Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - May 20, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council convened on the evening of May 20, 2026, for a regular meeting that included a state legislative update, multiple presentations, public hearings, ordinance adoptions, and board appointments. Notable actions included approval of the Lakeside Corridor Improvement Authority development and tax increment financing plan, a ban on the sale and distribution of Kratom, and consent to a change of control for Priority Waste.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved, with item K (Priority Waste change of control) moved to a consideration item.
• Later, the consent agenda (minus item K) was approved unanimously. Routine approvals included various standard items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Smith (Lakeside CIA plan): Opposed the plan, calling it a "hopelessly disastrous idea" and a "money pit," and predicted public funds would be wasted.
• Melody Wolf (Kratom): Spoke in favor of regulating Kratom rather than banning it, citing her 12 years of successful use for chronic pain. She stated she buys Kratom online after researching vendors and noted federal action is focused on synthetic 7-OH, not natural Kratom.
• Brittany Stephton (Kratom): Described how Kratom helped her overcome a 12-year prescription opiate addiction and six years of sobriety. She advocated for age-gating and regulation of plain leaf Kratom, while supporting a ban on 7-OH.
• Alison Smith (Global Kratom Coalition): Opposed the total ban, promoting a Kratom Consumer Protection Act model with age gates and labeling. She noted the FDA/HHS/DEA are moving to schedule 7-OH, which would remove dangerous synthetics within weeks.
• Mr. Wolf (Kratom): Supported his wife's testimony, urging the council to ban synthetics but preserve access to plain leaf Kratom for responsible adult users.
• Mr. Smith (Memorial Day): Gave a personal tribute to service members who died, recounting names and circumstances of 26 individuals he knew or knew of who perished.
• Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht and Pastor Pat Visger: Complained about a neighbor's loud commercial equipment, claiming the city directed them to document violations but then failed to act, leading to a lawsuit against them. They also cited being cited for weeds and asked for city accommodation.

Discussion Items

• State Legislative Update (Senator Michael Weber): Weber discussed the state budget, noting the House and Senate passed budgets before the end of April. He highlighted $26 million secured for Selfridge Air National Guard base (with $152 million remaining), a 33.1% increase in road funding for Sterling Heights (over $5.3 million yearly), and a unanimous Senate vote on a revenue sharing trust fund. He opposed zoning preemption legislation, saying the goal should be improving, not removing, local zoning laws. He also addressed fireworks regulation and sound wall funding mechanisms.
• City Manager's Report (Mark Vanderpool): Announced Memorial Day events (47th annual tribute, parade, flyover), delayed trash collection due to the holiday, and introduced the African American Coalition presentation.
• African American Coalition Update (Chair Diana Bledsoe): Reported growth from 7 new members in 2023 to 56 in 2025 and 27 year-to-date. Highlights included a sold-out Black History Month dinner (200+ attendees), creation of a scholarship program, and an upcoming Juneteenth celebration on June 18 with 30 vendors. Four coalition members now serve on other city boards.
• Resolution Honoring Shirley May Ogar: Adopted unanimously to acknowledge her 100th birthday, recognizing her community service and travel (16 trips to Europe).
• Police Officer Swearing-In: Chief Andrew Satterfield introduced Officers Rebecca Sorrell, Zach Douglas, and Luke Kameg, all recent graduates of the Macomb Police Academy. Council members welcomed them and emphasized support and safety.
• Nice Neighbor Award: Presented to John Michael Jones for his neighborly care and assistance. Councilman Radke also recognized nine-year-old Carmen Sheridan with an impromptu award.
• Lakeside Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) Development Plan and TIF Plan: Economic Development Manager Dylan Clark presented the plan, which includes a 25-year development vision, $80 million in potential public investment, and a tax increment financing mechanism. The base taxable value is $57,651,332, projected to grow to $120 million (with 3% annual inflation), capturing approximately $17.5 million over 25 years. Public hearing held; Mr. Smith opposed; Councilman Yanis opposed the CIA concept, while others supported it as an enhancement to the area outside the Lakeside Mall redevelopment.
• Kratom Ordinance: City Attorney Mark Koshubsky recommended a full ban on sale and distribution due to lack of regulation. Public testimony divided, with several urging regulation instead. Council members debated the risks, with Mayor Taylor voting no after expressing uncertainty. The ordinance passed 6-1.
• Penalty Ordinance Update: Adopted unanimously to amend uncodified ordinance 305 to mirror state penalties.
• Liquor License Transfer: Applicants Saif Ibrahim and Mohammed Al-Sharifi presented their Masters Billiards LLC for a snooker and pool hall at 34762 Van Dyke Avenue. They plan a snooker academy and will serve food from a neighboring restaurant. Council approved the transfer unanimously after questioning.
• Priority Waste Change of Control: Public Works representative Mr. Moore reported a 99.9% collection rate in Q1 2026 (1.768 million stops, 534 returns). Priority Waste's Sam Caramango explained TPG's acquisition of controlling interest, bringing $150 million to settle debt and invest. Council expressed concerns about past service issues but approved the consent to the change of control unanimously.
• Boards and Commissions Nominations: Planning commission nominations postponed to June 1. Nominations made for Board of Ordinance Appeals, Board of Review, Pension Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals for consideration at the June 2 regular meeting. A typo in the motion for Board of Ordinance Appeals was corrected during the meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the Lakeside CIA Development Plan and TIF Plan by a vote of 6-1 (Councilman Yanis dissenting).
• Approved the Kratom ban ordinance by a vote of 6-1 (Mayor Taylor dissenting).
• Adopted the ordinance updating penalty provisions unanimously.
• Approved the liquor license transfer to Masters Billiards LLC unanimously.
• Approved the Priority Waste change of control to TPG unanimously.
• Honored Shirley May Ogar, welcomed three new police officers, and presented the Nice Neighbor Award unanimously.
• Made nominations to various boards and commissions for action at the June 2, 2026 meeting; planning commission nominations postponed.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:42 PM after council reports, including a remembrance of fallen officers.