Ferndale council approves two redevelopment liquor licenses, awards paving contract and selects preferred city manager

The Ferndale City Council voted unanimously on multiple items during its February meeting, approving two Class C redevelopment liquor licenses, awarding the 2025 pavement improvement program contract, approving the consent agenda, and selecting Colleen O’Toole as its preferred candidate for city manager, subject to contract negotiation and a background check.

Corner Shop Group LLC — 23337/23341 Woodward Avenue

The council approved a state of Michigan Class C redevelopment liquor license for Corner Shop Group LLC, a proposed hybrid bookstore/coffee shop by owners Matthew and Mary Abraham. The applicants described the concept as a daytime coffee and retail bookstore with a nighttime wine shop, emphasizing a neighborhood “third‑space” rather than a bar. Matthew Abraham said the property includes a small on‑site lot with about five spaces and that employees would be encouraged to use municipal monthly parking tags nearby. Council members asked about capacity and parking; the applicant said seating would be limited to 30 and that an ADA‑accessible parking space will be provided. The motion to approve the license passed unanimously (Johnson: yes; Kelly: yes; Mikulski: yes; Polica: yes; Leaksmaier: yes).

Balam Cafe LLC (also referred to as Balam Cafe) — 207 E. 9 Mile Road

The council also approved a Class C redevelopment liquor license for Balam Cafe LLC, operated by Jose Granados and Sandra Haro (owners of nearby Mezcal). The business is proposed as a day‑to‑night coffee shop and small‑bites spot that would display art and host cultural events; food service would be limited and largely prepared at Mezcal and brought over. The applicants said maximum occupancy of the space will be about 35–40 people. The motion to forward the recommendation to the state for the license passed unanimously (Johnson: yes; Kelly: yes; Mikulski: yes; Polica: yes; Leaksmaier: yes).

Consent agenda

Council approved the consent agenda by unanimous vote. Items included minutes, a DPW equipment purchase, renewal of memberships, insurance, emergency repair authorizations, two staff training/tuition approvals, a request to apply for a SMART enhanced mobility grant for a replacement bus (with RTA funding covering the bulk of the cost), approval to display the Pan‑African flag at City Hall for Black History Month, and other routine financial and operational items.

Pavement improvement program (PIP) — Ajax Paving Industries

The council awarded the 2025 Local Pavement Improvement Program bid to Ajax Paving Industries for an estimated total of $3,236,774.99, to be paid from the streets and roads bond (GL account 450‑000‑977.700). City staff said the program covers roughly 6.19 miles of residential streets, curb and gutter, drainage, ADA ramps and related concrete repairs, with a construction window targeted from mid‑April to October pending weather. The motion carried unanimously (Johnson: yes; Kelly: yes; Mikulski: yes; Polica: yes; Leaksmaier: yes).

City manager selection

After interviews and public engagement with three finalists, council selected Colleen O’Toole as its preferred candidate for city manager. The council motion specified that the appointment is contingent on a satisfactory background check and approval of an employment agreement negotiated with the city’s labor attorney; the motion passed unanimously (Johnson: yes; Kelly: yes; Mikulski: yes; Polica: yes; Leaksmaier: yes). Several council members praised the finalists and said they expect the selected manager and interim staff to work collaboratively moving forward.

Votes at a glance

- State of Michigan Class C redevelopment liquor license — Corner Shop Group LLC (23337 & 23341 Woodward Ave): approved, unanimous. - State of Michigan Class C redevelopment liquor license — Balam Cafe LLC (207 E. 9 Mile Rd): approved, unanimous. - Consent agenda (items 7a–7l as published): approved, unanimous. - 2025 Local Pavement Improvement Program — award to Ajax Paving Industries, $3,236,774.99 from streets and roads bond (GL 450‑000‑977.700): approved, unanimous. - Selection of preferred city manager candidate — Colleen O’Toole, contingent upon background check and negotiated employment agreement: approved, unanimous.

Background and next steps

The two license approvals will be forwarded to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for final licensing. The pavement contract will move to a preconstruction meeting and construction this spring, pending weather. The city will begin contract negotiations and background checks for the preferred city manager candidate; a finalized employment agreement will return to council for approval before a hire is completed.