November 2, 2017
City offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10,  
in observance of Veterans Day.

MeetingsMeetings
Beautification Commission - Monday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m. - Council Chambers - City Hall

City Council - Monday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. - Council Chambers - City Hall

Planning Commission - Tuesday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. - Note location: Meeting Room - Lower Level City Hall

Housing Commission - Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m. - Allen Terrace

Arts Commission - Wednesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. - Art House

Agendas and minutes are available by clicking here

ThisJustInThis Just In...
City of Northville receives the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

Many items are packaged in lots of a dozen: eggs, donuts and even bundled items at Costco. In October, the City of Northville achieved a total of a dozen consecutive Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards given annually by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

A Certification of Recognition for Budget Presentation for fiscal year 2017 was presented to Sandi Wiktorowski, finance director/treasurer. She and department heads, under the direction of City Manager Pat Sullivan, worked as a team to accomplish this goal.

"Sandi works with the City staff to develop an annual budget that incorporates the basic, diverse and capital needs of the City while keeping an eye on future funding. She and her team are professional in their projections and calculations, and diligent about transparency and accountability," said Sullivan.

According to the agency, the award represents a significant achievement that reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. The City of Northville met the nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation, which requires that a budget be developed to serve in four categories: as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. A panel of independent judges reviewed the budgets to ensure they adhered to 27 nationally recognized guidelines within those four categories.  

The GFOA professional association serves nearly 19,000 appointed and elected government officials at the local, state and provincial level, and other finance practitioners. The organization noted that award recipients, 1,600 for budgets beginning in 2017, have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.
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New voting equipment to be used at Nov. 7 election

When voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7, they will use new voting equipment that make it easier and more secure to cast a ballot. The units, purchased using federal and state funds, replace machines that are 12 years old.

The new voting unit has a touch screen scanner with easy-to-follow directions. Voters will still mark a paper ballot using a blue or black pen. They will fill in a box instead of an oval next to their choice. When the ballot is complete, the voter will deliver it to a new tabulator, which confirms the vote with a picture of an American flag and the message "Your vote has been recorded. Thank you for voting."

The new equipment uses digital optical scan technology to count the paper ballots, which can also be recounted manually if necessary. The new equipment automatically transmits election results electronically to the county. It is not connected to the internet.

There is also a voter assist terminal for voters with physical disabilities (hearing, visual, physical or other conditions), which enables them to vote using a touch screen, sip and puff device, or a controller.

View this video produced by the Oakland County Clerk's office to see how the new equipment works.
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Residents, staff and city officials conveyed good wishes to Housing Director Sherry Necelis at her retirement party

Photo by Liz Cezat

From left: City Council Member Marilyn Price, resident June Gill and retiring Housing Director Sherry Necelis.

Nearly all 100 residents of Allen Terrace joined with guests from the City - including Northville Mayor Ken Roth, City Council Member Marilyn Price and City Manager Pat Sullivan - on Oct. 30 to say goodbye to Sherry Necelis, who is retiring as Housing director. Housing Commission President Roger Schultz, Vice President Al Deneau and members Nancy Catallo, Lou Ronayne and Jerry Mittman also were at the party.

Guests enjoyed cake and ice cream and hot beverages as they chatted with one another and with the guest of honor. Many said that Sherry was very helpful to residents and always had a smile on her face. She will continue to serve in the role part-time in November, until a new director comes on board.

Sherry has been the director of Allen Terrace for the past 10 years and has made her mark as a friendly, compassionate administrator who wanted to make residents' lives better. She listened to their concerns and helped them resolve issues, whether it was a personal matter or required policies be set through the Resident Council or Housing Commission. 

Sherry will likely spend the winter in Florida - who can blame her? - and is looking forward to relaxing with family and friends. She promised residents that she will be back for visits.
Photo by Liz Cezat

From left, standing: Carolyn Cleland, Hugh Jordan, Boris Stecko, Sharon Duncovich, Anne Frampton, seated, from left: Sue Korte, Phyllis Schaap and Carole Wilson- all residents of Allen Terrace.
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Tipping Point Theatre ready to scale up in downtown Northville

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance." The actors, actresses and audience of the Tipping Point Theatre (TPT) can attest to this statement by Greek philosopher Aristotle.

Ten years ago, Tipping Point opened a free-standing theater at 361 E. Cady in the heart of downtown Northville, incorporated as a professional, non-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Prior to that, their website notes they were a "vagabond theatre company under the umbrella of the Parks and Recreation department, performing in any empty space we could get our hands on and paying actors with smiles and applause."

The 120-seat theater stages six professional productions during its year-round season with content that ranges from drama and mysteries to comedies. It also hosts five popular one-night Jazz@The Point performances (produced by Cal and Whitney Stone of 2 Stones Events).

Shows at Tipping Point tell engaging stories. Unlike a movie, the intimate setting of the theatre allows the audience to be immersed in the performance. While they don't leave their seats, there is a magnetic draw to what's happening on the stage. They must concentrate on the performers' language and movements to comprehend the story. While that takes work, their effort is rewarded - in "ah-ha" moments, laughter, and tears during poignant scenes. And no two performances are exactly the same.

"There's something important in creating a community of theater goers," said Dan Ferrara, a former board member now in charge of TPT's fundraising and marketing. "It provides great opportunities for Michigan artists to express themselves. You see the show unfolding right in front of you."

Photo provided by Tipping Point Theatre.

In total, TPT sells 15,000 tickets annually and employs - on a part-time, seasonal basis - 90-100 Michigan-based professionals, some of whom are members of the Actors' Equity Association. The theatre activity also benefits restaurant owners and retailers in downtown Northville as theatre-goers often shop or dine before or after the show.  

Artistic Director James R. Kuhl is TPT's ace-in-the-hole. A playwright, actor and director himself, he knows theatre from all facets. In addition, he teaches classes for actors and playwrights at Tipping Point and is an adjunct professor at Wayne State University.

Part of Kuhl's focus is introducing theatre to a younger generation. "We love our patrons of all ages, but it's always exciting to see a teenager or young adult introduced to live theatre for the first time,"  he said. To help spark their interest, TPT offers high school and college students a $10 student rate for most shows.

Another instrumental staff member is Resident Stage Manager Tracy Spada, who has been with the theatre since its start. She has been cultivating young artists' involvement in theatre for more than 25 years at TPT and other local acting venues.

Education and outreach are two vital branches of Tipping Point Theatre.Toward this effort, Spada directs Northville High School's fall plays and spring musicals. TPT also manages a youth theatre group, The Plymouth Uptown Players (PUPS), which is run through the Plymouth Community Arts Council.  The program is comprised of elementary and middle school-aged children. PUPS performs two productions a year, including one on Tipping Point Theatre's stage.

Another community outreach occurs during Northville's Arts and Acts Festival, where TPT produces its Sandbox Play Festival with open submissions of 10-minute plays from emerging playwrights. Plays are performed at Northville's First Presbyterian Church.

Tipping Point Theatre has dedicated supporters. About one-half of ticket purchases are from season ticket holders. "We get tremendous support from our patrons," said Ferrara. "We have numerous donors at various levels. Chuck Gaidica, a founder of the theatre, is still on the board as our chairman emeritus. Without his generosity and that of Chuck Lapham, the theatre would not exist," he added. Lapham was awarded Northville Chamber of Commerce's "Citizen of The Year" in October 2017 for his numerous contributions to the community.

To see this season's shows, click here. "Office Hours" by Norm Foster opens Nov. 18 and runs through Dec. 23, followed by a special New Year's weekend run of a grown-up "Enchanted Cabaret" featuring popular songs from famous fairy tales with an adult flair.

Now in its 11th season, the theater is poised to go into its next act - whether that is expanding the current location or moving to a different location in Northville. As it stands now, the theater provides a healthy dose of culture. "How do we continue to build upon our success?" is a question the theatre is currently addressing under the leadership of Denise Jenkins, president of their board of directors.

Ferrara notes, "Northville is a beautiful town with a tremendous amount of arts and culture and we'd like to continue to be a driving force behind that."
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Northville High School Community Open House

Information and discussion about the Northville Schools bond proposal will be offered on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 1-3 p.m. during the Northville High School Community Open House, 45700 6 Mile, Northville.

According to the Northville School Board, the $104.85 million bond proposal on the Nov. 7 ballot will upgrade school facilities and sites, enhance existing building security, and provide modern learning environments throughout the district. The Board also estimates that the school district will be able to maintain the existing school debt levy (3.64 mills) and issue the bonds with no increase to the current debt millage rate.

EventsEvents / Things to Do
Photo by Liz Cezat
Nov. 3 - Dec. 16
Small Works Juried All-Media Exhibition

The biennial Small Works Juried All-Media Exhibition features more than 150 works by 55 artists from Michigan and around the country. The exhibition includes photography, paintings, ceramics, fibers, jewelry and more - all measure 12 inches or less in all dimensions. All works are for sale and make a great holiday gift. Purchased art is available to take home starting on Dec. 1 at the First Friday Reception.

Small Works opens with a public reception on Friday, Nov. 3 from 6 - 9 p.m. with an awards presentation at 7 p.m. The reception will feature appetizers, refreshments and a free make-and-take art activity led by Art House instructor Maria Latour.

The Art House store is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 - 5 p.m., Saturdays from 12 - 4 p.m. and every First Friday of the month from 6 - 9 p.m. The store features the work of more than 40 local artists. Art House is located at 215 W. Cady Street and is a facility of the Northville Arts Commission. For more information, call 248-344-0497 or visit our website.

Also at the Art House:
Exploring GOLDEN Textures and Pastes
 
Artists will explore the versatility of GOLDEN acrylic paints, pastes, grounds and gels by creating multiple surfaces and learning ways to incorporate and layer texture into works of art. A variety of textures will be introduced and students will leave with several finished works. The workshop is Nov. 18 - 19 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Cost: member: $60; Nonmember: $68. Additional $45 materials fee payable to instructor.

Register by phone or online.
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Wednesday, Nov. 8
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lunchtime Lecture Series, part 2
Content Marketing: What to Say and How to Say It
Northville District Library
 
Bring a brown bag lunch for this lunchtime series on how best to use social media to get new business. Learn from Candy Jones-Guerin, Constant Contact presenter. Discover time-saving tips and apps to help your content, how to create engaging links, tips on using graphics, pictures and videos, re-purposing content across multiple platforms, and more. Get the tools you need to create your content easily and effectively. Register online or call 248-349-3020.
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Friday, Nov. 10
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Girls Night Out
Downtown Northville

Gather your girlfriends and join us for a night of new merchandise, special offers, giveaways and fun in Downtown Northville. Businesses are staying open late and preparing a special event for Girls' Night Out. 

Held only twice a year, shopping starts at 5 p.m. with special events, drawings and discounts at many of more than 50 retail stores. From art galleries and boutiques to stores that sell shoes, clothing, accessories and home goods, there's something for women of all ages.

After you've experienced our stores, visit one of our numerous bars and restaurants without having to move your car. Many restaurants are offering specials for Girls' Night Out participants.
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Saturday, Nov. 11
Veterans Ceremony
VFW Post 4012 - 438 S. Main Street
11 a.m.

Please join us at the post on November 11, 2017 at 11am for a short ceremony followed by "Homemade SOS and biscuits" served in the Hall. Read more...
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Nov. 17, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holiday Home Tour
Northville Holiday Home tour tickets now on sale

 














This event is a great way to get new decorating ideas for your home while also getting into the holiday spirit. Proceeds from the Holiday Home Tour help fund the Northville Community Foundation's work in the community.

Guests of the Holiday Home Tour will tour five beautiful, privately owned Northville homes that have been decorated to the max for the holidays. With homes ranging from a traditional condo to a home with industrial chic flavor-- this year's tour has a range of intriguing decors. One home is replete with unique artist-made accessories, another had a complete custom renovation of the first and second floors. Added holiday décor from Pear-Aphernalia, Williams Sonoma, Gardenviews, and others make these gorgeous homes even more stunning.

The 2017 Holiday Home Tour will also feature a refreshment stop at the Tipping Point Theatre in Downtown Northville. Guests can enjoy light refreshments courtesy of the Northville Meijer, and also enter to win two tickets to a future Tipping Point Theatre production.

Tickets for the 2017 Holiday Home Tour are $25 in advance and $30 on tour day. To purchase tickets in advance, visit Pear-Aphernalia, Gardenviews, Haven of Northville, or the Northville Chamber of Commerce.  Tickets may also be purchased online or by phone: 248-374-0200. Tickets are limited and the tour does sell out nearly every year.

Since 1997, the Northville Community Foundation has annually made grants to support nonprofit organizations serving the community, awarded scholarships to local students, organized and executed the Northville Independence Day Parade. The foundation also operates Maybury Farm, a working farm that strives to connect the community to animals and agriculture through engaging and educational experiences. For more information, please visit our website.
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Holiday Lighted Parade & Greens Market

The Annual Northville Hometown Holiday is a festive community celebration that kicks off the holiday season with the Holiday Lighted Parade, ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree in Town Square, and the Greens Market. See details below.

Holiday Lighted Parade - Friday, Nov. 17
6:30 p.m.
 
Join thousands of parade goers as the holiday season officially kicks off with the Holiday Lighted Parade. Bands, dancers, float and, of course, Santa, make this annual favorite a great family tradition.

Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by the official lighting of the tree and a chance to talk with Santa. Local churches will have hot chocolate and a family photo station available for parade goers.

If your organization would like to participate in the parade click here for application. 

Greens Market Weekend
Friday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get your home or business ready for the holiday season while supporting local Farmers' Market growers. Vendors will have holiday wreaths, roping, decor and accessories for sale.



BusinessBusiness
Online Payments for Utility Bills and Taxes 

Online payments for taxes and utilities is available on the City's website. It is offered through Point & Pay for a convenience fee. Click here to access this option online.  On the left side of your screen, select either Property Tax and Assessing Lookup or Utility Bill Lookup.  Search for your property and click on the "Pay Online" button.  You will then be re-directed to the Point & Pay website to make a payment.

Fees:  Please note there is a convenience fee paid directly to Point & Pay if you choose to use this option:
Credit Cards: 3% Fee (minimum $2)
E-Checks:  Flat Fee of $3, up to $10,000 or Flat Fee of $10, anything over $10,000.
AroundTownAround Town
Historic Resource Council 2017 Directory is available

City Hall has a copy of the Historic Resource Council 2017 Directory, which lists architects, contractors, suppliers and others who specialize in historic preservation, rehabilitation and adaptation of historic structures and houses. This directory will interest residents of historic homes, owners of businesses in historic buildings and others who own property or are involved in the City's Historic District. The book can be viewed at City Hall and online at Michigan Historic Preservation Network's website (see the publications page).
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Streetlights

Streetlight out?  Businesses and residents can report streetlight outages online.  This link goes directly to the DTE streetlight outage reporting tool.

Businesses and residents who have a DTE wooden power pole on or adjacent to their property are eligible to have outdoor protective lighting installed on the pole to illuminate their private property.  Residents may even qualify for no up-front cost installation.  Please call 866-503-0627 and leave a detailed message that includes name, address, city, zip code and phone number with area code for a DTE representative to contact you within three business days.

AtHomeAt Home
Leaf collection is Nov. 6 for residents south of 8 Mile

Street leaf collection for residents north of 8 Mile will be Nov. 27 (second pickup); for residents south of 8 Mile, it will be Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. Residents can rake leaves into the street the weekend before their scheduled pick-up. In between pick-up dates, leaves can be put in large paper bags and set at the curb on trash day for composting.  Please contact DPW at 248-449-9930 with questions or click here.
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Brush collection program

Residents can place branches at the curb without bundling or bagging them. Branches 6 feet long and up to 6 inches in diameter can be placed at the curb. Every Tuesday, year-round, a crew will come through each neighborhood and chip any branches left at the curb.

Branches must be in the street right-of-way (between the street and the sidewalk), and stacked neatly with the cut ends facing the street. Collection crews will not rake up small branches after the large brush piles are removed.  

Do not put out roots, stumps, dirt, lumber, railroad ties or any wood with metal in it. Firewood pieces and stumps should be placed in the garbage (Maximum 35 gallon cans and 60 lb. weight limit).
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Sewage backups

If you experience an overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system or storm water system and want to file a claim with the City, please check our website for details or call the Department of Public Works at 248-449-9930. 

When presenting a written claim, you will be required to provide the following items:
  1. Copies of receipts for cleaning costs, plumbing bills, or other bills.
  2. List of the damaged items and receipts to prove the ages of your items. Reimbursement for the Actual Cash Value of damaged items is the maximum amount payable.
  3. Please make an attempt to provide pictures of anything you wish to claim that was damaged due to the sewer backup.
The filing of a claim does not guarantee reimbursement.

Most homeowner's insurance will not cover sewage backups, but insurance can often be obtained as an added item. Ask your insurance provider about this option. Also, consider having a plumber install a check valve - backflow preventer - to help minimize the risk of backups and related damage.
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Northville Police Department has free gun safety locks

Don't take the risk of having an unlocked gun get into the wrong hands - especially if you have young children and teenagers. Stop in at the Northville Police Department lobby to get your free gun safety lock. There are no forms to fill out and no waiting.
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Get social with City Hall online
Follow our Facebook page ( Northville City Hall, Michigan) and our Twitter account @NorthvilleCity.

You will be able to see stories, photos and videos of the City's people, places and events. We'll let you know about City services, such as trash pick up, payment of taxes and utility bills, and roads under construction. Plus, we want to hear from you. Share your photos and comments; ask questions. If you "like" the Northville Facebook page, you'll see our posts in your news feed.
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Add your name to the City News mailing list

New subscribers to City News can sign up below (if you are viewing the e-mail version). You can also sign up on the City of Northville website (homepage, left hand column under Quick Links)

If you have comments or requests for specific news items, please e-mail Liz Cezat, Communications Manager, at [email protected].
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