John C. Clark

Key discussion items for this meeting include the opening ceremonies, roll call, and approval of the agenda. Significant agenda items involve community development, specifically the resolution to adopt the Highland Park Economic Development Strategy Plan document (tabled from a previous meeting). The Engineering Department agenda includes two resolutions authorizing the submission of applications for FY2029 STP-U federal aid funding for the repair of Glendale Avenue and Oakman Boulevard.

The Special Workshop Meeting focused on zoning discussions, specifically two rezoning requests. The primary topic was the rezoning of parcels along Oakman and Doris Streets from Single Family Residential to Mixed Urban Village (MUV) district. This change aims to allow for commercial uses, such as a previously proposed vehicle restoration business, and also permits additional residential uses like townhomes and duplexes, while allowing existing single-family homes to remain. The presenter clarified that the zoning change does not permit uses such as an ICE detention facility. A previous approval concerning a different property at 20 Bartlett was discussed to avoid confusion with the current proposal for 52 Bartlett. The council members also inquired about the implications of the zoning change on existing structures, including a church, confirming that existing permitted uses are not invalidated, although they would fall under the new commercial designation.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, noting a confusion regarding the date which was clarified to be February 2nd, 2026. Key discussion points involved resident concerns regarding the transparency of city ordinances, specifically addressing the difficulty in accessing the Municipal Code online and noting inaccuracies in recorded votes on previous items, including resolutions concerning the 30th District Court and the Capital Improvement Fund reimbursement. The Mayor addressed the council regarding her absence due to assisting veterans displaced by a flood at 211 Glendale, ensuring they were relocated and housed. The council discussed a veto related to the resolution requesting online publication of all full ordinances for public access, though the item was ultimately tabled or died without action. Additionally, the council addressed the resolution to submit applications for the 2026 state of Michigan financially distressed cities, villages or townships grants, specifically concerning a grant for boiler replacement at City Hall. Finally, citizens participated in public comments regarding the transparency of ordinances and suggesting a broader scope for the RFP concerning pothole repair to include full street repair.

The agenda was approved with the addition of two resolutions. Discussions focused on the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Key resolutions included formally opposing the use of face coverings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during civil immigration enforcement activities within City of Highland Park buildings, and prohibiting immigration detention, holding, processing, or staging facilities within the City by restricting the use of City property. A resolution regarding a moratorium on enforcing ordinances prior to publishing was tabled. Additionally, the Council received and filed the Great Lakes Water Authority's proposed charges for wholesale water and sewer services for Fiscal Year 2027. The Council also authorized the acceptance of Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Grant #E20260117-00.

The workshop meeting focused on planning items, primarily the Highland Park Economic Development Strategy Plan, which is the first part of a three-part planning process. This strategy establishes a high-level map, identifies neighborhood zones, and sets implementation goals. It was noted that this is preliminary to updating the Master Plan, specifically concerning housing programs and economic development portions, which requires coordination with various state and county entities. The process involves amending the current 2017 Master Plan to extend its validity. Other discussions included the Michigan Indigent Defense Fund Grant and matters related to property demolition, including a large structure on Far Park, and the assembly of entity-owned parcels into developable areas.