Susan Como

The Board meeting involved the acceptance and filing of the trial balance as presented through September 30, 2025. The Fund Evaluation Group (FEG) provided a review of the 3rd Quarter report ending September 30, 2025, recommending no changes to the plan at that time. The Board also authorized the payment of invoices to FEG, Foster & Foster Actuaries, and VanOverbeke, Michaud & Timmony, P.C. The meeting concluded with an adjournment at 6:30 p.m.

The City Council meeting agenda covered several items approved under the Consent Agenda, including placing minutes from the Historical Commission and Planning Commission on file, approving bids/proposals related to the Grosse Pointe Farms Pool Usage Request for Summer 2026, and approving various claims and accounts for engineering services (Vernier Rd. & Mack Ave. Intersection Improvement, Torrey Rd. Pump Station Generator, 2025 Concrete Program, Sewer Rehab Program, General Engineering, Ghesquiere & Lakefront Park Bldg Renovations, and Sidewalk Eval) and planning services. Invoices from State of Michigan - MDOT concerning Vernier Rd. and Sunningdale Dr. projects, and assessing services were also approved. The Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing and approved a variance request for side yard setbacks at 809 Shoreham Rd. The Council also approved the final adoption of an Ordinance Amendment regarding Employee Benefits and the Nonduty Death provision in Chapter 2, Administration. New business included a Councilmember's commendation of Winterfest success and a suggestion to revisit the parking ordinance by potentially installing 15-minute parking meters due to issues caused by new businesses.

The Planning Commission meeting included proceedings to excuse absent commissioners and accept the agenda. Key discussions involved public hearings for two rezoning applications: one for 1925 Vernier Road from RO-1 to C (Commercial Business), and another for 21800 Marter Road from R-3 to C.F. (Community Facilities). The Commission voted to recommend approval for both rezoning applications to City Council, contingent on specific findings of fact and consistency with the 2024 Master Plan. Old Business included considering the Amended Site Plan for 20030 Mack Avenue (Eastside Dermatology), resulting in approval subject to conditions, including the creation of one ADA parking space on Faircourt and the elimination of another space. The Commission also tabled the façade improvement proposal for 20397 Mack Avenue (Platinum Oil Change) to allow the applicant to resubmit revised plans. Finally, the Commission recommended the Conditional Rezoning of 21060 Mack Avenue from RO-1 to C, with proposed conditions addressing occupancy type, residential use, and operating hours.

The meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report, noting the Historical Commission balance and the Cook Schoolhouse balance. Old business centered on the upcoming Cook Schoolhouse Open House scheduled for October 4th. A guest, a Grosse Pointe Park resident and teacher, proposed using the Cook Schoolhouse for second-grade field trips related to the district's social studies curriculum. Additionally, ideas were shared for recognizing the nation's 250th birthday next year during Memorial Day activities. The City Council Representative provided updates during the call to audience.

The Board addressed several agenda items, including excusing a Council Representative from attendance and receiving and placing all agenda items on file. Discussions included receiving and filing the trial balance report through September 30, 2025, and approving the refund of unvested pension contributions, with interest, to a former member. The Board also reviewed the 3rd Quarter Investment Report from FEG ending September 30, 2025, noting no recommended changes to the plan. Payments for invoices, including those to FEG, actuaries, legal counsel, and Comerica, were approved. Under new business, payment for the MAPERS 2026 Membership Renewal was approved. Additionally, the Pension Administrator reported that the pension ordinance regarding survivor's benefits and spousal requirements will be updated to remove gender-based distinctions and will be sent to City Council for authorization.