
Government » Board of Trustees » Approved Minutes (May 8, 2006)

APPROVED MINUTES

GROSSE ILE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES

May 8, 2006

Grosse Ile Township Hall – Merle Solomon Board Room

9601 Groh Road

The Regular Meeting was called to order at 6:20 p.m. by Township Supervisor Kobiljak.

Present: Supervisor Kobiljak, Clerk O’Connor, Treasurer Raithel, Trustees Wojewodzic, Will, Forrester, Pociask. Absent: None

Motion Raithel, second Wojewodzic, to move to Executive Session for purpose of litigation at 6:22 p.m. (Grosse Ile Township vs. Grosse Ile Bridge Company). All aye.

Motion Will, second Pociask, to adjourn Executive Session at 6:59 p.m.

Regular Meeting resumed at 7:03 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

PUBLIC HEARING

Special Assessment District- Blauvelt, Chicory, Lafayette, Waterway Road Improvements

The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by Township Supervisor Kurt Kobiljak.

Supervisor Kobiljak and Township Manager Reaume, presented an outline of the process used in a Special Assessment District Public Hearing. It was noted that this Hearing is a citizen project and was originated by residents within the Special Assessment District seeking to have the named roadways paved. The Township is acting only as a facilitator according to township ordinance.

Mr. Reaume presented a map of the proposed district and asked Township Engineer Souheil Sabak, to present diagrams of the proposed pavement construction.

Deputy Assessor Carol Knopp explained how the assessments were determined and explained the notification process.

Public Comment:

Township Clerk Ute O’Connor read two letters of opposition from property owners into the record.

1. Edward and Linda Svoboda, 9602 Waterway, letter dated May 3, 2006, asking to go on record as opposing the proposed improvements.

2. Louis and Betty Torrice, 410 E. Indian Wood Rd., Indian River, MI, Parcel 032-01-0390-000,

object to the road improvements due to the amount of the assessment.

3. M. Matela, 9788 Blauvelt, opposed to improvements.

4. P. Tapocik, Waterway- Vacant, opposed to improvements.

5. R. Stempien, 9619 Blauvelt, opposed to improvements. Asked why the petition is based on linear footage and the assessment bill is not based on the same footage and why some of the property touching and fronting the roads are not being assessed. Mr.Reaume explained how the assessments were determined.

6. P. Tapocik, Waterway, asked why her “unbuildable” lot was being assessed.

7. Dr. Allan Lamb,Waterway, supports the improvements, but agrees that the assessment needs to be reviewed and billed more equitably.

8. Dickason, 9672 Waterway, opposed to improvements.

9. P. Bess, 9920 Waterway, questioned the total estimated cost for the roads and objects to some parcels not being assessed. He would like to see a review of the assessments.

10. Bob Zelasko, Blauvelt, spoke in favor of the paving project for the health & welfare of the area residents and for environmental reasons. He stated that breathing in the constant dust from the unpaved roads is a health problem and paved roads increase the value of a real estate.

11. R. Stempien, asked about the existing infrastructure and whether steps would be taken to repair and improve it before paving. DPS Director Sedlock indicated that remediation of the infrastructure would be done before the paving.

12. I. Karamchandani, 9722 Blauvelt, supports the project due to health and welfare issues.

13. P. Bess, suggested the application of Chloride to the roads could be started earlier in the Spring and if the township is spending approximately $40,000 annually for Chloride applications why doesn’t the township pay $40,000 toward the road improvements which would be cheaper than paying it every Spring for dust control.

The counter-petition process begins after this hearing; any petitions in opposition are due within ten days, the deadline is 5:00 p.m. on May 18, 2006. The blank petition forms are available at the back of the room and require signatures of a total of 51% of residents in opposition in order to halt the project.

Motion Raithel, second Forrester, to adjourn the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m.. Motion carried 7-0.

Brief Recess called.

Regular Meeting resumed at 8:04 p.m.

Public Comment:

1. W. Clark, Parke Lane, complained about the maintainence of the property at Macomb and Meridian Roads and asked for an estimate of cost for the County Bridge repairs. Supervisor Kobiljak replied that he won’t speculate about the cost of repairs at this time. Wayne County Representatives will be present at a May 22^nd Study Session and will present their findings to residents at that time.

2. Gary Jones, 7738 Macomb, asked if there were any legal fees or property transactions on the Consent Agenda. Dale Reaume responded that the only legal expense was $3,800 to the labor attorney for review of union grievances and there were no property transactions.

3. D. Moxlow, Grosse Ile Parkway, stated that taxpayers are tired of the tax & spend attitude of the Board, especially in regards to legal fees.

4. T. Burkhart, Elbamar, asked if there are any meetings scheduled on “Plan B” to evacuate the island in an emergency during bridge repair and if so, are they open to the public? Supervisor Kobiljak replied that those meetings are always open to the public; however, meetings are being held with various emergency service agencies and organizations first and public input will be sought in the last quarter of 2006.

Additions/Deletions to Agenda:

1. 06-033 Motion O’Connor, second Wojewodzic, to add Drinking Water Week Resolution as Action # 11. All aye.

2. 06-034 Motion Raithel, second Wojewodzic, to delete the Investment Report from the Treasurer’s Report. All aye.

Motion Wojewodzic, second O’Connor, to accept the agenda as amended. All aye. Motion carried.

Regular Meeting

CONSENT AGENDA 06-035:

1. Minutes of April 10, 2006

Cash Requirements List dated April 24, 2006
Cash Requirements List dated May 8, 2006
Purchase Order Summary dated April 24, 2006
Purchase Order Summary dated May 8, 2006
Approval to pay bills through June 26, 2006

7. Fireworks Permit for: Grosse Ile Yacht Club, July 4^th (Raindate- July 5^th)

8. Fireworks Permit for: Islandfest, June 2^nd (Raindate- June 4)

9. Fireworks Permit for: City of Wyandotte Independence Holiday Celebration, June 30^th (Pending approval of Coast Guard and Fire Marshal)

10. Water Meter Replacement Final Phase

Clerk’s Report

1. Election update: Clerk O’Connor reported the election went well despite a heavier than expected voter turnout and the changes in absentee voter application procedures following the injunction issued throughout Wayne County by the Circuit Court. The Clerk also reminded voters that there is and has been an election requirement for voters to provide identification by means of their Voter ID Card or their Michigan Driver License or Michigan Identification. The enforcement of this law has been more prevalent in recent years with greater focus on the prevention of voter and identity fraud.

2. Islandfest update: Clerk O’Connor and Recreation Director Rooney remind residents that Islandfest is June 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th and provided an update of all the festivities planned for the weekend. A full schedule of the events is available at grosseile.com on the recreation webpage.

Treasurer’s Report : None

Supervisor’s Report

1. Reminder to residents of the Wayne County Bridge Hearing/Study Session on May 22, 2006, in the Township Hall Board Room.

2. A reminder fro the Animal Control Officer that this is Be Kind to Animals Week.

3. A reminder to residents that the remediation project at the intersection of Church Road and Meridian will be starting very soon.

Township Manager’s Report

1. Township Manager Reaume formally announced the retirement of three long-time township employees.

Laura Trombetta, has been with the township for over 16 years and has served in many capacities; most recently as the Finance Assistant/Deputy Treasurer. Treasurer Raithel

Thanked Mrs. Trombetta for making the last year enjoyable and Clerk O’Connor complimented Mrs.Trombetta and thanked her for being helpful to the clerk’s office staff.

Motion Raithel, second O’Connor, to accept Laura Trombetta’s retirement. All aye.

Lyle Eastom, has been with the township for thirty-four years, working in the Airport Maintenance Department. Treasurer Raithel spoke highly of Mr. Eastom, who has been called “Mr. History” when it comes to this airport and thanked him for his dedication. Clerk O’Connor noted that Mr. Eastom, has been extremely helpful to the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy with their efforts to maintain the Nature Center located on airport property and thanked him for love of the community.

Motion Raithel, second Will, to accept the retirement of Lyle Eastom. All aye.

Mark Faistenhammer, a member of the Grosse Ile Police Department for 31years and 7 months having served as part of the D.R.A.N.O. unit (Drug Resistance squad) since 1979.

Police Chief Barron praised and thanked Officer Faistenhammer for his service to the community. Motion Trustee Wojewodzic, second Trustee Pociask, to accept Officer Faistenhammer’s retirement. All aye.

Police Chief Barron introduced and welcomed the newest member of the Police Department, Officer Eric Vasquez and his wife Renee. Officer Vasquez lives in Trenton and is a 9 year veteran of the Detroit Police Department having been assigned to the Tactical Services Squad, Sniper Team and Special Response Team (SWAT).

ACTION ITEMS

1. 06-036 Motion Raithel, second Forrester, to approve the Resolution Authorizing Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds Series 2006 and to authorize the Township’s Finance Director to receive competitive bids for the Bonds and to award the Bonds to the lowest qualified bidder.

Motion carried 7-0.

2. 06-037 Motion Raithel, second O’Connor,

TO SET THE 2006 TAX LEVY FOR THE TOWNSHIP OF GROSSE ILE

RESOLVED, By the Township Board of the Township of Grosse Ile, that there be levied on the taxable property of said Township for the year 2006, Summer Billing, for Township purposes, a tax of 3.5000 mills on the Taxable Value thereof, said value being $640,589,637.

A. Extra Voted Millage 1. 3.5000 SSES

Total 3.5000

Total Operating: 0.0000

Total Debt: 3.5000

Motion carried 7-0. Resolution Adopted.

3. 06-038 Motion Will, second Pociask, to adopt the Resolution creating a Special Assessment District for Blauvelt, Chicory, Lafayette, WaterwayRoad Improvements.

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 in accordance with the 1954 Public Act 188 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, as a result of the foregoing, the Township Board believes the project to be in the best interest of the Township and of the district proposed to be established;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED as follows:

This Township Board does hereby determine that the petitions for the Blauvelt, Chicory, Lafayette, Waterway Special Assessment District were properly signed by 62.10% of the record owners of land which constitutes more than 60% of the total area of the proposed improvement.

2. This Township Board does hereby create the Blauvelt, Chicory, Lafayette, Waterway Special Assessment District in which road improvements will be made.

This Township Board does hereby authorize the Township Engineer to proceed to design, develop, and secure final plans and estimates of cost for the proposed special assessment district within which the costs of such improvements shall be assessed according to the benefits, and to seek competitive bids for the proposed road improvements in the following area:

Blauvelt – Chicory to Waterway

Chicory – Grosse Ile Parkway to Waterway

Lafayette – Blauvelt to End

Waterway – Grosse Ile Parkway to End

4. That on the basis of the foregoing, the Township Board does hereby direct the Supervisor and Assessing Officer to create a special assessment roll in which shall be entered and described all parcels of land to be assessed with the names of the owners thereof, and a total amount to be assessed against each parcel of land which amount shall be the relative portion of the whole sum to be levied against the parcels of land in the Special Assessment District as the benefit to the parcel of land bears to the total benefit to all the parcels of land in the Special Assessment District. When the final assessment roll is completed, the Supervisor or Assessing Officer shall affix thereto his Certificate stating that it was made pursuant to this resolution and that the assessment roll conforms in all respects to the directions contained in this resolution and the applicable state statutes.

5. That the foregoing resolution will be carried forth subject to the counter petition process as stated in Ordinance #241, Article II, Special Assessment Procedure , Chapter 230-10, of the Grosse Ile Municipal Code of Ordinances. Counter petitions must be received by the Township Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on May 18, 2006.

4. 06-039 Motion Will, second Pociask, to award bid to South Huron Industrial, for dust control service for the 2006 Season, contingent upon DPS Commission approval.

All aye. Motion carried.

5. 06-040 Motion O’Connor, second Pociask, Be it therefore resolved, the Board of Trustees of Grosse Ile grants the State of Michigan a Hold Harmless agreement pertaining to the Township’s use of State Trunkline M-85 and indemnifies them from any and all liability of any kind or nature for said use during the permit period. All aye. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION

This agreement, made this 8^th day of May, 2006 by and between the Township of Grosse Ile, a Michigan General Law Township (hereafter referred to as “indemnitor”) and the State of Michigan.

Where as, The Township of Grosse Ile will celebrate the 22nd Annual IslandFest on June 2, 3 & 4, 2006.

And Where As, The Township will promote the festival off island via a festival billboard.

And Where As, The Township desires to place the festival billboard, on the median of the State of Michigan Trunkline (M-85), more commonly known as Fort Street at the crossroad of Van Horn Road.

And Where As, The Township has received a permit from the State for said use, and as part of that permit, is required to provide the State of Michigan with a “Hold Harmless” agreement for the use of the State Trunkline.

Be It Therefore Resolved, The Board of Trustees of Grosse Ile grants the State of Michigan a Hold Harmless agreement, pertaining to the Township’s use of the State Trunkline M-85 and indemnifies them from any and all liability of any kind or nature for said use during the permit period,

6. 06-041 Motion Raithel, second Wojewodzic, to accept the resignation of James Lowler from the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority effective May 8, 2006 and to appoint Peter Kantz to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for the term of May 8, 2006 to April 3, 2008.

All aye. Motion carried.

06-042 Motion Will, second Pociask, based on the recommendation of the DPS Commission to authorize the Charles E. Raines Company to proceed with engineering and design plans for the watermain replacement on East River Road on Hickory Island. All aye. Motion carried.
06-043 Motion Will, second Pociask, based on the recommendation of the DPS Commission to authorize the Charles E. Raines Company to proceed with engineering and design plans for the replacement of the East River Road lift Station. All aye. Motion carried.
06-044 Motion Will, second Forrester, to approve Lot Split/Reconfiguration # 374, 26720 East River, conditioned upon Planning Commission recommendation at the May 1, 2006 meeting, with the condition of abandonment of the existing 25-foot wide easement for access to Lot 205c1. All aye. Motion carried.
06-045 Motion Wojewodzic, second O’Connor, to file an application for leave to appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court to appeal the Michigan Court of Appeals decision in Grosse Ile Township v. Grosse Ile Bridge Company. Each Board Member was given the opportunity to give a synopsis of their thoughts surrounding this action. All aye. Motion carried.
06-046 Motion Will, second Pociask, to proclaim May 7-13, 2006 to be “Drinking Water Week”. All aye. Motion carried.