Lisa Griggs

The Regular Council Meeting agenda included several critical items for action. Key topics included opposing specific legislation related to local zoning powers, approving the intent to issue bonds for the CWSRF and DWSRF projects, and proceeding with a mid-year budget amendment. The council planned to authorize a Water and Sewer Rate Study, with a proposed resolution earmarking up to $20,000 for Plante and Moran to conduct the study. Other action items involved approving ACT 51 Map Revisions, extending the contract for Detention Officers, and removing several commissioners from the EDC, Parks & Rec, Planning, and ZBA boards. The meeting also allocated time for department head reports, citizen communications, and board reports.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Old Business items discussed included coordinating a date for the upcoming Garden Walk via email to former participants, noting the CBDG application cut-off date of March 21, 2026, and confirming planned events such as a clean-up of Memorial Park on May 16th and the Memorial Day Parade on May 17th. The next meeting is scheduled to hold elections for the roles of Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Key discussions included New Business regarding sending an email to Garden Walk participants to coordinate a Memorial Park Clean up event scheduled for May 16th from 9:00 a.m. to Noon for the Parade. Old Business involved reporting on the results of the Best Christmas House Display contest, where 60 nominations were received and four winners were selected and awarded prizes.

The key discussion centered on a Site Plan and Special Land Use Review application for a Used Auto Dealership at 625 Southfield Road, which is proposed as an expansion of an existing dealership, including a vehicle showroom and office space, with phased development plans. The Commission reviewed compliance with various zoning ordinances regarding setbacks, parking, loading space waivers, and landscaping requirements, noting several areas requiring clarification or waivers. The meeting agenda also scheduled an introduction to the Zoning Rewrite and Zoning Audit, and a discussion on draft text amendments related to site plan review. Reports included announcements about upcoming events like the Chocolate Walk and a public hearing regarding marihuana retail shops.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, which included prayers for members of the community experiencing health issues. Key discussions included the transition following the city manager's departure, with an interim city manager in place and a search firm engaged. Updates were provided on community events, such as a successful presentation at the middle school regarding a $100,000 grant for the Don't Quit gymnasium, and the dedication of an elevator at St. Michaels. A representative from the newly renovated Lincoln Manor (formerly the Knights of Columbus hall) provided an update on their revitalization efforts. Information was shared regarding Small Business Administration disaster assistance loans available to residents affected by severe storms and flooding in April and May. A major portion of the discussion involved DTE Energy presenting their tree trimming program, detailing how vegetation causes outages (one half of outages) and safety issues, and outlining their five-year trimming schedule for Lincoln Park circuits. DTE also addressed customer concerns regarding crew identification badges and discussed repair protocols following the catastrophic storm in July.