Madison Heights council approves property transfer, special land use, Microsoft license purchase; schedules MERS withdrawal hearing

Madison Heights City Council took several formal actions Monday night, approving a property transfer for streetscape construction, granting a special land use for a major auto repair facility, and authorizing the purchase of Microsoft Office 365 licenses. Council also voted to schedule a public hearing on June 23 to consider a resolution to terminate participation in the Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS) defined contribution plan and to authorize execution of a withdrawal and transfer agreement if the resolution is approved at that later meeting.

Property transfer for 11 Mile streetscape: Council authorized the city manager and city clerk to complete the property transfer documentation to acquire 27 feet of right of way from the United Methodist Church at 241 E. 11 Mile Road for $1, with the Madison Heights Downtown Development Authority to bear all costs of removing and replacing the church's sign (estimated sign construction cost $12,575). City staff said the additional right of way will help provide uniform streetscape improvements and room for pedestrian amenities. The motion passed unanimously.

Special land use PSP25‑02 (436 E. 14 Mile): Council granted special land use approval to operate a major auto repair and service use at 436 E. 14 Mile Road (zoned M‑1 light industrial) with conditions recommended by city staff and the planning commission. Conditions include submission of a minor site plan, meeting minimum landscape requirements (with administrative waivers for nearby overhead wires), designation of customer/employee parking and outdoor storage areas, increasing the ADA aisle width to 16 feet, notation of number of hoists/service spaces, adjusted lighting to prevent light trespass, and listing use‑specific operating conditions on the certificate of occupancy. The applicant described interior and lighting upgrades underway. The motion passed unanimously.

Purchase of Microsoft licenses (Skynet contract): Council approved Skynet Innovations' request to purchase Microsoft 365 P1, G1 and G3 annual licenses for city staff at a staff‑recommended cost of $63,432. Council discussion noted that the quoted G3 licenses did not include Microsoft Copilot and that adding Copilot later would be prorated; the city manager said an AI policy review is already underway. The motion passed unanimously.

MERS defined contribution plan withdrawal and transfer agreement: Staff presented a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed MERS withdrawal and transfer agreement. The council voted to authorize the mayor and city clerk to sign the MERS withdrawal and transfer agreement on behalf of the city and to schedule the public hearing and final council action for June 23. Staff said the transfer (if approved at the June 23 meeting) would move funds to MissionSquare to access broader investment options and lower fees as permitted by MERS termination policy and procedures. The motion to schedule the hearing and authorize signature authority passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance - Property transfer / right of way (United Methodist Church at 241 E. 11 Mile): approved; consideration: acquisition of 27 feet of right of way for $1; DDA to pay sign replacement cost estimated at $12,575; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Special land use PSP25‑02 (436 E. 14 Mile): approved with staff conditions; outcome: approved (unanimous). - Microsoft license purchase (Skynet): approve purchase of Microsoft 365 P1/G1/G3 licenses for $63,432; outcome: approved (unanimous). - MERS withdrawal & transfer agreement: council authorized mayor and clerk to sign agreement and scheduled public hearing/final action for June 23; outcome: motion to schedule and authorize passed (unanimous).