Council approves consent-agenda purchases, brownfield amendments and to retain McKenna for plan review

The Southfield City Council on Dec. 16 approved a multi-item consent agenda and separate last-minute items that together covered equipment purchases, public works projects, policy updates and brownfield plan amendments.

Consent-agenda approvals (moved by Councilman Hicks, supported by Councilman Hogue) included: - Authorization to purchase new and replacement turnout gear for the Fire Department. - Purchase and upfit of a replacement enclosed trench-rescue trailer for the Fire Department (the council heard the department intended to repurpose or sell the existing 24-year-old trailer; no trade-in was offered). - Authorization to purchase Westlaw online and print legal-research products for the City Attorney’s Office (item pulled for clarification but approved after discussion). - Authorization to extend the lead-service verification and replacement contract. - Approval of an agreement for the Beach Road pathway from 9 Mile Road to Shiawassee Road. - Approval for Rutland Avenue reconstruction and water-main improvements between Northwestern Highway and 9 Mile Road. - Annual adoption of the 2025 poverty-exemption guidelines under MCL 211.7u. - Annual update of the city depository resolution. - Annual update of the city investment policy.

Council also approved several additional items discussed later in the meeting: - Two Brownfield plan amendments related to the Southfield Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative that remove individual parcels from two SNRI plans so Habitat for Humanity can finalize recently completed duplex/condominium closings; council authorized the amendments and associated tax-increment financing modifications so Habitat can proceed with closings for new homeowners. - Authorization to retain McKenna & Associates for construction-plan review services while staff issues a formal RFP; staff said plan-review costs are typically paid by applicants through permit fees and the near-term contract amount was estimated in discussion at about $80,000 as an aggregate, which staff said is reimbursable through permit fees.

Council approved the consent agenda and the additional items by voice vote; motions carried with no recorded opposition. Council members discussed disposal or sale of the old trench-rescue trailer and confirmed the city will pursue a public disposal or resale process through purchasing.