Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - April 8, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council met on April 8, 2026, to discuss and act on several items, including a city manager employment contract, a park construction bid, and community recognitions. The meeting included public comment, presentations, and votes on various agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as amended (moved item 7J to consideration item 8C).
• Approved the consent agenda as amended (items A-I) unanimously.
• Approved a resolution recognizing the Nice Neighbor Award honoree Silvana Delacata (unanimous).
• Adopted a resolution designating April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Sterling Heights (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• City Manager Contract: Several residents expressed opposition to the proposed $40,000 raise for City Manager Mark Vanderpool, arguing the salary increase was excessive for a working-class community and that the total compensation package would approach $435,000 annually. One resident noted the average personal income in Sterling Heights is $62,000 and compared the salary to that of U.S. officials. Another resident supported the raise, stating that Vanderpool’s 21-year tenure and the city’s complexity justify market-rate compensation.
• Red Run Park Bid: One council member raised concerns about transparency, citing campaign contributions from an engineering firm (Spalding Decker) to a ballot committee that supported the park millage. Other council members defended the bidding process and the nonprofit's role.
• Community Garden: A resident criticized the cost and layout of the city’s community garden, suggesting lower fees, senior discounts, and larger plots. She also reported a safety issue with being locked inside the garden.
• ITC Power Line Project: A resident urged the council to oppose overhead high-tension lines along 19 Mile Road and requested more community engagement.
• Lakeside Mall Redevelopment: A resident asked for traffic studies and communication regarding planned redevelopment.
• Poet Laureate: A resident petitioned to be named Poet Laureate of Sterling Heights, offering to volunteer for educational programs.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report: City Manager Mark Vanderpool announced upcoming recycling and cleanup events (April 11, 18, 25, and May 9 & 19), described a new 0.7-mile trail along the Sterling Relief Drain (expected completion November 2026), and introduced Ripple Fiber, a fiber-optic internet provider installing infrastructure across the city (construction through 2028).
• Youth Advisory Board Presentation: Members presented their recent activities, including a winter wear drive, teen movie night, and college admissions workshop. They outlined future goals in sustainability, mental health, diversity, and civic engagement.
• Nice Neighbor Award: The council honored Silvana Delacata for her decades of community service, including checking on neighbors and sharing homemade food.
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Council members shared remarks from a kickoff event, emphasizing the importance of supporting survivors.
• Red Run Park Construction Bid: Parks Director Kyle Langloy presented plans for a $4,725,094.65 project at Red Run Park, including six lighted pickleball courts, a dog park, and trail connectivity. Council members requested adding a basketball court; staff indicated it could be added via change order. The bid was awarded to STE Construction Services Inc. (6-1 vote).
• City Manager Employment Agreement: After public comment and council debate, Councilman Radke offered a friendly amendment to reduce the base salary from $290,000 to $275,000 (a 10% increase). The amendment was accepted, and the contract passed 4-3. Council members who supported it cited Vanderpool’s 21-year track record, market comparisons, and the difficulty of replacing him. Opponents argued the raise was too large for a working-class city and noted the total compensation package would reach approximately $435,000 annually.

Key Outcomes

• City Manager Contract Approved: Base salary set at $275,000 for a five-year term, with an 11% DC contribution and benefits package. Vote: 4-3 (Taylor, Ziarko, Radke, Schmidt in favor; Sarowski, Yenz, Myjack opposed).
• Red Run Park Bid Awarded: Contract awarded to STE Construction Services Inc. for $4,725,094.65, with staff to consider adding a basketball court. Vote: 6-1 (Yenz opposed).
• Planning Commission Appointment: Appointed Safe Use to the Planning Commission (term ending June 30, 2027) unanimously.
• Resolutions Passed: Nice Neighbor Award and Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamations adopted unanimously.

Additional Notes

• Council members reported on a National League of Cities conference, noting meetings with U.S. Senators but frustration with Congressman John James for declining to meet.
• Several residents raised concerns about the ITC power line project and community garden; council directed staff to follow up.
• The next budget hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.