PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CHANGE The regular meeting of the Barton Hills Village Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday July 23, 2013 was cancelled. The meeting will be rescheduled soon. The Planning Commission will be discussing the comments received at the recent public hearing regarding the proposed zoning ordinance.
SPEED REMINDER Several resident complaints have been received concerning traffic speed on the BHV roadways. With more pedestrians, children on bicycles, folks walking pets, joggers and deer using the roads, motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limits and drive with great care, watching for the speed tables, blind curves and hidden driveways. Residents are also asked to trim trees and bushes encroaching on the road to provide ample sightlines (BHV Ordinance No. 36 requires that “trees on private property shall be maintained so that no part intrudes upon a Village street in the space 10 feet above the surface of the right-of-way.”) Help keep everyone safe in our community.
SAVE THE DATE Barton Hills Village will host a Fall Social on Thursday, October 10. Invitations will be sent in early fall.
SECURITY REMINDER There have been several incidents of door-to-door solicitation in BHV recently. While solicitors cannot be prohibited from coming into the village, residents are not required to talk to them and can ask them to leave private property immediately. Call BHV Security (734-368-7874 or 734-368-7884) or the Washtenaw County Sheriff (994-2911 or 911) if help is needed. Some solicitors are legitimate and polite but others may be using the pretense of charities to pursue illegal activities. Remember to lock doors/windows, keep valuables out of sight, don’t give out personal information and report any suspicious persons/activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE Barton Hills Village residents have an award-winning history of positive activity to protect and manage environmental resources. In addition to septic system maintenance monitoring and drinking water management BHV holds a State of Michigan stormwater jurisdiction permit and membership in several environmental protection groups.
As a member of the Washtenaw County Community Partners for Clean Streams, BHV receives helpful information from the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner (formerly Drain Commissioner). The RiverSafe Home program encourages residents to adopt simple practices that can make a big difference in keeping the Huron River watershed clean and healthy by managing stormwater.
The term “stormwater” refers to water that flows untreated into drains, creeks and other avenues to the main watershed. Rainwater runs across roofs, cars, patios, driveways and roadways, carrying pollutants along with it. Water from sprinklers and hoses can wash fertilizer, household cleaners, spilled substances and animal wastes into catch basins and streams. Thoughtful management helps to reduce the amount of harmful pollution in stormwater.
The Washtenaw County RiverSafe Home program covers typical homeowner topics like:
–Home toxics, including cleaning products, prescription drugs, paint and other household materials that don’t belong in the water
–Yard care suggestions about soil testing, native plants, lawn care and rain gardens
–Auto maintenance tips including car washing and disposal of used auto fluids
–Pet/wildlife waste disposal, which is a growing factor in watershed pollution.
To learn much more go to www.ewashtenaw.org/government/drain_commissioner and scroll on the right to “Making Your Home River Safe”. Residents can also contact the BHV Clerk’s Office (734-222-5209; bhvclerk@comcast.net) to request a paper copy of the RiverSafe Homeowner’s Manual.
To become more involved, consider joining the BHV Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC). This group of BHV residents and BHV Board of Trustees representatives helps to implement and maintain various environmental documents and activities. The current five- member WRAC is working on an update of the BHV Wellhead Protection Plan, and will be brainstorming on topics of stormwater management, invasive species control and native plantings in the near future. Contact the BHV Clerk’s Office for more information.
The natural resources of Barton Hills Village are highly treasured by the community, whose residents are working together to protect and preserve this beautiful place.