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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN April 15, 2021

WESTLAND MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WESTLAND
March 22, 2021
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174
THIS MEETING WAS HELD ELECTRONICALLY
VIA ZOOM MEETING TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Mayor submits $70 million The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem John Barden.

Pledge of Allegiance - Led by Councilperson Wadsworth
balanced budget to council Roll Call
Present: Kathy Abdo, John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Eva Webb,
Virginia Williams
Absent / Excused:
Administrative Officials in Attendance:
Westland Mayor William R. Wild pre- 70 major and local roads. The budget also Leroy Burcroff, Mayor
sented a $70 million balanced budget pro- includes approximately $4.37 million to Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Administrative Staff in Attendance:
posal for fiscal year 2021-22 to members of fund planned water and sewer capital D'Sjonaun Hockenhull - Deputy Clerk; Julie Wojtylko - Chief of Staff; Stephen Hitchcock - City Attorney;
the city council last week for approval. projects in six neighborhoods and 37 Kevin Krause - Director of Fire and Emergency Services; Gary Harris - Purchasing Director; Roberto
The proposed budget adds approxi- roads throughout the 611 miles of water Scappaticci - DPW Director; Robert McCraight - Director of Public Services & Economic Development;
Mike Laskaska - Director of Communications; Merrie Druyor - TIFA/DDA Director
mately $157,000 to the General Fund unas- and sewer systems in Westland. 1. Agenda
signed balance, preserving a “rainy day” Provisions were also made for an addi- A. Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo to accept the amended agenda as presented.
Motion Carried Unanimously
fund balance at approximately $6.6 mil- tional $1.2 million in capital improve- 2. Minutes
lion. ments, including a new fire rescue vehi- A. Res. #21-074 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the minutes from
Highlights of proposed budget include cle; three new police patrol cars; a new the regular meeting held on Monday, March 8, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. Motion Carried Unanimously
an overall taxable value increase of 3.30 electric community police vehicle; vari- B. Res. #21-075 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the minutes from the
special meeting(s) held on Monday March 8, 2021 at 6:45 p.m. to discuss charter amendment(s) and elec-
percent; a provision to continue the city ous DPS vehicles including a new sewer tronic council meetings. Motion Carried Unanimously
match for 13 federally-funded SAFER vactor truck; technology upgrades; bike 3. Petitioner - None
grant firefighters; an addition of a full- lanes and sidewalk repairs. 4. Chairperson's Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem
Res. #21-076 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by William Wadsworth to adopt a resolution in
A.
time Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Study sessions regarding the proposed recognition of Lt. Tim Rhoton of the Romulus Fire Department. Motion Carried Unanimously
director as well as funding to research budget will take place virtually on Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to accept the Chairperson's Report.
Motion Carried Unanimously
converting the vacant Marshall Middle Saturday, April 24 and Saturday, May 1 5. Mayor's Report - LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
School into a community recreation cen- although times are subject to change. A. Res. #21-077 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Eva Webb to concur with the
ter. Funds are also allocated to create the Information on how the public can attend administration and authorize the Romulus Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the
first dog park and Pickle Ball courts in the these virtual meetings along with the Romulus Downtown Development Authority to submit an application for the DNR Recreation
Passport Grant for enhancements at MaryAnn Banks Park on behalf of the City of Romulus.
city. 2021-22 budget proposal are available at Motion Carried Unanimously
The budget includes an additional pay- www.cityofwestland.com B. Res. #21-078 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the administration
ment of $500,000 above costs, to lower the “The city's finance team has worked and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the Inter-Governmental Agreement with Wayne
County to update the Men's and Women's Restrooms at Elmer Johnson's Park located at 9755 Ozga
unfunded retiree healthcare (OPEB) lia- very hard on this year's budget proposal,” Road. The City's local share will be $10,571.00. Motion Carried Unanimously
bility. An additional $150,000 has also been commented Wild. “This proposed conser- C. Res. #21-079 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by William Wadsworth to concur with the
allocated to offer cash incentives to vative budget allows for continued administration and waive the bidding for the relocation costs of the 34th District Court and authorize
Premier-Relocation LLC to handle the moving and relocation of the 34th District Court at a cost of
retirees to discontinue the city healthcare improvements to the city's neighborhood $15,964.00. Motion Carried Unanimously
coverage, which will reduce the costs infrastructure, supports public safety and D. Res. #21-080 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the
long-term, Wild explained. makes significant progress towards lower- administration and award Bid ITB 20/21-11 to the lowest bidder, Verdeterre Contracting, Inc., to
replace the existing 8" water main with 12" water main for approximately 0.9 of a mile of Barth
The budget allocates planned infra- ing unfunded pension and retiree health- Road between Hannan and Huron River Drive and for the replacement of the westbound lane asphalt
structure expenditures of $4.2 million for care obligation and honoring the city's and for the pulverization and restoration of the asphalt of the east lane of the road in the amount of
the major and local roads throughout the commitment to diversity, equity and inclu- $1,691,143.85. An additional $169,114.38 contingency is being requested to cover unforeseen
construction-related changes. Motion Carried Unanimously
city in 26 neighborhoods which includes sion.” E. Res. #21-081 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Tina Talley to concur with the administration and
consent to piggyback on Novi Bid ITB 20-15 to contract Highway Maintenance & Construction to
Doggone it F. perform necessary repairs to the Romulus DPW parking lot using the chip seal method at a cost of
$47,042.00. Motion Carried Unanimously
Res. #21-082 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by William Wadsworth to concur with the
City K-9 officers don donated vests G. administration and consent to piggyback on Florida Sherriff's Association Contract FSA20-
VEF14.01 with Excellence Inc., for the purchase of a 201 Ford E-450 Ambulance Demo for ta total
costs of $206,902.33. Motion Carried Unanimously
Res. #21-083 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to concur with the administration
and introduce budget amendment 20/21-16 to transfer funds from the Major Roads Fund to the Local
Streets Fund to work on a patching program in Meadows Subdivision for Spring 2021.
FUND/DEPT. ACCOUNT NAME CURRENT AMENDMENT AMENDED
ACCOUNT NO. BUDGET BUDGET
LOCAL STREETS
Expense $ 75,000.00 $75,000.00
203-463-818.000 Local Roads
Project Costs $-
Revenues
205-000-393-336 Transfer In-
Major Streets $- $ 75,000.00 $75,000.00
MAJOR ROADS
Expenditures
202-463-873.00 Major Rds.
Contractual Svcs $200,000.00 $(75,000.00) $125,000.00
Expenditures
202-966-999.203 Transfer Out - $- $75,000.00 $75,000.00
Local Streets
Motion Carried Unanimously
H. Res. #21-084 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley to concur with the
administration and introduce budget amendment 20/21-17 to recognize revenue received for the Play
Everywhere Challenge Grant - Kaboom! and the anticipated expenditure related to implementing the
project plan.
FUND/DEPT. ACCOUNT NAME CURRENT AMENDMENT AMENDED
ACCOUNT NO. BUDGET BUDGET
Westland Ofc. Odin Westland Ofc. Rio Recreation $ 70,000.00 $ 70,000.00
Revenue
Two Westland police officers will be a pose German shepherds and are certified 101-751-588.000 Play Everywhere
lot safer following the donation of cus- through the National Association of Kaboom Challenge Grant - $-
tomized body armor, designed to protect Professional Canine Handlers (NAPCH) Expense Kaboom $- $3,200.00 $3,200.00
them in emergency situations. and K-9 ATF. They are trained in: area 101-751-730.00- Operating
Canine officers Odin and Rio of the searches; building searches; evidence Kaboom Supplies $3,000.00 $3,000.00
Westland Police Department K9 unit will searches; handler protection; narcotic 101-751-937.000- Park Maintenance $63,800.00 $63,800.00
Kaboom
receive bullet and stab protective vests detection; obedience and tracking. 101-751-970.000- Capital Outlay
funded by a donation from non-profit Prior to certification with NAPCH and Kaboom
organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K-9 ATF, the dogs are required to com- Motion Carried Unanimously
I. Res. #21-085 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to concur with the administration and
The vests for the German shepherd plete a four-month training academy with introduce budget amendment 20/21-18 to move funds from Reserve Park renovation to Wayne County
officers are being funded by Sharon their human partners and the teams are Allocation (Elmer Johnson's restrooms) for the anticipated expenditures related to implementing the project
plan.
Peters of Grosse Pointe Shores, and will required to pass an extensive certification FUND/DEPT. ACCOUNT NAME CURRENT AMENDMENT AMENDED
be embroidered with the sentiment "In course. ACCOUNT NO. BUDGET BUDGET
memory of Det. Lt. Richard J. Scott." The canine teams continue to train Recreation
Delivery of the safety equipment is weekly including life-like scenarios that Revenue Reserve for Park $10,571.00 $ 10,571.00
101-000-393.751
expected within 6 to 8 weeks, officials officers may come across while on patrol, Renovations $-
said. according to the Westland Police Expense
Both Westland canine officers have Department. 101-751-970.751 Capital Outlay - $14,440.00 $10,571.000 $25,011.00
Rec Grant (Local)
been in service since last year. Rio works Purchase of the dogs and their training Motion Carried Unanimously
with Ofc. Derik Trosper and Odin is part- was approved by members of the J. Res. #21-086 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the administration
nered with Ofc. Andrew Teschendorf. Westland City Council last year at a cost and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into the Memorandum of Understanding between the
City of Romulus and SCI Novi mParks/Safari Club International (SCI) Archery Equipment Grant.
Both the dogs are fully trained, multi-pur- not to exceed $25,200. Motion Carried Unanimously
6. Clerk's Report - Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Birthday wishes A. Res. #21-087 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Honorary
Street Sign Dedication Policy with an open application period to start on the first Monday in April
be approved. Motion Carried Unanimously
Also celebrating in Westland last week was 2021 and close by 4 pm on the first Monday of May 2021with the first five (5) applications vetted to
Bella the certified fire dog who marked her B. Res. #21-088 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to adopt a resolution to approve
the ballot language to be placed on the ballot for August 3, 2021 Special (Primary) Election.
fifth birthday with a canine-pleasing cake. Motion Carried Unanimously
Bella's handler, Capt. Jeff Stobbe, was on hand C. Res. #21-089 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the Second Reading and
to help the Labrador Retriever mark the occa- Final Adoption of Budget Amendment 20/21-15 for the purchase of an EMS rescue vehicle in the
amount of $206,902.00. Motion Carried Unanimously
sion. D. Res. #21-090 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Eva Webb to approve Mayor Burcroff's
Bella, who came to Westland fully trained request for a Special Meeting on March 29, 2021, @ 6:30 p.m. to consider a motion to declare State
of Emergency. Motion Carried Unanimously
from Texas, is a certified arson detection 7. Treasurer's Report - Stacy Paige, Treasurer - Nothing to report
canine and the first arson dog in Western 8. Public Comment - See Clerk's Office for complete copy of the minutes.
Wayne County. For more than three years, she 9. Unfinished Business - See Clerk's Office for complete copy of the minutes.
and Stobbe have helped area fire investigators 10. New Business
Res. #21-091 Moved by Virginia Williams, seconded by Eva Webb to adopt a memorial resolution
locate trace evidence that reduces the time and for the family of Virginia Jean Johnson. Motion Carried Unanimously
duration of fire investigations and minimizes 11. Warrant
the potential for oversights. A. Res. #21-092 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Tina Talley to approve Warrant #: 21-6 Checks
presented in the amount of $1,582,929.01. Motion Carried Unanimously
Bella received multiple good wishes on the 12. Communication - See Clerk's Office for complete copy of the minutes.
Facebook post celebrating her special day. 13. Adjournment
Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
City wide clean-up is now under way I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
Motion Carried Unanimously
copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on March 22, 2021.
A joint effort of the Westland Public “As a result of the suspension of the
Service and Neighborhood Services 18th District Court Work Program due to
Department has been launched with Covid-19, and recent high winds, my office Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk
Operation: Clean Sweep program to has received a high volume of com- City of Romulus, Michigan RM0566 - 041521 2.5 x 19.656
address the trash which has accumulated plaints,” Wild said. “With unseasonable
in the city during the winter months. mild weather, our DPS and Neighborhood
Mayor William R. Wild said the city Service professionals have some extra
would be divided into five sections and capacity before normal spring mainte- To subscribe to
employees from both departments will nance begins.” After the initial trash col- The Eagle associatednewspapers.net
pick up trash along the major and local lection phase, the city will follow up with
roads, city parks and any vacant commer- the first street sweeping of the season, he
cial properties. added.