Livingston County Central Dispatch has received preliminary approval to begin the planning process for a new facility.
Livingston County Central Dispatch is in need of a new facility, according to 911 officials. Their current building was built in the late 70s, and Central Dispatch moved in in 1999. Officials say the building doesnât allow Central Dispatch to operate in a productive or entirely safe manner, nor does it meet the best practices of the Department of Defense.
Central Dispatch Director Chad Chewning says several options were explored, but ultimately it was decided that the best option would be to construct a new, standalone facility on the property where the Central Dispatch building is currently located. That building would eventually be demolished and the space used for a public parking lot. The project cost of the new facility is roughly estimated at $5.1(m) million, which Chewning says would be paid for in cash from Central Dispatchâs fund balance.
It would be constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions, allowing dispatchers to remain on the main floor and continue to operate during those occurences. The building would also be better secured with wider perimeters to prevent outside individuals from getting too close to the facility. It would also be designed to leave room for building growth to match call volumes as they increase with the population. Chewning says the building would be expected to last for the next 30 to 40 years.
On Monday, the countyâs Public Safety & Infrastructure and Development Committee gave Central Dispatch approval to begin the planning process for the facility. A resolution to do so must also be approved by the countyâs finance committee and board of commissioners. Assuming it is approved, Chewning says the next step would be to finalize the projectâs plans with an engineer and architectural company, then seek contractors or project managers to start the process in moving the building forward. (DK)
Livingston County Central Dispatch Seeks New FacilityLivingston County Central Dispatch Seeks New Facility
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New Signs Next Phase of Milford Neighborhood Traffic Safety ProgramNew Signs Next Phase of Milford Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program
The next phase of a neighborhood safety program is being rolled out in an effort to slow traffic in residential areas within the Milford area.
The Milford Police Department has purchased three large yard signs that read âKeep Our Neighborhoods Safe: Slow Downâ and also show a 25mph speed limit sign to serve as a reminder to motorists. The signs will be placed at strategic locations throughout the community for short periods of time but also can be loaned to residents to place in their yard as a means of reminding neighbors and guests to keep speeds down.
Milford Police Chief Tom Lindberg says Milford is one of the safest communities in not only Michigan but the country. He says much like police departments canât take all of the credit for a low crime rate; they also canât slow traffic without help from residents. He says the new signs will not only serve as a visual reminder but create opportunities for neighbors to communicate.
The most frequent issue brought up by residents is said to be the speed in which motorists travel through their neighborhood. Lindberg says most people who are stopped by an officer for violations in a subdivision, either live in or around that same neighborhood. He notes communication is key and asks that residents talk to neighbors, young drivers, frequent visitors and homeownerâs associations about slowing down in neighborhoods.
The first phase of the program involved officers distributing ribbon shaped car magnets to residents that read âslow down in our neighborhoodsâ. Any residents wishing to take part in the program or requests a sign should contact Milford Police. (JM)
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County Expects Hefty Increase In Cost For Medical Examiner ServicesCounty Expects Hefty Increase In Cost For Medical Examiner Services
The cost of medical examiner services is rising, and Livingston Countyâs Emergency Medical Services is still working out how theyâll make up the difference.
Medical examiner and forensic pathology services are mandated by the state, and Livingston County EMS has received those services from Sparrow Hospital for the last five years. The contract with Sparrow nears expiration at the end of August, and Director Jeff Boyd says EMS was caught âa little off guardâ to see the cost in services was going to increase by about $250,000.
EMS went out to bid for the services and the University Of Michigan Department Of Pathology came in as the low bidder. Boyd says they only had two bids because it only makes sense in terms of transportation to work with contiguous counties. Still, the cost of services is going to rise, even by awarding the contract to U of M, by about $120,000.
The countyâs Public Safety & Infrastructure and Development Committee unanimously approved a three-year contract with U of M on Monday, sending it forward to the Finance Committee for approval. Boyd says heâs not sure how EMS will recoup the cost, but theyâre looking into their options. He says as surrounding counties will also be seeing an increase, theyâll investigate what their plan of action is and look for similar opportunities. (DK)
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Brighton Mill Pond Upgrades Will Be Delayed Until Next YearBrighton Mill Pond Upgrades Will Be Delayed Until Next Year
Despite a setback involving the amount of a donation toward the $650,000 Mill Pond improvement project in Brighton, city planners say the project is not threatened.
At the City Council meeting last week, it was revealed that what was thought to be a $500,000 donation toward a new bandshell and amphitheater in reality is $100,000, to be given in increments over five years. Regardless, Community Development Associate Brandon Skopek tells WHMI the project is unaffected by the miscommunication and will proceed. The only problem is that due to the Planning Commission tabling the matter at its last meeting, a project that it was hoped would be undertaken this year will be delayed until the spring or fall of 2018.
At the Brighton Downtown Development Authority meeting Tuesday, the DDA discussed the planned Mill Pond upgrades, which would necessitate removal of several mature shade trees to facilitate construction of a bandshell. At its July 17 meeting, the City Planning Commission â faced with a large contingent of citizens opposed to destruction of the trees - decided to table the issue to address community concerns. The bandshell will replace the aging and inadequate Mill Pond gazebo, and will alow for a greater variety of events to be held there. Additionally, the electrical capacity will be increased. The inadequacy of electrical outlets has been a frequent complaint of bands and other groups that have performed there in the past.
On Tuesday, architect Piet Lindhout presented a modified list of recommendations to the DDA, including that the location of the bandshell be reconfigured and some amphitheater seats on the periphery be removed. However, under Lindhoutâs modified plan, five mature trees would still have to be removed. Lindhout says erosion is already affecting the health of the trees and, due to the limited amount of space the city has to work with, the roots would be compromised by reorienting the bandshell. At the most, Lindhout said, one additional tree could be saved, resulting in four trees earmarked for removal.
Beth Walker of Hillcrest Drive, who is leading the effort to save the trees, says sheâs happy the city is giving the project a more careful look and considering the wishes of the concerned residents. Skopek says that the DDA is hopeful the PC will take action on Lindhoutâs recommendations at its next meeting, in August. (TT)
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2nd Annual Bert Loomis Memorial Ride In August 2nd Annual Bert Loomis Memorial Ride In August
An annual ride in August aims to honor the memory of a Genesee County motorcyclist.
The 2nd Annual Bert Loomis Memorial Ride will take place on August 15th. The 49-year-old Loomis lost his life in August of 2015 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash that was caused by another motorist making an illegal U-turn on US-23.
Police say then 22-year-old Breanna Lyn Clever used the emergency access turnaround between Clyde Road and M-59, which caused several cars to swerve to avoid hitting her. As a result, Loomis had to brake suddenly, lost control of his motorcycle and hit a truck. He passed away two days later from his injuries. Cleverâs vehicle registration information was obtained from a passing motorist. She was subsequently sentenced to one year in the Livingston County Jail after pleading no contest to a moving violation causing death.
Loomis was retired from the U.S Navy and worked at Kennedy Industries in Wixom, where the memorial ride will begin. A Poker Run is planned this year and cars are welcome. Facebook photo. (JM)
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Public Input Sought For MDOT's Five-Year Transportation ProgramPublic Input Sought For MDOT's Five-Year Transportation Program
The Michigan Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its draft transportation program, which includes projects for Livingston County.
The transportation program document includes a list of specific projects planned for the next five years in each of MDOT's seven regions, as well as mobility initiatives and revenues.
The draft includes rehabilitation projects for I-96 from Chilson to Dorr Road and on M-59 from west of Lakena Road to the county line. Noise wall construction is also planned on northbound US-23 between 8 Mile and M-36.
Public comment on the draft 2018-2022 plan will be accepted through August 25th via an online form on MDOTâs website. The plan is slated for final approval in September and may be viewed in its entirety at the link below.
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Howell City Council Reviewing Recycle Livingston Lease Howell City Council Reviewing Recycle Livingston Lease
The Howell City Council met Monday night and discussed an existing lease agreement with Recycle Livingston after learning about potential plans to build on site.
The non-profit provides recycling services for all residents throughout Livingston County and relies mostly on memberships for funding. Itâs located on Catrell Street and has been operating out of trailer on the city-owned site since the early 1990âs.
Staff was approached a few months ago about potentially securing funding for a new office-type solution, but the original conversations were said to be centered on a portable type building. Over the last few weeks in talking with representatives, City Manager Shea Charles says it has evolved from a portable-trailer-office type building to more of a permanent structure. Based on that and since the current lease agreement with the city is 26 years old, staff felt updating the agreement and terms would be appropriate.
Charles tells WHMI that when the city leased the land to Recycle Livingston, there was always the underlying understanding that should there ever be a development opportunity, then the city would take back the land and proceed that way. He says the goal during Monday nightâs meeting was to gauge initial feedback from council.
The majority of council members appeared leery of having any permanent structure constructed on the site and voiced hesitation. Various questions were raised, including how many residents utilize services considering the city already provides recycling. One resident in attendance at the meeting commented she regularly visits Recycle Livingston and knows others that do, noting it accepts some items the city program does not such as Styrofoam.
The current lease with the city is good through the end of the year. Depending on the scope of any potential changes, the existing agreement could be amended or an entirely new one crafted to reflect current conditions. Charles noted that all of the information requested by members can be easily provided by Recycle Livingston.
Once everything is gathered, it will be brought back to council for further conversation at a future meeting. A memo from staff is attached. (JM)
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Donors Show Support At Fundraiser For Fallen Officers Memorial Donors Show Support At Fundraiser For Fallen Officers Memorial
A proposed memorial to honor Michiganâs fallen law enforcement officers is moving closer toward construction, thanks to a fundraising event in Genoa Township.
The Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument is a project that has been in the works for many years. Proponents are looking to construct the memorial in Lansing, in a display of 21 glass panels engraved with the names of fallen officers along a walkway. The âRaising a Sentinelâ dinner at Crystal Gardens Banquet Center last night served as a fundraiser to help bring the project to fruition.
Individuals with ties to the law enforcement community spoke at the event on the importance of the monument and what it means to them personally. The evening was emceed by Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy, who introduced presentations from Michigan State Police First Lt. Joseph Thomas, Commander of the Lansing Post, and Blaine Koops, Executive Director of the Michigan Sheriffs' Association.
Robert Stevenson, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, also spoke at the dinner. He says over 600 police officers have been killed in the line of duty throughout Michiganâs history, with the state traditionally in the top ten in the U.S. with the highest number of fallen officers each year. Despite ranking high on the list, Michigan will actually be one of the last states in the nation to erect a monument honoring its fallen officers.
In 2014, the Michigan Legislature passed an appropriation of up to $2(m) million in the form of a two to one matching fund grant for the project. However in order to receive the grant, the money for the project must be raised by October 1st of 2018. Sharon Lollio organized the dinner, knowing that there isnât much time to meet the fundraising goal of approximately $900,000.
At the dinner, Lollio was presented with a check from the Sheriffs & Municipal Memorial Assistant Response Team for $2,500 toward the project. The event was also attended by members of the Detroit Chapter of the Warthogs Motorcycle Club, which is comprised of public safety officials, who made a donation of $3,000. The final amount raised through the dinner hadnât been tallied by the end of the night, but members of a commission focused on funding the project say its these types of events that will make the dream a reality, little by little.
You can find more information about the monument and its fundraising efforts at the link below. (DK)
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Read Aloud Campaign Comes To Fowlerville FairRead Aloud Campaign Comes To Fowlerville Fair
Kids got a chance to take some time out from the rides and games at the Fowlerville Fair to do something a little different.
Read Aloud, hosted by Great Start Livingston, was held today as families were invited to sit back and relax with a book at the Reading Corner inside the Fowlerville Fairâs commercial building. Kids will also be able to take home a book bag, coloring bookmark, and bracelet. The event is part of the organizations Read Aloud campaign, to promote the importance of reading to children and ultimately aim to make reading aloud for 15 minutes a day the new parenting standard.
A variety of guest readers were recruited to take part including State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Lana Theis and Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy (pictured). Great Start Livingston Coordinator Robin Schutz says the campaign will continue through the summer and may become something they do on an annual basis. (JK)
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West Virginia Orders Partial Halt To Rover Pipeline ConstructionWest Virginia Orders Partial Halt To Rover Pipeline Construction
Construction has been partially-halted in another state on a natural gas pipeline that ends in Livingston County.
West Virginia environmental authorities have ordered a halt to Rover Pipeline construction where it found permit violations damaging several streams. The 15 miles of pipeline that will pass through Livingston County are the final section of the more-than-700 mile long pipeline that is being built to transport 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural-gas from West Virginia into Pennsylvania and Ohio and then into Michigan. It will meet up with the Vector Pipeline just outside Fowlerville, which will then carry the natural gas into Canada.
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection says inspectors in April, May, June and July found erosion-control failures that left sediment deposits. In a July 17 letter, the agency ordered Rover Pipeline LLC to "immediately cease and desist any further land development activity" until it complies. They also ordered Rover to install and maintain needed storm water and erosion controls. Parent company Energy Transfer Partners says construction continues on two West Virginia segments while it works with state officials to resolve issues on two others. (JK)
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Hearing Adjourned For Man Charged In Fatal Oceola CrashHearing Adjourned For Man Charged In Fatal Oceola Crash
A Fenton man charged in a fatal drunk driving crash appeared in court this morning.
Mathew Jordan Carrier stepped foot into the 53rd District Court this morning for a probable cause conference that was adjourned within minutes and rescheduled for August 23rd at 8:30am. Rolland Sizemore, who is Carriers defense attorney, said the date has been pushed back about a month due to his busy trial schedule. This morning was Sizemoreâs first time in court on the case since he was appointed following Carrierâs arraignment July 12th.
The 21-year-old Fenton man is charged with 19 counts, including five counts each of second degree murder and operating while intoxicated causing death. They were filed after a crash at M-59 and Argentine Road in Oceola Township on May 9th, that killed 5 people and seriously injured two others. Carrier remains jailed without bond. (AS/JK)
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70-Home Hamburg Twp. Development Receives Preliminary Approval 70-Home Hamburg Twp. Development Receives Preliminary Approval
A new multi-style home, multi-demographic development has received preliminary site plan approval in Hamburg Township.
Supervisor Pat Hohl called the proposed 70-home Regency Hills development a âwhole new conceptâ for the township. Hohl said developer Progressive Properties has brought forth a design that will attract everyone from families starting up to empty nesters. They are proposing 70 homes ranging from 2,000 square foot single family dwellings, to 1,000 square foot bungalows that would suitable for retirees. Four different types with several styles within each would help, as the developer said, make the area feel more like a âneighborhoodâ and less like a subdivision.
Regency Hills is proposed to sit on roughly 50 acres off of M-36 with Ace Hardware on its western border and the railroad tracks on the east edge. One resident brought up a traffic concern, but with M-36 being a state road, that is in the Michigan Department of Transportationâs hands, and not Hamburg Townshipâs. There will be acceleration and deceleration lanes added, but whether a passing lane will be required is yet to be determined.
The homes will be built on only 14 of the 50 acres, with the remaining land being left as protected wetlands. Resident Gabe Ivan spoke up during public comment concerned about the density, noting that 70 homes is roughly twice as many houses as the townshipâs ordinance would normally allow in that space. Treasurer Jason Negri later said he wasnât sure, himself, if that number wasnât a bit too high. Clerk Michael Dolan said he was concerned, too, but as long as these are as affordable to retirees as promised, he could be okay with it. Zoning Administrator Scott Pacheco said the ordinance is written to allow the township board flexibility, especially in the name of creativity. He said with unique common spaces, useable front porches, and housing styles ranging from traditional Michigan architecture to new urban designs, this will be anything but a cookie-cutter subdivision.
Hohl reminded the board that this was just a preliminary site plan approval, and all they are doing is approving a concept and general layout. The board approved the plan unanimously, and expects it will take the developer around 3 months to put the final site plan approval together. (MK)
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Local First Responders And Vehicles Blessed At Fenton ParishLocal First Responders And Vehicles Blessed At Fenton Parish
A blessing was bestowed upon the areaâs first responders at a gathering in Fenton earlier this week.
The benediction was given Sunday at the St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church by Father Gabriel Bilas. 15 first responders from the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department, Fenton Fire Department, Fenton Police Department, and first responders from the Grand Blanc area attended.
The first responders brought their fire trucks, police vehicles, and police motorcycles to the annual Blessing of Vehicles at the parish. In keeping with the ancient customs of the Original Christian Church, vehicles are blessed every year in July in honor of the feast of the Prophet Elijah. A fellowship cookout followed the blessing.
Father Bilas says it is important for first responders to know the community ââ¦loves them, respects them, and will always be praying for their safety as they continue to protect and serve us."
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Commemorate Local Soldiers Of The Past Going To War This SundayCommemorate Local Soldiers Of The Past Going To War This Sunday
The Howell Area Historical Society is holding a special event to commemorate local residents whoâve gone off to fight for their country.
The Society is celebrating the 100th anniversary of World War I, but that wonât be the only war represented at the event entitled Howell Goes to War, this Sunday. The Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War II will also have displays. Historical Society docent and Trustee Ed Vitez said that Howell and other Livingston County residents helped form the 5th Michigan Regiment that fought during the War Between the States. He added that people who swing by the event will be treated to mini concert by a representation of the 5th Michigan Band that traveled with the regiment. The band will be wearing Civil War attire, play Civil War-ear instruments, and play only music from that period. Vitez joked that if a song was written after 1865, the band doesnât know it.
Attendees to the event will get to see pictures of soldiers, artifacts from all the wars, including a static display representation of an 1862 Gatling gun, and hear lots of little stories from Vitez and others. The Howell Area Historical Society is open during Farmerâs Market hours every Sunday, but this special event will take place this week from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. It is free to the public and will take place at the Depot Museum located at 128 Wetmore Street. (MK)
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Progress On Construction At 10 Mile & Napier Progress On Construction At 10 Mile & Napier
Construction is well underway at a busy intersection in Lyon Township that is closed to traffic.
The project at 10 Mile and Napier involves reconstruction the intersection to a modern roundabout, as well as reconstructing 10 Mile Road from Copperwood to Nepavine Drive at the Novi/Lyon Township border. Both 10 Mile and Napier Roads at the intersection will remain closed to traffic for the duration of the job and a detour is in effect. Meanwhile, a real-time workzone camera is up and running. Progress can be viewed through images captured every 15 minutes on the Road Commission of Oakland Countyâs website. The link is provided. The camera is described as an education tool for the public to follow step-by-step progress.
The project is expected to be completed in mid-October. Photo: Work Zone Cam. (JM)
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Bubba Chang's Owner Gets Probation For Role In Baseball Bat AttackBubba Chang's Owner Gets Probation For Role In Baseball Bat Attack
Sentencing has been handed down to the co-owner of a now-closed Genoa Township restaurant who was charged in connection to a baseball bat attack on a former employee.
47-year-old Jeremy Hamilton of Howell was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Hatty to three yearsâ probation and two days already served in the county jail on Wednesday. Hamilton had pleaded no contest to malicious destruction of property and assault with a dangerous weapon in May. If Hamilton successfully completes probation, both charges will be reduced to misdemeanors. The charges stem from his involvement in the April 2016 assault of an ex-employee in the parking lot of the former Bubba Changâs restaurant. The Chinese-American buffet was owned by Jeremy and his brother Johnnie Hamilton.
Guan Han Chen (aka Andy Chen) was a cook that had recently been fired from the restaurant, but returned to the business in an attempt to collect back wages and personal belongings. Chenâs son-in-law, Changqian Zou, had come with Chen, and an argument with the Hamiltonâs and restaurant dishwasher Timothy Borg escalated in the parking lot. Zou was reportedly attacked with a baseball bat by Johnnie Hamilton, and then by Borg after falling to the ground. He suffered a skull fracture and injuries on his back. Jeremy Hamilton allegedly used the bat to smash up Chenâs 2008 Honda Odyssey.
Borg, who was originally charged with assault with intent to murder, was sentenced in February to three to 10 years in prison after pleading to a reduced charge. Johnnie Hamilton is facing charges of assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. His wife Angela Hamilton was also charged in connection to the incident, and faces one count of tampering with evidence for allegedly hiding the bat used in the attack afterward. Johnnieâs trial is tentatively set for September 11th, while Angelaâs is scheduled for August 28th. (DK)
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Committee Moving Forward With Resolution To Broadcast County MeetingsCommittee Moving Forward With Resolution To Broadcast County Meetings
Meetings of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners could be broadcast later this summer.
A committee has been tasked with exploring different options and vendors to broadcast meetings. Commissioner Gary Childs is among the three committee members, which met Wednesday morning. Childs says the intent is start broadcasting the full board meetings that are held on Monday nights, but there is the possibility to expand in the future. The meeting will not be broadcast in real time but posted to a website the next day.
A six-month âproof of conceptâ resolution will be drafted to contract with the same company that broadcasts Oakland County meetings, which Childs says has a good track record. He says a proof of contract is different than a trial in that they will try to prove it will work properly and residents will like the concept, but it can also be tweaked after feedback and before anything is set in stone.
Childs feels itâs an important topic and the committee is trying to make sure something works before totally diving in. He says viewership will be monitored over the next six months to gauge interest, before proceeding with any expensive equipment purchases or installation. Childs says they are still trying to get some feedback from the vendor and the IT Department but felt it was important to keep moving forward and not wait until another meeting to act.
Hartland Township resident Kate DeRosier attended the meeting and told WHMI sheâs pleased the concept is moving forward because she and others are interested in the proceedings and getting more involved but canât always attend meetings. DeRosier thought the meeting was positive, saying the commissioners were very respective and she was impressed with the level of discussion. DeRosier told WHMI sheâs hopeful there will be an ample number of citizens who actually do care about the proceedings and access the video archive when itâs available to demonstrate there is actually interest from the public.
Some residents have been calling on the county to broadcast Finance Committee meetings, which are typically held early in the morning and can conflict with work schedules. Issues are also thoroughly vetted during Finance Committee meetings, compared to full board meetings when items are generally approved without much discussion. There have also been comments about the board being behind the times when it comes to broadcasting meetings, since itâs something most local municipalities already do for transparency.
The Finance Committee meets next on August 16th and will take up the resolution. From there, it would move to the full board for potential approval. (JM)
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Pitch Livingston To Offer Shark Tank-like OpportunityPitch Livingston To Offer Shark Tank-like Opportunity
A local adaptation of a popular television show will give Livingston County entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their business ideas.
Pitch Livingston will give county hopefuls a chance to get in the shark tank and present their ideas to a panel of local experts and business owners. The event will take place on September 28th at Brewery Becker in Brighton. 5 residents or local business owners from all who apply will be chosen to participate for the chance to win $5,000 and in-kind opportunities. Those bonuses include help with marketing, accounting, a website, and law advice.
Tonia Osby is part of Planning Team which consists of 3 Brighton residents who all have experience pitching their ideas in various events like this across the state. She offers these tips to hopeful applicants. Being passionate about what you are looking to build is important. If it can be tied in to helping out the community, then all the better. And having a good business model and a way to generate dependable revenue will impress the judges. The event will be open to the public and offer appetizers, beverages, a cash bar, and the chance to see and hear from the participants and judges.
Osby said she believes there will also be many networking opportunities for those who attend. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To apply or become a sponsor for Pitch Livingston, check out their Facebook or Eventbrite page. Applications are due by Monday, September 4th. (MK)
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Michigan Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal In Local Home Invasion CaseMichigan Supreme Court Won't Hear Appeal In Local Home Invasion Case
The stateâs highest court has declined to hear an appeal from a Detroit man serving a prison sentence for taking part in a 2015 Genoa Township home invasion.
Livingston County Circuit Court records indicate the Michigan Supreme Court recently denied an application for leave to appeal filed by Toursean Carnail-Lavan Pressley. Pressley was among five men who took part in the armed robbery of a poker party at a residence on Crystal Valley Drive.
Pressley, Jemantae Perkins, Terence Ayers and Tyler Ayers of Detroit, and Kennie Whitby of Green Oak Township were all charged in connection to the June 2015 incident.
Last year, Pressley was sentenced to 20 to 50 years in prison for 13 counts of armed robbery, which runs concurrent to a 12 to 20 year sentence for 1st degree home invasion. The other four men are also serving lengthy prison sentences.
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Nobody Files To Run For South Lyon MayorNobody Files To Run For South Lyon Mayor
The mayoral election in one local city is wide open as no one appears to have an interest in the office.
4pm Tuesday was the filing deadline for the November 7th general election and because no one filed, South Lyon is without a candidate for mayor. Current Mayor John Galeas decided against running for a second two-year term, saying he doesnât have time available with his current personal life and career schedule. He said another reason he is not seeking re-election is because certain members of the current council have bogged down meetings questioning nearly every decision and past decision city officials have made. Galeas said that they arenât representing South Lyon in a responsible way.
Incumbent Greg Kivell, the lone council member seeking re-election, was recently at the center of a controversy over his vote to approve a city contract with the window company he also worked for without disclosing that fact. The issue divided the council with some members favoring criminal charges, while others thought it had been blown out of proportion. In the end, the Oakland County Prosecutorâs Office declined to press charges, while the council voted 4-2 against a suspension.
Along with Kivell, Joyce Clohosey, Rose Walton, and Carl Richards also filed for the three open council seats. If no one mounts a successful write-in campaign for the Nov. 7 election, the council could then appoint someone to serve as South Lyonâs mayor. (MK/JK)
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