You. evening ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you all to tonight's Highland Park City Council. Reporting regular meeting for scheduled for Monday, March 18 at 7pm. As far as opening ceremony today, I just wanted to take a moment and have a moment of silence for Mr. Courtney Cooper. If you guys are not familiar, Mr. Cooper lost his life recently in the shootings. As a young man who unfortunately lost his life, he was a staple in the community very well loved and very well known. And if you would mind if you would just bow your head in silence to recognize that loss, you would.
Thank you very much for that. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll for tonight's meeting?
Councilman a Sharpie. Here.
Martin, here,
Councilwoman Manica here. Radisson
here. Thank you very much. Moving on to item three. That's your approval of the agenda member to city council you've had an opportunity to receive and review the agenda and at this point the chair will entertain a motion to approve the agenda and proceed forward.
Motion to approve with amendments.
Have a motion on the floor to approve the agenda with the Minister of Minister Mr. Shafi. Mr. Shafi, would you please state those amendments?
Yes. In council affairs I would like to move the appointment of candidate to feel with Treasury they can see I want to move it from Council affairs to to city city council five our I would like to make that five eight. And then the resolution to approve the primary special election can be five be
okay Mr. Sharp it to your point I asked the clerk to put this under Council affairs so far since we've been city council members. This is the first item on the agenda that was initiated by city council. The motion to proceed in this direction was started by yourself. It was seconded by Pro Tem everything that has occurred related to the appointment of the candidate to fill the treasurer has been under Council affairs and not under administration's affairs. So putting an under counsel affairs, in my opinion is where it belongs. This is not a part of the administration's program. The decision to move forward with this has nothing to do with the administration everything on the agenda right now prior to that pertains to city business things that we must do as our obligations. But Council affairs is where we dispose of things of our choosing. And this is the first item since we became council people where this item the entire history and trajectory of it falls under Council affairs and that's the reason why I put it there. I
understand that council council president I get that but you know five does say city council and this this particular resolution for the primary is Council affair and council affair alone. So I really don't see the conflict. We're moving that there I mean, they're both actually intertwined with one another. I really don't see the conflict. Okay,
so item A. Alright, so we have we moved to item five. It should be Item B our first obligation is a resolution to approve the primary and special election pretty charter. So if you want to move it to five b I'll support
Okay. All right. I'll take FireBee I'll do that.
Do we have any other
Yeah, I got I got one more shirt. I'm like Liwa where are we putting? Oh, okay. Okay. Yes, I
have a resolution to approve the settlement agreement between water and sewer services agreement. Council passed the resolution for the city. To approve the waiver for Miller Canfield for redrafted. Trust in that has done and now this document Salman is ready to be approved and walked out on first items.
Okay, it will be my suggestion to put that at item five so that we can get that taken care of and move on. Mr. Shockley, would you have any argument with putting that as Item five,
I have no argument putting that aside and five, we can move. We can actually deal with this one year. It's the most important thing on the agenda tonight. So we actually put this at five put the put the election at five A and put the treasurer at five b
I'm amenable to that.
Cheryl for support, we have any questions any dissent. Clerk would you call it a roll for the approval of the agenda item three. We have a motion sir. We have a motion on the floor made by Councilman Shafi supported by the chair to remove were to move the appointment of the candidate to fill the treasurer of vacancy up to city council affairs as item b The first item is a resolution to approve the primary special election and the first item will be the Gleevec contract.
Yes, it's Monica miss walking it off.
Now yes ma'am.
Switching five B
and five a yes ma'am. And so she's
a time except she's like the city administrator.
Kind of nation we do. The agenda as follows. Five should be city administrator with the resolution to approve the settlement agreement. And then we will move six could be City Council since A and B 789 and 10.
When agreement, I am in agreement.
Here no protests. Madam Clerk, would you please call it a world or approval of the agenda item three
Shafi? Yes,
Martin. Yeah,
Councilmember Manica Yes.
Sounds approached to Rhonda said yes.
Go county President Thomas.
Yes, motion carries. Moving on to item four. This is the approval of the workshop meeting minutes for March 4 2020. for city council. your pleasure on item four? First meetings.
To approve the workshop minutes, meeting minutes March 4 2024.
Have a motion on the floor. Second, have a motion on the floor from Councilman manacle to approve the workshop meeting minutes for March 4 2020 for your no dissent. Would you please call the roll on item for the first two minutes for approval. Madam Clerk?
Members shabby. Yes. Councilmember Martin.
Yes.
Councilmember Manica?
Yes.
So Pro Tem Robinson. Yes. Sounds President Thomas Yes.
Motion carries next under item for the approval of the regular meeting minutes for March 4 2020. for city council. is your pleasure on the side
the regular minutes regular meeting minutes March 4 2024.
For a second.
Any questions concerns dissent? Could you please call the roll and approval of the regular meeting minutes for Mark for member Shafi. Yes, Council Member Martin.
Yes.
As a member mantha Yes. Those Pro Tem Robertson Yes. Council President Thomas.
Thank you. Motion carries last is the approval of the special meeting minutes for March 11 2020. for city council. What's your pleasure?
Motion to approve the special meeting minutes March 11 2000.
Chair offer second.
Chicago roll and please remember a
Sharpie. Yes.
So remember Martin. Yes. And also remember America? Yes. Council President Thomas yes,
motion carries. We moved to the section of our agenda every council meeting where we turn the floor over to Mayor McDonald so that she may address Council and the public and McDonald if you work
at everyone
I have a few things I promise I want to thank everyone who worked on the water deal.
I hope that we are ready to move forward with this 20 year ordeal behind so that we can continue on with the next process. State of the City address will be held on Thursday, March 21. Everybody will tabernacle 16th Avenue at 16 revival tabernacle,
Church
64 by five Wood Avenue we're still working with the City Board. I hope you guys are still working with me. And so we can move permit progress. City as we had a lot going on last year. We got a lot done. I will continue to process. Thank you. Thank you ma'am.
This is the point of the meeting where we open the floor for citizens participation on items pertaining to the agenda and if there are members of the audience members of the community, or guests who would like to address Council specifically on items on the agenda, this is your opportunity to do so. Our agenda is as following Great Lakes Water Authority contract, city council affairs a primary election and the appointment of a chair of the temporary treasure. The funded administration the resolution to issue an RFP for ambulance transportation at a community development we have a resolution to sell two vacant lots. And to finance the submission there were a monthly financial statement and Department of Engineering This is a resolution authorization authorizing the submission of a federal aid funding grant to Wayne County. If there are people who wanted to speak on those items, this is your opportunity to do so. If you'd like to speak you approach the podium. If you're a guest, we'll ask you to state your name. I will allot you two minutes at the end of the two minutes if you will be kind enough to relinquish the microphone and Sir, you can go ahead now.
James Lucca 24, Massachusetts have a question on community development. When went to sell the vacant lots and we do this probably every month and things like that. Are those documents open to the public where we can see those documents that are submitted to the city? Now they're completed so they available for public viewing. So
this is your first time so this is where the question you can ask and then we can get back to you at the end of that and council affairs. I can't make any assumptions. These are private documents. Yes, people call my addresses information that would require disclosure on their part. Yes, I can answer that question. I'll try to answer it before the meeting is over. Okay. Thank you. My pleasure. Anyone else? Good evening.
How are you doing council president? Very good. My name is Marcus Fitzgerald. I'm an ex resident of Highland Park but I do have my daughter and grandchildren here. I was noticing on Davidson e service drive. Right before you get to Oakland. There isn't a yield sign there for the traffic that comes off of the freeway. You know I'm sorry. For the people going on the service drive. But it's for the people when they come off the freeway. They are hit by someone going down the Service Drive. And I understand that that might be a county road. I just wanted to know how to proceed any further to take care of that. Or ask someone to take care of it. Can I name again sir? Marcus Fitzgerald, Mr. Okay.
We have our DPW supervisor here today Mr. Pfister, we might be able to offer you you might have enhanced compensation but you have to demean Thank you very much sir.
Thank you very much.
I can't help but when I talked to my elder that's just I can't
believe I was wondering about this property of 400. I do have any idea what they want to do with their property. Because it's right behind me I need to know
in this company, what is what is this company? They own one property and not a bad property. So there's no plan to do anything with the lead person. And then what do they plan to do to develop this property? Okay, that's what I'm wanting to know. Because it's right behind me. I want to know what's going on. Thank
you. Thank you, Miss Washington.
Um, see anybody else moving to the podium so that will allow us to move into our agenda. Does anybody else move okay. So we're moving to item five and this is the GL wa contract.
This is an item that was walked on by a City Business Administrator. I guess I'll be turning the floor over to human square. Yes,
yes, ma'am. I'm sorry. So we have item five which is the signing of the geo wa contract City Council. What's your pleasure?
Motion to approve.
Have a motion on the floor from Councilman Shafi
discussion? Sorry. Motion to approve. With discussion.
Do we have support? Before
supported by counsel Pro Tem Robertson, Mr. Shaw, for you that discussion? Yes, yes.
I understand that. You're
gonna I don't like to turn my back.
Here. So you're gonna walk us through this real quick.
I'm gonna read. Okay.
Okay, that's the only thing that's different is the trust agreement. I could spend it here in Washington
library of documents
Okay, good. Yeah.
It's more like, Oh, we're in church. Good evening, everyone. It's a good night tonight. And I would like to thanks, Councilman now Shafi. He took the place of Councilwoman Robinson who demanded to be in a mediation. And she had a conflict. So Councilman Shafi stepped up in her place, and for the last two nights, Thursday night and Friday night for how many hours 17 hours 17 hours. We hammered it out. We also have RAM Lipscomb tonight. If you recall, he was here last at the last Council meeting because the state hired him to come in and close the deal. he redid the trust agreement, and I will let him go through the changes to that. Agreement. It went from a very long 35 Plus page agreement to a 15 page agreement that complies with our charter ordinances and state law. So that's wonderful. So for the most part, that the deal is done, it's more than just a contract with Liwa. It is a settlement agreement. And this settlement agreement includes a updated amended administrative consent agreement with the state of Michigan. We were in an old one that the city entered into after the helm fire and that was there were a lot of requirements for us to fix all kinds of things. And we did and we've entered into a new one now that will comport with all of the meter installation, and all the things that are going to happen from here on so I'm going to tell everybody that all of your groups and the water advocates and stay advocated big because now we move to the next phase of this, which means to get the meters in the ground, so that we can ultimately get our water and sewer system metered. So we aren't just unmetered. I'm going to read the resolution to you so that you understand what we've done and and then Ron can come up to briefly talk about the trust and then that's it. Now there is a because there's always a hang up and ugly what has decided to audit last year. They have previously audit under the old 96 agreement, there was a audit provision where they would come in and look at all the books to make sure we hadn't cheated them out of our out of the 65% that we were supposed to pay them and and so apparently the glue will board is meeting on Thursday because they have to approve the trust. The portions of the agreement that they approved are the same portions of the agreement we approved. So they will be meeting on Thursday and we have agreed to reduce the audit time from a 15 day notice period to two day notice period. So that's going on and and we're confident that that will turn out because tonight we're settling. So you know if they dig up another $5 million, I'm just letting them right here right now know when God so the settlement will have to be the settlement that the state is providing because when you settle something that means you've settled it that doesn't mean that you settle it and you can go pick up some more money that you think somebody owes you from somewhere else.
So this
says city of Highland Park, a resolution to approve settlement agreement, water and sewage services agreement, trust agreement and lockbox agreement, whereas the city has been engaged in long term litigation the litigation with the Great Lakes Water Authority related to the provision of wholesale water supply and sewage disposal services by Liwa to the city and the related payment for such services and whereas the city has been represented by Grigsby and Associates, Inc, of Danville, California and Morgan Roth and Morgan Roth PLLC, Birmingham, Michigan, together litigation counsel during the course of the litigation, and whereas the state of Michigan the state has been assisting the city and Glee with to resolve the litigation in the best interest of each of the parties. And whereas the city and Lee will have resolved the litigation, the litigation pursuant to the terms of that certain settlement agreement and mutual risks mutual release, including all exhibits and attachments there to the Settlement Agreement. Being entered into by and between the city Glover and the state and whereas the terms of the settlement agreement require the city to provide for the intercept and distribution by a trustee pursuant to a trust agreement, including all exhibits and attachments there to the trust agreement. And together with the Settlement Agreement, the settlement documents and the revenue system revenues derived from services provided by the city's water supply and sewage disposal system, the system and whereas this city council previously approved the settlement agreement, subject to the redrafting of the trust agreement, and whereas since the previous council approval, the trust agreement has since been redrafted and is informed and substance compliant with the city charter and state and federal law. And whereas certain limited provisions of the settlement agreement have been slightly modified to reflect changes arising from the new Trust Agreement, including the water supply services agreement and wastewater disposal service agreement. Together the water and sewage services agreement included as exhibits to the settlement agreement and whereas included in the package with this resolution are red line copies reflecting the changes made to the settlement agreement and the water and sewage services agreement. And whereas the city previously entered into administrative consent order number Acio Dash 399 Dash 06 Dash 2017 dated July 28 2017, the ACO which required the city to make certain modifications to its waterworks system, which improvements were necessary in order for the city to meet its obligations under relevant federal and state law. And whereas the ACO needs to be updated in order to reflect the terms of the settlement and the city and the Department of Environment. Great Lakes and energy have negotiated a new administrative compliance agreement, the ACA to replace the ACO and or as the parties enter into the settlement agreement in good faith and to fully and finally compromise and settle all claims or potential claims which they may have against one another arising from the litigation whether or not specifically raised through the litigation and whereas litigation counsel each approves the terms of the settlement documents and recommend that the city council approve the settlement documents and authorize and direct the mayor, the city clerk and the city treasurer or any person acting in the role of interim or deputy city treasurer, the Treasurer and any other officers, employees, attorneys and agents to execute such settlement documents. Now therefore be it resolved that one approval of settlement agreement, the city council hereby ratifies and confirms its approval of the settlement agreement as presented herein, including exhibits and attachments there to all is attached here to as as Exhibit A, and hereby authorizes and directs the mayor and the city clerk to execute such documents. To approval of water supply services agreement, the city council hereby ratifies and confirms its approval of the water supply services agreement, as presented here and attached as Exhibit D to the settlement agreement and hereby authorizes and directs the mayor and the city clerk to execute such document three approval of wastewater services agreement, the city council hereby ratifies and confirms its approval of the wastewater services agreement as permitted presented here and attached as Exhibit D to the settlement agreement. And hereby authorizes and directs the mayor and the city clerk to execute such document for approval of administrative compliance agreement, the city council hereby ratifies and confirms its approval of the administrative compliance agreement, as presented here in attached as Exhibit B to the settlement agreement and hereby authorizes and directs the mayor and the city clerk to execute such document five approval of the trust agreement. The city council hereby approves the trust agreement attached as Exhibit II to the Settlement Agreement. Including all exhibits and attachments there to including without that deposit account control agreement, and hereby authorizes and directs the mayor, the city clerk and the treasurer to execute such documents with such additional changes as may may be a required by either US Bank Trust Company, National Association as trustee under the trust agreement or Comerica Bank as depository for the receiving funds as defined in the trust agreement and be approved by litigation counsel, six approval of lockbox agreement, the city council hereby approves the lockbox agreement with Comerica to provide for the restriction on withdrawals from receiving fun, attached here to as Exhibit B, and hereby authorizes and directs mayor, the city clerk and or treasurer. To execute such document with such additional changes, as may be a required by either US Bank Trust Company National Association, as trustee under the trust agreement, or Comerica Bank as depository for the receiving fund as defined in the trust agreement and be approved by litigation counsel, seven recisions all resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this resolution be in the same hereby our resend it. II immediate effect, the resolution the resolution is given immediate effect. So that that's the resolution. And I'll have Ron come up to talk about the redline versions in the document, because there were some There was reference to the trust agreement in other documents other than the trust itself.
Thank you, Kathy.
My name is Ron Lipscomb, I'm an attorney at Miller Canfield. Council, President, members of council. It's a pleasure to appear in front of you tonight. So as Kathy indicated in the reading of the resolution, essentially what we've done is redrafted the trust agreement that was presented a fishery as a form, drafted by great the Great Lakes Water Authority. We redrafted it to comply with the provisions of the of the city charter and state and federal law. The Trust Agreement some of the essential elements of the trust agreement as previously drafted, carried over into this just because they were required elements of the settlement. But all the other pieces that were more objectionable have been removed. So essentially, you were provided a summary of material terms of the trust agreement. It's just a one page summary. I'll run through some of those highlights and then I'll pause and ask if any of you have any questions. So the trust agreement is being entered into buying between the city and the trustee, which is very customary for Trust Agreement. You have kind of the grantor of the trust, and then the trustee. In this case, and beneficiaries are Great Lakes Water Authority and the state of Michigan as the holder of 1999 revenue bonds of the city that were issued. To make improvements to the water and sewer system. And then obviously the city itself to the extent that you will be receiving money to operate the local system, okay. There are two different funds that are referenced in the trust. Agreement. The first is the city's receiving Fund, which is commonly known as the wait trim account. And this fund is the fund into which all of the utility system revenues are deposited. So what we're doing is setting up a sweep from the receiving fund to the trust account. That occurs twice a week. In connection with that, we are entering into a deposit account control agreement, which restricts the the withdrawal of money to just that specified in the agreement, the deposit account control agreement, which is the twice weekly sweeps to the trustee. And in addition to that, you're going to be setting up what's called lockbox services. And basically what that does is Comerica Bank sets up a Pio box and all of the mailed in payments from your customers are mailed directly to this Pio box. Okay. The other part to it, I believe as it stands now, for people who make online payments, that is automatically deposit directly into the receiving fund that will stay the same. And in addition to that, for any payments made in purpose and person at the service center, will be deposited weekly by city staff to the Treasurer into the receiving fund and then deposited and then transferred twice weekly to the trust account. The trust fund is being established again with US Bank which is administers one of the revenue sharing trusts that the city has entered into with respect to other FSOC State Revolving Fund debt. And basically what what's going to happen is there's going to be one time so there will be two times weekly deposits into the trust fund and once monthly withdrawals disbursements from the trust fund that are going to go to glioma to the city to operate the system, those are operations and maintenance expenses, and then third to the state to pay the debt service on the 1999 bonds. The Trust Agreement also requires that a few reports be generated and provided monthly. So you are basically going to allow the state Angley would have you know, hit savings from the receiving fund every month. And there's also an obligation that arises under the administrative compliance agreement that requires an annual rate study. So every three years there'll be a more kind of full blown rate study. And then every two years and the interim will be a pared down rate study, but part of that will be a cash flow forecast, which really just is going to lay out your monthly inflows and outflows to help you identify in advance any potential deficiencies that may arise on a monthly basis and the water fund. So it's really a very useful budgeting tool. And your rate consultant will be performing that as part of the annual rate study. That's it. There are references there to well there are two references that were changed. In each of the settlement agreement, and in the water agreement and the sewer agreement. And those changes were strictly to change the definition of settlement agreement and trust agreement. And that's it. Other than that, it's the exact same document that you saw two weeks ago. So if anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer. So
it goes to the floor is open for questions, though. For those who haven't.
Can you go a little bit in depth?
Yeah, so this is a standard Well, when we set up trust agreements, oftentimes for different credits, we oftentimes will set up this lockbox and really all it is is a Pio box Comerica sets up. So all of your all of the payments customer payments that are mailed in will go to a Comerica Pio box. Every day. What they do is they take out the all the checks, scan them in and do a data dump so that you're able to track which customers made which payments so you can track it back to their accounts and give them credit for that. And that's really it. It's, it's a it's a complex, I wouldn't say it's a complex it's a long document. But that's essentially what it does. Now,
an online lockbox or was a
Pio box. Yep. Yep. That is going through to Olympics.
America picks it up. Comerica actually has an arrangement with with the US Postal Service. So they go multiple times a day and pick up all the checks that were mailed in to the lockbox.
Like, you know, for people who have credit cards. Like if you have a serious car, you don't pay Sears, you pay synchronicity bank or whoever they're having you mail the payment to. So the way it is now the payments to the see. So this now restricts that so the payments now and one of the things that we'll have to put in the in the in the in the bill is the new location to mail in a payment so it's just this appeal box at the bank down so coming here will still handle the cash we'll still have because a lot of people here pay by cash or go to the service center. That will still be taken to the bank by the treasurer and a checks that come in mostly the businesses pay by cheque appeal box at the bank.
Additional questions
Hearing none, we have a motion on the floor to approve the contract made by our customer shop and supported by Councilman Robinson. Thank you very much, sir. Madam Clerk, call the roll on a five. Thank you Miss
Shafi. Yes,
Martin. Yes. Councilmember
Manica?
Yes. Council Pro Tem Robertson.
Yes. Council President. Yes.
Motion carries.
Thank you appreciate you. Moving on to item six City Council we have a resolution to approve the primary and special election to replace the city treasurer as required by the city charter City Council. What is your pleasure on item six
a motion to approve we
questions have a motion to approve Item six A made by Councilman Shafi do we have support for court by counsel? Mr. Robinson, Mr. Shopper your questions
to the clerk? Oh, What day are we looking for,
for this particular election?
will be held in conjunction with the August primary that's coming up and then there will be a general in November. Okay. It will be piggybacking off of the state and county election
Okay, on both of those. Correct. Okay. Okay.
The approval of the resolution that has to be sent to the county asking permission to do so. Okay.
Additional questions that's broken.
So if we're having a have a special election and a special list.
It's called essential because it's not a scheduled election. And that's the reason why we want to ask the county if we can piggyback off the state and federal election so we don't have to put out any additional costs. We have the special election by ourselves without another piggybacking on another election. We wouldn't be responsible for funding the entire election.
And I'm sorry, Mr.
Sharpie,
oh, if we are forced to fun that election, what will be the price tag of that Madam Clerk?
Reason like everything else 20 to 25 for more, because now you know we have additional costs factors. It used to be 20 the price increase is 25 to 30,000 for an election Okay.
So can you repeat what they just said just this special collection week
August what and November what?
First is the of August and the first Tuesday of November?
1 August
July Okay, the first first Tuesday of August.
Okay
November 5. Okay.
Thanks. you so much.
Now, the data actually listed on the resolution
was it John Clarkson? Nobody
Yes, sir. Hey, John, how you doing? Fine, sir. All right. Okay. And I just want to let the public know if anyone is interested in filing a petition filing deadline is April 23 At four o'clock so the timeline is very, very close.
So they will find that at five o'clock, four o'clock.
deadline to file
additional questions or comments before we call for a roll? Hearing none, Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll for Item six A is the resolution to approve the primary special election
shopee Yes. Councilmember Martinson? Yeah, household member Monica. Yes. Tim Robinson. Yes. Council President times.
Yes, motion carries. Moving on to item six.
Be the appointment of
a temporary treasurer MONICA
I was looking for it. This was the resolution that was placed in
the name of
approval for the resolution for the appointment Correct. To your point, so this is a resolution just for the appointment. Everybody clear on that?
does not know what's no name
in there. Okay. City council. What's your pleasure on item 60.
More motion to approve with questions.
We have a motion on the floor from Councilman shopee to approve the resolution to appoint the city treasurer and approve bond amount.
Do you have support support?
Supported by Councillor Robinson? Mr. Sharp you have questions? Yeah,
I'm council president. I'm concerned about the timeline in which we sit here you know to today is not only supposed to be the date to approve the appointment of the treasurer but to also pick an appointee. Okay, this is the deadline for that that is all supposed to happen today. Now I I want to remind my council members what's at stake here. So the treasurer Miss bibs was removed from office. Her last day was the 22nd of last month. The court order and the charter clearly states we must appoint somebody 30 days after the vacancy occurs. That's the court order and it's also the rule in the charter. We must appoint somebody 30 days after the vacancy occurs. If we don't make this happen today, then we run into a problem on the 22nd of this month when the deadline runs out, which is going to be Wednesday. I believe that will be the 22nd of this month that will be 30 days. So my concern is I understand that, that you know there is some some hesitation here but I am strongly going to insist that we we keep to the timeline that we voted on that we agreed to and that we not deviate from everything else has been followed. We need to follow this last step all the way through and I want to approve the appointment, but pick an appointee at the same time.
Thank you Mr. Shafi. The reason that this was placed under Council affairs was to do exactly that. To approve this resolution. And then at that point, a member of city council any member can make a motion to appoint a person that's the reason why it was put under Council affairs for both can happen today. That motion for picking a person that's what's supposed to happen. If this was held under Council affairs. We'll have to do it some other way. But that's the reason why I was in council affairs for the approval of the resolution and so that the floor could be open during Council affairs for any member to make a motion to approve set individual. Okay, okay.
I think that both can be done at the same time here, sir. It's not
on it's not on the agenda. We have to finish the agenda and then we can make we can have just make a general motion during Council affairs. If you refer to Robert's Rules of council affairs is where those motions initiated by council can be made.
And that's not what we voted on council president so no, so sorry. I'm only talking
about the procedure to wait at the meeting. Goes what you asking for can happen. It can't happen tonight. The place for that to occur is once we finished the agenda for the city. Our role here in the first part of this meeting is to handle City Business and the council affairs belongs to city council. It can't happen today. Per your comment per you insistence it can exact it can happen tonight. We just can't throw it on the agenda. It has to happen in a place in the meeting that is set aside specifically for council business.
Okay, so, okay, so, council president.
Yes, sir.
So help me understand this one here. Yes. Okay. We change the agenda. You change the agenda. So okay. And we voted on it and he got approved. So that's okay. You can attempt to dissect yourself if you want to. I understand.
The agenda per your request. I agree. It
was voted on it. was approved. Okay. The two are are together now. So are you suggesting that we re separate these two items?
No, sir. I'm saying that we vote on this item six B. And then if you would like to make a motion to appoint someone that you do so during Council affairs. It doesn't have to be on the agenda. You can make a motion for something during Council affairs, if you chose.
That sounds weird to me. Why does that sound? That makes no sense. I'm going to I'm going to approve this resolution. There's a space here blank for who we're going to appoint. We're not going to say who we're going to appoint someone. We're gonna see you later on. I'm just trying to understand what
you hear. So after talking to the attorney, why don't you just restructure your motion to approve this with the person that you would like to have in their mismanagement? Okay, okay. So I would like hold on one second, sir. Before you do that Miss Monica raise your hand during the dialogue mismanagement?
This question is for that. If we do not have a qualified person, or we don't have the person to actually appointment, what would be the penalty? Can we get an extension on those 30 days is an action to 20 seconds what would actually happen? If we tabled this? What would actually happen?
Well, any appointment first of all, good evening, everybody. The appointment wouldn't be subject to first of all the person security and a bond most importantly which Council has to set this evening and also subjected to a background check. So even if counsel does a point this evening that would be subject to that person, quote unquote, being qualified through a bond and a background check. And that wouldn't happen obviously this evening. It would have to happen in the next day or so depending on the circumstances.
answer your question. So what not called Long things
if we appoint someone later than they would have to get bonded? One then exceed our 30 days. Yeah,
potentially. Sure. Yeah. If you waited a weak or shirt, I mean, I'm not sure the bonding process. I've never been through the process. I have to imagine it takes a few days to go through that paperwork and things of that nature. And also I'm not aware as to the amount of the bond that's required to swear Do we know Excuse me,
Mr. Square, what is the typical bond amount for someone in that role? Okay, thank you. Okay, so my next question is, what
would be the benefit of looking at me? I'm
not here to call balls and strikes. I'm simply answering the question which is whether whether that would take some time to do and it would, I
don't know something about this. Recently, the former treasurer had bought the company that did business with the city. Okay, so there's probably a fight in the office. And she got an initial bond and every year there was a renewal and the same pay for that. So that's, that's something that is, you know, some I have not gone down. But I understand that she did. You have to apply for the bond. And and then you know, if you get it, then you have to renew it every year. There's also a binding requirement with land count. And it's probably based on the receipts. It's basically you know, you know, that saying that any charges are still the city's money, but it's probably based on the receipts of the tax collection. So it's a whole process that there is a buying company that the term former treasurer, you know, and then and then that's important because our liability insurance won't cover that person until they get
so that's the whole process. So what would be the benefit of us? Wait,
I mean, you gotta wait anyway. I don't know what the penalty is. If you don't do it in the 30 days, but if you weren't appoint them tonight, they would, you know, they go sit in the chair. They wouldn't be able to touch any money or do anything until they get their bond. So I don't think that I think that's just a technicality. Just like when you're elected you have to get sworn in.
That's a process you
don't get sworn in that same vein.
If I could just add one point in the square in terms of the amount of the bond, I guess, to piggyback what she said, counsel could simply indicate that it would be the same dollar amount that the outgoing treasurer had is the same amount that way then you know, obviously there must be a file and, and whoever is are, are providing the Bond could inform us as to the amount of the bond that's required both through the city and also through the county. Thank you, Mr.
Shoving, okay, so I like the record to show that the bond is a $2 million dollar bond. It can be issued inside of 24 hours. We do have the records for that for Miss Jensen's bans, and the binding and see that she went through. It wouldn't be a long drawn out process. This can be done in 48 hours, and it's just like Miss Cathy square said until she has the bond. She can sit in the seat but she really can't do anything until she has the bond. Okay, so it's not a holdup. It's not an issue. We went through a process. That process was followed by Highland Park residents. I out of all of the people who applied for this position, only two people applied and then one person poured out at the last minute and that was Miss Marsha cog because you told me that yourself out in the hallway. There's only one candidate here who went through the process who followed the process that was voted on by this council. And that is the individual who showed up for the interview, who jumped through every hoop that needed to be jumped through she's clearly qualified and I feel that her appointment is is is is is mandatory by her being a Highland Park resident, and she should be appointed with no delay with no hiccups. Let the process go through. We all voted on it. We all agreed on it. There's no reason to attempt to try to stall or double back now.
We voted on the process. We didn't vote on candidate I didn't
say we voted on get I said we voted on the process. There's no reason to stall it out now. So let's go forward. So So I would like to amend my motion. I would like to make a motion to approve a resolution for appointments. city treasurer and approval Abon and and and my appointment the person I pick to appoint is Miss Alicia Mr. Laski who went through every hoop possible to make it happen. She's qualified she is shaped and she's done the work. She deserves the position. This
mannequin. Wait, hold on, and we have support. That's of course, okay. This mannequin floor is yours.
I think it's because why you're joining somebody you're saying we have home. We're not what I think the process should be we approve this part first to have a temporary residence to appoint a city treasurer and approve something not sure why. But to do this first. And then you can make your motion for whoever you want to avoid, but to try to add and include the two men all that just just approve this it come back and give your motion.
I've already made the motion I've made in the Spirit of God will not be changed. It's been supported. So wonderful.
So before we got if I could wait yeah, I mean, the motion was proper. So he's made a motion to fill the vacancy on a temporary basis. With the bond amount of $2 million. And so that's motion. It's been improperly seconded, and so it's still discussion, but at some point, then council would have to vote on that motion.
Thank Thank you, Jenna, and I'm all for voting on that motion but to miss manacles point, we agreed on a process. All five of us here agreed that this process needed to happen. This is this was all initiated by Councilman Shafi and council Pro Tem Robinson. We did agreed to start this process. But none of us said we were going to pick a individual. We received nine applications. Seven of those people were not city residents. So that meant those seven people that they were appointed, will not be able to hold the position lawfully. They couldn't hold the position lawfully because they didn't live here and pretty charter to be the treasurer long term. It requires the approval of the public. It requires a referendum. Of the people saying this is who we choose has nothing to do with their qualifications or their background. This is what the community would choose. They could choose anyone they want it as the five of us could as well. So we did agree on a process. We did not agree on an individual. The fact that these two are being brought together that's not exactly the way that this process started out. Again, this is a process started. All the motions were made by Mr. Shafi. All of them were seconded by Councillor approach and Robinson. The rest of us were voting participants. We didn't initiate this. Is there any further discussion before I call it a roll in this item? There is just man please
further discussion is sealed and separated because there are two different things. Yes, ma'am. I agree. They are two different things. And if I recall, there might have been some discretion. So if the lawyer speak to them if there's any discrepancy or either we separated, and I can have my discussion or debate about whether or not to separate it, or I didn't say you couldn't make the motion. I'm just saying let's not put those together, because there's causing the issue to put those together.
Yes, ma'am. I agree with you. But what I have to do is there is a motion on the floor. There is support for it. And we have to vote our conscience.
vote your conscience, but I can say my piece that he may even decide
to change his motion which we had before and driven practice support and created an emotion. So I the way that
you're correct now, I'm pro Tam. Attorney.
This is a resolution to appoint city treasurer and move on. So we are born exactly with resolution. That's correct.
Thank you. Any additional questions?
Was there any additional things we should consider? On this? Before we appoint anyone? No.
Okay, okay.
The motion is on the floor. There are clearly dissenting voices myself among them, but we're going to vote on this motion because it was made proper and the resolution is in hand. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll on item six B. This is the resolution to appoint the city treasurer and approved by Yes,
American said you said appointed treasurer. Yes. And appointments are still ours. Right?
That's the same thing.
And that was the motion Mr. spanic. I'm with you. But that was the motion and appoint
Mr. Lawsky right. To add in right at least this darsky just unclear. Yeah, and
yes, ma'am. Okay, see,
it's really not
any No, sir. We're voting. We're voting. We're voting we're voting. Miss Martin, would you call? Okay. Okay, go ahead, ma'am.
Yes. romanika No.
Tim Robinson Yes. The president.
No. Motion carries. Under Item seven of the administration, we're moving on Item seven resolution to issue an RFP for ambulance transportation services City Council. What's your pleasure
motion to approve.
Motion to approve on the floor for Item seven. From Councilman o Shafi, do you have support for support from Councillor pro Tim Robinson? questions, concerns dissent. And in fact, what you call the roll on item seven, please. Councilmember Shafi Yes,
Martin. Yes. Councilmember malecha. Yet? Yes. Sounds Pro Tem Robinson. Yes. Council President Thomas.
Yes. Thank you. Motion carries. Moving on to Community Development item eight. Item eight A is a resolution to sell the vacant residential adjacent lot at 209 McLean to one Walker Jr. The adjacent property owner at 211 McLean. City council What's your pleasure give me an opportunity to pull this revolution to
sell residential adjacent blocks. Claims wind Walker Jr. Days and property owner EPS to
man second you made a retinue making a motion to approve motion.
Okay, second.
Okay. We have a motion on the floor from Councilwoman Robinson second seconded by Councilman shopee to approve the sale of the vacant lot at 209 McLean questions concerns dissent Madam Clerk, would you call it a roll on item ad? Yes,
that's a member Martin. Yes. Councilmember Manica? Yes. Yes. Sounds President comments. Yes,
motion carries. Moving on to Item eight be under Community Development resolution to sell to vacant residential adjacent lot and 400 Highland two Bs R II LLC of Florida Limited Liability Company the adjacent property owner at 396 Highland City Council What is your pleasure?
Motion to approve.
Washington's have a motion to approve item eight B from Councilman Shafi. With questions do you have support?
All right, council presidents do most important
chair offer support
Okay, so my question is, is beard LLC here? So, you know, I'm always concerned when I see an LLC as opposed to a resident that always concerns me. You know, I'm saying I mean we have enough speculators in this city already. I'm not saying that they can't get anything. But my concern is when I see an LLC, I want to know what are they going to do with this particular piece of property? Right, right. There are non resident they don't live here. They probably in California, oh, or, or New York or somewhere else. And my concern is, where's the individual who's supposed to be here to speak on this particular item and give me some assurances that this is going to be something that's just not going to sit there and grow grass for the next 10 to 15
years? The I hear your concern Mr. Shafi as I own lots of property, and I own some of it. LLCs and but you live here, sir. I'll property all over Southeast Delicia sir, I do. I do. Yeah. So most time people put their properties that limited liability company to protect them and their assets and their privacy. That's what people do. It
driver's license says Florida. Yes, sir. Okay, I withdraw my my motion to approve. Okay, and
I will withdraw my support. Ladies and gentlemen, Item eight be under community development, the resolution to sell the vacant residential adjacent lot at 400 Highlands to be our E LLC afloat, eliminated limited liability. Company adjacent property owner of 396 Highland.
Automate beat dies for lack of support. Let me say this before we move on we put ourselves in severe legal jeopardy when we start to be prejudiced against people who own property because they don't live within Highland Park. It's a very small enclave. Less than three square miles and nobody will see the answer button the offer support. Yeah, I withdrew it. Alright, so the data, Item eight B is there and we'll move on to Item nine under finance. We just had the gentleman here talking about the monthly submission of our financial monthly statements. So we have an opportunity to show what we want to do under finance submission of the February monthly statement, city council. What's your pleasure on his item?
I moved to approve the submission of a monthly financial statement. Yeah, receive a file receive a file. February 2024.
We have a motion on the floor from Councilwoman Monica to receive a filed a monthly financial statement. Second is offered by the chair City Council any questions or concerns would you call it a roll on item? This is Item nine now. It is okay. Would you please call the roll under finance please. Item nine
Shafi not in today. Give me a full report. No
Council council member miton.
No.
Council members?
Yes. Council pro Tim Robinson.
No. President.
Yes, thank you very much motion failed to again receive our monthly financial statements. Moving on to item 10 of the Department of Engineering is the resolution authorizing the submission of a federal aid funding for federal aid funding from Wayne County federal aid committee for fiscal year 2027 S T. Pu. This is the surface transportation program for urban for the repair of open Avenue between North Davidson service drive and Mike Nichols ro City Council motion to approve have a motion to approve from counseling and I Shafi there support support support from counselor pro Tim Robinson. Please call it a roll for item 10.
A member a Shafi. Yes,
Martin. Yes,
Councilmember. Manica Yes. Sounds Pro Tem Robertson. Yes.
Yes, motion carries. Thank you. So right now Well, we've finished our agenda for today. And what will be called record time. Right now we move to the portion of our agenda where we allow citizens participation. Any citizen who has something to address could come to the podium for two minutes and be heard. If you would please state your name and your time we'll start once you state your name.
Please be careful. Hi, my
name is Jamila Edwards. I live in Highland Park on Grant East grant to the honorable board. The RFP for Amla's be mindful. The contract we had last time we had one ambulance to service 2.9 square miles. Make sure that we have more than one amulets to service Highland Park.
Thank you, ma'am. 100 a second much more. Let me reset my little doohickey here.
Good evening, the animal body to the residential Highland Park. My name is Renee port and I live on Westfield Vista. She bought a one point I was going to ask about we have a lot of seniors here in Highland Park, and one ambulance is not sufficient to me. So I want you to be mindful when you do that contractor whatever. The next question is, and I'm kind of confused because when you be saying your motions or anybody, it's almost like you're double talking and he's confused as some of us. My question is, since you all approve the position and if a conflict of interest is found to be true, will there be will there be an investigation Lodge and the reason why I say that is because I know you said something about the surety bond or something had to be certain amount. So if that person does not qualify for that amount, or they won't assure him or whatever they do for him, then we have to start the process all over. And with that being said we had seven that did not qualify because they did not live in Hyde Park. So that means we're gonna be even further behind. And I know nobody answered the question as far as Is there a penalty? Or will our current young treasurer person be able to do anything as far as getting bills paid or whatever? So those are two questions. If you can answer those during Council affairs, I would like to ask for both for
30 seconds to spare tonight in this book
Hello, everybody. My name is Gracie Wilton. I'm a resident of Highland Park. I live on Eastern Street. And I wanted to just remind people who haven't seen any of the posters posted or who have not gotten an email from somebody that there is a World Water Day celebration coming up this Friday. And it's going to be at Faith tabernacle church and I think I got a flyer out to everyone who's sitting in this room, but we have invited guests and what we were we're going to be talking about the settlement so I'm hoping that everyone who's been interested, you know him have called us the water advocates and asked us questions, we'll come out and listen to people who are there to talk to you about it. Also, there's a important legislation, you know, that's being talked about there. Also, there are water affordability bills that are you know, being sponsored by our representative. Representative Kathy square, no. Senator James, and, you know, we really as a highland Parker's and this is a community with lots of low income people. We want to have these water affordability bills passed. That means that water, your water bill will be based on your income. So and there's a percentage, you know, it's staggered in terms of how much of a percent you can actually have your water bill based on your income. So you know, this is something that we need, you know, we also you would have protections just like we now have in Highland Park. Whether you know it or not, we have a water affordability bill. A lot of for affordability plan in Highland Park, you know, but ours, you know, is based on 5% of your income. But this bill that's been sponsored, you know, will be 2%. So, you know, you need to come and hear people talk about that water affordability bill, as well as talking about, you know, this, you know, settlement between the Liwa and Highland Park. I did have one question. I haven't reached two minutes Yes,
ma'am. Either you reach two minutes 30 seconds I'm sorry. How will you got Miss Boyd's extra 30 seconds agar agar agar no you know you did you got to beat a few minutes ago. No, you finish but go ahead. I
just wanted to ask a question about the contract or settlement and it's, you know, like the money that's coming in from the state for Highland Park. Like that's not going into that. That what did you call it? Trust?
Okay, no,
no grant money.
Trust the trust it's only from the bills that are
paid. Okay, okay. That's good because I you know, I wouldn't not want you know, Bill you to get their hands on anything that belongs to us. I mean, it's bad enough that they're getting the customer bills right. But, hey,
thank you.
Thank you. Ma'am.
Yes, definitely.
Gave me evening everybody. My name is Mark price. I'm from Holland PA school boy. Good evening, council citizens. I'm more Fs K the State of the County. I chose to sell flyers to staff last week, I believe. And the reason why I mentioned that is because I felt like Colin Park was well was sanded. I went well. Personally. I myself went to it. Councilman and Martin and Councilwoman Robinson and the mayor when that's all the aletta officials from Holland purpose civically to my knowledge snare that went to the staff that county I trust I don't want to say that but specifically because i To my knowledge, and they don't don't stone me to death if I love how anybody so if I if I miss anything about me as far as the official politics, but that's the mayor. The president pro tem at Councilwoman monta and myself, went to the staff that county I trust and we were hung up Park was where was Saturday and that that carry a second IV K for awesome stay at that county I chose and they did bid a speech on Facebook and I think on their website as well. If you if anybody miss that stay on that county I was and I you know, everybody has been active in their community and we've done our best as far as whoever's saying, Highland Park, thank you
move fast if you take longer than two minutes, I don't see more people coming towards the podium. Okay.
Okay. Two minutes, ma'am.
Right. Hi, everybody. I'm Lisa Stiller's key and I would just like to thank Council for believing in me so that I can fill in as treasurer over the summer. And I really just, that was the main thing I wanted to say. Thank you guys.
Thank you. Thank you
Yeah, so I'm good morning Council. I mean, good evening, counsel. I just wanted to say a point came up about buying the light that the LLC had put in for you know, I can I can see the President's own point of view. I can also see Mr. carseats point of view also. I mean, we got to keep in mind, we can't be so desperate for development that we end up with another north point over there. Because that was ridiculous. And um, and we shouldn't say we're prejudiced against LLCs we're cautious because that land was good enough to put in the bid to buy he should have been here to write. So we have to think about things like that. Yeah. And that's all I have. Thank you guys. Thank you very much.
Everyone. Just wanted to bring to your attention April 6, Saturday, April 6 from 12 to three. The police department is going to be hosting a Community Youth Safety Day. We're going to have safety seminars, games, prizes, food, should just be a good time to bring the kids out, have fun. And again, you know, trying to build build our relationship between the police department in the community. So this is a beginning of hopefully several events to come in the future. So you guys can make it we appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Now we don't have an age limit. I mean, I mean, you're not really a kid if you're 25 Oh, no, no, you can't you know, if you're if you're a kid, or kid at heart, come, okay. Yes. Okay. 32
Right on the corner, Hamilton and Waverly. Yeah.
All right, we'll move into Council Affairs Mr. Shafi. The floor is yours. Sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Forgive me, sir. My hand. I'm sorry. I wasn't looking at
participation. Go ahead, ma'am. Just real quick. Ah, Mr Barsky just came up and said that she was going to be serving the community until the summer up into the summer. I want her to know this position goes to November. And that disappointment is till November until the election has had and the person is new person or whatever is elected. So just so she know in advance that it is for until November to the election.
Thank you, ma'am. All right.
I don't see any other people online. I will turn it over to city council.
You got one right here, sir.
Two minutes, sir.
Good evening. How the park Mr. So I just want you because I was watching on YouTube. First again. Thank you for coming to an agreement. I do give you all your props. But overall, you know as the dialogue between you all that kills me it's kind of like mom and dad fight now. So it's kind of like killing me at this point. I didn't want to bring up the land purchasing you all have so a half of the sidelight last time that was brought up and I'm in defense because I know people you normally I don't normally speak up for you. You all are putting them in a bad position now. Because the land is not assessed. A lot of these parcels don't even have the real updated information. So like he's trying to collect bills and things like that I kind of understand more of the issues he's been having, because a lot of things isn't modernized. So I looked it up and I agree with the sale of these properties whatever. The main thing I'm having this the everybody go see these properties like they we verify who owned these LLC, are you up to their taxes, water bills, etc. Because that's the issue and protects you Mr. Thomas, please don't tell them who you are developer. Like as council president, you can't develop rabbit as an LLC is being honest. Because I tell you I use all the time I'm not picking aside. I'm not in a group I told the mayor that I'm just trying to get stuff done and make sure Mercedes not getting Sue and it's not bad publicity because I'm 30 You're gonna pass and I'm gonna have to step up and I'm at the fix whatever you're done. So that's the main thing. I don't have to pick a side because I have you. So my main thing is, I was at the Rec Center where you had a $300 $300,000 1212 people got accepted for a $300,000 grant to fix their homes. I know and the issue I had I brought it up it was a plastic it was a bag. They picked the names out. Let's have a better cycle because legally especially when it'd be in a state program, it makes it difficult now to say it was ethical and that was the last thing if you can please feel your Commission's because you cannot function if you don't have your Commission's in place. Thank you sir.
All right. All right. Mr. Shafi.
Ladies and gentlemen. Have a seat that even HP out of hell leads up from darkness into the light. Milton.
This has been a long road with HP but we made it look like it almost didn't make it but we made it.
No more worries about your homes. No more worries about losing your properties. No more worries about being pushed out. of this city. This council came together and made sure that this process was done and you survived. Okay. And that's the purpose of of city government. I hear people all the time say well, you know, if we do this and we do that the city is suffering the city can't function may be but at least the residents are be alright. That's our job. Our job is to jump in front of that bullet to follow that sword. If we take a long spine but no resident in Highland Park should ever take a loss not Never. Not as long as I'm sitting here. Now do my best to make sure you never take a loss and I will fight like hell to make sure that doesn't happen. So I just simply want to say I'm in a great mood. I have nothing bad to say at all. I have two feelings. If you smoke cigars if you're smoking me you got him to stop puffing. It's time to celebrate ladies and gentlemen, because I'm definitely celebrating tonight. And you have a lovely evening HP. I love you guys.
My name is Martin
as you count your time down Yeah, I know as you keep doing it. I definitely want to say good evening citizens. I always say thank you for being out here tonight. I do feel like you know we could cut some of these meetings a little shorter we could probably get out of here like 745 730. If we cut out some of the I don't know what we're gonna call it disagreement argument or I don't know what it is. But we could probably get out of here a little earlier. On that being said, as of right now I'm a little you're excited. I'm hungry. Yeah, so I wanted to say yeah, we did a good job. I'm very happy about this term agreement. Very excited about that. Well, it feels like there's a weight that's been lifted off of everybody's shoulders. So I definitely want to say thank you and to everybody that came together and even made this possible. So this is great. Gracie, I definitely want to attend that World Water Day. I didn't get a fight or anything like that. So I'll get with you after this is after this is over. On that note I'm just gonna go ahead and turn it over to Monica.
Thank you. Good afternoon, everybody. Thanks for being here. I just want to say thank you to everyone who works on getting the settlement for the water and thank you to the lawyers for everybody working hard traveling and traveling out. And we as a city and as residents also still be responsible. And even though we have a settlement, there are some responsibilities that you hold. And that is to make sure that you are aware of the resources to help you pay your water bill because they're still okay. And also maybe even attending some of the financial counseling or workshops to help you do your budgeting to help you figure out what your property taxes as well. So we still have some concerns whether they don't have to be called worms, but we still have some concerns. So as residents please make sure you stay conscious. And also if you have issues, go to water company and make your payment plan. That's something maybe some payment plans if you need if you need those as well as your property taxes etc. They make downtown. Miss Gracie, if you will stay after for me. I have a question for you. And I'm sorry I can't remember your name and the front seat next to Mr. Wine. Would you also stay behind for me this whole moment? Okay. My last thing I think I heard we cannot be desperate for game development that goes for everything in the city. We can't be desperate just to put people in places or to establish things and we haven't clearly found out everything we need to know. So sometimes we may have to deviate from something that we normally do to get it done correctly. Other than that, I look forward to the resources coming forward. The Community Assistance days coming forward. And definitely please try to attend those events that's happening at the police station. They will have some really nice things from Nami coming learning how to do CPR and not not Apple training. So it's just been several things so please, as citizens, please come out to them. Just don't come out for the fight. Come out and get some resources and information. That's it.
Thank you, man.
Evening everyone. I really don't have any concerns except for one that I haven't gotten straightened out yet. And this regards to two of my city income tax tax checks at my house and I still haven't got that straightened out yet. Hoping that I'd be there.
Thank you, Mr. meisei. I want to ask you to stay for another I know you're probably trying to get out of this cold. I was a real estate developer long before I became a city council person. I'm a chemist I'm an urban farmer. If I was a dentist, I will probably talk about dental stuff. So to state to say that I worked for all these years to become a real estate developer and not say to my community. I can't I can't imagine that would be a logical thing to do. I can't imagine being an urban farmer and not telling everybody in the neighborhood Hey, our farm you ought to try this. So anything that I've learned over that process? Absolutely. I want to share that with my community. I looked it up while I was sitting here. 330 million people in the United States of America they sit here less than 65,000 real estate developers that means people who own four or more pieces of property that produce monthly income, they are rare. They're superduper rare and just like stockbrokers. Somebody has to take you under their wing and teach you to business. You don't get to learn it just by trying what people do by trial trial and error. But you become a part of a community and people train you up to do that work. It's not something that I didn't go to college for. This is something that I had to learn by losing and spending my own money. So I'm absolutely going to share whatever little information that I can glean most of the things related to development that I share with this, this audience the stuff with land grid, the development flowchart that was provided to me that was given to me by developers my time spent in the city of Detroit, and capital impact development training. I'm getting that knowledge I realized this a small room and every chance I get I'm gonna share it with the people in my community. I didn't know what I didn't know until I got in a room full of developers who knew more than I did and then I found myself woefully under, under educated on the process. So I'm absolutely going to share that we do have some real estate developers, regular dudes that live in Highland Park. They own dozens of pieces of property. They are real estate developers. It's a vocation. So my comment about LLCs you don't have three daughters. I don't want if somebody has a problem with me, I don't want my daughters to lose their whatever little meager inheritance that put together for them without an LLC. It's important to recognize that this is America we fought a war with the British because we wanted to have our own company like that's part of America is owning your own stuff. Being sovereign owning your property and those that's normal, and we should especially poor black people in the community, we should start embracing the idea of ownership and creating business entities that remove the risk from the individuals. Most of us we just own our houses. That mean that's it that's everybody in my family they just own a house is just a few entrepreneurs own LLC is and that's typically the first step to entrepreneurship is starting an LLC and it's normal. There are a lot of properties. If you go on land grid, you'll find hundreds of properties owned by individuals and LLC to protect themselves to protect their privacy and also to protect this little meager asset. So the balance there that I was suggesting we can't be prejudiced against people because they decide to put their property in an LLC. I completely agree with the point that if you're not from here, and you're not even gonna get on the Zoom call, we are pressed to try and give you a piece of property but legally, we don't have anything to stand in the way of those people's if they follow the ordinances. So we don't there's nothing that prohibits us from giving them we can just decide not to and if that person decided they had an issue with us, and we'd have to adjudicate that in court, but you guys are protected because we have the right to vote anything up or down for our choosing. So that's the benefit of the citizens. We are actually a buffer. The five of us can take a vote and they will have to take it up with city council and they can't say to an individual citizen who says I don't want to sell to LLC doesn't hold the population responsible. It holds us responsible as a governing body for the city. I want to just share one last thing before we go. Yeah, I had no problem. No problem at all. Sit here and this is a benefit for you. Here we go. In August of this month. The National earning firemen conference will come to Huntington place for August 4 fifth and sixth. This is an article in a magazine in Texas talking about the city of Detroit as an urban farming Mecca, had a conversation with counsel Pro Tem James Taylor, the city of Detroit, they're working on ordinances that will affect the way that urban farming is handled in southeastern Michigan. Animal Husbandry these are things that we have talked about before people in Highland Park wanting to have chickens or small livestock like rabbits. This is a big deal, ladies and gentlemen, whether you know it or not, they call Detroit the urban farming mecca for the United States of America. And urban farming policy will actually be set by things that occur here in the city of Detroit. So if you're not participating, maybe you should, and I'll leave you with this one question. Where does food come from?
Not trucks.
So get in and grow some ladies and gentlemen, I have concluded our business to the city of Highland Park. The chair will declare this meeting adjourned.