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SSOCIATED
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EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
5
April 12, 2012
B
ELLEVILLE
- R
OMULUS
Vandalism may
close skate park
Continued vandalism at the Skate Park
inBelleville has prompted an effort to close
the facility permanently.
Members of the Belleville City Council
heard a report from Keith Boc, head of the
Department of Public Service about condi-
tions at the park. Boc said that vandals
struck at the park recently and that the
park is full of obscene graffiti, whichwill be
an expense to the city to clean up and
remove.
Boc said it will take time from city
employees’ schedules and require an
expense for paint to cover the giant FU let-
ters which, in some cases, are taller than a
grown man. Boc stressed to the council
members that removing the graffiti as soon
as possible was a priority because, he said,
studies have proven that "graffiti draws
more graffiti."
Council members said that closing the
park without the approval of Wayne County
would be a problem, since the county fund-
ed a portion of the initial expense for the
area. One of the conditions of that funding
was that the park would be kept open and
maintained by the city for 10 years ago.
That termexpires in June.
The costs of repeated repairs to the fenc-
ing around the park and controlling and
removing graffiti have become a burden,
council members agreed and even suggest-
ed a sign closing the facility for repairs
until it couldbe permanently closed.
Rather, City Manager Diana Kollmeyer
agreed to contact county officials and
explain the situation, and attempt to
explore some options.
Boc also expressed his concern regard-
ing the use of the park by bicycles. He
stressed that the park was not designed for
bicycles and should not be used by them.
He predicted that when school is not in ses-
sion this summer, the use of the park by
bicyclistswill get evenmore prevalent.
Kollmeyer said she would explain to the
county the financial burden the continued
damage to the park has placed on the city
in attempts to keep it open and report back
to the councilmembers.
Romulus Police Cpls. Dwayne DeCaires
and Matthew Robertson said “goodbye” to
police work and “hello” to retirement
recently.
“Both of these officers, who served our
community for around 50 years combined,
have been dedicated and committed pub-
lic servants - and they will be greatly
missed,” said Romulus Mayor Alan
Lambert. “On behalf of all Romulus resi-
dents, I thank themfor a jobwell done.”
DeCaires worked in numerous assign-
ments and units throughout his career and
recently received a Departmental Life
Saving Award for his outstanding efforts in
rescuing a resident who had been over-
come by carbonmonoxide poisoning.
Robertson was a decorated officer who
up until his retirement was a member of
the Downriver Mutual Aid SWAT Team
and also served as one of the Romulus
PoliceDepartment's field training officers.
During their retirement reception, both
corporals received a professionally
designed retirement plaque that was
uniquely assembled with their actual
police badges affixed to the plaque. The
reception was attended by their families,
fellow officers, friends and local elected
officials. Both corporals thanked their
families, the community and their co-
workers for the support and camaraderie
they received throughout their careers.
“Even though new officers have been
hired to replace the retiring officers, it will
be extremely difficult to replace the expe-
rience and expertise both of these officers
brought to work each and every day,” said
Romulus Chief of Police Robert
Dickerson. “They worked hard to help
keep Romulus safe. We thank them and
wish themwell.”
Batter up
Romulus High School senior Johnny Watts officially signs a letter of intent to play
baseball with Siena Heights University. Starting in the fall of 2012, Watts will begin his
journey and join the Siena Heights Saints. On hand for the big day are, left to right,
Watts' sister, Mary Ann, Siena Heights Head Baseball Coach John Kolasinski and
Watts’ sister, Sheila Watts. Seated are Watts and his father, John Watts.
Cpl. Matthew Robertson, his wife, Terri, and
daughters Sydney, Matti and Lexi celebrate
during his retirement luncheon.
Cpl. Dwayne DeCaires, his wife, Kathy, and
son, Eric, marked his retirement during the
luncheon honoring the officers.
Both of these officers,
who served our community for
around 50 years combined,
have been dedicated
and committed public servants -
and they will be greatly missed.
”
2 police corporals retire