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.
Recent Comments