The Sterling Heights City Council met on February 18, 2026, with Mayor Pro Tem Sarowski presiding in Mayor Taylor's absence. The meeting included presentations on Kratom regulation, a real estate purchase for parkland, a Nice Neighbor Award, and council reports. Key actions included directing the city attorney to draft an ordinance restricting Kratom sales to adults 21 and older and approving a $770,000 real estate purchase agreement for 13 acres on Utica Road.
Kratom Regulation Presentation: The Sterling Heights Drug Free Coalition (Elizabeth Capolo, Lauren Letzman, Lt. Aaron Susala) presented on Kratom's dangers and the results of environmental scans: 28 of 71 retailers (40%) in Sterling Heights sold Kratom or 7OH products, and 96% displayed them visibly near candy, toys, or energy drinks. House Bill 4969 (age restriction to 21) is pending in the state legislature. Clinton Township passed an ordinance in January with a $500 civil infraction.
Utica Community Schools Art Fair Partnership: Community Relations Director Melanie Davis announced a partnership to display student artwork on roadside banners on Utica and Dodge Park Road for 3–4 weeks in May 2026, later replaced by 250th American anniversary banners.
Mound Road Street Lighting Update: City Engineer Brent Beyshaw reported that all franchise utilities have been transferred to new monopoles except Comcast (completed last week) and WOW (remaining small segment). Once poles are removed, street light installation will take 4–6 weeks. A separate lighting project on Metro Parkway (Van Dyke to city limits) is underway and expected to complete in April.
Nice Neighbor Award: Councilman Yannis presented the award to Eric Chiz and Raymond Hernandez (not present) for donating time and equipment to help an elderly resident trim a vining tree. The motion passed unanimously.
Real Estate Purchase Agreement (8B): Consideration for 37217 Utica Road (13 acres, zoned multifamily R3) for $770,000 with a 2028 closing date. Parks Director Kyle Langlais explained the purchase aims to preserve green space using the Pathways to Preservation, Play, and Preservation (PPP) millage and apply for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant (70% reimbursement, ~$539,000). Six Rivers Land Conservancy is facilitating for a $9,750 fee. If the grant fails, PPP millage funds can cover the full price. The grant would encumber the land as parkland in perpetuity. Council supported the purchase, noting linkages to Freedom Trail and Rotary Park. Voting: all in favor, motion carried.
Appointment to Board of Code of Appeals (8A): Postponed to the next regular meeting by motion (Councilman Radke), passed.
Sterling Heights City Council to order. Please stand with me for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Dear God, please bless our elected officials. Grant them courage and wisdom to do what is right for all citizens. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Miss Riska, could we please have the roll call tonight? Mayor Taylor, Mrs. Saraski here. Mr. Myjack. Here. Mr. Rackie. Present. Mrs. Schmidt. Present. Mr. Yannis. Here. Mrs. Yarko. Present. Thank you, Ms. Riska. And just for all of you who may be wondering where Mate Mayor Taylor is today, he is on vacation and I am sure he is watching somewhere from his tropical paradise. Making sure everything goes the way he wants. Okay, next is the approval of the agenda. Council, we need approval for tonight's agenda. Mayor Pro Tamps. Yes, Mrs. Zarko. Move to approve the agenda as presented. Support. Thank you. It has been moved and supported. Is there any discussion? Mrs. Sarowski. Yes, Mayor. Excuse me, Mr. Radkey. I'd like to move the uh item H from the consent agenda to make it consideration item uh B. Of A B. So H to uh consent H to consideration B. Okay.