The Insider e-Version February - March 2023
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Greetings!
For those residents that may not know a lot about me, I was sworn in on January 17, 2023 as the 9th Mayor of Westland. Westland is Michigan’s 10th largest city of more than 85,000 residents. I am a life-long resident and a product of the Wayne-Westland School District.
My daily work on behalf of the residents is driven by a shared vision of a dynamic City. Westland is recognized as a prime destination for businesses and a safe place where individuals and families love to live, work, learn, shop, play and thrive. I am a strong proponent of consistency, quality service and active engagement.
For 10 years, I was active in the City’s government, serving on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council, the Westland Masterplan Steering Committee, the Youth Assistance Advisory Council and served as chairman of the Downtown Development Authority. In 2017, residents elected me to the Westland City Council where I served for five years, including three years as President Pro-Tem.
For 18 years, I delivered value in sales and customer management at the largest food and beverage company in North America ranked 45th on the Fortune 500 list. I am a firm believer in top quality service and meaningful community engagement and earned various recognitions and commendations for innovation and team building. Some of these include the Circles of Excellence Award, the Dominate The State Award and the Dominate The Great Lakes Award.
I have also participated in many leadership training sessions; including Michigan Municipal League Elected Officials Academy, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) as well as budgeting, transportation and place making. I have also obtained various certificates in anti-bribery, anti-discrimination, implicit bias, cultural sensitivity and inclusive leadership.
These valuable experiences have prepared me to take on the very demanding role of Westland’s CEO, overseeing a $70 million annual budget, with more than 400 employees in 25 departments. My top priorities incorporate public safety, fiscal responsibility and transparency along with increasing multisector investments.
I enjoy arts and culture, mentoring young leaders, spending time in northern Michigan savoring the beautiful outdoors and an avid University of Michigan fan. I am very active in community events throughout the City.
As February arrives we would like to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month. Throughout the month we will be celebrating with programming on WLND and also sharing posts on our social media platforms that highlight the great achievements of our black community here in Westland and across the country.
During this time of year often comes snowy weather conditions. Please remember that during a snow emergency, vehicles are prohibited from parking on the street. This ensures that our Department of Public Service can get out and plow and salt the streets in a timely and efficient manner. We greatly appreciate your cooperation on this matter.
Winter is a wonderful time of year and I encourage you to take advantage of the programming at the Mike Modano Ice Arena, the Westland Senior Friendship Center, the Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center, and the William P. Faust Public Library, which is temporarily located at the former Marshall Upper Elementary School (35100 Bayview Street) during their expansion and renovation project. Visit the calendar page of the city’s website for more details.
It has already been a busy year, but I assure you, there are many more great things to come. All of the important information about what is going on in our City can be found on the City’s website www.cityofwestland.com and the City’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Also, be sure to watch WLND, and our YouTube Channel for the latest programming, sign up for our e-newsletter and to receive Nixle alerts, sent right to your phone.
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Michael P. Londeau, Mayor |
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Did you know? The NAACP was founded on February 12, 1909, the centennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.
In the decades that followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing "Negro History Week." By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, "Negro History Week" had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.
President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
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The Finance Department collects all real and personal property taxes and disburses the funds to all taxing jurisdictions.
Important Dates
- Tax bills are sent out twice a year: July 1 and December 1.
- Taxes are due by August 15 or February 14, respectively.
If those dates fall on the weekend then the due date will be the following business day. unless the time is extended by City Council.
Summer Tax Deferral Application
To request a summer tax payment deferral, complete the online form and return to the City Tax department. The form can be returned by:
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Send the completed form to the Tax Clerk.
- Mail the form attention the Tax Department to Westland City Hall.
To pay your taxes online please visit:
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The City of Westland is asking our business community and homeowners to please make sure sidewalks are clear of snow as soon as possible for our many residents who rely on sidewalks for travel to school, businesses and exercise. We also have many of our friends and neighbors that our impacted in their travel due to disabilities. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. |
American Red Cross Blood Drive |
Emanuel Steward's legacy lives on in Westland at the Real Kronk Gym and through the ESCOT Youth Development Program that is located within the Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center. ESCOT is KRONK Boxing Gym's youth development program. Not only is the place for kids to be after school, but it's also the place where kids get a shot at becoming champions in life. It provides kids a place where they can excel in Athletics, Academics, Leadership and Community, so they can stay on the right path, become anything they want and give back as productive members of society.
Kids don't have to box to be a part of ESCOT. They just have to want to be a champion and hang with other kids who want to be champions too!
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Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center Programs:
Learning Lab
- Computer Education (Access to Coding, Google Chrome Books and Apps)
- Tutoring/Homework Assistance (Supported by Certified Teachers)
Hours
- Monday 3 pm to 6 pm
- Tuesday 3 pm to 6 pm
- Wednesday 3 pm to 6 pm
- Thursday 3 pm to 6 pm
- Friday 3 pm to 6 pm
Reading Room
The mission of the Jefferson Barns Community Center Reading Room is to connect you to the joy of reading and to enrich lives, build community, and foster success by bringing people, information, and ideas together. The library is open to everyone. There are no fines for late returns.
Hours
- Monday 12 pm to 4 pm
- Wednesday 3 pm to 7 pm
- Friday 12 pm to 4 pm
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Everyone should file a tax return, even if you’re not required to, and here’s why: money from tax credits is available; you just need to claim it. Our team of volunteer tax professionals care about your financial wellbeing. We are not the IRS. We are experts who are here to help you, at no cost to you, ever. When you book an appointment with us you’ll work with a real person who will help you claim all of the tax credits you can. These free tax preparation services are available year-round at several locations, including virtually, with a range of convenient hours.
Every year Michiganders leave thousands of dollars on the table. This is your money, claim it!
Our tax experts can help you receive tax credits including:
- Home Heating Credit, for Michigan homeowners or renters to help ease heating costs
- Homestead Property Tax Credit, for homeowners and renters who make less than $60,600
- Earned Income Tax Credit, for working families and individuals
- Child Tax Credit, a federal credit for families with children under 18 years old
- Child and Dependant Care Credit, a federal credit to help ease childcare costs
- Educational Tax Credits and Deductions, for taxpayers or their dependents who are attending college
A full list of credits can be viewed here, or you can simply meet with our expert tax professionals and they’ll determine what you qualify for.
For guided help in preparing your taxes:
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For the current WLND Program Schedule and to stay up to date on upcoming events in the City of Westland, please visit:
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The City Council consists of seven Council persons, elected at large. Four Council persons are elected at each regular odd year City election. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected to four year terms and the candidate receiving the fourth highest number of votes is elected to a two year term. The term of office commences at noon on January 1, following the election and expires at noon two or four years thereafter.
To view the Westland City Council Meetings, or view City Council agendas and minutes please visit: www.cityofwestland.com.
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As a service to our community, the Westland Police Department offers a Medication Drop Off Box to our residents all year long.
If you have prescription medication that you would like to have disposed please bring it to the lobby of the Police Department (36701 Ford Rd.) at any time. The picture shown is of the medication drop box that is located in our lobby, and is available for you to drop expired/unwanted medications into anytime, 24/7/365.
The only restrictions are that needles and liquids are not allowed. These items can be turned into most local pharmacies. According to the FDA.gov website these locations include, (but may not be limited to:
Meijer Pharmacies located at Warren & Newburgh in Westland, and also at Middlebelt & Schoolcraft in Livonia.
CVS Pharmacies located at Merriman & Cherry Hill in Westland, as well as the Newburgh & Joy Rd. location in Livonia.
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Special Needs 911 Registry
The City of Westland Police Department Special Needs 911 Registry is used to help in identifying and assisting residents with disabilities and their families.
Any adult or child who may have difficulty communicating due to a developmental or cognitive disability can be registered. These individuals tend to be a risk for wandering and include disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome etc. Interested family members are asked to complete the on-line registration form below regarding their loved one, that provides useful information to responding police officers and other first responders.
Please complete the Special Needs 911 Registry Form to add a person to the registry. If you have any questions or to be removed from the registry, please email us at
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Open Skate sessions at the beautifully updated Mike Modano Ice Arena (6210 North Wildwood) has started. Now thru April, people of all ages and skill levels can head to the rink for open skating on Friday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. The skate rental shop will be open for those who need blades, and of course the snack shop is loaded with all of your favorites. If you have any questions, please call 734-729-4560. |
Learn more about the five divisions that make up the Department of Public Service. Each division is responsible for a critical part of the City's infrastructure.
- Report a Down Tree
- Report a Pothole
- Report a Streetlight Being Out
- Report a Water Main Break
- Service Line Self Reporting
Recycling Center: The City of Westland has tried to reduce its impact on the environment in recent years, and its do-it-yourself recycling center plays a big role in recycling success. The outdoor facility, at 37137 Marquette, allows residents who don't live in traditional houses to recycle and creates a drop-off zone for items not recycled at the curb.
Need Assistance with your Water Bill
The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) is a program that provides funding to eligible, low income homeowners to assist with their water bills. Funding for the program is provided by the Great Lakes Water Authority. The program has been improved to include a streamlined enrollment process. Eligible residents will get monthly water bill credits, arrearage assistance and minor plumbing repairs. The program is offered through the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. Please call them at (313) 386-9727 or visit www.WayneMetro.org/WRAP for additional information.
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Westland Senior Friendship Center |
The Westland Senior Friendship Center (1119 N. Newburgh)
Computer Lab
The computer lab features 20 state of the art computers with high speed Internet access that is available to all members for personal or educational purposes.
Educational programs and instructor led classes are offered periodically through our partnerships with various organizations.
Fitness Center
Our fitness room includes a variety of different machines to ensure a complete workout, and is open late four nights a week so those working have access. The center/exercise room is open during normal business hours.
The exercise room is closed at 3:00 pm on days we have big events.
Pool Room
Our pool room is a great place to spend time building relationships with other older adults or to create new acquaintanceships. Boasting of multiple full size tables, it is a great place for a friendly game of pool or billiards.
The Center offers space and equipment that provide education, fitness, nutrition, recreation, socialization, and technology. A basic membership is just $12 per year. For more information, please call 734-722-7628 or visit their website at https://www.cityofwestland.com/333/Senior-Resources.
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Curb to Curb
Nankin Transit will pick up eligible riders at their home and take them to their destination within the cities of Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Garden City, Canton and up to one mile outside of those boundaries for work and medical appointments.
Nankin Transit will also service the destination of St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia.
Location
32150 Dorsey
Westland, MI 48186 Phone: 734-729-2710
Service Hours
8:30 am until 5:00 pm
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The Department of Innovation and Technology is excited to offer the Westland Click & Fix App as the latest, easiest way to connect with your City. In three short clicks, you can submit issues like potholes or damaged streetlights and a work order will be created with the City automatically. You can also track existing issues, and receive a notification when work is completed on submitted issues. Additionally, you'll have one-touch access to the City's event calendar, and social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Download it today through the Apple App Store or Android Google Play Store depending on your device.
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The Westland City Council voted Michael P. Londeau as the 9th Mayor of the City, filling the seat vacated by William R. Wild. Mayor Londeau, 44 years old, is a lifelong resident of Westland and most recently served as the Westland City Council President Pro-Tem.
Prior to being elected to the Westland City Council in 2017, Mayor Londeau served as the Chairman of the Westland Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a member of the Westland Master Plan Steering Committee, Board Member of the Westland Youth Assistance Advisory Committee, member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council and several other city committees and numerous volunteering duties and positions with local non-profit organizations.
The Westland City Council also filled the vacancy left by Mayor Londeau on the City Council by appointing DeLano Hornbuckle to fill the seat. Councilman Hornbuckle was most recently a seated member of the Planning Commission.
The Westland City Council also filled the vacancy of Council President Pro-Tem by appointing current Councilwoman Andrea Rutkowski to take on the duties. Council President Pro-Tem Andrea Rutkowski was elected to the City Council in 2019.
Congratulations to new Mayor Michael P. Londeau, new Council President Pro-Tem Andrea Rutkowski and new Councilman DeLano Hornbuckle!
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Councilman DeLano Hornbuckle |
Council President Pro-Tem |
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The City of Westland celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day with our Annual MLK Celebration to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the message he preached to the world. The celebration started with our "Remembrance Walk" to commemorate his life and legacy. The Grand Ballroom Ceremony focused on how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had inspired us, what his message means to us, and featured a Keynote Discussion on "The Community Dr. King Dreamed About", facilitated by Westland Chief Diversity Officer C. Paschal Eze with panelists Dr. Cleamon Moorer, Jr., Tennille Taraszkiewicz, and Jennifer Douglas. Many other participants and presentations made this a fitting tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. |
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OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Tommy's Express Car Wash held their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the beautiful state of the art car wash at the southwest corner of Newburgh and Ford Road (37401 Ford Rd Westland 48185) where they provide 4 different wash packages, free vacuums and mat washing. Check out their Facebook page at Tommy's Express Westland to learn more about how to download their app and get in on all their deals. We welcome and thank Tommy's Express Car Wash and owner Aaron Brown for their over 6 million dollar investment in our community.
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The City of Westland is honored to announce the promotion of Darrell Stamper as our new Fire Chief. Chief Stamper has gained all the knowledge and experience required for this vital position from his rise through the ranks of the Westland Fire & Rescue Department. He began his career in 2000, starting as a Firefighter, then Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and now our City's 10th Fire Chief. Congratulations Chief Stamper, and thank you for your service to our community!
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City of Westland Municipal Departments |
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Council President: Jim Hart
President Pro Tem: Andrea Rutkowski
Address: 36300 Warren
Westland, MI 48185
Phone: 734-467-3191
Fax: 734-721-1377
The legislative body of Westland is the City Council which consists of seven (7) Council persons, elected at large. Four Council persons are elected at each regular odd year City election. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected to four (4) year terms and the candidate receiving the fourth highest number of votes is elected to a two (2) year term. The term of office commences at 12:00 noon on January 1, following the election and expires at 12:00 noon two or four years thereafter. City Council members can be contacted through the City Clerk.
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Jim Hart
Council President
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Andrea Rutkowski
Council President Pro-Tem
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Richard LeBlanc
City Clerk
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36300 Warren Road,
Westland, MI 48185
734-713-3888
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