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May 14, 2020 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 5

WAYNE - WESTLAND
WAYNE - WESTLAND

Ward voting may be on November ballot in Wayne

Members of the Wayne City posal was to have only the mem- limitation of council candidates
Council are scheduled to discuss bers of each ward vote for the ” from the same area of the city.
ballot language to eliminate or council candidate from their Elimination of ward system The council is expected to dis-
change the ward voting system area. Due to some ballot lan- would place the top vote getters cuss elimination of the ward sys-
during their May 19 meeting. guage confusion, the city imple- tem, a change to having only vot-
Discussion of the ward voting mented the current system which from the entire ballot on the council. ers from each ward vote on their
system was discussed at length allows voters throughout the city council representative or some
during the May 5 electronic to vote on the council member in vote getters from the entire ballot the best interest of the communi- variation of the current system.
meeting of the council members. each of the six wards. There can, on the council, irrespective of ty. Several council members Should council members opt
The current six-ward system, however, only be one council rep- their home addresses. agreed with Mayor John Rhaesa to place more than one proposal
established by a 68-percent resentative from each ward, forc- As discussion of the issue con- who said residents have asked for a change in the system on the
majority vote of the public in ing candidates from the same tinued, Council woman Kelly for the elimination of the ward November ballot, the system
2014, allows one city council area of the city to compete for Skiff said that while she had system. receiving the most votes would
member from each ward. The voters' favor. Elimination of the been a supporter of the ward sys- Councilman Jeremiah then be implemented in the city,
original intent of the ballot pro- ward system would place the top tem, she no longer felt it was in Webster said his concern was the according to officials.
Westland approves union agreement with police union

The city of Westland and members of of the agreement as well as a change of lengthy negotiations between the “This contract puts the city in a posi-
the Westland Police Officers Association the pension multiplier used to deter- WPOAM union and the city's negotiating tion to recruit the best and brightest from
have reached an agreement on a new 4- mine the amount of retirement pensions. team,” commented Mayor William R. the police academy and will improve
year union contract. The new multiplier will increase from Wild. retention of our trained personnel.”
Members of the Westland City Council 1.8 percent to 2.25 percent on base
approved the collective bargaining wages, plus overtime for employees MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
agreement with the union during the reg- hired on or after July 1, 2014. March 23, 2020
ular council meeting May 4. Some condi- In an effort to reduce the city “legacy Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174
tions in the new contract will be retroac- costs” for retirement benefits, the
tive to July 1, 2019 and continue through employee pension contribution will Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Councilwoman Tina Talley.
June 30, 2023. increase to 6 percent for officers hired Pledge of Allegiance
The City Attorney explained the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-15 to allow for members of a collective body
The Westland Police Officers prior to July 1, 2014 and an increase to 5 to participate telephonically in a public meeting rather than being present during the Corona Virus period. They
Association (WPOAM) represents 43 percent for employees hired on or after must be on a phone line where members can hear and be heard. Members participating telephonically count as
patrol officers in the city. Union repre- July 1, 2014. The agreement also adds an being present. A quorum can be established and they get to vote on all resolutions.
Roll Call
sentatives and members of the city nego- option of an alternative Defined Present: Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, Eva Webb, Virginia Williams
tiating team negotiated the new four- Contribution Plan for new hires in lieu of Electronically Present: Kathy Abdo, John Barden
Absent Excused: William Wadsworth
year agreement which includes a 2-per- enrolling in the Defined Benefit Plan. Administrative Officials in Attendance:
cent wage increase for each of the years “This agreement is the work of Leroy Burcroff, Mayor
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Schools board members Mayor Pro Tem, John Barden, relinquished the Chair to Councilwoman Talley.
Steve Hitchcock, City Attorney
1.
Agenda
select new superintendent 2. A. Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb for Approval of the Agenda
Motion Carried Unanimously.
Minutes
A. Res. #20-093 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Virginia Williams for Approval of the
The Wayne Westland Community minutes from the Regular Council meeting held on March 9, 2020.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
Schools district now has a new superin- 3. Petitioner – None
tendent. 4. Chairperson’s Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem
Members of the Wayne-Westland Board Councilwoman Talley read a letter from Mayor Pro Tem, John Barden, and thanked the Mayor and the
of Education took advantage of current Administration for the proactive actions taken in response to the Corona Virus crisis.
A.
Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Chairperson’s Report
technology to choose John Dignan for the Motion Carried Unanimously.
job during another electronic meeting 5. Mayor’s Report – LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
May 4. Dignan was the unanimous choice The Mayor invited Director Kevin Krause to give an update and report on the City’s Emergency Action
of the board members who selected him Plan in response to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Executive Orders. Director Krause also explained the
by a 7-0 vote. role of the NIMS System and update on Fire Department operations. • Chief of Police, Robert Pfannes
Dignan, Ed.S. is currently the director gave an update on the Romulus Police Department operations. • City Attorney, Steve Hitchcock gave an
update on 34th District Court operations as directed by an order issued from the Michigan Supreme Court.
of post secondary options and community • Mayor Burcroff asked if everyone would put aside their differences and work together and rally around
partnerships in the Southfield Public our residents and community.
Schools district. He will leave that post Mayor Burcroff asked if council would suspend the April 6th Study Session and Regular Council
and join Wayne-Westland in July in prepa- Meetings in compliance with the Governor’s Executive orders.
ration for the reopening of schools in Res. #20-094 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Virginia Williams to Suspend the April 6,
September following the negotiation and 2020 Study Session and Regular Council Meeting.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
finalization of his employment contract Mayor Burcroff announced that Waste Management will continue its trash pick-up services and Yard
with the district. Waste services will begin sometime in April.
“We had two exceptional candidates,” A. Res. #20-095 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Virginia Williams to approve the
said Board President David Cox. “John Mayor and Clerk to enter into a Resolution for the City to continue the State of Emergency for
comes to us at a time when the district the City of Romulus until Midnight, April 27, 2020 unless earlier terminated or elected by sub-
needs and deserves his level of leader- sequent resolution.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
ship. The citizens have given us their con- B. Res. #20-096 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to approve the Mayor and
fidence and I think people will see a real John Dignan Clerk to enter into a Resolution for the City to recognize the Romulus Public Safety Foundation
difference in our schools.” as “Not For Profit Charitable Foundation” that exist to support our Police and Fire Departments.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
During the meeting, board Treasurer who said, “”It just became apparent to me C. Res. #20-097 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb to approve and award Bid ITB
Tom Buckalew expressed his confidence that Mr. Dignan was ready for the job right 19/20-16, Merriman Place Water Main to the most responsive and responsible bidder and author-
in Dignan's selection. now.” ize the Mayor and Clerk to enter into a contract for the replacement of the 650 feet and 8-inch
water main on Merriman Place with Blue Ribbon Contracting in the amount of $204,030.00 along
“I'm convinced that Mr. Dignan is the When notified of his selection during a with a 10% contingency to cover any unforeseen construction issues that may arise.
best choice for our district at this time,” phone call with Cox immediately follow- Motion Carried Unanimously.
Buckalew said. ing the vote, Dignan said he was looking D. Res. #20-098 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb to approve and award Bid ITB
19/20-26 to the lowest responsible, and responsive bidder, Green Meadow Lawnscape, Inc. for a
Those sentiments were echoed by forward to joining the district. He added three-year period ending March 2023 for the mowing and trimming of the Romulus Memorial
board Vice President Frederick Waver that he “couldn't wait to get started.” Cemetery and Downtown alley maintenance and cutting for City of Romulus, City Clerk and
DPW.
Motion Carried Unanimously.
E. Res. #20-099 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Virginia Williams to approve
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF NORTHVILLE Introduction of Budget Amendment 19/20-17 to cover cost of City code required repairs/rehap of
NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS Firehouse, 35255 Goddard.
OFFICE CLOSING
Fund/Dept CURRENT AMENDED
The Charter Township of Northville Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020 in observance of Memorial ACCOUNT NO. ACCOUNT NAME BUDGET AMENDMENT BUDGET
Day. The offices will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. General
Fund Balance
POLICE & FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES WILL REMAIN AVAILABLE
101-000-390.000 Fund Balance 5,965,710.00 (72,000.00) 5,893,710.00
Marjorie F. Banner, Clerk Expense
101-265-970.000 Capital Outlay 81,450.00 72,000.00 153,450.00
Publish: May 14, 2020 NT0068 - 050720 2.5 x 1.519 Motion Carried Unanimous
6. Clerk’s Report – Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
A. Res. #20-100 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to approve the 2nd Reading;
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON Final Adoption -PFG Romulus/Vistar Conditional Rezoning and Development Agreement,
5 YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN AMENDMENT AND (Zoning Map Amendment), and Special Land Use.
2019 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENTS Motion Carried Unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD B. Res. #20-101 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Motion to
Amend Romulus Cemetery Rules & Regulations.
Canton Township announces the public comment period for amendments to the PY 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and amend- Motion Carried Unanimously.
ments to the PY 2019 Annual Action Plan. The above named documents for the Canton Community Development Block Grant 7. Treasurer’s Report – Stacy Paige, Treasurer
Program (CDBG) are available for inspection on the Canton Township website at https://www.canton-mi.org. Comments on the FYI - Quarterly Investment Report ended 12/31/19. – No action required from council.
CONSOLIDATED PLAN and the ANNUAL ACTION PLAN will be accepted for 5 days, beginning May 14, 2020. 8. Public Comment - there were no requests to speak from the public audience or any written requests sub-
Comments received during the public comment period will be forwarded to the Department of HUD and will become an adden- mitted. Councilwoman Williams read into the record a letter from a resident.
dum to the reports.
9. Unfinished Business
Publish: May 14, 2020 CN20621 - 050720 2.5 x 1.629 Michael Siegrist, Clerk 10. New Business
Mayor Burcroff acknowledged and thanked OHM for their assistance with the teleconferencing technol-
ogy for the council meeting.
11. Warrant
Notice of Public Hearing A. Res. #20-102 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb for Approval of Warrant #20-6
Charter Township of Canton for checks presented in the amount of $2,399,470.30. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) CON PLAN & B. Res. #20-103 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Virginia Williams for Approval of Warrant
Program Year (PY) 2019 Action Plan amendments #20-6E for checks presented in the amount of $15,738.95. Motion Carried Unanimously
12. Communication
The Charter Township of Canton is amending its 5 Year Consolidated Plan July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021 and the Annual
Action Plan for Program Year (PY) 2019 from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 for Community Development Block Grant Councilwoman Roscoe extended her gratitude to the DPW Workers, Fire and Police Departments and the
(CDBG) funds at $336,372 increased to $551,572 due to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Administration for all of their hard work in putting the residents first and keeping our community safe.
ACT) Funding of $215,200. • Councilwoman Webb acknowledged and thanked Technology Services, Fire and Police Departments for
their hard work, and acknowledged Mayor Burcroff for his leadership; and the Elected Officials.
The Finance Department encourages all parties to participate at a VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING on Tuesday, May 19, 2020, • Councilwoman Williams acknowledged and thanked Mayor Burcroff. • -The City Clerk acknowledged
at 5:00 P.M. on the township website at www.canton-mi.org. Otherwise all communications should be addressed in writing and thanked OHM for their assistance with the teleconferencing. The Clerk acknowledged and thanked
to the Financial Analyst, Canton Township- Finance Department, Mike Sheppard, 1150 Canton Center S, Canton , Michigan, Technology Services, Mayor Burcroff , the Administration, Election workers, and Clerk’s office staff for
48188.
their assistance and support during the March 10, 2020 Presidential Primary Election.
• Councilwoman Talley commented on the 2020 Census and reminded everyone to complete their survey.
Canton will provide technical assistance to citizens and groups representative of persons of low and moderate income that request
such assistance in developing funding request proposals and in the review of program activities and program performance. In 13. Adjournment
addition, Canton will make adequate provisions to assist non-English speaking residents in interpreting program opportunities A. Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb for Adjournment of the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
and provisions on a case-by-case basis, as well as provide auxiliary aides and services for individuals with disabilities. Requests Motion Carried Unanimously
for special accommodations must contact Mike Sheppard at (734) 394-5225, e-mail mike.sheppard@canton-mi.org or in writ-
ing to the Finance Department, 1150 Canton Center S., Canton MI 48188 ATTN: 5 Year Consolidated/Annual Action Plan I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
amendment Hearing. Requests for special accommodations must be made with reasonable advance notice. copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on March 23, 2020.
Mike Sheppard
Financial Analyst
Finance Department
Ellen L. Craig Bragg, City Clerk
Publish: May 14, 2020 CN2061 - 050720 2.5 x 3.292 City of Romulus, Michigan RM0492 - 051420 2.5 x 15.819