Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - December 5, 2023

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. Chair Douglas A. Geiss presided. Six council members were present at roll call (Charley Johnson, Butch Ramik, Jill Brandana, Lindsey Rose, Tina Daniels, and Douglas Geiss), with Angie Winton initially excused but later participating. The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 PM. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda and Minutes: The agenda was approved, and the minutes from November 21, 2023, were accepted without oral reading.
• Budget Amendment 2024-005: Approved a budget amendment dated December 5, 2023.
• BS&A Software Contract: Approved a two-year sole-source contract with BS&A Software for a cloud upgrade and new Financial Management and Property modules. First-year cost not to exceed $169,400, second-year cost not to exceed $43,490, total not to exceed $212,890, funded through General Administration ARPA.
• Recreation Commission Reappointments: Approved reappointments of Sherri Engelbrink, Amy Maudlin, Margaret Cook, Jason Broniak, Edward Warner, Sarah DellaPella, and Matthew Riddle for one-year terms expiring December 31, 2024.
• Recreation Commission New Appointments: Approved new appointments of Christian Armstrong and Michael Hargraves for one-year terms expiring December 31, 2024.
• Donation from Walmart: Approved acceptance of a $5,000 donation from Walmart to the Taylor Police Department for the Taylor Goodfellows Tree of Hope program.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mary Souza (26640 Beverly Road) asked for an update on the written legal opinion regarding the proposed amendment to city council rules and procedures. Corporation Counsel Ed Plato responded that a confidential memorandum was provided to the mayor and council approximately three weeks ago, and since the motion on that amendment was defeated, the issue is closed. Mary Souza expressed frustration that the opinion was not publicly shared after the two-hour discussion at a previous meeting. Councilwoman Brandana noted the opinion was provided timely and could still be brought up by council if desired.
• Caroline Pat (6860 Jackson) commented on traffic safety at the intersection of Pinecrest and Pelham Road, suggesting that the Pelham Road improvement project should include reconfiguring the traffic light to a three-phase signal to better handle turning movements. Mayor Woolley agreed to raise the issue with the city engineer and Hennessey.

Discussion Items

• BS&A Software Contract (6.2): Councilman Charley Johnson questioned whether this expenditure was premature relative to an ongoing ERP RFP process. Mayor Woolley and IT Director Ryan Moore explained that the BS&A software is the industry standard for assessing and treasury (used by 99% of Michigan municipalities), and this cloud upgrade is necessary to move off the outdated AS400 system. They noted that timing is critical to be ready for the 2024 tax season, and that the RFP for ERP services is progressing with over 50 companies expressing interest. Councilwoman Lindsey Rose supported the move as a major step toward modernization that will improve resident services.
• Pelham Road Intergovernmental Agreement (7.3): Motion to approve cost-sharing with Wayne County for improvements on Pelham Road from Van Born to Ecorse Roads. City expenditure of $101,933 with a 10% contingency ($10,193) for a total not to exceed $112,126, funded from Major Street Fund. Discussion included public comment on traffic safety.
• Reconsideration of Item 7.5 (Avaya Support): After initial approval of one-year Avaya manufacturer support for $21,142, Councilman Ramick noted the supporting documents indicated a three-year term. The council voted unanimously to reconsider, then approved a corrected motion for a three-year term at $21,142 total, funded through General Fund IT Contractual Services.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items were approved unanimously (votes not recorded individually but noted as unanimous).
• BS&A Software contract approved.
• Recreation Commission appointments approved; appointees sworn in.
• $5,000 donation from Walmart approved.
• Workers' Compensation contract renewal (CompOne Administrators) approved for two years: $22,775 annual fee.
• Amendment to CCR 9.442-23 for Monroe Motorsports Inc. approved for an additional $1,173.
• Pelham Road Intergovernmental Agreement approved.
• Dell Extended Hardware Support (CBTS, sole source) approved for one year at $40,142.
• Avaya Manufacturer Support (CBTS, sole source) approved for three years at $21,142 (corrected from one year).
• 2024 City Council Meeting Calendar received and filed.
• Motion to extend the winter tax due date to February 29, 2024, approved.
• Mayor Woolley announced a new $8,000 grant from the state for spay/neuter services at the animal shelter (to be formally approved at a future meeting).
• Clerk Bower reported on Taylor Goodfellows efforts and asked for more volunteers for corner days.