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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN May 4, 2023

ROMULUS
ROMULUS

Raid reveals drugs,

guns, cash in home

Following a police raid at a Romulus detained two women, later identified as
home earlier this year, a federal complaint family members of the accused.
against the resident has been filed in the Police confiscated a cigar pouch contain-
Eastern District Court of Michigan. ing 26 grams of M30 suspected fentanyl pills
During the raid, officers said they confis- and 38 grams of M367 suspected
cated fentanyl, firearms, and brass knuckles hydrocodone pills; a silver Gerstenberger U
from the home of Walter Butler, 43, who had Eberwein Gussenstadt revolver, 22 caliber,
been under surveillance for several months reported stolen; a Browning, 12-gauge shot-
prior to the search of the multi-family gun; a Marlin .22 caliber rifle; Winchester
dwelling located on Waynecourse Street in 9mm ammunition; two boxes of 12-gauge
Romulus. During the months-long police ammunition; a box of 38 caliber ammuni-
surveillance, investigators allege to have tion; a silver “brass knuckles” and $367. In a
witnessed multiple drug transactions Ford Excursion parked outside the home,
involving narcotics, according to the court officers seized three loaded Glock hand-
complaint. Butler has been charged with guns and another cigar pouch containing
possession with intent to distribute and pos- 112 grams of blue M30 pills; a pill bottle con- Meet the champs
session of firearms in furtherance of drug taining 22 grams of suspected hydrocodone The Romulus Police and Fire hockey team skated away with the championship
trafficking in the federal complaint. pills and miscellaneous M30 suspected fen- trophy in their division during a charity tournament last month. The team traveled
The court documents allege that Butler tanyl pills and white suspected to Bay City to compete against first responders from throughout the state and
had numerous interactions with the investi- hydrocodone pills in a plastic baggie. outscored their opponents. The hockey tournament was a benefit for Special
gating officer who conducted both electron- Testing proved the pills labeled Olympics of Michigan and all proceeds went to the organization.
ic and physical surveillance at the home hydrocodone also contained fentanyl,
through February of this year. The com- according to the federal complaint.
plaint alleges that drug transactions also The complaint also claims officers found
took place in vehicles parked at the home. two loaded pistols in the vehicle. No trial or MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
During a Feb. 3 raid at the home, police also court date was assigned at press time. March 27, 2023
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174
City roadwork under way Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Mayor Pro Tem John Barden.
Drivers in Romulus can expect a few cials said. The eastbound I-94 ramp to
traffic delays and detours when road con- northbound I-275 will also be closed Present: Kathy Abdo, John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Virginia
struction season begins. through early July. Williams
Absent / Excused: Eva Webb
As early as this week, workers from the The westbound I-94 ramp to north- Administrative Officials in Attendance:
Wayne County Roads Division are slated bound I-275 will close at 7 a.m. May 8 and Robert McCraight, Mayor
to begin the Wayne Road and Ecorse remain closed through early July, accord- Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Stacy Paige, Treasurer
Road intersection reconstruction project. ing to Wayne County officials. Administrative Staff in Attendance:
The intersection will be closed to all traf- Like all construction projects, weather D'Sjonaun Hockenhull - Deputy Clerk; Julie Wojtylko - Chief of Staff; Stephen Hitchcock - City
fic until the estimated completion time and other unforeseen issues can play a Attorney; Julie Albert - Director of Assessing and Financial Services; Jerome Frayer - DDA Director;
Colleen Dumas - Recreation Director; Derran Shelby - Deputy Police Chief
this fall. role in potential delays, they said, and all 1. Agenda
The northbound I-275 ramps to east- timeframes are estimates. A. Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo, to accept the Agenda as presented. Motion
Carried Unanimously
bound and westbound I-94 were sched- County officials reminded motorists to 2. Minutes
uled to close at 7 a.m. May 1. The ramps drive with caution through the areas and A. Res. #23-076 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the Minutes from
will remain closed through early July, offi- respect all posted speed limits. the Regular Meeting held on Monday, March 13, 2023, at 7:30p.m. Motion Carried Unanimously
B. There were no special meetings held on Monday, March 13, 2023.
3. Petitioner
A. Petitioner: Rev. Arthur Willis Petition: Road Closure Request for Annual Good Friday Day Walk
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING Event Rev. Arthur Willis said a prayer on behalf of the families who lost loved ones in the school
March 13, 2023 shooting in Nashville, TN. He requested a no-fee permit for the annual Good Friday Walk Event.
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 Res. #23-077 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo, to approve the no-fee permit for the
Good Friday Walk Event and the closing of Goddard Road
starting at Hunt St. and ending at Five Points from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Mayor Pro Tem John Barden. Motion Carried Unanimously
4. Chairperson’s Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem
Pledge of Allegiance A. Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley, to accept the Chairperson's Report.
Roll Call Motion Carried Unanimously
Present: Kathy Abdo, John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Virginia 5. Mayor’s Report – Robert A. McCraight, Mayor
Williams A. Res. #23-078 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley to concur with the
Absent / Excused: Eva Webb Administration and authorize a no-fee permit for the use of the Elmer Johnson's Park pavilion on
Administrative Officials in Attendance: June 9, 2023, for the Romulus Middle School's end of the year eighth-grade picnic.
Robert McCraight, Mayor Motion Carried Unanimously
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk B. Res. #23-079 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Celeste Roscoe, to concur with the Administration
Stacy Paige, Treasurer and authorize a no-fee permit to the Kiwanis Club for the use of the Historical Park on April 22,
Administrative Staff in Attendance: 2023, for an Earth Day Nature walk and clean-up event in conjunction with Romulus Community
Julie Wojtylko, Chief of Staff; Stephen Hitchcock, City Attorney; Roberto Scappaticci, DPW Director. Schools. Motion Carried Unanimously
C. Res. #23-080 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by William Wadsworth, to concur with the
1. Agenda Administration and the Downtown Development Authority and approve the proposed amendments to
A. Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo, to approve the agenda as presented. the City of Romulus Downtown Development Authority By-laws to reflect the decrease in the
Motion Carried Unanimously. number of serving members from thirteen to nine. Motion Carried Unanimously
2. Minutes D. Res. #23-081 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to concur with the Administration
A. Res. #23-064 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley for Approval of the and adopt the Resolution authorizing Entry of Participation Agreements in Partial Settlement of the
Minutes from the Regular Meeting held on March 6, 2023. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Barden, Roscoe, National Prescription Opiate Litigation and Entry of State and Local Government Intrastate
Talley, Wadsworth, Williams Abstain -Abdo Nays - None Motion Carried Agreement Concerning Allocation of Settlement Proceeds. Motion Carried Unanimously
B. Res #23-065 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley for Approval of the Minutes E. Res. #23-082 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Eva Webb, to concur with the
from the Special meeting(s) held on March 6, 2023 Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Barden, Roscoe, Talley, Administration and award RFP 22/23-13 for a two (2) year maintenance contract for landscaping &
Wadsworth, Williams Abstain -Abdo Nays - None Motion Carried irrigation for the Merriman Road Special Assessment District (SAD) to the only responding
3. Petitioner - None contractor DJ's Landscaping Management, in the estimated amount of $45,00.00 per season and not
4. Chairperson's Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem to exceed budgeted funds. Motion Carried Unanimously
Mayor Pro Tem Barden invited Congressman Shri Thanedar to the podium to address the city council. F. Res. #23-083 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to concur with the Administration
A. Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley, to accept the Chairperson's Report. and introduce Budget Amendment 22/23-14 to use funds balance to replace the Federal Weather
Motion Carried Unanimously. Station (Tornado Sirens) equipment that is failing due to outdated equipment.
5. Mayor's Report - Robert A. McCraight, Mayor
A. Res. #23-066 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Virginia Williams, to concur with the FUND/DEPT. ACCOUNT CURRENT AMENDMENT AMENDED
Administration to re-appoint Mark Wilhide, Cynthia Harris, and Debbie Lattner to the Police, Fire, ACCOUNT NO. NAME BUDGET BUDGET
and Safe Commission with terms to expire on February 22, 2026. Motion Carried Unanimously
B. Res. #23-067 Moved by Bill Wadsworth, seconded by Virginia Williams, to concur with the 261 – 911 Fund
Administration to re-appoint Linda Choate and Sheldon Chandler with terms to expire on November Fund Balance
1, 2027, and appoint Gayle Mach with a term to expire November 1, 2024, to the Cemetery Board of 261-000-390.000 Fund Balance $187,746.00 $(12,990).00 $174,746.00
Trustees. Motion Carried Unanimously Expense
C. Res. #23-068 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley, to concur with the 261-301-970.000 Capital Outlay $- $12,990.00 $12,990.00
Administration and award ITB 22/23-16 for the reconstruction of concrete pavement segments on
Brandt Street to the lowest, most responsive, and responsible bidder, Great Lakes Contracting Motion Carried Unanimously
Solutions, in the amount of $924,857.50 with a 10% contingency in the amount of $92,485.75 to 6. Clerk’s Report – Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
cover the cost of any unforeseen construction-related changes. Motion Carried Unanimously. Res. #23-084 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by William Wadsworth to adopt a memorial
6. Clerk's Report - Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk - See Clerk's Office for a complete copy of the Minutes resolution for the family of Bianca Nicole McDavid. Motion Carried Unanimously
A. Res. #23-069 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley, to approve the second reading A. Res. #23-085 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Kathy Abdo, to approve the Second Reading
and final adoption of Budget Amendment 22/23-12 (Fire Department), in the amount of and Final Adoption of amendments to Chapter 26, Article I, Section 26.3, Permanent structure and
$164,575.000, to recognize federal funding and allocate additional funds for costs associated with mobile food service, of the Romulus Code of Ordinances Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Barden,
the acceptance of the 2023 SAFER grant and the hiring of six (6) additional firefighter positions in Roscoe, Talley, Wadsworth, Webb Nays - Williams Motion Carried
accordance with the "Period Performance" for the grant beginning, March 20, 2023. B. Res. #23-086 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by William Wadsworth, to amend the 22/23 fee
Motion Carried Unanimously. schedule for the Clerk's Office to allow for the collection of food truck licensing fees as presented.
B. Res. #23-070 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Celeste Roscoe, to approve the second reading Motion Carried Unanimously
and final adoption of Budget Amendment 22/23-13 (Building Department) in the amount of C. Res. #23-087 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo, to concur with the recommendation
$150,000.000 to recognize additional fees for engineering reimbursements. Motion Carried of the Executive Advisory Committee and appoint David Jones to the Romulus Board of Zoning
Unanimously Appeals, pursuant to the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act 110 of 2006, with a term to expire on
C. Res. #23-071 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Celeste Roscoe, to approve the first reading and June 30, 2025. Motion Carried Unanimously
introduction for amendments to Chapter 26, Article I, Section 26-3, Permanent Structure and Mobile D. Res. #23-088 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Study Session
Food Service of the City of Romulus Code of Ordinances. Motion Carried Unanimously Request for Monday, April 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of providing the Council with
7. Treasurer's Report - Stacy Paige, Treasurer - See Clerk's Office for a complete copy of the Minutes updates to development from NorthPoint Development and amendments to the Romulus Trade Center
Res. #23-072 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adopt a memorial Conditional Rezoning and Development Agreement related to phasing.
resolution in memory of Karen Richard. Motion Carried Unanimously. Motion Carried Unanimously
8. Public Comment - None 7. Treasurer’s Report – Stacy Paige, Treasurer
9. Unfinished Business - See Clerk's Office for a complete copy of the Minutes 8. Public Comment
10. New Business A resident inquired about HVAC installation in the building he rents.
The City Clerk asked the council to adopt a resolution in recognition of Jan Lemmon. 9. Unfinished Business
Res. #23-073 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley to adopt a resolution Councilwoman Williams asked for an update on the reconstruction of the Veteran's Monument
recognizing Jan Lemmon for her service and contribution to the Romulus Memorial Cemetery. Memorial.
Motion Carried Unanimously Res. #23-089 Moved by Virginia Williams, seconded by Eva Webb to adopt a memorial resolution
Res. #23-074 Moved by Virginia Williams, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adopt a memorial for the family of Diane Reid-Harris. Motion Carried Unanimously
resolution in memory of Bishop James L. Whitehead, Jr. Motion Carried Unanimously. 10. New Business – See Clerk’s Office for a complete copy of the Minutes
11. Warrant 11. Warrant
A. Res. #23-075 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Tina Talley for Approval of Warrant #23-5 for A. Res. #23-090 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Tina Talley to approve Warrant #: 23-6 for
checks presented in the amount of $1,586,680.38. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Barden, Roscoe, checks presented in the amount of $1,813,762.47.
Talley, Wadsworth, Nays - Williams Motion Carried Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Barden, Roscoe, Talley, Wadsworth, Webb Nays - Williams
12. Communication - See Clerk's Office for a complete copy of the Minutes Motion Carried
13. Adjournment 12. Communication - See Clerk’s Office for a complete copy of the Minutes
Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 pm. 13. Adjournment
Motion Carried Unanimously Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Tina Talley, to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
Motion Carried Unanimously
I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan, certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the
copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on March 27, 2023. minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on March 27, 2023.

Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk
City of Romulus, Michigan RM0733 - 042023 2.5 x 11.262 City of Romulus, Michigan RM0734 - 042023 2.5 x 14.913