City of Davison, Michigan

It’s that time of year - the assessment notices have been mailed out to the City of Davison. If you believe that the values or the property classification may be incorrect, or if there are any issues or concerns with your assessment, The Board of Review is available to listen, answer any questions and accept petitions regarding your assessment (petitions can be filled out at the Board of Review). This year, the Board of Review will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and also on Monday, March 10, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Please feel free to call the Assessing Department at 810.653.2191 to schedule an appointment. You can also mail your letters of appeal to the City of Davison Board of Review, 200 E. Flint St., Suite 2, Davison, MI 48423. Letters of appeal must arrive at the office no later than Monday, March 10 at 5:00 p.m.

Leigh Gauthier
Community Development Department

Our local television cable provider, Charter Communications, recently sent a letter to it’s customers in the area. The letter explained how switching their operations to a totally digital signal from analog may cause momentary service glitches.

They agreed to send out the letter after visit with a few councilpersons and myself a couple of weeks ago. We were able to speak with the VP/GM of Eastern Michigan, the VP of Government Relations for the entire state and the Director of Technical Operations. They were very gracious and seemed to understand the angst we were all feeling. We expressed concerns about service interruptions — freeze framing and slow motion boxes — on our TV screens. The problems with interruptions seemed to really get to cable customers beginning in December 2007. That is when I seemed to notice it at my own home.

They advised that even after total upgrade to digital, some homeowners may still have some signal strength issues. This will primarily be due to aftermarket cable wiring and extra “splitters” within the home. If you have sorts of problems, you may want to contact them for re-cabling inside of your home. This is not necessarily a free service but once you have it done and purchase their inside maintenance program, you will be covered.

My best advice would be to have folks contact Charter Communications in person @ 7273 Davison Road. Their office is located next to the Citizens Bank branch just west of Irish Road. You can always call the 800 customer service number in the book (800 545 0994). I always like the face-to-face if possible. I have always gotten better results when I talk to a real person, eyeball to eyeball. Several residents have shared with me that they did get some satisfaction after a visit.

Happy Viewing and hand me the clicker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill Brandon
Davison Police Chief

Spring fever has hit my office and I am already making a to-do list as far as code enforcement goes in the City of Flags. One of the top items is the enforcement of the international property maintenance code. I have gained a very good grasp of our city ordinances and now it is time to turn my attention to other areas of enforcement.

As I look to the property maintenance code, I will be assessing city properties for certain flaws that may not be very eye appealing to the general public. I will be concentrating on the homes and sheds and all other structures that may need a coat of paint or have some sort of maintenance issue that needs to be corrected in order to ensure safety and curb appeal.

No, I won’t be leaving behind those city ordinances but I will be taking on more responsibility while I investigate and seek compliance for property maintenance code violations.

Enjoy winter and keep shoveling those sidewalks. It won’t be long before the big melt is here.

Jeff Sears
Code Enforcement Officer
City of Davison

The Davison Community is gearing up for its 3rd Annual Relay For Life celebration. The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event, dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds to fight cancer: this year we will CELEBRATE, REMEMBER and FIGHT BACK. Teams of family, friends and co-workers camp out overnight, taking turns walking the track. The event will be held at the Davison High School Athletic Field.

The American Cancer Society invites everyone in the Davison area to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and fight back against cancer at this year’s Relay For Life event. Davison residents will kick off the 3rd annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. until Sunday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Although the Relay For Life of Davison is months away, now is the time to get involved. Residents are invited to attend the kick-off celebration to learn more about Relay For Life and how they can become part of an exciting overnight event that can lead to a cure for cancer.

During the event, participants and visitors will have a chance to: celebrate the victory of area cancer survivors during the Survivors Lap; remember those we have lost to the disease during the poignant Luminaria Ceremony; and participate in the new Fight Back Ceremony which gives everyone a chance to proclaim their way of taking action against the disease.

Donations can be made to this local Relay For Life event by visiting www.relayforlife.org. Community members can also start or join at team by following the links to our local Davison Relay event.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more information about joining a team, starting a team, donating monies or just having FUN, then please contact Sue Csutoras at 810.658.8008. Also, on February 25 at 6:00 p.m., join us for our Kickoff Meeting, “Relay at the Beach!” held at St. John Family Center, 505 N. Dayton St. You can also contact the American Cancer Society at 810.733.3702.

We are a few weeks into the Rental Inspection Program. So far, we have had several residents turn in their rental registrations; we are VERY appreciative of this. Having our residents, renters and property owners following the rules of this new ordinance make the rental inspection program transition easy. We would like to make our residential rental housing renters and property owners aware of a few things:

-All residential rental buildings are to be registered with the City of Davison by June 30, 2008.
-Each building will require a separate registration application form.
-Registration fees will be WAIVED until June 30, 2008.
-Registration from July 1 through July 31, 2008 will be at the “Within 30 Day” rate (please see the fee schedule based on the # of units and the # of buildings).
-Registration on and after August 1, 2008 will be at the “After 30 Day” rate (please see the fee schedule based on the # of units and the # of buildings).

We encourage all rental property owners to register your residential rental building(s) as soon as possible and absolutely by June 30, 2008 to save registration costs.

This ordinance was enacted to provide a more accurate inventory of residential housing, to improve or maintain rental housing quality and to maintain or improve property values in the City of Davison.

Any and all questions can be answered by calling the City of Davison at 810.653.2191. The Residential Rental Property Inspection Ordinance, Registration Form, Schedule of Fees and Occupancy Permit Inspection Guidelines can be found online at www.cityofdavison.org

As I continue my pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in public administration, I can only wonder where I would be without my experience here in the City of Flags. It is very apparent when I sit in class how much more knowledge I have gained from my colleagues and my experiences while employed here. I sometimes get dirty looks from fellow students because I know the answer when no one else does but I have a more opportunities to learn then most.

For instance, I have learned from real life experiences while working with citizens as the Code Enforcement Officer and even a laborer in the DPW. There are many knowledgeable professionals leading this City and residents should be very proud of their accomplishments. I am very lucky that these people are willing to share their knowledge with me so that I may learn what they know.

I have found that I am truly growing as I continue my secondary education. One day I will lead a City or Village or Township; you never know which it will be. I will always be able to reflect on my experiences here in Davison. I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to continue to learn. I use to think high school was enough but I now know it’s not enough to succeed in today’s world.

Jeff Sears
Code Enforcement Officer

One of the most common questions asked of a Law Enforcement Officer is in regards to safety belt requirements. The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code requirements for child restraints and safety belt use are as follows:

§257.710d. Child restraint system.

A child less than 4 years of age in a motor vehicle shall be properly secured in a child restraint system that meets the standards prescribed in 49 C.F.R. 571.213.

This section does not apply to any child being nursed.

This section does not apply if the motor vehicle being driven is a bus, school bus, taxicab, moped, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law or regulations.

§257.710e. Use of safety belts.

Each driver and front seat passenger of a motor vehicle operated on a street or highway in this state shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.

Each driver of a motor vehicle transporting a child 4 years of age or more but less than 16 years of age in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt

The statute does not apply to a driver or passenger of any of the following:

• A motor vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1965.

• A bus (or school bus).

• A motorcycle.

• A moped.

• A motor vehicle if the driver or passenger possesses a written verification from a physician that the driver or passenger is unable to wear a safety belt for physical or medical reasons.

• A motor vehicle that is not required to be equipped with safety belts under federal law.

• A commercial or United States postal service vehicle that makes frequent stops for the purpose of pickup or delivery of goods or services.

• A motor vehicle operated by a rural carrier of the United States postal service while serving his or her rural postal route.

A person who violates either of these sections is responsible for a civil infraction. A seat belt violation is a $65.00 fine. A child restraint violation is a $105.00 fine (no points for either).

The State of Michigan, Office of Highway Planning and Safety also suggest the following guidelines be followed:

 A child under 1 year of age, or under 20 pounds should be restrained in a rear facing child restraint seat.

 A child under 4 years of age and over 20 pounds maybe restrained in a forward facing child restraint seat.

 Any child under 4’-9” in height should be in an approved booster seat in the seat.

 Children over 4’-9” in height and under 12 years of age should be seated in the rear seat of a vehicle using a safety belt.

If you have a car seat for your youngster and are unsure if you have installed it correctly, give us a call. Our department has two officers that are certified car seat inspectors and can make sure your passenger will be as safe as possible. Give us a call @ 810- 653-4196 and set up an appointment for inspection. No charge.

Davison City Police Department

In the spirit of charity and friendly competition, The City of Davison has bested Richfield Township. Archie’s Family Restaurant was the site of a fundraiser for OUTREACH EAST this past Tuesday Night. Folks representing the City of Davison out-collected tips from hungry restaurant goers. People from Richfield Township had held that distinction for the past two years.

This was the third year for celebrity/community wait staff. Along with a real waitress, a community server dished up chow for patrons at Archie’s and all tips were donated to Outreach East. Overall, $1,308 was raised for the charity from 5pm-8pm.

I was lucky enough to volunteer with the winning team. My partners included Cindy VanMegroet-City of Davison Treasurer, Eric Lieske-Assistant Superintendant of Davison Community Schools, Rob Mouquin-City resident and member of the Davison Chamber, and Dave Larson-Owner of Ace Hardware. The Richfield contingent was comprised of Township Treasurer-Joyce Schneider, Police Officer-Andy Torok, Bobbie Abare, Cheryl Kitchen, Mike Knight, Jason Knight and Lisa Macom. They have promised to win back the trophy next year. The trophy will be on display in the lobby of City Hall for the next year.

This event would not have been possible without the help of all the staff of Archie’s, hungry and generous patrons and all the volunteers. Outreach East is a non-profit group that assists families in need of essentials such as food and clothing. It is operated solely on donations. It has served families on the M-15 corridor since 1990. To help support Outreach East, please call (810) 653 7711.

As you may already know, the City of Davison is a passport acceptance agency. We accept passport applications Monday through Friday from 9 am – 4 pm and with an appointment between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

The U.S. Department of State is now taking applications for the new U.S. Passport Card. The Passport Card is valid for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean only. It is not valid for travel by air. This card is wallet sized and is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors, just like the passport books. The Passport Card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative for those who travel to these destinations. Even though the applications for the new U.S. Passport Cards are being accepted, the cards will not be available or mailed until Spring 2008.

Things you need to bring with you:
Passport Pictures
Driver’s License or State Issued ID
Orginal Birth Certificate
Check Book or Money Orders
Expired Passport (if applicable)

Requirements for Children Under 16:
Each minor child must appear in person. Both parents or legal guardian(s)’ signatures are required on a passport application for children under 16. If one parent or guardian can not appear to sign the application they must fill out a notarized written consent of the other parent for the issuance of the passport, or present evidence of sole legal custody of the child, or provide a written statement of why the non-applying parent’s consent can not be obtained.

Requirements for Children 16 -17:
Each minor child must appear in person. If your minor child does not have identification of his/her own, the parent must accompany them and present identification.

Cost:
Passport Books
Age 16 and Over, $100 ($75 – Dept. of State by Check or Money Order only, $25 – City of Davison by Cash, Check or Money Order only)

Age 15 and Under, $85 ($60 – Dept. of State by Check or Money Order only, $25 – City of Davison by Cash, Check or Money Order only)

Passport Cards
Age 16 and Over, $45 ($20 – Dept. of State by Check or Money Order only, $25 – City of Davison by Cash, Check or Money Order only)

Age 15 and Under, $35 ($10 – Dept. of State by Check or Money Order only, $25 – City of Davison by Cash, Check or Money Order only)

If you have any questions regarding these new passport changes, please contact City Hall at 653-2191 or go to the U.S. Department of State’s website at travel.state.gov

I was asked this just the other day by a resident whom I met while on patrol. “The ground is frozen, everything is covered in snow and it’s not like the grass is growing, what exactly is it that you do these winter months?” Well, there is actually a lot of activity that still goes on in my office. For instance, I am charged with the task of keeping sidewalks clean of snow. The city’s snow and ice ordinance reads as follows:

1024.10 SNOW AND ICE ON STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

(a) No person in possession of any premises which abut or are adjacent to a public sidewalk shall fail to remove all snow and ice from such public sidewalk within a reasonable time after a snowfall or the formation of ice.

(b) No person shall, by any act or omission, allow water or any liquid capable of freezing to drain onto any public sidewalk, street, alley or parking area during the months of November, December, January, February and March.

(c) No person shall pile, dump or place snow, ice or any other material on any sidewalk or public street in the City, or in such other place or manner so as to create a safety hazard to the people of the City.

Keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice is very important to ensure residents are safe when walking through the city as our elderly residents often do as their main source of transportation.

However, sidewalks are not my main focus. This time of year residents often begin to get “cabin fever”. They want to be outside working in the yard and enjoying what nature has to offer. When this happens, people often call me to say “there is car in my neighbor’s front lawn or there is a bunch of junk in my neighbor’s back yard.” These instances are usually dealt with quickly because residents don’t often know that they have violated ordinances.

Another time consuming activity that happens all year round and unfortunately is happening more and more is the investigation of foreclosed home. Many times, when someone is evicted by a bank, they leave in a hurry and often leave a mess. It is my job to get the mess cleaned up which requires an investigation into whom holds the mortgage and who is responsible for the mess. It takes a considerable amount of time to track down the bank responsible for the property and often cannot be done until a deed comes through City Hall.

So as you can see, I can get pretty busy and contrary to some beliefs, the winter is not code enforcement down time. It can get just as busy in the winter than in the spring and summer.

Everyone have a safe and fun winter and we all are looking forward to spring weather.

Jeff Sears
Code Enforcement Officer
810-653-2191