1990s Timeline

November 19, 1999

Robert Corbett defeats John Turchin for a City Council seat after winning a drawing of lots at the Oakland County Clerk's Office. Corbett finished three votes behind Turchin in the November 2 election, but a recount showed the election ended in a tie. The rare and unusual tiebreaker was necessitated to comply with Michigan Election Law.

November 2, 1999

A proposed $19 million recreation center is defeated by a vote of 4,011 to 886. Political newcomer Edward C. Swanson is elected Mayor.

September 30, 1997

Voters approve Lamphere Schools bond issue of $35.5 million for building renovations, playgrounds and technology.

November 27, 1996

Susan DeGroege writes a history of Lamphere Schools.

1996

Irregularities are found in Madison School District funds. Superintendent Jack Myers steps down.

November 4, 1996

Madison Board of Education President Richard Lintner resigns, citing a "malicious act of vandalism" in which someone loosened the lug nuts on the rear wheels of his truck.

June 30, 1996

A Fourth of July fireworks display injures nine people.

June 4, 1996

Shameka Layton, 19, and William Brooks, 21, both of Detroit, are convicted of first degree murder in the fatal shooting of James Groppi at Astro Lanes Bowling Alley. Arthur Layton, who was 14 when Groppi was killed, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. On July 11, 1996, Detroiters Rosemary Jackson, 27, and Bennie Layton, 17, were convicted of first degree felony murder charges in connection with Groppi's death.

1994

Lamphere High School graduate and internationally recognized marine life artist Wyland returns to his alma mater to paint a whale mural on the walls of the high school pool.

August 18, 1993

Three hundred residents attend a meeting to discuss $2 million in cuts in the school district.

February 1992

Jon R. Austin, former Garden City City Manager, is hired as City Manager to succeed Dorothy M. Lents, who retired in January.

January 1991

City officials object to building any additional senior housing, saying Madison Heights already has more available housing for seniors than any other South Oakland community.

August 16, 1990

Under-soil testing is ordered for the area around the incinerator after residents protest pollution, ash and hazardous conditions.

July 1990

The City Council denies the request of Madison Community Hospital to run a bingo hall on Stephenson Highway. The Council feels there are already too many bingo halls in the City.

January 1990

The City Council unanimously agrees to nix a proposed video arcade at a John R site after residents and neighboring businesses object.

January 1990

The City Council is informed that thousands of dollars are being spent to remove Ku Klux Klan stickers from City stop signs. Hate literature is also reported distributed in several neighborhoods.