Ferndale City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Ferndale City Council met on May 11, 2026, at 7:02 PM at City Hall. The meeting featured two informational presentations, a consent agenda with multiple proclamations, and significant discussion on downtown parking challenges. Key actions included approval of a non-binding letter of intent with Cypress Partners for a mixed-use parking structure, a valet parking pilot program in partnership with Credit Union One, a private parking lease agreement, and a sidewalk improvement contract. The council also heard extensive public comment on parking, cultural recognitions, and a candidate forum for a vacant council seat.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 27, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Approved appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions.
• Approved resolutions and proclamations for Peace Officers’ Memorial Day / National Police Week (May 11-15, 2026), National Gun Violence Awareness Day (June 5, 2026), Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2026), Palestinian Cultural Day (May 15, 2026), National Public Works Monument support, and National Public Works Week (May 17-23, 2026).
• Approved the revised L-4029 tax rate request form for the GWK Drain District.
• Approved critical repairs for Forestry Aerial Lift Vehicle #1238 by DLCO ($5,597.88).
• Approved professional services agreement with OHM Advisors for East Saratoga Street preliminary design ($29,500).
• Approved purchase of replacement Ford F-150 from Suburban Ford of Ferndale ($60,000).
• Approved bills and payrolls as submitted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Castrnova (430 West Troy St.), president of Ferndale Memorial Association, invited the community to the 108th Memorial Day parade and ceremony on May 25, 2026, thanking the city for support.
• Gay Chischler (430 West Troy St.), a self-identified Zionist Jewish woman, expressed pride in both Jewish and Palestinian heritage, urged unity, and condemned bullying from both sides.
• Deborah Ol'skey (Moms Demand Action) thanked the council for the gun violence awareness proclamation, cited statistics (125 killed per day, 4.5 million children in homes with unlocked guns), and promoted the Be SMART program and Wear Orange on June 5.
• Andrea Popovich (1445 Pinecrest) opposed the valet parking pilot, suggesting a shuttle from the DOT garage instead; raised concerns about Carbine 911 (suggesting US-based alternatives); recommended reaching out to Lake Orion after their water break; and encouraged applications for the Environment and Sustainability Commission.
• Alex Manuel (new planning commission member) thanked the council for his appointment.
• Chris Gilmer Hill, candidate for House District 8, promoted the Michigan Money Out of Politics ballot measure to ban contributions from regulated utilities and large state contractors, urging residents to sign petitions.
• Manuel Lennon thanked the council for the Palestinian Cultural Day proclamation.
• Michael Henness, business owner, detailed the parking deficit in the northeast quadrant, stating that the 141 Vester Flats development removed 500 parking spots used by 1,200 seats of nearby businesses, and urged reconsideration of the Ferndale Collision site for parking. He expressed conditional support for valet if it is visible.
• Rafino Valentine (610 La Prairie), owner of Valentine Distilling Company, described the parking loss as “devastating” to his business, noting he has eliminated three full-time positions, and urged the council to treat the need as urgent.
• June Axelrat (477 West Troy St.), a Zionist Jew, said she feels unwelcome in Ferndale due to perceived hostility, and called for more tolerance.

Discussion Items

• 8A – Letter of Intent with Cypress Partners: City staff and Cypress Partners presented a non-binding letter of intent to develop a mixed-use public-private partnership at 135 East Nine Mile (city-owned surface lot). The proposed project includes a 250-space parking garage (160 transient spaces, 86 for residents), 86 residential units, ground-floor retail, and alley improvements. Financing would use a 30-year bond supported by tax increment financing (TIF) from the residential component. The parking would restore the 75 spaces lost to the Vester Flats project and add 40 net new spaces. Council members discussed community engagement (town halls, business forums), the need to refresh the parking study, and the construction timeline. Mayor Leaks May and Councilmembers Sabatini and others expressed cautious support, while Councilmember Sabatini noted confusion and called for a town hall. The motion passed 3-1 (Kelly, McColsky, Leaks May yes; Sabatini no).
• 8B – Valet Program Pilot: The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) proposed a valet pilot program in partnership with Credit Union One, using their front lot (44–50 spaces) for parking. The valet stand would be at the southwest corner of Vester and Bermuda. Service would run Thursday–Saturday, 6 PM–midnight, at $10 per vehicle. Estimated net cost to DDA: $7,000–$15,000 over three months. The DDA board unanimously supported the pilot. Council discussion centered on visibility, business support, staffing, and metrics. Sabatini expressed skepticism but voted no; the motion passed 3-1 (Kelly, McColsky, Leaks May yes; Sabatini no).
• 8C – Private Parking Lease Agreement: The council approved a three-month lease with Credit Union One for use of their surface lot for valet parking, with three one-year renewal options. The city would provide in-kind promotions valued at ~$5,000. Conditions include no overnight parking, liability insurance by city and valet, and advance notice of credit union events. The motion passed 3-0-1 (Kelly, McColsky, Leaks May yes; Sabatini abstained).
• 8D – Bid Award for Nine Mile DDA Sidewalk and Concrete Improvement Project: The council awarded the contract to JB Contractors for $625,000, with costs split between major street funds ($129,000) and DDA funds ($298,000) plus an Oakland County grant ($199,000). The project covers west Nine Mile from Livernois to Leland, including sidewalk replacement, ADA ramps, curb/gutter work, and a mid-block crossing improvement. Construction will be phased to minimize disruption (south side June–July, north side September–November). The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• 9A – Downtown Parking Discussion: City staff presented a plan to address parking in the northeast quadrant, including reducing long-term permits in lots 13 and 15 on Thursday–Saturday evenings, creating a new employee peak-hours permit (after 4 PM, Thurs–Sat) for lots 1, 11, and new on-street spaces on Bermuda and Breckenridge, and potential striping changes to add 8–12 spaces on Vester and 2–3 on Breckenridge. Enforcement changes would cost ~$3,000 annually. No action was taken; staff will continue meeting with businesses.
• 9B – City Council Appointment: Council members shared their top candidates to fill the vacant seat. Names mentioned included Nina LaSell, Renee Townsend, Mary Onifer, Chris Hull, Bill Price, Krista Johnston, Andrea Popovich, Jim McGlucky, Michelle Donaldson, and others. No decision was made; a selection is required by May 26, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (3-1): Letter of Intent with Cypress Partners for mixed-use parking/development.
• Approved (3-1): Valet parking pilot program with reduced on-street parking fees.
• Approved (3-0-1): Parking lease agreement with Credit Union One (three-month initial term).
• Approved (4-0): Bid award for Nine Mile DDA sidewalk and concrete project to JB Contractors ($625,000).
• No decision: Council appointment deferred; further narrowing of candidate list to occur before May 26.
• Ongoing: Downtown parking plan to be refined with business input; no formal vote.