ELECTION RESULTS Following are the unofficial election results provided by Washtenaw County for the November 4, 2014 Barton Hills Village election. The election will be certified by the Washtenaw County Board of Canvassers in about a week.
Total registered voters: 291 Ballots cast: 181 Voter turnout: 62.20%
Trustees The top four candidates are elected for four-year terms.
Will Boddie: 115 votes (21.46%)
Linda R. Benson: 109 votes (20.34%)
George E. Borel: 108 votes (20.15%)
Cheryl MacKrell: 105 votes (19.59%)
Monica Ponce de Leon: 99 votes (18.47%)
Proposals Both proposals passed so the BHV Charter is amended accordingly.
1) Charter amendment to change budget dates Yes: 170 (98.27%) No: 3 (1.73%)
2) Charter amendment to change taxes due date Yes: 171 (98.84%) No: 2 (1.16%)
This is the first year that the BHV election was conducted by Ann Arbor Township (in accordance with changes in state election law). The voter turnout sets a new record, surpassing the previous record participation of 126 voters (44%) in 1999.
HALLOWEEN About 50 children and adults enjoyed the Halloween evening pizza party at the Village Hall before the children boarded Dollie the Trolley for the Trick or Treating ride. Ann Arbor Township Fire Department members were on hand in the parking lot with the big fire truck and candy to give the Trolley riders an exciting send-off as they followed Supt. Esch in the BHV patrol car through the community. Many thanks to all who helped to provide the successful Halloween event.
FALL CLEAN UP Residents are reminded that the BHV staff will vacuum up leaves for homeowners who rake their own. Lawn service providers are expected to haul away whatever debris they gather. Please do not bag leaves for pick up, and separate out sticks and brush that clog up the leaf vacuum. Consider mulching (mulched leaves provide nutrients for lawns) and removing leaves from catch basins to keep decaying leaves (that rob fish of vital oxygen) out of the waterways.
SEPTIC MAINTENANCE Another chore that can still be done before the snow flies is septic tank pumping. BHV Ordinance No. 21 requires pumping at least every four years, and more often if the system needs it. Contact Deputy Clerk Jan Esch when a septic pumping appointment is made so BHV staff can come at the same time to fill out necessary paperwork.
DIRECTORY UPDATE Contact Clerk for information
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY Recycle Ann Arbor is celebrating “America Recycles Day” on Saturday November 15, 2014 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the ReUse Center, 2420 S. Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor 48104. The event, part of a national movement started by Keep America Beautiful, is held annually to promote recycling practices. Activities at the ReUse Center include giveaways, a guessing game with prize raffle and lots of information about local recycling and reuse efforts. The ReUse center accepts items for resale at their 20,000 square foot store, including building materials and household items/furniture. For more information, including a list of items accepted/for sale visit www.recycleannarbor.org.
SCAM ALERT Local law enforcement authorities and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) warn against an email scam where cyber criminals attempt to defraud computer users by impersonating IC3 employees. Victims receive emails that state a criminal report was filed on the victim’s name and Social Security number and legal papers are pending. Threats of legal action including arrest warrants are used to create an urgency to contact the scammers. Victims believe they are speaking to IC3 representatives and follow instructions to pay (with prepaid money cards) for additional information. The IC3 will never charge for filing a complaint and will never threaten arrest for lack of response to their emails. Be absolutely sure of any contact or agency before providing personal information or money. The IC3 is a multi-agency task force of the United States government.