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Sterling Heights approves $83,700 stormwater utility feasibility study amid concerns about public outreach
Summary
Council approved a $83,700 proposal from Rapatelli's Financial Consultants to complete a stormwater utility feasibility study that will outline possible rate structures; one councilmember voted no, citing insufficient public engagement ahead of approving the contract.
The Sterling Heights City Council approved a proposal from Rapatelli's Financial Consultants Inc. to perform a stormwater utility feasibility study at a cost of $83,700.
Councilmember Reagan moved the resolution to accept the proposal; Councilmember Radke and others said the study will provide three possible rate structures and help align stormwater costs with the users who generate the most runoff (large parking lots, industrial sites). Supporters argued a utility could create incentives for large users to invest in on-site green infrastructure.
Councilmember Yanez opposed the action, saying he was uncomfortable with the process and that more public engagement should have preceded the contract approval; Yanez said he feared the study might sit unused if the public had not been adequately informed or consulted. The motion carried with one no vote.
Next steps: the consultant will complete the feasibility analysis and propose rate structures for council review; staff and council will determine community engagement steps during study implementation.
