On the agenda: Auburn Hills PDF Meeting Minutes (245 Kb) — Data Center (Jul 20)

CITY OF AUBURN HILLS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
JULY 20, 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
Absent: Council Member Verbeke
Also Present: City Manager Tanghe, Assistant City Manager Skopek, City Attorney
Learman, City Clerk Pierce, Chief of Police Gagon, Fire Chief Robinson, Director of
Community Development Cohen, Department of Public Works Director Baldante, Asst
to the Manager Hagge, Engineer Driesenga
9 Guests
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4a.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, July 6, 2026
Moved by Knight, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To approve the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2026.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.103
Motion Carried (6 - 0)
5.
5a.

APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Motion - To confirm the reappointment of Sam Beidoun to the Planning Commission, ending on July
31, 2029.
Moved by Ferguson, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To confirm the reappointment of Sam Beidoun to the Planning Commission for an
additional three-year term ending on July 31, 2029.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.104
Motion Carried (6 - 0)
5b.

Motion - To confirm the reappointment of Dominic Patrus to the Planning Commission, ending on July
31, 2029.
Moved by Ferguson, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To confirm the reappointment of Dominic Patrus to the Planning Commission for an
additional three-year term ending on July 31, 2029.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.105
Motion Carried (6 - 0)

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 2

5c.

Motion - To confirm the reappointment of Sam Beidoun to the Zoning Board of Appeals, ending on July
31, 2029.
Moved by Marzolf, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To confirm the reappointment of Sam Beidoun to the Zoning Board of Appeals,
ending on July 31, 2029.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.106
Motion Carried (6 - 0)
6.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Julianne Bossert spoke on the issue of Data Centers and asked that the current Noise Ordinance be
updated.
7.
7a.

7b.

7c.

CONSENT AGENDA
Board and Commission Minutes
7a1.
Planning Commission, July 8, 2026
RESOLVED: To receive and file the Board and Commission Minutes.
Motion – To adopt the Resolution to Apply for State Disaster Grant Funds Related to the GLWA Water
Main Break.
RESOLVED: To Adopt the Resolution to Apply for State Disaster Grant Funds through Section 19 of
PA 390. (Attachment A)
Motion – To approve the purchase of replacement data storage equipment and budget amendment.
RESOLVED: To approve the purchase of a Synology hard drive and storage enclosure from CDW-G in
an amount not to exceed $10,648.62. Furthermore, approve a budget amendment to increase
appropriations for GL# 101-305-977.000 (Machinery and Equipment) by $10,648.62.

Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To approve the Consent Agenda.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.107
8.
9.
9a.

Motion Carried (6 - 0)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
Motion – To amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance / Article VIII. B-1, Limited Business Districts and
Article IX. B-2, General Business Districts
Mr. Cohen stated that the Adult Use Marihuana Establishments Ordinance identifies the specific approved
parcel in the zoning text. Due to a recently approved transfer, the text amendment must reflect the proposed
relocation. He shared that if approved, the text will reflect the relocation of the licensed business from 1801
N. Opdyke Road to a proposed new location at 4141 Joslyn Road, Suite 300 (also known as 4247 Joslyn Road).
In addition, the 1801 N. Opdyke Road property is the only location currently identified within Section 804,
therefore the amendment proposes to eliminate Section 804 in its entirety and add the new location to Section
905. The amendment will ensure consistency between the Adult Use Marihuana Establishments Ordinance
and the Zoning Ordinance regarding the establishment's approved location.

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 3

Moved by Ferguson, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and approve the enclosed
text amendment to Article VIII. B-1, Limited Business Districts, and Article IX. B-2, General Business
Districts of the Zoning Ordinance. It shall be referenced as Ordinance No. 26-950. (Attachment B)
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.108
Motion Carried (6 - 0)
9b.

Motion – To award contracts to Proline for the Giddings/Taylor Road Intersection Improvements and
OHM/G2 for construction services and material testing.
Mr. Baldante presented the details to the approved Giddings/Taylor Road Intersection Improvements. After
the vetting process was completed. It is recommended to move forward with Pro-Line Asphalt Paving. Their
timeline for completion is August – November 2026. There will be no additional financial contribution from
the city but rather from MDOT after they have completed their bid tabulation process. The contract includes
lighting for the roundabout which will light the walkway. The walkway will cross the north leg of Taylor Road
connecting the west to the east of Taylor Road but it will end at the existing approach and will not continue to
the east side of the bridge.
Moved by Fletcher, Seconded by Ferguson.
RESOLVED:
To award contracts to Pro-Line Asphalt Paving Corporation for the Giddings and
Taylor Road intersection improvements totaling $1,192,390, OHM Advisors for construction services
and contract administration totaling $64,500, and G2 Consulting Group for materials testing
estimated at $25,000 contingent upon approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation
bid tab review. There will be no contribution from the City for this project.
VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.109
Motion Carried (6 - 0)
10.
COMMENTS AND MOTIONS FROM COUNCIL
City Councilmembers commented on the parking improvements in the downtown area and the positive turnout
for the events taking place downtown. There was concern shared for the pumping stations and the long grass
along Lapeer Road. When questioned about the Webster development, Mr. Tanghe provided an update.
Mayor Hawkins and Mayor Pro-Tem Marzolf commented on the ribbon cutting of PHA, while Mayor Hawkins
shared his thanks for the good communication that takes place from situations/events coming out of the city.
11.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
12.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Tanghe was pleased to announce that the city purchased 13.2 acres on Churchill.
13.
CITY CLERK REPORT
Ms. Pierce provided an Election update and the different ways to participate in the election process.
14.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Ferguson, Seconded by Moniz.
RESOLVED:
To adjourn the meeting.

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 4

VOTE: Yes:
Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz
No:
None
Resolution No. 26.07.110

Motion Carried (6 - 0)

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 PM.

Eugene Hawkins III, Mayor

Laura M. Pierce, City Clerk

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 5

CITY OF AUBURN HILLS
ATTACHMENT A

1 8 27 N . S QUIR RE L R OAD
A UBURN H IL L S , MI
4 8 3 26
2 4 8. 3 7 0. 9 4 02
W W W . A U B U R N H I L L S . O R G

RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR STATE DISASTER CONTINGENCY FUND GRANTS
UNDER P.A. 390 SECTION 19
At a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Michigan, held in City
Council Chambers at 1827 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 at 7:00 PM, on the 20th day of July, 2026.
The following resolution was offered by Council Member Fletcher and seconded by Council Member Ferguson:
WHEREAS, the City of Auburn Hills is a Michigan Municipal Corporation located in Oakland County,
Michigan with an official emergency operation plan in compliance with Section 19 of the Emergency
Management Act, 1976 PA 390, MCL 30.419, as amended for reimbursement of eligible emergency protective
measures, emergency water supplies, response costs, and related disaster expenditures incurred as a result of
the GLWA water main break.; and
WHEREAS, beginning on or about May 10, 2026, the City of Auburn Hills sustained severe losses of
major proportion brought on by the GLWA Water Main Break which caused a widespread disruption of the
public water supply, necessitated emergency response operations, emergency protective measures, the
procurement of emergency water supplies, and other actions necessary to protect the public health, safety,
and welfare.
WHEREAS, the City of Auburn Hills City Council certifies that the City’s Emergency Operations Plan was
implemented in a timely manner at the onset of the disaster beginning on or about May 10, 2026, and that all
applicable local disaster relief forces identified therein were exhausted; and
WHEREAS, as a direct result of the disaster, public damage and expenditures were extraordinary and
place an unreasonably great financial burden on the City of Auburn Hills totaling $39,519.72, consisting of
$35,029.82 in eligible expenditures incurred by the City of Auburn Hills and $4,489.90 in eligible expenditures
incurred by Oakland University, which are being submitted through the City of Auburn Hills for reimbursement.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Auburn Hills City Council requests the Governor authorize
a grant to the City of Auburn Hills from the State Disaster Contingency Fund pursuant to Section 19 of the
Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, MCL 30.419, as amended.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Hayden Moss, the City of Auburn Hills Accountant, is authorized to
execute for and on behalf of the City of Auburn Hills, the application for financial assistance and to provide to
the State with any information required for that purpose.
A roll call vote on the foregoing resolution was taken, the result of which is as follows:

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 6

AYES:
6 (Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz)
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
1 (Verbeke)
ABSTENTIONS: None
THE RESOLUTION WAS THEREUPON DECLARED ADOPTED.

CERTIFICATION
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, the undersigned, the duly appointed City Clerk for the City of Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Michigan do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of
the Auburn Hills City Council held on the 20th day of July, 2026.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my official signature on this 21st day of July, 2026.

______________________________________
Laura M. Pierce, City Clerk

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 7

ATTACHMENT B
CITY OF AUBURN HILLS
COUNTY OF OAKLAND
STATE OF MICHIGAN
ORDINANCE NO. 26-950
TEXT AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE VIII. B-1, LIMITED BUSINESS DISTRICTS AND ARTICLE
IX. B-2, GENERAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS
OF THE AUBURN HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 372
THE CITY OF AUBURN HILLS ORDAINS
Section 1.
Article VIII. B-1, Limited Business Districts of Auburn Hills Zoning Ordinance No. 372 is amended to eliminate
and remove Section 804. Other Uses Permitted by the City Council on Certain Properties.
Section 2.
Article IX. B-2, General Business Districts of Auburn Hills Zoning Ordinance No. 372 is amended to amend
Section 905. Other Uses Permitted by the City Council on Certain Properties to read as follows:
SECTION 905. OTHER USES PERMITTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON CERTAIN PROPERTIES:
Adult use marihuana establishments, which term includes marihuana retail establishments, located in the
City of Auburn Hills shall be limited to a total of four (4) adult use marihuana establishments. All four (4)
locations shall be permitted on property in the B-2, General Business Districts as set forth in this Section,
as approved by the City Council, and said locations must be in compliance with the November 8, 2022
voter-approved Initiated Ordinance.
The four (4) permitted adult use marihuana establishments within the City of Auburn Hills shall be located
on the following four (4) parcels of property, with one (1) adult use marihuana establishment to be located
on each parcel of property, as approved by and subject to the conditions imposed by the City Council:
Parcel 1 - tax identification number 14-02-100-019; Parcel 2 - tax identification numbers 14-11-352-013,
014, 015, and 016, Parcel 3 - tax identification number 14-11-353-003, and Parcel 4 – unit 300 within tax
identification number 14-04-126-013
This Section and the Initiated Ordinance shall establish the locations for the adult use marihuana
establishments in the City of Auburn Hills for the purposes of Ordinance No. 22-934.
Section 3. Repealer.
All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed only to the extent necessary
to give this Ordinance full force and effect. This Ordinance shall repeal the required locations as contained on
the map for the four (4) allowed adult use marihuana establishments in Section 18-232 - Limitation of Adult
Use Marihuana Establishments of Ordinance No. 22-932.

City Council Minutes – July 20, 2026
Page 8

Section 4. Severability.
If any section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall be declared to be unconstitutional, void, illegal,
or ineffective by any Court of competent jurisdiction, such section, clause, or provision declared to be
unconstitutional, void, or illegal shall thereby cease to be a part of this Ordinance, but the remainder of this
Ordinance shall stand and be in full force and effect.
Section 5. Savings.
The proceedings pending and all rights and liabilities existing, acquired, or incurred at the time this
Ordinance takes effect are saved and may be consummated according to the law when they were commenced.
Section 6. Effective Date.
The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby ordered to take effect upon publication in the manner
prescribed by the Charter of the City of Auburn Hills.
Section 7. Adoption.
This Ordinance is hereby declared to have been adopted by the City Council of the City of Auburn Hills at a
meeting thereof duly called and held on the 20th day of July 2026 and ordered to be given publication in a
manner prescribed by the Charter of the City of Auburn Hills.
AYES:
6 (Ferguson, Fletcher, Hawkins, Knight, Marzolf, Moniz)
NAYES:
None
ABSENT:
1 (Verbeke)
ABSTENTIONS: None
STATE OF MICHIGAN )
COUNTY OF OAKLAND )

) ss.

I, the undersigned, the duly qualified Clerk of the City of Auburn Hills, Oakland County, Michigan, do hereby
certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No 26-950 adopted by the Auburn Hills City
Council on the 20th day of July 2026, the original of which is in my office.

_________________________
Eugene Hawkins, III, Mayor

_______________________
Laura M. Pierce, City Clerk