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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN September 3, 2020

BELLEVILLE - SUMPTER
BELLEVILLE - SUMPTER

Van Buren schools to offer virtual and in-person classes

More than 63 percent of stu- uncertain but that teachers are Personal protection gear and Disinfectant wipes will also be recalled from layoff to accom-
dents in the Van Buren Public returning to their various school masks were delivered to the used, he said. Drinking foun- modate the new procedures in
Schools will return to classes vir- buildings for training sessions to schools last week, he said and tains in the buildings have been place.
tually. accommodate the virtual learn- shields, including those which covered and bottle filling sta- Kudlak repeatedly cautioned
Recently, Superintendent of ing selected by a majority of fam- encase the face, are expected tions are available. families that procedures would
Schools Pete Kudlak explained ilies as a result of the COVID 19 soon. Plexiglas shields at desks Arrival and dismissal times be subject to change going for-
the safety protocols which will pandemic. About 28 teachers have been installed and touch- will be changed and there are ward in light of the current situ-
be in place throughout the will be providing remote classes, free hand sanitizer dispensers specific arrival and dismissal ation.
school buildings during a virtual four at each grade level, Kudlak have also been ordered. stairways for students' use. To access Kudlak's messages
meeting available on Facebook. said. He told parents he expects The district will also use elec- He added that an additional and frequently asked questions,
Kudlak cautioned parents that class sizes will be from 15-20 trostatic sprayers to disinfect custodian has been hired and go to Van Buren Public Schools
that several factors are still students. each building every night. that four teachers have been District on Facebook.
Court hearings continue for judge facing domestic violence charge

Former 34th District Court um they shared. ” part of the current proceedings.
Judge David Parrott will appear Van Buren police were called He is accused of assaulting his live-in girlfriend Those divorce records were
for a pretrial hearing Sept. 25 in to the residence on a disturbance unsealed in an earlier pre-trial
35th District Court before Judge call, according to police reports Feb. 8 in the Van Buren Township hearing by Plakas.
James A. Plakas. and arrested Parrott based on the condominium they shared. During the Aug. 4 balloting,
Parrott, who was unsuccessful evidence at the scene and the Parrott lost to Lisa Martin who
in his Aug. 4 bid for reelection to account of the victim. received 4,213 votes and
the bench, is facing a misde- Parrott took a leave of absence County. He was suspended with Parrott remains a sitting judge. Alexandria Taylor who received
meanor charge of domestic vio- from the 34th court bench, but pay by the Michigan Supreme His attorney and the assistant 3,800 votes. Parrott received
lence. He is accused of assaulting did seek reelection, despite his Court on June 17. Wayne County prosecutor have 3,430 votes during the primary
his live-in girlfriend Feb. 8 in the appeal of a drunk driving charge The domestic violence charge stipulated to an interview of election which will see Martin
Van Buren Township condomini- issued Dec. 25, 2018 in Manistee was moved out of the district as Parrott's ex-wife, Lianne Clair, as and Taylor on Nov. 3 ballot.

Tapes Trustee Matt Oddy and now Clerk defends election and staff
myself.”
He said the officials have been Sumpter Township Clerk or mistake” on the part of elec- dling of elections processes
FROM PAGE 1 “libeled and attached by candi- Esther Hurst issued a public tion workers resulting in his which is following election law.
dates running for office and their statement during the regular receiving only 159 absentee My staff and I continue to sup-
time coded so as to prevent any associates making false criminal meeting of the board of trustees votes. port and educate our citizens on
tampering with the content or accusations and publishing lies.” last week, defending her staff “As many know, our township these issues. However, recent
editing. Rush said that while he and the election process in the has been under attack by certain allegations are laced with false
Rush requested the tapes be “respects the rights of all citizens community. parties with repeated false accu- statements such as improper
shown publicly at the meeting and under the First Amendment, there Hurst was visibly concerned sations, lies and misinformation handling and throwing away of
adamantly denied any wrongdoing are consequences when that right with recent allegations of impro- to our residents and the press,” ballots, manipulating tabulator
while strongly criticizing the is abused to intentionally libel priety leveled at her office and Hurst said. tallies and information and vio-
reports as politically motivated. people, their businesses and their staff, including now disproved “Much of this has been point- lation of elections law.
Rush said that he has lived in families with known falsehoods. allegations of the mishandling of ed at our township officials, “Unfortunately,” she said, “if
the township for more than 30 “You cannot falsely accuse tabulation tapes from a voting myself and my staff. Recent alle- you're looking for the truth, cur-
years and that this election cycle someone of a crime or intentional- machine in Precinct 5. (See gations by these same parties rent media may not be the place
has been the worst he has ever ly libel them without being subject related story, page 1.) has negatively and wrongfully to look.
witnessed. He cited verbal attacks to the legal consequences of your Nelson Po, a failed candidate impacted our election inspector “I am very proud of my elec-
on “Police Chief Eric Luke, the actions,” he said. for supervisor, has filed for a teams. tion workers and staff and will
deputy supervisor, the clerk's (Editor's note: Attempts to reach recount of absentee ballots in “Their critical function to our support them unconditionally,”
office, the township attorney, Toni Clark were unsuccessful.) the Aug. 4 primary citing “fraud community is the proper han- she concluded.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING Motion Carried Unanimously
August 10, 2020 Res. # 20-198 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Piggyback on MiDeal
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 Contract #200000000034 for he purchase and installation of a Monroe 10' Radius Dump Body from
Truck and Trailer Specialties, Inc. in the amount of $94,605.00 for the Department of Public Works.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Pledge of Allegiance Nays - None
Motion Carried Unanimously
Roll Call F. RFP 19/20-32 - 12 Month Contractual Services Contract for Disinfecting Services
Meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Pro-Tem Tina Talley Res. # 20-199 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo to award RFP 19/20-32 for as-need-
Present: Kathy Abdo, Tina Talley, Eva Webb, Virginia Williams ed sanitation and disinfecting services for city facilities and vehicles to the lowest most responsible and
Absent / Excused: John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, William Wadsworth responsive bidder, Go Spotless Cleaning LLC, with a cost of $0.07 per square foot and $25 per vehicle,
for RPD and as needed for other City buildings.
Administrative Officials in Attendance: Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Leroy Burcroff, Mayor Nays - None
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk Motion Carried Unanimously
Stacy Paige, Treasurer G. Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Application - 2020
1. Agenda Res. # 20-200 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb to concur with the administration and
A. Approval of Agenda authorize Wayne County to apply for the JAG funds grant on behalf of the City of Romulus.
Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo for Approval of Agenda Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams Nays - None
Nays - None Motion Carried Unanimously
Motion Carried Unanimously H. Introduction of Budget Amendment 20/21-3 State Forfeiture
2. Minutes Res. # 20-201 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the administration and
A. Approval of minutes from the Regular Meeting held on Monday, August 3, 2020 approve the Introduction of Budget Amendment 20/21-3 for the purchases of a CLEMIS compatible
Res. # 20-191 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb for Approval of minutes from the Biometric Fingerprint computer which was approved under resolution #18-210 on June 11, 2018.
Regular Meeting held on Monday, August 3, 2020 Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams Nays - None
Nays - None Motion Carried Unanimously
Motion Carried Unanimously I. Introduction of Budget Amendment 20/21-4
B. Approval of AMENDED Minutes from the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, July 27, Res. # 20-202 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Virginia Williams to approve the Introduction of
2020 Budget Amendment 20/21-4 to cover costs associated with Farms Sub Lift Station - rebuilding of pump
Res. # 20-192 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb for Approval of AMENDED Minutes and replacement of the circuit board running alternate pump.
from the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, July 27, 2020 Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams Nays - None
Nays - None Motion Carried Unanimously
Motion Carried Unanimously 6. Clerk's Report - Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
3. Petitioner City Clerk Ellen Craig-Bragg thanked all those who helped with the Primary Election.
4. Chairperson's Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem Res. # 20-203 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adopt a Resolution of Appreciation
Chairwoman Pro Tem Talley asked that everyone keep the Barden in prayer during their time of for Mr. Anthony Yates' hard work and dedicated service during the August 4, 2020 Primary Election.
bereavement and gave an update on the Census 2020 statistics for the City of Romulus. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
A. Approval of the Chairperson's Report Nays - None
Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb for Approval of the Chairperson's Report Motion Carried Unanimously
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams 7. Treasurer's Report - Stacy Paige, Treasurer
Nays - None 8. Public Comment -
Motion Carried Unanimously Two residents requested to speak.
5. Mayor's Report - LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor Councilwoman Eva Webb informed that a water truck should be on site every day during the construc-
A. Request for no-fee permit. tion on Middlebelt Road.
Andy McKay from the Romulus Athletic Center (RAC) spoke about gyms being the last entities allowed 9. Unfinished Business
to re-open during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said many changes have been made - such as screening Mayor Burcroff responded to comments made under the Public Comment section of the meeting:
policies for employees and members of the RAC upon entering the building. The City of Romulus received $47,000 in grants from the Department of Justice for the purpose of san-
Res. # 20-193 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the administration and itizing during the pandemic.
authorize a no-fee permit for the use of the Historical Park for the Downriver Historical Organizations' Mayor Burcroff suggested that people who frequent the RAC to view a video of the new procedures put
next meeting on August 15, 2020. in place for safety reasons. Said video can be found on the City of Romulus website.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams The mayor also agreed that he will meet with the resident and the city attorney regarding Middlebelt
Nays - None Road construction.
Motion Carried Unanimously The mayor said there will be an upcoming study session scheduled regarding Aerotropolis.
B. Four (4) Year Lease Purchase Agreement - Comerica Leasing 10. New Business
Res. # 20-194 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb to concur with the administration and 11. Warrant
grant authorization for the mayor and clerk to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with Comerica A. Approval of Warrant # 20-15 for checks presented in the amount of $1,499,409.16
Leasing for the lease-purchase of a 2020 Spartan S-180 Pumper Truck in the amount of $430,274.00 at Res. # 20-204 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb for the Approval of Warrant # 20-15 for
a fixed interest rate of 1.93% for four years with the first payment to be made on or about August 15, checks presented in the amount of $1,499,409.16
2021. The City would own the vehicle at the term of the lease. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams Nays - None
Nays - None Motion Carried Unanimously
Motion Carried Unanimously B. Approval of Warrant 20-15E, for checks presented in the amount of $15,913.00, for the August 4,
C. ITB 17/18-05 with West Metro Door for Replacement and Modification of Doors (Firehouse) 2020 Election Workers Pay.
Res. # 20-195 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the administration and Res. # 20-205 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb for the Approval of Warrant 20-15E,
award the contract from Bid ITB 17/18-05 for the replacement and modifications of the Garage Doors for checks presented in the amount of $15,913.00, for the August 4, 2020 Election Workers Pay.
at 35255 Goddard Road to the lowest, most responsible and responsive bidder, West Metro Door. Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams Nays - None
Nays - None Motion Carried Unanimously
Motion Carried Unanimously 12. Communication
D. Extension of ITB 17/18-05 with RJ Perry Company for the Building Rehab of the Former Firehouse Councilwoman Virginia Williams announced that Forgotten Harvest will be at Romulus High School on Tuesday,
Res. # 20-196 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with administration and extend Aug. 11, 2020 from 12 Noon until 3:00 p.m. She also announced that there will be a Drive-Thru and Walk-Up
ITB 17/18-05 with RJ Perry Carpentry, Inc. for the modification and repairs of the bathrooms at the for- Covid-19 Testing site at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 35565 Beverly Road from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. for those
mer "Firehouse" in the amount of $28,367.00 12 years of age and older. Photo identification is required along with insurance information; however, there is no
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams charge for those without insurance.
Nays - None 13. Adjournment
Motion Carried Unanimously Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Virginia Williams to adjourn the Council meeting at 8:51 p.m.
E. Piggyback on MiDeal Contracts for the Purchase of Freightliner Conventional Chassis Salt Truck Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams
and Radius Dump Body Nays - None
Res. #20-197 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Piggyback on the Motion Carried Unanimously
MiDeal Contract #071B6600119 for the Purchase of one (1) Freightliner Conventional Chassis Salt I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true copy
Truck from D & K Truck Company in the amount of $87,662.00. of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on August 10, 2020.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes - Abdo, Talley, Webb, Williams Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk
Nays - None City of Romulus, Michigan
RM0525 - 090320 5 x 13.345