Plymouth Township e-News
DECEMBER 2020


CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SCHEDULES FOR PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP



Plymouth Township Offices will be closed the following days in observance of the Federal Christmas and New Year's holidays:
 
  • Thursday, December 24, 2020 - Christmas Eve
  • Friday, December 25, 2020 - Christmas Day
  • Thursday, December 31, 2020 - New Year's Eve
  • Friday, January 1, 2021 - New Year's Day
 
There will be NO TRASH COLLECTION on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2020. Trash collection for the 25th will take place on Saturday, December 26th.
 
There will be NO TRASH COLLECTION on New Year's Day, Friday, January 1, 2021. Trash collection for the 1st will take place on Saturday, January 2nd.
 

 
REMINDERS ON YARD WASTE AND CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION


Special collection of Christmas trees and yard waste will continue through the week ending Friday, January 15, 2021. Regular yard waste collection will resume on Monday, April 5, 2021.
 
Here are a few tips on Christmas tree disposal: 
  • Trees will be picked up from January 4 through January 15, 2021 on your NORMAL trash collection day.
  • Be sure to remove all tinsel, garland and non-organic materials from the tree.
  • Do NOT place the tree in a plastic disposal bag.
  • Place the tree with the trunk facing the street for easy collection. 
 
Yard waste guidelines are also available on our website at: 
http://www.plymouthtwp.org/government/departments/solid_waste_trash_collection/yard_waste_and_compost.php



TOWNSHIP REMINDERS ON CORONAVIRUS




The State's increased COVID-19 restrictions have been extended now through Sunday, December 20.   This extension has prompted the Township to continue to adhere to the following protocols with respect to our employees and customers.  This is effective through Sunday, December 20th or until/unless modified by the State:
  • To limit exposure to staff and customers, the doors to Township Hall will be locked; visitors will need to set an appointment or call a number posted to the front door. You MUST wear a face mask and used the provided hand sanitizer when entering the building for your appointment. All staff members will follow COVD protocol as well.  We urge you to conduct business with the Township online, by phone or email, or by using the drop boxes in front of Township Hall.  
  • The front door to the Police Station will be locked; visitors will be required to buzz in. 
  • Inspections for Building and/or Water will only be conducted in unoccupied houses; inspectors will not enter a house if someone is present. 
  • Friendship Station will be closed to the public except for staff; senior food service will continue.   
  • Senior Bus service will continue with reduced schedules, cleanliness guidelines, and per the state COVID regulations. Please contact Kim Boyce at 734-459-8888   for further details. 
  • Hilltop Golf Course will remain operational with their current protocols in place, weather permitting. 
  • The Four-Seasons Pavilion is closed to the public; bathrooms at all pavilions will remain open per seasonal schedules.
 
Watch for notices on our website, www.plymouthtwp.org, concerning upcoming meetings for the Board of Trustees and all other Boards and Commissions.
 
Police, Fire, 911, trash pickup and water/sewer services remain fully operational.

Again, for the latest information, please refer to our website for updates at www.plymouthtwp.org
 
Also follow us on Facebook (Plymouth Township) for updates on any of the aforementioned items.
 
For daily inquiries, please contact our main number and follow the prompts for the proper departments: 734-453-3840.



SENIOR SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

While our Friendship Station has limited hours and activities for all public activities, our staff is working with the Plymouth Community Council on Aging, Plymouth Chamber, Plymouth Housing Commission, United Way, Salvation Army and Wayne County to continue existing programs for vulnerable adults.  Please see the telephone number reference list below to contact the agency that would best serve you.

Plymouth Community Council on Aging ...................................734-354-3222
United Way of Plymouth - TEFAP ............................................734-453-6879, ext. 5
United Way Referral Database - Help with Elderly Care ..........Dial 211
Salvation Army...........................................................................734-453-5464
Meals on Wheels ......................................................................734-326-5202
The Senior Alliance...................................................................734-722-2830 
Plymouth Housing Commission / Tonquish Creek Manor.........734-455-3670                         
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.............................................734-453-1540
Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans
& Community Wellness.............................................................734-727-7000
Michigan COVID19 HOTLINE..................................................1-888-535-6136
 
 
 
 
STATE OF MICHIGAN INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS
 
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is working closely with healthcare providers, local public health departments, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to actively monitor Coronavirus Disease in Michigan. For further information, go to https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, and click on "Residents and Communities" for the latest information on Coronavirus.
 

TOWNSHIP WATER BILLING UPDATE


As most of our residents know, the post office has been very challenged in delivering mail this year. As a result, water bills and payments are being affected! To help our residents, please use the following information to monitor your bills. You can see your billing "zone" on a past water bill at the top by your address next to the account number.
 
  • Zone 1 residents will have a bill due in January; April; July and October.
  • Zone 2 residents will have a bill due in February; May; August; and November.
  • Zone 3 residents will have a bill due in March; June; September; and December.
 
FAILURE TO RECEIVE A BILL DOES NOT WAIVE PAST DUE PENALTY. Please contact us if you do not have a bill within the first week of the month your bill is due! We will be happy to email you a copy of the bill.
 
You can also see your bill and your account history from our website by going to www.plymouthtwp.org. Under QUICK LINKS choose Online Property Inquiry from the menu. It will take you to a Disclaimer, Accept the Disclaimer. It will take you to our secured BSA financial page. Type in the numbers of your address and click on Search and it will load any streets that match those numbers. You then click on your street, you will see a picture of your home and 4 tabs under that. Utility Billing tab is for the water billing.
 
Online payments can be made in the same area on our website or in our convenient Drop Box in the circular driveway in front of our building.
 
You can receive your bill in email format also! The form is in our Document Center (a button along the right side of our website) under Public Works - Water Billing.
 
If you have any questions concerning you water bill, you can contact our Water Billing Specialist, Kelly Latawiec at 734-414-1454.



PARK RESERVATIONS BEGIN, TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021

Beginning Tuesday, January 12, 2021, Plymouth Township residents may reserve a park shelter or pavilion for the 2021 season.  
 
Park reservations begin for non-resident groups on Monday, April 5, 2021.  
 
Due to the current COVID concerns, we are still working on the logistics for a safe reservation experience. Look for a future edition of E-news and our website (link below) for information on reservations as it becomes available.
 


PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP MATER PLAN UPDATE

A Township Master Plan helps guide decision-makers on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board, and Board of Trustees. The State of Michigan requires that a Master Plan be updated every five years. Plymouth Township's Planning Consultants, McKenna, invite you to share your thoughts and ideas on our plan at their survey link below:
 
 
This survey should take around 10 minutes to take. Paper copies of the survey are also available at Township Hall offices. Survey results are due back by December 18th.
 
Thank you in advance for your participation! 

 

 
A MESSAGE ABOUT SNOW AND SNOW EMERGENCIES IN PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP

Winter is HERE! And here in Michigan we can expect more than our share of heavy snow days, making driving and walking a challenge.   The Township wants to remind residents and guests about the following snow-related items: 

  • Plymouth Township does not plow streets; this is the responsibility of Wayne County Roads or your own Homeowner's Association by private contract. 
  • The Township only salts sidewalks and pathways on township-owned property; Wayne County Roads or your Homeowner's Association salts streets.
  • Residents and businesses must remove snow and ice from their adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow or ice event or be subject to an ordinance violation.
  • Plymouth Township does not issue "Snow Emergencies" as we do not have jurisdiction. When you hear of a Snow Emergency on TV or radio, please be considerate and move your vehicle off the street so County or contracted snow plows can do their job.  

WAYNE COUNTY ROADS - POTHOLE NOTIFICATION

All roads in the Township are under the operation and maintenance of Wayne County, the State of Michigan, or private entities.
  
To report concerns about road conditions such as snow and ice, potholes, flooding, "roadkill," and road blockages, call 1-888-ROAD CREW (1-888-762-3273).



NEWS FROM OUR FIRE CHIEF  
PUT A FREEZE ON WINTER HOLIDAY FIRES

 

The holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. With new or reinstated restrictions due to COVID, this holiday season may look different than in years past. You may put up more holiday decorations since you will be spending more time at home.   While it's fun to decorate for the holidays, decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.

Following a few simple tips can help make your holidays fire-safe:

-  Water your live Christmas tree every day. A dry tree is a fire hazard. Trees too close to a heat source cause one in every four
   winter fires. This video link is a great example of what can happen if you don't water your tree daily.

-  Make sure you are using the right lights. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

-  Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

-  Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

-  Keep lit candles away from decorations and things that can burn. More than 1/3 of home decoration fires are started by
   candles. 

-  Consider using flameless candles, they look very similar and are safer.

-  Blow out lit candles and turn off all light strings and decorations when leaving the room or going to bed.
 
-  Make sure your decorations don't block windows and doors.



NEWS FROM POLICE CHIEF TOM TIDERINGTON
HELP PROTECT YOUR HOME WHEN YOU'RE AWAY

With "Snowbird" season here, the Plymouth Township Police Department is happy to provide a 'home check' service while you are out of town either on vacation or for an extended period of time.

for a form that you can fill out and return it to the Plymouth Township Police Department prior to your departure.   The Police will periodically check your home while you are away for any unusual or suspicious activity.   There is no cost for this service.
 

POLICE PARTNERING WITH "RING" FOR SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The Plymouth Township Police Department is partnering with RING on their 'Neighbors' app, which is compatible with most video doorbell services. While this app is not monitored 24/7 by the Police, they will have the ability to view, post, and respond to crime and safety-related information posted on the Neighbors app. 

The Police can also submit video requests to help with active investigations in your area. By partnering with residents on this new technology, we can make Plymouth Township safer - not only working together to fight Holiday theft from porches and vehicles, but also to locate lost pets and report suspicious activity. The Police can also use this information to assist in crime data collection. 

For more information visit the 'Neighbors' app at https://shop.ring.com/pages/neighbors, or subscribe to the Township's 'E-news' or contact the Police Department at 734-354-3232.
 

2021 DOG LICENSES WILL BE AVAILABLE FIRST WEEK IN JANUARY



To control rabies, the Plymouth Township ordinance requires every dog to have a license. Current licenses expire on December 31, 2020. You can renew your dog license for 2021 by simply bringing in a proof of current rabies vaccination to the Township Treasurer's Office along with a $5.00 license fee ($7.00 after May 31st).  
 
You also have the option of mailing an application, along with a copy of the rabies vaccination and a check for $5.00 ($7.00 after May 31st) to:
 
Charter Township of Plymouth
Treasurer's Office
PO Box 8040
Plymouth, Michigan 48170
 
You will receive your new license and dog tag in one week. We will return your vaccination form.   You can click here, http://www.plymouthtwp.org/Forms%20Permits/Dog%20License%20Application.pdf, to go to the Dog License Application in the Forms and Permits page of the Township website to print out the form.


REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE - A REFRESHER ON THE RULES DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

RECYCLE--Plymouth Township offers year-round curbside recycling to our residents. All single family residences and multiple family residences that utilize our solid waste services should have a green 65 gallon recycle cart on the premises. If you do not, please call the Solid Waste Department at (734) 414-1452 so that you are able to participate in this important program. For a list of items accepted in our curbside recycling program, go to www.plymouthtwp.org and search the word recycling. 

During the winter months it is important to keep snow plows in mind when placing your garbage containers and recycling cart to the curb. Keep you containers away from areas where they might be tipped over or blocked by snow. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All items must fit inside the recycle cart in order for it to be collected.  Items placed outside the cart will NOT be collected by the automated recycling truck. 

During this gift buying season, it is important to break down all boxes so they fit inside the recycling cart. If you have an overflow of boxes, please call the Solid Waste Department for an alternative way to have the boxes recycled.

Guidelines for recycling cart placement are also available on the Township web site at


REDUCE AND REUSE

This holiday season keep these tips in mind:

-  Use reusable metal baking trays rather than disposable aluminum.

-  If possible, do not use plastic utensils and plastic dinnerware.

-  Take reusable cloth bags on shopping trips.

-  Collect the reusable ribbons, bows and other package decorations to use next year.

-  Most gift boxes can be flattened and reused.

-  Wrap your gifts with recycled wrapping paper or place in reusable gift bags.



ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP COMMISSION TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
ENVIRONMENTAL REMINDERS FOR HOLIDAY COOKING



 
Remember when you are doing your holiday cooking to keep fats, oil and grease (FOG) out of the drain. FOG sticks to the inside of sewer pipes and can eventually clog the entire pipe. Blockages in sewer pipes can send sewage out of manholes into streets and rivers or up floor drains in homes. One resident's habits can impact an entire neighborhood. Everyone is part of the solution:
  • Pour or scrape greasy or oily food waste into an empty can or jar. Do not pour fats, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals. Allow grease to cool or freeze in the container before throwing it in the trash. 
  • Wipe grease off cookware, utensils, dishes or surfaces with a paper towel before washing. Do not rinse off with hot water. 
  • Mix larger amounts of oil with an absorbent material such as cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealable container before throwing it in the trash.

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MONTHLY PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP HISTORY FACT

It is rare to find an old growth forest in Michigan. Most of Michigan's trees were felled in the lumber boom of the late 1800's. We are fortunate to have one such "Virgin Forest" in Plymouth Township, Miller Woods. The 10-acre forest, located on Powell Rd. between Beck and Ridge, is believed to have never been logged because the pioneer families who owned it used the trees for Maple syrup production. Miller Woods, along with 30 adjacent acres, was purchased from the Miller family by the Plymouth-Canton School District in 1968. It is open daily to the public for nature walks. Get more info at: www.millerwoods.com





SCHEDULED MEETINGS
  
All meetings held at Township Hall or may be moved to an on-line format due to the State's COVID orders. Watch our website for updates, www.plymouthtwp.org
 
 
DECEMBER:
 
14 - DDA/BRA Meetings, 4 pm
 

JANUARY:
 
7   - Zoning Board of Appeals, 6 pm  CANCELLED
 
12 - Board of Trustees, 7 pm
 
20 - Planning Commission, 7 pm
 
25 - Environmental Leadership Commission, 7 pm
 
26 - Board of Trustees, 7 pm 
 
 
All meetings are subject to cancellation