Sumpter Twp. approves more security cameras for township hall

Sumpter Township Trustee Esther Hurst reported she met with Police Chief Eric Luke to identify where more security cameras are needed so the police can monitor the township hall.
At the April 11 township board meeting she reported they needed one more camera inside and two cameras outside by the glass windows. Also new microphones were needed for the board table so the public can be able to hear board members.
“We had dead spots and blind spots,” said township Supervisor John Morgan.
Trustee Hurst said one of the cameras will be pointed out to the hallway and a new camera inside the board meeting room with tapes will be able to go on cable television, so they won’t need a camera in the meeting room any more.
Chief Luke said the new camera in the board room will take the video for cable.
“We never had a problem in here,” said Jay Bardell, referring to the board room.
“Should we wait until an incident happens and then get cameras?” Trustee Hurst replied.
“Sumpter Township never had a terrorist bombing, but I sent my officers for training,” agreed Chief Luke.
Township attorney Rob Young said the security camera company and the chief recommended the cameras.
The board unanimously approved the $2,621.79 cost of the cameras.
Bardell asked if cameras should be installed at the fire station at the south end.
“I don’t know what’s in there to get taken,” said Supervisor Morgan. “We’ll leave it up to the [fire] chief as to what is needed.”
In other business at the April 11 meeting, the board:
• Approved a five-year agreement with Huron Township to provide emergency dispatch and prisoner lodging services at a cost of $178,500 the first year, $182,000 (2% increase) the second year, with years three through five to be negotiated;
• Approved the recommendation from the planning commission to pass a new zoning ordinance on waste receptacles, mainly for businesses;
• Approved a recommendation from the planning commission to amend the zoning ordinance to make the site plan review process streamlined. More projects will be able to be approved administratively;
• Approved a $4,190 check to O&W/Miller Beer for the Sumpter Festival beer tent. Trustee Don Swinson said what is not used will be turned back in at the end of the festival, so the total cost should be less;
• Approved the change from administrative restriction to full active duty status without restrictions for Fire Chief Joseph Januszyk. He said he had a problem for the last four months. He had shoulder surgery in December for a rotator cup tear, followed by physical therapy. He said the doctor says he’s 80% now and can be back on the job;
• Approved employment contracts for Joseph Januszyk and Melissa Pacquette. To Januszyk, Supervisor Morgan said, “Joe, you got what you wanted”;
• Witnessed Chief Luke present the 2016 awards to the police department;
• Heard that on April 6, Senior Director Mary Ann Watson was given an award of appreciation for Emergency Food Assistance;
• Heard Mary Ban accuse Wayne County – and Van Buren Township — of ignoring Sumpter’s complaints about the poor condition of Sumpter Road from Hull to Bemis. She wondered if the improvements in downtown Detroit caused less money for Wayne County roads. “I believe we’re ignored when it comes to gravel,” she said;
• Heard Ronald Barrington Robinson thank the parks and recreation commission for all they do. He asked if the township is having a summer job program for youth. Supervisor Morgan said there was none planned, but if there’s something the township can get involved with, they will look into that; and
• Went into closed-door session to discuss AFSCME union negotiations.