City Council - Regular Meeting

Call the city council work session to order. Clerk, please call the role. Stillgrave. Excused. Germaine here. Here. Felder here. Here. Mayor Clark here. So, we have um the order is next with public comment. Public comment. So we'll start with public comment. Any comments from those present here this evening? Any comments from the public? Seeing none. Next item, please. The next item is the work session agenda and the first item is 5688 presentation on drone first responder by MPSD. Thank you. Manager Robinson or Director Tolstead, one of the two.

Yes, Ron. Uh, Director Tolstead will be presenting uh along with a couple other presenters or questionans answerers on the uh drone first responder proposal.

Director, mayor, city council members, clerk of boys, city manager, Matt Buds, representative um Chad Tulsa, director of public safety here tonight to talk to you about the drone first responder program. uh DFR is what you will commonly refer to uh throughout the program here. I'm going to give you a light intro into what you're going to see tonight, but you also received a packet from the city manager that was a very a very much more of an indepth look into what the DFR program would be and what it might look like for the city and what the value is of the offer that was presented by Flock. So, Mike Duchain's here from Flock here with me tonight. He's going to run through most of the presentation with it. I also have here with me Fire Commander Scott Smiley, uh, who's ver versed in this program as well. And if need be, he can come up and answer any questions you might have and how it might benefit the fire service here in the city of Monroe. Also have with me Detective Lieutenant Paul Marx. Paul is in charge of training and technology. That was a position you guys authorized about a year ago. He has been the driving force behind the DFR program and the drone program here for the city as well. So, what we're going to go over is how the DFR paired with our existing technology. If the name Flock sounds familiar to you, it was about 2 years ago we brought in the Flock cameras, the license plate readers that were brought in as well. Uh Mike will explain how these programs will work in conjunction with one another and how it will benefit us to work with them as a as a whole. We'll also present to you a deployment map, what we think if we this was adopted by city council, what we should deploy, what a deployment model may look like. And later in the presentation, we'll talk to you about how we're partnering with local partnerships uh with the sheriff's office. We also part of the big uh when we discussed this flock earlier uh with the flock cameras,

excuse me, the transparency to a program like this, you know, the the the fears that come up through the public may be like what are they watching? What are they doing? Where are the guard rails for such a program? Those were developed as part of the flock program as well. Originally for the license plate readers, how they're used, what the accountability levels are. This would have the same type programs as well, uh, which would be, uh, a web-based transparency dashboard that the public in the council could see anytime they want to. We'll end with some examples, uh, as well and how it's been used here in other communities. So, with that, I'll bring Mike up and let Mike present. Welcome.

Thank you.

Nice to see everyone again. Appreciate you uh, inviting me back. we'll go through if anyone has any questions at any point in the presentation, please, you know, feel free to stop me or we can dive deeper into it. Um, so just want to start out by talking a little bit about drones and how they're used in law enforcement today. Uh, so a lot of agencies have drones that are uh man crafted drones. So it requires you to be on scene to deploy the drone. So, you're putting an officer, command staff out inside the elements, outside in the weather, um on scene, whether it be police or fire to have to fly the drone, have visual line of sight onto uh the drone. What a DFR program is is this allows you to fly it remotely. So you can control this either on scene or you can control it from a command vehicle from the police station and a command staff or a detective or anyone can uh fly this from home or anywhere they see fit. So most agencies if they don't have someone in dispatch or if they have someone at the station who they can either staffed or have on call to go ahead and fly the drone and make sure that they're responding whether it be to police calls or fire calls and try to work in tandem between the two. Uh, one of the benefits with DFR is, uh, as I mentioned, the difference between like a mancrafted, uh, drone and DFR, you can fly this beyond visual line of sight. So, in old school models, you'd need to have different officers or different people who are part 107 certified on top of buildings. So, that way you always have visual line of sight of where the drone is. This you do not. So, we train as many officers as the uh the police and fire see fit to make sure that they are compliant with the FAA recommendations and part uh 107 certifications so that way that the drone can be flown beyond visual line of sight. So, how does this benefit police and

fire? Uh for me personally, I'm still a firefighter down in Lasal Township in town here. So, had a lot of experience in terms of responding to fire calls, uh, especially with limited resources, limited staff when you get called out for mutual aid and and helping other jurisdictions. Um, what this does, this allows you to deploy the drone in 3 seconds, get the drone up, get there faster, and see things quicker. So, when you're talking about officers responding to a potential hostile situation to firefighters responding to a house fire or an overturn vehicle on the highway, you can provide a lot of real-time contextual evidence to officers responding. Uh, so this would be perfect even for dispatch to be able to be trained in this. And as they're receiving the call from the complaintant, they can relay that information through the uh CAD as well as uh launch the drone and give officers responding uh a link directly to either their phone to the MDT in the car. So that way they have uh a little bit of clarity of what's going on on the scene or it can go to the commanding officer who's uh having certain officers respond to that scene so they have eyes on either you know potential suspect or what's going on at the scene with this uh you know obviously there's there's certain calls and certain situations where we always think of the extreme you know house catching on fire people inside or you know several vehicles crash or you know a suspect barricaded. It can be something as simple as um you know, someone calls at 3:00 a.m. for a vehicle that's abandoned. You send the drone out. Drone gets there and realizes, hey, there's no one in critical need. It's we don't need to send fire. We don't need to send EMS. You can save on resources. So, it can be used on a wide variety of types of uh calls for service. So how this fits into your current like

flock portfolio that you have as director Tolstead mentioned uh you guys have right now the LPR and the live video. This works in conjunction. So the LPRs they're giving real-time alerts for any stolen vehicles or wanted vehicles that pass by one of the license plate readers. As soon as that alert goes out, if it's a wanted vehicle, an alert will pop up. They can hit launch drone and it goes out. Same thing with a call for service. you see in the top there. So, we integrate with uh your CAD vendor to pull in. So, all of your calls for service will come up and get logged. You can click and choose if it's a priority, one, two, three. You can choose which types of calls that you want to go ahead and send the drone out to. And it can answer multiple calls. So, if you need to respond to one and then go to another call, you can do that without having to pull officers off scene and send them to another call. You can deploy the drone and get insight into what's going on. So the capabilities of the drone and uh going through just like effective coverage. So the drone can cover up to 3.5 uh square miles in any direction as well as provide 55 minutes of flight time. That's our marketed flight time. Obviously it's always weather dependent. You get high winds, you got a headwind you're trailing into. It may limit the amount of flight time that you have. Uh but what's nice with the deployment that we're looking at is a two drone system. And so the drone will retreat back to the dock when it touches down in the dock. This is way if you have a contactless charger, you can charge your phone just by setting it on it. The drone lands in the dock and it charges. So it takes 20 minutes to go full charge and it can fly for 45 to 55 minutes of weather depending. So you're always going to have a drone in the air. as that drone is running out of battery, you can launch the other drone and retreat the other one to go back and charge. So, you always have 100% continuous air time. You're not missing out on anything on scene to where, you know, obviously it's great to get it

there and get it there fast, but if the scene is continuing and you want to have eyes on the scene, you can launch the other drone and make sure that you're always always covered. So, what this would look like here in Monroe, uh, so the two uh, black circles on the map there, we have the fire stations on the east side and west side, and it gives you a diameter of where each one of those can uh, those drones can cover. So, you can see obviously in that little vent diagram, there's some overlapping coverage. Um, that's great because either drone if the east drone launches and maybe there's a situation uh over Lake Erie, you can send the drone out and get a visual context of what's going on over the lake. If you need to, you can launch the west drone to go back over takeover scene or if that one needs to fly to another call, you can have both drones going at the same time and either drone can go back and charge at either dock. So, American drone insurance policy um so the drones that we have available today um are marketed uh DJI drones. So, they are still able to be flown in the state of Michigan. Um there's no restrictions on being able to to fly them as it stands today in 2026. Um we also have an Americanmade drone that is in production right now. So if there ever was a ban on the DJI drone, we can swap it out with the Americanmade drone when we have that one commercially available. Director Tolstead mentioned the transparency dashboard. So similar if you were to go on to Google and just type in uh Monroe PD uh transparency page, you would see your current policy and calls for uh or use of searches for your LPRs. same exact way that we can set up uh a transparency dashboard for all of your flights uh for DFR. So on the left, what you see here is uh just

some hard statistics. So at the end of every single flight, there's a mandatory FAA uh checklist that you have to go through to log what was the reason for the flight, you know, where did you go, did you, you know, respond for XYZ? And all of that data goes into this transparency portal here. So you can see things like um you know was the drone the first uh item on scene and how many minutes was it up in the air? Uh what's your average response time um etc etc. On the right you can actually see the individual flights themselves. Now it doesn't go into too much detail on the right in terms of the flight. It gives you date time and uh and flight number. Uh so you can obviously talk, you know, check with uh the PD or fire if you had questions about that flight. Uh but just gives you a little bit of context so that way if someone is curious like, hey, I saw that drone flying over, you know, was there a call for service or was it training or what was the reason for that? So we have a couple videos here. Before I show them, just want to check and make sure. Is there any any questions? I know I kind of gone over a handful of information here. Any uh early questions from council members?

Okay. All right. Let me jump over here. doesn't want to cooperate with me right now. Let me see. Let's see if it does.

See if we tap out of it. N doesn't look like it wants to work.

Make sure it's still connected. So, while we're pulling it up, I'll give you a little bit of context on this first video. Um, so I mentioned you can have a wide variety of calls that you can respond to. And in this first video, what we're going to see is we're going to see an accidental call uh for 911 assistance. And in the city of Castle Rock, they if they get a, you know, call for 911 and a hangup, they're going to launch the drone, right? It's it's under their policy. These are the types of calls that we're going to respond to. And under this, it's going Yep. Perfect. So, here you'll see the drone going out. It's going to travel to the location uh that it got the call from. And dispatch is going to call the person back who accidentally dialed 911. And they're going to say, "Hey, we just want to make sure you're okay. Make sure that was an accident and make sure there's not someone in the vehicle maybe." And they were trying to call 911 as an emergency. And they said, "Hey, if everything's okay, can you just stick your hand out the window? give us a wave, make sure everything's good. So that way we know you're not in any type of situation. She puts her hand out and lets them know. So there, you're not sending an officer out, you're not sending, you know, taking away any other resources from, you know, any other calls that you may have and you're able to kind of close that call for service. Go. So, in this uh call here, what we're seeing is we're seeing a suspect running away um assaulted his spouse or female uh companion and uh was running into a residential area. So, he jumps over the fence here and we can see see if we bring this way. So, the dog that lives at the home goes back, sees a guy, the guy starts digging and he's trying to bury and hide a gun. So the drone's up, sees has been following the guy, sees

him bury that. So this guy doesn't know that the drone has eyes on him. He's trying to run back before officers find him. And when they obviously capture him, he doesn't have anything on him. They're able to communicate with the drone operator and say, "Hey, do you guys see this guy go anywhere or dump anything and then he can relay to them, yes, I saw him drop this gun over on the east side of the house, buried it, and give them some uh some context." Side note, not much of a guard dog there.

Yeah, threw me off at first. I thought it was the police K9 and I'm like, man, he's really not doing his job. Um, and then, you know, perfect kind of dual public safety scenario here. Um, especially from the fire side, you know, to to receive the call to get the vehicle, you know, get the engine running. Multiple box alarm. Obviously, we got uh visual fire from the outside, but the drone gets on scene 2 minutes before the first vehicle responds. And once you start getting engines rolling on scene, another call comes in for another uh fire. Right. So, this drone's able to give officers on scene, hey, there is an actual structure fire going on. Here's the units you're going to need. I need to go out to this other call. Drone goes over, sees a vehicle on fire, and then they can give the resources there. I know. I mean, obviously for the city of Monroe, you guys have a little bit more resources than we do down on the S township, we have two engines and one brush truck. So, if we get a call for a structure fire, we're rolling everything. We get a second call, we're in a situation now, right? So, we're calling Mro Township, we're calling Erie, we're calling everyone here, they can give them good resources. So, maybe that house fire was just a grease fire in the kitchen. Hey, you can stop rolling that engine or that, you know, brushed vehicle to that call, but we do have a vehicle fire going on. So just different use cases that you can you can use the technology. We get back. There we go. Does uh anybody have any I'm going to have Commander Smiley kind of come come up and and talk about a little bit about the uh the structure fire and the advantages to having be able to have the drone first responder respond to something like this ahead of time. Commander,

as the commander comes up, any uh media questions? If not, we can later. Okay. Commander Smiley.

Thank you. Honorable Mayor Council clerk boy. uh Scott smiling fire commander. Um so in fire operations, this is this is a great tool for us. Um and I'll go over some points here. So to enhance the operation, um the drone can enter a hazardous condition uh keeping personnel at a safer distance. Uh the thermal imaging is a big key for us. Um they can locate, monitor, and track firefighters aiding in accountability and down firefighter uh detection. Uh the thermal sensors can also quickly uh find trapped or lost individuals through smoke, darkness or even under debris. Uh the real-time aerial view um will provide a uh the incident commander a view of the entire incident showing the fire spread access point and structural details to the building. It also can reveal uh hidden hot spots, fire spread through smoke, structural weakness, and heat signatures of firefighters and victims. Drones can reach a scene much faster than ground units, providing vital initial assessments of the scene. Um, operationally, it can identify specific hotspots, allowing crews to target water and personnel uh more effectively, conserving our resources. um it can reach tighter spaces, higher elevations and remote areas uh not ready readily available reachable by ground crews. So for an example, we had a uh a large fire at the Michigan College of Beauty within the past couple years. Um very hot day. I think it was over 90°. We had multiple firefighters go down from heat exhaustion. A couple of them got transported to the hospital. uh if we would had these drone capabilities, we had multiple crews up on the roof um and trying to find where the fire was and the hot spots for that to ventilate properly. If we had this technology um we could focus more exactly where the hot spot is um ventilate the roof that

would limit our resources and personnel up on the roof. We had uh probably 15 people up on the roof in different areas very hot day. So, this this is one example of a great resource this would be for us. Any questions?

I don't see any at this time, but I'm sure we're going to have a couple.

Yeah. Thank you, Commander. So, there's a lot of advantages uh to this program as well. One of the other things that wasn't addressed, and I don't remember if it was addressed in your packet, was not was the ability like during like let's say a vehicle pursuit. While it might not be able to keep out the vehicle pursuit, if that is dispatched to an area and a car flees from an officer, it can lock onto that plate and then stay with that vehicle. Uh just similar to how it kind of tracked that guy going into the backyard, it can stay with that. Also, it's so it's we have very I would say strict pursuit policies. Uh this would help us in advantage of be able to catch up with some of those guys that might flee from us as well that we're not able to pursue for various reasons. So, as we close this out, just a couple things and we of course we'll have uh opportunity for additional questions is this is regional coordination is underway. The Mono County Sheriff's Office has been offered a similar uh price deal that what we've given first year free, which is uh meaning we get 364 days to try this out. If we don't like it on day 364, we call Flock and say we're not interested in this program. They come out and pick all this other stuff that's at no cost to us in that first year. So, it's a great way in which we're able to exercise this program, see how it fits for the city of Monroe, see if we like it for the city of Monroe as well. This was run past our attorney Matt Buds. He said the contract uh looks solid and it was what they said it was. Meaning like we can be able to give 364, we can be able to give this program back. This is a turnkey contract. Uh the what what we're obligated to do is that is provide 220 power and an Ethernet cable up to these drones which would be positioned at this time where we have them positions on the top of either fire station which allows us direct access all emergency first responders to get there quicker. It's different than traditional drones which was explained. You know traditional drones are always line of sight. you know these ones you know I can sit from my desk launch the drone to another uh

area in the city and be able to watch it from my desk there the flock also provides all the training for us as a part of that so this is a force multiplier not a replacement for personnel uh so it gives us it's like almost like having another kind of another person there though where it gives you a much better better vantage point I remember being on that scene with um the Michigan College of Beauty in the technology was being utilized by the sheriff's office and to no disrespect for the commander at the time it was so new I don't think they really understood how the advantage of was to use it we found out later that that fire was contained to a very small area which you could see from the drone above it was hot but there's smoke everywhere so you had to go little by little with little handheld thermal imagers which are important part of firefighting work but that drone gave us that uh that overhead view which really helped us to find out where the hot spot wasn't there and that this is a future focused capability. So this we believe I've talked to other chiefs and other people in Southeast Michigan that they we believe this is the trend in first responders that you know many agency will be going to this Dearbornne just signed their contract today to implement their DFR program as well. Toledo also uses this flock uh system as well. That's correct. Wait a minute. Flock also uses this system as well. So, we're wouldn't be the first, but we would be somewhat uh early into adopting the technology for the for our citizens as well. So, with that, um I am available for questions. Uh and as long as it's so is our our resident technology expert Paul Mars and Commander Smiley and Mike. Your honor,

thank you for the presentation information. I'll see if there's questions. Uh Kathy, Kathy, I'll go to you. Thank you for the information. I did um notice in the packet that we received there we will be responsible. So I understand there's no cost for that first year but we would still be responsible for damage. So like if something happened to the drone, are we replacing it? Can you explain? No, we we cover the we we cover the cost of uh of the damage. Okay. I was trying to There was something in there though. Do you know what I'm referring to? like

I' I'd have to look at it, but um standard uh contracts, we we cover the cost of the drone. So, it's it's an annual cost uh similar to to the LPR devices, but it is an annual cost. So, something were to happen uh to the drone, we will, you know, get you one while yours either getting replaced or we'll replace it for you. Okay. Yeah. I I may not have explained that well in the packet. I I don't know which area you're referring to. I'll be happy to and I didn't bring the download with me, so I brought a packet with me. you can point it to me afterwards uh and then I can explain and if need further explanation needed for the rest of the council be happy to provide that.

Okay. Um follow-up question. I might as well to get mine out of the way. Um what what do you see as an expense for training? So you have to train a certain number of staff. Are we looking at overtime or are we able to train people under the same without extra expense? If I understand correctly, Flock pays for the training. Correct. Yes. the the training to be part 107 and uh get the BVLS waiverss. The training consists of about two days um so about 16 hours uh to to get certified and so just depending on how many number of you know dispatchers, officers, etc. uh would just kind of come down to to that. So it's a training that we do in in groups to make sure that you guys are all trained.

Okay. Lieutenant Marks, we've already have several officers. if you can explain some of the training, what kind of hours would be put into getting our people ready? LT,

honorable mayor, uh, city council, clerk boy, city manager, sorry. Um, so currently, uh, we do have a patrol launch drone. To get trained for use of that, an officer has to first get um approved by the FAA and get an unmanned aerial vehicle license. Okay? And that consists of uh I don't have a total number of hours, but a significant amount of online training. Uh it's pretty tedious. It uh involves reading flight charts and things like that. Um, so it's it's not quite an easy task for uh for most people. After that, uh, and that that basically costs about just to get the access to the online training is $300 per officer. And then the amount of time that they spend doing that is either on shift or or well, most of it's all on shift for their online work, but that's taking them away from other duties. Um once they are we have a practical training and an officer will spend four four to six hours uh with a seasoned pilot. Uh so you're talking you know two people at that whatever their wages are and then they have to perform at least 10 missions after that and those come through various things like call outs um you know if we have a response for a drone and they come in whether it's on duty or off duty. So, it's a pretty significant per officer um training cost that's involved with all this. I don't have a total estimate off the top of my head, but I can imagine it's it's probably it it's easily uh well over a,000 to 2,000 per officer um before

they're even flying. So, I think that uh that cost is significant. LT, if I'm not incorrect, I don't want to put words in your mouth, but most of the training is done uh while on shift, correct? Yes, sir. Okay. Yep. So, most of the shift will be done on training. All the online training can be done while on shift. So, it's not off duty on overtime. It's being completed while on shift. And this training would this training would definitely be done all on duty. Okay. But I guess I was speaking to current. Okay. So, I apologize if I confuse that.

Okay. I have one last question. Have we started thinking about our specific use cases? I know we've heard kind of quite a few different examples, but is that something that we've started outlining yet as far as how we think we would use it?

We haven't grind down into specifics, but I can give you one specific call type that I really do want to address. Currently, when we have like water rescues out on Lake Erie, the current standard protocol is we launch uh about three different stations, Monroe Town, City, and Frenchtown. typically all get dispatched to one water rescue. Most of the time, thankfully, it's usually not the end of the world. The boat's not sinking. Coast Guard is even called out. This is one resource where we can if we once we start implementing this and getting it in, we launch that drone out, we can get over ahead view and we'll know more uh much more readily what kind of resources we're going to need uh for such a call as that. that far enough. That's this uh coverage didn't look like it went very far that way, but

we can go back to the map here. There it is. It actually does go quite a quite a bit of distance. Any further out than that, you know, you're stressing the drone out and how long it can maintain flight time as well. Uh but that it is a fair a fair distance out into Lake Erie as well.

Okay. with and and with that. So that's that's the effective coverage range of the drone. Uh but in terms of visibility, uh so I was out in Waterford Township. They have our our DFR and we were flying today in the snow and and uh you know weather conditions today and we were standing on top of a roof and had the drone at 400 ft up in the air and had it out about 3200 feet. So about 3/4 of a mile, just over half a mile, and you could see, you know, what color shirt I had on from that. So being able to get the drone out to that distance, but then also being able to see a pretty good distance out in the water. Okay. Thank you.

Thanks, um, Michelle. So if there were a nuclear emergency and we all were in a blackout, how would they get charged? That's a good question. I'm going to leave that one to Mike. Yeah. So, with that, um, the drones have you can get additional batteries as well. So, as well as contact charging, you can actually do a manual swap out for the batteries. Um, so that way if you have extra batteries or, you know, if one drone is up, you can launch the other one and then swap out a battery for the one that's down at that time period. Uh, so having extra batteries is always an option. Um, so in that situation there, so they're they're are they charged with electric? Do they plug in to a charge or is it like a cell phone?

Yeah, they're they're charged with electricity. If you had extra batteries, uh it just be like plugging your phone into a power bank or something. You could just swap the batteries out, throw a different battery in. That would already be pre-charged and then the drone could go back up in there. And the battery life would be the same as the flight the life of the flight. So the the time to charge the battery is 20 seconds or 20 minutes and the flight time is 45 to 55 minutes. So, uh, in that situation, if you had a handheld charger that you could charge the batteries on, you could power up a generator, throw the batteries on there, throw spares in, and launch the drone back up. And how many pilots does it how many can one person control?

One person can fly two drones if if needed. Um, that's one of the benefits with this. It's it's hard to show it and just a couple videos there without, you know, seeing a live demo. But, uh, the drones are pretty autonomous. I mentioned like a call for service comes in and you get an address, you can click launch drone, it goes up, you choose the location you want to go to and it'll start moving towards that drone. If there were any uh you know interference, you get a tree, a power line, anything in the way, it has a mitigating detection inside the drone. So, it's going to avoid any uh obstacles or any obstructions in its way. Uh, so as it's moving towards the drone, you can obviously take control of it at any time, but you can also just launch the drone to that location. It's going to go it's going to hover and give you eyes on scene.

So if you're in a fire situation, it would go up above the fire so it's doesn't melt. Yep. And you're not having to like hold height or steady. It'll hover and stay at that height for you. Thank you. Yep. Thank you.

If I if I may, your honor, follow up. Uh so part of the reasons why we looked with the sheriff's office as well as partnership is that is to have additional uh drone operators. This is some of the reasons why on call outs now for our drone is we have fire come out and operate it for police situations because most of our police resources are tied up on the ground and vice versa is a kind of the game plan for some of the stuff depending on which type emergency call it is. And we can even we've even uh utilized sheriff's office resources as well, meaning their staff to fly the drones as well. This is why having good regional partners and good partnerships within law enforcement here in Monro County is so important. Thank you, your honor. Thanks, Mike.

Um for any of the surrounding communities that are already using this, is there any kind of statistical data that shows like how many out of x amount of calls that the drones were actually utilized? Mike, do you have anything?

Yeah. Um, we can get some some data. Um, I know Toledo has been live for roughly a year. Um, and so we could probably get some stat statistics from them. I think they're the closest um, in terms of proximity. Um, but there's there's other uh customers that we have that we can get some facts on in terms of, you know, how many times it's the first on scene, what type of calls, and then we also uh can send over, you know, different policies in terms of here's the type of calls that, you know, 20, 30, 40 different agencies across the, you know, region or country, how they utilize the drone. So, as you're crafting up your own drone policy of here's how we're going to, you know, use it, uh, here in the city of Monroe, you can go off of, you know, other, uh, agencies that are using DFR today.

Andrew,

uh, thank you, director, for the presentation. Um, the staff that would be manning the drones at the time of deployment, those would be those would be our people. Um, correct. That is the idea of it. Those would be our people, not sheriff's office people. So, I've been talking with the sheriff's office and what we might think this would look like and how we could partner better. So, if they were uh we may, but the idea of it is we launch the city of Monroe employees launch the drone, not anybody else. Future, we've talked about in the future and what we thought this might look like is have somebody stationed at central dispatch. That's what their their job is to launch these drones. The sheriff's office has plans to put one in north of us in Frenchtown, I think south of us, and also in Bedford as well.

Okay, that was a follow-up question. I think that you'd covered that a little bit. How does this change our response complement to uh two incidents? And it it sounds like through that partnership um that might exist at the at central dispatch or if we are if we are basing our minimum staffing and other staffing considerations within uh within the public safety and the fire department and uh police department. um we we have based that on assumptions for uh how many uh officers or firefighters we expect to be responding in incidents. So if we're having an additional um staff member manning these, how does that change that calculus? Does it change that calculus? Is is that done through an outside location like central dispatch? I'm just wondering.

It's it's an excellent question. Some of some of the questions that we've, you know, kicked around is like, how would we manage something like this? How do we go, which right now it's all hands- on decks and we're sending all personnel. Where does that person come from? And some of the things we've kicked around is having an on call status. Currently have an on call drone team now. And with this drone first responder, they can deploy it from their own from their roll over in their pajamas and deploy it from their phone or deploy it from their tablet next to their bed or depending on the size of the incident. This would be one where fire and police complement one another in their relationships is if Lieutenant Marks is on duty, he can launch it from his desk and support fire operations as well. But this is also where the regional partnerships come into play. Like with the sheriff's office, we call the sheriff's office. Hey, we have all hands on deck. We have interoperational agreements with them. They can launch a drone to support our efforts as well. But future is what we're looking out into the future. We believe that it will most likely end up within central dispatch as a part of their part of like the job function out there to be to deploying these drones in support of first responder services.

Yeah. Um I know that Councilwoman Stringham asked about damage and how that would be covered. What is the cost of one of these uh one of these pieces of equipment? We're proposing to get two, one on each fire station. That's my understanding. Um, I understand that this is a very rapidly developing piece of technology. The capabilities are developing all the time, but as things develop also, it makes it more cost effective and they're getting cheaper all the time as well. What is the cost of one of these? The actual physical item, the cost of it. Yeah. So, I'll have I'll add that to Mike.

So, the cost it's the drone, the dock, everything included for one location is 50,000 per year. Uh, that's the annual cost for it. But again, the the damage, we we cover that. So, we'll replace it for you if something happens. So, Okay. Okay. Um, and then I think I saw something in the in the report about FF FAA waiver. Of course, I'm over in precinct 6. There's an airport in precinct 6. Um, when they inspected my house, the building inspector tried to have a drone take off and do pictures of the roof. You can't. you're too close to the airport. How do we get around that? I'm sure that law enforcement has its own like you have.

Yeah. So, we we work with the FAA and we go over and map all the grid squares that's needed and uh make sure that everything. So, when we put it out, it's exactly what it looks like, you know, grids if if you ever seen it. Uh so, they're squares and it'll tell you how high you can fly in each one of those squares and subsections within the city limits. So it'll map out exactly over by Mson Park you may only be able to fly at 100 feet or 200 feet and as you get away from the airport it goes up to 400 feet and whatever your uh the FAA clears for us to do that. So we work with them to map all that out uh get that loaded in. When we come out if if you guys do adopt this uh our team comes out we do site surveys. we go through. That's what we were doing today in Waterford Township was testing each one of their locations to make sure that uh there were no obstructions or anything that was not seen uh in the grid squares and in the site surveys to make sure that we are good to mount on all those locations.

Other questions from council? Um Kelly, forgive my tardiness so I might have missed this already. Um I know we just put in these flock cameras. Mhm. How do these complement or work in concert or will they um add or take away um from that camera system that we're currently running?

I'll I'll answer some of the my parts and I'll have Mike come up and answer some other parts and fill any gaps I I miss. So the the current license plate readers just commonly called flocks are license plate readers we have positioned around that you know plate readers. these these flock uh drones, the DFRs can also have the capabilities of locking onto plates. And let's say a car were to have left or we pick up on a car that had comes into the city limits that we know uh is uh has done nefarious things within our city limits. Right? So the the the the plate rear hits on it, we can launch the DFR drone to that area. That drone can then pick up on that plate, stay with that vehicle while officers respond there. So rather than just deploying three, four cars to the area, hunting, hoping to hunt it, this drone's above that car, watching it, and we know exactly where it's going to and headed to. Does that answer your question, ma'am?

Yeah. Mike, did I miss anything on that? No. Okay. So, look looking at time and I I have questions. I think most uh were answered as in the conversation. So, I'm just going to kind of highlight a few and I think that I'll start. you you made comment about the the state re uh restrictions stuff and and notes that we all know that there's discussions regarding uh drones and being Americanmade. You said you're in the process. What's the time frame for that to come to fruition?

Yeah, so we we have a few out uh in testing right now at a couple commercial sites uh early early adoption customers. Uh but the goal is to have that ready for like Q3 Q4 of this year. Uh so the good news is everything's approved for 2026. If something were to change in 2027, uh we would have those uh should have those commercially available.

Okay. Thanks. Um I guess along along those lines, um I think of I hear a lot about policies and procedures and who's going to to be operating the the time frame on training to get that we have personnel. Not only know we have personnel currently trained but in the use of this equipment whether it be here and then I'll talk about the multi-jurisdictional next time frame training the time frame to get someone trained on this near. Okay. Uh LT I'll have the LT come up and answer what what the time frame is between between uh like no one has a license and between getting them a license. What's the what's the time frame on that? Right. LT

because he he mentioned he mentioned about you know time frame of of doing the current drones. Currently, it's much longer um because of the license that you're required uh with beyond visual line of sight with the FAA waiverss. Um Flock will handle that training in a matter of uh two days two days, right? It's two days versus, you know, we could have someone doing online and then some practical work over the course of 6 months uh to a year. So, they're going to handle that. It's a little bit different licensing. uh this is much more efficient and then to be able to pilot these.

Okay, my next question may all want to wait for this one because it might be any one of you three because I know that we currently have drones we currently have to take care of those monitor use uh also recordkeeping. I mean it it's costfree is what I'm hearing but there is internal costs as we've heard already. So I think about the retention and I also think about FOYA. So I'm asking and I know that then impacts another department here in the city. So if there was deployment and then we started receiving uh foyers, what's what's the time frame for uh collecting the data, get it back and working with that would be the clerk's office? Any I'm I'm not looking for specific time just

your experience on on these coming in. So uh when you finish the flight, you return the drone back to the dock. I mentioned in the software, it requires you to fill out uh kind of the the post-flight checklist and information on there that saves all of the cost for the storage uh for every flight uh is in there and it that's on us, right? We we cover that cost for you. So that's saved in there as it's got a full audit trail so that way everything can be recalled um and and can't be removed. So everything's saved inside all of your flight logs inside the the flock aerodome system. Um, in terms of being able to get a foyer request, how long would you return it? Um, who really just come?

Who services the request? I mean, it comes through the clerk's office. What's the process and path to to receive it? And does it is it an internal uh task? Is it an external task to flock? How's how does it get there? All all of you have experience on Yeah. All the data and information is is owned by the agency themselves, similar to the LPRs. So there's nothing that we they're collecting, not you. Yeah, we don't we don't, you know, have access to it or anything. It's it's owned by the city. Uh so it would be an internal component. Um but they have access to that.

Your honor, I don't see I don't see this uh taking any longer than what it would be for anything else like our current body warn cameras are the day that's available usually the the night of the day of something like this happens. So I I heard that um items are um taken care of through flock and and also the the company but you know the the maintenance is is part of that. Um I already talked about time commitment. I'm just there's probably going to be more conversation because I think about the uh authorization levels uh multi-jurisdictional partnerships who's going to be uh operating. Um, I don't know how far along the sheriff's department is in our conversations. I'm not looking for a response because that's theirs, but how we work that together because there's operating more so in operational efficiencies if if that's a possibility. It's obviously conversation uh with uh our our legal adviser as well. Um I I I have other questions but I'm just I think I'll stop there because just the goodness of time we have you the information and we have the presentation. Is there any other comments or questions from council?

Oh Mike just one um would this be replacing our current drone um activity?

This would this would be in complement to one another. We would still look to add additional line of sight type drones which would might fill which would we would look at filling in the gaps of uh emergency services. So if this one has to come back, we have that ability to launch other drones and we also have the ability to launch other drones that are in line of sight. Also gives us different capabilities like we have drones now that can fly into homes rather than sending personnel into that homes that might might be uh dangerous for them. We can fly drones into there. These drones cannot fly inside of a home. So I guess I'll conclude. I I a couple things were said. Um uh Councilman her mentioned about uh other use and examples that'd be beneficial I think for discussion uh whether it be from Toledo or wherever. I mean, you know, types of calls, the timeline, you know, I I heard dispatch and that is dispatch going to be the person and, you know, priorities 1, two, and three as we currently have and how they're sent and then there might be some efficiencies there if the if the if the drone was to arrive first, but then who's making that call? Is it the commander or is it the dispatch? And then Andrew's question I think was uh as well Councilman Felder about you know if we're considering putting a person at the dispatch we're actually removing a person and and I I'm trying to understand in the presentation also not the presentation but the information you know talking about opportunities for um where was it at about personnel and the difficulties in personnel and the changes with that that I I wouldn't want to see this to be a replacement. And I heard this is presented as not being a replacement of personnel, but how does it complement? So I may have some more questions, but I think we're probably here for now. Last comments, director.

Yes, I appreciate the time tonight to be able to present. I know it's a lot of information uh which creates a lot a lot of good questions. Uh the offer to us uh is been extended for a couple weeks. So, we did to get all this stuff ready uh for this presentation tonight. We've flocks been most gracious as to uh push this off or off as long as we could to make sure you guys get enough the council gets enough information to make an informed decision. So, this will come back to you at the next council meeting for a decision at the regular session. uh during this time if there's additional questions which it sounds like there is myself city manager Robinson are certainly available to answer any of those questions in that time frame.

I see Councilman Feller has another question but since you brought it up I will ask this question because obviously you say it's you know a future cost and reading the page here talked about grant funding and I would uh be looking even though we it's free. I think now is when you'd want to understand what grant funding is there. I'd like to see a a break out of that that's been used. burn grants been me mentioned but uh you know if if that's the case then who and where and how is it done um because if if if deployed no pun intended uh the um next year is a cost and how is that going to be uh funded through the current revenues within the department would be my askrea followup

yeah I had One follow on to what Councilman had her and uh what you said, Mr. Mayor, about questions um about use cases specifically, and this doesn't need to be answered uh tonight. This probably as we come back, use cases. I I would like to see use cases where our current um complement of drones would not be sufficient to the task that is required um because we already have some infrastructure in place in in terms of that. Um regarding the grants, I'll just make one point. My experience has been it's much easier to get a grant for a capital project for a one-time expense with continuing application than it is um to get a grant that would essentially get you into your first year of a subscription model. So um as as we talk about the you know the application that this technology has and expanding our current uh capabilities as as a department I think that those are those are good to keep in mind. So, as we um conclude, I think that if you have if there's additional questions, please, you know, through the manager, send them to the public safety director and if you have them, I'd send them quickly because there's a time frame obviously that's being presented to us.

Thank you, your honor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much everybody for being here. Thank you. Y appreciate it. Yep. Clerk Leavoy, the next item will be item 5687, the Altrusa Park design review. Thank you, man. Robinson. Yes, your honor. I'd like to invite uh Director Cochran to uh come up and as we do a review of the design of our proposed design of Altrusa Park. Thank you, Director Cochran.

Good evening. Just one second, please. There we go. Um thank you, Mr. Robinson. Um, so by way of background, and it was in your your packet this evening, um, last year in well almost two years ago, June or July of 2024, the city was a recipient of a grant uh through MISTA, the Michigan State Housing Development Agency. Um, they have a program called My Neighborhood, and it focused on a couple different things. We got one grant to update the zoning code to allow for more flexibility for housing options. Uh which you've all uh approved and and adopted the implementation of that. Um but there was also some other planning grants um that we received uh $75,000 through that program uh specifically for Elrusa Park and looking at Elrusa Park downtown um given its uh location and proximity right in the heart of the downtown um as well as it its emerging use for special events and activities that bring the community together. Um and so with that grant um we have uh put together a design working with Edge Group. Uh this was a contract that you approved uh July 2025. And since that time, we've been working with EDGE as well as representatives from the Downtown Development Authority and the Citizens Planning Commission uh to put together a schematic conceptual design for what Elusa Park could look like and how we can enhance that um into a a more quality park uh that serves the downtown for multiple different purposes. And so over the past year or I guess 6 months or so um we've been working with that committee to put together what are some things that we would like to see what would be beneficial to add um and I'm actually going to start at the bottom of this presentation

um to look at uh where we started also for famili familiarity purposes.

This is what Alrusa Park looks like right now. Um, a couple of the comments that were made by the committee members is you really, we get asked a lot, where's Elusa Park? Um, you drive past it when you're going on Front Street. So, you really don't see it's coming in front of you until you're driving by it. Um, when you're on Washington Street and looking uh north, you really don't see the park because of the the situation of the buildings. So, one of the purposes that we wanted to try and achieve um was to how do we blend uh typically the public and private realm, but in this case it's all public property. How do we include the sidewalk into the uh development of the park so that you can see it as you're approaching it? Um also to increase the amount of gathering space that's at the top. Um, if you haven't participated in any of the Finally Friday events that we've had over the past couple years and expanding the summer concert series, um, and with the establishment of the social district, the intent was to give downtown employees and also residents an opportunity for a place to go after work before you go on with your weekend. five o'clock, stop and grab a refreshment at one of the local businesses, swing by Alresa Park, maybe enjoy a couple songs, continue walking downtown. Not so much the big destinations like we have on the Thursday night concert series. So, a bit more passive, but we also know you can uh visit this park on any given day and see people using the picnic tables at lunchtime um both for legal and illegal purposes. We understand that. Um and so that small private or intimate gathering spaces on your own um was also something we still wanted to try and encourage that as we're increasing the number of residences downtown giving them this yard space or this uh patio space that they can enjoy as a resident in addition

to the organized events that we had. Um, if you weren't downtown to see last year, Alt Trusa uh organized the Mother Goose play, uh, which was really cool, uh, where families were invited and they did a a performance of Mother Goose on the stage. And we also had a wedding in Elrusa Park last year for the first time in many years. And so, how do we blend all of those uses together? Um, was also a goal and desire of the committee. Um and so the plan and this was uh reviewed with the downtown development authority at their meeting uh this month and then we also uh presented it to the planning commission this month as well. And so the view that you're looking at right now is from the top from Front Street. And you'll see one of the most defining features is of this pergola across the sidewalk that goes over the sidewalk almost to the curb uh and extends into the park between the two buildings. Um the intent with that is that visibility um blending it into the environment around you um but also calling out and also providing shade. So in those summertime days um but making it a much softer you can see the intent would be to grow vegetation to provide that shade after it uh has some time to mature rather than additional hardcaping or more uh structure uh over it that would be a little more difficult to maintain. We looked at some of the shade sales that you may see in other parks. Uh those have to be replaced every couple years. So, the intent was to make this um very sustainable and as lowmaintenance as possible. So you can see with the a bit of the situation of the furniture um on the sidewalk in the picture to the right um making sure that the walkway and ADA accessible is um permitted along uh the front street sidewalk, but also that furniture is

removable so that during the winter time when we have to plow and when we have to clean the sidewalks, there's not hindrances in the way. Um, and so as you continue uh into the park, you see on the in the right hand picture this kind of standup table. What those are intended to be is a place to stand like a counter height or a bar height. If you don't want to sit down, if you're standing there talking or just pausing on your way while you're walking through downtown, um, have a place to set your drink while you talk with your friends. Also during the concerts at the top is meant to be more of the social atmosphere where you can sit together at a table, sit together at some of that more lounge furniture, um converse during the concert, and then as you move into the park have the opportunity for that more traditional concert seating, and you'll see that a little bit. Um, also the the tiered seating that you see even with the furniture. So, uh, you'll see the first couple rows of these, uh, quad tables with seats are the counter height. So, you can look over and down into the ri into the park or at the performance that's taking place or at the river. And then here, closest to uh, where the park starts to tear down toward the river is the standard uh, seating height. And those are handicap accessible, having room for a wheelchair to pull up um and enjoy that table uh just as much as anybody who may sit down in one of the seats. And so you'll also see the overhead lights to kind of create that ambiance and that environment that we see in a lot of built environments um that help a protect the space, keep it safe um but also provide sufficient lighting for safety in an attractive way. And that uh continues down into the park itself. And you'll see some example photos uh along the left that are a bit of the the inspiration for these pieces.

You'll also see the different colored concrete. So opportunities for stamped concrete to break it up a little bit, provide a little more visual interest that separates it from uh the concrete sidewalks that you see throughout downtown. So that you can see this is not just a sidewalk, but it's actually part of the park and enhances it and provides more visual appeal and also plantings because we wanted to look at different ways for storm water management too for those to uh collect some of the rain uh and selfwater uh both the vegetation that's growing up o over the pergola as well as the planters that we see downtown. Um, but the committee wanted to see different planters than what uh we see throughout the downtown right now. Differentiate those, maybe have some different height um and provide uh different plantings that kind of set it apart from the rest of downtown as well, but complement it. And again, this is schematic. So again, this is not exactly what it's going to look like, but it gives us the spirit and the feel of the intent that we're going for. Oops. I don't know what I did here. There we go. Okay, so that's the top uh looking down into the park. And this would be the view from the Riverwalk. And there's a couple different options here. Um you'll see the tiered seating that comes down from that top uh level. And that

provides that sort of stadium style seating uh for folks who wish to enjoy the performance in more of a formal way. Um but also uh that seating is lit and it also uh if you look at this page uh in this middle picture here, you'll see there is a wood bench over top of that concrete. I think uh we've all sat on concrete benches before and they're hardly comfortable when you're enjoying a concert for an hour. Um so also to provide some comfort in breaking up the materials uh and also have those lit so that th the tears are uh safe for people to walk down. Um and then still keeping the open park space uh that that is um known that Altrusa Park is known for now. Um so keeping that open all of this is sloped down to the river. Um and then replacing the stage. So working within the flood plane too was another challenge that we had with Altrusa Park in terms of what we could build. Um and so we did run these past Eagle and our our friends in the flood plane and floodway office there um to determine what is feasible and and both of these options are. And so the intent maybe to have this archway that kind of frames your view of the river as you look down rather than obstructing it. Um but also thinking about other uses for Altrusa Park. Um, one of the ideas that the committee had was the ability to have a screen that comes down and offer movie nights in uh, Elrusa Park. And so that frame kind of serves that double purpose um, but isn't so obtrusive that it detracts from the view of the river. And then you'll see the landscaping on either side of the building. Um there's some HVAC equipment uh on the building to the west that we uh looked at some different screening materials, both natural as well as um man-made that kind of help hide that. And I will say the other thing, we've been working with both property owners, so they're aware of what the plans are. They're excited about how it could complement the vision

that they have for the future of their building. Um the murals that are on the buildings are purely schematic. These are not what is proposed or what's intended. It's just an opportunity to show what could be. Um although we've heard some great feedback about the colors and and the look of that. Um and so you'll see uh particularly with the stage down at the Riverwalk, there's a couple different options um these steps and that access to go up to the stage so that you know if people want to sit there while they're uh walking down the Riverwalk any other day, uh that's a viable option. Still having that those planters as well. Um the the uh lawn space also is easier to mow and maintain as well. Um we had a couple different options where uh perhaps it wound up the entire park, but when we think about mowing and the challenges with that, keeping the wider lawn was much easier for our park staff and our mowing contractors. Um and then another option was this one. Um, one of the concerns that we had and that we've witnessed with some of our performers, uh, if we have a wide open stage like that and their back is to the river, if they're moving about, how do they know before they fall off the stage? Um, and so you'll see a piece that's similar to what's at the top um, with that bar height uh, table that would kind of protect them um, but would again provide an opportunity for um, meeting or gathering for pe folks who are walking down the river. Um this tiered seating that you also see there um provides just some different elements and different design as well as different landscaping uh ideas uh toward the bottom as well. And so here's the aerial over overview. Um you'll see it is it it is about three or four of the tiered seating in addition to the seating that's up at the

top um in the grassy area that's still um available for the casual seating. Uh and then the different elements too. So uh I guess any questions on the design, any thoughts on the design? Um you'll notice too the color of the pergola that's over the sidewalk was intended to match the city's brand colors. Um and coordinate very well with both the city brand and the parks brand as well as we uh one of your goals has been to implement the city's rebranding initiative uh across the city. So rather than have a black steel structure or something that looks more industrial, how do we uh complement um both the park space, add color? Uh and so that was the intent with that as well.

Immediate questions for Mark uh Kelly. I love it. It It looks really cool and I like that area there when you're downtown just to have that little area to duck out. So, this will be nice. And plus, you're getting really good feedback on social media. Not all the complaint. I I read like a lot of positive comments um when you all posted it or it was shared. Um as far as the stage in that uh structure there, will you provide electricity? You will. Yeah. Okay.

Mhm. The other thing I forgot to mention if I may um on the left side here you can't see it but there's storage provided. So if you've come to our finally Fridays we've had like cornhole and connect 4 and other games and and things like that that are available having when we have concerts it's always nice to have storage available uh for different users as well. So that's built in on the left here along with the tiered seating. Kathy, the stage looks much larger in this picture. Is Is it a bigger stage? Like what type of what size band would fit on the new one?

So, we're still thinking about the character of the Finally Fridays that they're not full bands, but it's more like solo acts. Also, the performances like we had Mother Goose. I think there's like five or six characters as part of that play. Um but still just small like uh quartets or um uh when you have three trios uh small acts and performances but also their sound equipment and being able to to accommodate that in their instruments as well. So it is a little bit bigger. Okay,

Mike. But this uh and I do love this also like Kelly said, what is the capacity of the park with this layout? That's a good question that I don't have the answer to that right off the top of my head.

I really like the overhead and lights.

Another comment um because this is a priority that we have been trying to enact throughout all of our parks throughout the several years was making sure that they're open and accessible to all users of all abilities. Um, and so I wanted to touch on um, the handicap accessibility and the ability for all uh, folks to access this park. Um while the stairs and the tiered seating are not accessible, we were very cognizant to making sure that the top plaza was so that if somebody is coming by on Front Street, uh they've got opportunities from that plaza to enjoy the concert and enjoy the park um both with seating and um through casual opportunities for uh for visiting with others as well. Um, but also the Riverwalk has handicap accessible entrances from several points on East Front Street. And I wanted to um just show those real quickly um in case council was unaware. Um this is Altrusa Park and right on the other side of this building um right here uh there is handicap access with a ramp down to the Riverwalk uh if somebody wanted to go down to the Riverwalk. And then the other access point uh from the east is at the Elm and Mcome parkings parking lot where we have another Riverwalk uh access with the handicap ramp that switch backs down to uh the Riverwalk in order to make Altrusa Park fully handicap accessible given the width of it as well as the slope of it and not having to do some serious regrading. um especially in the floodway, we would have to have switchbacks going all the way down, which would make it a very costly um and prohibitive project. But we wanted to make sure that there was uh integration for uh those with different abilities at all levels throughout the park to enjoy the the whole thing.

Is this susceptible to ice jams? So, um, yes, and that's also the reason why the stage is flat. Um, the structure itself, the ice can move around it, making sure that it's anchored far enough. And that's partly why we also talked to the folks at Eagle and the Flood Plane Division as well to make sure that rising flood waters and ice jams uh wouldn't uh provide too much damage more than they already do.

Okay. Okay. So, the implementation for this um we do have the $75,000 grant from MISTA that has to be spent uh by the end of this year. So, we're looking at um how we can uh make incremental purchases to achieve this vision. Um it's likely going to be phased of course this year. The main priority is finishing up St. Mary's Park and the park plans. Um so, if and you'll recall in the capital improvements program for this year, all the funding for park improvements primarily is going to that project. Um but we do have opportunities for other grants and we know this project is eligible for the one-time capital improvements for placemaking initiatives like the um MEEDC's uh um I always screw this up my my community my place I think it's called. It's a crowdfunding initiative. Um but also this is listed in the capital improvements program for next year for additional funding. So, it's likely this park is not going to be redone all at once, but different components implemented over time uh in pieces.

Any questions or comments or Marky? Anything further? Mhm. Excellent. I think it looks great. I think we've had a lot of compliments, but I look forward to this moving forward. It's a great uh way to enhance the downtown for a great place. Certainly, this is just a schematic plan, too. If we move toward construction, you would see the final plan come back to you in whatever form or fashion that takes. I'm looking to the clerk and there's one more item. I'm not sure how far we can get through this and looking at manager Robinson and I guess some options are just a highlight or during a presentation during the meeting. But do you How long are you thinking

Mark? Do you think 10 minutes? We could probably do a quick overview. and go for 10 minutes, I think. Okay. So, the next item is Orchard East Greenway Trail Schematic Design Review.

So, the next project that we've been working on uh this was also a grant that we received from SIMC COG for the uh regional planning grant looking at uh trail connections. And so, with this project, we've looked at the Orchard East Greenway Trail, which is both a part of the Heritage Corridor master plan as well as the Orchard East neighborhood master plan. And so I provide the aerial for familiarity purposes. This is Helenburgg Park. Uh in the bottom right hand part of your screen, the area that the greenway trail focuses on is the entire area between these two sets of railroad tracks. Um going all the way down here's the ALCC and Navar Library and Learning Bank campus. So all of this property going down to what's called Plum Creek, um which is right here in the south city jurisdictional boundaries. that opens up into Plum Creek Bay, which is a international wildlife refuge. And so this has been one of the identified uh activity areas in the heritage corridor plan since it was established in 2010. Um and so we've got a couple different opportunities for some significant grants um to advance this project um should we acquire the property. And so, uh, we pulled together a a committee that included city staff as well as planning commission members, members of the River and Heritage Corridor Advisory Commission. Um, we had a representative of the Orchard East neighborhood on the committee. And then we also had the national park staff and the national the Battlefield Foundation included in this. The main priorities were to envision how this trail could weave throughout that property, but also how it would connect into the larger regional trail network. And so uh generally, you know, the her the uh Winchester Street Bridge is connected to the heritage trail which goes out to the state park and we're working with our friends in Frenchtown and the road commission at how that

trail then further uh connects into North Dixie Highway. Uh but at the south of course we've got the Kentucky uh La Pleasants Road and Jones Avenue realignment with non-M motorized transportation uh with construction planned for later uh this year if not next year uh for the reconfiguration of Jones and the Pleasants. And so this is just a draft you see right now. Um, but the intent is at the south to use uh 8th Street as well as the DPS property to connect to Kentucky and then Kentucky to La Pleasants Road which will then take you out to La Pleasants Road in Bulls Harbor as well as that connection to Jones. And so you'll see that further defined uh in future concepts. But this gives you an idea with the massing of the property, what are some different elements. So, we wanted to look at what is access on the south because we know with the closure of some of those rail crossings, access to this property um can be a challenge. And so, you'll see down at the bottom there's access to both um Wood Street as well as 8th Street uh toward Plum Creek uh to then cross over to Winchester and then use the city's former DPS yard to connect into Kentucky. Um, and then access to the neighborhood across Wood Street. And I will say, uh, we worked with Gibles Webster Group on this project and they had some, uh, at least one call that was provided free of charge by the railroads to look at what are future possible pedestrian crossings, not motorized crossings, um, in this area. And then when we look at where the motorized crossings are, what sort of components and elements and then also a key priority in this project was looking at um the creation of an orchard. Um Mr. James isn't here tonight yet. Um but that was one thing that we wanted to make sure was included is to tell the

history and the rich culture of the neighborhood in some way, shape or form. So this is the first version uh that was first created as a concept and I will say uh for the purposes of time tonight we'll just focus here um but there is the larger much larger plan set that takes us um through piece by piece and component by component. Um the connection into uh Plum Creek at the south uh provides uh at the at the south. I can blow it up here a little bit. Um looking at uh rip wrap and some seating area at the south terminus of the trail uh that you can enjoy cuz Plum Creek does fill up and it's quite a water feature in this area. Uh and so as you're using the trail to be able to to utilize that and then uh if I go back here and that's this point here. So a possible rest area um and a plaza here at the south. And then you'll see uh weave throughout this plan is things like um retaining uh uh storm water management plan, uh rain gardens, uh bio swells, things of that sort to help with the runoff um for the uh for the for the project overall. And then lots of landscaping. So if you know this area right now, it's blighted. It's overgrown. Um it's the former uh rail transfer station um that's got a lot of concern uh with uh overgrowth and blight. And so you'll see throughout the the spots are also these nodes as you go through and these trails weave together. Um so those are opportunities and you'll see we'll send the full plan out to city council. Um but it's got uh seating areas and different different amenities like for kids and and adults to utilize as well. Mark, did you mention orchards in here somewhere?

Yeah. Uh I see Mr. James just arrived. Um the orchard is uh at this midsection. So along Third Street, you'll see here there's an opportunity to provide parking uh for those who choose to access this as a destination point if you may not be coming in from the neighborhood on either side. um but an opportunity to plant fruit trees and if the environmental conditions of the site prohibit that then the opportunity to plant replica fruit fruit trees to tell the history and the story. Um the challenges that we encounter with planting uh fruit trees and contaminated areas is the uptake and then the vegetation may contain the contaminants out of the ground and certainly we don't want anybody eating contaminated fruit uh unaware. And so the opportunity to at least interpret um perhaps non-fruit bearing trees, some educational exhibits that talk about why it's called the orchard and what the history of the neighbor was neighborhood is. Um, and you'll see also the different colors of the trail. Um, like the light brown and then the um the gray. These can be ashvault, these can be concrete, these can be the composite aggregate or crushed limestone. This was just intended to show some different ways that uh we can have treatment of of uh trail um uh methods and paving uh throughout. And then the other thing that we asked um recognizing that this is an existing business right now that's in uh active use. If we can't uh acquire that, what are some ways we can build the trail around it? Um and so until if in the future that property may be acquired at some point. Um, so connecting into uh the uh the sidewalks along East Chester Street and you'll see in future iterations, one of the some of the com

comments that we got back from the committee as well as the other folks who have reviewed this plan so far is paying close attention to those crossings around the ALCC and Navar library so those users of that campus and labor park um can safely access um the the greenway trail in between as Well, and then moving north, um again, you'll see this is railroad property, um that we don't have the rights to access to. Um but again, having some additional parking perhaps on this side. Um and then again, more of these nodes with um with some features and uh then connecting into Ral Park. So minimizing the number of new rail crossings. Um trail users from Route Park having access from the Winchester Street Bridge without having to go all the way down uh Winchester to First Street, be able to cut right through Route Park in a trail network and then access a sidewalk along Eastchester Street here and then cross at First Street and be able to go either north or south at that point. And so a lot more detail we can send out to city council. It's still in draft form, but just wanted to give you a bit of an idea of where the progress is at so far and get any any feedback you'd like to see incorporated early on.

Thanks, Mark. I know this is a lot in the last uh 10 minutes of the work session, but we only give you at least a glimpse of what it is. Uh it's a project that also went as we talked about uh reviewed by the planning commission heritage corridor commission and uh collecting input uh from those that are being presented about things you see and what you might like to uh make suggestions to and I know uh Mr. Cochran will make sure we get forwarded those things but we we're going to have a followup to this. I just we wanted to give a glimpse when we talking about Alt Trusa Park, all the hard work that's been going on in the past year with the parks, trails, grants coming to fruition here and some uh our concept plans at this point. So, so I will say if you have something, send it right away and we'll and we get this, we'll I'll bring it back in again. So, any further?

I did provide a couple 3D renderings. I'll just flip through here. So, this gives you an idea of the width of space that we're actually thinking about between that railroad. I always had a hard time trying to understand, do we have enough space there? Um, and so these renderings kind of help with that as well as show what those crossings look like across the um the rail as well. So, the intent, the DNR trust fund grant does provide acquisition dollars. Of course, we have one right now. The intent would be to apply for that to help acquire the property necessary to build the trail and then uh tap into our brownfield support programs both at the down river community conference and our brownfield authority to begin looking at what is the the environmental condition of the site. And then we do have a funer that we've engaged on uh the cost for construction which is looking at about $5 million right now the price tag so far. So

thanks Mark. Um, we got about five minutes and we have to brief. I have one comment real quick. Um, when I look at this, my first concern is safety crossing into it. And so I was glad to hear that you're talking about it and I think it's just really important because you could have children. Um, you just want to make sure that nobody's going to cross in front of the train.

Yes. And you'll see in this cross-section, if I zoom in here, um rail safety standards do require um a barrier when you get the trail within uh such close proximity to the rail. And so we've actually talked about what can those look like um to make those not look so like a chain link fence um but to make it look nice. And so there are standards that we would have to employ to make sure people uh aren't unsafeely accessing the railroad. So, we have five minutes and I'm going to bring the work session to a close. Thanks, Mark. And um so we can have the five minutes if needed before we get started for the regular council meeting. Thank you. Thanks again, Mark. This time I'll close the uh work session.

Come on, kids. here. Uh, Germaine here, here. Here, here. Mayor Clark here. I'd ask we all please rise for the invocation. Remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Guide us in our deliberations and discussions this evening. May our efforts promote the good of the residents of this city and all who visit. I pledge allegiance

to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Clerk, next item, please. Next item is approval of the regular agenda. Manager Robinson, any adjustments to the uh regular agenda? The administration has no adjustments to the agenda. Council, any adjustments to the regular agenda? Seeing none, a motion being ordered to approve the agenda. Make a motion to approve. A motion by Councilwoman Vining, supported by Councilman her to approve the regular agenda. Clerk, please call the role.

Council person Vining, yes. Germaine, yes. Stringham, yes. Felder, yes. Yes. Mayor Clark. Yes. Next item, please. The next item is the consent agenda and the item B, approval of payments to vendors. The amount should read 1,232,24246.1232242.46.

Thank you. Are there any items on the consent agenda that council wishes to have pulled for further discussion? Any items on the consent agenda to be pulled? Seeing none. Are there any items on the consent agenda? Those present here this evening you wish to have pulled for further discussion. I see some new folks. But uh with it means if they passed on the consent agenda that's by a motion all items will pass. But if there's a particular item you wish to have discussion on now would be the time to request to have it to be pulled. And if it is pulled it'll go to the uh uh end of the uh regular agenda. Again, any items on the consent agenda, those present here this evening wish to have pulled. Seeing none, a motion regarding the consent. Councilman Felder.

Yes, I'd like to make a motion that all items on the consent agenda be accepted, placed on file, recommendations carried out, and resolutions adopted. Motion by Councilman Felder, support by Councilwoman Germaine. That all items on the consent agenda be accepted, placed on file, recommendations carried out, and resolutions adopted. Clerk, please call the role. Councing. Yes. Germainey, yes. Stringham, yes. Felder, yes. Yes. Mayor Clark, yes. Next item, please. Um, the next item is under council action, item 5690, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Grant Consultant contract change order. Thank you. Uh, Manager Robinson comments.

Yes, your honor. As as you remember in 2024 September 16th council meeting uh we a grant in the amount of uh three just over $3 million was accepted from the we call it Noah but it's the national oceanic and atmospheric administration and it it we have a long-standing efforts with our city of it has a long been partnering with our our uh with Cody the um city's commission on the environment to monitor condition and say and and solicit grant fundings to remediate rock arches, rapids, etc. all around dam 4. What the originally what this money was for was for the removal of dam dam 4 along with the reroute of a wastewater line that goes underneath that would go to the substation the new substation that would be in in St. Mary's Park. Well, as this is all moving, actually the Noah has uh has brought to our attention that they're interested in removing both dam 4 and dam 5 at the same time. They wanted to to do both of those that work at the same time. So, what they're asking is that we are looking to secure we're close to securing another grant of 1.6 6 million, which would be enough to be able to take care of both things. But in order to do so, it requires us to do a a consultant change order for us to be able to work with our consultants in order to get the uh the ECT who's our designed and assigned consultant in this project in order to get them to uh to be able to do the consulting work that's necessary. So we were as actually asking that the change order with ECT uh dated January 232 in

amount of $300,000 for design and permitting acti activities for now dam 5. So, as I managed, I understand the the the $300,000 will go to the current operation with dam 4 and as uh we work that in dam five is they're looking at the um a bypass around that, but there's additional funding that they're looking at. Is that correct? That is correct.

Okay. It's going to be uh kind of notching out on the southern portion around around the dam like we've done on other uh projects throughout the the river through the downtown and through out. We've put in the the kind of the fish passages and also uh try to do for recreational. We'll see how this one turns out in dam five. really damn for is um um we put a lot of revenue into it, a lot of grant funds that we're thankful for, but at the same time recognize that sometimes it takes a second look and I really appreciate um the Noah and the funding for this because they're recommending that we continue to move forward. So, let me see if there's any questions from council regarding uh the presentation for Mr. Robinson. Okay, Councilwoman Vine, any question?

If you could quickly just remind me where dam is located. Okay, so it's there around Sister Island. So dam 4 is the one that's closer to St. Mary Park and as you go west or up river, uh you'll go around Sisters Island and then that's where that next dam is closer to where the uh uh Rosler Bridge is. If you're at the roster roster ridge and look east, you'll see the dam and then you'll see Sisters Island. I see. Yeah. Thank you. Because we've had uh many projects uh on on the river uh and various dams. So, other questions. Councilman Germaine

move that city council approve the attached professional consulting services change order propos proposal with ect dated January 23rd 2026 in the amount of $300,000 for design and permitting activities for DM5. It is further recommended that the director of engineering and public services interim director of water and wastewater utilities be authorized to execute any necessary agreement. documents on behalf of the city. Support the

motion by councilwoman Germaine, support by councilwoman Stringham and item 5690, the N National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant consultant contract change order. Just like that. Uh clerk, please skull roll. Vining, yes. Geriney, yes. Stringham, yes. Selder, yes. Yes. Mayor Clark,

yes. I I just want to make a comment on that because as councilwoman read that and it's the permitting activities is for dam 5 as we start to look forward the permitting allows us to get ready to make that request for the amount that was stated within our fact sheet and it's available for those here or those online to see and it's another $1.6 million project. So it's really a great step forward. Clerk, next item, please. The next item is 5695 Westside grade separation memorandum of understanding with CSX transportation. Thank you manager Robinson.

Obviously in the west side grade separation, one of the steps that was imperative to um in the process of getting this project going is the having a memorandum of understanding with CSX Transportation. I'd like to in invite director uh Lewis up to be able to cover any of the particulars as this too has has some changes that I think is important. Thank you, Director Lewis.

Honorable mayor and council and clerk treasur Patrick Lewis, director of engineering and public services and interim director of water wastewater utilities. Um I could probably talk to you for a half an hour about the rail underpass project, but I won't. Um, so I'll just kind of give you the uh my take on what we're what we're doing here. We've we've spent quite a bit of time uh since we've received the grant uh massaging the concepts looking for something that CSX would be able to approve. Um, as you know, dealing with the railroads can be challenging at best at times. So, um, we were fortunately able to get on a call with them not too long ago where we, uh, found agreement on most of our major parameters, um, which will allow us hopefully to get an environmental determination in fairly short order, uh, as well as begin the property acquisition process. There are are a few properties we may meet need to look at. So, all of that is hinging on getting um, agreement from CSX because it's their facility that we're going under. So, if we don't have their blessing, we can't move forward. Um so as a result of that call uh assistant city manager Cochran and I were on uh with CSX about two or three weeks ago and we settled on um this memorandum of understanding which seems relatively short for a project this significant but um some of the major highlights on that that I just wanted to call your attention to that were in there was uh we had discussed for a while on the ownership and maintenance of the bridge. Um we are going to as a city own and the word is maintain that we're responsible for maintenance but what will really happen is CSX will be responsible for anything on their track bed. So the main part of the structure itself will ultimately be responsible for and that's the same agreement that we had to have with both both Norfolk Southern and Canadian National when we did the Dixie Highway project 25 years ago. So this is not unusual. Um the other major point of contention that we had was they were looking for us to accommodate a third track. Um which seems kind of a bit much given that there's a lot of this corridor that there would be physically I won't say impossible but improbable that they would ever build a third

track. So, we were able to come to agreement with them that they weren't going to insist we build a three-track bridge, but we had uh the abutments, the substructure items that would accommodate that third track in the future. And they'll be responsible for paying for that um at their cost if they ever were to put it in. We don't believe they ever will, but it's set up that they could do that. And then the other thing that was part of this uh that was there was a couple things that were were in it but not in it. Uh one of them was the vertical clearance. Uh we were looking at their pro public policy uh public projects manual insists on 16'6 in of vertical clearance and we were asking for 153 which is actually 3 in higher than the North Dixie Highway underpass. Um we were able to make that case to them and they we're very confident that will be approved but that's not contained in thisou because it has to go through a different corporate process. So there's that issue that's uh referenced into here but not uh it can't be approved as part of it. And the other piece of it which is not specifically stated in here but it is in the attachments is in their support letter for the grant they specifically called out that they were um committing to the 5% uh match on CSX of the cost of the project. So effectively they've committed to 1.5 million towards the match here. So uh if you're keeping score we're the city's city's match is down under a million and a half on this project. So we're we're in pretty good shape for a $30 million project. Now we just got to keep it moving so that the uh each year of delay doesn't add to the project cost. So um this memorandum of understanding to me represents a very very important milestone. Um and the sooner we can get this to CSX, they can give us their blessing on the concept drawings and we can start the detailed uh engineering which will probably take us the better part of this year to complete. So I think I'll leave it at that. Um Mr. Robinson, did I miss anything you wanted me to highlight?

No, I think you covered them all. Thank you. You don't need the other 20 minutes that I would give you on this. Uh, Counciloman Viney, uh, did you say how long once we get everything approved, how long the actual project would take? Did I miss that?

We haven't developed a firm construction schedule on the length of the project. We're trying to employ some strategies that would shrink that that in time. And uh also important to that too is we're uh the concept drawings as presented now include a temporary pedestrian tunnel so that during construction we would actually be able to maintain the non-motorized connection. Um devils in the details on that though we haven't uh presented that through to CSX as far as how that's going to be done and how their traffic would be maintained. But we are likely looking at a two-year project in total. We're hoping to get the actual road closure inside of one one year. Um because part of what goes into the project will be the relocation of Mason Run drain. Uh if you can picture it, that's the drain that runs alongside the YMCA. That's actually a Mason Run cutoff and we can't build an underpass through that for obvious reasons. We'd have to pump way too much water. So we're actually looking at jogging that to the west where it will dump out to the river raisin west of the YMCA. So, uh, that is a piece of the project that could occur before we actually start at the rail crossing itself. Um, where we could flag traffic or have temporary traffic signals one direction. Um, and that'll probably be a 3 to 6 month process somewhere in there. Uh, and then we would we we think we can get the construction of the underpass itself done in one construction season. So, you're probably looking at 2027 and 2028. Uh, that's what we're hoping for. So hopefully that that's the best answer I can give you now because there are still a number of hurdles that we must clear here uh to to get the project underway.

As I recall, Councilwoman, that's the timeline that we thought as we went through the grant process and now these meetings. I I know the meeting was very productive and it was railroad was very u supportive of the project and and in partnering to how we how we get there. Other questions maybe? Uh, Councilwoman Geriney, willing that drain alleviate the flooding underneath the Telegraph Road bridge or not? No. No. Darn it.

They are two separate issues. Um, without going into too much details, the basically the flooding under the Telegraph Road bridge is related to the profile of the river relative to the road. Um and and most people probably inherently know this, but the river migrates quite a ways away from Elm as you get closer to the railroad crossings. It's it's only a 100 feet or so away from Elm Avenue when it crosses Telegraph, but then the river jogs very much southward and it's something like 8 or 900 feet away from Elm Avenue at the railroad crossing. So, I'm not worried about that crossing. I'm just thinking maybe something could be fixed while we're in the construction.

No, unfortunately. And we can't do much with the Elm Avenue crossing under Telegraph because that's that's a 14T4 clearance. So actually that's that's lower than the proposed underpass would be. So unfortunately we still will be likely in a situation where if when for 3 or 4 days when we have a heavy ice flow or the river rises in the spring, we may still be looking at the same situation we are today. But sorry I can't fix that with with this one. But good good question though because I'm sure that many people will be asking that time anyways. Yes. Uh if any other questions if not uh this uh Councilman her.

Thank you honor. I'd like to make a motion that city council approve the attached memorandum of understanding with CXs transportation and that the director of engineering and public services interim director of water and wastewater utilities be authorized to ex execute the agreement on behalf of the city. support motion by Councilman Hersport by Counciloman Singham to approve item number 5695, the Westside grade separation memorandum of understanding with CSX Transportation. Clerk, please call the RO. Bining, yes. Germaine, yes. Stringham, yes. Spelder, yes. Mayor Clark, yes. Next item.

Other items this evening, your honor. It's the time for council comments. Uh, Councilwoman Steelgrave I know is watching, but we won't get her comments tonight. So, fortunately, she's unable to attend. Uh, Councilwoman Binding, uh, comments this evening? No comments, your honor. Councilwoman Geranny. Thank you, your honor. I want to congratulate our public safety for the two officers of the year on the fire side and the police side. And also, if Deb is watching, and I hope she is, and her husband, I want to congratulate her husband, David, for his service in public safety um for his retirement, which happened last week, and thank him for his service. Thank you,

Councilwoman Stringham. I just want to say um thank you to all of the employees of the city that worked very hard during the recent snowstorm. Um there was a lot of work that went into that, so thank you for all of that. And also congratulations to the officer of the year and the fire service um also employee. Um congratulations for those. Thank you. Councilman Felder, no comments this evening. Your honor, thank you.

Uh we got a few things. Um, first the uh Monroe Lenway AFL CIO will be having a career fair this Thursday from 5 to 7:30 at local 671. Um, that is at 309 Detroit Avenue. Um, the Monur Monroe Historical District Commission will be hosting a refinishing old house woodwork and that'll be right here at city hall on February 18th at 7:00 p.m. Um, also want to remind everyone that the AFL CIO nocost home makeover um, deadline for applications is February 28th. And with this being Black History Month, I invite everybody to um, get involved in some of the different events that are going to be going around the city. And that is it. Thank you.

Thank you. I just have a couple comments that we have a consent agenda and we have consent agenda. Everything gets passed. So, I want to just say thank you to those that were on the uh boards and commission appointments for uh this uh uh this meeting. There are more to come. Uh but uh thanks to those that'll be serving on this uh zoning board of appeals and uh continuation there as well. There's uh a couple items on the agenda. I always think it's good to mention. And I know that uh the shipo uh uh received a grant which was related to the $50,000 grant and also some contributions from uh uh the council who's u um regarding the Sawyer Homestead and one of our assets here within our community. We talked about this here this past uh past year about some of the uh rehabilitation work for this homestead to keep it functional and also uh something that is accessible and some new um access and handicap uh accessibility but to be a a source for the community to use which they do uh take rentals they do take uh programs and um opportunities to utilize one of our great assets there. other item that was on our consent agenda. I want to bring it because uh we have representatives here today. You know, we have our Comcast cable franchise agreement was one of the first items on the um consent agenda and it's every 10 years. It's time flies, right? I'm looking to the couple of the council members. It flies. here we are 10 years later to look at this and it's it's very important because it really allows us to make sure we have our broadcast our our work that's done here in the booth and uh and of course it sets some of the uh as they call them the franchise and peg fees but it's more than just that it's about relationships and I know uh with us here this evening from Comcast was uh Benjamin Miller who is the executive director of the local government and

community affairs and Jada Witherspoon who I was glad to see because we met years ago through the Michigan Municipal League. She is now the manager of government and community affairs and she will be our representative who rep uh that will service our needs. So, they're here. So, since they've come and if any either you'd like to come up and say a word and just introduce yourself that way, not only we and the council uh but those here and those watching know who our representatives are. And it's great. Jade, it's always great to see you again. Good to see you, too.

Well, thank you, Mr. Mr. Mayor and council members, manager Robinson, clerk Lavoy, uh appreciate the time to say a quick word. As the mayor outlined, this is our franchise agreement. This provides allows us to provide video, uh internet, mobile, and all the other suite of services we provide at Comcast. But in as well as the franchise fees that appear on customers bills that come back to the the town as well as the PEG fee which runs your your public education and government channels. It also uh speaks to the access to the right of way.

I'm sure in the expansion of broadband throughout the country after the pandemic, you've had to navigate different permit applications and everything else. We operate under the uniform video services franchise act that provides us that access and prescribes the rules of the road for use of the right of way. Nonvideo uh cable providers or other internet providers would apply to you through a metro act similar function and that provides and governs the use of the right of way. Uh but especially too with my new colleague here Jada Weatherspoon just starting out. You all have been witness and all participated in Jada's first franchise renewal. It's always a big deal at Comcast when we have our first franchise renewal. Jada's been with us just here a little while. Uh but she will be responsible for all of your needs and concerns. So when your residents call and complain about their bill or whatever they're going to call, then you've got Jada's phone number and email. You've got mine, too, but I'll be sure to forward those right on over to Jada. Uh but any of the questions you all have, you have concerns, there are real concerns that your your residents have. Be it, you know, you guys walking in your neighborhood, they're walking, there's a line down, nobody knows whose it is. You want to be able to provide for your residents and your your constituents, you know, you can email Jada. We'll investigate. Is it ours? If it's our stuff to clean up, we'll clean it up.

We'll even connect you with a person who it is. If it isn't ours, which happens more often than you might imagine. But with that, I'll just ask Jada to say hello. Sure. Yeah. Hi, mayor and council members. Thank you so much for having us here both. Uh Jada Weatherspoon, as you know, mayor, it's so good to see you and appreciate you all for having us out today. So, I will be the representative for uh the area here. And so, please let me know if you all have any questions, any concerns. Like Ben said, if any line is down or any constituent matters, please forward them my way. You all have my card. Thank you so much. Appreciate it.

Thank you. Thank you both for being here. I thought it was important to to introduce you to the the council and those present. I you know our our public access is very well used within our community. Uh a lot of information is there and of course our our booth is here in the back and you upstairs on the third floor they have a uh as well and it's a it's a great partnership and of course not just with our public access personnel but also with Comcast. I just want to say thanks again for being here. Thank you Mr. Mayor. We'll schedule a tour Jade. I mean can come and tour and see things too. All right, that sounds good.

All right, thank you so much. Let's see. Um, I guess before I close, I also want to give uh thanks uh and recognition to our uh officer of the year and firefighter of the year, our officer, Detective uh Tyler Kleinart. And our firefighter of the year is Lieutenant Cody Kegaris. And congratulations to them. I know they're going to get some recognition. I see public safety director Tolstead is here and he already kind of told me the lineup that they'll be in that they're not on tour, but they will be having a couple stops and recognitions from some of our social organizations, but also the community. So, just congratulations to them for a job well done, but also I I we we recognize that there are others that were also nominated for the great work they do throughout the year. So, while not selected, I want to thank to our public safety for the great work they're doing in our community, not just keeping it safe, but uh responding to those in need uh both on the fire and the police side of our public safety department. So, those are my comments for this evening. Uh clerk, Treasure Lavoy,

this evening. Okay. Manager Robinson, I have no comments either. Okay, that's next is um citizens comments. So at this time if those those present wish to make comments please step forward state your name jurisdiction or residence and mindful of the rules of the chamber of three minutes comments from those present here this evening. Yes sir.

Mr. Hall of Fame James 633 Stone Street. At least I can't cry about my my walk or bike path. at least not yet. Uh, but I would like to ask uh I know that we have a a a migrating works people that will probably be coming in uh in a couple months and do the city already have an idea of what they're going to do with ice.

Well, um I don't have an answer. Uh I know that we have a a migrant population that comes in to work in the farms and the fields and they they work um closely with the community. Uh I'll just say that uh ICE is uh from a broad perspective across the country is doing operations that we're all aware of. Uh they're not something that they share with uh the local uh law enforcement. We don't have uh agreements in place that we um um I'll say enforce enforce those items. uh through through uh ICE, but I don't I I guess I don't have an answer exactly. I'm just kind of giving some general ideas. I don't know if manager at Robinson if you have any comments. I know that the sheriff's department is uh um from a countywide perspective working on the farms. Uh we've had good relationships with um the farmers, the those that are here living and making produce and and and collecting produce. And I also know we uh have relationships with the the the migrant workers that do come in. It's been favorable. I don't know if you have anything further.

I covered it pretty good. Okay. But something that we'll uh obviously the public safety director is well familiar with uh uh and has uh um at least contact with all the federal agencies that represent here. So I appreciate the comment too. Yeah, absolutely. Other comments from those present here this evening? Any further comments? Business is not done yet for the night. Uh, as you see in our agenda, we have a closed executive session. But, uh, to do that, we'll need a motion. Councilman Felder. Yes, your honor.

I'd like to make a motion that we moved into closed executive session for the purpose of attorney, client privilege, correspondence, and labor negotiations. support. Motion by Councilman Feller, supported by Councilwoman Germaine, to go into close executive session for the reasons stated. Clerk, please call the role. Councing, yes. Geriney, yes. Stringham, yes. Felder, yes. Hater, yes. Mer, yes. And thank you all.