Taylor City Council Special Meeting - June 5, 2025

The Taylor City Council held a special meeting on June 5, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Taylor Municipal Building. Five members were present (Daniels, Johnson, Brandana, Winton, Geiss); Councilwoman Rose, Clerk Bower, and Treasurer Tocco were excused. The agenda was approved after removing item 8.11. The council approved numerous routine items, debated a major asphalt contract, extended a gas station moratorium, and failed to fill a vacant council seat.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of May 20, 2025.
• Approved the appointment of David Welton to the Planning Commission for a three-year term expiring May 31, 2028.
• Received and filed pension performance reviews for Police/Fire and General Employees (March 31, 2025).
• Approved FY2025-2026 blanket purchase orders for the Fire Department not to exceed $364,800.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Dishau (owner of Fast Track Market, 24344 Ecorse Road) spoke in strong support of making the gas station moratorium permanent. He stated his family has operated in Taylor for 24 years, recently reinvested in renovations, and argued that the city is oversaturated with gas stations. He called for fairness and stability for existing businesses.
• Chuck Keynes (online comment) asked about improving sidewalk safety; the mayor noted a sidewalk program is being developed.
• Charles Blackwell (online) made an unsubstantiated allegation about campaign finance, which the chair dismissed as false.
• Mary Susan (Sousa) addressed the towing issue, criticizing the council's deadlock and urging action. She also asked about soliciting by ADT without a permit.
• Brenda Bennett (resident on Michael) questioned why a council member with a stated personal relationship with a towing vendor was allowed to vote, and called for a resolution to the vacancy.
• Caroline Pat (6860 Jackson) suggested giving the new towing contract to the existing vendor to break the stalemate.
• Timothy Kinky spoke against the 287(g) ICE agreement, urging the council to terminate it.
• Christopher Fernandez shared a personal story of city bureaucracy contributing to his dog's death, criticizing lack of due diligence.
• Angelo Gargarello (nearby resident) commented on the towing impasse, suggesting charter reform or a tie-breaking mechanism.

Discussion Items

• 8.2 - Ordinance Amendment for Mechanical Amusement Devices and Arcades: Dan Bzura explained the update distinguishes between redemption and non-redemption games, requires security plans, and updates definitions. Councilwoman Daniels asked about poker machines; Bzura clarified they remain illegal if paying out. The ordinance passed first reading.
• 8.4 - Extension of Gas Station Moratorium: Mayor Woolley noted the three-month extension (through September 3, 2025) is intended to allow completion of a study. The final ordinance will go to Planning Commission first. Councilman Johnson commented that some gas stations are aging and need replacement. The moratorium passed.
• 8.13 - Al's Asphalt Paving Contract ($4,445,000): Extensive discussion occurred. Councilwoman Daniels questioned the increase from an estimated $2.7 million to $4.445 million, noting the bid quantities appeared unchanged. City Engineer Chris Gibbs explained that the additional funds come from parks work (MEDC grant) and TBA funds, and that actual quantities did increase for parks. Councilwoman Brandana asked about the timing and order of work; Gibbs stated all 29 streets and parks work are planned to be done by Labor Day, with a goal of additional roads if under budget. The motion passed 4-1, with Daniels voting no.
• 8.22 - Appointment to Fill Vacant Council Seat: Councilwoman Winton moved to nominate and appoint a candidate (name left blank). Chairman Geiss stated he would abstain as he had given assurance to absent members not to act. Councilwoman Daniels argued that appointments should be made when all members are present, citing courtesy. Councilwoman Brandana countered that the vacancy has been open for 16 months and that the council has failed to act despite 13 candidates. Councilwoman Winton noted that the same absent member had previously brought a motion when she was absent. The motion failed on a roll call vote: Brandana no, Winton yes, Johnson yes, Daniels no, Geiss abstain (2-2-1).

Key Outcomes

• Approved (all unanimous unless noted):
  • Proclamation honoring Pia's Ristorante Italiano's 70th anniversary.
  • First reading of the mechanical amusement device ordinance.
  • Smiley Tire & Retreading ($3,616) for fire truck tires.
  • Gas station moratorium extension (3 months) – passed with public comment.
  • Summer special assessment roll for accounts receivable ($143,444).
  • Summer special assessment roll for false alarms ($28,800).
  • Data National AS400 hosting ($34,940) – one-year term.
  • Home rehab loan ($26,000) for emergency sewer replacement.
  • Arctic Air boilers at Ford Senior Center ($101,800 + 3% contingency).
  • Continuum Services walk-in freezer ($32,514 + 5% contingency).
  • Amendment to increase Audia Concrete contract by $50,000 (Monroe Boulevard project).
  • Al's Asphalt Paving pavement resurfacing ($4,445,000) – vote 4-1.
  • NASSCO confined space training ($6,000).
  • Audia Concrete panel replacement ($1,515,000).
  • Wade Trim Foundation 50/50 raffle resolution.
  • Revision of 2025 ad valorem tax levy rate to 25.2332 mills (decrease of 0.0012 mills).
  • FY2025/2026 TIFA budget.
  • FY2025/2026 DDA budget.
  • Oracle America license for platform/integration services ($9,386).
  • News Herald as official newspaper for legal notices ($14,000).
• Failed: Motion to appoint a new council member (2-2-1).
• Next Steps: The gas station ordinance study will be presented to Planning Commission in July; final council vote expected in August. The council remains deadlocked on filling the vacancy; several members suggested putting the question to voters in a future election. The sidewalk program is being developed; the animal shelter and Lang Park projects are moving forward.