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ly,” said Sanders. “The bottom line is our char-
ter needs to be changed to move our city for-
ward.”
The threshold requiring formal bids for
purchases of material and other items is cur-
rently $750. The amount when city council
must approve a contract is currently $1,000.
The threshold requiring formal bids for con-
tracts for public works and public improve-
ments is currently $5,000.
City auditors have reported that due to the
current limitations of the charter and the pro-
cedures in place, in the case of purchases over
$750, for every $1 spent it costs the city $1.25.
Ultimately, the goal of approving the three
charter amendments would be to save
$100,000 on every $400,000worth of purchases.
Proposal 1
addresses when the city would
have to seek bids for public improvement proj-
ects. If approved, the charter amendment
would delete the $5,000 ceiling for projects of
public works and public improvements with-
out sealed proposals being sought and would
defer the amount currently in the City Charter
to be governed by the city purchasing ordi-
nance, a set of rules governing how a city
makes purchases.
Proposal 2
concerns the purchase of mate-
rials, tools, apparatus or other goods. If
approved, the charter amendment would
allow the city council a means to change the
amount when formal bids would need to be
solicited (currently $750) by amending the pur-
chasing ordinance.
Proposal 3
also would transfer to the pur-
chasing ordinance the threshold dollar
amount (currently $1,000) when city council
must approve the city entering into contracts.
If approved, the charter amendment would
give city council the means to amend this sec-
tion of the purchasing ordinance and the ordi-
nancewould govern the threshold.
All of the proposals would have the limits
sited in the city purchasing ordinance. If the
proposals are approved by voters, the newly-
elected city council members in November
would have the opportunity to increase the
amounts in the ordinance (which currently
complywith existing charter limits).
The procedure for city council to change
the limits in the purchasing ordinance would
not be an easy process. A minimum of five of
the seven city council members would have to
vote to change the limits. Residents would
have multiple public opportunities to oppose
any changes to the limits that the council
might considermaking.
The Charter Commission - along with
Craig-Bragg, city Purchasing Agent Lynn
Conway and city legal counsel Kevin Watts -
have been studying the city charter for more
than a year and determined that all three lim-
its - set more than four decades ago in Chapter
XIII of the charter - are antiquated.
They also said that if the limitations need-
ed to be adjusted in the future, the city council
should be provided the means to update them
without the expense of putting the change on a
ballot in a General Election at a cost of
approximately $18,000 per election.
Commissioners and city officials noted that
updates to the city charter are well overdue,
saying that the document has not received
major changes to keep up with the times. In
1970 - the year the charter was approved - the
cost of a first-class stamp was 6 cents, a loaf of
bread cost 25 cents, a gallon of gas was 36
cents, a dozen eggs cost 62 cents and a gallon
ofmilkwas $1.15.
City departments regularly need to pur-
chase items that cost more than $750. Conway
said that departments cannot operate effi-
ciently when they must let for bids for items
they need on a regular basis, such as a tire for
a fire truck or new brakes on a dump truck in
theDepartment of PublicWorks.
“The process to let for formal bids is time
consuming and expensive,” Conway said. “The
city's auditors have determined that this
process causes us to pay approximately 25 per-
cent more for purchases over $750 because of
these amounts and processes. We are wasting
tax dollars because of this process. There are
monies that could be spent for many other
needs throughout the city.”
Conway also stated that many Michigan
cities today site their bid thresholds in their
purchasing ordinance and not in their charter.
The following communities have their limits
in a purchasing ordinance: Adrian ($10,000),
AuburnHills ($10,000 for goods and $20,000 for
services), Clawson ($5,000), Dearborn ($2,500),
Flint ($25,000) and Lansing ($15,000), Lincoln
Park ($1,500), Owosso ($5,000), Rochester Hills
($25,000), Southfield ($10,000) and Troy
($10,000).
Farmington Hills ($10,000) and Mount
Clemens ($1,500), which currently have their
thresholds governed in their charters, like
Romulus, are attempting to site their thresh-
olds in an ordinance.
For more information, including the full
text of the proposed ordinance amendments,
visit the city website at www.RomulusGov.com
or the City Clerk's Office at City Hall, 11111
Wayne Road, or call the City Clerk's Office at
(734) 942-7590.
“
How far you go in life depends
on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sym-
pathetic with the striving, and toler-
ant of the weak and strong; because
some day in your life, you will have
beenall of these.
”
GeorgeWashingtonCarver
Ethel Lovette of Romulus cele-
brated her 100th birthday a bit
early with a special celebration
Sept. 21 at Second Grace United
Methodist Church in Detroit where
shehas been a life-longmember.
Lovette, born Sept. 23, 1913,
taught Home Economics in the
Romulus Community Schools for
more than 30 years prior to her
retirement. She and her husband,
the late Lt. Col. Jason P. Lovette,
served the Romulus community in
many capacities and are well-
known throughout the area.
Lovette's children, Jason,
Phyllis, and Kary Lovette, were on
hand to help celebrate her mile-
stone birthday along with her
grandchildren; her sister, Mary
Gant of Louisville, KY and several
nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Relatives traveled from Georgia,
New Jersey, Missouri, Illinois,
Alabama and throughout Michigan
for the celebration. Also in atten-
dance were many friends, church
members, neighbors and former
students.
She was serenaded by former
student, Deborah (Wooden) Street
who sang To God Be the Glory and
Regina Townsel who sang The
AlabasterBox.
The Rev. S. G. Charles Boayue,
Jr., pastor of Second Grace United
Methodist Church opened the cele-
bration with a prayer and spoke
regarding Lovette's faithfulness
and service as a matriarch of the
church. Her son, Kary, and his
wife, Phyllis, acted as masters of
ceremony for the celebration.
Speakers included her grandchil-
dren, Yusef Lovette of St. Louis, MS
and Tisha Battle along with a
cousin, Calvin Johnson, church
members, former student Alfaye
(Dunbar) Woods, and neighbors,
Nezzie and Ponce Daniels. All
relayed how significantly Lovette
impacted their lives.
At the closing of the celebration,
Lovette said she enjoyedbeing able
to sit back and listen to everyone's
expressions of love toward her on
the special occasion.
Submitted byAlfayeD. Woods
andWinifredWafer
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
2
October 3, 2013
Ethel Lovette
CITY OF ROMULUS
Summary of Ordinance No 13-293
The Code of Ordinances of the City of Romulus, Michigan, Chapter 12, Article V “Fireworks”, is hereby
amended. The purpose of the amendments to Chapter 12, Article V “Fireworks” is to provide for changes to
the state law as it relates to fireworks and to bring the City regulations regarding the same into compliance with
such state law.
The primary changes to the existing ordinance include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following, which
are summarized as follows:
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 12-81. Defined. Definitions of fireworks and various classes of fireworks are added to account for
and to be consistent with the state law. Additionally, the “National Holidays” during which times there are state
law restrictions on local regulation of the use of consumer fireworks, are set forth.
Sec. 12-82. Prohibitions pertaining to consumer fireworks. The existing prohibitions against the use, pos-
session, and sale are amended to bring the same into compliance with the state law. References to the sale of fire-
works are deleted as such are now preempted by state law, except as otherwise provided. The scope of prohibi-
tions against the use of consumer grade fireworks is narrowed by setting forth those times during the defined
National Holidays when use of consumer fireworks is permitted, in accordance with the state law.
Sec. 12-84. Enforcement; penalties. The enforcement and penalty provisions of the existing ordinance
were amended to bring the same into compliance with the state law.
Sec. 12-85. Applicability of other ordinances and other laws; reservation of authority by City. This sec-
tion reserves the applicability of other laws and ordinances which may be implicated by matters pertaining to
fireworks (e.g. the Zoning Ordinance and FAA regulations).
DIVISION 2. PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DISPLAYS
Sec. 12-101. Permit. Establishes an amended permitting requirement for public and private displays of
various designated grades of fireworks, in compliance with the state law.
Sec. 12-102. Same – Application. Establishes amended permit application procedures, as well as a per-
mit fee, application review procedures, and permit restrictions.
Sec. 12-103. Same – Transferability and scope. Sets forth amended provisions
restricting the transferability and scope of permits issued.
Sec. 12-104. Bond. Amends the bond or display liability insurance to a minimum of $2 million and
provides that such amount may be amended by the City Council by resolution.
Sec. 12-106. Conducting of activities contemplated under this division; penalty. Sets forth amend-
ed provisions regarding operator safety, use of neighboring property for displays (requiring written and
notarized permission of the property owner), and penalties for unlawful displays.
DIVISION 3. LICENSE TO SELL
This entire division (Sec. 12-121 through 12-126) was deleted as preempted by the new state law.
Savings Clause
: Nothing in this Ordinance hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding
pending in any court or administrative body, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes
of action acquired or existing, under any Act or Ordinance hereby repealed by this Ordinance; nor shall any just
or legal right or remedy of any character be lost, impaired, or affected by this Ordinance.
Severability
: Should any word, sentence, phrase, or any portion of this Ordinance be held in a manner invalid
by any court of competent jurisdiction or by an state agency having authority to do so for any reason whatsoev-
er, such holdings shall be construed and limited to such word, sentence, phrase or any portion of the Ordinance
held to be so invalid and shall not be construed as affecting the validity of any of the remaining words, sen-
tences, phrases, or portions of this Ordinance.
Conflicting Ordinances
: All prior existing ordinances adopted by the City of Romulus inconsistent or in con-
flict with the provisions of this Ordinance are, to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency, hereby expressly
repealed.
Readings
: This Ordinance shall be given a first reading on September 3, 2013, shall be enacted on September
9, 2013 and shall be published on or before October 3, 2013 and shall be effective October 3, 2013.
Within forty-five (45) days after the publication of any ordinance duly passed by the Council, a petition may be
presented to the Council protesting against such ordinance continuing in effect. Said petition shall contain the
text of such ordinance and shall be signed by not less than six (6%) of the registered electors registered at the
last preceding election at which a Mayor of the City was elected. Said ordinance shall thereupon and thereby
by suspended from operation and the Council shall immediately reconsider such ordinance.
* In accordance with MCL117.3(k), a True Copy of Ordinance No. 13-293, being Chapter 12, Article V of the
City of Romulus Code of Ordinances can be obtained or inspected at the City of Romulus Clerk’s office, 11111
Wayne Road, Romulus, MI 48174.
Publish: October 3, 2013
City of Romulus - Resolution 13-295
Moratorium - DTE Smart Meters
WHEREAS
at the regular City of Romulus Council meeting held on Monday, September 9, 2013, City Council
unanimously passed a resolution to place a six-month moratorium on the installation of DTE Smart Meters in the
City of Romulus; and
WHEREAS
several residents have expressed concerns to the legislative and administrative bodies of the City
regarding DTE smart meters. Their concerns center primarily on privacy, radio frequency waves and
safety/health issues; and
WHEREAS
the City of Romulus, its elected leaders and its citizens, have worked tirelessly to attract positive
investments while rejecting those that put our public health, environment and quality of life at risk; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that for the future of Romulus, the City Council remains unrelenting
in our commitment to standing with the citizens of our great city in strong, unequivocal and complete opposition
to the installation of smart meters without allowing residents the ability to opt out of the program without suffer-
ing financial penalties or incurring monthly charges, and to also have the choice to retain their analog meter with-
out penalty; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the City Council of Romulus calls on the Michigan
Public Service Commission and Attorney General, Bill Schuette, to take all regulatory procedures needed to
investigate all the aforementioned concerns for the health and welfare of our citizens.
Publish: 10-03-13
CITY OF ROMULUS
PLANNING COMMISSION
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to Michigan Public Act 207 of 1921, as amended (The City and Village Zoning Act), notice is hereby
given that the City of Romulus will hold a public hearing at
7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2013
for the pur-
pose of considering a proposed amendment to the Zoning Map for Special Tree Rehabilitation Systems Neurocare
Campus East to rezone 36.24+- acres of property from their current designation of R1B Single Family Residential
District to RM/PDA Multiple Family Residential/Planned Development Area. The public hearing will be held at
the Romulus City Hall Council Chambers, 11111 Wayne, Romulus, MI 48174-1485. Copies of the application are
available for review at City Hall during regular business hours.
The Planning Commission has set the public hearing to consider a request to rezone the following properties:
Parcel ID #’s 82 -80-071-99-0019-702 & 82-80-071-99-0024-000.
All interested parties are encouraged to attend and will be given an opportunity to comment on said request.
Written comments may be submitted until 12:00 noon, Monday, October 21, 2013 and should be addressed to
Carol Maise, City Planner, Economic Development Department, 11111 Wayne, Romulus, MI 48174-1485.
Ellen Craig-Bragg, City Clerk
City of Romulus, Michigan
Publish: October 3, 2013
CITY OF ROMULUS
NOTICE TO ELECTORS
Absentee Voter Ballots
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF ROMULUS, COUNTY OF WAYNE, STATE OF
MICHIGAN:
Notice is hereby given that
ABSENTEE VOTERS BALLOTS
are available for the November City General
Election to be held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, and may be obtained from the Office of the Romulus City
Clerk, 11111 Wayne Road, for electors who:
1.
Expect to be absent from the community the entire time the polls are open,
2.
Are physically unable to attend the polls,
3.
Cannot attend the polls due to religious beliefs,
4.
Are 60 years of age or older,
5.
Have been appointed an election inspector in a precinct other than where they reside, or
6.
In jail awaiting arraignment or trial.
To obtain an Absentee Voter Ballot APPLICATION please visit the City website at www.romulusgov.com
or call the Clerk's office at 734-942-7540.
Notice is further given that Saturday, November 2, 2013 2:00 p.m. is the deadline for the acceptance of
Absentee Ballot Applications. in accordance with Section 168.759 of Michigan Compiled Laws of 1948, as
amended. The City Clerk's Office will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to accept ballots.
"LATE" REQUEST DEADLINE:
Absent voter ballots can be picked up by the voter in person anytime up to
4:00 p.m. on the day prior to the election - the ballot must be voted in the office; the voter is not permitted to
leave with the ballot.
"EMERGENCY" REQUEST DEADLINE:
An elector may make an "emergency" request for an absentee
ballot if he or she cannot attend the polls because of (1) personal disablement or (2) a family death or illness
which will require the elector leave the community for the entire time the polls are open on Election Day. The
emergency must have occurred after 2:00 p.m. on the Saturday before the election.
REMINDER: The last day to register to vote for this election is Monday, October 7, 2013 by 4:00 p.m.
City Hall Furlough Day: October 19, 2013 - City Hall closed.
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk
City of Romulus, Michigan
PUBLISH: 10-03-13
R
OMULUS
Resident celebrates 100th birthday
Vote
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