OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - March 21, 2023

City Council — Tuesday, March 21, 2023
BodyTaylor, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, March 21, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
1:10

Call the meeting to order.

1:12

It is 6 30.

1:13

First item on the agenda is the invocation.

1:17

I'd like to ask uh Bob Janot from New Hope to please come forward.

1:25

Thank you.

1:28

New Testament, the Bible says that we're urged to have petitions and prayers and intercession and thanksgiving for all people, but especially for those in authority.

1:38

And the reason is so we can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1:44

So if you'll join me, please in prayer.

1:48

Father, thank you on behalf of all who are gathered here today for your many and abundant blessings.

1:56

Thank you for life itself for the measure of health.

2:00

We need to fulfill our callings for sustenance and for friendship.

2:05

Thank you for the ability to be involved in useful work in the honor of bearing appropriate responsibilities.

2:14

Thank you for the freedom to embrace you or the freedom to reject you, and thank you for loving us, even so because of your boundless grace and nature.

2:25

You said that as citizens we ought to be governing and praying for the authorities over us, and since you establish those very authorities, we ask you to promote peace, order, and justice through them.

2:38

I pray for the mayor for the various levels of city officials, and in particular in this assembled city council.

2:46

I'm asking that you would graciously grant them wisdom to govern amid the conflicting interests and issues of our times, a sense of the welfare and true needs of our people, a keen thirst for justice and rightness, confidence in what is good and fitting, and the ability to work together in harmony even when there is honest disagreement, and also for personal peace in their lives, and joy in their tasks.

3:28

Amen.

3:29

Amen.

3:31

Thank you.

3:33

Next item on the agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance.

3:36

I'd like to ask Councilwoman Rose to please lead us in the pledge.

3:50

One nation.

4:03

The next item on the agenda is the roll call.

4:06

Mrs.

4:06

Brandana.

4:07

Here, Mrs.

4:08

Winton.

4:09

Here.

4:10

Mr.

4:10

Ramick?

4:11

Here.

4:11

Miss Rose.

4:12

Here.

4:13

Mr.

4:13

Geis.

4:14

Here.

4:14

Mr.

4:15

Johnson.

4:15

Here.

4:16

Mayor Woolley.

4:17

Here.

4:18

Mrs.

4:18

Bauer.

4:19

Here.

4:19

And Mr.

4:20

Slavin is excused and Mrs.

4:22

Toko is excused.

4:29

All right.

4:30

We have six members present.

4:31

There is a quorum.

4:32

The next item on the agenda is a motion to approve the agenda.

4:37

Chairman.

4:39

Madam Councilwoman.

4:40

Yes, I'd like to make a motion to approve the agenda with the removal of items 7.7 and 7.15 from the agenda.

4:49

Support.

4:50

Motion by Councilwoman Brandana supported by Councilwoman Witten to approve the agenda with the removal of items 7.7 and 7.15 from the agenda.

5:01

Is there any discussion?

5:08

All is in favor say yes.

5:09

Yes.

5:10

All is opposed, say no.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Cannabis Regulation████████████████████████████████████████████44%
Miscellaneous█████████████13%
Procedural███████████11%
Municipal Zoning███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Public Safety████4%
Environmental Protection███3%
Election Policy██2%
Community Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - March 21, 2023

The Taylor City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. The meeting included invocation, pledge, roll call (six members present, two excused), and was adjourned at 9:52 PM. Key items included two first readings of marijuana-related ordinances that failed, along with various routine approvals.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the agenda (removing items 7.7 and 7.15).
  • Approved minutes of March 7, 2023.
  • Mayor Communications:
    • 6.1: Personal service contract for Recreation Department Assistant Manager.
    • 6.2: Personal service contract for Taylor Golf.
    • 6.3: MOU with Wayne County Land Bank for demolition funding up to $13,500.
    • 6.4: Tentative agreement with Taylor Police Command Officer Association – postponed to April 4, 2023 (motion to postpone carried).
  • Regular Agenda (items passed without recorded opposition):
    • 7.3: Receive and file Planning Commission annual report 2021/2022.
    • 7.4: Amend CCR#7.314-22; increase Amazon authority by $2,000.
    • 7.5: Approve Downriver Body Works low bid for police vehicle repair ($3,972).
    • 7.6: Approve Direct Fitness Solutions for workout equipment ($9,871, MNET funds).
    • 7.8: Approve INIA training for eight MNET officers in Austin, TX ($18,250).
    • 7.9: Amend CCR#2.275-23; increase Fairfax Electric authority by $360.
    • 7.10: Amend CCR#6.288-22; increase Michigan Maintenance Supply by $2,000.
    • 7.11: Amend CCR#6.288-22; increase Med-Tech Resources by $10,000 for ALS supplies.
    • 7.12: Amend CCR#9.414-22; add Oakland County Community College.
    • 7.13: Amend CCR#6.288-22; add Federated Healthcare Supply/Grogans.
    • 7.14: Approve Hennessey Engineers for Monroe Boulevard resurfacing design ($95,000).
    • 7.16: Amend CCR#7.350-22; increase DPW purchase agreements.
    • 7.17: Approve resolution to remove road segments from Act 51 map (180 ft Baker St., 235 ft Westlake St.).
    • 7.18: Approve two DPW employees attending MPSI (up to $3,500).
    • 7.19: Approve American Generator Service low quote for generator maintenance.
    • 7.20: Receive and file February 2023 Budget Performance Report.
    • 7.21: Receive and file February 2023 Paid Invoice Report.
    • 7.22: Set public hearings for CDBG funds (April 4 and May 16, 2023).
    • 7.23: Add Dairy Queen as purchase agreement for Sportsplex (up to $3,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Philip Nisley: Urged council to respect the November ballot language including 2,500 ft setbacks, arguing the council is bound by that restriction.
  • Mary Susa: Questioned the "no limit" on licenses; expressed concerns about security, hours, enforcement, and fines ($500 per violation).
  • Chris (last name not provided): Presented ballot language and argued that the council should redo a ballot initiative rather than changing distances.
  • Kent Burke: Stated that citizens voted for 2,500 ft setbacks; warned that ignoring the vote would damage political trust.
  • Unidentified male speaker: Read from the existing chapter 11 ordinance, praising its protections and arguing the new proposed ordinance is confusing and weaker.
  • Christy Kelly (Sozo, Warren): Supported the ordinance, invited council to tour facilities, and argued for curbside service to accommodate parents.
  • Tony Jennings: Called the ballot process a sham; noted federal illegality of recreational marijuana.
  • Edward Lewis: Opposed the ordinance, concerned about children and Taylor’s history.
  • Tracy Cooley (Trenton): Accused council of breaking promises; stated the business interests are driving the issue, not citizens.
  • Edward Perdomo: Noted that 2,500 ft language on the ballot was problematic; supported moving forward with a reasonable ordinance to avoid lawsuits.
  • Kurt Molino (Trenton): Advocated for a slight adjustment (e.g., 2,250 ft) to satisfy the vote and allow some locations; cited medical benefits.
  • Chris (second time): Noted the two proposed locations are near trailer parks and expressed concern.
  • Harold Kim (Ann Arbor): Stated 38 states have opted in; argued citizens voted yes and council should implement with practical distances; emphasized safety and benefits.
  • Victoria Peters: Requested access to the GIS maps to verify parcel availability.
  • Gerald Roach: Thanked council for upholding the citizen vote (by voting no on 7.1); called on those who voted yes to check their consciences.

Discussion Items

  • Item 7.1 – Marijuana Commercial Businesses Ordinance (First Reading): Councilwoman Brandana raised concerns about drive-throughs, micro-businesses, transferable licenses, security requirements, and enforcement. Corporation Counsel stated that the $5,000 fee is statutory; the 2,500 ft distance would likely result in zero eligible parcels, making the ordinance a sham. After extensive debate, a motion to approve the first reading was made and seconded. Vote: 2 yes (Johnson, Geis) – 4 no (Rose, Brandana, Winton, Ramik) – 1 excused. Failed.
  • Item 7.2 – Zoning Amendment for Recreational Marijuana (First Reading): This item was linked to 7.1. Councilwoman Winton argued that the ballot language included 2,500 ft distances and that changing that would deceive voters. Councilman Ramik asked about legal repercussions if council did nothing; Corporation Counsel stated none. A motion to approve with attached red-line modifications (including 1,250 ft from churches/schools, 1,500 ft from residential, and other nuances from Johnson/Geis) was made. Vote: 2 yes (Johnson, Geis) – 4 no (Rose, Brandana, Winton, Ramik) – 1 excused. Failed. Chair noted that with 7.1 failing, 7.2 is moot.
  • Open Business – Hazardous Injection Well: Councilwoman Winton asked about the status of Ohio waste brought to the Romulus injection well. Mayor and Councilman Geis provided background: operations have been stopped, but efforts continue to permanently seal the well. Concerns were raised about transportation risk and Michigan being a dumping ground due to less stringent standards (50 ppb vs. 5 ppb in Ohio/Pennsylvania).

Key Outcomes

  • Failed: Ordinance for marijuana commercial businesses (7.1) – 2-4-1.
  • Failed: Zoning amendment for recreational marijuana establishments (7.2) – 2-4-1.
  • Postponed: Tentative agreement with Taylor Police Command Officer Association (6.4) to April 4, 2023.
  • Passed: All other consent items and routine agenda items, including budget reports, contracts, and infrastructure approvals.
  • Upcoming: Public hearings for CDBG funds scheduled for April 4 and May 16, 2023.
  • Note: With the failure of both marijuana ordinances, the city retains its current ban on recreational marijuana establishments. No further action scheduled at this time.

Meeting Transcript

Call the meeting to order. It is 6 30. First item on the agenda is the invocation. I'd like to ask uh Bob Janot from New Hope to please come forward. Thank you. New Testament, the Bible says that we're urged to have petitions and prayers and intercession and thanksgiving for all people, but especially for those in authority. And the reason is so we can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. So if you'll join me, please in prayer. Father, thank you on behalf of all who are gathered here today for your many and abundant blessings. Thank you for life itself for the measure of health. We need to fulfill our callings for sustenance and for friendship. Thank you for the ability to be involved in useful work in the honor of bearing appropriate responsibilities. Thank you for the freedom to embrace you or the freedom to reject you, and thank you for loving us, even so because of your boundless grace and nature. You said that as citizens we ought to be governing and praying for the authorities over us, and since you establish those very authorities, we ask you to promote peace, order, and justice through them. I pray for the mayor for the various levels of city officials, and in particular in this assembled city council. I'm asking that you would graciously grant them wisdom to govern amid the conflicting interests and issues of our times, a sense of the welfare and true needs of our people, a keen thirst for justice and rightness, confidence in what is good and fitting, and the ability to work together in harmony even when there is honest disagreement, and also for personal peace in their lives, and joy in their tasks. Amen. Amen. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. I'd like to ask Councilwoman Rose to please lead us in the pledge. One nation. The next item on the agenda is the roll call. Mrs. Brandana. Here, Mrs. Winton. Here. Mr. Ramick? Here. Miss Rose. Here. Mr. Geis. Here. Mr. Johnson. Here. Mayor Woolley. Here. Mrs. Bauer. Here. And Mr. Slavin is excused and Mrs. Toko is excused. All right. We have six members present. There is a quorum.

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