WILLOUGHBY HILLS – The city council working committee met July 21 to discuss several ordinances headed for voters and address ongoing concerns about commercial delivery noise in residential areas.
Charter Amendments Moving Forward
Council reviewed three ordinances that would place charter amendments on the November ballot. Ordinance 2025-035 would extend the time to fill a council clerk vacancy from 30 to 60 days at the mayor’s discretion.
Ordinance 2025-037, which received approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission on July 9, addresses mandatory public votes on land use changes and effective dates of ordinances. A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14 at 6 p.m., followed by a special council meeting for potential passage.
Ordinance 2025-041 would prohibit short-term rentals in the city. However, officials noted the deadline for the November ballot has passed for this measure. Council members discussed adding an exception for historic properties.
Road Levy Ordinance Revised
Council must re-pass Ordinance 2025-042, which asks voters to renew an existing 2.5 mill levy for road construction and repair. The ordinance required revision after the state requested inclusion of cost-per-$100,000 tax information that wasn’t in the original version.
Cell Tower Regulations Under Review
Discussion continued on Ordinance 2025-039, which modifies wireless telecommunications facility regulations. Council President Michael Kline reported that Grand Rapids, Michigan, which requires towers to be contained within their sites if they collapse, hasn’t had new tower construction in five years.
City Engineer Pete DiFranco noted that provisions for distance requirements to neighboring homes were inadvertently left out of the current ordinance. The measure remains on third reading pending further analysis.
Mayor Christopher Hallum questioned whether requiring “stealth technology” for cell towers actually makes them more noticeable. Several council members agreed to remove that requirement entirely.
Commercial Delivery Noise Continues
Council Vice President Tanya Taylor Draper brought forward ongoing complaints about early morning commercial deliveries awakening residents near businesses. Recent incidents at an auto parts store included deliveries at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
Draper said she has contacted district managers who have been cooperative, but the problem persists when new drivers or substitute drivers make deliveries. The affected businesses include locations on Stratford and in the Steeple Run area.
Council discussed existing noise ordinances that rely on decibel measurements but noted enforcement challenges when police arrive after delivery trucks have departed. Officials encouraged residents to call police during incidents and contact business managers directly.
Surplus Vehicles Approved
The council will consider authorizing the sale of two surplus city vehicles on Thursday. The vehicles are being replaced by three new cars currently being outfitted for police use.
August Recess Reminder
Council will be in recess during August except for the Aug. 14 public hearing and special meeting.
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