A
SSOCIATED
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EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
3
August 23, 2018
B
ELLEVILLE
- R
OMULUS
Father charged in death of 7-year-old daughter
Battle for Belleville set
Community Baby Shower planned
A father has been charged
with second degree murder and
involuntary manslaughter in the
death of his 7-year-old daughter
killed by a vehicle while cross-
ing I-94 on foot seeking help.
Wayne County Prosecutor
Kym Worthy has charged
Wilburt Dion Thomas, 47, of
Detroit in connection with the
fatal car crash that took place at
about 1:47 a.m. July 15 in the
interstate near Inkster Road in
Romulus.
Prosecutors allege that
Thomas was driving a stolen van
while under the influence of
alcohol and marijuana with his
7-year-old daughter in the vehi-
cle when he crashed the van
into a disabled car parked on
the shoulder of the road and
struck a fence. Thomas then
allowed his daughter to walk
away from the accident scene
unsupervised, prosecutors
claim. While the child was
walking in search of help, she
was fatally struck by another
vehicle driven by a woman. The
woman immediately contacted
the police, according to official
reports.
The child succumbed to
injuries sustained during the
car crash. Thomas was taken
from the accident scene to a
local hospital, treated and later
released.
Thomas is facing charges of:
second degree murder; involun-
tary manslaughter (a 15-year
felony); child abuse - second
degree (a 10-year felony); operat-
ing under the influence (one
year); controlled - possession of
Marijuana (one year); and alco-
hol - open container (90 days).
Thomas was arrested by
Romulus Police onAug. 10.
He also faces charges in the
theft of the vehicle he was driv-
ing at the time.Worthy has also
charged Thomas with unlawful-
ly driving away a motor vehicle
(a 5-year felony) and larceny in a
building (a 4-year felony) in con-
nection with stealing a van from
a transportation company locat-
ed in the 34935 block of
Schoolcraft inLivonia.
Prosecutors allege that
Thomas, an employee of the
company, stole a car key and
took a van without permission
from the company lot at about 4
p.m. July 13. Thomas was
employed at the company as a
driver, officials said.
“The confluence of events in
this case caused the untimely
death of the defendant's young
daughter. The alleged actions of
the father included driving a
stolen car while highly intoxicat-
ed, having open intoxicants and
marijuana in the car, crashing
into a disabled car, and allowing
his daughter to leave the car and
walk alone across the highway
to her death. This is a tragic and
devastating case,”Worthy said.
Thomas was arraigned in
34th District Court in Romulus
onAug. 11 and received a $1mil-
lion/10 percent bond. His
Probable Cause Conference is
was yesterday and his prelimi-
nary examination is set for Aug.
29.
The annual Battle for Belleville will
take place tomorrow as military vehicles
and soldiers fillMainStreet.
Reenactors will begin the battle at
about 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 when the
Yankee Air Museum and the Belleville
Area Museum team up to present the
annual World War II Reenactment.
Military vehicles and
reenactors will cara-
van down Belleville
Road from the
Yankee Air Museum
at approximately 6:15
p.m., arriving onMain
Street around 6:30
p.m. Allied Troops
will attempt to liber-
ate the city of
Belleville and our
local history museum
from Nazi-Germany
occupation. After the battle, visitors will
be able to view a short vintage military
vehicle car show and children are wel-
come to pick up spent blanks on themuse-
umlawn.
The events lead up to the Thunder
Over Michigan Air Show, which takes
place, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25-26 at
theYankeeAirMuseum.
Organizers urged visitors to arrive
early to make sure they find a good seat
for the reenactment. Main Street will be
closed and seating will only available on
the north side along the sidewalk in front
of The Bayou Grill,
Egan's Pub, and up to
ThirdStreet.
The Belleville
Area Museum cur-
rently features a
Rosie the Riveter
Exhibit that runs
throughSeptember as
well as a new Rosie
the Riveter Memorial
RoseGarden on site.
The museum is
currently open from
noon until 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday
through Friday and from 3-7 p.m.
Tuesdays through Labor Day. After Labor
Day the facility we will return to fall
hours, 3-7 p.m. Tuesday and noon until 4
p.m.Wednesday throughSaturday.
like our core mission has never
changed.”
“I have an awesome staff. I couldn't do
what I do without them.” That staff num-
bers around 26, eight full timers.
She's a fan of mysteries, especially by
author Louise Penny. “I read awide vari-
ety of things, contemporary fiction and
nonfiction, self-improvement,” she said.
“I read fantasy, too, here and there.”
Summer reading drew a crowd at the
library, and Suchy said she was also
pleased with several book discussion
groups, including an African-American
Literature Book Group. The library
hosts a “Homegrown Knowledge” series
that has ranged from travelogues to bee-
keeping to library history. The Friends of
the Belleville Library organize the
series.
In the fall, a Comic Book Club for
grades four-six will start, with kids mak-
ing their own comic books. The 11 a.m. to
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, community-wide
Harvest Fest is on tap, with butter churn-
ing, leaf rubbing, corn husk dolls and
more.
There's annual community “Booville”
fun in October, including an adult
HalloweenStorytime.
“So it really runs the gamut,” she said
of library activities.
A Community Baby Shower is
planned from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 22, at Trinity Episcopal
Church.
The speakers for the event will be
Hilary Hitte from First Step and the
Rev. Markita Primm.
The church is located at 11575
Belleville Road just south of I-94
Service Drive. Refreshments will be
served.
This is a free event open to the pub-
lic. For more information about show-
er needs for infants and toddler con-
tact M. Caldwell at mariancaldwell@
yahoo.com.
*CORRECTED*
MINUTES OF REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 6, 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, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Eva Webb, Virginia Williams.
Excused:
John Barden.
Late: Eva Webb.
Administrative Officials in Attendance:
LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
Barb Fitzgerald, Deputy Clerk
Stacy Paige, Treasurer
* 1.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Abdo
to accept the agenda as presented.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-258 2A.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Roscoe
to approve the corrected minutes of the regular meet-
ing of the Romulus City Council held on July 23, 2018.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
– Roscoe, Talley, Wadsworth,
Webb, Williams.
Nays
– None.
Abstain
– Abdo.
Motion Carried
.
18-259 2B.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Roscoe
to approve the minutes of the special meeting of the
Romulus City Council held on July 23, 2018 – Demolition List 18-01.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
– Roscoe, Talley,
Wadsworth, Webb, Williams.
Nays
– None.
Abstain
– Abdo.
Motion Carried
.
3. Petitioner
4. Chairperson’s Report
Councilwoman Talley chaired the meeting on behalf of Mayor Pro Tem Barden. She complimented the police
department for the fine job they did during the Wick Road incident. She also commented on the APA Romulus
Festival and thanked Councilwoman Williams for her contributions to the event. David Jones, from St. John’s
Lodge #44 announced their annual Youth Day will be held on August 25, 2018.
18-260 4A.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Abdo
to grant a no-fee yard sale permit to Pastor Bob Harper
of Ball Road Tabernacle Church for their yard sale to be held on Thursday, August 9 th thru Saturday, August 11,
2018.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-261 4B.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Wadsworth
to adopt a memorial resolution for the family of Henry
Freitag.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-262 * 4C.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Webb
to adopt a resolution congratulating Rev. Dr. John J. Cole
Sr. on his 19 th Pastoral Anniversary.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-263 4D.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Abdo
to adopt a resolution to recognize Charles Cawetzka, Medal
of Honor recipient, who is buried in the Romulus Memorial Cemetery.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-264 4E.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Roscoe
to adopt a memorial resolution for the family of Randy
Prater.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
5. Mayor’s Report
Mayor Burcroff recognized seniors who competed in the Senior Olympics; and, he presented a video of upcom-
ing City events.
18-265 5A.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Webb
to concur with the administration and adopt a resolution
in support of the Senior Alliance Annual Implementation Plan for Aging Services for fiscal year 2019 as pre-
sented.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-266 *5B.
Moved by
Abdo,
seconded by
Roscoe
to concur with the administration to appoint David
Paszkowski to fill the vacant position on the Romulus Arts Council with a term to expire on November 11, 2019.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
18-267 *5C.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Webb
to concur with the administration and introduce Budget
Amendment 18/19-02 for an unexpected major repair to replace the debris tank on the vactor. Discussion:
Councilwoman Talley asked about the purpose of a vactor, Mayor Burcroff explained the DPW uses it to clean
drains.
FUND/DEPT. CURRENT
AMENDED
ACCOUNT NO
.
ACCOUNT NAME
BUDGET
AMENDMENT BUDGET
Motor Vehicle Fund
Expense
661-258-970.138 Motor Vehicle Fund
90,000
48,000
138,000
Capital Outlay
Fund Balance
661-000-395.000 Motor Vehicle
1,514,257
(48,000)
1,466,257
Retained Earnings
An unexpected major repair to replace the debris tank on the vactor. This was not budgeted for in the 18/19
budget.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
6A. Clerk’s Report
On behalf of City Clerk, Ellen Craig-Bragg, Deputy Clerk, Barb Fitzgerald, spoke about the State Primary
Election which will be held on August 7, 2018.
18-268 6
A
1.
Moved by
Abdo
, seconded by
Roscoe
to schedule a study session on Monday, August 27, 2018 at
6:45 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to discuss the services of Midwest Recycling with DPW Director,
Kathy Ritter.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
6B. Treasurer’s Report
City Treasurer, Stacy Paige, spoke about the Relay for Life Cancer Fundraiser and thanked everyone who par-
ticipated in the event.
7. Public Comment
A resident commented on the Relay for Life Fundraiser.
8. Unfinished Business
Councilman Wadsworth spoke about a liquor license application that included topless entertainment.
Councilwoman Williams asked about the zoning restrictions for this type of license and Mayor Burcroff informed
that the applicant and the state have been informed of the zoning restrictions.
9. New Business
10. Communication
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 August 6, 2018.
RM0329 - 082318 2.5 x 10.529
CITY OF ROMULUS
COUNTY OF WAYNE, STATE OF MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN OF THE
ROMULUS DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE CITY OF ROMULUS:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Romulus, County of Wayne, State
of Michigan, will hold a public hearing on Monday, the 24th day of September, 2018, at 6:30 p.m.,
prevailing Eastern Time, at 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus, Michigan, to consider the adoption
of an ordinance approving an Amended and Restated Development Plan and Tax Increment
Financing Plan for the Romulus Downtown Development Authority pursuant to Act 197 of the
Public Acts of Michigan of 1975, as amended.
The boundaries of the development area to which the amended Plan applies are as follows:
Copies of the proposed Amended and Restated Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing
Plans, maps, etc. are on file at the office of the City Clerk for inspection.
At the public hearing, all interested persons desiring to address the City Council shall be afforded an
opportunity to be heard in regard to the approval of the Amended and Restated Development Plan
and Tax Increment Financing Plan for the Romulus Downtown Development Authority.
FURTHER INFORMATION may be obtained from the Downtown Development Authority Director
of the City of Romulus.
This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Romulus, County of Wayne, State of
Michigan.
Ellen Craig-Bragg, Clerk, City of Romulus
Publish: August 23, 2018
RM0328 - 082318 2.5 x 7.235
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF PLYMOUTH
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2018
6:00 P.M.
PLEASE NOTE that the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold its Regular Meeting on Thursday, September 6, 2018 commencing
at 6:00 p.m., to consider:
Application 1577, R78-063-01-0187-000, 11200 Terry, R-1 zoning district: is requesting four variances:
1.
A six (6) foot fence around the rear yard property line whereas a four (4) foot fence height is the maximum allowed.
The
variance requested is two (2) feet of fence height.
2.
To allow for installation on a corner lot side yard property line whereas a minimum of (3) feet off the property line is
required.
The variance requested is (3) feet of side yard location.
3.
To allow for the rear yard fence location to come within 1 foot of the side lot line and the side lot line to be on the prop-
erty line meeting the rear corner property intersection, whereas a 45 degree angle is required on corner lots starting at a
point not nearer than 20 feet from the rear lot line and 3 foot off the side lot line.
The variance requested is side and rear
property line intersection be allowed on the property line itself.
4. To allow the fence to come to the back of the garage whereas the fence is only allowed to come to the rear building line
on corner lots.
The variance requested is to be allowed to come to the back of the garage.
Application 1578, R78-027-01-0119-000, 40600 Ann Arbor TR, C-1 zoning district is requesting a use variance to the C-1 zon-
ing district to allow a motor vehicle repair shop whereas this type of business is not allowed within the C-1 district.
Variance
requested a Use Variance to the C-1 Zoning District.
The meeting will be held at Plymouth Township Hall, 9955 N. Haggerty Road in the Town Hall Meeting Room.
Posted: Eagle Newspaper August 23, 2018
PT0201 - 082318 2.5 x 3.231
Library
FROM PAGE 1
Allied Troops will
attempt to liberate
the city of Belleville and our
local history museum
from Nazi-Germany
occupation.
”
