I am now calling to order a regular meeting
of the City Council Tuesday,
May 13th, 2025 at 7:00 PM Please
stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance. Allegiance,
The flag to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands.
One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all.
Roll call Madam Secretary Councilman Roy? Here.
Councilwoman McGee. Here. Councilman Dwyer. Here.
Councilman Bokey. Present. Councilman Nunan. Present.
Councilman Lafferty. Here, Moore is present.
We have a quorum. Uh, next item.
Adoption of the agenda of the consent agenda. So moved.
Support Lafferty with discussion.
Discussion. Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. I'd like
to remove from the consent agenda items four Q
and four R.
Any additional discussion
I want to remove. Item
R. He already did. Oh, thank you.
And four R,
any additional discussion?
Okay. Hearing and seeing none, I will call the question.
Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Uh, Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is adoption of the agenda.
So moved with discussion.
Support Lafferty. Discussion Ms. Moore. Thank you.
Um, uh, adding under
council business 12 D.
Councilman Bokey, an update
regarding the wheat and grass program.
12 e update regarding the Pine Brook lawsuit.
13 K.
Um, consideration
and adoption of a resolution accepting the review panel.
Recommendation to award, uh, bond counsel
and approval of a letter of engagement with Miller Canfield.
Um, what was four Q? Will now be four L.
What was four? R will now be 13. M.
Any additional discussion?
Madam? Chair, what was the award
of bond counsel, what item is that?
13 K. 13 K, thank you.
Okay, I will call the question. Ms. Moore. Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan CA? Yes.
Patrick, on our uh, monitors,
there's no camera streaming at the moment.
I don't know if it's recording. Okay, next item.
Next item is calendar of pending matters.
Motion to receive and file with discussion
Support Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Moore?
Yeah, I think there might be an item we're gonna remove,
but I haven't had a chance to discuss it with Mr.
Lafferty, so we'll wait till next meeting
to deal with that if we can.
I wanted to renew my request for the dog ordinance.
This item was on here from November.
It's sitting with the Animal Welfare Commission.
Um, this has been ongoing for six years,
so I would ask that the Animal Welfare Commission review it
and if the city attorney's office could send over
something by June 6th.
Thank you. Anything else?
Okay, call the question all in. Well actually, all in favor?
Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is approval of the bills
of the General Revenue Funds. So moved.
Support Lafferty.
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. 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 will call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes.
Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Newnan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is? Yes. Motion carries. Six item.
Next item is seven C.
General fund revenue report. Motion to receive and file
Support. Lafferty.
Any discussion? Call the question. All in favor, aye. Aye.
Any opposed? Motion carries.
Next item seven D, general fund expenditure report.
March, 2025. Motion to receive and file
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. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is audience participation for agenda items only.
Members of the audience who would like
to address city council this evening may do so
by filling out an audience form located
to the right side of the stage.
This is for agenda items only. You have three minutes.
Uh, if you wish to speak about general topics,
we have time at the end of the meeting.
First is Ms. Harris,
you wanna pass?
Okay. Okay. End of audience. Next item.
Next item is announcements nine A,
a resolution honoring the Warren Police Department
during National Police Week.
May 11th through the 17th, 2025. I
Apologize.
Oh, thank you.
Didn't sign. So I have, I have one that Ms.
Camp has for Kevin Fisher.
So Kevin, you can come up if you wanna speak.
You have to turn it in. Ms. Anchor,
Still speaking Now?
No. On agenda items. Agenda items.
What's Your Yeah, you have to give it to MS Camp.
Go ahead, Mr. Fisher.
Hi, my name is Kevin Fisher.
I live at 2 7 2 1 1 Pembroke Drive.
I'm here tonight to advocate
for the real rebuilding of Cosgrove.
This is the last year the city can exercise the warranty.
Within the first year that Cosgrove was rebuilt, it started
to show signs of scaling
and in one situation, cracking at a curb.
The erosion was not limited to just the road.
It migrated up residence driveways
that the city had replaced.
Some were affected more than others.
The buildup of the eroded concrete is quite evident
as you drive down the street.
The theory at the time was more limestone was added
to the concrete mixture to reduce CO2 emissions.
My concern was the consistency
of the mixture from truck to truck.
It's evident that the erosion varies from
the section to section.
As concrete was poured from different cement
trucks at different times.
Fast forward to this year, the erosion was definitely worse.
The amount of concrete material
that built up along the curbs was much greater
last than last year.
At this time, the crack at the curb has progressed.
I would suspect that section will break off in within two
to three more years.
Not only that, but new cracks have appeared on the apron
and street level of a resident's home.
It looks like the cracks at the street level are
following the curb line.
Grinding and sealing. This road won't fix those problems.
It's just not scaling. It's cracking.
In less than three years, we need to step up our game
and quit settling for less.
The city. The city's quality control methods need to improve
to prevent this from happening again.
Knowing that the formulation had changed,
should have resulted in higher level of testing
and monitoring of batches coming from the supplier.
I understand core samples were taken from the roads
that showed Spalding.
I understand. Excuse me.
I don't know if Cosgrove was one of those streets.
What I would suggest is onsite slump testing.
Not only will this ensure consistency
with the batches will ensure strength.
And another big one, durability.
Waiting for the third year
to check on a completed rope project is a little risky.
What happens if the proposed fix doesn't work
and the warranty is now expired?
Who's on the hook? I can't imagine if we built cars with
that same quality philosophy.
Please keep in mind that the Concrete Association
of Michigan exists to promote the concrete industry,
not taxpayers.
As reported on Channel seven, they recommended grinding
and ceiling for two reasons.
One, it's less expensive, but for who?
And two, to reduce the inconvenience to the residence.
You're at time. Mr. Fisher. Thank you. Thank you.
Uh, Gloria Sanker.
This is regarding item, uh, 13 B.
The mayor is requesting water rate increase. Another one.
We just had one not long ago.
Is it really necessary to charge more
and more for already inflated utility rates?
Water's not a choice, it's a necessity.
Don't charge a late fee.
Give seniors a grace period to pay
before charging more for their bills.
When the seniors pay late, there's probably a good reason.
One, they're probably short of money that month.
Two, social security check maybe didn't come in on time
or outstanding bills left the home budget depleted.
Why are you punishing the seniors with a late charge?
Most seniors don't work because of age and disability.
Let's not add to the difficulties of their lives.
We are getting all
that money from the unlimited pot shops that you approved.
Why not at least give seniors a break?
When you have increased bills, you get a second job,
you perhaps get a raise or an increase from your employment.
Seniors don't have that option.
They have a fixed income
and the more you take from them, the less they have
for food and medicine.
Be creative. Help those who really can't help themselves.
You and I drink a lot of bottled water. Seniors can't.
That's an added expense.
Many take less showers because of the cost of water.
I hope you'll consider our seniors that make up the bulk
of our citizenry
and deny the increase recommended by the mayor
for a water rate increase.
I don't think it's been a year since the last increase.
Don't burden those who are already burdened.
Take a ride down to the south end. Really?
Can they afford another water rate increase?
Thank you. That is the end of audience.
Next item. Next item is nine a.
A resolution honoring the Warren Police Department
during National Police Week.
May 11th through the 17th, 2025
and remembering, following, following officers.
Um, motion to approve with discussion. Support Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Moore. Thank you.
Um, we attended last week the, um,
annual memorial service at the FOP.
Um, Mr. Lafferty saying, uh, the national anthem
as he usually does, the police honor guard was there.
Uh, commissioner Hawkins
and, um, many dignitaries from the police department
and the city, uh, paying tribute to our fallen officers
and, um, uh, police officers
and, uh, recognizing them all
through the country, not just here.
Um, I will read the resolution even though we've already
given it to you, whereas the Congress
and president of the United States have designated the week
of May 11th through 17th 2025 as National Police Week
and May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day
to honor law enforcement officers
who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty
and to recognize the dedicated service
of police officers nationwide.
And whereas the Warren Police Department faithfully serves
and protects the residents of the city of Warren
with courage, professionalism,
and an unwavering commitment to justice.
And whereas it is with solemn respect
and deep gratitude that the Warren City Council honors the
memory of police Officer Edward Ria,
who was killed in the line of duty on March 3rd, 1969,
and Sergeant Christopher Michael Woo,
who was killed in the line of duty on October 11th, 2000.
And whereas Officer Riaa
and Sergeant Wooters exemplified the highest ideals
of public service and made the ultimate sacrifice in the
performance of their duties and their legacy continues
to inspire the officers who serve today.
And whereas the City of Warren stand stands in solidarity
with the families, friends,
and colleagues of those fallen heroes
and expresses our collective appreciation for their courage,
dedication, and selflessness.
And whereas the Warren City Council further acknowledges all
members of the Warren Police Department
for their ongoing service and reaffirms our respect
and support for the law enforcement community.
Now therefore be it resolved
that the Warren City Council does hear by honor the men
and women of the Warren Police Department
during National Police Week, May 11th through the 17th,
2025, and especially recognizes the lives
and legacies of Officer Edward Ria
and Sergeant Christopher Michael Wooters,
be it further resolved
that the council encourages all residents of Warren
to take this time to reflect upon the sacrifices made
by law enforcement personnel,
and to express appreciation for the work they do every day
to keep our city safe and police officers in the room.
All in favor, thank you
For all we do.
Um, and ladies
and gentlemen, in the audience there are lapel pins, um,
in honor of police work, uh, police week.
If you'd like one, please help yourselves.
Um, I have one other item.
Um, the Warren Symphony is having their last concert
of the season on May 18th, sym, uh, Deric, uh,
symphony number nine.
It's at 3:00 PM at the Warren Woods Middle
School auditorium.
We'd love to see you there. Thank you.
Any additional announcements Ms. McGee?
Yes,
I do have an announcement that the Warren, the city
of Warren, is having their upcoming skilled trades.
Fair. Um, as you know, we are going through the process
of making sure that, um, we do all we can
to hire not only just, uh, police officers and,
and, uh, dispatchers,
but they all will be attending, um, on the 21st of May,
um, at our Warren Community Center, along
with the additional, we have over 27 skilled trades in,
in the state of Michigan
that will be attending also on the 21st.
It will be at the Warren Community Center from one
to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, may the 21st.
And we're asking all to come out.
Um, if you are 18
and above, you can apply for the skill trace positions
and these are earn as you learn,
you are getting paid while you learning a new skill in
an apprenticeship program.
And so I put the information at the end
of the stage here to the right.
Um, for all those who are interested in coming,
please make sure you tell your organizations, your churches,
your, your, um, your schools, all about the skilled trades.
That will be again on May the 21st from one
to 7:00 PM All are welcome.
Thank you
Mr. Newton. Thank
You. The
Warden Warren Garden Club branch,
the Woman's National Farm and Garden Association.
Plant Exchange is Saturday,
May 17th, 2025 from 10:00 AM to noon at,
and it's at first United Methodist Church in the East
parking lot, which is at 5,005 Chicago Road.
Between Ryan and Mound Road.
Bring healthy plants that you need to thin out
and take home some new beauties for your yard.
There will be a few plants for those
who don't have any to exchange.
All plants are free.
Thank you. Any additional announcements?
Okay, next item.
Next item is 10 A, which is a public hearing request
to confirm and review special assessment role number 5 41
for the demolition of a house
and a garage located at 7 0 0 3 Westminster
through the Nuisance Abatement program.
Uh, Mr. Liz, um, I don't see Mr.
Lizza, are you speaking on this Mr. Mozza?
This is just an SAR, though.
I believe the house has already been torn down.
Okay. Thank you. Yep. Uh, let's see.
Anyone from the petitioner? No. Okay.
I'll open the public hearing.
Is there anyone from the audience
who would like to speak on the matter?
Okay. I will close the public hearing.
Turn it over to counsel for action. Motion to approve
Support. Lafferty.
Any discussion? Okay.
Hearing and seeing none, I'll call the question. Ms. Moore?
Yes. Mr. Laffy? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr.
Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Grogan C is a yes.
Motion carries. Next item. Next item is 11.
A proposed amendment to chapter 25 of the Warren Code
of Ordinances relating to personnel and civil service.
First reading. So moved with discussion, support, Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Moore. Thank you. Um, Madam Chair.
Um, I have been in, um, discussions in the last couple
of weeks with, um, some of our union friends
and, um, learned of the need for, um, this ordinance,
um, the Transparency and Promotions Act.
Um, Mr. Schroeder, would you like to explain it
or would you like I can, I can read what
Sure. Um,
I was part of the discussion
and we drafted some language.
Um, most of our personnel ordinances, most
of Chapter 25 has not been touched since the 1960s.
We're dealing with some really old, antiquated language
and nobody's bothered to update it over the years.
And, uh, apparently, um,
there's a thought that some of the things that are decisions
that are made in the HR
or personnel realm may not, uh, be subject
to public scrutiny, or they may not have to disclose things.
So this is just requiring complete transparency
and promotions, transfers, or demotions.
Um, ultimately I, my position would be,
these are public records anyway, but this would clear it up
and say, you know, if I got demoted
or if someone else got promoted, where were I?
Where was I on the list? Where was somebody else?
We can't operate in secret.
Obviously, if you have an own private company,
you can make these decisions
and not tell everybody if you don't
have civil service rules.
So, um, this is just to clarify
what should really be the case.
Anyway.
Thank you. Any additional discussion?
Any additional 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 12, a council member Jonathan Lafferty.
Discussion in Ray update for Warren Police Department
regarding security issues
and student issues at the Dorothy Bush Branch
Library. So moved
Support Lafferty with discussion.
Discussion. Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you, uh, through the chair to recognize
Deputy Commissioner Rushton for an update on the situation.
Uh, for context,
the Library commission voted several months ago to close
the branch following dismissal at Fitzgerald High School,
uh, for a couple of hours each day.
And so that has since been rescinded,
and I understand the situation has improved.
So I'd like to ask for the police department's, uh, purview
and perspective on recent runs
and how, uh, how the situation is operating now.
Yes. Uh, I went back, uh, since the library has reopened
for the, uh, students, we have not had a radio run
that involved any students since reopening.
Uh, we did have one incident there.
Uh, it was a domestic violence in nature, uh,
during a child exchange
and a a couple minor runs for an alarm.
Uh, it's, we have, uh,
right now we're having a very good working relationship, uh,
with the Fitzgerald administration, uh, which has allowed us
to, uh, we no longer have an officer there.
Uh, the school provides an employee
that goes over on most days to,
to monitor the situation at the library.
And again, as I said,
we haven't had one radio run involving students there,
at least since it's reopened.
Um, and actually since
before that, uh, since Christmas break,
we haven't had any runs involving students.
Great. That is terrific.
But we certainly, uh, thank you and,
and your team for assisting
and making sure that the, uh,
the transition from school time to, you know, free time is,
is free of any, uh, any issues
and, uh, roughness, especially in,
in a quiet place like that.
But, uh, what, what in I understand too is that it,
it didn't bleed over to neighboring businesses either.
So there, there were no other issues at the, uh,
dairy Queen or, or Eddie's pizza, anything like that?
No, there hasn't been. Uh, as I said, we're working, uh,
very closely with the school administration.
Um, some, a couple policies were changed
that allows the school to enforce certain school rules, uh,
for students coming and going from school.
Uh, that has helped greatly.
Um, and we appreciate all the help from the school.
Wonderful. Thank you very much, Mr.
Rushton, or Deputy Commissioner Rushton.
Thank you. And I do have an email that I received from
one of the branch library supervisors, uh, Sharon Linsday.
She noticed the item on the agenda
and she said, uh, today marks one month
and one week that the Bush Library returned
to regular hours of service.
It's my pleasure to report
that students are using the library daily
and the number of students has increased.
Teens stop at teens,
stop at the circulation desk to sign in.
They leave their school ID
and willingly follow the required procedures to the letter.
Three weeks ago, they had 19 students sharing the library
space in the designated teen and magazine area.
Teens use the computers, uh,
subdued conversations take place.
And the newly installed, uh,
resource Officer Barnes at Fitzgerald walks with the teacher
around the campus and talks with teens and staff.
Uh, they credit, uh,
the Warren Police Officers Commissioner Hawkins, uh,
deputy Commissioner Rushin,
and the new acting Superintendent Forer
for having a positive influence on their students.
So, looks like a, a very well thought through
and, uh, collaborative effort has paid off.
So thank you to all who were part
of this effort. Absolutely.
Thank you. Um, motion
to receive and file that, I guess.
Um, all in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Okay. Next item. Next item is 12 B Council
member Jonathan Lafferty.
Discussion in Ray Engineering
to provide warranty status update on roads subject
to Spalding and deterioration defect. So moved
Support Lafferty with discussion.
Discussion Mr. Lafferty,
Through the chair to Ms.
Gaius, uh, a year ago.
Many of you may recall
that this issue was featured on Channel seven News.
That's correct. And, uh,
most recently today there was a follow-up story,
uh, ahead of this.
And so like to ask for an update from you, Ms.
Gaius, uh, to understand the issue.
I understand that you attended a conference recently
where you obtained a lot of good information.
That's correct. You'd like to hear, uh, everything you have
to tell us about the issue and then we can have a
short discussion.
Sure. Well, good evening everyone.
Um, first I just kind of wanna go back three years
and explain how the situation happened.
As the resident mentioned,
Eagle did put new restrictions on the cement manufacturing
industry, and in response, they added more limestone
to their cement mix, creating a new cement mix
called Type one L.
So this cement mix, uh, required it sets faster
and it requires a rougher finish.
So, uh, there was a learning curve for many
of the concrete contractors out there.
Um, and, uh,
it's more pro relevant on local roads
because they did a finer finish.
So the sping is more noticeable
and those roads, on major roads, they do a rough finish.
And there was, the spalling was not a problem.
Um, uh, only the top one eighth inch
of concrete has sped in certain areas
for projects poured in 2022, not only in Warren.
So I wanna emphasize this is statewide problem.
So it's surrounding cities have this issue.
It's not just local to Warren, it's not just common
to one contractor, it's all contractors that had this issue.
Uh, similar situation did happen 20 years ago.
Mdot introduced slag into the cement mix.
Same thing happened. There was a learning curve,
sping issues, uh,
but those roads are still structurally safe today.
So the sping did stop in that, in that situation.
So now what we are doing three years later
for all 22, 20 22 projects,
we have put contractors on notice for the sping issues
and all warranty issues.
Warren has a three year warranty in all of our row projects,
which is a lot more than most communities.
Most communities do a one or two year.
So, um, the first thing we do is put them on notice.
Uh, per the contract language,
the warranty expires three years after the final payment.
So in all these areas, they have the sping issues.
The warranty expires in January of 2026 or even later.
So, uh, we do have the entire construction season
to make decisions on
what we're gonna do about this situation.
Um, core samples, I, um, went ahead
and had core samples done on several of the roads
that are experiencing SP issues.
I did get the compressive strength test back
and they all came in at 4,500 PSI or greater.
Some even at 6,000 PSI,
our minimum standard is 3,500 PSI.
So that tells me that there is no impact on longevity.
The concrete underneath the sping issue is, uh,
structurally safe and strong.
So all of the concrete under the sping,
the top one eighth inch, the,
and the residential roads, it's seven inches.
So six and seven eight inches
of concrete are structurally sound.
And this issue is aesthetic.
Um, so, uh, two are when we,
we put all contractors on notice.
Not all contractors have responded yet.
We did it, uh, two to three weeks ago.
Uh, I did have one contractor respond, um, saying
that he'll seal the areas.
I've also spoken with all of the surrounding communities,
engineering departments, and, uh,
they have all dealt with it in different ways.
Either ceiling grinding, combination of both, uh, extension
of warranty, which I am, uh, really looking into
that right now because to me that seems like the best idea.
It sets parameters as to how bad of the sping
and how much of the area of the slab is SPD as
to whether it constitutes replacement.
And, uh, these, uh, situations I will, uh, go over
with the contractor and a testing company on a case
by case situation.
That's all I have. Alright.
Thank you Ms. Gaius. First question that I have for you,
you answered a number of my questions already,
but just to ensure that I heard correctly.
So our warranty expires January 20, 26
or thereafter, uh, when we make the final payment,
Yes. The,
the, they're all different,
the final payments, but mm-hmm.
Yeah, they're spread out based on when we approved.
Correct. The, the other, the next question I have is,
you had mentioned the pressure tests now, and,
and I said this on the news, I'm not an
engineer, I rely on you.
I have the most up utmost respect for you and your team.
Thank you. And the, this should not at all
be a, you know, a detriment to the good work that you do.
We understand that there are issues from time to time.
Mm-hmm. And it's more important on how we address them,
how we work with them, how we work through them,
and understand what can we be, what can be done.
My my purpose with this update tonight is to ensure
that we're protecting our investment in these roads.
That we're not going to have an issue
five or 10 years later.
And, oh shoot, we should have done something
during the warranty period.
Uh, could you explain the significance of the pressure test?
The compression test. Compression test? Yes.
That tests the strength and,
and durability of the concrete.
So, uh, when these tests come back at these such,
these high numbers and concrete keeps curing,
it keeps getting stronger and stronger.
Um, as years go by, uh, it just, it, it just tells me
that this is not a longevity problem.
This is something that's, when the sping finishes,
it's gonna be done and the road's still gonna be safe there.
Okay. So I also do wanna assure that, um,
on the three year warranty period, if there's cracks
and on on the approaches
or roads that gets replaced,
the cracks are included in the warranty.
So I just wanna reassure that.
Okay. And we've taken advantage of that.
I know a couple of times you've been up here to have
concrete replaced that was that either completely failed
and in fact, one happened on Cunningham, uh,
right next door to me mm-hmm.
The, the concrete cured,
it was a different color from everything else. And
Okay, that's a failure and mm-hmm.
So that's what I was saying about the compression test.
When they come back, the strengths come back Good.
And there's no deep cracks or deep divots
or like different color like you said.
Mm-hmm. Then concrete is good.
Alright. Now I know that, you know,
the concrete association saying this is affecting multiple
municipalities and, you know, as, as it should be,
my concern is here at home,
Of Course, ensuring all
of our roads mine too, as yours is too.
Yes. I know your dedication speaks for itself.
The, is there any discussion
amongst the different muni municipalities, uh, on
a, a concentrated effort here?
I know you discussed two different remedial efforts,
the diamond grinding and the,
the ceiling, the diamond grinding.
Does that just bring it down to what would be the, the level
of the cement after a certain number of years?
Yes. So you're kind of, you're, you're etching away
that, that top layer.
That's correct. Yes. And you're accelerating that so
that you're down to what would normally
be thereafter 10 years?
That's correct. Yeah. Okay.
So I'm understanding that correctly. Mm-hmm. Alright.
Now the ceiling is the exact opposite.
You're trying to preserve what,
Right. So that's why
most, most you would grind first
and then seal, um, you can also just seal first
and it'll prevent future, you know, further sping.
Mm-hmm. Okay. And my neighbor, Mr. Fisher mm-hmm.
Who provided some footage of, you could see his,
his foot pushing, you know, large amounts of that,
that top one eighth layer.
I mean, it was, it was a very thick patch of it
that was in the, the gutter of the street. Right.
Your Expectation
and your monitoring, does that indicate that
that should decrease?
Yes, that should decrease.
That's why the extension of the warranty is, is
what I'm favoring.
So we can monitor it further and make sure that it stops.
Alright. And also give it a parameter, you know,
say if it scales more than a half inch,
then it's gotta be replaced.
Give it, uh, you know, and more than 10% of the slab
or, you know, give it parameters so the contractor is, knows
what, ease what's expected of them.
Okay. So this is, this is what I, I really wanted
to get out of this is how do we measure the success of,
or the failure of these roads?
And so what you're, what you're talking about is,
is providing a metric that we can measure these
by surface area versus just saying,
it's very easy for me to say I want the road replaced.
I don't, I don't like the way it looks. Mm-hmm.
Uh, I think it's, it looks like poor quality,
but we also have to think, you know, the larger numbers and,
and you know, and you
and I have had a conversation about this.
Uh, I have, you have to prove to me
that replacing the road is not the,
the, the sole option here.
Yes, that's correct. So from, from where I sit,
do you need direction from counsel for,
uh, in the form of a motion to go back to the contractors
or, uh, to, to develop these metrics?
Or is that something you're going to present
to us at a later date?
I will present that and, uh, maybe a motion will be needed
for the extended warranty, then I'm not sure.
Okay. Uh, for the extended warranty, based on
what you're able to secure, uh, I would like to see
that at least 90 days ahead of the warranty expiration.
Sure. That way we have sufficient time, Mr. Schroeder, Ms.
Michael's, uh, can work together and,
and ensure that we've got everything covered there.
Okay. Uh, beyond that, the,
my, my wife and I walk up and down Cosgrove quite often.
I've seen the same issue that Mr. Fisher has, uh, mentioned.
And Mr. Conlan, I, if you've got the, the one photo
that I showed you, the, the sping, uh,
if he can put that up there it is.
This, on the sidewalks
that were replaced is probably the most prevalent on,
you know, compared to the road, the road, it's,
it's pretty even across the entire road.
I, I just, I had a dozen pictures, but Right.
One picture shows the issue, right. More
On the east side, it seems like
It, it seems to be. Mm-hmm.
But what I'm, what I'm seeing is
along the entire approach and then on many, not most,
but many of the sidewalk slabs, it, it is.
So I think it may meet your surface test metrics that,
you know, considerable area has been compromised
and may warrant replacement.
So there are many examples that you want
to draw from Cosgrove probably has quite a few, uh,
that can help you develop those metrics.
Okay. Uh, beyond that, uh,
we, we stand ready, I stand ready to, uh,
make sure we, we hold our contractors accountable.
I know that we had discussion three meeting, uh, two, uh,
weeks ago when we met, uh, and talked about Bunard
and, you know, exploring warranty options there.
And, you know, we've got a, I understand
that there was some concerns regarding the,
the sewer infrastructures maybe sinking already.
Um, number of concerns, I'm not sure if it's all limited
to one contractor
or, you know, based on the, on who's doing the, uh,
the concrete being used
For bunard mm-hmm. Is
one contractor? Yes.
Okay. Is it the same one that did Cosgrove? Yes. Okay.
So it's Ika. Yes. Okay. Alright.
So just more, more things to keep in mind then
Of course. Alright.
I will yield for the moment. Ms. Gapes, thank you.
With all welcome. Respect you, thank you
for your, your effort.
I appreciate you. We appreciate you. Thank you.
And you know, this is, uh, this is a healthy discussion
to ensure that we're doing the right thing.
Thank you Madam President. Through the chair. Mr.
Dwyer. Yeah.
In regards to, uh, Cosgrove, you uh,
say you've got the contractors,
you're putting them on notice,
they're checking out the roads
to see what's going on with the spalling.
Yes. But you're also putting them on notice
for the approaches to a lot of these residents
because there's probably 15 to 20 different approaches
that are just in horrible condition from the Sping.
And there's like our resident was saying,
Mr. Fisher was saying starting a crack.
And I mean, if this does not get addressed, like
with these approaches,
I think matters are gonna get progressively worse.
And we don't wanna run into a situation where all
of a sudden we're outta warranty.
Right. So
Cracks are covered under the warranty for sure. So,
So when they're out there, um, checking out the roads,
they're also looking at the sidewalks and the approaches.
Oh, every, every part of the road project. Yes. Okay.
That's all I have. I yield.
Thank you. Any other discussion?
Madam Chair? Mr. Bokey?
Uh, just a follow up question on the, uh, good evening.
First of all, hi. Um, on the PSI, the,
the core sampling that you did.
Yes. Being that they used a new material in this product,
um, there's probably no studies if
that PSI is gonna hold up five years from now
or it can, you know, deteriorate faster than what it should.
I mean, I guess you would say that about anything,
but I mean, strength is a strength.
I mean, that's concrete. It's still concrete.
Yeah. And, and the concrete takes years to
Cure. It is a new
material. You're, you're correct.
But I mean, if, if you, if the strengths are increasing,
you know, at the time that we place the pavement,
we have it, uh, strength tested as well
and it has to be 3,200 PSI for us to open the road up.
Okay. And then it, and it tells me
that it's continually getting stronger
and stronger, which concrete should do.
Alright. So it is behaving like regular concrete.
Thank you for educating me. Sure.
That's why you're engineer.
It goes up rather than go down the PSI strip. Yes.
It keeps going up. Well, thank you very much. Mm-hmm.
Anything further? Okay. Thank you Ms. Gaius. Thank you.
Uh, let's see. Motion to receive and file. All in favor?
Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item. Council Secretary Mindy Moore.
Discussion Inre presidential visits. So moved.
Support Lafferty. Discussion. Discussion Ms. Moore.
Thank you Madam Chair. Um, a couple
of weeks ago the president came to town
and other presidents have come in the past and candidates
and all sorts of dignitaries.
Um, we expend a great deal of resources
and money to support these visits from police,
fire, DPW.
Um, the, we have drones now, um,
that monitor from the airport, uh, down to Warren.
We have to have a squad.
I believe the president has to have an EMS squad.
So we have a squad that travels
with the president from the time they land
till they come to Warren.
Um, there's always a squad inside a facility outside.
Um, uh, high security number one, I would like to know
what the cost is to the city for that day
or similar days.
Um, police fired DPW
and is there a, a mechanism
and are we going to try to be reimbursed
for those charges from the government?
And it seems to me that, um, it's too much
to ask us to carry that burden.
I heard one visit, um, you know,
a couple years ago was almost $80,000.
Um, that's a lot of money for one day.
And when we're struggling to, uh, try to balance our budget
and spread resources across, um, many departments.
So I would like to know from police, fire DPW
what your costs were for the day and if we have a policy
or maybe we should develop a policy
that we could at least try.
I don't know if you go through the Secret service.
I think I've heard other cities petition the Secret Service.
Apparently there's a portal, um, where you can submit, um,
to be reimbursed for some of those charges.
Um, I think if, if somebody's coming
that is not a sitting president, we should probably get,
if we're have providing security,
we should get some sort of down payment.
Um, certainly a president has the right to come, I believe,
anywhere they want to in the country and visit.
Um, but I think we could say no
to other people if it prevent presents too big
of a security risk and it depletes our resources
or overburdens our system.
So I just, I'd like to know the cost of just this last one
'cause it's fresh and then to see if we can come up
with some policy or find out a way
to maybe recoup some of those expenses.
That's it. So I would like to send this over
to the administration's police department,
fire department, DPW.
I don't know if other departments were involved.
Probably somebody. Right.
So that would be my motion
to just send this to the administration.
Any other discussion? Okay.
Hearing and seeing, and I'll call the question Ms. Moore?
Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr.
Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Grogan C is? Yes.
Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 12 D Councilman Bokey discussion, um,
regarding the, uh, weed and grass ordinances.
Madam Chair through the, uh, through the chair.
Motion to approve support. Ty. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Bokey,
Madam chair, to the chair I'd like to recognize, uh,
David Maselli, public Service Director.
Good evening again, Everyone. Good evening.
Well, it's springtime
and when springtime comes, it comes with high grass
and, uh, the dandelions, they're, they're abundant.
Uh, we had a conversation earlier today
and the information you relayed to me was very significant
and I thought I'd bring the, uh, residents up to date on, on
what the, how the ordinance is working
that was recently passed, how it affects the dandelions
and what your department is, uh, is doing to, to,
uh, take care of the problem.
Thank you. Yeah. Last week was the first full week
of the, of the new ordinance.
Um, over a thousand houses were tagged.
We had a 75% compliance rate, so that means, uh,
by the time they came back to recheck the houses, 75%
of 'em had already cut the lawn.
So that's exactly what we were hoping for.
Um, our goal here is to make sure
that everybody gets their lawn cut in a reasonable time.
Um, what we didn't anticipate was
so many people not cutting their lawns, so we weren't able
to canvas the entire city in those three days.
So this week they're focusing on the areas
that they didn't get to last week.
Um, for, from what I'm understanding,
after talking to the contractor,
they're experiencing the same thing
that they did last week though.
But the people are, it's a compliance thing.
We're not to say it didn't, it's not running perfectly.
There's a little bumps here and there,
but we're figuring 'em out.
Um, the guys in property maintenance are outstanding
and helping us with that problem and,
and transferring every, everything over.
Um, we're, you know, there's a couple of hiccups here
and there, but we're working through it
and we're making sure that the lawns are getting cut
and then that's what this ordinance is for and it's working.
Have, have we been cutting any lawns that, uh, people
that are not in compliance?
Absolutely. We, we cut about 250 lawns last week. Wow.
Thank you. Awesome. Thank you. Any other discussion?
Okay. Thank you Mr. Marelli.
Good job Mr. Marelli. Thank you.
Motion to receive and file that item. All in favor? Aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Next item.
Next item is 12 e update on, uh, pine Brook litigation.
Mr. Uh, motion to approve
with discussion support Lafferty, if we could ask Mr.
Schroer Schroder discussion. Mr.
Schroer, go ahead. Yes. The Pine Brook litigation are the
marijuana lawsuits that have existed since
2019 in the city.
So this goes back to the city council
that was elected in 2015 for a four year term.
Um, and this council inherited really what was a mess
of litigation involving a couple dozen marijuana, uh,
facilities, uh, suing the city over
open meetings act violations and other issues.
I am pleased to report that
after recent actions of the city council related to, uh,
the ordinance, that the city is now out of litigation.
For the first time in five
and a half years, the Supreme Court case was dismissed.
The Circuit Court case has been dismissed,
and I just want to thank the council.
I wanna thank Ms. Michaels from the City Attorney's Office,
uh, and Ms.
Andrea Pike, who is the city's litigation counsel in this
matter for bringing together divergent interests to come up
with a solution that actually solved a big problem.
This cost the city, I mean,
the legal fees were over a million dollars
and it wasn't accomplishing anything.
And, um, you know,
just you've inherited this mess and helped clean it up.
So thanks to the council
and all the, uh, parties that worked with us to resolve it.
Thank you Mr. Schroeder for all your help.
Uh, we, um, certainly appreciate it
and that was one of the things I would bring up.
Some people have been critical of legal bills,
but one of the things Mr. Schroeder had to step in
and represent the counsel through this litigation as well,
because, uh, there were certain judges
that wanted council people present for was mediation.
We had to go and spend days there,
and so we had to have legal representation with us.
So, um, we also had to pick up the council, uh, office had
to pick up the tab for that, the taxpayers pay it,
but it came out of our budget
and we truly, truly appreciate what you did.
Mary Michaels, thank you and Andrea Pike.
Um, it's been a long time, uh, coming
and, uh, what course I'm so, so glad it's over. Thank you.
Minute present, Mr. Newnan.
It's not exactly directly relevant to
what you just said on, but congratulations on the wind
and that's, that's really good.
Um, I found out since, since that time
that it's illegal for police to pull over people
for, uh, just the smell of marijuana coming from their car.
I think that's, um, I think that's accurate.
Have you heard that?
What I heard councilman, what I read,
actually I didn't hear it, I read it was the Michigan
Supreme Court, so this is in Michigan, held that, um,
you know, just the smell
of marijuana doesn't create the reasonable suspicion
to do a larger search.
So, um, that's the Michigan Supreme Court,
but we are certainly hoping this is not allowed not
to be smoking in your car, you know,
that is while you're driving.
So that is still illegal,
and so if it appears the driver's doing that,
that's a different story. So
Yeah, drive, driving under the influence is definitely
a hazard and, and driving under the influence
of marijuana is like driving under the influence of, um,
alcohol and it's a, a great way to get in an accident
and it's causing a lot of distress to constituents of mine
that people are driving, uh, you know, huge plumes of,
of marijuana smoke coming out of their cars.
And, uh, people need to stop doing that for their own sake
as well as for everyone else's.
Thank you.
Any other discussion? Okay, we'll receive
and file that item as well.
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Next item.
Next item is 13, a consideration
and adoption of a resolution approving the fiscal year
20 25, 20 26, city of Warren General Fund
and water budget.
Motion to approve with discussion
Support Lty Uh, discussion Ms. Moore.
Thank you Madam Chair. As we conclude another budget cycle,
I want to take a moment to extend my sincere thanks
to my colleagues for their time, effort,
and thoughtful contributions throughout this process.
While Councilman Lafferty
and I led the initiative, every council member played a
meaningful role and brought valuable insights to the table.
We are especially grateful to controller Rick Fox,
assistant controller, Mark Knapp,
and budget director Chris Battle.
Their support, responsiveness,
and commitment were instrumental at every step of the way,
making this a truly collaborative effort.
To the mayor and department heads, thank you
for your transparency and for engaging
with council inquiries in a timely and constructive manner.
Thank you. Also goes out to our labor unions.
Once again, your input was invaluable
and helped guide us toward informed
and responsible decisions.
A very special thank you to the council's special counsel,
Jeff Schroeder, for your invaluable insight and advice.
And we really appreciate you even wrote an ordinance on the
spot, which is actually on the agenda tonight
to address concerns expressed by one of our commissioners.
And of course, our sincerest appreciations goes to the heart
of council office, Mary Camp
and Nicole Jones for managing, scheduling,
coordinating remote access and making sure we were well fed.
Um, here's a brief overview of our process and our approach.
We conducted a thorough review of the budget,
made targeted reductions where possible
and invested where necessary.
We benchmarked our wage rates against those
of similar cities to ensure we remain competitive.
We recognize ongoing concerns with overtime in the police
and fire departments to address this.
We have increased their overtime allocations
to more realistic levels,
but we also expect concerted efforts from both departments
to improve management of these costs.
In the police department, under staffing continues
to drive excessive overtime in the fire department.
Required training and daily personnel absences are
contributing factors to help mitigate this.
We've added a new fire training officer role
with the expectation
that it will reduce reliance on overtime.
If we don't see progress, we will reassess the need for
that position in next year's budget.
For years we've discussed efficiency proposals brought forth
forward by union leadership ideas such
as a dispatch incubator program
to support first responder recruitment
and shared use of facilities like dispatch, the gun range
and training centers to reduce costs
through interdepartmental collaboration.
Council has formally requested funding of these initiatives
through our lobbyists
and our legislators have submitted them
for consideration in the state budget.
We are trying to do our part to gain funding for some
of these initiatives to support all documents.
We've also funded an efficiency consultant
to help identify ways to streamline operations
and reduce overtime.
We strongly encourage the mayor
to make full use of this resource.
In our review, we found
that several department leaders were
significantly underpaid.
We have addressed this by adjusting a few key salaries
simultaneously, we trimmed overtime
and tightened line line item spending in many departments
based on historical trends and actual needs.
Additionally, we are anticipating 1.2 million in new revenue
from licensing fees for recreational marijuana dispensaries,
which is being incorporated into this budget.
We also urge the administration
to take a more aggressive approach in identifying
and pursuing grant opportunities.
Council is fully committed
to supporting these efforts in any way we can.
While we've worked diligently
and responsibly on this budget, we acknowledge
that no budget is ever flawless.
Unforeseen needs may arise,
and when they do, we encourage departments
to bring forward appropriation requests.
As always, counsel will give thoughtful consideration
to all reasonable proposals.
My motion to approve the budget includes the
following modifications.
This will take a while.
First City Council, no changes.
37th District Court increase the court administer wage rate
to $140,149,000.
Um, this person's a, an attorney, a magistrate,
and the administrator for the court and staff.
40 employees report to her.
This adjustment brings the wage rate more in line with
what is offered in other cities of similar size,
and we are reducing the overtime
to 25,000 in the District court.
Mayor, we're increasing the chief of staff wage rate
to 102,575.
The duties of this position while not called deputy,
are equal to the deputy position
and should be at the same rate
as the other deputy deputy positions in the city.
Um, the overtime is being reduced to zero
as there are no employees in the department.
Eligible for overtime compensation city clerk increased
postage to $88,961 15 cents.
This is to cover mailing new voter IDs
that are required based on redistricting.
The treasurer's department.
Add an accounting supervisor, treasurer $110,000
Reclassify tax Accountant three
to accounting supervisor treasurer
Reclassify Investment Analyst to tax account supervisor
reclassify accountant, one
to account administrator treasurer reclassify two
tax two account technicians to two senior
tax account technicians.
These changes reflect a departmental reorganization,
implementing efficiencies and planning for the future.
Mr. Fox, if I got any of these wrong, we're just doing
what she has in in her proposal, um,
and reducing overtime to 5,000 in that department.
Um, in the controller,
we are increasing the controller wage rate to $149,000.
This adjustment brings the wage rate more in line with
what is offered in other cities of similar size.
We're adding one senior payroll technician
for 88,797
and adding one payroll technician at 68,409.
And Warren, the payroll function was historically housed
in the controller's office.
These changes are to affect the move back
to the control's office.
While HR is critical to, uh, payroll
by providing accurate personnel data,
payroll is often housed under the finance department in most
municipalities, especially for audit
and budget control reasons.
And the overtime is being reduced to 30,000
information systems increasing the information systems
manager wage rate to 125,000.
We understand that that may, um, be contingent upon, um,
a collective bargaining agreement letter of understanding.
Um, this adjustment brings the wage rate more in line with
what is offered in other cities of similar size.
Reduce overtime to 35,000 in the legal department,
increased city attorney wage rate to $149,000.
This adjustment brings the wage rate more in line with
what is offered in other cities of similar size.
Once again, we are reiterating our request to have a city
attorney appointed.
We have gone now a year and a half without a city attorney.
Um, that's been appointed an official city of attorney.
That is unheard of.
It is unfair and that needs to be rectified, uh,
reducing the overtime to zero in legal,
assessing, no changes.
Human resources.
Removing Assistant Human resources director.
The department currently consists of only five positions
and there is no demonstrated need
for an assistant director at this time.
A new HR director has recently been appointed.
Should the director determine that a,
an assistant is needed in the future, A proposal
for the position can be submitted
during the next budget cycle.
Um, remove one senior payroll technician.
This position is being moved to the controller's office
and budget and remove one payroll technician.
This position is being moved
to the controller's budget in their office
and reduce overtime to zero
property maintenance inspection, no changes.
Community and economic development. Delete.
Community Economic administrator.
An economic development director has not yet been appointed.
This position should not be established
until a permanent director is in place
and any request to add the position should
originate from that individual.
Reduce Community Pro Promotions outreach programs to zero.
No detailed breakdown has been presented to justify, um,
the requested ex uh, expenditures.
A request for an appropriation may be presented
to council if, if in a future date, if a need arises.
Administrative unallocated,
reduced community promotion outreach programs to zero.
This should be depart, uh, budgeted at the department level
with detailed information provided to ensure transparency.
Additional appropriations may be
requested if the need arises.
Um, ADD and efficiency consultant for $50,000.
This item is being included in the budget for an evaluation
of operations and recommendations for improving efficiency
and reducing overtime.
Police and fire Civil Service Commission, no changes.
Zoning. Board of appeals increase increasing the meeting
allowance to 100.
Uh, the members are, uh, spending just significant amount
of time and research and visiting sites
and accruing substantial, uh, mileage in preparation.
Um, for the agenda items beautification,
add Community promotion outreach programs.
$5,000. This item was inadvertently omitted from
the proposed budget.
We're just putting that back in. Cultural Commission.
No changes. Crime Commission, no changes.
Historical Commission reduced Community promotion outreach
programs to zero.
Reduce Hall of Fame to zero due to limited membership.
The commission is currently unable
to utilize these funds effectively
and ordinances being introduced to tonight
to reduce the number of members.
Employee Retirement Commission. No changes.
Police and Fire Retirement Commission, no changes.
Historic District Commission increasing contractual services
to $44,000.
This is to cover payment to an architect
that is helping in the village district.
Uh, senior Healthcare Cha uh, services, no changes.
Council of Commissions, no changes. Animal welfare.
Um, reduce the chipping clinic to 500.
Reduce Community Pro promotion outreach programs to zero
Veterans Advisory and Memorial Commission.
No changes. Fire department.
Um, last year, um, council approved
the Chief Technology Officer.
Um, that, um, uh, position has not been filled
or acknowledged, but a memorandum of understanding is
to be signed and implemented.
Um, this position was added last budget cycle.
It's been drafted, not signed,
but we really need to get this done.
Um, add one training coordinator for 118,293.
This position is being added
to aid in reducing overtime while addressing the growing
need to implement, implement mandated training.
If the benefit is not realized in the next budget cycle,
we will determine if it is necessary
to maintain the position
we're adding one EMS billing specialist
and deleting a temporary,
the temporary position is being eliminated in the duties
transfer to the new full-time position
of EMS billing specialist.
Uh, one firetruck is to be ordered
and payment would be budgeted in the year of delivery.
There's currently a four year lead time on receiving
delivery of fire trucks, so they need to be ordered now
and then they'll be budgeted in the year
of expected delivery.
Um, increase overtime to $1.4 million.
The requested increase is intended
to cover anticipated overtime costs related
to training mandates and o other operational demands.
The department is allocated 1.3 million in 2025
and has requested 2 million for the current year.
Um, the 1.3 million was, um, and is going to be exceeded.
The mayor's recommendation of 755,000 is insufficient
and does not reflect operational realities,
reducing funding to this level.
Risk taking, essentially equipment out of service due
to inadequate staffing.
An efficiency consultant is being added to the budget
to evaluate operations
and provide recommendations for improving efficiency
and reducing overtime in the police department.
Reclassify one administrative clerk
to one accreditation manager, 65,572.
Um, this position is needed to account
for the increased workload to maintain accreditation.
Deleting one administrative clerk.
That position is being reclassified
to accreditation manager Adding one police officer at
95,853.
Warren Consolidated Schools has requested an
additional resource officer.
That position is to cover that request.
We're increasing police, um, overtime to 1.5 million.
This funding is intended
to cover overtime costs resulting from the ongoing staffing
shortage in the police department.
Last year the department was budget budgeted.
1.2 1 3 7 8 5 which proved
insufficient for the current year.
They requested 2 million.
The, the mayor's recommendation of 1 million is insufficient
and does not reflect operational realities and efficiency.
A consultant is being added to the budget
to evaluate operations once again
and provide recommendations for improving efficiency
and reducing overtime.
Capital outlays adding two portable LED Radar radar signs
for traffic for $9,100.
These, uh, devices aid in responding
to resident traffic complaints
and gathering traffic data, et cetera.
Capital outlays adds, uh, cellular phone
forensics magnet gray key for $47,500.
Um, this is an essential tool for investigators working
with encrypted
or locked devices, ensuring they don't miss critical data
that could be crucial for solving cases.
This will reduce the time needed
to access valuable evidence on mobile devices.
Um, at the current time, um,
the police department chooses the most violent crimes
and they have to take a device downtown to one
of the federal agencies.
They get to it when they get to it,
then somebody has to go down.
And, um, so actually, Ms.
Rosy brought this up, um, in discussions.
Well, how, how much, how many times does that happen a year?
Well, we found out it happens 40 to 50 times a year.
So that's a police officer going
downtown all the time involved.
Plus it's valuable time they're losing on,
um, solving crimes.
And if they had their own,
they wouldn't just be picking the most violent crimes,
they would be using it for all sorts of crimes.
I did talk to a couple other police agencies who have them
and they feel they are invaluable
and they do are updated when you get a, you know,
iPhone 1617.
They update, um, to meet those needs.
Um, capital outlays, adding laptops, supervisors,
C-M-I-S-I-S-M 18 for 27,475.
This will allow investigators to work, um, remotely
Animal control, reduced overtime
to 8,000 civil defense, no changes.
Department of Public Service, increased wage rate
of director of public services to $149,000.
Um, that should probably be about $250,000
for the work you put in Mr.
Elli. We appreciate how hard you are working
and, um, you've got your fingers in just about everything
and you are, uh, doing a tremendous job.
Uh, this adjustment brings the wage rate more in line with
what is offered in other cities of similar size.
Uh, administrative clerk.
This position is being transferred to building maintenance,
uh, engineering division.
No changes, building inspections division.
Add an assistant building
and safety Engineering director at 1 0 2 8 58.
A current employee is already carrying out the duties
of this position in the absence of the director,
this will ensure management personnel is in the office in
charge of this large department of 28 employees.
Uh, DPW Fleet maintenance reduce overtime, mechanics
to 75,000, reduce overtime temporary
to 2,500 building maintenance.
Add an administrative clerk 60,967.
This position was transferred from Department
of Public Service, add two custodians at 44,782.
Um, we've, uh, found that
contractual cleaning is just not adequate.
Um, these positions were originally requested in the library
department, but we are moving them to the department
that actually knows what they're doing in this,
um, uh, realm.
And this cost will be charged back to the library commission
Add one billing maintenance specialist.
This position is being transferred from the library
and also this cost will be, uh, charged back
to the library Commission, reduce overtime
to 25,000 in capital outlays.
Um, uh, adding a Warren Monument signed
to be at eight Mound.
Um, we've budgeted 25,000,
and this is to replace the sign that was damaged as a result
of an accident, I believe.
Um, street lighting, no changes planning, no changes.
Street maintenance division reduced overtime
to 125,000 library increased library,
um, wage rate to 1 45, 140 5,000.
This rate is to be the offering salary cap during the search
for a new library director.
This wage rate is not to be granted
to the current library director.
The current director wage rate shall remain 117,691.
Um, there were a lot of changes
made at sort of the, the, uh, end
of the library director's tenure.
She is retiring and, um, the thought is
to put them back because some of them don't make sense.
There were some positions added for a library
that's not even broken ground yet.
Um, so once a new director is appointed,
we can revisit all of these.
They're welcome to come back.
Um, there were four positions
that were given a $17,000 raise,
and that sort of raised some red flags to me
and something we need to look at.
Um, so if I don't get these exactly right, we're,
we are dialing back where Mr. Fox.
So reduce senior administrative secretary wage to 70,987.
Delete one branch library supervisor.
Delete one branch librarian, delete two library technicians.
Add four office assistants. Delete six circulation clerks.
Reduce library assistant outreach grant wage
to 68,928.
Um, remove three custodian positions.
We talked about those before.
Those are going to build the maintenance
and delete the library Building
and grounds maintenance specialists.
That as well as going
to building maintenance, uh, recreation.
Um, reduce the revenue of the downtown ice rink fees
to 5,000.
Um, this amount proposed just doesn't reflect
what the revenues are truly are.
Um, while there is not a lot
of money put into the recreation, it seems in this budget,
there is money in a fund, um, to fund, um, renovations
and park improvements at this time.
That was put in there in a previous budget cycle.
Um, communications, no changes.
Um, Patrick, if you're responsible for this speaker,
change change hats off to you.
Well done. We can actually hear everybody at the,
uh, podium tonight.
Fabulous job. Uh, sanitation, reduce revenue, uh,
transfer station royalties to zero.
The transfer station at this time is not operational.
Um, it may be at some point
and, you know, we'll recognize certainly
those revenues at that time.
Uh, uh, rental ordinance fund, no changes.
Vice Crime Confiscation Fund, no changes.
Drug forfeiture Fund, no changes.
Act 3 0 2, police Training Fund, no changes.
Downtown Development Authority Operations Fund reduce
community promotions and outreach programs to zero.
Capital outlays reduced to 8,131,000 253 3.
Delay capital outlays delete coffee
sandwich stand at City Hall.
This is just not an appropriate expenditure for the DDA.
Things like this are supposed
to be bid out and all kinds of things.
So, uh, capital outlays, delete arc murals and sculptures.
Just no specifics have been presented.
Delete facade improvements, no specifics were presented.
Again, we don't know where, when,
or how this is supposed to be accomplished.
And capital outlays add police department,
department wide wireless internet solution.
The police department is in the DDA
and there are areas of the police department
that doesn't have wifi.
And 37,536 is being added.
Um, so that wireless internet can be available
to everybody at the police department.
Um, 2011 Local street Road repair and replacement fund.
No changes. Indigent Defense Fund, no changes.
Tax increment, finance Authority Construction Fund, delete,
cruising 53 delete bike nights with Center Line.
Delete Owen Jack's renovation.
Um, a feasibility study needs to be undertaken
before putting more money in this facility.
Um, reduce capital improvements to 500,000,
reduce community promotion and outreach to 5,000.
And that 5,000 is to be used, um,
to fund small business seminars.
Um, um, Ms. McGee, we, this, this was your baby.
You wanted that to happen. And, uh, we hope
that we know there are some opportunities
that the small business, uh, administration will come in
and offer free seminars and things
and this hopefully will facilitate that.
And if not, they can come back and ask for more money.
'cause we do, that's a good idea
and we do want that to happen.
Um, senior Citizen housing, no changes.
Water and sewer system, no changes.
37th District Court Building Renovation Fund, no changes.
General fund revenues, uh, building permits,
increase other permits and licenses to $3.1 million.
This increase is attributed to the projected fees
that will be collected from marijuana dispensaries.
And that is it.
Good job, Madam Secretary.
Thank you. Any other, uh, discussion?
Madam Chair. Mr. Lafferty
Wanted to recognize the outstanding effort of
Secretary Moore every single year.
This is, uh, six years running now that you
and I have co-chaired the budget you take on.
I will not take credit for any of this.
You take on the lion's share of the work
and it absolutely shows the dedication,
the endless phone calls, meeting after meeting.
It's not, it doesn't stop at budget hearings.
Folks, this continues.
This is, uh, I'm sure your husband will be excited
to get the kitchen table back.
Who's coming tonight? The, uh,
the expression in the, in the more household during budget.
It's not who's coming to dinner.
And so I, I just wanted to thank you.
Uh, the, I thought the questions
that the council asked all of the members.
We had a, a very thoughtful
and meaningful discussion at all three
of our budget hearings, all day session on Saturday.
Two additional ones Monday and Tuesday following,
and then individual sessions with all of you
to go over every single page of the budget.
So this was a substantial effort.
And, uh, the end product is a,
a practice in, uh, conservative fiduciary responsibility
and also getting us closer to what our auditors mandated,
uh, last December in us getting closer to actuals.
So a lot of the reductions that Ms. Moore spoke about, uh,
anticipated spending and really examining those
and bringing those numbers down, getting us closer
to actuals is our target.
And we will recognize that will probably be some amendments,
some adjustments that may increase throughout
the, the coming year.
That's okay. As we make those adjustments, uh,
gets us closer to actuals,
and then we'll see what the auditors have
to say in six months.
So thank you again, Ms. Moore. Well done.
Thank you. Thank you everybody.
Any other discussion? Okay.
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 a yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item
is request to approve amendment to the water
and sewer rate ordinance to reflect rates
and charges incorporated in the 2026 mares
recommended budget.
This is a second reading motion to approve
with discussion support Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Warren? Thank you, Madam Chair.
Um, nobody likes to raise rates. We get that.
Um, but we realized last year, you know,
we've gone several years with no rate wait, weight
rate, increase at all rate,
and we have infrastructure problems
that we have to take care of.
And this is just necessary. Nobody likes to do it.
But we went too many years without any rate increase at all.
And now we're paying, you know, playing catch up.
It's just the, the nature of this sort of business.
So we have a great water system.
We have great water here in Warren, um,
and we're lucky to have that.
Um, but we know it's expensive.
It's a, a very, very expensive proposition.
The wastewater treatment plan is very expensive to run
and operate, and it's very complicated.
And we have a very expensive, uh, replacement of a piece
of equipment this year, um, that is $75 million.
So, you know, necessarily the costs of running
that are passed on to the residents.
So, thank you.
Mad chair Mr. Bokey, uh,
Through the chair to, uh, Ms. Moore, uh,
further explanation that the rate hike is equivalent to
what we were charged as an increase.
Correct. So we're not asking more, it's just that, uh,
uh, our, our water system raised our, our rate up
and we're just having the same rates.
Basically.
Mi Mr. Fox is there if you wanna, I'm not the expert.
That's the way I heard it during budget.
You know, maybe Mr. Fox could
explain it a little better than I could.
Good evening. Uh, Richard Fox, city controller.
Yeah, so we had, uh, rate increased for the purchase
of water that we get, uh, of over 5%.
And that's basically what we're passing on as, uh,
council Secretary Morris stated.
Also, we have a major project
that we're looking at doing this year.
Correct. Um, to rehab our wastewater treatment plant
$75 million.
Um, so we were lucky enough to get a,
or we're in the process of,
we think we we're pretty sure we're gonna get the, uh,
2% loan SRF loan from the state, um,
which will help us pay for that. Uh,
Well, I, what I wanted to get out though is
that we're not just putting a rate height just to raise it
for infrastructure.
It's also the match, what our rate went up with,
with the city, I mean with Great Lakes
or whatever they're called now.
Like anything, all our costs are going up.
What we purchase our, our electric, our gas, our,
all those things are going up
And it's passed out to the consumer financially.
That's correct. Okay. Thank you. You're
Welcome.
Madam President. Ms. McGee.
I also want, I didn't have any questions.
I'm sorry, Mr. Fox.
Um, I just wanted to let everyone know
that there are affordable, uh, water assistance program
that are out there through human services.
Um, at times we will put
that information in your water bill.
Um, for those who are seniors who are on a fixed income
or those who have a lower income,
there are water assistance program that you can go through.
Um, Macomb, um, action program, community Action Program.
I, I have also placed 2 1 1 individual cars, um,
on the right side of the stage where you can call 2 1 1
and they can also give you information
to give you assistance towards your water bill.
Thank you.
Any other discussion? Hearing and seeing none?
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Mr.
Boye? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13 C.
Consideration and adoption of a resolution amending the
ordinance for the city of Warren Capital Improvement Bond
series 2022.
First reading. So moved. Support Lafferty.
Discussion, hearing, seen 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 C.
Notice of appointment of Wilbert McAdams
as Fire Commissioner and or Orrin Ferguson as Fire Chief.
Um, Madam Chair, um, discussion, um,
I'm going to make a tabling motion.
Um, there are some legal issues
regarding the charter on this position
that I think we need a little more time.
We've been wrapped up in the budget.
This is a little poor timing for this for us.
Um, so we'll have, we have about a week, um,
so we'll deal with it at the next meeting.
So I would make a motion to table support
to table Ms. Moore?
Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. To table Mr. Dwyer? Yes.
To table Mr. Bokey? Yes. To table Mr. Newan? Indeed.
Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. To Table Rogan C is a Yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is 13 e.
Request to confirm appointment of Sultana Child reach
of the planning commission for a term
to expire June 30th, 2028.
And chair. Motion to deny with discussion.
Support, uh, discussion Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. Uh, I have
significant concerns about attendance
with this particular member, uh, exofficio
for the last four years, uh, prior to this term
and seeing the number of meetings, uh,
in 2023 attended nine out of the 11 20 24,
missed five meetings in 2025.
So far missed two out of the five meetings held.
Uh, the attendance record is, uh, speaks volumes for
members of our commissions,
especially a commission of this importance.
We need a full board at all times.
Uh, all of our petitioners that come
to a meeting when there is a full board that is,
or a board that is not full, the chair has to make a
announcement that a petitioner has the right to
delay their petition to be heard
until a full board is present.
And we have been significantly lacking in the number of,
of planning commissioners that have been,
have made a concentrated effort to commit to, uh, their oath
and ensure that they are there to represent the city
and do the business that they've been chosen to do
and appointed by this council.
So that is the reason for my, my denial.
Any other discussion? Madam President? Mm-hmm. Ms.
Mickey, um, had, uh, this, um,
individual Ms, I'm sorry, her name? Chow
Sultana Chow Child.
Have she had any, um,
reasonable excuse or bap?
She's not here. I'm sorry. You can call
If you want.
I'm sorry. I am ri I am the planning commissioner.
Ms. Ms. McGee is, um, you can speak,
but Ms. McGee is gonna direct the questioning.
Okay. I had a question regarding the reasons
for your absences.
Um, the reason for my absences were some were delayed due
to work, and then I had, um,
three elderly sick family members.
My dad had cancer for four years.
My mother-in-law was in hospice at home,
so she had cancer as well.
And actually my grandmother too.
So it was delayed due to, I couldn't come in due to that.
And I did call in for that reason.
I had three dads in 2022 all back to back,
and I was taking care of my dad who had terminal cancer
and my mother-in-law who had cancer as well.
But I do commit to coming in
and I have been coming in on a regular
basis when I am needed.
And I did let them know.
And if you guys need doctor's notes, anything that,
certificates anything that can be provided.
Thank you. Anything further? That'll be all for me.
Thank you. You can, um, do you have Madam Chair?
No, I don't have a question. You, you can have a seat, Ms.
Audrey. Thank you. Um, one of the things with planning
and zoning, um,
they're probably the two most important
commissions the city has.
Petitioners have the option.
Mary, you can, or Jeff, you can correct me on this.
They have the option, if there aren't enough people at the
meeting, they can opt not to have
their item heard and wait till another meeting.
So when that happens, then that item has to be reno.
It's, it's, it's more expense.
It's using resources and that, that is where the problem is.
It's not, you know, a commission
where you can just show up when you're needed.
I don't, I think we probably should figure out
what is acceptable.
Is 70% attendance acceptable? Probably not.
You know, if you showed up at your job 70% of the time,
that's, and it's, it's, I understand you have had family
or things, and we all do,
and perhaps this is not,
maybe another commission would be easier for you
to make than planning
because it is imperative that you be there, um,
on a more regular basis. I, I don't know.
I have been coming in on a regular basis.
I did dedicate my time to the community
and to the planning commissioner this year.
Um, but sometimes due to work, you know, meetings
and stuff like that, I am unable to come sometimes,
but I do make it a priority to come lately.
And this year has been,
I've been here more versus the past years due
to family issues and my dad being sick
and family members being sick.
So 2024 was 70%
and 2025 a 71% attendance.
I, I don't know if that's acceptable or not.
You know, I I I don't, I'm not the ex officio on planning.
I was on planning commission for a long time ago.
Absolutely. I was a member myself,
and I've not been to meetings for, you know, but one
or two times in the last.
Okay. He's got an idea.
Madam Chair. I was gonna ask, uh, yes,
Mr. Lafferty, uh,
The, the process here with the q
and a with the,
with the appointee is highly irregular, number one.
Yeah. Uh, that's, that's not how we do this.
Secondly, I understand the reasons
I'm a compassionate person,
but we also have, the city is a business.
We have a business to run.
We have to make sure that we, we have people here
to make decisions when they're needed.
I will offer this compromise
to table this item for six months.
And Ms. Camp, if you can assist with a date, please,
for six months, attendance will be tracked.
Mm-hmm. We'll measure the attendance
and if you can make your meetings, then
I will reverse my motion to deny.
Absolutely. Counsel, do you find that agreeable? I,
Uh, I have more.
Mr. Nen has some questions.
Yeah. Okay. I'll hold on. I'm a motion to table.
She can continue. Even if your, um, uh, term is
Expired, your mic is on. Sorry.
Even if your term is expired, you can continue
to serve, correct?
Mm-hmm. Yes. Right.
So just
because we didn't confirm a reappointment,
she can still continue to serve.
And so, Mr. Nunan, right?
Um, I I like what we're going, um, Councilman Lafferty,
but I, I think the, the, the larger issue here
is attendance is kind of, um, indicative
of overall performance.
And there's so many things that should be done
by a planning commissioner.
And we don't, we don't go, we don't have, uh,
tags on your car following you around
to know whether you go to sites.
But might I ask, do you go to sites? Yes,
I do. When it's needed?
Yes.
I do review the packages that are, um, sent
to my house on Fridays or Thursday evenings.
Yes.
Um, so when is it needed to go to the sites?
What do you mean? Well,
you say you go when it's needed. Well,
When I, I Thought it was like always
Needed when I, no, when I review the packages, I'm going
and as if I need to go visit the sites,
and if I have questions,
I will go visit the sites as needed.
That's what I'm saying.
Okay. Uh, thank you. A yield. Thank you.
Go ahead Madam Chair.
I'll make a motion to table to the date.
November 18th, 2025.
Support, uh, call the question Mr. Lafferty
Yes. To table
Ms. Moore? Yes.
Mr. Dwyer? Yes. To table. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Newman?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes.
Motion carries. Next item.
Thank you. Yep. Thanks for being here.
13 F Request of the budget director for a transfer of funds
between line items in the amount of $158,158
and additional appropriation of funds in the amount of
Mary what is 1060 $7
to provide sufficient funding in several accounts within the
general fund for the balance of the 2025 fiscal year
consideration and adoption of a resolution. So moved.
Support Lafferty
Discussion? Anyone
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? Yes. Rogan C as a?
Yes. Motion carries. Next item. Next item is 13 G.
Request of the library director for a transfer of funds
between line items in the amount of $12,400
to provide sufficient funding for the balance
of the 2025 fiscal year consideration
and adoption of a resolution.
So moved. Support Newan, uh, discussion,
hearing and seen none.
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Newan? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes.
Uh, Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Next item. MS.
13 H, request of the parks
and recreation director for an additional appropriation
of funds in the amount of $309,000
and a transfer of funds between line items in the amount
of $240,000
to provide sufficient funding for the balance
of the 2025 fiscal year consideration
and adoption of a resolution.
So moved. Support Dwyer. Discussion.
Discussion Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. Through the chair to Mr. Cassan
and somewhat unrelated to the item itself.
Good evening. Good evening, sir.
I just wanted to ask for a brief update on when we can
expect the new skate park to open.
Okay. Um, we're hoping to have, uh,
phase two completed here.
We're went out for bids, um, here.
So I, we, we looked to have it open sometime
probably late July is kind of what we're looking at.
Awesome. If everything goes right, the weather's right
and everything else is in the right line,
we hope to open up in July.
That is terrific. It is quite the talk of the town. It is.
It doesn't matter where I go, people are asking about it
and when, when I say skate park, it's, it's pretty
big compared to those around here.
Fifth largest in the country, the biggest in the state.
Wow. And right here in Warren. Correct. Awesome.
Thank you, sir. You're welcome. Thank you Madam Chair.
Any other discussion, hearing, and scene? None.
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Noonan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is? Yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13.
I request of the police department
for an increase in budgeted revenues
and appropriations in the amount of $165,207
to accept to account for the receipt of a 2023 Coronavirus,
S-L-F-R-F Federal grant from the state of Michigan's,
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards,
M Cole's Consideration and Adoption of a resolution.
So moved. Support Dwyer.
Discussion, hearing, and scene? None.
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Newan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item 13 J.
Request for the sanitation superintendent for a transfer
of funds between line items in the amount of $270,200
to provide sufficient funding in the sanitation special
revenue fund budget for the balance of the 2025 fiscal year
consideration and adoption of a resolution.
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. Uh, Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13 K consideration
and adoption of a resolution accepting the review panel
recommendation to award bond counsel to Miller Canfield
and approving an engagement letter
with Miller Canfield. So moved.
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. Newnan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C as a? Yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13 L, which was
for Q.
Proposed resolution providing public notice of intent
to sell tax vacant tax reverted property at 23 0 51
Bo Warren, Michigan parcel ID number
13 25 453 0 3 6 for $1 subject
to combination of 23 0 59
approving sale following 30 day notice
and accepting grant of easement, rights, consideration,
and adoption of a resolution
Motion to deny with discussion,
Support.
Discussion Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. Uh, in reviewing the, the documentation
and the backup materials,
and this is consistent for both of these items.
They are both the, uh, the same transfers.
Uh, I'm, I'm no longer going
to support any dollar home or dollar parcel giveaways.
Uh, we have not only the land bank, which will evaluate all
of these available parcels within the city.
Uh, this one in particular is, there's a,
a valuation of, of nearly $10,000.
And documentation indicates the, a purchase price
of $1 plus title costs
$1 doesn't co doesn't cover the work it took
to put this packet together.
So this is, this is just not a responsible path forward
from this department.
And so that is my reason to deny this
and send this back to the administration
and the land bank, I'm certain will, will have a good plan
for bringing these parcels together
and determining, uh, a path forward for rehabilitation and
or rebuilding and revitalizing some of the neighborhoods
where we have a number of these parcels that are vacant
and underperform, uh, underperforming.
Thank you.
Any other discussion?
Okay. Hearing and seeing none, I will call the question.
This is a motion to deny So Yes.
Is to deny Ms. Moore Yes. Tonight. Mr. Lafferty?
Yes. To deny Mr. Dwyer? Yes. To deny Mr. Bokey? Yes.
Mr. Noonan?
Yes. And I'm not in, um, supporting these giveaways,
Ms. McGee? Yes.
To deny Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries.
Next item, uh, 13 M, which was
for r Proposed resolution providing public notice of intent
to sell TA vacant tax reverted property at 28 0 3.
Wellington Warren, Michigan parcel ID number 1336.
382 0 0 4 for $1.
Subject to combination
with 2 0 8 0 9 Wellington approving sale following 30 day
notice period and accepting grant of easement, rights,
consideration, and adoption of a resolution.
Motion to deny with discussion,
Support, uh, discussion. Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you, uh, through the chair to Ms. Michael's, please.
Uh,
Good evening, ma'am. Good evening,
counsel. Thank you for being here.
The, this parcel is industrial.
It would appear, uh, or surrounded by industrial.
Yes. I'm told it's surrounded by businesses.
So it's, there isn't really an alternative use.
There's a committee that reviews these lots
and in this case, selling it to the
adjacent landowner was the best use,
nor normally planning like raises its hand
and says No, hold it for something better.
But in this case, there wasn't.
There were not no alternative uses.
Okay. And, and looking at the sale history, uh, back in,
in 2015, it would appear that the,
this was tax reverted.
It was in the, in the grantee of,
of the treasurer of Macomb County.
Mm-hmm. To the city of Warren. I'm sorry.
The grantor was, was the treasurer
and the grantee was the city of Warren.
The sale price was $1.2 million,
If I may, that was a bulk, yes, yes.
Yep. Yes. And I'm sure it was a bulk sale.
I remember that year, I think we sold original over 200
and some lots to one developer
and we purchased a number of lots, I think
because of the economic downturn.
Mm-hmm. We were offered, I mean,
there were probably 300 lots.
I could get you the exact figure.
Okay. And so that was 1.2
for the entire batch of properties,
Correct. Councilman?
Yes. Okay. Looking at, at this, you know,
saying, well, we bought it for 1.2
and then we gave it away for a dollar,
or we sold it for 10,000.
Certainly wouldn't, uh, wouldn't seem to be responsible.
I'm, I'm going to ask that instead of denying this,
that we table this, uh, Ms.
Michaels, I'd like to speak to you further on this
and can two week tabling for two weeks
Please. Thank you.
Uh, We read the 20th. We, I'm sorry.
Uh, that will be one week.
Just mean we have to, to meet sooner. Okay. Alright.
So I'll ask to table this to the next meeting. May 20th.
Support, support
Tabling.
Support Secretary Moore. Thank you.
So we are, um, tabling, so we're voting yes to table.
Um, Councilman Lab.
Yes. To table Coun Councilwoman Moore.
Yes. To table? Yes. Okay. Yes to table. Okay.
Sorry, Councilman. Um, Gary Bokey Yes. To Table? Yes.
Uh, Councilman Dwyer? Yes.
To Table and Councilman Newman? Yes.
To Table Councilman Melody McGee. Yes.
To Table and Roy in her ab absence. Next item.
Next item is audience participation
for general topics.
Members of the audience who would like
to address City Council this evening may do so under, uh,
audience by filling out a general form, uh,
on the right side of the stage.
Uh, you have three minutes.
Uh, there is a, there's a couple newer folks here.
There is a timer up front
and, um, at the three minutes you'll be asked
to, um, end your comments.
First is Charma Abdal.
And then next after that is Maggie Hunton.
You're, you're good. Mm-hmm.
Uh, good evening Council members.
Uh, my name is, uh, Sarah Del.
I'm the owner of that BP Gas Station, uh, for Tina Ryan.
Um, the reason why I'm here, uh, I was trying to, uh,
just make it, uh, council aware that, that for some reason,
the city of Warren is, uh, is keep adding more gas stations
to the, uh, to the city.
And according to some official numbers,
it look like the county in general have 280 gas stations,
uh, 76 of them in the city of Warren.
And, um, keep adding those, uh,
monster gas stations like Speedways
and, um, uh, sheets, uh, sites.
It's really hurting the small business.
I've been in this location for the past 23 years.
I'm a taxpayer. I think I have the right to, uh, my,
my voice to be heard by the city council.
And, um, I consider just maybe, uh,
looking at those businesses when they, they come, uh,
to the, and and hurt the small business.
It's really drive us out of, out of business.
Uh, by, by adding all these, uh, uh, gas stations, um, it,
it looked like, uh, are are we, are we turning all these,
uh, RiteAid building to, uh, gas stations?
That's what happened, uh, yesterday.
Uh, an uh, planning commission.
They're trying to turn, uh, 12 to another sheet gas stations
and across the street, uh, from my corner, uh,
this Rite Aid buildings also, uh, um, there's a proposed
to the put a Speedway gas station
where there's two Speedway gas station
and one mile, uh, north, one mile, uh,
uh, west of that corner.
Uh, by the way, there's 11 gas stations, uh,
from the corner of 14 Orion.
Do, do you think that we need another gas station
by asking customers?
Not one customer, uh, have that support for that, uh,
building, uh, to make it a gas station
that's not adding anything to the community.
Uh, uh, and
and the most, uh, feedback I got from the customer is,
why can't we have another drug tour?
Or why can't we have, uh, uh, an urgent care in that corner?
Uh, and the demand is not there.
If you look at the statics of the, uh, uh, uh, gas drivers,
uh, the volume is not there, uh, to the fact
that there's more ev cars
and, um, uh, hybrid cars on the road too.
So I just wanna brought this to the, uh, console, maybe
to consider it and, and, and, um,
and, uh, uh, save the small business from going down
by adding all these monster gas stations.
Appreciate your time. Thank you.
Thank you Ms. Ton. And then after that is Lori Harris.
Hi, my name is Maggie Hunton.
I live in Warren, and I'm speaking tonight about the
National Day of Prayer event that was held without a permit
on May 1st on the sidewalk in front
of the city Hall flagpole on City Square property.
In a video announcing the location on the annual
National Day of Prayer War in Michigan Facebook page,
the admins of that page seemed
to have been advised no permit was necessary, possibly due
to the confusing laws defining sidewalks discussed in an
article by Michael c P*****k in the Michigan Law Review.
In one of their comments on my Facebook page, they said,
quote, we are not limited on where we can hold our event.
It is our preference and our right end quote.
They also said, quote, we can
and will continue to decide when and where we host it.
Those words indicate the possessive feeling of ownership.
Excuse me, that's characteristic of Christian nationalism
as described by Professor Paul D. Miller
of Georgetown University.
In another comment, they said, the intersection of prayer
and government is not separation of church
and state end Mayor Stone agrees
with the admins in one of her emails to me.
As I assured you in previous communications,
this event was neither a city hosted
nor city sanctioned event, which means it did not violation
of separation of church and state.
And yes, did not violation is exactly
what she wrote in 2014.
The Supreme Court used invocations
before legislative session as an example of the intersection
of prayer and government and said, those are okay,
but the National Day of Prayer is not part
of a legislative sec session.
In their own words, the admins assume the mantle
of Christian nationalism
and they deny that performative religious rituals like
praying, breach the wall that according to Thomas Jefferson,
was built by the establishment clause in the First Amendment
to the Constitution.
Therefore, it is imperative that the new rules from the DDA
for the Atrium and from Parks
and Rec for the City Square require all events
and gatherings to have permits,
and that those rules recognize
and account for the need to keep the sidewalks in the city
square clear and unencumbered for the free access
of people having business in the City Square,
including City Hall.
And for first responders in an emergency
as stated in its resolution
during the November 12th, 2024 meeting, council wrote
that the atrium should be used, quote, for city affairs
and avoid uses that expand the character
and nature of the space
and compromise the city's exercise of affairs in the area.
And I expect the city square neighborhoods will be
similarly defined.
The city is determined to put business
and residential buildings in the city square neighborhoods.
So the new rules must make sure
that commerce will not be impeded and the peace
and safety of residents will not be compromised.
I have sources for the Michael c P*****k, Thomas Jefferson,
and Paul D. Miller sites, as well as the Supreme Court site,
and I will happily provide them if counsel requires.
Thank you. Goodnight.
Thank you. Next is Lori Harris,
and next after Ms. Harris is Amelia Vincente.
Good evening. I wanna start tonight
with really great news.
Nobody really, it really doesn't matter to anybody,
but I wanted people to have hope.
My daughter's been fighting cancer leukemia for five years
and eight months, and last night she got results
that she has zero cancer cells, uh, in her test.
So when you're, if you're struggling
and you're fighting, keep fighting.
And I know that has nothing to do with city council,
but you know, we need some good news
and I'm really, really happy to have good news to share.
Um, but then to change the subject, um, I noticed
that Warren has several, um, marijuana
businesses in violation for April, and that's just April,
and that's only the ones they found.
But I hope that we are concerned enough that we're going
to be forcing, uh, I mean, when these inspections happen
through the building department
and zoning, um,
that they're gonna be paying attention to these things.
Um, having cartoon characters on edible cannabis products,
um, um, for failing
to submit required reporting forms, um, for, uh,
$9,000 for failing
to timely file its annual financial statement.
We keep giving these extensions to these companies,
and I've been saying we, we need
to let them fail on their own,
let them have consequences to their actions.
Quit giving them extensions.
Um, oh, it just left.
Anyway, I'm, I'm disturbed by these.
Um, I'm, I'm happy they were found.
Um, and I think it's just the, the tip of the iceberg.
Um, and we have a lot of work to do
and I don't think one person in the building
department can handle all that.
Um, I also want to say to people listening
that anything that you hear about
religious persecution tonight is not true.
And, um, when you are ordered
by the court to do something, you need to do it.
And if you don't do it, there are consequences.
So just remember
that there is not religious persecution in the city.
The city conducts itself with fair business.
And, um, that's all I'm gonna say.
And remember, have hope. Keep fighting. Don't give up.
Thank you. Next is Amelia Vicente, and
after that is Peyton Grant.
Good evening Council members, thank you
for the opportunity to speak today.
My name's Amelia Vicente, a Warren resident,
and I'm here to advocate for the continued operation
of Motor City Bar and Grill.
This was a topic that was discussed
during last month's meeting.
I understand that there is concerns have been raised
regarding noise and traffic
and has been labeled as a nuisance.
I agree that traffic can be hazardous,
but I urge the council
to consider it a balanced approach versus disregarding it
as it was last meeting to address the issues without
resorting to shutting down a small
business for over a decade.
Motor City Bar and Grill has not just been a place
to grab a drink, but a gathering spot for neighbors
and friends and provides a sense of community in an age
where social connection can be scarce.
Their establishment has fostered an environment
of inclusivity and a place of celebration.
Both staff members, musician, patrons,
are all invested in keeping the bar alive
because it adds value to our neighborhood
and a way to go beyond entertainment.
Instead of shutting down this charity's establishment,
I proposed that council could work together with the bar
to find a solution to address the issues that were raised.
Council Member Moore at last month's meeting stated
that the, um, suggested the bar changes the
type of music that was played.
I'm really not sure what was meant by that statement.
Council Member Moore has also stated,
the only thing we can do is shut it down,
but perhaps we could explore more options.
I understand that 200 calls were made regarding the bar
and it was labeled as a waste of resources
for the police department.
However, I believe there should have been a proactive
approach, um, by the police station.
If we have people patrolling around the time of, um, the bar
that is closed, that it could have set a tone for patrons
to understand the seriousness
of the complaints that have been had.
There's also suggestion of adjusting the bar's hours.
The bar is now closed on Sundays until football season, so
that can eliminate a night
and maybe shutting down earlier compared, um,
to staying late open later.
The bar has been taken action.
It does have security, um, that patrols the sta that, um,
is in the bar signs that have been published.
But I don't believe that the bar should be punished for
what the patrons choose to do outside
of the hours and outside of the bar.
I'm hoping that councils considers what the patrons have
to say today regarding Motor City Bar and Grill.
And I believe these changes can make a significant
difference without needs
to eliminate such a valuable establishment.
Thank you. I yield my time.
Thank you. N is Peyton Grant.
This is also a business meeting, so if folks could, uh,
refrain from clapping, that would be helpful.
Thank you, Ms. Grant, you have the floor.
Okay. Good evening, counsel. My name is Peyton Gantt.
I have been coming to these meetings for a while now
for my civics class, and
although I did not really understand the purpose
of it in the beginning, I have found myself enjoying them.
You guys display professionalism
and a thorough, thorough understanding of Robert's rules
of orders in your meetings, which makes it easy
to watch and follow along.
Before this school year, I underestimated the significance
of local government.
However, by coming to these meetings, I have now realized
how important local government is
and how needed your jobs are in this community.
Not only that I know, I now know the significance
of being involved in your community.
Public safety, infrastructure
and education are things that affect us all.
And through these biweekly meetings, you are bringing light
to issues in our community to those who do not know
or show much involvement.
So I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done
for the city of Warren, for providing a learning opportunity
for myself and all the others watching the live stream.
And thank you for truly making this a safe and clean city.
Thank you, Peyton. Next is Wesley Arnold.
I'm running as fast After that is Michael Myers.
Wesley Arnold, historian,
retired college professor.
Thank you Warren City Council for your time
and for your consideration.
Uh, as historian,
I've been watching city councils for many years
and I can tell the public that this,
this council in particular pays attention, listens
and really makes effort to do a good job.
So thank you for being a great city council.
And I say that from experience. Thank you.
Just a short item, uh, harvest time
Food pantry located on nine Mile
by Van D**e helps an average
of 6,000 of our warned citizens monthly.
A recent action by the people,
uh, with Alight Squad confiscated their dumpster,
which is used to dispose of waste,
which was requested by the council
and which they were in full compliance with.
They also confiscated their refrigerated food truck,
which is used to refrigerate food so it don't spoil
so they can give it out in the next day
or two to the hundreds of people that go there.
This action to many of us,
especially with these these two items, appears
to be really irresponsible
and unnecessarily hurts
many Warren citizens. Thank you.
Thank you. Next is Michael Myers.
After Michael Myers is Curtis Osh.
Uh, yes. My name is Michael
and uh, I came here to support, um,
harvest Time Christian Fellowship.
Um, I think it's a great church.
I believe if more churches were like those were like
that church, uh, this world will be a different place.
They supply, uh, a lot of food
and different items to the community.
It's a great, great church.
Um, and I am just,
I don't understand why things have been going
on with the city.
And I encourage the city to work with the church
because the church is there for the people
and we need more churches like this
to help the community.
Thank you.
Thank you. Next is Mr. Osh.
After that is Jerry Bell.
Maybe a ton there. We, there we go. Good evening.
Council Curtis Osh from Harvest Time.
Christian Fellowship Pastor there, you know,
I'm ashamed of my city.
We were in court last Wednesday.
The judge told us that he was gonna adjourn things.
A notice would be sent in the mail in a couple weeks.
Then the Gestapo from the city comes
and removes our property the next day.
They complain about blight, they complain about this
and that and the other Confiscating
and impounding our dumpster.
Is that gonna make blight better or worse?
Or should we just throw our garbage
in the middle of nine mile?
We had a city inspector tell us we should get a dumpster.
In fact, and court said we should get two, a second one.
But the one that we had, they took, we're supposed
to have this new lawn cutting ordinance.
The city took our lawnmower last week.
How are we supposed to maintain our property when the city
confiscates our lawnmower
and a whole bunch of other things, vehicles.
I mean, there's evil actors within our cities.
Some of the evil actors are right there above. And Mr.
rogenSi, I am extremely disappointed with you
because you told,
told Channel seven folks have complained there's food
rotting the pre garbage unsanitary
conditions on their property.
That is a big fat lie. That's a lie.
And you told Channel seven that
to make us look like bad guys and make the city look better.
No, it's not gonna work. This is horrible.
There was no rotting food.
They took vans, they took equipment, they took ladders,
they took pallets, they took empty milk crates.
We give out 80 pallets of food a week.
Who's gonna feed these people?
Who's gonna help these people?
See there is a North Warren and a South Warren. Sorry Mr.
Lafferty. That's just the way it is. The food insecure.
The people that are right on the borderline of hungry
or homeless, who's gonna take care of them?
See, that's not your reality.
That's not your lived experience. You don't understand it.
You know, we went from hero to zero
because in August of 2023,
the former mayor gave us a proclamation
for more than 30 years of service
to this community serving the needy the poor on Nine Mile
Road and Van D**e.
And all of a sudden now we're the villains. Shame on you.
Shame on this city.
Shame on the people that are running this.
I mean, you have one person that says
the dumpster's approved.
One person takes it away. They took our lawnmower.
Then the public service director lied to me too
because we were supposed to have this kumbaya meeting.
My lawyer will tell you,
and it'll come out in court at a later date
and time that we could meet the city.
Canceled the meeting. Not us,
but he says, if you guys would only meet with us,
we could have worked this all out.
You're at time. That's a big fat lie.
Thank you, Mr. Osh Huscher at time.
Have a good evening. The
City's disgusting for their actions.
Mr. Bell, you have three minutes
after that is I believe it's Skyler Ballek gear.
Ma'am, can you sit down? Thank you.
Go ahead Mr. Bell. Uh, good evening. Uh, Jerry Bell.
I'm here to speak on behalf of the Motor City Sports Bar
as well as, uh, harvest Time Christian Fellowship, which is,
uh, pastor Curtis's, uh, church that's been, uh,
pretty much demonized by the city.
And, um, you Andrew, the Rogan.
See, you have
to understand maybe you never experienced food insecurities.
Maybe you've never experienced that.
And for you to, uh, attack this church
the way that you guys are doing, that's really wrong.
That's really wrong.
There's much more things here in the city
that you can work on to help make better.
Uh, and I'm speaking to all you council members.
I mean the South end, we speak about the South end.
We speak about Motor City Sports Bar.
You guys wanna put padlocks on it
because someone was playing music in the parking lot.
Well, at least that's what you claim
that they were doing to me.
And, uh, viewing the video, it seems
to me whoever was playing that music was in that vehicle
that day playing the little boombox.
Because there's no way, if you look at that video, that
that was a vehicle outside of that car that was playing
that music in Motor City Sports by parking lot.
Mindy Moore, you and I had a conversation,
surprisingly this past weekend.
I thank you for even returning my call.
But that call was in an attempt to resolve this issue
because you were wrong.
The description you gave to us of
that parking lot is totally wrong.
That parking lot is three sizes of their establishment.
They have cameras that are linked to the police department.
They have signage up.
They've even went as far as putting a skirting on the fence
and they're willing to put a wall up.
So why, why did you not call them in
to address this issue in front of us?
So maybe therefore we could decided with you all,
or either them, you should have brung them in.
There's nothing wrong with that.
You are per too personally attached to this.
And I'm beginning to wonder, was it you that took the video?
Is it someone trying to close them down?
Maybe to open up a a a marijuana dispensary?
Why are you so dead set focused on putting
them outta business?
I had to talk to this business owner on Sunday
to hear her crying about you guys, what you all are trying
to do to her business.
Shame on you all. Come on man.
You should have went out and did your homework,
Mindy, and you didn't. You let us down.
You're at time. Thank you Mr. Bell.
Next is Skyler. I think it's Skyler.
And then after that is Oliver Gantt.
Good evening. I would like to start by saying, um,
as a person that has came from South Warren,
grew up there my entire life, been through
a lot of struggle and,
um, harvest time.
Christian Fellowship is the church that I've been going to
for about seven years now.
And they have helped me through a lot.
They give out food to countless amount of people.
A little over 6,000, 6,000 a month.
Now from my standing point when I was a child
in my house, I didn't have food growing up.
So I went there and that's how I, that's
how I survived, was going to that church.
And the city of Warren wants
to take away a whole bunch of things from them
that makes life harder on them.
Not only that makes it harder for the community of Warren.
See now doesn't that sound,
doesn't that sound a little bit messed up?
Makes life stressful for a lot of other people
besides just them, even for myself.
'cause it's still like that for me.
That kind of hurts me, man.
Be alright. I've been, I've been there
for, for quite a long time.
That will be it from me. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank You young man.
Next is Oliver Gantt, and then
after that is Maria looks like N-U-C-U-L-A-J.
Good evening. And, uh,
before you, uh, set your timer, I just want to state
a couple of pre preliminary things, uh, to
You guys. You, so that you have three
minutes total. Okay.
So again, Starting now. Mm-hmm. Excuse me.
My name is Oliver Gantt.
I'm a community activist
and spokesperson speaking tonight on behalf of Maria
and her son, the owners of the Motor City Sports Bar,
located at 2 1 2 3 1 Mile Road here in Warren.
Also, my clients will be yielding their time to me.
I don't see anything that's permitting from doing that.
I read, I hadn't seen anything
to stop them from yielding their three minutes to me. Okay.
So, so, so I said I So each,
each audience member is permitted three minutes, that's
Fine. But
I'm letting you know that they each,
Each person You have anything
that says they are not permitted
to yield their time. That's a question.
No, it is our rules and procedures. That's what I asking.
That every person is given three minutes of time.
Okay. So is it a problem
with my clients yielding their time to me to speak?
Yes. You have three minutes
and then everybody else has three minutes.
Okay. So they're gonna yell, okay, I'm here tonight
because of something deeply troubling.
Other people have spoke on it. Okay.
Uh, without any formal notice, citation
or communication, this council has moved
to take action against a lawfully operating business under
the GS of a nuisance ordinance.
The owner only found out about this not through a letter
or phone call, but by watching the news and by patrons.
That is not just a procedural failure,
it is a violation of due process.
This is not how government is supposed to work.
You don't ambush small business owners without notice.
You don't threaten someone's livelihood without giving
them a chance to respond.
As the case here, I saw channel four, it was disturbing
to me when I saw it, it made me pick up the telephone.
Even more disturbing is that this campaign is being led
by Council Secretary Mindy Moore.
From what I'm understanding here,
who reportedly made the comment
that the bar should play country music
and should change the kind of patrons that attracts,
let's be honest, that wasn't about music, was it?
That was about race. That was about
who you think belongs here and who doesn't.
The patrons of this establishment are predominantly black.
They support the business.
They support this community,
and they deserve the same respect to protection
as any other group in this city.
We will not stand silently.
While this council considers racially motivated actions
masked as code enforcement.
Tonight we ask this council one,
why wasn't the owner given notice of any complaint?
Two, why is this matter being discussed in her absence?
Three. And why is it acceptable for a member
of this council, particularly Council Secretary Mindy Moore,
to suggest that the court
and clientele of a business need to change
to make her more comfortable?
We demand transparency, accountability, and equal treatment,
and we will continue to show up until we get it.
And as I stated, and you all are permitted
to address the audience in
accordance with what you all have on paper.
So I would like for Ms. Moore to address, if she's
so pleases to, because we want
to understand why would you make the comment
about changing the music?
To me, that's a racial overtone stating
that in a predominantly black, uh, uh, place
that you would prefer country music For
what reason? I mean,
Mr. Gantt,
no one on council is permitted to respond except
For okay, you can respond.
You don't, you, you can respond if you, if you can. Uh,
I, I don't, I That's what anything I said, so I, I'm not,
Okay. Okay. So let's
say here, I saw the news again.
What I would like for you all to issue to this woman
is a list detailing 250 police calls to her establishment.
I wanna see that list. I have it.
You defamed this woman's business. I have it.
Furthermore, she has nothing to do with what goes on outside
of her establishment, only what's on her property.
She has been proactive to do the things necessary.
Again, you've, you, you've given this woman no due process.
You just backdoor her.
Put it all out for the world to see on every news station.
That's why I'm here today. And a lot of you know what I do.
I come for results. We're gonna get
Answers. You're, you're at time.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Maria. If is next and after Maria is David.
Yes. And yeah,
I yield my three minutes to, um, Oliver, uh, Gant.
You, you can't. Can I ask why?
Because it's not how we do things
and that is not our rules and procedures.
We've never done it and it's not a
precedence. I'm going to start.
Okay. So what we would like to move, sir, we would like
for you, it's not open motion to do that.
Add that. You can't use those.
You can use those minutes. This is minutes is
how this works.
Have a seat. Next is David Maria,
if you're passing, I will.
David, you're next.
You can't yield your time, but you can pass. Thank you.
Next is Reba.
If you all could have a seat, please.
The next speaker's coming up. Thank you
This evening. Hi
Reba. You have the floor.
Okay. Um, I'm here on behalf
of Harvest Time Christian Fellowship.
That is my church. And, uh, I volunteer there
as well as go to church there.
And my husband and I are
included involved in the youth group.
We are leaders there. And I just wanna say how much, uh,
harvest time has really helped our, helped us
and helped our community,
let alone my own personal family and friends.
Um, my husband and I came to Harvest time
about three years ago, maybe a little less.
And ever since we've been going there and helping
and I, we've seen such a difference in
how like our community is.
When the people come in and they need food
or they need prayer or whatever it is they need help with,
we're always there for 'em and they really appreciate it.
Um, pastor Curtis and Sue have helped so very much.
They feed, they feed us every week
and they also feed, um,
a little more than 6,500 people.
And the variety of the food that they feed, um,
includes fresh vegetables and fruits.
Um, we rarely ever see anything rotten, and if we do, it's
because maybe it's just been there a little extra
long 'cause someone hadn't took it.
Um, they also have snacks and breads and canned foods.
And I, I don't know of any food banks that I've been to
that have, that has as much food as they give out and milk.
Not many people have, not many pantries have milk.
But my point is, is it helps people.
And just like Skylar was saying, you know,
there's been times that we haven't had food.
And I have, I have three kids at my house and grandchild,
and it helps us to feed them when we don't have money
because our bills are ungodly.
But anyways, um, they also help a ton of homeless people
and a lot of times, whatever it is that they need help with
or if they can't help 'em, they have, um, references
to other places that will.
So generally they, they do what they can,
but our community's very blessed
to have all the help that they give.
And we, we work hard.
Um, also as we work with the youth group,
um, it also keeps the kids out of the streets
and it gives them something to come to every Monday night.
And, um, it gives them a chance of better life.
So, oh,
um, sorry.
Oh, also, like at Christmas time
or any other holidays, they make sure that these kids,
that parents can't buy them gifts or whatever.
These kids get Easter baskets or Christmas presents
and we have little parties for 'em.
We help however we can.
So I think it's pretty, pretty yucky
that we're getting treated the way we are,
especially Curtis and Sue,
Thank you. Make, you're
out of time. Thank you very much.
Have a good one. Good job. Jack Tithe teeth.
And then after Jack is Celestine Lynn.
Yeah. I'm part of, uh, harvest Time Christian,
and I wanted to speak a good word on their behalf also.
Uh, they're very good at meeting the community
where the community's at and they get out
and help people on the street.
Uh, they help the people that the rest of society overlooks,
the widows and the fatherless.
Uh, I'm part of youth leadership and I've witnessed these.
The, the youth program explode from just a few
to now we got 20 to 30 every week.
Every, every one of these kids come from broken homes.
And harvest time gives church, gives them a place
to get involved with the community,
give them a wholesome alternative to keep them out
of trouble and teach them how a community come,
can come together and to more than just a community
and to a family, uh, where those that have can share
with those that have not.
And at the end of the day, everybody
can sleep with a full belly. Thank you.
Thank you, Celestine.
And then after that is Corey Sar Ian.
Good evening council members. Enough is enough.
Stop wasting Warren City taxpayers money in harassing an
outstanding church harvest time.
Christian fellow shoot church
that tweets at least 6,000 people
every month coming from different cities.
Warren City officials should stop persecuting the church,
ma'am and the Christian please
Ma'am, we have a very, very new speaker,
so if you could not pound,
we have a very new speaker. Speaker's very loud. Yeah.
Thank you. Sorry. Warren.
City officials should start, should stop persecuting Church
and the Christians, but instead they should be
helping such great church.
Despite of its small area.
Harvest Time is able
to feed at least 6,000 many people coming from different
cities too without Harvest time's.
Amazing food pantry.
Um, many people everywhere will go without food
and go very hungry.
Harvest time helps many people, not only with their foods,
but also with their clothing, shelter,
and other valuable resources.
I always direct homeless people
to harvest time Christian Church because they guide
and support them.
Hold on. Uh, they guide
and support homeless people, uh, uh, who lost their jobs,
homes from unemployment, um, um,
house bars and foreclosures.
Pastor Curtis and Lady Lady Sue Osh worked their hardest
to serve the people from Warren and other many cities.
They provide some unemployment too, to serve our community.
You, you guys should sometime visit our small
but very amazing church
that makes Warren City a better place to live.
Warren Building management officials should help harvest
time Church to prosper in their serving the public
and stop harassing them illegally.
Towing the church trucks that transfer thousands of pounds
of food and other supplies is not cool and unacceptable
and disgusting.
Even though enough is enough.
Warren City taxpayer money should be used
accordingly to help the public.
One best way to serve the public is
to facilitate our amazing small church harvest time,
Christian Fellowship Church to prosper.
To prosper with the cities officials, uh,
with the Warren Cities official support,
like giving them more freedom
to serve their public without being bullied
by the abusive officials with their so-called power
to find our church in any way, in every way they can.
Many Warren residents have been illegally harassed
by this so-called building management and black people.
I, for one was harassed.
And I, I was, uh, uh, I was, uh, accused of felony
with driving a deadly weapon just
because I wanna check on my dog when they try to, uh,
try to invade or,
or whatever attack the my brother's dead brother's,
uh, uh, house.
They, they one, one guy illegally
to my my brother's van. You're on time.
Thank You. Okay, thank you. Have
a good one. Thank you.
Corey Sarkisian.
And then after that is Joel Vander Linen.
Hello, I'm Cory Sarkissian.
I've been a citizen of Warren for about a year now.
Um, I grew up in poverty
and with food insecurity due
to not having to father my home.
He was a veteran with PTSD and he ended up killing himself.
And my mother tried very hard,
but I grew up in Mount Clemens
and the food pan's out there, we just got bags of beans
and cans and stuff like that.
I was homeless last year, 2024 for a while until I
was blessed with a home in Warren.
And my grandma told me about a church
that I should go volunteer at
because they used to get
food there when they lived out there.
I went there and the first day I went and volunteered.
The youth group pastor was there.
He told me about the youth group.
I came and my life has been changed
because I've met people who had helped me on my path
with finding peace with the way my life was
with God and stuff like that.
And I found work through the church, thankfully.
And I don't have to worry about food.
Like, it's amazing all the stuff that we got.
I grew up a little bit malnourished
because I never got any healthy vegetables, fruits
and vegetables, and nobody could afford that in my family.
And I was a little uneducated growing up,
but, you know, that's America for you.
But, um, once I came to harvest time,
my life changed completely.
And it's never been the same since
I ended up finding my wife through harvest time.
I ended up finding work through harvest time.
And now that I'm on a steady path to becoming successful.
And I just give glory to God.
And I'm thankful for all the people, the hard work
and volunteers at harvest time.
And I just, I plead with you that you work with us more
please and thank you.
And that'll be all for me.
Thank you.
Joel Vander, Lenin,
Father, son, holy Spirit.
Amen. You all need all the prayers you can get
back in the old days when Mary was being formed,
when they said that separation of church
and state, the idea of the matter
was to allow anybody
to practice any religion they wanted to.
And that the state, the country
could not dictate like Russia and other places.
What religion? That was it.
So all these protests about, uh, uh, uh,
Jesus and, uh, being out on Mound Road
or, uh, prayer day.
And uh, this is silly. This is picking a fight.
This is the atheist, Christian
or atheist, uh, Democrats,
Satanist getting together, trying
to destroy our country.
I mean, the, the Democrats are killing us.
Let, let's think about it.
They change the word from abortion to women's rights.
They get you to deny God, to deny Jesus
and tell you it's okay to kill your children.
Is this the party that you guys wanna support?
Is this what you really wanna teach?
Our country was based on Northern European values
and that include the Christian Church
and all you people that have a problem
with the Christian Church.
'cause you don't like how you turned out.
Why did God make me this way? Why did God do this to me?
Grow up and grow up here. Cut it out.
It's time to stand up for everybody, including the churches.
Jesus states to Peter, do you love me?
Peter says, yes I do. He says, feed my lamb.
Jesus turns to Peter again.
He says, Peter, do you love me?
And Peter says, Lord, you know I do.
And Jesus said, feed my,
uh, sheep.
Sheep. Thank you. Too many brain surgeries.
And then the third time Jesus asked, do you love me?
I Peter says, yes.
And he says, feed my sheep.
All this man is trying to do is
to feed Jesus's sheep.
And that he should be commended for, as,
for a property maintenance going
and stuff like this, attacking them
and stuff, they have grounds in which to do what they do.
But are they certified?
You're you're at time, Mr. Vander
Lenn. How many people read
the have, uh,
international property meeting? Go Have
A good night. Mr.
Vander Lennin are qualified. You're time is up.
My time is up. Okay. Have a good one. Thank you.
Apologize. Have a blessed day. Thank you, father, son. Holy
Spirit, Ms. Anchor, you're
next.
You need it.
My next, One
of the most beautiful things about America is our freedom
to pray individually or as a group in public.
We have assigned a day for this
called the National Day of Prayer.
It's a nationally event.
It takes place May 1st, but not in warn
because we did not observe the National Day of Prayer.
See, the White House did.
Most communities did see our neighboring city
of Centerline did.
We used to observe it with Mayor Fouts. It was a gala event.
Hundreds of people, music pastors, ministers
all gathered to worship God
and to pray for one another, especially those in high places
who make important decisions for us every day
at this rally all face were represented.
Why don't we observe it?
We are a nation and a city of mostly Christians.
The mayor should have observed this day one
because it's a national observance, two
for the Christians in our city
and not be guided by her own personal beliefs
or lack of.
Last year, the mayor
and this council eagerly celebrated the gay community
by giving them a parade.
And also, um,
they gave him a festival that caused a lot
of negative controversy.
And further, the mayor quickly
took away the prayer station at City Hall when the atheist
complained about it, even though they had their
right to reason.
anti-Christian Booth next to the prayer station.
If you watch the government channel, you'll see the mayor
celebrates everyone's ethnicity
and origin eagerly listens to the wants
of the atheists.
But what about the Christian community?
Google says, we are still 60% Christians
and certainly the largest voting block.
The Warren seniors want
to celebrate the National Day of Prayer.
As was done in past practice,
it was not a local day of prayer,
but a national day of prayer celebrated by our president
and the most distinguished citizens in America,
but not here in Warren.
Why are we not celebrating one nation under God
and praying for our leaders
who have an awesome responsibility?
The people of Warren were not represented.
You're at time miss Anchor, as
They should have a good Western community. Have a
Good evening. We
Next item.
Next item is council response to audience.
Ms. Sanker, please have a seat.
Any council response?
Thank you. Next item. Next item. Motion to adjourn.
So moved. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed?
We are adjourned. Thank you.