Taylor City Council Meeting - September 17, 2024

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on September 17, 2024. Key actions included approval of Board of Ethics appointments, a public hearing and approval of the Cypress Gardens Brownfield Redevelopment Plan, acceptance of the CDBG annual performance report, and numerous routine contracts and purchases. The council also discussed a proposed appointment to fill a vacant council seat but took no action. Open business included discussions on Taylor School District bonds, a park complaint, and an ethics complaint submission.

Special Presentations

• Senator Geis presented a check for $5,000,000 for community infrastructure projects (fiscal year 2025) and $100,000 for the Taylor Historical Society for the log cabin.

Board of Ethics Appointments

• Tanya Clayton appointed for a five-year term (exp. 9/17/2029) with a vote of 4-2 (Witten, Brandana, Johnson, Geis yes; Rose, Daniels no).
• Jeffrey Morrow appointed for a four-year term (exp. 9/17/2028) – unanimously approved.
• Michael Hargraves appointed for a three-year term (exp. 9/17/2027) – unanimously approved.
• New members were sworn in.

Personal Service Contracts & Routine Items

• Approved personal service contract for Chief of Police (vote 4-2, same split as Clayton) and for Restaurant and Banquet Manager (unanimous).
• Approved a one-year renewal of network maintenance agreement with Groundwork Zero for $19,502, funded through IT contractual services (unanimous after explanation). The contract covers hardware maintenance for network switches.

Public Hearings

Cypress Gardens Brownfield Redevelopment Plan

• The public hearing was opened; no public comments. The plan involves Phase 2 of the Cyprus Gardens residential project (68 homes). The brownfield request is approximately $368,000 for remediation of unsuitable soils and buried debris. Discussion included responsibility for contamination and project completion. Council voted to close the hearing and approve the plan (motion carried). A reimbursement agreement with a four-year capture period will be brought later.

CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)

• The public hearing was opened. Staff reported $1,755,282 in expenditures on road projects, parks, housing rehab, and public services (Guidance Center, Fish & Loaves, Senior Alliance). Final report to HUD by September 27. No public comments; hearing closed.

Fire Department and Police Items

• Metro Airport Trucks repair for Squad 2 ($5,708) – approved.
• Fire investigation training for four members ($2,800) – approved.
• Annual preventive maintenance for Lucas and Life Pak 15 devices through Striker Pro Care ($9,891) – approved.
• ESO fire service management reporting system replacing Clemis ($29,568) – approved; system will increase digital record-keeping efficiency.
• Code Red renewal ($15,908) – approved.
• Police vehicle repairs: three resolutions totaling $3,974 plus amendments for $1,535 and $271 – all approved.

Capital Purchases and Contracts

• Floor covering replacement at 23rd District Court and Fire Station 1 (SCI Floor Covering, $283,920 with contingency) – approved.
• Purchase of skid steer (Michigan CAT, $80,553) and brush cutter attachment ($17,235) – approved.
• Asphalt transporter and hot box trailer (Ultra My Deal, $34,727) – approved.
• DTE street light pole replacement on Superior Parkway ($54,600) – approved.
• SEMCOG membership ($9,730) – approved.
• Hydro Corp contract extension for cross-connection inspections ($124,476 for three years) – approved; staff noted plan to bring inspections in-house afterward.
• Attendance of HR employee at MPELRA conference ($806 plus expenses) – approved.
• SecureAuth renewal ($6,315) – approved.
• Google Workspace license extension ($47,169 for three months) – approved.

Reports and Grants

• Received and filed August 2024 budget performance report and paid invoice report.
• Approved receipt of election grant monies; clerk authorized to sign agreement with Institute for Responsive Governments.

Council Vacancy Appointment

• A motion to nominate and appoint someone to fill the vacant council seat was discussed. Procedural questions about reconsideration and prior nominations were raised; no motion was made. No appointment occurred.

Open Business / Council Discussions

• Council discussed Taylor School District bonds: only $18 million of $130 million issued; no funds for new high school. Councilmembers expressed anger and desire for public input on future bond use.
• Councilman raised complaints about Northwest Park (trash and parking issues during football practice); staff responded that coach cleans up and parking enforcement is difficult.
• Clerk reported shred day success and absentee ballot mailing date (September 26).
• Mayor reported ice rink repair at TSX, thanking DPW crew.
• Resident Melody (Wilkie Street) asked for help with a neighbor's roaming pit bull that attacked her dog; she has made multiple reports. Council directed her to staff.
• Councilman Hall submitted an ethics complaint (1200+ emails) against former council member Butch Hermit Rimick for sharing confidential information. The complaint will be reviewed for compliance.

Key Outcomes

• Board of Ethics: Tanya Clayton appointed (4-2); others unanimously.
• Cypress Gardens Brownfield Plan approved.
• CDBG CAPER report accepted.
• Numerous contracts and purchases approved as listed.
• No action on council vacancy appointment.
• Ethics complaint submitted for review.