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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN September 30, 2021

ROMULUS - SUMPTER
ROMULUS - SUMPTER

Sumpter Township hires new DPW director

Members of the Sumpter Trustees agreed to a starting
Township Board of Trustees offi- ” salary of $72,000 for Danci with
cially approved the hiring of an increase to $75,000 after one
John Danci of Romulus as the He will replace former DPW Director year with the same percentage
new director of the community Kenneth Kunka who resigned raise as negotiated in union con-
Department of Public Works. tracts. His contract also includes
Danci, a Romulus resident, from the position in June. a match of 8 percent into the
will officially begin his new Michigan Employees Retirement
duties next Monday, Oct. 4. He Service.
will replace former DPW water/sewer crew leader. He has University of Michigan. He cur- Danci's contract was approved
Director Kenneth Kunka who worked for the city in various rently has both S1 and F5 water by a unanimous vote of the board
resigned from the position in capacities since 2015. He earned operator licenses from the members during the Sept. 14
June. Danci will leave his cur- his bachelor of science degree in Michigan Department of meeting.
rent position with the City of biomechanics, exercise physiolo- Environment, Great Lakes & He and his wife, Jazmine, are
Romulus where he is a gy and motor control from the Energy. the parents of a son. John Danci
Murder charged in Romulus shooting To receive The Eagle, visit www.associatednewspapers.net.

A Taylor man is facing first degree the 18-year-old victim before fleeing the
murder charges following a fatal shoot- scene. Romulus police investigated the
ing at a Romulus liquor store last month. incident for a week and located and Sumpter Township Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 6:00 p.m.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym arrested the defendant Sept. 20. 23480 Sumpter Rd., Belleville, MI 48111 Minutes
Worthy has charged Lajohn Esten Washington has been charged with
Washington, 24, of Taylor, in connection one count of first-degree murder, one PUBLIC NOTICE:
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, protect the public health, and provide essential protections to Sumpter Township residents;
with the fatal shooting of Chevron count of assault with intent to murder this Board of Trustees' meeting will be conducted virtually in compliance with the emergency declaration of the Wayne County
Lawrence, 28, of Detroit, and the non- and two counts of felony firearm. Executive Order and Wayne County Department of Health regarding remote public meetings.
fatal shooting of another 18-year-old He was arraigned last week in 34th Motion by LaPorte, supported by Hurst to nominate Trustee Oddy to serve as Chairperson for this meeting due to Supervisor
Taylor man. District Court and given a $500,000 Bowman's excused absence. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay:
None. Supervisor Bowman excused. Motion carried.
The charges resulted from an incident cash/surety bond. He was remanded to
which occurred at about 11:02 p.m. Aug. the Wayne County Jail. If he is released Meeting called to order by Trustee Oddy at 6:30 pm. Roll call: Trustee M. Oddy (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Clerk E. Hurst
(Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Treasurer V. Warren (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI), Trustees: Rush (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp,
23 when Romulus police officers were on bond, he will be ordered to have a MI), LaPorte (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI) and Morgan (Wayne Cty, Sumpter Twp, MI). Supervisor T. Bowman excused. Also
called to a liquor store in the 27420 block GPS tether. showing present: Attorney Young, Deputy Clerk Burdick, Township Administrator O'Connell, Safety Director/ Chief of Police
Luke, Fire Chief Brown and 8 attendees.
of Eureka Road in the city. Prosecutors His next court appearance is sched-
allege that Washington fatally shot uled for Oct. 6, in 34th District Court 3. Agenda: Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve the Agenda with the following edits;
16. New Business, Item B
ADD TO:
Lawrence and then attempted to shoot before Judge Brian Oakley. “pending insurance review.”
ADD: 12. Attorney's Report
ADD: 16. New Business, Item D
“Consider approval to begin negotiations and contract development with John Danci,
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING candidate for the Township Superintendent/ Director of Water, Sewer & Public Works.”
August 23, 2021 Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 4. Public Comment/Open Floor: No Comments.
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Mayor Pro-Tem, John Barden 5. Minutes:
Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to approve the Regular Board Meeting Minutes of August 10th, 2021. Roll call vote:
Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Pledge of Allegiance Motion by Rush, supported by Morgan to approve the Special Board Meeting Minutes of August 15th, 2021. Roll call vote: Yes:
Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Roll Call
Present: Kathy Abdo, John Barden, Celeste Roscoe, Tina Talley, William Wadsworth, Eva Webb, 6. Warrants:
Virginia Williams Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve the warrants total of $189,933.44. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer
Absent / Excused: Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Administrative Officials in Attendance: 7. Parks & Recreation/Chambers Report - Rush:
LeRoy Burcroff, Mayor • Trustee Rush reported that a meeting was finally held with another meeting to be held in September.
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk • Sign language will be updated with the new rules & regulations of the Parks.
Stacy Paige, Treasurer • Much was recently accomplished with a handful of P & R volunteers with the gardens.
Administrative Staff in Attendance: • Please…visit our Parks and take a look at what our volunteers have accomplished with the landscaping, the Butterfly
D'Sjonaun Hockenhull - Deputy Clerk; Stephen Hitchcock - City Attorney; Robert McCraight - Habit Garden, etc. It's beautiful! The Monarch Butterflies are awesome.
Director of Public Services & Economic Development; Merrie Druyor - Director of DDA/TIFA; Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to accept the Parks & Recreation/Chambers Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst,
Carole Maisie - City Planner; Roger Cauda - Co-Director of Cable; Tanya Cofield - Recreation Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Coordinator 8. Water & Sewer Report - Bowman:
1. Agenda Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to receive and file the Water & Sewer Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer
A. Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Kathy Abdo to accept the agenda as amended. Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Motion Carried Unanimously
2. Minutes 9. Planning & Zoning Report - Oddy:
A. Res. #21-228 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the minutes from • Trustee Oddy advised that the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals have not had any scheduled activ-
the regular meeting held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. Motion Carried Unanimously ities or issues to consider.
3. Petitioner Motion by Rush, supported by Hurst to receive and file the Planning & Zoning Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer
A. Res. #21-229 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the block party Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
petition from David Dalton for September 5th and a road closure request for Sussex Drive at Surrey 10. Senior Report - Hurst:
Drive and Canterbury Drive at Concord Drive. Motion Carried Unanimously • Vendors & Buyers needed for Saturday September 18, 2022 Vender's Market under the pavilion 9am to 5pm. $10 per
B. Petitioner: Lisa Denney; Petition: Stop sign at the corner of Joan & Central table.
Petitioner did not appear. Resolution may have been reached according to Mayor Burcroff. No action • Forgotten Harvest is the 2nd & 4th Mondays.
was taken by the Council. • Check out the little house in the front of community center plenty of books, puzzles and food to share.
4. Chairperson's Report, John Barden, Mayor Pro-Tem • LOAN closet - bedside commodes, canes, walkers, bath seats available.
Res. #21-230 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adopt a 4-month • Remember…our Cooling Center is open for anyone who needs it. After hours and weekends, please call our Dispatch
at (734) 461-6898.
moratorium on Park n Fly Licenses/Permits issued by the Clerk's Office. Motion Carried Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to approve the Senior Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren;
Unanimously Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
A. Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Tina Talley to accept the Chairperson's Report.
Motion Carried Unanimously 11. Treasurer's Report - Warren:
5. Mayor's Report - LeRoy D. Burcroff, Mayor • Treasurer Warren reported that his department is now fully staffed and is currently working on staff training and cus-
A. Res. #21-231 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by William Wadsworth to concur with the tomer service.
Administration and authorize a no-fee permit for all pumpkin Festival and Parade of Lights activities Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to approve the Treasurer's Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren;
during the pumpkin Festival weekend of September 17 - September 19, 2021. Motion Carried Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Unanimously 12. Attorney's Report:
Res. #21-232 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Virginia Williams to concur with the • Attorney Young stated that in 2017, the Board worked on the Care Giver's MMMA process. On October 5, 2017, the
Administration and authorize the closure of Goddard Road beginning at Grover Street ending at 5 Board repealed existing zoning ordinances as it related to Care Giver's and relative matter. It is now within the
Points beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, and re-opening at 10:00 p.m. Friday, Township's right to established zoning relative to Care Giver's locations of operations. He recommends that the Board
September 17, 2021, for the Rotary Parade of Lights. Motion Carried Unanimously compel the Planning
Res. #21-233 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Celeste Roscoe to concur with the Commission to review new statutes and make recommendations to the Board on any progressive actions.
Administration and authorize the closure of Goddard Reading beginning at Moore Street ending at • Attorney Young read Mr. Ron Traskos' letter of recommendation of Cari Ford and her potential award as an independ-
the railroad tracks beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021 re-opening at 7:00 p.m. ent contractor to Sumpter Twp. Attorney Young indicated he drafted a contract for this service, 2-3 days per week at a
Saturday, September 18, 2021, for the Pumpkin Festival Car Show. Motion Carried Unanimously rate of $95.00 per hour, approx. 875 hours per year maximum (with overages approved by the Board). He further stated
a time sensitivity to the issue with potential gaps in accounting services. With the Board approval of the Attorney's
Res. #21-234 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Virginia Williams to concur with the Report, they will allow the Township Administrator to finalize arrangements and approve the proposal and contract of
Administration and authorize the closure of Hunt Street between Goddard Road and Bobbins Street Cari Ford.
beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021, and ending on Sunday, September 19, 2021, • Attorney Young referenced Chief Luke and the Blight Enforcement efforts, as well as the increased activities in court
at 8:00 p.m. This closure will be for the food vendors and the Unity Celebration. Motion Carried action. The judicial system has been very supportive and it is making a difference in the township.
Unanimously. • Recent storm water issues experienced in the township will potentially result in public hearings and he will advise of
Res. #21-235 Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the those as they develop.
Administration and authorize the closure of Goddard Road between Sterling and Romaine Streets Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to approve the Attorney's Report. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren;
beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021, and ending at 6:00 p.m. This closure will Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
be for the Vendor Show and the Family Fun Zone. Motion Carried Unanimously 13. Board Response: None.
Res. #21-236 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Kathy Abdo to concur with the
Administration and authorize the closure of Goddard Road between Shook Road and Sterling Street 14. New Business:
beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021 and ending at 10:00 p.m. This closure will A. Motion by Morgan, supported by LaPorte to approve of the Sumpter Township Recycling Center Program & Volunteer
be for the Boards, Brushstrokes, and Beverages event. Motion Carried Unanimously Schedule for September 2021 to August 2022. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst, Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush,
B. Res. #21-237 Moved by Tina Talley, seconded by Virginia Williams to concur with the LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Administration and authorize a no-fee permit for all Relay for Life activities, as well as the closure B. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to approve to changing ordinance section 16-30 for Parks & Recreation to allow
of Hunt Street between Goddard Road and bobbins Street beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Kayaks and Canoes at Banotai/Sherwood pond that was approved at the August 10, 2021 Sumpter Township Board of
Trustees' meeting, pending insurance review. Proposed new language attached. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst,
September 24, 2021, and ending at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Motion Carried Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Unanimously C. Motion by LaPorte, supported by Rush to approve of the Sumpter Township HR Committee's recommendation to hire
C. Res. #21-238 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Virginia Williams to concur with the (1) seasonal, temporary DPW Worker from September, 2021 to November, 2021. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst,
Administration and introduce budget amendment 21/22-6 to renew five mobile hotspots and pur Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
chase two more as approved by the Library Board, August 16, 2021. Motion Carried Unanimously D. Motion by Rush, supported by LaPorte to approve to begin negotiations and contract development with John Danci, can-
6. Clerk's Report - Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk didate for the Township Superintendent / Director of Water, Sewer & Public Works. Roll call vote: Yes: Clerk Hurst,
A. Res. #21-239 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Eva Webb to approve the Second Reading & Treasurer Warren; Trustees: Oddy, Rush, LaPorte and Morgan. Nay: None. Motion carried.
Final Adoption of Budget Amendment 21/22-4 in the amount of $16,000.00 to purchase a security 15. Announcements:
gate at the employee only lot for the new 34th District Court building. The gate must be electronic • On behalf of Supervisor Bowman; Trustee Oddy shared the following;
and accessible through a card reader. Motion Carried Unanimously a) Many thanks to our DPW team and first responders who helped our community recover from the recent storm impacts
B. Res. #21-240 Moved by Eva Webb, seconded by Tina Talley to approve the Second Reading & and damage by clearing roads, supporting resident needs and pumping sewer systems due to power impacts.
Final Adoption of Budget Amendment 21/22-5 in the amount of $7,600.00 for supplies for the b) Recent Forgotten Harvest event provided foodstuffs to 73 households and we continue to share these scheduled
incoming council that was included in the footnote section of the budget, but not carried over to the events on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month with our residents. The next event is September 13th, 2021 from
actual line item as intended. Motion Carried Unanimously 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, or until foodstuffs are gone. Please help share the news with family and friends.
C. Res. #21-241 Moved by Celeste Roscoe, seconded by Eva Webb to adopt the resolution c) Supervisor Bowman announces the following appointees to the Township Newsletter Committee; Treasurer V.
Warren, Trustees M. Oddy, T. Rush and Township Administrator E. Cole.
recognizing Romulus Goodfellows Incorporated as a nonprofit organization operating in the City of d) Township Administrator advised of the upcoming Swan Creek Drains public meeting being held virtually on
Romulus. Motion Carried Unanimously Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 5:30 pm.
7. Treasurer's Report - Stacy Paige, Treasurer - Please see Clerk's Office for complete copy of minutes • Trustee LaPorte added that all fire engines and personnel were on full alert and servicing residents and aiding with fall-
8. Public Comment - Please see Clerk's Office for complete copy of minutes en trees, blocked roads and community support issues. Chief Brown did a fantastic jump in mobilizing and managing
9. Unfinished Business - Please see Clerk's Office for complete copy of minutes the resources.
10. New Business - Please see Clerk's Office for complete copy of minutes • Clerk Hurst advised that;
11. Warrant a) The Community-Wide Yard Sale is August 27, 28 & 29, 2021. No permit necessary.
A. Res. #21-242 Moved by Kathy Abdo, seconded by Tina Talley to approve Warrant #: 21-16 for b) There is a November 2nd, 2021 Election for Huron Public Schools' millage renewal.
checks presented in the amount of $1,818,893.29. Motion Carried Unanimously c) To remind, our Cooling Center is open for anyone who needs it. After hours and weekends, please call our Dispatch
at (734) 461-6898.
12. Communication - Please see Clerk's Office for complete copy of minutes • Trustee LaPorte advises that Sumpter Rd, in both directions is now open! Completed in one day.
Res. #21-243 Moved by Virginia Williams, seconded by Eva Webb to adopt a memorial resolution
for the sister of Patty Stewart. Motion Carried Unanimously *Trustee Matt Oddy thanked the Board of Trustees for allowing him to chair this evening's Meeting.
13. Adjournment
Moved by William Wadsworth, seconded by Kathy Abdo to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 p.m 16. Adjournment; Motion by LaPorte, supported by Morgan to adjourn at 7:21 pm. Motion carried.
Motion Carried Unanimously
I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to Minutes prepared by;
Anthony Burdick, Deputy Clerk
be a true copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on August Sumpter Township
23, 2021.
__________________________________ ____________________
Esther Hurst, Clerk Date
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk __________________________________ ____________________
City of Romulus, Michigan RM0602 - 093021 2.5 x 13.603 Timothy Bowman, Supervisor Date ST0078 - 093021 2.5 x 16.419