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PAGE 4 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN March 21, 2019

CANTON - INKSTER

Canton police lieutenant set to retire

Canton Township Police Lt. first Youth Liaison Officer at be named as the investigative have been grateful for the kind-
Michael Steckel will retire from Plymouth-Canton Educational sergeant, and later the investiga- ness and professionalism dis-
the department at the end of this Park. The pilot program proved tive lieutenant, responsible for played toward them.
month after 24 years with the to be a success, and has since daily supervision of the special “Lt. Mike Steckel brought a
force. transitioned into the current unit consisting of detectives, refreshing combination of knowl-
Steckel was hired by the School Resource Officer pro- undercover officers and ordi- edge, commitment and humor to
department as a police officer in gram consisting of three officers nance enforcement. Throughout the police department,” said
1995. He was promoted to the assigned to the high school cam- his career, both in the patrol divi- Public Safety Director Joshua
rank of sergeant in 2011 and lieu- pus. Steckel also served two 4- sion and investigations, Steckel Meier. “Mike's dedication to the
tenant in 2014. In addition to year assignments as a detective has received numerous awards organization and the residents
time spent as a road patrol offi- in the Investigative Unit. This and citations as well as written he proudly served will be notably
cer, Steckel was assigned as the background ultimately led him to compliments from citizens who missed.” Michael Steckel
Inkster sets Marshmallow Drop, Easter Egg Hunt

Marshmallows will drop lows dropped from a helicopter, Each child attending must be ed by the Inkster Task Force, Police Department, Josie Odum
from the sky, there will be a children up to age 12 can partic- pre-registered to ensure there The Service Builders Morris Literacy Project,
hunt for Easter Eggs and photos ipate in the Easter Egg Hunt are enough treats and supplies. Foundation of Alpha Kappa National Christians in Action,
with the Easter Bunny himself with prizes in various cate- Registration for the no cost, Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Iota Starfish Family Services, St.
will all highlight the second gories. There will also be face community event is available Omega Chapter, Camp Inspire / Clements Episcopal Church,
annual Unity in the Community painting, arts and crafts, games through April 6 at Eventbrite. Operation Refuge, C.U.P, F&R Three Amigo's Construction,
Easter Egg Hunt set for and other activities for young- Access the site and then search Automotive, Gabbert's Concrete, Top Ladies of Distinction, and
Saturday, April 13 at the Booker sters. Light refreshments will be for Inkster Easter Egg Hunt. Inkster Community Foundation, Zaman International.
T. Dozier Recreation Complex provided at the free community This event is sponsored by Inkster Housing Resident The Inkster recreation com-
in Inkster. event scheduled from 11 a.m. the Inkster Task Force Unity in Council, Inkster Parks and plex is located at 2025
In addition to the marshmal- until 2 p.m. the Community Campaign host- Recreation Department, Inkster Middlebelt Road in Inkster.
Arab culture recognized

Julie Brown Avenue as well as a center for study
Staff Writer housed at the University of Michigan-
Dearborn.
Canton Township officials have joined Sakakini was joined by other residents
the recognition of April as National Arab during the meeting, including Ismail Noor,
American Heritage Month, Hana Mahmoud, Rana Matar, Leila Saba
“We are excited. We truly appreciate Hanna, and Sana Soubani.
this honor. We are people from many back- Canton Township Supervisor Pat
grounds, but we share a common goal” of Williams read the National Arab
tolerance and mutual respect,” comment- American Heritage Month proclamation
ed Samar Sakakini who attended the being presented, noting the more than a
March 12 meeting when members of the century of Arab Americans' contributions
board of trustees presented a proclama- in many fields, their entrepreneurial spir-
tion from the township recognizing her it, and other ways they “have shared their
national heritage. rich culture with neighbors and friends.”
She noted the proximity of Canton to Williams added the need for education Among those observing National Arab American Heritage Month, as proclaimed by
Dearborn, which has both the Arab to address civil rights violations and vio- Canton Township, were, from left, Ismail Noor, Hana Mahmoud, Zayna Salloum, Rana
American National Museum on Michigan lence directed toward Arab Americans. Matar, Leila Saba Hanna, Samar Sakakini and Sana Soubani.

resolves to make available its financial obligation amount of $155,217.30 (50%) of a total $310,433.30 projected cost (cost based
Charter Township of Canton Board Proceedings – March 12, 2019 on Engineers Estimate), during the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years. Consent Calendar: Item C-1. Consider the request for reso-
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton was held Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 1150 Canton lution for a Local Body of Government to recognize the Workman Elementary School PTO at 250 N Denton Rd Canton, MI
Center S. Canton, Michigan. Supervisor Williams called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the 48187 as a Nonprofit in the community for purposes of making application for a “Charitable Gaming License” to the Bureau
Flag. Motion by Foster, supported by Sneideman to appoint Treasurer Slavens as temporary clerk for this meeting only. Motion of State Lottery. The application to the Bureau of State Lottery requires the organization to get a resolution passed by the Canton
carried by all members present. Roll Call Members Present: Anthony, Foster, Graham-Hudak, Slavens, Sneideman, Williams Board of Trustees stating that the Workman Elementary School PTO is recognized as a non-profit in the community at 250 Denton
Members Absent: Clerk Siegrist Staff Present Director Hohenberger, Director Trumbull, Director Meier, Bill Serchak, Annette Rd. N Canton, Michigan 48187 and is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The
Luke Guests Present: Stephanie Johnson, Commissioner Samar Sakakini, Mr. Rotondo, Rotondo Construction Adoption of goals of the Workman PTO Council are to support their students, classroom teaching and learning and to provide family activities
Agenda Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried by all members present. that promote a strong school community. A resolution passed by the Township Board of Trustees is required to allow them to con-
Approval of Minutes Motion by Slavens, supported by Anthony to approve the Board Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2019 as duct a raffle at their school’s spring fair. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to adopt the resolution for a Local Body of
presented. Motion carried by all members present. Citizen’s Non-Agenda Item Comments: Mark Slavens, Canton resident pre- Government to recognize the Workman Elementary School PTO at 250 N Denton Rd Canton, MI 48187 as a Nonprofit in the com-
sented a birthday cake for Dian, his wife to share with the board. Bryan Amann, commented on Dian getting a rose too. Payment munity for purposes of making application for a “Charitable Gaming License” to the Bureau of State Lottery. Motion carried by all
of the Bills: Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to approve payment of the bills as presented. Motion carried by all mem- members present. Item C-2. Set Public Hearing on April 9, 2019 for the consideration of the Local Government Approval of
bers present. Presentations: Supervisor Williams requested Commissioner Samar Sakakini, representative of the Cultural the request for a quota Class “C” Liquor License by Desi restaurant Group, LLC located at 42075 Ford Road Canton,
Commission and of the Arab American Community of Canton to go ahead of Stephanie Johnson, representing Khandler, Reed, Michigan 48187, Canton Township Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to set the Public Hearing on April 9, 2019 for
Khoury & Muchmore due to the larger group in attendance and all agreed. Proclamation Recognizing April 2019 as National the consideration of a new Class “C” Liquor License from Desi Restaurant Group LLC located at 42070 Ford Road, Canton MI
Arab American Heritage Month. Supervisor Williams read the Proclamation recognizing April 2019 as National Arab American 48187. This would be a quota license. The Township currently has four available quota licenses. (one is tied to a PDD amendment
Heritage month. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman. Motion carried by all members present. Motion by Slavens, sup- in Uptown, which does not expire until 2020). Desi Restaurant Group is opening Authentikka, a full service neighborhood Indian
ported by Williams to add the Proclamation to the minutes. Motion carried by all members present. Proclamation Recognizing restaurant serving multi-ethnic cuisine. The Notice of Public Hearing to be published on March 21, 2019. Motion carried by all
April 2019 as National Arab American Heritage Month Whereas, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valu- members present. There is a Public Hearing set for April 9, 2019 to review the application of Desi Restaurant Group LLC locat-
able contributions to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, mil- ed at 42070 Ford Road, Canton MI 48187. This applicant is requesting one of the remaining four. Item C-3. Consider the request
itary service, culture; and Whereas, since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and for resolution declaring the month of April as “fair housing month” in Canton Township. Motion by Slavens, supported by
traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants; and Whereas, they Sneideman to adopt the resolution to declare the month of April as “fair housing month” in Canton Township Michigan, County of
brought with them to America their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and Wayne. Motion carried by all members present. Item C-4. Consider second reading of the Amendment to Appendix A- Zoning
creed that have added strength to our great democracy; and Whereas, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by shar- of the Code of Ordinances for the S&S Homes Rezoning and Approval of the Third Amendment to the Moceri Consent
ing in the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous; and Whereas, the history of Arab Americans Judgment. The applicant is proposing to amend the Moceri Consent Judgement for the remaining 2 acres (known as Commercial
in the US. remains neglected or defaced by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and Site No. 2) to allow rezoning from C-2, Community Commercial, to R-6, Single-Family Attached Residential. The conceptual plan
Whereas, Arab American issues, such as civil rights abuses, harmful stereotyping, and bullying must be combatted in the forms that is included with the amendment would permit construction of 11 residential units (Five 2-unit buildings and one single detached
of education and awareness; and Whereas, they join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and diverse society, where every unit) Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to hold the second reading of the amendment to the Moceri Consent Judgement
individual is treated equally and feels safe; and Whereas, the incredible contributions and heritage of Arab Americans have for the remaining 2 acres (known as Commercial Site No. 2) to allow rezoning from C-2, Community Commercial, to R-6, Single-
helped us build a better nation; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton, Family Attached Residential. The conceptual plan that is included with the amendment would permit construction of 11 residential
Michigan does hereby approve that we announce that Canton Township celebrates the contributions Arab Americans have made to units (Five 2-unit buildings and one single detached unit). Motion carried by all members present. Item C-5. Consider approval
society, and does hereby declare April 2019 to be National Arab American Heritage Month in Canton. We encourage our commu- of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Friends of the Rouge Regarding a Future Water Trail on the Rouge River. In
nity to join us in this special observance. Pat Williams, Canton Township Supervisor Commissioner Samar Sakakini, repre- January 2018, Canton Township received the attached “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) from the Friends of the Rouge
sentative of the Cultural Commission and of the Arab American Community of Canton spoke to the board saying thank you and regarding the future water trail along the Rouge River. This document provides a framework for communities and public entities to
speaking on the positive impact of Arab Americans. Legislative Update: Stephanie Johnson, representing Khandler, Reed, Khoury work together and develop access, and other improvements along the river. Canton has worked with Friends of the Rouge for sev-
& Muchmore gave a legislative update about Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal and upcoming legislation. Motion by Slavens, eral decades, and there is a long-range desire to further develop recreation activities along the river. For this reason, we recommend
supported by Sneideman to place Stephanie Johnson’s comments in the records. Motion carried by all members present. Stephanie approving this MOU. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to approve of a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) from
Johnson, representing Khandler, Reed, Khoury & Muchmore explains the lame duck session was active due to the many changes the Friends of the Rouge regarding the future water trail along the Rouge River. Motion carried by all members present. General
in legislators and governor leadership. Canton Township Tree Ordinance was successfully kept in place. Future legislation is pos- Calendar: Item G-1. Consider payment of the annual GIS Software Maintenance Fees to ESRI. (Environmental Systems
sible. With lifetime term limits in the House and Senate there was a change of 43 in the House out of 110. Committee assignments Research Institute, Inc.) The Township staff has been utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) software for over twenty
were made in mid-January and a change creating New Ways and Means Committee in the House and as a bill is reported out of the (20) years. This software houses the property and land record information plus the public-owned utilities on over 31,000 parcels
subcommittees creating a 2 step process before reporting it to the House. Last week was the Ways and Means Committee meeting. and is used by staff from Municipal Services, Public Safety, Leisure Services, and the DDA. Over 60 employees rely on this soft-
Not much legislative activity due to weather and Governor Whitmer’s budget recommendation which came out later on March 5, ware to provide ongoing service to the public. Motion by Slavens, supported by Foster to move to approve the following budget
2019, which is allowed for a new governor. Governor Whitmer put out a gas tax proposal for fixing the roads was of .45/gallon. adjustment: Increase Revenues: Fund Balance Appropriation 101-000.695 $9,400. Increase Expenditures: Maintenance & Repair
Which would be in $.15 increments every 6 months for 18 months, with a total gas tax of $.71. Proposal includes a new formula Computer Equipment 101-701.930_0010 $9,400. Motion carried by all members present. Motion by Slavens, supported by Foster
will be in place unlike the previous one giving priority to roads not previously given funds. Governor is looking into new programs to move to authorize the Supervisor to sign the 3 year agreement effective March 2019 – March 2022 and a payment to ESRI for
funding and into making college more affordable, taking general fund money for the schools and the gas tax fully funding the roads. Maintenance and Support, for a total cost not-to-exceed of $50,000 per year. Motion carried by all members present. Item G-2.
Auto No Fault policy reform is possible. Dark Store legislation by Representative Beau LaFave, creating a fair assessment of busi- Consider approval of the annual payment for the Township’s Microsoft Email Archiving Services. IT Services prepares
nesses tax rate. Supervisor Williams reminded the board of the contribution of $5,000 toward the Escanaba Case “Dark Stores”, tax budgets two years in advance with the best possible financial projections available at the time. As Microsoft Corporation had held
assessment. Proposal 3 passed and will make significant changes in voter rights and the voting process and the governor has creat- its prices email archive service fees flat, IT Services did not anticipate or budget for the increase in fees when preparing the 2019
ed funding to communities for these changes. Trustee Foster agreed with the possible new roads revenue going through the Fixing budget in 2017. The amount requested on January 22, 2019 (item # G-8) is insufficient to cover the costs for 2019 once actual
Roads program instead of PA51 and Ms. Johnson stated there is a positive path moving forward. Recreational Trustee Sneideman costs were provided to the Township in February of 2019. Motion by Slavens, supported by Foster to approve annual payment for
asked if small cell technology is being considered in Lansing. Representative Johnson will do research this technology and get back the Township’s Microsoft Email Archiving Services. Motion carried by all members present. Item G-3. Consider to award a con-
with the board. William asked the cells put up on top buildings rather than easement for aesthetic purposes. Trustee Anthony asked tract for a 2019 Street Tree Planting Program to Margolis Companies for a total amount not-to-exceed $13,500. The qual-
when budget will be finalized and Ms. Johnson said July at the earliest. Ms. Johnson addressed gas tax and Act 51. Stephanie ified low bidder of the 2019 Street Tree Planting Program is Margolis Companies who has performed landscaping projects in Canton
Johnson said discussion on changing Act 51 possible but legislation not probable to pass. Supervisor Williams spoke about the inter- and Ypsilanti for many years. It is well qualified to perform the tree installation work. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman
net tax passed for $62M for recycling grants across the state and stated meetings are taking place for short term and long term plans to award a contract for a 2019 Street Tree Planting Program to Margolis Companies for a total amount not-to-exceed $13,500.
for recycling. A meeting with Pat Colin, Wayne County is planned. Public Hearing: PH-1: Public hearing for Canton Leisure Motion carried by all members present. Item G-4. Consider increase of P.O. 2018-2645 for professional design and con-
Services to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant that, if awarded, would be imple- struction engineering services to Northwest Consultants, Inc. for the 2018 water main replacement projects. On August 14,
mented in 2019-2020. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to open the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. for comment on the 2018, the Board awarded professional design and construction engineering services to NCI to complete the design and obtain per-
MDNR Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application towards funding the purchase and installation of bridges on the mitting from the MDEQ for water main replacement on Franciscan Ct. E & W, and Princeton St, prepare the plans for bidding,
Lower Rouge Trail between I-275 and Hannan Road. Motion carried by all members present. Canton Leisure Services previous- obtain permitting from Wayne County, hold a pre-bid meeting, and evaluate the bidders. This work also included abandoning a small
ly applied for this same grant project in 2018, but needed to remove the application due to the trail connectors not in place. In 2019, portion of water main on Cornell St. NCI was also asked to handle all construction engineering and inspection. Upon review of
the Public Works Division will have the trail connectors built in preparation for the bridges. The Lower Rouge Trail is a highly the plans and bid documents, Engineering Services identified additional work at these project locations that should be completed
trafficked non-motorized and pedestrian pathway along the southern part of Canton. The trail was installed as a dual purpose to pro- with the 2018 Water Main Replacement Projects. These include; extending water main replacement on Dartmouth Street, Princeton
vide the Public Works division access to water/sewer lines, while also giving residents a non-motorized trail system. Over the past Street, and adding water main replacement under Sheldon Road that was not completed with last year’s project, as well as associ-
few years, the trail has continued to expand, now connecting Canton Center Road S. to the I-275 Metro Trail. Public Works and ated construction engineering and inspection. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to approve the following budget amend-
Leisure Services would like to continue extending the trail east to Hannan Road, thus creating additional water/sewer line access ment: Increase Expenditure 592-536.970_0050 Water Capital Outlay-Infrastructure $42,440 Decrease Expenditure 592-
and added non- motorized pathways. In 2017, Canton was awarded a design and engineering grant through the Ralph C. Wilson, 536.801_0040 Professional Services Engineering $42,440. Motion carried by all members present. Motion by Slavens, supported
Jr. Legacy Foundation. This grant gave Canton the opportunity to work with Smithgroup JJR to create the pathway and bridge by Foster to increase of P.O. 2018-2645 for the 2018 Water Main CIP Design to Northwest Consultants, Inc. by $42,440, combined
design, traffic study and environmental study. Based on the Lower Rouge Trail usage and environment, the recommendation is to with the limit of $86,270 approved on August 14, 2018 for a total limit to P.O. 2018-2645 of $128,710. Motion carried by all mem-
install two bridges crossing the Lower Rouge River. These bridges are conducive to the needs of both the Public Works Division bers present. Item G-5. Consider request to an extension of the contract with Rotondo Construction Corporation for the
and Canton’s non-motorized users. The grant project to install two bridge crossings is part of an overall larger project to complete 2019 sidewalk repair program in the amount of $475,000; and further authorize the Township to further extend the contract
the Lower Rouge Trail Canton segment. In 2019, Public Works and Engineering will be working together to prep and install the with Rotondo Construction Corporation into the 2020 program year based on satisfactory performance and stable prices.
crushed gravel trail in the east expansion. This is to prepare for the bridge work which, if awarded, would take place in 2020. In In January 2017 Canton Township publicly bid our annual Sidewalk Repair Program, including the sidewalk gaps, and incidental
addition, residents have expressed a need for increased safety and awareness at the existing trail crossings. Based on a traffic study flatwork on Township properties. The Board awarded a contract to Rotondo Construction Corporation from Farmington Hills,
and engineering, Leisure Services will be working with the Engineering Department to coordinate the installation of new signage Michigan for the 2017 program. Rotondo performed well in the 2017 & 2018 program with minimal complaints from the residents.
and striping at two road crossings: Sheldon Road and Lotz Road. Full Hawk Signals are not recommended based on the traffic study. As provided for in the RBA from last year, there is a provision to extend this contract into 2019 “based on satisfactory performance
The property is owned by Wayne County Parks, with the trail being developed and maintained by Canton Township through an and stable prices”. Staff agree the contractor displayed satisfactory performance and is only requesting a change in the unit cost to
Intergovernmental Agreement. Wayne County Parks has agreed to extend access to an additional segment of the Lower Rouge Trail reflect the increase in concrete in 2019. This year’s sidewalk repair program represents the fourth year of the second cycle in
to increase the distance of the trail making the total length of the trail Canton Center Road S. to Hannan Road. Motion by Slavens, repairs. Based on the concrete unit costs, the total estimated cost for the 2019 program and the portion of the 2018 sidewalk pro-
supported by Anthony to close the Public Hearing at 7:47 p.m.to consider the request for an application for MDNR Natural gram that was not completed is $475,000. Motion by Slavens, supported by Foster to approve an extension of the contract with
Resources Trust Fund Grant. Motion carried by all members present. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to approve sub- Rotondo Construction Corporation for the 2019 sidewalk repair program in the amount of $475,000; and further authorize the
mission of an application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund towards the purchase and installation of two bridges along Township to further extend the contract with Rotondo Construction Corporation into the 2020 program year based on satisfactory
the Lower Rouge Trail between I-275 and Hannan Road, and to accept the funds if approved. Motion carried by all members pres- performance and stable prices. Motion carried by all members present. Motion by Slavens, supported by Sneideman to approve the
ent. Motion by Slavens, supported by Foster to approve the following resolution in support of the Michigan Natural Resources following budget amendment: Increase Revenues: Fees Sidewalk Replacements #101-000.607_0026 $31,000 Increase
Trust Fund grant: Motion carried by all members present. Resolution of Board of Trustees Charter Township of Canton, Expenses: Maintenance and Repair of Sidewalks #101-447-03.930_0050 $31,000 ATTACHMENTS: 1. Concrete Costs (from
Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Program Resolution of Authorization Whereas, Charter Township of Contractor & Supplier) 2. Memo from Engineering Services 2019 Sidewalk Program Budget and Scope of Work Motion carried
Canton supports the submission of an application titled, “Lower Rouge Trail East Expansion” to the Michigan Natural Resources by all members present. Additional Public Comment: Mike Shultz, resident 44580 Dionne St, Canton voiced his frustration of the
Trust Fund for development of a trail extension to the east from I-275 to Hannan Road; and, Whereas, the proposed application $.45 increase in the gas tax that Governor Whitmer is proposing. Other: Adjourn: Motion by Anthony, supported by Sneideman
is supported by the community’s 5-Year Approved Parks and Recreation Master Plan; and, Whereas, Charter Township of to adjourn at 8:06 p.m. Motion carried by all members present.
Canton has made a financial commitment to the project in the amount of $155,217.30 matching funds, in cash; and, Now Copies of the complete text of the Board Minutes are available at the Clerk’s office of the Charter Township of Canton, 1150 S.
Therefore, Be It Resolved the Board of Trustees of Charter Township of Canton hereby authorizes submission of a Michigan Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188, 734-394- 5120, during regular business hours or be accessed through our web site www.can-
Natural Resources Trust Fund application for $155,216 (50%) for bridges and installation along the Lower Rouge Trail, and further ton-mi.org after Board Approval. CN1854 - 032119 5 x 10.625