I am now calling to order a regular meeting
of City Council Tuesday,
February 10th, 2026 at 7:02 PM Please
stand for the budget of allegiance. I pledge allegiance
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 Councilwoman. Rogan C.
Here, Councilwoman McGee. Here. Councilman Dwyer? Here.
Councilman Bokey? Here. Councilman Lafferty? Here.
Councilman Nunan. Present. Councilwoman Moore is present.
We have a quorum. Next item. Yeah.
Next item is adoption of the agenda.
So moved with discussion,
Support. Lafferty,
uh, consent agenda.
Right. What did I say? Agenda. Oh, I'm sorry. Consent.
Agenda. Item four. Yeah. Um, so one second. Uh, go ahead.
Okay. Discussion. So, yes.
So what is item four on consent, um, says
that it was tabled, um,
but it had, it has already been removed, so
that should not be on.
Um, there. And to clarify, four J, um,
that number of 100 has been, um, modified
and that will be $150 for the sale of the,
uh, property.
Madam Secretary? Yes.
You said item four, which, which item? Four. A.
A was already approved. Already approved.
Any other discussion? All set, Mr. Lafferty?
Yes, ma'am. Uh, 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.
Uh, Madam Chair. A slight modification. Ms.
Um, uh, Michael's just informing
that it's an additional one 50.
So it's two 50 altogether? Correct.
Thank you for that four J item. Thank you.
Next item is adoption of the agenda.
So moved with discussion
Support Lafferty with discussion.
Discussion Ms. Moore. And then Mr. Lafferty.
Thank you Madam Chair. Um, adding
as item 12 E from, um, Councilman Lafferty
and Councilwoman Moore.
Uh, regarding, um, library naming as item
13 F.
Um, uh, the appointment of Anthony
Conigliaro as item,
Let's see As item 12
G or 12 F.
That will be Mary, would you say the first case?
Yeah, we have, uh, Jerome Quinny
at Doll versus Auto Club Insurance Association.
Okay, so that'll be 12 F 12 G
Is Harding versus City of Warren.
Okay. And then 12 H
Is Sandra Ford.
Okay. Alright.
I'll have those up by then. Um,
And Madam Secretary 13 F was an appointment, correct?
Yes. Okay.
Uh, discussion Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. I'd like to add under counsel business, uh,
a request to sanitation
or sanitation request for information.
12. Okay. What was the number? 12?
I Thank you
Madam President. When, uh,
John's done
Anything further? Mr. Lafferty?
That is all Mr. Newnan?
Yeah. Um, I'd like under council business, um,
getting the, uh, pets inside when the weather's really cold.
Do you want that under announcements?
Yeah, under announcements.
Okay. You can just add that. Mm-hmm.
Any other discussion? Okay.
Hearing and seeing none,
I will call the question.
Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Newnan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is six calendar pending matters.
Motion to receive and file
Support. Lafferty
Discussion, hearing and seen none.
I call the question. All in favor, aye. Any opposed?
Motion carries. Next item. Next item is seven.
A approval of the bills
of the General Revenue funds. 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. Uh, Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C as a? Yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Next item is approval of the bills
of the water and sewer systems.
So moved. Support Dwyer.
Uh, discussion, hearing, and seeing none?
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is audience participation.
Agenda items only members of the audience who would like
to address city Council this evening related to, uh,
items on the agenda may do so
by filling out an audience form on the left.
Sorry, right side of the stage. Give three minutes.
Uh, Mr. Watts is up first.
Got a
Well, good evening. I
wanted to just mention one thing here on the agenda.
You know me, when it comes to appointments, I do my
due diligence even though I'm
not sitting up there with you guys.
And item, um, 13 e reappointment of,
uh, the library commission.
Um, Natalie, I can't say the last name.
I would take a good hard look at that.
I did some research on this.
Unfortunately, the mayor doesn't like to be transparent
with anything that she sends over to go in the packet
and everything's redacted.
Um, but I did some, some searching on it,
and I'm not sure where the problem is,
but I find one address in Madison Heights,
and I find that that person is listed on voter rolls
for Warren and for Madison Heights.
So before you make an appointment, you might want
to take a good hard look at what's going on.
I don't know if it's a voter roll
problem, you know, I don't know.
I don't even know if she lives in a warrant.
I can't tell because just nothing comes up in BSNA.
So I really have my concerns.
So, and just a reminder, when she first got on,
I was at the Library
Commission, I think it was her second meeting.
She tried to stop the new library too, down in David area.
So deserves a good look. Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Watts. That is the end of audience.
Next item. Next item is nine,
a Plant Moran audit presentation.
Thank you very much for having us.
Um, if I could get the slides up, I would appreciate it.
Uh, my name is Josh Edie, principal with Plant Moran.
With me is Daniella Vac, who's the, uh,
senior on the engagement.
And, uh, today in front of you, you should have,
uh, several deliverables.
First of all, you have the A CFR.
That is the annual comprehensive financial report.
That's the biggest stack of papers in front of you.
Uh, then there are two letters to the mayor
and members of City Council.
And lastly, the graphs. Uh, I'll be covering the graphs.
That's gonna cover basically the
deliverables that you have in front of you.
Uh, we've covered all these reports in high detail with, uh,
management, and so really going
to be covering at a high level summary.
And then any address, any questions that you may have.
First of all, I want to thank the entire finance team.
Uh, this couldn't be done without them.
There's a lot of work that goes into this outside
of their regular normal real jobs.
Uh, and as you can see by the stack of materials in front
of you, this, this is quite an effort to put together.
So, uh, definitely thank them
and they did a great job helping us put this all together.
Uh, before we go through the graph presentation,
I do want cover a few audit matters.
Uh, first of all, I always want to point out
that the city continues
to prepare an annual comprehensive financial report.
This is above and beyond what is required by the state.
And for the 20th year, the city will receive the,
receive the certificate
for excellent excellence in Financial Reporting from the
Government Finance Officers Association.
This award really shows the city's commitment
to transparency and quality financial reporting.
Our main deliverable to you is within that document
that's on page one of the A CFR.
And that is the, uh, unmodified opinion.
And basically what that means is
that the statements are in compliance with all the rules
and regulations, and
that you can rely on the numbers within them.
Although the city received an unmodified opinion, uh,
we did have two internal control matters.
I will be covering those here shortly.
Uh, but wanted to add a little
context before I get to those.
So, the city did implement a new ERP system this year,
and, uh, that was a very challenging endeavor.
Um, so that delayed the city's normal yearend closing
process, uh, which consequently delayed the audit.
So, although the audit was completed
and filed on time, uh, this did cause a few difficulties.
Uh, the other item I want to point out is
that the single audit that you might be used
to seeing in previous years is not in front of you tonight.
Um, that is technically due on March 31st.
So that one is, is not late.
Uh, we will be issuing that actually very shortly.
So we have just finished, uh, work on that
and we'll be issuing
that We anticipate issuing an unmodified opinion
on that report as well.
Um, with no findings on the federal programs, uh,
associated with that.
So in, in the, in the graphs, uh, I covered the opinion.
If we move on to the findings slide.
So similar to prior year, uh, there were certain entries
that we identified in order
to bring the financial statements into compliance with gap.
And audit standards require us to report that
whenever we identify entries, we have to, uh,
include those in a finding.
Uh, the cumulative effect of these entries was material.
And so, uh, those were incorporated.
But as I mentioned before, that ERP implementation did take
some significant time from the team.
Uh, the next finding on the next slide here
is a significant deficiency.
And this item relates
to the implementation of a new standard.
So the city this year implemented what's called GASB 1 0 1,
which relates to compensated absences.
And in order to properly implement that standard,
the city has to estimate what portion of vacation,
sick time, things like that will be used versus
what portion will be paid out versus
what portion will be forfeited.
And the city was unable to provide historical records
to support that estimate.
Uh, they were able to get to a materially correct answer,
which is why we still have the unmodified opinion,
but wanted to point out that the city will want to start,
uh, accumulating those records in order to be able
to support a more precise answer moving forward.
The next slide then gets into the financial
statements and the results there.
So this slide shows revenues
of the general fund over the last four years.
And you can see revenue increased 17.8% in the current year
to 156,923,000,
largely due to a few lines.
Uh, first, if you look at that first line,
property tax revenues increased $8.9 million, uh,
which increased largely due to property tax values
as they continue to increase on the fourth line.
Fines and fees also increased, uh, mostly due to fines
and fees from the district court, uh,
increasing $1.9 million from 2024.
And then finally on the second line from the bottom,
grant revenues increased due to the use of ARPA funds.
Now, I do wanna point point out that that's not new cash
for the city that had been received prior, uh,
but just moved from unearned revenue
to revenue in the current year as those funds were expended.
The next slide then shows total taxable value.
So this is showing since 2016,
the change in prop in tax value.
The blue line represents real property, the red line, uh,
personal property, and the green line is a total of the two.
Now, this was at a high back in 2008,
and if you remember what happened in 2008, uh,
we had the housing crisis
and these values fell quite a bit along with, um,
the property, uh, personal property tax reform, uh,
through 2017.
Uh, but you can see that the numbers have been increasing
gradually since then.
Uh, I do wanna point out that hedley, uh, prevents
that increase from more than the greater of either five,
the, the greater, the lesser of 5% or inflation.
So it'll still take some time for those
to continue to recover.
The next slide shows a four year history
of the general fund expenditures.
Uh, expenditures increased 12.4%
to $141,863,000, largely due
to increases in public safety.
That last line you can see is up $13.8 million.
And that's largely due to construction of the fire station.
Uh, you'll also notice increase in debt service costs.
That's an increase due
to leases entered into in the current year.
I do wanna point out that sort of an artifact of gap
and the way that that needs to be recorded is sort of a,
an expense and a revenue basically at the same time, uh,
as those are entered into the fourth slide shows the
breakdown of, uh, general fund expenditures by percentage.
Public safety here continues to be the largest proportion
of this with, uh, 73 cents for every dollar
that the city spends going towards public safety,
which is consistent with prior years.
The next slide shows the budget to actual
for, uh, the general fund.
And the general fund expenditures finished the year
approximately $17 million under budget,
in which case all departments remained within budget.
Uh, the variances were largely due to the timing
of purchases of equipment as well as vacancies in positions.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Uh, then the next slide shows the
general fund fund balance.
And you can see here $117 million, which is an increase
of about $22 million from 2024.
Unassigned fund balance of $24.3 million
represents about 17% of the 2025 expenditures,
and the remaining is assigned
for various other future expenditures.
So that concludes my prepared remarks,
but happy to entertain questions on any
of the materials in front of you
or anything else related to the audit.
Madam Chair, Ms. Mark. Thank you.
I I'm gonna jump around a little bit
because I, um,
kind of jumped around when I was doing this.
Totally fair. One of the things I noticed,
and maybe Rick will have to answer this, is
that the revenue was less than expenditures in the grant
fund by 215,000.
Is that normal?
It's on page seven. Community.
The, the revenue was less than expenditures in the
grant fund by 250.
This revenue is generated from payment
and payoffs
7 1 2.
The third paragraph.
So then my question is, what happens when
with the federal grant
and we spend more than we have, where does that,
where does the excess come from then to cover that?
Uh, Richard Fox City controller. Good evening counsel. Um,
yeah, go ahead.
While, while Rick is looking at some things here, uh,
a lot of that is just due to timing
and the way that, uh, GAP works in terms
of recognition of revenue, right?
So some things from revenue aren't, uh,
you can't recognize if they're not received
within the period of availability.
Right? So that's within 60 days of year end.
And, uh, if we were to look at that grant fund,
so on page 11 of the A CFR,
you'll notice that, uh, in that grant fund,
that second column, about two thirds of the way down,
there's that deferred inflows, unavailable revenue.
So those are items that, um, will be received,
but couldn't be received within that period of availability.
So a lot of that is timing.
It's not an issue where you're spending more money than
you're going to be bringing in with those grants. Right,
Right. Thank you.
Um, the other question I had was, um,
there's a comment about bond on, um, page 12, bonds payable,
installment purchase obligate
and landfill post closure liability.
I'm not sure what landfill that's talking about.
That's the nine A that's, uh,
in the northern part of the city.
I mean the, the county, um, I think it's
Not s it's not SM D by Washington,
Not SMDA. That one?
Well, it's part of SMDA. Yeah.
Oh, okay. Yeah.
Okay. And so that one is still not a completed
closure as, as we, as it's stated.
So we have to report our estimated liability on
that to the best of our ability.
Right. Okay.
I So as, I mean,
'cause I look at this, I'm not a numbers person.
Everybody knows that, I dunno, my hair is doing this.
Um, we're in good shape, we can pay our bills today,
but we have, can have some problems in the future
based on liabilities that we don't know about.
I mean, just simple things, you know, we don't know
how many car crashes we're gonna have every year.
Right. It seems like we have a lot every other
day somebody's getting in a crash. Right. So
Right. So
on an annual basis, we budget an estimate
for what we think our insurance costs are gonna be,
plus any payouts that we're gonna have
for lawsuits, uh, that may occur.
But what, but I also have a, a reserve in the fund balance,
and I believe it's somewhere around eight to $10 million
that if we end up with a, um, big hit, a large lawsuit
that we could, I would request counsel
to take the money out out of that reserve.
So, but we also have insurance coverage.
So the city, on any lawsuit that happens,
we gotta pay the first million and a half.
Okay. And then after that we have a, a $5 million layer,
and then we got another, I believe it's 5 million.
I think we got four or 5 million till we get the 20 million.
So as long as a lawsuit doesn't exceed 20 million,
we pay the first million and a half.
Right. Right. Are,
are we pretty close usually in the estimate?
Are we, yeah, we've, you're pretty conservative,
so I assume you have, you you guess
more than we need. Right.
We've been pretty close, unfortunately this year with one
of the lawsuits we had, I think we're gonna go over.
Right. But in the past, you know, 10 years
that I can recall, we've pretty well budgeted sufficiently
to cover any expenditures for lawsuits. Right.
And of course, I think we've talked about that was,
you know, the, I think in the notes part, um,
or I read it somewhere, I think I heard it today,
was about like sick time and things like that.
We don't know. It's, it's one thing to keep track of
what we know, but we don't know who's gonna decide.
I'm, I'm done, I'm walk over and put their papers in.
Um, and we have to pay out whatever sick time.
And Vic, I don't know
what all we pay somebody upon their retirement,
but those are a lot of unknowns.
And any year that we get, you know, a lot of those,
I would think that's gonna push up the
Right. And again, I
have a reserve to cover those
unexpected costs too.
So. Yeah, because I think, was it last year we had a
little more, more retirements than
Any of us expected. It goes away. Sometimes
we only have, you know, five
or 10 retirements and then sometimes we have
20, 30, 40 retirements, so.
Right. Um,
but again, we're, I, I feel very comfortable we're covered
on any of those, uh, potential, uh, payouts. Right.
Alright. Lemme see counsel.
Oh, I just, I'll, I'll get with you later just
to correct some things about the Land bank.
Sure. Thank you. That's just, yeah. Simple things.
Let me see if there's anything else.
Adam, chair, Ms. Ms. Marcell has
A question for your auditors.
Do Mr. Ms. Morris still has the form? Oh, you one?
I just had one more, sorry. It's okay. And then, Mr.
Lafferty, so an FTE
is a full-time equivalent, right?
So when are part-time employees put together to make a whole
or are they not included in the FTE?
No, I don't believe they are.
So, so on 1 46, the FTEs
full-time equivalent government employees,
that is only one individual, full-time person?
Not two half times or we don't put,
No, I believe these are all just full-time,
full-time employees for each, for each department.
I notice a big jump from sanitation in 2018
of 54 employees and it's gone down to 38.
38, 38. One year it was 39. Is that because of the trucks?
Yeah, I, I'm pretty sure that when that occurred, they,
uh, you know, they're the, this the driver
and goes up, picks it up.
You don't need guys in the back of the truck to pick 'em up.
So the trucks cost a lot,
but they were able to reduce manpower accordingly.
Yeah, I'd like to see a analysis of that, the new cans,
the trucks
and all that to see where the exactly what
that cost savings is.
I, I know the longevity, the legacy cost will be greatly.
Well the other thing thing is, that's
The other thing that really helped us
with is workman's comp cases.
Oh yeah. 'cause we, when you're behind the truck
and you're throwing bags up in there, it's,
it's tough on your back and
Legs, Your shoulders.
And so we had a lot scraps
and yeah, we had a lot of those injuries
and so those have went down substantially.
Yeah, that's really good news.
So thank you very much. You're
Welcome Mr. Lafferty.
Thank you. Good evening. Good
Evening. Alright.
My first question is on page seven,
we've got the middle of the page,
the budgetary highlights at year end,
the general fund expenditures were
17.8 million under budget.
And it goes on to say it was due to careful spending
by department leaders and delayed capital expend, uh,
equipment purchases.
This represents a year over year difference of
$13.2 million closer
to actual year over year.
Now, last year we asked how can we get closer to actual,
so we actually did that, uh, no pun intended,
but what I'd like to ask is what is the,
you know, for a municipality our size,
what is the target benchmark for budgeting?
Should we be and, and our other municipalities?
And, and Mr. Fox, either for you or Mr.
Ydi, uh, is that 10 million, is that 5 million?
Are other municipalities of similar size successful in,
in achieving a similar benchmark?
Well, this particular year we'd be even a lot closer,
but you gotta take into account that we had ARPA monies
and so that amounted to like $10 million that we covered
for police employer wages.
So it, it really, I don't know that there's a actual target,
uh, number that you can come to.
And we, when we prepare a budget, it's,
it's estimated revenues, what we anticipate to collect.
Mm-hmm. And then it's estimated expenditures.
So if we have a year where maybe we had a lot
of vacancies like we've had in the past with fire and,
and police and other departments, then naturally the, the,
the actual expenditure is gonna be way less
than what we budgeted.
So it, it's just gonna go depending on what happens
during that fiscal year.
Um, I don't know that you can target a number
or say the average should be this, it,
it really just depends on, you know, what happens in
that year where you, you know, what may,
maybe you got more revenue like we did with arpa,
we actually got more revenue than we, uh, anticipated.
And then, um, sometimes we get more state shared revenue.
Um, so it's, you know,
budgets based on estimates and things change.
Of course. Of course. And the budget's
a living document throughout the year.
Correct. We make amendments, you make re appropriations.
Yep. You know, we, we adjust as necessary.
But I, I think what you, what you outlined though with the,
the additional 10 million in, in revenue from arpa, our,
our target, if you want to call it,
that was actually a lot closer.
We were 7.8 million. Mm-hmm.
If you take that out of the equation, that's not going
to happen year over year.
Right. So we're, we're actually a lot closer than, than the,
the report would state if it
broke it down just a little further.
Correct. Alright.
Uh, so good news story there on page seven.
I'm sorry, let's see here.
Uh, page eight is where I wanted
to focus the net position under component units.
Uh, we incurred a deficit of $2.6 million
and I'm gonna let
You dive into that one.
So Mr. Ydi on, at, that's at the bottom of page eight.
Sure. If you turn to page nine,
the downtown development authority indicates
that we had $24 million in expenses.
And of that 1.2 is interest on long-term debt.
Now that's compared to
11.5 million year over year
at which appears to be the largest factor in the change
to the net position deficit.
And if you follow me to, from that breakdown
to page 24,
the net position deficit is
9.2 million.
Uh, the change in net position mm-hmm.
Rather is 9.2 million
with an ultimately resulting in a $5.5 million
deficit in the end of your net position.
Now I'm curious, uh, is this due to
the capital outlay,
Which would Be under restricted assets? Page 22.
So the, the capital outlay, um, on,
so these are on a full accrual basis, so, um,
different than you budget, say the general fund,
which is on a modified basis,
that capital outlay itself wouldn't be an expense on here.
Mm-hmm. That would be, those would be coming in
as capital assets and would be depreciated over time.
Um, that long-term debt certainly is a part of this.
Um, if you're looking at page, um,
23, oh, excuse me, except that, that would normally be
how it is except that the DDA donated
those assets to the city.
So there were significant capital outlays on the DDA
that were then expensed because those were, uh,
transferred over to the city.
Wouldn't there be an offset though to prevent the deficit?
Or is that just, that's just how the number will fall?
Yeah, that's, that's how the number will fall.
And on the understanding that the idea with the deficit is
that the DDAs future revenues should
help bring that back up.
If you're wondering, well, what do we do about this deficit
that would be the plan in the future.
So if you look at again, page, uh,
23
and 24, um, you can see
that the Downtown Development Authority had $15 million
of revenue in the current year, um, related, uh,
that an 8.3 of that was property taxes along
with 5 million of state shared revenue.
So in a future year, if the city, uh, continues,
if the DDA continues to, um, have those revenues,
but then not have as many expenses,
not donate significant capital outlays to the city,
that deficit should recover.
Alright. So the fact that there is a deficit this year in,
in that particular column is not a concern.
It's something I would definitely keep an eye on
and I would make sure that you've got a long-term plan
for the DDA and that you're not looking at solely as,
as a one year, um, one year item.
Because you want to make sure to your exact point that
that will be coming up and what is
the plan to bring that up.
Um, so making sure that, you know,
next year's budget you're looking at
and that probably a five year plan, what are the expenses?
What do you expect the revenues to be?
At what point is that deficit going
to be recovered back to a positive?
Alright. Because,
and the reason I asked about the capital outlay,
that capital outlay on page 22, 4 0.7 million
was, uh, let's see here, it was
13.7 uh, million last year.
And so it was, that's a significant,
significant difference.
And I just wanted to make sure, if we're budgeting
with the upcoming budget, should we be adjusting
accordingly for new, for new capital outlay?
And as you indicated, uh, long term debt
and our, our strategy there will adjust for it.
If I'm understanding your question correctly, you,
you're asking should you be, um,
adjusting budgets in future years to, uh, make sure
that revenues are exceeding the expenditures
in order to recover that deficit?
Is that Yes. Yeah.
And that's, that's exactly
where I would be taking the long view on that in terms of,
you know, taking at least a five year look
and saying, what do we think our revenues will be?
What do we think our expenses, what is our capital
outlay, uh, need?
And what do, what do we need to be doing over the next five
years to make sure that you are going
to have a plan to recover that.
Alright. Thank you. Alright.
And then on page 85,
Let's see.
Under budgetary information, first paragraph, uh,
budgets were not formally, it's stated here,
the budgets are not formally, uh, adopted
for the tax increment finance authority,
the Building Authority or special assessment
Debt Service funds.
And I know that, uh, with Mr.
Fox's assistance in the last, uh, the last year
we did have a, a budget for the TA, it was part of, uh,
part of our budget process.
So I'm curious if this was a misstatement
or if, uh, if this is referring to something else.
So yeah, I, I would've to look into that.
Um, I, excuse me, I was un I was unaware of a,
a budget for the TAC for the tiff.
Uh, but if that is something, we'll make sure
that's corrected the next year's statements.
Okay. Mr. Fox, do you concur with that?
I do. We, we did adopt a budget for tfa,
um, the last couple years.
Mm-hmm. So year before and this year.
So yeah, that would've to be correct.
Alright. And then the, the Building Authority, I'm,
I know it's, uh, it's defunct.
Yeah. So I, I don't know if we haven't dissolved it,
but the authority still exists.
Correct. But we have, we haven't done,
we have not done a bond issue
through the Building Authority for years.
So, um, and I at this point don't plan on doing anything
through the building authority, so.
Alright. So that's just an asterisk. Alright, very good.
The only other, my last question and Mr.
Ydi as, uh, I mentioned earlier, I'll follow up with you.
Uh, I've got a number of other items I just wanted
to ask from in informational points.
Happy to that at, at a later date. Thank you.
Uh, is the, the material findings
and the, the plan corrective actions,
these are not the,
the plan corrective actions are not under the supervision
of plant Moran.
So you discover the, the weakness, you
outline the finding
and you provide the information
to finance and and management.
Correct. And then it is up to management to
provide a remediation plan.
Correct. The, the mis the material findings
or the significant findings
and then on with internally,
it's not something that's
reported back to you. Is that correct?
So one clarification I want to make on that,
when you receive the single audit report that will have
the corrective action plan as part of that, so, um,
that is included as part of that report.
Mm-hmm. But to, to your point about the supervision correct,
we will not be supervising that process next year, um,
as part of the single audit report, as part
of the report and internal control.
And with that, um,
we do have what's called a schedule summary
of prior audit findings.
And that does discuss the status of them at that point.
So at that point we'll be doing, um, we'll be looking at
that, but, and obviously we, uh, collaborate
with the city throughout the year and help
and have con communication and discussion.
So we're happy to provide that help.
But in terms of actually supervising the change,
no, that is not something we do.
Thank you very much. Sure. Appreciate your time.
Thank you. I yield.
Thank you Mr. Bokey. Good evening. Good
Evening. Uh,
my question is for the auditors, um, when,
when you were going over the fund balance
and you stated that, um, we're way under the budget
that we redid real well managing the money, correct?
Sorry, what is the question?
The budget from that was presented? Yes.
We were under budget, correct.
Uh, by a decent amount, correct,
Yes. $17.8 million.
One of the contributing factors was you mentioned were
employees that were budgeted and not hired.
That is our understanding. Can you tell me, uh, for,
I know there's vacancies all over the city,
but one specific department, the police department,
can you tell me approximately average amount of employees
or what the savings was from that fund
So that knowing the number of employees that,
that would be outside the scope?
I would have to defer to, uh,
Rick or if you know the dollar amount,
how much money was saved
because they were, I don dunno the dollar amount,
but I can prepare a report for you.
Yeah. All right.
Because I I'm sure that's gonna be pretty large.
We were pretty short. 25 employees.
They're all last year on an average
and it's information I think the council
and the citizens should have.
Not a problem. Thank you. I'll yield Beck. Thank
You. Any
additional questions? I have one quick one.
Um, and you may have said this, so I apologize if it's rep,
uh, repetitive, but on the significant deficiency, you noted
that, um, we weren't tracking sick
and vacation time appropriately.
That's, I'm just summarizing my question more so is
you all have audited us for years,
why did it come up this year and not in past years?
'cause I assume the practice was the same,
So Yeah, good, good question.
I would clarify, I guess that I wouldn't say
that it wasn't being tracked appropriately.
That's, I I think that's not how I would frame it.
Um, there was a new accounting standard this year,
and so in the past the balances have been, um, tracked
and the balances at year ends have been correct,
but in terms of historical usage patterns,
that is something new that is part of this new standard
that in order to create an estimate, um, there needs
to be some sort of data behind that.
And most communities are looking at historical usage
patterns to say, here's how we can justify the proportion
of time that we think people will use
as sick time versus be paid out as sick time as an example.
And without that usage pattern, um, that was,
uh, more difficult to do.
And that's why we're saying it wasn't
as quite a precise balance as opposed
to saying is the balance at year. Correct.
Got it. Okay. Thank you for clarifying. Sure.
Appreciate it. Uh,
any other discussion? Okay, thank you very much.
Thank you very much, very much for your time.
Other announcements. Oh, Madam Chair.
Motion to receive and file. Thank you.
Uh, motion by Mr. Lafferty. Support. Anyone Support Dwyer.
Support Dwyer. Uh, all in favor? Aye. Any opposed?
Thank you. Any other announcements? Madam Chair?
Um, Ms. Moore. Ms. McGee, go ahead. Thank you.
Um, um, our long time bond counsel, Mr.
John Acts passed away recently.
Um, for decades, he influenced municipal finance
extended extending far into the community.
John Ax was a towering figure in the field
of municipal bonds, sophisticated, brilliant,
and deeply knowledgeable.
He brought exceptional legal skill
and sound judgment to every matter before him.
His counsel helped guide Warren through complex fi financing
with clarity, precision,
and integrity, always safeguarding the city's long-term
interests within the municipal bond community.
John Acts was widely regarded as a legend.
His reputation was built not only on his intellectual rigor,
but also on his professionalism
and unwavering commitment to excellence.
For those who had the privilege of working with him.
His mastery of the law was matched by his calm presence
and thoughtful approach.
John's decades of service left the lasting imprint
on the city of Warren.
The projects he helped finance
and the stability he helped ensure will continue
to benefit our residents for generations to come on behalf
of the city council, we extend our sincere condolences
to his family, colleagues,
and all who had the honor of working alongside him.
We recognize John X's extraordinary service
and enduring legacy with deep respect and gratitude.
Um, I had the honor of, uh, spending many,
many hours, uh, over the years with Mr.
Ax. First when I, my first term of on council.
And, um, um, the first thing,
the most important thing I learned was that
the financial rating, the bond rating
of the city is the most important thing you have
to keep in mind when you're dealing with the finances.
And once you understand that,
it makes clear the decisions you have to make.
Sometimes they're very difficult decisions to make,
but he was just a wealth of information.
And, um, knowing his, uh,
knowledge was far beyond most of us.
He had a way of explaining things that we all understood.
Um, I don't think, uh, he wasn't around quite as much.
We didn't have as much activity in the last five
or six years as certainly we did in the early two thousands
when we were building the city hall
and doing a lot more with DDA
and development than we've done, uh, recently.
But he was really, really a force.
And, and, um, not just for Warren,
but all over southeast Michigan.
He represented cities and counties
and, um, he was known, I mean,
really throughout the whole country, um, um, all the rating
agencies were very familiar with him.
And he had and had great respect for him.
And I think sometimes that that lent the, uh, the feeling
of respect for us too, because we had him.
And, and, uh, that gave everyone a, a peaceful feeling about
what we were doing because we had him guiding us
so he will be missed.
Um, he, uh, uh, was very, very instrumental, um,
to the city of Warren and much of what we've done.
And, um, sad to see him go
Silence.
I don't know if anybody else wanted to say anything.
Yes, I'd ask for moment, a moment of silence.
Thank you. Next, uh, we lost another member
of our community, Mary Mariinski, who passed away,
uh, earlier this week.
Um, she was, um, quite interested in our community.
She came to the microphone quite often,
and she was at events all over the city,
and mostly she had her grand great, her great nephew
with her great nephew.
Um, and, uh, she cared for him, uh, most of his life.
She made it a point of everywhere she went,
making it a teachable moment for him
and making him feel comfortable.
And he was, um, um, you know,
I he did very well because of her.
And, uh, she, uh, was passionate about her neighbors.
She was very concerned with their safety.
So she harped on all of us for a long time, especially me
because I was her district representative.
But we finally got that barricade down the Gerald Street
barricade because she feared, and I think the police
and fire agreed with her that in the case of emergency,
there would be trouble, people getting in and out of there.
So we were able to get that done.
Um, uh, it became quite a political,
um, challenge.
It shouldn't have been, but people made it political
and, uh, she just wanted to make people safe.
And I commend her for that.
Um, she was kind and, um, generous with her time.
She volunteered at St. Faina.
She taught catechism until just recently.
I think, uh, once she retired, uh, she, uh,
was a substitute school teacher,
I think mostly in the Warren Woods School district.
So we'd hear from her a lot more in the summer.
And once school, uh, went back in, uh, session,
uh, she didn't come quite as often,
but, um, sincere condolences to her family,
especially Carter.
I think he's really gonna miss her.
She was such a force in his life and, um, she adored him.
So, um, we'll all miss her. Thank you.
Yes. Um, so several residents have asked,
Oh, wait, where did moment of silence first?
Oh, I'm sorry. I still have way more, but other things,
but I thought you was gonna talk about merit.
Yeah, I did. You Okay.
Moment of silence for I'm, it's okay.
Thank you. And Ms.
Marcella has a few more items, and then Sure.
Thank you. Somebody wants to say C
Yeah. Does anyone have anything
they wanna
share about Ms. Van Naski?
Oh, I, Oh,
I can share that she was a great person in the community.
Um, she definitely will be missed.
Um, she was very involved in our community.
She cared about the city of Warren.
Um, she was part of my district as as,
and she really went about to make sure that she attended
as many events as possible.
She was a aunt just like I am.
And as an aunt, we take it serious, our job serious.
And she loved her great nephew.
Um, and she made sure that she take, she took care of him
and made sure she brought him about throughout the
neighborhoods and through the community.
She would definitely be missed.
Thank you. Thank you. Um, couple items.
Um, if anyone is experiencing a housing, um, emergency
or, you know, someone that is, um, facing eviction
or other, um, reasons that someone could be homeless, um,
there is a walk-in, um, every second Tuesday,
every second Wednesday of the month.
So that would be tomorrow from nine to 11 at the, um,
Burnett Branch Library on Van D**e.
So if you know anybody that could use some help, um,
this is a great resource.
Um, the FOP is having a euchre tournament
March 14th, 2026.
Um, Saturday, the doors open at four o'clock.
The tournament starts at six at the Christopher Wooder Lodge
on 14 mile.
Um, there are cash payouts and raffles
and all sorts of things, gift baskets.
I was there last year. They had a ton of, uh, gift baskets
for raffle and, uh, things.
So if you're interested, you can go,
you can register online at ww dot
fop one 20 four.com.
Um, and I'll also put this on our, uh, Facebook page.
Um, just to give everybody a heads up, uh,
we do have the budget, uh, schedule.
Uh, the budget will is due to counsel on April 13th.
Um, the budget first budget hearing is scheduled
for Saturday, April 18th,
and that's probably gonna be at eight 30.
We usually start, and then additional hearings will be
that Monday and Tuesday the 20th
and 21st if we need the time.
And I think that's it for me.
Thank you, Mr. Uh, yes, Ms.
VI and Mr. Newnan. Okay.
Um, thank you very much.
I've received a few calls on, um, maintenance for the Rose,
whether it be dender, Ryan Hoover,
wherever I make sure that I input it into the system, um,
and make sure I call and make the request.
But I wanted, I wanted to bring the map that Dave, um, uh,
our director had provided for me,
but I could not make a copy,
but I wanted to share the telephone numbers.
If there's a road maintenance for the city of Warren,
you will need to call
5 8 6 7 5 9 9 2 7 0.
If there's repairs as far as potholes, um, on the city, um,
residence area, and then county, um, you need
to call
5 8 6 4 6 3 8 6 7 1.
Again, that's the city for 5 8 6 7 5 9 9 2 7 0.
And for the county roads,
you will call 5 8 6 4 6 3 8 6 7 1.
I also wanted to briefly update the council
and our residence on the 2026 Detroit
Policy Conference.
Um, that Councilman Henry Newnan
and myself attended earlier this month.
The conference provided valuable opportunities to connect
with city and county leaders from across the region and,
and gain insight that directly apply
to Warren's challenges and opportunities.
The sessions covered important topics included, um,
including two new public safety investments,
economic development initiatives, data centers,
and regional collaborations.
Among other topics, given warrants importance
as the third largest city,
and also as a neighbor of the largest city,
I felt it was important to hear
and learn what's happening in our neighborhood areas.
Council members from throughout the area attended.
It is important for Warren to represent at these events.
So I was pleased that, that Councilman Newnan
and myself did attend.
Thank you
Mr. Newnan.
Yeah. Um, several of my constituents during the cold snap
where the, where the, uh,
wind chills were getting the temperature below zero.
Um, and even the, the basic temperature was getting to, um,
below zero asked to have
the neighborhoods know that they should bring their pets in
and not leave them out for long periods of time.
Um, it's very dangerous if you, if you leave a dog out
for like a half an hour, uh, even, um,
under those conditions and, and cats.
So I, I was getting that
and I, I, uh, decided to bring that up here.
I hope people here and, um,
do better next time. That's it.
Thank you. Any other announcements?
Hearing and seeing none, we will move on. Next item.
Next item is 11.
A request to amend the financial statement audit contract
with Plant Moran to account for services
provided outside the original scope of the contract
consideration and adoption of a resolution 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 a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 11 B.
Consideration and adoption
of a resolution approving consulting services
with Willis Towers Watson for calculation of actuarily
required reserves for city self-insured,
no fault automobile liability. 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. Noonan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 12.
A uh, legal update. Mr. Shorter?
Thank you. Um, I have a really good update for the counsel
on the Land Bank situation,
which this council unanimously supported.
Um, and we received a phone call
last month from the State Land Bank director.
Um, we saw that we have a, an ambitious agenda
that council supports and the Land Bank is implementing.
And, uh, he said that, um, they had some funds available
to give us a consultant, um,
who can help the Land Bank get a lot
of projects off the ground, and the state would be able
to pay for this consultant
and they would work directly for the Land Bank
and on projects for the Land Bank.
Um, we had the opportunity to talk to the State Land Bank.
Uh, it was yesterday, was it?
Was it today? Yesterday. It was yesterday.
And, um, they introduced us to this consultant.
Uh, her name is Emily Dore.
She's very well accomplished in
planning zoning economic development.
And she herself is the former state land Bank director.
And, uh, she's ready to hit the ground running.
Um, and she is going to, uh, take over the project, um,
where we are getting grant money for three homes.
The city council just put three vacant
homes into the Land Bank.
They're dilapidated structures. They are uninhabitable.
This grant money will pay for those homes to come down
and they will be vacant lots that the city can then,
or the Land Bank can then sell to developers
and then that money will go into the Land bank
and fund further activities, uh, which is great.
Um, she's also able to meet, there's a local developer who
has some ambitious projects.
She's gonna be able to meet with this local developer to see
what the Land Bank can do for her.
Um, we have a vacant lot file.
Uh, hunter Manic is from the Economic Development Office.
Um, last summer he put together this vacant lot file with
I, there's something like three to 400 vacant lots in the
city that could be eligible for the Land Bank
to help do something with.
Um, and Hunter's updating that
and she's gonna review this vacant lot
file and see what we can do.
Um, she's gonna pursue other grant money for the Land Bank.
Um, she's gonna help us develop policies.
She's worked with other land banks.
So when we, we turn around these lots
and sell them that we're doing it in a fair, honest,
equitable manner that it's not, you know, $1 for you
because you know you might know somebody.
And all that kind of thing is gonna be also a way
for the Land Bank to make money
so the Land Bank can fund for their activities.
Uh, she's, uh, also, um, yeah, I said she's going to, uh,
help us, us with the grant money.
There's other grants coming down the pike,
so later this year there's other grants coming
that we can take advantage of.
She's also gonna look at some
of the commercial properties in the city.
We hope maybe there might be something
for the old fire station number one.
So things are rolling there pretty good.
And I want to thank all the Land Bank Board members,
including council, uh, member Moore
and council member Lafferty, um,
for getting us to that point.
So this is, that's, that's good news.
Thank you. Can I get a motion to receive
and file the legal update?
So moved.
Support anyone?
Support, support, support.
Uh, all in favor, aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Thank you.
Next item. Next item is 12 B.
Proposed ordinance to amend Chapter two administration,
article five, boards
and Commissions Division nine of the code of ordinances
of the City of Warren relating
to the housing commission first reading.
So moved with discussion support, Lafferty.
Discussion Ms. Warren. Thank you.
Um, Madam Chair through the chair to Mr. Schroeder.
Can you explain where we're at and how we got here? And
Yes.
At the direction of this city council from budget hearings
in 2025, um, we worked
to re reform our housing commission ordinance.
As I've stated many times before,
the housing commission ordinance, excuse me, from the 1960s,
it's outta date, it's at least 30 years outta date.
It's not following the state law,
it's not following a Supreme Court decision.
So what we're trying to do is align the ordinance
with state law and so that the relationship between the city
and the Housing Commission aligns with
state law and charter.
And so that's what this is doing.
Um, and I think it's important to state that this confirms
that the Housing Commission is an independent employer.
So they're not employees of the city.
The Housing Commission is an independent employer.
This goes back to a law passed in the mid nineties.
The Michigan Supreme Court appell it
and essentially they're not employees of the city.
I know from time to time
that council members get complaints about personnel issues
at, at the Warren Housing Commission.
And I think maybe it's because the residents there
or the individuals who are complaining they might not
understand this, is to give clarity to that relationship.
So if council members get calls about that,
it should probably be referred back
to the Housing Commission
or the mayor's office who
appoints the housing commissioners.
Because the city council really the way the law is set up
can't interfere in the day-to-day operations
of the, of the Housing Commission.
Completely independent employer.
But this also modernizes governance.
Transparency, transparency in public sector provisions, um,
requires robust financial, operational
and tenant related practices.
Um, it approves the appropriate city
and city council oversight including, uh,
rule approval audits and reporting.
So, uh, I think this is gonna bring us up to date.
So at least our housing commission ordinance
and our governing procedures here in lineup with state law.
In addition, the next item, I might
as well talk about it now 'cause it ties into it.
The next item is an employment and operations agreement.
So since the Warren Housing Commission is an independent
employer, well they're using the city facilities.
They use city hr, they use city legal department, they use,
uh, procurement.
So, um, this agreement was worked on, um,
worked with the city attorney's office, worked
with the Housing commission, um, the director of Sean Clark,
who contributed to this as well, to make sure
that city administrative services are, are using agencies.
The city gets reimbursed for that.
The city will also continue
to collect a pilot a payment in lieu
of taxes since there's taxes aren't paid on those buildings,
they're, they're public buildings.
Um, this also requires housing commission personnel rules
that are appropriate for a public employer.
And it subjects to housing commission employees
and officials to the city's ethics
and ne nepotism provisions to make sure that's being upheld.
Uh, designates the controller as the fiscal agent
who provides financial services consistent
with the administrative fee structure.
Procurement will be done through the purchasing division.
They're subject to foia. That's, that's definitely outlined.
And the city has a broad indemnification under which the
housing commission will indemnify
and hold the city harmless from claims arising from
what Housing commission obligations under the agreement.
So, um, this confirms what we need under state law.
It protects the city, it protects the housing commission,
and we have, uh, an agreement that will function
and uh, makes sure the city is reimbursed for those,
uh, services that are provided.
So what we're asking for is, uh, the first reading,
I recommend approval of the first reading.
So we bring this up to consistency with our state law.
And then I would ask that we hold adoption of the, um,
actual employment operations agreement
until the second reading of this ordinance.
Okay.
Thank you Mr. Lafferty.
I'm sorry. Uh, Ms. Moore, you had discussion first?
No, I'm done. Oh, you are done. Thank you, Mr.
Through the chair to Mr. Schroeder.
The, obviously the second reading codifies,
will this also require an intergovernmental agreement
between us and the housing commission
in addition to the ordinance?
No, there's no intergovernmental agreement.
Um, there is an employment
and operations agreement, so there's no need
for an intergovernmental agreement
because the state law provides
that the housing commission is an independent employer
and they have, their duties
and obligations are defined under state statute
and our ordinance will now reflect that.
Alright. So the paperwork is really gonna be on,
on their end formulating all of that to comply with,
with state law in the ways that they don't currently.
Well, and the city too,
because, um, in some ways there, it seemed
as though the city was acting like the employer mm-hmm.
When actually the housing commission is the employer.
So I think it works on both ends, on both the city side
and the housing commission side.
Everybody's gonna be in their lane.
And then where there's, uh, opportunities for, you know,
joint participation, that employment
and operations agreement will govern
Good clarity. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. Mad
Chair, Mr. Unen.
Uh, yeah. So, uh, Mr. Schroeder, if, um, if the director
signed, um, some kind of worksheet, uh, claiming overtime,
who, who would sign off on that as a supervisor,
all the departments in the city?
Do they need to have someone else sign over
or can he sign off on his own overtime?
Well, first of all, I, I'm not sure that he qualifies
for what's called overtime.
I think Mr. Fox would have to clarify that.
I don't think he qualifies for overtime.
He may qualify for what's known as, um,
comp compensatory time.
Obviously leave time such as sick time and vacation time.
Um, as far as scheduling that, um, he would report
to the housing commission.
Um, this agreement does say that there needs
to be rules put in place that are consistent
with being a public agency.
So I think some clarity would have to follow,
but that would be the job of the housing commission
to come up with a procedure.
He reports to the housing commission.
The housing commission is the employer, not the city. Right.
So, um, but they can have an agreement where this,
they use the HR department
and he can report his time off somewhere.
Um, we haven't gotten that far yet, so I don't want to Sure.
Negotiate that publicly and it wouldn't be my role anyway.
But, um, I think there's a
framework in place to handle that.
That's good. Hopefully it would, uh, follow the,
with ethics, it would be very ethical
and it'd be transparent so
that everyone in the housing complex could know
that everything was above board.
Because apparently some people really don't think it is.
But I hope it is. I don't know. Okay.
Anyways, um, thank you very much.
I think that's all I had right now.
Any additional discussion? Okay.
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 12 C.
Consideration and adoption of a Resolution approving
and employment and operations agreement between the city
of Warren and the Warren Housing Commission.
Motion to table
Support to table.
Okay. There is no discussion on the tabling motion,
so I will call the question.
Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty?
Yes. To table. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. To table. Mr. Bokey?
Yes. To table Mr. Noonan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Items tabled. Next item.
Next item is 12 D, which, um, was a placeholder
for some resolutions that we assign numbers to.
So I would, um,
just suggest we remove this
Yeah. Uh, do we just move past it, Mary?
Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Objection. Yeah.
Uh, so next item. Next item is 12 E.
Um, regarding discussion regarding new library naming.
This is, uh, Mr. Lafferty and my item, uh, motion to approve
Support Lafferty Discussion.
Thank you. Um, Mr.
Um, Lafferty, and I've collaborated on this item,
and, um, we have a statement, um, that I'd like to read.
Pursuant to the City of Warren's governing framework,
the naming of municipal buildings is an authority recognized
to rest with the appropriate governing body
or oversight body.
In the case of the Warren Library System,
that authority lies with the Library Commission,
and the city Council fully acknowledges
and respects that role.
At the same time, the Warren City Council retains a vested
interest in honoring individuals whose service
and legacy have made a lasting impact on the city
and its institutions.
In recognition of that shared civic responsibility,
this proposal is being brought forward collaboratively
by council members with deep institutional knowledge
and long standing ties to the Warren community.
As the senior serving member of the City Council,
I bring historical perspective
and continuity to this recommendation.
Councilman Jonathan Lafferty as a lifelong resident
of the City of Warren, brings personal knowledge
of the community, its history,
and the individuals who have shaped its civic life.
Together, we support advancing this proposal in recognition
of a legacy that predates
and transcends current Library Commission membership.
This proposal is offered with respect
for the Library Commission's authority,
and with the intent of ensuring
that the city's institutional memory, long-term service
and community history are thoughtfully considered in the
naming of a new library facility, particularly
where the honorees contributions are directly
and substantially tied to the library system itself.
We are humbly requesting that the Library Commission
consider naming the new library in honor
of Richard L. Palmer, which is justified
by his extraordinary
and sustained commitment to public service
and to the Warren Library System over the course
of more than three decades.
Richard Palmer served the city of Warren for 30 years
with the friends of the Warren Library,
and served 10 years on the Warren Library Commission,
providing consistent leadership, institutional knowledge,
and thoughtful stewardship of one
of the city's most important public assets.
His tenure reflects a rare level of dedication
and continuity in municipal service,
during which he helped guide the library system
through periods of growth, change,
and evolving community needs.
Throughout his service, Mr. Palmer was a strong advocate
for accessible high quality library services
for residents of all ages.
He supported policies
and initiatives that strengthened educational opportunities,
promoted lifelong learning,
and ensured that Warren's libraries remained welcoming,
inclusive, and responsive to the community.
His work contributed to the long-term stability
and success of the library system,
and helped position it as a cornerstone of civic life.
In Warren naming a new library in Dick Palmer's,
honor recognizes not only the length of his service,
but the depth of his impact.
It reflects the city's appreciation
for exemplary volunteer leadership
and sets a meaningful precedent
by honoring an individual whose legacy is directly tied
to the mission and success of the library itself.
This designation will serve as a lasting tribute
to Richard l Palmer's, dedication to public education,
community enrichment,
and the residents of the city of Warren.
Um, I have been approached, as has Mr.
Uh, Lafferty by several more than several residents, um,
former members of the Library Commission.
Um, and some people I think, have even been at the, um,
recent meetings suggesting that the library should be named
after Mr. Palmer.
Um, I have, you know, I, I knew Mr. Palmer for, uh,
25 years, I guess.
Um, he has lots more service
to the city than just the library system.
He was on the school board for a very long time,
and, uh, Warren Symphony
and, um, did lots with the church,
volunteered there, so he was just an exemplary volunteer.
And, um, you know, we are talking, we've lost so many, um,
legends in our community last couple years from Eleanor
Bates and Sue Keffer and Kingsley Sears,
and, um, so many people that have had such a contribution.
And, uh, it's been a long time since we could name some, uh,
building after someone like Dick Palmer.
So, um, it's just a, you know,
we're asking the library to consider this.
Um, we certainly are not, the vote is not ours, uh, to make,
but I think this is a good suggestion.
So thank you. Thank
You, Madam Chair.
Mr. Lty, I want to say I agree
with everything Ms. Moore just read.
I fully support this. Uh, she refers to them as legends.
They, and I've, I've often referred to Mr. Palmer
as a pillar of the community,
and I don't think there's a, a better legacy to, to leave
behind than one that will continue
to touch generations ahead, lifelong learning.
And he raised his children here,
and the, the community has grown around him
and his legacy will last for generations
long after we're gone.
And I think the Library in living memory, a testament
to his legacy is most fitting.
So I fully support this. Thank you, Ms. Moore.
Thank you. Any other discussion? Okay.
So the motion is to send this, um, a memo over
to the library Commission for consideration.
Yes. 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 as a? Yes.
Motion carries. Next item. Thank you. Mm-hmm.
Um, the next item is 12 F, which is, um,
um, uh, would be to approve a settlement discussed
and closed session on February 5th, 2025 in the matter
of Jerome Quinny versus City
of Warren Macomb County Circuit Court case
25 0 0 3 8 0 3.
Nf. So moved
Support Lafferty.
Thank you. I will call the question Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan?
Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is? Yes.
Motion carries Item next item is Hardison versus City
of Warren, Macomb County Circuit Court case number
25 0 0 3 0 2.
No. Um, this would be a motion
to approve settlement discussed, uh, pursuant
to the terms discussed.
Uh, February 5th, 2025. Enclosed session.
Motion to approve. Ms. Moore, did you make a motion?
I, I'll second it. Okay. Thank you. Uh, Mr.
Lafferty and Ms. Moore. Second. I will call the question Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer?
Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes.
Rogan C is? Yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is, uh, hooks versus City of Warren.
Um, again, uh, motion
to approve settlement discussed enclosed session
February 5th, 2025 pursuant
to those terms. Motion to approve
Support. Lafferty.
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 as a? Yes. Motion carries.
Next item. Uh, next item is 12 H,
uh, which is the matter of Ford versus City of Warren.
Um, motion to approve, uh, the terms discussed
and closed SEC session on
February 5th, 2025. Motion to approve
Support. Lafferty.
We'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 12. Aye. This is Mr. Lafferty's, uh, item.
It's, uh, request for information from sanitation.
Motion to approve
Support Lafferty. Discussion.
Discussion. Mr. Lafferty?
Thank you. In response
to several inquiries from the public, I'd like to ask, uh,
through the chair to Mr.
Elli that the sanitation department provide
the information on past purchases of all
of the trash bins that we have, uh, purchased, uh,
since the inception of the program.
Metrics on replacements of the bins, the,
the lids, and then also about, uh, damage reports
that are called into sanitation.
Uh, and then to have that, uh, report prepared
and presented to counsel in two weeks.
Thank you.
Any other discussion on this item? Okay.
Hearing and seeing none, I will call the question.
Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Bokey? Yes. Mr. Newman? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes.
Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is 13 A, which was tabled 1 27 20 26.
Um, the, uh, a DA transition plan, we've been asked
to hold off on this for another week or next meeting
because no one, um, was aware
that whether we were gonna take it off the table or not.
So, um, they couldn't get the whole
team together for tonight.
So, so item stays on the table? Yes. Okay. Next item.
Next item is 13 B.
Requested the Parks
and Recreation director for an appropriation
of funds from the recreational Capital Improvement reserve
in the amount of $1,663,500
to cover the demolition
and rebuilding of multiple structures located within
how much park consideration and adoption of a resolution.
So moved with discussion
Support Lafferty. Discussion
Discussion, Ms. Mark. Thank
you. Um, there you are.
Could, uh, could you please, uh, explain what this is?
Yes. Uh, good. Uh, evening Council, Jason Spill.
Um, Jason Spillway, director of Parks and Recreation.
I come to you today with proposal of, uh, Helman Park.
How much Park is one
of our premier parks in the city of, uh, Warren.
It's our heavily, most heavily used park.
It gives us the most, uh, attendance throughout the year
with all the sports activities we have going on there.
Um, it's also a very big picnic
and pavilion, while also putting a new
play structure in this year.
However, for the last couple, uh, last year,
how much park has been operating without any
real permanent bathrooms.
We just fixed the middle bathrooms with the, uh,
uh, athletic fields are.
However, last year the south restrooms, which are located
by the South pavilions, were closed due
to their operational.
We had Porta John's surrounding them.
The north bathrooms with the same situation.
Uh, the north, the North Pavilion,
which is the large pavilion currently right now, is in
a dire need of replacement or, uh, removal.
It is in a very dangerous situation.
It is unsafe in, uh, overhead and on the ground.
Uh, I am requesting a proposal to, uh, remove the, uh,
north Pavilion, take it out of completely,
remove it out off the grounds,
transform the North Pavilion.
Right now the north bathrooms into a maintenance scratch,
which we currently do not have.
Restoring our brand new, uh, ball field equipment
and all maintenance equipment on site, changing the, uh,
the south restrooms, renovated them into VO eight,
eight compliant restrooms
and creating a four foot pathway connecting
that back into the current pathways.
Uh, that is our proposal due this summer.
Uh, we feel that is very important.
This is the, the, uh, pavilion is by far a safety factor
that needs to be addressed.
Um, yes. Happy to answer any questions. Yeah,
Thank you. Yeah. The, the,
um, pavilion was originally built
by the Lions Club, if I'm correct, right, Mr.
Lefty. Um,
and we had talked about demolishing it a few years ago,
and they were pretty upset about it.
Um, 'cause nobody had come to them to ask them to do repairs
or anything over the years.
But now I think it's beyond, um, from
what I'm hearing from you,
that there's been some structural modifications made to it
that make it impossible to keep it up any longer.
There is, yes. There's structural overhead
and including, uh, support beams that are really compromised
as well as the ground itself are missing concrete.
And we have heaves that we have identified painted,
and we, uh, we, we know that there's hazards out there.
Uh, it's just not a really safe condition
to have people picnicking enjoying underneath there without
tripping ball hazards.
We were really lucky to have that club, um, sponsor that
and pay for that a long time ago.
I, um, we don't get participation like that.
Um, like we did years ago.
I come from a small town that everything is, um, paid for
with pro private donation.
They have fundraisers to maintain the carousel
that's been there for hundreds
of years and things like that.
I mean, I think that happens more in small towns,
but, um, we're a big city, so we don't get as much of that.
But maybe we could put a plaque
or something on it to honor the, the Lions Club
or something so that we never forget that they
actually did something very, very nice
for us a long time ago.
If we could look at and do something like
That. Something, maybe a plaque or
something. Thank you very much.
Thank you
Madam Chair. Mr.
Bokey. Well, you've been working. Mm-hmm.
Appreciate it. Thank you. Uh, a lot of improvements.
You haven't mentioned anything about the lights.
I get a lot of complaints for the baseball players
that they're in operational
and that we've been renting big lights to come in.
Um, I, it's last I heard, heard it,
the lights are working.
They're fine. Uh, there are, there is future, um,
future we'll have to look at.
Some of the posts are wood, uh,
which obviously the metal ones are gonna secure up.
Those been up there a long time.
They're really high up there.
Um, I know they're not LEDs and
because we could look into in the future.
Okay. Well, I appreciate it.
Like I said, uh, everything you said is positive
and I'm sure, uh, my colleagues up here will say it safe.
Thank you. Thank you,
Ms. McGee.
I am so happy about this.
Um, my biggest concern is, um, the, the structure
of the sidewalk, the cement area.
Um, it is a great trip hazard. Um, very unsafe.
I just wanted to know, um, once approved,
what area would you start with first?
Will it be just demolition and then the concrete area or,
Yeah, I would like to get the pavilion out of way
and get the concrete gone
before the public is actually getting out there.
Yes. First and foremost, the safety factor.
So if we can get the pavilion removed and gone
and the concrete taken care of right away,
then we can work in the other buildings.
I want to get them open, but I wanna make sure when people,
when the weather breaks, people start coming
to the parks immediately and they'll come out there.
That will work. Thank you very much.
I appreciate it. Look forward to it,
Madam. Mr.
Lafferty. Thank you. Uh, good evening, sir.
I had the, uh, the fortune to attend the, the last
Parks Recreation Commission meeting where you gave, uh,
quite a bit of collateral to the commission members about
what the structures will look like, the depictions
and the the elevations.
Could you please provide that to council office
to share with the council members?
I know that my colleagues would like to see that.
Yes, I definitely will. Yeah, they, so we're,
we're talking about the, the demolition tonight.
What, what he wants to build in replacement
of is spectacular. Yeah. There's a picture
On the Walls and Yeah, there, there,
the pictures are out, are out on, in the hallway.
But it is, it is really something to see what,
what we have in coming in the future is night
and day to what we, what we used to have,
what we've been used to for so many years.
Thank you. Lions. Thank you for everything you've done.
I agree. Ms. Moore, let's honor their
legacy in the new structure.
There's, there's a a point in time which we have to
tear down, replace, and rebuild.
There's, there's a time,
but there's also an opportunity
to honor the history from, from when it came.
So, uh, with that, uh, I'd also like
to ask, uh, a side note there is,
I've received a few phone calls relative
to the Fitzgerald Recreation Center.
Could you please provide an update as to what occurred and,
and what the temporary plans are at the
Um, currently?
Uh, we would, we would, uh, notify that, uh, uh,
we have four heating units in the gymnasium area.
Two of them are failing, uh, js I have, uh, known us.
Um, and with that, the cost, the estimate of cost to repair
that is somewhere in the 50,000 hour range.
Um, and as of right now, because the building
and the, uh, assessment going on, uh, us we are going to,
we are going to do an assessment with the, at the facility
to see the viability of it.
Uh, as of right now,
because we did not repair those heating elements, right now,
we moved, uh, currently we we're operating Tuesday
and Thursday at the recreate Fitz Joe Recreation Center
for about six hours per day.
We currently move them to new location temporarily.
So we did not interrupt the service.
We're doing a full assessment of the building, uh, coming up
and seeing what the vi viability of it is in the future.
And we're got to wait for the assessment to come in to see
what it says.
Okay. Now, I'd like to clarify on the record that Mr.
Spiller, that the Fitzgerald Recreation
Center, uh, who is that?
Who is the owner on record for that building
Right now? It is currently
owned by the Fitzgerald School District.
Alright. And so we have a lease agreement for using
that pretty much exclusively, correct. Can't
Find it. Uh, yes, we are
currently, we we're on a month
to month basis on the lease.
Alright. Yes. And if you could also please, uh,
send a copy, uh, to council office of
that lease agreement when, uh,
when City Attorney's able to locate it.
I would do that. Thank you for your time. Thank
You.
I have a quick question. Uh,
not having seen the new plans, the,
we're tearing out the pavilion, which is super important
'cause it's been a safety hazard.
Are we replacing that pavilion at some point?
Uh, yes. The, the,
the entire project came in one full project in one.
However, due to funding sources we're not able
to complete phase two.
I know that for safety factors,
phase one is very important to me.
Mm-hmm. Um, I am going to do my due diligence
to get phase two going.
I think it's very important for the community to have that
and to go back to being a very valuable place.
Okay. So the pavilion will be hopefully
with funding and phase two,
That's my goal is to get, try to find funding for that
and get that project moving forward very soon.
Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion, man?
Chair, Uhhuh, where have,
where is the group from Fitzgerald now?
Currently they're, uh, operating in the, uh,
old Brax Center.
Um,
Question, you know, I like
to make sure we're doing anything.
Did the DDA a vote to approve that use? Yes. Okay.
I didn't, so, so they're, they're in there right now.
They're happy about it. They're actually sharing the space.
There are other, uh, city departments using
that facility as well.
For what? Hmm? For what?
Uh, police fire, I think.
And police are using it for training
purposes in the back area.
Okay. Um, and I wanna thank you.
Uh, last week we were here for, uh, FOIA
Appeals committee and we ran into Mr.
Spiller in the hallway. So we got the ghost tour
of the, uh, facility.
I was in rooms and levels that I didn't know exist.
And I think I might be able to find the pictures.
I'll just have to come with grubby clothes one day
and, uh, wander through here and see if I can't find them.
So we're looking for old pictures of, as we talked
of the cows old council pictures, the ones
that were at the court, and we've heard they're under this
stage, but I didn't realize there's all kinds
of storage upstairs.
There's other places. There's rooms upstairs.
So we're gonna, I'm gonna uncover them.
We did, we found one, whatever term.
I, I saw Cho on one of the pictures, so it's not that old.
But anyway, thanks very much for your time the other day.
I appreciate it. And I actually joined the
community center Nice. For the first time ever.
Thank you. Yep. Thank you very much.
Uh, I will call the question if there's no
further discussion.
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.
Request of the police department
for an increase in budgeted revenues
and appropriations in the amount of $217,000.
To account for the receipt of a grant from the state
of Michigan's Michigan Commission,
law Enforcement Standards, m Coles
for CPE in-service training, award consideration
and adoption of a resolution.
So moved. Support Dwyer.
Discussion, hearing, and scene. None.
I'll call the question. Mr. Moore. Yes. Mr. Dwyer? Yes. Mr.
Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Noonan? Yes. Ms. McGee?
Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries.
Next item is 13 D.
Request of the police department to waive the bid process
and award advanced police emergency vehicle operations
training to Oakland Community College in a total amount
of $57,500.
Consideration and adoption of a resolution.
So moved with discussion support.
Dwyer Discussion Just very quickly, I was concerned
that we were going to Oakland Community College
and not McComb Community College.
It was explained to me
that it's not offered at McComb Community College.
So there's the answer to my question.
Any other discussions, hearing and scene? None.
I'll call the question. Ms. Moore? Yes. Mr. Dwyer?
Yes. Mr. Lafferty? Yes. Mr. Bokey? Yes. Mr. Nunan? Yes.
Ms. McGee? Yes. Rogan C is a yes. Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is notice of reappointment of Natalie Nik
to the Library Commission with a term expiration
of June 30th, 2029.
Motion to approve with discussion,
Support. Anyone
support. I'll support her with discussion. Ms. McGee.
Got it. Uh, but I will mark you,
mark you down for discussion.
Mr. Lafferty discussion. And then Mr. Bokey,
Thank you With the
term of expiration.
June 30th, 2029.
Lead you to believe that this term is up in the next couple
of weeks and we need to act immediately.
And so, I'm, I'm puzzled.
Why is this coming to us right now?
And doing some research came across a couple
of items I I want everyone to be aware of.
And it is, it has to do with the recent posting
of the Planning Commission terms on the city's website.
And this highlights a troubling pattern of delay
and inattention to critical appointments by the mayor.
Now, the Planning Commission is authorized
to have nine members,
yet only seven seats are currently filled.
Now, of those three members are serving on expired terms,
including two officers on the commission.
The vice chair's term expired in June of 2022.
The secretaries in June of 23
and another commissioner's term expired in June, 2023.
Now this is not the fault of the commissions
or the commissioners,
but these are no, these are not minor oversights either.
They directly affect the stability, continuity,
and credibility of a body that's responsible
for guiding land use and development decisions in our city.
Even more concerning, not a single appointment has been made
to either the Veterans Advisory
and Memorial Commission, the Communications Commission,
or the Elected Officials Compensation Commission
after repeated requests.
These commissions exist for important public purposes
and for Mayor Stone to leave them completely unstaffed
signals a lack of urgency and respect for their missions.
These are not optional
and require immediate action, not deprioritize to the bottom
of some arbitrary list.
The mayor chooses to instead focus upon The situation
with the Downtown Development Authority.
Further underscores this problem.
Proposed appointments were tabled by council on Jan, uh,
July 9th, 2024, specifically to allow the mayor time
to identify new candidates
in the months since only one appointment has been made.
And the DDA continues to struggle to maintain a quorum.
At the same time, one library's commission member whose term
does not expire, uh, until June 30th, tonight's item
is being reappointed four months early while another member
with the same exact expiration date is not being
reappointed at all.
Raising questions, further questions about the consistency
and transparency of the appointment process.
And finally, the fact that the Planning Commission terms
were only recently added
to the city's website raises a broader concern with complete
and up-to-date public information.
Let me restate that without complete
and up-to-date information, it is impossible for anyone
to know how many other boards
and commissions may also be operating with expired terms.
I remind Mayor Stone
that timely appointments are not optional
housekeeping items.
They are a core responsibility of the executive branch.
Continued delays undermine public trust.
They weaken important commissions
and they hinder the city's ability to function effectively.
Thank you.
I'd like to bring up the, uh, the fact that
of Mr. Watts brought up earlier.
Um, the council was
provided an application from the City attorney's
office with an address.
Um, I checked that address at our BSA
and it doesn't have her name on it.
It appears to be a rental property.
In order for me to pass this
or what I, we should have rent receipts
or our current utility bill attached to
that, which we do not.
Uh, there's no way for us to confirm
that person's a resident other than, uh,
what's put on the application.
In light of that, um, I would like to make a motion
that we deny the appointment based on that information
Support d Uh, Mr.
Mr. Bokey made a motion to deny Mr.
Dwyer. You're supporting that. Is that correct? Okay.
Any other discussion?
I would like to just add real quick to that, Uhhuh,
this information is known to the mayor what has
to be presented to us.
And she continuously puts, uh, the application in of
what she wants to put in it, knowing full well
that we're up here, we have to approve it.
I can't see how you could approve it,
but we can't confirm it and I'll yield back.
Thank you Ms. McGee.
Is it possible that we can get the information
to confirm whether or not she stay at that residence?
Like, um, rental receipts?
If she is renting that residence, then we should be
provided with rental receipts.
I don't want to deny knowing that she lived there
and she may have that information
Through the Madam Chair.
Mm-hmm. Uh, through the chair to Mr. Schroeder.
If we deny the mayor does have by, uh,
charter provision the ability
to send the appointment back, isn't that correct?
This is an interesting question that, um,
I was getting ahead of here
because the Library Commission
is its own commission under the charter,
but there's also a state law reference here.
And so, uh, my conclusion
after reviewing the state law, which is
a public Act 1 64 of 1877, the library law
and the, uh, charter is that this is a situation
where council has to approve the mayor's appointment.
This is not a receive and file or deny for a reason.
This is like a confirmation type appointment. Oh.
So counsel either confirms the appointment
or denies the appointment.
Um, I don't believe that would prevent the mayor from, uh,
resending this appointment over
again to answer your question.
But I got to the, I wanted you
to know how we got to that answer.
It's a little bit different than under 7.6 of the charter
where it's a department head
or a, uh, a commission that wasn't created by Charter.
So, um, I do have the legal research on this.
I can forward it to counsel. Um, I dunno if Ms.
Michaels has a position on that,
I'd certainly welcome her input.
But, um, to make sure we're all aligned on this.
But, um, if, if counsel denies it, the mayor,
I believe certainly could bring this back.
Thank you, Mr. Shorter. Ms. McGee still has the floor.
I I'm thinking to myself, I know
that there are rental properties out there without their
name on it, it doesn't mean necessarily
that they're not renting that, that, um Right.
The place where they live.
So I don't want to deny something, um, knowing that
that person does live there
and they can provide us the information.
Um, and so I'm just gonna leave it at
That. Sure. Thank you. Um,
Mr. Nina, one second. Mr.
Lafferty, I had to run to the restroom.
Can you just summarize what you shared briefly?
'cause I missed your, um, what you had shared.
I summarized a number of concerns with appointments.
This being so far out of out
Place and others are not, are sitting years in,
In years out of date years on expired terms.
And here we are talking about one that doesn't expire
for another, you know, four months yet, you know,
there are other, other commissions that don't even exist
and have no appointments whatsoever.
Understood. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Newnan,
I, I propose, I propose that we table this
until such time as the mayor is able to confirm
that she is a resident. You
Have to make a motion. Can I make
a comment before?
Can you hold your tabling just for if I can make a comment?
Yep. Um, so I wanna go back a little bit.
Um, when this person was, um, appointed,
you know, we approved that appointment
and like day one,
she was in there fighting against the library
that we had all approved.
And I was a little concerned how someone could day one
be against something that everybody was in agreement on.
So I, that's a little troublesome.
There was a lot that went on with the library commission.
Many of them were not happy what was happening.
We had, uh, resignations of longtime people
and then this person ended up being the chairperson.
I think that's created some problems
because she didn't understand, she didn't know
what a fund balance was, didn't know who Richard Fox was.
So I think that, you know, things have been,
it's been very rocky.
Um, you know, miss, um, urban was supposed
to retire a year ago and that has drug on
and the process and you know, there's, it just, you know,
there's been a lack of transparency
and, you know, our, we, you know,
the budget was presented
and the library commission had never even voted on it.
So there's just been a lack of something in the last year
that's not been great.
I don't watch every library commission.
I do watch some of them 'cause Ms. Harris, uh, records live.
So I do catch some of them.
Um, and I do get, uh, feedback
and comments from a lot of people in the library system.
Um, uh, certainly, um,
if you wanna do more research on where this, um,
person lives, I don't see a problem with that.
Um, you know, if we wanna be guaranteed about that,
I have other concerns.
Um, but I'm certainly willing if, you know,
if you want to table it Mr.
Noon and I'm comfortable with that.
But, um, you know, I think we need to work hard to, um,
shore up that commission
because I think we need some,
a little more direction going on
in that commission. Thank you.
Point of order. Point of order. Madam Chair. Mm-hmm.
Uh, procedurally, uh, I had made a motion to approve
for the purpose of discussion, just uhhuh.
So I will withdraw that motion. Mm-hmm.
As the, there was another motion made to denied. I,
I move the, that we, uh, table this
I support.
So we've got a thank you Mr.
Deny motion. Oh. Oh, you had a motion to deny.
Um, the table supersedes the motion to deny.
So the tabling motion pauses.
Paul Volt not on the, not the
once a tabling once a table, once someone makes a motion
to table, the other motions die.
Correct Mary? Okay.
The Tabling fails, then you go to the motion to,
so if the tabling fails,
then we would go to the motion to deny.
Okay. So, and thank you for pointing that out.
I have a motion to table by Mr.
Newan in support by Ms. McGee. I will call the question Mr.
Newan? Yes. Ms. McGee? Yes. Ms. Moore? Yes.
Mr. Lafferty? No. Mr. Dwyer? No. Mr. Bokey?
No. Uh, let's see.
And I, I will table, so item is
tabled, correct?
Yeah. Next item.
Next item is 13 F,
which is the appointment of Anthony Guiro
as the wastewater treatment plant sanitary engineer.
Motion to receive and file
Support. Lafferty.
Any discussion Madam Chair? Yes.
Um, I was shocked today
'cause I looked at the, um, agenda for the civil service,
uh, commission meeting this week and I saw that, um, um, Ms.
Donna Doki was, uh, moving back to civil service.
Um, so I think this is her path.
She is going to retire it's succession.
Um, and so this is her, um, plan.
Um, and she will be around then to help, uh, Anthony, um,
move into the position.
And I understand he's extremely well qualified.
Um, he's been vetted ex extensively
and I'm very, very comfortable with what I've heard, uh, or
before the meeting tonight.
So, uh, congratulations to Mr. Ero.
I'm hoping Thank you.
This is the gentleman that came
and presented with Donna, right?
Yeah. He was fantastic. Yeah. Okay. Excellent.
Any other discussion?
Okay, hearing and seeing none, uh, your motion was
to receive and file.
All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay.
Motion carries. Next item.
Next item is audience For general topics.
Members of the audience who would like
to address city council this evening may do
so under the audience portion
by filling out a general audience form located on the right
side of the stage.
You have three minutes. Um, yes. Ms.
Sanker, last call.
Get in your, um, audience form.
First up is Mr. Watts
And after Mr. Watts is Wesley Arnold.
So let me just say disappointed that you tabled that item.
It's ridiculous. Um, so I'm here tonight
to talk about the mayor.
She's in charge of a city with a $350 million budget.
And I received a message a couple days ago.
I don't normally look at this stuff all the time.
And, um, I looked at,
to look at her campaign finance report at Macomb County.
She has never filed her quarterly report for October
and is now at maximum fine of $500.
Now looking at the documents, they've mailed her house,
they've mailed her PO box, and here we are, February
and it still hasn't been filed, nor has the fine been paid.
Lo and behold, last week the annual report was due.
And guess what? That's not filed either.
So it brings to question with all the stuff that I hear
in my travels, doesn't seem like anything's getting
done around this city.
You know, she's too busy meeting with the brownies
and photo ops and stuff.
I mean, I was on council, we did a hell of a lot
of photo ops, but boy, we sure got a lot of work done.
I haven't seen anything since she's been in
office, to be honest with you.
It's getting disgusting.
The transparency is horrible when I look at the agenda
and I can't see where somebody lives so
that I can check the documents.
Most of 'em I can figure out, it's pretty easy.
But when I look at a document that they produced
and then I look at the history of the water bill
and the person paid their water bill just
before it was submitted to be an appointment.
Come on folks. Somebody's been arrears on the water bill
for 20 years and all of a sudden it's paid.
Well. I started going through the,
the commission members, boy, we have a problem.
We have a tax problem, we have a water bill problem.
Where's the mayor? We have all these
appointments that haven't been done.
You know, people come in front of planning that's important.
They deserve a full board
and they deserve to be freshly appointed or reappointed.
Now, transparency, there's a problem
with transparency when she redacts everything.
The first packet I got on my transparent on my, uh, FOIA
for the police commissioner was six inches thick
and everything was redacted.
Met last week and I still can't get the information
because the mayor's withholding.
I recently requested numbers on the police department
and I finally got that back.
It was overdue. And with all due respect to the police,
because you know, I'm gonna support them a million percent,
I didn't get my numbers, I did get some generic stuff.
I'll be able to fill in the gap.
And the next council meeting, I'm gonna give you a report on
what we're really short and I'll have to do some,
some real thinking on those numbers
because I didn't get what I needed,
but I know who's withholding those numbers
and that's disgusting.
So thank you Mr. Watts. Yep. Thank you
Mr. Arnold.
After Mr. Arnold is Pete Sutliff,
Sorry I'm old and slow.
Thank you for your time and dedication.
Please get a pen.
Uh, I got six words for you to jot down shortly.
I am Professor Wesley Arnold, who has done some research
on, believe it
or not, some important secrets you need to know,
including threats.
Just a few days ago,
some new scientific evidence was revealed
of great importance, which you need to know about
because it will affect Warren residents.
Jot down these six words best ideas.
FYI tap save this.
Once again, best ideas,
I forgot the decimal point.
FYI. It's a website, the word tap. And save this.
So using your phones
or any computer, you can go to this website,
best ideas, fyi.
And at the very top, tap on save this.
This will give you a very safe PDF file,
which will give you this important information quickly
without cost.
Uh, first go to the very end of this document.
By the way, you should have a piece of paper in front of you
that has this and read the next to the last page,
which is a very short summary.
Then take a look at the other pages about
secrets you need to know.
So please look at this because it has great importance
and please look at this because it has valuable believe it
or not, secret information, which you need to know.
Thank you.
Thank you. Next is Pete Sutliff.
After Pete is Carl Henley.
Uh, good evening counsel.
Uh, I've been reviewing past council meetings
and wanted to applaud Mr.
Bokey for introducing a resolution of December 16th
to ask Be Eagle to prevent, uh,
14 communities in Oakland County from discharging sewage
into our waterways from the George C**n Basin.
This is just one of many examples
of pollution not being stopped by political borders.
We also know that pesticides, fertilizers,
or herbicides used in one area can easily flow into other
areas and cause problems.
Industrial pollutants can flow through air
or water to other parts of the environment.
It's unlikely that we could clean up Oakland County's sewer
overflows once they reach Lake St.
Clair. You can't put that genie back in the bottle.
The only real solution is to get them
to stop releasing sewage in the first place.
The same thing is true regarding climate change.
And it's tough to wrap your head around
because the main drivers of climate change
don't really stand out as much as untreated sewage
or smelly herbicides or pesticides.
Carbon dioxide is invisible
and odorless methane causes problems in small
unnoticeable quantities.
And we're all used to seeing water in various amounts
throughout our lives.
But all of these carbon dioxide, methane,
and water are big contributors to climate change
by trapping more heat in the atmosphere
and causing more severe storms.
Flooding, drought, uh,
and as Jerry Habecker explained on the, uh, January 27th,
they can even cause unusually long periods
of cold from disruptions
of the jet stream like we've been experiencing.
Uh, all of these put lives at risk.
So what do we do about it?
Is anyone in city administration
or this council well versed in stopping these
types of pollution?
Why not ask people
who work on this problem all day every day to tailor a plan
to our unique city?
I'm referring to the climate action RFP you
guys all voted for.
And now when the low bid comes in for that service,
you start dragging your feet over $150,000.
That's already in the budget.
Look, you guys spent $300,000, uh, on the last meeting
for a street sweeper.
I guess just keeping up appearances as twice as important
as solving an existential problem.
Let's engage Blue Strike
and put together a climate action plan.
Without further delay,
I'd really appreciate if someone could comment if,
if there's gonna be a committee of the whole coming up soon.
Thank you. Thank you. Next is Carl Henley,
and then after that is Gloria Sanker.
Two minutes, 28 seconds. Okay, you have three
Oleum. History
will not be kind to those
who choose ignore atrocities in their streets.
You only have one chance, one opportunity
to be on the correct side of history.
Silence is not golden. Silence is not an option.
Silence is complicity.
It would behoove the Warren City Council
to introduce a resolution decrying
and condemning the use
of ice agents currently terrorizing the peaceful
residents and citizens in Minneapolis.
Ice in its current organizational form must be dismantled.
The Warrenton Council should take a stand
and provide a strong moral compass for their constituents.
For those in power who choose to turn their heads,
shirking their responsibilities
and obligations, while ignoring the abuses
of powers in our national leaders, history will not be kind.
There are some of you up there that don't wanna get involved
with any of this because it's political.
Aside from the lady with the beautiful blue sweater on
and Mr. Schroeder newsflash, you're all politicians.
One of you even ran for United States Congress.
Everything is political.
If you don't stand for something, you stand for nothing.
Vote immediately to disband ice.
Be resolved that the citizens of the city of Warren demand
that ice be totally dismantled.
If it is deemed necessary in the future,
it can be reorganized and refunded in the future.
Ice agents are to swear allegiance to the constitution
of the United States
and not some loyalty oath to one, any one entity
or person regardless of their title, position,
or their political party.
The whole world is watching.
The whole world is watching in 1968, the watershed
of modern American history.
It would be best interest of the people, the city of Warren
and the city council that's supposed to represent them
to dismantle and defund ice and not avoid politics.
To those of you in power who choose
to turn their heads shirking the responsibilities
to the abuses of power by our national leaders,
history will not be kind, defund
and vote to dismantle ice.
I'm Carl Martin Henley. I want some answers. Answers.
Thank you.
Thank you. Next is Gloria Sanker. And after Ms.
Sanker is Mr. Vander Lenin.
At a January 13th council meeting,
I heard Mindy Moore say it's not working, giving the bid
to the lowest bidder.
I think we should consider giving the bid
to the next highest bidder
because the lowest bidder is not always the best bidder.
And I say, whose fault is that?
You take the lowest bidder and whatever he
and you agree on in the specs he is to do.
It's not called the sloppiest bidder.
It's called the lowest bidder.
Mindy and every other council person has the responsibility
to call into the city engineer any faults
or failures they find on the job being the lowest
or the highest bidder.
But what about the inspectors?
These are the ones who should be guaranteeing the work
that it gets done correctly according to specs.
They're out there watching the job as it is being performed.
Don't put it on the taxpayer to say, pay more money
because you are not satisfied.
Put it on the inspectors. That's their job.
And taxpayers are paying them for it. They have specs.
Everyone knows what is expected of them.
Maybe there has to be more reporting of what is being done
in a one, a timely manner.
And two, according to specifications, that
implies the job will be satisfactorily done.
You have to hold people responsible
who are awarded the work, not at the end of the job,
but as it progresses, perhaps the city engineer
could get some standards that must be met
and can be evaluated from time to time in the contract so
that conditions, if they get outta hand, can be corrected.
This way, changes can be made in a respectable way
for satisfaction or correction.
Regarding bidder sloppy work, the foreman, the inspectors,
the city engineer, you all have the authority to see
that the job is being completed according to standards.
I believe it's in your job description
and council, perhaps not accepting money
from these contractors for your
campaigns would send a signal to them.
One, you will not be distracted by their donations.
And two, you are entru you are interested in good work
and not swayed by any donation they may give.
Life is tough. Are you?
That's the easy way out to give back to the people
and just charge them more money by going
with a higher bidder.
That's wrong. Take care of it yourself. Make people
You responsible. You're
at time. Thank you Ms. Sanker, for the
Work. Otherwise,
they are the
Boss. Ms. Sanker, you're at
time and not you. Thank you Mr.
Vander Linen.
You sure? Yes. Okay.
Thank you.
Joel Vander, longtime worn resident.
Seemed like we got in some touchy subjects today.
Member of the library crew
that shouldn't be part of the library.
She's here to promote the learning of, uh,
what's in the books and stuff like that.
Instead, she wants to close 'em down.
There was concerns, uh, uh, put in today about, uh,
uh, the street stop being done properly
and didn't have no wait to like long extension
before these companies come back and fix 'em
and charge us even more.
There was a thing put in about campaign contributions.
This was supposed to have been done,
uh, by the mayor.
She missed two. That's a misdemeanor.
Uh, and why are we not processing that?
Why are we not going after the mayor?
Well, in order to go
after the mayor, you have to have complaints filed by the,
uh, Mount Clements, uh, clerk.
He only gives warnings that official, uh, for.
And then the, uh, secretary of State,
well, I'm sorry, uh, Dana Nessel, who's a warm close
personal friend and fellow Democrat.
She's gonna protect her own the people that are supposed
to be doing the jobs
and protecting us, aren't doing our own.
And for the gentleman that was just scream, yelling
and screaming about ice,
ice is necessary now.
'cause the Democratic presidents, we had Clinton
and Obama opened up the borders for everyone to come here
and because of their failure,
ice is now necessary.
Have a blessed day.
Thank you. That is the end of audience.
Next item next is council response to audience.
Madam Chair Ms. Moore.
I would just indicate to Mr. Watts
or anyone else that if you find, uh, commission member
or anyone that is not allowed to be in default to the city,
if you contact council office, uh, we will check it out
and put it on the agenda to send that over to, uh, Ms.
Buffet, the clerk, and she will, um, contact the person
and, um, notify them as the 30 days they have
to rectify the situation.
Um, sometimes people aren't aware that they're behind.
I think somebody one time had a interest rate on a water
bill or something they didn't even know they had it.
So, uh, we'll try to, um, take care
of those if they come up.
And welcome back Ms. Smiley. She's not listening.
Thank you. Any other responses?
Madam President? Mr. Nunan?
I should have done this. Uh, under announcements.
I just wanted to announce that I did attend the Stevens Road
Greenway Visioning, uh, stakeholder meeting today.
And, um, it's an interesting thing,
the Stevens Road Greenway Project, anyone living near
Stevens Road would probably want to, uh, go to some
of the meetings that are coming up.
Um, there'll be a schedule that'll be transmitted.
It involves center line, Warren, um,
let's see, east Point and St.
Clair Shores. And, um,
the study is being financed by Emco.
There was a $40,000 grant and it was a really good meeting.
A lot of, uh, people showed up, including people from some
of our administrative departments, uh,
economic development and planning.
And um, I think it's gonna help to revitalize
another aspect of, uh, the southern parts
of our beautiful city. Thank you so much.
Thank you. Any other responses?
Okay, hearing and seeing none. Next item.
Motion to adjourn Support, or All in favor? Aye. Aye.
Any opposed?
Amen. We are adjourned.