Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - November 19, 2025

The Sterling Heights City Council met on November 19, 2025, to receive a legislative update from State Senator Michael Weber, review a citywide parking study, approve a mutual aid agreement with Warren, accept a $30,000 Ford Motor Company donation, transfer a liquor license, authorize a pump station rehabilitation, and discuss pedestrian safety and federal law enforcement partnerships.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved after moving consent item H to a consideration item.
• The consent agenda, as amended, was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Liquor License Transfer (Kimchi Box): Mr. Kim, owner of Kimchi Box (eight locations), requested approval to transfer a Class C liquor license with dance permit to 13937 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights. He stated he plans to transition from fast casual to full-service dining, adding soups, ramen, and alcohol service. He confirmed he has no plans for dancing or entertainment.

Discussion Items

• State Legislative Update (Senator Michael Weber): Senator Weber reported on the bipartisan state budget passed October 3, 2025, which rolls back spending, eliminates taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, and increases road funding. Sterling Heights will receive a 31% increase in local road funding (over $21 million annually) and Macomb County a 36% increase ($31 million). A $100 million annual bridge repair program was also included. Revenue sharing decreased due to gas tax removal, but a new Public Safety Trust Fund of $95 million will provide over $200,000 for Sterling Heights. He also noted $2.1 million secured for a new ladder truck, $26 million for Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and ongoing work on mental health hospital system after a critical audit. City Manager Vanderpool added that the road funding increase translates to $8 million more per year for Sterling Heights ($40 million over five years), enabling projects like the Conrail Bridge on Metro Parkway (~$100 million) and Ryan Road reconstruction ($20 million).
• Parking Study (Spaulding Decker): City Planner Dr. Parcell introduced the study, funded by MISHTA and MEDC grants, to reform parking standards. Consultants Cassie Meidel and Kayla Malden presented findings: 35 parking lots studied had occupancy never exceeding 55% (target 75-85%). The city's ordinance requirements exceed ITE parking generation manual recommendations, which in turn exceed actual demand. Recommendations included lowering parking minimums, establishing maximums, incentivizing shared parking (currently limited by a footnote requiring reserved spaces), adding bike parking, and requiring EV charging. Staff already used the tool to reduce 150 parking spaces at a plaza at 16½ Mile and Van Dyke, adding trees, shrubs, and a pedestrian plaza. Councilmember Radke expressed support for parking maximums and shared on-street parking, noting the need to reduce impervious surfaces and heat islands.
• DPW Mutual Aid Agreement with Warren: Director Michael Moore presented an interlocal agreement for mutual aid between Sterling Heights and Warren DPW during emergencies (e.g., severe weather, infrastructure failures). The agreement covers sewer/water repairs, snow removal, refuse, tree trimming, etc. Each city prioritizes its own residents. Warren City Council approved it earlier that evening. The item was on the consent agenda.
• Ford Motor Company Donation: Marketing Manager Marissa Russo announced a $30,000 Inspire Partner donation from Ford’s Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center to the Inspiring Green program, supporting tree planting on medians, parks, and neighborhoods. Representatives Audrey Jocelyn and Carrie Holt presented a check. Council accepted the donation. Councilmembers Radke and Sarowski thanked Ford for beautifying the 18½ Mile and Van Dyke corridor.
• Pump Station Rehabilitation (Consideration Item H): Councilmember Radke moved to award a $263,083 contract for comprehensive rehabilitation of the East Hampton Storm Pump Station (50 years old, first restoration). He noted 20 similar stations exist, with an estimated $1 million in needed repairs, and argued for a stormwater utility to fund such costs rather than using general funds.
• Council Reports and Discussions:
  • Councilmember Yanes requested DPW clear leaf-clogged drains before snow. Director Moore said crews and street sweepers are addressing it.
  • Councilmember Schmidt asked about Utica Road (county project, open by end of December) and 14 Mile Road (asphalt work also by year-end).
  • Councilmember Radke proposed “Project Zero” to eliminate pedestrian and car fatalities. He requested after-accident reports be provided to council and suggested hiring a traffic engineer for the city.
  • Councilmember Radke also requested, without objection, a report within 60-90 days on all police department partnerships with federal agencies (FBI, DEA, Department of Justice, ICE), including history, costs, and benefits. He expressed concerns about federal law enforcement actions conflicting with city values as a welcoming and inclusive community.
• New Business: Mayor Taylor welcomed new Councilmember Rob Myjack and asked for a similar report on federal law enforcement partnerships.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda as amended (unanimous).
• Approved: Transfer of Class C liquor license with Sunday sales and dance permit to One York Inc. for Kimchi Box at 13937 Lakeside Circle (unanimous).
• Approved: Bid award for East Hampton Storm Pump Station rehabilitation to L. D’Agostini & Sons at unit pricing, with a $263,083 budget amendment from unspent FY2024-2025 funds (unanimous).
• Acknowledged & Accepted: $30,000 donation from Ford Motor Company for Inspiring Green program (unanimous).
• Closed Session: The council voted 7-0 to adjourn into closed session pursuant to Section 8H of the Open Meetings Act to consult with the city attorney regarding a confidential written legal opinion. No public return.