Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - December 3, 2025

The Sterling Heights City Council met on December 3, 2025, to receive several presentations, introduce an ordinance regulating virtual currency machines, adopt a 12-month moratorium on billboards, and approve a stormwater utility feasibility study. The meeting included updates on the city's branding campaign, library outreach, and the annual financial audit. All votes were unanimous except for the stormwater study, which passed 6-1.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved as amended, moving consent item D to consideration item 9B.
• The consent agenda was then approved unanimously, including routine approvals.

Presentations & Reports

• City Manager Report: Mark Vanderpool reminded residents of the Sterling Christmas event on December 6, 5:30–8:30 p.m., featuring tree lighting, ice skating, and a food drive for the Community Food Banks of Macomb County.
• Look No Further Campaign Update: Brandon Chestnut of Identity PR presented Phase 2 of the city's branding campaign, which includes a resident attraction effort targeting 800,000 people in Metro Detroit actively searching for mortgage or moving information. A new video featuring four Sterling Heights residents was shown.
• Library Outreach Presentation: Librarians Jessica De Greek and Lindsay Block reported that outreach visits increased by over 95% in 2025. Programs include home delivery (up to 12 weekly deliveries) and deposit collections for assisted living facilities.
• Nice Neighbor Awards: Two awards were presented: Helga Babich (who helped rescue a neighbor after a medical emergency) and Megan Turner, owner of Old House Family Restaurant, nominated for community spirit and a coat drive.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Nick Mackey, Assistant Finance Director, and Dan Merritt of Raymond Robson presented the audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Key financial stats: net position increased $42.7 million; general fund revenues $136.8 million, expenditures $134.7 million; general fund balance $43 million (31.9% of expenditures); property tax revenue up $4.3 million. The city received an unmodified (clean) audit opinion and GFOA awards for financial reporting and budgeting.

Ordinance Introduction – Virtual Currency Machines

• Presentation: Police Captain Colleen Hopper detailed the rise of cryptocurrency scams, citing 27 virtual currency machines in Sterling Heights, 23 active fraud cases in 2025, documented losses of $542,000 (with estimated potential loss of $1,076,000), and an average victim age of 64. The proposed ordinance requires a specialty license for machine operators, yearly inspections, a $1,000 daily transaction cap for new customers (within a 14-day new user period), mandatory fraud warnings, and a customer service helpline.
• Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed strong support, emphasizing the need to protect seniors and curb fraud. Councilman Radke suggested sending a letter to state legislators for statewide action. The ordinance was introduced (first reading) unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Billboard Moratorium: Planner Dr. Jake Parcel explained that billboards are currently banned, but the Zoning Board of Appeals receives variance requests without design standards. A six-month moratorium on new billboards was proposed to study whether to allow them and develop standards. Council amended the moratorium to 12 months (moved by Mytaj, seconded by Zarko) and adopted it unanimously.
• Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study: Council considered accepting a proposal from Raf Kelly Financial Consulting for $83,700 to study stormwater utility options. Councilman Yannis opposed, citing insufficient public engagement and concerns about process. Councilwoman Schmidt noted the study was already budgeted after a 4-3 vote. Councilwoman Zarko defended the process. The motion passed 6-1, with Yannis voting no.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on any agenda item.

Communications from Citizens / Council Reports

• No citizen comments.
• Councilman Radke requested that the city explore internal neighborhood branding and better wayfinding signage, noting that the current Look No Further campaign is outward-focused.
• Councilwoman Zarko asked for painting lane arrows at the intersection of Hall Road and Schoenherr to reduce accidents.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved as amended (unanimous).
• Consent agenda approved (unanimous).
• Ordinance to regulate virtual currency machines introduced (first reading) (unanimous).
• Resolution adopted establishing a 12-month moratorium on new billboards (unanimous).
• Resolution approved to accept the stormwater utility feasibility study proposal at $83,700 (6-1, Yannis dissenting).
• Meeting adjourned.