Taylor City Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Taylor City Council held its regular meeting on February 3, 2026. The meeting began with a moment of silence for former councilman Greg Bazura, followed by approval of reappointments to city boards, presentations from community organizations, and multiple budget amendments and purchases. Key decisions included approval of a new library board member, a software purchase for police investigations, and a grant for police academy training. The council also received updates on winter operations and community events.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting approved unanimously.
• Reappointments of Ron Moran, Timothy Schram, and Rich Todd to the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BERA) for four-year terms expiring February 3, 2030, approved unanimously.
• New appointment of Brittany Carmona to the Library Board for a five-year term expiring February 3, 2031, approved unanimously. Carmona was sworn in and noted as the first female magistrate at the 23rd District Court in Taylor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• An email from Charles Blackwell was read, criticizing officials Clerk Cindy Bauer, Ron Beattie, and Charlie Johnson as supporters of a former corrupt mayor. A resident named Tiera responded, defending the officials' integrity and expressing hurt over the comments.

Discussion Items

• Fish and Loaves Community Food Pantry Presentation: Executive Director Stephanie McNeese presented the 2025 impact: distributed 3.5 million pounds of food to over 90,000 individuals (45,000 households), with Taylor residents accounting for 41% of service (18,000 households, 36,000 individuals, over 1 million pounds). The pantry is the largest client-choice pantry in Michigan. Council members thanked the organization and emphasized the importance of volunteerism and donations.
• Special Olympics School Plunge Presentation: Transition teacher Marie Louise Tavner Radiger presented the Unified Special Olympics program and the upcoming School Plunge on March 5, 2026, at Taylor High School. The goal is 100 plungers and $10,000 raised; currently at 40 plungers and $5,000. Councilman Patz committed to plunging, and Councilman Thomas donated $100. The event aims to raise funds for inclusive sports equipment.
• Budget Amendment 2026-004: Approved unanimously.
• Magnet Forensics Software Purchase: Approved $12,994 for mobile device data extraction software (Magnet Axiom) for police investigations, funded through the general fund police contractual services and training.
• MCOLES Public Safety Academy Grant: Accepted a grant to cover tuition and salary for one police officer candidate attending Wayne State Regional Police Training Academy, at no cost to the city.
• Zero-Interest Deferred Loan for HVAC Replacement: Received and filed a loan of $11,125 for emergency HVAC replacement at a CDBG-funded property.
• Salt Supply Amendment: Added $40,000 to the salt contract with Detroit Salt due to high usage during winter storms and water main breaks. DPW discussed challenges with salt delivery delays and the need to keep roads safe and drivable.
• Compost Equipment Repair Amendment: Increased authority to EcoVirst by $15,000 for compost equipment repair and maintenance.
• New DPW Dump Truck Purchase: Approved $238,493 for a Freightliner 108SD dump truck with dump equipment, funded through the DPW vehicle account. The truck will help replace aging fleet and improve snow removal response.
• Vetna Supply Hosting Fees: Approved $39,400 for annual census flex net hosting fees, funded through water building contractual services.
• Lease Agreement with Roskan Picture Perfect: Approved the mayor to sign a lease agreement.
• Security Gate Repairs: Amended contract to add $20,000 for repairs on security gates at Pine and Birch streets, funded through TIFA capital outlay.
• Lane Park Signage: Approved a contract with Carney Granny, low bidder, for $51,441 plus 10% contingency ($56,586 total) for signage at Lane Park, funded through ARPA grant. Signs include directional and entrance signs for the new action and adventure park.
• Special Assessment Removal: Removed a special assessment of $3,487 for taxes and $6,465 for delinquent water charges on parcel 075010139300.
• Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive: Approved solicitation request for March 27-29, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• All 15 agenda items were approved by unanimous votes.
• Council announced upcoming events: Taylor Sportsplex open roller skating (Feb 4-6, 12-2 PM, $4 admission and skate rental), and an MDOT public meeting on the I-94 restoration project on February 11, 2026, from 4-6 PM at City Hall.
• The February 16 study session was rescheduled to February 17 at 5:30 PM due to Presidents' Day.
• Council thanked DPW and police for their work during winter weather and water main breaks.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.