erie township michigan, 2065 erie road, po box 187, erie ...erietownship.com/portals/45/the erie...
TRANSCRIPT
The Erie News Fall / Winter 2010
Erie Township Michigan, 2065 Erie Road, PO Box 187, Erie, MI 48133 (734) 848-5915
CREDIT CARD ACCEPTED FOR TAX PAYMENTS Erie Township has entered into an agreement with Point and Pay LLC which provides E-Payment Services. Beginning the first of the year we will be accepting credit or debit card payments for property taxes only. You will have the options of paying online through a link on our website, calling an 800 number to pay by phone, or at the counter at the township hall. The cost for this service is as follows:
• With a credit card: from $.01 up to $100.00 $3.00
from $100.01-$99,999.00 3% of transaction amount • With an eCheck $3.00 flat fee • With a Debit Card 3.95 flat fee
Many residents have been asking for this service for some time and we hope you find this to be a convenient alternative. We are sorry that at this time we cannot offer this method of payment for other services.
Township News and Updates
Your Township Officials
Supervisor William Frey
Clerk Jolene Upchurch
Treasurer Cindy Baum Trustee- David Cousino Trustee- Michael Grodi Jr. Your Township Office
Sue Smith Diane LaPlante Stephine Renius, Chris Renius and Brian Renius, Assessors
Michael Demski- Building / Zoning Official
Anthony Konopka- Chief of Police Newsletter Coordinators Diane LaPlante Michael Demski
Inside… Treasurer News 2 Mason Schools Permit info Clerk News Cemetery info 3 Address Info Police News 4 Building News Erie Fire News Assessor News 5 Morin Pt. Fire News Library News 6 Mason Swim
AN ECONOMIC UPDATE Erie Township seems to be following in the same direction as the rest of the country in the slow recovery process of the economy. The Township Board approved and passed the 2010/2011 budget with a modest increase in revenues in both the State Revenue Sharing and the franchise fees we receive from the Republic Services (BFI) landfill. Our monthly fees from Republic Services have been slightly better than projected through the first 4 months of our fiscal year and Revenue Sharing seems to be right on target. Our audit report for the 2009/2010 fiscal year shows every department coming in under budget. In a joint effort to continue controlling spending, the Township Board along with the department heads came together and submitted a reduced budget in each department. The Township Board approved a budget with a reduction in expenditures from the previous fiscal year of $43,000.00 and once again froze wages for the 2010 /2011 fiscal year. The Township is committed to 4 long term bond payments. There are 3 outstanding bonds for water line extensions. The last water bond for Victory Road will be satisfied in November, 2021. There is 1 road improvement bond outstanding for Suder Ave. that will be paid off in July, 2017. In order to insure these bond payments can be met the township remains in no position to fund any major projects.
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FROM THE TREASURER CINDY BAUM: It’s winter tax time again and your 2010 bill will be mailed on Tuesday November 30th. Winter taxes are due and payable from December 1, 2010 – February 14, 2011 without penalty or interest. Winter deferments are available for qualifying agricultural properties, senior citizens, eligible veterans and servicepersons and persons with disabilities. Deferment applications are available at the township hall. If you have any questions regarding eligibility please call (734) 848-5915 ext. 3.
Taxes can be paid at the township hall, any branch of Monroe Bank & Trust, Citizens Bank (7548 Lewis Ave. just North of Sterns Rd), by mail (postmarks accepted), or in the drop box in front of the township hall.
The township winter hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The following is the list of holiday closures for this tax season:
• December 24 & 27, 2010 - Observance of Christmas
• December 31, 2010 & January 3, 2011 - New Years Observance.
• January 17, 2011 – Martin Luther King • February 21, 2011 – President’s Day
Please look over your bill carefully for any errors or discrepancies regarding your Principal Residence Exemption, the description of your property or any other clerical errors. Any errors can be resolved at the December Board of Review which will be held December 14th 2010.
For those of you with an escrow account your tax bill will be sent directly to your mortgage company. If you would like a duplicate copy of your tax bill mailed to you for your records please call the office.
For any of our senior residents or those who are having financial difficulties there are a number of programs and agencies available to assist you.
MCOP - various senior programs (734) 241-2775 Monroe County Senior Legal Serve (734) 241-7644 Commission on Aging (734) 240-7358 Area Agency on Aging 1-B (800) 852-7795
o Reverse Equity Mortgages Michigan Veteran’s Trust (734) 240-7359 Department of Human Services (734) 243-7200
o State Emergency Relief Form o Help with Property Forfeiture
Salvation Army (734) 241-0440 o Food Programs o Prescription Drug Assistance
Mason Consolidated School District
Hall of Fame Information
The Erie-Mason Hall of Fame Committee held their most recent meeting on October 20, 2010. The inductees for the Class of 2011 were announced. Inductees include: Mr. Larry Meeker, Mason High School principal for 30 years, Mr. Donald Thurber, Mason Elementary teacher from 1953-1959 invented D’nealian handwriting which is used nationally and internationally, Mr. Charles Matlock, Mason High School teacher from 1972-1995, started the Science Olympiad program and reopened the planetarium, Ms. Yvonne Laderach Lynch, Class of 1985 – Junior Olympic National Shot Put Champion 1984, Mr. James Woodward, Class of 1983 – Former Executive Director Ohio State Chiropractic Association, 1987 State Champion Football team, which recorded a 13-0 record. The induction ceremony will be February 18, 2011 at half-time of the basketball game. The banquet will be February 19, 2011. For ticket information contact Frank Connolly at (734) 848-4299.
When do you need a permit?
The best way to find out is to call the building department before starting your project. Permits are usually required for projects including building, home improvements, roofing, windows, siding, electrical, plumbing, and heating/AC work. Installations need to be safe and in compliance with code and therefore a permit and inspections are required. Some projects such as sheds and fences do not require a building permit, but in most cases will still be necessary to obtain a permit for zoning compliance. Please contact the Building Department before beginning your project.
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From the Clerk’s Desk Erie Township has made several improvements to the Election process. We have received a grant to purchase
two new laptop computers (one for each precinct) through the State of Michigan Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Erie Township will be committed to use the laptops for every election in all precincts for four (4) years. Each laptop takes the place of a paper Poll Book that each voter’s name has been manually written by the election inspectors for years. With the Electronic Poll Book the inspectors use the registered voter’s driver license or state I.D. card and run it through the magnetic card reader and that resident’s name, address is checked and verified that this is a registered voter and then the election inspector will issue your ballot electronically. We have used this system for the August and November elections and found it to be a great advancement to the election process. I would also like to thank the Election Workers for all the time and effort they put into mastering the Electronic Poll Book and making this change possible for Erie Township.
Many residents have complained about the ads in the pink plastic wrapping that have been piling up by mailboxes in our township. I have spoken to Monroe Evening News and this pack is a non subscriber piece called the Cover Story. If you do not want this ad pack to be delivered to your house you can call the Monroe Evening News - David Zewicky, Circulation Manager @ 734-240-5025 and request that this pack be stopped. This will help to keep our township streets and ditches and your neighbor’s yards clean from this added trash. Thank you for your help in this matter.
The Clerks office is always looking for new election workers. If anyone is interested please contact my office, 734-848-5915 ext. 2.
I am always open to any comments or suggestions you might have for the Clerk’s office and I hope everyone had a great summer and stay warm and safe this winter and remember life is too short not to enjoy it.
Jolene Upchurch, Erie Township Clerk
Cemetery Information
Just a reminder, all cemetery plots at Union Cemetery and Brigham Cemetery must be cleaned of all Holiday arrangements. The Township Board passed new cemetery rules that went into effect February 19, 2008 that addresses many issues. I would suggest if anyone owns a plot at either cemetery, PLEASE inquire at the Township Hall for a copy of the new rules.
Address Identification Please Identify Your Homes In an Emergency, locating the caller’s address as soon as possible is the first step in saving lives and property. Time wasted searching for the proper address is something many callers to 911 don’t have to spare. Our Enhanced 911 system allows dispatchers to determine the address of an emergency call; however; this does little good because many people have failed to present identifiable markings at their residence. There’s a big difference between knowing the address and finding the address. Improper addressing frustrates emergency responders, but it could be deadly to the resident because of the delays that result. Improper address markings also cause problems for deliveries, utilities, visitors, etc.
It is everyone’s responsibility under county and township ordinances to insure that your residence or property is properly identified. The following requirements should be followed: • All buildings shall have approved address numbers
placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.
Address numbers shall contrast with their background.
Numerals shall be not less than four (4) inches in height.
Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters.
A great solution is available from the Erie Fire Department who sells green reflective address markers as a fundraiser. There are many of them around town and I am sure you will agree how much more visible addresses are where these markers are used. If you are interested’` order forms may be obtained from the fire department or at the township hall.
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Erie Township Police Dear fellow residents,
School is upon us and I want to remind everyone to be extra cautious in school zones and around bus routes. Our Department will strictly enforce the laws in these areas as our childrens’ safety comes first. On October 6, 2010, Erie Mason Middle Schools held a mock drill, preparing police, fire and school personnel on how to react to an armed perpetrator inside the school. I believe all that participated were able to learn and take something positive from this experience. I want to personally thank the school administration, the Erie Fire Department, the Monroe County Sheriff Department and the Luna Pier Police Department for assisting the Erie Police Department, and making this a successful drill. I also want to thank the students who participated in this drill. They did a wonderful job and also contributed to our success as emergency responders. I want to remind everyone as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas to keep a watchful eye on your neighbors’ home and property. Home Invasions seem to always rise around these holidays. Many people are out of town and their homes are filled with gifts for Christmas. If you are going to be out of town please fill out a property check sheet at the Erie Township Hall or Police Department. This way we are aware your home is vulnerable to criminal activity and we can check on it daily throughout our shifts. I want to thank the community for their support and we wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holidays!
Anthony Konopka, Chief of Police
Erie Fire Department Winter is coming up fast. It’s time to make a safety check of your home. Smoke detectors should be tested and batteries replaced.
Furnaces should be checked, chimneys should be cleaned. Areas around these heat sources should be cleared of debris
Fire prevention week was in October. Luna Pier, Morin Point, and Erie Fire Departments put on demonstrations for the students at Mason Elementary School.
We had a pancake breakfast in September with a great turnout. Thank You for your support. The next breakfast will be in March.
Erie has 3 new Firemen going through Fire school and are just finishing their First Responder class. We are always looking for new members. You can pick up an application at the Township Hall.
On behalf of the Erie Fire Department make your holidays happy and safe.
Chief Dave Duvall
Building Department Property Maintenance Property maintenance remains a big concern to area residents. Prior to the adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), the Building Department would receive complaints from tenants and adjacent property owners regarding unsafe conditions; however, the township did not have the enforcement power to take any action. There was a gap between new construction code requirements and what could be defined and enforced as blight. The township has adopted the International Property Maintenance Code and we have been enforcing it on a complaint basis.
When structures are not properly maintained it affects the public health, safety and general welfare, as well as the aesthetic value of the community at large and can have a direct effect on property values. It is our duty to ensure that all residents, including our tenants, are living in safe conditions. Further, many furnaces, water heaters, changes to electric service, etc. are being installed improperly, without permits, creating unsafe and hazardous conditions. The IPMC was adopted to correct unsuitable conditions and to establish mechanisms for continued maintenance of structures thereby promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the community and the residents.
If you wish to file a complaint please fill out a complaint form which may be obtained at the Township Hall or printed from our web site on the building inspector page. For questions, or more information on the International Property Maintenance Code you may visit the Building Department page of the web site or contact the Building Official.
Web: erietownship.com
email: [email protected]
Phone: 734-848-4557 x 5
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Greetings Erie Township residents! Please allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Renius & Renius, the new Assessing Firm that was hired by Erie Township to perform the assessing function of the Township. Stephanie Renius, MCAO, is the Assessor of Record
for the Township while Chris Renius, MAAO, will be assisting in all aspects of the Assessing Department function. We are available to assist you in your assessment questions every Monday (excluding Holidays) during regular office hours.
Over the course of the next 15 months, we will have people out visiting each and every parcel of land in the Township. The purpose of our visit is to verify the assessment information that we have on record as well as take photographs of primary improvements. The information gathered will assist us in making uniform and equitable assessments throughout Erie Township. Any person that is a representative of the Township that will be visiting your property for this purpose will have proper identification. Please do not hesitate to contact the Township to verify that the person who is claiming they are a representative of the Township actually is a Township representative.
Our goal in the Assessing Department is to provide the most accurate and uniform assessment data and roll. We will try to be the least disruptive to you when we are visiting your property and would appreciate your cooperation which will give us the most accurate data. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please feel free to contact us at 734-848-5915 ext. 4 or by email at [email protected].
SOUTH COUNTY WATER BILLS For your convenience the Township accepts payments for South County Water bills. Many of you make your checks out to South County Water. In the future, PLEASE make your checks payable to ERIE TOWNSHIP. Because we deposit the water bill checks into our account and write one check to South County at the end of the billing period, our bank prefers the checks made out to Erie Township since they are being deposited into an Erie Township bank account. Thank you for your cooperation.
MORIN POINT FIREFIGHTERS October 3rd through the 9th was Fire Prevention week. Each year more than 3,000 people nationally, including more than 120 people in
Michigan, die as a result of home fires. WORKING smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a reported fire in half, yet in roughly two thirds of home fires that result in deaths, there was not a working smoke alarm. Please practice fire drills at home. In case of a fire have a pre-designated meeting place so we have accountability, and once you are out of the structure STAY OUT. The heating season is upon us; make sure your furnace is in good working order. A faulty system not only can cause a fire but may produce carbon monoxide. The kid’s trailer was up to Erie Mason Elementary School on October 18, 2010. This has been a very educational tool to inform the children on what to expect in cases of an emergency. Thank you to Morin Point firefighters Steve Sepulveda and Jennifer Massingill who demonstrated and gave their time Probationary Firefighters Joshua Mulinix, Derek Halka, Mark Guth and Nate Goshe have completed their Medical First Responder class held at Monroe Township Fire Department. Thanks to instructor Mike Demski for his dedication to help train these firefighters. The Morin Point Fire Department would also like to offer our thanks to all the men and women who serve in the military. Every Wednesday at 7pm we have training, feel free to drop in. If you would like to tour the Department let us know and we will make arrangements. Burning permits will be issued on Wednesday evenings for the Morin Point Fire Department District, not only does this help us to inspect what is to be burned, it gets the fire department out to meet the residents. December’s safety theme will be Holiday Safety, to include Christmas lights and candle safety. Don’t forget about designated drivers, we want everyone to have fun and be safe at the same time. May you have a joyous and blessed Holiday season from the members of the Morin Point Fire Department. Sincerely, Morin Point Fire Chief, Pat Zaleski
The Erie News Fall / Winter 2010 Page | 6
consideration.
We also have the Museum Adventure Pass Program…
Free passes to 25 Detroit metro area museums will be available for check-out at all branches of the Monroe County Library System. Patrons will be able to use their library cards to check-out a free admission pass, good for 7 days, and admitting either 2 or 4 people depending on the museum.
Visit www.detroitadventurepass.org for more information.
MASON FAMILY SWIM PROGRAM Mason High School Pool * 2400 Eagle Drive, Erie
Open to the public every Wednesday night that School is in session from 7 to 9 pm. Cost is $1.00 a person. * Certified life guards on duty at all times
FOR MORE INFO CALL GRACE AT 734-848-4257
CURRENT RESIDENT ERIE, MICHIGAN 48133
ERIE TOWNSHIP 2065 ERIE ROAD PO BOX 187 ERIE, MI 48133 Phone 734-848-5915
Fax 734-848-2548 E-mail
We’re on the web! Visit us at: www.erietownship.com
Erie Township – At Your Service Winter Hours:
Monday thru Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM –.
Announcing NEW Erie Township Internet Services Erie Township and BS&A Software have created a partnership to help provide a fast and convenient way to view valuable property data online. Here are some reasons you should sign up for a new Account:
• It's fast and convenient...Search for important data from the convenience of your office or home without having the hassle of stopping at the township hall. Sign up now and get the information you need FAST.
• Newly enhanced Comparable Search…Find comparable property sale records using a variety of criteria and filters. Searching options include property class, sale date range, price range, floor area range, and multiple neighborhood filters.
• Ability to register your account with multiple units
• Small convenience fee... In order to view this data, you must pay a small convenience fee of $2.00. A credit card may be used or a business account may be setup if you wish to view a number of parcels. * Note: a property owner may view their property information only for no charge.
• Simply go to erietownship.com…and click the link
TTThhheee EEErrriiieee NNNeeewwwsss Please look inside for Important Information
From Erie Township!
ERIE TOWNSHIP 2065 ERIE ROAD PO BOX 187 ERIE, MI 48133
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Permit #8 Erie, Michigan
CURRENT RESIDENT ERIE, MICHIGAN 48133
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