Taylor City Council Meeting January 7, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Taylor City Council was held on January 7, 2025, beginning at 6:30 PM at the Taylor Municipal Building. The council addressed several routine items as well as a contested conditional rezoning request for 8715 Telegraph Road. After a 4-2 vote, the rezoning failed. The council also approved the receipt of the Planning Commission's five-year Master Plan review, a precursor to a comprehensive update.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda and Minutes: Approved unanimously. Minutes of December 17, 2024 were approved as presented.
• Mayor Communications: Mayor Woolley announced upcoming events: Lakes of Taylor dueling pianos (January 19, 2025, $45/person) and Taylor High School Night at the Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks (February 3, 2025, 7 PM at Little Caesars Arena).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lynn Montreuil (25217 Crowley, Taylor): Asked about the need for the proposed self-storage facility and how to find agenda backup online. Staff directed her to the city’s website.
• Martin Juilliard (6708 Beach Daly Road): Asked how many jobs the rezoning would create. Applicant’s representative estimated fewer than 10 operational jobs.
• Mary Susa (26640 Beverly Road): Questioned consistency with council's prior decision to deny a similar storage facility on Telegraph, and expressed concern about lighting and drainage. Councilmember Winton noted differences in the current proposal (no outdoor storage, better setbacks).
• Resident (by email, anonymous): Asked about status of noise barrier request for I-75 northbound between Eureka and Allen Road. Council responded that MDOT’s policy generally does not fund barriers where freeway preceded homes. Mayor noted aesthetic barriers exist in Oakland County but not Downriver.
• Public Comment on Alleged Corruption: A resident distributed documents alleging that Councilmember Charley Johnson received preferential treatment in obtaining a plumber position at Wayne County via former staffer Bob Dickerson. Councilmember Johnson responded that he is a master plumber, earned the job on merit, and the documents show no improper request. Chair Geiss reminded that free speech is protected but urged citizens to file formal ethics complaints with first-hand knowledge.

Discussion Items

• Case #24-32 (ZC) – Conditional Rezoning from B-3 to I-1 for 8715 Telegraph Road: Second reading of an ordinance to conditionally rezone a 2.07-acre property for an indoor climate-controlled self-storage facility. The applicant (DesignHaus Architecture, Hunter Gelbert) presented two market studies showing unmet demand. Planning Director Lora Fell noted the property has been vacant for years, the conditional rezoning includes 24+ conditions (e.g., no outdoor storage, enhanced landscaping), and the site plan must still be approved by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Brandana questioned the number of existing storage facilities (six in city, eleven within two miles, one under construction). After discussion, a roll call vote failed: 2 yes (Johnson, Winton) and 4 no (Daniels, Brandana, Rose, Geiss). Motion not carried.
• Planning Commission Five-Year Master Plan Review (2024): Motion to receive and file. Councilmember Brandana noted the Master Plan has not been updated since 2007. Mayor and Planning Director confirmed a comprehensive review will commence in 2025, including town hall meetings and public input. Motion carried unanimously.
• Other Regular Agenda Items:
  • 7.3: Kiddleton, Inc. – Amusement device permit for four claw machines. Approved unanimously.
  • 7.4: Clerk’s Office employee attendance at Michigan Municipal Clerks Basic Institute up to $1,250 plus out-of-pocket expenses. Approved unanimously.
  • 7.5: Ricoh sole source for DocuWare renewal ($6,129 from General Fund IT). A resident questioned the cost; staff explained it covers 10 GB cloud storage and 100 user licenses. Approved unanimously.
• Item 7.6 – Nomination to Fill Council Vacancy: No nominations were made. No motion.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning Failed: The second reading of Case #24-32 (conditional rezoning to I-1 for self-storage) was defeated by a vote of 2-4. The property remains zoned B-3 (General Business).
• Master Plan Review Received and Filed: The council accepted the Planning Commission’s 2024 five-year review, noting that a full Master Plan update will begin in 2025.
• Clerk’s Training Approved: One employee will attend the Basic Institute with expenses not to exceed $1,250 plus out-of-pocket costs.
• DocuWare Renewal Approved: A sole-source contract with Ricoh for $6,129 was approved.
• No Appointment to Council Vacancy: No candidate was nominated or appointed to fill the vacant council seat.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:11 PM.