Planning commission accepts Angela Sokolos resignation; recommends Joe Gruber to township supervisor

The Grosse Ile Township Planning Commission on the evening it met accepted the resignation of Angela Sokolos and unanimously recommended Joe Gruber to the township supervisor for appointment to the planning commission.

Sokolos wrote that she had enjoyed participating in “key decisions” related to the master plan, petitions and ordinance updates and encouraged the commission to remain “future focused” and consider longevity and sustainability for the community. The commission voted to accept her resignation “with regret and with thanks” (motion moved and seconded; vote: unanimous aye).

Joe Gruber introduced himself to the commission. Gruber, who said he lives on Park Lane and works for the city of Wyandotte as downtown development director, told commissioners he has experience updating master plans and zoning ordinances and follows downtown redevelopment day to day. He said he and his wife have four school-age children in the Grosse Ile schools and that he wants to “give back and serve” on the commission.

Commissioners said the subcommittee that interviewed applicants — Ross, Bill Heil and the chair — conducted six interviews and found several qualified candidates; the subcommittee selected Gruber as its recommendation. The planning commission voted to recommend Gruber to the township supervisor; the supervisor will forward the recommendation to the township board for a final appointment vote. Commissioners said they expect the board consideration will occur at an upcoming meeting in mid-October.

The action creates a formal vacancy recommendation but does not itself place Gruber on the commission until the township board takes final action. The commission welcomed Gruber and said he may begin receiving packets and attend upcoming meetings once the supervisor forwards the recommendation and the board acts.

At the close of discussion commissioners thanked Sokolos for her service and expressed appreciation for her resignation letter and years on the commission.