Taylor City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Taylor City Council met on March 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included a moment of silence for a former colleague's daughter, the introduction of a new district court judge, approval of several routine and consent items, and extended debate on two proposed charter amendments. The amendment to change the process for filling council vacancies failed, while the amendment to increase purchasing thresholds was postponed to a later date.

Consent Calendar

• 6.1 to 6.3: Authorized the city clerk to sign a Michigan charitable gaming license application for Fish and Loaves nonprofit organization. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caroline Pat (6860 Jackson): Announced that "The Wall That Heals" (a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial) will be at Heritage Park from August 13–16, 2026. Deadline for honoring a Vietnam veteran is March 29, 2026.
• Tim Wong (6422 Birch): Expressed frustration about a citation for a sign that was too large, stating the citation was unclear. He complimented the council.
• Don Johnson (Wayne County Sheriff's Department): Presented a brochure on jail services, including reserves, canine, and marine units. Offered support for community events and complimented the Taylor Police Department.
• Courtney Suntner (23245 North Line): Promoted Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, noting low attendance. Encouraged residents to join.
• E-Comment from Charles Blackwell: Alleged discrimination by the corporation counsel, stating that a professional introduction is read before his public comments, unlike others.
• Phone call about Eureka Road lights: Reported that lights on the south side of Eureka Road between Hampton and Inkster are strobing. The clerk reported the issue to DTE.

Discussion Items

Mayor's Communication

• Mayor Woolley expressed condolences to the Geis family on the loss of their daughter Ella, who died after a battle with cancer. A moment of silence was observed.
• Judge Sackleford introduced Brittany Johnson, newly appointed by the governor to fill a vacant seat on the district court bench. Johnson stated she has worked for seven years in the prosecutor's office, including in the child abuse unit, and aims to balance compassion and accountability.

7.1 – Aerotropolis LDFA Plan (Detroit Regional Air Tropolis Development Center)

• Chris Gerdwood (Aerotropolis) and legal counsel explained a proposed Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district along Inkster Road. The plan would capture 50% of state and local school taxes, but the state would backfill school funds, so schools lose nothing. Only non-residential eligible property (e.g., manufacturing, logistics) can be captured. The goal is to upgrade Inkster Road from a Class B to Class A road. Council members expressed support, calling it a "win-win." Approved unanimously.

7.2 – Sale of Parcel 60-027-99-0001-000

• Approved sale for $25,000 plus closing costs, proceeds to the general fund. Unanimous.

7.3 – Collective Bargaining Agreement with Taylor Professional Firefighters Association, Local 1252

• Mayor Woolley commended the administration for early negotiations to retain firefighters. Council member Thomas stated public safety is paramount. Approved unanimously.

7.4 – Flock Safety Renewal (Two-Year Agreement, $69,600 per year)

• Chief of Police highlighted success: 2,500 agencies in network, 23 million license plates tracked, solved homicide and child sex predator cases. Council member Patz expressed strong support. Approved unanimously.

7.6 – Amendment to CCR for Greenwall House at Heritage Park (2.5% increase, about $16,000)

• Clarified that the amendment was only for a cost increase due to unexpected problems, not the full $404,003. Approved unanimously.

7.7 – Concrete Replacement Panels (2026-2027, up to $1,565,000)

• Approved unanimously.

7.8 – Asphalt Pavement Resurfacing Contract (2026-2027, up to $2,145,000)

• Approved unanimously.

7.9 – Water Distribution Project Design (up to $600,000)

• Approved unanimously.

7.10 – Purchase of Interactive Touch Monitors (up to $23,350)

• Approved unanimously.

7.11 – Cloud Facts Service Renewal ($6,482)

• Approved unanimously.

7.12 – Scanning Software License Renewal ($10,143)

• Approved unanimously.

7.13 – DocuWare Warranty Renewal ($12,613)

• Approved unanimously.

7.14 – Tungsten Power PDF Perpetual Licenses (up to $21,576)

• Approved unanimously.

7.15 – Workmen's Compensation Excess Insurance Policy Renewal ($114,803)

• Approved unanimously.

7.16 – Charter Amendment on Filling Vacancies in Elected Office

• Motion to direct corporation counsel to draft a ballot proposal amending Chapter 4, Section 4.5 to allow the city clerk to cast a deciding vote if the council fails to fill a vacancy within six meetings (90 days).
• Council Member Armstrong: Opposed, arguing the clerk's role is to administer elections neutrally and that the council should not abdicate its duty. Called the proposal a blurring of lines.
• Council Member Woolley: Opposed, stating the council was elected to make difficult decisions and should not transfer that responsibility. He took an oath to support the charter as written.
• Council Member Wallace (motion sponsor): Supported the amendment, noting the gridlock of the previous council lasted two years and that a safeguard is needed. He argued the clerk is a neutral elected official, and the proposal would pressure the council to reach consensus.
• Council Member Johnson: Supported the amendment, stating that safeguards are wise to prevent future hostility and lack of progress.
• Council Member Thomas: Opposed, citing Judge Acida's opinion that the council's duty to fill vacancies is correct. He stated the charter was well-written and does not need change.
• Council Member Thedy: Supported the concept, noting the previous gridlock caused stress and delayed road projects. He said the charter can evolve.
• Council Member Bauer: Opposed, arguing the clerk's livelihood and re-election could be negatively impacted. She questioned why the "next person in line from the last ballot" option was not considered. Wallace responded that the 8th-place candidate was not desired by voters and that no precedent exists for that approach.
• Corporation Counsel: Noted that the attached document made the clerk's vote mandatory, but Wallace said language could be adjusted.
• Roll call vote: Clark (yes), Armstrong (no), Wallace (yes), Thedy (no), Thomas (no), Patz (no), Johnson (yes). Motion failed (3 yes, 4 no).

7.17 – Charter Amendment on Purchasing Thresholds (Section 15.2, 15.3, 15.4)

• Motion to direct corporation counsel to draft a ballot proposal increasing the threshold for council approval of purchases from $2,000 to $5,000 (last increased in 1997).
• Council Member Thomas: Opposed as written, calling the $3,000 increase too low and the process rushed. He noted the attached document had sloppy wording and that the purchasing policy would need revision.
• Council Member Wallace: Supported the concept, stating the $5,000 figure came from a statistical analysis by the purchasing department. He noted that the voters would ultimately decide.
• Council Member Bauer: Questioned why the treasurer was not considered as an alternative tie-breaker in the previous item, but then moved to postpone the item to allow more time for discussion and to incorporate purchasing policy changes.
• Council Member Thedy: Supported postponing, noting the May 11 deadline for the governor. He was fine with postponing to April 7.
• Corporation Counsel: Pointed out that Section 15.4 is currently pending in the Michigan Court of Appeals, adding ambiguity that should be resolved.
• Ben Clayton (Purchasing Manager): Offered to provide additional analysis on how the threshold interacts with sealed bid requirements and other policies.
• Motion to postpone: Approved unanimously. The item will be revisited on April 7, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent and routine items: All approved unanimously.
• Flock safety renewal: Approved unanimously.
• Charter amendment on filling vacancies (7.16): Failed (3 yes, 4 no). No further action.
• Charter amendment on purchasing thresholds (7.17): Postponed to April 7, 2026, to allow for further analysis and revision of attached documents.
• Public comments noted: The council acknowledged the issues raised (Eureka Road lights, discrimination complaint, CERT training, etc.) and committed to follow up.