In the minutes: Auburn Hills PDF Meeting Minutes (216 Kb), data center (Aug 10)

CITY OF AUBURN HILLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
AUGUST 10, 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, Director of
Community Development Cohen, Department of Public Works Director Baldante,
Manager of Fleet & Roads Hefner, Manager of Municipal Properties Wisser, Deputy
Treasurer Jones, Director of Senior Services Monroy Krieg, Senior Support Services
Coordinator Cox, Assistant to the City Manager Hagge, Engineer Driesenga
21 Guests
A workshop session was held prior to the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 PM. Workshop Topic: Capital
Improvement Plan Review
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, July 20, 2026
Moved by Knight, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 20, 2026.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.111
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
5.
APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
5a.
Motion – To confirm the appointment of Gail Cartwright to the Tax Increment Finance Authority.
Mayor Hawkins shared the accolades of Ms. Cartwright and recommended her to the Tax Increment Finance
Authority.
Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Knight.
RESOLVED:
To confirm the appointment of Gail Cartwright to the Tax Increment Finance
Authority for a term ending on February 28, 2029.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.112
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
5b.
Introduction of Senior Support Services Coordinator, Kathryn Cox
Ms. Monroy-Kreig introduced Ms. Cox as the new Senior Support Services Coordinator.

City Council Minutes – August 10, 2026
Page 2

6.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Daniel Carpenter spoke against the use of Flock cameras.
Mr. Dave Dobay spoke regarding speeding on South Squirrel Rd. and Amazon drones.
Mr. Michael Kazmierski spoke regarding the Friends of the Clinton River Trail Fundraiser.
Ms. Krista Soroka spoke against Flock cameras.
7.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Moniz removed Item 7d (cost reimbursement agreement with Metro Fibernet, LLC) from the Consent
Agenda.
7a.

7b.
7c.

Board and Commission Minutes
7a1.
Election Commission, July 16, 2026
7a2.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, July 21, 2026
RESOLVED: To receive and file the Board and Commission Minutes.
Motion – To amend the 2026 Major Roads Fund for the purchase of early fill salt.
RESOLVED: To amend the 2026 Major Roads fund in the amount of $222,090 for 3,000 tons of early
fill salt.
Motion – To receive & file the Mariner Consulting 2nd Quarter Cash Management Investment
Performance Review.
RESOLVED: To receive and file the Mariner Consulting 2nd quarter Cash Management Investment
Performance Review.

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. 26.08.113
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
7d.

Motion – To execute a cost reimbursement agreement for overtime inspection services with Metro
Fibernet, LLC (Metronet) as part of their fiber-optic telecommunications network buildout.
Mr. Moniz requested clarification on this project and the connection with T-Mobile. Mr. Baldante provided
clarification and stated that the city is inspecting the work.
Moved by Moniz, Seconded by Verbeke.
RESOLVED: To execute a cost reimbursement agreement for overtime inspection services with
Metro Fibernet, LLC (Metronet) as part of their fiber-optic telecommunications network buildout.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.114
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
8.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

9.
9a.

NEW BUSINESS
Motion – To approve the Development Agreement between the City of Auburn Hills and US Signal for
the property located at 1035 West Entrance Drive.

City Council Minutes – August 10, 2026
Page 3

Mr. Cohen presented the proposed agreement governing the upgrade to the existing data center. He stated
that although the project qualifies for administrative approval under the Zoning Ordinance, US Signal
voluntarily agreed to enter into a Development Agreement with the City. The agreement provides additional
protections and accountability beyond those otherwise required, including enforceable noise performance
standards, postconstruction acoustical verification, ongoing monitoring, complaint-response procedures,
corrective action requirements, and continued operational accountability. This project is not expected to
increase demands on the city infrastructure.
Mr. Cohen explained that there are three main types of data centers; enterprise data center where it serves
clients on the server, colocation data center where a company provides all the services for energy, security and
cooling, and the hyperscale while very large, uses a lot of energy.
Mr. Tom DeJonge and Zack VanOverbeke representing US Signal provided an overview of the project. It was
explained that there will be sound attenuation panels to help with the proposed new exterior chillers. It was
also explained that monthly testing will be performed on generators to ensure that they work properly.
Moved by Moniz, Seconded by Knight.
RESOLVED:
To approve the Development Agreement between the City of Auburn Hills and US
Signal for the property located at 1035 West Entrance Drive and to authorize the Mayor to execute
the Agreement on behalf of the City.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.115
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
9b.
Motion – To authorize the agreement for Single Hauler Residential Housing Solid Waste Collection.
Mr. Wisser recommended the proposed agreement be granted to Waste Management of Michigan. With the
contract with Priority Waste coming to an end and after receiving multiple complaints, the city went to bid for
the Single Hauler Residential Housing Solid Waste Collection program. Waste Management was the low bid
and will provide new carts to residents in December and pick up old cans. It will include one pre-scheduled
bulk item collection per household per week at no additional charge, a 10% senior and veteran discount, and
direct monthly billing to residents with convenient online payment options. Waste Management will provide
manual and automated services for pick up. The proposed new service will begin on January 1, 2027. A
communication campaign will take place in the Fall.
Mr. Doug Reams, Brian Snyder and John Moskal representing Waste Management were present to answer any
questions.
The following individuals spoke against the new contract:
• Mr. Mario DiBartolomeo
• Ms. Amy Mackie
• A representative of Priority Waste.
Ms. Verbeke asked for clarification on the cost.
Mr. Wisser stated that since the bid results were so close, the focus became on the service provided.

City Council Minutes – August 10, 2026
Page 4

Ms. Verbeke stated that she has not had any problems with Priority Waste in the past but is looking forward
to Waste Management fulfilling their promise of taking care of the residents.
Moved by Knight, Seconded by Marzolf.
RESOLVED:
To authorize a five-year agreement with WM (Waste Management of Michigan, Inc.)
for single hauler residential housing solid waste collection as proposed under the automated
collection service model, effective January 1, 2027, at the unit prices set forth in its proposal. The
final agreement shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney and shall incorporate the
Contractor's written clarifications. Furthermore, authorize the City Manager to sign the final
agreement on behalf of the City.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.116
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
9c.

Motion – To accept the First Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 54. Solid Waste; to repeal
Article II. Garbage and Refuse, of the Auburn Hills City Code and replace it with a new Article II. Solid
Waste, Recyclable Materials, and Designated Waste Hauler Collection Regulation; and to set for Public
Hearing and Second Reading / Adoption at the Meeting on August 24, 2026.
Mr. Cohen presented an amendment to update Chapter 54 of the City Code to add automated residential waste
collection system.
Moved by Verbeke, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To accept the First Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 54. Solid Waste; to
repeal Article II. Garbage and Refuse, of the Auburn Hills City Code and replace it with a new Article
II. Solid Waste, Recyclable Materials, and Designated Waste Hauler Collection Regulation; and to set
for Public Hearing and Second Reading / Adoption at the meeting on August 24, 2026.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.117
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
10.
COMMENTS AND MOTIONS FROM COUNCIL
Mr. Knight expressed his delight at the bike patrol he had seen. He was pleased to share that the pathway
connection at Forester Square has been completed. He suggested a fund raiser offering the rental of chairs for
the concerts in the park.
Mr. Moniz congratulated Fire Chief Robinson on his completion of the National Academy. He also thanked
Clerk Pierce for a great August election. He questioned if there were specific times the Amazon drones could
be in the air. Mr. Tanghe stated that it is best to share concerns with the FAA. The city website has the
information on how to do this under the resident tab.
Dr. Fletcher suggested more election signage being shared. She commented on complaints regarding speeding
on South Blvd. She also shared that people would like to know who to contact at the State level regarding
having the school district boundaries reevaluated for Auburn Hills.
Mr. Ferguson commented on the Friday night concert.

City Council Minutes – August 10, 2026
Page 5

Mr. Marzolf would like to see restoration take place on Squirrel Road near Stellantis due to repairs from an
updated fiberoptics project. He also sought an update on the Avant project on Five Points Drive. Mr. Cohen
commented that they have been given a deadline in November to show that they are making progress.
Mayor Hawkins stated he would like to have a follow-up conversation regarding bricks at the Veteran’s
Memorial. Mr. Tanghe said discussions are taking place regarding this topic and it being offered annually.
11.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

12.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

13.
13a.

CLOSED SESSION
Motion - To meet in closed session to discuss a confidential legal opinion under MCL 15.268(1)(h) of
the Open Meetings Act.
Moved by Ferguson, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To meet in closed session to discuss a confidential legal opinion under MCL
15.268(1)(h) of the Open Meetings Act.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.118
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
13b.

Motion – To meet in closed session to discuss property acquisition pursuant to MCL 15.268(1)(d) of the
Open Meetings Act.
Moved by Verbeke, Seconded by Marzolf.
RESOLVED:
To meet in closed session to discuss property acquisition pursuant to MCL
15.268(1)(d) of the Open Meetings Act.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.119
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
The meeting recessed to Closed Session at 9:11 PM.
The meeting reconvened in Open Session at 9:55 PM.
14.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Moniz, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz, Verbeke
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.08.120
Motion Carried (7 - 0)
The meeting adjourned at 9:56 PM.