Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - March 18, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council met on March 18, 2026, for a regular meeting that included major updates on the Arsenal Alliance defense partnership, economic development initiatives, sustainability commission achievements, a public hearing on a land acquisition grant, and several nominations. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, with Councilmembers Radke and Yiannis absent.

Consent Calendar

• The meeting agenda was approved (moved by Councilwoman Zarko, supported). Councilwoman Schmidt requested to pull Item 7F (traffic control order) to a separate discussion item.
• The consent agenda, as amended, was approved unanimously. (Item 7F was later considered and approved separately after discussion.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on DNR Trust Fund Grant: The hearing was opened and closed. One community member, Mr. Nelson (address on file), questioned the limitations imposed by FEMA floodplain and wetlands on the 13.7-acre parcel proposed for acquisition. He expressed concern about the cost and the role of the Six Rivers Land Conservancy.
• Communications from Citizens:
  • Ken Nelson (Fire Seal Drive) stated that his requests to be placed on the agenda were ignored and threatened a lawsuit against the city, claiming his First Amendment rights were being violated. He referenced a group called "Fire" involved with First Amendment rights.
  • A resident speaking for the first time at a city council meeting expressed concerns about the street tree planting program (fear of future danger to property) and suggested that the city consider a small train system (like San Diego) to reduce traffic and connect Sterling Heights with Warren.

Discussion Items

• Arsenal Alliance Update: Assistant City Manager Haley Bradley presented the partnership with Warren. The alliance received 11 RFP responses; AECOM Technical Services Inc. was recommended due to their comprehensive approach. The initial 36-month contract is valued at $1.3 million, with 50% cost-sharing with Warren. Chris Brewer (AECOM VP) highlighted the critical timing due to defense procurement reshoring, changes in warfare, and autonomous vehicle advancements.
• Economic Development Update: Advisor Luke Bonner presented a framework for economic development, including results from a non-scientific business sentiment survey (63% business owners, 15% manufacturing, 63% with over 10 years in Sterling Heights). Key themes: small business growth, predictable processes, workforce talent, affordable space, and need for site-specific redevelopment playbooks. He also introduced new Economic Development Manager Dylan Clark.
• Sustainability Commission Update: Chair Nathan Inks reported on committees (Reduce/Recycle, Electrification, Stormwater, Biodiversity, Trees, Outreach). Achievements included a solar panel ordinance amendment, a climate action plan winning a MAP award, and tree-planting through the Pathway to Play & Preservation millage (over 44,000 trees tracked via TreeKeeper, with carbon sequestration of ~17 million pounds over 20 years). Upcoming events: Climate & Health Adaptation meeting (March 26) and Clinton River cleanup (April 18).
• Public Hearing – DNR Trust Fund Grant: Parks & Rec Director Kyle Langloy and Wayne Hoffman (Wade Trim) presented a grant application for acquisition of 37217 Utica Road (13.7 acres, including 2.4 acres wetlands, mostly floodplain). The grant would cover 70% of costs (up to appraised value) with a 30% city match from the Pathway to Play & Preservation millage (not general fund). If awarded, the land would be preserved for outdoor public recreation in perpetuity. The city already has a purchase agreement with Six Rivers Land Conservancy.
• Traffic Control Order (Item 7F pulled from consent): Councilwoman Schmidt initiated discussion on prohibiting left turns from the southernmost plaza entrance at 15 Mile and Schoenherr. Lieutenant Susala explained that the majority of crashes involved left turns out of the plaza. A phased approach: immediate prohibition of left turns (Phase 1) and a raised concrete island ("pork chop") to force right turns (Phase 2) planned as weather permits. Councilwoman Zarko noted additional systemic issues at the intersection.
• Nominations: Mayor Taylor nominated Saif Yusuf for the Planning Commission (April 7 appointment). Councilwoman Zarko nominated Emmy Toma for the Library Board of Trustees (term ending June 30, 2027).

Key Outcomes

• Arsenal Alliance: The council received the update and expressed strong support. The contract with AECOM (1.3 million over 36 months) is pending Warren City Council action on March 24.
• DNR Trust Fund Grant: The council unanimously approved a resolution (Resolution No. [not specified]) to support the grant application and commit matching funds. The parcel will be acquired whether or not the grant is awarded, using millage funds as a fallback.
• Traffic Control Order: Item 7F was approved unanimously after discussion. The order prohibits left turns from the southernmost plaza entrance. Phase 2 (raised island) will be implemented when weather allows.
• Nominations: Both nominations were approved unanimously: Saif Yusuf to be appointed to Planning Commission (April 7) and Emmy Toma to the Library Board of Trustees (subject to qualifications and oath).
• Council Reports: Councilman Myjack honored World War II veteran Emile Cardamon (passed at age 102). Councilwoman Schmidt recognized the Utica Robotics team (CreRevolution) second-place finish and mourned the loss of Huntington Woods DPW worker Doug Shamel.