THE SUPERVISOR’S E UPDATE SEPTEMBER 7, 2007
Kurt Kobiljak, Grosse Ile Township Supervisor
Wayne County Bridge
September 7, 2007
I hope all had a great Labor Day weekend.
Over the last several weeks I have both heard and read that there is a continuing feud between the Township and the Toll Bridge Company. It is my belief that upon the Supreme Court ruling that there was necessity for the taking of the bridge but that the Township had no jurisdiction over property in Riverview, the matter had been formally concluded. My opinion has not changed and the Township and its public safety officials will continue to work cooperatively with the Toll Bridge Company in the best interest of all Island residents.
Interestingly, two matters related to the Toll Bridge have arisen which I felt needed to be addressed.
No Legal Fees paid by Bridge Company during the condemnation case.
The Attorney for the Toll Bridge Company has filed a motion to collect his attorney fees from the Township. Throughout the condemnation case, there were numerous statements raised by residents as to the legal fees incurred by Paul Smoke to defend the Township’s condemnation case. It has now been disclosed that the Bridge Company has not paid any attorney fees.
Per the attorney fee agreement which has surfaced from the Toll Bridge Company, the attorney hired by the Bridge Company was not and would not be paid any legal fees unless the Bridge Company received an amount for the bridge that exceeded the amount offered by the Township or, if there was some improvement to the bridge itself from the lawsuit. Neither of those conditions occurred. Recall that the Township had proposed to purchase the bridge for $5.5 million dollars.
The Bridge Company’s attorney has only requested that it be awarded attorney fees by the Township and not from the Bridge Company even though the fee agreement was between the Bridge Company and its own attorney Alan Ackerman.
The Township will defend the attorney’s claim for many reasons, including the fact that the Supreme Court did acknowledge the necessity of the Township’s act in bringing the action. The lawyer seeking to recover legal fees from the Township is Alan Ackerman, of Ackerman, Ackerman & Dynkowski of Bloomfield Hills. He is seeking an hourly rate of $750 per hour.
Business Partnership surfaces involving the Judge who presides over the Condemnation /Fee Dispute case and the Bridge Company’s Attorney Alan Ackerman
The Township recently learned that there is a business partnership which involves Wayne County Judge Susan Borman and the lawyer which represents the GIBC which warrants disqualification of Judge Borman.
Since 1977, Judge Borman and Irving Ackerman, the founder of the Bridge Company’s Condemnation law firm, have been partners in a partnership that owns a riverfront parking structure between the Renaissance Center and Hart Plaza in Detroit. The interests were transferred to Mr. Ackerman’s trust in 1997 and are believed to be held or controlled by his son, Alan Ackerman, who has always been the lead attorney for the Toll Bridge Company. In addition, other attorneys for the GIBC have confirmed that Alan Ackerman and Judge Borman are in fact business investors together. The court rules and ethical requirements prevent a Judge from presiding over a case under these circumstances and required full disclosure at the outset of the case in 2003.
As a result, the Township has requested that Judge Borman be immediately disqualified from presiding over the request for attorney fees by Attorney Ackerman. Even though it is disappointing that such a relationship was not divulged four years ago it is my sincere hope that the fee issue dispute is governed in a neutral forum.
Wayne County coming to Grosse Ile
Wayne County DPS is coming to Grosse Ile Township to update the Township Board and Grosse Ile residents on the Wayne County Bridge Construction Project. The current status and time perimeters will be discussed with questions coming from the Township Board and residents.
Wayne County Bridge Closing to Boat Traffic
Wayne County has announced that the Wayne County Bridge will be closed to nautical traffic for three weeks beginning October 15, 2007 and will re-open on November 5, 2007.
US Coast Guard Authorities approved the temporary closure to aid in the construction process of the county operated bridge, scheduled to be finished on December 15, 2007. During the closure period, the swing-span portion will have new decking placed on it.
County Officials will be in attendance for a study session at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 24, 2007 to discuss the construction to date and answer questions from the Board of Trustees.
Grosse Ile Garden Club Flower Show
Grosse Ile Garden Club presents “Island Images: Snapshots in Time” on September 8 and 9 at Centennial Farm. This is a very special show with a Mother/Daughter as Co-Chairmen. Belle Mullen and her daughter Kathy Conley have planned a special flower show celebrating the Grosse Ile Garden Club’s 80th birthday. The show is open to the public with no charge for admission. Times are on Saturday September 8 from 2 –5 p.m. and on Sunday, September 9 from 1-4 p.m. For further information, please contact Sue Thornton at 675.6744.
New Police Officers on Duty!
Grosse Ile Police Department is proud to announce the hiring of some tremendous new officers to the police department following the retirement of our long-standing officers. Kevin Counts was hired on April 9, 2007 and he was formerly with the Detroit and Farmington Hills Police Departments. Gregory Carrico was hired on June 22, 2007 and was formerly with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. If you have the chance and you see them on their daily patrols, please take the time to say hello.
BASF Riverview Site Update
Work continues at the BASF Riverview site remediation. As part of the remediation project, BASF chose to create a fish habitat in the water adjacent to the property. A majority of this habitat has been established and the entire habitat is expected to be completed by October 2007. BASF worked with various national agencies to develop the plans for the habitat. The habitat is expected to attract walleye, whitefish and other native fish species.
Construction of the groundwater treatment building on the west side of the property is nearly finished. BASF employees and contractors at the site remain committed to a “zero incident mindset” in terms of safety during this project.
Grosse Ile Lighthouse Tour and Ice Cream Social
It is that time of year again! The Grosse Ile Historical Society is hosting their annual Lighthouse Tour and Ice Cream Social on Sunday, September 9 from 1-4 p.m. Tour tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. For safety reasons, no one under the age of 10 or pets are allowed on the tour. Purchase tickets at the Depot Museum, corner of Parkway and East River Roads. Buses will depart from the Depot Museum for Lighthouse Pointe. Come enjoy the opportunity to visit Grosse Ile’s only remaining lighthouse.
Images of America – Grosse Ile
Have you seen it? It is truly a beautiful work! The Grosse Ile Historical Society is proud to announce the publication of a new book “Images of America – Grosse Ile”. Working with Arcadia Publishing (www.arcadiapublishing.com) the Historical Society used pictures from their archives and has written a wonderful narrative about our Island. The cost of the book is $21.00. The latest Supervisor’s Island Update features the women who put this book together. This will be a wonderful gift for the current or former Islander in your life.
Grosse Ile PTO Membership Drive
The Middle and High School PTO is actively recruiting new members during their annual membership drive. For a cost of $30 per family, any middle or high school parent can become a member. Some of the programs PTO sponsors are the Honors Banquet for GIHS graduating class each year, Honors Reception for the 8th grade at the middle school, Student assemblies, teacher appreciation day and new library book funding through G.I.V.E.
Farmer’s Market
The next Farmer’s Market will be held on Saturday, September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with fall vegetables and fruits. The market will be set up in the Township parking lot across the street from the GI Hardware store. For your parking convenience, there is another township parking lot located behind the Hoy Pay restaurant which affords all patrons easy access to the Farmer’s Market site. Come to the market to enjoy all the flavors, smells and joys of fall!
Open House Weekends – The Course is Open to the Public
Water’s Edge Golf Course Open House Weekends will be held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the month of September. The public can play the Water’s Edge course at guest rates. All are welcome. Play it for the very first time or play it again. The course is in excellent condition – take the time to experience golf on the Island at affordable rates. Contact the Recreation Department for more details at 675.2364 and get out and try the course! First time users receive a free sleeve of golf balls from the Supervisor. To date, Supervisor Kobiljak has given out 21 sleeves of golf balls!
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday, September 10, 2007 @ 7:30 p.m.
Board of Trustees Study Session with Wayne County and Commission and Committees– Monday, September 24, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m.
A Good Dad Saying
There are three things extremely hard: Steel, a Diamond and to know one’s self.
This Week in History
On September 1, 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland.
On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered in ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri, ending World War II.
On September 3, 1976, the unmanned U.S. spacecraft Viking 2 landed on Mars to take the first close-up, color photographs of the planet's surface.
On September 4, 1888, George Eastman received a patent for his roll-film camera and registered his trademark: Kodak.
On September 5, 1882, some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City to participate in America's first Labor Day parade.
On September 5, 1972, Palestinian terrorists attacked the Israeli Olympic team at the summer games in Munich; 11 Israeli athletes and coaches, five terrorists and a police officer were killed.
Click Here for the Community Insight Question
The Supervisor will hold office hours to meet with residents each Wednesday and Friday afternoon, and any Monday that a Board Meeting is scheduled. To make an appointment with the Supervisor, please contact Administrative Assistant Carol Knopp at 734.676.4422, ext. 210.
Anyone wishing to receive the monthly Supervisor�s E Updates, please send an email address to: KurtK@grosseile.com
Watch for E ALERTS for Breaking E News and on the township website or tune to AM 1700 Grosse Ile Community Information Radio.
Any questions or comments regarding the information provided in this E Update, or other questions related to the Township, please feel free to contact Supervisor Kobiljak at KurtK@grosseile.com or at his Township Office 734-676-4422 Ext. 215
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