[0:04] Good evening.

[0:08] The City of Southfield regular meeting of the City Council will now come to order for September 22nd, 2026 at 6 p.m.. Mr. Clark, if you can take roll call, please.

[0:20] Good evening, sir. Councilwoman banks present, Councilwoman Bland here. Councilman Brightwell here. Councilwoman Haynes, present. Councilwoman Pro Tem Hogue here. Councilman Mandelbaum, present Council president Hicks here. Sir, you have a quorum.

[0:45] Thank you. Sir, if we can all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag.

[0:53] Of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[1:15] Okay. We have several presentations starting off with our fire chief.

[1:25] For promotion and swearing in of new Southfield Fire Battalion chief. Captains, lieutenants. Mechanic, supervisor, mechanic, firefighter, paramedics and firefighters. The floor is yours, sir.

[1:44] Good evening. Good evening. Today we have the privilege of recognizing two outstanding members of the fire department as we officially pinned Captain Eric Chesnut and Captain Scott Wigan.

[1:58] Both of these gentlemen have earned the opportunity through their work ethic, initiative and commitment to this department. They are the type of employees who don't wait to be told what needs to be done. They see something to be improved. They step up and they get it done. They consistently go the extra mile. They do with energy, a positive attitude and strong ethics. Being promoted to captain is about more than just a new badge or rank. It comes with the responsibilities of leading our firefighters, setting the example, making difficult decisions, having difficult conversations, and helping move this department forward. I have a great deal of confidence that both Captain Chesnut and Captain Wiegand. They have already demonstrated these qualities that we expect from our leaders, and I look forward to see what they accomplish in new roles. Congratulations to both of you. Your promotions are well deserved, and I'm proud to officially to welcome you to the rank of captain. If you two want to step up.

[3:22] You do solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and the City charter of the City of Southfield, and that you will faithfully quote the duties of the office of captain for the City of South Hills, of the County of Oakland, state of Michigan, according to the best of your ability. Congratulations. Thank you.

[5:51] Next we pin a new a new firefighter. Today's important milestone as we recognize firefighter Cameron Alila, who has successfully completed his probationary period with the Southfield Fire Department. Getting through probation is not simply about putting in the time. It is about proving that you can meet the expectations of this department, learning from those around you, earning the trust of your fellow firefighters, and demonstrating that you belong here. Over the past year, firefighter Alila has been challenged, evaluated and expected to continually improve. Today, he has earned the opportunity to take that next step in his career.

[6:29] As you receive your badge, remember what it represents. It represents service, integrity, professionalism and the responsibility you have to your fellow firefighters and to the community we serve. Completing probation is an accomplishment, but it's also just the beginning. Continue to learn, continue to work hard to take initiative and never become complacent. The expectations only get higher from here. Congratulations on successfully completing your probation. You're proud to officially welcome you as a firefighter to the Southfield Fire Department.

[7:26] Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and the City Charter of the City of Southfield, and will faithfully perform the duties of the office of Firefighter Paramedic for the City of Southfield, County of Oakland, the state of Michigan, according to the best of your ability.

[9:44] All right. Thank you. We will have a group next month as well. What that concludes for tonight. Thank you. Thank you.

[9:51] Would you can you indulge us by coming up so we can shake your hands and thank you more personally?

[10:15] Congratulations.

[10:16] Congratulations.

[10:17] Congratulations.

[10:23] Congratulations.

[10:24] Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you.

[10:47] Sure. Uh, we we applied for a grant a while back through the Federal Government Assistance to Firefighters grant. And it's a training to train the entire department. We have a very young department, uh, in the last year or two and will be over the next few months. Um, and it's a save your own rescue course that will host internally, but the overtime cost, uh, backfill costs for overtime as well as our benefits will be covered by the grant. And the grant is for like $350,000 in our portion is in the $25,000 range. So it's a pretty big investment. It's a huge grant award and it'll benefit the department greatly.

[11:23] So so, chief, on behalf of the City of Southfield, the mayor Council, I believe that we all align on saying thank you for all that the entire department does to keep our community safe. Uh, we we pray for their safety every opportunity we can, and we provide resources to make sure that they come home safe to their loved ones. So again, we thank you all for all that you do and protecting the city of Southfield.

[11:53] Thank you.

[12:03] We will now have business recognition from our economic development team.

[12:12] Good evening, council members and mayor. Um, tonight I'd like to give you an update on our ribbon cutting program, which is just one of the ways that our business and economic development team supports Southfield businesses, builds relationships with our business community, and recognizes the companies that choose to invest and grow here.

[12:37] As you know, we launched this program last August. It's really helped us kind of to become more intentional about welcoming and recognizing new businesses in Southfield. When a business receives its certificate of occupancy, we reach out directly to introduce our team, share the services we offer, and let them know that we can help coordinate a ribbon cutting or a grand opening. These events give our businesses some well-deserved visibility, but they also give us an opportunity to meet the owners, to hear their stories and connect. Connect them with the mayor, city Council, and other city leaders. For us, the ribbon cutting is really just the beginning of the relationship, and it grows from there. And I also wanted to recognize our cable 15 department, especially Gary Watts. Gary does a really wonderful job documenting these ribbon cuttings and grand openings, and he really does a great job at capturing the excitement of these events. And we're just very grateful for the creativity in cable 15. Continued support and assistance. So since launching the program last August, we have coordinated 21 ribbon cuttings and grand openings throughout the city. Tonight, we're pleased to have representatives from four of those businesses here with us. We will briefly introduce each business, share a little bit about what they've brought to Southfield, and then we will invite the representatives forward to receive the certificates of appreciation from the city and to take photos with council, if that would be acceptable. We're also currently working with an additional five, actually six as of today, six businesses who have scheduled opening or milestone celebrations on the calendar already or are working with us to to choose a date.

[14:12] So first up is Curry Phi Indian Cuisine, which is located in the shopping center at Nine Mile and Telegraph Roads. And we were happy to help them celebrate their grand opening back in April. They are represented tonight by owners ul Haq and Farzana Haq Poly. This family owned restaurant offers traditional Indian and South Asian cuisine along with Indo-Chinese dishes as well, and curry is a wonderful addition to Southfields international dining scene and another great reflection of the diversity of our community.

[14:43] Next is Polo Café, represented tonight by owner Jack and his daughter, Ana Paula. Cafe is located on Greenfield Road, just north of 12 mile, and we were happy to celebrate its grand opening back in April. It is Michigan's first Armenian coffee shop and bakery and Jack created in memory of his late wife, May. The cafe is named for her family's ancestral home of Palu. One of the highlights of the grand opening was a traditional Armenian bread and salt ceremony, which symbolizes hospitality, friendship and goodwill. And it was a very special way to welcome Palo into the city of Southfield.

[15:19] Our third business, Al Car Wash, is represented tonight by David Van Ittersum. Car L Car Wash invested about $4.5 million to transform a previously underutilized site on Northwestern Highway into a modern, high tech car wash. The redevelopment has brought new activity to the corridor, and the colorful mural along the building has added a very distinctive public art element to the site. Their grand opening in June was a terrific community celebration, complete with giveaways, music and a visit from Roary the Lion, which was very fitting because Elk Car Wash is the official car wash of the Detroit Lions.

[15:57] And last but not least, is Salmon Mediterranean Kitchen, represented by Simon Attisha. Salmon is located right in the city center within the Travelers Tower Outlet building. And we celebrated its grand opening back in July. The Attisha family also owns Sahara, with many locations in the metro Detroit area. So salmon builds on that family's many years of experience and tradition and Mediterranean food, but with a fresh, fresh, fast casual approach. They offer bowls, shawarmas, fresh baked bread and housemade sauces, giving employees, residents and visitors a healthy and flavorful dining option right in the heart of the city center.

[16:36] So while tonight's presentation focuses on the ribbon cuttings, this program is really much of a more broad effort to connect with new businesses as early as possible. Um, our welcome outreach gives new businesses an easy, well, an easy way to tell us what they need, whether that's assistance with promotion or workforce resources, city services or connections to other organizations or programs. So we're continuing to refine that process. But overall, the goal is simple to make sure businesses know who we are, how we can help, and that our relationship with them doesn't end once the ribbon is cut. So thank you again for the business to the businesses joining us tonight. Um, and if it would be acceptable, we'd like to invite the representatives forward to receive their certificates and to take a photo with City Council, if that would be acceptable.

[17:24] Absolutely.

[17:25] Okay.

[17:36] So you can come up to the front here. Can you take.

[18:06] Director Freeman. Do you want us to stand or do you want us to stay seated? Would you like us to stand or stay seated? Okay. Thank you.

[18:46] Thank you.

[18:47] Thank you.

[18:53] Do you mind coming up for seconds so we can shake your hands?

[19:19] Congratulations.

[19:23] Thank you.

[19:32] One more time.

[19:35] So again, on behalf of the city, we thank all of the.

[19:38] Celebrating ten years of teamwork.

[19:41] We thank you all for choosing Southfield to have your business. I also can endorse every last one of those businesses, because I've had something from every last one of those businesses, and I believe you will enjoy the services that they provide to you. So please patronize them frequently so we can keep Southfield flourishing.

[20:06] Absolutely. Well, we really enjoy doing the ribbon cuttings. It's been a really wonderful addition to business development, and we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate our businesses. We also have a program coming up on September 29th at our library. It's a SBA lending program. So it's like a speed dating, but with banks and credit unions. So we're looking to expand our business community by helping them, um, access to providing access to credit. So hopefully that will continue to grow. One of our other programs that we've really excited to talk about tonight is the, um, the community cup challenge and presenting the Community Cup to the winning company. But before we mention the winning company, our Southfield staff was just outstanding this year. I have to say that all the departments did such an amazing job in participating. And we actually won a couple of events where we came in second place, but we did really well and we were really excited about, you know, um, competing this year. So the last couple of years we're getting a little bit better. Maybe one year we'll, you know, catch up and win. But um, we'll see about that Anyway, um, we have prepared a short presentation that we would like to show you. Um, and then we can share who the winner is.

[21:32] Connection and friendly competition. The 2026 Community Cup brought Southfield businesses together all summer long for a milestone season filled with big laughs, great sportsmanship, and some serious competition. Here's a look back at the fun. Our kickoff barbecue featured a Connection Challenge icebreaker encouraging participants to mingle, meet new people and make connections across Southfield. Business community.

[22:00] Community Cup teams hit the course for a music themed round of goofy golf, bringing plenty of laughs, team spirit and good times to the greens.

[22:10] Players hit the sand volleyball court with great energy, showcasing good sportsmanship, camaraderie and plenty of hustle throughout the tournament with an enthusiastic cheering section keeping the energy high. From the sidelines.

[22:25] In celebration of America's 250th. Companies competed in classic lawn games including lawn bowling, croquet. Ring toss and ax throwing with plenty of patriotic, fun and friendly competition.

[22:39] A favorite event returned as teams braved the summer heat for a spirited round of kickball. Proving that a little friendly competition and a lot of sweating builds character.

[22:52] New this year, teams paired up for a two on two euchre tournament, putting their card skills, strategy, and teamwork to the test. Always a fan favorite, trivia put teams knowledge to the test across a wide range of topics, with quick thinking, teamwork, and plenty of friendly rivalry.

[23:11] And finally, participants showed off their creativity by transforming oversize puzzle pieces created for us by Lawrence Tech into designs that reflected each team's unique theme. The finished pieces were then put on display and judged during the August Eat to the beat event, with consistent performances throughout the competition, including a big win in goofy Golf. Multiple second place finishes and strong showings in the lawn games. Our first place winners built an insurmountable lead before the final event even began. Congratulations to Denso, our 2026 Community Cup champions.

[23:49] The 2026.

[23:50] Community Cup marks ten years of winning.

[23:53] Business community together through friendly competition, teamwork and plenty of fun to every team, participant and volunteer that helped make our 10th Community Cup one to remember. Thank you and see you next year.

[24:06] Up and down the boulevard again.

[24:10] This was our 10th year. We've had so much success over the past ten years and really enjoyed it. I definitely want to recognize Parks and Recreation as many of our events take place out on our property. It's a great way for us to showcase all the beautiful assets that we have at the city, and Parks and Rec, and their staff have done an amazing job of helping making sure all of our events are a success. So definitely a shout out to them and then again to all of our departments that participated. But you saw Denzel was the clear winner in almost every activity. So we're so pleased to have you here today. And it's a beautiful trophy to present to you.

[24:52] And we'd like to.

[25:02] Think Denzel went last year.

[25:05] Oh. First time.

[25:06] Yeah. This is the first time that.

[25:43] Congratulations.

[25:45] Congratulations.

[25:46] Congratulations.

[25:52] Very much.

[25:56] I'm sorry.

[25:56] Are you good?

[25:59] You bumped into me, which made me.

[26:03] Okay. We now have recognition of employee of the month.

[26:15] Good evening, mayor, members of council and administration. Before I begin this evening's presentation, I would first like to take a moment to thank everyone who sent acknowledgments to me during our last manager's meeting. Your recognition of my performance was a very pleasant surprise, and I read everybody's comments, so thank you. I sincerely appreciate that.

[26:40] Um, Donna Crosby is in here, but she works in facilities. For those of you who may not know, but she she's like, how do I recommend somebody like you to be employee of the month? I said, no, that's my job. I, I take, you know, and present to other people. And she's like, no, no, no, I see all that you do. And so I think she went to John McKenna. And so it just goes to say that her, her words, uh, matched her actions. So she went and suggested this and then I just wanted to thank, um, our interim director, HR director, our deputy city attorney, Marceline Pruitt, and Sarah Mullally for putting this all together and keeping it a surprise because I had no clue this was going to happen. So again, thank you so much. I really appreciate that.

[27:28] Um thank you.

[27:33] So now it is my pleasure to bring up our September Employee of the month, Donovan Fan. So Donovan, can you join me?

[27:48] All right.

[27:49] So in recognition of this selection as the city Southfield September employee of the month, it is my pleasure to present Donovan Fan, our code enforcement supervisor. Donovan is recognized for his leadership, initiative and willingness to go above and beyond. He supports the department's workforce by training, parking, enforcement and blight personnel, including overnight staff, and helping to ensure those shifts are covered. His commitment often extends beyond regular business hours because when Donovan is required to do training, he has to go overnight and complete the training for those staff members and then must report in the morning for his regular duties. He is also willing to work alongside blight abatement staff, assisting with trash and snow removal when needed, and if someone his coworkers can turn to for support and solutions. And as a personal thank you for me, because his commitment to the city extends beyond his departmental duties. Through his service on the Southfield Spirit Committee, Donovan is a very reliable source as he likes to spin the wheels. He's our DJ at most of the staff sponsored events, and he contributes to the success of our engagement activities. And finally, one comment from his nomination says it best. Donovan supports his department and the city with very little acknowledgment, yet everyone knows his name. So please join me in congratulating Donovan Fan on his well-deserved recognition.

[29:17] As a city.

[29:20] Thank you. So I'll ask. He's got quite a few.

[29:24] Coworkers and his family member. If you would please join us, and I'll ask Donovan to go up and have a handshake with us.

[29:54] Thank you.

[30:33] So I'm just going to say make sure you get one with justice family as well.

[30:35] Okay.

[30:45] Okay. I'll have to stay with your family.

[31:06] All right. Thank you so much.

[31:26] So we will now have a an update on the results from our primary by our clerk.

[32:12] Okay. So the first thing I'd like to talk about is actually my own personal experience of the election. This was my very first election that I administered as city clerk, and it was really an experience like nothing else I've ever gone through. Um, the closest thing that I can describe it to is back in the 90s, I went with my wife to, to the first musical on Broadway. It was actually on Broadway in New York. And as we were sitting there and watching the production and the song and the dance and the lights and the costume, my wife, like I imagine most women enjoyed the production, the play, the music, the shows, the costumes, Me. I imagine, like many men, are looking in the back, in the shadows. We're enjoying the staging, the. How do they turn that? Hey, look, this dancer got off and came back on. They changed and pretty quick. I was fascinated by everything that you could try and figure out what's going on backstage and this in this election. I got a VIP tour of that backstage of the election. And my testimony to you today is that it is magnificent. It is truly a fascinating production from way before from May, June, July, as we wind up, as we're building up, as we're getting, um, the absentee ballots out, as we're doing early election, the precincts, election day itself, and then the wind down. It is a beautiful, magnificent operation and it runs like clockwork. And the city of Southfield is fortunate to have a clerk, department and residents who participate and are involved, and workers from other department who chime in. It's like an orchestra. It's it's a beautiful, a beautiful operation. So I highly recommend it. And one of the things that I have learned, other than how it works, I learned that elections are foolproof. Elections have a lot of safeguards. Elections are run by the book, elections are exactly what they are, and you could rely on them and you could take that to the bank.

[34:32] Um, there are two parts that we would like to discuss tonight with the election. The first one is the voters and the turnout. And for that, I'd like to call up Deputy City Clerk Darian Bird to talk about the numbers of the voters and the turnout and what we expect in November.

[39:05] Okay. So now that we know how it worked out as far as voter turnout, which is the most important thing, I would like to take the time to go through the numbers and the cost.

[40:20] training. This is training that we have mandatory for election inspectors and chair and electric poll book. We pay $25 for them to attend the class. That adds up to $12,875.

[40:34] Other department help. This is a number that I did not include last time around because I really wasn't aware of it. Uh, code enforcement are phenomenal with delivering, um, equipment out to precincts and then picking it up. Uh, our receiving board is city employees who work, they get paid that gets charged to us. So the 8509 is um, other department manpower worked utilized for the election, but not the clerk department itself. Clerk department overtime. This is starting with when we first get the ballots, and we got to stop them and meet a deadline of getting 19,500 into the mail, plus 6000 applications into the mail, then through elections, there are mandatory weekends when early voting is open, we have to be open. And then Election Day itself and the post wrap up. So that is in the clerk's department for this purpose. But that's what it costs us, $16,942 and some change. Operating supplies. Operating Trading supplies is, uh, stuff like, um, ballot instruction inserts, uh, the thermal paper we use to print reports on. I voted stickers.

[42:47] Um, I want to say that it also included mailers, mailers. There you are right. The AV applications, the 6000 and, um, the trifold and temporary location postcards that we by law had to send out, um, envelopes, purple and blue. This was specifically for the Avs, the, the ones that we use. Besides that, some previous clerk ordered a boatload. So we're using those. But for the ones that went out in the mail we had, we have to specifically use those. So that's that cost postage. Some of this postage. As you can see, we're getting reimbursed on the bottom. But this is the postage for a lot of the mail of the ballots, uh, the informational trifold and that type of stuff. Polling locations, the schools do not get paid. They host us. But churches and other types of location do get paid. That cost us 4500 food and drinks 3267. This included snacks for the trainings. This included. We fed the early voting one day lunch as the custom was when I got here, I kept that up. Election day food. We feed a lot of the. The AV counting board, the in house precincts clerk Department code who delivered. We buy them lunch and we take care of the people who work on the election. So that that came out to that. The estimated total cost is 1000 166,730,

[44:25] minus what we expect to get reimbursed from the state for postage. 9044 the grand total is $157,685.

[44:36] This does not include general overhead clerk department, regular hours of operation expenses, and it does not include items spent. Uh, overall that we're going to use more than just this election. So this was the cost of this election.

[44:56] Um.

[45:00] This is a good time. Uh, I'll do that at the end here. Um, I want to recap and show the residents that we did add two ballot drop boxes, which were granted by the state, did not cost us anything. And all ballot drop boxes had ballots dropped in them. So it was a good addition. We have all the four corners of the city covered, plus several here in City Hall, and that continues to work well for us. We currently have 36 precincts after the November election. The clerk department does depend to do a precinct consolidation in order to be able to shrink that down somewhere between 18 to 20, uh, ahead of the mandated, um, election equipment purchase that the state is going to hand down next year. So we're going to be able to, instead of purchasing 36 tabulators, we'll be able to purchase 18 to 20. And going forward, we'll also be able to, um, not staff as many people, certainly what we need, but not nearly as much as this.

[46:04] In conclusion, I want to reiterate that the goals of this clerk department when it comes to elections are to run secure, accessible and transparent elections by the book. And I'd like to thank the residents, the council, the administration for allowing the costs to be in the budget where I don't have to constantly keep coming back. Every time something small comes, you fund the clerk department very well and we are able to run it to perfection, so I thank you for that. If anyone has any questions.

[46:36] Mr. Clark, I have a few, few questions. And I know you're you're still new in your role, but looking historically, how does the cost for this primary compared to similar primaries previously? You know, more specifically, maybe you know, the gubernatorial one as well as how do these prices compare to the presidential elections? Just just trying to see if it's is it common? Is it up? Is it down? What's. And if you need to get back to me on that, I understand.

[47:08] Um, I have an answer for you now, and that is there's no way to really know the way the records were kept, the way the costs were. It's really hard to. I tried digging that up and there's just no way that I could. From what I could see, perhaps, um, people who have been here longer, people who have more access than I do have the ability to look that, but some of these were never tracked.

[47:34] So what I would suggest maybe is working with accounting because if anything, that was captured as part of previous budgets and actuals. So they would have that. Um, other thing that I had a question on was, has there ever been any consideration from you to maybe work with our legislative committee to have our odd year elections, you know, proposed to be changed to even year because that could potentially eliminate some costs for our odd year elections and piggyback off of elections that we know we have to do for gubernatorial as well as presidential elections in even years.

[48:20] Um, I know that legislative have examined certain parts of it, certainly going back, but definitely during my time as I sit in on those committee meetings. So.

[49:41] Okay. I saw hands from Councilman Bridewell, Councilwoman Haynes council. Are there any other comments for the clerk?

[49:49] Mr. clerk, I think you mentioned.

[49:51] Something earlier that you had a ringside seat to this election, and you mentioned how safe it was, I think. Um, can you reiterate the concern with safety? And within the last few years I was there has been concerned about safety, you know, elections nationwide. And, uh, I'm a strong believer in, you know, elections and voting. And it's been in my blood since I was a little boy. Uh, tagging along those kind of things. And it moved me that you indicated that this was one of the safest elections that you have seen, and you haven't seen that many from, from that from your from that background. Can you just tell me or reiterate to the public how safe this election was?

[50:49] Yes. So during this election, and this is the first election that I've had this type of access. It felt like I have a backstage pass. Uh, unlimited to everywhere. And what I learned from the safety standpoint is that the laws that govern the election, the checks and balances, the rules and regulations, they overlap. You can't just print up ballots and sneak them in. You can't just any of the things that are accused. It just doesn't happen. It will get flagged and noticed right away practically. So I do. I can't speak nationwide. I can't even speak for Michigan wide. I could speak for the City of Southfield and the County of Oakland, because I've witnessed that myself. And I can tell you that when the laws and regulations of elections are followed, then everything is secure. I don't know if all clerks and all election employees follow everything by the book. I know I do. I know Oakland County does, and I know that when the laws are followed, the results you can rely on them because they truly reflect the votes that were cast. If the laws are not followed, those clerks will get caught because that the laws are set up in a way that there's so much oversight and so many checks and balances. I spent a bunch of time at the county post-election going over, justifying and going through our ballots and our reports, and they track down if there's one report that's not balanced by one ballot. We spent a bunch of times figuring that out. There is a ton of oversight by the canvassers, by the county, by the by the city. It's safe and secure. The result that posts reflect the ballots cast.

[52:49] That was my concern about Southfield and what we are doing here to ensure that we are doing everything legally. And, um, we as a, as a body and also with, um, the community individuals come up to me, they would indicate based on the national, um, temperature that we want to make sure nothing happens in Southfield that Indicates, uh, but that nothing has happened in Southfield that gets blown up. It was on national news. So I want to appreciate you doing your job and I think you are concerned. And with respect to doing a good job. And I feel that based on what you've told us and the follow through, uh, that you are doing it. So I appreciate it. Thank you.

[53:44] Thank you sir.

[53:45] Councilwoman.

[53:48] Councilwoman Haynes.

[53:49] I think that's okay. I'm sorry. Go ahead, go ahead. I'll wait. Okay. I just wanted to say, um, I came in to the office, as I stated before, and I had the opportunity to talk with you and you on your way out to, um, go to a couple of precincts and allow me to join you. And I was just excited to see a lot of the residents that were working were excited. They were happy to be there. They were doing a great job. They knew you and just happy. I know I've done the polls myself and I know what it takes and how important it is, and I think that it's very, very important because there's a lot of chatter out there about a lot of things. But when a job is well done, the proof is in the evidence, and we have that. And I am grateful to you, to your deputy as well, for doing a great job and to be a new person and step in and take the challenge and do an excellent job. So it shows great teamwork, great effort, great integrity on behalf of the staff and all, even the residents that showed up to be inspectors and things of that nature. It's very important that we have people of integrity to do those jobs as well. And I'm grateful that you all have represented us very well. And thank you to all of you. All keep up the good work. Thank you.

[55:04] Thank you ma'am.

[55:06] Council president Pro Tem.

[55:07] Thank you. Um, Mr. Clark, I too, just wanted to say congratulations to you and your staff. Um, I know we all have heard a lot of good complaints from how the elections were going and everything, so thank you. My only question would be, have we heard if any of our locations are going to close, like the schools or anything? Do we have to reroute anybody?

[55:31] Do you mean between August and November? Mhm. When we selected our locations, we made sure that anyone who went to one location in August is going back to that location in November. Yes, we had some locations that would have been open in November, but not in August. And we're not using them in either one. We don't want to confuse the residents.

[55:52] Okay, great. That was my only question because I know how in the past we've had to scramble, and certainly we don't want anyone to accuse us of for impeding into their rights to vote. So I appreciate that foresight to plan that way. And again, thank you and this team, nothing but good things we've been hearing. So keep up the good work. Thank you.

[56:14] Thank you.

[56:15] Excellent.

[56:15] Thank you. Councilman Mandelbaum. Yes. Thank you.

[56:18] You mentioned in one of your slides that there's reimbursement. Um, is that that's from the state.

[56:24] That's from the state for the actual ballots going back and forth.

[56:29] So they pay the postage. Do they, they cover that printing too, or just the postage?

[56:35] Just the postage.

[56:36] Okay. So as postage goes up so does their reimbursement. I'm assuming.

[56:41] Theoretically, sir.

[56:43] All right. I also I also want to thank you and your department, all your, um, election staff. My daughter. Uh, this was the first election that she was allowed to vote in. Um, because she was, uh, she turned 18. She was old enough. And we, I brought her to, to early voting in room 115. And as a parent, it's our job to embarrass our children. And I did not know this was a. It's part of the training that they have. But I said to them after she handed them her card, I was there to help her through the process in case there were questions, and I said, oh, this is her first time. And then every precinct worker started banging the tables, screaming, first time voter. Um, she was, she was, I mean, she, I think she enjoyed it, but she was definitely embarrassed. Um, so I made sure, um, while we were there to tell every other person who was bringing what looked like, you know, their child for the first time to embarrass your child. Tell them it's the first time. And we were there a few times, and I can still picture my daughter's eyes rolling in the back of her head. Um, every time they did that to someone. So, um, but I think that that's, um, it's a nice tradition to really encourage and, and show the importance of voting and how your staff was. I mean, I think they had a hard time getting their job done because they were banging on the table so many times for first time voters, but it's definitely appreciated. So thank you very much. And to your staff for for that training. Thank you.

[58:18] Thank you, Sir Charles.

[58:20] Yes, ma'am.

[58:21] Yes.

[58:21] Um, I also would like to congratulate you and your staff on a well-run election. Like you said, if you follow the law, if you follow the rules, everything, Mr. Brightwell, is about checks and balances in the clerk's office. It has been that way in the city of Southfield for years, and I'm glad to see that we're continuing it here in Southfield. So, um, if you don't follow the rules, you will be caught. So congratulations. Job well done to you and your staff.

[58:54] Thank you. Councilwoman banks means a lot coming from you.

[58:59] Any other questions for the clerk hearing none. Thank you sir. Thank you. We have a series of appointments, uh, some from the mayor as well as some from the boards and commissions. Um, I just want to personally thank the mayor as well as the board, the board and commissions committee led by Councilwoman Ashanti Bland, uh, Councilwoman Council president Pro Tem Hogue, as well as Councilman Dan Brightwell, and doing their due diligence to present the people that you're about to hear, Mr.

[1:02:21] Well, I will entertain a motion.

[1:02:24] Mr. President. Yes, ma'am. I move that we approve the appointment to the DDA Lim Cartman, Robert Efros and Marcus Davenport and the reappointment to the Planning Commission Doctor Gerald Lynn, Stephen Scott support.

[1:02:39] It's been properly moved by Council President Pro Tem Hoag and supported by Councilwoman Haynes. Any questions? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried.

[1:02:50] Thank you. Um, we'll have the clerk, uh, square in our.

[1:02:58] Public office of the EPA.

[1:03:28] For the execution of the United States. They have sufficient. The state of Michigan to the city charter of the City of Southfield, and that he will faithfully perform the duties of the Office of Downtown Development authority for the city of Southfield. County of Oakland, state of Michigan. According to the best of your ability.

[1:04:11] Hold on there. We're going to have you go up and make the round. We'll do.

[1:04:41] You a favor.

[1:04:42] I thought he was asking.

[1:04:45] For the city of Southfield, Michigan. He doesn't.

[1:05:36] Thank you, thank you.

[1:05:40] Thank you.

[1:05:46] Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[1:06:02] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. We will now hear from Councilwoman Bland for her committee appointments.

[1:06:25] Good evening, community Council, Mr. Mayor and city leaders. This evening.

[1:06:31] I have three appointees to the Total Living Commission, Brandi Barton, miss LaToya Ringo, Doctor Deanna Stewart and one appointment to the Wildlife Commission, Miss Kathy Slate.

[1:06:54] Thanks to this, um, committee, because this has been a interesting task of getting all of our, um, commissions filled. Uh, this evening we have, uh, Brandy Barton, who is a ten year resident of Southfield, also a marketing, um, a marketing employee at General Motors. She's joining the Total Living Commission. We have miss LaToya Ringo, who is a lifelong resident of Southfield and works for the Department of Defense. And we have Doctor Deanna Stewart, who's resided in Southfield for over 25 years. She is the founder and director of Equity Alliance.

[1:07:39] Chair. Yes, sir.

[1:07:41] I move that we approve the appointments as presented by Miss Plan Support.

[1:07:48] It's been properly moved by Councilman Brightwell, supported by Councilwoman Banks. Any discussion or question? Hearing? None. All in favor?

[1:07:57] Aye.

[1:07:58] Any opposed? Motion carried.

[1:08:04] Get out your.

[1:08:04] Way.

[1:08:14] And if any family wants to come take any pictures, please feel free to come forward.

[1:08:39] Would you raise your right hand? Do you solemnly swear or affirm you will support the Constitution of the United States of Michigan and the city charter of the City of Southfield that you will perform the duties of the office of the Commission in the City of South County of Oakland, state of Michigan, according to the best of your ability.

[1:09:56] And this will be Kathy Slate for Wildlife Commission. We didn't do her yet. Uh, Kathy Slate is a lifelong resident of Southfield, Michigan. She is also the dean of University K-12, um, Academy in Southfield. Um, and she's also a biology major. So she will be joining us with the Wildlife Commission.

[1:10:25] We need a motion on that. I move that we approve the emotion and the presentation as presented by Miss Bland Support.

[1:10:34] It's been properly moved by Councilman Brightwell, supported by Councilwoman Banks. Any any questions or comments? Hearing none. All in favor?

[1:10:43] Aye.

[1:10:43] Any opposed? Motion carried.

[1:10:54] The United States Constitution and the charter of the city itself is able to perform the duties of the office within the city itself. According to the best of your ability.

[1:11:18] I thought she laid on me.

[1:11:19] Yeah. She didn't do that one.

[1:11:45] In the family of. And take a picture with Doctor Seward as well. And the rest of.

[1:12:23] The next family.

[1:12:25] Miss Barton.

[1:12:28] And her family.

[1:12:32] Picture.

[1:12:33] That's somebody else.

[1:12:34] Take a picture. Yes, miss. That red hair.

[1:12:52] Thank you.

[1:12:56] Miss Ringo and Ringo family.

[1:13:22] And last but not least, Miss Lake and Miss Lake family.

[1:13:30] Miss Ringo, stay up here, please.

[1:13:38] Thank you.

[1:13:53] No.

[1:14:06] Where else?

[1:14:08] Junctions. Threshold.

[1:14:42] Thank you.

[1:14:45] Congratulations.

[1:14:46] Thank you.

[1:14:51] Congratulations.

[1:15:13] Well, thank you all for indulging us on a variety of presentations and appointments.

[1:15:20] Um.

[1:15:21] We will also have two appointments for, um in the following, um, couple of weeks as well. I just wanted to make that known. So thank you to everyone.

[1:15:34] Thank you, Councilwoman Bland. We now will transition into communications. The city. The Southfield 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 or 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 provide responses 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 should it be needed. The council may respond to comments at the end of communication if they are able to do so.

[1:17:14] Uh, James. I'm sorry. Jason James, please come to the podium state whether you're a Southwood resident. Jason James.

[1:17:26] Vanessa Burrell.

[1:17:29] Please come to the podium state whether you're Southfield resident.

[1:17:40] Good evening. Yes, I am a resident and I've been a resident since the early 90s. So I'd just like to address something I saw in the Southville sun. I first of all, I'd like to say good evening. I have some questions about a recent ordinance amendment to the City Code, and it's ordinance number 1835, chapter 108, and it reads as following. No person shall sell, purchase, give, convey by deed, land, contract, lease, purchase or otherwise or in any manner transfer title to any single family, home, duplex, townhome, condominium or any other residential dwelling in the city without first applying and obtaining a certificate of occupancy. And I looked up on the internet to see how many communities in Oakland County has this policy, and there are only three. And ours is the most extensive. But of those cities that Southfield, Oak Park and Royal Oak Township. But my main concern when I read the provisions, it said that a buyer or other transfer transferee of a residential dwelling shall not occupy the structure prior to the issuance of a city by the city of a certificate of occupancy. No person shall sell, purchase, give, convey by deed, land, contract, lease, purchase or otherwise. And in most instances, especially since you have an older population in the city. Many of us have trust. We have deeds, transfers that should be done, and it's already been approved by the courts. So it seems like it's a conflict with that because if the county, Oakland County, has already stated that this deed can be transferred to a family member, and we know that homes are a large portion of generational wealth. I can't understand why the city would interfere with that process. So I'm just, you know, I find this very troubling. I just want to find out in the case when things have already been arranged through the courts for property to be transferred. How is it that the city is able to do it? The block you have to have a certificate of occupancy. You said people cannot occupy the structure prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. And then if that property is empty for a period of time, then it's more complications. So it seems like there are some things that should be ironed out. I was not made aware of this that you guys were even considering to, to enact this particular policy. I saw that you had, you know, structured it.

[1:20:46] So, ma'am, sorry. Sorry to interrupt. Yes. Your time is up. Okay. That's fine. I didn't realize for one second. So I'm a little bit out of what I just said at the end. I know that you've had some dialog with our city attorney. I'm asking that that dialog continue in combination with our city attorney, working with our legislative committee, to understand what your concern is and to work with you to, you know, determine the city's position.

[1:21:15] Okay.

[1:21:16] All right. Thank you.

[1:21:16] Thank you very much for your time.

[1:21:18] Thank you ma'am. Keith Harris, please come to the podium. State whether you're a resident.

[1:21:34] Keith Harris.

[1:21:35] You know, the last time I spoke in front of you guys, I talked about the standard of how Southfield runs. And it starts with our elected officials. Um, today I seen some things I like, you know, especially I love our fire department. We just had a fire in our community. I love our police department because some of the runs that they make are strictly dangerous, especially our domestic violence runs. And considering we have had a couple of shootouts, a couple of shootings at our lounges here in this city, we have had problems with, uh, minor kids being served liquor and slipped roofies in one of our lounges. We'll talk about that. But our city. I love our city. That's the first thing I'm going to tell you. I fight hard for this city, I really do. I wake up when I'm bored and I just drive around the city, up and down the main streets, counting the liquor stores or stopping people from illegal dumping in our community. Especially because I've stopped a couple of people from illegal dumping in our community. They would bring trash from other cities and put it out. Since we got good services, I've took pictures of stuff like that and made police reports. I like what Mr. Gabby is doing. I love the diversity that you put together. I mean, I spoiled my ballot and within five minutes they fixed it. Okay, so there's some there's a lot of good things about this city that I love. Like I said, I love this city. I love being close to our fire department. And there are some things I fight for every election, every day I make sure we get the right people seated. I make sure that we have a safe community. I'm a retired board man, so when I get into trouble, I get into good trouble. Okay, that's how bored I am. But I'm gonna sit here and tell you we got a lot of work still to do. We gotta figure out a way to get these lounges and these illegal after hour joints under control. We got a lot of work to do. Still left in this city. And it's in you guys hands. We cannot have these after hour joints running. We cannot keep having shootings at our clubs at night because it's bothering them. It really is. We got a very concerned, active community and city, and we place that in every elected officials hands. And all I'm going to say is we got to work together. If we're going to clean it up from our council to our school board to everybody. We got to work together. And I say again, Mr. Gabby ain't heard nothing bad. Keep it up. Thank you.

[1:24:23] Thank you. Sir. Betsy Lane.

[1:24:29] Betsy Lane.

[1:24:34] Ta-tanisha. Faulkner.

[1:24:48] Um.

[1:24:49] I just want.

[1:24:50] To congratulate everyone, um, on their appointments and acknowledgments. Um, I just came because we have, we stay on a side street and your trucks come and dig ditches on a side street. We have a transformer box, I guess, and they just park and just dig ditches Where I would like for someone to put or the city to put like because it's your it's your property. It's not my property. It's your property. So I want someone to come and put like some rocks or fill in the ditch because it's hard to it's muddy, it looks horrible, but I don't want to do the expense for it. So I'd rather you guys do it. That's that's all.

[1:25:52] So so ma'am, thank you for bringing that to our attention. If our Director of Public Works can raise his hand, if you don't mind, just going and having a conversation so we can get more detail on what your inquiry is, please. Lisa Davis, please come to the podium. Stay with yourself. For the residents.

[1:26:12] Something? Yes, ma'am.

[1:26:13] Mr. Jackson. Mr.. Don't leave.

[1:26:18] Harris.

[1:26:18] Mr. Harris, I'm sorry. You know what I meant.

[1:26:33] Good evening. Mayor. City council administration. My name is Lisa Davis. I'm a resident and a small business owner in the city of Southfield. Also one of the founding members for Southfield Community for Growth Coalition. And I know y'all are happy to see me here tonight since I haven't been here in months. I know y'all are probably wondering where have I been? But seriously, I'm very actually happy to be here tonight because I have seen the hard work that this administration and this council have been doing regarding Northland City Center. That's going to go open comment a little later today and the contour development. I've been reviewing the information from the August meeting, along with the permitted use list, the Master development plan. The condominium master deed and the discussions surrounding the proposed amendments to the development. And I just want to give credit where credit is due. I appreciate the questions this Council has been asking about the outstanding agreements and conditions, the development timeline, the anticipated start and completion dates for the various buildings, building A and the anticipated occupancy, the progress that has actually been completed, whether additional personnel could be utilized to accelerate construction, and the businesses and tenants that have signed leases. And those are these those are important things and questions that you guys have been asking. So thank you for doing so. I am particularly pleased to see the city taking steps to establish greater accountability around the development timeline and the obligations of the developer. So tonight, I really don't have much to complain about, but I do have some questions, and I think I'm gonna send the questions out because I know that I probably can't answer them tonight, but I would like to know where the public can review the Third Amendment in detail, because I was trying to find out all the things you're holding contour development accountable for, and I couldn't really find it, including a specific task, milestones and deadlines that contour is required to meet. And I also would like to know when the quarterly progress reporting schedule begins, what specifically will be included in those reports, which develop, which department or office within the city will be responsible for receiving and maintaining those reports? I think that information will be very helpful to the community, because it allows residents to follow the progress of Northland City Center based on documented milestones rather than speculation. But other than those questions, great work. I appreciate the work this administration and council have done to move toward greater accountability and transparency regarding Northland city Center. So I want to say thank you on behalf of the Southfield Community for Growth Coalition.

[1:29:06] Thank you. LaDonna Wyatt, please come to the podium. LaDonna Wyatt? No. Okay. Thank you. Mayor Greg Keeler. Please come to the podium. Stay with your Southfield resident.

[1:29:44] Greg Keelor, Southfield resident.

[1:29:47] I hope you see me wiggling the chair back there. So you know, it's loose in the audience. Um, that is a fascinating thing. I can jump through all the things for my estate planning, and now you're going to be in the middle of it or try to be in the middle. I can put my home in a trust to go to my child, and the city of Southfield is going to be in when I passed. If I don't get my certificate, will you be planning on telling this to the people that will be doing estate planning next week here, so they know all the different rules and everything else you change. Does this sound like you are being a good neighbor with this type of rule? I don't think so. That is one of the things people have been having problems and issues with. What is the relationship with data centers and PFAs? Do you know closed loop systems? Do you understand that they use more power than normal systems? So that's not a thing to brag about when data systems leak and they need to have testing for the ground and everything else. Who's going to pay for the testing and cleanup?

[1:31:16] How will data centers affect the aquifer around that area? The people that are on, well, water. Will y'all start then doing testing at not a cost to the people there because what you just did over there with spring, well, that don't matter. Once you put it there, you will need to test that water to make sure it's still drinkable and palatable for people. How does the community around it with, well, water, how does it affect them? What does it mean for the value of the homes in that area? Will they go up more than likely go down? And are we being a good neighbor to Farmington since it's right on the border line? I think these are things that we should think about as we are moving forward. The other thing I think we should also think about is going to our governor with a couple other cities and asking for the moratorium. So that way, like you said, y'all don't get sued. Get the moratorium. There's enough cities and enough places that don't want them. So you have time to think about some of the questions I just asked you and even more.

[1:32:35] But mostly take you that chair now before somebody call.

[1:32:42] Thank you. Um, and well, so Andrew. Well, actually you're you're coming on behalf of Culver's, right?

[1:32:54] Yeah, I would I'd like to speak later on.

[1:32:56] You will have an opportunity to. Well you won't have that. Go ahead and speak, sir.

[1:33:02] Obviously, I'm not a resident of Southfield, but I'd like to speak to the public hearing.

[1:33:07] Go ahead.

[1:33:07] Sir. Oh, okay.

[1:33:35] A little bit closer to.

[1:33:36] The mic? Oh yeah. I'm sorry. Your understanding. Not a problem. So we're here on behalf of the Culvers. We're looking at putting our third location in at the eight mile greenfield site, Northville or Northland. I'm sorry. Um site. And, um, Edward is a true representation of the Culver's brand in Livonia. He started as a team member with the Culver's in 2017, worked his way up to a general manager and now is part owner of the Culvers in Livonia. So as you can see, Edwards a true testament to the Culver's brand, as well as our growth in the city of Southfield. And we're looking to establish, you know, a third location at eight Mile and Greenfield in the Northland, uh, shopping district.

[1:34:25] Thank you sir. Anything else?

[1:34:27] Nope. That was it.

[1:34:28] Did you bring any samples?

[1:34:30] Not right now.

[1:34:32] Thanks.

[1:34:32] Alright. Um, miss Diane Martin.

[1:34:44] Good evening.

[1:34:45] Good evening.

[1:34:46] Diane Martin. And I've been a resident of Southfield for over 30 some odd years. I just want to indicate that at the last Council meeting that I attended, I had some concern about what we could do in response to the total community, as there. There are ISIS programs. ET cetera. ET cetera. So I did forward to the City Council some suggestions, and I followed it up with today and sharing with the rest. Uh, the second thing I want to say is that the last time I was here, there was someone who was asking about the deers. Okay. Um, the lows on 12 mile and telegraph. Very good people. Very informative. They could be of assistance. Uh, I also had some questions about the coding system and the, um, uh, Um, the neighborhood programs. And I was informed that certain things could not be released or given because there is a precedent, uh, over the whole 3 or 4 areas. His name is Mr. Webb, but I, I just have not been able to get the information. I would appreciate if, uh, something could be shared.

[1:36:24] Thank you.

[1:36:25] I'm sorry, Miss Martin, before you leave. I wasn't tracking that last part. Well, can you repeat that?

[1:36:33] Well, there. Is there a neighborhood organization? Okay. And the areas that I'm looking at, or I had asked some information about, um. I haven't really been able to gather, uh, about reactivating or joining, uh, the association.

[1:37:23] Uh.

[1:37:25] Let's wait for the response. If you don't. Unless you want to ask the question. Okay. Um, so going going back through. I know I didn't address everyone's comments as, as we, um, went through communication, but Mr. Harris, thank you for sharing your thoughts and your comments. And I believe many of us echo that we appreciate the efforts of, you know, our.

[1:37:52] Public safety and, uh, Council President Pro Tem wanted to make a comment related to that.

[1:37:59] Yes.

[1:37:59] And I apologize, Mr. Harris. Um, I wanted you to know that, um, through our legislative committee, we will be, um, planning and scheduling a public meeting where we will be bringing in our nightclubs, restaurants and things of that such. It will be a public meeting so that the residents can come and give their feedback. We're still planning it. It will happen soon, but we need to bring those business owners to the public, to us, so that we can share with them our concerns with how this city is being portrayed, not just portrayed, but is actually happening, and how they can become a better business partner with the city. So we are planning that. That's why I didn't want you to miss that, that we we know we need to step it up and make sure we're all on one page so that we don't get the publicity we've been getting. Okay. Just wanted you to know that. Thank you.

[1:39:02] Um, Miss Davis. I think she may have left. Okay. Um, but thank you for your comments. Uh, Mr. Keeler.

[1:39:34] Okay.

[1:40:54] She's.

[1:40:55] Gone her next steps. But we will follow back up with her as well. Um Council, are there any items that I missed?

[1:41:02] Um. Yes ma'am.

[1:41:04] I was just going to add you stated it but also being charged to the legislative committee. Uh, the data centers. I know Council President Hicks and Councilwoman Haynes, we've all talked about bringing in experts so that we, the council, the city administration, as well as the residents. We're going to bring in experts on data centers so that we all get what the true story is behind utilities, the water resource and all of that. So we're working on that. And then, Miss Burrell, we will follow up with you because I don't what what the ordinance change that we made that should not impact your state planning. So I'm not sure where the confusion is, but we will reach out to you. What that simply does is protect homeowners so that when they move into a home, that that home is ready for move in condition has nothing to do with your estate planning. And this particular ordinance is meant to save lives. That's what it's for because our building department, he shared with us, and I trust him, that had we had something like this, he could have could have saved four lives that we lost since he's been here. So whatever we can do to save lives, that's what we're doing. This has nothing to do with impacting your estate planning, but we'll reach out to you so that you have one. Okay. Thank you.

[1:42:36] I know Miss Martin left, but I just want to state this for clarity. I think I understood what she meant if she wasn't talking about her particular homeowners association. She may have tried to reference getting some information about other homeowners associations, which is not privy to the public reason being a lot of people are being solicited and that's their private information. So no resident is able to get that information just coming in. Now she's talking about her particular homeowners association. That information can be given to her, and that's for anyone. But that's most of it is not public information. And, um, the other thing, I just want to say this, I know we're talking a lot about data centers, but I just want to give some information about something that is public knowledge. According to the National water consumption data centers use an estimated 454 449 million gallons of water per day for cooling, which is roughly four times 4.5 times less than the total daily consumption of the golf industry. Golf courses consume an estimated 2.08 billion gallons of water per day for irrigation, accounting for roughly 0.5% of the total national water withdrawals. This is public information. I just have to say that moving forward, so we can kind of be on the understanding about this water and where a lot of our water is going. So we got a lot of golf players out there that can answer for that too. Just wanted to give that information. I like to read and find out some things, especially when it's coming about the data center, but I encourage you all to really read too, about some things that will really help us to understand what's going on, because we're not at odds with each other. We are educating ourselves as well, and we are really on this about doing some things to make it work for our city. Thank you.

[1:44:31] Councilwoman. You came for us golfers.

[1:44:34] I didn't come for him. This is public information. Like I said, just saying, you know.

[1:44:39] Hey, so so just just a quick, I'm not debating with what Councilwoman shared, but just there's a difference, though. There's a lot of factors that go into data centers size, whether it's an open loop or closed loop and what that means in just a real high level. With the closed loop system, they take amount of water and put it in. Think of like a tank and they keep recycling that water. So the consumption is a lot less when you use that. But when you have an open loop system, then yeah, to Councilwoman's point, you're continually bringing water in to cool down that data center. So my ask is, until we understand the logistics, the schematics of what's being presented, we probably should wait and then react. Um, you know, I've had conversations as council president pro tem mentioned, you know, with DTE, With consumers just to understand, you know, what their relationships are to these entities and how are they going to protect the interests of our community. So we will learn more. But Councilwoman brings up a good point. But that's where she didn't come after the golfers. You know, we don't bother nobody. I also want to thank Culvers. Well, I believe I, I believe in you and your investment to our city. The challenge that I have is I don't know about you all, but there's something called live 360. And my kids track my whereabouts. And usually what happens is my kids say, hey, dad, you're over near Culvers. Can you bring home A, B, C, D and E? So I appreciate your, you know, support in our city and continued interest. But my, my wallet and my waistline, you know, sometimes I need to pull away from y'all, but thank you. Council. Are there any other comments on any items that we've discussed thus far?

[1:46:42] Hearing none, we have three sets of minutes to approve, Mr.

[1:46:57] Support.

[1:46:58] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Councilwoman Haynes. Any discussion, correction or question? Yes, ma'am.

[1:47:09] Oh, no.

[1:47:11] All in favor?

[1:47:11] Aye.

[1:47:12] Any opposed? Motion carried. We now transition into our consent agenda. These are items that are considered routine, non-controversial or have been previously discussed. There are a few items that were not discussed but may be considered as routine. Are there any items that we want to have a discussion on or have pulled for further discussion? Yes, ma'am.

[1:47:37] Um, I.

[1:47:37] Would like to pull item C please for voting purposes.

[1:47:45] Okay. Pull it from voting purposes.

[1:47:48] Well.

[1:47:49] I'm sorry.

[1:47:50] I.

[1:47:51] Um, I.

[1:47:52] Don't know if there's necessarily discussion, but to, to vote on this item, I'd like to vote separately.

[1:47:58] Okay.

[1:47:58] Instead of under consent.

[1:48:00] Council do you support that ask. Okay. Awesome. Um, any other items for discussion that need to be pulled? Yes, sir. Oh. I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry.

[1:48:13] Uh, I just would like clarity on items M and N.

[1:48:21] Okay. Any other items? Council.

[1:48:26] Okay. If we can have.

[1:48:32] Director Freeman. Come forward. Councilwoman, what are your questions?

[1:48:38] I'm pretty sure this is something standard. Um, and I just wanted you to give me some information so I'm aware of it. Um, it hasn't come before me before, so I was just curious about, um, what this exemption certificate does.

[1:48:54] Absolutely.

[1:48:55] So there's two different requests. The first project is for um the, the specs Howard development project.

[1:49:04] Oh nice.

[1:49:05] I believe that's on the agenda tonight.

[1:49:07] It's on planning.

[1:49:08] Commission. We'll be here next month.

[1:49:09] Planning commission getting this mixed up. But um they are looking to redevelop that site into apartments and they're looking for some incentives from the city of Southfield. So the incentive that they're looking for is called Oprah, where it freezes the value of the property for 12 years. So they're looking for that incentive. And so in order for us to achieve that goal. We have to hold a public hearing as well as place their request into. We have to set a district and the request into that district. So we're looking to set the public hearing for October 19th, but we will be bringing this item to the City Council meeting on October 5th. So to discuss their actual request. But in order to achieve this goal of getting the public hearing set, we have to go today. So I, I apologize for rushing these projects, but the state of Michigan, their Treasury Office will not accept any requests, um, past November 2nd. And so in order to achieve that goal, I had to get everything in at the last minute. And of course, all these projects are at the last minute. So they're looking to close and by their, by the buildings before the end of the year. So we've been working with assessing to evaluate these properties. The second request. Five years ago we assisted DDK acquisitions with a commercial rehab. Again, that's a different tool that freezes the value of the property. So they did accomplish their goals of their investment. And they are looking to request an additional. Now it's seven years. The state changed that law to extend it out to 12 years. So they're looking for um to continue their abatement. And again, we're in that same situation that I have to meet this deadline. We will also ask them to come to the October 5th meeting to share why they think that they deserve to have, um, the incentive extended over the next term.

[1:51:17] And I guess my question would be, um, before N is brought before us, would we be able to take a look at their history of payment? Absolutely okay. I just know abatements are, you know, we we do them so we can ensure that we get paid. So I wanted to make sure. And then you said for em for the specs Howard building. They're looking to build apartment complexes. But that will come to us at the next call. Is that correct?

[1:51:50] So the development request is going through planning commission. Then we'll come to City council.

[1:51:54] Okay.

[1:51:55] And the request will come for this abatement request. Um, yes. At the Cao so that they can share their vision for that development. And again, we're just trying to assist them. If if City Council chooses to assist with that abatement, then we're going to have all those pieces in place. Again, it's just to keep their options open.

[1:52:17] Understood. Thank you.

[1:52:18] So so just a little commentary on em, since we're talking about that one now, just as an FYI council, Mr. Mayor, I did do some research on that petitioner and they have a successful track record of adaptive reuse. They have work that was done in Grosse Pointe. There's been work in Chicago. And so, you know, some of the things that they are proposing with specs, Howard, I can see the vision based off of other work that they've done successfully. Uh, and, you know, with rehabbing a school in Grosse Pointe and as well as, like I said, other municipalities.

[1:53:04] Um, question on the specs, Howard. Um, property. About a year ago, um, Council approved a plan for that site. Could you refresh my memory? What it was?

[1:53:19] I believe that there was a a potential owner that was looking to do a closed head facility.

[1:53:24] That's right.

[1:53:25] At that location, I that obviously did not follow through. And this new group is coming in. And again, like council president said, they do have a strong history of doing redevelopment. So yes, I, I understand that there was another use that had been proposed and that fell through.

[1:53:43] Okay. Thank you.

[1:53:45] I do want to say thank you for him. I looked it up as well. And I think people are tired of seeing that lot vacant. Um, and that adaptive use piece is, is awesome. So thank you for seeking them out and bringing this to us.

[1:54:00] Absolutely. And I just want to share that our brownfield redevelopment authority did, um, um, allocate $5,000 per project up to five projects. This is our first project that, um, uh, Macintosh and Porous. They would do a cursory overview of the building to determine if it was feasible to move forward with adaptive reuse. Um, vacant office buildings are extremely hard to turn into housing, and so they were able to tap into that resource, and that gave them the impetus to move forward. So it looks like an exciting project. Again, they are asking for, um, a significant amount of incentives. And this will give us a chance on October 5th to determine if if you want to move forward with that.

[1:54:48] Councilman bright well, then, Mr.

[1:54:54] Okay. Mr.

[1:55:15] Absolutely.

[1:55:16] Okay.

[1:55:17] Council, any other questions on these items with Madam Director? Hearing none, Miss Councilman.

[1:55:27] Which item?

[1:55:29] Item E.

[1:55:35] Purchase of the superstructure.

[1:55:37] Okay. Mr. director, if you can come forward, please.

[1:55:46] I was I was pleased to see that we brought back. This was a demonstrator. We did get a discount. And I want to make what our warranty be affected by this?

[1:55:57] No, the warranty starts from the date it's delivered to us.

[1:56:02] It will. Will we? That warranty will be extended to the.

[1:56:07] Correct.

[1:56:07] Start a start date and to the the end date.

[1:56:12] Well, I'm definitely glad you you indicated that we did get a discount.

[1:56:17] Yes, it was a good question. I, I didn't realize. Um. So.

[1:56:25] Thank you.

[1:56:26] Mr. Director. Madam director, thank you both for your response. Council. Are there any other questions on items? Hearing none. Yes, sir.

[1:56:35] I'd like to make a motion that we approve consent agenda items a the authorization of the State of Michigan. MDE HHS Injury Prevention Grant and purchase of the Ground Ambulance pediatric restraint systems. Item B the MMRMARAPCAP grant acceptance item d authorization to purchase fleet vehicles item E authorization to purchase a service truck item f authorization to purchase for the purchase of street sweepers. Item g authorization to replace the roof at the gazebo at Sims Park. Item H authorization to replace the Beechwoods Rec Center Basketball Backboard system item I the Detroit Regional Partnership membership for the fiscal year of 26 through 27. Item J. The authorization to renew the grant agreement between the State of Michigan, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the City of Southfield. Item K the Authorization to seek a. 2627 DTE Energy Foundation Tree planting Grant. Item L the acceptance of the Oakland County Access to Transit grant for the Bus Stop improvements item M the Economic Development initiative to request of two public hearings from the Condo Detroit, LLC for the establishment of an obsolete property rehabilitation district and the obsolete Property Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate under PA146 of 2000 for a date of October 19th, 2026. Item n another economic development initiative to request a seven year extension from DDK acquisitions LLC for the commercial Rehabilitation certificate number C2017-01

[1:58:15] for property at 23800. Northwestern highway and the item and item O. Authorization to purchase. Purchase an excavator.

[1:58:25] Support.

[1:58:26] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hogue. Any additional question or discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried.

[1:58:38] Mister chair?

[1:58:39] Yes, sir.

[1:58:40] I'd like to make a motion that we approve. Item C, the receipt of proposals for the vehicle towing and storage services support is.

[1:58:48] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hogue. Any additional question or discussion? Yes, ma'am.

[1:58:57] Thank you, Mister Chair. Um, I had asked that this item be pulled because in the spring it was brought to our attention that the company that we're proposing to award this bid to was in violation of their contract at that time. At that time, they said they were going to report back to the city on the findings of, um, some of the things that they were in violation from that never came back to the council. And when I saw this on the agenda, they went out for bids again. And now we're awarding the country the contract to the company that was in violation. Um, I personally am not in favor of this, so that's why I ask that it be separated. I don't know if we need any further discussion on this. This is just my own personal feeling because again, it was never brought back to this body. Like they said, they were going to bring it back to us. So I'm surprised that we're awarding again a contract to someone who is in violation of the first contract.

[2:00:16] Mr. Minister, did you want to address or counsel? Did you have any questions or do we want to proceed with the vote?

[2:00:22] Well, I thought, Mr.

[2:00:25] If I'm not mistaken, I thought both um companies that bid for they both had issues and then that they both resolved it. And now we're just basing it on who won the bid.

[2:00:39] So yeah. So here's and I if I say something out incorrectly, please clarify my understanding. Historically we've had two petitioners for the this for this type of contract. Both are based in the city of Southfield. The last.

[2:01:04] Time that this was awarded, both organizations had outstanding items that needed to be required remediation, and there was a timeline to make the remediation to whoever was awarded that contract because they hadn't remediated completely at the time, provided the procurement department decided to put this out for bid based on the comments from this council. The council, I mean, so then the process of RFP was done. The same petitioners did apply. Both petitioners have since remediated the the findings that were previously identified. A bidding process occurred, a scoring process occurred, and based off of that being completed, the recommendation was made for the petitioner who was in the packet on this evening.

[2:02:08] That is correct, Mr. president, there were site plan violations that both had. Mhm. Um, the corrections were not made after the period that we said we were going to expire the contract purchase and put it out to bid. Since then, both entities have corrected those violations. And the recommendation is for quality.

[2:02:32] Yes, ma'am.

[2:02:33] But I understand the scoring was just one point difference, right? I think so. I can't hear you. What was the scoring point? Was it in one point difference?

[2:02:40] I think so. I think you're.

[2:02:41] Right.

[2:02:42] I believe so.

[2:02:43] I think it was one point difference. So it's not like the other was that much better than the one. I just think that um I, I'm not there's a lot with this. Mhm. Um, and I say that because this is more than just a history of just this one point. And I think we need to be mindful of that quality came forth and brought some issues about, um, the other, the opponent. And then there were some things that were brought forth that both were in violation. And in terms of the difference, I think some of the part we need to look at too, is even with the person that we awarded, they were having difficulties with their towing, even up to present with being able to accommodate the public in some half. And so it was a suggestion that we do it. If we're going to give it, we give it to both. Because I won't say just in my I won't say just in my opinion, but neither one was no greater than the other. Neither one was no worse than the other. But it was it's a competition that you're talking about one point difference, but you still got some issues here. And I think we need to be fair and understanding about that, and I'll just leave it at that. But just just a lot with this.

[2:03:56] So my, my, my $0.02 from my professional perspective, um, I was the director of purchasing for Wayne County, responsible for $1.5 billion of annual spend. And we should have widened the net. We shouldn't have limited the two companies within the same city, because that's the only two companies that do this. If you keep doing what you've been doing, you're going to keep getting what you've been getting. But we didn't do that. So I'm not sure how splitting the contract will work logistically. And I'm not even sure if the companies are amenable to that. So, I mean, at this point, I mean, I guess I'm looking for you all for suggestions. Oh, sir.

[2:04:43] Yes, sir. So if I may, the last time this contract came up, um and I've been on council long enough where it's, it's gone to both companies. Mhm. Um, but with that suggestion was made, you know, can we have one company or have it split where, you know, one's a backup, you know, we call one first, we call one. And I believe at that time, the police department was not in favor of having two companies because for them, it makes it difficult when they're calling, um, if there is a scene of an accident and they need cleanup, if they need towing, things like that, they said they need to have one point of contact. It's too difficult for their officer to decide, you know, oh, is it quality's turn? Is it Ross's turn? Is it, you know, is it the three months that we're using this company? Three months we're using the other company. And their recommendation was to stick with one company. And I think at that time I don't I can't recall, um, but I think that we do have some rules that we do. One of the requirements is it has to be in the city of Southfield. Um, I hear what you're saying regarding, you know, expanding it beyond the city. I don't know if that's an internal city rule that we have that they want the towing in the city. Um, or it has to or we are allowed to expand. But I do remember that the. We were told that they do want it in the city for faster response time. I think it was one of the main reasons. But, um, the police were not in favor of signing both.

[2:06:19] So I would like the city attorney to chime in because one of the criteria here's the thing, we, we, we put out a bid for an RFP and we set criteria. There's something that could be a bid protest if we were to change the terms and conditions of what we do. So I guess I would ask City attorney, are we even allowed to do that based on the process that we've defined from a procurement perspective?

[2:06:48] I'm sorry, I couldn't I didn't understand the question.

[2:06:51] The question the question is, uh, an RFP was submitted. A process was done for procurement perspective. A recommendation was given. And if we were to change the terms of that recommendation, could a bid protest be admissible by the potential awardee?

[2:07:12] My first thought is yes, because we followed the same process that we've been following for years. Um, the bids for not just this particular contract, but any contract. So if we make exceptions, I think that could cause issues. I mean, the bottom line with any bid is that um is the city looking to make the best use out of the city money, public money. And unless, you know, this is something that's done before the bid was put out, you know, without looking at it more, I wouldn't want us to be in a position that we change something. After the bid was submitted and an awardee was provided for Based, I don't know the bid. I didn't look at this particular one, but I'm just giving you a broad answer right now. Um, just for the sake of being transparent and being fair and in the bid process.

[2:08:12] Councilwoman Haynes.

[2:08:14] Can we also look at the runs? Because my understanding is that there was some times where quality was not able to take runs, and I think they had to call upon this company. Uh, if I'm not mistaken. So if you're the sole person and you say you can handle it, then how are you calling on the person that is in the bidding with that? And also, I think I'm not mistaken about the one that same company. Were they not here from the beginning and had to come here because they were they located in Southfield?

[2:08:49] I'm sorry. I'm having a really hard time hearing this evening. Could you repeat that?

[2:08:54] I was wondering if they were located at the whole time in Southfield. The one company.

[2:08:58] The company that we're awarding the bid to. Yeah. No, no, they were not. Uh, a few years ago. Right. They just recently, within the last few years. Um, in fact, I don't I'm not even sure where they're located. There's nothing in this write up that says where they're located.

[2:09:15] There are a couple hundred feet from each other on Telegraph.

[2:09:19] No.

[2:09:20] No.

[2:09:20] Okay.

[2:10:37] Well, my ask would be if we could just monitor this from henceforth on the runs and the different things, because I think a lot of that matters. And I think that's important. And we're talking about a company that's also been here for quite some time. And there are just some just some things here that concern.

[2:10:55] Any other comment or question? Hearing none. All in favor?

[2:11:01] Aye.

[2:11:03] Opposed.

[2:11:04] Opposed.

[2:11:05] Opposed.

[2:11:08] Did you catch that, Mr. Clark? Or do you need five. Two. Five. Two.

[2:11:35] Good evening. Oh, is it working? There it goes. Uh, so on January 12th, if you recall, the Road Commission for Oakland County came to one of our committee of the whole meetings to discuss the Southfield Road Boulevard project. They give you some history of what was going on. And then council did agree to proceed with preliminary engineering for the Boulevard concept from just south of Mount Vernon Drive up to Lincoln Drive. So the Road Commission has now submitted these contract documents as cost share agreement to sell field requiring some formal action. Um, as previously presented, I just wanted to review this preliminary engineering, which is the design phase of the project, is expected to last between fiscal year 27 and fiscal year 28. The project then moves into a right of way acquisition phase that's expected to last from fiscal year 28 to fiscal year 2030. And then ideally, we've got construction phase following that, um, fiscal year 2030 or fiscal year 31 is when that would start. So the estimated cost for the preliminary engineering is $3.5 million. Each phase of this project does have federal funding, so federal funding for this is in the amount of $2.8 million. Then that remaining $700,000 is shared equally between Rcoc and the city of Southfield. If there are any overages on this, those are also to be shared in the future. So just looking for some action tonight to approve the cost share agreement for the design of the Southfield Road Boulevard project, and so that we can have the mayor and city clerk sign on the city's behalf.

[2:13:32] Chair will entertain a motion.

[2:13:35] There's a question.

[2:13:36] Oh.

[2:13:37] Um, so we're we're proposing to put a boulevard on Southfield Road between Mount Vernon and Lincoln.

[2:13:48] Correct.

[2:13:48] So is that going to reduce the number of lanes.

[2:13:53] So it's it's going to take it to a six lane boulevard is what that design concept is. So three lanes northbound, three lanes southbound. Um, some of the intersections may have their own right hand turn lanes.

[2:14:10] Correct.

[2:14:27] Right? So typically on roadways where you really get your congestion is at the intersections. So with the boulevard, there won't be direct left turns, people will be turning right to hit the turnarounds. And, and they can do that dual turns, even for some of the high volume movements. and this will actually improve the level of service along Southfield Road.

[2:14:51] Okay. Thank you.

[2:14:53] Doing very well.

[2:14:55] Um, with respect to the total cost to to Southfield, um, and as I've done since I've been on council, when I look at some of these things, I kind of apply what I had to do in my, in my job. I used to work to the board of directors. Can we keep this simple? Exactly. Because, you know, I know arithmetic. I do finance, but sometimes I just don't feel like trying to figure these numbers out. Can you tell us specifically on a going forward basis, what is Southfield number that you expect? Because in reading this we had 3.5 and then we got 80% to 80. And then we're going to split the.

[2:15:44] They evenly did 300 to 700,000 evenly. So just to cut down on maybe somebody doing arithmetic wrong, can we just put a number? How much? Southfield. What they calculated Southfield.

[2:16:01] Southfield. Participation for the entire project, you mean, or just this phase.

[2:16:06] Huh?

[2:16:08] 1200.

[2:16:09] She's asking, is it based on the are you basing this on the 3.5? And then you have 2.8 million that is federally funded. So you are you asking about the remainder after the 2.8? How much of that is us.

[2:16:23] Exactly the numbers that you're giving me fiscal impact. I just want somebody to calculate the numbers for me. I don't want to have to do the numbers. Right. So that's what we and I'm not going to let anything out right here, but we deal with board of directors. You kept it simple. You just kept it as simple as possible. So can we just do that on a going forward basis? I want to hold this up, but just.

[2:16:48] You know.

[2:16:50] Yeah. So I believe there the number that you're looking for is in the resolution language. So Southfields cost share for this design engineering is $350,000.

[2:17:03] Yes. We're okay. Is that here?

[2:17:06] It's in the resolution. I'll send it to you Dan.

[2:17:09] Yeah. It's in your fourth.

[2:17:27] Yes.

[2:17:27] For this design phase.

[2:17:36] So that's just for this phase.

[2:17:38] I know I'm trying to keep this this document as simple as possible. A B, C, d. And there's nothing wrong with being stupid or dumb, but we we try to keep it as simple to going to our board of directors.

[2:18:06] It's in.

[2:18:07] There.

[2:18:09] So in the. One of the recommended resolution statements and it does say upon execution of the cost participation agreement and receipt of invoice from the Road Commission for Oakland County, the city shall submit 100% of the city's share for a total of $350,000. With our funding coming from our fiscal year 27 major street budget.

[2:18:35] Okay. Okay. Is there is there I guess I just got hung up in the first two paragraphs there reading.

[2:18:43] I see what you're saying.

[2:18:45] If I read the whole thing, I guess it didn't register with me at the time.

[2:20:13] Councilwoman Haynes, then administrator Zorn.

[2:20:16] I just have a quick question. I don't know if it's something that you can answer or maybe the attorney when you build this, that's going to be that line in between at Southfield Road, right? It's a little portion, right piece there.

[2:20:29] The the boulevard, the median.

[2:20:31] You mean will anybody be allowed to stand parade or do any kind of twirling on there. Just curious. Can somebody answer that? I'm just curious. Is that against the law? When we put that there. Can we do something about that to make that a point. Can you talk a little louder? Will anybody be able to do any twirling or standing or soliciting on that median part there. Can we put a lot together for that? I'm just curious. I mean, it's a dangerous spot for people to be standing on, right? Can we put something in place? Just thinking ahead. I think some of you all know what I'm going with this.

[2:21:10] I was still on ditches.

[2:21:12] No, I just thought it'd be a great asset for people not to stand on. Is that something we can prohibit people from doing once it's there? I mean, when we build it, can we sign it to say that.

[2:21:25] To be able to stand on a public right of way and hold a sign? Yeah.

[2:21:32] Because I figure if you stand on that part, you might throw something in the air. You look for it to come down. You could go one side or the other, and that's dangerous.

[2:21:39] Oh well. So in anything, if you're blockading and pleading any type of traffic, that's one issue. But if you're in the public right of way, you. I want to say, first of all, there's still the First Amendment rights to.

[2:21:54] Be on that part.

[2:21:56] And then looking at the public safety of somebody that's on standing, or if someone's walking past, or are they impeding that person's traverse on the public right of way?

[2:22:11] Okay, I'll do seriousness. I think we need to really look at this because in other cities, I don't think they would allow it. I mean, I know there are some rights, but we're talking a small part. They're serious. This is going to happen. We already know it and we're going to get some calls about it. So I think we need to look to see what other cities are doing because that's preventive measures on this, if you will. Seriously. I mean, I know it's something. You're talking about just the building construction of it. But if we can put a sign, if. That's allowable because it's going to happen. I mean, we need to really look at that.

[2:22:44] Mr. administrator, I'm sorry.

[2:22:46] Mr. President. Council, like all of you, I've heard people love the twirler and people outraged. My own mother called with outrage and said he needs to get the babies out. And my response was, mom, they're not babies.

[2:23:01] But they're kids.

[2:23:02] They're. This is real and a challenge there can be. Through this process, though, a possible solution through landscape design, there can be things that could be done with landscaping, certain things that could help mitigate that. Do we respect individual's rights to express their their right to express themselves? Awkward. Apologize. Um, and one of the discussions we've had as we go through this exercise is a corridor improvement authority. It's an economic development tool that can help us with this corridor. It's also one of those districts that how we draw those lines may have additional liquor licenses, which would diffuse and help us out in other areas, providing the right investment is, is, is made. So we're looking at this as an opportunity for the city. Um, we're monitoring the cost. Lee has heard me, Lee and Abdul have heard me throw out crazy ideas from, let's get Mdot to take over this road and treat it more like the connection from Southfield to 696. I think this is a good opportunity for placemaking and to better frame the presentation for our neighborhoods. We have great neighborhoods on both sides of Southfield Freeway, and this will help calm that traffic a little bit and focus. And when you get off of Southfield Freeway up to 696. Most people are trying to zip. And I'm thinking what happened along the Woodward corridor 20 some years ago in Ferndale, how they calm that traffic, and it helped better present those neighborhoods. They already had the boulevard, but that calming, reducing the speed, people were a little bit more respectful of what's happening.

[2:24:49] Thank you.

[2:24:51] Any other comments or questions? Hearing none, the chair will entertain a motion, Mr.

[2:25:07] Support. It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Councilwoman Bland. Any additional question or comment? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried. Now. Transition into public hearings and site plans. Item A, Mr.

[2:25:26] Skip past.

[2:25:27] These.

[2:25:28] Real quick.

[2:25:29] There we go.

[2:25:30] Thank you, Mr.

[2:27:29] This is the conceptual redevelopment plan. So you've got up at the corner there in the teal. That's the Costco fuel station fuel center. The green is a proposed outlet that hasn't been designated yet. Perhaps another restaurant, perhaps some multi-tenant. The yellow would be the indicated Culver's drive through and then down at the corner in the tan. My understanding is there's an interest in El Carwash and opening a second location in Southfield, and then the purple that's more along the northwestern eight mile area is another future Outlot. This will be structured, as the developer explains, is a commercial condominium. So each of these portions will be a separate condominium lot. The shared drive down the middle will be a general common element. That way they can sell off the condo lots to the companies the Costco, Culver's and El Carwash, so they can then build their own development on that site.

[2:28:22] There's just some conceptual landscape plan on the on the right there. They're going to carry over the Northland, designed with the piers and the the brick piers and the decorative fencing and the landscaping and the, you know, benches and trash. We're going to try to keep that look, make this look like part of the Northland district, even though it is not included in the Ode. Um and the petitioner is present if they'd come forward.

[2:28:59] Good evening. My name is Mike Kennedy. I'm the vice president of development with contour. Uh, address is 4950 Woodward Avenue, suite 300, Bloomfield Hills. If I could give a little bit of background information on this, uh, contour had acquired this property just a little over nine months ago. Um, Um, they had identified this property as a functionally obsolete opportunity adjacent to the city center that they could create a gateway, uh, entrance into the city. And the buildings, uh, consist of approximately four, 100 zero zero zero square foot towers. Uh, three of them we've identified as functionally obsolete. Um, most of them have, uh, of the three, there's high vacancy, there's a lot of deferred maintenance. And, uh, we've approached all the tenants in the buildings and we have, um, approximately ten of them that are going to relocate into the West Tower, uh, on this west tower. It's the light blue on the left. Uh, that tower will remain. Our intention is to rehab that building and make it a viable office project. We've already started some work on that tower. Uh, we've, um, uh, refurbished the lobby. At the entrance, we repave the parking lot. Um, just a couple months ago and we're ongoing doing relocations and working on our CEOs for the tenants. Um, I'd also like to say that we've also offered the, the buildings to be demolished to the police and fire department for training. Uh, we've already I've already been contacted by Detective Dan Ruston, uh, for simulation training. Uh, at one point, he thought it might not work until we totally vacate the buildings. But it is on his radar, and they appreciate the opportunity of some of the tenants, uh, that are relocating. Uh, some of them are known to us, uh, such as Northland radiology, uh, flourish research. Uh, the jewelers from the advanced building are going to relocate into the West Tower. Uh, there's a pediatrician, uh, veterans association. So there's numerous tenants that want to remain at this intersection in this office complex. Um, so with that, I'd like to talk about the justification for the conditional rezoning. Um, the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights. The current Regional Shopping Zoning district restricts the subject parcel from achieving its highest and best economic use under modern market conditions. Located at the intersection of Greenfield Northland Drive and Eight Mile Road, the property is severely burdened by three functionally obsolete office towers suffering from major deferred structural components. There's been a shift in market demand for office space, and this parcel, leaving it under its current configuration, deprives the owner of practical property rights. As a local office market is heavily saturated with vacant underperforming space. Uh, a recent, um, uh, market survey by CB Richard Ellis, which is based in Southfield, has the approximately 16 to 17,000,000ft² of office space being in the high 20s, percent vacant. If these three towers are demolished, that will reduce the the vacancy by 1.8% by itself. So that will help out the remaining office tenants and possibly even raise rates a little bit, because now there's a little bit less supply. Transitioning the parcel to general business via conditional rezoning allows a viable market driven redevelopment plan. We have secured agreements from established national retailers, one of which was Culver's, who presented before us. We have Costco here that's going to present after us. We have El Carwash and we're negotiating for the proposed Outlot in green there with another national retailer. Protection of public welfare. The proposed rezoning and subsequent redevelopment will have direct benefit to the public welfare of the City of Southfield through revitalization. That includes significant blight removal, demolishing nearly 300 zero zero zero square feet of vacant decaying office space will eliminate a massive physical blight and dramatically improve the community esthetics along the greenfield corridor. I'd also like to add that the Plaza Tower, which is a southern building, has about 11,000 square foot underground structure that is decaying. Also, by decaying, I mean literally the the roof is is collapsing inside this. And we can't wait to demolish that. Uh, next, uh, the B office market stabilization, removing over 300,000ft² of the square footage reduces the city vacancy inventory and stabilizing and supporting the property values, economic and tax base growth. The transition to active national retail use will inject private investment into the site, creating immediate construction jobs and long term retail employment opportunities for residents and add to the tax base. There is no detriment to vicinity properties. The proposed B three is entirely compatible with the surrounding commercial landscape and will not negatively impact nearby properties. The infrastructure is compatible. The Greenfield and eight Mile Roads intersection is a high capacity commercial thoroughfare designed to handle regional vehicular traffic. The retail transition will use the existing infrastructure footprint without placing an undue or unexpected burden on city services. Zoning protection. The B3 district strictly prohibits open outdoor storage of goods materials, ensuring a clean, upscale operation. Additionally, we have added more restrictions with the proposed conditional agreement. The site plan oversight The conditional rezoning mechanism, maintains strict oversight city oversight. The required site plan process ensures appropriate setbacks, meticulous landscaping, and architectural buffers to shield and blend in with adjacent parcels. We ask for your support on this rezoning request. And with that, if Culver's would like to say a few more words, we're open or. Yeah. Okay. Sure. And then we can answer any questions after him. Thank you.

[2:35:17] As you know, we open up our second location at 12 Mile and Telegraph, and we're looking for the opportunity to develop this site and allow for a third location within the city of Southfield. By doing so, demolishing these buildings and letting me develop and build in this area. It'll bring people and activity to the area that hasn't been there in years. As you know. So by by taking these buildings out, reconfiguring the land and making it an opportunity for everybody to come in there and enjoy the property is a tremendous opportunity for everybody in the city, as well as the developers, Culver's, Costco, and many individuals, you know, within the city south of Southfield. So in that that, you know, brings up people also from different areas into the area brings money, opportunity and um. Um, an opportunity for people to, to enjoy the, the new resource that could be available at the site.

[2:36:19] Yeah.

[2:36:26] We do need to hold a public hearing on this. I don't know if this is a good time.

[2:36:30] Well I just wasn't sure if they were finished.

[2:36:33] Any more applicant comments before we proceed.

[2:36:36] I think we're complete. But basically also I just wanted to note the age of these buildings. Uh, they're built between 63 and 68. A lot of them are virtually 60 years old. Some of the components in the building systems we can't even source anymore. Very difficult. These Otis elevators. Um, so I just want to add that $0.02. That concludes our presentation.

[2:36:56] Thank you sir.

[2:36:59] If you want to hold on now and then discuss.

[2:37:10] The request to conditionally rezone the parcels at 15530-15565

[2:37:18] Northland Drive and 20755 through 20905 Greenfield Road, Southfield, Michigan. If you have a comment, if you can, please come to the podium, state your name and address for the record.

[2:37:41] Hello, I am Molly Lalone, the executive director for the Southfield Downtown Development Authority. Our office is at 18,000 West Nine Mile Road in Southfield. Um, the DDA board reviewed, um, this project and rezoning on July 21st at a regular DDA board meeting. This is in the southeast corner of Southfield and it is bordered by Oak Park and Detroit. And this intersection is going to be the home of the eight mile Boulevard lighting underpass lighting project. Um, where the, the lighting, um, will be multicolored and beautiful and it'll cast down across the pylons, um, under the bridge where that eight mile goes over the top of Greenfield. The developer plans to sell the pads to businesses, businesses like Culver's and L um, car wash, which have good reputations in Southfield. And we're excited to have them come and be part of the project. Um, in the DDA district, um, this kind of project where there's well known businesses and there's they have a good reputation and they're the ones doing the building. This helps build investor confidence, which is what we need in that area. And the DDA is in favor of this project of of changing the zoning.

[2:39:20] Is there any additional interest in having a public comment statement at this time?

[2:39:31] Hearing none. The public hearing is now closed. Uh, Council, do you have any questions for the petitioners? Yes, ma'am.

[2:39:45] Thank you.

[2:39:48] So where they're proposing the gas station, is it on the light blue site?

[2:39:56] The dark blue.

[2:39:57] Site.

[2:40:02] Where it says proposed outlet.

[2:40:04] Is this proposed gas station. It's the right up at the corner of Northland Drive in Greenfield.

[2:40:10] That turquoise.

[2:40:12] Turquoise in between the green.

[2:40:14] The top right.

[2:40:14] Right on top of the green.

[2:40:16] On top of the right.

[2:40:17] Above the green.

[2:40:19] On the right.

[2:40:20] There on the right hand side. Thank you. Is there an office building there right now?

[2:40:25] At the moment, yes.

[2:40:30] So who is going to tear the building down?

[2:40:36] We're out for bid.

[2:40:36] With three demolition contractors and an abatement contractor to do the work.

[2:40:44] And what is the what do you think the approximate total cost will be to tear that building down?

[2:40:49] So we're going to be tearing down three buildings, and it's roughly about 35 to $40 a square foot.

[2:40:57] Which which equates to I don't know how many square feet.

[2:41:00] There are roughly 11 to $12 million in demolition costs, I believe $12 million.

[2:41:08] And who will incur the $12 million cost?

[2:41:12] The. We would be.

[2:41:19] Okay. And I guess to the planner. Have we um,

[2:41:26] have we looked at the present site where Costco is? Is there any area there where we could put some gas stations or gas bays?

[2:41:37] The Costco fuel stations are about there a little over two acres inside. In their typical prototype, the available land, you could put something on. The Costco Business Center site is about an acre, so unfortunately that would displace it. In order to do it, they'd have to displace an acre of their parking lot and redo the underground infrastructure that they just built in that area that you see is lawn in that northern part of the Costco Business Center site is actually land bank parking for the development in case they needed additional parking. I'm sorry, not per code.

[2:42:08] Can you elaborate on that point? Because there's a whole lot of other land around that.

[2:42:13] What I can go back to an aerial here real quick on the actual Costco parcel you're asking about, not on the remainder of the property.

[2:42:21] Yeah. The Costco parking.

[2:42:22] Yeah, yeah. The Costco parcel is pretty much the building and its surrounding pavement. And this area of lawn right here, that's the Costco site. So most of it's built.

[2:42:34] There's a triangle next to it.

[2:42:36] But what about.

[2:42:36] All the triangle next to it is not part of their property.

[2:42:38] What about all the property around that? Not just.

[2:42:40] That's.

[2:42:41] All.

[2:42:42] The property immediately to the north, along north. That's part of contours. That's the north part of contour, that's Northland development. And the property to the east is also.

[2:42:49] But there's nothing there now.

[2:42:51] Right? There's nothing there. Presently it is all part of the Ode, which prohibits gas stations. We'd have to amend the Ode to change the zoning.

[2:43:00] I'm sorry, Councilwoman. I'll wait.

[2:43:03] Oh, okay. I'll take your questions. That's okay. So. So Costco will then, once the building is demolished.

[2:43:15] The developer. The developer will then sell the pad to Costco to build a gas station. AM I hearing that correct? Okay. So why is it like that triangular piece next to Costco's that presently is there? Why cannot why can't that be sold to the developer?

[2:43:39] Or sold to Costco? Go back to the Costco.

[2:43:42] Yeah. Presently, our overlay development district in general, the actual ordinance, not just the Northland development prohibits fuel stations as a use. It was meant to produce more urban infill and not auto centric stuff that we have in a lot of our other commercial districts. So presently, as the Overlay Development District ordinance is structured, that's not an allowed use in that district. We'd have to amend the ordinance and then amend the OAD agreement to do that. And then you'd be opening the door to a variety of auto centric uses that could change the nature of the Northland development fundamentally.

[2:44:16] Can you go back to the picture where Costco is, please?

[2:44:21] So where that red dot is, it looks like there's a triangular piece.

[2:44:25] Yeah. That's the area between North Lodge and the and the Hudson's building. You're talking about put a Costco gas station right in front of the Hudson's building, basically.

[2:44:35] Okay. Or to the right of it.

[2:44:38] Yeah. Along Northland drive to the right.

[2:44:40] Yeah. What? What's being proposed there?

[2:44:42] That actually is supposed to be another like, you know, the A and B building. There's supposed to be F and G, and then another two buildings that line Greenfield, and then behind it there were multi-tenant residential buildings or multi floor residential buildings in the.

[2:44:57] It just seems like it would be a better plan to amend it and put it to the to the right of the Costco. I mean, I'm not sure if I see additional residential buildings there.

[2:45:06] We I agree.

[2:45:10] I agree um, let me see. Okay. And you're saying the jewelers are going into.

[2:45:19] One of the four buildings.

[2:45:22] There they are.

[2:45:23] Correct.

[2:45:24] And can we go back to that color and that that will be where.

[2:45:30] That orange the remaining building there is going to stay.

[2:45:34] So that's the only building that will stay.

[2:45:36] Everything else. Everything else in gray is getting demolished. That one, the one tower along Northland to the west, is the only one that's staying.

[2:45:47] So will the. Will the developer be coming back to the city asking for additional help to demolish this? It's $12 million.

[2:45:57] It's possible we'll be looking for a brownfield.

[2:46:01] Okay. Thank you.

[2:46:07] I'm sorry, Mr.

[2:46:11] Thank you. Thank you.

[2:46:22] Informed us that, um, Chase Bank was interested in coming to Northland, and they wanted a stand alone facility, which, um, we did not, uh, really want on that corner as we wanted the um, urban wall with buildings A, B, c whatever g f um, lost track of the alphabet, but, um.

[2:46:54] Why can't, um. If this goes through, why can't chase bank go go to this additional development you've taken on.

[2:47:05] They have been presented with this plan as well. Uh, and they are possibly looking at where the green area would be that would also allow a freestanding drive through building. That's why the reason with the B three rezoning would be a help to the site.

[2:47:21] Well, we're looking for that urban wall that that five story, six story.

[2:47:26] On the Northland city.

[2:47:27] Between Northland Drive north and um the the north end of your property.

[2:47:35] Yeah.

[2:47:35] Correct.

[2:47:36] Thank thank you sir. Councilwoman bland, did you have something.

[2:47:40] No, no.

[2:47:41] Um.

[2:47:45] The jewelers that you intend on bringing in there, how many do you have?

[2:47:49] Right now we have 14 leases signed.

[2:47:57] And the 11 to $12 million that is going to take for demolition. And you have it out to bid. Who are the demolition companies or the construction management companies that you're thinking about?

[2:48:08] What are the name of the rich is the first one?

[2:48:12] Okay.

[2:48:12] Um, the abatement contractor is Sloan Engineering, who's done work in the city of Southfield and at Northland to, uh, over the years as well. Mhm. And we had a second one and Mirza Mirza Construction also out of Pontiac.

[2:48:33] And then you said you wanted to go out for another brownfield.

[2:48:36] It's a possibility.

[2:48:37] It's a possibility.

[2:48:41] And I guess to the city administrator, is there a limit on how many brownfields you could go after at one time? I'm just curious. I'm not well versed on this.

[2:48:54] Any property owner under statute has a right to to make the request.

[2:48:59] Okay.

[2:49:02] Thank you.

[2:49:05] Yes, sir.

[2:49:08] With respect to to the Costco location is a potential traffic study being looked at because they look like it could be a jam or jam could get jammed up there.

[2:49:22] Their engineers are on site. If they would like to maybe speak on any traffic studies you guys have have regarding the gas fuel station. Remember, this is a Costco business center, so it's strictly towards membership driven customers as well.

[2:49:36] Right.

[2:49:37] Yeah.

[2:49:39] Good evening.

[2:49:41] My name.

[2:49:41] Is Larry. I'm representing Costco wholesale tonight. Um, I was going to touch on that during my presentation, but I guess we could, uh, fast forward. Um, for the record, my address is 1955 Raymond Drive in Northbrook, Illinois. Um, so maybe we should just take a step back. We could, uh, Tom, could we take a look at the site plan? We like this location. Um, we like it for the multiple access points on Northland and Greenfield. Um, we've redesigned the intersection on Northland. Um, so it's an easy right in a left out, a right out, a left in if you're going westbound on Northland. Um, we've also looked at the uh, right in, right out on Greenfield and we've modified that to accommodate traffic. It's a very old intersection. It's an old parking lot, as you know. Um, so we like the location. Taking a step back. Costco's, uh, business centers historically did not have gas. And we have found that our members have demanded that we put gas. Um, and we are now looking at offsite gas for a lot of our projects. Parking is part of our business without parking, we don't have a business. Um, and as Tom mentioned, there is some areas that we're in green right now. We will probably utilize those in the future, in the near future. Um, I think we have about 435, 435 parking spaces at that business center, um, new business centers that we're developing across the country. We're looking at anywhere between 500 and 600 parking spaces. Um, so we will utilize that parking, that land for additional parking. Um, and as Tom mentioned, gas is currently not allowed on that in that odd district. So, um, we've worked with contour. We have a great plan. Um, we believe the traffic, um, will not back up. Uh, we have ample queue and um, there is a big difference between business center gas and typical warehouse center gas. It's not as intense. Um, it's going to be busy and we have hired our national traffic consultant Kittleson associates, um, who look at all our facilities across the country. Um, we can accommodate um per hour R 225 vehicles. Well, let me let me clarify. We could accommodate almost 422 vehicles at a peak hour on a Saturday afternoon. Um, we don't think we're going to come anywhere near that. We're going to be around 223226 vehicles per hour at a peak time on a Saturday and Sunday or perhaps during the holidays. Um, so we have ample CU. We have 16 pumps. Um, we have great data that we've used. We've just completed some larger facilities at Commerce Township, at Shelby Township, um, at, uh, Green Oak Township. And those are larger facilities. We went from 6 to 8 pumps to 20 to 32 pumps. And um, there's no wait. We found that there's absolutely no wait in line. Um, so we expect long service. Uh, these, this facility is going to service the cars. and move them through rather quickly, in and out and back to the infrastructure roads.

[2:53:40] Well, the question, the reason for the question is we don't want anything to back up on Greenfield or the the Northland road. So you're indicating you're stating that there's no possibility of any backups on Greenfield and or Northland Drive. That's correct. And obviously I, I shop at Costco and I, you know, it can get crazy over there.

[2:54:11] No it can't it can't. But we've accommodated we know exactly how many cars per hour this facility can serve. Sure. Yeah. So we we have we we stand we're very confident behind our plan.

[2:54:25] Okay.

[2:54:33] Absolutely.

[2:54:34] Okay. All right. Thank you, sir.

[2:54:35] Mr.

[2:54:39] Congratulate you on the business. Costco. Um, it's close to my home, so, um, I frequented it. It's busy all the time. Um, the store has been kept very, very clean and orderly. Um, I would imagine, and, uh, you would know this. And, um, so I want to direct the question to you, um, with should the council approve the gas, uh, fuel pumps. Do you anticipate that you will have even more customers at the business? Costco.

[2:55:23] No. No. When we look at gas facilities, it's not to generate more business. It's to accommodate the existing.

[2:55:31] Business.

[2:55:32] And the members that are there. Yeah. We don't our membership doesn't increase because we're building gas or adding more pumps. It's to serve the current membership base that we have now. Membership is growing, but there's no relationship between the gas and membership.

[2:55:51] I'm a little surprised at that answer because there are people that travel miles for Costco gas. Um, it's a really Costco is a destination business. Um, but you do, but your member. I have no idea. Um, uh, so membership is growing at Northland despite not having a gas station. Is that what you're telling me?

[2:56:20] Membership at this business center? Yes. And? And I don't have those numbers or figures, but.

[2:56:39] Could you repeat your question?

[2:56:41] No, he's just agreeing.

[2:56:43] You need the parking you currently have at the business center. Right. You need that parking because it's the membership is growing. Um, and the discussion has been why don't you put the gas fuel pumps next to the store.

[2:57:03] I see.

[2:57:03] And you would lose the parking. And you're telling me membership is growing, which I'm not surprised. Um, and you would need that parking. That's the point I'm trying to make.

[2:57:14] Mayor. That is correct.

[2:57:18] Councilwoman Haynes.

[2:57:19] Um, I just wanted to add to that. In that area where you are, one of the things that a lot of females look for when they're getting gas is safety lighting and all of the above. And even though you did say to him, you may not get an increase, I think that you will get a huge increase because excuse me, in that area, there's not a lot of what you're offering. And that's major and that's very, very important to that area. And it's a major draw. So I appreciate that. And I mean, I have a routine that I do with gas when I buy gas, when I have to fill up my car. And I think what I look for is the lighting, the safety and in and out time. And I mean, when you said something about there's a green light in the floor that comes on when the pump is open, I think somebody said that.

[2:58:11] Correct. Well, I haven't touched on that, but yeah, I could talk about that.

[2:58:16] Yeah. You sold me on that because I'm currently at a gas station where you see no green light and people going in and out, and it's difficult. We want easement. And you're at a point where people I beg to differ. You're going to get people because there's an exit off the freeway where you can get off safely and get back on and even head downtown. So to me, that's major important. My main thing is this is all great. And you know, what we want is to make sure it happens. Everything happens in line, in accordance, in agreement. And I think that's the major concern for all of us here and our residents. You know that it happens with responsibility and integrity. And you all have proven that with Costco, Costco and and I thank you for that. And we look forward to you continuing to do that.

[2:58:56] Thank you. Thank you for your comments.

[2:58:57] And you don't have to pay me for that either.

[2:59:03] Councilwoman banks.

[2:59:08] So when your store on Northwestern Highway opens, if my memory is correct. You're going to have like 42 bays or there's a lot of gas stations or a lot of gas pumps that will be there.

[2:59:42] Well, remember the.

[2:59:43] People that are the people that are coming there that are not, I guess you could say shopping for business, right?

[2:59:49] Um, two different.

[2:59:51] Correct.

[2:59:52] Types of members.

[2:59:52] So will those people then shift and you won't have as many there.

[2:59:58] Um, well, if I owned a, a, a small business, I would still shop here at, at the current business center. I wouldn't go to the new one on the yellow at Galleria if you're asking that question. Um, so if I have a small business, I wouldn't. I would still shop at the business center because the business center was designed and caters towards my business. Um, but as you know, anybody could shop at any location. So if you're, if you don't have a business and you'd like to pick up whatever you'd like to pick up, you could buy it at the business center or at the Galleria. So I hope I'm answering your question.

[3:00:45] Well, no, I think you are. Um, there are a lot of people that shop there that think it's a regular Costco. And I know when I go there, they're like, well, how come they don't let this? How come they don't have that? And I'm like, because it's a business. Costco, right? Like, what do you mean it's a business? Costco. Some sometimes they don't understand the difference. And then when they realize you don't have the prepared foods. ET cetera. ET cetera. So I don't know how many of those people. It seems like on weekends, there's a lot of those people that are maybe just coming to that store because it's closer, convenient. But when the second store opens in Southfield. I just question if they're going to be going there and just the businesses will stay here.

[3:01:25] I now understand your question. Yes, we expect that to happen. Yes. So those those members that are looking for those big bulky items will shop at the new store.

[3:01:55] I'm talking at the new location. The pumps. Oh absolutely. We expect that gas to be very, very busy. We expect it to be busy at both locations.

[3:02:05] Yeah. Thank you.

[3:02:06] Yes. Councilwoman Haynes.

[3:02:08] So I know I've been in the, uh, the big one, the 110,000ft². There's a lot of things there that you don't sell at the other regular costcos, you know, for instance, like if I wanted to buy a gallon of wine, you don't sell it at the business center, right?

[3:02:24] Kosher wine.

[3:02:25] Yeah. I'm not an expert at all. You don't have all the products that we sell.

[3:02:28] They told us you don't have it there. So what I'm saying is there's there's the the halal and all of that. So a lot of people that go there wouldn't necessarily not go there. It's a difference. It's a big difference. Big difference, a huge difference. Yeah. You know so I mean it's just a difference. And I'm saying this because somebody said why do we need two costcos. You're talking business people and regular, you know. So I get that. And I think that that's what needs to be really kind of specified. People are confused with we don't need to. I like the two because it's a difference. And if you own a small business, you will spend more time at the business center.

[3:03:02] Correct? Correct. Our members do catch up. Yeah they do. It only takes a couple of times.

[3:03:06] That store long enough. You'll catch on.

[3:03:08] There's no pharmacy, there's no optical. There's no tire center. There's no prepared foods. It's completely different.

[3:03:14] Right? And no food samples.

[3:03:17] Right?

[3:03:19] Yeah.

[3:03:29] Uh, no. No, it is not. Um, we have some new ones that are being built with gas, so this is not the first one. That's correct.

[3:03:41] So for me, I'm supportive. First of all thank Costco El carwash Culver's. Um, I, you know, I'm supportive of you in your investment within Southfield where I have Unreadiness.

[3:04:18] I heard a few things tonight that a brown feels being requested, potentially. So if this to me is. I don't believe that we've gotten this thing comprehensively to understand and have a discussion as a council in the city. Do. What are the pros and cons of another brownfield? Um, we haven't talked about does the petitioner have the funds to do the demolition if you aren't granted a brownfield? One of the things that Councilwoman Banks had brought up and I did as well, was, you know, there's a lot of land on the odd not even touching the parking that could be repurposed and utilized for the gas station. A change in rezoning will be required either way. So I guess my question is, have we looked at this thing comprehensively to understand the full impact of the ask before we make a determination?

[3:05:25] So.

[3:05:27] If I may, I just I think, you know, we have to take things just like your son does, right? One step at a time. This is a conditionally rezone request. It has no bearing on any other parts of of Northland. That being said, if the petitioner comes back and says, hey, I want a brownfield, then I think that's a fair time to ask those questions of what have you done with the brownfields since then? Where where are we in that in that step? What are those reimbursements looking like? But for for this current request, you have to take the rezone for its merits, not in the. What has the petitioner done in the past? You could talk about that in the next in the next phase. But for this phase, it's really you have to look just at the rezoning.

[3:06:21] I agree.

[3:06:21] I respect that that that thought process. But I also ask, have we done our due diligence to, to, to look at what Councilwoman Banks had mentioned about the Costco gas station going on. The old.

[3:06:36] Mr.

[3:06:42] But I do hold on. Before that, I think.

[3:06:44] I get my question.

[3:06:45] Right. But she you ask us first, and I think that because they're going to be a little bit longer, I just think that it should have been what we said. Didn't they go to them because they can answer what she's going to say.

[3:06:55] Can I get my question answered by saying that you all can ask additional questions? I waited for you all to ask your questions.

[3:07:01] No, I'm just saying that when you ask us what we thought, I think only two of us spoke.

[3:07:05] But that was that related to the other item?

[3:07:07] Yeah. She was you know, I'm saying when you asked the question of us, only two of us spoke. She didn't speak.

[3:07:12] Well thank you. I just think that, um, we've been presented with what they want, and I don't think it's fair for us to, while we're here, ready to vote, to say, have you thought about another area to place the gas station? If they wanted that, I think they would have presented it. And then also, I think that it makes sense to have it on the corner of eight Mile and Greenfield versus where others may be thinking it should be. It's I think Councilwoman Haynes said you could get on, get off. It's something that, um, would fit would fit there. Good. But again, I just think that's what was presented to us. That's what we've been working on and we've been complaining about the timeline, how things are changing, and then we're going to add to it because now we're going to we want to go back and change the plans again. I think we need to focus on what has been presented to us and let's vote.

[3:08:26] Okay.

[3:08:26] The brownfields and all of that is not before us tonight.

[3:08:29] That's fair. I take back my question. Chair will entertain a motion.

[3:08:34] Mr.

[3:08:36] I'd like to move approval of PCZR26-000

[3:08:42] for the request. To conditionally rezone the parcels at 15530 through 15565 Northland Drive and 20755 through 20905 Greenfield Road from all R s regional shopping to a combination of R s regional shopping and B three general business support Support.

[3:09:04] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hogue. Any additional question or comment? Hearing none. All in favor?

[3:09:13] Aye.

[3:09:14] Opposed?

[3:09:15] No.

[3:09:16] And no. Five.

[3:09:44] All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion.

[3:09:51] Second.

[3:09:52] Motion carried.

[3:10:03] Going on to item B, Mr. Deputy Planner.

[3:10:06] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is the Costco Fuel Center. We were just sort of talking about. Uh, it's to be at the corner there of Northland Drive in Greenfield. Uh, it is a special land use approval. The site plan was reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission at last month with the condition. Obviously, the special use and the rezoning be approved. Otherwise, that approval will become moot. So the special land use is before you now. Uh, because fuel centers are a special land use in the B-3. If you hadn't approved the rezoning, this wouldn't need consideration. Uh, they are looking at hours of operation of 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. We do usually condition hours when we do special land use approvals. A number of employees are looking at like one at a time usually, but two max during busy periods. Just going through the site plan here. Um, you can see the, they've got the, the pumps there. The pump is kind of in the middle. It's a little clear on the color photo. This site plan. Landscape plan. You can see it's a pretty fully landscaped site, uh, and wraps the site pretty well. You're coming in off a existing driveways off of Northland and Greenfield to access this site. The landscape plan is a little easier to see. That gray box in the middle is your canopy. You get your landscape perimeter. Looks like the vehicles they circulate in off of Northland come around, enter the queue, exit, you know, fuel and then exit out. And then either go back to North London. Can go out to Greenfield through the site. Uh, I will note this site substantially exceeds our minimum requirements for stacking for a gas station there, probably at like twice the minimum requirement in our code just because that's the way they like to operate. They always have a lot of. And even if for some reason the stacking were to be exceeded, you got to wrap around, go around the driveway, then you make it to the internal drives. Then you've got several hundred more feet before you get anywhere near a road. They'd have to be stacking like a hundred cars to fill that out to a road beyond where the pump stacking is at. They are looking to do the green as part of the gas station development. They're going to do that carry over the Northland landscaping. So you can see at the corner they got a little plaza at the top right there you can see an elevation showing that brick and then the decorative fencing and landscaping, some benches. And then at each of the entrances, they're also going to do the brick panels and the fencing to carry that over both along Northland Drive and at Greenfield. This is just showing the stacking on the left. So you've got the the the blue cars are at the pumps. The red are actually the stacking waiting for each pump. And then you've got additional stacking that would wrap around and down. And then on the right you've got your, your turning templates truck showing the tankers circulating this site. We always get these now because I know a lot of sites where once the tanker gets in the site, they end up having to back out and that is not a onto a road is not a good look. So here we make them demonstrate they can get the tankers in and out without backing on to a public road. In this case, not an issue. They've provided turning radiuses and mountable curves so they can get these tankers fully through the site elevations. Pretty standard for Costco fuel center. The only thing that they did do at the request of planner code was they added the bands of color in the masonry to match the colors that were used at the business center, and that was an agreed upon fairly easily. The Planning Commission requested it. They put it in. This is just the four point for that little service building. There's a bathroom for the employees. There's a sink, little office area and then mechanical equipment. It's a couple hundred square feet.

[3:13:50] I think, and the Costco folks are here if they want to go through their PowerPoint.

[3:14:02] Again, for the record, Larry Gergich, representative of Costco Wholesale tonight address 1955 Raymond Drive in Northbrook, Illinois. Um, Tom hit on a lot of good points of our site plan, so I'm not going to dwell on those. Let's see if I could advance.

[3:14:20] Here is the right button.

[3:14:22] It's the right one.

[3:14:22] Yeah. There you go.

[3:14:24] All right. We talked about the location. Um I've already gone on record that we like the location. We like the proximity to the current business center. Um, we like the corner. We like the access off of Northland and Greenfield. Um, we have access for our members, give them a couple different options. And also our fuel truck, uh, has no issues getting in and out of the, of the field drop zone.

[3:14:57] This is an older plan. We included this just to show how the Costco gas would fit in with the other parcels. But as you saw tonight, it's already changed a little bit for that centerpiece.

[3:15:13] We talked about or I will talk about. We are providing some parking spaces. Again, it's not for public. It's for our employees. We will have one employee at all times when the gas is open up during the seasonal high period, which is anywhere from late October all the way to January 1st. We may have two employees on weekends, uh, right before Thanksgiving and probably a couple of weeks before the holiday season. We may have two employees. Um, but the parking is not intended for public, of course. Um, if there was an emergency, somebody could park there. But that's not the intent. Um, I don't know if Tom covered the sidewalk connection. We are connecting a sidewalk from Northland to the kiosk. Uh, so our employees could walk if they would like to. From the business center to the, to the gas facility.

[3:16:13] It's a little bit more detail. We are providing room for expansion. Uh, we don't believe that we will need expansion, but we'd like to include it as part of this application. Um, so we could add an additional four pumps. Uh, we have enough property. I think I mentioned we have about 2.33 acres. Um, as Tom mentioned, the kiosk does have, does have a restroom that is not for public use. It's for our employees.

[3:17:08] Let's see. This is this is the intersection of Northland and, and Greenfield, um, picking up on some seating backdrop of the fencing and the larger piers and there will be lit.

[3:17:32] As Tom mentioned, we did go through and we worked with Tom and Terry on coming up with a nice color scheme for the canopy for the gas. Um, this image shows what we're basically tying it back into the business center so that the color of the block will match exactly what the business center is. It's a a reddish terracotta color and the sort of a beige color for the top.

[3:18:25] Our kiosk will have that same color scheme, the red British brick at the base, and then the lighter beige gray brick, uh, tone at the top. Uh, same thing with our screened in trash enclosure. Same type of material.

[3:18:47] And this slide here shows you that this Costco gas will be the latest, prototypical gas that Costco has designed, which means wider lanes. Um, not sure where everybody if you are a Costco member, but, um, this facility will appear to be a little bit larger. The lanes will be wider. Our bypass lane is almost a foot larger than what's currently on some of our older models. And the bottom elevation just shows the distance the pump spacing has changed to. So not only in the north south, but in the east west directions. The spacing of the pumps have have grown by a couple of feet, and that just allows it our members easier access to move around cars that are pumping. You can easily turn and get around and use the bypass lane to get through.

[3:19:40] I'd be happy to answer any questions. My civil engineer is here as well.

[3:19:51] I'm sure I could share. Oh, I do recommend we do the public hearing at this point.

[3:19:55] Yeah. I'm sorry. So I put a note for.

[3:20:02] Brightwell, Haynes and Banks, the. We will now have a public hearing for PSLU26-0006,

[3:20:14] a special use request of Costco Wholesale Corporation to construct and operate a gas station at 15530 Northland Drive. And thank you, Mr. Deputy Chair. Please come to the podium and state your name and address for the record, please.

[3:20:31] Molly Malone, the executive director for the Southfield Downtown Development Authority, 18,000 West Nine Mile Road. Um, I just want to remind everybody that we have, that this development was inherited with some metal gating that is broken and and looks bad. There are sidewalks, but that doesn't feel great to walk along it. And, um, if you look at page 53, um, the landscaping that is being provided is going to be beautiful and it will make a huge difference. Um, as far as the feeling of walkability in this district. Thank you.

[3:21:14] Thanks, everybody.

[3:21:15] Is there anyone else who would like to have a comment at this time?

[3:21:28] Greg Keelor Southfield residents. This is one of the things that have definitely been looking forward to having a Costco gas station here in Southfield and not having to drive to Livonia or Madison Heights, because it does make a difference in those four lanes and getting in and getting out. No matter how long or how deep it is, it is much faster service and much nicer. So I definitely look forward to it. On which side of the building is this? Is this where you come in off of Northland Drive and come straight into the building? Or is it on the back part of it going towards Greenfield?

[3:22:11] It's up closer to Northland Drive. It's at the corner of Northland. Greenfield. Thank you.

[3:22:18] Yes, ma'am.

[3:22:28] Good evening.

[3:22:29] Everyone. Good evening. I just would implore Costco to please think about their hiring process when their hiring. Hiring people who live in the city of Southfield because we pay taxes in Southfield, and that would be a great deal for them to try to hire as many employees, residents in Southfield as possible. Thank you.

[3:22:51] Thank you ma'am. Is there any other comment?

[3:22:56] Hearing none. The public hearing is now closed. Did Costco want to address further any of the comments that were made thus far?

[3:23:11] Uh, the question or the comment about hiring? We do we do hire local. Um, I, I don't have the facts and figures of how many Southfield residents work at the business center, but I would expect it to be quite high percentage. But, um, like I mentioned, the employees here will be employees also at the business center. Um, we'll probably have to hire a couple more employees. Um, you know, to, to, uh, serve the, uh, the guests, but I expect them to be self fueled residents.

[3:23:45] Thank you, sir. So we do have a few council questions. Uh, Councilman Brightwell.

[3:23:51] You mentioned what happened to see up. Do you have Ada compliance with respect to. And also, can you do you have a picture of it with respect to what your compliance looks like.

[3:24:06] When you when you mention Ada compliance, are you talking about the parking stall? Excuse me, the parking stalls?

[3:24:11] Yeah. I mean, for the fueling locations, are those there was a a statement up there with respect to Ada, I'm assuming is that a compliance for the fueling location itself?

[3:24:28] Oh, at the fuel dispenser? Yes, yes. If you're in a wheelchair, you can access the the dispenser so you can wheel up to the dispenser and and swipe your card and pay at right. You don't have to stand. You can, you could sit and still activate our our field dispensers. So they are all Ada accessible. The field is.

[3:24:50] Do you have a picture of that?

[3:24:52] I do not. Okay. I do not have one.

[3:24:56] That's fine. Yeah. I think the last time you were here, you mentioned how how often will a fuel truck be servicing that location?

[3:25:05] We expect 3 to 4 times a day.

[3:25:07] 3 to 4 times a day.

[3:25:09] Yes.

[3:25:13] Okay.

[3:25:13] Compared to what we expect at the Galleria, maybe 4 to 6 times. To give you an idea of the difference in intensity.

[3:25:24] All right. Well, um, obviously, uh, the premise is for that question is the, The the road with that amount of activity around it, that fueling station for that kind of weight, I'm assuming there there's no degradation with respect to roads around there.

[3:25:46] No, no. I mean, the interior roads, everything will be designed for our spec, for our spec that we will adhere to when we construct it.

[3:25:57] And the picture I saw, you only have one Ada compliant fueling station per location.

[3:26:06] Well each each dispenser is Ada accessible. And we have one handicapped parking space.

[3:26:13] Yeah. The slide you're calling Mr. Brightwell, is that they have one Ada parking stall. All the dispensers are Ada. So if you go back to this slide. I know that when you're talking about that one three stalls, one Ada stall. That's just the the extra parking on the side, not the not the pump stations. There's four parking spaces on the site, regular parking spaces off to the side. One of them is an Ada space, but all of the pumps and actually most gas stations. This is true. Every pump is more or less now designed with the controls low enough that anyone in a wheelchair can operate them. That's industry standard now, I believe.

[3:26:49] Okay. All right.

[3:26:53] Okay. Thank you.

[3:26:54] Thank you, Councilwoman Haynes.

[3:26:56] So are you going to do a different. Are you going to celebrate the gas station opening or like a celebration.

[3:27:02] For our stores?

[3:27:03] I let us know.

[3:27:05] Well, we'll definitely let the city know when we're opening. Absolutely. I don't think they get extravagant like our our warehouse openings.

[3:27:14] I don't know that they, um. I feel like my vote is an investment in this whole project. So if I.

[3:27:23] Did that, I wanted to vote for them to proceed. So from here on, we are really excited about a lot of this happening. I mean, I know there are questions and concerns. And with your history, like I said before, what you can do and I would like.

[3:27:39] To.

[3:27:40] Continue to grow. And it's just why I think this is major for our city, really danger and progress. And like I said, the accountability, the perspective is going to be the thing that holds us to that, to that, and it's going to be good because I think we're going to see what we're looking for. Lots of things about this gas station that are, when you talk about it, maybe people are not realizing if you don't go to.

[3:28:05] Excuse me, Councilwoman Councilwoman Haynes, thank.

[3:28:08] You. But I think I'm sorry. I think it's important that you realize when you go to these pumps and you have to pull over to the other side, us as females, sometimes not all of us, but at least for me, it's hard doing all that. You don't have to do all of these things matter. The lighting, the service, the space, so people won't fly around you. And these are attractions, if you will. So in supporting that and moving forward, when I vote, it's going to be for this entire project and this entire area to succeed because we want that to happen. You know, and I think that just everybody being on board on your side to making sure these happen in a timely, responsible, accountable manner to us because we want it to happen. I want it to happen. And my vote would be to support that. And I'm excited about it. And I'm looking forward to just seeing all that, you know, happen in our city. Great things.

[3:28:55] Thank you.

[3:28:58] Councilwoman banks, thank you.

[3:29:00] When do you propose to start installation of the gas pumps?

[3:29:05] We would break ground in early August.

[3:29:10] Early August.

[3:29:11] Early August. Late July. Early August.

[3:29:27] Um, I can't say about all the buildings, but the building that is that we're directly impacted will be torn down by the time we start. Of course.

[3:29:46] No. No, we do not.

[3:29:48] Are you considering any electric charging vehicles.

[3:29:52] Because brownfield.

[3:29:53] Um, you know, more and more people are also going to electric or there's the new I don't know if you call it a hybrid where it's electric and or gas. Um, and council, didn't we also say that for any future gas stations they had to put in.

[3:30:11] But none of the costcos.

[3:30:13] Not Costco. We were talking about one of the others, I believe. Didn't we say that?

[3:30:16] But we're adding um, some gas pumps here. So I don't know if there's anywhere on your property where you could consider charging stations.

[3:30:26] So if if there was a demand by our members to have electric and EV, we would put them in. And internally, this this topic has been discussed several times. Um, the demand is not there. The demand is just not there. Um, and we do not have EV mixed with gas. So that, that, that mixture anywhere in the country does not happen. So if there were going to be EV it would be at the warehouse. Um, but we have no plans at this time to put any EV in at this warehouse.

[3:31:07] Thank you.

[3:31:08] Councilman Mandelbaum.

[3:31:09] No, I was I was just going to give that same answer that, you know, in this case where you have a Costco gas station, electric chargers would make more sense closer to the warehouse because you want it. You want to be charged in your car while you're inside shopping?

[3:31:24] Well, and I think that's what I was trying to ask if there were considering it at the your present site, not the gas site. I'm sorry.

[3:31:34] No, no, I totally understood your question. And yeah, my answer remains the same that the number of EVs actually registered in the county are just didn't didn't push us past that threshold that we would actually install EV at this warehouse.

[3:31:53] But you would have you do have an area there, if my memory is correct, when you to the left that if you wanted to install them, you could left the store if.

[3:32:05] Right. If if yes we could. Right. There is room. I mean, there's always a place for them. Sure. Um, but we have different operating groups within Costco and there's actually a a EV charging group. And they study this very, very carefully. They know the demographics of this area of the county and, and, and the demand. If our members are actually demanding that we have EV chargers, which they're not. Um, we would put them in if they were, uh, this would be a different conversation that we would be having. But, um, now, you know, in the future, could that change? Yes, that could change. We've built business centers, warehouses, and we've added EV in the future. Um, but right now we have no plans at this location.

[3:32:55] Thank you.

[3:32:59] Councilman. Did you have any were you?

[3:33:02] No. I'm good.

[3:33:03] Anything else from anyone? Yes, ma'am.

[3:33:09] Mr. chair? Yes? I'd like to move approval of slew 26-0006, the special use request of Costco Wholesale Corp.. Corporation to construct and operate a gas station at 15530 Northland Drive.

[3:33:25] Its property moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Councilwoman Haynes. Any additional question or discussion? Sorry. Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried.

[3:33:43] Thank you.

[3:33:44] Thank you.

[3:33:51] Support.

[3:33:54] Yes.

[3:33:54] Sorry. I'm sorry. Um, it's been moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hogue. Any discussion or questions? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried. Uh, Councilwoman Haynes, Councilman.

[3:34:14] Huh?

[3:34:15] Do you have any comments?

[3:34:16] Oh, um, I just have one comment. Um. Monday, September 21st was the International Day of Peace. And, um, having said that, with all that's going on, it would just be nice for people to just be reminded, mindful of peace being celebrated every day. And there's a saying that goes for as much as possible, be at peace with one another, which means even if you are on different sides of the political parties or races or beliefs, just, you know, peace means a whole lot here within neighborhoods and, uh, residents. And I think if we all practice that more, we have less of some of these tragedies that we're having around here. So just practice peace as much as possible. And I know that the lady was reminding me that, um, Michelle Obama had a saying that goes, um, when they go low, you go high. And I'll add to that to say. And sometimes when they go low, you go out means you leave. Step away from the situation. Do what you wherever you have to do to maintain peace and order. So thank you. I'm done.

[3:35:25] Thank you. Ma'am. Councilman Mandelbaum.

[3:35:28] I echo what Councilman Hayne said. I have nothing else to add. Thank you.

[3:35:32] Council president Pro tem nothing.

[3:35:33] Mr. president, thank.

[3:35:34] You, Councilwoman Bland. Nothing. Councilman Brightwell.

[3:36:32] Um, on the, on the straight and narrow with respect to my spoken word and, and also I periodically.

[3:36:45] I was told I should obviously mention some of my accomplishments. And I just in 2016, we went to North Korea, South Korea, and, and we, we got, we were treated extremely well. I think of another councilman and the mayor and a couple of citizens. We were in. Junction North, South Korea. And when they came here, I made sure that I contributed to, uh, to the enjoyment of the individuals here because they treated us extremely nice, extremely nice. And I was, um, just taken taken by their treatment. So they got here. One of the projects that I worked on, I want to make sure I knew that since the Americans, um, were in Japan and South Korea, they loved the baseball. So I initiated a tour of Comerica Park, uh, for that, for that group. I think we had, I'm not sure we had 10 or 11. So we had a tour of the Comerica Park, including a tour of the locker room. I think Mr. Mandelbaum left work to come there that day to tour Comerica Park. Mr. Lawrence was there and the mayor was there. And. And so to see the look on those young people were the guests, to see the look on their face with respect to one gentleman who was sitting in the seat at Comerica Park, and he just looked like he was in heaven. He was in the other ones.

[3:38:49] Well, anyway, I'm not sure what my councilwoman. I don't hear her. That's why I have a ears hearing aid on. But anyway, uh, that was a one of the things we wanted to make sure. I wanted to make sure we, we, we, uh, Treated the individuals just as well as they treated us when we were in South Korea. And the tour of the Comerica Park was the capstone of their visit.

[3:39:21] And I think we also, someone else arranged for them to get a tour of the Motown Museum. And so that was another high point for us. But it's still I can still see the look on that young man's face as he sat in the stands in one of the. It was empty Comerica Park and.

[3:39:44] Okay, well, that was it. That's. I just want to relay the fact that that we. Our sister city, Duncan Sean, we. They toasted us when we came there in 2016. And when they came here in 2017, we did the same as far as trying to make sure they were treated very nice. And they enjoyed themselves. Thank you.

[3:40:09] Thank you sir. Councilwoman banks.

[3:40:11] I have nothing, thank you.

[3:40:13] Mr.

[3:40:32] Thank you, sir. Mr.

[3:40:36] Thank you, Madam Attorney.

[3:40:38] Good evening. I have no further. Excuse me. No further discussion for tonight.

[3:40:44] Mr.

[3:41:11] So, Mr. Treasurer, if you don't mind, I was going to have council approve these two expense reports to the chair. Yes, ma'am.

[3:41:20] I move that we approve the travel expense reimbursement for treasurer Lowenberg for the government Finance Officers of America. Chicago, Illinois, June 28th through July 1st, as well as the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association. August 17th through August 19th.

[3:41:39] Support.

[3:41:40] It's been properly moved by Council President Pro Tem Hogue, supported by Councilwoman Haynes. Any question or discussion? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carried. Mr. treasurer. Good evening.

[3:41:54] Let.

[3:41:54] The council and the public know that we are. We just had an event with the with Vybe Credit Union for a new project that we're working on right now. It's. The project is called the Tax and Thrive, where we want to empower our residents in terms of becoming more knowledgeable about home ownership, as well as also to be able to save up for their taxes. Uh, the concern was that when people pay off their mortgage, a lot of times they have to write that big check for that for that tax bill, especially the summer tax bill. And it becomes overwhelming, especially people living on fixed income. So the goal is to work with the credit union and encourage people to set up a layaway account for their taxes, similar to an escrow account that they would normally have with their mortgage company. And so they'll do it free of charge for people. And it doesn't have to be at the credit union. Of course, it could be at any financial institution. Vibe is building their our neighbor over here, right across the street from us, and they're willing to work with us and to do it at no cost for our residents. Um, so that's something which I encourage people to get more information about that as well as also we have another company as well that does it on a larger scale. Um, they're doing it on a national basis. They're not, they don't have a local presence, but they work with Huntington Bank as well. Um, for, uh, for, for that, where they will take care of the full escrow payments, uh, sending it over to the city. They're taking one step further even. But, uh, that's something which if people want to sign up for that, we have information at the treasurer's office. So we encourage people to stop in or call our office, and we'll be happy to pass along the information. We plan to have it on the website as well. Thank you very.

[3:43:46] Much. Thank you sir. Any questions for Mr. Treasurer? Hearing none. Thank you sir. Mr. Deputy Planner.

[3:43:56] Ah! Okay. Uh, the chair will entertain a motion.

[3:43:59] I'd like to move that. We reschedule the council retreat for Friday, October 23rd.

[3:44:06] Support.

[3:44:06] It's been properly moved by Councilman Mandelbaum, supported by Council President Pro Tem Hoag. Any additional discussion or question?

[3:44:13] Um, through the chair. Is there hours for this meeting, please? The time.

[3:44:17] Starting at 9 a.m..

[3:44:19] Till.

[3:44:21] Nine three.

[3:44:22] Thank you.

[3:44:23] 939 30 not the 92300.

[3:44:27] 9 to.

[3:44:27] 3. Yeah. Um all in favor.

[3:44:32] Aye, aye.

[3:44:33] Any opposed? Motion carried. Good night everybody.

COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 22 2026

Transcript