Taylor City Council Regular Meeting – June 4, 2024

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. All six council members were present. The meeting covered approval of routine consent items, adoption of two ordinance amendments on second reading, contract renewals for employee benefits, authorization of the animal shelter expansion, and extensive discussion regarding compliance with the city’s towing contract.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the meeting agenda and the minutes of May 21, 2024 (with acknowledged correction of two roll call errors).
• Approved second reading to amend Chapter 1, Section 1-13(d) to provide a civil infraction penalty in lieu of misdemeanor for a second repeat offense.
• Approved second reading to amend Chapter 8, Section 8-19 to designate state construction code violations as civil infractions.
• Approved contract renewals for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan/Blue Care Network, Health Alliance Plan, Dearborn National (life insurance, short term disability, AD&D), Delta Dental, VSP, and Single Vision Solution, all for the period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 (Dearborn National through June 30, 2026).
• Approved receiving and filing Howard Technology for an emergency Toughbook purchase not to exceed $3,170.
• Approved applying for Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity grant funding for a second set of turnout gear (no match required).
• Approved Fire Department purchase agreements not to exceed $324,200 for FY 2024-2025.
• Approved amendment to CCR#4.170-24 to increase West Shore Services authority by $642 for alert siren repairs.
• Approved amendment to CCR#1.16-24 to increase Knight Watch authority by $116,332 plus 5% contingency (not to exceed $122,149) for additional security cameras.
• Approved purchase of 20 Glocks ($12,300) and 20 holsters ($2,105) via 2022 JAG Grant.
• Approved sending two police officers to National Law Enforcement Training on Child Exploitation in Atlanta (not to exceed $1,806 plus expenses).
• Approved purchase of skid steer trailer from Truck and Trailer Specialties ($14,175).
• Approved Quadrate Construction low bid for animal shelter expansion and renovation ($750,000).
• Approved City of Taylor budget amendment 2024-012 dated June 4, 2024.
• Approved Mayor to sign contract with Elliott’s Amusements for carnival services at the 2024 Taylor Summer Festival.
• Approved CDW Government state bid for 11 laptops ($3,961) for election supplies.
• Approved Roofers Union Local #149 canister drive on June 15, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Item 7.23 (nomination and appointment to fill vacant council seat) received no motion.

Mayor’s Communications

• Mayor Woolley presented a motion to recognize Taylor Police Officers for their work combating human trafficking. State Representative Thompson attended, presented a certificate of tribute, and commended the department. The motion passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Martin Juilliard (resident): Accused two male council members of involvement in a “house scam” based on text messages, calling for their resignation. Also raised concerns about police staffing levels (71 officers versus over 100 needed) and city corruption.
• Joseph Cotton (Commander of VFW Post 4422): Requested assistance for an ADA-compliant bathroom renovation at the 80-year-old VFW building. Asked for referrals to contractors or architects and for public donations.
• John Larkin (candidate for Wayne County Circuit Court Judge): Asked for support in the November election, highlighting 32 years of diverse legal experience including civil, criminal, and towing cases.
• Renee Jallion (resident): Shared from personal observation that Area Towing’s form stating customers agree to fees as reasonable is not mandatory; customers can initial or write that they disagree. Criticized the city’s inaction on towing complaints over 20 years.
• Dan Wallace (resident): Urged the city to clearly define rates in the next towing contract to prevent stacking of charges, require monthly reporting to the city, and mandate disclosure of any gifts from vendors to city officials. Expressed concern that inaction fuels perception of graft.

Discussion Items

• Towing Contract Compliance (Open Business): Councilwoman Winton led an extensive discussion on Area Towing. She reported that a towing committee is working on a new RFQ and has met twice. She noted that an audit of invoices was requested because of discrepancies (e.g., a basic tow rate listed as $150 flat but billed as $150 per hour, and other line items charged as hourly when contract specifies flat rates). Corporation counsel stated the city lacks the expertise to perform an audit and recommended engaging an outside firm. Councilwoman Daniels suggested a random sampling of invoices (e.g., 30-60 random weeks) to reduce cost. Winton also objected to a release form that requires customers to agree that towing and storage fees are reasonable, arguing it strips customers of their only legal remedy. She questioned a subcontract with Robert’s Spill Response for road remediation, which she stated was not approved by the city in 2019. She also asked whether the vendor is pursuing individuals for remediation costs, and expressed concern that cleanup is sometimes billed months after an incident. Corporation counsel noted that a letter was sent requesting invoices but the vendor declined to provide them, offering only on-site review. Councilman Johnson expressed concern about the timing of remediation (sometimes a year later). Mayor Woolley stated that the letter was sent but considered a moot point because the vendor was not going to change its position.
• Animal Shelter Expansion (Item 7.18): Matt (Public Works) and Wayne Dutton (Sidock Group) detailed the project. The expansion will double capacity from approximately 30 to 60 animals, separate cats and dogs, add a volunteer break room, improve drainage with bucket-style drains, and make the exterior more welcoming. The project is funded primarily through TIFO. Construction is expected to take 8-9 months. Council members commended the research and teamwork. Councilwoman Rose asked about current hours (9:30-3:00 with a lunch break) and potential expansion; no immediate plans but future evaluation.
• Security Camera Additions (Item 7.13): John Eulian explained that the change order covers missed areas discovered during installation: 28 cameras in the police department jail area, two at the media center, one at the recreation center, and two at the petting farm. He also noted a loose bench camera mount at Heritage Park would be corrected.
• Vision Plans (Items 7.7-7.8): Councilwoman Daniels asked for distinction; it was explained that VSP offers a broader provider network, while Single Vision Solution is limited to SVS locations, and both are contractually obligated based on bargaining units.
• Turnout Gear Grant (Item 7.10): The fire chief clarified the gear has already been purchased; the grant would reimburse the city.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar and regular agenda items except 7.23 were approved unanimously.
• Ordinance amendments on civil infractions for construction code and repeat offenses were adopted on second reading.
• The Mayor was authorized to sign the Summer Festival contract with Elliott’s Amusements.
• The council seat vacancy remains unfilled; no nomination was made.
• On the towing issue, the council agreed to pursue a random sampling of invoices and consider an outside audit. The committee will continue work on a new RFQ. No formal motion was made.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:54 PM.