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A special meeting of the board of trustees
at Plymouth Township Hall was reportedly
going to be scheduled tonight to determine
the township policy on “political meetings” at
the building.
The League of Women Voters had planned
a candidates' forum for July 16 at the town-
ship hall and had been granted permission to
use the building, according to Paula Bowman,
vice-president of the group.
The League of Women Voters had request-
ed the use of the building for the meeting
from Township Clerk Joe Bridgman who sent
the request to the township attorney for
review. Bowman said she received permis-
sion July 2 for the candidate forum and pro-
ceeded to schedule and publicize the meet-
ing.
She received a call from Township
Supervisor Richard Reaume which she
returned on July 5. He informed her that the
clerk “had overstepped the bounds of his
authority” and that the township had a policy
against politicalmeetings of this kind.
Further investigation proved that
Reaume's assertion was incorrect and that no
such policy was in effect or had ever been
voted on by the board of trustees. When the
lack of official policy was called to Reaume's
attention, he asked Bowman to withdraw her
request. When she refused, he said he would
schedule the special meeting to adopt the
new policy and make it “immediately effec-
tive” thereby legalizing his previous refusal.
Bowman said, “We are a group of volun-
teers who are only trying to disperse informa-
tion to voters. We never oppose or support a
candidate. Ourmission is to bring information
to voters.
The League of Women voters sponsored a
candidates forum June 27 at Northville
Township Hall and at Canton Township Hall
on July 19 and frequently use Livonia City
Hall for suchmeetings, according toBowman.
has a vested interest in the land.
A long-time friend, and neighbor of
Sharland's, Dennis Wilkins, rented the land
in question from the City of Detroit from2000
through 2006 and fromDemco 54 in 2007 and
2008.
In 2009, a Demco 54 representative, iden-
tified as Gary Roberts, told Wilkins that
Demco 54 didnot own the entire 323 acres he
had been farming, and that Wilkins should
contact the City of Detroit, the owner of the
190-acre parcel. Wilkins and the city came to
an agreement on a lease price, and he leased
the other 190 acres from Detroit for 2009,
2010 and 2011, according to rental agree-
ments and license agreements sent to him
fromDetroit which include part of 2012.
He continued to lease the other 133 acres
from Demco 54 in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He
farmed crops on the entire 323 acres of prop-
erty through those years.
Property records indicate that as part of
the purchase of the 133-acre portion of the
property from the City of Detroit on June 26,
2006, the buyer, Demco 54, had an option
with Detroit to acquire the remainder of the
property in 25-acre increments, but there is
no record of the company ever exercising
that provision.
Detroit was receiving rental payments on
the land, but no tax bills. Demco 54 did not
pay taxes on any portion of the 323 acres,
even though the company was receiving bills
on the entire parcel, which were not chal-
lenged, fromPlymouthTownship.
Sharland's inquiries and research demon-
strated conclusively that when Demco 54
purchased the property fromDetroit in 2006,
documents including
standard form 2766
sent to the assessor's
office clearly state the
purchase is “part of” a
larger parcel of land.
“The assessing
department received
the documents and
had the right and
authority to split the
land at that time into
the correct parcels,”
Sharland
said.
“Rather, they put
Demco 54 on the
entire property rather
than the City of Detroit
on the remaining 190
acres.
“The City of Detroit got no tax bill,”
Sharland said.
The retired farmer has collected piles of
legal documents attempting to unravel the
tangled trail of deeds, purchase agreements,
letters of agreement, quit claim deeds, tax
appeal letters, tax bills, assessments and the
other reams of paper which surround the
property sale and subsequent actions.
“It's more than complicated,” Sharland
said, “but these documents demonstrate
clearly that Detroit was, and probably still is,
the owner of the 190 acres of land.
“They didn't receive a tax bill on it, so they
have a right to reclaim it from any foreclo-
sure sale and they may have a right to the
market value of the land under section
211.78l of theGeneral PropertyTaxAct.”
Sharland, 69, said he is now considering
running for township supervisor as an inde-
pendent in the November election. He
sought the office of treasurer in 2008.
“The supervisor, is, by law, the chief
assessing officer for the township and is
responsible for the assessing process,” he
said. “Thiswas a serious error.”
He stressed that all the documents he has
found are accessible public records with the
exception, perhaps, of Wilkins' lease. He
attended Land Division School in Lansing in
an effort to learnmore about deeds, transfers
and what to search for while pursuing his
research into the situation.
“It was just my buddy was farming the
land and was told he had a new landlord.
That just made me curious,” he said. “I can't
imagine why a title search didn't turn this up.
I know I never would have accepted some of
these documents, like this quit claimdeed.”
The land was purchased by the township
to be used for a proposed Wayne County
Advanced Technology Park, a joint effort
with Northville which would include the
entire 323 acres and adjacent landNorthville
has purchased.
The 190-acre parcel is on the 2012 tax rolls
valued at two times $8 million while the 133-
acre parcel is valued at two times $1.6 mil-
lion.
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
2
July 12, 2012
Land
FROM PAGE 1
Festival
FROM PAGE 1
MINUTES OF REGULAR ROMULUS CITY COUNCILMEETING
JUNE 25, 2012
Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne Rd. Romulus, MI 48174
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairwoman Pro-Tem Linda Choate.
Present:
John Barden, Linda Choate, William Crova, Celeste Roscoe, William Wadsworth, Eva Webb.
Excused:
LeRoy Burcroff.
Administrative Officials in Attendance:
Alan R. Lambert, Mayor
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
Stacy Paige, Treasurer
1.
Moved by Barden, seconded by Crova to accept the agenda as amended.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden,
Choate, Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None.
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-187 2A.
Moved by Wadsworth, seconded by Roscoe to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the
Romulus City Council held June 11, 2012.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth,
Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
3A.
No action taken by Council.
12-188 3B.
Moved by Crova, seconded by Wadsworth to concur with the recommendation of the Romulus
Police Department and approve a new SDM off-premise and Sunday a.m. sales liquor license for Mama Rosa' s
located at 30881 Ecorse Road, Romulus.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- Roscoe.
Motion Carried.
*3C.
Deleted*.
12-189 3D. Moved by Webb, seconded by Wadsworth to approve a no-fee permit for a block party on July 4,
2012 from 1:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and to close Orchard at Meadow St. and Tasha Tanner of 15924 Orchard
will pick-up and return barricades to the DPW Department.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova,
Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
4.
Moved by Crova , seconded by Barden to accept the chairperson's report.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden,
Choate, Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-190 5A.
Moved by Crova, seconded by Barden to extend Bid award 10/11-12 for one additional year, for the
acquisition of JCM 161 (or equivalent) fabricated LUG Stainless Steel Clamp Couplings for the City
o f
Romulus DPW, Water Sewer Division to SLC Meter Service.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova,
Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-191 5B(1).
Moved by Wadsworth , seconded by Webb to adopt a resolution to adopt the MERS Health Care
Savings Program Uniform Resolution effective July 1, 2012.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova,
Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-192 5B(2).
Moved by Wadsworth, seconded by Roscoe to adopt a resolution to recognize the new
Retirement Healthcare Savings Program for IAFF new hires after January 1, 2012.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
-
Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-193 5B(3).
Moved by Webb, seconded by Crova to adopt a resolution to recognize the new Retirement
Healthcare Savings Program for POAM new hires after January 1, 2012.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate,
Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-194 5B(4).
Moved by Barden , seconded by Crova to adopt a resolution to recognize the new Retirement
Healthcare Savings Program for POLC new hires after January 1, 2012.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate,
Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-195 5C. Moved by Wadsworth, seconded by Roscoe to concur with the administration and authorize the
mayor and clerk to enter into agreements for the community credit program and the local transit p r o g r a m
between SMART and the City of Romulus for the 2013 fiscal year.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate,
Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-196 5D.
Moved by Barden, seconded by Roscoe to authorize the mayor and clerk to enter into a renewal
of the Communication Services Agreement with David Gorgon, for communication services for the Ci ty of
Romulus at a cost not to exceed $24,000 per year.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe,
Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-197 5E.
Moved by Wadsworth, seconded by Crova to authorize the mayor and clerk to sign the signatory
page of an agreement recognizing and approving the City of Romulus' continued involvement with the
DCC Downriver Area Brownfield Consortium.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe,
Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-198 6A1.
Moved by Crova, seconded by Barden to approve second reading and final adoption of Budget
Amendment 11/12-11, General Fund, in the amount of $25,000 - introduced at the Council meeting of June 11,
2012.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-199 6A2.
Moved by Webb, seconded by Roscoe to schedule a study session with Economic Development
Director, Tim Keyes to allow Post It Stable representatives to discuss a proposal for the sale of a conservation
easement to the City. Study session to be held on Monday, July 2, 2102 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council
Chambers, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus, MI.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe,
Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
12-200 11.
Moved by Barden, seconded by Webb to authorize the City Treasurer to disburse funds as listed
in Warrant 12-12 in the amount of Five Hundred Ninety Four Thousand, One-Hundred Seventy- Eight Dol lars
and Seventy-Eight Cents. ($594,178.78).
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Roscoe, Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Abstain
- Crova.
Motion Carried.
12.
Moved by Wadsworth, seconded by Roscoe to adjourn the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes
- Barden, Choate, Crova, Roscoe Wadsworth, Webb.
Nays
- None
Motion Carried Unanimously
.
I, Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk for the City of Romulus, Michigan do hereby certify the foregoing to be a true
copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Romulus City Council held on June 25, 2012.
Publish: July 12, 2012.
CITY OF WAYNE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City Council of Wayne, Michigan will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August 6,
2012 at 7:00 P.M., or as soon thereafter as may be heard, in the Council Chambers of
Wayne City Hall, 3355 S. Wayne Road, Wayne, MI 48184, to consider an application filed
by the Ford Motor Company on June 28, 2012, for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption
Certificate pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended. The company plans a taxable
investment of $59.3 million. The projects include stamping, assembly and various com-
munication projects. The project location is the stamping, body, paint and final assembly
areas of the Michigan Assembly Plant, 38303 Michigan Avenue and 37500 Van Born
Road. Ford estimates that 48 existing jobs will be retained as a result of this project.
Members of the Public, as well as representatives of the legislative body of each taxing
unit which levies ad valorem property taxes in the City are invited to attend and be heard.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council will consider, and may act upon
this matter.
Matthew K. Miller
Publish: July 12, 2012
City Clerk
ABSTRACT
WAYNE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NO. 2012-21
July 3, 2012
Regular Meeting of the City Council held Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. at Wayne
City Hall, 3355 S. Wayne Rd. Members Present: Dobrowolski, Damitio, Monit, Rhaesa,
Hawley. Members absent: Haidous, Henley. Administration of Oath to James R. Hawley.
APPROVED: minutes of Regular Meeting of June 19 and minutes of Special meeting of
June 25. TABLED: Private Property Vending permits for IICD Michigan at 4318 S.
Wayne Rd. and St. Mary Catholic Church at 34530 Mich. Ave. W. and waive the fee;
APPROVED: resignation of J. Hawley from Planning Comm.; Appointments of David
James to Planning Comm. to fill unexpired term of Hawley until July 2015; of Thomas
Porter to Planning Comm. to fill unexpired term of Boyles until July 2014; Mayor
Haidous as delegate to SEMCOG, Robert English as alternate delegate to SEMCOG;
Beverly Shackelford to Planning Comm. to fill unexpired term of Kuban until 2015; Sean
Randolph to MERS until June 2013; James Ghedotte to MERS until June 2013; 2012
General Obligation Limited Tax Refunding Bonds; special meeting for August 6, 2012;
conflict of interest with Fausone Bohn; call public hearing for August 6, 2012 to consider
IFTEC with Ford Motor Company; consent calendar. Received and filed Communications
and Reports. Adjourned to Closed Session to discuss pending litigation at 9:15 p.m.
reconvened at 9:45 p.m. Adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Matthew K. Miller
Publish: July 12, 2012
City Clerk
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CANTON
ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Charter Township of Canton will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired
and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon two
weeks notice to the Charter Township of Canton. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the
Charter Township of Canton by writing or calling the following:
Gwyn Belcher, ADA Coordinator
Charter Township of Canton, 1150 S. Canton Center Road
Canton, MI 48188
(734) 394-5260
Published: July 12, 2012
EC071212-0584 2.5 x 1.557
P
LYMOUTH
ily theater experiences all three days of the
festival.
Characters are chosen from the audience,
costumed on the spot and narrated through
action-filled, laugh-packed adventures com-
plete with songs and dancing. Three shows,
including Pirate Island, Galactic Voyage and
Nottingham Forest will be performed in the
heart of KelloggPark all weekend.
One Love Reggae Band will present live
authentic reggae music at the corner of Ann
Arbor Trail and Forest Avenue from noon
until 4 p.m. Friday, 1-6 p.m. Saturday and
noonuntil 4 p.m. Sunday.
Art in theParkwill also include: an assort-
ment of children's activities and entertain-
ment, young artists raging from7-17 years old
selling their own art wares, food vendors and
Slurpee samples courtesy of 7-Eleven
Art in the Park will be open from 11 a.m.
until 8 p.m. tomorrow, July 13, from 10 a.m.
until 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 5
p.m. onSunday.
Visitors coming to Art in the Park are
encouraged to park at the ACH Plant (for-
merly Visteon Plant) located at 14425
Sheldon Road, just off of M-14 in Plymouth
and take the free round trip shuttle service.
The shuttle will run continuously all week-
end. The drop off point will be Plymouth City
Hall conveniently located in the heart of the
art fair.
For more information, log onto
www.artinthepark.com or call the Plymouth
CityHall at (734) 453-1234.
(For a complete list of artists and boothmap,
look in the special Art in the Park supplement
section in this edition.)
League of Women Voters’ permit for candidates’ forum rescinded by township supervisor