Ferndale City Council Meeting - July 13, 2026

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.