Charter Township of Orion
Oakland County, Michigan

Outreach

Winter 2006

Letter from the Supervisor...

Sincerely,

Gerald A. Dywasuk

Township Supervisor
Department Webpage
 

Road Commission for Oakland County
Dutton Road Extension Opens, Linking East With West
- Craig Bryson, RCOC Public Information Officer

After years in the planning, and a couple of summers of construction, Dutton Road has finally been extended from Bald Mountain Road to M-24 on the Orion Township border. The new road was expected to open by the end of November. It was constructed by a private developer at no cost to tax payers. However, it provides an important link in the regional transportation system.

“The completion of this section of Dutton Road provides an additional, badly needed east/west route for this rapidly growing part of the county,” observed Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Managing Director Brent Bair. “The fact that the road was constructed at no cost to the public is a real plus in these times of tight budgets.”

The road was constructed by Dutton Partners LLC, which is developing the former landfill site that the new road traverses. The road, which will connect with Brown Road at M-24, will provide access to the commercial/industrial building sites on the land.

RCOC Permits Engineer Leroy Liston, who has overseen the project for the Road Commission, noted that the new road will serve an important role. “Previously the only other paved, east/west roads between Adams and Baldwin were Walton and Silverbell,” Liston said. “We expect this to have a significant impact on traffic. It will take traffic off of both Silverbell and Walton, especially traffic that is going to the shopping centers along Brown Road between Baldwin and Joslyn and the Great Lakes Crossing mall.” Liston noted that RCOC anticipates there will be 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles per day on the new section of Dutton initially, but that this number will grow over time to approximately 11,000 in the future.

The new section of Dutton is a three lane road, with a continuous center left-turn lane. In order to construct a road across a former landfill, the developer had to first compact the landfill, by placing heavy clay on top of it. The road could not be constructed until the landfill was sufficiently compacted in order to provide an adequate road base.

www.rcocweb.org

Buildings & Grounds Department
Department Webpage

West Nile Virus (WNV)
The most common way that people become infected with West Nile Virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people, approximately 80% who become infected do not have any symptoms at all. Nearly 20% of those who become infected develop a mild illness known as “West Nile Fever”; this illness is mild and goes away by itself without causing any long-term effects. About 1in 150 people who become infected develop a more severe illness, such as West Nile encephalitis or meningitis, approximately 1 in 10 died due to this illness. After the age of 50, the risk of severe disease rises with increasing age. There is no vaccine or treatment for West Nile Virus. Remember the three R’s, Reduce areas where mosquitoes breed. (The summer of 2005 every catch basin within Orion Township was treated with larvicide). Repel against mosquitoes while outdoors by applying insect repellent containing DEET, always follow the “Directions for Use” on the package and wash it off after returning in doors. Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks sprayed with repellent while outdoors. Permethrin can be applied to clothing, and it will repel mosquitoes for a long time, but do not apply it directly to human skin. And Report dead crows to Oakland County Health Division’s Information Line at 877-377-3641.

Gypsy Moth in Orion Township
Fall is the season that you may see Orion Township Staff, out in the neighborhoods looking for gypsy moth egg masses. Gypsy moth damage appears in May and June when the  caterpillars are feeding on leaves. If caterpillar populations build up enough, tree defoliation can reach levels that cause stress to the trees. A healthy tree can withstand 40% to 50% defoliation without undergoing stress. Here are a few facts to help you figure out if you have gypsy moth on your property: Gypsy moth does not make any type of web or nest, Gypsy moth caterpillars are not seen in July/August or September and they prefer Oak, Aspen, Basswood, Apple and Willow trees. In the fall you will see small (quarter size) buff colored, felt textured egg masses on the underside of trees or on anything left outside in the summer, including your buildings. If you think you have gypsy moth, please contact this department.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
We have received about two dozen phone calls that have inquired about treating Ash trees from the threat of Emerald Ash Borer, how to dispose of Ash wood or interest in the State’s Ash tree removal contract. For treating Ash trees from the threat of Emerald Ash Borer it is recommended that you do not wait until trees look bad before starting any treatment. For best possible  protection some arborists are using a drench and spray (or trunk injection) the first year of treatment. “Evaluation of Insecticides to Control Emerald Ash Borer Adults and Larvae” can be found at the www.emeraldashborer.info web site. Regarding Ash wood disposal, do not move firewood out of quarantined counties or out of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, it is punishable by fines. Most landfills will accept the disposal of Ash wood for a fee. The States Ash Tree Removal Contract was devised to help lower the cost in the wide area clean up of dead or dieing Ash trees from the destructive Emerald Ash Borer. If you have dead or dieing Ash trees on your property and you may be interested in participating in a wide area Ash tree cutting program please call the Buildings and Grounds Department to show your support for implementing such a program in Orion Township.   

Additional Information on all these topics is available by calling or stopping in.

Public Works Department (Water & Sewer)

Department Webpage

Winter Weather Service Tips

During the fall months, there are several things that homeowners can do to protect their homes from winter water damage. Before the cold weather hits, be sure:

• Outside water faucets are opened, and inside the home the line is closed.
   
• Locate and mark the main water valve for your home and make sure the adults in your house know where it is located. Water damage can be minimized if all adults know where to turn off the water in the event of an emergency.
   
• Consider insulating any pipes that are near outside walls, under the home (in crawl spaces) or in the attic.

If you have had problems with lines freezing in the past, inspect the lines before the winter hits. In addition to insulating the pipes, seal any gaps in the walls with caulk or other means. Check with your local hardware store for other effective ways of insulating and sealing gaps. In the event that your pipes do freeze, remember that you should never thaw the pipes with an open flame. It is best to use a small portable heater, or a hair dryer. Please make sure you are careful about electric shock around standing water!

If you plan on going out of town for any extended period of time, you may consider keeping your heat over 60° F. You may also drain the water from your lines inside your home and you can contact our office so we may turn the water off at the street.

During a winter storm there is always the probability that you will loose power to your home. If the power will be off for a long period of time, turn the water off at the main shut off valve in your home. Open faucets in all levels of your home to allow for expansion should any water left in the lines freeze.

If you notice anything unusual like unfrozen puddles or large pools of water, please contact the Orion Township Water and Sewer Department so that we can shut off the water at the road. If you have a water pipe that has broken in your home or on your property, you will have to contact an independent contractor to fix any damage that occurs within your property.

In a water or sewer emergency, please call 248-391-0304 ext. 116 Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm during non-business  hours call 248-693-1838.

Protecting Our Water
More Information...

Help Prevent Stormwater Pollution This Winter!

There are two approaches to reducing stormwater pollution from household salt use:

Try An Alternative
Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) was developed as a deicing alternative because it has fewer adverse environmental impacts than salt and does not cause corrosion. Although CMA is more expensive than rock salt, it is recommended for environmentally sensitive areas.  

Reduce Your Salt Use
By limiting the amount of salt we use on sidewalks and driveways, we can reduce the amount of polluted stormwater washing into the waterways.

The most important step in deicing is to physically remove as much ice as possible before applying salt. Use a shovel to break up the ice before you add another layer of salt to your sidewalk. Adding more salt without removing what has melted can result in over-application, meaning more salt and chemicals end up in the river. You can also reduce salt by limiting access to your home to one entrance. For every doorway that is not used, will be less salt running in your street.

Telephone Complaint System for Illicit Discharges
Illicit discharge is the discharge of untreated sanitary wastewater or other polluting materials into a water body. Common examples are: sanitary sewage being improperly connected and discharged to the storm sewer, improperly designed or functioning  septic systems, sanitary sewer over flow, improper dumping of waste products (ex: emptying a mobile home into a catch basin or pouring motor oil into an open body of water).  Please call 248-391-0304 ext. 101 to report any illicit discharges.

Storm Water Management  - Phase II Requirements

In 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  (USEPA) published Phase II regulations for storm water discharges. Smaller communities and public entities that are apart of a contiguous urban area and have separate storm sewer systems such as the Charter Township of Orion are subject to these requirements. (The Phase I regulations took effect in 1990 and applied to communities with a population greater then 100,00)

As part of the Phase II regulations, the Charter Township of Orion was required to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit (NPDES). One of the conditions of the NPDES permit is to develop a Public Education Program. Therefore, Township will be periodically advertising events concerning storm water management at http://www.orion.lib.mi.us/township/semcogpep.html.

The Township will also be working with the Clinton River Watershed Council and other local communities on various educational programs concerning storm water management. Please visit the Clinton River Watershed Council website at www.crwc.org or call 248-601-0606 for event updates and educational materials.

Detailed below are a list of workshops that have already been scheduled for communities and residents in the Clinton River Watershed.

Clinton River Watershed Council Phase II Public Education Programs
“You & Your Watershed” is scheduled for the following dates/times in April. No registration required. For other dates and times, please view the complete flyer.

Building Department
Department Webpage

Recreational Vehicle Storage
Property owners may store their own trailers, motor homes, boats and similar vehicles on their own property for an indefinite period of time, provided that the vehicles are in operable condition, properly licensed, and are stored within the rear and side yard setbacks.  For more information, call 248-391-0304 ext.131.

Motor Vehicle Parking and Storage
No unlicensed or non-operable motor vehicle (including motor home, trailer, travel trailer, boat, or similar vehicle) shall be kept, parked or stored in any district zoned residential use, unless the vehicle is in operating condition and properly licensed or is kept inside a building.

Machinery and Building Materials Storage
Unusable, rusty, or in operable machinery, equipment, or parts of machines not suited for use upon the premises, or old and/or used building materials, shall not be kept or stored outside of a building .

Trespassing
Trespassing onto private property without permission of the property owner is prohibited. This also includes the use of off road vehicles. These acts are also violation of state law. Please refer to the Charter Township of Orion Ordinance 49 for more information. Click here for application form
 

Temporary Signs   

Thinking about having a garage sale or selling your home and you'd like to place a sign at the roadside? A Temporary Sign Permit is required if your sign will be out more than 3 days (72 hours). An application and permit may be obtained at the Orion Township Building Department for a fee of $10.00 and is valid for 60 days. Some of the rules pertaining to all temporary signs are:

1.       Maximum size of 6 square feet in a residential area; in a commercial area - 12 square feet.
 

2.       Signs must be located 10 feet from the curb or edge of pavement, or the improved part of the gravel road.
 

3.       Signs must be freestanding. Do not attach to trees, street signs or utility poles.
 

4.       Maximum height of 4 feet in residential areas; 6 feet in commercial areas, from the natural grade at the base of the sign.
 

5.       Permission from the property owner must be obtained prior to erecting any temporary sign.
 

6.       A permit is not required for a real estate sign, which is located on the "for sale" property.
 

Fire Department
Department Webpage

More than half of all fatal fires occur at night while people are asleep. Every Home needs to have working Smoke Detectors to alert sleeping occupants of smoke and fire.

KITCHEN SAFETY:

• Is your stovetop clean, no grease, spills, or clutter?

• Does a grown-up always stay in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove?

• Are pot handles turned toward the back of the stove?

HEATING EQUIPMENT:

• Are space heaters at least three feet away from the walls and anything else that can burn?

• Does your fireplace have a sturdy screen to catch sparks?

• Has your heating system been professionally inspected or serviced in the past 12 months?

• Has your chimney been inspected or cleaned in the past 12 months?

• Do you always dispose of your fireplace ashes in a metal container outside, away from the house?

CANDLES:

• Are candles blown out when grown-ups leave the room or go to sleep?

• Do you have sturdy non-tip and non-combustible candleholders?

• Are lit candles kept a safe distance from anything that can burn?

SMOKING MATERIALS:

• Do you have large, deep, non-tip ashtrays for smokers?

• Are matches and lighters locked up high, out of children’s sight and reach?

• Do smokers wet all butts and ashes before throwing them away?

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:

• Are paints, gasoline, and other flammable liquids stored away from flames and sparks?

• Are they outside the home in a shed or detached Garage?

HOUSE WIRING:

• Do your fuses or circuit-breakers match the circuits they protect? (Have them professionally inspected)

• Do you limit the use of extension cords, make sure they are properly maintained, and do not overload them?

The Orion Township Fire Department is in need of people to serve as "volunteer" Paid-On-Call firefighters. We depend on the willingness of citizens to step forward and make a commitment to help their neighbors. If you are interested in helping to protect our community, we are now accepting applications. We will supply you with the equipment and basic schooling to become Fire and EMS trained and all we ask in return is that you are available to respond to emergencies. It will take sacrifices and hours away from your family but the reward in the end is well worth it. For more information or to request an application, call the Fire Department business office at (248) 373-4660.

Clerk's Office
Department Webpage

2006 Election Dates
Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - Annual School Election
Tuesday, August 8, 2006 - State Primary Election
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 - State General Election

Under Election Consolidation legislation, conduct of all federal, state, county, township, and school elections will be restricted to four dates each year: the fourth Tuesday in February and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in May, August, and November. All elections, including school elections, held on those dates will be conducted by the Township Clerk.

Solicitation
Non-profit groups who wish to solicit funds in the community must register with the Township Clerk's office (248) 391-0304, ext. 104. Per Ordinance 95, all other solicitors must apply for a permit ($35 application fee for first 30 days and $15 for each additional 30 day period).

Township Maps
2005 edition maps are available at the Township Hall at a cost of $2.50. They are also available at the Orion Township Public Library, the Lake Orion Village Hall, and The Lake Orion Review.

New Ordinances

• Ord. 78-182, OP-2 District - An ordinance amendment to allow more flexibility for OP-2 users who might require some light industrial assembly on-site when adjunct to research and development activities occurring at same location.
   

• Ord. 27-6, Subdivision Regulations, Plat Review Fees - An ordinance amendment to allow the Township to recoup costs which will be incurred in processing plans due to the recent amendment to Ord. 60, Land Division & Private Roads, which brought the Township ordinance into compliance with the State Land Division Act.
   

• Ord. 68-7, Water & Sewer, Payment of Charges over Time - An ordinance amendment to add a provision requiring a written agreement approved by the Township Board in order to pay lateral benefit and capital charges for connection to the water and/or sewer systems over time, and to add a provision requiring the consent of the property owner by the debtor if an entity or individual other than the owner.
   

• Ord. 137, Property Maintenance Ordinance - An ordinance which adopts the 2003 Edition of International Property Maintenance Code for regulating and governing conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings, and structures, establishes inspection fees and penalties, and repeals Ordinance 75, BOCA National Existing Structures Code.

Proposed Ordinances

• Sign Regulation - An ordinance regulating the size, placement, and location of signs in the Charter Township of Orion; providing the process for application, issuance of and fees for sign permits; providing for enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance, including penalties for the violation of its provisions; and providing for the repeal of Ordinance 77 and all ordinances or parts of ordinances which are inconsistent or in conflict with this Ordinance.
   

• Revisions to Ordinance 131, Wastewater Discharge - An ordinance to make the provisions of the Wastewater Discharge Ordinance compliant with the City of Detroit municipal code concerning "Wastewater Discharge Control" or Sewer Use Ordinance.

Click Here for Voter Registration Opportunities

Help Clean Your Environment
Visit Webpage

Orion Senior Center

Department Webpage

Check out the latest issue of Orion Seniors' Newsletter!
 

Treasurer's Office
Department Webpage

2005 Tax Bill
Winter taxes are payable December 1, 2005 through February 14, 2006 without interest. Beginning February 15, 2006 through February 28, 2006, a 1% penalty will be added.

Beginning March 1, 2006, all taxes must be paid to Oakland County Treasurer, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac MI 48341. A 4% administration fee and 1% interest fee per month is applied to delinquent taxes when paid at the county. During the month of March, please contact the Treasurer's office at (248) 391-0304, ext. 119, concerning revised statement. Failure to receive a tax bill does not waive penalty.

You can pay 2005 taxes with interest/penalty at the Township until February 28, 2006. If you are paying your own bill you can pay in person at the Township office, mail it, put it in the drop box located by the front doors of the Township Hall, or pay at local branches of Oxford Bank, T&C Credit Union, Comerica Bank (Kroger's - Baldwin Road), or LaSalle Bank.

2006 Dog License
Dog licenses will be available in the Treasurer's Office, December 1, 2005 thru June 1, 2006. Please bring valid proof of rabies and sterilization papers. The cost is as follows:

Spayed/Neutered - $7.50
Senior Citizens - $6.75
Male/Female - $15.00
Senior Citizens - $13.50

Beginning June 2, 2006, dog licenses will be considered delinquent and must be purchased at:

Oakland County Animal Control
1700 Brown Road
Auburn Hills MI 48326
(248) 391-4102

References: Cynthia Carruthers, Colleen Hood (2005) The Power of Positive Psychology, Parks & Recreation October 2005

Community Parks & Recreation Needs Assessment

The Township will be conducting a community Parks and Recreation survey to assist in determining the needs of our citizens. The study will assist the Township in the formation of goals, policies and in the future development of program areas and facilities. Both the quantity and quality of leisure services and leisure opportunities provided by the Township and expected by the citizens are to be assessed by a survey questionnaire and specifically designed for the Township. The questionnaire will be developed by the vendor with direct input from the public, park and recreation advisory committee, elected officials of the Township. The survey will incorporate an awareness of the geographic, social, and economic characteristics of the constituents served by the Township. For information on the survey contact the Parks & Recreation Department.

Paint Creek Trail Receives Improvements

The Orion Township portion of the Paint Creek Trail received two improvements in the fall of 2005. An observation deck was constructed along Foley Pond which is north of Clarkston Road. The deck was constructed with the help of 35 area volunteers assisting Orion Township Parks Maintenance staff. The deck will allow trail users to access the pond for viewing and fishing while alleviating an erosion problem between the pond and the trail. A vault toilet was installed just south of the Corner of Clarkston Road and Kern along the west side of the trail. A recent MSU trail user study indicated the number one request for trail improvements was for comfort stations along the trail. The new vault toilet has already proved to be a valuable addition to trail. Both these projects were funded by funds in part by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, Paint Creek Trailways Commission and Orion Township.

General Information

Christmas Tree Recycling
Please take a green approach this season and recycle your Christmas trees. From December 26, 2005 thru January 8, 2006, you may drop your trees off at Orion Oaks County Park between the hours of 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., seven days a week. All decorations, metal, strong, plastic, etc., must be removed from the trees before you drop them off. Questions? Call (248) 858-0906.

Cancellation/Closures
Check for cancellations of programs and/or facility closures at www.cancellations.com.

Homeowner Associations

If your neighborhood has a homeowners' association who would like to be informed about Township meetings and special events, please call the Clerk's office and ask to be included on the mailing list.

Cable Information

Check out the page on our website.

Rep. Mike Rogers' Staff to Hold Oakland County Office Hours

First Monday of every month, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at the Orion Township Hall, 2525 Joslyn Road, (517) 702-8000. U.S. Rep Mike Rogers' 8th District office staff is looking forward to meeting with their new constituents of Oakland County. Rogers' staff will be visiting with business owners and manager in the community for the remainder of the day. Citizens need assistance with federal agencies, or with comments and concerns, may drop in and talk with the staff of Congressman Rogers about those issues. No appointment is necessary.  Website: http://www.house.gov/mikerogers/

Participate & Let Your Voice Be Heard

We are interested in hearing your opinions and encourage you to participate in your government. If you would like to be active on a Township committee, please contact the Supervisor's Office. To speak with, or leave a message for your elected officials, or if you have a concern or suggestion, we invite you to contact them through the Township offices by phone, fax, letter or email.

Police Protection

Orion Township contracts with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department for police protection. The substation for the Sheriff's Department is located on the lower level of Township Hall.

Road Maintenance

The Township has no legal jurisdiction over any roads. Private roads are maintained by the property owners along the road. Public roads are under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission for Oakland County - which is a separate entity from the Oakland County government. The phone number for the Road Commission Citizen Services Department is (248) 858-4804. Call this number with any concerns or complaints about public roads. The Road Commission maintains over 310 miles of State highways in Oakland County. This is in addition to the county's 2,600-mile road system - the largest county road system in the State.

Road Funding

The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) annual budget is over $90 million. The two primary revenue sources are state-collected funds and federal funds. RCOC does NOT receive any revenues directly from property taxes.

Street Lights, Speed Limits, Stop Signs & Traffic Signals

Do you want a street light, stop signs, or a traffic signal? Do you want a speed limit established or changed? The Supervisor's office will help you through the process necessary to try and get what you want done.