Northfield Township
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The township was at a critical point where avoiding the construction of an Equalization Basin would not an option. In January 2020, the township was cited by the State of Michigan EGLE for permit violations due to increased infiltration and inflow into the Waste Water Treatment collection system. During high storm water levels and winter thaw during the spring, the plant experiences higher capacity to bypass unprotected waters into nearby streams. The State of Michigan EGLE notified the plant that our facility needs to resolve the discharge peak flows from the facility during higher water levels at the discharge points ensuring that our facility will not be bypassed and the facility is protected against unacceptable risk. There are key factors that determine the need for an Equalization Basin:
- For 30 years, the township’s engineering firm has recommended an Equalization Basin to prevent unacceptable risk.
- Northfield Township does not have the ability to meet their obligations for REU’s issued on North Territorial Road (SAD), Green Oak Township, Donna Lane (SAD) and most recently, Whitmore Lake Road (SAD). In addition, the areas in the Master Plan identified for residential development (Leland Farm, Kelly Farm, Seven Mile Road and the south end of Wildwood Lake) would be impacted by the limited capacity within the WWTP.
- Until 2012, the WWTP was able to manage the higher water levels. With the WWTP experiencing 1 to 3 incidents of higher water levels per year, the plant is no longer able to maintain a band-aide approach. To date in 2020, the plant was over the limits two times within 3 months – both times cited by the state.
- In 2002, the circuit court of Livingston County ordered a judgement against Northfield Township requiring and granting the expansion of the plant to resolve the wastewater disposal and environment issues.
- Since the WWTP is located in Green Oak Township, an equalization basin has been approved by the Township Board and by the Green Oak Planning Commission.
- There are some residents in Northfield Township and Green Oak Township that would like to prevent the construction of the Equalization Basin - there has been talk of a referendum in the upcoming election. If a referendum resulted in a vote that turned down the issuance of a bond for the Equalization Basin, the State of Michigan EGLE could issue a Consent Order requiring Northfield Township to pursue the construction. If a Consent Order is issued, the order supersede any petition or any vote.
Stagnation of Growth and DevelopmentNorth Village
and Whitmore Lake Downtown District Revitalization |
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Since 2002, Northfield Township has had stagnant growth within the township – the number of residential building permits started dropping in 2002 and continued through 2012. We are seeing a small uptick in residential building permits but not in viable levels. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) receives a percentage of tax dollars for new development within the downtown district. Since 2002, there has been very limited funds to help with the improvements to the district as well as plan for future growth.
- Revitalization of the Whitmore Lake Downtown District – In 2017, the Downtown Development Authority drafted a revitalization plan that identifies the key attributes of the downtown and steps needed to identify market niches. For downtown Whitmore Lake to thrive, the district needs to become a destination that capitalizes on its proximity to the lake and attracts visitors. The creation of niche markets is a key component of the national main street model for revitalizing down-towns. The Township would likely benefit from businesses that have a unique character and could capitalize on marketing to commuters traveling between Ann Arbor and Brighton.
- Sale of 75 Barker - Part of the revitalization plan is the sale of 75 Barker, which is the center of the downtown district, and development of public parking to support the future growth. In 2022, the Township Board approved the purchase agreement to sell 75 Barker Road to Jamil Somer, owner of Lakeside Party Store, for $100,000 - the parking lot will become an easement for community parking.
- North Village and Northfield Township Community Park – In 2014, the township board acquired the Van Curler property, consisting of 23 acres with over 90 feet of lakefront property. The mission for North Village is “The North Village development shall complement the surrounding neighborhoods, historic architecture, and traditional character of Downtown Whitmore Lake. Development shall be phased to address public amenities, lake views and natural features, desirable connections to downtown, parking, site access, and community vitality.” Unfortunately, in 2022, the township board made the decision to keep the 23 acres a park instead of expanding the downtown area. The initial intent of the 2012 board was to purchase the property, keeping a portion for the park and then selling the other portion for mix use in order to pay for the development of the park. Now, the township board has to find other alternatives to pay for the development and maintenance of the 23 acres.
Preserving Our CommunityLand Preservation
and Recreational Amenitiess: |
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With several lakes, parks and some trails in Northfield Township, which are enjoyed in all seasons. The Park and Recreational Committee was formed in 2013 and completed a five year Parks and Recreation Master plan outlining development and improvements to our current assets:
- Expansion and connection of the non-motorized pathways and trails: With neighboring communities (South Lyon, Hamburg, Ann Arbor and Brighton), Northfield Township has a great opportunity to expand and connect trails throughout our community. Grant through SEMCOG and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation could provide us the dollars (with matching funds from the township) to develop our recreational amenities within the Township.
- Plan and establish a Lakefront Park Center: The 23 acres of property, now called North Village, was acquired in 2014. The Township Board had a vision to establish a lakefront park in conjunction with commercial and/or residential development expanding the footprint of the downtown district. In 2022, the board decided to keep all 23 acres a park (including the lake frontage).
- Seven Mile Road Preserve (Behind the Public Safety Building): As part of the Whitmore Lake Summer Homes Subdivision, the area identified approximately 60 acres of potential natural preserved land with the goal of having a large regional recreational park that has expanding hiking trails, wetland boardwalks and picnic areas. For the past twelve years, the Township has acquired lots through the Washtenaw County Tax Sale. There are still several lots to be acquired before the township can enhance the property for the community to enjoy.
Land Preservation
Land preservation has many definitions for different people. My definition of Land Preservation is conservation easements and retention of active farms, open space for parks and nature trails, or preservation of wetlands. The Land Preservation Committee was established in 2016 to address the needs in the agricultural area in regards to preserving land easements for farms - easement preservation prevents future development on the farmland - keeping the land as a farm in perpetuity. The whole purpose of the Land Preservation Committee is to identify need, to develop a process and program for land preservation. Like the Park and Recreation Plan for the Township, a Land Preservation Plan should be drafted for approval by the Township Board that identifies the public purpose for preservation. In 2023, Northfield Township passed its first millage for Land Preservation with a $200K budget for each year to preserve working farms.
Land preservation has many definitions for different people. My definition of Land Preservation is conservation easements and retention of active farms, open space for parks and nature trails, or preservation of wetlands. The Land Preservation Committee was established in 2016 to address the needs in the agricultural area in regards to preserving land easements for farms - easement preservation prevents future development on the farmland - keeping the land as a farm in perpetuity. The whole purpose of the Land Preservation Committee is to identify need, to develop a process and program for land preservation. Like the Park and Recreation Plan for the Township, a Land Preservation Plan should be drafted for approval by the Township Board that identifies the public purpose for preservation. In 2023, Northfield Township passed its first millage for Land Preservation with a $200K budget for each year to preserve working farms.
InfrastructureSidewalks and Road improvements
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As a former member of the Road Improvement Committee from 2016 to 2020, it was the position of the committee to identify conditions of our roads and to advise the township board on the priorities of maintenance and repairs. The State of Michigan oversees the maintenance and repairs of highways. The Washtenaw County Road Commission oversees the maintenance and repairs of primary and secondary roads, of which the township is required to provide matched dollars.
The township has over 70% of rural roads, which are considered secondary roads (or local collector roads), 20% primary road (paved) and 10% of highway road. Depending on where the funds originate, the township would pay 100% or 50% matching funds for secondary road repairs. General Fund Allocations have been increased each year since 2012, but not to the capacity to keep up with the road repairs year after year. The township board works with the Washtenaw County Road Commission to identify the next year's goals, and now with the Road Improvement Committee, the township board will have a better understanding of road priorities.
Each year, the Township allocates dollars to limestone and brine application for associated dust control and road restoration. And in the 2021 General Fund budget, only $58,000 was allocated to roads due to the potential shortfalls in the state revenue share, while over $250,000 was approved for road repairs in the 2023 fiscal year budget - an additional $50,000 was allocated to limestone and brine application. It critical to the infrastructure of our township to continue to invest in our roads annually.
The township has over 70% of rural roads, which are considered secondary roads (or local collector roads), 20% primary road (paved) and 10% of highway road. Depending on where the funds originate, the township would pay 100% or 50% matching funds for secondary road repairs. General Fund Allocations have been increased each year since 2012, but not to the capacity to keep up with the road repairs year after year. The township board works with the Washtenaw County Road Commission to identify the next year's goals, and now with the Road Improvement Committee, the township board will have a better understanding of road priorities.
Each year, the Township allocates dollars to limestone and brine application for associated dust control and road restoration. And in the 2021 General Fund budget, only $58,000 was allocated to roads due to the potential shortfalls in the state revenue share, while over $250,000 was approved for road repairs in the 2023 fiscal year budget - an additional $50,000 was allocated to limestone and brine application. It critical to the infrastructure of our township to continue to invest in our roads annually.
The General Fund BudgetThe State Revenue Sharing Shortfalls
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In fiscal year 2021, our township’s state revenue sharing allocation decreased by 6.60% providing a shortfall in the General Fund budget. With the State’s deficit at $6.8 Billion, the township board projected that the fiscal year 2022 budget will possibly have deeper cuts. It’s the fiduciary responsibility of the township board to manage the budget within the township.
Northfield Township has always been conservative with the General Fund budget having an 80% General Fund Balance (a reserve fund balance limit) - today, the township has a 130% General Fund Balance. Note that most townships manage their budgets around 40% General Fund Balance. In 2014, the fund balance limits decrease to 40% (which is still in good standing) due to the purchase of the 23 acres. Since then, the Township Board has been diligent on managing spending and staying within the approved budget in order to increase and improve the General Fund Balance.
Northfield Township has always been conservative with the General Fund budget having an 80% General Fund Balance (a reserve fund balance limit) - today, the township has a 130% General Fund Balance. Note that most townships manage their budgets around 40% General Fund Balance. In 2014, the fund balance limits decrease to 40% (which is still in good standing) due to the purchase of the 23 acres. Since then, the Township Board has been diligent on managing spending and staying within the approved budget in order to increase and improve the General Fund Balance.