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Eastpointe council approves package of measures including RFP for planning services and $3 million road grant
Summary
At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Eastpointe City Council voted to issue an RFP for planning services, accept a $3 million state earmark for 10 Mile Road reconstruction, adopt the joint parks and recreation master plan and approve a series of routine motions including a budget amendment and an interim city manager contract.
Eastpointe City Council on Jan. 21 approved a bundle of measures including a request for proposals (RFP) for planning services, acceptance of a $3 million state grant for reconstruction of 10 Mile Road from Hayes to Fox/Cole, and the adoption of a 2025–2029 Joint Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The actions, taken over a roughly two‑hour meeting, included votes to place an RFP for planning services, temporarily close Ethylene Court for programming tied to a DDA grant project, adopt a mid‑year budget amendment, approve a memorandum of understanding to receive Edward Byrne JAG funds jointly with Clinton Township, adopt an amended rental housing ordinance, schedule a first reading of rodent‑control ordinance revisions, and hire an interim city manager on an interim contract.
Why it matters: The RFP opens the door for Eastpointe to reconsider whether planning work is handled by a contractor or a full‑time, in‑house planner; the 10 Mile grant offers immediate funding to rebuild a busy corridor; and the master plan adoption makes the jurisdiction eligible for Michigan DNR grant programs tied to parks work.
Key votes and outcomes
- RFP for planning services: Council voted 4–1 to place an RFP for planning services and allow administration to draft requirements informed by the discussion. Council member Baker cast the lone no vote. The motion directs administration to require contractor staffing levels and licensing in the solicitation.
- 10 Mile Road reconstruction (MDOT earmark): Council adopted Resolution 25‑1996 to accept a $3,000,000 state earmark for reconstruction of 10 Mile Road from Hayes to Fox/Cole. The vote was unanimous. Council and staff said the road is a county‑owned facility but that the earmark will help cover Eastpointe’s portion of reconstruction costs and timing.
- 2025–2029 Joint Parks and Recreation Master Plan: Council adopted Resolution 25‑1997 to approve the five‑year master plan jointly prepared with the Recreation Authority and Roseville. The action was unanimous; staff said the plan is required for certain DNR grants.
- Temporary closure for DDA wrap grant project (Ethylene Court): Council approved a motion to allow temporary closures of Ethylene Court for programming and events related to the DDA grant project for calendar years 2025 and 2026, unanimously.
- Budget amendment BA 25‑03: Council approved a mid‑year budget amendment that redistributes revenue/expense items and adjusts contractual services (including McKenna planning services). The amendment showed an approximate net impact to the general fund of about $47,000; council approved it unanimously.
- JAG grant MOU with Clinton Township: Council approved an MOU making Eastpointe the fiscal agent for the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant (county allocations: Clinton Township $27,156; Eastpointe $17,958), unanimously.
- Ordinance No. 25‑1245 (rental housing): Council completed second reading and adopted amendments to the rental housing code, reflecting suggested DOJ guidance; vote unanimous.
- Rodent control ordinance amendments: Council directed the city attorney to finalize proposed amendments to Chapter 18, Article 6 (rodent control) and schedule a first reading for Feb. 4, 2025; motion carried unanimously.
- Interim city manager contract: Council approved an interim city manager employment agreement to begin Feb. 26, 2025, at $175,000 annual compensation; the contract provides no additional benefits; the vote was unanimous.
- Planning commission appointment: Council approved the appointment of Mary Howell Raiford to the planning commission after a divided vote (three yes, two no).
Other business: Council approved routine items including business licensing (massage therapy license) and payment of payroll and bills.
What the roll calls show: Most contested items were procedural (RFP vs. in‑house options). Several items passed unanimously. Where recorded, roll‑call votes were read into the record and are summarized above.
Ending note: Many items—especially the 10 Mile grant and parks master plan—are tied to external funding deadlines and intergovernmental coordination; staff said the city will continue working with Macomb County, MDOT and the Recreation Authority as design and implementation progress.
