[{"_1":2,"_135":-5,"_136":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111,123],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6362516,"mediaKeyId","2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a","parentId",2167690,"title","At a glance: motions at Sterling Heights strategic planning session","audioSeconds",18756,"startMs",170000,"endMs",18926000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a&start=170&end=18926","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a/thumbnail_170000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6362516/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/At-a-glance-motions-at-Sterling-Heights-strategic-planning-session","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362516-aa7ef93ed5e62d8f2e8f327d0e1080c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146098&Signature=RHyk4cJd0QA8le0N8ktXwNld7hLLaz9qzb82NFvIQw-GNXZkOp4X7ukNoIYLWcocvyt4-NrZuO~y9LnWjvydG8Oq9DFNPMsnj6dxWOPORfWkIR0ulGyJqCXVdXiNzmmpUB5na717trNM7TZKs5O3VKTAxPXbgco3Sfh1xOFfbHjkmokYQhRcW8ONFVXCZYaU0vUDWsvbvLnZazAnBj0e2S3QQtNGWUAWxEJ~H8Ibyc1P8jzS9bC88qvTr57NmxWEEdFIw5JJX~2ZYXFwFObyOop1VErcORYPtMB4YgrxYCversIU~b6hDi-7P23CxeTcKt2ocaG0P19s~xmMUhXhHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","SHTV1","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","Two formal motions recorded in the meeting minutes were procedural: approval of the meeting agenda and adjournment.

At the start of the session Councilmember Koski moved to approve the agenda; a second was registered and the motion passed by voice vote (unanimous aye). At the close of the meeting a motion to adjourn was moved and supported; the motion carried by voice vote.

Ending: These procedural votes were the only formal recorded council roll‑call actions in the strategic planning session transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1-28-25 Special City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved the meeting agenda and later adjourned the special strategic planning session; both motions carried by voice vote after being moved, seconded and supported.","taxTitle","Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan","taxId",5477,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362521,"Council briefed on Pathways to Play & Preservation millage work plan: sidewalks, park projects, reforestation and land bank funding",1647,15144000,16791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a&start=15144&end=16791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a/thumbnail_15144000.jpg","/articles/6362521/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-briefed-on-Pathways-to-Play-Preservation-millage-work-plan-sidewalks-park-projects-reforestation-and-land-bank-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362521-96c8d104bffcdf3fda53656af100dba4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146098&Signature=Q7BDsWH-xCLTjc0SwtAu83Qj6m8TCSpi4ZWb~ZM3-A2h9DaA05-E0lSf91jFSNRTLqDWAN4mfvGsKE3yjd~UQCPtVcr-pioDTBubPprA6U-g2t8H-bkX7OpFGO525db60GjxrMG0XUh00SkiJKnsQXzf2qo1B2jbZkePxdhoV3z0BYC-ttYqNmhhz3W0bY7CuQqp5WpOGAdKh1wDKtdq3R2eU8PiSd3Q0mcY1ABJaIu8GK3THtUMvbZc7EkvykxrR~qgjQIyqr8DUEcdanvUVtwyauCXI560WFSd8a7M3edsvUlSRsMpTuf17~2KwvixIPHMfld7f-fqq9rTraGouA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff provided a multi‑part update on projects funded by the Pathways to Play and Preservation (PPP) millage, emphasizing front‑loaded investments, project timing and the funding plan.

City Engineer Brent Bayshaw described two sidewalk streams: a citywide replacement program to repair damaged sidewalks and a separate sidewalk‑gap program to complete network connections. Staff said roughly 70 percent of original priority gaps are complete and proposed a five‑year schedule to finish remaining priorities; the recommended 2025 program would address immediate high‑priority repairs. Bayshaw noted the city is moving from a target‑area replacement model to a city‑wide asset approach based on a recent GIS audit that identified approximately 1,400 high‑priority locations and another 8,200 on a watch list.

Parks Director Kyle Langley reviewed the nature preserve trail (design and construction targeting fiscal 2027–28), the city’s effort to find an existing building to retrofit for an indoor pickleball/table‑tennis complex (target opening 2027), and the Rotary Park and Red Run Park redevelopment schedules (engineering and construction timed to have openings around 2027). Langley said the city is pursuing adaptive reuse where possible and has retained TMP Architecture for pickleball feasibility work.

Planner Alexis Richards outlined the reforestation plan: 1,200 street trees planted in 2024, about 3,400 trees planned in 2025 using grant funds, and a goal to plant 15,000 trees within seven years using PPP millage funding (roughly $600,000 per year in early millage years). Economic, environmental and social benefits were cited, and staff emphasized outreach to homeowners and focused plantings in disadvantaged census tracts first.

Development staff described an open‑space acquisition approach and announced an initial $5 million advance fund to acquire high‑priority properties, to be followed by matching annual allocations later in the millage period. Finance Director Jennifer Varney summarized the financing approach: a proposed bond package (roughly $40 million) to accelerate work, with an estimated annual debt service of about $3.6 million at a 4% interest assumption; staff said line‑item transparency would be shown in new PPP funds in the FY2026 budget and that the city would continue to refine design and cost estimates before bond issuance.

Ending: Councilors asked staff to consider resident requests for individual trees and to be explicit about maintenance responsibilities; staff said they will return with refined schedules, cost estimates and processes for resident tree requests and property acquisition criteria.","Staff outlined an accelerated rollout of projects funded by the Pathways to Play and Preservation millage, including an expanded sidewalk program, two flagship park redevelopments (Rotary, Red Run), a nature preserve trail, a pickleball facility feasibility effort, a goal to plant 15,000 trees and $5 million advance funding for land acquisition.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362526,"Sterling Heights presents mental‑health strategic assessment; staff propose coordination, peer supports and crisis partnerships",1265,13104000,14369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a&start=13104&end=14369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a/thumbnail_13104000.jpg","/articles/6362526/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Sterling-Heights-presents-mentalhealth-strategic-assessment-staff-propose-coordination-peer-supports-and-crisis-partnerships","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362526-bde2ebd878b01075b8fd15f128bb9cb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146098&Signature=iLUbZ7P1Fx2sGsKUAtRz2Xho3pIWCXpeaxhD2leDt15nz0aJzmRC73FMDmQ39nYPmKSqQLQqKlv7lQXP71GtFO8q9D5BLV7ah7l6GFcoe0Kc5tsgtexM273QmFLChglfMg8IWkZE03WDgKWko~pcmQZ0~CpOXZYZLH4ktT3l-1xF5Bn3fnwGxvvlq~OgaTGOK-1u030AyInxRXtU6aqP79p7j1X7V17f-LVVoOpYLgA4NzdaskjZeKtwPdxAMI~pBAIEXhmRnSFPpHzhEg06ekroLMGjlkmB8wX3NTffxsgZudDBe7L7ygaXA9h7tvy60hGn3psnWjk1x8Nuvs396A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A year‑long community assessment by Health Management Associates (HMA) identified gaps in crisis services, outpatient capacity and coordinated care and recommended the city act as a convener and connector for services.

Consultant Brianna Jacob summarized key findings: rising behavioral‑health acuity and substance use, transportation and language barriers to access, fragmented information about local services, and a shortage of dedicated crisis and shelter capacity within the city. HMA flagged that frequent users of emergency services — often people with unmet social needs — drive a disproportionate share of calls.

Recommended approaches include expanding low‑barrier treatment options, investing in workforce development and peer‑support roles, establishing an online community directory of behavioral‑health and substance‑use services, coordinating MIH and caseworker responses with first responders, and expanding partnerships with county and nonprofit providers. Assistant City Manager Dale Jawowjikowski and consultant staff emphasized the city’s role as a convener and connector rather than as a primary service provider.

Council members supported continued outreach to schools and faith and business communities, and staff said the city will pursue grant funding where available and pilot co‑responder and caseworker models that were described earlier in the meeting.

Ending: Staff said they will return with an implementation plan and proposed near‑term items for budget consideration, including grant‑funded co‑responder pilots and continuing caseworker staffing.","A community mental‑health assessment by HMA found gaps in crisis services and outpatient capacity and recommended partnerships, more low‑barrier care, peer supports, caseworkers and an online resource directory to improve access and reduce repeat emergency calls.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362531,"City highlights curbside recycling gains, explores more e‑waste options and weighs storm‑water utility",570,7218000,7788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a&start=7218&end=7788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a/thumbnail_7218000.jpg","/articles/6362531/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/City-highlights-curbside-recycling-gains-explores-more-ewaste-options-and-weighs-stormwater-utility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362531-46af79d380c87b5660b9e10a0b44defb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146098&Signature=LqP0qsBSAG6ECXGz~Kr6baXZ1yKvES-9DsMavp6MotvUYNQ5bdqkg~MWLJjAN8XokhAa7QaqFlzSoZWCTyiLd0DufNTQLrCpXx05YZaqaxNoG9wNMUoauy1yWKqXkia1tSO1UUoxmDgqm9Pcieq-bXnN7aPKlRx~3SDMXsColHnXS32BtavAeN3QCVLkvyyL9~cCVNCVLgWpXkfeVXJam79XQQSacUQABfNtXmJ9vKE2UFahvsPtzd76XIb5n99iFcs3cS-udhIbau1W935BfT1UJsfPs4NDIiOa6rvKRtS93y6d3aguGXv2W8sVjRLPqmapllyxPG0yy0649Ue7KA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works Director Mike Moore reported a dramatic increase in curbside recycling volume after the May contract started and the distribution of about 40,000 blue carts. Moore said annual spring collection events still gather large electronics — this year about 36 tons at the DPW event — but residents often set items at the curb or in blue carts between events and such items can be routed to refuse rather than recycling.

Moore outlined near‑term options to handle more e‑waste: additional annual or semiannual collection events, a drop‑box program at city sites for smaller electronics, worked drop‑off partnerships with vendors, and public education about where to recycle batteries and other items (several large retailers accept rechargeable batteries and other e‑waste). He told council staff will report back this spring with a recommended mix of options.

Staff then presented the pros and cons of a storm‑water utility to fund stormwater maintenance and capital needs. City Engineer Brent Bayshaw described the city’s drained network (approx. 660 miles of underground storm main, 28,000 catch basins and 44 retention ponds) and the state‑mandated new design standards for developments over one acre. Finance Director Jennifer Varney said many cities fund stormwater with a separate dedicated fund and user fee assessed by impervious area; she estimated a comprehensive study to scope and charge a utility would require an external consultant and public outreach and put a preliminary planning timeline at roughly 6–12 months. City Attorney Mark Kashewski reviewed cases and legal questions, noting the Michigan Supreme Court’s Bolt v. City of Lansing decision and that recent draft legislation (Senate Bill 660) would create a statewide framework; Kashewski said about a dozen Michigan municipalities have adopted utilities to date.

Council discussion focused on fairness, likely costs, and whether to budget a consultant study. Staff recommended budgeting for a study to produce a defensible fee structure and credit program; councilors asked staff to include a study cost in the upcoming capital/budget planning so the city can evaluate the utility in 2025–26 before any fee is adopted.

Ending: Moore and Varney said staff will return with options and cost estimates for e‑waste improvements and with a scope and budget estimate for a storm‑water utility feasibility study if council agrees to proceed.","Public Works outlined large increases in curbside recycling since universal carts were deployed and proposed options for more frequent e‑waste collection; staff also presented a preliminary analysis of a possible storm‑water utility and the legal and financial issues to study further.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362536,"Sterling Heights unveils first Climate Action Plan with 5 sectors and near‑term actions for 2050 net‑zero goal",987,6128000,7115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a&start=6128&end=7115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a/thumbnail_6128000.jpg","/articles/6362536/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Sterling-Heights-unveils-first-Climate-Action-Plan-with-5-sectors-and-nearterm-actions-for-2050-netzero-goal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362536-dab6c0cf7b179b142fcbf64bb986a788/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146098&Signature=Vr4M65VRyfg9C8rje~rmPMF~Rr3gefDLG9Wv-PCJ-dhfs1oDxtjJgh9vD17EYg4UxSWKpyv0GTJw2BhQiPAtxTYaamaU5PUfOQrAPBZcDSF8AQUo2Yt8LHW~yk4pmbdFEqwDY22nIwaKbj1jrGyhkjOW3mzoFBoj2asVmq4J4PyhpmovbVgGrfl3UEvdNsYEuNVySbEoRjN~A2Y5SZ7297v9NCWF3uFwk5SmBfqORK4V5B4UMPre~8t38~N1uvqWMs55v6a2qLputTKQfdeLVaPe5Ilfs-APcDT5JjzpVm72wvu81ou-DQpJEDoZb~I6Mocr86u8nzGsEsXBgwdHxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planner Alexis Richards presented Sterling Heights’ first Climate Action Plan (CAP), a roadmap meant to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate impacts.

Richards said the city completed 2022 inventories showing roughly 2,000,000 metric tons CO2e for community‑wide emissions and 13,312 metric tons CO2e for municipal operations; industrial, residential and transportation sectors are the largest community emitters. The CAP focuses first on municipal actions the city controls, then community measures that require resident and business participation.

The CAP organizes work across five sectors — buildings, transportation, waste, natural resources and public health — with 22 strategies and 103 actions. Examples include residential and commercial efficiency programs, incentives for building electrification, an EV infrastructure and fleet transition plan, expanded recycling and organic‑waste diversion, tree canopy increases with a 40% canopy target by 2050, stormwater and green infrastructure to reduce flooding, and public‑health resilience measures. Staff noted some actions are already under way: municipal EVs and public chargers, universal curbside recycling, and a newly created land bank funded by the recently approved Pathways to Play and Preservation millage.

Richards and staff emphasized the CAP is a living document that will guide a prioritized 5‑year implementation program; many of the actions will require partnerships, funding and resident outreach. Councilors were invited to offer feedback before the CAP is placed on a forthcoming council agenda for formal adoption.

Ending: City staff said the CAP will be used to guide budget and capital planning and to align local measures with state 2050 carbon neutrality goals.","City staff presented a draft Climate Action Plan inventorying 2022 emissions and laying out 22 strategies and 103 actions across buildings, transportation, waste, natural resources and public health to guide progress toward net‑zero by 2050.",{"_33":124,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":125,"_41":126,"_43":127,"_45":128,"_47":129,"_49":130,"_51":131,"_53":132,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":133,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":134,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6362541,"Consultants say Sterling Heights fire/EMS broadly strong but recommend more staff, mobile health and prevention upgrades",1663,713000,2376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a&start=713&end=2376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2167690-592293ad649fe529bd6891dd040b948a/thumbnail_713000.jpg","/articles/6362541/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Consultants-say-Sterling-Heights-fireEMS-broadly-strong-but-recommend-more-staff-mobile-health-and-prevention-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6362541-4964b372b9f8a02233abdf30f1798fa4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146098&Signature=JuYfB~MKzM3uYsluzu78UvLKYUemNtGp09nSDXp7a4awdACpia3dyUAFhvSQfNTVrKyWU-3vVgd6x-3lzrggVtrQw4gLC~1SJMy3zSIBgYTujDHNARYqo-jK3BJoeg96O0nAObeh6JizCnyhdEAkI1ro5J09SEeADwWiCtytkADzZeVXmmT2AlTIM8lqj3MdS2ech6CpyvrU0-BV-YvckLeogRuBODWcdY3kSwpFaGBsJVFIALMHDnBS7yL7YYRDhOwsccZu2TPw1ExAxkmMkvLtyAMK~coni6mrBucY9q8ne~OxvXrCEmG5j2ZFYihwSrcwkLXZNTpCbwpqbqDmBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A consultant-led community risk assessment and standards-of-cover review found Sterling Heights’ fire and emergency medical services to be well-managed but identified several operational gaps that could affect resiliency and response times.

The assessment, presented by Joseph Pozo of the Center For Public Safety Management, said Sterling Heights ranks in the top 2 percent in Michigan on ISO ratings and praised station culture and training. Still, the report flagged longer-than-benchmark turnout and travel times, uneven fire prevention inspection coverage, and the reliance on overtime for minimum staffing.

Pozo and Fire Chief Edmonds told council the department runs roughly 47 calls a day (about 17,000 calls over a three‑year period) and more than 28,000 unit runs because many incidents require multiple apparatus. The consultants recommended the city consider the equivalent of roughly 7½ additional staffed positions per day to reduce recurring overtime, implement a mobile integrated health (MIH) program to navigate frequent users to appropriate services, expand automatic aid agreements, invest in software to track inspection obligations, and increase hydrant inspection/testing to improve the ISO score toward a potential Class 1 rating.

Council members pressed on cost and timing. Councilmember Yanes asked whether the staffing shortfall could be covered entirely with overtime; Pozo explained overtime can fill gaps but that steady minimum staffing requires planned hires or a budgeted staffing strategy. In response to questions about frequent EMS callers, Pozo and Chief Edmonds explained MIH and community paramedicine focus on “super‑users” — people who call repeatedly — and on connecting them to long‑term medical, social and transportation resources rather than expecting immediate reductions in calls.

City management and the consultant also recommended targeting fire prevention workload with new GIS and permitting integrations, better remote inspection protocols, and more automatic aid agreements so neighboring ladder and engine companies are built into response run cards rather than summoned case‑by‑case. The presentation concluded with implementation steps and a suggestion to review staffing and overtime annually during the budget process.

Ending: The report will inform upcoming budget planning and staffing discussions; councilors asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates and options for phasing any hiring and equipment changes.","A Center for Public Safety Management assessment praised Sterling Heights Fire Department’s culture and ISO standing but recommended staffing increases, a mobile integrated health program, improved fire prevention inspection systems and hydrant testing to maintain performance and reduce overtime.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

At a glance: motions at Sterling Heights strategic planning session

Council briefed on Pathways to Play & Preservation millage work plan: sidewalks, park projects, reforestation and land bank funding

Sterling Heights presents mental‑health strategic assessment; staff propose coordination, peer supports and crisis partnerships

City highlights curbside recycling gains, explores more e‑waste options and weighs storm‑water utility

Sterling Heights unveils first Climate Action Plan with 5 sectors and near‑term actions for 2050 net‑zero goal

Consultants say Sterling Heights fire/EMS broadly strong but recommend more staff, mobile health and prevention upgrades