City Council - Regular Meeting

I always wanted to do that. I never all these years I never did it. I got to do it for the first time in my last meeting. Good evening everyone and welcome to the regular meeting of the Rochester Hills City Council. It's Monday, November 10th, 2025. As always, if there's any members of the public wishing to give public comment on either an item on the agenda or items that are not on the agenda, please pick up one of the blue public comment cards at the back and fill it in and hand it to Miss Wispin here. As always, public comment is limited to three minutes. Miss Wispin, if you could please take the role. Good evening. President Deal here. Vice President Carla here. Mr. Blair here. Miss Morland here. Miss Mioli here. Miss Newower here. Mr. Walker here.

President Deal, we have a quorum. Thank you very much. And now, if you'll all please rise and join us, our c our youth council representative will lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I would like to make one slight modification to the agenda and that is to move item number 2025-0476 forward to uh planning economic planning and economic development right after the conditional use approval if that's acceptable to everybody. With that modification, we have a motion by Vice President Carlock, seconded by Mrs. Morland. Uh all those in favor of approval of agenda say I.

I. Are there any opposed hearing? None. Agenda is approved and passed. Uh, next up, council and youth committee reports. And as always, we'll turn it over to yourth council representative. And tonight we have Dev with us. Good evening, President Deal, Vice President Carlock, Mayor Barnett, council members, and citizens of the Rochester Hills. My name is Dave Sha. I'm a 10th grader at the International Academy Central Campus. And this is my first year at the Rochester Hills Youth Council. I'm also a member of the green space committee and I'm excited to meet new people and understand what green space is all about. One of the goals I have during my term is to learn more about the different departments that make up our city. This past month, the youth council has joined many events such as the Rochester Hills Fire Department open house where we met with some of the first responders who keep our city safe, the Stonewall Pumpkin Festival where some of the youth council members assisted with the pumpkin carvey station and the community foundation tailgate. All these events were a huge success. This month, we're participating in an event called Light the Village on November 21st, which promises to be an exciting occasion for our community. The Rochester Hills Government Youth Council has also been planning a winter event. We'll discuss more possible ideas at our next meeting. Our next meeting will be on November 19th. Thank you for your time and have a beautiful evening.

Thank you very much for that report. Let's see. Do we have any other council committee reports for the evening? Seeing none, we'll go close the uh council and youth committee report and move on to recognitions. Um and the the we'll just call these three items in order. 2025-0478,79 and 80 proclamations in recognition of myself, Councilwoman Morland, and Mr. Walker. I'll turn it over to uh Mayor Barnett.

Yes. Thank you. Good evening uh President Deal City Council and to our guests. Uh welcome to uh a little bit of history in the making. Um obviously in this past uh uh week uh we had an election uh here in the city of Rochester Hills uh uh expert expertly managed by clerk Scott and team and I'm sure we'll talk a little bit more about that later. But uh uh throughout the election, one of the key things that happened in our city is three new council members or three new members elect uh were uh uh elected by the the residents of the city. And uh we look forward to welcoming uh Diana Manino, Brad Lindberg, and Mark Skelece to uh the team here shortly. But tonight uh we wanted to take a few moments and recognize the absolutely outstanding contributions uh of three current members who will be leaving us as this is their last meeting. Um I'm going to read um a proclamation for each of them. Uh a couple members of the administration uh are coming forward to say a couple short things and then we'll maybe save all the comments that that members might have till the end. But uh before I read the the the proclamations, um I think it's important to note our city has had a tremendous amount of success recently uh with national recognitions with incredible recognitions from our residents in uh statistically significant surveys and um the fact that it's been very well financially managed. All of that is a direct responsibility of the seven people that you see in front of you here. Not all of them always uh alike on every issue, but all of them with a very same passion to represent the residents of the city and to position uh our city for success. And uh these three individuals who I'll recognize have been absolutely instrumental. Each of them has their own sort of personal passions uh you know areas where they've gotten more deeply involved than others. But

all three of them uh wonderful friends and certainly uh tremendously responsible for uh the reason our city has been so uh tremendously lauded over the past uh number of years. Let me start with uh President Deal. Um I'll read this uh proclamation uh make a couple comments then move on to the next one. Whereas recognition of Ryan J Deal and he's an attorney so you got to say the middle initial. Uh whereas Ryan is a longtime Rochester Hills resident and committed public servant known for his passion for strengthening city infrastructure and preserving the quality of life that defines our community. Whereas Ryan is known for artfully and adeptly leading our city council through many city defining projects including the construction of Innovation Hills as well as the launching of Newiki Park. Whereas Ryan has served with distinction on numerous boards and committees through his time on city council including six years as president where his greatest achievement was eliminating the requirement that the consent agenda be read verbatim into the record. I just added that myself, but I do believe that's more important than Innovation Hills. Uh whereas Ry Ryan is widely appreciated for his ability to graft the voices of residents into the conversation while seamlessly running efficient and effective public meetings, respecting all viewpoints, and achieving exceptional organizational success. Ryan is a proud husband to his wife Melinda and a dedicated father to their twin boys Jack and Brennan. And whereas the city of Rochester Hills is proud to honor Ryan J. Deal for his talent, skill, leadership, and professionalism, and to thank him for his many years of service to our city. Now, therefore, be resolved that I, Mayor Brian K. Barnett, hereby thank Ryan Deal for faithfully serving the city of Rochester Hills as a city council member and president. And on behalf of myself, my family, and the residents of our city, wish him the very best in all his future endeavors. Signed and sealed this day. uh in November 2025. [applause]

Ryan, uh it's been an absolute pleasure uh to serve with you. Um you lead with your heart. Um you thoughtfully uh review every issue that comes before council and uh I know your family is proud of you. Uh your city is proud of you and we're a better place because of your service. So, thank you.

Thank you. I now want to recognize another great friend uh and uh a tremendous asset to the city council, Carol Morland. Uh Carol came to us a few years ago and jumped right in uh on a bunch of committees taking lead on some of the more challenging issues in our city and was always uh a tremendous passionate advocate for the voices of our residents. um you become a trusted friend and uh the administration uh loves the addition that you always had of a a thoughtful resident perspective but a a mind on uh on future stability uh and sustainability and so uh we want to recognize you and thank you for your contributions and this proclamation reads whereas Carol Morland a longtime Rochester's resident and dedicated public servant has exhibited unrivaled support for youth engagement senior enrichment cultural and historical preservation and the enhancement of our natural landscape. And whereas Carol distinguishes herself as a passionate advocate for our first responders and residents, sharing heartfelt concerns and representing the many voices of our neighborhoods. Whereas Carol thoughtfully and skillfully unites diverse perspectives and drives initiatives forward, serving as a catalyst for progress during her years on city council as an engaged member of many boards and committees. And Carol has been a key leader in the transformation of the Pine Trace golf course and the forthcoming event space and clubhouse. Carol's a devoted wife to her husband, John, and proud mother of her two children, Emily and Andrew, celebrating a unique joy during her term on council, the marriages of both her children, which I know was a big concern when you first got on. [laughter] And whereas the city of Rochester Hills is proud to honor Carol Morland for her talent, skill, leadership, and professionalism, and to thank her for her many years of service to the city. Now therefore be res be resolved that I uh Mayor Brian Kar and I'd hereby thank Carol Morland for faithfully serving the city of Rochester Hills as a city council member and on behalf of myself, my family and the residents of our city wish her the very best in all her future

endeavors signed this day in November 2025. Carol, congratulations. [applause] That one of those engaged kids in the back. Mary. Mary. Mary. That's right. Great. Um, and Carol, just just to say you you are um have been such a uh a wonderful part of this uh always with a pleasant smile and a valuable contributions. You become a great friend and I really personally appreciate your friendship and your leadership on the council. So, thank you. And finally, uh want to recognize we got lots to lots of hardware. Thank you.

Back. Yeah. The the fire department. Uh no. Uh want to recognize another great friend, someone that I knew fairly well when he got into city life because he's uh sort of been Mr. Rochester Hills uh all over the place uh in uh the chamber, in the Rotary, in the Christmas parade. Uh but David Walker uh you have been uh again a thoughtful leader, a good friend, and someone whose contributions uh you should feel feel very proud as you drive uh through the city and see the different things that you've been a part of, whether it's uh a park project or uh the building appearance of a gas station uh or any of the other things that you've been a part of. You have certainly been uh an active voice and a wonderful leader on the city council. And so I too would like to recognize you with the proclamation in your honor. says, "Whereas David Walker, a longtime Rochester Hills resident and dedicated public servant, has been driven by a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents, where David is known as a thoughtful contributor to council discussion with a passion for both strong financial management and the preservation of parks and green spaces. Whereas David embodies the Rotarian principle of service above self, serving on numerous CI civic roles before and during his years on city council, including as an active member ambassador and MC extraordinaire for the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the face of the hometown Christmas parade, and a leader within the Rotary Club, the older person's commission, and many other organizations. Whereas David has also been a key leader in the transformation of the Pine Trace Golf Course and the forthcoming event space and clubhouse where David is a devoted husband to his wife Kelly and proud father of his daughter Samantha. Whereas the city of Rochester is proud to honor David Walker for his talent, skill, leadership, and professionalism and to thank him for his many years of service to the city. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Mayor Brian K. Barnett, hereby thank David Walker for faithfully serving the city of Rochester Hills as a city council member. and on behalf of myself, my family, and the residents of our city, wish him the very best in all his future endeavors. Signed and sealed this day in November. David, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for uh the laughs

down here on this end of the table. Uh and for being many of them at my expense, most of them, frankly, at your expense, President Deal, uh and for being really focused on strong financial management, uh and making sure that the city is strong both now and well into the future. I appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] And as I um present these proclamations to the council members, there are a few members of the administration that would like to come forward and make a couple comments. And maybe because she's closest, I'll start with Pam. And then if the others want to come over quickly, we'll line up and be ready to to give our remarks.

Uh good evening, Mayor and City Council. Um, as your economic development manager, I have been incredibly blessed to serve all of you as the representative to your business community. But today, today, I'm honored to have the opportunity to specifically thank President Deal, Council Member Morland, and Council Member Walker for all of your support and your dedication to our businesses. Rochester Hills is home to 1,600 businesses in the community that employ over 40,000 people. Um, I have I have always appreciated that you have recognized that element of our customer base as we are always trying to be responsive to our customers. So whether it's been supporting the Brooklyn's projects, the Eagle projects, mayor's business council, anything, on behalf of the our business community, I want to thank all of you for your your time, your attention, your support. Um, and I wish you all the very best of luck.

Hello. Good evening. Um, so I am probably the newest member to administration and um, I just want to say from a personal standpoint, I started two years ago when all of you were sitting here and I really appreciate the honest, genuine and grace that you've given me in acclimating to my role. um that may seem very minor from where you're sitting, but from where I sit that has um made me very successful and will continue uh you know I'll continue to ride on that because you have created a solid foundation. um everything that each and every one of you do um you approach with respect, you know, genuine just um I would say genuine openness to really question and dive into why we do what we do, but it never feels um you know, it never feels like an, you know, I not an attack, but you know, any aggression. it's always brought with um just a genuine approach to want to question right why we're doing what we're doing as you should. So I just appreciate anything that I brought forth from an HR perspective which is not always um an easy topic you have supported you have supported with the necessary questions. Um even from a pay philosophy that has continued to attract and retain the top talent. I thank you for that support. that makes us I would say probably the number one uh employer around and we continue to attract again and retain folks because of your support. So again from a personal standpoint I really ex you know appreciate and um thank you for your genuine compassion um and accepting me and uh some folks have some big shoes to fill. Um I want to thank you Carol Morlin for you know helping me through HRTC. you have been a valuable committee

member. Um, and we will miss you. We will miss you all, but I wish you the very best. Good evening. Just want to say on behalf of the entire Department of Public Services, thank you very much. We always um had your support and your trust. I know sometimes we're here with some tough topics to talk about, but again, we always had your support. you asked good questions and um you had the uh belief in the department of public service. So I wish you the best. You will be um thoroughly missed. Um good luck. Thank you.

Good evening, President Deal, Councilwoman Morland, and Councilman Walker. I want to take this opportunity to just say thank you. Thank you for your continued support. Um I know our budget process, our budget presentations are always um unique, eccentric, and um entertaining at times, but your continued support through the years has um has really helped this organization get and [clears throat] get to where we're going and and continue to to prosper. Uh facilities is now uh getting projects done that we've always wanted to get done and your continued support has um has been a big part of that. And President Deal, I have to say I would be [snorts] remiss if I didn't comment on reading the consent agenda verbatim in one breath. [clears throat] I think

[laughter] um I've never seen that task have done before. I was very impressive and I my first meeting here you were reading them and I said I don't think he took a breath. That's [laughter] good. That's good. Um all joking aside, I I just want to say thank you. Um that our organization is is much better. our our residents are are seeing the benefits of of all of your leaderships and uh and thank you. So, good luck in the future.

Good evening, Mr. Walker, Mr. Deal, Miss Morland. Um just really want to say thank you on behalf of the entire finance department here at the city for your years of service and really your dedication to the city. Um you'll definitely be missed. Uh I am glad that uh you will be getting your Monday nights back here in the in the very near future. So congratulations on that and enjoy spending the time with your family. Um you can always you know tune in and and watch you. So we're more than welcome to have you and um feel free and come by for the budget workshop each year. We we'll let you guys know the dates and times and you know you can you can continue on the fun with that. But thank you all very very much. Congratulations and and well done. Thank you. It is a tremendous team effort and on behalf of the entire administration, we thank the three of you for your contributions and I'll turn it back over to you. President Deal,

if you would, President Deal, I would like to share a few words. Um, many in our community may not fully realize the sheer time and energy that those of you on council put into serving the residents and the business owners. I have had the privilege of working closely with this council for many years and I've seen firsthand the endless emails, the detailed correspondence, the mountains of agenda packets you address. That's all in addition to the numerous meetings, community events you attend, and the phone calls you take. This role is far more than a one or two meetings a month commitment. Those of you serving in these positions truly sacrifice a great deal and I personally want to commend you for that dedication. So to Carol, it's been such a pleasure getting to know you over the past four years. You have a very unique gift in the way you deliberate. You are thoughtful, intentional, and kind. And you always make it a point to cons consider both sides of an issue. And as busy as you are, you still give up your time to work elections. I cannot thank you enough for your service and I'm going to miss you terribly. To Ryan, President Deal, we have worked closely together for a number of years now. I am always impressed by how easily you summarize and articulate complex topics presented at council meetings. Your engagement and leadership with our youth council has been so appreciated and you have made a real lasting impact on the next generation of leaders in our community. Your clarity and voice will be greatly missed at the dis and to David. In addition to working with you on the council, I've had the pleasure of attending the liquor license technical review committee meetings with you. Whether it is at a council meeting or a board meeting, you are always prepared. You do your research and you ask

pertinent questions. I've always appreciated how consistent you are and how much you have given to attending all the ri all how much time you've given to attending all the ribbon cutings and special events. That commitment has not gone unnoticed and has meant a great deal to our local businesses and residents. So to Carol, Ryan, and David, thank you all one last time for your dedicated service. You're leaving this city better than you found it and I wish you the absolute best in all of your future endeavors.

Thank you. Thank you very much. And to my fellow departing council members, you'll notice that on the dis you have a a plaque. Um Carol David, you'll notice you have a plaque there on behalf of city council recognizing all of your uh years of service. I'll have additional comments when we get to legislative comments because I want to keep all these fine folks here. I really thought this would be easier, but it's not. Um, but I'll have additional comments, but I just I I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, and I mean this sincerely, it has been a great great pleasure working with each and every one of you. I cannot imagine. I've just gotten so lucky to work with six other tremendous people that I not only count you all as colleagues here on the dis. I truly count you all as friends. to anybody that's ever considering being a council member or want want to be on council, one of the questions that I always ask um prospective council members is, have you talked to the current members of council? Because the reason I do that is because you're one of you're one of seven and you're one voice out of seven and it takes a majority. It takes four to make anything happen. I'm proud that most of most of the time, in fact, near not nearly all the time, it's seven. Uh that we're all swimming in the same direction, but the relationships that you build and the relationships that you have with the people that with whom you serve and the administration are critically important to this to making this community work and to to making this and I have to tell you, every single one of you are some of the most are some of the finest public

servants I have ever met. You all put the city before before e everything. There's no politics. There's no egos. Everyone here and whether we agree or disagree, it's because you truly care about what we're doing here. There's no other agenda other than what what you're passionate about in the city. And I for all of that that I think that's what's enabled us to do all these great things. So the the the plaque is just a small token. I like I do have other comments that I'll make during legislative comments, but I just had to say I just appreciate each and every one of you Ryan since you didn't speak on yourself. Um you know we all want to thank you for your leadership on council. Um for six years you've been president. Uh two years you know sitting over here. Um, you you've promoted resident engagement. You've you've got people involved. You've led effective and efficient meetings. You're you're good at it. Um, you're you're you're an orator. Uh, you know, we could all only hope to be um as good as at public speaking as you are. Um, we all of the residents of Rochester Hills, we're we're residents. We the residents of Rochester Hills are all grateful for the service from the three of you. Um we wish you all the best in whatever comes next.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You guys are not making this easy. Um next up, Mrs. Morland.

Thank you, President Deal. Um I just want to say thank you for everyone that has spoken tonight and and even those that haven't. I just appreciate your support, your wonderfully kind words, and I have just really loved serving with um all of all of our departments and mayor. Um you're amazing, and it's just been wonderful to um to work with you and I I count it just an honor and a privilege to have served with such a great council. um you have become friends as well as fellow council people and I have really um found it an an honor and a privilege and and I have to say that um not only has it been wonderful to serve our residents, but it's been great for my family. When I came on, both my kids were single, then they got engaged, now they're both married. I no longer have a single son. So, u it's been great personally and as far as serving on the council. So, um, so thank you so much, uh, for just making making this city as all of your residents, um, making this city one of the best cities that anyone could ever serve on. So, thank you, President Deal.

Thank you. Uh, next up, uh, Mrs. Newower. Thank you, President Deal. Um, I just wanted to say a couple things. I've known Ryan for almost two decades now. And we met because we were both attorneys working in the same field, in the same courthouse in good times and in bad times. And not a lot of people know this, but I I must say that there was a um a case that we had together. Oh.

And yeah, it was Oh. And it was um it was really tough and he was the court attorney. It was during COVID and um the uh one of the litigants got a little bit out of hand and before and I'm very good at standing up for myself and before I had a chance to even say anything, Ryan jumped in, stopped the poor behavior and completely defended my honor. And from that day on, even though we disagree like brother and sister, that was the first time I looked at you as a brother. And I was really thankful for that cuz you really It was so nice to have him advocate for me before I was held in contempt. So that's really good. Um so thank you for that. Um since I've been sitting here, I've been texting your beautiful bride and she has a message for you. Um can you please let him know how incredibly proud I am of him and we are the boys are too. He has selfishly selfish selflessly served the residents of Rochester Hills with so much dedication. We love him so much and we wish we could have be we could have been there to support him tonight. We've watched him spend endless countless hours attending meetings and events and working on issues and it's been a pleasure to watch him proudly serve his city. He truly cares about the residents and will miss serving them. We love you so much and we're sad that we're not there tonight. So that's from Melinda. I also love you, but she loves you extra.

Yes. Okay. Um, Carol is super special to me, too, because she became a big sister to me. Um, she taught me how to when I told her I wanted to make an all-American Thanksgiving because my husband was complaining about getting sherma and lamb and grape leaves for Thanksgiving. Um, she brought me to her house, we wore matching aprons and made apple pies and sweet potato pies together. um when I was uh struggling with some personal things, she offered to drive me to um our meetings and our events. Um and I just love you so much and even though you're totally abandoning us and you could have had another four years um uh I know we're going to have you with us all the time and

at the public hearings at the public hearings writing blue cards. Yeah, you'll write your blue cards, tell us how we're doing and all of that. Mr. for Rochester Hills. I want to say say thank you so much. Um I can always count on you to do the real estate work so I don't have to crunch the numbers. Um and thank you for your service and good luck in everything you do. That's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Blair. Thank you, President Deal. I uh don't even think it's necessary to build on what's already been said with your contributions and your dedication to the city. It it stands on its own. Very good. Next up, Mrs. Milei. [laughter] Just kidding.

Not not so quick. Not so fast. You You realize that your departure will leave this council with only one attorney and only [snorts] one maybe one too many and only one nerd. [laughter]

We're going to do our best though. But I do want you to know that over these six years, you have not just been an excellent role model, but a fantastic friend. One of my best friends. And I really really appreciate that. Carol, sitting next to you, I can almost hear the gears turning. Every time you chime in, I can tell that you've put passion and thought into your words and into your voting. And isn't that what we're all elected for? To do what we think is right. and I've never questioned even though we have I think they probably haven't agreed on everything but uh you you can definitely tell that uh you put heart and soul into it and I've really appreciated that and wish you the best.

Mr. Walker, 7 years ago, I wouldn't have imagined how you could have done even more for this city than you've already done with your work on the chamber and the parade and all of your other obligations, Rotary and whatnot. You are really another role model of mine because it's how you give back that uh is such an inspiration. So, know that uh it's always a pleasure to uh watch your smile because it uh it makes me smile. It makes me want to do my best. So, keep up the great work, Dave. We're going to miss you. Back to you, Pres.

Thank you, Mrs. Monioli. Thank you, President Deal. So, wait a how many more times do I have to call you President Deal tonight? Not many.

Not many. Okay. So, I do want to thank you because when I came on to council, you welcomed me into this organization when I had not been like the selected person to run and to come in here having been on the outside of council. You opened um the dis to me um allowed for respectful dialogue and you um gave me a committee on the very first night that I was here. So I want to thank you for that. Um give me ad hoc committee. So you have been a great leader and thank you very much for your leadership for the dialogue. Um I have said we have to check the YouTube channel to make sure you're watching us and not Monday Night Football. It

would probably be Monday Night Football.

Shocks. All right. Well, but thank you very much for all that you have done for us. for Councilman Walker. I was trying to think of different things uh to say this evening and as I was walking in I realized I'd applied for the spot that you got back in 2018. Um there was an open seat on council and you and I were the last two that were being interviewed by council that evening and you won the vote um in 2018. Um so God had a plan for both of us. uh because of you winning that race, I ended up running in 19 and I'm guessing that God has a plan for you too after you leave us tonight. Um because you have been an exceptional leader in our community. Um meanwhile, I'll be ste still here on Monday nights and again we'll be watching to see if you are watching us on the YouTube channel. Thank you, David. for Carol. You and I have known each other a long time and your son was a lot smaller at the time. I was like I think they were like five and seven at the time and they were knocking doors for me when I was running for school board. So that's how long I've known and one of you wanted butter pecan and I can't remember the other ice cream flavor because that was your treat for knocking doors back all those years ago.

Oh, I had to give cash. [laughter] Yes, it was a long time. Yes, they Yeah, [snorts] I know. You have to find those kids young when they're knocking doors. I think your own kids have helped you with your campaign, too. No. Yes. No. No cash. Mom wouldn't allow it. This was a, you know, something to get them involved in the community.

Carol, you've been my seatmate for these four years and it has been fun to at times like, what she looking at over there? And but you've also been our caregiver. um the person who has known all of us find all those different things that are going on in each of our lives take care of the gifts to staff and coordinate our participation in the Christmas parade and suddenly I'm like Marvy what does she do I don't know what she does who does she ask and what do we have to do and where are those decorations um you have been more impactful to me in your in all these years but you have no idea what your friendship has meant to know that you've been here next to me both at these meetings and outside. Um, I'm still going to be inviting you to lunch on Fridays and we'll get together and talk about the agendas and figure out what we what we should be doing and what we can do better. Thank you so much for being here, for your friendship over these years, for your wonderful family that I have gotten to know as well. So, thank you and best of luck, but we'll keep you busy and I think we're only talking about Instapot recipes and how we're going to cook the next Thanksgiving meal. So, thank you, Carol.

Back to you, President. Thank you, Mr. Walker. Thank you, President Deal. I guess we're doing this now, right? [laughter]

So, first of all, I'd like to thank the residents that elected me to this position some seven years ago. It was quite a ride, a quick seven years, no question about it. But I hopefully I've done great honor to those individuals that entrusted me with this position. And it has been one heck of a seven-year run. You think about what has occurred in this city in the last seven years. We go back to the Auburn Road project. The Brooklyn's have been transformed. Absolutely. One of the oldest communities in our area has been reinvigorated, reworked. And in fact, I even understand Juan Blanco has opened, which is an amazing testament unto itself with one of our quota licenses. So look forward to uh tipping a cocktail down there soon. But Innovation Hills, Innovation Hills was a field, vacant land. It was nothing some seven years ago. And you see what that has been transformed into these seven years. And it continues to grow and evolve from rope bridges and and and and parks and and pathways. It it's an amazing testament, a destination in southeastern Michigan. We have the the Gateway Project. Long time in the making, over 20 years. But when you arrive in Rochester Hills, to know that you have arrived in Rochester Hills, we now have signs, pediments that really depict what a wonderful Rochester Hills community we have to live in. So, the gateway signs, as you drive around, you'll see them installed and hopefully they'll be landscaped and lighted. So, we'll all appreciate that as you come and go from our community. The Eagle Project, through no fault of our own, I see Representative Tinsdale here this evening. $75 million was allocated from the state budget to help us clean up some 600 plus contaminated acres in our community through no fault of our own, but it gives us the opportunity to assess and clean up all of that dirty land to make it productive. So, what a wonderful opportunity that we've had. And then the crown jewel, the Pine Trace Golf Course Transformation. For those of

you who are familiar with Cherry Creek or Shepherd's Hollow, we have partnered with the same individual to reinvigorate Pine Trace. And I hope I pray within a couple of three years, not only the golf course, the driving range, the entrance, but we are going to have a worldass venue there. If you ever been to a Cherry Creek or Shepherd's Hollow, we need a venue like that here in Rochester Hills, and we're about to get one. Alls I have to say about that, I look forward to seeing it. It's going to be absolutely stunning. So that's the projects in the last seven years. That's like the highlight film. All those other things that have gone on in addition to that, we have had a heck of a run and I'm so proud to be part of that. You think about in the last seven years, we've welcomed half of the new administration. I was on the committee where we promoted elected our new clerk, Leanne Scott. One of the best decisions we've ever made.

And then she became clerk of the year. clerk of the year. Yes, we have chosen well. No question about it. But we welcome Mike Bisenko, Brook and Sana, Rochelle Lions, a new chief in the fire department, a new captain in the police department. It's an amazing transformation in the administration. Worldclass individuals. I appreciate working with the rest of the individuals that were here when we got here. The Ken Elward, Sarah Roiger, the ladies from Assessing, Lori and Karen. You can't forget them. And who doesn't love a little Joe? Joe Joe Snyder. He's such a good sport. What the mayor puts you through at his state of the cities. He is a trooper. He does a wonderful job. I think there's a bit of thesbian in him. So he is a performer. But all of them worldclass un undeniable. The best of the best. And we are so proud. I am so proud to have served alongside you these past seven years. Learned so much. It's admirable. You guys are great. And then it can't go without saying that we've got a wonderful mayor. I don't care what you say. He's been our mayor for almost two decades, 20 years. And prior to that, he served for council on seven years. 27 years of public service. Over half his life has been dedicated to Rochester Hills. And I can assure you, we would not to be the city that we are today without the leadership of this young man here. We are so thankful, proud, honored to have served alongside you and watch not only you transform, but as you transform this city. You've done a wonderful job. It is your leadership, your vision, your guidance. We're just along for the ride. These seven people come and go. You're the rock. You've been here and you will continue to be here. And as long as you'll have us, it will be to our benefit. Thank you, mayor. I appreciate you. And I've served with some of the greats over the years.

Mark Tisdale, unbelievable representative on city council. Dr. Susan Ber, Dale Hedrickk, Ryan Deal, Dale David Blair. Wonderful individuals, dedicated people to this community. Again, honored to have served alongside you for these past seven years. I can't say enough. It's our last meeting. We might as well just ramble on. We said it was going to be a short meeting, right? But I am absolutely honored. I appreciate the residents. I appreciate the projects. We have transformed this city and they will continue to transform this city under the leadership and guidance of this mayor and this administration. Thank you. I appreciate you. God bless you and God bless Rochester Hills. Back to you, President Deal. Thank you very much. And that concludes our uh recognitions. And now we will move on to presentations. Item number 2025-0464, fire department 50th anniversary proclamation. I'm going to turn it back over to the mayor.

Yeah. Well, yeah. Thank you, uh to all the council members for the the kind comments and they're all echoed back at you from the administration. Transitioning. Uh this is uh an exciting moment. Uh, in fact, I'd like to ask the uh council to join me in front of the dis if you would and I'd like to ask uh the chiefs uh to join me uh Chief Todd Garry, Deputy Chief Bill Cook, and Assistant Chief Anne Eckles. And I'll meet you over there in one second.

[laughter]

Well, we uh had a chance last month uh to uh have our fire department open house and one of the unique things we did this year was recognize that we celebrated did kind of a milestone uh our 50th year of uh official fire protection in the city of Rochester Hills uh as uh we really were incorporated as a fire department back in 1975. That was a really good year by the way. It was a lot of good things happened in 1975. Um but I'm joined here with uh the the leadership of our incredible department. And uh I will just read a couple. I won't read this whole proclamation, but uh in essence, it just is a way for us to thank and recognize our first responders. Uh often times when you see them, uh it's in a time of tremendous need, uh a time of challenge for us or or a budget presentation. Um but we don't often get to just welcome them here to say thanks. And that's what we're here to do today is just to thank them for their leadership and for uh the folks that have come before them in providing 50 years of excellent protection for our citizens. And so, uh, it's in recognition of proclamation signed by all seven members of the city council, the 50th anniversary of the Rochester Hills Fire Department, whereas we proudly recognize the 50th anniversary of the RHFD, which began its commitment to safety and service in 1975 with the merger of the Brooklyn's and Aendale Fire Departments to form the Avon Township Fire Departments before we were even a city. Uh, and whereas Aenddale firefighter and US Navy veteran Mark Beloff served as the first chief until 1996. The department is now led by Chief Todd Garry, a second generation firefighter who started with the Avon Township Fire Department in 1981. You've been here for almost the entire length and duration of the department. Uh the fire department operates out of five stations, taking care of our entire city, remains committed to providing comprehensive services uh to all folks in our community through advanced life support, fire inspections, educational programs, community outreach, and essential fire protection. Whereas we, the city council and I are deeply privileged to be served by the dedicated professional of the ro professionals of

the Rochester's fire department whose members display unwavering bravery, professionalism, and selflessness uh as they put the safety and well-being of residents above their own. Now therefore, be it resolved that the mayor and the city council, the city of Rochester hereby proclaim our deepest respect and appreciation for the Rochester's fire department and officially celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to our community presented to Chief Todd Gary. [applause]

I just want to say thank you to city council and the mayor for recognizing and honoring our 50 years of service. We accept this recognition on behalf of all the current members of our department and all the past members who have served this organization. We also pledge to continue to provide excellent service for the next 50 years. But I won't be here that long. Thank you very much. [applause]

We'll go through and shake everyone's hand and we'll take one picture and then we'll get on with the rest of the meeting. Oh my gosh. Sure. One more. [applause] Next up, we have item number 2025-0465. A presentation from Midwest Strategy Group.

Can't forget it that way. You know what? broadcast mine and I'll [snorts] even good to see everyone. President Dio, Vice President Carl, council members, Mayor Barnett, Adam Wright with Midwest Strategy Group. It's good to see you all and good to be here to present um an update from our state capital. The biggest thing that we were able to accomplish in Lancing is getting state budget done. It was a big accomplishment. It took a little longer than we expected, but we appreciate uh the hard work of our state legislators in this process. Um the first time I I got to see a continuation budget at the state level. uh they passed a 7-day continuation budget um the morning in the early hours of October 1st so that we wouldn't have a state government shutdown like we've been experiencing at the federal level for some time. Um and then uh at around 4:00 a.m. on October 3rd, they passed the complete $81 billion state budget for the fiscal year that we're currently in. Uh, one item uh that we continually [clears throat] hear about that was touted in uh this budget was the elimination of what was referred to as ghost employees or unfilled positions at the state of Michigan that were just on the manning table, unfilled in the departments and um many of those were able to be eliminated. I think

probably it was about 1,800 that they eliminated. Another important issue that came up that I think both sides of the aisle have been talking about is transparency for earmarks or special projects. Uh the first time that I can remember that any special project not only had to be on a state website for the public to be able to view, but testimony had to be provided by those asking for uh the special project fund. And that also was done in public. A lot of times in previous years, those things were added at the last minute with negotiations. And so this earmark transparency was critical and in um very good for everyone in the state of Michigan. Next, the biggest thing that we [clears throat] dealt with in the budget was road funding and associated taxes with that. And so, as we know, the governor has over her two terms wanted to increase dedicated funding for the roads here in Michigan. And um the speaker of the house uh and eventually the Senate majority leader uh were able to come up with a deal that was able to increase funding for our roads. The biggest thing that they did was to remove um the sales tax on gasoline and increase the gas tax so that all of the funding at the pump actually goes to roads. As we know, sales tax doesn't just go uh to road funding, it went to local governments, it goes to schools. And so that was one of the ways that they did that. I think they put about between 770 750 million um towards roads. Um, they also uh decoupled some CIT taxation things from the federal government from the federal government which saved the state of Michigan money

and they raised a marijuana tax which will raise about $420 million. Haha. um with road funding um when they didn't backfill the dollars um for the sales tax on revenue, it did uh it did create a uh hole for constitutional revenue sharing. So constitutional revenue sharing was decreased uh for uh municipalities throughout the state. uh statutory revenue sharing was flat. Um but they did do uh public safety revenue sharing for the first time. As many of you remember, I've come here and talked about the public safety and violence prevention fund that was proposed legislatively. Instead of doing that legislatively as an actual um like trust fund, they did it in the budget. Um and they've dedicated $50 million ongoing, $20 million in one-time dollars. Um, at least 75% of these dollars must be spent on law enforcement agency or officers. Uh, not more than 25% can be spent on non-law enforcement agency or law law enforcement public safety. They were pretty clear in their language though what you cannot use the money for. So, pension ops, lawsuits and claims payments, debt service payments, facial recognition technology. Uh, and two of my favorites, um, vehicles weighing more than 15,000 pounds or used for tactical police purposes. So, no Rochester Hills tanks or acquisition or use of a chemical weapon. Interesting, but that's what they've included. Next, specifically for the city of Rochester Hills, um, just wanted you to see kind of how the funding is going to be for you, um, moving forward.

So, as you can see, the constitutional piece did move down slightly. Uh, statutory revenue sharing flat. The public safety funding that I spoke about will be about 47,000. While that number isn't big, it speaks to the safety of your community. As these dollars were given out based upon three years of violent crime statistics. So, having a low number there is not necessarily a bad thing. It means you live in a safe community. Um, and then the new road funding that you'll see for fiscal year 26 with the budget uh will be 3.3 million, the year after that for fiscal year 27 will be $5.1 million. Big numbers coming in for road funding. And so while there was uh there was some dollars that didn't stay there for constitutional funding um several million dollars that'll come in uh additionally for road funding. A big win uh thanks to Representative Tisdell and Senator Weber. Always great partners to work with. Uh not saying it's just because the representatives in the room, but wonderful, wonderful person to work with. always has an open door and an open ear and always will do everything he can uh for Rochester Hills. We were able to work in conjunction with them to secure $2 million for Nikki Park. Um so grateful for that as many I think originally there were over $4 billion dollars worth of requests from legislators across the state and we were grateful to secure 2 million um ultimately of what was included. Uh what's next is we've talked about some of these before. Um time is going to be limited for the rest of the year as um there's a couple of weeks of break coming up and then some limited session in December. But we've talked about

housing legislation in the past and we're specifically watching anything that has to do with local preeemption that may come up because we're hearing that is on the horizon. Um not been introduced yet, but we continually hear it's coming, it's coming, it's coming. So, we um we're watching for it and as soon as we see that legislation introduced, we'll make sure that we communicate that to you. Uh the disabled veterans property tax exemption fix, those bills are continually being drafted and we hope to see those introduced soon. Uh we do hear there will be some sort of supplemental budget that'll be introduced. Um that supplemental budget we hear will be to help fix some additional things in the budget that was passed. um as well as potentially like book closing for year-end things. Um but we don't expect it to be a large supplemental budget that encompasses very many things. Um we did hear though that there could be between 90 and $230 million left on the balance sheet. So there are additional funds uh if the legislature does want to do something. uh [clears throat] the governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Speaker of the House did agree that they wanted to do something on economic development. Um I think before the end of the year, the time is the clock is ticking, but we'll see if they're able to get something done. One thing we have heard a lot about um are there are members of the legislature that don't support the MEEDC. They've in introduced legislation to get rid of the MEEDC. And we're hearing a lot about not preunding um economic development projects. So meaning that we hand out money in the beginning and with promises that jobs come and there are concerns that not always do the jobs come. And so they're looking at some things that reward uh employers for creating jobs and that that reward comes on the back end after the jobs are created. So we'll see um

what gets introduced. And then water affordability legislation is something that we've talked about uh before and that has been introduced in the Senate. Um we're not certain if it gets out of committee or if it gets on the Senate floor, but we've been assured that um it has no legs in the House of Representatives and will not move there. And then last, [clears throat] as we all know, we you know, just got through an election, but it's time for another one. Uh 2026 is a big one and that we uh will be electing a brand new governor, secretary of state, attorney general, member of the US Senate, all of our members of Congress are up, the state senate and state house are all up for grabs. And um as we see the front runners in the party for governor, Jocelyn Benson um and John James and then independent candidate Mayor Mike Dugen, a recent polling suggests that they're all pretty close, neck andneck, and um it's going to be interesting over the next year to see um how this race unfolds. There also several ballots initiatives that could make it to uh the ballot that you'll want to take a look at. Um, some of the ones that I wanted to highlight for you, rank choice voting. We talked about this earlier with the directors today. And, uh, for those of you that run for office, you know, it's hard enough to get folks to fill in the bubble or to connect the arrow to start. And now we're going to be asking, uh, voters to rank uh, who they want first, second, third, and so on. Um, and it's a much more confusing system for people and it'll be interesting to see if they get uh enough signatures to get it on the ballot. Um, what we see is this is an outside group that has a decent amount of money that is collecting signatures so it could make it to the ballot. Uh, the other one is Axe My Tax that we've talked about several times as

well. We have been hearing that that grassroots organization isn't doing as well as what um people had thought they would. The leader of that, Carla Wagner, has thrown her hat in the ring for governor. And I think that's really kind of made that grassroots organization fizzle out. In our last interview, Miss Wagner said that she had three or 400,000 names. Names does not equal signatures. So names equals targets that could sign a petition. And so, uh, the thought process in Lancing is that they will fall short of getting their signatures to be able to put that on the ballot. Um, but I'll keep you updated as things get if they get enough signatures and what will actually be on the the ballot come next year. Um, finally, uh, thanks to President Deal and to council members Morland and Walker, uh, for, uh, your partnership since I've been here and for the time that we've represented you. We're, um, very grateful to be, uh, your voice in Lancing along with your legislators and, um, it's been a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. And now I have questions and so I think it's perfect because I know Represent Tel's up next, so he can answer all the tough questions. Yeah, that's so easy.

I know. Happy to take any questions. So,

thank you very much. And thank you. And once again, thank you, you know, Adam, and and for all your your service to Midwest Strategies. This is one of the unique things that Rochester Hills does is that we have representation in Lancing. Not every city does this. And you know if you look at you know some of our wins over the past you know 10 years you know the you know the eagle grant grant one of the largest grants you know uh and then now we you know with the new wiki park grants and I'm going to I missed probably about a dozen or more that I you know it's really been valuable to the city of Rochester Hills to have that representation in Lancing. I think it's one of the things that we do right and I'm going to I'm going to miss you guys. So, uh,

thank you, Mrs. Mongioli. Thank you, President Deal. Thank you so much. And taking, um, from what President De was talking about, lobbyists, they're not always not everybody thinks that they're they're great to have, but you have done a fabulous job for our city. Um, but there's wasn't there rumbling of a House bill that would prevent government bodies or local communities from having a lobbyist firm? Is that bill still out there? Do we need to advocate to a state rep to make sure it it doesn't get anywhere?

It was introduced recently. It's my number one priority to kill. No, I'm just kidding. Um, [laughter] no, but it was it was introduced recently and uh referred to committee. We're going to monitor it and see um if there are any legs. You know, at the end of the day, um we advocate on behalf of the city, but on behalf of your residents, and it's it's their right and their voice to be able to spend tax dollars to hire uh people to to talk on their behalf because you're very well represented by the Michigan Municipal League. Um but we can be an extra voice just on behalf of you and your residents. Well, you have certainly um brought back 10, 20, 100fold what we have paid you as a lobbying firm just in the grants that President Deal has talked about in those line item appropriations. They have been invaluable to our community. And if you need help talking to other legislators besides Representative Tisdale to make sure they get squashed, please let us know how we can help advocate for you. um Michigan homes bill. What impact is that going to have on Rochester Hills? Tonight we're going to adopt the planning master plan and now we may have something from on the Michigan homes bill that will impact us. So what does that do?

Well, it hasn't been introduced yet. Um but I [clears throat] can tell you that this was a plan that's put together um so that there is a plan that's different than local preeemption. um local preeemption uh is just a bad idea in that your residents elect all of you to help decide what Rochester Hills is going to look like with your you have very capable staff and planning and zoning that can work with um residents and business owners in regard to what the what the community should look like. And so, um, I think it's going to be important that we just continue to push against, uh, local preeemption because the state shouldn't decide what all what it's your job to decide. And, um, I think those bills are still being drafted. Once they're drafted completely, I'll make sure there's a a more complete analysis for you um, and let you know where they're um, where they're what committees they go to and and what'll happen with them. That would be great because we all the work that our team has been doing this last two years on the master plan to see it maybe impacted significantly by the Michigan Homes Bill Act, however it gets phrased, um I'd hate to see that happen. And the best government is local government. So to think that somebody else would come in and dictate to us would not be something that I I would appreciate, nor I think the rest of my council or the city administration here. So, thank you for any heads up that you can give us on that activity. Absolutely. Again, Adam, thank you so much. You do a great job for us. I greatly appreciate you coming in.

Thank you. Thank you very much. And with that, we have no further questions. You're off the hook, Adam. Thank you.

Thanks. Next up, uh, item number 2026-0475, State Representative Mark Tisdell's legislative update. Well, I'd like to thank Adam for giving my presentation. Um, let me just get get a few additional notes up here. Uh for starters, you know, uh relative to the to the budget, um the process took much longer than this year than was anticipated, but the uh 18 appropriation uh subcommittee chairs were given a different assignment. Um we we the assignment was to start at zero uh and then figure out how much it it costs to meet the the constitutional requirements then the statutory requirements then to maintain the investments that the city had or the the city I'm I'm still here uh that that the state has um you know has already put into motion and you you want to preserve that investment and then it was how much additional investment do we need to pursue the projects that are that are in the works and that that project just took a much longer period of time. It was during that time that we identified um 4,277 ghost jobs and and these are full-time uh equivalents that were fully funded but never filled. So the question was where did where did the money go? And there was, you know, there was a lot of push back on that that there was that there was no such thing. But when it was all said and done, um there there were there were 2,01 of those positions that were removed from the budget without

firing anyone. And there were 900 additional positions that were in the um executive recommendation that that were that were not uh filled or put into the budget either. So, so now you're, you know, you're starting to close in on close to close to 300 or 3,000 jobs rather. Um, all said and done, the one of the objectives for the budget was met. It came back $1.1 billion uh smaller than last year's budget just in in uh in the state money. uh 800 million of that was in general funds which gives us much greater flexibility to meet challenges as the next as the next fiscal year goes along. Rochester Hills came out of it very well. All things considered, the the fact that there was that that that the money, you know, coming from uh from the state budget was in fact reduced. But, you know, it it's a team effort getting getting these um supplemental requests or earmark requests across the across the the finish line. We're blessed to have um Senator Weber as a part of our group. Mike is a great guy. He has a very good reputation in in Lancing. He's not a name caller or a bombthrower and everybody is willing to work with him and and of course he has a a soft spot in his heart here for his hometown and where he served on the on the council. our our our um lobby uh advocacy representative in in in you know in in Midwest. Um, you know, you know, they do they do a great part of the work and and with Noiki Park, you know, I reached out to to Pam and Volentic and and Sarah Roiger and and Ken Elwart and

[clears throat] we tried to present this Noiki Park as a regional park and point to the fact that uh that Rochester Hills is a regional center and and in my testimony I said that, you know, we get over a million visitor visits a year to our parks. And of course, Director Elbert came in and corrected me. It's 1.7 million uh visits. So, my apparently my state rep math is different than mayoral math. I always come in a little under, but he's pumping it up. But, uh and then we we got 175,000 uh through the good work of Jake German and Damascus Consulting. We got 175,000 for the um common ground uh resiliency center on on Auburn Road right across from right across kind of kitty corner from the the splash pad. And it's just amazing how the city uh the administration, city council, and the residents have responded after that tragedy. And you know, it's just a great source of pride that that that that that that's something that we can overcome with such gusto and get and get back at living and not and not allow us uh you know to be be thwarted or the spirit of the city be thwarted in that way. Um, I've been asked by uh the speaker of the house uh along with uh representative Hodley who's chair of um uh economic competitiveness. Uh I'm chair of the house finance committee. Uh the two of us have been asked to start to develop a kind of master plan for the state's future economic development activities. Uh uh, Representative Hodley and I,

Chair Hodley, and I will be uh sponsoring a a two bill package on on uh jobs coming up shortly. And um uh the first draft of our economic development plan uh uh has been sent to uh the speaker's office. And in fact, we will not be encouraging uh hopefully uh prohibiting any additional upfront monies and there are creative ways to to to to to help where upfront funding is needed. But since 20 uh since the year 2000, the state of Michigan has um uh uh spent 20 billion dollars on on corporate and business incentives. Um and uh in automotive jobs alone, we're down 145,000 in that same period of time. So we have about half the number of automotive jobs left that we had when we started the $20 billion in investment to either retain or or encourage. Um so so so that that giving money upfront and then hoping for returns later on. the Meno Center did a did a study uh more recently um in in the time that Governor Whitmer has been in office, we've spent about a billion dollars on uh on on direct incentives and uh for every thousand jobs promised, we've gotten 90. So that kind of added, you know, that kind of uh approach uh needs to be changed. Um, and again, I I've been asked by the speaker along with Chair Hodley to to go to work on that. There's a lot of work to be done on that. And so, with that in mind, um, one year from the next reelection uh,

date, I I went down to the county building and and refiled to to to run for this office again. And it's been a great it's a been a great privilege. under the old terms uh this term term limits. This would have been my last term. I just turned 70. I don't know how many more of these I have in me, but I am committed to one more and hope to see you know some of these uh economic changes and strategies um uh you know come to fruition. Um again the it did take a long time to get uh to get the budget budget process done. We missed the fiscal year only by a couple of days, but I very proud of the fact that when we did get the votes up on the board out of 110 members, uh just about every bill received a 100 votes. So, there was there were some, you know, some some slings and arrows thrown back and forth across the aisle, but push came to shove when it came time to vote. Uh everybody came forward. Record school funding. Uh mentioned the public safety trust. uh it about be about 1.5 billion will come to local roads directly. Um and and just one last thing that that that came up over the weekend and really was reported very lightly today. Uh you know we we get about 41% of the entire state budget from the federal government. Um just over the weekend uh the US debt now uh passed the 38 trillion mark. Um just the end of August, beginning of September, we were at 37 trillion. So,

in just over just over two months, we've added another trillion dollars to um uh to the federal debt. And if you if you run that out on an annualized basis, that means we're running at about a $5.1 trillion uh deficit for this fiscal year. And that's unsustainable. And so when you when you consider the fact that 41% of our state's total budget comes from the federal government, there are genuine concerns out there. There will be changes at the federal level. There will be changes at the state level because it's a reality. Um the days of the of of borrowing trillions at a time will come to an end. Um, and so there there are going to be some hard realities uh to to to to put into place and that that's part of what we're looking at uh to make this uh a a hugely su successful city. If you look at a map, Michigan is unique. We border all of the Great Lakes, um 25% of the world's fresh water. our population of is is just about the same as it was in 1980. We've been flat for two and a half generations. Um that c that can no longer go on that way. We're second in the nation in bornin population. About 76% of our population was born in the state of Michigan. Louisiana is number one at about 78%. We meaning we can't attract outofstate residents any any better than the state of Louisiana can for crying out loud. Uh our our growth rate uh or lack thereof is second only to West Virginia. We're

39th in per capita income. We are not a rich state. We're a few hundred a year ahead per capita on an annual income basis from Oklahoma. No one in Michigan considers themselves in the same financial boat as Oklahomaans. So there's a lot of work to be done. There are a lot of very necessary and significant changes that need to be made. And you know that's why I signed on for for one more year and and am very honored to to be selected by the the speaker to help help craft some of those changes and open for questions. Thank you very much. We do have some questions for you. Uh, Repis Repisle. Um, we'll start with Mr. Blair.

Representative Mark, thank you as always for your updates. We appreciate them. Um, thank you for bringing up the budget, um, the federal budget because this is something that concerns me greatly. We have a budget process here in the city of Rochester Hills that I think is second to none. And as we go up the chain, we see less and less competency. I'm very pleased that you were able to get a budget over the finish line, but you can sense and you can see the dysfunction. And as you go higher and you look at the federal government, it's a complete disaster. And I share your concerns and I'm hopeful that you can help problem solve to uh to make that better.

Um, one question though, for your next term, will you still be using the stairs in that huge office building in Lancing? Are you did did you uh start using the elevator? Well, because of my advanced age, they gave me a parking space uh underneath the house office building, which was very nice, so I don't have to um uh endure the the the the winter temperatures anymore. But that's one more flight of stairs to So, I start the morning by uh 10 flights of stairs up to my office. For those that that don't know, the the the reason that a 70-year-old representative looks like a 50year-old representative is because he takes what, six flights of stairs. You got your glasses on

every day when he goes to work. And I I think that sets a great example. So, keep it up. We need to keep you around. And we appreciate all you've done for this.

And let me say to, you know, understand that at the federal, state, and and even here at the county and and the city level, there's a constituency for every single dollar that's spent. And trying to change the status quo is very difficult. And as long as there's value in the status quo, it will it change will come slowly because there are a lot, you know, there are a lot of uh invested interests out there that that want to keep keep the money flowing in their direction. Uh I hope we don't have to run into a crisis. I hope we don't have to hit bottom before we bounce and start a a trip back up. But historically, you know, that's when major change happens.

That's that's the concern though is that the change is going to be incremental and lethargic, but the potential crash, the potential unraveling would be very quickly, right? And what I intend to propose is uh along with with Rep. Holdley is is we'll will be dramatic and bold and then you know through the through the the whittling process you know hope hopefully a good part of it uh can actually put be put into place. Thanks Mark. [cough and laughter] Next up uh Mayor Barnett.

Thank you President I'll be very brief. I I just anytime we get a chance to have you here, uh Mark, Representative Tisdell, um I just always want to say thanks. Um because you are the consmate representative. Um we've been friends for a long time. What did you say? I don't want to have to say that word one more time. [clears throat] You're really good. Is that better? Um that's very nice.

For for all the things, you know, I mean, oftentimes, uh Mark will call me or text me during a vote and say, "This is what's happening. How does the city feel about this? Where's the city at this? You've done a fantastic job and there's not a Republican or Democrat or independent who couldn't look at your record in terms of just representing the constituents here and not say that you're doing a great job. So, I just want to say thanks for being someone that is always advocating for our community. It's appreciated.

Thank you. and you know and the the the experience the eight years um on this panel and working with you and and and Pam and and Sarah and Joe um you know just the the the fact that I have objective experts that I can reach out to um that that that that can give you the straight information right out of the shoot is huge. Um and and you don't know what a blessing it is for for you for for the current members. Uh one of the biggest problems in in Lancing is you know the the the department directors all all work for for the governor. And it's it's not that they it's not that they lie to you. It's it's simply that they tell you the portion of the story that they want you to know. And so you're always, you know, you're always trying to figure out how much uh is left untold. Um and that was never the the case here and that's probably what I miss the most.

Next, um Mrs. New. Thank you, President Deal. Um I just wanted to say a couple of us had the benefit of hearing an update from you a couple weeks ago and um super impressive then, super impressive now. Now, I just wanted to say thank you for always doing your homework

and thank you for not being a politician but being an elected official where you actually represent the interests of the people who elected you. Um, thank you for taking phone calls and connecting me with people that when when I talked to you about the changes going on with guardianship and our vulnerable population and you made an immediate connection to try to work on that. Um, I I'm thankful that, you know, I don't know if you had a learning curve because it looks to me like you came in and just knew what you were doing. You do your research and you represent us well. So, thank you for everything you do for us, for Rochester Hills, for what you did for the parks. Um, and I mean, I know you always keep us in mind, so I don't have to say it, but thank you for always keeping us in mind. So,

you're welcome. And thank you for those for those um kind words. there was a learning curve and during that time I just tried to keep my mouth shut. So um but it's a you know like I said earlier it's a team. I've had great staff in the five and a half years that that that I've been there. And um again that that experience of of of eight years here learning with with genuine experts in their respective uh fields and departments, you know, made a made a huge difference and it it it provided not only insight, but you know, we do things a little bit differently here than in Rochester Hills and a lot of other communities. And so it gave me a way of thinking and looking at problems and analyzing it as as well. But um I can tell you I you know it's it's very nice. Um the reality is I am a politician and there are 110 politicians in in the House of Representatives and you need to be one in order to get there. But the vast majority of of of the members of the House are there to do the best that they can for their district and to to work with the stakeholders, the the the legislative advocacy groups, the interest groups like like uh Michigan Municipal League. You brought up you brought up Michigan Home. It was actually just uh just just about a year ago. Uh Dan Gil Martin, uh John Lamakia and I sat down at um uh at a restaurant downtown on Main Street and uh Dan, who's the executive director of of Michigan Municipal League, started drawing on the paper tablecloth. And then I started in and then and then uh John Lamachia started in and

when we I was a part of the press conference that um that introduced the the My Homes uh P you know concept and we had that grease stained um paper uh tablecloth with us just as evidence of how it all how it all kind of got started. But yeah, it was it was born right downtown uh Rochester. And um you all know a lot better about how to manage your cities than than we do. And and what we want to do at the state level is to provide you with with carrots to provide you with incentives to consider uh to consider ordinance changes and code changes that we think need to be done. But we're but you know 56 votes in the in the House and 20 votes in the Senate is not necessarily the font of wisdom, right? So um uh I what we're trying to do with the the Michigan Homes is pro provide some guidance and give communities incentives to incorporate some of those objectives that that we think that we think are needed. Well, I I if I can just I think Miss Mongioli spoke very well about our position on that and as the one who sits on planning, I think you're right and she's right when we when you say that um uh we do know what the residents, you know, would hope for. And um so long as they're just incentives and not mandates, I think,

you know, as long as they're not mandates so that we do have the autonomy to do what the residents have elected us to do. So, um, but again, just thank you so much. I don't want to keep saying nice things about you cuz I don't want your ego to get a little crazy, but I just wanted to say you're a great job. Yeah, you're doing a great job and we're really thankful for you. So, thank you for everything you do. Thanks.

Well, once again, thank you so much for your uh presentation here this evening, keeping and always over the years keeping us up to date. Um, you know, I had the opportunity to kind of gain a lot from your wisdom during the two years that we served together. It's really hard to believe that you handed this gavvel over to me like that's what I was thinking years ago. And it's amazing how fast uh the time goes by. Um, and now you're going into your fourth term in the House and you've served you've continued to serve this community well. Yeah. Thank you.

And you know, you are you still rank I'm sure in in I know at least for my kids and my wife, you're still their favorite council president. So

that's that's very nice. Thank you. And as I was talking earlier to Vice President Carlock, you know, and you you get elected in the first few months or so, you go, "Holy cow, I got to do this for four years." And then all of a sudden, eight years is gone. And it's just it's it's amazing. But, uh, you you you slid right in, have done a great job. And um again, I hope I hope you all appreciate and for the for the the the council members elect, you know, what a great privilege this is and what a great learning opportunity uh you know, and relationships and uh camaraderie that you'll carry the rest of your life.

Thank you very much. And thank thank you for uh your report this evening. Thank you. You're welcome. Let's see. Next up, planning and economic development. Item number 2025-0377, approval of the 2025 restated LDFA plans and tax capture agreement with Oakland County. Oh, the gang's all here. We got a powerhouse team up here for this one. Mark Twist mentioned us, so we had to [laughter] actually turn this over to Pam to get us started.

Yes. Yes. Oh, I got a microphone out. Um, yes, we like to call ourselves the LDFA extension team. Um, I'm not sure what we'll what our names will be next year, but um, we are very excited to be back here this evening before you asking for your official approval of the 2025 restated LDFA development and tax increment financing plans. Um, I do want to um mention a couple thank yous this evening. Thank you to um LDFA board member Pete Arbor um and Greg Doyle who uh joined us this evening to show support for the LDFA and for all of their hard work getting us to this point. And a very special thank you to Eric from Dickinson, Wright, who has really truly helped us get to the finish line. Um, not just with this plan, but with securing an agreement with Oakland County that is also before your review and consideration that allows them to continue to participate and be our partner with the LDFA. So, we did a full presentation back at the public hearing on September 8th, but we wanted to refresh you with just a couple highlights. Um, specifically when it comes to the development plan, um, this is a simple 20-year extension of the LDFA. We are not proposing any changes in the boundaries, in the zoning or or streets or anything like that. We are not taking over any properties or or anything like that. It is a new schedule of project categories. Some of them are projects that were not completed in the first 30 years of the LDFA. Um, but it's our plan to continue to invest in the necessary infrastructure that will allow us to support the businesses and the workforce that is there within the LDFA district. Um, I'm actually going to turn it over to Joe to talk about the TIFF

elements. So,

sure. Well, um, yeah, kind of a lot of good wins here. kind of a little cropped out on the screen up there, but one of the biggest wins was to be able to continue with the existing base year of 1994. Um, contrary to the federal government, the LDFA does not have any debt. So, it is debtree and there are no plans for debt anytime in the near future. Um, all of our taxing jurisdictions, if they are eligible for capture, school districts are not eligible, um, have elected to opt in, which is another good win. Um we this new will um new LDFA plan will be for an additional 20 years estimated at 1416 million coming in. And one of the big um pieces of good news since we came here before you with the initial plan is uh Oakland County has agreed to go up to a 75% capture level. Previously when we were here before you they were at the 50% capture level. So, this was a big big win and uh great work by the the entire team. Um not very many LDFAS in Oakland County. Only three have Rochester Hills LDFA is one. And as we um kind of mentioned earlier, historically the Rochester Hills LDFA was able to collect 100% of the county's capture. They have a new policy now where that got dropped down to 50%, but there is a clause in there that we found that if uh the city contributes at least three times what the county contributes then the county may contribute up to 75% and we were able to um give a presentation and a half and uh they loved it and they have agreed to the 75% capture level. Um couple little updates with the new Oakland County plan. Both of Oakland County Parks and Transit Village are exempt. That was kind of non-negotiable. Um happy to report that we did secure the 75% capture level um instead of the

50% going rate. And also happy to report that the maximum total capture of 3.7 million. That's based on a 2.5% per year taxable value increase. Um previously they had a 1.5% number. Um, basically that equates to approximately another $600,000 over the course of the LDFA that we'll be able to capture from uh the Oakland County Mill. I'll turn it back to our lovely ladies.

Yes. And so, just as you recall, um, and we were here, as Pam said, just in September, um, there's been a lot of steps that we have to go through to officially do this. I think the Oakland County generally plans a six-month process, but they haven't met Pam and I. So, we [laughter] got it done in I think six weeks, give or take. Um but yes, so tonight hopefully with city council um approval of these updated plans, we've met all of the state statutory requirements. Again, gotten all the buyin from all the taxing agencies and are we'll be forwarding it to um the states um here before the end of the year and are excited to get hard at work um in 2026 doing what we're calling now LDFA 2.0. Um and you know, just as a conclusion, you know, we've gotten tremendous support from our LDFA. Um, I thank you to the council members that made it to some of the rise events. Um, the energy that Pam has created and the camaraderie and the networking between our businesses um in our LDFA is is really impressive and I think that our LDFA is one to model um and envy for many communities. So, we're very um excited for 20 more years and uh we're happy to answer any more questions that you may have.

Very good. Um, I don't see any questions from council, nor do I see any public comment. We have a motion by Mrs. Morland, seconded by Mrs. Newbower to approve. Um, uh, now it's resolved that the city council hereby approves the tax sharing agreement and authorizes the execution and delivery of the tax sharing agreement by the mayor. The 2025 restated plan as presented by city to the city council constitutes a public purpose and the council specifically finds the numerous findings contained in the in the in your packet and the city approves the 2025 restated plan. And number four, all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herewith, shall be, and the same are hereby rescended. All those in favor say I.

I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none, that motion passes unanimously. Congratulations. Thank you very much for your support. Next up, item number 2025-0450, request for conditional use approval for alcohol beverage sales for the onsite consumption uh that is ancillary to an otherwise permissible use cafe restaurant for the Highland Room located within unit number one of the newly constructed Gerald building on the north south side of Auburn and west of Dwinder, zoned BD Brooklyn's district, formerly 1960 East Auburn. Uh Mike Chowdery uh of Highland Room RH LLC applicant.

Mr. Mloud.

Uh thank you, President Deal. Uh Vice President Carlac, Mayor Barnett, rest of the city council. Uh you had the planning a team. Now I got the planning B team um to present this one. But no, before you tonight is the is the conditional you uh conditional use request for the Highland Room. Um we have Assan here who is the going to be the general operating manager uh of the local facility here. um should that uh should it move forward. So um just to kind of give you a little bit of context, uh obviously down in the newly constructed Gerald building, unfortunately the Google are aerials haven't been updated. We'll give you an updated aerial here in just one second, but um this particular gives you the context of of where this sits relative uh to the surrounding environment. So basically the entire Auburn stretch uh zoned and planned for Brooklyn's district. Um the only residential property budding this is directly to the south. um obviously separated by the alley and the the fence uh that the city put in as part of the overall Auburn Road uh Brooklyn's construction. Um but other than that, uh the actual unit itself is in this far left corner. Uh when we get into the building design, you'll see that in just one second. Flipping the script and looking in a different direction. Uh looking in a south southern direction, you can see where that house sits relative to this. Again, uh that tenant space is going to sit towards front. Um so any impacts from uh a conditional use of this nature should be fully negated uh by the separation and the distance between uh what's going on within uh the proposed Highland room um in terms of a sort of entertainment um and as well as any sort of uh alcohol sales going on in that particular tenant space. But otherwise um the surrounding commercial and environment and each and every direction. This provides you a little bit better concentration of where um the building sits relative uh to the site. Again, that behind the building itself to the south is parking. Building sits up on the roadway frontage. I'm sure all of you are aware of it. We'll get to some additional pictures here in one

moment, but again, that tenant space in the far western side. So, this is the overall floor plan being provided by the applicants. Uh right now, seating and capacity shown is about 33 people in terms of seats. Um, in addition to any additional standing room, operation hours are generally defined as 8 am to 11 pm. Um it is noted that the actual alcohol sales being proposed as part of the operation of this would basically start around 4 pm. Um so in the morning and slash afternoon early afternoon hours uh this would act as a true cafe um in terms of breakfast and and um light uh light food uh offerings during the their earlier hours and then transition into uh the alcohol sales as well as the food offerings. Um, and I'll let Hassan go into that a little bit more if he'd like to in terms of the operation uh going forward, but again, alcohol sales would only be uh generally between the hours of 4 pm and 11 pm. In terms of overall parking, uh the parking district uh or the parking calculations for the Brooklyn's district are an overall um one per 400 square ft um regardless of use. So irregardless of of what the tenant space is, whether it's retail sales or if it's alcohol sales or if it's um a general office use, all the parking is the same. So parking has been accommodated for uh within uh the overall site plan uh as currently being developed as well as within the city lots that surround this. [clears throat] In terms of the application itself for the liquor license, uh again, that's a separate item, but as part of the conditional use, uh we do take that into consideration. The applicant was originally seeking a quota license. Uh that was heard by the committee. Uh the committee did forward a recommendation which you'd anticipate you would act on next. Um and that recommendation was for denial of the quota license, but we do encourage uh the applicant to seek a a traditional license uh and attempt to bring that into the city as well. I do want to note that the overall uh tenant space here is about 1,260 feet. So a relatively small space. Uh so we're not

talking a significant uh tenant space or overall operation. A little bit more updated photo. Again, this is that front corner of the building where um the Highland Room would be located. And again, you can see relative to uh the surrounding environment, there should be no anticipated impacts uh from the operation of this. And as of right now, there is no outdoor operation. Um no outdoor seating as part of the use as well. Um so with that, I'll be more than glad to answer any questions that council may have. Very good. Uh, first up we have Mrs. Newower.

Thank you, President Deal. So, I'm trying to recall from planning, I thought that if the quota license was denied, he the applicant was not going to ask was not going to serve alcohol at this location. And in fact, if I recall that if he was to purchase a license, he was going to use it for the Wayne State location. So, I'm kind of confused as to what's happening. So, and I'll let uh son speak to this further, but from from our perspective, um the conditional use and the liquor license are obviously two different elements. Um one's coming from the planning side, one's coming from the from the liquor license committee. Uh but when we contacted uh the representatives uh of the Highland Room and asked them if they wanted to continue to move forward uh pending with the outcome that came out of the committee. Um they said they did want to come forward with the conditional use request that will still give them options if they choose um if they choose to bring in their own license. Um but again you're correct at the meeting itself um Mr. Chowry did indicate that it would be unlikely that they would move forward with the use um should the court of license be denied, but when we circled back with him after the meeting uh and after the liquor committee um he did indicate he still wanted to continue to come forward uh most likely obviously to keep his options open. So I guess my question would be because just procedurally it was a condition of planning that the license be granted in order for that approval to be and now here we are on this approval. So would it come back to planning or it would just come here and this would like kind of thwart the process.

So again two separate items, one being the conditional use, one being the liquor license itself. It doesn't necessarily say that um you know obviously until they get a liquor license as approved by city council. Um you know the the liquor aspect of this is going to go nowhere and uh operating as a general restaurant if they even chose to do that outside of of liquor sales or alcohol sales. Um that's a permissible use within the district.

Right. So I don't that's what I'm saying based on the information we received at planning. I don't understand what we're doing here. if he has if he doesn't have the liquor license from the city, no quota license, and he still hasn't been able to acquire the other one. And like I said, he would the information provided to us at planning was that if he did get one, it would be going to the Wayne State location. So, I guess maybe if the applicant can clarify I I'm just I'm just a little bit the way we when when information is presented to us, we base our votes and our and the way we proceed based on the information presented to us. when things are revised, we ask them for to the them to be revised in writing and then you come back to the original committee and reapply and redo it that way. So, I don't know how we got such a drastic change in information and then we're here today. So, if you could just help me understand what your what your plans are. Um so we have uh decided to go ahead with this application again and you know for the conditional use on this location just to keep our options open.

Okay. I guess I would be more comfortable if it had gone back to planning then than to do it this way for us to vote on something that we don't have all the information for cuz because we keep getting different information. For me, I'm uncomfortable moving forward with this when we were told different things about different licenses and different locations. So, I'm not comfortable with this at this point. I would have rather it came back to planning.

And and President De, if I could maybe reframe the conversation. So, again, okay, from conditional use aspect, you're looking at what are the potential does the overall use fit within the context of the environment? Does the use um cause any potential negative impacts to the the surrounding environment? whether that's a quota license or a license that is brought in from the general outside um is immaterial in that conversation. Um that's more of a liquor license committee potentially your next vote um whether or not that is something that that you either vote up or vote down the conditional you should be basically regardless of whether or not um or where that license is coming from.

No, I understand that. But what I'm saying is that I feel like the information provided to us was not accurate. So we voted based on information that we received in planning and now we're asked to vote on different kind of information without it being proposed to us cor in in writing. I guess that's I mean maybe it's the lawyer in me. I just I'm not com I just don't see how that happened. So I don't know. That's what I'm just saying. I understand what the what we're voting for on the use whether he gets the license or not. But the way we've always even when somebody we votes for something in planning, we always ask for the application to be revised and updated before it gets to city council so that we do have all the information. So I'm a little bit hung up on that, but I mean that's all I have. Someone else can jump in, but

um so to to um to Mrs. Newar's point um you know the whether it were whether we issued a quota license or he had purchased a a class C license and brought it in it would be the same license. The license would not the nature of the license would not change. Really and truly, our scoring of the of the quota license has really nothing to do with the nature and character because that's really within the purview of the planning commission. When we looked at the applicant, the applicant was, you know, really at I mean, if it if he were transferring in a license, the it'd be an easy yes. Um the only reason that we couldn't do the the the conditional or the um the quota license is just because we have a little bit more stringent requirements from from more of a kind of a how we use them as an economic development tool, you know, so to speak, is is is more so really the to to me the nature of the license, whether he got it as a quota or whether he got it as a as a a transfer in was immaterial to, you know, cuz he would have been an an excellent candidate. I and I suppose cuz to me, however he wish if he wishes to bring in a license to this establishment, he would need to pass this step. So he would need to have this conditional use and that would assist him in, you know, making his application. He he he would I think at this point have to reapply to to our liquor license commi committee for a transferin license. But I think that would be a much different question than the one that we were tasked with which was really our rubric really deals with things like do you have you know what's

the economic advantage to the city? You know is this a big footprint? Is this a unique offering that we don't have elsewhere in the city? our our considerations are a little different um in that regard and what you know by having this approval it will allow him to come back before the liquor license committee and transfer in a license if he'd wish that's that's just how I see it but uh Mrs. Mrs. Borland.

Thank you, President Deal. So, as it stands right now, um, if you were to open this, it would be liquor free. Am I understanding that there is no liquor license at at this point? So, it would just be the cafe restaurant. Am I clear on this?

Um, yes. So, and keeping in mind that the conditional use is valid for up to a year. So, anytime during that year, the applicant could bring forward to city council the ability to bring in a class approve request for an approval to bring in a class C license. So at that point, the liquor committee would re reconvene to determine whether that should be brought into the city or not and making sure that it still operates under the same terms and conditions if this conditional use was ultimately granted. uh here tonight because again the conditional use deals solely with the how the use itself again irregardless of the lure um how that use fits within the context of the building how it fits within the context of the surrounding property how it fits within the context of the city but to go back to your question directly if they wanted to open tomorrow as a cafe or a restaurant either or or combination thereof without liquor they would have every right to do that they would obviously have to go through their appropriate building permits county health permits, those kinds of things. Uh, but that is completely and totally a permissible use and they could they could make that decision and then ultimately bring in uh liquor at some other point in the in the future and and pursue the approvals at that time if they wanted to

and then they would still come back before council, right? It would go through the liquor license committee again and then come back before council. Correct. Any transfer of license within the city is required to come before uh the liquor control committee and as as well as city council. So, is that an interest to open? Is that what you're thinking is opening it without alcohol or is that something you you don't want to do?

Um, we are open to both options. Uh, we're looking into it right now, but like like Mr. Chris said, we will be we can open a cafe restaurant and later on down the road we can, you know, start uh apply for the liquor license again. Okay. Thank you. Um, Mr. Blair. Oh, no. I'm sorry. This is Mongioli. Got my numbers transposed. You're not allowed to make a mistake in your last year. Okay. Um, so having read through the minutes, my questions on outdoor dining and a lot of those things were covered. How much does a bringing in a license cost? What is the average cost of a liquor license these days?

Do you have Do you have a note? You accurate? No, Mr. I mean, I thought 50 to 60,000. I think that's probably closer to closer to 70, but yeah, 70,000. And so with a capacity of 35 people in the cafe with maybe some standing you there, it's profitable to bring in a license at that cost with that number of people in the restaurant.

Well, ultimately that's that's a discussion item for the applicant themselves. I mean whether they find and obviously that's why part of the reason why they said that the quota license was desirable and everyone's going to say that right everyone's going to want a license free to them if it's available. Um, it always helps with the numbers, but ultimately the applicant is going to need to sit down and and pencil out their numbers and say realistically does does it pencil out what's the rate of return and what's the length of return? And that's for them to decide. And you know, again, I think from the conditional use aspect, you know, you're looking at at the impacts. the the the liquor control committee is ultimately going to be the one that's going to determine whether or not that license should come into the city and whether it's viable. Can they make it happen at at this square footage and this number of people? They probably could. I mean, they're going to be really successful. I mean, but I'm not a I'm not a restaurant tour and I'm not a cafe owner. I mean, so I I don't know that business, but you know, it's it's an opportunity for them to potentially bring in a new business within uh the Brooklyn's area. Um, and again, it's, you know, within degrees, you have to question, you have to you have to say yes, you the applicant has vetted their numbers and they feel that they can make it work. And that's probably to some degree why Mr. Dr. Chowri was originally saying, "I'm not sure I want to move forward with this because it may be maybe the numbers are close, but ultimately that's for them to determine how accurate that is and and how close that line may be."

And with a liquor license, are we allowed to restrict the hours for alcohol sale if that license is brought in? I think part of the conditional use, you could do that. Um, you cannot truly condition a liquor license themselves. That's part of the reason why the city transferred into a conditional use to kind of pair them together because if you felt that the hours of operation was something that was paramount for instance um in terms of approval or denial that's where you would tack it on is through the conditional use conditions

because at some point if if the license has no restriction on the hours then suddenly that 8:00 in the morning breakfast crowd could also be mimosas and bloody marys and we and we would have no control or say in in that piece. Not that we would anyway, but um

yeah, but as part of the conditional use, again, if if city council ultimately decides to move this forward, um there is some reliance upon what has been presented to you as well as through the planning commission through the meetings. Um so if all of a sudden it is a a crazy call scene at 8:00 in the morning on a daily basis, you I think the city would have some standing um to go in and say, "Look, this is not what was presented." Um, I would even go one step further that if that is something that is absolutely critical to your decision making, uh, that times of operation or times of of service are are that critical to it, I would put it right into the motion as a condition, not just rely on the record. I would simply just make it part of of your motion and conditions.

Okay. And what is the overall I mean there's seating for 30, but what is the what did the fire department say the overall capacity of that building is given the square footage and a a bar and tables?

Yeah. To to this point, we don't have that actual number. I mean, that that requires once they get into the building permit process, they'll establish a a certificate of occupancy as well as a an overall uh a number of occupants. Um, realistically speaking, I wouldn't be surprised if that number could double. I mean, but again, that's assuming that there's a lot of people standing in and that kind of environment. Um, based on what we've seen from the applicant and the conversations with the applicant, I wouldn't anticipate this sort of operation being one where you're going to have a number of people standing around. Um, you know, but again, that's reliant upon the information that's been presented to this point. typically the the occupancies that the building coder would allow is is much higher than what either either a seating plan um or based on what a seating plan's been presented. So,

okay. And which is better for the applicant? a take no action like just not move this tonight and take no action or um a denial if council denies versus a say yes. So if on the record for the statewide liquor control commission, is it better to have him come back in six months when he wants to bring in the license because there won't be a denial on the record? Uh, I mean I I don't want to speak for the applicant, but just from in terms of our process, um, if that conditional use gets denied, then he has a waiting period before they can come back with the same application. The application would have to change. And how long is that waiting period?

A year. A year. Yep. Okay. So, if council takes no action tonight, then he can come back in December and say, "Hey, I've got bought a license from Mount Clemens and I'm bringing it in here and we're good."

Yeah. Again, that I always worry when we're when we're kind of viewing these that together as as one application because again they are separate application. But in regards to the conditional use um traditionally this this council has operated that they've they've approved or denied them sequentially in the same meeting. Um but there's nothing saying that they can't be split apart. Um but you know if that's council's desire is ultimately to wait and see if a liquor license comes. Um, obviously that's council's design. Does he need the conditional use in order to buy the license from some other community does not.

Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you very much for wanting to do business here in Rochester Hills. A lot of questions for us to understand this process. So, I appreciate your patience with us this evening. Thank you.

Thank you very much. Interestingly, I just wanted to point out that the so like the the liquor license, if he were to transfer in a liquor license, those licenses are transferable. And generally, unlike unlike, you know, pots, pans, or other equipment that depreciate in value, liquor licenses generally hold their value. So, if he buys a liquor license at, you know, let's say $70,000, generally the market for a liquor license, in my understanding of it, has only gone up. And so generally the the liquor license is isn't just a cost. The liquor license is also an asset that is held by the business because it can if the business for some reason fails or or what have you, it can be tr transferred can be transferred to another owner. Um and you know and then you know as you know with the approval of the liquor license, it would also could make you know the the the business and the property a little bit more valuable. So there are good reasons why the applicant might want to um simply simply purchase one and and then bring it and bring it in even with the expense being what it is. Um, but then the to to the other point to maybe ease council's minds is that if they did transfer a license, because the way the way that the liquor license committee took action on this, if they did transfer if we were to approve this conditional use this evening and they were to at a later point in time transfer in a liquor license, this body would be taking another look at the approval of the license. So it would go in front of the liquor license committee which is made up of about two or three council members and then it would come forward to this body and this body would have another pass at the at the approval of the transfer of the liquor license. So even if we were to really what we what we do here if we as I see it if we

approve the conditional use is that we kind of honor the determination of the planning commission to bring to you know to allow this conditional use and then like I say if this if council has any reservations about the nature of the transfer in license versus a quota license you know the council would get another pass at it uh through the liquor license committee and council itself. Um, but we do have some other comments. Uh, Mr. Blair,

thank you, President Deal. I'm second council woman's uh Mongioli's, uh, thanks for doing business in our city. Uh, we appreciate the investment. Um, it's great to see the Brooklyn's corridor come alive with investment and, uh, new businesses. This has been a great discussion. Um, Councilwoman Nubau, I appreciate and understand your concerns about how what was presented to planning might have shifted, and I understand why that might be frustrating, or maybe you feel like you were maybe surprised with that. That that's totally valid. Um, Councilwoman Mongioli, I appreciate the question that you asked, which um reminded us that they have a one-year waiting period if we do deny them. And Chris, thank you for trying to rightfully separate the two issues, the uh liquor license and the conditional use. We tend to meld those together, but in reality, they should be approached separately. And the way we do that is by returning to the criteria, which are largely about neighborhood impact. I do not see a way that this uh liquor license, this um uh conditional use rather for this location could uh negatively impact the surrounding area. I I think that is rock solid. So, for that reason, I have absolutely no issue with approving the conditional use to give this business owner options. Uh certainly uh you you're you're not going to have a place that's 9 has 900 square feet of customer area. It's not going to transform into a a nightclub of some sort. It's going to remain a small uh low-key uh uh operation because of the way it's designed. So, I really have zero concern about, you know, them serving liquor in the morning. And I it just it I don't think that that's going

to be their intention. I don't think they could even pull it off with a venue like this. So, I will be voting in favor of this and again, I appreciate you investing in our city and I wish you the best of success uh when you open. Thank you. Um let's see. We have Mrs. Newower. I just have another question. Was Thank you, President Deal. Was were the corrections that we asked to be made on the application made? Yes, they were. Okay. So the owner is corrected and and the addresses and all that kind of stuff. Addresses correct. Yes. Okay. And the representations that were made in planning is that if a liquor license came in, it would not start serving alcohol till 4:00. Is that correct?

Uh the liquor sales sales will start after like 4:00. So if we added a an additional condition that liquor sales would not begin until 4:00. Yes. Just like you stated at planning. Would you be fine with that? Yes. Okay. Because because like I stated, things that were said at planning were not said here and now things are a little bit different and I am kind of a paper nerd. So I want what was said to match what's on paper. So, if we added a an additional condition that liquor sales would not start at 4 till 4:00,

is that okay with you? [snorts] Hold on a second, please.

Okay. Okay. So, let me ask the applicant. If we added that condition and then you came in and did and knowing that if you got a le a liquor license, it would go to that committee and then come back to us again, would you be fine with that as your new motion rather than a stay, which would allow you time to go get your liquor license and then come back here at any point in time rather than a denial. I guess I'm giving you three options. You can have your denial. You can have a mo a motion to stay which would allow you to get your liquor license, come back and we'd hash it out. Or we you could agree to start start serving alcohol at 4 and end it at what time is your business closed? 11. So it' be 10. An hour before closing.

Yeah. So that's fine. So which one would you prefer? Uh the 4 to 10. Yes. Okay. All right then. That's my motion. So, and we have a second from Mr. Blair. He wrote I think Ryan wrote it. Did you get the Did you get the wording for that, President D? I Yeah, I think I got it. [snorts]

All right. Do we have any further discussion on this item? Seeing none, seeing no public comment on this item, resolve that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby approves the conditional use for the Highland Room to allow sales for on premises alcoholic beverage consumption uh associated with the restaurant cafe located at 1760 Auburn, unit number one within the Gerald building based on the documents received by the planning department on September 18th, 2025 with the uh six findings as they appear in your back packet and two conditions. One being the condition that appears in your packet and two being that alcohol sales will commence at 4:00 p.m. through 1000 p.m. daily.

Very good. All right. All those in favor say I. I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none. That motion passes unanimously. Congratulations, gentlemen. Thank you. Next up is item number. Yes, don't go anywhere. Um, item number 2025-0476 request for a new from quota class C liquor license from DMC Consultants DMB DB I'm sorry DA DBA the Highland Room LLC to be located at 1760 East Auburn Road. Miss Scott

and thank you, President Deal, Vice President Carlac, City Council, and Mayor Barnett. As mentioned, the applicant came to the October 27th liquor license technical review committee where the committee reviewed the application materials, spoke with the applicant, and ultimately decided to recommend denial of the city's quota class license to the MLCC. So, as such, that is the um resolution in your package to deny it. Yes. Um does any of the committee members want to add to that? We'll start with Councilman Walker.

Thank you, President Deal. Just a refresher on the quota license. Back in 2020, the census was done. The city of Rochester Hills was issued four quota licenses, and these quota licenses were based on the population at the time. Two of the quota licenses have been given out to appropriate businesses within our community. We have two left and we won't be re-evaluated until the 2030 census and we may or may not receive anymore. So, it's a it's a coveted quota license which is given to a very unique business in our community and we developed a matrix in order to score those businesses so that we were able to do that fairly. And when we put this applicant through the matrix, unfortunately, they did not score very well. So that's why the liquor license technical review committee denied the applicant for one of these coveted quota licenses. But it doesn't mean that without conditional use, you can go and acquire a liquor license from elsewhere within the state of Michigan. That's not what we're trying to accomplish. We just thought this coveted quota license that we cherish was not something that we would bestow upon you. So, the liquor license unanimously denied issuing a quota license to this applicant.

Correct. Yes. So, I would move to approve the denial as presented in the package.

Motion by Mr. Walker, seconded by Mrs. Morland. Um, yeah. Just to piggyback on uh Council what Council Walker indicated that um you know the determination for quota licenses are determined by the dennial censuses. Sometimes you get quota licenses. we you know sometimes you don't and in fact there's even in the rare case they actually have taken away a quota license from us you know when they as they readjust these things. So you know it's it's not a guarantee that even in 10 years we'll get another quota license um or with with the next census. So we we as as Councilman Walker pointed out, we created a a matrix, a scoring matrix by which we use. The scoring matrix is primarily more along the lines of economic development things that we as a city value that we want to basically entice these types of businesses to come in. and and m some of it m much of it is based on the economic impact that that business will leave in the city. So really and truly the denial of a quota license says very little about you know the the quality or value of the business itself. It really says more about our priorities as a city. That's really all. But we do have a motion by Councilman Walker, seconded by Mrs. Morlin. Um I will uh read the resolution. Seeing no public comment, uh, resolve that the request from DMC Consultants DBA, the Highland Room LLC for a new from quota class C liquor license to be located at 1760 East Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan, Oakland County, Michigan, uh, be considered for denial by the liquor control commission. All those in favor say I.

I. Any opposed? Hearing none, that motion passes unanimously. We wish you the best of luck. Thank you very much and welcome to the city. Uh, next up we have item number 2025-0449, request for adoption of the 2025 master land use plan update.

Good evening, President Deal, uh, Vice President Carla, Council, Mayor Barnett. Um, we'll try to go through this pretty quickly. I know it's already getting a little bit late, but we're here obviously with our team led by Jill Bame. Um, we also have Julia um in the audience as well from GLES Webster. Um, almost two years um in the making and we're at the finish line and um like I said, Jill has a quick presentation that she'll kind of go over the highlights um and we're hoping uh for uh your encouragement and adoption of the plan here this evening.

Good evening. Good evening, Council President Deal, members of council. It's very nice that our timing aligned um with the end of the term that we have um our full complement of city council um that we started this process with two years ago. So, we're we're pleased for that. Um let me switch to slideshow. There we go. And again, this will be rather quick. Um just wanting to hit the highlight. I know we have a couple of new members of council in the audience. We have some members of the public here. Um so it's helpful to give a little foundation for what the master plan is. Master plan is our blueprint for the city's future. It guides land use growth and improvements developed in an ideal situation and here in this process for the city of Rochester Hills with a significant amount of public engagement and analysis. The master plan sets the community's goal for housing, transportation, public spaces, sustainability, and it will guide city policy, zoning, budgeting, and to be clear, it is not the rule of law, but it does inform our zoning ordinance, our zoning map, which is the rule of law. It's essential for us to do this long kind of long range planning um to protect our essential services, guide responsible land use, and foster trusted, predictable development. So, we have this adoption process. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act um provides for the planning commission actually to prepare and adopt the city's master plan, but there's also provisions for city council to adopt the master plan as well. Um we like that process of having the planning commission and city council adopt together as it creates a joint vision for the future and it kind of sets us up on the path for implementation. and we're all on the

same page. We did this in 2018 and I think it worked out really nicely in terms of the implementation and the things that the city was able to accomplish after that last plan. Um, makes the master plan the official tool for all future decisions for things like our conditional uses for resoning questions. Ensures growth aligns with community values and goals. We know how important that is. Follows planning commission review and PL public input for well-rounded adoption. And I think it also strengthens trust, promotes smart investment, and coordinates citywide improvements. One of the features as we go through this slideshow real quick, one of the highlights of this master plan is that it does incorporate the plans that you have done previous to this. So it includes your thoroughfare plan, for example, your um recreation plan. The idea is that all of these things would be put in one place for you to help you make not only land use decisions, but also guide capital improvement um planning as well. So the 2025 master plan process um reaffirms the direction set in 2018 focuses on preserving the existing character of the city prepared again with significant input presented uniquely in an online format um that allows users to engage with the maps and text the way they choose. So it's kind of a hi it's well it isn't a hybrid. It's two two really two things. It's an online plan and it is available as a PDF for those who wish a more traditional approach. Um they'd like to settle in with a nice cup of tea and read through the whole document, they are able to do so. Um and we encourage that. However, however you would like to go through the master plan. The idea here is that we're providing um vehicles for that. Um the plan also is unique this time in its creation of planning neighborhoods. Um, you know, we thought at the beginning of the process, how do we get people interested in long range planning, sometimes it's very abstract, even

though the city's the city is a good size city, but sometimes it's really far from one corner of the city to the other opposite corner of the city. And that may not make that much difference to people if they live in one area. So, we thought about this idea of creating the planning neighborhoods. And while you have a lot of subdivisions and neighborhoods in the city, um that seemed overwhelming. Um kind of thinking it a little bit like a hybrid of that, thinking about the high school districts as an identifiable um boundary district. Um we were able to use the mascots and the colors to help people identify with, oh yes, that's where I am. I'm in the Stony Creek area. Um we did divide the Rochester High um district into the two the high school into the two east and west. Um and following um that um comment that we had from the joint meeting we did make sure that we were clear that that's Rochester Hills east and west. Um just to make sure that people understand that we are talking about um the city. The master plan update process does focus on five main components. housing, economic development, transportation and mobility, preservation and sustainability, and community amenities. And again, it coordinates with the city's other long range plans to cross reference all the action strategies in one comprehensive tool for implementation. Our plan themes um are that the the plan and the planning process age friendly, sustainable, and innovative. And so we use those during each phase of the master plan update to ensure that we had alignment and um guide our discussions with planning commission and with staff. So the plan vision um we've named it timeless tradition. Uh the plan seeks to maintain stability in a suburban lifestyle. Single family housing remains the main housing type. Uh strengthens pedestrian connectivity. Walkability was

one of the things that really jumped out at us this time um as compared to the planning process in 2018. And so we we've uh really highlighted that in this document as well as preserving natural resources. Um those are very key. Those last two things are very key. Well, actually all of those things are key. Um so how does that translate um with our themes? Um to be age friendly, we're supporting aging in place and aging in community. By adapting housing, improving parks, making city streets and sidewalks more walkable. Um sustainability, we're preserving open spaces, improving infrastructure with green techniques, and being innovative as we strive to um improve transparency and decision- making and making ordinances and review processes easier to understand and follow. And those will be things that we do to follow. And those are just a couple of the things community engagement. We were really pleased with the turnout and the participation of the community. We had over 2,000 participants providing feedback and insight in some fashion. Um we had people coming in person to meetings. We had small group focus groups. We had a couple of surveys. Um we had five different phases of the process that started in 2024. And again, our feedback that we heard focused on really increasing walkability and safety of pedestrians, preserving natural features and open spaces, focusing on single family housing, and maintaining stability and a high level of satisfaction for residents. So, when we think about future land use, the future land use map is the way the city illustrates the intended land uses. And again, it's different from zoning um and its related zoning ordinance which is legally binding. Um the future land use map is our guidepost for the future. Um there are no changes to the planned residential densities that we showed in the 2018 master plan. And one of the changes, probably the biggest change

that you would see in the 2025 future land use map is the consolidation of categories. Um and as you'll recall through our process from the last couple of years with the zoning ordinance um districts and the consolidation of those really striving to make it easier for people to understand um what the uh future land use map shows what the categories are in a way that um can be uh easily understood and and still providing guidance. So you'll see fewer categories here. Um, one of the things that we thought was helpful too is to change from a numbering system for the residential uh to call those um make them make the names a little bit more descriptive. So, open space, suburban, and neighborhood residential and then the other land use categories as well. When you go on the um online platform, the parcels that are outlined in red, you'll see what those changes were. Um mostly those are changes that were geared to uh reflect what was existing and the built environment conditions there. Again our this is the alignment that shows the 2018 master plan categories with the 2025 categories. Um we're also um aligning this with the changes to the non-residential zoning districts that had been done over the last few years as well as the FB districts. And we have our planning neighborhoods. Um we kind of talked about that already. Um the plan highlights the housing plan chapter um is very clear that it preserves the pattern of existing neighborhoods. It does allow for clustered or attached homes uh consistent with the existing residential density of of adjacent neighborhoods. Ensuring that infill and redeveloped residential properties are compatible with surrounding area and adjacent parcels in terms of density,

architectural style, and building materials and promotes the inclusion of neighborhood parks and gathering spaces within each residential development. This all goes to um the concerns that we've heard regarding [clears throat] um compatibility of new development and wanting to make sure that that is clear in both planning and will guide um zoning and design standard improvements. Um the cluster concept that's shown on the right of the screen shows just another um opportunity, another style of housing. Um this doesn't say that they that these things would be taking place on major thoroughares but it's an example if you had six lots today in the traditional layout you could build six homes but with a cluster there's a possibility that you could arrange those six units in a different way that maybe can give you a different type of housing um or preserving some of the special features on those properties. So, it's just another tool to provide some flexibility to see if there are different housing types that can be made available and preserving some of those special features. Additional highlights of the plan include um uh providing for design standards. Um this is a subsequent um project to the master plan. um strengthening placemaking and community identity um and gateways and streetscapes master plan continuing to implement uh the recommendations of that. The transportation master plan and the pathways plan informed the recommendations and action items regarding connectivity and safety. the preservation of natural features um focused on the natural features inventory and continuing to preserve open spaces and historic preservations was something that wasn't specifically included in the 2018 plan. Um but it's brought back in a way um that helps reinforce the character of the city and

the culture and the history of the city and be able to continue preserving that for future generations. And that's the the wrap up uh for the presentation. Uh next steps, city council considering the adoption of the master plan. And then just a note that we're not finished because now we can start implementing the master plan. So with that, I'd be happy to answer any questions that you have. Thank you. Thank you very much. Um we do have some council uh member comments this evening. We'll start with um see Mrs. Newower.

Thank you, President Deal. Um this has been a very very long process with a lot of steps you mentioned. Um you worked very hard in making sure the community was engaged in this reaching out to the homeowners associations all the things that you um guys did. The planning department Sarah and Chris Miss Roiger and Mr. Mloud are amazing. Um, you know, the original plan that was pre presented to us was much different than this, but um, you know, the mayor has said this before, when it's not broken, don't try to fix it. Rochester Hills is an amazing place to work and live and keeping it as traditional as possible um, was the feedback we received on working in this. And I think it's um, pretty laid out that way in the master plan. So, thank you for working so hard, making the changes. um going through all of the meetings and lots of the feedback that was received. So, that was a lot of work and um you guys did a good job bringing it this far. And also the way that you presented it, the uh I think you said, "Weren't you guys going to submit it for some awards and recognition?" Um

we plan to. Yeah. I think that you know even the integrative things that you guys have done you you represented us well with um the hard work that you guys put into this. So thank you so much. Thank you to the planning commission and the commissioners there um my co-commissioners that worked tirely on this tirelessly on this. So um it was a very very long road lots and lots of hours but it it's reflected in this plan. So thank you so much. Thank you. And I'd like to move the resolution in the packet. Very good. Motion by Mrs. Dubar, seconded by Mrs. Morland. Uh, next up, uh, Mrs. Monolie.

Thank you, President Deal. So, I get to ask you one more time. Can I please have my questions that I, um, submitted in advance added to the record for tonight. So, thank you very much for that. Um, and I want to thank Miss Roiger for

pages and pages of answers back to my pages of questions. So, Miss Mr. McCloud, too, thank you very much for that. I love the blue font so I can figure out what's new information in here. So, thank you very much. Um, so I do have um a couple of follow-up questions there. I had noted there were some links that there and pictures are that will be updated on the live document online. Right. I said part of the what was presented here is a lot of the PDF but the website is very interactive and so once it's all finalized and the resolutions then we'll do the final PDF and links and all the things will

will work because I am the person that downloads the PDF and I and I printed printed pages from it and and so that's where the comment where these column headings are missing on subsequent pages. I had to keep going back and forth to figure out that either I get that. Yes. So, thank you very much for doing that. I will I now have it bookmarked on my computer so I can go back to it. Um, so thank you for that.

Um, and I know tonight we're approving the plan, but it is your now we get to implement the plan. And so that's where the answers to my question on what do we need to the ordinances that need to change and there's um requirements for developments to implement the improvements and design elements within the street the city's streetscape master plan update the architectural design guidelines which you said we're going to now go for an RFP to go and have that done uh change the architectural guidelines for the city's historic districts allow some residential units to be attached when directly abudding a major thoroughare when the density is not increased. Um create the minimum residential unit sizes within the FB overall district. Update the site planning standards and conditional use standards and then refine ordinances guiding commercial res renovation, rehabilitation and redevelopment. That was one of my comments was on the heck I know I'm not giving you any loans or incentives if the state I see Mr. Wright is still here. the state wants to make it available and I have to leave those words in here so that a business can take advantage of them. But um that that is something I I'm not a big fan of tax incentives. Um I'd rather see them for the senior citizens who need to maintain their homes than and be able to age in place than to give it to a business to come into our community. Um so again, thank you for all the work. Um, it was interesting to go through and read everything. I I do admit I got to like page 80 90 somewhere and then I skipped over a lot of the neighborhood things. Um, and then went to the implementation plan. Uh, so I'll be interested to see when that the execution of the master plan will start and what our next steps will be on that. So, thank you very much for all the work that's been done to

make this happen. And for the residents, if you're wondering, it is on our website. Please take a look at the master plan because these are the things that will be guiding a lot of the decisions or a lot of the work for council over the next couple of years. So again, thank you for all of this. Thank you. Very good. I don't see any further discussion or public comment on this item. We have a motion by Mrs. Newar, seconded by Mrs. Morm. Uh now therefore be it resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby adopts the ma this master plan for the city along with the texts, maps, charts, graphs, and other descriptive materials contained in the plan. All those in favor say I. I. Are there anyone opposed? Hearing none. That passes unanimously.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

Let's see. And that brings us to public comment for items not on the agenda. This is an opportunity for any member of the public to make uh public comment on any item that is not on the agenda. I don't have any blue public comment cards. I don't see anybody looking like they want to jump up to the podium or come on up. So, I'm going to go ahead and close public comment uh for items not on the agenda. And that moves us on to the consent agenda. Uh 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'll be removed for from the consent agenda for separate discussion. I've not been made aware of any requests to modify or alter the consent agenda. We have a motion by Vice President Carlock, seconded by Mrs. Morlin, to approve the consent agenda. All those in favor of approval of the consent agenda say I.

I.

Are there anybody opposed? Hearing none. The consent agenda is approved. And that moves us on to legislative and administrative comments. Um, so I do have I hate to belabor the meeting, but it is my last one, so I'm I'm allowed to do that. Um, I do have some uh legislative and administrative comments this evening. Tonight, as everybody knows, this is my last uh meeting on and city council and uh it has been a distinct uh privilege and joy to serve the city that I've loved so much. When my wife and I moved here, oh my gosh, now it was over 23 years ago, 24 years ago, uh you know, we were looking for a place to start our family. And um Rochester Hills checked every single one of those boxes. And uh more so than checking uh boxes, it became home to us. Um, we I brought my kids home, but twins home from the from the uh from the hospital to our home here in Rochester Hills. We didn't expect to expand our family by double in one day. But when we did, we realized that that home was uh became a little bit cramped for us and we moved we moved less than a mile away within the city, not even outside of our council district um just to to a bigger home. And you know, we always enjoy we always enjoy our time here. And you know, there are two reasons that typically that two categories of reasons that people will run for city council. Either number one, they want to be a change agent or two, they want to be a part of something that's already amazing. I I was the latter. Um I was always a fan of the things that we were doing here and uh just wanted to really be a part of it.

um with every city council member here knows, everybody on this dis knows that it's not just you that gets elected when you do this. It's your entire family. And I really have to thank and acknowledge my family for the last eight years and everything that they've put up with all the meetings, all the the you know the not just the council meetings, but the committee meetings and all the public engagements. And Jack, you've attended more than your fair share of ribbon cutings. Um he can probably recite a ribbon cutting um better than anybody. He knows Councilman Walker's routine at a ribbon cutting pretty well. Um but you know, they've also they when they to give you some concept of what how long they've been at this, they were in the third grade. Jack is now almost as tall as me. He's about ready to in He's a junior in high school and he's been at this since the third grade. He's gone He and his brother have stood out at polls. They've gone doortodoor for myself, Councilman Walker, Mayor Barnett, uh, yep, David Blair, um, you guys didn't have elections, so they didn't have to go door to door for the for you guys, but they've been they've they've done it all, and they've done it in all all weather, and they've done it more or less with a smile on their face. Uh Jack is Jack is is here tonight straight off of his he Jack's goal in life is to be a doctor. Uh and he's well on his way. He play he's fresh off of his victory at the health occupation students of America competition uh coming in first place uh in the region. Um [applause] Brennan uh Brennan, you know, who really is is doesn't really like the the

limelight, you know, didn't want to be here so bad he decided to uh he decided to give himself a pneumothorax and uh had a had basically collapsed lung had lung surgery. So that's where he is tonight. But he's he's a fantastic kid. Um he is he is well on his way. He's an accomplished guitar, bass, violin, and piano player. Um, and uh, you know, he's been there with me uh, every step of the way. He's a he's a great kid, and he's academically talented, and I I hope that I have, as my kids have grown up, served as an example of what a public servant should look like and what public service should look like. to my wife Melinda. She is the absolute love of my life. We were two young kids when we met at Michigan State University. We were teenagers. Uh I met her in the nerdy absolute nerdiest way possible. I saw her in class at MSU. She every day had a habit of going to the drinking fountain outside of our classroom. Every day she would go to the drinking fountain. She would flip her hair. and I was completely uh entranced ever since. And she's we we've been inseparable ever since. And she is not only, you know, my partner in life, she is my absolute best friend. And now has the distinction of being the lone elected official in the household. She's still the library board vice president, so she's still elected. Um, to everyone here at the all the employees here at the city of Rochester Hills, you all are absolutely phenomenal. And for the new council members here, you're going to go through

this orientation and you're going to meet all the the department heads if you haven't already, and you will immediately be taken aback by the the level of talent that is assembled in this city. And when you when you you think back and you wonder, you know, what is it that makes this city so great? You know, these people who work every day at the top of their field to, you know, are just incredible and the longevity everybody's here. Not only that, but everybody here seems to really enjoy coming into work here. They they all every you you walk in, they all have smiles on their faces. They're all friendly. in addition to being, you know, such consumate professionals. And I count so many of you, you know, as as friends. Um, you know, I've gotten to know all of you. Sarah Roiger, Chief Gary, Pam, if she's not here. I didn't get a chance to I did I want I've always wanted to get a Pam roast, but I didn't get roasted by Pam tonight. Um, she usually reserves that for the mayor at his uh mayor's business council meetings. uh Joe Snyder, you know, the best CFO. We have a a wall full of plaques over there with all of the the the awards for, you know, our budgeting. Lori Taylor and Karen Somerville and over in assessing Ken, you know, absolute absolute best uh with parks. And boy oh boy, have we punished that guy. Um because we have just kept him so busy since I've been on this council. Uh Relle Lion over in MIS. Uh Chris Chris is Chris still here. I don't know if Chris is still here, but Chris Mloud over in uh uh and uh Brooke I got Brooke is that's an interesting one because when she was when she hired in she was I think we we saw you at at the Hills restaurant when when she was meeting with the mayor when she first hired into the city. So that was how we were introduced to her. Mike Fenko, awesome guy. We stole him from Sterling Heights.

So, um, and then my lone and only hire here in the city, Clerk Scott, and you know, we we we we opened it up wide, but I can say it now because I'm on my way out the door, but there was never a doubt who we were going to hire for that position. Um, you know, and and wow, I we we must do a good job at hiring clerks because, you know, we get we ended up getting the the clerk of the year for the entire state of Michigan along with that package. What a what a phenomenal hire. And she and I have just become really she is I bounce ideas off of her. She has all of this institutional knowledge about the city. She's worked in various departments, not just the clerk's office. and she could she'll tell me, "Oh, this is how we've done it in the past," you know, and which really and truly it helps uh to make these decisions. And so really and truly, I appreciate all the years that you know, and I'm so glad we made you the clerk. Um and uh to Mayor Barnett, you know, yeah, at this point, you're not just my mayor, you're also my friend. I mean, one of the great things, you know, he's re just like Councilman Walker said earlier in the evening, uh, you know, Mayor Barnett is one of those that is again at the top of his game. He wakes up, he goes to sleep thinking about how am I going to do this better? How how can I improve on this? And and and and goes and wakes up thinking the exact same thing. And you know he there's a reason that his peers across the nation you know elected him to be the the America's mayor. Um, you know, to be fair, you would not when you look

at the people who make up the past, you know, US Conference of Mayors presidents, you know, you what like Pete Buddhajudge is, wasn't he one of the one of the past ones? And then you've got you've got all these like big city mayors and then right in there is Mayor Brian Barnett. Just because because in a room of all of these names that you've heard nationwide, he still stands out. And there is a reason and one of the things and I and again this kind of goes towards the new incoming members, anybody that's coming in is that one of the things when you're sitting up here in the legislative body, what it relies on is is that you're the you're you're sitting up here and you pass these resolutions, but it's the executive team and the you know his staff that carry it out. And so it requires this trust and I have developed an immense trust in you know Mayor Barnett and his team and what they can accomplish. When he first came to us with the idea for Innovation Hills they showed us kind of his dream board so to speak of what what he wanted to see. And then was you know we followed the development and we approved it. And when I went out there and saw it, it literally blew my blew me away in terms of how much better this was than my imagination could even could even envision that he and when you develop that level of trust where you know he comes up with an idea and you trust that that idea will be carried out you know in an in an amazing an amazing and innovative way. There's really nothing you can't do because, you know, you're, you know, without you, when you have good people, you you let them do what

they do best. And so, you know, I've really appreciated my time here. I've appreciated working with you, getting to know you. You are you're you're you're my mayor as long as you'll have us. Um, and uh, and I really think I really really uh, appreciate our time together. And once again to my fellow council members, as I said earlier tonight, you guys are all the most some of the most amazing people. And the fact that you all devote your time and talent and what you do and everybody up here comes from a different with the exception of Marvy and myself. Everybody up here comes from kind of a different, you know, area of expertise. And you all bring that different perspective and you bring it for the benefit of the city. And you know and for that I I am immensely proud of the people that I have had the pleasure to serve with. You are all phenomenal phenomenal people. Um and you know I we've been through a lot of ups and downs on this council. We had great high great successes. We did the Auburn Road Corridor and then we got hit with a pandemic and then we did and then in the midst of all that built Innovation Hills and then there was this then there was a incident at the the incident at the splash pad. But through it all we got through it. We persevered and we and we and I think that we came out of all of that better than when we went in. Um, and I I thought long and hard over the eight years of all the votes that I cast while I was sitting up here and it's got to be like, you know, it's got to be over a thousand by now. Um, all the votes that I cast and at the end of the day, I could only

come up with one and that was that that that stood out among all of them. And it was when when I uh voted to appoint um Councilman Walker to this to this board. You have done a phenomenal you what you have added to this to this committee uh and and serving as vice president for all those years has truly been phenomenal. You literally as a real estate agent, you've had the opportunity to be in every one of these homes and you've you've known intimately every detail and was was there with us every step of the way. So, I do definitely appreciate that and it's one of the most impactful votes that I've made. But again, I treasure my time serving with each and every one of you. You all are phenomenal people. I will miss you all, but I will continue to be your friend. Um, and you know, you can call on me anytime for anything that you need. And that's all I have for this evening. Uh, next up, uh, Clerk Scott.

Thank you, President Deal. I promise to make this quick [clears throat] or as quick as I can. Um, just to your comment though about my institutional knowledge. That was a nice way of saying I've worked here a long time and I'm getting really old. So, I appreciate that. Okay. So, I know it's been a week and for most of us, we forgot the election's behind us. But I want to congratulate the three council members elect two are in the audience. And I want to publicly Kristen, can you show my screen? I want to publicly and personally thank the small army of people who made our recent election possible. Most especially my awesome team in the clerk's office. It's easy to take for granted the immense effort that goes into ensuring a smooth, secure, and successful election day. The truth is, it's a massive undertaking that simply could not happen without the dedicated partnership of an entire community. So, I want to extend a profound thank you to all the residents, and we have hundreds and hundreds that work as election inspectors for us, the staff that's listed up on the board, as well as the council members that helped assist in this most recent election. We often say it, but it bears repeating. We simply could not run a secure, transparent and successful election without all of you. The commitment it takes, the long hours, the detailed training, the dedication to the process is extraordinary. So to every election worker who served your neighbors at the polls and to every staff member who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, we see the effort. We appreciate your commitment and we thank you for your invaluable service to our community. Thank you, President Deal. Thank you very much. Next up, Mrs. Mongoli.

Thank you, President Deal. So, my countdown is is getting smaller as to how many times I have to say that tonight. Not. Yeah. Very time's ticking.

Yeah. And I do want to echo the words of Clerk Scott to the thanks to the clerk and her team here in the building who ran a flawless camp election um for all the work that you did. Um, it's just amazing what you go through. And my boss at work also worked at a another city and when she told me what they do versus what we do, I was like, "Oh, I'm sorry, Donna. You need to come over here and see what Rochester Hills does because your community is not doing it as well." So, we do a phenomenal job. You do a phenomenal job here. Thank you very much for you and your staff. um and for all of those that you've mentioned. Thank you.

Very good. Mayor Barnett, do you have any words for us this evening?

Yes. Thank you. Uh first of all, I have uh lip kisses for you, Carol, and David for the kind comments that you made. I'll give those after. Um thank you to the audience who's must feel like they've come to our family reunion uh sitting through through this. Appreciate the patience. This only happens once every four years, sometimes eight. So, thank you for being patient. Um, just a couple uh quick things. And of course, to the new council members that are in the crowd, don't mess this up. We got a really good thing going here. Um, a couple quick comments. If you could share my screen, I'll be exceptionally quick. Um, the uh the city, as I mentioned earlier in our initial comments, has been really fortunate to uh win a lot of awards. We won two more since we last met. Uh why a uh house beautiful make maiden best the fourth best place to live in the United States according to uh the data that they had looked at over 800 communities. Um you see that's above we're getting too much too many awards to recognize in one page and then shortly there after that uh we were recognized um uh by relander.com as being one of the 15 best small cities. I love this because uh this came to me from the mayor of Troy who sent this and said # you've got to be kidding me. Uh because this is the second time we beat them nationally by one. Uh also glad to note that uh I'm not the mayor and you probably are glad you're not the council members of Fluggerville, Texas, wherever that is. Uh but again, nice recognitions. We don't they don't drive us uh uh internally, but there are nice when we're recognized by peers nationally. And this year we I think this is our sixth national award we've won, which is pretty incredible. Uh just a couple quick notes. Uh the Hills Herald landed. Lots of great information in there. Uh hopefully everyone has a copy. We also have it online. The podcast recognizing Patty Jocks from uh Gifts for All God's Children uh dropped last week. So we encourage people to check that out. It's fantastic. As Leanne mentioned, here's the data behind her tremendous work. We're always a little disappointed when voter turnout isn't higher. Uh in the

presidential election last year, we had I think 76 or 77%. uh a quarter of the folks came out this year and of course you can see down at the bottom. Especially disappointing was the amount of people that came out for early voting uh since we probably it probably cost us $300 a vote to uh to run that. But obviously this is a state function. Leanne and her team do a great job. Uh this is no reflection of them, but rather a reflection and encouragement to our uh community to take every election seriously and hopefully get out and vote. Uh we had a nice recognition last week of the new president of Rochester Christian University, Dr. Reggie Wankia, uh who was sworn in and was able to participate in that uh uh function. Uh this is always a fun one for us. We painted the plows this past weekend. Uh this is a great opportunity for our local community. Most of our elementary and middle and high schools come in to our DPS garage. Tracy and her team do a wonderful job connecting. Uh how else would you get uh 75 uh middle school and high school students into a DPS garage except to give them the canvas of our plows. Uh and then we take these plows and try to put them around the neighborhoods and schools that these are representative of. So really really great program that many cu uh communities have modeled after ours. We've been doing this for probably a decade now, but uh take a look. Uh we hope they're not out too soon. Um but uh when the plows come out, they'll be decorated by our very own Rochester Community School students, and we appreciate that. Uh much was mentioned about this. I know a couple council members were there. This is the a picture of the Rise Cup uh championship. I know council members uh Newower and and Mongioli were there. Uh I'm going to have Pam and Sarah and team come give a update on this uh maybe in a month or so. This was wildly successful. Um, and uh, the part that I think is most interesting outside of all the competition and the excitement that was generated throughout this uh, in the past uh, month or so was that we were able to raise over 10,000 pounds of food. I think this number is actually low. I think it's like 12,000 pounds that we were able to raise for neighborhood house. And if you're

following the national discussion about SNAP benefits and and food scarcity and so forth, uh, the neighborhood houses demand for services has never been higher. and our business community stepped up and and uh led by uh the uh genius idea of this rise program uh rise cup to uh uh to to really meet a local need. Um so that's really exciting in continuence and furtherance of meeting that uh need. It was an idea of several council members some sneezing uh that uh we should uh challenge our neighboring community uh for a food drive. You passed the sleigh uh of food drive the food drive collection area on the way in. Um, we are working with the city of Rochester, both our city and their city, our drop off locations. Again, uh, this is only a competition in the sense that we want to raise as much food uh, poundage as we can so that we can help those in our community in need. Please drop off any of your donations by the end of this month and we'll make sure everything gets to the neighborhood house. Tomorrow is Veterans Day. Um, we've got a series of events that I'll be at almost every hour on the hour, but but the one that is probably most central to our community is tomorrow at 11:00 uh on the 11th. Um, and this of course is at Veterans Memorial Point um where we'll take the time that we do every year to honor our veterans and uh hope that you will take some time specifically tomorrow, hopefully every day, but uh tomorrow specifically uh to recognize those folks that uh have uh obviously chosen uh their community and this country before themselves. We appreciate them sincerely. And following before we meet again, next Friday is Light the Village. Kind of the big kickoff of the of the uh community's over-the-top celebration of the holiday season. You've got this followed by LAP followed by the lighting of the trees at Innovation Hills followed by the lighting of the trees at Metobrook Hall followed by uh about two billion and that's a slight estimate holiday events between now and the end of the year. So we just encourage our folks to get out and enjoy some of the incredible things happening. And speaking of getting out,

uh last Friday we had the a very kind of fun call out for the recognition of uh Rich Welch who uh Rick Welch who retired. Uh they do a special call out. His last call drives a truck out of the station. Uh he retired after 29 years of service and uh certainly want to recognize uh Rich and his family uh on the next chapter uh and thank them for thank him for his service. President Deal.

Very good. Thank you very much. Mayor. Uh, next up, Attorney's Report 2025-0473. Request to consider a proposed consent judgment uh resolving litigation concerning three contiguous parcels located uh west of Rochester Road and south of Cloverport Avenue. Thank you, President.

Yes. Thank you, President Deal. Uh before you this evening is a proposed consent judgment. I I believe most of council is familiar with this matter. It involves uh three contiguous parcels of property that are located at the southwest corner of Cloverport and Rochester Road. Uh back in 2022, these parcels were zoned uh industrial property. Uh the master plan at that time had recommended uh that they be reszoned. Uh after consideration by the planning commission, uh a recommendation was made to reszone those properties. It came to council. properties were reszoned u to uh flex uh residential and the uh just prior to in 2022 uh the uh property was sold and the new owners uh were aware that it was industrial at that time. During the context of the consideration uh of resoning uh those property owners uh were aware that the resoning was coming. After the resoning occurred uh they commenced litigation. There has been uh litigation with respect to a alleged taking of the property and alleging substantive due process violations uh by the resoning. uh the city has undergone uh extensive uh uh preparation with respect to uh preparing that case for trial. Uh there's also been negotiation with council and uh before you this evening is a proposed consent judgment which would resolve the litigation uh in a manner that uh legal counsel uh trial council and myself are recommending that this council consider uh the specifics

of the actual consent judgment uh design and uh layout. uh Sarah is here who can provide some of the context of the of of the plan.

Thank you very much. And for one last time, good evening, President Deal, Carlac, members of council, Mayor Barnett. Uh yes, so we have um over the course of the good better part of a year um reviewed um this site and potential options of of what could happen there. As um Mr. Chris indicated um this property uh we we were um involved in litigation and just to refresh your memory here we're talking about just over four acres of pretty heavily wooded steep sloped land um that is accessed only off of Cloverport and is a budding um city-owned green space. Uh as indicated the the slope of the property does drop as you go to the southwest corner of the property making it a little bit um challenging. um along with its natural features which are part of the concerns um the city has in its development. Um as uh Mr. Christrist indicated you know it was historically zoned industrial um with a portion of flex business and was initiated for uh single family from council um because of the surrounding uses and because of the challenges with access to um the site. The original plan for the property from the the current property owners was for um industrial uh self- storage. So this was um what their vision was uh for the property when they initially purchased it. Um and through discussions um and negotiations back and forth um over the past year, we have got to an agreed um consent judgment plan which results in 11 single family homes to be built on this property. Um the plan by and large meets all of our city ordinances with a couple of exceptions. Um but the exceptions are all in keeping with the consistency of the character of

Cloverport Avenue as it exists today. Um the first of which it'll allow for two homes to front onto Cloverport um with a 75 foot width where currently current ordinance requires an 80 foot width. Uh but the width of houses and lots on um Cloverport and this whole little area um varies from 50 feet up to over a 100 feet and so it is within range of a lot of the existing uh home lots in the area. It does uh weigh requirement for sidewalks um and allows for reduction in the road rightway from 60 ft to 50 ft and that was done for two reasons. uh one to be consistent with what is currently out there in the character of the Cloverport um properties and also to maximize um tree preservation. Um as indicated, you know, the site is very heavily wooded and we wanted to maintain um that as much as possible and so um the proposed plan will still need to meet our 40% tree preservation requirements. Um, and so allowing for that reduction in in road right ofway and not requiring a sidewalk um goes uh a little bit um farther than you would think in in maintaining some of those uh natural spaces for trees particularly along the southern property line. So um this is the proposed consent judgment that has been proposed and already signed and offered by the property owner and I'm happy to answer any additional questions that you may have.

Very good. Thank you very much. Yes. Legal questions will go to Mr. Chris. We do have uh one member of the public wishing to comment on this item and it is Mrs. Nancy Riley.

My name is Nancy Riley and I live at 69 Cloverport. I just want to clarify we're here to review it, not to approve it. Is that true? We can't communicate with you. You, this is your opportunity to make comment.

Um, my other question is how do we, the neighbors on Clover report, get a copy of this consent judgement so we can review it? This is the first we've known about it. We all just received letters in the mail today. I got this at 6:30 when I got home. So, we've not had a chance to discuss any of this with you. Um, so we're asking for a copy of the consent judgment before anything is agreed upon.

Thank you very much. Any other public comment on this item? All right, seeing none, we'll we'll close public comment. And um, Mrs. Riley, I'll try to address some of the questions that you that you just asked. Um, so I think number one, um, this would be a tonight. What's before us on the agenda is to approve a consent a consent judgment which would resolve litigation between the between the city of Rochester Hills and the and the property owner. Um so tonight would be the night that we would take action on this item. Now to answer to answer the second question. The se the the second question is you know cuz that you were you guys were were not the public was notified tonight or at least I think we mailed per our policy uh uh copies of the agenda. Um that is because this is as Miss Roger pointed out and as and as Mr. Chris pointed out this is the result of litigate ongoing litigation. So in in other words, and I'll give you a little bit of a longer history just to just to kind of assist. So the parcel and m Miss Roger, if you could jump back, I think one slide. Uh yeah, there you go. So uh this property, this this piece of property was originally zoned as uh industrial property. Um, a few years ago when we were looking at the flex business overlay, um, it was noted that, uh, that property was completely landlocked. It was surrounded on all sides by different uses. You've got, uh, residential use to the south, you've got, um, residential to the north, and you've got some businesses that front Rochester Road. There were no uses that that property could have being land being being landlocked um as an industrial parcel because there was no way that you could

access it. The property that you see where the access would would be was zoned, I believe, if I'm not mistaken, R4 residential. So when when this came up in in planning and I looked at it, I I personally became concerned that this property we could be having a lawsuit, you know, because it could be constitute a taking if you gave if you zone something that didn't have any use. So, as part of that flex business overlay, and unbeknownst to me, there was a property owner who was intending to build some kind of self- storage on the property, but um the the we I decided looking at it, I thought we we sent it to planning and planning looked at it a few times and it really seemed to be that the best use for the property was as residential property because it's near residential property on nearly nearly all sides with the exception of the businesses that front, you know, Rochester Road, which is kind of unique. Didn't really seem to fit to be zoned industrial. And I didn't also didn't think that it would be a good idea to have an industrial entryway into a neighborhood subdivision, so we zoned it as R4. Um, I'm going to guess that the property owner probably didn't like that too much and decided to file a lawsuit against the city. And this was the resolution of that of that this is the resolution of that lawsuit. And what you'll see and Mr. Roger if you could go ahead one slide you'll see that really what the what the city that it this so this property was zoned R4 meaning that residential housing units could be in installed there. And what we wanted to do was to resolve I felt very strongly about our chances with the lawsuit. And so the what we wanted to do was to uh come up

with something that really wasn't giving up anything. And so right current ordinances require a require a uh a sidewalk be put in anytime you put in a new development, but there are no sidewalks in the Cloverport area. So we didn't think we were giving up anything by not having a sidewalk. The other waiver was a a 10-foot reduction in the road right ofway, which by the way is very contiguous or sorry, it's very consistent with what is already exists. The other two the other thing that we granted was the five- foot lot variances for two lots on Cloverport. When Cloverport was developed, you didn't have the same kind of width variances that we have today. So the width variance that we're giving really is more more consistent with the houses that are already on Cloverport. In fact, the two houses that they're putting on Cloverport are actually sitting on I believe three lots if I'm not mistaken. Three lots. So ordinarily they you know in originally they intended to build three houses where now you know they will be building two and that even requires a variance under our ordinance. So, those are really the three main uh I would guess concessions that the city gave into to the law to the lawsuit out above and beyond what the property owner could have built just without coming to us at all. Could have just built as of right if I'm not mistaken. I think and Sarah's nodding her head that I got my facts right there. So, I hope that helps to answer your questions. But yes, tonight is the night that we will be voting on it. The reason that this cannot and could not be disclosed earlier is because when you're resolving a lawsuit, you cannot make that public. That has to be done. So, the only thing that can be done when you're resolving a lawsuit is the final vote, which is is is here tonight. And the timing of that

while I understand it is is a little crunched but it's really the realities of litigation and how litigation works and that these things have to get wrapped up within a certain period of time otherwise you're going to trial and you have to prep your team has to prep for trial and that can be very very expensive. So I've hope that we've answered those questions satisfactorily for you. Um Mr. Blair,

thank you President Deal. And I don't know if that's the last time I'm going to be able to say. We'll see. I don't the other items don't look like they're going to require much discussion, but um I did want to speak to uh the resident that uh voiced her concern. Uh I won't uh speak to the uh the content of our closed sessions meetings, but I do want to make it clear as I possibly can that this process is an outstanding example of just how much city staff and your elected officials go to bat and advocate for our residents. I promise you something is going to happen to this land. it was going to be a storage unit, which I don't think anybody would have wanted. If we went to trial, it very well could have been a storage unit. So, it was in the city's best interest to come up with a compromise. The first iteration of this compromise was significantly different. And through back and forth over months, we've come up with a solution that the developer agrees to which makes the best possible use of that land as harmoniously as possible to the surrounding community. So, I understand the concern, right? when there's a development in your backyard, you'd love for the trees to stay and for it to be untouched. But unfortunately, with private property and a developer who's motivated to see a return on their investment, that's just not possible. Something was going to happen to this land.

We understand we don't have a problem. We just want this cannot a be a back and forth. But um I will close my comment by saying that I'm very proud of the work that our planning commission, our attorneys and city council has done and the administration as well to uh to come to this which is why I'll be uh approving it, voting to approve it. Back to you, President Deal. I move it. Yeah. Motion by uh motion by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Mor. Thank you for that. Where was um

without further disc seeing no further discussion or public comment on this item, I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Resolve that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby approves the proposed consent judgment resolving litigation concerning three contiguous parcels located west of Rochester Road and south of Cloverport Avenue. All those in favor signify by saying I. I.

Are there any opposed? Hearing none, that passes unanimously. Moving on to nominations and appointments. Uh item number 2025-0471, request to confirm the mayor's reappoint of uh Warner Richard Brawn III, James Noachchman, and the appointment of Don Holmes to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for a three-year term to expire November 13, 2028. We have a motion by Mrs. Morland, seconded by Mr. Blair. Um I don't see any further discussion or public comment on this item, so I'll go ahead and read it into into the record. uh resolved that the Rochester Hills City Council hereby confirms the mayor's reappoints of uh Warner Rick Rick Braonn III, James Noachchman, and the appointment of Don Holmes to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for three-year term to expire November 13, 2028. All those in favor say I.

I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none. That motion passes unanimously. And that moves us on to new business. Item number 2025-0456, request for approval of interlocal agreement between the city of Rochester Hills and the city of Auburn Hills for construction of the Auburn Hills pathway segment at the border of the communities on South Adams Road. Miss Bailot,

good evening. Good evening, Council Deal, Vice President Carlock, City Council, and Mayor Barnett, who disappeared. Um, so we have three items here um in front of you this evening. The first one is the interlocal agreement between Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. Um, we are requesting your approval for the mayor to sign the interlocal agreement between Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills. This agreement will allow us to include a small portion of sidewalk that Auburn Hills is constructing near Forester and Old Adams um in the bid for Rochester Hills pathway projects um that we are constructing along Adams near Marketplace and Forester Boulevard. Um all costs related to the design, inspection, and construction of the pathway in Auburn Hills will be the sole responsibility of excuse me of Auburn Hills. Um, I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

Very good. We do have some questions. Mr. Blair, um, I move this motion or move this item, but uh, in as few words as possible, can you explain what an energy recovery device in a PRV vault actually does? Oh, that's in that's in the next one. That's the next one. Okay. The pressure reducing valve. That's a PRV. That's a different one. Okay. Yeah, that's the Yeah, it's the next one.

Moved and seconded by Mrs. Borland. Uh, I'll read the resolution. resolved that the city council authorizes the approval of the interlocal agreement between the city of Rochester Hills and the city of Auburn Hills for construction of the Auburn Hills pathway segment at the border of the communities on South Adams Road. It is resolved that the that Mayor Brian Barnett will be authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the city. All those in favor say I. I.

Are there any opposed hearing? None. That motion passes unanimously. And this moves us on to item number 2025-0461. Request for purchase authorization. Engineering blanket purchase order contract for preliminary engineering services for the study and design related to pressure reducing valves or PRB 678 improvement project in the amount not to exceed $136,900 Hubble Roth and Clark Inc. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Miss Palent.

All right. Thank you. Um so again we're requesting approval toward the contract to HRC for engineering services um for the improvements and system adjustments to our pressure reducing valves PRV 678. So I'll try to give a very quick brief explanation. Um throughout our water system we have about um 35 what we call PRVs pressure reducing valves and those control the pressure in the system. They're also connected to our SCADA system, so we can monitor what pressures are coming in and out. Um, due to the topography in Rochester Hills, um, it's really really fine-tuned over the years on how we control these valves, control the pressures into certain areas. This particular project we have been talking about for maybe eight years. Um and it's to make adjustments on these um three particular um PRVs um to kind of redistrict some of the um we have eight pressure districts within the system within the water system and this kind of makes adjustments to three of those to improve pressures to um it's kind of Avon to Tinken Brewster to I would say halfway between Brewster and Liveronoi and it would make improvements to the pressures to the residents in those areas.

Thank you. And I I apologize for jumping the gun. I should have been listening to what was being said instead of reading about this. Um so I noticed they're they're going to be looking into this um energy recovery turbine, which looks incredibly expensive, and I was curious if that's included in this um the uh estimate for the cost of the project, which I think was going to be if I scroll up here. Yeah. Um, no, no. The, uh, the actual project cost, it was 1.2 to 1.4 million. Does that include this energy recovery turbine? And what does that actually do?

It's it's just it's part of the valving system in the pressure reducing valves. Um, I guess maybe fancy term for a more efficient valve. Okay. In in in these three structures. So, if we decide not to do that, will it be the 1.2 million? And if we decide to get that piece of equipment, it's going to be 1.4. Yeah, I think through their study, because this is also like study and design, okay, we'll make the best determination of what that would be. Obviously, I want to make sure that we're getting the most value out of our investment, but at the same time, that's not an insignificant amount of money. So, if we're going to be doing that, I just want to know, you know, what it is. So, and and that's through the study and through the recommendation. That's what we'll come back with.

So, you'll be coming back obviously for the project. Very good. Uh move to approve. Motion by Mr. Blair, seconded by Mrs. Morland. Uh, seeing no further discussion or public comment on this item, resolved that the Rochester City Council hereby authorizes a contract blanket purchase order for the preliminary engineering services for the study and design related to pressure reducing valve 67 and 8 improvement project to Hubble Roth and Clark Inc. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in the amount not to exceed $136,900 and further authorizes the procurement manager to execute an agreement on behalf of the city. All those in favor say I. I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none. That motion passes unanimously.

And that moves us on to item number 2025-0468, request for purchase authorization fleet uh purchase authorization of one trackless municipal tractor MT7 and attachments in the amount of $217,696 uh to McQueen Equipment LLC, Bell Equipment, Lake Orian, Michigan. Thank you. Um the Department of Public Services is requesting your approval for the purchase of one trackless municipal tractor from Bell Equipment and Lake Orian. Uh this tractor is pretty unique. It's used year round for various t um tasks like mowing, sweeping, and snow removal. Um we it's really significant on the pathways. Um it's um you probably have seen them on the pathways, but we currently have three and this would actually be the fourth to the fleet. So this will really help us out in terms of getting the pathways cleared of snow in the winter time.

Yes. Wow. Yeah. Yeah. And then by 25% [laughter] perhaps motion by Vice President Carlock, seconded by Mrs. Morland. Um, seeing no further discussion on this item, resolved that the Rochester Hill City Council hereby authorizes the purchase of one trackless municipal tractor, MT7, and attachments to McQueen Equipment LLC, DBA, Bell Equipment, Lake Orian, Michigan, in the amount of $217,696. All those in favor say I. I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none, that motion passes unanimously. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. Uh, let's see. Next up is 2025-0470 request for purchase authorization. Mayor approval of 2026 city attorney services in the amount not to exceed $265,000 the Kelly Law Firm PC Silven Lake Michigan. All right. Well, thank you, President Deal, Vice President Carlock, City Council members, and Mayor Barnett. Uh presented before you tonight is uh for your approval is a blanket purchase order in the amount of $265,000 covering city attorney services for fiscal year 2026 to the Kelly firm PC. Uh well, Mr. Christ. Um we'll have he can comment here in a a few moments here, but uh he has served as our city attorney for the last several years and he has confirmed that there will be a $5 per hour increase proposed from next year from $150 per hour to $155 per hour starting next year. Now, um there was a little bit of conversation today. Uh per a legal opinion that was rendered by uh the city attorney in January of 2016, the city's charter defines that the city attorney is by appointment of the city council. Now, the city has historically exempted city attorney services from the competitive requirement of the purchasing ordinance based on the charter. with the charter handling specifically how the city attorney appointment is handled. It has been considered to be a professional service that is exempt from the city's typical competitive bidding requirements on just about everything else per our purchasing ordinance. So the city may choose to competitively bid out the attorney services. However, our um purchasing ordinance does not require us to do so. So ultimately it would be city council's determination to make that decision and direct administration if that is the path that city council chooses. Um but

the city council or the city attorney should be appointed by city council. Um with that I'm going to turn it over to Mr. Crest and he will provide some details on the um plan merger between um the Kelly firm PC.

Thank you Joe and thank you President Deal and councel. Uh this is an opportunity for uh my firm to uh have additional attorneys that specialize uh in municipal and governmental practice. It provides additional strength uh and and bench support with resp with respect to providing uh timely cost-effective counsel and representation to the city. Uh I am proposed to continue to be the principal attorney uh providing uh guidance to uh the city and staff uh as needed uh supplemented by by other uh attorneys who have particular expertise with respect to specific specific areas or subjects uh with respect to governmental practice. Happy to answer any questions.

Very good. Uh, we'll kick things off with Mrs. Monuli. Thank you very much, President Deal. This is the last one. I can say the last time. Why do you think I wanted to buzz in on this one last time to call you President Deal? Um, thank you very much, Mr. Chris, for the explanation. I was um glad to see that Mr. Stern is still listed as someone who'll be providing support. Uh, is he back to work at this point? Uh, he is not. Um he has an open invitation uh and he's just trying to uh I know decide his path.

It's been a very short time since the passing of his wife and we all send his condolences our condolences to him. Um he was an excellent representative for us and so I'm glad to see that he may still be considering um active involvement again. Uh I do have a question for Mr. Snider because uh the email that you sent me uh explained everything you said about competitive bids because I asked about that piece. Um so then I went and dug I actually found the charter today and was reading through it and it says clerk treasurer and city attorney is an appointment of city council. So I was wondering because then I asked um president Deal and vice president Carlock their engagement in the process and they had not been involved. So, I'm hoping that in future contract negotiations that the president of council will be involved in the process and that and not to say I don't want the mayor to be involved but it should be a council appointment not um and not done through some other process.

Sure. I think when you know originally well I think it was even uh going back to was it buyer howlet which was John Stein's previous firm I mean you're now you're going back even clerk Scott and I initially there was a solicitation process to select and then since then so really I it's been decades since we've gone out for legal services but if there where ever was the decision to move that way absolutely Absolutely. Council will be very much involved in that. I was just thinking it's a new name, so it's a new firm. So, understanding some of that process. Um, but still the same Mr. Christ.

Same. That's that's a good thing to the same Mr. Christ. I've known Mr. Chris for a long time, too. Not quite as long as I have known Mrs. Morland, but I've known him for a long time. So, um, so thank you. And I hope that in the future we'll have more council involvement in this process. And with that, I move the resolution in the packet. Uh motion by Mrs. Mullie, seconded by Mrs. Morland. Uh Mayor Bernett, President Deal,

now I'm the last one to say it. Um I I ju I I think just to to uh Council Member Manili's point, I I think that the nature of this was that this didn't feel like a new situation. If if Mr. Christ was retiring and we were going out to find a new attorney, certainly this would look very different. Council would be involved. This literally is like, you know, changing the sign on the door. So, with no substantive changes, we figured council was very fine with the legal coverage we've been getting. Uh, and uh, but but truthfully, if if something were to change and Mr. Chris were to retire, we obviously would have a full competitive bid process with council leading the charge.

Very good. We have a motion by Mrs. Munoli, seconded by Mrs. Morlin. uh resolved that the city council is requested to authorize approval of the 2026 attorney services with um oh yep right Hayley Staren and Chris PC Silven Lake Michigan under the new firm name of the Kelly Law Firm PC and further authorize a blanket purchase order for 2026 city attorney services to the Kelly Law Firm in the amount not to exceed $265,000. All those in favor say I. I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none, that motion passes unanimously. Thank you very much, city council.

And with that there being no further business in front of the before the Oh, I'm sorry. Nope. Mrs. Morland. Thank you, President Deal. For my very last time, I'd like to move for adjournment. Motion by Mrs. Morland to adjurnn. Seconded by Mrs. Mongioli. All those in favor of adjournment say I. I. Are there any opposed? Hearing none. We are adjourned. Thank you very much everybody. It's been a great ride.