Taylor City Council Meeting - December 3, 2024

The Taylor City Council met on December 3, 2024, at 11:30 AM (recessed, reconvened at 7:00 PM). The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, regular agenda items, and extensive discussion on a proposed towing contract, a gas station moratorium, and a failed motion to enter closed session. Several votes were taken, and public comments were heard.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda with an amendment to item 6.3 (motion to go into closed session to discuss pending litigation, Area Towing vs. City of Taylor).
• Approved the minutes of the November 19, 2024 meeting.
• Approved reappointments to the Recreation Commission (9 members, one-year terms) and Museum Commission (2 members, three-year terms) – all unanimous.
• Approved the consent agenda (items 7.1 through 7.17) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Martin Juilliard (6708 Beats Daily Road) questioned the towing contract process, alleging that the city administration was expediting the award to a vendor (JT Kova) associated with criminal investigations in Detroit. He asked if background checks were completed and noted possible connections to federal bribery cases. He also accused some council members of having prior knowledge of the court decision. His time was called after he made personal remarks.
• Eric Hall (955 Holland) urged the council to reinstate study sessions to reduce public bickering and allow more time for discussion before votes. He noted that 14 items passed unanimously and suggested that study sessions would help council members receive information earlier.

Discussion Items

• Motion to Approve Agenda (Item 5.1): Councilwoman Brandana moved to approve the agenda with a change to item 6.3 (closed session for litigation). Councilman Geis noted he received the litigation information late that afternoon. Councilwoman Brandana requested that all litigation materials be provided prior to being placed on the agenda. The motion passed unanimously.
• Motion to Approve Closed Session (Item 6.3): A motion to go into closed session to discuss pending litigation (Area Towing vs. City of Taylor) was made by Councilman Johnson and seconded by Councilwoman Witten. Roll call vote: Brandana (no), Rose (no), Daniels (no), Johnson (yes), Witten (yes), Geis (yes) – motion failed 3-3. No closed session occurred.
• Grant Contract for Hybrid DWI Drug Court (Item 8.1): Judge presented the annual grant of $22,000 from the Michigan Supreme Court for the treatment court program. The program has a 4% recidivism rate (state average 6%). Approved unanimously.
• Purchase of Two Fire Engines (Item 8.2): Fire Chief explained the need to order now due to 3-4 year lead time. The purchase amount is $2,164,226, funded through the general fund fire department vehicle account. A budget amendment will be brought to the next meeting. Approved unanimously.
• Purchase of 85 Desktop Computers (Item 8.3): $55,250 from ARPA fund. Approved unanimously.
• Wayne County Annual Permits Package (Item 8.4): Approved unanimously.
• Constellation Energy Pricing Extension (Item 8.5): Approved unanimously.
• Moratorium on New Gas Station Developments (Item 8.6): Councilman Johnson moved for a 12-month moratorium to allow research on gas station density (currently 26 stations in 24 square miles, with 7 approved and 5 more in interest). Councilwoman Brandana suggested 3 months, but after discussion, the motion was amended to 6 months (through June 3, 2025). Approved unanimously.
• Nomination to Fill Vacant City Council Seat (Item 8.7): No nominations were made.
• Open Business – Towing Contract Discussion: Council members debated the process for awarding a new towing contract. Councilwoman Witten noted complaints about high bills from the current vendor. Councilwoman Brandana expressed concerns about last-minute information and lack of background check completion. Corporation Counsel Plato stated that the court issued an injunction that day to preserve the status quo and that a hearing is scheduled in January. Lieutenant Jeff Adam confirmed that background checks were initiated but that final determination rests with the council. Certification to view LEIN information would be required for council members. Councilwoman Brandana questioned why the towing group could see limited background info but not the council. Corporation Counsel Plato noted that the RFQ requires background checks before contract signing.
• Open Business – Pension Fund Reports: CFO Jason Vautier provided a summary of the investment portfolio performance for general pension (balance $47.2M) and police/fire pension (balance $144M). Five-year returns were 9.6% and 9.86% respectively, beating the public plan median of 8.31%. The police/fire pension is approximately 62% funded; the city contributes about $3 million annually from the general fund.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to go into closed session for litigation (Area Towing vs. City of Taylor) failed 3-3. No closed session was held.
• Moratorium on new gas station developments approved for 6 months (December 3, 2024 to June 3, 2025) to allow for research and zoning updates.
• Fire engine purchase approved ($2,164,226) with budget amendment to be presented at next meeting.
• Grant for drug court approved ($22,000).
• Consent agenda and all other regular agenda items approved unanimously.
• Council will consider certification for LEIN access to receive limited background information on vendors.
• Towing contract award delayed pending court proceedings and resolution of background checks.