City Council - Regular Meeting

Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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. City Clerk Ed Norris, would you call the role? Mayor here. Mayor Pro Edgar here. Council member Radner, I am here. Council member Whitehead, he's here also. He just stepped out for a second. He just did. Okay. And council member Crawford

here. Okay. City Council members, please note um to remove item 12E1 uh from the agenda. It's been uh postponed for the next meeting. Is there a motion to approve the agenda as amended? So moved. Second. Thank you. All in favor, please say I.

Any opposed? Motion carry. consent agenda. Uh I would like to remove item C, D, F, and G for discussion. So this would be item A, regular city council meeting minutes for March 16th, 2026. B, special council meeting minutes for the same date down to H. Approval of invoices number two and three from Geles Webster for master planning services in the total amount of $11,000 $647.50. I approval of payment number two to Stantech for professional design services for Tyler Park in the amount of $1,998. J, new and renewal of licenses for April 6, 2026. Is there a motion to approve these items from the consent agenda?

So moved. Second. All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carried. Um, item C, approval of pay application number two, final for the 2024 fence line restoration project, M776 in the amount of $1,3302. Th this um fence line project is on Greenfield and on 9m near Greenfield, I understand. Um and I would like to go into how we save $9,22953. City Manager Eric Tung.

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'd like to actually turn it over to our deputy city manager, uh Dave Deoster, to help us explain how we just saved this $9,000, Dave. and then some.

Mayors and to answer your question, the $9,000 in savings was part of change order number one. And what we did was when we bid out projects, we typically don't do what's called lumpsum bidding. So, if you have um an item, we don't say it's lump sum. We just do it all and you get paid one price. We break it down by, in this case, it was cubic yards of top soil and square feet of seating. Um, if we were to do the lumpsum option, you would pay them the lump sum for all work that's done. In this case, we actually cut their work short a little bit. So, we paid them for the actual work they completed. Um, it's one of the measures we take when we when we bid out products to ensure that we're getting the best pricing. It helps us on the back end if they're short because we only pay them for what they did. And if they do happen to go over because we added a certain amount, we are now paying them competitively bid pricing. So, you'll see on many of our projects, we have what's called a balancing change order. At the end, we'll do a change order to balance all those items throughout the project. Uh we like to see them in the negative. Once in a while, they're they're positive, but uh it's just a measure that we take that our engineering inspectors go out there, measure off everything to ensure we're paying for exactly what was done.

And so this was for top soil and seed in front of the fences, the new fences. Yep. The restoration as part of the fence project. The restoration. Okay. Uh, is there a motion to approve pay application number two uh for the fence line restoration project? So move. Second. Any questions? All those in favor, please say I. I. Any opposed? Okay. Item D, request to approve invoice number two for the 2526 tree survey project to Davyy Resource Group of Kent, Ohio in the amount of $48,114. Is there a motion to approve this? So move. Thank you.

Second. Thank you. Um, city manager Eric Tongate, can you um explain to us um how this is going to impact uh the residents? Um it will tell the condition, age, and priority of trim for the trees in Oak Park.

Absolutely. Madam Mayor, I I do want to turn it over to Deputy City Manager Doster, but before I do that, I do want to say how excited I am for this project. I think this is really a step in in the right direction for us in terms of having a full inventory of our trees, our public trees out here. Um I do think we're a little bit premature. Um I don't know how far premature we are on being able to unveil this, but Dave, maybe you have more details on that than I do.

Sure. Thank you again. Uh Eric, you're right. Manager Tunga, you are right. We're a little bit premature. Uh we are actually the my department's actually planning doing a short presentation in the next month or so. Davy Tree has now completed the survey of about 12,000 street trees. Part of that is evaluating all the information, putting it into an app for our staff to evaluate, to look at, um that we can have in the field with our staff. So if a resident calls and says, "Hey, I have a tree issue." Our staff can pull it up immediately in the office or in the field and say, "Yeah, it's a 13-inch locust. It's in moderate to good condition. It does not need a trim. We would still evaluate the tree, but it's a good baseline for all 12,000 street trees that we have. Uh, and like I said, my department's prepared in the next month or so to bring a short presentation to city council. Uh, they're just not quite done with the project yet. They've collected the trees, but haven't done our maintenance plan and strategy uh as required as part of their contract.

That's wonderful. City Manager Tongate, Deputy City Manager Doster. So for our residents who may not realize this was going on, can you give us, you know, a couple of the exciting things that they can expect? I mean, one of which is just having a better understanding of what is going on in the tree in their easement in their front yard.

Sure. Yeah. So, right now, we don't have a very good evaluation of all the street trees in the city. We're very reactive. So, if um Mayor Prom were to call up and give me a tree, we have to send staff out to take a look at the tree. What this is doing is it logs every tree. It logs the species of the tree, the size of the tree, the condition of the tree, the location of the tree. Uh as part of this program, it also gives us planting locations. It also gives us stumps that we have left in the field. And what we'll do is we'll we'll start using their uh proprietary app and we can like I said have an have a tablet in the field or we can pull up every tree. We can change on the fly. So when my staff goes out and say stumps stumps the the stump stump grinds it, we can change the status to now plantable area instead of a stump. So it really gives us uh a really efficiencies in our tree department. Right now I said we're really reactive to calls we get in. Our staff will be able to pull this information when a resident calls our office. They will be able to pull this information free and clear to a resident. And my staff will keep this updated throughout the years. It's

awesome. And I should note this is 100% refunded grant from the state of Michigan. So say it again. It's a 100% reimburseable grant from the state of Michigan. So we're not even paying for this. And you don't hear that very often, council members. So anytime we hear that, we're very happy. Oh, that's great. That's great news. All this information and it didn't cost us anything. Um any questions for deputy dire city manager Dave Doster on this trees? Yes. Um, uh, Council Member Stephanie Crawford. Um, and did I read correctly, the project is about 90% done,

correct? Most of the true survey is complete. They're still evaluating and processing some of the information, but the second part of that project is we have an analysis plan and a maintenance strategy as required by the state of Michigan, and that portion is not yet complete. Has it begun? It has begun. I'm assuming we'll get everything in about two to three weeks. Okay. Yeah. Very close. Mayor Prom Julie Edgar

when um when Davey went out to look at the trees if this is working. Um do they identify trees that have died? Because we've had some residents who've said they think they've got a dead tree on their property. How does that fit into the um the analysis that you're going to do? So Davey sends out a certified arburst to each property, each street tree. They walked every street. So they have determined um with their with their background and experience and their certifications which trees are alive. They have different values, a healthy tree, moderate, healthy, high hazard. So they they evaluate each tree based on that, whether it needs a trim or whether it's just a healthy tree. So yes, we will get all that information back. And these are just the trees that are on the easements that they're looking at.

Correct. I I we call it the rightway sidewalk to sidewalk. So, anything between the sidewalks is what we evaluated. Thank you. Any further questions? Uh all those in favor, please say I. I. I. Any opposed? Motion carried. Um F. This is approval of the revised contract and letter of support for Barton Melo Brownfield reimbursement agreement. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Um a discussion. Um Director Kim

Good evening Mayor, Mayor Prom, and city council members. Um in front of you tonight is a revised reimbursement agreement for the brownfield for Barton Mow. Uh it was previously approved on December 15th and since that time uh some revisions were requested by Barton Mallow's uh attorneys and they have worked with our city attorney Courtney Krauss and got those revisions done and the final draft is here in front of you today for approval along with a letter of support uh that we will send along to Eagle. So, um, uh, Barton Melo gets tax increment financing to pay for, uh, fixing a brownfield, correct? Yes.

For how many years does this go? They're anticipating it will be approximately 26 years. That is all dependent on what the tax increment revenue that comes in every year as well as the actual eligible reimburseable costs that come in. So once it's fully paid off, then the brownfield will end. Um, city manager Eric Tongi.

So council members, I I want to just um clarify something Kim just said. So the the costs for the project have to be eligible brownfield costs. So regardless of how many years it goes or the amount that's possible to capture, if there aren't eligible costs, they cannot be reimbursed for those costs. So whenever that is done and the project is fully developed, that's it. It's over. So and then Yes. No, that's accurate. They get 5% of TRIR.

Um I seen that question that you sent earlier today. So there's a few references to 5%. So I'm not sure which one you were referencing. 5% of the tax increment revenue comes to the city for our administrative cost to administer um the brownfield authority. Um there's another reference to it. Um that 5% annually will go into the brownfield revolving loan fund that we control locally that can go towards other projects. And the last reference I found toward 5% in this um was the uh interest that we would pay Barton Mallow. Uh so for instance, if they submitted $100,000 of eligible costs, however, we didn't have that much money in tax increment financing to reimburse them that year, um they would be able to acrew interest on the amount we were not able to reimburse.

Okay. Okay. Um, and if the if the something happens with the economy and the value goes down, it just gives them more time when things that could potentially happen. Uh, we did have a brownfield uh before with the armory site. Um, and uh during the years that it fell under the taxable value, uh there was no tax increment revenue that was gained on that project. So they got nothing those years. So they just it kind of waits. Yep. Okay. Uh, any further questions about this particular issue?

Mayor, I I just have a another question for Kim. So, Kim, there are a few projects in the city that I am personally more excited about this. I cannot stress enough how important this project is to our city. What is the total in dollar investment approximate? Do you happen to know? Um, I believe it's 28 million million. Yep. Getting the nod from Kevin from Barton Mow over there. Yeah. Okay. That's the cost of this project. That's their investment. Yes. That's their investment in the project. Mayor Prom, what were the revisions um to the agreement? I'm going to let our attorneys answer those questions.

In short, uh we essentially incorporated a large percentage of the statute itself into the agreement is what the Say it again. We incorporated a large percentage of what the statute already requires into the agreement. So that was requested by Barton Mail's attorneys. Um all those in favor please say I. I. Any opposed? That that um item F. Item G is the 11mi water Tower Social District final mural rendition. Can someone speak to that?

Yes. Good evening. So, we had previously come to you with uh an approval for the mural that will be done in the 11mi social district. Um it is approximately 860 ft long and the muralist was selected. It's the same one that we used on the library since the original uh rendering was done and approved by city council. Um the quarter improvement authority board which is paying for the project asked for a few minor revisions. Um those included eliminating they had multiple water towers in the mural. They eliminated that. There was some bad mitten references, a lot of pizza. Um so they eliminated those. Uh they did add a tree of life in order to represent all forms of religion. Um they changed some colors and moved some elements around that were in it and they added uh the OP logo um into the mural more prominently as well. Um and council member Edgar mayor PM Edgler my apologies. If there's anything else I missed, please add it in.

I wondered if we couldn't get uh sunflowers in each section of the mural. So, we do have sunflowers in one section. Um, we the artist is actually hopefully going to begin starting to paint this week. So, to add those would be difficult for her to come up with a new rendering again. Um, incorporating sunflowers. Yes, we we've looked at this mural several times and we've done lots of modifications to it. Um, there was there time is of the essence. She needs to get started and she's hired a crew so I don't know that we can add at this point.

Thank you. We do have sunflowers in the mural. There's one. Let's see it. There's lots in wall one. There's lots. Oh, there are. Oh, good. Oh, and even better. I just have two questions for Kim. So, what's wrong with bad mitten? I I I don't know. But the Quarter improvement authority board I mean decided to remove them. Those are two of my favorite things. So I don't know. You object. I object. Yeah, absolutely. Oh, for goodness sake. It could be that there is no bad mitten over there in the social district. So I include it. That's my guess. We have too much fun here. Um this is the vote for the final mural rendition. All those in favor, please say I. I.

I.

Any opposed? Motion carried and we are done with the consent agenda. Um, visiting elected officials. Do we have any visiting elected officials? Seeing none, special item seven on the agenda is special recognition and presentations. We have a recognition uh by public safety director Steve Cooper. Good evening, Director Cooper. Good evening, mayor, mayor prom, uh, council members, and city manager Tong, uh, city manager Tongate. Uh, tonight, I'd like to take a moment to recognize a truly generous and community-minded resident whose ongoing support continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. At this point in time, if I could have uh, Mr. Ken Sherman come and stand beside me. For many years, Mr. uh Sherman has shown unwavering appreciation for our public safety department, not only through kind words, but through thoughtful and impactful actions. His commitment to supporting those who serve and protect our community speaks volumes and his character about his character and his compassion. Few of Mr. Sherman's generous donations includes uh a training bite suit uh used to train the department's very first K9 that was Officer Mace. The bite suit came in in uh right around $2,000. Um also for our second K9, who also still uses a bite suit, but in addition to that, uh our second K9, which is Officer Vader, Mr. Sherman purchased an explosive training kit that Vader uses to identify various types of explosives. And this kit was just shy of $4,000.

Holy.

U. Also, for the past several years, Mr. Sherman has purchased hundreds of gift cards for public safety to hand out during the Christmas holiday while officers are performing traffic stops. So, we have unsuspecting motorists under the impression that they're going to be receiving a violation only to their surprise they are uh gifted with a gift card with an officer. That's courtesy of Mr. Sherman. Uh but most recently, Mr. Sherman made a heartfelt donation of 60 trauma bears. Uh these trauma bears are small stuffed animals that will be given to children who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. In the moments of fear, confusion, and distress, these bears offer something incredibly powerful. Comfort. They provide a sense of safety, a small but meaningful reminder that someone cares during what may be one of the most difficult moments in a child's life. While this may seem like a simple gesture, its impact is profound. These trauma bears will help our officers connect with children in crisis, ease anxiety, and bring a sense of calm in situations that are anything but calm. So, on behalf of the city of Oak Park and the Oak Park Public Safety Department, and for the many young lives that will be touched by this kindness, we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Ken Sherman. Your generosity, empathy, and continued dedication to our community does not go unnoticed, and with your support, you have truly made a difference in the lives of many. We love you and may God continue to bless you. Uh, good evening, city council. As an emergency room social worker retired of over 40 years, I had the professional

opportunities to deal with children of all ages involved in unfortunate traumatic events. Such events included abuse or neglect and being participants and or witnesses to violent crimes. In such incidents, I found it therapeutically helpful to provide the children with emotional support bears. The recent events at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield and an Op Park family house fire that both involved children had me asking public safety director Cooper if the department had such bears for distribution. Finding that the answer was no. And as a longtime supporter and benefactor of the public safety department, I am hereby donating 60 emotional support beers, an example which I have in my hand. And there's a little note on each bear that says, "You're very awesome. A teeny bear is always here whenever you need a bear hug."

So, thank you. Oh, that's beautiful.

Um, we uh have a certificate of appreciation to Kenneth Sherman presented in recognition of Mr. Kenneth Sherman's support and generous donations to the Oak Park Public Safety Department. And if we

Thank you very much. Here we go. Here we go. All right, here we go. I'm running out of room for another

Some cities um are lucky and have many wellto-do donors. I just have to say that Mr. Sherman is generous but not a wellto-do donor. So these are gifts from the heart kind. Madame Mayor, if I if I may, if we had a Oak Park Hall of Fame, Ken Sherman would be first ballot. That's Yes. So

absolutely. Let's see. You go first.

Okay. Good evening, Mayor, City Council, same manager Tongate. Uh behind me I have a wonderful group of uh residents here um who participated in a program rooted in community um quilt project that we honored here um earlier today in the um reception over there. Um I believe mayor there's a few words um to say and then we can have a few of the residents come up to uh describe the project. So, the rooted in community quilt project that you see displayed outside in city hall uh was implemented at the Oak Park Farmers Market to showcase the community's diverse population through the unique medium of quilts. It encompasses all aspects of the community. residents made a square, vendors made a square, public safety officers, city staff, summer camp participants, and market shoppers. Our Oak Park community is defined by its residents, staff, vendors, and local businesses that root us together and celebrate the diversity that makes Oak Park unique and makes Oak Park great. 450 drawings were collected to complete five quilts over 17 weeks at the farmers market. Dedicated volunteer Amy Lumley, would you raise your hand? Thank you. Spent 1600 hours building these quilts with wonderful volunteers. Ann Turkish, would you raise your hand?

Thank you. Carolyn Love, thank you. Faith Wyn, couldn't be here. Loretta Brown, thank you. Janice Suinski, thank you. Jean Jones, thank you. Christine Banks and April Haley, thank you. Wow. A special thanks goes to our quilter, Carolyn Garrett. Where's Miss Garrett? Couldn't be here. That's a lot of quilting, folks.

Fantastic. Uh, the Rooted in Community Quilt Project won an innovative programming award from the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association this year. We thank our wonderful volunteers for their hard work as well as all of our community members who attended the Oak Park Farmers Market and participated in the project. Scan the quilts and find your square. There you go. Thank you.

Can we get a photo there? Yes. Do we have Benny? Yes. Okay. Female.

I love Everybody, here we go. Smile. Smile. This is good. Here we go. One more. ladies. Thank you. Thank you.

Great job. Thank you. uh with apologies because we lured Maril Lee Roseman away from Leup Village. Uh and we apologize, but we're not giving her back. We're not that sorry. Okay. Okay. then into public hearings. We will now conduct a public hearing to hear comments on the following special assessment districts. 7:31 unpaid utility invoices. 7:32 unpaid false alarm invoices. 733 unpaid miscellaneous concrete replacement invoices. And 734 unpaid property blight uh invoices. I now declare the public hearing open. Is there anyone who wishes to speak about the special assessment? You can come to your podium. Um provide your name and property address. Uh, this city clerk Norris, are there any written objections to read into the record?

Yes, mayor. Oh, yes. Wait, we have someone coming up to talk. Oh, thank you. Give us your name and address, please.

My name is Julie Marcos. I live at 13630 Naen Street right here. Uh, I received this notice and the one in particular that I received was for utility bills, un unpaid utility bills. And my concern about um a penalty of 10% on a bill seems extravagant, especially considering the economy. also the fact that if someone's not paying their utility bill, I don't believe it'd be because they're cheap, but because they're poor. Um, and so adding a 10% penalty to that is only going to dissuade somebody from doing it. Um, and there may be other reasons why people can't pay the full amount. An example would be me. Um, in the last year, I've been diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune illness. I had to miss eight weeks of work. Um, my employer only pays 60% of the income. I still had I had to put my house in forbearance in order not to lose it. I had a biopsy. I am still being treated. It's still not in remission. I'm still actively uh diseased, I guess. And to get these bills is incredibly difficult. And one of the advantages of living in a city where we have public services is that you don't get inundated with these insane interest rates or insane penalties. And I would really hate for any of us to be faced with uh losing a property or just the stress of it all when all we're doing is the best we can. Um, so I really would like to voice that not only for myself but for other people that may not have the courage or the knowhow on how to speak

out for it. Thank you. Appreciate your voice and uh wishing you um good health and fast recovery. Is there somebody that you can talk to? Yeah. Who should she talk? We we've noted an exception. So we will we've noted you as an exception in our record. So someone will get to you.

Madame Mayor, I do have uh several that have come through um the internet and um through the email. Um these are all delinquent utility water bills. SAD 731. These are um folks that have requested an exception. So, they'll be uh pulled temporarily from the uh role and investigated. And I will read those properties. Um uh 10300 Oak Park Boulevard. Uh 21947 Koolage Highway. Uh 22110 Whitmore. 25991 Stratford Place. 21681 Witmore. 8501 Colgate 24081 Meritz 23131 Park Lawn uh 13620 Label 14311 West 9mm 24320 Church U 24280 West Hampton uh 23740 Wildwood 15200 Sutherland 24630 Gardener 22810 10 Rosewood 24121 Onida 20 22131 Avon 21831 Coolage 23530 Morton 23840 Onida 22021 Stratford 23091 Rono 22040 uh Dante 23051 Majestic 22120 Sus Essics 24300 Jerome 24501

Pine View uh 8440 Oak Park Boulevard. We also have 23611 Clover Lawn. Uh 12920 Northfield 21841 Clover Lawn 24081 Senica 13741 Kingston 23430 Beverly and 2110 West Hampton. Thank you. Um, if there are no others who would like to speak.

Yes, ma'am. Please come up. Good evening. I was listening to your list and I didn't hear my address, but I have one also. I have a delinquent water bill and I um received a letter from OLSA that they would pay it. and I brought a copy of it into the utility bill desk. I don't know that you if you got it or not.

23171 Beverly. I had um I'm usually No, I usually don't have a problem with my water bill, but this year um earlier I had uh um leaks. I had three leaks, bad leaks in the basement and it was pretty expensive. Plus, I had to keep up my rent and uh that's the only thing that I am responsible for is the water and the rent, you know, the heat and the electric is the landlord pays for it. um she was not able to be here because she lives in Tennessee and she asked me she text me to ask me if I could come forward for her. So, but in case you don't have the letter, I did bring it with me to um present to you. Yes,

ma'am. I I just want to just weigh in. So, we've acknowledged um we have your address. No, that's why I was saying I didn't hear my address when he read them off. No, I know. But we're adding your address now that we've heard you. So, we have taken that down. Um, I would ask if you could Did you provide a copy of the OSHA letter to the staff out in the hallway? Yes, I did. Okay. Fantastic. Yes. Okay. So, that'll be part of the exceptions. Okay. Okay. That Thank you for coming in. Thank you. Um, thank you. I was uh renting a house, had a running toilet, and wound up with a $1,000 water bill. Yes.

From a running toilet. Uh, Kenneth Sherman 2384 o Jerome. Um, I just have a question. When people come before you with the list of issues that um were read off to be considered, what are the options that the city can offer the residents? I think for people listening, I think they should have an idea like does a city do anything and if so, what's the degree of options that the city can offer the residents from A to Z. Thank you. Thank you.

So, ju just for clarification. So, we're at the almost at the end of our special assessment district process. So we've this is now I think our third public hearing and uh opening of to hear objections to this list. So what do we do? We do a full investigation for every single one of these incidences. So the ones that have been read into the record tonight and the residents who have come forward, we will do all of the research and investigation necessary to make to ensure that it's being properly placed on the special assessment role if that's what the outcome is. Is he talking about like payment uh plans?

Yeah. And in some cases that you know the resolution um you know just a hypothetical but the resolution might be that a payment a water bill payment plan is an acceptable remedy for that. And if that's the case staff will research that provide that opportunity to the resident. We don't want to see people you know go into you know financial distraught over a water bill or anything like that. So, thank you. Um, is there anyone else who wanted to speak about the water? I now declare the public hearing on special assessment districts closed. I will entertain a motion to adopt special assessment resolution number nine, confirming the roles and withholding the noted temporary exceptions and special assessment resolution number 10 setting the due date of June 2nd, 2026 with penalty for the special assessment districts 731, 32, 33 and 34. Uh, is there a motion?

So moved. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Um, any discussion? Uh, roll call vote, please. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes. Mayor Mlen, yes. Council member Rner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes.

Motion passes. Thank you. Uh, this puts us down to number nine on our agenda. Number nine A is a request for special event license submitted by Dog and Pony Show Brewing 14461 West 11 Mile Sweet 200 for the Angel Fish Elementary PTA cornhole tournament event to be held April 26th, 2026 from 10 to 4. Is there a motion to approve the special event license? So moved. Second.

Thank you. Uh just to make a note that if it is a forprofit group, they pay a fee. If it is a not for-profit group, the fee is waved. Uh any discussion? Uh all the I do have a quick question. Yes. Angelfish Elementary. Where's that? Angel, isn't it Angel Elementary? Angel. Is that just a typo? Angel Elementary. Angel Elementary. Angel Fish. Angel. Good. Yeah, you're right. Good catch. Very good. Um, all those in favor, please say I or for Angel or Angel Fish.

There's a troublemaker in every group. Um, any opposed? Motion carried. Uh B, request for special event license submitted by Mother Handsome, 14461 West 11 Mile, Sweet 500 for a Kentucky Derby party to be held May 2nd, 2026 from 3 to 9. Is there a motion to approve the special event license? So moved. Second. Second. Was it? Yes. Solomon Rener. Second. Um any discussion? No. fish in this one. Uh, all those in favor, please say I. I.

Any opposed? Thank you. Motion carried. Um C, request for special events license submitted by the Oak Park Corridor improvement authority for the family funfest to be held June 6th from 1 to 4. Everybody mark your calendar. June 6th, 1:00 to 4:00. Um, that's on Nine Mile, correct? That's a fun one. Motion to approve. And this one is without the fee because it is a city authority. Second. Uh any discussion? All those in favor? I. Any opposed?

Motion carried. D. Lots of fun in Oak Park this time. Request for special event license submitted by Dog and Pony, Mother Handsome, and Train Station Sports for a vintage flea market to be held June 19th, 2026 from 2 to 10 p.m. Is there a motion? So moved. Thank you. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Um, that was Sean Whitehead. Yes. Thank you. Um, any discussion? All those in favor, please say I. I.

Any opposed? Motion carried. And another fun thing. This is a lot of fun. Request for special event license submitted by the Oak Park Junth Commission for a Junth celebration to be held in the Oak Park Community Center on June 19th, 2026 from 400 PM to 8:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for that one, too. That's going to be fun. Um, is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Okay. Uh, any discussion? All those in favor say I. Any opposed?

Motion carried. That puts us to item 10. um a request to award the bid for the 2026 lawn maintenance contract to Parrot Landscaping of Clinton Township, Michigan for a total amount with alternates of $13,824. Is there a motion to approve to award the bid? So move. Second. Um discussion. Who who would answer the questions? Dave. Dave Dcastaster. Dave, are you there?

I'm sorry. I was doing something. Um, what are alternates? Uh, so the alternates for for the project are uh we do mowing services for the road commission for Oaken County as well as uh MDOT. So we will mow the median on 8 mile and we will mow the right of ways on the 10 mile service drive. And basically those are reimbursed by those two agencies. Reimbured. Okay. We have the motion.

Okay. Um discussion or questions? Just one. Have we This looks like a new name. Have we used parrot landscaping? Yes. So we bid out the project like we normally do. We put it out for public bid. Parrot landscaping was the low. Uh our deputy director Eric Knack called out for references and they all came back uh satisfied with other communities. So we will make a recommendation for parrot landscaping. Yes. Okay. Any other questions? Uh roll call please. Uh Mayor Prom Edgar? Yes. Mayor Mlen? Yes. Council member Rner? Yes. Council member Whitehead? Yes. And council member Crawford? Yes.

Motion carried. Thank you. Um B, request to award the bid for 2026 landscape maintenance contract to Bright View Landscape Services of Pontiac, Michigan for the total amount of $17,783. Is there a motion? Some second Rner. Okay. Sean Whitehead. Um discussion or questions. Uh is this another new company for us?

Yes, it is again Senate at public uh bid. Sealed bids were accepted uh last week and this is another new contractor for us. Uh our current contractor who did the work for us last year bid on as well were a little bit higher. So again, we called out reached out to other communities that have used Bright View. Those references came back uh approved and well so we decided to make a recommendation to award the 2026 landscape maintenance project to Broadview Landscaping of Pine, Michigan for a total of $72,783. Questions for uh deputy director Dcaster? Nope. Thank you. Uh roll call, please. Mayor Mlen, yes. Council member Radner, yes.

Council member Whitehead, yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. C. Request to award the bid for the 2026 Event Hub access control and security camera project to Interstate Security for a total amount of $49,675. Is there a motion to rec reawward the bid? So move. Okay. Second. Second. Thank you. Um, these are cameras inside and out. Can you describe the project?

Sure. So, another exciting step in the Event Hub project next door, we put out a public bid for the access control, which is the card swipes uh for the recreation staff to get in and outside the building as well as the security cameras around the facility. That was a public bid project that was opened last week. We did receive two bids. After investigation, the lower bid um was deemed not a certified partner with the access control system that we speced out. So, in talking with them, um we deemed the low bidder not qualified. So, we are going with the second low bidder. So, our recommendation is to award the 2026 Event Hub access control and security camera project to Interstate Security for the lowest qualified bid price of $49,675. funding is available in the event hub fund.

Okay. Is this are there cameras inside and out that this is part of? Correct. Inside and out. Yes. Okay. Um questions, discussion, mayor prom. So, is this a one-time cost then to to um install the cameras and the access uh device or and will the city be controlling the cameras? How how is this going to work?

Sure. It's a good question. So, when we did the research on which vendors to use, this is a onetime cost. We pay a nominal license fee, which we have some actually leftover licenses from this project in this building. So, we're not even paying those in this project. Uh but there are no ongoing subscription costs and anything with this program that we're using. Uh monitoring is done via workstation. If um Aaron or and some of her staff want to look at some of the outside cameras, it gives them the ability to look at it on a mobile app on their computer or public safety will have access in their dispatch area and will be able to monitor the area as well with an app.

So in the dispatch area, what what our uh director usually sets up is a separate computer and they'll put it on a screen and divide it up into six or eight cameras and they can rotate and things and they can keep an eye on the entire outside of the of the facility. Will there be six to eight cameras? Uh the total amount of cameras there is tw 12 cameras.

So the access will be to the the building itself. Correct. Okay. And then what about access to the um to the amphitheater? Is that will that be open the amphitheater? Yes, there is no door. Yeah, that'll be free and open. Yes.

The one of the things we liked about the vendor that we selected is it gives us a lot more functionality than we currently have in our current system here. Now granted, our current system is 13 12 13 years old when we spec it. Uh but the new system allows for so much more functionality. Again, mobile app. Uh we plan on having renters in the kitchen. We can send them a text message. They hit a button on their text message, the doors open. We can set it up to where they get two passes. We can set it up to where they get unlimited passes from 4 to 8:00 p.m. There's a lot of functionality with that system that their staff will be able to program out and give any renters or any visitors access only to certain doors that they need. I have a question. Thank you. Very sophisticated. Yeah.

Thank you. Thank you. Um Council Member Crawford. Uh yes. Um Dave, can you tell me what does it mean? You said that the low bidder was not a certified partner.

Correct. So, when we opened the bids, I began calling. We only had two biders. Uh we had four biders come through our walkthrough, but we uh I started calling out and reaching out to these vendors and asking questions about the project, did you include labor? Did you include all the work? Can you uh abide by the schedule that we put in the contract? Are you able to purchase the product? And in talking with the low bidder, they are not a and I don't want to get terminology wrong, but a a certified vendor authorized reseller of the product that we spec. So I went back and forth. I reached out to the actually I got a hold of the vice president of the company that we speced out and they did confirm over the phone and through an email that the low vendor was not. Um that person had indicated that they think they can get it through other sources and things. However, those companies were not listed in their bid documents. So I don't know who those vendors are.

It was determined and I talked to the city manager and the attorney earlier today and we both I think were under the agreement that more comfortable going with the second low bidder because they are going to they are the certified the reseller. They are warrantied. They've gone through the training of this product that we speced out. They can install they can purchase a product. They can install the product. They can service a product. The company that was low bidder from my understanding cannot do that. Okay. Any further questions? Roll call, please. Council member Radner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes. Mayor Mlen,

yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Uh item D, request to award professional services contract to Hydro Corp for an ongoing crossconnection control program for a total cost of $39,361.50. Is that James again? Kim. Kim. Aha. First, is there a motion? So move. Second. Thank you. Um can you explain the cross connection control program?

Yes, good evening again. Um the cross control program uh currently inspects commercial and industrial buildings to make sure that they have backflow preventers so that they do not contaminate the water system. Um it is a requirement um by the state of Michigan and for us to comply. We have been hiring hydrocore I believe since 2004 to do this work for us. Um and they do the reporting and inspections on the properties uh both commercial and industrial in the city. So this is a continuation of the longstanding correct. Yeah, this is a essentially a renewal of a two-year contract um with a 6% increase from the previous two years.

Got it. Uh any questions, comments? Roll call, please. Council member Whitehead. Yes. Council member Crawford. Yes. Count uh Mayor Prom Edgar. Yes. Mayor Mlen, yes. Council member Radner, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Uh last in this group, request to award professional services contract to the Oak Park Event Hub Audio Visual Project to Media Storage Group of Brighton, Michigan for a total not to exceed amount of $128,942. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second.

Thank you. Um, just look at that duo. Speak of angels and hear the flutter of their wings. Yes. Thank you. Can you describe this project?

Yeah. Thank you, Mayor Council, C. Manager Tongate. Um, earlier today, Deputy City Manager Doster spoke about the cameras. This is kind of the second phase of all the AV needs for the event hub. So, similar to how uh council chambers is set up, um you know, TVs, speakers, uh HDMI, uh the wiring that's needed. Um so, essentially that aspect of it. So, when we're having events, um you know, such as weddings or uh state of the city's events, um you know, we're going to be outfitted to properly uh rent out that space. Um, additionally we will have a cablecast system which again similar to here and that is so we can broadcast uh events say state is the city or other events on our cable uh channel. Uh so that's what is before you.

Okay. Uh are there any questions discussion? Roll call vote then sir. Yes. I just make a So, council members, um, you may note in the proposal document that, and I'm not a techie either, so we we kind of went with the mid version of what was presented to us. Obviously, we want to have our taxpayers dollars in mind making those recommendations, but my question for the two of you is this gets us to where we need to go with our AV needs in the event hub. We're fully there after this. Correct.

So, speakers, TVs, microphones. We're hoping similar to to this setup. It's a onetime cost and we'll obviously each electronics have a lifespan, but we're hoping this expense will last us into the future and then some um with what we have here. Okay. Any questions, comments? Thank you. Roll call vote. Council member Crawford. Yes. Mayor Prom Edgar. Yes. Mayor Mlen. Yes. Council member Radner. Yes. Council member Whitehead. Yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Um that brings us to uh city attorney Courtney Krauss.

Thank you, Madame Mayor. There are no Freedom of Information Act appeals coming before council tonight. Thank you. Um item 12 on the agenda, City Manager Eric Tungate. Thank Thank you, Madam Mayor. Appreciate that. Oh, I appreciate can tell you that. Yeah. Um 12A1. I would like to ask our uh deputy city manager of uh community services uh Adam Oarzac to join me back at the podium. This is regarding um the improvements that are being made to Tyler Park and our director of recreation Lori Stacyak is here too.

Hi, thank you city manager Tongate. Council mayor. Uh before you, we have a change order uh to the Tyler Park uh project. Um as you know, on the December 15th city council meeting, council approved um a contract with McCarthy and Smith uh for construction management services. And being that the weather has broken, um work has, you know, begun on uh the site. Um just kind of for background again, kind of the two main features uh for Tyler Park on the city side of the property um is a walking path as well as some excavation um which will improve the drainage um of that uh field. Uh when they started digging, uh it did become apparent that the water man um that they were originally going to, you know, put the drainage tubes over was a little bit higher than anticipated. Uh so they came back to the drawing board and our civil engineering consultant Spalding Decker as well as our municipal services staff um you know kind of spoke and put their heads together and um came up with this you know proposing most cost-effective solution which is essentially um using a leeching system um for the uh drainage to occur and essentially what that is is that there's um you know black corrugated pipe with holes in it. So um how they excavate the land essentially the drains will carry the water away um and then it will slowly drain into um you know the dirt at a farther away location um to essentially dry up that area. Um so that uh before you is what this change order is and happy to answer any other questions you may have.

Wish we had an engineer. Yes, Mayor Prom. Is is the Berkeley school district paying for private vests? Do they have Yes. So there was um uh Stantech Architecture who uh worked with us on the design. Uh the costs are essentially split uh between the two sites um for that. And this this portion of Tyler Park is um really somewhere in the middle, right? I mean that's where a lot of the flooding takes place.

Correct. So I would I would say majority of the flooding would say is takes place on the city's side of the field. Um so uh again we're hoping you know with these improvements that will fix it for um you know the summer and rain events they can use the field for recreation programming and other things as such. Yeah. It'll be this will be a big welcome change. Yes. Yes.

Has this obviously design been used in other places? Yes, from my understanding, Spalding Decker, our civil civil consultant, um has utilized this. Um I don't know specifically the other areas, but they have notified us that this is a common thing that they use on other projects. Got it. Any other questions? And when will this be done? Fingers crossed. By either the end of this year or spring 27. Weather dependent. Is it a big project? Is it complex?

So, on the city's portion, I wouldn't say it's not as as complex, but um on the Berkeley school district side with the uh ball diamond and restroom and stuff, it's a there's a little more to it. Um so, that could be the only thing. Again, that just with potential delays due to, you know, ordering or weather or, you know, labor, anything like that. Um but by the end of this year is the goal. City Manager Tong,

Mayor Prom, just to clarify. So, I I want to um and for the two of you, please feel free to weigh in on this, too. But I think for this phase of the city's part of this, it's not as complex, but remember that this is just the first phase for us because we still have phase two coming later as funding becomes available to us in other budget years to do some of the other, you know, the pavilion and some of the other amenities that we've talked about. There is a plug I would like to have. We are currently updating our parks and recck master plan. So, um, if anyone, you know, would like watch our city website and social media pages for more information on that. We would love to have your input and incorporate those into all future parks and wreck projects. So, thank you.

Thank you. Very exciting. Ready to vote? We need a motion, ma'am. Okay. Is there a motion first? So moved. Second. Okay. Um, uh, roll call, please. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes. Mayor Mlullen, yes. Council member Rner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. And we have our returning champion, Director Moroni, back for 12B1, please. Okay.

Yes. Good evening again. Um, we are asking for the approval of change order number two to the GIFs Webster contract. We are currently working with them on our master plan and recreation master planning project. uh we had money still yet available in our economic development corporation and a retail market study had not been conducted since 2013. So this is a quote in order to get that done so we can roll that out um in conjunction with our master plan. Uh this will help us identify what types of retail entities would um be supported in this region. Uh not region but in our city. Um, and it'll help us further our economic development uh, recruitment activities and money is available in the economic development corporation professional services budget.

So, um, is there a motion first, please? So move. Second. Yep. Questions, madame mayor. Yes. Uh, Sean Whitehead. Council member Whitehead. Um, this this is who we're doing the master plan through, correct? And we just Yes, that's that's correct. Okay. And we just signed a big contract with them not too long ago. Are are they I mean it's respectfully are they upselling us with this like adding this on or No, actually we reached out to them. Um the last retail market study we did in 2013 uh cost over $40,000.

So we're actually getting a discount by layering these services. Uh, for instance, you approve the recreation master plan being added to our master plan. Had they bid that out separately as just the recreation, it would have been probably three or four times more than what we're paying them to just added on to this. Um, they can do the actual studies um together and get the community input together. So, it's less u activities that need to be done overall, but they can ask questions that need to be um asked in each of these types of plans. Okay. And second follow-up question is, are they going to be looking at how many car washes we need in a fivem? I'm serious.

It it would it would likely be included in there. They look at all different little um retail market areas and provide um what would be supported um based on our community. Okay. Thank you. Yes. Yes. City manager Tongi. Uh Kim, so you you kind of mentioned this when you slipped a little bit, but I'm curious um how extensive this is from a regional perspective. I know I had a meeting with the city of Detroit today and they're very interested in attracting retail to the city of Detroit obviously does this doesn't stop at our boundaries right

and I can tell you and I'm asking you that because in 2013 having been the one who ordered that up the we took our regional marketplace into consideration for spending power to go out and try to attract retailers. So does this do the same thing for us? So, what they usually do in market studies is they call them rings. Um they'll look at one mile out, three miles out, five miles out, and 10 miles out. And depending on the retail um that you're looking at, they can pull from different distances. So, it takes into consideration not just Oak Park residents, what they can pull from um those different rings. So, is there an opportunity because the city of Detroit is going to be spending their money on retail analysis of their own, but it just seems to me that there's just such a opportunity for us to partner here when we're really exploring some of the same information. I think it would be completely different with the city of Detroit because there's such a large city. Um, for instance, we would only pull from certain segments of Detroit that are within those ring distances, but the city, if you looked at the core of downtown, we're never going to pull from people living.

I think I think it is just the rings. So, if you because back in 2013 when we did this, the rings extended into, you know, Palmer Park, University District, all those areas. And what we found in that study was that the household median income of those neighborhoods was much higher than ours. And so it was in our see where it's at this time. Right. So it was in our best interest to include that in our market study. So if there's an opportunity and maybe I'm not following the question then. Um yes, we will look at um those rings that go into the city of Detroit, but is is your question different than that? No, no, I'm that's what I'm asking. Yes. Yes. Okay. I just didn't stop at the border because I

It will not Yeah, it will not stop at borders. It just looks at the rings from the center of the city and we'll expand outwards and and it goes out further into Oakland County, other correct spots. Okay. Tell us how this study will inform the work that you do that your department will do. Give us an example. when I go out recruiting at an event or conference, um it I'll have that proof in my hands that I can show them that we've done the retail market um study and it's proven that we need, you know, another car wash. Three more restaurants, let it die.

Yeah. It it just strengthens my pitch to them. um not just talking about Oak Park, but saying we've already done this retail study for you and this industry or retail segment would be supported and there's a deficit currently in Oak Park. Hopefully that answers your question. Yes. Okay. Um Kim, would that also include I know it's retail. Uh what about industrial as well? It does not look at industrial, just commercial retail. Okay. So I'll piggy back off that. Are we going to get a a market analysis study for another 20 grand for industrial too or

you know I don't even think there is such a study out there just because industrial they locate based on um sometimes tax incentives sometimes it's their um who they um need as employees and where they're going to be at. Um it could be where um they get their parts from. Um, so they look at so many different factors. You really can't do a study for that other than, you know, a building inventory saying, "We got these buildings with this inventory and these are our residents that could potentially work for you." Any further questions? Roll call vote, please. Mayor Mlullen, yes. Um, Council Member Rner, yes. Council member Whitehead,

yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar. Yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Oh, you again. Okay. Sorry. 12B2. We She's back. Go figure. 122. We have Director Moroni here for that one, too. Um, yes. Next is uh change order number one for the 2026 joint crack sealing project M788 by Michigan Joint Ceiling of Farmington Hills. Um this um change order will allow us to do mastic on Capitol. Um if you've driven down there, there are large gaps um and

um I'm sorry in the joints and because they're larger, we use a product called Mastic in order to fill the big joint um seals. So this will allow us to do that on capital and um add it into the contract. The contract was um even with the uh change order is still under what we had budgeted for the project overall. Uh first we need a motion please. So move second. Thank you. Uh discussion questions. So the

mayor prom this is a $100,000 extra. Um and I know that we had budgeted more for this but is it just because of this material that they're going to use the mastic? Is that what drove up the cost? Um yes that is accurate. Sorry I just want to make sure. Well, I think it's that and we're also adding more repairs as well. So, how much more are we adding because we have lots of problems on our streets following this very icy winter. I'm sorry, repeat that again.

So, it's going to be along Capitol and and city manager Ton mentioned that it will be used in other parts of the city as well. Yes. So, and my apologies, I jumped to B3. So maybe that's some of the confusion here. So do you want to go back to B2? My apologies. I have too much up here. Let's go back to B2. And you're back from B3. That's

all right. So B2 is actually um change order number one for our miscellaneous concrete project um with Matti Cement M782. and that is um to add some additional concrete work into um the original concrete uh bid that we received. Um it came in under our estimates um because doing the miscellaneous concrete program is so important in the city of Oak Park to help keep our roads maintained. Um we would like to add the proposed change order in for 99,776 and40 cents in order to do additional repairs on our streets. Uh particularly particularly Coolage

amongst others. That's such a mess. Yes. Yeah. Yep. What about local streets where there are lots and lots and lots of problems? Yes. So we we keep track of all of those and we rate them um based on the traffic and how bad they are. Um if you've seen the list, it is quite lengthy. So uh we do the worst first. um and then get to them as we can. So that's why we like to use all the money we budget annually in the miscellaneous concrete. Right. So that's B2. Yes.

Okay. And Matti did the uh sidewalks. Um they didn't do it the last round, but I know they've done it before. They have. They've done it before and we've been very pleased. But I couldn't tell you which year. Uh, Ed, do we do we have a motion here? We have a motion um by Radner and uh second by Whitehead. Okay. On 12B2. For 12B2. Okay. Any further questions about 12B2? Roll call, please. Council member Radner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes.

Mayor Mlen, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Okay. Director Moroni 12B3, please. Um, again, so this is actually the right order now. Um, proposed change order number one for the 2026 joint and crack sealing project M788 by Michigan Joint Ceiling. Um, it includes uh sealing cracks and joints along many streets in Oak Park. This change order is to address uh capital with uh putting mastic into the larger joints. It came in under budget and we'd like to use the remainder of that budget in order to do this work.

Okay, we need a motion and a second. So moved. Second. Crawford Rner. um discussion or questions. So this one is about the mastic material, correct? And is there additional work that's being done for this 99,000? Yeah. Um we do this project every year and we uh fill the joints on all the city roads and we take different areas um and address them every year. Okay. And that helps prolong the life of the road. Any further questions? Roll call, please. Council member Whitehead, yes.

Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes. Mayor Mlen, yes. Council member Radner, yes. Okay. 12B4. Director I believe this is your final one.

Yes. Um, so this is to accept a grant that we received from the Oakland County Transit. Um, we applied for a grant in order to do the engineering and design uh for NineM and Coolage all the way along to Greenfield. Um, and that is in order to extend the bike lanes that we currently have on 9mm. So, we connect all the way to the city of Southfield. Um, once we have these engineering plans, then we can actually start um applying for grants in order to do the work. um they gave us a grant for $100,000. So, this is accepting that grant award and also a budget amendment for the remaining amount um which is our portion of $120,000 which I do plan to apply for a SEMCOG planning grant this month in the amount of $60,000. So hopefully that amount will be reduced and funding is available in the major streets fund.

Nice. So, is there a motion to accept the transit grant? Oh, so moved. What's that? So moved. Yes. Enthusiastically, I might add. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Uh, Council Member Whitehead. Um, I put a smiley face by this one because we're happy to accept $100,000 from anyone. Yes. And um and it's nice to know that there are further grants coming. Let's hope so.

And um I think our um communication director who came from a much bigger city is always astounded by how many grants we apply for as a small city and receive. So kudos. Are there um uh questions or comments? Yes, mayor. Mayor, I do have a question. Yes, Mayor Prom.

So, this is a question about need for a bike lane that goes from Kulage to Greenfield. It annoys drivers. I mean, they do. And we've all heard this said that uh I never see anybody riding their bike and yet there's a bike lane and you know, I can't make a right or I can't make a left, whatever the case is. Is this even though we got a grant which is wonderful um thanks Britney do we need this are there cyclists along that road that section of 9m because this will cost us $120,000 even though we got a grant for part of it. I'm wondering should we be doing this? Do we need a bike lane? Really? In my opinion yes. Um, if you looked at 9M before we did any of the NM road improvements with the bike lanes and everything else we've done there, um, there was really no bike activity other than on the sidewalk, which is actually illegal. Um, people who do like to ride their bikes to work, um, provides them a safe way to do so, especially since we made the last changes and did the cycle track as opposed to bike lanes on both sides of the roadway. And we have seen an increase in bicycle traffic along NM Road. Uh, also the Oakland County um recreation uh did a grant for all of the Oakland County communities and we have actually um adopted a plan and we call it the nine line that every community in Oakland County has signed on to to extend the bike lane that we did in Nine Mile. They're replicating it from border to border in Oakland County along 9M Road. So, uh, yes, I definitely think we will see additional traffic as all these other communities add their bike lanes. Southfield has already gotten grants,

um, to add theirs, and we will be seeing them shortly, um, as well as some other cities that are applying currently. So, um if we don't do our small little portion that we have left, then it would just be a big gap that cyclists would have nowhere to go um other than off into this um residential area because I see people riding on the sidewalk because they're afraid to ride in the bike lanes because maybe motorists aren't used to seeing cyclists and they feel that it's dangerous. I I think that you have two different types of cyclists. You have your recreational cyclists who just really don't know the rules of the road and really aren't that comfortable and probably don't use bike lanes. Um but then you have people who actually use it as their form of transportation. They don't don't own vehicles. And for those people who don't own vehicles, I think that providing them a safer, quicker route to work um is something that's very beneficial. Okay. Thank you.

Any other comments? Okay. Um, we need a vote to uh accept this grant. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes. Mayor Mlullen, yes. Council member Rner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes. Motion carried. Thank you.

Okay. 12C1. I would like to ask uh Director Stacy, our entire recreation team. Uh but I would like to also take this opportunity to introduce if you don't know her already um Erin Foley who we have selected as our event hub manager and we are very excited to have her on board this new thing for us.

Thank you. Thank you. I'm very excited. And council members, one of the other things that um Erin has been already hard at work doing is because we want to hit the ground running with the event hub that we expect to open to the public on July 1st. We're going to have our state of the city address on June 30th and on July 1st, we expect this thing to be ready to go. That's coming right up. Um, and so in front of you tonight, um, and Erin or one of you will talk about this, but and please introduce yourself. I'm sorry, but we we do want to present a fee schedule that we'd like to propose for the event hub so that we can hit the ground running when it opens. So Karen, do you want to

Well, thank you so much for the nice introduction. It's so nice to be up here in a new position. Um, just a little bit, I'll just I'll go so quick for you guys. Um, I've been here for probably about three years now. So, I started um as a seasonal and then I moved over into an intern at graduated college and I moved full-time and I don't think you guys are going to get rid of me for a while now. So, I think you guys are all stuck with me. So, um but yes, I'm very excited um about the event hub. Looking forward to everything moving forward and working with all of our um wonderful city administration and our council and mayor. So, I'm very excited. Thank you so much.

Thank you. So, going back to the uh farmers market fees, the reason council um and we'll put something up on the screen here uh momentarily, but um the reason we're bringing to you normally for uh fees that normally goes on our fee schedule during our budgetary process, but being that we're opening up the event hub um and as city manager Tongate said, want to hit the ground running on July 1st, we're coming with um sort of a special um you know, council approval for uh fee schedule approval uh from council early to ensure that um you know we can start renting it out you know ahead of time and as we said the uh July 1st you know hit the ground running. So that that's the reason why we're coming to you now instead of normally during the uh budgetary process. So, and mayor, if I could, so could you just because this, as you mentioned, I mean, council members, this usually comes as part of the city budget fee schedule annually when when you guys as a group were looking at identification of these fees, can you talk a little bit about the methodology that you used? Of of course I there should be I there's something that should be on the TV as well, but um our farmers market stat

that's definitely not it if that's that's going to scare people. That's me. Okay, fairly elaborate a little bit. Good evening. Hello.

Good evening. Uh to answer some of your questions, yes, we did uh do some research as to other farm markets in the area. The reason we're bringing this to you tonight is because we do have to procure and and and and get our vendors to sign on the dotted line for this year uh which we are uh hoping to do very quickly because they do want to be part of our our our market moving forward. So, we did look at some other markets kind of in our area um that are of similar size and what they charge. We are right in that ballpark. We are not a Royal Oak. We are not an Oakland, you know, market because the footprint isn't quite that large. But we have saying that we have 13 vendors returning from our veterans. We have five to six new confirmed uh vendors. We also have another eight that are pending as well as some artisans. Um I think our fee schedules are very um enticing for vendors to come in because this is a new situation for us. We're moving from an outdoor area where we've been moved around since 2018 to about four different locations. Um, so now I think that we are enticing our vendors to come sign on that data line to be with us for three quarters of a year, if not almost quite four seasons. Um, so I think that with our our fee schedule that I don't see up there, um, I think that would u greatly add add to the market and we're getting calls all the time.

Good. Good. Okay. Okay. Let me see. Uh so we need a motion to approve farmers market vendor fees. So move uh that's second Sean Whitehead. Second Solomon Rner and then can we see the flea the fees? Are they're in the packet? Yeah, he's not showing them on Oh, we they have them in the package. We don't want to read them. They're fine. They're fine. Okay.

Um, any discussion, questions about the fees? You all set? Mayor Prom, are these fees much higher this year, this season, than last?

No, they're Sorry, I I don't need a microphone. Uh, they're very comparable. Okay, we decided we did not want to raise these fees because again, we have been moved around four different times and so we want people to come into the event hub. We want to have that experience. So, we are not going to blow them out of the water. We want to keep that pretty much the same knowing that as things improve and we extend our footprint to as much as we can, those fees can go up. But we decided to be they've been loyal to us for almost 10 years now. I think we need to be loyal to them and say we're not going to double this right now, but this isn't a deposit anymore. This is a fee, correct? That won't be returned to them.

So, how do we decide or how are you going to decide which vendors are inside um and which are out?

A lot of it is going to be because of our veteran vendors, they get first crack at it right now. And plus, there's also some things such as Dakota bread uh that are part of the friendship circle. bred outside um in the rain doesn't go very well. There's also a stipulation in the uh when stipulation they can um once the indoor fees are only for full season which a lot of the vendors might not be. Okay. So for a full season it goes June 25 to November 19th. So that's a commitment of 22 market days that they will be paying for that indoor spot. There are also outdoor spots that are available as well. Uh we also have a daily fee. We're going to have a monthly fee. Some of these vendors, uh this is their second job. They, you know, are home for the summer, but they have to have another job. They're a teacher, so on and so forth. They're not going to be here in October, November. So, we have a monthly fee. So, we're trying to hit all of the different vendors and what their needs are at the time.

What What is a daily fee? I'm sorry. What does it mean when you say a daily fee? A daily fee might be someone like our knife sharpener and our garden tool sharpener that may only come once or twice, you know, like in the week or um one of our bakers might only come once or twice because they are in other markets. They're feeling us out just like we're feeling them out. Okay? So, they're going to see how that daily is going to work for them. Um because they are at other markets. So, they'll split their time. We have a couple vendors that are going to be with us on a Thursday, but they're going to be at the market they've already been at for the other Thursday. So they're kind of weighing out what they're doing, too. So we want to make it so that we don't turn them away. We want them to come.

But this will be a Thursday. You'll still have the markets on Thursday. Oh, yes, ma'am. Yep. Same time. Same time. 9 to 2, but we'll go to November this coming year.

Correct. We're going to be we're going to be moving it forward. As city manager had said, we're going to try to make this into a four-season market. So, um, the full season is June 25 to November 19th. We are then going to be coming before you at the appropriate time with the fee schedule for our winter market pricing. All right? Which will start in, I believe, the second week in January, go until the end of April, and then we're going to start our full season in May. We have to back this up because we do have to educate people that we are a Michigan market. You're not going to find corn in June. You're not going to find a watermelon in June. And believe it or not, when you that's what we do. Erin and I spend our time a lot educating the community that this is a Michigan market. This is homegrown support by local. You can talk to the farmer right here. His product comes from one hour away. You want to go see his I've seen them. So we are trying to back that up and do education with that.

And we'll have a kitchen moving forward. Are you going to incorporate that in some of the farmers market activities?

Yes, we are going to be renting the kitchen too to some vendors. They have already expressed an interest. Part of that commercial kitchen is to get people out of the cottage food law. So, you might have the best cinnamon roll on the market, but you're still baking at at home. So, this having it in moving it into a commercial kitchen then grants you that license which they will have to pull on the kitchen. They pull the vendor pulls the license on the kitchen that then gets them into some place like a Westborne or a Holiday or some smaller markets. Same goes for salsas. You cannot make salsa at home. It's against the law. It's against health code. You must make it at a commercial kitchen. So again, that person pulls that license, health department meets them, watches them, gives them the license, good to go. Hopefully, they start with us first and then they get their product into a local market.

Wow. It's very exciting. Exciting. Okay. Uh we are set. We

do do we get a motion in a second? Yes. Um if there are no more questions, we will uh vote to approve the market vendor fees. Uh, Mayor Pro Tim Edgar, yes. Mayor Mlen, yes. Council member Radner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, boy. Good news. And that's just the farmers market aspect of the event hub. So, there's a lot more, too. So, that's right. Holy cow. Okay. Um 12D1 public safety. Our quiet public safety director, Steve Cooper, all right, is here tonight to discuss.

Good evening again, mayor, mayor prom, city council, city manager Tongate. I'm before you with traffic control order number 160, section 1.41. Uh, in preparation for the mural installation that will be taking place at the water tower social district. Uh, several sections designated for parking inside that lot will not be available. Uh we're requesting that the overflow parking be allowed to use the north side of Kingston Street between Gardener and Tair from April 9th, 2026 through June 19th through uh 2026 while this project is taking place. And uh I'm asking council to approve the uh traffic order as as stated uh for that specific location.

Okay. Is there a motion to approve this order? So moved. Thank you. Second. Um, can people get by if people are parking on both sides? You're talking about as far as on um the street down there. Yeah, there's plenty of room. Yeah, plenty of room. Uh, any um questions? Do we have a Did I just do a motion? Second. Um, any questions? Uh, let's see. Um, all those in favor of approving this traffic control order, please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carried. Thank you.

Thank you. Okay. And we council members, we removed 12 E1. So, I am going to finally turn it back over to Deputy City Manager Doster. 12E2. Please, sir. Good evening again. Before you tonight is pay application number nine and change order number seven for the event hub project. This is our monthly billing to the event hub and all the subcontractors working on that job.

Uh I would like to note the city administration, construction manager and architect have all approved this pay estimate. It includes uh work for a period ending February 28th, 2026. And the total, it is recommended pay application number nine and change order number 7 for the EventHub project be approved in the amount of 253,67144 and $0 for the change order. Funding is available in the event hub fund. So move. What took you so long? Now that I know funding is available. And second. Second. I knew what you were going to say though. Rner and Crawford. Thank you. Um all those in favor please say I. I. Any opposed? Motion carried unanimously.

Thank you. And last but not least, well, that that was actually it, Madam Mayor. But I do want to say happy Passover and happy Easter uh for those who celebrate. That was the one we just Is it Passover already event? I'm so hungry. I think you do because that was money to do a roll call. That was the street. Oh, you're right. We do this roll. Well, that was Yeah. So, do you want to do a roll call or it's a voice vote? Okay. Even though it's Yeah. Oh, we need a roll. Good call. Roll call vote. Council member Radner, yes. Council member Whitehead, yes. Council member Crawford, yes. Mayor Prom Edgar, yes.

Mayor Mlen, yes. Motion carried. Thank you. Okay. Now, I would like to say happy Passover, happy Easter for those who celebrate. And that completes the city manager report for this evening. Thank you.

Wonderful. Thank you. This was uh daunting but cheerful. Um call to the audience. Would you read the um Okay. This is the portion of our meeting where we hear from the public. Um we don't answer your questions. We might direct you to somebody in the administration who can help you. City of Oak Park will comply. I'm sorry. Each speaker's remarks are a matter of public record. The speaker alone is responsible for his or her comments and the city of Oak Park does not by permitting such remarks support, endorse, or accept the content thereof as being true or accurate. Any person while being heard at a city council meeting may be called to order by the chair or any council member for failure to be gerine to the business of the city, vulgarity or personal attacks on persons or institutions and there's a threeminut time limit per speaker.

Thank you. Um do you have cards that you can call? I do madame mayor. Um first Roosevelt Hollis. I think she left. Okay. Uh Candace Callaway.

Okay. Wonderful. Good evening everyone. My name is Candace Callaway and I'm running for state representative for district 5. I'm a native Detroititer. I'm a homeowner. I'm an education champion and I'm a public servant. After I graduated from college, I had the opportunity to serve with the Americanore program city year, working in education advocacy. I also have experience working with the Nature Conservancy addressing flooding issues and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for interrupting. Are we allowed to do this? We we can't campaign on public, but you can talk myself. We're not allowed to do it either. You're you can in Right. I mean, am I wrong? No, you're right. Yep. you can um uh talk about an issue of interest to the residents.

Okay. Wonderful. You can't do it either. Yep. Good to know. Thank you. So, um I just want to introduce myself and let you all know that I'm here and I want to talk and I was very excited to hear uh some of the comments about um the the funding that's going towards building out the nine mile greenway um and some investments that the city is making on the residents behalf. and I'm looking forward to hearing uh more about the things that Oak Park is doing to support its residents. Thank you for coming. Thank you, Crystal Bailey.

Good evening, mayor, council, city manager, and residents. I am a resident of Oak Park um since 1998. uh an alumni from Oak Park High School and I'm here um because I'm rooted in the community and I really enjoy the quilts. It was a very fantastic um display of the quilts and um Friends of Royal Oak Township is doing something similar with their quilts uh and their patches and their quilts and I think it'll be something that we could um unite and work together on. friends of Royal Oak Township. And also, I'm here because a resident of mine uh of ours who was a friend of mine, she's complaining about Northfield. She lives on Northfield and she's getting this asphalt of whatever we're filling the streets in with. It's coming back on her lawn. and she couldn't be here today, but she knows that I'm an active resident in the community and she wanted me to come and speak on her behalf. So, whatever it is you guys are filling the streets with on Northfield, uh she's at Northfield. I won't want to give her address, but right at Northfield and Scotia or Condon in that area, it's blowing back on her yard. She's a gardener and uh she really would like you all to take a look into that. Thank you again. And my name is Crystal Bailey.

Uh Daryl Farmer.

Good evening everyone. Good evening council members, staff. I'm here only to request and my name is Daryl Farmer. I was one of the biders that bid on item 10 C and there was only two. And I would like this council to reassess and take a closer look at the criteria that was given or presented to you for the selection that it is in that it is contained in that contract documentation and it was used to make those determinations and nothing else. Secondly, the statement was requested uh are there any reoccurring cost associated with it? Well, because we know the manufacturer and we are certified by the manufacturer through the North American partner, there will be reoccurring costs to you and you just don't know it because it wasn't in the contract documentation and I can simply point that out at a later date in full detail and scope. What we did do was redesign this and give and we can still present to you an even lower number in a more practical installation for you for such an event hub that you have. But being that we were not given any opportunity to express, show, or give the details that are relevant to what was put out in public bid, we simply ask for your consideration to really take a closer look at what you have. The selection that you were given as a recommendation in 10 C, they have no installations with this manufacturer. This manufacturer is nowhere in this city and it will be hardressed to find a lot of installations that they do have. I've been in this business over 40 years. I can name names where we have

installations that far greater than the city has and we will consider a non-responsible bid. I don't think so. I would simply ask you to reconsider and take a closer look at the specifications that were released for public consumption. That's it. Thank you. Thank you for coming. Michael Disc I said that correct.

You sure did. Yeah. Or as Mr. Rner would like me to refer to myself as Jupac, I think. But um Michael Discin 15075 Lincoln Street apartment permit 406 Oak Parker Michigan 48237. I I first want to say that I'm a little disappointed in a few people up there specifically Mrs. Tongate Rner and Whitehead that with all the B2 before everything there was not one bingo or battleship Joker reference. So I just want that noted. Um, Mayor Prom Edgar, during the discussion about the bike lanes, um, I also find them annoying, but I also understand a lot of people use them. Uh, I'm very new to this this public game. So, is there any way, uh, you mentioned that, uh, somebody mentioned that people don't really know, the recreational riders don't really know the laws, and I think the drivers don't really know who has rights to what. So, as part of the grant or can we get a new grant or somehow with public safety do some sort of education campaign so that we all can since this apparently is a thing, can we just educate everybody so we all know what to do? Um, okay. So, uh, specifically today, um, Temple Israel in this past week's service, uh, the clergy wo in and out from the the prayers, um, letters and cards of support from bunch of different communities, uh, different states, etc. A lot of them not Jewish, not of the Jewish community. And I just wanted to publicly acknowledge um and show appreciation for all those people who showed support to us. And um on the other side of things, I just wanted to say that uh as we talked about earlier with Junth coming up, I just thought it was important um to state that I think all the residents of Oak Park should be celebrating this in some way or another that makes them feel comfortable doing

so. The city's putting on an event. You can say hi. You can comment on Facebook. You can do your own post. You can promote the post. Junth celebrates I don't I know it celebrates the official end of slavery whether it be by law or implementation of law or I'm still trying to figure out exactly but I know it celebrates that end. And it's a day to recognize, acknowledge, and show appreciation to the African-American community for their contributions to the country then, now and forever. So, we should say thank you. We appreciate you. We're here with you and we love you. This isn't just a black holiday. It's a holiday that everybody should celebrate and at the very least acknowledge. It costs nothing to be kind and you really have no idea how much your support can mean to somebody else. So, thank you. Beautiful.

Thank you. That's it.

That's it. Nobody else. Anybody else who didn't put a card forth but has a word to say? Nope. Um that brings us to council comments. Um February was um Black History Month and April, I believe, is Women's History Month. And um uh in my family, my grandmother and her sister went to medical school in 1895 when that just wasn't done by women at all. And um when they graduated, it took them 20 years before they were allowed to vote. And had they been African-American, they would have had to wait for the Voters's Rights Act. in 1965 to vote. Uh so women have come a long way and we got a long way to come. Uh we are um hoping for your input. Here we go. We had a master comprehensive plan and a parks and recreation plan openhouse here and your ideas and your questions and enthusiasm for Oak Park's future made it a wonderful event. But we're not done. If you couldn't attend, there are ways that you can add to the conversation yourself. Um, our partner is GIF's Weer Webster to update the master plan and the parks and recck plan.

Uh, these documents guide our goals and our future. So, they are important and now is when we need to hear from you. So, we looked at housing. Do you want apartments? Do you want highrises? Do you want um senior uh apartments? Land use. walkability, economic development, what do you want to see in Oak Park? People have strong opinions. We'd like to hear them. Now, we have display boards right outside in city hall right now that you can feel free to come and put your comments down on. Um, they're in-person opportunities. Um, the master plan board is in the city hall lobby. through April 10th and after that from April 13th to the 26th that will be in the library. So if you didn't put some comments down, come on in and do that. There are also ways to do this on Facebook and uh online. So speak up, don't mumble. Thank you, Mayor Prom. Julie Edgar.

Uh thank you all for coming. I wanted to um congratulate Ken Sherman again on the honor, muchdeserved honor. Thank you for all you do for the city. Ken was uh instrumental in the dog park and we had an opportunity to work together and he's he uses the dog park. Um and also uh thank you to Mr. Disc for the thoughtful comments. And um I would say if you want to sponsor or be a sponsor for Junth um please do. Uh checks are welcome. You can make them out to the city of Oak Park and put Junth, 2026 in the memo line. Uh they are looking for sponsors right now. And um anyway, thank you and good night.

Thank you. Um, Council Member Solomon Radner, happy holidays and good night everybody. Council member Sean White, happy holidays everybody. Happy Passover. Happy Easter. Um, and I always love Ken Sherman night. So, it was it was a good night cuz it was Ken Sherman night. Next time hopefully we have some bobbleheads with those um bears like they do at the ball games now that baseball season's back out. But I love Ken Sherman. appreciate your support of the city and especially for our public safety, our library and everything that you do, Kim. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Council Member Stephanie Crawford.

Um, just a reminder, it is springtime clean up your yard of the Recycling and Environmental Commission, who Mr. Sherman is a part of. We are having a healthy lawn seminar on Thursday, April 16th, 700 p.m. in the community center. Healthy lawn seminar. I'll definitely be there because my lawn needs a little work. Um, also I wanted to say on March 20th, I said uh to city manager, don't embarrass us at the basketball game where I got there late. And he didn't. the old guys. Uh I think they took out the young guys, didn't they? So,

yeah. So, good job. We we did well and it was all for charity. Um long night, a great meeting and once again, everyone be kind to one another and thank you for coming out. Thank you. There being no further business to come before this council, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for coming. Oh, I forgot to