Kersten Emsley

The meeting included beautification awards, recognizing homeowners for their investments in enhancing their homes' aesthetics. Discussions covered liaison reports from various commissions, including planning, historical, and recreation. The historical commission reported a successful home and garden tour, while the recreation commission highlighted upcoming events and thanked sponsors for the annual Fall Fest, which included carved pumpkins, donuts, cider, and hay rides. The Arts Council discussed mural ideas and other art projects around the city. The school board shared updates on bond progress and upcoming events, such as trick-or-treating at the Roosevelt building and a community concert band performance.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. A key item involved the certification of the November 4th city general election, which was certified with 583 ballots cast out of 2421 registered voters. Newly elected Mayor Scott and Commissioner Linko were sworn into office. The City's financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, were presented by the auditors. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, confirming that the financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with GAAP. Key financial highlights included a general fund balance of $2,975,318, with the unassigned fund balance representing 72% of annual expenditures, which is considered healthy. Total revenues increased by 6.6% from the prior year, and total expenditures increased by 6.6%. The largest revenue source remains property taxes at approximately 70%, and the largest expenditure category is public safety at about 48%. The meeting concluded with public discussion, where a former commissioner offered kudos to the newly elected officials and the administration for the smooth election and positive financial direction.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. During the public items segment, citizens raised concerns regarding local law enforcement's interaction with federal ICE agents, specifically asking about 287G program participation, information sharing protocols, and the local police's role in protecting citizen rights during ICE activity, including the right to document federal agents. The commission took these questions under advisement. Another citizen raised concerns about the process for updating signage related to a former school location now used as an administrative building. Liaison reports included updates from the Arts Council regarding finalizing an artist for a mural and planning for the 'Super Fun Art Party Part Three' event. The Ferndale Public School Board liaison reported on the senior pinning ceremony and announced the upcoming 'State of the District' event.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Public discussion included congratulations and updates on local initiatives such as American Sign Language classes and storytelling events. Environmental concerns were addressed through the announcement of the 2025 pumpkin and butternut squash competition results. Liaison reports covered historical commission activities, including museum hours and the holiday village setup. The Recreation Commission report detailed pool attendance data, showing top streets for visits. The Arts Council discussed reviewing mural artists for city buildings and scheduled a follow-up meeting. The Ferndale Public Schools representative provided updates on addressing student nutrition (SNAP issues), the success of the football and volleyball teams, robotics team advancement to state finals, and progress on bond projects including the University High School National Honor Society induction. Further updates covered the positive direction of the Koolix community center plans and coordination of holiday resource support for families. Finally, the DDA reported on the Plan Build on Woodward, noting that a parking study is pending before their next quarterly meeting.

The meeting began with public comments regarding candidate support for state house District 8, focusing on proposed ballot measures like 'Invest in Michigan Kids' and 'Michigan Money Out of Politics'. A resident also requested local governing body resolution support for charitable gaming licenses for the Ferndale Robotics Boosters nonprofit, though action was deferred pending resolution drafting. Liaison reports covered Black History Month celebrations and ID access initiatives by Ferndale Public Schools, and updates on Planning Commission/DDA zoning ordinance reviews with a public hearing scheduled for April 27th. The Recreation Commission reelected its chair and secretary and is actively hiring for three open positions. The Fire Department reported the approval to purchase a new ambulance, funding requests for Fire Station One renovations, and offered free 'Vial of Life' medical information magnetic cards and virtual home safety inspections that include a free fire blanket upon completion. The Police Department noted responses to various incidents, including reports of a snow shoveler scam.