Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - August 20, 2025

The Sterling Heights City Council met on August 20, 2025, at 1:30 PM (EDT) for a regular meeting that included a city manager's report, a public hearing on a land conversion for a canine training area, introductions of ordinances on solar energy systems and contractor bidding requirements, and council discussions on various community issues. Key outcomes included unanimous approval of the conversion resolution and first readings of both ordinances.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda and consent agenda were approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jacob Bottoms, a 28-year resident and tradesman, spoke in support of the responsible contractor ordinance, stating it would raise quality, safety, and long-term affordability of city projects.
• During the public hearing on the conversion of grant-assisted property at Baumgartner Park, no oral comments were made. City staff reported receiving three emails: one seeking clarification on the impact on Red Run Park development, one requesting improvements to the park and mitigation parcels, and one asking about the eligibility of mitigation parcels. All were addressed in the application.

City Manager Report

• Mark Vanderpool, City Manager, announced a Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) webinar on August 27, 2025, highlighting Sterling Heights' reforestation and open-space preservation efforts, led by Sustainability Planner Ryan Fox.
• He discussed a state housing initiative, expressing the city's opposition to proposed legislation that would preempt local zoning control for housing. Vanderpool emphasized the city's support for a Michigan Municipal League program that rewards communities with best practices in zoning, positioning Sterling Heights as a model. He noted that the city's population is projected to increase by 10,000 by 2050, requiring a few thousand housing units, with 76% expected to be single-family homes.
• Tammy Turgeon, Library Director, and Jessica Leathers, Youth Librarian, recognized three children who completed the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program, with certificates presented by the Mayor and Council.
• Dr. Jake Parcell, City Planner (standing in for Ms. Weinberg), reported on the second annual DTE EV Ride and Drive event held outside City Hall, which had 161 unique drivers and 431 test drives. The event aligns with sustainability goals.
• Brent Bay Shaw, City Engineer, provided an update on traffic calming measures, including speed cushions on Hillsdale Drive and Fox Hill Drive, median islands, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at multiple locations, road narrowing on Plumbrook Road, and tree canopy plantings. He also discussed grant applications for a $2 million SS4A demonstration grant, a $25 million implementation grant for Ryan Road, and two state highway grants for improvements at Sol and Stadler and at the Triangle (Utica Road/19.5 Mile).

Public Hearing: Conversion of Grant-Assisted Property at Baumgartner Park

• Kyle Langloy, Parks and Recreation Director, presented a request to partially convert 2.28 acres of grant-assisted land (from the Land and Water Conservation Fund) at LW Baumgartner Park to retain the existing canine training area. Mitigation land of 4.94 acres along Utica Road and Palmer Woods Boulevard, purchased in 2024 and adjacent to Rotary Park, will be preserved for outdoor recreation. The mitigation parcel exceeds the converted area in size, recreational value, and appraised value by $31,800. The city reduced the canine area by half an acre to return land to the park.
• Council discussion included questions about contamination (Baumgartner is a capped landfill), the future use of reclaimed land, and the legality of the canine area. Councilmembers expressed support for retaining the training facility, noting its use by regional law enforcement, and emphasized correcting past land use.

Ordinance Introduction: Solar Energy Systems

• Dr. Jake Parcell introduced an ordinance amending Articles 26, 28, and 31 of Zoning Ordinance No. 278 to regulate roof-mounted, ground-mounted, carport, and building-integrated solar energy systems. The ordinance codifies existing practices and allows modest expansion as an accessory use, with safeguards against glare and height limits (10 feet above roof for roof-mounted, 15 feet for ground-mounted, 20 feet for carports). It does not permit utility-scale solar. The Sustainability Commission and Planning Commission recommended adoption.
• Councilmember Henry Inks (Chair of Sustainability Commission) corrected a point: carport solar is permitted in all districts except residential, while roof-mounted solar on existing carports is already allowed.
• Councilmembers praised the ordinance for aligning with accessory structure rules and supporting sustainability.

Ordinance Introduction: Responsible Contractor Ordinance

• Donald Denall, Assistant City Attorney, and Eric Skirda, Purchasing Manager, presented an ordinance amending Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the City Code to update bidding requirements for public improvement projects over $250,000. The ordinance codifies existing practices, requiring bidders to submit information on licensing, safety training, litigation history, wage compliance, and fitness-for-duty programs. The goal is to encourage qualified contractors, ensure quality work, and provide best value.
• Council discussion focused on wage theft concerns, the administrative burden (deemed minimal), and the lack of direct enforcement tools (the ordinance sets expectations but penalties are contractual). Councilmembers expressed support, noting it adds protection for taxpayers without significantly deterring bidders.

Council Reports and New Business

• Councilmember Yanis raised concerns about traffic congestion at Freedom Hill Amphitheater (owned by Macomb County) and requested better signage and police presence. He also praised the EV ride-and-drive event and the EGLE webinar on reforestation.
• Councilmember Schmidt requested a strategic planning discussion on short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) to address potential neighborhood disruptions; council agreed without objection.
• Councilmember Radke requested a report on traffic control at Freedom Hill and reimbursement for city services, as well as a report on the use of drones and AI technology (including recording privacy and data retention policies). He also reported a motorized vehicle on the ITC trail and urged enforcement. Council agreed without objection.
• Councilmember Zarko highlighted the housing press conference and urged council to contact state representatives to support the partnership program. She also noted concerns about short-term rentals and recognized Paula McPherson from Velocity for a professional award.
• Councilmember Sarowski praised the evening's developments and reminded residents of two remaining Music in the Park events.
• Councilmember Koske questioned the absence of million-dollar homes in the city and suggested sharing a DTE tree-trimming flyer. She also urged replaying school bus safety videos ahead of the school year.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Resolution for Conversion of Grant-Assisted Property: Unanimously adopted (voice vote) to support the application to retain the canine training area at Baumgartner Park with mitigation parcels at Rotary Park.
• Introduction of Solar Energy Systems Ordinance: Unanimously approved (voice vote) for first reading; second reading and adoption will follow.
• Introduction of Responsible Contractor Ordinance: Unanimously approved (voice vote) for first reading; second reading and adoption will follow.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Council directives: Administration to research short-term rental regulations; provide reports on drone/AI policies and traffic control at Freedom Hill; contact state representatives on housing initiative.