Now calling to order a regular meeting
of the city council Tuesday,
November 26th, 2024 at 7:00 PM Please
stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag.
To the flag of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands.
One nation, one nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
Roll call Madam Secretary
Councilwoman Roy.
Here. Councilwoman Mickey is absent. Councilman Dwyer? Here.
Councilman Bokey? Here. Councilman Nunan? Here.
Councilman Lafferty. Here. Councilwoman Moore.
Um, motion to excuse Ms. McGee.
Support Lafferty.
All in favor? Aye.
Any opposed? Uh, next item.
Next item is adoption of the consent agenda. So moved.
Support Lafferty. Discussion.
Hearing none? I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is five. Adoption of the agenda.
So moved with discussion
Support Ty.
Discussion Ms. Moore. Thank
You Madam Chair.
Um, add under council business 13 C.
Um, to authorize litigation regarding damage
to the city's waste transfer station
and authorize the hiring of cots ster PC
to bring legal claims against prior operator
as outlined in attorney-client privilege memorandum from the
city attorney's office dated October 1st, 2024.
Any other discussion makers of the motion comfortable
with the amendment without
Objection? Yes.
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Rogan C as a? Yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item. Calendar Pending matters.
Motion to receive and file
Support Lafferty.
Discussion, hearing and seeing none. All in favor? Aye.
Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is seven a approval of the minutes
of the regular meeting of November 12th, 2024. So moved.
Support Dwyer, support Noonan.
Discussion, hearing and seeing none.
I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Um, Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is seven B.
Approval of the minutes of the special meeting
of November 12th, 2024. So moved.
Support Dwyer. Discussion, hearing, seeing none?
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Lafferty?
Yes. Uh, Mr. Newnan? Yes. Rogan C is? Yes.
Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is eight.
A approval of the bills of the General Revenue funds.
So moved with discussion
Support, Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Moore? Yes.
Um, just a reminder that
because of the holiday checks will be going out tomorrow.
Any other discussion? Hearing and seeing none?
I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is eight B.
Approval of the bills of the water
and sewer system. So moved.
Support Dwyer. Discussion, hearing, and seeing none.
I will call the question. Ms. Moore. Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes.
Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Um, Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is audience participation. Agenda items only
Members of the audience who would like
to address the city council this evening may do so
by filling out an audience form located
at the right side of the stage.
This is a reminder that per our council rules
and procedures, you must write your name
and address on the audience form,
or give your name and address at the podium.
You have three minutes. This is for audience.
Uh, this audience is for agenda items only.
There's additional time at the end for general audience.
No audience. Thank you. Uh, next item.
Next item is announcements 10,
A resolution recognizing Charles Mancini.
So moved.
Uh, Ms. Moore. Yes.
Madam Chair. Um,
whereas Charles Mancini has been practicing law
with distinction throughout Michigan from the city of Warren
for 50 years, and continues
to lead Mancini Schrader Klein PC in its service
to the Warren community.
And whereas Charles Mancini began his practice in Warren in
1974, working above UAW Local 8 69
and quickly building a reputation for fierce loyalty
to his clients, following his completion
of both a law degree
and a master of business administration,
which he pursued simultaneously while working at Chrysler
and as a UAW member at Ford and General Motors.
And whereas Charles Mancini has been a strong advocate
for workers' rights, assisting families and disabled people,
and working to strengthen and improve financial stability
and quality of life for the citizens of Warren.
And whereas Charles Mancini has been recognized
and honored by the State Attorney General's office
and his legal colleagues as a leader in the field
of workers' compensation law, having built a firm
of lawyers dedicated to helping the citizens of Warren
and surrounding areas with their legal needs.
And whereas Charles Mancini continues to be a trusted
and wise friend, resource
and mentor to many other leaders in the Warren community.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the city council
of the city of Warren hereby recognizes
and honors Charles Mancini for his exceptional dedication
and contributions to the legal profession, his advocacy
for workers and families,
and his longstanding service to the citizens of Warren.
We express our deepest gratitude for his dedication
and commitment, and we extend our best wishes
for his continued success
and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy
of this resolution be presented to Charles Mancini
as a token of the Warren City Council's appreciation
for his outstanding career
and his unwavering commitment to justice
and community service resolution declared adopted on this
26th day of November, 2024.
All in favor, aye. Aye. Any opposed? Congrats. Chuck.
Um, Madam Chair, um, Ms. Moore.
I'd like to, uh, thank Central Cartage.
Uh, they delivered turkeys today to, um,
families in, uh, district three.
Um, they are all very, very appreciative.
I was down at the, uh, food bank at Lord
of the Harvest at nine and, um, Shaner this morning.
And, um, they do a great job there.
They have a pantry on Tuesdays
and they feed about 80 families.
70 families, 80 families.
And then on Wednesday, they feed about 50 families.
And, um, they're always looking for help.
They need donations all the time,
especially fruits and vegetables.
And if anybody, um, can help out,
that would be greatly appreciated.
They're open to the public from nine
until about noon each of those days.
I was there at, I don't know,
maybe eight or eight 30 this morning.
People were lined up already.
So, um,
and also Amber Le Lemon, um, um,
contacted me about five years ago
and was interested in, um, delivering Thanksgiving meals.
And we set up something here at the community center,
and each year it's gotten bigger and bigger.
And, uh, this year she was at Fitzgerald with her group.
I wasn't able to go. I think Mr.
Lafferty went, and he can speak about
how, how that all went.
But it's grown into quite a, an operation now.
They help a lot of families.
Um, also, um, a couple of weeks ago,
many of you probably know, um, one of our police officers,
um, was, um, um, tragically, um,
injured in a hunting accident.
Um, there is some, uh, good news. He has made progress.
Um, I just got a little update before I left today.
Um, he was on Sunday.
He was able to breathe on his own without a ventilator
for two consecutive hours
and then be again later in the day for three hours.
Um, his mom said, prayers have been answered,
and I know there are many, many more answers to come.
Keep the prayers coming. He had his best day yesterday.
He enjoyed watching football.
And, uh, the nurses were able
to move his bed like he was in a lazy boy.
He loved it. He, um, mouthed
that he wanted some different snacks.
He also wanted his phone
so he could watch his fantasy football pics, scores.
Um, um, they are asking for
specific prayer requests for, for all the air
to disperse out of his belly
so they can start using the feeding tube
that they put in earlier in the week,
feeling his in his hands, arms
and shoulders to start coming back.
And of course, his legs as well.
And to be fully weaned off the ventilator
so he can communicate better.
They're very thankful to the doctors
and nurses that are taking wonderful care of him.
And of course, um, thankful to his brothers
and sisters at the Warren Police Department.
Um, they have been by their side
and beginning within hours of the accident,
and they haven't left Nick's side the entire time.
24 7 shifts right outside his door.
So that's wonderful.
The support he's given and we're, we all are praying
for his, uh, full recovery.
It's gonna be a long road.
If anybody would like to make donations to help the family
during this time, you can, um, take them
to the police department.
They will accept them. Um,
and the family would, um, certainly appreciate that.
His, he's got a little seven year-old boy and, uh, a wife.
And of course they're in Ann Arbor all the time, so
that's difficult to stay in, you know, all the expenses
that go with that, not being able to work and everything.
So anyway, we, we certainly hope he gets better.
That's it for me. Additional announcements,
Madam President, Mr. Lafferty.
Thank you. As, uh, Ms. Moore alluded to,
there was a food distribution at the Fitzgerald Recreation
Center, and the number of people that, uh,
volunteered was just the outpouring
of support was absolutely heartwarming.
It was a wonderful experience
and more volunteers that were needed,
which is a wonderful thing.
Uh, as I understand it, there was a food packing party the
night before, and so the, the church's involvement
and support from the community, support from our own cert,
uh, were there to help direct traffic on,
uh, Saturday early morning.
They had the roads all marked,
and, uh, everyone was in position.
So thank you to CERT for all of your expertise in helping
to move this along.
It was a very smooth operation.
They, they, you know, got them into the property,
moved them into position, and then there were four stations
and people got in,
and it was less than a minute to get through the line once,
uh, once you were running through.
And it was just a wonderful outpouring of support.
So thank you to everyone that participated.
And, uh, they're, they're looking, uh, for ways
to make it bigger and better next year.
So hopefully we'll outgrow the, the recreation center.
But, um, and, uh, with more donations, donations are,
are needed terribly.
Uh, I've, I heard several stories, uh, during that event,
and then, uh, thereafter, uh, being contacted by, by those
that needed additional assistance.
And so if, uh, you have the means to share, uh,
your prosperity with others, that is,
uh, that is very needed.
And it's not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
People are hungry all year long.
There are different needs throughout the years.
So please, if you, uh, if you have the means, please, uh, do
so and, uh, help our neighbors out, uh,
especially here in Warren.
Uh, I would also like to thank, uh, Mr. Patrick,
if you've got the, the image that, uh, that I sent to you,
uh, at Butcher Park.
Uh, you'll counsel, remember a couple of meetings ago,
I asked for a crossing and a signage,
and there it is.
It's done. The not only and can't see.
If you go to the next picture, you, you might be able
to see on the, the other side, there was actually the,
the side didn't quite line up.
You can see the new grass that they put in on the other side
of it, one of the,
the walkways didn't quite line up perfectly.
And so Tina Gaius and her team, and Dave Maselli
and his team work together to line these up,
put in the crosswalk, and put up the signage so
that it's much more clear.
And so we have a safe crossing across a busy, a busy road.
Thank you, thank you. Thank you to, uh, Mr. Maselli and Ms.
Gapes for all of your work
and the, the work of your crew to bring
that together in record time.
Uh, something so simple that's so meaningful
to the community and is a prototype for many
of our other parks in similar situations.
So I look forward to seeing that expanded to many
of our other parks throughout the city. Thank you. Thank
You, Madam President.
Mr. Nunan. Um, I'd like to announce
that the Warren Public Library is making the announcement
that per the library commission, the butch, uh,
Bush branch library will be closed between the hours
of 2:15 PM
and 4:00 PM uh, Monday
to Friday from November 22nd, 2024
until February the 28th, 2025.
Um, their reason for why they're doing that has to do with,
um, kids being overly rowdy, waiting for their,
uh, families to come and pick them up.
And it's, it's kind of a sad deal.
Uh, I, I, I would like ideas for how we can, um,
do better for the kids.
So if you have, uh, suggestions,
please call me at (586) 360-4998.
That's my cell phone. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Noonan. Any additional announcements?
Oh, Madam Chair, Ms. Moore?
Yeah, I would just like to, um,
have everyone save the date for January 23rd, 2025.
The Warren Symphony Orchestra will be having their winter
gala, um, and it will be at, uh, Andiamo this year.
So, um, tickets will be available pretty soon,
so if you're interested, you can hit me up
or there'll be some available, probably
through the mayor's office
or this, you can call the symphony or the email.
So we'll have that on the website or Facebook too.
So thank you.
I have two announcements.
One is that compost is being picked up through Friday,
December 13th, uh, for folks still doing yard work,
it is quite warm out.
And then additionally, there is a presentation
on the active mobility plan from six
to 8:00 PM on Wednesday,
December 11th at the Mabel Burnett, uh, library.
So those who are interested, I
would call the planning department.
I think it's also on the city's Facebook page.
Any other announcements? Okay, hearing none. Next item. Next
Item is 11 A, which is the public hearing request
to approve the demolition of a house,
and shed located at 75 84 Chalmers
through the nuisance abatement program.
Mr. Lizza, can you, um, summarize this matter for us?
Oh, push the button. Mr. Lizza.
Hello? Mm-Hmm.
Hello. Working. It's very low.
Patrick, could you maybe turn it up?
Hello? You hear me?
It's very barely. Yeah.
Might be a technological challenge.
Oh, again, thank you. It's you. It's me.
Sorry. Good. Again,
This home was a bacon, dilapidated home vacant for s
and we declared it,
but it went to, uh, went back to back taxes to the county.
And so this gentleman right here,
I believe, has purchased his home.
And now we do have city certs that were issued
on October 17th, the 24.
And we do have inspections scheduled for
12, 12 24.
All of our inspectors, all five inspectors will get into
this home and do an inspection.
So that's where we're at, stand at right now.
SIRS issued paid for in October.
And, uh, if we're gonna save it, I'd like
to get the, this is a gentleman here.
I believe the purchased the home. Of course.
As usual, we'd like to get a timeline on it.
Thank you. And you're the petitioner or purchasing?
Yes. Can you give us your name?
My name is Sal Bizzy.
Uh, I, I purchased the property, um,
and so far we have, uh, cleaned up the front yard,
including the grass and the fence
and, um, all around the property.
Uh, cleaned up the interior of the house,
and then just waiting for the inspection on, um, 12,
12 of this year.
And then after that, looking to remodel the house
and, uh, do the, uh,
demolish the shed.
Thank you. If you could have a seat,
we'll probably have some questions for you.
Uh, I will open the public hearing.
Is there anyone from the audience who would like
to speak on the matter?
Hearing and seeing none, I will close the public hearing
and turn it over to counsel for action.
Let's see here. Uh, motion to deny the, uh,
the request to approve the demolition with discussion.
Support. Support Secretary Moore. Discussion Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. Uh, good evening, Mr. Lase. Good
Evening. Uh, with,
uh, with everything being issued in October,
it looks like we've already got a head start from
where we're typically at at this point.
Correct. And so, uh, to the,
given your, your expense, you've been in the house?
No, that's what I'm waiting for is we get in there on
December 12th and we get a full evaluation
of what it's like inside there.
Okay. So you, I believe it's pretty cluttered.
I believe he has started cleaning it out
so we can get in there and make, do a safe
inspection of the property.
I mean, I'm hoping we can get a timeline.
What I'd like to hear is a timeline of discussion on that.
What, what are we looking at here?
Our city starts are good for six months
until they start to expire.
So, I mean, I'd like
to see him save the property if he could,
because he, he has purchased it from the county.
The county does not advise anybody, um,
when these houses are declared, it's a, they do,
it's a due diligence of the purchasers
when these go to the county.
So obviously this, uh,
gentleman bought this property not knowing we're not coming
to the city prior to purchase.
So that's where we're at with that right now.
Okay. And, uh, through, through the chair
to the, uh, to the new owner.
I'm sorry. Sorry, I didn't, I didn't get your name.
My name is Sal Busy. Sal Busy.
Yep. Thank you Mr. Busy.
And so you have, you have purchased this home,
the home is now in your name?
Yes, sir. Okay. And so taxes, uh,
That, that's all has been paid.
Okay. Every, so everything is up to date?
Yes, everything is up to date, including, um, some
of the other bills from the city, uh, that was also paid.
Wonderful. Alright.
Uh, I am inclined to support this
for a a six month.
So, and typically we've, we've, we're pulling these out
of abatement and we're setting aside what we've done before.
So my initial motion was to deny, uh, perhaps
what we should do, uh, through the chair to Mr. Schroeder.
Uh, should we table for six months with the option
to bring this back if this falls through?
Yes. Okay. So what I will do,
unless anybody else has any questions, I'll make a motion
to table, uh, this item for six months
until date, certain May 20th, 2025, uh,
with the condition that Mr.
Lizza doesn't bring back any, uh, reports
that you are not holding up your end of the bargain.
And counsel reserves the right
to bring this back at any time during that time, uh, should
that be the case, but we have, uh, good faith in you and,
and, uh, your investment to the city.
Thank You everyone.
Support. I will call the
question Ms.
Repeat that date for the reschedule again?
May 20th, 2025. Perfect.
Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Lafferty?
Yes. To table Ms. Moore? Yes. Uh, Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Newnan? Yes. Rogan C as a Yes.
Item is tabled to May, 2025. Next
Item. Next item is 12.
A consideration and adoption
of a resolution approving amendments to the 20 21, 20 22
and 2022.
2023. Housing and community development action plans.
CDBG. Budget. So moved,
Support Lafferty
Discussion, hearing, and seeing none.
I will call the question. Ms. Moore. Yes. Ms. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 12 B.
Consideration and adoption
of a resolution approving amendments
to 20 22, 20 23, and 2023.
2024. Housing
and community development action plans,
hopwa budgets. So moved.
Support, discussion,
Uh, support. No
discussion. Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. Is Mrs. Chenko here? I can't. There she is.
Good evening. Good evening. Uh, one question for you.
The, and somewhat related to this, it's CDBG, you know, uh,
all of the allocations that we made to all
of the different groups, uh, St.
Vincent de Paul and Care House and, and others.
Is there any other opportunity
to redress those?
And is there a federal opportunity
to acquire additional funds after the first of the year?
So the funding that was already allocated to, um, uh,
older budgets, all of those funds are accounted for.
Um, starting in January, we will start our, um, process
for the 2025 budgets.
And at that time, um, add, you know, all
of the organizations can apply for funding at that time,
we don't have any additional funding that's available.
So an organization that was already allotted some funding,
we don't have any money to provide additional funding at
this time, but they're welcome to apply for our next cycle
of funding, which will open in January.
Okay. And I guess more so what I'm getting at,
is there an opportunity?
It seems that over the, the years that I've been on council,
those funding levels have been rather, uh,
consistent Mm-Hmm.
Throughout the year. We haven't received a, a windfall
from the federal government, uh, in, in any respect.
Is there, is there additional funding that is available
that your office can apply for?
Is, or is that, is it locked into a certain percentage based
on demographics census?
So the CDBG grant, um,
those funding levels have pretty been,
they've been stagnant.
They haven't really gone down.
They really haven't, um,
increased in the last, I would say five years.
We've received the, pretty much the same amount
of entitlement of money, um, in terms of additional dollars
that the city could receive.
Um, the funding is based on a formula.
So the age of the housing stock, um, those are all, um,
calculated into a formula.
And that's how the city's, um,
allocation is determined in terms
of an entitlement community.
Um, those funding levels are just granted to the city.
Um, we would have to apply for a competitive grant in order
to receive additional funds.
And in terms of the funding for nonprofit organizations,
there's really not, um, those,
those grant dollars aren't really geared towards, um,
those organizations.
Understood. Yeah. And the formula was kind of where,
where I was going towards.
Right. Uh, I, I attended, uh, a St.
Vincent de Paul meeting last night,
and we were, they were going over, you know, their,
their budget as they always do every month.
And, you know, just the,
the significant need out there clearly outweighs,
you know, allocations.
You know, they're grateful for what they, they are given
and any other sources of income,
but, uh, just like every other, uh, charitable organization,
there simply isn't enough money to go around.
So thank you for the clarification.
You're welcome, Madam President. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mr. Newan? Yes. Uh, through the, through the chair.
Um, I noticed that
the WA two to, uh,
WA 22 dash oh four medically fragile would be decreased
by $56,379 and 12 cents
because of all the great need out there.
It, it's kinda surprised me when I read this
that all this money wasn't spent.
Can you, can you tell me how it comes
to pass that, that happened? So this
Is, this is a different grant.
This is not the CDBG grant.
This is actually our HOPPO grant.
Um, and that funding is for a five county region,
and it's for folks who have HIV or aids.
Um, so the need in the community shifts, um,
and for this program, um, at the time
we actually had some healthy folks,
so the need wasn't there.
Um, and so we're asking council to reprogram these funds
to better suit the needs of the folks in the community.
I see. I'm on the wrong one. I get it. Oh, thank you.
Anyways, that answer was my
answers my question for the next one. Thank you.
I yield. Thank you. Any additional discussion,
hearing and seeing none?
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Uh, Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 12 C.
Request to approve an RFP for real estate broker
and to appoint a representative from counsel
to serve on the panel.
Don't everybody jump up.
Is there a anyone who would like
to be nominated?
I will do it.
Okay. I will, um, make a motion to nominate Ms. Ro
Second.
Okay. I accept the nomination.
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?
No. Okay. Thank you. Next item,
Uh, 13, a Council Secretary Mindy Moore.
Discussion in Ray options to enforce approved agreement
with State of Michigan Land Bank authority
and lost grant opportunities. So, move with discussion.
Support Lafferty. Discussion Ms. Moore. Thank
You. Um,
the city
of Warren has approved the intergovernmental
agreement for the Land Bank.
The city of Council approved this matter by unanimous vote
of seven to zero.
The city council notified the administration
of this approval, which took place at the City Council's
regular meeting of August 27th, 2024 per section 6.8
of the city charter.
The mayor had 96 hours to veto this action, which would be
until the evening hours of August 31st, 2024.
If the mayor opposed this for any reason,
the mayor could have vetoed the council action.
Otherwise, this is an approved action,
and the mayor's signature is required by law.
Section 14.1 A of the city charter indicates that the power
to authorize the making of contracts on behalf
of the city is vested in the council
and shall be exercised in accordance
with the provisions of law.
Section 14.1 B further indicates that all contracts
shall be authorized by the council
and shall be signed on behalf of the city
by the mayor and the clerk.
The signatures on the contracts by the mayor
and clerk are not additional votes by the mayor
and clerk to reverse or suspend
or modify any action of the council.
Only, only the mayor has this authority in the 96 hour
window following the council action.
This is underscored by the city charter at section 7.35,
which indicates that the mayor has the duty to authenticate
by her signature such instruments
and proceedings as are required to be authenticated by her,
by law, or by the council.
The mayor's signature on this document is required
by law in order to authenticate the document.
The mayor has no legal discretion
to withhold signature from this document.
In the prior administration, mayor Jim Fouts refused
to sign a contract with an auditing firm
after the city council authorized a forensic audit.
In that case, former Mayor Fouts vetoed the council's
approval of the contract,
and the city council overrode the veto.
Mayor Fouts, even
after the veto override, refused
to place a signature on the contract
and the Macomb County Circuit Court ordered the former mayor
to comply, and the audit contract was approved
and implemented over the former mayor's objections.
If the mayor has doubts
and believes the Land Bank concept is unproven for Warren,
the mayor can maker case to the public and the media.
But we don't have to wait for the mayor in one year.
The mayor has not submitted any
alternative plans to the council.
The council approved this agreement over three months ago
after publicly voting over nine months ago in
February, 2024, to proceed with the Land Bank.
This has been on the City Council agenda multiple times
over a nine month period.
The mayor made comments to the Detroit News in March, 2024,
August, 2024,
and October, 2024, indicating your,
the mayor's unwillingness to move forward.
And the mayor charted the council saying,
members have not done their homework
on creating the Land Bank.
I take exception to this comment.
Council members have met with the County Treasurer's Office,
the Director of the State Bank, land Bank Authority,
state Representative Donovan McKinney.
We have also met with a CR Credit Union representative
who has worked with many land banks, as well
as the former director of a successful County Land Bank.
As part of doing our homework, we were also advised
of available grant funds,
and the city was eligible for $1 million
or more in funding this year as documented
by an email we received from the State Land
Bank Director Joe Rivet.
Last week, there were multiple discussions with Mr.
Rivet and State Representative McKinney, who is a member
of the Appropriations Committee,
about securing this funding.
Further, we have reviewed materials from the Michigan
Association of Land Banks,
which includes 52 land banks in Michigan.
In addition, we have reviewed materials avail available from
the Michigan Association of Land Banks.
I have also been doing my homework over the past 25 years in
this community as a public servant.
And I know we need to do something different
to tackle this malignant blight and decay in our community.
Every expert I have talked to has said
that a Land bank is a great tool for Warren.
I trust our leaders to responsibly handle the Land Bank
Authority, and it's the business.
And, um, we have Ms.
Barnwell, the treasurer would be a member of the Land Bank,
the city controller, who is a permanent member
of the authority and a a mayor mayoral appointee.
The funds of the Land Bank Authority will be handled
by the city controller
and there will be public debt records.
A majority of the membership
of the Land Bank will be elected officials
who are directly accountable to the voters.
There is a misnomer
that the Land Bank will be an unnecessary bureaucracy
that only exists to shuffle
and manage a bunch of empty lots.
The 300 empty lots can be part of an overall strategy,
including creating side lots, infill lots, homestead lots
with a proper land reuse program
that is approved by the Land Bank.
Beyond managing vacant land lots, the Land Bank can target
and acquire troubled residential, commercial and,
and industrial properties
and work toward repurposing these properties in
a strategic manner.
Um, I don't know if Ms.
Barnwell wants to add anything,
if I could suspend the rules and ask Ms.
Barnwell to come forward
Support to suspend the rules.
All in favor, aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Rules are suspended.
Good evening Counsel. I just wanted to spend a few minutes
and talk about my support for, for the Land Bank.
And as I've, as you all know, I've been treasurer since 2015
and I've unfortunately had a front row seat, um, to some
of these issues that we've had, um, really in the sale
of some of these properties.
And whether you're talking about blight issues,
whether you're talking about these properties
that were sold in bulk, um, to landlords that, um,
unfortunately don't help, um,
maintain the properties as they should.
Um, there's a whole list of things we can talk about.
So we are not here, I don't think any
of us are here saying the Land Bank is gonna fix all these
problems, but the Land Bank is an important tool,
and the reason why is it gives us the ability
to be strategic in the neighborhoods.
And, um, I had the opportunity to talk
to the Oakland County Treasurer, um, Robert Wittenberg,
and he echoed that sentiment exactly, um,
what they had been able to do with the Land Bank.
Um, there's a lot of grants available when you have a land
bank, and they've been able to strategize through the,
you know, in our case it would be the, um,
administration would be council, it would be the treasurer,
it would be all branches of government working together
to really, um, uplift some, uh, um, of these neighborhoods
and pick things that are going to, we know
that are gonna help revitalize street by street.
So it's not gonna fix all the issues,
but as, um, the county treasurer said,
and he said, I, you know, the mayor, anyone from her, um,
administration, anyone from council's more than welcome
to reach out to him, especially some
of the things they've been able to do in Pontiac
through the Land Bank,
and really find ways to, um, strategically,
um, approve purchases that have uplifted, again,
street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood.
And it gives us really the residents more,
more say, and more power.
And that is one thing I've heard over
and over again these last nine years that I've been, um,
involved in Warren government, is residents
and myself have felt
that everything is just out of their control.
Um, that every, that their neighbors are being picked by
who has the most money, or they're sold in these bulk sales,
and their, their, their property is being sold by, um,
in their neighborhood, was like one
that no one really wanted when someone, maybe their child
or their grandchild could have bought it
and could turn everything around.
So we can really put the power of the people.
This is one of the ways to do it.
And when we talk about, um, who's going to, you know,
manage the, um, administrative side of the Land Bank, um,
I will come before council this upcoming April,
talking about my budget
and how the Treasurer's office, you know,
back when even I started, it was more accounting based
and now we're more technology driven, uh, in my office,
this would be a great time to not really extend a big part
of the budget, but budget, um, a land bank, um,
administrator into my office from someone
that's already in my office, um, as we're kind
of reorganizing everything.
So this notion, I know there's concern from the, um,
administration that, well then, you know,
then there's gonna be, um, administrative costs
and legacy costs.
That's, that's just, just not, that's just not true.
Um, we can all come together and,
and come up with a great strategy.
And I, I respect, um, mayor Stone a lot.
I appreciate that she listens to the residents,
but I think she also needs to spend time listening to
the people who have done the Land Bank,
who have done the research.
Um, like people like, um,
Oakland County Treasurer, like myself.
I've not been asked by anyone in the administration
what I think of the Land Bank.
And I spent the last nine years kind
of dreaming about when we could have a land bank
and what that would mean to the residents, um,
in these neighborhoods that they could more have, um,
a voice and a front row seat, um, to what happens.
And there's a lot of things that need to happen,
not just the Land Bank.
We have to, and, and I know council talks about this, um,
a a lot too better, better control on blight.
And we need to get a hold of
what happens when we're selling these
properties back to the city.
You know, there's different things that happen
where we sell properties for a dollar where
that really shouldn't be the case,
and there's really no oversight.
This gives us a lot of oversight where, again, all branches
of government are working together for the people.
Thank you very much. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank you.
Thank you. The other item that, um, Ms.
Barnwell touched a lot of the residents and,
and, um, residential property there.
This is a great tool also for commercial property.
There's been a serious lack
of economic development in the last 15 years in Warren,
except for maybe the marijuana.
Um, people who have, um, made significant improvements
to some of the industrial property.
And we've already lost at least a million dollars
by the mayor holding this up.
Um, there's at least $2 million that may be available
to us next year,
and if she holds it up any longer,
we're gonna miss out on that also.
And that's just not fair to the residents.
This is, I, I suppose we have some options.
Um, I maybe we'll set a date when it's to be signed
and then we'll take action.
Mr. Schroeder, what are our next moves?
The next move I, you know,
hopefully is it gets signed and we can move forward.
Other than that, I mean, you know, um,
my mother used to say, you can lead the horse to water,
but you can't make the horse drink.
And, you know, there's plenty of analogies we can use.
Um, and, uh, I, you know, we could go
to circuit court and get an order.
We'll win the case. We've won that case many times before.
It just seems like a waste of resources
to be back in court again.
And it's something I've talked to every council member
to a person who doesn't want to do that.
Um, but really at the end of the day, that's our only, um,
option if the mayor doesn't want to sign it again.
You referenced that the mayor has veto power, um,
and the, it wasn't vetoed,
so it's now in a contract, it needs to be signed.
The state land bank is ready to sign it.
I guess if you know it, it would be a very, uh,
I wouldn't recommend rescinding a council's approval at all
to start this process over after a lot of time and money
and effort was put into it.
But that would be an option.
It wouldn't be a good one, but it's an option.
So really, there's, there's not,
we're we're not left with many other options.
I will say that I did meet with, um, Ms.
Michaels, I know Councilman Lafferty
had a conversation with Ms.
Michaels as well, about five
or six points we heard the mayor was concerned about.
And I thought we addressed those concerns.
The concerns were making sure that the finances
of the land banker handled in the city,
that were not hiring some outside financial firm
to run the books and records.
Um, there were a handful of other concerns,
and, um, I thought we had addressed those, um, concerns.
And they can certainly be done through the bylaws
of the authority when it's created.
And again, two council members, two mayoral representatives,
and the independently elected treasurer.
There's a lot of checks
and balances built in with this land bank.
So, um, it represents all sectors of the city.
So again, I, I think at this point, um, it's, um,
you know, those are our options. And
Quite frankly, the mayor's concerns are not our concern
because that time has passed.
The mayor had months and months
and months to voice her opinion,
and she could have vetoed this, but she did not.
And, um, I think that we need to get this signed.
Um, I will give you an example.
Um, every action that council takes, every meeting,
we send a result letter on each item,
and I have to sign every one of those,
whether I voted agreed with it or not.
And there's not many things that we've had big disagreements
with this term, but certainly in the past we've had some
pretty contentious votes.
But I still had to sign that
and say, this is the result, whether I liked it or not,
or had questions or concerns, that's
because it's a ministerial function.
That is what I, that is my duty
and job to do as the secretary of the council.
The, the clerk also has those same duties to sign.
Once I sign, then the clerk has to sign on all of the, uh,
ordinances or actions of counsel.
And this is no different this time
and the mayor holding this up, I have no idea why.
Because the agreement has been reached,
counsel has approved it.
We are the only body that can approve contracts in the city.
So I, I don't know if we wanna give a date
and then decide from there.
Um, I don't wanna go to the end of the year
because we're gonna lose then, you know, the, they've,
we've been told there's at least $2 million
that may be available to us in grant money,
and we're able to, with that money.
Like Ms. Barnwell said, we can have somebody in her office,
whatever costs that are, but the Land Bank
can actually purchase property.
It can hold property.
So we can pick up property, hold it, sell it,
put people in it, help.
There's so many things that we can do with the Land Bank.
It's just really limitless.
Um, and I, I just think this,
this holding this up is just so disingenuous
and certainly frustrating for all of us.
I'm, I let somebody else talk. Adam, chair. Mr. Bokey,
Would you like to go First?
Oh, uh, well, yeah, I was. You.
I didn't, I didn't, I didn't see we're both
had our hands up, but call you.
Oh, I, go ahead. I wasn't looking.
S um, yeah, so as I understand it, it's a ministerial duty
of the mayor to sign that document.
It's way past the time that she should have done it.
We've lost money. Um,
our recourse is to take her to court.
And as I understand it, we're setting a date
where if she hasn't signed it by that date, we need
to take her to court because the city can't be losing this
money just because she does, doesn't want to do her job.
I, I like the mayor plenty.
And I'm really sorry to see, uh,
what seems like a dereliction.
Um, I was wondering if, um, it, it would be all right
to request that Ms.
Michaels come up and tell her if there, if she knows
of any details.
Um, and I know it's not,
it shouldn't be our concern at this point,
but if, uh, if Ms.
Michaels has something to say, and
Ms. Michaels doesn't speak for the
mayor.
She's not the spokesperson of the mayor's office.
She's not, not a
spokesperson for the mayor, but she might not.
Now she's acting city attorney
that they wanna keep calling her.
Ms. Ms Michaels, you're welcome to come up
to the podium. Mr. Nunan has
Any questions.
Well, Ms. Michaels,
do you have anything to say on this matter? Thank
You. Yes. I've
had conversations with Mayor Stone
and she does support a land bank.
She, she wants to make sure
that it could be properly administered.
And I spoke to Mr. Schroeder, I even returned a return draft
with, to address some concerns.
One of those aspects would be
that there would be a mem memorandum of understanding
between the Land Bank Authority and City Council
and the mayor to ensure accountability
and to ensure transparency
and to maybe address some of the logistics of
how the Land Bank would operate.
And that's just a checks and balances issue.
We also included, obviously,
the controller would be the fiscal agent.
And I think that there's one last issue over the properties
that would be included in the Land Bank, so
that there could be a joint agreement
between the council and mayor.
But I don't think she's holding it up
for any reason other than to assure that the money is there
to fund the Land bank and that it's properly administered.
So we we're assured that the money is there
and that we're, except that we're losing out on money,
money is disappearing as we talk pretty much.
So I would encourage, um, if you happen to be speaking
to the mayor, uh, that you request that she
kindly sign the document.
Um, and I, I asked for, um,
A-M-O-U-I-I don't think so.
If you had, if you, if you had, you know,
if she had objected and,
and come up with something that back then,
um, anyway,
If I may, madam chair, the MOU would not,
it's not a hold off.
That would be after the fact.
The MOU would be an agreement between the authority
and the city council
and administration to ensure
that the authority acts according to standards.
That's the con, the overall
Concern. I wouldn't personally
mind seeing a model agreement.
I like that. But anyways, I'm, I'm going to yield to Mr.
Bokey, uh, thank you through from the chair.
Mr. Bokey. Uh, since, uh, Ms.
Michaels is up there, have you been attending meetings
regarding this land bank?
The last how many months?
10 months discussions?
I've attended meetings with Mayor Stone.
Okay, today I receive a email from Mayor Stone
and I have a litany list.
I mean, not just a couple concerns, a litany list.
Why am I receiving this now,
when this should have been discussed with our members
prior to me?
This is just, this is ridiculous.
This is not how you operate a city, you know?
Um, and I'll just leave it at that.
Uh, 'cause you're, you're, you're, you know,
you're active city attorney, but to get an email right
before a council meeting
because it's on the agenda by her own words,
why isn't she here?
And that's all where I don't see her or anybody.
And you're here and you're, you're an active city attorney.
And I'll just leave it at that. Uh, I wanna reach out to Ms.
Barnwell. Very good.
Uh, you have a lot of experience
and I appreciate you reaching out
to other treasurers to get that information.
And I am so glad that you're putting the residence first.
Thank you. I'll yield back.
Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Michaels. Mr.
Lafferty, Madam Chair. Thank you.
I want to underscore that Ms. Moore, myself,
Mr. Schroeder, uh,
and Ms. Moore has probably put in more hours on this than,
than any of us combined.
But there's a lot of experience
behind this agreement.
And Ms. Barnwell said it herself.
There are a number of authorities, there are a number of
people with experience that are standing
by waiting in the wings to help us
and to set this up the correct way.
We have the framework. Now, show me a resolution.
That's perfect. Will there be needs to
amend it in the future?
Absolutely. There will be. The, the Land Bank will mature,
just like any organization,
just like any established commission or board.
And there will be bylaws, there will be rules
and structure put in place.
But to, as Mr.
Bokey alluded to this email that we received, I,
I can't describe it any better, a litany of concerns
and, uh, changes that should have been brought
to us nine months ago.
There was no secret when we put something on the agenda,
where were those concerns then?
And as I asked Ms.
Michelson, one of the meetings that I had with Mr. Schroeder
and her, where was
when the land bank agreement was on the agenda,
where was the mayor then saying,
can you pause for a couple of weeks?
I have some concerns before you pass this,
before you adopt this,
could you put the brakes on it for two weeks?
'cause there's, there's three actions we can take up here.
We, well, actually there's four. We can do nothing.
And the motion dies, but we can approve it, we can deny it,
or we can table it.
Not one of those items.
Alternatives were taken by the mayor.
Not one of those items were, were asked of us.
And this body, after hours and hours and weeks
and months of research,
and with the expertise of Mr. Schroeder
and others, put together the framework for the agreement
and adopted it, that was the time
that the mayor had to do this.
And now we've lost a million dollars or more.
That's not only dereliction of duty,
it's malfeasance of public office.
And there is no excuse for doing this.
And I'm sorry, whether it's inexperience with the mayor,
I'm sorry that, you know, you don't have the, the years
of local experience that some of the people in this city do.
But there is no excuse for not doing your job.
And as I quoted to Ms.
Michaels during our meeting, perfect is the enemy of good.
We can make changes later on if there are changes required,
but you have to get the signature on paper to start.
And we are good at this point, if not great.
And we're in a great position to start.
And there are so many things
that we could be doing right now with this land bank
that are just stalled
because of inaction in the mayor's office.
Personally, I'm all about deadlines. Mr.
Lizza and, and countless others have, have come up before us
and asked us to stop a demolition, pull something out
of abatement all well and good.
Let's sign a contract with that person.
It's called a certificate of occupancy,
or it's a, you know, permits getting,
getting them into a certificate
of occupancy at the end of the line.
Let's set a date here.
Let's give the mayor, I'm gonna propose 72 hours
To sign this document.
Let the choice to go to court, be with the mayor.
It's not the choice of this council.
We did our job for, for the last four years.
The previous council went back and forth with the mayor.
I don't want to return to those days.
There is absolutely no reason to do that.
But the ball is in her court, literally.
So if the, if there is action to go to court, it will be
by her hand and not this counsel.
So I'm going to propose
that we give her 72 hours from tonight
to sign this document.
And if she doesn't, we authorize Mr. Schroeder to, uh,
pursue a writ of Manus in Macomb County Circuit Court.
I will support that.
Okay. Mr. Lafferty has, uh, made a motion.
Mr. Bokey supported.
I will call the question Mr.
Lafferty?
Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes.
Mr. Nunan? Very regrettably, yes. Ms. Moore? Yes.
Regrettably yes as well? Motion carries. Next item.
Thank you Ms. Barnwell for
Next item is appointment of Gary Watts to the zoning board
of appeals for a term to expire September, 2026.
So moved.
Support, anyone support,
uh, discussion.
This is a great appointment.
Any other discussion? Madam President?
Mr. Lafferty? Are, we're on the appointment of
Mr. Watts? Correct.
And are, did, did we double check
that the taxes are paid?
The water bill is paid. Uh, I, I drove by earlier.
I I thought I saw a leaf
or two on the front lawn, so, okay.
I'll, I'll, I'll yield. I believe it. I'll let the
Go two months into advance so we don't have to worry
About it. Okay.
Very good.
Any other discussion? Hearing none?
I will call the question Ms. Moore?
Absolutely. Yes. Mr. Boye? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Nunan. Alright. Rogan C is a yes.
Motion carries. Next item. Congrats Mr. Watts. Congrats.
Uh, next item is 13 C.
Motion to authorize litigation regarding damage
to the city's waste transfer station
and authorized the hiring of cot ster PC
to bring legal claims against prior operator
as outlined in attorney-client privilege memorandum from the
City attorney's office dated October 1st, 2024. So moved.
Support Lafferty? Uh,
this is based on closed session.
Yes. So I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yeah. Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes.
Mr. Nunan? Yes. Rogan C is a yes.
Motion carries. Next item. Next
Item is 14.
A request of the sanitation division
for an increase in budgeted appropriations
through a transfer of funds between line items in the amount
of $28,618 to cover contractual obligations associated
with GELC 2027 collective bargaining
and to purchase additional 95 gallon trash
and recycling bar cards, consideration
and adoption of a resolution. So moved.
Support Dwyer. Discussion? Anyone? Hearing none?
I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes.
Mr. Boe? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item
14 B, request of the sanitation division
to authorize the purchase of additional trash
and recycling bar carts
and lids from Schaefer Plastics North America LLC in the
amount of $42,112 76 cents.
Consideration and adoption of a resolution. So moved.
Support Dwyer. Discussion. Madam Chair?
Uh, Madam Secretary?
Um, I don't think any, is anybody here from sanitation?
I just have one question. Why?
Why don't we order a whole bunch? We don't have storage.
Um, you can come up to the microphone.
I was gonna not make you walk all the way up here.
It seems like we order these two or three times a year.
And I do here once in a while.
Yeah, we do. We do order 'em.
Good evening. Yeah. Good evening.
Uh, we do order 'em two or three times a year,
but as needed, they only take a week or two
To come in. Okay. So
it's not a long
Way. And that's all that fits
on the semi-truck.
Okay. I just thought maybe
A long time instead of having three trucks.
I get it. I get it. It's a lot easier. All right. Sorry.
Sorry to bother you. Thank you. Any other discussion?
Hearing none? I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Noonan?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 14 C Notice of appointment of John Harrison
to the crime commission with the term expiration
of June 30th, 2027.
So moved with discussion. Support
Lafferty.
Support Lafferty Discussion. Madam Secretary. Thank you.
Um, uh, Mr. Harrison is a great candidate there.
He's not in default at all to the city or anything.
Um, but I put him on the regular agenda
because, um, the crime commission, um, notified, um,
council office that they, in their bylaws, they request
that anybody seeking membership
to the crime commission attend two meetings.
Of course, that's contrary to what the charter says
because the charter says that the mayor can just appoint
whoever she wants with no qualifications
or, um, requirements.
So I suppose if the mayor were aware of that requirement,
she could adhere to that
and suggest that, you know, maybe a candidate go sit
for two meetings or whatever.
But it seems that their bylaws are contrary to charter.
And as I understand, there's a, an assistant city attorney
assigned to every board and commission.
So I think, and, and we keep running across this time
and time again when we're dealing with different authorities
that we're finding the ordinances are outdated,
the bylaws are outdated.
And so I think we need to sort of have a systemic review of
bylaws, the ordinances.
And I think each, each, um, commission should have a copy
of the ordinance that says exactly what their,
what their duties are.
'cause they are spelled out.
And I think there, that's gotten a little confus in the last
couple years, in fact.
So I think that would be a great thing if we could do
just systemically, each person sort
of look at their commission
and see what kind of, what needs to be updated.
And, 'cause I think we ran into one, it was like 1966,
the last time it was updated, which probably could,
could need some, you know,
sometimes the laws change and things like that.
So that's the only reason that I put, um,
Mr. Harrison on the regular agenda and nice to meet you.
Um, but he, he's certainly qualified to,
and he's not in the default to the city at all.
I just wanted to bring that issue up that we sort of need
to look at the bylaws
and make sure of all the commissions is there consistent
with the charter and state law, Madam President, Ms. Warren?
I'm fine. Thank you Mr. Nan.
Yes. Well, um, I'm wondering as
to the charter would supersede the bylaws then.
Okay. Um, I've, I've, uh, had a, a conversation
with Mr. Harrison
and, um, the bylaws of the Crime Commission make a lot
of sense relative to the Crime commission
because it's, it's very much a working commission.
And, um, they hope that the people
that are appointed will actually
pitch in and do a lot of work.
And, um, Mr. Harrison, uh, understood
that when I spoke to him,
and he was quite happy to work with the, um,
with the crime commission, go to two meetings
and, um, then it can, it can come back on the table.
And, um, at that point, uh,
they would've had a chance to meet him.
He would've had a chance to find out what,
what they actually want,
because, uh, people should know what the duties of a,
of a position are
or a job are when, when it's basically a job.
So, um, I would like to request that
we, um, table this matter until
he's had a chance to go to two meetings
and then bring it back in, uh, February.
So your motion is to table, is there support for
Well, I didn't, I didn't make the motion.
Okay. But I would like to request that we change the motion
to table until February.
Could I ask a, could I add something?
I don't know that that is the appropriate thing for us to do
because the mayor has the right to appoint.
Right. Um,
and I don't know if we wanna get involved in bylaws
that might not be consistent with the charter.
What, Mr. Maybe we could ask Mr. Schroeder.
His, so, um,
Mr. Harrison is appointed right now
'cause the mayor appointed him.
The council under the charter would've two meetings
to reject that by tabling this.
Um, it would just put it out of counsel's reach
to reject it.
Uh, typically in this situation, counsel would receive
and file the appointment.
And, um, with respect to the bylaws, I think most
of the bylaws are probably just fine.
The requirement that someone attend two meetings
before they're appointed is something that's contrary to
what the charter says.
The charter doesn't have any prerequisite
of attending meetings, although it might be a good idea.
Um, we can't undo the appointment. Um, okay.
Unless the council, I, I,
I don't think the council would want to
terminate the appointment at this point.
Once it's been made, there would be,
there's no reason to do so.
Right. Um,
Right. And I
don't think that they vote
on a lot of substantive matters.
They're not making policy, they're not, um, in that realm.
So, does that help?
Uh, yeah. Um, Mr. You have, you have the
Floor. Thank you.
So, um,
I think the, the general idea
that the Crime Commission has in their bylaws is
that the normal, they would like it to be the normal chain,
uh, chain of events that they would find people, uh, vet,
basically vet them, figure out how they work,
and then, uh, refer them to the mayor.
And so, I, I guess my request at this point, at least
until the bylaws can be possibly straightened out
with the charter, would be, uh, if the mayor could please,
uh, work with the Crime Commission to, uh,
let them refer people to her,
that would be really wonderful.
Mm-Hmm. And I guess, uh, I'm, I'm, I'm ready to go ahead
and, uh, go along, you know, say yes to John Harrison.
He seems like an excellent candidate,
Madam Chair. Um,
that is really the way many commissions
and boards have operated
for all the years I've been involved is,
is those commissions often will look for people
who are interested and they will,
they will recommend those people, um, to the mayor.
In fact, I, I'm sure I'm aware of the Crime Commission
actually recommending somebody recently.
So I, I think that that's, I mean, I always ask like
ZBAI always talk to the ZBA members.
Do you have somebody in mind that you think would be good?
Because they know what the job is
and so they're, they run into people that Oh, that would,
they, that person would be really good.
That person would be good on there. So, but okay.
We would have to, we would have to deny Mr. Harrison.
I don't want to do that. No, I don't know.
I know you Okay. I know you don't. Alright. Madam
Chair. Okay.
Whatever.
Through the chair to Mr.
Noonan, perhaps an alternative that I could offer, uh,
to your, where I think that you were probably going.
Okay. And, but you just didn't quite get there. Okay.
There's a discrepancy between the bylaws
of this particular commission and the charter.
Right. As Ms. Moore indicated, perhaps what we do,
and I'll be more than happy to support it in two weeks,
we could co-sponsor an item under council business asking
the City Attorney's office, uh,
and all of the respective attorneys for the commissions
to perform a review of the bylaws
for each commission if they exist,
and cross reference them with the charter.
Okay. Identify any discrepancies,
any changes that need to be made.
I'm certain that there are plenty of changes similar to
what we've done with the DA mm-Hmm.
We ask them to update both their policy documents for Parks
and Recreation and DDA for city hall facilities.
Perhaps that's a, uh, a meaningful way
to achieve this without holding up
the appointment of Mr. Harrison.
I would gladly do that with you. Alright. Sounds great.
Thank you. I will call the question Ms. Moore. Yes.
Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr.
Nunan? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries.
Congrats Mr. Harrison.
Sorry to put you In the middle of this. Yeah.
Next item. Next item.
Next item is audience participation on general topics.
Members of the audience who would like
to address the city council this evening may do so
by filling out an audience form located at the
right side of the stage.
Uh, you have three minutes.
Need to write your name and address on the form.
Uh, and this is for general items. First up is Lori Harris.
Hi, Lori Harris. I've lived here 41 years.
I, uh, wanna say hi to Tony and Dorothy Baker.
Uh, Tony, keep fighting for a DA As you can see,
the signs are still back here.
Um, also my friend David, who needs, uh,
accessibility issues in the city.
Um, I did not know, I think the council did a great job
of not promoting their concern about the mayor not
signing this land bank.
I didn't know this. If I had known this, I would've spoken,
uh, on the agenda items.
I find it disgusting.
I, I, I clearly, when Ms. Michael stood here,
she was commenting
that the mayor just doesn't trust the treasurer,
the council, or anybody else to do their jobs.
Um, I don't, I am just dumbfounded
that the city, acting city attorney
would defend that.
And, uh, it reminds me of some other mutual agreement
that the mayor wanted and something unreasonable recently.
Um, we've got to make progress.
Um, I appreciate the mayor, uh,
sharing her photo ops with everybody,
but I'd really like to see a difference being made.
I didn't, I haven't seen, um, any effort by the mayor
to go to the south end of the city
and find out what the neighbors thought about the homeless
shelters and
how did it affect them last year, or the businesses.
I wanna see progress.
I I want to see her working with the council.
I want to see her trusting the people that are elected
and, uh,
and working together instead of constantly demeaning them
by suggesting they don't know what they're doing
or they don't know what they're talking about.
We have a human resource department that is lacking,
greatly lacking.
And it's not just the police who are being affected by this,
but it's other departments.
It's unacceptable. It doesn't have to be this way.
So let's stop having all this,
this information that comes from the mayor
that suggests nobody knows what they're doing except her.
'cause that's not true. And it makes me mad on behalf
of the council or the other people that are involved.
And it, and it upsets me
that the acting city attorney acts like it's normal.
It's normal to question something.
Instead of saying to the mayor,
you had an opportunity to veto this.
You did not veto it.
Therefore, you know, the, you need to sign that document.
That should be the advice, not taking all of her concerns
and coming up here as if it's normal.
I know I'm done. You're at time. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Uh, next is Joel Vander Linn.
Okay.
Joel Van Linn. Long to worn resident.
I wanna jump on Mrs. Harris' comments about the mayor.
She's not here. She's not doing her job.
She's not listening to the people.
She is delic in her duties.
This council is saying it herself now or themselves.
Now she's irresponsible at her position.
She's irresponsible in her hiring practices.
She's irresponsible and tardy or absent or whatever,
and whatever she's supposed to be doing, except
for smiling for the camera.
We as a city deserve better
than Mayor Lori Stone.
We as a city deserve better.
And in the manning of the police department
and a city departments
and the other areas here, uh,
the thing being brought up about a land bank.
What a beautiful idea.
There's great ideas
and money out there from the state, from the feds
that we can take care of people.
Citizens warn citizens.
And she's sitting on her behind me, either not at City Hall
or going through a photo ops
or some L-G-B-T-Q theme, whatever,
but she's not here working for us.
And that is why she needs to be recalled
when the cons itself is using the words dereliction air
absent, she needs to go.
On the other hand, I want to take this moment
to wish Happy birthday to Greg Hick, my son Adam,
and to Elena.
Uh, tomorrow's their birthday.
And, uh, they're good warned citizens. Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Mr. Vander. Lennon.
Uh, that is the end of audience, Madam Secretary.
Uh, council response to audience.
Madam President Mr. Lafferty. Just
Wish everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday.
Thank you.
Any additional responses,
Madam President? I would like
to do that also.
Um, Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite, um, holidays.
Um, I give thanks to God for my sobriety
and for having a wonderful, uh, city council
and a darn good mayor on average.
And, um, okay, so there are some areas
where improvement could be found.
Uh, but anyway, uh, keeping gratitude in mind seems
to be, uh, a key, key way of being a healthy, happy person.
And I recommend it to everybody.
Gratitude lists are good things.
And, uh, so I'm gonna try to look on the bright side.
Thanks. Thank
You Mr. Noonan.
Okay, next item.
Motion to adjourn support. D Thank you.
All in favor? Aye.
Aye. Aye. Any opposed? We are adjourned.
Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Thank you.