Taylor City Council Regular Meeting - July 16, 2024

The Taylor City Council met on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. The meeting included approval of the agenda and minutes, mayor's communications, 17 regular agenda items, and open business with public comments. All agenda items were approved unanimously except for the vacant council seat (Item 7.17), which had no motion. The council also discussed a range of community issues raised by members and the public.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda & Minutes: Approved the agenda as presented and the minutes of the July 2, 2024 meeting.
• Mayor's Communication (6.1): Approved personal service contracts for Taylor Golf, Taylor Sportsplex, and the Senior Center.
• Numerous Regular Agenda Items (7.1–7.16): Approved unanimously, including:
  • Bryx Emergency Response Station Alerting System service agreement ($7,520)
  • Sending two police officers to a range development seminar ($1,219 + expenses)
  • Accepting MCOLES Public Safety Academy Assistance Program grant for five police officer candidates
  • Accepting a $2,650 donation from Alberts Arms Inc. to the Fire Department
  • Industrial Painting Contractors Inc. low bid for paint/drywall/trim work at Taylor Meadows Golf ($13,700)
  • Blanket purchase agreements for Taylor Meadows ($598,500), Lakes of Taylor ($825,500), Taylor Sportsplex ($300,000), and Sewer Department ($61,500)
  • Purchase of two 72" Kubota lawn mowers ($34,084)
  • Transfer of delinquent water/sewer charges to tax roll (with 15% administrative fee after Nov 8, 2024)
  • Receiving and filing the June 2024 Budget Performance Report and Paid Invoice Report
  • Second reading of an ordinance amendment adding Section 32-42 – Detention for purpose of identification
  • Temporary relocation of Precincts 16 and 17 from McDowell Elementary to the Taylor Library for the August 6, 2024 primary election
  • TaylorMade Baseball 12U canister drive on August 3, 2024
• Item 7.17 (Vacant Council Seat): No motion was made; the seat remains vacant.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caroline Patz (6860 Jackson): Inquired about tax mailing status (Treasurer confirmed mailed Monday, expected Thursday). Also complained about receiving late email alerts for canceled meetings (July 3 planning meeting notification received on July 16).
• Kimberly Cullen (2011 Pinecrest): Requested a flashing stop sign at Pinecrest and Ziegler due to speeding, children near Our Lady of the Angels school, and dementia patients wandering. Also reported a hit-and-run incident involving her car where the driver was ticketed for a violation but not for leaving the scene; she was advised to take the matter to court.
• Mary Susa (26640 Beverly): Questioned the vacant council seat, asking what qualifications the council seeks and why it remains unfilled. Also noted the ethics committee lacks a quorum and asked how ethics complaints are handled. Expressed concern about redistricting not being discussed in a special session.
• Mark Juilliard (6708 B City Road): Complained about golf balls from Taylor Meadows Golf hitting his property despite a prior request for a net. The mayor stated the course layout makes a net unnecessary, and the councilwoman noted that some damage may be from people throwing balls. The mayor suggested filing a claim if damage occurs.
• Unnamed Resident (additional): Reported a trash pickup issue where Priority Waste did not collect on a Thursday when City Hall was closed Friday and Monday; the call center said since she called Priority, no report was needed. The councilwoman clarified that reporting to the city is proper procedure. Also asked about limiting distance between permanent fireworks stores and temporary tents; the council indicated state law may preempt local regulation but will look into it.

Discussion Items

• Item 7.2 – Police Training Seminar: Councilwoman Daniels asked how officers were selected. Chief Blair explained that the two officers are firearm instructors and the trip was last-minute to explore range redesign options. The dates had already passed, but the item was brought due to late information from the architect.
• Item 7.15 – Precinct Relocation: City Clerk Bower explained that McDowell Elementary had building issues preventing use for the August 6 primary, but will be fine for November. The library agreed to host, and voters will be notified.
• Vacant Council Seat (7.17): Councilwoman Brandana noted the charter requires council to fill the vacancy. She expressed frustration that no motion has passed despite several nominations. The mayor stated that until four votes are secured, the seat remains vacant. Councilwoman Brandana also asked about the ethics committee, noting it requires a unanimous vote to appoint members; the mayor said only two members remain. Councilwoman Winton suggested reviewing resumes at the mayor's office.
• Fireworks Tents: Councilwoman Winton raised concerns about temporary fireworks stands competing with year-round local businesses. Corporation Counsel noted the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act (MCL 28.451) may preempt local regulation. Councilwoman Brandana suggested contacting state legislators.
• Redistricting: Mary Susa, in public comments, urged the council to hold special sessions for important issues like redistricting. Council members acknowledged the need for a seventh member to avoid tie votes.
• Councilwoman Brandana's Document Request: She cited Section 2.5 of the city charter, requesting documents for three and a half months. The mayor said IT is backlogged with FOIA requests but will follow up.

Key Outcomes

• All 16 regular agenda items (7.1–7.16) were approved unanimously.
• No action on Item 7.17 (vacant council seat); the seat remains open.
• The council will consider whether to amend the ethics ordinance to lower the appointment threshold from unanimous to simple majority.
• Council will investigate state preemption regarding fireworks stands and consider contacting legislators.
• The clerk will follow up on Councilwoman Brandana's document request.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2024 (Wednesday) due to the August 6 primary election.