auburn hills meeting schedule

258 Pages·2015·21.46 MB·English

by  Kathleen Novak

AUBURN HILLS MEETING SCHEDULE
248-370-9402
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APRIL 2015
(04-09-15)

27 City Council, 7:00 p.m., Council Chamber 
28 Library Board, 5:45 p.m., Library Conference Room  
28 DDA Board, 6:00 p.m., Admin Conference Room
MAY 2015
04 Tax Incentive Review Committee, 5:30 p.m. Admin Conference Room 
11 City Council Workshop, 5:30 p.m., Council Conference Room 
11 City Council, 7:00 p.m., Council Chamber 
12 Tax Increment Finance Authority, 4:00 p.m., Council Chamber 
 12 Planning Commission, 7:00 p.m., Council Chamber 
13 Pension Board, 3:00 p.m., Admin Conference Room 
13 Retiree Health Care, 4:00 p.m., Admin Conference Room 
13 Beautification Advisory Commission, 6:00 p.m., Council Conf Room DATE CHANGE
 14 Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:00 p.m., Council Chamber 
18 City Council, 7:00 p.m., Council Chamber 
19 Library Board, 5:45 p.m., Library Conference Room
20 Beautification Advisory Commission, 6:00 p.m., Council Conf Room DATE CHANGE
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26 Public Safety Advisory Committee, 6:00 p.m., Public Safety Building
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City Council Chamber (Conf. Rm.) – 1827 N. Squirrel Road
 Administrative Conference Room – 1827 N. Squirrel Road
 Public Safety Building – 1899 N. Squirrel Road
 Community Center – 1827 N. Squirrel Road
 Department of Public Services (DPS) – 1500 Brown Road

Fieldstone Golf Course - 1984 Taylor Road
Library - 3400 Seyburn Drive
 Downtown City Offices – 3395 Auburn Road, Suite A
 University Center, 3350 Auburn Road, Main Floor, Classroom AHUC-02
The City of Auburn Hills
Regular City Council Meeting
Monday, April 27, 2015 ♦ 7:00 p.m.
*Workshop 5:00 p.m.
*
Council Chamber  1827 N. Squirrel Road  Auburn Hills MI
248-370-9402  www.auburnhills.org
*Workshop - Police Officer Body-Worn Cameras*
1. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL OF COUNCIL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular City Council – April 13, 2015
4b. Council Workshop – April 13, 2015
5. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
5a. Motion – Appointment of Cynthia Hutchison to the DDA Board, term to expire October 2018.
5b. Motion – Presentation on Short Term Investments (OC, Asset Strategies)
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
7. CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed are considered to be routine by the City council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the
Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the agenda.
7a. Board and Commission Minutes
7a.1. Planning Commission – March 17, 2015
7a.2. Tax Incentive Review Committee – April 6, 2015
7a.3. Beautification Advisory Commission – April 15, 2015
7a.4. Tax Increment Finance Authority – April 14, 2015
7b. Motion – Approve Used Car Lot License Renewals
7c. Motion – Approve H2O Metrix Contract for NOCWA
8. OLD BUSINESS
8a. Public Hearing – Ordinance Approving DDA Development Plan and TIF Plan
8b. Motion – Approve Oakland County IT Services Agreement
9. NEW BUSINESS
9a. Public Hearing/Motion – Waive Incentive Agreement for Magna E-Car Systems of America, Inc.,
IFT#2010-117
9b. Motion – Allegra Development – Part 1) Approval of rezoning from I-2 General Industrial to I-1 Light
Industrial district; Part 2) Approval to Construct an Industrial Building and Revise the existing Special
Land Use Permit
9c. Motion – Approve Site Plan, Special Land Use Permit, and Tree Removal Permit /Hydra-Zorb Company
9d. Public Hearing/Motion – New IFEC for Total Filtration Services, Inc.
9e. Public Hearing/Motion – New IFEC for TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
9f. Motion – Accept an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 46 Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions of the Auburn
Hills City Code to add Sections 46-251 to 46-253 of Article VIII – Offenses Concerning Minors, to prohibit
the use, possession or sale of e-cigarettes to minors, on First Reading and Set for a Public Hearing, Second
Reading and Final Adoption on May 11, 2015
9g. Motion – Accept the City of Auburn Hills Age Friendly 2015 draft Action Plan
10. COMMENTS AND MOTIONS FROM COUNCIL
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION - Discussion of Attorney Opinion Letter
14. ADJOURNMENT
City Council meeting minutes are on file in the City Clerk’s office. NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has
need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City Clerk's Office at 370-9402 or the
City Manager's Office at 370-9440 48 hours prior to the meeting. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.
CITY OF AUBURN HILLS

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA

MEETING DATE: APRIL 27, 2015 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4 A.

The City of Auburn Hills

City Council Meeting

Minutes

April 13, 2015

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor McDaniel at 7:03 p.m.
LOCATION: City Council Chamber, 1827 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Present: Mayor McDaniel, Council Members Hammond, Knight, Mitchell, Verbeke
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kittle, Council Member Burmeister
Also Present: City Manager Tanghe, Assistant City Manager Grice, Police Chief Olko, City Clerk Kowal, DPW
Director Melchert, Deputy DPW Director Herczeg, Manager of Municipal Properties King,
Community Development Director Cohen, City Attorney Beckerleg, City Engineers Juidici and
Stevens
18 Guests
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a. Regular Council Meeting – March 23, 2015
Moved by Knight; Seconded by Verbeke.
RESOLVED: To approve the March 23, 2015 City Council regular meeting minutes as amended.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5– 0)
Resolution No. 15.04.058
4b. Council Workshop – March 23, 2015
Moved by Hammond; Seconded by Mitchell.
RESOLVED: To approve the March 23, 2015 Council Workshop meeting minutes.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5– 0)
Resolution No. 15.04.059
5. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
5a. Presentation to Commercial Contracting Corporation – Celebrating 15 Years in Business
Mayor McDaniel explained Commercial Contracting Corporation is celebrating their 15th year in Auburn Hills, although it
was founded in 1946. Milestones noted: April 1, 2000, the 78,000 square foot headquarters doors first opened in Auburn
Hills on North Atlantic Boulevard; in 2003 the company completed its largest single major project to date, tooling and building
expansion to support the Jeep Liberty program in Toledo, Ohio, at a cost of $55 million; 2005 entered the Construction
Management Market. Awarded a $23 million expansion of the Warren Truck Assembly Plant; 2006 named GM Construction
Supplier of the Year; 2007 saw their revenues exceed $200 million; 2011 revenue exceeded $250 million; 2012 revenue
exceeded $300 million; 2014 - after 68 years in the Pettibone Family, William Pettibone (Commercial Contracting Group -
Chairman), named the internal management team of Steve Fragnoli, President and CEO, Steve Teper CFO, Joel
Lewandowski EVP and Brad Kimmel EVP, to take ownership of the company and keep the operations and headquarters in
Auburn Hills; 2015 leased a 35,000 sq. ft. facility on Brown Road to to accommodate a major multiyear, multi-plant
design/build equipment installation program at locations in the U.S. and Mexico.
5b. Motion – Appointment of Troy Leix to the Local Officials Compensation Commission
Mayor McDaniel noted Mr. Leix is the former City IT director, and appreciates Mr. Leix’s willingness to serve on this
Commission.
City Council Minutes –April 13, 2015
Page 2
Mr. Leix stated he appreciates the opportunity to serve on the Commission. He hasn’t been an Auburn Hills resident for
very long, but has worked and spent quite a bit of time in Auburn Hills; 17 or so years.
Moved by Knight; Seconded by Mitchell.
RESOLVED: To confirm the Appointment of Troy Leix to the Local Official’s Compensation Commission for a
term ending July 31, 2021.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5– 0)
Resolution No. 15.04.060
5c.1. Motion – Reappointment of Ilene Ingram to the Beautification Advisory Commission
Mayor McDaniel thanked Dr. Ingram for her service and her willingness to continue serving on the Commission.
Dr. Ingram thanked the Council for the opportunity to continue working with the Commission, which she has enjoyed very
much. She noted the perennial exchange is taking place very soon.
Ms. Verbeke noted Dr. Ingram is a great asset to the Commission, she always brings an energy and has great ideas.
Moved by Verbeke; Seconded by Hammond.
RESOLVED: To Confirm the Reappointment of Ilene Ingram to the Beautification Advisory Commission for a
term ending December 31, 2017.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5– 0)
Resolution No. 15.04.061
5c.2. Motion – Reappointment of Celeste Yoskovich to the Beautification Advisory Commission
Mayor McDaniel explained he spoke with the staff liaison, Elizabeth Brennan, and was assured Ms. Yoskovich wishes to
continue serving on the Beautification Advisory Commission.
Ms. Yoskovich arrived at 7:25 p.m.
Mayor McDaniel thanked Ms. Yoskovich for continuing her work with the Commission.
Ms. Yoskovich thanked the Mayor, stating she enjoys working on the Commission; she apologized for being late to the
meeting. She is pleased with work being done with other communities and enjoys new ideas and thinking outside the box.
She is also looking forward to the perennial exchange as well as the beautification awards involving the residents.
Ms. Verbeke stated Ms. Yoskovich has been very involved in helping with the flag banners, she created the design. The
new banners will be seen soon.
Moved by Verbeke; Seconded by Knight.
RESOLVED: To Confirm the Reappointment of Celeste Yoskovich to the Beautification Advisory Commission
for a term ending December 31, 2017.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5– 0)
Resolution No. 15.04.062
6. PUBLIC COMMENT
Annette McAvoy, 3841 N. Briarvale, stated Avondale High School’s Avondale Theatre Company, has been selected to
represent Michigan at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in Scotland. This is the largest high school arts festival in the
world and the third time the Avondale Theatre Company has been asked to participate. This Theatre Company has also
qualified for the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association Theatre Festival, for the 15th time and have taken home five
first places. The group will be performing The Adams Family, a spring musical, and invited Council to attend one of the
performances.
Ms. McAvoy noted through Council Member Mitchell a meeting was arranged with herself, Ms. Mitchell and American Axle
on behalf of a special needs, post graduate high school student, who is now working at American Axle. This is an unpaid
invaluable working experience for this individual who is learning manufacturing skills.
7. CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Knight requested 7a.2. Board of Review Minutes and Ms. Mitchell requested 7b. Resolution Declaring April Child Abuse
Awareness Month, be removed from the Consent Agenda.
7a. Board and Commission Minutes
7a.1. Beautification Advisory Commission – March 18, 2015
Moved by Verbeke; Seconded by Mitchell.
RESOLVED: To approve the Consent Agenda Item 7a.1.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
City Council Minutes –April 13, 2015
Page 3
Resolution No. 15.04.063
7a.2. Board of Review Minutes – March 2015
Mr. Knight stated he read the minutes and doesn’t like having the initials used for the motion makers and seconders. Item
3 of the minutes indicates the motion maker and the seconder as the same person; that needs to be corrected.
Moved by Knight; Seconded by Verbeke.
RESOLVED: To receive the Board of Review minutes with the noted correction.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.064
7b. Resolution Declaring April Child Abuse Awareness Month
Ms. Mitchell stated this is an important issue and requested the the resolution be read aloud by the City Clerk.
Ms. Kowal complied and read the resolution.
Moved by Mitchell; Seconded by Verbeke.
RESOLVED: To approve the resolution, designating April as “Child Abuse Awareness Month” in the City of
Auburn Hills.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.065
8. OLD BUSINESS
8a. Motion – Approval of Lawn Maintenance Agreement
Mr. King explained this Service Contract covers the grass and ornamental beds in the boulevards, right-of-ways, and guard
rail maintenance throughout the City. There hasn’t been much change in what the contract will cover over the last 15 years,
only a few minor adjustments. Three bids were received and Green Meadows Lawnscape, Inc. was the lowest bid and has
performed this service for the City in the past. A meeting was held with Green Meadows Lawnscape to discuss the
expectations of the contract, and the City was assured Green Meadows Lawnscape understood and had a clear
understanding of the scope of work.
Ms. Hammond noted in reviewing the contract, she saw no mention that all workers must be legal authorized workers, as
stipulated in other City contracts.
Mr. Beckerleg stated that could be a condition of contract approval.
Ms. Hammond believes it is an important element that should be included in the contract.
Mr. Knight reiterated his concern with cutting grass too often and too short; he would like the watering of grass scaled back
and not cutting the lawn weekly, unless necessary. The grass height should be three inches; this will also be a cost saving
measure.
Responding to Ms. Hammond, Mr. Herczeg didn’t think there would be a problem with this company satisfying her concern
of having legal authorized workers.
Moved by Hammond; Seconded by Verbeke.
RESOLVED: To award the 2015-2017 Lawn and Ornamental Bed Maintenance Bid to Green Meadows
Lawnscape, Inc., 47515 Ryan Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317, with the condition that all the company’s
employees are legal, authorized people permitted to work in the State of Michigan.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.066
9. NEW BUSINESS
9a. Motion – Consent to Allow AT&T to Replace Antennas and Equipment at Tower / 3303 Seyburn Drive
Mr. Cohen explained this is a request to allow AT&T to add new antennas and equipment at tower number one, located on
the City’s campus. The 150 foot tower was built in 1995; at the top of the tower is Verizon’s antennas and15 feet lower, at
135 feet is AT&T’s antennas.
The request is a routine change, however, City Council approval is necessary per the lease agreement.
Mr. Cohen noted there is additional action Council may wish to act on, relating to future approvals for antennae or equipment
replacements on the two towers located on the City’s municipal campus. A motion could be made to allow staff to
administratively approve such upgrades to both towers, since these are routine requests.
Mr. Cohen stated Dana L. Schmitt, Chief Strategy Officer / General Counsel for Big Green Group, LLC, is available for
questions.
City Council Minutes –April 13, 2015
Page 4
Dana Schmitt explained AT&T is upgrading the technology at this cell site, it is a necessary and routine upgrade. The new
equipment will be replaced in the exact same location of the current equipment.
Mayor McDaniel asked when this policy or ordinance was established, if the intent was to have staff to routinely take care
of such routine items.
Mr. Cohen explained that with all of the other cell towers in the City, staff administratively takes care of these types of
requests. The two towers located on the City campus are different because the lease agreement requires Council approval.
Mr. Knight explained this was the first cell tower approved by City Council 20 plus years ago, and the agreement required
Council approval because nobody had any idea of where this was headed or what may become of the tower. He doesn’t
see any reason that would prevent staff to administratively review these two towers as is done with other towers in the City.
Ms. Hammond noted in the past, changes with cell towers have gone through the Planning Commission and/or the Zoning
Board of Appeals, and asked if that would remain the case with changes.
Mr. Cohen explained the ordinance allows colocations to be done administratively as well as these types of equipment
changes. Over the past five years, the City has administratively approved 27 changes to cell towers, as routine actions.
He confirmed for any tower height extensions or new towers, a Special Land Use permit would be required as well as City
Council approval.
Ms. Verbeke asked Ms. Schmitt if AT&T is aware of the weak signal area near the Chrysler building on I-75.
Ms. Schmitt stated AT&T is aware of the weak signal areas and is trying to address those issues. This upgrade is part of
an upgrade covering the entire State.
Moved by Mitchell; Seconded by Hammond.
RESOLVED: To direct the City Manager to sign the consent request from AT&T to replace antennas and
equipment on the monopole tower and associated leased property located at 3303 Seyburn Drive.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.067
Motion for City campus administrative approvals.
Moved by Knight; Seconded by Verbeke.
RESOLVED: To grant authorization to the City Manager to sign future consent requests, after review by the
City Attorney and Director of Community Development, related to antennas and equipment replacements
and/or upgrades on the cell towers and associated leased property located on the Auburn Hills Municipal
Campus at 3303 and 3311 Seyburn Drive.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.068
9b. Motion – Approve North Squirrel Road MDOT Contract
Mr. Melchert explained staff and OHM have been working on this project for the last several years and MDOT has provided
nearly $2 million towards this project. With those funds, MDOT takes control of the project and administers the contract.
The bids were opened and the lowest bid came in 20% over the engineers estimated amount, reflecting the trend of rising
prices. Staff has worked through the 2015 budget to make the necessary adjustments to cover the shortfall without
impacting the current bottom lines and recommends moving forward with the bid.
Mr. Knight asked if the City shouldn’t be in control of the project since the City is contributing more money to the project
than the State.
Mr. Melchert explained when the bid was awarded, there was a limit and though the prices have gone up, at the time of the
grant it was a percentage of the engineer’s estimate. The grant cannot be changed and since there is federal money
involved, MDOT must administer the contract.
Moved by Knight; Seconded by Mitchell.
RESOLVED: To approve the resolution to enter into the Michigan Department of Transportation Contract No.
15-5091 for the Rehabilitation of North Squirrel Road.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.069
9c. Motion – Approve North Squirrel Road OHM Scope of Construction
Mr. Melchert noted this item goes hand-in-hand with the previous item.
Mr. Knight asked if this bid went up proportionately with the cost of the road bid or remained the same.
Mr. Melchert confirmed the amount remained the same as the original estimate.
Mr. Knight commended OHM for not increasing their cost with the cost of the project increasing.
City Council Minutes –April 13, 2015
Page 5
Mr. Juidici explained the scope of engineering costs are based on the number of hours estimated for a project, not based
on the project cost.
Moved by Verbeke; Seconded by Hammond.
RESOLVED: To approve the Scope of Construction Engineering Services provided by OHM Advisors for the
not-to-exceed amount of $395,000.00 and the material testing services estimate provided by Testing
Engineering and Consultants, Inc. for $95,000.00. Funding to be paid from the Street Improvement Fund
account number 101-446-973.202SQL-WAL/DUT.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.070
10. COMMENTS AND MOTIONS FROM COUNCIL
Ms. Hammond:
 Was pleased someone reported the downtown clock wasn’t working.
 Sending condolences to Council Member Burmeister and his wife Carrie, on the loss of her mother.
Mr. Knight:
 Reminded everyone April 22, 2015 is the Steak and Burger Dinner for the Boys and Girls Club. He hopes Council
Members will be able to attend. There will also be a VIP reception at 5:30, prior to the dinner.
Ms. Mitchell:
 Congratulated Recreation Director Marzolf and the Parks and Recreation staff on another successful, well
attended/well run Easter egg hunt.
 Commended the Community Development department on the thoroughness of the 2014 report provided to Council
and is looking forward to reading the report she received earlier from the Police department.
 Thanked the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association for the invitation to a symposium that is being held later this
month, though it conflicts with Council meeting night.
 Congratulations to Oakland University on the “Diversity, Inclusion and Equity” conference held earlier this month.
The attendance was very good and she got some great information.
Mayor McDaniel:
 Thanked Police Chief Olko and her team for the Police Department’s annual report.
 Extended his condolences to Council Member Burmeister and his wife Carrie, on the loss of her mother, Christina
Pace.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – none
12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
 The City has been working with the County for a number of months regarding the DDA and TIF capture plan and
will be coming to an end soon, with final approval from the Board of Commissioners at their May 6, 2015 meeting.
There are many meetings prior to the May 6th approval meeting and he, Ms. Mariuz, Mr. Cohen and Mr. Beckerleg
will be attending those meetings.
 The search has been narrowed down to six candidates for the new executive assistant in the City manager’s office;
hopefully the position will be filled within a month.
 Mr. Grice will become the new TIFA Executive Director effective tomorrow, April 14, 2015.
 The Road Commission for Oakland County will be having its strategic planning meeting with the City, this Friday,
April 17, 2015, in the Public Safety building. Some of the discussion items will include transportation funding, tri-
party funds and safety efforts.
 Regarding the road projects throughout the City, up-to-date information can be found on the City’s website. The
information includes descriptions of the projects, detours, rolling closures and similar information. The City’s
website is www.auburnhills.org/community/2015roadprojects.
Mayor McDaniel asked Ms. Kowal for an update on the May 5, 2015 election.
Ms. Kowal stated there will be no combined precincts for this election because it is a State election. There have been 1,029
requests for an absentee ballot, with 377 returned thus far, 36%.
Mr. Knight was asked to mention the ballot question regarding the Pontiac Schools requesting a sinking fund milage, which
is used strictly for the improvements of the school district buildings. The building are in need of updating and general
maintenance. This milage request replaces a larger milage that has expired. This new milage will be one mil less than the
expired milage.
City Council Minutes –April 13, 2015
Page 6
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Command Labor Negotiations and Continuation of Attorney Opinion
Moved by Verbeke; Seconded by Hammond.
RESOLVED: To adjourn to Executive Session for discussion of Command Labor Negotiations and a
continuation of an Attorney’s opinion.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.071
Adjourned to Executive Session at 8:12 pm. Returned from Executive Session at 10:04 pm.
13. Motion – Command Labor Negotiations
Moved by Mitchell; Seconded by Hammond:
RESOLVED: To ratify the collective bargaining agreement by and between the City of Auburn Hills and the
Auburn Hills Command Officers represented by the Police Officers Labor Council of Michigan for the contract
period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2018. Said approval includes retroactive pay to January 1,
2015; and subject to clarification that Appendix A, Section 2(a) applies to Defined Benefits Plan
participants. Furthermore, authorize the Mayor, City Clerk, and City Manager to execute the agreement on
behalf of the City.
VOTE: Yes: Hammond, Knight, McDaniel, Mitchell, Verbeke
No: None Motion Carried (5-0)
Resolution No. 15.04.072

Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

_________________________________ ______________________________________
Kevin R. McDaniel, Mayor Terri Kowal, City Clerk
CITY OF AUBURN

HILLS

MEETING DATE: APRIL 27, 2015 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.B.

The City of Auburn Hills
City Council Workshop
Minutes

April 13, 2015

CALL TO ORDER: by Mayor McDaniel at 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: City Council Chambers, 1827 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Present: Mayor McDaniel, Council Members Hammond, Knight, Mitchell, Verbeke
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Kittle, Council Member Burmeister
Also Present: City Manager Tanghe, Assistant City Manager Grice, Police Chief Olko, Manager of Business
Development Carroll, Finance Director Schulz, DPW Director Melchert, DPW Deputy Director Herczeg,
Community Development Director Cohen, Asst. City Planner Keenan, City Clerk Kowal, City Attorney Beckerleg,
City Engineers Juidici and Stevens, Greg Kacvinsky and Lindsey Kerkez of OHM, Management Assistant Mariuz.

DPW Director Melchert began the discussion by explaining that the topic this evening is Stormwater and Wastewater (SAW)
Grants. He introduced Greg Kacvinsky and Lindsey Kerkex of OHM, who will be presenting.
Mr. Kacvinsky reviewed the SAW grant program to date. He reminded Council Members that the SAW Grants totaled $2.44
million. Of that amount, $2 million came from the state and $440,000.00 is coming from the City. It is a three year program,
of which one year is done. The final reports are due in April, 2017.
To date, $496,000.00 has been spent:
Stormwater Grant $ 335,000
Wastewater Grant: $ 27,000
City Force Account: $ 134,000
Total $496,000

Of these amounts, $450,000.00 will be reimbursed to the City. The work to date includes:
 Mapping enhancements for stormwater and wastewater systems (GIS)
 Inspected more than 250 manholes for structural condition
 Inspected over 30 detention ponds for functionality and overall condition
 Cleaned and televised over 35 miles of sanitary sewer
 Televised over 5 miles of storm sewer
 Purchased field tablets, laptop, and hand-held GPS for future mapping needs
 Initiated survey of storm and sanitary sewer systems for GIS mapping enhancements
 Developed criticality factors for sanitary sewer system (Asset Management Plan)

Council Members inquired how many miles of storm sewers does the City have? The response was about 50 to 60 miles.
Discussion ensued regarding more televised inspections, and the fact that the grant budget must be used within the next
two years.
Mr. Kacvinsky went on to inform Council that an Asset Plan Strategy could document what will be needed in the next 30 –
40 years.
The suggested next steps include:
City Council Workshop Minutes – March 23, 2015
Page 2

 Complete the Stormwater Asset Management Plan
 Identify Capital Improvement Needs for Stormwater
 Identify ongoing O&M needs for stormwater
 Review existing funding gaps and revenue options for Stormwater
 Stormwater Funding Feasibility Study
• Review stormwater infrastructure needs with a cross section of community:
• Key business owners
• Key potential ratepayers
• Residents

Mr. Kacvinsky then proceeded to discuss a Stormwater Funding Feasibility Study, which could be funded by the SAW Grant.
He went on to explain that about 1500 – 2000 cities nationwide have a Stormwater Utility. Many are in the Midwest, where
water quality is a priority. In Michigan, there are 3 or 4 stormwater utilities, including ones in Ann Arbor, Berkeley, and
Harper Woods. Discussion took place regarding the pros and cons of having a stormwater utility. Ms. Kerkez shared
revenue and cost information on a stormwater utility plan.
The history and evolvement of the management of stormwater was reviewed, including the legislation governing it. The
Clean Water Act (1972), NPDES Phase I (1993), NPDES Phase II (2003), and the NPDED Phase II Revised Permit
(MDEQ), 2012 all impact the management. Other regulatory programs & municipal obligations include:
 National Flood Insurance Program
 TMDLs
 Public safety / public health
 Passable roadways
 Detention ponds
 Aging utilities
 Bond debt
City Council and staff discussed the steps necessary to further investigate the feasibly of a stormwater utility. It was
determined that the next steps would include input from businesses and residents, by forming a Stormwater Advisory
Group (SAG).
Asset Management Plan (CIP and Recommended O&M Plan)
Stormwater Advisory Group (SAG)
Communicate with key rate payers
Funding Feasibility Study (explore most ideal sources of funding)
Timeframe: 6-8 months
The suggestion from Mr. Kacvinsky is that staff would appoint the SAG, who would meet four to six times. The committee
could then advise Council on their findings. Mr. Knight feels the committee should be appointed by the Mayor; Mayor
McDaniel would like the Council to approve the members. Discussion followed.
Mr. Tanghe and Mr. Melchert addressed the issues of costs facing the City due to stormwater management.
City Council Members agreed that the SAG would be a good starting point for more information.

After thanking Mr. Kacvinsky and Ms. Kerkez for a very informative presentation, and without objection, Mayor McDaniel
adjourned the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Terri Kowal, CMMC, MMC

_____________________________ _______________________________
Kevin R. McDaniel, Mayor Terri Kowal, City Clerk