Richard Blendea

The meeting agenda included a Study Session and a Closed Session. The Closed Session involved discussing a written attorney-client privileged communication exempt from disclosure and personnel/employment matters related to the City Manager position upon the Manager's request. Key Study Session topics included an update on the Interlocal Agreement with Oakland County Parks regarding Heritage Park, covering the Park Action Plan, Operations and Maintenance Plan, and Capital Improvement Plan, as well as a discussion on establishing a proposed Ad-Hoc Steering Committee for a new Activities Center.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the regular session agenda and the reading and acceptance of a proclamation recognizing February 20, 2026, as Government Communicators Day. Presentations were given by representatives from the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's office regarding public information materials and the Hardship Assistance Program. The Farmington Area Commission on Aging Chair conveyed concerns regarding the proposed senior center location at The Hawk, focusing on accessibility for frail residents, potential negative impacts from proximity to I-696, and the need for an itemized accounting of projected cost savings. The Council approved several items on the Consent Agenda, including the Separation Agreement between the City and Gary Mekjian, resolutions for the partial vacation of water main easements, adoption of the resolution for the Oakland County P25 Simulcast System Interlocal Agreement, and approval of an extension of award for audio/visual equipment installation at The Hawk. The Council also approved the minutes from the study session and regular session of January 26, 2026. Public comments largely echoed concerns about the senior center location, transportation, and parking capacity at The Hawk campus versus the current Costick Center site.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and discussions centered on planning and goals for the Youth Council. Ongoing business involved tabling all projects until next year, with updates provided on the tentative date for Flag Football and the rescheduling of the CRP night. New business covered planning for the Community Garden and Ice Cream event, and the Senior Send-off, both scheduled for June 3rd. The Advisors Report noted the cancellation of the next work meeting and provided deadlines related to applications and YLEC forms.

The meeting involved reading and accepting proclamations recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month and February 5, 2026, as Optimist Day. Key actions included public hearings and authorizations for the conversion of two gravel streets to hard surface pavement: Rockcastle Street and the roads within The Oaklands Subdivision. The latter required a complex approval process involving preliminary authorization contingent upon resident re-petitioning after a preliminary design review due to concerns about historic character preservation and drainage impacts. The Council also addressed an appeal concerning a Freedom of Information Act request deposit for police communications, upholding the deposit requirement. Furthermore, the Council authorized a one-year contract for Planning and Zoning Services with Carlisle Wortman Associates, approved the third modification to Consent Judgment #56 regarding Halsted Village LLC to allow a children's indoor recreation use, appointed delegates for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), acknowledged financial reports, and approved agreements regarding dispatch services, tree planting, and emergency medical supplies.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss an employee requested review for the City Clerk. Key study session topics involved a presentation and analysis regarding responsible contracting practices, comparing the City's current policies against Royal Oak's ordinance, with staff ultimately recommending targeted revisions to existing procurement practices rather than adopting a full ordinance. Another major item was a progress update on developing formal branding guidelines, which included presenting a new tagline, "Farmington Hills, a place for every path," and refinements to the existing logo and color palette. Finally, the session included follow-up discussion on the Fire and EMS Strategic Plan, focusing on the justification for additional staffing, the impact on reducing overtime costs, and service quality improvements resulting from recent hiring.