Richard S. Ortiz

The council authorized several significant infrastructure contracts, including two sewer lining projects awarded to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC, and a DWSRF contract to Inner City Contracting LLC. Additionally, a professional services proposal from Hennessey Engineers was approved. The council approved the creation of a Civil Service eligibility list for the Department of Public Works and the rezoning of a specific parcel on Allen Road to allow for commercial retail development. Other actions included receiving the May treasurer's report, authorizing a property appraisal for 19029 Dix, and approving the payment of financial invoices. Motions to install street speed humps and conduct a forensic audit of the general fund and police auction were considered but failed to pass.

The council authorized Hennessey Engineers to prepare an RFP for park path improvements and tree removal. Appointment items included confirming Chuck Wutke to the Economic Development Corporation, while appointments for Jennifer Justice and Habash Ahmed as Treasurer were unsuccessful. The council approved rate increases for water and sewer services, adopted the 24th District Court budget, and authorized a settlement agreement for penal fines. Additionally, the council approved the GLWA water contract, the 2025 Community CDBG agreement, a payment for legal fees to a council member, and the acquisition of a dumpster for property cleanup. The session concluded with the approval of invoice payments.

The council approved several expenditures for the Police Department, including the purchase of a transit vehicle, scheduling software, a mobile app, and additional users for Power DMS. Other approvals included the purchase of riding mowers and a hot box for cold patching, a site plan for a new retail plaza, the quit claim of a tax parcel, and the procurement of barricades for Melvindale Days. The council received the treasurer's report, initiated a moratorium on data centers, and approved various invoices and electronic transfers. Several appointments to the EDC and the appointment of a Treasurer were tabled for further consideration.

The council approved a resolution to certify additional streets for the local street system, authorized the hiring of three part-time Police Service Aide positions, and rescheduled the Public Safety Meeting start time. Actions were taken to close public roads for upcoming fireworks and tree lighting events. The council adopted a Hazard Mitigation Plan, approved the MABAS contract, and authorized video camera inspection of the Tyre Drain. Further business included tree removal at the pool, the hiring of seasonal Department of Public Works employees, a financial payout, and administrative actions regarding Priority Waste and a DTE gas line easement. The council also adopted an ordinance, accepted the resignation of the Treasurer, approved Parks and Recreation events at the Fieldhouse, matched a voluntary assessment for the Guidance Center, and authorized payment of invoices.

The council authorized a pilot program for floating vegetation conducted by the Friends of Rouge and approved liability insurance for the city. Appointments were made to the Parks and Recs Commission to fill an unexpired term. A public hearing was held regarding the adoption of a fiscal year 2027 project plan for water and wastewater system improvements, which was subsequently adopted by resolution. Additionally, the council tabled the creation of a part-time position within the police department, accepted the treasurer's report for March, and authorized the payment of invoices and electronic transfers.