Sterling Heights City Council Meeting – July 8, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council met on July 8, 2026, at 11:08 AM (the meeting began in the evening, but the recorded timestamp indicates 11:08:23+00:00). The agenda was approved with an amendment moving item I (Gardner Street East paving) to a consideration item. The meeting included a city manager’s report, award recognitions, a presentation of donations, ordinance adoption, a consent agenda, a consideration item for a nonprofit gaming license, debate over gravel road paving, public comment on e-bikes, council new business, and a closed session.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda as amended (by moving item I to a consideration item) without discussion. (Mayor Taylor, Ms. Zarko moved; voice vote carried.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• E-bike safety concern: Resident Mike Golpa (36367 Gregory Street) raised concerns about e-bikes and electric scooters, noting no ordinances exist for them. He observed children riding without helmets, dodging traffic, and emphasized safety risks. He asked the council to address the issue. City Manager Vanderpool responded that the state regulates e-bike types 1, 2, and 3, and the police department is studying model ordinances and local control options, with a report expected later this year.

Discussion Items

• City Manager’s Report:

  • Awards: City Clerk’s office won a 2006 Michigan My Excellence Award for use of handheld translation devices (funded by grant). Purchasing office received a 2026 national Award of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute. Planning office won an award for the city’s master plan (community engagement and state-of-the-art methodology).
  • “Look No Further” campaign: A video was shown marketing Sterling Heights to businesses and families outside the city; campaign analytics to be reported later.
  • America 250 bookmark contest winners: Four winners (ages 6, 15, teen, adult) were recognized.
  • Fireworks enforcement: 30 violations ($500 each), 7 violations for illegal days ($1,000 each), 1 violation for use while intoxicated ($1,000), and minors using fireworks – total fines $22,650. 300 residents submitted complaints online to state legislators. The city is seeking local control to regulate fireworks.
  • Closed session request: To consult with city attorney on trial settlement strategy (U.S. District Court cases 25 CV 13315 and 25 CV 1331) and discuss confidential legal opinion.

• Presentation and Acceptance of Annual Donations (Sterling Fest):

  • Three sponsors: Christian Financial Credit Union ($22,000 for Wi-Fi and drone show), Stellantis ($12,000 for midway), and AT&T ($11,000 for main stage) – total $45,000. Council accepted the donations (motion by Mrs. Sarowski, seconded, voice vote carried).

• Ordinance Adoption – Emergency Management Amendment (Chapter 15):

  • Adopted ordinance updating organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities for emergency/disaster management. Motion by Mrs. Schmidt, supported. Councilman Radke thanked administration for incorporating his changes. Voice vote carried.

• Consideration Item – BOMA Metro Detroit Nonprofit Recognition:

  • Rick Troy (Executive Director) presented request for recognition as a local nonprofit to obtain a Michigan charitable gaming license. The foundation focuses on scholarships and assisting those affected by tragedies. Council approved with condition that the city is not listed on promotional materials (motion by Mrs. Zarko, seconded). Discussion included inquiry about scholarship criteria and potential partners (Mrs. Schmidt suggested Warren Consolidated Schools). Voice vote carried.

• Item I – Gardner Street East Asphalt Paving Bid Award:

  • City Engineer Brett Bishaw presented: Gardner Street East is one of five gravel roads (1,200 feet). Budgeted $450,000 for asphalt topping. Low bid from Florence Cement Company at $542,649.44 (17% over estimate). A consent Special Assessment District (SAD) at 50% was not viable due to resident opposition. Administration recommended using local funds. Councilman Radke made a motion to proceed with a 50% SAD, but it failed for lack of a second. Mrs. Schmidt then moved to award the bid to Florence Cement Company for $542,649.44 and authorize a budget amendment of $180,000 from local road fund reserves. After debate:
    • Councilman Radke argued against using city money, calling it a wealth transfer (property values increase ~10% per parcel). He noted residents never paid for the street, and the project is over budget.
    • Mrs. Sarowski supported, saying residents pay taxes for city projects and it’s time to pave the gravel road.
    • Councilman Majak noted the city currently spends $14,000/year maintaining just Gardner Street East, and paving would reduce future maintenance costs.
    • Mayor Taylor expressed preference for a 50% SAD but voted yes to get the project done. The motion passed 6-1 (Radke dissenting).

• Council New Business / Reports:

  • Mr. Yanis: Asked about Leviathan Development’s role (Allison Greenfield and Colin Carby) in Lakeside Mall; City Manager Vanderpool did not have immediate details but will follow up. Also inquired about contractor hiring for Lakeside Mall infrastructure – the developer will handle contracting but has committed in writing to the city’s Responsible Contractor Ordinance. Requested quarterly travel reports per council rules (last updated 2016) and an update to the council handbook.
  • Mrs. Zarko: Reported on MML workshop topics: fireworks, entrepreneurship, inclusivity, short-term rentals, and travel budget increases due to rising costs.
  • Mr. Radke: Suggested making the Music in the Park fireworks an annual event if the city seeks to ban private fireworks. Also requested nicer proclamation certificates (with city logo) for honorees. Supported a community benefits ordinance for large projects. Proposed creating a second arts commission to engage 13 residents on a waitlist; City Manager Vanderpool noted an alternative “art ambassador program” had been discussed. Mayor Taylor asked administration to research best practices from other cities and report back.
  • Mrs. Sarowski and Mr. Schmidt: Congratulated award-winning departments (Clerk, Purchasing, Planning). Mrs. Sarowski also mentioned parking lot flow improvements after the fireworks show.
  • Mrs. Zarko: Commented on the public accuracy test for election equipment (attended by Mrs. Zarko). City Clerk Riska confirmed it went well. Council praised Riska’s team.
  • Mr. Radke’s arts commission proposal: Council did not object, but will await administration’s research on best practices.

Key Outcomes

• Awards recognized for Clerk, Purchasing, and Planning departments.
• Donations of $45,000 from Christian Financial Credit Union, Stellantis, and AT&T accepted for Sterling Fest.
• Ordinance amending Chapter 15 (Emergency Management) adopted.
• BOMA Metro Detroit recognized as a local nonprofit for charitable gaming license.
• Gardner Street East paving awarded to Florence Cement Company for $542,649.44 (budget amendment of $180,000 from local road fund reserves) – vote 6-1.
• Closed session approved (7-0) to discuss legal matters; no public return expected.
• Follow-ups: City manager to report on e-bike ordinance study, provide quarterly travel reports (per council rules), update council handbook, research arts commission/ambassador program best practices, and share developer’s written commitment on Responsible Contractor Ordinance.