Madison Heights council approves OCHN co-responder extension, John R. construction funding and midyear budget amendments

Madison Heights City Council on Jan. 26 approved several measures including a contract extension for a mental-health co-responder program, a construction funding resolution with MDOT for John R Road and a midyear amendment to the FY25–26 budget, council minutes show.

Co-responder contract: Council approved an extension and amendment (amendment #2) to the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) agreement to continue a co-responder program for Madison House under an interlocal arrangement with Ferndale, Hazel Park and Royal Oak. The city manager and staff recommended approval; a county grant is covering program costs through the contract period. Council asked how funding will continue after the contract’s Sept. 30, 2026 end date. City staff said the city’s portion would be around $26,000 if grant funds do not continue and that at least one partner community has indicated it may not continue if required to self-fund. Councilmembers praised the program’s value for residents and first responders.

Construction funding — John R Road: Council adopted a resolution to participate in the construction funding agreement (contract 25-5600) required by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for rehabilitation of John R Road from 11 Mile to Dartmouth. Staff reported the engineer’s estimate was $2,895,700 with the city’s share estimated at $1,541,151; bids came in below budget. Mayor Haines and the city clerk were authorized to sign the funding agreement.

Boards and commissions, budget amendments: Council approved 2026 work plans for the arts board, crime commission, human relations and equity commission, historical commission and the environmental citizens commission (a correction noted: the library advisory board was not the item). Council also adopted midyear budget amendments to align revenues and expenses for FY25–26; the manager noted state law requires council to approve budget amendments and that the amendments require a supermajority.

Council also received an update on a SEMCOG TAP grant that will fund pedestrian RRFB crossings and mini traffic islands (see separate article). The meeting concluded with community announcements about a local animal-shelter fundraiser, voter ID card mailings and snow-removal policy discussions; the mayor adjourned at about 7:30 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- OCHN co-responder contract extension (includes amendment #2): Motion made and seconded; voice vote recorded as "motion carries." (Action approved) - MDOT construction funding agreement, contract 25-5600 (John R Road rehabilitation): Motion made and seconded; voice vote recorded as "motion carries." (Action approved) - Boards & Commissions 2026 work plans (including added historical commission work plan): Motion made, seconded and approved. (Action approved) - Midyear FY25-26 budget amendments: Motion made, supported and approved by voice vote; manager noted the amendments require a supermajority. (Action approved)

Next steps: Staff said they will follow up with details about long-term funding for the co-responder program, proceed with MDOT-required signing and move the SEMCOG-funded pedestrian projects into design and procurement.