View from Assessing Office at 6:30 AM. (Yes, some of us are at work this early)
2009 Brings New Technology to the Assessing Department
The past few years brought many exciting changes and improvements to department technology. Last year brought the introduction of digital photography to the department and this year, nearly 3000 new photographs have been added to the growing archive of digitally available pictures.
Another major change this year is the introduction of digital sketching. All property records reviewed over the course of this year have been digitally sketched and customers using the public terminal at Town Hall will find these sketches available for review and print.
Seeking to improve the efficiency of its operations, the office has been deploying a variety of software-based tools developed by Assessing Team members to automate various reporting and analytical tasks within the Department.
These improvements offer a number of distinct advantages and the permanent digital property records offer a new level of convenience to both the staff and the public. Ongoing integration of multiple systems enables new “one-click” access to a variety of property data. Access to historical assessment data is much improved, with further enhancements planned in the future. In response to your requests, the Assessing Department eventually hopes to offer online access to its records. We are pleased to report that the response of both internal and external customers to these new developments in technology utilization has been overwhelmingly positive.
By Mathew K. Pollick
Property Appraiser
Master Plan Update Underway!
West Bloomfield Township has recently begun the exciting process of updating its current Master Plan. The Master Plan is a policy document that provides direction for the future development of the Township. State law requires that every community review its plan every five years to reflect current trends and desires. West Bloomfield’s current plan was adopted in 2005 and is due for review. The process, which should take just under one year, will include an update of existing conditions, review of the vision and goals, with a focus on recommendations for key topics including: - Orchard Lake Road Corridor
- Economic Development
- Transit Oriented Development
- Sustainability
- Alternative Energy
You can find out more information about the Master Plan at the Township’s website www.wbtwp.com under the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. Questions and comments regarding the plan can be directed to Sara Roediger, Township Planner at s_roediger@wbtwp.com or 248-451-4828.
On November 23, 1965, I began my career here in West Bloomfield with the Fire Department.
As you would imagine, the township was not at all the same place that exists today. Many of our current roads were gravel and property which is now covered by homes was acres of open fields in the 60’s and 70’s. At that time, open burning was allowed and field fires were a very common concern. During a dry season it was not unusual to spend 12 to 16 hours a day battling field fires; air quality was also much worse at that time.
Emergency medical calls were handled by firefighters providing only advanced first aid and oxygen. Paramedics did not yet exist. West Bloomfield was the third community in Oakland County to offer advanced emergency medical service (following Pontiac and Southfield). Advanced EMS services as we know them today became a reality in West Bloomfield on April 1, 1977. In 2005 we initiated transporting patients to the hospital.
Numerous years ago I was on the scene of a house fire….a call at the home of the “then” Township Supervisor. I was crossing the roof when I stepped on a soft spot and my right foot plunged through the roof surface. I stopped when my bottom contacted the roof surface. This penetration caused drywall dust and insulation to cover some steaks which were on the kitchen counter. The Supervisor never let me forget that I single handedly ruined his dinner.
On 30 November 2009 I chose to end my 44 year career here and try retirement on for size. I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a wonderful career here in West Bloomfield. I am proud to have been part of the team that assisted in providing and maintaining a high level of life safety in our community. Your ever present positive community support for the fire department has always been appreciated.
Thank you,
Jim Poppelreiter
Retired Fire Chief
After careful and thoughtful deliberations, the Township Board has approved moving forward with a single waste and recycling hauler for the township. The single waste and recycling hauler program will commence on April 1, 2010. Richfield Equities, LLC, our current preferred waste hauler, was selected to be the single hauler.
The reasons for moving to a single hauler system are to address the existing deficiencies within the waste and recycling system. The deficiencies are:
- A high volume of heavy truck traffic caused by multiple service providers working within the same neighborhoods which results in excessive wear impacts to local township roads .
- Multiple haulers results in impacts to neighborhood quality as trash is set out for collection several days a week .
- Low recycling participation rates and set out volumes and limited access to an affinity based recycling program.
- Inequitable cost structure as not all residents and haulers are paying for the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program and other system management and customer service costs .
- Lack of reliable and accurate waste generation and recovery data.
Starting on April 1, 2010, all residential properties with curbside waste and recycling service will be required to switch to Richfield Equities, LLC for service. This includes residential properties within attached and detached condominium associations so long as they place their garbage at the curb for collection. The Township will not assume any billing responsibilities within this new single hauler system. Residents will be billed by and directly pay Richfield Equities, LLC for service.
Under the new single waste and recycling hauler system, residents will receive garbage, recycling, bulk item (i.e. furniture and appliances) and yard waste collection and disposal. All residents will have access to the “Rewards for Recycling Program” which provides residents coupons and gift cards to local stores and shops for recycling. Over the last year, this program has increased participation by 70% and increased volumes by 250%. Lastly, all residents will be able to disposal of household chemicals and toxic materials at the two Household Hazardous Waste Events.
Approximately 65% of residential properties within the Township are currently served by Richfield Equities, LLC; therefore, these properties will continue as usual with Richfield Equities, LLC. They will see a decrease in price starting 4/1/2010.
The remaining 35% of residential properties will need to switch to Richfield Equities, LLC by 4/1/2010. Residents will be automatically switched to Richfield Equities, LLC and will receive an invoice for service beginning 4/1/2010. However, residents may switch at any time to Richfield Equities, LLC but they will have to contact Richfield Equities, LLC to sign up for service and contact their current hauler to cancel and request a refund. Residents do not have to switch until 4/1/2010. Haulers other than Richfield Equities, LLC will be required to provide a pro-rated refund to homeowners that may have already paid for services beyond the 4/1/2010 deadline.
The Township will be taking additional steps to ensure refunds are provided. The Township will be collecting a performance guarantee from haulers operating within the township from 1/1/2010 to 4/1/2010. These funds will not be returned to the haulers until the residents have switched and received their pro-rated refund (if applicable.)
The Development Services Department will be handling all inquires regarding the change and can be reached by calling 248-451-4800. Development Services will provide more information to residents as the switch deadline approaches.
Over the past 18 months, the library expanded existing resources and developed new services and programs to help those in West Bloomfield who have been affected by the economy. The “Citation of Excellence”, which was awarded by the Library of Michigan Foundation on November 5, 2009, recognizes the library for their innovative and superior customer service and proactive efforts on behalf of our community.
The “Help is Here” initiative includes workshops, one-on-one services, a special sections on the Library’s website and other resources for community members who face the loss of a job, health insurance, their home, credit and other aspects of economic stability.
“This award is a tribute to our staff who saw a community need and found creative ways to help our residents”, said library director, Clara N. Bohrer. “It’s the responsiveness of staff that is being recognized.”
It is for this reason that we recommend the following when out shopping. Most importantly: BE ALERT TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS! When we don’t appear to be vulnerable, we are less likely to be victimized. Criminals are looking for opportunity. Walk through a parking lot with your head up, and look forward as if on a mission. This stature is intimidating to criminals! Try to park your vehicle in a well lit area of the lot and have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle when leaving your retailer. That little bit of time we spend digging through our purses can present an opportunity for a criminal to attack. If shopping with a purse, try to keep the strap across your body as opposed to over your shoulder, and also try to keep it under a coat. This will also help conceal the fact that you have one with you in the first place. Lastly, try to shop with minimal charge/debit cards on your person. Leave your extra charge/debit cards at home. If you are the unfortunate victim of a purse snatching or a pick-pocket, the criminal will only capture one or two cards making contacting your appropriate card issuers much simpler Make sure you’ve “pre-recorded” your card information: the type of card, the card number, the store or banking institution and the reporting number that is usually located on the back of the card in the event you need to report the card lost or stolen.
Please remember to contact the police department upon observing any suspicious persons or activity when out in the community (248-975-9200 or 911). You, the public, are our first defense in keeping West Bloomfield Safe! Have a great Holiday Season.
Sgt. Tara Kane
West Bloomfield Crime Prevention Unit
by
Pat Chapin
Newsletter Editor
It is in this spirit of recognizing our blessings that I proudly share with each of you the generosity of your municipal employees. During the first 11 months of 2009 nearly $2,700 has been raised and donated to various charities by Township staff.
Each autumn staff suggests and votes on charities to be the recipients of “casual Friday” donations and in 2009 those charities included the Grace Centers of Hope, the Michigan Humane Society, Karmanos Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Odyssey Hospice and the U of M Trauma Burn Center, among others. We also sponsored several “special collections” including one which supported the Dearborn Animal Shelter when they acquired over 100 Chihuahua’s quite unexpectedly. In November we sponsored a canned and boxed food drive for Gleaners Food Bank generating meals for our neighbors.
We also recognize that our challenges are numerous. The Township often receives inquiries as to where our residents can turn for help for a very specific need ~ be that assistance for older adults, food or utility assistance or a dependency concerns. We have created a “Resource for Community Needs” guide on our Township website to provide you contact information on many of these areas of concern. To access this 20 page guide just enter into the “Services” portion of the website (located on the left) and then click on “Resource Guide.” Should you need additional information remember that you have access to over 5,000 health and human service resources by simply contacting United Way 2-1-1 by dialing their toll free number which is : 800-552-1183.
Working together we can, and certainly will, get through these difficulties. Your Township staff remains steadfast in our commitment to assist others in need. Thank you to everyone in our community who reaches out ; may 2010 be a renewal for us.
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| Administration Michele Economou Ureste, Supervisor m_eu@wbtwp.com Catherine Shaughnessy, Clerk c_shaughnessy@wbtwp.com Teri Weingarden, Treasurer t_weingarden@wbtwp.com |
Trustees Larry Brown l_brown@wbtwp.com Gene Farber g_farber@wbtwp.com Steven Kaplan s_kaplan@wbtwp.com Howard Rosenberg h_rosenberg@wbtwp.com |
Newsletter Editor
Pat Chapin,
Executive Assistant
p_chapin@wbtwp.com
What Do You Think of This Newsletter?
We want to make this newsletter as informative as possible. Please let us know what information you would like to see included. You may provide your comments by sending us an e-mail at:askwestbloomfield@wbtwp.com or by calling Pat Chapin, the Executive Assistant to the Supervisor at: 248-451-4800 ext. 2888.
