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SSOCIATED
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EWSPAPERS OF
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ICHIGAN
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December 22, 2016
C
ANTON
Charter Township of Canton Board Proceedings – December 13, 2016
A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton was held Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 1150
Canton Center S., Canton, Michigan. Supervisor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Motion by Sneideman, sup-
ported by Anthony to move from open session to closed session at 6:02 p.m. to discuss pending litigation – Cherry Ridge VS
Canton Township. Motion carried unanimously
6:17 P.M.: CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING LITIGATION –
CHERRY RIDGE VS CANTON TOWNSHIP Roll Call
Members Present: Anthony, Foster, Graham-Hudak, Siegrist (arrived
6:06 p.m.), Slavens, Sneideman, Williams Members Absent: None Dismissed from closed session to Reception for Fire Poster
Contest Awards at 6:30 p.m.
6:30 P.M.: RECEPTION FOR FIRE POSTER CONTESTWINNERS
Motion by Anthony, sup-
ported by Sneideman to move from closed to open session at 7:03 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Supervisor Williams led the
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Roll Call
Members Present: Anthony, Foster, Graham-Hudak, Siegrist, Slavens, Sneideman,
Williams Members Absent: None Staff Present: Director Hohenberger, Director Faas, Director Meier, Director Trumbull, Kristin
Kolb, Director Conley
Adoption of Agenda
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to amend the agenda to add Item G-
1A Consideration of Board Action on Attorney’s Recommendation Regarding Pending Litigation in the matter of Cherry Ridge,
LLC v Canton Township. Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Anthony to
approve the Revised Board Minutes of November 22, 2016 as presented to the board this evening. Motion carried unanimously.
DISCUSSION REGARDINGWATER RATES
Director Faas and Director Trumbull presented a PowerPoint to the board and
audience regarding 2016 Water and Sewer Rates. A complete copy of the PowerPoint presentation is available in the Township
Clerk’s Office, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton MI 48188 during regular business hours, or by calling 734-394-5120. The
following residents expressed concerns regarding their water bills: Bill Hardin, 2393 Woodgreen Court, inquired about a second
meter for residential lawn irrigation. Director Faas explained the township must pay the sewerage fees no matter what. Wayne
County will not exempt outdoor water usage from the sewage bill to Canton, so other residents would have to absorb the sewage
fees through higher rates. Wudman Adam, 8303 Trafford Court, owner of several businesses within the state, requested the town-
ship investigate the lawsuit in the City of Jackson regarding the issue of paying sewerage fees on water used solely for irrigation.
Pam Hardin, 2393 Woodgreen Court, asked how the meters are calibrated and is the township sure they are in proper working
order. Director Faas explained the meters are calibrated by the factory. Also the staff reviews exception reports that indicate
extremely high or low usages. Ms. Hardin asked how often the water rates are reviewed. Supervisor Williams replied annually,
in the spring of each year. George Miller 1946 Briarfield, inquired how long it will that the township to recoup the cost of build-
ing the Water Storage Facility. Director Trumbull estimated 3 to 4years. Mr. Miller also asked if it is feasible for the sewerage to
flow to Ypsilanti. Director Faas replied it is possible for all the flow to go to Ypsilanti once some improvements completed. Mr.
Lalit Aggarwal, 47199 Hidden Creek stated his last bill was $1700. He also would like a second meter for irrigation. Mr. Chuck
Miller, 47074 Glastonbury, an energy auditor by trade, offered several suggestions for residents to control their water usage to
reduce costs. Bernie Girardot, 1492 Hendrie, offered to be a tester for the second meters. Ann Marie Marsh, 468 Sylvan Drive,
asked how to read her meter as it is the new type. She also wanted to know if the landscaping around her outdoor MXU inter-
feres with the reading via radio frequency. Director Faas explained she can contact the Water Billing staff to set up an appoint-
ment with our Public Works crews to show her how to read her meter. Also, the shrubbery does not inhibit the readings. Jamie
Nicolau, 48880 Central Park Drive, stated when he lived in Livonia his water bills were lower with the same consumption.
Supervisor Williams asked to see the rates for Livonia. Director Faas agrees to obtain this information. Mohammad Ghasali, 7021
Sylvan, requested the township engage in additional negotiations to lower the fees we pay for sewerage in the summer months
and provide a credit to the residents Jet Dhaliwal, 8445 Chatham, requested the township investigate ways to utilize the
storm/rain water that goes into the rivers, ponds, and storm sewers for irrigation purposes possibly Following the comments by
residents, board members made the following comments: Trustee Sneideman suggested residents compare their usage during
similar seasons over the past few years. Treasurer Slavens explained to residents there is a handout available with FAQ’s from
the Water Billing Department.
Citizen’s Non-Agenda Item Comments:
George Miller, 1946 Briarfield, asked what the $7.40
administrative cost covers on tax bills. He asked why the township has a full time Tax Assessor. He asked if the township has a
contract regarding the storage of dirt behind L.Georges on Michigan Avenue.
Payment of Bills
Motion by Siegrist, supported by
Foster to approve payment of the bills as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Item C-1.
Establishment and Use of “Receiving Boards” in the 2017 Elections. (Clerk)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to
adopt the resolution establishing the use of one or more “Receiving Boards” to administer any 2017 elections scheduled in the
Charter Township of Canton. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHARTER TOWN-
SHIP OF CANTON RESOLUTION APPROVING USE OF “RECEIVING BOARDS” IN THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
OF CANTON WHEREAS,
MCL.168.679(a) provides the legislative body of a city, township, or village may, by resolution,
provide that at an election at which the ballots are counted and certified at the precinct, 1 or more additional boards of election
inspectors be appointed to serve as receiving boards.
WHEREAS,
For a precinct having receiving boards, the board of election
commissioners shall appoint a receiving board consisting of 2 or more election inspectors, with an equal number from each major
political party, and shall appoint an equal number of election inspectors from each major political party, and not less than 2 elec-
tion inspectors in a precinct, representing each of the major political parties, shall deliver to the receiving board for that precinct
a sealed ballot container containing the voted ballots in a separate sealed envelope; the poll book and statement of returns.
WHEREAS,
The poll book and statement of returns may be enclosed in a single sealed envelope and the receiving board shall
open the sealed envelope and review the poll book and statement of returns to determine both of the following: (a) That the bal-
lot container is properly sealed and the seal number is properly recorded in the poll book and the statement of returns. If the bal-
lot container is not properly sealed or there is a discrepancy with the seal number recorded in the poll book or the statement of
returns, the election inspectors who delivered the ballot container and the receiving board shall together take the necessary steps
to correct the discrepancy. The election inspectors and the receiving board shall note the discrepancy and note the corrective
action in the remarks section of the poll book and all shall sign the notation. (b) That the number of individuals voting recorded
in the poll book equals the number of ballots issued to electors, as shown by the statement of returns. If the number of individu-
als voting as shown by the poll book does not equal the number of ballots counted as shown by the statement of returns, and if
an explanation of the discrepancy has not been noted in the poll book, the receiving board shall ask the election inspectors about
the discrepancy, note the explanation in the poll book, and all shall sign the notation.
WHEREAS,
if the poll book or statement
of returns has been erroneously sealed in the ballot container, the election inspectors may open the ballot container and remove
the poll book or statement of returns. The elections inspectors and receiving board shall note the corrective action in the remarks
section of the poll book and all shall sign the notation before placing the poll book or statement of returns in a separate sealed
envelope. If the statement of returns was sealed in the ballot container and the poll book was sealed in an envelope, the poll book
shall be removed from the sealed envelope for the notation of corrective action to be recorded before placing the poll book and
statement of returns in a sealed envelope. The receiving board shall notify the clerk of the board of canvassers responsible for
canvassing all or a portion of the election of the corrective action taken.
WHEREAS,
when the receiving board has completed
the review under subsection (3), the receiving board shall place the poll book and statement of returns in the appropriate enve-
lope, sealed with a red paper seal and initialed by the receiving board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the
Charter Township of Canton elects to use “receiving board in all elections scheduled in 2017 as provided in MCL. 168.679(a).
Item C-2. Appointments to the Election Commission. (Clerks)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to appointment
Supervisor - Pat Williams; Treasurer - Dian Slavens; and Clerk - Michael Siegrist to the Election Commission for Canton
Township with terms expiring November 20, 2020. Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-3. Request to Approve Purchase
Order to Election Source for Full Service Testing of Election Equipment for the November 8, 2016 General Election.
(Clerks)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to approve payment to Election Source, 4615 Danvers Drive SE, Grand
Rapids, MI 49512, for preparation and testing of the Election equipment for the November 8, 2016 General Election in the
amount of $14,190.00 from account 101-191.801_0050. Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-4. Reappointment to the CDBG
Advisory Council (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to extend Katherine S. Martin’s term to the CDBG
Advisory Council for an additional 90-days effective January 1, 2017 and expiring on March 31, 2017. Motion carried unani-
mously.
Item C-5. Consider Confirmation of Action of Prior Board Authorizing Sale of Vacant Township Property on
Michigan Avenue. (Supv.)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to confirm the action of the prior Board relative to the
sale of vacant Township property, and authorize the Township Supervisor to sign all documents necessary to complete the sale.
Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-6. Consider 2017 Meeting Dates for the Commission for Culture, Arts & Heritage
(CLS)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to establish the 2017 Canton Commission for Culture, Arts & Heritage meet-
ing schedule at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Level Meeting Room E of the Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center Road,
quarterly on the designated Monday of the established months Meeting Dates: February 13, 2017, May 8, 2017, August 14, 2017,
November 13, 2017. Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-7. Consider Approval of 2017 Building Board of Appeals Meeting
Dates. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to establish the Canton Township’s Building Board of Appeals meet-
ing schedule for the year 2017. Meetings will be scheduled as needed and will be held at the Charter Township of Canton
Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center Road. Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-8. Consider Approval of 2017
Planning Commission Meeting Dates. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to establish the Planning
Commission Meeting schedule for 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the First Floor Meeting Room of the Administration Building, 1150 S.
Canton Center Road as follows: January 9, February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 10, August 7, September 11,
October 2, November 6, and December 4. Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-9. Consider Approval of 2017 Zoning Board
of Appeals Meeting Dates. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to establish the Canton Township Zoning Board
of Appeals meeting schedule for the year 2017 as follows: Second Thursday of each month: January 12, February 9, March 9,
April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. to
be held at the Charter Township of Canton Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center Road. Motion carried unanimously.
Item C-10. Re-Appointment of Greg Greene and Appointment of Anne Marie Graham- Hudak to the Planning
Commission. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to re-appoint Greg Greene to the Canton Township Planning
Commission, term to expire December 31, 2019. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to
appoint Anne Marie Graham-Hudak to the Canton Township Planning Commission for the duration of her elected term. Motion
carried unanimously.
Item C-11. Consider Re-appointments of Greg Trombley, Joseph Philips and Bob Paciocco to the
Building Board of Appeals. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to re-appoint Greg Trombley, Joseph Philips
and Bob Paciocco to the Building Board of Appeals for a three month term to expire March 31, 2017. Motion carried unani-
mously.
GENERAL CALENDAR: Item G-1A. Consideration of Board Action on Attorney’s Recommendation Regarding
Pending Litigation. (Supv.)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman in the matter of Cherry Ridge, LLC v Canton
Township (United States District Court), to approve the proposed Second Amendment to Consent Judgment, and further author-
ize the Township supervisor and Township Clerk to sign on behalf of Canton Township. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by
Siegrist, supported by Sneideman in the matter of Cherry Ridge, LLC v Canton Township (United States District Court), to
approve the proposed First Amendment to Consent Judgment, and further authorize the Township supervisor and Township Clerk
to sign on behalf of Canton Township. Motion carried unanimously.
Item G-1. Consider Approval to Reclassify One Human
Resources Specialist Position to Human Resources Supervisor. (Supv.)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Foster I hereby
move to approve the reclassification of the Human Resources Specialist position held by Barbara Brouillette to Human Resources
Supervisor; the position will be reclassified to Pay Grade 8 on the Non-Union Wage scale as approved and recommended by the
Merit Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
Item G-2. Consider Approval of Wage Increase for Merit (Full-Time Non-
Union) Employees for the 2017 Fiscal Year. (Supv.)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Slavens to approve the proposed 2.0%
across the board wage scale increase for Merit Employees for the 2017 fiscal year, as recommended by the Merit Commission at
their meeting of December 6, 2016. Motion carried unanimously.
Item G-3. Consider Site Plan Approval for Best Western
Plus and Suites. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to approve the following resolution. Motion carried unan-
imously.
RESOLUTION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON Site Plan for Best Western
Plus and Suites WHEREAS,
the Project Sponsor, Mr. Brian Biskner, has requested site plan approval for Best Western Plus and
Suites to be located on Lotz Road between Michigan Avenue and Van Born Road, identified as tax EDP # 142-01-0073-000 and
142-01-0076- 000; and,
WHEREAS,
the Planning Commission reviewed the site plan and made a recommendation to approve
the request to grant site plan approval, with conditions as summarized in the attached written analysis and recommendation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,
the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Canton, Michigan does hereby
approve the request of the petitioner, Mr. Brian Biskner, to approve the site plan for the proposed Best Western Plus and Suites
subject to any and all state and local development regulations and further subject to any conditions recommended by the Planning
Commission and staff, as described in the analysis and recommendation attached hereto and made a part hereof. Terry G. Siegrist,
Clerk Charter Township of Canton
Item G-4. Consider Approval of a Resolution Accepting Jurisdiction and Maintenance
of a Storm Sewer Pipe Under Denton Road for the Future “Landings” Development. (MSD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported
by Foster to approve the modified resolution “Agreement for Long-Term Maintenance of the Stormwater Management System”
for the Landings Development and authorize the Township Supervisor to sign this document on behalf of the Township. Motion
carried unanimously.
Item G-5. Approve 2016 Budget Adjustments. (FBD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to
approve the budget adjustments to the 2016 Budget as presented to the Board. Motion carried unanimously.
Item G-6. Award
Four (4) Housing Rehabilitation Contracts. (FBD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Foster to award the contract for a hous-
ing rehabilitation at xxxx Brookshire to Stratton Home Improvement in the amount of $24,924 plus a contingency of $76 for a
purchase order total of $25,000. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Siegrist, supported by Foster to award the contract for
a housing rehabilitation at xxxx Rudgate to Stratton Home Improvement in the amount of $20,800 plus a contingency of $2,080
for a purchase order total of $22,880. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Siegrist, supported by Foster to award the contract
for a housing rehabilitation at xxxx Alton to Stratton Home Improvement in the amount of $24,700 plus a contingency of $300
for a purchase order total of $25,000. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Siegrist, supported by Foster to award the contract
for a housing rehabilitation at xxxx S. Canton Center to Stratton Home Improvement in the amount of $24,900 plus a contin-
gency of $100 for a purchase order total of $25,000. Motion carried unanimously.
Item G-7. Approve Proposal for Township
Telephone Carrier Services Renewal. (FBD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to approve the contract renewal with
Telnet Worldwide for telephone carrier services for a three-year period from the date of contract signing. Motion carried unani-
mously.
Item G-8. Request to Approve Election Payroll from November 8, 2016. (FBD)
Motion by Siegrist, supported by
Foster to approve the November 8, 2016 election payroll for a total amount not to exceed $94,720.00. Motion carried unani-
mously.
Item G-9. Award Bid for Printing, Sorting, and Distribution of the Discover Brochure. (CLS)
Motion by Siegrist,
supported by Sneideman to award the printing, sorting, and distribution of four editions of the 2017/2018 Discover Brochure to
Woodward Printing Services, 11 Means Drive, Platteville WI 53818 in the amount of $46,076 to be paid from the following
accounts over 2017 & 2018: Senior 101-672-50-900_0040 $ 3,100.00 Recreation 101-691-50-900_0040 $ 13,891.00 Summit
208-757-50-900_0040 $ 4,000.00 CSC 101-755-50-900_0040 $ 2,047.00
TOTAL $ 23,038.00
Motion carried unanimously.
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT:
Bernie Girardot, resident, complimented the Clerk on the election and the board on the
meeting.
OTHER:
Trustee Foster wished the board and members of the audience: Happy Holidays.
ADJOURN:
Motion by
Siegrist, supported by Sneideman to adjourn at 9:32 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
___Michael A. Siegrist, Clerk
EC122216-1412 2.5 x 18.446
New leisure services
director appointed
Traffic accident claims life
Greg Hohenberger has been named as
the new director of Canton Leisure
Services. Hohenberger will replace
Debbie Bilbrey-Honsowetz, who retired
earlier thismonth after 22 years at Canton
Township.
“Greg has championed numerous suc-
cessful community initiatives throughout
his career in Canton,” said Canton
Supervisor Pat Williams at a recent meet-
ing of the board of trustees. “He is a
proven leader who brings outside-the-box
thinking backed by data-driven decision-
making that will effectively helpdirect our
award-winning Leisure Services
Department.”
Most recently, Hohenberger held the
position of Canton Operations Manager,
where he oversaw operations at several
Leisure Services facilities since 2011,
including: the Summit on the Park com-
munity recreation center, The Village
Theater at Cherry Hill, The B.L.O.C.K.
Youth & Teen Center and Recreation
Services. Hohenberger, who has been
with Canton Township since 2003, also
assisted with oversight of golf operations.
In addition, he has led development of ini-
tial business plans for the department and
the cost recovery program, as well as
training and development of Leisure
Services staff.
Hohenberger is currently a member of
mParks, formerly known as Michigan
Recreation and Park Association, present-
ing at numerous conferences and trade
shows, and has previously served as treas-
urer of the group. In addition,
Hohenberger is recognized by the
National Certification Board (NCB) and
the National Recreation and Park
Association (NRPA) as a Certified Park
andRecreationProfessional.
Over the course of his 18-year career,
Hohenberger has established a track
record of successful management of recre-
ation facilities and services, as well as tac-
tical development of master plans, agency
vision tactics, and other strategic initia-
tives, officials said.
“Canton is home to some of the most
beautiful parks and popular family desti-
nations in the Metro Detroit area, includ-
ing: Summit on the Park, The Village
Theater at CherryHill, Pheasant RunGolf
Club, and the Canton Sports Center,” said
Hohenberger. “Our department is in the
business of building community. I look
forward to continuing to pursue this goal,
whilemaintaining the level of success that
our previous director, Debbie Bilbrey-
Honsowetz, has set as a standard for
CantonLeisureServices.”
Hohenberger received a bachelor of
science degree in therapeutic recreation,
as well as anMBA, fromEasternMichigan
University and currently resides in
Ypsilanti withhiswife and four children.
The investigation into a fatal traffic
accident in Canton Township is still open,
according to officials.
Canton officers were dispatched at
about 11:34 p.m. Dec. 12 to the area of Lotz
Road and Michigan Avenue for a single
car, pedestrian crash.
Upon arrival at the scene and inter-
view, with witnesses, officers determined
that a 30-year-old Canton Township resi-
dent was crossing the westbound lanes of
MichiganAvenue at Lotz Road, going from
the south side to the north when she was
struck by an oncoming vehicle.
The victim was transported to St. Mary
Hospital in Livonia in critical condition
and she latter succumbed to her injuries,
according to police reports.
The driver of the vehicle stopped at the
scene and was cooperative with officers,
police said.
Speed, alcohol, and distracted driving
do not appear to be factors in the crash
with the driver, officers said.
The Canton Police Department
Accident Investigation Teamwas called in
to investigate and the crash remains
under investigation, according to police.
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill
will exhibit the collected works of the
Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild in the
Gallery@VT through Jan. 2.
The Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild com-
prises a group of artists who champion
the enjoyment of fiber arts through infor-
mation and demonstration. Works on dis-
play include a wide variety of fiber art,
such as: basketry, beading, bead embroi-
dery, bead weaving, kumihimo, crochet,
doll making, dyeing and painting,
Embroidery, felting, garment design and
construction, handmade paper and book
art, knitting, knotting, quilting, sewing,
spinning, weaving, and surface design.
These one-of-a-kind textile creations
contain unique color, pattern and textur-
al details.
Exhibit artists include: Jill Ault,
Bettie Bahen, Carol Fleischer, Sandra
Kunkle, Anne Mackinnon, Madeline
Navarro, Terry O'Toole, Mary Valerie
Richter, Jenny Schu, Barbara
Schutzgruber, Susan Trovillion, Helen
Welford, Sharon Weltner and Kathy
Zasuwa.
Originally founded in 1956 as a club
for weavers, the Ann Arbor Fiberarts
Guild provides opportunities for fiber
artists to meet and exchange ideas, and
to learn about fiber art through lectures
and workshops. This group also partici-
pates in the Ann Arbor State Street Area
Art Fair. For additional information
about the Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild,
visit
.
This current art exhibit at The Village
Theater at Cherry Hill is free and open
to the public from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Monday - Friday; during public perform-
ances at the theater and by appointment
by calling (734) 394-5300. The Gallery is
closed onholidays.
The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is
located at 50400CherryHill Road.
Greg Hohenberger
Fiber art now on exhibit
