City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025 IN CITY HALL 1. Mayor Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk, gave the Invocation. 3. Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Michael V. Radtke, Jr., Maria G. Schmidt, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Henry Yanez, Barbara A. Ziarko. Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; 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 provided an update on the Fourth of July calendar, reminding everyone that City offices will be closed for business on Friday, July 4th. He added that closures include City Hall, Library, Community Center, Senior Center, District Court, among other City buildings, and normal hours will resume on Monday, July 7th. There will be a one-day delay in refuse collection, so Friday’s collection will be collected on Saturday, July 5th. Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that state law prohibits the City from banning the use of consumer-grade fireworks from June 29th until the day after July Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 2 4th, which includes Saturday, July 5th this year. Fireworks can only be discharged on those days from 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m., and only on private property with the permission of the property owner. Police officers do their best to enforce this, so those not following these laws run the risk of a hefty fine. He added that littering is enforced, so if firework debris ends up on neighboring property, sidewalks, and roads, it needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Firework usage outside of the dates June 29th through July 5th is not permitted in Sterling Heights unless it is one of the other few holidays allowed by the State, such as Labor Day and New Years Day. Mr. Vanderpool stated that, starting this evening, roller skaters and roller bladers can come to the Dodge Park Farmer’s Market Pavillion to skate with a live DJ, enjoy food trucks and other festivities. It begins this evening, with another scheduled evening on July 15th, August 19th, and September 9th. Mr. Vanderpool informed that their Dog Licensing Amnesty program is still underway, and everyone has until June 30th to register their dogs if they are not already registered. He also highlighted an exciting Parks and Recreation Event, which is the Great Outdoor Backyard Campout at the Nature Center on June 28th. For those who are camping enthusiasts or want to enjoy it for the first time, he explained the night will be filled with crafts, challenges, stargazing, and a campfire. Registration can be done online and must be done by June 25th. Mr. Vanderpool also reminded everyone about the Juneteenth celebration taking place this week at Dodge Park Thursday. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 3 Mr. Vanderpool provided an update on a number of road projects under construction and will be under construction for the remainder of this construction season, which extends to January 2026. He provided information on the following projects:  18 Mile Road Bridge – closed in the area beyond the Public Works Building and cannot get through from Mound.  18 Mile Road Paving – started on north side between Utica and Van Dyke, so traffic will be open only one way, and once north side is complete, the traffic will switch so the south side can be done, with completion anticipated by the end of construction season, although there will be a pause during Sterlingfest.  17 Mile Road, between Van Dyke and Mound, will begin construction in July and go through late October. This will result in not only a new road but new landscaping and lighting as well.  Dobry Road will commence in mid-July and be completed by Labor Day.  14 Mile Road, between Van Dyke and Maple Lane, will start in August and be completed by Labor Day.  Hayes Road Bridge, north of Utica Road, will be replaced, so Hayes Road will be closed in that area in July.  Utica Road Bridge, around the corner from Hayes, will be reconstructed at the same time, so that section of Utica Road will be closed. This will be through the year-end, and those heading westbound on Metro Parkway will not be able to head north on Utica Road at that point, so they will have to continue on to Schoenherr for the detour. He clarified this is a County road and it is not a city project.  Local road program began last week, and although they may be disruptive to the residents in those areas, they are great when they are done.  Sidewalk program commenced in the northeast section of the City. The program has changed this year and will be focusing on the worst of the worst sidewalks all across the City. He reminded this is done through the Pathways to Play and Preservation millage that was passed by the voters last November. That millage funds the sidewalk program so there is no longer a sidewalk special assessment. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report with a special presentation by Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner to talk about an exciting new program Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 4 regarding economic development and all they are trying to do to help businesses across the City start up and grow. Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner explained this is a program they are very excited about, and he briefly spoke about it at the budget hearings. This particular tool, called SizeUp, provides first-class data and analytics to small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs in the City seeking support for their businesses. It is an outward-facing tool on the website, so it is accessible at any time. He emphasized the amount of services and data provided through this tool is great, and the award-winning SizeUp company has been around for approximately twenty years. They have grown their different data platforms to help companies with very different aspects of their research. The first of four tools includes the SizeUp Local Business Intelligence Tool, which is a business benchmarking tool, allowing a company to go online and compare their business to others in the area to see what they are doing right and possibly areas where they need to improve. The second tool is the SizeUp Small Business Advisor that helps with business planning and business growth. The third tool is the SizeUp Shop Local feature, which allows residents and businesses to find what is available locally, and the fourth tool is the SizeUp PULSE, which focuses on real-time business intelligence. Mr. Bonner explained this can be accessed on the Sterling Heights website and also on the Velocity website, with several instructional videos on how to use each of the tools and how they can help. The rest of the website includes platforms to get started. He recommended Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 5 anyone interested to check it out to see how it works. They have approximately a dozen Velocity and City Hall employees who have been trained on how to use this, so if someone is trying to use it online and has questions, they can contact the Velocity team or numerous departments within the City, including the City Clerk’s Office, the Library, the Planning Office, and someone would be available to help them navigate some of these programs. A short video summarizing this program was shown. Mr. Bonner showed a QR code, which takes anyone interested to a registration forum launch they are hosting tomorrow at the Community Center at 10 a.m. They can sign up for the webinar, and there are about sixty people registered who will be attending in person tomorrow. There will be a series of presentations and speeches. Mr. Vanderpool concluded his report by thanking Mr. Bonner, the City Development team, and the Velocity team, for getting this set up, adding it is one more tool in the toolbox that will help the thousands of small businesses who drive the local economy. 6. ORDINANCE INTRODUCTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this an introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the City Code to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments. He invited Fire Chief Kevin Edmond to give the presentation. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 6 Fire Chief Kevin Edmond stated he is here to talk about the Fire Code update, adding that these are updated periodically to reflect the knowledge gained from research and lessons from tragic events that occurred in the past. He cited increased battery technology as an example of new hazards presented to fire departments, although technology also helps to increase safety. A new feature such as Smart electric burners on electric stoves will prevent a cooktop fire. They are looking forward to adopting the 2024 Fire Code, providing them with the ability to consistently manage these hazards and provides information from businesses as they move through the system. They keep their main focus on life safety, property protection, and mitigate future risks. Attorney Donald DeNault Jr. stated he has done fire codes for the City, going back to 2000, but he indicated they do not adopt these on a regular three-year cycle. He provided some background, explaining that it is very detail-oriented in reviewing the 600-plus pages of text that covers a multitude of topics. He added there is even an entire chapter devoted to distilleries and the storage of wine and spirits. He explained why they are adopting the 2024 Fire Code in 2025, pointing out they come out every three years but not on time because it needs to coordinate with the Building Code, which has just been caught up with 2021. The 2024 Building Code is not yet out, so there are a couple of chapters in the Fire Code that they do not want to end up in conflict with the Building Code. They were able to do this, thanks to their incredible team, adding this is the first time in all the years he has done the Fire Codes that he Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 7 has had so many voices and so many looking at it. He emphasized that, when relying on experience, actual scenarios, and detail-oriented review, there is no such thing as “too many cooks in the kitchen.” He stated the summary is in front of the Mayor and Council, and he and the team are willing to answer questions. Chief Edmond thanked the team members who did all of this hard work that took twelve months to get through, including Attorney Don DeNault, Fire Marshall Mike Solomon, Community Risk Reduction Officer Tracy Davis, and Retired Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Allen. He stated they are here to answer any questions. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to introduce the ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the City Code to adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned Chief Edmond as to the first thing he needs to tackle with this new Fire Code. Chief Edmond replied to inquiry the first thing is to make sure everyone is fully aware of the new Code. Any time they have gone through plan reviews, they have made it known that they will be transitioning to this Code, so they are aware. As projects come forward and they do the site analysis for the prints, they will start applying it. He invited the Fire Marshall to come up and explain how it will be applied as they go out on inspections. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 8 Fire Marshall Mike Solomon stated they would use the 2024 Code when they go out and do inspections to make sure everything is up to date, such as their fire safety systems, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, etc. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned whether this changes how they look at residential issues as well, or whether this is strictly for commercial developments. Fire Marshall Solomon replied it is specifically for commercial developments. Councilwoman Ziarko appreciated the team leadership because working as a team provides the best results. She appreciated Mr. DeNault bringing to attention how much easier his job was because of the team. She questioned whether this changes anything they are currently doing. Chief Edmond replied to inquiry it does not change any of the processes, but they will have different standards. Some of the storage requirements are going to change slightly in the 2024 Code. As technologies evolve, they look to the experts for the type of mitigation they need to do, whether it is lowering the storage amounts of certain materials or extra early detection of certain materials. He cited the example of cooktop stoves, which is a new technology that will go into electric stovetops, whereby power is cut automatically if a fire starts on the stove. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned how they notify facilities that this Code has changed. Chief Edmond explained that everything they are doing now will be on the website. They can provide an informational bulletin to go out to all of the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 9 businesses so they are aware of the current code and where they can gain access to it. They can provide the 2024 Fire Code online, but they cannot print it, so anyone with questions can look at it online. They sit down with anyone coming to the City with a planned development to make sure they work with them on the projects. They have tried to be very collaborative with developers so they will look at their concerns with the Fire Code. He wants to make sure they have the best decisions based on the best information because whatever decisions they make now may last thirty to fifty years in the future. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked Chief Edmond and his team for all of their hard work. Councilwoman Schmidt thanked Chief Edmond and his team for their tremendous amount of work, stressing this is about safety of their community. She questioned whether the current businesses that are non-compliant will have a certain amount of time to come into compliance, or whether they are grandfathered in. Chief Edmond explained when they do an inspection and there is a violation, they work with that business owner to correct that violation. It may be something as simple as moving some storage materials because of their location, but if it is something new that may require some adjustments to their facility, he assured the Fire Department is always working with the community to find the right solution and the right amount of time to make that transition. Fines would come into play only if they were given plenty of opportunity to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 10 correct the situation. The Fire Prevention Division prefers the philosophy of education to the community as to why this needs to be done a certain way, rather than coming down with a hammer. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned whether there is an abbreviated version of this document that could be distributed to their businesses. Chief Edmond stated they have an individual in the department who can take those calls, and they can make that number available if they have questions. Councilwoman Schmidt questioned what happens if the business owners do not know this Code is changing. Chief Edmond stated they will try to get a mass mailing out to the business owners and will work with Community Relations to get that done. Councilwoman Koski stated she is pleased to see the 2024 Fire Code. She questioned whether there is anything in this new code that will have any effect on the new Lakeside development, specifically the part residential/part commercial buildings. Chief Edmond replied to inquiry that he cannot speak to specific changes that might be there now, but they have had strong conversations with the engineer from the beginning of the planning. He believes all of their designs meet the 2024 Fire Code. They have always had discussions about the 2024 Fire Code with them when they go to the monthly meetings, and they ensure all of the City services are represented at those meetings. Councilwoman Koski clarified that her main concern is the ability to get the fire trucks through the site without any maneuverability problems. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 11 Chief Edmond assured they feel very comfortable with that, and those issues have all been addressed with the developers. The current site plan they have meets their approval and has for a couple of months. Councilwoman Koski commented Chief Edmond and his team for doing a great job as always. Councilman Radtke stated he is excited to approve this; however, he has questions on two issues. The first is they are trying to create a denser city, giving property owners more ability to use their sites, and having ten-feet minimum distance between corners of buildings seems as though it would severely spread out a site. He questioned whether there would be an easier way to solve the problem. It lists that the distance feature is to get fire apparatus between the buildings, but there are trees and other items in the way, so he is not sure it is necessary. Chief Edmond explained they have a lot of apartment complexes built a long time ago where there is nothing but the corners of the apartment buildings touching, and it takes a tremendous amount of effort to get around them. If they want to make sure fire is not spreading to other places, it takes a tremendous amount of time to do that. They make sure it does not take an ATV to get around the vehicle. Councilman Radtke expressed concern that this requires a lot more land and makes the site less dense by requiring the ten-foot distance between corners of buildings. He questioned whether this is just a move to make it easier, or whether it will actually improve safety. He mentioned that he lives in a building Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 12 that would be prohibited under this standard, but it creates nice courtyards and a nice quiet area for people. He felt that if buildings are spread further out, it loses some of its “nice neighborhood feel.” Chief Edmond explained as they look at future buildings, any building that is currently constructed does not have to try to separate it and it is grandfathered . As they go forward and look at new developments, they look at the best way for that safety, which is not only for the residents but also the firefighters to decrease the time they have to make an effective rescue. Councilman Radtke noted the Fire Code is about a cost/value analysis and they want to make sure they are keeping people safe while keeping construction costs the best they can. He feels there may be a way to get the fire truck around the building that does not require a ten-foot distance between buildings. Chief Edmond noted it may require fire apparatus to get around the building or fire personnel to drag a hose line to get to the fire a little quicker. As they look at these plans, they work with the developer to produce the best solution. Councilman Radtke commented that if the developer does not like the Fire Department’s determination, they could come forward with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to get around it. Chief Edmond stated that any time they go through the PUD process, he requests they be involved in it, noting that some of the past PUD projects prior to his tenure caused some issues. They went back and adjusted those for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 13 the benefit of the person doing the development and the City in order to make it safer. Councilman Radtke explained the second concern he has is that both the EPA and Birmingham, Michigan have parking on two sides of streets that are twenty-six feet in width. He recalled that the majority of streets in Sterling Heights are twenty-eight feet in width, and they will not likely change. He stated that he will make a motion at the next meeting to adopt a 26-foot-wide street with parking on both sides, citing EPA recommendations and the example of Birmingham, Michigan, which maintains an ISO rating of 2. He could not see the need for an extra two feet of width on their streets, especially when a five-foot square foot of concrete cost $172 two years ago. If they can carve that width off on new streets only, they will be able to save millions of dollars in future costs. He felt if Birmingham could do it, Sterling Heights should be able to do it as well. Mayor Taylor noted this code will not allow two buildings to touch corners, yet he does not believe it would be prohibited if it were one building in a horseshoe shape. Chief Edmond confirmed that is correct. Mayor Taylor questioned what happens if they want to take some space out to create more green space for the residents. They would be complying if they filled those areas with building, yet they would be out of compliance if they removed those areas and did not provide the required ten-foot distance per the proposed Code. He would like to see this changed. They can look to Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 14 see if anything can be done with that specific aspect, acknowledging they want to keep the residents and firefighters safe first and foremost, and then make sure their land use is appropriate. He thanked Chief Edmond and his team for their incredibly hard work, and he appreciates everything the Fire Department does. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 7. ORDINANCE ADOPTIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to adopt the final amendment to the Appropriations Ordinance for the 2024/25 fiscal year. He opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to adopt the final amendment to the Appropriations Ordinance for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Councilwoman Ziarko stated she has no further questions, adding that it has been thoroughly discussed. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 8. 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 June 3rd, 2025 Regular Meeting. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $728,954.35, Water & Sewer Fund - $3,345,843.80, Other Funds - $2,638.633.80, Total Checks - $6,713,431.95. C. RESOLVED , to accept the proposals by Nordicom Technologies, Inc., 43155 Main Street Suite 2208, Novi, MI 48375, for the management and maintenance of the City’s wide area network infrastructure and firewalls for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, at a Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 15 cumulative cost of $63,000, and authorize the City Manager to sign the statements of work and Master Services Agreement on behalf of the City. D. RESOLVED , to purchase digital imaging services from Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. Inc., 1595 Spring Hill Road, Suite 410, Vienna, VA 22102, at competitive pricing available through Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract no. 060624 at a total cost of $31,706 and authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. E. RESOLVED , to approve final payment to Galui Construction, Inc., 33805 Harper Avenue, Clinton Township, MI 48035, in the amount of $129,039.17, plus interest on retainage, for the 2024 Concrete Sectional Replacement Program, City Project #24-429, Doncaster Drive Reconstruction, City Project #24-436, and Fire Station #1 Pavement Improvements, City Project #24-430. F. RESOLVED , to approve the Purchase Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and DTE Electric Company for installation of street lighting within the Metropolitan Parkway median from Van Dyke to the eastern City limits and authorize the City Manager to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. G. RESOLVED , to approve the Legal Services Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights and S and Y Law Group P.C., d/b/a Schultz and Young P.C., for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, with an option for the City Manager to extend the term one additional year upon mutual consent and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Agreement on behalf of the City. H. RESOLVED , to award the bid for Dobry Drive Resurfacing, Ryan Road to M-59 crossover, City Project #25 451, to Asphalt Specialists, LLC, 1780 E. Highwood, Pontiac, MI 48340, in the amount of $818,162.61 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the project contract on behalf of the City. I. RESOLVED , to adopt the resolution approving Contract No. 25-5286 between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Sterling Heights for the 17 Mile Road Resurfacing, Mound Road to Van Dyke, City Project #25-452, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the contract on behalf of the City. J. RESOLVED , to adopt the resolutions of support for applications by the City of Sterling Heights for Demonstration and Implementation grants through the United States Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Program. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 9. CONSIDERATION Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 16 A. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider a request by True North to Freedom for recognition as a local nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a State of Michigan charitable gaming license. He invited the applicant to speak. Claudia Royal, True North to Freedom Board Secretary, explained they are a non-profit organization who helps survivors of human trafficking. They help them with the long process of healing, connecting them to counseling, helping them with financial planning, goal setting, stress, and relaxation techniques. They refer them to counseling, legal services, help them get driver’s licenses, and they have a community meal for the survivors once a month. They hold training sessions for life skill courses such as knitting, etc. They have a food pantry and clothing pantry, and they help them with transportation. As of 2024, they helped eighty-five survivors with 1,200 hours of case management. They provided Christmas gifts for fifteen families, and they had twelve community meals. They spent over $330,000 to provide driver assistance through Lyft rides and gift cards, adding the recipients are responsible to bring back receipts for what they spend at Meijer, Walmart, etc., teaching them accountability. They have done 303 hours of counseling through Nicer, the counseling center they use for twenty-three clients. They distributed 3,320 items through their food, personal items, and clothing pantry, as well as 653 gift cards. They became a nonprofit organization in September 2021, and upcoming fundraising dates include a golf outing on Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 17 August 22nd, including two raffles, and a fundraiser gala event on October 10th. Mayor Taylor appreciated the information provided and the good work their organization is doing in Sterling Heights and around the Metro Detroit area. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Radtke, RESOLVED , that the request from True North to Freedom, of Sterling Heights, County of Macomb, asking that they be recognized as a local nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a State of Michigan charitable gaming license be considered for approval; provided, however, that this action is not an endorsement of the organization and the city of Sterling Heights should not be listed on any promotional materials associated with their charitable gaming activities. Councilwoman Schmidt stated this is a wonderful organization, adding that her daughter works for a similar organization in Saginaw. She stated it happens more often than people realize, so they have a clientele that needs support, understanding, help, and guidance, and she thanked them for being there for these individuals, both women and men. She understands the State makes them obtain this approval to raise funds, and she wished them the best. Councilman Radtke echoed Councilwoman Schmidt, commending Ms. Royal on her great presentation. He thanked their organization for the great work they are doing, stressing it is so important. He is happy to support this, wished them the best of luck in their fundraising endeavors, and he urged them to come back if they need anything further. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski noted that Ms. Royal provided information on the fundraising events they are holding, but she did not mention the dates. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 18 Ms. Royal replied to inquiry that the golf outing will be held at Greystone Golf Course, located at 32 Mile and Mound Roads. The Gala Fundraiser will be held at Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski questioned them about how it will be advertised. An unidentified representative of the organization, attending with Ms. Royal, replied to inquiry that tickets for both events are available on their website, which is www.truenorthtofreedom.org. Councilwoman Ziarko applauded this organization’s efforts in advocating for survivors of human trafficking and labor trafficking. She questioned whether they have a facility where people can stay while they are working on housing arrangements for them. Ms. Royal explained they are working towards that goal, and they want to build a village at some point, but they currently connect individuals with other organizations that can help them provide emergency housing. Occasionally, they put these people up in a hotel for one or two nights until they can get into a shelter. She added that shelters do not always take women with their children, so they help them find housing. Councilwoman Ziarko questioned whether the City’s Police and Fire Departments know to reach them in the event they know of someone who needs help. Ms. Royal explained they have worked with MCAT (Macomb County Anti- Trafficking Task Force) and with Macomb County Police. They have not worked with every police department in Macomb County, but through MCAT, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 19 they are listed on the contact information for which police departments can contact. Councilwoman Ziarko emphasized that they have a great mission and, with the help of the community and the fundraising they are doing for the goals they have established is appreciated. She can see their mission will expand in the future, and she wished them luck. She also requested they keep the City informed as to their projects and fundraisers so they can help them out. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Mayor Taylor wished them good luck in their endeavors. B. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider approval of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Sterling Heights and MAPE Supervisory Employees Union. He invited Mr. Vanderpool to give a presentation. Mr. Vanderpool explained that new job classifications are periodically created within the City’s bargaining units for a myriad of reasons, including when a new position is needed to address a specific departmental initiative or need. The City then has to negotiate with the respective unions to develop a memorandum of understanding that establishes the job classification. He explained this is before the Mayor and City Council this evening, noting that since January 1, 2015, the City has contracted economic development services with Bonner Advisory Group, LLC. Over the past ten years, Senior Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner, along with the City’s team, has played a critical role in shaping the City’s economic development strategy. He has been principally focused on major large-scale projects, including but Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 20 not limited to the Lakeside Mall Development, the North Van Dyke Area Master Development Plan, Sunnybrook Golf Course Redevelopment, and the redevelopment and expansion of Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP), which was scheduled to close but Mr. Bonner played a major leadership role, resulting in the plant not only being saved but Stellantis has invested billions of dollars into the facility since that time. Mr. Vanderpool stated Mr. Bonner also worked on the Liberty Park Development, which was a major Brownfield Redevelopment Project, and the Mound and M-59 project, with about $40 million in various improvements coming to that corner over the next couple of years. He talked about the public improvements as well. There has been growing recognition that many traditional economic development services are beyond the band width of a consultant who is focused on these macro-level projects. Because economic development is critical in the financial well-being of the City, they feel there needs to be an increase in manpower. The City Council has budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, starting July 1st, funds for a new economic development job classification. The discussion with the union took place, and the memorandum of understanding is before Council this evening. He noted that the City had an Economic Development Manager prior to Mr. Bonner, but the primary duties of this position include development and implementation of a successful, sustainable program for business retention and business recruitment. There is a need to have a more sustained effort to reach out to their current businesses, which is the most likely path for growth. The City wants to do all they can to meet their needs. With the Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 21 expansion plans the City has on the horizon, they do not want their thousands of businesses looking elsewhere to expand. The duties also include working on a concerted campaign for recruitment efforts for new businesses, staying abreast of economic development trends across the Metropolitan area to make sure they know how their businesses are being impacted, coordinating economic resources available to the City to achieve key objectives in developing their strategic plan, and working with local, county, and state partners. Mr. Vanderpool explained they have had to create additional entities for larger projects, such as Corridor Improvement Authorities, both for North Van Dyke Avenue and the Lakeside Redevelopment Project. They also have the Economic Development Brownfield Authority and their Local Development Finance Authority, which are boards focused on economic development, with members appointed by the Mayor and Council, and it requires a lot of coordination and effort. This new classification of Economic Development Manager is integral to the City’s evolving robust economic development initiatives. With all of this in mind, he respectfully requests that the Mayor and City Council approve the memorandum of understanding before them this evening. He reiterated that this position is budgeted in the forthcoming budget. Mayor Taylor opened the floor for public comments, but no one spoke. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to approve the memorandum of understanding between the city of Sterling Heights and MAPE Supervisory Employees Union creating the Economic Development Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 22 Manager job classification and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign it on behalf of the City. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski commented that this is a good position, adding that business development is extremely important in the City. She is happy to see they are taking it to this level. She stated Mr. Vanderpool explained it well, so she does not have any questions. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). C. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider appointments to City of Sterling Heights Boards and Commissions. He opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Planning Commission Mayor Taylor this is the second step in this appointment. Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to appoint Fiorela Lesaj to the Planning Commission to a term ending June 30, 2025, 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 that Councilwoman Schmidt specified a term ending June 30, 2025 in her motion, which would only give the appointee thirteen days to serve. He stated it should be to a term ending June 30, 2028. Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to amend her previous motion to a term ending June 30, 2028. (Vote on amendment): Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). (Vote on main motion including the amendment): Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Beautification Commission Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED , to appoint Susan Trombly to the Beautification Commission to a term ending June 30, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 23 subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilwoman Schmidt stated Ms. Trombley contacted her after the City contacted her to see if she was interested in this position, and she was very excited that she was contacted. She is confident that she will be a good addition to this Commission. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Sierawski, RESOLVED , to appoint Thomas Howard III to the Beautification Commission to a term ending June 30, 2027, subject to the appointee meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilwoman Schmidt noted Mr. Howard is also very excited to serve. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for communications from citizens for any item not on tonight’s agenda.  Carol Chi – resident on Moravian Drive in Sterling Heights; concerned about the future of the Chinkapin Oak on Van Dyke Avenue; questioned whether there will be parking for the planned apartments; she is concerned this is not a well-thought-out plan; questioned whether ARPA funds can be used for this type of project, noting she heard ARPA funds have to be used for vacant, underutilized blighted and historic structures, and not to go into wetlands or floodplains; requested the City consider it is a landmark tree and not insignificant and cannot be replaced by twenty or thirty tiny trees; commented that city councils across the country need to think more about nature than business because people, animals, and insects live here and they depend on the nature that cities are so willing to destroy; suggested the Mayor and Council members all go out to look at the tree and what it can do for the surrounding area.  Lisa Graef – she recently visited Florida and they have “Live Oaks”, which hold their leaves year-round; they are not allowed to touch them unless they are diseased, and they cannot touch them for Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 24 development, so they are required to build fences around them, and this is the case in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida; she stated Michigan State turned them down for propagating the trees from acorns because they have too many of their own; she contacted a company near Lansing, who told her if she is willing to collect the acorns within a day, get them to where they are going to be potted, they will need to collect about 250 acorns to get about ten trees because that is how few germinate; she added there is no charge and they will then sell them at $85 retail, but provide the City wholesale prices in 2028 when they can pick up their trees at 1-1/2 inches in diameter and five feet in height; recommendation is fencing them until they are seven to ten feet tall; advised that if Sterling Heights does not want the rest of the trees they get, they will sell them to the public or throw them out; there were zero acorns last year and there may be zero acorns this year; she stressed this is not a solution to cutting down the Chinkapin Oak, although she hopes if this development falls through, that the Mayor and City Council will vote to turn this into a park. 11. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool provided a quick response to Ms. Chi’s questions and concerns. He advised that the status of the project is that it still needs to go through final site plan review and that has not yet occurred. There are a number of processes that need to be completed before that happens. The project would have sufficient parking pursuant to their Zoning Ordinance. The City’s ARPA funds fell into a category to replace loss of revenue and thus did not have the restrictions that Ms. Chi spoke to, so none of the terms or conditions she highlighted are applicable in the City’s case. They used all of their ARPA money for betterment projects across the City, including this project. They had a lot of public engagement and meetings with the community with the use of their ARPA funds. The project she referred to is similar to a project proposed twenty years ago by Mr. Grillo, who purchased that same property about twenty-five years ago and proposed a similar Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 25 development with the same concept along the roadway. That space will be a desirable area for future development, and the City does not have the legal means to stop development across the City because of a particular species of tree. They have a Tree Preservation Ordinance to address those issues, and he pointed out development in the City would not have occurred if they prohibited developers from taking down individual trees. He did not feel it is likely the City would be able to do that. He emphasized that the Mayors, Councils, and Administration have been laser focused on environmental stewardship across the City going back decades. He pointed out that Councilwoman Koski was a big champion of acquiring property to preserve eighty-five acres near the Corewell Hospital, and he emphasized that few cities have done this and have a pristine nature preserve that will be in existence forever under their conservation easement. He also referred to the Dodge Park Trail System that the City had the foresight to preserve and grow, allowing some passive activities along the floodplain. The City Council approved an initiative to let the voters weigh in on reforesting the community, and almost 15,000 trees will be planted across the City. He added that he is not aware of a city in the state that makes that type of commitment to environmental stewardship, so that is something for which the city can be very proud. Mr. Vanderpool talked about the dedicated Nature Center and all of its programs, noting kids visit that center every day to learn about nature in their community. He credited the Mayor and City Council for having the foresight to make these commitments and make sure they have the financial Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 26 resources to commit to these resources. He stated that Ms. Graef’s idea of propagating the acorns is wonderful, and he assured the City would be willing to work with her to see how they can work hand-in-hand to make that happen. He thanked her for investigating the opportunity to buy trees at an even lower cost, and he stated they would be happy to have further discussions. Councilman Yanez commented that in tonight’s Consent Agenda, they passed a purchase agreement with DTE for the lighting along Metropolitan Parkway. He recalled that the City sent a letter to the County requesting cost sharing on this, and he questioned whether they have received correspondence back from the County. Mr. Vanderpool confirmed that City Council passed a resolution requesting that the County participate in that funding. He stated they have not received a formal response from the County, although they have had informal discussions. He talked with the Deputy County Executive, who indicated they do not have a precedent for any type of cost sharing agreement for lighting. As soon as they receive a formal response, he will be sure to report to City Council. Councilman Yanez questioned whether they will be getting a formal response. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that he hopes they receive a formal response, but they will request one. Councilman Yanez suggested they contact their two County Commissioners and have them formally request a response. Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 27 Mr. Vanderpool explained they were provided with a copy of the resolution, but he agreed that it is a good idea, and he will be happy to ask them. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski received complaints from both business partners and residents regarding some of the election signs going up. She questioned whether two large signs placed on the same poles, one above the other, are considered one sign or two signs. Mr. Kaszubski replied to inquiry it would be considered two separate signs in the square footage. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski noted they have started Music in the Park, and she thanked the residents who have attended. She welcomed everyone to attend, adding they have had good attendance for the last two concerts. Councilman Radtke reminded everyone that this Thursday, the City will be celebrating Juneteenth at Music in the Park. He spoke with local historian Michael Lombardini earlier today, who provided him with some fun facts about Sterling Heights and Juneteenth. He noted the first census that recorded any African Americans living in Sterling Heights was 1840 with eight free blacks. In 1870, Hanna Moore was the first documented African American landowner in the Sterling Township. Councilman Radtke stated that Charles Russell was the first African American to vote in Sterling Township in 1870, and he provided information on Charles Fessenden, who was Sterling Township’s elected Clerk, he helped organize the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, which was the first all-black infantry in that state, and he operated an abolitionist newspaper in Sterling Township. He noted that Barnett Jones was the City’s Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 Page 28 first African American Police Chief in 2000. Councilman Radtke emphasized that African Americans have a rich history here in Sterling Heights, the City is proud to have them, and it will be a lot of fun celebrating Juneteenth on Thursday at Dodge Park. He urged everyone to visit the Farmer’s Market and the special stage at Patios ‘n’ Pints. He stated he is proud of the African American Coalition for establishing the celebration and growing it every year. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. 13. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 14. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for closed session this evening. 15. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED , to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (7/0). The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk