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January 17, 2019 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 3

BELLEVILLE - ROMULUS

Father sentenced in

daughter’s I-94 death

A Detroit man has been criminally charged in the
death of his daughter on I-94 in Romulus last July.
Wilburt Thomas has entered a guilty plea to
charges of manslaughter with a sentence agreement
of 4 1/2 to 5 years and child abuse second degree with
a sentence agreement of 4 1/2 to 10 years.
Last July 15, Thomas' 7-year-old daughter,
DeSandra Mariah Thomas, left the stolen van which
he was driving after he crashed into a disabled vehi-
cle next to the freeway at about 1:45 a.m. In her
effort to find help while Thomas was unconscious,
On the job she attempted to cross I-94 and was struck by a vehi-
cle and killed. The woman who stuck the child
Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) officially took her oath of office last week to serve the stopped immediately and called police.
citizens of the 6th Michigan Senate District. “It is a tremendous honor to be Police said at the time that Thomas' daughter
entrusted to serve the people of the 6th Senate District and I'm ready to get to thought that he was dead and was texting on her
work on the issues that impact our residents and communities,” Geiss said. “My phone trying to get help. Wilburt Thomas
policy goals and decisions will always be guided by my constituents and com- Thomas was also charged with operating while intoxicated with an occupant under
munities. The fight will not be easy to fix our roads, lower auto insurance rates,
establish transparency, adequately fund our schools, make sure Michigan's envi- 16-years of age in the vehicle. He has been held in police custody since his arraignment
ronment lives up to the 'pure' Michigan we all love and addressing many other on the charges in August in lieu of $1 million bond set by the court.
critical needs; but rest assured I will not back down and I'm ready for the battle.” He will receive credit for time served as computed by the court at his sentencing
Geiss begins her first term in the Michigan Senate with her Chief of Staff hearing set for Jan. 24 before Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Bridget Hathaway.
Stephanie Williams, Special Projects Director Jeremy Glick and Constituent All of the sentences are concurrent, according to a report from the office of Wayne
Services Director Kristen Trevarrow. The 6th Senate District includes the commu- County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
nities of Belleville, Brownstown, Flat Rock, Huron, Rockwood, Romulus, Sumpter, At the time of Thomas arraignment, Worthy issued a statement, noting, “”The conflu-
Taylor, Van Buren and Westland. ence of events in this case caused the untimely death of the defendant's young daughter.
The alleged actions of the father included driving a stolen car while highly intoxicated,
Pet valentine photos set having open intoxicants and marijuana in the car, crashing into a disabled car, and
allowing his daughter to leave the car and walk alone across the highway to her death.

Valentine pet photos will be available The photos are a fundraiser for the no-kill This is a tragic and devastating case.”
from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 shelter. MINUTES OF REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
at Friends of Michigan Animal Rescue, Donations are $10 and $15. for more December 26, 2018
51299 Arkona Road in Sumpter Township. information, call (734) 461-9458. Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd. Romulus, MI 48174
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairwoman Pro-Tem Tina Talley.
Pledge of Allegiance
CITY OF ROMULUS INVITATION TO BID Roll Call: Kathy Abdo, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, Eva Webb, Virginia Williams.
ITB 18/19-25 TWO YEAR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES Excused: John Barden, William Wadsworth.
CONTRACT TREE CUTTING AND STUMP REMOVAL Administrative Officials in Attendance:
LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
ITB 18/19-24 TWO YEAR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES CONTRACT Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
- DUST CONTROL PROGRAM CITY STREETS AND PARKS 1. Moved by Abdo, seconded by Webb to accept the agenda as presented. Motion Carried Unanimously.
ITB 18/19-23 THREE YEAR RENTAL STREET SWEEPER 18-427 2A. Moved by Webb, seconded by Abdo to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus
City Council held on December 10, 2018. Motion Carried Unanimously.
18-428 2B. Moved by Abdo, seconded by Roscoe to approve the minutes of the special meeting of the Romulus
The City of Romulus, Michigan is seeking bids from qualified companies for the above item/items City Council held on December 10, 2018 – closed session, pending litigation and open session, Great Lakes
and/or services. Water Authority Wick Road Water Main Project. Motion Carried Unanimously.
3. Petitioner
(1) Qualified individuals and firms wishing to submit a bid must use the forms provided by the City. 4. Chairperson’s Report
Official bid forms and specifications may be obtained from the MITN Purchasing Group page of Councilwoman Talley filled in for Mayor Pro-Tem Barden. She spoke about the Wreaths Across America Team.
BidNet Direct (http://www.mitn.info/). Bids may be rejected unless made on the forms includ- 18-429 4A. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Webb to adopt a resolution to recognize the 50 th wedding anniver-
ed with the bidding documents. Copies of documents obtained from any other source are not con- sary of Danny and Bonnie Hood. Motion Carried Unanimously.
sidered official copies. 4. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Webb to accept the Chairperson’s Report. Motion Carried Unanimously.
(2) Bids may be rejected unless made on the forms included with the bidding documents. 5. Mayor’s Report
(3) Clarifications, modifications, or amendments may be made to this solicitation at the discretion of 18-430 5A. Moved by Abdo, seconded by Roscoe to concur with the administration and authorize the mayor and
clerk to enter into a three-year “participation agreement” authorizing the City to benefit from the terms of
the City. Any and all addenda issued by the City will be posted on the MITN Purchasing Group Oakland County Contract Number 005489 with Office Depot’s America Saves program dated September 24,
page of BidNet Direct. All interested parties are instructed to view the MITN website regularly 2018 – contract to end September 30, 2021. Motion Carried Unanimously.
for any issued addenda. It is the responsibility of the bidder to obtain all issued addenda and 18-431 5B. Moved by Webb, seconded by Abdo to concur with the administration and authorize the purchase
acknowledge receipt of said addenda by including a printed copy of each addendum as part of of 16 tasers along with 16 holsters and associated software and hardware from the sole-source distributor of all
the required documents for this solicitation and to list the addendum and sign and date the taser products, Axon Enterprise, (a.k.a.Taser International) under the terms of Axon’s “Taser 60 Bundling
"Acknowledgment of Receipt Addenda Form: supplied in the bid documents. Program” at the reduced cost of $30,896.00.
(4) A total of three copies (one marked "Original" and two marked "Copy") of the bid must be sub- Discussion: Councilwoman Williams asked why so much money is paid up front? Captain Monte replied due
mitted together in one sealed package/envelope and returned to the City Clerk's Office no later to the cost savings of $3,000 Motion Carried Unanimously
than no later than 2:30 P.M., Tuesday, 2/12/2019. Bids should be addressed using the bid pack- 18-432 C. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Webb to concur with the administration and authorize a proposal from
WH Canon for holiday lighting along the Merriman Road corridor (from I-94 to Leonardo’s) with the price not
age label provided in the ITB documents. to exceed $6,655.00.
(5) At approximately 2:45 p.m., local time all timely received bids will be publicly opened and read. Discussion: Councilwoman Webb expressed her respect that the Economic Development Department brought
(6) The successful Bidder will be required to submit proof of all bonds and insurance required by the this proposal before Council. Motion Carried Unanimously.
ITB documents and copies of all required endorsements. 18-433 5D. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Webb to concur with the administration and grant authorization for
(7) The City reserves the right to postpone the opening without notification and also reserves the the mayor and clerk to enter into the Commercial Lease Agreement for Fire Station #3 at 6900 Wayne Road with
right to reject all bids and to waive any minor informality or irregularity in bids received and to Rapid Response to commence on January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019. Councilwoman Roscoe asked if
award the bid in whole or in part. Ultimately, a contract may be awarded to the lowest most this contract is similar to the previous contract (if City has option to get out of it – answer is yes.) Councilwoman
responsive and responsible company, as determined in the sole discretion of the City of Romulus Abdo asked why the City will no longer use Health Link. Fire Chief Krause explained there was a performance
or otherwise in a manner deemed by the City to be in its own best interest. issue. She also asked if Rapid Response is tied to any specific hospital – Chief Krause replied no and explained
(8) For additional information contact Lynn A, Conway, City of Romulus, Purchasing Director, or the procedure that is in place for choosing a hospital. Councilwoman Williams asked about a specific amount that
can be charged, Chief Krause said the amount she is referring to is actually the difference between the cost of the
Gary Harris, Purchasing Department Buyer by calling (734) 955-4568 or by emailing contract with Health Link and the new contract with Rapid Response. Councilwoman Webb commented she is
Purchasing@romulusgov.com. glad it is on the tax rolls Motion Carried Unanimously.
18-434 5E. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Abdo to concur with the administration and authorize the City to
Publish: 1/17/2019 RM0364 - 011719 2.5 x 5.782 waive the bidding process and authorize permission to utilize Phoenix Safety Outfitters (the City’s current turn-
out gear vendor – RFP 14/15-21) for the purchase of duty uniforms for the Fire Department staff for the duration
of the 2018/2019 budget year. Councilwoman Abdo commented on why she supports this request.
INVITATION TO BID Councilwoman Webb commented that interviews were conducted. Motion Carried Unanimously.
18-435 5F. Moved by Webb, seconded by Abdo to concur with the administration and extend Bid ITB 17/18-34
CITY OF ROMULUS to Cadillac Asphalt for an additional twelve months (through February 26, 2020). Motion Carried
ITB 18/19-19 - PROJECT #0155-18-0150 2019 CONCRETE PAVING PROGRAM Unanimously.
18-436 5G. Moved by Abdo, seconded by Roscoe to concur with the administration and introduce Budget
The City of Romulus, is requesting sealed bids for the 2019 Concrete Paving Program. The work Amendment 18/19-19 to increase the Building Department’s overtime account as needed due to the expanded
includes removal and replacement of 4700 square yards of concrete pavement on Dru, Taft and workload caused by rental inspections. Councilwoman Williams: How much overtime is involved with inspec-
tions? Building Director Bob McCraight replied that it depends on how many inspection are done – inspections
Oakbrook. are conducted during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. – overtime is for the paperwork, etc.
FUND/DEPT. CURRENT AMENDED
No pre-bid meeting is required for this meeting. ACCOUNT NO. ACCOUNT NAME BUDGET AMENDMENT BUDGET
General Fund
Sealed bids will be received at the office of the City of Romulus Clerk until 2:00 PM local time, on Expense
January 29, 2019. All bids should be clearly addressed: 101-371-710.000 Building Department Overtime 20,000 5,000 25,000
ITB 18/19-19 - PROJECT #0155-18-0150 2019 CONCRETE PAVING PROGRAM Revenue
City of Romulus Clerk's Office 101-371-477.004 Bldg. Dept. Rental Inspections 3,000 5,000 8,000
11111 Wayne Road To increase the Building Department’s overtime account as needed due to the expanded workload caused by
Romulus, MI 48174 rental inspections. **Note: This has no effect on the fund balance. Motion Carried Unanimously.
6A. Clerk’s Report
18-437 6A1 (a). Moved by Webb, seconded by Abdo to adopt a memorial resolution for the family of LaJoel
Contract documents shall be on file after 2:00 PM, January 15, 2019, at the City of Romulus Clerk's Wasson. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Office or may also be examined from the office of the City's Engineer, OHM Advisors, 34000 18-438 6A1 (b). Moved by Abdo, seconded by Roscoe to approve a no-fee permit for the Martin Luther King
Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150 (phone 734-522-6711). Day Celebration/Walk on Monday, January 21, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 9:00 a.m. Motion Carried
Unanimously.
Companies can also view or download copies of the plans and bid documents from the MITN 18-439 6A1 (c). Moved by Webb, seconded by Abdo to approve the closure of north and south-bound Wayne
Purchasing Group page of BidNet Direct http://www.mitn.info/). Road from Wick Road to Michelle Street on Monday, January 21, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for the annu-
al Martin Luther King Celebration/Walk. Motion Carried Unanimously.
18-440 6A1. Moved by Abdo, seconded by Webb to approve second reading and final adoption of Budget
Bid security in the form of a Certified or Cashier's Check or bid bond for a sum no less than five per- Amendment 18/19-17, Consult Development, TIFA which was introduced at the Council meeting of December
cent (5%) of the amount of the Bid will be required with each Bid. 10, 2018, Motion Carried Unanimously.
18-441 6A2. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Abdo to approve second reading and final adoption of Budget
The City of Romulus reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, or waive irregularities in Bids. Amendment 18/19-18, Maintenance Contracts, TIFA which was introduced at the Council meeting of December
No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the sched- 10, 2018. Roll Call Vote: Ayes – Abdo, Roscoe, Talley, Webb. Nays – Williams. Motion Carried.
uled closing time for receipt of the Bids. A contract may ultimately be awarded to the lowest most 18-442 6A3. Moved by Webb, seconded by Abdo to schedule a study session with Police Captain Monte for
responsive and responsible company, as determined in the sole discretion of the City of Romulus or January 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a grant with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and Department
otherwise in a manner deemed by the City to be in its own best interest. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Motion Carried Unanimously.
6B. Treasurer’s Report
7. Public Comment
Neither the submission of nor acceptance of any bid shall constitute a contract between any bidder A resident asked if Realty Transitions is connected in any way to True Transitions.
and the City of Romulus. No such contract shall exist without first being approved by a formal 8. Unfinished Business
action of the members of the Romulus City Council and only after all required bonds and proof of Mayor Burcroff said Realty Transitions and True Transitions are separate companies; however, he will check fur-
insurances and copies of endorsements have been received by the City and the agreement is signed ther to be absolutely sure.
by authorized representatives of the City of Romulus and the successful Bidder. 9. New Business
10. Communication
All questions regarding the project or the ITB documents should be directed only to Rich Hobgood Councilwoman Abdo announced there will be a Drug Task Force Bowling fundraiser on Jan. 12, 2019.
of OHM at 734-466-4492 or via email at rich.hobgood@ohm-advisors.com. Councilwoman Webb asked is there is a weight limit for trucks traveling on Wayne Road. Mayor Burcroff
responded that Wayne Road is a county road and a Class A road.
18- 443 11. Moved by Abdo, seconded by Roscoe to pay Warrant 18-24 in the amount of $712,514.81. Motion
The City of Romulus strictly prohibits the reproduction or publishing of any published document or Carried Unanimously.
solicitation without the express written consent of the City of Romulus. Unauthorized posting of any 12. Moved by Roscoe, seconded by Abdo to adjourn the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council. Motion
notice of these documents or reference to said documents or solicitations is strictly prohibited. Carried Unanimously.
I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
Publish: 1/17/19 copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on December 26, 2018.
RM0365 - 011719 2.5 x 6.747 RM0367 - 011719 2.5 x 5.482