Commissioners reviewed a draft ordinance on Nov. 24 intended to memorialize rules and penalties for operations of the publicly owned Grosse Ile Toll Bridge. The draft, compiled from staff logs of operational issues, was presented as a discussion item and is expected to return as an action item after commissioner review and counsel follow-up.

"Any regulations that we impose as a public entity have to be, designed and implemented, via ordinance," the presenting staff member said, explaining the draft consolidates common operational occurrences and proposed rules for customers and enforcement.

Commissioners raised questions about enforceability when parts of the bridge and related conduct fall within Riverview jurisdiction. One commissioner asked whether criminal matters on bridge property would be handled by Riverview police and Wayne County courts; the chair said he would check with township counsel (Kristen) and report back. Commissioners discussed the possibility of a memorandum of understanding to create concurrent jurisdiction or of relying on administrative remedies (fines or revocation of bridge privileges) under a local ordinance for noncriminal conduct.

The commission also debated whether toll collection should be credit-card only. Vice Chair (Speaker 6) argued against a credit-card-only approach because some residents — particularly older residents — lack cards and that state-level proposals are under consideration; he recommended allowing cash in addition to credit cards.

No formal action was taken; staff committed to follow up with counsel on jurisdiction, enforcement mechanisms and insurance implications and to return a revised draft at a future meeting for possible action and referral to the township board.