Annual Report

Office of the Township Manager

2006-2007

During the 2006-2007 budget year the Township remained extremely fiscally responsible. Continuing with the theme of the past several years, the Township avoided the financial hardships witnessed by many local governments. In addition to the elected officials, all Township employees were challenged to maintain services, in some cases increase services, with only a nominal increase in revenue. This challenge became increasingly difficult to address due to State Revenue Sharing cuts, the reduction in discretionary funds, increases in obligated costs such as insurance and payroll, and constituent expectations. The Township met these challenges over the past several years and we will continue to do so.

Past year’s accomplishments included:

ü The construction of the DPS Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project continued. The Township is completing segment Two after the contractor failed to complete the punch list and start-up of the facility. Segment Three is behind schedule, but nearly complete. The purpose of this project is to prohibit the discharge of sanitary waste into the Detroit River during high flow periods. This project is being funded by a taxpayer-approved millage. Segments Two and Three are currently in litigation.

ü The Ordinance Enforcement Officer responded to an average of 37 complaints per month as compared to 40 per month the prior year.

ü The scope of the road improvement project of West River Road North was reduced to address the right of way limitations. Wayne County completed the base survey/alignment plan for the improvements to West River Road North and is now in the process of making revisions.

ü The Clerk’s Office managed three elections in 2006 and had a considerable increase in passport applications due to the change in Federal guidelines for travel.

ü The Michigan State Supreme Court ruled in the litigation with the Grosse Ile Bridge Company. The Court stated the Township has the authority to acquire property by condemnation for public purposes indicating necessity. However, it also stated that the Township revealed no authority that would allow the Township to acquire property beyond its limits. Therefore, the Township submitted a resolution of support from the City of Riverview addressing this issue. A decision on this matter is pending.

ü Negotiations with the Ford Yacht Club to purchase an avigation easement over Round Island were completed and the purchase of the easement is now completed. The tree removal is scheduled to be completed by the Spring of 2007.

ü Aggressively prepared for the upcoming reconstruction of the Wayne County Grosse Ile Parkway Free Bridge by adding to the Township Emergency Operations Plan, developing procedures with Wayne County Emergency Management, the Michigan State Police, and the Army National Guard. In addition, the Fire Department purchased a water ambulance.

ü Welcomed Brian and Deb Sharkey as proprietors of the new Water’s Edge Restaurant, Sharkey’s Tavern, in the Summer of 2006.

ü The Downtown Development Authority sought proposal for landscape and streetscape improvements for the Business District. The project currently is in the planning stage. Implementation is expected in the Spring of 2007.

ü The Airport Commerce Park Commission prepared a Commerce Park Master Plan and worked with the Planning Commission to amend portions of the Zoning Ordinance to support the implementation of the plan.

ü Hired a Commerce Park/Airfield Manager, Building Inspector, Police Department Dispatcher, and Finance Assistant.

ü Engaged a consultant to perform a traffic study for the intersection of West River and Grosse Ile Parkway.

ü The Commerce Park lost Solo World partners and Eagle Industries as tenants. However, entered into a lease extension with Iverson Industries.

ü The Township hosted an X-treme Warrior physical fitness competition that will be airing on Comcast television Winter 2007.

ü In addition to the monthly management team meetings, I began holding regular one on one briefings with all the department managers.

ü The Tennis Center enjoyed a successful year and began making additional facility improvements.

The State of Michigan is reporting that State Revenue Sharing funding will remain approximately at the previous year’s level. However, general operating costs, health care costs, retirement costs, and general insurance costs continue to rise. The obligatory costs force the Township to make cuts in other areas of the budget. Although we continue to be fiscally responsible, it becomes increasingly more difficult to minimally impact services. The Township health care costs increased approximately 11% from last year, while both retirement and general liability insurance costs increased by 4% over the prior year costs.

In addition to the efficient management of the day-to-day operations of the Township other significant goals are:

ü Successfully implement the preparation plan for the closure of the reconstruction of the Wayne County Grosse Ile Parkway Free Bridge.

ü Develop programs in the Recreation Department to include Water’s Edge Country Club as a public recreation facility. In the short term, continue with cost-cutting efforts and revenue enhancement activities.

ü Implement the Airport Commerce Park Master Plan and continue with tenant recruitment efforts.

ü Focus efforts on the evaluation and improvement of Township policies and procedures.

ü Continue the code enforcement program in a manner that seeks compliance.

ü Continue to evaluate Township services to determine additional cost-savings measures specifically in the areas of insurance obligations.

ü Complete the current segments of the Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation.

ü Begin holding regular briefings with the Elected Officials.

Dale L. Reaume, M.P.A.

Township Manager