City Council

1 January 13, 2025 CITY OF WYANDOTTE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING A Regular Session of the Wyandotte City Council was held in Council Chambers and via Virtual Telecommunication methods, due to COVID-19 in accordance with Wayne County Local Public Health Department “Guidance for Meetings of Governmental Bodies” and PA228 of 2020, using the Zoom Audio platform, on Monday, January 13, 2025 and was called to order at 7:00pm with Honorable Mayor Robert A. DeSana presiding. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by roll call. Present: Mayor Robert A. DeSana, Councilpersons Robert Alderman, Christopher Calvin, Kaylyn Crayne, Rosemary Shuryan, Kelly Stec ABSENT: Councilperson Todd Hanna Also Present: Theodore Galeski, City Assessor; Todd Browning, City Treasurer; William R. Look, City Attorney; Jesus Plasencia, City Engineer; and Lawrence Stec, City Clerk PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS PUBLIC HEARING UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2025-1 SPECIAL EVENTS PACKET UPDATE By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the Council concurs with the recommendation of the Special Events Coordinator to approve the updated Special Events Application Packet, including fees associated with hosting a third-party event in the City of Wyandotte. Motion unanimously carried. CALL TO THE PUBLIC CONSENT AGENDA 2025-2 MINUTES By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held under the date of December 16, 2024, be approved as recorded without objection. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-3 ANTENNA SITE LICENSE AGREE WITH AT&T-1077 GROVE & 365 HUDSON By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that council approves the Fourth Amendment to Site License Agreement for 1077 Grove, and the Sixth Amendment to Site License Agreement for 365 Grove, both with AT&T, d/b/a New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC, and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to sign said amendments. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-4 PROVERTY TAX GUIDELINES By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec WHEREAS, the adoption of guidelines for poverty exemptions is required of the City Council and WHEREAS, the principal residence of persons, who the and Board of Review determines by reason of poverty to be unable to contribute to the public charge, is eligible for exemption in part from taxation under Public Act 253 of 2020 (MCL 211.7u); and WHEREAS, pursuant to PA 253 of 2020, the City of Wyandotte, Wayne County adopts the following policy for the Board of Review to implement. 1. Exemptions will be granted to owners of homesteads only. Property must be granted at least a 50% 2 January 13, 2025 homestead exemption from the State of Michigan. 2. Per, MCL 211.7u(3), the application for consideration must be received by the Assessor's Office at least one day prior to the last session of the Board of Review. The application can be made by mail, if received one day prior to the last session of the Board of Review. 3. All applicants must file a claim with the Board of Review on a form prescribed by the State Tax Commission. The application must be filled out in its entirety and all requested documentation must be attached. If an area does not apply to the applicant, "N/A" must be used. If the application is not complete or requested documentation is not included, the Board of Review will deny the exemption. All pages included with this application must be returned when the application is submitted for review. 4. Per MCL 211.7u(7), a person who files a claim for Poverty exemption IS NOT prohibited from also appealing the assessment on the property to the Board of Review in the same year. 5. The poverty threshold for eligibility for a poverty exemption is the Federal income standards established by the United States Office of Management and Budget for the previous calendar year. To be eligible for a poverty exemption from property taxes, the income of the property owner (household) must be less than the poverty threshold for the number of persons within the household. 6. All income and assets for persons in the household are reported in accordance with a form prescribed by the State Tax Commission. a. Per MCL 211.7u(2)(b), federal and state income tax returns for all persons residing in the principal residence must be included with the application including any property tax credit returns. The tax returns may be from the current or preceding tax year. If any person in the household is not required to file federal or state tax returns, the included affidavit, form 4988, must be completed by each person that does not file taxes. b. The most recent statement for all bank accounts, investments, IRAs, CDs, 401Ks, money market, annuities, etc. The statement submitted must be complete with no missing pages and submitted for all persons residing in the home. c. Proof of income/assets from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, Bridge Card, and any College/University scholarships for all persons residing in the home. d. The most recent mortgage statement of the primary residence under review, including any reverse mortgages. e. If primary residence being sought for exemption was purchased within the past two years of this application, homeowner's closing statements must be submitted with application. 7. Maximum total allowed assets, including amounts in banking/investment accounts may not exceed the amount of the federal poverty guideline for the number of persons in the household. The Asset Level does not include the primary residence for which exemption is being sought. It does include, but is not limited to: a. A second home, additional land not associated with the primary residence, or other buildings other than the primary residence being sought for exemption. b. Vehicles and other recreational vehicles such as motor homes, campers, ATVs, boats, and motorcycles. c. Jewelry, antiques, artwork, equipment, and other personal property of value. d. Bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and investments. This also includes the money received from the sale of stocks, bonds, investments, cars, and houses unless a person is in the specific business of selling such property. e. Withdrawals of bank accounts and borrowed money. f. Gifts, loans, lump-sum inheritances, and one-time insurance payments. g. Food or housing received in lieu of wages and the value of food and fuel produced and consumed on farms. h. Federal non-cash benefits programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, and school lunches. i. The total interest income in all accounts (checking, savings, CDs, IRAs, 401Ks, money market, annuities, etc.) j. The applicant shall not have ownership interest in any real estate other than the primary residence 3 January 13, 2025 being considered for exemption. 8. Applicants that meet the income and asset qualifications will have the taxable value reduced by 50% for the current year. 9. Poverty exemptions shall be granted for one year only. The property owner must apply every year in order to receive an exemption. The City of Wyandotte Poverty Exemption Guidelines and Application will be updated annually with the current year Poverty Income Guidelines as established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services without further resolutions. If alternative guidelines are adopted by this governing body a new resolution will be required. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Assessor and Board of Review shall follow the above stated policy and federal guidelines in granting or denying an exemption. Motion unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS 2025-5 APPOINTMENT TO POLICE & FIRE COMMISSION-B. ZALEWSKI By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec WHEREAS, John Harris has resigned from the Police & Fire Commission; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council thanks Mr. Harris for his service; RESOLVED that City Council hereby CONCURS with the recommendation of Mayor DeSana to appoint Brian Zalewski to the Police & Fire Commission to fill the unexpired term of John Harris. Term to expire April 2026. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-6 APPOINTMENT TO POLICE & FIRE COMMISSION-J. CARLEY By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec WHEREAS, Douglas Melzer has resigned from the Police & Fire Commission; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council thanks Mr. Melzer for his service; RESOLVED that City Council hereby CONCURS with the recommendation of Mayor DeSana to appoint Jeffery Carley to the Police & Fire Commission to fill the unexpired term of Douglas Melzer. Term to expire April 2027. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-7 APPOINTMENT OF CITY PROSECUTOR – M. ZICK By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED, that the City Council concurs with the recommendation of Mayor DeSana to retain the prosecutorial services of Zick Law Offices, for a six month period commencing from January 8, 2025 through July 9, 2025. The terms of the agreement will be $18,750, paid every two weeks, plus incidental expenditures. Funds to come from Account Number 101 136 825 331; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute the contract between the City of Wyandotte and Zick Law Offices. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-8 COMMUNICATION FROM COUNCILPERSON STEC-COMMUNITY OUTREACH By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the communication from Councilperson Stec be forwarded to the Human Resources Department, City Administrator, and Legal Counsel for consideration for implementation. Motion unanimously carried. 4 January 13, 2025 2025-9 COMMUNICATION FROM WYANDOTTE GARDEN CLUB-IMPLEMENTING FEES By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the communication from Wyandotte Garden Club is received and referred to the City Administrator. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-10 SAD #955-2024 SIDEWALK PROGRAM By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the costs for Special Assessment District #955 as reported by the City Engineer are hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Finance Department is directed to prepare an assessment roll pursuant to the City Charter requirements. The amount thereof may be divided into not more than five (5) installments, one of which shall be collected each year, at such times as the council shall determine, with annual interest at a rate not exceeding six (6) per cent per annum, but the whole assessment after confirmation may be paid to the city treasurer at any time in full, with the accrued interest thereon, provided that no interest shall be charged until thirty (30) days after confirmation. Said roll to be referred back to City Council; AND BE IT RESOLVED that each assessment levied against real property will be due in full upon any transfer in any matter of property. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-11 FIRST & FINAL READING #1549: SALARY OF CITY ASSESSOR By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec FIRST & FINAL READING #1549 AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING THE SALARY, FOR THE CITY ASSESSOR” THE CITY OF WYANDOTTE ORDAINS: Section 1. SALARY FOR ASSESSOR Commencing with the term of office that begins June 2, 2025, the salary for the City Assessor shall be as follows: Effective June 2, 2025 an annual salary of $5,700.00 Section 2. Severability. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent necessary to give this ordinance full force and effect. Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health or safety and is necessary for the usual daily operation of the City. Therefore, it is necessary for this Ordinance to take effect immediately. This Ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in a newspaper generally circulated in the City of Wyandotte within ten (10) days of its passage. On the question, “SHALL THIS ORDINANCE NOW PASS?”, the following vote was recorded: Motion unanimously carried. 2025-12 FIRST & FINAL READING #1550-SALARY OF CITY TREASURER By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec FIRST & FINAL READING #1550 AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING THE SALARY FOR THE CITY TREASRUER” THE CITY OF WYANDOTTE ORDAINS: Section 1. SALARY FOR TREASURER Commencing with the term of office that begins June 2, 2025, the salary for the City Treasurer shall be as follows: Effective June 2, 2025 an annual salary of $5,700.00 5 January 13, 2025 Section 2. Severability. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent necessary to give this ordinance full force and effect. Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health or safety and is necessary for the usual daily operation of the City. Therefore, it is necessary for this Ordinance to take effect immediately. This Ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in a newspaper generally circulated in the City of Wyandotte within ten (10) days of its passage. On the question, “SHALL THIS ORDINANCE NOW PASS?”, the following vote was recorded: Motion unanimously carried. 2025-13 SET SALARY-CITY CLERK By Councilperson Alderman, supported by Councilperson Crayne RESOLVED that the salary for the City Clerk be set at $60,000, effective June 2, 2025. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-14 FIRST & FINAL READING #1551-SALARY OF CITY CLERK By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec FIRST & FINAL READING #1551 AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE DETERMINING THE SALARY AND FRINGE BENEFITES FOR THE CITY CLERK” THE CITY OF WYANDOTTE ORDAINS: Section 1. SALARY FOR CLERK Commencing with the term of office that begins June 2, 2025, the salary and fringe benefits for the City Clerk shall be as follows: Effective June 2, 2025 an annual salary of $60,000.00 Throughout the term of office, the City Clerk shall also receive the same fringe benefits that are granted to the general city employees based on the original entry date as an employee or elected official of the City of Wyandotte. These benefits include social security and Medicare, medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, longevity benefits, and retirement benefits. This position shall also be granted any annual salary percent increases that are granted to the general city non-union employees. Section 2. Severability. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent necessary to give this ordinance full force and effect. Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health or safety and is necessary for the usual daily operation of the City. Therefore, it is necessary for this Ordinance to take effect immediately. This Ordinance or a summary thereof shall be published in a newspaper generally circulated in the City of Wyandotte within ten (10) days of its passage. On the question, “SHALL THIS ORDINANCE NOW PASS?”, the following vote was recorded: Motion unanimously carried. 2025-15 BILLS & ACCOUNTS By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that the total bills and accounts of $6,899,791.54 as presented by the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby approved for payment. Motion unanimously carried. 6 January 13, 2025 REPORTS & MINUTES Brownfield (BRDA) Minutes 12/17/2024 Civil Service Commission 12/11/2024 Fire Commission 11/12/2024 Police Commission 12/10/2024 Recreation Commission 11/12/2024 TIFA Minutes 12/17/2024 WMS Commission Minutes 12/4/2024 & 12/18/2024 REMARKS OF THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, & ELECTED OFFICIALS NEXT MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL: JANUARY 27, 2025 ADJOURNMENT 2024-16 ADJOURNMENT By Councilperson Shuryan, supported by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED, that this regular meeting of the Wyandotte City Council be adjourned at 8:04 pm. Motion unanimously carried. ________________________ Lawrence S. Stec, City Clerk