City Council

1 July 14, 2025 CITY OF WYANDOTTE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING A Regular Session of the Wyandotte City Council was held in Council Chambers on Monday, July 14, 2025, and was called to order at 7:00 pm 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, Adriana Cerulla, Todd Hanna, Kelly Stec, Patrick Sutka Absent: NONE Also Present: Todd Browning, City Treasurer; Theodore Galeski, City Assessor; William R. Look, City Attorney; Jesus Plasencia, City Engineer; and Lawrence Stec, City Clerk PRESENTATIONS • Beautification Commission to Honor Artist, Audrey Honeycutt PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS PUBLIC HEARING UNFINISHED BUSINESS CALL TO THE PUBLIC CONSENT AGENDA 2025-199 MINUTES By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held under the date of June 23, 2025, be approved as recorded without objection. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-200 VARIOUS SERVICES – ASSESSMENT ROLLS By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman WHEREAS, the City Council has received a report identifying unpaid charges for services performed by the Department of Public Service; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 222 of the City Charter, these unpaid charges are to be placed as special assessments against the properties that received the services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the placement of these charges as special assessments; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Treasurer is directed to spread the total amount of $12,264.94 on the 2025 Summer Tax Roll as special assessments against the applicable properties. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-201 PD APPLICATION: 3887 FORT ST. By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the communication from the Planning Commission regarding the request for a showroom for event services, rental items and event space for rent at 3887 Fort Street, Wyandotte is hereby received and placed on file; AND WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 19, 2025, and after said public hearing the Planning Commission determined that said use is in compliance with the planned development representations made at the time of approval and, with the recommendation of the City Engineer, approves the use with the following to be incorporated into the approval: • All activities are to be performed inside the building. 2 July 14, 2025 • A curfew of midnight for any parties inside the building NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby APPROVES plans for a showroom for event services, rental items and event space for rent at 3887 Fort Street and will now become an integral part of the PD District, and for purposes of recordation shall be referred to as Planned Development No. 2025-201. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-202 PD APPLICATION: 3460 BIDDLE AVENUE By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the communication from the Planning Commission regarding the request for a Taco Bell Restaurant with Drive-Thru at 3460 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte is hereby received and placed on file; AND WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 19, 2025, and after said public hearing the Planning Commission determined that said use is in compliance with the planned development representations made at the time of approval and, with the recommendation of the City Engineer, approved the plan as a final plan, meeting the requirements set forth in Section 190.279 of the Zoning Ordinance along with the following to be incorporated into the final plan: • Existing pole sign to be removed and replaced with a ground sign. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby APPROVES the plans for the Taco Bell Restaurant with Drive-Thru at 3460 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, and will now become an integral part of the PD District, and for purposes of recordation shall be referred to as Planned Development No. 2025- 202. Approval of the final site plan shall be effective for a period of three (3) years, providing that development is commenced within one (1) year as evidenced, at a minimum, by issuance of a building permit. If development is not commenced within one (1) year or not completed within three (3) years, the Planning Commission shall review progress to date and make a recommendation to the City Council as to action relative to permitting continuation under the original approval. Motion unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS 2025-203 MOU: SENIOR ALLIANCE FOR MI OPTIONS AND SHIP SERVICES By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman WHEREAS, The Senior Alliance (TSA), Area Agency on Aging 1-C, administers the MI Options and State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provide valuable counseling, education, and support to residents regarding long-term care needs and Medicare benefits; and WHEREAS, the City of Wyandotte has been identified as a potential Partner Facility to support the delivery of these services by providing space for certified TSA counselors to meet with residents; and WHEREAS, TSA has presented a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the responsibilities of both parties for the program years beginning May 1, 2025, and ending March 31, 2028; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Wyandotte City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign and execute the Memorandum of Understanding with The Senior Alliance, and to take any necessary actions to carry out the intent of this resolution. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-204 SCHEDULE PH: 2025 TAX RATE TO SUPPORT 2026 FY OPERATIONS By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman WHEREAS the Deputy Treasurer/Assistant Finance Director has filed a copy of the communication relative to the 2026 Fiscal Year Operating Budget and Corresponding Operating Tax Millage Rate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Council shall hold a Budget Meeting, in accordance with Public Act 40 of 1995, in the Council Chambers of the Wyandotte City Hall, 3200 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, on July 28, 2025, at 7:00 pm 3 July 14, 2025 BE IT FURTHER resolved that the City Council will act on the 2025 operating millage rate pursuant to Public Act 75 of 1991, at the July 28, 2025, Council meeting after the closure of required Budget Hearing. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-205 FIRST & FINAL READING #1556: CH 91 – ADOPT. 2021 INTL FIRE CODE By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 91 “FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WYANDOTTE BY AMENDING §91.001 AND §91.002 THE CITY OF WYANDOTTE ORDAINS: CHAPTER 91. FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION Section 1. Amendment of §91.001 “Adoption of 2021 International Fire Code” A certain document, one (1) copy of which is on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Wyandotte, Michigan, being marked and designated as the 2021 International Fire Code, including Appendix B (Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings), C (Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution), D (Fire Apparatus Access Roads), E (Hazard Categories), F (Hazard Ranking), G (Cryogenic Fluids – Weight and Volume Equivalents), I (Fire Protection System Non-Compliant Conditions), as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the fire code of the City of Wyandotte for regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises as herein provided; and providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of such International Fire Code on file in the office of the city clerk of the City of Wyandotte, Michigan, are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this article with the additions, insertions, deletions, and changes, if any, prescribed in section 11-27 of this article. Section 2. Amendment of §91.002 “Amendments” The following sections of the 2021 International Fire Code are amended to read as follows: Section 101.1. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Wyandotte, Michigan, hereinafter referred to as “this code”. Section 112.2. Owner/occupant responsibility. Correction and abatement of violations of this code shall be the responsibility of the owner, or the owner’s authorized agent, where an occupant creates or allows to be created, hazardous conditions in violation of this code, the occupant shall be held responsible for the abatement of such hazardous conditions and in the event of an emergency situation arising from the failure to abate will be liable for all reasonable costs incurred by the city in dealing with said emergency. Section 112.4. Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair, or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be responsible for a municipal civil infraction whether by admission or by court determination and is subject to all of the following fines and costs: A. A civil fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00); and B. The Judge or Magistrate shall summarily tax and determine the costs of the action (which are not limited to the costs taxable in ordinary civil actions) and may include all expenses direct and indirect, to which the city has been put in connection with the municipal civil infraction, up to the entry of judgment, expenses include but are not limited to: time of authorized city official, time of city attorney, witness and mileage fees and postage. Costs may not be less than nine dollars ($9.00) or more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Costs shall be payable to the city general fund except as otherwise provided by law. 4 July 14, 2025 C. Each day that a violation of this code continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. Section 113.4. Failure to Comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) and not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Section 3. Purpose. The purpose of this code is to prescribe minimum requirements and controls to safeguard life, property, or public welfare from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of substances, materials or devices and from conditions hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in the use or occupancy of buildings, structures, sheds, tents, lots or premises and all other purposes as set forth in said code. Section 4. Severability. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herein are hereby repealed, only to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect. Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take immediate effect. This ordinance is deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, property, health, safety and for providing for the usual daily operation of the City Fire Department. This Ordinance or its summary shall be published in a newspaper generally circulated in the City of Wyandotte within ten (10) days after adoption. A copy of this Ordinance may be inspected or obtained at the City of Wyandotte Clerk’s Office, 3200 Biddle, Wyandotte, Michigan. Section 6. Notice of Availability. A complete copy of the code and appendixes are available to the public at the office of the City Clerk at 3200 Biddle, Wyandotte, MI 48192 in compliance with state law requiring that records of public bodies be made available to the general public. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-206 WMS PURCHASING AGREEMENT: BORDER STATES INDUSTRIES By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman WHEREAS, the Wyandotte Municipal Services Commission, on April 16, 2025, approved a resolution authorizing the General Manager to enter into a consolidated purchasing Strategic Business Agreement with Border States Industries, utilizing the City of Wyandotte’s sole source procurement procedures; and WHEREAS, the agreement is necessary to support continued efficient procurement of materials for electric Transmission and Distribution (T&D) construction and related capital projects; and WHEREAS, capital funds are budgeted annually for these purposes under account #591-000-970-000- 1011TD; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council concurs with the Wyandotte Municipal Services Commission and hereby approves the sole source Strategic Business Agreement with Border States Industries for the period of August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-207 CREDIT CARD AND ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS PROCESSING: BS&A By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK AND MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH BS&A Software, LLC TO PROVIDE CREDIT CARD PROCESSING CAPABILITIES FOR BILL, FEE, AND TAX PAYMENTS. WHEREAS, there is citizen demand for the ability to pay utility bills, permits, taxes, and miscellaneous payments online and in a consistent manner; and WHEREAS, the existing and pending enterprise system has the capability to integrate payments into existing workflows, allowing for productivity gains and a better user experience; now therefore, 5 July 14, 2025 BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that Council CONCURS with the Director of Information Technology in the following; that the City Clerk and Mayor are hereby authorized to sign an agreement with BS&A Software, LLC to provide processing capabilities for credit card payments Motion unanimously carried. 2025-208 SCHEDULE PH: ESTABLISHMENT OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DIST By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby approves the scheduling of a public hearing in consideration of the request from Wyandotte Industries, whose address is 4625 13th Street, to establish an Industrial Development District in accordance with the Plant Rehabilitation and Industrial Development Districts Act, Act 198 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1974 as amended. The Public Notice shall be published and mailed as follows: PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Wyandotte has received an application submitted by Wyandotte Industries to establish an industrial development district under the terms of the Plant Rehabilitation and Industrial Development Districts Act, Act 198 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1974 as amended. The industrial development district would, if approved, comprise lands legally described as follows: Land situated in the City of Wyandotte, in the County of Wayne, Michigan: Legal Description: 15739 15740 LOT 23 WYANDOTTE INDUSTRIAL SUB NO. 1 T3S R11E L87 P65, 66 WCR Parcel Number: 57 022 10 0023 000 And Legal Description: 15735 THRU 15738 LOTS 21 AND 22 WYANDOTTE INDUSTRIAL SUB NO. 1 L87 P65 & P66 WCR ALSO PT OF SW 1/4 FRAC SEC. 32 T3S R11E DESC AS BEG AT THE SE COR OF LOT 21 TH N 14D 36M 10S E 223.21 TH S 89D 43M 50S E 68.12 TH S 14D 36M 10S W 223.21 TH N 89D 43M 50S W 68.12 TO POB 0.34 AC WYANDOTTE INDUSTRIAL SUB NO. 1 T3S R11E L87 P65, 66 WCR Parcel Number: 57 022 10 0021 301 PUBLIC NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Wyandotte will hold a public hearing on the application for the industrial development district on Monday, August 11th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at the City of Wyandotte City Hall Building, located at 3200 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, Michigan 48192. All interested persons may attend the public hearing and comment on the proposed industrial development district. Written comments may be submitted to the City of Wyandotte’s City Clerk’s Office at 3200 Biddle Avenue, up to the time of the public hearing. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-209 MDOT WALKSAFE TAP GRANT ACCEPTANCE By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that City Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer to accept the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant monies for the Walksafe TAP Grant, provided the PART I of the contract be amended to include improvements east of Biddle Avenue, particularly described as: Approximately 1 mile of concrete sidewalk replacement along Pine Street between 3rd Street and Biddle Avenue, along Eureka Road between 3rd Street and the Detroit River, along Sycamore Street between 3rd Street and Van Alstyne Street, along Maple Street between 3rd Street and Van Alstyne Street, along Elm Street between 3rd Street and the Detroit River, along Oak Street between 3rd Street and the Detroit River, along Chestnut Street between 3rd Street and Van Alstyne Street, along Biddle Avenue between Pine Street and Vinewood Street, along 1st Street between Maple Street and Chestnut Street, along 2nd Street between Sycamore Street and Chestnut Street, and along 3rd Street between Pine Street and Chestnut Street including monolithic concrete curb, curb repair, ADA ramps, brick paver removal, exposed aggregate sidewalk, planter box repair; and all necessary related work. 6 July 14, 2025 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Robert A. DeSana, Mayor, and Lawrence S. Stec, City Clerk, are hereby authorized to sign Contract 25-5340 with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-210 WAYNE COUNTY CDBG AGREEMENT By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman BE IT RESOLVED that Council hereby approves the Sub-Recipient Agreement for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Term July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, and authorizes the Mayor to execute the agreement. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-211 ESTABLISHMENT OF SAD #957: 2025 SIDEWALK PROGRAM By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman WHEREAS, in the ongoing efforts to maintain safe public sidewalks for pedestrian passage, AND WHEREAS, regularly scheduled sidewalk improvements are implemented through the Special Assessment District process, BE IT RESOLVED that Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer to establish Special Assessment District #957 for the 2025 Sidewalk Program bounded by Ford Avenue, Goddard Road, Fort Street, and Electric Avenue. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-212 CONTRACT EXTENSION: 2025 SIDEWALK PROGRAM By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman BE IT RESOLVED that Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer and APPROVES the contract extension with Royal Cement of Lincoln Park for the 2025 Sidewalk Program with sidewalk repairs to be paid for from account #249-450-825-461. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-213 SALE OF FORMER 622 8TH STREET By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the communication from the City Engineer regarding the City-owned property located at the former 622 8th Street is hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council concurs with the recommendation to sell the property known as the former 622 8th Street to K.P. Home Solutions, LLC in the amount of $10,000.00; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the Purchaser(s), K.P. Home Solutions, LLC does not undertake development within six (6) months, or complete construction within one (1) year, it will result in the Seller’s right to repurchase property, including any improvements, for eight thousand ($8,000.00) dollars. A condition will be placed on the Deed that will include this contingency; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Offer to Purchase Real Estate for the property known as the former 622 8th Street between K.P. Home Solutions, LLC and the City of Wyandotte for $10,000 as presented to the Council. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-214 SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: SE CORNER OF MARSHALL & 20TH By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the communication from the City Engineer regarding the City-owned property on the southeast corner of Marshall and 20th Street is hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer to list the property on the southeast corner of Marshall and 20th Street for the construction of two (2) single family dwellings in accordance with the Build a Future in Wyandotte specifications. I move the adoption of the foregoing resolution. Motion unanimously carried. 7 July 14, 2025 2025-215 LEASE CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: 1100 BIDDLE AVE; DEMO 542 FORD By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED by the City Council that the communication from the City Engineer regarding the City- owned property located at 542 Ford Avenue and 1100 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, is hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council CONCURS with the recommendation to lease a portion of the property at 1100 Biddle Avenue to the Wyandotte Braves Baseball Association for the amount of $1.00; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the Lease as presented to Council on July 14, 2025; AND BE IT RESOLVED that the City Engineer is authorized to demolish the building at 542 Ford Avenue, combine the former 526-538 Ford Avenue with 542 Ford Avenue and place it "For Sale" in accordance with the Specifications for Acquisition of Vacant Parcels for Industrial/Commercial/Multiple Family Development. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-216 REZONING OF THE PROPERTY AT 143-145 MAPLE By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the communication from the Planning Commission regarding the rezoning of the property known as 143-145 Maple Street, Wyandotte is hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council concurs with the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the request to rezone the property at 143-145 Maple to General Business District (B- 2). The property shall remain zoned Central Business District (CBD). Motion unanimously carried. 2025-217 REZONING OF THE PROPERTY AT 562-564 OAK By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the communication from the Planning Commission regarding the rezoning of the property known as 562-564 Oak Street, Wyandotte is hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council concurs with the recommendation of the Planning Commission to deny the request to rezone the property at 562-564 Oak Street to General Business District (B-2). The property will remain in the Multiple Family Residential District (RM-1). Motion unanimously carried. 2025-218 REZONING OF THE PROPERTY AT 3352 4TH ST. By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the rezoning of the property at 3352 4th St. is hereby held in abeyance for two weeks at the meeting held on July 28, 2025 and referred to the Department of Legal Affairs and the Engineering Department on guidance on how to proceed. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-219 VIADUCT RAILROAD REPAIRS By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman WHEREAS, the City of Wyandotte is committed to the safety, appearance, and functionality of its public infrastructure for the benefit of its residents, businesses, and visitors; and WHEREAS, the viaducts at Eureka Road have long been in disrepair and have become increasingly unsightly, creating both functional and aesthetic concerns for the community; and WHEREAS, these viaducts are located immediately adjacent to Roosevelt High School, one of the City’s most prominent public institutions, which sees significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic from students, staff, and families; and WHEREAS, the condition of the viaducts presents an unacceptable image for a city committed to growth, safety, and community pride; and 8 July 14, 2025 WHEREAS, an emergency repair was recently required on one of the viaducts during the Wyandotte Street Art Fair, the City’s most attended annual event, resulting in the closure of westbound lanes for several hours and causing disruption to traffic flow, event operations, and visitor access; and WHEREAS, the City has received ongoing concerns from residents and stakeholders about the deteriorating state of these viaducts and the lack of visible progress in their long-term maintenance and improvement; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Wyandotte City Council formally urges all relevant state transportation authorities and railroad officials to prioritize and expedite the structural rehabilitation and aesthetic improvement of the Eureka Road viaducts; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a coordinated plan of action be developed and shared with the City to address the current condition, prevent further disruption, and improve safety and appearance, particularly given the proximity to a public high school and major community events; and BE IT RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Wayne County Department of Public Services, relevant railroad operators, and all appropriate legislative representatives; and BE IT RESOLVED, the resolution is hereby referred to Department of Legal Affairs to explore the City’s legal options for maintenance and restoration of the viaducts with report back to this Council at the meeting held on July 28, 2025. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-220 BILLS & ACCOUNTS By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that the total bills and accounts of $ 3,783,119.35 as presented by the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby approved for payment. Motion unanimously carried. REPORTS & MINUTES Planning Commission 06.19.2025 Recreation Commission 06.10.2025 WMS Commission 06.18.2025 REMARKS OF THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, & ELECTED OFFICIAL ADJOURNMENT 2025-221 ADJOURNMENT By Councilperson Cerulla, supported by Councilperson Alderman RESOLVED that this regular meeting of the Wyandotte City Council be adjourned at 8:51 pm. Motion unanimously carried. _________________________ Lawrence S. Stec, City Clerk