A
THE OAKLAND PRESS+ROYAL OAK TRIBUNE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023
6
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NEWS
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UKRAINE CRISIS
Why the U.S. flipped on
U.S., Germany to send advanced
sending tanks to Ukraine
By Tara Copp and Lolita Baldor
tanks to aid Ukraine war effort
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON >
Several European coun-
tries have equipped their
armies with Leopard 2
tanks, and Germany’s an-
nouncement means they
can give some of their
stocks to Ukraine.
Speaking in a video ad-
dresslateWednesday,Ukrai-
nian President Volodymyr
Zelenskyy hailed the cre-
ation of what he described
as a “tank coalition.”
“We must form a tank
fist, a fist of freedom whose
hits will not let tyranny
stand up again,” Zelenskyy
said.
He said Ukraine will
push for more weapons, in-
cluding long-range missiles
For months, U.S. officials balked at send-
By Frank Jordans,
Kirsten Grieshaber
and Samya Kullab
The Associated Press
ing M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, insisting they were too
complicated and too hard to maintain and repair. On
Wednesday, that abruptly changed. Ukraine’s desperate
pleas for tanks were answered with a sweeping, trans-At-
lantic yes. A look at the massive battle weapon, why it is
important to Ukraine’s war with Russia, and what drove
the Biden administration’s tank turnabout.
BERLIN >
Germany and the
United States announced
Wednesday that they will
send advanced battle tanks
to Ukraine, offering what
one expert called an “ar-
mored punching force”
to help Kyiv break com-
bat stalemates as the Rus-
sian invasion enters its 12th
month.
The announcement
marked the first stage of a
coordinated effort by the
West to provide dozens of
the heavy weapons, which
What are the Abrams?
M1 Abrams tanks have led American battle assaults for
decades. Carrying a crew of four, the Abrams was first de-
ployed to war in 1991. It has thick armor, a 120 mm main
gun, armor piercing capabilities, advanced targeting sys-
tems, thick tracked wheels and a 1,500-horsepower tur-
bine engine with a top speed of about 42 miles per hour.
Crews interviewed in a 1992 Government Accountabil-
ity Office review after the Persian Gulf War praised its
high survivability and said “several M1A1 crews reported
receiving direct frontal hits from Iraqi T-72s with mini-
mal damage.” The Abrams’ powerful jet engine can propel
the tank through almost any terrain, whether heavy snow
or heavy mud, said Kevin Butler, a former Army lieuten-
ant who served as an Abrams tank platoon leader. Butler
recalled a muddy exercise in the late 1990s at Fort Stew-
art, Georgia, where he’d voiced concern about the tanks
getting stuck because it had already stuck the Humvees.
The Abrams, he said, “didn’t even notice” the mud.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
A Leopard 2A6tank from the Bundeswehr’s Panzer
exercise bataillon 93fires at the Oberlausitz training area
in Weisskeissel, Germany, Aug. 12, 2009.
Ukrainian military com- Biden said the U.S. will send
manders said would enable 31 M1 Abrams tanks, revers- lowed Germany’s agree-
The U.S. decision fol- and aircraft.
“The terrorist state must
counter-offensives, reduce ing months of persistent ar- ment to send 14 Leopard lose. The right to life must
casualties and help restore guments by Washington 2 A6 tanks from its own be protected. And it will be
dwindlingammunitionsup- that they were too difficult stocks. Germany had re- so,” Zelenskyy said.
plies.
for Ukrainian troops to op- fused to send the Leop-
Though it will take
American President Joe erate and maintain.
ards unless the U.S. put months before the tanks
its Abrams on the table, arrive, Ukrainian soldiers
not wanting to incur Rus- on the front lines said the
sia’s wrath without the U.S. decision comes at a critical
making a similar commit- point.
Why the U.S. kept saying no
The Abrams’ jet engine needs hundreds of gallons of fuel
to operate. It will burn through fuel at a rate of at least two
gallonspermilewhetherthetankismovingoridling, Butler
said, which means a constant supply convoy of fuel trucks
must stay within reach so it can keep moving forward.
The U.S. worried that the fuel demands would create
a logistical nightmare for Ukrainian forces. While an
Abrams can storm through the snow and mud, fuel trucks
can’t. In addition, like any jet engine, the Abrams’ turbine
needs air to breathe, which it sucks in through filtered
rear vents. When those vent filters get clogged — whether
by sand, as soldiers reported to GAO in 1992, or by debris
they might encounter in Ukraine — they can’t perform.
“The Abrams tank is a very complicated piece of equip-
ment. It’s expensive, it’s hard to train on. ... It is not the
easiest system to maintain. It may or may not be the right
system,” The under secretary of defense for policy, Colin
Kahl, told reporters last week at the Pentagon.
ment.
“Tanks will help reduce
“This is the result of in- casualties among our sol-
tensive consultations, once diers … then gain new re-
again, with our allies and sults and win this war
international partners,” quicker,” said Oleksander
Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Syrotiuk, commander of
German lawmakers. “It was a company in the 17th
right, and it is important Tank Brigade deployed in
that we didn’t let ourselves Bakhmut.
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF
SITE PLAN & SPECIAL LAND USE PROPOSAL
BMW DEALERSHIP
1845 SOUTH TELEGRAPH ROAD
(SIDWELL NO: 19-06-226-010)
be driven” into the decision.
Ukrainian soldiers and
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT a PUBLIC HEARING will be held by
the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Bloomfield, Oakland
County, Michigan on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Bloomfield Township Hall Auditorium, 4200 Telegraph Road,
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.
Biden said European al- experts said Ukrainian
lies have agreed to send forces are running low on
enough tanks to equip two spare parts to repair old So-
Ukrainian tank battalions, viet-era tanks and the spe-
At the hearing, the Board will consider
land use request for a car wash addition at the BMW Dealership,
1845 South Telegraph Road.
a site plan and special
or a total of 62 tanks.
cific ammunition they re-
“To liberate their land, quire while enduring re-
they need to be able to lentless barrages of Russian
counter Russia’s evolving artillery. The Western tanks
tactics and strategy on the could help open a new pipe-
battlefield in the very near line for ammunition to flow
The arm-twisting turnabout
Despite all the drawbacks expressed by the U.S., when
all was said and done, it came down to political realities
and a diplomatic dance.
term,” Biden said.
to Ukraine.
Germany had been reluctant to send the Leopards, or
allow allies to send them, unless the U.S. put its Abrams
on the table, due to concerns that supplying the tanks
would incur Russia’s wrath. The U.S., meanwhile, argued
that the German-made Leopards were a better fit because
Ukrainian troops could get them and get trained on them
far more quickly and easily.
The impasse frustrated European allies, such as Po-
land, who wanted to send Leopards but couldn’t without
Germany’s OK. Thus began the more fierce negotiations.
U.S. and German officials both used the word “inten-
sive” to describe the talks that ultimately led to the tank
turnabout by both countries.
“This is the result of intensive consultations, once
again, with our allies and international partners,” Chan-
cellor Olaf Scholz said in an address to German lawmak-
ers on Wednesday.
From President Joe Biden on down, calls were made,
including to Scholz. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and
Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff, spoke and met with their German counterparts
and other allies.
Last Friday, the pressure was palpable. Top defense
leaders from more than 50 countries met at Ramstein Air
Base in Germany to discuss Ukraine’s ongoing weapons
and equipment needs. Tanks were a key subject. Lead-
ers from countries that have Leopard tanks met with the
new German defense minister. Gradually, the German
stance began to publicly soften, leading to Wednesday’s
announcements. Asked repeatedly what changed, Biden
administration officials sidestepped. Asked directly about
German pressure, Biden told reporters, “Germany didn’t
force me to change our mind.”
VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN
OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
PLANNING COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 7:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Village of Franklin
Planning Commission will hold two Public Hearings on
Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 7:00 PM or soon thereafter
as the agenda will permit. The Public Hearings will be held in the
meeting room at the Village of Franklin Hall (Broughton House)
located at 32325 Franklin Road, Franklin, Michigan 48025.
Comments regarding this proposal may be provided at the public
hearing, submitted via email to publiccomment@bloomfieldtwp.org or
by contacting the Planning Division at (248) 433-7795.
NOTE: The Charter Township of Bloomfield will provide necessary,
reasonable auxiliary aids and services at all meetings to individuals
with disabilities. All such requests must be made at least five
days prior to said meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring
auxiliary aids or services should contact Bloomfield Township
The first public hearing will be held for the purpose of receiving
public comments on proposed amendments to Part Six, Chapter
612, Section 612.22, titled LARGE ANIMALS. Section 612.22 is
proposed to be retitled HORSES AND OTHER EQUINE. Existing
regulations prohibiting the keeping of horses in the Village would
be deleted. Revisions are proposed to stable fencing regulations,
removal of horse excrement, and administration of Section 612.22.
by writing or calling the following: Letter
• Bloomfield Township
Clerk’s Office, 4200 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.
Email • clerk@bloomfieldtwp.org Phone • 248-433-7702.
MARTIN C. BROOK
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP CLERK
The second public hearing will be held for the purpose of receiving
public comments on proposed amendments to Part Sixteen, Chapter
1610, Section 1610.04, subsection 307, title OPEN BURNING.
Various revisions are proposed to reduce the harm that open burning
can cause for people with asthma and other health conditions
and to assure that open burning occurs safely. Most significantly,
open burning setback and locational requirements are proposed.
Notice was posted, published, and mailed on January 26, 2023.
VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN
OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
ZONING/SIGN BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Complete copies of the proposed amendments are available at
the Village Hall. Any questions regarding the amendments should be
directed to the Village Clerk, Dana Hughes, (248) 626-9666. If you have
any comments regarding the amendments, you may attend the meeting
in person or submit your written comments prior to the meeting to the
Village Clerk’s Office at the above address.
Village of Franklin Hall (Broughton House), 32325 Franklin Road,
Franklin, MI, 48025
Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM
Zoning Board of Appeals Case #23-02
Parcel #: TF-24-05-151-008
Property: 25401 River Drive
Posted: January 24, 2023
Dana Hughes, Village Clerk
Published: Oakland Press, Thursday, January 26, 2023.
Zoning:
R-L
Description of Request:
The appellant is requesting that the Zoning/Sign Board
of Appeals grant a variance for the following violations
regarding a proposed new roof on garage, increasing
height.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY
DRINKING WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DIVISION
GROUNDWATER QUALITY CONTROL
Rule Set 2022-39 EQ
Appendix B, Schedule of Regulations R-L Zoning District:
Lot width, 184.4 / 3 = 61.46 Total Sides
X .37 = 22.74 min side
SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 12, 2023
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
SYNOPSIS
Existing house setback= 15.5 feet
In Person: Lee Walker, Atrium Level, North Tower,
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Virtual: https://bit.ly/3CytDBF To join by phone: 213-787-0529,
Conference Code 881478
AGENDA
Call to Order: 7:30pm by Supervisor Moreau
Pledge of Allegiance: Colors presented by Boy Scout Troop 192
Roll Call: Dubre, Hopper, Miller, Moreau, Pliska, Vallad, Whitley
Absent: None
(Proposed new roof on garage increasing height)
Min. Side yard setback per requirements above
=
22.74 feet
7.24 feet
Agenda Additions & Changes: None
Variance requested
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), will
hold a public hearing to receive public comments on proposed changes
to the Groundwater Quality Control rule set.
Public Comment: Trustee Hopper stated that the Township Planner
will present the results of the Master Plan public input at the Planning
Commission Meeting on January 24 beginning at 7pm. The public is
encouraged to attend.
Zoning Board of Appeals Case #23-03
Parcel#:
TF-24-06-131-006
Property: 26645 Carol Ave
Zoning: R-1
Description of Request:
The proposed rule set (2022-39 EQ) will amend the current rules to
allow for the use of Portland-Limestone Cement Type IL (Type IL).
The current rules adopt ASTM International Specification C 150-89
“Standard Specification for Portland Cement” (C 150-89) and require
the use of Portland Cement that meets the requirements of this
specification as an approved water supply system component. Up until
2022, the manufacturers of Portland Cement made the most common
product (Type I) that is compliant with the specification. To reduce their
carbon footprint, the manufacturers have modified the product and it no
longer complies with C 150-89. The modified product, which is similar
in characteristics, is referred to as Type IL. Modification of the language
to allow the use of the Type IL would alleviate the need to use less
common currently approved products and use a more sustainable
product that has similar characteristics to Type I for safe water supply
well construction.
Consent Agenda:
a) Approved Minutes: Regular Meeting of December 8th, 2022
b) Received December 2022 Monthly Reports: Building, Electrical,
Plumbing, Mechanical, Ordinance, Fire, Police, Comp Time, IT, and
Natural Resources
The appellant is requesting that the Zoning/Sign Board
of Appeals grant a variance for the following violations
regarding a proposed addition to an existing garage.
c) Authorized payment of bills: December Additional Disbursements
totaling $367,793.49 and January 2023 Bills List totaling $76,898.61
d) Appointed Ann Mauro-Vetter to serve as a Board of Review Member
with a term ending December 31st 2024
e) Approved budget of up to $1,850.00 each for Board Members, Deputy
Clerk, Deputy Treasurer, and Supervisor’s Assistant attendance at
2023 MTA Conference
f) Authorized the Facilities Manager to renew the Support Service
Agreement with MCMI for the Civic Center HVAC Controls at a cost
of $5,750.00 for 2023
g) Authorized the Facilities Manager to renew the planned Maintenance
Agreement with MMV for the Civic Center HVAC roof top units at a
cost of $23,000.00 for November 2022 to October 2024
h) Authorized the Natural Resources Manager to contract for Prescribed
Burn Services in Springfield Township with the following contractors
at costs not to exceed: David Borneman, LLC not to exceed
$11,000.00; Kanouse Outdoor Restoration not to exceed $8,100.00;
Plantwise LLC not to exceed $7,600.00
i) Authorized the Natural Resources Manager to attend Michigan
Prescribed Fire Council workshop and annual meeting, with
registration, Mileage, Overnight Lodging, and meals not to exceed
$600.00
Appendix B, Schedule of Regulations R-1 Zoning, least one side and
total of two sides are per footnote (b).
Footnote (b) calculations are as follows:
Lot width
145 feet (scaled from side plan)
Proposed Violation
Total two sides 1/3 lot width (145/3)
Least one side 37% (x .37)
=48.33’
=17.88’
38.9’
5.1’
9.43’
12.78’
Zoning Board of Appeals Case #23-04:
Parcel#: TF-24-06-151-040
Property: 27250 Scenic Highway
Zoning: R-1
Description of Request:
These rules are promulgated by authority conferred on the director of
EGLE by section 12714 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as
amended, MCL 333.12714 and Executive Reorganization Order Nos.
1996-1, 2011-1, and 2019-1, MCL 330.3101, 324.99921, and 324.99923.
The proposed rules will take immediate effect upon filing with the
Secretary of State.
The proposed rules (2022-39 EG) are published on the Michigan Office
of Administrative Hearings and Rules’ Web site at Michigan.gov/ARD
and in the February 15, 2023 issue of the Michigan Register. Copies of
these proposed rules may also be obtained by mail or electronic mail at
the following email address: deyoungd@Michigan.gov.
The appellant is requesting that the Zoning/Sign Board
of Appeals grant a variance for the following violations
regarding a proposed construction of a detached
garage.
Appendix B, Schedule of Regulations R-1 Zoning District:
j) Approved Resolution 2023-01 Performance Resolution for
Municipalities
k) Received Communications and placed on file
Comments on these proposed rules may be made at the hearing, by
mail, or by electronic mail at the following addresses until March 2, 2023
at 5:00 p.m.:
Side Yard Set Back
Required Proposed Variance Requested
10’ 5’ 5’
OLD BUSINESS
Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Attention: David DeYoung
1. Fire Department ALS Transition
The plans for the variance requested are available for viewing in the
Village Clerk’s office during normal business hours; Monday through
Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you have any input or comments
regarding the matter listed above, you may attend the meeting or submit
your written statement to the Village Clerk’s Office at the above address
no later than Monday, January 9th, 2023.
a. Fire Chief update given
b. Fire Station 1 Renovation – Authorized Supervisor to go out for Bids
c. Fire Station 2 Renovation – Reviewed and approved Concept Plan
Constitution Hall
525 W Allegan Street
NEW BUSINESS
4th Floor, South
1. Set Spring Cleanup Date for 2023: Date set for May 13, 2023 from
8am-Noon; approved waiving fees for the 2023 event.
P.O. Box 30817
Lansing, Michigan 48909-8311
E-Mail: deyoungd@Michigan.gov
Arrangements to reasonably accommodate special needs, including
handicap accessibility or interpreter, will be made upon receiving
72-hour notice. Contact Village Clerk, Dana Hughes at 248-626-9666
for special services.
Public Comment: None
Adjourn: 8:18pm
The public hearing will be conducted in compliance with the 1990
Americans with Disabilities Act. If the hearing is held at a physical
location, the building will be accessible with handicap parking available.
Anyone needing assistance to take part in the hearing due to disability
may call 517-898-3589 to make arrangements.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sean R. Miller
Posted: January 23, 2023
Dana Hughes, Village Clerk
Township Clerk
Published: 1-26-23
Published: Oakland Press, Thursday January 26, 2023.
