Clarkston Sunshine

Introduction:

Links to the video recording and the council packet are at the bottom of this post. Please note any errors or omissions in the comments. Anything noted in brackets was inserted by Clarkston Sunshine.

Agenda Item #1, Call to Order (video time mark 0:00:01):

Sue Wylie said ladies and gentlemen, it’s seven o’clock. I’m going to call the meeting to order.

Agenda Item #2, Pledge of Allegiance (video time mark 0:00:04):

Wylie said if everybody would rise please. Is Tom [Ryan, city attorney] going to join us. City manager Jonathan Smith said yeah. Wylie said okay. If everybody would rise, we’ll say the Pledge of Allegiance.

(Pledge said.)

Wylie said thank you.

Agenda Item #3, Roll Call (video time mark 0:00:45):

Wylie said Item #3 on our agenda is a roll. Well, wait a minute. Item three on the agenda is a roll call. (To Smith), Wylie said if you’d take a roll call, please.

Sue Wylie, Gary Casey, Erica Jones, and Ted Quisenberry were present.

Laura Rodgers, Al Avery, and Amanda Forte were absent.

Wylie said thank you.

Agenda Item #4, Approval of Agenda – Motion (video time mark 0:01:16):

Wylie said Item #4 is an approval of the agenda. I need a motion to approve the agenda as presented.

Motion by Quisenberry; second Jones.

Wylie said any discussion from council.

No discussion.

Wylie said any comments or questions from the public.

No comments.

Motion to approve the agenda passed by unanimous voice vote.

Wylie said the agenda is approved.

Agenda Item #5, Public Comments (video time mark 0:01:44):

[Though public comments can sometimes irritate the city council, there is value to both the council and the public in hearing them. While they can’t eliminate public comments entirely without violating the Open Meetings Act, your city council has occasionally decided not to acknowledge public comments during a city council meeting unless the person submitting the comments also appears at the meeting (in-person or electronically) to personally read them. In the past, members of the public have been cut off for exceeding the city council’s arbitrary three-minute time limit (it’s arbitrary because no time limits are required by the Open Meetings Act).

If your public comments were submitted to the council but not read, or if you tried to make public comments but your comments were cut short, please email them to clarkstonsunshine@gmail.com and I will include them in my informal meeting summaries either under public comments or under the specific agenda item that you want to speak to.]

Wylie said Item #5 is public comments.

(Wylie read the rules for public comments.)

Wylie said would anybody like to make a public comment.

Wylie recognized Chet Pardee for a comment. Pardee thanked Wylie. Wylie said and we got the, we did get an email from you. We got this in an email. Pardee said he knows.

Pardee introduced himself and provided his address.

(City attorney Tom Ryan entered the room.)

Chet Pardee:

Good evening. It’s clear that Jonathan [Smith] and I have very different corporate experiences. If he had been part of my organization and said if I don’t get my requested increase, I would have responded, no need. You have an hour to gather your personal belongings. Security can help you with cartons if necessary. I’ve done that.

Repair is needed to eliminate the trip hazard at the west side of north Main Street crosswalk at Clarkston Road. The asphalt is an inch and a half higher than the curbing is at the road surface. I wonder if there’s similar issues at other crosswalks.

Who’s responsible for eliminating mud and puddles from sidewalks in the city? I can help mark the locations on my dog walking circuit.

I have suggested that Jonathan’s annual performance be measured by the accomplishment of objectives agreed upon by Jonathan and the city council. Jonathan has acknowledged that capital projects have not been accomplished in past budgets. Projects just get pushed into the following budget year as is the case with the current budget.

What objectives otherwise should be considered for Jonathan for ‘25-‘26? Without question, the capital projects approved in the budget. A RAMP [Road Asset Management Plan], it was a road street assessment report should be done. The last time it was done was six years ago. Contract for an engineering estimate to repair west Miller Road and sidewalk. Repair has been discussed for several years. Determine the cost to fix the trip and fall on the seven paver aprons on Main Street independent of the million, millions dollar cost to replace the sidewalks in downtown.

Steps to get city revenue and expenses on a stable basis with a defined timeline. I see that as Jonathan’s responsibility.

Survey to determine city of Clarkston residents’ interest in additional contracting with Independence Township.

Determine Clarkston steps to becoming part of Independence Township. I don’t favor that. I understand, my personal opinion, is to continue part of the city, but we ought to understand what the steps are.

Tonight’s agenda suggests that Jonathan and the city council want a much closer relationship with Independence Township than the city has had in the past.

Wylie said thank you. You want to talk about the picture that you gave us? No, that’s buried in there. That’s the trip hazard in the second paragraph. Pardee said so, I was the one that fell on the crosswalk on Main Street. And the issue is the blacktop is an inch and a half taller. Wylie said oh, I’m sorry. I thought everybody got it. Pardee said yeah, so. Wylie said that’s, he’s got a black eye. And the second page has a picture of the asphalt. Smith said I didn’t even see the picture. Okay, we’ll pass it. I thought everybody got a copy of that. Wylie thanked Pardee.

Wylie said anybody else for public comments.

No comments.

Wylie said okay, close public comments.

Agenda Item #6 – FYI: (video time mark 0:05:51):

• • City Hall Shred Event, June 26^th 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wylie said Item #6 is FYI, city hall shred event, June 26th at 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Anything to add to that?

No comments.

Agenda Item #7 – City Manager’s Report (video time mark 0:06:01):

• • June 23, 2025, City Manager’s Report (page 3/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #7 is a city manager’s report, which is included in the package. (To Smith), Wylie said anything to add to that? Smith said no, I don’t think so.

Wylie said any questions or comments from council or from the public.

Quisenberry said is the memorial tree replacements, is that paid for out of that tree fund that we have in the budget? Smith said it’s not in the tree fund. It’s in the Depot Park, Park Materials budget.

Wylie said anything else from council.

No comments.

Wylie said from the public.

Thank you.

Jones said sorry, just – Wylie said one second, go ahead. You had a cupcake in your mouth. Jones said yeah, ill-timed bite. I did just want to say that, I know we had discussed it at the last meeting about the Google Maps and things like that. I was coming back from Fenton, Flint and it had me get out and take the Dixie back way. But when it got around me to Davisburg, it did have me bypass and go from Holcomb all the way down to Washington. So, it didn’t try to route me to Bluegrass or anything like that. So apparently, they have listened to something. So that’s one small victory to notch there.

Jones said and then I think in the back.

An unidentified man said oh, yes. I was just going to ask what the status is of the potential semi-road closure with Miller Road. I know you contacted the state and wanted timing of it, or just the township, and it’s pretty bad. Smith  said so, we’ve contracted with State Barricades to install the barricades on Miller Road. I went to Miller Road today, saw the barricades weren’t up, so I emailed them and said, can you give me an estimated time and haven’t heard back. So, I hope, if I hear it tomorrow, I’ll let you know, no promises. The unidentified man said just curious. Smith said no, it’s taken longer than I expected. If I had it, I could have it up in a week or two.

Jones said and I’m sorry, one last thing, just a second. On your next call with MDOT [Michigan Department of Transportation], can you ask for an update on that ramp closure? Because I have seen the detour signs have started to go up. And usually, the detour signs are a sign that they are getting there immediately. And I know that you had said in the previous one, August 20th was when they were slating. Smith said in August, yeah. Jones said yeah, so I would just ask if there’s been any acceleration of that timetable. Smith said will do.

Wylie said anybody else.

No comments.

Wylie said thank you.

Agenda Item #8 – Sheriff’s Report for May 2025 (video time mark 0:08:35):

• • Monthly Report, Lieutenant Jeff Buchmann (page 4/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #8 is Sheriff’s report for May 2025. And Sergeant Ashley is here. Anything to add to our meeting?

Sergeant Ashley said this looks like the citations are up, but so are crashes. So, we did eight last month. So, it’s gone up a little bit. But nothing else really. We had one larceny from an automobile. That was it, last month.

Wylie said was that a resident or do you have – Sergeant Ashley said yeah, somebody left their car unlocked. Wylie said and so that means they’re going around trying doors. Sergeant Ashley said somebody was, yeah. Wylie said you mean somebody was. Sergeant Ashley said yeah, somebody was, correct. But that’s it for that.

Wylie said okay, anybody have council questions for Sergeant Ashley.

No comments.

Wylie said or for the public.

No comments.

Wylie said thank you.

Agenda Item #9 – Consent Agenda (video time mark 0:09:19):

• • 05-27-2025 Final Minutes, Regular City Council Meeting (page 5/50 of the council packet)
  • 06-09-02025 Draft Minutes, Regular City Council Meeting (page 7/50 of the council packet)
  • 06-23-2025, Treasurer’s Report (page 9/50 of the council packet)
  • 06-09-2025, Revenue and Expenditure Report for the Period Ending 05-31-2025 (page 10/30 of the council packet)
  • Thomas J. Ryan, P.C., May 2025 invoices (page 20/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #9, consent agenda. We have the final minutes of the May 27th, 2025, regular meeting, draft minutes of the June 9th, 2025, regular meeting, Treasurer’s report from June 23rd. And I need a motion to approve the consent agenda as it’s presented.

Motion by Jones. Wylie said and I need a second. There’s only four of us. Second, Casey.

Wylie said and any discussion or comments from council.

No comments.

Wylie said from the public.

No comments.

Wylie said all in favor say – Wylie recognized Pardee for a comment.

Pardee said usually this is the meeting where the budget gets adjusted to be compliant with the Michigan budget law. And we move things around. In fact, we’ve got a negative figure in a department. I’m wondering, have we examined that? This is the first time in several years we’ve not had to adjust. (To Greg Coté, treasurer), (unintelligible) Wylie said you doing anything about that yet. Coté said yeah, we include the end of the month, and then next month at the beginning, Smith will present the amendments and then we’ll fix those over that.

Wylie said okay, thank you.

(To Pardee), Wylie said you okay then. Pardee said thank you. Wylie said thank you. Pardee thanked Coté. Okay, so we had a first from Jones, second from Casey.

Motion to approve the consent agenda passed by unanimous voice vote.

Wylie said the consent agenda is approved.

Agenda Item #10, Unfinished Business (video time mark 0:10:51):

Wylie said Item #10 is unfinished business. There’s none.

Agenda Item #11, New Business (video time mark 0:10:54):

Item #11a – Resolution: Intergovernmental Agreement with Independence Township for Police Services (video time mark 0:10:54):

• • Resolution – Intergovernmental Agreement for Police Services (page 24/50 of the council packet)
  • Intergovernmental Law Enforcement Services Agreement (page 25/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #11a, resolution, intergovernmental agreement with Independence Township for police services.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

Wylie said and we will need somebody to resolve and support.

Resolution by Quisenberry; second Jones.

Wylie said and any discussion from council. But I don’t know if everybody got, we all got a memorandum from Tom Ryan saying that you have said that these, is this the right one? Ryan said yes, correct. Wylie said that he said that he found all the agreements are in order and he recommends approval by the council. Ryan said and I just say that I think that Mr. Phyle [Independence Township supervisor] and Smith have done a great job with these administration fees. Wylie said yes, and then at the very end, you said, again, exceptional work between you and Mr. Phyle, as it’s addressed to Smith.

Wylie said discussion from council or comments from council.

Wylie recognized Quisenberry for a comment.

Quisenberry said Smith or Coté, looking at the 2.7% of what their costs for Independence will be, do you have an idea as to what that will be, say, in year one, the total amount? Coté said it’s paid on a quarterly basis. Quisenberry said okay, we can multiply by four then. Coté said I don’t have that number off the top.

Quisenberry said I’m just kind of wondering what our, even though if Independence Township gets increased from the sheriff’s department, then certainly ours will go up proportionally as well. Coté said yup. Quisenberry said but in a nutshell, while the ink is dry on this contract, they have to have an idea of what the cost is and therefore I’m curious as to what our year one cost is going to be. Smith said I don’t have it with me either. We did, we assumed 2.72% in our budget proposal. This is for 2.7%, but we can get that total number for you. We got that from the township, so we have those numbers. Quisenberry said okay. Smith said and it shows, not just for this year, but for the next two years. So, they gave us for all three years. They don’t go up like another 20% actually. Quisenberry said no, no they wouldn’t. Smith said I think they went up 7 or 8% in the ‘26, ‘27 fiscal year. Quisenberry said I’m just curious as to what our police services cost is.

Wylie said any other questions from council.

Quisenberry sand and I may just kind of say, and also with the next one, what our cost is for fire services, what that annual amount is. So. Smith said right, well, yeah, that one is pretty much carry over from the last contract. So, I think it went up 6%, do you know, Coté? Coté said yeah, I think that’s about 6%. Smith said so not a huge change on fire. It’s essentially the same contract we’ve had.

Wylie said anything else from council.

Jones said yes, I just wanted to say that before we vote on all of these that I wanted to just make this comment. So there’s no misunderstanding or misinterpretation of my intentions, but I’m gonna be voting no, not in a slight against the services or in the team that is at the sheriff’s office or the EMTs or the fire department, but this is just against the seemingly unilateral increase in the fees with no warning, no context, no guarantee of services from Oakland County, knowing that this is coming from on high. And so just as, since we just came out of the budget process and how we saw everything go through the critical review, I just wanted to say that, you know, next go around, I’d like to see the emergency services go through a review for cost-saving options for the community as well.

Wylie said so, you’re saying you’re voting, you’re gonna vote no on this tonight? Because we can’t pass it tonight. Quisenberry said we can’t pass it tonight. Wylie said because we need – Quisenberry said we’ve got four. (Unintelligible crosstalk.)

Quisenberry said and I don’t think it’s fair to say, that as far as you said, warning from the county about the increase, I think for police services, we did. They passed this last November. And so we knew last November, as soon as the board of commissioners passed the new increase, we knew that right away, unlike the assessing that they dropped on us very, very quickly. Jones said well, then I would like to see, you know, I’m not saying I don’t want us to be without police services, but I’m just saying that for the next budget review process, if the other line items are going to be getting that same type of critical review, then we should also look at other options that can save us money in terms of emergency services. In the future.

Wylie said there was some discussion about it, kind of more broad brush, but there was discussion about what could we possibly do? Quisenberry said it was in the budget hearings. We did talk about it. And I’ll tell you that there’s absolutely no way we could compete with any other jurisdiction, contract, and get our own police department and do it for a fraction of what we’re getting here. Jones said no, and I’m not saying for us to get our own police department. I’m saying like, you know, for us to contract with another neighboring community for police services or emergency services through them. I know that there was the vote that predates my residency with regard to the local emergency services. And so, I was just saying that if we are going to be looking at what Oakland County is providing us in terms of other things, the building services and all that, and that there are going to be other ongoing review processes for other things that we’re being charged at, I just thought that, you know, for the next budget review process that we could bring that up. Quisenberry said sure, I think it’s always good, good public policy to look, and we’re looking at expenses, where else we can get a comparable service for a better price in everything. (Jones made an unintelligible comment.) Wylie said we need a quorum.

Wylie said anybody, anything else from anybody on council.

No comments.

Wylie said anything from the public. Comments or questions.

Wylie recognized Pardee for a comment.

Pardee said so, I’m interested in understanding what the 2.7% is based on. So, I’m in paragraph A and it says that we’re gonna make 2.7% of total cost of law enforcement. I’m just wondering where did the 2% come from? Is that our population? Smith said that was based on actual usage. Pardee said usage. Smith said yes. So, they looked at how many calls came from the city versus the township. Pardee said yep. Smith said not number of residents, but actual calls for service. And it has been a higher number. And part of the negotiation process that Phyle and I went through, we lowered it to 2.7%. It had been as high as 5%. But they, the way they described it, they did an assessment working with the county sheriff on how many calls for service were coming from the city versus the township. And that’s where it originally started out at 5%. It ended up at 2.7%. Will that go up in following years? It’s possible. There’s two levels of possible involvement here, right? The county board of commissioners sets the overall price and then the township has their assessment, as with the 2.7%, is how much are we using the overall service? So, there are two levels that impact the pricing. But to answer your question, it’s based on actual usage, okay?

Pardee said 4th of July parade is coming and I noticed that, I don’t know if this is Dan Kelly [attorney for Independence Township] at work, that there isn’t much wiggle room in this contract. Who will pay for the police services that the sheriff provides on the 4th of July parade? Smith said both the township and the city will be paying for that. It’s not a call for services emergency, kind of breaking and entering or something like that, that kind of service call, but they will have costs or something. And I think it’s gonna be split between the township. How much, I don’t know. Pardee said okay. Sergeant Ashley said I can get you an estimated budget based on what we did last year. Smith said based on the number of officers. Sergeant Ashley said the officers who are working, yeah. We also use reserve officers that help out too based on the number of reserve officers that we can get for the event too.

Wylie said anything else from the public on this resolution.

No comments.

(To Smith), Wylie said okay, if you could do a roll call, please.

Casey, Jones, Quisenberry, and Wylie voted yes.

Wylie said and the resolution is adopted, thank you. And you’re gonna need signatures from me tonight, right? Smith said yes. This agreement, they did not specify. Wylie said is it just the fire? Smith said I think it’s the building. Wylie said the building one, okay. (Smith made an unintelligible comment.)

Item #11b – Resolution: Intergovernmental Agreement with Independence Township for Fire Services (video time mark 0:22:09):

• • Resolution – Intergovernmental Agreement for Fire Services (page 33/50 of the council packet)
  • Intergovernmental Firefighting and Emergency Services Agreement (page 34/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said okay, Item #11b, we’ve got a resolution, intergovernmental agreement with Independence Township for fire services.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

Wylie said and I need somebody to resolve and somebody to support or second that.

Resolution by Jones; second Casey.

Wylie said any discussion or comments from council members.

No comments.

Wylie said got comments or questions from the public.

No comments.

(To Smith), Wylie said we need a roll call, please.

Quisenberry, Wylie, Jones, and Casey voted yes.

Wylie said and the resolution is adopted. Thank you.

Item #11c – Resolution: Intergovernmental Agreement with Independence Township for Building Services (video time mark 0:23:35):

• • Resolution – Intergovernmental Agreement for Building Services (page 40/50 of the council packet)
  • Intergovernmental Agreement to Provide Building and Code Enforcement Services (page 41/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #11c, resolution intergovernmental agreement with Independence Township for building services.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

Wylie said we’ve resolved and supported. I need somebody to resolve and then a support.

Resolution by Jones; second Quisenberry.

Wylie said and any discussion or comments from council.

No comments.

Wylie said questions or comments from the public.

Wylie said I’ll start with Cara [Catallo] and then there’ll be Pardee after.

Catallo said so, I know I’ve spoken about this before. I’ve pleaded with you. I still think very strongly that this should be a situation where we get more than one quote and that there should be research done because I think that the building department could very easily be handled within this building which it used to be, it used to happen. I think it would be cost effective. And looking at the historic district, the township does not. So, I think that that alone, when I was chair of the Historic District Commission [HDC], the person in charge of the building department, we had a relationship and they communicated with me when there was, like when an application came in and other situations. And now we don’t have that. Now the HDC isn’t sure when the applications come in, the website isn’t working effectively. I just think that this is something that if the city manager doesn’t feel like looking into it, that we should have a committee of community members and other council people, like two council people, two committee, or two residents, sorry, she distracted me, just to look at what the opportunities are because Ortonville has its own. I just think that it’s short-sighted to get rid of our building department to the township without doing due diligence. And definitely not for three years. I mean, that’s just jumping right into it. I think that a short-term contract, if any, with the township would be, would make more sense. And also tracking how much, like, how much work they’re getting from this because $30,000 in a tiny town, you know, it just seems like a lot. I just feel like there should be more research into this instead of just like, golly, it’s an opportunity. I think it’s a no-brainer. I think that we should do our research, and it would make much more sense. Wylie thanked Catallo.

(To Pardee), Wylie said you had your hand up also.

Pardee said so, just to clarify, the only cost related to these services will be $30,000. There’s nothing variable in terms of how many inspections or how many permits, right? Smith said no, there is a variable cost. So, any inspection fees will go to, that are brought in, will get turned around and sent out to the township, just as it currently works. Pardee said okay. Smith said so, $30,000 is really the administrative cost. That compares to almost $40,000, not almost, but it is $40,000 from Carlisle/Wortman. So, you include the code enforcement services. So that’s for administrative fees, not for the variable costs.

(To Pardee), Wylie said anything else. Pardee said yes.

Pardee said in terms of code or ordinance enforcement services, does that include my concern for several years about the fight the blight on North Main? Does that include individuals, residences that don’t meet the general code? Smith said it does include blight in that there is something called the International Property Maintenance Code. And Carlisle/Wortman used that, and Independence Township uses that as well. So, to the extent that there’s a violation that’s spelled out in the International Property Maintenance Code, then yes, they have the ability to cite that property on it. Pardee said and we discussed how the communication process will be, whether the communication will literally come from Independence Township, or whether it will come from the City of the Village of Clarkston. Smith said we haven’t actually talked about what the cover letter will say, but I assume it will primarily come from the township officer that has been charged with and given the authority to write the tickets, so that individual would be the one issuing the tickets, if that’s appropriate.

Wylie said anybody else about public comments.

Wylie recognized Robert [no last name provided] for a comment.

Robert said so, if there’s any violations does the village get any of the fines, or is that strictly just all the money going straight to Independence Township? Smith said fines, the fines come to the city. The fees for, like I said, the electrical component, those will go to the township. Robert said is it possible to maybe just charge more for the permit, and give that money directly to the township, rather than paying 30K up front? Because it just seems a little excessive. Because I mean, there’s not too many empty lots left to build new construction, or I guess like electrical permits, they can add up, it’s still 30K, so it’s a little bit steep for. Smith said well, like I said, it’s $10,000 less than what Carlisle/Wortman was gonna charge. But yeah, it does seem like a lot of money.

Smith said and to Catallo’s questions, it is still our plan to do a vetting of these by getting some quotes from individuals that might be willing to work with the city and do the service in-house here. And this contract, while being a three-year contract, it can be terminated by either party with 90 days’ notice. So, if we determine that it’s – Quisenberry and Wylie said 180 days – (continuing), Smith said 180 days, so that’s six months’ notice. So, if we do determine through our RFP [Request for Proposal] process, that this is not competitive, we can still change with six months’ notice. It’s still our plan to do that vetting. Just didn’t have time to get all that done in light of that we had a July 1 deadline.

Robert said I was gonna, I mean, it’s nicer to go with a big city just because what happened to the building process. I think at that time we were working with another city. And it was very difficult because it was a very small building department. So, to get answers back, it took weeks, time, money, frustration. So, me personally, I do like to go back to Independence Township or a big player because you can get answers quickly. And especially for homeowners, electrical workers, something like that. It just makes it more convenient. But if there’s a way to maybe, instead of charging $300 for a permit right now, jack up the price to $500 and then kind of negotiate if they’re willing to. We’re kind of in that gray area where you don’t have a lot going on to pay off money, but then, you know, that means someone that knows what they’re doing. So, it was my thought. Wylie said thank you.

Wylie recognized Catallo for a comment.

Catallo said I was just curious where the RFP process was going to begin because we knew that Carlisle/Wortman wasn’t gonna do this, I think back in January. So, there’s been six months where we could have sort of started the process. And I just, it’s frustrating for me because I saw this as an opportunity to regain and this 30 grand you could pay a part-time employee here who could handle that and a few other things that aren’t really handled. And it just is frustrating to me. So, I just hope that that’s on the schedule of something and not just kicked down the, you know, they spent a lot of time on their salary. Maybe this could now be what they focus on. Wylie thanked Catallo.

Wylie said anybody else in the public.

Wylie recognized Pardee for a comment.

Pardee said to whom should I address my code issues, general code issues? Wylie said oh. Pardee said that I have to fight the blight. Does that go to your office? Smith said nothing’s changed.

Wylie said okay, we need a roll call.

Wylie said and it was, I’m sorry, (to Quisenberry), you did tell me that. Quisenberry said Smith did answer one of my points that I was thinking about after hearing the public comments. And it has to do with the three-year contract and the 180-day get out clause that we still have with this. So even though it’s three years, it’s virtually 180 days we have that we can now get out. But during that time, in addition to this, I’d also like to tack on my concern that I have for the assessing. The same process that we have where we’re signing the contract with the county because we had to in order to meet the requirement we had for July 1. That I would like to see the city officials start immediately with looking at alternatives to both this, their building services, as well as start seeking alternatives to get out from underneath the county’s costs for assessing that we, I think we have 90 days that we have to give them notice of that. But monthly reports from the administration indicating that we’ve contacted this group, this group, this group, and we’ve got these new options available to us that we can exercise these get out clauses if we find a more efficient way to do things.

Wylie said anybody else before we take a vote.

No comments.

(To Smith), Wylie said okay, when you are done writing that down, if you would do a roll call, please. Smith said okay.

Casey, Jones, Quisenberry, and Wylie voted yes.

Wylie said and the resolution is adopted. Thank you.

Item #11d – Motion: Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic District Commission Appointments or Renewals (video time mark 0:35:04):

• • Motion – Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic District Commission Appointments (page 50/50 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #11d is a motion, planning commission, zoning board of appeals, and historic district commission, appointments or renewals. And we have planning commission nominations for Robert Sowles or appoint somebody else.

Wylie said so, we can do these all at once. Is that how we’re doing them all? Ryan said well, they’re all the same term. I see they’re all going through June in 2028. Wylie said okay, if anybody wants to pull one out, we can do that. I’ll read what we have.

Wylie said planning commission nominations as Robert Sowles or appoint someone else through June 2028. Zoning board of appeals nominations. This is council nominates, council approves. Renew Ann Clifton or appoint somebody through June ‘28. Renew Gary Casey or appoint somebody through June ‘28. Historic district commission nominations. Council nominates, council approves. Renew Kim Trumbore or appoint somebody else June 2028. We just actually appointed Trumbore a month ago. Smith said a month ago. Wylie said and renew Jennifer Radcliffe or appoint somebody else through June 2028. And we still have an empty position because nobody has expressed interest. So, unless somebody would like to pull one of those out, we will just take a motion and second for this whole group.

Wylie said anybody want to pull anybody out.

No comments.

Wylie said okay, I need a motion and a second to appoint each one of these people. They’re all through June 2028.

Motion by Jones; second Wylie.

Wylie said any discussion from council members.

No comments.

Wylie said discussion or comments from the public.

No comments.

Motion for appointments passed by unanimous voice vote.

Wylie said they are all, the resolution is, oh – Smith said that was a motion. Wylie said it was a motion. Okay, so the motion is adopted, and they are all appointed. Congratulations. I don’t see any of them here. I’m sorry, except for Casey.

Item #11e – Proclamation: Thomas J. Ryan, retiring City Attorney (video time mark 0:37:02):

Wylie said Item #11e, we have a proclamation, Thomas J. Ryan, who’s retiring as our city attorney, I guess at the end of this month. Ryan said yup. Wylie said and there is a proclamation. I don’t have the proclamation. (To Smith), Wylie said do you want to read it. Smith said no. I’ll let you read it. (Smith walked across the room to Ryan carrying a plaque and handing it to Wylie.) Wylie said oh, I get to read that? Because I never get to read anything. Thank you.

[Note: the proclamation was not included in the city council packet provided to the public.]

Wylie said okay, proclamation honoring Thomas J. Ryan for 47 years of dedicated service to the City of the Village of Clarkston:

Whereas Thomas J. Ryan has faithfully served as a city attorney for the city of the village of Clarkston for 47 years, providing steadfast legal counsel and unwavering support to the city council, administration, and staff.

And whereas throughout his 47 years of service, Tom has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and commitment to upholding the rule of law in all municipal matters. And whereas Tom has played a vital role in guiding the city through numerous legal challenges, ordinance revisions, contract negotiations and governance issues with thoughtful expertise and sound judgment. And whereas Tom has been a trusted advisor whose contributions have helped shape the policies and practices that support transparency, accountability and good government in the City of the Village of Clarkston.

And whereas Tom’s legacy includes not only the legal framework that supports the city’s day-to-day operations, but also the relationships built on trust and mutual respect within the community and among city officials. And whereas the City of the Village of Clarkston wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for Tom Ryan’s service of ded-, I’m sorry, for Tom Ryan’s years of dedicated public service and his lasting impact on the city’s progress and success.

Now, therefore be it proclaimed that I, Sue Wylie, mayor of the City of the Village of Clarkston, on behalf of the city council and our grateful residents do hereby recognize and honor Thomas J. Ryan for 47 years of outstanding service as city attorney and extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes for continued success in all future endeavors.

In witness, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the City of the Village of Clarkston to be affixed this 23rd day of June, 2025. Sue Wylie, mayor of the City of the Village of Clarkston.

Wylie said 47 years.

(Applause. Wylie handed the plaque to Ryan.)

Wylie said that’s wonderful. (To Ryan), Wylie said you’re just gonna sit down? You’re not gonna say anything?

Ryan said well, so, you know, this is a wonderful community. I look at 47 years. I mean I appreciate that. I started with the cityhood program in the middle 80s and then when we became a city, I was hired as city attorney started in ’92, so, but what I mean, this it’s a wonderful community, it’s always been a wonderful community and the people here are fabulous. We’ve had great leadership starting with Art Pappas, and I see Sharron Catallo here was involved in the village and the city, and I just, I just, it’s a wonderful community I’ve been glad to be a part of it I mean I knew Steve [Wylie],your husband Steve and, you know, just all kinds of people here. I made a lot of friends so I appreciate I appreciate the ability and the time that I served here as your city attorney and I know that you’ll be in great hands with Gerry [Fisher] and Kristen [Kolb] they both have the city’s best interest at heart, and you know, I just, I’m just very pleased and honored and I’m very grateful to be your city attorney for the years I’ve been here, so thank you very much.

(Applause.)

Wylie said for when the meeting is adjourned, we do have some cupcakes and other treats and a few beverages, though non-alcoholic beverages.

Item #11f – Introduction: Gerald Fisher and Kristin Kolb, new City Attorney (video time mark 0:41:06):

Wylie said we do have still new business Item #11f for introduction Gerald Fisher and Kristen Kolb, new city attorney, and if you guys would like to stand up and introduce yourselves. You guys. That’s my Ohio talk.

Gerald Fisher said hi, I’m Gerald Fisher, and I really appreciate the confidence that the council has expressed approving our participation, and I know that Ryan recommended us but had to go to confession the next day. Wylie said he’s not laughing. Ryan said I would just say I think that, I think as a young lawyer, Fisher will be well-served working with Kolb. She’ll show him the ropes and he’ll learn from her very quickly.

Fisher said so, I was the Independence Township attorney for 25 years, and during that time, we’ve had many, we had many cases in which issues arose with regard to impact on areas including the village and the character of the of the area, and I always enjoyed greatly trumpeting the significant positive impact of this village on the township at large. It was really an important, important thing and so it’s nice to, to be here and make an effort to fill the very large shoes of Tom Ryan. (Pointing to Kolb), Fisher said Kristen.

Kristen Kolb said hi, I’m Kristen Kolb and despite Jerry’s very flattering description of me, I actually learned everything I knew from him 20 years ago when he hired me as a very young lawyer, more than 20 years ago. Fisher said yeah. Kolb said when he hired me as a very young lawyer. Fisher said let’s just call it 20. Kolb said I like that better.

Kolb said so, I’ve worked all over southeast Michigan with and without Gerry. I was an in-house municipal attorney which is a very interesting proposition but it definitely gives you a unique perspective on local government when you’re literally sitting there with department heads and your police chief and fire chief and the electeds and being involved from the very beginning through all the ordinance, contracts all those things. But I’m very pleased now to be working with Clarkson. I did work with Independence Township with Gerry again several, more than several years ago. But I thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to working with you.

Gerry said and the real challenge is going to be to live another 47 years.

Wylie said thank you. Thanks for both of you being here tonight.

Agenda Item #12, Adjourn Meeting (video time mark 0:43:59):

Wylie said if we have nothing else going on tonight, then Item #12 is adjourn the meeting. I need a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting.

Motion by Quisenberry; second by Jones.

Motion to adjourn approved by unanimous voice vote.

Wylie said and we are up, 7:44 [p.m.]. Thank you.

Resources:

• • Link to video recording here
  • 06-23-2025 – city council packet