Barton Hills Village, Michigan

     Following are excerpts from the Barton Bulletin, the  
     newsletter of Barton Hills Village.  For additional
     information or to inquire about attachments.
   contact the Clerk's Office at 734-222-5209
or bhvclerk@comcast.net

January 2012  VOL. LVIII  No. 1

NEW ORDINANCE The Board of Trustees at their January 9, 2012 meeting adopted Ordinance No. 40 regarding regulation of bicycles in BHV. Full text of the ordinance will be published in the Washtenaw County Legal News on Monday, January 16, 2012. The ordinance is also posted on the BHV website and available in paper copy from the Clerk’s Office.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE A new ordinance concerning regulation of signs is proposed by the Board of Trustees. Please see the text of the ordinance below. Residents may comment on the ordinance by:
--attending to speak in person at the February 13, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting, and/or
--contacting any Trustee, and/or
--sending written comments to the Trustees in care of the Clerk’s Office by mail (199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105) or email (bhvclerk@comcast.net).

PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO REGULATE SIGNS
Section 1. Application of Ordinance.
Signs may be erected or maintained in the Village only as permitted by this ordinance.

Section 2. Definition.
A sign is a name, identification, description, display, light, balloon, banner, or illustration which is affixed to, or painted, or otherwise located or set upon or in a building, structure or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business and which is visible from any public street, park, or public property. Holiday decorations and mail boxes are not considered signs.

Section 3. Real Estate Signs.
Each lot is permitted to have one sign advertising the sale or rental of the lot. The sign shall have a maximum height of 48 inches and a maximum width of 36 inches, including the support structure.  The maximum area of the sign shall be 5 square feet. No part of the sign or support structure shall be less than 5 feet from the street pavement. The sign must be removed on the completion of the sale or rental transaction.

Section 4. Political signs.
A sign whose message relates to a candidate for political office, or to a political party, or to a political issue or an ideological opinion, is permitted, subject to the following conditions.
(1) Each sign shall have a maximum height of 48 inches and a maximum width of 36 inches, including the support structure. The area of sign shall be a maximum of 5 square feet.
(2) No part of the sign or support structure shall be less than 5 feet from the street pavement.
(3) Only one political sign is permitted per lot.

Section 5. Permitted signs.
The following signs are permitted, but are subject to the restrictions of Section 6.
(1) Address numbers and occupant names with a numeral and letter height not greater than 12 inches.
(2) Names of building occupants painted on or attached to the building with a letter height not greater than 12 inches.
(3) Authorized signs of the state or a political subdivision of the state.
(4) Signs of a religious institution, school, recreational facility or library indicating the name and having an area not greater than 50 square feet.
(5) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface of a building or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material affixed to a building.
(6) Flags bearing the official design of a nation, state, municipality, educational institution or noncommercial organization, provided that the flag pole is set back from the property line a distance of 1 foot for every 1 foot of pole height.
(7) Special event signs or banners approved by the Board of Trustees.
(8) Private traffic control and parking signs not to exceed 6 square feet.

Section 6. Prohibited signs.
The following signs are prohibited:
(1) Signs which incorporate in any manner or are illuminated by any flashing or moving lights .
(2) Any sign which has any visible motion other than permitted flags or banners.

Section 7. Illumination.
Only signs permitted by Section 5 may be illuminated. Any illumination shall be by white light.

Section 8. Nonconforming Signs
Signs installed before the adoption of this ordinance which do not conform to ordinance standards may be maintained, but may not be enlarged or moved.

Section 9. Penalties.
Each violation of this ordinance shall be a civil infraction punishable by a civil fine of up to $1000.00.
Each day a sign is displayed shall be considered a separate offense.

SPEAKING OF SIGNS… While the Ann Arbor Township Fire Department no longer sells the green metal address number signs, these signs are available for purchase from the Superior Township Fire Department (7999 Ford Road, Ypsilanti 48198—call to order (734) 484-1996) or from the Scio Township Fire Department (827 N. Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor 48103—come in person/made while you wait about 5 minutes). The reflective signs cost $20 and can be horizontal or vertical. They are very effective in helping emergency personnel quickly find your residence.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION The Presidential Primary election will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the Ann Arbor Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor 48105. Information about candidate listings, absent voter ballot applications and poll worker applications can be found on the Township website at www.aatwp.org (select Clerk’s Office) or at the Township office (hours 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday-Friday; (734) 663-3418.). This is a closed primary election, meaning that you must choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot. Sample ballots can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/vote. The Township website also has the list of candidates (11 Republicans, 1 Democrat).

December 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 13

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Board of Trustees has set the following regular meeting dates for 2012: January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9, May 14 (Annual Meeting), June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 (Organization Meeting), October 8, November 12, December 10. The agenda for Board of Trustees meetings is posted at the Village Hall and on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) on the Thursday preceding the meeting. Monthly meetings begin at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, with a public comment period at each meeting. Meeting minutes are also posted at the Village Hall and on the website.

PLANNING COMMISSION The BHV Planning Commission has approved the following meeting dates for 2012: January 19, March 15, May 17, July 19, September 20 and November 15. All meetings begin at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall, with a public comment period at each meeting. The agenda for Planning Commission meetings is posted at the Village Hall and on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) on the Thursday preceding the meeting. Meeting minutes are also posted at the Village Hall and on the website.

NEW ORDINANCE A new ordinance concerning bicycles is proposed by the Board of Trustees. Please see the text of the ordinance on the following page of this bulletin. Residents may comment on the ordinance by:
--attending to speak in person at the January 9, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting, and/or
--contacting any Trustee, and/or
--sending written comments to the Trustees in care of the Clerk’s Office by mail (199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105) or email (bhvclerk@comcast.net). 

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The Village Hall (Clerk and Treasurer offices) will be closed from Thursday December 22 through Tuesday January 3, returning to regular hours on Wednesday January 4, 2012. If you have an urgent need during that time, please call the Village Hall (734-222-5209) for after-hours instructions. 

SNOW PLOWING/SALTING Roads are plowed and salted by the maintenance crew in the order of primary roads, secondary roads and driveways, beginning with the steepest ones. Road salt is used sparingly to protect the environment but adequately to ensure safe travel. Please use extra caution on snowy days, and remember the speed tables, which may not be as visible under the snow (but will still be felt!) If you have a special need, call Supt. Walter Esch (368-7874) or Asst. Supt. David Esch (368-7884) as soon as possible.

PROPOSED BICYCLE ORDINANCE

Section 1. Compliance with vehicle code.
Every person riding a bicycle on the roads of the Village shall be subject to all of the rules applicable to the driver of a vehicle under the Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.1 to 257.923, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

Section 2. Single file operation.
When two or more persons are riding bicycles in a group on a road, they shall ride single file and as far to the right as practicable.

Section 3. Bicycle equipment.
No person shall operate a bicycle during the period from sunset to sunrise unless the bicycle shall have a lighted headlight attached to the front of the bicycle and a red reflector or taillight clearly visible to the rear of the bicycle.

Section 4. Penalties.
Each violation of this ordinance shall be a civil infraction punishable by a civil fine of up to $100.00.

THINK SPRING The Washtenaw County Rain Garden program has been building and planting rain gardens for 7 years. Rain Gardens clean and cool storm water so that streams and rivers run clean. Anyone can plant one in their own back yard.  A Master Rain Gardener Training Class is being offered on Thursday mornings 9:30am-12:30, March 1-29, 2012.  Attendees must attend all five classes, and plant a rain garden to receive their Master Rain Gardener “Blue Thumb” certificate. The classes will be held at 705 N. Zeeb, Ann Arbor, MSU Extension Classroom. Total cost is $60. Instructors will be Harry Sheehan, Shannan Gibb-Randall, RLA, and Susan Bryan, MLA.

To register for the class, send:  
--A short paragraph answering two questions:  1) What kind of gardener are you?  2) Why do you want to become a Master Rain Gardener?
--A check made out to Washtenaw County and mailed to
Rain Gardens c/o Susan Bryan
Office of the Water Resources Commissioner
705 N. Zeeb Rd, PO Box 8645
Ann Arbor MI 48107-8645

For more information contact Susan Bryan at bryans@ewashtenaw.org, 734-730-9025 or visit
www.ewashtenaw.org/government/drain_commissioner/dc_webWaterQuality/rain-gardens.

Happy Holidays!

November 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 12

BHV RESIDENT DIRECTORY Along with this issue of the Barton Bulletin, each household is receiving two copies of the 2011 Resident Directory. The Directory is distributed only to BHV residents, and no information is given out by the Clerk’s office or the BHV staff. If you have corrections or additions to the Directory, please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch. The Directory is also available in electronic format; email Jan to request the file.

ELECTION DAY An election will be held at the Ann Arbor Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail, on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 for election of local school board members and proposed renewal of a public safety millage. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. A sample ballot can be viewed on-line at www.aatwp.org.

HALLOWEEN Many thanks to all who participated in the Halloween Hayride, especially to those who organized the route/riders/volunteer helpers and donated pizza for the children before the ride. A gray fleece jacket and one gray/pink glove were left on the wagon; contact Jan Esch to claim them.

IN SYMPATHY Long time resident Susan Johe passed away on September 24, 2011.

PLANNING COMMISSION Greg Curtner was appointed to a three-year term on the BHV Planning Commission. The Commission is currently working on revision of the BHV Zoning Ordinance and is scheduled to meet on Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall.

RECYCLING UPDATE Recycle Ann Arbor is no longer accepting household batteries for recycling. It has been determined that regular alkaline batteries contain no heavy metals or toxins and are therefore safe for landfills. Rechargeable and specialty batteries should still be recycled. For a complete list of materials accepted by Recycle Ann Arbor, visit their website at www.recycleannarbor.org. Please continue to heed the instructions on the green bin at the BHV recycle area, which is picked up by Recycle Ann Arbor at BHV expense.

SOLICITATION This seems to be the time of year when door-to-door solicitation increases. While BHV cannot prevent this activity, homeowners can ask people to leave their private property immediately without feeling any obligation to support the cause being promoted. If a problem arises, please call Supt. Esch at 734-368-7874.

WATERSHED PROTECTION Please see the attached flyer provided by Community Partners for Clean Streams regarding pollution prevention to keep waterways clean and safe.

Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. Remember to “fall back” one hour.

October 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 11

BARTON HILLS VILLAGE TRUSTEES An updated contact list for the Board of Trustees is on page 2 of this Bulletin. The Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall unless otherwise announced.

PLANNING COMMISSION OPENING There is an open seat on the BHV Planning Commission. Residents who wish to be considered for the appointment should contact BHV President Will Boddie (wboddie@yahoo.com; 734-741-0994). The Planning Commission is currently working on revision of the BHV Zoning Ordinance.

NEW ORDINANCE At their September 19, 2011 meeting the Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance No. 38 which amends Ordinance No. 6 (Water rates/billing). Full text of the ordinance is posted on the BHV website and is available from the Clerk’s office.

2011 BHV AUDIT The annual audit of Barton Hills Village for fiscal year ending March 31, 2011 is now available for public inspection at the Clerk’s Office.

RESIDENT DIRECTORY UPDATE A new BHV Resident Directory will be published soon. The Directory is distributed only to BHV residents. If you wish to change your current entry or have questions about the Directory, please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch before October 20, 2011. Each residence will receive two copies of the Directory.

VILLAGE HALL ARTWORK Residents wishing to loan or donate framed artwork for the Village Hall should contact the Board of Trustees or Dep. Clerk Jan Esch. Desirable subject matter would be BHV scenery or BHV history.

BHMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS An updated contact list for the Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation Board of Directors is on page 2 of this Bulletin.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 2012 Enjoy the attached 2012 Community Calendar produced by the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC), of which Barton Hills Village is a member. Along with the beautiful photos each month, take a look at the “H2O Heroes” tip at the bottom of each page. Following these easy suggestions can make a big difference in the protection of water quality in the Huron River watershed. Also, please take a moment to participate in the on-line survey being conducted by HRWC. It’s not long or difficult and your responses will be very helpful in planning future public education activities. Those who take the survey will be invited to enter a drawing to win one of ten $25 gift cards or a Flip video camera. If you’d like to take the survey and don’t have on-line access, contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch at 222-5209.

September 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 10

BARTON HILLS VILLAGE ELECTION RESULTS 115 of the 277 registered voters participated in the Barton Hills Village election on September 13, 2011 for a 42% turnout. Here are the results in order of votes cast with the winners indicated by **.

**Riad Al-Awar – 78

**Paul Izenberg – 78

**Libby Langford – 72

**Forrest Butterwick – 70

**Jack van der Velde – 68

Gregory Curtner – 59

Charles Maulbetsch – 46

These five will serve four-year terms on the Board of Trustees along with current Trustees Linda Benson, Will Boddie, George Borel and Cheryl MacKrell. The Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Due to the election, the September 2011 meeting will be held next Monday, September 19th. Board agendas and minutes are posted on the bulletin board at the Village Hall and also on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org).

Special thanks to retiring Trustee Jim Wilkes who has served on the Board for fifteen years, ten of them as President, as well as many years as Chair of the Water Committee.

Thanks also to the following residents who worked 7 ½ hour shifts plus training as Election Inspectors for the election: Helen Becher, Doris Foss, Donna Kelly, Cheryl MacKrell, Jean Perry and Randy Perry.

BARTON HILLS MAINTENANCE CORPORATION ELECTION 75 out of 126 shareholder households participated in the BHMC election also held on September 13, 2011 for a 60% turnout. These are the results in order of votes cast, with the winners indicated by **:

**Barbara Hensinger – 81 ½

**John MacKrell – 56 ½

**Bruce Stubbs – 47 ½

**Zakhour Youssef – 35

Lisa Schwartz – 32

Sylvia Romeijn – 23

Gregory Saldaña – 22 ½

Greg Curtner – 1

These four will serve four-year terms on the Board of Directors along with current Directors John Boyle, Chuck Bultman, Leanne Chadwick, Adele Laporte and Scott Mabie. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Thanks to the following shareholders who helped with the election: Bill Becher, Anne Bogat, Alice Dobson, Daniel Levine, Evelyn Pickard, Dick Salisbury, Marcia Thompson and Nancy Willmarth.

August 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 9

BARTON HILLS VILLAGE ELECTION The Barton Hills Village election will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Polls will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Village Hall, 199 Barton Shore Dr.

Voters are required to show photo identification or sign an affidavit at the polls.

Seven candidates for five seats on the BHV Board of Trustees (four-year term) are:  Riad Al-Awar, Forrest Butterwick, Gregory Curtner, Paul Izenberg, Libby Langford, Charles Maulbetsch and Jack van der Velde. 

Write-in candidates must file a Declaration of Intent form with the Village Clerk no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, September 2, 2011. Votes cast for a person who has not filed this form will not be counted.

Absent Voter ballots are available from the Village Clerk to those who meet the statutory requirements, which include being away from the community on election day, being physically unable to come to the polls or being over 60 years of age.

A Public Accuracy Test for the election will be conducted on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 9:00 AM at the Village Hall. The Public Accuracy test is conducted to demonstrate that the program and computer that will be used to tabulate the results of the election have been prepared in accordance with law. Observers are welcome.

For more information contact Deputy Clerk Jan Esch (734) 222-5209, bhvclerk@comcast.net.

BARTON HILLS MAINTENANCE CORPORATION ELECTION The BHMC election will also be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Village Hall from 7 AM to 8 PM. Six candidates for four seats on the BHMC Board of Directors (four year term) are: Barbara Hensinger, John MacKrell, Sylvia Romeijn, Gregory Saldaña, Lisa Schwartz and Bruce Stubbs.

For more information on the BHMC voting process, see the 8/25/11 BHMC mailing.

TRASH COLLECTION Due to the Labor Day holiday, trash will be collected on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Trash will also be collected on August 29 in keeping with the regular first/third/fifth Monday collection schedule.

August 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 8

BARTON HILLS VILLAGE ELECTION Following is information about the seven candidates running for five seats on the BHV Board of Trustees at the September 13, 2011 election.

RIAD AL-AWAR (Incumbent) – 1075 Country Club Road. Mr. Al-Awar has lived in Barton Hills with his wife Madeleine and four children since 1986. He holds a BSE and MSE in Civil Engineering, both from the University of Michigan. Mr. Al-Awar worked for 10 years in Saudi Arabia, where he was a managing partner of a construction company, and is currently working in engineering development and consulting. He has served five terms as Trustee of Barton Hills Village and is currently the Street Administrator, Chairman of the Roads Committee, Chairman of the Vehicle and Equipment Committee and member of the Zoning Committee. Positions previously held in the Village include President Pro Tem, Chairman of the Village Administration Building Committee, Zoning Administrator and Chairman of the Personnel Committee. Mr. Al-Awar enjoys the country atmosphere that Barton Hills has to offer, and hopes to continue working to maintain the quality of services and the ambiance of the Village.

FORREST BUTTERWICK (Incumbent) – 75 Underdown Road. Mr. Butterwick and his wife, Susan, have been privileged to live in Barton Hills for 17 years. He is now running for his third term as a Trustee of the Village and currently serves as President Pro-Tem, Chair of the Environmental Committee and the Safety and Security Committee, and as a member of the Village Hall Building Committee this past term. Mr. Butterwick feels that in his years as a resident of the Village, not a day has gone by that he is not grateful to live in such a beautiful setting and in such a great location. His interest in running as a Trustee is to help maintain and protect that natural beauty as well as the charm and quality of life of our village.

GREG CURTNER – 931 Oakdale Road. Greg, wife Sonnet Meek, and son Theodore are proud residents of Barton Hills Village.  Greg hopes to contribute to the maintenance and preservation of our beautiful, historic community. He has been a practicing lawyer with Miller, Canfield for 42 years after earning business and law degrees from the University of Michigan. Greg has had the privilege of participating in many issues of public significance on behalf of the University, the State, school districts, and units of local government and hopes to bring his experience to the service of all residents of Barton Hills (well, maybe not the garlic mustard or the deer).  He has served on and represented public, private, and non-profit boards and is familiar with auditing, financial, constitutional, due process and governance issues. More information at: http://www.millercanfield.com/GregCurtner

PAUL IZENBERG (Incumbent) – 312 Juniper Lane. Mr. Izenberg has lived with his wife Karen and family in Barton Hills since 2004. He is a surgeon with The Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Ann Arbor. Mr. Izenberg was elected by the Board of Trustees in March 2010 to complete the term of a departing Trustee. He enjoys the beauty and serenity of Barton Hills Village and wishes to help improve and protect the ambiance of the community.

ELIZABETH (LIBBY) LANGFORD (Incumbent) – 859 Oakdale Road. Libby was elected first president of Barton Hills Village in 1973 and served for 14 years before being elected to four consecutive 4-year terms as Supervisor of Ann Arbor Township. Many years of negotiation resulted in a boundary agreement with the City of Ann Arbor, and that is why she calls Amtrak and Foster Bridge her two best friends. She resigned in 2002 to spend more time with family. In 2007 she was elected Village Trustee and is serving as chairman of the personnel committee. MISSION: To preserve the quality of life for Barton Hills and the surrounding Township.

CHARLES MAULBETSCH – 230 Corrie Road. Mr. Maulbetsch has lived in Barton Hills Village since 2007. He is a business school graduate from Western Michigan University, a nonpracticing CPA and is founder and CEO of Christopher Place Senior Communities (www.chrisplacesenior.com).  Mr. Maulbetsch is a 5th generation Ann Arborite and it was his childhood dream to one day live in Barton Hills.  His main objective is to keep Barton Hills what it has always been - the best place to live in the USA.  Mr. Maulbetsch is a member of the Barton Hills Country Club and enjoys a good round of golf.  His primary concerns for Barton Hills Village are the aging water system and maintaining preservation of the Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation ownership of the excess land near the north and south entrances off Whitmore Lake Road.

JACK VAN DER VELDE– 400 Barton Shore Drive. Jack van der Velde and his wife Marilyn have lived at 400 Barton Shore for thirty-four years. They consider themselves fortunate to be part of such a beautiful and gracious community. Jack has served previous terms on both the BHMC Board of Directors and the BHV Board of Trustees, as well as that of the Boat Club. He is a retired Professor of Physics at the University of Michigan. The character of Barton Hills is truly unique and the Trustees must make sure that it is properly preserved for all to enjoy.

BARTON HILLS MAINTENANCE CORPORATION ELECTION Four seats will be decided at the BHMC election to be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Village Hall. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Shareholders wishing to run for office should contact Chuck Bultman (223-1358) cbultman@flash.net) or Lisa Schwartz (231-0945, schwartzlisaa@gmail.com) before August 12. If you would like to help with the election, please contact Jan Esch (222-5209, bhvclerk@comcast.net).

ABSENTEE BALLOTS Absentee ballots for the Barton Hills Village election are now available from Deputy Clerk Jan Esch. Absentee ballots for the Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation election can be requested from Jan and will be sent as soon as they are available.

NEW ORDINANCE At their August 8, 2011 meeting the Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance No. 39 which amends Ordinance No. 5 (Noise). Full text of the ordinance will be posted on the BHV website and is available from the Clerk’s office.

OPEN PUBLIC WORKS POSITION Barton Hills Village has an opening for a full time public works employee, hiring immediately. Duties include but are not limited to mowing, leaf collection, general landscaping, snow plowing/salting, tree trimming, vehicle maintenance and record keeping. Water system certification or aptitude to obtain certification required. Salary range $24,000-30,000 depending on qualifications. Applicants should contact Barton Hills Village, 199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105, 734-222-5209, bhvclerk@comcast.net.

July 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 7

BARTON HILLS VILLAGE 2011 ELECTION SCHEDULE Please note the following:

MONDAY AUGUST 15    Last day to register to vote in the September 13, 2011 election
Register at: Barton Hills Village Clerk’s Office, 199 Barton Shore Dr. Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 AM
Or Ann Arbor Township Office, 3792 Pontiac Trail, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Or any Secretary of State Office (888-767-6424 for locations/hours)           

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2 4:00 PM   Deadline to file Declaration of Intent forms for write-in candidates                      

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13   BARTON HILLS VILLAGE ELECTION
Village Hall 199 Barton Shore Drive Polls open 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

ABSENTEE BALLOTS   A BHV elector is eligible to vote by absentee ballot if he/she is:
1) 60 years of age or more
2) unable to vote without assistance
3) expecting to be absent from the village for the entire time the polls are open
4) in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
5) unable to attend the polls due to religious beliefs
6) an appointed election inspector in a precinct outside the village

Application for Absentee ballots can be made to the BHV Clerk’s office at any time. Absentee ballots will be available by July 30, 2011. Absentee applications delivered by mail must be received by 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 10. Electors may vote by Absentee ballot in person at the BHV Clerk’s Office until 4:00 PM on Monday, September 12. Emergency Absentee ballots (due to sickness or death in the family occurring after 2:00 PM Saturday September 10) may be obtained until 4:00 PM on Election Day.

CANDIDATES Seven candidates are running for five seats on the BHV Board of Trustees: Riad Al-Awar, Forrest Butterwick, Gregory Curtner, Paul Izenberg, Elizabeth Langford, Charles Maulbetsch and Jack van der Velde. Candidate information will be printed in the Barton Bulletin in the near future.

OPEN PUBLIC WORKS POSITION Barton Hills Village has an opening for a full time public works employee, hiring immediately. Duties include but are not limited to mowing, leaf collection, general landscaping, snow plowing/salting, tree trimming, vehicle maintenance and record keeping. Water system certification or aptitude to obtain certification required. Salary range $24,000-30,000 depending on qualifications. Applicants should contact Barton Hills Village, 199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105, 734-222-5209, bhvclerk@comcast.net.

CLEAN UP REMINDER Lawn and gardening services are expected to haul away brush and trimmings. BHV will pick up only those materials gathered by the residents who do not have the means to dispose of it properly.

SEPTIC SYSTEM REMINDER BHV Ordinance #21 requires pumping at least every four years (more often if needed). This simple task can ward off expensive repairs and help ensure the environmental health of Barton Pond and the Huron River watershed. Please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch when tank pumping is scheduled so a BHV maintenance staff member can come at the same time to complete the necessary paperwork.

SAVE WATER, SAVE ENERGY The Huron River Watershed Council and Clean Energy Coalition are teaming up to teach easy techniques and show affordable tools that can help a typical family of four save up to $300 annually on utility bills at a free Save Water, Save Energy “before work breakfast,” Tuesday, August 2, 8-9am. The event is free and open to the public and will be held at the NEW Center, 1100 North Main Street, Ann Arbor. Participants will get a coupon for $5 off a Water EcoKit. Coffee and bagels will be provided. Go to www.hrwc.org/save-water-breakfast for details, or contact Pam Labadie at plabadie@hrwc.org, (734)769-5123 x 602.

ORDINANCE REVISION Following is a proposed revision of BHV Ordinance No. 5 regarding noise. The Board of Trustees will conduct a second consideration of the proposed ordinance at their August 8, 2011 meeting.

ORDINANCE NO. _____ draft 2    7/11/11
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NUMBER 5, NOISE
Barton Hills Village ordains that Ordinance Number 5 is amended to read as follows:

SECTION 1. GENERAL PROHIBITION.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others, within the limits of Barton Hills Village.

SECTION 2. SPECIFIC OFFENSES.
A. The following activities are prohibited if they produce clearly audible sound beyond the property line of the property on which they are conducted:

(1) The operation, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., of power tools or equipment.

(2) The operation, between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., of any device for killing, trapping, attracting, or repelling insects or other pests.

(3) The sounding, between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., of any bell, chime, siren, whistle or similar device, except to alert persons to the existence of an emergency, danger or attempted crime.

(4) The operation or playing between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of any radio, television, phonograph, drum or musical instrument.

5) Construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling or excavation work at any time on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday and between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday.

(6) The operation or use between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. of any loudspeaker, sound amplifier, public address system or similar device used to amplify sounds.

7) Installation or operation of a residential generator producing more than 73 dBA at 7 meters.

B. A person shall not operate a motor vehicle unless the motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. A person shall not remove, destroy, or damage any of the baffles contained in the muffler, nor shall a person use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway or street.

C. The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with his horn but shall not otherwise use the horn.

D. A person needing to do emergency work outside the limits of paragraph A, may obtain a permit from the Village Superintendent upon providing written documentation demonstrating the need to do the work and that it will involve the least disturbance possible.

E. Notwithstanding paragraph A, a homeowner may operate power tools and engage in construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, drilling or excavation work on the homeowner’s property between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. any day.

SECTION 3. PENALTY.

Violations of this ordinance are civil infractions punishable by a civil fine up to $1000.

July 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 6

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEETING The BHV Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Monday, June 13, 2011 at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Agenda and supporting documents for the meeting are available for inspection at the Village Hall during office hours. Primary topic of the meeting will be follow up on the 903 Oakdale project.

BHV ELECTION Nominating petitions are available at the Clerk’s Office for candidates for the five seats on the Board of Trustees that will be decided at the BHV Election on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Nominating petitions are due no later than 4 PM on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Signatures of at least 20 but not more than 30 BHV registered voters are required to nominate a candidate for the four-year terms on the Board.

HOLIDAY FIREWORKS Barton Hills Country Club will be holding their annual member celebration of Independence Day with fireworks on Friday, June 24, 2011. Families with dogs and young children who might be upset by the noise should make appropriate arrangements.

STAFF VACATIONS Notice will be posted on the door of the Village Hall when there are variations in office hours due to summer vacations. Contact information is also kept up to date on the Village Hall phone message available at 734-222-5209.

HEALTHY LAWN CARE Residents are encouraged to follow best management practices for maintaining a healthy lawn while also protecting the environment and watershed. These include:

--Cut your grass high, leaving 3 inches on the grass blade after mowing. Taller grass promotes root growth and shades out weeds.

--Mulch your grass clippings, letting short clips fall back on the lawn. Clippings are a source of nitrogen so fertilizer can be reduced by 25% or more. Clippings do not cause thatch.

--Water appropriately. Don’t allow automatic sprinklers to run every day regardless of the weather. Light, frequent watering which reaches the grass roots is sufficient. Watering should not produce puddles in the lawn. Water early or late in the day to reduce evaporation due to heat and wind.

--Before applying fertilizer, have your soil tested. Washtenaw County MSU Extension Office (997-1678) offers testing for $13-18. Knowing the nutrient levels for your particular lawn will help you avoid over-application of fertilizers that can be costly and cause pollution. Remember that fertilizers containing phosphorus are banned for home lawn care use in Michigan to help prevent algae blooms in waterways caused by high levels of phosphorus.

--For more information check out www.turf.msu.edu or phone the Washtenaw County Master Gardener office at 997-1819 (staffed Monday-Thursday 9-12 AM and 1-4 PM).

April 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 5

SPRING SOCIAL Make your reservations now for the BHV “Fiesta Cocktail Buffet” being held on May 12, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Barton Hills Country Club. Send your check payable to Barton Hills Village for $25/person to 199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105. Join your neighbors for an evening of great food and conversation.

NEW FAX NUMBER Barton Hills Village now has a separate fax line at the Village Hall. The number is 734-222-9177 and is operational around the clock.

ANNUAL MEETINGS/PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING The Annual Meetings of the Barton Hills community will be held on Monday, May 9, 2011 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, 199 Barton Shore Dr. These include:
--A Public Budget Hearing. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the 2011-2012 budget will be the subject of this hearing. A synopsis of the budget is attached.
--The Barton Hills Village Annual Meeting. Annual reports of the committees (attached) will be discussed along with other matters of community interest.
--The Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation Annual Meeting.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING The BHV Planning Commission has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday May 25, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall. The subject of the meeting will be revision of the BHV Zoning Ordinance.

BHV ELECTION Five seats on the Board of Trustees will be decided at the BHV Election to be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Nominating petitions are available from Dep. Clerk Jan Esch and are due no later than 4 PM on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Signatures of at least 20 but not more than 30 BHV registered voters are required to nominate a candidate for the four-year terms on the Board. Election inspectors are also needed to conduct the election; please contact Jan if you are interested in serving as an inspector.

GARLIC MUSTARD It’s time again to work on control of garlic mustard, a highly invasive biennial herb that likes the partial shade of roadsides, forest edges and hedgerows. In its native Europe, garlic mustard is fed upon by 69 species of insects but here in the United Sates it has no natural enemies. It is a prolific reproducer with seeds that travel easily. The plants grow quickly during early spring and late fall when local plants are dormant, forming dense stands that shade out native wildflowers and tree seedlings. Native plants cannot compete and begin to disappear, along with native butterflies as garlic mustard crowds out their food sources.

Control of garlic mustard is a long term commitment due to the multi-year viability of the seeds. Minor infestations can be eradicated by hand pulling at or before the onset of flowering, or by cutting the flower stalk as close to the soil surface as possible just as flowering begins (cutting a couple inches above ground level is not quite as effective). Cutting prior to this time may promote resprouting. Cutting flowering plants at the ground level has resulted in 99% mortality and eliminates seed production. A scythe, monofilament weed whip, or power brush cutter may be helpful if the infestation covers a large area. When pulling, the upper half of the root must be removed in order to stop buds at the root crown from sending up new flower stalks. In general, cutting is less destructive than pulling as a control method, but can be done only during flower stalk elongation. Pulling can be done at any time when the soil is not frozen. If flowering has progressed to the point that viable seed exists, remove the cut or pulled plants from the area. The first year rosettes look similar to the leaves of some native wildflowers, so crush a leaf and sniff for the telltale garlic odor.

For inspiration, take a walk in the nature area to the north of the parking lot at Argo Canoe Livery on Longshore Drive. Volunteers there have persisted in pulling garlic mustard over the past several years and are now rewarded with beautiful patches of bloodroot and trout lilies. For more information check out the many websites including www.ewashtenaw.org (search for invasive species) or the Stewardship Network’s 2011 Garlic Mustard Challenge (www.stewardshipnetwork.org).

NATIONAL DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY April 30th is National Drug Take-Back Day.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration  is sponsoring a National Take Back Day to help rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted medications and prescription drugs. Unused pharmaceuticals can also compromise the environment when flushed down the toilet or placed in the trash.  Washtenaw County has several pharmacies accepting unused pharmaceuticals throughout the year, however they are not legally able to collect controlled substances.  Please visit www.dontflushdrugs.com for more information about what is a controlled substance and what local pharmacies participate in the county's take back program.

On April 30th the following collection sites will be participating in the program:
--Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department, 2201 Hogback Rd, Ann Arbor (10AM to 2PM)
--Pittsfield Township, 6227 Michigan Avenue, Ann Arbor (3PM to 5PM)
--City of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Justice Center, 301 E. Huron St, 2nd floor, Ann Arbor (10AM to 2PM)
--Northfield Township, 8350 Main Street, Whitmore Lake (10AM to 2PM

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 38 The following ordinance has been proposed to amend Ordinance No. 6 (Water Rates/Billing). The ordinance will be discussed (second reading) at the Board of Trustees meeting on May 9, 2011

BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
Ordinance No. 38
[An ordinance to amend Ordinance No. 6 to Establish Water Rates for Village Water Service and to Prescribe a Billing and Collection Procedure]

Barton Hills Village ordains that Ordinance No. 6 be amended as follows:

SECTION 1. Definitions.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this Ordinance shall be as follows:

(1) "Premises" shall mean each lot or parcel of land, building or premises having any connection to the Water Distribution System of Barton Hills Village.

(2) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, association, public or private cor­poration or public agency or instrumentality.

(3) "Department" shall mean Village Department of Water.
(4) (3) “Superintendent” shall mean Superintendent of the Department Village.

SECTION 2. Fixing Rates.
The rates to be charged for water service furnished by the System Village shall be the rates and shall be collected as prescribed in this Ordinance.

SECTION 3. Water Rates.

The rate to be charged for water service shall be as follows: $0.33 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum semi-annual charge of $10.00.

Quantity Rate (Each six months) (per 100 cubic feet)|
First 15, 000 cubic feet $0.33

Next 185, 000 cubic feet $0.30

Over 200, 000 cubic feet $0.27

Minimum semi-annual charge $6.00.

SECTION 4. Service to THE Village.
The Village shall not pay the same water rates for service. to it as
would be payable by a private customer for the same service. All such charges for service shall be payable from the current funds of the Village, or from the proceeds of taxes which the Village, within constitutional limits, is hereby authorized and required to levy in amounts sufficient for that purpose.

SECTION 5. Rate Revision.

The water rates prescribed in this Ordinance may be altered by resolution of the Village Board of Trustees and when so changed shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village.

SECTION 6. Billing.
All meters shall be read at least semi-annually. Bills for water service shall be due and payable when rendered according to the due date printed on the bill. There shall be added to all bills not paid on or before the 10th day of the month following the billingby the due date a penalty of five per cent (5%) of the amount of the bill, and a penalty of one per cent (1%) per month shall there­after be added to the bill until paid or placed on the Village tax roll as provided in Section 7. The Superintendent shall have charge of the reading of all meters. He and shall keep a record of all meter readings. and shall keep accounts of the charges for water service furnished to all premises. All water service charges shall be collected by the Village Treasurer, who shall keep accounts of the charges for water service furnished to all premises and credit the same to the proper account.

SECTION 7. collection.
The Department Village is hereby authorized to enforce the payment of charges for water service to any premises by discontinuing the water service to such premises., and an action of assumpsit may be instituted by the Village against the customer.Such discontinuation process shall be as follows: thirty days after the water billing due date, a reminder notice will be sent. If payment is not received in seven days, a shut off notice will be sent. Discontinuation of service will occur seven days after the date of the shut off notice. Where the water service to any premises is turned off to enforce the payment of water service charges, the water service shall not be recommenced until all delinquent charges have been paid and there shall be a water turn-on charge of fifty ($50.00) dollars. The charges for water service, which, under the provisions of Act 94, Public Acts of 1933 of the State of Michigan, as amended, are made a lien on the prem­ises to which furnished, are hereby recognized to constitute such lien; and the Vil­lage shall, annually, on May 1, certify all unpaid charges for such services furnished to any premises which, on the 30th day of April preceding, have re­mained unpaid for a period of six (6) months, to the Village Treasurer who shall place the same on the next tax roll of the Village. Such charges so assessed shall be collected in the same manner as general Village taxes. In cases where the Village is properly notified in accordance with said Act 94 of 1933, that a tenant is responsible for water charges, no such service shall be commenced or con­tinued to such premises until there has been deposited with the Treasurer a sum sufficient to cover two times the average semi-annual bill for such premises as estimated by the Treasurer, such deposit to be in no case less than fifteen ($15.00) fifty ($50.00) dollars. Where the water service to any premises is turned off to enforce the payment of water service charges, the water service shall not be recommenced until all delinquent charges have been paid and a deposit as in the case of tenants is made, and there shall be a water turn-on charge of ten ($10.00) dollars. In any other case where, in the discretion of the Superintendent, the collection of charges for water service may be difficult or uncertain, the Village may require a similar deposit. Such deposits may be applied against any delinquent water service charges of the depositor, and the application thereof shall not affect the right of the Department Village to turn off the water service to any premises for any delinquency thereby satisfied. No such deposit shall bear interest and such deposit, or any remaining balance thereof, shall be returned to the customer making the same when he shall discontinue receiving water service or when the Superintendent shall determine that the reason for requiring the deposit no longer exists.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance will be effective in Barton Hills Village after publication of this Ordinance in accordance with the charter of the Village.

March 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 4

SPRING SOCIAL Invitations to the BHV “Fiesta Cocktail Buffet” being held on May 12, 2011 are attached. Send in your reservations and mark your calendars for an evening of great food and conversation with your neighbors.

SOIL TESTING Just in time for spring!  The Washtenaw County MSU Extension Office is asking you to bring them your dirt ... for a discounted soil analysis.  For just $15 per sample, your soil will be analyzed for pH, essential nutrients and organic matter.  Since plants take up nutrients from the soil, those nutrients need to be replenished periodically.  Without a soil test, you can increase the likelihood for over-application of fertilizers which can waste money, ruin plants, and pollute our waterways.   Don’t guess … soil test!  Visit any of the following participating retailers between 9AM – 3PM Saturdays in April.

Ace Barnes Hardware 2105 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor 734-665-7555
Dexter Mill 3515 Central Dexter 734-426-4621
Downtown Home & Garden 210 S. Ashley Ann Arbor 734-662-8122
Farmer’s Supply 122 Jackson Street Chelsea 734-475-1777
Saline Town & Country 773 W. Michigan Ave. Saline 734-429-2909
Master Gardeners available 9am - 1 pm
Willis Mill 10200 Railroad Willis 734-461-1111 Master Gardeners available 10am - 3pm

 For more information contact the Washtenaw County MSU Extension Office at 734-997-1678 or visit their website http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/extension/.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING The BHV Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall to conduct a public hearing for an application for variance at 903 Oakdale Road. The application is available for public inspection at the Village Hall during regular office hours. Comments may be presented at the public hearing, or sent in writing to Barton Hills Village, 199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105 or bhvclerk@comcast.net

2010 CENSUS/REAPPORTIONMENT BHV ranks 491 out of 533 Michigan cities and villages in population with a count of 294 village residents according to the 2010 Census. Data from the Census is available on line at www.michigan.gov/cgi; select “Census and Demographic Data” on the left, then “2010 Census Data for Michigan” from the center column.

Washtenaw County has organized an Apportionment Commission to carry out the task of redrawing the county districts based on the 2010 census information. The Commission will be meeting on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 4:00 PM at the Pittsfield Charter Township Hall, 6201 W. Michigan Ave., Ann Arbor MI. Information about this and future commission meetings will be posted on the inside bulletin board at the BHV Village Hall.

March 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 3

WATER CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT The attached annual report for calendar year 2010 is published in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and summarizes the status of the BHV water system during the last calendar year. Please read it carefully and contact the numbers given for questions or concerns.

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS/PUBLIC HEARING The BHV Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall to conduct a review and public hearing concerning an application for variance submitted by the owners of 903 Oakdale Road. The application is available for public inspection at the Clerk’s office.

NEW ORDINANCE NO. 37 Ordinance No. 37 Illicit Discharge Elimination Prevention was adopted at the March 14, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting. The ordinance is available on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) or in paper copy from the Clerk’s office.

ELECTIONS Five seats on the Board of Trustees will be decided at the BHV election to be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2011. Nominating petitions are available from the Clerk’s office and must be returned by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. Election workers are also needed; if you are interested in helping please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch.

BARTON BOAT CLUB BHV residents are invited to join in the fun of sailing, canoeing, kayaking and enjoying the club’s beautiful location on the shore of Barton Pond. Check out the new club website: http://bartonboatclub.org. 

SPRING CLEANING The maintenance staff requests your cooperation concerning lawn and garden debris:
---Leaves and grass trimmings should be piled near the edge of the driveway or road to be picked up for composting. Sticks and brush should be placed in another pile, as these materials are hauled separately to avoid plugging up the leaf vacuum. Please do not bag leaves.
---This service is provided for work done by residents. If you hire an outside service, they are responsible for hauling away leaves, brush and debris.

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Spring is also the perfect time for pumping septic tanks. Since BHV Ordinance #21 was adopted in 2001, residents have been very cooperative in adhering to the ordinance requirement of pumping at least every four years (more often if needed). This simple task can ward off expensive repairs and help ensure the environmental health of the Huron River watershed. Please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch when tank pumping is scheduled so a BHV maintenance staff member can come at the same time to complete the necessary paperwork.

March 2011  VOL. LVII No. 2

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING A public budget hearing will be held at the Barton Hills Village Hall, 199 Barton Shore Drive, on March 14, 2011 beginning at 6:00 PM. A copy of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 will be on file and available to the public in the Clerk’s Office after March 4, 2011. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE Please see below for the text of proposed Ordinance No. 37 Illicit Discharge Elimination Prevention. Public comment on the proposed ordinance is welcomed. Second reading/discussion of the ordinance will take place at the March 14, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS The BHV Planning Commission has approved the following meeting dates for 2011: January 20, April 21, August 18 and October 20. All meetings begin at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall.

BHV SPRING SOCIAL The Spring Social will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at Barton Hills Country Club. Reservation information will be distributed closer to the date.

SNOW PLOWING The recent heavy snow was a challenge to residents and staff alike. The staff become Weather Channel addicts during the winter and do their best to keep the roads in good shape. Generally plowing of main roads begins about 5:00 AM to clear the way for school buses and early risers. Driveways are plowed beginning with the steepest followed by an efficient pattern through the neighborhoods. A major storm such as the most recent one requires about 2 hours for main roads plus an additional 8-12 hours for the two trucks to complete the driveway plowing. The staff maneuver around parked cars as well as unseen landscape rocks, small vegetation and sprinkler heads in their efforts to find a place to put the snow. Regular activities such as trash collection are postponed. Plowing to maintain road quality continues during the snowfall but complete clean-up is accomplished after the storm passes. The patience and understanding of the community is greatly appreciated.

ILLICIT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION PREVENTION As part of the BHV Stormwater Management Plan an ordinance has been proposed to prohibit direct or indirect discharge of any substance other than stormwater into the BHV waterways.

While BHV does not have a constructed stormwater system (such as curb drains with underground pipes) there are numerous avenues for rainwater, snow melt and other fluids to find their way to the Huron River, including streams, ditches, catch basins and roadway tiles. The overall goal of the Stormwater Management Plan is to prevent pollution from being carried along these various routes to the watershed.

The most common sources of illicit discharges include failing septic systems, accidental spills of toxic materials, mishandling of hazardous substances and purposeful dumping. The following proposed ordinance prohibits such discharges and includes a list of discharges that are not considered detrimental to the watershed.

BHV residents have already shown their support through impressive participation in septic system maintenance and recycling activities. In addition to careful handling of household chemicals, fertilizers, paint and other hazardous materials, residents can be observant of the natural surroundings and call attention to anything unusual. Some situations that look suspicious may just be naturally occurring phenomena, but they may also warrant attention. When in doubt, contact the Village Hall or maintenance staff to check it out.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE NUMBER 37 ILLICIT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION PREVENTION

Barton Hills Village Ordains:

Section 1. No person shall directly or indirectly discharge any substance other than storm water into Village watercourses. Indirect discharges include, but are not limited to, discharges into streets, walkways and sidewalks

Section 2. The following discharges are exempt from the restrictions of Section 1.

a. A discharge or flow resulting from fire fighting;

b. Agricultural stormwater runoff;

c. A discharge or flow from lawn watering, or landscape irrigation;

d. A discharge or flow from a diverted stream flow or natural spring;

e. A discharge or flow from uncontaminated pumped groundwater or rising groundwater;

f. Uncontaminated discharge or flow from a foundation drain, crawl space pump, or footing drain;

g. A discharge or flow from air conditioning condensation;

h. Drainage from a private residential swimming pool containing no harmful quantities of chlorine or other chemicals. Drainage from swimming pool filter backwash is prohibited.

Section 3. Violations of this ordinance shall be civil infraction punishable by a civil fine of up to $500. Each day of violations shall be a separate offence.

January 2011  VOL. LVII  No. 1

NEW ORDINANCES The three new ordinances printed in the December 2010 issue of the Barton Bulletin (Vol. LVI No.11) were adopted by the Board of Trustees without amendment at their January 10, 2011 meeting. Ordinance No. 34 (Single Lot Special Assessments), Ordinance No. 35 (Village Superintendent) and Ordinance No. 36 (Trees) will be published in full in the January 20, 2011 edition of the Washtenaw County Legal News. All BHV ordinances are posted on the BHV website and available in paper copy from the Clerk’s office.

BARTON HILLS MAINTENANCE CORPORATION From the BHMC President:

I would like to again thank all of the BHMC shareholders who attended, or sent their proxies for, the special meeting to discuss the future of our land holdings. I thought the discussion was thoughtful and enlightening. It is truly refreshing to see my neighbors come together and openly and honestly share their thoughts, concerns and ideas about an issue that is, well… complicated. But the future of our land is important. As was stated a few times, in different words, we need to find a comfortable balance as the solution is neither obvious, nor without issues.

I was very impressed by the discussion and applaud all of you for your insights and concerns; it is not easy to stand in front of your friends and neighbors and voice a position that represents your leanings, when you know that all will not feel exactly the same. As best as I can tell most of you in the room took the opportunity to contribute to the conversation and you did that with grace and respect. The BHMC Board is very appreciative of your time and your thoughts.

The specifics of the meeting can be summarized as follows:

The meeting was well attended by 92 out of 126 shareholder households in person, or by proxy. No decision was made to sell any land, or any development rights. It was presented that while the terms of the development rights grant will change after February 2011 the grant itself is still valid until March 2012 (Note that this is not exactly the date that was offered at the meeting but this date has been verified to be correct.). After approximately two hours of informative dialogue, a motion to table the discussion for two months was made, and unanimously approved. The BHMC Board will be looking to continue this discussion in March and will be bringing together more information for your review.

Thank you
Chuck Bultman

PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY Chuck Hescheles has been appointed to the Planning Commission for a three-year term. Laura Weingartner was reappointed for a similar term, and Will Boddie for a one-year term. The Planning Commission is currently working on revision of the BHV Zoning Ordinance. Commission meeting dates for 2011 will be announced soon.

LOOKING AHEAD Please note the following events coming up:

--Monday, March 14. Public Budget Hearing prior to the Board of Trustees meeting.

--Monday, May 9. BHV and BHMC Annual Meetings.

--Thursday, May 19. Spring Community Social at Barton Hills Country Club

--Tuesday, September 13. General election for BHV Board of Trustees and BHMC Board of Directors.

DRIVE CAREFULLY A recent serious accident on Whitmore Lake Road just outside the Upper Gate of BHV did not involve any village residents but was a grim reminder of the dangers of winter and icy roads. While the BHV maintenance crew keeps an eye on the weather reports and is out early to salt and/or plow the roads, residents need to adhere to the speed limits and drive appropriately for the weather conditions. The Upper and Lower Gate entrances are challenging any time of year so please use extra caution in these areas.

BHV ADDRESS Now that the staff is well settled into the Village Hall, Barton Hills Village is slowly phasing out use of the downtown post office box. Please double check any automatic payment arrangements to make sure the address has been changed from the old address (P.O. Box 7554, Ann Arbor 48107) to the new one (199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor 48105.) Office hours at the Village Hall are Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 AM. On the few occasions when the staff need to vary those hours due to meetings or other circumstances, a note will be taped to the front door indicating the change. After-hours instructions are also available by calling the office number 734-222-5209.

December 2010  VOL LVI  No. 11

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The agenda for Board of Trustees meetings will be posted at the Village Hall and on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) on the Thursday preceding the meeting. Monthly meetings begin at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, with a public comment period at each meeting. Meeting minutes are also posted at the Village Hall and on the website.

The Board of Trustees has set the following regular meeting dates for 2011: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9 (Annual Meeting), June 13, July 11, August 8, September 19 (Organization Meeting; BHV election September 13), October 10, November 14, December 12.

NEW ORDINANCES Three new ordinances are proposed by the Board of Trustees. Please see the text of the ordinances on the following pages of this bulletin. Residents may comment on the ordinances by:
--attending to speak in person at the January 10, 2011Board of Trustees meeting, and/or
--contacting any Trustee, and/or
--sending written comments to the Trustees in care of the Clerk’s Office by mail (199 Barton Shore Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48105) or email (bhvclerk@comcast.net).

PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY A vacancy on the Planning Commission will be filled in January 2011 when a new member will be appointed to replace John McCabe whose term of service is ending. The Planning Commission just completed the BHV Master Plan and is currently working on revision of the BHV Zoning Ordinance. For more information or to express interest in being appointed to the three-year term, contact the Clerk’s office or President Will Boddie.

HOLIDAYOFFICE HOURS The Village Hall (Clerk and Treasurer offices) will be closed from Thursday December 23 through Thursday December 30, returning to regular hours on Monday January 3, 2011. If you have an urgent need during that time, please call the Village Hall (734-222-5209) for after-hours instructions.

SNOW PLOWING/SALTING Roads are salted and snow cleared by the maintenance crew in the order of primary roads, secondary roads and driveways, beginning with the steepest ones. Road salt is used sparingly to protect the environment but adequately to ensure safe travel. Please use extra caution on snowy days, and remember the speed tables, which may not be as visible under the snow (but will still be felt!) If you have a special need, call Supt. Walter Esch (368-7874) or Asst. Supt. David Esch (368-7884) as soon as possible.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE—TREES

Rationale: Proper maintenance of trees is necessary to provide a safe community environment, help prevent accidents and property damage, and lessen the potential for power outages. The ordinance would provide for BHV care of trees on public lands, resident care of trees on private land, and enforcement processes/penalties if private property is not maintained as described in the ordinance.

Text:

Section 1. Permits for tree planting, care or removal.

The Village Superintendent shall have the sole authority over the planting, maintenance and removal of trees in the street areas and other Village property. No person without written permission of the Village Superintendent shall plant, remove, break, spray or take any action which will injure or destroy any tree or shrub, the base of which is located within a Village street boundary or other Village land. Limbs of trees that project over Village streets may be removed or trimmed at the discretion of the Village Superintendent.

Section 2. Private grounds.

No tree which presents a hazard to persons or property in Village road areas or other public property shall be maintained on private property. “Hazard” shall mean that a tree or part of a tree presents a danger of falling onto a Village road area or other Village property because it is dead, unstable, diseased or damaged. 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.

Section 3. Enforcement.

If private property is not maintained as required by Section 2, the Village Superintendent shall notify the property owner of the violation. The notice shall request that the violation be corrected within a reasonable time. If the violation is not corrected within the time specified in the notice, the Superintendent shall notify the property owner that the Village will have the work done to bring the property into compliance. The notice shall be sent to the address of the owner as shown on assessment records at least 10 days before the commencement of the work. If the violation is not corrected following the notice, the Superintendent may have the work done to correct the violations. In the case of an immediate hazard to public safety no prior notice shall be necessary. The actual costs of the work needed to bring the property into compliance shall be billed to the owner. If this amount is not paid within 45 days, the Superintendent shall initiate the single lot special assessment process to collect the costs.

Section 4. Penalties.

The owner of private property subject to this ordinance is responsible for compliance. Each violation of this ordinance shall be a civil infraction punishable by a civil fine of up to $1000.00, plus costs and all other remedies available by statute. 

PROPOSED ORDINANCE—SINGLE LOTSPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

Rationale: The ordinance would provide the means by which Barton Hills Village can address and collect any expenses incurred that are chargeable to single lot/tax parcel owners.

Text:

When any expense is incurred by the Village regarding any single lot or tax parcel, which expense is chargeable against it and the owner of it under the provisions of the Village Charter, Village ordinances, or law of the State of Michigan, an account of the labor, material or services for which the expense was incurred, verified by the Village Superintendent, with a description of the lot or tax parcel and the name of the owner shall be reported to the Village Treasurer who shall bill the owner. The bill shall be sent by first class mail to the owner of the lot or tax parcel regarding which the expense was incurred by the Village.

The Village Superintendent shall from time to time report to the Village Board of Trustees the unpaid charges for services furnished to or expense incurred for any premises which on the last day of the month preceding the date of the report to the Board of Trustees have remained unpaid for a period of not less than 120 days. Upon receipt of the report, the Board of Trustees shall adopt a special assessment resolution covering each lot or tax parcel for which charges have not been paid in full. After the adoption of the resolution, the Village Clerk shall give notice to the lot or tax parcel owners. The notice shall be sent by first class mail to the last known addresses of the persons as shown on the assessment roll, or by publication. The notice shall state the basis of the assessment, the amount, and shall give a reasonable time, not less than 30 days, within which payment shall be made to the Treasurer. The notice shall include notice that failure to pay within the time set will result in a penalty of 10% of the amounts due. In all cases where payment is not made within the time set, the fact shall be reported by the Village Treasurer to the Village Assessor, who shall charge the amounts, together with a penalty of 10% of the amounts, against the lots or tax parcels on the next tax roll. Charges so assessed shall be collected in the same manner as general Village taxes.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE—VILLAGE SUPERINTENDENT

Rationale: Section 5.4 of the Village Charter allows the Board of Trustees to provide by ordinance for the position of Superintendent of Public Works. The ordinance would provide the authority and description of this position.

Text:

The Village Superintendent shall be appointed by, shall report to and serve at the pleasure of the Village Board of Trustees. The Village Superintendent shall be in charge of administering the facilities and personnel of the Village. The authority and duties of the Superintendent include, but are not limited to the following:

1. PERSONNEL

a. Supervision of all employees of the Village. (The Deputy Clerk and Deputy Treasurer shall also be supervised by the Village Clerk and Village Treasurer respectively.)

b. Recommendations to the Board of Trustees for the hiring or termination of employees.

c. Suspension of employees for up to 40 days pending a decision of the Board of Trustees.

2. FACILITIES

a. Maintenance, repair and replacement of Village roads including clearance of ice and snow.

b. Maintenance, repair and replacement of all Village buildings, grounds and equipment.

c. Operation of the Village water system.

d. Preparation of the Village offices for meetings.

e. Maintenance of records concerning the locations, conditions and insurance of all Village facilities.

f. Coordination of the activities of service providers in the Village including those providing telephone, electricity, gas, cable television, Internet and refuse removal services

3. SECURITY

a. Enforcement of Village ordinances. The Superintendent shall have authority to issue citations and violation notices for ordinance violations. The Zoning administrator and deputy sheriffs may also issue citations and violation notices for violations of Village ordinances.

b. Coordination of patrols in the Village by sheriff’s department personnel.

c. Assistance to those providing firefighting and other emergency services in the Village.

4. PURCHASES

a. Within budget limits, make purchases of supplies and services which in each instance shall not exceed $20,000.

b. Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees for purchases which exceed $20,000.

November 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 10

HALLOWEEN THANKS Many thanks to all who helped to make the Halloween Hayride a delightful success. The list is long but certainly includes:

--Recreation Committee Chair/Trustee Linda Benson, Trustee Cheryl MacKrell and residents Peter and Jody Scott who handled the organization/scheduling/communications duties and provided escort/security services for the wagons.

--Trustee Paul Izenberg who found the new hayride driver at Jenny’s Farm Market in Dexter, and the Hoeys from the Market who donated cider and donuts beforehand as well as providing a safe and fun ride.

--The Esch family, who have generously done the hayride for so many decades, and especially Walter for leading the wagons and relating the traditions of the past.

--The welcoming residents who provided treats for the excited trick-or-0treaters.

It was a memorable evening with much-appreciated community support for this special event.

DIRECTORY UPDATE New Resident Directories will not be printed this year, but please see the attached list for corrections/additions to the current directory. An electronic version of the updated directory is available by emailing Dep. Clerk Jan Esch at bhv@comcast.net.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES The agenda for Board of Trustees meetings will be posted at the Village Hall and on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) on the Thursday preceding the meeting. Monthly meetings are held the 2nd Monday at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, with a public comment period at the beginning of each meeting. Approved minutes are also posted at the Village Hall and on the website.

NEW ORDINANCES Several new ordinances are being considered by the Board of Trustees, who held preliminary discussions at their November 8, 2010 meeting. A detailed description of the ordinances will be presented in an upcoming Barton Bulletin so residents can provide comment to the Trustees.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The BHV office will be closed Wednesday November 24 and Thursday November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday, returning to regular office hours (Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 AM) on Monday November 29. For the Christmas holiday, the office will be closed from Thursday December 23 through Thursday December 30, returning to regular hours on Monday January 3, 2011. If you have an urgent need during that time, please call the Village Hall (734-222-5209) for after-hours instructions.

DOG LICENSES Washtenaw County now issues dog licenses based on the date of rabies vaccination. Brochures explaining fees and procedures are available at the Barton Hills Village Hall or on line at http://dogs.ewashtenaw.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS Barton Hills Village continues efforts to protect and improve the health of the environment through the Stormwater Management Plan (Michigan MS4 Jurisdictional General Permit). Community support is essential to the success of these efforts. BHV resident participation is already substantial, as evidenced by the high level of compliance with Ord. 21 (septic system maintenance) and significant recycling activity.

Attached is a Homeowner’s Handbook which provides information and ideas on other steps residents can take to reduce pollution that enters the watershed through stormwater runoff. The Handbook, produced by the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s office, includes “don’t” practices to keep pollutants out of the waterways as well as “do” practices that help create a healthier environment.

While the BHV maintenance staff works hard to keep catch basins and drain tiles unobstructed, everyone can keep a watchful eye out for illicit discharges—anything that is being carried, but shouldn’t be, by the flow of water into the Huron River watershed. Excessive vegetation, malfunctioning septic systems, household detergents, oil, grease, fertilizers, garden chemicals and prescription drugs are all examples of substances that threaten the health of the watershed. The Homeowner’s Handbook includes lots of help in properly disposing of such items as well as proactive measures to improve the environment.

BHV has established the Village Hall phone number (734-222-5209) as a hotline for reporting problems or seeking help with environmental questions. Residents can be on the lookout for anything that seems unusual (water conditions, odors, litter, etc.) and alert the staff. Some odd-looking situations may just be harmless natural occurrences, but they may also be first signs of a problem that needs attention.

The BHV Board of Trustees is developing an environmental ordinance that will establish best management practices for the stormwater program. These issues are also being discussed by the BHV Planning Commission in the revision of the Zoning Ordinance. The BHV Master Plan contains a Natural Features policy to “protect and wisely manage natural resources to achieve balance and harmony.” BHV is a participating member of the Huron River Watershed Council, the Middle Huron Initiative and the Community Partners for Clean Streams to encourage area-wide stewardship of environmental health.

By increased public awareness and simple changes of habit, the BHV community can continue to safeguard and enjoy their highly-valued and beautiful natural resources.

October 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 9

LEAF PICK UP The maintenance staff will vacuum up leaves raked by residents if piles are left along driveways or on the side of the road. If a lawn service company is hired, they are expected to haul away leaves and brush. Leaves cannot be picked up on trash days (first, third and fifth Mondays) since the same vehicle (with different attachments) is used for both. Please sort out sticks and brush that will damage the leaf vac—these are picked up separately.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Ann Arbor Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor 48105. Sample ballots are available on line at www.aatwp.org (precinct 1, state representative district 52, county commissioner district 2) or at the BHV Clerk’s Office.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers for the Board of Trustees elected at the October 11, 2010meeting for one-year terms are: President Will Boddie, President Pro Tem Forrest Butterwick and Clerk Cheryl MacKrell. Other Trustees are Riad Al-Awar, Linda Benson, George Borel, Paul Izenberg, Libby Langford and Jim Wilkes. The Board meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Meeting minutes are posted on the BHV website and on the bulletin board at the Village Hall.

DIRECTORY UPDATE There were not enough changes this year to warrant a new publication of the BHV Resident Directory. The next Barton Bulletin will include a summary list of changes that have occurred since last fall that can be noted in the current directory. If there are any changes you would like to make in your listing, please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch by November 12.

IF YOU WERE WONDERING… The workmen along Barton Shore Drive are contractors of AT&T installing new cable for an upgrade to the equipment on the top of the BHV water tower. The cable is being buried along the Village Green and fields to the Lower Gate, and will replace existing cable on the poles the rest of the way.

PLANNING COMMISSION The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall. The Commissioners have completed their work on the BHV Master Plan which was approved on June 16, 2010. The Master Plan now provides the basis for an updated zoning ordinance which the Commissioners are currently developing. The Master Plan is available on the BHV website or from the Clerk’s Office.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS FOR CLEAN STREAMS Barton Hills Village is a member of Community Partners for Clean Streams (CPCS), a voluntary, cooperative effort between the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner's Office and Washtenaw County businesses, institutional landowners and multi-family residential complexes. The goal of the program is to help identify practical, cost effective ways to protect Washtenaw County waterways through pollution prevention. CPCS is a cost-free initiative that provides information, technical advice and recognition to participants.

EPA studies show that as much as 70% of all water pollution is caused by stormwater runoff. After a rain or melt event, water flows over roofs, parking lots, lawns, streets and sidewalks. As the runoff flows over land, it picks up and carries a variety of pollutants including sediment, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, debris, oils and greases from the landscape. It is then routed into a storm drain, catch basin, drainage tile, ditch or stream that flows directly into the local waterways.

The most effective way to protect Washtenaw County waterways is to prevent pollution before it ends up in stormwater. The cost of preventing pollution is generally one-tenth to one-hundredth the cost of cleaning it up, so it is the best practice for both the environment and the economy. The Community Partners for Clean Streams Program works with members on a variety of activities to find cost-effective ways to prevent pollution.

CPCS members have the opportunity to be nominated for the annual Washtenaw County Environmental Excellence Awards, which provide additional recognition to those businesses and organizations that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to go above and beyond to protect the environment. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners honored the 2010 Environmental Excellence Award Winners at their October 6, 2010 meeting.  Barton Hills Village was awarded the Excellence in Water Quality Protection award, accepted by President Will Boddie on behalf of the residents, for “numerous water quality protection measures and exemplary environmental leadership.”

BHV residents highly value the natural beauty of their community and recognize their responsibility to protect and preserve the environmental health of their surroundings. From developing the first approved Wellhead Protection Plan in the state of Michigan , to very high rate of compliance with Ordinance 21 for septic maintenance to recent adoption of a Stormwater Management Plan, Barton Hills Village has made every effort to be a wise steward of its treasured natural resources.

September 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 8

TRASH PICK UP Due to the Labor Day holiday, trash will be collected on Tuesday September 7. Regular pick up on the first, third and fifth Mondays of the month will resume on Monday September 20. Thank you for having your trash available when the truck arrives. Please do not leave household garbage in the recycling area or in maintenance buildings where odors attract animals and insects. Also note that cardboard is collected separately for baling.

BARTON BOAT CLUB Barton Boat Club is having an open house on Labor Day, Monday September 6 from 12 – 2:00 PM   Come by and find out more about the club and have a chance to sail a Laser or Snipe.  Any questions contact Craig Pearson ( csp22@sbcglobal.net ). 

MEETING CHANGES The Barton Hills Village Board of Trustees will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall to address items pertaining to issues between Barton Hills Village and Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation regarding potential purchase of development rights, land and other matters. The regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2010 has been canceled and board business postponed to the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, October 11, 2010.

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 16, 2010 has been canceled due to lack of business. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall.

BHV AUDIT The annual audit of Barton Hills Village for fiscal year ending March 31, 2010 is now available for public inspection at the Clerk’s Office.

SEPTIC PROTECTION Septic systems are wastewater treatment systems designed to collect all wastewater from residences. They are typically designed to be effective over a 20-year period if properly maintained.

Poorly maintained and failing septic systems can cause serious problems. Sewage from overloaded systems can pond on the ground near the drainfield or back up into buildings. Inadequately treated septic liquids can contaminate ditches, creeks and shallow drinking water supplies. Animals and people may become ill from contact with these polluted waters. In addition to public health concerns, it is costly to repair or replace a failing system.

A septic system consists of a septic tank and a drainfield. Wastewater flows from the house to the septic tank where natural bacteria begin to break down the solid materials. This breakdown reduces solids in the wastewater, but leaves a sludge residue behind in the tank that builds up and must be removed to prevent it from entering the drainfield and clogging the system. The liquid layer flows slowly from the tank into perforated pipes that equally distribute the wastewater across the gravel-filled drainfield. The liquid then soaks into the soil that acts as the final filter for treatment of wastewater received from the septic tank.

Barton Hills Village requires through Ordinance #21 that residents be proactive in keeping their septic systems properly maintained. Septic tanks must be pumped at least every 4 years or more often if needed. Location and pumping records are kept in the Clerk’s office at the Village Hall.

Residents can help in a number of ways.

• Contact the BHV office when your tank pumping is scheduled so the paperwork can be updated.

• Have the pumping operator make sure there is a tee or baffle on the outlet of the septic tank. The baffle stops the scum from floating into the drainfield

• Laundry, bath and kitchen water should be connected to the septic tank. Other sources of water, like roof drains, water softeners, house footing drains and sump pumps should be diverted to lawn areas away from the septic system. Excessive water keeps the soil in the drainfield saturated and prevents adequate treatment of the waste water.

• Don't cover the drainfield with a hard surface such as concrete, asphalt, above-ground pools or decks. This area should have a grass cover. Don't plant trees or shrubs on, or directly adjacent to, the septic tank or drainfield. The roots from the plants could damage the system. Don't allow heavy vehicles to drive over, or park on top of, the septic system.

• Limit or discontinue use of kitchen garbage disposal units. Heavy use adds large quantities of solids which can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place and shorten the life span of the septic system.

• Limit water entering your tank by using water-saving faucets, showers and toilets. Minimize the amount of water used for bathing and dishwashing. Spread clothes washing over the entire week and avoid half-loads.

• Check toilets for leaks at least once a year by putting a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If colored water appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leaking toilet.

• Don't use your toilet or sink as a trash can. Don’t flush or wash solids (such as coffee grounds, dental floss, meat fat, kitty litter, grease, oil, paper towels, cigarette butts, disposable diapers and personal hygiene items) or hazardous chemicals (such as paint, varnish, thinners, pesticides, oil and gasoline) down the drain.

Thank you for giving your attention to the protection of our abundant and beautiful water resources. For more information contact the BHV Clerk’s Office (734-222-5209, bhvclerk@comcast.net) or the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commission (734-222-6860, drains@ewashtenaw.org)

August 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 7

NEW ORDINANCES At their August 8, 2010 meeting the Board of Trustees updated the BHV Ordinances through adoption of Ordinance No. 32 (restricts road usage to BHV residents and their invitees) and Ordinance No. 33 (regulates vehicle traffic in BHV and adopts the Michigan Vehicle Code). Full text of these and all BHV ordinances is available on the BHV website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) and from the Clerk’s Office.

ACTIVE ORDINANCES Over time, ordinances (rules which govern BHV) are adopted, repealed and amended.

Some ordinances refer to government structure: Public Safety (#4), Water Rates (#6), Public Improvement Fund (#9), Cable and Gas Services (#17, 19, 22), Planning Commission (#26/27), Development Rights (#31) and Roads (#32/33).

Some refer to construction: Zoning (#8, 13, 18, 23), Construction Codes (#20), Septic Systems (#21) and Geothermal Systems (#29/30).

While all BHV Ordinances are available for the public to read, a few are of particular importance in maintaining the character of our community and residents should be aware of what these ordinances require.

#2/3/28 Disorderly Conduct: prohibits indecent/drunken/violent behavior, property destruction and discharge of firearms or fireworks except under certain conditions.

#5 Noise: prohibits loud, unusual and unnecessary noises that would bother neighbors, including amplifiers, music, engines, blowers, shouting and animals. Also sets construction noise limits of 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM  Monday-Saturday unless a BHV permit is obtained due to necessity.

#12 Regulates estate sales.

#14 Requires that dogs be under the owner’s control at all times, and not pose a danger, noise or other nuisance to the public.

All BHV ordinances are available in their entirety on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) and from the Clerk’s Office (199 Barton Shore Dr.).

It is the responsibility of the BHV Board of Trustees to see that the ordinances are up to date and enforced, for the general well-being of everyone in Barton Hills Village.

July 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 6

TRASH COLLECTION Trash will be collected on the regular dates of Monday July 5 and Monday July 19 (no changes due to the Independence Day holiday).

PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION A working session of the Planning Commission subcommittee will be held on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall to discuss revision of the BHV Zoning Ordinance. Interested residents are welcome to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion. The portions of the ordinance being discussed are available prior to the meeting by contacting Dep. Clerk Jan Esch.

RECYCLING The green bin has been emptied and is again available for recyclables as listed on the side. #2 plastics should be placed in the wire bins—rinsed with no caps. The trash can near the green bin is for incidental trash only. Please do not leave household trash in the recycling area.

WEST NILE VIRUS Although the past two summers have been mild and Washtenaw County has not had a human case of West Nile virus reported since 2006, the greater rainfall of recent months may support an increase in mosquitoes which become infected when they feed on infected birds and can pass the virus on to people. Most people do not have any symptoms, but one in five will become ill 2-15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito with slight fever, headache, body aches and sometimes a skin rash and swollen glands. Serious illness can result, and taking simple precautions can help to prevent mosquito bites:

--Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

--Wear light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

--Apply insect repellant that contains the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus/PMD or IR3535 to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. DEET repellant can be used on children 2 months of age and older.

--Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of homes.

--Empty standing water from buckets, flowerpots, saucers, pools, patio furniture covers and similar sites where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

--Remove wet, organic material from your gutters and low-lying areas in your yard.

--Keep tall weeds trimmed back from areas where you spend time outdoors.

The presence of dead birds, especially crows, blue jays and ravens, is a sensitive indicator for the presence of West Nile virus. Washtenaw County will not be testing birds for the virus, but citizens are urged to report all dead birds to the Washtenaw County West Nile Virus Hotline at (734) 544-6750. More information about West Nile virus is available on the following websites:

--http://westnile.ewashtenaw.org      --www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus       --www.cdc.gov/westnile

May 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 5

MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING A public hearing to receive comment on the BHV Master Plan will be held at a Special Meeting of the Planning Commission on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall. The proposed Master Plan is available to the public on the BHV website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) or from the Clerk’s Office (199 Barton Shore Dr). Written comments can be sent to the Clerk’s Office by mail or email prior to the hearing.

What’s a Master Plan? A master plan is a document that guides a community in planning for the future. The plan describes the goals of the community and the policies that are intended to implement them. Planning involves the conscious selection of policy choices related to land use, development, delivery of services, enhancement of community character and maintenance of a quality of life that meet the expectations of the community. The Master Plan provides the basis for other documents governing life in BHV, most notably the zoning ordinance, so it is important that it be the best possible represetation of the goals and values of the residents.

BARTON HILLS MAINTENANCE CORPORATION All four resolutions before the shareholders of BHMC were approved at the Annual Meeting on May 10, 2010. Vote totals were: #1—72 yes, 0 no; #2—72 yes, 0 no; #3—72 yes, 0 no; #4—70 yes, 2 no.

REVISED OFFICE HOURS Office hours for Dep. Clerk Jan Esch are Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 AM and other times by appointment (222-5209). Asst. Treasurer Priya King (222-5209) and Supt. Walter Esch (368-7874) are also available by appointment.

RECYCLING Many items can be placed in the green recycling bin in the maintenance area, as listed on the side of the bin. However corrugated cardboard is baled separately and should not be put in the bin. Leave clean, empty boxes on the ground outside the bin (next to the building if it’s raining) for the maintenance crew to take care of.

DOG OWNERS Dogs are delightful members of our community, but please remember the social graces of pet ownership:

» Dog waste should be cleaned up and disposed of properly. Animal wastes that are washed into storm drains, streams or the river create “bacteria nutrient pollution” that can harm water quality. While it’s difficult to control wild animal waste, pet waste can be bagged for the trash or flushed so it is kept out of the watershed. This is especially important on the Village Green and along roadsides where children play, people walk and the staff mows.

» Dogs must be under the owner’s control at all times. Even a friendly dog can be scary to someone who dislikes or is afraid of dogs, and the most trustworthy dog may react in an unexpected manner. Pets may not roam the neighborhood without their owners.

» Of course dogs bark. But late night, early morning or continuous barking will not endear you or your dog to your neighbors. Taking good care of your pet will help everyone appreciate how special they are.

THEY RAKE IT, THEY TAKE IT Lawn and gardening services are expected to haul away brush and trimmings. BHV will pick up only those materials gathered by the residents who do not have the means to dispose of it properly.

TRASH PICK UP Due to the Memorial Day holiday, trash will be collected on Tuesday, June 1 instead of the fifth Monday (May 31). Regular trash pick up will be June 7 and 21.

PERMIT PROCESS When planning those home improvements, please remember that construction and landscaping projects may require a permit. Consult the BHV website under “Ordinances” or contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch for details.

A PAT ON THE BACK Compliance with Ordinance #21 requiring regular septic pumping continues to be high. This simple task can save homeowners from costly repairs and keep harmful pollution out of groundwater, streams and the Huron River. Keep up the good work by making an appointment with your pumping provider, than calling the BHV Clerk’s office so a member of the BHV staff can come at the same time to fill out the necessary paperwork.

TAKE IT EASY... ...in your backyard lawnchair and in your car. Warm weather brings more pedestrians, children, dogwalkers and cyclists to our roads so please obey the posted speed limit and drive with extra caution. Walkers, please remember to stay near the edge of the road and walk on the side facing traffic. Make this a safe summer for everyone.

May 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 4

ANNUAL MEETINGS/PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING The Annual Meetings of the Barton Hills community will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, 199 Barton Shore Drive. These include:
--A Public Budget Hearing. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed BHV 2010-2011 budget will be the subject of this hearing. A synopsis of the budget is attached to this bulletin
--The Barton Hills Village Annual Meeting. Annual reports of the committees (attached to this bulletin) will be discussed along with other matters of community interest.
--The Barton Hills Maintenance Corporation Annual Meeting. A very important shareholder vote will be held (see the separate mailing from BHMC).

BHV STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN The US Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for programs that help to preserve and improve the quality of water resources. Polluted stormwater runoff is commonly transported through Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), from which it is often discharged untreated into local water bodies. To prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into an MS4, operators must obtain a NPDES permit and develop a stormwater management program. (Phase I, issued in 1990, requires medium and large cities or certain counties with populations of 100,000 or more to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their stormwater discharges. Phase II, issued in 1999, requires regulated small MS4s in urbanized areas, as well as small MS4s outside the urbanized areas that are designated by the permitting authority, to obtain NPDES permit coverage for their stormwater discharges.)

Barton Hills Village is a regulated small MS4 and has applied for and received the necessary MS4 Jurisdiction General Permit. Our Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) was submitted and approved on April 27, 2010. Now the BHV Water Committee, other Board of Trustees Committees and the BHV staff will be working to fulfill the requirements of the SWMP. The attached Water Committee Annual Report includes more details of the work that has been accomplished to date.

In future Barton Bulletins and other communications you will be learning how our community can continue programs (such as the septic pumping requirements) and improve our efforts to protect our waterways and preserve our beautiful natural environment.

SPRING COCKTAIL BUFFET Thank you to Trustees Linda Benson and Cheryl MacKrell, and Deputy Clerk Jan Esch for their efforts in hosting the very enjoyable social. Nearly seventy people attended the event held on April 29, 2010 at Barton Hills Country Club.

SPRING CLEAN UP BHV staff will pick up yard waste and brush that is the result of homeowners’ efforts. Please leave piles of material along your driveway, well out of the main roadway. Employed landscaping providers are expected to clean up their own waste.

April 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 3

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING/ANNUAL MEETING A Public Budget Hearing will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 beginning at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall, 199 Barton Shore Drive. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed 2010-2011 budget will be the subject of this hearing. The Barton Hills Village Annual Meeting will be held immediately following the Public Budget Hearing.

2010 CENSUS According to the U.S. Census website (www.2010census.gov) 81% of BHV households have returned their census questionnaires! (Washtenaw County return rate 73%, state of Michigan 72%) If you’re part of the 19% still outstanding, please take a few moments to answer the questions and return the form. Census data will be used in the coming decade to determine a number of important government programs and activities.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Now that the sun is shining and you’re thinking outdoor thoughts...

--Have your septic tank pumped. BHV Ordinance #21 requires pumping at least every four years (more often if needed). This simple task can ward off expensive repairs and help ensure the environmental health of Barton Pond and the Huron River watershed. Please contact Dep. Clerk Jan Esch when tank pumping is scheduled so a BHV maintenance staff member can come at the same time to complete the necessary paperwork.

--Get your soil tested. Testing determines what nutrients your soil needs for optimum lawn and garden health and growth. Check out the Huron River Watershed Council website (www.hrwc.org and scroll down) for a list of places where testing will be done by Michigan State University for $15 on Saturdays in April.

--Save money, water and energy by following the guidance of the new Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense program. Learn about product ratings and tips to help use water more efficiently around your home at www.epa.gov/WaterSense.

March 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 2

REVISED BOARD LISTS Of the five applicants, Paul Izenberg was elected by the Trustees to fill the vacant seat on the Board. An updated contact list is attached. The BHV Board of Trustees meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Agendas and past minutes are posted at the Village Hall and on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org).

BHMC welcomes Sylvia Romeijn to their Board of Directors. An updated contact list for the BHMC Board is attached. The BHMC Board of Directors meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. Past minutes are available for inspection from Asst. Sec. Jan Esch or online at www.bhmc-online.org (password required).

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CANCELED The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2010 has been canceled due to lack of business. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 20, 2010. The Commission continues its work on the Master Plan and updated zoning ordinance.

NEW ORDINANCE Ordinance No. 31 authorizing acquisition and establishing procedure for acquisition of development rights was adopted by the Board of Trustees on February 8, 2010. Full text of the ordinance is posted on the BHV website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) and available from the Clerk (222-5209, bhvclerk@comcast.net).

WATER CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT The attached annual report for calendar year 2009 is published in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and summarizes the status of the BHV water system during the last calendar year. Please read it carefully and contact the numbers given for questions or concerns.

2010 CENSUS U.S. Census questionnaires will be arriving by mail soon. Please take a few moments to answer the questions and return the form. The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring field staff in the Ann Arbor area who will follow up on the forms that have not been returned. Information is available at the Clerk’s Office, 1-866-861-2010 or at www.census.gov/detroit.

2009 BHV AUDIT The annual audit of Barton Hills Village for fiscal year ending March 31, 2009 is now available for public inspection at the Clerk’s Office.

SAVE THE DATE Coming Thursday, April 29: BHV Community Social. Details to follow.

February 2010  VOL. LVI  No. 1

UPCOMING MEETINGS

BHV/BHMC Joint Meeting The BHV Board of Trustees and the BHMC Board of Directors will hold a joint meeting to discuss items of mutual interest on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 6:00 PM at the Village Hall. The Board of Trustees will also conduct their regularly scheduled meeting on that date, incorporating the joint meeting into their agenda.

WALLY Presentation Michael Benham of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority will make a presentation of the proposed Washtenaw-Livingston commuter rail line at the Ann Arbor Township Board meeting on Monday, February 15, 2010 which begins at 7:30 PM at the Township Hall, 3792 Pontiac Trail.

BHV Public Budget Hearing A public budget hearing will be held at Barton Hills Village Hall, 199 Barton Shore Drive, on March 8, 2010 beginning at 6:00 PM. A copy of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 will be on file and available to the public in the Clerk’s Office after March 1, 2010. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing.

UPDATED BHV MASTER PLAN NOW AVAILABLE BHV residents are urged to take a look at the revised BHV Master Plan, now available on the website (www.vil-bartonhills.org) and at the Clerk’s Office (199 Barton Shore Dr.).

What’s a Master Plan? A master plan is a document that guides a community in planning for the future. The purpose of the BHV Master Plan is to identify the goals, policies, programs and strategies that the Village and its residents wish to pursue.

Who wrote it? Community planning is governed by the requirements of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, PA 33 of 2008. This first BHV Master Plan is the result of numerous months of work, during which the BHV Planning Commission and the BHV Board of Trustees, with the help of the BHV staff and the Village’s planning consultant, received and considered many comments from the public and edited numerous versions of the document. Additional comments are being solicited from surrounding jurisdictions and a public hearing will be held in Barton Hills Village later this spring before the plan gains final approval. The Master Plan will also be reviewed at least every five years and amended as needed to provide relevant goals and policies for whatever opportunities and challenges the future may hold.

What should I do? Residents are encouraged to read the Master Plan and relay any comments they may have to the Planning Commission. Written comments can be sent to the Planning Commission by way of the Clerk’s Office (199 Barton Shore Dr. Ann Arbor MI 48105; bhvclerk@comcast.net)