BARTON HILLS VILLAGE WEBSITE POSTINGS A variety of information, including documents that have been published in the Barton Bulletin, is available online at the Barton Hills Village website: www.vil-bartonhills.org.
–BHV Water Consumer Confidence Reports. The most recent report (2012) as well as previous yearly reports back to 2005 are posted. These reports describe the source and quality of BHV drinking water.
–Annual Budgets. Budgets for fiscal years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 are posted.
–BHV Master Plan (2010)
–Meeting minutes for the Board of Trustees (2005-present), Board of Zoning Appeals (2006-present) and Planning Commission (2008-present) plus current meeting agendas.
Paper copies of all information are available from the BHV Clerk’s office.
NEW SECURITY NUMBER The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department has a new non-emergencyphone number: 734-994-2911. BHV residents should call 911 for emergencies.
H2O HEROES RAIN BARREL SALE The Huron River Watershed Council is holding a public sale of discount rain barrels. Purchasers can go online now through May 13 to order their rain barrels in advance for pick up Saturday, May 18, 9am-2pm at the Washtenaw County Road Commission, 555 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor. Rain barrels are priced at $75 for a 65-gallon 85% recycled content model in charcoal or $85 for a classic edition barrel in granite. These prices are at least 20% off regular retail prices, and without shipping charges homeowners save even more. Go to www.hrwc.org/rainbarrelsto get the promotional code and purchase a rain barrel. For specific information on rain barrel use, go to www.hrwc.org/rainbarrelinfoguide.
Rain barrels collect rainwater from rooftops and save homeowners water, energy and money by reducing summer tap water needs. The stored water can be used by homeowners to irrigate gardens and lawns where the water will slowly flow into the soil and plants. In addition, rain barrels also slow the rapid flow of water entering the stormwater system—storm drains, culverts, rivers and lakes—and help reduce soil erosion and flooding. A portion of the proceeds from the rain barrel sale will support HRWC’s work to protect and restore the Huron River.
DIRECTORY UPDATE Contact Deputy Clerk Jan Esch for updates.
Environmental news
Garlic Mustard This invasive herb thrives in the low light of the forest floor and aggressively competes with native plants. It grows in a two-year cycle, starting with rosettes close to the ground that appear as soon as the temperatures rise above freezing. The second year tall stalks have triangular, sharp-tooth-edged leaves topped with clusters of small white flowers. Early spring is the optimum time to deal with garlic mustard since it begins to grow before most other plants. Pulling by hand is the simplest and most effective control method followed by mowing and herbicide application. Containment rather than total removal is usually the most realistic goal and persistence over a number of years is necessary. For more information visitwww.ipm.msu.edu/invasive_species/garlic_mustard or www.ipaw.org/invaders/garlic_mustard.
Oak Wilt Oak wilt is a fungal disease that is spread by insects and through tree roots. Members of the red oak group (pointed leaf lobes) are more susceptible and often die very quickly after becoming infected. Members of the white oak group (rounded leaf lobes) may decline more slowly or not be effected at all. Oak wilt is spread by sap beetles that are attracted to trees that have been recently trimmed or damaged. No pruning should occur during warm weather, typically April 1 through October 15. Storm damage should be treated promptly and any infected trees removed to prevent the spread to healthy trees. Oak wilt can be difficult to diagnose so dying trees may require the services of a qualified arborist. For more information visit http://treedoctor.anr.msu.edu/oakwiltor phone the Washtenaw County MSU Extension Master Gardener hotline at 888-678-3564.
Controlled Ecological Burn Season The City of Ann Arbor may be conducting controlled ecological burns in city nature areas between February 27-May 31, 2013. Signs are posted along roadways during burns to alert motorists to hazy smoke and unusual odors. Burns are weather dependent so cannot be scheduled in advance. Fires are under control at all times. BHV does not do any ecological burning, but BHV residents may notice smoke and odors from city burns in parkways between Barton Dam and Argo Dam. For more information contact the City of Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation office at 734-794-6627, NAP@a2gov.org or www.a2gov.org/NAPburn.
Household Hazardous Waste BHV maintenance staff will pick up household hazardous waste items for disposal (such as paint, cleaning products, fertilizers, pesticides, etc). Please leave the items near your trash containers with a note indicating they are to be taken, or contact Walter Esch (368-7874) or the BHV Clerk’s Office for a pick up. These items are taken to the Washtenaw County Home Toxics Reduction Program. For a list of acceptable items, visitwww.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/environmental_health/recycling_home_toxics/ hhw. For other recycling questions, contact the BHV Clerk’s Office.