OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Taylor City Council Meeting – December 19, 2023

City Council — Tuesday, December 19, 2023
BodyTaylor, Michigan
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, December 19, 2023
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 39:19

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

In a manger, pretty ordinary, a picture of poverty.

0:05

But they found meaning because you opened the heavens and showed them the multitude of the heavenly host.

0:10

You showed that there is more to this life than what we can taste and see and experience.

0:17

Lord, we pray that you would bless our lives with that knowledge of the beyond.

0:22

That we may recognize the divinity there is that in serving one another, that you would bless this council.

0:32

If they may willingly undertake the work of service and selfless decision making on behalf of our community, we thank you for them, Lord, and we ask that you would bless them, bless them in this meeting and in this holiday season.

0:47

We ask this in Jesus' name.

0:49

Amen.

0:52

Thank you.

0:53

That uh brings us to the Pledge of Allegiance, and I realize I had recognized this council member at the last council meeting.

1:01

Uh but like to recognize him again.

1:03

Uh the honorable butch rammick to listen tonight's pledge.

1:09

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:14

And to the Republic for which it stands on your guide, indivisible with liberty and justice roll.

1:28

Next is the roll call.

1:29

Roll call, please.

1:31

Mr.

1:31

Ramick.

1:32

Here.

1:32

Ms.

1:32

Daniels?

1:33

Here.

1:34

Miss Rose.

1:34

Here.

1:35

Mr.

1:35

Johnson.

1:36

Here.

1:36

Mrs.

1:37

Brandana.

1:38

Here.

1:38

Miss Winton.

1:39

Here.

1:40

Mr.

1:40

Geis.

1:41

Here.

1:41

Mayor Woolley.

1:42

Here.

1:43

Mrs.

1:43

Bauer.

1:43

Here.

1:44

And Mrs.

1:44

Toko.

1:45

Here.

1:47

We have seven members present.

1:49

We do have a quorum.

1:51

That brings us to 5.1, which is a motion to approve the agenda.

1:57

Chairman.

1:58

Councilwoman.

1:59

I make a motion to approve the agenda with the following change.

2:03

Item 7.12.

2:05

Replace ARPA fund with general fund.

2:09

Support.

2:10

Motion by Councilwoman.

2:14

Brandana supported by Councilman Whitten.

2:16

Is there any discussion?

2:20

Hearing none.

2:21

All those in favor say yes.

2:22

Yes.

2:22

Yes.

2:23

All supposed say no.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████21%
Procedural████████████████████20%
Technology and Innovation████████████████16%
Personnel Matters██████████████14%
Water And Wastewater Management█████████9%
Community Engagement███████7%
Veterans Affairs██████6%
Public Safety█████5%
Public Engagement██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Taylor City Council Meeting – December 19, 2023

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on December 19, 2023, at 11:30 AM (local time). The meeting opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Councilman Butch Ramack. Roll call confirmed seven members present, establishing a quorum. The council approved a revised agenda, approved the minutes of the December 5, 2023 meeting, and acted on a series of consent items, resolutions, and open business. Notable actions included the appointment of a new Housing Commissioner, acceptance of a $500,000 state grant for a petting farm playscape, and receipt of the resignation of Councilman Ramack, who was honored with a public presentation.

Consent Calendar

  • Agenda Approval: Motion to approve the agenda with one amendment: replace "ARPA fund" with "general fund" for item 7.12. Approved unanimously.
  • Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes of the December 5, 2023 meeting as presented. Approved unanimously.
  • Mayor’s Appointment: Motion to appoint Richard Pratt to the Housing Commission to fill the term of Mike Cleaver, expiring August 4, 2026. Mr. Pratt was sworn in. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.1 – Fire Department Equipment: Motion to amend Council Resolution No. 10.497-23 to add Conway Shield (low bid) for turnout gear dryers and extractors, not to exceed $63,682, funded through the Fire Department ARPA Equipment Account. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.2 – 23rd District Court Grant: Motion to authorize the mayor to sign a fiscal year 2023 grant contract (No. 32525) with the Michigan Supreme Court State Court Administrative Office for the hybrid DWI/drug court program for the term October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024. Judge Erica Salomone appeared and described the program: a $241,000 grant for treatment, tethers, and housing. She reported a recidivism rate of 3% for program graduates (state average 6%; without treatment courts, 22-24%). A women’s group has been started. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.3 – Motor Starter Purchase: Motion to receive and file SIMCO for a motor starter, not to exceed $7,385, funded through TSX repair and maintenance. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.4 – Michigan Enhancement Grant for Heritage Park Petting Farm: Motion to accept a $500,000 state grant for the purchase and installation of a pavilion and playscape at the petting farm. Councilman Johnson noted his wife’s role in securing the grant. The grant covers 100% of the project; no match required. The playscape will be red and white with farm-themed components, including an infant swing. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.5 – Power DMS Software Renewal: Motion to approve renewal of Power DMS cloud-based software for the police department, not to exceed $6,284, funded through general fund police IT. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.6 – Police Vehicle Repair: Motion to approve Down River Body Works (low bid) to repair a 2022 Chevy Tahoe (No. 92), not to exceed $2,989, funded through general fund police repair and maintenance. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.7 – November 2023 Paid Invoice Reports: Motion to receive and file. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.8 – November 2023 Budget Performance Reports: Motion to receive and file. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.9 – Google Cloud Compute Renewal: Motion to approve Onyx (sole source) for renewal of Google Cloud Compute for three years at $28,700 per year plus 10% usage contingency, total not to exceed $94,710, funded through building, water, and sewer departments. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.10 – ESRI GIS Software Renewal: Motion to approve ESRI (sole source) for renewal of GIS software for three years at $68,975 per year, total not to exceed $206,925, funded through water and sewer departments. The IT director confirmed the software will remain in use regardless of any future managed partner. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.11 – Data Center UPS Purchase: Motion to approve Power Techniques (low bid) for replacement data center UPS, not to exceed $50,572, funded through the general fund IT capital outlay (amended from ARPA fund). Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.12 – Data Center UPS Installation: Motion to approve Power Techniques (sole source) for installation of the data center UPS, not to exceed $4,413, funded through general fund IT contractual services. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.13 – Wise Management Software Renewal: Motion to approve Dell (sole source) for Wise management software for one year, not to exceed $6,210, funded through general fund IT contractual services. Approved unanimously.
  • Item 7.14 – Resignation of Councilman Butch Ramack: Motion to receive and file the resignation letter of Councilman Butch Ramack, dated December 13, 2023. Council members expressed gratitude and congratulations. Mr. Ramack stated he has been nominated to fill a vacancy on the Wayne County Commission, pending a vote on January 4, 2024. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Brenda Henney and grandson Stephen Henney Jr. : Presented appreciation boards made by students of Robert J. West Middle School and a plaque to Councilman Ramack, thanking him for his service to the school and community. Mr. Ramack accepted and thanked the audience.

Discussion Items

  • Open Business – Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MSHDA): The Treasurer explained a partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to assist residents with water bills and, now, current and delinquent taxes. The state received a $218 million grant for downriver area residents. The council voted to receive and file the participation agreement. No cost to the city. Residents can apply through partner organizations like Wayne Metro. The deadline for the city to receive payments is February 29, 2024. Approved unanimously.
  • Filling the Vacancy: Councilman Whitten inquired about the process for filling Mr. Ramack’s seat. The Mayor clarified that the charter requires a majority vote of the council (now four votes from six members). The vacancy will be placed on the next regular meeting agenda (January 3, 2024). Interested individuals may submit resumes through the council secretary. A special meeting can be called by the Mayor or any three council members. No study sessions are currently scheduled, but discussion can occur during open business.

Key Outcomes

  • Appointment: Richard Pratt appointed to the Housing Commission, term expiring August 4, 2026.
  • Grants: Accepted a $500,000 Michigan Enhancement Grant for a petting farm playscape and pavilion, and a $241,000 grant for the 23rd District Court drug court program.
  • Resignation: Accepted the resignation of Councilman Butch Ramack; the vacancy will be filled at a future meeting.
  • Tax Assistance: Approved participation in the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund for property tax payments, with payments due by February 29, 2024.
  • No further business: The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

Meeting Transcript

In a manger, pretty ordinary, a picture of poverty. But they found meaning because you opened the heavens and showed them the multitude of the heavenly host. You showed that there is more to this life than what we can taste and see and experience. Lord, we pray that you would bless our lives with that knowledge of the beyond. That we may recognize the divinity there is that in serving one another, that you would bless this council. If they may willingly undertake the work of service and selfless decision making on behalf of our community, we thank you for them, Lord, and we ask that you would bless them, bless them in this meeting and in this holiday season. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you. That uh brings us to the Pledge of Allegiance, and I realize I had recognized this council member at the last council meeting. Uh but like to recognize him again. Uh the honorable butch rammick to listen tonight's pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands on your guide, indivisible with liberty and justice roll. Next is the roll call. Roll call, please. Mr. Ramick. Here. Ms. Daniels? Here. Miss Rose. Here. Mr. Johnson. Here. Mrs. Brandana. Here. Miss Winton. Here. Mr. Geis. Here. Mayor Woolley. Here. Mrs. Bauer. Here. And Mrs. Toko. Here. We have seven members present. We do have a quorum. That brings us to 5.1, which is a motion to approve the agenda. Chairman. Councilwoman. I make a motion to approve the agenda with the following change. Item 7.12.

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