Local Development Finance Authority
Regular MeetingSterling Heights, MI · January 11, 2022
Minutes
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
Approved
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
January 11, 2022 – 8:00 a.m.
6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
586-884-9322
VideoConference and TeleConference
Phil Hunsberger called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Members present at roll call: Dr. Michael Balsamo, Bill Holbrook, Phil Hunsberger, Laurel
Johnson, Steve Pomaville, Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Howard Sizemore, Jill Tomyn
Members absent: Ellanore Evans, Josh Hundt, John Lettang, Robert Ljucovic, Dominic Patrus,
Camille Silda
Also in attendance: Luke Bonner, CEO Bonner Advisory Group, Senior Economic Development
Advisor – City of Sterling Heights; Jason Castor, City Development Director – City of Sterling
Heights; Kathryn Quell, Management Services Specialist – City of Sterling Heights; April Boyle,
Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Randall Hudak – Nordicom Technologies;
Brandon Pizzati – Nordicom Technologies
Motion to Approve the Agenda
Moved by Pomaville, supported by Tomyn, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Motion to Approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented
Moved by Johnson, supported by Balsamo, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
A. To approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of November 30, 2021.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
New Business
To consider The Strategic Planning Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Strategiz, LLC, a consultancy concentrated
on assisting organizations in strategic planning, operational coaching, focus group
facilitation and executive coaching and leadership development.
Ms. Boyle stated that she has worked with Strategiz on various projects in the past. Ms. Boyle
said that Strategiz is very thorough and their program is easy to follow. The timeline outlined in
the Scope of Work is a 3 – 4 month process. A core planning team will be consisting of April
Boyle, Luke Bonner, Kathryn Quell, Vicky Rowinski, Stacy Ziarko and possibly a representative
from the college. Mr. Pomaville inquired if Kathryn or Luke has met Becky Davenport or Al
Herbach. Ms. Quell responded that no, she has not. Mr. Pomaville inquired if Ms. Davenport
and Mr. Herbach’s bios or resumes could be sent to the Board and in future proposals, that
information be included. Mr. Pomaville asked Ms. Boyle if there will be other firms that she will
be contracting with for work as well. Ms. Boyle stated that yes, she anticipates there will be and
this will be determined based on the strategic plan created by Strategiz. Mr. Hunsberger inquired
if there is money in the budget for these expenses. Ms. Quell stated that, in the current fiscal
year, we had budgeted $450,000 for support services. With the termination of the Alchemist
contract, there is $431,000 remaining. Ms. Boyle’s contract is $150,000, so a portion of the
remaining money will be funding the Strategiz contract. Ms. Quell stated that the budget for the
new fiscal year will be presented to the Board in February and will include anticipated spending
in alignment with the plan from Strategiz.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Johnson to approve the Strategic Planning Agreement between
the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority and Strategiz, LLC, in the
amount of $18,000.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To consider the Cloud Services Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
Ms. Quell stated that the existing contracts for IP phone support, Internet provider, and managed
infrastructure support have all reached maturity. Ms. Quell said that she has been working with
Randall Hudak, of Nordicom Technologies, and already the building has seen vast improvement
in the areas of: internet connection, streamlined IT closet, tenant IT issues, setting up Velocity
dedicated email, transferring the domain of the website, printing, and conference room
enhancements. Ms. Quell presented a letter of support from Steve Deon, IT Director, City of
Sterling Heights, stating full support of the proposed services for IP phones, internet and
managed support services. Mr. Hudak has been working with the City’s IT department for over
five years and is very familiar with the infrastructure and how it relates to Velocity. Mr. Hudak
stated the improvements that have been made at Velocity and the developing vision of
continuing to bring the building to its IT potential. Mr. Hudak has segmented the tenants. He is
planning long term goals to modernize the conference rooms and the phone system is tied to
Microsoft 365, allowing for advanced technology.
Moved by Schabath-Lewis, supported by Pomaville to approve the Cloud Services Agreement
between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and
Nordicom Technologies, Inc..
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To consider the Internet Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Windstream Enterprise.
Ms. Quell presented a spreadsheet of cost comparison with the three proposed Agreements for
Cloud Service, Internet and Managed Services.
Moved by Pomaville, supported by Balsamo to approve the Internet Agreement between the City
of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Windstream Enterprise.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To consider the Managed Infrastructure Service Agreement between the City of Sterling
Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
Ms. Quell stated that, since working with Randall from Nordicom Technologies, vast
improvements have taken place. She said the response time and resolution time has been
excellent. Ms. Quell stated that Randall has taken care of all work orders presented in a timely
and professional manner.
Moved by Lewis, supported by Johnson to approve the Managed Infrastructure Service
Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA)
and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Old Business
Ms. Quell stated that the tenant occupying space #2-I, known as UltraLevel, had a name change
and will now be CloudSafe, with the same terms and Lease Agreement.
Public Comment
None
Adjournment
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Sizemore to adjourn.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30am
Agenda
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
Special Meeting of the
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
January 11, 2022
8:00 AM
The LDFA is conducting its meeting on January 11, 2022 by telephone conference.
This meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m., on January 11, 2022 by Zoom videoconference and
teleconference. To access the meeting, members of the public must dial in using the
following telephone conference number: Dial In: _1-929-205-6099________ . When
prompted, enter the following Meeting ID Number: __883 7525 3113___________ and
passcode 510470.
All pubic participants wishing to participate by telephone will be placed on hold in a virtual
“waiting room” until the meeting starts (8:00 a.m.). All members of the public will be muted
during the business portion of the meeting.
Those wishing to participate in Public Comment will then be recognized by the Chair and
asked whether that person has a comment at that time. When prompted, you should indicate
your desire to address the LDFA Board and be recognized by the Chair. Please be advised
that there could be delays based on the number of calls received.
Members of the public will be afforded three (3) minutes each to address the LDFA Board
under Public Comment. The Chair, with LDFA Board approval, may shorten this time in order
to provide all members of the public a reasonable opportunity to speak.
As always, residents are encouraged to email any questions they may have on any agenda
item to the LDFA at cityhall@sterling-heights.net.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CONSENT AGENDA
A. November 30, 2021 Special Meeting Minutes
NEW BUSINESS
1. To consider the Cloud Services Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights
Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
2. To consider the Internet Agreement between the Local Development Finance
Authority (LDFA) and Windstream Enterprise.
3. To Consider the Managed Infrastructure Service Agreement between the City of
Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Nordicom
Technologies, Inc.
4. Consider The Strategic Planning Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights
Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Strategiz, LLC, a consultancy
concentrated on assisting organizations in strategic planning, operational
coaching, focus group facilitation and executive coaching and leadership
development.
OLD BUSINESS
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
The LDFA will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals
with disabilities at the meeting upon 7 days notice to Community Relations Department
at 446-CITY.
CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AUTHORITY
Draft
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
November 30, 2021 – 8:00 a.m.
6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
586-884-9322
VideoConference and TeleConference
Phil Hunsberger called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Members present at roll call: Dr. Michael Balsamo, Bill Holbrook, Phil Hunsberger, Laurel
Johnson, John Lettang, Steve Pomaville, Howard Sizemore, Jill Tomyn
Members absent: Ellanore Evans, Josh Hundt, Robert Ljucovic, Dominic Patrus, Jeanne
Schabath-Lewis, Camille Silda
Also in attendance: Luke Bonner, CEO Bonner Advisory Group, Senior Economic Development
Advisor – City of Sterling Heights; Jason Castor, City Development Director – City of Sterling
Heights; Kathryn Quell, Management Services Specialist – City of Sterling Heights; April Boyle
Motion to Approve the Agenda
Moved by Pomaville, supported by Lettang, to approve the agenda as presented.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
Motion to Approve the CONSENT AGENDA as presented
Moved by Lettang, supported by Johnson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
A. To approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of October 15, 2021.
B. To approve the Lease Renewal Agreement between Michigan Economic Development
Corporation and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA). The renewal is for a
12-month period October 1, 2021 thru September 30, 2022 for spaces #1-A and #1-G at a
rate of $900.00/month.
Ms. Quell stated that an agenda item of New Business be added regarding funding for the
next three consent items.
C. To accept the proposal by Mando Construction, Inc (75 Lafayette Street, Suite 100,
Mount Clemens, MI 48043) for the remodel of Velocity in the amount of $31,478.00 –
Ceiling Tile Grid.
D. To accept the proposal by LaBelle Electrical Contractors, LLC (241 Church Street,
Mount Clemens, MI 48043) for the remodel of Velocity in the amounts of $7,900.00 –
BUZZI Lighting Robotics Lab and $59,970.00 – Tenant Space Lighting Replacement.
E. To accept the proposal by ISCG, Inc (612 North Main, Royal Oak, MI 48067) for the
remodel of Velocity in the amount of $16,700.00 – #117111 – Demountable Glass
Walls.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
New Business
To approve the Budget Amendment including allocating an additional $300,000 to the
Renovation of Velocity.
Ms. Quell stated that the current budget of $600,000 for renovations to the Velocity building has
all been accounted for. The scope of work entailed retrofitting new exterior lighting on the entire
perimeter of the building, changing the interior lighting from florescent to LED lighting,
painting, flooring, and some furniture. Ms. Quell stated that the items in the consent agenda are
to complete ceiling tile and lighting replacement in the tenant spaces, allowing a cohesive look to
the building. Ms. Quell stated that the budget for the renovation of the co-working space,
consisting of 1400 square feet, was $600,000. This same amount was the budget for the entire
facility consisting of 43,000 square feet. Ms. Quell recommended the increase of $300,000 to
complete the ceiling tiles and lighting while the same materials that were installed in the rest of
the building are available and before prices increase.
Moved by Lettang, supported by Johnson to approve the Budget Amendment including
allocating an additional $300,000 to the Renovation of Velocity.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To approve the Lease Agreement between National Advanced Mobility Consortium and
the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).
Mr. Bonner stated that this tenant was referred to Velocity by Jetco, an existing tenant. National
Advanced Mobility Consortium works in the mobility industry. The location of Velocity is
beneficial to manage their existing partnerships, create new ones and hosting events. They work
with connected autonomous vehicles.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Pomaville to approve the Lease Agreement between National
Advanced Mobility Consortium and the Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA).
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To consider the Reimbursement Request between the Local Development Finance
Authority (LDFA) and Steve M. Mancini Electing Small Business Trust Agreement
(Developer).
Mr. Bonner stated that the project is located at 18 ½ Mile and Mound. There are two owners of
property – Steve Mancini of RicMan Construction and Michael Damman. The original
ownership and configuration was not ideal for traffic management. To resolve the issue, the two
developers entered an agreement to swap property allowing Mancini to develop off Mound Road
with truck storage deep into the property and Damman is off 18 ½ Mile Road. To facilitate the
swap and make best usage of the properties, the LDFA agreed to a Reimbursement Agreement,
not to exceed $250,000, on November 19, 2019 for the cost of the sanitary sewer line. The work
has been completed and all requirements have been met. The invoices have been reviewed and
the City Controller, Nick Mackie, approves.
Moved by Lettang, supported by Johnson to approve the Reimbursement Request between the
Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) and Steve M. Mancini Electing Small Business
Trust Agreement (Developer).
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
To consider The Entrepreneurial Services Management Agreement between the City of
Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority and April Boyle, an independent
Entrepreneurial and Innovation Specialist as the Senior Advisor of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship.
Mr. Bonner stated that after the departure of Alchemist Ventures, the City went back to the other
candidates from the RFP. Both, TechStars and Plug & Play were no longer. The City also
looked at business consulting groups. Mr. Bonner stated that Velocity needs experienced
leadership in entrepreneurship and innovation. He introduced April Boyle. Ms. Boyle presented
to the Board her experience and accomplishments. She stated that the first 30 days would be
discovery and then 90 – 120 days would be a development of a strategic plan, determining the
target market, staffing, mission and vision for a long term sustainable innovative ecosystem. Mr.
Pomaville inquired as to whether Ms. Boyle was independent or if the LDFA was contracting
with a team. Ms. Boyle stated that she was an independent contractor. Mr. Hunsberger inquired
how much time she could committ to the position with her other interests. Ms. Boyle stated that
she is not involved first hand in her other endeavors. This position would be her main focus,
giving a 40ish hour work week. Mr. Hunsberger inquired how she would meet the needs of tech
companies. Ms. Boyle stated that through partnering and hiring to build a team of expertise. Mr.
Lettang inquired how many businesses were launched in her 3 years with Dhive. Ms. Boyle
stated that they created 1 ½ jobs per company with 800 companies. Mr. Lettang inquired if the
service agreement is for one year. Mr. Bonner stated yes. Mr. Lettang inquired as to the metrics.
Ms. Boyle stated that as she develops the position through the discovery process, the metrics
would be determined such as social media, tenants, events. Mr. Lettang inquired how often she
would report to the Board. Ms. Boyle stated probably quarterly.
Moved by Balsamo, supported by Pomaville to approve the contract with April Boyle as the
Senior Advisor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Old Business
Public Comment
None
Adjournment
Moved by Lettang, supported by Johnson to adjourn.
Ayes: All
Nays: None
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:01am
Business of the Local
Development Finance Meeting: 1/11/22
Authority
Sterling Heights, Michigan
AGENDA STATEMENT
OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04
Item Title: Consider The Cloud Services Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development
Finance Authority and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
Submitted By: Office of Economic Development
Contact Person/Telephone: Kathryn Quell, Building Services Specialist
Administration (initial as applicable) Attachments
City Clerk x Resolution Minutes
Finance & Budget Director Ordinance Plan/Map
City Attorney (as to legal form) x Contract x Other
City Manager
Check box if this agenda item requires billing/revenue collection (fees, etc.) by Treasury Office
Executive Summary:
The Cloud Services Agreement is a cloud based subscription service. The Agreement is for seven (7) user
phones along with seven (7) licenses for Microsoft 365. The Agreement covers installation, mangement and
support services regarding the phones and licensing. There is an initial one-time cost of $1025. The contract is
for a three-year period with a fee of $322.00 per month.
Suggested Action:
MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:
RESOLVED, to approve the Cloud Services Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
Business of the Local
Development Finance Meeting: 1/11/22
Authority
Sterling Heights, Michigan
AGENDA STATEMENT
OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04
Item Title: Consider The Internet Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development Finance
Authority and Windstream Enterprise.
Submitted By: Office of Economic Development
Contact Person/Telephone: Kathryn Quell, Building Services Specialist
Administration (initial as applicable) Attachments
City Clerk x Resolution Minutes
Finance & Budget Director Ordinance Plan/Map
City Attorney (as to legal form) x Contract x Other
City Manager
Check box if this agenda item requires billing/revenue collection (fees, etc.) by Treasury Office
Executive Summary:
This is a three-year Internet Agreement for 1Gb with a block of 32 Ips and managed router equipment. The
cost is $1781.48/month.
Suggested Action:
MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:
RESOLVED, to approve the Internet Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local Development
Finance Authority and Windstream Enterprise.
Business of the Local
Development Finance Meeting: 1/11/22
Authority
Sterling Heights, Michigan
AGENDA STATEMENT
OMB AS03 Rev. 11/04
Item Title: Consider The Managed Infrastructure Service Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights Local
Development Finance Authority and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
Submitted By: Office of Economic Development
Contact Person/Telephone: Kathryn Quell, Building Services Specialist
Administration (initial as applicable) Attachments
City Clerk x Resolution Minutes
Finance & Budget Director Ordinance Plan/Map
City Attorney (as to legal form) x Contract x Other
City Manager
Check box if this agenda item requires billing/revenue collection (fees, etc.) by Treasury Office
Executive Summary:
This is a eight-month Managed Infrastructure Agreement for IT at Velocity. The cost is $2500.00/month.
Suggested Action:
MOVED BY: SECONDED BY:
RESOLVED, to approve the Managed Infrastructure Service Agreement between the City of Sterling Heights
Local Development Finance Authority and Nordicom Technologies, Inc.
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