Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - June 3, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council met on June 3, 2026, at 12:21 PM (though the meeting began in the evening) to address a full agenda including special presentations, budget amendments, charter amendment proposals, appointments, and public concerns. The meeting lasted several hours, concluding after 9:30 PM with a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved after removing item eight (later discussed as item O).
• Consent agenda approved as amended, including items such as a resolution supporting extension of the Velocity Collaboration Center's Smart Zone designation, and a resolution opposing Michigan House Bills 5872-5879.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pickleball Complex (Manuel Gonzalez): Speaking as a senior resident, expressed disappointment that the new complex will not have dedicated senior pickleball time, calling it a "slap in the face" and stating seniors will organize their own play. He warned that seniors will remember at the ballot box.
• Dangerous Dog (Danny Sheener, 44746 Moraine Drive): Described a neighbor's dangerous dog that has bitten a medical professional and continues to be a threat despite court proceedings. He appealed for help, noting a stay of euthanization order pending a June 8 hearing. City Attorney Koshubsky advised attending the hearing.
• Recovery Con & Film Festival (Elizabeth Capolo, Care of Southeastern Michigan): Invited council to the second annual event on June 26, 2026, which will include a youth panel and presentations.
• General Comment (Mr. Smith): Criticized the ZBA's approval of a condominium project with many variances, argued that the $50,000 purchase threshold proposed was not supported by local property value inflation, and opposed the resolution against state tax bills.

Discussion Items

• Special Presentations:
  • Shirley Mae Ogar 100th Birthday: Recognized resident Shirley Mae Ogar, born May 18, 1926, who has lived in Sterling Heights since 1957 (before incorporation). She shared her secret of keeping busy and threading needles. Council members praised her community service.
  • Oral History Project: Intern Sarah Friedman presented a video compilation of interviews with former officials capturing the city's history from the 1980s to present. The project was supported by the Historical Commission and SHTV.
  • Velocity Collaboration Center Update: Director Paula McPherson reported $652,000 in grants awarded, $68 million in investment attracted (up from $19.2M last year), 21 new companies started, 8 new businesses attracted (3 international), and 69 accelerator and 131 incubator clients served. Upcoming events include a ribbon cutting for Ash Interactive, a podcast lounge, drone workforce training (21 participants to date, 38 in next cohort), a new manufacturer directory, CEO roundtables, and an international fellowship program hosting fellows from Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt.
  • Clark A. Andrews Recognition: Adopted resolution honoring Clark A. Andrews for over 50 years of distinguished legal service to the city. Council members and City Attorney Koshubsky praised his mentorship and contributions. Andrews thanked everyone and noted he worked until age 76.
• Budget Amendment Introduction (Final FY 2025-2026): Presented by Nick Mackey, Assistant Budget and Finance Director. General fund revenues projected $7.1M (5.3%) higher than budgeted, primarily due to a Tier 3 property tax reimbursement. Proposed to reserve unallocated funds pending clarity on pending legislation that could eliminate personal property taxes (creating a $4.6M annual hole). General fund balance expected to exceed 30% of expenditures. Expenditure increases: police $400K (reimbursed security details), fire $190K (grant-funded physicals). Final amendment scheduled for adoption June 16.
• Charter Amendment Proposals (Two Ballot Questions):
  • Vacancy Filling (Section 4.06): Council proposed amending charter to require a special election for council vacancies when two or more years remain in the term, rather than council appointment. Council voted 7-0 to place this on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Discussion included cost of special elections ($125,000 estimated) and balance between voter voice and fiscal responsibility.
  • Purchase Threshold (Sections 13.03/13.04): Proposed raising the threshold requiring formal council approval from $5,000 (set in 1968) to $50,000, indexed to inflation (CPI). After debate, council amended the motion to a flat $50,000 with no CPI adjustment. Vote passed 5-2 (Radke and Sarowski voting no). Councilman Radke argued for $35,000 as a compromise, warning $50,000 might fail at the ballot. City Manager Vanderpool noted $50,000 aligns with inflation and best practices. The ballot question will also be placed on the November 2026 election.
• Resolutions Opposing State Tax Bills (HB 5872-5879): Council adopted a resolution opposing Michigan House bills that would eliminate personal property taxes and other local revenue sources, citing potential $5 million annual loss, risk of layoffs (police/fire), tax shift to residents, and undermining local control. Vote passed 7-0. Council members criticized the bills as partisan and fiscally irresponsible.
• Appointments to Boards and Commissions: Council made numerous appointments to various boards, including Board of Ordinance Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission (with division of votes), Beautification Commission, Sustainability Commission, and others. Notable: Planning Commission appointment of Edward Kopp failed 5-2 due to attendance concerns. Youth Advisory Board partially filled, postponing 1 seat to August 5.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent agenda as amended.
• Adopted: Resolution honoring Clark A. Andrews.
• Introduced: Final FY 2025-2026 budget amendment (first reading).
• Set for Ballot November 3, 2026: Charter amendment to require special election for council vacancies with >2 years remaining (7-0).
• Set for Ballot November 3, 2026: Charter amendment to raise purchase approval threshold to $50,000 (no CPI adjustment) (5-2).
• Adopted: Resolution opposing Michigan House Bills 5872-5879 (7-0).
• Appointments: Multiple board appointments confirmed; Edward Kopp not reappointed to Planning Commission.
• Council Directives:
  • City administration to bring options for primary election thresholds (Councilman Yannis, no objection).
  • City administration to explore better accommodations for senior communities and charitable events (Councilwoman Sarowski and Councilman Yannis, no objection).
• Closed Session: Council voted to convene closed session under Open Meetings Act Section H to consider real property purchase/lease.