Being lost and alone is frightening for
anyone, especially a child.
That's why Canton Police Ofc. Patty
Esselink was pleased so many people
attended the Community Connection Day,
to help disabled people become comfort-
able with first responders last month. The
event is ongoing inCantonTownship.
The event took place at the Summit on
the Park in partnership with Canton Public
Safety and other groups. Children got to see
fire trucks and other emergency vehicles
up close, even sitting in the fire truck dri-
ver's seat.
It builds relationships, “so that we can
both learn from each other,” explained
Esselink. Her department has forms at the
station for families to complete with details
such as if disabled people are verbal or
nonverbal.
“Hey, we're just people. We just wear a
uniform. And obviously we're here to help
them. The uniform scares people or they're
intimidated by it. Building that personal
relationship, a lot of times just getting to
knowus helps,” she said.
“When you're a parent, you kind of bet-
ter understand kids, being amom.”
Erin McKenzie of Brighton brought son,
Declan McKenzie, 2 1/2, and he got to sit in
the fire truck - although not drive it. “It's
wonderful,” the mom said of Community
Connection Day. “It's great for the kids to
meet the first responders. And he loves the
fire trucks. He's here with his Papa,” grand-
father PatWilliams of Canton.
Jeremy Dochenetz, a Canton firefighter-
paramedic, was also pleased with the
turnout.
“It's great having themout here. It seems
like they're enjoying the day. It would have
been a little betterwithout the rain.”
Dochenetz noted children especially
can be scared of lights and sirens. The
activities were moved indoors due to heavy
rain. He noted first responders react “all
the time. Snow, rain or sunshine.”
Additional partners for the day included
the Building Bridges Therapy Center,
Services To Enhance Potential/STEP, and
Canton Therapeutic Recreation. Canton
Therapeutic Recreation is online at
or at (734) 394-5367.
Westland resident Jessica Stewart is
preschool program/special needs director
for Michigan Academy of Gymnastics, with
severalmetro locations.
“Because it's such an adaptive sport it
can be individualized,” she said. “It helps
improve physical, gross motor, fine motor
(skills). It helps with social skills, learning
to wait turns and being in a social setting.
It's following directions, spatial awareness,”
she said.
It helps with cognitive skills and coordi-
nation as well: “It's just a great foundation
for wherever lifemight take them,” Stewart
added.
Jennifer and Jason Girard of Canton
brought son, Red, 18 months. She's a
Canton Township recreation specialist who
helped coordinate Community Connection
Day.
The couple's son enjoyed gymnastics
andmore.
Livonia resident Carol Kuyava is with
the Plymouth Lions and among Project
KidSight volunteers. They provided a quick
screening to help parents follow up with an
eye doctor on any visionproblems.
“Because over time we found out some
children have serious eye conditions,” said
Kuyava, noting it helps to preserve eye-
sight.
“We try to get the kids where we can,”
such as churches, schools and libraries.
“Wherever we're wanted, we try to go.
We've done stuff in Detroit” as the
PlymouthLions, addedKuyava.
Also on hand were: the Miracle League
of Plymouth, with special needs sports in
downtown Plymouth; Michigan Youth Sled
Hockey; Poseidon Handicap Scuba
Adventures; Mt. Brighton Adaptive Sports;
and the Canton Public Library, among oth-
ers.
The Judson Center/Autism Connections
, (248) 837-2047)
offers a variety of services. It began with
adoption, and was also represented at the
event.
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
2
May 10, 2018
B
ELLEVILLE
- C
ANTON
Canton Community Connection Day draws crowd
Local man charged in theft
Diabetes workshop planned
Charter Township of Canton Board Proceedings – May 1, 2018
A regular study session meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton was held Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at
1150 Canton Center S., Canton, Michigan. Supervisor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and led the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call
Members Present: Anthony, Foster, Graham-Hudak, Siegrist, Slavens, Sneideman, Williams.
Members Absent: None Staff Present: Director Hohenberger, Director Faas Additional Staff: Carolyn Cox – Budget, Benefits, &
Internal Audit Mgr. Bill Serchak - Engineering Services Manager Staff Absent: Director Meier, Director Trumbull
Adoption of
Agenda
Motion by Anthony, supported by Sneideman to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried by all members pres-
ent.
GENERAL CALENDAR: Item G-1: Consideration of Resolution Approving Ballot Language for Road Improvement
Millage
Supervisor Williams gave an overview of how this considered resolution came about. Prior to the board discussing this
issue he asked for public comment.
Public Comment:
Mark Horvath, 7758 Charrington Drive, requested to hold his comments
after the motion is taken. Supervisor Williams agreed. There was no other public comment at this time. Following Board mem-
ber discussion, Supervisor Williams opened the meeting up for public comment again.
Additional Public Comment:
Mark
Horvath, 7758 Charrington Drive, commented on his opinion of a millage that he feels will be ineffectual. Mike Malone, 50453
Eisenhower Drive, commented he would like the electeds to reprioritize the township budget rather than request a millage. Darian
Moore, 4022 Bruton, request the township delay placing this on the August 2018 ballot. Jim Leddy, 6757 Brookshire, commented
favorably on the idea of reprioritizing the budget. Mr. Leddy inquired why the township doesn’t get more of the Act 51 money.
Gary Hotycki, 47596 Ten Point, commented that he does not want a tax increase. He doesn’t want any tax monies spent on sub-
division roads. He feels there are other ways to solve the roads problems. George Miller, 1946 Briarfield, commented on pot-
holes on Palmer and Sheldon Road. He inquired where the funds came from to pay for the paving of these two roads. He inquired
about shelters available for senior residents during power outages. Chuck Miller, 47074 Glastonbury, commented that he does
not want to pay any more taxes. Jim Leddy, 6757 Brookshire, questioned redirecting unspent funds vs. redirecting the overall
funds. Director Faas explained how this would work in order to take advantage of potential projects on primary roads. Motion
by Siegrist, supported by Foster to adopt the following resolution adopting a road improvement millage ballot language and direct
the Clerk to forward a certified copy of the resolution to the County Clerk for inclusion on the August 7, 2018 Primary Ballot.
Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON RESO-
LUTION TOADOPT ROAD IMPROVEMENT MILLAGE BALLOT LANGUAGE WHEREAS,
the Charter Township of
Canton communicated an interest in pursuing the feasibility of a road initiative and established an advisory roads task force on
July 25, 2017; and
WHEREAS,
the Michigan Transportation Fund Act, Public Act 51 of 1951, created a formula to distribute
funds for road repair and maintenance that are insufficient to meet the infrastructure needs of the State; and
WHEREAS,
the
Charter Township of Canton has determined that the condition of roads are substandard and wishes to provide road maintenance
and improvements within the Township; and
WHEREAS
, Townships may provide road maintenance and improvements, as
authorized by Public Act 246 of 1931, MCL 41.271 – 41.290; and
WHEREAS
, Townships may contract and cooperate with other
entities to provide road maintenance and improvements to protect property and the health, safety, and welfare of the public, as
authorized by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and other laws; and
WHEREAS
, Townships may impose and levy
ad valorem
property taxes to finance lawful public services, as authorized by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and other laws; and
WHEREAS
, the Board of Trustees of Charter Township of Canton wishes to levy 1.45 mills to provide public road maintenance
and improvements;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton,
Wayne County, approves the following millage ballot question language and directs the Clerk to submit it to be place on the
August primary election ballot: Shall the Charter Township of Canton, Wayne County, Michigan, levy a new millage of 1.45 mills
for 20 years for the purpose of paying the costs of maintaining, improving, rehabilitating, and reconstructing State & County
roads in the Township, including pedestrian pathway improvements and storm water drainage improvements, together with all
costs of designing and acquiring right-of-way, and appurtenances and attachments thereto, as well as to pay off any principal and
interest on any debt issued related to the improvements as described herein? YES NO If approved, the estimated millage ($ 1.45
per $1,000 of taxable value) is expected to raise $5,506,872 in the first year. It is estimated that 97.09% of the annual millage
revenue would be disbursed to the Charter Township of Canton for road improvements, and, as required by law, 2.91% would be
disbursed to the Charter Township of Canton Downtown Development Authority. The amount disbursed to the Charter Township
of Canton Downtown Development Authority shall be collected solely from properties located in the Canton Township
Downtown Development Authority.
CERTIFICATION:
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of a
Resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton, Wayne County, State of Michigan, at a regular
meeting held on the 1st day of May, 2018 and that said meeting was conducted and public notice of said meeting was given pur-
suant to and in full compliance with the Open Meeting Act, (referred as “Public Act 267 of 1976”), and that minutes of said meet-
ing were kept and will or have been available as required by Public Act 267 of 1976. Michael Siegrist, Clerk Dated: May 2,
2018. Director Faas commented on the great work done by Bill Serchak, Engineering Services Manager with the Roads Task
Force. Publically commending him on his efforts. At 7:07 p.m. the board took a break, reconvening at 7:15 p.m.
Additional
Public Comment:
William Asper commented on his opinion regarding the Sidewalk Repair Program, giving his findings with
regards to who has responsibility for paying for this program. Karen Skipper, 228 Buckingham, commented on a personal mat-
ter regarding the Sidewalk Repair Program. Engineering Manager Serchak spoke with Ms. Skipper regarding her issues and
agreed to check into her concerns.
STUDY SESSION: TOPIC 1: Pedestrian Pathways & Sidewalk Gaps PRESENTERS:
Tim Faas, Municipal Services Director Greg Hohenberger, Leisure Services Director
ADDITIONAL PRESENTERS:
Jon
LaFever, Deputy Director of Leisure Services Brad Sharp, Facility Services Manager Bill Serchak, Engineering Services
Manager Erika Hidalgo, Engineer II The board was provided a presentation outlining the status of the pedestrian pathway and
sidewalk gap projects for 2018 and 2019. Directors Faas and Hohenberger explained the goals of the township regarding pedes-
trian pathways and sidewalk gaps. Director Hohenberger covered the pathways. Director Faas covered individual sidewalk gaps
the township would like to complete, prioritizing the projects for the board. He also covered various grants the township is apply-
ing for. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available through the Clerk’s office of the Charter Township of Canton, 1150
S. Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188, during regular business hours, or by contacting the Secretary to the Clerk at 734-394-
5120.
Additional Public Comment:
None
OTHER:
Fishing Derby will be this Saturday.
ADJOURN:
Motion by Anthony, sup-
ported by Foster to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. Motion carried by all members present.
Michael A. Siegrist, Clerk Pat Williams,
Supervisor.
Copies of the complete text of the Board Minutes are available at the Clerk’s office of the Charter Township of Canton, 1150 S.
Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188, 734-394- 5120, during regular business hours or be accessed through our web site
after Board Approval.
CN1696 - 051018 2.5 x 8.207
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON
ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Charter Township of Canton will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at
the meeting/hearing upon notice to the Charter Township of Canton.
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), the Charter Township
of Canton will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs,
or activities.
Employment:
The Charter Township of Canton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment prac-
tices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title II of
the ADA.
Effective Communication:
The Charter Township of Canton will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services
leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in the Charter Township
of Canton's programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other
ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments.
Modifications to Policies and Procedures:
The Charter Township of Canton will make all reasonable modifications to policies
and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activi-
ties. For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in the Charter Township of Canton's offices, even where pets
are generally prohibited.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to par-
ticipate in a program, service, or activity of the Charter Township of Canton should contact the office of Barb Brouillette, Human
Resources Coordinator, Charter Township of Canton, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, MI 48188, (734) 394-5260 as soon
as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.
The ADA does not require the Charter Township of Canton to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its
programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.
Complaints that a program, service, or activity of the Charter Township of Canton is not accessible to persons with disabilities
should be directed to Barb Brouillette, Human Resources Coordinator, Charter Township of Canton, 1150 S. Canton Center Road,
Canton, MI 48188, (734) 394-5260.
The Charter Township of Canton will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individu-
als with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy, such as retriev-
ing items from locations that are open to the public but are not accessible to persons who use wheelchairs.
Publish: 05/10/2018
CN1694 - 051018 2.5 x 4.72
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA
MAY 10, 2018
Notice is hereby given that there will be a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals
THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2018 at 7:00 PM
.
The meeting will be held in the Board Room at the Township Administration Building located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road,
Canton, MI 48188.
7:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call:
Jim Cisek, Vicki Welty, Craig Engel, Cathryn Colthurst and Greg Greco.
Alternate:
Gregory Demopoulos
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes: April 12th, 2018 Minutes
General Calendar:
1. Applicant GVVA Capital, LLC and Project Representative Farhat Raheem for Property located at 42444 Barchester,
in the Willow Creek Subdivision, on the North side of Barchester between Lilley and Foxthorne Roads, Zoning R-
5 appealing Article 2.09 (a)(3)(a) Yard and Bulk Regulations in Side Yards and Article 26.02 Schedule of
Regulations Parcel ID 71-042-01-007-002 (Building)
2. Applicant Frank Jarbou for property located at 44005 Michigan Avenue, on the south
side of Michigan Avenue between Sheldon and Morton Taylor Roads, Zoning C-3 appealing Section 6.02.Q.7 Site
Development Standards for Nonresidential Uses, Open Air Businesses, Building Material Sales Establishments,
Relative to the Minimum Frontage on a State Thoroughfare and Frontage on a Paved County Road. Parcel ID 71-
133-02-0040 and 71-133-02-0040-008 (Planning)
Written comments need to be submitted prior to 4:00 PM on the date of the hearing. All written comments must be sent to the
Charter Township of Canton, Clerk’s Office, 1150 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI 48188, Phone 734-394-5120.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON
ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities who require
special accommodations, auxiliary aids or services to attend participate at the meeting/hearing should contact
Kerreen Conley, Human Resources Manager, at 734-394-5260.
Reasonable accommodations can be made with advance notice.
A complete copy of the Access to Public Meetings Policy is available at
CN1695 - 051018 2.5 x 4.906
A Canton Townshipman is facing up to
35 years in prison if convicted of three
felony charges filed by Wayne County
ProsecutorKymWorthy last week.
Kurt Thomas Eschmann, 34, has been
charged in connection with an alleged
embezzlement and larceny scheme per-
petuated while he was employed as a
Telecommunications Manager for the
Wayne County Department of Technology.
Eschmann's job responsibilities included
ordering electronic devices for Wayne
County.
An independent audit conducted by
theWayneCountyOffice of theLegislative
Auditor General uncovered the criminal
activities, according to reports from the
prosecutor's office.
Eschmann was employed with the
county fromApril 1, 2013 throughApril 30,
2016, whenhe resigned.
It is alleged that from April 2014
through April 2016, the defendant
ordered more than 200 cell phones and
Ipads under the county communications
contract and kept the devices for himself.
Prosecutors allege the defendant sold
some of the devices on the internet and
others were turned over to Sprint for
credit onhis personal cell phone bill. The
retail value of the stolen devices was
more than $90,000.
The prosecutor's office referred to the
investigation as “time-consuming and
complex.”
Eschmann has been charged with one
count each of: embezzlement over $50,000
a 15-year felony; using a computer to com-
mit a felony, a 10-year felony and larceny
by conversion $20,000 or more, a 10-year
felony. Arraignment on the charges was
scheduled earlier thismonth.
The Belleville Area Lions Club will
host a workshop on diabetes awareness
and education at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 15.
The speaker, Alicia M. Jackson, Med,
CHES is the program manager of
Community Health with Beaumont
CorporateServices.
A spokesman said that theLions Club is
increasing efforts to promote diabetes
awareness and education.
Diabetes contributes to more than 5
million deaths a year, making it the eighth-
leading cause of death in the world,
according to a prepared release from the
Lions Club.
Lions and Leos are confronting the
global health emergency by raising aware-
ness of diabetes through Strides events,
expanding access to care through screen-
ing and treatment programs and improv-
ing quality of life through diabetes camps
and community recreational programs.
“We believe we can help prevent and
control this global epidemic by uniting
Lions and Leos around this cause,” the
spokesperson concluded.
The presentation will take place at the
Ted Scott Campus of Wayne County
Community College, 95555 Haggerty Road,
RoomC104.
There is no cost to attend the presenta-
tion.
Julie Brown
Special Writer
Declan McKenzie, 2 1/2, enjoys sitting in the fire truck driver's seat at the Community
Connection Day in Canton
