TOWNSHIP KILLS PUBLIC COMMENT ON ISSUES
“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear."
― Harry Truman [Special Message to the Congress on the Internal Security of the United States, August 8, 1950]”
― Harry Truman [Special Message to the Congress on the Internal Security of the United States, August 8, 1950]”
Township Trustee meetings used to be cozy little events. On a good night, two or three citizens would come to the meetings and perhaps only one or two might stand up to make a comment during the evening. Board discussions were like conversations among friends around the kitchen table. Those were the good old days.
But recently, the township has experienced higher attendance at meetings. Often a dozen people attend and frequently several might comment on a few topics each night. Until this week, each person was allowed three minutes to speak on most topics, unless the leadership was feeling a little salty on a particular subject and arbitrarily banned comment on that matter entirely. We actually timed these comments from a few recent meetings and they added up to less than 30 minutes per meeting. Perhaps more interesting than the LENGTH of the comments was the nature of them....
Bold citizens actually started to ask questions! Of course, the Board took a position that they do not have to answer questions, but rather only acknowledge that they were asked. "Thank you for your comment," is the typical response from Supervisor Leo Savoie. (Last December, when a citizen asked if two payments in the same week for $118,000 each to the same subcontractor were an error, the response was, "Thank you for your comment." When the same citizen returned in January and asked if anyone had looked into the matter, the response was, "Thank you for your comment.")
More people started to pay attention to the insider dealing. Brazen taxpayers started to denounce no-bid contracts and deals with obvious conflicts of interest for those voting on them. The most intrepid among the voters even had the nerve to present a petition from the electorate, calling for an independent audit of skyrocketing water and sewer fees.
Initially, elected officials shifted in their seats uncomfortably, while completely ignoring the substance of the comments. Then, topics were disguised on the pre-published agenda so that interested people wouldn't know to attend. Next, the Supervisor tried a new tactic: lengthy discussions on dry matters which made attendance painful unless you brought your knitting to keep you amused. Still, people came to the meetings. Adjournment to hours-long "private sessions" in the middle of the meetings did nothing to discourage attendance. So insults were tried: Supervisor Savoie ridiculed citizens making comments, calling them "Crazy" and "Unqualified" from his seat on the dias. Still, taxpayers showed up to the meeting and kept politely poking with their pesky questions.
What's a bureaucrat to do? Finally, Savoie and Roncelli arrived at a solution! They would eliminate all public comment on issues, allowing each citizen to speak only three minutes at the BEGINNING of the meeting! Brilliant! No more painful truths highlighted during the sessions! No more accountability called for on specific issues! No more free speech!
So that's what they did on Monday night. They shut down public comment. Welcome to LEO-LAND.
But recently, the township has experienced higher attendance at meetings. Often a dozen people attend and frequently several might comment on a few topics each night. Until this week, each person was allowed three minutes to speak on most topics, unless the leadership was feeling a little salty on a particular subject and arbitrarily banned comment on that matter entirely. We actually timed these comments from a few recent meetings and they added up to less than 30 minutes per meeting. Perhaps more interesting than the LENGTH of the comments was the nature of them....
Bold citizens actually started to ask questions! Of course, the Board took a position that they do not have to answer questions, but rather only acknowledge that they were asked. "Thank you for your comment," is the typical response from Supervisor Leo Savoie. (Last December, when a citizen asked if two payments in the same week for $118,000 each to the same subcontractor were an error, the response was, "Thank you for your comment." When the same citizen returned in January and asked if anyone had looked into the matter, the response was, "Thank you for your comment.")
More people started to pay attention to the insider dealing. Brazen taxpayers started to denounce no-bid contracts and deals with obvious conflicts of interest for those voting on them. The most intrepid among the voters even had the nerve to present a petition from the electorate, calling for an independent audit of skyrocketing water and sewer fees.
Initially, elected officials shifted in their seats uncomfortably, while completely ignoring the substance of the comments. Then, topics were disguised on the pre-published agenda so that interested people wouldn't know to attend. Next, the Supervisor tried a new tactic: lengthy discussions on dry matters which made attendance painful unless you brought your knitting to keep you amused. Still, people came to the meetings. Adjournment to hours-long "private sessions" in the middle of the meetings did nothing to discourage attendance. So insults were tried: Supervisor Savoie ridiculed citizens making comments, calling them "Crazy" and "Unqualified" from his seat on the dias. Still, taxpayers showed up to the meeting and kept politely poking with their pesky questions.
What's a bureaucrat to do? Finally, Savoie and Roncelli arrived at a solution! They would eliminate all public comment on issues, allowing each citizen to speak only three minutes at the BEGINNING of the meeting! Brilliant! No more painful truths highlighted during the sessions! No more accountability called for on specific issues! No more free speech!
So that's what they did on Monday night. They shut down public comment. Welcome to LEO-LAND.
SPECIAL TREATMENT FOR PROPERTY OWNED BY TREASURER KEPES?
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November 15, 2016
Last night's trustee meeting was jam-packed with controversial topics which could each be the subject of a detailed article. We recommend that you take the time to view the video of the entire meeting, as it may serve as an eye-opening summary of the games being played by the public officials in Bloomfield Township, MI. Another Controversial Development One of the best illustrations of the way our elected officials roll was the topic entitled, "Update of Land Use Study for South Boulevard and Squirrel Road." This was an "informational" topic, meaning public comment was not allowed, according to the rules of Supervisor Savoie. (Nobody else understands why public comment should be precluded on any topic, by the way. What's the harm in allowing someone three minutes to speak?) The summary of a very long and convoluted discussion is that the building department hired "Clear Zoning" to examine the "Master Plan" with regard to a single piece of property, now zoned for commercial use. (By the way -- Clear Zoning was hired without prior Trustee approval, as required by law.) This inspection will tell them whether the Master Plan should be changed to allow multi-family residential construction on that land. Spoiler alert: The township WILL CERTAINLY APPROVE the change in designation on that property, but only after spending a lot of time and taxpayer money appearing to discuss the topic. And when the Master Plan is open, other changes may be slipped in. It's a Sure Thing Why are we so sure that this change for South Boulevard and Squirrel Road will be approved? It is because new Treasurer Brian Kepes owns part of the property and stands to make a lot of money once the property is re-zoned. This topic, and several others, were held until after the election. The study/discussion/ruling charade is intended to give the appearance of propriety to a questionable deal. It could have been easily handled by requesting a zoning variance but by opening the master plan, the township is protecting the owners from the inevitable lawsuits. 150 representatives of the neighborhoods in that area (representing 1500 residents nearby) have already spoken in opposition to the residential development, which will vastly increase the density in their area and bring no value to anyone except the property owners and developers. As usually happens, Savoie shut down their comments last night. He reportedly has told their leaders that he's sure there are many residents who silently support the deal. Another intriguing observation is that this matter was discussed extensively at the Planning Commission meeting last week, although it did not appear on the agenda published in advance. This stealth review kept the matter on the down-low so that the neighbors would not attend and object. Let's Make a Deal It is also interesting to look at the tax history on that parcel. The property received a huge tax cut a few years ago. The owners now pay less in taxes on 9 acres of prime commercial land than you probably pay on your house. So, there you have it. Another deal with conflicts of interest for a township official. And the hits just keep on coming. |
NO-BID DEAL ON BONDS AWARDED TO CAMPAIGN DONOR
September 26, 2016
Tonight the Township Board of Trustees voted to refinance some outstanding bonds. On the surface, this seems to be sound business decision....unless you look into the details.
Here’s the background: In 2008, Bloomfield Township issued $26 million in bonds to pay for the construction of our senior center, fire hall and Department of Public Works building. These bonds could be called by the township and reissued after 10 years if interest rates were lower. By refinancing these bonds now, the Township will get a lower interest rate on the remaining debt and save money.
Sounds like a good idea, right? Well, not quite: there were several interesting aspects to this deal.
First, there were absolutely no pages on the bond deal in the packet.
There was NOTHING for the Trustees or the public to review. As one citizen pointed out: I’d love to do business with this Township – I wouldn’t even have to write a proposal! How can such a decision be made without documentation?
Second, the Board of Trustees approved another no-bid deal.
These bonds should have been offered as a competitive sale to a number of institutions, rather than negotiated deal with only one provider. When you are selling tax-exempt municipal bond issue from an organization that has an AAA bond rating, you don’t even need to advertise. They sell themselves.
However, Supervisor Leo Savoie and Trustee Brian Kepes decided to float the bonds through Fifth Third, exclusively, without any bidding process. This is the same organization that messed up the calculation on the Township’s pension bond issue and unexpectedly demanded a $1.7 million payment the day after settlement. Savoie and Kepes refused to consider competitive bidding over the objections of Trustee David Buckley and Treasurer Dan Devine.
Third, officials voted without disclosing their conflicts of interest.
Savoie and Kepes refused to disclose their multiple ties to Fifth Third and also did not recuse themselves from the vote, despite citizen requests. A few years back, Savoie cut a deal with Fifth Third to pay off millions of personal business debt. His mortgage broker from the bank was transferred to municipal funding, just in time to underwrite a big bond deal in Bloomfield Township. The broker from Fifth Third gets no-bid contracts like this from the township -- and he contributes to Savoie’s campaign. (Would you contribute to a candidate that defaulted on millions in loans?) Kepes has had connections to Fifth Third through his ownership of commercial property that is adjacent to a parcel owned by Fifth Third.
This was obviously yet another a sweetheart deal for Fifth Third and Bloomfield Township while residents (once again) are left in the dark.
Here’s the background: In 2008, Bloomfield Township issued $26 million in bonds to pay for the construction of our senior center, fire hall and Department of Public Works building. These bonds could be called by the township and reissued after 10 years if interest rates were lower. By refinancing these bonds now, the Township will get a lower interest rate on the remaining debt and save money.
Sounds like a good idea, right? Well, not quite: there were several interesting aspects to this deal.
First, there were absolutely no pages on the bond deal in the packet.
There was NOTHING for the Trustees or the public to review. As one citizen pointed out: I’d love to do business with this Township – I wouldn’t even have to write a proposal! How can such a decision be made without documentation?
Second, the Board of Trustees approved another no-bid deal.
These bonds should have been offered as a competitive sale to a number of institutions, rather than negotiated deal with only one provider. When you are selling tax-exempt municipal bond issue from an organization that has an AAA bond rating, you don’t even need to advertise. They sell themselves.
However, Supervisor Leo Savoie and Trustee Brian Kepes decided to float the bonds through Fifth Third, exclusively, without any bidding process. This is the same organization that messed up the calculation on the Township’s pension bond issue and unexpectedly demanded a $1.7 million payment the day after settlement. Savoie and Kepes refused to consider competitive bidding over the objections of Trustee David Buckley and Treasurer Dan Devine.
Third, officials voted without disclosing their conflicts of interest.
Savoie and Kepes refused to disclose their multiple ties to Fifth Third and also did not recuse themselves from the vote, despite citizen requests. A few years back, Savoie cut a deal with Fifth Third to pay off millions of personal business debt. His mortgage broker from the bank was transferred to municipal funding, just in time to underwrite a big bond deal in Bloomfield Township. The broker from Fifth Third gets no-bid contracts like this from the township -- and he contributes to Savoie’s campaign. (Would you contribute to a candidate that defaulted on millions in loans?) Kepes has had connections to Fifth Third through his ownership of commercial property that is adjacent to a parcel owned by Fifth Third.
This was obviously yet another a sweetheart deal for Fifth Third and Bloomfield Township while residents (once again) are left in the dark.
OUR PHILOSOPHY: TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY
Citizens of Bloomfield Township, Michigan need information about decisions and changes made by our local government.
Official agendas, board packets and meeting minutes frequently lack any documentation on important choices being made.
This site is dedicated to informing residents about current issues, bringing backroom deals into the light
and increasing the voices of average Township citizens about decisions which impact them.
Official agendas, board packets and meeting minutes frequently lack any documentation on important choices being made.
This site is dedicated to informing residents about current issues, bringing backroom deals into the light
and increasing the voices of average Township citizens about decisions which impact them.
UPCOMING ISSUES TO BE REVIEWED
Watch for updates soon...
The Village at Bloomfield Park
Elimination of an eyesore or another deal for a donor-developer that taxpayers will regret?
The developer knew the legal agreement when they purchased the property. Now they are seeking to change fundamental aspects of the agreement, including the size of the apartments and the types of businesses allowed.
We will give you the full picture soon, so you can decide for yourself whether this is a good deal or a sell-out.
Elimination of an eyesore or another deal for a donor-developer that taxpayers will regret?
The developer knew the legal agreement when they purchased the property. Now they are seeking to change fundamental aspects of the agreement, including the size of the apartments and the types of businesses allowed.
We will give you the full picture soon, so you can decide for yourself whether this is a good deal or a sell-out.
Pension Plan Changes
Closed-door sessions with lots of lawyers have become the new norm for Trustee meetings.
What is being planned for the pensions of long-term employees and will they have time to react to changes? It is clear that major changes are underway, and fast. What do employees need to know, and what are their rights?
Closed-door sessions with lots of lawyers have become the new norm for Trustee meetings.
What is being planned for the pensions of long-term employees and will they have time to react to changes? It is clear that major changes are underway, and fast. What do employees need to know, and what are their rights?
Did Illegal Act Change the Election Outcome?
A "clerical error" was what Supervisor Leo Savoie called his use of private citizen emails for his re-election campaign. "Abuse of office" and "fraud" are labels that others apply to an event in June. Just as absentee ballots were being delivered in the mail, Clerk Jan Roncelli gave Savoie a restricted list of emails. He used it to deliver a message from a URL made to look official -- bloomfieldtownshipelections.com -- with a ringing endorsement of himself and his cronies.
Many believe that this illegal act delivered the nomination to Supervisor Leo Savoie, who won by only 452 votes on a total cast of just over 8,000. This is the subject of complaints to the State Attorney General and the Secretary of State. Hear more about this as news develops...
A "clerical error" was what Supervisor Leo Savoie called his use of private citizen emails for his re-election campaign. "Abuse of office" and "fraud" are labels that others apply to an event in June. Just as absentee ballots were being delivered in the mail, Clerk Jan Roncelli gave Savoie a restricted list of emails. He used it to deliver a message from a URL made to look official -- bloomfieldtownshipelections.com -- with a ringing endorsement of himself and his cronies.
Many believe that this illegal act delivered the nomination to Supervisor Leo Savoie, who won by only 452 votes on a total cast of just over 8,000. This is the subject of complaints to the State Attorney General and the Secretary of State. Hear more about this as news develops...
