2/5/25 Shelby-Utica News

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING/14A

Volunteers

UCS breaks ground on Stevenson, Swinehart athletic complex improvements

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

UTICA/STERLING HEIGHTS/SHELBY TOWNSHIP

— Utica Community Schools broke ground on the future site of Stevenson High School’s new baseball and softball fields and tennis courts Jan. 14 and then broke ground Jan. 29 on athletic complex improvements at Swinehart Field.

The UCS Board of Education and Superintendent Robert S. Monroe were joined by student athletes and other representatives at the site of the Stevenson playing surfaces, 37400 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, and at Swinehart Field, 47255 Shelby Road in Utica.

The improvements are part of the $550 million bond issue approved by voters in May of 2023.

See UCS on page 24A

Former Shelby Township priest resentenced to 7-15 years in prison

BY KARA SZYMANSKI

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Neil Kalina, 69, formerly of Shelby Township, was recently resentenced to seven to 15 years of incarceration for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old child in 1984. His sentence includes an order for lifetime registration with Michigan’s Public Sex Offender Registry.

Kalina was a priest at St. Kiernan Catholic Church in Shelby Township from 1982 to 1985 and is currently incarcerated at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility in Jackson.

Kalina was convicted of two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct by a Macomb County jury in 2022 and sentenced to seven to 15 years in prison. The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction last year, but it ordered resentencing due to an error during the initial sentencing. The Michigan Department of Attorney General said in a press release that the court determined that improper consideration had been given to acquitted conduct and that it affected how Kalina’s prison term was calculated.

After a four-day trial in Macomb County Circuit Court, a jury convicted Kalina of two

See KALINA on page 10A

RIGHT: This color rendering by Integrated Design Solutions shows the transformation of the district’s space near 16 Mile and Dodge Park Road to serve as Stevenson High School’s baseball and softball fields and tennis courts.

LEFT: This rendering on display at the groundbreaking shows the upgrades to Swinehart Field.

Renderings provided by Utica Community Schools

Teen arraigned following alleged drunken driving that caused a man’s death Justice for Austin Southwell

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has arraigned a 17-year-old on a second-degree murder charge in connection with an alleged drunken driving incident that caused a man’s death in Shelby Township Jan. 7.

It is alleged that after 2 a.m. Jan. 7, the 17-yearold was driving under the influence of alcohol at speeds near 90 mph when he struck a vehicle and killed 26-year-old Austin Southwell, of Shelby Township.

It was at approximately 2:13 a.m. Jan. 7 when police were dispatched to the two-vehicle traffic crash near the intersection of 21 Mile and Hayes roads. Upon arrival, officers located Southwell, who was deceased.

The other driver, the 17-yearold, showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody. After receiving medical treatment for his injuries sustained in the traffic crash, he was lodged at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center pending a review of evidence and charges by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

police officers knocking at our door at 4:00 in the morning. They had come to tell us our son had been killed in a car crash. In shock and not wanting to believe them, my wife pleaded with them to see her son, to see his car. Austin had just told her hours before, as he was heading out the door, that he would be home to open his birthday card and watch a late-night movie together with her. Sadly, Austin never returned home that night. As much as we wanted to believe otherwise, this was not a nightmare, but this nightmare was to become our life.

A word from the family of the deceased

My wife, Joyce, and I want to take a moment to tell you about Austin and how much he is missed by his friends and family.

It was just over 1 year ago that my son’s life came to a sudden and tragic end as he was driving home from playing cards on the night of his birthday. His death was not from disease, nor was it from any fault of his own. Like something from a movie, my wife and I were awakened by

As little boy, Austin was voted most polite at his 6th grade graduation ceremony at Switzer Elementary. As he got older, Austin hung out with a close group of guys. It was these guys and Austin’s co-workers who kindly shared stories about Austin. One of Austin’s coworkers told us when he was down on his luck and was sleeping in his car on a winter night, Austin, with very little money of his own, offered to pay for a hotel room for the coworker. Another junior employee said Austin was the kind of boss who reaffirmed his faith in people. And, on the night of Austin’s death, just before leaving from playing a round of “Magic the Gathering” at a card club, Austin went around the room, fist pumped each of the guys there and said, “love you, brother”.

Austin spent his last birthday, his last night alive, celebrating life by playing cards with friends, having cake and ice cream with his family, and sharing the love. Those things had been great, but they ended that night. No more listening to his jokes. Birthdays, weddings, kids and grandkids, Austin was robbed of ever being able experience these things and his family was robbed of being able to share in the joys and

comfort of Austin’s company. Instead, there was a funeral, tears and hugs, and grief counseling to counter the many dark days of depression, hurt and anger.

Our plight has not ended. It continues in the courts. And, after the case is done in the courts, our family will be without our son, our brother, our uncle, and there will be those others without a trusted friend and a compassionate coworker.

Lastly, to the reader and to those in the community, friends, neighbors, police and EMT’s and the numerous others who have given us so much love and support at the time of the accident and in the months that followed, we are sincerely grateful. You are the light in the darkness.

A word from Michigan MADD

We are so thankful for the opportunity to support the Southwell family in honoring and remembering Austin Southwell.

In the State of Michigan in 2023 there were 8,817 alcohol involved crashes and 2,250 drug involved crashes. That same year, 297 people died in alcohol involved crashes and 256 people died in drug involved crashes in Michigan. This means that 41% of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol or drugs.

We help survivors survive. Long after the crash, survivors, family and friends continue to feel the impact. MADD Michigan has trained victim advocates to provide services across the state. Sometimes that begins by finding someone who can listen, someone whose shoulder they can lean on or whose hand they can hold. Our team of compassionate, victim-focused staff and volunteers are available at no cost, and can help the victim’s family and friends recover.

If you, or someone you love, has been the victim of a violent crime, you can contact a MADD Victim Advocate, 24 hours a day, at 1-877-MADD-HELP  (1-877-623-3435) or call our Michigan state office at 248-528-1745.

Austin holding his newborn nephew in April 2023.

Local church undergoes remodel, hosts community outreach programs

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A local church underwent a remodel after many years of not changing the look of its home.

Crossroads Community Church on Auburn Road was founded in July 1953 and had seen little change to its structure since. In recent years, the church has held an annual community barbecue and started a food pantry.

However, in recent weeks, the people of Crossroads Community Church worked hard and invested much time, energy and money to bring several changes to the church building.

Phase one of the updates are completed, and the interior of the sanctuary has a new look.

Glenn Leach, the church’s worship leader who has been with the church for over 40 years, said the big advantage to the recent changes was to expand from a single-use to a multiple-use space.

“Elimination of the church pews allow us to use this space not only for worship, but as a game area for kids and teens as well as a conference area with tables and chairs. The new carpet and chairs provide a more modern look and feel to the church as a whole,” he said.

See CHURCH on page 21A

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Gardening can be tons of fun, but it can also lead to a lot of injuries that could be prevented.

Nancy Butty, injury prevention specialist at Henry Ford Health, will be presenting “Reducing Risks for Hurting Yourself in the Gardens and in Life in General” for the Shelby Gardeners Club from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Burgess-Shadbush

LEARN ABOUT REDUCING THE RISKS OF INJURY IN THE GARDEN AND IN LIFE

Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township.

Butty said falls are the No. 1 trauma-related injury for older adults nationally.

She said she will be speaking about ways to eliminate the risks of injuries and how people’s bodies are susceptible.

“It’s predictable, so why aren’t we preventing it? I will discuss changes to our bodies as we age so we have a better understanding of how the aging process affects our balance and

See GARDEN on page 19A

Nancy Butty, injury prevention specialist at Henry Ford Health, will be presenting “Reducing Risks for Hurting Yourself in the Gardens and in Life in General” Feb. 13 in Shelby Township.

Photo provided by Nancy Butty

ABOVE: The completed sanctuary can also serve as a multipurpose room.

LEFT: Crossroads Community Church has numerous outreach events, including an annual barbecue in September.

Photos provided by Rich Reinhart

Legislators work to alter wage and sick leave changes

BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Drastic changes to Michigan’s paid sick leave and minimum wage will go into effect Feb. 21. Both of Michigan’s major political parties are currently trying to rein in these efforts in the Legislature.

Republicans hold a majority in the state House of Representatives, and Democrats hold a majority in the state Senate. This month Republicans passed a pair of bills in the House, and Democrats in the Senate have an alternate plan in its early stages.

The whole issue began in 2018, when two petitions for increased wages and paid sick time received enough signatures to get on the ballot. To block this, the petitions were adopted and amended by Republicans in the state Legislature, dramatically changing what would’ve appeared on the ballot.

In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined on July 19, 2022, that the adopted and altered acts were unconstitutional. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals but was ultimately upheld by a 4-3 Michigan Supreme Court ruling July 31, 2024.

The current minimum wage is $10.33, or $3.93 for tipped workers.

If nothing happens

If the revisions by Republicans or Democrats are not made, the court’s ruling will go into effect as planned in February.

All workers will receive a pay bump to $12.48 an hour this year, with tipped workers gradually reaching $12 in 2029. The final amounts will be determined by the state’s treasurer.

All employees, including part-time and temporary workers, are entitled to paid sick leave. Every 30 hours an employee works generates one hour of paid sick leave. Employees get 72 hours paid sick time per year at larger companies. However, employers with fewer than 10 employees need to only pay for 40 hours of sick leave a year.

Proposed Republican changes

Two Republican-led bills have passed through the Michigan House of Representatives that would augment the court’s ruling.

“These bills are now bound for the Senate where they will face another vote,” Rep. Ron Robinson, R-Utica, said in a press re-

lease. “I urge each senator to consider the needs of the small business in their communities and vote yes. It would be a massive win for Michigan if the Senate followed the example of the House and sent these bills to (the) governor’s desk.”

House Bill 4001, introduced by Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, would tweak the minimum wage changes. It was passed Jan. 23 with a 63-41 vote. Six House members sat out for the vote.

The bill would set the new minimum wage to $12, which is 48 cents less than what would go into effect automatically Feb. 21. The wage would increase by 50 cents in 2026, and then increase by $1 each Jan. 1 until 2029. Starting in 2030, the state treasurer would calculate the annual increase.

Tipped workers would receive 38% of whatever the minimum wage is for all other workers.

House Bill 4002, introduced by Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, would alter the paid sick time changes. It passed the same day as HB 4001 with a 67-38 vote. Five members abstained from the vote.

The bill excises the earned sick time for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Workers at larger companies would earn one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked, not including hours used as paid leave. Sick leave accrued can carry over from year to year, or an employer can pay the employee the value of the time. Employers do not have to allow more than 72 hours of accrued sick time in a year. They also don’t have to carry over more than 72 hours from one year to the next.

“We have heard again and again from thousands and thousands of restaurant workers whose jobs are at risk,” Sen. Michael Webber, R-Rochester Hills, said in a press release. “The Legislature has both the duty and ability to protect this vital industry and its employees. But the clock is ticking; we need Senate Democrats to do the right thing and join us in the fight to save Michigan’s threatened hospitality industry.”

The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association supported the changes in HB 4001.

“The House has acted to protect 1,000 independent restaurants from closing permanently,” Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, said in a press release. “Now

Packard Proving Grounds to host program on mill builder, inventor

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site will be hosting a presentation on “The Mill Builder and Inventor from Macomb County” from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 16.

Pat McKay, manager of the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, will give the presentation on the life and legacy of William A. Burt. As a surveyor, judge, inventor and businessman, Burt helped shape Michigan during the 19th century.

McKay said William A. Burt is “one of

the greatest geniuses in American history” and he spent most of his professional life in Macomb County.

“His life is a story of determination that many guests will relate to — he had dreams to be a surveyor but was denied job after job. When he finally became a surveyor, he was known for his complete honesty and thorough work. He was an elected official to the state Legislature, a judge, postmaster, invented the solar compass, typewriter, shorthand and the equatorial sextant all while living in a log cabin with a dirt floor where Stony Creek Metropark is today,” he said.

He said there is more to the story.

“Guests will be completely amazed at his life and hopefully will be inspired to realize that perhaps they also have the same grit and determination and will to improve their community,” he said.

Mary Anne Demo, executive director of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site, said William A. Burt’s legacy is a cornerstone of Michigan’s history.

“We are thrilled to share his story with the community and inspire others with his remarkable achievements. Exploring the life of William A. Burt gives us valuable insights into the foundations of our state,” she said.

She said the presentation is an opportu-

nity for history enthusiasts and the general public to connect with the region’s past.

Debbie Remer said Burt is a fascinating historical figure. He surveyed a good part of the state and discovered iron ore deposits in the Upper Peninsula in the process.

“That’s who Burt Lake is named after,” she said.

Admission is free for Packard Proving Grounds members and $5 for “not yet” members. For more information, visit PackardProvingGrounds.org/February16HistoricalSpeakerSeries.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

it’s critical for the Senate to follow suit and pass House Bill 4001 immediately. Every day of inaction puts more Michigan restaurant jobs and businesses at risk.”

While some Democrats joined GOP members in approving the votes, some cast a vote against them. Rep. Joe Tate, D-Detroit, said in a release following the vote that the bills could have been better.

“We need to support workers receiving wages and benefits they deserve — along with creating a positive climate for employers to thrive,” Tate said in a press release.

Senate Democrats weigh in

Michigan Democratic senators have their own proposed legislation to counter Republican efforts. Sens. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores, and Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, have introduced bills that would adjust the changes set to take effect in February. The bills are currently being discussed in their respective committees.

Unlike the Republican legislation, SB 8 would increase the wages of tipped workers. The first year tipped workers would receive 38% of the $12.48 minimum wage. The wage would rise in 2%-3% increments each Jan. 1 until hitting 60% in 2035.

SB 15, introduced by Singh, deals with paid sick time. This bill attempts to keep some of the court ruling’s original intent, while sanding down some of its edges.

Earned sick time would stay relatively the same as the Supreme Court ruling, though the threshold for a small business would change from fewer than 10 employees to fewer than 25.

Too much meddling?

The passage of the two Republican bills wasn’t met with enthusiasm everywhere.

“Today, in a bipartisan fashion, the Michigan House of Representatives caved to corporate lobbyists and betrayed Michigan workers by voting to gut the state’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws,” Sam Inglot, the executive director of Progress Michigan, said in a press release.

He said that the majority of Michigan residents supported the original changes as laid out by the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision. He urged the Senate to not make

Senate Bill 8, introduced by Hertel, changes the schedule of the wage increases. The initial change in February would remain at $12.48. Each subsequent increase would happen Jan. 1. Next year it would be $13.73, and in 2027 it would rise to $15. After that, the treasurer would update the rate each year.

the two pieces of legislation into law.

“HB 4001 and HB 4002 strips workers of a well-deserved and overdue raise and strips too many workers of paid sick leave they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” Inglot said.

Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber accused the GOP of “unconstitutional tricks” when adopting and amending the original petition. Bieber advocated for keep-

ing the court’s decision in place.

“Now, less than a month before workers are about to finally get the pay and benefits they deserve, the new Republican majority is trying to pull the rug out from under working families,” he said in a press release.

“Every legislator, regardless of their party, should be held accountable for their vote to cut the pay and benefits for workers most in need.”

UCS administrator is a Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellow

BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Henry Ford

II High School Associate Principal Anthony Tocco was recently named in a group of 12 school leaders statewide who will take part in an 18-month program for the next generation of administrators at the secondary level.

Tocco has been with Utica Community Schools for 12 years and has been a secondary administrator for the past four years.

He is part of the second group of the Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellows, which is coordinated by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan College Access Network.

Superintendent Robert Monroe said Tocco has passion for and commitment to his students’ pursuits.

“I am confident Mr. Tocco’s knowledge and experiences gained from this program will support our school district’s vision of empowering students to transform their future and the world. Mr. Tocco is an advocate and champion for his students who recognizes the importance of his role as a leader in our school district. His initiative to further his professional education showcases his commitment to his students,” he said.

This leadership collaboration between MCAN and MASSP “is designed to empower a diverse, statewide cohort of rising secondary school leaders. The 18-month project-based fellowship aims to create a robust pipeline of equity-minded, transformative principals who will champion postsecondary educational access and success for all Michigan students,” MCAN said in a press release.

Tom Lietz, MASSP associate director for training and development, said this is an opportunity for educational leaders to develop skills and support one another while they do so.

“The Fellowship will challenge these aspiring building principals to grow their leadership with a focus on equity and postsecondary opportunity,” he said.

“They will be equipped with equitydriven strategies that dismantle barriers and promote success for all students. By establishing best practices and networking with

Henry Ford II High School Associate Principal Anthony Tocco is among 12 school leaders statewide at the

other education leaders across the state, these fellows have the potential to positively affect the paths of students far beyond their own buildings,” a Utica Community Schools press release states.

Tocco said he is happy to have been chosen to be a part of the program.

“It is an honor to have been selected for this program that prioritizes equitable post-secondary offerings for our students. I look forward to implementing the lessons I learn from this fellowship into my work with Utica Community Schools,” he said.

Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director, said the fellowship recognizes people “who can build equitable postsecondary practices for the next generations of students.”

“By developing secondary school leaders with the ability to enact meaningful, systemic changes, we can help ensure that all students — especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color — have access to postsecondary education that helps them reach their personal and professional aspirations,” he said.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

CRIME WATCH

Resident reports fraud

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 6:24 p.m. Jan. 6, a complainant came into the Shelby Township Police Department to make a fraud report. The complainant stated that she had received emails from Venmo asking to verify the account. The complainant advised that she did not verify the account and knew it was a fraudulent attempt to access the account. The complainant did the right thing and did not verify the account, meaning she was not out any money. The case was turned over to the department’s detective bureau for follow-up.

Keys stolen

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers from Shelby Township responded to the 7000 block of 26 Mile Road for a larceny complaint at 12:33 p.m. Jan. 7. When officers arrived, they were met by a male victim who advised that his vehicle keys had been stolen while he was working out. The gym was able to find a possible suspect using its camera system. All information was turned over to the Police Department’s detective bureau. The victim advised that his vehicle was still in the parking lot and it did not appear anything was missing from it.

Money stolen

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 4:12 a.m. Jan. 12, a man came into the Police Department to report that $1,000 in cash had been taken from his home. The victim advised the police officer that around the time he noticed his money was missing, he had a family member over. Shelby Township police attempted to make contact with the family member, but the family member did not answer the phone. This case was to be turned over to the detective bureau.

Kara Szymanski

Photo provided by Jennifer Kane

secondary level selected for the Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellows.

—

Winter weather brings unique birds — if you can find them

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — As the air chills and days get shorter, it’s common for snowbirds to take their flights south.

But while our senior set heads for the Florida coast, some of nature’s feathered fellows find their way to Michigan from the Arctic.

These seasonal guests from the high north, along with being interesting company, make the winter a fascinating time for dedicated birders.

“A lot of people don’t necessarily think of a lot of birds being around in the winter,” said Stephanie Beilke, senior manager of conservation science at Audubon Great Lakes. “You hear more birds singing in the spring and summer and there’s more obviously around, but in the winter there’s still a lot of bird activity in Michigan.”

Winter birders keep their eyes out for a number of unique birds. Raptors, notably the snowy owl and various hawks, are some of the most famous winter birds. Another unique winter sight is the arrival of “weird ducks” with striking feather and beak patterns. Notable winter ducks include the bufflehead, northern pintail, common goldeneye and the ruddy duck.

“They’re looking for anywhere that just has open water because that’s all they need to find food,” Beilke said. “They’re looking for fish or plants that are underwater.”

Small birds, too, make southerly journeys for the warmer weather of frigid Michigan. Those birds, like the dark-eyed junco, can be best spotted at properly-equipped bird feeders — one of the least chilly ways of winter birding. Finches also may make an irruptive migration south due to what

See BIRDS on page 22A

TOP LEFT: A snowy owl, spotted in St. Clair County, is a raptor that migrates to Michigan during the winter.

Photo by Barb Baldinger

BOTTOM LEFT: Female, left, and male redhead ducks are one species of waterfowl that migrates to Michigan during the winter.

Photo by Lynette Spence, provided by Audubon Great Lakes

ABOVE RIGHT: A dark-eyed junco, spotted around 26 Mile Road, is a songbird that migrates to Michigan during the winter.

Photo by Barb Baldinger

Kalina

from page 1A

counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for fondling a 14-year-old boy and having the boy fondle him in the rectory at St. Kieran in 1984.

Second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski in 2022 sentenced Kalina to seven to 15 years in prison with credit for 215 days served. The most serious charge against Kalina, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, involved a repressed memory of the victim, who is now in his 50s. The jury found Kalina not guilty of the charge.

Kalina was originally charged in 2019 and arrested in Littlerock, California. A complaint to the Archdiocese of Detroit

SHELBY CHARTER TOWNSHIP

ORDINANCE NO. 303

in 2017 stated that, when he was pastor at St. Kieran in the mid-1980s, Kalina gave a 14-year-old boy alcohol, cocaine and marijuana and fondled him during sleepovers in the rectory. Kalina was convicted in 1986 on drug offenses and sentenced to six months in jail and two years of probation.

He then moved to California in 1986. He left active ministry in 1993 and then ran a faith-based service program for at-risk young men.

He was investigated in 2018 by the Michigan Department of Attorney General.

During the resentencing Jan. 9, Druzinski sentenced Kalina to seven to 15 years in prison with credit for 1,113 days served.

“While this case has been prolonged, I hope that after 40 years, the victim can find some solace knowing Mr. Kalina will continue to spend years behind bars for this heinous assault,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in the press release.

AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL CHAPTER 38, LIBRARY, OF THE SHELBY CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE OF ORDINANCES AND REESTABLISH THE SHELBY CHARTER TOWNSHIP LIBRARY PURSUANT TO MCL 42.13A

The Shelby Charter Township Ordains:

Section 1. Purpose.

The purpose of this Ordinance is to repeal Chapter 38, Library, which was drafted under the authority of Public Act 269 of 1955, and reestablish the Shelby Charter Township Library pursuant to MCL 42.13a through the adoption of Chapter 38, Township Library.

Section 2. Repeal of Chapter 38, Library, of the Township Code of Ordinances.

The Township repeals Chapter 38, Library, in its entirety and replaces it as provided in Section 3.

Section 3. Adoption of Chapter 38, Township Library.

Chapter 38, Township Library, is adopted and added to the Shelby Charter Township Code of Ordinances as follows:

“Chapter 38 TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

Sec. 38-1. Reestablishment of Public Library and Reading Room

The Library was originally established as a township library under a repealed act (1955 PA 269), so the Township desires to reestablish the Library under a statute that is currently in effect. Pursuant to The Charter Township Act, Act 359 of 1947, MCL 42.1 et seq (“PA 359”), the Township reestablishes a free public library as permitted by MCL 42.13a.

Sec. 38-2. Public Library and Reading Room.

A free public library is created and established to be known as the Shelby Township Library (“Library”). The Library shall consist of such facilities, programs, and resources as the Township Board may deem necessary to provide library service to residents of the Township.

Sec. 38-3. Township Board Authority.

(a) Authority. The Township Board shall serve as the Board of Directors of the Library and shall have fnal authority over all library matters.

(b) Funding. The Township shall provide suffcient funds to operate the Library and fulfll the Township’s obligations under this Ordinance. Funds necessary for the operation of the Library shall also be derived from state aid, grants, penal fnes, donations, bequests, and any other source authorized by law.

(c) Adopt Rules and Regulations. The Township Board shall adopt all such rules and regulations for the operations and conduct of the library as it may deem necessary.

(d) Impose Penalties. The Township Board shall enact any necessary ordinances governing the operation of the Library, including but not limited to, imposing suitable penalties for:

(1) The punishment of persons causing injury to any Library facility or resource or any property used in connection with such facility; or

(2) Failure of any person to return any book or other material belonging to the Library.

(e) Employ Library Personnel. The Township Board shall employ a Library Director and other persons who the Township Board determines are necessary for the operation of the

“My office remains committed to supporting sexual assault survivors and victims of clergy abuse and ensuring their perpetrators are held accountable.”

Kalina’s attorney, Zachary R. Glaza, declined to comment.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

Kalina was one of 11 clergymen charged by the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s clergy abuse investigation team.

Library. The Township Board shall prescribe their duties and compensation.

(f) Library Building; Property. The Township Board shall provide a building for the operation of the Library and provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the Library building. The Township Board may purchase any real or personal property the Township Board deems necessary for providing library service.

(g) Services; Programs. The Township Board shall authorize services and programs provided by the Library.

(h) Take any Other Action as Required. The Township Board shall have the power to do any act or make any provision for the proper operation, maintenance or conduct of the Library or the provision of library service as it deems necessary or desirable.

Sec. 38-4. Library Advisory Commission.

Pursuant to PA 359, the Township Board establishes a library advisory Commission to advise the Township Board on the development, operation, and maintenance of the Library as follows.

(a) Appointment. The Township Board shall appoint a Library Advisory Commission consisting of seven members, with the initial appointments as follows:

(1) The Township Board shall appoint two members whose terms begin on the effective date of this Ordinance and expire on December 31, 2025;

(2) The Township Board shall appoint two members whose terms begin on the effective date of this Ordinance and expire on December 31, 2026;

(3) The Township Board shall appoint three members whose terms begin on the effective date of this Ordinance and expire on December 31, 2027.

(b) Term. After the initial appointments in Section (a) above and with each expiration of offce thereafter, the Township Board shall appoint members of the Library Advisory Commission for three-year terms that shall begin on January 1.

(c) Qualifcations. Library Advisory Commission members shall be residents of the Township.

(d) Vacancies. Vacancies in the offce of Library Advisory Commission Member occur by removal (with or without cause), death, resignation, or ceases to be a resident of the Township. Vacancies shall be flled by appointment by the Township Board for the remainder of the unexpired term.

(e) Removal. Any Library Advisor Commission member may be removed by vote of the Township Board, with or without cause.

Sec. 38-5. Duties of the Library Advisory Commission.

The Library Advisory Commission may make recommendations to the Township Board about the operation, development, and maintenance of the Library, including any of the following:

(a) Funding The expenditure of funds collected.

(b) Budget. Review the recommended Library budget before the Library Director presents it to the Township Board. The Library Director prepares the recommended budget and the Library Advisor Committee reviews and may recommend changes to the Director.

(c) Library Building and Grounds. The acquisition of facilities or resources.

(d) Rules and Regulations. The establishment of rules, policies, and regulations for the operation of Library facilities and services.

(e) Reports The preparation of any reports required by law.

(f) Bylaws. Subject to the approval of the Township Board, the library advisory Commission may make and adopt such bylaws, rules, and regulations for their own guidance as they may deem necessary consistent with this Ordinance and PA 359.

(g) Offcers. The Library Advisory Commission members shall elect one of its members as chair and such other offcers as they may deem advisable. Such appointments shall be in compliance with the Library Advisory Commission Bylaws if bylaws have been approved.

(h) Employees. The Library Advisory Commission may provide assistance with the hiring or other employment related issues that the Township may request.

(i) Miscellaneous. All other matters with respect to such development, operation, and maintenance which the Township Board may direct.

Sec. 38-6. Library Fund

All money received for the library shall be deposited in the treasury of the Township to the credit of the library and kept separate and apart from other money of the Township.

Sec. 38-7. Records.

The records of the library advisory Commission shall be kept as public records of the library in accordance with State of Michigan record retention laws.

Section 4. Validity and Severability.

If any portion of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance shall be found to be invalid by a court, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions or applications of the Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid portion or applications, provided the remaining portions are not determined by the court to be inoperable, and to this end Ordinances are declared to be severable.

Section 5. Repealer.

All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in confict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect.

Section 6. Effective Date.

This Ordinance shall become effective twenty (20) days after notice of adoption is published in a newspaper of general circulation within the Township.

CERTIFICATION

hereby certify the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 303 duly adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby at a Regular Meeting held on ________________, 2025, pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976,as amended, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be made available as required by said Act.

STANLEY T. GROT, Clerk

Introduction Date: January 21, 2025

First Publication Date: February 5, 2025

Adoption Date: TBD

Second Publication Date: TBD Effective Date: TBD

Published: Shelby-Utica News 02/05/2025

Hardworx All Women’s Group Strength Training:

Join a community of strong, empowering women! Strong bodies, strong lives: Strength training empowers women to build confidence, boost health, and stay unstoppable at every stage of life! Led by a certified personal trainer, these classes are perfect for all levels—whether you’re new to strength training or a seasoned lifter.

Staff Hours: Mon, Wed & Fri: 9am-1pm Tues & Thurs: 3pm-7pm Sat: appointment only Sun: No staff

SAMARITAN HOUSE TO HOST FUNDRAISING DINNER

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Samaritan House will be hosting its 14th annual Pasta and Chicken Dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. The dinner will include penne pasta with meat sauce, bow tie pasta with Alfredo sauce, chicken, Italian sausage, a vegetable, salad, bread and dessert. There will also be entertainment and opportunities to win prizes including raffle baskets and a 50/50 drawing.

Tickets cost $50 for adults and $20 for kids and are available until Feb. 14. Tickets will not be available at the door. For more information or to buy tickets, visit samaritanhousemichigan.org.

STUDENT ARTWORK SOUGHT FOR STATE OF THE STATE PROGRAM COVER

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is holding an art contest for the 2025 State of the State program cover.

Michigan’s K-12 students are encouraged to come up with a creative design for the program cover following the theme, “Think Michigan.”

Students are welcome to use crayons, markers, paints, or any other materials. For design submissions, visit michigan.gov/artcontest and follow the instructions on the webpage. Submissions will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 14. The 2025 State of the State address is scheduled for Feb. 26.

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL BALD EAGLES

New generators for Utica fire and police

UTICA — Using a federal grant, the generators at the Utica Fire and Police departments have been replaced. The grant was a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program.

The generator at the Police Department is also able to service the city offices. The old generators reportedly were past their useful life and required frequent maintenance and repairs.

Utica City Council appoints new member UTICA — New City Councilman Paul Weaver was sworn in at Utica City Hall in late January. Weaver was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Ron Robinson, who was elected in November to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Clear out clutter

MACOMB HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW FEB. 15-16

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Joan Bonin, a local author who has been studying the bald eagles at Stony Creek Metropark for more than a decade, will share her knowledge and photographs during a program at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave. The program will be held in the library’s Legacy Room.

WARREN — Homeowners thinking about updating their kitchens, redecorating their bathrooms or adding new landscaping should check out the Macomb Home Improvement Show.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center, located at 14500 12 Mile Road. Homeowners can take advantage of incredible “show only” discounts and enjoy savings on everything for their home. Local home improvement professionals will be on site to discuss the latest in kitchen and bath designs, room additions, roofing options, swimming pools, spas, siding, decks, landscaping, pavers and patio furniture. Attendees also can look at floor coverings, windows, doors and more. There will be a number of artisans offering unique handmade items for the home as well. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit yourhomeshows.com.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Organization expert Linda Malotke will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Shelby Township Library’s Legacy Room that will help attendees decide what they should throw out, what they should donate and how to organize their stuff. The library is located at 52610 Van Dyke Ave.

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING

VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE CARE, THERAPY FOR HOSPICE PATIENTS

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A loved one’s decision to enter hospice care can begin a daunting and scary time for families, but volunteers providing supporting care for their loved ones can make it a little bit easier.

Ruth Moore-Lilly, Hospice of Michigan’s volunteer program coordinator, said volunteers give additional support to patients and families during hospice care.

“Providing companionship, caregiver relief — just a more personal side where the patient doesn’t really feel like a patient,” Moore-Lilly said.

Hospice is end-of-life care, or palliative care. The volunteers provide a wide range of services, including caregiver relief, pet therapy, music therapy and much more.

“It’s really just providing that extra special support at a very sacred time,” Moore-Lilly said.

Hospice patients range in age from infants to the elderly. Their diagnoses range as well, but all are terminal.

Families can request hospice through referrals by the

patient or through a doctor.

“Once a patient’s on our service, the clinical team — the nurses, the social workers, the spiritual care advisors — they’re always assessing patients to see if they would desire something from a volunteer,” Moore-Lilly said. “And they make those referrals to the volunteer coordinator, who then starts the process to match a volunteer with a patient.”

Volunteers can meet a patient at their care facility or at their home. Usually, only one volunteer visits at a time, but Moore-Lilly said they may have more than one volunteer visit each week.

Crystal Hickerson, the volunteer coordinator at Brighton Hospice, said it’s the job of the volunteer to provide companionship for the patient.

“It’s a nonclinical way to bring support to the hospice patient and to provide for the caregiver a little bit of relief,” Hickerson said. “Just knowing someone else is visiting with their loved one without it not necessarily being just someone coming to do a test or something like that.”

Hickerson said that hospice started as a volunteer

See HOSPICE on page 17A

Tom Kallas and his dog, Kevin, provide pet therapy for hospice patients through Hospice of Michigan. Photo provided by Hospice of Michigan

Open House

February 22nd 11:30am - 2:30pm

We invite you to come enjoy our hot chocolate bar and tour our community. Learn more about our specials that are so HOT you’ll forget it’s cold outside. While you’re here, don’t forget to enter our raffle.

Girl Scouts will also be here

WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913

With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.

Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.

“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”

Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at

ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.

Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.

According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”

In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”

From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.

Hospice

page 14A

service. Around the 1980s, regulations were put in place in the United States to require hospice organizations to provide volunteer support and services.

She said Medicare makes sure volunteers are utilized and requires that 5% of the organization’s staff hours are volunteered across its teams, including administration.

Some volunteers are students in premed or other medical-related fields of study. Hickerson said these students get firsthand experience in the end-of-life process.

“We want them as they go in their role as a physician to know about what the endof-life services are and that hospice is available and what it’s really about,” Hickerson said.

She said that even though they might not go into a field dealing with the end of life, it gives them knowledge about the process and when to refer someone to hospice.

“And that’s crucial, because again, like I said, in America, it’s only been here since the ‘80s, so it takes a while for some physicians to understand, even though they’re in the medical field,” Hickerson said.

She said she always asks any volunteer why they chose hospice, because it is so specific.

“There’s so many regulations around it; it’s almost like a job,” Hickerson said.

She said volunteers stay because they learn a lot from their patients.

“Just being there for someone and the humanity of it all,” Hickerson said. “It’s really great when we have younger volunteers who go out and see our patients.”

Tom Kallas and his dog, a Newfoundland named Kevin, provide pet therapy to the patients they visit.

He started volunteering two years ago, after his wife found an article about pet volunteering.

“And she showed it to me. I was recently retired, and I contacted them, and I’ve been involved with them now for the last couple years,” Kallas said.

Kallas volunteers at other places with Kevin in addition to Hospice of Michigan. He said that after 40 years of working, he was in a place mentally to want to give back.

“I spent 40 years trying to accumulate enough wealth to be able to retire, and after I retired, I just had an inner urge to do some volunteering, to do some giveback,” Kallas said.

Kallas’ training prepared him for patient deaths. He said that over long periods of time, he’s created relationships with them

and their families.

“When you lose that person that you’ve seen every single week for a year, you know, it’s tough. It’s really, really tough,” Kallas said. “At the same time, you have to have in your mind the fact that you know what you were doing is doing good for that patient, and you knew going into it what the outcome was most likely going to be.”

Kallas said visits are memorable when families get together with the patient and take part in the services. He said families are very appreciative of his company.

“You’ve never seen anybody appreciate something like the families that have hospice involved,” Kallas said.

He said some of the work his fellow volunteers do is incredible.

“It’s selfless,” Kallas said.

Moore-Lilly said she thinks volunteers provide their time and companionship unconditionally.

“Volunteers aren’t expecting anything in return. They just have a heart to be with somebody,” Moore-Lilly said.

While she has worked in health care all her life, Moore-Lilly said it was not always with hospice. She started volunteering before she was employed by the organization. Hospice of Michigan and Brighton Hospice are just two of many hospice care providers in the state offering an array of services.

She reiterated that at the end of a person’s life, everything revolves around a patient’s diagnosis, and the volunteers allow them to be a regular person outside of their diagnosis.

“Volunteers always say that they take a piece of every person that they have visited with them in their own life,” Moore-Lilly said. “And it really, you know, for me, and I do speak for other staff members and volunteers, it changes our lives.”

She said it gives her a new appreciation for what she has.

Moore-Lilly said the whole experience has been rewarding.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Moore-Lilly said. “This is where I’ll stay for the rest of my career.”

Volunteers must be 18 to participate, and training is provided. Future volunteers also must go through a background check, fingerprinting and a tuberculosis test. They can visit the Hospice of Michigan website at hom.org or Brighton Hospice at brightonhospice.com.

“If you have a heart for other people, then you can be a hospice volunteer,” MooreLilly said. “You don’t have to have any special talents.”

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

Garden

from page 3A

contributes to falls, and also what can we do to reduce/eliminate risks, thus reducing the overall risk of falling. I’m very fond of saying that there is no magic pill, but we can still work to prevent it from happening,” she said.

Ivy Schwartz, the public relations specialist for the gardeners club, said that as a fitness motivator and instructor for 45 years, she has witnessed an evolution in safety, program variety and consumer awareness.

“Group (exercise) participants and private clients alike acknowledge the importance of movement and balance in a safe surrounding. Seasoned fitness enthusiasts know that ‘motion is the lotion, movement is the medicine.’ All agree, however, that safety is first and foremost. The Soil Sisters of the Shelby Gardeners Club welcome all to enhance the safety of one’s personal space: the home and garden,” Schwartz said.

Space at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center is limited to the first 40 guests. The gardener’s club said that a $5 fee is appreciated to help support the club’s community programs.

For more information about the club, call Schwartz at (586) 873-3782, email ShelbyTwpGardenClub@gmail.com or visit shelbytwp.org/our-township/community-serviceorganizations/shelby-gardeners-club.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry Troy Times • Warren Weekly West Bloomfield Beacon • Woodward Talk • C & G Special Edition (Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.)

Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/ShelbyTwpUticaNews @candgnews candgnews.com

Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com

Reporter: Kara Szymanski | (586) 498-1029 | kszymanski@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

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Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY MACOMB, MICHIGAN

ORDINANCE NO. 301

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 50 OF CODE OF ORDINANCES TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF CLASS 1 AND 2 ELECTRIC BICYCLES UPON NON ROAD PATHS OR TRAILS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP AND PROHIBIT THE USE OF CLASS 3 ELECTRIC BICYCLES UPON TRAILS WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP, AND PROVIDE FOR PENALITES, REPEALER AND SEVERABILITY.

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY:

Section 1. Chapter 50, Article IV, of the Shelby Township Code of Ordinances is hereby created to read as follows:

ARTICLE IV. ELECTRIC BICYCLES

§50-130 Defnitions

As used in this Article, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

Bicycle means every mechanical means of transportation having either 2 or 3 wheels in a tandem or tricycle arrangement, all of which are over 14 inches in diameter, fully operable pedals, and propelled solely by human power.

Bicycle lane means a portion of a roadway which has been designated by striping, signing and/or markings for the preferential or exclusive use of persons riding bicycles.

Electric bicycle means a device upon which an individual may ride that satisfes all of the following:

(a) The device is equipped with all of the following:

(i) A seat or saddle for use by the rider.

(ii) Fully operable pedals for human propulsion.

(iii) An electric motor of not greater than 750 watts

And

(b) The device falls within 1 of the following categories:

SYNOPSIS OF MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, IN THE LOWER LEVEL CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 52700 VAN DYKE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN.

The work session was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Supervisor Richard Stathakis.

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Richard Stathakis, Stanley Grot, James Carabelli, Lucia Di Cicco, John Vermeulen, Vince Viviano (via phone) Member Absent/ Excused: Lisa Casali

Also Present: Allan McDonald, Financial Management Director; Captain Pat Barnard, Police Department; Cindy Martel, PRM Assistant Director; Joe Youngblood, PRM Director; Lynde Oddo, Deputy Supervisor

OPEN SESSION

Budget Amendment Discussion (Requested by Financial Management)

MOTION carried to amend the 2024 budget as follows – General Fund line item 101-753-826-000 from $15,000 to $20,000, General Fund line item 101-774-790-771 from $216,800 to $246,800, Michigan Justice Training Fund line item 230-230-709-000 from $26,750 to $31,000, and 911/ Emergency Response Fund line item 261-306-857-207 from $13,592 to $17,000.

Roll Call: Ayes – Carabelli, Vermeulen, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused – Casali

MOTION carried to adjourn at 10:07 a.m. A COMPLETE SET OF MINUTES IS AVAILABLE IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE FOR REVIEW OR AT WWW.SHELBYTWP.ORG.

Stanley Grot

Shelby Township Clerk

Published: Shelby-Utica News 02/05/2025

CITY OF UTICA

Board of Review

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review shall convene on the 12th day of March, 2025 to review the 2025 Assessment Roll of the City of Utica and to hear complaints of persons considering themselves aggrieved by these values. Resident and non-resident taxpayers may fle his or her protest by letter without a personal appearance, unless applying for a poverty exemption. Poverty exemption appeals require a personal appearance by either the applicant or their authorized representative.

The Board of Review shall meet in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 7550 Auburn Road, Utica.

MARCH 12 1:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M.

MARCH 13 9:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M.

The tentative ratios and equalization factors for the City of Utica, as recommended by the Macomb County Equalization Department are as follows:

Board of Review appointments may be made by contacting the Administration Offce at 586-739-1600 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday) after February 24th. Petitioners may be required to provide proof of property value.

(i) Class 1 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that disengages or ceases to function when the electric bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.

(ii) Class 2 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that propels the electric bicycle to a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour, whether the rider is pedaling or not, and that disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied.

(iii) Class 3 electric bicycle means an electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that disengages or ceases to function when the electric bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.

Linear paved trail means a trail that has an asphalt, crushed limestone, or similar surface, or a rail trail, including but not limited to sidewalks.

Nonmotorized natural surface trail means a trail that has a natural surface tread that is made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials.

§50-131 Bicycles, ordinances applicable

The provisions of this Article shall apply to an individual’s electric bicycle use within the boundaries of the Charter Township of Shelby.

§50-132 Regulation and prohibitions of Electric Bicycle Use.

An individual that rides an electric bicycle upon non road paths or trails located within the township must adhere to the following:

Type of trail

Class 1Class 2Class 3

Allowed on Linear Paved trail YesYes No

Allowed on Non-motorized natural surface trail Yes NoNo

**Class 1, 2 and 3 are permitted upon all roads where bicycles are permitted by state law.

§50-133

An individual operating an electric bicycle within the Township shall adhere to any speed limit sign duly posted upon non-road paths and trails.

§50-134 Penalties.

A person who violates any provision of this article is responsible for a civil infraction.

Section 2. SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent portion of this Ordinance, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 3. REPEAL

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in confict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall be effective thirty (30) days from the date of publication hereof.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. duly adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby at a Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2025, pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, as amended, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be made available as required by said Act.

STANLEY T. GROT, Clerk

Introduction Date: November 19, 2024

First Publication Date: December 11, 2024

Adoption Date: January 21, 2025

Second Publication Date: February 5, 2025

Effective Date: March 7, 2025

Published: Shelby-Utica News 02/05/2025

0158-2506

SYNOPSIS OF MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024, IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 52700 VAN DYKE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN.

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Supervisor Richard Stathakis. The Invocation was led by Supervisor Stathakis, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL

Members Present: Richard Stathakis, Stanley Grot, Lucia Di Cicco, Lisa Casali, John Vermeulen, Vince Viviano Member Absent/Excused: James Carabelli Also Present: Rob Huth, Township Attorney PUBLIC HEARING

IFEC Application: Homescripts.Com, LLC (Requested by Assessing Department)

MOTION carried to open the public hearing for IFEC Application: Homescripts.com, LLC.

Roll Call: Ayes - Grot, Di Cicco, Stathakis, Vermeulen, Viviano, Casali Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

MOTION carried to close the public hearing for IFEC Application: Homescripts.com, LLC.

AND approve the application for an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certifcate (IFEC) with respect to real property, including a Speculative Building investment of $3,100,000 and a New Building investment of $3,630,770 for HOMESCRIPTS.COM, LLC located at 12968 Pauline Dr. for a period of seven (7) years and to authorize the Township Supervisor and Clerk to sign all documents required in conjunction with this approval. Roll Call: Ayes - Grot, Viviano, Casali, Di Cicco, Stathakis, Vermeulen Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

A. Minutes: Budget Work Sessions -- November 1, 2024 and November 4, 2024 (Requested by Supervisor’s Offce)

To approve the minutes, as presented.

B. Minutes: Work Sessions -- November 1, 2024 and November 8, 2024; Board Meeting -- November 19, 2024 (Requested by Clerk’s Offce)

To approve the minutes, as presented.

C. Termination of Easements and Agreements - Cherry Blossom (Requested by DPW)

To concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and terminate the following easements and agreements for the Cherry Blossom Development: Liber 29638 (Pages 234-236), Liber 29638 (Pages 237-239), Liber 25808 (Pages 102-104), Liber 25808 (Pages 108-110), Liber 25808 (Pages 114-117), and Liber 25808 (Pages 111-113) as indicted on the attached documents.

D. Accounting Procedures Manual Update - Cooperative Purchasing (Requested by Financial Management)

To authorize the addition of the included proposed language regarding cooperative purchasing under Subject Number 540 of the Charter Township of Shelby Accounting and Procedures Manual, as presented.

E. Department Head Compensation Schedule 2025 (Requested by Human Resources)

To concur with the recommendation of Human Resources Director Lisa Suida and at the request of the Township Supervisor, approve the compensation schedules for Township department heads, as presented and approved in the 2025 budget, effective January 2, 2025.

F. Police Department Organizational Chart Changes (Requested by Human Resources)

To approve the revised organizational chart for the Police Department as discussed at the 2025 budget sessions, as presented.

G. Vehicle Equipment (Requested by Police Department)

To concur with the recommendation of Police Chief Robert J. Shelide and approve the reallocation of funds from the March 5, 2024 Board motion and approve the $75,000.00 to purchase vehicle equipment in lieu of auction vehicles. Funds are to be taken from Police Fund line item 207-301-981-000.

H. Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Membership (Requested by Supervisor’s Offce)

To approve the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments membership dues covering 11/01/2024 -10/31/2025 in the amount of $11,059.00. Funds are to be taken from General Fund line item 101-101-728-000.

I. Appointment to the Planning Commission (Requested by Supervisor’s Offce)

To appoint John Dishow to serve as a member of the Planning Commission for a three-year term expiring on August 16, 2027.

J. Cancellation of December 17, 2024 Regular Board Meeting (Requested by Clerk’s Offce)

To cancel the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees on December 17, 2024.

K. Cancellation of January 7, 2025 Regular Board Meeting (Requested by Clerk’s Offce)

To cancel the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees on January 7, 2025.

L. Bill Run in the Amount of $700,387.31. (Requested by Financial Management)

To approve the Bill Run in the amount of $700,387.31, as presented.

MOTION carried to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes - Grot, Vermeulen, Viviano, Casali, Di Cicco, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION carried to approve the agenda with the addition of item 16A Ambulance #50 Remount Motion Amendment requested by the Fire Department, as presented.

PLANNING COMMISSION

1. Adoption for Rezoning Petition #24-30 Michele Chirco (Requested by Planning and Zoning)

MOTION carried to adopt Rezoning Petition #24-30 Michele Chirco (MJC Land Investments, LLC); 14671, 14735, 14763, 15075 25 Mile Road, 55465 Hayes Road and two vacant parcels, Parcel No(s). 23-07-01-451-007, 23-07-01-451-012, 23-07-01-451-013, 23-07-01-451-014, 23-07-01-476-001, 23-07-01-476-003, & 23-07-01-476-018, located on the north side of 25 Mile Road, west of Hayes Road; proposed rezoning from R-1 & R-1-A (One Family Residential) to R-1-B (One Family Residential) based on the following:

1. The R-1-B zoning classifcation is consistent with the predominant zoning pattern in the northeast quadrant of the community.

2. The planned extension of sanitary sewers to this portion of the township supports an increase in density.

3. The change is not out of scale with existing development patterns in this area of the township.

4. The change in zoning would provide a more uniform and consistent development pattern. Roll Call: Ayes - Casali, Vermeulen, Viviano, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

2. Adoption for Conditional Rezoning & Site Plan Special Land Use #24-04 Phil Ruggeri (Schoenherr 26 Properties, LLC) (Requested by Planning and Zoning)

MOTION carried to adopt Conditional Rezoning & Site Plan Special Land Use #24-04 Phil Ruggeri (Schoenherr 26 Properties, LLC); Vacant Parcel No. 23-07-02-200-034, located on the southwest corner of 26 Mile Road and Schoenherr Road; proposed rezoning from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to C-2 (Linear Retail Commercial) and Site Plan Special Land Use for a proposed gas station with drive-thru based on the following:

1. A satisfactory document is prepared between the Township Attorney and applicant restricting the property located southwest surrounding the site be bound by a restrictive covenant that prohibits multiple use residential.

2. The proposed use is consistent with the future development in the Township. Roll Call: Ayes – Vermeulen, Grot, Viviano, Casali, Di Cicco Nays – Stathakis Absent/Excused - Carabelli

3. Adoption for Conditional Rezoning & Site Plan Special Land Use #24-27 Guy Rizzo (RFT Group) (Requested by Planning and Zoning) MOTION carried to adopt Conditional Rezoning and Site Plan Special Land Use Application Number 24-27 for Guy Rizzo on behalf of RFT Group; 55133 Van Dyke Avenue, Parcel No. 23-07-04-476-005, located north of 25 Mile Road, west side of Van Dyke Avenue; proposed rezoning from C-1 (Local Retail Business) to C-2 (Linear Retail Business) for a restaurant with drive thru, retail buildings, and offce space based on the following:

1. The proposed zoning is largely consistent with the existing zoning and development pattern along the Van Dyke Avenue corridor.

2. The change in zoning would not adversely impact any abutting development.

3. The change in zoning is not out of scale with the needs of the community.

4. The proposed rezoning and land use does not adversely impact the public health, safety, welfare of the residents nor will it interfere with or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent land and buildings or unreasonably affect their value.

5. The proposed use relates harmoniously with the physical and economic aspects of adjacent land uses.

6. The submission of 8 copies of revised site plans is required incorporating applicable review comments from the Planning Commission, Township departments, and engineers.

7. The applicant must seek review and approval for the requested variance to the screening and buffer requirements. The Planning Commission offers a favorable recommendation to forego the required decorative screen wall. Roll Call: Ayes - Di Cicco, Viviano, Casali, Grot, Stathakis, Vermeulen Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

4. Conditional Rezoning and Site Plan SLU #24-21 Christopher Campbell (CWP West, LLC) for Mister Car Wash (Requested by Planning and Zoning) MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of the Planning Commission and deny Conditional Rezoning and Site Plan Special Land Use #24-21 Christopher Campbell (CWP West, LLC); 56157 Van Dyke Avenue, Parcel No. 23-07-04-278-015, located south of 26 Mile Road, on the west side of Van Dyke Avenue; proposed rezoning from C-1 (Local Retail Business) to C-2 (Linear Retail Business) and Special Land Use for Mister Car Wash auto wash facility based on the following:

1. Applicant has not shown that the proposed use will not adversely impact the surrounding neighborhood and be in harmony with the appropriate and orderly development of the surrounding neighborhood and applicable regulations of the zoning district in which it is to be located.

2. Applicant has not shown that the proposed use is of a nature that will not make vehicular and pedestrian traffc no more hazardous than is normal for the district involved.

3. Applicant has not demonstrated that the parcel cannot be developed as zoned (C-1).

4. The proposed use may adversely impact the spirit and the public health, safety, welfare of the residents and or will interfere with or discourage the appropriate development and use of adjacent land and buildings and or unreasonably affect their value.

5. Applicant has not shown that the proposed use is designed such that it will not be a nuisance to the occupants of other nearby uses permitted such as the single-family district to the west.

6. The proposed use may not relate harmoniously with the physical and economic aspects of adjacent land uses.

7. Applicant has not shown that the proposed use will not cause substantial injury to the value of other property in the neighborhood in which it is to be located and that it will not be detrimental to existing and/or other permitted land uses in the zoning district.

Roll Call: Ayes - Casali, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis, Vermeulen Nays – Viviano Absent/Excused - Carabelli

5. 2024 Community Development Block Grant Project Modifcation (Requested by Planning and Zoning)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Building, Planning and Development Director Julie Misich-Rasawehr and grant approval to submit two (2) applications for the bricks and mortar competition-based projects for the installation of ADA sidewalks on the north and south sides of 23 Mile Road from Van Dyke to Dequindre and the east and west sides of Van Dyke from Nancy Avenue to 23 Mile Road.

Roll Call: Ayes – Vermeulen, Casali, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis, Viviano Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

6. 2024 Blight Initiative Yearly Update (Requested by Planning and Zoning)

MOTION carried to receive and fle the 2024 Blight Initiative Yearly Update.

7. Capital Improvement Plan 2024 - 2030 (Requested by Planning and Zoning)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation from the Planning Commission and approve the proposed Charter Township of Shelby 2024-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, as presented.

DEPARTMENTAL & COMMITTEE

8. Amended 2024 Budget and Related Transfers (Requested by Financial Management)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Financial Management Director Allan McDonald and amend the fscal year 2024 budget, as presented in the supporting documentation to adjust for changes in anticipated revenues and expenditures; AND to transfer $46,198 from Account #101-286-995-427, $51,400 from Account #101-757-995-427, $3,403,341 from Account #101-902-995427, $928,384 from Account #206-336-995-427, and $333,748 from Account #207-301-995-427 to the Capital Improvement Fund for future capital outlay costs,

AND to contribute $407,150 from Fire Fund line item 206-336-721-100 and $441,079 from Police Fund line item 207-301-721-100 to the Police and Fire Pension Fund as an additional employer pension contribution for 2024.

9. Proposed 2025 Budget (Requested by Financial Management)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Financial Management Director Allan McDonald and adopt the fscal year 2025 General Appropriations Act, as presented in the supporting documentation.

Roll Call: Ayes – Grot, Viviano, Casali, Di Cicco, Stathakis, Vermeulen Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

10. Spending Limit Adjustment (Requested by Financial Management)

MOTION carried to adopt the procedure adjusting the amount allowed to be spent at the discretion of Department Heads to $4,000 and to adjust the amount allowed to be spent at the discretion of the Fire Chief and Police Chief to $10,000 effective January 1, 2025.

11. Sidewalk Maintenance Program - 2025 (Requested by Building Department)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Building Director Tim Wood and contract with Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. (AEW) to provide Sidewalk Maintenance Program Services as outlined in the proposal dated 8/26/24 at a cost of $92,000.00. Funds are to be taken from Capital Improvement Fund line item 427-446-967-510.

12. Establishment of SAD for Twin Lake Storm Sewer Repair (SAD 4-D-2024) (Requested by DPW)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and accept the submitted petitions to establish SAD 4-D-2024 for Twin Lake. This storm sewer repair Special Assessment District will include the 16 benefts located around Twin Lake within the Twin Lakes Subdivision. Furthermore, to direct the Department of Public Works to proceed with the resolution process.

Roll Call: Ayes - Casali, Vermeulen, Viviano, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

13. SAD 4-D-2024 Twin Lake - Adoption of Resolution #1 (Requested by DPW)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and adopt Resolution #1 of the Special Assessment Process for 4-D2024, which directs the Township engineer to prepare plans and estimates for the lake storm sewer repair to Twin Lake within Twin Lakes Subdivision. Roll Call: Ayes - Viviano, Vermeulen, Casali, Di Cicco, Grot, Stathakis Nays – none Absent/Excused - Carabelli

14. 2025 Water and Sewer Rates (Requested by DPW)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Department of Public Works Director Danielle Allen and adopt the January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025 Water and Sewer Rates in the amount of $4.286 per hundred cubic feet for water and $6.208 per hundred cubic feet for sanitary sewer. These rates represent no increase for water customers and no increase for sewer customers for the upcoming year.

15. Cityworks Upgrade (Requested by DPW)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of DPW Director Danielle Allen and accept the Proposal from Azteca Systems LLC to upgrade the Cityworks database and GIS mapping to the current version for an amount not to exceed $12,600.00. Funds to be taken from Water and Sewer reserves.

16. Purchase of Second Set of Turnout Gear (Requested by Fire Department)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Fire Chief Frank Pierce and approve the purchase of 75 sets of GLOBE GX3.0 turnout gear (coat and pant) from MacQueen for a total cost of $285,000.00 plus shipping, with $262,500.00 to be reimbursed through the State of Michigan Firefghter Turnout Gear Grant. Funds are to be taken from Fire Fund line item 206-336-726-600 and amend the budget accordingly.

16A. Ambulance #50 Remount Motion Amendment

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Fire Chief Frank Pierce and amend the 11/15/22 Board motion regarding ambulance remounts to increase the total approved cost from $547,976.00 to $571,506.00 for additional repairs to the 2024 Ambulance #50 remount. The additional funds are to be paid from Capital Improvement Fund line item 427-336-985-000.

17. DaySmart Recreation Proposal (Requested by Parks, Recreation & Maintenance)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Director Joe Youngblood and accept the proposal from DaySmart Recreation to upgrade our Recreation software at a total three-year cost of $25,284.00 to be paid as follows - hardware costs of $3,500.00 and maintenance costs of $8,100.00 in year 1, $8,424.00 in year 2, and $8,760.00 in year 3. Funds are to be taken from General Fund line item 101789-730-500.

18. Auction Vehicles (Requested by Police Department)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Police Chief Robert J. Shelide and approve the purchase of vehicles from Motor City Auto at a cost not to exceed $75,000.00. Funds are to be taken from the 2025 Budget in Police Fund line item 207-301-981-000.

19. Vehicle Purchase (Requested by Police Department)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Police Chief Robert J. Shelide and approve the purchase of six (6) 2025 Ford Interceptors from Lunghamer Ford at a cost not to exceed $325,000.00, three (3) 2025 Vehicles from Berger Chevrolet at a cost not to exceed $170,000.00, and equipment for the vehicles from various vendors in the amount of $156,000.00 for a total cost of $651,000.00. Funds are to be taken from the 2025 Budget in Police Fund line item 207-301-981-000.

20. 2024 - 2025 Township Insurance Policy (Requested by Supervisor’s Offce)

MOTION carried to concur with the recommendation of Township Supervisor Rick Stathakis and contract with CFC Insurance Company to provide cyber insurance coverage from November 2024 - November 2025 at a cost of $67,625.00. Funds are to be taken from General Fund, Fire Fund, Police Fund, and Water and Sewer Fund line items.

21. Subdivision Reconstruction Program: Design Authorization (Requested by Supervisor’s Offce)

MOTION carried to authorize Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick, Inc. (AEW) to conduct the preliminary engineering work necessary for the Subdivision Reconstruction Program process for Dartmoor Drive, Kingsway Drive, and Vanker Drive at a total cost of $198,827.00. Funds are to be taken from Capital Improvement Fund line item 427-446-967-200.

MOTION carried to adjourn at 9:06 p.m. A COMPLETE SET OF MINUTES IS AVAILABLE IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE FOR REVIEW OR AT WWW.SHELBYTWP.ORG. Stanley Grot Shelby Township Clerk

Published: Shelby-Utica News 02/05/2025

Church

from page 3A

Leach said the church also has community outreach events.

“These are wonderful opportunities to serve God by serving people. The outreach events are well attended and offer a great way for us to meet, encourage and serve the community.  They also help us to focus on our mission to help others discover, grow and live for Jesus Christ,” he said.

The Rev. Rich Reinhart said the update of the church building is a huge transformation. He said the barbecue is a big event held annually in September.

“I have been here for the past two years, and it is quite an operation as we’ve fed a couple hundred people each year. We keep the tables full of food and drink. We have large tents to provide shade. There is a barbecue competition, with several judges, and a trophy to the winner,” he said, noting that the current champion is Melvin Williams.

“The Fire Department has brought a firetruck. There is live music provided by members of the church praise team. It is a ton of work, but everyone chips in and

makes it a great time. We also hold an annual egg hunt, trunk or treat, and Christmas Eve service,” he said.

They have a weekly children’s program and teen program, and a young adult group that meets once a month, as well as an “over 60” group that meets once a month.

“We have a group called “Crochet from the Heart” that makes quilted hats, scarves and blankets for hospital infants, nursing home residents, animals at the humane society, Karmanos cancer patients and more. In February, we are holding our very first Super Bowl party, open to the community,” he said.

He also said the church has a small food pantry, about the size of a closet, that is available to the public as needed.

“It has been used about a dozen times over the past several months,” he said.

Services are viewable on Facebook and can be found at facebook.com/cccshelby.org.

“We are a very active church and looking to become even more active in our community,” he said.

The church is located at 2690 Auburn Road in Shelby Township.

Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.

Birds

kind of seed crops have grown over the year.

“True sparrows … like the dark-eyed junco like to feed on platforms, so getting a tray feeder or a larger hopper feeder where you’ve got an edge to it that they feel comfortable sitting on,” said Rosann Kovalcik, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Some bird feeders are enjoyed by being directly watched, while others use technology to catch visiting birds with camera feeders.

“What’s good about them is that you can be in your house, you can have the camera set to be transmitting to your laptop or your phone and you can take pictures from that to help identify (birds),” Kovalcik said. “The camera feeder that we sell actually has identification built in it. There’s a huge surge of that going on. There’s still probably a much larger group of people that go out and they just want to look with their binoculars and they’re just getting into the hobby.”

For those looking to get more outdoors but still close to heat, car caravans organized by Audubon and Bird Alliance groups are a great way to seek birds out.

“What’s fun is just the discovery,” Kovalcik said. “What could I possibly see as I’m driving through this area of Macomb County near Algonac, and that day (Dec. 20, 2024) my partner and I had a screech owl, we had a bald eagle, we had a red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier. We had so many raptors that we could see that were out during the day or you could play tapes of and they’d call back. It’s such a treat to come across that and to see it and to know that I’m only going to get this (experience) this time of year.”

Locations close to water — such as Lake St. Clair Metropark, Belle Isle and almost anywhere along the Detroit River/

Lake St. Clair coast — offer a wide variety of bird-sighting opportunities due to optimal plants and prey. Wooded areas like the noncoastal Metroparks offer great opportunities to view birds. Kovalcik says not to discount open fields, such as in northern Macomb County, when planning your winter bird watch; songbirds like snow buntings will take to open fields to scour about for seeds and insects.

“And flying over them would be shortreared owls, which are also out because they are looking for voles and mice in the same fields,” Kovalcik said.

Those with technology on their side can stay up to date on the latest bird sightings throughout the region.

“(The website) eBird is a great resource for finding birding locations called eBird Hotspots, which provide up-to-the-minute information on the very best locations and what has been seen there,” Barb Baldinger, long-time birder and former vice-president of the Macomb Audubon Society, said via email. “Another place to check is the St. Clair-Macomb Birding Trail website, which has information about 38 bird viewing sites in St. Clair and Macomb counties.”

While coming across an exotic bird can be a cool experience, it is best for the birds to keep your distance.

“One of the best things to remember is to use good birding ethics to keep your distance from any owl or other sensitive species,” Baldinger said via email. “Using your vehicle as a photo blind, if possible, is much less intrusive than walking too close to an owl and perhaps causing it to fly, when it needs to conserve energy.”

The largest birding event of the winter is the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 5 every year. Groups like the Detroit Bird Alliance, the Oakland Bird Alliance and the Macomb Audubon Society organize field trips throughout the season.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION AND FIRST PUBLICATION OF AMENDMENTS

TO THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ZONING ORDINANCE

Please take notice that the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby has introduced the following amendment to its Zoning Ordinance:

SUMMARY OF CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 212.136

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF ORDINANCE NO. 212 AMENDING THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, ORDINANCE NUMBER 212.136 AS INTRODUCED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025.

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 212.136

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE 4 OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL MARIHUANA BUSINESSES AS PERMITTES USES WITHIN THE INDUSTRIAL LM DISTRICT; PROVIDE FOR ZONING REGULATIONS FOR MARIHUANA BUSINESSES AND PATIENT CAREGIVER ACTIVITIES PURSUANT TO THE MICHIGAN REGULATION AND TAXATION OF MARIHUANA ACT AND THE MICHIGAN MEDICAL MARIHUANA ACT.

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION

AND FIRST PUBLICATION OF AMENDMENTS

TO THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ZONING ORDINANCE

Please take notice that the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby has introduced the following amendment to its Zoning Ordinance: SUMMARY OF CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, COUNTY OF MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 212.137

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF ORDINANCE NO. 212 AMENDING THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, ORDINANCE NUMBER 212.137 AS INTRODUCED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY MACOMB, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 212.137

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ARTICLE 4 OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY ZONING ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY THE NUMBER OF CARS ALLOWED FOR DISPLAY UPON A DISPLAY LOT FOR PASSENCER CAR RENTAL AND LEASING BUSINESS LOCATED IN A C-2 ZONING DISTRICT, REQUIRE SITE PLAN SUMBITTAL FOR APPROVAL AND PROVIDE REPEALER AND SEVERABLILITY.

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY:

Section 1. Article 4 Section 4.44 of the Zoning Code of Ordinances, Charter Township of Shelby, Michigan, is hereby amended to read as follows: Passenger car rental and leasing and used vehicle display lots are permitted uses in the C-2 district, subject to the following conditions:

A. The surface of the parking lot and arrangement of vehicles shall conform to the standards of Section 5.21.C of the Zoning Ordinance.

B. No repair or refnishing of vehicles shall occur on the site unless the work is performed within a building conforming to all applicable building code requirements.

C. Devices for transmitting or broadcasting of voices shall be prohibited outside of the building.

D. No outdoor storage of used tires, auto parts or inoperable or dismantled vehicles shall be permitted on the site.

E. No more than ten cars shall be displayed for sale on the site. Any lot with a capacity of more than ten cars shall provide a front yard landscaped greenbelt conforming to the requirements of Section 5.19 and Section 5.20 of the Zoning Ordinance. A site plan illustrating compliance with this requirement shall be submitted to the planning and zoning department for approval.

F. All signage must conform to Section 5.24 of the Zoning Ordinance. The use of banners, streamers, string lights or infatable signs is prohibited.

G. Used car lots may be permitted for multiple tenant buildings provided that the applicant can demonstrate that adequate parking is available for the display of vehicles and other businesses as required by Section 5.21.B of the Zoning Ordinance.

G. The site shall provide a front yard landscaped green belt conforming to the requirements of Section 5.17.A.2 of the Zoning Ordinance. The greenbelt shall be located within the parcel and along the road frontage.

H. A site plan illustrating compliance with these requirements shall be submitted to the planning and zoning department for approval.

Section 2. SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent portion of this Ordinance, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 3. REPEAL

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in confict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall be effective seven (7) days from the date of publication hereof.

CERTIFICATION

hereby certify the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 212.137 duly introduced by the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby at a Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2025, pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, as amended, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be made available as required by said Act.

Stanley T. Grot, Township Clerk

THE ORDINANCE IN ITS ENTIRETY MAY BE REVIEWED AND A TRUE COPY OBTAINED AT THE OFFICES OF THE TOWNSHIP CLERK, CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 52700 VAN DYKE AVENUE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, 48316, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM.

Published: Shelby-Utica News 02/05/2025

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY:

Section 1. Article 4 Section 4.66 of the Zoning Code of Ordinances, Charter Township of Shelby, Michigan, is hereby amended to read as follows: MEDICAL MARIHUANA USES AND BUSINESSES (A). Intent and purpose.

On November 4, 2008, Michigan voters approved a ballot initiative that legalized medical marihuana and on December 4, 2008, Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Act, MCL 333.26421, et seq. (“MMMA”), took effect allowing both patients and/or their caregivers to cultivate medical marihuana within an enclosed, locked facility in order for those individuals to be entitled to the MMMA protections. As such, these enclosed locked facilities have been located on various locations of varying zoning classifcation within the Township.

The Stille-Derossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act 230 of 1972 allows a local unit of government to legally adopt and enforce the state building code at the local level. The purpose of the building code is to ensure public health, safety, and welfare by protecting life and property from all hazards related to the design, erection, repair, removal, demolition, or use and occupancy of buildings, structures, or premises. This is in relation to structural strength, adequate egress facilities, sanitary equipment, light and ventilation, and fre safety. Building permits are required when construction or alteration of a structure is in order when a patient caregiver has made alterations to a structure to support the cultivation of marihuana. Since the passage of the Act, a caregiver’s cultivation of marijuana particularly within residential and commercial zoning districts within the Township has resulted in problems

0294-2506

with insuffcient or improper electrical supplies, problems with ventilation leading to mold, offensive odors, other health hazards and/or other hazards which are associated with the cultivation of marijuana in residential and commercial settings.

The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (“MZEA”) provides the Township with statutory authority to regulate land use within the Township through its Zoning Ordinance. The Michigan Supreme Court in the recent case of DeRuiter v Byron Township, No. 158311, Decided April 27, 2020, found that a township’s zoning ordinance that geographically restricted such caregiver marihuana cultivation to a particular zoning district did not directly confict with the Act and the township had the authority under the MZEA to require zoning permits and permit fees for the use of buildings and structures within its jurisdiction.

Therefore, this Article as proposed, is intended to permit those persons in need of marijuana for medicinal purposes as allowed under the state act as defned herein, to be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be treated and for those persons who are permitted to furnish medical marijuana, to furnish it within the limitations of the Act and the geographical restriction imposed by the Zoning Ordinance in order to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

This Article is also intended to protect and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the community, the quality of life and the stability of property values including but not limited to the value of residential, commercial, and industrial districts.

This Article is intended to prohibit a caregiver’s cultivation of marijuana in residential and commercial districts in order to protect and preserve peace, order, property and safety of persons as a result of issues associated with the growth of marijuana in residential and

commercial districts including problems with insuffcient or improper electrical supply, problems with ventilation leading to mold, offensive odors, or other health hazards and other hazards which are associated with the cultivation of marijuana in residential and commercial settings and which is otherwise often diffcult to detect and regulate. The MZEA provides the Township with statutory authority to impose zoning limitations as set forth in this Article. The Township’s zoning authority as it relates to Patient Care Giver Operations pursuant to the MMMA has also been upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court in the recent case of DeRuiter v Byron Township, No. 158311. Decided April 27, 2020.

This Article is also intended to allow for certain Marihuana Businesses that have been granted permits pursuant to the Chapter 14, Article IX of the Township Code of Ordinances.

(B) Defnitions. [The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subsection, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:]

1. MMMA refers to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, MCL 333.26421 et seq. currently, or as amended.

2. Registered primary care giver refers to a person meeting the defnition of caregiver under the MMMA and who has been issued and possesses a registry identifcation card and possesses the documentation that constitutes a valid registry under the MMMA.

3. Marihuana, Marijuana means that term as defned in Section 7106 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.7106.

4. Medical use means the acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, internal possession, delivery, transportation of marijuana, or paraphernalia relating to the administration of marijuana to treat or alleviate a registered qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition, or symptoms associated with the debilitating medical condition, as further defned under the MMMA.

5. Registered qualifying patient refers to a person meeting the defnition under state law and who has been issued and possesses a registry identifcation card which is valid under the MMMA, as amended.

6. Enclosed locked facility means a closet, room, or other comparable stationary and fully enclosed area equipped with secure locks or other functioning security devices that permit access only by a registered primary care giver, or registered qualifying patient. Marijuana plants grown outdoors, are considered to be in an enclosed, locked facility if they are not visible to the unaided eye from an adjacent property when viewed by an individual at ground level, or from a permanent structure and are grown within a stationary structure that is enclosed on all sides, except for the base, by chain-link fencing, wooden slats, or a similar material that prevents access by the general public and that it is anchored, attached, or affxed to the ground; located on land that is owned, leased, or rented by either the registered qualifying patient, or a person designated through the department registration process, as the primary giver, for the registered qualifying patient, or patients for whom the marijuana plants are grown; and equipped with functioning locks or other security devices that restrict access only to the registered qualifying patient, or the registered primary caregiver, who owns, leases, or rents the property on which the structure is located. Marijuana plants grown outdoors in an enclosed, locked facility shall be subject to special approval land use under the zoning ordinance. Enclosed, locked facility includes a motor vehicle if both of the following conditions are met:

a. The vehicle is being used temporarily to transport living marijuana plants from one location to another with the intent to permanently retain those plants at the second location.

b. An individual is not inside the vehicle unless he or she is either the registered qualifying patient to whom the living marijuana plants belong, or the individual designated through the Department of Registration process as the primary caregiver for the registered qualifying patient.

7. Transfer means to convey, sell, give, deliver, or allow the possession by another person or entity

8. MRTMA refers to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act Initiated Law 1 of 2018, MCL 333.27952 et. seq currently, or as amended.

9. Other provisions and terms. The other provisions and terms of the MMMA and MRTMA for purposes of deferential context are incorporated by reference as though more fully restated herein.

10. MMFLA means the Michigan Medical Facilities Licensing Act,MCL 333.27951 et.seq.or as amended.

11. Marihuana Business means one of the following:

a. “Grower”. As that term is defned in the MMFLA or MRTMA

b. “Processor”. As that term is defned in the MMFLA or MRTMA

c. “Provisioning Facility”. As that term is defned in the MMFLA

d. “Marihuana Retailer. As that term is defned in the MRTMA

e. “Safety Compliance Facility”. As that term is defned in the MMFLA or MRTMA

f. Secure Transporter. As that term is defned in the MMFLA or MRTMA

(C) Medical marijuana for registered qualifying patients or any individual over the age of twentyone (21). Registered qualifying patients or visiting qualifed patients and individuals over the age of twenty-one years old, may use, possess, and store medical marijuana as provided in the MMMA, MCL 333.26421 et seq as amended, and marihuana as provided in the MRTMA, MCL 333.27952 et. seq as amended, and as further regulated herein.

1. Registered qualifying patient and individuals over the age of twenty-one years of age:

a. May use, possess and store marijuana in their principal residence within the Township for personal use only, and shall comply at all times and in all circumstances with the Act, MRTMA and the General Rules of the Michigan Community Health or the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory, as they may be amended from time to time.

b. May only cultivate marijuana for him or herself in compliance with the Act and

the MRTMA, on a residentially zoned parcel or otherwise authorized for residential use and on an industrial zoned parcel, in an enclosed locked facility, inaccessible on all sides and equipped with locks or other security devices that permit access only by the registered qualifying patient and individuals twenty-one years or older.

c. All necessary building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits shall be obtained for any portion of the structure in which electrical wiring, lighting, and/or watering devices that support the cultivation of marijuana are located.

d. The storage of any chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Shelby Township Building Department.

e. The separation of plant resin from a marihuana plant by butane extraction or any other method that utilizes a substance with a fashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit in any public place, a motor vehicle, inside a residential structure or the curtilage of a residential structure is prohibited.

f. If a room with windows is utilized as a marihuana-cultivation location, any lighting methods that exceed usual residential use between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall employ shielding methods, without alteration to the exterior of the residence or dwelling unit, to prevent ambient light spillage that causes or creates a distraction or nuisance to adjacent residential properties.

g. If the registered patient, or individual twenty-one years or older, is not the owner of the premises, then written consent must be obtained from the property owner to ensure the owner’s knowledge of the use of the premises as permitted by this section, and the registered patient and individual twenty-one years or older shall maintain written proof that the use of the property under this section is approved by the property owner.

h. No person other than the registered patient or individual twenty-one years or older shall be engaged or involved in the growing, processing, handling of marijuana.

i. Use of the registered patient’s residential dwelling unit for medical marijuana or an individual twenty-one years or older for recreational marijuana related purposes, shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes. Not more than (100) square feet of any residential dwelling unit and/ or accessory structure on a residential lot shall be used for the growing, processing, and handling of medical or recreational marijuana. Any modifcations to the dwelling unit made for the purpose of cultivating medical or recreational marijuana shall comply with all applicable building, electrical, mechanical, and fre safety code requirements, including all requisite permit applications and related inspections. No part of an accessory building, detached garage, pole barn, or similar building or structure shall be used for the growing, processing, or distribution of medical or recreational marijuana unless such building or structure has been inspected and approved for the building, electrical, mechanical, and fre safety requirements of such use and fts the defnition of an enclosed, locked facility.

j. No equipment or process shall be used in growing, processing, or handling medical or recreational marijuana which creates noise, vibration, glare, light, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses at or beyond the property line of the registered patient’s or individuals over the age of twenty-one’s residential property. In case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference with any radio, television, or similar receiver off the premises or causes fuctuation of line voltage off the premises.

k. The registered qualifying patient, individuals over the age of twenty-one and the owners, agents, and employees of the parcel at which marijuana for personal or medical use is present are responsible jointly and severally for compliance with this section.

(D) Registered Primary Caregiver Operations. Any registered primary caregiver may acquire, possess, cultivate, manufacture, transfer, or transport medical marijuana compliant with the MMMA, MCL 333.26421 et seq. as amended. Cultivation of medical marijuana by a registered primary care giver as defned under the MMMA, is prohibited in any zoning district, except the Industrial LM District; section 3.19 and further subject to the following:

(1) A registered primary caregiver may only grow, cultivate, manufacture, process and store marijuana on a parcel in the industrial LM-district; section 3.19 and in an enclosed locked facility.

(2) The registered primary caregiver is responsible for utilizing an enclosed locked facility upon the industrial zoned parcel, compliant with state law for cultivating, growing, manufacturing, processing, and storing marijuana for medical use only. The enclosed locked facility utilized by the primary registered caregiver, shall provide separation by fully enclosed walls, or fences, for plants that are grown on behalf of each registered qualifying patient, on whose behalf the registered primary caregiver is furnishing marijuana for medical use, so it is accessible only to the primary caregiver and registered patient. The processing and storing of medical marijuana is permitted only by registered primary caregivers, and registered qualifying patients.

(3) The registered primary caregiver may grow up to a maximum of 72 plants, no more than 12 plants, for each individual registered qualifying patient as set forth in the MMMA.

(4) The registered primary caregiver is responsible for providing the security necessary to assure that the growing marijuana and usable product are accessible for use only by the primary registered caregiver for transfer to, only to registered qualifying patients who are registered to the registered primary caregiver and must fully comply with the provisions of the MMMA, MCL 333.26421 et seq., as amended.

(5) Each parcel upon which enclosed locked facilities with marijuana for medical use are present, must be a minimum of 500 feet from any parcel upon which any school, or school facility is situated, residential zoned district or, and any other parcel upon which marijuana in a secure cultivation facility is present.

(6) A Certifcate of Occupancy is required and must be obtained from the Township before the presence of marihuana is allowed on the parcel.

(7) Marijuana plants grown outdoors in an enclosed, locked facility shall be subject to the requirements of this Article.

(8) The consumption, transfer, or use of marijuana, in public, or a place opened to the

public is prohibited.

(E) Certifcate Required. The operations of a registered primary caregiver within an industrial zoning district shall only be permitted upon the issuance of a Zoning Certifcate to Cultivate Medical Marihuana Permit. Such certifcate is required to be renewed annually and the permitted facility is subject to inspections by the building and fre department as well as the police department for compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance and for the issuance of permits and their renewals.

1. A complete and accurate application shall be submitted on a form provided by the Township and an application fee in an amount determined by resolution of the Township Board shall be paid.

2. The certifcate application shall include the name and address of the applicant; the address of the property; a copy of the current state registration card issued to the primary caregiver; a full description of the nature and types of equipment which will be used in marijuana cultivation and processing; and a description of the location at which the use will take place. The planning and zoning administrator may require additional information necessary to demonstrate compliance with all requirements. The planning zoning administrator shall review the application to determine compliance with this Ordinance, the MMMA and the MRTMA and any applicable MRA General Rules. A certifcate shall be granted if the application demonstrates compliance with this Ordinance and the MMMA

3. The use shall be maintained in compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance and the MMMA. Any departure shall be grounds to revoke the certifcate and take other lawful action. If a certifcate is revoked, the applicant shall not engage in the activity unless and until a new Zoning Authorization to Cultivate Medical Marihuana certifcate is granted.

4. Information treated as confdential under the MMMA, including the primary caregiver registry identifcation card and any information about qualifying patients associated with the primary caregiver, which is received by the Township, shall be maintained separately from public information submitted in support of the application. It shall not be distributed or otherwise made available to the public and shall not be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

(F) Nonconforming Status. Registered Patient Caregivers that have applied for and have obtained building, electrical, plumbing and/or mechanical permits for the cultivation of medical marihuana within any zoning district other than industrial, prior to the enactment of this Ordinance shall enjoy nonconforming use status from the provisions of this Ordinance and shall be permitted to continue subject to Section 7.15 of this Ordinance.

(G) Marihuana Grow Business

The Marihuana Grow Business Districts are intended to provide opportunities for the development of certain Marihuana Grow Businesses that have been granted a Permit by the Township and have been granted a State license pursuant to the MMFLA and MRTMA. The Township desires to allow approved Marihuana Grow Businesses to operate exclusively within those properties zoned either Light Manufacturing “LM District” or Heavy Manufacturing “HM District” and that comply with the requirements of Chapter 14, Article IX of the Code of Ordinance.

Each parcel upon which a Marihuana Grow Business has been granted a Permit from the Township, must be:

1. 500 feet* from real property comprising of public or private elementary, vocational or secondary school, established pursuant to and in accordance with the Revised School Code, P.A. 451 of 1976, being M.C.L.A. §§ 380.1 through 380.1853, as amended, and/or the State School Aid Act of 1979, P.A. 94 of 1979, being M.C.L.A. §§ 388.1601 through 388.1772,as amended and from a child care center or licensed day care facility licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

2. 500 feet* from a public park,or a church or religious institution defned as exempt by the Township Assessor or County Assessor offce.

*The distances set forth above shall be measured as the shortest straight-line distance between the property line of the parcel on which the marihuana business is located that is nearest to the listed use, and the nearest property line of the parcel on which the listed use is located.

3. A Marihuana Grow Business shall not operate at any place in the Township other than the address provided in the application on fle with the Township Clerk

4. A Marihuana Grow Business shall remain in compliance with all applicable State and Township regulations for that type of Marihuana Business.

Section 2. SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent portion of this Ordinance, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 3. REPEAL

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in confict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall be effective seven (7) days from the date of publication hereof. CERTIFICATION

hereby certify the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 212.136 duly introduced by the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby at a Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2025, pursuant to and in full compliance with the Open Meetings Act, being Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan, 1976, as amended, and that the minutes of said meeting were kept and will be made available as required by said Act.

Stanley T. Grot, Township Clerk

THE ORDINANCE IN ITS ENTIRETY MAY BE REVIEWED AND A TRUE COPY OBTAINED AT THE OFFICES OF THE TOWNSHIP CLERK, CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY, MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 52700 VAN DYKE AVENUE, SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN, 48316, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM.

The Stevenson project will repurpose existing fields and consist of an athletic complex with synthetic-turf softball and baseball fields, tennis courts, plus a concessions and restroom area. The project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026.

Stevenson High School is landlocked and the project will provide space for an eventual expansion of Runkel Field.

Swinehart Field’s improvements will consist of an enhanced fan experience with a concourse and new concessions and restroom areas, improved press box and visitor bleachers, and replaced paving. It is planned to begin this spring and conclude for the fall of 2026.

Projects from the bond issue began this summer, and athletic improvements are the next steps.

Safety is the priority. Summer projects included walls and doors at facilities with “open concept” designs, several parking lots, upgraded playgrounds and replacement of doors and hardware as needed.

The projects also included the current reconstruction of DeKeyser Elementary.

Monroe said at the Stevenson groundbreaking that it is an example of the transformative nature of the 2023 bond.

“The work we are doing here addresses long-standing needs in the Stevenson community for replacement and expanded facilities, but it does it in a different way. It creates a complex that addresses safety through the replacement of fields and courts while positively transforming the experience for our students, their families and visitors from surrounding communities,” he said.

He said they appreciate the support the community showed, and the district is committed to effectively use the money.

“The Stevenson complex is being built on land we currently own and can repurpose to meet the needs of our students and community. Our facilities serve as the heart of our community. With the support of voters for our 2023 Safety and Success Bond Issue, the Eisenhower High School and Utica High School communities will have a stadium that will inspire our teams and strengthen our community’s sense of pride around our schools,” he said.

He said they are celebrating the district’s legacy.

“Through the upcoming work at Swinehart Field, we are showing our respect for this legacy by creating a standard that will benefit student athletes now and well into the next generations,” he said.

Landon Cooke, a Utica High School

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY MACOMB, MICHIGAN

ORDINANCE NO. 302

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 46, ARTICLE VI OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY REGARDING HUNTING AND FIREARM USE IN THE TOWNSHIP, PROHIBITING THE DISCHARAGE OF FIREARMS AND LIMITING HUNTING WITH ONLY ARCHERY EQUIPMENT ON PRIVATE PARCELS OF LAND NOT LESS THAN THREE ACRES, FOR REPEALER, SEVERABILITY PENALTIES AND EFFECTIVE DATE

IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED BY THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF SHELBY:

Section 1. Article VI, Chapter 46, Section 46-411 of the Code of Ordinances, Charter Township of Shelby, Michigan, is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 46-411. - Defnitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Archery equipment means any device that has a solid, stationary handle, two limbs, and a string, that uses non-pneumatic means to propel a single arrow or bolt and may be used to take game and nongame species.”

Firearm means any weapon which will or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.

junior, said that from his experiences, he believes sports are very important.

“They teach people how to be better individuals and connect us with our classmates to form strong bonds. They also instill a sense of pride in one’s school, bringing everyone together to cheer for their team. Part of this pride is something I’ve heard from coaches many times; it’s called ‘defending your home turf.’ Having a new state-of-theart stadium to defend and call home makes the sense of pride that students feel in their athletics even stronger, a feeling that will be enjoyed by many students and athletes for years to come,” Cooke said.

Carson Sweet, a Stevenson varsity baseball player, said he would like to say thank you to the community.

“By saying yes to the bond, you said yes to students. Because of your generosity, UCS students will be given more opportunities to excel in sports, which opens doors for college scholarships. By saying yes to the bond, you said yes to making a difference in athletes’ lives because athletics isn’t just about sports. It’s about the teaching of valuable life lessons like leadership and perseverance. It’s about creating a sense of family. By saying yes to the bond, you said yes to all of us,” he said.

He said their teams are looking forward to playing at this new facility.

“This field is where our Titans will condition and train for the up-and-coming season. It will represent a community of student athletes striving to build a program,” he said.

Hunting means to have in the possession or control of any person any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, while pursuing or preparing to pursue any animal, including vertebrate, invertebrate, bird, reptile or mammal. It shall be prima facie evidence of hunting if a person is in possession on public lands, or lands in which the person has no ownership interest, of a frearm weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, unless upon the premises of a licensed private or public shooting range.

Weapon means archery equipment, a bow carried with arrow, claw trap, club, dart, frearm, knife, pellet gun, spear, and any other implement used to cause the injury or death of any animal when hunted.

Section 2. Article VI, Chapter 46, Section 46-412 of the Code of Ordinances, Charter Township of Shelby, Michigan, is hereby deleted in its entirety and amended to read as follows:

Sec. 46-412. -Hunting Restricted.

(a) Hunting with, or the discharge of, a frearm is unlawful in Shelby Township, Macomb County, except at target ranges registered with the township clerk.

(b) Hunting with a bow, crossbow, or other archery equipment is unlawful in Shelby Township Macomb County, except on tracts of land 3 acres or more, whether it is a single parcel or multiple adjoining parcels, with parcel owner permission.

(c) The boundaries of the area described above shall be posted with signs to enable a person to observe not less than one sign at any point along the boundary. It is the responsibility of Shelby Township to provide, place, and maintain all signage to notify a person of this restricted area. This hunting area control is only enforceable when properly posted.

Section 3. Article VI, Chapter 46-413 of the Code of Ordinances is hereby created to read as follows:

Sec. 46-413 Penalty

Any person who shall be convicted of violation any of the provisions of this division shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with section 1-7.

Section 4. SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent portion of this Ordinance, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.

Section 5. REPEAL

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in confict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance shall be effective thirty (30) days upon publication hereof.

CERTIFICATION

hereby certify the foregoing is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 302 duly adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Shelby at a Regular Meeting held on January 21, 2025, pursuant to and in full compliance with the

STANLEY

T. GROT, Clerk

TOP: Utica Community Schools Superintendent Robert Monroe talks about the forthcoming upgrades to Swinehart Field in Utica during a groundbreaking event Jan. 29. ABOVE: Utica High School junior Landon Cooke talks about the improvements planned for the field.

ABOVE: Dignitaries break ground on upgrades to Swinehart Field Jan. 29.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

26A/ SHELBY-UTICA NEWS • FEBRUARY 5, 2025

FEB. 8

Down and Derby: Fundraiser hosted by Cub Scout Pack 92, adults compete in Pinewood Derby, also barbecue dinner, raffles and cash bar, doors at 5 p.m., racing at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, facebook.com/cubs92, packardprovinggrounds. org, story at candgnews.com

FEB. 13

‘Reducing Risks for Hurting Yourself in the Gardens and in Life in General’: Presentation by Ascension Injury and Trauma Prevention Coordinator Nancy Butty, hosted by Shelby Gardeners Club, 1-2 p.m., BurgessShadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, (586) 873-3782

FEB. 16

‘The Mill Builder and Inventor from Macomb County’: Presentation part of Historical Speaker Series, 1-2 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org

FEB. 21

Charity Vegas Night: Presented by Shelby Township Lions Club, includes roulette, craps, blackjack, 3-card poker, Texas hold ’em, money wheel, horse bet table and 50-plus slots, also timed raffle prizes, open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment, doors at

6:30 p.m. and final bets at 10:30 p.m., The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, shelbylionsclub.org

FEB. 28

Widowed Friends meetup: Cards, games and fellowship, dinner optional, noon-3 p.m., St. Therese of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, RSVP to Victoria at (586) 566-7936, widowedfriends.com

MARCH 8

‘Butterfly Gardens and Prairie Restoration’: Program presented by expert John Blair and hosted by Southern Michigan Daylily Society, 10 a.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, free but registration required, marietta.crabtree@ gmail.com, (586) 612-1848, midaylilysociety.com

MARCH 9

Michigan Psychic Fair: Readings, guidance, energy healings, connections with deceased and more, noon6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 45555 Utica Park Blvd. in Utica, mipsychicfair.com/events

MARCH 15

Lucky Leprechaun Race: Costume contest at 10:15 a.m., 5K and 1-mile runs/walks at 10:30 a.m., and awards at 11:15 a.m., starts at Shamrock Irish Pub (7715 Auburn Road in Utica) and ends at Host Utica

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

(7759 Auburn Road), luckyleprechaunrace.com, (586) 344-7977

ONGOING

Ice skating: Open skating Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and drop-in hockey Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Mae Stecker Park, 8600 24 Mile Road in Shelby Township, (586) 731-0300

Feeding Time: Learn about and see what animals eat, 1-2 p.m. Saturdays, Nature Center at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road in Shelby Township, metroparks.com/events

Shelby Writers’ Group: Meets 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., (586) 739-7414

Monthly book clubs: Evening Book Club (meets 6:30 p.m. every second Tuesday), Mystery Book Club (10:30 a.m. every second Saturday) and Afternoon Book Club (1 p.m. every third Thursday), Shelby Township Library, 52610 Van Dyke Ave., also Not Your Parents’ Book Club (7 p.m. every last Tuesday), 22nd Street Steakhouse, 48900 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, shelbytwp.org/government/departments/library • 11 a.m.-noon every first Friday, Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, uticalibrary.com

Open mic: Hosted by Shelby Music Society, 7 p.m. every second Saturday of month (doors at 6:30 p.m.), Shelby Township Activities Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, shelbymusic society@yahoo.com

Widowed Friendsbreakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of month, Pancake Factory, 13693 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township, call or text Ellen at (586) 489-2569, widowedfriends.com

Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, also lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/OCTDS

Confident Communicators Club: Virtual meetings from 8-9:30 a.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, confidentcommunicatorsclub.com

‘Sky & Space’: Features works by Shelby Township Fine Art Society and other local groups, exhibit on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until Feb. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org

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Suspects threaten delivery person

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Two unknown male suspects are facing possible strong-armed robbery charges after stealing a package from a Federal Express delivery person when the victim was trying to deliver said package to a home in the 200 block of McKinley Road at around 12:12 p.m. Jan. 7.

The victim told police that one of the suspects claimed to be the homeowner as he stepped out of the passenger side of a vehicle. When the delivery person asked the suspect for identification before handing him the package, he said the suspect wouldn’t provide any. The victim said the suspect tried to rip the package out of his hands.

The driver of the suspect then yelled, “Just give us the package and walk away.” When the victim didn’t comply, he said both suspects became enraged. The suspect who had emerged from the passenger side of the vehicle is said by the victim to have gone back to his vehicle and started rummaging through the back seat, asking the victim, “Is that package worth your life?”

The victim, fearing that the passenger was looking for a gun, finally left the package on the porch so that the suspect could take it.

Thefts reported at senior facility

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown suspect is said to be getting into American House apartments and stealing valuables from the senior residents there. In the most recent incident, a 90-year-old woman reported that between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, someone had apparently entered her unit and stole $16 from her purse. Other residents on the same floor have reported similar thefts. In other recent incidents, $40 was taken from a resident’s purse between Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, and an iPad was stolen around Jan. 3 from someone else’s apartment.

The thefts are being classified as home invasions by police because they involve someone entering the apartments rented by the victims.

Prowler arrested

GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 28-year-old Toledo man was arrested after he was seen on surveillance cameras peering into vehicles and trying door handles in the area of University Place and Maumee Avenue at 9:35 a.m. Jan. 19. The suspect was facing a possible charge for prowling.

Retail fraud suspects hit Lululemon again

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Two unknown female suspects are said to have stolen an estimated $10,000 worth of merchandise from The Village Lulu-

one of the suspects tried to distract store employees while the second suspect pulled out a trash bag and filled it with items. The suspects were last seen heading westbound on Kercheval Avenue. Police said the case was under investigation.

Package thief steals resident’s identity

GROSSE POINTE PARK — A resident in the 700 block of Westchester Road learned that an unknown suspect was using her credit card to rack up unauthorized purchases and collect those purchases from her front porch. The victim, who filed a report with police Jan. 14, discovered the criminal activity by watching her Ring doorbell camera footage, which showed the suspect going up to her porch and taking the packages at around 4:16 p.m. Jan. 14. The victim then found unauthorized charges on her credit card. The suspect is said to have driven away from the scene in a gray Ford Escape. The case was under investigation.

Larceny suspects arrested

GROSSE POINTE PARK — Two 22-year-old Detroit men were arrested after they were reportedly seen on the surveillance cameras of several Grosse Pointe Park homes entering vehicles and removing valuables at around 5 a.m. Jan. 12. The suspects are said to have targeted vehicles on Pemberton, Berkshire and Balfour roads and Beaconsfield Avenue. According to a police report, after they were arrested, the suspects confessed to the larcenies. Police said they recovered stolen property from the suspects.

Fox trapped

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On Jan. 12, a resident in the 21000 block of John Drive called the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office about a fox caught in a fence.

Upon arrival, deputies saw several residents assisting the fox and noticed a trap around one of the fox’s legs. Deputies called the Detroit Animal Wildlife Group to free the fox for treatment and rehabilitation. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources was contacted about a possible poaching operation due to the trap.

Hit-and-run

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At around 8 a.m. on Jan. 6, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the corner of Garfield and 22 Mile roads for a hit-and-run collision.

At a red light, a 63-year-old Macomb Township woman apparently reversed her Ford Fusion into a Ram pickup truck. After stepping out of the car and interacting with the Ram’s occupants but not giving them any information, the woman drove off.

AND NOTES NEWS

reportedly claimed that she did not see any damage on her car and assumed there was no damage to the Ram.

Gas station disturbance

MOUNT CLEMENS — At around 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 8, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Marathon gas station on West Gratiot to deal with a disturbance.

According to a clerk, a 49-year-old Detroit man was asking people at the station for money and yelling at them. While the man was no longer at the station when deputies arrived, they were able to locate him on Park Street and informed him he was no longer welcome at the station.

Confused driver

MOUNT CLEMENS — On Jan. 6 at around 2:40 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the corner of South Gratiot and Church Street to perform a welfare check on the driver of a Chevy Equinox parked in the area.

The driver, later identified as a 66-year-old Westland man, was confused upon waking up and did not know where he was. He initially identified himself with a credit card and refused a field sobriety test. He agreed to a breath test and registered a 0.168 blood alcohol content, leading to his arrest.

Larceny reported

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 4:47 p.m. on Jan. 6, an act of larceny was reported in the 22000 block of Harper Avenue.

Dispatch told officers a purse had been stolen by a suspect who returned to a restaurant after going to their car. Officers arrived at the scene and spoke to an employee of the restaurant, a 49-year-old woman.

The employee saw the silver vehicle the suspect drove and stated the purse on the driver’s seat was hers. She stated she placed it on the hostess stand as she was getting ready to leave when the suspect came in and asked her to seat her children while she went back to her car to get something. The employee and her coworker sat the kids and when they returned, the purse was missing.

Video surveillance shows the suspect leaving the restaurant with the purse and going to her vehicle before returning to the restaurant without it. Officers spoke to the suspect, and she claimed she thought it was left behind by someone and intended to take it to the police department. The woman denied taking anything from the purse and a search only showed personal items. The victim and fellow employees stated the suspect tried to flee out the back door when

Flex lanes likely to open in March

NOVI — The additional highway lane, known as a flex lane, on the part of Interstate 96 that runs through Novi will likely begin operations in March, according to Diane Cross of the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The lane, which could be misconstrued as a shoulder lane on the left side of the freeway, is currently marked with a red “X” on a digital sign that goes over the lane at several points along the new flex route. When the lane is open, it will be marked with a green arrow on the digital traffic lane display.

ROHS DRAMA CLUB STUDENT ACTORS RECEIVE SUTTON FOSTER AWARD NOMINATIONS

ROYAL OAK — Sophomore Lucy Heiple and junior Muriel Schneider have received their golden tickets to participate in the Sutton Foster Awards competition and festival at the Wharton Center at Michigan State University in May.

The ROHS drama club’s production of “Mamma Mia!” was recently evaluated by adjudicators of the prestigious Sutton Foster Awards.

The students were judged on all aspects of the show and received helpful feedback.

“I am so proud of the incredible work our student actors, designers, and creators put into this production. The feedback we received is a reflection of their commitment to excellence,” said Abbey M. Lilly-Lacca, ROHS Drama Club director.

The Sutton Foster Awards celebrate the best in high school musical theater across the state of Michigan, with festival winners advancing to the national musical theater competition, The Jimmy Awards, in June in New York City.

For more information on the Sutton Awards, visit whartoncenter.com/suttonfoster-awards.

Rosedale

SOUTHFIELD — The Rosedale Community Players is set to present “Knock The Ball Loose” by local playwright Sean Paraventi.

The production is scheduled to run through Feb. 8 on the RCP home stage at Peace Lutheran Church in Southfield, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road.

The production is directed by James Howland, with Ann Marie Payne serving as the assistant director. It features local actors Dave Fedewa, Lisa Jesswein, Laura Heikkinen and Maureen Paraventi.

The plot centers around a “couple of middle-aged empty nesters,” John and Becky, who are keeping secrets from one another.

John is having an affair and Becky has turned to shoplifting to help her cope with her depression.

“This story deals with serious subject matter, and I certainly am not trying to suggest any solutions,” Paraventi stated in a press release. “I’m just trying to tell a tale that uses humor, and, in the end, leaves Becky (and us) with a little bit of hope. Sometimes humor and hope are the best things we can offer someone.”

Patrons are welcome to bring food and drink to enjoy while viewing the show.

Tickets can be purchased on RCP’s website, www.rosedalecommunityplayers. com, or by calling (313) 532-4010.

physically saw a verbal confrontation break out while the suspect tried to leave out the back door. The victim got her purse back and found $250 missing out of the front pouch. The suspect denied taking it when asked by officers. The suspect was placed under arrest, handcuffed and placed in the back of a scout car. She was then transported to the police station. Two other officers tried to question the adult children, but they fled

Fraud reported ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:01 p.m. on

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Dispatch informed the officer a suspect had tried to cash a fraudulent check at a bank. Upon arrival, an officer made contact with the branch manager, a 57-year-old woman. She stated the suspect tried to cash a check for $1,972. Any checks over $1,500 need an ID check which she asked for. The check was

Vehicle

1, Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a Mazda with an expired plate along westbound Interstate 94 near Shook Road. The driver, a 32-year-old Clinton Township woman, reportedly did not have insurance, had a suspended license and was arrested. Upon a further search of the Mazda, deputies found a bag containing suspected cocaine.

Student advances to state finals in Elks Hoop Shoot contest

ROCHESTER — Matthew Sera, a local 12-year-old Hart Middle School student, is headed to the state finals of the Elks Hoop Shoot free throw contest. He advanced to the local competition, won for his age group and then went on to districts to win by shooting 19 out of 25 free throws. He is now on to the state finals Feb. 8 in Big Rapids, Michigan. If Sera wins, he will compete in a national

LEARN ABOUT ARTISTIC INFLUENCES

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — In a new session of the Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s lecture series, “Your Old Mansion,” artist, art historian and tour guide Donald Cronkhite discusses the influence that the old masters of art have had on artists today. This program will take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms. To register or for more information, visit grossepointeartcenter.org.

MACOMB COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER RECEIVES ACCREDITATION

MACOMB COUNTY — On Jan. 9, the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office announced it received full accreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners. NAME is the premier accreditation organization for medical examiner and coroner offices nationwide and promotes the highest quality forensic pathology practice and medicolegal death investigation in the world. Originally accredited in 2014, the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office most recent accreditation marks 10 consecutive years of this distinction. “By achieving and maintaining NAME accreditation, the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office continues to advance its level of service to Macomb County residents and law enforcement agencies,” County Executive Mark Hackel said in a press release. “This accomplishment is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the Medical Examiner’s Office and the entire staff who helped earn this recognition.” The Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office serves the residents of Macomb County and provides

forensic death investigation services. Staff assists

to violence, accidents and those not attended by a physician.

enforcement agencies with forensic evaluation of death

Photo provided by Royal Oak Schools

From left, Royal Oak High School junior Muriel Schneider and sophomore Lucy Heiple have been invited to participate in the Sutton Foster Awards competition and festival in May.