City Council

1 July 28, 2025 CITY OF WYANDOTTE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING A Regular Session of the Wyandotte City Council was held in Council Chambers on Monday, July 28, 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: Todd Browning, City Treasurer Also Present: Theodore Galeski, City Assessor; William R. Look, City Attorney; Jesus Plasencia, City Engineer; and Lawrence Stec, City Clerk PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS PUBLIC HEARING • 2025 City Tax Rates to Support 2026 Fiscal Year Operations o Zero objections, written or verbal UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2025-222 1927 GRADE SEPARATION AGREEMENT AT EUREKA By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the City Attorney's opinion regarding the requirements of the railroad to “Maintain, repair and renew” the viaducts at Eureka Rd. is hereby received and placed on file. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-223 REZONING OF THE PROPERTY AT 3352 4TH ST. – ATTORNEY OPINION By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the City Attorney's opinion regarding the Planned Development (PD) at 3352 4th Street is hereby received and placed on file. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-224 REZONING OF THE PROPERTY AT 3352 4TH ST. By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that the communication from the Planning Commission regarding the rezoning of the property known as 3352 4th Street, Wyandotte is hereby received and placed on file; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council approves the rezoning of property known as 3352 4th Street, Wyandotte (LOT 8 AND THE EAST 49 FEET OF LOT 9 PART OF WYANDOTTE IN THE TWP OF ECORSE, BLOCK 128) to Planned Development District (PD). NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this request be referred to the Department of Legal Affairs to prepare the proper Ordinance. Motion Failed. YEAS: Calvin, Stec NAYS: Alderman, Cerulla, Hanna, Sutka CALL TO THE PUBLIC 2 July 28, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA 2025-225 MINUTES By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held under the date of July 14, 2025, be approved as recorded without objection. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-226 DUWA ODOR MITIGATION EFFORTS By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the communication from Dan Alford, DUWA System Manager, regarding DUWA odor mitigation efforts as of July 2025 is hereby received and placed on file. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-227 SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION – PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that Council Concurs with the recommendation of the Special Events Coordinator to approve the use of city sidewalks and property for the event to be held on August 16th 2025, provided Rudolph Cianfarani and Serve up Hope add the City of Wyandotte as an additional insured to their insurance policy and sign a hold harmless agreement created by the Department of Legal Affairs. Event date: August 16th 2025 Event set up time: 8 am Event time: 9 am to 1 pm Site of event: F.O.P Park This event is to raise money for managing mental health and suicide awareness. The group plans on using the pickleball courts and area surrounding it. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-228 SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION – WY. BOAT CLUB By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that Council Concurs with the recommendation of the Special Events Coordinator, Fire Chief, Police Chief and Recreation Superintendent to approve the use of city sidewalks and property (see attached maps for areas of use) for the event held November 22nd 2025 provided the group add the City of Wyandotte as additional insured to their insurance policy and sign a hold harmless agreement to be drafted up by the Department of Legal Affairs. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-229 SPECIAL EVENT APPLICATION – BACKPACK GIVEAWAY By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that Council Concurs with the recommendation of the Special Events Coordinator to approve the use of the following city property for the Backpack give away and Touch A Truck event to be held on July 31st from 12pm-8pm: • Northwest side of the Yack Arena parking lot. • Full south side of the lot for the vehicles for the Touch-A-Truck event. Barricades are dropped off on the parking lot/street on the morning of the event. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the event has been reviewed and approved by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Recreation Superintendent and DPS Superintendent pending the signing of a hold harmless agreement created by the Legal Department. Motion unanimously carried. 3 July 28, 2025 2025-230 2025 WAYNE COUNTY TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL that Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer regarding the purchase of Wayne County Tax Reverted Properties for economic redevelopment; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council approves the acquisition of the following properties from account no. 492-200-850-519 total amount $74,784.18: 57-004-23-0009-000 652 Goddard $ 9,554.41 57-005-07-0063-002 1223 10th Street $12,791.42 57-006-01-0026-000 1275 Lincoln $12,241.60 57-013-06-0037-003 820 Oak $40,197.35 Motion unanimously carried. NEW BUSINESS 2025-231 APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION – E. VASQUEZ By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec WHEREAS, the term of Planning Commission member Charles Lupo expired in April 2025, and he has chosen not to seek reappointment; and WHEREAS, Mayor DeSana has recommended the appointment of Estevan Vasquez, of 2311 17th St., Wyandotte, MI, to fill the vacancy for a term to expire April 2028; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby CONCURS with the recommendation of Mayor DeSana to appoint Estevan Vasquez to the Planning Commission for a term to expire April 2028; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council extends its appreciation to Charles Lupo for his longtime service and dedication to the City of Wyandotte. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-232 REAPPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS COMMISSIONS By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that the City Council hereby CONCURS with the recommendation of Mayor DeSana to reappoint the following residents to the boards and commissions listed below: PLANNING COMMISSION – Term to Expire April 2028 Barb Duran Stanley Pasko Thomas Williams ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS – Term to Expire May 2028 Richard Szymczuk Guiseppe DiSanto RETIREMENT COMMISSION – Term to Expire May 2026 Robert Szczechowski RECREATION COMMISSION – Term to Expire April 2030 Stephen Oborne Thomas DeSana BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS – Term to Expire April 2028 Francesco Badalamenti BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APPEALS – Term to Expire April 2029 Mark Havlicsek POLICE & FIRE COMMISSION – Term to Expire April 2029 Bob Heck 4 July 28, 2025 TIFA/BRDA – Term to Expire April 2031 Stephanie Badalemente Joe Maher CULTURAL & HISTORICAL COMMISSION – Term to Expire December 2028 Wallace Hayden DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE – Term to Expire June 2028 Bryan Kozinski Motion unanimously carried. 2025-233 2025 CITY TAX RATES TO SUPPORT 2026 FISCAL YEAR OPERATIONS By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec WHEREAS, this City Council of the City of Wyandotte has been advised by the City Assessor that the 2025 State Taxable Valuation for property located within the City of Wyandotte is $763,461,716 as compared to $729,667,797 State Taxable Valuation for the 2024 tax year plus 2025 additions; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Deputy Treasurer/Assistant Finance Director has recommended that the Wyandotte City Tax Rate for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2026, shall be set at $14.2304 operating, $2.3536 refuse collection and disposal, $2.3536 debt service (to include $190,349 related to the renovation of the Yack Arena, $298,751 related to the construction of a new Police/District Court facility, $300,000 for the renovation of the Central Fire Station, $202,575 for the purchase of new police vehicles, $54,000 for the purchase of a new ambulance, and $60,000 for the purchase of DPS equipment), and $3.8124 for the operation and maintenance of Drain #5 for a total tax levy of $22.7500 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation of the State Taxable Value; and BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that the communication from the Deputy Treasurer/Assistant Finance Director submitting the proposed tax rates for the 2026 Fiscal Year is hereby received and made part of the hearing file scheduled for tonight’s meeting. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-234 WPD PURCHASE OF GRAPPLERS By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec WHEREAS, the Wyandotte Police Department has identified the need to enhance public safety and reduce the number of high-speed vehicle pursuits; and WHEREAS, the Department is requesting authorization to purchase five (5) Grappler Police Bumpers, a device specifically designed to bring fleeing vehicles to a controlled stop by deploying a tether strap that ensnares the fleeing vehicle’s tire; and WHEREAS, the Grappler Police Bumper is a patented technology offered solely by Stock Enterprises, making them a sole source vendor for this equipment; and WHEREAS, the total cost for the purchase of five (5) Grappler Police Bumpers is $35,820.16; and WHEREAS, funds for this purchase are available in the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 budget; and WHEREAS, the Police Commission reviewed and approved this purchase at their meeting on July 22, 2025; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Wyandotte City Council hereby authorizes the purchase of five (5) Grappler Police Bumpers from Stock Enterprises in the amount of $35,820.16 as a sole source purchase. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funds for this purchase shall be expended from Account #101-301- 850-540. Motion Carried. YEAS: Calvin, Cerulla, Hanna, Stec, Sutka NAYS: Alderman 5 July 28, 2025 2025-235 HIRING: ENGINEERING AND BUILDING DEPT – T. CHORKEY By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL that Council acknowledges receipt of the communication from the Human Resource Specialist regarding the hiring of a Building Inspector III - Class Code 40B for the Engineering and Building Department; AND CONCURS with the recommendation therein and hereby declares said position vacant and authorizes the filling of such vacancy and FURTHER, RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL that the Council approves the hiring of Thomas Chorkey as a Building Inspector III at Class Code 40B within the Engineering and Building Department, contingent on the successful completion of a physical and drug screen examination. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-236 HIRING: DPS LABORER/EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – P. KIRK By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the Council acknowledges receipt of the communication from the Human Resource Specialist regarding the Laborer/Equipment Operator position at the Department of Public Service; AND CONCURS with the recommendation therein and hereby declares said position vacant and authorizes the filling of such vacancy; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council approves the hiring of Philip Kirk as a Full-Time Laborer/Equipment Operator in the Department of Public Services contingent on successful completion of physical, drug screen, and background check. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-237 SPECIAL EVENT – PURCHASE OF BARRICADES By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council concurs with the Special Events Coordinator to purchase sixteen (16) Modular Vehicle Barriers, pivot system, slide wheels and storage locker for $32,497.00 to be paid from the Special Events Fund. Motion carried. YEAS: Calvin, Cerulla, Hanna, Stec, Sutka NAYS: Alderman 2025-238 BID AWARD #4892: DEMOLITION OF VARIOUS STRUCTURES – PIZZO By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that Council concurs with the recommendation of the City Engineer and approves the award Bid File #4892 to Pizzo Development Group of Wyandotte, MI, for the Demolition of Various Structures amount of $71,893, and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to proceed with the execution of this contract and, FURTHER RESOLVED, the project will be funded from account 492-200-850-519 for the demolition structures at: 2809 10th Street 3590 11th Street 1723 7th Street 1111 1st Street 2688 9th Street 557 Grove Street Motion unanimously carried. 6 July 28, 2025 2025-239 SALE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY: FORMER 1235 EUREKA By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL that Council concurs with the communication from the City Engineer regarding the sale of the former 1235 Eureka; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council accepts the offer from Mary Rosecrans to acquire the former 1235 Eureka for the amount of $3,000.00, AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Legal Affairs is hereby directed to prepare the necessary documents and the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to sign said Documents. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-240 GRANT OF LICENSE: OFF-STREET PARKING – FORD AVE. ROW By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec BE IT RESOLVED that Council has reviewed the Grant of License and Hold Harmless Agreements pertaining to the construction of ten (10) off-street parking spaces in the Ford Avenue Right of Way adjacent to 2005 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, Owner; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the Grant of License with the condition that no off-street parking pavement shall be placed west of Oakwood Cemetery fence line. Motion unanimously carried. 2025-241 BILLS & ACCOUNTS By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that the total bills and accounts of $2,567,492.41 as presented by the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby approved for payment. Motion unanimously carried. REPORTS & MINUTES 2025 July Board of Review Minutes Fire Commission 06.10.2025 Police Commission 07.22.2025 REMARKS OF THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, & ELECTED OFFICIAL ADJOURNMENT 2025-242 ADJOURNMENT By Councilperson Hanna, seconded by Councilperson Stec RESOLVED that this regular meeting of the Wyandotte City Council be adjourned at 8:28 PM. Motion unanimously carried. _________________________ Lawrence S. Stec, City Clerk