[{"_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",6428226,"mediaKeyId","5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02","parentId",5905991,"title","Council approves Kite Monroe pickleball/tennis complex plan, awards fencing and surfacing contracts","audioSeconds",563,"startMs",1741000,"endMs",2304000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02&start=1741&end=2304","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02/thumbnail_1741000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6428226/St-Clair-Shores/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-approves-Kite-Monroe-pickleballtennis-complex-plan-awards-fencing-and-surfacing-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428226-301e0aca61b14780a910e925321af4a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201004&Signature=GopmUB5nrok6J0XhNevJCZBEEI7i-tjgzHAJIELRc-5HnL0j80lcKUrefJQWOXN7eiXNw3VGz9y1CGTe8nHYeGFx6yLWuMiFAYEzetvrzz81P0qQlW52m2HVM9cVriULWlJNBTgO~TtuTIH8P19MWUd1NCTpz3WMkE~e~BFlL9~8NLvBx6wXH-WRzlNVhmfYgK3eUDKaJF8o-0ISV6GLtRIjufkQs32FrQRVqj3jCuUnjh1xKwKQaDQdxKn4xy8FE-tEc-vUgJQ8VHF2sxwMPZDmnPPhkMD6XsxiWCNb4nJF6M7pjOoUGmkuNaC9EUXHfo2lyiPKb7RA8ktQ4~boiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Clair Shores","date","2025-10-07T19:31:26Z","article","St. Clair Shores City Council on Oct. 6 approved a hybrid layout for the Kite Monroe courts — six pickleball courts and two tennis courts — and awarded contracts for fencing and court surfacing and striping.

Parks and Recreation Director Robert Spinazzola presented two layout options for the renovated Kite Monroe complex: a 6-pickleball/2-tennis configuration that allows one tennis court to convert to pickleball with rollaway nets, or a 7-pickleball/1-tennis layout. Council selected the 6-and-2 option, which staff said provides multipurpose use while preserving tennis facilities in the north end of the city.

The council awarded the fence contract to Kimberly Fence for $65,009.03 and authorized the surfacing, striping, and nets contract to Goddard Sports Surfaces for $72,300. Spinazzola told the council that Kimberly Fence was the low bidder after a rebid produced four responses; Goddard is a vendor the city has used before. The surfacing contractor cannot complete work this fall, so staff said the work will be scheduled for spring 2026. Spinazzola said staff will confirm a firm start date with the contractor and that an opening ribbon-cutting in spring would be planned.

Councilmember Karen noted the project’s funding mix and asked that staff separate out the costs that are attributable to the pickleball portion; the playgrounds and fields committee and city staff will prepare a budget amendment for the project once final costs are known. Parks staff confirmed that Shorewood Kiwanis donated $102,000 toward the pickleball courts; Spinazzola said staff will provide a breakdown to the donor showing how its gift was used. Councilmember Rubello and others said they favored the 6-and-2 option as a community compromise between tennis and pickleball players.

The council approved the fencing and surfacing awards on separate motions. The fence award was moved by Councilmember Rubello and supported by Councilmember Karen; the striping and nets award was moved and supported on the floor by city manager recommendation and approved unanimously. Councilmembers asked staff to supply a visible plaque and a sign that can be seen from the road recognizing the Shorewood Kiwanis donation.

Spinazzola also said that the asphalt stage of the work was completed in mid-September and that the fencing is the next step; paint and nets will follow in spring 2026. He described staging options to convert one tennis court quickly for pickleball play using rollaway nets and additional lines.

Votes at a glance: Council awarded the fencing contract to Kimberly Fence for $65,009.03 (moved by Councilmember Rubello, supported by Councilmember Karen) and the surfacing/striping and nets contract to Goddard Sports Surfaces for $72,300 (mover and seconder noted in meeting as per staff recommendation); both awards were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council chose a six-pickleball/ two-tennis configuration, accepted a Shorewood Kiwanis donation earmarked for pickleball, and awarded fencing and surfacing contracts totaling about $137,300; surfacing work will occur in spring 2026.","taxTitle","St. Clair Shores, Macomb County, Michigan","taxId",4092,"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},6428233,"St. Clair Shores awards $1.12 million Alexander water-main contract to Murphy Pipeline",616,664000,1280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02&start=664&end=1280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02/thumbnail_664000.jpg","/articles/6428233/St-Clair-Shores/Macomb-County/Michigan/St-Clair-Shores-awards-112-million-Alexander-water-main-contract-to-Murphy-Pipeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428233-cfbec98a636e0e881a3c35ae19069b44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201004&Signature=P0qI9P2r9HBCMnWYLRc0w~jiWmDzmqeyf1myGxuXQldNXrfY7oISK3XA~2LAcgFoxmc4-pTZqjM0bF~BHg9npX3Gi7xSO0pjZmYLdRpfKpqmMqLImsiFLVSWgtiuKLKdBBLWL1SEijoT1ckF6JZTqkrZbCnAL6yaw6LS72qvhgbkZ3G97viATxq-4dPpAaM-ZjmdVxiuiQBMAJF2VZdKjCRfuOIVHhflo8TIXeKHZdXTJWyg8JuIENViBwtDdywXtGfYWr3Hs6D0FhapqH8inDL9rCyXNsJ~b~bnaMhN3RBYYS9B-MqeBiwWov56S~BHAA3p3MYYgj9pJkJWHcmy7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Clair Shores City Council on Oct. 6 voted to award the Alexander Street water-main replacement contract to Murphy Pipeline Contractors for $1,117,343.

The project covers Alexander Street between Little Mack and Harper and will replace a 1928-era cast-iron main with an 8-inch PVC/HDPE line. City Engineer Mike Treckleton told the council that the work is timed to coordinate with a larger sewer-separation project and subsequent road reconstruction.

The council’s decision followed review of 14 bids. Treckleton said the apparent low bidder, Spear Contracting, provided few references and the references that were supplied were not especially positive. \"They provided maybe one to two references for water-main work ... neither of those references were really particularly glowing,\" Treckleton said, adding the city and its engineering consultant, Hennessy, had more confidence in Murphy Pipeline’s experience and schedule performance in nearby communities.

City Manager Landon told council members he and staff had reviewed the bidder questions and concurred with the engineer’s recommendation. \"We are very happy going with the second lowest bidder,\" Landon said.

Councilmember Roussy thanked staff for being \"proactive\" in vetting references and for aligning the water-main work with the larger sewer-separation schedule. Councilmember Karen reminded colleagues that the water-main work is locally funded though it is part of the broader separation project funded through a grant.

The motion to award the contract was moved and supported on the council floor; the mayor called for the vote and council members approved the award unanimously.

The contract specifies the use of directional drilling in large sections to reduce open-cut disturbance. Treckleton said the new water main will be installed over winter and tied in before the next phase of sewer work and road reconstruction. He also told the council the existing water main will remain active until crews complete the new line and make transitions to avoid long shutdowns for customers.

Council discussion touched on relative pricing: the low bid was roughly $140,000 lower than the Murphy bid, but councilmembers said experience and references were decisive factors. Treckleton said the city’s cost estimate had been about $1.1 million; the recommended award falls below that estimate.

The project is part of the city’s ongoing utility and street infrastructure program; staff said subsequent steps are scheduling and issuance of the purchase order to the contractor.

Votes at a glance: The council moved to award the Alexander Street water-main replacement to Murphy Pipeline Contractors, $1,117,343. The motion was moved by Councilmember Russi and supported by Councilmember Frederick; the council approved the award by voice vote with no recorded opposed votes.","City council approved a $1,117,343 contract for replacement of a cast-iron water main on Alexander Street, selecting the second-low bidder over the apparent low bidder because of reference concerns.",{"_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},6428209,"Residents press council over approach onto Harmon Street; Grobels agrees to changes but residents say issue unresolved",1473,2842000,4315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02&start=2842&end=4315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02/thumbnail_2842000.jpg","/articles/6428209/St-Clair-Shores/Macomb-County/Michigan/Residents-press-council-over-approach-onto-Harmon-Street-Grobels-agrees-to-changes-but-residents-say-issue-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428209-ae2b9363e660a51d01006d28131dd434/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201004&Signature=LXF480tZUE5OS9U1bHqM2fqm4rbxu1laODleDiGf-6xKyBkyqkEpn89X1eet-l31EeiXqMRp1jDZVzDOwz~56tvVtQNvzlJyjcVA4bSTjn6~F9lo38M0j5wvG8SZPWftFPcqza~f2IcX0J0KgvgB6UYqbEa17iLQdtYApm7T8dGyarlprqo4PixcpagNta8~3znVAPu76s7iJYgYy5y48EqR3sBRP4YXzC~NP7d0-2lYsaA9fNU1ft9J4rW28L2pAeomlpVNpiFQWLbOOVKDeAJmqjnm61exwBYjypGmhqt8ZR~4nre7YROZUMXwCf6ZhE-RGzvbujWzF4S6LCf3kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of Harmon Street residents told the St. Clair Shores City Council on Oct. 6 they remain opposed to a newly approved site plan that includes a vehicle approach across Harmon for a Grobels development, saying the driveway will hurt property values and increase traffic on their residential street.

Resident Sandy (last name not provided at the podium) told the council she and neighbors had believed a rezoning approved years earlier included a condition that \"there would be no approach way onto Harmon Street.\" The resident said the change represents a reversal that will \"devalue the property value of our home\" and that the matter is not resolved.

Councilmembers and staff said they had met with Grobels representatives after residents raised concerns. Council members described a compromise in which the developer agreed to modify the driveway configuration and install a mechanical arm to block exiting onto Harmon so vehicles must enter and exit at Little Mack or the Stevens approach. City officials said the revised plan narrows an earlier curve and adds controls intended to prevent queuing and turning movements onto the residential block.

\"They have agreed, being Grobels, to put an arm in there ... you will not be able to exit from there,\" a councilmember said during the meeting. Other council members praised Grobel’s willingness to alter the design, with one calling it \"excellent corporate citizenship.\" Council members also said the revised plan limits deliveries and employee access to Little Mack.

Residents said those changes do not fully address the underlying issue: that a site plan approval that once specified no Harmon approach has been altered. \"This is gonna severely affect the value of our property,\" one resident said. The resident requested a clear explanation of how the city moved from a rezoning condition prohibiting an approach to approving one in the current site plan.

City staff said they would continue working with Grobels and residents to ensure the configuration minimizes neighborhood impact and pointed to the mechanical arm and entrance-angle changes as steps already taken.

No council vote was taken on the matter during the meeting; the item was presented as an update under \"updates and follows from prior council meetings,\" and the council recorded the public concern and planned continued staff engagement.

The council also discussed broader traffic and public-safety follow-ups across the city during the updates item, including pavement warranty work, lighting complaints at a gas station and traffic mitigation measures such as illuminated curve signage and school-crossing pavement markings.

The Harmon residents requested further meetings and clearer documentation of the change in approvals; council staff said they would schedule follow-up conversations with the city attorney and city manager and maintain contact with the residents.","Residents objected at the meeting to a site plan permitting an approach onto Harmon Street for a Grobels development; city and applicant say they agreed to alter the access to prevent exit from Harmon, but residents say the approval and driveway will still reduce property values and remain unresolved.",{"_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},6428217,"Council upholds water-resources board appeal, allows five-foot dock setback variance on Jefferson",246,409000,655000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02&start=409&end=655","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02/thumbnail_409000.jpg","/articles/6428217/St-Clair-Shores/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-upholds-water-resources-board-appeal-allows-five-foot-dock-setback-variance-on-Jefferson","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428217-eeefc0a10f358e289996b0977fcab7ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201004&Signature=B37zp-c9BgmupchVKzNs-1jAywPmLVXwaIc2cosCokpwFucwiwUkxEF6fJZDvZMtowvS5k9euCBnzjLL6UGcpeV9kiaMQNhVfD73BbBsatmS0VmzYyOaX~Vtcv-JwKLoKU6C7z~oSpJiktjRTFwFMhqa4umhlaKfRmf~18VdB40E~vusbSi-RJ-NYLgVij7HzW9w4R4ZGXTTp8tBvvTSio3Y46q-NfagMN5KZrw4SijqIO8qFXLxxdPpmsTvapCUkUu2DLnaOQ5js2osdD8QQ-EmBm-0VmEqw5mOwyiZFfeDkBnoSLQ07pInU1QBcldazbdoRHn8vzZUKS5BNLm-HA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Clair Shores City Council on Oct. 6 approved an appeal of a water-resources-board action, granting a five-foot variance to allow a dock hoist to remain closer to the property line than the current 10-foot ordinance requires.

Homeowner William Hanna asked the council to allow the hoist to remain five feet from the northern property line, saying moving the structure would be impractical and impose “tremendous financial hardship.” Hanna said the requested change would not negatively affect neighboring properties, public safety, or environmental safety.

Councilmembers discussed the rationale for the 10-foot standard, with Councilmember Karen noting the extra setback was intended to preserve space in case a neighboring property installed its own dock or hoist. Karen said the property at issue was functionally unique and that the neighboring lot’s setback made the chance of conflict low.

Councilmember Vitale noted that a neighbor to the south had submitted a letter and told the council he favored the variance. \"You've got the neighboring property saying, we like it better this way,\" Vitale said.

Councilmember Karen moved to approve the appeal; the motion was supported on the floor and carried with no recorded opposition. The council did not attach further conditions beyond the variance request.

Votes at a glance: Motion to approve the appeal for a five-foot variance from the current 10-foot setback for the dock/hoist, moved by Councilmember Karen and supported by Councilmember Burgess; approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.","A Jefferson homeowner’s appeal for a five-foot variance from a 10-foot property-line setback for a dock hoist was approved unanimously after council determined the change would have minimal impact on neighbors and would avoid substantial hardship.",{"_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},6428202,"Council approves equipment purchases, indigent-defense contract and minor ordinance tweak",428,1296000,1724000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02&start=1296&end=1724","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905991-c1556bac3e91c8d726c9951e3ce44a02/thumbnail_1296000.jpg","/articles/6428202/St-Clair-Shores/Macomb-County/Michigan/Council-approves-equipment-purchases-indigent-defense-contract-and-minor-ordinance-tweak","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428202-e7de5b0116cefe08857efb08fa18c6dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771201004&Signature=P-~fZuNvpbOC5To78EN1aK8DX1BOXaNwNLYGhsCsY7v~VCuHlwbZuwMN9T7QOQ~77SNfFNh9JP2LzhxGoO8XK85NJzE8VW95mjBOGpNIFfip4zPbq8ReL-Pxf55cQKDfdfQXkmiJRB3VtkmLt2Jn7WRLNX1NQN0HFBI8x~o5qIQzgcX49yy0svqV3p2kOhqpncbcbsSZ9vpCBulXsB12qYnjgMJ930Zr5nyrfncEnUWstEywnKClzkOOA2M1kPfkHL3BEMjPSIaykD4M-owfJNjf7OHDivq0xgFgxThO5PDWyj7EVJvpSkAHqhjAgeiq59Tc7-MIIjnJMmKv1KSU6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Oct. 6 meeting, the St. Clair Shores City Council approved several routine purchases and a contract extension and made a minor ordinance wording change.

Equipment purchases
- The council authorized purchase of a concrete breaker (backhoe attachment) under a state contract from AIS Construction Equipment for $18,047. DPW Director Bridal Babcock told council the breaker will replace a 2001 model and that the old unit may be auctioned or retained as a backup because it fits older equipment.

- The council approved buying a sewer department jet-vac truck from McQueen for $598,617 under a Sourcewell cooperative contract. The vehicle will replace a 2007 unit and is used to clear roots, grease and debris from sewers, maintain pump stations and clean catch basins. Babcock and councilmembers said the truck helps reduce basement backups and street flooding responses; staff noted routine and emergency uses and completed warranty information in the packet.

Contracts and grants
- The council approved the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) agreement extension for fiscal year 2026 and execution of the contract for assigned counsel administration. The city will continue contracting with Michael P. Kavanaugh as assigned-counsel administrator; the MIDC grant provides up to $78,000 for the service. City staff said Kavanaugh has met reporting and liability requirements and the circuit judge provided a recommendation.

Ordinance wording change
- The council approved a narrow amendment to the mechanical-equipment arbitration ordinance to remove the word \"size\" from a condition that otherwise requires proposed equipment to have the same dimensions or be smaller. Councilmembers discussed adding the word \"physical\" to reduce future ambiguity but ultimately chose to strike \"size\" to clarify the provision.

Votes at a glance: The concrete breaker purchase (AIS Construction Equipment) $18,047; the sewer jet-vac truck (McQueen) $598,617; the MIDC contract extension (assigned counsel administration/Michael P. Kavanaugh) up to $78,000; and the ordinance amendment removing the word \"size\" from mechanical-equipment arbitration were all approved by council on Oct. 6 by voice vote with no recorded opposition.","On consent and routine agenda items, council approved purchases including a concrete breaker ($18,047) and a sewer jet-vac truck ($598,617); it also approved a Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) contract extension up to $78,000 and amended mechanical-equipment arbitration language to remove the word \"size.\"","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves Kite Monroe pickleball/tennis complex plan, awards fencing and surfacing contracts

St. Clair Shores awards $1.12 million Alexander water-main contract to Murphy Pipeline

Residents press council over approach onto Harmon Street; Grobels agrees to changes but residents say issue unresolved

Council upholds water-resources board appeal, allows five-foot dock setback variance on Jefferson

Council approves equipment purchases, indigent-defense contract and minor ordinance tweak