[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6062659,"mediaKeyId","3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f","parentId",3275991,"title","Board partially upholds FOIA denials, agrees to release non‑NDA bridge records and to prepare public information package","audioSeconds",2650,"startMs",2745000,"endMs",5395000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f&start=2745&end=5395","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f/thumbnail_2745000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6062659/Michigan/Board-partially-upholds-FOIA-denials-agrees-to-release-nonNDA-bridge-records-and-to-prepare-public-information-package","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062659-ea16ef1b49c0c41f7c5e9bb32646315b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176005&Signature=QnRfWmlMZNKwt0nsP~LLb1tti6rtCYtnKp9mBnAbquB273RNSfoluuT5ZnnCoA6xhFs2rR-mMNzkSPuQBm9dkRUXXnswGAyCwvtShW96Uv56VG~BytGzxYcZG9znjdh2BIav43LoRyDz9~UCubw0U1NFOP4XPUjr3QctDISlRbePDDV1tzCYSFO33JbXBlFWTLdkXqD-EfCZQcHn8gwMo0Gv5Riz3RmICwkfaxuxw2Fy~vsjk2o4FXllfUrKTBULjVwVg~w735y3PrSCLtMOut5Z8UWehQRTHlBS5vjDuOvFKtRxR9sE0iPAp~TIqqVCS5IOfmvBMrcI0DM8IDeung__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","GrosseIleTownship","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Grosse Ile Township Board on May 12 partially granted a Freedom of Information Act appeal concerning records about the recently acquired toll bridge, authorizing the release of documents that are not covered by existing nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) and that do not pose a public‑safety risk, while denying a separate request for the confidentiality agreement itself.

During extended discussion, township legal and administrative staff warned the board that releasing materials covered by NDAs could put the township at legal and financial risk. At the same time, several trustees and public speakers urged maximum transparency; the board struck a middle course, voting to review materials and to produce a public information packet of non‑restricted records for public release.

The FOIA appeals arose after a resident, Douglas (Doug) Scott (Marquette Drive), sought bridge documents including profit‑and‑loss statements, budgets, inspection and engineering reports and consultant work products. Scott said the denials “do not meet the requirements of the FOIA statute” and urged release. He argued: “FOIA does not authorize the release of information. It demands it.”

Township FOIA coordinator Brian Friel and township counsel said some requested material is covered by the bridge company's NDA and falls under infrastructure‑safety exemptions; releasing such materials could reveal vulnerabilities in the structure. “We are still under NDA,” a township representative said during discussion, noting that disclosure could risk litigation and expose sensitive infrastructure details.

After debate the board adopted a motion to “partially approve the appeal for FOIA number 25‑25” to provide records that are not subject to NDAs or that would compromise public safety; the motion passed on a voice vote. The board separately voted to uphold denial of FOIA request 25‑35, which sought the confidentiality (NDA) agreement itself.

Trustees and staff said the administration will work with counsel and the bridge company to assemble an index of records the bridge company will allow to be published and to redact sensitive material where necessary. The board directed staff to prepare a public‑information package of materials that can be released and said the newly constituted bridge commission will oversee routine reporting going forward.

Operational updates: Township manager Derek Thiele reported the administration has issued approximately 1,500 bridge passes since the township began processing applications in April and that roughly 250 applications remain outstanding; the township has ordered another 500 passes to meet demand. He said temporary staff (about 13 additional hires) were deployed to staffing toll operations while the Wayne County bridge is closed.

Derek said toll operations have been expanded with temporary employees and that the glass‑recycling drop‑off at Township Hall will be suspended while overweight vehicle issues and escorts are active between now and the county bridge reopening. He also said the township is coordinating with HNTB/H&H (township engineers) on inspection and repair schedules and expects updated construction and inspection schedules from the engineers.

Several public commenters urged broader disclosure and asked whether the township would seek reimbursement from Wayne County for costs residents have incurred because of the county bridge closure. Trustees said they will continue to press for public reporting and financial transparency, but county reimbursement decisions rest with Wayne County.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Township Board of Trustees - 12 May 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Grosse Ile Township Board on May 12 partially granted a FOIA appeal tied to records about the recently acquired toll bridge, agreeing to release records that are not covered by nondisclosure agreements or that would create public‑safety risks; the board denied a second request seeking the confidentiality agreement itself.","taxTitle","Grosse Ile, Wayne County, Michigan","taxId",55649,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062664,"Grosse Ile board approves Macomb Street social district, sets rules and permit fees",3484,276000,3760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f&start=276&end=3760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f/thumbnail_276000.jpg","/articles/6062664/Michigan/Grosse-Ile-board-approves-Macomb-Street-social-district-sets-rules-and-permit-fees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062664-4c29c2de93776c922de765b542a505cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176005&Signature=NH6d25BaGzlrbBO-5w2yWBPu2D4iewmFXOqmi7ZUX90AdwU696S0nFJhmQxJNX9avREczIGvUMXkUNXIQUMwmecdcYdMwQG4ox7pQlPgW0y~zw2W7oqCFlfSnmPTldWEUUyfrzCn30xhzMVK7lyT7Un~8fX-KJ4txWYszZSC~wF78KHprpXrRbTr5VsWnbWdD3v7yqmpjBFR8By4gGX2vKgGT3L68a3K-EQ0OmuM80EvajxVM~eCYMA7ad0BsU0BRl4e-UvRnfkCEsmHxKwbnOWWu9mjM7ndDmt315SEWrmXOmEtzX-F~QaGYJRPVb2Yl9ki8baTk4b7SKp4sa5Qlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grosse Ile Township Board on May 12 approved a resolution establishing a Macomb Street social district that will let customers carry and consume alcoholic beverages bought at participating licensed bars and restaurants within a marked commons area.

The district — recommended by the Downtown Development Authority — is intended to boost outdoor dining and pedestrian traffic on Macomb Street and will be bounded and signed by the township, with participating businesses required to obtain a permit from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and follow the township's operations plan.

Under the rules described at a study session and included in the township's packet, alcohol may be consumed only in the social-district “commons” area and only in an authorized Social District cup. Ross, the DDA representative who presented the plan, said the commons “is defined by the border, including sidewalks adjacent to licensed establishments,” and that crosswalks and roadways are part of the district only for pedestrian travel.

The DDA-proposed hours are daily from noon to 10 p.m.; participating retailers must serve alcohol in containers of 16 ounces or less, non‑glass, and marked with the permit-holder's logo plus the Macomb Street Social District logo. Ross told the board the state law authorizing social districts was enacted in July 2020 and that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission must issue Social District permits after the township approves an operations and maintenance plan.

The board packet lists a $250 annual social-district permit fee per business and a one-time $70 inspection fee; Ross said the $70 is an initial state inspection and the $250 is the yearly permit charge. He also said the DDA mailed about 80 notices and ran a short survey; of the 13 respondents, one opposed and the rest were “highly in favor.”

Trustee William raised liability and enforcement concerns at the study session, recounting prior lawsuits where owners and landlords were named, and asked whether the township would be insulated from claims tied to over-service or incidents. Supervisor Joe responded that the township attorney reviewed the plan and advised that the township is not serving alcohol or providing alcohol; the licensed businesses retain the statutory responsibilities to check IDs and not serve intoxicated patrons. The supervisor summarized the attorney's view: “We have no more liability just allowing a social district. We don't provide anything that has to do with the alcohol.”

Board members discussed enforcement coordination with police; Ross said local police chiefs he contacted reported no measurable increase in criminal activity after other Michigan municipalities adopted social districts. Ross also noted options for signage and pavement markings indicating the district boundary and said the DDA will collect permit applications and educate the public if the state approves the township's submission.

Other operational details: a commercial establishment that sells food but does not hold a liquor license may not allow consumption of alcoholic beverages on its premises; patrons may not bring their own alcohol or refill cups; and retailers should make clear whether they accept social-district cups.

The board voted to approve the Macomb Street Social District resolution; the DDA will submit the township resolution and an operations plan to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission as the next step. If the MLCC approves, the DDA will purchase and post signage, publicize the rules, and begin collecting social-district permit applications from eligible license-holders.

The board did not adopt additional township ordinances at the meeting; enforcement questions and details about recycling/compostable cup options and parking were discussed and left for follow-up with township staff.

The board's approval launches a state review and, if ultimately permitted by the MLCC, a local program that will be implemented and administered by the DDA in coordination with township staff and police.","The township board approved a resolution to create a Macomb Street social district where patrons may carry open containers bought at participating businesses; the plan sets boundaries, hours, a $250 annual permit and a $70 initial inspection fee, and leaves enforcement and some liability with permit holders.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062645,"Board authorizes letter of intent, appraisal for parcel across from Lions Park as possible playscape site",1509,5855000,7364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f&start=5855&end=7364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f/thumbnail_5855000.jpg","/articles/6062645/Michigan/Board-authorizes-letter-of-intent-appraisal-for-parcel-across-from-Lions-Park-as-possible-playscape-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062645-2ff8c5c4f14e14a79559087b11722313/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176005&Signature=HlcGW0mRJRd4Gg9iSS3FDXas8dCXKHzYkVWohFQHFkpgy2JEuQHXiYMKRfR~-nU0BDpB6y88oGWb70Va7rvA2tU9p86nakrW30ROLxFxTRWqFnD3k37Pxrb2K~6X~Q3z0Ek3FKwXJYCo9x6YcbDjvXWYqCqHIhAdlcNJdkM691zf9fcnUqvL0xv0rbXsByZgvvqPt85~Px1~uaGO2mtFFtYjFjqCcx09rvAFIUYwRsXHun75k6On2zCgbSu1qUmDXat3FexEBWJF0Fh7EcO9SqT-89PChUtrzjP00TLqe8YJuhn9u61NI0fjgRY1ND6vdmEaojPdE8XbkCmnqZvTrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grosse Ile Township Board voted May 12 to authorize a letter of intent to the owner of a vacant Macomb Street parcel (parcel ID 73‑028‑01‑0039‑000) and to spend up to $2,000 for a private appraisal to determine market value as a preliminary step toward potentially acquiring land for a playscape across from Lions Park.

Administration explained the letter would open formal discussions with the owner and that the township can only pay up to an appraised value; a board member stressed the action is an exploratory step, not a commitment to purchase. If the appraisal and negotiations produce a mutually agreeable price, the board said it would return for final approval.

Trustees noted community interest in a playscape and that traffic, crosswalks and safety would be part of any subsequent design and acquisition discussion. The motion carried on the voice vote; the administration will commission the appraisal and report back to the board before any purchase decision.","The board approved sending a letter of intent to the owner of a vacant parcel on Macomb Street and authorized up to $2,000 for a private appraisal as a first step toward possibly acquiring land for a playground across from Lions Park.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062649,"Board sets public hearing for Elba Drive special assessment after residents petition",227,3882000,4109000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f&start=3882&end=4109","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f/thumbnail_3882000.jpg","/articles/6062649/Michigan/Board-sets-public-hearing-for-Elba-Drive-special-assessment-after-residents-petition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062649-d4df586fc09d7dc7359fbcbefe0e890a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176005&Signature=LrnzSNo0CP237rtCqisjo5BVtOqxrMpuy~hc3nlXw3TwFN7pKogYBVAgO7Cwf0r8tRNuwn-kHv0NFO1O7IifE-pfhWc3ygx~dHZoIEtxyXR7Uqy7OAdnksHVSFMDQZu9Q33UJfzmb11YvqaXJFYSu-chKP0g-Cs2boycNBSUCukjBYpgBTwOA2rQllwp4O9JSgNIatP1osBD0SG0dGZFAffD0XYE649uHBDpO29E-kTVkUH3r~nr0JXS4yqx5xJaVSld6GsZslgvJKQPnkMiKcrok~R8wRs~xAMgH6ULTUcQsUC0pEJBsXZaYZSqevyr2dmiihcroseNaHXOSQxRfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grosse Ile Township Board on May 12 approved a resolution establishing a public hearing (scheduled for June 9) on a resident‑initiated special assessment district to resurface a private section of Elba Drive.

Administration said the township will contract and finance the work using its contractor, with the private section’s 16 property owners paying a proportional share of the cost as a special assessment added to their property tax bill and repayable over five years. The administration gave a preliminary cost estimate of roughly $70,000 total for work on the private section, which would result in an approximate assessment of $4,990 per parcel (before interest and administrative charges).

Residents petitioned for the work after the township scheduled the public sections for resurfacing; the township agreed to include the private section to allow residents to complete surfacing simultaneously. The treasurer said the township would use funds from the revolving loan fund and that property owners could prepay the assessment if they wish.

The board approved scheduling the formal hearing so residents can hear detailed plans, the final cost breakdown, and vote on proceeding; the hearing will provide the statutory notice and comment period required for special assessments.","The board adopted a resolution to set a June 9 public hearing on creating a special assessment district so 16 homeowners can contract with the township to resurface a private section of Elba Drive; estimated per‑parcel cost about $4,990 to be repaid over five years unless paid sooner.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6062654,"Board hires James Gatt as Grosse Ile fire marshal; swearing-in follows vote",182,3261000,3443000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f&start=3261&end=3443","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3275991-40b63bc6d869e1f71247624d8bc47b5f/thumbnail_3261000.jpg","/articles/6062654/Michigan/Board-hires-James-Gatt-as-Grosse-Ile-fire-marshal-swearing-in-follows-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6062654-d0e5f5057bf1cf297fd5dd83c5bd9bb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176005&Signature=dOJ6zkjItGJoOiSNzl5-cbiW0pSAfQZIgbtb8kcERIvYzyyu5wYDjWVKfIWYKMso1iqXQn~AEvKZ~n4hylRVNavB~m8sNl0P2HebEMCRXtYApJxxwi2ju09k~EM3MMgbrSmUaQN2iTlRZLQPKs7cqSsE0P12PsKZ2QBVBNzU9bg7h-q1iCYFE3jWW9cG~73b5tyepNeN3ZHgT1IdJ3LY3FsEmDj5cZ7FfA9ksj~ArI6bAPI20y6e2sv7xdpf7hKrKOPaRX2J3X-3mOONld1dZvUpOZGcJRS9R37YrgDmHMjn9v86O2eKkj7gUneAbN0Muaqjl02U4j4qINEc65rfmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grosse Ile Township Board approved the hire of James Gatt to the position of fire marshal on May 12 and administered the oath of office after the vote.

Trustees said the fire commission recommended Gatt after interviews with multiple candidates. Trustee comments noted the department's need for a full‑time fire marshal to provide daytime and nighttime emergency response, prevention, investigation and training. The board voted to hire Gatt under the terms listed in the attached offer of employment.

A trustee asked that in future nonunion hires the board receive applicant resumes and packet materials in advance; administration said policies allow those materials to be forwarded on request and pledged to provide them going forward. Gatt was sworn in at the meeting and briefly referenced his training and ongoing scheduled coursework.

The motion carried on a recorded voice vote and the board welcomed Gatt and his family for photographs after his oath.","The township board approved hiring James Gatt as fire marshal and later administered the oath of office. Trustees praised applicant pool and said Gatt had been performing many duties already; some trustees requested typical packet materials be provided in future hires.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board partially upholds FOIA denials, agrees to release non‑NDA bridge records and to prepare public information package

Grosse Ile board approves Macomb Street social district, sets rules and permit fees

Board authorizes letter of intent, appraisal for parcel across from Lions Park as possible playscape site

Board sets public hearing for Elba Drive special assessment after residents petition

Board hires James Gatt as Grosse Ile fire marshal; swearing-in follows vote