryan Road is much bigger, but because of the issues, they have to put a wall and use the other side for storage. He admitted it is too big for a storage area, but they cannot have that many people in. He anticipates they may be able to do this in the future. Mayor Taylor congratulated Mr. Savaya, adding he seems very passionate and excited about what he is doing. He thanked Mr. Savaya for bringing this great product to Sterling Heights, and he assured he will stop by. He wished him good luck in this new venture. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider an appointment to the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority. He opened the floor for public comment on this item, but no one spoke. He requested that someone make the appointment of Riley Maher. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED, to appoint Riley Maher to the Local Development Finance Authority to a term ending June 30, 2028, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Mayor Taylor stated he has known Mr. Maher, adding that he is a great young man who serves on a number of the City’s boards and commissions. He felt Mr. Maher will be a great fit on this Authority. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 11. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for communications from citizens for any item not on tonight’s agenda. • Ken Nelson – resident on Firesteel Drive; questioned an administrative Policy and Procedure Order by Mr. Vanderpool dated 2016, called Express Activities on City Grounds which allows up to eight visits to the City buildings in order to obtain petition signatures; questioned whether City Council voted on this in 2016; expressed objections with some of the rules, which he felt are wrong and make people running for office feel like criminals; commented that this needs to be changed. • Ronnie McCabe – resident on Maple Lane Drive; stated he has not been to a City Council meeting since Mayor Notte passed away; requested that Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 21 street lighting for 16 Mile Road, from Van Dyke to Utica Road, be included in the upcoming budget; pointed out it is a major thoroughfare for the City and it is extremely dark; stated he has been requesting this for a long time and would appreciate the City Council looking into it. 12. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool addressed Mr. Nelson’s concern, and informed that City Administration, pursuant to the City Charter, has the authority to promulgate rules and procedures. It is common and has been done for many years, but they have standard operating guidelines in many areas, including general orders in the Police Department. He stated it is very common in municipalities across the country, and administrative rules and procedures go through very comprehensive legal reviews, and they are issued thoughtfully. He assured the City is in full compliance with all of their APPO’s. Mr. Vanderpool addressed Mr. McCabe’s comment about the budget item, noting that the Council’s first budget hearing is one week from today. He encouraged Mr. McCabe to attend, and he explained that they have provided some cost estimates to City Council on lighting for the median along Metro Parkway. He agreed it is a very dark section of Metro Parkway, and they would like to see it done at some point. Depending upon the interest of the City Council, it is possible a budget amendment could be issued by the Mayor and City Council during the procedures. If not, they will continue to look at some grant funding and other ways to get it done, but he assured it is on their radar screen. Mr. Vanderpool noted the stark difference when on Metro Parkway, crossing over Van Dyke from the west and heading eastbound. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski addressed Mr. Nelson’s concern about administrative rules about obtaining signatures in City buildings. She stated that anyone running for City Council has the opportunity to apply for the Express Activities Permit for eight times, to be either inside the Community Center or the Senior Center, adding that it is not allowed in the Library. They are allowed to be outside at any time, and they can seek signatures as long as they are not impeding someone from getting inside the building or harassing them. She stated she obtained her Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 22 signatures in this manner, but she stressed there has to be a limit on these inside opportunities; otherwise, any city resident will be there setting up a table to sell things or talk to people. She assured that Council members have to follow the same rules. She agreed it is an arduous task to obtain four hundred signatures, but no one is limited to where they can go outdoors. She asked Mr. Kaszubski as to whether that is correct. Mr. Kaszubski replied to inquiry that is correct. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski reminded everyone that the Sterling Heights Magazine has been mailed out and should be reaching everyone soon. She received hers today, and pointed out it includes listing of things to attend and many activities they will have. She highlighted SHINE Day, being held on May 3rd, where they help residents who need assistance cleaning up outside of their homes, including gutters, leaves, etc., and it helps a lot of residents get their property looking nice. On Saturday, April 19th, Arbor Day is being recognized, and volunteers can plant trees and flowers and do some beautification of the City. These are both opportunities that will help the residents and the community. Councilman Radtke appreciated Mr. McCabe attending this evening. He recalled speaking with him frequently about issues in Sterling Heights, and he noted Councilman Yanez had mentioned that stretch of Metro Parkway between Van Dyke and Utica Road, which is very dark. He stated he would like to see three lights in that area. He pointed out this is an area where excessive speeding and drag racing takes place, and part of the issue may be that it is so dark. He felt that lighting it up would make it safer for pedestrians and drivers and scare away the element that is drag racing along that area. He hopes they can talk about it during the budget hearings and come to a solution. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether Macomb County would have to participate in the cost of the lighting project along Metro Parkway because it is a county road. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 23 Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that, unfortunately, the lighting is the responsibility of the City, and the County does not participate. Councilwoman Schmidt noted that when the last storm came through, the emergency sirens went off, and a lot of people seemed confused. Years ago, those sirens only went off when there was a tornado sighting. She questioned when this changed to have the sirens go off for a severe storm warning. Mayor Taylor commented that his son was very freaked out when the sirens went off, insisting they go into the basement because the sirens mean it is a tornado. Mr. Vanderpool assured there were no tornado sightings, and Councilwoman Schmidt is correct that years ago, the sirens were only sounded for tornado warnings. He is not sure when it was changed, but it was a best practice aligned with the National Weather Service. He explained that now, whenever there is a thunderstorm warning and straight-line winds of 70 mph or more, the sirens are sounded. It does not have to be a tornado warning in order to sound the sirens, but he reiterated it is a thunderstorm warning with straight line winds of 70 mph or over. He admitted it can be subjective to gauge a 70-mph wind, but those conditions have to be met. He emphasized there was no significant damage in Sterling Heights, but they had only a minor power outage affecting only a couple of homes. Councilwoman Koski reminded that the public is invited to their budget meeting next Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 starting at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to hear about part of the budget and make any suggestions to Council. She also stated that at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, they will be holding a Special Meeting, and she questioned the topic of that meeting. Mr. Vanderpool explained the April 16th, 2025 Special Meeting is centered on an exciting economic development partnership that they have been working on for a while. It will be centered on the defense sector and will highlight new ways they are protecting and growing the defense assets in the area. They look forward to talking about the program and look forward to Council feedback. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Page 24 Councilman Yanez cautioned that 70 mph straight line winds are every bit as dangerous as a tornado, so when those sirens go off, people need to be prepared. He agreed that the stretch of Metro Parkway, between Van Dyke and Utica Road, is very dark. He recalled it was subject to the Slow Your Roll program two years ago, and he hears the speeders from his bedroom, even with the windows closed from a distance of about one-half mile, it is between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. when he hears this speeding. Former Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski had told him that a lot of those speeders are auto workers going to work early in the morning, and they are not drag racers. He stated that they are very fortunate, considering how dark it is, that no one has hit a deer, a dog, or a person. He understands the City is responsible for those lights, but it is a dangerous situation that needs to be addressed. Mayor Taylor thanked City Administration and all of the departments that made presentations this evening. He stated that they will be going into Closed Session and will not be returning this evening. 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 two items for closed session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Sierawski, 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 9:00 p.m. and adjourned from Closed Session at 10:05 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk