APPROVED MINUTES

 
MINUTES
GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
June 26, 2006
Grosse Ile Township Hall – Merle Solomon Board Room
9601 Groh Road

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
Present: Supervisor Jones, Treasurer Kobiljak, Trustees Neal, Raithel, Wojewodzic, Will and Township Manager Reaume.
Absent: Clerk O’Connor

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comment:
1. W. Clark, 19620 Parke Lane, Thanked the Board for providing water to Art Koester at 4 Corners. Asked about union back pay and liquor license for Sharkey’s at Water’s Edge. Mr. Clark also asked for an independent survey on the County Bridge. Mr. Reaume responded that union employees are being paid under their settled union contract and that the liquor license for Sharkey’s Grill is still in the final approval process. Mr. Clark also asked who paid the expense for the performers at Islandfest. Finance Director Darzniek responded that many were paid through community& business donations and the $7,500 start-up funding from the township.
2. Lisa Blackburn, Church Rd., P.A.T, Co-President, thanked Supervisor Kobiljak, Tim Rooney and the Board for supporting the new P.A.T. at the Pool program and urged parents to visit Water’s Edge to enroll their children.
3. Tom Burkhart, Requested a copy of the letter Supervisor Kobiljak referred to last month supporting the township’s position on the toll bridge. Mr. Burkhart then asked for an explanation of the fund balance. Ann Darzniek, Finance Director, provided a brief explanation of Fund Balance procedures.
4. David Moxlow, Inquired where in the Budget does the Fund Balance show? Ann Darzniek, Finance Director, replied that the Fund Balance is found within the Annual Audit filed with the State Treasury and the audit is not yet completed for this year. Mr. Moxlow asked how much has the township spent on legal expenses since October, 2005 on the bridge litigation? Mr. Moxlow also asked if the attorney was working gratis? Mr. Kobiljak responded that Butzel Long is working on a proposal to help defray the legal costs in this matter.
5. Ron Janowski, Groh Rd., Informed the board that in 2004 the County Bridge closed for repairs and because of this there were traffic back-ups which occurred for several days. The Riverview police were called upon to help with traffic and billed the Grosse Ile Bridge Company for approximately $20,000 for expenses incurred. Mr. Kanjorski then asked the Board to please drop the eminent domain litigation to prevent additional costs.
6. Mayor Tim Durand, Riverview, explained that he came to the meeting reluctantly to advise the Board that he received a call from his city manager who was visibly shaken by the demeanor, behavior and the rudeness exhibited toward him during a visit from Mr. Kanjorski regarding Riverview’s ordinance enforcement for collecting reimbursement of police costs at the toll bridge in 2004.
Public Comment was ended by Supervisor Kobiljak.

Additions/Deletions to Agenda:
1. Motion Will, second Wojewodzic, to delete action item #5, Lighthouse Grant Applicaion and to delete action item #9, Bid Award Sunnybrook, Woodside, and Parkway Sanitary Sewer Replacement. All aye.
Motion Wojewodzic, second Pociask, to approve the agenda as amended. All aye. Motion carried.

Final Agenda

Consent Agenda 06-047
The following items will be adopted without discussion, however, at the request of any Board Member or Citizen, items may be removed for Board discussion or explanation.

1. Minutes of May 8, 2006
2. Cash Requirements List May 22, 2006
3. Cash Requirements List June 13, 2006
4. Cash Requirements List June 26, 2006
5. Purchase Order Summary, May 22, 2006
6. Purchase Order Summary, June 12, 2006
7. Purchase Order Summary, June 26, 2006
8. Authorization to Pay Bills through July 24, 2006

Clerk’s Report: None
Treasurer’s Report:
1. Investment Report
Supervisor’s Report: None
Township Manager’s Report
1. Open Bid: Wastewater Treatment Plant Gas Lines Replacement
ACTION ITEMS
1. Resignations from a) Airport Advisory Committee and, b) Airport Commerce Park Commission
2a. Community Recreation Commission Resignation and, 2b) Appointment to Recreation
Commission
3. Trenton Fireworks
4. Approve MDOT Crack Sealing Contract
5. Deleted
5. Confirmation of Sale of 1984 Grumman Fire Truck
6. Kroger Special Land Use Approval
7. Appointment of Commerce Park/Airfield Manager
8. Bid Award 2006 Joint and Crack Sealing/DPS
9. Deleted
10. Amendment to Municipal Code of Ordinances, Chapter 98, Ordinance #06-04, Environmental Assessment
11. Adopt Ordinance #06-05, Amendment to Municipal Code, entitled, Inmate Reimbursement, Public Act 88

12. Accept Counter Petitions against Road Improvement/SAD – Blauvelt, Chicory, Waterway, and Lafayette
13. Resolution to oppose state cable franchise bills

Discussion Items:
Extended Public Comment
Adjourn
*****************************************************************************
Consent Agenda # 06-047:
1. Minutes of May 8, 2006
2. Cash Requirements List May 22, 2006
3. Cash Requirements List June 13, 2006
4. Cash Requirements List June 26, 2006
5. Purchase Order Summary, May 22, 2006
6. Purchase Order Summary, June 12, 2006
7. Purchase Order Summary, June 26, 2006
8. Authorization to Pay Bills through July 24, 2006

Motion Forrester, second Pociask, to approve Consent Agenda # 06-047 as presented.
All aye. Motion carried.

Clerk’s Report: None
Treasurer’s Report:
1. Treasurer Raithel presented the Investment Report. The total amount invested was $16,393,574.53 at an interest rate of 4.40% for an interest earned of #37,238.18. Mr. Raithel also informed the public that the tax bills will be mailed out the first week of July and that two thirds of the County tax will be collected.
Supervisor’s Report:
1. Supervisor Kobiljak informed the public that there would be a Commission/Committees Study Session on July 10, 2006 at 7p.m. The study session would be with the following four commissions/committees; Greenway/Open Space Committee, Airport Commerce Park Commission, Department of Public Services Commission, and the Community Recreation/Water’s Edge Commission.
Township Manager’s Report:
1. Township Manager Reaume presented the Bid Opening for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Gas Lines Replacement. There was a discrepancy in the written and numerical figures in the bid; the written figure given was $11,524.00 and the numerical figure given was 11,568.00. The bid will be reviewed by the Department of Public Services Manager and the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager. Any further action will be brought back to the board. The sole bid for the project was from Monroe Plumbing and Heating Company.
2. Manager Reaume asked Derek Thiel to provide information on the incident at the Grosse Ile Airport on Sunday night. Mr. Thiel briefed the Board on the incident that occurred on Sunday, June 25, 2006, evening involving a Beach Craft aircraft that suffered some damage on landing. There were no injuries and the emergency plan worked very will and the response times were excellent.

ACTION ITEMS
1a. 06-048 Motion Raithel, second Will, to accept with regret the resignation of Mark Glovis from the Airport Advisory Committee. All aye. Motion carried.
1b 06-049 Motion Raithel, second Pociask, to accept with regret the resignation of David Kelley from the Airport Commerce Park Commission.
All aye. Motion carried.
2a. 06-050 Motion Pociask, second Forrester, to accept with regret the resignation of Brian McNally from the Community Recreation Commission. All aye. Motion carried.
2b. 06-051 Motion Pociask, second Forrester, to appoint Mrs. Ethel Yops to the Community Recreation Commission for the term length of June 26, 2006 to April 3, 2008. All aye. Motion carried.
3. 06-052 Motion Wojewodzic, second Forrester, to approve a fireworks event by the Trenton Rotary on the night of July 22, 2006 at 10:00 PM in the Detroit River in front of Elizabeth Park. All aye. Motion carried.
4. 06-053 Motion Forrester, second Raithel, to approve MDOT crack sealing contract for the Grosse Ile Municipal Airport in the estimated amount of $10,000 (airport portion is $5,000 with sponsor share of $5,000) and authorize the Township Manager to sign MDOT contract No. 2006-0338. All aye. Motion carried.
5. 06-054 Motion Wojewodzic, second Raithel, to confirm the sale of #1652 (Grosse Ile Fire Department pumper) to the city of Garden City, in an as-is condition for the sum of $52,000.00 dollars. All aye. Motion carried.
6. 06-055 Motion Will, second Wojewodzic, to recommend to the Township Board and Findings of Fact for the Special Land Use Application for Kroger in accordance with Planning Commission Approval dated May 1, 2006. All aye. Motion carried.
7. 06-056 Motion Raithel, second Forrester, to appoint Derek M. Thiel as the full time at-will Commerce Park/Airfield Manager at a salary of $38,750 annually, subject to the terms and conditions as detailed in the June 21, 2006 letter of offer from the Township Manager. All aye. Motion carried.
8. 06-057 Motion Will, second Pociask, to award bid to Scodeller Construction, low bidder, for the 2006 joint and crack sealing program based on the recommendation of the DPS Commission, bid price $.62 per linear foot. All aye. Motion Carried.
9. 06-058 Motion Will, second Forrester, to approve the Municipal Code of Ordinance amendments, as recommended on May 1, 2006 by the Planning Commission regarding Chapter 98, Environmental Assessment. Roll call, all aye. Motion carried.
10. 06-059 Motion Will, second Pociask, to recommend the Township Board Adopt and Ordinance entitled,”Inmate Reimburement.” Roll call, all aye. Motion carried.
11. 06-060 Motion Will, second Pociask, for a resolution accepting the counter petitions for the road improvements to Blauvelt, Chicory, Lafayette, and Waterway. All aye. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE COUNTER PETITIONS FOR THE ROAD
IMPROVEMENTS TO BLAUVELT, CHICORY, LAFAYETTE, WATERWAY

WHEREAS, the Township Board of the Township of Grosse Ile, Wayne County, Michigan, received petitions signed by property owners of more than 60% of the total area of the proposed Special Assessment District hereinafter described as the Blauvelt, Chicory, Lafayette, Waterway Special Assessment District; and,

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on May 8, 2006, to examine preliminary costs and estimates of the proposed special assessment district, a notice of which was published and mailed to all property owners in the proposed special assessment district with affidavits of mailing pertaining thereto on file with the Township Clerk; and,
WHEREAS, in accordance with the aforesaid notices, all persons were given the opportunity to be heard at the scheduled public hearing; and,
WHEREAS, counter petitions were received by the Township Clerk within 10 days of the Public Hearing by the record owners of land constituting not less than 51% of the total frontage upon the road that were properly signed with the signatures verified and accepted,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED as follows:
1. This Township Board does hereby accept the counter petitions filed for the Blauvelt,
Chicory, Lafayette, Waterway Special Assessment District and according to Chapter 230, Article II, Section 10, cancels this project.

12. Trustee Forrester took a moment to read a letter commending GITV Cable for the service to
its community in going above and beyond to bring local coverage to township residents written by the Grosse Ile Power Squadron.

06-061 Motion Forrester, second Will,
WHEREAS, AT&T and Verizon have been actively advocating across the country that local cable franchise agreements be eliminated, and
WHEREAS, AT&T is blaming Michigan communities as the reason they cannot enter into the cable/video business, while local communities and local residents want more cable competition and would quickly allow AT&T into their community, AT&T has refused to negotiate a franchise with any city, village or township, and
WHEREAS, legislation has been introduced in the Michigan Legislature, House Bill 5895 and Senate Bill 1157 would:
Eliminate local cable franchising and requires Secretary of State to grant a statewide franchise.
Allows and cable or video provider to stop serving and area in a city, village or township based on out of state corporate economic decisions.
Current law guarantees service to all local residents. Cable and phone companies could turn off service to neighborhoods because they are not profitable, basically “cherry picking” and redlining” neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, local government participation in the cable franchising process ensures build out requirements so that all residents irrespective of age, race, education or income level, receives the same service, and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Township of Grosse Ile opposes Senate Bill 1157 and House Bill 5895 and urges our state legislators to oppose the bills.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township of Grosse Ile hereby affirms its support for the current local cable franchise agreement system and urges federal and state policymakers to only support legislation that:

1. Maintains local control of the cable franchise process;
2. Ensures build out requirements so that providers are not able to “cherry pick” customers;
3. Preserves local governments ability to manage the public rights of way;
4. Ensures no reduction in direct revenues and that Michigan’s Metro Act is preserved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution is forwarded to our state legislators in Lansing, our congressional representatives in Washington D.C., Governor Granholm, and the Michigan Municipal League.
All aye. Motion carried.

Discussion Items: None
Extended Public Comment:
1. David Moxlow, said to the board that he doesn’t understand the fund balance and he asked Treasurer Raithel if the Township is overtaxed. Treasurer Raithel explained that he doesn’t set taxes, he only collects them. Finance Director Darzniek said she maintains an open door policy to answer questions.
2. Tom Burkhart, commented on Riverview Mayor Durand’s appearance and his comments and various other matters.
3. Ron Janowski, 9170 Groh Rd., made further explanation of his visit to the Riverview City Offices and informed the board that his attorney has been or will be called regarding the board allowing Mayor Durand’s comments. Mr. Janowski also gave the Board notice that he will be waging a campaign against board members.
4. Woody Clark, pointed out to the board that Horsemill Rd. has a number of ruts due to construction. Mr. Clark also wanted to know about the tractors that the airport maintenance uses and why they are not given a canopy on the top for hot days? Mr. Sedlock reported there had been no complaints by maintenance staff to date.
5. Tom Burkhart asked about the access road between West River and Parkway and the status on the tree cutting on Round Island. Mr. Reame said that the Township was waiting for a legal description correction regarding Round Island.

Motion Wojewodzic, second Raithel, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.

Ute O’Connor, Township Clerk

Go to:

Meeting Minutes

Board of Trustees

Related Items:

Township Administration

Township Staff