Romulus City Council approves $1M grant for Swan Lake Drive road repairs and fuel station moratorium

The Romulus City Council convened on January 27, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including lease agreements, grant approvals, and a proposed moratorium on gas stations. The meeting began with a motion by Council Member Talley to authorize the mayor and clerk to enter into a first amendment to the lease agreement with Detroit Metro Airport Center LLC for the storage of city and police records. The amendment removes the 30-day written notice requirement for termination, effectively locking the agreement in for five years. The motion received unanimous support from the council.

Next, the council discussed the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding. Chief Fonas and City Attorney Hitchcock recommended adopting a resolution to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Wayne County for a grant of $14,326, designated for police equipment and public safety. The motion was supported and approved without discussion.

The council then moved to a significant funding opportunity: a $1 million legislative sponsorship grant from the state of Michigan for road repairs on Swan Lake Drive in the Gateway subdivision. This road has been rated as failed, and the funding aims to address its condition. The motion to authorize the mayor and clerk to enter into the contract was also unanimously approved.

A notable discussion arose regarding a proposed moratorium on new diesel and gas filling stations in Romulus. With 26 existing stations and five pending applications, the council sought to pause the acceptance of new applications for one year to allow for further study on the impact of these stations. The moratorium would not affect existing stations or those already in the application process. The motion passed after some discussion about the necessity of the resolution.

The meeting continued with a budget amendment request to fund dispatcher overtime due to new emergency medical dispatch requirements. This amendment was introduced and approved without opposition.

Additionally, the council reviewed two budget amendments for street lighting installation along Wick and Bining Road and for equipment maintenance in the council chambers. Both amendments were approved in their second readings.

Lastly, the council introduced a new ordinance regarding detention for identification purposes. Chief Fonas clarified that this ordinance is not intended for stop-and-frisk scenarios but aims to fill a gap in the current system where officers can identify suspects under reasonable suspicion. The council expressed concerns about potential future abuses but ultimately supported the introduction of the ordinance.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed critical funding and regulatory issues, with all motions passing smoothly, reflecting a collaborative effort among council members to enhance public safety and infrastructure in Romulus.