What's Happening March 2019


Here's What's Coming Up...

 


(Click on the title above to go directly to a specific section)
 

 ___________________________________________________________________________

 

2018 Tax Information
 

   As of February 14th, penalty and interest have been applied to the 2018 Winter Taxes. Northfield Township can accept past due tax payments (2018 Summer and Winter) until 4:30pm on Thursday, February 28, 2019. Property Taxes not paid by 4:30pm on February 28, 2019 will be turned over as delinquent to Washtenaw County and must be paid at the County Treasurer’s office. The Township cannot legally accept tax payments after February 28, 2019.

   Taxes are payable by cash, check or credit card.  For your convenience, there is a 24 hour payment drop box in the vestibule of the township offices. Any payments received by mail or in the drop box after 4:30pm on February 28th will be considered delinquent, and will be forwarded to the County.  We DO NOT accept post marks as the payment date.

Please Note: The credit card company charges a processing fee of 2.68% of the amount paid with a minimum fee of $1.05.
Northfield Township does not receive any portion of this processing fee.

To pay on-line: https://bsaonline.com/?uid=436&sitetransition=true

To pay by phone: Call toll free (800) 272-9829, and use our township code 3241.

 

Return to Top

  __________________________________________________________________

Public Hearing: Medical & Recreational Marihuana Zoning Ordinance Amendments


   The Northfield Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the request of Northfield Township, 8350 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 to propose amending Northfield Township's Zoning Ordinance to accommodate Medical and Recreational Marihuana uses in the Township:
 

  • Article II - Definitions, Section 36-29 - Definitions, and
  • Article Ill - General Provisions, Section 36-64 - Home Occupation, and
  • Article VI - AR - Agriculture District, Section 36-1 57 - Conditional Uses, and
  • Article XI1 - WLD - Whitmore Lake District, Section 36-340 - Uses Permitted, and
  • Article Xlll - LC - Local Commercial District, Section 36-364 - Conditional Uses, and
  • Article XIV - GC - General Commercial District, Section 36-391 - Conditional Uses, and
  • Article XVlll - LI - Limited lndustrial District, Section 36-510 - Conditional Uses, and
  • Article XIX - GI - General lndustrial District, Section 36-533 - Conditional Uses, and
  • Article XXll - RTM - Research/TechnologylManufacturing District, Section 36-638 - Conditional Uses, and
  • Article XXlV - Supplementary Regulations and Standards, Section 36-729 - Medical Marihuana Caregivers, and
  • Article XXlV - Supplementary Regulations and Standards, Section 36-738 - Standards for Marihuana Establishments and Facilities


   The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 7:00pm on the second floor of the Northfield Township Public Safety Building, 8350 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189. The application is on file at the Northfield Township Building/Zoning Department, 8350 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189, and may be reviewed Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Written comments may be submitted to the Building/Zoning Department at the Township Hall (8350 Main St.) before 12:00pm on the day of the meeting.

   This notice is in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA 41.7, 2A (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Northfield Township Offices at 743-449-2880 seven days in advance.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can watch live on Charter Channel 191.  All Board of Trustees, Planning Commission and ZBA meetings are also recorded via Livestream and can be viewed using our Township account.  https://livestream.com/accounts/1160710

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Public Meeting to Discuss Possible Wastewater Treatment Plant Equalization Basin

   Please join the Northfield Township Board of Trustees
   Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 7:00pm!

   The March 26th meeting of the Board of Trustees will be a public information meeting on issues about which the Board would like to hear from you. This will include discussing a possible bond to build the wastewater equalization basin that was first proposed in 1988.

   The Township is working to improve the community for our residents, but we face challenges. For years the downtown has languished. Competition from larger, newer businesses elsewhere has taken its toll. Revitalization will take the right mix of businesses and residential properties. One won’t thrive without the other. If we want revitalization, we must actively attract that mix.

   Homes are going up, mostly in the rural areas, but not yet in the numbers and price points that will energize the Township’s economy. Those numbers are master-planned for the US-23 corridor near the interchanges, and affordable price points will be dependent on accessing sewer service. As a result, the Board is evaluating expanding the wastewater treatment plant’s capacity by adding an equalization basin. With a basin, excess sewage on high flow days can be detained and metered into treatment as the flow decreases. Currently, on a few days each year, partially treated high flows are released, surpassing the plant’s permit.  As users are added to the system and the system ages, those days will increase.

Please attend or send us your comments.

Board Meetings are held at:
     Northfield Township Public Safety Building
     8350 Main St., 2nd floor
     Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can watch live on Charter Channel 191.  All Board of Trustees, Planning Commission and ZBA meetings are also recorded via Livestream and can be viewed using our Township account.  https://livestream.com/accounts/1160710

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Citizen Survey

   We are currently working to establish the township's budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year. We encourage citizen input on where township funds would be best utilized. Contact us with your suggestions.  

   You can also help us plan the budget for the upcoming year by answering this three-question questionnaire to tell us what your priorities are for Northfield Township. Knowing what the citizens desire will aid the Board of Trustees in their future decision making.

www.surveymonkey.com/r/B985LVQ


Thank you for sharing your thoughts so we can serve you better.

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

March Board of Review

   The purpose of the March Board of Review is to review the assessment rolls of Northfield Township.  Northfield Township Tax Assessment Notices were mailed on February 22, 2019.  Matters pertaining to the assessment of property may be brought before the Board of Review by appointment on the days listed below.  Appointments to meet with the Board of Review can be scheduled beginning February 25th.   

   The Northfield Township Board of Review will meet in the Northfield Township Municipal Offices located at 8350 Main Street, Whitmore Lake, Michigan 48189 on the following days: 

Organizational Meeting:

  • Tuesday March 5, 2019 at 9:00am (no appeals will be heard) 

 By appointment to hear appeals on:  

  • Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
  • Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 1:00pm to 9:00pm 


Appointments will be taken until 4:30pm on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
Please call (734) 449-2880 to schedule an appointment. 

Appeals will also be accepted by letter.   **All letter appeals must be received by 4:30pm on Thursday, March 14, 2019. ** 

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

February Sewer Bills

February sewer bills are due by March 5, 2019.  The February bill covers service from November 1st through January 31st. Any payment received after the due date will accrue late fees. Failure to receive your bill does not waive the past due penalty.  Sewer bills can be paid by cash, check, credit/debit card*, or money order.

>>> Please Note:  As of August 1, 2018, a new sewer rate of $90.20/quarter per REU (Residential Equivalent Unit) went into effect.  If you use automatic payments, please remember to update your information with your bank to reflect the new rate.   Click here to see the Sewer Billing Schedule <<<
 
Option A: You can pay your bills at the Township Office:

  • in person during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
  • by using the 24 hour drop box in the office vestibule.
  • by mail - payments by mail must be received in our office by the due date listed on the bill in order to avoid late fees.  We DO NOT accept post marks as payment date.  Mail payments to:

    Northfield Township
    8350 Main St.
    PO Box 576
    Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
     

Option B: You can pay your bill on-line with a credit/debit card* (listed as "Utility Billing Payments" on the left side of the page)

**There is a $2.75 service fee for credit/debit card payments for utility bills when paying on-line **
This fee is charged by the credit card processing company, not Northfield Township


Option C: You can pay with a credit/debit card* over the phone by calling toll free (800) 272-9829, use our township code 3241.

** There is a $3.95 service fee for credit/debit card payments for utility bills  when paying over the phone**
This fee is charged by the credit card processing company, not Northfield Township

 

If you have any questions about your sewer bill, please contact the Clerk's office at (734) 449-2880 ext. 14

 

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Winter Sidewalk Maintenance

   Winter has found us!  With that comes the fun (or maybe not-so-fun) chore of clearing away the snow and ice.  We would like to take a moment to remind our residents and property owners of Northfield Township's Sidewalk Maintenance Ordinance.

   By Township Ordinance and for the safety of our residents and visitors using our sidewalks, it is the responsibility of property owners to maintain, repair, and keep safe all sidewalks adjacent to or upon their lots and premises in or along the public street and alley rights-of-way in the township. 

   During winter events, sidewalks are to be cleared of snow and/or ice by the owners of properties adjacent to the sidewalks.  In the event of snow of greater than 1 inch on a residential property, the property owner has 24 hours to clear the snow and/or ice.  For Non-Residential properties, any snow or ice accumulated prior to 6:00am needs to be removed by noon that day. For more information, please see the Northfield Township Sidewalk Maintenance Ordinance.
 

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Cabin Fever Craft & Vendor Show

Saturday, March 23 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Northfield Township Community Center
9101 Main St.
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Escape the winter doldrums and usher in spring with a little shopping therapy!  Concessions will be available, and stick around for some fantastic door prizes!

Crafter & Vendor Information:

  • Booth Spaces measure 6 'x 6' and includes a 6' table and 2 chairs if needed.
  • Booth Pricing:
    • $20 with table
    • $15 without table
    • $5 for electricity if needed
    • Payment must be made in advance to reserve your space
    • Up to two spaces may be reserved if needed
  • Click here for a registration form with more details


Contact Tami at the Community Center for more information or to rent a space.  (734) 449-2295 or averillt@northfieldmi.gov
 

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Project Bunny

   It’s time for the Northfield Township Community Center’s 5th Annual Project Bunny program! Volunteers will be delivering spring baskets to folks in our community who need a little spring cheer! If you know of someone who is in need of a cheerful surprise, please contact Tami at 734-449-2295 or averillt@northfieldmi.gov by April 12th.

If you would like to contribute items toward Project Bunny, here are some suggestions:

  • baskets or gift bags
  • small gift items
  • soaps & lotions
  • snack items
  • candy
  • cards
  • small coloring/puzzle books
  • crayons/markers
  • note pads & pens
  • small toys

Please drop your donations off at the Northfield Township Community Center, 9101 Main St, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 no later than April 15th.

For a complete list of upcoming classes, programs and special events, visit the Northfield Township Community Center page or follow us Facebook!

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Fireworks Committee Meetings

   The Whitmore Lake Fireworks Committee is in the process of planning the 60th annual fireworks display in Whitmore Lake. The fireworks display is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, 2019 with a rain date of Sunday, July 7, 2019. It is their goal to raise $50,000.00 annually. This all-volunteer committee works diligently on several fundraisers each year. It is only through the generous donations of people and business owners like you that they are able to provide this patriotic and family-fun celebration each year. Thousands of people come to Whitmore Lake to watch the fireworks and celebrate our country’s independence. This event brings extra revenue to our local economy and continues to provide a wholesome American tradition to our citizens!

   The Fireworks Committee meets at 6:30pm on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Northfield Township Public Safety Building, 8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI to help plan this wonderful event. All are welcome - please come and join us!

   For more information about the Whitmore Lake Fireworks Committee, to find out how you can volunteer, or to learn more about their upcoming fundraisers, visit the Whitmore Lake Fireworks website, or follow them on Facebook.

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

How to Report a Pothole

   It's Pothole Season!  With the extreme temperature fluctuations over the past few months, pothole season has come early this year.  The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) is patching potholes whenever the weather allows but it's going to be a long season.

   Know of a bad pothole? Report it on the WCRC website or by using the WCRC Fix It App on your Apple or Android device.  WCRC Fix It allows you to easily report non-emergency road issues directly to the Washtenaw County Road Commission. From potholes to signal problems, WCRC Fix It provides users the ability to track service requests and be notified when issues are resolved.

   If you are reporting a pothole that poses an immediate danger, please call WCRC immediately at (734) 761-1500.

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

Census Information
 

Learn What Surveys Are Being Conducted in Your Community — See which of our 130-plus annual surveys are being conducted in your community. In a variety of surveys and censuses, evolving from the first census in 1790, the Census Bureau provides official information about America’s people, businesses, industries and institutions. See surveys currently being conducted in each Census Bureau region:

Chicago  (includes Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.)

All Surveys


The Census Bureau Is Now Hiring! - The Census Bureau is now hiring temporary employees for the 2020 Census. Our jobs offer weekly pay, competitive pay rates, flexible hours, and paid training.

The 2020 Census Jobs website allows applicants to apply for a range of positions by completing a single application online.


Find Us On Social Media - For more information on the 2020 Census, please visit www.census.gov/2020Census or follow the 2020 Census on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.
 

 

Return to Top

  ___________________________________________________________________________

March Meetings Schedule

March 5 - Board of Review Organizational Meeting - 9:00am (no appeals being heard)
March 6 - Planning Commission
March 12 - Board of Review - appeal appointments 9:00am-5:00pm
March 12 - Board of Trustees
March 14 - Board of Review  - appeal appointments 1:00pm-9:00pm
March 14 - Land Preservation Committee
March 18 - ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) 
March 20 - Planning Commission
March 21 - Parks & Recreation Board
March 25 - DDA (Downtown Development Authority)
March 26 - Board of Trustees


All meetings are held at 7:00pm (unless otherwise noted) at the Northfield Township Public Safety Building, 8350 Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189.  Please visit our website for a full calendar of events.

Return to Top