Members of the Romulus Community
Schools Board of Education unanimously
approved placing a comprehensive 3-mill
sinking fund proposal on the Aug. 7 elec-
tionballot.
Board members said approval of the
sinking fund question by voters would gen-
erate about $2.3 million each year, for 10
years. Trustees estimated the cost of the
millage to a resident of a $100,000 home at
about 40 cents more per day in property
taxes. “The majority of residents that
reside in the school district will pay less
than $10 permonth,” school officials said.
The primary purpose of the 10-year
proposal is to enhance school security and
student safety, to remodel and upgrade
schools and school facilities, and to
upgrade and add technology equipment
and technology infrastructure, noted
Superintendent of Schools Marjie
McAnally.
“The needs we expressed a year ago
have not gone away,” said McAnally.
“More than before, we need to repair and
renovate our schools. We need to expand
our ongoing efforts to improve school
security and student safety we need to
upgrade our instructional technology.”
McAnally said that the sinking fund
proposal will affect every Romulus stu-
dent and reflect on the well being of the
Romulus community.
“We believe the best way to address the
school district's priority needs is with a
pay-as-you-go sinking fund,” she said.
“With a sinking fund, the school district
does not accumulate debt and does not
pay interest on sinking fund revenue.”
The average building age is 50-years-
old making the list of priority projects
quite extensive, according toMcAnally.
“It includes such things as upgrading
HVAC systems, replacing roofs, doors, and
windows, renovating restrooms, repairing
and replacing parking lots, and improving
school sites, including playgrounds. There
are no frills on the project list.”
TheBartonMalowconstruction compa-
ny conducted a facilities needs assess-
ment on all buildings within the district
and concluded that there is $25 million
worthof repairs needed.
McAnally said a complete list of sinking
fund projects will be posted on the school
district website
) and
displayed in each school lobby.
School Board Secretary Theresa Beard
said she believes the sinking fund is nec-
essary to support the Romulus education-
al program and to assure that schools and
school facilities are up-to-date and in good
repair.
“It is essential that we address the sink-
ing fund projects that school staff mem-
bers and citizens have prioritized,” she
said. “Quite simply, this is a cut and dry
plan for addressing repairs and renova-
tions that are necessary and need immedi-
ate attention.”
Beard emphasized that voter approval
of the sinking fund proposal would
enhance Romulus' education program
and likely have a positive effect on proper-
ty values in the community. The majority
of state funding goes to paying educators
with little left for building maintenance
making shortfalls common, she explained.
As a result sinking funds have become a
common way for districts to take care of
building repairs. As a result sinking funds
have become a common way for districts
to take care of building repairs.
McAnally said that the school district
will produce informational materials to
explain the various sinking fundprojects.
“This year we want to make sure mem-
bers of the community understand every
aspect of the proposal and that all their
questions are answered before the Aug. 7
vote,” she said. “We encourage residents
to visit our website, attend school board
meetings, and contact us if they have any
questions.”
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
4
May 24, 2018
R
OMULUS
To subscribe to The Eagle call 734-467-1900.
The average building age is
50-years-old making the list
of priority projects quite extensive.
”
Schools to place sinking fund on August ballot
MINUTES OF REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 7, 2018
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd. Romulus, MI 48174
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem John Barden.
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call:
Kathy Abdo, John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Eva Webb, Virginia
Williams.
Administrative Officials in Attendance:
LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Excused
: Stacy Paige, Treasurer
1.
Moved by
Talley,
seconded by
Abdo
to accept the agenda as presented.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-148 2A.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Webb
to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the
Romulus City Council held on April 23, 2018.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-149 2B.
Moved by
Abdo,
seconded by
Talley
to approve the minutes of the special meeting of the Romulus
City Council held on April 23, 2018 – open session, 2018/2019 City Budget.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
3. Petitioner: None.
4. Chairperson’s Report:
Executive Director of Senior Alliance, Tamera Kiger, presented the annual report on behalf of the Senior Alliance
Plan. City Ordinance Director, Bonnie Freeman, presented the Pucks for Pets Animal Shelter Fundraiser proceeds
to Mayor Burcroff – a check in the amount of $14,700.
18-150 4A.
Moved by
Talley,
seconded by
Webb
to adopt a resolution recognizing Romulus High School stu-
dent Gabrielle “Gabby” Futch.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
4.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Talley
to accept the Chairperson’s Report.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
5. Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Burcroff presented a video of upcoming City events.
18-151 5A.
Moved by
Wadsworth
, seconded by
Roscoe
to concur with the administration and award ITB 17/18-
37 to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, Lasercom LLC, for a four-year contract for the printing, han-
dling and mailing services needed for tax statements, assessment notices and water account billing for the City
of Romulus Water & Assessment Departments and the Treasurer’s Office on an as-needed basis through
December 31, 2021.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-152 5B
. Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Abdo
to concur with the administration and award Bid ITB 17/18-
47 for a fixed two (2) year term for the installation of industrial, commercial, multi-unit residential and residen-
tial water meters to the only bidder, Ferguson Waterworks, on an as-needed basis at the pricing as reflected in the
company’s bid contract for these services to end 05/07/2020, contingent upon the final negotiation of the lan-
guage of the contract by the City’s Attorney and the Contractor. Discussion: Councilwoman Webb asked that
Council be provided a copy of the final contract.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-153 5C
. Moved by
Webb
, seconded by
Wadsworth
to concur with the administration and award Bid ITB
17/18-48 for mulch product to the lowest, responsive and most responsible bidder, Kamps Pallets, Inc. on an as-
needed basis for all departments for two-year prices as reflected in the company’s bid.
Motion Carried
Unanimously
.
18-154 5D (1)
. Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Abdo
to concur with the administration and award Bid ITB-FH-
17/18-2062, for the purchase of road salt for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 road salt season, under the terms of
the MITN Cooperative Bid, hosted by the City of Farmington Hills, from Detroit Salt Company.
Motion Carried
Unanimously
.
18-155 5D (2)
. Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Roscoe
to concur with the administration and authorize the
extension of the bid of each of the three subsequent years per the terms of the solicitation documents if the bid
is mutually extended by the company and the hosting agent.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-156 5E
. Moved by
Abdo
, seconded by
Webb
to concur with the administration and authorize the mayor and
clerk to enter into a 36 month agreement with BidNet Direct for internet solicitation publication services through
May 1, 2021.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-157 5F
. Moved by
Wadsworth
, seconded by
Roscoe
to concur with the administration and authorize the
mayor and city clerk to enter into agreements with Van Buren Township to provide water service to 8880 Hannan
Road and 8812 Hannan Road, with acknowledgment from Van Buren Township that they will become the City
of Romulus water services customer. Discussion: Councilman Wadsworth asked if normal tap-in fees will be
included in the agreement – Asst. DPW Director, Kathy Ritter, said yes, the normal tap-in fee is approximately
$3,500.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-158 5G
. Moved by
Roscoe
, seconded by
Webb
to concur with the administration and authorize the DPW to
dispose of the following vehicles to Martin Towing, with a disposal fee of $50.00 per vehicle, with all other pro-
ceeds deposited into the motor vehicle fund:
1GCEC14W51Z319912 407 2001 CHEVY PICKUP 071X774 141,651 DPW-GROUNDS
1GCEC14W01Z320546 122 2001 CHEVY PICKUP 071X886 110,614 DPW-ROADS
TANDEM
1FDYY80U3DVA29347 111 1983 FORD DUMP
071X765 60,050 DPW-ROADS
1GDKC34J9XF009528 438 1999 GMC 3500 1 TON 071X894 66,300 DPW-GROUNDS
DPW
5B4KP42Y133360207 219 2003 GMC CARGO VAN 071X819 98,858 WATER/SEWER
CITY HALL
1GNKE13Z74J217732 R42 2004 CHEVY TAHOE 071X916 144,277 MEDIA
1GNEK13Z04J218236 603 2004 CHEVY TAHOE 071X917 172,515 FIRE
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-159
5H
. Moved by
Abdo
, seconded by
Wadsworth
to concur with the administration and extend Bid
04/05-26 for the Merriman Road 2018 Maintenance Season through WH Cannon in the amount of $45,500 for
one year. Discussion: Councilwoman Webb asked if the bushes near Public Service Credit Union would be
trimmed, Economic Development Director, Tm Keyes, assured that they would be included in the maintenance.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-160 5I
. Moved by
Wadsworth
, seconded by
Webb
to concur with the administration and authorize a no-fee
permit for the use of the Historical Park pavilion on July 7, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the
annual Romulus Historical Society Flea Market and July 21, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the
Romulus Historical Society to host the Downriver Historical Organization.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-161
5J
. Moved by
Abdo
, seconded by
Williams
to concur with the administration and authorize a no-
fee permit for the use of Elmer Johnson Park on June 8, 2018 for the Romulus Middle School’s annual 8 th grade
picnic from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-162 5K
. Moved by
Wadsworth
, seconded by
Roscoe
to concur with the administration and authorize a no-
fee permit for the 75 th Birthday Celebration for Walter’s Bar and Bowling Alley on Saturday, May 19, 2018 for
the activities to be held at 37452 W. Huron River Drive. Discussion: Time – from 3 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
Motion
Carried Unanimously
.
6A. Clerk’s Report:
18-163 6
A
1
. Moved by
Roscoe
, seconded by
Williams
to concur with the Property Disposition Committee
and approve the sale of (Parcel) 80 77 28 0012 000, vacant land located on Whitehorn to John J. Schmitt
for $3,500 with a reverter clause stating that a foundation must be constructed within eighteen (18) months.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-164 6
A
2
. Moved by
Webb
, seconded by
Abdo
to concur with the Property Disposition Committee to convey
ownership via quit claim deed of parcel identification numbers 80 077 05 0051 000 and 80 077 05 0053 000 to
the City of Romulus Downtown Development Authority.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-165 6
A
3
. Moved by
Wadsworth
, seconded by
Abdo
to schedule a public hearing for Demolition List 18-01
on Monday, June 4, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
6B. Treasurer’s Report: None.
7. Public Comment:
Senator Ian Conyers introduced himself to City Council. A resident asked about the parcels of land that were sold
to the DDA.
8. Unfinished Business:
Economic Development Director, Tim Keyes, said the parcels of land that are up for sale – one is located at
Grover and Goddard (the old Dairy Dome location) and the other is located at Whitehorn and Goddard.
9. New Business: None.
18-166 9A
Moved by
Roscoe
, seconded by
Wadsworth
to adopt a resolution to congratulate Walter’s Bar on 75
years of doing business in the City of Romulus.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
10. Communication:
City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg gave a reminder of the free city-wide yard sale to be held from May 17 thru May
21, 2018.
11.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Roscoe
to adjourn the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on May 7, 2018.
RM0301 - 052418 2.5 x 14.446
INVITATION TO BID
CITY OF ROMULUS
ITB 17/18-51 New 34th District Court
Bid Package No. 2 - Foundations, Steel and Elevators
The City of Romulus and the George W. Auch Company will receive firm subcontractor bids for Bid
Package No. 2 for the New 34th District Court project at the 11129 Wayne Road, Romulus, MI
48174. The work includes sitework for the new 34th District Court project including foundations,
structural steel, and elevators.
A pre-bid meeting will be held on site, 11111 Wayne Road on May 31, 2018 at 11:00AM. Meet
promptly at City Hall, lobby.
Sealed bids identified with the company's name, are to be submitted in an opaque envelope marked
"Sealed Bid, Do Not Open" and be delivered in the City of Romulus Clerk's Office no later than 2:00
pm. on June 12, 2018. The bid envelopes shall be addressed:
ITB 17/18-51 New 34th District Court Project,
Bid Package 2: Foundations, Steel and Elevators
City of Romulus Clerk's Office
11111 Wayne Road
Romulus, MI 48174
Complete sets of documents may be downloaded electronically from the MITN Purchasing Group
page of BidNet Direct at
or Pipeline and are available for review
at the office of the George W. Auch Company, 65 University Drive, Pontiac, MI 48342
248.334.2000, (Construction Manager) and the City of Romulus Clerk's Office, 11111 Wayne Road,
Romulus, MI 48174, on or after
May 24, 2018
.
Bid security in the form of a Certified or Cashier's Check or bid bond for a sum no less than five per-
cent (5%) of the amount of the Bid will be required with each Bid.
The City of Romulus reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, or waive irregularities in Bids.
No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days after the sched-
uled closing time for receipt of the Bids. A contract may ultimately be awarded to the lowest most
responsive and responsible company, as determined in the sole discretion of the City of Romulus or
otherwise in a manner deemed by the City to be in its own best interest.
Neither the submission of nor acceptance of any bid shall constitute a contract between any bidder
and the City of Romulus. No such contract shall exist without first being approved by a formal
action of the members of the Romulus City Council and only after all required bonds and proof of
insurances and copies of endorsements have been received by the City and the agreement is signed
by authorized representatives of the City of Romulus and the successful Bidder.
All questions regarding the project or the ITB documents should be directed only to Danielle
Eschner, George W. Auch Company 248.334.2000 or via email at
5/24/18
RM0300 - 052418 2.5 x 6.719
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2018-2019 BUDGET
The Romulus Board of Education will hold a public hearing to consider the District's proposed 2018-
2019 budget on June 11, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Board of Education Office at 36540 Grant Road, Romulus, Ml
48174.
A copy of the proposed 2018-2019 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, will be
available for public inspection in the Romulus Board of Education Office during normal business
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on June 8, 2018.
The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support
the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.
This notice is given by order of the Board of
Education. Theresa Beard, Secretary
Board of Education
Publish: May 28, 2018
not by taxpayers. Even so, it means the
court will contribute about $1 million
less to the annual budget than it had in
previous years.
There has been development in the
city, notably theAmazondistribution cen-
ter, but that and other major develop-
ments are within the DDA or TIFA tax
districts, so the additional tax revenue
from them flows into those budgets.
While the city did receive revenue from
the building permits, Suzanne Moreno,
director of financial services for the city,
said those were one-time revenues that
wouldnot be counted on every year.
“It's not something that will happen
every year,” she said. “It's not what you
shouldbe basing your budget on.”
The general municipal finance model
inMichigan is a factor, too. Although, like
other communities, property values have
recovered from the economic downtown
that took place about 10 years ago,
municipal budgets have not, because tax
rates cannot increase higher than the
rate of inflation or 3 percent, whichever
is lower.
“We were warned this was coming up
from Plante Moran, years ago,” said
Council President JohnBarden.
The city took steps to alleviate the
potential funding crisis-there are 124
full-time employees in the city today,
compared to 174 in 2008/2009-but
Burcroff saidmore needs to be done.
“We need to find some long-term and
short-term solutions for the budget,” he
said. “Some things are beyond our con-
trol, but there are some things within our
control. That's what we're going to focus
on.”
Budget
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