Sterling Heights City Council Special Meeting – November 13, 2025

The Sterling Heights City Council held a special meeting on November 13, 2025, to receive the official canvass of the November 4, 2025 City General Election, administer the oath of office to the newly elected council members, and hear remarks from officials and the public. Mayor Pro Tem Liz Saroski presided in the absence of Mayor Michael C. Taylor. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously with a motion and second, without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Shea addressed the council, commending City Clerk Melanie Riska for her excellent work and thanking outgoing Councilwoman Deanna Koskey for her years of service and kindness. He also appreciated the city's veterans memorial and welcomed the new council.

Election Results and Certification

• City Clerk Melanie Riska presented the official canvass of the November 4, 2025 election. Total votes cast: 18,816.
  • Mayor (one four-year term): Michael C. Taylor – 11,912 votes (elected); Matthew Ryan – 6,290 votes. No valid write‑in candidates.
  • City Council (six four-year terms): Liz Saroski – 10,953 votes (most votes, will serve as Mayor Pro Tem); Michael V. Radkey Jr. – 10,299 votes; Henry Yannes – 10,270 votes; Robert Myjack – 9,490 votes; Maria G. Smith Schmidt – 8,414 votes; Barbara A. Zarko – 7,974 votes. Other candidates: Rick McKitty – 7,566; Deanna Koskey – 7,418; Jackie Ryan – 5,913; Terry Brinker – 5,845; Moira Smith – 6,155 (noted at correction).

Swearing‑In Ceremony

• The elected council members (Liz Saroski, Michael V. Radkey Jr., Henry Yannes, Robert Myjack, Maria G. Smith Schmidt, Barbara A. Zarko) were sworn in by 41A District Court Chief Judge Steve Sarowski. All recited the oath of office.

Remarks from Council Members

Each returning and new council member expressed gratitude to voters, family, and supporters, and outlined priorities:

• Maria Schmidt: Thanked voters and family; pledged integrity and continued progress.
• Barbara Zarko: Emphasized nonpartisan service, unity, and listening to residents; acknowledged her daughter Stacy and colleague Schmidt.
• Michael Radkey: Thanked family; highlighted accomplishments (recreation, safe streets millage, trail preservation); urged residents to share ideas for improvement; praised Deanna Koskey.
• Robert Myjack (new member): Thanked voters, city clerk’s office, and his mother and wife; committed to working with council and administration to keep Sterling Heights thriving.
• Henry Yannes: Thanked his wife Jane; described election as a contract with voters; noted priorities of transparency and better communication; pledged to serve all residents regardless of political differences.
• Liz Saroski (Mayor Pro Tem): Thanked her family, children who worked the polls, and voters; promised transparent, caring service; recognized Deanna Koskey as a mentor; welcomed Robert Myjack.

Reports from City Administration

• City Manager Vanderpool: Congratulated the council; noted the citizen survey results will be presented in December; acknowledged the demanding nature of council work; expressed appreciation for outgoing Councilwoman Deanna Koskey and welcomed new member Myjack. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to the Visioning 2040 plan.
• City Attorney Koshutsky: Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the council; looked forward to the next four years.

Key Outcomes

• The election results for Mayor and City Council were officially certified and accepted.
• The six newly elected council members were sworn into office for the term 2025‑2029.
• The meeting adjourned unanimously following a motion and second.

Note: Mayor Michael C. Taylor was not present; Mayor Pro Tem Saroski presided.