APPROVED MINUTES

                                    GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

November 13, 2006

                                   Grosse Ile Township Hall – Merle Solomon Board Room

                                                                 9601 Groh Road

 

 

The Regular Meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by Township Supervisor Kobiljak.

 

Present: Supervisor Kobiljak, Clerk O’Connor (arrived at 7:38 p.m.), Treasurer Raithel, Trustees Wojewodzic, Will, Pociask.

Absent: Forrester 

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Comment: General comments on non-agenda items - limited to 3 minutes per person

1.  Mr. & Mrs. DiClaudio, Ferry Street, informed the Board of a tree problem on their neighbor’s property that is endangering their property.  Supervisor Kobiljak will have staff look into the problem and contact them.

2.  Resident at 10225 Nancy’s Blvd., commented on the deteriorating conditions at the Water’s Edge Marina and asked for improvements to be made.

3.  G. Jones, 7738 Macomb, asked if there were property sales or acquisitions or legal fees on the Consent Agenda.  The Finance Director stated there is nothing concerning property on the Consent Agenda and there are legal fees on the Accounts Payable to Look, Makowski & Look for general representation in the amount of $2,984.10 and to Attorney Galligan in the amount of 6,539.02 for sewer project litigation.

Presentations

 

Additions/Deletions to Agenda:

1.  Motion Pociask, second Wojewodzic, to add as Action # 13, Supplemental Priority Winter Road Maintenance.  All aye.

2.  Motion O’Connor, second Will, to delete Action Item #1, Festival Commission Appointments.  All aye.

3.  Motion Will, second Pociask, add Discussion of West River Road Ramp to Grosse Ile Parkway.  All aye.

4.  Motion O’Connor, second Raithel, to add Authorization to Pay Bills to the Consent Agenda.

     All aye. 

Motion Raithel, second Wojewodzic, to accept the agenda as amended. All aye. Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Agenda

 

CONSENT AGENDA 06-098:

1. Minutes of October 9, 2006

2. Minutes of Special Meeting November 1, 2006

3. Cash Requirements List dated October 23, 2006

4. Cash Requirements List dated November 13, 2006

5. Purchase Order Summary dated October 23, 2006

6. Purchase Order Summary dated November 13, 2006

7.  Authorization to Pay Bills through December 11, 2006

 

Clerk’s Report

1.  Election Report

2.  Island Glow Update

Treasurer’s Report

1.  September Investment Report

Supervisor’s Report

1.  County Bridge Update

2.  Downtown Development Authority Update

3.  Emergency/Evacuation Plan Update

4.  Planning Commission Appointment

Township Manager’s Report

1.  Round Island Easement Update

2.  Sanitary Sewer Project

3.  Thanksgiving Holiday Hours 

 

ACTION ITEMS

1.  Deleted

2.  Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Appointments

3.  2007 Water’s Edge Rates

4.    Native American Week Resolution

5.    33rd District Court 2007 Budget

6.    Coast Guard Waterway Regulation

7.    Authorization to Seek Bids for Fire Department SCBA Equipment

8.    Fire Department Computer Hardware/Software State Upgrades

9.    Amendment to Township Zoning Ordinance: Michigan Zoning Enabling Act

10.Design & Engineering for Rehab of Lift Station Control Panels

11.Authorization to prepare engineering and design drawings for Rehabilitation of Commerce Park Roads

12.Contractual Part-time Building Inspector

13.Supplemental Priority Winter Road Maintenance

 

Discussion Items

Extended Public Comment: Comments limited to 5 minutes per person

Adjourn

 

 

Regular Meeting

 

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.

 

Consent Agenda # 06-098:

 

Motion Will, second Wojewodzic, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended.  All aye.

1. Minutes of October 9, 2006

2. Minutes of Special Meeting November 1, 2006

3. Cash Requirements List dated October 23, 2006

4. Cash Requirements List dated November 13, 2006

5. Purchase Order Summary dated October 23, 2006

6. Purchase Order Summary dated November 13, 2006

7.  Authorization to Pay Bills through December 11, 2006

 

Clerk’s Report:

1.  Clerk O’Connor reported that the General Election went well despite a few minor glitches. The tabulator at Precinct 4, VFW Hall, malfunctioned in mid-afternoon. Precinct Inspectors followed the state’s protocol to handle the problem. The spare tabulator was put into service and the transition from one tabulator to another worked flawlessly. The integrity of the results remained intact.

 

The biggest local “political” issue was the handling of the ID requirement. 

Three voters complained about being asked for identification, and one took his complaint to the State Bureau of Elections.  The Bureau of Elections and the County Clerk’s Office contacted Clerk’s Office staff to inform that although a law requiring voter identification has been on the books since 1996, there is also an Attorney General’s opinion from 1997 contesting the identification requirement. This AG opinion is not notated in the election law manual. It has put the identification requirement law on “hold”.  We promptly informed our precinct inspectors to stop asking for identification, except under certain specified legal circumstances, such as when a voter’s name does not appear on the Qualified Voter List.

 

We were pleased and amazed that the majority of voters continued to insist on showing their identification and voiced their concerns about identity fraud.

Clerk O’Connor thanked the large turnout of registered voters for their patience and the Township’s Election Inspectors for their hard work and diligence.

 

2.  Clerk O’Connor reminded residents about Island Glow festivities beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1st with entertainment at the East Macomb Stage across from Grosse Ile Hardware and Santa’s arrival by fire truck at 7:40 p.m. followed by the official tree lighting in front of Perdino’s at 8:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Treasurer’s Report:

1. September Investment Report:  Treasurer Raithel reported a total investment of $19,402,456.57 at an average rate of 5.14%, earning interest totaling $41,960.12 for the month of September. The Treasurer also reminded residents that 2007Animal Licenses will be available in December.

Supervisor’s Report:

1. County Bridge Update: The County is still accumulating resources and expect to start the bid process in February or March and reports that repairs are still on track to begin sometime in April, 2007. The DPS Commission has asked the County to clean up vegetation and improve the pavement on the Trenton side of the bridge at the time of the bridge repairs.

2. Downtown Development Authority Update: Supervisor Kobiljak reports that work on the Kroger expansion is progressing well and will contain a Starbucks Coffee Café, the Island Restaurant expects to open in late December and the Island Dollar Store expects to open in January, 2007.  There is a new Farm Bureau Insurance office on Macomb Street and the Mocavation Café has reopened under new management.  There are plans to clean up the intersection of Macomb and Meridian on both sides of the road.

3. Emergency/Evacuation Plan Update: Supervisor Kobiljak announced that there have been meetings held with the Coast Guard and the Police and Fire Chiefs will present a report at the December Board Meeting. The Supervisor also announced that the DTE conveyer site fire damage has been repaired and they are planning a progress update for the December meeting.

4. Planning Commission Appointment: 

    06-099 Motion Will, second Raithel to approve the Supervisor’s appointment of Jody Charlson to the Planning commission for the term length of November 13, 2006 to April 1, 2008.  All aye. Motion adopted.

Supervisor Kobiljak announced that one of the Open Space Signs had been heavily vandalized over the weekend and asked anyone who may have witnessed anything to contact the Police Department.

Township Manager’s Report           

1. Round Island Easement Update:  Progress continues with one outstanding item to be settled, the stumps and log removal is still under consideration and the State is attempting to find a way to cover the removal within the project budget.

2.  Sanitary Sewer Project:  The sewer project is nearing completion and the Beautification Committee under the guidance of Pamela Frucci has nominated the Wastewater Treatment Plant for a State Beautification Award for their landscaping at the site.

3.  Thanksgiving Holiday Hours: Township offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Payments may be deposited in the Drop Box located at the driveway near the side entrance.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

1.   Deleted

2.    06-100  Motion Will, second Raithel, to approve the Supervisor’s reappointment of Susan Harrison, Brooke MacNee and Eric Anderson to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) from November 13, 2006 to September 30, 2010.  All aye.  Motion adopted.

3.    06-101  Motion Pociask, second Raithel, to establish an operational rate structure for Water’s Edge Membership, Golf Course, Pool and Marina for 2007 as proposed by the Grosse Ile Community

     Recreation Commission.  All aye.  Motion adopted.

    

 

 

Public Comment Motion # 06-101: Several tenants of the marina voiced concerns over rate increases considering the poor condition of the docks and seawalls at the marina; which present some safety issues and need immediate attention.  The group suggested the rate increases be used to make the necessary improvements and asked if security could be improved. Supervisor Kobiljak indicated that the Community Recreation Commission is aware of the problems at the marina and will be addressing remedies in the upcoming year.

4.  06-102  Motion O’Connor, second Will, Whereas, the history and culture of our great nation have    been significantly influenced by American Indians and indigenous peoples; and

Whereas, the contributions of American Indians have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness of America today, and

Whereas, their customs and traditions are respected and celebrated as part of a rich legacy throughout the United States; and

Whereas, Native American Awareness Week began in 1976 and recognition was expanded by Congress and approved by President George Bush in August 1990, designating the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month; and

Whereas, in honor of National American Indian Heritage Month, community celebrations as well as numerous cultural, artistic, educational and historical activities have been planned;

Now THEREFORE, WE, The Township of Grosse Ile Board of Trustees, do hereby proclaim November 2006 as the National American Indian Heritage Month in the Township of Grosse Ile and urge all our citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.  All aye.  Resolution adopted 6-0.

5.    06-103  Motion Will, second Wojewodzic, to adopt a Resolution to approve 33rd Judicial Court Budget for January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007 as follows:

     WHEREAS, the governing body for the Township of Grosse Ile has received the budget submitted by the 33rd District Court for the period of January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. 

     NOW THEREFORE, the Township of Grosse Ile hereby resolves that the budget be adopted as submitted. All aye.  Resolution adopted 6-0.

6.  06-104  Motion Pociask, second O’Connor, Whereas, the Township of Grosse Ile is an Island Community in the County of Wayne with two access points; and

Whereas, the Township of Grosse Ile has been informed by Wayne County that the public bridge located on the southern end of the Island will be closed beginning in April 2007 for a period of up to eight (8) months for the purposes of reconstruction thereby leaving the 12,000 residents of Grosse Ile with only one method of access via the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge; and

Whereas, the United States Coast Guard regulates the Great Lakes waterway that includes the Trenton Channel; and

Whereas, the Trenton Channel is traversed by the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge; and

Whereas, the opening and closing of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge will severely impede the flow of traffic for the residents of Grosse Ile; and

Whereas, impeded traffic flow will have a negative impact on the public safety, specifically the general health and welfare, of the community; and

Whereas, the Grosse Ile Fire Department makes on average five (5) emergency runs off island per day; and

 

 

Whereas, the opening and closing of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge during the re-construction period of the Wayne County public bridge will be detrimental to the residents of the Township of Grosse Ile; and

NOW, THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Grosse Ile Township Board of Trustees request the United States Coast Guard prohibit the opening and closing of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge during the reconstruction period of the Wayne County public bridge; and

NOW, THERFORE FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, in the event the United States Coast Guard refuses to prohibit the opening and closing of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge during the reconstruction period of the Wayne County public bridge the Grosse Ile Township Board of Trustees request that the United States Coast Guard prohibit the opening and closing of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge during the reconstruction period of the Wayne County public bridge during the peak rush hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution as a solicitation of support shall be forwarded to the Unites States Coast Guard, United States Senator Debbie Stabenow, United States Senator Carl Levin, United States Representative John D. Dingell, United States Representative John Conyers, Governor Jennifer Granholm, State Senator Bruce Patterson, State Representative Kathleen Law, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Wayne County Emergency Management Director Mark Sparks, Wayne County Director of Roads Lorenzo A. Blount, City of Trenton Mayor Gerald Brown, and City of Riverview Mayor Timothy Durand.

    Yeas: Kobiljak, O’Connor, Raithel, Will, Pociask, Wojewodzic.  Absent: Forrester

    Resolution Adopted 6-0.

Public Comment Motion 06-104: T. Burkhart and R. Janowski, agreed that the township must petition the Coast Guard to limit boat traffic during county bridge construction.

G. Jones, suggested the township notify DTE Energy of the resolution.

7.    06-105  Motion Wojewodzic, second Pociask, to allow the Grosse Ile Fire Department to seek qualified bidders for the purchase of a new S.C.B.A. (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus).  All aye.  Motion adopted.

8.    06-106  Motion Wojewodzic, second Pociask, to allow the Grosse Ile Fire Department to enter into a contract with AccuMed Billing and Cyngus Systems, for the upgrading of both ambulances with lap-top computers. All aye.  Motion Adopted.

9.    06-107  Motion Will, second Raithel, to approve and adopt the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to comply with changes in the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act,

     (PA 110 of 2006); based on the recommendation of the Grosse Ile Township Planning Commission.  ROLL CALL. Yes: Will, Wojewodzic, Pociask, Raithel, O’Connor, Kobiljak.

     Absent: Forrester. Motion adopted 6-0. 

10.                                      06-108  Motion Will, second Wojewodzic, to approve that the Charles E. Raines Company be authorized to prepare engineering and design drawings and to seek bids for the rehabilitation of the lift station control panels, estimated cost $30,000; based on the recommendation of the DPS Commission. All aye.  Motion adopted 6-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.06-109  Motion Raithel, second O’Connor, based on a resolution by the Grosse Ile

                        Commerce Park Commission, it is recommended that the Charles E. Raines Company be authorized to prepare engineering and design drawings for the rehabilitation of Commerce Park roads indicated in Attachment B.  Estimated cost is $93,599.63 (7% of the total project cost).  Funding is subject to approval of DPS Commission authorization to use road improvement fund money for design phase.  All aye.  Motion adopted 6-0.

12.06-110  Motion O’Connor, second Will, to approve the hiring of Tim Thompson for contractual part-time Building Inspector for Grosse Ile Township under the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement dated November 13, 2006, subject to final insurance review.

                             All aye.  Motion adopted 6-0.

                            Public Comment Motion 06-110:

                          1. Peg Bailey, East River, wants to see Commerce Park flourish but opposes money being spent on

                              this project.

                          2. Jack Delphy, objects to using road millage funds for Commerce Park projects.

   3. Tom Burkhart, believes first concern is to maintain current tenants and preserve recreation access.                       The scope of the project is too broad.

  4. G. Jones, inquired how many members from the old Roads Committee are on the DPS Commission?

                            (Nine members, three from the former Roads Committee)

                        5. Board Members spoke on the need to fund the design phase for the well being of all residents, not just                                 Commerce Park tenants.

13.06-111 Motion Pociask, second Will, based upon recommendation of the DPS Wayne County Roads Liaison, to enter into an agreement with Wayne County for priority winter maintenance services to the following local roads, with the Township and County each sharing in half the cost:

                                    Bellevue Road (Meridian to East River)

                                    Church Road (East River to West River)

                                    Ferry Road (East River to West River)

                                    Grays Drive (Meridian to East River)

                                    Horsemill Road (Meridian to East River)

                                    Lyons Drive (Macomb to Grays)

                                    Manchester (East River to Meridian)

                                    Meridian (Bridge Road to Parke Lane)

                                    Parke Lane (Bridge Road to Meridian)

                                    Parke Lane (Church Road to Oak River Dr.)

                                    Parke Lane (Bellevue to Ferry)

                                    South Pointe (Groh to Elbamar)

                           The Township’s share in cost for the 2006-07 season is $28,974.20 for 10.81 miles of

                           roadway at $2,680.31 per mile.

                           Motion adopted 5-1. Supervisor Kobiljak cast the opposing vote.

 

Discussion Items:

Trustee Will, commented that the West River Road ramp problems continue and after discussions with members of Road Committee/DPS Commission would like the Board to revisit the situation.

 

 

Clerk O’Connor, asked the Board to try some other methods, such as signage or re-routing traffic, before looking to construction.

Supervisor Kobiljak, indicated that discussions with Vicki Holland, Wayne County Roads Department, suggested that a third party independent traffic study be conducted to determine all scenarios.

Treasurer Raithel, agreed that something must be done and that there weren’t enough facts presented at the last discussion; however, doesn’t want to create yet another issue.

Trustee Wojewodzic, agreed that other solutions need to be considered.

 

Extended Public Comment

T. Burkhart, agreed with the suggestion that it is time to create a traffic study. Mr. Burkhart complimented the township on hiring Tim Thompson as the Building Official and asked the Board about plans for the County Bridge repairs.  Supervisor Kobiljak explained the project

as outlined by the county to date.

 

Motion Treasurer Raithel, second O’Connor, to adjourn the Regular Meeting. All aye.

Meeting adjourned at 11:03 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                                    Ute O’Connor. Township Clerk