Hi All,
At the 9/12/16 Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting, REDICO presented a "cursory" review of their preliminary Master site plan for the Village at Bloomfield project on Telegraph Road (former Bloomfield Park site). Township planning director Patti Voelker and Redico representative Tim McCafferty gave their presentations to the Board and public.
However, it was once again only Treasurer Dan Devine that brought up the issue of the shared tax revenue that Act 425... the agreement that this property operates under via the Joint Development Council. Why isn't the Supervisor, Redico, or our attorney discussing the agreements ?
Devine asked: "I received a notice of a Brownfield meeting, which
would get rid of Pontiac's mills for 32 years. Do you know if there
would be any changes to Bloomfield Township's three mills?"
Redico representative said he didn't know of any. Interestingly, the Township Attorney Bill Hampton was not even aware of any scheduled Brownfield meeting 9/15. However, Supervisor Savoie did know about the Brownfield scheduled meeting.
In response to Devine's question, attorney Hampton said: "We believe if there would be a Brownfield, it would
only apply to Pontiac and our mills would be preserved and we would
fight to preserve those three mills." Hampton went on to say that they hired an attorney from Miller Canfield that specializes in this area of law and he would notify them to attend the scheduled Oakland County Brownfield Authority meeting.
BROWNFIELD issue link:
https://www.oakgov.com/advantageoakland/residents/Pages/CPHAWasteBrownfield.aspx
REDICO did meet with the Oakland County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority on 9/15/16 to discuss their Brownfield plan for their Village at Bloomfield project (formerly known as Bloomfield Park).
Bradley Hansen, Business Development Rep. ( hansenb@oakgov.com ) indicated in a memo that "...the plan only includes the City of Pontiac parcels and that the Bloomfield Township parcel was kept out of the Brownfield plan."
Twp. Treasurer Dan Devine attended this OC meeting and during public comment advised the Brownfield committee that there is a contractual agreement for shared tax revenues (Act 425) between the City of Pontiac and Bloomfield Township. Both the Brownfield Authority and Redico acknowledged the agreement, but basically said... not their problem in this forum/ for this plan. Really?
A Miller Canfield representative did attend the meeting, presumably representing the township, but did not speak/ just took notes.
This Brownfield plan now goes before the full Oakland County Board of Commissioners which will meet in October. How will they vote on this REDICO Brownfield Plan? Perhaps we all should contact our representative, Shelley Goodman Taub (and others).
Meanwhile:
The Joint Development Council (3 members: Mayor Waterman of Pontiac, Supervisor Savoie of Bl. Twp. and Dennis Cowen, chairman/neutral member) meet again on Sept. 21, 2016 and they have also said repeatedly, that they do not have authority over the Brownfield issue. WHY? Who does?
Treasurer Dan Devine has (since the start of this Act 425 agreement of 2002) defended the Twp. right to the collection of the tax revenues due to the Township from the City of Pontiac. However, Supervisor Savoie replaced Devine as the JDC representative for the township citizens and Savoie is now our vote at the JDC table. Changes to the 425 agreement can only happen by unanimous approval by the Joint Development Committee...... 3 people. See my previous blog: Supervisor Savoie-Developer's Friend?
That said, it appears the City of Pontiac may be meeting on Sept. 22, a day after the next JDC meeting to presumably approve the Brownfield Plan for the City of Pontiac. So I wonder, if Mayor Waterman is willing to give up 32 years of tax revenue for the Brownfield plan for the REDICO project (money that the City of Pontiac certainly could use) how will the Bloomfield Township citizens be able to collect the shared percentage of taxes from the City of Pontiac due to them?
Why is Pontiac willing to give up 32 years of tax revenue from this project?
Supervisor Savoie, the Miller Canfield firm and/or Township attorney Hampton must take some action soon to make this issue more transparent so the Bloomfield Township taxpayers can understand the issues and the consequences. If not for Treasurer Dan Devine, much of this issue would still be behind closed doors...or perhaps even ignored. Unfortunately, Devine lost the Treasurer position in the August 2 primary and beginning Nov. 21, Brian Kepes will assume the Treasurer's office for the next 4 years. Will Kepes .... as the future collector of the taxes...fight for our contractual three mills tax revenue due from Pontiac on the property now owned by Redico and their proposed development Village at Bloomfield? How would a Brownfield plan change the dollar figures due to the township?
Question: How will the Oakland County Board of Commissioners vote on the Brownfield Plan for this site at their October meeting? Will the decision affect the Act 425 Agreement as to tax revenue to Bloomfield Township?
Marcia
Showing posts with label Dan Devine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan Devine. Show all posts
Monday, September 19, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
Historic Vote-Bl. Twp. Be Informed!
Hi All,
I posted Trustee David Buckley's comments in a blog a few days ago.... because I thought the taxpayers needed to see the township officials in action to really understand all that is going on.
Here is something that another person sent out to friends and neighbors after viewing my blog with that video clip:
From a reader/ ....
"......the following blog post of Marcia Robovitsky, ..........may be helpful to those of you who aren't familiar with the current board dynamics. Marcia, a longtime Township resident, sees herself as a bit of a "watchdog" for Township residents. She regularly attends Township meetings, is familiar with all the issues and, in my opinion, has a good grasp on the overall situation. If you are looking for something to view to give you a feel for the atmosphere and dynamic of the current board, Marcia has attached a link to a pivotal Township meeting from last year. I initially viewed only the nine minutes she suggested, but I found it so intriguing that I watched nearly 90 minutes more (before and after Dave's very eloquent comments.) I was astounded to see how this particular meeting began the sequence of events that has brought us to this point, with a distinctly divided board and challengers to all the positions. If you can find the time to view even some of it (particularly agenda item #5,) I believe you'll find it to be enlightening and informative. It will introduce you to each of the current board members through the lens of how they actually function as a governing body, which is far more illuminating than watching them present themselves as candidates in prepared sound bites in a candidate forum or on paper in a direct mail piece.
http://bloomfieldtwphappenings.blogspot.com/2016/07/re-elect-trustee-david-buckley-video.html?m=1
I realize that local politics is not of interest to many, but I've spent a good deal of time working with Township officials the past two years. It is important that the association maintain a good working relationship with Township leadership, as we call on them frequently for assistance with neighborhood issues, and there have been moments recently when that has been challenging. For the first time in many years, we have choices and we can help effect change that will benefit the Township as a whole. I hope you will make a point to vote on Tuesday because, as always in a local election, every vote counts. The victory or defeat of any candidate is sometimes literally just a handful of votes."
Thank you to that reader above.
From that Blog:
At a VERY IMPORTANT 4/13 /2015 Board of Trustees meeting.... over one year ago.... David Buckley left his seat as a trustee and went to the podium to speak as a resident... to the Board and to the residents.
The agenda item then:
PLEASE listen to Trustee David Buckley speak/ time marker of video 2:16:00 to 2:25:37
go to: “Board of Trustee Meeting 4.13.15”
The video is available for your viewing pleasure at https://vimeo.com/124934765
Note: please be patient while video loads.. takes time :)
So important: ALSO, please, make some time to view the entire video section of AGENDA # 5 from start to finish. Remember, this was an agenda item in April of last year... 2015. Listen to others speak at public comment on this agenda item.
Please take a look tonight or tomorrow BEFORE voting at the Primary Election/ BE INFORMED! VOTE: Aug. 2, 2016.
Thank you.
Marcia Robovitsky
I am supporting:
David Thomas for Supervisor
Susie Kern for Clerk
Dan Devine for Treasurer re-elect
VOTE for these FOUR TRUSTEES
Jeff Axt
Kirk Brannock
David Buckley re-elect
Dani Walsh
Thank you.
Marcia Robovitsky
I posted Trustee David Buckley's comments in a blog a few days ago.... because I thought the taxpayers needed to see the township officials in action to really understand all that is going on.
Here is something that another person sent out to friends and neighbors after viewing my blog with that video clip:
From a reader/ ....
"......the following blog post of Marcia Robovitsky, ..........may be helpful to those of you who aren't familiar with the current board dynamics. Marcia, a longtime Township resident, sees herself as a bit of a "watchdog" for Township residents. She regularly attends Township meetings, is familiar with all the issues and, in my opinion, has a good grasp on the overall situation. If you are looking for something to view to give you a feel for the atmosphere and dynamic of the current board, Marcia has attached a link to a pivotal Township meeting from last year. I initially viewed only the nine minutes she suggested, but I found it so intriguing that I watched nearly 90 minutes more (before and after Dave's very eloquent comments.) I was astounded to see how this particular meeting began the sequence of events that has brought us to this point, with a distinctly divided board and challengers to all the positions. If you can find the time to view even some of it (particularly agenda item #5,) I believe you'll find it to be enlightening and informative. It will introduce you to each of the current board members through the lens of how they actually function as a governing body, which is far more illuminating than watching them present themselves as candidates in prepared sound bites in a candidate forum or on paper in a direct mail piece.
http://bloomfieldtwphappenings.blogspot.com/2016/07/re-elect-trustee-david-buckley-video.html?m=1
I realize that local politics is not of interest to many, but I've spent a good deal of time working with Township officials the past two years. It is important that the association maintain a good working relationship with Township leadership, as we call on them frequently for assistance with neighborhood issues, and there have been moments recently when that has been challenging. For the first time in many years, we have choices and we can help effect change that will benefit the Township as a whole. I hope you will make a point to vote on Tuesday because, as always in a local election, every vote counts. The victory or defeat of any candidate is sometimes literally just a handful of votes."
Thank you to that reader above.
From that Blog:
At a VERY IMPORTANT 4/13 /2015 Board of Trustees meeting.... over one year ago.... David Buckley left his seat as a trustee and went to the podium to speak as a resident... to the Board and to the residents.
The agenda item then:
PLEASE listen to Trustee David Buckley speak/ time marker of video 2:16:00 to 2:25:37
go to: “Board of Trustee Meeting 4.13.15”
The video is available for your viewing pleasure at https://vimeo.com/124934765
Note: please be patient while video loads.. takes time :)
So important: ALSO, please, make some time to view the entire video section of AGENDA # 5 from start to finish. Remember, this was an agenda item in April of last year... 2015. Listen to others speak at public comment on this agenda item.
Please take a look tonight or tomorrow BEFORE voting at the Primary Election/ BE INFORMED! VOTE: Aug. 2, 2016.
Thank you.
Marcia Robovitsky
I am supporting:
David Thomas for Supervisor
Susie Kern for Clerk
Dan Devine for Treasurer re-elect
VOTE for these FOUR TRUSTEES
Jeff Axt
Kirk Brannock
David Buckley re-elect
Dani Walsh
Thank you.
Marcia Robovitsky
Saturday, June 11, 2016
My "VOTE FOR" List w/ websites for Bl. Twp.
Hi All,
Here are the websites for the candidates that I support for Bloomfield Township local government.
Please VOTE on August 2, 2016 or by absentee ballot.
For the first time in decades, there are actually choices on the ballot for every seat on the Board of Trustees. Often in the past, an elected official will retire or resign before the end of the term. The existing board will then choose a "favored" replacement. That person will usually be on the next ballot running unopposed. For the most part, no one has challenged the decades long "family, friends and favors" culture at the township.... until this year.
This is the year where all 7 elected positions are expiring and all positions have challengers giving the voter a real choice. That's historic! All candidates on the August 2 ballot are listed as a Republican. That is typical. There are no Democratic candidates. That is strangely typical. Therefore, at this time, the 7 winners at this August 2nd primary will be the next Bloomfield Township leadership.
FYI:
My list of preferred candidates have not formed a slate. I have been listing them together in my email and blog writings for awhile. Some of them had never met each other before becoming candidates. Some I had never met until the last few months.
These are the 7 individuals that I proudly support.
David Thomas for Supervisor: electdavidthomassupervisor.com
Susie Kern for Clerk http://www.electsusiekern.com
Dan Devine for Treasurer www.votedandevinetreasurer.com
David Buckley for Trustee Davidbuckleyfortrustee.com
Jeff Axt for Trustee jeffaxt2016.com
Kirk Brannock for Trustee http://electkirkbrannock.com/
Dani Walsh for Trustee electdaniwalsh.com
PLEASE BE AN INFORMED VOTER:
I have attended public meetings at the township for at least the last five years.... the Savoie years as Supervisor. I have written about what is happening or not happening in my blogs and send an email blast occasionally because the official minutes of the meetings say only that I spoke to the issue. What did I say? What facts were mentioned? How did the board react to my comments? What decisions did the Board make? I researched most issues before making those comments. View the archived Board of Trustees audio/video meetings. I spoke often on many issues and at the end of the meetings during public comment.
My previous blogs are archived (see right side column) and tell some of the story of why I am choosing to support many new people and choosing to support current Trustee David Buckley and current Treasurer Dan Devine. I have witnessed repeatedly at the Board meetings and other meetings the ugly side of power and politics, hype and media bias. There is another side to the stories that you might have heard or read. There are facts and there are lies. There is bullying and unfair attacks and misrepresentation. There have been many failures to admit to "conflict of interest" when casting votes by some. There are pre-determined motions and outcomes before one word is heard. There have been pre-planned events and agendas items and pre-planned comments by employees and "invited guests" made at Board meetings to attempt to discredit one member in order to promote another.
If you are a Bloomfield Township taxpayer/voter that cares about policy, procedures, ordinances; making sure that competitive bids are required; setting water and sewer rates that are fair; a nepotism policy that is enforced; an ethics policy that is meaningful; a policy prohibiting "pay to play; having government offices open for a 5 day work week vs 4 days; having real open and transparent local government; and so much more....then please vote for my preferred list of candidates.
Remember to VOTE. Remember these names: Dave Thomas, Susie Kern, Dan Devine, Jeff Axt, David Buckley, Kirk Brannock, Dani Walsh. I believe they will be excellent Board members... because they are all capable individuals willing and eager to work with those who are elected this August 2 to make our township proud.
Thank you.
Marcia Robovitsky
www.bloomfieldtwphappenings.blogspot.com
Please forward this blog link to your family and friends in Bloomfield Township.
Please click on the icons below to tweet or post on facebook or other social media.
(blog edited @ 7:52 am 6/11/16)
Here are the websites for the candidates that I support for Bloomfield Township local government.
Please VOTE on August 2, 2016 or by absentee ballot.
For the first time in decades, there are actually choices on the ballot for every seat on the Board of Trustees. Often in the past, an elected official will retire or resign before the end of the term. The existing board will then choose a "favored" replacement. That person will usually be on the next ballot running unopposed. For the most part, no one has challenged the decades long "family, friends and favors" culture at the township.... until this year.
This is the year where all 7 elected positions are expiring and all positions have challengers giving the voter a real choice. That's historic! All candidates on the August 2 ballot are listed as a Republican. That is typical. There are no Democratic candidates. That is strangely typical. Therefore, at this time, the 7 winners at this August 2nd primary will be the next Bloomfield Township leadership.
FYI:
My list of preferred candidates have not formed a slate. I have been listing them together in my email and blog writings for awhile. Some of them had never met each other before becoming candidates. Some I had never met until the last few months.
- I like their vision and goals and ethics.
- Their resumes listing their educational and work accomplishments and experiences are impressive.
- To me, this group will manage ( not "rule") the township and develop strategic plans for the future. Policies, procedures, ordinances, zoning will be in place and followed.
- This group will work together and evaluate and study the issues seeking a balance between employee needs and the services they provide for our safety and well being with the funding the taxpayers are able and willing to provide.
- Our residential neighborhoods have been the foundation and success of this township. Commercial development along certain corridors must be developed according to the zoning and ordinances already established. Variances must be limited.
- Competitive bidding on jobs will be a priority and vendors will know they have a chance to do work in the township based on their bid and ability to perform.... and not something else.
- Work days should be provided 5 days a week to accommodate residents and contractors and others wishing to do business within the township.
- My preferred list of candidates believe in providing open and transparent government not just saying it.
These are the 7 individuals that I proudly support.
David Thomas for Supervisor: electdavidthomassupervisor.com
Susie Kern for Clerk http://www.electsusiekern.com
Dan Devine for Treasurer www.votedandevinetreasurer.com
David Buckley for Trustee Davidbuckleyfortrustee.com
Jeff Axt for Trustee jeffaxt2016.com
Kirk Brannock for Trustee http://electkirkbrannock.com/
Dani Walsh for Trustee electdaniwalsh.com
PLEASE BE AN INFORMED VOTER:
I have attended public meetings at the township for at least the last five years.... the Savoie years as Supervisor. I have written about what is happening or not happening in my blogs and send an email blast occasionally because the official minutes of the meetings say only that I spoke to the issue. What did I say? What facts were mentioned? How did the board react to my comments? What decisions did the Board make? I researched most issues before making those comments. View the archived Board of Trustees audio/video meetings. I spoke often on many issues and at the end of the meetings during public comment.
My previous blogs are archived (see right side column) and tell some of the story of why I am choosing to support many new people and choosing to support current Trustee David Buckley and current Treasurer Dan Devine. I have witnessed repeatedly at the Board meetings and other meetings the ugly side of power and politics, hype and media bias. There is another side to the stories that you might have heard or read. There are facts and there are lies. There is bullying and unfair attacks and misrepresentation. There have been many failures to admit to "conflict of interest" when casting votes by some. There are pre-determined motions and outcomes before one word is heard. There have been pre-planned events and agendas items and pre-planned comments by employees and "invited guests" made at Board meetings to attempt to discredit one member in order to promote another.
If you are a Bloomfield Township taxpayer/voter that cares about policy, procedures, ordinances; making sure that competitive bids are required; setting water and sewer rates that are fair; a nepotism policy that is enforced; an ethics policy that is meaningful; a policy prohibiting "pay to play; having government offices open for a 5 day work week vs 4 days; having real open and transparent local government; and so much more....then please vote for my preferred list of candidates.
Remember to VOTE. Remember these names: Dave Thomas, Susie Kern, Dan Devine, Jeff Axt, David Buckley, Kirk Brannock, Dani Walsh. I believe they will be excellent Board members... because they are all capable individuals willing and eager to work with those who are elected this August 2 to make our township proud.
Thank you.
Marcia Robovitsky
www.bloomfieldtwphappenings.blogspot.com
Please forward this blog link to your family and friends in Bloomfield Township.
Please click on the icons below to tweet or post on facebook or other social media.
(blog edited @ 7:52 am 6/11/16)
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Turmoil in the Township
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.
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.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Pension obligations/ Bl. Twp. and BH schools to "share" costs of a police officer
Hi All,
Today, Thursday, June 20, 2013 is a Bloomfield Hills SCHOOL board meeting at the Doyle Center on Wing Lake Road at 7 PM.
On their agenda is:
If the SCHOOLS need a "SECURITY OFFICER" they should HIRE their own from a PRIVATE company that specializes in security.
FYI: The township has for years assigned officers in a school liaison position. Currently that is Investigative Officer John Hoffman and Patrol Officer Andrew Racine. The township commits their entire force to the protection of the children and adults in this Bloomfield TOWNSHIP community every day. In my opinion, the officers should not be "for hire" by others.
The Township and the BHSD met and talked ? When? Question: what legal firm(s) worked on the contract?
Here is another example of the Township government "seeking revenue". For a small "fee" the township government does work for other taxing authorities...in this case... the Bloomfield Hills School District (BHSD).
What most TOWNSHIP residents don't seem to understand is that our township leadership is continuing to create work for our employees OUTSIDE of our taxing jurisdiction. The township employees are doing assessing in neighboring Sylvan Lake as well as building permits, etc. The township employees went to Pontiac to do building inspections, etc. for Raleigh Michigan Studios. The township is currently seeking to do dispatching for neighboring communities. There were talks of combining police and fire with others. There are many "interlocal" agreements among the various communities in Oakland County where our employees go elsewhere.
I understand "sharing" in emergency situations and helping out that way.
But are other communities relying on the "interlocal agreements" more and more while they eliminate personnel in their city?
Are the neighboring communities SAVING money by eliminating personnel, or equipment, and thus depending on the "interlocal agreement" to accomplish some jobs? Those communities know that in order to SAVE money, one must look carefully at their budget and make changes. Since so much money is earmarked for pensions and benefits for employees, that is where cuts are often made.
A decision to "share" an employee(s).... when the taxing authority is different... puts the PENSION benefits and long term obligations to only one community. In all cases mentioned above, those obligations for pensions, etc. go to the TOWNSHIP taxpayer. Right now, that pension fund is underfunded by 85 Million dollars.
This is how Treasurer, Dan Devine, described the proposed $85 million bond to satisfy the ONE underfunded pension plan as quoted from an article:
Bloomfield Township
June 12, 2013
Bloomfield Township approves bond language to fund pension liabilities
By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer
“The obligation will not go away; it’s just a more cost-effective way of satisfying the obligation. Some other communities handle their pension obligations by eliminating positions and reducing salaries. And what happens is, that reduces services to the public. The way we’ve done it, we can maintain an excellent work force and provide sustainable benefits in a cost-effective manner.”
The question to Dan Devine: is it the township position to BORROW MONEY instead of eliminating positions or reducing salaries?
Is borrowing $85 million to provide "sustainable benefits" a "cost-effective" manner? NO. If the money collected each year from the taxpayers cannot pay for its yearly obligation to the pension fund... then there needs to be CUTS in the budget and some of that should be eliminating some employee positions. It is time to down size township government.
ALL township employees just got a 2% pay raise in April 2013. That had to increase the pension liabilities. When you borrow money ($85 M bond) you must pay it back, with interest, and there are fees included. I heard... $5 M of that $85 M figure will be paid to others to facilitate the bond sale. Will that pay day go to those pushing the bond sale in the township?
Bottom Line:
Township residents need to keep their wallets open. Your elected leadership seeks work for the employees anywhere they can find it .... and while there is a "fee" involved ... that "fee" never covers all the costs of doing that business. Private companies go out of business when that happens .... government just borrows more money for YOU to pay back.
As always, My Opinions.
Marcia
Today, Thursday, June 20, 2013 is a Bloomfield Hills SCHOOL board meeting at the Doyle Center on Wing Lake Road at 7 PM.
On their agenda is:
- Rob Glass, Superintendent presenting ? to the former Bloomfield Township Police Chief, Kirt Bowden who recently retired.
- Introduction of School Security Officer
If the SCHOOLS need a "SECURITY OFFICER" they should HIRE their own from a PRIVATE company that specializes in security.
FYI: The township has for years assigned officers in a school liaison position. Currently that is Investigative Officer John Hoffman and Patrol Officer Andrew Racine. The township commits their entire force to the protection of the children and adults in this Bloomfield TOWNSHIP community every day. In my opinion, the officers should not be "for hire" by others.
The Township and the BHSD met and talked ? When? Question: what legal firm(s) worked on the contract?
- The Township has not brought this "contract" to a public agenda.
- What does the "proposed contract" state?
- There was a "selection process" to choose which of the township officers will be that "security officer"? Don't you want a security expert with all the current knowledge of available equipment?
- There is a concern over "rank" of the officer? Is rank important..why?
- The officer chosen may have a salary change?
- Don't worry if the school is not in the township, there is a "jurisdictional relationship .... It will not be an issue." Here we go.... our officers in other communities.
Here is another example of the Township government "seeking revenue". For a small "fee" the township government does work for other taxing authorities...in this case... the Bloomfield Hills School District (BHSD).
What most TOWNSHIP residents don't seem to understand is that our township leadership is continuing to create work for our employees OUTSIDE of our taxing jurisdiction. The township employees are doing assessing in neighboring Sylvan Lake as well as building permits, etc. The township employees went to Pontiac to do building inspections, etc. for Raleigh Michigan Studios. The township is currently seeking to do dispatching for neighboring communities. There were talks of combining police and fire with others. There are many "interlocal" agreements among the various communities in Oakland County where our employees go elsewhere.
I understand "sharing" in emergency situations and helping out that way.
But are other communities relying on the "interlocal agreements" more and more while they eliminate personnel in their city?
Are the neighboring communities SAVING money by eliminating personnel, or equipment, and thus depending on the "interlocal agreement" to accomplish some jobs? Those communities know that in order to SAVE money, one must look carefully at their budget and make changes. Since so much money is earmarked for pensions and benefits for employees, that is where cuts are often made.
A decision to "share" an employee(s).... when the taxing authority is different... puts the PENSION benefits and long term obligations to only one community. In all cases mentioned above, those obligations for pensions, etc. go to the TOWNSHIP taxpayer. Right now, that pension fund is underfunded by 85 Million dollars.
This is how Treasurer, Dan Devine, described the proposed $85 million bond to satisfy the ONE underfunded pension plan as quoted from an article:
Bloomfield Township
June 12, 2013
Bloomfield Township approves bond language to fund pension liabilities
By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer
“The obligation will not go away; it’s just a more cost-effective way of satisfying the obligation. Some other communities handle their pension obligations by eliminating positions and reducing salaries. And what happens is, that reduces services to the public. The way we’ve done it, we can maintain an excellent work force and provide sustainable benefits in a cost-effective manner.”
The question to Dan Devine: is it the township position to BORROW MONEY instead of eliminating positions or reducing salaries?
Is borrowing $85 million to provide "sustainable benefits" a "cost-effective" manner? NO. If the money collected each year from the taxpayers cannot pay for its yearly obligation to the pension fund... then there needs to be CUTS in the budget and some of that should be eliminating some employee positions. It is time to down size township government.
ALL township employees just got a 2% pay raise in April 2013. That had to increase the pension liabilities. When you borrow money ($85 M bond) you must pay it back, with interest, and there are fees included. I heard... $5 M of that $85 M figure will be paid to others to facilitate the bond sale. Will that pay day go to those pushing the bond sale in the township?
Bottom Line:
Township residents need to keep their wallets open. Your elected leadership seeks work for the employees anywhere they can find it .... and while there is a "fee" involved ... that "fee" never covers all the costs of doing that business. Private companies go out of business when that happens .... government just borrows more money for YOU to pay back.
As always, My Opinions.
Marcia
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