Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen presented
his annual State of the City address last
Thursday before a capacity crowd at the
BookerDozierRecreationCenter.
While Nolen addressed a myriad of
issues in the city, he stressedpublic safety
as his main priority and had good news
for residents concerned about crime in
the community.
He lauded new Police Chief William
Riley's programs for concentration on
public service and employee training and
noted that a new scholarship program
allowed Inkster to send two individuals
to the police academy at no cost to the
city, thanks to Riley and local business
owner ImamPasha, who helped fund the
program.
Nolen noted that the police depart-
ment purchased 35 body cameras and
has increased training in sensitivity, cul-
tural awareness and first aid.
The city received three state grants
totaling $782,328 to help increase staffing
and replace equipment and vehicles in
addition to the two new patrol SUVs, the
first new police vehicles purchased by
the city inmore than 6 years.
He said that while some increases in
crimewere reported, overall crime in the
city has been reducedby 12 percent.
He noted that new zoning ordinances
have been proposed to require business-
es to have high definition cameras out-
side their businesses tohelpdeter crime.
“If you commit a crime in Inkster, you
will get caught and you will pay the
price,” he told the crowd.
The responsibility for ordinance
enforcement has been returned to the
police department, Nolen said, one of his
first executive decisions since voters
approved the new, strong mayor form of
government last November. Nolen is now
the full-time mayor and Chief Executive
Officer, replacing the former city manag-
er form of government by charter revi-
sion.
Nolen said cleaning up the community
is as much a priority for him as it is for
many citizens concerned about the illegal
dumping in the city. He said violators will
be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the
law, which could include the seizure of
the violator's vehicle and equipment.
Nolen cited the many accomplish-
ments of the fire department during the
last year, including the maintaining of 12
emp l o y e e s
funded
by
grants. The
department
also procured
a new fire res-
cue truck and
a
reserve
truck
to
ensure service
to the citizens.
He noted the
efforts of the
firefighters,
under newChief Chuck Hubbard, to help
cleanup the city.
He noted that tentative negotiations
with the City of Wayne were under way
regarding a fire authority with that com-
munity.
He spoke of the improved Youth and
Parks and Recreation services and noted
that the city was hoping for a state grant
to continue to provide services to the res-
idents.
The mayor reminded the crowd that
last year, he had addressed various goals
for the city and included accountability of
public officials among those.
He detailed a number of staffing and
departmental changes he has implement-
ed since Dec. 12 which have already
shown benefits to the community. He
announced, too, that the city was initiat-
ing a new program to better utilize tech-
nology to cut costs and improve city serv-
ices. He said city meetings could soon be
televised on a city channel, along with
public service announcements and com-
munity events.
He said the return of some former
Inkster School District property to the
city was significant and that he was nego-
tiating for the return of more property to
benefit taxpayers.
He detailed plans for a new entertain-
ment district along Michigan Avenue and
added services for senior citizens.
“Our vision is simply to rebuild our
commercial and residential areas. To
rebrand our city with all of the positive
energy and change that reflects the new
era that we are in. To continue to reshape
our government, to improve the way we
deliver services to our residents and
businesses owners. This is what change
looks like. And as always, we have one
love, one cause, one city.”
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
3
February 9, 2017
R
OMULUS
- I
NKSTER
Romulus is poised for growth Inkster changes are positive
Mayors report on the ‘State of City’
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: 2/9/2017
CN1436 - 020917 2.5 x 4.72
Charter Township of Canton Board Proceedings – January 31, 2017
A regular study session meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton was held Tuesday, January 31, 2017
at 1150 Canton Center S., Canton, Michigan. Supervisor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 Meier, Deputy Chief Stoecklein, Deputy Chief Baugh, Barb Caruso, Kristin Kolb
Adoption of Agenda
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Anthony to amend the agenda to move Citizen Comments to the first topic
of the meeting. Motion carried by all members present.
Citizen’s Non-Agenda Item Comments:
Karra Thomas, Detroit Wayne
Mental Health Authority, Prevention Services Manager - Substance Use Disorder Programs presented a Certificate of Appreciation
for 2016 to the township. Supervisor Williams and the Director of Public Meier accepted on the behalf of the township. Dr. Tom
Poirier, 2806 Denton, commented to the board that he is against having the large bins for automated recycling. He feels the bins
are too large and unmanageable. He is leery that large regular trash bins will be next. He feels the current system works very well.
Kathy and Walt Filas, residents, spoke against the automated recycling program. They feel it would only benefit the company. In
their subdivision, 56% of the residents placed recycle bins out today. Large bins would go not go out as often as smaller bins result-
ing in the company having less bins to pick up on a weekly basis. Less work to do and less employees required to do the pickup
result in less expenses and more profit for the trash collection company. They offered the board research documents on Rizzo. They
would like the board to await the results of the investigation into the Rizzo business dealings before voting to extend or alter the
existing contract.
STUDY SESSION: TOPIC 1: Open Meetings Act. (Legal)
1. Introduction/Critical Definitions “Meeting”
“Decisions” 2. Basics Purpose and intent of the Open Meetings Act Notice requirements for public meetings. Voting requirements
for public bodies Parliamentary Procedure/Motion making Closed Sessions Procedural concerns Lawful bases for closed sessions
Minutes Penalties for Violation Important Case Law 10. Miscellaneous/cautionary tales. A complete outline of the presentation is
available in the Township Clerk’s Office, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton MI 48188 during regular business hours or by call-
ing 734-394-5120.
TOPCI 2: Citizen Complaint and Discipline Process. (PSD)
Public Safety will present an overview of the
department’s Citizen Complaint Policy, and it’s Employee Discipline Process. The department will also touch on the recent track-
ing of citizen compliments toward employees. A complete copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available in the Township Clerk’s
Office, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton MI 48188 during regular business hours or by calling 734-394-5120.
ADJOURN:
Meeting adjourned by unanimous decision at 8:52 p.m.
Michael A. Siegrist, Clerk
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 and can also be accessed through our web site
after Board Approval.
CN1437 - 020917 2.5 x 3.331
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON
INVITATION TO BID
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Charter Township of Canton, 1150 Canton Center S, Canton, Michigan will accept sealed
bids at the Office of the Clerk up to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 for the following:
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES DDA STREETSCAPE 2017-2019
Bids may be picked up at the Finance and Budget Department, on our website at
, or you may contact Mike
Sheppard at: 734/394-5225. All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the proposal name, company
name, address and telephone number and date and time of bid opening. The Township reserves the right to accept or reject any
or all proposals. The Township does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability
in employment or the provision of services.
MICHAEL SIEGRIST, CLERK
Publish 2/9/2017
CN1438 - 020917 2.5 x 1.937
CITY OF WESTLAND
NOTICE OF CIVIL SERVICE TESTING
EMERGENCY DISPATCHERS
Notice is given that the City of Westland shall conduct Civil Service testing to create a list of qualified applicants for filling future
emergency dispatcher positions. Qualified individuals must complete a job application, submit a resume and meet minimum
qualifications. Minimum qualifications: successful completion of the 40-hour Basic Telecommunications course (Module 1)
and/or Emergency Fire Dispatch training as approved by the State of Michigan preferred but not required, or prior experience as
an Emergency Services Dispatcher or similar position; high school diploma or GED, type 35 wpm, speak and write English.
Applicants must be able to multi-task, work in a high stress environment, work varying shifts, extended hours, overtime, week-
ends, nights and holidays. Convicted felons are prohibited from operation of LEIN system or systems that interface with the
LEIN system. The City will limit Civil Service testing to the first fifty (50) applicants, based on date of submission of applica-
tion and resume, who meet the minimum requirements. Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package. Testing shall
assess written and skills abilities. Application and resume along with 5 references accepted beginning 10:00 a.m. (EST), Monday,
February 6, 2017 at the Office of Personnel, City Hall, City of Westland, 36300 Warren Road, Westland, MI 48185. The appli-
cation process shall run from 10:00 a.m., February 6, 2017 through 4:00 p.m. (EST), Friday, February 24, 2017 after which time
no applications shall be accepted. Application on City website,
. EOE
WL0004 - 020917 2.5 x 2.102
More than 200 residents filled the
Romulus Athletic Center Jan. 19 to hear
Mayor LeRoy D. Burcroff present his
annual State of theCity address.
Local business partners, city board and
commission members and leaders from
local, county and state government attend-
ed the fourth annual address Burcroff has
presented regarding the state of the com-
munity. This year, the mayor chose
Building Community, with city programs
and services showing care and compas-
sion, as the topic of his presentation.
Highlights of the mayor's address
included the partnerships the city has
formedwith organizations to leverage rela-
tionships and highlight Romulus.
Agreements with organizations including
the Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments, Downriver Utility
Wastewater Authority, theDetroit Regional
Chamber and others were cited and
Burcroff said working with the Michigan
Municipal League is giving the city
resources for economic development and
education for citizens regarding municipal
finances.
He stressed the advancements in com-
munication in the city regarding programs
and events, a consistent theme, he said, of
his administration. He mentioned the new
mobile app. CodeRED, is an emergency
notification system that sends calls to land-
lines and cell phones registered in the city
during emergency events.
Burcroff mentioned the recognition of
the city as a “Five-Star” community
through the University of Michigan-
Dearborn eCities survey for the first time,
one of only six municipalities to be fea-
tured as a “Best Practice Community” for
innovative programs and best practices
geared toward business development. Also
in 2016, the city achieved impressive devel-
opment numbers; having more than $149
million in new investment and 1,150 new
jobs created.
Burcroff stressed the importance of
being a family-friendly and compassionate
city, demonstrated, he said, by the growth
and enhancement of some newer events.
The city-sponsored Black History Bus
Tour doubled in size in 2016 from its inau-
gural year in 2015. A new Public Art
Project was sponsored by the Arts Council
and Downtown Development Authority
that gained the attention of artists from
around the country as well as beautified
some of the parks and public spaces.
Movies in the Park continue to grow with
over 500 people in attendance at the July
movie night. The Fall Family Fun Festival
was another success with even more
hayrides and stories in the Historical Park
and more than 300 children and family
members in attendance, he noted. The
Scarecrow Contest in the downtown area
showed much more engagement with 57
groups and organizations participating.
There was a lot of holiday cheer spread
around the community with some other
programs highlighted including coat
drives, Adopt-a-Family programs, Romulus
Goodfellows: No Child without a
Christmas initiative, and the new Wreaths
Across America program.
Public safe-
ty, Burcroff
said, is always
a priority in
the community
and last year,
Four offi-
cers and one
d i s p a t c h e r
were hired in
the
police
department
where a new
initiative, CPR,
or Community-PoliceRelationswas initiat-
ed. During the year, this group met as a
committee to work on building relation-
ships between the community, youth and
the public safety department. One out-
reach program was a youth roundtable
event that brought high school students
together with public safety department
officials, and clergy members for fellow-
ship, question/answer sessions and brain-
storming.
Burcroff also highlighted a new
“WRAP” program in partnership with the
Great Lakes Water Authority to assist eligi-
ble, low-income residential customerswith
their water bills. He also touted their new
stickering and notification process which
better alerts residents to shut-off warnings
and payment options. By implementing
cost-reduction solutions andmaintaining a
stable fund balance, he said he felt confi-
dent in the good financial decisions being
madeunder his administration.
Assessed values for industrial, residen-
tial and commercial properties all showed
an increase in 2016. Burcroff invited the
audience members and the public, to a
community forum beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 23 presented by the Michigan
Municipal League regarding the limita-
tions that cities in Michigan face based on
the financial laws of the state. This presen-
tation will take place at the Romulus
AthleticCenter.
Overall, Burcroff said, the city complet-
ed 94 percent of “rocks” (top, key projects
assigned each quarter) during 2016, the
highest completion rate during his admin-
istration to date.
Looking ahead to 2017, Burcroff gave
updates on key developments including
the proposed Outlets of Michigan mall,
downtown businesses and the 34th District
Court project. Another goal of his adminis-
tration, he said, is becoming certified with
the Michigan Economic Development
Corporation Redevelopment Ready pro-
gram. This set of best practices outlined by
MEDC helps communities streamline
their development process and, once certi-
fied, gives assistance inmarketing andpro-
moting some key redevelopment sites.
Proceeds raised from the State of the
City event, totaling more than $3,000, will
be used to enhance the Sounds in
Downtown summer concert series and
Movies in the Park programs that take
place onFridays in June, July andAugust.
To view the address in its entirety, visit
the
or
contact Burcorff's office to request a DVD
copy at (734) 942-7571.
LeRoy D. Burcroff
Byron Nolen
