Taylor City Council Meeting - November 19, 2024

The Taylor City Council met on November 19, 2024, with six members present and a quorum. The meeting included a closed session to discuss a tentative labor agreement, approval of multiple expenditure items, a policy discussion on rental inspections, and a failed vote to fill a council vacancy. Public comments addressed a resident's art show and an invitation to a county turkey drive.

Mayor's Communication

• Motion to go into closed session to discuss the tentative agreement with AFSCME Local 1128 (Michigan). Carried 6-0.
• After closed session, motion to approve the tentative agreement with Local 1128 AFSCME Michigan. Carried 7-0.

Consent Calendar

• Items 7.1 through 7.9 (routine approvals) were approved unanimously after a brief discussion on county drain maintenance and the city's role in addressing drainage issues.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nick Demetrichina (9618 Canon Circle) questioned the cost of five task chairs ($1,600+ each) under Item 8.1, calling it excessive. The police chief explained the chairs are used 24/7 by dispatchers and officers, and cheaper chairs do not hold up.
• Gerald Thomas (Melody Lane) announced an art show in Wyandotte featuring his photography, including first-place winning pieces of Heritage Park.
• Angela Osborne (on behalf of Commissioner Garza) invited residents to Wayne County's Thanksgiving Turkey Drive on November 23, 2024, at New Hope Assembly of God.

Discussion Items

• Rental Inspection Program (Item 8.10): The mayor and administration presented a new program to inspect rental homes, aiming to improve data, address blight, and hold landlords accountable. A supervisor, clerk, and rental inspector positions would be created. The program will use non-homestead data from the assessor's office, with approximately 4,500 potential rentals. Discussion included the current registration process, penalties for non-compliance, and concerns about short-term rentals (Airbnb). The item was received and filed.
• ARPA Grant Activity Update (Item 8.11): The city has approximately $2 million in unobligated ARPA funds that must be encumbered by the end of the year. Projects include the ERP system (enterprise resource planning), HVAC upgrades, and police department improvements. Online water bill payment and tax payment options were discussed. Council members expressed interest in using funds for police department lobby renovations and tree planting. The item was received and filed.
• Approval of Expenditures (Items 8.1–8.9, 8.12): All motions passed, including purchase of task chairs ($8,644), dispatcher training ($3,380), fire gear storage ($8,525), lockers ($5,500), flow test kit ($6,817), leaf/debris truck ($316,634), meter heads ($82,500), animal shelter kennels ($367,642), MXU boxes ($94,770), and release of GLWA escrow funds (pay $40,910 for $65,400 credit).

Key Outcomes

• Closed session and labor agreement: The council unanimously approved the tentative agreement with AFSCME Local 1128.
• Leaf and debris truck: Approved from ARPA funds at $316,634, to be used year-round for leaf collection and tree chipper operations.
• Council vacancy: The motion to appoint Rich Pratt to fill the vacant council seat failed 3-3 (Daniels, Brandana, Rose opposed; Winton, Johnson, Geis in favor). This was noted as the tenth such motion.
• Goodfellows Paper Drive: Approved for November 29–December 1 and December 7–8, 2024.
• Rental inspection program: Received and filed; a detailed proposal with budget amendment will be brought forward in a few weeks.
• ARPA funds: Council will receive a more detailed list of remaining projects at the next meeting; no funds will be returned.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.