[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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",[32,75,87],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6483774,"mediaKeyId","5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd","parentId",5581142,"title","Macomb Township board approves grants, hires, ordinance changes and opioid funding","audioSeconds",4042,"startMs",1757000,"endMs",5799000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd&start=1757&end=5799","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd/thumbnail_1757000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6483774/Michigan/Macomb-Township-board-approves-grants-hires-ordinance-changes-and-opioid-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483774-e24171419b988903e15a05d6cebad3ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169203&Signature=ON4sBk5p7Md-153sJ7w4HKKHtja~frbtol49kQcJM2PfW5IKHpIE32BsEQ9hxzT14kiGe9qQnl7vPUqyXu~FPnDZEZCZ8PyiRa0A8WsRpbPpMfp~yUjgZNv~Kn2EhDTslBlsLOTfyDmjwygccDWmPScaVNaH3VEmJyKF~Yg4~ijuiml5XrNtHqwftWFk6hLzx6ZTFrLkYDcrEMNzfdAZC6SbBCdcGkVwpCS5RPOHqPV91XeFbMZ7~O3xTtkcS3F9QiKAKGpJC4J4DjxRAHjB14~ozkie7uQeVjnffdTmgS0HmWzOuQ6bWMTE2ftWypZTJRlWIggh7dx28ye-i0lhuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-14T12:38:31Z","article","The Macomb Township Board of Trustees approved a series of motions during its Aug. 13 meeting, taking action on grants, contracts, hires and ordinance amendments. All votes listed below passed; most were unanimous.

Key votes and outcomes

- Senior Center parking lot expansion (Community Development Block Grant): The board awarded the FY2024 Community Block Grant contract for the Senior Center parking lot expansion, Phase 1, to Peak Asphalt. Township cost was stated as $20,484; the block grant covers the remainder. Motion passed unanimously.

- Extend Easement Acquisition Services contract with Land Matters Inc.: The board approved a contract extension and fee amendment for easement acquisition services (extension allowed under the original contract). Motion passed unanimously.

- Hire approvals (HR): The board approved three position hires recommended by Human Resources: Emily Davis (civil engineer; effective 09/08/2025), Brennan Moran (Parks & Recreation maintenance worker; effective 08/14/2025) and Donnie Accardo (DPW maintenance worker; effective 09/02/2025). Motions passed unanimously.

- Code of Ordinance amendment — Chapter 14, Planning Article 5 (Ponds): The board adopted an amendment establishing standards for landscape and recreational ponds, including setbacks, slopes and safety standards. Motion passed unanimously.

- SEMCOG Planning Assistance grant / Non-motorized Plan: The board awarded a contract to OHM Advisors to complete a Macomb Township Non-Motorized Plan using a SEMCOG planning assistance grant. The scope was adjusted to $40,000 with the grant covering $28,647.50 and the township covering the remainder. Motion passed unanimously.

- Opioid settlement funds allocation to FACE Addiction Now: The board approved allocating $100,000 from opioid settlement funds to FACE Addiction Now to expand local prevention, recovery and family-support programming. Motion passed unanimously.

- Dedication of right of way for Broughton Road (warranty deed): The board authorized the township supervisor to sign a warranty deed dedicating approximately 1,300 square feet of township-owned property (Parcel ID 0809200020) as ultimate right-of-way to accommodate design work for Broughton Road. Motion passed unanimously.

Additional administrative actions included standard consent-agenda approvals of bills and minutes.

What trustees said

Presenters from township departments described grant award terms, contracting details and HR recruitment processes for the hires. Staff said most contracts were within expected budgets and that several grants required minor scope reductions to match approved grant amounts.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- Award Senior Center parking lot expansion (Peak Asphalt): motion passed unanimously (mover: Trustee Oliver; support: Trustee Lucido).
- Extend Land Matters Inc. easement acquisition contract: motion passed unanimously (mover: Trustee Cusimano; support: Trustee Papa).
- Hire Emily Davis, civil engineer (effective 09/08/2025): motion passed unanimously (mover: Treasurer Gillette; support: Trustee Papa).
- Hire Brennan Moran, Parks & Rec maintenance worker (effective 08/14/2025): motion passed unanimously.
- Hire Donnie Accardo, DPW maintenance worker (effective 09/02/2025): motion passed unanimously.
- Adopt Chapter 14 Planning Article 5 (Ponds) ordinance amendment: motion passed unanimously.
- Award OHM Advisors contract for Non-Motorized Plan (SEMCOG grant): motion passed unanimously.
- Allocate $100,000 opioid settlement funds to FACE Addiction Now: motion passed unanimously.
- Authorize supervisor to sign warranty deed for Broughton Road ROW (Parcel 0809200020): motion passed unanimously.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Trustees 08-13-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the Aug. 13 Macomb Township Board of Trustees meeting the board unanimously approved multiple routine and policy items, including grant-funded projects, hires, a ponds ordinance amendment and a $100,000 allocation from opioid settlement funds to FACE Addiction Now.","taxTitle","Macomb, Macomb County, Michigan","taxId",64376,"location","Michigan","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6483779,"Firefighters warn Macomb Township trustees staffing shortfalls are risking crews and residents",1238,5884000,7122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd&start=5884&end=7122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd/thumbnail_5884000.jpg","/articles/6483779/Michigan/Firefighters-warn-Macomb-Township-trustees-staffing-shortfalls-are-risking-crews-and-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483779-84bfb70be033683c7caa6721064f94dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169203&Signature=YtBBKbvkyy4f1EtPgTdzdn~SrHEWMJ6tEHY4yN5jVksKhwmZuoJMOn57j3vjW-nQfQg5impc1IhqlctolZHocKRzeg31dOHBZ1Gx30RQCgqwrAbpU5H-UVYMh~s0p~h26eOzr8RIPxWni8l70asS0iFHFPb6MBkAQ-AUVbH4Aj1Jj5h5gNghMjzcEEkeALHHtsXuW-xTAzbejopXbmZDmoHHCHBT9xsSlbqTyoe9DFGmfy8ssQ7NDiLlVQMh3jlGjK9EiD9Ffjl6jiyj9b1jmnW-IjzsXV5XTSsTZG-IX4x8H2rfF2C~vxIzVMiMaF1VFwPnaa2OQ3Kheqbf02Usaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Macomb Township Firefighters’ local and other residents pressed the Board of Trustees on Aug. 13 to address what they described as critical staffing shortages that, they said, put both firefighters and residents at risk.

Jim Muzinski, identified at the meeting as president of the Macomb Township firefighters’ union, urged immediate action after a recent house fire in which two firefighters were injured and multiple mutual-aid departments responded. \"When a fire breaks out in Macomb Township, the people running toward the danger are not numbers on a budget sheet,\" Muzinski said at the board’s second public-comment period, arguing the department is chronically understaffed and that part-time staffing cannot reliably replace full-time crews.

A speaker who identified national standards summarized applicable guidance, saying NFPA 1710 \"recommends a minimum of 4 firefighters per engine\" and noted OSHA’s 2-in/2-out safety principle. Other public commenters, including a resident who drove from Highland to show support, urged the board to adopt staffing levels that meet those standards.

Board response and status

Trustees said they recognize the concerns and reiterated that the township previously ordered a full review of staffing levels. Supervisor Viviano and other trustees said the department has been through rapid organizational changes in recent years — a shift from paid-on-call to part-time and incremental additions of full-time staff and station bedroom renovations — and that those changes will be reviewed alongside staffing data.

Clerk Posey and several trustees pledged to work with department representatives and the union to seek solutions through budgeting, scheduling and negotiations. No formal action or personnel decisions were made at the meeting; trustees said they will analyze data, return with findings and continue discussions with the department’s representatives.

Context and concerns raised

Speakers at the meeting described multiple operational concerns: frequent unfilled part-time shifts, extended overtime, an instance of a reportedly inoperable hydrant (which the board later characterized in discussion as an unverified claim), and the risks of sending smaller crews into structure fires. The union urged the board to consider reallocating unused part-time dollars to hire full-time firefighters and to reduce overtime-related safety and cost pressures.

What’s next

Trustees said they will collect staffing data and deployment records, consider the results of the earlier staffing review already underway, and meet with union representatives and fire leadership to explore changes. Board members emphasized the goal of keeping firefighters safe while balancing fiscal considerations.","Union leaders and residents told trustees on Aug. 13 that the township’s fire department is critically understaffed, citing a recent incident where two firefighters were injured. Trustees said they would review staffing levels and continue discussions with department representatives.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6483784,"Macomb Township delays liquidated-damages while Priority Waste works to stabilize service",3330,1189000,4519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd&start=1189&end=4519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5581142-ab21163c97905cb4a3bfb88b138ef3bd/thumbnail_1189000.jpg","/articles/6483784/Michigan/Macomb-Township-delays-liquidated-damages-while-Priority-Waste-works-to-stabilize-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483784-fc2681260aacaee2d3593bfcd9a2be13/orig.mp4?Expires=1776169203&Signature=QVg9aZ55yjX17QhahueXmswvIPIc~RUHM569QQCRlo~-pfaExBSZSIURfjj~nPK9ZRFB3-zhKJ5d2BiN7o27va4tKJcJRpew8CuU2DubexFoOz5sDuuUGNKdK1Ca2h3ne5oRAiHsvlc2AIsSHAV3-LEl0zYco8EoC6fgz-mqU8QbSkok8MSRcXAiqBh8LMk5ryqSvKYaJcMh~m2nUYWoxsizJQK5Y11Gny2k1uDehGQUTuYxHhZd32TgVN4xAn7of8ICO8UyB8Rj2GKk43Tko7PRvtRxzeEu0TWO9LounLKzY2ErxpcdeTlox--y6arSuJ8LlrO1C~AA4YF-ufywvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Macomb Township trustees voted 6–1 on Wednesday, Aug. 13 to delay imposing liquidated damages on Priority Waste for 30 days while the company continues work to stabilize curbside trash, recycling and compost service.

The decision followed a public hearing in which multiple township residents described missed or late pickups dating to July and earlier. Residents reported missed collection days, late-night truck activity and difficulty getting responsive billing or customer-service support. Several residents urged the board to replace Priority Waste if service did not improve.

Priority Waste CEO Todd Stamper and the company’s general counsel, Vincent Hoiappa, answered residents’ questions and described recent operational changes. Stamper apologized for the disruption and said the company had removed older trucks from service, taken delivery of new vehicles for the township and opened a resident portal. \"The team's winning, and we apologize for what you had to go through with us,\" Stamper said. He also told the board Priority services Macomb Township’s 25,000 customers and that the company averages roughly 5,000 houses per service day (about 15,000 stops per day across three services).

Board members discussed options after the township’s legal counsel outlined three courses of action: declare the default cured, begin calculation and assessment of liquidated damages, or extend the cure period while monitoring performance. Clerk Posey moved to delay liquidated damages for 30 days; Trustee Oliver supported the motion. The motion passed 6–1, with Trustee Cusimano voting no.

Board staff and trustees said they would continue to monitor complaint volumes and route completion data reported by Priority Waste and township staff. Township staff reminded residents that, under the contract, missed pickups must be collected by noon the next day after an eligible missed stop; the contract ties liquidated-damages calculations to missed stops that are not corrected in the contract’s specified timeframe. According to board discussion, the liquidated-damages amount is $35 per site of generation when applicable.

What happened during the hearing

Residents at the hearing described multiple missed or delayed pick-ups and difficulty reaching Priority Waste by phone or getting consistent paper billing. Examples cited at the meeting included missed pickups on July 16, July 23 and July 30, late-night collections reported near midnight or later, and complaints about rats and other neighborhood impacts. Speakers included Marlene Keane, Bogdan Ballan, Michael Koltuniak, John Palmer, John Parkinson, Sue Bridal and Susan Schmidt Madsen.

Company response and board oversight

Stamper said Priority scrapped roughly 200 older trucks from a 550-truck fleet, has put new trucks into service in the township, and rolled out a customer portal for residents and township staff. He acknowledged phone- and billing-related problems during the transition and said the company is reworking phone routing so that billing calls from single-bill communities will be handled differently to reduce call volume. Stamper also said the company maintains spare trucks and does not anticipate staffing problems for fall leaf collection.

Trustees emphasized they expect measurable improvement and said the township will continue monitoring service data the company provides and the township’s complaint portal. Trustee Cusimano said she remained skeptical and voted against the 30-day delay; other trustees said they preferred to allow the company time to demonstrate consistent improvement before beginning liquidated-damages calculations.

Next steps

The board will review Priority Waste’s performance at a meeting in approximately 30 days. If the township determines the contract cure is not sufficient at that time, the board may begin assessing liquidated damages per the contract or take other contract remedies discussed by legal counsel.

","After a public hearing with multiple residents and testimony from Priority Waste's CEO, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees voted 6–1 on Aug. 13 to delay imposing liquidated damages for 30 days while the company continues efforts to improve collections service.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Macomb Township board approves grants, hires, ordinance changes and opioid funding

Firefighters warn Macomb Township trustees staffing shortfalls are risking crews and residents

Macomb Township delays liquidated-damages while Priority Waste works to stabilize service