Plymouth Township e-News
JUNE 2018 
TRASH AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION
 
 
Recently, Township residents have noticed that trash, recycling, and yard waste collections have not been completed until the evening hours, and in rare cases, not until the next day. The Township is working closely with our contractor, GFL, to make sure our curbside collection is as efficient as possible. Discussions are ongoing to develop successful strategies moving forward.   We appreciate residents' patience and understanding. As always, residents are encouraged to call the Solid Waste Department at 734-414-1452 with any concerns about their weekly collection.
 
Some factors impacting the pickups:
  • GFL collected 29% more trash and bulk in May than the previous month resulting in more time spent at landfills and slowing down the collection rate.
  • May 2018 was the wettest since 2004 and the hottest since 1998. The impact of this weather led to an explosion in the amount of yard waste collected, which is an increase over last month of 115%.
  • Staffing has also been a contributing issue because there is a regional shortage of certified drivers, due to the strong economy.
     
 
FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE - ELECTIONS 2018 - MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

There will be two elections in Plymouth Township in 2018.
 
State Law requires you to be registered for 30 days prior to voting in your community for the first time. The Primary Election is scheduled for August 7. The last day to register to vote in that Primary is July 9. The General Election is November 6. The last day to register to vote in that Election is October 9.
 
In addition to Federal, State, and County races, we will be electing four members to the Plymouth District Library, four members to the Plymouth-Canton School Board, and two members to the Schoolcraft College Board. There may also be important millage requests from several governmental agencies.
 
If you have any questions about voter registration, absentee voting, or anything else related to elections, please call Clerk Jerry Vorva at 734-354-3228 or [email protected] .
 

FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE - ELECTION DAY WORKERS NEEDED!
 
 
 
 
The Clerk's Office needs people who are willing to serve as Election Inspectors, Chairs and Vice Chairs on Election Day. Training will be provided and you will be paid for the day. Please contact Clerk Jerry Vorva at 734-354-3228 or [email protected] for information. This is a great opportunity for seniors and young people looking to make extra money while serving their community.
FROM THE TREASURER'S OFFICE -- SUMMER TAX BILLS COMING SOON
 
Please be on the lookout for the Summer Tax Bills which should hit your mailbox during the first week of July.  Please contact the Treasurer's Office if you have not received your bill by July 10th.   Summer taxes are due July 2, 2018 and are payable through September 14, 2018.  This is the last day to pay without interest or penalty.  After this date, an interest charge of 1% will be added per month. 
 
 
There are several options for making your tax payments:
 
By Mail - Utilize the enclosed envelope for payments made by mail.
 
In Person - Bring the tax statement to the Plymouth Township Treasurer's Department during normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
 
After Hours - Use the 24 hour white drop box located on the circular driveway.
 
Online - We accept payments online via credit card or electronic check.  Visit our website at www.plymouthtwp.org  and choose the "Online Payments" option.  This service is provided by Point & Pay LLC.  A convenience fee of 3% will apply for credit card payments or a $3 charge for electronic checks.
  
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT NOW AVAILABLE!
 

Plymouth Township's Annual Water Quality Report is now available. The report describes the source and quality of your drinking water. The annual report has been required by law since the U.S. Congress passed the 1996 Safe Drinking Act Amendments. The report is available at http://www.plymouthtwp.org/Public%20Works/2017WaterQualityReport.pdf

To receive a paper copy in the mail, please contact us at 734-345-3270, x3. You may also pick up a paper copy at the Clerk's Office or Division of Public Services in Township Hall, 9955 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, MI 48170.

 
REMINDER ON LAWN SIGN PLACEMENT
 


Due to a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Plymouth Township urges you to place lawn signs (including garage sale signs) on private property - not at street corners or the easement area between the street and sidewalk. Signs that are removed by Township staff will be taken to the DPW Yard at 46555 Port Street for a few days for retrieval.  



PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT OPENINGS


The Plymouth Township Fire Department is currently in the process of hiring full-time firefighters. For further information, please see our Human Resources page at
http://www.plymouthtwp.org/government/departments/human_resources/job_postings.php
 
 


DON'T GET SOAKED ON WATER BILLS!
cropped
 

 
Plymouth Township urges you to set your residential and business sprinkler systems to operate during the 'non-peak' hours between 12 pm to 6 pm or 12 am to 6 am.   
 
Setting your sprinkler system to these times helps keep future water rates stable, controlling the cost of our water bills!
 
If residents or business owners have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Services at 734-354-3270.
 



PERSONAL FIREWORKS - SAFETY AND THE LAW
 
With the 4th of July approaching residents should be aware of Michigan's law concerning the display and discharge of fireworks and to contact Plymouth Township using our Non-Emergency Police/Fire number, 734-354-3250, to report violations.
 
Under the new State law, fireworks MAY be discharged the day preceding, the day of, or the day after a National Holiday. They may NOT be discharged between the hours of 12 midnight and 8 a.m. Michigan Law prohibits the discharge of fireworks on public property, school, church property, or the property of another without the persons express permission.
 
Please use the Non-Emergency police/fire number at 734-354-3250 to report violations.
 
Please be safe while using fireworks this holiday weekend. Here are some simple safety tips:
  • Always purchase fireworks from an authorized retailer and follow the manufacturer's directions.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance.
  • Keep people and pets out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.
NEVER:
 
  • Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
  • Try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Point or throw fireworks at other people.
  • Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • Purchase or use unlabeled fireworks, experiment with or make your own fireworks.
  • Re-light "dud" fireworks that have not fully functioned; (instead, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
 MOSQUITO CONTROL

Mosquitos are not only bothersome pests in the warmer months in Michigan, but they can also be carriers of diseases that can be harmful to humans, including the West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus.
 
Prevention is key.  Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquito larvae must live in still water for five (5) or more days to complete their growth. Take the time to remove any standing, stagnant water by turning over buckets, toys, etc. that can fill with water. Clean your birdbaths and gutters frequently,
 
For further information, visit our website for a Fact Sheet on Mosquito Control at:
 
 


OAK WILT IN MICHIGAN - DON'T PRUNE YOUR OAK TREES IN THE SUMMER!
 
 
  
What is Oak Wilt? Oak wilt is a fungal disease affecting oak trees caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum. Symptoms vary by tree species, but generally consist of leaf discoloration, wilt, defoliation, and death.  
 
How is Oak Wilt spread? Oak wilt is spread by insects (mainly sap beetles) and through root grafts between healthy and infected trees. One of the most common methods of introducing oak wilt into healthy trees is by pruning during the warm season. Wounds created by pruning or by storm injury attract sap beetles which transmit the disease.  
 
How do you manage Oak Wilt? Once Oak Wilt is determined or presumed to be the problem, there are several key components of an oak wilt management program:  
 
Prevention:
  • Education - study the disease and its symptoms and causes;
  • No pruning during the warm season - April 1 - October 15;
  • Prompt repair of any storm injury on the tree.
 
Trenching:
  • Root graft disruption is necessary to prevent continued spread and infection of nearby oaks.
 
Injections:
  • Trees can be injected with the fungicide Alamo. The fungicide will have no inhibition against the red oak group of trees already exhibiting symptoms. However infected white oak trees may be cured with these injections.
 
Removal:
  • It is imperative that infected trees be removed. Do not use for firewood.
 
If oaks are present on your property and you value them, it would be prudent to hire a qualified arborist to manage them; this includes monitoring for Oak Wilt and for prompt repair of storm injury. It will be far more costly to manage oak wilt once established on a property than it is to keep it out.  
 
For more information oak wilt, visit the website ,
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/stop_pruning_oak_trees_now_to_avoid_oak_wilt_1


FRIENDS OF THE ROUGE PRESENTS "LIVING LAWNS AND (RAIN) GARDENS"
 
Location: Plymouth District Library, 223 S Main St, Plymouth, MI
Date: June 16th, 2018
Time: 10 a.m. to noon (Doors open at 9:30am)
 
You love your lawn! It's beautiful and you like how it gets you outside. But you know it isn't perfect. Did mud puddles dampen the fun at your last barbecue? Did your basement get soaked in a downpour? Maybe you'd like to bring your lawn to life with more color, more hummingbirds, and more butterflies.
 
Great news! You're ready to get RainSmart. And the best part? You'll not only make your lawn a more enjoyable place to be with your family, you'll also do your part to solve big problems like flooded streets and dirty creeks. Get RainSmart with Friends of the Rouge and the Plymouth District Library, and learn how to make your lawn a better place to enjoy.
 
Door prizes, including a rain barrel (and more!), to be raffled at the end of the workshop!
 
This project has been funded wholly or in part through Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
 
 
CARDBOARD RECYCLING FACTS

-- Recycling Cardboard only takes 75% of the energy needed to make new cardboard.

-- Recycling 1 ton of cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil.

-- Over 90% of all products shipped in the US are shipped in corrugated boxes, which totals more than 400 billion square feet of
   cardboard.
 
-- Nearly 80% of all retailers and grocers recycle their cardboard.

GUIDE TO CURBSIDE RECYCLING

-- Boxes/cardboard should be cut and/or folded to fit inside the cart. BE SURE IT FITS LOOSE INSIDE THE CART.
 
-- Cardboard placed next to the cart will NOT be collected with recycling. The Township's automated recycling service requires
    ALL recyclables must fit inside the 64 gallon green recycling cart.
 
-- If you have an abundance of cardboard, please contact the Solid Waste Department at (734) 414-1452, for an alternate
   disposal option.


CPR TRAINING WITH THE PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Plymouth Township Fire Department is offering CPR Classes to all residents and groups in Plymouth Township. The Fire Department is an American Heart Association Certified Training site for Heartsaver CPR & AED, BLS for healthcare provider, Heartsaver First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens.
 
Registration and card fee is $20.00. All fees must be paid in advance in order to reserve a spot in these size-limited classes. Contact the Fire Department administrative offices at 734-354-3221 for reservations and schedule information.
 
There are still some openings in the upcoming class on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Contact the FD Administrative Offices to make a reservation.
    

INDEPENDENCE DAY - WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018  
 
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 is Independence Day. Township Offices will be closed in recognition of the holiday.
 
There will NOT be trash pickup on Wednesday, July 4 and pickup will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
 
TRAILWOOD GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS THE 22ND ANNUAL "FLOWERS ARE FOREVER" GARDEN WALK AND TREASURES SALE
 
Trailwood Garden Club presents its traditional tour of several Plymouth/Canton area yards and gardens on June 26th from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are $10.00 and are available on line at "Eventbrite". More information is available on their website at www.TrailwoodGardenClub.com
 
 
************************************************************************************
 
UPCOMING SENIOR EVENTS AT FRIENDSHIP STATION, 42375 Schoolcraft Road
 
COMING IN JULY - RED, WHITE & BLUE! - Friday, July 13, 12:30 pm at the Friendship Station. Tickets are $7/Members and $9/Non-members. Includes Sloppy Joes, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Watermelon and Brownies. Entertainment will be provided by Tom Slatton. Sponsored by Camelot Hall Centre and Regency at Canton.
 
 *************************************************************************************  
 
GOOD MORNING USA - 4TH OF JULY PARADE AND COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL
 
The annual good Morning USA Parade begins promptly at 9:00 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2018 on Main Street in downtown Plymouth. Immediately following the parade, gather the family together for a community Ice Cream Social in downtown Plymouth at Kellogg Park, an American classic to sweeten the post-parade time just as the warmest part of the day hits. Be sure to bring your folding chairs and coolers for a fun-filled, after-parade event.
 
*************************************************************************************
 
MUSIC IN THE AIR CONCERT SERIES - FRIDAY NIGHTS IN KELLOGG PARK
 
Plymouth Rocks On Concerts series continues throughout the summer. Here's the schedule for the remainder of June and July. There is no concert July 13. (Art in the Park weekend). All concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Kellogg Park and are FREE. Get there early to set up your blankets and chairs! Here is the schedule for May and June:
 
  • June 15 - Theo Gridiron (Pure Detroit Soul)
  • June 22 - Gia Warner
  • June 29 - Thornetta Davis
  • July 6 - Larry and the Back in the Day Band
  • July 20 - Boogie Dyn-o-mite
  • July 27 - The Square Pegz

 

*************************************************************************************
 
MICHIGAN PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS AN AMERICAN SALUTE
 
The Michigan Philharmonic will perform a free concert on Saturday, June 30th at Kellogg Park from 7:00 - 10:00 pm. Program selections include:
 
  • The Star-Spangled Banner-John Stafford Smith and Francis Scott Key
  • Victory at Sea Symphonic Scenario-Richard Rodgers
  • Born on the Fourth of July-John Williams
  • Forrest Gump Suite-Alan Silvestre
  • Selections from Shaft-Isaac Hayes
  • Superman Returns-John Williams and John Ottman
 
-Intermission-
 
  • Liberty Bell March-John Philip Sousa
  • (guest conductor from the audience)
  • The American Frontier-arr. Calvin Custer
  • Armed Forces Salute-arr. Bob Lowden
  • 1812 Overture-Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky
  • Stars & Stripes Forever March-John Phillip Sousa
 
*************************************************************************
 
SAVE THE DATE! -- ART IN THE PARK
 
The 38th annual Art in the Park will take place July 13, 14, and 15. Four hundred artists from around the U.S. will be offering paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art & much more. More information is available at www.artinthepark.com , or call the Chamber of Commerce on 734-453-1540.
 
 
 
 
SCHEDULED MEETINGS
   
JUNE
 
12 - Board of Trustees, 7 pm
 
20 - Planning Commission, 7 pm
 
26 - Board of Trustees, 7 pm
 
JULY
 
5 - Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 pm
 
10 - Board of Trustees, 7 pm
 
17 - Board of Review, 3:30 pm
 
18 - Planning Commission, 7 pm
 
24 - Board of Trustees, 7 pm
 
25 - Planning Commission Study Session, 7 pm
 
 
All meetings are subject to cancellation    
  
 

9955 N. Haggerty Rd. | Plymouth, MI 48170 | 734-453-3840
Hours: M-F 8:00am - 4:30 pm



Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.