City of Roseville City Council Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Roseville City Council met on September 22, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Councilman Knox was excused with unanimous consent. The meeting included a consent agenda, public hearings, new business, a closed session, and public comments. Key actions included approval of the CDBG CAPER report, a sewer rehabilitation bid, an ordinance amendment for the deferred retirement option plan, reappointment to the Beautification Commission, and a closed session to discuss a legal opinion. The public voiced significant concerns about the Seven Brew Cafe's impact on Motec Automotive and about animal welfare issues. Fire Chief Jacobs announced a $500,000 grant for new air packs. The meeting adjourned after a closed session and action on a part-time building official arrangement.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously: Excusing Councilman Knox and approving the consent agenda.

Presentations

• A proclamation for Dio Cetona Awareness Month was scheduled for Shannon Romecheck but she was not present; it was postponed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• First Public Hearing (agenda items only): No speakers.
• Second Public Hearing (any city business):
  • Bilal Baidun (representing Motec Automotive, 29187 Grassford Ave) spoke against the Seven Brew Cafe development. He argued the cafe was approved without a separate ingress/egress, meaning all customers must cross Motec property. He claimed no traffic study was conducted, the fire marshal, police chief, and building department signed off despite this, and that the cafe regularly blocks fire lanes and sidewalks, causing mile-long backups. He stated the city violated ADA requirements by removing ADA parking and making it dangerous for wheelchair users. He asked the council to compel Seven Brew Cafe to provide its own access, a physical barrier between properties, and restoration of parking, including an ADA space.
  • Mike Saad (CEO of Motec Automotive, same address) echoed the complaints, stating his business is operating at 30% capacity due to lost parking and access issues. He said he protested the development a year ago and that the landlord misrepresented the size of the coffee shop. He noted that vendors and customers cannot access his shop, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, and that he has an SBA loan at risk.
  • Paul Lowe (employee of Motec Automotive, same address) said the situation is making it impossible to operate, citing traffic jams, inability to park, and delivery trucks blocking access. He warned the business may go bankrupt, costing jobs.
  • A female speaker (Karen) discussed animal welfare, advocating for alternatives to petting zoos due to neglect and zoonotic disease risks. She mentioned she sent emails with 45 photos from a rescue sanctuary. She updated the council that Chief Randazzle referred her to another agency regarding Javon Stax (under investigation). She asked the city to hold a church accountable for not intervening when a rabbit experienced heat stroke.

Discussion Items

• CAPER Report (CDBG): Mr. Gurmakia presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for fiscal year 2025–2026. After a public hearing with no speakers, the council closed the hearing and approved the resolution unanimously.
• Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Bid: Mr. Brown explained the 2026 sewer lining project targeting the restaurant district and an area on the west side of Gratiot. The no-dig process installs a plastic lining inside pipes. Council awarded the bid to DVM Utilities Incorporated unanimously.
• Ordinance Amendment – Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP): Mr. Thompson presented changes to Chapter 18, Section 18-2, adding an appeal procedure. Councilman Watisha asked to include the chiefs of police and fire in the definition of department heads. The council unanimously approved the ordinance as modified.
• Closed Session: A motion to enter closed session to discuss a written legal opinion (MCL 15.2681H) passed 6–0. The council returned to open session at 8:02 PM.
• Part-Time Building Official Employment Agreement: After closed session, City Attorney Thompson recommended handling the position through an action slip, similar to other part-time positions, rather than a formal agreement. The council unanimously approved this approach.
• Appointment – Beautification Commission: Margaret Brackett was reappointed unanimously.
• Fire Department Grant: Chief Jacobs announced a $500,000 federal grant for new air packs. The city must pay 10% ($50,000), saving $400,000 from the budgeted amount. The council will vote on accepting the grant at a future meeting.

Reports

• City Clerk: Absentee ballots for the November election were mailed two days early. Residents can request ballots at 586-445-5443.
• City Attorney: Foreshadowed upcoming ordinance updates regarding fences and technology.
• City Manager: Reminded of Thursday's 100th anniversary celebration of the village of Roseville, with a free concert and ice cream social at 6 PM at City Hall steps.
• Fire Chief: Cancelled the October open house due to construction; a spring grand opening is planned. Announced 100th anniversary shirts for sale ($25) at the social and later through the clerk's office.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• CDBG CAPER resolution approved unanimously.
• Sanitary sewer rehabilitation bid awarded to DVM Utilities Incorporated unanimously.
• DROP ordinance approved as amended (adding police and fire chiefs) unanimously.
• Closed session authorized 6–0.
• Margaret Brackett reappointed to Beautification Commission unanimously.
• Part-time building official arrangement via action slip approved unanimously.
• Fire Department grant acceptance scheduled for future vote.
• Council committed to working with Motec Automotive to resolve access and parking issues.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:10 PM after closed session.