Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - April 22, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council held a regular meeting on April 22, 2026, with all seven council members present. The meeting included a city manager's report, multiple presentations on community programs, a resolution for a landfill expansion, recognition of a local business, swearing-in of eight firefighters, and a public hearing on a federal grant application. Key actions included approval of the Innovate Mound project update, adoption of a resolution supporting the Pine Tree Acres landfill expansion, and authorization to apply for a community development block grant for flood resilience planning.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: The council unanimously approved the agenda as presented.
• Consent Agenda: The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion.

Discussion Items

• Innovate Mound Project Update: Senior Resident Engineer Steve Griffith (HNTB) reported that the $200+ million, 9-mile reconstruction of Mound Road from M59 to I-696 is nearing completion. Key accomplishments include 86 lane miles of concrete, 40 miles of curb and gutter, 1,600 drainage structures, and installation of 600+ pedestrian signals. The project remains on budget. Remaining work includes median streetlight installation (about 1.5 miles left), utility relocations by Comcast and AT&T, and final sidewalk gaps. Comcast Director Shannon Doolin confirmed that lighting installation is back on track and will be completed soon. City Manager Mark Vanderpool noted that Ford Motor Company is planning landscaping and facade improvements along Mound Road.
• Autism Acceptance Month: Police SAVES Program: Lieutenant Craig Cole presented the SAVES (Special Needs, Autism, Vulnerable Persons, Elderly, and Safety) project, a partnership with Warren and Rochester police departments. The program uses QR codes placed on belongings or vehicles to quickly identify individuals with autism or other conditions and provide emergency contacts. The city already has a special needs registry with 59 families. Council members asked about privacy and eligibility, and Lieutenant Cole confirmed that anyone concerned about a wandering loved one can register, not just those with diagnosed conditions. The co-response unit is actively reaching out to families.
• Adaptive Recreation Programs: Parks and Recreation Supervisor Becca Lynn highlighted the city's inclusive programs, including adaptive sports, sensory-friendly days at Dodge Park ice rink (first Sundays, Dec–Feb) and a new summer sensory-friendly splash pad session (Mondays, June 15–Aug 10, 10–11:45 a.m.). The city employs two certified therapeutic recreation specialists, the only such credentials in Macomb County. Water-safe wheelchairs and all-terrain chairs are available. Partnerships with Play Place for Autism support recycling at Dodge Park Thursdays.
• Historical Commission Report: Commission Chair Brian Wojjahowski reported that the Upton House Museum was open 78 days in the past year with over 1,600 visitors. Volunteers contributed 533 hours. The commission cataloged 41 new accessions, hosted four fundraisers, and added three new members. Upcoming events include a May history program on Detroit pizza and a gravestone cleaning event on June 20. A historical marker for Belvedere Park at Rotary Park has been approved.
• Pine Tree Acres Landfill Expansion Resolution: Katie Gordon, Area Public Works Manager for WM, presented a request for the city to support an amendment to the Macomb County Solid Waste Management Plan to expand the landfill by about 240 acres (140 lined for disposal). The expansion would add 25 years of capacity (currently 5–7 years left). The landfill is the only municipal solid waste site in Macomb County, and if it closes, trash would be trucked farther, requiring up to three transfer stations (costing ~$20 million each). The expansion would also allow siting of a new recycling transfer station. Council members questioned Canadian waste tonnage (Gordon stated approximately 68% of waste comes from Canada, which is regulated under national trade agreements). The landfill generates renewable energy equivalent to powering 19,000 homes. The city's Department of Public Works recommended support. The Sustainability Commission reviewed the proposal and expressed no significant concerns.
• Recognition of Metro Wire and Cable (50 Years): The council unanimously adopted a resolution congratulating Metro Wire and Cable on 50 years of operations. COO Nate Tallman and CEO Devin Easop thanked the city. The company, a distributor of electrical wire and cable, has 35 employees at its Sterling Heights headquarters and recently purchased an adjacent facility for expansion (10–15 new jobs). Average employee tenure is 20 years. The company has recycling programs for wood reels and wire.
• Consideration of Connections Learning Lab (Nonprofit Recognition): Noelle Fritz, board member, requested recognition as a local nonprofit to obtain a charitable gaming license for a fundraising entrepreneurial and art fair. The council approved the request, with the stipulation that the city is not endorsing the organization and should not appear in promotional materials.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the designated citizen communications period.
• During the public hearing on the CDBG disaster recovery planning grant, no one from the audience spoke.

Key Outcomes

• Innovate Mound Project: The council acknowledged the update. No formal vote was required.
• Autism/SAVES and Adaptive Recreation Presentations: The council thanked presenters; no action taken.
• Historical Commission Report: Accepted as informational.
• Pine Tree Acres Landfill Expansion: The council voted unanimously (7-0) to adopt the resolution in support of amending the Macomb County Solid Waste Management Plan to allow the landfill expansion.
• Metro Wire and Cable 50th Anniversary: Resolution adopted unanimously (7-0).
• Firefighter Swearing-In: Eight new firefighters were sworn in and individually introduced. No vote required.
• Connections Learning Lab Nonprofit Recognition: Motion carried unanimously (7-0) to approve the request.
• CDBG Disaster Recovery Planning Grant: After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to submit an application for up to $500,000 (no local match required). The estimated cost is approximately $200,000; staff may add additional sites to increase the request to about $260,000. The grant will fund preliminary site development planning at four locations in the North Van Dyke area.
• Future Agenda Item: Councilmember Radke requested a future discussion on a charter amendment that would require an election if a council vacancy occurs with more than two years remaining in a term. No objection was raised; it will be placed on a future agenda.
• Meeting Adjourned: At approximately 9:00 p.m. after a short recess, with unanimous consent to adjourn.