Farmington Hills will consider removing wildlife-feeding bans from its city code Monday, Oct. 26, after announcing in August that state law had already overridden them.

The City Council takes up the introduction of an ordinance that would repeal two sections: one banning the feeding of pigeons, gulls and Canada geese, and another banning deer feeding. The item appears on the published agenda for the regular session, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road.

The city said in an Aug. 18 announcement that it would no longer issue warnings or citations under the two sections because state law now governs wildlife feeding.

The governor’s July 27 announcement said the new law permits limited feeding within 300 feet of a residence, subject to quantity limits and disease-prevention requirements.

The Southeast Michigan Urban Deer Coalition, which includes Farmington Hills, Farmington and Southfield, released first-year results of a coordinated deer cull in March. That release listed “strengthening enforcement of deer-feeding bans” among its recommendations for future years, before the state-law change.

The cull removed 70 white-tailed deer across the three cities and produced 2,312 pounds of venison donated to local food banks, according to the coalition. Acting City Manager Karen Mondora told The Detroit News in March that “measuring the success of deer culls is a long-term process, and it may take several years for communities to fully experience the impact.” The next cull is scheduled between January and March 2027, she said.

The three-page council agenda does not explain the rationale for the proposed repeal.

Police at council meetings

Also on the agenda is a resolution that would amend the council’s rules and guidelines of conduct to add a provision for police presence at special and regular City Council meetings.

The item is on the consent agenda, meaning it is proposed for approval with other items in one motion unless a council member or resident requests separate consideration. The supplied agenda does not include the resolution’s full text or describe the specific conditions.

Contracts and spending

Several contracts are up for consent-agenda approval:

  • Beet juice for winter roads: A contract with Waverly Industries LLC for beet juice liquids used in winter street maintenance. The agenda lists the amount as “not-to-exceed the annual budgeted amount” with possible extensions up to four years total. The agenda does not give a specific dollar figure.
  • HVAC services: A bid award to W.J. O’Neil for HVAC, geothermal and building automation installation, maintenance and repair for two years with extensions.
  • Fire department software: An agreement with Andrews Technology to purchase UKG Telestaff scheduling and time management software for the Farmington Hills Fire Department. The implementation and first-year cost is $42,795, with an ongoing price of $12,795 per year for two additional years through the end of 2029.

The consent agenda also includes a city manager employment agreement. The agenda does not specify whether this formalizes a permanent appointment or continues Mondora’s acting role.

Other items

The council will consider an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission and acceptance of a “Goals at a Glance” document. Two proclamations are also scheduled: one recognizing Wednesday, Oct. 28, as National First Responders Day and another recognizing Sunday, Nov. 1, as Extra Mile Day.

Residents who want to speak must complete and submit a blue Public Participation Registration Form to the city clerk. Public comments are limited to three minutes. The meeting also airs on Spectrum Channel 203 and AT&T Channel 99.