Taylor City Council Meeting - May 7, 2024

The Taylor City Council held a regular meeting on May 7, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. The agenda included 28 items covering audit services, property maintenance code updates, various purchases, contracts, a public hearing on CDBG funds, and risk management matters. The meeting concluded at 8:31 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A resident submitted a petition with 120 signatures from the Westgate Gardens subdivision requesting denial of permit reinstatement for Christnet Services. The City Clerk confirmed the permit was revoked, with an appeal hearing scheduled for May 21, 2024.
• Mary Waters, at-large member of the Detroit City Council and candidate for U.S. Representative in the 13th Congressional District, introduced herself and expressed interest in regional collaboration.

Discussion Items

• 7.1 Audit Services (Plante Moran): Councilwoman Brandana asked if the contract was bid out. CFO Jason Couture explained that three years ago they compared costs with similar communities, and the proposed 5% increase this year (2.95% in subsequent years) was reasonable. Approved unanimously.
• 7.2 Property Maintenance Code: First reading of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code adoption. Corporation Counsel Ed Plato stated it aligns with upcoming state codes. Approved unanimously.
• 7.9 Final Payment – Church Restoration: CFO provided an update on insurance proceeds and subrogation recovery, resulting in a positive cash flow of approximately $2,400 upon completion. Approved unanimously.
• 7.10 Northwest Pool Resurfacing: Approved low bid from Advanced Pool Services for $148,400 plus a 4% contingency ($154,336 total). Discussion included pool age (last resurfaced nine years ago) and lifeguard staffing (seven guards expected). Approved unanimously.
• 7.11 Aerial Lift Truck: Approved low bid from Versalift Midwest for $116,642. Discussion included annual recertification training and replacement of a 20-year-old unit. Approved unanimously.
• 7.19 Managed IT Services (Skynet Innovations): Presentation by Plante Moran consultants. After a competitive RFP process (16 respondents, three finalists), Skynet was recommended for a three-year contract at $444,120/year (total $1,332,360). Discussion covered scope, costs, and transition. Roll call vote: 4-2 (Brandana, Johnson, Winton, Geiss ayes; Rose, Daniels nays).
• 7.20 Project Engineering Hours (Skynet): Sole source purchase of 1,000 hours for $120,000 for net-new projects. IT Director Ryan Moore outlined plans for tracking and reporting. Roll call vote: 4-2 (same as above).
• 7.22 Solicitor's Permit (Aptive Environmental): Councilman Johnson expressed concerns about door-to-door sales but noted the company followed the city's process (background checks, fees). The City Clerk confirmed credentials and the ability to revoke if complaints arise. Approved unanimously.
• 7.24-7.28 Closed Session & Risk Management: Approved closed session (unanimous roll call). Approved settlements for claims QL-0863 and QL-0875, and legal services at hourly rates: Zausmer, P.C. ($185), Kaufman Dolowich, LLP ($275 partner, $245 associate, $125 paralegal). All approved unanimously.
• Open Business: Motion to settle claim QE-0216 failed 3-3 (Brandana, Winton, Geiss ayes; Johnson, Rose, Daniels nays). Councilwoman Winton updated on towing committee and vendor response. Councilwoman Daniels raised concerns about high water bills and potential assistance programs.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: 3-year audit contract with Plante Moran (fees: $186,300 FY2024, $191,800 FY2025, $197,450 FY2026) plus single audit fees.
• Approved: First reading of 2021 International Property Maintenance Code adoption.
• Approved: Numerous purchases and contracts, including: KCI Printing ($3,443), Hotsy Midwest power washer ($11,290, sole source/emergency), Fairfax Electric ($2,500), Kobus lead line pipe puller ($73,295, sole source), Belfor increase ($10,000), Emergency Training Solutions ($2,520), Belfor final payment ($68,355), Advanced Pool Services ($154,336), Versalift Midwest ($116,642), Kiesler Police Supply ($10,631), Cynergy Wireless ($22,641), Downriver Cleaning ($59,460), Skynet IT services ($1,332,360 over 3 years, 4-2 vote), Skynet project hours ($120,000, 4-2 vote), Dominion Voting batteries ($3,795), Aptive Environmental solicitor's permit, Metro Detroit Sled Hockey charitable gaming license, and risk management legal services.
• Approved: Special license for Taylor Summer Festival alcohol sales.
• Approved: Authorizing mayor to sign HOME Consortium interlocal agreement (2024-2027).
• Approved: Public hearing on CDBG funds opened and closed; budget to be brought for approval at a future meeting.
• Failed: Settlement of risk management claim QE-0216 (3-3 vote).