In the minutes: Auburn Hills PDF Meeting Minutes (215 Kb), Flock Camera (Sep 28)

CITY OF AUBURN HILLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
CALL TO ORDER &
Mayor Hawkins at 7:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
LOCATION:
Council Chamber, 1827 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills MI
ROLL CALL:
Present: Council Members Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz and
Verbeke
Absent: None
Also Present: City Manager Tanghe, Assistant City Manager Skopek, City Attorney
Kelly, City Clerk Pierce, Chief of Police Gagon, Fire Chief Robinson, Department of
Public Works Director Baldante, Mgr of Fleet & Roads Hefner, Economic Development
Mgr Carroll, Finance Director/Treasurer Schulz, Accountant Moss, Asst to the City
Manager Hagge, Engineer Driesenga
8 Guests
A workshop session was held prior to the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 PM. Workshop Topic: Budget
Workshop (1 of 2)
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, September 14, 2026
Moved by Knight, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of September 14, 2026.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.09.133
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
5.
APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
5a.
Legislative Update, by State Rep. Brenda Carter
State Representative Carter provided a Legislative update. She also discussed the development of guardrails
to AI, Data Centers and Flock Cameras and offered to come back to share more details about Medicare and
Medicaid.
6.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
7.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Moniz requested Item 7d (Change order for additional pathway repairs) be removed from the Consent
Agenda.
7a.

Board and Commission Minutes
7a1.
Downtown Development Authority, September 1, 2026
7a2.
Election Commission, September 17, 2026

City Council Minutes – September 28, 2026
Page 2

7b.

7c.

7e.

RESOLVED: To receive and file the Board and Commission Minutes.
Motion – To amend the budget to increase revenues of the Major Street Fund and increase
expenditures of the General Fund Street Improvement Department.
RESOLVED: To amend the Major Streets Fund revenue with an increase of $300,000 and the General
Fund’s Street Improvement department appropriations with an increase of $300,000.
Motion – To amend appropriate Wage and Benefit lines within General Fund Departments and other
Funds.
RESOLVED: To amend each General Fund department’s 2026 wages and/or benefit lines increasing
or decreasing appropriations as stated above. (Attachment A)
RESOLVED: To amend the Fieldstone Golf Fund increasing the 2026 Budget appropriations as stated
above.
RESOLVED: To amend the Water/Sewer Fund increasing the 2026 Budget appropriations as stated
above.
RESOLVED: To amend the Major Roads Fund decreasing the 2026 Budget appropriations as stated
above.
RESOLVED: To amend the Local Roads Fund increasing the 2026 Budget appropriations and 2026
Budget revenue as stated above.
Motion – To approve the 2026-2027 Winter Operations Agreement between the City of Auburn Hills
and the Road Commission for Oakland County.
RESOLVED: To approve the 2026-2027 Winter Operations Agreement between the City of Auburn
Hills and the Road Commission for Oakland County. Services to be reimbursed from the Road
Commission for Oakland County to the City of Auburn Hills in the amount of $53,779.79.

Moved by Verbeke, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To approve the Consent Agenda.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.09.134
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
7d.
Motion – To approve a change order for additional pathway repairs.
Mr. Moniz requested this item be removed to discuss the process of how the repairs are determined. Mr.
Baldante explained that a plan is followed, and this specific change order is for repairs to the current pathways
and not new pathways.
Moved by Moniz, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED: To approve a change order for $135,000 to Alpha Paving LLC for additional pathway
repairs throughout the city.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.09.135
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

9.
9a.

NEW BUSINESS
Public Hearing/Motion – To approve Amendment No. 1 for the Bill Saad Properties, LLC Redevelopment
of four parcels at Joslyn and Pacific Roads.

City Council Minutes – September 28, 2026
Page 3

Ms. Carroll presented the Brownfield Plan Amendment for Bill Saad Properties LLC covering approximately 4.67
acres located at Joslyn and Pacific Roads. The projected amendment will provide greater flexibility to address
the properties environmental and redevelopment needs.
City Council shared their concerns about the reimbursement of this development, the amount of dirt being
brought in and questioned the intended use for the four parcels.
It was clarified that the Brownfield Authority has similar reimbursement accounts as TIFA so the developer will
spend the money upfront and the city will reimburse them on the tax capture of the project.
The dirt being brought in is creating a disturbance to the house located near the development and the
developer stated they will make sure to power wash the house once the land is settled.
The four parcels will at some point be combined into one parcel with the intent of a gas station being built,
with plans to begin the building portion in the Spring/Summer of 2027.
Teresa Bruce of Premier Construction & Design stated that there are problematic issues at this location but
they are ready to address the issues as they are presented to see the project competed.
Ms. Verbeke stated that she is not in favor of this project and that it is in the wrong location. However, every
time she has had an issue with the process, Ms. Bruce has corrected the problem, and she is grateful for that.
Mayor Hawkins opened the Public Hearing at 7:33 PM.
Hearing no public comment, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 7:34 PM.
Mr. Knight shared that this is a tough project with pitfalls, however, the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
knows that City Council wanted this project completed and they are seeing this request through to the end.
Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To approve Amendment No. 1 for the Bill Saad Properties, LLC Redevelopment of
four parcels at Joslyn and Pacific Roads, including Parcels 02-14-04-451-023, 02-14-04-451-024, 0214-04-451-025, and 02-14-04-451-026.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
Verbeke
Resolution No. 26.09.136
Motion Carried (6 - 1)
9b.

Motion – To approve the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend dollar and percent thresholds
referenced in the Purchasing Ordinance of the Auburn Hills City Code to state such thresholds will be
adopted by Resolution of the Council and to set for Public Hearing and Second Reading/Adoption at
the meeting of October 5, 2026.
Ms. Schulz presented the proposed ordinance amendment for the dollar and percent thresholds as the last
change was made in 2007. She shared that since that time there has been an increase of 61% in CPI so to
increase the dollar limit is necessary as it will increase improved administrative efficiency yet still ensure proper
established reviews for approvals on larger more costly projects.

City Council Minutes – September 28, 2026
Page 4

It is proposed to also set the purchasing threshold by resolution which will allow City Council to update
thresholds in the future on an as-needed basis without undertaking the process for a formal Ordinance
Amendment. The current proposed changes align with surrounding communities.
It was noted that anything purchased or projects with a larger dollar significance, roads and water, will still
follow the formal bid process.
Moved by Marzolf, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To approve the First Reading of an Ordinance to amend dollar and percent thresholds
referenced in Sec. 2-197 (e) and (f), Sec 2-202, Section 2-207(a), Sec. 2-208 (c), Sec. 2-211(a) and (b)Purchasing Ordinance of the Auburn Hills City Code to state such thresholds will be adopted by
Resolution of the Council and Set for Public Hearing and Second Reading/Adoption at the Meeting
of October 5, 2026.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.09.137
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
10.
COMMENTS AND MOTIONS FROM COUNCIL
Mr. Knight stated that the collaboration and the presenting of the budget during the workshop was well done.
Mr. Moniz shared that Sips and Sounds was well attended. He expressed appreciation of the efforts of Ms.
Carroll to provide successful events for the City. He asked Chief Gagnon how the purchase of the K-9 effort
was coming along. Chief Gagnon shared that more information will be coming mid-November.
Dr. Fletcher questioned if contractors that place flags in the yards receive permission from the City to do work.
Mr. Baldante shared that through the Metro Act permitting process, there is an agreement in place to work in
the Right-Of-Way and not private properties. DPW asked the contractors to communicate with the residents
if they are working in their area.
Mr. Ferguson thanked Friends of the Clinton River Trail and the Fall Classic Bicycle ride.
Mr. Marzolf complimented the leadership at OCC on the new signage located on the tower and the entrance
signs as it brings awareness to the college.
Mayor Hawkins commented on the great line up of talent during the Summer concerts at the amphitheater.
He also commented that October kicks off a lot of great activities in the city and encouraged people to attend
them. He thanked Representative Carter for the update.
11.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

12.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Tanghe placed emphasis on the October 9th Beer and Brats event taking place in the Public Square.
13.

ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Ferguson, Seconded by Verbeke.

City Council Minutes – September 28, 2026
Page 5

RESOLVED:
To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.09.138
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
The meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Eugene Hawkins III, Mayor

Laura M. Pierce, City Clerk

City Council Minutes – September 28, 2026
Page 6

ATTACHMENT A
Department
Net appropriations increase (decrease)
Primary Reason
172 - City Manager
22,915.00 Full time wage adjustments
253 - Treasurer/Finance
(30,000.00) Hired lower-grade position
270 - Human Resources
(6,000.00) Part time wage adjustments
441 - DPW Management
26,000.00 Full time wage adjustments
265 - Facilities
(5,500.00) Overtime reduction
266 - Grounds
36,530.00 Part time wage adjustments
371 - Building Services
(64,295.00) Retirement/Unfilled positions
301 - Police Patrol
(103,000.00) Unfilled positions
305 - Police Administration
163,716.00 Part time wages & benefits
336 - Fire Administration
(70,000.00) Unfilled Assistant Chief
339 - Fire Suppression
(75,500.00) Overtime reduction
341 - Fire Prevention
20,500.00 Retirement payout
426 - Emergency Management
27,400.00 Water main break
651 - EMS
(192,000.00) Overtime reduction
685 - Senior Citizens
(5,000.00) Unfilled position
686 - SMART Grant
1,550.00 Part time 457 eligibility
703 - Community Development
2,000.00 Full time wage adjustment
755 - Recreation
3,000.00 Medical plan changes
770 - Parks
(36,500.00) Part time unfilled positions
446 - Street Improvement
91,268.00 Transfer to match Roads
261 - General Administration
(191,866.00) Reduce held wage reserves
Total General Fund
(384,782.00)
202 - Major Roads Fund

(15,000.00) Staffing adjustments

203 - Local Roads Fund

91,268.00 OT, pension contribution
91,268.00 (revenue) Transfer from General Fund

753- Golf Fund

101,192.00 Part time wage increases

592 - Water/Sewer Fund
535 - Sewer
536 - Water
Total Water/Sewer Fund

26,500.00 Staffing adjustments
(8,612.00) Staffing adjustments
17,888.00

City Council Minutes – September 28, 2026
Page 7