Fred Roperti's Reflections

Bad Government's Christmas Gift to You - Longer Waits for Emergency Help

Dear Board Members,

 On Thursday December 16, 2010 I learned of a proposed Township vehicle policy which requires Fire Department rescue/emergency response vehicles to be parked at the Township Hall property, rather than with the trained first responders assigned to the vehicle, resulting in emergency response times being increased.  

 Does this board believe that medical services will be provided in a faster, more efficient and safer manner by this policy? Apparently four of you do – the Board voted to immediately enforce the new parking requirement pending a Board vote on the new proposed policy.  This new policy will be considered for adoption at a "Special Board Meeting" scheduled for Monday December 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM, instead of a usual 7:00 PM starting time.

 Does this board believe that the residents that you are supposed to be serving will hear about this special meeting, called during Christmas week, and be able to attend at 11 am? Apparently 4 of you do. Would any reasonable person consider this a coincidence, especially when current use of these trucks has been in force for many years?  

 Currently, there are three pickup-type trucks which are assigned to, and stay with, certain Fire Department first responder personnel.  The purpose of this practice, should it not be obvious, is to quickly respond to any emergency experienced by our residents within our Township.  This has been a policy for years because there is a life and death component to time delay: heart-attack, stroke, accidents in the home or vehicle, children in danger of injury, or the initial stages of a fire where an immediate response may mean the difference between life or death, or permanent injury.  

 It should be obvious that any emergency response time is shorter when a trained-first responder can proceed directly to the emergency site without stopping, changing vehicles, and driving out of the way to do so.  

 The Board could have a list prepared from over the last 10 years of calls answered by these vehicles where an immediate response (prior to arrival of the large Fire Department vehicles, or police or EMS) provided critical help to any resident.  It will be apparent that this new policy, which removes the immediate use of an emergency vehicle, puts township residents at risk. 

 If any resident suffers harm as a result of this new policy, then it appears that the Township will be liable for damages if the Township Board knowingly approved a policy that could result in such harm.  Furthermore, if it is found that if such Board action was deliberately taken that falls within a pattern of on-going actions against certain fire fighters, then it appears the Township could also be liable for punitive damages.  Fulfilling vendettas and ruling personal fiefdoms does not make good governance. It only makes for liability, and ultimately, it is the residents that are harmed.

 I hope that the four Board members use this letter to recall their higher purpose of serving the public well, and vote in the best interests of the people of Salem Township. Please forward a copy of this communication to the Township Attorney who needs to be aware of these concerns and the potential liability to the Township.

 Sincerely,

 Fred Roperti 

 

 

Board Voting Monday December 20 at 11 am on our Health, Welfare and Safety - guess who's gonna lose?

On December 14, 2010 the Fire Chief received a call at 10:13 pm informing him that on a 4-3 vote (no - Brien, David and Susan) the board voted to park the small fire trucks - and at this time they cannot be used.  

 

Monday 12/20 at 11:00 am the Board planned a special meeting to adopt the attached vehicle policy.  This will allow them to adopt the policy with little resistance from the public. Download MOTOR VEHICLE POLICY (Revised 12-15-10) - DRAFT

 Your Tax Dollars at Rest                   

If you are concerned about an increase in response time when you call 9-1-1 for the fire department you may want to voice your opinion.  Emails can be sent to townboard@salem-mi.org.  The new policy will require firefighters to drive to the station, get a truck and then to the scene.  For the past 10 years the small trucks have driven right to the scene.

 

Please forward this to your friends and neighbors.

Salem Recall Election Results - in short, all stay in office

SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - ROBERT HEYL       Yes 1115       44.12%   No 1412 55.88% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - PAUL J. UHEREK       Yes 1113 43.96%   No 1419 56.04% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - WAYNE W. WALLAZY       Yes 1028 40.65%   No 1501 59.35% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - DAVID TRENT       Yes 1002 40.16%   No 1493 59.84% SALEM TOWNSHIP RECALL - BRIEN WITKOWSKI       Yes 1058 42.32%   No 1442 57.68%

 

For the Salem Village Green, I thank you...

Previously I brought up the subject of the Village Green, how it was conceived as a perfect place in the Hamlet.  Also, I mentioned how it was built through the generous contribution of funds and services by many people and businesses.  No matter how often they have been thanked through phone calls and letters, it doesn‘t seem adequate.  Now I would like to list everyone that helped to make a vision come true, so you will know who they are and can thank if there is an opportunity.   

Cash contributions were divided into 3 categories: Platinum, Gold and Silver, as well as a category for Service Contributors. I'd like to show you a picture of the sign that lists these contibutors, but it has mysteriously disappeared from township property - coincidentally right before the November 2 election.

Platinum Contributions - $17,000     Dr. Jay & Wanda Moon                      Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center                Gary & Sherry Whittaker        Northville Crossing Venture LLC      Gold Contributions - $8,000 All American Storage Dr. Ann Cavendar Fred & Gina Roperti Garan Lucow Miller PC International Transportation Co. (ITC) Larry Sant, Builder McClain & Winters PC R&R Heavy Haulers Rotundo Brothers Schostak Brothers & Co. Silver Contributions - $2,575     AA Anchor Bolt Advanced Assessment Technology Chris & Megan Crespi Cribley Well Drilling Don Pennington, Township Planner Dr. Tim & Barbara Dobson Edith’s Market Eugene & Paula Hornback  Gardner Westcott Co. Karl’s Family Restaurant Lyco Engineering Maria Kearns Plymouth Office Supply Post Smythe Lutz & Ziel LLP Ron & Joan Handloser R&R Fire Truck Repair Salem Hills Golf Club Service Contributions - $23,550  DTE, Utility Provider - Utility Pole & Wiring Dave Herriman, Township Building Inspector - Carpentry Jim Fulkerson, Township Resident - Landscaping Mark Hamilton, Township Fire Chief - Soil Preparation Michael Bruggink, Landscape Architect – Architectural services Pat Curley, Salem Resident - Carpentry                       Plante Moran, Township Auditors - Accounting Services Reggie DeLuca, Township Resident - Concrete Work R&R Heavy Haulers, Township Business – Trucking Sign Studio, former resident – Township Green Sign Design,               Creation and Installation

The Salem Village Green is in the center of the Hamlet, and is intended to be the heart of the Township.

Significant Accomplishments Of Former Boards

Granted there were some problems on each Board.  But the majority was able to work together and accomplish something significant as noted below for the people of Salem, unlike the current Board.

Negotiated The Landfill Agreement

The Mike Geary Board negotiated the Host Community Agreement with the Landfill which today provides over $1 million in yearly revenue.  Along with control of spending, it’s the main reason we haven’t paid local Township taxes.

 

Built The Hamlet Waste Water Treatment Plant

Next, the Geiger/Riddering Board cleaned up the environmental contamination (raw sewage) of the Johnson Creek by building a wastewater treatment plant in the Hamlet.  In the process, they also acquired a $400,000 grant to help defray expenses for the residents’ benefit.  That accomplishment has improved the quality of life for so many, and was the beginning of revitalizing the Hamlet, the heart of Salem Township.  

Created the Urban Services District

The Mike Penn Board created the Urban Services District (USD) to protect our rural character.  That is, all commercial and high-density development was to be located in the USD consisting of 1400 acres located in the southeast corner of our Township.  It’s the perfect place since the M-14 Freeway cuts through the middle of this area and will keep most of the traffic off the more rural areas of the Township.

The 2000-2008 Board Accomplishments

Expand The Hamlet Sewer District Without Increasing Development

We (the cockroaches), took office in the year 2000.  Our first priority was to  expand the Hamlet Sewer District to the Chubb Road corridor. It added $600,000 to the Sewer Fund, plus additional yearly income through the sale of new sewer taps, to make this fund solvent and self-sustaining.  Prior to the expansion, the Township was required to subsidize the sewer plant operation by at least $100,000 per year, but no longer required.  

 Landfill Gas Revenues Restored, Will Continue For The Next 30 years

The most significant accomplishment was the successful litigation in 2003/4 involving Landfill Gas Revenues. The new company, Gas Recovery Systems (GRS) that bought the landfill gas production facility, claimed Salem Township was no longer due one-half of the total gas revenue.  They further claimed Salem Township was overpaid for a number of years, stopped payments to Salem, and demanded return of back payments.  This is the primary source of income for Salem Township. 

We participated in negotiations with GRS to come up with an acceptable resolution, but were not successful.  The Board then supported our Attorney’s recommendation to take legal action to recover the lost revenues, and to protect future monthly income in accordance with the contract signed by the Mike Geary Board.  Our Attorney Doug Winters was assisted by Attorneys Steve Matta and John Whitman to successfully support  the Township’s position.

The lawsuit continued well over a year with travels to various other landfill gas production facilities in the United States and Canada and to meet with many expert witnesses.  The Township finally prevailed and we were awarded back payments with interest, attorney fees, as well as the protection of future gas revenues.  In January 2005, the Township received a check for $2,101,835.14 (that’s millions) to cover missed back payments with interest, and approximately $500,000 in attorney fees.  Current landfill gas revenues are approximately $900,000 per year.  The total revenue to Salem is expected to be at least $30 million over the life of the landfill.  We thank Attorneys Doug Winters, Steve Matta and John Whitman who successfully litigated this case for us.

Now, incredibly, this Board attempts to disgrace Attorney Steve Matta in their campaign literature sent to you.  This is just another example of vindictiveness by Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy. 

The USD Development Agreement

Another accomplishment was the signing of the Urban Services Development (USD) Agreement between the Roperti Board and Salem Springs (Schostak Brothers).  We spent over a year in negotiations in which Attorneys representing Salem Township, Salem Springs, and the County participated and signed off on the Agreement.  The County was also represented by their Financial Advisors since the County was to issue $30 million in municipal bonds to cover the cost of a waste water treatment plant to be paid back by Schostak.  The Agreement contained language that if Schostak defaulted on the payments, then their properties and money put in escrow would be taken to cover the payments and not leave Salem on the hook.  The agreement was passed by the Board 7 - 0.

This Agreement would require the construction and financing of a public sewer plant by Schostak, which would then be deeded to Salem Township.  The purpose of this plant was not to permit the use of  large private septic systems here or anywhere else in the Township.  It was further agreed that the sewer plant would not service any development outside the USD. 

The Agreement would also require that water would be obtained from the Detroit Water and Sewer Division (DWSD), so that the large amount of water required would not be taken from private ground wells and deplete our aquifers.   A DWSD water main connection is located at Joy and Napier Roads for easy access.

The Village Green

The Village Green was conceived in 2002 after the prior Board acquired the property at Six Mile and Dickerson in an expensive “Eminent Domain” proceeding.   When I traveled through small rural towns in New England States like Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, I noticed that most towns had a small park in the center of town.  Each usually contained a gazebo, benches, walkways and shade trees.  The small park would be fenced to keep out motorized vehicles, and no ball playing allowed.  I would observe people sitting and reading, picnicking  and enjoying each other’s company, and even observed wedding ceremonies.  I thought of such a park in the Hamlet as a theme for a small rural village, and that it would reflect the kind of character that  Salem Township desired, and serve as a way of  building community. 

 The Salem Village Green - The Heart of Salem

In December 2002, I sketched out a concept for the park then gave it to an architect who donated his services for a final drawing.  I still have that sketch which I value.  I also held a contest for ideas from residents, 3 residents won dinners donated by Karl’s and Fox Hills.  The park was completely financed and constructed through privately donated funds and services.  We collected $26,275 in cash donations, and over $25,000 in donated services from 37 individual residents and businesses.  In a later post, I'll  thank the contributors for making this park possible.  Then you will know who they are if you wish to thank them too. 

Recall Confusion - A Great Campaign Strategy

I can understand why some Salem residents may be confused with the recall of 5 board members and the recall language.  There have been five sets of recalls filed, but only two sets had language approved for recalls in Salem Township.

 

On April 16, 2010 language was submitted (and subsequently approved) to the county to recall Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy by Bonnie Cook.  Then on May 25, 2010 language was submitted (and subsequently approved) to the county to recall David Trent and Brien Witkowski by Jane Griffith.  Believe it or not, the language to recall David and Brien was identical to the language to recall Heyl, Uherek and Wallazy except the words “no” and “yes” were interchanged  Confused yet?  Of course, it was intended that way by the Heyl camp!  So when the voter wants to mark the ballot on the recalls, it will all look the same, and the Heyl people hope you will make mistakes or not vote at all on the recall.  You have to admit it’s a very clever stategy.  But all you need to remember is a "YES" vote RECALLS Heyl, Uherek, and Wallazy; and a "NO" vote RETAINS David Trent and Brien Witkowski. 

 

More campaign strategy.  Who and what can you believe during this campaign?  Should your vote be influenced by unflattering color photos that they send out of former board members?  Or maybe the fact that they call us “cockroaches?”  Some people have been put off by these low class antics that shows desperation to hold onto their power and will do anything to survive the recall.  And what does it say about the kind of people they are?  Doesn’t that reflect on their character and self-respect?  Do they care?

 

Now you might ask why are they attacking former board members (me) who are not running for office?  Well, there’s a simple answer.  They don’t want you to think about or consider their record in office the last two years.  Or worse yet, what they may plan for next two years if they survive the recall.  I guess you could say they would have “carte blanche” to do whatever they want.

  

In the posts to follow, it’s my intent to present the facts and the truth as to what they have accomplished so far in two years in office.  Then compare their “accomplishments”  with some key accomplishments of recent administrations.  The question will be:  What have they done these past two years for which they can proud? 

 

Then, I also think it’s worthwhile to best-guess what we may expect from the Heyl people if they remain in office.  That is, what’s in the future for the Post Office and the Fire Department?  What will be done about threats to citizens when they ask questions in public or in writing?  Will citizen’s questions be answered in public?  What will be done about exorbitant Attorney fees? What’s in the future for the USD regarding the type of development that will be allowed and new plans for water and sewer?  Let’s move on and talk about accomplishments.

How Did We Get Here - a Partial Answer

In my last note I asked the question:  How did we get here?  After living here for 31 years I have never seen such vicious politics of vindictiveness and downright hatred for certain people on their “list.” Some of the people on the list include me, Linda and Mark Hamilton, Attorney Doug Winters, Assessors Pat and Greg Zemekis, Bonnie Cook, Brien Witkowski, David Trent, Ray Givens, Diane Ferris, and Fire Fighters Ed Signer and Kirk Ferris - and the list seems to be growning every day.  Can you imagine that their campaign literature includes as if it were nothing that Supervisor Heyl, Treasurer Uherek and Trustee Wallazy were elected to “clean out the cockroaches” that have infiltrated Salem Township Government.  Unbelieveable.

Sure, it was these same “cockroaches” that kept Salem Township rural this past decade.  In spite of the rapid development that was happening until the crash of 2008, there still is not a gas station or a strip mall in Salem, hard to believe.  More cockroach accomplishments...when I was elected Supervisor in 2000 there was about $2.7 million in the bank and by November 2008 there was $7.5 million in the bank.  That’s an average savings of $600,000 per year, including the years that our gas revenues were cut to $0 overnight, and we were paying large legal bills to reclaim our money.  And through successful litigation, we did get all our backdated revenue and restored our future revenue of at least $30 million in landfill gas over the life of the landfill. Very insect-like, right?

So why do they hate us so much?  In my case it might just be because I have zero tolerance for dishonest and deceptive people.  My father was that way and I’m that way too.  I  will not be intimidated by a few powerful bullies who have never done anything positive for the Township.  I’m not afraid of any person, machine or animal.  [Note to older sister Jen: Yes, I'm still afraid of you.] In fact, she often asks me "why are you so stupid..." questions. Right now I hear her yelling, "Why are you so stupid for getting involved in politics when you should be retired?”

 Good Question, Sis - Why Should I Get Involved?

This year I’m missing my yearly October trip to Vermont with my daughter so we can admire nature’s showcase of colors in the mountains.  I have put off Fall clean-up projects that I’m able to do with my tractor, it’s the best time of the year and I have always enjoyed it.  There’s not that many more years left for me to do the kinds of things I enjoy.  But it is much more important to me that the people of Salem Township know what is going on, and what is at risk. I have loved living in Salem Township for the past 31 years, and I would like it to continue to be a great place to live. That's why I served honestly and with integrity for 10 years, despite all the ridiculous and unfounded accusations I read about from the opposing camp. I wonder why they are so worried about smearing me instead of telling you about what they've been up to? They can't provide ANY proof whatsoever of what they accuse me of - because there is none - but right at their finger tips they have their record. Remarkable.

With what I have seen with this new Board the past two years, and what might happen to the Township in the next two years, how could I live with myself if I didn’t try my best to make this known?  We have this one opportunity to restore Salem to what it has been and should continue to be. 

Just look at the material that HEYL, UHEREK, AND WALLAZY have sent out thru their PAC "Salem Citizens for Truth." Looking at their flyers and postcards (despite using the word "truth" a lot) tells you that they have accomplished nothing but let their personal grudges, petty grievances, and hunger for power run this township, rather than what is best for the People of Salem.

I wouldn't normally tell people what to do, but I am asking you to do the right thing for Salem and RECALL HEYL, UHEREK, AND WALLAZY before they do something that can't be undone.

I'm sure we kind find honest people who have Salem’s best interest at heart to step up and serve our community. I'd like to be fully and permentely retired, not worrying what self-serving, community destroying is going on again down at townhall. At the same time, we need to keep  David Trent and Brien Witkowski who (along with Sue Bejin) have tried so hard to keep some normalcy in Salem.  It’s hard to imagine what it would have been without them the past two years. 

Back in Business

Dear friends and neighbors,

It's been several months since I last posted news on this Website, that's because I was gone for a good share of this time.  I left in early April for a cruise across the Atlantic to Europe and the Mediterranean Sea and returned home in mid-May.  We toured cities in 9 countries in Europe and North Africa, it was my first visit to this part of the world and I regret waiting so long to make such a trip.  One of the highlights was visiting St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and seeing all the statues centuries old and the paintings on the ceiling by Michelangelo in the 16th century. it was breathtaking.

Another memorable visit was to Monaco, a sovereign nation less than one square mile in area overlooking the Mediterranean.  It included a tour of the cathedral where the royal family are interned.  Many of us remember actress Grace Kelly who married Prince Rainier III in 1956, she was one of my favorite actresses.  They had three children Caroline, Albert and Stephanie.  Princess Grace died in an auto accident in 1982 coming down the mountain from the royal residence, she was only 52 years old.  I remember reading about it at the time, so sad.  Their only son, Albert, became prince after his father, Prince Rainier III, died in 2005.  As we circled the rotunda where members of the royal family are laid to rest, we saw the grave marking for Prince Rainier III and next to him was that of Princess Grace.  On her grave was a single red rose which has been placed on her grave every day since she died 28 years ago, it was an emotional moment. 

Since returning so late in the spring, most of my time has been spent trying to get caught up with lawn work and gardening.  Then add all the hot and humid weather we've had, it's nearly impossible to put in a lot of hours outside.  That's the reason for the delay in getting this website going again. 

Future Plans

Contrary to the disinformation flying around, I can say that I have absolutley no plans, no  desire or interest whatsoever in any kind of political office.  My primary interest is travel and hopefully I'll be able to see new places before I get too old to travel.  I also want to spend some time in Naples, Florida and more frequent visits to Vermont where there's always plenty of work to be done on the property.  I especially like visiting during the Fall color season, the views are spectacular.  All other time will be spent here on the Curtis Rd property trying to get a million things done.  I just hope that Salem Township will continue to be a great place to live.

Recall Filed against Supervisor Heyl

It is unfortunate that our elected officials refuse to honor their oath of office. When I ran for office 10 years ago, we were in the position of having an uninterested attorney firm running the day to day operations of the township, our stance on appropiate development negotiable, and the unelected few setting the direction of Salem for the rest of us. I changed that during my 8 years in office. Now just 16 months later, we are in the same situation. Can we allow this to continue, and still expect to be the same community? Salem didn't happen by accident, and it won't continue to be the place we enjoy living without commitment.

Tomorrow, April 1, I am going to a hearing regarding the clarity of the recall ballot language I submitted on March 16. It's an open meeting at the County, and the first step in the process of getting a recall election scheduled.

Can You Be Sued For Asking Questions?

Apparently our “new” township attorney, Carol Rosati, thinks you can. I’ve received two letters from Ms. Rosati (see below) that state that “you can be sued” and “you could be liable for treble damages,” for asking questions at the February 12, 2010 board meeting, then telling the Salem public about these unanswered questions in my newsletter.

Download Carol Rosati Threat to sue Roperti for asking Questions

Download Carol Rosati Threat to sue Roperti, 2nd Letter

 

I DID ask the board if they knew of Ms. Rosati’s involvement in the landmark case known as Sandstone v Novi, as well as Salem Properties v Salem Township and REIS/Shostak v Northville Township. In her letters threatening to sue me she confirmed what I said, that she was absolutely involved in each of the cases I mentioned.

 

So what's the problem??

 

Since she wasn’t at the meeting it would be an obvious conclusion that someone at the meeting “brought to her attention” the questions I asked of the board. There were only two types of people at the meeting, members of the public and Board members. How likely do you think it is that members of the public have the ability to bring something to our attorney’s attention? Then the only alternative is that someone on the township board made her “aware” of my questions, perhaps misrepresenting their content in the process. Perhaps that explains why Ms. Rosati found it necessary to “cc” (send a copy to) "Robert Heyl, Township Supervisor," and the “Township Board.” This letter, which completely misrepresented my questions and accuses me of lying, has been FOIA’d, and has been provided by the township free of charge.  Perhaps someone else might be liable for treble damages.  

 

Do you find it scary that Ms. Rosati, this township’s legal representative, would write a letter threatening a lawsuit when she apparently didn’t have first-hand or verified information of what the alleged offense actually was? As you know, complete audio of the meeting is readily available, I doubt the township would make her pay for it, and she can always look at my website for absolutely free.

 

Definition of Irony

Now here’s the kicker, and it might be comic if it weren’t true…see if you can follow this sequence of events -

This township board

 

…that just patted itself on the back for settling an ACLU lawsuit,

…that was brought against me as Supervisor for asking 2 residents to follow the meeting rules,

…that was brought by Bob Uherek (who is current Treasurer Paul Uherek’s father), and O'Neill Muirhead

…who both admitted during depositions to being out of order during the meeting,  

…who both admitted during depositions that they weren't thrown out of the meeting, but decided to leave of their own will,

…and now that same township board has hired a “new” attorney that is threatening to sue me, a township resident, for asking questions at a township board meeting, without being out of order.

If you're wondering why this lawsuit settled with any payment to the Plaintiff's at all, it's a simple matter of money. Many times the best solution for someone that hasn't done anything is to fold – I’ll pay you to stop costing me attorney fees, as the cost of settlement is less than fighting you in court. It’s no victory, and it’s nothing to be proud of, no more than the parents of the school bully who takes your lunch in exchange for not beating you up should be proud of the bully’s “work.”

 

 

Now the township decided to go the extra mile, and pass a resolution about what already is a fact – which is like having a police department pass a resolution that says, “we don’t agree with murder.”

 

Here’s the resolution, as passed, and it’s really a masterpiece of word art -

 

“The township acknowledges that it is a violation of the First Amendment for a township official to eject a citizen from a public meeting because the citizen has criticized the official's performance at the appropriate time of the meeting pursuant to the township's rules.”

 

Is it just me or is that masterfully written to lead you to believe that the plaintiff’s were not out of order, which they were, and admitted being so.

 

The township resolves to respect the First Amendment rights of its citizens and to recognize the right of the members of the public to criticize, consistent with township rules, township officials based on their performance without fear of any adverse consequences.

 

Do you think that the two letters I received which threatened lawsuit might be considered “adverse consequences” for “criticism of the township board?”

I wonder why more people don't want to get involved with the township - could it be that a lawsuit might be imminent if you ask questions that they don't like?