All Leaves, Grass Clippings, Mulch, Etc. Must Be Bagged
July 2008
Volume 08 Issue 3
/ The City of Grant Newsletter
July 2008
*The City of Grant is an Equal Opportunity Provider*
The City of Grantmoved the historic wood water tower June 26, 2008. The new home keeps the tower within the area of its historical significance and a small roadside park will be created for residents and visitors to enjoy. The park project will include restoring the water tower, sandblasting and painting the caboose as well as decorative fencing, grass, small trees and other site amenities such as picnic tables and park benches. This project was made possible by generous grants from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Great Lakes Energy Peoples Fund and many individual donations and volunteers.
Downtown Development Authority Update
The new Downtown Development Authorityis moving right along. The City Commission is in the review and adoption process of the Development and Finance Plan. If you would like to see a copy, or would like more information on the DDA, please feel free to stop by the City Office.
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Solicitors in the City of Grant
All solicitors operating in the City of Grant must have a permit issued by City Staff. If any sales associates come to your door, please ask to see a copy of an issued permit. If a sales associate cannot furnish one to you please contact the Grant Police Department at 834-7212. The City has received complaints regarding several companies over the past few months that have been operating in the City without permits. The City requires permitting so that the Grant Police Department can run checks on individuals who wish to do business in the City. The permit process helps the City know who is in the community as well as hold those who do operate accountable for their practices.
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Sewer Upgrades
The City has already completed smoke testing and is currently working on televising, cleaning and trimming out the sewer mains throughout town. The City will be making repairs to the system, as well as upgrades this next spring. This project will be largely funded by a $900,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. Please be sure to look for public notices posted at the City Office, website and in the Times Indicator for progress. / Message from Mayor Terry Fett:
“Have a wonderful summer!”
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Streetscape Enhancement Project Update
The streetscape is moving forward and is planned for the spring of next year. A grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation, Federal grant money administered by MDOT as well as a commitment from the Grant Area Chamber of Commerce have all helped come together to help fund this exciting project! This will be a nice compliment to the Water Tower Park being constructed on M-37.
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City of Grant Burning Permits
Please remember that the City has a burning ordinance. Permits are required to burn clean wood, subject to restrictions. Permits are $20 for a two week period. You may have a small fire in an enclosed fire pit type structure with a lid or vent without a permit.
Painting of the City Municipal Water Tower
The City will be having the municipal supply water tower painted during July. This is not to be confused with the wood water tower on M-37! The City water tower located near Western Ave. will be repainted white, as it is now, but will have the Grant Tiger Paw logo added!
Water/Sewer and Tax Bills
Please be sure to send in separate payments for you water/sewer bills! Due to accounting procedures, they must be taken in separately. Payment can be sent by mail, dropped off during regular business hours or at the drop box at the City Office.
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
For questions, please call the Grant DPW at 231-834-7462
City of Grant Sewer Backup Policy
Purpose: State of Michigan Public Act 222 of 2001, as amended, requires that the City establish a policy for the processing of claims made by property owners for injury or property damage from the backup or overflow of sewers into or onto their properties. This Policy is in compliance with the requirements as set forth in PA 222 of 2001, which is incorporated herein and attached hereto.
Responsibility: The City is responsible for a sewer backup if there is a blockage in the main line. The City does not own lateral lines or service leads. These are owned and are to be maintained by the property owner. (MCL 691.1416) Therefore, if there is a clog in any line that is not a main, it is the responsibility of the property owner. By State Law the City is immune from tort liability for overflow or backup of sewage disposal system unless the overflow or backup is a sewage disposal system event. Thus the City is only liable if the event is the result of a system wide problem involving the main lines or the treatment plant. (MCL 691.1417)
Valid Claims: Payment of a claim is not automatic. To have a valid claim, for which payment could be made, four conditions must be met:
- There must be a defect in the design, construction, maintenance, operation or repair of the City’s sewage collection or disposal system; and
- The defect must have been the “substantial proximate cause” (50% or more) of the injury or damages; and
- The City must have known, or should have reasonably known, about the defect; and
- The City failed to take reasonable steps in a reasonable amount of time to repair, correct or remedy the defect.
Damages due to routine, one-time only plug in the City system (repeated damages due to a recurring plug might be eligible for payment.)
Obstruction in a sewer lateral or lead that connects the property to the City’s sewer main that was not caused by the City. Maintenance of private sewer laterals is the responsibility of the property owner.
A connection to the City’ssewer system on the affected property, including, but not limited to, a sump pump, building or foundation drain, surface drain, gutter or downspout.
* If you notice your drains draining slowly, it is likely roots in your lateral. If this is occurring, please call a plumber to have the roots clipped out before you experience a sewer backup. You can purchase treatments from a plumber than can be regularly flushed to help prevent roots from growing in your lines. / Swimming Pools
Zoning: Article 11.5: Private Swimming Pools:
All pools must have a minimum 5ft. fence around them! This is important for the safety of City residents.
Some Local Ordinances to be Aware of:
Ordinance #44 prohibits loud noise generated by radios or other sound amplification devices. Our PD is patrolling for violations of this ordinance on a daily basis, and you may end up with a rather large ticket if your music is too loud!
Ordinance #15-1 our local junk ordinance prohibits unlicensed and nonfunctioning vehicles in the city limits, unless they are located in full-enclosed areas of your property. These vehicles may be impounded by our PD anytime they are deemed to be in violation. This also pertains to other cluttered materials that may be present. Please remember to also remove trash cans from the right-of-way after garbage is picked-up.
Ordinance #15-2 regulates the mowing of grass and weeds. Please be sure to maintain all of your lawns this mowing season. The City will send a warning notice only once for the season. After a notice has been sent and if there is not compliance, the City will mow the property and bill for the work.
Ordinance #37-2 (New as Amended) allows for a permit to burn for $20. Please review the ordinance or contact the City Offices before partaking in any burning.
All City Ordinances are available on our website:
Brush Pick-up
The City of Grant offers brush pickup to residents on the 1st and 15th day of each month during the normal lawn/yard maintenance seasons. Here are some rules that must be followed when taking advantage of this great city service:
- All leaves, grass clippings, mulch, etc. must be bagged.
- Branches must be cut into manageable sizes and bundled (typically lengths not to exceed 4 feet) and not to exceed 25 lbs.).
- Brush and leaves must be placed near the street, between the curb and sidewalk.
- Brush and leaves cannot be put to the street more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled pickup day.
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Notice of Public Meetings:
July 21, 2008
August 18, 2008
September 15, 2008
City of Grant Regular Commission Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM
280 South Maple Street, Grant, MI49327