CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2017
IN CITY HALL
Mayor Michael C. Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Mayor Taylor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Melanie D. Ryska,
City Clerk, gave the Invocation.
Council Members present at roll call: Deanna Koski, Gary Lusk, Maria G.
Schmidt, Nate Shannon, Liz Sierawski, Michael C. Taylor, Barbara A. Ziarko.
Also Present: Mark Vanderpool, City Manager; Marc D. Kaszubski, City
Attorney; Melanie D. Ryska, City Clerk; Carol Sobosky, Recording Secretary.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA,
Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, to approve the Agenda with the deletion of
Ordinance Introduction – Item #2.
Yes: All. The motion carried.
REPORT FROM CITY MANAGER
Mr. Vanderpool reminded everyone that Columbus Day will be observed on
Monday, October 9, 2017, and all city offices will be closed for an in-service training day for staff. He added that there will be no interruption in refuse collection.
Mr. Vanderpool highlighted several important construction projects centered on
major manufacturing investments throughout the City. He began with a
PowerPoint presentation of how manufacturing investments have created an
economic impact by way of jobs, new supply chain investments, spin-off on
commercial investments, and more demand for housing. These manufacturing
investments include Fiat Chrysler’s investment at the Sterling Heights Assembly
Plant, which amounted to about $1 billion for a new paint shop about five years
ago, and a $1.4 billion investment for production of the Dodge Ram pick-up
truck. This latest investment will result in 750 new jobs and is gearing up to start
by the year end. He explained the economic impact has resulted in supply chain Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 2
investments, and as a result, the former Sunnybrook Golf Course is now being
developed as Enterprise Park. Mitchell Plastics, a supplier of FCA, is opening a
state-of-the-art high-tech facility on Enterprise Drive in Sterling Heights. He
informed that the entire manufacturing park is fiber-ready, so that will be a big
attraction to businesses. He reviewed other large industrial investments along
Metro Parkway and Van Dyke, and noted that BAE and General Dynamic Land
Systems are also headquartered in Sterling Heights, and they are also making
large investments. BAE, an aerospace manufacturer, is investing $12 million
adjacent to their flagship building, which will result in ancillary spin-off in the
region. Mr. Vanderpool stated the demand for manufacturing space is so strong
in Sterling Heights that existing companies wanting to expand are not looking
elsewhere, and they are constructing new buildings in the City, and he cited some
of those projects. He showed some of the commercial developments, including
commercial centers being upgraded and new commercial centers being built on
vacant land. He also noted a few new hotels going up along the entire Van Dyke
corridor, including a Hilton brand called “Tru.” He stated the Venezia Grand
Banquet Hall has resumed construction. Mr. Vanderpool stated this economic
impact has resulted in new housing demands, so the City is witnessing
unprecedented growth in new housing. He showed some examples of the high-
end housing being built and is in great demand, and he mentioned the Maple Lane
development scheduled for next year, involving the construction of over 800 new
residential units called “The Verandas,” which will also preserve 18 holes of golf,
along with a separate 9-hole golf course. Mr. Vanderpool introduced the City’s
Economic Development Advisor, Mr. Luke Bonner, to explain the overall impact
of this development compared to other areas in the country, and to announce an
exciting branding initiative.
Mr. Luke Bonner reviewed the work they have been doing over the last couple of
months. He stated they often get used to the construction they are seeing and the
investments regularly occurring by Ford and FCA, but he raised the question as to
what that means in terms of impact, jobs, wages and how this City has been
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 3
shaped by those factors. He explained they retained two different companies to
assist them to “tell that story.” He stated they hired EMSI (Economic Model
Specialists, Inc.), which is an economic model specialist to conduct an economic
impact study of their most recent investments but also to look at the city overall to
determine the impact of all manufacturing, and Ms. Olivia Metz is here tonight to
review that information. He also acknowledged Ms. Sarah Stanley, CEO of
Hoyden Creative Group, who helped them creatively articulate this in a video
which will be shown at the end of the presentation, to reflect how the
manufacturing community has come into play to form the City of Sterling Heights
over time and dictates what they are today.
Ms. Alivia Metz, of EMSI, talked about the “multiplier effect” and provided an
overview of the report. She explained that one manufacturing job in Sterling
Heights equates to approximately one-half of a job created in other industries.
There are 25,000 manufacturing jobs in Sterling Heights, which equates to 14,000
jobs created in other industries, including retail and commercial space. She
advised that with Sterling Heights Assembly Plant and the Sterling Stamping
Plant, that multiplier is higher, so for every job created there, another two jobs are
created in other industries in the area because of their strong supply chain, and
even more in the greater region, as that region grows. Ms. Metz stated that
Sterling Heights has 5.5 times the number of private-sector engineers per capita
than any other city of its size, and the average annual salary of an engineer in
Sterling Heights is $93,000. She reviewed the Peer Region Review, comparing
Sterling Heights to other areas that have the same concentration of engineering
jobs and manufacturing jobs. She noted there are a lot of skilled trade jobs very
significant to the Sterling Heights region and overall economy.
Mr. Bonner explained the numbers Ms. Metz reviewed are concentrated in their 6-
square-mile “industrial corridor,” from Mound to Van Dyke, and from 14 Mile
north to the city border, which has 28 million square feet of industrial high-tech
spaces that houses corporate giants like FCA, Ford, General Dynamics, BAE
Systems, Kuka and Key Safety Systems. He stated that, based on the information
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 4
they have in being unparalleled across the country from a peer perspective, they
are taking the approach of identifying their industrial corridor in a new way, and
today they officially launched what they are calling the “Sterling Innovation
District.” He noted that there will be four tasteful signs identifying this district
and he showed one of the signs located on 18 Mile Road at Velocity Drive. He
stated the area, which involves automotive, defense contracting or aerospace, does
$30 billion of imports and exports annually, which is significant. If some of the
area outside of that area is included, the City’s gross regional product exceeds that
of ten other states. A video, created with the help of Hoyton Creative Group, was
shown and will be used to help promote the City. He explained it is more of
promoting the narrative of the City backed by the research just completed and the
constant investments that occur here.
Mr. Vanderpool stated this is a video they will be using on retention and
recruitment efforts. He thanked the entire team for the hard work they put into the
presentation and video, and he is confident it will pay additional dividends going
forward.
Mr. Vanderpool stated the FBI’s Preliminary Crime Statistics Report was released
a couple of weeks ago, and the City of Sterling Heights fared very well. He
introduced Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski to review the report.
Police Chief Dwojakowski stated that on September 25, 2017, the FBI released
the 2016 Crime Statistics. He explained each community reports their crime
statistics to the State of Michigan, and they report them to the FBI. The FBI takes
about ten months to release the numbers, so these are the figures just released for
last year. He stated the City did very well, recording lower crime rates than 2015
in seven of the ten crime categories the FBI tracks. He noted that Sterling Heights
is already one of the safest cities in the United States with a population of over
100,000 residents, and the 2016 crime statistics show a continued trend of making
Sterling Heights an even safer community. Chief Dwojakowski proceeded to
review the numbers, pointing out that in property crimes, the City of Sterling
Heights has the lowest of any of the seven cities in the State of Michigan with
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 5
population over 100,000. He added that the statistics showed a decrease in
property crimes, burglaries, larceny and thefts, forcible rape, arson, murders and
motor vehicle thefts. There was a slight increase in robberies and aggravated
assault, but only Ann Arbor reported less. Violent crimes were up slightly at 3.8
percent but he stressed that is a national trend, with the national average rising by
4.1 percent. He stressed the Sterling Heights police force works relentlessly to
keep the crime rate low, but he also attributed it to a collaborative effort with the
residents, business owners and city officials working together to keep Sterling
Heights a fabulous place to work, live and play. He thanked Council for their
support and funding to keep the Police Department the best in the State of
Michigan.
Mr. Vanderpool stated that at the conclusion of tonight’s agenda, he is requesting
the City Council convene in closed session to consult with the City’s legal
counsel regarding a confidential written legal opinion. He stated this concludes
his report.
PRESENTATION
Mayor Taylor stated that the first presentation tonight is for the Ninth Recipient of
a Sterling Heights Fire Department’s Survival Coin. He introduced Fire Chief
Christopher Martin to make the presentation.
Fire Chief Martin stated he is proud to present the ninth survival coin in the one
year since this program started. He stressed it is about teamwork, and this was
unique because it involved a 15-year-old man who was otherwise healthy. He
reviewed the details of the incident that occurred on August 26, 2017 involving
Robert Brown III, who visited the Country Cabin Restaurant on Van Dyke, north
of 15 Mile, with his father, Robert Brown Jr. While he was there getting
breakfast and applying for a job, he suddenly became unresponsive and collapsed.
He commended the dispatchers for doing a fabulous job walking the people
through the incident. The young man was not breathing, so a woman jumped up
and began to administer CPR, which she continued until three police officers
arrived and took over. The Fire Department arrived, followed by Rescue 1 and
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 6
Universal. The team worked over the next six minutes to provide three
defibrillations, start an IV, place an advanced airway and continue CPR and drug
therapy. After the third defibrillation, Robert Brown III was revived and became
conscious. He was taken to Beaumont Troy, where he was given excellent care,
and then flown to U of M, where he was released a few days later after having a
defibrillator implanted into his chest. Chief Martin explained he wanted to know
the identity of the woman who started the CPR, and after doing some
investigation and publicity, they identified the woman as Mrs. Susan Pendygraft.
He credited her for starting the teamwork that saved Mr. Brown’s life.
Lt. Tony Lulek, of the Sterling Heights Fire Department, presented the ninth
Survival Coin to Mr. Robert Brown III, who thanked everyone, especially Ms.
Pendygraft for being there for him, and he is happy she was the right person there
at the right time to save his life.
Chief Martin stated Ms. Pendygraft had no duty to act, but she knew she had
something that she could do to help him survive, so she started CPR and
continued until the police officer could take over, and the Fire Department after
that. Because of her starting the teamwork, and the others jumping in to continue,
Mr. Brown is here tonight. He stated he is very proud of her, and thanked her for
her life-saving actions. He added that, because of all the publicity, they have an
award from the Save MI Heart Association, a non-profit organization in Michigan
that tracks all cardiac arrests in this state and try to figure how there can be more
survivors. On behalf of the Save MI Heart Association, Chief Martin presented
Ms. Pendygraft her award from Save MI Heart. On behalf of the Sterling Heights
Fire Department, they would like to award her with the Exceptional Civilian
Service Award.
Ms. Pendygraft thanked Chief Martin, along with all the firefighters, police
officers and EMTs, adding that without them, Mr. Brown would not be here
today.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 7
Chief Martin presented Officer Archer, Officer Connelly and Officer Schmaltz
with the Save MI Heart award, and he added they will be honored at the Open
House at noon this Sunday at Fire Station #4.
Chief Martin also presented the Save MI Heart awards to the firefighters and the
paramedics from Universal who responded.
Chief Martin introduced Mr. Rico Gjonaj, owner of the Country Cabin
Restaurant, who held a fundraiser over the weekend.
Mr. Rico Gjonaj stated he is honored to be part of such a great city, with all the
paramedics and police officers who responded so quickly, and residents like Ms.
Pendygraft who stepped in to perform CPR immediately. He recalled that Mr.
Brown had applied for a job that day, and he had talked with him. He explained
that, after the incident, they waited until he was feeling a little better to hold a
fundraiser. He stated that not only is he giving Mr. Brown a job, but ten percent
of the proceeds from the weekend, in the amount of $850, are being donated to
him.
Ms. Sierawski congratulated Mr. Brown, and credited Ms. Pendygraft, an off-duty
nurse, for jumping into action to save Mr. Brown’s life. She credited the first
responders in this city, and felt this reflects “who we are and what we are” in
Sterling Heights.
Mayor Taylor stated this is a unique Survivor Coin presentation, with all of them
being emotional and impactful. This stands out because of the age of the victim
and the collaborative effort of community members, first responders, emergency
workers and hospitals working together. He stated he has witnessed them in
action, and was impressed with the way they spring to action and work together to
save a life. He also credited Ms. Pendygraft’s quick actions, and added that,
without residents like her, this would not be the great city that it is, and he was
confident that she and Mr. Brown will be connected for the rest of their lives. He
stated he is happy to see Mr. Brown here, and noted he has been given a second
chance on life.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 8
Mayor Taylor stated the second presentation tonight is the swearing-in ceremony
for the new Firefighters.
Fire Chief Chris Martin introduced the nine new firefighters who started
yesterday and are being sworn in this evening. He stated this represents the 15
firefighters they have hired this year, which also represents the 15 they needed to
hire to start ALS transport on November 1st of this year. He outlined the training
and experience of the new firefighters. He performed the swearing-in of the
following nine new firefighters: Shawn Lumley, Vito Adamo, Joshua Kiekbusch,
Eric Refenes, Aaron Sanders, Mark Kouza, Kyle McCuen, Alex Gross and
Derrick Southard. The Mayor and Council members congratulated and welcomed
them to the City of Sterling Heights.
Firefighter Eric Refenes spoke on behalf of the new firefighters, stating they want
to thank the Mayor, City Council, Fire Chief and the Fire Department for
allowing them to become part of this great city. He stated this is a great job, and
he assured they will not let the City down with the ALS transport. They are
thankful and honored to be a part of it, and are thankful for the firefighters who
fought for this service. He stated on behalf of the new firefighters, they want to
thank the citizens of Sterling Heights and are proud to serve them.
Councilman Shannon stated he is happy to see these new firefighters, and ALS
transport is something he has wanted for the city for a long time. He is pleased
they could figure out a way to incorporate this service while remaining cost-
neutral, yet providing an upgrade to service.
Mayor Taylor was impressed with the sentiments expressed by Firefighter
Refenes, especially where he called out the residents, because the residents have
made a big investment into the community and into the Fire Department. They
have a legacy to live up to, and he was pleased to see the mix of firefighters, some
with experience and some brand new. He also liked that a lot of the firefighters
come from “firefighter families” so this is a sense of pride and is “in their blood”.
He wished them all the best and thanked them for keeping the community safe.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 9
Mayor Taylor called for a five-minute recess. The meeting recessed at 7:55 p.m.
and reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
Mayor Taylor stated the last presentation of this evening is for the 2017
Beautification Awards. He invited Mr. Gary Isom, Chairman of the
Beautification Commission, to present the awards.
Mr. Gary Isom commented on the uplifting meeting this has been, with residents
saving lives, new firefighters being sworn in and a police force doing their job in
reducing crime. He stated he is proud to present the 2017 Beautification Awards.
Over the last five months, they have received nominations for over 60 properties,
and out of those, they selected those that had “the wow factor” when seen from
the curb. They were selected based on aesthetics, beauty and artistic use of color,
and the award categories include commercial properties, multiple-family
properties, churches and single-family residential. He stated that the Commission
has added a new category of gas stations this year to encourage gas station owners
to beautify their properties. He added the “Best of the Best” will be honored in
each of those categories. He introduced the Beautification Commissioners present
this evening, and thanked them for their hard work. He invited Mayor Taylor and
City Council members to present this year’s awards, which included the
following:
Commercial: Leo’s Coney Island; Mercury Promotions; Roncelli, Inc.;
Subway (16 Mile & Van Dyke)
Multi-Family Properties: American House; Arden Courts Memory Care
Community; Laurel Valley Apartments; Nottingham Cove
Condominium Association; Palmer Woods North;
Plumcreek Estates; Shoal Creek Apartments.
Church Properties: St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church.
Residential Properties: Admir Agic (35470 Dearing); Lenda & Nazar
Bally (39039 University); Denise Blue (14589 Emerson);
Susan Bratkowski (11954 Ontario); Denice & Wally
Bronson (36239 Melbourne); Hoyt & Nancy Bush (12520
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 10
Raleigh); Wendy & Dan Bush (8740 Alwardt); Linda
Carbone (8721 Alwardt); Edward Carroll (11336 Village);
Terri & Dave Consiglio (39078 Ledgate); Rosemary &
Dominic Farchione (11140 Canterbury); Robert & Judy
Fleming (14570 Sundew Lane); Tim & Judy Freeland
(40247 Lizabeth); Fred & Marie Gibson (14939 Congress);
Monica Gomolka (34801 Valleyview); Thom & Beth Hall
(35120 Koch); Sue Hoste (2530 Pall Mall); Linda &
Lorenzo Howard (34401 Amsterdam); Karen & Bill Jensen
(2241 Camel); Ingrid & Scott Kucharek (14593 Sundew
Lane); Cathy & Harry Lazar (11128 Hannah); Ron & Pat
Marx (37624 Adrian); Sharon Mason (11735 Seaton);
Beverly McQuade (11125 Grenada); Kim McQuade (43243
Chardonnay); Kenneth & Barbara Milczynski (3521
Leason); Janet Nelson (38120 Sumpter); Paul & Georgia
Osak (38978 Marlborough) Craig & Mary Pawlowski
(14327 Peterboro); Vince & Joanne Russo (13843
Bathgate); Tim & Janet Sagert (14572 Emerson); Mary
Sancimino-Polakowski (35615 Rainbow); William &
Gwendolyn Schoeb (33148 Monticello); Adrian Shehu
(42247 Sycamore); Rick & Gail Straughen (14267
Lakeshore); Jason & Elisabetta Stupera (37281 Belcrest);
Mark & Cathy Sullivan (2073 Serra); Joe & Pat Wagner
(8459 Leslie) Dennis Wozniak (11557 Canterbury); and
Carol Yeager (2019 Camel).
Mr. Isom announced the “Best of the Best”:
Commercial: The City of Sterling Heights; and BP Oil (17 Mile & Van
Dyke).
Multi-Family: Aberdeen Gardens
Churches: St. Matthias Volunteer Gardeners
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 11
Residential: Anna Maria & Antonio Maraccini (11524 Anna Lisa)
Mr. Isom thanked everyone for attending tonight’s award presentations, and
thanked Eckert’s Greenhouse for providing each of the nominees with a $25 gift
certificate.
Moved by Sierawski, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to individually and
collectively recognize the 2017 Beautification Award winners and thank them for
the dedication and effort in making their properties, neighborhoods, and the city
of Sterling Heights a more beautiful place to live, work and play. He explained
the mission of the Beautification Commission to encourage residents and
businesses to preserve and enhance the beauty of all public and private properties.
Mayor Taylor thanked all the nominees and all who won awards. He stated they
take great pride in this city and when everyone pitches in, it makes it a better
place to live. He thanked the Beautification Commission for all the work they do.
Yes: All. The motion carried.
Mayor Taylor called a brief recess. The meeting recessed at 8:18 p.m. and
reconvened at 8:23 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Mayor Taylor stated this is to consider the application from Curtis Metal
Finishing Company to establish an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate
(IFEC) at 6611 Sims Road, Lot 14. He invited Mr. Luke Bonner, Senior
Economic Development Advisor, to make the presentation.
Mr. Luke Bonner stated that Mr. Jeff Miles from Curtis Metal Finishing is present
tonight to answer questions. He stated that on September 5, 2017, City Council
approved an Industrial Development District, creating an opportunity for Curtis
Metal Finishing Company to apply for consideration of an Industrial Facilities
Exemption Certificate application. He stated Curtis has been in the City since
1978, and they provide corrosion-resistant coatings for metal products in a variety
of industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense and agriculture. They
plan to be a tenant in a 32,400-square-foot building that is currently under
construction, addressed as 6611 Sims Road. He stated the real property
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 12
investment is approximately $1.7 million and will create three jobs within two
years. A seven-year term is being recommended, which will be an annual savings
of $7,200 on city taxes, annual savings of $17,086 on school taxes, for a
combined annual savings of $24,286. On a 7-year abatement, that also generates
a total of $50,400 in taxes for the city over the seven years, and $120,000 in
school taxes over the seven years, for a total of $170,000 in total taxes generated
and abated because of tonight’s action.
Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience.
Mr. Giulio Russo – recalled that Councilwoman Koski asked Mr. Bonner
about loss of revenue for school tax, and the response was that “the State
makes up the difference.” He felt it is the same for taxpayers, whether
they pay the state or the city, but he claimed the taxpayers are ultimately
paying for this. He stated he has had his own business for eight years, but
he received a form in the mail from the City for a new business
application. He claimed he did everything he needed to do to open his
business eight years ago, but questioned why, as a small business owner,
he must pay $49 to submit this application, when the large companies get
abatements and do not have to pay.
Mayor Taylor closed the public hearing.
Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Taylor, RESOLVED, to approve the application
by Curtis Metal Finishing Company for an Industrial Facilities Exemption
Certificate at 6611 Sims Road, Lot 14, 10-16-176-018-000 for a period of 7 years.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated this has been explained to them, and although she
could understand Mr. Russo’s concern about small businesses, the state does not
give the small businesses the benefits it affords to the larger industry. She
explained the City must go by the standards of the State of Michigan. Mayor Pro-
Tem Ziarko inquired as to whether this application meets all the requirements
established by the State, and she questioned whether any exceptions been made
specifically for them.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 13
Mr. Bonner replied the application has been filled out appropriately and meets all
city and state guidelines. He assured they are screened when they come in to
make sure they qualify. He replied to further inquiry that they already know the
guidelines and know they are eligible.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko reiterated her understanding of Mr. Russo’s concern,
noting there are other small businesses that would also like a tax break.
Mr. Bonner stated they have talked about that, and the Mayor has brought it up.
This is governed under Public Act 198 created in 1976 as a response to a lot of
automotive investment taking place in Michigan. It is a tax relief act for
industrial investments and it is not unique to the State of Michigan. He added that
all 50 states have some type of tax abatement for manufacturing or high-tech
businesses.
Yes: All. The motion carried.
ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION
This item was deleted from the agenda.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Taylor opened the floor for comments from the audience.
There were no comments from the audience.
Moved by Koski, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to approve the Consent
Agenda as presented:
A. To approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 19, 2017 as
presented.
B. To approve payment of the bills as presented: General Fund -
$475,770.37, Water & Sewer Fund - $118,767.79, Other Funds -
$1,570,989.12, Total Checks - $2,165,527.28.
C. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a new air handling unit for the Police
Department Building to Professional Thermal Systems, Inc., 2650 Beck
Road, Howell, MI 48843, at a cost of $129,000.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 14
D. RESOLVED, to award the bid for a Husqvarna concrete saw, model
FS5000D-30 ET, and lighting kit to Cougar Sales & Rental, Inc., 46845 12
Mile Road, Novi, MI 48377, in the total amount of $25,309.27.
E. RESOLVED, to:
A) Approve the purchase of a 2018 Ford F650 Crew Cab chassis from
Gorno Ford, 22025 Allen Road, Woodhaven, MI 48183, at pricing
available through the State of Michigan cooperative bid, MiDeal
contract #071B1300005, in the amount of $62,509; and
B) Approve the purchase and installation of an aerial truck package to
include a platform body, aerial platform lift and specified accessories
from Cannon Truck Equipment, 51761 Danview Technology Court,
Shelby Township, MI 48315, at pricing available through the State of
Michigan cooperative bid, MiDeal contract #071B7700166, in the
amount of $76,769.
F. RESOLVED, to:
A) Purchase the Caterpillar mini hydraulic excavator, model 308E2,
from MacAllister Machinery Co., d/b/a Michigan CAT, 12550 23
Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315, at pricing available through
the state of Michigan cooperative purchasing program, MiDeal
contract #07B7700084, in the amount of $164,168.00; and
B) Purchase the Towmaster T24 trailer from MacAllister Machinery Co.,
d/b/a Michigan CAT, 12550 23 Mile Road, Shelby Township, MI
48315, at pricing available through the National Joint Purchasing
Alliance (NJPA) purchasing program, contract #032515-CAT, in the
amount of $17,995.
G. RESOLVED, to schedule a special City Council meeting for Tuesday,
November 14, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. and direct the City Clerk to provide
public notice in conformity with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act.
H. RESOLVED, to purchase eleven (11) shade structures manufactured by
USA Shade & Fabric Structures, Inc., 8505 Chancellor Row, Dallas, TX
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 15
75247-5519, at pricing available through a National Joint Powers Alliance
(NJPA) cooperative RFP, Contract #030117-LTS, in the cumulative
amount of $85,496.80.
Yes: All. The motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS
Mr. Nick Cavaleri – questioned whether Davis Park is scheduled for the
Sport Court tile upgrades; condition of baseball nets and hockey rink has
no nets; insufficient lighting in the area and around the park.
Mr. Harry Marchlones – contract between Rizzo and City of Sterling
Heights, as well as contract between GFL and the City; requested copies
through FOIA but only received Rizzo’s contract, and not GFL’s contract.
Mr. Charles Jefferson – addresses listed on campaign signs; concerns
about Mr. Gariepy’s post on social media.
Ms. Jazmine Early – concerned about alleged complaints that her
supporters who post her signs are being harassed; reminded residents of
“Meet the Candidates” to be broadcast from October 9th through 15th;
concerned about Mr. Gariepy’s post.
Ms. Sanaa Elias – hosting community outreach to meet the designated
district officer covering the area between 16 Mile to 18 Mile, Van Dyke to
Dequindre, on Saturday, October 14th from 10 to noon in the room off the
lobby at the Sterling Heights Library; expressed concern over incorrect
addresses on campaign signs, stating she corrected her one sign but other
candidates have not corrected their signs; felt campaign laws should apply
to everyone.
Mr. Giulio Russo – requested help on Merrill Road with trucks backing
into industrial properties, creating problems for the residential homes on
that street; concerned about the speed of vehicles cutting through on
Merrill, noting speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 16
Mr. Mike Davidson – concerned about the amount of industrial traffic on
Merrill and the speed of the vehicles travelling that road; urged City to do
something about it or place it on a City Council agenda for discussion.
Ms. Theorella Adera – complained about industrial traffic on Merrill;
inquired as to whether businesses got approval from the City to have their
truck traffic enter from Merrill.
Mr. Geoff Gariepy – stated he posted an inappropriate picture on social
media in a “poor attempt at humor,” he apologized to anyone he has
offended through this action, adding it is an embarrassment; understood
that persecution is very real in these countries, and informed that to atone
for this bad mistake, he has made donation to UNICEF to go for children
of war-torn Syria; thanked the Council for allowing him to make a public
apology.
REPORTS FROM CITY ADMINISTRATION AND CITY COUNCIL
Mr. Vanderpool commented on concerns expressed regarding Merrill Road. He
stated the City is also concerned about truck traffic on that road, and he assured he
has followed up immediately with the Police Department every time they have
had contact with Mr. Russo. They have sent police crews out, and have talked to
the businesses. They are trying to catch the truck drivers in the act so they can
issue citations. Their first approach was to let the business owners know this is
not allowed and they are to alert their delivery personnel that it must stop. Mr.
Vanderpool stated there is nothing in the ordinance that would prohibit an access
drive; however, the drive cannot be used for daily truck traffic but can only be
used at times when a large truck is required, which is about once a month for this
business. When semi-truck deliveries are on the property, it creates an ancillary
effect on Merrill Road. He advised the individual owner is required to put up a
gate which will be a complete screen and aesthetically pleasing. The owner is
completely re-landscaping the berm area at that location so there will be more
trees, and the berm will look better when it is done. Mr. Vanderpool advised
there is only one other business that could do this on Merrill, and that company
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 17
has not expressed an interest to do so. He stated they are working with other
businesses, one in particular that is using Merrill to have their trucks back in onto
their property, to reconfigure that drive as they consider an addition to their
building so that trucks could come in parallel off Merrill. Mr. Vanderpool
concluded that the City is very mindful that this is going on and are looking at all
options to alleviate the situation. They will conduct a traffic study on Merrill to
see if the speed limit should be lowered, and require more regular increased speed
enforcement. He recommended anyone with concerns can call him, and if it is on
weekends, they can get police personnel out there. They hope to have better
solutions in the future.
Mayor Taylor inquired as to the resident’s concern about a contract between the
City and GFL.
Mr. Kaszubski replied the corporate structure of Rizzo had multiple layers, and it
was the parent company that changed ownership. He clarified that “GFL” is
simply a new name for the company with whom the City has been working. There
was no actual sale or assignment of assets of that company, and the Rizzo contract
remains in effect. As far as Sterling Heights is concerned, it is the same contract
and that is why there is no other contract.
Mr. Kaszubski stated there is one item for closed session this evening.
Councilman Lusk stated this has been an interesting meeting, and he assured the
City Council is always here to listen to the concerns of the residents and business
owners. He outlined some of the great aspects of this city that were brought out
tonight. He stated they have heard Mr. Gariepy’s apology this evening, and he
has forgiven Mr. Gariepy. He added that he does not like social media for these
types of issues.
Councilwoman Schmidt responded to the citizen’s comment about campaign
signs being stolen, and explained that is unfortunately “the nature of the season”.
She stated it happens every election season, and she had over 50 signs stolen or
removed during the last election. She assured she does not steal anyone’s signs
and expects that no one will steal her signs, but it is something that occurs. She
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 18
questioned whether there are fines for companies that back their trucks in from
Merrill Road.
Mr. Kaszubski replied there are traffic fines for backing in off Merrill Road when
they do not have that authority.
Councilwoman Schmidt inquired as to whether all the businesses along Merrill
Road have been contacted and informed that this activity is not permitted.
Mr. Vanderpool responded the City is in the process of doing so, but business
owners cannot always control all their delivery personnel, and unfortunately, there
is not always a police car at that location to ticket those using the driveways
illegally. If they are caught in the act, a citation can be issued to the driver, and
the City intends to continue to issue these violations.
Councilwoman Schmidt stated she would like to see more patrol in the area,
because she felt everyone needs to follow the laws. She reminded everyone of the
upcoming Fire Department Open House this Sunday, noting the award ceremony
at noon and a lot of fun activities for the family.
Councilwoman Koski addressed the comment about the addresses on campaign
signs. She stated her signs are 15 years old and bear the address of where she
lived when she purchased those signs. She was with the understanding that the
signs indicated “Paid for by the committee” and that committee address at that
time is where she lived when she purchased the signs. She questioned the City
Clerk whether those signs are still considered legal.
Ms. Ryska, City Clerk, explained that campaign finance laws are governed by the
County, and she stated they can be contacted through the Macomb County
Elections Division at (586) 469-5209.
Councilwoman Koski requested that Mr. Kaszubski get clarification on the issue
and report back to the Council.
Mayor Taylor stated the summer water bills are out and his bill was over $600,
although he acknowledged that he frequently watered his lawn. He understands
that some residents have difficulty paying the summer water bills all at once. He
recalled last year that late fees were waived due to the high bills, and he
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 19
questioned whether the City is prepared to do anything like that this year for the
summer water bills.
Mr. Vanderpool replied the good news is that they have not had the drought
conditions that resulted in the high percentage increase in the bills last year. He
acknowledged that the summer bills are the highest because of lawn watering, and
if the Council wishes, the City can work with the residents who have a bill they
need additional time to pay, and penalty fees could be waived in those cases.
Mayor Taylor suggested monitoring it over the next two weeks, and possibly he
could report back to the Council at the next meeting if a lot of calls are received
regarding the water bills. He stated this was a good meeting, representing what
the City is, and he thanked Mr. Gariepy for his apology. He was confident that
Mr. Gariepy was truly sorry for his comment and has learned from it, and he was
confident that Mr. Gariepy will be a better Planning Commissioner for it.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ziarko stated the State of the City was held last Friday at the
Macedonian Cultural Center, and the event is available on YouTube. She
suggested it be posted on the City’s website, and she commended Mayor Taylor
for the exceptional job he did in representing the City. She stated the seven people
that make up the Sterling Heights City Council, although they do not always
agree, have worked together harder and better than any other group with which
she has worked. She stated the City was showcased so well on Friday morning
and she was proud to be there and be a part of it.
ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn into Closed
Session.
Yes: Sierawski, Taylor, Ziarko, Koski, Lusk, Schmidt, Shannon.
No: None. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned into Closed Session at 9:16 p.m. and reconvened at 9:21
p.m.
Moved by Schmidt, seconded by Ziarko, RESOLVED, to authorize the City
Attorney to pursue all available remedies to abate the nuisance conditions and
Regular City Council Meeting Tuesday, October 3, 2017 Page 20
code violations existing at 33200, 33400, 33350 Mound Road and 5955, 5963,
5977, 6023, 6035, 6249, 6284, and 6313 Almore Drive.
Yes: All. The motion carried.
ADJOURN
Moved by Ziarko, seconded by Schmidt, RESOLVED, to adjourn the meeting.
Yes: All. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m.
MELANIE D. RYSKA, City Clerk