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

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.