Public Meetings - Ferndale, Michigan

This meeting of the Ferndale Planning Commission took place on August 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall. No transcript or minutes were provided with the source materials, so this summary is limited to the agenda items listed. Consent Calendar - No items were explicitly designated as consent calendar on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - The agenda included a "Call to Audience" and a "Public Hearing" item (Item 5), but no comments or testimony are recorded. Discussion Items - Detention and Data Centers: Ordinance Review (Item 8.A): Listed as a discussion item. No further details available. Key Outcomes - No votes, motions, or decisions are documented. The agenda concluded with adjournment.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary can be generated.

The Ferndale City Council met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included a yard awards presentation, public comments on water bills and election updates, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, and a discussion and vote to purchase a new leaf vacuum trailer. Department heads provided updates on the upcoming Woodward Dream Cruise, park events, and sidewalk construction. Presentation: Ferndale Arts and Beautification Commission July 2026 Yard Awards - Suzanne Janik (chair) and Marianne Williamson presented four awards: - 652 Pearson (Southwest section): A brick-look home with new perennial plantings and gargoyle sculptures. - Northwest section winner (corner of 696 and Hilton Road): Residents described their lush landscaping, a Japanese maple named Key, and a boxwood hedge that connects with a neighbor's award-winning yard. - 571 East Saratoga (Southeast section): A newer resident planted a rainbow garden in celebration of the queer community. - 1800 University (Cone Flower Award): A newer resident unable to attend; she plans to expand her cone flower gardens. Public Comments & Testimony - Candida Kohler (1719 Kenton Street): Complained about an excessively high water bill, requested an investigation and a meeting with city staff. - Kevin Roach (West Marshall): Thanked the council for the Disability Pride Ice Cream Social hosted by the Accessibility Inclusion Advisory Commission; invited residents to join the commission (meetings first Monday, except September meeting on Tuesday after Labor Day). - Tim Vick (Manatee Ferndale): Expressed anger over a traffic ticket from 18 years ago, submitted a written list to the city clerk. - Chris Gilmer Hill (Detroit, Democratic nominee for state house): Encouraged voters to prepare for the November election, promoted the Michigan Money Out of Politics ballot measure, and noted high turnout in the August primary. Consent Calendar - Items 7A–7K approved unanimously: - 7A: Approval of July 27, 2026 meeting minutes. - 7B: Special event permit for the 2026 DIY Street Fair. - 7C: Special alcohol license for the 2026 Ferndale Fall Festival. - 7D: Municipal and community credit contract for FY27 with SMART. - 7E: Purchase of snow removal equipment (not to exceed $125,000). - 7F: Fees for as-needed planning services to OHM ($9,400). - 7G: Rules for pickleball courts at Martin Road Park. - 7H: DPW network equipment replacement by Macro Connect ($17,132.52). - 7I: Bulk road salt purchase from Detroit Salt Company (not to exceed $123,609). - 7J: FYE26 fourth quarter budget amendment. - 7K: Bills and payrolls as submitted. Regular Agenda: Leaf Vacuum Trailer Purchase - DPW Director presented a request to purchase one replacement Titan Pro Plus Leaf Vacuum Trailer from MacQueen for $112,221.95 through the SourceWell Cooperative Purchasing Program. - Context: The curbside leaf collection program runs mid-October through Thanksgiving, collecting 10,000 cubic yards annually. The city has four aging vacuum trailers dating back to 1957. Newer models feature hydraulic controls that reduce manual raking and improve safety. The purchase is the third of four planned replacements; the next is budgeted for 2028. The city recently switched from bi-weekly to weekly collection, increasing service frequency. - Discussion: Council members asked about staging purchases (one per year for budget smoothing), diesel fuel use, and potential parking restrictions on collection days. Director noted parking restrictions could improve efficiency but require a longer policy discussion. The new unit includes an overhead operator roof hood for weather protection. - Outcome: Motion to approve purchase and authorize DPW director to sign documents passed 5-0. Department Updates - City Clerk: Thanked voters and election workers for a smooth primary; turnout was approximately 48%. - Police Chief: Announced Woodward Dream Cruise (31st annual) on Friday and Saturday; rules: no tents or barbecues on medians, vehicles over 10,000 lbs prohibited Saturday, street closures at 10 PM Friday and 9 PM Saturday. Citizens Police Academy applications opening for October. - Parks & Recreation: Movie on the Hill (Mandalorian/Grogu) at Martin Road Park on Thursday, August 13; activities from 7:30 PM, movie at 8:45 PM. Flag football registration opens Tuesday, August 11, for ages 4–17; season Oct 4–25. - Economic Development Authority (EDA): Patio zone in effect for Dream Cruise. Sidewalk construction on north side of downtown to resume after Dream Cruise; work will focus on accessible crosswalks. Nine on Nine concert series continues Sundays through Labor Day. - Special Events: Dream Cruise features kids play zone, live entertainment, Mustang Alley, Bronco Corral, emergency vehicle show, and a ribbon cutting with Mayor and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Councilmember Comments - Councilmember Sabatini praised the passage of Charter Amendment 1, which allows general fund savings for projects like a community center. - Councilmember Kelly thanked the Inclusion and Accessibility Commission for the ice cream social, and the clerk’s office for the election. She addressed resident water bill concerns: 600–800 properties receive estimated reads annually, 175 have legacy meters, and no formal policy caps estimated billing. Staff are developing an FAQ and a new standard operating procedure, and exploring payment plan and fee waiver options. She encouraged residents to use Neptune 360 to monitor water usage. - Mayor thanked the community for passing charter amendments and for the high primary turnout (48%). Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously. - Purchase of one Titan Pro Plus Leaf Vacuum Trailer approved (5-0). - Staff to develop water bill FAQ and improved estimated billing policies. - Citizen Police Academy applications to be promoted. - Meeting adjourned at 7:51 PM.

At the regularly scheduled meeting on July 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, the Ferndale City Council conducted an administrative hearing to consider the appeal of the denial of a short-term rental license for the property at 2341 McDowell Street. Councilmember Sabatini served as the appointed hearing officer. The city's rental ordinance enforcement officer, Brett Sturts, testified for the city, and the property owner, Ian Davidson, presented his case. The hearing was ongoing at the conclusion of the provided transcript; no final decision was made. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the Call to Audience portion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Appointment of Hearing Officer: Councilmember Sabatini was appointed administrative hearing officer for the appeal via a motion and voice vote (all in favor). The hearing was opened at 6:06 PM. - Testimony of Brett Sturts (Rental Ordinance Enforcement Officer): - He confirmed that the property had a short-term rental license that expired on December 5, 2025. A reminder letter was sent on October 7, 2025 (attachment 3). - An application for renewal was submitted on October 22, 2025. - An initial inspection found missing handrails, a missing smoke detector, and the need to inspect an RV on the premises. - A follow-up inspection on January 22, 2026, found the handrails and smoke detector fixed, but the RV was still winterized and could not be inspected. It was also discovered that the property was being used as a duplex, contrary to the single-family application. - A letter dated January 27, 2026 (attachment 5) notified the applicant that the rental certificate must be secured by February 4, 2026. - After that deadline, the property continued to be advertised and rented without a license. Two advertisements were observed: attachment 8 (Entire rental unit in Ferndale) and attachment 11 (Bohemia Top King Suite Hot Tub Pool Games at MLC). - A police report from June 15, 2026 (attachment 9) indicated 20-25 people at the property, with liquor and minors present, resulting in citations. - A citation (attachment 7) was issued for rental listed online above occupancy limits. - Mr. Sturts decided to deny the application based on the police report, outstanding violations (RV and duplex), and illegal advertising/renting without a license. - Testimony of Ian Davidson (Property Owner): - He stated he has been a short-term rental operator for over 10 years, with seven listings in Royal Oak. He claimed he was operating in good faith and was unaware of the expired license and the duplex issue until recently. - He argued that he fixed the interior items and believed he was "good to go" after the January 22 inspection. He said he did not receive the January 27 letter about the duplex violation. - He acknowledged the police incident on June 15, 2026, attributing it to a storm that disabled his cameras and a guest exceeding limits. He said it was his first such issue in over ten years. - He requested a 60-day conditional extension to work with the building department to bring the property into compliance. - Under questioning, it was revealed that the Airbnb listing was still active and bookable as of July 14, 2026, despite Davidson's claim that he took it down in June. Davidson contended the listing was not bookable due to a third-party software issue. - He acknowledged receiving the October 7, 2025 letter but said he thought he was working in good faith. - Council Questions and Discussion: - Council members questioned both witnesses. Key clarifications included: the RV had not been inspected; the duplex issue remains outstanding; the occupancy limit violation; the listing was still up; the owner's awareness of deadlines. - Councilmember Sabatini read the criteria for denial/revocation from the administrative hearing ordinance (Sec. 7-346), which includes failure to meet requirements, violations, nuisance, code violations, pattern of patron conduct, failure to maintain grounds, advertising contributing to disorder, and failure to permit inspection. - It was noted that multiple criteria appeared to be met, though some were challenged by the applicant. - The owner acknowledged that the duplex designation was a change from the prior year and that he needed to select one of the two units to rent. Key Outcomes - No final decision was made during the portion of the meeting captured in the transcript. The hearing was still in progress, with evidence and testimony presented from both sides. The appeal remains under consideration; a future decision by the city council is expected. If the denial is upheld, the ordinance provides that the license shall not be reissued for one year from the date of revocation (Sec. 7-159 subpart 5).

The meeting took place on 2026-07-22 at 11:30:00 UTC. However, the agenda and minutes were marked unavailable, and the raw transcription was empty. Therefore, no reliable summary of proceedings, public comments, discussions, or outcomes can be produced from the provided source material.

No agenda, minutes, or transcript were provided for this meeting. Therefore, no summary of discussions, decisions, or public comments can be generated.

The Ferndale City Council met on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall, 300 E 9 Mile, Ferndale, MI. The meeting included presentations of a $500,000 state grant for Fire Station 1 rehabilitation, a feasibility study for a Livernois Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA), public comments on a June 27 event and other topics, and approval of several consent and regular agenda items. The meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM. Presentations - Check Presentation for Fire Station 1 Rehabilitation: State Representative Helena Scott presented a $500,000 check to the city. The funds, secured through state appropriations, will be used to improve conditions at Fire Station 1. City Manager and Mayor thanked Representative Scott, noting that State Senator McMahon also supported the appropriation. Firefighters and the Fire Chief were present for a photo. - Livernois Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Feasibility Study: Ross, from the Community and Economic Development (CED) department, presented a proposal to approve a $15,000 agreement with OHM Advisors for a feasibility study. The study would evaluate establishing a CIA for the Livernois corridor, which would use tax increment financing (TIF) to fund public and private improvements. Key points: the corridor has seen increased activity; businesses have organized; potential benefits include funding for public infrastructure, facade grants, and placemaking. The study will define boundaries, assess financial capacity, and provide a 20-year revenue forecast. Council members asked about business engagement, resident input, and impact on the general fund. Ross noted that businesses (e.g., Witch House Tattoo) are in overwhelming support, and residents could be involved on the board. The study findings are expected in September or October. Consent Calendar All consent agenda items were approved unanimously by roll call vote (all present: Kelly, LaSalle, Mikulski, Sabatini, Weeks May). Items included: - Approval of June 22, 2026 meeting minutes. - Appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions. - FYE27 City of Ferndale Fee Schedule. - Revised FY27 Rate Setting Resolution. - Livernois Corridor Improvement Authority Feasibility Study by OHM Advisors ($15,000). - Agreement with PerformYard for employee performance management system ($17,000 over three years). - Grant Program Agreement Amendment for Oakland County Parks Community Park and Trail Capital Grant Program. - Agreement with Oakland County for Everbridge Communications System. - Approval of bills and payrolls. Public Comments & Testimony Six speakers addressed the council during the Call to Audience (7:21 PM to 7:40 PM). - Malka Littman (West Bloomfield) expressed concern about a city-approved event at Schiffer Park on June 27, 2026, which she described as a platform for anti-Jewish hostility. She stated that Jewish counter-protesters faced hateful slogans, Hamas flags, and a performer who denounced America and Israel. She argued that the city's commitments to diversity and inclusion (Title VI policy) should protect Jewish residents, and asked whether the same rhetoric would be tolerated if directed at other groups. - Ros Tamara Pobreski (West Bloomfield) echoed similar concerns about the June 27 event, stating that her group (holding Israeli and American flags) was called baby killers and genocide supporters. She claimed the event presented disputed allegations as fact, praised resistance without acknowledging Hamas' role in the October 7 massacre, and used a child for political messaging. She noted that the event was city-permitted, not city-sponsored, and questioned whether it violated the city's Title VI obligations. - Chris Best (906 M) expressed support for the Livernois CIA feasibility study, citing personal experience helping a small business. He noted that businesses he spoke with are concerned about parking meters being installed as a revenue stream, but are excited about a potential patio zone. He 100% supported the $15,000 expenditure. - Dave Catrell (1610 Bonefield) expressed concerns about the CIA, stating it would take tax increment money from the general fund, which he said is already underfunded. He referenced past studies (e.g., West Nine Mile, Woodward Diet) that he felt were not adequately evaluated for stopping, and worried about another drain on the general fund. - Laurie O'Brien (Ferndale Cat Shelter, 686 Livernois) spoke in favor of the Livernois corridor study, noting the businesses are a tight-knit, walkable group that needs street lights. She also promoted a charity kickball game on July 18 at Geary Park. - Chris Gilmerhill (Detroit, candidate for House District 8) provided updates on voting resources (Michigan.gov/vote) and the Michigan Money Out of Politics ballot measure, whose next step is a July 24 board of canvassers meeting. - Kuro Saderi (born in Iran) spoke about the June 27 event, expressing concern about the display of symbols associated with the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps), which he called a terrorist group. He argued that free speech should not extend to supporting a regime that kills civilians. - Teresa Durand (641 West Saratoga) complained about a property at 444 West Saratoga that has been under construction for eight years, causing sidewalk obstruction, debris, and safety hazards. She stated that previous complaints to the city and police have not resulted in action. Discussion Items - Racial Impact Assessment Bid Award (Item 8A): Colleen presented the bid process for the racial impact assessment, which had 19 bids. The recommended award was to Research to Practice Consulting (R2P) and Maximum Communications for $40,825. The scope includes an anti-racism policy audit, equity alignment analysis, board/governance review, and benchmarking of the police transparency dashboard. The project is expected to take 6-8 months. Council questions focused on the timeline, dashboard benchmarking, and past municipal experience. The motion passed unanimously via roll call (all yes). - Lawn Cutting Services Proposal (Item 8B): Ross presented a proposal to continue partnership with Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency (OLHSA) for lawn mowing, yard cleanup, and snow removal for 54 households (seniors, low-income, disabled) from August 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027, at a total cost not to exceed $62,000. The program previously served 62 households with $366,000 in grant funds. The new contract excludes minor home repairs due to federal funding caps. Council asked about the waitlist, enrollment process, and feedback. The motion passed unanimously via roll call. - Sound Study Contract (Item 8C): A proposal to approve a $9,850 sound study by K&S Engineers at four locations to evaluate noise limits in residential districts (R1) adjacent to commercial/mixed-use areas. The study will update the 2011 noise ordinance. Council asked about including low-frequency sound (hertz) and enforcement recommendations. The motion passed unanimously via roll call. Key Outcomes - Fire Station 1 Grant: Accepted $500,000 from state for rehabilitation. - Livernois Corridor Improvement Authority Feasibility Study: Approved $15,000 contract with OHM Advisors (part of consent agenda). - Racial Impact Assessment: Awarded to R2P Consulting and Maximum Communications for $40,825 (unanimous vote). - Lawn Cutting Services: Approved contract with OLHSA for $62,000 through October 2027 (unanimous). - Sound Study: Approved contract with K&S Engineers for $9,850 (unanimous). - Consent Agenda: All items approved unanimously. - Upcoming Elections: Clerk reminded of August 4 primary, with absentee ballot deadlines and early voting details. - Water Main Break: City Manager reported a GLWA water main break on 8 Mile Road on Thursday, July 9, affecting water supply. Repairs were completed by Sunday, July 12, but system adjustments are ongoing; normal operations expected by weekend. Residents with brown water should report. - New E-Newsletter: Communications department launching monthly e-newsletter; sign-up at bit.ly/Ferndale-e-newsletter. - Parks and Recreation: Harding Park rink fundraising raised close to $30,000; Park it Night on July 16 at Harding Park; flag football and soccer registration opening; senior group trips in August. - Downtown Events: 9 on 9 concert series every Sunday at 4 PM; Vester Alley Stroll and Car Show on July 25; sidewalk construction continuing. - Heat Safety: Fire Chief reminded residents about extreme heat forecast, urged hydration and checking on neighbors; cooling centers available. - Accessibility Commission: Disability Pride Ice Cream Social on July 16, 5-7 PM at Jim's Community Corner.

The Ferndale Planning Commission met on June 24, 2026, at 6:30 PM to consider two rezoning requests, discuss regulations for detention facilities and data centers, and address administrative matters. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM. All eight commissioners were present. Consent Calendar - The agenda for the June 24, 2026 meeting was approved unanimously. - The draft minutes from the May 20, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the initial Call to Audience. - Public hearings were held for both rezoning items (at 6:41 PM and 7:06 PM), but no members of the public spoke. - Following the workshop, one member of the public expressed concerns about detention centers (advocating for humane conditions and careful definitions to avoid warehouses being used for detaining people) and also raised concerns about Amazon delivery drones (noise, privacy, and suggested regulating hours of operation). The speaker urged the commission to consider impacts on public spaces. New Business - Conditional Rezoning: 241 Pearson Street (7A) - Applicants Anthony Sevy and Lauren Ramaya (owners of Detroit Cookie Company) propose transforming the former church property at 241 Pearson Street into a restaurant/café, small event space, commercial kitchen, and storage. The request is for a conditional rezoning from R-2 Residential to MXD-2 Corridor Mixed Use with voluntary conditions offered by the petitioner. - Conditions include: limit use to a 1.5-story commercial building; retain the main church structure for restaurant/café/takeaway use within 12 months; demolish the rectory within 18 months and add 35 parking spaces (total 60); restrict uses to only restaurant/café, small event space, commercial kitchen, and storage; and if the project is not completed within two years, zoning reverts to R-2. - During discussion, commissioners asked about shared parking agreements, permeable surface requirements, enforceability of use restrictions (conditions run with the land), and potential impacts on adjacent senior housing. The applicant clarified intentions and noted no formal agreements yet with neighbors regarding access. - The commission voted 8-0 to recommend approval to City Council with the findings and conditions as outlined. New Business - Rezoning: 146 Stratford Road (7B) - Applicant Mark Lewis seeks to rezone a single-family residential property at 146 Stratford Road from R-1 Residential to MXD-2 Corridor Mixed Use. The applicant also owns the adjacent properties to the south (commercial) and intends to combine them for future development. - Staff noted the property does not meet minimum lot width requirements for MXD-2; combination with adjacent parcels is necessary. The alleyway between parcels requires resolution (ownership unclear, possibly requiring vacation). - Commissioners discussed ensuring that any future development has frontage and access on 8 Mile Road rather than Stratford, and that the lots be formally combined. The commission recommended approval with conditions: the parcel must be combined with the adjacent parcels to meet minimum dimensional requirements, and the alleyway ownership must be resolved. - Vote: 8-0 to recommend approval to City Council with those conditions. Workshop: Detention Facilities and Data Centers (8A) - Alex Ritku from OHM Advisors presented a technical analysis of both uses, highlighting where current zoning is deficient and proposing amendments. - For data centers: Recommendations include adding them as a defined use (to distinguish from server rooms), limiting to industrial districts as a special land use, and adding standards for utility coordination, noise, heat, vibration, screening of generators, decommissioning plans, and energy consumption caps. Tiers could be considered. Discussion emphasized making centers meet Ferndale’s design standards without overregulating server rooms. - For detention facilities: Recommendations include adding them as a special land use in I-2 district, requiring minimum separation from schools, parks, daycares, and residential zones, requiring security and operation plans, traffic impact studies, and ensuring public utility and emergency coordination. Commissioners discussed defining primary vs. accessory use (to avoid capturing police stations), and the need for defensible separation distances (similar to marijuana facilities). The moratorium on detention facilities ends September 5, 2026; for data centers October 13, 2026. - No votes were taken; the discussion is to inform drafting of ordinance amendments. Commission Items: Amazon Delivery Drones - Commissioner Foster raised concerns about Amazon delivery drones operating in Ferndale, citing noise and privacy. He suggested considering time-of-day restrictions and potential fees or agreements. Other commissioners noted that while partly FAA-regulated, the city may have levers regarding public space use and delivery zones. The issue was not formally addressed but noted for future consideration. Key Outcomes - 241 Pearson Street: Planning Commission voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the conditional rezoning to City Council. - 146 Stratford Road: Planning Commission voted 8-0 to recommend approval of the rezoning with conditions (lot combination and alley resolution) to City Council. - Detention Facilities and Data Centers: No formal action; commissioners provided direction to staff and OHM Advisors for drafting amendments, with a target to bring draft ordinances to the commission in the coming months, considering the moratorium deadlines. - Amazon Delivery Drones: Discussion only; no action taken. Commissioners expressed intent to explore regulatory options.

The Ferndale City Council met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included presentations from the Ferndale Area District Library, an update to the city phone tree, and the annual report from the Arts & Beautification Commission. Public comments covered a range of issues including off-leash dogs, gas-powered leaf blowers, library millage support, open burning, cycling safety, and a proposed charter amendment. The council approved consent agenda items (with one tabled), lead service line replacement contracts, a design agreement for Eight Mile Road water main improvements, and a resolution to place a charter amendment on vacancies on the November 2026 ballot. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved with the removal of item 7.I (FOG Inspection and Compliance Program by Eganix for $58,280) which was tabled for future consideration with no date set. - Items 7.A through 7.L were approved unanimously. Notable items include: - Approval of June 8, 2026 meeting minutes - Appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions - Special event permit for Vester Alley Stroll on July 25, 2026 - Wage increases for non-union administrative employees - Amendments to the City Manager employment agreement - FY27 Downtown Maintenance Service Agreement with the DDA - Professional services agreement with OHM Advisors for DPW mechanical upgrades ($69,800) - Leaf vacuum repairs by Rhodes Welding Company Inc. ($20,800) - SCADA replacement at Albany Booster Station ($6,075) - City Hall lift replacement design and construction administration ($17,500) - Land and Water Conservation Fund agreement for Martin Road Park playground expansion - Bills and payrolls as submitted Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Helms (3301 Grayson): Expressed concern over dogs off-leash at Harding Park, citing an incident on June 10 where a dog chased a child. Urged increased enforcement and signage at parks. Noted that police spoke to the owner but the issue persists. - Kevin Roach (West Marshall Street): Provided an update on the Ferndale Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Commission meeting (next on June 29, 6:30 PM). Announced the Disability Pride Ice Cream Social on July 16 at Jim's Community Corner. Expressed support for extending noise ordinances on gas-powered leaf blowers and addressing drone noise issues. - Savannah (2147 Chevlin Street): Asked the council and public to vote yes on the two library millages on the August 4 ballot. Spoke passionately about the library's role as a community center and the need for funding to expand services. - Barbara Blaze (564 East Maplehurst): Requested that the city replace the open burning ordinance with requirements for smokeless or propane fire pits, citing smoke nuisance and safety concerns with close housing. - Rochelle Bono (Hazel Park resident, former Ferndale resident): Raised concerns about Ferndale police not addressing cycling safety, including being dismissed when reporting reckless drivers, officers pulling over vehicles in bike lanes, and lack of de-escalation training for Tourette syndrome. Asked for better enforcement and officer training. - Dennis Whitey (1510 Camden): Spoke on the charter amendment regarding vacancies. Proposed that council members running for mayor should not have to resign 15 days before filing but instead have their seat become vacant at year-end, with the vacancy filled at the same election. Appreciated the city manager reaching out but felt the current proposal does not address the core issue. Urged council to get it right and not rush for November. Discussion Items - 4.A – Presentation from Ferndale Area District Library: Jeff Milo (marketing head) and Drew McCaulay (director) presented on the upcoming library millage on August 4, 2026. They highlighted summer reading sign-ups (655 participants, up from last year), 15,300 items checked out in May alone, 475 new library cards, and 10,000 visitors. The two ballot questions: a renewal of the operational millage (2.81 mills plus an additional 0.5 mill) and a new capital asset millage (0.5 mill) for building maintenance (geothermal HVAC, roof, siding, flooring, network upgrades). The library is open seven days a week, eliminated late fees, and offers free programs. - 4.B – Update to City Phone Tree: Riley, Communications Manager, presented on the phone tree update (completed June 12, 2026). The new structure prioritizes most-dialed departments (police now earlier), adds topic-based phrasing instead of department names, and creates a dedicated operator extension (11) for customer service. Calls to the comms line increased from 4 (June 4-11) to 86 (June 12-19). Council requested a follow-up recap after one to two months to benchmark customer service improvements. - 4.C – Arts & Beautification Commission Annual Report and June 2026 Resident Yard Awards: Chair Suzanne Janick presented the commission's work including beautification awards (summer, coneflower, spooky, holiday lights), the Think Tank, Ferndale Collective, Pollinator Parade, and Art March. Announced the June 2026 Yard Award winners: 21315 West Maplehurst (Northwest), 280 College (Southeast), and 152 Albany (Southwest). Noted a vacancy on the commission. - 8.A – FY2027 Lead Service Line Replacement Program Contracts: DPW staff presented a complex update. The program has completed 2,302 replacements; 3,600 remain. The request is for 150 planned replacements (plus emergency) and verification work, totaling $1,737,000 ($1.2M for replacements, $500K for verification, offset by a $400K federal grant, net city cost $1.3M). Two contractors: D'Angelo Brothers (120 planned + emergencies) and Sunday Building Inc. (30 planned). The water main replacement is driven by state and federal mandates (5% annual minimum, likely increasing to 10%). Long-term cost projection: $26.5M to $40M. Council discussed water rate study, competitiveness for state revolving loan funds, and the need for rate increases. Approved unanimously. - 8.B – Giffels Webster Professional Services Agreement for Eight Mile Road Water Main Improvement Design: The city approved a $242,727 design agreement for a water main replacement along Eight Mile Road from Pinecrest Drive to Woodward Avenue. The 85-year-old cast iron pipe (12-inch) has a history of breaks. The design will include survey, geotechnical investigation, environmental permitting, and bidding services. Construction cost estimated at $4.8M, with the city seeking $3.63M in federal funding (75-25 match). If federal funding fails, the project may be deferred and smaller projects moved forward. Council discussed traffic impacts, partnership with Detroit, and design shelf life. Approved unanimously. - 8.C – Charter Amendment on Vacancies in Elected Office: The council adopted a resolution to place a charter amendment on the November 3, 2026 general election. The amendment changes how vacancies are filled: the sooner of the next municipal election (odd-year November) or the next regular election (even-year November), avoiding costly special elections. The 120-day deadline for filing was noted. The city will submit to the Attorney General and Governor despite being past the guidance deadline. The amendment is separate from a previously adopted ballot measure. Council expressed support for the approach as cleaner than appointments. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved with item 7.I tabled. - Lead Service Line Replacement Contracts: Approved (unanimous roll call: Mikulski, Sabatini, Kelly, LaSalle, Leaks May all yes). Total authorization $1,737,000 from water and sewer fund. - Eight Mile Water Main Design: Approved (unanimous roll call). Professional services agreement with Giffels Webster for $242,727 for design only. - Charter Amendment on Vacancies: Approved resolution to place on November 3, 2026 ballot (unanimous roll call). The amendment would allow vacancies to be filled at the next municipal or regular election, whichever is sooner. - Library Millage: Voters will decide on August 4, 2026 on two ballot questions: operational millage renewal (2.81 mills + 0.5 mill) and capital asset millage (0.5 mill). Absentee ballots being sent out that week. - Public Safety: Fire chief reminded of fireworks regulations (June 29-July 4, 11 AM-11:45 PM) and burn permit requirements for wood-burning fire pits. Police chief expressed condolences for a tragic event and urged roadway safety.