[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6135725,"mediaKeyId","5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757","parentId",5671857,"title","Residents, council press Priority Waste after missed collections; city says fines, investigations ongoing","audioSeconds",61,"startMs",10597000,"endMs",10658000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757&start=10597&end=10658","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757/thumbnail_10597000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6135725/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Residents-council-press-Priority-Waste-after-missed-collections-city-says-fines-investigations-ongoing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135725-76c7899db917a2f3ed6107bff2da5a8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155004&Signature=Zm5XRdMVryJn5yHZCrz5AKc-CurkTSWQ3aa-HYU2hbicmo~MFAAbQMXZ758MhJDFVFpVqheI8h9rEVdxKjOhioDTFjlNFJ7RqRx9cAodGFUdtKBWk2e6JHDt-~grhF-b7zTrFZuqNMV-6D8CnZR8t6wQMBB4VbTOrQ9XnrT3nH2tVyJIOnPU1jYqLibxkmqda4PKVz4CZMVeV3q1m-k8k0-QggafBeM0T3SujSMCVolB4OdmGODiX0oVyZAF8ADq7cLhOVAbs0ewmwN2d5uFJpz~gScHcPRluvLT0-OuXffx-YzhmtxuV4DrLBwAu~O1MLDF5sLVK5xQdjES5oVE-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sterling Heights, MI","date","2025-07-16T11:10:23Z","article","Residents, council press Priority Waste after missed collections; city says fines, investigations ongoing
Multiple residents and council members used the communications and council reports portions of the meeting to press administration on recurring missed collections, service delays and enforcement under the city's new refuse contract with Priority Waste.
What officials said: City Manager Mark Vanderpool told council the city is in daily contact with the contractor and is enforcing contractual remedies. Vanderpool said the hauler has been fined for missed stops and provided catch-up service in many instances. He reported the contractor recently missed about 3% of composting stops that remained unfinished for the night and noted the company has ordered additional equipment: \"They have 50 new trucks on order and they will be getting a number of those new trucks, 15 or so,\" Vanderpool said in response to council questions.
Why it matters: Residents told council missed pickups and late-night collection activities are interfering with neighborhood life and causing frustration; council members asked the administration whether the city has concrete triggers to declare a contract default and what contingency options exist.
Specific operational issues discussed at the meeting: Administration said Priority has roughly 40,000 weekly stops in the service area and that it missed about 500 stops in one prior week (the city applied contract fines for that event). Vanderpool and other staff said the company is using on-truck video and other data to document routes and that the city can request footage for specific missed-stop complaints. Councilmembers and residents urged a stepped approach of increased public education, targeted enforcement, red-tagging of contaminated recycling and fines, and possible contingency planning if the contractor cannot meet service obligations.
Direction to staff and next steps: Vanderpool said staff will continue close oversight, will pursue fines where warranted, will escalate enforcement as allowed by the contract and will explore contingency options with legal counsel; he set an expectation that administration will provide an update to council within 30 days on the contractor's performance and on any legal options. Several councilmembers also asked staff to consult other municipalities that operate or contract differently for residential collection as input on possible alternatives.
Discussion vs. decision: No formal council vote was taken on the contractor; council directed staff to continue enforcement and to report back. Staff said it will continue to apply contractual remedies and will consider additional remedies if performance does not improve.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","7-15-25 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Residents and council members pressed the city on repeated missed trash, recycling and compost collections under the new Priority Waste contract; city staff said fines have been assessed and that an update will be provided to council within 30 days.","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},6135731,"Council approves consent judgment to allow 121-unit mixed-use project at 37600 Van Dyke (Union 53)",404,3890000,4294000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757&start=3890&end=4294","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757/thumbnail_3890000.jpg","/articles/6135731/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-approves-consent-judgment-to-allow-121-unit-mixed-use-project-at-37600-Van-Dyke-Union-53","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135731-3b9f304ff999fa2d1dcce92526fb47a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155004&Signature=g3CJOgmeJCxmgF7Sp1YX3Ls4MmHTn1LXUGm0-irJSwyLrxJ8I~7JL5JPE2p3oRtaN7i0kfYJOrRkOqNxp40Dvp3HCXSv2x601m5itwFqoMMsMdbPSIiiAD0XWYK~7Zf-GcG51wOaZVY7spTW0x07yD4kFbV~BAddM4jWSkAOy8dhhXalRmHu9Htan-3iLCL8H1fpJk8Wp5IQHS33-qvv5S7jd~p1sGa6hAYmCFuRT1adbSCkXA94scKEgJymTLrWUH98ncSXJ8q-70UuJmZgWOsF9Dzn-eEVIuzsLOQqBUCnSJ6ISQJHonrkAsp2O-EeRBzLThjoS9TC2LM~KTAcGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council approves consent judgment to allow 121-unit mixed-use project at 37600 Van Dyke (Union 53)
The Sterling Heights City Council voted 5-1 to approve a consent judgment that settles pending litigation and authorizes a mixed-use redevelopment of the Sterling Place Plaza property at 37600 Van Dyke Avenue, a project presented as \"Union 53\" by Gallo Companies.
What the council approved: Staff described a four-story building with 121 residential units (92 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom units), three ground-floor retail spaces and associated site improvements intended to reduce a large existing surface parking area. City planner Dr. Jake Purcell told council the site currently contains \"1 shy of a thousand parking spaces, so 999 parking spaces.\" Assistant city planner Sean Keenan and the applicant requested a package of nine deviations from strict zoning standards covering items including curb height, wall signage area, projecting signage, rear-yard setback, parking encroachment into setback, and reduced tree and parking-lot tree counts.
Key design and project numbers (from staff and applicant): Keenan described the building as \"a 4 story mixed use building that contains 92, 1 bedroom units and 29 2 bedroom units for a total of 121 residential units.\" Site statistics presented at the meeting included: existing 999 parking spaces; staff said the development would reduce the overall paved sea of parking and cited a proposed parking count discussion of \"184 parking spaces\" during the presentation; Keenan identified 158 parking spaces proposed to serve residents, roughly 10 spaces dedicated to the mixed retail (noting a shortfall of three from ordinance requirements), and a 21-space shared retail area that staff said would meet retail demand. Keenan also listed landscaping deviations: required frontage trees 20 (applicant proposing 11), required frontage shrubs 50 (applicant 44), required parking lot trees 37 (applicant 26) and substitution of some trees within a water-main easement with shrubs. Keenan said the applicant has proposed 153 shrubs for a required buffer area where it encroaches into the greenbelt.
Public comment and council questions: Multiple residents spoke at the meeting. Ken Nelson asked whether the timing of the litigation and the applicant's changed proposal felt \"staged.\" Other speakers raised concerns about neighborhood impacts and whether the site would truly reduce impervious area. Several council members questioned tree counts, project timing and construction schedule; Dr. Purcell and the applicant explained easement constraints and that some plantings could not be sited where the city requires trees because of underground water-main easements. The applicant told council typical rents would be in the $1,500 to $2,000 per month range and that the project team expects market demand; applicant representatives said they expect to provide dedicated resident parking and visitor parking and to maintain permit controls similar to the developer's other Sterling Heights properties.
Legal and procedural posture: The consent judgment resolves an appeal following a Zoning Board of Appeals denial for a different use (self-storage) and replaces further litigation with an agreed redevelopment plan subject to the city's approval. Staff told council that the Van Dyke Mixed Use District standards and the city's zoning ordinance permit council to approve development pursuant to a consent judgment.
Vote, motion and outcome: A motion to approve the settlement and authorize the city attorney to sign the consent judgment was made and supported; the roll call vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed (Councilmember Radke). Where council approved deviations, staff recorded them as modifications to the site plan and listed the nine requested modifications.
Discussion vs. decision: The council decision was approval of the consent judgment that authorizes the PUD/site plan and the associated deviations. Discussion centered on buffering, tree counts, pedestrian connections and construction timing; several council members asked for additional clarifications and for the applicant to consider measures such as a southern pedestrian connection to the adjacent shopping center, and one council member said the process (consent judgment rather than a standalone PUD hearing) concerned him. Staff noted the site will still return to standard engineering and plan review prior to construction permits.
Ending: Council approved the settlement. Staff and the applicant indicated the next steps include final engineering, building permit applications and coordination on landscaping/planting details; staff also noted the applicant offered to pay into the city tree fund to cover any shortfall in required frontage trees if council wished to add that stipulation to the consent judgment.","Council approved a consent judgment authorizing a four-story, 121-unit mixed-use building at 37600 Van Dyke; the project includes three retail units and multiple requested deviations from zoning standards.",{"_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},6135736,"Sterling Heights council approves ordinance raising competitive-bid threshold from $10,000 to $50,000",173,2658000,2831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757&start=2658&end=2831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757/thumbnail_2658000.jpg","/articles/6135736/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Sterling-Heights-council-approves-ordinance-raising-competitive-bid-threshold-from-10000-to-50000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135736-574a9b95cc96fbe70e8eeec3fdb79a93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155004&Signature=lOHnRt1v26H2vGY9aOHSvX-We9O5wfT62SFBOawIf-C-lJuSJ9gnSwflTAzO~8GrWlE5O6u3NWiC0eskIE3IJA66y7L3Ib70gLZGKYiWvMqTAhvOfUzruvT83aN~P1zAT3a~xk3nUJ4hoU6S~ZhLl-0q5sDlTzPzKinoWzFR~PkxEnYmy2eTZ~TNkOZ0R6ZBgDsuawxtlYOpL9N--0iG2ILf-Xmsui1VOnt8MUaPAhxTbPxHwOM670vCEW9XjFWlZz6HvBSlgBhIGUnS8T6D9FNFoGqbJLktCHbPReNbCTa7al8SJn~PrxQZdJ5eRp6wB1qe99OgNQsDm0yV3~hPug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sterling Heights council approves ordinance raising competitive-bid threshold from $10,000 to $50,000
The City Council voted 4-2 to adopt an ordinance amending Article 6 of Chapter 2 of the city code to change the competitive bidding threshold used in purchasing procedures.
The ordinance increases the dollar amount at which a formal invitation to bid is required; under the change, staff will be able to seek multiple written quotes for procurements between $10,000 and $50,000 instead of using a formal invitation-to-bid process that staff described as more cumbersome.
Why it matters: Supporters said raising the threshold will reduce administrative burden and encourage more local vendors to submit quotes for mid-range purchases. Opponents said the change could be perceived as reducing council oversight and voiced concern about concentrating spending decisions.
Discussion and key exchanges: A member of the public, Robert Smith, urged council to retain the $10,000 threshold and warned against giving one official expansive spending power; Mayor Taylor replied: \"This is about whether or not the competitive bidding requirement is going to be increased from $10,000 to $50,000.\" City Manager Mark Vanderpool, purchasing staff and Councilwoman Schmidt explained the municipal purchasing workflow: purchasing will gather multiple quotes and department managers will recommend a vendor, then the request will be reviewed by the city attorney, assistant city manager and the chief financial officer before the city manager places it on a council agenda for any expenditure over $10,000. The purchasing director (name on file with the city) told council online sources are only one of many ways the department solicits bids and described outreach to prior vendors and local businesses.
Vote and motion: Councilmember Schmidt moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion carried 4-2. Recorded votes: Yes'Schmidt, Suroski, Mayor Taylor, Yanez; No'Koski, Radke. The ordinance takes effect as adopted and staff said purchases over $50,000 would remain subject to the formal invitation-to-bid process.
What changed and exceptions: Staff said the amendment does not change the requirement that any expenditure over $10,000 be presented to council for approval; it changes only the method purchasing uses to solicit competitive offers for amounts between $10,000 and $50,000. The purchasing director described additional checks in the process: department manager recommendation, city attorney review, assistant city manager review, CFO review and city manager review prior to council presentation.
Discussion vs. decision: The council decision was to adopt the ordinance; council members who opposed said they were comfortable with a smaller threshold (Councilmember Radke said he would have preferred a lower cap) and voiced continued interest in visibility and checks for larger purchases.
Ending: Council adopted the ordinance and directed staff to continue public-facing information so residents could review the code language online. Councilmembers asked staff to publicize the revised procedures and remind residents the council still sees expenditures exceeding $10,000 at public meetings.","The council adopted an ordinance amendment changing the competitive bidding threshold in the city purchasing code; debate centered on whether the change limits oversight or simply reduces paperwork for small purchases. The vote passed 4-2 after residents expressed concern about managerial spending authority.",{"_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},6135741,"Sterling Heights names Dodge Park stage for longtime community relations director Patricia Lehman",703,113000,816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757&start=113&end=816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671857-d148126006de477576f091183ad1d757/thumbnail_113000.jpg","/articles/6135741/Sterling-Heights/Macomb-County/Michigan/Sterling-Heights-names-Dodge-Park-stage-for-longtime-community-relations-director-Patricia-Lehman","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6135741-6a6052062f3b3a6a5d9b0c551abc9809/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155004&Signature=G1YGWvesZKitp39NtI9Ia2z3KVokAXk9DMOkotuTi4lKBNUohOQMXIdPY6JFumBZqXfUi7uKRa-uUXGf0eNtErSTg-ng6RycOacReihtt8VLWculot1ixezyW222OTx3rZMTUi3ziKJ~~DvSYgyMz1-nxgy2-eyjK88iiMmRSancTjrNGP~WcPIRZrZE0xbsttEyozOa65UtqCv4krnUEAm-m69GZDcGzKPetF3vxeV~3cCy0osmpEI2GFK~SBuPn169t3E5PiW1NgEtNguVe4OGxZqQINYWuDPyEJgRYuzSzirwkkXxQuPThI5ILxovcaD4pSp6wo9sfvkaaAzbIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sterling Heights names Dodge Park stage for longtime community relations director Patricia Lehman
City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution renaming the Dodge Park amphitheater the Patricia M. Lehman Amphitheater and to add a commemorative plaque, council members said at a meeting before an expected crowd for the upcoming Sterlingfest.
The resolution recognizes Patricia (Pat) Lehman as the city's first community relations director and credits her with creating or expanding recurring events, media channels and civic programs that shaped local public life.
City Manager Mark Vanderpool introduced the item and linked Lehman to Sterlingfest, saying she was \"instrumental in developing Sterling Fest over the years from the very beginning.\" Melanie Davis, the city's current community relations director, told the council that Lehman \"was the city's first community relations director\" and described initiatives Lehman championed including Sterlingfest, SHTV, the public art program and the ethnic advisory committee. Jeff Layman, Lehman's son, told the council he was representing the family and said his mother's work \"profoundly shaped Sterling Heights into a vibrant community.\" A recorded excerpt of Lehman's remarks about community relations also played for the council.
Why it matters: Council members said naming the amphitheater recognizes long-running civic programming that draws residents to the city's parks and festivals. City leaders tied Lehman's work to visitor draws and to a larger effort to maintain property values and city amenities.
The council motion to adopt the resolution was made by Councilmember Roski and supported; council voted in favor and the mayor declared the motion carried. Councilmembers who spoke during the item described Lehman as a driver of events and civic pride and noted family members were present for a photo.
Background and details: Presentations described Lehman's role in launching and professionalizing Sterlingfest, establishing SHTV and expanding the city's community relations capacity from a single employee into a multi-division program. Melanie Davis said Lehman helped establish the city's public art program and neighborhood engagement efforts; Jeff Layman detailed Lehman's work on the Upton House and fundraising for civic projects.
The council approved placement of a bronze plaque on the amphitheater's structure; staff said final wording and design remain in development. Council members urged residents to attend Sterlingfest, which city staff previewed in the manager's report earlier in the meeting.
Discussion vs. formal action: Council formally adopted the renaming resolution. Discussion focused on Lehman's accomplishments and family members' remarks; no separate or follow-up policy action was requested.
Ending: Council took photos with Lehman's family after the vote and scheduled no further action on the item beyond plaque design and installation. The resolution and plaque placement mark an administrative commemoration of Lehman's career.","Sterling Heights City Council on a unanimous voice vote approved a resolution to rename the Dodge Park amphitheater the Patricia M. Lehman Amphitheater, honoring the city's first community relations director and her role in creating Sterlingfest, SHTV and other civic programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents, council press Priority Waste after missed collections; city says fines, investigations ongoing

Council approves consent judgment to allow 121-unit mixed-use project at 37600 Van Dyke (Union 53)

Sterling Heights council approves ordinance raising competitive-bid threshold from $10,000 to $50,000

Sterling Heights names Dodge Park stage for longtime community relations director Patricia Lehman