Hi All,
Well,
Last night ( 4-13-15 Board of Trustees meeting) was interesting.
See my blog written BEFORE the meeting and view the ACTUAL 4/13/15 meeting here and read the minutes of the meeting here (when posted).
End result: Treasurer's salary remains the same and will not be changed at the 2016 election
HOWEVER....
The 3 elected officials and the 4 trustees heard a lot from the citizens that took the time to show up.
I would say most of the comments from the public supported a full time Treasurer position with full time pay.
While the agenda item was reported to be about a 2016 election/Treasurer's salary pay rate change ... the reasoning for that supposed need to reduce the pay was clearly initiated by Leo Savoie and his reported personal observations and reported comments from staff and citizens that current Treasurer Dan Devine didn't spend full time at the township doing his job (Savoie's opinion). Supervisor Savoie gave each trustee a packet at the meeting... which supposedly none had seen previously but gave his reasons for the agenda topic. This packet was NOT part of the packet given or shown to the public. I hope it is part of the minutes. What exactly was written by Savoie?
Dan Devine spoke/responded to the allegations. He told the audience/trustees how and where he does his full time job as Treasurer and the many other activities he is involved in on behalf of the citizens that benefit the township. He listed his educational credentials for the job and the many accomplishments over the past 15 years as Township Treasurer.
Another interesting "event"... that clearly seemed staged and planned ahead of time.... was having former Supervisor David Payne, who traveled all the way from his cottage/ home up north... to answer "questions" from the Board of Trustees about the need and jobs/duties of the Treasurer AS PART OF THE BOARD DISCUSSION. His comments were not all kind about Mr. Devine. It is important to note that David Payne "chose" Leo Savoie over Dan Devine to be his choice for the next Supervisor when he "retired" aka Quit in the middle of his elected term. Now, it is rumored.. I have not FOIA this information, but it is rumored that David Payne is paid to be a consultant for the Township. Was this appearance at this meeting part of that job? While David Payne was Supervisor... were contracts/languages/ written to allow for pensions to be almost equal to pay? HIS pension is close to +/- what he was earning when he "retired. Unbelievable and unsustainable for this community.
Based on the several efforts of Trustee Corrinne Khederian to try and formulate a motion... and comments by Trustees Neal Barnett and Brian Kepes to meet again to continue the discussion on the treasurer's salary I thought the Board was going to vote to change the Treasurer's salary at the 2016 election. Clerk Roncelli was clearly upset by this discussion even being an agenda item. Trustee Buckley supported Dan Devine and the full time position of Treasurer.
Ms. Khederian claims she votes independently... but quickly withdrew her motion when seeing Mr. Savoie lean forward and announce before the call for the vote that he would not support it. Savoie could see that HIS VOTE would break a possible 3-3 tie IF THE MOTION went to vote. Savoie certainly is smart enough to know that the audience was not on his/and the 3 trustee's side.
(Let's just say it... this SEEMED very personal/political/ between Savoie & Devine..with the Trustees aligning with one or the other) the audience supported Dan Devine for the most part... and saw that the Board was trying to push him out of Township government by making the 2016 Treasurer's job PAY... something that Devine would not choose to run for in the 2016 election.)
UNSPOKEN issue in my opinion......There is a large number of employees at or above the retirement age of 50 in the Township. When they retire, the Prudential Guaranteed Pension Account needs the funding to cover EACH retiree. FACT: the Township did NOT put the full $80-85 million bond money into that Prudential account. Money is required to be deposited in that account as employees retire. Meanwhile, the Township decided to invest a portion of that $80-85 million bond money.
I believe, more employees are choosing retirement earlier than the Township management expected.
So, some of the money that was EXPECTED to be earning money in investments needed to be transferred out to the Prudential account. Some of the Bond money is gone because of EXCESSIVE fees being charged to the Township. How the bond money is invested is questionable. The investment returns have not been what was expected. The township 7....who voted unanimously on all decisions to buy the bonds and voted unanimously how to invest them ... need to quit fighting amongst themselves and get a new investment company....quit giving COLA to retirees.. because those expenses are NOT guaranteed by Prudential and are extra expenses every year out of our operating budget... change/ or end the retiree health benefits/ abide by PA152 / and a lot of other suggestions.
What is going to happen if we keep taking money out of accounts that were intended to EARN money for the township to pay the debts over the 20 year life of the Bonds?
Like every other community with public pensions.... the pensions are unsustainable... and when/if the community leadership attempts to deal with the pension problem.. they find there is no easy solution.. or any solution... and wanting to blame someone... for the problem. I wouldn't be surprised if the 2% raise to the employees this past April was given in exchange for a promise that no one retires this year and triggers more million dollar payments into the Prudential Guaranteed Pension Account this year. More millages coming in 2016. The 2% raise... NOT an agenda item... just hidden in the budget... set by Leo Savoie, approved by the Trustees??? which I think is illegal.
WAKE UP BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP TAXPAYERS ! PAY ATTENTION!
Here are some other changes that could be made... that will help the taxpayer LEARN and UNDERSTAND more about how their government works and how their tax dollars are spent.
My opinions....
1. return the government to a 5 day work week
2. give email addresses for Trustees and post that on the website
3. start fixing the unsustainable pension / retiree health insurance problems at contract negotiations and if can't/ start reducing the staff levels to that which can be afforded
4. put bid proposals out for the investment company, the legal firm, HR&C, the traffic and landscaping review contracts, and other long term/ and short term vendors
5. In 2011 it was said all public meetings would be Audio/Video/Archived ...but that is not done.... and the Planning and ZBA committees need that. The true record of what is said at those meetings are vital to those that need to go to court..and the township is often one taken to court. Why not have accurate records?
6. Abolish the Design Review Board that is only the 3 elected officials (Leo,Jan, Dan) and give those agenda items to the Planning Commission or allow the Planning department to permit signs, etc. that meet the ordinances.
7. Make the Financial and Fiduciary Review Reports as an AGENDA item to be reported and discussed/ allow public comment and to have mandatory quarterly study sessions on all things financial/investments/pensions.
8. Make more information available FREE on the website... Contract language, which employees get vehicles, employee pay/ benefits/ ETC.
9. Now that payroll and vouchers is in the BOARD PACKET to review... allow public comment on that agenda item. For instance, since I have argued in the past about the township making donations to non-profits with taxpayer funds as not right.... I see that some non-profits have now received a check... and no presentation was made before the Board as an agenda item requesting approval for the funds ... is that legal?
10. Hold several public meetings between Nov. and April to discuss the budget... rather than do it all in one meeting
****** there is so much that needs fixing... start somewhere... and work quickly... THANKS.
Showing posts with label pension bonds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pension bonds. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Supervisor Savoie Suggests Reducing Treasurer's Salary
Hi All,
A very disturbing agenda item... being presented by Supervisor Savoie.... that has NO DOCUMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC TO REVIEW IN THE April 13, 2015 Board of Trustees BOARD PACKET.
THAT IS: Agenda item # 5:
Does that mean ONLY Savoie KNOWS what is going to be said? Or does that mean... Savoie has met with the other Board members... or some of them... and discussed with them what Savoie wants to accomplish... or does that mean Savoie has the legal firm writing up some proposal or "resolution" ahead of time ? Is Savoie doing this on his own? I can't believe that Dan Devine has suggested this course of action. I don't know. Is there going to be a vote? WHAT IS TOWNSHIP LAW? I do know that Township law does allow to HIRE a person to run the township....instead of a Supervisor. However, there is a process that needs to be followed. Perhaps THAT should be discussed.
At this point I would say, contact your TRUSTEES. ASK them questions. But the Township REFUSES to give township email addresses to the Trustees and publish those email addresses on the website. Unbelievable.
Will there be any new faces in 2016 on the ballot? I hope so. Will the Treasurer office be a full time position? I hope so. Does the Township deserved better leadership and better legal advice? YES...my opinion.
FYI:
In August of 2011, David Payne "retired" before his Supervisor term ended to collect a pension of $11,122 per month - not including the retiree health benefits... and who knows what else. What seems to be a decades old process... the township leadership quits or retires before an election so the existing members can choose /appoint the successor. That gives that person an edge in the next election... which apparently most Township residents have no desire to challenge.
So, in 2011,......."the chosen one"... to succeed Payne as Supervisor was Leo Savoie. However, Treasurer Dan Devine, challenged the process. EGAD.... not supposed to happen in AAA rated elite Bloomfield Township. Leo Savoie won out in a 5-2 split of the Board.. which I believe Devine eventually bowed out to make Savoie appointment unanimous... as is "assumed" to be the usual result of any agenda item in this Township.
Since then, the "tension" has continued between Savoie and Devine. If you watch the video's of the Board of Trustees meetings, you can hear/see/ the tension between the two.
My gut feeling is... since Devine is the Treasurer and the PENSION FUND is not working out as THEY ALL expected, some on the Board want him out. The township has made some bad decisions...all seven of them... and the expendable one seems to be leaning toward Dan Devine... my opinion. But how can that happen? He is elected. Well, is this action being suggested to make the next election less desirable for the position Devine desires?
BUT WHY REDUCE THE TREASURER TO A PART TIME POSITION? IS THIS EVEN LEGAL? WHAT DOES TOWNSHIP LAW SAY?
THE DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN
Now... I want all of you to understand... I objected to the $85 million dollar pension bond plan from the very beginning to the very end. This Township Board... rushed into the process... ALL OF THEM.... I attended many/most of the meeting, including Special Study Sessions. THE BOARD.... ALL OF THEM.... voted for the pension bond plan and voted for the investment plan....without asking many questions. At one study session where Prudential was present, Prudential suggested a larger portion of the $85 million dollars to be put into the Guaranteed Account they hold. When public comment was available, I asked to hear why Prudential thought more should be in the Guaranteed Account vs the equity funds since the Board did not choose to discuss that issue/ input when Prudential suggested that at the meeting. I was basically told, "WE" like the investment plan as Schwartz/Township proposed. Prudential did not get to elaborate at that meeting. All seven trustees voted to approve how they were going to deposit the $85 million(less expenses)....and now it is not working as projected. Problems have surfaced. Perhaps the Defined Benefit Pension Plan is NOT fully funded.
Those voting for the financial plan ... ALL have been Trustees on the Board or elected officers for many years. Where have the questions been for DECADES ?
Well, the Township has AAA ratings. It appears the Treasurer has things running smoothly. However, why didn't the Trustees ask questions when the bond issue was presented? Why didn't the Trustees learn about the various aspects of how the township operates? Why is it that whenever the township needs money...they just propose another millage or special assessment district or more bonds? WHY? Because the citizens continue to approve millages whenever asked. The money flow seems endless.
FYI:
Recently the Board recommended to replace the 26 years of services provided by Jenkins, Magnus, Volk & Carroll for the annual audit. The Township bid out this service and they (JMVC) were not the low bidder. It seems finance director Jason Theis suggested/requested to the Trustees that this service could be bid out. Really? Did anyone in particular suggest he make that recommendation? I know it wasn't Dan Devine. Why, because Devine is the Treasurer and he knew that the Township had previously said that professional services are exempted from bidding. Other long time service providers: Hubbell, Roth & Clark, engineering and William Hampton, attorney.... they have been with the township for over 25 years each.... why not bid them out, too? Is the Board targeting Dan Devine and his department?
FYI:
Recently the Board recommended and approved a financial advisory panel. The financial sustainability committee will make recommendations to the Board on all investments.
Who is on that committee? Why Supervisor Savoie, of course, and employee Jason Theis, finance director, and elected Treasurer Dan Devine, elected Trustee Brian Kepes, and three Township citizens appointed by the Board of Trustees. They are Dave Petoskey, Joe Moynihan, and Sean Smyth. Who are they? What are their credentials? What credentials do Savoie, Kepes and Theis have for investment advising? I believe Treasurer Devine does have investment credentials.
OK, SO NOW A GROUP of people...with who knows what credentials... are going to make investment recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Hello.... 3 out of 7 of this group ARE part of the Board of Trustees that will hear the recommendations.
Another is an employee that may not want to disagree with the 3 Trustees on the committee? Job security?
That means, the GROUP making investment recommendations only need one other Trustee to go along with their recommendation for a majority vote.
Remember, there has always been a "group of people" making recommendations: ... a reputable full service investment company with many employees hired by the township ....along with an elected Treasurer knowledgeable about investing that made investment recommendations every year to the Trustees. Currently about 40% of the Pension funds are in equity accounts by Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. The other 60 % is held by Prudential in the Guaranteed account. Every investment was APPROVED by the entire board. If ANY of the Trustees didn't like the recommendations or understand the recommendations... they should have asked for clarification! However, if all the trustees don't ASK or DON'T UNDERSTAND investing...and don't continue to ask questions, what will be different? What will happen to both of these companies? Will they be replaced also?
THINK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM:
When the Township leadership gives the retirees COST OF LIVING payments that are NOT GUARANTEED by Prudential... the current BUDGET... needs to pay that COLA money every year into the Guaranteed Prudential Account. But does it....or has it?? Therefore, the Guarantee account is constantly under funded. Look at the pension amounts! Quit giving cost of living increases!!!
REALITY CHECK ON THE COST OF THIS PENSION PLAN EACH YEAR
Did you see the pension fund list and how much our current retirees are paid? See the Board of Trustees Special Study Session Packet for March 10, 2015 @ http://bloomfieldtwpmi.minutesondemand.com/
for the entire list of current retirees and their monthly pension. Those numbers do NOT include their retiree health benefit costs.
Are you aware that there is ANOTHER pension plan for employees? It is for those that are NOT in the defined benefit plan. How much money is needed from the current budget each year to fund that account? Is that pension being fully funded EACH YEAR? When will the first employee retire under that plan?
THE PROBLEM IS THE TOWNSHIP KEEPS GIVING AWAY TOWNSHIP DOLLARS TO EMPLOYEES WITH PENSION/HEALTH CARE PLANS THAT ARE UNSUSTAINABLE. I DON'T CARE HOW MANY INVESTMENT ADVISORS THE TOWNSHIP HAS.... THE PROBLEM IS THE PLAN ITSELF. It's all in the details.
In February 2010... a small number of voting public went to the February "stealth" ballot ... and by approx. 700 votes approved a 1.3 mills ten year millage... to keep the status quo as property values were dropping.
We are WAY PAST STATUS QUO ....
In June 2011 the employees accepted a six year contract.... with wage openers in 2013 and 2015.
In April 2013, all full time employees received a 2% raise.
In April 2015, all full time employees received a 2% raise.
There is a 4% increase in health care premiums.
There is a 6% increase in health care premiums for retirees.
The employees work a 4 day work week. How much is spent in overtime?
What else? Where can we read the contracts?
Do all these raises/costs also raise the pension obligations ? Yes.
THE BIGGEST QUESTION HERE IS:
WHO negotiated the pay raises and other costs?
Nothing has been approved by the entire Board of Trustees.
Has Supervisor Savoie, who told me back in December of 2014... that there was room in the budget to give all employees a 2% raise... and told the township in March that the employees got a 2 % raise and other cost increases do just that on his own? Savoie sets the budget.. that's his job. But changing contract facts is not.
Did Savoie also just basically TELL the TRUSTEES that .... no vote/no agenda item/no discussion/ no facts/ it's a done deal? Do the Trustees know who negotiated the contract change? Who signed that change? Who voted to approve that change to the contract. Answer: ??? no one?? Who should know? Where is our attorney? Where are our TRUSTEES???
Savoie ( along with several on the Board) has been making lots of changes... and those changes are costing the Township taxpayers big bucks. He has encouraged repaving the subdivision roads with about 52% approval... changing the long standing and still standing procedure for roads at the Oakland County Road Commission.
Some subdivisions are getting sewers, water mains or roads... for FREE while others must pay. A pipeline value was put on a valuable residential lot.... and the neighbors got a half million dollar road from the company. A country club gets to "apply" for a "special event"... which is really employee parking for 7-8 months on residential property for a small fee of $125. Residents are being told at ZBA meetings that certain topics can NOT be discussed, even though it is a crucial part of the discussion. New "resolutions" are being written or new ordinances are created or "interpreted"... to accommodate certain people or businesses. Sidewalks that many don't want. The list goes on......
Is Supervisor Savoie on a major power grab in the township? Is anyone paying attention?
A very disturbing agenda item... being presented by Supervisor Savoie.... that has NO DOCUMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC TO REVIEW IN THE April 13, 2015 Board of Trustees BOARD PACKET.
THAT IS: Agenda item # 5:
Does that mean ONLY Savoie KNOWS what is going to be said? Or does that mean... Savoie has met with the other Board members... or some of them... and discussed with them what Savoie wants to accomplish... or does that mean Savoie has the legal firm writing up some proposal or "resolution" ahead of time ? Is Savoie doing this on his own? I can't believe that Dan Devine has suggested this course of action. I don't know. Is there going to be a vote? WHAT IS TOWNSHIP LAW? I do know that Township law does allow to HIRE a person to run the township....instead of a Supervisor. However, there is a process that needs to be followed. Perhaps THAT should be discussed.
At this point I would say, contact your TRUSTEES. ASK them questions. But the Township REFUSES to give township email addresses to the Trustees and publish those email addresses on the website. Unbelievable.
Will there be any new faces in 2016 on the ballot? I hope so. Will the Treasurer office be a full time position? I hope so. Does the Township deserved better leadership and better legal advice? YES...my opinion.
FYI:
In August of 2011, David Payne "retired" before his Supervisor term ended to collect a pension of $11,122 per month - not including the retiree health benefits... and who knows what else. What seems to be a decades old process... the township leadership quits or retires before an election so the existing members can choose /appoint the successor. That gives that person an edge in the next election... which apparently most Township residents have no desire to challenge.
So, in 2011,......."the chosen one"... to succeed Payne as Supervisor was Leo Savoie. However, Treasurer Dan Devine, challenged the process. EGAD.... not supposed to happen in AAA rated elite Bloomfield Township. Leo Savoie won out in a 5-2 split of the Board.. which I believe Devine eventually bowed out to make Savoie appointment unanimous... as is "assumed" to be the usual result of any agenda item in this Township.
Since then, the "tension" has continued between Savoie and Devine. If you watch the video's of the Board of Trustees meetings, you can hear/see/ the tension between the two.
My gut feeling is... since Devine is the Treasurer and the PENSION FUND is not working out as THEY ALL expected, some on the Board want him out. The township has made some bad decisions...all seven of them... and the expendable one seems to be leaning toward Dan Devine... my opinion. But how can that happen? He is elected. Well, is this action being suggested to make the next election less desirable for the position Devine desires?
BUT WHY REDUCE THE TREASURER TO A PART TIME POSITION? IS THIS EVEN LEGAL? WHAT DOES TOWNSHIP LAW SAY?
THE DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN
Now... I want all of you to understand... I objected to the $85 million dollar pension bond plan from the very beginning to the very end. This Township Board... rushed into the process... ALL OF THEM.... I attended many/most of the meeting, including Special Study Sessions. THE BOARD.... ALL OF THEM.... voted for the pension bond plan and voted for the investment plan....without asking many questions. At one study session where Prudential was present, Prudential suggested a larger portion of the $85 million dollars to be put into the Guaranteed Account they hold. When public comment was available, I asked to hear why Prudential thought more should be in the Guaranteed Account vs the equity funds since the Board did not choose to discuss that issue/ input when Prudential suggested that at the meeting. I was basically told, "WE" like the investment plan as Schwartz/Township proposed. Prudential did not get to elaborate at that meeting. All seven trustees voted to approve how they were going to deposit the $85 million(less expenses)....and now it is not working as projected. Problems have surfaced. Perhaps the Defined Benefit Pension Plan is NOT fully funded.
Those voting for the financial plan ... ALL have been Trustees on the Board or elected officers for many years. Where have the questions been for DECADES ?
Well, the Township has AAA ratings. It appears the Treasurer has things running smoothly. However, why didn't the Trustees ask questions when the bond issue was presented? Why didn't the Trustees learn about the various aspects of how the township operates? Why is it that whenever the township needs money...they just propose another millage or special assessment district or more bonds? WHY? Because the citizens continue to approve millages whenever asked. The money flow seems endless.
FYI:
Recently the Board recommended to replace the 26 years of services provided by Jenkins, Magnus, Volk & Carroll for the annual audit. The Township bid out this service and they (JMVC) were not the low bidder. It seems finance director Jason Theis suggested/requested to the Trustees that this service could be bid out. Really? Did anyone in particular suggest he make that recommendation? I know it wasn't Dan Devine. Why, because Devine is the Treasurer and he knew that the Township had previously said that professional services are exempted from bidding. Other long time service providers: Hubbell, Roth & Clark, engineering and William Hampton, attorney.... they have been with the township for over 25 years each.... why not bid them out, too? Is the Board targeting Dan Devine and his department?
FYI:
Recently the Board recommended and approved a financial advisory panel. The financial sustainability committee will make recommendations to the Board on all investments.
Who is on that committee? Why Supervisor Savoie, of course, and employee Jason Theis, finance director, and elected Treasurer Dan Devine, elected Trustee Brian Kepes, and three Township citizens appointed by the Board of Trustees. They are Dave Petoskey, Joe Moynihan, and Sean Smyth. Who are they? What are their credentials? What credentials do Savoie, Kepes and Theis have for investment advising? I believe Treasurer Devine does have investment credentials.
OK, SO NOW A GROUP of people...with who knows what credentials... are going to make investment recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Hello.... 3 out of 7 of this group ARE part of the Board of Trustees that will hear the recommendations.
Another is an employee that may not want to disagree with the 3 Trustees on the committee? Job security?
That means, the GROUP making investment recommendations only need one other Trustee to go along with their recommendation for a majority vote.
Remember, there has always been a "group of people" making recommendations: ... a reputable full service investment company with many employees hired by the township ....along with an elected Treasurer knowledgeable about investing that made investment recommendations every year to the Trustees. Currently about 40% of the Pension funds are in equity accounts by Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. The other 60 % is held by Prudential in the Guaranteed account. Every investment was APPROVED by the entire board. If ANY of the Trustees didn't like the recommendations or understand the recommendations... they should have asked for clarification! However, if all the trustees don't ASK or DON'T UNDERSTAND investing...and don't continue to ask questions, what will be different? What will happen to both of these companies? Will they be replaced also?
THINK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM:
When the Township leadership gives the retirees COST OF LIVING payments that are NOT GUARANTEED by Prudential... the current BUDGET... needs to pay that COLA money every year into the Guaranteed Prudential Account. But does it....or has it?? Therefore, the Guarantee account is constantly under funded. Look at the pension amounts! Quit giving cost of living increases!!!
REALITY CHECK ON THE COST OF THIS PENSION PLAN EACH YEAR
Did you see the pension fund list and how much our current retirees are paid? See the Board of Trustees Special Study Session Packet for March 10, 2015 @ http://bloomfieldtwpmi.minutesondemand.com/
for the entire list of current retirees and their monthly pension. Those numbers do NOT include their retiree health benefit costs.
Are you aware that there is ANOTHER pension plan for employees? It is for those that are NOT in the defined benefit plan. How much money is needed from the current budget each year to fund that account? Is that pension being fully funded EACH YEAR? When will the first employee retire under that plan?
THE PROBLEM IS THE TOWNSHIP KEEPS GIVING AWAY TOWNSHIP DOLLARS TO EMPLOYEES WITH PENSION/HEALTH CARE PLANS THAT ARE UNSUSTAINABLE. I DON'T CARE HOW MANY INVESTMENT ADVISORS THE TOWNSHIP HAS.... THE PROBLEM IS THE PLAN ITSELF. It's all in the details.
In February 2010... a small number of voting public went to the February "stealth" ballot ... and by approx. 700 votes approved a 1.3 mills ten year millage... to keep the status quo as property values were dropping.
We are WAY PAST STATUS QUO ....
In June 2011 the employees accepted a six year contract.... with wage openers in 2013 and 2015.
In April 2013, all full time employees received a 2% raise.
In April 2015, all full time employees received a 2% raise.
There is a 4% increase in health care premiums.
There is a 6% increase in health care premiums for retirees.
The employees work a 4 day work week. How much is spent in overtime?
What else? Where can we read the contracts?
Do all these raises/costs also raise the pension obligations ? Yes.
THE BIGGEST QUESTION HERE IS:
WHO negotiated the pay raises and other costs?
Nothing has been approved by the entire Board of Trustees.
Has Supervisor Savoie, who told me back in December of 2014... that there was room in the budget to give all employees a 2% raise... and told the township in March that the employees got a 2 % raise and other cost increases do just that on his own? Savoie sets the budget.. that's his job. But changing contract facts is not.
Did Savoie also just basically TELL the TRUSTEES that .... no vote/no agenda item/no discussion/ no facts/ it's a done deal? Do the Trustees know who negotiated the contract change? Who signed that change? Who voted to approve that change to the contract. Answer: ??? no one?? Who should know? Where is our attorney? Where are our TRUSTEES???
Savoie ( along with several on the Board) has been making lots of changes... and those changes are costing the Township taxpayers big bucks. He has encouraged repaving the subdivision roads with about 52% approval... changing the long standing and still standing procedure for roads at the Oakland County Road Commission.
Some subdivisions are getting sewers, water mains or roads... for FREE while others must pay. A pipeline value was put on a valuable residential lot.... and the neighbors got a half million dollar road from the company. A country club gets to "apply" for a "special event"... which is really employee parking for 7-8 months on residential property for a small fee of $125. Residents are being told at ZBA meetings that certain topics can NOT be discussed, even though it is a crucial part of the discussion. New "resolutions" are being written or new ordinances are created or "interpreted"... to accommodate certain people or businesses. Sidewalks that many don't want. The list goes on......
Is Supervisor Savoie on a major power grab in the township? Is anyone paying attention?
Friday, January 9, 2015
No Bid Contracts/Pension Funds/FOIA issue/ Building: Roads,Bridge,Water System & more
Hi All,
Starting 2015 with a jam packed Board of Trustees agenda. Some items need more discussion.
Feel free to pass this link on to others in the township.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015 @ 7 PM
Agenda items 2,3,4: all deal with yet ANOTHER road paving project at homeowner's expense (DELL ROSE DRIVE @ $8500 per lot). This time, the township board is scheduling MANY phases of this procedure on the same day... MONDAY. So, if you live in that subdivision, and you missed messages during the holidays, you may miss your chance to protest this project. Agenda # 2 is a PUBLIC HEARING. Was there 15 day notice? and if so, where?
Agenda item # 5: State Rep. Mike McCready. Nothing in the Board Packet as to what he will say, however, there WILL BE a special election on MAY 5, 2015. What is on the BALLOT? Well, a proposed sales tax increase to pay for repairing roads for one. I have NOT seen the ballot language...maybe we will learn more? More information added 1/10/15: a reader sent this information.... still need to hear what McCready has to say:
The May 5 ballot will include a proposal to raise MI sales tax to 7% from the current 6%.
This amounts to a 1% price increase on every single item that you buy, from thumb tacks to automobiles.
The increase will put Michigan into the category of "highest consumer sales tax in the country."
The money will NOT be dedicated to roadway improvements.
Agenda item # 8: BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE AREA: Water System/ This APPEARS to be another NO BID award for (two) major projects. It also appears to be a road repavement project in conjunction with the water pipes. However, the bid was not separated out. This means all the township taxpayers are paying for this particular street repaving.... while many of us pay a hefty price to do our OWN street in front of the house.
Agenda item #9: A SAFETY PATH ISSUE... a PROPOSED pedestrian bridge over I-75. The township hopes to get 50% funding from a federal gov. source (TAP) applied for by RCOC. The township seems prepared to go ahead with this project.
However, how much preparation and discussion has gone into this EXPENSIVE project?
This project will cost twp. taxpayers approx. 1 million dollars. The government TAP program will ALSO pay approx. 1 million dollars. Any over-costs will be paid by the township. PLUS ownership and all maintenance/insurance/liability/ etc. issues and cost...for the lifetime of the bridge. From the township board packet:
Why do this project? There IS a road crossing I-75 at this location: Squirrel Rd. People and bikes share many roads with other vehicles. Why not share this road (Squirrel Rd.) and skip the EXPENSIVE bridge? Just because money MAY be available, doesn't mean the project should be built.
Agenda items 11,12, 13: all in some way deal with the township PENSION FUNDS. I have been saying there are problems with the pension fund and the way it was handled.
Downtown Publications had filed a FOIA concerning documents and those documents were denied by the township. This agenda item #12 will deal with the publications appeal to the denial of FOIA documents. Agenda 13.... is, in my opinion, the board of trustees way of saying they need help with the pension funds because they really don't understand the complexity. The problem I see, is... no new "committee" of citizens, etc, will be effective if the BOARD won't tell the taxpayers and the newspaper... what REALLY is happening NOW and what went down in the PAST.
Agenda item #14: payroll and vouchers.... show us the FIGURES. Where is open and transparent government???
FYI: The proposed budget for 20115-2016 has "built in".... according to Supervisor Savoie.... a 2% pay raise for all employees. So tell me again why the AUG. 2014 millages if failed.... would have resulted in massive layoffs?
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION??? Pay attention to what is going on in the township government. Look at your taxes vs house value. Your one time chance each year to fight your assessed value is coming up in March.
The township assessor is offering a workshop:
Property Assessment Seminar February 12
2015 VALUE OVERVIEW
The Bloomfield Township Assessing Department will meet with Bloomfield Township residents on Thurs., Feb .12 1-3:30 PM.
Understanding the Assessment Process.
Preparing for the March Board of Review.
Assessment Formulation
Assessment Appeals.
Call 248-723-3500 to register.
A lot of information.... but actually....same old issues.... year to year, month to month !!!
I need to buy tickets to that HARMONY concert.... :) I need to breathe....:) Marcia
Starting 2015 with a jam packed Board of Trustees agenda. Some items need more discussion.
Feel free to pass this link on to others in the township.
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015 @ 7 PM
Agenda items 2,3,4: all deal with yet ANOTHER road paving project at homeowner's expense (DELL ROSE DRIVE @ $8500 per lot). This time, the township board is scheduling MANY phases of this procedure on the same day... MONDAY. So, if you live in that subdivision, and you missed messages during the holidays, you may miss your chance to protest this project. Agenda # 2 is a PUBLIC HEARING. Was there 15 day notice? and if so, where?
Agenda item # 5: State Rep. Mike McCready. Nothing in the Board Packet as to what he will say, however, there WILL BE a special election on MAY 5, 2015. What is on the BALLOT? Well, a proposed sales tax increase to pay for repairing roads for one. I have NOT seen the ballot language...maybe we will learn more? More information added 1/10/15: a reader sent this information.... still need to hear what McCready has to say:
The May 5 ballot will include a proposal to raise MI sales tax to 7% from the current 6%.
This amounts to a 1% price increase on every single item that you buy, from thumb tacks to automobiles.
The increase will put Michigan into the category of "highest consumer sales tax in the country."
The money will NOT be dedicated to roadway improvements.
Agenda item # 8: BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE AREA: Water System/ This APPEARS to be another NO BID award for (two) major projects. It also appears to be a road repavement project in conjunction with the water pipes. However, the bid was not separated out. This means all the township taxpayers are paying for this particular street repaving.... while many of us pay a hefty price to do our OWN street in front of the house.
Agenda item #9: A SAFETY PATH ISSUE... a PROPOSED pedestrian bridge over I-75. The township hopes to get 50% funding from a federal gov. source (TAP) applied for by RCOC. The township seems prepared to go ahead with this project.
However, how much preparation and discussion has gone into this EXPENSIVE project?
This project will cost twp. taxpayers approx. 1 million dollars. The government TAP program will ALSO pay approx. 1 million dollars. Any over-costs will be paid by the township. PLUS ownership and all maintenance/insurance/liability/ etc. issues and cost...for the lifetime of the bridge. From the township board packet:
Why do this project? There IS a road crossing I-75 at this location: Squirrel Rd. People and bikes share many roads with other vehicles. Why not share this road (Squirrel Rd.) and skip the EXPENSIVE bridge? Just because money MAY be available, doesn't mean the project should be built.
Agenda items 11,12, 13: all in some way deal with the township PENSION FUNDS. I have been saying there are problems with the pension fund and the way it was handled.
Downtown Publications had filed a FOIA concerning documents and those documents were denied by the township. This agenda item #12 will deal with the publications appeal to the denial of FOIA documents. Agenda 13.... is, in my opinion, the board of trustees way of saying they need help with the pension funds because they really don't understand the complexity. The problem I see, is... no new "committee" of citizens, etc, will be effective if the BOARD won't tell the taxpayers and the newspaper... what REALLY is happening NOW and what went down in the PAST.
Agenda item #14: payroll and vouchers.... show us the FIGURES. Where is open and transparent government???
FYI: The proposed budget for 20115-2016 has "built in".... according to Supervisor Savoie.... a 2% pay raise for all employees. So tell me again why the AUG. 2014 millages if failed.... would have resulted in massive layoffs?
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION??? Pay attention to what is going on in the township government. Look at your taxes vs house value. Your one time chance each year to fight your assessed value is coming up in March.
The township assessor is offering a workshop:
Property Assessment Seminar February 12
2015 VALUE OVERVIEW
The Bloomfield Township Assessing Department will meet with Bloomfield Township residents on Thurs., Feb .12 1-3:30 PM.
Understanding the Assessment Process.
Preparing for the March Board of Review.
Assessment Formulation
Assessment Appeals.
Call 248-723-3500 to register.
A lot of information.... but actually....same old issues.... year to year, month to month !!!
I need to buy tickets to that HARMONY concert.... :) I need to breathe....:) Marcia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)