February Insider  
In This Issue
Winter Tax Bills
Upcoming Dates
Hockey Night in Westland
The Buzz!
Just Dance!
Mid-Winter Break
The Bailey Center
The Bailey Center
Winter Weather Procedures
NSP Homeownership Opportunities
Curbside Recycling
Norwayne Citizens Council is Blooming
Westland Works!
January in Review
Municipal Departments
City Council

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Volunteer to Volunteer

Michigan Humane Society

Disaster Planning

When disaster strikes, it can often leave us feeling uncertain and unprepared. Having a disaster plan for your family is important to help you get through difficult times, and that includes making plans for your pets. MHS has several resources that can help you create a plan to better protect your family and pets during a disaster. Taking some precautionary steps to prepare yourself and your animals for an emergency disaster situation can make a world of difference. You can learn how to create a disaster plan here, and download a personal emergency preparedness checklist and an emergency reclaim card for your pet.

 

 

Disaster Planning 


Winter Tax Bills

Tax Bill


The deadline for paying the Winter 2010 taxes has been extended by City Council.  The last day to pay the winter tax bill is February 28, 2011.  After this no payments can be accepted at City Hall.  All payments after this date will have to be made to Wayne County.


Journey to Better Heatlh

St. Mary's Health

"Your Journey to Better Health" is a public/private partnership developed by Mayor William R. Wild and St. Mary Mercy Hospital staff, offering residents key information to help residents lead healthier lives. 

The next seminar will be held on February 9th at the Friendship Center at 1:00 p.m. The topic will be Men's Health Issues. Please call the Friendship Center to let them know you're attending at (734) 722-7628. This event is open to all residents, so come and begin your journey to better health!
 Report from Mayor Wild
Mayor William R. WildDear ,

 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the nation's 35th President.  To commemorate this event, I joined mayors across the nation in the JFK 50th Anniversary Tribute which was organized by the United States Conference of Mayors, Mrs. Caroline Kennedy and the Institute of Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

 

On January 6, 2011, I visited Ms. Michelle Anderson's 11th Grade U.S. History Class at John Glenn High School and encouraged her students to head JFK's famous call to action.  I reminded students of President Kennedy's famous inauguration speech of January 1961 when Kennedy challenged American's to "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country".  I spoke to them about the importance of public service and encouraged their civic involvement.

 

It was an honor to return to my alma mater to speak to the students about the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and share how my studies of the Kennedy presidency as a high school student inspired my path to public service.  I took questions from the students on my role as Mayor and encouraged the students to learn more JFK and outlined ways they could become involved in their community.

 

Students presented me with posters they created on their view of the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and while exercising their right to vote, they chose their classmate Taylor Bonarek's poster as the winner.  All posters will be on display at the William P. Faust Public Library, located at 6123 Central City Parkway. As we dive into 2011, reflect on your own civic involvement and I encourage you this month to go to www.cityofwestland.com and check out the volunteer opportunities right here in the City of Westland.

 

Best regards,

Mayor Signature
Mayor William R. Wild

Upcoming Dates - February 2011

Mark your calendar...  

 

Feb. 1Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall, 7:30PM
Feb. 4Info Session: Green Jobs Training @ Library, 1PM
Feb. 4Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Feb. 7City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 7PM
Feb. 10-13Friends Book Sale @ Library, Hours vary
Feb. 11Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Feb. 11Annual Family Hoedown @ Bailey Center, 6:30PM
Feb. 12Daddy/Daughter Fairy Princess Ball @ Bailey Center, 3PM
Feb. 14Coffee Hour @ Library, 9AM
Feb. 18Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Feb. 19Resume Writing Workshop @ Library, 1PM
Feb. 21City Offices Closed in Observance of Presidents Day
Feb. 22City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 7PM
Feb. 25Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Feb. 26Holliday Nature Preserve Walk @ Hix Rd./N. of Warren, Noon

 

Singles Skate

 

The Mike Modano Ice Arena now offers Singles Skate! For days and times of hockey and skating programs at the Mike Modano Ice Arena click here.

 

 

For more information on each event click on the calendar of upcoming events at www.cityofwestland.com.


Hockey Night in Westland

 

Wild WingsOn Saturday, March 12, 2011, Mayor Wild and the Westland Wild Wings will be playing a charity hockey game vs. the Detroit Red Wing Alumni at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale; Adults $10, Kids $5 and Children 3 and under are FREE! Last year's event was sold out, so get your tickets today as seating is limited! 

 

For more information click here, call (734) 729-4560 or email parks@cityofwestland.com. All proceeds of the event will go to fund improvements to the Mike Modano Ice Arena.


The Buzz!

What's the buzz you ask? Mayor Wild and Ashlee Baracy co-host a new hit show on WLND called "The Buzz" to inform Westland residents about all the latest happenings and hot spots throughout the city. In January, they launched their first episode from BuzzWestland Shopping Center. The Buzz is looking to highlight Westland's favorite coffee shop this month. Let your opinion be heard - vote for your favorite here.


Just Dance! - Annual Parent/Child Dances

Fun for your whole family is guaranteed at the annual Valentine's dances at the Bailey Recreation Center located at 36651 Ford Road in Westland. On Friday, February 11 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. turn back the clock 200 years and discover one of America's folk traditions, square-dancing, in a fun, friendly environment at the Annual Family Hoe Down.  Additional activities will include the Cactus Limbo, the Cowboy Hat Toss and other surprises. The cost is $15 per couple plus $7 for each additional daughter or son. Each couple will receive a souvenir photo and treat bag. 

 

PrincessImagine dancing with your little girl, making memories that will be treasured for forever at the Daddy/Daughter Fairy Princess Ball. Satisfy the sweet tooth with the new Westland Jaycees' Chocolate Fountain in addition to other snacks. Also included is a souvenir photo and treat bag. Couples are encouraged to choose the dance that best fits their schedule on Saturday, February 12. The first dance is from 3:00-4:30 p.m. and the second is from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 per couple, plus $7 for each additional daughter. Corsages are $8 per corsage if desired.  Tickets are now on sale.  For information call 734-722-7620 or visit the website at www.cityofwestland.com.

 


Mid-Winter Break

BasketballExcitement awaits students during Mid-Winter Break!  From Monday through Friday, February 21-25, Westland Parks and Recreation will be offering eight different sport activities.  The activities include bowling, tennis, Zumbatomic, soccer, ice skating, basketball, and a sports sampler.  You can discover how much fun being active can be!  Register for all these events at the Bailey Recreation Center at 36651 Ford Road in Westland.  For information about all these events, check the website at www.cityofwestland.com or call 734-722-7620.  

Breakaway Cafe!

breakaway cafe

 

The Mike Modano Ice Arena now offers a full service caf� called Breakaway Cafe! All of your favorites including, specialty coffee, hot dogs, nachos, tornados, sports drinks and much more. Also great place to host your next party. Call the arena for more details (734) 729-4560.


March Board of Review

The Board of Review is a three-person body made up of resident taxpayers appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. Board members are required to be property owners in Westland. The Board reviews the assessment roll received from the Assessor to evaluate it completeness, accuracy, uniformity and validity. Public hearings are held in March to hear appeals from property owners. For a complete list of review days and more information on the appeal process, click here.


Winter Weather Procedures

Winter WeatherThe Department of Public Service has responded to two major snow events this season, but has been fortunate to not have to declare a Snow Emergency as neither of these storms accumulated 6 inches of snow or more.

 

In the event the city receives that amount of snow, an emergency may be declared and notice will be given to all of the available news media including channels 2, 4, and 7, 50, along with WWJ news radio, WLND Westland's cable channel, the City's website and social media sites.  When a Snow Emergency is declared, the City of Westland crews will work continuous shifts until all of the streets in the city have been cleared of snow. We ask that all vehicles be removed from the streets when this happens to aide in clearing the streets curb to curb and avoid contact with the snow removal equipment.

 

In addition, cold weather has also caused several water main breaks in the area. In this type of event, the City will notify the residents that are in the effected area through Nixle and immediately perform the repairs in an effort to restore service as expediently as possible. 

 

Lastly, if you encounter a pothole on any streets in Westland please call the Department of Public Service at (734) 728-1770 and we will address it as soon as possible. Thank you and please practice safe driving skills during this winter season.  


NSP Homeownership Opportunities

The City of Westland, under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, is working with Home Renewal Systems and Guy Construction Services to renovate and offer for purchase foreclosed houses in Westland to qualified homebuyers.  The NSP program provides opportunities for qualified individuals and families to purchase a newly renovated home.

 

The federally funded program requires that the houses be sold to families with incomes based on the number of persons in the household. For example, the maximum income for a single person is $58,700 and for a four person household is $82,900.

 

Individuals and families must qualify for a mortgage and attend a homebuyer counseling session.  If needed, down payment, closing cost and credit counseling assistance are available.

 

As part of the City's "Green Initiative" each home in the program is evaluated for energy efficiency improvements during renovation. Where possible, homes are raised to Energy Star standards. A Homebuyer Warranty is also provided.

Equal Housing Opportunity 

Interested persons can contact Home Renewal Systems at (866) 996-9754 or www.homerenewalmi.com and Guy Construction Services (via National Faith Homebuyers) at (313) 255-9500 for more information on how to qualify for homeownership under the City of Westland's NSP Program.


Curbside Recycling
Bagged LeavesThe City of Westland is also expanding its curbside recycling program. The City has now made available a second 96-gallon container that can be delivered to your house free of charge by calling the Westland Department of Public Service at (734) 728-1770. When calling DPS, request a new container and provide your name and address to be put on a list. The container should be delivered to your residence within two business days. There are approximately 1,000 surplus containers left over from Phase 1 and they are available on a first come first basis, with a limit of one extra per household.

Norwayne Citizens Council is Blooming

The Norwayne Citizens Council met on January 10, 2011 at the Dorsey Community Center.  Henry Johnson greeted the enthusiastic crowd. The participants heard presentations from the Westland Police department regarding creating a Neighborhood Watch.  Officers emphasized the importance of starting the Neighborhood Watch at the block level as well as the importance of reporting all suspected crimes, no matter if they seem small.  They also recommended keeping lights on during the evening hours to discourage criminal activity and to beware of strangers posing as solicitors.

 

The Norwayne Citizens Council strives to improve the lives for residents of the Norwayne Community.  Norwayne has a rich history that will be shared, in the effort to eliminate negative perceptions and enhance community involvement.  In addition to Neighborhood Watch and social service programs, the Council hopes to start a community garden and Time Bank Services.  The Citizens Council is a wonderful partner to the efforts of the City under the neighborhood Stabilization Program.  The Citizens Council will meet next on Monday, February 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the Dorsey Community Center.

 

For more information, contact Henry Johnson at (734) 444-8344.


Westland Works!

Westland Works!If you're a job-seeker, you probably know that in these tough economic times jobs seem to be hard to come by and yet there are a many websites to help you find an employer, but none quite like Westland Works. This program is designed to inform you of job opportunities that are available right here in the City of Westland. A variety of positions are currently listed under the "Jobs" heading on the city website. In an effort to make these postings even more available to you at your fingertips, the Westland Works program has now been integrated with the quickly growing social media site, LinkedIn. By going to LinkedIn.com and joining the group "City of Westland," you can get instant e-mail notifications of the most recent job postings on Westland Works and network with other business professionals. If you are an employer and would like the City to list a job posting for our residents, please call the Mayor's Office at 734-467-3200. By our community coming together in this joint effort we can make sure Westland Works.


January in Review 

JFKThe City of Westland rang in the new year by reflecting on the past and celebrating the future. To commemorate historical figures in American history, Mayor Wild visited with students at John Glenn High School to discuss the legacy of John F. Kennedy and residents, local diginitaries and school choirs all gathered at the Friendship Center on January 18 to remember Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
 

 Pictured Left: Mayor Wild at JGHS for a John F. Kennedy presentation.

 

 
 

 

 Charging Station

 

As an innovative city, Westland switched gears to embrace technology of the future by awarding Jeffrey Spoon of Westland Colonial Village with the Mission: Green Eco-Award for installing one of the Detroit area's first electric vehicle charging stations right here in Westland. 

 

 

Pictured Right: Jeffrey Spoon, Mayor Wild & Councilman Adam Hammons

 

  

 

 

 

 

 


City of Westland Municipal Departments

Mayor

William R. Wild

mayorwild@cityofwestland.com

Follow on Twitter @MayorWild

734.467.3200

Assessment

Jim Elrod

assessor@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3160

Budget

Building

Jessica Letourneau

Roger Shifflett

jletourneau@cityofwestland.com

building@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3166

734.467.3210

Clerk  

Eileen Dehart         

edehart@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3185

Housing/Community Dev. 

Joanne Inglis

jinglis@cityofwestland.com

734.595.0288

Deputy Mayor

Jade Smith

jsmith@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3200

Finance

Steve Smith

finance@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3169

Purchasing

Bill Gabriel

bgabriel@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3204

Economic Dev.     

Lori Fodale  

lfodale@cityofwestland.com  

734.467.3264

Fire

Chief M. Reddy  

firedept@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3201

Library 

Marilyn Kwik (Interim)

marilyn.kwik@westlandlibrary.org

734.326.6123

Parks & Rec.        

Bob Kosowski

parks@cityofwestland.com

734.722.7620

Personnel

Cindy King  

cking@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3263

Planning   

Bruce Thompson   

planning@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3266

Police

Chief A. Ramsden  

chief_of_police@wlpd.net

734.722.9600

Public Service

Kevin Buford

kbuford@cityofwestland.com 

734.728.1770

Water & Sewer      

Benny McCusker      

bmccusker@cityofwestland.com

734.728.1770

Senior Resources  

Barb Marcum         

bmarcum@cityofwestland.com 

734.722.7628

Information Tech.

Dan Bourdeau        

dbourdeau@cityofwestland.com

734.467.7952

WLND - Cable       

Craig Welkenbach 

cabletv@cityofwestland.com

734.467.3198

Youth Assistance   

Paul Motz             

yap@cityofwestland.com 

734.467.7904


City Council

James R. Godbout     Michael A. Kehrer     Christine Cicirelli Bryant     Adam Hammons          

                    James R.             Michael A.              Christine                  Adam                     
                    Godbout                 Kehrer              Cicirelli Bryant          Hammons         
                           President               President Pro Tem

Bill Johnson     Meriem Kadi     Dewey K. Reeves    

                                        Bill                     Meriem                 Dewey K.                  
                                     Johnson                  Kadi                     Reeves
 
Eileen DeHart, CMC - City Clerk
 
*Click the above pictures to e-mail the respective Council members.