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PAGE 4 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN May 6, 2021

WAYNE
WAYNE

Good clean fun

More than 130 volunteers participated in the
April 24 Clean Up Day in Wayne. Rotary Club
members who helped organized the event
sent a special note of gratitude to those who
helped collect trash from around the city.
Officials said a special thanks was due to
Lori Morrow, Juan Bradford, Mathew
Mulholland, Nancy and Matt Wojeski, Ed
Queen, all the volunteers from Wayne Main
Street and photographer Stan Shelton.
Professional Insurance donated breakfast
and snacks, Mark Chevrolet donated pizza
for lunch after the cleanup and Wayne Lawn
and Garden sharpened chain saws and
pruners. Rotary members said the volunteers
from KICKS Taekwondo & Fitness were a
force of nature during the event, which was
completed “just before the rain began.” The
event was under the leadership of Carol
Bevard.

School buses are ‘out of gas’ Regular Board Meeting
Sumpter Township
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 6:00 p.m.
23480 Sumpter Rd., Belleville, MI 48111
Student transportation in the Wayne air. Nineteen new propane buses will Minutes
Westland Community Schools District is soon be on Wayne and Westland streets, 10
going green by swapping the older school of those dedicated to special needs chil- NOTICE:
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect the public health, and provide essential protections to Sumpter Township residents;
buses for newer and more eco-friendly dren. this Board of Trustees' meeting was conducted virtually in compliance with State of Michigan Governor's Executive Order(s) and
transportation, officials said. The latest buses will have almost zero MDHHS directive(s) regarding remote public meetings.
Westland Mayor William Wild awarded gas emissions and cost more than $2 mil- Meeting called to order by Supervisor T. Bowman at 8:19 pm. Roll call: Supervisor T. Bowman (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI),
the school district with a #MissionGreen lion to purchase, officials said. The school Clerk E. Hurst (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Treasurer J. Clark (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Trustees: Oddy (Wayne Cty,
Sumpter Twp, MI), Rush (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), LaPorte (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI) and Morgan (Wayne Cty,
Eco Award in celebration of Earth Day in district will receive a 40 percent reim- Sumpter Twp, MI). Also showing present: Deputy Clerk Burdick, Deputy Supervisor O'Connell, Deputy Treasurer Clark, Safety
response to the district efforts in reducing bursement of the purchase price as part of Director/ Chief of Police Luke, Chief Januszyk and 11 attendees.
gas emissions and keeping students and a grant from the Volkswagen State 3. Agenda: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Oddy to approve the Agenda with the following amendments;
the community safe and breathing clean Mitigation Trust. Remove; 13. Unfinished Business: Item A.
Edit; 14. New Business: Item B
Edit; 14. New Business: Item D
Add; 14. New Business: Item K
To subscribe to The Eagle Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay:
None. Motion carried.
email subscribe to circulation@journalgroup.com 4. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: No Comments.

5. Minutes:
Motion by Morgan, supported by Rush to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2021. Roll call vote: Yes:
Sumpter Township Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion car-
Regular Board Meeting ried.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 6:00 p.m. 6. Warrants:
23480 Sumpter Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve the warrants total of $352,450.95. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
Minutes Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
NOTICE: 7. Receive and File:
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect the public health, and provide essential protections to Sumpter Township residents; Motion by Hurst, supported by Morgan to receive and file the following reports;
this Board of Trustees' meeting was conducted virtually in compliance with State of Michigan Governor's Executive Order(s) and • Parks & Recreation/Chambers Report
MDHHS directive(s) regarding remote public meetings. • Water & Sewer Report
• Planning & Zoning Report
Meeting called to order by Supervisor T. Bowman at 6:04 pm. Roll call: Supervisor T. Bowman (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), • Senior Report
Clerk E. Hurst (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Treasurer J. Clark (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Trustees: Oddy (Wayne Cty, • Treasurer's Report
Sumpter Twp, MI), Rush (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), LaPorte (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI) and Morgan (Wayne Cty, Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay:
Sumpter Twp, MI). Also showing present: Deputy Clerk Burdick, Deputy Supervisor O'Connell, Deputy Treasurer Clark, Safety None. Motion carried.
Director/ Chief of Police Luke, Chief Januszyk and 23 attendees.
12. Board Response:
3. Agenda: Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve the agenda. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E.
Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried. • Trustee Rush advised and requested establishing a committee to review and determine procedures and a policy for the
development and approval of the Sumpter Township Newsletter.
4. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: No comments were received. Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to establish a committee to review and determine procedures and a policy for the develop-
ment and approval of the Sumpter Township Newsletter. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst; Trustees:
5. Minutes: Oddy, LaPorte, and Rush. Nay: Treasurer J. Clark, Trustee Morgan. Motion carried.
Motion by Oddy, supported by Morgan to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2021. Roll call vote:
Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion 13. Unfinished Business:
carried.
B. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve to extend our Public Safety Director, Chief Eric Luke, contract for
6. Warrants: three years, holding at the same salary and benefits as of this date, $103,376 annually. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy to approve warrants totaling: $_1,689,399.27. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, and Rush. Nay: Treasurer J. Clark, Trustee Morgan. Motion carried.
Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
14. New Business:
7. Supervisor's Report - Bowman: No Report.
Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy to approve the Supervisor's report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. A. Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to approve for Treasurer James Clark and Deputy Treasurer Toni Clark to
Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried. attend the Michigan Township Virtual Conferences & Expo April 19th- 21st, 2021. Conference Registration Fee $159
with Pre-Conference Classes $99.00 each. Dates 4/12 & 13, 2021. Total cost 5 days of training total $516.00. Roll call
8. Attorney's Report - Young: vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay:
Twp Lawsuits & Adversarial Proceeding 33%, Insurance matters 0%, Employee matters 2%, Township Board meetings 7%, None. Motion carried.
Meeting with Twp Officials 7%, Water & Sewer 12%, Police, Fire & Prosecutions 17%, Ordinance & Blight 3%, Labor
Contract/LOU 6%, Republic 0%, Planning 2%, Library 1%, Parks & Recreation 1%, Storm Water Management & MDEQ 1%, B. Motion by Morgan, supported by Rush to approve, with appreciation and regrets, of retirement of Battalion Chief Tim
Board Direction 5%, Audit/Finance 0% and Misc. 3%. Armstrong from the Sumpter Twp. Fire Department effective date of 3/7/2021. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
• After approximately 27 years, the litigation of Futernick vs. Sumpter Township has been settled.
• Attorney Young advised of MDHHS modifications on the public meeting directives that also removed the State atten- C. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to approve for Deputy Supervisor/Finance Director to attend MTA Virtual
dance orders on indoor public meetings. Conference at the cost of $127 plus the Board Authorities and Roles pre- conference class for $99, total $226 for a three-
Motion by Rush, supported by Morgan to continue virtual Board Meetings through April, 2021 and reassess at the April day training, no meals or travel as it is virtual. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J.
27th, 2021 Board Meeting for future meetings. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
• Attorney Young stated that the promotions for Police Officers Toth & Gannon are well deserved. D. Motion by Rush, supported by Morgan to approve, with Attorney recommendations, for HR Coordinator and Payroll
• Attorney Young addressed a letter to the editor that was published in the Belleville Independent allegedly by Treasurer services through ADP, due to urgent replacement services of vacancy. Annual, unlimited cost, contract for $55,000 and
(then Candidate) James Clark, its allegations, sources of information and inaccuracies. $6,000 for one-time implementation from Foster Thomas. Annual predicted savings of $58,000 per year. Roll call vote:
Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy to approve the Attorney's report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None.
T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried. Motion carried.
9. Police Report - Chief Luke: E. Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve re-appointing Maria Beaudrie to the Zoning Board of Appeals, term to
Motion by Hurst, supported by Rush to receive and file the Police report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. expire 3/10/2024. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy,
Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried. LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
10. Building/Ordinance Report - Bowman: F. Motion by Morgan, supported by Rush to approve of Sumpter Township Parks & Recreation request for a park clean up
Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to receive and file the Building/Ordinance report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. day and recognition of International Earth Day at Banotai Park on April 24, 2021. There will also be a
Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried. Presentation/Discussion of the new butterfly habitat and a representative of Michigan Department of Natural Resources
will be attending. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy,
11. Fire Report - Chief Januszyk: LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
• Chief Januszyk thanked the Van Buren Township Fire Department for the assistance in fighting a barn fine.
Motion by LaPorte, supported by Oddy to approve the Fire report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, G. Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve of Sumpter Township agenda/legislation item submission deadline by
Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried. the Board of Trustees of Sumpter Township to the Clerk's Office to be the Monday, by 12:00 noon the week before the
regularly scheduled Township board meeting. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst; Trustees:
12. Board Response: Oddy, LaPorte, and Rush. Nay: Treasurer J. Clark, Trustee Morgan. Motion carried.
• Trustee LaPorte inquired of Attorney Young the status of a Resolution to address final pay requiring Board approval.
Attorney Young indicated that this could be presented to the Board at the April 27th Board Meeting. H. Motion by Morgan, supported by Hurst to approve to adopt the 2021-2022 Budget. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
• Trustee Rush reminded all of the Parks & Recreation April 24th, 2021 Earth Day event and cleanup at Banotai Park from Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
10am to approx. 4pm and that volunteers are needed. Also, SkyWarn Training that is scheduled for Thursday evening,
April 15th, 2021. I. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve to accept the proposal from Burnham & Flower Insurance Group for
Township Liability and Insurance coverage effective 4/1/2021 at a cost of $106,992.75 annually. Roll call vote: Yes:
13. New Business: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None.
A. Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to approve of promoting Police Sergeant John Toth to Lieutenant. Roll call vote: Motion carried.
Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None.
Motion carried. J. Due to emergency need; Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve to establish HR responsibilities during and after
B. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve of promoting Police Lieutenant Patrick Gannon to Captain. Roll call the transition to a third party payroll/HR service to be with Esther Hurst and/or her designee who is currently authorized
vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: and designated by the Board to be the day-to-day oversight of the HR director position which is vacant. Roll call vote:
None. Motion carried. Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None.
Motion carried.
14. Announcements:
A. Clerk Hurst advised that the Sumpter Township Community & Senior's Center will be closed from May 5th to May 17th, K. Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to approve to support Sumpter Township Fire LT Jamie Goode and his program
2021 due to staffing. development of the Sumpter Township Community Risk Reduction Program. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman,
Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
15. Open Floor: No Attendees spoke.
15. Announcements: None.
16. Closed Session: pursuant to MCL 15.268{e} and {h} to consider attorney-client privileged material exempt from dis-
cussion or disclosure by state or federal law relative to employee confidentiality. 16. Open Floor: One (1) attendee spoke.
Attorney Rob Young introduced Mr. James Steffes, representative of MAFF and advised that, as the spokesperson for Ms. 17. Closed Session: pursuant to MCL 15.268{e} and {h} to consider attorney-client privileged material exempt from discus-
Colleen Armatis, Mr. Steffes requested the meeting stay in Open Session. Attorney Young further advised that, at any moment, sion or disclosure by state or federal law and to review pending litigation of Futernick vs. Sumpter Township.
this request could be withdrawn by Mr. Steffes. Mr. Steffes confirmed this request. Attorney Young also advised that as agreed
there would be no time limitations on the discussion and all items should be addressed to Mr. Steffes. At 8:55 pm, Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to move into Closed Session. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush,
LaPorte and Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst, Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mr. Steffes, MAFF addressed the Board on the identified issues.
At 9:13 pm, Motion by Oddy, supported by Morgan to open the Regular Board Meeting. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy,
Chief Eric Luke gave a briefing of his investigation and his findings. In an earlier email, The Board was provided copies of the Rush, LaPorte and Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Sumpter Township Fire Department Payroll/Audit Investigation and Chief Luke's subsequent regrettable recommendation;
Request to Terminate Employment of Firefighter Colleen Armatis, based on his findings. At 9:13 pm, Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy to accept the Attorney's recommendations and actions as advised during the
Motion by Rush, supported by Bowman to terminate the employment of Firefighter Colleen Armatis. Roll call vote; Ayes; Closed Session. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst Supervisor
Trustees Oddy, Rush and LaPorte, Clerk E. Hurst, Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: Treasurer J. Clark, Trustee Morgan. Motion car- T. Bowman. Nays: None. Motion carried.
ried.
18. Adjournment: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to adjourn at 9:14 pm. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman,
17. Adjournment: Motion by Morgan, supported by Rush to adjourn at 8:50 pm. Motion carried. Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Minutes prepared by, Minutes prepared by:
Anthony Burdick, Deputy Clerk Anthony Burdick, Deputy Clerk
Sumpter Township Sumpter Township
________________________________ ______________ ________________________________ ______________
Esther Hurst, Clerk Date Esther Hurst, Clerk Date
________________________________ ______________ ________________________________ ______________
Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date ST0050 - 050621 2.5 x 13.01 Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date ST0052 - 050621 2.5 x 16.328