April 13, 2026 City Council Meeting

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 0:00:03):

Sue Wylie said all right, ladies and gentlemen, it’s seven o’clock. I’m calling the meeting to order at seven o’clock.

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

Wylie said if everybody would please rise, we will say the Pledge of Allegiance.

(Pledge said.)

Wylie said thank you.

Agenda Item #3, Roll Call (video time mark 0:00:26):

Wylie said and that brings us to the, Item #3 on our agenda is a roll call. (To Angela Guillen, city clerk), Wylie said would you take the roll call, please?

Sue Wylie, Laura Rodgers, Al Avery, Gary Casey, Amanda Forte, and Erica Jones were present.

Ted Quisenberry was absent.

Wylie said thank you.

Agenda Item #4, Approval of Agenda – Motion (video time mark 0:00:40):

Wylie said Item #4 is we need to approve the agenda, and I need a motion and then a second to approve the agenda then we can have any discussion.

Jones said I would like to make a motion to amend the agenda. (To Gerry Fisher, city attorney), Wylie said do we make the motion first before we make any changes to it? I think we do, don’t we? Fisher said yeah. Wylie said so, first, so if you wanna make a motion to approve the agenda and then –  (interrupting Wylie), Fisher said you can make it with, approve the agenda with this change.

(To Jones), Wylie said do you wanna do that. Jones said yeah, I would like to make a motion to approve the agenda with the addition of a closed session to discuss the Township pump station invoice and the resolution regarding the Deer Lake Beach and boat launch operations. Rodgers said so, we’re not gonna talk about it publicly at all. Jones said I mean, we can talk about what was, but I think we need, as a group, to discuss what happened during the [Independence Township board] meeting and the result of that. Wylie said and you’re talking about the township meeting. Jones said the township meeting, yes, the township meeting. Fisher said we don’t have a legal, I didn’t know we were gonna go into a closed session on that. We don’t have a legal opinion to cover that, so I’m afraid we can’t do it. Jones said all right, then just the pump station then. Fisher said yeah, I’m sorry, I didn’t know that we were gonna intend to go into closed session on that issue.

(To Jones), Wylie said so, at this point, so you’re making a motion –(interrupting Wylie), Jones said I’m making a motion to amend the agenda to add a closed session for the discussion on the response to Independence Township regarding the pump station invoice. Wylie said OK, all right.

Wylie said OK, so that’s a motion. I need a second. Second, Rodgers.

Wylie said OK, is there any discussion from council members.

Forte said so, how do you want to structure this. Jones said where the discussion of response to Independence Township under new business, we would go into closed session there. Forte said OK. Wylie said you mean, well, at the end of the meeting. You mean at that point or at the end of the meeting? I think let’s do it at the end of the meeting. Casey said the end of the meeting. Jones said that is the end of the meeting. Wylie said oh, I’m sorry.

Rodgers said I think we should publicly talk about it as well. Avery said right, I don’t know, as Fisher said, I don’t know if we have a basis to go into a closed meeting unless there’s a legal – (interrupting Avery) Jones said we don’t have – (interrupting Jones), Fisher said and I have a legal opinion with regard to the pump station. Avery said OK. Jones said not the Deer Lake Beach. Fisher said not the Deer Lake Beach. Avery said OK. Jones said so, I’m saying pump station. Wylie said OK.

Wylie said anybody else from council.

Rodgers said so, we’re not gonna talk about the pump station at all publicly. Is that – (interrupting Rodgers), Smith said we can introduce the topic, but then we’ll go into closed session.

Wylie said we can talk about anything except for legal opinion. Is that correct? Smith said that’s true. Wylie said so, we can. Rodgers said OK, all right. Wylie said because that’s what the closed session is for. Forte said it’s closed. Rodgers said yeah. Wylie said OK.

Wylie said anybody else on council.

No comments.

Wylie said anybody in the public.

No comments.

The motion to approve the agenda passed by unanimous voice vote.

Wylie said the agenda is approved with the addition of a closed session regarding township pump station invoice.

Agenda Item #5, Public Comments (video time mark 0:03:49):

[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.

No comments.

Wylie said OK. No public comments.

Agenda Item #6 – FYI: (video time mark 0:04:18):

Item #6 is FYI.

Item #6a – 41^st Clarkston Community Awards (video time mark 0:04:18)

• • 41^st Annual Clarkston Community Awards Flyer (page 3/54 of the council packet)

And the first one is 41st Clarkston Community Awards and we have this in our packet. The 41st Annual Clarkston Community Awards is what takes place Wednesday, May 13, 2026. It is at the Clarkston Community Church at 6300 Clarkston Road. That’s at the bend at Clarkston Road. That’s west of Clarkston High School. It takes place from 7.30 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. $20 per person. You can make a reservation by Monday, May 4th. And there’s a little QR code on here where you can register and make a reservation and you can pay for it that way also.

(Reading from the flyer), Wylie said “for 41 years, the community has come together to host this event, recognizing outstanding people, organizations, and endeavors that make Clarkston great.”

Wylie said and I know a number of people involved with the city or in the city have gone over the years and it’s almost always worthwhile to go to hear some city people being recognized. And I don’t think the awardees have been made public yet, but I understand there’s a significant person in Clarkston being recognized this year. So, I think it’s worth following. And I think it’ll be announced fairly soon who, I don’t even know if the person knows yet. If there’s questions, you can call the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce, who takes a lot of responsibility for the community awards. And there’s a phone number and email on here.

Item #6b – CIDL [Clarkston Independence District Library] Spring Book Sale (video time mark 0:05:47)

• • Friends of the Clarkston Independence District Library Flyer (page 4/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said anybody, oh, there’s also a Clarkston Independence District Library spring book sale. Jones said it’s on the back of the page. (Continuing), Wylie said and that is, thank you. Members-only preview is Wednesday, April 29th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The sale for the public is Thursday, April 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, May 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., $5 bag day is Saturday, May 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And the Clarkston Independence District Library is at 6495 Clarkston Road in Clarkston.

Wylie said anybody have anything else for FYI.

No comments.

Agenda Item #7 – City Manager’s Report (video time mark 0:06:22):

• • 04-13-2026 City Manager Report (page 5/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said Item #7, city manager’s report. And we have some of that included in our package. (To Smith), Wylie said did you have anything else you wanted to talk about or to expand on?

Smith said on the brick wall on Main Street, I did confirm that that is our responsibility. We found a contract with MDOT [Michigan Department of Transportation] when they did the original road paving. And it’s very clear that they will do the initial install but once they are done, maintenance is on the local municipality. So, I’m getting quotes on that now.

Smith said and then my grant application. So, I’ve applied for five grants. And we just heard back this week from the Lisa McClain grant that that was not granted to us. So, but we still have four more out there that I’m hopeful that one of those, or maybe some combination of two. They do talk to each other, the grantors. They do talk to each other. And if possible, they could join forces and maybe each contribute to our goal. This is for, of course, the repaving of the downtown sidewalks and the aprons that are, that have the pothole pavers in them. So, I think that’s all I have to say for today’s – (interrupting Smith), Forte said what is the timeline on this. Smith said they are 2027, so they won’t be this year. They’ll be next year in 2027 if we do receive the grant.

Smith said this year, our goal using the grant money that we got last year is to repave Church Street, East Church. And they are very clear that it must be done between, after the 4th of July parade and before Taste of Clarkston (unintelligible). (Laughter.) (Continuing), Smith said so, we’re working towards that.

Wylie said was the Lisa McClain project, was that the one where one of her staff members came and walked through the town with you and they still gave it a no? Smith said both McClain and Slotkin sent representatives to meet with me. Wylie said OK. Smith said so, yeah, unfortunately, we didn’t get it. Wylie said OK. Hopefully the other one comes through.

Wylie said any questions for Smith from council members on the city manager’s report.

No comments.

Wylie said from the public, any questions or comments.

No comments.

Agenda Item #8 – Oakland County Sheriff’s Report for January (video time mark 0:08:56):

• • Oakland County Sheriff/Independence Substation Monthly Report for March (page 6/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said moving on. Item #8 is a consent agenda. Final minutes of the March 19, 2026, regular meeting. Did I miss some-, oh, I’m sorry, I did miss one something. Oakland County Sheriff’s report, and there it is. Sorry about that. And we do have that included in our packet. (To Smith), Wylie said any, did you have anything you wanna say first before we see if there’s any questions.

Smith said as you know, Sergeant John Ashley is retiring. So, he will no longer be here with us. He retires effectively May 1st, but he has some, like 28 days of vacation left. So, we’re not likely gonna see Sergeant Ashley again. But we wish him well in his retirement.

Smith said and I did get the crime report. I don’t think anything terribly out of the ordinary here.

Wylie said I assume we don’t know who’s going to be coming to our meetings, if anybody. Smith said I heard a name, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet. Wylie said OK. Smith said so, we’re still waiting on that.

Wylie said questions or comments from council members.

No comments.

Wylie said from the public.

Wylie recognized Guillen for a comment.

Guillen said I just wanted to make note, there’s two number eights. So, that’s why I probably threw you off. Wylie said no, I just, well, I mean, OK, we’ll go with that. Guillen said eight in number eight. Wylie said we’ll go with that. I just screwed up. No, I checked the wrong one.

Wylie said OK, so now we are done with Sheriff’s report for March.

Agenda Item #8 [#9] – Consent Agenda (video time mark 0:10:12):

• • 03-09-2026 Final Minutes, Regular City Council Meeting (page 7/54 of the council packet)
  • 03-23-2026 Draft Minutes, Regular City Council Meeting (page 9/54 of the council packet)
  • 04-13-2026 Treasurer’s Report (page 12/54 of the council packet)
  • 04-08-2026 Check Disbursement Report, 03-01-2026 – 03-31-2026 (page 13/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said we’re going to the other #8, which is the consent agenda. That includes the final minutes of the March 9, 2026, regular meeting; draft minutes of the March 23rd regular meeting; treasurer’s report from April 13th. And I’ll need a motion and a second to approve the consent agenda.

Motion by Jones; second Rodgers.

Wylie said any discussion from council members or questions.

No comments.

Wylie said from the public.

No comments.

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

Wylie said the consent agenda is approved.

Agenda Item #9 [#10], Unfinished Business (video time mark 0:10:48):

Wylie said Item #9 is unfinished business.

Item #9a [#10a] – Resolution: Chamber of Commerce MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] Renewal (video time mark 0:10:54):

• • Resolution – Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce MOU (page 22/54 of the council packet)
  • 03-09-2026 Memorandum of Understanding, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce (page 23/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said first, we have a resolution, Chamber of Commerce MOU renewal, which is, I forget now. What is the MOU stand – Jones said Memorandum of understanding. Wylie said thank you. And I think this is it right, here it is. I’ll read the resolution.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

Wylie said and I’ll need somebody to make a motion to resolve, this is resolution, to resolve and somebody else to support it.

Resolution by Jones; second Casey.

Wylie said and now is there discussion or questions or comments from members of council.

No comments.

Wylie said would anybody from the chamber like to speak. Emily Osmialowski [interim executive director, Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce] said hi. Wylie said hi. Smith said why don’t you step up to the podium. Wylie said introduce yourselves. It looks like you’ve got props. Osmialowski said I do, I do have props. Wylie said OK.

Emily Osmialowski:

Osmialowski stepped up to the podium and said hi everyone. My name is Emily Osmialowski. I’m the executive director at the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce. So, we are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to cultivate business opportunities and relationships in the Clarkston area. Our vision is to be an innovative business accelerator and connect businesses with our community. So, one of the ways we work towards that mission and vision is by helping create a vibrant welcoming environment that supports local businesses and enhances community pride.

I brought an example of the spring floral wreath tonight. (Osmialowski’s companion held up a wreath from her seat in the audience.) (Continuing), Osmialowski said so, you can see kind of what we’re proposing. I know at the last meeting, there were some concerns raised and we thought that it would be helpful to provide a visual of the seasonal decor. So, after hearing the feedback from the last meeting, we went ahead and made the signage a lot smaller than what was previously used on the corn stalks to ensure a more subtle, tasteful look.

Our goal with the light post program with the spring floral wreaths in April and May, the patriotic decor in June and July, and then the corn stalks in September and October is to provide seasonal beautification for downtown Clarkston at no cost to the city while supporting the businesses that help make it possible.

As a nonprofit organization with limited resources, the program is designed to be a cost neutral, with funds primarily covering the decor, installation and maintenance rather than generating significant revenue. We see this as a collaborative effort to enhance the charm and vibrancy of downtown Clarkston and we appreciate your consideration.

Wylie said do you mind holding it up so the TV camera can get it and everybody in the back can see it. Thank you.

Forte said I’m just gonna start and say it’s a no for me on the plastic, like floral wreath. Osmialowski said OK. Forte said if you were to do a normal wreath, I would be fine with that. I do want to maintain a certain aesthetic standard in downtown Clarkston, which is obviously very subjective, and I understand that this is something that you guys have kind of have to like break even with and having something even real could be more of a pain. But, and even that size of a sign is too big. I like what, like, currently the Garden Club has, which is really small signage – Osmialowski said OK – (continuing), Forte said in their planters. So, I mean, I get what you guys are doing. I like your effort. I like your whole ethos is like beautification and small businesses and all size businesses. But if it’s gonna be going in our downtown, it’s gotta be top notch, especially if we’re not getting a piece of the pie financially. So, I’m not trying to be a complete jerk. I’m just giving my opinion.

Wylie recognized Casey for a comment.

Casey said how many of these would there be. Osmialowski said so, I think we currently have around 30 total. So about 30 if somebody wanted to come in for a future season, potentially a few more than that. Casey said where, would they be posted all around town? Osmialowski said on the light posts downtown. Casey said OK, I got it.

Wylie said and roughly how high. Osmialowski said so – Wylie said eye height – Osmialowskisaid yeah, so it’s around eye level. I know with the corn stalks, they’re a little bit taller so we had to kind of put those towards the bottom, especially as we’re securing them. I wanna make sure that they’re sturdy and they’re not gonna start flying around or anything along those lines. But for these ones, we were thinking it would be right, kind of right here at height (gesturing). Wylie said OK, thank you.

Casey said and one of these little signs would be hanging down from it. Osmialowski said yes, yep.

Rodgers said I do have to say, I thought the corn stalks were super cute up there, except for that sign. Like, I’m in agreeance with Forte. Maybe like, you know, three by five card. I know that doesn’t like scream business, and that’s probably why you have the bigger sign, but the corn stalks were adorable. They were so nice, and so nice of you guys to do that. I think because they were real, you know, they were actual, they weren’t plastic, they were actually like live corn stalks. They were very nice, but the sign was way too big for me, too. Not even for me, like I was walking with like, friends and they were like, oh, what is that all about? Like they didn’t really like it either, so.

Casey said it just seems like it’s more of an ad than it is a beautification, right? I mean, like the corn stalks for sure were nice, but then the ad was like this, and it’s like, oh, you know, scan so you can get more information about me, instead of, hey, we’re just in it to make our town more beautiful. Rodgers said I agree, I agree. Avery said that’s my take on it.

Osmialowski said so, I did bring a second backup option. I like to come prepared as possible. (Osmialowski held up a wreath with a sign underneath it.) (Continuing), Osmialowski said so, with this, we also have something that could potentially go like smaller in the middle, and I know the floral wreath, as you said, is not real. We could potentially look at doing real greenery. I don’t think the flowers would last for the weeks that we’re wanting to put them up, so I wouldn’t wanna do real flowers, but potentially like a greenery wreath, and something along that size as well as another option, so.

Wylie said I don’t care for the wreath. The plastic, it turns me off. The sign, it doesn’t bother me. Either way, it doesn’t bother me.

Rodgers said could you do something more organic, even like the sign, just kind of make it, even though I know you don’t want it to blend, make it blend a little bit so that it’s not screaming like Hobby Lobby, you know? Just something a little more organic that fits more the historical nature of the town, and that kind of thing would be fantastic.

Jones said yeah, I just think it’s something that we’ve gotta take into consideration, too. Again, like, the businesses are sponsoring those, so they were promised a certain amount of exposure in return for their sponsorship, so we’ve gotta know that they have to keep it for, they have to keep the promises to those folks as well, so, like, I know the signs you’re talking about on the planters and stuff, because I think the smaller sign would be totally fine, because that way it’s not overpowering the wreath, but I just, I know that, like, there’s gonna be, like, not everyone’s gonna get what they want out of it in the end, so I mean, I think, yeah, like if the wreath were a little nicer, but that sign, I think it still meets the expectation of what it is with the sponsorship, so. Wylie said you mean the larger one or smaller one. Jones said the smaller sign, the smaller sign, yeah.

Wylie recognized Casey for a comment.

Casey said I agree with Jones. I think, I think her point that flowers are not gonna make it for the length of time it’s gonna be up, and that’s pretty attractive, in my opinion, and the smaller sign is good, so I would support that.

Forte said and you could do boxwood. Boxwood would be easy, well, you could do pussy willows. There’s a bunch of different options that are just real material. Osmialowski said OK. Forte said and the Pontiac Farmers Market sells all that stuff. Wylie said I’m sorry, what was the last thing you said. Forte said the Pontiac Farmers Market sells all that stuff. Wylie said OK.

Avery said yeah, so I guess what we’re saying is we’re not opposed to the concept. Maybe we just need approval on the details, so we could approve the concept and with subject to approval of, I don’t know. Rodgers said the actual product, yeah. Avery said not me, because I’m not really good at that stuff, so I’m not, you have no idea.

Forte said but I do like the idea of you guys coming to us for aesthetic approval in advance. Like, when those went up last year, I was like, what the, where did this come from? Like, I’m pretty in touch with what’s going on in downtown, and I’m like, who approved this? You know what I mean? So, I really, really appreciate you guys coming, and I appreciate all you guys do for the community, because you do a lot already, and so this is another step of what you guys do.

Wylie said so how, when do you need to have a final word on this before you, or it probably already passed. Osmialowski said so, originally, like the first spring wreath, we were hoping to do, like, April, May. The patriotic is more June, July, and then the cornstalks will be September, October. So, we are hoping to get it passed fairly quickly, and I know that’s poor timing. So, as soon as possible, if we could make it work, we would love that, and we can definitely play around with some of the fresh flowers, not flowers, not green things.

Casey said don’t we have enough information to make a decision right now. Forte said yeah.

Wylie said well, we’ve already got motion, so we can, or we’ve got resolutions, so we can vote on it. Casey said yeah.

Avery said yeah, I guess – (unintelligible crosstalk) – (continuing), Casey said like I said, I don’t have a problem with the concept, and we can vote on it and approve it, and then just have it run by. Rodgers said come back to the next meeting, if you have a different intention. Wylie said yeah, that’s true. The resolution does not state what it looks like. Just talking about, we’re getting, for seasonal decorations, it’s all we’re approving. OK.

Wylie said anybody in the public have anything.

Wylie recognized Cara Catallo for a comment.

Catallo said hi, so, like, I feel bad, because I know what you do is good work, but I kind of feel like, and I’ve been here a long time, I kind of feel like there’s a lot of competing elements on our streets already, because we have the beautiful planters that are done by the Garden Club, and I just, in my humble opinion, I just don’t know that we need, like, additional elements, especially if it’s advertising for different businesses that aren’t in our community. When I first heard the concept at the last council meeting, I thought, at first I thought it was that you wanted to manage the banner program, and so now I have something to suggest that Main Street Clarkson can manage the banner program, and I feel like there’s just a, like, I have nothing against the Chamber at all, I just feel that it represents its members, and not necessarily all of our businesses, and I just don’t, maybe I’m just a softie, and feel like we have a sort of, a lot of character in our downtown already that we might not need plastic wreaths, but I just, I don’t know that we should be giving away one of our assets when I keep hearing repeatedly of the need to raise revenue, that in my mind, if it’s something that needs to happen, theoretically, the city offices or Main Street Clarkson can find people that might sponsor it without, like, the large ad, but I just, I’m just not entirely on board with giving away one of our assets, and I would like to hand out, if possible, like, the concept for the banner management, because it’s something we’re trying to pull off rather quickly because of America 250, but like, I have a little packet for each of you, and I know you have a big meeting, so I’m not gonna take up a lot of time, but at least I can show you sort of one of our concepts for making use of our banners, which would be a way, theoretically, once we come up with an application process, that the Chamber could perhaps, like, be part of that process and get help, get banners on those lampposts, because it’s a little bit anemic. Wylie said maybe at the end of the meeting, you could pass those out. Catallo said OK, great.

Forte said and could we add that to the agenda for next meeting. Wylie said sure. OK.

Wylie said anybody else in the public have anything on this particular resolution.

Osmialowski’s unidentified partner spoke form the audience and said I do just wanna point out that we do support a lot of the downtown businesses from Main Street alone, just like from Washington to Waldon. We have 26 members for downtown businesses that operate in downtown, so we do support those members as well, and some of those also participate in the lamppost program. Wylie said thank you.

Wylie said anybody else.

No comments.

Rodgers said do we need to put something in here that it’s being approved based on, or that – Wylie said we could make an addition to this – (continuing), Rodgers said using organic materials or something like that? Wylie said my brain is blanking out. We have to – Forte said right here, under city role. Fisher said motion to amend. Wylie said motion to amend. That’s the word I was looking for. Casey said what are you gonna do to amend this. Wylie said well, that’s, Rodgers’s bringing up the possibility. Rodgers said that we approve this. Forte said well – Wylie said she could amend the resolution as to – Rodgers said to say that we need to approve whatever the final product is.

Casey said isn’t this the final product? Rodgers said I would vote no on that.

(To Osmialowski), Casey said is this the final product? Osmialowski said we can definitely take it back to the drawing board and try fresh material. This was what we had planned, and we were hoping to put it up just based on our timeframe this year. Casey said sounds like a final product to me. Wylie said well, it’s their final product, but we don’t have to approve it. I’ll tell you, you know what my opinion is? I told you I don’t care for the plastic. However, if this is, you’ve got, so we’re already halfway through April, and you’ve got April and May, and then by, in June and July, Flag Day’s what, the 14th of June or something like that? So early June, you wanna have something else. I would be willing to accept this for a month and a half with the idea that, you know, in the future, we want something, somebody’s used the term organic. And again, I don’t, this would not be my choice, but I’d be willing to approve it with that understanding.

Rodgers said yeah, and that we get to, before you buy 30 of them – Osmialowski  said yes – (continuing), Rodgers said whatever they are, to come up next, that we get to say. Forte said yeah, we could even do dogwood stems as well as multiple years. Jones said you guys have already bought, have you guys already bought 30 of those? Osmialowski said we did. Jones said you did, there it is. Wylie said OK, I can tell, I look on (unintelliglbe) face like, oh. Jones said yeah. Yeah.

Casey said I don’t think, I think from a distance, nobody’s gonna know the difference. (To Casey), Rodgers said yeah. Casey said I mean, you’re gonna know the difference. Forte said we’re like, you’re walking on the sidewalk next door. Wylie said yeah, you can see the difference. Rodgers said outside. Wylie said but, you know, I’m willing to make that concession considering there’s a timeline and things have been purchased, so.

Avery said so, if we just amend it to say that we approve it subject to. Rodgers said product approvement. Avery said product approvement.

Forte said is it the same throughout the whole season.

Avery said future product approvement.

Forte said or is it, does it change seasonally. Osmialowski said no, we can change, they, some will come in later. So, a lot of them aren’t gonna be doing the three seasons. They’re really excited about it. But there’s also a few that are gonna be – Forte said like, individual seasons. OK. Osmialowski said yeah. Forte said OK.

Wylie said OK. Do you wanna make, does somebody wanna make an amendment to this particular resolution? Rodgers said yeah, I don’t know exactly how to say it. Wylie said so we could say it, amend the resolution to state, decorations are subject to, future decorations are subject to council approval.

Avery said well, the resolution is to adopt a memorandum of understanding. So, we need to amend the memo, the MOU. Wylie said oh. Forte said right. Avery said that’s essentially what we’re doing. Forte said and you guys can always come in, like, January with all your seasonal. Rodgers said yeah, for the whole year. Forte said yeah. And then we can just approve that. You can (unintelligible) anything ever. Osmialowski said yeah, that sounds great. We’ll do that in the future, for sure. Forte said yeah, it benefits all of us. Osmialowski said yeah.

Avery said are you guys good with that? I mean, what were your proposals? I don’t wanna put you on the spot, but that’s what we’re gonna do. Casey said what would you suggest. Wylie said what are you looking at. Avery said I mean, it goes under the chamber.

Jones said city role. Community likewise grant permission for the use of downtown city light poles, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, comma, per approval of, I mean, wouldn’t that be in it, the city role? Casey said right at the bottom? Jones said yeah. Avery said yeah, right on the first dot there, coordinating the seasonal community light post program going all the way through October, comma, subject to city approval. Wylie said you said at the first dot, subject to city approval? Avery said yeah, under the chamber role, it says community light posts, spring, summer, and fall. First dot, it says, coordinated by seasonal community light post program. And at the end of it, where it says fall, September to October period, just make that a comma, subject to city approval.

Wylie said OK, so we would need to, what do we have to, how do we, what do we change in our resolution? Avery said nothing. Wylie said nothing. Avery said all right, we would just amend the memo. Wylie said oh, and then when the signatures, you guys would sign, everybody would sign that particular memo. Smith said I have this in Word, I’ll just add those few words to the end of it.

Wylie said OK, you ready to vote then? Jones said yep.

(To Guillen), Wylie said would you take a roll call, please.

Forte, Jones, Rodgers, Wylie, Avery, and Casey voted yes.

Wylie said great, thank you. The resolution is adopted. Thank you very much.

Forte said you guys don’t have to stay the whole time. (Laughter.) (Continuing), Forte said no, this is gonna be a long one. Rodgers said you’re welcome to stay. It might be interesting.

Item #9b [#10b] – Resolution: 2026 Deer Lake Beach and Boat Launch Operations (video time mark 0:30:09):

• • Resolution – 2026 Dear Lake Beach and Boat Launch Operations (page 25/54 of the council packet)
  • Clarkston/Independence Beach Lease effective 01-01-2020 (page 26/54 of the council packet)
  • Draft, Clarkston/Independence Beach Lease Effective 04-15-2026 (page 28/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said OK, #9B is a resolution, 2026, Deer Lake Beach and Boat Launch Operations. So let me get to that.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

Wylie said I need somebody to resolve and then a support.

Resolution by Avery; second Casey.

Wylie said any discussion from members of the council or questions.

Forte said so, the major changes to the contract are like the five grand and escrow. What else is there? Fisher said well, I can run through it quick. Wylie said thank you, that’d be great. Forte said thank you.

Fisher said yeah, do you have the – (interrupting Fisher), Jones said yes – Fisher said the red line. Forte said thank you.

Fisher said so, the red lines, there’s red and there’s blue. And the red are changes that I made initially to the agreement and wanted to clarify, for example, that this was going to be something that would be equally, have equal benefit to all of the residents, city and township, and that it would include a bathing beach and boat launch. Forte said OK.

Fisher said the changes after that continue on the next page. Indemnification. Forte said wait, is red also blue now? Fisher said yes. Red is (unintelligible). And so indemnification, they were concerned about that, so – Forte said what does that mean. Fisher said it means that if one side gets sued and it’s our fault, then we would pay, pay for it. Rodgers said and what would constitute something like that? What would be? Forte said like a drowning or something? Fisher said well, I think, for example, let’s assume for a second that we turn over the beach and it has a defect in it and somebody gets injured or a boat gets damaged as a result of a defect in the dock or whatever. Wylie said but it would be our fault. Fisher said but it would have to be our fault. I mean, I think the argument would be, of course, that it’s their dock. They put the dock in and they’ve had it. Rodgers said so, then we’ll have to do a full inspection of the dock and everything before we open it up. Fisher said it would be a good idea. OK. Good idea.

Fisher said insurance. A clarification that the lessee, the township, would handle the liability insurance and make the city an additional insured. They came, oh, and by the way, you can see the blue strikeout in the indemnification. I have it limited to intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence. And that means, that means that if it’s either intentional, or gross negligence means you know that it was wrong and you did it anyway. And so I thought that was very, very limited. And they took those things out and it’s just a matter of fault now, depending on whose fault it is, that’s the – Wylie said OK. Fisher said and the insurance, in the event they have an insurance claim and there is a deductible or self-insured retention loss, contribution by the township will be shared by the parties with their proportionate shared responsibility, which means then that, again, we’d have to have some responsibility. I was not happy with that language, the shared responsibility, because it’s so open-ended. Wylie said yeah. Fisher said and they insisted on it.

Fisher said fencing, I think this is something that came up in the [township board] meeting that there was a concern about fencing. And I don’t know whether there was any history there. Maybe there is. Certain areas of the beach property in the event, one or more actions by third parties that result in the necessity of repairing the fence, then to that extent, and no insurance coverage is available for it, then we’re gonna jointly contribute up to $20,000. And they added it on their part, the execution of the lease. Upon execution of the lease, the parties will place $5,000 each into an escrow account in anticipation of fence repairs and if not spent, will be returned at the end of the year. I mean, this is really like what, five months or so of use.

Fisher said improvements. And this is one that I just couldn’t believe that this was still in this lease. This language. Should the lease be terminated prior to December 31, 2025, the city shall reimburse the township for fair market value as of the date of termination for all permanent improvements made in the premises after March 1, 1989. So, I said, wait, no, no, there’s no reason for that to be in there. So, and they accepted that. And as far as renewal is concerned, we’ll negotiate in good faith for renewal.

Fisher said so, that’s basically the rundown on modifications.

Wylie said so, one question I have is about the fence. We have no control what happens to that fence. I mean, they’re the ones who controls who goes in the beach because they’ve got guards, lifeguards, and somebody who’s collecting money at the gate. So, they kind of, other than, unless a car hits it from the outside. Fisher said and this is, this would be action by third parties. So, it’s not their action or our action. It’s somebody else that has caused the damage.

Forte said is there a history about the fence being an issue in the past. Jones said in the entire time that I’ve lived here, I’ve never, yeah. Forte said so, what’s the deal with the fence? Jones said that’s actually, my question is, Chuck Phyle stood here on Monday night before the meeting and we asked him all these questions directly about these things. And then when we get in the [township board] meeting on Tuesday, they had a whole list of things. And this is the first time we’re getting to see all of this. And so, I’m just confused because I thought we had asked pretty point blank, like, what are the things, what are the issues, what’s tying it up? And there was nothing. But then Tuesday, after we didn’t have a chance to respond, then all of these issues were laid out and now we’re gonna be on the hook for the fence and stuff like that. I mean – (interrupting Jones), Avery said I don’t know that it’s a big deal. I mean, what they’re talking about is this, I guess if there was some sort of vandalism to the fence that they shouldn’t be responsible to repair it 100%, that we would basically go 50-50 on it. Nobody’s at fault. Fisher said well, and it’s a limit of $10,000. Avery said right, exactly. They’ve been leasing that beach for years and how many times have there been a problem with the fence? Forte said yeah. Wylie said we don’t know though because – Rodgers said he hasn’t questioned it. Avery said for six more months, you know. It sounds to me like this is gonna be it for them, but maybe they’re gonna have to change their heart. So, I don’t think it’s a big deal. Wylie said OK.

Wylie recognized Rodgers for a comment.

Rodgers said there’s a few things that are really bugging me about this. First of all, the whole thing about if somebody puts a foot through the dock or if something happens to one of their boats, that we’re responsible for that. Fisher said only if it’s something that we did wrong. Rodgers said right, so there’s gonna be a charge for us to pay to make sure that that boat launch is in perfect condition. Because we can’t say, yes it is, unless we know that it is. So, there’s a charge there. Wylie said isn’t the boat launch really new? Avery said I’m not quite sure we would be liable for that anyways. It’s their boat launch, they brought it in. If there was a safety hazard, someone falls off the dock and hurts themselves because the dock isn’t secured properly, could they point the finger at us and say that we had an obligation to inspect it, maybe. But they’re in possession and control of the premises. Rodgers said so then why is that even in there? That’s my question. Avery said because it makes them feel good.

Rodgers said well, I’m not about that right now. Like, I mean, there’s some worrisome things here because we’re dealing with somebody that we haven’t dealt with in past years either. So, if that is in there, there has to be some intent behind it. So that makes me nervous. Secondly, if we’re expected to put $5,000 of our money in escrow that’s just gonna sit there hopefully and not do anything and know that if anything comes down, freak of nature, whatever, blows down that little hut, I don’t know, somebody vandalizes the lifeguard stations that we’re responsible to split that. There’s a cost, another cost that is incurred there, up to $20,000, which – Avery said it’s only about the fence. Fisher said it’s only the fence. It’s only the fence. Rodgers said only the fence. Okay, so why is that fence, if it’s never been a problem, why is it now in there? Fisher said somebody raised it at the [township board] meeting and it wasn’t, as far as I know, it wasn’t Chuck Phyle. Smith said Paul Brown [Independence Township treasurer] brought up the idea of any capital expenditures that might be required. He picked on fencing. Jones said right. Rodgers said so why are we specifically saying fencing. Wylie said probably something’s happening, I mean, kids probably climb it, and they probably – (interrupting and talking over Wylie), Rodgers said and do we have, we just have to make the decision, do we have the $20,000 to throw at it if something if something happens? I mean, you have to think about those things. Everything’s like, no, that never happens, it never happens. This has never happened before. This, that we’re looking at has never happened. Avery said although there’s no contract language that didn’t prevent them from coming back on us and saying, you know, if something would have happened prior to this, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t have. It wasn’t excluded in the prior contract, so they could have, if this fell out.

Rodgers said I’m just saying that if all of this stuff is in here, he’s saying that he loses $80,000 on this beach is what the terminology would use. Just very quickly, if you think about what a lifeguard makes, you have about 10 lifeguards, that’s about $10,000. I’m not sure where the other $70,000 is coming from, anyhow. Fisher said capital expenses. Rodger said capital expenses. He said he spent $20,000, so now we’re up to 30. Fisher said I think they spent like $80[,000] or $100[,000] on the sand. Avery said yeah, the last two years, they – Fisher said yeah – Wylie said they’ve been doing a restore job. Rodgers said so then I think, though, if we’re gonna be responsible for those capital expenses, if it’s not just the fence. Fisher said no, we’re not. Rodgers said just the fence. That’s the only thing. So, if the hut blows down, that’s not our responsibility. Avery said right, correct. Rodgers said nothing. Only the fence. Avery said and that’s a benefit to us if the fence gets replaced. Rodgers said maybe we need to charge more for rental then. Wylie said we should double it. Rodgers said yeah.

Rodgers said like seriously, I mean, think about this. This is not, like to me, I’m not finding humor in any of this. It’s like really, really bugging me. We are providing a service for the residents of Independence Township. Three to one, four to one, five to one, ten to one probably. Wylie said we do get a benefit out of it, though. If your kids played soccer or softball or anything through Independence Township, they get to join those teams at township residents rates. I mean, my kids did all that, and they were like, where do you live? Oh, you’re in the village. Good, you can get the discount. I mean, nobody else does, I don’t think. And we would get, I’d get my beach pass every year until I lived, well, no, I lived in the township then. But you can get a beach pass for a city, for a township. Rodgers said yeah, I know, my kids did it too. Yeah, so, I mean, and swimming lessons and all that stuff. So, it’s not nothing. I think they get a bigger benefit out of it.

Jones said they do by law of averages. It’s just, but again, like, my reason for being cautious against this or not wanting to be, not super excited to just jump in and say, yes, let’s approve this, is because given the fact that we’re having another situation with contract language, and like, there’s a little bit of like, you know, like, you know, like not necessarily nailed down like who’s doing what and who’s responsible for that. I’m not approving another contract with Independence Township unless like, explicitly stuff is marked out, like who’s gonna be responsible for what.

Casey said that’s not realistic. Jones said what they’re doing isn’t realistic. Casey said this is, this will expire in six or seven months. Let’s approve it. Avery said we can vote.

Rodgers said I’m not sure why, you know, he talks about being so responsible financially for all of this. And my understanding is that the Deer Lake residents don’t pay anything for their, for their key. (Jones made an unintelligible comment.) Rodgers said no, they don’t. If you live on Deer Lake, you do not pay for a key. Wylie said oh, they don’t pay. Jones said but they also, but they have a homeowner’s association. So, I’m wondering if a part of their homeowner’s association dues covers that. Rodgers said umm-mm. Nope. Nope. Avery said it’s a freebie. Rodgers said it’s a freebie. Avery said at this point. But that’s – (Rodgers interrupted Avery and spoke over him, making his comment unintelligible). Rodgers said now, if you live in the township and you don’t live on the lake, then you pay. And I don’t know what that is.

Fisher said well, you know, that’s why I put in here that this is gonna be, all the residents shall be afforded equal benefits and terms of use. Rodgers said how does that benefit us though? Fisher said well, in other words, if one person pays, then everybody’s gotta pay. Rodgers said right. We don’t get any of it anyhow. If we’re, we’re not gonna get any of that money if they charge the residents for the keys, if they charge. Casey said why should we. Rodgers said there was nothing in here that says we do. And as of right now, we don’t. Casey said so, why should we. What do we do? Why should we give? Avery said yeah. We just own the land. We don’t really do anything. Wylie said we don’t own the whole lake.

(To Forte), Wylie said you wanted to say something. Forte said no, no, finish your thing.

Wylie said we don’t own the whole lake. We own that tiny, we just happen to own that beach area. As far as I know, there’s not much more than that – (Interrupting and talking over Wylie), Rodgers said we own the land (unintelligible). Wylie said that’s where 50 years ago, 80 years ago, whenever they just, township decided to put their beach there. So, we benefit a little bit from that.

Wylie recognized Jones for a comment.

Jones said allow me to rephrase my earlier point to say that I’m not super excited to jump in without this specific language on that, given that I sat through a six-and-a-half-hour meeting where Chuck Phyle was bragging about how they had a $12 million war chest and they didn’t know what to do with it. So that’s why I wanted to talk about this stuff. Forte said $10 million or something like that. Jones said yes, he spent like an hour and a half going through their possible capital improvements and explicitly called out that they have $12 million sitting in a war chest that they’re not sure what they want to do, what they would want to do with it.

Avery said that’s a separate – (interrupting Avery), Wylie said hang on and recognized Forte for a comment. Forte said I’m on a different topic. Wylie said oh, okay.

Avery said well, I was just gonna say, I think we’re focused on other issues and bringing them into this particular issue. It’s the beach. Let’s just get it done.

Wylie said but you have to admit, you guys are lawyers. For us, there’s a little bit of a like, (to Sam Moraco, Independence Township trustee sitting in the audience), Wylie said sorry. We don’t trust you guys. (To Moraco), Wylie said not you. But it’s hard to say, okay, well, so we’re gonna trust them now. That’s, I think that’s kind of what’s going on. Avery said I get it. I get the distrust. (To Moraco), Wylie said sorry, Sam, I don’t mean you. Avery said but I think it’s a beach. It’s pretty straightforward. Fisher looked over the contract. He’s fine with it. Avery said I think we’re just trying to dig our heels in on something that – Wylie said I agree. Fisher said I could be happier. Avery said there are other places we can do that. Wylie said you could be happier. Fisher said I think both sides gave something.

Wylie recognized Forte and then Casey for comments.

Forte said no, I hear what everyone’s saying. In the meantime, what’s our plan? Because you’re right, this expires. And then what? And then we have to. Jones said do it all over again. We cross that bridge when we come to it because that’s the position that we’ve put ourselves in or that we’ve been, this is the corner we’re forced into. Casey said nobody’s gonna use it then.

Forte said I know. That’s not what I mean. Cause like, I got the gist of the meeting. Like, I don’t know if you guys did, but like, that there’s a potential that maybe the township doesn’t do this forever. Avery said that’s fine. Forte said we just cross that bridge at the end. Wylie said I don’t know where. I’ve read so many different things. I think they understand that. Forte said yeah, so that’s what I’m asking is like.

Moraco said that’s not what we’re saying. Forte said OK. Moraco said I didn’t get that impression. Wylie and Forte said OK.

Jones said well, and I think, I mean, cause I don’t want this to come across as I don’t want the beach to open because I do want it to open. It’s just, it’s more about the larger thing of what this all plays into is where my issue is coming from. And also just the way things played out at the meeting, that’s where my concern is. Wylie said and again, you’re talking about township meeting. Did you guys all go? Jones, Rodgers, and Forte all said “I did.” Wylie said OK. Forte said yeah.

Wylie asked Smith if he wanted to add something. Smith said just about the insurance. So, we do have insurance on the beach. So, if there were something by a third party. Fisher said yes. Smith said a car runs into it or kids vandalize it, we would apply, we have a thousand-dollar deductible. So that would have to be covered, but we do have insurance. Avery said all right, and we’re covered for liability if someone drowns out there and they try to point the finger at the city. Smith said the likelihood that we have to come up with $10,000 of the $20,000 is very low because we do have insurance that would kick in. Avery said right, and I am assuming the township is self-insured probably for a much bigger amount.

(To Smith), Rodgers said so, if that’s the case, why is it in there? Smith said that’s a good question. Wylie said he doesn’t know. Rodgers said why is it in there? Smith said why is fencing called out separately? Rodgers said right, we didn’t call out the hut or the – Fisher sais somebody raised it at the meeting, that’s why. Jones said because they were throwing noodles at the wall to see what would stick. Rodgers said I just don’t see that it needs to be in there. (Talking over Rodgers, Jones made an unintelligible comment.) Rodgers said why did we put it in there? That’s what I don’t understand. Wylie said but does it hurt us? Fisher said because somebody demanded it at the meeting. Rodgers said somebody from them. Fisher said from them. Rodgers said so, they didn’t put it in, but we did, right? Fisher said well, but the language of the township agreement to go forward was that we, the lawyers, have to satisfy the comments made at the meeting. Wylie said ah, okay. So this was put in by the township attorney. (Jones talked over Wylie and made an unintelligible comment.) Fisher said yes.

Wylie said does anybody not want, ready to vote yet? I’m sorry, is anybody in public want to speak on this topic? I think we’re ready to vote now.

Moraco said I want to make one. Wylie said I’m sorry, OK. (To Moraco), Wylie said actually, go ahead.

Moraco said sure. The board voted unanimously to open the beach and agreed to this deal. We operate as a seven-member board that vote equally, so the talk of one person’s opinion is really not relevant to the conversation – Wylie said OK, thank you – (continuing), Moraco said so I think that that’s disingenuous to keep emphasizing that there’s opposition to it. The board agreed that it was unanimous that there’s an asset that we want to provide to our residents, and that asset is the safety of lifeguards. That’s where the money’s going into. That’s what we voted to approve, was to make that asset. We don’t need, we can make it a, our other beach in the township has no lifeguards, so we have a swim-at-your-own-risk beach, and the township, for the last, you know, however long lifeguards have been there, we’ve had the beach, I think, since 1927. You guys have had that property, and then we took it over to use it as an asset for our community, so there’s a lot of pressure from the residents to keep it open, those services to keep it open. We don’t typically, right now, we don’t have a viable beach of that quality to offer our other residents, so even if the discussion for us was to move our lifeguard assets to a different beach, which would be a discussion that our board would have, it’s not apples to apples as far as sun exposure, you know, through the whole entire day, the quality of the ground conditions, the beach, the location, so there’s a lot of other assets.

Moraco said other reasons why this beach was identified by not our board, but all the boards previous to our boards who have done this for generations, you know, so it bothers me when you guys talk about one, you know, the one person, or that our board is gonna follow suit with whatever one person wants. I think that was just, I think that was, I don’t know what the word you used, you disparaged or discredited at the last meeting that that didn’t happen. Everybody got on board with the public’s comments and everybody wanting this to happen, so I’m positive that the township is going to continue on with its tradition and seeing that this is an asset going into the future. Personally, I can’t vote for everybody, but from the pressure that we are under to provide this service, I think is a big decision, you know, has a lot to do with the decision-making of the board. Now, January will come up, obviously. I’m the one that brought this forward to force the hand to get this out in public with everyone by putting it on our agenda, because it’s important. It didn’t get on the agenda on its own. Wylie said OK. Moraco said because time is sensitive and it not only affects you guys, it affects our Parks and Rec magazine, our hiring, our firing, you know, I mean, our staffing. We have a vested interest in this beach.

Moraco said the language that you’re talking about is, you know, just the aftermath of getting that to go through and whether you agree with those things, that’s up to you guys, you know. But I just want to say as an individual person, you know, in the township and on the board, that I would not assume that this is a one and done and then after this, we’re going to change our minds and go in another direction. I think that’s going to be very hard for our board to make that decision, weighing it against the assets and the wants of our residents that we represent.

Wylie said thank you. For myself, I want to apologize for what I said before about distrust. Moraco said you didn’t trust me? That’s fine, I know what you meant. Wylie said and I do want to say, when we first started talking about this, what you say confirms, we said, the township wants this beach and the board will figure it out. The board will understand that the township residents want the beach and that’ll be the end of the discussion. Moraco said and I think that they did. Wylie said and I think that’s what happened. Jones said the residents were (unintelligible).

Wylie recognized Forte for a comment.

Forte said yeah, I just wanted to thank you for putting that on the agenda and making it a vote. Because like, sometimes in our vote, we hear things from Phyle and we just kind of assume that it is unanimous until proven otherwise. Not because, not because of any other reason and we’re not in every meeting in every room. You know what I mean? Moraco and we’re not pervy [privy] to what you guys are negotiating, Fisher and them, and we don’t get to say what we want in the contract that was said at the meeting. Forte said yeah. Moraco said there was some concerns about liability. I mean, when I put the contract in there, I think I used the 1989 contract. Because it was the only one I could get my hands on to throw on the agenda. So, you know, but I think you guys have addressed most of it. The fence thing, we already said that we would, that we would cut, that would be part of, you know, most of that would be covered by us. It got tweaked a little bit in negotiation. Wylie said OK. (Jones phone went off.) Jones said so sorry, sorry. Wylie said thank you.

Wylie said did anybody else in council have something before we have a vote?

(No comments.)

Wylie said OK.

(To Guillen), Wylie said can you do a roll call, please? So again, we are voting on – Avery said approving the contract. Wylie said approving this contract. Yes. Thank you, Avery.

Avery, Casey, Forte, Jones, Rodgers, and Wylie voted yes.

Wylie said and the resolution is adopted. Thank you very much. (To Moraco), Wylie said and thank you.

Agenda Item #10 [#11] New Business (video time mark 0:55:36):

Wylie said we are on Item #10, new business discussion.

Item #10a [#11a] – Discussion: Sgt. John Ashley Retirement and Replacement (video time mark 0:55:39):

Wylie said sergeant, I don’t know, is there anything else to say about Sergeant Ashley’s, John Ashley’s retirement and replacement? Smith said no. Wylie said no, OK. So that’s been covered.

Item #10a [#11b] – Resolution: Oakland County P25 Radio User Agreement Renewal (video time mark 0:55:47):

• • Resolution 2026-013 – Resolution to Approve Oakland County Simulcast System Interlocal Agreement Between Oakland County and City of the Village of Clarkston (page 30/54 of the council packet)
  • Oakland County P25 Simulcast System Interlocal Agreement Between Oakland County and the City of the Village of Clarkston (page 32/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said and we’ve got Item #10B, Resolution Oakland County P25 Radio User Agreement Renewal.

Resolution by Forte.

Wylie said OK. Sorry. I didn’t mark this beforehand.

Second Avery. Wylie said OK.

Wylie said I’ve got to read this. Anybody have that resolution? (Rodgers passed a paper to Wylie). Wylie said thank you. Oh, that’s, oh, OK. No wonder I couldn’t find it. Wylie said oh, I’m not going to read this whole thing.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

Wylie said and there’s a certification and I mean, (to Fisher), do you think I need to read all that, all these other? Fisher said no. Wylie said OK. So, we’ve already had somebody resolved. I forget who that was. Is that Rodgers? Oh, Forte and then Avery second supported that.

Wylie said is there any discussion from members of council?

No discussion.

Wylie said from the public?

No discussion.

(To Guillen), Wylie said and we need a roll call on this.

Jones, Forte, Casey, Avery, Wylie, and Rodgers voted yes.

Wylie said and the resolution is adopted. Thank you very much.

Item #10c [#11c] – Resolution: Interlocal Agreement for NOTA [North Oakland Transportation Authority] Transportation Services (video time mark 0:57:52):

• • Resolution – SMART – NOTA Interlocal Agreement (page 46/54 of the council packet)
  • Municipal Credit and Community Interlocal Agreement Between Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation [SMART] and City of the Village of Clarkston (page 47/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said and now we have Item #10C, Resolution, Interlocal Agreement for NOTA [North Oakland Transportation Authority] Transportation services. And does anybody have that in front of them? Once again, I cannot find it. Rodgers said yes and handed Wylie a paper. Wylie said thank you.

(Wylie read the resolution.)

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

Resolution by Jones; second Forte.

Wylie said and is there any questions or comments?

Fisher said I have a comment. Wylie said yes, thank you. Fisher said yeah. Wylie said thank you, that’s what we need. Fisher said yeah. Basically, in this agreement, and it’s probably been out to many, many communities, but the thing that struck me that I changed in here, and we have to get them to go along with the change, is that they basically had us indemnifying them for any action on our part, whether it was wrongful or negligent or otherwise, and indemnifying SMART [Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation] and for actions of NOTA. We were indemnifying SMART for the actions of NOTA, which makes no sense to me whatsoever. And so, I took that out and I made it a negligent action or omission.

Forte said OK. So, this has already been changed. Fisher said this is the, yeah, this is modified. Forte said so, we would be approving – Fisher said the modified version. Yeah. Forte said thanks. Fisher said yeah.

Wylie said OK. Okay. Anybody else, questions or comments on this?

No comments.

Wylie said public questions or comments?

No comments.

Wylie said OK, then let’s go ahead and take a vote. (To Guillen), Wylie said if you’d do a roll call.

Rodgers, Wylie, Avery, Casey, Forte, and Jones voted yes.

Wylie said OK, the resolution is adopted. Thank you very much.

Item #10d [#11d] – Discussion: Response to Independence Township Re: Pump Station Invoice (video time mark 1:00:48):

• • 03-19-2026 Letter from Chuck Phyle, Independence Township Supervisor, Re: Sewer Services Invoice – Request for Payment Intent (page 52/54 of the council packet)
  • 03-16-2026 Invoice (page 53/54 of the council packet)
  • Vendor costs (page 54/54 of the council packet)

Wylie said now we are on Item #10D, Discussion, response to Independence Township Regarding Pump Station Invoice. And we are going to move into a closed meeting, but we can, if anybody wants to – Forte said before that, I have a question. Wylie said OK, go ahead.

(To Moraco), Forte said is this going to be on the agenda for you guys anytime soon? Moraco said don’t know anything about it. (Forte gestured and said ah.) Rodgers said maybe we should read it out loud. Forte said can we ask you to put it on the agenda? (Unintelligible crosstalk.) Moraco said this is outside of my realm. Forte said OK.

Wylie said so, this, can I read this letter? Because this is in the packet, so everybody has access to this. This is from the Charter Township of Independence written to Jonathan Smith, City Manager, City of the Village of Clarkston, regarding sewer services invoice, request for payment intent.

(Wylie read the letter.)

Wylie said and it’s signed Chuck Phyle II, supervisor for Independence Township. And we have an invoice and quantity one description charges to the Village of Clarkston. It says $424,881.35. Quantity one charges to the Village of Clarkston, $5,065.48. One charge to Village of Clarkston, $9,428.82. And multi-year invoices for the village’s share of M-15 lift station maintenance, repairs, OMI, I don’t know what this account number, and sewer disposal 2025. For a total of $439,375.65. An invoice number is included and service date. The service date is listed as 3-16-2026.

(To Smith), Forte said have we gotten any more information on this Excel sheet? Smith said no. Forte said OK.

Wylie said and yeah, so what – Rodgers said so, like no itemization from each of those, what each of those companies did or, and we didn’t approve any of those companies, did we? Smith said we did not, no. We were not involved in any of this. Avery said right, and we talked about this at the last meeting. Jones said at the last meeting, yes. Avery said so, at this point, my advice would be to, I think we’re gonna talk about our legal rights and responsibilities, we should probably do that in a closed session.

Forte said I’ll make a motion to move into closed session. Second Jones.

Wylie said any discussion from council members or questions?

No comment.

Wylie said from the public?

No comment.

Wylie said do we need a roll call? Fisher said yes. (To Gullen), Wylie said would you take a roll call, please? Guillen said yep.

Forte, Jones, Rodgers, Avery, Casey, and Wylie voted yes.

Wylie said and just to be sure, we have stated the reason for it? Fisher said no, and we have to add to the reason – Wylie said the motion – (continuing), Fisher said this is a legal opinion that’s privileged and confidential. It’s not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and under the Open Meetings Act. We go into closed session to talk about a document that is not subject to disclosure like that. Wylie and Forte said OK. Wyle said that covers it. Fisher said yeah. Wylie said OK.

Wylie said then, so we are going now into closed session, which means those of you who are in attendance, we are going, when we come back from closed session, we’re not gonna be voting on anything. We’re just gonna adjourn, we’re gonna close the closed session. Then we’re gonna close the meeting. So, you can hang around and find out, but there’s nothing gonna happen.

Forte and Wylie said thank you for coming.

Jones said did we take a vote? Wylie said oh, yeah, we did not. We have not taken a vote. Did we take a vote? Rodgers said yeah, we did. Wylie said OK, all right. Jones said I wasn’t sure.

Wylie said time is 8:06 p.m. We’re going into closed session. Thank you, everybody.

Agenda Item #11 [#12], Adjourn Meeting (video time mark unknown):

[Unknown – you’ll just have to trust the law was followed because cameras/outside witnesses were not present.]

Resources:

• • Link to video recording here 
  • 04-13-2026 – city council packet