Taylor City Council Regular Meeting – August 15, 2023

The Taylor City Council met on August 15, 2023, at 6:30 PM (adjourned at 8:21 PM). The meeting opened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call (six members present, quorum). The council approved the agenda with amendments (adding a closed session item and deleting one), approved minutes from August 1, 2023, and heard the Mayor's communication regarding a demolition contract for three properties ($42,008 via CDBG), an update on the Junior League World Series (Taylor team playing), and a free family event. The regular agenda included numerous approvals for contracts, purchases, and policy items, followed by a closed session for personnel issues and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda (with changes) and minutes from August 1, 2023.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Residents expressed strong concerns about the Chrysnet facility (a soup kitchen/mental health center) in their neighborhood, citing increased homelessness, panhandling, and safety issues near a school and park. They urged the council to find solutions.
• A resident from Wick Road complained about extensive damage to his driveway and property from water main work by Wade Trim, stating incomplete restoration and lack of response from the contractor and city staff.
• A legally blind resident from Robin Street raised issues about unsafe sidewalks and street conditions in his subdivision, requesting a sidewalk replacement program and attention to tripping hazards.
• Another resident voiced frustration about the Chrysnet location and perceived inaction, questioning why a mental health facility was placed near a school and elderly home.
• A resident on Goddard Road reported unfinished restoration after a water line repair, noting difficulty entering his driveway and multiple unsuccessful visits to City Hall.

Discussion Items

• 7.1 – E911 Annual Renewal: Approved $7,233 for the E911 location data system, a federally mandated requirement for emergency calls.
• 7.2 – Planning Conference: Approved $1,430 for the planning director to attend the 2023 Michigan Association of Planning Conference in Traverse City.
• 7.3 – Capital Improvement Program (CIP): Received and filed the 2023-2028 CIP. Discussion included the need for a new ladder truck (quint) to maintain ISO rating; a fire battalion chief explained the lengthy build-out process.
• 7.4 – Hostage Negotiators Conference: Approved $1,714 plus out-of-pocket expenses for four police officers to attend.
• 7.5 – Flock Safety Camera Pilot: Approved a 60-day pilot program for 25 live-time cameras in parks at no cost. The police chief and Mr. Guido described "Project Prove It" to address park complaints, with integration into existing systems and 30-day retention.
• 7.6 – Fire Truck Repairs: Approved $17,202 for repairs to engine one, engine two, and ladder one.
• 7.7 – Demolition Surveys: Approved $2,400 for hazardous air pollutant surveys on three properties.
• 7.8 – Sale of Vacant Lot: Approved sale of parcel ID 60-022-01-0073-000 for $2,000 (proceeds to general fund). The mayor explained the practice of selling unbuildable lots to neighbors to return them to tax rolls. Vote: 5 yes, 1 no, 1 excused.
• 7.9 – Sale to Downriver for Veterans: Approved sale of parcel ID 60-010-02-0091-30 for $1 plus closing costs (not to exceed $1,501) to Downriver for Veterans, who will build a single-family home for a veteran. The mayor noted conditions on square footage (1,300 sq ft min) and title retention.
• 7.10 – Community Development Conference: Approved $1,500 for community development manager to attend the MCDA fall conference.
• 7.11 – Joint and Crack Sealing Contract Extension: Approved one-year extension with Cars Outdoor Services for 2023-2024.
• 7.12 – PASER Rating Updates: Approved $12,600 to Wade Trim for pavement surface evaluation and rating updates (state requirement). Staff explained the scoring system and that the cost increased from $9,800; future bidding was discussed.
• 7.13 – Pavement Markings Bid Documents: Approved $9,800 to Wade Trim for bid documents.
• 7.14 – ENTA Supply Hosting Fees: Approved $39,500 for annual census flex net hosting.
• 7.15 – Delinquent Water Bills Transfer: Approved transferring accounts delinquent for six months or more (as of June 30, 2023) to the tax roll with a 15% administrative fee. Discussion included a recent mail delay in water bill delivery.
• 7.16 – Playscapes and Pavilion at Rotary and Homestead Parks: Approved $357,000 (with a 5% contingency) to replace two failing playscapes and install a pavilion, funded by CDBG. Discussion included justification for replacement due to safety and condition; a resident asked about Fletcher Park, and the mayor outlined future plans for a parking lot and pickleball courts.
• 7.17 – Little Wedding Chapel Lease: Approved a three-year lease agreement for the restored chapel.
• 7.18 – Two Ford F-350s: Approved $113,457 from state contract.
• 7.19 – Vermeer Tree Chipper: Approved $52,934 from state contract.
• 7.20 – July 2023 Paid Invoice Report: Received and filed.
• 7.21 – July 2023 Budget Performance Report: Received and filed.
• 7.22 – Contract Renewal with Davies Claims Solutions: Approved one-year renewal.
• 7.23 – Closed Session: Motion approved to enter closed session to discuss personnel issues (roll call: all present in favor).

Key Outcomes

• Approved demolition contract for three properties (Mayor's communication).
• Approved all routine agenda items as listed above.
• Approved Flock Safety camera pilot (no-cost 60-day trial in parks).
• Approved sale of a city lot to Downriver for Veterans for $1 plus closing costs.
• Approved replacement of playscapes and pavilion at Rotary and Homestead Parks ($357,000).
• Council entered closed session for personnel issues; after reconvening, public comments were heard. The mayor and administration committed to follow up on specific resident complaints regarding property damage from construction (Wick Road, Goddard Road), sidewalk and street conditions, and the Chrysnet situation.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:21 PM.