City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, MAY 20, 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 Chelsea May, Deputy 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; Chelsea May, Deputy 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 it is nice to have a legislator attend their meetings to share the good work they are doing on behalf of the City. He invited Senator Michael Webber to provide an update on some of the legislative activities taking place. Senator Michael Webber, State Senator for District 9, provided a Spring legislative update, noting the big item on the agenda is the budget and road funding. The Senate passed a budget last week, and although it is a starting point, they are looking at a ten percent increase in statutory revenue sharing, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 2 which includes the current formula for distributing that money that Senator John Cherry has been working on over the last few years. The Constitutional Revenue Sharing is at 2.3 percent, and they have not given up on pushing for revenue-sharing trust fund legislation. It has been introduced in the House, and it will be introduced in the Senate. The House passed the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund. In terms of the road funding package, the House passed a road funding plan with bipartisan support that would mean an additional $3.1 billion annually for long-term road funding, which they did with existing tax revenue. He explained the key for him would be trying to direct those dollars more toward local road repair and not have it all go through the Act 51 formula. He indicated the City of Sterling Heights would receive 144 percent increase, or $23 million, in that type of funding. Macomb County would receive a 109 percent increase, or $90 million in new revenue for roads. They have a place in their Senate budget for that $3 billion, but the question is how they will get there, so that will be the compromise they will have to come to between the House, the Senate, and the Governor. Senator Webber stated they are very excited about the new fighter jet squadron mission at Selfridge, and he credited it to a team effort led by the Governor. He would like to think that their Michigan Aerospace Defense Caucus had a role to play in that, in addition to their congressional delegation. They continue to push on with statewide sound wall funding mechanism, which he introduced in the last session after working with the City of Troy and others on sound walls. Senate Bill 80 and House Bill 484 address this, and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 3 the latter passed the House Transportation Committee with broad bipartisan support. This would set up a funding mechanism within Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), where the legislature would put money into it, and local governments could apply for funds through a grant program. It would help to fill the funding gaps that the federal government does not cover. Senator Webber concluded by mentioning that, for the first part of the year, they worked in a bipartisan basis on the tip credit for restaurants and the hospitality industry, the earned sick leave, and they had a lot of restaurant workers and small businesses voice their concerns about these new mandates, which were set to take effect on February 21st. He explained they found a bipartisan solution that weighed concerns from both employees and employers, while keeping jobs in Michigan and helping small businesses keep their doors open. He advised that those who would like more information and to sign up for their monthly news can do so by visiting www.senatormichaelwebber.com or call their office at (517) 373-0994. Mr. Vanderpool thanked Senator Webber for attending to provide an update this evening. He also highlighted that there is some important state legislation forthcoming with respect to Lakeside. He explained the state legislature is considering increasing the Transformational Brownfield Cap, which would qualify in the Lakeside redevelopment project. This is the last hurdle for the developer to clear so that demolition can start and the project can proceed. This state legislation is also tied to the Detroit Renaissance project as well. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 4 He anticipates there will be strong bipartisan support, and they appreciate the good work of their legislative teams. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that with the upcoming Memorial Day holiday next Monday, the City buildings will be closed on that day. He advised that refuse pickup will be delayed one day next week, with no collection on Monday, and Friday’s collection will occur on Saturday, so everyone’s collection will be delayed one day next week. Mr. Vanderpool announced the 46th Annual Memorial Day parade will be held on Monday, and the festivities will begin at 9 a.m. in the courtyard. This year’s theme is “We are one, honoring our past, uniting our future.” The ceremony will feature remarks from their 2025 Grand Marshal, who is Sterling Heights resident John Jack Jones, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is 104 years old, and his picture was shown on the screen. He stated this will be a treat to hear from him, and his remarks will certainly be memorable. He mentioned some of the other speakers, and in keeping with their longstanding tradition, the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps will be performing, marking their 44th year of performing at this event. Sterling Heights resident Mark Logston will direct the Corps, and he has been doing so for over forty years. The Tuskegee Airman Museum will once again be conducting a flyover just before the start of the parade. He urged everyone to mark their calendars for the ceremony to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, followed by the parade at 10 a.m. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 5 Mr. Vanderpool provided information on the Fireworks law in the State of Michigan. The State law prohibits the City from banning the use of consumer-grade fireworks on the following days: Saturday, May 24th, and Sunday, May 25th; June 29th through July 4th, and Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day. He emphasized that fireworks are not permitted on Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 26th. He added they will be posting more information on their website, and he stated this is enforced, noting fireworks are prohibited the rest of the days throughout the year, with the exception of New Year’s. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by announcing that the Splash Pad is opening this Saturday, May 24th, from noon to 8 p.m. He pointed out the Splash Pad is a point of pride for the City, with over a hundred thousand using it each year. Entry is free for residents, and non-residents have to pay $5. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to adopt a resolution recognizing and congratulating TARUS Products, Inc., on the milestone of reaching 55 years of successful business operations. He invited Mr. Vanderpool to give the presentation. Mr. Vanderpool explained they love talking about the businesses in Sterling Heights, adding that they have an incredibly vibrant business community in this City. He stated that at the last City Council meeting, they recognized a start-up company that won a national award in Washington D.C. for the good work they are doing. They started out of their garage, and tonight they are Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 6 featuring another company that started out of their garage and has become very successful. He informed that TARUS is a family-owned business, and they employ about one hundred people, so they are considered on the small side. He emphasized they often talk about the larger businesses, but it is the small businesses that are the economic engine of the local and national economy. He noted that the family is here tonight and will be introduced in a few minutes. They focus on advanced manufacturing in the areas of aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturing. They started fifty-five years ago and have been in Sterling Heights for the last forty years. The presentation was kicked off with a short video. Mr. Vanderpool stated that touring the facility is a way to really appreciate the ingenuity that has taken place there over the years. He and Mr. Bonner toured the facility, and CEO David Grieg explained they produce everything, including the railroad track they designed and constructed themselves. They designed the interfaces for the software system that runs their machinery, and Mr. Grieg developed the coding for the software. Mr. Vanderpool talked about the economic impact, pointing out they have the highest economic multiplier. One job generally generates five to seven other jobs created down the line, but even using a conservative factor of three, with one hundred employees averaging an annual salary of $75,000 or more, the annual economic impact of TARUS to Sterling Heights and the surrounding areas is over $20 million annually, which is impressive, and that has been going on for forty years. He added that they have paid over $4 million in Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 7 property taxes over the last forty years, supporting schools, roads, police, and fire services. Residents in this city enjoy low taxes because of their strong manufacturing and commercial tax base, including companies like TARUS. He thanked Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner, who has worked very closely with the TARUS Company and done a lot of work collaborating with TARUS over the years to make sure they stay in Sterling Heights. Mr. Vanderpool introduced George Cook, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing with TARUS, who will continue the presentation. Mr. George Cook stated they are humbled and grateful for this honor by the City of Sterling Heights. He stated TARUS has always felt like they have had a partner in its growth and development with the City for the last forty years. The City of Sterling Heights offered tax abatements and other incentives for TARUS to come to the City to grow and prosper. He highly commended the City for being an outstanding partner, not only for the excellent services of safety, fire, and streets, but also in their story of growth and development. He commended the City’s Economic Development team, explaining they have always come with curiosity, a growth mindset, and an eagerness to help them grow their business. He stated that TARUS does business on five continents, so they see firsthand how other manufacturing centers around the world work, but there are only two or three other places in the world that have manufacturing centers like Automation Alley, anchored by Sterling Heights. He added, however, that none have the deep synergies that are demonstrated by the actions of communities like the City of Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 8 He highly commended the effort the City takes to make sure the entire ecosystem of advanced manufacturing stays knowledgeable, is working together, and moving forward. He stated TARUS thanks the City of Sterling Heights for forty great years of partnership and growth, and there is no place that TARUS would rather be. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes the presentation, but the Grieg family would like Council to come down for a photo once the resolution is introduced and congratulatory comments are made. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to adopt the resolution recognizing and congratulating TARUS Products, Inc. on the milestone of reaching 55 years of successful business operations. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski congratulated TARUS on being in the City for forty years and the business reaching fifty-five years of successful operations. She thanked them for choosing Sterling Heights, and it is great to have such great partnership with their businesses. This is a stellar business, and the City is grateful to have them. She noted her parents owned a very small manufacturing business of injection molds for private airplane parts, so she got to see how the manufacturing business worked. She is glad TARUS is here in Sterling Heights and that they were able to meet and congratulate them tonight. Councilwoman Schmidt congratulated TARUS, and she observed the joy and the pride on the faces of the employees and family here tonight as the video was shown. It proves that a vision can grown into something so successful, and she added that there is something about machine shops starting in Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 9 garages. She noted that the machine shop where her son works also started in a garage. She commended them on the vision and drive to be successful and doing incredible work to help the entire region. She is confident they will continue to do incredible work in the future, and she thanked them for the contribution they have made to this community. Councilwoman Ziarko congratulated all of the family and employees on this success, adding they take DIY (Do It Yourself) to a different level by doing everything themselves. She stressed that their success becomes the City’s success, and that is why they are a great business partner. She is glad they are here, and she thanked them for choosing Sterling Heights. Councilwoman Koski congratulated them on their success, and stated she is impressed by the way they run their company by doing everything themselves. She is pleased they have chosen Sterling Heights for their company to grow, and she urged them to call if they need anything. Councilman Yanez thanked TARUS, stating their operation is very impressive. He worked in a machine tool shop immediately after high school, although it was not as high-tech at that time. He stated their business gives people an opportunity to make a great living, and they have done tremendous work growing their business, which has provided great opportunities for their employees. They have contributed to this community as well, and he thanked them so much. He loves stories where successful companies start out of their garages. He congratulated them on this award and their many years of being a great partner in Sterling Heights. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 10 Councilman Radtke stressed the City appreciates businesses like TARUS, bringing in taxes to make this tremendous city function. It reflects the ingenuity they have in Sterling Heights, he is proud to have them here today, and he wished them another fifty years of success. Mayor Taylor thanked TARUS for their investment in Sterling Heights and their continued ingenuity. They heard a lot in the news about bringing manufacturing back to the United States, and they sometimes fail to mention that it is already here in places like Sterling Heights. He commended them on a truly remarkable business, their building of products and the machines it takes to build those products, which supports local industries, and he thanked them for the testament that manufacturing is strong in the United States. He congratulated them on the milestone achievement. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 7. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider introduction of ordinances amending Article 14 B of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to create Neighborhood and District Nodes and the Zoning Map to delineate the parcels included in the newly created nodes. He invited Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, to give the presentation. Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, stated he is excited to be here to present the Neighborhood and District Node Ordinance, with the concept rooted in the Traditional Mixed Use Development nodes established in the 2017 Master Land Use Plan, and adopted as an ordinance for an overlay in 2021. The Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 11 2025 Master Land Use Plan reimagined them by categorizing them as District and Neighborhood nodes. A slide was shown displaying the list of changes they will be making, with the Neighborhood Nodes at Dequindre Road/17 Mile Road, Ryan Road/17 Mile Road, and Dodge Park Road/15 Mile Road. The District Nodes will be located at Dequindre Road/15 Mile Road, Ryan Road/18 Mile Road, Ryan Road/15 Mile Road, Schoenherr Road/14 Mile Road, Schoenherr Road/15 Mile Road, and Schoenherr Road/19 Mile Road- Canal Road. They are removing three Nodes, with the first being Seventeen Mile Road/Utica Road. He stated this is largely undeveloped land with a lot of trees and wetlands, and they do not think it is appropriate to incentivize it for development. He added that if that land is left untouched, they are not providing any increased density or incentive for removal of the vegetation. The Van Dyke/Seventeen Mile Road has been included in the Van Dyke Mixed Use District through a previous map amendment, so this is being removed. The Van Dyke/Utica Road has been implemented into the North Van Dyke Avenue zoning district, so this is also being removed. Dr. Parcell explained the distinction between Neighborhood Nodes and District Nodes, noting that Neighborhood Nodes are smaller intersections categorized by less traffic, and local hubs surrounded by single-family neighborhoods, envisioned to support horizonal mixed-use and an attractive mixture of uses. The important concept for both of these nodes is the merging of private property investments and public property investments. They can work collaboratively with their business owners to provide attractive Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 12 destinations throughout the City by way of freshened building facades, lighting, and enhanced landscaping and greenery along the sidewalks. The public property investments can include the improvement of street crossings for pedestrian safety, addition of street trees, and pedestrian-scaled lighting to increase visibility on these corners. Dr. Parcell explained the District Node is categorized by typical larger development, serving as more of a regional attraction with a high quality of large integrated uses. They are bound by roads that have a higher traffic volume, and there may be retailers with a larger footprint than seen in the Neighborhood Node. Dr. Parcell stated the updated ordinance will now have a total of seventy-one uses which will be permitted in the nodes as a permitted-by-right use or a Special Approval Land Use. This includes multi-family considerations, which was not previously possible, but it will be reviewed by Planning Commission. He stated the current ordinance, as already adopted, allows for all C-1, C-2, and C-3 uses to be a Special Approval Land Use in any node; however, this can result in high-intensity C-3 uses come into C-1 zoning districts or by residential, so they have worked with Mr. Petrusak to come up with impermissible uses that are large potential nuisance-causing uses for odor, sound, or automobile traffic and lights. They can still be sought by an applicant through a use variance, but they are not included in the overlay. He highlighted the uses they have opened up, so instead of allowing only the by-right uses, they are allowing by-right and Special Approval Land Uses, so they have a level of review and the benefit of going through a public hearing. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 13 This will allow the C-1 uses of veterinary office and clinic uses, different types of stores, childcare, carry-out restaurants, pet grooming, and other offices. It will also allow the C-2 uses, which include garden supply stores, hardware stores, supermarkets, gyms, pet stores, home and office stores, photo studios and galleries, recreation, banquet and event spaces, eating and drinking establishments, and theaters. Some of the C-3 uses included will be eating and drinking establishments that allow for catering, as well as encouragement for outdoor seating. Hotels in a smaller capacity are included, noting that if they build taller, they will have to go before Planning Commission and include additional screening to assure buffering from residential. Auto parts stores, recreation (golf simulators), indoor recreation like bowling, tennis courts, pickleball, and dance halls are also included. He stated massage uses that are massage only will be an impermissible use due to the long history of working with the Clerk’s Office on code enforcement issues. Uses that include massage with spas and treatments such as that are still a permissible use but will have to be licensed with the Clerk according to their Regulatory Ordinance. Dr. Parcell provided updates and benefits of the Node Ordinance since it was first presented, including drive-through uses, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations may continue to operate as such. This encourages redevelopment of sites that are in need, allowing franchises to make appropriate modifications for their site to update them and remain in the same location. This ordinance optimizes space with encouragement for setbacks in order to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 14 be flexible. They can seek outlot development without having to seek variances, so it helps applicants maximize their land use. Pedestrian amenities and landscaping are encouraged, although it is not stricter that the current ordinance. It encourages shared facilities so businesses can work together to create gathering places, plazas, pedestrian passthroughs, or outdoor dining areas. This allows increased height and reduced setbacks, as long as there is increased screening from residential to ensure those uses are protected. They are also including the ability for administrative parking reductions based on comparable uses, which allows the exchange of these uses without the need for a variance. Dr. Parcell summarized they feel this is a very positive ordinance, and he commended Mr. Petrusak for doing a wonderful job drafting it. They have come a long way from when this was first presented, and the main point is flexibility for allowing these sites to flourish in terms of uses, heights, setbacks, and parking, but making sure they push for additional screening and protection for residential uses, while allowing public hearings for uses that would be of an increased intensity so neighbors can voice their feedback if given the opportunity. He stated they are available for questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for audience comments.  Rick Sable – [attorney representing Grand Sakwa, owner of the Nottingham Square Plaza at the northwest corner of Canal and Schoenherr] appreciated clarification from Dr. Parcell, noting they have been able to work with the City Attorney’s office and Dr. Parcell; their concern was whether or not they could put a Massage Envy within their facility because they are in all of their other commercial centers; they were concerned with the language in the original draft of the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 15 ordinance, and they would like further clarification of the language in the ordinance proposed; it appears an Auto Zone, which they have at their other facilities, is now a permissible use in the ordinance as proposed; expressed concern about relocation of drive-throughs, noting they may have to relocate the drive-through on their property when redeveloping the vacated CVS site; concerned about restrictions about parking in front of the building, but felt they have come to a resolution that they can come before City Council at that time; they prefer not to be in the Node because they do not feel it applies to them, but they will work with the City and go from there. Mayor Taylor thanked Mr. Sable for his patience, acknowledging he and his team have been working closely with Dr. Parcell, and he appreciates that.  Jack Dolan – stated he spoke at the last City Council meeting and reiterated Mr. Sable’s comments, noting it has been a pleasure continuing to work with some of the staff, who have been very gracious; he acknowledged they have not always agreed, but the staff has been extremely professional in their discussions; he noted there are a lot of “words on paper” but it will come down to the details and execution as time goes on; he stated these are substantial challenges being undertaken, and while excitement is created for some, it creates uncertainty for the property owner of Nottingham Square; they are hopeful and positive, but are concerned with the issue of drive-through uses; he added he has a nephew who is handicapped, in a wheel chair, and he utilizes drive-through facilities frequently, as does his daughter who is a divorced working mother of a ten-year-old, and eight-year-old, and a five-year-old, noting it is much more convenient for her to go to a restaurant that has a drive-through; he emphasized drive-throughs serve a purpose, and he does not feel they conflict with having a pedestrian-oriented area, adding they can be compatible; there is a lot of interest in preserving these conveniences because they serve a large part of the population.  Leslie Hennigan – resident on Wilseck Court; began talking about the changes to the Master Land Use Plan for the property formerly known as “The Wedge.” Mayor Taylor clarified that this item has nothing to do with that property, so he informed Ms. Hennigan that she is welcome to speak during Communications from Citizens or during the discussion on the Master Land Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 16 Use Plan. He explained this item is dealing with District and Neighborhood Nodes.  Ms. Hennigan apologized and stated she will speak during public comments when they discuss the Master Land Use Plan. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED , to introduce the 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. Councilman Radtke commented that often postponing something multiple times results in it coming back in a stronger form. He feels they have ironed this out and he expressed confidence in this ordinance. He is excited about the ability to have the administration reduce parking as needed, and there are a lot of good things in this ordinance, so he is excited to vote in favor of it. He referred to the part of the ordinance where it outlines that bonus points can be considered for a development, but he did not see anything in the ordinance that includes bike facilities as a required feature or as something that would provide a bonus. He felt if they are adding pedestrian accessories, they should be required. They should be incentivizing bike facilities and bike racks. He felt it would be a nice addition to this ordinance. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski is very happy with the changes that have been made. She appreciates the hard work of those who put it together, as well as the patience of the residents and business owners. She hopes it works out as well as it looks. She agreed with a comment made by Mr. Dolan, recalling when she had three children under the age of three when she was a young mother, and although she appreciates walking and biking, she emphasized Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 17 there is a place for drive-through facilities. She pointed out there is a part of the population that needs that convenience, and she her life would have been much more difficult if she had not had the ability to drive through the bank or a restaurant without the drive-through when her children were young. She is happy with the ordinance and anticipates it will improve their corners in the City. Councilwoman Ziarko stated drive-through facilities have a purpose. She questioned whether they differentiate between a drive-through that is pick-up only, meaning the food has been ordered and paid for online and picked up at the window, versus the other type of drive-through where the customer orders, pays, and picks up in person from the drive-through window. Dr. Parcell explained that in the late 2010’s, the Zoning Board of Appeals was asked to interpret the Zoning Ordinance, and they interpreted that any exterior window for any use constitutes a drive-through. There is no difference as determined by the Zoning Board of Appeals in their interpretation of the ordinance. He noted that they agree that there are very few drive-throughs overall in the nodes, it was important to help those who have franchise ties to them to find a way to make them work. This is why they amended the ordinance significantly to allow them to be on the sites they are already located. There are very few parcels with current underlying zones to permit drive-throughs. The majority of the parcels are zoned C-1, with very few C-2. Certain C-3 uses previously permitted can now be replaced by the property's existing developed use. They took that into account to allow that flexibility for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 18 it to be redeveloped, but the majority of the C-1 parcels do not allow drive- throughs in the underlying zoning. Councilwoman Schmidt stated they have had a lot of issues in the last couple of years at the 15 Mile Road/Schoenherr Road intersection, and she questioned why they would prefer a District Node rather than a Neighborhood Node in an attempt to keep that intersection safer. Dr. Parcell stated it was based on the public input from the joint meeting with City Council and the Planning Commission. They way that corner is developed would be larger amounts of parking on the high-traffic roads, so it lends itself to a District Node. It is not that the use intensity increases with this ordinance, but it is categorized by the underlying development. There are larger box uses, such as a former grocery store, a fitness facility, which lend themselves to be categorized as a District Node. They are looking at ways through public property investments to improve street crossings and explore signaling and timing, adding landscaping along the public right-of- way, which helps to calm traffic, and working with the business owners to better arrange their parking lots to make them more effective. It is something they want to explore once they get their Master Plan completed. Councilwoman Schmidt requested clarification that a District Node does not necessarily mean a denser node. Dr. Parcell replied that that the uses apply to both of them. They will use the strategies to work on traffic calming and the facilitation of the redevelopment that differs based on the node. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 19 Mayor Taylor stated he agrees with the proposed ordinance and felt it is a good compromise. He understands the concerns of Mr. Sable, Mr. Dolan, and Mr. Eppink, and he hopes they have worked through them the best they can to show they will be flexible where they can. He is confident in the end that they will be able to find good uses for that corner. He felt this is a product that is a result of a lot of collaboration between the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and their Office of Planning. He thanked Dr. Parcell, City Council, and Mr. Petrusak for the fine job they did in putting this together. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Mayor Taylor stated they have a second action. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED , to introduce the ordinance amending the Zoning Map of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to delineate the parcels of property included in the newly created Neighborhood and District Nodes. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article II, §2-19 of the City Code to conform the listing of administrative officers to the confirmed Administrative Code and Plan. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the public, but no one spoke. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED , to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article II, §2-19 of the City Code to conform the listing of administrative officers to the confirmed Administrative Code and Plan. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 20 B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article V, Sections 2-175 and 2-177 of the City Code to comply with the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act, as amended by Pubic Act 2 of 2025. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the public, but no one spoke. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED , to adopt the ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article V, Sections 2-175 and 2-177 of the City Code, to comply with the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act, as amended by Public Act 2 of 2025. Councilwoman Ziarko stated this is one of the most complicated changes that has come down from the State in years, and she pointed out that it could change again tomorrow, which creates a lot of work. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated at her place of employment, they highly educated their staff on this. A lot of people are very happy about it, but it is very complicated, and they have to change PTO for every single employee. It will benefit those who have never had PTO if they have worked part-time or contingent. 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 comments from the public, 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 April 16th, 2025 Special Meeting. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 21 B. To approve the minutes of the April 22nd, 2025 Regular Meeting. C. To approve the minutes of the May 6th, 2025 Regular Meeting. D. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $819,154.94, Water & Sewer Fund - $4,248,688.04, Other Funds - $2,894,488.15, Total Checks - $7,962,331.13. E. RESOLVED , to accept the proposal by Echelon Front, LLC, 11601 Highway 290 West. A101-306, Austin, TX 78737, to conduct a leadership training workshop for personnel of the Sterling Heights Fire Department at a total cost of $17,950 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. F. RESOLVED , to approve the fiscal year 2025/2026 schedule of regular City Council meetings and direct the City Clerk to post notices in accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. G. RESOLVED , to approve the vehicle lease agreement between the city of Sterling Heights and Michigan Tournament Fleet, Inc., 1947 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, MI 48390, for utility and golf cart rentals during the 2025 Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on behalf of the city. H. RESOLVED , to waive the competitive bidding requirement per City Code Section 2-217(A)(9)(b) and approve Addendum No. 2 to the Managed Janitorial Services Contract between the city of Sterling Heights and LGC Global Energy FM, LLC, 7310 Woodward Avenue, Suite 500, Detroit, MI 48202, and authorize the City Manager to sign the Addendum on behalf of the City. I. RESOLVED , to waive the competitive bidding process in accordance with City Code Section 2 217(A)(9)(b) and purchase tickets for local sports and entertainment events through the Parks and Recreation Department from the following vendors for the period May 21, 2025 through May 20, 2028: - ATG Tickets US, LLC, d/b/a Broadway in Detroit, 3011 W Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202 - Olympia Entertainment, Inc., 2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 - 313 Presents, LLC, 2525 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 - Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Inc., 3711 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 - Meadow Brook Theater, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Wilson Hall, Room 207, Rochester, MI 48309 J. RESOLVED , to: 1. Approve the cost share agreement for the rehabilitation of the Schoenherr Road bridge over the Red Run Drain, subject to approval by the Macomb County Department of Roads, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Sterling Heights; and Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 22 2. Authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $107,315 from Major Road Fund reserves. K. RESOLVED , to approve subscriptions for the annual maintenance of ArcGIS licenses for the city of Sterling Heights' Geographical Information System (GIS) from Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373, for the period July 31, 2025 through July 30, 2026 at a cost of $25,545. L. RESOLVED , to purchase special events liability insurance from West Bend Mutual Insurance Company for the period of June 1, 2025 to June 1, 2026 at a premium cost of $15,827. M. RESOLVED , to purchase a 2025 Ford F-550 DRW regular cab and chassis, with a Reading CL 132 DW service body and accessories, from Lunghamer Ford of Owosso, LLC, 1960 East Main Street, Owosso, MI 48867, at competitive pricing available through state of Michigan MiDeal cooperative purchasing contract #MA24000000097 in the amount of $96,551.40. N. RESOLVED , to waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(9)(b) and approve the contract between the city of Sterling Heights and Luigi Ferdinandi & Son Cement Co. Inc., 16481 Common Drive, Roseville, MI 48066, for the 2025 Sidewalk Replacement Program, City Project #25-450, in the amount of $1,940,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign all documents required in conjunction with this project on behalf of the City. O. RESOLVED , to: 1. Waive the competitive bidding requirement in accordance with City Code §2-217(A)(9)(b) and approve the contract between the city of Sterling Heights and Zuniga Cement Construction, Inc., 22500 Ryan Road Warren, MI 48091, for the 2025 Local Road Concrete Replacement Program, City Project #25-448, in the amount of $4,689,690 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City; and, 2. Approve a budget amendment in the amount of $790,000 from Local Road Fund reserves to fund the full cost of City Project #25- 488. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 10. CONSIDERATION ITEMS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to transfer ownership of a 2024 Class C liquor license, with Sunday sales permit (PM), outdoor service (1 area) and entertainment permit from Uno Mound, LLC to Raices Mexican Cuisine, LLC. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 23 Maria Aldana, applicant, stated she is happy to be in Sterling Heights. She has been in business since 2006, serving Mexican food, and she started in a gas station. They now have three locations, and they are excited to open Raices Mexican Cuisine. She explained she is requesting a permit to be able to use the liquor license, and she is proud to cook authentic Mexican food. She explained that “raices” is Mexican for “roots,” and their décor reflects representation of their roots from Mexico in the way of art, music, and food. She explained that most of her workers are also Mexican, and they are here to plant seeds and represent their culture. Their logo is a plant, growing a leaf, and the hands embracing the circle of life, creating a seed once again. It represents everything in life, and they create memories each time she creates a plate. She came to the United States when she was eighteen years of age. Mayor Taylor stated this is located at the corner of Mound Road and Hall Road. He questioned Ms. Aldana as to her favorite dish on their menu. Ms. Aldana replied that she likes it all because every meal is very good, but her favorite dish is Mole Poblano. Mayor Taylor once again asked if there is anyone in the audience who wished to make comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Yanez, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED , that the request to transfer ownership of a 2024 Class C license, with Sunday sales permit (PM), outdoor service (1 area) and entertainment permit from Uno Mound, LLC to Raices Mexican Cuisine, LLC, be considered for approval. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 24 Councilman Yanez stated his grandparents came to this country from Mexico in the early 1900’s. They planted their seeds, and his aunt and her husband opened a restaurant in the 1920’s, called The Texas Restaurant, which was in business for fifty years. He learned what Mexican food was all about, and he noted that he has been to Raices Mexican Cantina three times. He agreed that the Chicken Mole is very good, but because they are requesting a liquor license, he watched how the staff operates, and he emphasized they are incredibly professional. It is a very clean restaurant, and service is quick, but he urged Ms. Aldana to push the churros because they are delicious. He does not have any problem with a liquor license at this restaurant, and he fully supports it. Councilman Radtke stated he ate here, and no one would ever know this was formerly a pizzeria. The inside and outside have been completely remodeled and it looks tremendous. The food was excellent, including the churros, and this is the type of business they want in the community. He stated they are blessed to have so many good restaurants in the City, representing Arabian food, Polish food, and tremendous Mexican food here. He is confident they will do a good job, and he appreciates that she chose Sterling Heights for this restaurant. Councilwoman Ziarko had lunch at this restaurant last week. They introduced Ms. Aldana to Eat Local Macomb because they told her there were rave reviews about the restaurant on Eat Local Macomb. She did not know at the time that she had been to her other restaurant, Aldana’s, located at 15 Mile Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 25 and Coolidge. She stressed the food is amazing, and she is glad they decided to open a restaurant in Sterling Heights. She is confident they will be successful at this location. She commented that people do not order the churros because they eat so much food and are too full for dessert. She pointed out that this liquor license has already been approved by the State of Michigan, so this is an opportunity to welcome Ms. Aldana to the neighborhood. She is confident that the restaurant will do very well at this location. Councilwoman Schmidt loves the story of the seeds, the roots, and the plant. It is all about family, and this is the second story this evening of a family business that started out small and grew into a flourishing business. She is confident that Ms. Aldana will be very successful. She is excited to come in and try it, and she will be telling her friends about it. She wished her the best of luck. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she has not been to Ms. Aldana’s restaurant, but she will definitely be going. She explained her daughter-in- law is Mexican, and all of the cooks where she works are Mexican, so they get very good food. She is excited to visit the restaurant, and she agreed Mole is great. She congratulated Ms. Aldana on this new restaurant. Councilwoman Koski has not been to this restaurant, but she assured that after listening to all of the positive comments about it, she will definitely visit the restaurant. She questioned whether they offer take-out orders. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 26 Ms. Aldana assured they offer take-out orders, but added they do not have a drive-through. She explained the churros are so good because she knows someone at La Niña Churreria, adjacent to Aldana’s, and they can see how the churros are made, adding they obtained their machine from Spain. The churros are prepared in front of the guests, and they have gelato, coffee, and Spanish hot cocoa as well. Councilman Yanez commented that the churros are fried right in front of the customers, and they come out hot. They top them with cinnamon, and there are different toppings from which to choose. Mayor Taylor stated he was at Raices for the ribbon-cutting but did not have an opportunity to eat there. He ate at Aldana a few years ago, and if the food is anything like what they serve there, it will be great. They are grateful for her investment in Sterling Heights and for bringing her restaurant, her culture, and her story here. They anticipate she will be very successful. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). B. Mayor Taylor explained this is to consider approval of a new Master Land Use Plan for the City of Sterling Heights. He invited Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, to give a presentation. Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner, stated he is thrilled to be here this evening for consideration of their draft Master Land Use Plan for adoption. This has been an ongoing process for about seventeen months, with significant community engagement, a lot of drafts, a lot of discussion with the public, Planning Commission, City Council, and City Administration. It has been an incredible Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 27 process where they have learned so much about the community, and they have delivered a spectacular product. The Planning Commission held the required public hearing by State statute, adopted their Master Land Use Plan at their meeting last week, and it is before City Council this evening. Dr. Parcell stated he will provide a brief overview of the plan, discuss some of the initiatives that are already getting underway, and what their next steps are moving forward. He explained that the Master Land Use Plan is a comprehensive rewrite from the 2017 plan, and it includes a broader introduction, history, and regional context, as well as updated existing conditions in their area of study. They have new actionable goals and objectives where they can monitor their process as they go through the plan, and the focus is on six key categories: Housing, Economy, Environmental Stewardship, Transportation, Placemaking, and Mixed-Use Development Nodes. They updated their Future Land Use Plan and Map, which is what they will build their Zoning Amendment rewrite on, budgeted for this year, and their Implementation Plan, which is the first step they will be following at the conclusion of this. He informed it is 375 pages, and while it appears long, it is all in the name of transparency. The latter half of the plan is comprised of the raw data from the surveys, the thousands of responses gathered, the full public engagement summary, the written correspondence received, the market study, and all of their legal notices are included. He invited Jill Bahm, of Giffels Webster, to review the Goals and Objectives. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 28 Jill Bahm, of Giffels Webster, explained that, although they include all of the results, data, and comments in the document, they tried to keep the beginning portion of it easy to read by keeping the information in the beginning the most useful and important to them. One of the strategies was to reflect the 2040 Visioning of City Council into the Goals and Objectives of the Master Plan. They have icons with those eight topic areas, and when they go into the Goals and Objectives for each of the elements, the icons will be reflected there that cross-reference back to the 2040 Visioning. She stated she will not read each one, but there are five goals: Housing, Local Economy, Environmental Stewardship, Transportation, and Placemaking. She pointed out one of the interesting things about these goals is that they hope they illustrated the ways in which these are all tied together, so they cannot look at one without looking at all of them. She commented this has been a lovely meeting, hearing from businesses that have been here for a long time, and hearing from new businesses. A lot of talk has occurred about how to grow businesses and how to create a unique community, building a welcoming reputation. Ms. Bahm explained at the end of the Goals and Objectives section, they have Measures of Success. As they go through a plan in the next five years, they need to be able to analyze the success. These have been left blank at this time, but it will be a good next step and implementation strategy for Planning Commission and staff to work on together. They have provided a list of measures to get started, and some may be good measures, while others may Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 29 be harder to find or may not be a good measure of what they are trying to find. Dr. Parcell explained that the beginning of this plan focuses on readability for the general public and the accessibility of data. They focused on making the entire process comprehensive and inclusive for the entire community, all the way down to elementary students. They held four modules, including the joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting, where people were even joining from their homes and providing input. They worked with the other boards and commissions, including the African American Coalition and the Youth Advisory Board, they held an art contest at a local elementary school, and they held events and an activity done by their interns last summer at the open house. They held workshops where people could communicate with staff, elected officials, Planning Commissioners, and consultants, focusing on future land use and sustainability. They conducted three surveys throughout the summer, totaling over 4,500 responses. They did meeting tool kits, three of which were returned from local community groups, and they continually provided encouragement for people to take the surveys, as well as providing updates throughout the outreach by putting QR codes in the water billings, emailed communication to every business owner, and they had two translators at every meeting, so it was a very wide-ranging effort for which they were proud. They pulled in about 6,000 responses from the community through these efforts. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 30 Ms. Bahm explained that when they go to the Future Land Use categories and map, one of the goals was to simplify the process as much as possible to consolidate some of the designations for land use, be more descriptive, and changing the names from Estate Residential becomes Large Lot Residential, Urban Residential becomes Suburban Residential, and they came up with a new category called Compact Residential, intended to be a mixed residential area in areas that support walkability and some of the other strategies outlined. Medical Office and Office combine into Office, Traditional Mixed- Use Development becomes Neighborhood Node and District Node, as well as the North Van Dyke Node. The Transitional Land Use was deleted. She showed map excerpts and pointed out some of the colors are scaled back, which helps people better understand the vision for the future. Ms. Bahm explained that every Master Plan is required to have a Zoning Plan, which is the way they take what they have envisioned in their Future Land Use Map and align it with the Zoning Ordinance. While the Future Land Use Map has had some changes, they are intended to be policy guides for making land use decisions, but they do not currently change the use of anyone’s property. The Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map is how they regulate the use of land. The Zoning Plan is required to be able to say, from these Future Land Use categories, that this is how they align their Zoning Ordinance, so in some cases, they may direct that there will be changes made. Dr. Parcell stated that during the budget discussion, it was included in the budget to begin the process of rewriting the Zoning Ordinance. They have Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 31 had a lot of discussion as this process has gone on, as to what housing allowances they will have, what different types of recommendations they can make, etc., and it is important to note that this does not allow any of those uses to exist right now. All of those uses will be codified through the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that it is not possible for every lot in the City to have a duplex on it, and they will be held to strong zoning standards they will be reviewing and adopting. Something brought up by Council that they have taken into consideration is looking at ideas such as patternbook housing, working with Michigan Municipal League and finding different types and styles of housing they can develop. If they do allow those types of homes, there will be very stringent zoning standards applied to those that will take place during the Zoning Ordinance rewrite. None of the uses are changing now, but they will be thoroughly reviewed to make sure where they are going to be located is right for the neighborhood lots they are being placed on, and that they will not proliferate throughout the City. He assured there will be a lot of “teeth” included in the Zoning Ordinance moving forward, and this is a recommendation of how they set the map forward for doing their Zoning Ordinance rewrite. This is a policy direction they will codify as they move forward with their next process. Ms. Bahm talked about the Implementation Action Items and the next steps they will take now that they have the plan. They are included in the Implementation chapter and broken down into Zoning Action Items, primarily led by the Planning Commission with support of City Council, Capital Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 32 Improvement Action Items, and Advocacy Action Items. The priority column is intentionally left empty because their first step in the implementation of the Master Plan is to work together to identify which items they feel are the highest priority. That can be modified based on needs and available resources. Dr. Parcell stated that after the sixty-three-day public comment period, they had two comments directly related to property. They had comments from Shelby Township and from Oakland County, and some from residents in support of the plan. They also had the plan reviewed by their MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) planner, who spoke very favorably of not only the plan but the depth of the housing assessment, including the data, and also spoke very strongly in support of their economic development policies outlined in terms of how they work for local businesses all the way up to their large industrial users. There were comments on property which he referred to as “The Wedge property,” located at the corner of Hall Road and Sterritt Street, with five comments asking that it not be moved as Regional Commercial in the updated Master Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission, on the recommendation of staff and a great idea by Planning Commissioner Inks, split this parcel into residential and office to match the underlying zoning, with Office fronting Hall Road, and Planned Residential on the south portion. He explained that Planned Residential is a unique designation because the Master Plan strategy specifically calls for moving things around on that lot to preserve open space. The lot is largely treed, so they would like to consider extending buffers to the people who live Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 33 on the street to the south. They would like to preserve as much tree coverage as possible, and they feel they have arrived at a wonderful compromise. He felt he could thank Mr. Bauer for his insight in his email, and this is a great example of how the City can work together with the public. Dr. Parcell explained the second parcel for which they received comments is located at Schoenherr Road and Canal Road, which was just discussed during the conversation about the Map Amendment for the Nodes. This is well suited to be a District Node, which Council just concurred with in their introduction of that ordinance. Dr. Parcell explained that tonight is the City Council consideration of adoption, which is the last step before they start with implementation. They have been setting up the framework for implementation, and they have started moving forward with reforming their ordinance and nodes to make them more functional. He is setting up a project now in the Office of Planning to work on more of a neighborhood planning effort to catalog and categorize the amenities, walkway linkages, and public parks in the neighborhoods, and bringing in the residents to help come up with different types of branding and placemaking to showcase their single-family neighborhoods as they move forward. Planning Commission will see some of their new implementation tasks as early as their next agenda. He noted that all of their staff will be involved, including their two interns. He stressed this was a community effort, with a lot of people stepping up to help. They are happy to have the resources provided for them by City Council and City Administration to do this. He felt Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 34 they have left no stone unturned when it came to contacting people in the community to participate in this and tie it back to Visioning 2040. Ms. Bahm echoed the comments Dr. Parcell made, and she appreciated the opportunity to work with the City. Their team has enjoyed working with the City’s staff, City Council, and Planning Commission. She valued the way the Planning Commission discussed this, where there is a variety of thoughts. She pointed out it is cordial, civil, and a very high-functioning Planning Commission. She commended the City on being a very vibrant community, and it has been great to be part of this planning process. Dr. Parcell stated that he has been working to get the City designated as a Redevelopment-Ready Community through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and this is the last step. Since November 2022, they have completed sixteen other items on their task list. They received technical assistance from MEDC and the grant from MSHDA that offset $90,000 for the cost of this plan, so they were fortunate to receive it. He is excited and felt it will be a wonderful experience, adding that there will be ribbon-cuttings for it. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comment.  Leslie Hennigan – resident on Wilseck Court; glad the Planning Commission has made some small changes in the Master Plan for the specific property formerly known as “The Wedge”; she hopes City Council will adopt those changes; she credited Mr. Jim Bauer for being a leader for their neighborhood, and they have been working with Dr. Parcell, members of the Planning Commission, and City Council members to understand the issues facing their small neighborhood; she pointed out they are here due to the aftermath of the expansion of Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 35 Hall Road, which changed everything regarding leftover properties and the single-family homes that are now affected.  Jim Bauer – resident on Wilseck Court; thanked Dr. Parcell, stating he was originally thinking about asking for “The Wedge” property to be indicated as residential, but felt that he may be asking for more than he should; he felt good decisions were bordered by the Clinton River, M-53, and Hall Road, noting there is about 660 acres of all residential, so he felt it makes sense to put a planned residential on that property. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to approve the new Master Land Use Plan for the City of Sterling Heights. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski thanked Ms. Bahm and her team, and Dr. Parcell and his team for the hard work. It is a huge plan that she feels has been done very well and is something they will follow. She is happy the community was so involved. Social media inundates people with information, and this is a way for the residents to see this in action and get involved. It was great that they had multiple opportunities for people to voice their opinions and concerns. She is glad that one of their goals is environmental stewardship because that is a big concern of many. Councilman Radtke commented that this is a wonderful plan, and he appreciates all of the residents who got involved. He stated he has some questions about this plan, with one of those being why the Compact District is so concentrated in the south end of the City. He pointed out it was not extended into some areas that he felt would make more sense. He cited the example of the property east of Mound Road, along the Merrill Road corridor, which has straight streets with differing lot sizes that he felt would make a good compact residential area because the streets all spill out into a local Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 36 commercial area, yet it was excluded. He pointed out the Riverland area around the Van Dyke Avenue Mixed Use Corridor, where there are several streets that would make a lot of sense when creating mixed use zones with a walkshed. He questioned whether the goal of the Compact District is to create a walkshed for their mixed-use zones. Dr. Parcell stated that is the reason it was initiated and that is what the ordinances are intended to do; however, through public comment and experience with the residents located in the Merrill Road area, the way it is proposed is what they want and what they feel is right for them. There are a lot of areas that allow multi-family by right, so they discussed this is appropriate for what they have. They could explore it, but the idea is that the North Van Dyke Avenue District has its own zoning district, sub-area plan, and some multi-family on Riverland Drive. The idea is that district will take on its own identity as walkable. If this develops in the next five years as they anticipate, it may make sense re-engaging those residents to see if it makes sense around it. Councilman Radtke felt the goals are so limited, and they are limiting themselves when they should go further. He clarified that compact zoning does not eliminate single-family zoning, but it allows duplexes and other residential features as either by-right or Special Approval Land Use. If their goal is to create walkable walksheds around the mixed-use zones, he is not sure why this map is not reflecting that. He expressed frustration when he is told to “wait five years” to see what will happen. If they are going to fix things, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 37 he felt they should fix them now. He suggested that Compact Residential should be in more areas than just the southern end of the City, because it gives people the idea that compact residential is for what they would call “the lower-class area.” He does not like to think that certain areas of the City are being segmented out. He felt they need to be clear on how they are doing this, because the goal is not to change the housing pattern in the City, but rather to add a little more density through patternbook-style homes that look exactly like homes around them. He explained he grew up in a home like that in Detroit, and he did not feel it harmed their neighborhood at all. Councilman Radtke commented he also has concerns about the idea that they will be allowing triplexes, quads, or other forms of new development only in the Compact Residential District. He pointed out it appears as though Compact Residential is only going in areas where they already have the smallest lots in the City. He felt it would make more sense to put Compact Residential Districts in areas that have larger parcels, so they have more room for Cottage Courts or other types of missing middle housing. He felt this plan is a great start, but cautioned they are still missing something. Councilman Radtke talked about the Mound Road Innovation District, noting that it is a mixed-use district; however, in the description, it is not listed that way. He questioned whether the description of the district has been changed. Dr. Parcell does not believe it has changed too significantly. His view is that the ordinance is tailored to allow uses that enhance their industrial corridor. The best support is opening up the uses they allow in office/research. They Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 38 have seen very little movement on that, so it is more important to focus on the uses that are outlined in that way, rather than putting mixed-use development in that location. Councilman Radtke stated the ordinance allows for mixed-use development. He felt the map and the ordinance differ, and they need to be codified so that they match. He stated he will support this and does not feel it makes much sense to send it back to the Planning Commission for small tweaks. He urged them to be more ambitious, however, and he does not understand why they would not. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked Administration, the Planning Commission, and the residents who had input. She referred to her earlier statement about “It takes a village” and emphasized that the “village” was invited to be part of this process. She appreciates that Administration respected some of the wishes of the residents. There are some advances made, and to come up with a solution for certain areas such as “The Wedge” property shows that the City is listening to the residents. She acknowledged this document involved a lot of work and a lot of time, and it was put together by many people. She stated she is in full support of this plan. Councilwoman Koski stated this is an amazing document, and she finished it at about midnight last night. She felt there are some great ideas she would like to pursue, particularly the Sustainability Commission’s suggestion to purchase green areas, preserving the wetlands and how to do that, and the affect it has on future growth. She commented this is information they need to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 39 talk about, share, and pay attention to. She liked the question posed to residents as to why they would want to sell their house and move out of Sterling Heights. She pointed out the answers were the same as they were thirty-five years ago, which included the desire for larger homes, larger lots, more space, trees, green space, and other things they have always wanted. That will not change, and that is what makes this City. They need to pay attention to what they hear, and they need to do this with the thoughts of what their residents want. She likes the idea that they were very involved in communications, and that they have taken ideas of the residents and implemented them in the Master Land Use Plan update. She reiterated it is not about what the Council members want, but it is what the people want because it is their city. She commended them on the good job they did in putting this together, and she stated she would like a hard copy of it. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she is pleased with the document and grateful it is coming back to City Council after being reviewed by the Planning Commission. She thanked all who were involved in putting this together, especially the residents who took their time to contribute, adding that it makes a difference. Mayor Taylor thanked the Office of Planning and everyone involved in putting this plan together. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). C. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider nominations to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 40 Planning Commission Mayor Taylor requested that someone make a motion to nominate Gerald Rowe and Parmpreet Sarau for the Planning Commission. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED , to nominate Gerald Rowe and Parmpreet Sarau for consideration as appointees to the Planning Commission at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she knows both of these appointees, they are good at what they do, and she is glad to nominate them to be back on the Planning Commission. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Mayor Taylor expressed his intention to postpone filling the open seat, citing the need for additional time to speak with two candidates and make what he described as a difficult decision. He requested it be postponed to the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED , to postpone the nomination to the Planning Commission to the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Board of Ordinance Appeals I Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to nominate James Mandl and Kathleen Martin for consideration as appointees to the Board of Ordinance Appeals I at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Moved by Radtke, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to nominate Michael Stickney for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals I at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Board of Ordinance Appeals I – Alternate Member Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 41 Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to nominate Justin Smith for consideration as an appointee to the Board of Ordinance Appeals I – Alternate Member at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Board of Ordinance Appeals II Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED , to nominate Ben Ancona and Michael Bargowski for consideration as appointees to the Board of Ordinance Appeals II at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Board of Review Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED , to nominate Kimberly Legarski and Allison Magniand, with terms ending June 30, 2028, and Joseph Bedford, with term ending June 30, 2027, for consideration as appointees to the Board of Review at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). General Employees Retirement System Board Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED , to nominate John Lamerato for consideration as an appointee to the General Employees Retirement System Board at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Zoning Board of Appeals Moved by Radtke, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED , to nominate John Fenn, David Graef and Stephanie Jackson for consideration as appointees to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the June 3, 2025 regular City Council meeting. Councilman Radtke stated these are three of the most active members of the Board of Appeals, and they are doing a great job. He added that they analyze every case that comes to them, they attend almost every meeting, and he is very impressed with all of them. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 42 D. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to the Advisory Executive Committee for the Arsenal Alliance Defense Initiative. He opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to appoint Luke Bonner and Haley Bradley to the Advisory Executive Committee for the Arsenal Alliance Defense Initiative. Councilman Radtke felt they both run the City’s economic development strategy in Sterling Heights, and they are in the best position to make this a success. Mayor Taylor agreed. He explained this is the Alliance that was recently formalized as a go-between for the City of Sterling Heights and the City of Warren to commit funding for both cities in order to support defense contractors in the City of Sterling Heights and the City of Warren, to retain and attract new talent and new businesses. It is an economic development tool to put a lot of energy and focus into that sector, and the City is already doing a tremendous job in that area. Macomb is the self-proclaimed capitol of Michigan and the Midwest by the County’s Executive Mark Hackel. Sterling Heights and Warren are the two engines driving that defense sector in Macomb County, and they are excited to see where this will go. He commented that Ms. Bradley and Mr. Bonner will be great additions to this committee to make sure the Arsenal Alliance is laser-focused on continuing to make sure jobs supporting the defense industry are brought to Sterling Heights. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 43 11. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for communications from citizens for any item not on tonight’s agenda.  Carol Chi – resides at 35325 Moravian; thanked everyone for their service; urged City Council to save the Chinkapin Oak tree; pointed out the them for Memorial Day is “Honoring Our Past,” and she pointed out this tree is a long-lived part of their past; they need to save old trees because planting new trees in their place is not the same; appreciated that people want low-income housing, but this is not the place; concerned about their cutting and filling in wetlands; suggested there are a lot of vacant properties where this housing could go; disappointed by the lack of environmental science knowledge and lack of appreciation of the science of trees, having taught science for a long time; talked about the advantages of large trees; she is aware the final decision has not been made, but she hopes EGLE will step in to deny it.  Lisa Graef – in favor of saving the Chinkapin Oak; stated the oldest Chinkapin Oak in Michigan is 344 years and is located in Ann Arbor; oldest in the United States is over 500 years old and is located in Pennsylvania; noted Ann Arbor has a site (www.treesA2.gov) where they list all of their trees, ages, and locations as a point of interest; recalled the suggestion about propagating the tree, but they need to be about four to five feet tall before they can live on their own against defense of deer; she talked to representatives from Michigan State University and reached out to her friend who is a Master Gardener and contacted Plants for Ecology, who referred her to a place near Ann Arbor, called Wild Type, to see if they could do this; noted MSU has not gotten back to her; she is opposed to cutting down that tree, noting smaller trees planted in its place are not the same; questioned what the City will do with the property if EGLE denies this; questioned whether there is an alternative location for the apartments; thanked City Council members for their service.  Jim Bauer – stated he has talked to EGLE, who indicated when they issue a permit, it is not a guarantee that the project will not flood or cause flooding elsewhere, it only mean the project meets the requirements of the law; two weeks ago he had asked about appropriations request that Ron Robinson had requested for CCF for a tiny home project, and it referenced a partnership with Sterling Heights; he had asked whether the City formed a partnership, and he is hoping to get an answer. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 44  Nathan Inks – earlier this evening the City held its first community workshop as part of a climate and health adaptation program/technical assistance program with which the City is involved; the Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan State University Extension were there, and there was a good turnout; had discussion on North Van Dyke, with two more focusing on health and climate adaptation in North Van Dyke and other areas throughout the City, to be held in fall and winter; report will outline steps the City can take; noted Sustainability Planner Alexis Richards is spearheading this project; hope they have more involvement and input at future workshops. 12. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool stated he has nothing to add this evening. Councilwoman Koski stated she lives off of Clinton River Road, and a couple of residents contacted her as to the status of the Clinton River Road repair and funding. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that the Clinton River Road project will be a complete reconstruction between Hayes and North Van Dyke. The cost will be about $10 million, so it is a significant project, with most of it funded through a federal grant the City obtained a couple of years ago. That grant is solidified and finalized. They are currently in the engineering phase, which will continue the rest of the year into the winter, and they are hopeful it will be under construction next construction season in 2026. It is a massive project and will take a couple of years to complete. He clarified there will be no construction on this road in 2025, but it is promoted on their Cone Zone site and will continue to provide updates. He advised there will be signage going up soon, and it will be semi-permanent to last a few years, so anyone traveling along Clinton River Road will know the timeline and what is forthcoming. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 45 Councilwoman Koski noted in the past, any property that backs to a major thoroughfare, the City has cut the grass in the easement, because it is difficult for residents to get their lawnmowers behind their fences if they do not have a gate. She referred specifically to Hayes Road and Clinton River Road, noting the City cuts the easements along Hayes every couple of weeks; however, as they turn and head west on Clinton River Road, there are a couple of houses that back to Clinton River Road and those easements were always cut in the past. She noted that they are not being cut recently, and she questioned whether they have changed their procedure. Mr. Vanderpool stated he would be happy to research and get back with her. As a rule, if there is no access from the rear yard to the right-of-way area, it is mowed by the City. He stated that is the case with the houses which back up to Hayes Road, and since in many of those cases there is no way for residents to get access behind their fences to cut the right-of-way, the City does it. There are a few exceptions, but he assured he will provide an update in their Thursday packet as to the criteria. He suggested that, in the area questioned by Councilwoman Koski, it could be the contractor was improperly cutting it, and the residents do have access, but he is not sure and will report back to City Council. Councilman Radtke questioned the status of the 14 Mile Road repair from Maple Lane to Mound Road. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that along 14 Mile Road, from Maple Lane to Mound, that project will start later this year, possibly August, and will be Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 46 finished by the end of the year. It is not a complete reconstruction, so it will go quickly. The section at Van Dyke, where they have the concrete median with the weeds in it, is very unsightly, needs to be cleaned up, and that is part of this project. They will have a greenbelt that will be much more aesthetically pleasing. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned when the 18 Mile Road project will be completed. Mr. Vanderpool questioned whether she is referring to 18 Mile Road, from Utica Road to the new bridge. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski clarified it would be 18 Mile Road, from Mound Road to Van Dyke Avenue. Mr. Vanderpool clarified that 18 Mile Road will be resurfaced from Utica Road to close to Mound Road, just beyond the bridge. The remainder of it was done recently. The bridge is currently under replacement, so the road is still closed. Once the bridge is completed, it will still take a couple of months, but that will happen during the latter part of this construction season, from approximately August until the end of the year. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she is very grateful for that. She reminded everyone of the Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26th. She is looking forward to seeing everyone there. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned when the 14 Mile Road project is completed, are they eliminating the Jersey (jug handle) turn at Van Dyke Avenue. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 47 Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that the jug handle turn at Van Dyke is unfortunately not being eliminated. MDOT signed off on a couple of those being eliminated, one at Metro Parkway and the other at 15 Mile Road. Due to various measures they look at, the 14 Mile Road turn did not qualify for elimination. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether either Mr. Vanderpool or Mr. Kaszubski have an answer to Mr. Bauer about the partnership or lack of partnership for which he was referencing. Mr. Vanderpool replied that the answer is no, assuring there is no partnership. They meet with developers regularly, talk about projects, and they have talked about a residential single-family owner-occupied housing project in the area of 15 Mile Road and Ryan Road, but they are still working on it. There is no site plan or anything definitive to share with City Council or the public. In reference to an established partnership, the answer is no. Mayor Taylor stated they talk about “great partnerships,” such as their partnership with the Chaldean Community Foundation, and they do likewise with the City. He does not feel it means anything more. They are pursuing funding for a project that they have talked about in the past, although not at a specific location. They have talked about tiny home communities and finding unique housing opportunities that may not have the ability to buy a single- family home or find an apartment, and they are looking for something unique. They are looking at those opportunities, and he felt that is all that was meant by the conversation referenced by Mr. Bauer. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 Page 48 Mayor Taylor thanked Mayor Pro-Tem for bringing up the Memorial Day Parade, and he stated he is very much looking forward to it this Monday. He wished everyone a great Memorial Day weekend. He thanked his father for bringing his two sons here tonight to watch government in action. 13. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 14. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 15. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for closed session this evening. 16. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk