Sterling Heights City Council Strategic Planning Session - January 28, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council held its annual strategic planning session on January 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM, concluding around 4:30 PM. The session covered a wide range of topics including short-term rentals, community satisfaction survey results and improvement plans, the future of library services, Clinton River corridor enhancements and a potential river conservancy, urban forestry and street tree requirements, ITC corridor trail extension, and a legislative agenda addressing fireworks reform, housing initiatives, economic development tools, and state/federal grant priorities. Council members provided extensive feedback, with several items directing staff to conduct further research or return with reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda was moved by Mrs. Ziarko, seconded, and passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the citizen communications portion at the end of the meeting.

Short-Term Rentals

• Assistant City Manager Dale Jawojikowski and City Planner Dr. Jake Parcel presented on short-term rentals (STRs), noting an estimated 70-100 properties advertised daily. STRs are currently not permitted in residential zones. Options discussed include prohibition with enforcement, or a licensing/regulation ordinance. Council members expressed interest in balanced regulation, allowing owner-occupied rentals, and considering nuisances. The administration will report back in 60-90 days with findings and two potential regulatory approaches.

Community Satisfaction Survey & Improvement Plans

• Community Relations Director Melanie Davis reviewed the 2025 resident survey (83% satisfied with the city as a place to live). Three areas for improvement were identified: code enforcement (residential property cleanup, signs, commercial maintenance), traffic enforcement, and police visibility. City Development Director Jason Castor detailed code enforcement initiatives including the Commercial Elevate program, which works with businesses on upgrades. Police Chief Satterfield introduced the CLEAR (Community Led Enforcement for Accident Reduction) initiative, adding 50% more traffic officers, and a crime prevention notice program for neighborhood patrols. Council commended the programs and urged continued focus on pedestrian safety and traffic calming.

Future of Library Services

• Library Director Tammy Turgeon reported strong demand (658 visitors/day, 13,000 checkouts/month) and a space/staff capacity shortage. She presented a 2023-2027 strategic plan and data showing 13% increase visits, 52% increase programs, 116% increase attendance. Compared to neighboring libraries, Sterling Heights has a smaller budget and staff. Options for the future include maintaining status quo, incremental funding increases, or reimagining the library (possible district library or millage). She requested $10,000-$25,000 for a consultant study. Council encouraged the study, noting local pride in the library but expressed caution about creating a district library or new taxes. The request will be considered in budget discussions.

Clinton River Corridor & River Conservancy

• Parks Director Kyle Langlois and Assistant City Planner Sean Keenan presented on the Clinton River as a key asset (6 parks, 440 acres, 10.25 miles of trails). Annual maintenance costs exceed $650,000. A conceptual plan envisions three districts (North Van Dyke, Central hub, Rotary Park). Assistant City Manager Haley Bradley introduced the concept of a river conservancy (nonprofit or hybrid model) to support restoration, trail connections, and funding. Environmental, community, and economic benefits were highlighted. Council members expressed interest but raised concerns about governance, cost-sharing, and existing successful maintenance. Staff will explore the option further, with a potential budget request for planning.

Urban Forestry & Street Tree Requirements

• City Attorney Mark Kozubsky and City Planner Dr. Jake Parcel discussed expanding street tree requirements to commercial/industrial properties during site plan review. Currently, no requirement exists, leading to lower tree canopy (19-23% citywide) and urban heat island effects in areas like the industrial corridor. Options include requiring trees when site plan is triggered, or when impervious surfaces are increased. Council debated fairness (businesses already contribute via taxes), visibility concerns, and the need for balance. Councilman Radke strongly supported the requirement to address heat and walkability. Staff will consider the feedback for ordinance development.

ITC Corridor Trail Extension

• Parks Director Kyle Langlois presented a conceptual plan for a 3.5-mile extension of the ITC corridor trail from Edison Court south to 14 Mile Road, connecting to the already-completed northern section. Total trail length would be approximately 6 miles end-to-end. The project would require crossing the Clinton River, multiple drains, and six major roads (including Metropolitan Parkway). Estimated cost: $20-30 million, pending engineering. Feasibility and design funding is requested in the FY2026-2027 budget. Council expressed strong support, especially from the south end of the city which lacks amenities. Councilman Radke suggested starting with lower-cost segments and using grant funding. Councilwoman Ziarko favored a tunnel under 16 Mile for safety. Staff will proceed with study funding request.

Legislative Agenda

• Fireworks Reform: Assistant City Manager Dale Jawojikowski presented on the need for state-level reform (currently 11-12 must-allow days). Over 1,200 police/fire calls since 2020, resident complaints, and safety hazards (fires, property damage). Common-sense changes sought: return local option to prohibit aerial fireworks, reduce allowed days, or require commercial setbacks. Council strongly supported the reform and will urge state legislators.
• My Home Program: Jennifer Rigterink from Michigan Municipal League presented a $160 million annual state investment proposal for housing (grants, loans, revolving fund) paired with zoning reform. Communities meeting best practices would qualify developers for funding. Council expressed support for the initiative as a tool to address housing affordability and supply.
• LDFA/Smart Zone Extension: Economic Development Advisor Luke Bonner reported on legislation to extend the 15-year tax capture life for Smart Zones (Sterling Heights' zone ends this year). A five-year extension is possible; legislation would allow up to 15 additional years. Council supported the extension to continue Velocity Center operations and attract partners.
• Transformational Brownfield Update: Bonner also updated on Lakeside Mall redevelopment. The program sunset last year; new legislation would raise annual cap from $80M to $175M and better support multi-phase projects like Lakeside. Phase 1 (1,300 units, retail, central park) moving forward with local tax capture; state capture needed for later phases. Council discussed timeline and financing.
• State/Federal Grant Priorities: CFO Jennifer Varney and Assistant City Manager Haley Bradley listed priority projects for 2027 budget and grant applications, totaling over $70M. Items included: emergency generator for community center ($515K), archery range expansion ($15K), Puffin Park renovation ($1.2M), North Clinton River Park parking ($1M), Lakeside Spoke Roads ($15M), Ryan Road reconstruction ($30M), North Van Dyke reconstruction ($20M), Vision Zero traffic calming ($2M), and ITC Trail South (suggested as addition). Council discussed the list; Councilman Radke proposed replacing Lakeside Spoke Roads with ITC Trail South funding. Council requested clarity on local match percentages.

Mayor's Comments & New Business

• Mayor Taylor addressed the recent ICE/Border Patrol incident in Sterling Heights, calling for Congressman John James to visit and explain federal enforcement tactics. He emphasized the need for local control and de-escalation training. Councilman Radke strongly supported the mayor's stance, criticizing the federal actions as excessive and unconstitutional. No formal action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Short-term rentals: staff to return with regulatory options in 60-90 days.
• Code enforcement and traffic initiatives: continued implementation of CLEAR and crime prevention notices.
• Library: consultant study to be considered in budget; no commitment yet.
• Clinton River: further exploration of conservancy model authorized; potential budget request for planning.
• Street trees: staff to incorporate council feedback into ordinance development.
• ITC Trail: feasibility study funding included in departmental budget request.
• Legislative agenda: council expressed support for fireworks reform, My Home Program, LDFA/Smart Zone extension, and Transformational Brownfield changes. Staff will continue advocacy.
• Grant priorities: list adopted with flexibility to adjust based on council input (e.g., ITC Trail addition).
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:30 PM.