City Council - Regular Meeting

Evening. Welcome to the January 12th regular Rochester Hills City Council meeting. Miss Whispern, will you take role? President Carlac here. Vice President Mioli here. Mr. Blair. Mr. Mr. Lindberg here, Miss Manino, Miss Newower here, Mr. Scelsey here, President Carlock, we have a quorum. Thank you very much. And if everybody will rise for the pledge of

allegiance. Approval of agenda. I have not been made aware of any changes to the agenda. I have a motion by Councilwoman Newower, seconded by Miss Vice President Mongioli. Um, all those in favor? I.

Any opposed? All right, we have an agenda for tonight. Uh, next up, council and youth committee reports. We will start with uh, Miss Jooshi, our Rochester Hills government youth council representative.

Good evening, President Carlock, Vice President Munioli, Mayor Barnett, council members, and citizens of Rochester Hills. My name is Sasha Jooshi and I'm an 11th grader at Rochester Adams High School. I have served on the Rochester Hills government youth council for the past two years and I serve on the historic districts commission. This past month, Youth Council has been working very hard to prepare for our our upcoming Super Bowl community event. This event is centered around service and giving back as it will function as a can drive benefiting the neighborhood house. We have been working in our committees to put together a fun-filled day including food, games, and prizes. The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 1st at the Rochester Hills Public Library in the multi-purpose room. Looking ahead, youth council is also excited to begin preparations for our annual cultural fair in April. Our next regular meeting will be Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at the Rochester Hills Resiliency Center. Thank you for your time and have a good evening.

Thank you, Miss Jooshi. Uh, next up, Vice President Mioli.

Thank you very much, President Carl. Um, Miss Whispering, can you share my screen, please? So, I brought up plow tracker and of course all the vehicles are in right now, but I did want to make sure we I sent my thanks to the DPS team because they have done so much over the last several weeks as far as plowing our streets, making them clear and safe for all of us to get around our community in. So, thank you very much. Miss Balant, if you can share my thanks to the DPS team, I really appreciate it. Um, I know I post this out on my Facebook page and I get comments from residents all the time, uh, understanding what's going on, but I will say there was one time and I I'm not getting it to move fast enough right now, but I was like, why are all of the Did they have an accident? Because they were all down the corner and realized they were all at DPS. It they weren't just out plowing the streets. It was it was off hours. So, if you see the trucks, um, you can watch them. there's a legend that shows you it's the plow truck or the pickup trucks. Um, this way also for residents, you'll know if that plow truck is coming anywhere near you. So, you want to wait to clear the end of your driveway until after they go past. And there's always that suggestion to um clear about five feet to the left side of your driveway as you're exiting or right side as you're looking at it from the mailbox. Clear that out. So this way when they push the snow, they're not pushing quite as much into your driveway as they come past. So thank you, Miss Whisper. Um the other thing, and I'm sure the mayor is going to arrange for us to see the Rochester High School varsity dance team that won states this last week in multiple categories, as well as having a solo state champion. So congratulations to our Rochester High School students. And that's all I have. President Carlock.

Thank you, Vice President Mongioli. Uh, next up, Mrs. Newower.

Thank you, President Carlock. Um, from the planning department, the city has kicked off its annual capital improvement plan process for the 2027 to 2032 time frame. Believe it or not, um if residents have a capital project of 25,000 or more that they would like to propose as part of this process, a link to the CIP application is available on the city website under the planning and economic development department's capital improve improvement plan section. Residents wishing to submit a project are encouraged to contact the responsible departments like DPS, parks, etc. for assistance in filling out their application. Applications for new projects are due no later than Friday, February 27th of 2026. All applications should be submitted to Joe Snyder, our chief financial officer, either in paper form or electronically at sniderj rochester.org. And also, if you could share my screen, please. As our wonderful youth council representative mentioned, there is a Super Bowl party. Admission is um free, but suggested for you to bring in some of the food pantry items that the neighborhood house is looking for. Um their preferred items are coffee, beef ramen, olives, pasta sauce, pears or peaches, diced tomatoes, or chili beans. We encourage you all to attend and support. Even if you can't stay for the activity, if you'd like to bring some items that day, that would be very much appreciated. Neighborhood House gets 70% of all of their supplies this time of year from us. And um they use that to support the community throughout the entire year. Uh we appreciate everything that the residents have already done for Neighborhood House, but just remember that they do support I think it was they said 400 people a day in the months of

November and December. So we would appreciate you coming and have a good time. Thank you. And that's all I have for now.

Thank you, Mrs. Newower. Uh not seeing any other council u committee reports. We will move on to consent agenda. All matters under the consent agenda are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion without discussion. If any council member or citizen requests discussion of an item, it will be removed from the consent consent agenda for separate discussion. I have a motion by Mrs. Newower, seconded by Vice President Mongioli. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? That passes. Next up, planning and economic development item 2025-0502. Request for preliminary site condominium approval for Camden Crossing Condominium, a proposed development of 25 detached single family residents on approximately 9.36 acres of land located at 430 West Hamlin Road and parcel number 15-22-451-029 on the north side of Hamlin between Liveroy and Rochester zoned R3 one family residential with the MR mixed residential overlay. Jim Polic Pizzix Paulix sorry sir Inc. applicant and Miss Roiger.

Yes. Good evening President Carlock, Vice President Mongioli, Council Mayor. Um, thanks much for having us this evening. Um, we have Mr. Palo's team here. If you want to go ahead and introduce maybe your team before I get into a brief presentation. Yep. I'm Jared Kim with Atwell the project engineers. I'm Ralph Nunes, land planner and landscape architect for the project. Thank you.

All right. Um, this project um has actually been before the city and completely approved um a couple years ago, but um did expire uh as they had other uh projects that uh were more pressing. And so now they're back and for a new and improved project, you know, with even um I think a better project than we had originally. And so as uh President Carlock indicated, this is uh close to 10 acres on the north side of Hamlin uh right between Crest Line and uh Rochester Road. This did go to the planning commission at the end of last year in December and did receive uh unanimous uh recommendation for preliminary site condominium approval, the wetlands permit, and the planning commission does have the authority and approved the tree removal permit and natural feature setback setback modification. As you can see, um it is essentially surrounded by residential zoning. Is also next to uh St. Mark's Orthodox Christian Church and Hamlin Elementary, uh just to the east of the picture there. The plan does have a total of 25 homes, um six of which are located directly right off of Crestline Street. And then there's 19 homes that are accessed off of a new Cardinal Lane. Um as I indicated, this was already approved um but expired. It's interesting to note too that essentially the north portion of the property which abuts a lot of the existing residential is essentially untouched and natural. Um the houses are all focused more towards the south and create a nice open space buffer preserve the uh wetlands that's up there. And there also is the ITC corridor which is that um angle that runs kind of through the property so they can't put structures on that portion as well. So um that is something that is um part of this plan. And then the wetland use permit um is pretty minor. They are affecting roughly 11,000 square feet of wetlands. However, most of that, as you can see in this picture here, um is existing wetland that's being modified really to enhance storm water mitigation. So, it will remain

natural. Um there's only uh 143 square feet um that is being impacted of the regulated wetland and there's also a very small wetland kind of uh south of the site which is not regulated that will be um removed. Um but as noted the wetland that is there um it's not really a high quality. It's it's pretty low quality from the our professional ASI environmental u due to the fact that it's been almost um focusing as a yard in the past and has been mowed and there's been um various vegetation that's really not natural to the wellland. So again leading to the non or the low quality uh element of it. Uh this is preliminary. So um for the new council members, this will come back uh this was a preliminary as a recommendation from planning commission to city council as part of the preliminary condominium and the wetland use permit. After this, if it moves forward, it will go back to the administration and they'll sharpen their pencils, do further engineering, and it will come back for a final uh uh final condominium which will go to planning commission once again to the recommendation of city council. So, this first step really is just to solidify the overall layout of the the plan and we're happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Thank you, Miss Rodiger. I I the only question I had was being that I live in the subdivision across the street. Um there is a gas line that runs from our sub across and I believe it runs into that parcel. Is that indicated somewhere on these plans? Yes, that is this angled line that goes right through here and then turns right here. Okay. So, it run it runs like parallel to crest line. Yes. Like in the driveways. That's that correct. Yes. So, the north portion you see it cuts through an angle then it jogs perpendicular to Crest line and then it runs down on the east side of Crest Line all the way to Hamlin.

Okay. And what is the the setback from that? because I believe in our subdivision we were told 30 or 60 feet I think is that 30 feet from the center line of that. So when that uh when they went and installed the second pipeline through there some years ago uh an easement was specifically granted covering that area here. Um, so we are our houses are set at 45 feet off of the street right ofway, which places it behind where that um that pipeline easement is, which is 30 feet into the property there. 30 feet. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Uh, Mrs. Newower.

Thank you, President Carlock. Uh, welcome back. Um, I just wanted to reiterate a couple things that M. Rodiger said that this has already come back. This has been in front of city council, the previous city council. It came back in front of planning. It was approved unanimously both times. We did have quite a bit of neighbors come to speak at planning commission. Um and we had added an additional um condition that you speak with Miss Epledder regarding her property and the trees. It's my understanding that you guys have done that. Um so thank you for that. Thank you for working with the neighbors and trying to be good neighbors. We appreciate that. Um, and I'd like to move the motion for approval in the packet.

Thank you, Mrs. Newower. Um, Vice President Mongioli. Thank you very much, President Carlock. So, I I was one of the council members that was here before when you came before. I asked a lot of questions back then. Um, this has not changed significantly since then. So, just for the record, what did change? Okay. Uh yes. So [clears throat] what uh significantly has changed is there's one less unit than what we had before. If you look on Crest Line, there are now six. We used to have seven there.

Uh one of the reasons for that loss of that unit was to meet the 40% ruling for the preservation of uh trees. Uh so by moving the distance between uh five and six there were additional trees that were able to be saved in that area so that we could meet the 40% rule. Um the what was originally proposed to the north of the GA gas line easement that triangular space uh where the wetland was is that we had originally had a walkway going up through there kind of the big green space coming around. At that time, the neighbors didn't want those type of people uh other neighbors walking in their backyard. Uh so everything was moved to the south of that area and which worked out great because when uh Eagle came in and looked at it, we have to put a buffer around the whole natural feature system so it doesn't get impacted. So the the northern area is basically uh is going to be left as a Nommo area. probably get once a year get cut down so you don't get some of the invasive weeds and stuff in there. But, uh, it's supposed to be left naturalized.

Um, the as far as landscaping, one of the biggest changes was, uh, transportation had an issue with our street trees between the back curb and the sidewalk. They felt that 4 foot wasn't big enough. So those street trees have now moved further back into the yards, but all the number of trees required have been placed there as appropriate. Um, one of the things that I did want to mention and the council members that were here before, we were one of the first people to come up with our wellness walk, which is the green space uh between the units uh the first six on Crest line and the green space on those. Um, one of the reasons for that was, uh, it was right around when CO was hit and we wanted people to get out and walk. Uh, the the demographics that we're looking for are those seniors, which I'm moving into, uh, that need to do their steps every day. And it was basically a way for the neighbors to meet each other in the front yard, in the backyard, and be able to get their loop system. Uh now that I just got out of the hospital uh four weeks ago, um I really wish I was living in this neighborhood that I can get my steps in. I don't have to go to the mall. So anyways, uh that's really been the change. Everything else we do meet uh one of the things was is meeting the the landscape requirements for the tree preservation. We have done that.

Okay, great. Thank you very much. And I'm glad you're healthy and back here with us this evening. This is my first Thank you. Uh yeah, this is my first day out that I was allowed to drive. Wow. Well, I'm glad it was for the Rochester Hill City Counc. Trust me, I wouldn't You wouldn't believe how much I wanted to come to this meeting tonight. Okay. So, I'm glad it'll be here.

Thank you. And also, Miss Roiger, I want to make sure that we let um Jason Boutton know. So, also, Miss Balant um because the email that answered a lot of the questions about the retention detention basin and how that was going to flow. I know that was a a big concern by the neighbors that were there. It's also been one from a lot of our subdivisions, whether they're old ones and having new building or just old ones that have to deal with what was designed for them previously. So, thank him for the very um detailed answers that he gave us in the email and I'm glad it's already part of the packet. So, thank you very much. That's all I have. President Carl,

thank you, Vice President Moni. Uh one more thing for this um the detention ponds and and this may be a question for Miss Balant is what is our current uh requirement for detention pond? Is it for a 25-y year event or is it for a 100red-year event? 100 100year events. Okay. And and that should suffice for the size of this property and the and everything else that's coming toward it. Yes. Yes. I say I only ask because as I said I'm I'm in the sub across the street and in 2021 we had those massive storm we're built on 10-year ponds, right?

And we had 200year events and both of our ponds, well, we have three ponds. Two of them flooded. One just drains into one of the other ones, right? But we were taking a ton of water from Hamlin at that time. Yeah. That came across the one yard, the the northern lot. And then there's no rear yard drains because of the older subdivisions. So everything was coming onto the site. So we're at the low end. So it's all coming toward us. So it's being taken care of through our engineers and it'll all pull up in this area.

Got it. Got it. Okay. Thank you. I have a motion by Mrs. Newower, seconded by Mr. Lindberg. Uh um and more comments. Uh mayor, sorry. Sorry to mess that up. You're on such a role, President Carlic. Thank you. Um, just just a couple things. You know, this is um obviously has been around for a while and I want to thank our team for their uh steady hand in this and and kind of working with the developer. And I also want to thank Jim, you and your team, you've been a a good developer in our community and I think, you know, people will see this area change assuming council votes in support. Um, but what they won't see is all that went behind it, right? a project that started bigger that got better, constant working with the staff, working with the neighbors. Um, this is how development is supposed to happen. Uh, and so appreciate that and appreciate your your work with the city. And of course, uh, Ralph, it's good to see you. If to some of the newer council members who may not know, uh, Ralph was involved in one other project in this community might be familiar with, he was the designer of Innovation Hills, uh, a project that has gotten quite a bit of, uh, recognition and success. So, uh, welcome back, uh, Ralph. It's always good to see you.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor. Uh, seeing no further comments, I have a a motion by Councilwoman New Bower, seconded by Mr. Lindberg. I'll read the resolution. uh resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby approves the Camden Crossing preliminary site condominium plan based on plans received by the planning department on October 30th, 2025 with the following seven findings and five conditions and as included in the resolution. All those in favor?

I. Any opposed? Thank you very much. That motion passes. Thank you very much. Yeah, thank you. We still have the We still have the wetland permit.

Yeah, we're not going anywhere. We have one more uh item number 2025-0503 request for wetland use permit approval to impract impact approximately 11,427 square ft of wetlands for Camden Crossing condominiums. a proposed development of 25 detached single family residences on approximately 9.36 acres of land located at 430 West Hamlin Road and parcel number 15-22-451-029 on the north side of Hamlin between Liveroi and Rochester zoned R3 one family residential with the MR mixed residential overlay uh Jim Polyo yay sir Inc. applicant. Miss Roiger, [laughter]

we have anything to add. If you have any questions, we're happy to answer them.

Okay. Thank you. Uh, seeing no council comments on this item. I have a motion by Mrs. New Bower seconded by Vice President Mongioli. I will read this draft resolution resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby approves a wetland use permit to permanently impact approximately 11,427 square feet of wetlands to construct the private road building areas for single family units and associated development infrastructure based on plans received by the planning department on October 30th, 2025. five with the following findings and subject to the following conditions. Uh the four findings and three conditions will be included in the packet. All those in favor

I any opposed? That motion passes. Looking looking forward to having some new neighbors. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Next up, public comment for items not on the agenda. I do not have any blue public comment cards and don't see anybody looking to approach the podium. So, we will move on to legislative and administrative comments. Um, Mrs. Newower.

Thank you, President Carlock. So, since we last met, we had um a the new year, but I also wanted to wish all of the Orthodox friends and families that we have in the city of Rochester Hills a merry Christmas. They just celebrated that a couple days ago. And also, my amazing son turned 16. Um so, you're all on notice that he is now driving. Um and I know the mayor is going to mention this, but can you share my screen? I'm going to steal it just for two seconds just because I feel like I have to. So, we had a ribbon cutting at Edge Fitness, which was super cool because they are um showcasing a new red therapy room. Um they also have a place where you can go in and work out privately and watch a movie in the dark so nobody sees you working out, which is kind of amazing. But I think this is why you should go work out because we should all look as happy as the mayor is.

Yes. But with hard work, I think that we can change our mood a little bit. And then Google thought it was such a cool picture. It made me an edit of you. So now I've got like this picture five times on my phone. So [snorts] I just wanted to share that with you. Thank you, mayor, for setting such a good fitness example. And that's all I have right now. Thank you, Miss Newower. I think you should set that so that when mayor calls, that's the picture that pops up on your phone. I think so. Oh, I have some other ones, too, so we'll see. [laughter] Um, I'm not seeing any other city council comments. I'll turn it over to the mayor.

Thank you, President Carl. I just wanted to try and look at my team out there. As Miss Newower said, "Thank you for me setting such a good fitness example to get the the genuine reaction of my teams [laughter] as they run up here to hand me a Diet Coke." Um, thank you uh uh and happy new year to everyone. If you could please share my screen. Uh it's Miss Whispering or Miss Bowen who's sharing the screen tonight, but uh um uh yes, I uh uh a couple things. It'll be quick announcements tonight. Obviously, if there is ever uh a time where we are at 9 and a half out of 10 as opposed to 10, it's the right around the holidays after we get through all of the uh uh the activities, but uh really want to thank the team uh as we put together and we'll have some year-end reports for council that we'll be presenting in the upcoming weeks and months, but really a fantastic year for the city and already off to a a pretty uh busy start. Uh, of course, as uh, Miss Vice President Mongi mentioned, we've had some winter weather and of course the teams have been out uh, and really been on top of that and uh, Tracy and her team have done a great job and we thank them because often when we huddle down and hibernate, it's exactly the time that they go out and uh, it seems like this year so far it's been uh, every Saturday, Sunday or holiday uh, that it's been falling on which means uh, it's both inconvenient and expensive but it takes a great team and I'm really proud of them for doing that. Uh, couple things to just mention. We are now in the uh semi-quincentennial of uh uh the United States birth, at least the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Uh we are going to have all sorts of events and activities uh throughout this year. We'll be joining with many partners uh along the way, but I wanted to mention two quick ones. The first was one that we celebrated just yesterday uh over at the uh at the at the library in partnership with the uh Daughters of the American Revolution. we unveiled a really cool um traveling exhibit. We're one of only 10 places in the state of Michigan that's going to

see this traveling exhibit called the American Revolution Experience. Uh and it's only here for a few more days to the 17th. So for those of you watching at home looking for something to do, uh uh this is a great to pop into the library. Of course, it doesn't cost anything to get in the library. Head up to the second floor and you will see this traveling experience. There's multiple kiosks. Uh we thank the Daughters of the American Revolution, our very own museum team, of course, led by Pat McCay and uh uh the museum for or the uh the library for hosting us. But really cool event and like I said, if you go on to the city's web page, you'll see all the events that we have coming up about 250, many about the America 250 uh and many of them more are coming. One additional one uh is that we uh participated with US Conference of Mayors, the National Endowment for the Arts in a poster contest. So, we might recall at the end of the year, we uh had a call out for all of our uh community artists to uh submit uh their uh I guess to to put together to put in their submissions. Uh and this one was selected uh it will be displayed uh in Washington DC uh over the meeting that the conference of mayors will have and then uh all throughout the DC area through uh the next year. And I'm just going to ask a random question. Uh if you created this poster, could you please raise your hand? Look at that. There's the winner of our poster contest. Emma Bowen [clears throat] uh created this poster and didn't of course know that I was going to say that, but uh uh we congratulate you. Emma, great job and uh your work will represent our city uh in Washington DC uh over the next 365 days. So great great job with that. Um as [clears throat] uh was mentioned, I you will notice I used a much more kind picture of uh Councilwoman Newower. uh uh who is of course at the Edge Fitness Club. We do uh want to recognize that just after a brief break of about two weeks, we're already back to our first ribbon cutings of the year. Uh we have another one I think on Wednesday and of course the businesses continue to grow and thrive in Rochester Hills. We

appreciate uh EDG's uh continued investment. This was a new investment in our community for this as mentioned this infrared room which just the second I think they've got 60 or 80 stores or something like that. This is just the second one that they're doing nationwide. So, uh, again, when we when when they look across the nation, that's the founder there that's standing with the Councilman Nubar. Um, they look at our our our metrics pop off the charts and when they do something, they want to do something new nationwide. As we often know, they choose Rochester Hills and we're really grateful for that. Uh, my podcast, uh, we had an interesting guest last week. Of course, last month we had, uh, the voice of Christmas, of course, in December was um, uh, Jay Towers, and you might not recognize that gentleman, but he's a Rochester Hills resident. His name is Segi Ishue. Uh and he is a part of the group uh straight no chaser which is one of the most it's like pentatonics and then straight no chaser in terms of all-time sales of ac capella groups. Uh their uh their video or their YouTube uh had 26 million views of their Christmas song. Uh they went viral. Uh he is a full-time performer uh and uh performs all over the country with his group Straight No Chaser, but on the Fallon show, all sorts of things. Anyway, was on the podcast last week and we have a pretty cool intro uh that we've got coming to this. It's kind of fun. We're excited about it. This should be released later this week. So, uh recognize that the podcast is another way to find out about uh Rochester residents, Rochester Hills residents doing some great things in the greater Rochester community. So, we appreciate that. And again, just a quick announcement of some other great things coming up. Uh a group that never really rests, our parks team. Uh they've got outdoor engagements uh coming up left and right. Uh including one this Friday. We've got a half-day mini camp on Friday and one coming up in February. Uh as well as uh snow fort and campfire project coming up next Monday. So, uh if you're looking for something fun to do, these usually sell out. Um but a great opportunity to get out. Uh of course, Monday is Martin Luther King Day, so uh most places will be closed, schools will

be off. So, if you're a parent at home going, "What are we going to do?" Here's a great opportunity to get involved in your community, have some fun along the way. We thank our parks team and particularly our outdoor engagement folks for keeping the calendar full 12 months out of the year. That's all for tonight. Thank you, mayor. I did just want to add one thing. The founder of Edge Fitness had made a statement to me that he lives out of a hotel every day of the year and that after doing the ribbon cutting and seeing Rochester Hills, this is the only place he's ever considered actually purchasing a home. So, it's a big credit to Rochester Hills for that. So, just wanted to So, you didn't chase him away with uh what you were doing. All right. Thanks.

Yeah. Thank you all. Um that concludes legislative and administrative comments. Next up, attorney's report. Mr. Chris. Thank you, President Carlock. Uh no legal report tonight. Thank you. Uh, new business item number 2026-00003 request for purchase authorization parks blanket purchase order contract for 2026 street treat plant street tree planting in the amount not to exceed 210,000 Michigan Lawn Maintenance Inc. DBA Sherman Nursery Farms Columbus Michigan. Mr. Elbert.

Good evening, President Carlock, Vice President Mongioli, City Council, Mayor Barnett. Um, [snorts] happy new year by the way, everyone. And um this is a um a pretty regular request and for for the new council members, we have a a street tree planting program that is um funded by what we call the tree fund. Um there is a fund where um essentially developers almost similar to what you saw just a little bit ago um put into the tree fund on on trees they have to cut down that they can't essentially replant once they're above that 40%. You heard them really you know pushing to get to that 40% and that helps f that funds this program um 100%. And so what we do every year is is we have two tree planting programs. This is the one before you tonight is the larger one um where they go out and um the contractor plants street trees in the road right away in front of residents homes that that desire them. And so th this is a request to renew that contract with um with Sherman Nursery who we've been with um for for several years. And um with that, if there's any questions.

Thank you, Mr. Elward. I am actually a recipient of a street treat, actually two. Um, my first one was damaged by the ice storm a few months ago, so we took that one down and got a new one put in. Um, my question for you is about how many trees does $210,000 get? $210,000 get the residents of Rochester Hills, right? It it's a little bit variable depending on the price, but it's um usually about $400ish 350 to 400ish. Okay. And and do we usually get 400 requests for? Um last year we had 362. Okay.

And so we're always looking for more planting um sites. That's actually often the limiting factor in this is that it's it's hard to uh um convince people that they want a free tree in their front yard essentially. So, right. Well, they, you know, I I can say with the millions of viewers we get from the city of Rochester Hills, you know, reach out to the parks department and get your free street tree. They will come mark it. You tell them exactly where you want it within the right of way and that they will come and plant it and um and we're responsible for the maintenance and the trimming and on a 5year cycle, we go through and inspect and and do all that and make sure it's going in the way it's supposed to. So,

par perfect. Thank you, Mr. Uh, Mr. Skelsece. Yeah. I was just wondering um because of the wonderful deer that we have in Rochester Hills, how do you protect the trees and how big are the trees? Are they like little saplings or

Yes, good question. Yeah. And um so the first question, we actually have tree guards um for these because they do like the younger bark, but they're they're essentially um they're not seedlings. They're 10 feetish. They're basically 2 inch um DBH di um diameter breast height essentially. Um so they're no they're not little sampling samplings and it depends on the type of tree of the exact height and and the width but they're um they are goodiz trees. They're not little saplings. And that's the that particular um height and diameter is is the best chance for taking well and growing well and healthy the way because that's what we choose that particular size instead of going a little larger or a little smaller. So,

uh seeing no further comments, I have a motion.

I don't think I answered his second question. I apologize. Um I think you asked about the deer, too. And so we do we do actually have a guard that we put on the trees for for a few years on that. I answered part of it but not the whole thing. I'm sorry. Uh I have a motion by Mrs. Newower, seconded by Vice President Mioli. Uh I'll read the resolution. Make sure it's the right one. uh resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby authorizes a blanket purchase order contract for 2026 street tree planting to Michigan Lawn Maintenance Inc. DBA Sherman Nursery Farms, Columbus, Michigan in the amount not to exceed $210,000 and further authorizes the procurement manager to execute an agreement on behalf of the city. further resolved that the city's acceptance of the proposal and approval of the award of a contract shall be contingent and conditioned upon the party's entry into and execution of a written agreement acceptable to the city. All those in favor? I.

Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you, Mr. Elart. Next up, item 2026-00001, request for purchase authorization fire, waiver of section 2-273B of the purchasing ordinance, approval of contract blanket purchase order for emergency medical and fire cost recovery billing services in the amount not to exceed $994,190 through December 9th, 2029. EMS Management Consultants, Inc. Winston Salem, North Carolina. Captain Matz.

Good evening, President Carl, Vice President Mioli, City Council, Mayor Barnett. Uh before you tonight is request to authorize a 4-year contract for emergency medical and fire billing services. In 2025 alone, the fire department responded to over 7,500 medical instances. While our first priority is patient care, the behind-the-scenes work, billing, HIPPA compliance, and data security requires specialized expertise. To get the best value, we've partnered with the city of Warren on a joint request for proposal. By combining our volumes, we secured much more competitive pricing than we had gone if we had gone alone. Out of the five proposals, the committee selected, EMS management and consultants, or EMSMC, for three primary reasons. Number one, significant savings. We are lowering our collection fee from 5.2% to 3.95%. Number two, operational continuity. EMSC recently merged with Acimemed, our former billing company, who had been our partner for more than a decade, and this [clears throat] means that we keep our established workflows and familiar contacts. Number three, high security. They are an SOC1 and SOC2 certified with local office in Riverview ensuring our residents data is handled with the highest level of protection and encryption. Funding is already accounted for in the 2026 through 2029 budgets. We are also requesting a waiver for the standard three-year contract limit to lock in this val uh valuable 4-year term. We ask for your authorization for this contract and the amount not to exceed $994,190. and I am happy to answer any questions you may have this evening.

Thank you very much. Uh, Vice President Mjulie has some questions.

Yes, thank you, President Carlock. Um, more comments than questions because I've been the re well my family has been the recipient of your emergency care as well as the billing. It was all done very professionally and in appropriate time. So, thank you very much for making sure that our residents stay safe and that the when they need your services, it's affordable for them as well. So, thank you for doing that. Um, the contract with Warren, do we have maybe you don't have it, but maybe it's a question for the purchasing department. How many other times do we partner with other cities? Is this the only one like this that the fire department has? I don't have the exact number, but I know we've we've um worked with Warren uh Farmington Hills and several other cities on several other contracts throughout um throughout our years of service. Uh so it's a very common practice to my understanding, but I don't have the exact number of contracts

and I thank you very much again for being financially prudent and locking in the contract for four years to make sure that we get to the cost savings for an extended period of time. So thank you very much. And with that, President Carl, I move the resolution in our packet.

Thank you. Have a motion by Vice President Mongioli, seconded by Councilwoman Newbau. Seeing no further comments, uh, resolution resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby waves section 2-273B, the requirement for long-term contracts under section 2-281, which allows city council the authority to wave any regulation or procedure pertaining to purchasing, deeming it to be in the best interest of the city. further resolved that the Rochester Hill City Council hereby authorizes a contract blanket purchase order for emergency medical and fire cost recovery billing services to EMS Management Consultants, Inc., Winston Salem, North Carolina in the amount not to exceed $994,190 through December 9th, 2029 and further authorizes the procurement manager to ex execute an agreement on behalf of the city. further resolved that the city's acceptance of the proposal and approval of the award of a contract shall be contingent and conditioned upon the party's entry into and execution of a written agreement acceptable to the city. All those in favor? I.

Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you, Captain. Have a great evening. Thanks. You too. Next up, 2026 2026-00002 request for purchase authorization DPS garage blanket purchase order for water meters and equipment in the amount not to exceed $660,000 through December 31st, 2026. ETNA Supply Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Miss Balant,

good evening. Council President Carlock, Vice President Mulli, City Council, and Mayor Barnett. I'm here this evening to request your approval to issue a blanket purchase order to Etna Supply Company for the purchase of water meters and associated equipment. Um the this request is brought forward to you annually to support our meter division. We are currently replacing MXUS that are 20 years and older. Um that's a device that is placed on outside the home that reads the meters. And we are also focusing on the replacement of three quarter inch meters this year. Um just to give you a little background of where we stand, we are just now seeing like the impacts of COVID kind of level out. So our purchases over the last couple years have kind of gone up and down, but we've kind of maintained the same um request for the blanket purchase order. And we think by probably next year 27 um our like purchases will be kind of more level as they were maybe five or six years ago. So with that um please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you. Uh are these meters for residences? They're all our meters. The area maintenance meters residential commercial. So from the 5A up to the large meters for the hospitals. So all me so 33,000 meters that we maintain because we have about 25,000 for um like domestic use and then the AM meters.

Okay. Thank you. I don't see any comments. I have a motion by Vice President Mioli, seconded by Councilwoman Newower. I'll read the resolution. resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby authorizes a blanket purchase order for water meters and equipment to Etna Supply Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the amount not to exceed $660,000 through December 31st, 2026. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you.

Thank you. Next up, 2025-0510 request for consideration of engineers report for the proposed special assessment district sad paving project of Dunning Road. Miss Balant, Miss Taylor, and Miss Somerville.

Thank you. I'm here with Lori Taylor and Karen Somerville with assessing. We are here this evening to discuss a proposed SAD project for the paving of Dunning Road east of Eastwood. This project was brought forward to you for consideration on December 1st, 2025, but was postponed for further discussion. Can I have the map? I have a map here. It kind of gives you um kind of a good idea of the area. It's a little bit hard to see. Um so on the north side we have Auburn Road. On the west side we have Adams and then Eastwood is the farthest east north south road and Dunning is the road that goes east west south of Auburn. And can you if you can see the yellow hash part that is the proposed SAD area. Probably should have done that in darker color. I apologize. But so just to give you an idea of the area that we're talking about. Um, this project began in 2024 when residents submitted a formal petition to city council that had 60% plus one resident support for the paving project. The cost and scope of work is outlined in the engineers report dated December 1st, 2025. In general, the project includes a paving of approximately 440 ft of dunning which includes 6-in HMA along with curve and gutter. Per the SAD policy, there is a care a shared cost between the property owners and the city. Currently, the residents are capped at about approximately $15,700 per buildable lot totaling $141,000. The remaining cost to pave this portion of Dunning is a responsibility of the city and is estimated to be around $342,000. If city council decides to proceed with a project, you would formally accept the engineers report dated December 1st, 2025 and schedule a public hearing

regarding the project. Should city council decide not to proceed with the project, a resolution could be passed to terminate the SAD. So, with that, I'd like to open it up to any questions you might have. Thank you, Miss Ballet. We we do have one public comment on this item. Um, Miss McCovery. Mccur. Mccury.

I'm the only resident that decided to show tonight. I'm one of nine houses on the end of that road. You still have to go dirt to get out of the sub. I see on your agenda here the money that you would have to pay to have your water meters replaced could do it from pave here. There's no point to do just nine houses. I mean, that's crazy. 342,000 could pay for your water meters. Heck, you could put it towards the fire. Anything. Street lights on Auburn. Troy's got street lights. I mean, granted, they're rusted, but I mean, we could put street lights on Auburn. There's no reason to pave unless you're going to pave the whole dog on subdivision because you're going to bring big trucks down there, wreck all the rest of the roads, put everybody out, and I talked to the consumer's gas guy. The whole main has to be replaced on that end of the street. That's big money. And you got nine houses. You're going to do all that just I mean, what if something happens in that gas man and a house blows up? I mean, God forbid it could happen. I It It's just ludicrous. So, I am not for it. I think you have a lot better things you could spend your money on. I know I do. In these economic times, I'm paying $4,600 a year in taxes. According to these gals, it would go up. I'd have to put away $500 bucks a month on a fixed income. I'm on social security. I mean, it's crazy. I've done my thing. I don't approve.

Thank [snorts] Thank you, Miss Mccur. You're welcome. Uh we do have some council comments. Uh first up, um Miss Newower.

Thank you, President Carlock. Um thank you, Miss Mccur, for coming to this meeting and coming to the last meeting. I believe you were there as well, um and engaging in the process um and letting your voice be heard. Um, I tend to agree with uh Miss McCur because the cost of the 342,000 that it would take for the city, even though the residents are capped, we are not capped. Um, and because you have it goes as, as she stated, as M. McCur stated, you would have to go back on dirt road. So unless the residents came to us with a plan to pave everything, which would end up ultimately saving us per mile, per foot on how to pave that area. It's it's not a good use of our resources right now. So, and there's also not a need. I know there was another project that we did approve, but there were some major erosion issues on that road and water issues on that road. So, it needed to be done. It was more of a necessity rather than something that could be deemed more of a cosmetic change. Um, so with that, I would like to move that we choose not to proceed with the SAD project of Dunning uh paving pro um of paving Dunning Road. I do want to put on the record that it's not based on any problem with the engineers report. It's just we don't want to move forward with the proposal itself.

Thank you, Miss Newower. I have a second by Vice President Mongioli. So, let me let me read something and tell me if this is what what you were thinking. you know, something that um we choose not to proceed with the proposed proposed paving project of running road east of Eastwood Drive. That's correct.

Got it. Thank you. So, I have a motion by Miss Newau, seconded by Vice President Mioli. You want to make comments? Um, so I'll I'll read a resolution into the record here resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council on behalf of the city of Rochester Hills hereby chooses not to proceed with the proposed paving of Dunning Road east of Eastwood Drive. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you.

Thank you. Uh, next up, item 2026-00004, request for approval of the settlement agreement between the city of Rochester Hills and the Michigan Association of Firefighters, Local 50, Miss Ensana, and Chief Gary. Good evening, President Carlock, Vice President Mongioli, Mayor, and members of council. I am pleased to present uh for your approval the tenative agreement between the city of Rochester Hills and the Michigan Association of Firefighters, MAF Local 50. This agreement, if approved, will be effective for a 4-year period, January 1st of 2025 through December 31st of 2028. This agreement is a result of a comprehensive bargaining process and follows our closed session discussion on December 15, 2025. A central priority was maintaining fiscal and internal consistency while maintaining the city um while ensuring the city remains competitive with external market competitors. To achieve this, all wage increases throughout the four-year term align with our other bargaining units, union and non-union personnel, ensuring we can retain the highquality staff our community expects while maintaining citywide parody. I would like to extend my gratitude to both the city's bargaining team and union representatives for their professionalism and their shared commitment to finding common ground throughout negotiations. Since the union has officially ratified the contract, the recommendation tonight is that city council approve the four-year agreement between Rochester Hills and MAF Local 50. Thank you. And I am happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you, Miss Insana. Um, Vice President Mongji,

thank you very much, President Carlock. Congratulations. Um, and then also to the fire department. Thank you. Um, it's glad to see that this has been negotiated. Everything was um everybody agreed relatively easily to the changes in the terms and there was no uh constrnation in our community as a result of a contract negotiation. So, thank you very much. Please thank the firefighters that are part of this union um for their cooperation with us and we look forward to keeping our continuing to keep our city safe because of their great work. And with that, I move the resolution in our packet. Thank you, Miss Mongoli. I have a motion by Miss Mongji, seconded by Mr. Lindberg. Uh, seeing no further council comments, uh, resolved that the city council hereby grants approval of the settlement agreement for the above contract term. Where whereas negotiations between the city of Rochester Hills and MAFF MAF Local 50 have resulted in a tentative four-year agreement for the period of January 1st, 2025 through December 31st, 2028, resolved that the city council hereby grants approval of the settlement agreement for the above contract term. All those in favor? I.

Any opposed? That motion passes. Thank you for all the hard work on this. Thank you. Uh, next up, item 2026-00005, request for approval of the settlement agreement between the city of Rochester Hills and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, Local 1 1917.28. Miss Insana,

thank you. Uh good evening and obviously this has been a very good start to the new year. So I am happy uh again to request city council's approval of a tenative agreement between the city of Rochester Hills and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, ASME 1917. This agreement, if approved, will be effective for a three-year term from January 1st, 2026 through December 31st of 2028. This agreement is a product of a collaborative bargaining process and thorough market analysis. Following our close session on December 15th of 2025, I am pleased to report that the union membership has ratified the terms presented to maintain internal in uh equity and fiscal stability. The wage structure for all three years mirrors the standards established for our employee groups, union and non-union. This unified approach ensures citywide parody while providing the competitive edge necessary to recruit and retain professional leadership. I'd like to acknowledge the hard work of the city's negotiation team, Joe Snyder, Celeste Mansur, and our labor council, Beth Young. I also want to thank the union negotiation team for their collaborative efforts and their commitment to finding common ground was essential in achieving this positive outcome. So therefore, the recommendation tonight uh is that city council approve the terms of this three-year tenative agreement between Rochester Hills and Ask Me Local 1917. Happy to answer any questions.

Thank you, Miss Insana. I see no council comments. I have a motion by Miss Newower, seconded by Vice President Mongioli. I'll read the resolution. Whereas negotiations between the city of Rochester Hills and AFS CME Local 1917.28 have resulted in a tentative 3-year agreement for the period of January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2028. Resolved that the city council hereby grants approval of the settlement agreement for the above contract term. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? That motion passes as well. Thank you very much.

Thank you. And that brings us to uh Councilwoman Newower's favorite part of the meeting. Motion to adjurnn. I I see no other business before the city council of Rochester Hills at this time. I have a motion by Miss Newau, seconded by Vice President Mioli. All those in favor? I. Any opposed? All right. Next meeting will be next regular city council meeting will be January 26, 2026 at 7 PM right here in the city hall auditorium. Have a great evening.