The Brighton Township Utilities Committee has made a recommendation regarding sewer rates that system users may find favorable.
On Monday, the committee performed its annual review of quarterly sanitary sewer rates. The review is to determine if the rates that are being charged are enough to sufficiently cover the operations, maintenance and debt service obligations of the sewer system.
The committee was presented with several options for covering a fund shortage of approximately $159,850. One option was to keep the rate the same, two options included a rate increase and the fourth suggested decreasing the debt service quarterly bill but increasing O&M costs. Committee Member Frank Grapentien recommended a different option altogether.
The township is currently budgeting $200,000 in their sewer fund to cover legal fees resulting from a class action lawsuit regarding sewer taxes. Grapentien suggested covering legal expenses using money from the general fund budget, instead of increasing sewer rates to cover the cost. He also wants a reduction in the amount of interest charged to the sewer fund for its loan from the general fund. Lastly, Grapentien suggested no sewer rate increase for system users.
Sewer system user and resident Bob Potocki feels Grapentienâs suggestion is âsmartâ and shows a separation between citizens and those in charge. Potocki says the next step is better system management. The rest of the Utilities Committee supported Grapentienâs suggestion with a unanimous vote. The recommendation will now move to the townshipâs Board of Trustees. (DK)
Brighton Twp. Committee Recommends No Increase In Sewer RatesBrighton Twp. Committee Recommends No Increase In Sewer Rates
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Livingston County Sheriffâs Office K9 Flex To Get Protective Body Armor Livingston County Sheriffâs Office K9 Flex To Get Protective Body Armor
A four-legged member of the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office will be receiving some potentially lifesaving body armor thanks to a non-profit organization.
K9 Flex will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. The vest for K9 Flex is being sponsored by an anonymous donor and will be embroidered with the sentiment âIn memory of our first Chihuahua, Pepeâ. Each protective vest for a law enforcement K-9 is valued between $1,795 and $2,234. It has an average weight of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty. All of the vests are custom made in Michigan.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is anticipating delivery within eight to ten weeks. The full press release can be viewed in the attachment. (JM)
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Howell School Board Swears In New Member and Elects OfficersHowell School Board Swears In New Member and Elects Officers
The Howell Public Schools Board of Education elected officers last night, keeping incumbents in place.
For the third year President Mike Yenshaw will lead board members after a 6 to 1 vote for his re-election. Trustee Gregg Gilligan voted no. Yenshaw won re-election to the school board in November and is serving his second full four year term. Yenshaw says the district faces some contentious decisions in the coming year. He says he's honored to be elected again as president of the Howell School board. Some of the issues he says the board will face in the coming year are teacher contracts and the legislature is dealing with teacher retirement and healthcare benefits. Yenshaw says the district is also in the throws of the Southeast/Three Fires transition. He says they passed a 5-year strategic plan 2 years ago and he hopes to keep the board on task with that plan.
Superintendent Erin MacGregor says next up on the strategic plan will be a deep look into teaching and learning in the district. He says he is working on a survey to take a more in-depth look at the reasons families are choosing to leave the district. Along with Yenshaw, Vice President Stacy Pasini, Secretary Brent Earl and Treasurer Grace Trudell continue in their previous positions. The board also welcomed newly elected trustee Courtney Tarara. Tarara was sworn in by MacGregor early in the meeting. Tarara says she decided to run for the seat after attending a statistical retreat for the district and looks forward to working with board members on issues facing the district. Tarara is a graduate of Howell High School and has children attending in the district. (DS)
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Traffic Study Of Grand River In Downtown Howell To Be Performed Traffic Study Of Grand River In Downtown Howell To Be Performed
A traffic study of Grand River in the City of Howell will be commencing this winter to set the stage for future decisions aimed at improving walkability.
The Howell City Council met Monday night to approve the study, which will involve a comprehensive look at traffic on Grand River in the downtown area and cover multiple intersections. The traffic study will be performed on a portion of Grand River at a not-to-exceed cost of approximately $32,607 and staff noted during the meeting that a traffic study is typically good for 18-24 months. Council approved the study with some reluctance due to the high cost and other pressing budget issues but recognized it would prove beneficial, as the data gathered should help point the City in the right direction with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Over the years, the community has explored different ways of doing traffic calming and providing better pedestrian access. City Manager Shea Charles tells WHMI since Grand River is a state highway and this is a local intuitive, the process really canât be avoided. Charles says Grand River is often viewed, and rightly so, as a big moat that inhibits people from crossing. However in order to implement any potential solutions, Charles says the City must conduct a traffic study to demonstrate to M-DOT that itâs feasible and that any measures implemented would not cause traffic back-ups or other problems.
The study will take various traffic counts and perform an analysis to determine the impact of different design solutions being implemented and what options would not adversely impact traffic or only have a minimal impact and not cause intersections to fail. Some simple and inexpensive possibilities mentioned during the meeting were using pavement striping or stamping but officials stated public input would be sought before proceeding with anything. (JM)
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Identity Of Crash Victim ReleasedIdentity Of Crash Victim Released
The Brighton woman killed in a traffic crash Sunday night has been identified.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office says 61-year-old Denise Jane Mackay was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which happened at approximately 9:20pm at the intersection of Golf Club and Hughes roads in Genoa Township. A preliminary investigation indicated Mackay was eastbound on Golf Club in a 2014 Jeep Patriot when she attempted to complete a U-turn at the intersection. As she did, her vehicle was struck by a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup driven by a 16 year old Howell resident who was also eastbound on Golf Club Road. The Howell teen was not injured in the crash.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and authorities say speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash, which remains under investigation by the Livingston County Traffic Safety Bureau. (JK)
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High Winds Could Impact Evening Commute, Power Outages Possible High Winds Could Impact Evening Commute, Power Outages Possible
A high wind warning is in effect for Livingston County â making for a potentially dangerous evening commute given earlier rain and snow.
A cold front will be moving through the area tonight and wind gusts of up to 60mph are possible according to Livingston Weatherwatch Meteorologist Dave Bowers. High wind activity could cause problems for anyone traveling on local roads and freeways but also result in power outages. In addition to possible power outages, motorists are advised to be alert for downed trees and large limbs or branches as there have already been scattered reports locally.
The high wind warning will be in effect until 4am Wednesday. Complete weather and traffic information can be heard on WHMI 93.5FM. (JM)
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South Lyon Named Among Best Places To Raise A FamilySouth Lyon Named Among Best Places To Raise A Family
One local community has been named among the best places to raise a family in the state.
Personal finance website WalletHub had analysts compare 104 of the most populated cities across Michigan using 21 different metrics. Their findings placed South Lyon as 5th for the top places raise children. Their methodology stemmed from four different key dimensions. Family Life & Fun took into account numbers of playgrounds per capita, average commute time, and percentages of families with children. Education, Health, and Safety looked at the quality of school systems, crime rates, and air quality. Socioeconomics considered divorce rates, unemployment rates, and wealth gaps. And finally, housing and general affordability were measured.
Within the study, South Lyon had the 3rd lowest percentage of families below the poverty line. The full report can be found through the link below. And the top city to raise a family in Michigan? Rochester. (MK)
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Citizen of the Year To Be Named At Annual Howell Chamber of Commerce DinnerCitizen of the Year To Be Named At Annual Howell Chamber of Commerce Dinner
The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual dinner and âCitizen of the Yearâ presentation later this month.
The decades-old tradition of naming a Citizen of the Year will take place on Thursday, January 26th. This yearâs dinner and award ceremony will be the 60th annual event, and each year the previous winners gather in secret to select the newest recipient. The Citizen of the Year award is set aside for those who have spent a significant portion of their lives contributing to the local area. Last yearâs winner, Livingston County Drain Commissioner and Director of Public Works, Brian Jonckheere, will present this yearâs award.
While the winner of the big award is kept a secret until the dinner, other people and groups that will be honored at the meeting have been announced. They include Jessica Brooks, who will receive the Young Professional Award, Barb Barden for the Outstanding Tourism Achievement Award, Cleary University for the Game Changer Award and Richard Lim, who will receive the Above and Beyond Award. The County of Livingston will receive the Partners in Place-making Award and Mass Transportation Authority will receive the Transportation Innovation Award.
The dinner will begin at 6pm on the 26th at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township. Youâll find details at howell.org. (DK)
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Fundraising Fashion Show Designers Pick From The Used To Make Something NewFundraising Fashion Show Designers Pick From The Used To Make Something New
Local fashion designers have just over a month to take their artistic vision and make it a wearable creation to be modeled at an annual event.
The 9th annual Runway Repurposed Fashion Show will be held February 12th at the Crystal Gardens Banquet Center. The eco-friendly event is a fundraiser for the Howell Opera House and serves as an outlet for area fashion designers. The second evening of registration was held at the Opera House last night, where participating designers picked out materials from piles of used and donated clothing items. The designers will take the secondhand materials and reconstruct them to make an original, wearable creation that will be modeled at next monthâs fashion show. There, the pieces will be sold and auctioned off.
The theme of this yearâs fashion show is the âFour Seasons of Fashionâ, according to event Co-Chair Barbara Smith. Smith says the event serves to recognize the skills of local fashion designers, while also raising money for the Opera House. However Smith says there is talk of creating a scholarship program through the fashion show for the event's 10th anniversary, beginning in 2017.
Howell resident Madison Haefner is 12 years old and participating as a designer in the fashion show for the first time this year. Haefner became involved a few years ago when she modeled a friendâs design on the runway. As Haefner sifted through piles of clothing, she informed WHMI that sheâs excited and ânot nervous at allâ. Jill Baillargeon of Webberville has participated in the fashion show for the last five years and says she enjoys using her talents to benefit a good cause.
The top three winning designs will be announced in each of the five categories at the event. More information about Runway Repurposed and tickets can be found online through the links below. (DK)
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Hamburg Township Officials Gather Public Input For Road ImprovementsHamburg Township Officials Gather Public Input For Road Improvements
One local township took public input on which roads needed the most work, Tuesday night.
The Hamburg Township Board of Trustees held a special meeting to gather residentâs opinions on how and where their recently passed road millage dollars should be spent. The millage, approved by voters last November, is a 5-year, 1-mil assessment that will come out to average approximately $1-million dollars a year. Supervisor Pat Hohl acknowledged to the packed house that this wasnât going to be enough money to get all of the townshipâs roads fixed, and they understand not everyone is going to be happy about it.
A 2014 study estimated that it would cost between 20 and 25 million dollars to do the complete job. Hohl told WHMI that the recent raises in the gas tax and vehicle registrations arenât going to go as far as many people might imagine. Hohl said that residents need to be aware of the fact that the state road funding legislation that was passed in 2015 was not designed to fully fund local roads. The Supervisor said that State Senator Joe Hune and State Representative Lana Theis came to their August special meeting and indicated that they needed to be aware of the fact that if many of the roads needed to be repaired, the citizens would have to tax themselves to get that work done. Many people stood up to share their feelings on which roads needed to be prioritized with what money there was to spend. Kress Road gained the most support. Residents shared several anecdotes about the road having been in disrepair for decades and a danger to not only drivers, but also pedestrian and bike traffic. Winans Lake Road from Chilson to the roundabout was also targeted by many, mostly for the drivable surface being too narrow. Rush Lake and Hamburg Road also garnered a lot of requests for improvement.
Hohl said the meeting was very helpful and that the board will have an in-depth discussion about how to proceed. Anyone who still wishes to leave a comment on public record regarding the matter, is invited to do so through the townshipâs website. (MK)
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Salvation Army Of Livingston County Still Hoping To Reach Christmas GoalSalvation Army Of Livingston County Still Hoping To Reach Christmas Goal
The holidays are over, but the Salvation Armyâs Christmas Campaign is still going. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort of the year. Donations gained through it support many of the organizationâs year round programs. The Salvation Army of Livingston Countyâs goal for the 2016 season, which began on November 1st and runs through January 31st is $380,000. To date, they are still approximately $27,000 short of their goal with 3 weeks remaining. Major Prezza Morrison said that one of the new programs the fundraiser helps is Pathways of Hope. That program mentors, counsels, and educates families that may be struggling with self-suffiency. Major Prezza Morrison said that many of these families donât know there is something different and they donât understand there is potential for growth; something she and the Salvation Army hope to fix. Another program that benefits from the campaign is the Eviction Diversion Program. There, the Salvation Army sends a case worker to go court on the day of the clientâs evicition to work with them, the lawyers, the landlord, and the judge to try and help keep them in their house. Morrision said it costs 3 times as much on average to move someone into a new home than it does to keep them in their current one. From there they aim to work with the client to better educate and help them in ways that can make the tenant-landlord relationship better for all. (MK)
Donations can be made:
- Online by visiting www.SalvationArmyLivingston.org.
- Via mail, to P.O. Box 647, Howell, MI 48844
- At the Corps, located at 503 Lake Street, Howell, MI 48444
- Texting HopeLC to 41444
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Hune Scores Perfect Voting Record For Third Straight Legislative SessionHune Scores Perfect Voting Record For Third Straight Legislative Session
A local state senator has again achieved a perfect voting record.
Senator Joe Hune had zero missed votes out of a total of 1,499 roll call votes, giving him a perfect voting record for the 98th Legislative term covering 2015 and 2016. The Iosco Township Republican said it was âan honorâ to represent the 22nd district in the Michigan Senate and ensuring his constituents had their voices heard.
There are 38 members in the Michigan Senate and Hune is one of nine to have a perfect voting record. He is also the only state Senator to have done so in three straight legislative sessions. (JK)
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Services Set For Brighton Man Killed In Snowmobile CrashServices Set For Brighton Man Killed In Snowmobile Crash
Services have been set for a Brighton man killed in a snowmobile crash on a local lake.
48-year-old Robert Mechigian was killed Sunday afternoon when his snowmobile crashed into the abutment for the Woodland Shores Drive bridge over Woodland Lake in Brighton. Officials say he was pronounced dead at the scene following initial resuscitation efforts. Visitation for Mechigian will be held at the Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in Brighton on Friday from 4-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. John Armenian Church in Southfield on Saturday at 9:30am. His obituary described the husband and father of three kids as a consummate businessman who owned and operated two Power Sports Dealerships, four Auto Washes and commercial and residential real estate properties.
Memorial donations may be made in his name to Wounded Warriors Project and the Michigan Humane Society. (JK)
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Passenger Charged In Crash That Left Howell Teen Facing Murder CountPassenger Charged In Crash That Left Howell Teen Facing Murder Count
A hearing is set next month for a Livingston County man now charged with 2nd degree murder in a fatal traffic crash.
18-year-old Jordan Watson of Howell is accused of being intoxicated when he drove into two Waterford Township homes October 9th with four other people in the vehicle. One of those passengers, 19-year-old Gage Remsberg of Highland Township, remained hospitalized until his death December 8th. That prompted authorities to then upgrade the charges against Watson. Waterford Township Police Lt. Scott Good says in addition to second-degree murder, Watson is also charged with Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and OWI with a Suspended License Causing Death, as well as six other counts of OWI causing serious injury and OWI with a suspended license. Watson, who faces up to life in prison, will next be in Oakland County district court for an exam on February 17th.
Authorities said Watson was traveling south on Scott Lake Road in excess of 90 mph, before his vehicle crossed over Elizabeth Lake Road and into the attached garage of an unoccupied home. The vehicle then continued out through the side wall of the garage and struck the side of an adjacent home, before coming to rest. Watson reportedly had a blood-alcohol content of 0.32% at the time of the crash, which is four times the legal driving limit. Meanwhile, a felony charge of allowing an intoxicated person to drive a motor vehicle causing death was also authorized against a 17-year-old Commerce Township female who was a passenger in the vehicle. Lt. Good said the car in question belonged to her father, but she had legal control over it that night and is accused of knowingly allowing Watson to drive while he was intoxicated. She is due in court January 24th for a probable cause conference. She faces up to ten years in prison on the felony count. (JK)
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Threat Discovered On Bathroom Wall At Whitmore Lake High School Likely OldThreat Discovered On Bathroom Wall At Whitmore Lake High School Likely Old
A search of Whitmore Lake High School had to be conducted Wednesday after a student discovered whatâs believed to be an old threat on a bathroom wall.
Superintendent Tom DeKeyser tells WHMI a student reported seeing a message on a bathroom wall, which appeared old and was dated "2016". He says such reports are taken seriously, thus an investigation began immediately upon discovering the statement. He says police were contacted and a team began a building search. Due to the circumstances, DeKeyser says they did not evacuate students as the threat did not appear timely nor credible. He noted that a team would continue searching Wednesday night and that police would be on site Thursday to ensure the safety of all present in district facilities. DeKeyser says the district would appreciate any help identifying the perpetrator since these types of incidents, whether valid or not, create a significant disruption to the education of many.
The following statement was issued to parents by DeKeyser shortly before 3pm:
"It has come my attention that a written statement threatening to bomb this school was discovered on a bathroom wall. The statement was dated 2016. It was discovered today. I don't know how long the threat has been present. Upon discovering the statement, a team began a building search. A team will continue searching tonight and police will be onsite tomorrow to ensure the safety of all present in our facilities."
Anyone with information is asked to contact DeKeyser or Northfield Township Police. (JM)
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Pipes Burst At Cornerstone Building For Second TimePipes Burst At Cornerstone Building For Second Time
Cold weather has caused pipes to burst in one of downtown Fentonâs iconic buildings twice this winter.
The Fenton Fire Department responded to the call of another burst water pipe at the Cornerstone building last Sunday night. According to the Tri-County Times Fenton Fire Chief Bob Cairnduff said that all of the water was on the outside of the building and that no tenants were forced out due to the incident. The only evidence of a problem being seen was a frozen waterfall along the building and on the sidewalk below. Three weeks ago the fire department responded to a similar call at the building which caused damage to condominiums on the second and third floors, and caused a first floor restaurant to close for clean-up. The condos from the first incident are still under repair and could cost up to $100,000 to fix.
The buildingâs management reported that they will be meeting with engineers this week in an effort to figure out how to keep this from happening a third time. (MK)
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SELCRA's New Director "Excited" To Develop OrganizationSELCRA's New Director "Excited" To Develop Organization
The Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority (SELCRA) is hitting the ground running with a new leader at the helm.
SELCRAâs former director, Phillip Biscorner, served for approximately six months before receiving a job offer he says he couldnât turn down. Biscorner resigned last month and the authority wasted no time finding a replacement. Jason Spiller of Novi originally applied for the position alongside Biscorner and was one of the final candidates for the job. Though he wasnât chosen the first time around, the authority did come back to him, offering the job which he says he accepted with excitement.
Spiller says he knows SELCRA is changing and heâs looking forward to developing the authority from its current state as a âblank canvasâ. One of Spillerâs priorities is re-opening the former skate park near Meijer in Brighton. He says the park is a âgreat assetâ and would like to open it to the public by summertime.
Spillerâs two children attend South Lyon Schools and he says he appreciates the surrounding region for its vested interest in recreation and the supportive community. Additionally Spiller says the area is lush with resources including but not limited to Mt. Brighton, metro and state parks, and a number of lakes. Spiller says those amenities equal ample opportunities year round to recreate, and itâs the authorityâs job to put the pieces together.
Spiller has a long history working in the field of parks and recreation. He has managed an extensive park system, developed collaborations with businesses and established programming. He has a Bachelorâs degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from Wayne State University and a Masters in Sports Administration. Spiller says now that the restraints have been lifted, he is looking forward to making the authority more well-rounded and developing it for a supportive community with a vested interest in recreation. (DK)
Facebook photo
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Amid Criticism, Volunteer Says Last Chance Rescue Director Will Retire Amid Criticism, Volunteer Says Last Chance Rescue Director Will Retire
After concerns were raised about a local animal shelter, one volunteer says plans are in place to turn the non-profit around.
An earlier story aired on WHMI about Last Chance Rescue in Howell Township being ordered to connect both the house and kennel on its property to the sewer system or face having the property condemned. An online fundraising effort is continuing, although the goal has been upped from an initial $40,000 in late December to $50,000. As of Wednesday afternoon, $22,619 had been raised. That initial story resulted in various individuals and former employees concerned about facility conditions and alleged money mismanagement reaching out to WHMI.
Amanda Longo is a former employee who still volunteers with the non-profit and is currently coordinating a fundraising event at Block Brewery at the end of the month to help save the shelter. Longo believes some of the negative attention generated on Facebook was caused by a disgruntled individual who used to foster animals and butted heads with the current director, Sharen Kizer. Longo assured the public that things are on the right track and a transition plan is being coordinated. Longo says Kizer is in the process of retiring as she is getting older and canât do everything required of the position considering her dwindling health. She says a transition plan is being worked out and theyâre calling it âLast Chance Rescue â A New Beginningâ, noting future decisions will go through an entire board and not a single individual as in the past.
As for the various allegations, Longo told WHMI complaints are always open to interpretation and not everyone has always agreed with some of the decisions made by Kizer in the last couple of years. Copies of complaints and investigative reports made to Livingston County Animal Control were obtained by WHMI through the Freedom of Information Act. Director Andy Seltz confirmed that officers have responded to complaints at the shelter but noted Kizer did eventually address issues of concern. Complaints and violations range from 2011 to as recent as late December of unsanitary facility conditions, dogs constantly being loose, sick animals being adopted out and the shelter being over the allotted number of dogs allowed under their kennel license.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has regulatory oversight of animal shelters and confirmed that it has received one or more complaints âbut because this is considered an active investigation, we do not make public the nature or number of complaints until the investigation is complete. This is to help ensure that our investigations are not compromised, as well as to protect against any false or inaccurate claimsâ.
Kizer declined to comment to WHMI when contacted for this most recent story.
A flyer for the upcoming fundraiser is attached and a link to the GoFundMe account is provided. (JM)
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Accessory Structure Setback Talks In Putnam On HoldAccessory Structure Setback Talks In Putnam On Hold
One townshipâs planning commission discussed easing the restrictions on how far secondary structures need to be off of property lines.
The idea to change the setback restrictions in Putnam Township started as a desire by residents brought to Zoning Administrator Ken Damrel who then brought it to the planning commission last year. The current restrictions require detached accessory structures to be at least 50 feet off the rear property line and 30-40 feet off the sides. Some residents wishing to add a small shed or garage felt these minimum distances were too restrictive, and would force the accessory structure to be built in the middle of their property, if they owned a smaller lot. Last year, the commission worked with their planning consultant to come up with an amendment to their ordinance that would ease these distances. At Wednesday nightâs meeting, they discussed possible new set back distances equaling the greater of 10-feet from the property line or a distance equal to the height of the peak of the structure.
With the new year came new additions to the commission board, and chairman Jeff Lomber appreciated the ideas they received from them. They were concerned about the new setbacks being too lenient and manipulative by bad neighbors. While they tabled the discussion on Wednesday, Lomber said possible changes were not dead in the water and that he believed they needed to be changed to help meet the needs of the residents. (MK)
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New Hudson Man Sentenced In Store Parking Lot Hit & RunNew Hudson Man Sentenced In Store Parking Lot Hit & Run
Sentence has been handed down to a New Hudson man charged in a hit and run incident that sent two senior citizens to the hospital.
65-year-old Rodney Allen Snider was sentenced Wednesday to 6 months in the Oakland County Jail for his guilty plea to a charge of leaving the scene of an injury accident and driving with a license suspended. Snider will also have to pay nearly $3,000 in court costs and fees. Police say Sniderâs pickup truck hit an elderly couple November 8th in the parking lot of the Lyon Township WalMart store. Witnesses said Snider drove off after hitting the South Lyon couple as they walked out of the store with a shopping cart.
The victims, identified as a 74-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man, were knocked to the ground and taken to St. Johnâs Providence Park Hospital, where they were treated and released. Snider turned himself in after being identified by deputies, who also learned he went shopping after the incident. (JK)
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