Local Government

Published March 23, 2016

DDA proposes new plan for higher tax capture

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At a March 15 public hearing, a planning consultant presented a new plan that, if approved by the Board of Trustees, would allow the Downtown Development Authority to expand its district and reset the base taxable value to capture more tax money.

Published March 23, 2016

Shelby - Utica News

Shelby makes progress on next Iron Belle Trail connection

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On March 15, the Shelby Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution of support required to apply for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for the next phase of Shelby’s Iron Belle Trail connection.

The plan is to obtain the $300,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant and a $300,000 Transportation Alternatives Plan grant and use them to match each other, so the next phase of trail can be constructed at no cost to Shelby Township.

Published March 22, 2016

Troy Times

Ways to name public parks change

City parks and other city amenities may now include the word “memorial” and can be named for a living person.

The Troy City Council unanimously approved changes to the policy of naming city parks and amenities at its March 14 meeting.

“The development of the dog park has really caused us to review the current policy that has been in place,” said Troy City Attorney Lori Grigg-Bluhm.

Published March 17, 2016

Grosse Pointe Times

More belt tightening likely as City prepares next budget

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Lower than expected taxable value increases are expected to put a crimp in the budget in the coming year.

Published March 16, 2016

Mount Clemens - Clinton - Harrison Journal

County board examines recidivism rates

MOUNT CLEMENS — The Macomb County Board of Commissioners and Sheriff’s Office is in the midst of a countywide criminal justice review, and during the week of March 10, the board placed an emphasis on recidivism rates in Macomb County.

Recidivism occurs when a previously incarcerated individual returns to jail or prison after being released.

Published March 16, 2016

Southfield Sun

Judge approves city’s temporary restraining order

SOUTHFIELD — Officials from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced March 8 that they have granted a permit to Jordan Development Co. to drill on a piece of land at Word of Faith International Christian Center, 20000 W. Nine Mile Road.

However, a local judge has approved a motion for the city of Southfield to file a temporary restraining order against the government agency.

Published March 16, 2016

Rochester Post

Five-year city park plan developed

ROCHESTER HILLS — New Recreation and Forestry Director Ken Elwert helped present a five-year master park plan to city officials recently.

The new plan aims to develop Riverbend Park within the next five years and outlines improvements at additional city parks.

Elwert replaces Michael Hartner, who retired last year after 35 years with the city.

“I am honored to be here. It is an exciting system and an incredible opportunity,” said Elwert, a former Independence Township parks and recreation director.

Published March 15, 2016

Roseville - Eastpointe Eastsider

Roseville millage renewed by wide margin

ROSEVILLE/EASTPOINTE — Voters in Roseville approved renewing the city’s emergency medical ambulance service during the March 8 presidential primary election, while voters countywide gave Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton the most support.

Published March 15, 2016

Shelby - Utica News

Utica FD hires four new firefighters

UTICA — On March 8, the city of Utica swore in four new Utica Fire Department recruits. The new hires will bring the number of firefighters in the city from 26 to 30, Fire Chief Kevin Wilseck said.

The four new hires are Brittany Weitz, 23, of Utica; David Hovis, 23, of St. Clair Shores; Joseph Blevins, 25, of Warren; and Thomas Webb, 28, of Shelby Township.

Wilseck said he felt fortunate to be able to hire four new members and that the city is still looking to recruit more firefighters.

Published March 14, 2016

Warren Weekly

Center Line to bring back police K-9 unit

CENTER LINE — After a six-year absence, Center Line is planning a return of its K-9 unit at the Department of Public Safety.

Officials said the program won’t cost taxpayers anything. The city is currently in the process of looking for donations for everything from veterinary care, to a dedicated police vehicle, to the cost of the dog itself.

City Manager Dennis Champine said members of the Center Line City Council met March 7 and approved a plan to move forward with the re-establishment of the K-9 team.

Published March 10, 2016

Grosse Pointe Times

Park officials share memories of late Mayor Palmer Heenan

GROSSE POINTE PARK — City leaders are remembering the life and accomplishments of their longest-serving mayor, Palmer T. Heenan.

Published March 9, 2016

Southfield Sun

State of the City address set for March 21

SOUTHFIELD/LATHRUP VILLAGE — Southfield Mayor Ken Siver and Lathrup Village Mayor Frank Brock will discuss the states of their respective cities at 11 a.m. March 21 at the Westin Hotel-Southfield, 1500 Town Center.

Sponsored by the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Central Michigan University, the mayors will speak at the chamber’s annual meeting.

Registration will begin at 11 a.m., followed by networking and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The State of the City address will begin at noon, organizers said.

Published March 9, 2016

Macomb Township Chronicle

Board approves road, sidewalk project recommendations

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — With the Macomb County Department of Roads seeking input from county communities on future projects, Macomb Township’s Board of Trustees recently approved the recommendations of the township’s Road Paving Committee to suggest to the county.

During a township meeting Feb. 29, the board approved three widening projects, which the county would use federal funding to complete.

Published March 9, 2016

Shelby - Utica News

Township renews resolution to allow permits for action against Canada geese

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On March 1, the Shelby Township Board of Trustees renewed a five-year resolution to allow private landowners to apply for permits for Michigan Department of Natural Resources programs to destroy Canada goose nests and/or relocate birds.

Published March 8, 2016

Southfield Sun

MDEQ grants permit for oil drilling at church

SOUTHFIELD — Officials from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced March 8 that they have granted a permit to Jordan Development the rights to drill on a piece of land at Word of Faith International Christian Center, 20000 Nine Mile Road.

Published March 8, 2016

Roseville - Eastpointe Eastsider

New Roseville councilman focuses on safety, infrastructure

ROSEVILLE — The Roseville City Council appointed Steve Wietecha, 55, to its vacant seat during its regular meeting Feb. 23.

Published March 8, 2016

Woodward Talk

Commission tables ordinance revision dealing with Detroit Zoo tarps

HUNTINGTON WOODS — Resident opinions continue to have weight in the working relationship between the city of Huntington Woods and the Detroit Zoo, as the City Commission tabled an ordinance revision Feb. 23 that deals with the zoo’s fence bordering the city.

The Planning Commission and city planner recommended to the commission a revision to the fence ordinance that would outline regulations that the zoo would have to follow regarding the fence along Huntington Road.

Published March 8, 2016

Sterling Heights Sentry

Council majority approves RFP for waste contract

With a deadline approaching, the Sterling Heights City Council wasted no time approving a request for proposals on services for a waste hauling contract.

During a March 1 Sterling Heights City Council meeting, the council voted 4-3 to approve the RFP. Waste hauling companies are expected to submit proposals on a waste hauling contract that is scheduled to start in May. The contract could last five years, with an option to have it last six, seven or eight years in total, according to city officials.

Published March 8, 2016

Shelby - Utica News

Shelby sends out feelers with town hall meetings

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — On March 2, the Shelby Township Community Center Advisory Board hosted two town hall meetings — at the senior center and library — to collect information that could help find a solution to the overcrowding at the Community Center.

Township Trustee Doug Wozniak said the committee’s current recommendation is to expand the building for the sole use of the court and move the library, senior center, cable TV offices, and parks and recreation to the vacant 50,000-square-foot Ewell Elementary building at 23 Mile and Shelby roads.

Published March 3, 2016

Grosse Pointe Times

Fisher water main project bids come in over estimate

CITY — As was the case with bids for roadwork this year, Grosse Pointe City officials learned that water main replacement along Fisher Road is going to cost much more than initially believed.

Sharp increases in the costs of concrete and trucking, combined with higher labor costs due to a shortage of skilled workers in the region, led to a low bid that came in 21.3 percent over budget, explained City Engineer Stephen Pangori, of Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick Inc., during a Feb. 22 City Council meeting.