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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Oakley bar owner appeals state citation alleging topless activity at 2013 bike run
Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com By Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com
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on September 12, 2014 at 6:19 AM, updated September 12, 2014 at 9:12 AM
OAKLEY, MI — The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has cited the Oakley Family Tavern for allowing topless activity or nudity during the 2013 bike run hosted at the bar.
A hearing June 26, 2014, in Swartz Creek determined that Oakley Family Tavern owner and village Trustee Dennis Bitterman allowed topless activity inside the bar Sept. 7, 2013.
Bitterman pleaded not responsible to the charge. He said the bar did not promote topless activities at the bar, and "as far as I know it never happened."
"I did not see anyone take their top off," he said, questioning why police officers did not arrest the topless woman if they saw her breaking the law.
"I'm not going to admit to doing nothing I'm not guilty of. It's a cop with a vendetta making something up."
The citation comes with a $100 fine that Bitterman must pay, according to the complaint signed by Liquor Control Commissioner Edward D. Clemente. Bitterman is appealing.
The 2014 Oakley Bike Run will take place this weekend, Friday to Sunday, Sept. 12-14, hosted at the Oakley Family Tavern.
The liquor control commission hearing is part of a growing rift between Bitterman and former Oakley Chief of Police Robert Reznick.
During the Sept. 8 Village Council meeting, Bitterman moved to shut down the police department until it can obtain liability insurance. The motion passed, 5-1.
The topless activity charge was one of several brought against the bar and decided during the June Liquor Control Commission hearing.
In a separate complaint, the commission also found that Bitterman failed to cooperate with law enforcement officers and/or obstructed law enforcement officers in the course of inspecting or investigating the premises while enforcing liquor control code on Sept. 8, 2013, and ordered a $300 fine plus $91 in fees.
Bitterman's attorney, Philip Ellison of Hemlock firm Outside Legal Counsel, said he is appealing the decision.
Kirk Norman and Brad Devon testified on behalf of the attorney general's office. Ross Mead, Dennis Bitterman and his daughter, Brandi Bitterman, testified on behalf of Dennis Bitterman.
The commission dismissed a charge, also from Sept. 8, 2013, that Bitterman "allowed the annoying and/or molesting of Chief Robert Reznick, by a customer, Cheryl Zervan."
The commission dismissed a charge that Bitterman failed to keep a license framed and displayed at the bar.
Michigan State Police Troopers Troy Meder and Denny Montgomery, then-Chief Reznick and Oakley Police Officer Adam Long testified on behalf of the Michigan Attorney General's Office.
Cheryl Zervan, Oakley Trustee Francis Koski, Ron Cramer, Marie Sutter, Maria Yuker, Elaine Wole and Brandi Bitterman, who works at the bar, testified on behalf of Dennis Bitterman.
Bitterman also was cited for charges from Oct. 18, 2013, that he failed to make records available for inspection and he failed to post a capacity sign at the bar.
Officer Joel Dobis testified on behalf of the attorney general's office.
The commissioner ordered a $50 fine for each of the two charges from October 2013, for a total of $100.
Ellison said he is appealing the first charge of failure to make records available but not appealing the charge of failure to post occupancy. Bitterman said he obtained an occupancy sign and posted it the day after the hearing.
The commissioner noted that the bar has had no previous violations since it was licensed in October 1982.
Bitterman first filed a lawsuit against the village and Reznick in May 2013 alleging that Reznick threatened to put an employee in the trunk of his vehicle in the spring of 2012 when Reznick came to the bar.
The suit, which is pending in court, alleges the employee asked Bitterman for help in Reznick's unwanted advances.
Bitterman has been an outspoken critic of Reznick and the Oakley Police Department, which includes about 100 reserve officers and about a dozen part-time certified officers. He and his wife, Shannon Bitterman, have filed several other lawsuits against the village since then, some over complaints about the chief and police force.
One of the suits seeks to obtain the names of the approximately 100 reserve officers, which the village has successfully fought in court and effectively kept the names secret. The case is scheduled to be heard on appeal.
The State of Michigan announced in July that it was investigating the village and demanded the reservist names through a subpoena, but the village did not give the names, saying the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards has no authority over reserve officers.
The number of lawsuits against the village and its officials, as well as a lack of cooperation from the Oakley Police Department, were reasons the Michigan Municipal League gave as to why the agency terminated the village's insurance. |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:42 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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wammerjammer
13 days ago
i ride several Harleys and travel around the state as often as i can >> seems to me a bunch of Schmucks run the police dept in Oakley and with that many reserve officers LOL no wonder no one whats to come or ride to your crappy little town Hats off to bittermans too bad the cheif wants to run the town as Mayberry RFD lol bye the way who is otis there the Chief LOL my 2 cents worth take it or leave it dont matter to me you wont get any of my $$ Oakely hahahaha
Shannon Bitterman
Sep 13, 2014
Typically Brad's articles regarding Oakley are spot on, this one not so much. There are a few details that need to be clarified. First and foremost, Family Tavern did not promote or allow any topless activity. In fact, we have yet to meet a witness aside from Reznick's reserve officers who saw this and to date, there are still no pictures despite everyone having cell phones.
Also , our licensing is displayed prominently behind the bar as it has for 32 years. There was absolutely no obstruction of law and the only officer asked to stay out of the bar was Chief Reznick. There were State and County officers and several other OPD that were readily a a available to view our licenses, especially considering the history between Reznick and our family, but that just isn't how Reznick operates.
Brad Devon and Kirk Norman claimed at the LCC hearing that they were Oakley Reservists. Kirk Norman owns a bar, Snappers on the Water, and testified the band was asking to see some titties. He also testified that he had a few beers that same night. Drinking on the job? Was he packing? He reported to the chief, who just so happens was best man at his wedding. Both Devon and Norman testified that training was available to reserve officers but they had not participated in any training.
our seating capacity was posted long before we were ever cited, not after the June hearing as stated in this article. As for all the lawsuits, people should know that we tried to avoid legal actions from June 2011 until April 2013 by begging village council to take appropriate action and simply replace the chief who at the time was a $500/mo at-will part time employee. They kept blaming me for "opening a can of worms" by my FOIA requests.
We ran for council, I lost by 25 votes. My husband, Norm Wolfe, and Francis Koski took the seats of longtime councilmen Jim Frelitz, Richard Fish, and Art Early. The exiting council met one last time two days after the 2012 election before newly elected guys were sworn in. They went into closed session to "discuss officer Kaylor's employment". During this closed session, the council signed 5 year police contracts, including one for Chief Reznick and Rich Fish
Anne
Sep 13, 2014
@Shannon Bitterman Shannon, are you saying Richard Fish voted on his own 5 year contract? Right after losing a vote?
Shannon Bitterman
Sep 13, 2014
@ Anne,
No, the minutes say Fish and Frelitz refrained from the vote . The contracts however, were not discussed in public and there were quite a few people who were at the council meeting due to the election and police dept issues that would have been interested in 5 year contracts. Reznicks contract was signed on November 8th and he wasn't even at the council meeting on November 8 th. makes a person say Hmmm. This is the same night they disolved the police donations and dividied it out to waste water and bills. Lots of funky stuff after the election. One would have to walk in our shoes to understand. |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 4:47 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Oakley refuses to name police reservists in answering subpoena
Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com By Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com
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on August 13, 2014 at 12:40 PM, updated August 13, 2014 at 2:57 PM
OAKLEY, MI — The village of Oakley has provided some of the documents a Michigan agency demanded through a state-issued subpoena, though it did not hand over everything.
The village was required to comply with the request by the Michigan Commission On Law Enforcement Standards by July 30, according to the subpoena.
"We provided the information that was requested by MCOLES that was within the scope of their authority of the subpoena," said village Attorney Richard Hamilton. "They came to my office last Friday and picked it up."
That took place Aug. 1, two days after the deadline, Hamilton said.
Hamilton provided the village's meeting minutes, the village resolution creating the police department and records regarding certified police officers' qualifications for MCOLES, he said.
He handed over information about police officers, but nothing about reserve officers.
"They don't have jurisdiction of reserves," Hamilton said following the Aug. 12 regular board meeting. "They have a very clear definition of what their jurisdiction is."
Related: Proposed law would give state oversight of reserve police officers
The village is under a joint investigation by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Michigan Attorney General's Office, MCOLES Executive Director David Harvey has confirmed.
The investigation began months after The Saginaw News published an investigative series detailing the controversy in Oakley that includes complaints about the size of its 100-member reserve police force and the loss of the village's insurance due to the number of lawsuits against the village and its officials and lack of police department cooperation with the insurance agency.
MCOLES issued a subpoena July 15 commanding the village to give information, in summary, of the names and addresses of police officers including reserve officers, records of donations from those officers, village action regarding volunteer services from law enforcement officers, village action regarding Police Chief Robert Reznick, records of Reznick regarding volunteer service from law enforcement officers, and records of the law enforcement officers' compliance with MCOLES.
During a previous interview with Harvey, when asked if the village complied with the subpoena, he said MCOLES was "in talks with" the village.
Hamilton said he spoke with an assistant attorney general involved in the case and had a conversation with the investigator from MCOLES who picked up the information.
"I told them I would give them all of the information requested about police officers as defined in their organizational statute that gives them the authority to issue the subpoena," Hamilton said, adding, "We had no further conversation about it."
Related: Oakley police operate without liability insurance after vote to bench department fails in a tie at Aug. 12 meeting
Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com
— Brad Devereaux is a public safety reporter for MLive/The Saginaw News. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:07 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Proposed Michigan law would give state oversight of reserve police officers
Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com By Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com
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on August 07, 2014 at 4:20 PM, updated August 08, 2014 at 7:23 AM
SAGINAW, MI — A bill set for debate on the Michigan Senate floor would give a Michigan agency oversight of reserve police officers.
Senate Bill 411, introduced by Tonya Schuitmaker in June 2013, was passed through the committee on judiciary in a little more than a week after it was introduced along with Senate Bill 412.
Schuitmaker, R-Antwerp Township, said the part of the bill that gives the the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards was included at the request of MCOLES and the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Michigan.
Schuitmaker said that part of the bill is intended to keep reserve officers in check from going above and beyond the scope of their allowed duties.
The bill states MCOLES may propagate rules for "minimum standards and procedures for reserve officers."
Recent police reserve related news includes a controversy over the use of a reserve police force in Barry County. A village meeting was held Monday, Aug. 4, to discuss the issue after some residents complained that his 34-member reserve force is unnecessary for a township of roughly 3,300 people.
A special meeting is set for Thursday, Aug. 7, for a personnel review of Police Chief Victor Pierce.
In Saginaw County in July, MCOLES and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office began an investigation of the village of Oakley, several months after a Saginaw News series revealed the village was being dropped from its insurance coverage through the Michigan Municipal League.
Oakley Chief of Police Robert Reznick operates a police force with about a dozen certified officers and about 100 reserve officers in the village of about 300 in southwest Saginaw County.
The league cited reasons for the insurance termination including the Oakley Police Department’s lack of cooperation in the league’s risk management efforts.
MCOLES Director David Harvey has said the investigation is looking into the village of Oakley’s police licensing practices and to see if the reserve officers are going outside the scope of their duties. He could not comment further on the investigation.
Similar concerns and complaints are also coming from elsewhere in the state, Schuitmaker said.
“As (financial) reserves get tight, more municipalities are using reserve officers as regular police officers,” Schuitmaker said. “It creates a dangerous gray line.”
Oakley's Chief of Police, Robert Reznick, accepted a police chief job in Jackson County's Waterloo Township and is assembling a reserve officer force there.
Currently, no state agency has oversight of reserve police officers. MCOLES currently sets rules and standards for regular police officers.
Local municipalities and police chiefs are in charge of setting the rules for their reserve officers, according to MCOLES.
Under current Michigan law, reserve officers do not have the same powers as police officers, which are certified under MCOLES.
The bill package would also instruct MCOLES to update standards for certified police officers. If passed, the bill package would also remove some loopholes for the state to obtain information to investigate police officers, Schuitmaker said.
Schuitmaker serves Michigan's 20th State Senate District, which includes Kalamazoo County and Paw Paw and Antwerp townships in Van Buren County.
— Brad Devereaux is a public safety reporter for MLive/The Saginaw News. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:13 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Waterloo Township hires police chief with unconventional methods, is subject of Saginaw County controversy
Danielle Salisbury | Danielle_Salisbury@mlive.com By Danielle Salisbury | Danielle_Salisbury@mlive.com
on April 03, 2014 at 7:30 AM, updated April 03, 2014 at 7:45 AM
WATERLOO TWP., MI – Rob Reznick doesn’t like uniforms. He would rather be called “Rob” than “chief.”
He calls himself a “laissez faire” administrator who encourages officers to sit with homebound residents, and he can mobilize a well-funded reserve police force that mirrors or dwarfs those at far larger departments.
“I police in a different manner than a lot of people,” Reznick said this week as he sat at the café across the street from his new office, the Waterloo Township Police Department.
The township board hired Reznick on March 13. He replaces former township chief, Tom Cottrell, and his methods – the subject of some scrutiny in the Saginaw County village he also polices – already have shown to be unconventional.
The township considered other options, including contracting for police services with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, an unpopular idea, and decided against them. “We did the thing nobody does and went with the crazy guy who might just have something,” township Supervisor Doug Lance said last week.
Almost immediately upon securing his new position, Reznick brought to the township about $60,000 in donations for the police department. This included a $45,000 Chevrolet Tahoe, which was to be sold. He has since used the money to purchase a 2014 Ford Interceptor Explorer, a vehicle he says will work better for the rural community than previously used and over-worked Chevrolet Impalas.
Also the chief in Oakley, a community of about 300 southwest of Saginaw, Reznick fully funded the police department last year with donations from people he says simply like to give.
“They have ties to me. They are my friends. They know what is in my heart,” said Reznick, who answered questions about the largely anonymous individuals’ motives.
In Oakley, where Reznick works part-time, he is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit involving bar owners Dennis and Shannon Bitterman. The family has taken the village to court five times in the last two years, according to the Saginaw News, which recently completed a series of stories on the Oakley issues.
Dennis Bitterman and bar staff member Aileen Gengler filed a complaint with the village alleging harassment and police intimidation by Reznick.
After an investigation, the village’s police board committee reported Oct. 30, 2012, that the allegations were untrue, Clerk Cheryl Bolf told a reporter in Saginaw.
Shannon Bitterman has complained in the past about how the police department, including armed reservists, policed crowds at events hosted by the Oakley Family Tavern, the Saginaw News reported. “Reznick is trying to take away our business and doing a pretty good job at it,” she said.
Reznick denies a heavy police presence. A large event, such as the bar’s annual bike run, requires extra officers, he said and he called Dennis Bitterman, who sits on the village board, a “bully.”
Lance said he did his “due diligence.” He spoke with an educator who had known Reznick since he was a student at Grand Blanc High School. He met with members of the village board, which, according to the Saginaw News, is divided on its support of the police reservists and their contributions. “At least from their perspective, everything (Reznick) said was true and legitimate,” Lance said.
When contacted Tuesday, the Oakley village president, Doug Shindorf, praised Reznick, who began his career as a marine officer in 1977 and ran a narcotics unit near Flint before leaving full-time law enforcement in 1992. He worked part-time for various departments and ran his own court service business, Due Process Inc., before going to Oakley in 2008.
“He is an excellent police officer,” Shindorf said. His years of experience make him so, he said.
Lance said he was fully aware of the lawsuits. Reznick said he provided Lance with copies of the documents.
Waterloo Township Clerk Janice Kitley said Reznick is sincere and transparent with his intentions and the board, which voted unanimously to hire Reznick, does not consider the conflict in Oakley a huge concern.
“When someone dislikes you, they can really dislike you. They can really raise a stink,” she said.
The township board hired Reznick on a six-month trial basis. There are stipulated conditions of continuance, Lance said. Reznick must do an initial assessment of the department, make recommendations for necessary upgrades, make sure the department is up to date and in compliance with local, federal and state guidelines and increase patrol time to 16 hours a day every day of the week. Reznick must up the hours without affecting the police budget, Lance said.
Before Reznick arrived and after Cottrell resigned in January, the township had only one officer, Dan Walsh, who continues working. The department now has four officers, including the chief, Reznick said.
He said he will surpass the township’s goals. “We have a lot to do, but we have a lot of help.”
In Oakley, Reznick has more than 100 reservists. Some of them also have agreed to work in Waterloo Township. Those who assist with patrols have to ride with a certified officer.
Monday, Mike Refalo, who put himself through a canine academy, was in the township with his dog, Thor. He works full-time in information technology, building networks, and volunteers to serve as a reserve officer. He said he met Reznick and learned he was a professional. “If this wasn’t professional, I couldn’t put my name on it,” he said.
Reservists in Oakley have made positive contributions to the community. They gave out free hams to residents at Christmas time and have hosted a Halloween party for children, Reznick said. With about $30,000 raised, Oakley received a new park playscape.
Reznick says he is paid about $500 a month in Oakley.
In Waterloo Township, the board will pay him $46,000 a year, the same salary they paid Cottrell.
Reznick continues to own Due Process Inc. and is involved in the private security business.
“I do have a lot going on,” Reznick said. “I spend a lot of time. I am out there working all the time.”
Reznick said he has a deputy chief in Oakley and has hired one in Waterloo Township, Tony McKerchie, who also works part-time in Coleman, northwest of Midland, and as an electrician. McKerchie used to be the township supervisor in Vienna Township, north of Flint.
Oakley, despite the ongoing litigation, which has cost it its Michigan Municipal League insurance policy, will continue to maintain the police department and the chief, Shindorf said.
He said the village board never dreamed the village could receive so many donations. There were questions, he said, but village accountants have “checked it out” and “everything is good.”
Lance said he cannot speak to everyone’s motives, but the money is legitimate.
The people involved with Reznick are doctors or other professionals. They are wealthy and philanthropic. They do not necessarily want people to know where their money is going, Reznick said. In Saginaw County, a judge decided the village has the authority to keep the names of reservists secret.
As he spoke this week, Reznick was wearing a flannel shirt and jeans.
“I don’t like uniforms,” he said. “If I have to throw on a suit, it’s a major deal.”
He said his private cell phone number is on his business cards and he wants to get his card in the hands of Waterloo Township residents.
The township cars will have new markings, he said. They will say “a community-police partnership.”
“I know I am colorful. That’s a kind word. It is what it is,” Reznick said. “When you get down to it, I’m a good guy and I do it for the right reasons.” |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:25 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Almost immediately upon securing his new position, Reznick brought to the township about $60,000 in donations for the police department. This included a $45,000 Chevrolet Tahoe, which was to be sold. He has since used the money to purchase a 2014 Ford Interceptor Explorer, a vehicle he says will work better for the rural community than previously used and over-worked Chevrolet Impalas.
Also the chief in Oakley, a community of about 300 southwest of Saginaw, Reznick fully funded the police department last year with donations from people he says simply like to give.
“They have ties to me. They are my friends. They know what is in my heart,” said Reznick, who answered questions about the largely anonymous individuals’ motives.
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Reservists in Oakley have made positive contributions to the community. They gave out free hams to residents at Christmas time and have hosted a Halloween party for children, Reznick said. With about $30,000 raised, Oakley received a new park playscape.
Reznick says he is paid about $500 a month in Oakley.
In Waterloo Township, the board will pay him $46,000 a year, the same salary they paid Cottrell.
Reznick continues to own Due Process Inc. and is involved in the private security business.
“I do have a lot going on,” Reznick said. “I spend a lot of time. I am out there working all the time.”
Reznick said he has a deputy chief in Oakley and has hired one in Waterloo Township, Tony McKerchie, who also works part-time in Coleman, northwest of Midland, and as an electrician. McKerchie used to be the township supervisor in Vienna Township, north of Flint.
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:29 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Waterloo Township board to review performance of police Chief Rob Reznick six months into job
Danielle Salisbury | Danielle_Salisbury@mlive.com By Danielle Salisbury | Danielle_Salisbury@mlive.com
on September 28, 2014 at 8:00 AM, updated September 28, 2014 at 8:08 AM
Brad Devereaux | MLive.com
WATERLOO TWP., MI – The Waterloo Township board on Monday is to review whether township police Chief Rob Reznick has met expectations in his first six months on the job.
What next happens to the chief, hired in March on a six-month trial basis, will depend on the assessment at the meeting, township Supervisor Doug Lance said. It is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the township offices in the former Katz Elementary School, 11120 Musbach Road.
When board members selected Reznick, whose unconventional methods have drawn some criticism in Waterloo Township and elsewhere, they stipulated he must meet several conditions. Among others, he was to assure the police department is in compliance with local, federal and state guidelines and increase patrol time to 16 hours every day.
Reznick said he has met or nearly met all these and other goals set for him. "In my opinion, we've done some good stuff," he said Friday, Sept. 26.
The township has two full-time and two part-time officers and a new patrol vehicle, purchased and outfitted with donations to the department that have totaled about $102,000, Clerk Janice Kitley said.
Reznick said he wrote a grant for bullet-proof vests and acquired guns for officers through a Michigan State Police confiscated weapons program. The department has built rapport with township businesses, and is updating rules and regulations, he said.
His work, however, has generated some skepticism in the township, where Reznick has assembled a significant reserve force and obtained money from anonymous out-of-town donors, and his attentions are divided.
He also serves as police chief in Oakley, a village southwest of Saginaw that temporarily shut down the police department this month because the village lacked liability insurance, the Saginaw News reported. Oakley's insurance carrier cited lawsuits filed against the village and concerns about the police department as reasons for terminating coverage.
Oakley police have since returned to action after the village purchased additional insurance coverage, which Reznick said was paid for by some of the department's approximately 100 reserve officers, according to the Saginaw News.
There, the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards and the Michigan Attorney General's Office is investigating whether Oakley is violating any statutes that govern licensing of police officers.
Any allegation that the department uses reserve officers in place of certified officers is not true, Reznick said. "Nothing has been done improperly," he said.
In Waterloo Township, there are 17 reservists who have met the criteria, Kitley said, and they have to ride with a certified officer in a car.
They are available to help with events, such as road races or triathlons, Reznick said. Reserves are to provide traffic control for Pioneer Day in October at the Waterloo Farm Museum, Kitley said.
Of the donations, about $14,000 have come from reservists, who are not required to make any contribution, Kitley said. Neither Kitley nor Reznick would identify the specific sources of all the donations.
The people or businesses are donating because they simply like to give back to communities that can really use it, Kitley said.
She and Lance said they are not concerned about the investigation in Oakley.
"It really has nothing to do with us at all," said Kitley, who called Reznick dedicated and a "good planner."
She said she would like to see him spend more time in the township, a concern she said she has discussed with him.
Reznick said he is in Waterloo four days a week. Often, it is in the evening, he said, but he is trying to hold office hours during the day.
He rides sometimes with the officers, but his focus is on administrative duties, such as making sure equipment is in order and officers are scheduled and on the road. He meets with residents and raises funds.
"Do I work a shift? No," he said. "There is too much to do." |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:32 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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The township has two full-time and two part-time officers and a new patrol vehicle, purchased and outfitted with donations to the department that have totaled about $102,000, Clerk Janice Kitley said.
Reznick said he wrote a grant for bullet-proof vests and acquired guns for officers through a Michigan State Police confiscated weapons program. The department has built rapport with township businesses, and is updating rules and regulations, he said.
His work, however, has generated some skepticism in the township, where Reznick has assembled a significant reserve force and obtained money from anonymous out-of-town donors, and his attentions are divided. |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:35 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Reznick said he is in Waterloo four days a week. Often, it is in the evening, he said, but he is trying to hold office hours during the day.
He rides sometimes with the officers, but his focus is on administrative duties, such as making sure equipment is in order and officers are scheduled and on the road. He meets with residents and raises funds. |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:38 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Flint Attorney Tom Pabst is representing one Plaintiff in the lawsuits against Oakley.
He as already deposed Reznick about the many lawsuits that involve Reznick's company Due process.
So Reznick runs his company and is the police chief in both Waterloo (Jackson County) and Oakley (Saginaw County). Not only that but he finds time to write grants and raise funds. |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:44 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Oakley Police have bulletproof vests but don't use fed's money
Posted: Sep 11, 2014 4:53 PM EDT
Updated: Sep 11, 2014 6:20 PM EDT
by Terry Camp - email
SAGINAW COUNTY (WJRT) - (09/11/14) - There are new questions surrounding the now former Oakley Police Department in Saginaw County.
It's a story you'll see only on ABC12.
The village board of trustees suspended the police department because it had no liability insurance.
Now, the question is why was the village given thousands of dollars in 2011 for bullet-proof vests it never received? What happened to the money?
While Oakley was eligible to receive thousands of dollars for bullet resistant vests, police chief Rob Reznick says Oakley didn't get that money, but he says it should have.
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership is a U.S. Justice Department grant program to help local police departments with the cost of bullet resistant vests. Here is a list of the 2011 award winners.
The Saginaw County Sheriff's Department was reimbursed over $1,000 for 31 vests and Genesee County got more than $1,600 to go toward the cost of 40 vests. The small village of Oakley is listed on the 2011 list of award winners, getting nearly $29,000 toward 85 vests.
The village with just 290 people is getting that much federal grant money, for that many vests?
We talked to Reznick on Thursday. He confirms that he applied for the money, but it was never collected by Oakley because the vest manufacturer did not get the vests done in time. He says if the vests would have been done, the village should have received the money.
Reznick says some of his 12 certified police officers and 100 plus reservists have bullet resistant vests, paid for by donations from the reservists, but did not know how many have the vests.
Reznick will not release the names of the reservists, a source of contention in the small town. He defends the reservists, saying their donations to be part of the program help the town. They even delivered Christmas hams last year to residents.
Pauline Podhorsky got one.
"Officers came to the house, that was really interesting," she said.
We attempted to get in touch with Justice Department to explain why it approved nearly $29,000 for bullet resistant vests for a police department in a town of 290 people and we have not received an answer to that question as of yet.
trrosen
11:14 PM Sep 11
Reservists don't qualify for this program and Oakley only has 13 sworn officers. That pretty much assures that Reznick filed for grant funding for officers that don't exist. Expect a visit from the FBI.
Trrosen
10:41 PM Sep 11
Things to note This represents the largest grant award in the state Oakley only has 13 officers that actually patrol The grant only allows 1 vest per Officer That's 72 vests for officers that either don't exist or have not / will not ever been active officers. Agencies have two years to use the money which makes Reznicks claim that they weren't done on time quite dubious. When exactly did the Oakley board approve buying $58,000 in vests for a dept with a $40,000 budget?
Trrosen
9:50 PM Sep 11
I smell a Felony.
Karl
7:06 PM Sep 11
There is something fishy about this whole outfit. To me, they are beginning to sound like a wannabe armed militia of some sort. Scary. |
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Sun Sep 28, 2014 5:49 pm |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Frankenmuth PD explains their police reserve program in wake of Oakley controversy
Posted: Apr 26, 2014 12:02 AM EDT
Updated: May 24, 2014 12:10 AM EDT
By Andrew Keller, Multimedia Journalist - bio | email
FRANKENMUTH, MI (WNEM) -
Controversy continues to swirl on how the Village of Oakley's reserve police force operates.
TV5's "I-Team" uncovered the story on how reservists are making a donation in exchange for a badge and other privileges.
And as that story continues to develop, TV5 is looking at other Mid-Michigan reserve programs and how they operate.
In Frankenmuth, the "80's Fest" rocks Heritage Park this weekend. When events like this come to town, the Frankenmuth Police Department calls in extra reserve officers to help with traffic and crowd patrols.
The reserve division consists of nearly 30 men and women. The department requires each of them to pass extensive background checks and complete nearly 300 hours of training before receiving their badge.
Marc Dirusso, 62, is one of the reserves.
"I'm very proud to have earned that badge," said Dirusso.
It is a process that took him nine months to complete.
"Usually we start off with about 100 resumes, and by the time they get past the oral boards, we're down to eight," explained Sgt. Tony McLaughlin of the Frankenmuth Police Department.
Those who make the cut volunteer their time to the department.
"For me, you have to earn your way. And I wouldn't want it any other way," said Dirusso.
McLaughlin leads the reserve program. He said it runs off of a $5,000 budget set aside by the city. And unlike what the TV5 "I-Team" uncovered in Oakley, where citizens are able to donate to the department to become reserve officers, no private donations are allowed in Frankenmuth.
"When you're taking donations from a private citizen, that just, there are too many ethical cliffs to fall off of. And we don't want to put this department in that light," said McLaughlin.
He said the only donations the department accepts are from civic organizations because accepting private donations can potentially scar the integrity of the department and the officers who are sworn in to protect and serve.
"When you put somebody in this uniform, whether they're reserve, or full time, it doesn't matter. It's just as important. There's no difference. It's a uniform. It's this community's uniform. It's a symbol of trust, and you have to be very choosy on who you give it to," said McLaughlin.
Reserve officers for Frankenmuth Police must live in Saginaw County or counties that border it.
To see the investigative piece looking into the Oakley Police Department, CLICK HERE.
Copyright 2014 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. |
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Mon Sep 29, 2014 6:46 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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PRESS RELEASES AND STATEMENTS
Outside Legal Counsel
OLC Files FOIA Lawsuit Over Police Reservists Records
For Immediate Release | Posted April 24, 2013
http://www.olcplc.com/public/media?1366838370
Oakley, Michigan – On behalf of a local Oakley, Michigan resident, Outside Legal Counsel PLC, a Saginaw-based law firm, has filed a lawsuit against the Village of Oakley alleging violations of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.
The Village of Oakley has a difficult recent history of over-policing by non-residents deputized by the Village Police Department. Previous board meetings have revealed that professionals like doctors from Southeast Michigan are serving as police reservists during town festivals and events.
On March 20th, Oakley resident Shannon Bitterman requested records of “all persons serving as a Village of Oakley police reservist for the past three (3) years” pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
Michigan’s FOIA statute provides that citizens are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and public employees.
The request was denied by Village Clerk Cheryl Bolf citing that the requester was part of an on-going lawsuit against the Village of Oakley.
No such pending lawsuit exists or did exist, the complaint alleges.
“Villages like Oakley have a solemn legal duty to keep their records and operations open and transparent to the public,” states Philip L. Ellison, attorney for the Oakley resident. “FOIA is a sunshine law designed in the spirit and principles of government transparency and good government.”
The lawsuit, filed in the Saginaw County Circuit Court, seeks a court order compelling disclosure of names of the police volunteers and reservists, an audio copy of a previous village board meeting, and payment of all attorney fees and costs.
The case has been assigned to Judge Robert L. Kaczmarek.
A copy of the lawsuit can be downloaded here |
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Mon Sep 29, 2014 6:49 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Release: OLC Files FOIA Lawsuit Over Police Reservists ...
www.olcplc.com/public/media?1366838370
Oakley, Michigan – On behalf of a local Oakley, Michigan resident, Outside Legal Counsel PLC, a Saginaw-based law firm, has filed a lawsuit against the Village of ... |
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Mon Sep 29, 2014 6:51 am |
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untanglingwebs
El Supremo
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Tri-County Citizen
989-845-7403
2011-09-18 / News
Biker Association questions overabundance of police
Oakley Village council encouraged by willingness to work together
BY JEANNE MARCELLO STAFF REPORTER
OAKLEY — The Sept. 13, Oakley Village Council meeting drew a crowd of more than 30 people. Oakley Bike Run Association President Randy Sutter, Brant, calmly read a letter to the council on behalf of the association.
In the letter, he thanked the council members for their support of the Oakley Bike Run. He read on stating, “We have successfully held this event in its current location, in this village for 13 years without a single major incident. In past years, the one Oakley Police officer provided the necessary presence for the entire weekend without a problem. This year, we were adorned with 15 police officers, uniformed and undercover, two police cars, a golf cart and a K-9 unit. The view down Main Street looked as if the village had been locked down from some deadly viral outbreak and at any moment the National Guard would be rolling in with personnel carriers to escort us all into a containment zone.”
Sutter said he received numerous questions about why there were so many police officers there.
“The detrimental effect that this occurrence has on our association will take years to recover from.” Sutter continued to read, “Thousands of dollars are spent to host and produce this event and the loss of recovery will be felt across the board.”
He concluded by saying, “This unwarranted, unnecessary, and unacceptable gangland style police presence displayed this weekend has created a tremendous hardship for our association, the local businesses, our patrons, our supporters and the residents of this village. Perhaps these tactics are acceptable where these officers live, but we live here in Oakley. We are discouraged, confused and offended that our village council would support and allow these actions by the police department.”
“People were afraid to come out of their houses,” Sutter said.
Trustee James Frelitz asked, “Was anyone ticketed there?”
Sutter answered, “I have no knowledge. The presence itself was so overwhelming that nobody would come.”
David Swartzmiller, who identified himself as a non-committee official for the Bike Run said the poker run itself drew only one-third of the usual traffic.
Sutter added, “We are not here to cause a conflict, only to read our letter.”
Oakley resident Patti Coe talked about seeing officers driving up and down the road with their lights off in front of her house.
Saginaw County Board of Commissioners Chairman Michael O’Hare attended the meeting. “I know people were upset that they were being over-policed. I’ve heard of bikers afraid to go into a bar,” O’Hare stated.
An unidentified man commented, “We had less than 400 bikes on the run, about one-third of what there used to be [which was] upwards of 1,000 bikes.”
One individual said he had a photo of six police officers in the Little Bar parking lot; but no vehicles, no customers.
Frelitz asked, “Why are you afraid of the police?”
Kelly Swartzmiller responded, “I like the police. I’m all for them. But why bring out so many? All you’re doing is wrecking business.”
Wesley Swartzmiller commented, “We have kids. We’re not afraid of the cops. So lets have a controlled police force. Fifteen cops, that’s one cop per block! Is that necessary?”
Frelitz responded, “For Bike Week, it may be.”
Oakley Village Police Chief Robert J. Reznick stated, “The bottom line is this is the best police force this town ever had. Our job is public safety. We had six uniformed officers and two cruisers. If these people are afraid of the police, maybe they’ve got reason to be afraid.” The chief went on to report that last year, they had issued one ticket. He believed that if police presence was a deterrent, that was a good thing. He talked about Frankenmuth increasing their police presence during a festival. “This is sour grapes,” he commented.
Deputy Chief Matthew Chodak told the council, “I don’t think any of the bikes were pulled over. What we’re here to do is provide safety. One of our guys is a trained EMT. If something goes wrong, we’re here to help.”
Shannon Bitterman, of the Family Tavern in Oakley, was concerned there were too many police officers.
Resident Patti Coe asked, “Who paid for the extra police?” It was explained that the extra police were volunteers, and some of them were doctors.
Kelly Swartzmiller was exasperated as she said, “What [they] did was scare away thousands of dollars!” She explained that they had asked for police support, “What we got was over excessive. What we got was scaring away money.”
Brandi Bitterman asked, “What happened from last year to this year?” It was stated that there were actually more officers present in 2010. However, intimidation didn’t seem to be an issue then.
An unidentified man in the audience stated, “This is our 13th year. We have always policed our own. If we need them, we call them.”
Trustee Richard Shuster asked, “Why have your own security?”
Brandi responded, explaining that the Iron Wheels motorcycle club checks IDs and makes sure no one brings alcohol into the bar.
Dane Seltzer, a uniformed officer/firefighter/ EMT, spoke up during the meeting saying, “I’m a biker. I’m all about having fun. Sounds like we all need to get together.” Seltzer spoke confidently, believing the issues could be resolved by working together. “I come from a bigger town. I don’t look past drunk driving. If it’s in front of me, I’m going to enforce. The bottom line is, if the **** hit the fan, you’d need it.” Officer Seltzer worked 16.5 hours during the Bike Run. “I think everyone just needs to communicate,” he stated.
Chodak said, “Out of three years, I’ve written two tickets. We didn’t work at this to shut down your party. We brought down EMTs and doctors.” He also talked about wanting to make sure the bikers didn’t get hit. “We don’t look at ourselves as being a detriment,” Chodak added.
Brandi commented, “I poured my heart and soul into this business,” frustrated that bikers appeared to have left due to the number of police officers.
Shannon Bitterman said, “I think it was intimidation.”
Chief Reznick told the council he didn’t have a problem not providing support for the Bike Run, but he assured them that Saginaw County or Michigan State Police wouldn’t be as lenient.
Oakley Village Trustee Sue Dingo stated, “I think this letter (from the Bike Run) is awesome because it was handled so well. Maybe there were too many officers.” She acknowledged that with volunteer police officers there was probably a sense of “let’s go to the bike run; it will be fun.” Dingo also commented, “I think Rob does a great job for our police department. We need to work together.”
Shannon responded, “Nicely stated, Sue.” |
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Mon Sep 29, 2014 6:56 am |
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