The Charter Township of Northville is a vibrant, safe and attractive community. The perfect place to live, work and play! This e-newsletter is another way for you to stay connected to what's happening in your community. |
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FIRE DEPARTMENT PARTNERS WITH NORTHVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR STRONGER RADIO SIGNALS, SAFER SCHOOLS
A partnership with Northville Public Schools and the Northville Township Fire Department has created a safer school environment for your children.
Seven Northville Schools have improved the hardware inside the schools that allows communication between emergency radios, the key tool used by fire, medical and police emergency teams. The enhancements were made to the Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRC).
Four of the schools are in the Township. They are Northville High School, Meads Mill Middle School, Moraine Elementary and Ridge Wood Elementary. The remaining three are Thornton Creek Elementary in Novi and Hillside Middle School and Old Village School in the City of Northville. The District’s remaining school buildings were also field tested, and found to be within signal guidelines.
Due to a number of factors including building construction (concrete, metal, energy-efficient glass), topography, obstructions and below grade structures, the Fire Department pointed out the radio failures in various schools in 2018. The District responded immediately. They commissioned testing for all NPS buildings and installed a temporary solution for the high school until this permanent fix was completed.
Fire Marshal Ensures Safety
The Township requires testing at every new building as part of the plan review process. For existing buildings, the Fire Marshal works with responding crews to address known radio failures and works to coordinate testing, and if necessary, enhancement.
The School District worked with the Fire Marshal on the project. Thanks to a grant that Northville Schools received from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), they completed the ERRC enhancement system before school began this fall.
In one stairwell at Northville High School alone, the upgrade showed a radio signal with 5,000 times more powerful of a signal.
“This is a huge accomplishment for our Department, for the School District and for the community at large,” Township Fire Chief Brent Siegel said. Communications are the number one failure identified during active shooter events and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Line of Duty Death reports. “This is a big win for the community.”
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FIREFIGHTERS TRAIN WITH NEW TOOLS
OF THE TRADE TO KEEP THE TOWNSHIP SAFE
Six days a week – that’s how much our Northville Township Fire Department trains. It’s every day except Sunday. And not just in October, which is Fire Prevention Month. Our firefighters want to be ready for any emergency.
The reason? Fighting fires has become more difficult these days as modern building and home décor materials burn dangerously quicker and hotter.
Occupants used to have 17 minutes to escape a fire 40 years ago, but today’s lightweight construction elements and synthetic fibers collapse quicker, reducing it to three minutes to escape a fire. This increases the vulnerability of occupants and firefighters. Recognizing this, the Fire Department is using more high-tech tools to fight fires. No longer are a ladder, hose, ax and water the only tools of their trade.
Recently the Fire Department trained with tactical thermal imaging, a diagnostic tool that allows the firefighters to identify where the fire is and where it’s headed, identify the fire’s severity and locate any victims or firefighters quickly. It also assists firefighters in identifying rapidly changing fire conditions and helps predict an early structural collapse.
While the technology has been around for several years, it has improved and researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) understand fire’s different behaviors with new building materials. That led to more ways to use the technology more effectively.
New Construction Trends Impact Firefighting
Keeping up on the latest firefighting developments is important in a community like Northville Township, points out Fire Department Training Coordinator Jesse Marcotte. More than 70% of all the homes in Northville Township have been built since 1980. That means the majority of homes include the lightweight construction materials and building methods to create bigger homes, with longer floor and ceiling spans, and more space between supports. Fighting a fire on a home built in the early 1950s is a different fire from one built post 1980, Marcotte says.
It also reflects the Department’s commitment to continuous improvement, says Fire Chief Brent Siegel.
“Preparedness both individually and collectively is critical to operational success,” he says. “Our work as fire, rescue and emergency medical services professionals is not only vast in scope, but it is also ever-evolving. There are countless challenges surrounding us in each discipline. Our job is to identify, understand and master the challenges we face.”
A week prior to the thermal imaging training, Marcotte took a group to the “burn trailer” on the Seven Mile Road property showing how to cover more square footage with water. He pointed a fire hose at the ceiling rather than directly on the fire because it sprays down and reaches more surface area in a room, similar to how a fire sprinkler works. That concept was proven when the 5-gallon buckets he strategically placed in the trailer to capture the water showed the depth and breadth of the watering technique compared with spraying it directly into the room.
“That technique is important because home sizes in Northville Township have increased 54% since 1980,” says Marcotte.
Simulation Exercises on an iPad Introduced
This June, Marcotte also began training firefighters using “sims” at the Fire Headquarters. The Department purchased Blue Card training software to conduct training in-house rather than send members of the team to training sessions around the state, which the Department had previously done.
The heart of this training is video scenarios on iPads. They help those who may have the opportunity to serve the role of incident commander with decision making, evaluating the scene, communicating with onsite firefighters, ensuring the safety and accountability of all those involved and the transfer of command. At its simplest, it teaches firefighters how to describe the scene using universal terminology rather than lingo certain departments may use. Northville Township is training all of its fire fighters how to use it, not just those in charge.
The reason behind this sweeping education is because the Blue Card program is being embraced by multiple departments surrounding Northville Township. Because our Department finds itself in emergencies where mutual aid is needed, having a uniform method of communicating leads to operational efficiencies and safer firefighting.
“Typically injuries occur during critical phases of an incident, such as a transfer of command,” Marcotte says. “This helps prevent that.”
Marcotte will be in the spotlight this month as our Fire Department is teaming up with Livonia Fire Department and Schoolcraft College to host one of 18 national discussions on “Understanding & Fighting Basement Fires.” This prestigious program was developed by the International Society of Fire Service Instructors and draws firefighters from across Michigan and the nation to learn from Marcotte and other basement fire experts.
“Safety for everyone is our goal, especially when it comes to the citizens of Northville Township,” Marcotte says.
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NORTHVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
RETURNS TO RECREATION CENTER AT HILLSIDE
Northville Parks and Recreation's administrative offices have moved to the Recreation Center at Hillside within Hillside Middle School. To register for classes or buy a dog park membership, please visit their new location at 775 N. Center St., Suite B, or register online at www.northvilleparksandrec.org.
To access the Recreation offices, please use the drive off of Center Street and proceed to the south end of the new parking lot, where you will see the new entrance to the Recreation Center.
The administrative office is open Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm.
They look forward to seeing you.
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A VISIBLE COMMITTMENT TO YOU
The next time you’re in a Northville Township building, please seek out our latest wall hanging. It’s more than a decoration. It’s a commitment to you. Each public building now displays our Principles of Governance. Your Board of Trustees has pledged to maintain the highest standards set forth by the Michigan Townships Association when it comes to governing this great community. The principles laid out in this hand-signed document are top of mind as we serve the residents of Northville Township.
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NORTHVILLE SENIOR FEST RETURNS |
Fall is fun in Northville Township, especially when the Northville Parks & Recreation’s Senior Services is involved. It’s hosting Northville Senior Fest, a fun-filled day made magical with music, dancing, vendor tables, catered lunch and prizes. Join us for this annual sell-out event.
Thursday, Oct. 21
10 am-3 pm
$10 per person
Northville Community Center
303 West Main St., Northville
Vendors are available from 10-11:30 am, while lunch and entertainment runs noon-3 pm.
For questions or vendor opportunities, please contact:
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TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AVAILABLE
TO RESIDENTS
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Did you know that seniors ages 60+ or those with a documented disability who live in either the Township or the City of Northville have access to transportation service?
Thanks to the Northville Senior Services Program, a function of Northville Parks and Recreation, our bus service provides transportation to medical appointments and other errands for a small fee.
This service is offered Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-3:30 pm.
To schedule a ride, call (248) 449-9934 between 9-11:30 am. (Reservations must be made at least two working days in advance.)
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DOG AGILITY COURSE OPENS
AT MARV GANS COMMUNITY PARK
Northville Township is now home to a dog agility course thanks to a Troop 755 Eagle Scout project at Marv Gans Community Park. Township resident Jonathan Barringer, 17, built the six-obstacle course.
Barringer, a University of Detroit Jesuit High School student organized, raised funds, recruited assistance and built the agility course to give both dogs and their owners exercise while bonding.
Agility is a growing dog sport in the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports more than one million entries to the AKC Agility program each year.
With the help of the owner, a dog races against the clock while navigating an obstacle course by using cues and body language of the owner to direct Fido.
All breeds and all sizes can partake in agility.
The Course's Inspiration
“I got the idea for this as my Eagle Project after I took my dog to an agility course that was far away,” said Barringer. He wanted something closer to work with Rebel, his Golden Retriever.
This course is housed in the back of the large dog’s section of Marv Gans Community Park, where there was space to accommodate the layout.
The obstacles are:
- A pause table, where a pooch waits to start and finish a course
- A hoop, in two sizes, for both small and bigger dogs to jump through
- A dog ramp used to teach a dog to refrain from jumping off early
- Two bar jumps, made out of PVC pipe, each has four different heights
- Weave poles, six flexible poles to weave through
- A tunnel, a one-way obstacle a dog must go all the way through
Barringer designed the course focusing on quality and longevity. It cost $5,000 to build.
Footing the Bill Through Fundraising
To raise money for it, he returned refundable bottles, picked up dog poop for donating customers, started a GoFundMe campaign and secured $2,500 in business sponsorships.
“Jonathon worked very hard and did a great job on the agility course,” said Northville Parks and Recreation Director Mark Gasche. “We expect it will be a popular addition to our dog park, as we have observed many of the members already working with their dogs on the course.”
An Eagle Project is a requirement to get the Eagle Scout designation, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts program. Only 4% of Scouts achieve this rank. During the project, Barringer demonstrated leadership and organizational skills while performing a project for the benefit of their community.
“I was 16 when I started this project and it took six months to build,” Barringer said. “I’m happy how it turned out.”
The Marv Gans Community Park Dog Park is off Five Mile Road, west of Beck Road. It is open 7 am-dusk.
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DISCOUNTED DOG LICENSES NOW AVAILABLE
Northville Township residents, 2022 dog licenses are now available for purchase.
All tags are discounted to $5 from now until Dec. 31. Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, new licenses will cost $5 and renewals will cost $7.
There are two ways to renew:
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In person: Visit Township Hall, located at 44405 Six Mile Road. Please bring a current rabies certificate (signed by an accredited veterinarian). Cash or check only.
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By mail: send a completed application, a copy of the signed rabies certificate, and a check for the license fee and return postage. Mail to: Charter Township of Northville, 44405 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168. An additional $2 fee will apply to mail-in applications only, to mail the tag back to you.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT NAMES
NEW SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
There is a new friendly face wandering the halls of your child’s school and at school events. Northville Township Police Officer Michael Brown was named School Resource Officer for the Department July 5. He is looking forward to meeting you.
Officer Brown joined Northville Township is 2019. Like your student, he’s constantly learning. He’s pursing a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Technology at Eastern Michigan University, where he also received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. While at Eastern, he was a member of the football team and nominated captain his senior season.
After graduating from Eastern, he attended the Wayne County Regional Police Academy in 2017. The native of Sandusky, Ohio, began his career as a police officer where he first discovered his love for the profession -- at Eastern Michigan University’s Police Department, where he interned as an undergrad. He is happy to be back in a school environment.
Please introduce yourself and your favorite student to Officer Brown when you see him at school. He is happy to help you.
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POLICE DEPARTMENT EARNS ACCREDITATION FROM CALEA
The Northville Township Police Department achieved one of law enforcement’s most prestigious designations: accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA).
This important designation verifies the Department meets or excels at best practices of law enforcement standards. Only 11 of the 583 police agencies in Michigan and only 4% of more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide have achieved accreditation, a process that typically takes three years to complete. Northville Township was able to complete it in two years.
Concurrently, the Department also achieved the CALEA Public Safety Communications Accreditation, a separate process but just as rigorous. Northville Township is one of two public safety answering points (PSAP) in the state out of 136 such call centers to achieve this accreditation. The Township’s PSAP receives emergency and non-emergency calls for Northville Township and the City of Northville.
CALEA accreditation is a voluntary process that requires agencies to carefully exam and improve itself, and then submit reports showing compliance with the programs’ standards.
“The men and women of the Northville Township Police Department are driven to serve our community with professionalism while continuously improving,” Northville Township Police Chief Paul Tennies said. “This process promotes transparency while validating these commitments to those who live and visit Northville Township.”
Please help us congratulate our Police Department on this incredible double honor.
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TOWNSHIP LEADERS COMPLETE FEMA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING
Northville Township Directors attended summer school to better prepare for major emergencies and disasters of all types.
All nine department heads, from Finance to Public Services, successfully passed the Fundamentals of Emergency Management course through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
That puts Northville Township in rare company, points out Township Manager and Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler. “We have informally researched this and we have not heard of any other community that has had all of their directors take this FEMA course to help prepare for an emergency,” Mutchler said.
Preparation Matters
The goal of the course is to prepare them for incident management and support activities for any natural, technical or human-related hazard or emergency. They are now capable of planning, managing and coordinating resources for an efficient, effective response. They also understand how FEMA operates and how it fits in with assisting Northville Township residents.
The need for this training is there. Since 1997, there have been six presidential and seven governor major disaster declarations for Wayne County. The State has had 857 tornadoes since 1950 and 27 have occurred in Wayne County. After this summer’s multiple storms that left many with damaged homes, downed trees and no power, it was top of mind for all.
“We want to be prepared because it’s our mission to deliver excellent public service and Northville Township has some areas of risk, including the railroad tracks that go through our community,” Mutchler said.
Mutchler is working with Canton Township’s Emergency Manager to set up some additional “tabletop” training exercises for Northville Township to further bolster emergency management knowledge.
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TOWNSHIP HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SHRED-IT EVENT
Thank you for the great turnout for this year's onsite document shredding event. You filled nearly two full truck loads. Way to go, Northville Township!
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ARBOR HILLS ENERGY LLC TO REDUCE ODORS, PAY A SETTLEMENT
Arbor Hills Energy LLC (AHE) has agreed to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, its odor-causing sulfur dioxide emissions in a settlement with the United States Department of Justice, the EPA and the state of Michigan.
It also agreed to pay two $375,000 fines — one to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and another to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
“We are happy these matters are being resolved,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “Our expectation is a clean, healthy environment for our residents and this is a start.”
Future Actions Required
By March 2023, Arbor Hills Energy, under the settlement, will either construct a renewable natural gas facility that converts landfill gas into pipeline-quality natural gas or install a sulfur treatment system that achieves a 64 percent reduction in SO2 emissions. Either pathway will bring Arbor Hills into compliance with the Clean Air Act and mitigate past excess SO2 emissions, the EPA said.
“This settlement makes important progress in improving air quality near the AHE Facility,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “My office is also addressing air pollution from the adjacent landfill in the case I filed on behalf of Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in 2020 against the landfill owner. Combined, when completed, this work will dramatically improve the impact both facilities have had on the surrounding communities.”
Northville Township, which is located across the county line from the Arbor Hills Landfill, has experienced ongoing noxious odors since December 2015.
“This action is a long time in the making,” Supervisor Abbo said. “We are grateful to the Justice Department, the EPA and the state of Michigan for the progress made in helping our great community.”
The Township is in separate ongoing discussions with Arbor Hills regarding improving future operations.
The current settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.
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CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM BEGINS INSPECTIONS NORTH OF SEVEN MILE
Inspectors from HydroCorp are in a couple of Township neighborhoods north of Seven Mile Road for the Cross Connection Control Program. They are in specially marked HydroCorp vehicles.
A state law requires Northville Township to introduce a cross connection control program to identify any connections that could contaminate the public water system. A cross connection is an arrangement of piping that could allow undesirable ingredients (like sewage and chemicals) to enter your drinking water supply as a result of back flow. The Township hired HydroCorp to ensure the safety of all residents’ cross connections.
How Does an Inspection Unfold?
A typical site visit lasts less than 20 minutes and the inspector will look at garden hose connections, lawn sprinkler systems, pools/spas and any secondary water sources, such as privately owned wells. HydroCorp will NOT enter your home for this inspection.
There are no fees for the inspection. If the inspector discovers an issue, a resident will be notified by mail about necessary repairs. Any costs associated with this repair remain the obligation of the home owner.
Those homeowners impacted by this inspection should have received a letter informing them about HydroCorp’s visit. Because of the Township’s size, inspections will be rolled out on a five-year schedule, so other neighborhoods may not be visited until next year or beyond.
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TOWNSHIP EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
Northville Township is a great place to live, work and play. Come work with us! We are looking to fill these part-time and seasonal positions:
- Transportation Driver
- Building Attendant
- School Crossing Guard
- Parks Maintenance
- Park Ranger
Learn more about these openings and apply now:
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DATES TO MARK ON THE CALENDAR |
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THURSDAY, Nov. 11
Township offices will be closed for Veterans Day.
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REMINDERS:
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While Northville Township has not endorsed or established an official Oct. 31 Halloween event, in the past we have suggested trick-or-treating hours from 6-8 pm.
- Yard waste pickup ends the third week of December.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Nov. 1 Water & sewer bills due
Nov. 11 Veterans Day
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving, Township offices closed
Nov. 25 Day after Thanksgiving, Township offices closed
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BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETING DATES
Oct. 14
Board of Trustees Special Meeting
6 pm
Oct. 20
Zoning Board of Appeals
7 pm
Oct. 21
Northville Senior Advisory Commission
1 pm - Community Center
Oct. 21
Board of Trustees
7 pm
Oct. 25
MITC Redevelopment Authority
9 am
Oct. 26
Planning Commission
7 pm
Oct. 28
Historic District Commission
6:30 pm
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at Township Hall. Some meetings are livestreamed. For those links and because dates and times are subject to change, please confirm on Township's website.
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For more information on upcoming events or meeting details,
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Charter Township of Northville | 248.348.5800 | 44405 Six Mile Road |
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