[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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],{"_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",6267680,"mediaKeyId","3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf","parentId",3067024,"title","DPW: City has $5M state grant for lead service-line replacements; program roll-out and homeowner outreach underway","audioSeconds",207,"startMs",3669000,"endMs",3876000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf&start=3669&end=3876","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf/thumbnail_3669000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6267680/Taylor/Wayne-County/Michigan/DPW-City-has-5M-state-grant-for-lead-service-line-replacements-program-roll-out-and-homeowner-outreach-underway","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267680-be725a5912212b7002061fb733491ed2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432567&Signature=b58JJFSG2SMYrELXQiDMP5MKdZ2Wq6xdWQ4znqh3mOS6Zpw2EdXslRT5P-qG2M1k9TehBp-NArJjwCitffEMCvrdKqyy-xxr7dDXEErTS1etVngJjc4Pp0jKYtkwDvEzDhGYytQMMdfG5b5GsGl01fwfdSoP90i0LSwnDQnS~Gh79r79iQIyevp7s1WljaZ7XVjfaj0E4EgdQQEbvfM-Io-RRL8DjcR3UZE-~ad6n0k3ihz7h-KPOEdeHTB8pQhUzx3xi3OSuHP2VkWQTtTAZAeJHJOI~kankkqddZh6H55PTcHSyIt0TCgMDN0rt-syrEsG3-g8ek2uHHHOUTCKIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Taylor MI","date","2025-04-17T00:00:00Z","article","The city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) told council it has secured roughly $5 million in state grant funding to replace lead water service lines and described rollout plans and homeowner outreach steps.

Grant, scope and timing: DPW staff said the $5 million award was received recently and will be handled via a budget amendment rather than the base FY26 operating budget. Ralph (DPW director) told the council the award had not been in the printed budget packet because the paperwork was finalized after reports were prepared. “That is not in this budget,” he told members; “we actually did not budget that.” Staff said the money will be added through a budget amendment and that planning is underway to schedule replacement work.

How the program will work: DPW staff described a methodical, geography-by-geography approach to confirmation and replacement. Staff said the city has a list of about 22,000 residential addresses in the inventory and is starting with higher-probability neighborhoods (older building stock, records of lead service installation). A DPW staffer explained the notification process: the city will send multiple notices by different methods; if the city makes four attempts by two different means and still cannot gain access, the property can be deemed “uncontrolled” and responsibility for replacement may fall to the homeowner at sale or when required by future legislation.

Owner outreach and verification: Staff described field-level verification steps — a physical inspection, a simple scrape test or visual check at the curb and at the home entry — and said the DPW has a clerk assigned to coordinate notices. Council members suggested enhancing outreach through building inspections and partnerships with local plumbers to identify potential lead lines. DPW staff said they are already coordinating with building inspection, water staff and permit processes to improve verification rates.

Costs and responsibility: Staff said where the city can access lines on the public side and coordinate with homeowners, the city will pay replacement costs. If a homeowner does not respond and the property is later covered by a sale or a new regulation, the homeowner could be responsible for replacement costs. DPW staff and councilors discussed incentives and outreach strategies, including potential permit-based notices, and asked for regular updates on the confirmed list and the pace of replacements.

Speakers
- Ralph — DPW director (government)
- Guido — Building & Grounds / Parks director (government)

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: grant receipt, outreach plan, verification and replacement policy, homeowner responsibility when properties are unreachable.
- Decision: No council vote on the program was recorded; staff said the grant will be added via budget amendment and that detailed contract awards are forthcoming.

Clarifying details
- Grant amount: staff said “we actually did not budget that” and described the award as $5,000,000 (DPW remarks). Staff said the funding will be added by amendment.
- Inventory size: DPW reference to a 22,000-address database used for outreach.
- Outreach rule: DPW described a business rule where the city will make four attempts by two different means before deeming a property uncontrollable and potentially passing replacement costs to the homeowner.

Searchable_tags:[\"lead_service_lines\",\"DPW\",\"grant\",\"infrastructure\",\"water_main\",\"service_line_replacement\"]","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Budget Study Session\tApril 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","DPW reported that the city secured about $5 million to replace lead water service lines, described a neighborhood-by-neighborhood rollout plan and said the money will be added to the budget via amendment.","taxTitle","Taylor, Wayne County, Michigan","taxId",5036,"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},6267684,"Police budget briefing: council hears hiring surge, overtime drivers and planned drone program; forfeiture funds cited for equipment",295,2105000,2400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf&start=2105&end=2400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf/thumbnail_2105000.jpg","/articles/6267684/Taylor/Wayne-County/Michigan/Police-budget-briefing-council-hears-hiring-surge-overtime-drivers-and-planned-drone-program-forfeiture-funds-cited-for-equipment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267684-af4825e4ede873644a7e61b417968b97/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432567&Signature=F09bkVyAMdzkYP8imMuGYD~GcPQBFK0~bKp8M8wK0xQdKM1tL7Hz0mIc-DVb3qplyp5bCqxNWl8kjhGNvxpG~QKNFMFvgJoHoUXqf7ua1HYX74n8mY36S6RHgXit03JPI9k1RK5bJGVhpQa8P7TJljPs6Accfmdi~UC6T2yFjvYsBlPz3vGGUGrwrbt7ehCPrZmFAMmzoNb1CBCjnIk6JlIggk8t5PkMosOeTi1gUOCLD7IMKM2WwR5zFD70YsLFUizBErqE5UeBJrpzjRmS5egKS-ooj9NpwhC5PJx6HgVOX9ToLnLDOnhXQE2oY0zE5~1SzSZGglUjAhdpyaAi3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Blair and budget staff briefed council on staffing changes, overtime trends and new technology at the police department during the budget workshop.

Hiring and staffing: Chief Blair said the mayor authorized seven additional officer hires, which he expects will increase the department’s headcount toward its budgeted complement for the coming fiscal year. “We currently obviously have 68…we're making some good progress,” he said, noting the goal of reaching 75–78 officers depending on the approved staffing plan.

Overtime drivers and strategy: City budget staff showed historical overtime trends and noted that about 80% of the city's overtime occurs in public safety. Chief Blair and the mayor's office discussed structural reasons overtime is high — contractual categories that are not discretionary (court attendance, holiday pay, shift premiums and single-off-day banking approaches), plus the practical reality that understaffing drives overtime. Blair said the department has a layered strategy to control overtime: hire to budgeted strength, monitor approvals and capture grant funds when available. Councilors asked about specific overtime line items and the chief explained several categories that are contract-driven and therefore hard to reduce without staffing increases.

Drones, forfeiture and federal grants: Chief Blair outlined a drone-first-responder program the department is pursuing. He said the department is prepared to fund an initial multi-year acquisition from state and federal forfeiture proceeds but is also applying for a separate grant (approximate program request $775,000, according to staff discussion) that would cover the program and make the forfeiture funds available for other uses if awarded. On forfeiture generally, staff said recent significant state forfeitures (a referenced local criminal case) have increased available balances; the department plans some equipment purchases (vehicles, drones, a first-responder “drone program”) with forfeiture dollars while pursuing grant opportunities.

Community and equipment priorities: Blair mentioned other equipment funded or planned for funding from forfeiture — new cars, a drone program, and electric vehicles awarded through grant processes. Councilors asked about the long-term maintenance and sustainability of new programs; staff said some purchases would be one-time grants while others would require future maintenance funding.

Speakers
- Chief Blair — Police Chief (government)
- Mayor Tim Willie — Mayor (government)
- Council members (unnamed in transcript) asked questions about overtime and grants.

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: department hires, overtime analysis, drone program budget approach, and forfeiture funding for vehicles/equipment.
- Decision: No formal council appropriation or vote recorded for new police hires or drone purchases during this session; chief reported mayoral approval of hires.

Clarifying details
- Hires: mayor authorized seven additional officers (Chief Blair statement).
- Drone grant: staff described pursuing a $775,000 grant for the drone-first-responder program; staff said if the grant is awarded the department would not use planned forfeiture funds for the program.
- Forfeiture: Chief Blair said a large state forfeiture from a local case has increased state forfeiture levels for the department; specific amounts were not given at the meeting.

Searchable_tags:[\"police\",\"hiring\",\"overtime\",\"drones\",\"forfeiture\",\"grants\",\"public_safety\"]","Police leadership told council that recent hiring is reducing shortfalls and that a planned drone-first-responder program may be funded by forfeiture proceeds unless an active $775,000 grant application succeeds.",{"_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},6267690,"Sportsplex posts steady revenue; international roller hockey tournament and summer events expected to boost FY26",105,1526000,1631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf&start=1526&end=1631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf/thumbnail_1526000.jpg","/articles/6267690/Taylor/Wayne-County/Michigan/Sportsplex-posts-steady-revenue-international-roller-hockey-tournament-and-summer-events-expected-to-boost-FY26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267690-1e8408ed7894b89e7431280595368dc7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432567&Signature=Lh409YGwdsIzv1paOJBRXsWboZgxpO4hLPYX2XRXjDx3JU-tqyRHihKKUvgUN9FUURPxYmgAjSKvxDYJzDXVlY9R--GYtfWD93-gI6Lc5RqplWn3AuXN3Vfbf43W7qjLQWKqcLjEUbNMQMri~mrzCTsdT-Ni7LIQusKKU8VbEVS6LOKw0Rhm0xpXrRhcAMA4l47KW9FrjYK-rt8hvzsLSNd-A7bXoPT9u5xjfcEIRubyVoB9U~dxN2Icgn~Z8ImvfF704wfXlT6fpSCarv7afIO4wDCV3Sknon0vJp-EqzureGD2JoeSOXz5lFqEc9m5TLMu1XbnFH1rkWmSFRO7DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff reported a modestly positive operating position at the Taylor Sportsplex (TSX) during the budget workshop and described several large, upcoming events that staff expect to boost future revenue.

Thomas (Sportsplex manager) told council the center’s point-of-sale and scheduling systems show more than $1.2 million in gross revenue for the fiscal year to date; he said some hockey tournaments and late-arriving receipts were not yet captured in the printed reports but that the updated total is north of $1.2 million. “We still have some money outstanding, some hockey tournaments still to come through,” Thomas said.

Staff highlighted 1 major upcoming attraction: an international roller-hockey tournament running July 22–August 4, which Thomas said draws teams from up to six continents and can run roughly 900 games over the two weeks while using multiple arenas. Council and staff said the tournament draws no admission for spectators but produces strong concession and hotel activity that should increase next year’s local economic impact.

Sportsplex staffing and programming: Thomas said the center is filling more middle-management and program positions (he reported an assistant manager hire was imminent and that a marketing role remains open) and that new programming — DJ skate nights, expanded tournaments, and greater use of in-house party and event spaces — is expanding usage. He said the facility is nearly fully staffed for the coming season and that part-time turnover is expected to be manageable.

Capital and operations: Council and staff discussed building maintenance questions such as exterior door corrosion and the condition of party and rental spaces; Thomas said routine maintenance and pre-bid work for building systems (boilers, the walk-in freezer at the senior center that he described as CDBG-funded elsewhere in the agenda) are in progress. Staff also noted the Sportsplex’s positive role in community programming (roller hockey, inline leagues, youth events) as a driver for revenue and community engagement.

Speakers
- Thomas — Sportsplex manager (government)
- Jason — city budget/finance staff (government)

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: FY25 results, year-to-date revenue, major upcoming events (international roller-hockey tournament), staff vacancies and maintenance items.
- Decision: No formal votes taken during the session on Sportsplex items.

Clarifying details
- Reported revenue: “north of $1,200,000” year-to-date (Thomas).
- Major event: international roller-hockey tournament July 22–August 4; projected 900 games over two weeks and teams from multiple continents (Thomas).

Searchable_tags:[\"Sportsplex\",\"TSX\",\"roller_hockey\",\"events\",\"recreation\",\"concessions\"]","Sportsplex (TSX) managers told council the facility is operating with a modest surplus and that one large international roller-hockey tournament plus other bookings should improve next year’s revenue. Staff said event-driven revenue and concessions contributed to higher activity this year.",{"_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},6267695,"Council budget briefing: TIFA to fund $3.6 million Taylor golf renovations; short-term closures expected",3560,320000,3880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf&start=320&end=3880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6267695/Taylor/Wayne-County/Michigan/Council-budget-briefing-TIFA-to-fund-36-million-Taylor-golf-renovations-short-term-closures-expected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267695-7e959da0939b5a020f42c034fb2e3ee1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432567&Signature=V8MI9NeQPOtSoxdRik25ftyxwB4cKGl6MhGlpG6PFj8aahsq46GTVNz4J-7BJCEkxT7~SGc2E0uJ533B2DsXLs4pIddrhtX8DuGJlUk-3nIwJeVZVg2UPAvvVuAJgP4PctPWqRgA7aga4zkscBD4oSc385YSB-dZlUL1FE0wMC2usb0spl~87Hsmlq0BmwOcjOK8M9NkSldWDd4TVVQL24jxDuVnUhDBKpxRV3jDyrZ-eLwtsAc8diZKE2y9hi-ICvSmn40FnPYMME3JkQnWF4B5oS4cuAoz6PZLFfAyB-9tD2G5cmlpKCFc2LKEow1G~JUhiKqkp-9nAeb6I9XNaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor’s golf operations will undergo a major rebuilding paid largely from the city’s TIFA fund, officials said at the council budget workshop.

City staff told council that the largest item is a bunker renovation and irrigation work at Taylor’s municipal courses, a project they estimated at roughly $3,600,000. Alec (golf course director) said the work will include bunker drainage systems, irrigation line replacement, pond excavation at key holes and decking replacement on course bridges.

The funding source and timing: staff said the bulk of the project is coming from the Tax Increment Finance Authority. “That’s gonna be $3,600,000,” Alec said. Council members and staff clarified that the main amount was approved in a prior TIFA budget; staff said the FY26 TIFA budget itself had not yet been adopted and earlier approvals came from last year’s budget cycle. Alec and other staff emphasized the planned work is a one-time capital investment rather than an operating subsidy.

Why it matters: staff said the courses have not had major course-level capital replacements for about 30 years and that the upgrades will both reduce long-term maintenance costs and improve playability. Alec told the council the work will produce a “much better golf course” and that closures will be necessary: “We do have some golf course closures looming this fall,” he said, naming a bunker program with work likely to begin in September and a target of reopening by spring of 2026 if schedule and weather allow.

Council members pressed on operational impacts and on whether the courses carry debt. Staff said the only remaining golf debt is a cart lease. Alec noted the courses generate food-and-beverage revenue, driving-range sales and events; he said the Lakes of Taylor restaurant and food service are trending toward breakeven and that food innovations (mobile ordering, expanded menus) are expected to help offset lost rounds during closures.

What happens next: staff said the project is funded from TIFA and the work schedule will be coordinated with contractors; more detailed procurement and construction schedules will be brought back to the council as they are finalized.

Speakers
- Alec — golf course director (government)
- Jason — city finance staff / budget presenter (government)
- Mayor Tim Willie — mayor (government)

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: scope, schedule, and funding source for the bunker/irrigation/bridge work; short-term closures and expected revenue impacts.
- Decision: No new council appropriation was approved during the session; staff said the bulk of the $3.6M was approved in a prior TIFA budget and future TIFA appropriations remain to be approved in FY26.

Clarifying details
- Project cost: $3,600,000 (bunkers, irrigation, bridges, driving-range improvements). Source: staff remarks.
- Estimated closures: earliest work likely to start in September with an ideal reopen by April 2026 (staff target).
- Current golf fund balance referenced by staff: about $2,000,000 (staff comment on course reserves).

Searchable_tags:[\"golf\",\"TIFA\",\"capital project\",\"Taylor Meadows\",\"Lakes of Taylor\",\"reservoir\",\"irrigation\",\"bunkers\"]","City staff told council that Taylor’s two municipal golf courses will get major capital work paid largely from the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA), including bunker and irrigation upgrades. Officials said the work will require temporary closures and is budgeted in TIFA’s prior-year appropriation.",{"_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},6267676,"Lang Park and major parks projects move ahead: skate park, BMX track, dog park and inclusive playground proposed",477,3513000,3990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf&start=3513&end=3990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3067024-d816a9441ee50fa5bedd4f9012bd65bf/thumbnail_3513000.jpg","/articles/6267676/Taylor/Wayne-County/Michigan/Lang-Park-and-major-parks-projects-move-ahead-skate-park-BMX-track-dog-park-and-inclusive-playground-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267676-b30487a8d299c591754d2aab72c9b671/orig.mp4?Expires=1770432567&Signature=lEq6QtXewa9MLmnohjEFruO1BmFNd~BmJHIFffZEVcZceKEpmFGu4W5FgrDcbGP0sSSvsSR6KMF4vUAyfBFBByUGjkjrmuujpZ4LEoEPdHe63~~hpF7WCDq93T2yIWCWY4bkWi8mFwAPskqS2A5NdtqrcfhsJmMn6M3Lt~MWU6Dm9x1Tew2O2VqTe2dtr7nYBFAhBhDCnZkekeDUW2aejj2J0tn1PKoksCiD7mIZMll44iYmxg1FRwS6f5C-OmwuMBAA7olCL7h78p4NAJvwQbPBYEmTcbJ61a6ABxNa2UrLf0T3Q2B2PPfe7-0jsZkcUvptyGETc5Bn72546qTlDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks and recreation staff updated council on a large Lang Park renovation and a set of related parks projects, and described timing and staffing to operate the expanded amenities.

Lang Park scope and funding: Guido (parks director) said Lang Park will include a skate park, BMX pump track, dog park, expanded docks, a larger playscape and walking and mountain-bike trails. Total investment cited by staff was roughly $4,600,000, funded through ARPA and Wayne County partnership dollars. Contractors for skate features, BMX, docks and dog-park elements have been selected or pre-bid and work was scheduled to begin in the next few weeks; staff said substantial components (skate cement work and grading) require extended curing and sequencing, so the full site target moved toward late 2025.

Inclusive playground and other park investments: Guido and council discussed an inclusive-playground grant application (roughly $800,000–$1,000,000 project) for Heritage Park that would replace the existing playground with an ADA-compliant, poured-in-place rubber surface and accessible transition points. Staff said the project would prioritize inclusive design elements (transition platforms, wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round/swing) and that they are seeking external grant funds for about 80% of the cost.

Petting farm and operations: Parks staff reported the petting farm construction and new pavilion/playscape are near completion and said early-season operations would expand rental and party opportunities. Staff praised on-site workers who quickly aided a child who fell through ice at the petting farm in late winter, crediting quick staff action for a safe outcome.

Staffing and programming: Council asked about staffing needs for the larger park complex; staff said regular parks crews will handle maintenance with additional seasonal hires for lifeguards and park attendants; they noted the challenge of defining labor costs when employees work across parks, pools and recreation programs.

Speakers
- Guido — parks and building & grounds director (government)
- Ralph — DPW director (government)

Discussion vs. decision
- Discussion: scope, schedule and contractors for Lang Park; inclusive-playground grant application; staffing needs for expanded parks.
- Decision: No appropriation votes recorded; staff reported existing ARPA and county funding commitments.

Clarifying details
- Lang Park total estimate: $4,600,000 (staff-cited ARPA + county funds).
- Inclusive playground grant target: approximately $800,000–$1,000,000; staff aiming to secure ~80% in outside grant funding.

Searchable_tags:[\"Lang Park\",\"skatepark\",\"inclusive_playground\",\"petting_farm\",\"pic_kleball\",\"parks_and_rec\"]","Council heard progress reports on Lang Park (multi-million-dollar project funded with ARPA and county support) and other park upgrades, including an inclusive playground grant application and the petting farm expansion. Staff said construction at Lang Park is underway and that the park may not fully open until late 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DPW: City has $5M state grant for lead service-line replacements; program roll-out and homeowner outreach underway

Police budget briefing: council hears hiring surge, overtime drivers and planned drone program; forfeiture funds cited for equipment

Sportsplex posts steady revenue; international roller hockey tournament and summer events expected to boost FY26

Council budget briefing: TIFA to fund $3.6 million Taylor golf renovations; short-term closures expected

Lang Park and major parks projects move ahead: skate park, BMX track, dog park and inclusive playground proposed