Deadline for filing Partisan & Non-partisan Petitions – 4:00 P.M., May 13, 2008
Deadline for filing without Political Party Affiliation – 4:00 P.M., July 17, 2008

Anyone considering running for Local Office may contact the Clerk’s Office at 248-451-4848, to obtain a complete nominating petition pack or may contact the Oakland County Clerk’s Office

ELECTRONIC CHECK INFORMATION - IMPORTANT UPDATE

If you are using your personal online banking for payments of water/sewer bills and/or taxes, please be aware that we are changing our lockbox address for payment. While the old information will still be correct, the new format should speed receipt of payment.

Currently, we use a five-line format for our processing address. Many bank payment programs only allow room for four lines. Consequently, information has been deleted from the address and payments have not been received in a timely manner by the due date, or sometimes, not at all. This results in late payment charges to our customers.

The new three-line format will speed processing by the Post Office and our vendor. Since your bank will not be using the new pre-printed envelope when mailing a check to us, we ask that you enter the new information into your banking website as shown below. Please remember that if your bank runs a program and changes the unique ZIPcode, you will still be responsible for interest charges on any delayed payments.

The new addresses are:

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP WATER
P O BOX 671922
DETROIT MI 48267-1922

WEST BLOOMFIELD TAX COLLECTION
P O BOX 671050
DETROIT MI 48267-1050

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Denise D. Hammond, MBA, CGFM
Treasurer
248-451-4860

West Bloomfield Police Department
Traffic Safety Bureau

Spring has finally arrived, and with the good weather our children as well as many walkers, joggers, and bicyclists will again be out and about. Most of the residential streets in West Bloomfield do not have side walks. This means that our drivers must use additional caution with their motor vehicles. To assist our residents with their traffic related issues the Traffic Safety Bureau has 6 trained traffic investigators.

Call 911 if there is a life threatening emergency. To report a problem that is currently happening but is not an emergency call 248 975 9200. If you have an on going traffic problem such as speeding vehicles or frequent stop sign violations, call 248 975 8960. This last number is the direct line to the West Bloomfield Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau.

To assist the police in dealing with residential traffic issues please leave you name, telephone number, address, the type of traffic violation, the time of day and the day of the week that the violation is most prevalent. The West Bloomfield Police has 2 speed monitoring trailers commonly called a “SMART” trailer. These trailers will show drivers how fast they are traveling and hopefully bring voluntary compliance. In the event that a particular problem continues the traffic bureau is equipped to conduct selective enforcement in your neighborhood. It has been our experience in the past that better than 50% of traffic violations issued, are in fact issued to residents of the neighborhood. These are your neighbors and children at risk, and we all have to do our part to keep our streets safe.

In an effort to ensure the safety of the motoring public, The West Bloomfield Police have teamed up with The Traffic Improvement Association of Oakland County to conduct drunk driving patrols on the weekends. Another important date is the annual “Click it or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign. The dates on this are May 19, 2008 through May 30, 2008. It is a proven fact that seat belt use saves lives, and police will be conducting additional patrols to enforce the mandatory seat belt and child restraint use laws. If you would like your child’s safety seat inspected contact the Traffic Safety Bureau at 248 975 8962 for an appointment. In a final note, whether you are for or against them, the traffic roundabouts are here. Any group wishing a brief presentation on driving and surviving the new roundabouts please contact the West Bloomfield Police Traffic Safety Bureau.

Tri-City Fire Board Buys Needed Equipment for WB Fire Dept.

When West Bloomfield Township and the Tri-Cities (Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, and Orchard Lake) entered into an agreement in 2003 that resulted in the West Bloomfield Fire Department providing fire and EMS to all four communities, it was not without controversy. However, operationally, it has worked out exactly as we had hoped. West Bloomfield has seen an improvement in insurance ratings, reduced response times, and a more complete back-up system that benefits us daily. Last month, the Tri-City Fire Board continued to demonstrate that they are partners in this endeavor. To see how this came about, let me tell you a story.

Early this spring, when the ice had not quite completely cleared the lakes, a couple of gentlemen decided it was a beautiful day for a ride in a canoe on Sylvan Lake. In the middle of the lake, they capsized their canoe and were thrown into water which had a temperature not much above the freezing point. Water of this temperature is extremely dangerous, with loss of function in extremities and hypothermia setting in very quickly, and drowning is not far behind. Fortunately, someone saw them in distress and called the Fire Department for assistance.

This is not an unusual call for us and typically in the past we immediately notify the Oakland County Sheriff’s Marine Division, whose response time is usually excellent. While waiting for the Sheriff’s Department, we commandeer a boat that is on the lake and if we’re successful in the rescue, we then cancel the Sheriff. However, in this case, it was so early in the spring that the County’s boats had not yet been put into service and there were no boats on the lake to commandeer. It was a desperate and helpless feeling for the firefighters in their water rescue suits to stand by and watch with no way to get out to the middle of the lake. Fortunately, the Keego Harbor Police department had a small patrol boat that they were able to extricate from storage and get to the scene, and we were able to retrieve both victims. They were transported to the hospital where they were treated for hypothermia, and have made a full recovery.

Considering all of the lakes and ponds in and around West Bloomfield, we have known we really should have an easily deployed specialized water rescue boat, but we have not been able to obtain such a boat due to budgetary constraints. The boat is expensive, and to spend a large sum on a tool that will be used typically only 2 to 3 times a year was just not feasible.

As timing would have it, we had our quarterly meeting with the Tri-City Fire Board the next day. We were asked why we didn’t use the boat that we had inherited from the Tri-City Fire Department when we entered into the agreement, and we advised them that our safety committee had determined that the boat was not suitable for water rescue and was not safe to use in that manner. Therefore, we removed the boat from service. We advised them that we were looking into acquiring a suitable boat, but it would not happen in the foreseeable future. At that point, the Tri-City Fire Board stepped forward and said they would like to purchase the boat.

We anticipate taking delivery in early May of a Seawolf Survivor 1300 Rescue boat. This boat, pictured here, is about 13 feet long, weighs 192 pounds, and has a load capacity of 1820 pounds. The front of the boat drops down even with water level for easy loading of the patient. It’s stable enough to serve as a platform for a dive team.

We’re very excited to get this much needed boat, and we look forward to training with it. See you on the lakes this spring and summer!

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Support Building Safety!
For more information about building safety codes and local requirements, contact the building department below at: 1-248-451-4842 | bsw@wbtwp.com

“Building Safety Where You Live, Work and Play”
When you enter a house or building, most likely you’re not thinking about whether it is properly constructed and safe. Fortunately, your local safety experts think about building safety and fire prevention every day. To help raise awareness of building safety, the West Bloomfield Township Building Department is celebrating Building Safety Week from May 5th through 9th. Across the nation, communities will promote the use and understanding of building safety and fire prevention codes to protect lives and property.

“Free Home Safety Inspection” Week of May 5 through 9
The free home inspections will focus on maintaining a safe home environment. Inspections will be performed from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, please provide a date and time when we can inspect your home.

To schedule an appointment, send an email with the workshop title in the subject line to: bsw@wbtwp.com

Open House / Home Improvement Workshop Week of May 5 through 9
The Township Building Department will have an informational area in Town Hall with staff (including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and building inspectors) available to answer questions regarding building codes, disaster preparedness, mold, and flood cleanup. Video programs on the importance of building codes will be displayed, and free smoke detectors will be available while supplies last. For simple applications requiring only basic review, a permit may be issued the same day.

Click Here to watch the Building Department "Defenders of Public Safety" Video

Benefits of Building Permits

WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT?
A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved construction documents and specifications.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A PERMIT?
The best way to determine if a permit is required is by calling the Development Service Department and speaking with a plans examiner. It is imperative to do this before starting construction. Even if a permit is not needed, the plans examiner will answer any construction question and may provide valuable advice.

PERMITS ARE USUALLY REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• New construction & structures demolitions
• Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
• Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools, water heaters, etc.)
• Renovations (garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, etc.)
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) systems

The Simple Permit Process

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL CODE OFFICIAL
Your township plans examiner want your project to be a success and will help you avoid potential problems that could cost you time and money. You will be asked some basic questions (What are you planning to do? Where?), advised of any requirements, and, if necessary, referred to other departments (zoning, planning, engineering, and environmental) for their approval.
Schedule of Regulations

The plans examiner will provide you with the resources and information needed for compliance with the applicable building codes and zoning ordinances. You will then receive an application for a building permit.

SUBMIT APPLICATION
At this stage you will document the “Who, What, When, Where, and How” of the job, along with any sketches or construction documents of your proposed work.
Building Application

REVIEW PROCESS
In a brief amount of time, the plans examiner will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with zoning requirements and Michigan building codes. If your plans meet these requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the plans examiner may suggest solutions to help correct the problem.

RECEIVE A PERMIT
Now that you have been approved for a permit, you have legal permission to start construction. A fee, based on the square footage of the job, is collected to cover the cost of the application, the review, and the inspection process. An experienced plans examiner or inspector is available to you should you have any questions concerning your project. You should consider your code official as an ally who will help make your project a success. Separate permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, and heating or air-conditioning work. Fee Schedules

JOB-SITE VISITS
On-site inspections will be required to make certain the work conforms to the permit, local codes, and approved set of construction documents. Again, you will have access to the expertise of the code official to help you with questions or concerns regarding the project and to minimize potentially costly mistakes. The code official will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. Usually, a one- or two-day notice is needed when requesting visits. Inspection Line

FINAL APPROVAL
The township inspectors will provide documentation when construction is complete and code compliance is determined. You will then have the personal satisfaction of a job done right, and will be able to enjoy your new surroundings with peace of mind and the knowledge that they meet the safety standards in your community have been met.

It takes everyone in a community to keep our homes, schools, offices, stores, and other buildings safe for public use. Your safe construction practices help protect you, your family, your friends, and your investment. Be sure to get your local code officials involved with your project, because the building department is an important ally, from start to finish.

Revised Ordinances For West Bloomfield Township
John Roda, MSES, PWS
Environmental Manager
West Bloomfield Township

After a recent audit by The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), West Bloomfield Township has undergone some changes to two (now separate) ordinances that were commonly referred to as the “Grading & Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Ordinance.” On March 3, 2008, the Charter Township of West Bloomfield adopted an amended Grading and Drainage Ordinance and a new Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control (SESC) Ordinance of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994, PA 451, as amended.

These major changes are as follows:

• Contractors and Builders will no longer be allowed to apply for and obtain SESC permits unless a Designated Agent Form signed by the landowner is submitted with the application (if the contractor/builder is the landowner, then a Designated Agent Form is not necessary).
• SESC permits must be transferred to new property owners at the time of sale if the site is not permanently stabilized. A Certificate of Occupancy (Temporary or Final) cannot be issued until a Permit Transfer Form is submitted. SESC permits will not be closed until the site is permanently stabilized (i.e. lush grass growing).
• When seasonal weather conditions do not permit permanent stabilization of the disturbed areas then a conditional soil erosion and sedimentation control approval may be granted by the Development Services Director for up to six (6) months. A deposit of cash or a letter of credit in the amount of the remaining work needed to permanently stabilize the site must be submitted (all approved SESC’s must be installed and maintained regardless of weather conditions).
• A new SESC Permit Form with state and township permit requirements must be posted in a visible location on site.
• SESC permits will be issued for one year (there will be a charge either up front for a year permit extension or the permit holder will have to pay for a permit extension at one year from the issuance date).
• The new Grading and Drainage Ordinance contains new and clarified site design requirements.
• A new fee schedule was adopted which includes a slight permit fee increase.
• Commercial Projects Only - In addition to the SESC permit fee, a SESC performance deposit will be made in the amount of 1½ times the estimated cost to install and maintain all SESC measures throughout the project duration.
• When a contractor/builder changes the plans after a permit is issued a plan review/revision fee will be charged.

Should you have any questions regarding these program changes, we encourage you to visit our website or call our office at your convenience.

http://www.wbtwp.com
248-451-4824

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign...

Yes, it’s that time again!!! With warmer temperatures we can count on green grass, colorful flowers, fun on our lakes and the proliferation of roadside signs. These signs offer a cornucopia of services, real estate bargains, great garage sales and this year, support for individuals seeking elected office or for a particular political agenda.

West Bloomfield Township has specific ordinances regulating these types of signs. These ordinances were enacted to address concerns regarding preservation of road right-of-ways, avoiding distractions to motorists, forms of visual blight and other issues intended to protect the best interests of the Township as a whole. These same ordinances are also intended to protect our first amendment rights regarding freedom of speech.

The enforcement of these ordinances can be a delicate, difficult and time consuming task. Delicate because although any particular sign might be displayed in violation of the ordinances and found to be offensive to some; it is very important to the individual who placed the sign at that particular location for public view. Difficult because the individuals responsible for the placement of these signs, do so either without first becoming knowledgeable about the requirements of these ordinance or are of the belief that these ordinances should not apply to their individual interests. Each year the Code Enforcement Division receives hundreds of complaints from citizens who find these signs to be offensive and demand they be removed. It is not unusual that our officers spend 350 to 400 hours during an election year, removing signs that are displayed in violation of these ordinances.

If you are considering placing these types of roadside signs on display in West Bloomfield Township, please take the time to become familiar with our ordinances by going to the Township website at www.wbtwp.com then connect to the Code Enforcement Division homepage where you will find Township Ordinances regarding these types of signs under Section 26-34 or contact us by phone at (248) 451-4880.

Thank you for your time and attention to this information. Your help in controlling this problem by following our ordinances would be appreciated. Enjoy your summer!!!