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24-003628.pdf

William D Casey, Petitioner V Township Of Harrison, Respondent · 24-003628-TT

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Page 1

RECEIVED 

NOV 0 1 2024 

MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL 

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

PROPERTY TAX APPEAL ANSWER FORM 

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT 

MTT DOCKET NO. 24-003628 

Ve Willa b. 

Cased 

) 

default. 

Pursuant to Michigan Tax Tribunal Rule (TTR) 279(4), you MUST submit a copy of the notice giving rise to the appeal (e.g. the special 

assessment confirmation roll) with this Small Claims Answer if applicable. If you do not submit this document, you may be held in 

Section 1: Respondent’s Contact Information 

Unit of Government: 

Township of Harrison 

Section 2: Respondent’s Attorney/Authorized Representative’s Contact Information 

First Name 

M.I. 

Last Name 

Debra 

J 

Kopp 

Firm Name (if any) 

Address (No., Street, P.O. Box or Rural Route) 

City or Town 

State 

Z|P Code 

38151 L'Anse Creuse 

MI | 

48045 

Telephone Number 

Fax Number 

586-466-1410 

n/a 

dkopp@harrisontownshipmi.gov 

E-mail Address (do not enter unless you want MTT to send all correspondence via e-mail) 

Section 3: Subject Property Information 

Parcel Identification Number(s): 

17-12-22-103-035 

[J ves 

No 

[J na 

If multiple parcels are being appealed are they contiguous or adjoining? 

Taxing Authority (City or Township) 

Township of Harrison 

County 

Macomb

Page 2

STATE OF MICHIGAN 

GRETCHEN WHITMER 

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS 

MARLON I. BROWN, DPA 

GOVERNOR 

LANSING 

DIRECTOR 

Section 4: Explain Your Answer to this Appeal 

The SAD under appeal is authorized in Michigan Statutes, specifically Act 188, Public 

Acts of Michigan 1954. MCL 41.722 Sec 2(l) allows for the eradication or control of 

aquatic weeds and plants, and MCL 41.722 Sec 2(n) allows for the construction, 

improvement, and maintenance of a lake, pond, river, stream, lagoon, or other body of 

water or of an improvements to the body of water. This subdivision includes, but is not 

limited to, dredging. The SAD was initiated and approved by record owners of at least 

51% of the total frontage on the canals in the special assessment district. 

It was their 

opinion that the land benefitted by the canal improvement is each and every lot and 

parcel of land in the special assessment district. 

See attached Township Board meeting minutes. The Resolution confirming the SAD roll 

has not been adopted yet. 

Section 5: Jurisdictional Issues 

Did Petitioner protest the special assessment at the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? 

Yes 

O No 

What was the date of the hearing held to confirm the special assessment roll? 

May 13, 2024 

How many years is the special assessment being levied? 

What is the total amount of the special assessment being levied 

F . 

5 

(per parcel)? 

ive (5) 

$4,246.71 

What is the basis for the special assessment? Identify the applicable statutory provision. 

MCL 41.722 Sec 2(l) & (n) 

to remove 2-3 feet of organic sediment from lake canals. 

Signature 

*required 

hE or Attor| PEC 

— 

Isl 

Z 4 J 

’ 

i 

FT —

Page 3

Board of Trustees 

Regular Meeting Minutes 

April 22, 2024 7:00 PM 

A. 

CALL TO ORDER 

The Chairperson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

B. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

C. 

ROLL CALL 

PRESENT: 

Adam Wit, MMC, MiPMC, Clerk 

Larry Tomenello, CPFIM, Treasure! 

\ 

Brian Batkins, Trustee 

David Bratto, Trustee 

Paula Rose, Trustee 

4 

EXCUSED: 

Ken Verkest, Supervisor 

Dean Olgiati, Trustee 

ALSO PRESENT: 

Rob Huth, Township Attorney 

Justin Murphy, Public Service Director 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Bratto to appoint Adam Wit as acting 

chairperson for the meeting due to Mr. Verkest's excused absence. MOTION CARRIED 

D. 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 

Motion by Trustee Batkins, supported by Tustee Bratto to approve the Consent Agenda with 

the Bills in the amount of $1,130,918.42 as presented. 

D.1 

Approval of the Regular Board meeting minutes of April 8, 2024 

Motion by Trustee Batkins, supported by Trustee Bratto to approve the Regular Board 

meeting minutes of April 8, 2024 as presented. MOTION CARRIED 

D.2 

Approval of the bills in the amount of $1,130,918.42

Page 4

E. 

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR AGENDA 

Motion by Trustee Bratto and second by Trustee Rose to approve the Regular Agenda as 

presented. MOTION CARRIED 

F. SUPERVISOR/BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Clerk Wit announced Early Voting for the Special Election is everyday starting this Saturday, April 

27th through Sunday, May 5th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Board room at Rosso Hall. Election 

day is Tuesday, May 7th, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Trustee Rose announced the EDC is having the Taste of Harrison Township at the Senior Center on 

Sunday, June 23rd, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Trustee Batkins announced the Parks and Rec committee is having the Parade of Bikes on Saturday, 

May 11th at Lake St. Clair Metro Park Pavilion #3 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

G. 

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 

G.1 Adoption 

of Resolution No. 3 for the Archer and Lakeshore Canals Sediment and Aquatic 

- Weeds removal Special Assessment District 

? 

The Clerk stated the next step in the SAD process after the first public hearing is Resolution 3, which 

directs the Clerk to prepare the proposed roll, or more simply, a list of who will pay how much. 

Ultimately, the final assessed cost is based on actual construction 

and related costs, but currently the 

‘estimated total project cost to residents 

is $611,534.00. 

The cost per lot (128 lots) is $4,246.71 and 

the annual estimated payment $961.68. Public comment was heard. 

ARCHER AND LAKESHORE CANAL PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 

FOR ACCUMULATED SEDIMENT AND AQUATIC WEEDS REMOVAL 

RESOLUTION NO. 3 

A Regular meeting of the Charter Township of Harrison Board, Charter Township of Harrison, 

County of Macomb, Michigan, held on the 22nd day of April, 2024 at Rosso Memorial Hall, 38255 

L'Anse Creuse, in said Township, at 7:00 p.m. 

PRESENT: 

Batkins, Bratto, Rose, Tomenello, Wit 

EXCUSED: 

Olgiati, Verkest 

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Rose and supported by 

Trustee Batkins.

Page 5

WHEREAS, after due and legal notice, the Charter Township Board has met on Monday, March 25, 

2024 at 7:00 p.m., and has heard all interested persons at said first Public Hearing with respect to the 

Petition, the improvement project, the location, the estimate of cost and the special assessment 

district, as well as having heard all objections thereof, 

NOW. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 

I. The Charter Township Board hereby determines to make the following described public 

improvement which it declares to be a necessary and desirable project: 

There are 128 lots in the district. The proposed project consists of removing an average of 2 

to 3-feet of organic sediment from lake canals that measures 4,860 linear feet long or 233,217 

square feet which is 5.35 surface acres located at the above address. The removal of an 

average of 2 to 3-feet of soft organic biomass from this canal will result in the removal of 

approximately 2,020 cubic yards of fully de-watered organic biomass. Lots that host sediment 

bags will not be charged for the cost of the work. 

Final assessed cost is based on actual construction and miscellaneous costs and will be divided 

among the one hundred twenty-eight lots. 

2. The Charter Township Board hereby approves the plans and estimate of cost in the amount of Six 

Hundred Eleven Thousand, Five Hundred Thirty-four dollars ($611,534.00) as prepared and 

presented by the Engineer for the Charter Township of Harrison, and hereby determines that the 

Petition for Improvement described above is sufficient. 

3. The Township Board finally determines that the special assessment district shall consist of the 

following described lots and parcels of fand: 

Parcels 12-15-377-001 through 12-15-377-010, 12-15-377-015 through 12-15-377-032, 12-15-377- 

034, 12-15-377-036 and 12-15-377-037, 12-15-378-001 through 12-15-378-016, 12-15-378-019 

through 12-15-378-023, 12-15-378-026 through 12-15-378-037, 12-15-378-041 through 12-15- 

378-045, 12-22-103-001 through 12-22-103-003, 12-22-103-006 through 12-22-103-016, 12-22- 

103-019 through 12-22-103-021, 12-22-103-024 through 12-22-103-036, 12-22-126-001 through 

12-22-126-003, 12-22-126-006 through 12-22-126-029, 12-22-126-031 and 12-22-126-032 of the 

St. Clair Haven Subdivision, Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan, according to the 

Plat thereof as recorded in Plats, Macomb County Records. 

4. The Clerk 

for the Charter Township of Harrison is hereby directed to make a Special 

Assessment Roll in which shall be described all the parcels of land to be assessed as sét forth 

above, with the names and owners thereof, if known, in the total amount to be assessed against each 

parcel of land, which amount shall be the relative portion of the whole sum to be levied against all 

parcels of land in the assessment district as the benefit to such parcel of land bears to the total 

benefit to all parcels of land in the Special Assessment District.

Page 6

Motion by Trustee Rose and second by Trustee Batkins to adopt Resolution No. 3 for the 

Archer and Lakeshore Canals Sediment and Aquatic Weeds removal Special Assessment 

District. 

ROLL CALL: 

AYES: 

Rose, Batkins, Bratto, Tomenello, Wit 

NAYS: 

None 

EXCUSED: 

Olgiati, Verkest 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED 

G.2 Adoption of Resolution No. 4 for the Archer and Lakeshore Canals Sediment and Aquatic 

Weeds removal Special Assessment District 

The Clerk added for Board consideration is Resolution No. 4 for the Archer and Lakeshore Canals 

Sediment and Aquatic Weeds removal SAD which sets the date of the second public hearing on May 

13, 2024. The residents will be provided a notice by a 

first class mailing as well as two published 

notices in the paper. 

ARCHER AND LAKESHORE CANAL PROPOSED SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 

FOR ACCUMULATED SEDIMENT AND AQUATIC WEEDS REMOVAL 

RESOLUTION NO. 4 

At a regular meeting of the Township Board of the Charter Township of Harrison, County of Macomb, 

held on the 22nd day of April, 2024, at Rosso Hall, 38255 L'Anse Creuse, Harrison Township, 

Michigan at 7:00 p.m. 

PRESENT: 

Batkins, Bratto, Rose, Tomenello, Wit 

EXCUSED: 

Oigiati, Verkest 

The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Batkins and supported by 

Trustee Rose. 

WHEREAS, by resolution adopted April 22, 2024 the Township Board of the Charter Township of 

Harrison determined public improvements to the Archer and Lakeshore canal more particularly 

described hereinafter, and assess the cost thereof to the property benefited by said improvements, 

all in accordance with act 188, public acts of Michigan 1954, as amended; and 

WHEREAS, the Clerk has prepared and reported to the Township Board a Special Assessment roll 

assessing the cost of said improvement to the property benefited thereby with his Certificate attached 

hereto.

Page 7

assessment roll to be published twice in the Journal, newspapers of general circulation in the 

Township, the first publication to be at least ten days (10) prior to the time of the hearing. The Clerk 

is also to give notice of such hearing to each titled owner or party in interest of property to be 

assessed, whose name appears upon the last local tax assessment records, by first class mail, 

addressed 

to such owner or party at the address shown on said tax records, at least ten (10) days 

before the date of such hearing. 

4, Said notice shall be in substantially the following form: 

NOTICE OF HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BY 

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HARRISON BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

TO THE OWNERS OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY: 

Parcels 12-15-377-001 through 12-15-377-010, 12-15-377-015 through 12-15-377-032, 12-15-377- 

034, 12-15-377-036 and 12-15-377-037, 12-15-378-001 through 12-15-378-016, 12-15-378-019 

through 12-15-378-023, 12-15-378-026 through 12-15-378-037, 12-15-378-041 through 12-15- 

378-045, 12-22-103-001 through 12-22-103-003, 12-22-103-006 through 12-22-103-016, 12-22- 

103-019 through 12-22-103-021, 12-22-103-024 through 12-22-103-036, 12-22-126-001 through 

12-22-126-003, 12-22-126-006 through 12-22-126-029, 12-22-126-031 and 12-22-126-032 of the 

St. Clair Haven Subdivision, Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan, according to the 

Piat thereof as recorded in Plats, Macomb County Records. 

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Assessment roll has been prepared and is on file in the 

Office of the Township Clerk for public examination during normal business hours. Said Special 

Assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the cost of the following described 

improvement to the property benefited therefrom: 

The proposed project consists of removing an average of 2 to 3-feet of organic sediment from 

lake canals that measures 4,860 linear feet long or 233,217 square feet which is 5.35 surface 

acres located at the above address. The removal of an average of 2 to 3-feet of soft organic 

biomass from this canal will result in the removal of approximately 2,020 cubic yards of fully 

de-watered organic biomass. Lots that host sediment bags will hot be charged for the cost of 

the work. 

Final assessed cost is based on actual construction and miscellaneous costs. Estimated total 

project cost to residents is $611,534.00 or the cost per lot $4,246.71 per lot (128) and annual 

estimated payment $961.68. 

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board shall meet on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 7:00 

p.m., at the Rosso Memorial Hall, 38255 L'Anse Creuse, in the Charter Township of Harrison for the 

purpose of reviewing said Special Assessment Roll and hearing any objections thereto.

Page 8

Board of Trustees 

Regular Meeting Minutes 

May 13, 2024 7:00 PM 

A. 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA 

The Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 

PRESENT: 

Kenneth Verkest, Adam Wit, Lawrence Tomenello, Brian Batkins, David Bratto, 

Dean Olgiati, Paula Rose 

EXCUSED: 

None 

ALSO PRESENT: Rob Huth, Township Attorney 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Olgiati to approve the Consent Agenda with 

the bills in the amount of $1,208,492 as presented 

A.1 

Approval of the Regular Board meeting minutes of April 22, 2024 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Olgiati to approve the Regular Board 

meeting minutes of April 22, 2024 as presented. MOTION CARRIED 

A.2 

Q1 2024 Treasurer's Investment Report 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Olgiati to approve the Q1 2024 Treasurer's 

Investment Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED 

A.3 

Water main inventory restock 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Olgiati to approve the purchase of water 

main repair clamps and brass water service inventory for $16,336.03 as presented. MOTION 

CARRIED 

A.4 

Brine Application through Macomb County Department of Roads 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Olgiati to approve 2 applications of brine 

solution at no cost to Harrison Township as presented. MOTION CARRIED 

A.5 

Approval of the bills in the amount of $1,208,492.86 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Olgiati to approve the bills in the amount of 

$1,208,492.86 as presented. MOTION CARRIED

Page 9

June 8th at Lake St. Clair Metropark. 

We understand that many residents were unfortunately affected by the storms last week. We are 

working with GFL to coordinate chipping services, and they are actively out and servicing our 

township. Please be patient as they are extremely backed up due to the unexpected volume. They 

may come several days after your normal service day to chip branches. Please place the butt ends of 

branches toward the street no greater than 3 inches in diameter and 12 feet or less in length. 

Coming next Monday, May 20th, we are hosting an Open House for the Resilient Harrison 2040 

Masterplan. 

It will be held here at Rosso Hall from 4:00 p.m. — 7:00 p.m. with an open house format 

that will allow residents to come and go as they please. 

The Library will be hosting their Shred Day this Saturday, May 18th, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. For 

more information, please visit the Library's website. 

For more information on these as well as all other Township events you can call the Supervisor's 

Office at (686) 466-1445, visit our website at www.harrisontownshipmi.gov, or follow us on Twitter / X 

at HarrisonTwpMI 

Trustee Rose announced the Parks and Rec Committee will be hosting the annual Fishing Derby on 

Saturday, June 8th at Lake St. Clair Metropark. 

Clerk Wit thanked everyone for voting during the Special Election held on May 7th. 

'D. SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 

'D.1 Public Hearing No. 2 Special Assessment 

District for Archer and Lakeshore Canals 

Sediment and Aquatic Weeds removal Special Assessment District 

The Clerk stated at the April 22, 2024 meeting, Resolution No. 4 was adopted which set the date for 

the second public hearing for the Archer and Lakeshore Canals Sediment and Aquatic Weeds 

removal Special Assessment District, also known as the Public Hearing 

of Necessity. The notice for 

the Public Hearing was published twice in the Journal. The notice was sent to each titled owner or 

party in interest of property to be assessed, whose name appears upon the last local tax assessment 

records, by first class mail, before the date of the hearing. The hearing is for individuals to speak for 

or against the project. 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Rose to Approve to open the Public 

Hearing at 7:09 p.m. 

AYES: Brian Batkins, Paula Rose, David Bratto, Dean Olgiati, Lawrence Tomenello, Adam Wit, 

Kenneth Verkest

Page 10

6. C. William Bardill, resident, spoke about the project 

7. William Casey, 39084 Archer, submitted a letter against the project in advance of the meeting 

Motion by Trustee Batkins and second by Trustee Bratto to approve to close at the Public 

Hearing at 7:29 p.m. 

AYES: Brian Batkins, David Bratto, Dean Olgiati, Paula Rose, Lawrence Tomenello, Adam Wit, 

Kenneth Verkest 

NAYS: None 

MOTION CARRIED 

D.2 

Adoption of Resolution No. 5 for the Archer and Lakeshore Canals Sediment and Aquatic 

Weeds removal Special Assessment District 

The Clerk stated since the project will be financed in part by a bond sale we will consult with Bond 

counsel and add Resolutuion No. 5 to a later meeting. 

E. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT 

E.1 

Ground Emergency Medical Transport 

The Supervisor stated GEMT is a voluntary program available to emergency medical transportation 

providers operated by or for any governmental entity. Local governments directly providing 

emergency transportation services have the option to choose whether they participate in the 

program. Legislation to direct the Department of Health and Human Services to participate in The 

United States Centers for Medicare (CMS) and Medicaid Services Ground Emergency Medical 

Transport (GEMT) program is anticipated to be introduced shortly by Representative Mike McFall as 

HB 5965. CMS oversees the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program. GEMT 

provides reimbursement to local agencies transporting Medicaid enrollees. This program improves 

access to emergency services for Medicaid beneficiaries, bridging the gap between patients and 

healthcare facilities and facilitating timely care during emergencies. Transporting agencies do not 

receive the full reimbursement available from the federal government for 2.8 million Medicaid 

enrollees in Michigan. HB5965 would codify the state's participation in the GEMT program and, 

coupled with a $2M appropriation included in the House DHHS budget, will support Michigan's 

participation and implementation of the program. While Michigan doesn’t currently participate in the 

program, our state has the 8th-highest number of Medicaid enrollees in the nation. Harrison 

Township would receive additional revenue to help cover the cost to transporting these enrollees if 

this legislation were to be approved. Communities that are interested in participating in 

a GEMT 

Program, when made available in Michigan, can offer their support by passing a resolution, including 

an acknowledgment to HB 5965, and sharing that resolution with the state and their respective 

lawmakers.

Page 11

patients; and, 

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan is not currently participating in the GEMT program, which is a 

voluntary enroliment program at both the state and local levels; and, 

WHEREAS, implementation of the GEMT program in the State of Michigan may yield hundreds of 

thousands of federal reimbursements for the Charter Township of Harrison annually; and, 

WHEREAS, the emergency services sector has struggled with workforce retention and recruiting in 

the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; and, 

WHEREAS, the GEMT program will help Michigan public agencies including the Charter Township of 

Harrison retain and hire employees; and, 

WHEREAS, the GEMT program has shown to expand access, quality, and sustainability of 

emergency services for Medicaid recipients for public providers; and, 

WHEREAS, the MI-GEMT coalition is advocating for the passage of legislation directing the Michigan 

Department of Health and Human Services to enroll in the GEMT program; and, 

WHEREAS, the MI-GEMT coalition includes the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, Michigan 

Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association; and, 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, The Charter Township of Harrison hereby conveys its 

support for efforts of the MI-GEMT coalition; and, 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, The Charter Township of Harrison urges the Michigan State 

Legislature to adopt legislation directing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to 

enroll in the GEMT program through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services State Plan 

Amendment process. 

Motion by Clerk Wit and second by Trustee Bratto to adopt the Resolution of Support 

Implementation of the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation Program in Michigan 

AYES: Adam Wit, David Bratto, Brian Batkins, Dean Olgiati, Paula Rose, Lawrence Tomenello, 

Kenneth Verkest 

NAYS: None 

RESOLUTION ADOPTED 

F. 

CLERK'S OFFICE 

F.1 

Introduce an ordinance to regulate hazardous scenarios which result in the necessity of an

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