Leigh Merill

The City Council meeting covered a broad range of operational and financial agenda items. Key discussions included the approval of an annual license renewal for Adobe Cloud software and a first reading of an ordinance granting a ten-year franchise agreement to Comcast. Significant focus was placed on financial oversight, with several resolutions passed demanding updates on bond ratings, the resumption of online check register postings, accurate bank reconciliations, and the timely payment of city invoices. The council also requested reports on contracts with the Frayer Group and the status of renewal negotiations with the Oakland County Sheriff and the Waterford Regional Fire Department. Additionally, public feedback was heard regarding city council redistricting maps, and a resolution was adopted to prohibit the promotion of elected officials in official city newsletters and mailings during the 2025 election year.

The council approved a consent agenda covering various subcommittee minutes and resolutions, including the 2025 council meeting schedule, a philanthropic donation from the Penske Family Foundation, and recognition for both a high school football championship team and a retiring court administrator. Other key actions included authorizing the purchase of carbon monoxide detectors via grant funding, approving a memorandum of understanding for a trail connection project, and creating a Buyer II position in the purchasing division. The council also addressed the priority status of a proposed warming center at the First Presbyterian Church and adopted an ordinance to regulate commercial parking lots.

The City Council conducted a special meeting to consider a resolution to enter into a closed session. The closed session was convened to discuss the potential purchase or lease of real estate, consult with legal counsel regarding litigation strategies, and address legal matters exempted from public disclosure under the Michigan Open Meetings Act and state statutes.

The board conducted a regular meeting where they discussed the introduction of a new assistant manager in the planning division. A request to postpone a public hearing regarding a variance at 14 East Road was discussed and approved due to errors in the staff report concerning square footage requirements for accessory structures and the need to align with city legal interpretations. The board also held a public hearing session for items not on the agenda.

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal and economic initiatives, including amendments to the fiscal year budget and the approval of contracts for a new DPW work order system and professional maintenance services. Key agenda items featured public hearings regarding redevelopment liquor licenses and proposed millage rates for the upcoming fiscal year. Furthermore, the Council authorized economic development agreements, including the extension of a Renaissance Zone and the establishment of an Industrial Development District to support local business expansion, while also finalizing various budget adjustments and reviewing ordinance amendments.