St. Clair Shores public meetings in 2022

Fence Arb.

The board approved two requests for fence installations that did not meet city ordinances. One request concerned arborvitaes on a water-adjacent property, and the other concerned post depth requirements.

• Approved request to place 9 arborvitaes inside chain link fence at 22447 Bayview Dr. (2-0)
• Approved request to leave fence posts 30 inches below grade at 24808 Culver (2-0)
• Approved minutes of October 19, 2022 (2-0)

City Council

City Council received and filed the FY 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and related audit documents. The council also approved a consent agenda including over $4.2 million in bills and several infrastructure progress payments.

• Approved receiving and filing FY 2022 ACFR and related audit reports (7-0)
• Approved release of checks for bills totaling $4,255,597.21 (7-0)
• Approved progress payments to Best Asphalt, Inc. ($17,750.00), Florence Cement Company ($97,464.70 and $4,882.34), Mark Anthony Contracting, Inc. ($49,751.11), Pipetek Infrastructure Services, LLC ($28,444.81), Underground Infrastructure Services ($7,695.00), JV Contracting ($62,545.10), and Lawrence M Clarke, Inc. ($1,449.00) (7-0)
• Approved minutes for Council meetings on October 17, 2022, and November 21, 2022 (7-0)
• Received and filed minutes for various Boards, Commissions, and Committees (7-0)

Library Board

The Board approved the 2023 American Library Association annual membership renewal and filed several financial reports. The Librarian provided updates on staffing, building plans for the Youth Services Room, and a $2,500 patron donation.

• Approved 2023 American Library Association annual membership renewal (4-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 minutes as amended (4-0)
• Received and filed General Fund and Museum budget reports, Cooperative accounts, and Raymond James statement (4-0)
• Adopted the December 15, 2022 meeting agenda (4-0)

Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA)

The TIFA Board approved a series of invoices totaling $142,062.80 for capital bonds, administration, and landscaping. The board also authorized up to $5,000 for a heated tent at Aqua Freeze if a sponsor is not found. Meeting dates for 2023 were approved with a time change to 6 p.m.

• Approved invoices totaling $142,062.80 (7-0)
• Approved up to $5,000 for Aqua Freeze heated tent if no sponsor is found (7-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting dates with time changed from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. (7-0)
• Approved October 5, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Received and filed financial report for July through October (7-0)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority approved the DDA/TIF plan and voted to begin preparations for a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant. Discussion regarding SAD Districts was tabled until January. The board also approved the minutes from October 12 and November 16, 2022.

• Approved DDA/TIF plan (8-0)
• Approved preparation for a TAP grant
• Tabled discussion of SAD Districts to January meeting
• Approved October 12, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved November 16, 2022 minutes (unanimous)

Bldg/Prop Mnt.

The Board approved a variance for a wooden porch at 23535 Beverly, provided all exterior materials are composite and the inspector confirms professional workmanship. The Board also approved the meeting minutes from September 13, 2022.

• Approved variance for wooden porch at 23535 Beverly with conditions that exterior materials be composite and pass inspector's review (4-1)
• Approved September 13, 2022 meeting minutes (All-0, 1 abstention)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the October 20, 2022 meeting. Members discussed upcoming park improvements, including a new ADA compliant field at Kyte Monroe and a pool slide installation scheduled for April.

• Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (All Ayes)

Water Resources

The Water Resources and Advisory Board approved a boat hoist installation with specific stipulations for markers and updated drawings. A separate request for a replacement seawall was tabled pending more construction details. The board also accepted the resignation of member Ronald Dest.

• Approved Canal Case #13-2022 for boat hoist at 22607 Eleven Mile Rd with stipulations for markers and updated drawings (All Ayes)
• Tabled Canal Case #12-2022 for replacement seawall at 22607 Rio Vista pending detailed hoist drawings (All Ayes)
• Approved October 4, 2022 meeting minutes (All Ayes)
• Accepted resignation of board member Ronald Dest

Historical Commission

The Commission approved the final proof for the Trinity Episcopal Church historical marker. Members also discussed the creation of a Facebook page for the Selinsky-Green Farmhouse and the need for new commission members due to vacancies.

• Approved final Trinity Episcopal Church marker proof
• Approved 2023 meeting dates with July 4, 2023 meeting eliminated
• Approved October 4, 2022 meeting minutes with amendments
• Appointed Kathleen Campbell to record minutes for the meeting
• Accepted resignation of Mike Leydet effective immediately

City Council

City Council awarded a three-year custodial services contract to CleanNet of Greater Michigan, Inc. and approved construction contracts for the Blossom Heath Inn and municipal pool. The Council also authorized a grant application for an accessible 'Miracle Field' at Kyte Monroe Park.

• Approved custodial services contract with CleanNet of Greater Michigan, Inc. for $824,450.76 over three years (7-0)
• Approved resolution to apply for up to $1 million Michigan SPARK Grant for a Miracle Field at Kyte Monroe Park (7-0)
• Awarded Blossom Heath Inn North Dining Room renovation contract to R Fromm Company, LLC for $83,537.00 (7-0)
• Approved $65,000 budget amendment for Blossom Heath Inn renovations (7-0)
• Awarded municipal pool slide footings contract to J. Ranck Electric for $182,077.50 (7-0)
• Recognized 4 Paws 1 Heart as a nonprofit for charitable gaming license purposes (7-0)
• Approved $2,454,783.54 in bills (7-0)
• Approved progress payments to EC Korneffel, Galui Construction, DiLisio Contacting, Underground Infrastructure Services, Italia Construction, and Pipetek Infrastructure Services (7-0)

Animal Ordinance Committee

The Animal Ordinance Committee approved two requests for variances to Ordinance 6.5, which limits the number of dogs or cats per household. Both petitioners were granted permission to keep a fourth dog at their respective residences.

• Approved minutes of the November 2, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Granted variance for a fourth dog at 22013 Sunnydale Street (3-0)
• Granted variance for a fourth dog at 23015 Violet Street (3-0)

Zoning Boards of Appeals (ZBA)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved several variance requests for outdoor patios, building additions, and a retail-to-residential conversion. One request for a height variance was denied, while another for a permanent accessory structure was approved with a one-year review condition. The board also elected its 2023 officers.

• Approved front yard setback variance for outdoor patio at 23018 Greater Mack (All-0)
• Approved 7.66 foot sideyard setback variance at 31918 Jefferson (All-0)
• Approved 17.9 foot rear setback variance for convenience store addition at 23800 Jefferson (All-0)
• Approved parking and setback variances for retail-to-multifamily conversion at 23746 Greater Mack (All-0)
• Denied 4 foot height variance for accessory structure at 28831 Harper (All-0)
• Approved permanent accessory structure at 28831 Harper with one-year review condition (4-3)
• Approved November 3, 2022 meeting minutes (All-0)
• Elected Lee Bertolo as Chairman, Bill Lince as Vice-Chairman, and Thomas Budnick as Secretary for 2023 (All-0)

City Council

The Council held a budget workshop to discuss a $5.2 million shortfall in estimated ARPA project costs and the status of various city renovations. No formal votes were taken on funding allocations, though the Council discussed priorities for police and fire department buildings. The meeting concluded with updates on the Blossom Heath Pier and boat ramp repairs.

• Adjourned meeting at 8:55 p.m. (7-0)

City Council

City Council authorized the purchase of 22341 Cedar Street for $210,000 using Drug Forfeiture Funds. The board also approved several zoning changes, site plans for commercial developments, and the appointment of a Mayor Pro Tem.

• Appointed Council Member Vitale as Mayor Pro Tem (7-0)
• Approved liquor license transfer and location move to 31252 Harper Ave (7-0)
• Approved rezoning of 23746 Greater Mack from B-3 to RM-1 for 4-unit apartments (6-1)
• Approved site plan for 4-unit multi-family complex at 23746 Greater Mack (6-1)
• Approved special land use and site plan for SEMSD office building at 20001 Pleasant (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved site plan for gas station convenience store addition at 23800 Jefferson (7-0)
• Authorized $210,000 purchase of 22341 Cedar Street via Drug Forfeiture Fund (5-2)
• Authorized sale of tax-foreclosed property at 24004 Deanhurst for $891.36 (7-0)

Library Board

The Board approved the 2023 holiday closing schedule and voted to keep the book 'Tulip Sees America' in the Easy Book Collection following a citizen's request for reconsideration. The Board also authorized a temporary Girl Scout sock donation box for the Haven Shelter.

• Approved 2023 Library Holiday Calendar (4-0)
• Voted to retain 'Tulip Sees America' in the Easy Book Collection (4-0)
• Approved request for Girl Scout sock donation box for Haven Shelter (4-0)
• Approved October 20, 2022, meeting minutes (4-0)
• Received and filed General Fund and Museum budget reports (4-0)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority tabled the approval of the October 12, 2022, meeting minutes. The board discussed the DDA Plan and a downtown parking study, with a review of the plan scheduled for the December 14 meeting.

• Tabled October 12, 2022 minutes to the next meeting

Activities Committee

The committee approved up to $30,000 for new bandshell flooring and set specific pricing and scheduling for future Halloween Fun Fest events. Funding was also approved for Tunnel of Lights and Aqua Freeze entertainment and decorations.

• Approved $30,000 for new bandshell flooring
• Approved $1,300 for Aqua Freeze entertainment and a guitar ice sculpture
• Approved up to $1,500 for Tunnel of Lights entertainment
• Set Halloween Fun Fest: 12:30pm-4:00pm, $3 wristbands (500 per half hour), special needs group 12:00pm-12:30pm
• Approved September 21, 2022 meeting minutes

Mechanical Equipment Arbitration

The Mechanical Equipment Arbitration Committee approved a request for a variance to allow a whole house generator to be placed on the side of a residence. The generator will be located two feet from the house and two feet from the back, positioned behind a privacy fence.

• Approved variance to place generator at 22625 Rosedale (2-0)

Cultural Committee

The scheduled Cultural Committee meeting for November 9, 2022, was cancelled. No actions were taken and no decisions were made.

Zoning Boards of Appeals (ZBA)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a 6.5 foot front yard setback variance for a wood porch at 22320 Maple. The board also approved the meeting minutes from September 1, 2022.

• Approved 6.5 foot front yard setback variance for wood porch at 22320 Maple (7-1)
• Approved September 1, 2022 ZBA meeting minutes (All-0)

Animal Ordinance Committee

The Animal Ordinance Committee approved a variance to allow residents at 28130 Nieman Street to keep four dogs. The committee also discussed a resident's request to keep a miniature pig as a pet, though no action was taken.

• Approved minutes of July 13, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Granted variance to Animal Ordinance Chapter 6.5 for a fourth dog at 28130 Nieman Street (3-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission meeting scheduled for November 1, 2022, was cancelled. No substantive decisions were made.

Sign Arb

The Board granted signage variances for New Order Coffee, Radical Plants, and Detroit Cookie Company, while denying one wall sign request. The Board also approved the use of election day flag signs at city voting precincts.

• Approved rear wall-mounted sign for New Order Coffee (3-0)
• Approved roof sign for New Order Coffee with signed hold harmless agreement (3-0)
• Approved window signs exceeding max limit for Radical Plants for one year (3-0)
• Approved two of three window signs for Detroit Cookie Company; denied one for safety (3-0)
• Approved 'Coming soon and hiring' window sign and 50% coverage 'Catering' sign for Detroit Cookie Company (3-0)
• Approved wall signs on parking lot elevation and exceeding max area for Detroit Cookie Company (3-0)
• Denied wall sign on Harper elevation for Detroit Cookie Company (3-0)
• Approved election day flag signs for city voting precinct locations (3-0)

Council Sub Committee on Boards, Commissions and Commissions

The Council Sub-Committee on Boards, Commissions & Committees recommended the reappointment of 30 members across various city boards and the appointment of Catherine Destefano to the Memorial Day Parade Committee. The committee also accepted several resignations and directed the Clerk's office to post notices for vacancies on eight different committees.

• Recommended appointment of Catherine Destefano to the SCS Memorial Day Parade Committee (2-0)
• Recommended reappointment of 30 members to various boards and commissions (2-0)
• Accepted resignations of Stephanie Bushey, Melissa Sharp, Tracy Vandemeer, and Barbara Carpenter
• Recommended that Ashton Dillon, Stephanie Londo, and Leonard Goodlesky be considered resigned due to excessive absences (2-0)
• Approved sending a deadline letter for excessive absences to a Historical Committee member (2-0)
• Tabled review of an interview from the September 27, 2022 meeting (2-0)
• Directed Clerk's office to post vacancy notices for eight committees including Parks & Recreation and Historical Commission
• Approved September 27, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)

Library Board

The Library Board approved the 2023 meeting schedule and received an update on a patron's request to reconsider a book, noting the form has not yet been returned. The Board also discussed a local author's request to host a paid event, confirming the policy prohibits for-profit sales in the meeting room. The Polaris computer system migration continues, with MelCat expected to be operational by November 1.

• Approved the agenda (4-0).
• Approved the amended September 15, 2022, minutes (4-0).
• Received and filed financial reports for June through September 2022 (4-0).
• Approved the 2023 Library Board of Trustees meeting dates (4-0).
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:41 a.m. (4-0).

Fence Board of Appeals

The Board of Fence Appeals will review an appeal regarding a denied request to install a gate at 22600 Ten Mile. The board is considering whether to overturn a previous decision from a May 18, 2022 arbitration meeting.

• Case #01-2022: Request for 6-ft tall wrought iron gate at 22600 Ten Mile

Parks & Recreation Commission

The commission will conduct a regular meeting including a director's report and committee reports. Committee updates cover athletics, lakefront facilities, neighborhood parks, and recreation programs.

• Director's Report
• Athletics committee reports for soccer, baseball, softball, and hockey/figure skating
• Lakefront Parks & Aquatics Facilities reports
• Neighborhood Parks and Recreation reports
• 2022 Committee report regarding the 50th Anniversary of the Department of Parks and Recreation