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June 24, 2021 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN PAGE 7

SUMPTER 23480 Sumpter Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 Minutes
SUMPTER
Sumpter Township Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE:
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect the public health, and provide essential protections to Sumpter Township residents;
Heroes MDHHS directive(s) regarding remote public meetings.
this Board of Trustees' meeting was conducted virtually in compliance with State of Michigan Governor's Executive Order(s) and
Meeting called to order by Supervisor T. Bowman at 6:29 pm. Roll call: Supervisor T. Bowman (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI),
Clerk E. Hurst (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Treasurer J. Clark (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Trustees: Oddy (Wayne Cty,
Township officers are honored Sumpter Twp, MI), Rush (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), LaPorte (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI) and Morgan (Wayne Cty,
Sumpter Twp, MI). Also showing present: Deputy Clerk Burdick, Deputy Supervisor O'Connell, Deputy Treasurer Clark, Safety
Director/ Chief of Police Luke, Chief Januszyk and 14 attendees.
3. Agenda: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve the Agenda with the following edits;
REMOVE: 14. New Business, Item B
REMOVE: 14. New Business, Item C
While the usual public recognition the child's mother and obtained a lead to Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan.
ceremony celebrating the performance their whereabouts and then coordinated Nay: None. Motion carried.
of officers of the Sumpter Police with a local police department in 4. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: No Comments.
Department was cancelled due to public Pennsylvania, who quickly acted on 5. Minutes:
safety restrictions, Sumpter Township Steffani's information. Within a short Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2021. Roll call vote: Yes:
Director of Public Safety/Police Chief time, the juvenile was recovered, and the Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion
carried.
Eric Luke recently presented the awards adult male was arrested. The male was
to officers and posted the 2020 award sentenced to jail in Pennsylvania for 6. Warrants:
Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to approve the warrants total of $144,899.52. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
recipients online. resisting arrest for his actions upon being Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
located by Pennsylvania officers and sub-
OFFICER OF sequently extradited to Michigan, where 7. Parks & Recreation/Chambers Report - Rush:
•
Trustee Rush reported that the Parks & Recreation April 24th Earth Day & Cleanup event went very well. He was
THE YEAR he is still being held on several charges. very pleased with the Volunteer turnout and the results. The
Volunteers brought their own tools and contributed a full day's effort! Trustee Morgan added a big thank you to all
Selection is The juvenile female was returned to her who assisted in cleaning our Parks.
based upon parents. • Trustee Rush wanted to thank the 1st Responders who attended the recently held SkyWarn Training. This was the
first training held in 2 years due to COVID safety concerns and one of only a few sessions held in all of SouthEast
the member's During 2020, Toth and Salajan have Michigan this storm season.
significant worked diligently on all major cases that Motion by LaPorte, supported by Oddy to accept the Parks & Recreation/Chambers Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
contribution to came into the department, Luke said. In
the mission of an unprecedented year full of chal- 8. Water & Sewer Report - Clark:
Motion by Clark, supported by Morgan to receive and file the Water & Sewer Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T.
the Sumpter lenges, including the COVID-19 pandem- Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
T o wnship ic, they worked tirelessly on a caseload 9. Planning & Zoning Report - Oddy:
P olice that included several CSC cases, numer- • Trustee Oddy advised that the Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 1, 2021 and approved, with stipulations, 3 Pole
Department ous drug cases, and multiple shooting • Barn variance applications.
Trustee Oddy noted that the Planning Commission is currently working on the existing Sign Ordinance. The main
and was incidents in the Rawsonville Woods focus of the Commission is to meet compliance with current Federal regulations, with results submitted to the Board
over the next few months.
awarded to Mobile Home Park. This was in addition Motion by Rush, supported, by Morgan to approve the Planning & Zoning Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman,
Ofc. Joseph Ofc. Joseph Hogan. to a quadruple homicide that's still pro- Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Hogan. ceeding through the court process. The 10. Senior Report - Hurst:
The building will be closed from May 5th to May 19th, 2021 Maryann will be out of town.
•
Luke said that during the course of detectives' guidance to patrol and their • Arthritis Foundation Exercise class is on Monday's and Thursday's at 10:30 approximately 8 participants.
the year, Hogan exemplified what a contribution to the department mission • • Bible Study meets on Tuesday's 10:15.
Cardio drumming is outside with fresh air under the pavilion at 6:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursday's. This is an inter-
Sumpter Township Police officer should have been invaluable, the chief said. generational event with Grandma's, Moms, daughters, granddaughters, and Fathers! Equipment is available and mem-
be. • bership fee required.
Meals on Wheels is distributed on Mondays and Thursdays to 48 Homebound clients.
“Despite personal risk due to the VALUED SERVICE • TEFAP (Commodities) Program distribution is on the third Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 9:00am to 11:00am we dis-
COVID-19 pandemic, Hogan continued Members qualifying for this award • tribute drive thru style at the rear hallway entrance, if you have any questions please call Maryann 734-461-9373.
Our Senior Center is a MICAFE site offering assistance applying for the Bridge card or other benefits one may qualify
to be proactive in the community, partic- have accrued a minimum of 20 years of for call Maryann for more information.
ularly in the Rawsonville Woods Mobile continued service. The employee must Motion by Morgan, supported by Rush to approve the Senior Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor
T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Home Park, in response to several vio- demonstrate a consistent commitment to
lent crimes. Through his exceptional the department through the quality of 11. Treasurer's Report - Clark:
Motion by Morgan, supported by Hurst to receive and file the Treasurer's Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman,
police skills, Ofc. Hogan conducted self- work performed. Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
initiated activity and apprehended drug The award went to Det. Lt. John Toth 12. Board Response:
dealers within the community,” Luke who has served the township for 20 • Trustee Morgan stated that she wanted to respond to questions from the residents about a couple of issues. The first being
said. Luke added that Hogan's keen years. about Forgotten Harvest. Unfortunately, Forgotten Harvest decided not to conduct activities in Sumpter Township due
to a Sumpter Township employee's behavior with the visiting Wayne County and Forgotten Harvest representatives.
sense in narcotics enforcement led to the • Trustee Morgan remarked to the issue of two ex-employees receiving exorbitant final payouts and, in one case, 3 months'
discovery of numerous Ecstasy tablets LIFESAVING benefits continuation and mistakes being covered up and not addressed. Trustee Oddy granted the floor by Point of Order
and asked Supervisor Bowman to shut Trustee Morgan's Board Response down due to the inappropriate public allega-
and illegal prescription pills intended to These awards are presented to tions regarding Sumpter Township employees. Supervisor Bowman granted the Point of Order request.
be distributed within the community, fol- department members who are credited 13. Unfinished Business: None.
lowing a vehicle pursuit and foot chase. with actively saving a human life. Trustee Oddy stated that the Board Response should not be used to publicly berate employees.
His skills also came to light in the appre- This year, Ofc. Hudson and Ofc 14. New Business:
hension of a suspected heroin dealer and Rodriguez; Sgt. Balowski, Ofc. Herrick A. Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to approve to purchase a 2021 Ford Police Interceptor Utility for the police depart-
parole absconder at a known drug and Ofc. Hogan; Sgt. Steffani and ment from Atchinson Ford for $39,564.14. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark;
Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
house,” Luke said. Ofc.Gottschalk; Sgt. Balowski and Ofc. D. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve of Amended Resolution 2021-06 regarding Park Millage Funding
Hogan arrested a suspected crack Herrick and Sgt. Steffani and Ofc. Hogan, Allocations for fiscal year 2020-2021 in the amount of 17,662.00. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst,
Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
cocaine dealer, who in turn tried eating a all in separate instances and calls were E. Motion by Oddy, supported by LaPorte to approve of Resolution 2021-07 regarding Park Millage Funding Allocations for
large amount of the drug to eliminate directly responsible for saving lives. fiscal year 2018-2019 in the amount of 15,880.00. This resolution will amend resolution 2019-10 approved by the Board of
Trustees on June 25, 2019. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy,
evidence. Despite the dealer's efforts, LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Hogan was still able to recover evidence CHIEF’'S RECOGNITION F. Motion by Morgan, supported by Rush to approve of the attached for infrastructure project plan for capital improvements
and grant applications. Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst, Treasurer J. Clark; Trustees: Oddy,
and articulate the offense, Luke said. The chief of police may present this LaPorte, Rush, and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
“Officer Hogan's ability to detect crim- award to a member of the police depart-
inal activity is second to none, his investi- ment for any reason deemed worthy of 15. Announcements: None.
gations are solid, and his reports are recognition 16. Open Floor: None spoke.
articulated clearly and concisely, result- This year. Luke presented the award 17. Closed Session;
ing in approved charges,” Luke conclud- to Ofc. Devos and Ofc. Herrick and Ofc. A. (at the request of Joe Januszyk only) if not than an open meeting, pursuant to MCL 15.268 (a) to consider discipli-
ed. Toney and Sgt. Cayce marking separate nary action including dismissal, suspension, or other disciplinary action, as to the Township Fire Chief Joe Januszyk
incidents of exemplary performance of and to review confidential information provided by the Township Attorney and Public Safety Director which is
exempt from public disclosure by statute or federal law.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE their duties along with Sgt. Balowski, Ofc. Attorney Young advised that the contract employee, Chief Joseph Januszyk, has the option to conduct this session in Open
This award is presented to a member Herrick, and Ofc.Hogan in another call Meeting or Closed Session. The Attorney indicated that he spoke with Chief Januszyk and his wish was to conduct this session
of the department who has performed an and Sgt. Steffani, Ofc. Gottschalk, Ofc. in Open Meeting. Chief Januszyk concurred. Attorney Young advised that this session will be held in Open Meeting. Supervisor
Bowman restated the Session consideration.
efficient and valuable service either in Hogan, Det. Lt. Toth and Det Salajan. Chief Januszyk advised that he had no problem with the Whistle-Blower involved in the recent events and wanted to insure all
the performance of a specific task or in The awards were presented, Luke knew his position on the investigation prior to Board action. He stated he was advised of an employee that made statements and
the outstanding performance of general said, for the officers bravery and exem- he made a mistake by assuming it was 14 months prior based on the investigation activities, although Chief Luke corrected Chief
Januszyk stating that it had been approximately 2-3 months prior.
duties over an extended period. plary performance in separate incidents
Awards this year went to Sgt Brian and calls for service during 2020. Supervisor Bowman indicated that the Whistle-Blower was only an additional indication of what Chief Luke's investigation
Steffani, Det. Lt. John Toth and Det. “I want to personally thank the award revealed. That Chief Januszyk had not been properly doing his job for 14 months. Based on this, he felt he had to take Chief
Luke's recommendation of action. Chief Luke clarified his report and investigation in that it did not recommend the termination
George Salajan. Luke said the depart- recipients along with all other members of the Chief's contract and that this needed to be a Board action. He wanted to ensure his opinions were not part of the Board's
decision and that the Fire Chief's comments at the prior meeting were the current reason for review and decision.
ment had taken a report of a 14-year-old of the department for a job well done in
female that had run away from home. 2020. What a strange year it was but your Trustee Morgan inquired as to what the Fire Chief said at the past Board Meeting that now compelled cancellation of his con-
tract. Supervisor Bowman stated that the facts of the investigation spoke for themselves and that there's been plenty of time for
While the juvenile had left of her own dedication and service to the community Board Member review to take action. Supervisor Bowman further stated that the Fire Chief's actions at the past meeting, by call-
accord, the mother grew concerned that in the face of unparalleled adversity did ing out the Whistle- Blower were inappropriate
her daughter was being coerced by a 19- not go unnoticed,” Luke said. Chief Januszyk indicated that during the last meeting he'd had a long day in response as well as fatigue and a medical condition
year-old man trying to get her to leave The details of specific cases and that influenced his statements and attitude. He stated he never mentioned the Whistle-Blower, only a Township employee.
the state, with information that they were response to calls for service can by found Trustee LaPorte advised that the Fire Chief stated that the person who came forward on the issues was just as guilty as she (C.
possibly en route to Florida. Over two on the Sumpter Township Police Armatis) was. That was the Fire Chief's statement regarding the Whistle- Blower. For 14 months, the Fire Chief had no oversight
on payroll and he signed his name for each of the 14 months at the bottom of the payroll and attested they were correct. There
days, Steffani conducted follow-up with Facebook page. is evidence of payroll fraud. Those are the facts. Oversight was the Fire Chief's responsibility, no one else. The Fire Chief indi-
cated he never denied responsibility.
Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to approve of, with respect and without cause, the termination of the employment con-
Sumpter Township tract for Chief Joseph Januszyk effective immediately; appointing Mr. Richard Brown as interim Fire Chief of Sumpter Township
Virtual Special Board Meeting Fire Department with the same as previous Chief.
Friday, April 30, 2021, 12:00 p.m. The motion was explained to Chief Januszyk by Trustee LaPorte.
23480 Sumpter Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 Roll call vote: Yes: Supervisor T. Bowman, Clerk E. Hurst; Trustees: Oddy, LaPorte and Rush. Nays: Treasurer J. Clark and
Minutes Trustee Morgan. Motion carried.
NOTICE: B. Pursuant to MCL 15.268 (c)to review and discuss updates and strategy regarding the pending negotiations with
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect the public health, and provide essential protections to Sumpter Township residents; COAM regarding wages.
this Board of Trustees’ meeting was conducted virtually in compliance with State of Michigan Governor’s Executive Order(s)
and MDHHS directive(s) regarding remote public meetings. At 7:12 pm, Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy 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.
Meeting called to order by Supervisor T. Bowman at 12:00 pm. Roll call: Supervisor T. Bowman (Wayne Cty, Belleville, MI),
Clerk E. Hurst (Burlington, NC), Treasurer J. Clark (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Trustees: Oddy (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, At 7:34 pm, Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to open the Regular Board Meeting. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy,
MI), Rush (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI) and Morgan (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI). Trustee LaPorte excused. Also showing Rush, LaPorte and Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst, Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: None. Motion carried.
present: Deputy Clerk Burdick, Deputy Supervisor O’Connell, Deputy Treasurer Clark, Safety Director/ Chief of Police Luke,
Chief Januszyk and 4 attendees. At 7:35 pm, Motion by LaPorte, supported by Oddy to accept the Attorney's recommendations and actions as advised during the
Closed Session. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst, Supervisor
3. Agenda: Motion by Oddy, supported by Rush to approve the agenda. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and T. Bowman. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: None. Trustee LaPorte excused. Motion carried.
Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to virtually conduct the scheduled Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.
4. Public Comments on Agenda Items Only: None. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush and LaPorte, Clerk E. Hurst Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: Treasurer J. Clark and
Trustee Morgan. Motion carried.
5. New Business:
18. Adjournment; Motion by Rush, supported by Oddy to adjourn at 7:38 pm. Motion carried.
A. Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to approve of Township Hall closure effective April 30, 2021 to May 10, 2021, exclud-
ing limited, necessary functions of election and payroll. Roll call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan, Minutes prepared by;
Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: None. Trustee LaPorte excused. Motion carried. Anthony Burdick, Deputy Clerk
Sumpter Township
B. Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to REMOVE from consideration the interim appointment due to recent events. Roll
call vote; Ayes; Trustees Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan, Treasurer J. Clark, Clerk E. Hurst Supervisor T. Bowman. Nays: _____________________________ __________________
None. Trustee LaPorte excused. Motion carried. Esther Hurst, Clerk Date
6. Open Floor: No attendees spoke. _____________________________ __________________
Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date
7. Adjournment: Motion by Morgan, supported by Oddy to adjourn at 12:39 pm. Motion carried. ST0055 - 062421 2.5 x 19.86
Minutes prepared by,
Anthony Burdick, Deputy Clerk
Sumpter Township To subscribe to
_____________________________ __________________ The Eagle
Esther Hurst, Clerk Date
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Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date ST0056 - 062421 2.5 x 5.225