Taylor City Council Meeting and Hall of Fame Induction - October 6, 2026

The Taylor City Council convened on October 6, 2026, with roll call at 11:30 AM and proceeding into evening. The council approved multiple purchases, contract amendments, and a closed session interview. Notable debate occurred over a first-reading ordinance to allow 23rd District Court judges to purchase health insurance through city plans, which passed 5–2. The meeting also featured a proclamation honoring Corporal Vester Hicks Jr., recognition of the Wall That Heals committee, and a subsequent Taylor Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrating eight inductees. Additionally, Mayor Woolley provided updates on city development projects, waste services, and storm response in a "From the Mayor's Desk" segment.

Consent Calendar

• Approved agenda with removal of item 7.17 (motion passed 6–1, with Mr. Armstrong opposed).
• Approved minutes of September 15, 2026.
• Mayor’s reappointment of Bill Fisher to Planning Commission (unanimous).
• Proclamation honoring Corporal Vester Hicks Jr. (Korean War veteran identified by DNA) accepted.
• Consent agenda for routine purchases approved (one abstention from Mr. Armstrong due to business relationship).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Caroline Patz (Taylor Historical Society) invited residents to the log cabin opening on Sunday, 1–3 PM.
• Dennis Schlemmer (Wall That Heals committee) thanked the city for support, presented framed photos of the wall to Mayor Woolley, Council President Johnson, and the city; also awarded Bill and Caroline Patz commissions as Kentucky Colonels for community service.
• Charles Blackwell (non-resident, self-described political activist) made accusations regarding campaign donations and communications with Rick Sellers; Mayor Woolley and council responded, emphasizing transparency and stating campaign filings are public.

Discussion Items

• Judges’ Health Benefits (Item 7.16): First reading to amend City Code Chapter 2, Section 2.46 to allow 23rd District Court judges to participate in city benefit plans. Councilman Patz spoke against, citing the ordinance's 2008 history, state availability of benefits, and taxpayer burden. Councilman Thomas spoke in favor, citing equity, low cost (estimated $11,613–$55,000 annually), administrative simplicity, and retention of judges. Motion passed 5–2 (Wallace, Thety, Patz, Clark, Johnson in favor; Thomas, Armstrong opposed).
• Lang Park Update: Parks Director provided update on Lang Park progress: parking lot installation, grading, dog parks (large and small), and additional ARPA-funded improvements. Councilman Armstrong noted the $125,000 and $28,000 amendments are 100% ARPA grant funds, not city money. Dog parks are two separate areas (large and small) with fob access.
• Mayor’s Communications: Mayor Woolley discussed the new Kroger development on Eureka/Telegraph (with gas station and connector road), Raised Canes (first downriver location), Meijer Mart in old Handy Andy, Sheetz opening, and the MASCO building redevelopment into a multi-use project with convention center.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda approved 6–1.
• Reappointment of Bill Fisher to Planning Commission (unanimous).
• Proclamation for Corporal Vester Hicks Jr. (unanimous).
• Consent agenda approved (one abstention).
• Items 7.1 (chainsaws, second-lowest bidder), 7.2 (CCR amendment for vehicle repair), 7.3 (door breaching tool), 7.4 (police patrol rifle program, funded by payroll deductions), 7.5 (police training), 7.6 (golf gear), 7.7 (two 2027 F-350s, plows to be quoted separately), 7.8 (new doors at Heritage Hall), 7.9 (CCR amendment for vendor Spence, +$28,000 ARPA), 7.10 (CCR amendment for vendor England, +$125,000 ARPA), 7.11 (generator rental at animal shelter), 7.12 (concrete funding, $2,365,000), 7.13 (grant scout with Wade Trim) – all motions carried unanimously.
• Item 7.14: Motion to go into closed session for budget director interview (unanimous, roll call). Returned at 7:14 PM.
• Item 7.15: Independent contract agreement for Director of Budget & Finance (approved unanimously).
• Item 7.16: First reading to amend judges’ benefits ordinance passed 5–2.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:41 PM.

Special Events and Presentations

• Proclamation for Corporal Vester Hicks Jr.: Mayor read proclamation honoring the 17-year-old killed in Korea in 1950, identified in 2021 via DNA. Family members were present; medals including Purple Heart, Korean War Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and possibly Bronze Star were noted. The family donated the proclamation and medals to the city museum.
• Wall That Heals: A 3/4-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be displayed at Heritage Park August 13–16, 2026. The trailer becomes a mobile education center with Michigan names and artifacts. Dennis Schlemmer, who led the effort, thanked the city and presented framed photos.
• Taylor Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Eight inductees were honored: a former minor league pitcher (Seattle Mariners), Lisa Mackie (basketball, Northern Michigan Hall of Famer), Joe Marvin (baseball/football coach/official 40+ years), Wendy Warren (basketball/softball, school records), Ann Gamer Rob (two-sport college athlete, teacher/coach), Alphonse Rufford (track/cross-country official 50+ years), James Seacott (PA announcer for Junior League World Series 30+ years), Chuck (basketball coach with 473 wins), and the late Al Whited (posthumous, educator/administrator/golfer, represented by son Gary and daughter Cindy). Each inductee shared highlights, influences, and thanks.

Community Updates

• Taylor Sportsplex open roller skating Wed–Fri 12–2 PM, $4 admission, $4 skate rental.
• Chopping Block (career center restaurant) reopening October 9 with Texas barbecue theme (brisket, rib tips, sides, desserts, beverages).
• Taylor High School homecoming and football field ribbon cutting October 16 at 4 PM.
• Culver’s fundraiser for Foundation for Excellence October 19, 5–8 PM (10% of sales donated).
• Dueling Pianos event November 21, 6 PM at Democratic Club on Wick Road, tickets $35.
• Goodfellows corner days November 27–29 and December 4–6; 5K on December 6; accepting toy and monetary donations.
• Election information: November 3 is election day; early voting October 24–November 2 at City Hall atrium; precincts merged; call Clerk’s office if absentee ballot not received.
• Council meeting rescheduled to November 4 due to election.
• Councilman Thomas encouraged voters to read facts about millage renewal (operating levy, affects non-residential properties).

From the Mayor’s Desk (Additional Segment)

Mayor Woolley discussed business developments: MASCO building purchase by Chicago/Sheboygan group for multi-use (professional services, medical, convention center); Kroger expansion with new gas station and connector road; Raised Canes first downriver location; Meijer Mart at old Handy Andy; Sheetz opening soon; Lang Park progress expected to open in September; Heritage Park new inclusive playscape and pickleball courts; heating/AC upgrades in city buildings; trash service with Priority Waste (new CEO, can delivery issues, compost delays); Summer Festival success with Chase Rice, Zach John King, Eva Under Fire, and Daniel Harrison; storm response (DPW/water crew working, free drop-off at compost center, DTE issues). Mayor urged residents to contact state legislators about DTE rate hikes.

All votes and discussions are captured faithfully from the transcript. The meeting included both council business and the subsequent Hall of Fame ceremony and Mayor's Desk interview, reflecting a full evening of city and community events.