Madison Heights swears in new council, honors three outgoing leaders

Madison Heights swore in its newly elected 36th City Council at the Nov. 20 meeting and presented recognition certificates to three departing leaders for long service and civic accomplishments.

The ceremonial oath was administered by Judge Hunt; newly sworn officials included Corey Haynes as mayor and council members Toya Aaron and Laurie Gerald. After each oath the official answered, “I do,” and council recessed briefly for photos.

The council then presented formal certificates recognizing outgoing Mayor Rosalind Grafstein and long‑serving council members Mark Bliss and David Soltis. The mayor’s remarks, read into the record, listed accomplishments attributed to each official, including environmental programs and the revival of the Environmental Citizens Committee under Grafstein, the creation of the Information Technology Advisory Committee and Arts Board credited to Bliss, and Soltis’s advocacy for seniors and public‑safety initiatives.

Mark Bliss, in closing remarks earlier in the meeting, framed his service as a series of incremental civic efforts that produced visible results: “Any one small strategic action is always capable of sparking huge positive changes.” He thanked volunteers, city staff and council peers for their support during his 12 years in office.

The presentations were ceremonial and did not require a roll call vote. Following the recognitions, the new council moved on to routine business and committee appointments.

The next procedural step for the new council is a 10‑minute recess for photos and then regular agenda work; City Manager Melissa Marsh said council staff will begin strategic budget planning with this council in the coming weeks.