Now calling to order a regular meeting
of the city council Tuesday,
February 11th at 7:00 PM Please
stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge all
Allegiance to the flag.
Flag of the United States of America
To the Republic for which it stands.
One nation under God, indivisible, indivisible,
with liberty, justice, and justice for all.
Roll call Madam Secretary Councilman Roy? Here.
Councilwoman McGee? Here. Councilman Dwyer? Here.
Councilman Dke? Here. Councilman Lafferty?
Here. Councilman Nunan. Here. Moore is present.
We have a quorum. Next item.
Next item is adoption of the consent agenda. So moved.
Support Lafferty.
Discussion. Hearing none. I will call the question.
Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Noonan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is adoption of the agenda.
So moved with discussion. Please
Support Lafferty Discussion, Madam Secretary.
Uh, thank you. I would like to add under counsel business
as 12 a, um, uh, request from the Land Bank
to request the mayor to send over to council
and appropriation to advance funds
to the Land Bank in the amount of $25,000.
Any additional discussion?
Hearing none. I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is? Yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is calendar pending matters.
Motion to receive and file
Support Lafferty.
Discussion. I did wanna reiterate my
request for status updated, relating, uh, relating
to the fire stations and future uses
of the additional remaining buildings.
And then there's been some conversation about one in five
and what we might do with it.
Any other discussions?
All in favor, aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is seven a approval of the bills
of the General Revenue Fund. 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. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is? Yes.
Motion carries. Next item. Next item is seven B.
Approval of the bills of the water and sewer system.
So moved. Support Dwyer.
Discussion, hearing and seeing none. I'll call the question.
Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is seven C General fund revenue report.
Motion to receive and file
Support. Lafferty
Discussion.
Hearing none. I'll call the question. All in favor, aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is seven D General fund expenditure report.
Motion to receive and file
Support. Lafferty
Discussion, hearing and seen none.
I'll call the question. All in favor, aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is audience participation. Agenda items only.
Good evening. Members of the audience would like
to address the city council this evening may do so
by filling out audience form located
at the right side of this stage.
This is a friendly reminder that, uh, you have three minutes
and this audience is for agenda items only.
There is additional time at the end
of the meeting for general audience.
First up is Lori Harris.
I
Hi.
Oops, sorry. Hit the wrong button.
Can hear me now? Yeah, yeah, Go ahead. I,
Um, am still kind of sad.
Uh, after that last meeting, I really thought
somebody would contact me
and, uh, so we could discuss these concerns,
but right now I wanna talk, I wanna just say it again.
Uh, 11 B and C.
Um, I don't think we should be giving 60 day license
extensions for these pop businesses.
If they cannot take care of their business on time
and pay attention to what they need to do.
We need to stop giving them extensions.
Uh, I don't see these coming up with other parts,
other businesses in the city like this.
Um, I also Am disappointed that all
of the, uh, appointments went on the consent agenda.
Um, I have some concerns about a couple of these people
and I don't think that they'll be helpful to the, uh,
commissions that they were, uh, appointed to.
And I haven't had a chance, but did anybody make sure
and look up their, uh, water bills
and their taxes and things like that?
Um, and, uh, the a DA
proposed ordinance 13 E proposed ordinance, amendment
to chapter nine, section nine dash one, seven dash one,
or one two parking lot maintenance permit requirement.
The first reading, I just wanna remind you
and remind people in the city that our, our
building department has failed and maintaining
and, um, uh,
assessing a DA compliance.
And I understand that the parking lot, uh,
amendment will is, is to help do that.
But the city has failed,
but in a, a compliance, um, for example,
the Van D**e restaurant that was called
your my ex-wife's chicken
or your ex-wife's chicken, um, opened
with the accessible spot, uh, in front of the drive-through
that business went out of business.
And now there's a hummus restaurant there,
and the food smells delicious,
but the accessible spot without a sign
is still in front of the drive through.
So if anybody wanted to get out of their car in that spot,
they would be where the drive through goes
through these are exam.
This is one example of so many others.
So, um, I just want you to know we have a lot of work to do
and it doesn't feel like in these five years
that, uh, Mr.
Bak for longer than five years,
but the least five years has been working on this.
And I also wanna know why we don't have Oh, that, that'll be
for the next comment.
Sorry, it's not on the agenda. Thanks.
Thank you. Next is Natalie Pak.
Hi. Um, my name is Natalie Pak.
I am on the agenda as an appointment to the library board.
I just wanted to introduce myself to the council, um,
and state my qualifications.
I've been working in libraries for 10 years.
Um, I'd like to bring my experience
and knowledge of trends in libraries to our community.
Um, and I just wanted to state my experience. Thank you.
Thank you. That is the end of audience.
Next item. Next item is announcements nine, a resolution
for Chuck England.
Is Chuck here?
I don't see him. Ms. Camp. He's supposed to be here, right?
Okay. I'll just read this mm-hmm. Quickly. Mm-hmm.
Um, whereas Charles Englin has been an active member
of the community for over 42 years.
And whereas Charles Englin served on the Warren Consolidated
School Board from 1992 through 1996.
And whereas Charles Englin, it is State of Michigan
licensed Builder and an active member in
varying community service groups.
And whereas Charles Englin is also the president
of Macomb Home Inspections Inc.
And whereas Charles Englin has used his talents
and experiences to serve the residents
of Warren on the zoning board of appeals since September
of 2015, and now
therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City
of Warren, along with Mr.
Lin's colleagues on the zoning board of appeals,
hereby recognize and honor Charles Lin for his dedication
and contributions to the development
and review of ordinance appeals for the residents
and businesses of the City of Warren.
Be it further resolved that a copy
of this resolution be presented to Charles Englin as a token
of the Warren City Council's appre appreciation
for his commitment to community service
and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Congratulations. And, uh, thank you so much for serving, uh,
on the ZBA Mr.
Englin.
Motion to Approve.
Motion to approve support Lafferty support.
All in favor, aye. Any opposed?
Madam Chair, uh, congratulations
to treasurer Lori Barnwell on being appointed
to the State Retirement Board.
I'm sure she's gonna do a great job
and, uh, do us proud here in Warren.
Uh, and I'd like to congratulate all of the, uh,
new commission members and just to, uh, respond.
Uh, all of the members
that were on the consent agenda
are not in default to the city.
They were vetted very carefully.
Uh, congratulations to Terry Wisnewski on his reappointment
to the Civil Service Commission for a term
to expire June 30th, 2028.
And congratulations
to the following individuals on their appointments.
John Couture to the Commission on Disabilities,
Benedetto Tio to the Construction Board of Appeals,
Carl Ackerley to the Cultural Commission.
Emma Howard and Natalie Pak to the Library Commission.
Rebecca Bennetts to the Beautification Commission.
Jaja Booker to the Crime Commission.
Diane Young to the Land Bank Authority
and Margaret Lewis to the Senior Health Care Commissions.
Thank you all for, uh, agreeing to be,
uh, on these commissions.
Uh, we appreciate your time. Congratulations.
Uh, the Macomb Career Technical Education Administrators
Association recognizes students
for distinction in their chosen career pathway.
The 2025 CTE Warren Award winners are Rah
Ali and Abdullah Hussein from Fitzgerald Public Schools,
Mia Sparks and Eric Yang from Van D**e Public Schools,
Mitchell Elms and Nor Mati from Warren Consolidated Schools.
And Abigail on Ros
and Owen Porter from Warren Woods Public Schools.
Congratulations,
Um, on behalf of the Warren City Council
and the entire community, it is with heartfelt gratitude
and deepest respect that we recognize
and honor fire marshal James m Kowski
for his extraordinary service
and dedication to the city of Warren.
Over the course of your distinguished career,
you have exemplified the highest standards of courage,
compassion, and professionalism.
Your commitment to protecting lives,
providing critical care,
and ensuring the safety
of our community has left an indelible mark on all those
fortunate enough to work alongside you
and those whose lives you've touched through your service.
Your steadfast dedication to the fire department
and the citizens of Warren has been an inspiration.
The countless hours you spent responding to emergencies,
training others, and serving as a role model
for future generations
of first responders will never be forgotten.
As you embark on this new chapter in your life, we wish you
and your family health, happiness,
and fulfillment may the years ahead bring you as much joy
and satisfaction as you have brought
to those you've served throughout your career.
Thank you. Fire Marshal James m Kowski
for your unwavering service to the city of Warren.
You leave behind a legacy of excellence, compassion,
and dedication that will in continue to inspire us all.
Congratulations.
His retirement is effective February 24th, 2025.
Also with heartfelt appreciation and best wishes.
The Warren City Council of Warren honors
and celebrates the distinguished career
of Lieutenant David Chris, who retired yesterday.
After 25 years of exemplary reservice to our community,
Lieutenant Chris has been a steadfast protector
and leader in our city, embodying the values of integrity,
dedication, and courage
that define the Warren Police Department.
Over the past two and a half decades,
he has not only safeguarded our streets,
but also touched countless lives
with his unwavering commitment to justice and public safety.
Throughout his career, Lieutenant
Chris has been a leader, showed professionalism
and compassionate service.
He's left a lasting impact on our city.
From the most critical moments to the everyday acts
of kindness that often go unnoticed,
Lieutenant Chris has exemplified what it means to serve
with honor as he retires from active duty.
The city council expresses our deepest gratitude
for his years of service and sacrifice.
We wish Lieutenant Chris a retirement filled with joy,
health and fulfillment, surrounded by family
and friends who have supported him throughout his career.
On behalf of the residents of Warren,
we thank you Lieutenant Chris
for your unwavering dedication to our city.
Your legacy will continue inspire those
who follow in your footsteps.
Congratulations and thank you for your service.
I'm done. Okay, president Vice President McGee.
Hello everyone. Um, as you may
or may not know, um, I 6 96 will be going
through a major repair
and restructuring starting March the first myself, along
with representative, um, Mike McFall fall,
who will be attending
and requested that mdot, um, come out to the city of Warren
so that everyone can ask questions
and review, um, the restructuring project event.
Um, our area is mainly in I 6 96 from six 90,
uh, er to Lasher, including 75.
So we will be having a, a review on February the 24th
from 6:00 PM
until 8:00 PM at FIS Recreational Center.
Again, that's on Monday, February the 24th from 6:00 PM
until 8:00 PM at the Fitzgeral Recreational Center.
Um, we will be sending out a flyer
and attach it onto the Warren, the City of Warren website.
The second announcement is this month is Black History Month
and the city of Warren will be giving a Black
History celebration.
And that would take place on this coming Saturday from 12
to 3:00 PM and it would be, um, at the Warren location at,
I always call it Civic, but it's really City Hall.
City Hall. It will be at our city hall.
So you are welcome to attend.
That's from 12
to 3:00 PM on this coming Saturday. Thank you very much.
Any other announcements? Madam President?
I've got an announcement. Mm-hmm.
Mr. Nunan, Um, resident Mark Lindquist
is a sculptor
and sent all the city council people
what we have packets at our places today.
Uh, he asked me to speak up on his behalf.
Apparently he had sent these letters and,
and, uh, CDs with his, um, the music he's composed,
uh, based on the sixties music, um, to us some months ago,
and they hadn't shown up here.
So there's a possibility that the city could buy four
of his sculptures, uh, kinetic sculptures for, um, $19,000.
It seems like considering the amount of work he's put in it,
that might be pretty fair value.
I don't know whether we would want to do that or not,
but, um, at least we have his packets
and, uh, he is a, a local citizen,
so I think that's pretty cool.
Thanks.
Any other announcements? Madam President? Mr.
Lafferty? Thank you. I'd like to invite the public
to the Battle of the Badges.
This is going to be a hockey fundraiser game
between the Chesterfield Police Department
and the much more superior Warren Police Department.
That's right. And this is going to be taking place Saturday,
February 22nd at Big Boy Arena.
That's also known as Frazier Hockey Land.
And tickets are $10 a piece.
Doors open at 2:00 PM
and some of you might recall this is to benefit, uh,
officer Nick Kott,
who was critically injured in an accident while hunting.
All proceeds will go to the,
the Warren Police Officers Association
and Fire Benevolent Association,
which will then be turned over to the Kott family.
So once again, fab. Uh, Saturday, February 22nd.
Tickets are $10 a piece.
And of course, the association will accept, uh,
as many donations as you can round up
for this very worthy cause in
support of one of our officers.
Thank you.
Any other announcements? Next item.
Next item is 10 A, which is a public hearing consideration
and adoption of a resolution approving the demolition
of a house at 23 8 1 4 Willard
through the Nuisance Abatement program.
Let's see. Mr.
Lizza, can you, um, summarize the item for us,
Mr. Chair?
Good evening, counsel. Uh,
this is a home I have been monitoring
for a few years now in his past hands from the original
owner to a second owner, now to a third owner.
So I've been proceeding with the nuisance abatement each
for each owner and moving forward.
And here I am now. Finally, this house is,
it's not, it's beyond repair.
There is nothing salvageable about this house.
From the foundations to the floors, to the wall, sections
to the roof, it's, it's just a disaster.
But because they keep changing hands on me, I have
to start order a new title
so I can duly notify the, the owners.
So finally here, it's time for this one.
This one is not a salvageable home.
Thank you. Is there anyone
from representing the petitioner?
No. I will open the public hearing.
Is there anyone from the audience that would like to speak?
Okay. Close the public hearing
and turn it over to counsel for action.
Motion to approve support. Discussion.
Mr. Lizza, I have a quick question.
Is our action today Pro, assuming we, uh, move forward,
is it prevent them from changing ownership?
Again,
I'm unsure on that. That
might be a more of a legal question,
but as far as I'm concerned, I think if called a question
that demolished the home, they would have to start,
they would've to go to circuit court
and put a uh, I think they have to get a, uh, I'm not sure
what exactly the terms they use,
but they have to stop the demolition.
They have to file this motion in Circuit Court to stop it.
Okay. But at this point, this house,
this is a really bad home.
Yeah. Mr. Shorter,
is there anything we additionally can add to this
that would keep them from switching ownership again
and like restarting the demolition process?
I dunno that we can accept them from switching ownership,
but if someone else assumes ownership, they're gonna have
to assume this property with all the notices
and liabilities attached to it.
Okay. Okay. Any other discussion or conversation?
Okay. I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Bokey?
Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 11. A consideration
and adoption of a resolution
approving wastewater bypass agreement
with the city of center line.
Motion to approve support Lafferty discussion,
hearing and seeing none?
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Newan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 11 B.
Request of Mac Farms located at 25,225 Easy Street,
suite B Warren, Michigan 4 8 0 8 9
for a 60 day license extension
for their adult use marijuana license.
Motion to approve with discussion support.
Lty Discussion Ms. Moore?
Yeah, just, just to address some comments that were made.
Um, this isn't all on the person asking for the extension.
There have been some slowdowns at, this is in the city
as well and there have been some situations where
actually the, the building department has, has, um,
told the people to file an extension with the city council.
They had been trying, working out, there were some problems,
logistic problems that they've
been working out in the department.
So some of these are, it's not just
'cause somebody's letting the ball, uh, drop on.
You know, it's just not a perfect situation. Yeah.
So any other discussion,
hearing and scene?
None. I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty?
Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 11 three.
Request of ET four Corp located at 21,445 Hoover Road,
suite 200 for a 60 day license extension
for their marijuana license.
So moved. Support Lafferty.
Discussion, hearing, and scene. None.
I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is? Yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 12.
A appointment of John Green to the zoning board of appeals
for a term to expire.
June 20th, 27. Motion to approve with discussion
Support Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Moore?
Yes, I I would just say that I served with, uh,
Mr. Green on the school board many years ago
and, um, he was on the DDA for 15 or 16 years.
He doesn't miss meetings. He always shows up.
He does his homework. He's passionate about everything he
does and I think he would be a great addition
to the zoning board of appeals.
Um, and he will be, um, uh,
if we approve him taking the place of Mr.
Lin who is retiring.
Thank you. Any other discussion?
Madam Chair? Mr. Lafferty?
Uh, similar to Mr. Wizowski and Ms. Lewis?
Uh, another great selection from district two.
Gotta love it.
Any other discussion, hearing and seeing none?
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Ms. McGee Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13.
A request of the police department
for an increase in budgeted appropriations in the amount
of $197,793 point.
Point Of order. Oh, I'm so sorry. 12 B.
Um, yeah, I should know this.
Um, motion to approve, um, add request,
uh, request the mayor to send over a request
for an appropriation to advance funds to the Land Bank, uh,
in the amount of $25,000.
So moved with discussion
Support Lty.
Discussion Madam Secretary. Thank you.
Um, yesterday the Land Bank, um, uh,
had an organizational meeting.
We had to have a meeting by yesterday, uh, legally.
And, um, um, we went over some, we we took care
of some preliminary things.
Um, we anticipate, uh, receiving some money pretty shortly,
but we need a little bit to get rolling.
Certain things that have to be done.
Um, so we are requesting that the mayor send over a request
for us to approve of $25,000.
Any other discussion? Hearing scene? None.
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13.
A request of the police department for an increase in budget
appropriations in the amount of $197,793
to cover the city's portion of installation costs associated
with Macomb County's upgrade
to the A TOS nine 11 call handling equipment consideration
and adoption of a resolution five votes are needed.
Motion to approve support. Dwyer. Discussion.
Hearing none, I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is? Yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is 13 b.
Consideration and adoption
of a resolution approving funding agreement with County
of McComb for shared upgrades to the police Backup
Dispatch Centers Motion to approve
Board Dwyer Discussion.
Discussion Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you, uh, through the chair too. Ms.
Michaels, please
speaking to Ms.
Michaels earlier today
and understand that, uh, city attorney's office has, uh,
is asking for an amendment this evening.
Good evening, Ms. Michaels.
Good afternoon, Councilman.
Could you? Good evening. Evening counsel, please, uh,
brief counsel on on what you're asking relative
to Article three. Yes,
Please. Um,
this contract involves a contract, obviously
with the County of Macomb to upgrade the police dispatch
backup network.
The contract involves a third party contract
for the actual work to be performed.
Macomb County will be entering into
that contract, not the city.
Macomb County is so far guaranteed
that we will have an operable system,
but we have not had input into the contract.
I just want to add to this contract
that we could have some input.
So what I'm suggesting in Article three,
paragraph A when it reads the contract will provide
for performance standards to ensure function
and operability of the city's network.
Also add and include such provisions
as may be reasonably requested by the Warren City Attorney
to safeguard the city's interest.
I haven't had a chance to connect
with the McComb Corporation Council handling this contract,
but I think this is a reasonable amendment
and I'm sure he'll agree to it.
Alright, Madam Chair,
Mr. L.
Thank you. Uh, is there anything else? Uh, Ms. Michaels,
That's all. Thank you. Alright,
Thank you.
So I will, uh, make the amendment, uh,
to read at the end of Article three.
Paragraph A.
The contract will also include such provisions
as may be reasonably requested by the Warren City Attorney
to adequately safeguard the city's interests.
Uh, further that the final draft will be
provided to the Legal Affairs Committee prior
to contract execution.
And that's your amendment Mr. Lafferty? It
Is. Uh, Ms. Moore,
are you comfortable with that amendment?
Yes. Any other discussion Ms. Michaels?
I just had a note. There was a
lot of, you don't have to get up.
Just there was a lot of, um, typos in the agreement
and just wanted to make sure those would
be adjusted as well.
Thank you.
Any other discussion?
Hearing none? I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is 13 C.
Request for budget amendment
for operating general ledger account
1 0 1 1 301 95 4 14.
Increasing the budget for
a TOS at US nine one one Call handling equipment from
$218,051
to $450,844 for one-time installation
and recurring service costs
to upgrade our nine one one call handling equipment.
Motion to approve support Lafferty discussion.
Hearing none? I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Noonan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is 13 D.
Consideration and adoption of a resolution
to approve an amendment to fiscal year 2025.
DDA capital purchases to repair
and improvements to warn police department exterior plaza in
the amount of $290,960.
Motion to approve with discussion
Support with discussion Support.
Mr. Noonan, Ms. Moore discussion?
Yes, I'm in favor of these repairs being made certainly,
but I would hope that at some point we look at the front
of the police department to get rid of
that slope and put parking.
It's so difficult for anyone to get to the police department
so far away from all the parking areas.
Yes. If we could somehow shave that front park
where the steps go up the front
and, you know, put parking there.
Anybody? I mean, I know there's some, um, parking for the
disabled in the back lot,
but there's, that's still a long way across that plaza
and up steps and everything.
And I know there's a ramp,
but that's, you know, pretty far too.
So I think maybe we should look at that.
So those, I don't have anything about the anything more?
Thank you. Discussion Mr. Newnan. Thank
You. Well,
I noticed that they,
there was some thought about whether
there should have been a green, green roof
and it reminded me about the police station putting in a
green roof many years ago.
Um, and so I inquired about that
and the city very nicely, uh, came back that it was, uh,
a consideration of a different area
of the police campus being covered.
And, uh, it would've been awkward indeed to do that.
But, um, I do like the idea of green roofs.
Um, and I hope that the one over the, the main roof
of the police headquarters is still working.
I, I don't know, um, maybe I should have asked about that.
Or I'll have a chance to in the future when you have, uh,
large expanses of roof
and nothing to hold rain on it, then the rain, uh,
goes off and, and often floods surrounding neighborhoods.
And we have a lot of very large roofs in, uh, Warren.
I'd like to see more green roofs done,
but the fact is, is that it's better
to do them on new installations where the, uh,
where the structures can be built to withstand the weight,
extra weight of whatever soil and plants
and so forth you'd need to have up there.
But I hope, I hope the roof is, uh, paying off financially
for the, uh, for the main structure.
That's all I had to say.
Adam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Nina.
Ms. Moore, uh, if I remember right, um, the roof
that was done at the police department.
I think Bill Gamble, who used
to work in the mayor's office, got a grant for that.
He was really good at getting grants.
He was, you know, I think he did some,
he's done bike path things
and um, I know in his house he had, uh,
electric put in his house.
'cause he has, I think he was the first person I actually
knew that had an electric vehicle
and he's now the city manager in Manistee.
So he's, um, really, uh, grown from,
but he did great work here
and he really focused on trying to get grants and things.
So I I'm pretty sure that we got that with a grant. I see.
If we could do something like that again.
Any other discussion? Hearing none?
I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Newan? Yes.
Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13 e propose ordinance amendment
to chapter nine, section nine dash 17 point 12 parking lot
maintenance permit required First reading motion to approve
Support with discussion, Uh, discussion Mr. Nunan.
Sure. Um, I, I think that it's great that, um,
permits will be required for res striping of, uh,
parking lots and hopefully we'll get all the, um,
parking lots and more
and up to grade on the a DA compliance.
Um, I, I listened to what Ms. Harris had to say about,
um, whether it's the engineering department getting,
um, handling the permitting
or whether it's the property, um, the buildings.
And I hope that we do better if we
haven't been doing well in the past. That was it for me.
Thank you, Mr. Newan. Any other discussion?
Madam President? Mr. Lafferty?
When the previous council Made the original amendments
to this, we were, we were, we had a, a couple
of prime examples where businesses simply, uh,
resurfaced their lots retried
and their res striping did not match their
approved site plans and did not have any notice
to the building department, planning department
that they were doing this.
So that's why, you know, we originally did this, uh, coming
to to the engineering department,
to the building department makes complete sense.
Uh, I'm, I'm curious, uh, just from an, uh,
info standpoint, how many permits have been issued
relative to since the amended ordinance?
And because as Ms. Harris noted,
there was, you know, business transfers,
I'm not sure necessarily touch off an inspection of,
uh, of that nature.
So that's, that's one question.
The other is we've made examples
and I'll, I'll I'll say the, the one
that was brought up most recently was the Meyer parking
lot at 12 and mound.
And this council approved a major amendment
to the PUD that allowed them to have the car wash.
And at that time I brought up the striping
and the wrong colors being used for the accessible spots
to date has not been corrected.
And so that as part of our approval, that was one
of the conditions that we had issued
construction's well underway of that car wash.
And so I'd like to ask that the, uh,
the building department, uh, send a notice
that they are, uh, behind in their commitment,
lacking in their commitment, uh, to, uh, the, the will
of the council and that they need
to come into compliance perhaps through this, uh, ordinance,
request a permit and ask to have that inspected
after their, uh, their striping is corrected as far as
tenants changing places in, in a multi-tenant building.
I'm not sure, uh, if we have, if that's
covered in this ordinance.
So I'd like to ask that I maybe Mr. Schroeder and, uh, Ms.
Michael's review the ordinance to see if there's something
that we can do upon transfer from one business
to another where no changes
to the parking lot are being made that if,
if an inspection can be touched off that way.
'cause that would, under this ordinance,
that would cure that problem.
So we have, uh, time in between now and the second reading.
The second reading can follow at any time,
but, uh, does not necessarily need to be two weeks from now.
But certainly with due diligence, I think we can come up
to a acceptable solution. Thank
You. You
any other discussion? Madam Chair? Ms. Moore?
I see that this request is signed by, um, Laura Sullivan,
the assistant city attorney in the, uh, attorney's office
and read and concurred by Mary Michael City attorney.
Um, Mary Michael should be the city attorney.
She's not, but she's doing the job of the city attorney.
She's got the responsibilities, the headaches, the
whatever it is that she is performing that job.
There is no acting position in this city for that.
And she should be appointed.
Sorry Mary, I don't mean to embarrass you or anything else,
but it's just not right that she's been doing the job
and she's been dangled out here for a year and a half.
Not, not that the whole
but since like April of last year, it's just not right.
It's demeaning to her experience and her actions
and I just think it's time that her appointment is sent over
for this council to approve.
It's not fair for us that we don't have a city attorney.
It's in the charter. We have to have a city attorney.
And I will say it right now,
I don't know if I'll have the support,
but any position that is not sent over for an appointment
by budget time, I'm gonna request that
that position be eliminated from next year's budget.
We've waited too long for these appointments to be made.
There is no place
for acting if there were provisional appointments made.
You have to have council approval.
We have not approved any of those open positions
that have acting people in it.
It's not fair to us. It's not fair to the residents.
It's not fair to the future of this city
or any of the employees.
So that's that, that's what I'll be doing and asking for.
Come budget time. Thank you. Any other discussion?
Hearing none? I will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Nunan? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes.
Motion carries. Next item. Next item is 13 f.
Request to approve an RFP
to review proposals on the administration
of a home buyer counseling purchase program
and the appointment of one council representative
to serve on the appropriation.
Madam Chair, if I could make a
comment before I make a motion.
Mm-hmm. Yes. Um, I think that this is the program
for the ARPA and the home improvements
that we were sitting on the committee.
It probably should be you, Mr. Lafferty or me.
So if I'm happy to do it through. Yeah. Okay.
I'm happy to do it. Alright. I'll make a motion that, um,
uh, president Rogan Sea serve as the council representative
and approve the RFP support Lafferty.
And I'll just add a note for those that aren't a part of
that, as a part of the forthcoming plan
around the down payment assistance
and home buyer program,
not home buyer down payment assistance home repair program
as a part of the program will be, uh, home buyer counseling
that's required as a part of it, which
is already being offered through C-B-G-G-C-B-G.
Thank you. Uh, community Development Development. Thank you.
Community Development Block grant.
And this is likely connected, which will just make
that process a bit more seamless.
So just for additional context, any other discussion?
Do they have regular meetings or how does this work? Just
So thus far it's been a working committee.
Uh, we're getting to a point
where it'll be shared more broadly
because we've narrowed down some of the details.
The folks currently are Dave,
community Economic Development, uh, Mr.
Lafferty, Ms. Moore,
and myself, Mr. Schroeder, Mr. Schroeder,
Laura Sullivan, uh, Ms.
There's probably about 10 folks that are meeting
to plus folks helping advise. Okay.
So and you'll provide us with updates the other
Council? Yes. Yeah.
When it's in a place,
I think ready to be shared.
Yeah. Any other discussion?
Okay, I'll call the question Ms. Moore. Yes.
Uh, who made the second? I didn't. Mr. Lty? Thank you. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Noonan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is audience participation.
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 and this is for general audience.
First up is Lori Harris.
This is the quickest meeting on record,
isn't it? No, no, probably
Not, but close.
But I'm sure you're happy about it.
Um, I wanted to talk about, uh, there's gotta be a way
that we can have people that are home bound
or that are unable to participate in person here to be able
to participate in these meetings.
And even if you can't do Zoom here
or something like that, why couldn't those people, um,
tape their comments under three minutes
and either on a video chat or a just a voice recording.
And Patrick or whoever's in the communication booth can play
that during audience participation.
I mean, we have to start thinking outside the box.
'cause it's not fair to the other people that want
to have input
and comments to not have a way for them to do that.
And, um, so that's one
of the things I was thinking about.
I also want to, uh,
remind people that accessibility is not just
someone in a wheelchair or on a scooter.
Um, there's vision impaired and hearing impaired.
Um, there's head injuries, things like that,
that affect people's abilities to get to meetings.
And we, we really need to make that a possibility.
Um, I have, uh, not much else to say.
I am, uh, still trying to figure out, uh,
some other information to share with you guys.
Um, but I thank you for this opportunity. Thanks.
Thank you. Next is Zza Booker.
Hello. Good evening.
Um, I just wanted to say again, thank you for your support
and, um, I am really excited about the opportunity
to serve on the crime commission.
And I'm sorry I put my name on the wrong slip
again, so I apologize.
But thank you again for your support. Appreciate you.
Thank you. Mr. Vander Linen.
I think that's the most running I've
done in the last four years. I,
I, Joel Valen,
long time born resident.
Ms. Moore, I want to thank you for your comments about the,
uh, police station needing a, a slope, whatever
for, uh, us, uh,
88 people to get into the police station.
A shorter path. I think, uh,
it is very hard for any person
to get into the police station, uh,
let alone without a proper slope, which also brings the mind
locations at City Hall that don't have a sidewalk
where I am forced to walk into the street along,
uh, van D**e heading towards, uh, city hall.
There's no sidewalk.
And, uh, the front part off of Van D**e,
there's also no sidewalk over by Tower High School
on the side there.
There's no sidewalk anywhere around
Macomb Community College.
Are we supposed to walk in the street?
Are we supposed to get run over?
I mean, something has to be done for us within the 88.
Now, the real reason I'm here is to talk about transparency.
We all heard over a year ago, year
and a half ago, about transparency
and how the new mayor was going
to bring it in and everything else.
And yet, when it came to the police commissioner's position,
there's absolutely no transparency.
I have asked the city on a FOIA
for all the names of those that have applied
for the police chief.
I have asked for their backgrounds
and they have shot me down.
I feel it's wrong that if a person can run
for office at their name, address, phone number,
and everything else is open for the public to get gather.
But the city for the police chief refuses to give out any
of the information of those names,
those addresses, their backgrounds.
How do we know we got the best person possible?
Are we supposed to take the mayor's word on it? I think not.
Uh, we talked about, uh, Ms.
Michaels here not being given
her position full time.
And I agree with Ms. Moore and Mr. Laff,
You're at your time. Mr. Vander Linen.
Okay, let me finish. Thank you up.
Have a good evening. Three minutes,
Ma'am. Is
the end of audience. I just ran up here.
You have to let me grab my breath. I didn't start it.
I think it's wrong that skip McAdams has not
been Mr. Van back.
Next item. Next item
is response.
Uh, council response to audience. Madam Chair Ms. Moore.
Um, I would like to announce that we are in the, um, uh,
beginning stages of remodeling conference room A
for council's use for committee meetings of the whole.
And we are going to have technology available so
that people can participate virtually.
Um, I'm not in charge of this room,
so there's not really much I can do, uh, about that,
but this room council is in charge of the, the renovations.
And we're going to have a consultant come and show us
and tell us, you know,
and figure out what we have to do to make that possible.
So we are going to have, be able to have virtual, uh,
participation in our committee meetings, um,
and just explain the, uh,
council office procedure for appointments.
When the appointments come over.
If it's not something council has to approve,
but we're just taking notice of it, um, council goes through
and make sure that the candidate
that's being proposed is not in default to the city.
And if they are not in default to the city,
their name goes on the consent agenda.
We don't decide how good a job somebody will do.
Or, you know what that, that's up to the mayors.
That's her decision to make, um, who she wants
to be on the commissions.
And if we know something, I, it's possible that, you know,
maybe that something the mayor doesn't know about somebody
that could be brought to her attention.
But anybody can always take something
off the consent agenda.
But if they're on the consent agenda,
council office has vetted them
and they're not in default, um, to the city.
Thank you. Anything further?
No additional response. Okay. Next item. Motion to adjourn.
Motion to aurn
Support, uh, vice President McGee.
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? We are adjourned.
Have a good evening.