Insider March

March 2011

In This Issue
Upcoming Dates
Hockey Night in Westland
Nursery School Olympics
Westland Hockey Scores!
Finance Update
Resident Recognition
Westland Rolls Out the Red Carpet
Sober Up!
Fire Department Works to Lower Energy Costs
New Reisdential and Property Codes
NSP Homebuyer
Parenting Mistakes
TimeBank Westland
February in Review
Westland Works!
Municipal Departments
City Council

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Michigan Humane Society

Microchip Clinic

 

Spring is right around the corner.  Unfortunately, with all the good the season brings it also brings a dramatic increase in the number of dogs and cats who become lost or stray.  The good news is the heartache of a lost companion can quickly turn to relief by providing your pet with a microchip in addition to their collar and tag. 

A microchip is a safe and permanent form of Pet I.D. that can be identified by nearly every veterinarian, humane organization and municipal animal control; thereby substantially increasing your chances of being reunited with your beloved pet.  And, the best news of all, it's never been easier or more affordable to get your pet micro-chipped as the Michigan Humane Society is conducting a microchip clinic right here at its Berman Center for Animal Care Veterinary Clinic in Westland on Sunday, March 27!  The MHS Veterinary Center is located at 900 N. Newburgh Rd. 

With special pricing of $18 (retail value $50), don't miss out on this limited opportunity to ensure your pet's "ticket home" in the event that he or she should ever become separated from the family.  The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and demand is expected to be high, so please arrive early.  The event is limited to 400 microchips which will be administered on a first come, first served basis. All dogs must be on leashes and cats in appropriate carriers and please ensure your pet is comfortable around other animals.  Additionally, in order for MHS to register the microchip, the following information is required:

  Your home address and phone number

  The name and phone number of your pet's veterinarian

 
  An alternative contact person's name and phone number

For additional information, please call the Michigan Humane Society Westland Veterinary Clinic at (734) 721-4195.

Journey to Better Heatlh

St. Mary's Health

"Your Journey to Better Health" is a program 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 March 2nd at the Friendship Center at 1:00 p.m. The topic will be "When to go to the Doctor/Emergency Room." 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!

Summer Softball Leagues

Come and join an exciting and competitive softball league. The Westland Parks & Recreation Department is offering leagues for the 2011 season. 
 

All games will take place at Jaycee Park, adjacent to the Mike Modano Ice Arena. The schedule consists of 16 games.

 

Registration begins: Monday, March 11, 2011 for returning 2010 teams. Open registration begins on March 21, 2011. Season begins mid-May! Click here for more information.

 

 


Did You Know?

 WLND

 

 

 

 

 

Video copies of programs airing on WLND as well as digital photos seen on the City's website and Facebook page are available to the public.

 

For more information, please call (734) 467-3198.

 

Some exceptions may apply.

 

Report from Mayor Wild
Mayor William R. Wild
Dear ,

 

I recently had the opportunity to join over 200 of the nation's Mayors in Washington D.C. for the 79th annual Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors.

On Friday, January 21st we had the privilege to participate in a special meeting with President Barack Obama and HUD Secretary Shawn Donovan at the White House.  We, as Mayors, were asked to update the President on the status of Main Street as the economy begins to show signs of recovery.  We also used the opportunity to urge President Obama to fully fund the popular Community Development and Block Grant (CDBG) Program and to continue the successful Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program and promoted both programs as effective conduits for job creation and preservation.  We also made a push for increased local transportation investments and help in reducing unfunded federal mandates and preemptions.

This marks the second opportunity I have had to meet with the President, the first meeting was in January 2010 in the East Room of the White House with a delegation of the nation's Mayors who advised President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on the ripple effects of the Wall Street bail outs on residents of Main Street America.

Previously President Obama had addressed the Mayors as a candidate in Miami and promised that with his administration Mayors and cities would have a friend in the White House. I believe that these types of information gathering meetings have delivered on that promise.

 

Best regards,

Mayor Signature
Mayor William R. Wild
 

Upcoming Dates - March 2011

Mark your calendar...    
 

Mar. 1Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall, 7:30PM
Mar. 4Senior Advisory Council @ Friendship Center, 10AM
Mar. 4Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Mar. 5ATHENA Chocolate Fantasy Ball @ Joy Manor, 6PM
Mar. 7CDBG/HOME Planning Session @ City Hall, 6PM
Mar. 7City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 7PM
Mar. 8Free Pazcki Day @ Friendship Center (Members Only)
Mar. 9Westland Housing Commission @ Dorsey Center, 2:30PM
Mar. 9Library Board Meeting @ Library, 7PM
Mar. 11Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Mar. 11Travel Meeting @ Friendship Center, 1PM
Mar. 12Hockey Night in Westland @ Modano, 7PM
Mar. 14Coffee Hour @ Library, 9AM
Mar. 14Board of Review @ City Hall, 9AM -Noon; 1:30PM-4:30PM
Mar. 14Norwayne Citizens' Council @ Dorsey Center, 5PM
Mar. 15Board of Review @ City Hall, 1PM-4PM; 5:30PM-8:30PM
Mar. 15Westland Housing Commission @ Dorsey Center, 5:30PM
Mar. 16Board of Review @ City Hall, 9AM -Noon; 1:30PM-4:30PM
Mar. 17Commodity Food Distribution @ Dorsey Center, 10AM-2PM
Mar. 17Board of Review @ City Hall, 1PM-4PM; 5:30PM-8:30PM
Mar. 17An Irish Afternoon @ Library, 2PM*
Mar. 17Open Mic @ Library, 7PM
Mar. 18Board of Review @ City Hall, 9AM -Noon; 1:30PM-4:30PM
Mar. 18FREE Movie "Time Line" @ Friendship Center, 1PM
Mar. 18Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Mar. 21City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 7PM
Mar. 22Rehabilitation Review Board @ Dorsey Center, 4:30PM
Mar. 22Westland Democratic Club @ Dorsey Center, 7PM
Mar. 23Wayne County Spelling Bee @ Friendship Center, 11:30AM*
Mar. 25Friday Movie @ Library, 6:30PM
Mar. 26Holiday Nature Preserve Walk @ Hines Drive, Noon
Mar. 26Household Hazardous Waste Collection @ Wayne County
Community College, 8AM - 2PM

 

*Registration Required (Call 734-722-7632)

 

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
Hockey NightOn 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 [email protected]. All proceeds of the event will go to fund improvements to the Mike Modano Ice Arena.


Nursery School Olympics
Nursery School Olympics

Is your active nursery school-aged child becoming restless because of being trapped indoors due to the snowy cold weather? Come to the Bailey Center to get some of that bottled-up energy out at the Nursery School Olympics. We offer twenty different activities that include: The Big Wheel Grand Prix, The Butterfly Safari and the Pirate Tug-of-War. 

When your pre-schooler has completed all the activities they will receive a medal. This fun-energetic event will be on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10AM until Noon. Registration begins runs from 9:50AM until 11:30AM. The cost is $4.00 per child; for more information please call (734) 722-7620.


Westland Hockey Scores!
Westland Hockey
We have had a very exciting month at the Mike Modano Ice Arena. We have nine teams playing out of the arena in the Westland Hockey Association and their season is now beginnning to wrap up as playoffs have just ended. Three of our teams made it to the state division of the playoffs! Congratulations to Midget B Warriors, Squirt B Blazers and Midget AA Warriors for winning the District 2 Championships.

We also had a very successful 2011 Mike Modano Arena Skills Challenge take place on February 19th. There were three events including most accurate shot, hardest shot, and fastest skate with 5 divisions featuring mini mites, mites, squirts, pee wee, and bantams. There were a total of 56 kids who participated makingit a great day for all the kids, parents, family and friends.

Fastest Skate Winners

Mini Mites        Nick Davis

Mites               Luc Hund

Squirt              Joey Burton

Pee Wee         Jonathan Parkinson

Bantam           Hunter Sellers

 

Most Accurate Winners

Mini Mites       Jacob Meier

Mites              Jack Siroky

Squirt             Graham Rais, James Corey (Tie)

Pee Wee        Jacob Bond

Bantam          Hunter Sellers 

 

Hardest Shot Winners

Mini Mites        Alex Carroll

Mites               Nolan Abraham

Squirt              Graham Rais

Pee Wee         Brendan Hall

Bantam           Hunter Sellers

 Hockey Skills
Special thanks to the coaches from the WHA for helping out that day in running the competitions and congratulations to the three teams from Westland continuing their playoff journey!
 

Finance Update
BudgetThe Fiance Department is currently working on the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 City Budget.  The Mayor's Budget proposal is due to City Council on or before April 1, 2011.  After that time there will be public budget meetings to discuss the budget with City Administration and City Council.

Resident Recognition
The City of Westland would like to recognize Michael Sifter for volunteering to do all the plaster repair work on the Octagon House after it was moved to the Westland Historic Village Park. Just recently the house encountered a water leak and again Mike stepped in and did the repair work. They City commends him on a job well done.

Westland Rolls Out the Red Carpet

The red carpet has been rolled out in Westland as Westland City Council voted to approve a Brownfield Plan for MJR Theatres at the Council Meeting on Monday, February 7, 2011. MJR will be constructing a 65,000 square foot state-of-the-art 3,100 seat, 16 screen cinema. This project is projected to cost in excess of $15 million.  The Brownfield Plan includes a tax increment financing component to assist MJR with demolition of the existing building. 

 

In recent years, the State of Michigan has encouraged redevelopment by approving Brownfield projects. This program assists with redevelopment of properties that are blighted, contaminated or functionally obsolete.  In this case, the site was declared functionally obsolete.

 

By approving the Brownfield Plan the City will MJR Cinemabe able to start a revolving loan fund by capturing the incremental tax dollars gained on the property. This fund will give the City the opportunity to fund future projects on Brownfield sites.  Demolition, environmental testing and hazardous materials testing are some of the eligible expenses that can be covered.  These incentives will spur redevelopment of properties that have been underutilized for years, transforming our City and fueling growth.


Sober Up!

Sober Up Cart

Westland Police Chief Alan Ramsden is proud to introduce the Westland Police "Sober Up" Program, to the residents of the community.  He first heard of similar programs when he had the Westland Police Explorers attend a multi-jurisdictional training program in 2010 and felt this would be the perfect program to bring to our community and specifically to our schools.  The "Sober Up" Program is an excellent proactive approach to bring awareness of impaired driving to the community.  Chief Ramsden worked with the Westland Police Explorers and its Officer Advisors to develop the "Sober Up" Program.  The "Sober Up" Program was funded by various Westland Police Fundraisers including the Westland Police Golf outing.  

The program shows the participants how hard it actually is to control a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  The participants will operate a custom equipped golf cart (pictured) while wearing a pair of "fatal vision" goggles that simulate what a person would see if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

This experience helps the participant to identify first-hand the potentially deadly consequences of impaired driving.  "Our goal is to have our participants consider an alternatative choice to impaired driving, while at the same time have fun participating in the "Sober Up" Program." said Chief Ramsden.

The program was developed by Chief Ramsden, Deputy Chief Greg Angelosanto and a mix of Police Officers and Explorers within the Westland Police Department.  The "Sober Up' Program team consist of Traffic Officer Kevin Yudt, School Officer Matthew Bobby and Patrol Officer Jeff Kropodra, all of whom are Officer Advisor's to our Westland Police Explorers. 

The "Sober Up" Program will be held at various community functions as well as at the schools in the City of Westland.  The Program at John Glenn will consist of a two-part course.  Part one deals with classroom lecture and a "mock drunk driving" traffic stop.  The classroom portion of the program takes about an hour and at the conclusion of the class the officer will give the students a sobering fact that approximately four people were killed in the country due to some type of impaired driving during the course of the one hour class.  The second part of the program will take place in the spring as the weather permits since the driving experience has to be done outside. 

The "Sober Up" Program has been well received by both students and staff at John Glenn High School.  The kids as well as the staff are looking forward to operating the car in the spring.


The Fire Department Works to Lower Energy Costs

Fire StationThe Fire Department has begun a project at two fire stations aimed at reducing electrical costs.  Through grant funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Fire Department has purchased LED Lighting to replace fluorescent tubes.  There are several reasons why this will result in cost savings.  First, LED lights do not require a ballast to run; they require less energy to run, and less energy is needed to produce the same amount of light.  Firefighters from the department have volunteered their time to rewire the fixtures (remove the ballasts) and install the new lights at no further cost to the city.  We look to reduce our electrical costs at these stations by at least 30-40%.Another benefit of LED lighting over fluorescents is how long they last.  The newly installed LED lights will not need to be replace for up to 8 to 10 years.


New Residential Building Code and Property Maintenance Code

Smoke DetectorBeginning in March of 2011 the Westland Building Department will begin enforcing the new 2009 Codes.  There are significant changes in the code, but most notable is the smoke alarm requirements for new and existing homes and the requirement for Carbon Monoxide Alarms in new homes.

Existing homes will be required to have a smoke detector in each bedroom, one outside the bedrooms and one per floor. The equipment shall be operable by power from one of the following primary sources: a non-rechargeable battery that is capable of operating the smoke alarm in the normal condition for a life of 5 years or wired to the homes electric wiring.  At least one smoke detector must be permanent and hard wired usually in the basement or a utility room near the electrical panel.

When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.  The exceptions will be for permits issued for exterior work or plumbing and heating work.

When more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.  There are some smoke alarms on the market that offer this feature without any wiring modifications and are a great way to get the protection in an existing home.  Interconnection and hard wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the alterations or do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available which could provide access for hard wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes.

 

For new construction, an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages. Where work requiring a building permit occurs in existing dwellings that have attached garages or in existing dwellings within which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided.

 

Remember smoke alarms do save lives and we want your family protected and safe.  For people that need smoke detectors and may not be able to afford them you may contact the Westland Fire Department for assistance.

Any questions please contact the Westland Building Department at (734) 467-3210.


NSP Homeownership Opportunities

NSP HomeThe 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.


Two Biggest Parenting Mistakes

Parenting TeensThe two biggest mistakes parents and teachers make in dealing with teens are:  Too much talking and too much emotion.  Talking/lecturing is bad because it either does not work or starts the Talk-Persuade-Argue-Yell-Hit Syndrome.

 

Why is too much emotion destructive?  When children are little, they feel inferior because they ARE inferior.  They are smaller, less privileged, less intelligent, less skillful, less responsible and less of just about everything than their parents.  This "lessness" bugs them a lot and they like to feel they are powerful and capable of making some mark on the world.

 

Think of how kids enjoy throwing rocks in the lake.  Part of the appeal is that the big splashes are a sign of their impact.  They are making things happen.

 

What does the rock tossing have to do with what happens at home?  When your teen can get you upset, this is like the big splash for him/her.  It's not that he has no conscience and totally disrespects you, it's just that having all that power temporarily rewards or feels good to the inferior part of the child.  Parents who say, "It drives me absolutely crazy when she talks back to me.  Why does she do that?" may have already answered their own question.  She may do that at least partly because it actually does drive you crazy.

  

Parents should be mindful when using techniques to discipline teens.  You can ruin your efforts by talking too much and getting too excited.  These two mistakes usually go hand in hand:talking too much or lecturing and getting overly emotional.  Not to mention, the emotion involved is usually anger.

 

When disciplining your teens, remind yourself that lecturing, arguing, yelling and screaming does not really help.  These tactics merely blow off steam for a few seconds.  Strive to shake these ineffective habits and use a calm, respectful, productive approach to motivating changes in your teen's behavior.

For more helpful tips and local resources contact the Youth Assistance Program at (734) 467-7904.

TimeBank Westland

The Norwayne Community Citizens Council is working to establish a TimeBank Westland.

 

TimeBank is Building Community, One Hour at a Time.  For every hour you spend doing something for someone in your community, you earn one hour. Then you have an hour to spend for someone do something for you. It's that simple. Yet it also has profound effects. TimeBanks change neighborhoods and whole communities. TimeBanking is a social change movement in 22 countries and six continents.  It provides a sense of community and helping other people.  It reminds you of the stories our grandparents told about spending time with your neighbors when times were simpler.

 

Residents of nearly 20 communities in southeastern Michigan, including Ferndale, Royal Oak and Southfield, have begun to establish TimeBanks as a way of swapping services.  One woman prepares a dinner for another woman.  In return, she cuts the first woman's lawn.  Now residents of Westland want to bring this opportunity to our community.  Meetings are just being organized.  If you want to learn more about this idea, to help organize TimeBank Westland or to join as a member, please contact Joanne Inglis, Director of Housing & Community Development, at [email protected].


February in Review

Bamboo GardenAmongst the record breaking snowfall this past month, the City of Westland had several other memorable highlights as well. The month of February brought prospering new businesses to the city including Bamboo Garden located at 124 S. Merriman (Pictured Left) and The Streets Skatepark located at 39048 Webb Drive.

 

In addition, Westland hosted a few fun-filled events including the Michigan State USBC Women's Bowling Association Championship Tournament at Oak Lanes, the King's 700 Dorothy BirthdayTournament at Westland Bowl and the 15th Annual Walk for Warmth at Westland Shopping Center where Mayor William R. Wild and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano served as an Honorary Chair and Co-Chair.

 

The biggest highlight came for one Westland resident as she celebrated her 100th birthday. A special congratulations and milestone birthday wish to Dorothy Ruth (Babel) Snedegar (Picture Right).


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.

City of Westland Municipal Departments

Mayor

William R. Wild

[email protected]

Follow on Twitter @MayorWild

734.467.3200

Assessment

Jim Elrod

[email protected]

734.467.3160

Budget

Building

Jessica Letourneau

Roger Shifflett

[email protected]

[email protected]

734.467.3166

734.467.3210

Clerk  

Eileen Dehart         

[email protected]

734.467.3185

Housing/Community Dev. 

Joanne Inglis

[email protected]

734.595.0288

Deputy Mayor

Jade Smith

[email protected]

734.467.3200

Finance

Steve Smith

[email protected]

734.467.3169

Purchasing

Bill Gabriel

[email protected]

734.467.3204

Economic Dev.     

Lori Fodale  

[email protected]  

734.467.3264

Fire

Chief M. Reddy  

[email protected]

734.467.3201

Library 

Marilyn Kwik (Interim)

[email protected]

734.326.6123

Parks & Rec.        

Bob Kosowski

[email protected]

734.722.7620

Personnel

Cindy King  

[email protected]

734.467.3263

Planning   

Bruce Thompson   

[email protected]

734.467.3266

Police

Chief A. Ramsden  

[email protected]

734.722.9600

Public Service

Kevin Buford

[email protected] 

734.728.1770

Water & Sewer      

Benny McCusker      

[email protected]

734.728.1770

Senior Resources  

Barb Marcum         

[email protected] 

734.722.7628

Information Tech.

Dan Bourdeau        

[email protected]

734.467.7952

WLND - Cable       

Craig Welkenbach 

[email protected]

734.467.3198

Youth Assistance   

Paul Motz             

[email protected] 

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.