Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - August 19, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council held a regular meeting on August 19, 2026, starting at approximately 4:29 PM. The meeting included several presentations, unanimous approvals of routine and significant items, and a lengthy public comment period focused on the renewal of the Flock license plate reader contract. The council voted to bring the Flock renewal to a vote at the second meeting in October 2026.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved as amended, moving consent agenda item 8D to a consideration item.
• The consent agenda (with the omission of 8D) was approved unanimously.

Presentations & Reports

• Library Recognition: The library director and youth librarian recognized children who completed the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program. Certificates were awarded to approximately 30 young readers.
• Library Intern Presentation: Sarah Westerman, a public health graduate intern, presented on the library's role in addressing social determinants of health. She highlighted that 13% of Sterling Heights residents over 25 lack a high school diploma and about 25% are under 5 or over 65. She urged council to consider the library as a partner in community health initiatives and to support library funding.
• Clinton River Road Reconstruction: City Engineer presented the 4.5-mile reconstruction from Canal Road to Hayes Road. The project includes water main replacement, sanitary sewer extensions, new traffic signals, a multi-use path, and pedestrian safety improvements. Construction will begin in fall 2026 with utility work, followed by road work in 2027. A town hall was scheduled for the following evening. The project is funded partly by federal dollars and will be built by Pro-Line Asphalt. Councilmember Myjack questioned the pavement type (asphalt) and design life (25-30 years).
• Nice Neighbor Award: Dominic Jennero was recognized for repeatedly helping neighbors with property maintenance without expectation of repayment. He shared a personal story and was presented with a framed award.

Discussion Items

• Appointment of Finance Director: City Manager Mark Vanderpool recommended the confirmation of Nicholas Mackey as Finance and Budget Director, effective August 19, 2026. Mr. Mackey had served as interim director since the retirement of Jennifer Varney. Council members praised his professionalism and expertise. The motion carried unanimously.
• Quick Response Vehicle MOU: Acting Fire Chief Michael Ammermino presented a Memorandum of Understanding with Local 1557 of the International Association of Firefighters to establish personnel staffing for a new Quick Response Vehicle (QRV). The QRV is a smaller, faster fire apparatus designed to improve response times for medical calls and preserve larger apparatus. Daily staffing will increase from 29 to 30. The program is set to launch February 1, 2027, after paramedic training concludes. Council members expressed support, citing improved efficiency and reduced wear on heavy equipment. The MOU was approved unanimously.
• Property Purchase for Rotary Park: Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Langlois presented the purchase of 37328 and 37356 Utica Road (Clinton River Canoe & Kayak property) for a cumulative $1,085,000. The acquisition will expand Rotary Park to approximately 60 contiguous acres and enable a new livery, pavilion, accessible restrooms, pathways, and connection to Belvedere Park. Funding comes from the Pathway to Play and Preservation millage and a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. A resident raised concerns about an open underground storage tank release on the property; Mr. Langlois confirmed that Phase I and Baseline Environmental Assessments had been completed. The purchase was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Cameras (majority of comments): Over 25 residents and non-residents spoke against renewing the Flock contract. Key points included:
  • Privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns: mass surveillance, data storage, vulnerability to misuse.
  • High error rates: a speaker cited a 71% misread rate in Roseville, CA, and a 30% false positive rate in an LAPD audit. Multiple incidents of wrongful stops and settlements were mentioned (e.g., Detroit, Toledo).
  • Security failures: stolen logins sold on Russian forums, Flock employees accessing footage without authorization (e.g., viewing a girls' gymnastics class).
  • Immigration enforcement concerns: several speakers noted Flock data being accessed by ICE and Border Patrol despite assurances.
  • Calls for independent audits and rejection of the contract.
• Other comments: One resident thanked council for the new food scrap composting pilot program. Another requested repair of a driveway on Brightside Court. A resident complained about parking congestion during Thursday concerts affecting library access. A former minister and cybersecurity expert urged the council to rely on independent experts rather than Flock sales representatives.

Council Discussion and Key Outcomes

• Flock Contract Renewal: Councilmember Radke moved to place the Flock contract renewal on the agenda for the second meeting in October 2026 (tentatively October 13 or 14) for a decision. After debate about timing and the need for additional information, the motion carried 6-0. Councilmembers expressed varying views: some wanted more time to research options, others felt the decision should come sooner. Mayor Taylor noted he supports bringing the issue to a vote rather than letting it auto-renew in December.
• Other Business:
  • Mr. Vanderpool confirmed that construction on 15 Mile Road between Van Dyke and Maple Lane is scheduled to start soon and be completed by end of year.
  • An e-bike ordinance is under development; the city manager expects a proposal by year-end. Councilmembers Schmidt and Radke discussed enforcement challenges and potential bans on sidewalk riding.
  • Councilwoman Zarko requested that Macomb County provide landscaping at the Edison Easement utility site on 15 Mile Road.

Next Steps

• The Flock contract renewal will be debated and voted on at the second council meeting in October 2026. Administration will report back on implemented safeguards and possible contract modifications.
• E-bike ordinance proposals are expected before the end of the year.
• The Clinton River Road construction project will begin after Labor Day 2026 with a town hall the following day.