Taylor City Council Meeting – September 3, 2024

The Taylor City Council met on September 3, 2024, to conduct regular business including the second reading of an ethics ordinance amendment, a rezoning request, approvals of collective bargaining agreements, settlements, purchases, and the nomination of a new council member. The meeting also featured public comments and council discussion on IT services, pension performance, and community updates.

Minutes & Agenda Approval

• The agenda was approved unanimously.
• The minutes of the August 20, 2024 meeting were approved with a modification: the motion to postpone rezoning on page six was corrected to show Councilwoman Daniels as the maker and Councilman Johnson as the supporter (originally listed Councilwoman Whitten). The minutes were adopted as amended.

Discussion Items

• Ethics Ordinance Amendment (Item 6.1)

  • Second reading of an amendment to Chapter 2, Article 3, Division 3 (Standards of Conduct).
  • Councilwoman Daniels proposed adding language affirming whistleblower protections and First Amendment rights, and excluding vendors and contractors from the Board of Ethics.
  • Corporation counsel stated that state and federal law already provide strong protections and that HR Director Rick Hopper will create an employee pamphlet. He noted no harm in adding language but deemed it unnecessary.
  • Councilwoman Daniels expressed concern that not including explicit language might discourage whistleblowers.
  • Mayor emphasized openness and that the board will be revived to review future changes.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously (voice vote).

• Closed Session (Item 7.1)

  • Motion to enter closed session to discuss risk management claims QL0875 and 20240722W.
  • Vote: Approved by roll call (6 yes).

• Claims Settlements (Items 7.2 & 7.3)

  • Motion to approve final settlement of claim QL0875 as recommended by risk management.
  • Motion to approve final settlement of claim 20240722W.
  • Vote: Both approved unanimously.

• Collective Bargaining Agreements (Items 7.4 & 7.5)

  • Approval of tentative collective bargaining agreement between 23rd District Court and court employees (recorders, probation, officers) represented by POAM.
  • Councilwoman Winton raised concern about vacation payout caps and financial liability. The judge explained that only one employee has significant accrued vacation (four weeks after 26 years) and that unused vacation is cashed out per contract (no carryover).
  • Vote: Both approved unanimously.

• Rezoning at Cornell Street (Item 7.6)

  • Request to rezone parcel 60-006-02-0786-000 from R1C (single-family residential) to P1V (vehicular parking). The property is on east side of Cornell between Van Born and Avalon.
  • The applicant (absent) owns adjacent commercial buildings. A neighboring resident submitted written opposition citing the parking lot would be very close to her home.
  • Council discussed requirements for a buffer wall/fence on the property line. Planning commission will review details.
  • Vote: 4-2 in favor (Daniels and Rose opposed; Winton, Brandana, Johnson, Geis yes).

• Echo Verse Amendment (Item 7.7)

  • Motion to amend resolution 7.336-24 to add Echo Verse for $10,000, funded from ALTA equipment repair/maintenance.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Paint Sprayer Purchase (Item 7.8)

  • Motion to approve Granger quote for paint sprayer not to exceed $3,823 for striping crosswalks and parking lots.
  • Discussion: Councilman Geis asked about capacity; DPW director explained larger projects still contracted out due to liability.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Tire Purchase (Item 7.9)

  • Motion to approve Smiley Tire $2,868 for fire department repairs.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Public Hearing Dates (Items 7.10 & 7.11)

  • CDBG Plan Year 2023 CAPER public hearing set for September 17, 2024.
  • Cypress Gardens Brownfield Redevelopment Plan public hearings set for September 17 and October 1, 2024.
  • Explanation: The developer needs brownfield designation due to debris dumping on remaining phase.
  • Vote: Both approved unanimously.

• Actuarial Services (Item 7.12)

  • Motion to approve Howard E. Nyhart for OPEB report: $16,400 for FY2024 and $8,700 for FY2025, from HR professional services.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Pavement Contracts (Items 7.13-7.15)

  • Crack sealing contract with Cars Outdoor Services ($260,000).
  • Concrete repairs contract with Audio Concrete ($250,000).
  • Radio replacement at lift station with HESCO ($5,237).
  • Vote: All approved unanimously.

• Asphalt Paving Extension (Item 7.16)

  • Motion to extend 2023 resurfacing contract for one year, not to exceed $1,945,000.
  • No support was offered; motion failed (no vote taken).

• IT Sole Source Approvals (Items 7.17-7.20)

  • AS400 hardware support ($2,180), PaperCut renewal ($4,736), Dell laptop docks ($9,150 from ARPA), E911 renewal ($7,040).
  • Councilwoman Daniels asked for clarification on IT subscriptions versus Skynet contract. IT director responded that vendor subscriptions continue; Skynet provides on-site support. The new ERP system (18-month rollout) will eventually reduce some costs.
  • Vote: All approved unanimously.

• Pension Performance Reviews (Items 7.21 & 7.22)

  • Police & Fire Retirement System: As of June 30, 2024, assets were ~$141M (down from $143M due to market losses). Quarterly return -1.79%; yearly return 15.8%. City contributions $2.2M; benefits paid $4.2M.
  • General Employee Retirement System: As of June 30, 2024, assets ~$50.5M (down from $52M). Quarterly return -1.7%; yearly return 13.1%. Benefits paid $1.7M. City contribution occurs in October.
  • Vote: Both received and filed unanimously.

• Carnival License (Item 7.23)

  • St. Alfred Parish carnival September 20-22, 2024.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Clerk's Office Training (Item 7.24)

  • Attendance at Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Master Academy, not to exceed $1,700 plus expenses.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Election Programming (Item 7.25)

  • Dominion Voting Systems for August/November elections, not to exceed $8,000.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Council Vacancy Nomination (Item 7.26)

  • Councilwoman Winton nominated Jason Broniak to fill the vacant council seat.
  • Vote: 2 yes (Winton, Johnson), 3 no (Daniels, Brandana, Rose), 1 abstain (Geis). Motion failed.
  • Councilman Geis explained he wanted to meet the candidate before voting.

• Charitable Gaming License (Item 7.27)

  • Taylor High School Music Boosters license application.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

• Special Assessment Reduction

  • Motion to reduce hazard special assessment on property 60023010132000 by $437.06, new total $250, due to duplicate payments by insurance and city for fire board-up.
  • Vote: Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gerald Thomas (Melody Lane resident/student): Invited council and community to a capstone photography exhibition at Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus, September to October 11, Monday-Friday 9-5.
• Resident (unidentified): Criticized council for not filling the vacant seat in nine months, stating it violates the city charter. Also suggested study sessions precede motions to keep discussion focused.
• Resident (unidentified): Handed a document for legal review, asking if recovery is possible. Thanked council for not voting on a previous deal.
• Martin Julia (resident): Saluted council for the mentioned vote and attempted to ask individual council members a question; Chair ruled it out of order.
• Nathan Schulte (Clinton Street resident): Introduced himself as an MSU Law graduate, expressed interest in the council vacancy, and offered to meet with council members.

Open Business (Council & Clerk)

• Councilwoman Winton raised concerns about dark streetlights on Telegraph Road (under construction) and potential dumping at Melody Lane parking lot. Mayor responded that the Telegraph lighting project is ongoing and the private lot owner is responsible.
• Councilwoman Daniels requested better communication from Planning Commission and TIFA about upcoming developments (e.g., Sheetz gas stations). Discussion ensued about receiving TIFA minutes (proposed as receive and file) and sharing planning commission agendas with council.
• Councilwoman Winton promoted Meals on Wheels volunteer opportunities (734-326-5202).
• City Clerk announced Shred Day on September 14 (9am-1pm) and absentee ballots mailing by end of September, and need for election inspectors.

Key Outcomes

• Ethics ordinance amendment passed (voice vote).
• Rezoning of Cornell Street parcel passed 4-2.
• Council vacancy – Jason Broniak nomination failed 2-3-1.
• Asphalt paving extension failed for lack of support.
• All other motions (settlements, contracts, pension reports, licenses, etc.) approved.
• Special assessment reduced by $437.06.

Adjournment

• Motion to adjourn carried at 8:42 PM.