Westend: July 2013 by Downtown Publications Inc.

ENDNOTE: MORE TRANSPARENCY FOR WOLVERINE LAKE VILLAGE MEETINGS JULY 2013

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WESTEND07.13

13 35

L. Brooks Patterson interview Oakland County Executive talks about his brush with death, future of the Republican party in Oakland County, Detroit bankruptcy and the economic recovery.

Sounds and Silence

Meeting rules

Extreme noise can pose a hearing and general health challenge, so Westend took decibel readings in the lakes area.

Local governing bodies function under state laws but also have their own set of rules for how they handle meetings.

11 CRIME LOCATOR A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake and the Union Lake area, presented in map format.

43 MUNICIPAL Blu Nectar license approved; bond refinancing reviewed; Decker Road update; goose roundup not happening; city police reject agreement; Tim Hortons coming; development liquor licenses; village budget; and more.

55 EDUCATION Schools may seek Nov. bond vote; district budget approved; sinking fund expenditures okayed; LAYA budget approved.

61 BUSINESS MATTERS Lakes Area Bait Shop; Teddy Bear Junction; Blu Nectar; That's WasSUP Stand Up Paddleboarding.

62 ENDNOTE Walled Lake must approve budget; Wolverine Lake needs transparency.

THE COVER

FACES

Bay Point Golf Club course, located in West Bloomfield at the terminus of Haggerty Road at Richardson, overlooking Middle Straits Lake. Westend photo: Laurie Tennent. DISTRIBUTION: Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in the Commerce, Walled Lake and Union Lake area.. Additional free copies are distributed at high foot-traffic locations. For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee. Go to our website (westendmonthly.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.

18: Nick Schwartz

30: Allison Beers

50: Joanne Ewald

57: Tricia Auten

41: Matt MacDermaid

DOWNTOWN P

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News Staff/Contributors: Allison Batdorff, Hayley Beitman, Hillary Brody, Kevin Elliott, Sally Gerak, Eleanor & Ray Heald, Austen Hohendorf, Garrett Hohendorf, Kathleen Meisner, Laurie Tennent

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INCOMING: We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Commerce/Union Lake community. The traditional Letters to the Editor in Westend are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent to westend@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

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ws editor Lisa Brody's interview in this edition with Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is certainly recommended reading. In characteristic style, Patterson candidly talks about a variety of topics, ranging from his health status following a major car accident, to his disagreement with the current Lansing Republican leadership which is trying to trim even further the medical protection for state residents, problems within the GOP affecting the party's ability to attract voters, and a host of other issues. What I find most interesting is his observations about the city of Detroit, which he thinks is destined to file bankruptcy. Patterson aptly observes that the problems of the city will not be solved by a bankruptcy filing. Instead, he says Detroit must change the way it does business and further notes that any revival will be hampered by poor quality schools and the issue of public safety in the city. Without a doubt, Detroit, or at least certain portions of the city, appears to be going through a much touted revival, thanks in large part to the private initiative of Dan Gilbert of Rock Financial and other business leaders who have either made real estate acquisitions, moved their companies downtown or, along with some foundations, have helped underwrite a number of projects, chief among them the coming mass transit project which will be starting soon.

The Midtown area of the city continues to attract the entrepreneurs and small businesses, along with the creative class of Generation Y/Millennials that most social observers feel is necessary to bring back the core of an urban area. Now we are seeing larger, more established companies relocate from the suburbs to the downtown Detroit. What we are witnessing in Detroit is happening now or has taken place dating back over a decade in other urban areas of the country, ranging from parts parts of lower Manhattan, Williamson County Tennessee, Durham North Carolina, to name a few, although public policy has generally been blended with private initiative in most other places because other urban municipalities do not face the major challenges confronting the city of Detroit government. What we won't know for another year or two is whether the

Millennials will continue moving into the Midtown portion of Detroit now that housing has become more scarce and rents are now approaching what you would pay in some of the neighboring suburbs, like Royal Oak. Affordable housing is a necessary ingredient to attract the younger class But Brooks Patterson has also hit on two other necessary elements if the current Detroit revival is to continue with its momentum â&#x20AC;&#x201C; education and public safety. Millennials are often characterized as the generation that not only grew up with the comforts of suburban living but also with at least the perception of a safe environment, whether or not crime statistics always bear that out. This younger generation is considered less fearful of cities and urban cores and certainly is more adventurous. But like all generations that came before them, as they grow older and think in terms of raising children, they will want good schools, sorely lacking in Detroit at this time and in the foreseeable future. Generation Y may find that it has to just leave the city to find preferable education opportunities. Likewise with public safety. Right now one would think the Midtown area is being given special attention by Detroit police and some have indicated that Wayne State University's public safety force has considered responding to calls beyond its normal geographical coverage area. But the fact remains that the crime rate in the city could prove a deterrent beyond a certain level of revival. Patterson has other interesting observations on a variety of topics in this issue and, having known him since the start of his career as Oakland County Prosecutor, I have always found him a straight shooter when asked his thoughts on issues pertaining to government and politics. The interview in this issue of Westend upholds that tradition. And there is no doubt that his long tenure of successful government leadership in Oakland County gives him a ringside seat to make these observations. Whether you always agree with him or not, your time would be well spent with this interview. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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Keep it coming I just received the second issue of Westend (I think my daughter took the first one). Now this is a newspaper! I was grateful to see what’s happening in my community again. For years I looked forward to receiving the Spinal Column and then one day it stopped coming. Ironically, I went to lunch the same day I received Westend and found a Spinal Column in a stand in the restaurant. I couldn’t believe it was the Spinal Column. I had to take a double look. I don’t know what happened at the old Spinal Column but the current publication is not what I would call a newspaper. Where’s the news? Thank you for Westend. I am a senior citizen and I like to know what is going on in my community. I certainly will support your advertisers. Keep it coming. Helen D. Jackson, West Bloomfield

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I've been a driver for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools for close to 16 years. I was at the meeting that human resources held on the evening of May 7. It was at that meeting we were informed that no matter how many sick days we had, we would not be paid for them. The only drivers who would receive half of their sick days paid back were the drivers who qualified to retire. I cannot begin to tell you how we felt. Drivers who put students and our jobs in front of our own health, who work through head colds and headaches because we worry there isn't enough sub drivers or we just don't want our kids to have to deal with a sub. Now when we've been told we are no longer needed, we cost too much, and we aren't even worth half of our sick days, that were ours to use but we choose not to, that we can't get them. That was the reason, for the "Sick Out" you referred to. They were sick – emotionally sick. Sick of being used. The drivers figured use them or lose them - bottom line. We drivers gave up our .05 percent pay raise, I believe in 20092010, to save several secretaries jobs. The district was going to give them lay-over slips at Christmas time. So we voted to give up the raise so the secretary's could stay till June. WESTEND

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Commerce, Walled Lake and Union Lake communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to westend@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.

Then the first time we fought for our jobs, we gave more pay, vacation days, and holiday pay, and we now pay 20 percent of our health care. You should do better investigations – we only had 3 meetings I believe to negotiate the last contract. The board of education plays dirty. There are other ways to save funds. So look into the purchase of vacant land on Welch Road and M-5 (and) the expensive football turfs. Why can't we all stand together to take an even cut of even 2 percent across the board from top to bottom. There is the district savings and the savings of several jobs. Please don't hesitate call and get the whole truth. Remember, every story has two sides. That's my “Endnote”. Schellie Wyckoff, Commerce

Pleasure to read The other day, I was looking for the Spinal Column at all the stores where it was supposed to be. I did not find it and picked up the Westend instead. Well, I was really in for the treat of my life! Not only did I pick it up but I just couldn't put it down. Your articles on Perter Nielson, Daniel A. O'Brien and Lila Lazarus were outstanding, along with the other articles that I read. I never comment to the papers but this time I just had to. Please keep this Westend coming; It is so informative and certainly a pleasure to read. Keep up the good work! I look forward to your next edition. Diana Drost, West Bloomfield 07.13

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WESTEND

07.13

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

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Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

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WESTEND

07.13

SOUNDS SILENCE AND

THE WORLD IS A NOISY PLACE BY HAYLEY BEITMAN

ound, like rain falling or white noise from a sleep machine, can be soothing and therapeutic for people who have trouble falling asleep in complete silence. Conversely, noise can be unpleasant, harsh or even abrasive, and potentially dangerous and damaging to your hearing. Often, people don't even hear the sounds that populate their life. In fact, many only notice it when it's not there. Noise has become so common in everyday life that you may, at times, even feel lost without it. For those who are all too familiar with the constant battle between keeping the music coming from your headphones loud enough to

keep other noise out, but quiet enough so other people can't hear it, at what point does your favorite song become an irritating noise. Exactly how loud is too loud, and potentially damaging to you and to others? Subjectivity can play into whether something is sound, or noise. When someone is chomping on their gum, or there is an inclement weather alert flashing across a favorite television show, a jackhammer pounding cement outside your window, a baby crying on an airplane, or the alarm clock blaring in the morning, most people acknowledge they are abrasive assaults upon their senses, rather than soothing notes lulling them in the background.

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), a noise is an unwanted sound caused from vibrations detected by the human ear and is a common health problem in the workplace. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) said that approximately 30 million people in America are exposed to hazardous noise in their workplace, which can “create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, and contribute to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals.” OSHA estimates that approximately 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss from factors like heredity, disease, physical trauma, and exposure to loud noises, while NIOSH estimates that approximately ten million Americans have permanent hearing loss from exposure to excessive noise at work. These numbers are only expected to increase over time as the workforce ages. Rick Neitzel, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Risk Science Center, explains the wide range of health issues associated with exposure to noise. “Hearing loss is the health effect most commonly associated with noise, but chronic exposures to noise can also result in tinnitus (ringing in the ears), stress, sleep disturbance, annoyance, and even coronary heart disease,” Neitzel said. Though most of these effects take months or years to develop, disturbance and annoyance can happen immediately. Neitzel said that most health effects from noise are considered irreversible and one single explosion or gunshot can cause permanent hearing loss, though it is also possible to get temporary hearing loss from a short-term exposure to loud noise (like a concert). People most at risk of hearing loss are those with high noise exposures, Neitzel said, including people with noisy jobs in construction, manufacturing, mining, transportation or people who do noisy things like go to concerts, sporting events, shoot guns or listen to loud music. “In fact, listening to MP3 players may be the primary risk of hearing loss for many people,” Neitzel said based on a recent study he did on the noise level exposure of 4,500 New York City residents and workers. “The results of our research suggest that many people may be at risk of a small hearing loss from listening to music, but that the people at risk of larger hearing losses generally work in noisy jobs. In terms of risk of hearing loss, most people are not at risk from occasional exposures to high noise, but those who have chronic exposures to high workplace noise, or who spend much of their leisure time doing noisy activities, are at highest risk.” OSHA notes that noise is measured in units of sound pressure levels that are called decibels, named after Alexander Graham Bell, using Aweighted sound levels, noted as dBA, which closely matches the perception of loudness of the human ear. “Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale which means that a small change in the number of decibels results in a huge change in the amount of noise and the potential damage to a person's hearing,” OSHA explains. To protect people from hearing loss, OSHA sets legal limits on noise exposure in the workplace based on an eight hour work day. OSHA's permissible exposure limit is 90 dBA for all workers for an eight hour day. For reference, Neitzel notes that 90 dBA is about as loud as a gaspowered lawnmower. “About one in four workers exposed to this level will suffer a substantial hearing impairment after a 40 year working lifetime,” he said, noting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put out a new recommendation that no person should have a 24-hour average exposure level above 70 dBA (a slightly louder than average conversation). “This recommended limit is designed to protect everyone from getting any hearing loss. In other words, it is truly a 'safe' level, which cannot be said of the OSHA standard,” Neitzel said. Joy Jener, the manager of the abercrombie kids store at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi said all abercrombie kids and Abercrombie & Fitch stores use low, medium and high volume settings. A store known for it's loud, vibrant music, it had a reading around 85 dBA, set on the store's medium level. “They (the company) recommend we keep it at least medium. It's for the customers, to create a more fun and upbeat environment. We don't really keep it on low. Usually it's at medium all day,” Jener said. “We get a lot more complaints from customers than compliments but the kids don't

seem to mind it. The type of music is also set by the company depending on the season (playing more laid back music during summer). Some of the employees here get headaches because the music is so loud, but not too many of them.” At Hollister, also at Twelve Oaks, where the decibel reading reached 90 dBA, manager Julia Abela said, “It's set to the company standard which is OSHA levels, which means we can't turn it down for customers. We have people who like it and people who complain about it. For myself, it gets me working faster and gets the blood pumping and sets the mood,” she said. The set playlist changes five times a year. “There are a lot of people who don't like it but we don't have any choice.” Leah Kupershtok, who works as a cashier at the Meijer store in Commerce Township, which registered at 72 dBA, hears the sounds of the self-checkout and Sandy, the penny pony, throughout her shift. “I've learned to tune it out. I don't hear it anymore. Sometimes on the weekend, I'll notice if it's been really busy and then it gets really quiet. I've just learned to tune it out. I don't even notice it anymore,” Kupershtok said. Neitzel said adults can filter out unwanted sounds to some extent but that children can't. “However, even though adults can learn to ignore noise to some degree, their body still has a physiological response to noise, and the noise can still cause hearing damage, stress and annoyance,” he said. Michael Seidman, MD, an ear, noise and throat specialist with Henry Ford Hospital West Bloomfield, wrote a book, “Save Your Hearing Now”, and is a consultant with the U.S. military on hearing loss and disabilities. “Your brain has a way of tuning out, if you will, things that are not important to you,” Seidman said. “One of the big things that we're seeing is a lot of kids who are listening to their music very loudly. We're seeing 18 to 25-year-old kids that have the hearing loss of 40 to 50-year-old adults.” Apple EarPods and earbuds, infamous for their use with iPods, iPhones and iPads, can cause hearing damage even if the music is not set at the device's maximum volume. “An iPad at its highest volume is over 120 decibels. Anything 80 to 90 (dBA) can be damaging to your ears over a long period of time,” Seidman said. “An iPad could be over 120 dBA when you're listening to it with headphones, so I tell people to turn it down so that you can hear and still have a conversation with someone next to you. It's a dangerous situation. It basically puts people in their own world, which is why they like it.” OSHA states excessive and constant noise is one of the primary causes of job stress and fatigue for waitresses. Neitzel explained a few average or common readings: 0 dBA is the threshold of human hearing, 20 dBA is a very quiet forest, 40 dBA is a typical bedroom, 60 dBA is conversational speech, 80 dBA is average traffic on a city street, 100 dBA is a small jackhammer, 120 dBA is a jet engine at takeoff from 100 yards away and 140 dBA is a gunshot. The Root restaurant in White Lake registered 77 dBA on a recent Friday night in the bar area. Executive Chef James Rigato said, “We put a lot of work into making it an appropriate environment for dining. We spent well over $10,000 soundproofing the dining room in anticipation of a full, busy restaurant.” Rigato said the music is either raised or lowered based on the crowd and the sound of conversation. “We often get compliments that there's a nice sound and ambiance, especially compared to other restaurants that skip over investing in soundproofing,” he said. The Root has soundproofed their ceiling all the way to the kitchen, and the bar area is broken up into communal spaces to help with the sound. “It's a smart restaurant design,” Rigato said. “A busy restaurant should sound alive but it shouldn't be hard to hear the person you're sitting across from.” A 1985 study done at Fairfield University in Connecticut, cited by the New York Times in July 2012, reported that customers ate faster when background music was sped up from 3.83 to 4.4 bites per minute. In 2008, professor of behavioral sciences at the Université de Bretagne-Sud in France Nicolas Gueguen found that higher volumes lead people to drink more at bars. Gueguen reported that at 88 dBA, customers ordered an average of 3.4 drinks and finished each one in 11.5 minutes, compared to ordering 2.6 drinks and finishing each in 14.5 minutes at 72 dBA. JC Penney in White Lake, near The Root, registered 75 dBA in the

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store, and between 80 and 85 dBA in Sephora, the make-up department. “It's also due to the fact that MP3 players and other amplified music Sephora product consultant Kimberly Mastalski said Sephora controls devices can now run for many hours on a single battery charge, meaning their own music and the volume separate from JC Penney. that people can have higher exposures, and for longer, than they could 10 “It's nice when there's music. It's a comfortable level and easy to talk or 20 years ago.” Places where children are seen as frequently as adults, like the Kroger and over the music,” Mastalski said about working in JC Penney. “Music Starbucks on Union Lake Road in Commerce Township, registered 70 dBA in makes me feel happy.” the grocery store and 81 dBA near the Starbucks espresso machines. Some stores turn up the music to encourage shoppers to spend money “Our machines are incredibly loud. Between one and ten, with ten being and some restaurants raise the volume to turn tables over faster, while the loudest, right now it is only other establishments try to keep about a five (at 81 dBA). When it's the sound to a minimum for an the busiest, it's about an eight opposite, calming effect. and a half,” Starbucks barista LaVida Massage in Commerce estend staffers took noise decibel level readings at numerous Natalie Miller said. “You get kind Township had a very quiet locations around Commerce Township, Walled Lake, of used to it, and my coworkers reading of 52 dBA, and the Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Novi and West Bloomfield, at places are singing all the time, too. I Commerce Township Community residents shop, dine, work and play. come from a very large family so Library read 55 dBA. From popular restaurants to stores, and gyms to a library, noise I'm used to noise.” “We keep it quiet because this level readings were taken to see what kind of racket visitors and Hiller's Market in Commerce is a relaxing environment. The workers are confronted with on a daily basis, some at dangerous registered at 76 dBA. “Sometimes quiet definitely helps to bring levels to ongoing health and hearing. it's really loud and sometimes it's about the relaxation and the Decibel levels were measured on iPhones using the Decibel really quiet. There is no in peace,” LaVida receptionist Meter Pro app at various times during the month of June. Experts between,” Hiller's manager Dana Brittney Cooper said. say safe, normal decibel readings should ideally be in the mid-60s Redigan said. As a library, head of to mid-70s, and not exceed 85 decibels over an 8-hour work shift. Home Depot had the widest circulation Bill Wines said they range of sound levels, from 72 are used to pretty quiet noise Life Time Fitness, Commerce Township 75 dBA near the cash registers to a levels. “There are exceptions to high of 95 dBA close to a forklift. that, like story time. That can get Fitness 19, Commerce Township 72 “It does get louder when the pretty loud sometimes. We don't Uptown Grille, Walled Lake 85 machines go and then also when do a lot of shushing. We don't Library Sports Pub & Grill, West Bloomfield 84 we're really busy,” said cashier like that,” he said, noting that Erica Comps, who has been “children will be children” and The Root Restaurant & Bar, White Lake 77 working at Home Depot for the the library should be a Willson's Pub 'n Grill, Commerce Township 75 past year. “There are customers welcoming and inviting place for Meijer, Commerce Township 72 that complain it's too loud, but everyone. “There are two sides to the obviously we can't do anything Commerce Township Community Library, Commerce Township 55 library (one for adults and one for about it. We get used to it.” LaVida Massage, Commerce Township 52 children) which helps with the Comps said the most Hiller's Markets, Commerce Township 76 noise. For an hour or so there can complaints they receive are about be quite a ruckus because of the the beeping noise the forklift Starbucks, Union Lake Road, Commerce Township 81 toys to play with and books to machines make when they back Kroger, Union Lake Road, Commerce Township 70 read, but that's unusual. The up. “That's nice though because Dodge Park No. 5, Commerce Township 48 adult side of the library doesn't it's a safety thing,” she said. have a problem with it at all. Studio Artiza, a hair salon in Home Depot, Commerce Township 72 They respect that kids are going Walled Lake, had one of its Prime29 Steakhouse, West Bloomfield 72 to be active.” loudest days at 70 dBA. “Today is Abercrombie, Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi 85 Seidman said noise levels probably one of our noisiest days depends more on activity than because all of our stylists are in,” Hollister Co., Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi 90 the place itself. “Just the noises owner Susan Motley said, noting JC Penney, White Lake 75 people are exposed to are pretty that the volume is never a Sephora, White Lake 85 amazing. The streets of New York, problem because “clients like the those sounds are easily in the 90 hum of a salon.” Studio Artiza, Walled Lake 70 decibel range and with On a recent Friday afternoon, The Lakes Bar & Grille, Commerce Township 69 ambulances and fire trucks and Prime29 in West Bloomfield police going by. It's incredibly registered 72 dBA, Willson's Pub loud.” registered 75 dBA, Uptown Grill For example, an upbeat and crowded gym like Fitness 19 in Commerce came in at 85 dBA, Library Sports Pub registered 84 dBA and the Lakes Bar only registered at 72 dBA throughout the entire facility. “We do play music & Grille at 69 dBA. all the time. It's usually about this loud. It's usually perfect in here and “We're not like a Library Pub, we're more of a restaurant. We do what the pretty content for everyone,” said Jordan Scheib, who works at Fitness 19's ladies want pretty much,” Lakes Bar & Grille manager Aaron Lock said. He front desk. said the amount of TVs in the bar area was limited to reduce noise. Instead, Similarly, Life Time Fitness in Commerce registered 75 dBA. “It's the restaurant plays soft music using Pandora. relatively quiet. We always play music and don't get any complaints,” “It's more of white noise than anything,” he said. “Pandora does time member services team member Aaron Hakola said. outs every five or six hours and it gets really quiet in here.” Neitzel mentioned some researchers are seeing the start of an epidemic Neitzel said there is no doubt that higher noise levels increase the risk of of hearing loss due to noise exposures in children. “I am not convinced that hearing loss and health effects. “The U.S. EPA suggests that a 24-hour this is the case, but I would agree that noise exposures in the U.S. appear average noise level must be below 55 dBA to prevent any health effects to be increasing somewhat over time. This is due at least in part to the fact from noise. The research evidence on health effects of noise suggests that that as the U.S. and other nations become more urbanized, more noise is as noise levels go up, the probability of all of these health effects goes up, generated and more people are exposed,” he said. as well.”

Decibel level readings

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Nick Schwartz

ick Schwartz, bass trombonist with the New York City Ballet Orchestra Musicians, credits his Walled Lake Central High School band director as a component leading to his musical achievements. “I think Dave Rogers is the best teacher there is,” he said. “He made the band program a real community and he was a real high energy guy.” Rogers, who is still the band director at Walled Lake Central, recruited outside specialty musicians to refine the skills of his students, Schwartz said. “He was good at getting people excited about (music) and he was always involved in the kid’s lives.” A Commerce resident in high school, Schwartz was a natural musician, but struggled academically. He later enrolled in Interlochen Arts Academy in Northern Michigan where he was able to enhance his musical talent while concentrating on his studies more intensely. “It’s a boarding school and they are hyper-focused on discipline. Things move much faster and it’s all about focusing on your art and craft.” Following high school, the budding musician was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York. At Juilliard, he was able to polish his technique through unrelenting practice and study. “I wouldn’t say it was ever a sacrifice,” he said. “I was always practicing, but it never felt like I was giving anything up. It’s been a labor of love.” Schwartz moved to San Francisco after Juilliard and found himself inundated with opportunities. “Things lined up for me really quickly and I was working a lot,” he said.

There he performed with the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, Santa Rosa Symphony and several other symphonies in California. Schwartz acquired a solid reputation and eventually earned a seat with the New York City Ballet Orchestra Musicians. He spends much of his time rehearsing and practicing his technique and performs six days a week. He also seeks out freelance work and was able to record for the video game “God of War III” at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch. “It was a milestone,” he said. “It’s an incredible place to be.” Schwartz has traveled from France to Singapore, serenading audiences with his magnificent sound. He and his wife, Daniela, a pianist, live in a high rise in upper Manhattan. They make time to visit Muskegon, Michigan, where his family currently resides. “I spend 80 percent of my life here in Manhattan,” he said. “But I need to come home to Michigan where things are one-fifth the speed and I can press the reset button. One of my favorite things to do is to go out on a boat. You can’t do that in New York City very easily.” Schwartz humbly admits he has succeeded in a profession where the majority of musicians struggle to obtain full-time work, but the journey has taken never ending drive. “I’ve hit the main benchmark of my career, which is to have a steady job with a salary. I am a professional musician and I am in demand. That’s what you dream of. I feel very lucky.” Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Rob Schwartz

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Oakland County Executive (and former prosecutor) L.Brooks Patterson, known to one and all as simply “Brooks”, was in a life-altering, and almost life-ending, car accident on August 10, 2012, when another driver turned into the car in which Patterson was a passenger. Neither Patterson, nor his driver, James Cram, were wearing seat belts, and Patterson suffered numerous injuries and was in a coma for three weeks. But like a cat with nine lives, Patterson is back in his office in Oakland County, hard at work in his sixth four-year term, managing the budget, working to maintain the county’s AAA bond rating with a looming bankruptcy in neighboring Detroit, helping to diversify the county’s tax base by bringing in a wealth of high-paying high-tech jobs unrelated to the automobile industry. And he has a new cause – taking on his fellow Republicans in the Michigan legislature over nofault automobile lifetime insurance caps. WESTEND: You were in a catastrophic accident several months ago. How are you feeling? PATTERSON: I’ve been back to work for a few months, speaking, doing what I have to do to be an effective politician. As you can see, I’m still confined to my wheelchair which means I can’t walk. I go to PT three times a week, and when I’m at PT, they won’t let me get in this wheelchair. The therapist says, “Get out of that chair.” He’ll throw me a couple of crutches. At the end of the session, from 8:30 to 9:30, I’ll say give me those crutches, and he’ll say, “Walk.” So I’m walking in an environment with a therapist. You have on these belts, in case they need to grab you, but I’m doing pretty well. My gait is not what you would expect, but that is because I broke my hip, I broke my knee, so I’ve got a lot of healing to do still before I have a normal gait. But that’s one of the many lessons I’ve learned is patience. I’m surprised I’m as patient as I’ve been. I’m Type A. WESTEND: Can you detail your injuries? What lingering after effects are you currently left with? How are you coping with them? How long is the projected road to full recovery? PATTERSON: Shattered my hip, my knee. Both wrists, compound fractures. I’m still in wrist splints. I broke my right ankle and some toes, broke a few ribs, broke my left femur – I’ve got a rod through that. And then I had a pretty nasty head injury. You can see the scar if you look real closely. It’s the toughest to stop bleeding. I hit the roof of the car, and it sorta peeled my head back, my scalp back. When I got to the hospital, I had a bunch of transfusions because they couldn’t stop

the bleeding. My partner, on the other hand, my driver, a good friend of mine, a retired state police detective (James Cram), he didn’t have a cut on him. He didn’t have one drop of blood, not one bruise. But he hit the ceiling and broke three vertebrae and he’s now a quadriplegic. I’ve got a lot of bones broken, but I’m walking and getting stronger. He’s going to be confined for the rest of his life. The (other) guy ran a red light and we were T-boned, and we didn’t have a chance. I had three major operations and I was give a three percent chance to survive, and the doctor, a female friend of mine, we’ve been friends for 25 years, she came out to see me at home after I got out of the hospital, and she was telling me –because I didn’t know any of this stuff – she said, Brooks, we knew you weren’t going to make it. I just couldn’t accept that. I look at it, there were a lot of prayers and a lot of good physicians and I’m back! It’s trying my patience. But I’ve learned, are you going to curse the darkness, or are you going to light a candle? So, I’ve been doing the best I can. I go to therapy religiously. I have a nerve severed in my ankle, so my foot drops, and you can’t walk when your foot drops. It’s going to change my life – it already has. When you have a head injury like I had, the first thing they’re going to look for, when you’re back out of your coma, is evidence of a closed head injury. So this nurse/physician assistant said, “I have to ask you some questions and give you a test.” I said ok. I like to test. Fire away. She goes, “First question, three boys go down an alley. Each boy has two apples. One of the boys eats one of his apples. How many are left?” Five! Mr. Patterson you passed! And that was the level of the tests. But the doctor said if I had a closed head injury, I wouldn’t have been able to answer that question. I’ll have a pretty full recovery. I’ll have this severed nerve. And I’ll be able to tell anybody when it looks like it’s going to storm – in-body weather vane – but, not that I was a good golfer before, but now I have an excuse to play from the forward tees. WESTEND: You’ve just begun your sixth fouryear term. What does your health portend for your career at this juncture? Do you foresee finishing out this term? If you decide to step down ahead of schedule, who would you like to see take over for you? PATTERSON: I think I put that rumor to bed quite a while ago. My schedule is as active as it ever was, and my drivers – because I still can’t drive – switch off so I have two during the day – frankly, they just can’t keep up. We really go. I’m

strong enough to maintain a full-time schedule. Absolutely (foresee finishing this term). I’m not sure I won’t run again. I’m not stepping down, I’m still a young guy and I might run again in 2016. I’ll try to hold on as long as (U.S. Rep.) John Dingell. I’ve got a few guys I’m grooming. I don’t want to put anyone out front now. I’ve got a couple guys on staff that are outstanding, and a couple of young mayors who I watch very closely and who are doing a good job on the local level, so there’ll be somebody with the talent. WESTEND: You are also currently at odds with Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, and the Republican state legislature, over plans to reform Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance coverage, particularly the $1 million cap on medical care for catastrophic injuries. Your injuries were covered under the worker compensation law rather than no-fault auto insurance. Why are you so opposed to the proposed change? As a fiscal conservative, how would you recommend reforming insurance? Or is that an unnecessary reform? PATTERSON: I didn’t draw a dime from that fund. It is so drastic and so unfair. It sounds like a lot, and they go around, (Rep.) Peter Lund (RMacomb) and Bolger (R-Calhoun), the Speaker of the House, and they say we’ll put a $1 million in that policy, and that’s 20 times higher than the next state, which is New York, so we’re being very generous. My driver, who was catastrophically injured because of his injuries, has already gone through $2.7 million. He’d be out of money in the first four months. Then the care he gets, which is constant, would not be available to him. He’d fall back on Medicaid. He’d be assigned some hospital where basically he’s warehoused, or would be warehoused, until he curls up and dies. It is so unfair. They tested this with the public back in 1992. They wanted to repeal no-fault (insurance). Sixtythree percent said no, leave it alone. So in ‘94 they came back, and 61 percent said no, leave it alone. So now these guys are doing an end run around the express will of the public and they’re going to try to repeal it themselves with legislation rather than asking the public by referendum. And you’ve got to watch out for that word reform. It’s hard to speak out against reform. It’s right up there with motherhood and apple pie. But if you look at the reform, one man’s reform is another man’s bankruptcy. It could be another man’s death sentence. So you’ve got to ask what is the nature of the reform. This fund they want to support,

SO NOW THESE GUYS ARE DOING AN END RUN AROUND

THE WILL OF THE PUBLIC AND THEY'RE GOING TO REPEAL IT WITH LEGISLATION

L. BROOKS

PATTERSON INTERVIEW BY LISA BRODY

Westend photos: Laurie Tennent

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catastrophic claims fund, is going to go broke in 25 years and it can’t sustain itself because of all the claims being made. Really? How’d you come to that conclusion? Well, it’s an actuarial supposition we used. So my guys said, can we see that actuarial supposition you used. It’s so complicated you wouldn’t understand. Now that’s arrogant. I wouldn’t do it myself, but we can hire an actuary. They don’t want us to see it because honestly, it’s a manufactured crisis. It’s not going broke. I got into this fight a year ago, actually before my accident, when there was $13 or $14 billion in the fund. Now, there’s $17 billion – it’s expanding, not contracting, and if we just took the interest off that, just the interest alone, we could pay all the claims. It’s almost like an annuity now. Dennis Muchmore, Snyder’s chief of staff, who used to work for me, came down to see me, and we went into the conference room, just the two of us and closed the door, and said, “What’s it going to take Brooks?” I said, “I’ll tell you Dennis, I just want to see the books.” He laughed. I said what’s so funny. He said, “The governor made the same request and they won’t show him the books!” I said why are we fighting. You guys should be on my side. Everything is under the cover of darkness. It’s sealed. It’s just a bad system. WESTEND: Starting about eight years ago when you were running for re-election, you were one of the first politicians of note calling for a “Big Tent” approach by the Republican party to build a broader base of party involvement. It would appear, at the state and national level, that the “Big Tent” approach has not caught on and that a number of issues considered litmus tests are still being applied to those seeking to identify themselves as Republicans. We have also had the growth of the Tea Party, which seems to be a force somewhat in pushing the party towards a more conservative position. Is there still hope that the “Big Tent” approach can be used or has confrontational party politics pretty well doomed that concept. PATTERSON: If we don’t change we will continue to shrink as a growth force. Luckily, we control the House (of Representatives), and (Rep. John) Boehner is the Speaker, so nothing gets through the House that doesn’t have enough support, but he’s not always able to control them. People are now talking more about it. If you see the Sunday shows, and they’re all talking about how Republicans are going to have to make appeals to minorities, Hispanics, women, and the issues...I mean, we’re not going to win elections on social issues. It’s still going to be the economy, stupid. It’s still going to be pocketbook issues. With the economy starting to pick up, then we can look at social issues, because it’s such a divisive issue to talk about abortion, to talk about gay marriages... I don’t know why so many have narrowed their focus. I’ve thought about it a lot. I was shocked

when Obama got a second term. I consciously sat down and thought about where did we go wrong. Obama is bankrupting the country. More of it, I think is that the Tea Party is a toothless tiger. When they had the Tea Party parades out here when ma and pa were protesting about their health care, it was the result of that one stock trader in Chicago who said it’s time for us to revolt, we all remember the Boston Tea Party, we better have our own Tea Party. That’s what sparked the Tea Party movement. All of a sudden there were parades on Woodward Avenue, parades on Big Beaver, parades on Maple Road. I went down to them, every one of them, and I walked the streets, not in the parade, but I wanted to talk to people. They were all grandma and grandpa from next door, mom and pop from across the street. They were all there for only one reason, because they were concerned about their health care – and they ought to be – and then the right wing Taliban of our party hijacked it. They got out front of it and said follow us. All of a sudden, to the casual observer, it looked like this guy had a following of thousands. They were there for one reason, to protect their insurance, to protect their pensions, and these other guys jumped ahead and said “I’ll lead this movement.” They’re the ones who now make the decisions for the party in conventions. Now that wing is getting stronger and they come to these conventions and they’re well-organized but they’re still a minority. If they get in total charge of the party, I think we are discredited off the map. WESTEND: Aside from population shifts in Oakland, how much of the current shift toward Democratic candidates in elections can be ascribed to the movement of the GOP in the state and Oakland to a more radically right position on key social issues? PATTERSON: I don’t know if that’s it at all. I don’t know if they’re all that radical. I’ve been to some of their speeches, and they are a pretty tough crowd,

and there is a litmus test, and I don’t pass on all of them and I’m not even considered a “good Republican”, which I’ve been all my life. I was trying to think about how Mitt Romney lost, and I thought about it for three or four days, and I had an “a ha” moment, and I think I’m right, and I think Mitt said the same thing about a month after the election, and I think Wendell Wilkie said it after he lost the election to Franklin Roosevelt – he was supposed to win against Roosevelt, and he was asked how did he lose, and he said, “It’s hard to win against Santa Claus.” You have the same thing here now. When 51 percent of the population is dependent on the government for some sort of support, he’s bought himself a coalition. Everybody who gets something from the federal government – citizenship, or tuition wiped out, or exemptions from Obamacare – the unions are lining up to be exempt – they’re all beholden. This was all predicted by a guy, Woodhousen, “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover they can vote themselves money from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury, and from that moment on, the democracy always collapses over loose fiscal power.” And that’s where we are. That was written in 1813. That’s where I think we are in America today. WESTEND: You’re known as an outspoken fellow, often at odds with administrations in Detroit and Wayne County. What are your thoughts about the emergency manager situation in Detroit? Do you think it’s likely there will be a municipal bankruptcy in Detroit? PATTERSON: Yes I do. They’ve dug a hole so deep, it’s almost inevitable. (Kevyn) Orr is going to try to get concessions from the unions, and they’re going to say we already gave at the office, thank you. He’s going to try to get concessions from vendors, and they’re going to say we’ve already taken a haircut. He’ll try to get concessions from all the debtors of the city, but I don’t think he’ll get them all, and even if he can, I don’t think he can make up all that the city is behind. He says he’s going to make a decision in two months, which means he’s given these entities two months to renegotiate their bids and their contracts. When (Gov. Rick) Snyder picked Orr, I publicly said I don’t have anything against him, he seems qualified, the only thing is he’s a bankruptcy lawyer – he’s always going to think bankruptcy. I was right on that one. Sure enough, that’s the arrow in his quiver. He’s got a recalcitrant city council, and they’re going to push back on everything. WESTEND: Your administration has been held up as a role model, here and across the nation, in terms of its budgeting practices, including the rolling approach to working several years

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out on budgets. You have also been fortunate to assemble a strong cast of assistants and employees who have an uncanny knack for predicting the future as it applies to revenue and general economic trends. What does your staff predict now in terms of the current economic recovery, against the background that some national predictions suggest that the current recovery may not be sustainable? PATTERSON: I disagree with that. We have the numbers and evidence to show that it is turning around. Michigan is actually leading the recovery. We were probably down the furthest, so if you were starting at Ground Zero, you have a good chance of showing the greatest percentage increase. I’ve been reading a lot of articles, it’s not just automotive, although automotive is our bread and butter for decades. We’re purposely avoiding automotive, although if an automotive supplier wanted to come to Oakland County, we’d welcome them. We’re not recruiting them. We’re recruiting information technologies, finance, health care. One in every five Oakland County worker works in health care in some capacity. That’s a huge percentage of my work force. I’m going to encourage that. Why? Because they’re well-paying jobs. They’re educated. The next revolution is going to be in the high tech economy. And I want to be right in the middle of that. So we designed a program back in ‘03 called Emerging Sectors, and we kicked it off in ‘04. We’re going to have a party to celebrate it on the floor of the Palace. I get a report every month telling me exactly which sectors are growing. We picked out the top 10 sectors that were growing – research, electronics, nanotechnologies, aerospace, alternative energies, energy, communications and IT, defense, and homeland security, insurance, robotics, and water technology. Those are the sectors we’re trying to recruit talent for. That was in ‘04, and here it is ‘13, and our success is we have now brought in 238 companies within those sectors, with the biggest one being IT. But the biggest investment is in health, with $851 million (invested). We crashed through the $2 billion barrier about two months ago; we thought that was a milestone. So we said let’s have a party and celebrate and invite all these companies to come and thank them for investing here, and guess what? Before we can get the party off the ground, we’re at $2.5 billion. Five hundred million dollars (of investment) in the last six months. Incredible. It’s just exploding. We purposely planned to have a program that was diversifying the economic base of this county. And I’ve got the evidence that it’s working. These companies are paying $63 million in taxes, federal, state and local. My whole staff, 90-some people, work on this program. This is the future. It’s called the knowledge-based economy, and I want to be a player.

to maintain our identity. It’s all about community pride. And that’s great. I love community pride. But it came back to bite me a little because they do not want to surrender their identity, and we said we’ll give you police protection by the sheriff, and it’ll be cheaper and better, because we’ve got labs and whatever. Nobody wanted to do it. The pressure was on for a while that we don’t need two dispatchers on, we should put things together, and that kind of consolidation was being driven by tough economic times. Now that the tax base is starting to increase, the pressure is off. Shortsighted.

I worked so damn hard, and supported OU’s (Oakland University’s) efforts to get a medical school. Why? Well, that little effort is now reversing the brain drain. We got 50 the first year, 75 the second year, 125 coming up this year, and we’ve got applicants from all 50 states and a few foreign countries. And these kids are all like, 3.99, 4.0, so the brains are coming back. Surveys show 80 percent will set up practice within 100 miles of the medical school, because they’re going to marry some local girl or guy. WESTEND: Although your administration made an effort a number of years ago to help underwrite studies of municipal service mergers and cooperative efforts among local communities, would it be fair to say that little progress has been made on that front? If so, does a rebound in the economy and local tax revenues take away one of the incentives for looking at service sharing or mergers at the local level? PATTERSON: I pulled the plug on that program. We spent close to $1 million on that to look at townships, for example, Independence that surrounds Clarkston. Rochester Hills, which surrounds Rochester. Farmington Hills, which surrounds the city of Farmington. Is there a case to be made? And we think we made it, the replication of services, both communities don’t need fire departments, both communities don’t need fire chiefs, and so forth. And they can save considerable money, especially in this economy where cities are going bankrupt. Not one city or township took us up on it or the proposal. It was costing us $2,000 or $3,000 to have these proposals done, so I said to my guys in finance, shut it down. What we ran into was, which I did expect, but not as strident, from the townships – we were chartered back in 1837 or whenever, and we don’t just want to disappear or be gobbled up. We want

WESTEND: Detroit for the first time in 40 years is seeing a resurgence in business in its downtown, and a revitalization in the Midtown section, primarily brought about by Dan Gilbert and his associates. The Hudson-Webber Foundation report says there’s been $6 billion of real estate projects built in the greater downtown area since 2006. Twentysomethings who have grown up in Oakland County, many in affluent suburbia, have really picked up the mantle and are excited to move down there and be part of this renaissance of Detroit. One, do you think this time it will stick; and two, why do you think it’s caught their interest? Do you see a downside for Oakland County, or is what’s good for the goose, good for the gander? Are businesses moving from Oakland County downtown just moving chess pieces around the board, leaving vacancies in Oakland County? Or does it help bring in businesses to the entire metropolitan area? PATTERSON: Do I think it will stick? It’s hard to say. Detroit is such a black hole. Things go in and get caught in there and never get seen again. Detroit’s got to go through a real internal revolution in how it does business and how it’s constructed. There’s still a lot of work to be done. Just bankruptcy isn’t going to make it all go away. Bankruptcy doesn’t improve the educational system. That system is a total failure. Bankruptcy isn’t going to stop crime. Just the opposite. Bankruptcy won’t rebuild the neighborhoods that are suffering. Blight is all over the place. Bankruptcy gets the creditors off your back. The city, when I grew up there, was pushing 1.2 million people. Today, it’s a little under 700,000 people. It’s half what it was. The tax base is in half. It’s going to take a lot to bring it back. Am I going to say it’s never going to come back, that it’s impossible? No, I’m not going to be that much of a pessimist. I don’t see a downside for me (Oakland County), unless they go bankrupt. If they go bankrupt, Moody’s and Standards & Poors said they would downgrade my AAA bond rating, through no fault of my own. We go to Wall Street every year to make a presentation about our strengths and how we believe we should maintain

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and continue our AAA bond rating. They say they grade us on four criteria, basically on our business practices. They think our liquidity is outstanding – it’s close to $400 million. Some of it is in restricted funds, it’s not all in general fund dollars. But they look at one other thing. They look at the environment. I’m thinking like a lawyer, environment, that’s the ground out there, factories. Uh uh. Environment is where you’re situated. They said, “Let’s face it, Brooks. You’re situated between Flint and Detroit.” Any survey of those two cities is they’re in the top 10 of crime, undesirability. I said, “Wait, you just said we’re debt-free, we’re well-managed. So why are you going to downgrade me because of geography?” Here’s what they said, quote: “Geography.” That means the cost of doing business goes up about $2 million. That’s a lot. We can always get the AAA back, but how do we do that? So that’s one of the reasons I don’t want them to go bankrupt. I’m not being altruistic, I’m being selfish. On the other hand, if Detroit does come back and becomes an attraction, that’s good for Oakland County for a couple of reasons. One, they won’t come to us for bailouts like they do now. When I’m going around the world trying to get companies to come here to do business – and we are successful in getting companies from all over, including Japan and China, to come here – when they hear you’re in a suburb of Detroit, the image of Detroit is so bad, a lot of the time, you’re out of the bidding. I tell people I’d love to be the county exec for suburban Boston, for suburban Chicago, suburban San Francisco. I could use those cities as my attraction. WESTEND: Any quick assessments of other office holders in the county and what their focus should be in terms of priorities: WESTEND: County clerk Lisa Brown PATTERSON: She’s brand new. I like her, her father’s a good friend of mine, Shel Miller. It’s too soon to tell. We had one run-in. She called up my legal department and said she didn’t want us to be in a lawsuit affirming the marriage between a man and a woman. So my office got dragged into the lawsuit, and she wanted us out of it. My lawyer called me up, and I said, wait, you work for me. Before you make a decision like that, you check with me. I would have stayed in (the lawsuit). He apologized, and said he was just trying to keep peace in the family. But she’s a nice girl. A nice lady. WESTEND: County treasurer Andy Meisner PATTERSON: Andy has his own agenda. I’m sure he’s running for county exec. His chief of staff, deputy, a guy named Jim VanLeuven just left, and he’s the guy with all the knowledge. He worked for (former county treasurer) Hugh Dohany, and he

knows where all the bodies are buried. He left, so who does Andy hire to replace him? A female lawyer from Lansing who specializes in election law, who knows nothing about the role of the treasurer. He’s sitting on a bunch of issues that are multi-million, if not multi-billion, dollar proposals. We spend a great deal of time in my finance and management budget looking over his shoulder. We have arguments about the difference between a negotiated sale and some bonds; he wants to change the practice and procedure, which happens to be dangerous because frankly a political decision will come in if he makes the call and his friends come in. That’s not how we do things here. He’s very political, smart and is frothing at the bit for Brooks Patterson to go out to pasture. WESTEND: County sheriff Mike Bouchard PATTERSON: Mike’s an experienced guy. He’s been around. We’re the only two Republicans left and it used to be a completely Republican slate in the old days – and the old days weren’t too long ago, just a few years ago. The public likes him, he does a good job. He gets re-elected every four years with a substantial margin. He’s doing a good job and has earned the respect of the people. WESTEND: County prosecutor Jessica Cooper PATTERSON: I think she’s a numbskull. She quit the Court of Appeals and I think she thought in her own mind she was going to come and set up a practice dealing with arbitrations and that stuff, and nobody went to her. So then she looked around and said, “I think I’d like to be a prosecutor.” And she ran for that with no real experience for that role. She’s very mercurial. You can walk in one day and fire a couple of people for no apparent reason. People in that office say they walk on eggshells. I’m not a big fan of hers, as you can see. I ran that office for 16 years. I know what it takes. I know a little bit about it. WESTEND: You’ve had a long career here, as

Oakland County executive, and before that, as Oakland County Prosecutor. Under you, the county has consistently had a coveted AAA bond rating, balanced annual budgets, and respect from Wall Street. You founded Automation Alley, southeastern Michigan’s premier high-tech consortium, in 1998, which now has a roster of over 1,000 companies. What developments in Oakland County that you had a hand in are you most proud of? And either as executive, or as prosecutor, what have been your greatest disappointments? PATTERSON: (I’m most proud of) Emerging Sectors. I thought it would take me 25 years to bring in new companies, not necessarily automotive. I want the high-paying jobs involved in the knowledge-based economy, which means you’ve got to be educated with probably a fouryear degree, and maybe a little graduate work wouldn’t hurt. National average for a four-year degree is 27 percent; Michigan it’s 23 percent; Oakland County it’s 49 (percent). We do educate our kids here. The jobs we are trying to attract are the well-educated because you find out they’re the higher paying ones. Sixty percent of the new jobs in the last four years are from the knowledgebased economy. We’re still adding jobs, and we’re adding them faster in the right areas. Arts, Beats & Eats. It was my idea back in ‘99, and now it enjoys a national reputation. Paying off our legacy costs, $600 million that we owed in retiree health costs – it’s gone. I paid it off. We’re the only one in America to have done that. We started a race, called the Brooksie Way, it’s an expression my son-in-law used when he gave the eulogy (for his late son, Brooks Stuart, “Brooksie”, who died in snowmobiling accident in 2007), he was saying, when you go skiing, you go for the deepest, powdery snow. When you go rafting, you go for the whitecaps. Live life to the fullest – the Brooksie way. So we started a halfmarathon, 13.1 miles and a 5 K; this year, we added a 10 K. This year, we probably have over 7,000 (competing) for the sixth annual Brooksie Way. I put together a very strong board, and now they rank us, and we’re ranked in the top 10 when it comes to aesthetics for the beauty of the course. We’re considered one of the most digitally advanced counties in the country. I’m just proud our county enjoys a good reputation. I’m one of those guys, still at my age, at 74 years of age, in my 21st Scan for audio year here, still looks L. Brooks Patterson forward to Monday interview. morning.

DETROIT'S GOT TO GO THROUGH A REAL INTERNAL REVOLUTION IN HOW IT DOES BUSINESS... BANKRUPTCY ISN'T GOING TO MAKE IT ALL GO AWAY.

FACES

Allison Beers

llison Beers organized various functions and canned food drives as a child and began a practice that would foreshadow her profession as one of northern Michigan’s leading event planners. “My mom volunteered at St. Williams (Catholic Church) in Walled Lake,” she said. “She signed us up to do everything.” Beers’ detail-oriented nature and altruistic mentality led her to volunteer for an abundance of activities at church and Walled Lake Consolidated Schools while growing up. “I signed up for all the student council events I could possibly wrap my arms around.” In addition to volunteerism and event planning, Beers was a songbird, lending her voice to the St. Williams Catholic Church and Walled Lake Central High School choirs. “I took private voice lessons for six years. I kept singing and I loved doing it, but in college I realized I could make a living event planning.” After graduating from Albion College with a double bachelor’s degree in English and speech communication, she became certified in event management from the George Washington University School of Business. Beers moved to Philadelphia and worked for a company tasked with coordinating the opening event for the new Philadelphia Eagles football stadium. “I was asked to manage the project,” she said. “I flew my mom out to work with me. I always say, ‘If you want something done right, have your mom help you. She’ll never let you down.’” Beers prospered out east, earning a reputation as a distinguished planner

with an energetic approach to her projects. Ultimately, family brought her and her husband, Adam, back to the mitten. “I met Adam at Albion and he is a Traverse City native. I loved my job, but I loved my family in Michigan much more,” she said. “We missed midwestern people. You’d have to drag me (out of Michigan) kicking and screaming now.” Beers and her husband moved to Traverse City. Despite a struggling economy, her husband encouraged her to start Events North, an event planning company. “My husband is a banker. Of all people, he told me to do it,” she said. “He had all the faith in me.” In 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, the Traverse City Business News consistently named Beers one of the 40 Most Influential Business People under 40. In 2010, she was named the Top 10 in 10 from Albion College. The accolades have encouraged Beers, but she credits the success to her support system. “Whenever I receive an award, I know it’s about me, my team and my family,” she said. “And, I know that all the hard work is paying off, for crying out loud!” Beers has continued to volunteer in Traverse City and travels downstate to visit family monthly. In the philanthropic footsteps of her mother, she includes her husband and two children in her endless charitable activities. “My mom and dad instilled this constant need to give back. I feel blessed for all that I have. The least I could do is give back my time.” Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Scarlett

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RULES OF ORDER HOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS RUN MEETINGS

BY HAYLEY BEITMAN AND LISA BRODY

s with everything else in life, there is a right, and a wrong, way to run a meeting. That is especially true when it comes to municipal meetings and school board meetings, where having the appropriate flow and order is not just a nicety, but a matter of civic conduct. Organizations depend upon sequence, timeliness, uniformity, regularity, and respect for both the group being represented and the individuals on the dais, as well as the public coming before them. Rules and procedures for how everyone acts and responds allows for respectful meetings that hopefully come to productive conclusions in a timely manner. In Commerce Township, Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake, the use of the historic Robert's Rules of Order sets the template for meetings in a parliamentary fashion. The first edition of Robert's Rules, originally called Pocket Manuel of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies, was published by U.S. Army Colonel Henry Martyn Robert in 1876. The procedures he prescribed in his book were loosely modeled after those used in the U.S. House of Representatives, with adaptations made by Robert as he saw fit for use in everyday society. Legend has it that Robert first became interested in parliamentary procedure in 1863 when he was chosen to preside over a church meeting and felt he did not have the necessary knowledge of proper procedure. Embarrassed, he was determined to learn parliamentary law. As he continued as an active lay leader in organizations over the years, as well as in his position with the army, he traveled around the country and discovered that people from different areas of the country had divergent viewpoints of what proper parliamentary rules were, and these conflicting views often held up the ability of the organizations to function. He became convinced there was the need for a new manual to clarify one set of rules that would allow all organizations to adopt the same set of rules. Today, Robert's Rules of Order, now in its 11th edition, is the most commonly adopted parliamentary authority in the United States, estimated to be used by 85 percent of all organizations.

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Col. Robert would probably be astounded to discover some of the areas in which his manual has been updated in, such as the appropriateness of posting agendas on websites, that cellular phones and pagers should be turned off during meetings, and that public meetings not only are open to the media, but can be recorded for radio and TV. But that is evidence of both the flexibility of the document, and its enduring relevancy. ome of the areas that remain pertinent and applicable to this day include how to open and close a meeting, close a debate, instructions on how to take a break during a meeting, take a matter off of the table, cancel a previous action, or to reconsider a motion after it has been proposed during a meeting. Rather than there being random actions, dependent upon whoever is appointed or voted to lead the organization or municipality, Robert's Rules of Order provides direction and continuity across boundaries and geography. Where elections can alter the course of a city or township, the rules provide consistency, as well as a trail, in their minutes, for future commissions to follow. Besides Robert's Rules of Order, Robert Sedler, Wayne State University Law School professor and a constitutional law expert, said, “The city charter of any municipality is the governing body. If there are any questions, you look at the city charter for answers, because it is going to set the rules about the way a city commission is going to act. Within that document are the rules the city must follow, to certain degrees, because anything local is a creature of the state. Municipalities and school boards actually have no power, except as given to them by the state legislature, as long as they don't do anything wrong. It's called the Home Rule Cities Act, which gives them a lot of power, just as long as they don't do anything wrong.” The Home Rule City Act, created by the Michigan legislature in 1909, is an act which provides for the incorporation of cities and for revising and amending their charters. It gives them certain powers and duties; allows cities to levy and collect taxes, borrow money, and issue bonds; to validate actions taken, bonds issued, and obligations incurred; allows them to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; as well as the powers —and the limits of power —of elected officials. Under the Home Rule City Act, a city can amend its city charter by a vote of the electors residing within the city. (It also includes counties, townships, and villages). An amendment can be proposed either by the governing body of the city, which in Walled Lake is known as the city council, in Commerce Township as the board of trustees and in Wolverine Lake as the village council, or by an initiative petition signed by a certain number of registered voters. A revision of a city charter is a more comprehensive process which replaces the existing charter with a new one. The decision to revise a city charter must be approved by the voters of the city and can be proposed by the city council or by a petition. Usually, a special commission is elected to write a new charter and submit it to the voters for approval. The commission is not obligated to keep any provisions of the previous charter. Over the years, there have been many amendments to the act, including to permit an emergency financial manager, in 1988, which is now being called upon in several municipalities, including Detroit, Hazel Park, Pontiac, and Benton Harbor. Whether a municipality is as large as Detroit, or as intimate as Wolverine Lake, every government

body and organization must follow the Michigan Open Meetings Act 267 of 1976, which protects the public's right to know what is going on in government by opening to full public view the processes by which elected and non-elected officials make decisions on our behalf. The basic intent of the Open Meetings Act is to strengthen the right of all Michigan citizens to know what goes on in government by requiring public bodies to conduct nearly all business at open meetings. In the act, “public body” means any state or local legislative or governing body, including any board, commission, committee, subcommittee, authority or council which is performing an essential public purpose. A “meeting” according to the act, refers to the convening of a public body at which a quorum is present for the purpose of deliberating towards or giving a decision on some kind of policy or matter which the public body represents. “Closed session” means a meeting or a part of a meeting of a public body which is closed to the public, and is permitted, although it must be announced and voted on. “Decision” pertains to some kind of determination, action, vote, or disposition of a motion, proposal, recommendation, resolution, order, ordinance, bill, or measure which a vote is needed by members of the public body is required, and which the public body formulates public policy. Occasionally, members of the public get very concerned when they see city commissioners out at a restaurant, bar, or a social event, and assume they are violating the Open Meetings Act. The act is very clear, though, that it does not apply to a meeting of members which is social or where it is a chance meeting, and not designed to avoid the law. Especially in smaller communities like Commerce Township, Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake, where municipal business, community events, and social gatherings often find people overlapping, when commissioners, trustees, council or committee members see one another it is not automatically a violation of the Open Meetings Act. The village of Wolverine Lake has written procedures in place regarding how to run a meeting and how to address council which they follow for both regular and special meetings of the village council, designated to be held in the council chambers of village hall. The council chambers are open 15 minutes prior to each meeting and are open to the public in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Regular meetings, as stated in the village charter, will be held at least once a month, typically on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. and on the Monday following each regular village election. The calendar with these dates is published in December the year prior. Copies of the agenda are available on the village's website the Friday before 5 p.m. prior to the Wednesday meeting, and those who want it can request, through a form on their website, to have it e-mailed to them the Friday before the date of the meeting. A hard copy of the agenda is also available in a rack at the back of the council chambers before and during a meeting. If any additions are made to the agenda, they are stated at the meeting and a motion is made to accept or reject the changes. The village does not provide agenda packets to anyone but council members; however all communication to the board is open for the public to see, unless it pertains to a closed session, village administrator Sharon Miller said. Letters get read into the record only if requested. “We do use an agenda packet that is given to council members the Friday before the Wednesday meeting. We do not provide a packet

to anyone else, just council,” Miller said. In the case of a special meeting, only the business which was stated in the notice shall be transacted, according to charter. “Special meetings shall be called by the clerk on the written request of the president or any two members of the council on at least six hours written notice to each member of the council, but a special meeting may be held on shorter notice if all members of the council are present or have waived notice thereof in writing.” Two or more members of council may request or compel the attendance of its members and other village officers at any meeting. The charter states, “Any member of the council or other officer who when notified of such request for his attendance fails to attend such meeting for reasons other than confining illness or absence from Oakland County shall be deemed guilty of misconduct in office unless excused by the council.” The charter states a majority of the members of the council in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all council meetings. In the absence of a quorum, or majority of council members, the clerk (also the village administrator) may adjourn any meeting for no longer than one week. In compliance with the Opens Meeting Act, Miller said council members never meet outside of a public meeting to discuss agenda items. The village of Wolverine Lake also has a written procedure in place regarding how to address council, which was most recently revised in 2008. Should a member of the public wish to address the village council, the procedure is outlined to allow the council to conduct the meeting in a businesses-like fashion and to receive input efficiently. The procedure states the public may address the council on agenda items during the first call to the public, which is normally item number six on the agenda. A second call to the public for all other items is made at approximately 9 p.m. fter being recognized by the president, or chair, the procedure states the person must identify themselves by name and address and state their reason for addressing the council. They are permitted up to five minutes to speak unless extended by a majority vote of the council. The charter states, “The council shall determine its own organization, rule and order of business subject to the following provisions: (a) A journal of the proceedings of each meeting in the English language shall be kept by the clerk and shall be signed by the presiding officer and the clerk of the meeting; (b) A vote upon all ordinances and resolutions shall be taken by yes and no vote and entered upon the records, except that where the vote is unanimous it shall be only necessary to so state; Any standing committees of the council shall be composed of at least three members.” Preliminary minutes are available within eight business days, and approved minutes are available within five business days after approval. All minutes are available on the village's website. “We include date, time, place, phone number, members present, absent, all motions and votes, and some discussion,” Miller said. The city of Walled Lake has written rules of procedure and order of business regarding how to run a meeting which can be found directly on the city's website. The public is invited to attend all meetings, which are generally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at city hall at 7:30 p.m. The Walled Lake city council recently announced they will only hold one city council meeting per month, as opposed to two, for the months of July, August and September.

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An organizational meeting is held on the Monday following each regular city election. The current calendar with all the meeting dates is also posted on the city's website. The agenda packet is prepared and sent to the city council members the Friday before the meeting. The agenda packet is also posted on the city's website and is available at the city clerk's office prior to the meeting for public access. Citizens can request to have the agenda packet e-mailed to them free of charge or can pick up a copy of the agenda in the council chamber the night of the meeting. Occasionally an agenda will be changed, and the revised version will be posted online and at city hall. All information is included in the online packet except for any material that is of a confidential nature to be discussed in executive session, Walled Lake Clerk Tamara Williams said. Williams said any communication that is received is given to the city council and included in the packet when possible. The city council may also request that a specific communication be read into the minutes. Any letters that are anonymous are not read. The Walled Lake city charter states that the council shall determine its own rules of procedure for audience participation at both regular and special meetings. The current rules allow for audience participation at the beginning and end of each meeting. The audience may not speak more than once or during other parts of the meeting until audience participation is welcomed again at the end of the meeting. Each speaker is allowed three minutes to address the council, unless the time is extended by a majority vote of the council, and the city clerk keeps the time on a timer which is projected on a screen. The charter states, “No member of the council shall vote on any question in which he/she has a financial interest, other than the common public interest, or on any question concerning his/her own conduct, but on all other questions each member who is present shall vote when his/her name is called unless excused by the unanimous consent of the remaining members present. Any member refusing to vote except when not so required by this paragraph shall be guilty of misconduct in office.” A majority of the members of the council in office at the time shall be a quorum for the transaction of business at all council meetings, but in the absence of a quorum a lesser number may adjourn any meeting to a later time or date, and in the absence of all members the clerk may adjourn any meeting for not longer than one week. Williams said city council members never meet prior to a meeting to discuss agenda items, as it is a violation of the Opens Meeting Act. ccording to the city charter, minutes are prepared within fifteen days of the meeting and unapproved minutes can be viewed in the council packet on the Friday prior to the next council meeting. The approved minutes are posted to the website within days of approval and the original copy is available at the city clerk's office. Williams said, “The minutes include a journal of the proceedings of the meeting, all matters voted upon, and limited discussion or verbatim transcript when necessary.” Commerce Township does not have formal, written rules of procedure, but has many statutes the township follows regarding public notice and how motions are made, Commerce Township Clerk Vanessa Magner said. As the clerk, Magner uses the Charter Township Act, the Clerk's Guide for Meeting Requirements and the Open Meetings Act when she has questions regarding meetings. The Clerk's Guide for Meeting

Requirements explains the statute and laws pertaining to board meetings and the clerk's duties for the meetings. Certain parts of the requirement guide are specifically for general law townships, so as a charter township, Commerce Township is not required to follow the entire document, she said. Regular meetings are held at township hall on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. and discussion meetings are held quarterly. “Four times a year we have two meetings a month,” Magner said. “I don't remember ever canceling a regular meeting.” By law, notice of the meeting and the agenda is posted on the township's website and also at township hall. The meeting schedule for the entire year is approved in December and is posted by the end of the year before meetings start in January. If a specific meeting is scheduled, it must be posted on the main page of the township's website and at township hall at least 18 hours before. Magner said the township does not have any written policies regarding the creation of the agenda or how it is put together. “We don't have our own inhouse policies,” she said. The township receives many e-mails and letters, which are not included in the agenda packet, but are available to access upon request. “We have to keep every agenda copy for a year and a day and that's everything given out or passed out at meetings because it becomes public record the second it's passed out,” she said. Commerce Township allows anyone to access anything free of charge, Magner said, giving the general public access to documents including agendas, agenda packets and correspondence. Citizens can call or e-mail township hall and request to receive the agenda packet via e-mail. “The e-mail you receive is the same e-mail the board receives,” Magner said. “I send the agenda out Thursday before the meeting. If the meeting is on Tuesday, it goes out the Thursday before.” An agenda item never changes and is never added prior to a meeting, but sometimes there may be additional information that will be sent out to just the board. The board of trustees never meets to go over the agenda. “Usually it's just Tom and I,” Magner said. “I tell him this is what I've got so far (for the agenda) and he'll tell me yes or no. You can never have a quorum.” A motion is passed through vote of a quorum, or majority of the seven-member board. A quorum is also needed to start a meeting and call to order. “Anyone can make a motion and anyone can second a motion,” which begins a discussion of the item. Magner said the name of each trustee who makes and seconds a motion is not required in the minutes. “I put more information in the minutes than is required. The absolute minimum is only the motion,” she said. The public is allowed to speak for two minutes during the two audience participation portions of the meeting, after being recognized by the supervisor. “The time limit he gives the public to speak is two minutes,” Magner said. “It's not a written policy anywhere. He doesn't have a timer, he just looks at the clock.” By law, the township has ten business days from the meeting to send out unapproved minutes. “I try to get them out as soon as possible. Our recording secretary usually gets them to us by Monday,” Magner said. The unapproved minutes are not posted anywhere, but kept in a minute book, and available upon request. “The final minutes have to be submitted within five days and those get posted online. If they are approved, they are posted by Thursday or Monday at the latest,” Magner said.

The Walled Lake School District's Board of Education is governed by written rules of procedure in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. The board holds at least one regular meeting each month, with the meeting schedule being adopted by a majority of board members at the first board meeting each July and posted at the entrance to the Educational Services Center within ten days after the first meeting in each fiscal year. For regular monthly meetings, the board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Educational Services Center in Walled Lake unless otherwise noted. Special meetings may be called as provided under the General School Laws of Michigan. “Special meetings may be called by the president of the board or any two members of the board, provided that notice of the meetings shall be provided by phone or in writing to board members no less than 24 hours before the meeting, with posting at the office of the superintendent no less than 18 hours before the meeting, said posting to include the purpose of the special meeting. New business items may be introduced if approved by a majority of the board,” their rules of procedures dictates. esides the delivery of the agenda, no notification to board members is required for a special meeting. The superintendent is responsible to inform members of the board of the date, time, and place of any special meeting by written notice not less than 72 hours prior to the special meeting. The board agenda is compiled by the superintendent, in cooperation with the board president, and the superintendent is responsible for distributing the appropriate material and written matter concerning items on the agenda to each board member before the meeting. Any person or business may receive the schedule of regular meetings or notice of special or rescheduled meetings for free via written and electronic news media and for a fee via first class mail. Upon request, the president of each employee association, the president of each local PTA, the president of the PTA Council, the Special Education P.A.C. representative and media representatives may receive a copy of the board meeting agenda and minutes mailed for free. Any other person may buy these items for an annual subscription fee: $7.50 for agenda only, $15 for minutes only, $18 for agenda and minutes, $65 for agenda, minutes and background materials. This revenue benefits the district's general fund. The board of education takes action through motions which require a yes or no, or roll call vote. The board president may allow a board member to explain their vote. The public is invited to attend all board meetings, with the exception of closed sessions. “At all board meetings (regular, special, organizational, emergency or study session), any person in attendance wishing to speak to the board shall fill out an audience participation request card,” which are available on the handout table, “and turn it in to the board president in advance of the meeting,” the rules state. “The rules for proper protocol are available through the secretary prior to the board meeting and are printed on the back of the audience participation request cards.” The speaker must be recognized by the board president and the board reserves the right to limit discussion and requests to less than three minutes. People wishing to speak about non-agenda items may do so during the audience participation portion of the agenda, also limited to less than three minutes and a total of twenty minutes for the entire portion.

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FACES Matt MacDermaid

att MacDermaid, affectionately known as The Axxmann, began strumming his father’s Danelectro guitar at 10-years-old. He recently released a CD entitled Born with the Blues by Bea B and The Axxmann. “It’s traditional in parts and modern in parts,” MacDermaid said of the bluesy collaboration. “It has had some mainstream success and a lot of Internet success.” MacDermaid acquired his nickname during his early years growing up in Flint. “In the music industry, the guitar is considered the axe,” he said. “At a guitar store in Flint, I’d walk in and they’d say here comes the Axxmann.” The moniker stuck. By the age of 11, MacDermaid was playing in his first band, The Inevitables, and earning money for his prowess. That band performed at sock hops and school dances. “We got paid for our work, but that was irrelevant. It was about playing the music and having fun.” MacDermaid grew up in a musical household, where MacDermaid said he was heavily influenced by his father. “Without a doubt, if (my father) hadn’t played, I never would’ve started playing,” he said. “Music was always playing on the radio and dad had his friends who got together once a week when I was young.” MacDermaid is musically-inspired by legends such as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Ted Nugent and Hank Williams, Jr. and Sr., but identifies most closely with the blues. “The blues appeal to me because of its depth and because the roots go so far back.” Not to be pigeonholed into any specific genre, The Axxmann recently began a unique collaboration with a band called Crazy Boy, an eclectic group of musicians who are actively writing music for TV and movies. “Crazy Boy is a place where a group of five musicians work to put original music together with a main direction towards TV and movies,” he said. “We are working with a legendary songwriter named John Durrill. He has written music for everyone from Frank Sinatra to Cher. I’m trying not to get too excited, but John Durrill said our song ‘Last to Know’ is going to be a big hit.” As the owner of Aladdin Printing in Commerce for 30 years, MacDermaid has always managed to make time each week for his music. “I probably spend 10 to 15 hours a week on my music,” he said. “My wife would say it’s more like 50 hours a week.” MacDermaid moved from Flint to the lakes area in 1972 and graduated from Walled Lake Central High School. He and his wife have two sons. “My oldest son makes the statement that he’s good at playing the radio. My youngest plays guitar and he is a natural.” MacDermaid has balanced entrepreneurship and music for decades, with both his music career and printing company thriving. He is extremely encouraged by recent successes and endeavors. “I have a wife, Kathleen, and a great crew at Aladdin Printing,” he said. “I have waited all my life to pursue music full time, and now it looks like my dream could come true.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Mike MacDermaid

MUNICIPAL

Special liquor licenses considered By Hayley Beitman

Wolverine Lake approves budget By Hayley Beitman

The Wolverine Lake Village Council unanimously approved the village's 2013-2014 fiscal year budget, which will begin July 1 and run through June 30, 2014, at the council meeting on Wednesday, June 12. The approved 2013-2014 budget has projected revenues of $2.3 million against projected expenses of $2.3 million. The village's millage rate will be maintained at the current rate, 9.57 mills. “Overall the proposed budget is $2.294 million, up about $42,000 from last year,” council president John Magee said at the meeting. Magee pointed out that money was put into the parks and recreation fund for infrastructure improvements. “It's a pretty substantial amount but there is nothing really, truly earth shaking in terms of ups and downs in the budget.” The police department fund, the village's largest expenditure, is projected to have expenses of $667,100. The village's general service fund is reduced this year and expected to have expenses of $489,900, compared to $684,550 budgeted, and only $394,369 actually spent, for this current fiscal year. Rubbish and leaf collection expenses, the village's trash fees, are anticipated to be $325,000, up $10,000 from the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The department of public works fund, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of expenditures, is expected to be $219,150. The village's revenues are primarily comprised of property taxes and penalties, followed by state shared revenues and solid waste fees. The budget estimates revenues of $1.29 million in taxes and penalties, $327,900 in state shared revenues, and $325,000 in waste fees. The paving of Glengary Road will be the major road improvement this year in Wolverine Lake, Magee said, with money coming out of the major road fund, which is state money used to maintain the roads. “We have very few major roads in the village,” treasurer Mike Kondek said. The entire $550,000 budgeted for 2013-2014 will all go towards improving Glengary Road.

Last year, none of the $3,500 budgeted towards beautification was spent. The 2013-2014 budget estimates $4,500 will be spent towards beautification of the village. “I'm very proud of this budget and the work everybody on council did to get us here,” Magee said. “I'm also very thankful to past councils for putting us in a position where we did not, in this budget, have to make the very hard decisions that we had to make before. Thank you to current councils and thank you to past councils.” President pro tem Ed Sienkiewicz and council person Patrick Nagy discussed giving something back to the residents, but no vote was taken. “It would be nice in some way if we could return the gesture of good will or good faith to the residents,” Sienkiewicz said. “Maybe partial payment of trash pick up.”

Commerce looking to hire firefighters The Commerce Township Fire Department has plans to hire more paid-on-call firefighters and accepted applications until Sunday, June 30. Commerce Township currently has four fire stations, with 18 fulltime personnel and is looking to add to its 25 paid-on-call firefighters. Unlike full-time firefighters, paid-oncall firefighters do not work a set schedule and are compensated hourly for training and calls. Fire Chief Joseph Schornack said the fire department is looking for self-motivated, mature, disciplined men and women who are available during the day and especially when an emergency occurs. “Preference will be given to applicants with prior training, and all applicants must live within one mile of the borders of Commerce Township. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, and a good driving record,” he said. “It's a chance to give back to your community, meet a lot of great people and obtain training that may make a difference in someone's life,” Schornack continued. “The benefits are many, and knowing that you may be able to help save a life and give something back to the community are well worth the time and effort an individual has to commit.”

he Walled Lake City Council is considering pursuing special liquor licenses as a new way to bring economic development to the city. City council members on Tuesday, May 21, listened to a presentation from Brighton's director of community development Lauri French and Brighton's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) director Matt Modrack on how the city of Brighton has used redevelopment liquor licenses as an economic tool. Valerie Kemp, a Walled Lake resident who volunteers on the city's urban development committee, said she reached out to Brighton after seeing how successfully Brighton had utilized the liquor licenses as redevelopment tools, and then approached Walled Lake with the idea. “Last week, I presented it with Lauri French to the Walled Lake DDA and it was very well received. They made a motion to move it on to the city council for consideration,” Kemp said. “It will be a game changer if Walled Lake decides to move forward. (I believe) it is really a no-brainer, especially facing the gloomy present budget situation. The city of Walled Lake has the opportunity to transform its future from the present budget cuts and city layoffs, a gloomy picture, to development and hiring, a ray of sunshine.” The city of Brighton has proven that for their municipality, redevelopment liquor licenses are a successful economic development tool, having created over $18 million in new development and redevelopment over the past five years. At the city council meeting, Modrack explained how it can benefit Walled Lake. “We like to try and help our fellow communities succeed. When our communities succeed, our state succeeds,” he said. Modrak explained that these kind of special liquor licenses were made available through Public Act 501 of 2006, and the law allows the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to issue new liquor licenses to businesses which qualify in the area. A minimum of $200,000 has to have been spent by the business in improvements over the past five years. A city may get one license for every $200,000 in improvements spent. When applying for the license, applicants must show a plan to spend more than $75,000 in improvements over the next five years. The licenses through the MLCC cost $20,000 each and a percentage of that would come directly back to the city of Walled Lake. The licenses are also tied to the building address, but ownership can be transferred in the community. “This is a wonderful example of cross community collaboration. I am so thankful that they (Brighton) are a community which has openmindedness regarding sharing of information across community lines and accepted my invitation to present this information to Walled Lake's city council,” Kemp said. “The timing was perfect. It's the perfect scenario. It just so happened they're redoing their budgets and talking about cuts, and it just so happened at the same time, I was looking at redevelopment liquor licenses.” According to the presentation, Walled Lake's potential for success is high, with the ability to draw from nearby areas.“Walled Lake can draw from Wixom, Novi, West Bloomfield – cities that actually have a higher economic demographic than Walled Lake. If we make Walled Lake that dining destination, it will draw restaurants and dining facilities and be a dining location,” Kemp said. The city council didn't make any decisions at the Tuesday night meeting, but it is something that is being considered. “I think a lot of this sounds very good,” mayor William Roberts said. “This might be something to look at.” Kemp said she is hopeful the council will consider redevelopment liquor licenses. “There's not really an option except cuts, cuts, cuts. This gives them a chance to realize some revenue and some growth and foster economic development,” she said. “This is the solution. It might not stop the cuts right now because we don't have any income from the redevelopment yet but it's going to change the future. It's going to transform Walled Lake.”

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Planning process to proceed for library By Hayley Beitman

The Commerce Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Tuesday, June 11, to award a contract to Library Strategies of St. Paul, Minnesota to lead the Commerce Township Library in a long-range planning process. In April, the Commerce Township Community Library sent out a request for a proposal (RFP) to assist in the long-range planning process. The RFP was to allow firms to develop proposals for consultant services to assist the library in developing a comprehensive strategic plan for the next three to five years. The library received six responses to examine the community's growth patterns, demographics, needs for funding and service with respect to future trends and technologies. The chosen firm will work with the library to collect, analyze and interpret input from the community to present to the steering committee, as well as to design and conduct customer surveys and focus groups. The library advisory board determined that Library Strategies best met the criteria the library was seeking. As consultants, they will facilitate up to six monthly steering committee meetings, prepare agendas for the steering committees meetings, inform and educate the steering committee on current trends in library service, and prepare a final version of the long-range plan, including goals, objectives, and strategies. David Law, the library advisory board's township board representative,

told the board of trustees there was a wide range in quality and detail and it was apparent which firms had researched the township. Law said there was a direct correlation between quality and bids. “A big deciding factor was doing it right if we're going to do it,” he said. Six responses were received ranging from $11,398 to $40,275, and two proposals were over the library's $25,000 budget for this project. “It is the recommendation of the library advisory board that the township board award a contract to Library Strategies of St. Paul, Minnesota at a cost of $16,530, including expenses,” library director Connie Jo Ozinga said. Library Strategies, a consulting group of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, was established in 2007, and is the only consulting group in the country based in a library organization. “Library Strategies would be pleased to partner with the Commerce Township Community Library in its strategic planning process. We believe that the process outlined in this proposal will energize the library’s board and staff and build strong community support for the library into the future but we are open to designing and executing the process that the library believes will work best for its needs,” the proposal said.

Briquettes to combat West Nile virus This year, the city of Walled Lake will purchase briquettes instead of individual mosquito repellant wipes with funds the Oakland County Board

Goose roundup won't take place this year By Hayley Beitman

he goose roundup will not be done in Commerce Township this year as residents who were frustrated by the Canadian geese and their feces never applied for a permit through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). At the Commerce Township's regular board meeting on Tuesday, June 11, supervisor Tom Zoner told residents that a goose roundup will not take place this year in Commerce Township. “The goose roundup is not going to happen because they never got their application in to do a goose roundup. For Commerce Township, that's a dead issue,” he said. Residents, including some from the Oakbrook

of Commissioners designated to assist local governments with West Nile Virus and mosquito control activities. Walled Lake's City Council approved a resolution to use West Nile Virus funds from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to purchase briquettes instead of individual mosquito repellant wipes on Tuesday, June 18. “We want to utilize briquettes in neighborhoods, which sit in the ground and have repellent in them. They don't expire but they do lose their potency,” Walled Lake Deputy Treasurer Jennifer Stuart said. The Altosid XR larvicide briquettes, which cost $666.60 for a box of 200, can be placed before or during the mosquito season and will be dropped into neighborhood catch basins in order to destroy and control mosquito larvae. Walled Lake purchased two boxes. Basins along W. West Maple and Decker Roads will not be treated, as the larvicide Vactor is applied annually. According to the project proposal, the city has briquettes from previous years that will be dropped into the basin along with the new ones purchased. The old briquettes are still good to use but not as effective, the project proposal states. “We've bought wipes for the past few years. This is something new they would like to try,” Stuart said. “We have plenty of wipes that we do hand out and make available because we have so many left.” Leftover boxes of individual mosquito repellant wipes will continue to be distributed at city hall and civic events. The approval of the resolution will allow Walled Lake to be reimbursed for

Ridge Condominiums, had expressed interest in a goose roundup but did not go through all of the necessary steps for one, including one of the first steps, the nest destruction program. In order to apply for and receive a permit for a goose roundup, applicants must first participate in the nest destruction program to destroy nests and eggs, which requires the applicants meet eligibility requirements and attend training. “We actually didn't deny it because they never sent that application,” Zoner explained. “The township is put in a very awkward position by people who have already created the laws to protect the geese. They're federally protected. The state adopts rules and regulations on how to do things. One of the rules was they had to do a destruction before they could apply for a permit.”

$1,003.30 worth of mosquito control purchases, public works coordinator Lisa McGill said in a letter to the city council. Other reimbursable purchases include mosquito larvicide for catch basins, retention ponds, individual insect repellant and larvicide for distribution to residents.

Walled Lake to refinance bonds The city of Walled Lake voted unanimously Tuesday, May 21, at its city council meeting to take advantage of the opportunity to try and refinance the city's 2002 Building Authority bonds. The city issued its 2002 Building Authority bonds, dated February 1, 2002, in the original principal amount of $1.4 million. The principal balance is currently at $875,000, which is the amount being refunded, per a public act requiring a refund of any outstanding bond. City council voted unanimously to refinance the building authority bonds taken out in 2002, estimating a $5,000 to $6,000 per year in savings. “That's the estimated savings. It's pretty nominal,” Walled Lake finance director Colleen Coogan said. “We're going to save between $5,000 and $6,000 per year, which means by refinancing it, we're getting a lesser interest rate.” Through Public Act 34 of 2001, the city is authorized to refund all or any part of its outstanding bonds. The city was advised that for the first time in 10 years it may be able to accomplish a savings of debt service costs by

Zoner noted the residents who expressed interest in a goose roundup were also required to get signatures from nearby property owners, in excess of 70 percent of the people involved, before a goose roundup would have taken place. After a few comments from concerned residents that the roundup may happen in the future, trustee Bob Berkheiser stated that the township board was never involved in the planning of a goose roundup. “We got multiple, multiple e-mails about a roundup – there was never a roundup,” he said. “They were specifically directed to stay out of the park.” In regards to the goose roundup, Zoner noted Commerce Township does not make the rules. “We don't approve or disapprove anything,” he said. “As far as I'm concerned, this issue is done here in Commerce.”

Developer buys Wolverine property By Hayley Beitman

ith a recommendation from the planning commission, an approximate 12-acre piece of land near the Oakley Park Road and Commerce Road intersection received unanimous rezoning approval at a public hearing at the Wolverine Lake Village Council meeting on Wednesday, June 6, to be rezoned from commercial (C-2) to multifamily residential, and the council also ended up selling the company a 13-acre adjacent parcel owned by the village. Developer Redwood Management Company has plans to develop single story apartment homes in Wolverine Lake after receiving the rezoning approval. Council person and planning liaison Brian Nedrow said land development manager Richard Batt from Redwood Management Company came before the planning commission last month and received a unanimous recommendation from the planning commission to rezone the piece of property near Shepherd of the Lakes Church at 2905 S. Commerce Road and Heron Hills condos. President John Magee noted that the rezoning approval is not for a specific usage or purpose, but simply a rezoning from commercial to multifamily. Magee said the concept was impressive and would be a nice fit with the community. “I'm in favor of the rezoning,” he said. “Multifamily is in keeping with the rest of the land use around that.” Batt, of the company based in Ohio, told the commission he has approximately 3,000 apartment units across Ohio with 12 sites currently under contract in Michigan, including one in Commerce Township at 2720 Union Lake Road, where he plans to build the single story apartment complex Four Seasons. Batt told the commission he had plans to close on the land and that the project has been approved by Commerce Township's board of trustees. “Normally in three to four weeks, we're rolling.” Batt presented his plans to the council, stating each unit (approximately 110) will be approximately 1,300 square feet and have an attached two-car garage and two-car driveway. “Our rents are relatively high; we're $1,300 to $1,400 a month,” he said, which he said may deter crime or any problems. The apartment homes, which all have a property manager and on-site maintenance person, caters to empty nesters in their late 50s. “Our big deal is peace and quiet, nobody lives above you or below you,” he said. “This site has been zoned commercial for a long time. It has really been passed over by a lot of commercial opportunities,” Batt said. “We're walking in, we're picking up a long, tired, commercial site and we're turning it into something.” The council also considered the sale of the last village-owned property, an approximately 13-acre panhandle backing up to Redwood's property in Wolverine Lake. After considering offers from both Shepard Lakes Lutheran Church and Redwood Management for the piece of land located within the Heron Hills community, the commission voted to sell the piece of land to Redwood Management for $473,000. Council person Patrick Nagy raised concerns regarding the residents of Heron Hills. “We have to understand (Redwood's) intent and how they're going to use the property. It is the last property we have in the village,” he said. The commission debated going out for other bids and notifying the public of the sale. Magee noted there were no offers when the piece of land previously went through two tax foreclosure sales. “We should decide what would be a good use of the property for the community. I think what they're proposing is a good use for the community,” he said. “I believe this is the best path forward for the village.” President Pro Tem Ed Sienkiewicz made a motion to accept the letter of intent from Redwood for the two contiguous parcels of land. “The price is fair,” he said. The property was sold to Redwood Management by a 5-2 vote, with Nagy and John Scott dissenting.

refunding all or a portion of the outstanding bonds. The request for bids went out Wednesday, May 29 and was due on Tuesday, June 11. “If bids come in and nobody is going to give us a good enough interest rate, we won't refinance them. We don't know for sure until the bids come in.” “A resolution is needed to send your bonds out,” Coogan said at the May 21 meeting. The council voted all in favor, and local banks were contacted on Wednesday, May 29.

Tim Hortons in Commerce approved By Hayley Beitman

Commerce Township will get its first Tim Hortons restaurant and drive-thru on Haggerty Road and N. Pontiac Trail after receiving approval from the planning commission on Monday, June 3. The Commerce Township Planning Commission approved Tim Hortons' request for a special land use permit to construct a new restaurant with a drivethru at 2201 Haggerty Road in Commerce Township. Commerce Township Planning Director Kathleen Jackson said Tim Hortons needed special land use approval before moving forward because of the drive-thru, which will be open 24 hours a day. Jackson said the concerns with the drive-thru were minimal. “They just wanted the traffic engineer to take a look at it to make sure there wouldn't be stacking to interfere with the circulation of traffic. Tim Hortons is providing stacking spaces in excess of what's required by the ordinance,” she said. “The developer owns the parcel of land to the north and said he would be in (to the planning department) in short order for development on that parcel to the north, so that will be good.” The Tim Hortons will provide 27 parking spaces for customers. “They're light on parking, and the township will be doing a parking study when they open to ensure there is no parking difficulty. The planning commission was worried there wouldn't be enough parking, so we'll do a parking study after they open,” Jackson said. “They worked with us on the architecture quite a bit. We worked with the petitioner and made some changes. They added a stone surrounding all around the building and shortened the window so the window is ledged and just added some additional details.”

Jackson said she does not know when construction will begin, but Tim Hortons' time frame is to open the restaurant and drive-thru sometime this year. “They're in for permits right now (for site construction work),” she said. “They need to have the shovel in the ground within a year,” but have not pulled any permits yet. Jackson said engineering plans were brought in on Monday, June 3. Unlike some municipalities, Commerce Township does not require approval of the township board. “It's just a planning commission approval. It just goes to the building department and then engineer for construction. A lot of communities' special land used approvals go to the city council or township board, but in Commerce they don't. It's just the way our ordinance is written. They are not required to go to a governing body. Commerce's planning commission is the approving body,” Jackson explained. Special land use permit approval expires 365 days after the approval is granted unless the use has been established on the site, or construction plans associated with the special land use have been submitted for review, Commerce Township's zoning ordinance states.

T-Mobile to lease cell tower site The Commerce Board of Trustees unanimously voted on Tuesday, June 11, to allow T-Mobile Tower USA, LLC to enter into a master lease with Crown Castle International Corporation, which grants them the right to manage and operate the cell tower site in Long Park at Haggerty Road and 14 Mile in the township. The item was on the agenda for the township board's meeting on Tuesday, May 14, but no action was taken as township attorney Phillip Adkison of Adkison, Need, & Allen PLLC had not received a lease from T-Mobile or Crown Castle to review. “T-Mobile Tower USA LLC has granted Crown Castle the right to manage and operate the site in Long Park by entering into a master lease (basically a sublease) with Crown Castle,” a letter to the township from T-Mobile Director Allan Tantillo states. “T-Mobile Tower USA LLC will remain the owner of the rights, title and interest to the site and its obligations to the township under the

Police reject labor agreement By Hayley Beitman

primary lease remain intact.” After reviewing the lease, Adkison expressed concerns with the language in the letter and suggested the township board make a motion based on three conditions: “subject to payment of the $6,000 fee offered by TMobile, payment of attorney fees incurred by the township in reviewing the request to consent to master lease, and subject to the condition that this consent to master lease not change any term or condition in the current agreement between the township and T-Mobile.” At the township meeting, Adkison noted the $6,000 fee offered from TMobile is the highest he has heard of for a signing bonus in his career, and recommended the board ensure it is paid in full. Trustee Rick Sovel made a motion to approve the master lease with the three conditions set forth by the attorney. The motion to give consent to the master lease between T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Crown Castle International Corporation was approved unanimously.

Lacking quorum, meeting postponed By Hayley Beitman

With three city council members absent at the Monday, June 24, special council meeting, Walled Lake's budget hearing had to be pushed back again until Tuesday, July 16, as they lacked the required quorum of five members necessary for budget approval. Council members Casey Ambrose, Dennis Yezbick and mayor William Roberts were excused at Monday nights meeting by those council members present. William Sturgeon, John Owsinek, Robert Robertson and mayor pro tem Linda Ackley constituted a quorum needed to adjourn the meeting. “Without five members of council present, we won't be able to appropriate money so we won't be able to vote on the budget,” Ackley said. It was not the council's intention to push back the budget hearing further, Ackley said. “Our intention was to adopt a budget,” she said. “This is very unusual for this council. We've never not had enough people to vote.” At the Monday night meeting, a resolution was proposed and unanimously approved by a 4-0 vote ordering that no layoffs of police officers

shall occur until ten days after the adoption of the budget. Since thirty-day layoff notices had been given to the police department before the fire department received similar notice, the resolution extended possible police layoffs from Friday, July 5 to Friday, July 26. Fire layoff notices were issued Friday, June 21, giving them until Sunday, July 21, to receive layoffs, and putting them in the same week as possible police layoffs if labor negotiations are not resolved prior to budget approval. “The city continues to have labor negotiations meetings and more meetings are scheduled with the police, fire, public works and clerical unions to work toward agreements which satisfies the budgetary reductions necessary to ensure fiscal sustainability for the city,” the approved resolution states. “Labor negotiations could significantly change the financial information submitted to council by the city manager on the budget proposal for fiscal year 20132014.” The resolution also deferred the adoption of the budget to Monday, July 16, to allow for additional labor negotiations. Walled Lake's City Charter calls for the city council to adopt a budget for the next fiscal year by the second Monday in June. It also grants municipal powers to the city and its officers to do any act to advance the interest of the city, government and municipality. The date set for the final adoption of the budget is Tuesday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m., and city manager Dennis Whitt said he will continue to meet with the five bargaining units. “Essentially it gives us another month to come up with some kind of deal,” he said. “I've got absolutely no concessions with salaries. It's been a slow dance but with the resolution it might end the delay and give me one more shot to try and do this. We simply don't have the money to pay for what everybody wants.” “It (negotiations) could be characterized as close with the police,” Whitt said. “With police, we seem to be closer than we were. We're at the table.” Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said the police department and city have reached some middle ground on the pension system but wages are still the subject of negotiation. “Both sides want to get to an agreement and a lot of the issues have been resolved. The city's goal is to get an agreement before any layoffs take

he Walled Lake Police Association voted to reject a tentative agreement dealing with full-time staff working hours, pension benefits, post-employment benefits and employee compensation reached in labor negotiations with the city of Walled Lake, and now the Walled Lake Police Department is facing cuts and layoffs. “I am particularly disappointed to have to announce that the tentative labor agreement reached by the negotiating teams has been rejected by the union. Management believes that the tentative agreement was consistent with city council’s goals of maintaining city service levels, limiting the impact on city staff, reducing the structural deficit and decreasing the debt levels,” city finance and budget director Colleen Coogan said. “I was shocked they rejected it. I was so disappointed.” The tentative agreement, applying to all full-time sergeants, corporals, patrol officers and records coordinator, was proposed for four years, beginning Monday, July 1, 2013 until June 30, 2017. The proposal included reducing paid-time off, health care benefits for retirees, holiday, longevity and education payments and the city's benefit program. “We approached it from the standpoint that we need you to work more,” Coogan said. “In order to shore up that really rich pension plan, we're going to eliminate all games played with the final average compensation.” The proposed agreement allowed for 42 days off a year, instead of the current 55, and to pay out sick bank balances at 50 percent of what the employee would have received upon retirement. In terms of pension benefits, the agreement proposed to limit pensionable wages to base wages only, increase employee pension contribution from 5.25 percent to 6 percent in 2014 and seven percent thereafter. Coogan also noted the city's $800 per month health care benefit for retirees is not practical. “It is just not sustainable,” she said. The city proposed to buy out retiree health care by depositing $500 per year of service into a health savings plan. “Their net paycheck probably would have had a limited impact,” she said. The agreement also proposed to eliminate longevity and holiday payments, education bonuses, and patrol officers would receive a one percent base wage reduction each year beginning on July 1, 2014. The impact of these combined changes was measured in terms of debt reduction, expenditure reductions and increased service hours, city officials said. “The tentative agreement reflects good faith negotiations in which the city embraced a strongly held position of fiscal responsibility and a commitment to maintaining local police services,” Coogan said. Since the agreement was rejected, Coogan said police may now face cuts and layoffs like the rest of the city. “You just rejected a four-year job guarantee. They rejected it so now they're kind of in the same place as everybody else, which is we don't know. It's a difficult, difficult position to be in for the employees, too. It's hard on the city council and management,” Coogan said. “The council is committed to making whatever hard decisions have to be made.” This includes possible layoffs for the police department. “They've basically been put on notice by seniority or class, and the bottom group was put on notice,” Coogan said. “Nobody's made a decision yet, but there's going to be layoffs. We're still negotiating and are hoping to negotiate. If we can get concessions, we might be able to retain more positions and fewer people have to get laid off.” Due to a lack of a quorum at the recent special budget meeting, through resolution, the budget meeting was pushed back until Tuesday, July 16 at the next regular city council meeting. It is hoped the delay will give the city and unions additional time for labor negotiations. Coogan said the next steps are to “try and resolve some of this stuff. The city is still going to the table on all of this. “They've been put on notice. As many ways as you can think of, that's all the options that are still on the table. There's a million options going on here but we're trying to negotiate with the unions and so far there have been no concessions from the union at all.”

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07.13

place. With concessions, the hope is that it may help prevent layoffs,” he said.

Walled Lake trims meeting schedule The Walled Lake City Council will hold one city council meeting per month, as opposed to two, for the months of July, August and September. A resolution was passed at the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 4, to hold one meeting per month, instead of two, as a cost savings measure. The meetings for the months of July, August and September will be held on the third Tuesday of each of those months, and the regular meetings on the first Tuesday of each month will be cancelled. The resolution states, “One meeting per month shall be held on the third Tuesday of each of those months.” The resolution applies to July, August and September 2013. The resolution goes on to say, “In a budget crisis, efforts should be made to reduce city council compensation and whereas function of the city council are not as demanding during the summer months.” Walled Lake Deputy Treasurer Jennifer Stewart said she is not aware of a time when the Walled Lake City Council has done this in the past. Each of the six city council members are paid $35 per meeting and the mayor is paid $50 per meeting, for a total of $260 saved per meeting. Over the course of three months, the city will save approximately $780 on city council payments.

Liquor license transfer approved The transfer of a Class C liquor license from Deb’s Grill & Coney at 5500 Oakhill, Suite 400, in Clarkston to a new restaurant expected to open this summer in Commerce Township, Blu Nectar at 1050 Benstein Road in Suites 4, 5, and 6, was unanimously approved by Commerce Township Trustees at their meeting on Tuesday, June 11. Commerce Township Clerk Vanessa Magner recommended the approval for the Class C liquor license transfer application, stating all required agencies have approved and signed off on the clearance form, and the transfer of the license does not use a quota liquor license. “Since this request is a transfer under MCL 436.1529(1), approval of the westendmonthly.com

local unit of government is not required,” a letter from the MLCC to the township board stated. “The licensee must obtain all other required state and local licenses, permits, and approvals before using this license for the sale of alcoholic liquor.” Owner Omar Ouro, a Southfield resident, has been an employee and manager of Buscemi's on Benstein in Commerce Township since 2008, and decided to open Blu Nectar in Commerce Township. “I've worked here for a long time,” he said. “I am opening the restaurant in Commerce to bring business to the city. Why go anywhere else?” Ouro made major improvements to the space, including adding TVs, high top tables, lights and a surround sound system. “It just needed a lot of TLC,” he said. The restaurant's hours will be from 8 a.m. until 12 a.m., serving only fresh food and meats from a local butcher. “What we're doing is just basically a sports bar and grill. We're going to have TVs in there and bar food and stuff like that,” Ouro said. “I'm opening hopefully in mid-July. I'm not 100 percent sure just because of the license. That was my biggest issue.” The application states that Blu Nectar expects a ratio of food to liquor to be 65 percent food and 35 percent liquor with 80 seats, including nine at the bar. “It seats more than 76 people but I'm seating 76 in there,” Ouro told the township board. “And probably close to 50/50, more towards the food than drinks. It's a bar and grill, sports bar and grill. Everybody in that location did Italian restaurants or coney islands. I'm going in there to do more of a neighborhood bar and sports grill.” Ouro told the township board he currently has no plans for entertainment or outside seating. “I want to start off small and go with the flow and see how the crowd is first,” he said. The township board voted unanimously to approve the Class C liquor license transfer application. “You're on the road to cook,” township supervisor Tom Zoner said.

Decker Road construction begins After a pre-construction meeting and public informational meeting, the reconstruction and improvement plans for Decker Road in Walled Lake are finalized, and work began on Monday, June 17.

A pre-construction meeting coordinated by Boss Engineering was held the week of Monday, June 3, and a public informational meeting was held on Wednesday, June 12, to finalize plans and address questions from the public. “It was a very informational, open house style meeting,” department of public works coordinator Lisa McGill said about the public meeting held on Wednesday afternoon. “It was mainly directed towards residents who are going to be directly effected right along Decker Road.” McGill said the main questions were regarding ditches, curbs, speed limits, road width and sidewalks. “I think the big question was are the ditches going to go away and no, they're not. We're going to curb the entire thing, but the ditches are still going to be there,” she said. Residents also brought up the possibility of increasing the speed limit on Decker Road above 25 miles per hour. “As far as the entire length, they feel it can be raised but that's not part of this project and that's outside of our realm,” she said. “There were also lots of questions (about) whether or not the road is going to be widened, and no it's not.” McGill said the main work includes putting in curbs and gutters and doing re-ditching and asphalting. “People wanted to know if sidewalks are going to be replaced or added and no, there wasn't money for that. It's just all road work, no sidewalks or anything like that.” As far as for what residents can expect, all of the construction will be done during the day. “They're not going to work late at night or anything like that. It's residential and they're aware of that. Residents will always be able to get to their homes and it's not going to be completely shut down.” McGill said the pre-construction meeting coordinated by Boss Engineering was attended by those who had a special interest in the construction, including the contractors, engineers, utility company and road commission, to finalize plans. “It's going to be the northern section, from North Pontiac Trail to Commerce, because they want to get it done before school starts in the fall,” she said. The section of the road from Maple Road to Pontiac Trail is slated to be completed in early August and the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of September or beginning of October.

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FACES Joanne Ewald

oanne Ewald worked in corporate communications for 20 years when she was inspired to create Scatter Joy, a jewelry business that gives back to Michigan-based charities. Ewald began making jewelry from repurposed material such as discarded watch case backs, bike chain parts, scrap leather and interior collages incorporated within the pieces. “I was always attracted to using materials that already existed,” she said. “I love making something old new again. For the collages that go inside my jewelry, I use material made with recycled catalogs and Bibles. I cut them up and put in them in watch case backs. All my jewelry has a message on it.” Ewald donates a percentage of her proceeds back to three non-profit organizations: the Crane Centre is a career training center in Uganda; Sisters Hope helps survivors of breast cancer; and PBJ Outreach is an organization that offers food, clothing and hygiene kits to Detroit’s homeless. “All my display items and jewelry tags talk about the nonprofits to create awareness for them,” she said. “I really wanted to create and I wanted it to be centered on art and helping other people.” Through Scatter Joy, Ewald creates necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She does some custom work, but the majority of her pieces are available on Etsy.com and in Michigan galleries in Traverse City, Harbor Springs, Frankfort and in the Heavenly Metal boutique in Ann Arbor. With the success of Scatter Joy, Ewald is considering expanding to help more charities. “Now that I know the direction I want to go in, I’d like to do more one-time events for other non-profits,” she said. “I’d like to create a jewelry line and set up a booth at their fundraisers and give some proceeds back to them. I’m trying to do something for a child abuse non-profit, and I’d also like to do something with the Michigan Humane Society.” Ewald, not an artist by trade, earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University and had never considered a career in the arts. “It is bizarre to me that this is where I ended up,” she said. “But, I love everything about the arts community. It’s something that is really comfortable and feels like home.” The mother of two girls has lived in West Bloomfield with her husband, Cliff, for nearly 20 years. “It feels like you’re Up North in a suburban setting,” she said. “You’re close to the city and downtown areas and we love the Lakes Grill (in Commerce Township).” Ewald’s oldest daughter is studying abroad in Chile while her youngest has been able to get involved with Scatter Joy. “I hope it’s instilled in (my kids) to do something that matters to them in their careers and find something that feeds their souls,” she said. “I feel really passionate about what I’m doing and it gives me great joy to do it.” Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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EDUCATION School updates and repairs approved By Hayley Beitman

The Walled Lake Schools Board of Education unanimously approved using sinking fund money to make various updates and repairs to the district, including adding safety precautions, expanding the wireless network and repairing the tennis courts. The board voted on Thursday, June 6, to use sinking fund money to install a districtwide access control system, build a storage shed for Walled Lake Central High School, expand the wireless network, and repair the tennis courts at Walled Lake Central and Walled Lake Northern high schools. “This is all being done with sinking fund money which was approved for another 10 years by our voters and citizens in November. This is one of the main projects we do every summer to seize that time and do as many projects as possible to keep all of our schools in repair for the school year. This special fund allows the district to do a whole fund of repairs,” Judy Evola, director of community relations and marketing, said. This is the second time Walled Lake Schools has had a sinking fund. “It's a community approved funding source that allows the district to do a variety of needed repairs.” Operations director Bill Chatfield explained how the wireless network expansion project will expand wireless capabilities throughout the schools and facilities. “We have an existing wireless network but it was installed many years ago. It was originally intended to provide the wireless network to classrooms only,” he said. The expansion project will allow students to access wireless capabilities from their wireless devices in places like the hallways as they travel to class. “Just like all districts, everybody is expanding wireless capabilities. Many locations that do not have wireless connectivity simply do not have ports. The purpose of the project is to install additional wireless ports added onto the existing wireless ports so all spaces in all building have access to wireless in the school,” Chatfield explained. Places like the media center, gym, cafeteria, main offices and teacher workrooms currently are not close enough to a port for wireless access, Chatfield said. “People didn't think years ago they would need wireless access in the gym,” he said. “All of westendmonthly.com

Schools approve upcoming budget By Hayley Beitman

he Walled Lake Schools Board of Education unanimously approved the district's 2013-2014 budget on Thursday, June 6. The approved budget includes the use of fund equity to balance the 2013-2014 school year budget and $10 million in reductions, including concessions from all employees, privatization of the transportation department, elimination of the middle years program, dean of students position, media specialist position at secondary buildings and elementary media specialists. Other reductions include laying off teaching staff as a result of enrollment decline, cutting the textbook budget, buildings budget, extracurricular reductions and waste disposal costs. Estimated revenues for the upcoming fiscal year are $152.2 million in revenues against estimated expenditures of $155.8 million, or $10,163 in estimated revenues per student against $10,400 in estimated expenditures per student. The use of fund equity balance will cover the deficit of $3.5 million. Millage rates were approved at the meeting to decrease to 2.3285 mills on homestead properties from 2.4654 mills in 2012-2013. Homestead commercial properties will also decrease, from 8.4654 mills to 8.3285 mills. Non-homestead properties will remain the same as last year at 18 mills. To satisfy debt obligations for 2013-2014, 4.6445 mills will be levied on all properties for debt, up from 4.06, projected to generate $18.9 million, and the same rate of 0.50 mills will be levied on all properties for the sinking fund, projected to generate $2 million. Within the general fund, instructional costs are the largest expenditure, accounting for $104.3 million of anticipated expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. Pupil costs comprise $18 million of expenditures, and business and operations costs are expected to make up $11.9 million of anticipated expenditures. The board of education also approved a precautionary line of credit to cover cash flow shortages in the district’s general fund. “Walled Lake has never had to use a line of credit, but as a precautionary measure we asked the board of education to approve a line of credit in case we have a short fall,” community relations director Judy Evola said. Superintendent Kenneth Gutman sent a letter to parents explaining how reductions over the last 10 years have resulted in a savings of over $37 million. “Since 2001-2002, we have eliminated 506 positions representing 26 percent of our work force. This includes the reduction of nearly 100 classroom teachers. We have also cut over 50 percent of our central office administration positions. During the same time, we have lost 2.6 percent of our student population,” he said. “Our projected budget for 2013-2014 is $16 million less than five years ago. The cumulative impact of funding cuts has made it increasingly difficult to balance the budget while minimizing the effect on children and the classroom.”

those spaces have, over the years, found that they need to be connected to the wireless network. Every single building has some locations that are not currently accessing the wireless network that will be once this project is complete.” The project is in the beginning phases, with plans to be completed before school starts in the fall. “Over the years, that additional need was obviously identified and plans have been put into place to finally make that happen,” he said. The tennis courts at Walled Lake Central and Northern will also be

repaired this summer through money from the sinking fund. “The tennis courts receive a tremendous amount of use from athletic teams as well as outside groups who rent our facilities. Over the course of years, they can get cracks in the courts that need to be repaired so we are going to be doing that this summer,” Chatfield said.

District looking into saftey bonds The Walled Lake School District is discussing the possibility of issuing a bond which would allow it to install

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video surveillance systems and make safety upgrades as part of a three-phase safety, security and technology initiative, as well as to purchase busses. The potential bond issue, which will require a public vote, was discussed at the board of education meeting held on Thursday, June 6, and information was presented on the proposed bond issuance which would allow the district to install comprehensive security systems and make essential infrastructure upgrades. On Tuesday, June 18, district officials presented the information to the Michigan Department of Treasury to gain approval for a bond that is anticipated to be less than one mil. “It's phase three of the three-phase safety, security and technology plan that the superintendent presented to the school community this past winter,” director of community relations Judy Evola said. Superintendent Kenneth Gutman presented Phase I of the plan this winter, and in December 2012, following the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the district began locking all school doors during school hours and hiring door monitors to ensure those entering buildings are identified. “Safety, security and technology measures are critical in today’s society. We are about providing exemplary educational learning opportunities in a safe environment. The list of vital systems in this proposed bond will ensure Walled Lake Schools is able to continue its mission,” Gutman said. Phase II of the plan involves installing video and audio intercom systems with remote door controls at the main entrances of all schools this summer with money from the sinking fund, Evola said. The bond, proposed for a vote in November 2013, would be for Phase III, which would include comprehensive video surveillance systems, the potential reconfiguration of school entrances, additional technology and purchase of busses. “Every single building in the district will have the main door entrance intercom and buzzer systems so doors will remain locked to the schools at all times during the school day. When visitors come to the school, they will have to press the button to the intercom system which will have both audio and video capabilities. If approved, they can buzz them in remotely. It's going to be a tremendous safety improvement,” operations director Bill Chatfield said. 55

Youth Assistance budget approved

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The Walled Lake Schools Board of Education voted to approve the budget for the Lakes Area Youth Assistance (LAYA) Program, which will offer programs and counseling services to its students from July 1, 2013 until June 30, 2014. The board voted on Thursday, June 6, to adopt the LAYA budget and pay $5,700 to the program, which offers services to youths and families, including summer camp, counseling, family education and summer playgrounds. As a prevention and diversion program of the Oakland County Juvenile Court, LAYA's mission is to strengthen youths and families and to reduce the incidence of child abuse, neglect and juvenile delinquency through volunteer involvement. The program is sponsored by the cities of Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, Oakland County Probate Court, Oakland County Circuit Court-Family Division, Oakland County Board of Commissioners and Walled Lake Schools. “LAYA is, and has been for over 50 years, a vibrant and effective prevention organization because of the collaborative efforts and funding of county and community sponsors and local community volunteers, that can prioritize, respond and adapt on a local community level to the needs of at-risk youth and families,” caseworker Deb Lindsey said. The LAYA program provides counseling services and programs for the prevention of juvenile delinquency and neglect in the school district. “Families who live in the district, meet income guidelines (and are willing to provide documentation to verify income levels), and have identified needs or risk factors are eligible for our prevention programs,” Lindsey said. Lindsey said due to caseworker cuts, they are down to one caseworker in the office. “The work of the volunteer board and LAYA administrative assistant has enabled LAYA to continue to offer quality prevention programs to the youth and families in the district in spite of budget and personnel decreases,” she said. In 2013, there were 161 new referrals for casework services, with 79 children receiving skill building scholarships and 64 receiving camp scholarships.

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The $5,700 from the district will be used to partially subsidize the cost of programs and counseling services. The budget agreement states Walled Lake Schools recognizes the need for the programs and counseling services provided in benefiting the health, safety and welfare of its youth. “It's a long running, collaborative program with Oakland County. They provide a variety and array of services for our students,” director of community relations Judy Evola said of the program that coincides with the school year.

Walled Lake teachers laid off Fifty-three teachers from the Walled Lake Consolidated School District were laid off as part of what the district termed “an annual layoff” in order for the district to more accurately staff for the 2013-2014 school year, according to the district. “We do layoffs annually and the reason we do them is because we have to make adjustments annually based on the student population and the need,” director of community relations Judy Evola said. “Each year the student population fluctuates. Of course, students don't come in perfect packages of 25 or 30, so we have to make adjustments based on student populations at grade levels and schools.” The district, which had approximately 900 teachers for the 2012-2013 school year, will have 303 less students for the 2013-2014 school year, Evola said. “Often we will have layoffs and then there will be an opportunity once we get closer to the projected student population for the 2013-2014 school year to know exactly how many teachers at every level and each grade we will need. There will be opportunities to have recalls as well,” she said. The teacher evaluation process has changed as a result of state legislation so Evola said that has a varying effect on the process as well. “Every year, it's different,” she said. The 53 teachers were terminated effective at the conclusion of the current 2013-2014 school year, which concluded on Thursday, June 13, and were notified in writing. Evola said it is too early to know how class sizes will be effected. “We won't know that until fall but class sizes are as prescribed in the contract.” 07.13

FACES

Tricia Auten

ricia Auten is a proud Michigander and founder of Keep the Money in the Mitt, an organization that encourages consumers to shop locally and financially benefit the Great Lakes State. “We want to resonate throughout Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula,” Auten said. Auten is spreading her message through T-shirts and accessories promoting the slogan on her website. She and her loyal group of supporters also perform flash cash mobs. They choose a Michigan business to focus on with the intention of bringing extra revenue to that company. “There is a choreographed dance and people can join in,” she said. “We encourage them to bring cash and shop with that business.” The high-spirited entrepreneur comes from a long line of savvy business owners who infused her with enthusiasm for mercantilism. “My great-grandma ran Bayside Marina on Cass Lake until she passed away at 102-years-old. She was very inspirational,” she said. “My dad (also a business owner) would tell you ever since I had my first paper route when I was 12-years-old, I was going to be an entrepreneur.” An Oakland University alumnus and Waterford native, Auten studied exercise science and owned her own fitness studio in Clarkston while still in college. Later, she opened Mystique Boutique, a high-end accessory store. She now owns Pretty Hunter, another accessory company. “Ever since the inception of Mystique Boutique, we worked with local artisans,” she said. “We quickly realized it was super important to their

families that we work with them. It brought me great joy to buy from a local mom who could then send her kid to football camp.” Auten’s goal is to make Keep the Money in the Mitt a ubiquitous slogan. She aims to influence buyers while they are young so she can instill a sense of Michigan pride in them before they become active consumers. “We want to take it into the school systems,” she said. “I’d love to see how that can affect the economy.” Auten is also working on a Michigan business directory geared towards driving potential buyers to companies within the state and to continue performing flash cash mobs to promote businesses in Michigan. As the mother of three children, Auten’s kids play a large role in her organization. “We’re at the Milford Farmer’s Market every Thursday and the Flint Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. I include my kids as much as I possibly can.” A West Bloomfield resident for 12 years, one of the Auten family’s favorite places is CJ’s Brewery in Commerce Township. “Another hidden gem that a lot of people don’t know about is MultiLakes (Conservation Association in Commerce Township),” she said. “There is so much for the family to do there.” Above all, Auten’s motivation is to be influential in the prosperity of a state she treasures. “My hope is that our waterways continue to stay healthy, our economy grows rather than recovers and to see the beauty that our state offers continue.” Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Expires 7-31-2013

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Westend is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The complete Places To Eat is available at westendmonthly.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (westendmonthly.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

Amazing House Chinese Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday–Friday, 3-10 p.m. No reservations. 1130 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.8896. Anaam’s Palate: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2534 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.242.6326. Applebees Neighborhood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 9100 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.0901. Backyard Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 49378 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.9508. Bayside Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.3322. Biffs Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3050 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.366.7400. Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 5834 Highland Road, Waterford, 48328. 248.674.4631. Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 800 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.2323. Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 7726 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.1573. Billy’s Tip N Inn: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6707 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 48383. 248.889.7885. Boon Kai Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1257 S Commerce Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.624.5353. Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 5223 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.674.9464 Carino’s Italian Restaurant: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Loop Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.5300. Carrie Lee’s of Waterford: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7890 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.666.9045. Casey’s Sports Pub & Grill: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1003 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.5200. China Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. 49414 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.8877. China House: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner,

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daily. No reservations. 901 Nordic Drive, White Lake Township, 48386. 248.889.2880. China King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4785 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.363.9966. China Queen: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1130 E Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.8896. CJ’s Brewing Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 8115 Richardson Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.366.7979. Coffee Time Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.624.0097. Coyote Grille: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 1990 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield, 48324. 248.681.6195. Dairy Queen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 10531 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2899. Daniel’s Pizza Bistro: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2510 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.7000. Dave and Amy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 9595 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2010. Dave’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 901 Nordick Drive, White Lake, 48383. 248.889.3600. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4825 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.360.4055. Dobski’s: American, Polish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6565 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.6565. Eddie’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1749 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.960.1430. El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 602 N Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.926.6180. El Nibble Nook: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations for 6 or more. Liquor. 2750 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.669.3344. El Patio Mexican Restaurant: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7622 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.666.5231. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5134 Highland Road, 48327. 248.673.5557. Gest Omelets: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily until 4 p.m. No reservations. 39560 W 14 Mile Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.0717. Golden Chop Sticks: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 47516

Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.3888. Grand Aztecha: Mexican: Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6041 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.669.7555. Greek Jalapeno: Greek, Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6636 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.3322. Green Apple Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7156 Cooley lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.366.9100. Haang's Bistro: Chinese/Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 225 E Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.926.1100. Highland Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7265 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.666.8830. Highland House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2630 E. Highland Road, Highland, 48356. 248.887.4161. Highland House Café: American, Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 10719 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.4100. Hong Kong Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5158 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.673.7200. It’s a Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. Jennifer’s Café: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4052 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.360.0190. Jenny’s Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.8240. Kennedy’s Irish Pub: Irish/American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1055 W Huron Street, Waterford, 48328. 248.681.1050. L George’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1203 S Commerce Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.960.5700. Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6845 Highland Road, White Lake, 484386. 248.889.5361. Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4895 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.366.8360. Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2210 Teggerdine, White Lake, 48386. 248.779.7085. Leon’s Food & Spirits: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 29710 S. Wixom Road, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.5880. Lion’s Den: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4444 Highland Road, Waterford, 48328. 248.674.2251 Lulu’s Coney Island: Greek. Breakfast,

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Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1001 Welch Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.1937. Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. Mexico Lindo: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6225 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.666.3460. Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.2190. Moonlight Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1123 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.859.5352. Nick & Toney’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday; Sunday until 3 p.m. No reservations. 9260 Cooley Lake Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.363.1162. North Szechuan Empire: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39450 W. 14 Mile Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.960.7666. On The Waterfront: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 8635 Cooley Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.9469. Panera Bread: Bakery, Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5175 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.618.0617. Pepino’s Restaurant & Lounge: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 118 W Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.1033. Red Lobster: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 479 N Telegraph Road, Waterford, 48328. 248.682.5146. Red Robin: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3003 Commerce Crossing, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.2990. Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2400. Rudy’s Waffle House: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 674 N Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.7550. Samuri Steakhouse: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7390 Haggerty Road, Wet Bloomfield, 48322. 248.661.8898. Shark Club: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6665 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.666.4161. SIAM Fushion: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6845 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 48386. 248.887.1300. Siegel’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3426 E West Maple Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.9555.

Sizzl in Subs & Salads: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2051 N Wixom Road, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.0009. Swasdee Thai Restaurant: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6175 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.926.1012. Sweet Water Bar & Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7760 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.0400. Taqueria La Casita: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 49070 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.1980. Thai Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7108 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.886.0397. The Lake’s Bar & Grill: American. Lunch, Tuesday- Sunday; Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2528 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.366.3311. The Library Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6363 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.896.0333. TJ’s Sushi & Chinese Restaurant: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 8143 Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 2484.363.3388. Town Lake Family Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. 1186 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.7550. Uptown Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3100 West Maple Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.960.3344. Village Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1243 N Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248. 366.3290. Volare Risorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 49115 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. VR Famous Fried Chicken: American, Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 47520 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.6620. Walled Lake Coney Island & Pizza: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1203 Commerce Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.8531. White Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6123 Haggerty Restaurant, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.313.9656. Wilson’s Pub n Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2256 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.1849. Wonton Palace: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5562 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.683.5073. Woody’s Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 235 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.4379.

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07.13

BUSINESS MATTERS Outdoors shop opens Lakes Area Bait Shop opened in April at 2600 Benstein Road, south of Glengary in Wolverine Lake. “We are a family business, with more to offer than just live bait,” owner Patti Rentner said. Lakes Area Bait Shop offers fishing, hunting, archery and camping supplies. “We have minnows, crickets, leeches and night crawlers, the most popular being the green night crawlers. We also offer rod repair and reel restringing. We can cut your arrows, refletch them, and also fine tune your bow,” she said. The Rentner family, who has lived in the lakes area since 1980, includes Lee, Patti and their three sons, Wayne, Kevin and Jesse. “All of us take part in the operations of the business. Our family loves the outdoors and all it has to offer. Fishing is at the top of the list,” she said. “We want to provide the community with a clean, friendly store to come get their live bait and tell their fishing stories.” The store is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. There is a “big, green worm sky dancer” in front of the Lakes Area Bait Shop on the weekends.

Child care center closed Teddy Bear Junction Inc. at 2405 Benstein Road in Commerce Township closed in June. “We were open for 25 years and we’re closing due to the increase of regulations,” executive director Cindy Smith said. Smith said that she and the owner, Jim Schroader, do not have plans to re-open the child care center, but the building will be for lease. Teddy Bear Junction held a closing sale the week of June 10 and on June 20. “We’re selling all of the equipment from the child care center, which includes tables, chairs, infant and toddler items, toys, crafts and educational items.” Smith said if all of the items did not sell, they were looking to donate them to a non-profit organization.

Bar & Grill in Commerce Blu Nectar is opening this July at 1050 Benstein Road in Suites 4, 5, and 6 in Commerce Township. Owner Omar Ouro, a Southfield resident, has been an employee and the manager of Buscemi’s on Bernstein in Commerce Township since 2008, and decided to open Blu Nectar in Commerce Township. “I’ve worked here for a long time,” he said. “I am opening the restaurant in Commerce to bring business to the city. Why go anywhere else?” The restaurant will be open from westendmonthly.com

8 a.m. until 12 a.m., offering bar food that is made fresh. “What we’re doing is just basically a sports bar and grill. We’re going to have TVs in there and bar food and stuff like that,” Ouro said. The neighborhood bar and grill will seat approximately 80 people and Ouro said he hopes to bring a new kind of dining to the area that has many coney islands and Italian restaurants.

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Water fitness facilities That’s WasSUP Stand Up Paddleboarding opened at 139 East Walled Lake Drive in Walled Lake and at 3955 Ormond Road in White Lake this past year. “We’re full service. Sales and service,” founder Brandon Gugala said. The company offers boards, accessories and paddles, in addition to paddleboard service and training. “Everybody comes out for the first time and they do a lesson. From there, some people either come back out and do rentals or do sunset yoga or cross training on the boards on the beach. It’s kind of an all-inclusive beach workout.” Gugala opened the company on Walled Lake and White Lake because he lives in the area. His home and fitness studio is located right across the street from the Walled Lake Drive location. Nine people, including six instructors, work for the company and are either a personal trainer or yoga instructor. “We service every lake in Oakland County so we will come out, do a custom experience on the lake of your choice as long as it has public access.” They can also come to private lakes if you live on the lake. “We do birthday parties and large group events. For kids, we do different obstacle type things, relay races and scavenger hunts.” For large parties and groups, the company can have up to 30 boards on a lake at one time. “We come everywhere and we’re mobile because I set these up (two fully enclosed trailers). Last year the first few months were slow, being that not too many people had heard of stand up paddleboarding. We taught 1,200 lessons last year. This year we’re way ahead of where we were last year, even though the weather hasn’t been that great. Now it’s really crazy. The phones are off the hook and we’re all super excited.” That’s WasSUP is open Monday through Friday all day by appointment only, and Saturday and Sunday all day.

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Business Matters for the west Oakland area are reported by Hayley Beitman. Send items for consideration to HayleyBeitman@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

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KEEP IT Westend. The only publication of its kind in the west Oakland lakes area. Quality editorial environment produced by professionals with years of experience covering the communities of Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake. Reaching over 24,000 homes by direct mail. Join with the local leaders (over 60 ad supporters to date) in our August issue. Ad deadline Friday, July 26. Contact Jacqueline Galvin (O) 248.792.6464 or (C) 248.818.3018 JacquelineGalvin@downtownpublications.com

LOCAL 61

ENDNOTE

Approve budget, resolve union issues

he Walled Lake City Council has twice delayed approving the city's fiscal year 20132014 budget, first from June 10 to a special meeting on June 24, and then, when a lack of a quorum left them unable to vote on the budget until their regularly scheduled July meeting, on July 16. Technically, the fiscal year runs from July 1, 2013 until June 30, 2014, and the Walled Lake City Charter mandates that the budget must be approved by the second Monday in June each year by resolution, although if council members deem it in the best interest of the city and advantageous to the residents to defer the vote, they can by resolution, which is what they have done. On both June 10 and June 24, the city council held public hearings on the tentatively proposed budget, and deferred the adoption to allow for further negotiations with labor negotiations to prevent layoffs of police officers and firefighters. Walled Lake, like many municipalities, is faced with less revenues due to a decline in property values and property taxes, which is expected to be 55 percent less than last year, and less state shared revenues against increasing personnel benefit costs, forcing a structural imbalance which has to be rectified. The inability to do so jeopardizes not only the fiscal health of the city, but the safety and

welfare of every resident of Walled Lake, as layoff notices have been sent to five of the city's 11 police officers, and all four of its firefighters. City manager Dennis Whitt said on June 24, when the budget was postponed to July for lack of a quorum, that it gives them another month to come up with some kind of deal, at the same time he emphasized there was absolutely no room for concessions on salaries with public safety. Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said the police department and city have reached some middle ground on the pension system but wages are still the subject of negotiation. Expenditures have to be reined in, with a budgeted amount for fiscal year 2013-2014 of $2.6 million for public safety out of an $8 million budget. The city will retire $401,200 in pension legacy costs this year, as well as funding $111,350. The budget document states, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retiree health care contributions of $79,000 do not keep pace with the expected $112,000 in expenditures for retirees and use of the already small funding reserves in the retirement trust fund will offset the shortfall.â&#x20AC;? If labor negotiations with police and fire unions are not successful, city officials must have a prepared alternative plan which can be presented at the July 16 meeting, which means they must be simultaneously investigating shared service options

right now, whether with Commerce Township, West Bloomfield or possibly Wixom, to provide fire services for Walled Lake if outsourcing or subcontracting is determined. For police services, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office could be the most logical group that could provide for Walled Lake if labor negotiations are not resolved and outsourcing is determined to be the next step. A number of Oakland communities, including neighboring Commerce, already contract with the sheriff. At the same time, city leaders have an obligation to explore what shared services could mean in terms of savings for Walled Lake, and seek out the most advantageous budget options for the municipality. This is a crucial time for Walled Lake. At the special budget meeting on June 24, three council members were not present, preventing the council from voting on approving the budget, as a quorum of five members must be present to allocate money. While this does allow the city some breathing room to continue negotiations with public safety unions, it does not excuse elected officials from performing their civic duty, which is to recognize the economic realities of their city, make the necessary hard decisions, and then plan appropriately as to how to provide for the safety and welfare for their fellow citizens.

Increase access to meeting information

he U.S. Constitution guarantees a government of the people and for the people, and that assurance translates all the way down from the federal level to state government and to local municipalities. On a local level, people who may be our neighbors and friends can sit on city councils or boards of trustees, planning commissions, zoning boards of appeals, design review boards, and other civic leadership roles. They represent us on each of those boards or councils, hopefully acting in the manner we would if we had sought the elected or appointed office. As citizens, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to discover what is being discussed and reviewed at each of the the meetings, and to inform our council members or trustees of our perspectives, and a key way is by accessing a municipality's meeting agenda packet, and reading and reviewing what is being handled at that time in the community. The city of Walled Lake has written rules of procedure and order of business regarding how to run a meeting which can be found directly on the city's website. The public is invited to attend all

meetings, and the agenda packet is prepared and sent to the city council members the Friday before the meeting. In order to provide for an informed public, the agenda packet is also posted on the city's website and is available at the city clerk's office prior to the meeting for public access. Any resident can request to have the agenda packet e-mailed to them free of charge or can pick up a copy of the agenda in the council chamber the night of the meeting. All information is included in the online packet except for any material that is of a confidential nature to be discussed in executive session. While Commerce Township does not have formal, written rules of procedure for how they should run their meetings or for how to create their agendas or packets, Commerce Township Clerk Vanessa Magner uses the Charter Township Act, the Clerk's Guide for Meeting Requirements and the Open Meetings Act when she has questions regarding meetings. They hold monthly meetings which are open to the public, and by law, notice of the meeting and the agenda are posted on the township's website and also at township hall at least 18 hours before the meeting is scheduled.

Commerce Township allows anyone to access anything free of charge, giving the general public access to documents, including agendas, agenda packets and correspondence. In Wolverine Lake Village however, while copies of the agenda are available on the village's website the Friday before 5 p.m. prior to their monthly meeting, and those who want it can request, through a form on their website, to have it e-mailed to them the Friday before the date of the meeting, village administrator Sharon Miller said that only council members can have access to agenda packets. We feel that is a problem which impedes the public's right to know what their local government is doing on their behalf. It's a problem that is easy to remedy, and one that leads to not only greater governmental transparency, but to more citizen involvement. Once the agenda packets for the meetings are created, it is easy to upload them to the village's website and make them available to anyone interested to download. It's time for Wolverine Lake to provide them to their citizens, as well as their governmental leaders.

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