OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - August 1, 2023

City Council — Tuesday, August 1, 2023
BodyTaylor, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, August 1, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:34:34

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Call the meeting to order.

0:02

Um, we do not have anybody here this evening to do the invocation, but uh would like to uh take a moment of silence or for William Fred Kemp.

0:12

Uh William, as we all know him as Fred, umorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict.

0:22

He worked in the engineering department of Wayne County as a project supervisor.

0:26

He served as the treasurer for the city of Taylor and retired from public service in 1990.

0:33

Uh, in honor of his uh his dedication to the city of Taylor, his and his entire families.

0:40

I'd like to take a moment moment of silence for Mr.

0:42

Fred Kemp.

0:51

Thank you all.

0:54

Brings us next to the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:56

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

1:12

Under individual with the justice.

1:22

Next item on the agenda is the roll call.

1:25

Roll call, please.

1:26

Mr.

1:26

Ramick here.

1:27

Mr.

1:27

Slavin is excused, Miss Rose.

1:29

Here.

1:30

Mr.

1:31

Johnson.

1:31

Here.

1:32

Mrs.

1:32

Brandana.

1:33

Here.

1:34

Ms.

1:34

Swinton?

1:35

Here.

1:35

Mr.

1:36

Guy's?

1:36

Here.

1:37

Mayor Woolley?

1:38

Here.

1:39

Mrs.

1:39

Bauer.

1:40

Here.

1:40

And Mrs.

1:41

Topo.

1:41

Here.

1:43

We have six members present.

1:45

We do have a quorum.

1:46

Next item on the agenda is 5.1.

1:48

A motion to approve the agenda.

1:50

Chairman.

1:51

Councilwoman.

1:52

I make a motion to approve the agenda with the uh amendment to 7.1 to remove requesting use of city vehicle.

2:04

Support.

2:05

Motion by Councilwoman Brandana supported by Councilwoman Witten to accept the agenda as presented with the removal in item 7.1 of the sentence requesting use of city vehicle for overnight use.

2:25

Councilman Johnson.

2:27

Don't we normally let them use city vehicle?

2:30

As the uh corporation council uh reminded uh chairwoman Pro Tem and myself this evening that we had discussed that previous uh cases and uh we had stopped that practice due to the lie of potential liability to the city of Taylor.

2:47

So will they get reimbursed through the chair for their mileage in that?

2:51

Yes.

2:51

Okay.

2:53

Thank you.

2:54

Any further discussion?

2:57

Chairman, Councilwoman.

3:00

I think it should be plus out-of-pocket expenses.

3:05

Just as out of expenses, is that acceptable to the yes?

3:14

Okay, so uh we will add in pocket after uh out of out of pocket expenses.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety██████████████14%
Homelessness█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure██████████10%
Procedural████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Election Policy██████6%
Municipal Zoning██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Procurement Policy████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - August 1, 2023

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. Six members were present (Councilman Slavin excused). The council approved the agenda with an amendment, approved minutes from July 18, 2023, and considered 16 agenda items plus open business and public comment. Key actions included approval of a Special Event Coordinator contract, fire department training and grant applications, budget amendments, software support, road resurfacing funding, a flooding analysis contract, animal shelter design fees, equipment purchases, and leases. Public comments addressed homelessness near Eureka Road, road conditions, and drainage issues.

Consent Calendar

  • 5.1 Motion to Approve Agenda: Approved with an amendment to remove "requesting use of city vehicle for overnight use" from item 7.1, and added "plus out-of-pocket expenses." Unanimous.
  • 5.2 Motion to Approve Minutes of July 18, 2023: Unanimous.

Mayor's Communications

  • 6.1 Personal Service Contract for Special Event Coordinator at Lakes of Taylor: Motion to approve the contract (salary $45,000/year, benefits as detailed). Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Clyde Moore (15605 Vivian): Expressed concern about homelessness along Eureka between Telegraph and Beach Daily, citing people sleeping at a BP station and an abandoned ice cream shop, and loitering near Christnet. He asked for action before the situation worsens.
  • Arthur Sheldon (15115 Westlake): Described witnessing drug use, public urination, and panhandling near his home, which is close to an elementary school and senior home. He argued that Christnet's mission should be relocated away from residential areas and urged the city to address safety for his family.
  • Frederick DuPree (1514 Oldham): Complained about the poor condition of Oldham Street (narrow, eroded edges, flooding). He noted his car's suspension damage. Council confirmed Oldham is included in the 2023 asphalt resurfacing program approved under item 7.6.
  • Caroline Patz (Taylor Historical Society President): Thanked DPW for fixing a water main break after a storm. Announced the Taylor Conservatory Butterfly Day (August 5) and the rededication of the Taylor Township Hall to Jared Sexton (first supervisor) on August 6.
  • Steve (last name not given): Raised concerns about the Saxton Kilfoy drain, alleging that toxic aircraft de-icer has been pumped into the drain for decades, causing erosion and property damage. He stated the state advised him to get an attorney. Council directed him to continue contacting Wayne County and provided contact info for Kathy Power.
  • Unnamed Veteran (Vietnam): Praised the council for professionalism and made a suggestion to involve the religious community to address homelessness with dignity. He thanked Councilman Ramik for resolving a personal issue.

Discussion Items

  • 7.1 Fire Department Attendance at Michigan Fire Inspectors Society Fall Conference: Approved two members to attend, cost not to exceed $2,229 plus out-of-pocket expenses (amended to remove city vehicle use). Funded via General Fund. Unanimous.
  • 7.2 Amendment to Increase Hazmat Cleanup Authority: Increased CCR #6.277-23 by $1,028 for total $26,519 for Downriver Mutual Aid Specialty Team Response. Unanimous.
  • 7.3 Apply for Leary Firefighters Foundation Grant: Up to $25,000 with no match. Fire Chief Portis explained the grant would fund equipment like life safety rope. Unanimous.
  • 7.4 Budget Amendment 2024-001: Increased ARPA grant revenue (for postage machine) and Local Street Fund (for road resurfacing). Jason Couture explained the details. Unanimous.
  • 7.5 One-Year Software Support Agreement with QennectIT (Cloudvice): $78,864 for Oracle Cloud ERP support. Discussion included Councilwoman Brandana's request for a running total of IT spending. CFO Couture clarified it is a renewal at the same rate and includes a 30-day termination clause. Unanimous.
  • 7.6 Increase Local Street Fund Asphalt Resurfacing Budget: From $1,000,000 to $1,600,000. Director of DPW explained it will fund completion of all asphalt roads south of Eureka between Telegraph and Beach Daily (excluding Westlake, moved to next year). Unanimous.
  • 7.7 Snow Drain Flooding Analysis by Wade Trim & Associates: $150,000, funded 20% from Sewage Disposal System Fund and 80% from State of Michigan Infrastructure Grant. Will model and analyze flooding in the Snow Drain area to develop mitigation alternatives. Unanimous.
  • 7.8 Amend Sidock Group Contract for Animal Shelter Design: Increase fees by $55,100 to $134,700. Architect explained design expanded to create a more modern shelter. Unanimous.
  • 7.9 Purchase Two Soccer Nets for Taylor Sportsplex: $3,156 to All Goals, Inc. (lowest qualified bid). Unanimous.
  • 7.10 Purchase Auto Ride-On Floor Scrubber: $10,364 from Global Equipment Company (low bidder). Unanimous.
  • 7.11 Purchase Playground Cushionwood and Mulch: $20,000 to Kamps (low quote). Discussion included past promises of free mulch from Kamps. Unanimous.
  • 7.12 Lease Agreement with Primerica: Three-year term (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026) for office space at Taylor Recreation Center. Rent escalates from $1,500/month to $1,700/month. Unanimous.
  • 7.13 Clerk's Office Attendance at MAMC Master Academy: Two employees, $1,700 plus out-of-pocket expenses. Unanimous.
  • 7.14 Clerk's Office Attendance at MAMC Member Education Day: Two employees, $500 plus out-of-pocket expenses. Clerk Bower highlighted training on election changes and safety for workers. Unanimous.
  • 7.15 Receive & File National Rail Safety Week Proclamation: Proclaimed September 18-24, 2023. Councilman Ramik shared personal connection (grandfather killed by train). Discussion referenced a recent serious collision on Beach Daily Road. Unanimous.
  • 7.16 Receive & File Taylor North Little League World Series Canister Drive: Held July 21-23 and July 28-30. Mayor reported the team's progress (one win, one loss at the World Series). Unanimous.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved all 16 agenda items as motions, all carried unanimously (voice votes).
  • Directive to Corporation Counsel: Councilman Ramik motioned to direct the corporation counsel to research short-term rentals (Airbnb) and make recommendations for appropriate ordinances. Motion seconded by Councilman Johnson. Discussion noted existing challenges with state law. Motion carried unanimously.
  • Open Business: Council members discussed railroad crossing repairs (unsatisfactory work to be fixed), new state budget (funding for ledge services), speeding complaints on Troy Street (police will monitor), and taxes (increase capped at 5% due to Headlee; website issue with viewing current year bills).
  • Adjournment: 8:04 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Call the meeting to order. Um, we do not have anybody here this evening to do the invocation, but uh would like to uh take a moment of silence or for William Fred Kemp. Uh William, as we all know him as Fred, umorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He worked in the engineering department of Wayne County as a project supervisor. He served as the treasurer for the city of Taylor and retired from public service in 1990. Uh, in honor of his uh his dedication to the city of Taylor, his and his entire families. I'd like to take a moment moment of silence for Mr. Fred Kemp. Thank you all. Brings us next to the Pledge of Allegiance. I'd like to ask uh Councilwoman Rose to please lead us in the pledge. Under individual with the justice. Next item on the agenda is the roll call. Roll call, please. Mr. Ramick here. Mr. Slavin is excused, Miss Rose. Here. Mr. Johnson. Here. Mrs. Brandana. Here. Ms. Swinton? Here. Mr. Guy's? Here. Mayor Woolley? Here. Mrs. Bauer. Here. And Mrs. Topo. Here. We have six members present. We do have a quorum. Next item on the agenda is 5.1. A motion to approve the agenda. Chairman. Councilwoman. I make a motion to approve the agenda with the uh amendment to 7.1 to remove requesting use of city vehicle. Support. Motion by Councilwoman Brandana supported by Councilwoman Witten to accept the agenda as presented with the removal in item 7.1 of the sentence requesting use of city vehicle for overnight use. Councilman Johnson. Don't we normally let them use city vehicle?

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