Page 3 - eagle062223

June 22, 2023 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 3

NORTHVILLE
NORTHVILLE

Construction set to begin at Unity skateboard park

Unity Skatepark in Northville friend, Jack Tsalis, and his parents their generous donations,” said
Township is officially rolling fol- envisioned the skatepark as a way ” Gabriella Duhn, champion of the
lowing a groundbreaking ceremo- to bring something positive out of I just know that Dominic project.
ny for the 10,000-square-foot his tragic death. Their idea capti- is smiling down on us. “I just know that Dominic is
amenity last week. vated hundreds of people who smiling down on us knowing that
Northville Township contributed funding to get the this skatepark will serve as a place
Supervisor Mark J. Abbo and resi- project launched and built Inc. sought out their input via Township has committed the land for all to come together in unity to
dent Gabriella Duhn performed through the Dominic Duhn meetings and surveys in early and $150,000 to the new park along have a good time with a lot of
the ceremonial groundbreaking as Foundation, Inc. 2023. with the $83,327 the township laughter just like he lived his life.”
leaders from throughout the com- “This is an exciting day for “This has been a grassroots receives from the Wayne County The park will include a memo-
munity looked on. Preparation at Northville Township as we take project from the beginning, from Parks millage allocation. The City rial to honor Duhn as well.
the skatepark site work was sched- this ceremonial first step toward the fundraising to the design of Northville has committed $8,123 “We know many of our resi-
uled to begin this week. building an amenity that will serve input,” Abbo said. “It truly is a from their Wayne County Parks dents have a passion for skate-
The project is a culmination of this community for decades,” Abbo project for the community built by millage allocation. More than boarding,” said Northville Parks
a two-year effort to provide a safe said. the community. $360,000 was raised through vari- and Recreation Director Debra
space for the community to The skatepark will have a Besides the design, Spohn ous supporters and fundraisers Bilbrey-Honsowetz. “This is a
embrace wheeled sports. pump track, rails, a bowl, ledges, Ranch is handling the construc- hosted by the Duhn family and recreation gem and we hope by
Township resident Dominic Duhn pads and embankments. tion. The company expects to com- their 501(c)(3) foundation. providing this space, we introduce
died after being struck by a vehi- Community members played a key plete the skate park in October. “Our family is excited to see more people to the wheeled sports
cle while riding his skateboard on role in selecting those course ele- The Dominic Duhn Foundation this project begin as we are fully community. It's a great way to
Sheldon Road in September 2020. ments, as park designer continues to raise money for the appreciative of so many people spend time outdoors and enjoy
His brother, Enzo, his best California-based Spohn Ranch, $655,500 project. Northville helping us get to this point with Northville Township to its fullest.”
City tree replacement

program is under way

Several residents in Northville have locations recommended by the non-profit,
some new neighbors that require special citizen-led Tree Champions group. These
attention. trees are in areas that fill open space
The city is replacing or replanting 51 when the right-of-way is too narrow to
trees in the community as part of the support a new plant that will grow into a
effort to retain the status as a Tree City. huge tree in the decades ahead, officials
That designation requires diligent main- said.
tenance and care of municipal trees, DPW Director Mike Domine noted,
including replacement and a variety of "The city has plenty of maples so we're
plants. planting other varieties. In some cases, Shout out
Last week, DPW staff members began we're matching maple trees because they
to remove and replenish dead trees as are already on the street." Northville Township officials recently recognized the members of the township
new ones were installed. Staff members Officials asked residents with new Department of Public Works for their exceptional performance. During National
are planting various new trees along city trees planted near their home to ensure Public Works Week last month, the township thanked the department staff and
rights of way, including species like fast- that the new plantings receive about 5 gal- leaders for their continued efforts to improve life for residents.
growing tulip trees to fall-color-favorite lons of water every week.
maples and even some lesser known Irrigation systems typically don't pro-
London planes, swamp white oaks, and vide enough water for a new tree, special-
the common huckleberry. ists said. In Northville, the nearby home-
There is already a new tree in front of owner is responsible for watering the tree
the Art House and three more on Cady year-round. Keeping the trees supplied
Street that will provide shade on the north with water is integral to their establish-
side of the Northville Post Office, city offi- ment and growth, horticulturists
cials said. explained. "It's very important that new
This year, $18,000 is being spent to pur- trees get the proper care during the first
chase new trees for the city from Marine year after being planted, especially as we
City Nursery. In addition to planting new head into a hot summer when trees may
trees and removing dead trees, maintain- need even more water," officials said in a
ing the tree canopy requires tree trim- prepared statement
ming and periodic treatment to contain For more information, contact the
various tree diseases, officials said. Northville DPW at (248) 449-9930 during
Many of the replacement trees are in business hours.
Sumpter Township Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Sumpter Township Regular Board Meeting 23480 Sumpter Road, Belleville, MI 48111
Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 6:00 p.m. Minutes
23480 Sumpter Road, Belleville, MI 48111
Minutes The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Bowman at 7:19 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Meeting was called to order by Trustee Oddy at 7:08 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call: Supervisor Bowman, Clerk Hurst, Trustees: LaPorte, Morgan, Oddy, and Rush. Treasurer Patterson excused. Also
showing present: Attorney Young, Deputy Clerk Armatis, Finance Director Holtz, Public Safety Director/Police Chief Luke, Fire
Roll call: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Patterson, Trustees: LaPorte, Rush, Oddy and Morgan. Supervisor Bowman excused. Also show- Chief Brown, Township Manager Burdick, Water Director Danci and 7 attendees.
ing present: Finance Director Holtz, Township Manager Burdick, Attorney Young, Deputy Clerk Armatis, Public Safety Director/
Police Chief Luke, Fire Chief Brown, DPW Director Danci, and 19 attendees. 3. Agenda: Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve the Agenda with the following addition:
Add item G. Consider approval for Ashley Harris to be interim deputy treasurer from 12:00 pm through 5:00 pm, February 28,
Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to have Trustee Oddy chair the meeting. All in favor. Motion carried. 2023; and to be compensated at the deputy pay for 5 hours.
Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Items F.G. and H were moved up and voted on. The Oath of Office was given by Clerk Hurst to Officer Devos and Officer Salajan
for the rank of Sergeant. 4. Public Comment: Three (1) attendee spoke.
3. Agenda: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve the agenda with the following amendments: 5. Minutes: Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 14, 2023 and accept
Amend: Table item A and add item J. the planning commission minutes of November 10, 2022. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Roll Call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
6. Warrants: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve warrants totaling $2,732,937.02. Roll call vote: Yes: All in
4. Public Comment/Open Floor: One (1) attendee spoke. favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
5. Minutes: Motion by Rush, supported by Morgan to approve/ accept the Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of February 28, 7-11. Reports. Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to receive and file all reports.
2023; Regular Board Meeting minutes of February 28, 2023; and Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes of October 27, Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
2022. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
12. Board Response: Trustee LaPorte thanked the fire and police departments for their efforts during the recent ice storm.
6. Warrants: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to approve warrants totaling
$1,103,274.44. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried. 14. New Business:
7,8,9,10,11 Motion by Patterson, supported by LaPorte to receive and file all reports. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. A. Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to approve the recommendation of the Planning Commission for re-zoning par-
Motion carried. cel #81-013-99-0026-000 (45476 Harris Road) from R-2 to C-1.
Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
12. Board Response: Trustee Rush discussed roads and his communication with Wayne County. Trustee LaPorte stated the
County should come to a meeting and address the citizen's concerns. Residents should call the road commission and then B. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve Deputy Treasurer Campbell to attend the MMTA basic institute pro-
call the supervisor's office and give them the ticket number so that the office can keep track. Trustee Morgan agreed with gram from April 23rd-April 28th, with a cost not to exceed $1,332.
LaPorte and added that if it were election time, they would all be out here. Should call the news. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
New Business: C. Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to approve to offer all eligible employees the MedMutual Voluntary &
Dependent Life program effective March 2023 at no cost to Sumpter Township.
A. TABLED. Consider the adoption of the 2023/2024 budget as presented. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
B. Motion by Patterson, supported by LaPorte to identify and appoint the Focus Group(s) to review and provide input and
options for all proposed township recreation, development, and facility considerations, with the recommendation of who D. Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy to approve the fire department grant writing fee of $5,165 to JW2 Fire Consultants
sits on the group by the Township Manager. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried. for the 2022/ 2023 FEMA AFG cycle. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
C. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to direct the contracted internal auditor and accountant to review the water and
sewer rates and the annual Carleton Farms Landfill volumes. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion car- E. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to assign the Township Manager, Township Attorney, and Public Safety Director
ried. to the blight remediation committee and direct them to address extreme, last-resort blight issues.
D. Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to approve the Sumpter Township employee confidentiality agreement. Roll call Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
vote: Yes: Oddy, Hurst, Patterson, Laporte, and Rush. Nay: Morgan. Motion carried.
E. Motion by Patterson, supported by LaPorte to accept the proposal submitted by Bureau Veritas to provide a township F. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Oddy to direct Township Manager Burdick to obtain the highest bid and proposed use
facilities assessment and space utilization report. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried. that is being offered for Parcel #81-102- 99-0006-000 Martinsville Road (69.36 acres). And re-instate the listing agree-
F. Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to accept the retirement of Sergeant James Cayce with the final active-duty date ment with Moving The Mitten. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
of 2/28/23, with the employment separation date on or about 4/21/2023 with regrets. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor.
Nay: None. Motion carried. G. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve Ashley Harris to be interim deputy treasurer from 12:00 PM
G. Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to promote patrol officer Bart Devos to the rank of Sergeant effective March THROUGH 5:00 PM, February 28, 2023; and to be compensated at the deputy pay for 5 hours.
15, 2023, at the rate of $39.49 per hour. Roll call vote: Yes: Allinfavor. Nay: None. Motioncarried. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
H. Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to promote patrol officer George Salajan to the rank of Sergeant effective March
15, 2023, at the rate of $39.49 per hour. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried. 15. Announcements: None.
I. Motion by Patterson, supported by Rush to counter the offer to purchase for parcel #81-102-00-0006-000, Martinsville
Road, 69.36 acres; accept the price of Closed Session: Pursuant to MCL 15.268 to consider attorney-client privileged material; regarding pending litigation.
$270,000.00, buyer Laing to remove contingencies, pay for his own survey and 60 days due diligence; with the Township
attorney to draw up the agreement. Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to go into closed session at 7:41 pm.
J. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to accept the retirement of Detective/Lieutenant John Toth with the final active- Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
duty date of 3/15/2023, with the employment separation date on or about 4/10/2023, with regrets. Roll call vote: Yes:
All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried. Motion by Hurst, supported by LaPorte to reconvene the meeting at 7:54 pm.
Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
13. Announcements: Many accolades were given to the retiring officers and congratulations were given to the promoted officers,
by Attorney Young and Public Safety Director/Police Chief Luke. Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to have the attorney proceed as directed.
Roll call vote: Yes: All in favor. Nay: None. Motion carried.
14. Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to adjourn at 7:47 p.m. Motion carried.
16. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Oddy to adjourn at 7:55 pm. All in favor. Motion carried.
Minutes prepared by:
Deputy Clerk K. Armatis Minutes prepared by;
Sumpter Township Deputy Clerk K. Arruatis
Sumpter Township
___________________________ _____________ ___________________________ _____________
Esther Hurst, Clerk Date Esther Hurst, Clerk Date
___________________________ _____________ ___________________________ _____________
Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date ST0154 - 06 22 23 2.5 x 9.099 Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date ST0153 - 06 22 23 2.5 x 9.327