[0:05] Good evening. The City of Calm, the city of Southfield. Regular meeting of the city Council has now come to order at 6 p.m. August 24th, 2026. Mr. clerk, if you can do a roll call, please.

[0:20] Yes, sir. Good evening.

[0:24] Councilwoman. Banks. Councilwoman bland. Yes. Councilman. Brightwell. Councilwoman Haynes, present. Councilwoman Pro tem Hogue here. Councilman Mandelbaum present. Council president. Hicks. Here, sir. You have a quorum.

[0:47] Thank you. Sir. We can all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

[0:52] I pledge allegiance to the flag of.

[0:55] The United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[1:16] We have two presentations, one for the employee of the month.

[1:29] Good evening, mayor.

[1:31] Members of Council and administration. In recognition of this of his election as the City of Southfield. August employee of the month. It is my pleasure to present Bradley so Bloom, motor pool fleet technician with the Department of Public Works. Brad has made a noticeable impact through his dependability, initiative and dedication to his work. He is always ready to contribute approaches, assignments with focus and attention to detail, and consistently completes projects efficiently. What stands out about Brad is the consistency he brings his work each day. He doesn't wait to be asked to contribute. He recognizes what needs to be done and takes action. His positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to producing quality work make him a valued member of his department. Please join me in congratulating Bradley on this well-deserved recognition as the City of Southfield. August. Employee of the month.

[2:36] Also here I invite you to.

[2:43] If you want to hear with Brad.

[2:58] Congratulations. Thank you.

[3:01] Thank you for all that you do.

[3:02] Thank you. Thank you. Great. Congratulations. Thank you.

[3:13] I'll take a quick picture.

[3:17] Thank you. I'm gonna need this tractor.

[3:23] Saving this spot? Yeah.

[3:28] Who are these people?

[3:30] I don't get it.

[3:33] This is my fiancé, Christina. This is Holly, and this is Cole.

[3:44] The police are nice. All right.

[3:49] Three.

[3:52] Okay.

[3:56] All right. Thank you. Can we give Brad one more time?

[4:18] We now will have a presentation from our chief.

[4:25] Chief of fire.

[4:31] Good evening.

[4:32] Good evening.

[4:33] All right, so on your in front of you.

[4:36] So if you have pamphlet, can I give you an idea of the equipment that you've purchased or we've purchased recently? Um, a lot of times we talk about this equipment and we don't really have a chance to show you what it is and what it does. And we just want to show you the importance of it to really appreciate your support and the, serious investment that this required. So I will let you go. And Lieutenant Kaya kind of take over from here.

[5:01] Greetings, counsel. Mayor and administration, thank you very much for the opportunity to present this equipment that you also graciously approve the city to buy, so that we're able to continue great medical service to our community and citizens. And some of the equipment that we carry on our medical units. The first I'd like to show us the latest Power Pro two infrastructure built by Stryker. What's nice about this device is that this structure, automatically by a push of a button, can raise and lower a patient, limiting our crews lifting, reducing back injuries and other types of knee injuries or hip injuries in these types of structures. This is also combined with a power load system that's bolted into the back of the ambulance. So we take the stretcher. We loaded into the back of the truck by a push of a button with one hand. We can actually raise the stretcher and push this whole structure system and back to the stretcher in the back of the ambulance with very little effort on our crews, minimizing injuries to us, and a nice smooth transition for care into the back of the truck for the patient. Excellent system for the combination. The next thing I like to show is on the back. This is the latest heart monitor cardiac monitoring from here. This is called the new blanket 35, also built by Stryker. This device is absolutely amazing. It gives us the ability to get on scene for the person or patient that has cardiac issues. We can put on needs. We can monitor a 12 and or 15 lead cardiac event. We can then transmit this information to the hospital. The E.R. physicians can then read those reports at the hospital and determine if that patient needs the cath lab not activated or not. If it's activated, our crews can get to the hospital in minutes. Go right to the screen in the cab because of this device. And that patient can then get the proper cardiac treatment to reopen and reproduce the heart in the right. Absolutely amazing. We can shock. We can pace and we can sync. Shock. Various different types of cardiac rhythm. We also have the capability to take blood pressures and measure a person's oxygen saturation within the blood. And we also can do carbon monoxide test both a homeowner or resident as a carbon monoxide leak in the home. We're able to measure with this device if they have CO2 within their blood system, and treat the patient of course. Fantastic device. Thank you. I'd like to show you.

[7:52] Is our incredible Lucas CPR machine. This device is absolutely a game changer in doing CPR.

[8:05] The idea is very labor intensive. When the patient has a cardiac event, is there a cardiac arrest? We quickly assembled.

[8:15] This device.

[8:30] And we automatically began the CPR compressions. At this moment, as a CPR compressions are being done, another paramedic that had insert an 82 and an advanced airway. So now we've got questions of ventilation going. Another paramedic that's they're not me or I know how we can start administering drug medications to this patient. Essentially we've got this weekend excellent recovery versus manual CPR and manual CPR. We have to start changing our crews while we stop doing CPR for a few moments and increase the patient's probability. This will just continue to run. And if the battery is small, you can plug it into a one hand outlet and continue to run this device indefinitely. A really neat thing too is when we get to the hospital, they like what this device can do. So they ask if we can stay on scene for a little bit in the air as we're doing this, and they can do their treatment procedures and try and do their best for this patient. This is an absolutely amazing, amazing device.

[9:42] And with that, the last thing I want to present is our spare chair. This is completely power. What's nice about this device is we can climb and descend on stairs with the patient on this device. This again makes it very smooth. Transitions into the patient from an upper level down, or of a lower level because of a basement or low level apartment with this device. And again, it reduces injuries to those firefighters, reducing workman's path and other types of injuries that we may sustain. And it just provides excellent treatment capacity and effective cleaning mission. Any questions?

[10:29] Nope. Well go ahead, go ahead.

[10:34] Do you put the person on the gurney first? Okay. Do you do it from the ground?

[10:39] You get in the way of the right. Excellent question. If we're on, let's check around a second floor upstairs bedroom. We can begin this care immediately and start the compressions and get go. And then when we're ready, we can get more resources and actually get the patient down from downstairs. If we can get the stretcher right next to them, we can get this all set up and start right on top of the stretcher.

[10:57] I think it's very important because I watched three people work on my dad. Oh, really? Yes. And that would have been very helpful.

[11:04] What was the outcome?

[11:05] Not good, but there was still surgery. I just said that that that machine would have been here.

[11:10] This is absolutely amazing because it delivers consistent CPR.

[11:15] Thank you. Thank you very much.

[11:17] Any other.

[11:17] Questions? Councilwoman.

[11:20] I just want to thank the. First of all, thank you for bringing this equipment before us. It's interesting to see how it operates. And I agree, the that machine is amazing. I know someone that has used that one before on the second floor and it and, you know, being very tall and very heavy. And at least they were able to get the person down the stairs. So thank you for always bringing the best, um, to South Field. Um, we should be extremely proud of the great, um, fire department, EMS department that we have and, um, Southfield residents. I hope everyone is watching. Um, this is fantastic. Thank you, thank you.

[12:01] I want to thank all of you for just providing the equipment to us to provide to our citizens.

[12:07] And walk through.

[12:08] Well, you know, the best, and you bring the best to us so we can approve it. So thank you.

[12:14] Thank you.

[12:18] Arrival of 2016, 2017 is the way of stretching out the structure. It can accommodate up to £750. Wow. All right, We had a gentleman.

[12:39] Listen to 600 £300. And he was collapsed in the living room. And then EMS get away from us.

[12:53] They had to pick him up, you know, and then I'll carry him outside. And so that was where they indicated that they had trouble finding because they loaded and all of that stuff. Yeah. Uh, over by the phone, you could actually get the information. So that is an example of we have obviously progressed since 2016.

[13:31] And.

[13:37] Excuse me, Councilman. Turn your microphone off. Thank you.

[13:42] But anyway, uh.

[13:45] When you go from various a lot of our residents, they moved to Southfield for a reason. And we know that, obviously, uh, response time is very critical. And the fact that we are investing in this equipment, that means that we are investing in the their life and their life support. But I'm extremely happy to know that you are taking care of our farmers, too, by buying this equipment where they don't have to lift up £300 individuals and carry them out to the, uh, to to the to the rescue unit.

[14:24] Exactly, exactly.

[14:29] So for the 300 pounders. We thank you. I'm glad that you have it. Hope that I never need to see it again other than at this session. But thank you all for what you do. Thank you.

[14:41] Chair. Mr. chair, I just wanted to add that I remember years ago the number of our first responders that were out due to back injuries before we started, uh, purchased these hydraulic. Um, when you have people off, that means somebody's got to cover. It's over time. Uh, we don't want any of our employees obviously injured. So, um, these have been very smart purchases, both for our firefighters as well as for, um, our residents.

[15:24] Thank you all again.

[15:25] All right. Thank you.

[15:25] Can we also acknowledge.

[15:27] That today is the chief's birthday. Happy birthday.

[15:30] Happy birthday, chief.

[15:31] Birthday.

[15:31] Thank you.

[15:36] Okay. We now will transition into communications. The Salford City Council has established the following rules of procedure for all speakers. Each speaker will have three minutes to address the council. Each speaker is responsible for his or her comments, and the City of Southfield does not, by permitting such remarks, support, endorse or accept the content thereof as being true or accurate. No speaker may make personal or impertinent attacks upon any officer, employee, or city council member or other elected official that is unrelated to the manner in which they perform their duties. No person shall use abusive for threatening language towards any individual when addressing the City Council. Any person who violates this section shall be directed by the presiding officer to be orderly. If a person addressing the Council refuses, when so directed, such person may be deemed by the presiding officer to have committed a breach of the peace by disrupting and impeding the orderly conduct of the public meeting of the City Council, and may be ordered by the presiding officer to leave the meeting. If the person refuses to leave as directed, the presiding officer may direct any law enforcement officer who was present to escort the violator from the meeting. The Council may not respond to public comment during the meeting. If you provided your contact information when you signed up for public communication. The city will provide a more formal response to you in the near future, so it will be needed. The council may respond to comments at the end of communications if they are able to do so.

[17:07] Miss Maisha spite if you can come to the podium state whether you're a Southwood resident. Aisha.

[17:22] Calc.

[17:24] Ask.

[17:29] Coke. Okay. Margie. Mason, please come to the podium. State your name and whether yourself or resident.

[17:41] Uh, my name is Margie Mason. And, yes, I am a Southfield resident. Um, I am the president of the Cranbrook Village Homeowners Association. We have 512 resident members. We are just north of 12 mile between Southfield and Evergreen. So we are Kroger shoppers, and I am here representing the board of the association and myself as a private citizen. And I want to state that we are in favor of the gas station installation. Uh, I have been to several of these meetings, and I've been listening to lots of comments. I've been listening to comments of our residents and there are a number of comments about the store that are saying that, you know, it's dirty, it's filthy. I'm never going to shop there. It should look like this. We deserve dah dah dah, whatever. And whether that is true or not, that is the perception of the store. And it's all about the aesthetics. And the thing that concerns me is I want to hear about the money. I want to hear about the math, and I want to do remodeling on my own house. But I can't pull 25,000 out of thin air, and neither can Kroger. The thing that people need to understand is that grocery stores operate on very thin margins. A grocery store has a profit margin of 0.7 to 1.25%, which means that for every $100 that comes through the door, Kroger gets $0.70 up to $1.25. And in case you haven't heard, food prices are going up. The cost of transport that food is going up and meeting those margins is more and more of a challenge. So what these companies are doing is they're finding other ways to meet the margins by opening satellite businesses like gas stations to help subsidize their earnings. Now somebody might say, well, why don't you just call Kroger? They're big company deep pockets. Just have them take care of it. It doesn't work that way. When you have a store that's part of a chain, the store has to sustain itself and stand on its own two feet so that it can be profitable. And in order to make that happen, they have to open a grocery store. Now, here's why this is important. Kroger obviously is a major player in the grocery world, and they're an anchor. They're an anchor for us here in this community, and they have a massive reputation. They're going to have stricter guidelines with regard to food safety. That's very important. And if they should get up and leave. That leaves us vulnerable to a lesser known, inferior grocery chain. And if that should happen, then filth and deterioration is going to happen very quickly and that will cause our property values to plummet. So I say, if Kroger needs a gas station to supplement their earnings. Thank you. Make it happen. Thank you. And Kroger may address their perception of the storm.

[20:54] Gator means. Thank you. Please come to the podium state whether you are a resident.

[21:03] Hi. My name is Gator. Means I am not a resident of Southfield. I'm a resident of Kimball Township in Saint Clair County. Um, I am coming to you guys. Uh, in regards of your no hunting ordinance in your city. Um, I bring this topic to you because I did work for a resident for you guys and noticed the overpopulation of deer in a certain area. Um, we all know deer can cause damage to cars and to, um, gardens and local residents yards if not kept under control. Um, so as a hunter and conservationist myself, I would I want to give you guys the opportunity and myself to help with that. Um, so what I'm asking from you guys is, um, permission to bow hunt and Bohun only. Um, I've spoken to DNR. Um, I've spoken to the city's clerk's office. To the sheriff's department. Um, they do not have a problem with it. With your guys's permission. Um, obviously, I will follow all DNR laws, whether that's distances from houses, getting permission from properties, um, and from the residents that I did work for, I actually got permission from them to hunt their property. As long as I got that permission from you guys. Um, in this specific scenario, there is a large portion of woods that is, um, open, um, to discharge a bow and arrow. Um, so there wouldn't be any, you know, close quarters to houses. Um, I'm looking to get more permission from landowners as well for that surrounding area. Um, the terrain feature for that certain property, too, is also important because there's a creek bottom that goes through the middle. So the everything would be downhill. So no shots or arrows would be, you know, deflecting or um, cause any house or, you know, any concerns for any residents nearby. Um, so I think that's also important. The property is roughly putting all the houses together, you know, roughly 22 to 23 acres big where there would be just open, open woods. Um, without any, you know, residents in the area. Um, so I just I'm coming to you guys to make sure I'm doing everything right, everything legal, the best to my ability and to help, um, I guess control your deer population. From the complaint that I have, I've gotten from one of the residents.

[23:54] Thank you.

[23:56] We'll respond at the end. Thank you.

[23:59] Uh.

[24:00] Please forgive me if I pronounce this incorrectly. Is this Sharon Mew?

[24:11] Can you please state your name so you can say help me and weather yourself for me?

[24:17] As soon as I saw your face get a little quizzical. My name is Cherry Moe. I am not a resident of Southfield. I am a business owner, new to the Evergreen Plaza, and I am here to advocate for the Kroger Fuel Center. One. As an avid Kroger shopper who is also a business owner now in the community. I'm excited for the foot traffic and the commerce that it will bring to the community with my Kroger advocacy and shopping Kroger. I really only go to Kroger Field stations and I will drive to save my dollar off per gallon. That is a huge bonus, and I know that I'm not the only person who would specifically drive to a Kroger fuel center. So I actually believe it will bring commerce to that square. Um, and also, I haven't been in any of these meetings to hear any of the conversation with the pros and cons are I've heard what the previous speaker said, but I actually do think it would be a benefit. And I know that there may be concern about, um, competition from other fuel stations, but me personally, I drive past the ones that are on that corner. I never go to them. I've previously lived in the area and moved in the past year, and even living in the area, I would still drive to spend my fuel points. So I think that there is a market for people to come and visit. The shops and the fuel centers would bring other commerce in the area. Every time I go to a fuel center that I travel to, I shop and the plaza that I go to. So I truly believe that it would be a benefit um, and and bring commerce. So as a new business owner to the area, I absolutely am looking forward to hopefully having the fuel center in the area and that's it.

[26:07] Thank you. Diane. Martin, please come to the podium. Stay with your Southwood resident.

[26:21] Good evening. Diane Martin and I am a resident of Southfield.

[26:30] To the council. Um, I am here to respond and to offer additional, um, recommendation and input to the, um, situation in which families, uh, which includes children and other, uh, aspect of the family concerning the impact of on the mental, social and psychological effect of children and their their response to the icy plans and programs in our community. I appreciate Councilman Charles Hicks, uh, respond that he would be getting back to me discuss what could be done. Uh, and I am, um, bringing these suggestions and thoughts. Uh, please note that these are my thoughts that the impact on one person within a family and and a community location being attained does not stop the impact of one person, but it can and does affect the family unit and the community response to any type of anxiety or trauma. There may be one person who may be arrested, or one person who or who may be detained. But we must remember that a family consists of a body of people, and we also need to look at and include any suggestion of response or planning into the whole family unit and the community in which the family or families are live. Um, there's always or could be a number of children in in that family, and those children may go to the school school system in the area. They may be part of a health, medical, health or general health program and etcetera, etcetera. so I am offering and suggesting a mind for approach to what can be done. Well, there are a couple of recommendations that I've put. I've, I've offered and one, by the way, I'm a little nervous. But anyway one is that.

[29:23] Well, ma'am. Sorry. Thank you. Um, I'm going to call you. Hold on to your where you left off, and we'll finish off there.

[29:30] Okay. Thank you.

[29:31] Thank you. Uh, John Cleary, please come to the podium state whether you're a resident.

[29:39] Hello, Council?

[29:40] Uh, yes, I am a resident for 14 years in Southfield. And the first thing I like to say, I love living in Southfield. I love the way everything is moving forward. You're building a brand new school right behind me. I live in a bullet point complex right down the street, and I'm very happy, but I'm very. I'm here to advocate to store, uh, Kroger fuel station. Uh, I think it'd be great for us. I'd just open the store there. In the complex there. Uh, it's called Cleary Ice Optical, and I think it's really generating and brand new. And I'm coming into it just like the young lady was here. And I looking at the future, how things are really happening for Southfield, Michigan. Um, I've been I went to Ferndale High and I came. I retired and came back out. And one day I saw the spot open and I said, that'd be a good spot for me to open a retail store. And so far it's been running pretty good. And I think with the gas station, the money we save just by not driving anywhere as of now, I normally drive all the way to Costco to save $0.20 a gallon, but now it's right down the street and right where I work at. I can save up to a dollar a gallon per month, and no one can beat that as far as the stations across the street. I think that they're mostly monopolizing that corner, but it should be open for every company that wants to go in. But Kroger is a large company and as I walk in the Kroger store, of course I shop there too, and I have my points up every time I go. And inside the store they're fixing up the floors they put in the roof. Well, they painted the roof since I've been here, since I've been in the store. So I think things are really moving forward. And you've got a brand new high school coming down right down the street. Just think of it. People will stop there when they drop the kids off and get gas. And also in the evergreen complex, we have just about everything a person need. We have a cleaners, we have a cookie store, we have a optical shop, we have a cleaners, a shop. We have a men's clothing store, a ladies clothing store, a tailor. I mean, how much more can you ask for? So when people stop to get gas, I'm sure they'll stop and purchase some things in our plaza there. Thank you very much.

[31:47] Thank you. Sir. Uh, Tiwary. Wheeler, please come to the podium state whether you are a resident.

[31:56] Good evening. My name.

[31:58] Is Turi.

[31:58] Wheeler and I am a resident of Southfield. Have been for 23 years. Um, I one just wanted to give support. I am in support of the Kroger fuel station. However, what I would like to employ, implore this council and anyone from Kroger is just the fact that I do think that Kroger has been disappointing with how they have handled their stores in different areas. Kroger is a chain, and so if I go in a Kroger in Southfield, in Ferndale, in West Bloomfield, wherever, it should basically look the same. And I understand catering to your clientele. I work in Dearborn, and so the Kroger in Dearborn serves halal meat. They certainly have certain things that cater to the Middle Eastern population of that area. However, one of the things that I'm particularly disappointed is that Kroger has not been.

[32:55] Very good to this community. Our stores are definitely not what they should look like, and I think that says something about how Kroger feels about this community. So although I am in support of the gas station coming and the influx of money and that sort of thing. One thing I will disagree with a little bit, I understand that that grocery stores operate in a very thin margin. However, Kroger CEO still makes $17 million a year, so I don't really want to hear about how we're skimming money or we're taking it from here or there. They can afford for the Kroger at 12 and evergreen to look similar to the Kroger at Woodward and Maple. And I just think that our community deserves that. If they want to come in and make more money from a gas station and from all the other things that are going to come from that, I think that they are responsible for helping to serve this community. And I would hope that the council and the people from Kroger recognize that? That we deserve what other communities deserve. Thank you.

[33:55] Thank you. Greg Kilar, please come to the podium. State whether you are a resident.

[34:23] Resident of Southfield. I wish that counted for something. Being a resident. Because I've been complaining for about 16 years about the sewer line that was supposed to be put on Circle Drive was not heard. And somebody that wasn't here for two decades that I was here said no. We said no to it without any proof. When I proved that Ashley Lawrence Tech did stop the sewer line there, and we need another couple of more months or another year or two to prove that wrong. The big question I have to ask is, what does it mean to be a good neighbor? Which one group had when they came here? We look outside and we'll see a baseball diamond by Lawrence Tech. If we go over by Lawrence Tech, we look at a new park. A new sidewalk was put in for them to go from their parking lot to their football stadium. But when I look at the Southfield schools, let me repeat again. Southfield schools, where's the partnership between the city and Southfield? Last week you were asked the question of the people we are building. Are you thinking about doing that in partnership with our public schools? That would make the pool a lot less expensive, and then it would give it a better and bigger and a broader use. I think that is a thought that should be taking it thought of. And plus you had a coach that said what his connections were with the broader swimming community. Um, the other thing is then you read before the citizens come up here and speak, does a city does a city agree with or the remarks that are made from the dais up there? Do they go along with them? Is this factual or is it true? If it's not factual and true, do you tend to do anything about that or change it? Or is that just for the residents and not for you up there on the dais? I think the rules should be evenhanded. That's what's supplied up there is good and bad for you. It's the same thing. It's good and bad for us. And the presentation we had today from the fire department was excellent. I used to be a CPR instructor. One of the things you do get tired is doing them compressions and having this machine. Now this does the compressions. And where I worked, there was a bunch of us lifeguards, so if we were waiting, we had other people to step in and do it. When they're in that truck. It's only two men. So that's a beautiful thing. And I hope we get that here. Thank you.

[37:15] Thank you. Marvin solano.

[37:20] Please state your name for the record. And whether you're a South Field resident.

[37:24] How are you guys doing? Marvin Solano, uh, born and raised in Southfield. Uh, went to Leonard Elementary, went to Burney Middle School and graduated from Lathrop. And I'm excited to see the new Lathrop. And I was I went to the last visit with everybody at Lathrop, and it was a very exciting. Today I'm here because the Evergreen Plaza is, like nostalgic to me. I've been going there since it was gray, Scott and Arbors, and I just want to see that shopping center thrive in order to see it thrive. I heard that, you know, it was going to get a maybe a gas station of Kroger. And what better to have a Kroger gas station to save money while you're shopping at Kroger to save money on the gas station? I understand there are two gas stations on the corner right now, but those two gas stations are owned by one individual, so he monopolies on the gas prices. So in order now to see a Kroger gas station, maybe that would humble those two gas stations to, you know, bring the prices down for the citizens to save money in order. And when they do save money, that means saving money that they can pay more bills, their bills, maybe, you know, pay for their tax dollars and stuff like that. So I'm 100% for the Kroger gas station. And I do like what Kroger has been doing, fixing up the Kroger new floors. And I do like how they have a pharmacy inside the Kroger as well. Thank you.

[39:01] Thank you sir. So I don't know if you heard the councilwoman to my left saying go Chargers. I just say go.

[39:08] What any of you guys what year? I'm 98, Blue Jay.

[39:15] Sorry.

[39:15] Oh, yourself. No. Hi. Chargers all day.

[39:20] Well thank you.

[39:21] I love my school. I was there like the last visit when everybody was there. That was a beautiful thing. Thank you.

[39:27] Thank you Mike.

[39:31] Is it a tumor? A tissue? Thank you sir.

[39:35] Uh, I'm not a Southfield resident, but I'm here on behalf of a relative who lives in Southfield at River Park Manor, and I want to express my support for the Kroger gas station. So, I mean, most of the people in Riverview Park Manor, you know, my relative is elderly. And the convenience of her going to Kroger and shopping and using those points at the Kroger gas station is a huge benefit for her. I mean, she's on a fixed income. She gets Social Security and some disability. So having those savings for her for that gas station is huge. I know a lot of other people in Southfield can benefit as well. You know, $0.20 to a dollar off on gallon per gas. Shopping at Kroger, using the points, everything, and going back to the point of those other two gas stations on the corners have prices considerably higher than what we'd normally see in other gas stations and Kroger. So they're using the fact that they own the two, the same two properties to monopolize prices, which hurts the consumer. So I'm in full support of the gas station. I think you'll be great for the consumer, good for competition at the corner, and also really help benefit the businesses in 12 and evergreen and ensure that that plaza, you know, can be a hub for the community for, for the future period to come. So thank you again for the time.

[40:45] Thank you, Sir. Vince Gallant, please come to the podium state, whether you're a Salford resident.

[41:01] Good evening, Vince Gallant, Southfield resident. Thank you for your time. I'm here to talk again about the proposed aquatic facility. And I just want to review again a few points of consideration. I understand that a lot of money was earmarked for this project, and I would hope that an equivalent amount of time goes into the research to put the best facility together for the community. I'm not quite convinced that the current design is something that's going to be a legacy that we want for 50 years. A larger swimming pool would require multiple entities coming together so that it was viable for the future styles of public schools. Getting ready and planning with them would be great. I don't know if, um, outreach has been done to the Henry Ford Hospital there in the community, but a large fitness center could, uh, not only benefit, uh, our residents, but it could benefit the surrounding community as well. We know that, uh, swimming is a great a great, uh, activity for health and fitness, uh, for water safety and education. And if the facility is Planned out well enough. It can have a benefit for the business community as well. So there'd be social and economic value. The combination of schools, hospitals, other businesses in the area and investigating if there are private benefactors in or around the city that would be willing to contribute to this project is something that I hope that is fully explored. Extensive programming would be the successful, uh, recipe for making a viable aquatic facility. We know that aquatic facilities don't make a lot of money unless they are aggressively programmed. And if there are multiple entities that are willing to make sure that the the annual costs of operation are covered. Um, I think that as far as extensive programming goals to benefit all community members you have learned to swim. Both youth and adult. I talk to somebody at the Chamber of Commerce last week, had no idea that there's a new pool being built. 62 year old lady that would like to learn how to swim. I have another resident who just swam in his first competition, and he's an adult in the area. And so that's for fitness. And it's my time is up right now, but I hope that you get in contact with me so that we can continue to discuss this.

[44:04] Thank you. Thank you. Sir. Evan. Hannah, if you please come to the podium state, whether you're a Southwood resident. Evan.

[44:25] Good evening everyone.

[44:27] Good evening.

[44:27] I want to talk to.

[44:29] You.

[44:30] About the necessity for the fencing. Um, that's in the paper under, uh, project F 1178. I'm here to ask for the city to finance the building of the fence. I come not to ask for additional burden to be placed on myself or my neighbors, especially during these bad economic times. Instead, I appeal. I appeal to the city as this. As a future investment for the city, especially with improvements on Ten Mile Road in IE 696 in Greenfield. We are expecting more traffic and more investors for the city. The area needs the fence to help prevent crime. The overgrown trees appears like the area is abandoned. The night of my daughter told me she heard a scream, I came. I later came to learn that one of our neighbors down the way was the victim of the attempted robbery. The section we are asking for the fence to be put in place will deter crime. Yes, I thank you for the extra patrols and especially during the school time. We do see that in um during the day. The area of the fence needs to be clear. It does not show the city at its best. Yes. You have added the benches. That's wonderful in the trash. It has truly helped. But when the area becomes overgrowth, dead animals collect in this area and trash. I called the city about an animal control to pick up these animals. They said they don't do that. You have to have it. The animal has to be dead in front of a neighborhood, a neighbor's house, or actually in the street. So no one came to pick up this dead cat. There was this land in that area. Also, the overgrowth causes obstructions for drivers and not show the area appealing to attract investors. However, across the street they have a vinyl fence that enables the city to maintenance crew to cut the grass and to keep the area up. While on our side, the crew cuts the grass, but the overgrowth is growing on the sidewalk. There is unusual plants growing in there. Um, as I said before, there's sometimes dead animals or other animals roll out onto the sidewalk and pass away there. There's a struggle to keep the trash clean, especially near Fairfax area. Uh, the brick sign that we have there has overgrown and deteriorated on Southwood and Ten Mile Road, and it should be also removed and just added to the final fence all the way through there. So I appealed to the City of Southfield to fund the building of the vinyl fence, and not have the neighbors be burdened with the bill to prove the safety of our neighbors. Keep the neighborhood clean and safe for walkers, as well as drivers that are trying to turn out on to the main street of Ten Mile Road and give investors confidence in investing in the city. Thank you for listening to me.

[47:34] Thank you ma'am. Okay, that concludes all who signed up. Many of you have voiced support. Some concerns, some ads, some please, related to Kroger. We will have that later on in the agenda. The item related to the hunting ordinance. I will like to ask Pro Tem Hogan, our legislative committee working with our city attorney to discuss that ask and determine what we can or cannot do related to the hunting ordinance. Um, there were Miss Martin, as I stated earlier, I will be calling you. I'm going to write a note and put it in my phone to call you regarding your your inquiry. Um, the aquatic center. We've had a lot of feedback on things we can do, things we should do. I, you know, we welcome that information, but there's limited money. You know, we do want to build a facility that meets the needs of most and not make it meet the needs of a few. So I do welcome having that dialogue and ask that our deputy administrator, uh, reach out to Mr. Garland to have further discussion. Um, I ask that for the fencing inquiry that was just made. That leave. Maybe if you could talk to the constituent, maybe outside and and get a little bit more information and have some discussion. Um, but related to some of the other items that she mentioned, deputy administrator related to the animal and other city service related items. Maybe if you can just reach out to her to better understand what her concerns are, and see how we can address the items that were lifted. Council. Did I miss anything?

[49:30] Mr.

[49:32] I have a question. Can we please state.

[49:34] The law.

[49:34] In regards to the deer? Are you afraid?

[49:41] Good evening. Are you.

[49:42] Asking me about the deer feeding ordinance or about the.

[49:46] Killing of the deer? The bow and arrow, I mean, so clearly.

[49:50] Is section 9.9.12.

[49:53] Okay?

[49:54] Section 9.121. Under the police regulations, unlawful discharge of a firearm or a bow. So that covers hunting. Also you cannot unless you're law enforcement or you're on a sporting range. Currently you cannot discharge a bow even if the property owner gives you permission to shoot on their property. Um, our ordinance says you cannot do that. So that's something that would have to be researched. Um, some cities may say, you know, for the Deer Club, for example, you were able to allow certain people to, to conduct that call.

[50:35] Thank you. I think, if I'm not mistaken, he said he was already doing that, uh, and that he was given permission. Did he say that? Uh, I don't know. I mean, sometimes I might like that, but I just sometimes it's against the law. What you say. Okay. Just the clarity on that. Want to make sure we're clear on that?

[51:00] Well, do you want to talk on that item?

[51:03] Yes.

[51:03] Yes. Go ahead ma'am.

[51:04] We also have.

[51:05] The Wildlife Commission that maybe this item needs to be referred back to. They are the ones that, um, created the ordinance, um, and worked with us for the city of Southfield, so maybe this needs to be brought back before that commission.

[51:22] But what Councilwoman Haynes just said, that is correct. It is against our present ordinance. Um, we do not allow, um, bow hunting in the city of Southfield.

[51:35] Mr.

[51:37] Several years ago, with the meeting with the DNR, um, they, uh, indicated that they would allow a bow hunting in January, uh, by special permit. Um, we haven't heard back from them as we went another direction this last year, but I think that's worth, um, uh, considering, uh, the gentleman that spoke surprised me, quite honestly, because, um, bow and arrow hunting is licensed by the state of Michigan. But again, we had prior to last year's call. We had numerous meetings with the DNR, and they did state they would allow a bow and arrow hunt.

[52:32] Um thank you. Thank you sir. Council. Did I miss any other items for public comment? All right. Thank you. We will now transition into our meeting minutes. We have three sets of meeting minutes. One for the committee of the whole July 13th, 2026. Uh, we have regular meeting minutes for July 20th, as well as a joint meeting held with the Planning Commission that was held on also on July 20th, 2026.

[53:02] Mister chair, I'd like to move that. We approve the minutes of A, B and C that you've read.

[53:09] So it's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hogue. Any questions or comments or corrections? Hearing none. All in favor?

[53:21] Aye.

[53:22] Any opposed? Motion carries. We now transition into the consent agenda. These are items that are considered routine, non-controversial, or have previously been discussed. Are there any items that council would like to pull for additional question or clarity? Yes.

[53:40] Mr.

[56:08] Has been properly moved.

[56:09] First of all, thank you for building meaningful.

[56:11] Thank you.

[56:12] Councilman Mandelbaum, who made the motion and council president pro tem, who supported it. Are there any questions or.

[56:21] Comments? Hearing none. All in favor?

[56:24] Aye.

[56:25] Any opposed? Motion carried.

[56:30] Public hearings and site plans. Item A hearing of necessity for special assessment. Project F 1178 ten mile Road. Right of way fence between Southwood and Fairfax.

[56:44] Good evening. Um. Just today, a counter petition was received that effectively cancels the proposed ten mile fence with 67% of properties signing the counter petition. So no public hearing is necessary this evening. instead of the resolution recommended in your packet. I'd like to recommend Council adopt a resolution formally declining to proceed with the Special Assessment project F 1178 for the ten mile road right of way fence between Southwood and Fairfax, in light of the valid counter petition.

[57:23] Thank you. The chair will entertain a motion.

[57:25] Mr. chair. Sir, I'd like to move that we decline the special assessment project F 1178. Due to the counter petition against this project support.

[57:37] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Haug. Any further question or comment? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried. Thank you. Thank you. Item B sell you 260005. The Special Use Request by EDG Architecture Studios on behalf of Harvard Plaza, LLC, to renovate a former bank building and operate a restaurant with a drive thru window and one of the tenant spaces at 27100 Lawson Road, Southfield, Michigan.

[58:11] Thank you.

[58:12] Through the chair.

[58:13] Um, the site is existing neighborhood shopping and the proposals to renovate the former bank building into small, multi-tenant commercial center. Because they're proposing a drive thru that is triggering a special land use request. They are hoping to have a coffee shop, a real retail office and carryout restaurant. Uh, the site has indicated is zoned neighborhood shopping. It's consistent with their future land use map of local mixed use. The applicant proprietor also owns the gas station to the south, which was recently approved for a major upgrade. Uh, these are existing photos of the elevation of the former Comerica Bank, and these are renovation elevations of the proposed gas station facade. Site plan. Proposed landscaping with the streetscape elements will be consistent with the gas station, so that we have a unified design on that corner. This is a proposed floor plan and then proposed renderings elevations. And with that, I'd like to invite the petitioner to come up and make a few comments before we go to public hearing.

[59:44] 027100 last from Southfield.

[59:50] Did you want to make a few comments before we go to public hearing? And then after the public hearing, you can answer questions.

[59:57] I'm always here last week, so.

[59:59] Well, it's being televised and there's audience. So if you could just give a brief overview of your past.

[1:00:04] So it's an old Comerica building. Very old has been vacant for about five years now. 4 to 5 years. Uh, we're ready to move forward, uh, to, to have a drive through approval. And, uh, our goal is to have a coffee shop and a good name. Good franchise. And the other two tenants are hoping for small retail businesses. Uh, we're going full glass on the renovation, making a new modern look, doing new parking lot, new lightings, trying to make that corner look. Today's modern look, including the gas station that we're moving forward in October.

[1:00:49] All right, all right.

[1:00:49] Thank you. If you don't mind just having a seat on the front row, we're going to open up a public hearing. And please listen out for questions that they may have for you. Sure. All right. We will now open up a public hearing for.

[1:01:05] PC. Oh I'm sorry. PS 0226005.

[1:01:12] The Special Use Requests by ABG Architecture Studios on behalf of Harvard Plaza to renovate a former bank. If you have any questions and or comments, if you can, please come to the podium. State your name and address for the record.

[1:01:33] My name is Betty Robinson, and I have a couple of questions from people who live in the neighborhood. Asked me to, um, on their behalf, ask this question what type of fast food change will it be? How will the drive thru be structured so that traffic will not be disrupted? Okay.

[1:01:52] Thank you.

[1:01:52] Ma'am. Are there other questions from the public? If so, please come to the podium now.

[1:02:03] Seeing and hearing none. The public hearing is now closed. Sir, if you please, can come back to the podium and address the questions that were posed.

[1:02:14] The franchise. We're hoping to have a good franchise name for coffee shops. That's where the drive thru will. Uh, as far as traffic wise, we did change a drawing, uh, where we had 13 cars stacking. We made it to ten. And it will not affect any, uh, traffic in the driveway. Uh, the second will be directly behind the building.

[1:02:39] Counsel, do you have any questions for the petitioner?

[1:02:42] Yes, I.

[1:02:43] Do. Yes, ma'am.

[1:02:44] Uh, just for the record, I think I wanted to make sure we talked about the overnight parking of cars and the excess of cars that are already there. So are you saying that once this is built, that there will be no overnight tow trucks or cars from the mechanic side to be in that area?

[1:03:03] Absolutely. We're making the gas station bigger. We have a waiting area for the customers and everything is by appointment.

[1:03:10] And what time will the the drive to a close or the restaurant close?

[1:03:16] Uh, I think we have it 20, 24 hours, but it depends on the franchise.

[1:03:23] 24 hours.

[1:03:26] Really?

[1:03:26] It depends on the franchise. I mean, if you bring Tim Hortons, they close.

[1:03:31] Oh.

[1:03:31] Okay. For example, Tim Horton, they open 6 to 8. 6 to 9. You know, Dunkin Donuts, they opened 5 to 9. So it depends who's coming in.

[1:03:40] Okay.

[1:03:41] All right. Thank you.

[1:03:44] Councilmember pro Tim Hogue.

[1:03:46] Thank you, Mr. President. Um, Mr. Robinson, I don't think you heard what his answer was to your question. Um, what he's saying is that, um, they don't have the franchise yet, but it's.

[1:03:58] Those.

[1:03:59] Correct? Um, like a Starbucks or Tim Hortons, as he stated. And then the route would be just as the drive through was before. Where? It's behind the building.

[1:04:10] So it'll be the same setup as it was before when it was a bank. So the drive thru will be in the back then I'd like to say I was by there. I saw that it was a lot of cars were gone. So I appreciate that in your gas station so I can see you're trying to get them out of there. So I did see a lot of improvement. Thank you.

[1:04:31] Thank you.

[1:04:32] Any other questions or comment for the petitioner?

[1:04:36] Mister chair?

[1:04:37] Yeah. Um, we have some proposed hours here that was presented during the Planning Commission review. You're saying that these are not, Um.

[1:04:50] Not consistent with who you're trying to attract.

[1:04:53] I agree with these others.

[1:04:55] I'm.

[1:04:57] I'm just typically through the chair. When we do special land use, we do put hours of operation in place. These were the hours that were presented to us prior. Um, we always ask for the broadest amount of hours, because if they go outside, let's say they have a franchisee that comes in and wants to be open past 7 p.m. on Monday to Friday, they would have to come back and get the special land use. So I would suggest that if we can't, if he can't live with these hours and you propose a minimum and a maximum time that he can work within, they can always be open less than the hours that are granted, but not more than the hours are granted.

[1:05:37] So.

[1:05:38] So to your point, Mr. Planner, do you have a recommendation based on similar businesses or that he's pursuing.

[1:05:45] Well, I think the, the 7 p.m., like you mentioned, like Dunkin Donuts and others are open to 9 or 10 p.m. in the evening and 6 a.m. seems reasonable for the morning hours. I don't want to limit him, but these are what was proposed before. So I just want to make sure before he walks away and you grant your approvals, that we have reasonable hours of operation.

[1:06:10] Yes, ma'am. Well, I definitely wouldn't agree with 24 hours. I think that that's in agreement with what we currently have in our city.

[1:06:17] And I think I can suggest maybe 6 a.m. to 11 p.m..

[1:06:22] Are we talking about all the businesses or have one standard set of hours?

[1:06:27] I would say one standard set of hours at this point.

[1:06:32] Can you live with that? 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and just seven days a week? Seven days a week. And then if you have a franchisee that wants to close earlier on a Sunday, then they can do that if they want to come in, pass the hours that are granted, they have to come back for special land use approval.

[1:06:48] I'm okay with 6 a.m., seven days a week, 11 p.m. just to be on the safe side.

[1:06:58] Okay.

[1:06:59] All right.

[1:07:00] I have a question. I have another question, please. Okay, so it's 11 p.m. for the coffee shop, the carryout and the retail office.

[1:07:08] I'm suggesting one set of hours to give them flexibility for whoever they attract. They don't have any specific tenants at this point.

[1:07:19] Mr. planner, what's what's right next to the bank? Is it is it commercial or is it residential? I can't.

[1:07:28] Remember commercial. The shopping center is to the east. There's the post office and a bank to the west. I believe to the north is a small residential complex and then the gas stations to the south.

[1:07:46] Yes, ma'am. Does anything in the area stay open till 11:00?

[1:07:51] Well, you have the 711 gas station that's open right across the street. And I believe that's a 24 hour operation.

[1:08:01] Yes.

[1:08:04] I just think it depends on the business.

[1:08:06] What are the hours of operation? Um, to the stores to the east of the site. In the shopping center. Isn't it? Till 10:00?

[1:08:16] I don't I don't know that specifically. I don't want to. I don't want to misspeak on that. I'm again, whatever your pleasure is. But I'm saying we should have a starting time and an ending time that they can work within. And if they need to come back, then they can come back and amend it. But I don't believe 7:00 is going to be late enough, especially if they have a Dunkin Donuts or a Tim Hortons or something of that nature.

[1:08:39] So, counsel, are there any concerns with the 11 p.m. closing time?

[1:08:46] Overall, I'd rather see the ten. I mean, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.. I mean, that corner, everything closes that town.

[1:08:53] Yeah, exactly.

[1:08:54] How about the CVS?

[1:08:56] I just.

[1:08:56] Checked. They close.

[1:08:57] It. They close.

[1:08:58] It. They close at.

[1:08:59] Ten. That's a different place.

[1:09:00] The restaurants close at ten.

[1:09:03] I would agree with nine and ten, but at 11:00, I think we're stretching it because, you know, the first of all, we don't know the type of business that it's going to be. And retail. Um, I would see that they need to be open that late. And just from my area alone, we have some businesses that operate just like this and not at seven, but supposedly at nine. And they have stretched that to beyond that. And it's just not a good fit and a good look. Some things go on and things happen.

[1:09:28] Sir. Are you are there any concerns from you with going to attend? I mean, you could always come back.

[1:09:36] Miss way, 6 to 10 is not going to make a difference.

[1:09:39] So just so I'm clear, if you should approve this, the condition will be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..

[1:09:46] Yes, sir.

[1:09:50] Mr. chair, sir.

[1:09:51] I'd like to move that. We approve PSL you 260005. The special use request. With the hours of operation for all the retail locations from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..

[1:10:07] Support.

[1:10:08] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hogg. Any additional question or comment?

[1:10:17] Hearing none. Did you have anything before I go?

[1:10:21] No. That would just be amending my previous recommendation. Changing that to 6 a.m. to ten.

[1:10:30] Aye.

[1:10:30] Any opposed? Motion carried. Next item pc Z. Thank you sir, I'm sorry. PC XR 260002. The request to conditionally rezone 0.78 acres of land at 19991 West 12 Mile Road from B2 to plan business B3 general business.

[1:10:57] Through the chair again. Um, this is a request of Kroger Company of Michigan. The address is 1999112 Mile Road. Existing zoning is B2 plan business. Proposed zoning is B3 general business with conditions, and this is to conditionally rezone the parcel from B2 to B3 with special use and site plan approval to demolish the existing um bank building and construct and operated Kroger gas station. I do want to point out that this conditional zoning limits it only to a fuel station and is part of the agreement. The proposed property will only be used as a Kroger retail fuel center. In the event the Kroger store or Kroger retail fuel center closes permanently. The retail fuel center will be raised and the subject property will revert to B2 plan business zoning. So it's a very specific zoning does not allow all the potential B3 uses. It's very specific to the fuel center. The current zoning future land use plan is consistent. I just read this statement. This is an existing site.

[1:12:15] Former bank building. Bank of America that would be demolished. The proposed circulation plan traffic control plan was implemented from the last study. This would be the site and landscaping plans, elevations.

[1:12:37] And then a rendering of what's being proposed. And with that, um, the representatives of Kroger store and Kroger retail fuel have a PowerPoint presentation they'd like to make, if you so desire. Otherwise, we can go to the public hearing.

[1:13:08] Through the.

[1:13:08] Chair.

[1:13:11] Thank you. Terry. Uh, through the chair.

[1:13:14] Thank you for.

[1:13:15] Letting us present.

[1:13:20] Mr.

[1:13:23] Thoughtful.

[1:13:24] Conversations.

[1:13:25] Throughout this.

[1:13:25] Process. Uh, to help us get to this stage.

[1:13:30] This is a conditional.

[1:13:31] Rezone portion.

[1:13:33] I. We don't have much to add to that other than it's a singular, focused.

[1:13:38] Rezone for the fuel.

[1:13:40] Station so we can spend the money, raise a bank, and have a continuous parcel with the Kroger grocery store. Uh, something I'd like to highlight in that it's just a great Scott store. I grew up next to a great Scott. I have fond memories of them, but that's how this was configured. So Kroger grew.

[1:13:58] A lot.

[1:13:59] By acquisition. So there's a myriad of floor plans, uh, across the enterprise. But regarding a fuel station, just a couple of quick points, uh, how we're different than other, uh, retail petroleum. Uh, we are proposing, uh, is not a traditional convenience store. It's a 198 square foot kiosk. We have a big convenience store behind.

[1:14:23] Through the chair, if you don't mind. Um, we have a singular focus on the conditional rezoning right now. Should that pass them will go into the special land use on the fuel station. So I would ask that you limit your comments on the conditional rezoning at this time. Okay. And then again, should this pass, then we'll we'll focus on the special land use of the fuel station.

[1:14:46] I agree. Then through the chart I don't have a lot to add other than the conditional rezone agreements in your packet. It's very specific to a singular use to allow us to rezone to to B3 to allow fuel and continuous operation within the Kroger parcel. And I'm glad to entertain any questions.

[1:15:08] If I could, um, just can you make a clarification on the statement that I read that if if Kroger leaves, they will remove the fuel station at their expense?

[1:15:20] Yes, that yes. That was one of the conditions of the rezone agreement. In the event that stores closes, the fuel station will be raised. The tanks will be extracted. It will be put back to its original condition paving at that point in time, and then the rezone will be null and void and it will revert to its original B2 zoning.

[1:15:42] Thank you.

[1:15:44] Mr.

[1:15:45] Was the video related to the zoning?

[1:15:47] No. Okay, so at this time, it would be appropriate to open the public hearing.

[1:15:54] We will now open up a public hearing for.

[1:16:00] ZR $26 0002. If you have a question and or comment on this item, if you can, please come to the podium. State your name and your address, please.

[1:16:22] Um, if.

[1:16:23] You approve, and they open this gas station in the corner, well, the gas prices be commensurate.

[1:16:28] With the other gas stations. Or will they be higher?

[1:16:42] Are there any other comments on the rezoning of this parcel? Questions related to special use will be at the next item.

[1:16:58] Good evening everybody. My name is doctor. I'm actually the owner and operator of the urgent care in that plaza. Um, my only comment is that for me, um, you know, I'm not a I'm a physician. I'm not a politician. It's my understanding, just from sitting at these meetings, that this is a big deal breaker for these gentlemen. If the Kroger goes and the plaza goes. That means I go. That means 35,000 patients and the majority living in your city will no longer have an urgent care to go to. Now, I know you may say, well, there's another one. Well, my competitors at 12 on Southfield closed because of a lack of of patients. Uh, and I don't want to just get patients from Southfield. I'll keep my my time short. I but I also get a lot of patients that come from Detroit because in between downtown and Southfield. Believe it or not, there aren't a lot of health care facilities for those patients and those families. And I don't just talk to these patients. The ones that come into my clinic are just as high and by. I know them. I know their families, I know their grandparents, I know their grandchildren. I know everybody they need. They tell me they need that facility. They use that pharmacy for all the medications that I prescribe to them. They use it, obviously for the groceries beyond that. Again, I'm not a politician. I don't get involved in the economics. I'm just telling you how vital that center is to me and my patients. President Hicks, I just wanna make a comment when you are making that initial statement about the decorum of this. I said, we're going to stop here. We're not in Chicago. No, you don't have to worry about that. And, mayor, you've been pretty quiet. But I grew up in Southfield. I lived for 20 years at 12. And last year on Holcroft Road. Got my swimming lessons at Southfield. Lathrop. I just want to apologize before. England was actually a park when it was still a forest. It was me and my friends accidentally set it on fire. So sorry about that one.

[1:19:02] Are there any other comments related to the rezoning of this parcel?

[1:19:15] My name is Garland McWilliams. Um, Southfield resident. Um, you know.

[1:19:20] I understand.

[1:19:21] The business aspect of Kroger's, and I can't say that I have to say that the savings on gas, especially now, you know, is a benefit to the community. My issue is the conditions of that Kroger store. It hasn't been updated, you know, in many years. I'm assuming it was built probably back in the 60s. And I see other Kroger's and other areas that are splendid. You know, from Madison Heights to, uh, Canton to Birmingham. And I'd like to make sure that store is brought up to par, just like everyone else's story. I have no problem with the gas myself. You know, we all need the savings, you know, on the gas. But the store needs to be brought up to par with every everyone else, not just disregarded and and threw a few crumbs at it and everything. Let's do a first class job, not a piecemeal. That's all I have to say. Thank you.

[1:20:30] Thank you sir. Are there any other comments for the rezoning?

[1:20:47] Good evening. Good evening mayor and the administration and everyone who was present here at this meeting. I too, am wondering, does Kroger have any guidelines as to the distance in which they place the gas stations?

[1:21:11] There are two gas station right there on evergreen already. So to rezone and the possibility of having to rezone again, it doesn't make much sense to me. We should not allow Southfield to populate itself with gas station. We need a variety of businesses and businesses that are going to treat Southfield citizens just as they do other citizens, especially if they are a group of the same businesses. We should not have to travel out of Southfield for the basic needs, to provide for our families, to maintain our homes, and to maintain our well-being. So if you are going to rezone, then Kroger need to make sure that they are going to do what they need to do for Southfield Citizen. Thank you.

[1:22:25] Are there any more comments related to the rezone?

[1:22:35] Good evening. My name is Benjamin Greer. I've been a resident of Southfield for 20, 20, 21 years. Uh, right behind the location are not far from the location. I would like to echo the concerns that I've heard a couple of things. The condition of that Kroger is not the same as other Kroger's, and that is particularly annoying to me. I like the idea of a gas station there. That's fine. But somehow, for the benefit of this city, The the quality of that store needs to be a part of this somehow, someway.

[1:23:17] Um, and I also would like to know I would hope there would be EV charging stations there in the event that that's part of the facility. And that's all I have. Thank you.

[1:23:36] Any other comment?

[1:23:39] So, you know, this is the portion of the meeting where I have to phone a friend. So, Mr. Planner, madam attorney. Oh, I'm sorry. Before we move forward, there were comments and questions that were partially related to rezoning and partially related to the next item. Um, we definitely want to make sure that you all get your answers addressed, but I just wanted to make sure a procedure procedurally through.

[1:24:07] Through the chair I. First I would close the public hearing and I'd be happy to respond.

[1:24:11] Okay, so we now close the public hearing for pc XR $26 002.

[1:24:18] So this particular item that you're debating right now is on the merits of rezoning from the B2 to the B3 conditional zoning. Do you feel that it's consistent with the master plan, and are the conditions that are being proposed by the applicant? Because it's a one way on conditional rezoning, we don't negotiate the items that they're proposing with the design. Uh, removing of the gas station. Is that, um, is that meet your standards for approving the conditional rezoning in this particular case? If this should pass, then we we deliberate on the merits of the special land use and the specifics of the fuel station. So, I think some most of the questions or comments that were raised, um, would be dealt with under the next item. And that really it's the merits of the rezoning request should be debated and either approved or denied. And then depending on how you how the outcome of that decision, then we we go into the special land use, we and the applicant can address the pricing issues and some of the other things that were raised.

[1:25:34] Yes, ma'am.

[1:25:36] Thank you. I just want to confirm, please, how many gas pumps are being proposed at this location?

[1:25:49] Uh, through the chair. Five. So five, uh, multi-product dispensers, which would equate to ten fueling positions.

[1:25:58] Thank you. And then my last question and or concern. And I guess this would be, um, addressed to my colleagues or Mr. Crone. Um, Mr. Crawford, you had indicated that, um, in the event that Kroger retail fuel center closes permanently, the retail fuel center will be raised and the subject property will revert to be to plan business. I think what should be added into the statement, to make it clear, is that the property will be raised at the owner's expense and put back to its original condition. That piece is missing, and the way I read it as it presently is worded, I. I think it could be argued that it would be up to us and I would like something like that added again.

[1:27:02] We can work on that. This is supposed to be a one way proposal, but before we finalize, we always review with the city attorney. Our our staff, um, to be put back to the original state is the bank is existing on the site. So I think they've offered to put it back into at least, um, a native condition with grass or something to that effect. But we can if if this goes forward working with the applicant, we can wordsmith those conditions. But they have to be voluntary on their side. And, um, we always have our city attorney review the final copy before it's approved and recorded.

[1:27:47] Well, I guess what I don't understand is this is part of the approval tonight, right? And I'm just. Okay, so if we don't want to say to restore it back to its original condition, I really would like it to say at the owner's expense right now. It doesn't state that, right?

[1:28:02] And again, if the applicant is willing to state that on the record and say that it would be put back to some type of like grass area or lawn area, they can make that statement. We can incorporate that into the agreement.

[1:28:17] Through the chair. It may have been inarticulate, but the intent was always we would raise the the fuel station and restore it to either turf so a future development could go on there and or paving, uh, to be parking. And that would obviously be a Kroger's expense. We've raised several stations when we've, uh, went to expand the store, we've moved gas stations at our own expense to do that. So so again, that is the intent.

[1:28:48] Just to be clear, Matt, if you make that statement that'll be raised at Kroger's expense and will be brought back to a natural state which is long. Yes we can. You can say that to the council. Then we can incorporate that into the consent agreement.

[1:29:05] We agree.

[1:29:07] That.

[1:29:07] That that's a statement. It'll be at Kroger's expense to raise the fuel station and either leave it in turf condition so that the next development can go in at a be to use and start from grass.

[1:29:21] Okay. So I, I did hear that and that will be incorporated. But as Kroger agreed to that.

[1:29:29] That was always the intention.

[1:29:30] Well that's that's what I thought. But it's just not worded that way. So that's why I like that wording in there.

[1:30:09] Okay, so just so I'm clear again, um, this paragraph is already in the conditional rezoning statements. So from my point of view, the only thing we're adding is at their expense.

[1:30:27] And if they.

[1:30:28] Agree said that. So you.

[1:30:30] Will we will make sure that it's in the final document.

[1:30:33] That's not in the document before.

[1:30:34] Us because it's a draft at this point.

[1:30:39] This is what was proposed prior to tonight. There I'm hearing them agree to that condition, and we'll make sure it's incorporated into the final document. It's just we cannot negotiate. It's not like a plan unit development. And that's why I'm just being very careful on how we we approach this. They're willing to do that. We'll make sure it's in the final document should this get approved?

[1:31:06] Do you agree? Madam attorney?

[1:31:07] Yes. If I may do the chair. So, yes. Everything the planner said is correct. Whenever you have a conditional rezoning, everything in that agreement, the offer can only come from the petitioner. When, like you said, we're not supposed to negotiate it once if it's approved. Um, planning works on the agreement, and then it is sent to our office for review. And then is it still recorded? Yeah. And then it's recorded. So that's why he has the draft. But the law does say the everything in the agreement for conditional rezoning has to come from the petitioner. Um, but as you just did, um, Councilwoman Banks, he agreed. So as Terry said. Because they agreed it's still coming from them. And then we'll have a final agreement that's reviewed. And then after it's signed, both parties signed and it's recorded.

[1:32:05] Okay. And just so I'm clear, in the event they changed their mind than what happens once this whole process goes through. Because to me, that for me, this is a very, very important decision.

[1:32:15] Right.

[1:32:15] Well, which way I'm going to vote.

[1:32:16] They're bound by this legal document and approval of council, the conditions of approval.

[1:32:21] Right. So planning and legal work together to review it before it's even offered for signature.

[1:32:28] Okay. Thank you.

[1:32:30] Pro Tem hogue.

[1:32:32] Thank you, Mr..

[1:32:33] Brightwell, then, Councilwoman Haynes.

[1:32:35] Thank you, Mr. President.

[1:33:11] Thank you. That's all. I wanted to speak on it.

[1:33:13] Yes, ma'am. Mr. Councilman. Right.

[1:33:19] Heard.

[1:33:20] That was asked about the number of station number fueling stations.

[1:33:23] Well, again, if I could ask you to defer that to the next item should it passes, because this is just on the merits of. Are you comfortable with the proposed rezoning? Then the special land use can get into the details of the fuel station.

[1:33:38] I take my, uh. I resent my request for a question.

[1:33:44] Thank you. Sir. Yes, ma'am.

[1:33:45] Just for clarity. Uh. the statement was made by a resident that the plaza would be closed if there were no gas station. Um, that is not a true statement, am I correct?

[1:34:03] Well, I.

[1:34:04] Mean, I just want to clear it up because that statement was made, it was put out there and other residents heard this. I want to just get clarity on that.

[1:34:13] I threw the chair. The clarity is that fuel station is a category of the grocery store. It cannot operate independently of the grocery store. So in the event the grocery store closed, or that that fuel station would be raised and it would revert back to its original zoning at Kroger's expense, and it would be. But there was there's no Insinuation. It's just it's just a condition of if the grocery store is not there, the fuel station is not going to be there. We're not going to operate the Kroger fuel station independent of that grocery store.

[1:34:54] Okay. But I think he said the plaza. That's what.

[1:34:57] I.

[1:34:57] Know. We just talked about rezoning, but I'm just putting that a resident put something out there as to be true. And I'm just clearing that up. And it was either yes or no on that because we're talking about the plaza itself. You know, he said that the the plaza.

[1:35:11] Well, if I could, I would suggest waiting to the next item, then the store, um, property manager and the owner could address what the impacts could be if Kroger left the, the the center. And I think that was the implication. It wasn't about this specific conditional rezoning. And I don't want to put words in their mouth, but that would be a better time for them to respond to that.

[1:35:36] Okay.

[1:35:37] Thank you.

[1:35:38] Mr.

[1:38:31] Any other questions or comments on the rezoning?

[1:38:35] Hearing none. The chair will

[1:38:39] Mister chair.

[1:38:41] I'd like to move that. We approve 260002 as presented support.

[1:38:50] It's been properly.

[1:38:50] Moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council member Brightwell. Any additional comment or question? Hearing none. All in favor?

[1:39:02] Aye.

[1:39:03] Any opposed?

[1:39:04] No.

[1:39:19] Mr.

[1:39:26] No no no.

[1:39:30] No.

[1:39:32] Four.

[1:39:47] All right. Thank you. So motion passes four three.

[1:39:51] Yes.

[1:39:52] Mr. Chair. Yes. I'd like to introduce ordinance number 1845 support.

[1:40:04] It's been moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Councilwoman Banks.

[1:40:12] All in favor?

[1:40:13] Aye.

[1:40:14] Any opposed?

[1:40:15] No.

[1:40:19] Was it the same three. Thank you.

[1:40:44] The special use request of The Kroger Company of Michigan to construct and operate a gas station at 19991 West 12 Mile Road.

[1:41:08] Through the chair, if I can explain very briefly so we can get to the Kroger folks behind me. What what this is. And I'll, uh, in this brief presentation, I'll answer, uh, Mrs. Robinson's gas pricing questions. Uh, but I will, uh, and the distance to gas in proximity. Um, so, uh, what we're proposing is not a traditional, uh, convenience store. Gas station. Uh, we're 198ft². It's very small. Uh, we have an attendant. Most transactions take place at the five dispensers. Uh, via credit card. We have a fairly large convenience store that we're trying to improve. Um, uh, behind us. Uh, this is, uh, doesn't require any new curb cuts. Uh, our trips are coming from within the grocery store somewhere north of 60 plus percent, uh, will be shoppers that are in the grocery store that will get fuel sometime during that trip. We're not a big trip generator, and we really are off hours. Uh, lots of our shoppers are on weekends and after work hours. Uh, so we're not big contributors to traffic. We're continuous with the stores. So again, people aren't having to go out onto the roadways and come back in. The fuel station provides the equivalent of full six full time jobs. Uh, we are a category of the grocery store. Literally, our cash registers in the kiosk are tallied in the grocery store. Um, and we mimic the store's hours. So. Zero 600 to 2200 10 p.m.. Um, we have unleaded gasoline and diesel. Architecture matches the main store. You know, we have a fuel canopy. It's transparent, we have a small kiosk, and we're surrounded by the streetscape elements that were installed by Mr. Ben several years ago. We really want to be transparent to the main grocery or grocery store. And the small shops adjacent, uh, were unbranded, um, fuel. So. So lots of people are brand shoppers. Shell Mobil. Uh, etc. so um, but as it relates to Miss Robinson's questions, gas prices, uh, we are a commodity. Fuel. Fuel is a commodity. Um, but the difference is we're not a private, uh, club like Costco, where you have to have a membership. Um, as our patrons, uh, shop at our grocery store, they accumulate fuel points that they can redeem at the fuel stations. So, um, we shop price to the street, but we discount to, uh, our mutual loyalty, each other's loyal shopper. Uh, you get discounts up to a dollar, uh, in a month. Um, as far as distance of gas stations. Oil. Boy, we have lots of sites that are immediately adjacent to other gas stations. 12 Mile and Halstead. There's a shell station immediately adjacent to us. Um, we're a company operated store staffed by Kroger employees. Uh, by a very risk averse, uh, large company. We're going to be operating here for a very long time, and we're going to be brand loyal. Uh, we're Kroger, so, um, maintenance, regulatory affairs, things like that. Uh, we're a responsible, good steward from a from a fuel standpoint. Um, and, uh, it's a very tight operation. Uh, as far as the other conditions regarding the grocery store, I'm going to defer to Kroger ops, folks. Uh, for those that are much brighter than me. I'm strictly fuel and will entertain and bore you, as my wife will say. Uh, talking about fuel. Fuel ops. Uh, any questions you may have?

[1:45:15] Through the chair, I'm going to recommend you open the public hearing first. And then if questions come up regarding the store's operation, they can address it at that time. I just want to reiterate, though, just for clarification, the proposed hours of the fuel station there 6 a.m. to 10 p.m..

[1:45:33] Thank you sir. We will now open up a public hearing for Sluis 260003, the special use request of the Kroger Company of Michigan to construct and operate a gas station. If you have a question or comment at this time, please come to the podium. State your name and your address for the record.

[1:46:00] I want to have a question that was.

[1:46:01] Submitted to me. We all know what Betty Robinson. We all know that with any company, the bottom line is profit. What is your yearly profit? Projected profit margin on gas sales. And what happens if you do not meet or exceed your yearly profit margin.

[1:46:24] Thank you.

[1:46:34] My name is Benjamin Greer. I live at 19841 Northbrook Drive in the city of Southfield. The question I have is as part of this, can Kroger, um, you know, um, make sure that there can we insist that Kroger do some upgrades and modernizations to the existing grocery store that's there? And, um, it's just to me, it's a maintenance thing. And I'm giving this as an example. I've asked a question, but we, my family, rather go down the street and pay more at the market fresh, because the conditions of the store are, in my opinion, are not adequate, and I'd like to be for that to be part of this. And maybe I didn't hear it correctly, but is there? Are we saying, is Kroger saying that unless they get this gas station approved, they're, um, you know, vacating that store, that site, because that would be terrible for those of us who live in that neighborhood to have that become vacant. Um, and those are the questions I would like answered. Thank you.

[1:47:58] Good evening, everybody.

[1:48:01] And all the council members. My name is Evelyn Martin. I am a struggling a store owner in the plaza. And, um, I'm a resident of Sanford for 20 years. Yes. Kroger needs to do better. They are doing better already. We've seen a lot of modernization taking place there. It will also help us in the plaza. If the Kroger that is in that place is a great and they showed us that they will do that. We really need the food station. We need Kroger to upgrade because it will help us there to do better. We are struggling and it would be a shame if owners have to back out because of a few things that needed to be fixed. Thank you so much.

[1:48:54] Thank you.

[1:49:11] Carla McWilliams. I spoke earlier regarding the Kobe issue. As far as the upkeep of the store, you know, I understand foot traffic for other businesses, you know. Um, I understand their their needs. I've been in business myself, and I understand it, but.

[1:49:37] I want Kroger's to understand that that store in particular needs to be brought up to standards, as the other Kroger stores I've been to, uh, is even though they aren't is big. It could be a, uh, a diamond to the community. If they bring up the part, bring it up to where it should be, uh, a modern looking Store. Um. A store that I'd be proud to go to. Uh, right now I go to other stores. I hate to go down to Myers there. It's very crowded, but, you know, I do that there, you know, much more diverse and everything. And I know you have just a limited amount of space to work with, but we can do better with the space that we do have there. Uh, one thing with the gas station, uh, one of my, uh, uh, fellow Southfield residents brought up as far as electric charging stations. That would be a great draw. You know, electric cars are here, and they're going to be here for a long time. Uh, you could I'd like to add at that end to a gas station. Uh, it would bring in more, uh, traffic. More, more foot Traffic. Uh, you can charge a charge up your car and still go shopping, but the store needs to be brought up to power. Bring it up to, uh, uh, standards in Birmingham and Canton and other communities where the stores are beautiful to go into. And I like to stop there. And matter of fact, I do have a Kroger's card and I enjoy the discounts that they do provide. But don't say you're going to close the store if you don't get what you want. You know, to me, that feels like a blackmail. Don't do me that way. I'm a resident of Southfield. I and you know, we deserve better than that. So just bring it up to par. I'd be happy to bring it up to today's standards. Thank you.

[1:52:16] Hello again. My name is Tiwary Wheeler. I spoke earlier about some of the same concerns that other residents had with regard to keeping the store up to date. One of the questions, or that I would have for the Kroger people, or one of the commitments I would like for them to make. I've heard a couple people say that they saw due flaws or that they're doing new things. I'm wondering, are you only doing that to get this gas station? I mean, for years we have complained as residents for that store to be kept up and it was not addressed. Um, the store was left looking like it looked. And now all of a sudden you want a gas station. So now we'll give you some new floors. So I guess my, my question or my concern is what commitment are you making to keep this particular store up to date like you do some of the other stores in other, Um, suburbs of Detroit and and Detroit. I mean, keeping this store looking like some of the other stores and up to date. Because what I would really hate is for you to get this gas station, give us some new floors now and then. We don't see you touch that store again for another, however many years. So I guess that's my question.

[1:53:36] Good evening. My name is Mike. I own a mattress store right next to Kroger. Um, I just want to say, I know this probably does not play as a deciding factor, but if Kroger left were done, most of the businesses in that plaza, me personally will not survive. There's been a lot of improvements since our last meeting here. I've seen it. I walked to Kroger daily. When I work daily, I see the improvement. Could there be more improvement? Absolutely. But they are working on it. Um, price of gas in that corner is kind of monopolized because it's one owner for the two stations. I'm sure the Kroger station will bring competition and their prices will go lower to compete with Kroger. And that benefits everybody. I just hope this goes through for the sake of many people in that plaza. Thank you.

[1:54:42] Hi. Good evening. Uh, my name is Tina. Uh, next to Kroger is a dry cleaner. So, uh, long time, I believe Kroger, because it's a good food. So I believe. Yes. To My, uh. I think just to know more. Gatsby or another city. I want to spend money. Southfield. The city. That's it. Thank you.

[1:55:21] Thank you.

[1:55:28] From Southfield resident. I still didn't hear the question to answer. And I will ask it again. Does Kroger have any guidelines as far as distancing their gas stations? Overpopulated? Anything will drive businesses out of business. And I would like to say that after last week meeting, I stopped by Kroger up there on evergreen and 12th mile.

[1:56:07] It was nearly closing time and the floors were filthy.

[1:56:17] Southfield residents deserve to be treated as other community residents.

[1:56:28] As far as providing the basic needs, basic services and the basic care. I can understand specialized community stores providing specialized items for them. I can understand inventory shortages, but for basic needs, I should not have to go out of Southfield for those kind of services and needs. And we have some other stores, chain stores, a couple others. But we're talking about Kroger. Now that you you have to go out, I'm gonna do it. You're suffering. And sometimes I need to go to the community stores for something, but they do not carry it. We deserve the same treatment. We deserve the same services and basic needs. If you're going to be in business, if you put my dollar into the same basket as another community dollar and you don't see it, will my dollar value less than theirs? We need the same treatment as others. Thank you.

[1:58:02] My name is Gale Macy.

[1:58:04] Pardon my voice. Um, I'm a Southfield resident. I live on ten mile.

[1:58:10] Over near Inkster. Apparently, my shopping experiences are different than most of yours because I either shop at the Greenfield. Uh, excuse me. At the 10th or 12 mile, an evergreen store, or over in Farmington Hills on Melville Road. Now, I shopped at Middle Belt this afternoon on my way home, because that sort of determines where I go. And I have been to many, many of these hearings, and I've listened to all of the attacks on this Kroger. Now, maybe my standards are low. I don't know, but I do have to say when I go into the Farmington Hills store, I find I have to remind myself which of the two stores I'm in merely because their product is arranged differently. I have not noticed a tremendous difference in the upkeep or the cleanliness of those stores. I have noticed that since there's been some change in management here, there has been some improvement. Now, I do have a question about three gas stations on one corner. However, I guess my question is why do we not encourage Kroger to do some sort of partnership with the other? The gas station that's on the other side of 12 mile back when that was being revamped. I kind of don't understand what some of the discussion is about. We need to have the store. We lost the the Greenfield Road store to Oak Park. Now that's a that's a nicer store because it's a much bigger store. It took over a K-Mart. Location and they have a gas pen. Now, gas pad is not my biggest draw because I don't drive anywhere anymore. But I just I'm not quite sure what all you're asking of them. I mean, I don't think they want to go out of business, so I'm assuming they're listening to the complaints and making changes. That's all I have to say.

[2:00:38] I'm Bridget Greer.

[2:00:39] Southfield.

[2:00:40] Resident all of my life.

[2:00:42] Um.

[2:00:43] I'm excited.

[2:00:45] About.

[2:00:46] Kroger's bring into gas station. I think that if they do what they're supposed to do, fix up the store and fix up the actual surrounding parts where the grass, the trees. It will be an asset to our area. I want to make sure that I'm in purchasing by trade is my degree in where I work. Um, that maybe we can push something in there that there's milestones that they have to make, that there's some kind of, um.

[2:01:25] Greenery contract or something that to make sure that they keep it looking as nice as the proposal and the rendering that they do. If they do that, it'll be a win win for all of us. Um, Kroger's has been there, but they have gone down. As my husband stated, we don't shop at Kroger's. I would like to shop at Kroger's, the Kroger's and Woodward's and, um, Birmingham is amazing. and I think they can do the same thing for Southview. If they agree to do that, it'll be a win win for all of us.

[2:02:14] Residents of Southfield. One thing I had to ask is I have a Kroger's car. I've never used it for gas. I wonder if my point is still there, but getting gas at a discount? Or do they delete after one year? Or are they there permanently? Second thing I've heard how many times they have walked through the building, but I never heard them say they were going to fix up clean up the restrooms, which is next to the pharmacy, when me and a couple of their employees were talking. I asked them, I said, how come that restroom has never been cleaned in over 35 years and it's always dirty? He said, well, we do have a second one in the back for the employees, but what about the residents? You know, I've walked the floors and if you walk the floors and you didn't see that, then what else did you not see? So I think there's a bunch of things that you didn't see. If I can see that right next to it, I do think it will be a great asset to have the gas station there because as all the store owners said, it will create more foot traffic. And then as Sam who said, came up here with the Metro shirt on, I see him at least 2 or 3 times a year, primarily because Kroger's next door and I can go to Kroger's after I see him. So I do know that it is a draw, but there needs to be some type of change for it. It needs to look a little bit better for some residents of Southfield. And I do go to One Oak Park more than I do to one Southfield, or even go out to Madison Heights just because it's not clean. And that does matter. Thank you.

[2:04:19] My name is doctor. Eight years. Actually, August 19th was eight years. I've been at that plaza. I go to the Kroger every single day. And contrary to the stereotype, I don't go to five star restaurants every night. I like to make my own food. I go to Kroger, I go to the deli, I get what I need. I walk up and down the aisles. I go back to my clinic. I eat my food in between seeing my patients. So eight years I've been going to that place. Was it dirty at once? Yeah. It was. It wasn't clean. I used to go under. I had to look at the floor and say, okay, you know, I'd see some dirt on the floors. That was eight years ago. You wonder what's happened in eight years. We've treated Covid 25,000 patients out here with Covid. We've had nine presidents or whatever the hell you want to count. Since then, a lot has changed in eight years. And you know what? They've done that to that program. When one lady said they they changed the floors. They did. Okay. Maybe that's. But I've seen the freezers chair, I pay attention, I've seen the freezers change. I've seen the produce section change. It's a lot cleaner. It's a lot cleaner than it ever was. I understand there are some people have different standards. One lady said maybe her standards are different than others. Mine are just middle of the road. I'm just happy to go in there and get someone set about basic needs. Are you kidding me? In America, every other place on this planet got kids dying in most, most countries because they can't even get a grain of rice. You can walk into a supermarket and get whatever you want. And it's not up to their standards, their basic needs. They didn't have your souffle for that day. You're upset. You know, right now, as we're speaking right now, as all of us are speaking tonight, you know, there are two parents at Children's Hospital watching their kid die of leukemia. And you're upset because they don't have your special kind of brand of food. And it turns out, being clean. You don't go in there every day like I do. And if you do, and you still think it's dirty. Come to the urgent care. I'll give you an eye exam for free.

[2:06:13] Have a nice night.

[2:06:19] Let's do that.

[2:06:20] Any other comment?

[2:06:24] Hearing none. The public hearing is now closed. What representation from Kroger like to come up and address some of the questions and or comments that were made thus far.

[2:06:40] Or if you wanted to go through your presentation.

[2:06:45] I was just going to address the questions again. I am through the chair related to fuel only Kroger offices here. If you have questions, which are were several that were directed directly to them regarding the landscaping within the fuel station, we have to to develop a maintenance agreement. We have sprinklers base note 17 on C 1.40, the landscape plan. We have irrigation systems. We have bonds and and plants that we have to maintain. So that's part and parcel with uh, with our maintenance agreement, uh, the fuel points do expire. Uh, just like my, my, uh, miles with the airlines, but they they expire at the end of the, the next month. So you get forewarned that, hey, your next fill up, go ahead and use the points. But as you continue to shop, you continue to accumulate points. So it's just this ongoing bank of of fuel points and discounts for you to accumulate.

[2:07:52] Through the.

[2:07:52] Chair.

[2:07:53] There was a there.

[2:07:53] Was a.

[2:07:54] Question related.

[2:07:55] To charging stations.

[2:07:56] Yeah. Yeah. EV charging stations. Uh, that's a that's a Kroger ops question. But I can tell you from fuel ops, we wouldn't put the, uh, EV chargers in the petroleum station only because that's a longer function that would be reserved for spaces out on the outskirts so people can come in, park, plug in, and then grocery shop, they come out, their cars charge. So, uh, that that's something that that Kroger, uh, ops will have to speak to as far as the contract with that and how they provide that.

[2:08:30] Well, there were there were some questions related to Distance of fuel stations.

[2:08:38] I threw the chair. Every every fuel station is different for Kroger because we're trying to place them in grocery stores. Some are mid-block and aren't adjacent to it. Others are. You know, this is landlocked. There's no there's no curb cuts from from, uh, the roads. To get on this fuel station, you have to be in the shopping center to get to it. So it doesn't have that, uh, unencumbered access from from the right of way. Um, so that's different. The branded gas shoppers and Kroger fuel shoppers are different people that we don't compete with them. We're there as a category and a benefit to our customers. So we'll we'll land wherever we can in our parking field, not to harvest parking or take that away from our patrons so they have to walk too far if it's adjacent to another fuel station. We're not looking to compete with branded fuel. We're looking to offer a service to our customers. So wherever that may be in this particular circumstance, we have a closed bank that is perfectly sized and continues with our parking lot, that we're going to raise the bank and put a fuel station there. And, you know, Kroger is a long term operator. It'll work together part and parcel. Um, and it really doesn't bother us if there's other fuel stations, because that's not who we're competing with.

[2:10:04] So there was a question brought up by the lady who's about to leave. Regarding, have you explored any partnerships or purchase of one of the existing gas stations on that corner?

[2:10:19] Well, uh, being a very risk averse company, buying existing gas stations and legacy muster sites where they may have had releases, we We purchase and lease properties that are clean and unencumbered and haven't been fuel stations before. It's a it's a persnickety business to take over an existing fuel station. Now they do have co-branding with shell, uh, up to $0.10 a gallon and their contracts in the past. So they do look to offer and that's to to build brand identity and convenience for our shoppers. So they have done co-branding. But as far as taking over existing fuel stations or individual partners, those are all national contracts or regional contracts that that are negotiated at this level. Does that answer the question?

[2:11:13] Well, I would ask if that answered her question, but, uh, sure. Okay. Uh, there was another question related to, you know, there was discussion prior related to, um, you typically use your fuel station to help fund and make improvements to the store that is tied to. Is there an anticipated revenue that would help that you anticipate making? That would help facilitate remediation or improvement the store.

[2:11:47] Through the chair? That's going to be a two part answer, one from from fuel design. We have I have seen direct correlations between installing a fuel center and future improvements of the store, just because traffic and partnership between the fuel station and the grocery store grows that business, and that allows for that. What that allows for is a Kroger OP's question. That's not me. I just know that there's a direct correlation. I'll say eight mile and Gil is part and parcel. We did that fuel station a few few years later, that store was expanded and redone. I make no representation that that's what's going to happen here. But it does happen.

[2:12:30] But you do have for the fuel station solely, you do have an expectant margin that you're trying to earn. That shouldn't have to be anything to do with the store that that answer.

[2:13:17] Counsel, if you if you don't mind, do you have any questions specifically on the fuel station at this point before we jump into the other questions that were posed. Yes, ma'am.

[2:13:28] A couple questions.

[2:13:29] Um.

[2:13:32] With the store not having appearance of enough employees, you said you're going to have six for the fuel station. How do you plan on working on that? Because I've even heard from some of the workers. And I talked with some people today at the store. Residents. How do you plan on working with that?

[2:13:49] How do you plan on hiring for it?

[2:13:51] Well, I know you're going to hire, but what I'm saying is you have insufficient employees in the store. How is that going to work with a gas station? Just concern about that, for one.

[2:14:00] Yeah.

[2:14:01] So we would follow our regular bid process in terms of we wouldn't necessarily pull from the store. If that's the way you're thinking might happen. We would. Sorry. We wouldn't pull it from the store necessarily. We would have to hire external employees and grow continuously hiring every day. So that would be the the point of that. And if for some reason we could not staff the fuel center, we would continue to we would borrow help from inside the store. But again, it's a good job we are. We are posting those bids very soon. Once. If this project is approved, we'll work on hiring them for all that. And again, we're always continuously hiring for the store.

[2:14:37] Okay. And also, um, why don't we revert to some of the things that happened in the past, but with the gas station coming. Um, will there be a rise in the prices of the products in the store?

[2:14:53] No.

[2:14:56] And, um.

[2:15:00] Again, we talked about the gas station closing. I mean, the store closing, and someone made that statement. Uh, if the gas station doesn't happen.

[2:15:12] Now, there is no intent to close a store. If we do not get a fuel center. That's not a statement that Kroger has made.

[2:15:18] Okay. With the co-branding. Why was that not an option? Because of the the. I think you said 192 spaces. Why wasn't that an option with some of the stores nearby? Because I think the co-branding is really good for getting the name out to some of the existing gas stations. Why wasn't that looked at as.

[2:15:36] Those contracts are looked at at a at a national level, as our representative already said. So we do have an existing one on the shell for some participating locations, but that is not something that we can do at a specific location by location basis. We had to reach out and negotiate on a very high level for that.

[2:15:54] That's okay.

[2:15:55] In all my research, I couldn't find with the stores that are closing in Michigan, how many had gas stations? Do you know that?

[2:16:03] Uh, yes. I don't know the exact number, but we have not. It's been several, many, many years since we closed the site that had a fuel center. And I can say that the stores that have been closed, the vast majority had did not have fuel centers. And the ones that have been remodeled and expanded. As we've been alluding to these last few meetings, the majority have had dual centers.

[2:16:26] I don't really understand what you're saying, but okay, so you don't you haven't had any stores to close that have gas station.

[2:16:31] We have in the past.

[2:16:34] In Michigan? Yes.

[2:16:35] In recent.

[2:16:36] Yes.

[2:16:36] Okay. That that that's a concern to. Um, when I went to the store today, I did see some improvement in the store. I will say that the floors are up. So somebody said they got new floors. There's not new floors. I think it's concrete, which you're getting new floors, right? Is that correct? Yeah, which is good too. Um, and I'm just going to say I talked to some residents today. I talked to three people, one African-American, male, African-American, female, and a Caucasian. I'm saying this because I wanted to hear what they had to say. And and this is a sentiment that has been said. Um, I'll go there if I have to, to get certain things, but, um, it's not distorted. I can go to, to get all the because they don't have everything that I need. Okay. The one and everyone shared the thing about the cleanliness. The other person said that Birmingham's stores cost more. She lives in Southfield, but she goes to this store only if she has to. And the other store she goes to is a further, I think, lesser. I'm saying this because if you're talking points, you have to shop to get points. You have to spend money to get points. If you don't spend money, you get points. You can't get the money off the gas. So if you're not going to your store to get just, I think any person that would shop, I don't get 2 or 3 items from one store and then travel all around to get the other store. I like to have it at that store, and that particular store has downsides on the things that I buy there. I'm just one person, but I'm just saying I don't even be honest. I don't get my gas there, and I don't really deal with the points there because of the expiration, for one. But I'm just saying all of these things play into the part with that. And you're talking about residents who live in an that area. They are saying they have to go other places. And like someone said about the percentages that someone else makes. If 7%. Still, I'm not saying it's not bad, but we're talking. That's that's a cost that people have to spend. I know I'm being long here, but let me say what I have to say, because there are residents that weren't here today to speak that live in that area, that really were not for this, because it seems as though the cleanliness came when we were forcing you all to clean up that store. And that's why I think that what you need to realize and what they're saying is now, is they're going to still happen. So if you're talking about this store not being clean and a gas station, this has nothing to do with people being poor in another state or, you know, someone being sick. But it's just about responsibility. And that's the things I think that we need to look at more than anything.

[2:19:09] Yes, absolutely. And my my colleagues behind me will address those points as we get further along here. I'm here for the fuel operation only. But we will address the what you said about the selection, what you said about the upkeep, and then the general cleanliness and distorted day to day operations. But right now I'm just up here. If you have any questions for the fuel for the fuel operation itself.

[2:19:34] Councilman Brightwell and Councilwoman Banks.

[2:19:37] Oh.

[2:19:40] I think I have a very simple question, and not I'm not sure it's been answered, but how many employees do you have? And how many of the employees live in Southfield?

[2:19:51] Can I have our store manager for a Farmington resident? Uh, not to say, um, you know, I don't have a big, uh, following with Southfield. Both of my kids were born in Southfield. My wife still works at Southfield, uh, Providence Hospital. Um, I have total of 110 associates. Uh, 40 of them are from Southfield, How many? 40.

[2:20:12] Okay, good. Um, I'm supportive of this. Um, one of the reasons I'm supportive of it is because I. I'm afraid of a food desert. I've been I've heard terms mentioned about certain communities, and, um, I mean, if you leave that, that area becomes a food desert. And I think the demographics for that whole, you know, within 5 to 25 mile or ten mile radius, it's a very good neighborhood. I walked that neighborhood as a politician seeking votes, and the people brought me into their home and talked to me and those kind of things. But, uh, but you've answered my question. And also I had something about EDS, but that was answered also. I'm supportive of this primarily because I don't want to see that community to become a food desert. Thank you.

[2:21:16] Thank you. I just want to confirm at. I believe it was our last meeting. It was stated that Kroger will be installing an electric charging station in the parking lot. Or is that the property manager? I know there was discussion on electric charging, and I thought someone said one, possibly two were going to be installed.

[2:21:39] Um.

[2:21:40] No, not at this time.

[2:21:41] There's no plans to install EV chargers, but we are open to it, and we have a team within our real estate department that have engaged this opportunity to our EV vendors. And ultimately, it is up to our EV vendors to obviously, if they want to be a part of it or not. But, um, I would say for Kroger. Yes. Do you have our support? We want EVs here, but it's the it's the EV. Companies will be the ones to decide if they want to come in or not.

[2:22:11] Are there any EV charging stations on that property right now?

[2:22:15] Not to my knowledge.

[2:22:22] I asked the question.

[2:22:23] Yeah, the question was asked and we were told there there was going to be an EV charging station, 1 or 2 installed.

[2:22:33] Um, my name is Ron Hall. I'm the property manager for the property. I live in Commerce, Michigan. Uh, I've been with the company for three years. Um, we have been we had discussion with an EV charging company, and, um, there are several different, um, grants that are out there that help support it because it's a tremendous cost. In recent discussion with Kroger, they have an EV charging company that they work with And we pinpointed a location, um, kind of opposite the old CVS, but directly in front of Kroger as a location that would work. Um, but we haven't been in active discussion with Kroger about the EV charging stations.

[2:23:27] Okay. Um, that's not what I remember, but it's all right. Also, to the residents that are here. Um, at one of our meetings, and I believe it was, the manager of the Kroger store stated that if there's something that you need that they don't have at the store, if you see the manager, they will do their best to get it. Is that correct?

[2:23:52] So that is correct. So I don't have that big of a footprint in that building to carry every single need that everybody needs. Uh, we have our customer service desk. There's four parts of amendment management, parts of members of management that are there on any given day. So anybody can approach us. Let us know if this is a particular item that you need. We're more than happy to get those items for you.

[2:24:13] Thank you. And to you, the store manager. Um, first of all, I'd like to say thank you. I appreciate your questions and responses last week. Um, I'm not sure what Kroger's motto is, but cleanliness, cleanliness, cleanliness. You've heard that over and over and over. Um, you as the manager, you're responsible for that store. And within the last two weeks, I have visited the Farmington Hills, Kroger, Bloomfield Hills, Kroger, Birmingham, Kroger, Oak Park, Kroger. And I have to say, I'm not sure what Kroger's motto is because I was not impressed with any of the stores. They were not clean. Many people here have talked about the Birmingham store. I walked in and I walked out the produce department. It was terrible. So we just have to. As the manager of the store, make sure the produce is rotated and we just want quality in that store. You know, it's not going to be a market for us. It's not going to be a Nino's, but it can be a clean store with good food. So people are comfortable shopping there. Um, and again, I just don't understand why there's a store in New Albany, Indiana. It's a Kroger. It's absolutely beautiful. I just don't know why we don't have it in this area. In this area is also the other stores that I mentioned. So thank you.

[2:26:07] Would you like to address some of the other questions? I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. Go ahead.

[2:26:12] I again, I favored this, and, um, uh, I have family members who swear by, um, gas points. I don't particularly care about it one way or another, but, um, I do believe it'll bring more traffic to the center. And the center is suffered from a problem due to numerous vacancies. A CVS, the bank, the eyeglass store. Um, the bagel, the tattoo. Um, there's another space that's vacant. Um, again, I'm concerned about the viability of maintaining that center as a convenient place for people in the surrounding area to be able to go to. And so. Um, I think it's important, uh, given the, um, a number, the millions of dollars, actually, Kroger has put into the store. I mean, I've seen it, um, the the display cases again, I don't know what the price tag was, uh, for. That was. But it made a world of difference in how the store looks. Um, and prior to this discussion, um, uh, the manager may remember what the dairy cases were like with, uh, black spots. I think it was chipped enamel. I'm not sure what it was, but, um, that's a significant investment, um, in that property. And that's what we all ask for. We ask for an investment in the property. Um, so I believe, um, in good faith. Uh, we asked. You delivered? Uh, you still have challenges. Um, if there's more traffic there. Um, I know that, um, the landlord certainly could provide more space to grow the store. Um, I don't want to lose Kroger from Southfield. And I understand that this is the business model. Just as having drugstores within, uh, the the the supermarket, uh, along with cash machines or even banks. Um, and,

[2:28:54] It's sort of a cutthroat world in the grocery business, and I don't want to see this store crippled. So I urge the council to support this.

[2:29:15] One final comment. Thank you. I delivered to the Secretary over 125 petitions signed by customers at the center, 90% of which live in the city of Southfield, that would like to see a Kroger fuel center. In addition, 16 different store owners signed the petition, citing to me that they really need the Kroger Fuel Center to increase traffic to their businesses. Some of them were struggling, as you know, a number of our tenants moved out. The bagel store, America's best, the tax haus. Um. And we've been able to accommodate additional additional stores. Chip cookie came in, and, um, Jon Cleary with Cleary eyes came in. A number of the store owners were here this evening to present to council the real need for the improvement, continued improvement of the center. Kroger has done and is doing a tremendous amount to improve the store. And I have been in discussion and the senior vice president with real estate, who spoke last week and the previous council meeting, passed out his business card and said if anybody wants or needs additional product. If they can accommodate it, they will. Kroger has done everything that they they changed the entire store the refrigeration, the counters, the food, uh fruit area. They're going to remove the entire tile floor, which needed to be done. And I was an advocate of them doing it for some time, but they went instead of with tile, uh, they improved it significantly by polishing the floor.

[2:31:20] All right.

[2:31:20] Let me, uh, actually, before.

[2:31:22] You go too far, I have to allow our councilman to pose.

[2:31:27] This.

[2:31:27] Question. Thank you. I just it's not necessarily a question. More of of a comment listening to to both, you know, the residents as well as my colleagues and some of the answers. You know, I know a few years ago we had issues with the shopping center. Shopping center has been fixed up. Um, I was actually at the Kroger store last night. I did notice improvements. I know there's other Kroger stores that I generally go to that I can't buy ice cream because it's melted even before I get to a cash register. But that's, you know, that's a whole that we're not talking about that Kroger store, although it is annoying. But, you know, I hope that the improvements that Kroger is making now is not an attempt to get the fuel station. Should the should it pass and you get a fuel station. No, we're not going to see any more improvements. We appreciate the improvements. I'm sure the residents and the shoppers appreciate the the improvements. I think there's there's always room for improvement in any business, in any organization. I mean, many of us, probably all of us up here ran to be elected officials because we saw some type of improvement that we can make within the city. So I think there's always room for improvement, but I just hope that it's continuous and it won't just stop. Should this happen, and if it doesn't pass, then I hope you still continue to make improvements in the store. As you mentioned, it's not on the table to close it should this not pass, but I just hope that you continue. I was again, I was there last night. There were improvements that were done. You could see that the floors is cleaner. I know it's still a work in progress, but I did notice that. I did notice that, um, I mean, it was late on a Sunday, so I'm not expecting everything to be perfect. Um, you know, there were items that I could not find because you could see on the shelf. They were out. Hopefully that's a good sign. The parking lot was was pretty busy. So I'm really hoping that the improvements that that we've asked of you, the improvements that you're making are not just, um, a bait and switch. That's that's my comments. Thank you.

[2:33:50] Through the chair, I just, um, they do have a updated presentation addressing these specific issues with the store. I wanted to make sure that the council had addressed the conditional zoning and the fuel station before we got into this, but since there's a number of questions now dealing with the store, I would ask them just to give them a few minutes to present this part. And then we you can wrap it up one way or the other.

[2:34:16] Okay, if I may, I just want to add one other thing. You know, with the with the fuel station, just like the mayor mentioned, you know, there's lots of people who who swear by the Kroger fuel or Costco fuel, and that's great. And I think part of our concern is, you know, we if we give, if we allow the fuel station, will it fall into that same deterioration as the store has? Now, I'm hoping Again, everything is going to continue to look beautiful and make that shopping center thrive and be great. But I think that's some of the feelings that that at least what I'm hearing this evening is some of the fears that people have.

[2:34:59] When you go through my presentation, please. Real quick.

[2:35:07] Um, you know, I, I hear the residents and they want a fuel station, and I think that's great. I guess my concern is when you have fuel stations, what do people do when they get gas? They throw away everything out of their car. They use those garbage cans. I've seen the garbage cans in front of the store that aren't emptied on a regular basis, and then the trash is strewn all outside in the parking lot. So now you're talking about what, ten pumps, right? And so nine times out of ten, you'll have about four Were trash cans and then one at the door. And what happens if we have trash thrown? I guess that's your track record for me. Right. And this isn't the first time this has come before, um, this council. I wasn't a member of the council, but I remember the conversation quite vividly because my parents live in that neighborhood. And that's the guy. That's the girl I've grown up using. Um, I guess my biggest thing is your consistency. I love that you're doing all this now, but I do agree. Is it because it's a means to an end? And what about preventative maintenance? And what about sustainability and all of those other things? I don't think that you have the trust of many of us to actually follow through on that, which is why I voted no on the the first, um, issue, because I don't trust that you're going to be consistent, you're going to get what you want and then what happens? And so I just wanted to make it very plain that it's not that the gas station won't be a good thing. It's the fact that, um. Consistently. Are you going to clean up the trash that ends up from over there? Are you going to keep your pumps out? Are we going to start seeing little gas things, saying pump one down, pump two down, and then it takes a month for them to get back up, because that's what we've seen at the store. And so if the store, if the gas station is an extension of the store, then what should I expect? Right. Um, but I know you have a presentation, and I'd like to give you the time to present it.

[2:37:09] I worked hard on these slides. I'm glad I get to present them now. No. I thank you all for your time. We hear what you're saying, and I understand that we need to gain your trust back. Uh, we don't set out there to to run a certain store worse than other stores. Uh, the store is shop hard, and they're working to address the issues as quickly as they can. Um, my name is Garrett Foley. I'm the construction manager for Kroger. Uh, my address is 40399 Grand River Avenue, Novi. Uh, I come in to change up the case, as do different improvements. So part of the presentation is kind of going through what we've done here. Um, I know you guys don't always see it, but we haven't been neglecting this store. Uh, the funny thing about this is, you know, every we have 120 stores. We try to rotate through getting through, doing remodels on them. Uh, this store, we try to get to every store 5 to 7 years. This one is hard as it sounds. Got delayed a little bit more because of the fuel center. Because the hope was we get the fuel center. It'll make the the numbers look better. Because that's another thing, is that each store stands on its own. So it needs to justify this. It's going to be, you know, worth investing in and have a return on investment. It is. I mean, we are a for profit company. This door, it does make a profit. We're not saying that if we don't get the fuel center, we're going to close this thing down. But part of what I do is help improve the stores and keep it going so that in the future, we're not having that discussion on this store is no longer making money. That's why we want to continue to invest in it and keep it being profitable.

[2:38:34] So some of the things that we've gone through just kind of I'll go through this briefly. I mean, in 2018, we did a remodel here, $1.6 million. We had new decor in their new flooring department. We touched the various departments through that one. Then in 2019, 300,000 on adding pickup and six new self checkouts in 2022. 248,000 on putting doors on the medium temp cases for energy savings and also replacing the recycling machines. 2023 36,000 buying new shopping cards 2024 A little over $1 million on replacing the HVAC, frozen food doors and the entire refrigeration system. Uh, being an engineer, I always just stress how important that is that customers don't always see that. But that's the heart of the story right there, that refrigeration system and us invest in it. That's a very big investment for us.

[2:39:23] So the more recent we got 25. So that's a lot of the case placements that you're seeing just shy of $1 million replace cases, replace shelving, updated shelving, new exterior signage and also paint. This year we replaced the auto entrance doors, and then we're currently working on converting the floors to polished concrete.

[2:39:47] So with those investments, I just went over. I mean, we're just around $5 million that we've invested since 2018. And quickly just going through some of the pictures, you see the new signage up there. We repainted the facade. The landlord repainted the roof. There are new signage on the monument sign, the right end only by the current bank area where we're looking at putting our fuel center. The landlord did extend that out further and make it harder to make an illegal turn out of there. I know that's been a major concern. Landlord also sealed the lot and striped it.

[2:40:20] So it's kind of showing the improvements inside the store. We got the new dairy cases 160ft of dairy, 36 foot island case, A new snack, shelving, cars, new beer cases, uh, and produce. We have the new tables, the 44ft of cases, new and deli, a new service deli, new bakery fixtures, new seafood and meat islands, frozen cases. Now all these just in the floor. All these. The floor will be removed on all these and going to polish concrete. So this kind of shows the work in progress taking up the concrete. Um, have you been in the store? It's a slow process. Uh, working at night. It just. It just takes a long time to do this. Move the shelving, getting under it. Uh, slowly. Be sure we were going to get there. We're right now tracking, uh, mid-October to have the floors completed. So, again, kind of progress here and then the the shine that we're getting towards.

[2:41:20] So then the talking about what we're going to do in the future. Uh, again, this is always contingent on how well the store is doing. That helps, uh, uh, helps the financial backing of doing these improvements to show that we're going to continue to help the store thrive. It's not that big of a store, uh, just shy of 52,000ft². Uh, to make major improvements, we'd have to look at some kind of expansion that would be working with the landlord. On if there is any way to expand. Uh, looking at the store, things that we would want to improve is expanding pickup to keep that business thriving. Uh, reworking the checkout areas to help with customer flow up there. Uh, moving the recycling center up front. Uh, it's just going to be more convenient for the customer. And also, you don't have, you know, trash being taken through the store, creating a mess as they make it back to that recycling room. Uh, then if we're able to have more Salesforce, more Salesforce space, we'd like to have more grocery shelving. Uh, we like to expand the frozen food. And another item that would be nice is if we could get, uh, expand the pharmacy and also have a walk up window to it. Um, we had talked on, uh, or spoke on the electric vehicle charging spaces. I apologize if it is misunderstood. Kroger ourselves do not do electrical charging, so we have to reach out to national vendors and get them to approve the site on if they want to invest in going in that location. Once we get that sign off, then we'd have to work with the City of Southfield to make sure that we have approval on the location that we would like to place as that.

[2:42:44] And then part of this going through, I know there's discussion about the local neighborhood association. Our real estate department did reach out to all the associations to get feedback on what we plan to do here, or what we would like to do here.

[2:42:58] And then with that, I'm going to turn it over to Cam Barrett to speak on, uh, our charity.

[2:43:07] Good evening. Council. I'm cam, head of communications and public affairs for the Kroger Company of Michigan. So I think regardless of fuel center or not, a fuel center, the one thing that Kroger is committed to is we not only want to try and take care of customers inside the four walls of our store, but even more importantly, we want to try and take care of them outside the four walls of our store. So our philanthropic guiding light is our Zero Hunger, Zero Waste foundation. So in 2017, we launched this foundation with exactly how it sounds in the name. How do we help reduce hunger in the neighborhoods that we serve? And also how are we a good partner to the Earth? So tons of stats and statistics on here from enterprise level. In 2017 we launched this, our goal to try and do 3 billion meals by 2023. We hit that well ahead of time. So how do we get there. Let's look at Michigan specific. So we do this by working with Feeding America Food Agency partners throughout the state of Michigan. There's six here in the state that then have agency partners that help get food out to local pantries, just like here in Southfield. So here's a list of some of the pantries that we work with currently in Southfield, either directly or indirectly through our partnership with Forgotten Harvest in Gleaners Community Food Bank. Let's take a look at some of the impact that we have made here. So when you think about Kroger, what we do from community standpoint is we try to use the resource that we have available through to us with philanthropic dollars, which you can see here both through community foundation donations in-kind, and our community rewards program. We've got over 275,000 that we've donated to the Southfield community since 2019, and then also on the food side of it. If we're not selling that food out the front door to our customers, we then work with our programs in store to make sure that either that food either goes to a food bank like a gleaners, a forgotten harvest, or a localized one right here in Southfield. I think the greatest part about my job, though, is anytime that you're able to work directly with the community, identify a need, identify an organization that could be benefit of some of those resources that we do have available. So we had a partnership with the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, where we packed 500 back to school weekend kits for things that kids could easily assemble or eat on their own. So after working with Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, we look to identify a school district that they go to in partnership with them. And Stevenson Elementary was a landing spot for these. So 500 kids delivered right to them. Ready for those kiddos in the weekend. So again, fuel center or not, community is important to us and we want to continue to look to build relationships in this community and the other 120 communities across the state. So if there's ever anything that I can do from my end in the food and security space or just the community as a whole, I am open ears. I will leave everybody with my contact information to make sure that we're feeding the human spirit on our end. Well, I know we're this run a little long. You guys all know what our property taxes are and sales taxes are, so I'll go ahead and keep things moving here. Save us on some time.

[2:46:02] So some of the merchandising that was brought up to us as a concern of, you know, due to the size of the store, but we are focusing on making sure that we are expanding on any little thing that we can to, to to get our customers exactly what they're looking for. Uh, so for, instance, we have about six feet of organic foods that we brought into the store just to make sure that, you know, our customers can get you might not be able to get ten varieties of something, but we are going to make sure that you you can get at least 5 or 6 varieties of each little thing. We have upgraded our selections to kosher foods because a lot of our customers are asking for kosher foods. So you will be able to, uh, get some of those in our stores. I know wine selection was one of the things that we talked about, the wine and champagne selection. So we have upgraded to about, uh, we have upgraded a few of the wine selections that are available in our stores to, to, to, to to address all those also in our daily in our delis, we are looking to a partnership with Boar's Head to bring more, uh, exclusive, uh, items into the building.

[2:47:06] Can you go back a slide for me, please? So first of all, I want to I want to say thank you for acknowledging my email because on the 14th of July, you know, we will whatever that study session was. The gentleman that came as. What specific things are your is your community asking for? So I went on the field trip. I went to the store and I did my own little random survey at asking people, and I sent pictures. So, you know, we talk about cleanliness of the floor. I'm not eating off your floors. I really don't care. Um, but I did bring up food quality, and you cut and paste it many of the bullets. The only challenge that I'm having is that you've heard several people that live here said that they're supportive of the gas station. I got two EVs. So, you know, I don't really care about the gas station too much. That's just me. I do have some gas cars, but two EVs on a daily basis. You got gas stations in close proximity. So for me, I look at what's the need? What's the saturation in the area? More importantly, even though I'm an EV driver. People that voted for me say, we voted for you to represent us. And so what we heard at the podium was, hey, we want the gas station. I've heard that more than I thought I would be honest with you. So, you know, I'm listening to our constituents. But when I see words like possible and changes being evaluated, not saying that, you know, I'm mandating that you accommodate the ask of the our constituents, but they are looking at us to say, you're our boys. We have this pleasure in these following areas. I guess I thought I would have heard more of a this is what we're going to do. This is what we must do versus we will evaluate it.

[2:49:47] So, you know, when I, I was intentional, I know what our constituency makeup is. So that's why I asked for things like kosher offerings, more organics, better quality foods. So are you saying that because I was I went to the store before I came here because I wanted to be as fair as possible? I'm frequently that store. You can pull up my card number. You'll see. You know, you can see I'm Kroger right here. Just saying. But I just want to make sure that the questions that were posed are answered. And in your response on how you plan on that, I'm not saying you have to do it tomorrow, but you know, it would be good. As I mentioned before, a roadmap. You know, another constituent mentioned milestones. Um, again, I can just vote on the gas station. That's easy. But to me, I might say that one has to happen with the other. But as you heard from many folks that came to the podium, they would like to hear the intent and the commitment, the partnership, the collaboration to continued improvement of the store.

[2:50:59] So, I mean, it's our it's our motto to make sure that we keep improving every single day. Not everything can happen overnight, but we are working towards it. And like it's like I said, I mean, you know, if you want to move forward, you know, you look through the front window, you don't look to the back door or your, your back mirror. Uh, I'm working towards whatever I can do to help the community out. I mean, you know, uh, when I go to that store, that's my store. You know, the people that shop there, those are those are the customers that I have to answer to personally on a daily basis on what what I'm delivering to those customers. And it can relate to, uh, you know, a family with four people or to a single elderly lady that that comes in, or the gentleman that comes in and shops with us. So it's our personal commitment to make sure that we give you a better standing store on a daily basis. And that's what we're striving towards, to make sure that we get that to you.

[2:51:54] Yes, ma'am.

[2:51:56] Um.

[2:52:00] First of all, I want to say thank you for the presentation, the updated presentation on the Kroger store. And also. I like your Zero Hunger Program and charity partnership program. So thank you. And I do believe in my heart that you are going to try really hard to continue to upgrade that store. But to our city planner, um, one of my colleagues, um, mentioned the word trust, and I'm asked earlier about the EV charging stations. And then I saw it in the presentation because this is a special land use request under conditions. Can we add that EV charging stations be considered at the center, not specifically at the fuel station, and that this shall be subject to review, administration, administrative review by the planning department or city planner? Can they be added?

[2:53:00] I think that's a fair condition because and other gas stations that have been approved, that has been one of the conditions about EV charging stations and or the infrastructure to put in the EV charging stations. So I know they said they're working with a national partner, but I think you can make that as a condition of approval, and that would be administratively approved by the planning department should they get to that point. So I think that's consistent with the way council has approved other gas stations and not tying it specifically to the within the footprint of the fuel center, but is part of the entire development, gives them more flexibility on the location.

[2:53:40] And um, like my colleague said, um, I know my next vehicle is probably going to be an EV vehicle. So I'm starting to look around and see, okay, where are the charging stations? I mean, so I think it's something that for the benefit of the entire community, we need to consider at this location. So how can we get this added or.

[2:54:03] Well if you if council is moving forward at some point we can add that as a condition of approval. And I also wanted to point out if this does move forward, that it's also subject to required waivers by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the air pump setback and minimum floor area, so we can make sure that that is a condition if council is moving forward.

[2:54:30] I mean, are there any objections by my colleagues?

[2:54:34] Thank you.

[2:54:36] Council, any more questions or comments?

[2:54:41] Kroger. Any final comments or commitments?

[2:54:49] Okay.

[2:54:53] Um.

[2:54:55] Mister chair?

[2:54:56] Yes, ma'am.

[2:54:57] Um, yes. I would like to make a motion that, um, we approve the special use request of the Kroger Company of Michigan to construct and operate a gas station at 19991 West 12 mile, um, Southfield, Michigan. Um, with the the condition and approval. Let me add this here.

[2:55:20] Yes. So this is the proposed resolution. We would just add an item H um, regarding adding an EV charging station somewhere to the, um, shopping center, subject to administrative approval by the planning department.

[2:55:34] Okay, so.

[2:55:36] It's been.

[2:55:36] Properly moved by Councilwoman Vang, supported by Councilman Brightwell. Mr. clerk, please do a roll call.

[2:55:52] Councilwoman bland.

[2:55:54] No.

[2:55:57] I didn't hear you. No, no. Thank you. Councilman Brightwell.

[2:56:03] Yes.

[2:56:05] Councilwoman Haynes.

[2:56:12] No.

[2:56:14] Councilman Mandelbaum. Yes. Council president.

[2:57:22] Sir. The ayes have it. Fourier's three nays.

[2:57:27] Motion passes through the chair. May I ask?

[2:57:35] May I ask a corporate corporate question? Um, how many other communities, um, have you had a dialogue like this with?

[2:58:00] Not all, but we certainly appreciate the dialogue because we learn as we go and are trying to continually improve or improve. But, um, so sometimes it happens in pre-application meetings where, you know, our this is this is our idea, this is what we'd like to do. And is there anything that's, that is of grave concern. And then we try and mitigate that through the design. If it's design issues as far as store ops okay. This has been tough.

[2:58:39] Thank you. I um, the reason I asked the question is I want to and it should be very patently clear that this community cares a lot about this store. They want it to succeed. They want it to be clean. They wanted. And they wanted you to live up to the promises that you've made. Thank you.

[2:59:11] Thank you.

[2:59:14] Mr..

[2:59:15] Yes, ma'am.

[2:59:16] Yes, ma'am.

[2:59:17] Thank you, Mr. President. I didn't I wasn't going to really speak because I think we all have talked about it a lot. But to the the local representatives of the store, I don't see oh, the manager is still here. As I stated to you in our council meeting that, um, I respect the work that you've done. Um, it was about the gas station, but also with that, when we have an opportunity to come before the decision makers of company to discuss years years of issues in the store. We just had two years of issues. And so, um, we. We took that opportunity because, um, as you're purchasing food for your family, of course, you want the environment to be that clean and all of that, so I do I wish you all success. No one ever sat up here and said we wanted to see Kroger's closed. That wasn't it for me. I had issues with possible traffic. Um, we are about to build the largest school in our city just down the street. Well, that's not a good thing if it's congested, sir, it's a good thing for the school. But we all have to also make sure that our youth is protected, our seniors and all of that. So any of us that, uh, Were navels here. We weren't against you or Kroger's. For me, it was that traffic. Um, again, the school is going to have elementary, middle school, high school where we had to do an opening down the street to get around it. So now you're talking another busy intersection. I hope it all works out. What's fair is fair. It passed. But as you heard others say, people came here because there are issues with the store. And I think the president stated last year when you went last week, it was crowded. Respect the the the shoppers there truly respect them because I'll tell you, um, it did feel like it was kind of doing sort of the things because you're bringing the vote before us. But I'm speaking to you as the leader, not corporate, because as I stated last week, we were disrespected twice, two meetings by people who don't live here, just coming from corporate. So I'm appealing to you as the local person, the one that we're going to come to and expect to because we've all seen. And I said from day one, I have always been a customer of Kroger's to this day. I mean, they're walking out. Don't even respect to sit here and listen. But see, they got what they want. This is what it looks like to us. You know, didn't even say.

[3:02:15] Well.

[3:02:15] We couldn't call it emotion.

[3:02:17] No, it's okay, but I'm just I want everybody to see the manager stay. You stay, and I appreciate it, but this is exactly what the owner is gone and all of that. I hope that what they're displaying now, to not even give the respect to listen, that they'll continue to make the upgrades and the improvements to the store that we deserve. Here in Southfield.

[3:02:42] I voted in the affirmative and I'm thinking I want to bring it back on the table because that is disrespectful.

[3:02:59] Mr. president. I don't want to add anything other than the fact that I share her sentiments, and I agree totally with her.

[3:03:14] Yes, sir.

[3:03:19] You guys. And they left.

[3:03:21] Oh. Oh, here they come.

[3:03:28] Sorry, I'm not looking behind me. I don't know who left. Kroger is still here. No, I don't want to show any disrespect, so I apologize for that.

[3:03:36] No, I said no. No. You're right. Okay, I have.

[3:03:39] To.

[3:03:40] Come back. I'm done.

[3:03:42] Do you? Do you guys have figures in a with respect to the food deserts in America and or Michigan? When? Because there are pockets where there's nothing but a party store there and you spend 50 cent for a piece of Bologna. So you have any statistics with respect to the food deserts in Michigan or Metro Detroit?

[3:04:17] We have a internal research team who has data on that. Um, but I can tell you, none of us here don't really don't know or don't have any knowledge of that. But we do have an internal team that tracks that.

[3:04:28] So, yes.

[3:04:29] So do you have anything you can share with our planner?

[3:04:32] Oh yeah, of course, of course.

[3:04:34] Yeah. I can have his email.

[3:04:35] Okay. We'll share it with our plan. And I would like to see that.

[3:04:39] Give me a few days to work on it. But yeah, I can get it. Something to you?

[3:04:42] Okay. Because it is real. I've been hearing.

[3:04:45] About it.

[3:04:46] Nationwide with respect to, you know, you're the only thing you have there. That's why kids can't they don't eat appropriately because, you know, you don't have, uh, no full scale, um, store there to, to, to sell those kind of products. So and I will look forward to seeing that. Thank you.

[3:05:05] Yeah. Of course, of course.

[3:05:06] So so my only ask now that the vote is done again. Kroger. The things that were possible and are being evaluated, if you all could please share a roadmap of how you're going to make the vision reality.

[3:05:29] Ordinances. Chair. Entertain a motion to enact ordinance number 1843.

[3:05:35] I'd like to make a motion. We approve. We enact ordinance number 18434.

[3:05:41] It's in priority move by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Councilwoman Haynes.

[3:05:46] Yes.

[3:05:47] All in favor?

[3:05:48] Aye.

[3:05:49] Any opposed? Motion carried.

[3:05:51] A move that we enact. Ordinance number 18444.

[3:05:56] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Councilwoman Haynes. All in favor?

[3:06:03] Five.

[3:06:06] Well, we gotta finish this meeting here. Okay. All right.

[3:06:10] We didn't understand none of that.

[3:06:12] All in favor?

[3:06:13] Aye.

[3:06:14] Any opposed? Motion carried.

[3:06:19] Councilwoman Haynes.

[3:06:24] Council. Councilwoman bangs. Anything this evening?

[3:06:28] Um, yes. I would just like to, um. First of all, this past Thursday we had, um, senior appreciation Day. Um, in addition to the weather being beautiful, um, the whole entire event, I think it was one of the nicest ones we've ever experienced. Um, I'd like to thank our parks and recreation department, Koza police department, fire department facilities, and all the support people behind the scenes that put everything up. Um, the food was excellent. We had volunteers that were, um, assisting and distributing the food. In fact, the council members that were there. Um, we were having so much fun. We joined in in distributing the food and, um, it the band was fantastic. It was just an absolutely beautiful, perfect evening. And I just want to say thank you to everyone that was involved in making this event extra special this year. Thank you.

[3:07:42] Councilman Bradwell.

[3:07:46] This is for veterans. And if you are having any questions about any benefits, uh, with respect to the Dingell downtown and or the Ann Arbor VA hospital, please reach out to me here at at the at City Hall. That's (248) 796-5150.

[3:08:09] And they can put you in touch with me. And also as I've sort of mentioned before. This is this is a rare, rare situation for me to be one of the older individuals. Um, in my group when I, when I was, I was always the youngest. So now I'm getting older. And so a teacher once told me, uh, Dan, you should let people know what you what you've done. So one of two things I've done is for San Marino. I arranged for a $1.2 million grant for that homeowner's homeowner's association that improved their, um, water quality. And also the.

[3:09:09] The tablets that we have, I arranged I initiated the purchase of tablets for every councilman council person. Uh, I'm not sure when I did that. Probably 20, 22.

[3:09:23] 1900.

[3:09:25] So that's just two things tonight I'm going to I will let. I'll be letting you know as we go along what I've done. And I was. I was advised to advise, to let people know what you've done. And I think, well, that in essence, that's enough for tonight. Thank you.

[3:09:47] Councilwoman black council pro Tem Hogue.

[3:09:51] Thank you, Mr.

[3:09:53] To echo the.

[3:09:54] Um.

[3:09:55] The great event we had out on the lawn with the seniors. Uh, thanks. And kudos to the Parks and Recreation Department and just all of those who came together.

[3:10:06] Thank you.

[3:10:08] Councilman Mandelbaum.

[3:10:10] Um, there's a lot of, uh, schools that have started. Will be starting this week. Starting next week. I just want to remind everyone, with all the construction and just in general, to please be patient. Please plan ahead. Do not pass by school buses. Watch for students who are walking to school or or biking to school. Parents, please give your children reflectors if they need it. If it's if they're going to be walking when it's when it starts getting darker in the morning or in the evening. But most of all, for the drivers, you know. Put the cell phone down. Please be patient. Give enough time and make sure that everyone, including especially those who are pedestrians, can get to where they need to go. It's not worth it to to save a minute or two. So please be cautious. Thank you.

[3:11:10] Councilwoman Haynes.

[3:11:12] Real quick, um, a shout out to the, uh, Southfield Fire Department and the Southfield Police Department. There was a nice, um, presentation done at Assisi. Um, excellent job in the downtown development area where Molly Malone is director. We had a great time over there with, uh, the residents and also, um, the chief of emergency operation Mark Jackson. He had a nice crowd of people learning about emergency preparedness. Just one of the things, great things that our city does. And I had the opportunity to I don't know how to say the name of the truck, get in the truck and just see. The entire skyline of Southfield was so amazing. Molly and I and I have a much respect for the fire department of what they do. Um, just you just have to look into it. I mean, the fact that they can get someone out of a building and have to go down the stairs with a a person, just amazing how prepared and trained they are for these jobs. I think it's a lieutenant Vikas and, uh, Coleman, Chris Coleman, who was there to assist us. And it was just really a great job and just have a lot of respect for what they do. And also, um, I was coming in to turn in my absentee ballot, and I had a question for the city clerk, and he was able to, uh, answer my question regarding my ballot. And as I was leaving out, he told me he was on his way to go to a couple of the precincts of voting precincts. And he asked me, did I want to come along? Which I did, and, um, just was a very nice, um, event, just going to the different polls, seeing the people working. So without stealing his thunder, I just want to say thank you to the people that are working. And congratulations on a great job and for the opportunity of being able to just be there and see our city move forward and, you know, the proper, uh, voting and all. And it was really a good thing. I think the people that were working the polls were very excited, you know, about what was going on. They knew the clerk by first name and they were just, uh, you know, happy to be doing the job. So I just think that this is good to know. And I know that's because of the good work of the deputy, the city and his and Gabby and his people and his staff. So just kudos to all of you, all for the great job that you've done. And thank you for that. And the, um, I'm trying to see because I don't have my glasses on today. Yeah. The, um, senior appreciation was amazing, and I kind of like, said, oh, let's go help. And we did. It was so much fun. And when I got done, I said, it's like feeding the 5000. And I will say that we have such a great city that there are people that I know that don't live in Southfield that came to this event because I know them personally and they enjoyed themselves. That shows you how much we invest in our residents, that other people want to be here to enjoy it on the fun that we have. So, uh, kudos to the entire Parks and Rec department, South Bend Police Department, fire department, all those vendors that came out to make it a grand occasion and they were able to provide food for kosher food as well. I know because I saw it and and I think that's a big deal because sometimes we have events like, okay, where's the kosher food? And maybe next time they'll have some chicken because I don't eat hotdogs and hamburgers. But thank you anyway. All right.

[3:14:35] Done, Mr..

[3:14:36] Mayor.

[3:14:37] Yes. I just want to share a report that I received last week. Um, as you know, we have a sustainability, numerous sustainability initiatives. And our latest is make Food Not waste, which this program recycling, uh, food scraps or, uh, food, um, potato peel, carrot peels, whatever. Um, so the program started in February and as of last week, £54,000

[3:15:15] of food scraps have been collected in Southfield. That's 27 tons. So, um. Great effort. Um, thank you for the residents that are participating in this program. And again, all of that is going to be composted rather than going to a landfill. Uh, which, um, again, is all about sustainability.

[3:15:50] Nothing to add. Thank you.

[3:15:52] Madam Attorney.

[3:15:54] Yes. Good evening. Council. I had two items on the agenda. Um, this is the standard protocol. Whenever the city of Southfield receives, uh, claims that have been filed in the court. And so my request tonight is just to get your authority to take whatever action is necessary to defend the city and its agents and employees in these actions. Uh, the first action is Donahue versus City of Southfield, and that's in Oakland County Circuit Court. And it's a sidewalk matter. And then the second one is, um, Nasser Saleem. Um, and this involves, um, a traffic crash with one of our EMS trucks. So, again, my request is that the council, uh, provide me with the authority to take whatever action is necessary to defend the city as agents and employees in these above, um, causes of action.

[3:16:50] Mr. president. Yes, ma'am. I move that we approve that the city attorney does all things necessary to defend the city and the matters of Crystal Donahue versus the city of Southfield. Nassir Salah Saleem versus city of Southfield and Oakland County Circuit Court.

[3:17:09] It's been properly moved by council President Pro Tem Hogue, supported by Councilwoman Bland. Any comment or question? Hearing none. All in favor?

[3:17:18] Aye.

[3:17:19] Any opposed? Motion carried.

[3:17:22] Thank you.

[3:18:20] Mr.

[3:22:59] I have a question.

[3:23:01] What did that date again? What's the date again?

[3:23:03] September.

[3:23:04] I'm sorry.

[3:23:06] You said 31st. You said.

[3:23:08] Oh. I'm sorry.

[3:23:09] No, the the the event at the library.

[3:23:11] September event at the library is going to be on Thursday, September 17th at 6 p.m..

[3:23:18] Okay. Um, can you have some flyers for that at the meeting? Because, um, I think it would have been a nice thing to have tonight at this meeting for the residents to have, because everybody's not electronic.

[3:23:29] We have flyers available at the Treasurer's counter, and, uh, but we'll make sure to publicize.

[3:23:34] That as well. Okay. Thank you.

[3:23:37] With no other business. Meeting adjourned. All right.

COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 24 2026

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