BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING/PUBLIC HEARING In order to practice social distancing and in accordance with Governor Whitmer’ Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives Executive Order, the Barton Hills Village Board of Trustees will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday May 11, 2020 at 6:00 PM via video/conference call. The public may attend the meeting by registering in advance to receive log-in/phone information. Contact the BHV Clerk’s Office to register: bhvclerk@bartonhillsvillage.org or 734-222-5209.
The meeting will also include a public hearing for review of an application to construct retaining walls at 260 Barton North Drive. The application may be inspected at the Clerk’s Office. Written comments may be submitted by mail to Barton Hills Village, 199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, by email to bhvclerk@bartonhillsvillage.org or by fax to 734-222-9177 prior to the close of the public hearing. Comments may be made at the public hearing by attending as described in the paragraph above.
WATER REMINDER Along with robins and budding flowers, a sure sign of spring is water sprinklers coming on. Please help conserve BHV water resources with these good habits.
Is your grass thirsty? Step on it! If it springs back, it does not need a drink.
Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and avoid diseases
Water deeper, less often, to encourage root growth.
Mulch to keep in moisture (and control weeds).
Use soaker hoses to put the water just where it should go.
Mow lawns high (3”) to promote water retention.
Remember that water rates increased four-fold beginning last November 2019. Save money as well as water by using water resources wisely.
RECYCLING UPDATE
–BHV is not able to collect household hazardous waste yet because the Washtenaw County facility is not yet open.
–Thank you for putting items in the proper bins (glass only in the open dumpster, not in the green bin)
–Please follow social distancing and wear a mask when others are in the recycling area.
GARLIC MUSTARD BATTLE IS ON Keep pulling garlic mustard! It is easier to spot now with the tall stems of white flowers. Once those flowers go to seed, the plants are winning, so now is the time to attack. Look for smaller patches that can be eliminated. Leave piles of pulled plants on the edge of the pavement for the BHV crew to pick up. Thank you!
NEW COMMISSION FORMING Every 10 years following the U.S. Census, district lines for political offices must be redrawn in states across the country to accurately reflect their population. In Michigan, a randomly selected commission of citizens is responsible for drawing U.S. Congressional and Michigan State House and Senate district lines. Voters amended the state constitution in the November 2018 general election to make citizens — not legislators or special interests — responsible for drawing district lines (called “redistricting”). The commission will be composed of 13 randomly-selected Michigan registered voters: four who affiliate with the Democratic Party, four who affiliate with the Republican Party, and five who do not affiliate with either major political party.
The deadline to apply for a seat on the commission is June 1. The Michigan Secretary of State invites residents to be part of this first-ever commission, and are seeking a broad cross-section of applicants to represent all of Michigan’s citizens. For more information, go to the website RedistrictingMichigan.org.
SPEAKING OF THE CENSUS… The 2020 US Census is underway and BHV response is listed at 60% on the Census website. Go to My2020Census.gov to complete the questionnaire online. Those who do not participate online will receive a questionnaire in the mail in the coming weeks.
–It’s quick and easy. The 2020 Census questionnaire will take about 10 minutes to complete.
–It’s safe, secure and confidential. Your information and privacy are protected.
–Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services.
–Results from the 2020 Census will be used to determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and your political representation at all levels of government.
COVID-19 While we hope we are beginning to see the light at the end of this very dark and scary tunnel, please continue to follow safety precautions to minimize the spread of this deadly virus. Maintain social distancing, use face masks when around other people, wash frequently with soap and water, and stay informed as restrictions begin to change. Enjoy being outdoors, spending time with family and staying in touch via phone/online option. Be safe, save lives!
Happy Mother’s Day!