City Council Votes to Close South Ann Arbor Street 7 Days A Week

During a long meeting, Saline City Council voted to close a block of South Ann Arbor Street 7 days a week to help businesses, approve an environmental study, and watched as Chief Hart swore in new officers.
Here's a quick rundown of the action.

Compensation Study

The meeting began at 6 p.m. with a one-hour work session on the compensation report prepared by Sage Solution. The meeting was marred by someone who gained access to the Zoom meeting and scrawled a racial slur all over the screen. The offender was removed from the meeting, which carried on without further incident. City officials did not provide copies of the study, which apparently indicated that many members of city staff are underpaid. Council is expected to continue discussing the study and discuss remedies.

Retiring Dispatcher Honored

Saline Police Dispatcher Terry Seames, who recently retired from the department, was honored by Mayor Marl and City Council. He stood next to his wife, Bridget, a retired sergeant from the SPD, as Mayor Brian Marl read a certificate honoring his service. Seames spent 44 years in law enforcement.

Sworn In

Saline's newest patrol officer, Morgan Sieja, was sworn in by Police Chief Jerrod Hart. Sieja, from Monroe, has been on the SPD since May 18. She was joined by family in the audience. Her sister pinned her badge.

Marlene Radzik Sworn In As Deputy Police Chief

Marlene Radzik was sworn in as Deputy Police Chief. Radzik, the department's first deputy chief since Jack Ceo retired in 2011, is a former Commander of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. She's a native of Flint. Radzik is highest-ranking female officer in the history of the Saline Police Department.

After repeating the oath, Sherry Vail, the first female command officer in the history of the Ann Arbor Police Department, draped the badge around Radzik's neck.

Council Closes South Ann Arbor Street, 7 Days a Week

Saline City Council voted unanimously to accept Saline Main Street's plan to close South Ann Arbor Street, seven days a week, starting Wednesday. The street will be closed at Michigan Avenue. Some vehicles will be allowed to access South Ann Arbor Street for curbside pickup near Excalibur Barbershop and Cobblestone Rose. The goal is to give downtown restaurants outdoor seating and increase capacity that has been slashed by Gov. Whitmer's social distancing orders. The North Ann Arbor Street closure, from 2:30 p.m. Friday until Saturday night, is unchanged.

More details to come.

Phase I Environmental Study Approved

Council voted to approve a $7,200 contract to Tetra Tech for a Phase 1 environmental assessment of the wastewater treatment property. Council is studying the property for rehabbing and possibly expanding the capacity of its wastewater treatment plant. (This item has been corrected to reflect accurate price approved by council. Council chose not to perform studies on the Adient property across the street).

Council Votes to Approve the Transfer of the Ruby Tuesday Liquor Licence

The Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Saline closed permanently during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. During Monday's meeting, council approved the liquor license transfer from Ruby Tuesday to a company buying the license and the restaurant who will operate in that location. Mayor Marl said he did not know which restaurant was planning to come to the space.

Council Approves CJ Robison's Scout Project

Council approved Christopher J. Robison's Eagle Scout project located behind the Rec Center. Robison plans to replace two deteriorated planter boxes and add two additional planter boxes surrounded by pavers. He also plans to replace a compost bin.

Anyone wishing to donate to Robison's project should email him at robisonc2004@gmail.com. Robison is a member of Troop 416.

Council Postpones Action on Request to Install Storm Sewer

Council decided to postpone action on a request by the owners of 491 Eastlook to correct a drainage issue that's taken away use of a third of their backyard and starting to threaten the foundation of their home. Engineer Jeff Fordice recommended council take action, saying the problem appears to have been caused by many neighboring properties.

Council, however, was cautious, fearing that acquiescing may bring more requests to the council table.

Maple Road Work Approved

Tattered Maple Road will be improved this year after council approved spending  $48,160 for work. Mayor Marl said he's been getting calls and emails about the condition of the road. A short-term fix drew some questions, and a no-vote from Councillor Janet Dillon, because council plans to complete tear up the road and rebuild it when adding capacity to the eastbelt sewer next year in a project that will cost over $2 million.

Lodi Business Seeks Annexation into City of Saline

Karen Gumtow, CEO of Ledger Rite, a growing accounting business in Lodi Township, wants to buy 7706 Saline-Ann Arbor Road, once the home to Northstar Montessori Preschool, and move in. Gumtow said she has a purchase agreement in effect and a mortgage with funds for remodeling, but doesn't have the zoning to make it happen. She wants to annex the property and have it zoned residential office. All members of council were eager to work to bring the property into the city limits.

Council Met in Closed Session

Council met behind closed doors to discuss collective bargaining negotiations. The city has contracts to negotiate with the DPW/Rec Center employees and with the Saline Police Officers union. Council met for nearly two hours in closed session.

More News from Saline

• HOCKEY: Saline Wins Home Opener Seven different Hornets scored as Saline defeated Grosse Point North, 7-2, at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube Friday.
• MilkShake Factory Offers Handspun Shakes and Specialty Treats in Westgate Shopping Center Known for its handspun milkshakes made with housemade ice cream along with small-batch chocolates, the shop is also offering specialty treats for the holiday season.