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| Get Social | |
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Recyclebank has officially launched a cool, new, member challenge called Green Your Vacation. This contest is open to all Recyclebank members and teaches you easy ways to green your summer vacation. You will also earn Recyclebank points by pledging to take Green Actions and participating in a series of challenges. As the challenge progresses through the summer, members will earn points towards amazing prizes. For more information, click here. |
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Pets for Patriots
The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is teaming up with Pets for Patriots to give back to the men and women in uniform who inspire us all. The partnership will give active duty personnel and military veterans the opportunity to save even more lives by adopting from the Michigan Humane Society at a significantly discounted rate, and receive discounted veterinary care at MHS veterinary centers for the life of the pet.
"We're extraordinarily excited and proud to be partnering with Pets for Patriots for such a great cause," said Michael Robbins, vice president of marketing and communications for MHS. "We want to recognize and thank all those who give so selflessly in protecting and serving our country and help reward them with the countless joys and benefits of having a four-legged best friend."
Service men and women interested in the program must first apply through Pets for Patriots, located online at www.petsforpatriots.org, and provide proof of their military service. Joining Pets for Patriots is free to veterans and service members and approval typically takes one or two business days. Afterwards, the military member can visit any MHS location to receive expert assistance in choosing a new best friend as well as a significant discount on the adoption fee - up to 75 percent off - and a lifetime 10 percent discount on all veterinary care for their newly adopted companion.
Eligible adopters will have either served or are currently serving in any branch of the United States armed forces at any stage of their careers - active, reserve, National Guard, retired or veteran. Dogs or cats two years and older, dogs 40-pounds or larger regardless of age, and special needs dogs and cats will be made available for adoption through the program. MHS will help any veteran in the community in the Pets for Patriots program find a needs- and lifestyle-appropriate pet. |
| Summer Tax Bills |
Summer tax bills will be mailed on June 30, 2011. The taxes are due on or before August 15, 2011. If you do not receive a tax bill by July 11, 2011, please call the tax office at (734) 467-3172.
The millage rates for the City taxes have remained the same as last year. If the name or address is incorrect on your tax bill, please call the Assessor's office at (734) 467-3160. |
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| Report from Mayor Wild | |
Dear ,
After a winter that had record snowfall and a spring that had record rainfall, SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE. The City of Westland's first order of business this summer was tightening our belts and adopting a $54 million municipal budget for the 2011/2012 fiscal year. The balanced budget, which protects a $1.4 million fund surplus will take effect on July 1, 2011.
Since 2007, in an effort to bring expenses in line with shrinking revenues, the city has worked with our union groups and have reduced our overall workforce from over 400 employees to the current 285. This equates to an approximate 30% reduction. This has been achieved through retirements, attrition, layoffs and the reorganization of several city departments, while limiting cuts to services.
As part of the budget the city's Economic Development Building on Marquette will be closed. The Planning and Building Departments will be consolidated under the direction of Planning Director Bruce Thompson and will move to the newly remodeled DPS Building, located at 37137 Marquette Rd. The Economic Development Department and the Downtown Development Authority will move to the second floor at City Hall. These moves will increase efficiency and result in better service for residents while saving approximately $250,000 over five years in maintenance and utility costs.
In additional cost saving measures, the City's Building Department will be privatized as the continuing trend of declining revenues and a slowed economy has decreased the need for full time inspectors. This is expected to save the City approximately $220,000 annually. The Assessing Department will now be under the direction of a contracted assessor replacing the previously full-time staffed position. The City will save the costs of healthcare & pension, resulting in approximately $120,000 in annual savings.
I caution that the State of Michigan's economy remains challenging and hence, will continue to look for cost cutting solutions throughout the year.
The budget process is a collaborate effort of the City Administration and members of the Westland City Council to ensure that the City of Westland is dedicated to remain focused on fiscal responsibility and will continue to provide the best services to our residents that they have come to expect and deserve.
Westland has many great places to visit this summer, including Play Planet, the H�0 Zone, the Bailey Pool, the Westland Summer Festival which will be Thursday, June 30 through Monday, July 4, "The Vietnam Moving Wall", concerts in the park at the Westland Library, several community gatherings to celebrate the City's 45th birthday, and numerous other great events. For more information on any of these events, please visit the City website at www.cityofwestland.com or contact my office at (734) 467-3200. I hope to see you at these great events and wish you a spectacular summer in our All American City.
Sincerely,
Mayor William R. Wild
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| Upcoming Dates - July 2011 | |
Mark your calendar...
| July 1 | Westland Summer Festival | | July 1 | Summer Picnic @ Friendship Center, Noon | | July 2 | Westland Summer Festival | | July 2 | Historic Museum Closed | | July 2 | Miles for Memories @ Festival Grounds, 10AM | | July 3 | Westland Summer Festival | | July 3 | Library Closed | | July 4 | Westland Summer Festival | | July 4 | City Offices Closed / Rubbish Delayed One Day All Week | | July 4 | Library Closed | | July 4 | Fireworks Display @ Festival Grounds, 10:15PM | | July 5 | Farmers Market @ City Hall, 8AM | | July 5 | Last Day to Register for August Primary Election | | July 5 | City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 7PM | | July 6 | Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall, 7:30PM | | July 7 | Summer Concert @ Library Pavilion, 7PM | | July 8 | Sheriff Benny Napoleon/Senior Safety @ Friendship Center, 1PM | | July 10 | Library Closed | | July 12 | Farmers Market @ City Hall, 8AM | | July 12 | TIFA Meeting @ City Hall, 9AM | | July 12 | Historical Society Meeting @ Historical Village, 7PM | | July 13 | Police/Fire Civil Service Meeting @ City Hall, 9AM | | July 13 | Parks and Recreational Council Meeting @ Bailey Center, 5:30PM | | July 15 | Vietnam Documentary @ Friendship Center, 7PM | | July 17 | Library Closed | | July 18 | Disabilities Concerns Meeting @ Friendship Center, 5:30PM | | July 18 | City Council Meeting @ City Hall, 7PM | | July 19 | Farmers Market @ City Hall, 8AM | | July 19 | Housing Commission Meeting @ Dorsey Center, 5:30PM | | July 20 | Civil Service Meeting @ City Hall, 5:15PM | | July 20 | Zoning Board of Appeals @ City Hall, 5:30PM | | July 21 | DDA Meeting @ City Hall, 8AM | | July 21 | Commodities Distribution @ Dorsey Center, 10AM | | July 21 | Summer Concert @ Library Pavilion, 7PM | | July 22 | Drug Disposal Day @ Friendship Center, 9:30AM-4:30PM | | July 24 | Library Closed | | July 26 | Farmers Market @ City Hall, 8AM | | July 26 | Rehabilitation Review Board @ Dorsey Center, 4:30PM | | July 26 | Historical Commission @ Dorsey Center, 7PM | | July 28 | Summer Concert @ Library Pavilion, 7PM | | July 29 | Shredding Day @ Friendship Center, 10AM-2PM | | July 31 | Perrinsville School Open 1PM-4PM | | July 31 | Library Closed |
The Westland Farmers Market will run through October 28. It will be open every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Westland City Hall on Ford Rd.
For more information on each event click on the calendar of upcoming events at www.cityofwestland.com. |
| Westland Summer Festival |
 The 2011 Westland Summer Festival will be held on the grounds of Westland City Hall (south side of Ford Road, east of Newburgh) from June 30 - July 4, 2011. The annual Fireworks are scheduled as a finale for the festival on July 4th. Click here for a list of events.
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| Central City Park Update |
Parking lots and approaches off of Carlson are about to be installed and the fencing that will limit access to the restricted areas has begun to be installed. You can follow the progress at www.allwestland.com.
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| Blues, Brews and BBQ! |
 The City of Westland and the Westland Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the date of an exciting new event. Blues Brews & BBQ will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from noon to 6PM on City Hall Grounds.
This fun filled event will feature some of the best BBQ around, great blues bands (Front Street Blues Band, The Boa Constrictors and The Alligators), a wide variety of Michigan Brewed Craft Beers, a car show and a kid zone. We would encourage you to bring the whole family to enjoy the day.
Mark your calendar and watch the City's website and Facebook page for more details in the near future. |
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| Summer Camps |
 Don't just let your kids sit at home this summer! Westland Parks and Recreation provides a wonderful opportunity for children to learn new skills with our Day Camps! Whatever your interests are; science, drama, soccer, basketball, or football. Westland Parks and Recreation has the camp for you! The camps that we offer in July include; early evening soccer camps, basketball camps, football camps and drama camps. For more information about all the camps at Westland Parks and Recreation this summer, please check out the website.
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Homebuyers Wanted! - Westland Neighborhood Stabilization Program |
 Don't miss this GREAT opportunity for homeownership in Westland. A great place to live, work and play!
- Completely Renovated, Affordable, Energy Efficient Homes throughout Westland
- Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Offered
- Applicants Must Qualify for a Mortgage from a Financial Institution to Purchase Home
- Promote Neighborhood Growth & Stability
Please contact the Community Development Department at (734) 595-0288, x2630 for Homebuyer Program information. |
| Beat the Heat |
 The Bailey Pool is open daily from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The pool features a waterslide, climbing wall and toddler pool. Adults will love Aqua Zumba, and HAP Senior Splash. Is there a child at your home having a birthday? Our birthday party packages are a great way to celebrate! For that new grad, why not have a private pool party on Friday or Saturday evening? We also offer swimming lessons for all ages! For more information and prices visit our website.
 A helicopter that rains outward, water-breathing dragons, adorable alligators that shoot water into the air, and a large tumble-bucket of cascading fun flowing onto the children below; all of this is yours to enjoy at the H2O Zone. The H2O Zone is open daily from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., weather permitting. Children will love spending the day cooling off at all of the different water amusements. We also offer nearby pavilions to rent so you can make a day of it with the whole family? For more information contact the Bailey Center at (734) 722-7620.
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Westland Youth Assistance Program |
 The community needs you to be a volunteer mentor with the Westland Youth Assistance Program! The Westland Youth Assistance Program provides prevention services to help Westland youth ages 9 - 16 avoid problems with family, police, the juvenile court and school. Youth engaging in problem behaviors such as school or home truancy, retail fraud, curfew violations, incorrigibility, school suspensions or other defiant behaviors can benefit from participation in our program.
A small amount of your time can make a big difference! Build a meaningful relationship with a youth by meeting with him or her one to two hours a week. We'll even provide free training! Attend the next series of mentor training sessions that will take place at the Westland Youth Assistance office on the following dates:
- Tuesday, July 19
- Friday, July 22
- Friday, July 29
- Tuesday, August 2
All trainings are from 5:30pm - 9:30pm. For more information, please call Westland Youth Assistance at (734) 467-7904. |
| Westland Police Welcome Two New Officers |
 The Westland Police Department are pleased to welcome two new police officers to the Westland Police Department. Officer Derek Trosper and Officer John Gatti were sworn in on Thursday, June 23, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Westland City Hall.  Officer Trosper (pictured left) grew up in Canton, MI and attended Schoolcraft College where he obtained his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Officer Trosper then attended the Wayne County Regional Police Academy. Officer Gatti (pictured right) grew up in Northville, MI and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Albion College and then atteneded the Oakland Community College Police Academy.
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| Park Rentals |
Plan your end of summer party at one of the Westland parks! Your picnic could include a softball game and use of a pavilion, or reserve at Tattan Park and enjoy the H2O Zone, the Play Planet, the Concrete Jungle and the Bailey Pool. Corrado Park includes play equipment and a large grassy area which perfect for a game of touch football. Each of our pavilions is ideal for a group of 50 or less. Weekend reservations are going fast so call (734) 722-7620 today to make your reservation. |
| Neighborhood Energy Savings Outreach |
 Under the Energy Efficiency Block Grant, the City of Westland in partnership with DTE Energy will sponsor a Neighborhood Energy Savings Outreach opportunity for all Westland residents. This program will help residents save money and take control of energy costs. DTE representatives will assess the energy efficiency of your home and discuss ways of lowering your overall energy costs. This program is FREE and available for homeowners and renters. The program will provide free:- ENERGY STAR� compact fluorescent light bulbs -These bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, saving about $30 over the life of each bulb.
- Water-saving showerheads - Save one to three gallons of water per minute, you can reduce water heating costs by 30 percent.
- Water-saving faucet aerators in kitchen and bath -Reduce water use without lowering water pressure.
- Hot water pipe wrap - Increase water temperature in your pipes, two to four degrees, which will save on water heating costs.
For more information, and to request to participate in this FREE program, contact DTE at 877-497-2191. |
| Go Wild in Concrete Jungle! |
 Skating is so much fun at the Concrete Jungle! This skate park features double and single bowls, ramps, stairs, rails, and a volcano that will provide lots of challenges for every level of skateboarder. The Concrete Jungle is open daily, weather permitting, 7 days a week from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. to dusk. We also offer Peewee Skating for kids under the age of 10 on every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bike Nights, Friday Night Skate and birthday party packages are also available. Check out the website for more information.
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| Historical Cars Wanted! |
The Detroit Historical Museum is looking fo 40 cars for a display of vehicles showing the history of the automobile including 10 Fords, 10 GM products, 10 Chryslers and 10 Orphan cars. This event will take place July 27, 2011, from 10AM to 4PM. If you are interested in entering your car please send your contact information, a description and photo of your car and $20 entry fee to:
 Don Nicholson
c/o Detroit Historical Museum
5401 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
All entries must be submitted by Wednesday, July 13. Chosen cars will be notified Friday, July 15. Entry fee checks will be returned if you are not selected. |
| 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 Lori Fodale at 734-467-3210. By our community coming together in this joint effort we can make sure Westland Works. |
| June in Review |
 The City of Westland jumped into June with several exciting activities. As a green city, Westland always offers assistance on Rouge Rescue Day at the Holliday Nature Preserve where volunteers worked tirelessly at preserving our habitat. Speaking of work, Westland kicked off their summer youth work program, Wild About Youth Works, in an effort to provide summer jobs for local students between the ages of 16-18 with local employers during their summer vacation. As part of the program, participants will be required to start a savings account and be challenged to set personal financial goals.
 In addition, the City of Westland welcomed Nom Nom's Cupcake Factory as a new business in our community. Nom Nom's offers a wide range of delicious cupcakes and is located at 5975 Wayne Road.
To wrap up the month, but kick start the City's 45th birthday celebration was Mayor Wild's first Community Gathering of the year that was held at Tattan Park. Residents enjoyed this free event where there was face painting, water games, hot dogs, cake, moon walks and more. |
| City of Westland Municipal Departments | |
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| City Council | |
   
James R. Michael A. Christine Adam
Godbout Kehrer Cicirelli Bryant Hammons
President President Pro Tem
  
Bill Meriem Dewey K.
Johnson Kadi Reeves
*Click the above pictures to e-mail the respective Council members. |
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