[0:03] I'm going to call the meeting tonight to order February 9th, 2026. If you could

[0:08] all please stand for the invocation by Pastor

[0:13] Butler from the Wings of Deliverance Church.

[0:18] Amen. Praise the Lord. First of all, I want to say thank you.

[0:25] We thank you, Lord, for your goodness, your grace, and your mercy. We thank you

[0:30] for the things that you've already done. We bless your name for what we see going

[0:35] on in this city, the new buildings and whatever else um is trying to be done in

[0:41] this city. We ask you Lord God tonight to remember this city council that you

[0:46] would bless them to always keep your people in their minds and in their

[0:52] hearts to make the right choices to give the right votes for whatever is needed

[0:58] here. God, we ask that you would con help to conduct this meeting tonight uh

[1:04] in an orderly fashion that people that need to speak will be able to share and

[1:11] give clarity to whatever the needs are for this city. We look to you and God, I

[1:16] want to say thank you tonight for being able to see Councilwoman uh Duprey. I

[1:23] thank you for how you've touched her body and raised her back up. And I pray

[1:28] for every family that's represented here on the city council as well as those who

[1:33] are attending here tonight that if there is any sick among them, any problems,

[1:38] any situations that you will work those things out. Let everything be done

[1:43] decent and in order and pleasing in your sight. We pray. Amen.

[1:49] » Amen. >> Standing for the pledge of allegiance. I

[1:54] pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[2:00] republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[2:06] justice for all. >> Please be seated.

[2:10] » Lisa, does she have the remote for the >> Pardon me?

[2:15] » She had the remote for the TV. Turn the volume down.

[2:18] » Super Bowl sound effect. >> Yeah, it's the reverb.

[2:24] Okay. So, I'm going to go into um or no roll call first, please.

[2:29] » Certainly.

[2:32] » Council persons Bear >> here.

[2:34] » Dup pre >> here.

[2:36] » Nicholls >> here.

[2:37] » Ross Salceto >> here.

[2:40] » Zor >> here.

[2:41] » And Mayor Tobin >> here. Um I'm going to start with saying

[2:45] that um Councilwoman Ross isn't here tonight. She's with her husband who had

[2:49] a procedure today. So, if we could all keep her in our thoughts and prayers,

[2:52] her family. Um, and um, first off, I'm going to start if we could um, remember

[3:00] Charles Charlie Kaminsky and his family. Um, he lost his wife this past week,

[3:05] Pamela. They've been um, very involved in the community for many, many years.

[3:11] Um, so just keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. We also lost um,

[3:16] Rick Malusa. Um you can >> M busas.

[3:21] » Thank you. Um the former owner of Flappers. Um he's a very wonderful man,

[3:26] friend to all. Um everyone loved the establishment when he was an owner. Um

[3:33] so keep his family in his your thoughts and prayers. And also former sist

[3:44] » that you know I'm bad with names. um he has also passed away. So, we're asking

[3:48] you keep his family and friends in your prayers and thoughts. Also, um I want to

[3:54] address some things that happened last week um about our water bills. There was

[4:00] an article on channel 4 um that was a little overstated that um interviewed a

[4:09] residents about the water bill. Um, I just want to say that I I reached out

[4:16] and I gave a response to Channel 4 and the reporter completely ignored the

[4:22] response I gave. Um, everyone sitting up here, every council member, myself,

[4:28] department head, um, we all care greatly about what's happening with the water

[4:34] bills, with the water situations, and we are doing everything as digital

[4:38] diligently as possible and safely to move things forward and to get this

[4:44] corrected. Um, we wouldn't be sitting here if we did not care. Um, the news

[4:49] reporter interviewed a city resident. Um, I have all her water bills right

[4:54] here since 2021. Um, what she stated in her interview

[4:59] about her water bills being $300, $350 and that we are lying and we are ripping

[5:05] people off. Her water bills are consistently the same and she has never

[5:11] had a $300 or $350 water bill. We went through and looked at everything. Um, I

[5:18] called her and spoke with her. She's just very upset. She's um a nice enough

[5:24] lady. I've known the family for over 30 years. I don't know why she did what she

[5:29] did, but um she averages 11.2 units of water on every bill. Um from 2021,

[5:38] she's had a couple bigger bills, she's had a couple smaller bills, but every

[5:42] bill and her amount, her usage matches the cost of the water at the time the

[5:49] bill was sent out. So, there's nothing funny going on with our billing. We have

[5:54] some issues with our meters. Um, they are at their end of the at the

[6:00] end of their life. We are doing everything we can to

[6:04] correct that. If you are a resident and you get at a bill that is abnormal,

[6:10] we're asking you to please contact us. Contact our water department. We will

[6:16] send one of our DPS workers out to look at your meters. If it's an estimated

[6:22] bill, they will look at your meter and compare to what the estimate is. We will

[6:27] adjust your bill to match the usage on your meter. We are in the process of

[6:32] replacing every meter in the city. That's over 14,000 meters. With these

[6:39] meters, you will be able to have an app on your phone to download to check your

[6:45] water usage. If you get a leak in your house, it will detect the leak for you.

[6:51] You will be able to track everything. Um,

[6:56] some of the reasons the meters are not reading correctly right now. Um, they're

[7:00] at their end of their life. The batteries are going, we can't get

[7:04] replacement batteries. If we're lucky enough to get them, it can be 3 to 6

[7:08] months for us to get a battery to replace that meter or that battery, if

[7:12] we can even get it. If it's overcast, if it's raining, we can't get an actual

[7:19] read from your meter. So, you're going to get an estimate read. The estimate

[7:23] reads go back >> 2 years or more and average your bill

[7:29] for all those bills for those that period of time. So two years ago, you

[7:34] could have six people in your house and you're down to one right now. It doesn't

[7:38] matter. They're going to estimate all the people and all the water usage for

[7:43] that period of time and that's what your bill is going to read. So please, if

[7:48] that happens to you, come to us so we can investigate it. We want to help. We

[7:53] don't want anybody to have a bill or have to pay for more than what they are

[7:58] actually using. And we're very concerned about it. And that's why we are going

[8:02] and putting in all the new meters to try to rectify this situation. Um, this is

[8:08] something that can't be done overnight. We need your cooperations. We need your

[8:12] patience. Um, it's just a a an issue that we have to

[8:19] all deal with. So, I'm asking for you to understand what's happening and please

[8:24] come to us and work with us because we want to help. um accusing, complaining,

[8:31] um the inaccuracies and saying all this

[8:35] stuff on social media that is not going to help fix your water bill. What's

[8:41] going to help fix your water bill is coming to us and let us letting us

[8:46] investigate it. We have great people in our water department. Our DPS water

[8:52] staff are really good. They will come out. They will investigate it. You can

[8:58] get a print out of your water usage. It'll show where you when you're using

[9:03] your water, when you're not using your water. It'll show spikes. Um,

[9:07] everybody's says, "I don't have a leak." I'm going to tell you, I said the same

[9:12] thing and found a silent leak in my house that was corrected and my water

[9:17] usage went back to normal. Um, look forward to the new app, to the new

[9:24] water meters. We want to get this done quickly. So when you get the letter and

[9:29] they give you the dates that you can do it, please respond and work with them.

[9:34] We are replacing water manes. We are replacing water lines. We are redoing

[9:39] our pump stations and our basins. We put $35 million into the system last year to

[9:45] try to correct and lower our water loss. Tonight, hopefully this council will

[9:52] approve us hiring a water detection company to help us find this massive

[9:59] water loss we have. I am setting up waiting for the date of an appointment

[10:05] with Wayne County Executive in Gleewa to help us find the water loss. We are

[10:11] actually doing what everything we can. Lisa, the DPS department, we're all

[10:17] working to fix this problem. We are not pushing it under the lo rug. We are not

[10:23] not as concerned as you are. We want it fixed just as much as you do. So, please

[10:28] reach out to us. Don't complain about it and talk and act like we're we don't

[10:34] care. Come to us. Let us help, please. Um, so with that being said,

[10:43] we are also audited, highly audited on the financial end of

[10:49] everything in the city, especially with the water. The audits all come back

[10:53] good. There is no money missing. There is no money going someplace it shouldn't

[10:57] be. The accounts, like the water accounts, cannot be used for anything

[11:01] else in the city. So, when you're out there saying that we're ripping you off,

[11:07] there's no possible way we can be ripping you off. Everything is accounted

[11:10] for and the audits are are done and we pass all of them. So, please put a

[11:16] little trust and faith in this council and our department heads, our finance

[11:22] department, and know that we are working to correct this.

[11:26] The infrastructure is old, the water meters are old, everything is being done

[11:31] to get us back on track um as quickly, as safely, and as responsibly as we

[11:38] possibly can. So, with that being said, I'm going to move on. Um the next thing

[11:45] up is um we had a chocolate walk on Saturday. It [snorts] was 13° outside.

[11:51] It was very, very cold. We had 30 businesses that signed up to be in the

[11:55] chocolate walk. I'm going to name them because they did a wonderful job.

[12:00] There's a park restaurant, Shaw Callers, Labama Supermarket, Tazid Cafe, Lincoln

[12:07] Park Grill, Lincoln Park Historical Museum, MPC Financial, Lincoln Park

[12:12] Nutrition, Plaza Antiques, St. Michael's Church, Detroit Salsa Company, Mystery

[12:17] Escapes, Nina's Niche, Theresa's Jewelry Workshop, ANR Music, Macaffy's Bar and

[12:23] Grill, A-Sided, K&M Law, Celebrity Silver, Chesley's Bar, Caperee Chicken,

[12:30] First Baptist Church, Feed Right Pep Supply, Hair Saloon, Classic Barberh

[12:35] Shop, Exotic Smoke Shop, Furniture Land, Motor City Graphics, Leer Park Smokers,

[12:41] and Calers Dairy, and Lob Flowers. hours was not in the walk because they're not

[12:46] open on Saturday afternoons, but they were kind enough to bring a gift to

[12:50] enter into the raffle also. >> So, um 52 people came out, 42 people

[12:56] finished the walk. It was wonderful. They uh they got a lot of candy, let me

[13:01] tell you. It was really good. So, right now, we're going to start. We're going

[13:06] to pull the raffle. This right here is the adult raffle. This is the child's

[13:10] raffle. This right here is for the first person that finished the raft the walk.

[13:15] And this goes to Mike Corvath. He was the first one to finish the [applause]

[13:18] walk.

[13:23] » Here you go, sir. >> Yes. You're still in the raffle.

[13:27] [laughter] >> Yes. Your number one finishing.

[13:30] » Yes. SO, [applause]

[13:36] UM, Kerry here is going to pull the child's winner.

[13:41] » Shake it up good.

[13:46] Okay. And the winner of the child basket, which is worth over $400, is

[13:52] Kelseer Timuro.

[13:56] So, he is the winner. I will call him and let him know. And Lisa is going to

[14:02] pull our adult winner. All right. And the winner of our adult

[14:07] basket, which holds $980 in gift cards, >> um a 50-in TV, sweet diamond earrings, a

[14:17] silver bracelet with a heart, a 1944 precious moment cookie jar.

[14:22] » Wow. >> Some t-shirts, and a bunch of other

[14:24] things. So now, aren't you guys sad you didn't do the chocolate walk? [laughter]

[14:29] And our winner of the adult basket who is here tonight

[14:36] » is Joanne WHEAT [applause]

[14:42] EVERYBODY. We're thinking of doing another walk later in the year maybe

[14:46] around Halloween. So stay tuned and uh we'll see what we can do.

[14:51] » She's not here. >> I thought I saw her walk in.

[14:56] » She was behind me. >> No. No. I haven't seen her. I haven't

[14:59] seen her tonight. >> Okay. Well, we'll get her get it to her.

[15:02] Okay. >> Pop in though.

[15:03] » All right. [laughter] >> So, that was a lot of fun even though it

[15:07] was 13°. I give everybody credit. You're all winners in my book. Um, so next we

[15:13] have um save the date of May 2nd. We're going to be doing a new festival here in

[15:17] Lincoln Park. It's a take off of an old festival, Everything Everyone Lincoln

[15:21] Park Festival. We are going to be covering all the heritages in Lincoln

[15:25] Park. It should be a really great event. And now I would like to introduce Miss

[15:30] Clifford from the Wayne County Treasury Office, um, Compass Strategy. She's

[15:36] going to talk a little about our taxes and how to get help if you need it.

[15:40] Welcome. >> Welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks so

[15:43] much. Um, good evening everyone. Um, my name is Anita. I am the assistant deputy

[15:48] treasurer for forfeite and foreclosure for Wayne County. Um, serving at the

[15:52] pleasure of Mr. Eric Sabri. Um, fortunately we are 50 days away from the

[15:57] deadline for foreclosures. So if a person a taxpayer is not paid by March 3

[16:02] first on April 1st, technically their property is sent over to the county and

[16:06] foreclosed. Um, we are offering several payment plans as long as well as a

[16:13] distress owner occupant plan. um if a person um has paid up up until 2022 but

[16:20] need assistance for the 2023 taxes, they can enter into that um program if

[16:26] they're distressed occupant owner. Um we also have a program for um the reduced

[16:32] interest program for all the other home owners who are looking to stay in their

[16:36] property as well. Um we in addition to those programs we recently started our

[16:41] homes for generation program which is helping um heirs of property stay in the

[16:46] property and keep the family wealth continuing.

[16:50] Um and I have folders for all the council members as well. Um we have any

[16:55] questions?

[16:58] » Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you so Thank you so

[17:01] very much.

[17:08] Thank you very much. Oh, you broke all the pockets.

[17:14] [laughter] I need to glue them. Thank you.

[17:16] » I think that's the first time it's ever happened. I don't think

[17:19] » No, it's not. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate this so

[17:22] much. Thank you. >> Thank you, Anita.

[17:25] » Thank you very much.

[17:29] » Okay, so now we're going to move on. I'm going to do an appointment to the safety

[17:35] commission. A mayoral appointment to

[17:42] Okay. So, it's the public safety commission

[17:47] appointment. Is he here? >> Mhm.

[17:51] » Joseph, would you come up, please? >> I'll swear a minute after.

[17:55] » Okay. >> Just read that and then I'll swear a

[17:57] minute. >> I'm going to stand and read this cuz

[17:59] it's okay. Hi sir, how are you? >> Can I take one of those? [laughter]

[18:05] » We all want to take one of those. So, um, I hereby appoint Joseph Lorenzo. Say

[18:13] it right. Loreno. >> Loreno to the public safety commission

[18:16] for a term to expire 12:3031. >> Okay.

[18:21] » Okay. I'm going to go ahead and swear you in. So, if you raise your right

[18:23] hand, please. I, Joseph Loreno, do solemnly swear that I will support the

[18:27] Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state and that

[18:30] I will faithfully perform the duties of the office of public safety commissioner

[18:34] in and for the city of Lincoln Park according to the best of my abilities.

[18:37] So help me God. Thank you. You could just SIGN

[18:43] [applause]

[18:49] over [laughter] the stuff. >> Former firefighter Mor. Yes,

[18:57] you know

[19:00] » that's your dad. >> That's a big

[19:04] love. >> Yeah. He looks familiar sitting out

[19:08] there.

[19:16] » Is that one? >> Yeah. He's still putting that thing on.

[19:22] If I get dead out there and then it's dead. [laughter]

[19:26] » And that sounds just like him actually. All right. So now we're going to move on

[19:31] to the consent agenda. Resolved. A approved minutes regular

[19:36] meeting January 26, 2026. Approve accounts and claims payable. Attend

[19:41] training FD. The training. >> Why is that?

[19:45] » There's two trainings. Attend training FD renew local franchise agreement

[19:50] direct TV. >> So move

[19:53] » support. Cler call the roll. >> Council persons Duprey.

[19:57] » Yes. >> Salceto.

[19:58] » Yes. >> Bear.

[20:00] » Yes. >> Nicholls.

[20:01] » Yes. >> Zor.

[20:02] » Yes. >> And Mayor Tobin.

[20:03] » Yes. >> Thank you. [clears throat]

[20:05] » We're going to go to the action items. A. Approve deficit.

[20:11] » Uh thank you mayor. So we have two deficit elimination plans that we are

[20:16] required to file um in 2023 our information technology fund and from two

[20:22] 2024 our water and sewer fund. So because we did not bring in enough

[20:27] revenue to cover the expenses we entered into a deficit situation and we are

[20:32] required to file deficit elimination plans until the deficit from that year

[20:36] is fully eliminated. Um, based on projections, the information technology

[20:42] fund should come fully out of the deficit this current fiscal year and the

[20:46] water and sewer fund is a little bit further out. Um, a lot of variable

[20:51] factors there. We talked about the water and sewer fund a lot in relation to um,

[20:55] water billing as well, our water loss. Those are all things that contribute to

[21:00] the deficit in the fund. Um, so I am looking for approval on the information

[21:05] technology deficit elimination and the water and sewer. And I just did want to

[21:09] mention one other thing that these are just preliminary projections looking

[21:13] into the future. So of course there's so many things that can happen between now

[21:17] and even the end of the current fiscal year. So these are all projections based

[21:21] on our estimates of volume sales, volume purchases, and um, so it's it's all a

[21:28] moving target that we're shooting for. Resolve that the mayor and council

[21:32] approve the deficit elimination plan for the information technology fund as

[21:36] attached to the fiscal year ending 0630 2025

[21:41] » move support >> any discussion

[21:45] call the role >> council persons Nichols yes Ross

[21:49] » I'm sorry >> yes

[21:50] » dup pre >> yes

[21:52] » yes zor >> yes

[21:54] » and >> yes

[21:55] » sorry >> um next we'll go on to leak detect Nope.

[22:01] Wait a minute. There's another one. >> Sorry. It's two resolutions under one

[22:04] cover letter. >> Yeah.

[22:06] » You want me to read it? >> Resolve that the mayor and council

[22:09] approved the deficit elimination plan for the water and sewer fund as attached

[22:13] for the fiscal year ending 6:30 2025. >> Move

[22:20] discussion >> to the chair.

[22:23] » Okay. I I do have discussion on the water, but

[22:27] I was going to wait till the next item on the agenda.

[22:31] » Well, then you have to wait till we discuss we get there to discuss it.

[22:35] » Okay. It's they're all related, but that's okay. We'll we'll we'll get

[22:39] there. >> Okay. All right.

[22:41] » Thank you. >> Anyone else?

[22:43] » Clerk, call the role. >> Council persons Nichols, yes. Dupra,

[22:46] » yes. >> Bear,

[22:47] » yes. >> Salceto, yes. Zor,

[22:51] » I'm going to say no at this time. >> Okay. And Mayor Tobin.

[22:54] » Yes.

[22:58] » Okay. So, next we're going to the leak detection.

[23:03] » Hey, so tonight we are seeking approval for leak detection services through

[23:07] Alpha Penion Company. Um, as you know, we've been dealing with over 40% water

[23:13] loss for a few years now. Um, we do have an inside crew that has been looking for

[23:17] leaks within the system. We have found some, but we do feel that it's um, it

[23:23] would be very beneficial to the city to bring in an outside company that can

[23:27] work with us to look for larger leaks that we're not able to pick up with our

[23:30] equipment. Um, and an additional thing that this company will do is work with

[23:35] our current employees and do some additional training for them, work with

[23:39] them on ways that they can look for leaks going forward. Um, the Nashian

[23:44] company and I hope I'm saying that right. Um, is very well known in the

[23:49] industry. They've done a lot of work. They actually have done some work for us

[23:53] in the past as well, but they do work for Gleewa become highly recommended by

[23:57] them. Um, as you may recall, we've talked about the article regarding

[24:01] Romulus. They did their leak dete detection as well. So, this is just

[24:05] another piece of the puzzle that we're looking for um in relation to changing

[24:09] all the meters that's going to help our water loss, but this is um very

[24:13] important and crucial for the city. They are able to start in March um if council

[24:18] approves it and it'll take approximately 3 months and Eric from Venesian Company

[24:23] is here tonight to answer any questions that you may have as well.

[24:28] » Okay. Resolve that the mayor and council authorize Alfred Bach and company to

[24:34] perform leak detection services throughout the city for a cost not to

[24:38] exceed $119,500 from account 592-920-81800

[24:47] move >> support

[24:49] » discussion first of all m Eric can you please

[24:54] explain your process on what you're going to do for the city.

[25:03] » Please.

[25:10] » Uh, good evening everyone. Can you hear me?

[25:13] » Good evening. >> Um, my name is Eric Tucker and I'm with

[25:16] Alfred Benish and Company. And uh to councilman's uh uh question as to our

[25:22] approach and what we're going to be doing for the city, uh Benish has done

[25:27] water audits, leak detections for many almost all of the communities in at

[25:33] some point throughout southeast Michigan. Um the city we've noticed, we

[25:38] actually met with the uh the city uh officials here um you know uh um uh city

[25:44] manager Lisa Griggs as well as uh director uh Kosu and the city has taken

[25:51] some phenomenal steps towards shoring up both their apparent and real losses. So

[25:58] in our discussions I kind of uh was able to ascertain some things that would be

[26:02] helpful in the process and it sounds like with leak leak detection I mean

[26:06] with uh water losses on the order of 40 or even more uh percent water loss it's

[26:12] highly unlikely that these um this total loss is due just to the apparent losses

[26:19] or your cash res your your retail meters that you're collecting. So I do think

[26:24] that you do have a problem with physical loss in your system. Um I know that the

[26:30] city has made some strides in terms of procuring your own leak detection uh

[26:34] equipment which you know I you know that is uh to be commended. Um but what I've

[26:39] learned in this business and we've been doing it a really long time.

[26:44] Leak detection is is less of a science and more of an art. We've been doing it

[26:49] for over 25 years now. leak detection. So, our uh experienced uh leak detection

[26:56] specialists and technicians um they go through uh a varied approach. They know

[27:02] what to look for, you know, during the investigation. They do everything from

[27:07] checking the surroundings, getting visual cues for what is what is

[27:11] happening and then also understanding what the equipment is telling you and

[27:15] also what it's not telling you. It's more than just reading the acoustics and

[27:21] the vibrations and the time that it sends a signal through and forgive me if

[27:25] uh if some of this is but the council may be a little bit familiar.

[27:28] » I understand you you're okay. >> Yes. Okay. And so um

[27:32] » so what we what we do is we we have a way of converging uh on leaks through

[27:39] our process. So it's almost a process of elimination to find out and to make sure

[27:44] that we also make sure that there's repeatability in terms of the integrity

[27:48] of the sound the the signal to noise ratio in order to ensure that this is

[27:53] the spot. Uh dur in our in our uh uh marketing materials we often say that uh

[27:59] we can pretty much get you within uh within 10 ft. In actualities, we we tend

[28:05] to do a lot [laughter] a lot better than that. Uh so that it actually can

[28:10] minimize the amount of uh um uh restoration and replacement time uh for

[28:16] the city, especially if you have limited forces and you throughout your DPS

[28:20] department to have to uh make those repairs. Um, so what we want to do in is

[28:26] sort of to kind of piggyback off of uh what you guys have already started down

[28:31] the way and and and again I give kudos to having a a dedicated uh league

[28:37] detection crew in place, but it's going to take um uh some repetitions um uh to

[28:43] do that. We we'll show them techniques and strategies that we found that have

[28:48] worked for us and have proven a very high success rate. Uh and it's most most

[28:54] communities call us after they've exhausted a lot of other things because

[28:58] they know including the city of Detroit when and they have leak detection. We've

[29:03] also gone to other communities that have leak detection equipment and it's still

[29:07] sitting in the box because they realize that it's it's more than a notion to

[29:12] just buy it and then it and it and it uh does it. We help to find the blind leaks

[29:18] often times where uh leaks aren't surfacing uh or often times you know you

[29:24] complaints aren't coming in due to drops in pressure. finding those blind leaks

[29:29] are are are really helpful because sometimes there could be cat it could be

[29:33] pending catastrophic failure if they're you know if water is spewing out and

[29:38] it's eroding the surrounding soils underneath paved roads structures uh

[29:45] that can cause great collapse. We've saved our clients a great deal of money.

[29:52] Uh, usually our services are just a fraction of what it is that you guys are

[29:57] probably paying in loss loss water revenue when you purchase from GLWA, but

[30:04] aren't necessarily able to recoup that on the other end from the your uh your

[30:09] retail customers. So that delta it it sums up to to your water loss whether

[30:15] that's through mechanical failures within your existing water meters or in

[30:20] physical loss through your infrastructure and piping. Sometimes

[30:24] leaks they migrate and get right into the sewer system. They they go on for

[30:28] like that for years and no one will ever know. So uh I like that you guys are one

[30:35] getting new meters. the meters are able to have they have a detection system in

[30:40] place to be able because that's as the mayor uh mentioned toilets running and

[30:45] sometimes you don't even notice it and it just kind of goes silent for for a

[30:49] long time. This is uh no now that's actually you know that's not water loss

[30:53] cuz you're capturing in it but it's the same s same type of um theory but it

[30:59] when it happens in your distribution system you don't get a chance to

[31:02] recapture that uh that revenue. So, uh, I know that was a long long roundabout

[31:08] question answer, but hopefully that encompassed some of what you wanted.

[31:11] Councilman, >> basically though, you're just an

[31:13] acoustic. You only are doing this acoustically.

[31:18] Correct. >> That is correct.

[31:19] » You're You're not doing infrared. You're not

[31:21] » N. >> You're not doing sonar.

[31:24] » N >> just acoustic.

[31:25] » Yes. Yes. And >> same thing that our guys are doing,

[31:29] John. Correct. 35 hours a week. So uh even you know you and again you've

[31:36] done your homework on this uh the acoustic and the infrareds often times

[31:41] there's flyovers and things like that they can do create sort of like heat

[31:44] maps to kind of give uh some some lushness in terms of the density of

[31:48] where it is but at the end of the day even with those methodologies there's

[31:53] still the the process of correlation and pinpointing that is still

[31:58] » required and that is the component that We have developed some expertise

[32:05] uh in in that in that way and um and through triangulation and and again

[32:11] converging on uh on that in order to u shorten the spans where we're able to to

[32:17] essentially pinpoint where that leak is going to be.

[32:19] » How many guys do you have when they're um

[32:22] » we typically work with a crew of of two people for safety uh for safety reasons.

[32:28] Um, you know, again, sometimes you're working in some of the colder weathers.

[32:32] You could be slip and fall hazards. I don't want anybody falling in storm

[32:37] drains and and things like that. So, we typically work uh in a crew of two uh

[32:42] for that. So, thank you. >> So, the chair, if you don't mind, do you

[32:47] have a question? >> So, your your equipment compared to our

[32:50] equipment, what's the difference? I actually uh mayor I have not seen uh or

[32:56] or know what type of equipment that the city of Lincoln Park uh currently has.

[33:01] Um I haven't I haven't seen I've inquired and we've asked that should uh

[33:06] council and the city grant us an opportunity that would be one of the

[33:09] first things in the in the kickoff meeting uh to uh that we would that we

[33:13] would ask us to turn over that information so we can see how they can

[33:16] best utilize it >> equipment that we already have. Mhm.

[33:20] » And I mean it would be a different aspect. Why would we hire you if we have

[33:27] the equipment? Maybe we would just hire your guys to use our equipment. I mean,

[33:31] it would kind of be silly to to you to hire you and your equipment when

[33:36] [snorts] we already have the equipment and you guys are the experts. Why would

[33:40] we >> you know what I'm saying? I

[33:43] » I think I think I get what I think I get what you're saying. equipment

[33:47] guys are better trained and more knowledgeable.

[33:50] » I'm not sure I'm not sure if we have the same equipment. So that would be kind of

[33:53] onehanded after after the other. So what >> the appro the approach that we've kind

[33:58] of uh proposed uh to the city as it relates to that is again

[34:04] » we you know we don't assume to be expert in that type of uh the equipment that

[34:10] you may have. We have mastered ours and we have multiple uh uh you know uh

[34:16] different different uh correlation equipment. So what we what I I proposed

[34:21] this is you know what this will give an opportunity for we go through and we use

[34:26] our equipment and then when we come up with it they can they can corroborate

[34:32] and using using the city's equipment and see there may be a difference in hertz

[34:37] and frequencies in terms of things like that. I don't know their outstations in

[34:41] terms of uh uh the pods that they that they use, what type of contacts they are

[34:46] for transmission of signal. Again, I would need to uh to see that, but for us

[34:52] to to do it, my team would definitely want to use our equipment.

[34:56] » John, do you know what kind of equipment we have?

[35:00] So, sewerin uh we got the device

[35:04] I want to say back in 20 20.

[35:10] Uh so it's a couple years old. Um

[35:18] sorry I'm not that loud. Uh yeah, we got like a device. Um the the big sales

[35:23] pitch for the device we had was the um we had used it to locate a a leak on

[35:29] Lune Avenue um that was going right into a a catch basin. So at least for our

[35:36] equipment we know it's it's proven useful at some point in time. Um it's

[35:40] just a matter of a lot of finetuning. Um like these guys have probably have done

[35:45] it a lot a lot more than I have a lot more than our guys have. Um I mean just

[35:51] a mix with water main brakes and all that other stuff. I don't mean to take

[35:54] too much time but you know we we >> is about 5 years old now.

[35:57] » Yeah. Yep. >> Thank you.

[36:03] » I um and I and I you know what and this actually is probably uh the fact that

[36:09] you have an an independent source of and type of equipment. it may actually offer

[36:15] uh a higher level of confidence uh for the city in terms of you know uh

[36:23] making the repair at that location if you know a completely different set of

[36:28] equipment says oh no it is here and they may be off one or two feet but that's

[36:34] still one excavator bucket uh apart there's a greater level of confidence

[36:38] that when you send a crew you dispatch a crew there for a repair uh you get that

[36:43] and then they get the hang of uh of uh what they're going to be doing um you

[36:48] know in parallel with us. >> Thank you.

[36:53] » Your your honor, my question was almost going to be yours. You said you met with

[36:56] the [clears throat] city manager and the DPS director, but you never saw our

[36:59] equipment. That's what you're telling us. You never saw our equipment. You

[37:02] only know if our equipment is better than your equipment. That right?

[37:04] » Well, it just said I'm just saying that was my question already answered it. So,

[37:09] thank you very much, your honor. I have no more questions. Yep.

[37:12] » To to to the chair. >> I have one.

[37:16] » Um would you would this be able to help us determine our water loss that our

[37:22] water main breaks are producing that may be independent of like you said blind

[37:28] loss or structural loss? >> Uh well no it's you know and again this

[37:34] is acoustic. It's not uh an infrared, so it's not going to give you any any

[37:39] indication of the wall thickness where you know any predictive failure of uh

[37:46] water manes or anything anything like that. The equipment doesn't do that.

[37:50] » Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. Anybody else?

[37:54] » Um no, I'll just save it. I'll save I would

[37:59] like to make a comment though before the vote. Is that possible? I'll

[38:02] » make it now. the um personally I I I think I thought we were going to be

[38:10] a more of a collaborative effort to come up with um efforts to resolve the issues

[38:18] of the water loss. >> Um

[38:21] » that's that's their job. That's their job, not our job. They bring it what

[38:26] they decide. They bring what they think is the best venue to us and we make the

[38:31] decision to go for it or not. It's a only I can fix it. I got it. Okay.

[38:37] » No, that's okay. >> I just I want to say one additional item

[38:43] is that we did consult with an outside engineer um who holds our S1 license and

[38:49] we did discuss some of these other alternate technologies that could be

[38:52] used and there's been some success but also some failures that they're finding

[38:57] with them as well. So that's why we felt this was the best route to go.

[39:03] » Anyone else? Okay. We saw the mayor and council

[39:06] authorized Alfred Bach and company to form leak detection services throughout

[39:10] the city for a cost not to exceed 19,500 from account 592 920

[39:17] 81800 0.

[39:19] » I have a mover and supporter. >> You have it.

[39:22] » Yep. >> I did read that.

[39:23] » You did. >> Cler call the role.

[39:25] » Council persons Nichols. >> Yes.

[39:27] » Duprey. Yes. >> Bear.

[39:29] » Yes. >> Salceto.

[39:30] » No. >> Zor.

[39:31] » No. >> Mayor Tobin.

[39:33] » Yes.

[39:37] » Okay. Moving on. Resolve the resolution 2026-019

[39:43] regarding ballot language for proposed charter amendment to renew the current

[39:47] police and fire millillage be and is hereby rescended.

[39:51] » Move. Support. >> Discussion.

[39:57] color. >> Council persons Nichols,

[39:59] » yes. >> Bear,

[40:00] » yes. >> Duprey,

[40:01] » yes. >> Salceto,

[40:02] » yes. >> Zor,

[40:04] » yes. >> And Mayor Tobin,

[40:06] » yes. >> Thank you.

[40:08] » Resolve that notice is hereby given that a proposed charter amendment regarding a

[40:12] millage renewal be submitted to the to the electors of the city of Lincoln

[40:17] Park at the primary election to be held Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. Further be it

[40:22] resolved that send notice states how both this charter presently reads

[40:28] and the proposal charter amendment language.

[40:32] [cough] Excuse me.

[40:34] Notice the proposed charter amendment number one charter 7 section 5 renewal

[40:40] police and fire millillage.

[40:44] » Go ahead. >> The ballot question is as follows. It is

[40:48] proposed that the city of Lincoln Park be authorized to continue to levy 3.4591

[40:53] mil in excess of the limitation imposed by law, restoring a portion of the

[40:57] charter millage authorization previously approved by the electors since reduced

[41:02] by the Headley amendment solely for police and fire purposes for three

[41:06] additional years 2026 through 2029. If approved, the millage renewal would

[41:11] generate approximately 2,747,921

[41:17] in 2027. Shall the proposed charter amendment millage renewal be approved.

[41:22] Now, therefore, be it resolved by a 35ths vote of the city council of

[41:27] Lincoln Park that ch section five of chapter 7 of the city charter be

[41:31] amended. The city has determined that if this amendment is approved, it will

[41:35] become effective pursuant to Michigan Compiled Law 117.24

[41:41] when filed with the county clerk and the secretary of state. Chapter 7, section 5

[41:45] of the city charter. The existing charter reads, "Authorize a tax of not

[41:49] to exceed 3.4591 mills for 3 years 2023 through 2026

[41:55] solely for police and fire purposes." The proposed charter amendment will

[42:00] read, "Authorize a renewal of the millillage not to exceed 3.4591

[42:05] mills for 3 years 2026 through 2029 solely for police and fire purposes.

[42:12] » Any discussion? >> We need a mover.

[42:14] » I'll move. >> Any discussion?

[42:18] » Cler call the role. >> Council person Salceto,

[42:21] » yes. >> Nichols,

[42:22] » yes. >> Bayer,

[42:23] » yes. >> Dupra,

[42:24] » yes. >> Zor,

[42:26] » yes. and Mayor Tobin. >> Yes. Moving on. Extend contract

[42:32] sidewalk. Mr. Kazoo.

[42:40] Good evening, mayor and council and audience. The item before you is Katie

[42:44] Cement LLC is uh they're the company that does our sidewalk replacement

[42:50] program and they've offered to extend their 20

[42:54] excuse me they offered to extend their 2022

[42:58] low red unit rates for the 2026 sidewalk program. Right now the 4-in sidewalk is

[43:05] 1125 per square foot. The 6 in is uh 1250 per square foot. This extension

[43:11] allows the city to continue the program without increased costs typically

[43:15] associated with uh uh rebidding financial impact. The sidewalk program

[43:20] is funded through capital improvement funds and with cost subsequently

[43:25] invoiced to the individual homeowners address where the work is uh completed.

[43:30] Maintaining the current unit rates helps control the program cost and limits

[43:35] financial impact to the residents. recommendation is to uh uh accept the

[43:40] offer by Katie Cement and attaches a resolution to that effect. It resolved

[43:46] that the mayor and city council approve the Great Lakes contracting

[43:51] KD mayor and council approved KD cements

[43:56] contract extension for the 2026 side repair program for the 20 at the 2022

[44:02] unit rates with program cost funded through capital improvement funds and

[44:06] invoice to the individual property where the work is completed. move.

[44:14] » Any discussion to the chair?

[44:18] » That was the >> um the [laughter] only thing I'm I'm

[44:22] going to say and I say it for all the the contractors.

[44:27] [clears throat] Again, this is a contractor that's not that's in Commerce

[44:31] Township, not in Lincoln Park. And we we have cement or concrete contractors in

[44:38] Lincoln Park. and we're we never

[44:42] communicate with them. I I I just wanted to make that statement.

[44:48] » Understood. Anyone else?

[44:52] » Clerk, call the role. >> Council persons Nichols,

[44:54] » yes. >> Duprey,

[44:55] » yes. >> Bear,

[44:56] » yes. >> Salceto,

[44:58] » yes. >> Zor,

[44:59] » no. [clears throat] >> And Mayor Tobin,

[45:01] » yes. >> Okay.

[45:04] » Thank you, Mayor Council. >> Thank you, John.

[45:16] That was the Yeah. >> Hi, Chief. Hi.

[45:23] [laughter] >> I'm sorry. Go ahead, sir.

[45:26] » Good evening, Mayor and Council. >> Evening. Uh, police department has

[45:31] requested mayor and council wave the formal bidding process and authorize the

[45:34] lease of a 2026 Chevy Silverado pickup. [clears throat] Vehicle will be

[45:40] replacing a police vehicle that has been decommissioned. The vehicle will be

[45:45] leased from Enterprise Fleet Management and outfitted by Canfield Equipment who

[45:50] is one of their vendors. Enterprise participates in the state bid pricing.

[45:56] Cost of the Silverado was $7,15712

[46:01] which includes $22,210.70

[46:06] for the upfitting um through Canfield. The funds will come

[46:10] from the vehicle lease payments count 661

[46:15] 932 947

[46:18] is recommended that mayor and council approve this resolution.

[46:22] Whereas the Lincoln Park Police Department is requesting to lease one

[46:26] 2026 Chevrolet Silverado. Be it resolved that the mayor and council authorize the

[46:30] police department to wave the bidding process and purchase a one 2026

[46:35] Chevrolet Silverado for a total cost of $7,157

[46:41] which includes the cost of uplifting the Campfield Equipment Service Incorporated

[46:45] from Enterprise Fleet Management to qualify state bid participant. via

[46:51] further resolves. Funds for the purchase of the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado to come

[46:55] from the vehicle lease payable payment account 661-932-947.

[47:02] » Move any discussion through the chair, your

[47:06] honor, real quick. I know Silverado are made in like Fort Wayne and Flint, but

[47:10] they're also made in Mexico. Do you know where this particular vehicle is made?

[47:14] » Uh, they won't even start making it until um No. No, not yet.

[47:20] to the chair. >> Yes.

[47:21] » Chief, the vehicle that you're replacing is did you is it an auction or is it a

[47:26] lease return? >> It will be a vehicle that we had paid

[47:30] and we will auction it off down the road.

[47:33] » They still have to be commissioned to have all the equipment pulled out and

[47:37] such. >> Anyone else?

[47:40] Cler call the role. >> Council persons Nichols. Yes. Dupra.

[47:43] » Yes. Bear. >> Yes.

[47:45] » Salceto. >> Yes. Sore

[47:50] » wish it was a Ford but yes >> and Mayor Tobin

[47:54] » I agree. Yes. >> Thank you.

[47:59] » We are not going to have a department head report today

[48:02] » for Lisa though. >> Oh we're going to have a city manager

[48:06] report. >> I'll keep it quick. Um I just wanted to

[48:09] bring everybody up to date on where where we stand with the new meter

[48:12] install project. Um, so HydroCorp is the contractor that's doing the installs on

[48:17] our behalf. Um, they've sent out letters to everybody in district 3 so far. Um,

[48:23] so as of today, they've installed 246 meters and they have appointments for

[48:27] another 116. Um, we've also installed approximately 100 of our own over the

[48:33] last month, month and a half or so. Um, so if you have received the letter from

[48:37] them, I believe they've started sending out the second notices for that

[48:40] district. So, please reach out to them and get your get your appointment to

[48:44] have the meter installed. Um, they're pretty flexible on the days and times,

[48:48] so they should have something that can work for everyone. Um, even those that

[48:52] work during the day. Um, so right now we are working on district three. We'll be

[48:57] moving into district 4 in the coming weeks. Um, and you would know what

[49:01] district you're in by your account number on your water bill. So, if it

[49:03] starts with a three, then you're in district three. Um, and then if you have

[49:09] not received a notice from HydroCorp yet, you cannot make your appointment.

[49:12] So until you get that notification from them, please do not try to schedule your

[49:16] appointment. We're trying to do it in groups to keep everything pretty

[49:19] concise. Um, we're very excited to get this new system in and up and running.

[49:24] Um, the the towers for reading the meters. Um, we can read them now. We

[49:30] just have to do a driveby. Um, but they are working on getting the

[49:33] infrastructure all up in place by the end of this month. Um there were some

[49:36] delays with some of um the FCC license that they need for the equipment, but

[49:41] they are moving along now. So that's all I have for now.

[49:45] » Anybody have anything for Lisa? >> To the chair.

[49:49] » Lisa, I told you about a leak, a water leak at Ferris and Southfield

[49:55] » several weeks ago. Correct. >> Correct. I originally reported that leak

[50:01] [clears throat] uh in June of 23.

[50:06] » Oh, okay. >> With Mr. Kroan.

[50:08] » Mhm. >> Um it and it's been it's been broke

[50:12] several times. It's been the same issue every time. It's the gate issue

[50:18] not and it so it's been leaking now for three weeks.

[50:23] » Yeah. And we just spoke actually right before the meeting about a plan to get

[50:28] some of our gate valves and the different leaks that are going on right

[50:31] now, get those addressed. Um, we've been bombarded of course with the the main

[50:36] brakes which have taken priority, but we do have several items we've got to get

[50:40] addressed this week. >> This isn't going to end up like our um

[50:45] where remember the alleys getting cleaned up and Mr. Kan couldn't get uh

[50:51] anybody from DPS to work and help and do it overtime. He offered all the

[50:56] overtime. >> I can tell you the guys have been

[50:58] working a ton of overtime and I'm sure they would love to have a day off here

[51:03] very soon. >> Thank you,

[51:06] John. They just fixed it today. >> Oh, did they?

[51:08] » Yeah. >> Well, there you go.

[51:13] » Yeah. Come on up, John.

[51:19] I'd like to offer uh the mayor and council and the audience a little uh

[51:23] information about this cold weather, how the cold weather does and impact and

[51:28] definitely uh elim uh helps complicate the situations.

[51:34] Uh January 1 through February 9th, so let's call that a month. We've had uh 34

[51:42] water main breaks and 20 of them started or I should say 30 of them started since

[51:50] January 20th when we got into the colder uh weather. The other thing is with our

[51:57] system being uh older, our uh water manes being older, with the frost that

[52:02] we're going through, frost is very hard on water manes. Our water manes have

[52:08] approximately five, five and a half, six feet of burial depth in clay. And right

[52:13] now we're finding that the clo uh frost is approximately 4 and 1/2 ft deep. As

[52:18] that clay freezes, it does move the pipe and the pipe being cast iron does not do

[52:26] real well with being moved. Uh we've had a number of

[52:33] uh service leads which we don't know what standards or what depths they were

[52:38] put in back in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s because the 10 state standards didn't

[52:44] come into being until the mid 1950s where they pretty much the 12 states

[52:50] came up with how deep some of this stuff is being buried. Same thing with the

[52:54] sanitary systems. Uh we have uh frozen water services and

[53:03] those are always a first and high priority because homes or homeowners or

[53:08] families are without water. So we have to get them water. So that's why they're

[53:12] always higher on our priority list list. What we've done is we've taken our

[53:16] eightman crew and we've broken it up into two crews. One crew is trying to uh

[53:21] thaw out the water surfaces for the homeowners and the others are trying to

[53:26] continue to repair water main brakes. We also have uh

[53:33] two uh gate valves that are still leaking.

[53:37] One of them is at Ferris and Southville which is scheduled for tomorrow. Uh and

[53:43] the other one is at 1804 capital.

[53:50] Uh we have four fire hydrants that are either leaking or frozen

[53:56] and one of those is on Detroit and that one has come up quite a bit.

[54:02] So basically what it a lot of it boils down to we take the higher priority

[54:08] water leaks whether it's a water man a gate valve a frozen hydrant

[54:14] a split water service and we have to do those with or put

[54:20] higher priorities on those items. But we still have some that are still out

[54:24] there. And it looks like we're going to be getting some warm up here starting

[54:28] tomorrow. And hopefully this warm-up brings the frost out of the ground

[54:33] slowly so we don't get too many more breaks.

[54:39] But our crews have been working sometimes as maximum as 27 hours

[54:45] and it's a long day in this cold weather.

[54:49] And if anybody doubts that, I'll lend you my pair of boots.

[54:56] But with that being said, we are not the only community and you see that on the

[55:00] news all the time. You see it in Detroit. I know that has happened in

[55:05] Trenton, Southgate, WOT, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, and we're just part of the

[55:12] wonderful weather and the older communities that are out there. That's

[55:16] all I wanted to add. if anybody has any questions. Myself and Justin Gonzalez is

[55:21] here and Justin is presently on call for tonight.

[55:26] » Thank you, John. Thank you, Justin. >> Thank you, guys.

[55:31] » The chair, your honor, >> appreciate your work. Thank you.

[55:33] » We're still under city manager report. Lisa, I had the building department

[55:36] wasn't here today, but on the four part bone alley over here, I noticed a green

[55:40] sticker on the door last couple days. Any movement on that building?

[55:43] » Yes, they were doing an inspection of the building. So there's active movement

[55:47] on it. Yes. >> Maybe going up for sale here soon or I

[55:51] can >> sure. We're just we're trying to get it

[55:53] up to code is our our goal and what they choose to do with it from there will be

[55:57] seen. >> Can I last thing I know I mentioned this

[55:59] about seven weeks ago. The old Farmer Jack building. Any movement on that one?

[56:04] » Um I do not have an update but I can get one for next meeting that'd be fine.

[56:13] » Thank you. Um, I just I I when I was speaking earlier, I forgot to mention

[56:17] that um a lot of a lot of people have been bringing up that Lincoln Park has

[56:23] the highest water rates [cough] the area and I just want everyone to

[56:28] know we do not have the highest water rates in the area. Um there are three

[56:33] cities higher than us and another city that if you add um their fees for

[56:40] quarterly fees on top of their water bill, they would be higher than us also.

[56:45] So um when you hear that Lincoln Parks got the highest water rates out of

[56:49] anybody. Do not believe it. It is not true. We are one of the top four of the

[56:54] but we are fourth in line. And if you add a quarterly rate that someone else

[56:59] is adding on, we are fifth. We are the fifth. There's four, five ahead of us at

[57:06] the rate as so it's not true. We are doing the best we can and hopefully if

[57:11] we can get a handle on this um the rates will stabilize. So we just know we are

[57:17] working on it. I just wanted to add that to Lisa's report because we have it

[57:21] right here. >> And I'll add even further to that. We

[57:25] have I know there's a lot of talk that we haven't put in for federal grant

[57:28] funding. We put in for several um federal and state grant. We've been

[57:32] fortunate with with some avenues, but we did put in for lots of grants last year.

[57:37] We have not gotten any of those. Some of them are going to be opening up again

[57:40] soon. So, we will once again try to um get some additional money for water mane

[57:45] replacements. >> Real soon.

[57:49] Okay. Anybody have anything else? All right. Then at this time, we will go

[57:54] into citizens communications. Please come up. State your name and um you have

[58:00] three minutes, sir. >> I'm not sure if I'm actually supposed to

[58:05] stand up. I'm almost death and I couldn't hear everything you said. My

[58:08] name is Timothy Price. My address is 2078 Michigan Boulevard. I'm calling

[58:13] about some complaints, you know, water department. They come out, there's

[58:17] leaks. Not my fault, not their fault, but they come out one leak, two leaks,

[58:23] three leaks, four leaks, five leaks. Wait. They bust up my driveway one time,

[58:29] two times, three times, four. They bust up my next door neighbor's driveway.

[58:34] They bust up the next door ne the driveway next to that. They've replaced

[58:39] one, not mine. Wait, they busted up the curb all along the road. Fix the curbs,

[58:46] you know, fix the driveways. You can look at my concrete and every picture of

[58:52] the concrete that might show a new crack is always right after they repaired it

[58:58] again. Okay, maybe I'm barking over the water bill. You talked about the meter

[59:04] and everything. I couldn't hear everything. You guys don't don't make it

[59:07] handicapped accessible on turning this volume up. I need to hear or read on a

[59:12] screen. It would be really nice to be able to stay focused on what you're

[59:15] saying because I can't I can't see well enough to see read lips. That's that's

[59:20] wrong for you guys to do that. NOW, MY BILL, MAYBE I have health issues. I get

[59:26] my water bill and I open it up. I look at amount due. I write a check. I pay it

[59:32] every time. You know, why should I come into the downstairs and say, "Wait a

[59:38] second. I paid the same amount the last three times." Oh, you got an estimated

[59:43] bill, sir. You've been having an ESTIMATED BILL. MAYBE I DON'T LOOK AT MY

[59:46] ENTIRE BILL. But maybe the water department, maybe you guys should have

[59:51] been, wait, HE'S HAD AN ESTIMATED BILL for one year, 2 years, 5 years,

[59:55] whatever. I don't know. Now, maybe that should have been somebody in the

[1:00:01] department should have said, "Wait, he's had an estimated bill for too long.

[1:00:05] Let's correct it. Find out where he stands." I don't know what you said

[1:00:08] about that, but I I do know I've in good faith every time I get a bill, I PAID

[1:00:13] IT. NOW find out that you guys' messers are all defaulting and you guys all want

[1:00:19] to blame somebody else for and say, "Oh, it'll be fixed in 3 years." That's

[1:00:24] wrong. That's wrong. And it's wrong about the driveways, the

[1:00:29] streets, the curb. The water doesn't even go past my house anymore. It used

[1:00:33] to go past my house and end at the drain down the street. Now it goes down and it

[1:00:39] goes into the ground right there. It doesn't even go past that my house

[1:00:43] because they don't they haven't fixed the concrete from what was it a year ago

[1:00:47] or was that a year and a half ago? The last time you guys worked or No, they

[1:00:51] last time they worked over there was about 3 months ago or 6 months before

[1:00:56] that or 9 months. It's been every 3 MONTHS OR SO. GET THE JOB RIGHT. I have

[1:01:02] some confident people.

[1:01:10] » Please state your name. Can I just say

[1:01:14] » giant, can you get his address and look? >> I do got one LAST QUESTION.

[1:01:18] » WHEN AM I GOING TO get on clearance? Your your time is up, sir. Your time is

[1:01:22] up. Please be seated. Your time is up. >> I don't want to make Please sit down.

[1:01:27] Your time is 3 minutes. Sir, I'm talking right here. I'm right

[1:01:32] here, sir. You're 3 minutes up. >> I can handle this,

[1:01:34] » sir. You need to You need to come in and let the water

[1:01:41] department come out and look at your meter so we can give you an actual bill.

[1:01:47] » I asked for that be done. >> They're going to be there tomorrow.

[1:01:51] » Correct. They'll be at your home tomorrow, sir. I can't hear you. If you

[1:01:55] want to speak outside, I'll talk to you. >> John, they'll be at his house tomorrow.

[1:02:05] » Hi. Speak your name and go ahead. >> Michael Horvath, the crazy old ball guy

[1:02:10] who grew up in Lincoln Park and has living in the house he grew up in since

[1:02:14] 97. I know there's a lot of issues and you

[1:02:19] guys inherited a lot of things you had nothing to do with. Although I will say

[1:02:23] they did do our water manes last year and they did a good job on cleaning up

[1:02:29] the streets and it seemed that everything was done very well. And I

[1:02:34] wanted to thank you for the chocolate walk. It was very good. I appreciated

[1:02:39] going through it, but couldn't we do it when it's a little warmer,

[1:02:43] please? That's all I wanted to ask for. And

[1:02:46] again, working through a lot and finding the water manes and finally getting the

[1:02:51] meters fixed. I think that'll good and it'll take a little time to get this,

[1:02:55] but it should get better. And I appreciate you putting up with all these

[1:02:59] difficult people. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir.

[1:03:12] » Please state your name.

[1:03:16] Hello everybody. My name is Kenneth Oslander. Um, I just wanted to say, you

[1:03:22] know,

[1:03:25] I I look, I can understand that uh things are tense. I'm not a social media

[1:03:31] guy much. You know, I talk about blacksmithing if if I do post it much.

[1:03:35] But, um, you know, there's there's a lot of tense things going on these days. And

[1:03:42] in uh before I was a blacksmith, I used to work at the executive level um in

[1:03:46] past jobs and uh I know how it is dealing with uh people dealing with the

[1:03:51] public. It's not always easy and uh not everything's rainbows and sunshine and I

[1:03:56] get that. Um, but what I do want to say is

[1:04:01] genuinely speaking, what I really appreciate about you, Mayor Tobin, and

[1:04:06] all of you of our city council is that I genuinely feel a sense of community, a

[1:04:13] sense that you all care, right? Not every uh issue is always

[1:04:19] straightforward. Not everything is clear and, you know, there's different uh

[1:04:24] perspectives to how to tackle a problem. Um, but yeah, I genuinely appreciate the

[1:04:31] fact that you all very much seem to care. Um, and and I appreciate that, not

[1:04:37] just, you know, as a resident here of Lincoln Park, but I appreciate that just

[1:04:42] as an observer of other cities I've lived in in the past. Um, and I'm not,

[1:04:47] you know, [snorts] as I say, throwing shade at other cities. It's just an

[1:04:50] observation I've I've made as a resident. So, uh, you know, when it

[1:04:55] comes to the water issue, it's unfortunate. It's complicated. There's a

[1:05:00] lot of factors here. Um, but it's clear to me that you all care and that you're

[1:05:06] trying to find a solution, which I appreciate. Um, [snorts] and so, you

[1:05:11] know, it's not to dismiss anybody's concerns. You know, I get it. I totally

[1:05:15] get it. Can be frustrating. Sure. Um but yeah, I think that's the big takeaway

[1:05:20] for me is that you all care and um you are clearly trying to find a solution.

[1:05:27] So I think we could spend a lot of time talking about what should be uh what

[1:05:32] should have been etc etc. These are all valid points we could bring up all day

[1:05:36] long. But I think at some point you know it's like hey thank you guys for caring.

[1:05:43] Thank you for doing what you do and just, you know, putting in the effort.

[1:05:47] So, I appreciate that. That's all I desire.

[1:05:49] » Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, sir.

[1:05:50] » Very much. >> Anybody else like to

[1:05:59] » Good evening, Mayor and Council Richard Kudra. Not all of you speak into your

[1:06:03] microphones, and some of you are a lot harder to understand than others. I want

[1:06:08] to thank the mayor and the city manager for your two-page appendage to the

[1:06:13] agenda. A lot of nice information for people who do not attend council

[1:06:17] meetings and didn't know all of this information. I really feel sorry for you

[1:06:22] people because you take all the abuse and

[1:06:25] city manager gets the abuse for raising our rates for a problem that's been

[1:06:30] going on for at least 20 years. We own we own when Steve Steve Duchaine was the

[1:06:36] city manager it was low 20s was a water water loss. Now it's over 40. So I'm

[1:06:43] reading this thing from this contractor that uh you hired.

[1:06:48] He's only going to charge $120,000. I said for $120,000 you should have

[1:06:54] hired him or some other company 20 years ago. It's obvious the workload has

[1:06:59] exceeded the ability of GPS to do to do what to help us. I read 180 water mane

[1:07:08] breaks per year. I said that's insane. No wonder these people are ju just

[1:07:14] absolutely exhausted. I heard mention uh I made a a note about the city's

[1:07:19] proximity to the east ecourse creek may mask blind leaks in in nearby water

[1:07:24] manes. I have long thought that you've got water water mane leaks that never

[1:07:30] come above the ground and you need some way of finding out, yeah, they're

[1:07:34] leaking, but where's that water going? Is it going east creek? Is it going into

[1:07:38] the catch basin? It's not bubbling up to the ground where you can see it. So, you

[1:07:43] need an acoustic way of finding it. What was the other thing?

[1:07:50] uh just say I really I really appreciate the fact that you're you're you're

[1:07:54] you're putting in the time, you're spending the money and I wish this had I

[1:07:59] wish your your attitude had been done it 20 years ago and through the last 20

[1:08:04] years and we would never be in this position today.

[1:08:08] John Kazoo has asked several times he wanted to do this and he wanted her to

[1:08:12] do that. Steady Castle said no money. There it is. there folks. You got to you

[1:08:17] got to pay for the infrastructure running. Thank you.

[1:08:20] » Thank you.

[1:08:24] » Yes, please state your name. Three minutes.

[1:08:26] » Trisha Cross. I live at 4143 High Street. I hope everybody can hear me.

[1:08:31] I'm kind of speaking not just for myself, but for some residents. I

[1:08:35] actually have a bunch of signatures that I got from some of the neighbors. It is

[1:08:39] regarding a little bit of everything. Um, I do appreciate you guys staying

[1:08:45] here, especially working all day and then dealing with with us. But I'm

[1:08:50] asking for a resolution request and as all of us that join together, discussion

[1:08:57] with the water bills, the taxes, some broken sidewalks, some, you know,

[1:09:03] different things throughout the community for the water and sewer. We

[1:09:07] just want some transparency and basically we'd like to see a little more

[1:09:11] in plain English of some of the revenue and expenditures for these

[1:09:16] infrastructures. And I heard what everybody said, even down to the

[1:09:20] sidewalk with this guy wanting to keep our work in Lincoln Park. I'm all for

[1:09:24] that. How come we don't try to keep it here? We're trying to keep our money. He

[1:09:30] just mentioned the policing cars. He wanted to know if it was Mexico. Well,

[1:09:34] I'm for the Ford, too. I think we need to do what we need to do. But it's it's

[1:09:39] time that we have total transparency so the average person like me and that

[1:09:44] gentleman that flipped out, you know, understands. Um this is unacceptable

[1:09:49] that we have water leaks that are going on for this many years. I don't think

[1:09:54] that until we give Lincoln Park employees that are working on the water

[1:09:59] now. I don't think we should hand the job off sorry to another company. You

[1:10:04] guys are offering to give us new water meters with detection. How come we don't

[1:10:08] try that first? How come we don't employ more people that live within the city? I

[1:10:13] know tons of people um as a clinic manager of three clinics that need jobs

[1:10:19] and that can do the work. I don't know why we're going way out to BFE to find

[1:10:24] jobs. I I mean, I don't understand that part. Um, but here is a graph just of my

[1:10:30] own. And I live by myself of my water. This is kind of easier to see. I pretty

[1:10:36] much do the same thing except summertime. And even mine is crazy. I

[1:10:41] know that these are estimated bills, but that guy has a huge point with why time

[1:10:46] after time after time. We have so much technology with computers and

[1:10:51] everything. How come they didn't flag that his was consistently an estimate

[1:10:56] and now he's either going to end up with a negative bill or a giant one when it's

[1:11:00] not right. I mean um I mean we can go all the way down to the property tax and

[1:11:06] sir charges I did do on what you said ma'am about how we are not the highest.

[1:11:12] We may not be the highest, but in a comparative cuz I took the time to go to

[1:11:16] each city to ask them, we are higher than Taylor, Southgate, and we wot and

[1:11:22] that's important to me and it's an observation that we made. We're paying

[1:11:25] about 35 to $75 a month more for our water. I don't I know my time's up and

[1:11:32] I'm sorry, but I do want to give you guys these documents so I can show

[1:11:37] proof. I'm about facts. I don't go on social media and bash anybody because I

[1:11:41] think it's inappropriate and you don't get results. But I am about the

[1:11:45] community and um I even went into some effective rates for our taxes for our

[1:11:51] homes. Our homes are way higher taxed. >> Sorry. You're Yeah. Point of order.

[1:11:58] You're past your time. >> Okay.

[1:12:00] » But let you don't let anybody else. >> Okay.

[1:12:05] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:12:16] Mayor, city council, I am William Coleman. I own 507, 509, and 513

[1:12:22] Southfield. And as you're all looking around trying to figure out what that

[1:12:24] is, across from KFC, across from DPW, [snorts] I've been there 14, 13, 14

[1:12:30] years. I bought the building from an old man, 70 years old, who retired. I run

[1:12:35] Bill's vending service out of there. I don't advertise. I keep it quiet. I

[1:12:40] don't want people to know what I do there. We have about 180 locations all

[1:12:44] over you over all over Michigan. We have 11 in Lincoln Park alone. We do the claw

[1:12:50] machines, we do bowling alleys, we do the bars, we do jew boxes, we do ATMs.

[1:12:57] And business operation works is we pull in, we load up everything for the whole

[1:13:00] day. We leave, we go to our routes, and we come back, and then we unload. We

[1:13:05] worked till 3:00 a.m. Now, my warehouse was built way before any of us were ever

[1:13:10] here. It was an old factory, and it used to have sixoot steel beams sticking out

[1:13:15] the back of it and the front of it for a trolley system that went down the whole

[1:13:18] strip. Well, the city came along in the ' 60s and ' 70s and said, "It's no

[1:13:23] longer a factory. You need to cut those beams out." So, the old owner did and he

[1:13:28] removed the beams. And I have a front garage door that faces towards

[1:13:31] Southfield. I have a garage door facing on Elliot. And I have a big garage door

[1:13:36] on the back with a door. My problem is is my building was built 10 foot shorter

[1:13:42] than the alley. So the alley is 25 ft. I have 10 ft than my building starts. I

[1:13:49] just want peace. Okay. I've been parking in the alley for my business, for my

[1:13:53] safety. I pull up to the back door. We load and unload all night. It's a

[1:13:56] loading zone. Basically, that's what we do. We're never not parking there

[1:14:01] overnight. But lately, I've been getting parking tickets for blocking the alley.

[1:14:06] And I'm like, but I own 10 feet of the alley. And I went to the city. I went

[1:14:10] downstairs and they said, "Well, you got to get a survey and then we'll see about

[1:14:13] a loading zone if it meets the requirements." But I'm like, I just want

[1:14:17] peace for what we do. We want to keep it quiet. We don't want to be noticed, you

[1:14:23] know? We we don't we don't want that. We just want to load and unload, do our

[1:14:27] business. Now, if the police pulled up and wanted to give us a ticket for

[1:14:29] parking alley, all they had to do is knock on the door. Hey, what's going on?

[1:14:33] We're loading and unloading. That's that's what the big garage doors are

[1:14:36] for. Now, the main reason why I'm here is the city came to me a long time ago

[1:14:40] when I first moved in and said, you know, your big garage door facing

[1:14:43] Southfield, we don't want you using that. And I said, okay, I'll use the

[1:14:48] other ones. So, I complied with what the city wanted. I said, okay, I won't use

[1:14:52] my 14 ft x 12t garage door on the front anymore. I'll move to the side. hid into

[1:14:57] the back. Well, now you're coming along and saying, "Well, now your back door."

[1:15:01] And I'm like, "This isn't very fair to me as a business owner and for my safety

[1:15:06] that you want me to park across the street and walk back and forth,

[1:15:09] especially considering that area is not the best." That the alley, explain the

[1:15:14] alley. It's from A to B Street. There is no

[1:15:18] garage doors for for for residential. There's only two garage doors on the

[1:15:22] thing. And it's only two businesses there. And there's a crater in the

[1:15:26] middle of the alley. So if you travel down there, you're going to lose your

[1:15:29] car. >> Your time is up.

[1:15:30] » I understand. >> The alley very well. Um

[1:15:34] » you're going to have to talk to the building department.

[1:15:36] » I have [clears throat] >> again um

[1:15:40] » that's all I can tell you right now. >> Okay.

[1:15:42] » I understand and I'm very familiar with that alley.

[1:15:45] » So >> but 14 years of no problems at all and

[1:15:48] all of a sudden now there's problems and >> Right. I understand. So um let's let's

[1:15:52] all we'll look into it too. Okay. Okay. >> I mean, if I do own the 10 ft, I mean,

[1:15:58] that's great. I mean, I can park there, I guess. I mean, I'm pretty sure if you

[1:16:01] own it, you can park there, but >> something on record, too.

[1:16:05] » Yeah, we'll look for that, too. Look for property line.

[1:16:07] » Okay. I don't mind paying for a survey to that and everything. I just want to

[1:16:10] get I just want peace. I want to be left alone.

[1:16:13] » All right. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:16:14] » Thank you for your time. >> We have the assessment records

[1:16:19] assessing, too. Thank you. Does anybody else want to address this body?

[1:16:27] With that, we'll go to comments of council.

[1:16:31] Mr. Salce. >> Thank you, honor. Just one quick thing,

[1:16:34] Alfred Vanishing Company. I wish you well in your endeavors. I appreciate

[1:16:38] city manager and Jazoo getting together. >> My only issue may have been we didn't

[1:16:44] know what the other companies had to offer. Maybe that's why perhaps I voted

[1:16:48] no on this, but now I wish you well. I hope you help our guys and I hope you uh

[1:16:53] find some leaks and save the city some money. That's all everyone. Thank you.

[1:16:58] » Um Tracy as always. Thank you so much for our first responders, DPS, city

[1:17:05] employees for keeping us moving and safe. Prayers go out every night and

[1:17:09] morning when I get the the water main breaks notices um to keep our team safe

[1:17:15] and as warm as they can possibly be. Uh it's a tough job and uh

[1:17:21] some people complain about it, but I thank you very much every day. Um with

[1:17:26] the cold weather, please prepare when you go out. There's a lot of ice. Slow

[1:17:30] down a little bit. Stay safe and good night and God bless.

[1:17:38] » Hi. Um the library commission meeting was last week. They have set the dates

[1:17:44] for the spring uh book sale. Uh it will start Saturday, April 25th and go until

[1:17:50] May 2nd by the Friends of the Library. Um Nicole, their librarian, reported

[1:17:57] that total circulation in 2025 was the highest that has been in 10 years. So,

[1:18:03] we thought that was a great development and shows uh what available resource our

[1:18:08] library is. And in regards to the book sale, they wanted me to mention that if

[1:18:13] anyone is doing any spring cleaning, because yes, spring will eventually get

[1:18:18] here. And if they have any troves of books that may be collecting some dust

[1:18:22] in the attic or the basement, they would be happy to take them for a donation.

[1:18:27] You just have to stop out of library and they got a big old bin right right

[1:18:32] inside the front door and they'd be happy to take those. And uh I just echo

[1:18:38] Tracy's sentiment. U Justin sent us all an email about just how overwhelmed

[1:18:45] they've been to start the year and it all of our jobs just hit hit the floor.

[1:18:50] So we we certainly appreciate all the hard work that DPS is having to having

[1:18:55] to put in right now. >> Thank you. Have a have a good night.

[1:19:00] » Thank you. Uh, first of all, I'd like to offer my

[1:19:03] condolences to the Kaminsky family. Um, if it wasn't for, uh, Pam Kaminsky, uh,

[1:19:11] my kids probably wouldn't have graduated the high school. [laughter]

[1:19:14] Um, she was always very, very good to my family and so is

[1:19:21] Charlie. Um I the event that's coming up for the police department Tuesday,

[1:19:28] February 24th at 4 to 7, uh MC Police Night, uh from the Chapala Family

[1:19:37] Restaurant. Uh it'll be at 1469 Ford Street. So 1469 Ford Street, February

[1:19:45] 24th.

[1:19:49] Okay. >> Um and then uh my last thing is is uh I

[1:19:55] meant no disrespect to Mr. Bennis company. The um I I ask questions

[1:20:03] because residents want to know and I'm trying to give them the services that

[1:20:09] they they'd like. Um you know, and I know I know we have a big problem and I

[1:20:16] don't blame the DPS. I know they're out there working because they were down

[1:20:21] through houses from my house. So, I I've I've watched them work. I know they work

[1:20:25] all day. Uh, I just I want to say I appreciate everybody,

[1:20:32] but it it's it's a tough job and I took on this job committed to being um a part

[1:20:40] of a a collaborative group and I thought we were all in the same direction at one

[1:20:47] time, but I just feel like we're losing our direction sometimes.

[1:20:52] Thank you,

[1:20:57] Um, as spoken earlier, if you have any problem with your taxes, please contact

[1:21:01] the number on this uh, you can't see it because my name's blocking here. Let me

[1:21:06] let me do that. Let's see. Bring it on closer, Don.

[1:21:11] Contact the office here if you're having problems with your taxes. We don't want

[1:21:14] anybody get losing their property because of their inability to pay. Get a

[1:21:19] hold of this number. See if they can't set you up with a payment plan. We don't

[1:21:23] want to see anybody disposing the houses in 2026. we can not keep it going. So,

[1:21:28] contact the number. They were kind enough to bring us a pamphlet. So, it's

[1:21:30] really appreciated. Uh museum is back open. They had their little cleaning

[1:21:34] spree. Uh Wednesday, Saturday, 1 to 6:00 p.m. Uh the dinner at Applebee's, I

[1:21:41] don't know how successful it was. It seemed to be pretty successful. It was

[1:21:44] packed the whole time I was there. So, that was pretty awesome. Um make sure

[1:21:51] as Lisa said, we're we're starting the water main. we're getting really into it

[1:21:54] are the water meters. Ple, please have the area around your water meter clean.

[1:22:00] Cuz if they have to walk into your house and clean 30 foot of garbage in front of

[1:22:04] your water meter, it's going to take a while. So, please make sure where your

[1:22:09] water meter is in the house, nice area around it cuz they're going to

[1:22:13] need to get in there. They're going to need to move tools. They're going to

[1:22:16] have possible water spillage. So, make sure there's nothing valuable in that

[1:22:19] area. Um, and

[1:22:24] I can't stress this enough. Facebook is not an official way to get a hold of

[1:22:28] your representatives in this city. It's also not an official way to report

[1:22:33] watering breaks. I The phone number is

[1:22:39] » 313 381800.

[1:22:44] That is a non-emergency police line. That is what you call if you are

[1:22:47] experiencing water pressure issues or after hours because that was when it

[1:22:54] seems to happen is in the morning and late at night. So 3133811800

[1:23:00] is the number to call after hours so we can get that problem taken care of

[1:23:05] please. I'm seeing posts and people are posting you know I've had low water

[1:23:10] pressure for 2 hours now. That's two hours of water that we're losing into

[1:23:14] the ground because nobody's reporting it. So, please help us help the problem.

[1:23:20] Other than that, we're all going through stresses. Let's

[1:23:23] just let's be kind to one another. As I always say, it's about community. The

[1:23:28] garden walk or the chocolate walk was great. We're planning the garden walk

[1:23:31] and hopefully July or August. I'm thinking ahead here so we can have warm

[1:23:35] thoughts, you know. Go out, enjoy it. Oh, I forgot

[1:23:40] my happy Valentine's Day. >> Oh,

[1:23:43] » happy Valentine's Day. We We'll relay that too since it's there. Um, everybody

[1:23:47] have a great night. You guys [clears throat] stay safe as always.

[1:23:50] Justin, John, you know, I know you guys are out there killing yourselves. So,

[1:23:53] thank you guys. >> Okay, so um I just want to say everybody

[1:23:59] stay safe. Um, please report. Please, if you have a problem, let us know so we

[1:24:05] can help. Um and yeah um and if you have are seeing

[1:24:12] things on Facebook and it relates to a matter please relate them to contact us

[1:24:18] and not expect to get an answer on Facebook. I will not reply to comments

[1:24:22] on Facebook now or ever. Um I do enjoy putting the wedding pictures up because

[1:24:27] the bride and grooms like to see that and they like the comments from

[1:24:31] everybody. That's about the extent of what I will do. Um, congratulation on

[1:24:35] our gift winners tonight for coming out and then braving the cold. And um,

[1:24:40] everybody have a beautiful Valentine's Day. Um, warm weather is coming. It's

[1:24:45] supposed to stay dark till or stay light till 6:00 tomorrow.

[1:24:49] » 6:00, guys. This is a this is big. So, um, and I just want to say to Eric's

[1:24:56] comment, um, we here are all together. We came here together to do a job for

[1:25:02] this community. We are not always supposed to agree. That would not be

[1:25:06] right. We all are here for the community. We if we all agreed, it

[1:25:12] wouldn't be much point. You know, we have opinions. Um we're here to move

[1:25:16] this city forward the best way we can with the best conscience we can give.

[1:25:21] So, um I think we do a good job together. We work well together. And um

[1:25:25] with that, I will say good night, be safe, stay warm, and enjoy the nice

[1:25:30] weather that's supposed to be coming. And God bless. Thank you everybody. Cler

[1:25:34] call the role. >> Resolve that the meeting be adjourned at

[1:25:37] 8:25 p.m. >> Move.

[1:25:40] » Support. >> Support.

[1:25:41] » Council person Salceto. >> Yes.

[1:25:43] » Nichols. >> Yes.

[1:25:44] » Bayer. >> Yes.

[1:25:45] » Dupra. >> Yes.

[1:25:46] » Zor. >> Yes.

[1:25:47] » And Mayor Tobin. >> Yes.

2/9/2026 Council Meeting City of Lincoln Park

Transcript