Allen Park

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – City officials voted unanimously Tuesday to oust City Administrator Karen Folks, yet state officials warned the deed could earn the city another emergency manager. Once an advocate for Folks, Councilman Harry Sisko along with Councilman Larry Templin met with Folks and former Emergency Manager Joyce Parker two weeks ago asking for Folks’ resignation. When it didn’t come, the council voted Tuesday to remove her from office. “She was given two weeks to back out gracefully,” … [Read more...] about Council attempts to oust city administrator, state warns against it

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — City administrators are tight-lipped about the sale of Southfield Lease Properties and it even has other city officials asking, “What is going on?” New York City-based Time Equities Inc. put $250,000 in escrow on June 11, for the property and were given 45 days to do evaluations on the 104-acre land. It had the right to opt out of the deal after evaluations were complete under its due process rights. Those 45 days ended on July 26. The Sunday Times Newspapers learned … [Read more...] about AP studio property sale appears close

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — A recently submitted letter of intent by City Council to the owners of the former AT&T building is a sign the city is serious about relocating its offices. The council also signed a letter of intent to sell the front four acres of the current City Hall, 16850 Southfield Road. The city would retain the rear three acres. It’s unknown who the potential buyer is of the four acres. City Council met in closed session during a special meeting July 29 to discuss both … [Read more...] about AP police, city hall may be closer to relocating

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK – After nearly two years of litigation and a trip before an ethics committee, the City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to censure fellow Councilman Angelo DeGiulio for his part in a 2012 hallway name calling session. “I have to do nothing,” DeGiulio said Thursday referring to the censure. Among the censoring resolution items delivered by the council were suggestions that DeGiulio take anger management, apologize to those involved, reimburse the city for costs and fees, remove … [Read more...] about AP Council censures DeGiulio

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — A second abrupt resignation in the city occurred Tuesday with the immediate departure of Finance Director Sandi Bird. Emergency Manager Joyce Parker sent an email to City Council members Wednesday morning alerting them to Bird’s departure. Bird reportedly held the office less than a year. Prior to taking this position, Bird worked as a clerk treasurer in the city of Marshall. City officials have posted the job on the city website. Bird’s departure comes on the … [Read more...] about AP City Hall sees 2nd abrupt resignation

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Attorneys for Mayor William Matakas filed an answer to a complaint lodged against the city official following an extension to do so, and attorneys for both the mayor and alleged victim are headed for August depositions. Resident Matthew Tracer filed a complaint in the United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan against Matakas as a city employee and as an individual, stemming from reported incidents in two 2013 City Council meetings. Tracer alleges the mayor … [Read more...] about Depositions set in removal from meeting case

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — After nearly two years, Councilman Angelo DeGiulio may be closer to knowing his fate regarding an ethics violation. City officials instructed the city attorney to proceed with their recommendation for disciplinary action against DeGiulio, stemming from comments made in a hallway after an August 2012 City Council meeting. The comments were made toward a police officer, retired officer Russ Pillar and Pillar’s wife. “I haven’t heard a thing,” DeGiulio said. While … [Read more...] about DeGiulio discipline saga may be nearing an end

By TEREASA NIMS Sunday Times Newspapers ALLEN PARK — Nancy Simmons couldn’t boast enough about how the Fire Department saved a house on Keppen Avenue Tuesday afternoon after lightening struck it. She told the City Council Tuesday she saw the lightening strike the house and heard the loud boom. Simmons said she truly believes had it not been for the firefighters’ quick response, the house would have been lost. The mother and son inside the house made it out before firefighters arrived. “A lighting strike caused a fire in … [Read more...] about Quick response saves house after lightening strike