[{"_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",6542046,"mediaKeyId","3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a","parentId",3796456,"title","Votes at a glance: fireworks rules, police contracts, grants, purchases and event permits approved by Utica council","audioSeconds",919,"startMs",844000,"endMs",1763000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a&start=844&end=1763","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a/thumbnail_844000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6542046/Utica-City/Macomb-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-fireworks-rules-police-contracts-grants-purchases-and-event-permits-approved-by-Utica-council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542046-97a0f3b3d7fa6f603c186cb8ec227616/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180369&Signature=I1VyjuT9oU6UKu9RNSR8iT45oeHkW6OIizeFTPihIMPN7wqg4A~qrIxgLeG0l-CBBuHvT9kDBGqEWvqRMGdZE8ji7Pt5uZgjqjUBtPDWobywcVCOsFvz81O1aV5mhYOaCay8860jIOrVlXQtUMeu4ReFzSTm8J1~xr22Xv3eoRI5XpKSOYgrQG2IWyX1mWGhQbA5d2GTK7DzD9BurlCAQ6XKK4bpgOHA~j0iomzOsNpzPA0Eh1Q~pNDKwfnMCDQ67AcKU7BPo2PLIG4xreDjG~R1yv6F679U-26SXdwP5Q3smkCkEwkoH1sUaItMoCqakxsdMg0~cdlf6ORU4VygoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utica","date","2025-06-12T09:51:04.977Z","article","Beyond the major budget and land-use items the Utica City Council approved a series of motions during the June 10 meeting. Below is a concise list of those actions and immediate effects.

- Consent agenda: Council approved the consent agenda as presented (roll call affirmative).

- Fireworks ordinances:
- Amendment to the city ordinance on use of consumer fireworks (to align permitted discharge hours with revised Michigan state law) was approved by roll call. (Motion to adopt.)
- Zoning amendment prohibiting the sale of fireworks from temporary structures (defined to include tents, stands, shipping containers or similar movable structures) was adopted by roll call vote; planning commission had recommended approval.

- Police bargaining and employment items:
- The council approved a tentative agreement with the Police Officers Labor Council and authorized drafting and signing the collective bargaining agreement in accordance with the terms presented (motion carried by roll call).
- The city later approved a full four-year municipal association (MAP) collective bargaining agreement providing a 3% raise per year and related contract language changes (motion carried by roll call).
- The council approved sending two officers to Gracie tactical instructor training and paid $3,000 to reserve seats (training in September).
- A purchase of duty ammunition from Vance's Law Enforcement under state contract (10 cases of 5.56 rounds and 2 cases of 9mm) for $2,945.60 was authorized.

- Fire and emergency services grants and equipment:
- The council accepted a $450,000 state grant to replace a 2007 ambulance (no city match required).
- The council accepted a $300,000 state grant to purchase an EMS command response vehicle and three LIFEPAK 30/5 cardiac units (no city match required).

- Grants and local projects:
- The city accepted a Michigan Municipal League Local Economies grant application up to $8,000 to fund a mural and small pocket-park improvements between DeAnna's Barber Shop and Mr. Miguel's Cantina; council also authorized leasing the wall from the property owner for a nominal amount if the grant is awarded.

- Traffic and public safety measures:
- Traffic Control Order 25-01 was adopted to designate loading and no-parking restrictions in the alley between Cass and Brownell behind local businesses; DPW directed to install signage and enforcement options were discussed.

- Budget and grant amendments / capital purchases:
- The council approved a number of fiscal-year 2025 budget amendments to reflect MEDC grants for the Pioneer Park pavilion, transfers for the Van Dyke median project, reallocations between parks and streets for salaries and overtime, and an Act 302 training funds adjustment to $5,030 for the police department.
- The city accepted a TMF (Targeted Infrastructure/Service Line) grant totaling approximately $512,500 for service line verifications and amended the water and sewer budget lines to spend engineering and contract resources tied to the grant.
- The council authorized purchase of water meters and parts from Ferguson (quote B106428) for $24,600 to replenish an aging inventory of meters and radios in the water-sewer fund for FY2026.
- The city approved replacement/renewal of a firewall for city hall and the police department (purchase not to exceed $4,450, split between departments).

- Parks and events:
- The council approved a Movie in the Park (Shrek) for June 27 (date contingent on weather) and the annual \"Zoo to You\" Reptarium program at Grant Park on July 25; both are funded from previously budgeted lines.

Each of the above motions passed on the record by roll call vote at the June 10 meeting unless otherwise noted. Roll call votes and short-form outcomes are recorded in the official minutes and in the packet materials.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-06-10 Utica City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A roundup of the council's other actions on June 10: fireworks ordinance amendments, a police tentative agreement and CBA, several grants and purchases, traffic and budget amendments, and parks event approvals.","taxTitle","Utica City, Macomb County, Michigan","taxId",61459,"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},6542052,"Council denies resident's request to forgive sewer charge for pool fill; staff point to area maintenance meter program and precedent concerns",294,1321000,1615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a&start=1321&end=1615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a/thumbnail_1321000.jpg","/articles/6542052/Utica-City/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-denies-residents-request-to-forgive-sewer-charge-for-pool-fill-staff-point-to-area-maintenance-meter-program-and-precedent-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542052-c6640dae453710cc9464aa152d14f945/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180369&Signature=U06sEpA-OMQbTcAcMSOlP~xajOtRyeV-SxuvJVK2w6OKoL0s6YQ4Bt6llA2bANE1WPlujFn77OC2Oxi8mTmPm9cXX2OfWqVjhw8vfJ8ydhvYWNRsim-7MbtBFR-0m1Bm7Ppq34hb5jefo2mJVy15xIFSDtMme3ycy~H~A7bYZnY54dj23JdwhElLjqUEVzbORs9yfM845u5OusnpTTXIQ2GXdU6bJSg~IV~wGmDTUTeVejD~WVBx7HcueWbFv8Y0LYCIOCqEOETTcGYhOMRgMEcBS6NtDmssx1Y8XpmN~xgbkoCAtQ04WS2ULzvNrhBljdEfvyJry8AG33O-Uy-wQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utica City Council on Tuesday denied a resident's request to forgive the sewer portion of a May water bill incurred when she filled a pool.

Hannah Dawson of 45410 Baker Avenue explained she had filled a pool and asked the council to forgive the sewer charge because the water was not discharged to the sanitary sewer system. She said she had tried to contact city staff in advance but could not reach anyone before the pool was filled.

Staff and council members responded that the city offers an \"area maintenance meter\" program that separates outdoor fill from sewer billing and that historically the council has not approved forgiveness for these types of charges absent a verified leak or other documented exception. Staff noted the department would make exceptions only after verification by DPW that water did not enter the sanitary system (for example, verified discharge to a storm sewer), and warned that granting forgiveness could create a precedent for many similar requests.

During the discussion the resident and council exchanged questions about where the water would go when the pool is later drained. The resident emphasized attempts to reach staff; staff said the program exists to prevent precisely this situation and that callers should be persistent to secure an area maintenance meter before filling.

The total bill figure given in the record was $258.67 and the sewer portion was stated on the record as $141.72 (figures as presented by staff and the resident). Councilmember Torenzi moved to deny the forgiveness request; Weaver seconded. The roll call vote to deny the request was unanimous; the motion carried.

Dawson was told staff would explain the area maintenance meter option for future pool fills. The council recorded the vote denying forgiveness in the meeting minutes.

","Hannah Dawson asked council to forgive the sewer portion of a water bill for filling a pool; council denied the request, citing an existing program for area maintenance meters and concern about creating a precedent.",{"_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},6542057,"Council rezones parcel north of Pioneer Park to MXD after planning commission recommendation; environmental concerns cited",245,971000,1216000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a&start=971&end=1216","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a/thumbnail_971000.jpg","/articles/6542057/Utica-City/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-rezones-parcel-north-of-Pioneer-Park-to-MXD-after-planning-commission-recommendation-environmental-concerns-cited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542057-ae88e44d9f5adf15dce89e39fb2e5fba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180369&Signature=SsO9PZacHXpTQYn2VAOYjQDgMRDxhQuumtm~bxbHq1Hhk8ieIXsR53KtwmlAObRrZaeNFpE2ZcNw5DMruYmp0kr-mry9ET30MNUb97aC6Qv4Eh2DtqnTbmN2ETiA7DvwmD4PUaydrYkmOZGG~Qu1~mrtUJ7aeyExe~0PcJb-RYT15VKWnHjF9QOLCC2PKnj5yWfFzG4m9KsHRbcVBBu02l6ZHIXhb-Q60RdJYSw3CnVj57hkyxcBOdtoBLxlwVAkwPjU8PezuGM0t-NoOYlYoICU7fuTeqkt-ql8QjrsISXXzAXwmTQDAfpD4Oi3PNS5QcVQA1HbrPDtjz4e2m7LdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utica City Council voted to rezone a parcel north of Pioneer Park (Parcel 11-07-33-402-004) from R3 (multi-family residential) to MXD (mixed-use), after planning staff and the planning commission recommended the change.

Planning staff told council that environmental site assessments conducted at the site showed contamination from historic uses. Staff said the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) would not support brownfield grants for residential development at the site because of contamination concerns, making residential development unlikely under the current R3 zoning. Rezoning to MXD, staff said, would provide more development flexibility and better align with the city's future land-use plan while preserving the public role in reviewing any subsequent development through conditional-use site-plan review and public hearings.

Planner Amanda (last name in packet) explained that MXD is treated as a special conditional use in the ordinance; any proposed development would return to the planning commission for a public hearing and final approval by the council. She also said the MXD setbacks for buildings abutting residential zones would be more stringent (a 100-foot setback was identified in the staff presentation) than typical multifamily setbacks, which provided additional protection for adjacent homes. Residents from adjacent Shelby Township attended the planning commission hearing to ask questions; staff told council that those neighbors were informed about the change and that there were no Utica resident speakers at planning commission.

Councilmember Torenzi moved to approve the rezoning and O'Donnell seconded. The council voted by roll call to approve rezoning the parcel to MXD; the planning commission's unanimous recommendation for approval was noted in the packet.

The record shows the rezoning vote and staff direction that future development would undergo the standard conditional-use and site-plan review processes, including public hearings. Planning staff advised the council that rezoning would make redevelopment more feasible while giving the city and the public an opportunity to shape future proposals.

","Council approved rezoning of parcel 11-07-33-402-004 from R3 (multi-family residential) to MXD (mixed-use) following planning commission recommendation and staff reports that environmental constraints limit residential redevelopment.",{"_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},6542061,"Council denies Golden Rockies appeal over marijuana license scoring; petitioner asked council to direct further investigation of competitor",1649,1914000,3563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a&start=1914&end=3563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a/thumbnail_1914000.jpg","/articles/6542061/Utica-City/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-denies-Golden-Rockies-appeal-over-marijuana-license-scoring-petitioner-asked-council-to-direct-further-investigation-of-competitor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542061-1a83def5e195ee031c4161bf27463c3a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180369&Signature=BHYtGYuMnLPKux2xs2dwOMMhAKzJpWA0sD~Clk-m5rQt30~2qr8qusxs0-B0yiMmJKzBOggtiryHu0AfEaCyOdnbh~Ahpy7oCGtQShaGycNmDli8x9wt7Gguaq5-w~AIzfQzm8PQ7lpkFOHy0hm0PaKEyLXCMJuJDJoFIFM9ttwTxdB57tY-uG56FNT5uEiEe38uu9sDZFQXD9iaS6yhE3auWnUxMC-FNy8Bq3hggrYgp9f8luAI4gwBsWB~9SwEOOPyDV36t0wzMXbTySLR1Wr5bVhjpXAfGaak1UeNaXsWAY83TChN0PGZLEKS-4FQaeJI-G5C9WbgclSabvt98w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utica City Council on Tuesday rejected an administrative appeal by Golden Rockies, Inc. that challenged the city's scoring and award of local marijuana licenses and asked the council to direct a follow-up investigation of another applicant, Cloud Cannabis.

Aaron Geyer, corporate counsel for Golden Rockies, argued the appeal before the council. Geyer said his client alleged multiple, material misrepresentations in Cloud's application package, including overstated tangible capital investment, staffing plans that conflict with on-site parking and claims about environmental remediation at the Cloud site. He requested that the council direct the city clerk to investigate whether Cloud had made false statements after licensing and to adjust scores or revoke a license if warranted.

City attorney Miss McGrail and other staff said the hearing officer appointed to review the administrative record, Richard Albright, upheld the clerk's scoring while recommending the clerk investigate whether actions after licensing merited further steps. McGrail said the clerk rated applications based on the information available at the time of scoring; she noted that some materials are not subject to FOIA and that the city lacked subpoena power to obtain certain documents absent additional procedures.

After discussion, councilmember Torenzi moved to reject Golden Rockies' appeal; Weaver seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote with the majority voting to deny the appeal and DeVrent recorded an abstention. The clerk announced the motion carried.

Geyer told council that Golden Rockies provided specific requested adjustments to its own scores (for staffing and past-acts categories) and proposed precise point reductions to Cloud's scores tied to capital investment, remediation and land-development consistency. Council did not adopt Geyer's requested scoring changes.

The hearing officer's written report'referenced at the administrative hearing'noted that, if the record supported it, the clerk should investigate post-award facts that might justify revocation. Council concluded the administrative appeal by voting to reject Golden Rockies' formal appeal rather than ordering an investigation at this time.

Speakers who participated in the public portion of the item included Aaron Geyer (Golden Rockies' counsel), Kevin Abdallah (identified as the former owner of Cloud Cannabis, present as an observer) and City Attorney Miss McGrail. The council's vote to deny the appeal is recorded in the official minutes.

","Golden Rockies sought a council review of administrative scoring for marijuana licenses and asked the city to investigate Cloud Cannabis. The council voted to reject the appeal.",{"_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},6542066,"Utica council adopts 2026 budget, keeps millage at prior-year levels; water, sewer budgets and rates approved",3167,75000,3242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a&start=75&end=3242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3796456-bf9b15cde5f6cd1aebc6dc12f374617a/thumbnail_75000.jpg","/articles/6542066/Utica-City/Macomb-County/Michigan/Utica-council-adopts-2026-budget-keeps-millage-at-prior-year-levels-water-sewer-budgets-and-rates-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542066-f9de154a486b4a871e47b3c59121f01f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771180369&Signature=Y7DqSN-0Kcp1JVxH5lotpuwboae9p4OceZBWBLRDRdg6bn2pwf9RSUpONlzix8ysGXi3QFClLSJyJlXKRhJ8BTdJo7Qjx0O-TSXzIeIrECnERshDT9tMF7MOobsBwfWa7K4~kxqE~exBK27gjXlZQ8FZOt1z7EHCO7T3rnzIm5afCuCKdRDzw38-zBPcIyc9d7jTu4PeK3OBiBgVC14K5FgDUj2DXo~iKteRQcm6A79J9p~C5c~bAENNR0Fs9Gsjhlb1Y9DuXq00LrSOv5TVmRle89IyrR2KpVQlWCQG1xTJJ-pQjuA8dRW9kByiw5h2MXez9h2iQWEBjdCgTSF33w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Utica City Council on Tuesday adopted the city's fiscal year 2026 budget, voted to levy the same millage rates used last year for the July 1, 2025 tax cycle and approved the water and sewer fund budgets and new consumption rates.

Treasurer Joseph Paneraster told the council during a public hearing that the council was recommending continuation of the millage rates levied last year rather than reducing them under the Headlee rollback formula. The four millages proposed are a general operating millage of 16.4024 mills, a public safety millage of 1.6398 mills, a public library millage of 0.8197 mills and a 2016 supplemental library millage of 0.3894 mills, a combined levy of 19.2513 mills to be billed July 1, 2025. Paneraster said a base tax rate fraction of 0.9717 means the proposed levy would collect approximately $5,133,578 compared with $4,988,248 at the base rate'about a $145,000 difference as presented to the council.

The city's general fund budget for the year ending June 30, 2026, projects $7,522,009.84 in revenues and $7,461,070 in expenditures for a net surplus of $61,009.14. Major street fund revenues are projected at $1,412,270, including a $728,000 federal grant and $654,002.70 in gasoline taxes. The major street proposed expenditures total $1,116,000, with $936,000 listed as capital outlay. The local street fund anticipates $196,500 in revenue (about $180,000 from gasoline taxes) and $135,000 in expenditures. Other funds presented include a liquor control fund, building code enforcement, drug law enforcement, the public library fund, a municipal building authority account and an OPEB trust fund.

Paneraster asked the council to adopt the annual appropriation ordinance, which enacts the budget as an ordinance and authorizes raising $5,133,578 in property taxes to fund the general and library funds; the council did so later in the meeting.

Council also considered the water and sewer fund proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The draft shows anticipated revenues of $4,263,400 and expenses of $4,319,980; Paneraster noted after receiving a late message from Superintendent Diamond he would confirm a $15,000 capital outlay item before finalizing an internal line-item adjustment.

The council adopted proposed water and sewer rates to take effect for July 2025 consumption. The example ready-to-serve charge shown for a 5/8-inch meter (RU factor 1) in the packet is $2.99 for water and $9.64 for sewer; the consumption charge listed in the budget packet is $6.58 per 1,000 gallons for water and $11.71 per 1,000 gallons for sewer. Paneraster said a modest $15,000 change in capital outlay would alter rates by only \"pennies\" on typical bills and not the ready-to-serve charges.

The council opened the evening with a formal public hearing on the tax rates and budget; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. The council voted by roll call to enter and then close the hearing before adopting the budgets, millages and the annual appropriation ordinance.

The ordinances and rate schedules approved at the meeting are recorded in the adopted fiscal year 2026 budget and the 2026 annual appropriation ordinance filed with the city clerk. Council members voting in favor were Torenzi, O'Donnell, Dionne/Deane, Backus, Weaver, DeVrent and Mayor Calandrino; the roll calls are in the official minutes.

The budget documents presented to council exclude the water and sewer enterprise fund from the general fund totals and show the municipal building authority and the OPEB trust fund separately. Treasurer Paneraster said the budget packet includes worksheets and the official State Form L-4029 millage request that will be filed with the county clerk.

The council adopted the millages and budgets by roll call after the public hearing; the appropriation ordinance followed in the same meeting.

A copy of the adopted 2026 budget, the water and sewer fund budget and the ordinance raising taxes to support the general and library funds are available from the city clerk's office and in the packet filed with these minutes.

The council returned to regular session after the hearing and proceeded with other agenda items.

","After a public hearing, the Utica City Council adopted the fiscal 2026 budget, set 2025 tax levies unchanged from last year and approved the city's water and sewer budgets and new consumption rates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: fireworks rules, police contracts, grants, purchases and event permits approved by Utica council

Council denies resident's request to forgive sewer charge for pool fill; staff point to area maintenance meter program and precedent concerns

Council rezones parcel north of Pioneer Park to MXD after planning commission recommendation; environmental concerns cited

Council denies Golden Rockies appeal over marijuana license scoring; petitioner asked council to direct further investigation of competitor

Utica council adopts 2026 budget, keeps millage at prior-year levels; water, sewer budgets and rates approved