PLANNING COMMISSION A Special Meeting of the Barton Hills Village Planning Commission, including a Public Hearing, will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 6:30 PM at the Village Hall. Approval of minutes and revision of the zoning ordinance will be the subject of the meeting/hearing, including the map attached to the proposed new ordinance. Text of the proposed zoning ordinance and the map are published on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) under the Ordinances tab and are also available from the Clerk’s office.
SPRING IS HERE (Really!) The official BHV source reports that the last of the ice on Barton Pond melted on April 9. This is a new record, surpassing the previous last-melt date of April 7, 1964, which is also the date the annual recording began.
The unwelcome white stuff earlier this week is now a fading memory, and spring projects will be underway soon. Please note:
–Sticks and brush can be piled near the driveway or road for pick up by BHV staff. Please separate sticks from other compostable material (do not bag). This service is provided for residents who do their own work—lawn services are expected to haul away such materials.
–Pet waste and other non-compostable trash can be bagged and put in the regular trash.
–Household hazardous waste such as leftover fertilizer or insecticide can be left next to the regular trash for special pick up by BHV staff.
–Keep water conservation in mind when starting up the sprinklers. Systems with moisture sensors save energy and money while providing just the right amount of water.
–Soil testing can help reduce pollution of surface and ground water due to over-application of phosphorus or nitrogen fertilizers. Easy to do soil testing kits are available for $25 from Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) online (www.bookstore.msue.msu.edu) or from the Washtenaw County MSUE office at 705 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor (phone 734-997-1678 for details). After mailing the soil sample in the post-paid envelope, a detailed site-specific report and recommendations are returned. For more information go online to http://msue.anr.msu.edu/uploads/files/AABI/ Soil_Test.pdf or http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/soil_test_kit_self-mailer.
–Rain gardens keep pollutants out of streams and ditches (that lead to Barton Pond) by capturing stormwater runoff from roofs and driveways. One inch of rainfall diverted through a typical rain garden means 600 gallons of water filtered back to the groundwater, plus a beautiful, lush garden to enjoy. For more information including design ideas and plant lists, go online to www.ewashtenaw.org/raingardens, or contact Washtenaw County Water Resources Rain Garden Consultant Susan Bryan at 734-730-9025.
BHV PROJECT PERMITS Zoning/architectural/soil erosion permits are required for virtually any outdoor project in Barton Hills Village. This includes wall/fences of all kinds, structures such as gazebos, pergolas and potting sheds, and landscape features. BHV officials and staff work hard to keep the approval process as efficient and low cost as possible. Contact Deputy Clerk Jan Esch (734-222-5209; bhvclerk@comcast.net) for applications/information.
MOSQUITO CONTROL The heading on flyers recently distributed by Eradico Mosquito Service seems to indicate a village-wide insect control program. However, this is a private company solicitation that is not sponsored or endorsed by Barton Hills Village.
SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE BHV Ordinance No. 21 requires septic tank pumping at least every 4 years. Please contact Jan Esch (734-222-5209; bhvclerk@comcast.net) after making an appointment for septic pumping so a BHV employee can be on hand at the same time to complete the necessary paperwork.
NOISE ORDINANCE While enjoying the pleasant weather please be considerate of the neighbors and adhere to the requirements of BHV Noise Ordinance No. 5 which prohibits activities during certain hours if a clearly audible sound can be heard beyond property lines, such as:
–power tools, leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other power equipment between 6 PM-8 AM
–construction activities/equipment between 6 PM-8 AM Mon-Fri and any weekend/holiday
–bug zappers, radios, TV, music and musical instruments between 10 PM-8 AM
Also think about generator testing hours, barking dogs and other things that may be an intrusion on neighborhood peace.
DRUG DISPOSAL On Saturday April 26, 2014 from 10 AM to 2 PM the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Service Center at 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor 48105 will be accepting pills and patches for proper disposal. No liquids, needles or sharps can be accepted. The service is free and anonymous; no questions asked. Proper disposal keeps harmful drugs out of landfills, waterways and ecosystems.
COMING SOON The Barton Hills Village and Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation Annual Meetings will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Annual reports will be distributed in advance and residents are encouraged to attend.