At its meeting Thursday night, the Brighton City Council approved the first reading of a new parking ordinance that will establish limits on parking times and set penalties for violations. Based on a parking study and several meetings asking for public input, the ordinance sets time limits for specific areas of downtown, such as 2-or-3 hours, or unlimited parking, with the limits enforced at specific times of the day, such as 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, the times when parking enforcement rules are in effect hasnât been set, with that to be determined at the July 16 meeting. The fine for a parking violation will be $15 plus an additional charge to cover the cost of the computer software to be purchased. Mayor Jim Muzzin was the lone council member who voted against the ordinance, and tells WHMI he voted no because it's an employee problem, with many downtown employees parking too close to where they work. Muzzin says as a result, customers will be penalized for a problem they didn't create. Still, Muzzin says he will abide by how the majority voted in the matter. Violations will be determined by a smart phone âappâ and tickets will be issued using a portable Bluetooth printer. Until the computer hardware and software is purchased, the old-fashioned method of placing chalk marks on tires may be employed. The revenues will go to the Downtown Development Authority fund since the DDA will be paying for the part-time enforcement officer. Signage will be erected alongside the parking spaces indicating the time limits for the spaces in that part of downtown. Council will conduct the second reading at its July 16 meeting and, if it passes, the ordinance will go into effect on August 1. (TT)
Brighton Council OKs 1st Reading Of New Parking RulesBrighton Council OKs 1st Reading Of New Parking Rules
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"Instrument Petting Zoo" Coming To Pinckney Farmers' Market"Instrument Petting Zoo" Coming To Pinckney Farmers' Market
Musicians from the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will be visiting a Livingston County farmersâ market next month. As part of its âTaste of Musicâ program, the orchestra will send an ensemble to the Pinckney Market on July 11th from 10am to 4pm. For an hour and a half beginning at 11am, the musicians will play in the Putnam Township Square free of charge. Then, for the rest of their visit, they will interact with local children who would like to pick up and try out their violins, cellos, trumpets, and clarinets. This âmusical petting zooâ allows young ones to learn more about what instruments they might enjoy and helps get them interested in creating music. Complementary tickets to performances of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will also be provided to market customers who use food assistance programs. The orchestra holds similar events at farmersâ markets across the state as a way to engage diverse populations as well as provide meaningful work for its professional musicians. (TD)
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Hartland Board Approves Moving Forward With Tower AgreementHartland Board Approves Moving Forward With Tower Agreement
A deal is moving forward between Hartland Township and a wireless company that wants to locate a tower in Heritage Park. American Tower approached the township board earlier this year to suggest locating a 175-foot tower inside a 75-by-75 fenced area inside the park. The board initially had concerns, particularly about the placement of the tower and whether it would interfere with future use and development. This week, Township Manager James Wickman met with company representatives in the park and identified a location behind a corner in the tree line beyond the athletic fields which they say would be ideal. The consensus of the board was to give Wickman permission to move forward with the deal, drafting a final agreement and beginning work on a site plan that will go back to the board for approval. Wickman says townships often do not get any say in how wireless towers are installed, so partnering with the tower company would give them a certain amount of control. Additionally, the tower company will pay $2,000 per month in rent for use of the townshipâs land, plus an additional $250 for every wireless carrier that co-locates an antenna on the tower after the first. That money will go toward the cost of maintenance for the park. (TD)
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Hamburg Township Looks to Break World Donut RecordHamburg Township Looks to Break World Donut Record
The Hamburg Enhanced Recreation Organization or HERO is hoping an effort to put down some 23,000 donuts will be a world record for years to come. Over 100 volunteers helped line donuts in 13 rows of 875 feet to break a Guinness Book of World Records entry held by a festival in Berlin, Germany. The earlier record was 1,841 feet, and was quickly overtaken this morning by the Hamburg group. Over two miles of cake donuts were laid side by side on a marked soccer field in Manley Bennett Park West in about a three hour period Friday morning during the Hamburg Family Fun Fest. HERO Vice-Chairman Gene Doncea says he designed and built a conveyor to help with the process, but abandoned it early. He says he didn't expect the volunteer turnout, who helped surpass the one mile goal within 45 minutes, and many kept going. Now that the donuts have been placed, Doncea says the process of verification begins. Surveyors will measure the lines and check to make sure all of the donuts are touching. The whole grid has to be videotaped and photographed and all of the paperwork has to be in order. Later donuts will be picked up and taken to farms for pig feed and studied as a 4H project, so they wonât go to waste. (DS)
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Brighton District Library Planning To Put Millage On November BallotBrighton District Library Planning To Put Millage On November Ballot
A millage initiative is planned for the November 3rd ballot following a recent gathering of the Brighton District Library Board of Trustees. The proposal asks district residents to replace operating revenue lost since 2008 in a way officials say will not cause an increase in the overall level of taxation. According to a fact sheet issued by the library, while property taxes account for 85% of the operating budget, those revenues have gone down 13% since 2008. Library officials say they have taken a number of steps to offset the reductions, including regularly scheduled closings, cutting the new materials budget by nearly 50%, cutting staff benefits while freezing wages and deferring building improvements. However, they say that without an increase in operating revenue, further service cuts may be necessary. Due to an expiring bond debt that paid for the libraryâs construction, officials say if residents renew those .22 mills in November, it would keep the current taxation level in place, but allow them to devote the full amount to operations, which in effect would be a boost in funding. If the proposed millage passes, officials say the library will be able to reopen on Thursdays, offer a wider variety of new materials, expand their e-book collection and budget for major building maintenance, such as improvements to the public restrooms, aging carpeting and furniture, as well as building infrastructure. (JK)
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Suspects Charged After Alleged Joyride on Golf Course & Brutal AttackSuspects Charged After Alleged Joyride on Golf Course & Brutal Attack
Two men are facing felony charges after allegedly vandalizing a local golf course and brutally attacking a Putnam Township man who lived nearby and caught them in the act. Reid Matthew Kaczanowski of Stockbridge and Joshua Allen St. Charles of Lansing are accused of vandalizing the Timber Trace Golf Course on M-36 and attacking a man who lived in the Putnam Meadows neighborhood. The incident happened around 10:30pm this past Monday. Neighbors told WHMI the man was hospitalized with severe injuries and underwent surgery after suffering facial fractures. They say the suspects were out on a joyride around the golf course that caused thousands of dollars in damage while also shearing off street signs. Their truck got stuck, which is when they allegedly used a chain saw to cut down trees. Neighbors say the homeowner heard the noise and commotion so went to investigate, which is when the suspects reportedly attacked him. The victim was said to have been found by another neighbor, who called police and found the men still trying to free the truck. They were both eventually arrested. St. Charles, pictured at right, has been charged with aggravated assault while Kaczanowski is charged with operating while intoxicated third-offense and driving on a suspended license. Both men are also charged with resisting/obstructing police and malicious destruction of trees between $1,000 and $20,000. Theyâre scheduled to appear for a hearing later this month in 53rd District Court. (JM)
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Accident Involving Green Oak Fire Chief Forces Closure Of Northbound US-23Accident Involving Green Oak Fire Chief Forces Closure Of Northbound US-23
Green Oak Fire Chief Kevin Gentry was hit by a vehicle this afternoon on Northbound US-23 as he was assisting at the scene of an accident. The original accident occurred at around 3:15pm on US-23 at M-36. Officials say that in the process of clearing the highway, Chief Gentry was struck by a passing vehicle. The northbound lanes of US-23 were immediately shut down. Livingston County EMS treated Gentry, who was outside of his vehicle at the time of the incident. He was transported to the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor where he is being treated for minor injuries and is being held overnight. The accident remains under investigation. The northbound lanes of US-23 were closed until approximately 5:45pm. Gentry took over as fire chief two weeks ago, after former Chief William Steele retired. Picture courtesy of clickondetroit.com
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GM To Repurpose Electric Car Batteries To Power Milford IT CenterGM To Repurpose Electric Car Batteries To Power Milford IT Center
A new IT building at the Milford Proving Grounds is using old batteries from first-generation Chevy Volt sedans to keep the lights on. The recently-constructed General Motors Enterprise Data Center is 100% powered by a combination of solar panels and wind turbines, but energy from those sources has to be stored during peak hours and released during off-peak hours. To enable this, the company has installed five batteries from electric Volt sedans to provide steady power to the building. Even though they are at the end of their useful lives for powering electric cars, the batteries still have up to 80% of their original capacity, and together the array can power the building for up to four hours with no outside power. GM calls the buildingâs electric setup an experiment to determine whether this sort of reuse is viable for electric car batteries. (TD)
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Local Lawmaker Backs Bill Eliminating Mandatory Weapons SentencingLocal Lawmaker Backs Bill Eliminating Mandatory Weapons Sentencing
A bill that would remove the mandatory sentencing requirements for committing a felony with a firearm is being backed by a local lawmaker. A charge of âfelony firearmsâ is typically added for each count filed against a defendant that was allegedly committed while in possession of a firearm. If the defendant is found guilty of felony firearms, it will add a mandatory two years of prison time consecutive to any other sentence handed down. Subsequent convictions of felony firearms come with even longer mandatory sentences. House Bill 4419, which is co-sponsored by Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township, would change the wording of the Michigan Penal Code to make the sentencing optional, giving judges the ability to sentence defendants to not more than two years for their first felony firearms conviction. The bill is currently still being discussed in the state house. (TD)
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Unadilla Police Warn Of Potential Increase In Scams And RobberiesUnadilla Police Warn Of Potential Increase In Scams And Robberies
Residents are being warned by the Unadilla Township Police Department to be on the lookout for scams now that the weather is warming up. In a press release, the department stated that spring and summer bring an increase in burglary, robbery, and particularly scams perpetrated against homeowners. The most common scam involves approaching homeowners unsolicited and offering to do some kind of work, such as repairing a home or driveway. The con artists will ask for payment up front, either to cover expenses or as good-faith money. However, they will either abscond with the payment or do subpar repairs before disappearing. Police Chief David Russell says these scams are often perpetrated by members of transient populations, and always seem to crop up in the summer. He says their nomadic lifestyle makes them difficult to track down after they have made off with their payment. Russell cautions residents that any deal that looks too good to be true probably is, and says they should never pay for work up front. (TD)
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Prior Convictions May Be Recounted In Howell Doctor TrialPrior Convictions May Be Recounted In Howell Doctor Trial
A jury will be able to hear about the past convictions of a Howell doctor found guilty of writing prescriptions for controlled substances without a license. A Livingston County Circuit Court jury previously found Howell-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Holda guilty on two counts of manufacturing prescription forms. Holda turned in his license following a raid on Livingston County Orthopedics in May of 2013 by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA agents, who were acting as patients, testified Holda prescribed pain medications and other drugs, including Xanax, beyond what would have been medically necessary. Holda insisted that he wrote the prescriptions in good faith and properly questioned them about their symptoms. Despite that, he was charged with seven counts of delivery of a controlled substance and one count of possession of marijuana. Those charges remain pending against Holda in a case before Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty. During a recent hearing, Defense Attorney Dennis Brewer sought to suppress Holdaâs prior conviction but Judge Hatty reportedly ruled the jury would be permitted to hear about the prior acts, so long as itâs offered to prove motive, intent, or scheme. Holda is scheduled to appear in court Monday for an exam conference. (JM)
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Green Oak Fire Chief Hospitalized After Being Struck By Vehicle on US-23 Green Oak Fire Chief Hospitalized After Being Struck By Vehicle on US-23
Green Oak Township Fire Chief Kevin Gentry was hospitalized Friday afternoon after being hit by a vehicle while in the process of clearing the scene of an accident. Gentry was struck by a passing vehicle while tending to the multiple vehicle accident on northbound US-23 at 9 Mile. He was thrown from the impact and landed on top of the Ford Focus. Northbound US-23 was immediately shut down and Livingston County EMS personnel were already on scene from the initial accident so were able to administer care right away. A small press conference was held Friday evening at the Green Oak Township Hall. Clerk Michael Sedlak tells WHMI everyone is just thankful that Gentry is going to be okay, saying he was in proper safety gear when struck and upon impact, he was tended to immediately. Sedlak says Gentry went over the hood of the car and into the windshield, crushing the windshield. While of course worried, Sedlak says theyâre also very fortunate Chief Gentryâs injuries were non-life threatening. He says because the accident involved one of their own, the investigation is being handled by the Livingston County Sheriffâs Department. Sedlak added that these types of injuries happen all too often, regardless of the amount of steps they take to avoid them and they ask that the public use extreme caution when going through any scene where police, fire, EMS or other first responders are present. Gentry was said to be in stable condition when transported to the University of Michigan Hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries and kept for observation. If all goes well, Chief Gentry is expected to be released sometime this weekend. (JM)
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Summer Reading Programs at Local Libraries Focus on HeroesSummer Reading Programs at Local Libraries Focus on Heroes
Summer reading programs are underway at libraries across Livingston County. The theme this summer is Super Heroes: Every Hero Has A Story. Hartlandâs Cromaine District Library Director Ceci Marlow tells WHMI it seems they canât do anything without doing it over the top and summer reading is no exception. She says there are so many ways they need to be able to keep kids reading, especially boys, and make sure they donât hit the summer slide and then have to catch up again. An eight-week Boys Club program aims to help boys entering 3rd through 6th sustain their reading over the summer through fun activities. Marlow says last year marked the first year of the club and parents noticed that the boys not only sustained but improved their reading skills. A Geek Girls Camp in August will help girls explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. A variety of other events planned around the theme include science for super heroes and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pizza party. Children recently made toys for animals at the Livingston County Humane Society and collected donations for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor. The Tiny Titans Training Day and Minion Training helped kids develop super hero skills while others will let them learn tricks to being a super hero. Marlow says summer reading isnât just for kids so series are planned for adults along with Pinterest and craft programs about how to make soap and balms and painting. Cromaineâs summer music concerts also kick off next Wednesday, June 24th where the Friends group will hold book sales. As part of the summer reading program; the Cromaine, Brighton and Howell Carnegie District Libraries will be collaborating for LibCon â a joint mini-Comic con and Nerdfest for Livingston County. The event is geared toward all ages on August 6th at 242 Community Church. Thatâs when the winners of Cromaineâs writing contest will also be announced, which carries with the overall summer reading theme of âEvery Hero Has A Storyâ. Registration is open for all of the summer reading related programs and can be done through the link below. (JM)
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Hune Introduces Bill Protecting Owners Of Land Used For Motorcycle ClassHune Introduces Bill Protecting Owners Of Land Used For Motorcycle Class
A bill to protect property owners from liability resulting from motorcycle classes on their land has been introduced by a local lawmaker. Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township introduced Senate Bill 404 on Tuesday. Property owners who allow their land to be used for qualified motorcycle training classes would be immune to liability under the bill if those classes lead to personal injury or property damage. That immunity would not apply if the injury or damage was caused because the property owner did not warn others about a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity on the property. The bill is co-sponsored by two other Republican senators, including Mike Kowall of White Lake. (TD)
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Unlicensed Milford Teen Crashes Truck With Two Boys InsideUnlicensed Milford Teen Crashes Truck With Two Boys Inside
A Milford teen will likely face charges after crashing his parentsâ vehicle with two small boys as passengers. Milford Police responded on June 15th to an accident scene on Childs Lake Road where a 94â Ford pickup had crashed into a tree. They found blood inside the vehicle, but no occupants. According to the Milford Times, a 15-year-old local boy eventually approached the scene and admitted that he had been the driver, and that he had as passengers a 6-year-old neighbor and an 11-year-old Howell boy. The teen was treated on the scene, but the two young boys were transported to Providence Park Hospital in Novi. The younger boy was reportedly in serious condition and had to be transferred to CS Mott Childrenâs Hospital. The teen said he was taking the boys for a joy ride, and was only planning to head down the street and turn around. However, he says he hit a puddle on the dirt road, lost control, and struck the tree. Police are seeking charges against the teen, but say they will probably have to wait for complete reports on the other boysâ injuries. (TD)
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Hamburg Township Approves Next Fiscal Year's BudgetHamburg Township Approves Next Fiscal Year's Budget
At its regular meeting last Tuesday, the Hamburg Board of Trustees approved its budget for 2015-16. The board was unanimous in approving the budget which will generate a $16,000 surplus in the upcoming fiscal year. Members also believe they have under- forecasted state-shared and tax revenue, which may swing the balance even more in their favor. Township Supervisor Patrick Hohl told WHMI that one of the many challenges in creating a budget is being able to anticipate where extra funds may be needed. The general fund budget was approved for $3.5 million. Additionally, just over $1 million is being allocated to the fire department, which came in under budget last year. Police are being budgeted for $2.25 million, but had greater expenses than they thought, and need to dip into last yearâs balance to cover $90,000 lost because of forfeitures. Hamburg Townshipâs new fiscal year begins on July 1st. (MK)
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Sentencing Delayed For Brighton Township Man Charged With 3rd Degree CSCSentencing Delayed For Brighton Township Man Charged With 3rd Degree CSC
The sentencing for a Brighton Township man charged with having sex with a 14-year-old girl has been delayed after an objection to a pre-sentencing report. 28-year-old Michael Herbert had been set for sentencing last week on a charge of third degree criminal sexual conduct, but according to the Detroit Free Press, that was adjourned until July 21st after the defendant's attorney said he believes the report by the Michigan Department of Corrections contains inaccuracies, most especially that his client had an "attraction to prepubescent girls" and "knowingly took advantage of a 14-year-old with premeditation." The attorney, Mitchell Perrault, said the victim had originally misstated her true age to Herbert. Judge Michael Hatty, however, said that the defendant did learn her actual age of 14 prior to the acts and should have ceased contact. Assistant Prosecutor Angela Del Vero said Herbertâs choice to "engage in sex with a 14-year-old" is exploitation of that teen and that his planning of the encounter included driving to meet the girl and bringing bondage items. She requested Judge Hatty hold a hearing to determine the accuracy of the statements in the presentence report. Hatty agreed and asked both attorneys to review the teenâs statements to authorities and decide which portion they wanted him to look at.
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Brighton Police Introduce Newest Member Of The ForceBrighton Police Introduce Newest Member Of The Force
The fuzz in the City of Brighton just got a bit fuzzier with the introduction of a new K-9 for the Brighton Police Department. On Friday, the department welcomed Danko, a Dutch shepherd dog, as well as his handler Officer Jim Meldrum following their graduation from the K-9 Academy. The department says by noon on Friday, Danko had helped âcollarâ a suspect when an alleged drunk driver fled the scene of an injury accident. Danko was called in by the Michigan State Police and tracked the suspect down. The Brighton Police plan to put Danko on regular patrols through the downtown. Slightly smaller than German shepherd dogs, Dutch shepherds are known for being versatile and intelligent dogs, and are employed by police and military organizations around the world. (TD)
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Brighton Area Fire Authority Will Seek Millage RenewalBrighton Area Fire Authority Will Seek Millage Renewal
The Brighton Area Fire Authority will be going to the voters either this fall or next spring with a millage request. The 1.25-mill levy currently being levied will expire on Dec. 31 and the authority will soon be determining the date for the election and the amount to be requested. The millage election could be placed on the general election ballot this November or the election could be held next May. Fire Authority chairman Jim Muzzin says his preference would be that the millage will be presented this fall, since having it next spring would necessitate the fire authority paying the cost. That is unless there are other issues on the ballot, in which case the cost would be shared. Muzzin says if it were the sole issue on the ballot, having a special election next spring would cost the fire authority $25,000 per municipality. Since three municipalities comprise the fire authority â Brighton and Genoa townships and the city of Brighton â it could cost the authority a total of $75,000. Muzzin says as far as the amount is concerned, his personal preference would be that the millage be kept at the 1.25-mill level it is now. Muzzin says the authority board will determine the election date, and the amount to be requested, at its next meeting in July. (TT)
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Vaupel Backing Term Limit Reform LegislationVaupel Backing Term Limit Reform Legislation
A local legislator is backing three joint resolutions that would reform how term limits work in the Michigan legislature. Currently, an individual is limited to serving three terms of two years each in the Michigan House of Representatives as well as two terms of four years each in the State Senate, for a total of 14 years. Under the new proposals, dubbed House Joint Resolutions V, W, and X, these limitations would be eliminated and replaced with new rules that state an individual can serve in a total of 16 calendar years, and can do so in either house of the legislature. All three proposals were introduced last week and have among their co-sponsors Representative Hank Vaupel of Handy Township. He says by allowing legislators to stay in just one house during their tenure in office, it will allow for more experienced and efficient lawmakers to continue serving where they can do the most good. Term limits are outlined in the Michigan Constitution, so changing them will require two-thirds approval from both houses followed by a public referendum. (TD)
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