Page 2 - eagle011421

PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN January 14, 2021

INKSTER - ROMULUS
INKSTER - ROMULUS

City wins 3rd consecutive development award

The City of Romulus has again economic development incen-
been recognized for dedication ” tives, which in turn drives invest-
to entrepreneurial growth and The future is bright in Romulus and we are ment and boosts Romulus' econo-
economic development through looking forward to another successful my. Recent developments,
the annual eCities study conduct- including Amazon and Penske,
ed by researchers at iLabs, the year of economic and business growth in 2021. have taken advantage of
University of Michigan-Dearborn Aerotropolis' incentives and cre-
Center for Innovation Research. ated hundreds of local jobs.
This marks the third consecutive Despite the onset of COVID- square-foot Amazon develop- The annual eCities study ana-
year that Romulus has received 19, Romulus has managed to see ment in Romulus is one that ben- lyzed publicly available data
five stars, the highest possible significant economic develop- efitted from the FAST TRACK from 277 communities in 54
ranking. ment advances and wins, program, as did the Kroger ful- counties in Michigan.
“Receiving a five-star rating in Burcroff noted. Since March fillment center announced in Researchers focused on the five-
the eCities report during a year 2020, the city has brought in 12 September. year changes in property values,
of unforeseen challenges brought new businesses, for a total of 27 The City of Romulus is also community assets and tax rates,
on by the COVID-19 pandemic is new businesses since January part of the Detroit Regional which can demonstrate the
a testament to our city's resilien- 2020. The city has a number of Aerotropolis Development growth, investments and cost of
cy and continued dedication to resources and initiatives avail- Corporation-a four-community, doing business within the com- Mayor LeRoy Burcroff
making Romulus a home of able to spur economic develop- public-private economic devel- munity. Although accounting for
opportunity,” said Romulus ment and support local business- opment partnership with the less than 20 percent of state cities The City of Romulus serves
Mayor LeRoy Burcroff. “The es. Among those is the FAST Wayne County Airport Authority. and townships, the 277 communi- more than 23,000 residents and
future is bright in Romulus and TRACK program, which stream- Aerotropolis is designated as a ties analyzed are home to 70 per- 700 businesses, with a daytime
we are looking forward to anoth- lines business reviews, planning Next Michigan Development cent of the Michigan population population of more than 51,500
er successful year of economic and creates a business-friendly Corporation, meaning it is and 87 percent of state commer- due to large-scale operations of
and business growth in 2021.” permit process. The 850,000- authorized to provide special cial property. the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Special
salute

The first recipient of the
Romulus Police
Department Officer of the
Quarter Award is Ofc. C.
Reyna. Reyna is a long-
time resident of Romulus
and has taken giving
back to the next level,
officials said in announc-
ing his selection for the MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
honor on the Romulus December 28, 2020
Police Facebook page. Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174
In addition to his tenacity MEETING HELD ELECTRONICALLY
in protecting the citizens, VIA ZOOM MEETING/TELECOMMUNICATION
he is equally involved in
mentoring the youth of The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem, John Barden.
Romulus, one of his Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance – led by Councilman William Wadsworth.
attributes which con- Roll Call
tributed to his selection Present: Kathy Abdo, John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Virginia
for the honor, officials Williams
said. Absent / Excused: Eva Webb
Administrative Officials in Attendance:
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Administrative Staff in Attendance:
Murder investigation continues Stephen Hitchcock, City Attorney
Julie Wojtylko, Chief of Staff
D’Sjonaun Hockenhull, Deputy Clerk
Stephen Dudek, Technology Services
The family of a murdered woman is 1. Agenda
appealing to the public for help in finding A. Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo for approval of the Agenda. Motion Carried
the person who took her life. 2. Unanimously.
Minutes
Alyssa Powell, 20, was found slumped A. Res. No. 20-345 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to approve the Minutes
over the wheel of her car the evening of from the Regular Council Meeting held on December 14, 2020.
Dec. 23 as it was parked near Beech and Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Barden, Roscoe, Talley, Wadsworth, Williams
Abstain - Celeste Roscoe. Motion Carried.
Manning in Inkster. She was killed by a B. Res. No. 20-346 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the Minutes from the
gunshot wound to her head, according to Special Meeting - Study Session held on December 14, 2020, at 6:00 pm to discuss the Midyear Financial
Michigan State Police officials. Presentation. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Barden, Roscoe, Talley, Wadsworth, Williams
Abstain - Celeste Roscoe. Motion Carried.
Inkster police and Michigan State 3. Petitioner - None
Police detectives say the investigation is in 4. Chairperson’s Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem
"early stages and have no motive for the The Mayor Pro Tem wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Res. No. 20-347 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by William Wadsworth to adopt a Memorial
killing. Powell was a resident of Redford Resolution in honor of Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. Motion Carried Unanimously.
but had a great many friends in Inkster, Under discussion, Councilpersons Barden, Talley, Wadsworth, and Williams all commented on their
according to her family. A GoFundMe A. acquaintance with the late Wayne County Sheriff.
Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to accept the Chairperson’s Report.
account has been established for the fami- Motion Carried Unanimously.
ly to help defray the cost of retrieving her Alyssa Powell 5. Mayor’s Report – LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
body from the Wayne County Morgue. investigation, according to Det. Sgt. Sean A. The Mayor’s Report was presented by the Chief of Staff, Julie Wojtylko.
Res. No. 20-348 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to approve and concur with
Melissa Dubose, Powell's mother, Street with Michigan State Police. the administration and award RFP 19/20-04 to the lowest, most responsive bidder, CivicPlus, for the
described her daughter as "loving and car- Anyone with information about the redesign and hosting of the City’s existing website and/or mobile application for 1 year in the amount of
ing. Loved kids and everyone. We need shooting is asked to contact the state $26,699.00 with a recurring annual Hosting and Security fee for as long as the website is operational and
able to be budgeted for. Year 2 will be for $5,926.00, and the agreement allows for a 5% annual increase
answers and help to bury her so she does- police or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers beginning year 3.
n't continue to sit there." at 1-800-Speak-Up. Callers can remain Motion Carried Unanimously.
Detectives are looking for leads in the anonymous. B. Res. No. 20-349 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to approve and concur with the
administration to the Piggyback on MiDeal Contract #071B7700117 with Dominion Voting Systems Inc.,
for the purchase of one (1) ICC G2140 High-Speed Scanner and one (1) Adjudication System with
Mobile License at a total cost of $51,947.12. Motion Carried Unanimously.
CITY OF ROMULUS 6. Clerk’s Report – Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 2020-006 A. Res. No. 20-350 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo to approve the Second Reading and
Final Adoption Amendment(s) to City Code of Ordinance, Chapter VIII; Section 8-20, Section 8-212,
ORDINANCES TO AMEND CHAPTER 8 BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, Section 8-230(a); Section 8-246. Motion Carried Unanimously.
ARTICLE II, SECTION(S) 8-20, 8-212, 8-230(a), & 8-246 of the CODE OF ORDINANCES B. Res. No. 20-351 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by William Wadsworth to approve the Study
Session Request from Mayor Burcroff for 01/04/2021 at 6:00 pm to discuss the Court’s Midyear Financial
FOR THE CITY OF ROMULUS. Presentation. Motion Carried Unanimously.
C. Res. No. 20-352 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to approve the Study
THE CITY OF ROMULUS ORDAINS: Session Request from Maria Farris, Director of Finance, for 01/11/2021 at 6:00 pm to discuss the Audit
Presentation. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Chapter 8 Section(s) 8-20, 8-212, 8-230(a), & 8-246 are amended as follows: D. Res. No. 20-353 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by William Wadsworth to approve the Study
Session Request from Merrie Druyor, TIFA Director & Economic Development Coordinator for
Sec. 8-20. – Enforcement and Penalty 1/25/2021 at 6:00 pm to discuss Economic Development Tools & Incentives.
Sec. 8-212. – Interactional Property Maintenance Code Motion Carried Unanimously.
Sec. 8-230(a). – Vacant and Abandoned Structures E. Res. No. 20-354 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the Study Session
Request from Roberto Scappaticci, Director of DPW, for 2/1/2021 at 6:30 pm to discuss Truck Route
Sec. 8-246. – Penalty Maps. Motion Carried Unanimously.
F. Res. No. 20-355 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Virginia Williams to approve the adoption of the
ADOPTED, APPROVED, AND PASSED by the City Council of the City of Romulus this Remote Participation in Public Meetings Policy. Motion Carried Unanimously.
28th day of December 2020. 7. Treasurer’s Report – Stacy Paige, Treasurer
8. Public Comment
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Ordinance as passed by the City A resident commented and asked questions regarding a sign ordinance that addresses signs on city prop-
Council of the City of Romulus at a regular Council Meeting held electronically via the Zoom meet- erty and city right-of-ways. Gina Wilson Steward of Telegram Newspaper commented and asked ques-
ing/telecommunication platform on the 28th day of December, 2020. tions concerning the bidding process for official newspapers and wanted to know when she would receive
a response to her questions raised at the 12/14/2020 council meeting.
9. Unfinished Business
I further certify that the foregoing was published in the Associated Newspapers, a newspa- 10. New Business
per of general circulation in the City of Romulus, on the 14th day of January, 2021. 11. Warrant
A. Res. No. 20-356 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by William Wadsworth for approval of Warrant
#: 20-24 Checks presented in the amount of $912,736.84. Motion Carried Unanimously.
12. Communication
ELLEN L. CRAIG–BRAGG, CMC, Councilwoman Talley commented on the following Acts of Kindness within the City of Romulus during
Romulus City Clerk the pandemic - Holiday Giveaway of free gas sponsored by 3 Romulus High School Alumni students;
John Osborne of Osborne Concrete - donation to Romulus High School for Food Baskets; several local
churches we also recipients of local food baskets; Romulus Fire Department - mask distribution to sen-
COMPLETE COPY OF ORDINANCE ON FILE IN THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE, ior facilities and local churches for residents.; Virtual Learning Survey for families that may need assis-
11111 WAYNE ROAD, ROMULUS, MI. tance with student learning.; the Councilwoman also commented on the Financial Report presented by
Finance Director Maria Farris.
Within forty-five (45) days after publication of any ordinance duly passed by the Council, a petition 13. Adjournment
may be presented to the Council protesting against such ordinance continuing in effect. Said peti- Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
tion shall contain the text of such ordinance and shall be signed by not less than six percent (6%) of Motion Carried Unanimously.
the registered electors registered at the last preceding election at which a Mayor of the City was I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
elected. Said ordinance shall thereupon and thereby be suspended from operation and the Council copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on December 28, 2020.
shall immediately reconsider such ordinance.

Introduced: 12-14-2020
Adopted: 12-28-2020 Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk
Published Effective: 01-14-2021 RM0548 - 011421 2.5 x 6.305 City of Romulus, Michigan RM0547 - 011421 2.5 x 13.096