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Committee installs new open‑space signs, raises questions about electric bikes and trail cameras after vandalism
Summary
The Committee reported new uniform open‑space signs across major trails, discussed vandalism to a sign on Moreland, and sought clarification on whether electric bicycles count as motorized vehicles under the Michigan vehicle code; trail cameras were discussed as a last resort.
Members of the Grosse Ile Greenways Open Space Committee said they have installed new uniform open‑space signs on the township's major trails and are monitoring vandalism and unauthorized after‑hours trail use.
"We have at least 5 or 6 major trails. We have put Ray Geist and I installed those," the committee chair said. Committee members said one sign near the bird sanctuary on Moreland was found bent at the base; the post was replaced and the committee is considering stronger 4x4 posts to resist future tampering.
Former police chief Porcirrelli, who reviewed the signs with staff, told the group that electric bicycles may not be treated as motorized vehicles under the Michigan vehicle code. "They're not considered motorized vehicles," the committee reported he said; staff said they will seek formal clarification from legal counsel or the township attorney.
Police contact and reporting have been used after two tampering incidents in the bird sanctuary, the chair said. Committee members discussed trail cameras as a possible deterrent, but described cameras as a last resort. "If we did put a camera up, we probably wouldn't discuss it," one member said, summarizing the group’s concern about privacy and civil‑liberties issues.
Julie Cortis, the township ordinance enforcer, and public‑works staff also briefed the committee on signage enforcement. Cortis uses periodic patrols and a sticker system to flag noncompliant temporary signs and reports violations to staff for follow up.
The committee noted the signs are intended to reduce unsafe after‑hours use, prevent fires and protect wildflowers, and to make the township's preserved open‑space parcels easier for residents to identify. The committee said it will seek a legal opinion on e‑bikes and will continue to coordinate with police on enforcement and reporting.
No new ordinance was adopted at the meeting; members requested clarification and additional guidance before recommending changes to signage or enforcement policy.
