Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - September 3, 2025

The Sterling Heights City Council met on September 3, 2025, at 10:21 AM (EDT) to consider a range of items including a new indoor pickleball facility, updates to transit stop amenities, several ordinance adoptions, and recognition of a local business. The meeting featured public comments, council discussion, and multiple votes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting agenda unanimously.
• Approved the consent agenda (items A through O) unanimously, which included various routine approvals, contracts, and grants.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ken Nelson spoke on consent agenda item I (MEDC grant), expressing concern about the city's relationship with the MEDC and asking Mayor Taylor to explain his role on the MEDC executive committee. He also criticized the lack of transparency in the pickleball facility process, noting the property was listed at $1.9M for one parcel but the city is paying $2.5M for three parcels.
• Paul Smith criticized the city for not displaying consent agenda items on screen and argued the Pathways to Preservation and Prosperity (PPP) millage was oversold, claiming the pickleball facility serves only a small number of users. He accused the city of using the project to benefit a crony property owner.
• Jerry Shea expressed support for the sobriety treatment program (consent agenda G) and asked for details about a shared-use path project (consent agenda J), including total cost and easement acquisition.
• Jerry Shea (second appearance) announced that a Sheetz development is proposed at 16 Mile and Mound, noting it has been a controversial issue in other communities and urging residents to attend the Planning Commission meeting (originally September 10 but postponed to October 8).
• Ken Nelson (during communications from citizens) argued the meeting order should be changed to allow citizens to speak after council discussion and before a vote, stating the current process limits the ability to critique elected officials.

City Manager Report

• City Manager Mark Vanderpool highlighted infrastructure investments, including storm drain cleaning in partnership with Macomb County Public Works (specifically the Gibson drain).
• Public Works Director presented upcoming events: Pet Day at the Dodge Park Farmers Market (September 4) and a Doggy Splash Pad party for dog park pass holders (September 4, two sessions).
• Assistant City Manager Haley Bradley introduced a pilot program to enhance SMART bus stops in partnership with Creative Outdoor Advertisements. The program will provide benches, trash/recycling bins, and concrete pads at 35–40 stops at no cost to the city. The city will receive 5% of recycling bin revenue and 15% of bench advertising revenue. Sponsorships cost $100–$150 per month. The program is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Council members raised questions about sidewalk connections, shade, and winter maintenance. The city manager confirmed that trees will be planted at stops and that the city will clear snow.

Recognition & Presentations

• EA Graphics 50th Anniversary: Marketing Manager Marissa Russo presented a resolution recognizing EA Graphics for 50 years of business in Sterling Heights. The company, owned by the Artemovich family, prints apparel for major events and has supported the community. Council members shared personal stories and unanimously adopted the resolution. A photo was taken with the family.

Discussion Items & Ordinance Adoptions

• Solar Energy Systems Ordinance: An ordinance amending zoning regulations for ground-mounted, roof-mounted, carport, and building-integrated solar energy systems was adopted unanimously after no public comment.
• Bidding Requirements Ordinance: An ordinance amending Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the City Code to update and enhance bidding requirements for public improvement projects was adopted unanimously.
• Pickleball Sports Facility (35630 Van Dyke): Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langloy presented a proposal to purchase and renovate a 37,000 sq. ft. building for an indoor pickleball and table tennis facility. The total project cost is $10 million ($2.5M purchase, $7.2M design-build, $300K for furniture/fixtures). The facility will include 9 pickleball courts, 6 table tennis tables, a cafe, meeting room, locker rooms, and a nursing mother room. The project is voter-approved through the PPP millage. Public comment included opposition (Smith, Nelson, Shea) citing cost, location, and lack of transparency regarding property owner Tony Gallo. Council discussion: Mrs. Zarko, Mrs. Sarowski, Mrs. Koske, Mr. Schmidt, and Mr. Radke supported the project, citing cost savings, existing building reuse, and voter approval. Mr. Yanis opposed, citing lack of transparency and the process of working through an LLC. The council voted 6–1 to approve the purchase agreement, AIA design-build agreement, and authorization for the city manager to sign documents.
• Cable TV Election Coverage Policy: An amendment to update the policy for broadcasting "Meet the Candidates" events was approved unanimously. The policy changes the date to the fourth Thursday of September (from first Thursday in October) to better align with early voting and absentee ballot deadlines. Council members discussed the specific day and agreed on the fourth Thursday.
• Appointment to Sustainability Commission: The council unanimously appointed Jennifer Fleming to the Sustainability Commission for a term ending June 30, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• SMART bus stop enhancement pilot approved for implementation (no formal vote required).
• EA Graphics 50th Anniversary resolution adopted unanimously.
• Solar energy system zoning ordinance adopted unanimously.
• Bidding requirements ordinance adopted unanimously.
• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Pickleball sports facility approved (6–1 vote).
• Cable TV election coverage policy amended and approved unanimously.
• Jennifer Fleming appointed to Sustainability Commission unanimously.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 PM.