Taylor City Council Regular Meeting – April 2, 2024

The Taylor City Council met on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Taylor Municipal Building. The meeting covered routine approvals, mayor's appointments, adoption of updated state codes, a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and extensive discussion on the towing contract with Area Towing. Several motions passed, while two ethics board appointments failed due to lack of unanimous consent.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Approval: Approved as modified to add item 6.4 (Personal Service Contract for Taylor Golf).
• Minutes Approval: Approved the minutes of March 19, 2024.
• Mayor's Appointments:
  • 6.1: Reappointment of Fadie Ghazolli to the Downtown Development Authority (term to April 2, 2028) – Approved unanimously.
  • 6.4: Personal Service Contract for Taylor Golf – Approved.
• Regular Agenda Items (7.1–7.2, 7.4–7.11, 7.14, 7.18): All approved on consent:
  • 7.1: PoliceOne Academy Training renewal ($6,969)
  • 7.2: Rifle ammunition from Kiesler Police Supply ($15,466)
  • 7.4: K-9 Officer and K-9 Cindy recertification ($733)
  • 7.5: Building Department employee to Spring Code Officials Conference ($950 plus incidentals)
  • 7.6: Adoption of 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code
  • 7.7: Adoption of 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code
  • 7.8: Adoption of 2023 National Electrical Code
  • 7.9: Air hose reel from Allied Inc. ($2,380)
  • 7.10: Additional turnout gear for firefighter ($2,985)
  • 7.11: Emergency pump repair from De-Cal Inc. ($11,486)
  • 7.14: Removal of 60 feet of Brest Road from Act 51 map
  • 7.18: Dominion Voting election programming for 2024 Presidential Primary ($3,745)
• Closed Session: Motion to enter closed session to discuss risk management claims (P6152200456, L003960322, QL-0787) – Approved unanimously at 7:52 p.m.
• Claim Settlements:
  • 7.16: Settlement of claim L003960322 – Approved.
  • 7.17: Settlement of claim P6152200456 – Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• CDBG Public Hearing (7.12–7.13): The public hearing was opened for input on the proposed use of HUD Community Development Block Grant funds for Program Year 2024–2025. Councilmembers asked about the housing rehabilitation program, budget allocations, and street resurfacing. Resident Caroline Pat (6860 Jackson) commented on the need for better advertising of the rehab program and inquired about sidewalk replacement eligibility. The hearing was closed after discussion.
• Open Business – Public Comment:
  • Mary Souza (26640 Beverly): Criticized the council for discussing an agenda item (7.3, alert sirens) after it was removed, and urged council members to speak clearly into microphones and use roll-call votes for better transparency. Also questioned why council has not filled the vacant chairman position.
  • Nick Demetrina (9620 Canon Circle): Invited everyone to a pancake breakfast on April 20 at the Ford Senior Center.
  • Dan Darga (6197 Harold Street): Complained about an unresolved diesel fuel spill near his property, stating it was not properly cleaned and is contaminating sewers. Mayor Woolley responded that the fire department oversaw a cleanup approved by EGLE, but Darga disagreed.

Discussion Items

• Ethics Board Appointments (6.2 & 6.3): Mayor Woolley nominated Ben Clayton Jr. (term to April 2, 2028) and Jeffrey Morrow (term to April 2, 2029) to the Board of Ethics. Both appointments required unanimous consent per the ethics ordinance. Council members debated the process—Councilwoman Winton requested that all resumes be shared with council for advice. The mayor stated he selects candidates individually. The votes were 4–2 in favor for each (Daniels and Rose dissenting), but both failed because the ordinance requires unanimous approval. Council discussed a possible ordinance amendment to remove the unanimous requirement; Corporation Counsel Pentiuk noted that could be done with two readings.
• CDBG Budget Presentation (during 7.12–7.13): Director of Community Development presented the draft CDBG budget for PY 2024–2025. Total estimated funding: $433,580 entitlement plus $50,000 estimated program income and $85,000 reprogrammed funds, totaling about $568,580. Proposed allocations included $50,000 for housing rehabilitation, $50,000 for the Good Neighbor Program (demolition), $20,000 for Fish and Loaves, $20,000 for Guidance Center, $10,000 for Senior Alliance, $360,000 for street resurfacing, and $96,716 for administration. Council raised concerns about low program income receipts ($2,105 in 2024 to date) and the impact on project funding. The mayor noted the rehab program has accumulated unspent funds from prior years.
• Towing Contract Issues (Open Business): Councilwoman Winton presented detailed evidence of alleged overcharging by Area Towing, the city's exclusive towing contractor. She compared bills from recent accidents to the rates specified in the 2007 contract (with 2014 addendum), finding charges for basic tow, recovery, flatbed, storage, and environmental cleanup far exceeded contracted rates. She also noted a subcontract with Robert's Bill Response (2019) that may violate the contract. The mayor announced a committee (including council members Winton and Brandana, police representatives, and a third-party consultant) will be formed to review the contract and issue an RFQ. Council passed a motion (moved by Winton, seconded by Brandana) to notify Area Towing to comply strictly with the 2007 contract as amended, and only perform services prescribed in that contract. The motion passed unanimously.
• Alert Sirens (7.3 removed, then added in Open Business): Item 7.3 (West Shore Services for siren maintenance, $8,000) was removed from the agenda due to missing sole-source documentation. However, during open business, Council made an emergency motion to approve West Shore Services as a sole source, up to $20,000, to service the city's alert sirens. The fire department reported that batteries (from 2016) need replacement and potential additional repairs. Motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• Failed Appointments: Ben Clayton Jr. and Jeffrey Morrow were not appointed to the Board of Ethics due to lack of unanimous consent (votes 4–2). The council may consider amending the ethics ordinance to remove the unanimous requirement.
• CDBG Public Hearing Closed: The hearing was closed after receiving suggestions. The final budget will be presented for approval at a future meeting (public hearing continued to April 16, with vote likely April 22 or later).
• Towing Contract Enforcement: Council formally directed Area Towing to adhere to the 2007 contract and 2014 addendum. A committee will develop an RFQ for a new towing contract.
• Emergency Siren Repair: Up to $20,000 authorized for West Shore Services (sole source) to inspect and repair sirens, with a maintenance agreement to follow.
• Closed Session Held: Council entered closed session at 7:52 p.m. to discuss risk management claims and later approved settlements for two claims.
• Budget Study Sessions Scheduled: Sessions set for April 9, 10, and 11 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers.
• Cemetery and Shred Day Events: Shred day April 13; cemetery cleanups April 20 and 27.