Carrie Evans

The meeting included public comments concerning the proposed location and material of flexible bollards along Pontiac Trail due to pedestrian safety concerns, and resident complaints regarding building conditions and infestations at The Village Apartments. City Manager reports for December 2025 were received. The Consent Agenda involved approving several items, including revised financial hardship exemption policy, special liquor license applications for future events, awarding a two-year fireworks contract, approving an interlocal agreement for the Oakland County P25 Simulcast System, and authorizing the sole source purchase of water meters. New Business featured a recommendation to accept a SEMCOG Safe Streets Now Grant for the Pontiac Trail Pedestrian Refuge Project; however, subsequent discussion led to tabling this acceptance and design engineering authorization to reassess refuge locations. A separate recommendation to approve the installation of flexible bollards at the Wixom Road and Pontiac Trail intersection failed due to Council concerns regarding the material's adequacy for pedestrian safety. Council comments extended condolences to the Opalko family and requested an administration report on complaints pertaining to The Village Apartments for the subsequent meeting.

The meeting began with roll call and a motion to approve the minutes from the February 10, 2026 regular city council meeting. During the call to the public, several residents voiced significant concerns regarding traffic congestion, safety hazards, and inadequate infrastructure related to the new Wixom Elementary School on Maple Road, citing existing severe traffic issues on nearby Lon Lake Road and Charms Road. Concerns included the lack of sidewalks, insufficient deceleration/acceleration lanes, and the impact of increased car ridership due to a preschool program. Separately, council members discussed the Economic Development report concerning pedestrian refuges, noting that the DDA meeting provided an update, and the DDA continues to support the project despite acknowledging needs in other areas. In the Construction and Development report, discussion centered on achieving a 100% compliance rate for rental inspections, leading to a request for further breakdown on initial compliance versus subsequent remediation, and a desire to review and potentially adjust the current rental ordinance based on surrounding community practices.

The meeting agenda was adjusted to include a presentation from the Oakland County Treasurer regarding foreclosure prevention efforts, replacing a discussion about a second fire station. Key correspondence items included updates on SMART additional service proposals and drone delivery services. During the presentation, the County Treasurer detailed payment plans available to residents facing delinquent property taxes. A public concern was raised regarding the potential environmental and noise impacts of drone delivery services. City Manager reports included December 2025 departmental reports and the September 30, 2025, Finance Department Quarterly Budget & Investment Report. New business involved confirming multiple appointments to various boards and authorities, including the Board of Review, Downtown Development Authority, Parks and Recreation, and the Tax Abatement Review Board. Additionally, Councilmember Keenan Gottschall was confirmed as the Deputy Mayor. During the call to the public, SMART provided an update on a new bus service coming to Wixom, and commendations were given to the Department of Public Works for snow removal efforts. Council comments focused on recognizing the DPW's efforts, welcoming new appointees, and discussing proactive measures regarding drone service regulations.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one council member was excused. Discussions included public comments concerning vehicle accidents along Pontiac Trail and the proposed installation of flexible ballards; concerns were raised regarding the location and material of these ballards given potential severity of crashes. City Manager reports covered the December 2025 Fire and Police monthly reports. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. New business centered on the recommendation to accept the Simcog Safe Streets Now grant for the Pontiac Trail pedestrian refuge project, which totals $190,400, and authorizing a design engineering proposal from Hubble Roth and Clark Engineering for up to $41,950. The council discussed the scope of work and the federal funding requirements associated with the project, including environmental reviews. Concern was voiced regarding combining the grant acceptance and engineering proposal into a single agenda item, and the high estimated hours for the engineering work, though explanations regarding federal compliance requirements were provided. Further discussion addressed the long-term maintenance requirements for the proposed pedestrian refuges.

The meeting involved roll call confirming quorum, followed by the addition of a new business discussion item regarding U Metro U internet installations within the community. Key discussions centered on the unauthorized or unapproved installation of telecommunication equipment, particularly in the downtown area and along Wixom Road and Pontiac Trail, raising concerns about aesthetics and property value impact. The Council expressed unified support for directing city administration and the City Attorney to actively challenge these installations, potentially with the Road Commission for Oakland County, concerning permits and mitigation efforts. The Council also formally adopted the city council rules of procedure for the new term, addressing a minor typographical error in the document. Other discussions included reviewing the 2025 police department review correspondence, city manager reports (including fire and police reports from November 2025), and the approval of the consent agenda. Furthermore, administrative updates were provided regarding an upcoming training session for new elected officials, the retirement of a key HRC vice president, and progress on developing draft ordinance amendments related to data center regulations in coordination with the Planning Commission.