[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6522863,"mediaKeyId","5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777","parentId",5066781,"title","Votes at a glance: June 23 Madison Heights City Council","audioSeconds",96,"startMs",923000,"endMs",1019000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777&start=923&end=1019","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777/thumbnail_923000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6522863/Madison-Heights/Oakland-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-June-23-Madison-Heights-City-Council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522863-06973f80d1b49e0e5a2c354b583caf34/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166570&Signature=DK~eRu9ycd-bkgV8lWoNMvTbjET~w7AysGCP1kwffdxe~WR-UPYn~F5uFC3cA0Mf28CVMsMwb-KTaFsSehIWd5fIEQ2Z~w~qbFnvWyc2LzthMq-G1hJ5mU2JE9txBXqy7FaXEjRucLD0jwQ-QyD~UC053D~nn4~ZynNRILv4pPeUqWog7Czid4Ga30yuBMSzOhcL4q4bbcve~UoIbCYThJpCt8u3G5xscXSeJ5-CcyImZ3hPvMb~3~19fkEnPvDC0OY0UDHOJrkIWgsvZ0OwD5ohljaWtOnUuDpc2ojtA1AnJaPQkzrawHZEQoETVD1iit6Dom5fw1GfzYrp7tYI4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Madison Heights","date","2025-06-24T14:38:18.463Z","article","Madison Heights — The City Council took several routine and budget-related actions during its June 23 meeting. All items below were approved by voice vote as recorded in the meeting transcript.

• Consent agenda: The council approved three consent-agenda items — a St. Jude Iraq resolution for a charitable gaming license, a Mutual Aid Authority Agreement, and the June 9 regular meeting minutes. A representative from the St. Jude Iraq charity (Anne Asmar) spoke briefly to describe fundraising events and volunteer-driven programs; council approved the charitable-gaming license request.

• Budget amendments and carry forwards: The council approved amendments and carry forwards to the fiscal-year 2024–25 and fiscal-year 2025–26 budgets to comply with Michigan budget law. Staff identified the most significant amendments as FY26 carry forwards for fire-department projects and other items; council voted to appropriate the necessary funds.

All motions on the consent agenda and the budget amendments were made and seconded and passed by voice vote during the meeting. Where speakers introduced the consent items, they provided brief background (for example, the charity representative said 100% of gala raffle proceeds would go to orphans and widows in Iraq and cited local volunteer work). No roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript for these items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting June 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal actions taken at the June 23 meeting: consent agenda approvals, budget amendments for FY2025–26, and other consent items were approved by voice vote.","taxTitle","Madison Heights, Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",55558,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522868,"Residents urge council to limit flags to U.S. and Michigan flags, raise concerns about 11 Mile Road construction and sanctuary-city inquiry",272,495000,767000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777&start=495&end=767","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777/thumbnail_495000.jpg","/articles/6522868/Madison-Heights/Oakland-County/Michigan/Residents-urge-council-to-limit-flags-to-US-and-Michigan-flags-raise-concerns-about-11-Mile-Road-construction-and-sanctuary-city-inquiry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522868-56e59c96ca9467728b88eebd2c620d4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166570&Signature=AQrNczXMp4OvfRAjLjH6MHnrpQVpvlzFvFEbGIPZDVOzz4xTUIZ0bYDHVeJJdGjwr9yyezk9ukBhkiWITFY-cC5rMq3hScYFJmSvpnevVHQiy~w8vzt3vE0yPXzET0JZwHHTDLyZXc3QDlEtSTNqNlRgUSDUNkPltaljxprQLNxjQGenOcbs6O-moweS~Unly-pVXUESJbokzZOJIqwa8ZXpm9lajoILunWZftokKZQcFwSaiySDczH1hiwsBuzzuFehFh83ZW7q8rj2VdbuEYdGpM1f7QWvlWCRDCG089n0N4Rf60gA16T4QKTTYAgvcrZoq-yzTut2GIxZMOhjvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madison Heights — Multiple residents used the June 23 public-comment period to urge the City Council to restrict municipal flag displays to the U.S. and Michigan flags, to ask for clarity about a Human Relations and Equity Committee agenda item described as a \"sanctuary city inquiry,\" and to raise safety concerns about new streetscape construction on 11 Mile Road.

A resident who identified herself as \"a Madison Heights resident of 40 years\" told the council she believed elected officials should represent all residents and said allowing alternate flags \"opened the floodgates.\" She criticized the use of public municipal space for what she called \"a social justice playground\" and said that only the American flag and a state flag should be displayed. She said flying alternate flags had \"alienated people of faith, which includes some of the Jewish faith, the Christian faith, Muslims,\" and asked the council to reverse the alternate-flag ruling or consider flying a combined Christian–Jewish flag if the policy was not reversed. The speaker also referenced the Human Relations and Equity Committee agenda item that included the phrase \"sanctuary city inquiry,\" asking whether the city was \"entertaining bringing the sanctuary city classification to our city\" and warning it could jeopardize state revenue sharing and federal dollars.

Another resident, Doug McClain of 27432 Park Court, said he shares concerns about alternate flags and raised questions about a streetscape/beautification project on 11 Mile Road that began the same day. McClain asked whether police and fire had reviewed and signed off on the project, and expressed worry that emergency vehicles might not be able to navigate the intersection or that cut-through traffic would increase on nearby streets such as John R as drivers seek alternate routes.

Council did not take action on the issues during the meeting; public comment was recorded, and the council proceeded to other agenda business. Council members and staff later noted that police and fire chiefs were involved in streetscape planning and that the streetscape work had been discussed previously; councilmembers encouraged residents to contact DTE (the regional utility) about tree-trimming concerns raised during the meeting.

Why it matters: The comments highlight community disagreement over symbolic uses of municipal space and concern about the scope of local policymaking (the \"sanctuary city\" reference). They also reflect resident worries about the local impacts of streetscape construction on traffic and emergency response.

Next steps: Council did not act on the flag or sanctuary-city questions at the meeting; staff and committees (Human Relations and Equity Committee) may provide follow-up information. Residents urged direct outreach to DTE and city staff about construction and tree-trimming concerns.","During public comment at the June 23 meeting, residents objected to the display of alternate flags (including a trans flag), expressed concern about a Human Relations and Equity Committee agenda item referring to a sanctuary-city inquiry, and raised safety and traffic concerns about new 11 Mile Road construction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522873,"Council awards Rosie's Park Gardenia parking-lot replacement to lowest qualified bidder at $176,185",120,1378000,1498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777&start=1378&end=1498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777/thumbnail_1378000.jpg","/articles/6522873/Madison-Heights/Oakland-County/Michigan/Council-awards-Rosies-Park-Gardenia-parking-lot-replacement-to-lowest-qualified-bidder-at-176185","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522873-a7878aaf637bf6a85d20822d10c01836/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166570&Signature=A7EAwVWEX6MKPD23ohM0Q947sVVTZTKD9qZlQIMYMeYFnYVkz4ocfnSRUwqU1BJGCWnxriaF2IL7m4A7OlNgP3MxJz8yy5~wzM94BUTWI8vKvi6tlPTWBLxXgjiioY6VNtAushe2OV0zaXKzbaRkVAq66pkgpuLomkNuFBtgPWv9I2-vel3Ng3oSjeVg74F3ZPpL6fZTlxnCfETJ3~4SkdNu4FIzMmRy3NB54EVXp-hjq3lZmI7WFQsR15tp6ceREw4TUdFYLwhhUNagc3fSCEVCV2Bnx69nUJroxCqg3YIpIzsdMyTbLXg-WNqQYlfF5Dx48XWRaKGSrFrnxx0Xog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madison Heights — The City Council voted June 23 to award the Rosie's Park Gardenia parking lot replacement project to Asphalt Specialist LLC of Pontiac for a total project cost of $176,185.

Staff reported the fiscal year 2024–25 budget included funding for the parking-lot replacement but that initial funds proved insufficient; an additional funding phase was proposed and included in the fiscal year 2025–26 budget. The project was rebid in May, and Asphalt Specialist LLC submitted the lowest qualified bid. The city's consulting engineering firm (Nowick and Prowse) completed reference checks and recommended the contractor as fully capable of performing the scope of work.

A council member moved to award the contract to Asphalt Specialist LLC with funds to be used from the 2025–26 fiscal year budget; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The parking-lot replacement addresses infrastructure at Rosie's Park and was identified in the capital budget. The award follows procurement procedures and consultant vetting; funding will come from the city's FY 2025–26 budget.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the contract and schedule construction; the council did not add conditions or amendments at the meeting.","Madison Heights City Council approved awarding the Rosie's Park Gardenia parking lot replacement project to Asphalt Specialist LLC of Pontiac for $176,185, after a rebid determined the original budgeted funding was insufficient.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522878,"Madison Heights wins $119,350 MDNR tree-planting and inventory grant; council approves $52,000 services contract",349,1021000,1370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777&start=1021&end=1370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777/thumbnail_1021000.jpg","/articles/6522878/Madison-Heights/Oakland-County/Michigan/Madison-Heights-wins-119350-MDNR-tree-planting-and-inventory-grant-council-approves-52000-services-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522878-1e18426f75667079aac7f04dcaaedec3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166570&Signature=iAQlGet17FsG0S1nxHDM6HQ6AjY3ClsSwPp9WqTzxjhfIr5zAQ5HtQ4MJyS0xYJphxxrgdTWnfVrxs7QBfSkl6fcWwmb4eEOfYpNOa2eqSjNAv~FZ4H7SB7WEoK8a5TVarxvXfpe~xxRkzjqOWcLdYCpKCVv0AUqFsMjN80D7iJyf-isPjuXlB6kvYfysvj8dd8P085aZkhmKt01NddMma7aJ9hKHOGQeAq7Cbyw3xTDLbxHXenNJmiGf2ftKzh-OiurQyILRWr0eZeOGg9EemQoc5oaeKKTDYfB5cmm6-G2r-btqODht8zBQHwl8I04-UlR6Rjkc-oWXFSAUxd0zQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madison Heights — The City Council on June 23 authorized the city manager to sign a grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) for $119,350 and approved a professional services agreement with Davy Resource Group not to exceed $52,000 for a tree inventory and planting program funded by the MDNR grant.

City staff told the council an earlier application this year won full funding for the MDNR Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant. The city will fund a comprehensive inventory of public trees and plant up to 150 right-of-way trees to eliminate the existing wait list for the right-of-way planting program.

Sean Valentine, the city's director (DTS director), described the inventory work the consultant will perform: \"The tree inventory portion of the grant is to basically do just that — a full city tree inventory on all public right-of-way grounds and city grounds, including an assessment portion. This is the company actually going out tree by tree, telling us where our trees are, getting us GIS plots on them, then letting them know if they're in fair condition, poor condition, do they need to come down.\" Valentine said the work will provide GIS mapping, condition assessments and recommendations that will reduce liability and help the city manage its canopy.

Valentine said the grant will also fund educational materials and require residents who receive a planted right-of-way tree to watch informational videos about tree care and maintenance. The planting component will allow the city to remove the existing wait list for trees in the public right-of-way with approximately 150 trees funded by the grant.

Council voted to authorize two separate motions as recommended by staff: (1) authorize the city manager to sign the MDNR grant agreement for $119,350, and (2) authorize the city manager to enter into a professional services agreement with Davy Resource Group for an amount not to exceed $52,000. Both motions were approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: The inventory and planting program aims to improve the city's tree canopy, reduce hazard liability from failing trees, and provide outreach and education to residents on tree care. The inventory will give staff a detailed GIS-based baseline to prioritize maintenance and removals.

Next steps: Staff will execute the MDNR grant agreement and finalize the professional services contract with Davy Resource Group. The consultant will begin a citywide tree inventory and schedule right-of-way plantings for eligible residents on the wait list.","Council accepted a $119,350 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant and authorized a professional services agreement with Davy Resource Group not to exceed $52,000 for a citywide tree inventory and planting program.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6522883,"Madison Heights council approves withdrawal from MERS defined-contribution plan, moves accounts to Mission Square",273,187000,460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777&start=187&end=460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5066781-0ad5ae7601aaa418c05ba3dfc2d97777/thumbnail_187000.jpg","/articles/6522883/Madison-Heights/Oakland-County/Michigan/Madison-Heights-council-approves-withdrawal-from-MERS-defined-contribution-plan-moves-accounts-to-Mission-Square","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6522883-f3241a5c316259402fc3dd1f4f37a129/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166570&Signature=I4KJwlyzhFydyMHxwLqBVwyvtKkMBCY28ei6ETm4mSoSzu8H-Tv7hd8DuSgam0hFgHjx-0L9RtivaQJRI39yhZSwGE2idrTo7k7lNCgqScYJDd0sdI421EXXrqIO483oP55hj2YzR3znBfWbO38rmBmNKri1BtqYEKYCpjDCEtaDcdM~CkWPyuKyA1S-u8QFirDYeV20XBvbVMYtJD9g3CuvarcKoaq7Eny9hiMj1GSLvoqra3ugVVaM4OIzLHa1EBjiqcXu92ZNcmmIkfBAw2sBs05XsL5FqsQP~LP29P~rQKp1MEwKtFXy7iBnadLaOK0qi30lwFKMhA08ASdyyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Madison Heights — The City Council voted June 23 to approve a resolution to terminate participation in the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) defined-contribution plan and to execute a withdrawal and transfer agreement that will move the city's affected retirement accounts to Mission Square Retirement.

The action followed a statutorily required two-meeting public hearing; the council held the first hearing on June 9 and opened the second on June 23 before approving the resolution by voice vote. No members of the public spoke specifically on the MERS transfer during the hearing.

Council opened the item noting that, \"This public hearing is scheduled to receive public comments on the proposed Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan defined contribution, withdrawal, and transfer agreement,\" and that the MERS termination process requires notice at two consecutive regularly scheduled council meetings. City staff recommended council approve the drafted resolution and the withdrawal and transfer agreement.

Dan Stewart, introduced by staff as a representative of Mission Square Retirement, told the council Mission Square is currently the record keeper for the city's 457(b) deferred compensation plan and that the transfer would \"bring everything under one roof to have better services for city employees.\" Stewart said the arrangement — in partnership with the Bryce Group — will offer \"an open tech architecture investment lineup, more choices, more options, more oversight, in addition to a reduced cost, and also improved services by having streamlined education.\" He added Mission Square has been in business since 1973 and has served as the city's record keeper since the early 2000s.

Council members asked for a brief overview before voting. In response to a question about retirees, Stewart said existing retirees and separated employees will have investments \"mapped over\" to similar funds at Mission Square and will see the reduced fee structure; retirees retain the right to leave the plan and roll their accounts elsewhere if they choose.

After the presentation and a short period for questions, a council member moved to approve the MERS resolution to terminate and to authorize execution of the withdrawal and transfer agreement. The motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote. The council then opened general public comment for other agenda items.

Why it matters: The transfer consolidates the city's retirement account recordkeeping under Mission Square for the 401(a) plan and the 457(b) plan, which city staff and the presenter said should reduce fees, expand investment choices and streamline retirement education for employees. The council did not adopt any amendment or condition to the transfer during the meeting.

Next steps: With the council's approval, staff will execute the withdrawal and transfer agreement with Mission Square per the resolution and follow MERS procedures for plan termination and asset transfer. The council did not set additional conditions or follow-up tasks during the meeting.","After a two-meeting public hearing, the City Council voted to approve a resolution to terminate participation in the Municipal Employees Retirement System (MERS) 401(a) defined-contribution plan and execute a withdrawal and transfer agreement to Mission Square Retirement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: June 23 Madison Heights City Council

Residents urge council to limit flags to U.S. and Michigan flags, raise concerns about 11 Mile Road construction and sanctuary-city inquiry

Council awards Rosie's Park Gardenia parking-lot replacement to lowest qualified bidder at $176,185

Madison Heights wins $119,350 MDNR tree-planting and inventory grant; council approves $52,000 services contract

Madison Heights council approves withdrawal from MERS defined-contribution plan, moves accounts to Mission Square