Council Still Committed to Exploring Global Property

The Howell Township Council will move forward with exploring the possibility of buying the Global corporate complex - despite some criticism of how the process has been handled.

The governing body declined to stop the potential purchase process that after residents had long since left.

The document had not been listed as an agenda item and received public discussion only after a long debate over what options are available to the council as it seeks to consolidate some municipal operations under one roof.

Regardless, the majority of council remains committed to exploring the Global property and rejects criticism that it is trying to "fast-track" a purchase or otherwise conduct business out of the public's eye.

Resolution Stands

The resolution, which Mayor Robert Walsh said he saw for the first time when he read it into the record after midnight at the prior meeting, was requested by Deputy Mayor William Gotto, who was asked Tuesday by Councilwoman Pauline Smith to rescind the document for further consideration at a later date.

"We've lost the trust of the public, and we've got to get it back," Smith said.

Township Attorney McKenna Kingdon advised Gotto that the resolution did not need to be withdrawn, as it did not obligate the council to a purchase by identifying a funding source.

The resolution stated it was "authorizing the negotiation of and execution of land sale contract," while authorizing Kingdon, township manager Helene Schlegel and special counsel to handle negotiations. It also states that any purchase would require two ordinances, including one identifying a "funding source" for the Global property on Route 9.

Gotto tried to defuse concerns that the resolution was meant to fast-track a possible purchase of the property. When addressing one member of the public who spoke during the meeting, Gotto said, "You made a comment that we're in a rush. That we're trying to buy things, that we're trying to do things. I wanted you to know what I was thinking and what I wanted them to do," he said. 

And while the hour for the introduction may not have been ideal, Gotto said it went in line with the order of the meeting. "If that came out at a quarter to one, or a quarter to seven, I don't care. Please don't accuse me that we're trying to do something manipulative or we're trying to fast-track something. I don't care if this takes three years, I want to do it right."

Councilwoman Susan Schroeder Clark said it was important to her that the process be handled in the public eye and said the efforts Gotto made to have the resolution introduced was a part of that. "I really appreciate that the deputy mayor spent a long time on the phone with our lawyer trying to make sure that we were really dotting our i's and crossing our t's. The effort with which we approached this process was entirely candid."

At Tuesday night's meeting, Smith continued her objection to the possible purchase of the Global property.

"I feel upset because I feel strongly that it's a bad investment and it's the wrong thing to do," Smith said. 

After the meeting, Gotto said he has seen, "A lot of ridiculousness, a lot of accusations without merit, a lot of people twisting the truth for their own personal gains," when it comes to the Global process. "I stand by what I said, that we did everything in the most public way possible. I referred to my attorney to give me guidance. She told me it was worded properly, I asked again and I stand by that decision."

As he had done after the previous meeting, Gotto pointed out that the resolution did not authorize the purchase of the Global property. "We didn't buy anything, we're not buying anything. We get a document that showed exactly what we were doing and that was clear for the intent of everything we did," he said. "Everything else is innuendo and accusation without fact."

Having passed the resolution, Gotto said the process is progressing. "There are conversations going on about additional evaluations of the Global buildings as we told everybody there were going to be. We've made contact with at least one resident who was outspoken of what we did. We're making arrangements to get him into that building," he noted. "We're reaching out to the people who are our most vocal critics. How much more open can I possibly be? How much more can I do to gain people's trust than do that?"

Moving Forward

Although he said he was not aware of the approved resolution until just before its introduction, the mayor is an advocate for the possible purchase of Global in order to house municipal functions.

After Tuesday's meeting, Walsh said, "I've always thought it was something we should pursue. I've said that for a couple of years."

Walsh also said the detractors do not represent the entirety of the township. "I don't think that you could say that eight to 10 people represented the township of 53,000. I've heard many positive things from many different people in all walks of life in Howell Township."

The mayor said if the numbers add up and the reviews go well, he believes the larger building would better serve the people of Howell as opposed to the 100-year-old structure that is now used. 

"Do I believe moving to the Global building is in the best interest of the citizens of Howell Township now and in the future? At the right price the answer is yes. I've stated that many times from the dais," he said. "I believe we should have all the employees under one roof. I believe we will be much more efficient as a town and as an organization. I believe there will be many cost savings having everybody under one roof."

Smith, however, remains opposed to the purchase. "I'm still very adamant that that is a very poor investment," she said. "If they gave it to us we couldn't afford it. We can't afford what we have."

While no change in direction was made on Tuesday night, Smith said she hoped to convince the council that the purchase was not needed as the process goes along. "We're going to continue to investigate, and I'm hoping something somewhere will convince enough of the council that it's not a good move for the people of the township," she said. "The investigation has to be done, the assessments have to be done, the legal process, the two ordinances and I hope that the people are there to watch and open their mouths. I hope we come to a decision that's best for the people of Howell Township."

Councilwoman Clark said she is keeping her mind open to the possibilities.

"I feel that as an elected official you need to keep an open mind to the process," she said. "If I were to close my mind and make a decision before the information is in, that would be irresponsible, and all the information also includes what the public thinks, feels and all the particular information that we need to assess for this town on this building and any other opportunities."

As negotiations proceed, Clark said there is one very important factor that needs the most attention: "More than anything else we need to be very fiscally responsible," she said. "And if we're not being fiscally responsible then we're doing the public a great disservice."

The next council meeting is not until April 5, but a second budget hearing is set for Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m.