Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - July 5, 2023

The Taylor City Council met on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present (Councilmembers Ramick, Slaven, Rose, Johnson, Brandana, Winton; Deputy Clerk Al Rafiki; Mayor Woolley and Councilmembers Geiss and Tocco excused). The council approved the agenda and the minutes of the June 20, 2023 meeting. All regular agenda items were approved unanimously under a series of motions, with some discussion on several items. Public comments addressed safety concerns at Heritage Park following a shooting. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Police Training: Approved sending four police officers to Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor Certification training for an amount not to exceed $2,700, funded through Act 302 Training Funds.
• Prisoner Housing: Approved monthly payment per invoice to Wayne County for prisoner housing at $35 per day as per Section 197-2 of the Wayne County Code.
• Fire Department Mutual Aid: Approved Western Wayne County Fire Department Mutual Aid Association annual dues not to exceed $13,539, funded through General Fund Fire Department Contractual Services.
• LED Stop Signs: Approved the purchase of 10 LED stop signs from Sugar Sound, LLC for an amount not to exceed $6,980, funded through the State Forfeiture Account. A city official explained the signs are solar-powered and intended to improve traffic safety.
• Fire Truck Repairs: Approved repairs to Ladder 1 by Metro Airport Truck (current vendor) for an amount not to exceed $2,552, funded through General Fund Fire Department Repairs and Maintenance.
• Concrete Repair: Approved SRM Concrete (low quote) to repair Huron Street for an amount not to exceed $36,000, funded through Local Road Preservation CRM-Concrete Account.
• Boom Truck: Approved the purchase of a 2022 Boom Truck from Lindco Equipment through Sourcewell Cooperative for an amount not to exceed $204,512, funded through Right of Way Metro Act 48 Account. The director explained the truck will replace a defective 2002/2003 truck and help address over 200 tree trimming requests.
• Mini Excavator: Approved the purchase of a 2023 Mini Excavator from Michigan Cat through Sourcewell Cooperative for an amount not to exceed $40,739, funded through Water Transmission and Distribution Capital Outlay.
• Tractor and Bucket: Approved the purchase of a tractor and bucket from Deere and Company (State Bid) for the Water Department for an amount not to exceed $43,425, funded through Water Transmission Distribution Capital Outlay. The director noted it replaces a 2001 tractor used for restoration after main breaks.
• BMX Pump Track and Skatepark: Approved Spohn Ranch (Preferred Design/Build Vendor) for design and installation of a BMX pump track and skatepark at Lange Park for an amount not to exceed $1,000,000, funded through Capital Outlay ARPA Grant. The director confirmed a detailed park layout exists and will be shared via boards and online.
• Sportsplex Blanket Purchase Agreement: Approved the Taylor Sportsplex's blanket purchase agreement for the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year for an amount not to exceed $300,000.
• Card Access Badge Printer: Approved DA Central (sole source) for purchase and installation of a card access badge printer for $4,528, funded through ARPA IT Capital Outlay and General Fund IT Contractual Services.
• Insurance Policies: Approved six insurance coverage renewals for the period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, all paid through Nickel and Saph, Inc., city agent of record, and funded through the General Fund:
  • General liability, automobile, etc. with Old Republic: $606,517
  • Property, crime, inland marine with Travelers: $319,812
  • Judicial liability with NASPPG Insurance Services: $4,923
  • Primary law enforcement liability with AIG: $527,527
  • Primary public officials and employer practices liability with Greenwich Insurance Company: $175,560
  • Excess law enforcement, public officials, and employer practices liability with Upland Specialty Insurance Company: $353,564

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barbara Lasky (26548 Beverly) addressed the council regarding a shooting that occurred at Heritage Park where her grandchildren were present. She expressed concern about safety, lack of security, and asked what the city plans to do. She also noted issues with large groups, vehicles on paths, and parking on grass. The council and police chief responded with plans for cameras and increased patrols.

Discussion Items

• Gate Access Issue: Councilman Slaven raised a question about the malfunctioning gate at the municipal building. The chief and public works director explained that the gate may deactivate after a period of inactivity and that credentials can be reset. They offered to help with his card.
• Panhandling and Traffic Safety: Councilman Johnson reported people soliciting money on corners near highways and walking into traffic. The police chief confirmed officers enforce laws against impeding traffic and noted that some panhandlers are not homeless and make significant money.
• Park Maintenance and Paths: A resident complaint about overgrown paths at Fletcher Park was addressed by the parks director, who said trimmings will be cleared. Council also discussed the path at Heritage Park and ATV/golf cart regulations. The police chief clarified that ATVs are not allowed on roadways unless street legal, and that golf carts are difficult to license.
• Fireworks Regulation: The city attorney explained that the city cannot ban fireworks but can regulate hours, with exceptions on certain holidays (e.g., June 29-July 4, December 31, etc.). After 11:45 PM, use becomes illegal. The chief noted injuries and pet issues.
• Heritage Park Security: Following public comment, the council discussed installing Flock cameras (real-time, license plate and person tracking) at an estimated $2,700 per camera per year. The police chief and parks director are exploring this option and will bring a proposal forward. Council also discussed possibly adjusting park hours (currently 11 PM as per charter) and the feasibility of park rangers to supplement patrols.

Key Outcomes

• All 18 items on the regular agenda were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• The treasurer's office announced that summer 2023 tax bills will be created and mailed shortly, with a due date of September 30, 2023.
• The council and administration will expedite a proposal for Flock cameras at Heritage Park to improve safety and monitoring.
• The council will consider potential ordinance changes or other measures to address large gatherings and security in parks, including possible park ranger program revival.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:26 PM.