City Council

CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 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: 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 Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to approve the agenda as presented. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). Mayor Taylor explained that Councilwoman Koski is not present this evening, and he was informed that over her thirty-six-year career with the City, she has missed only two meetings, which is an incredible legacy. He stressed they are thinking about Councilwoman Koski and already miss her. 5. REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER Mr. Vanderpool began his brief report by reminding everyone that the City offices will be closed on Veteran’s Day, which is Tuesday, November 11th. He clarified that refuse collection will not change, so there will be no delay in that collection. He further reminded everyone of their annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony, taking place at 11 a.m. at the Senior Center. This event is hosted by Community Relations Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 2 Department, in collaboration with local Veteran’s group, and is open to the public. He stressed it is a very meaningful tribute, and for more information, he advised those interested to call the Community Relations Department or visit the City’s website. He concluded his report by congratulating the Mayor and City Council members, on behalf of Administration, for their victory in the next term with City Council. They look forward to working with the Mayor and Council members to continue the good work going on in the City, and to continuing to advance the City’s long tradition of excellence. On behalf of Administration, he welcomed Robert Mijac, the newcomer to Council. He also stated, on behalf of Administration, that they look forward to paying tribute to Councilwoman Koski’s longstanding career, with tentative plans for that to be held on November 18th. Mr. Vanderpool stated this concludes his report. 6. PRESENTATIONS A. Mayor Taylor stated this is a swearing-in ceremony for three new Sterling Heights Police Officers. He invited Police Chief Andrew Satterfield to give the presentation. Police Chief Andrew Satterfield started by apologizing for his facial hair, noting he is not one to have facial hair in a uniform because it is not his style, but they are participating as a department for No Shave November, noting their charity is raising money for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments, and this money provides wigs and counseling. He stated he is here this evening to present their newest officers who joined them this past Monday, and he Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 3 administered the oath of office for the City’s newest police officers. He provided a brief summary on each of their education, work, and background experience. He swore in the three new police officers: Lillian Jimenez, Bradley Webb, and Kimberly Trenkamp. Each officer then had their badge pinned by a family member or friend of their choice. They each thanked the City and the Police Department for the opportunity to serve the people of Sterling Heights, and they thanked their families for their support, emphasizing how they are looking forward to serving the Sterling Heights community. Chief Satterfield thanked the Mayor and Council members for their continued leadership and support of their Police Department. The Mayor and City Council members stepped down to congratulate the new Sterling Heights police officers in person. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski welcomed the new officers, thanking them for choosing Sterling Heights. She stressed that Sterling Heights is a community that welcomes, values, and supports their police officers and all first responders. She assured they are wonderfully supported and will have all of the tools they can possibly be provided. They will have the support of the Mayor and City Council, the community, and they are happy to have them. She is pleased they are all here and she is happy they have a Sterling Heights native who grew up in this City. She stated her son is a military police officer, so the job they are doing is near and dear to her heart. She expressed appreciation to their family members for their support and for sharing their family members with the City. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 4 Councilman Radtke informed the new officers they are working for the best police department in the State of Michigan, and they have very high standards. He noted the City will be holding the officers to those high standards and will expect a lot, adding they will also be provided with a lot. He is confident they will meet those standards because the Police Department, the community, and City Council are behind them. They will be entrusted to keep this community save, and he wished them God speed and good luck. Councilwoman Schmidt welcomed the new officers to the Sterling Heights family. It is a great community, and they embrace their public safety. She is confident they will find a very positive response as they are out in the community. She wished them well and urged them to stay safe and let them know if there is anything with which they need help. She assured they are in good hands, the officers in the department are top-notch and will make sure they are up-to-speed. She urged them to stay safe and welcomed them once again. Councilman Yanez congratulated the new officers. He stressed this is a great opportunity for each of them, adding he is a former City employee, and he emphasized that the City is a great employer. He is confident they will have great careers here, and the City will provide them with all of the tools they need so they can safely go home to their families at the end of their shift. He stated they will have all of the tools and training they need to have a safe and successful career, and he looks forward to having them join the City’s Police Department. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 5 Councilwoman Ziarko thanked the new officers for choosing Sterling Heights. She added this helps the City Council keep their promise to the residents that through their Safe Street millage, they will staff their public service to the best of their ability, and she thanked the new officers for helping them keep their promise to the citizens. She urged them to stay safe, enjoy their time here, pointing out there are so many amenities and programs the City provides for their employees. She welcomed them all to the City. Mayor Taylor welcomed the new officers to the City of Sterling Heights, adding it is great to have a home-grown officer here, as well as officers from Detroit and well beyond. He stated they are happy to have them, and he noted that the residents are as pro-police and pro-public safety as they can find. He assured they will provide as many tools as they need to do the job effectively and safely because public safety is the number one obligation they have, and they take it seriously. He thanked the family members of the officers for sharing them with the City, and he stressed their family’s support is very important to the officers. 7. 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 Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. To approve the minutes of the October 21st, 2025 Regular Meeting. B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund - $569,743.94, Water & Sewer Fund - $610,294.49, Other Funds - $4,145,165.48, Total Checks - $5,325,203.91. C. RESOLVED, to accept the competitive quote by Chemical Containers, Inc., 413 ABC Road, Lake Wales, FL 33859, for the purchase of the 750-gallon, Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 6 skid-mounted watering system at a total cost of $10,641, inclusive of delivery charges. D. RESOLVED, to purchase the subscription to the NextRequest Rapid Review document management software module from CivicPlus, LLC, 3410 Belle Chase Way Suite 600, Lansing, MI 48911, for the period of December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2028, at competitive pricing available through TIPS cooperative purchasing contract #220105, in the first-year amount of $14,938.56, with five percent (5%) annual increases in years two and three. E. RESOLVED, to: 1. Purchase the GrayKey software technology subscription from Magnet Forensics, LLC, 931 Monroe Drive NE, Suite A102-340, Atlanta, GA 30308, from November 21, 2025, through November 20, 2028, at a total cost of $38,660; 2. Authorize the City Manager to sign all required documents on behalf of the City; and, 3. Authorize a budget amendment increasing the use of state forfeiture funds in the amount of $6,660 to fund this purchase. F. RESOLVED, to waive the competitive bidding requirement pursuant to City Code Section 2-217(A)(10)(b) and purchase: 1. Three (3) investigative vehicles at a cumulative cost of $139,842.00; 2. One (1) 2026 Dodge Durango PPV from Sterling Heights Dodge, Inc., d/b/a Sterling Heights Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Inc., 40111 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, at a total cost of $41,152; and 3. Authorize the City Manager to sign all required documentation on behalf of the City. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). 8. CONSIDERATION Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider an appointment to the City of Sterling Heights commUNITY Alliance. He opened the floor for public comment, but no one spoke. Mayor Taylor explained this is one appointment for a vacancy on the commUNITY Alliance, and it is a Council appointment to a term ending June 30th, 2026. Moved by Radtke, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to appoint Hunter Neroni to the commUNITY Alliance to a term ending June 30, 2026, subject to the appointee Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 7 meeting the qualifications set forth in Charter §4.03 and taking the oath of office within two weeks. Councilman Radtke stated Mr. Neroni is an active community member. His entire family, including his mother, lives in the community. Councilman Radtke noted that he recently moved back, he is very active, and he felt Mr. Neroni will be a great member of the commUNITY Alliance. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS Mayor Taylor opened the floor for communications from citizens for any item not on tonight’s agenda, but no one spoke. 10. REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL Mr. Vanderpool thanked City Clerk Melanie Ryska and her team for administering a glitch-free election. He emphasized there is a lot of work that goes into an election, including months of planning and the behind-the scenes work is an organizational marvel. He stated the City of Sterling Heights is renowned for running exemplary elections that are always implementing best practices. He thanked the City Clerk and her team once again. Mayor Taylor agreed, and thanked Ms. Ryska, the staff, and all who work the polls. Councilwoman Sierawski thanked the voters for placing their faith in her once again. She stated she takes it seriously to do well, to listen, and she promised to be as available as possible to the residents, so she urged them to reach out to her, adding that she holds office hours at City Hall on Thursdays. She stressed this Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 8 community is special, and she is very proud to live here and be able to represent its residents. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she was not sure whether or not Councilwoman Koski would be present this evening, adding she was aware she was not feeling well and had been out in the cold. She stated she has served on Council with Councilwoman Koski for the last ten years, and she credited her for being one of the most incredibly smart women she has ever met. She commended Councilwoman Koski for her ability to retain dates, times, and actions, often serving as their local historian, knowing the details of the City better than anyone. Throughout her service for thirty-six years on City Council, she was extremely dedicated to the City, attending as many events as she could and often working behind the scenes. She commented that the police dogs were one of her interests, and she wanted to make sure they had good police dogs and as many as they could get. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski personally thanked Councilwoman Koski for being so welcoming and kind to her, and she emphasized that she will miss her warmth and kindness tremendously. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski explained that the election brought up a couple of questions that arose, and she would like to see if they can start addressing those, so without objection, she would like to ask the Community Foundation to attend a City Council meeting on November 18th or December 2nd to present the status on the property located along North Van Dyke and for which they have a purchase agreement. She would like an update on the status of the property and progress and plans for that property. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 9 Mayor Taylor requested more specific information on which property. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski clarified that it is the Chaldean Community Foundation’s (CCF’s) project on the property they are purchasing from the City. Mayor Taylor questioned Mr. Vanderpool and Mr. Kaszubski as to whether they have clear directions on the request. Mr. Vanderpool understands that Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski would like a general update on the status of the CCF II project, which has a pending purchase agreement. He stated they will request the CCF to have someone in attendance at the meeting, but if they are unable to do so, he assured the City will provide an update and status as well. He assured they will reach out and request their attendance, and he is confident they will be happy to talk about the project. Councilwoman Schmidt requested that it be scheduled for the first meeting in December because the November 18th agenda already has a number of items on it. Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski stated she has no objection to that date. Mayor Taylor confirmed it will be an update from Administration at the first meeting in December. Councilman Yanez thanked the City Clerk and her staff for the excellent job they always do on the election. He extended thanks to those who work the polls, noting it is a long day. He appreciates all of the work and planning that goes into this. He congratulated everyone who won, but he also thanked everyone who ran, pointing out it is very difficult. They can have some very difficult conversations, Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 10 yet they also meet some of the best people and have some of the best conversations they will ever have. The voters made their choice, and that is how democracy works, emphasizing this is a great country in which they live. He thanked all who came out to vote, adding that is what it takes for democracy to work. Councilman Yanez emphasized how much Councilwoman Koski will be missed on City Council. He stated he has been sitting next to her for the last six years, and he has had a phone conversation with her almost every week, noting she lost her son four years ago and her husband a couple of years ago. He credited her for being a wealth of information, and she is very smart. He stated she kept records of everything and could pull out paperwork from years ago. She believed in the City and in good governance. She truly worked for the people, she was a great resource, asset, and a great friend. He added that she will be missed. Councilwoman Ziarko thanked the City Administration, the City Clerk, and all of the staff for the great job on this election because it could not happen without them, noting it is “all hands on deck” for elections. She thanked the voters who exercised their right to vote, and she stated this was her twelfth election as a City Council member. She has witnessed how elections have changed over the years, and she felt this one was most likely the toughest. She attributed it to the atmosphere they have in their country now, with the lack of trust and the lack of believing. She was glad that it did not stop people from wanting to serve, and she thanked all who ran and all who voted. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 11 Councilwoman Ziarko stated she worked with Councilwoman Koski for twenty- four years, and she recalled her being so complimentary. Although it was business at the table, they also had a friendly relationship. She addressed Councilwoman Koski if she is watching tonight, adding they hope to see her soon because she will always be a part of the Sterling Heights family, giving thirty-six years to this City. She stressed that is more than one-half of its history. She pointed out that thirty- six years is like having a career at a business or job, and she was willing to do this for all of these years. She wants Councilwoman Koski to know she is welcome here anytime she wants to come and tell them what to do. Councilwoman Ziarko noted they talked about Veteran’s Day next Tuesday; however, at the Sterling Heights Used Bookstore, it will be Veteran’s Month. She advised that veterans can come in and choose any items up to ten for free. She hopes they will take advantage of it because they have a great selection. Councilman Radtke thanked the voters for returning him to office, and he thanked the City for running an excellent election. He has worked in politics for more than twenty years, and there are few cities in this State that run their elections better than Sterling Heights, with their efficiency. He thanked Clerk Ryska and her employees for their excellent work. He added that people at the polls are respectful when they vote, and he is honored that so many people come out to vote for City Council. He noted it is humbling to run in an election, because the day after an election, they can tell exactly where they stand with the residents. He thanked those who ran unsuccessfully for an office because they tried, and he Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 12 congratulated those who won. He anticipates they will do great things in the next four years. He pointed out that the City has a great reputation throughout the State, and many communities want to know how the City has such great success. He stressed it is very humbling, but he is very proud of their reputation, and he is honored to be reelected. Councilman Radtke stated he will miss Councilwoman Koski. He recalled that when he was first elected, before the chamber renovations, he sat next to her in the smaller Council chambers. During those conversations, she often shared the city’s history with him. He agreed with Mayor Pro-Tem Sierawski that Councilwoman Koski was the local historian and could recall so many people, developments, etc., and he does not believe they will have anyone like her again. He considered her thirty-six years of service a “lifetime” of service. He wished she were here tonight and added that she will be missed but not forgotten. He welcomed her to stop by because she still has a lot of knowledge and experience that she has gained from her years serving. He wished her good luck. Councilwoman Schmidt stated she is humbled and honored to be reelected to represent the residents of this City. She agreed it is very humbling that the voters have placed their trust in these people who serve on City Council. She assured they are all doing what they feel is the best for everyone. She thanked everyone who came out to vote, and she thanked Clerk Ryska, her staff, and all of the employees. She stressed it takes everyone to get them through an election in such a professional and accurate way in Sterling Heights. She likes the addition of Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 13 putting the spray-painted line at the polling location to indicate where people can and cannot canvass at the polls. She added that the poll workers were extremely polite and very professional, and she did not hear of any issues that occurred at any of the polls. She emphasized it is so important for people to exercise their right to vote. Councilwoman Schmidt reminded that the DPW is holding their annual food drive, which is especially important now with the government shutdown and layoffs. She advised that monetary donations are also accepted as well as non-perishable items, and these items can be dropped off at the library, the DPW building, and other City buildings. Mr. Vanderpool replied to inquiry that the drop-offs can take place at any City building other than the Fire Stations. Food and/or monetary donations can be dropped off at the Community Center, Senior Center, DPW, City Hall, and the Library. Councilwoman Schmidt urged residents who have a few spare cans of food to drop it off and share them with members of this community. She stated she served with Councilwoman Koski for twenty-two-and-a-half years, and her kids grew up with Councilwoman Koski’s grandkids. She credited her with being a wealth of knowledge, and when they celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the City, Councilwoman Koski gave her the old City Council pins, which she keeps in her jewelry box. She stressed it meant so much to her that Councilwoman Koski felt she deserved to have these pins from before she was on Council. She noted that Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 14 Councilwoman Koski always had a different way of looking at issues and would raise questions or concerns that they would not think of. Over the years, she learned what questions needed to be asked. She thanked Councilwoman Koski for being an inspiration and a strong woman, and she thanked her for her service, adding that the City owes her a lot. She recalled Councilwoman Koski’s family was very involved, noting her kids grew up in that environment, and she thanked Ms. Koski’s family as well. She is confident that the City Council will continue to lean on her for her historical knowledge, and she urged her to stay involved in their community because she is needed. She thanked her for everything she has done. Mayor Taylor thanked the voters for participating in the election, noting democracy is an integral aspect of their society and form of government. Votes matter, and he is grateful to the 18,000-plus people who voted on election day, at early voting the week before, and through absentee ballots. He thanked City Clerk Ryska and her team because this was not a one-day event, but it transpires over weeks and months. He stated they have an incredible professional Clerk and dedicated staff, and they can be confident in election results in the City because of the work they do. He thanked those who voted for him, and he also thanked those who did not vote for him for showing up to be part of this process. They have to continue to dedicate themselves to the work, and when they do not get all of the votes, it is a reminder to them that there is always more to do. He explained that he will not be here next week at the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, November 12th, because he will be out of town due to an unavoidable Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 15 conflict. He took this opportunity to thank his wife and children for all of their love and support and allowing him to do this because it does take time away from his family, although he added he tries to include them as much as he can in this job because it is about building a community. He thanked his parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, friends, and all who have been part of this journey with him for the past sixteen years for their incredible love, support, and encouragement. He stated he cannot think of a better job than being the mayor of the town where he lives and is raising his family, and the ability for him to serve in his own town in this role and position has been a dream come true for him. He stressed it is the highest honor he could imagine, so he will dedicate himself to this job for the next four years just as he has for the last sixteen years. He emphasized he is incredibly grateful to the people who have placed their confidence, trust, and support in him. For those who did not vote for him because they do not feel he is right for the job, he hopes over the next four years he can convince them otherwise or at least show them he is doing his best and trying every day to be a mayor who can serve all, including everyone who lives, works, and travels through this City. He considers himself extremely blessed to have this incredible team he has worked with for the last seven years. He noted Mr. Vanderpool has been here the entire time he has been here, but faces in City Hall have changed, although he pointed out that, incredibly, as one department head retires and they think that person is irreplaceable, another steps up and does just as good a job. He expressed his gratitude once again for those who have supported him. Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 16 Mayor Taylor talked about Councilwoman Koski, and recalled that when he began, he was in Councilman Yanez’s seat, and Councilwoman Koski sat next to him. He stated there is no denying that Councilwoman Koski devoted her entire professional life to serving the residents of this community, and he is amazed at the thirty-six years she served. He calculated that City Council has twenty-four meetings a year, two budget meetings, and he anticipated they probably had even more meetings in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. He pointed out they have one or two strategic planning meetings each year, so he estimated Councilwoman Koski attended about thirty Council meetings each year, multiplied by thirty-six years. He pointed out that there would be at least one thousand Council meetings, which is remarkable. Mayor Taylor emphasized that he does not want to talk like Councilwoman Koski is not with them because she is very much with them. She has been a wealth of knowledge and an institution that will continue to live on through this Council for many years. She served with countless Council members, multiple Mayors, multiple City Managers, multiple Police Chiefs and Fire Chiefs, City Clerks, etc., and as all of those people were changing, there was no drop-off in the level of service. Councilwoman Koski was one of the only things that remained consistent through all of that time, and he let her know that she will be missed and is an institution in this City. He urged her to enjoy retirement, however she sees fit, and if she intends to be involved in the City in any way, he and the members of this Council will support her. He thanked her for her service. Mayor Taylor stated he received an email from Councilwoman Koski’s daughter-in-law Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 17 that she asked to be shared this evening, so he read the email written by Councilwoman Koski, reflecting her pride on the positive community-focused campaign they ran, reflecting respect, integrity, and love for their City. She thanked her family, friends, volunteers, and every voter who believed in her, adding their encouragement, hard work, and faith have inspired her every step of the way. She congratulated those who will be serving on Council, wishing them wisdom and success as they lead Sterling Heights forward. She assured this is not a goodbye, but she is entering the next chapter, assuring that she will always be here to support their City whenever and wherever it is needed. She thanked the City of Sterling Heights, emphasizing it has been an honor to serve as Councilwoman. Mayor Taylor concluded by saying that, on behalf of 135,000 residents, the hundreds of thousands who have lived in the city and benefited from her leadership, and the millions across Michigan who were impacted by her service through various organizations, everyone owes her a debt of gratitude. They look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next in an incredible life story that so many are proud to have been part of. Mayor Taylor congratulated Councilwoman Koski’s replacement, Mr. Rob Mijac, adding he has a big void to fill. He stated he knows that feeling because there was another with as big of a legacy as Councilwoman Koski, and he has been trying to replace him for eleven years. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Regular City Council Meeting Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 Page 18 There was no unfinished business. 12. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. 13. CLOSED SESSION PERMITTED UNDER ACT 267 OF 1976 Mr. Kaszubski stated there are no items for closed session this evening. 14. ADJOURN Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting. Yes: All. The motion carried (6/0). The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk