Sterling Heights City Council Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Sterling Heights City Council met on September 16, 2026, with Mayor Taylor presiding. The meeting included a remembrance for longtime city employee Jocelyn Scoggins, a public hearing on a conditional rezoning for a car wash, a presentation on the 'Look No Further' campaign, the swearing-in of five new police officers, and several consent and consideration items. The council denied the car wash rezoning (5-1) and approved a memorandum of understanding to create a traffic engineer position.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: The council approved the agenda as presented.
• Consent Agenda: Approved without discussion, including routine items and a DPW solar panel project (Item D). Public comments on the solar panels were heard prior to approval.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Safety Cameras: Multiple residents opposed renewal of the city's contract with Flock, citing error rates, privacy violations, and potential for abuse (Whitney, Brandon Watson, Debbie Trofe). Paul Smith warned of a national database and compared it to government surveillance. One retired law enforcement officer (Tom) supported Flock as a critical investigative tool that helped solve crimes and maintain safety.
• Capture Systems (State Incentive): Jenna, a lifelong resident, objected to the state's use of $936,000 in taxpayer incentives to bring a foreign defense contractor specializing in drone and surveillance technology to Sterling Heights, arguing it infringes on privacy and was approved without local consent.
• Solar Panels (Consent Item): Sarah Fisher (Sustainability Commission chair) supported the DPW solar panels, noting federal tax credits and a 6.6-year return on investment. Paul Smith opposed, arguing solar panels are ineffective in Michigan winters and a waste of tax dollars.

Discussion Items

• Conditional Rezoning – Car Wash (PZ26-0001):
  • Presentation: City Planner Dr. Jake Arcel recommended denial, citing conflicts with the master plan, spot zoning concerns, safety risks for the adjacent KinderCare daycare (shared driveway), and inadequate traffic/queuing studies. The Planning Commission had voted unanimously to deny.
  • Applicant: Phil Ruggieri and Brandon Hannah (owner/broker) argued the property has been vacant for three years, no other tenants came forward, and the proposed $4.2 million investment would remove a blighted building. They presented expert reports on noise and traffic, and offered to restrict use of the shared driveway during daycare drop-off/pickup hours.
  • Public Comment: Margaret Feldis (resident) raised traffic hazards at the intersection and emergency vehicle access. Jenna Hunt (parent of KinderCare child) opposed due to safety and noise concerns. Paul Smith opposed, noting the Planning Commission's unanimous denial. Councilwoman Zarko made a motion to deny with seven specific findings.
  • Council Vote: Motion to deny passed 5-1 (Mr. Majak dissented, stating the concerns were manageable and the property deserved a beneficial use).
• Memorandum of Understanding – Traffic Engineer: City Manager Mark Vanderpool presented a MOU with MAPEP Technical Office Employees Union to create a traffic engineer position to support the city's Vision Zero safety plan. The position will analyze crash data, conduct traffic studies, and coordinate safety improvements. Council approved unanimously.
• New Police Officer Swearing-In: Chief Andrew Satterfield introduced five new officers (Charles Carlson, Jorge Bermudez, Alicia Raymond, Stefano Iafredi, Trey Holmes). Each spoke briefly, and council members welcomed them, emphasizing the city's support for public safety and its status as the Safest Big City in Michigan for seven consecutive years.
• 'Look No Further' Campaign Update: Brandon Chestnut (Identity PR) presented campaign metrics, including a brand perception survey by ETC Institute showing 75% positive impression, 80% rating parks as excellent/good, and 25% of outside respondents likely to move to Sterling Heights in 2-3 years. The campaign targets homebuyers and businesses outside the city.
• Appointments:
  • Arts Commission: Appointment postponed to the first October meeting.
  • Youth Advisory Board: Victoria Lovinenko appointed to a term ending June 30, 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Car Wash Rezoning Denied: Motion to deny introduction of the rezoning amendment passed 5-1 based on safety concerns, spot zoning, inconsistency with master plan, and lack of demonstrated need.
• Traffic Engineer MOU Approved: Unanimous approval to create the new classification, with the position expected to be filled by year-end.
• Consent Agenda Approved: Included DPW solar panels and other routine items.
• Board Appointments: Arts commission postponed; youth advisory board seat filled.
• Flock Contract Under Renewal Consideration: Public comments urged the council to reconsider the contract; no vote was taken on renewal this evening.