Residents who attended the roads
forum in Canton Township earlier this
month didn't get any good news from the
state, county or local representatives on
hand.
All agreed that while the solution to
the road repairs is financial, none of the
agencies involved has the money to fund
the needed repairs and reconstruction of
roads in the township.
Road repairs have plagued Canton
residents and officials for years. During
the seminar, organized by Township
Supervisor Pat Williams, he told the
assembled crowd that while Canton is a
benchmark community for public safety,
recreation and other services, deteriorat-
ing roads and street maintenance remain
a problem.
Williams organized the roads forum as
a first step for the new Canton Roads
Advisory Task Force. That group is
assigned the task of identifying local
roads and streets that need repairs and
offering the board of trustees options for
possible financing.
Those options should not include
funding fromWayne County, according to
Township Engineer Bill Serchak. He told
the audience that Wayne County is finan-
cially limited andwill remain in that situ-
ation for the foreseeable future. He sug-
gested that local residents will have to
fund the solution to the roadproblems.
His comments were seconded by rep-
resentatives from the Michigan
Department of Transportation, the
Southeast Michigan Council of
Governments (SEMCOG), Wayne County
and the township. Carmine Palumbo,
deputy executive director with SEMCOG,
said that while a state fuel tax increase
went into effect last year, Canton could
not realistically expect to see any of the
$600 million that increase is expected to
generate by 2020. That funding has
already been allocated, he said.
Township officials have made seven
applications for federal grant funding to
reconstruct FordRoad between I-275 and
Canton Center Road, and all have been
rejected. The $40 million reconstruction
would reduce accidents in the area by 35
percent according to a study completed
by
Michigan
Department
of
Transportation (MDOT). Gorette Yung,
manager at the Taylor Transportation
Service Center of MDOT said the state
money has all been used for large proj-
ects on interstates and larger roadways.
Suggested funding mechanisms avail-
able for the road repairs include a tax
increase implemented by the board of
trustees, up to 3 mills for roads. That
could generate about $10,5 million a year,
officials said. The board could also ask
voters to approve the 3-mill road tax as a
possible solution.
The township could attempt to share
road project costs with Wayne County as
it did with the paving of Ridge Road,
between Ford and Warren. It was also
suggested that the township become a
city, which would bring in State Act 51
funds for local subdivision streets,
although Serchak said this might well
prove less effective that the current situa-
tion. Also suggested were local special
assessment districts but those need
approval of 61 percent of homeowners in
the district, which is often difficult due to
the costs.
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
3
September 14, 2017
C
ANTON
- P
LYMOUTH
Recreational vehicle parking on streets limited
Repair solutions sought during Canton Roads Forum
MINUTES OF REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 28, 2017
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:
Kathleen Abdo, Linda Choate, Harry Crout, Sylvia Makowski, Celeste Roscoe, William Wadsworth.
Absent:
John Barden.
Administrative Officials in Attendance:
LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Stacy Paige, Treasurer
1.
Moved by
Crout,
seconded by
Roscoe
to accept the agenda as amended.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
17-282 2A.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Abdo
to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the
Romulus City Council held on August 14, 2017.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
3. Petitioner:
Barbara Sanders, Director, “Hand Up”, nonprofit organization.
17-283 3A.
Moved by
Makowski,
seconded by
Wadsworth
to grant a no-fee permit for the re-occupancy fee
and city certification inspection fees to Barbara Sanders, Director of “Hand Up” Nonprofit Organization which
is located at 35661 Van Born Road. Discussion: Councilwoman Makowski and Councilman Wadsworth inquired
about the funding for “Hand Up”. Ms. Sanders informed that she applies for an Initiative Grant on a yearly basis
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
4. Chairperson’s Report:
Chairwoman Pro-Tem Linda Choate asked Mayor LeRoy Burcroff to speak about the Senior Olympics. Mayor
Burcroff announced that the City of Romulus took home 12 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze medals; and, he asked
the medal winners in the audience to please stand up to be recognized for their accomplishments.
Motion
Carried Unanimously
.
4.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Crout
to accept the Chairperson’s Report.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
5. Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Burcroff presented a video of upcoming City events. Bond Counsel Attorney, Patrick McGow explained
the bonding process for the building of the new 34 th District Court. Frank Audia, from Plante Moran informed
that the court fees will be reviewed several times a year and adjusted on an as-needed basis. Construction of the
court should begin about March, 2018.
17-284 5A.
Moved by
Makowski,
seconded by
Roscoe to
concur with the administration and adopt a resolution
to grant authorization for the mayor and clerk to execute the necessary documents to authorize the Notice of
Intent for the issuance of the 34 th District Court Capital Improvement Bonds in an amount not to exceed
$17,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping a new court
facility, together with all necessary parking and site improvements.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
17-285 5A2.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Crout to
concur with the administration and authorize the
mayor and clerk to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Romulus and the 34 th
District Court for the purpose of pursuing the construction of a new 34 th District Court facility in the City of
Romulus.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
17-286 5B.
Moved by
Roscoe,
seconded by
Makowski
to concur with the administration and award Bid ITB
17/18-03 to the lowest, responsible and responsive bidder, Rey-Mart Asphalt, Inc., for the paving of the right-of-
way of the west side of Hunt Street in the Romulus Historical Park, in the amount of $34,719.00.
Motion
Carried Unanimously
.
17-287 5C.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Crout
to concur with the administration and authorize the
mayor and clerk to enter into an agreement with Gabriel, Roeder, Smith and Company for an actuarial valuation
to determine the City’s Retiree Healthcare Plan.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
17-288 5D.
Moved by
Makowski,
seconded by
Roscoe
to concur with the administration and authorize approval
for the fiscal year 2016/2017 encumbrances for capital outlay purchases and various City projects in the amount
of $1,610,020.04 to be rolled over into the FY 2017/2018 budget and paid accordingly. Discussion: Finance
Director, Suzanne Moreno explained the roll-over of the funds from 2016/17 to 2017/18 budget.
Motion Carried
Unanimously
.
5E. For Your Information: No Council action required.
17-289 5F.
Moved by
Makowski,
seconded by
Wadsworth
to concur with the administration and adopt a reso-
lution to file a petition on the Drain Number One and Number Three crossing the Standon Investments Parcels
located on Wahrman Road (south of Eureka Road and north of Pennsylvania Road). As part of that development,
a portion of these Drains will be abandoned and the drain rerouted accordingly. Discussion: Councilwoman
Makowski reiterated that this is a county project, no cost to the city.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
6A. Clerk’s Report:
17-290 6A1.
Moved by
Crout,
seconded by
Roscoe
to approve the free City-wide garage/yard sale dates for
Thursday, September 28, 2017 thru Sunday October 1, 2017 with rain dates of Thursday, October 5, 2017 thru
Sunday, October 8, 2017.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
17-291 6A2.
Moved by
Wadsworth,
seconded by
Crout
to adopt a memorial resolution for the family of James
Penn.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
6B. Treasurer’s Report:
City Treasurer, Stacy Paige announced that if anyone is interested in purchasing Veterans Memorial Bricks to call
the Treasurer’s Office at 734- 942-7580. She also spoke about the City’s Quarterly Investment Report – the City
earned over $46,000 in interest this past quarter and all investments are in compliance with Public Act 20 and the
City of Romulus Investment Policy.
7. Public Comment:
Two residents commented about continual problems with a neighbor residing on River Oak Street. A resident
voiced concern about sidewalks and lighting on Ecorse Road due to the proximity of several group homes.
Jazmine Danci, Director of Community Services spoke about the Senior Olympics and encouraged anyone over
the age of 50 to consider participating next year. Jan Lemmon, Cemetery Board of Trustees Chairperson, com-
mented that the Pig Roast fundraiser was a big success – the volunteers served 140 people. The current ceme-
tery fund balance is $5,069.
8. Unfinished Business:
Councilman Wadsworth spoke about the bingo fundraiser that will be held during the Pumpkin Festival with all
proceeds going to the Animal Shelter. Mayor Burcroff commented on the sidewalks and lighting on Ecorse Road.
Jadie Settles, Director of Public Safety spoke about the problems on River Oak Street.
9. New Business: None.
10. Communication: None.
17- 292 11.
Moved by
Abdo,
seconded by
Crout
to pay Warrant 17-16 in the amount of $1,368,079.30.
Motion
Carried Unanimously
.
12.
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 28, 2017.
RM0214 - 091417 2.5 x 11.629
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS AND ELECTORS
OF THE CITY OF ROMULUS
OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS
AND THE RIGHT OF REFERENDUM RELATING THERETO
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Romulus, County of Wayne, State of Michigan
(the “City”), intends to issue and sell its general obligation limited tax bonds pursuant to Act 34,
Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended, in an aggregate principal amount of not to exceed
Seventeen Million Dollars ($17,000,000) for the purpose of paying the costs of acquiring, con-
structing, furnishing and equipping a new court facility, together with all necessary parking and site
improvements (the “Project”). The City previously approved a resolution of intent to issue bonds
for the Project in an amount not to exceed Eleven Million Dollars ($11,000,000) on November 23,
2015 (the “Prior Resolution”). The principal amount of bonds to be issued and sold pursuant to this
notice includes the principal amount of bonds to be issued and sold described in the Prior Resolution.
SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF BONDS
THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON THE BONDS SHALL BE PAYABLE from
the funds of the City lawfully available for such purposes including property taxes levied within
applicable constitutional, statutory and charter tax rate limitations.
BOND DETAILS
THE BONDS will be payable in annual installments not to exceed twenty-five (25) in num-
ber and will bear interest at the rate or rates to be determined at a public or private sale but in no
event to exceed the maximum rate permitted by law on the balance of the bonds from time to time
remaining unpaid.
RIGHT OF REFERENDUM
THE BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A
PETITION REQUESTING SUCH A VOTE SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REG-
ISTERED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY IS FILED
WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS
NOTICE. IF SUCH PETITION IS FILED, THE BONDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN
APPROVING VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN
THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY VOTING THEREON.
THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 517, Act 34, Public Acts
of Michigan, 2001, as amended.
Ellen Craig-Bragg
City Clerk
City of Romulus
Publish: 09-14-2017
RM0215 - 091417 2.5 x 6.537
At long last…
Three new firefighter/paramedics
were officially sworn in last Monday,
Sept. 11 at Plymouth Township Hall.
Fire Chief Dan Phillips, far left,
Supervisor Kurt Heise, new firefighter
Adam Guinn, 28, firefighter Anthony
Schoennherr, 28, firefighter Tyler
Caswell and Township Clerk Jerry
Vorva were all smiles following the
official ceremony. The new firefight-
ers will allow the township to reopen
long-shuttered Lake Point Fire
Station No. 2, officials said. “It's only
fitting we are here to swear-in these
gentlemen on this day and date,”
Heise said. “You are key part in our
community, you are a key part in our
public safety. You're very important to
us, please stay safe,” Heise told the
new employees.
Parking a recreational vehicle
on residential streets in
Plymouth Township is about to
get very expensive.
The Plymouth Township
Board of Trustees recently
agreed to new rules which allow
the parking of recreational vehi-
cles onpublic streets for 24 hours.
After that time, owners could face
a $75 fine.
The new rules were adopted
following complaints from sever-
al residents who told the trustees
that the large recreational vehi-
cles parked in neighborhoods
often caused traffic hazards and
were eyesores in the community.
Residents also expressed con-
cerns that the vehicles could
impede emergency vehicles
access to residences. During
extensive discussion of the issue,
Supervisor Kurt Heise comment-
ed that there were instances of
people actually living in the
recreational vehicles.
The new rules were adopted
restricting parking of motor
homes, boats, trailers, folding tent
trailers, pickup-truck campers,
utility trailers and travel trailers
used to haul motorcycles, snow-
mobiles, go-carts and other items
on public streets. The 24-hour
rulewas adopted after considera-
tion of a four-hour limit for the
loading and unloading of the
vehicles which had been suggest-
ed. That suggestion was rejected
by the trustees as too restrictive.
TrusteeGaryHeitman cast the
one dissenting vote on the pro-
posal. The new restriction does
not impact the 48-hour time limit
a recreational vehicle or trailer
can be parked in a private drive-
way.
Police Chief Tom Tiderington
said that officers would respond
to complaints from residents
about overlong parking but would
not be proactively patrolling
neighborhoods to enforce the
newrules.
