january 15, 2020 · based upon revenue received.” haarer said, “mdard will supervise the...
TRANSCRIPT
A place that local farmers have looked to for many years and a longtime familiar site along Dexter-Chelsea Road, the Chelsea Grain Company on Dec. 18, 2019, voluntarily surrendered its grain dealer license.
According to Jeff Haarer, a Manager with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Agriculture Development Division, Producer Security Program, Chelsea Grain LLC is going through a liquidation process and has voluntarily relinquished its grain dealer license under PA 141 of 1939.
Haarer, on behalf of MDARD, has sent notification letters out to producer creditors of Chelsea Grain announcing the Notice of Liquidation of Farm Produce.
His letter opens by stating, “Based on a review of the books and records of Chelsea Grain, LLC. in Chelsea MI, your name has been listed as a holder of a scale ticket, warehouse receipt, grain bank, price later agreement, or spot sale for farm produce that has not been paid in full.”
Haarer said MDARD administers the Grain Dealers Act, which licenses grain dealers and the Farm Produce Insurance which provides indemnification for eligible producers.
Nathan Dawson, President of Chelsea Grain, LLC, said the state “requires that if you have a grain dealer’s license that you have 1 to 1 current liabilities vs. assets. The Grain Company has assets to cover customer liabilities. They are in the form of hard assets (land, equipment) not cash. I elected to close the business instead of finding investors or push more cash into the company.”
Haarer’s letter said, “Based on conversations with Nathan Dawson, President of Chelsea Grain, LLC, Nathan has decided to begin liquidation of the assets (including grain) at the facility with the intent of satisfying all grain obligations. The goal is to have all grain settled and liquidated from the facility by January 31, 2020. To ensure equitable payment to all producers impacted, Chelsea Grain, LLC will not be paying more than 75 percent for all priced but not paid for grain. Further payments will be prorated based upon revenue received.”
Haarer said, “MDARD will supervise the liquidation of grain assets for Chelsea Grain, LLC in accordance with Section 26 of the Grain Dealers Act, PA 141 of 1939, as amended. Chelsea Grain, LLC is not currently licensed as a grain dealer under the Grain Dealers Act (GDA) due to the voluntary surrendering of their license and as such Chelsea Grain, LLC is not allowed to receive farm produce.”
When asked, what your customers should know,
Dawson said, “There is no reason to think that they will not be paid. The company is currently liquidating all grain inventory. After the grain assets are liquidated, the property of the company will be sold to cover debits. If there is still a balance due after every asset is liquidated. The farmers have paid into an insurance fund that pays 90 percent of the remaining balance. Currently Chelsea Grain has assets that exceed liabilities.”
Haarer said in the letter, “MDARD is now in the process of verifying the grain dealers’ records with your records and netting any obligations that you may have with Chelsea Grain, LLC. To complete the liquidation process so Chelsea Grain, LLC. can make final payments, please complete the attached MDARD Statement of Loss form and submit it to our office by January 10, 2020. If there is not enough farm produce and assets to cover your losses, MDARD will prorate the proceeds in accordance with the GDA. Any outstanding balance owed to you after liquidation may be eligible for recovery under the Farm Produce Insurance Act, PA 141 of 1939 (separate claim process).”
Haarer said the process is to first verify all potential producers that have grain in the facility and outstanding obligations.
“The intent of the operator is to pay producers fully from liquidation of grain from faculty and other assets,” Haarer said.
Dawson started with Chelsea Grain in 2001, became its manager in 2005, and then bought 10 percent of it in 2008 and the remainder in 2012, which turned out to be a drought year and big loss.
Dawson said that challenge took years to recover from and then in 2016 they were back on their feet and grossed $15 million and made a small profit.
However, in 2017, the
road coming out of Chelsea was closed due to the gas pipeline work, which led to the farmers, especially from the Stockbridge area coming down M-52, having to make a tough decision about traveling to Chelsea Grain.
Dawson said the pipeline is still not complete.
The Sun Times News reported in early December that 2019 was a tough year for agriculture in Washtenaw County and as a result of extreme weather fluctuations such as spring flooding and summer drought causing poor harvests, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared the county as a Primary Natural Disaster Area.
STN reported the move allowed some producers to be eligible for USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
According to a United States Department of Agriculture 2017 census, Washtenaw County has 1,245 farms for a total of 178,995 acres devoted to agriculture, or 38.7 percent of the county’s 462,080 total acres. Farming in the county contributes $91,167,000 to the economy. Any hit to farmers has a big ripple effect.
The Sun Times News reached out to Dawson to get his view of the Grain Company going forward.
STN: What should the community know?
Dawson: “Things are changing. I have been accepted into the community and I want the best for it. I hoped to extend the conventional use of this plant for more years than I was able. To me that is failure. I am more unhappy than my former customers in that regard.”
He said, “This is an economic hub. I know we don’t look like much, but we keep 4-6 good jobs and $10-15 million in the local economy. When small, utilitarian plants like this are gone, they never come back.”
This has been my community for going on 20 years,” Dawson said. “I am willing to do as much as I can to make this a useful sight. I have thought that this is a past, present and future sight for Western Washtenaw agriculture. I would like to spend the next 20 exploring and helping that potential.”
STN: What are the plans
going forward?Dawson: “We have many
plans going forward. From farmer owned to an outside grain company buying and running the facility. These things normally take months not weeks. Time is an issue. For all the right reasons, the state will move forward with the best plan to get the farmers paid.”
STN: How do you describe Chelsea Grain?
Dawson: “The coffee is always on. Come talk.”
STN: Is there anything that we haven’t asked about that you would like to say?
Dawson: “Politics today is left or right wing. Agriculture is organic or conventional. We all need to be closer to the middle. This area is ripe for meeting the newest customers’ needs. I hope my friends and customers can see that.”
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January 15, 2020Volume 138, No. 3
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Chelsea Grain Company Voluntarily Surrenders Grain Dealer License After Tough YearBy Lonnie Huhman, [email protected]
A Salute To Dexter School’s Project ManagerBy Lonnie Huhman, [email protected]
Jerry Brand grew up a military brat in Hawaii and Florida, but later in life he came to call Dexter his home, and the place where he raised his family while also helping to build a school district.
He’s now headed into retirement. Looking back at his career with Granger Construction Company, many in the Dexter community vouch for the positive impact he and Granger have had in building the schools.
Brand has basically had a hand in the renovation or building of every school building in Dexter. His legacy in the school district has also been extended through his son, who is also with Granger and helped lead the building of the new elementary school, Beacon.
Outgoing Dexter Community Schools Board of Education President Michael Wendorf said Brand and Granger Construction have deep roots in Dexter and Michigan. He said Brand’s roots extend to his sons and grandchildren who live in the community. Pointing to the fact that Granger, which is based in Lansing, has built educational buildings for both public school districts and Michigan’s great public universities, Wendorf said, “Our community school district values such roots and the deep experience and knowledge of construction that Jerry and Granger bring to our table.”
“We have relied on Jerry’s knowledge and affection for our community and schools to bring at least our most recent four bond projects to completion on time and within budget,” Wendorf said. “This includes construction of our K-12 educational complex with Anchor and Beacon schools. As significant as his management of these projects has been I also believe that Jerry Brand has contributed very significantly to our campus environment and long term strategic vision for our buildings, fields and facilities.”
Continued on Page 6
Jerry Brand, standing far right, celebrates another big job well done. Photo courtesy of Dexter Community Schools.
“We have many plans going forward,” said Nathan Dawson, President of Chelsea Grain. “From farmer owned to an outside grain company buying and running the facility. These things normally take months not weeks. Time is an issue. For all the right reasons, the state will move forward with the best plan to get the
farmers paid.”
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 2
Obituary
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E. Jeannette MayChelsea, Michigan
Our community, family, and friends have sadly lost Jeannette Winans, age 94, on January 7, 2020. She calmly and peacefully slipped away, in the presence of her beloved family, after graciously dealing with dementia for way too long, while staying at Towsley Village, Chelsea Retirement Community of Chelsea, MI.
E. Jeannette May was born in her Aunt Marie and Uncle Steve’s home in Rockford, OH to Bert and Esther May on May 25, 1925. Jeannette’s early life was spent with a family on the move, following a road-building father, OG May. They lived all over the upper Ohio, Indiana, southern Michigan, and Pennsylvania region (moving too often for Jeannette) to where the jobs were, which were steady during the Depression and WW2.
She was taught to make her own clothes by her mother, Esther, and they raised animals, grew vegetables, canned, swept dirt yards and plank floors in their rented houses, and walked “miles” or rode buses to school. She was always clever about having learned to drive a pickup with the “3-on-the-tree.”
As her family grew older, they ended up in Chelsea, whereupon her mother laid down the law, and there was to be no more moving. Then the girls and brother Leroy could stay in one place and go to high school. That was that.
Jeannette graduated from Chelsea High, proceeded to Chicago for business school, and returned to the area to work in offices at the U of M, Bauser, and Federal Screw Works in Chelsea.
After the war, she met George Winans (her husband, George, of 70 years) in Chelsea, and they enjoyed one another’s company with family and friends alike. Giving the gift of life to three sons, being an integral part of owning and operating the very successful Winans Jewelry Store, assisting with Village of Chelsea clerk’s duties for 10 years, and being a devoted, loving, encouraging, attentive mother of those boys was the stuff that fueled her life. Jeannette was centered and grounded in her values of what makes up a family, and she tirelessly supported all the things that would make her kids well-rounded individuals.
She has been respected for her compassion and love for her oldest son John, who was developmentally disabled and needed an extraordinary amount of guidance, love, and direction. She and George rose to whatever needed to be done so that John could be solid, relatively self-sustaining, kind, and secure. They, as a couple, never, ever let up in their pursuit of all things in his best interest. And he prospered because of them.
Jeannette enjoyed reading, cooking, driving, traveling to 49 states with George, laughing, discussing, and relaxing. She excelled at being an extraordinarily outstanding mother and wife. She loved creating needlepoint projects, cooking, and making all those around her feel joyful and carefree in her companionable presence. Jeannette was respected and very well liked in our small community, and she served it well by helping to set the foundation for the nursery school on Dexter-Chelsea Road and volunteering at Chelsea Community Hospital.
Jeannette is survived by her children, Curt (Menuka) Winans of Chelsea, Rob (Lori) Winans of Chelsea; two grandchildren; and her beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her dear husband, George, son, John, sisters Ruby Strieter and Mary Hoelzer, and her brother, Leroy May.
A Memorial Service will take place Saturday, January 18, 3:00 p.m., from Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Tina Zimmerman, Chaplain of Chelsea Retirement Community, officiating. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home the day of service.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea.
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Wolf Farms Development Snagged By Sean Dalton
What would be one of the newest mixed-use developments in western Washtenaw County over the next five years is going to have to go back to the drawing board after the Chelsea City Council aired several concerns with it during a public hearing this week.
The Wolf Farms development, which boasts 173 units of residential living space following the construction of two medical office buildings each over the first two years of the five-year phased building plan, faces a lack of compliance with the city’s zoning requirements.
The office buildings face incongruence with the city’s requirements for floor area coverage and impervious area coverage, meaning the ratio of building square footage compared to the lot size is more than 20 percent too large as proposed. The impervious area or amount of the parcel that cannot absorb or infiltrate rainfall exceeds the Chelsea’s specification by more than 15 percent.
The housing units fall far short of the city’s requirements for lot area, lot width, side yard, rear yard, and floor area ratio under all three of its single family home zone classifications. Essentially the density would have to be relaxed in such a way as to increase lot size from 6,000 square feet to at least 7,500, as well as extend lot width from 50 to at least 60 feet, front yard length from 50 to 60 feet, and double the front and side yards.
There are also lingering concerns about adding more traffic to the intersection of Freer Road and Old US 12, particularly from the two 40,000 square foot office buildings that would be the development’s face onto Freer and towards Pierce Lake Elementary School across the street.
Developer David Wolf, of Illinois-based Fremont Group, and engineering and construction firm Atwell Group boast of 65 jobs created for each building, but to city council members that’s just 130 more commuters brought into the mix at an intersection that is already a major safety concern for area residents -- not to mention all of the non-employee visitors to the buildings.
“In the master plan we identified that intersection needed improvement without additional development,” said Chelsea Mayor Melissa Johnson, who added that backups to the I-94 ramps is not uncommon.
Johnson and others on council directed the bulk of their opposition to the office buildings for a number of other reasons aside from the increased traffic burden, such as the fact that the city’s master plan also calls out Main Street parcels in the downtown as the appropriate location for such structures like the Wolf Farms medical office structures.
There’s also a question of whether or not, from the city’s perspective, more commercial space is even needed at all. Given the fact that the development would face significant construction cost and time overruns without provision of water and wastewater services from the City of Chelsea Utilities Department.
City officials cited available commercial spaces in the Clocktower building, the Pamida strip, the Federal Screw Works building, and several others with commercial space available in and around town. There’s also 50,000 square feet of available commercial space near Old US 12 and South Main Street that is designated for infill development.
“When we haven’t filled those spaces and we’re going to look at this against our master plan, I question the inclusion of the medical or office components as part of this proposed development,” Johnson said, adding that the additional housing is not the problem and is needed in the area.
Council-member Peter Feeney took issue with the homogeneous nature of the residential units, saying he would be in favor of a revised plan being brought back before him with more of a “mix of housing.”
“Without it having a mix of some smaller units, if we allow it all to be stick build homes we’re going to have expensive stick build homes like we already have,” Feeney said.
He brought the discussion at the work session back to the traffic issue by stating that it was the most important question before the council with this development.
“We only have once chance to get it right,” Feeney said of steering Wolf Farms in a direction that will at least not exacerbate the traffic problem.
Many of Chelsea’s growing pains as a population center in western Washtenaw stem from the fact that M-52 is a state highway and Old US 12 is under the purview of the Washtenaw County Road Commission.
“When we have these concerns it’s not as simple as calling up the road commission,” Pacheco said. Having served on the city’s transportation committee, Pacheco is familiar with the limitations of enlisting larger governmental bodies to get involved in addressing hyper-local concerns like the traffic situation at Freer and Old US 12.
A lane expansion or roundabout would be good solutions, according to City Manager John Hanifan. But those would cost the city money as the situation at the intersection doesn’t pass emergency thresholds for number of preventable accidents, which are required for a county or state agency to invest in address roadway concerns within their jurisdiction.
When asked by Hanifan what the council would like to see brought back before them by the developer, many said that a plan without the medical office buildings would be of interest. The plan would also have to further address traffic concerns and bring more green space into the mix.
Wolf, who was visibly
disappointed with the prospect of having to go back to the drawing board, pleaded the case for the concessions and improvements that have already been offered in the
current site plan iteration to Lima Township, which is in the same direction as what the various council members said they want in Wolf Farms.
Continued on Page 6
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 3
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • May 10, 2017 • Page 18
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PUBLIC NOTICESCity of Chelsea
Notice of Ordinance AdoptionOrdinance No. 166-2019-22
An Ordinance to Amend the Chelsea City Zoning Ordinance
The City of Chelsea ordains that the Chelsea City Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 166, enacted pursuant to Public Act 110 of 2006 as amended, for the City of Chelsea is amended as follows:Section 1. That the official Zoning Map attached thereto and adopted together with Ordinance No. 166, specifically map number 15 and be the same is hereby amended as follows:The following described premise, be and the same, is hereby rezoned from Single Family Residential District Moderate Density (RS-2) to Office District (O-1).Description: Parcel ID # 06-07-18-200-006 *OLD SID - G 07-018-020-00 LI 18-7C COM AT NE COR OF SEC 13, T2SR3E, TH S 0 DEG 57' 30" E 1440.58 FT IN E LINE OF SAID SEC 13, TH S 69 DEG 51' 30" E 191.75 FT IN CENT OF HWY FOR A PL OF BEG, TH N 20 DEG08' 30" E 333 FT, TH S 69 DEG 51' 30" E 145 FT, TH S 20 DEG 08' 30" W 333 FT, TH N 69 DEG 51' 30" W 145 FT INCENT OF HWY TO PL OF BEG, BEING A PART OF NW FRL 1/4 SEC. 18 T2S R4E 1.10 AC.Description: Parcel ID # 06-07-18-200-007*OLD SID - G 07-018-016-15 LI 18-7A-1C COM AT NW COR OF SEC, TH S 2DEG 48' E 1442.11 FT ON W LN OF SEC TH S 71 DEG 46' 30" E 336.75 FT ON C/L OLD US-12 TO POB, TH S 71 DEG 46' 30" E 290 FT, TH N 18 DEG 13' 30" E 333 FT, TH N 71 DEG 46' 30" W 290 FT, TH S 18 DEG 13' 30" W 333 FT TOPOB PART NW 1/4 SEC 18 T2S R4E. 2.22 AC.Section 2. All remaining provisions and any amendments thereto of Ordinance No. 166 be and the same are hereby reaffirmed and ratifiedSection 3. The within amendment shall be effective twenty[20] days after adoption and publication as provided by lawFIRST READING: 12/16/2019SECOND READING AND ADOPTION: 1/6/2020PUBLISHED: 1/15/2020EFFECTIVE: 2/4/2020
CITY OF DEXTERPAINT DEXTER PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL EVENT COORDINATOR
JOB POSTING
The City of Dexter is seeking an energetic, highly organized, and self-motivated Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival Event Coordinator. Paint Dexter is an art competition, gallery, sale, and community Festival that takes place in August of each year. In 2020 the Festival will enter its 8th year and will be held the week of August 17 – 22. The Event Coordinator is a paid part-time position, and will work approximately 400 hours per calendar year at $14 per hour. The Event Coordinator will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the Festival, beginning in February. To view the position description and access the City’s employment application, please visit the City’s website at: https://www.dextermi.gov/Job_Openings/Paint_Dexter_Plein_Air_Festival_Event_Coordinator_Position_Description.pdf. Applicants are asked to submit a completed application form, cover letter, and resume to the City of Dexter, 8123 Main St., 2nd Floor, Dexter, MI 48130. The position is open until filled, but a first review of applications will be Friday, February 7, 2019 at 2:00pm.
SALINE CITY COUNCILDECEMBER 16, 2019
SYNOPSIS
The Regular meeting of the Saline City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Marl at Saline City Hall. The Mayor and five members of Council were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Council voted to approve the Agenda as amended. Council voted to excuse the absence of Council member Mitchell. There were two citizen comments. The following Consent Agenda items were approved by unanimous vote of Council: Council minutes and synopsis of the December 2, 2019 regular meeting; payment of 109 payees in the amount of $392,118.22; Resolution for Designation of Street Administrator.New Business:Council voted to approve: Building Maintenance Bids; Washtenaw County Project Oversight Committee Agreement Renewals; Washtenaw County Emergency Communications Consortium – Lease Renewal; Joint Work Group with Saline Township; Labor and Employment Legal Services Contract; Saline UDA Utility Topographic Mapping; GBA Sauk Business Trail Purchase Agreement Extension; Ordinance 816 – Treatment of Certain Animated Signs; Nova Filters; Letter to Lodi Township Objecting to the Rezoning at 7706 Saline Ann Arbor Road. There were seven Discussion and/or Report items. There were no public comments. City Council voted to adjourn at 9:19 p.m.Complete minutes may be reviewed during regular office hours at Saline City Hall, or on-line at:www.cityofsaline.org Synopsis prepared by Terri Royal, Saline City ClerkDATE APPROVED: January 6, 2020
LODI TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING SYNOPSIS
January 7, 2020 7:00 P.M.
The meeting opened with the flag pledge at 7:00pm. Seven board members were present and 3 citizens. The Consent Agenda was approved as presented. The consent agenda included the December 3, 2019 meeting minutes, treasurer report, payment of bills, amendment of the budget, Washtenaw County Sheriff report and the zoning report. There was a short attorney report including a motion to act on the court order regarding the blight issue at 2070 S. Wagner Road. and a short Planning Commission Report. Public comment was offered at 7:12 pm. There was a short Public Comment from the city of Saline regarding the rezoning at 7706 Saline Ann Arbor Road. The Agenda was approved as presented with one addition to new business. Old/Unfinished Business: none. New Business: Rezoning application for 7706 Saline Ann Arbor Road was denied, Correction to Ann Arbor Greenbelt Township donation, approval of repairs to a cemetery stone in the amount of $150.00, acceptance of SAFD Audit year-end 2019, budget workshop date set for January 23, 2020 at 9:30am, acknowledged engagement letter for 2020 Audit. Public comment offered at 7:38 pm there was a short comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:338pm. Next meeting is February 4 2020 @ 7pm, budget workshop is January 23, 2019 at 9:30 am. The minutes may be viewed, after approval, on the Lodi Township web site (www.twplodi.org) or are available for review or purchase at the township hall during regular business hours.Christina Smith, ClerkJan Godek, Supervisor
Saline Township Regular Board MeetingDecember 9, 2019 7:00 P.M.
The Regular Meeting of the Saline Township Board was called to order by Supervisor Marion on December 9, 2019, 7:00 PM at the Saline Town Hall, 5731 Braun Road, Saline, MI. Members present: Supervisor Marion, Treasurer Luckhardt, Clerk Marion, Trustee R. Marion and Trustee Hammond. Five other citizens attended.The agenda was approved as presented.The consent agenda was approved as presented.Supervisor Marion reported on the following: sheriff’s report, Andelina Farms, Motion carried to sign the Marion Rd Culvert project, Motion carried to replace the town hall roof, Motion carried to move the Board meeting to the second Wednesday of the month.The meeting adjourned at 7:40 P.M. Any interested party may review or receive a complete copy of the Township Board minutes at www.salinetownship.org or contact the Township Clerk’s office in writing or by calling 734-429-9968. Submitted by Kelly Marion, Saline Township Clerk.James Marion Supervisor
SynopsisCITY OF CHELSEA
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETINGMonday, December 16, 2019
311 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118
Call to OrderMayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United StatesApproval of Consent AgendaMeeting minutes of the November 18, 2019 regular meetingApproval of Bills MOVED Albertson SECONDED Feeney to approve the consent agenda. All Ayes. Motion Carried.Approval of Regular AgendaMOVED Feeney SECONDED Catherman to approve the regular agenda. All Ayes. Motion carried.Public CommentsPresentation - nonePublic HearingCommercial Rehab Abatement Exemption Certificate for the Rockwell Building Council BusinessResolution to Approve Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate on Parcel 06-06-12-111-007MOVED Pacheco SECONDED Feeney to adopt the resolution to approve a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate Application for Parcel 06-06-12-111-007 pursuant to PA 210 of 2005, as amended. Roll Call Vote. 6 Ayes, 1 Abstain (Wiseley). Motion Carried.Human Rights Commission (HRC) Request for ResolutionMOVED Pacheco SECONDED Catherman to adopt the Resolution Supporting the Passage of H.R. 5 Equality Act. Roll Call Vote. 3 Ayes, 4 Nays (Albertson, Feeney, Wiseley, Johnson). Motion NOT Carried.Planning Commission BylawsMOVED Iannelli SECONDED Wiseley to accept the proposed bylaws for the Planning Commission with a FRIENDLY AMENDMENT by Albertson who offered to edit for syntax (not content). All Ayes. Motion Carried.Ordinance No. 166-2019-22 First ReadingMOVED Albertson SECONDED Catherman to accept the First Reading of Ordinance No. 166-2019-22. Roll Call Vote. All Ayes. Motion Carried.MOVED Albertson SECONDED Pacheco to place Second Reading of Ordinance No. 166-2019-22 on the council agenda for January 6, 2020 for second reading and adoption. All Ayes. Motion Carried.Zoning Ordinance RFPMOVED Feeney SECONDED Albertson to approve the proposed Zoning Ordinance RFP. All Ayes. Motion Carried.Wolf Property DiscussionMOVED Feeney SECONDED Catherman to set a work session to discuss the Wolf Property for 6:00pm on January 6th, 2020 prior to the council meeting. All Ayes. Motion Carried.Resolution Regarding MDOT State Trunkline Maintenance ContractMOVED Albertson SECONDED Wiseley to adopt the Municipal Resolution Regarding Michigan Department of Transportation State Trunkline Maintenance Contract. Roll Call Vote. All Ayes. Motion Carried.OPEB Actuarial Service Quote MOVED Albertson SECONDED Feeney to approve the CBIZ proposal to complete the required OPEB actuarial analysis for the 2019-2020 fiscal year for $6,500. All Ayes. Motion Carried. Staff ReportsCouncil ReportsAdjournment MOVED Feeney SECONDED Pacheco to adjourn at 8:04 pm. All Ayes. Motion Carried.Approved: January 6, 2020This is only a synopsis of the Regular City Council Meeting. The minutes in their entirety may be viewed at the Clerk’s Office at 305 S. Main Street, Chelsea, MI or online at www.city-chelsea.org Respectfully submitted,Laura Kaiser, City Clerk
FREEDOM TOWNSHIPWASHTENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Freedom Township Hall (11508 Pleasant Lake Road) to invite public comment on proposed amendments to articles 4.0 (Land Use Table), 5.0 (Use Standards), and 19.0 (Definitions) of the Freedom Township Zoning Ordinance No. 43 for the purpose of updating allowable land use provisions that apply to short-term transient rentals in the Township by authority of Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended.The proposed amendments may be viewed at the Township Hall by appointment with the Township Clerk, (734) 222-6399. Written comments on the application may be mailed to the Freedom Township Planning Commission, Attn. Larry Lindemann, Chair, 13500 Pleasant Lake Rd., Manchester, MI 48158.Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals who require special accommodations should contact the Township Clerk at least seven days prior to the hearing.The Planning Commission’s regular meeting will immediately follow the public hearing.
Letters to the Editor The following “Letter to the Editor” expresses the opinion of the author(s) and in no way reflects that
of The Sun Times management or staff.We Must Help Address Affordable Housing Crisis With Hilltop View Apartments
It is past time for Dexter to step up to the plate and assume its place as part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis. Stable housing, like the proposed Hilltop View Apartments is a vital step in getting people back to a place where they can start to solve other problems. Remember Maslow’s hierarchy of needs where shelter and food are basic human needs that must be met before other issues can be addressed?
Be honest now and think of your own greater family, isn’t there someone today or in the past who could have benefited from affordable housing and supportive services? Can’t we, the community of Dexter, be part of the solution?
Don’t you feel that veterans deserve a place to live and deal with their issues? Can’t we be part of the solution?
What about the children who are part of homeless families? Don’t they deserve to attend quality schools as their families get back on their feet? Can’t we be part of the solution?
Think of Dexter parents of adult children who need housing and supportive services. What a difference it would make if these services were offered in Dexter. Can’t we be part of the solution?
Thanks to the community leaders in Dexter and Chelsea State Bank that are on board and championing this project!
But what about the silent majority? Are we interested only in how we get ahead, how we make money? Is life just about me, me, me? Can’t we be part of the solution?
Will there be problems? Probably. Nothing new gets off to a perfect start. But with community input, support and resources of Faith in Action and the experience of Avalon Housing, solutions will be worked out. Can’t we be part of the solution?
For me, it’s about reaching out and welcoming Hilltop View Apartments to our community. Attending city council meetings or emailing city council member to show your support is a good first step. Contact them at: https://www.dextermi.gov/government/city_council_directory.php
Sign me up to be a volunteer. I’m sure it will be like other volunteer activities I’ve done in the past. By investing my time, I get far more than I can ever give. Thanks for giving the Dexter community the opportunity to stretch, be challenged and become a better community in the process. Letter continues on PageCathy FitzgeraldDexter Township
Looking for more information about homeless housing needs? Check out these websites:
• Faith in Action: https://www.faithinaction1.org/• Avalon Housing: https://www.avalonhousing.org/• Housing First Fact sheet:http://endhomelessness.org/wp-content/
uploads/2016/04/housing-first-fact-sheet.pdf
Let’s Talk About It Some MoreThere is an obvious
misconception on what has been approved regarding the Avalon housing project and what it means for the community. I think with the overwhelming response of residents not knowing about it or understanding it, for whatever reason, it would only be appropriate to slow the process of the sale and talk about it some more. It is reasonable for people to have concerns after all this housing is going to be across the street from our children.
Our children are the most vulnerable and of the highest priority, and they need to be treated as such. It has been said that we all know someone who has been affected by mental illness and substance abuse, this is probably true. If so, I would think that people would be aware of the chaos and instability that is associated with it. This is a high-risk population that has high- risk behaviors, any true personal experience would show this to be the case. Making the need for careful consideration before placing this “supportive” housing project, that just groups high-risk individuals together and offers only voluntary services, across
the street from our elementary schools.
I work in the medical field and encounter this population regularly, I grew up in low- income housing as a child and have had family members with both mental illness and substance abuse. The housing I lived in was offered as a steppingstone to low-income families, not as a plateau, like the proposed Avalon housing. It was filled with drugs, crime, and violence, so much that I was barely allowed to play outside. I worked very hard to make sure that my children did not have to experience this. As a professional, I see the complexity of this population frequently. From drug use and trafficking to delusional and paranoid thoughts to violence and harm to self or others. These behaviors do not discriminate if you are a single parent, or a veteran, a grandparent, young or old, these conditions require extensive and thorough monitoring and great responsibility of care. So yes, it is reasonable to have concerns when a housing project that places high-risk individuals with significant needs into independent housing,
in fact, it seems a bit irresponsible. Putting up four walls and a food pantry does not fix the struggles that people with mental illness or drug addiction battle, I would even argue that it is a disservice to this population. Offering “safe” drug paraphernalia and the privacy to do drugs does not combat the addiction, it enables it. Also, it has not been made clear how they determine that these residents are not a threat to themselves or others.
Letter continues on Page 8I have seen a screening
form to gain residency, that causes great concern about the population and their needs being placed in this housing, again right across the street from our schools.
An Avalon spokesperson said that because they are drug addicts, mentally ill or homeless this does not make them criminals. I can tell you that when people overdose, they do not go to jail, they go to the hospital, and when people have violent psychotic episodes even with assault and battery, again the hospital, not jail. I would argue that just because you are not prosecuted as a criminal these still are very much criminal behaviors. It is naive to think that
there will not be any complications associated with this housing project. So, who will be the ones to suffer the burden of these complications? It will be the community and due to the location, it will be our children. To be clear, I am not devaluing any human life, instead of as a mother I am prioritizing. This is not an appropriate location with all the uncontrollable and unpredictable variables. I am encouraging everyone to think with logic and reason what this will bring to our city, to form your own opinion on your own accord. It is okay to have concerns, and it is okay to want answers. It was not that long ago that we were told that opioids were safe and effective to treat pain, with minimal side effects. Rules and regulations, we changed to accommodate prescribing opioids. It may have helped a few people, but it ruined a lot more. My point being, that just because someone says it’s a good idea, does not mean that it is. Please speak up if you too are concerned. Respectfully,Jessica DelapenaDexter
Claims Of Danger To Dexter’s Children Do Not Offer A Valid Reason For Opposing Hilltop View
I have a few more thoughts about the Hilltop View affordable housing effort in Dexter. Statements from opponents of Hilltop View show that they perceive future residents of Hilltop View as individuals falling outside their conception of the Dexter community simply because they need affordable housing or supportive services.
Opponents’ most alarming claim is that children will be endangered by Hilltop View residents who come from outside this community to live here. In terms of
realistically assessing risks to Dexter’s children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website states that child abuse and neglect usually involves a “parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher).” In other words, experts say there is a more than a remote chance that parents and trusted persons already in Dexter represent a risk to our children.
Letters continued on Page 8
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 5
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PURPLEROSETHEATRE.ORGJANUARY 16 - MARCH 14, 2020
MUSIC BY JEFF DANIELS & BEN DANIELS
This week in Chelsea … in 1890The Chelsea man who misses getting shaved on Saturday, will be obliged to pass the
Sabbath in the house or go into the woods, as Chelsea barbers have decreed that they will do no more Sunday shaving.
A cider makers’ convention will be held at Benton Harbor on the 15 inst.
You can experience the Chelsea of 1900 in the premiere of “The Only Man in Town,” an original musical about Frank Glazier, the man who built the Clock Tower. Coming to Chelsea July 17-19, 2020.
Feb 5 - Mar 18 & Mar 4-18.....PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIAOur most popular trip. We make it easy to get there. Fly with our escort or go by rail. Great optional trips: Catalina Island, San Diego Zoo, Date
Farms, Indian Canyon, shows, to church and more. Awesome rates, pool and food. Choose 2 wks...4 wks...or 42 nights. Fly or Train.
March 1...................“My Fair Lady”..............Wharton Center.March 12.................“Fiddler on the Roof”........Fisher Theatre.March 27.................“Three Men & A Tenor”.....Frankenmuth.April 17..............Vera Bradley Annual Sale.April 19..............“Wicked” at Wharton Center.April 18-25.........Savannah, Charleston, Ashville NC & KY.
April 27-29......The ARK and Creation Museum.May 6.....................“Beautiful” Broadway Musical....Fisher Theatre.May 8.................“Carol King Tribute” Meal and show.May 17................Flower Days.....Eastern Market in DetroitMay 23-26......Grand Hotel Memorial Weekend.June 22-25...Mississippi River Cruise.June 26 - July 3........Cape Cod.July 8-10.............Stratford Festival.........Ontario’s Finest.July 29............... “Man of La Moncha”........with lunch.June, July, and more dates.............ALASKA.August 22-28......“New York” City - Midtown Manhattan. Oct. 14-20……....Washington DC...many tours.
800-482-5761 WWW.MYTRIPPERS.COMWe meet every Tuesday at 10:30am in the Tripper Travel Center, 412 W. Prospect, Jackson (across the street from McDonalds).
JACKSON TRIPPERS
ALL TRIPS PICK UP IN CHELSEA & ANN ARBOR
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 6
Continued from Page 2“We reduced the density at [the township’s] from 220 to
172 units, we increased green space pretty dramatically -- they insisted that there be more green space and parks -- and we’ve added more parks and increased the southern woods,” Wolf said.
He also pointed out that Fremont and Atwell have increased the profile of the berms around the parking lot three times, over the course of working with Lima Township’s Planning Commission over the past six months.
Wolf Farms was first proposed in a previous iteration three years ago, before being re-submitted middle of last year.
Wolf indicated he would continue working with the city, which holds all of the cards with its potential choice to annex the land away from Lima, rendering the township’s local regulations moot. Otherwise the city would have to be party to a Public Act 425 Agreement to share the tax revenue from the development until the land eventually transfers to the city decades down the road.
Or the city can do nothing and leave the developer and township to figure out how to provide utilities on their own.
“We’ve responded to every one of their requests in kind, now it’s with Chelsea ... so it looks like I’m going to go through this all again,” Wolf said.
Wolf Farms Development Snagged
Continued from the Front PageHe said the district with Brand’s help has also been
able to acquire property that will allow it to grow over an extended period along with the community.
“Jerry Brand’s low key and effective style and vision will benefit our community for generations of students,” Wendorf said.
This sentiment was echoed by former DCS Superintendent John Hansen.
“As I recall we interviewed at least five architectural firms and five construction management firms when we were building Cornerstone and Mill Creek schools,” Hansen said. “Granger was selected on the basis of their reputation and experience with school projects, and the fact that Jerry was local was seen as an added plus.”
Hansen said, “As it turned out Jerry was simply a very competent manager, but I know that he also went above and beyond knowing that he was building for his own community. The same team was hired back for the high school project and any vendor will tell you that is the highest compliment.”
After spending time in California working with a company specializing in concrete, Brand found his way to Dexter in large part because of his wife, who is from Dexter and whose family has a long history in the community, but whom he met on the west coast.
He was also looking to take his professional career to the next step by attending the University of Michigan to earn an engineering degree. He said he and his wife thought Dexter would be the right place to set down roots.
“It’s just a really nice community,” Brand said of Dexter, and cited the schools as one of the important reasons they thought that.
After earning his degree, he began working with Granger in 1989. He said he had another firm in mind, but Granger made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and that was the opportunity to manage the building of large, complex projects.
His first project was building the Gus Harrison Correctional Facility in Adrian and the next was the renovation/abatement of over 50 buildings in the Lansing school district.
He said he enjoyed planning and executing complex multiple building projects that required long range planning, and projects that required sequencing around occupied existing activities. “I liked the challenge of taking the pieces of the puzzle, putting together a plan and then executing and completing a project,” he said.
During his time with Granger, he’s served as a vice president, project director, senior project manager and project manager and worked on various projects around Michigan, especially in Washtenaw County, such as Dexter, Saline, Chelsea, Skyline and Belleville high schools.
One of the projects he’s proud of is the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross Athletic Campus Athletics South Competition and Performance (ASCP) project, which is described as an archetype of a modern Olympic training and performance facility.
“Jerry’s broad base of experience, with particular depth in the corrections and K-12 schools’ markets, helped him to be an exceptional problem solver,” Glenn Granger, President/CEO. “He did outstanding work for many clients, including the Dexter, Saline and Chelsea school districts and the University of Michigan.”
Granger further said, “The impact of Jerry’s work will be realized for many years to come; he was a great role model and mentor for many, and we are grateful that his son, Greg, remains part of the Granger team. We will miss his positive attitude, sense of humor and our healthy MSU/U of M rivalry!”
Brand said he’s looking forward to just being retired and plans on chasing his grandkids around a lot.
Looking back, he said, “I’m proud of the work we did. I always had a great team around me on each project. I take great pride in the work we did with Dexter schools.”
He can feel comfortable that his legacy is in place.“Our buildings reflect a vision of flexibility and spaces
that match our educational vision,” Wendorf said. “Jerry’s experience with our district has allowed us to construct buildings that reflect our district’s vision and the needs of our children.” Wendorf put it well in looking at Brand’s legacy.
“Jerry’s knowledge of and commitment to our community has helped create and build out a campus based school district that reflects both our educational vision and community values,” he said. “Our community will benefit for many years to come.” “Congratulations and thank you Jerry.”
Dexter School’s Project Manager
Jerry Brand leaves behind a legacy that will stand for decades or more, to spend more time chasing his grandkids around.
Photo courtesy of Granger construction.
Chelsea’s Annual Chocolate Extravaganza Shopping & Sweet Treats For Your Valentine!From D&B Strategic Marketing
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and to help celebrate, Chelsea merchants will showcase the best gifts for your Valentine. While you shop, you will have the opportunity to indulge in an assortment of decadent treats during the 12th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza Saturday, February 8, 2020, starting at 10 a.m.
Participating merchants will be hosting a day of specials and events; here is a “taste” of what will be happening:
Special value pricing on furniture, rugs and accessories at Merkel Furniture and Carpet One, enjoy Zingerman’s coffee and artisan treats while browsing.
Wines on Main will be featuring a yummy Peach Bellini Cocktail.
The Find will be offering complementary chocolate and 50% off sale items. There will also be a raffle to win a “chocolate quote” art piece.
The Garden Mill. Kid’s make-and-take Valentine bird feeder, plus garden-themed chocolate treats.
In-store sales at Vogel’s & Foster’s and refreshments. Culture Creations featuring sterling silver earrings from
Thailand - purchase 2 get 1 of equal value free and enjoy mini chocolate caramel cupcakes.
Samples of our most sought-after products at FarmSudz Underground, and enjoy yummy appetizers, desserts and beverages.
Special pricing on “Holly Yashi” Jewelry at Bumble’s Dry Goods, participate in Skittles, Ping Pong, and Puff Billiards; and enjoy chocolate-dipped orange peels.
Chelsea Private Yoga is offering a 20% discount on New Client Packages and special pricing for new yoga and nutrition clients.
Chalk Couture Pop-up shop at Vintage Barn Boutique, enjoy their Hot Cocoa Bar.
Many restaurants will be featuring chocolate drinks and desserts in a variety of delectable ways. Chocolate Martinis at Smokehouse 52 BBQ and Cleary’s Pub, Cleary’s is also featuring a warm Chocolate Turtle Brownie. For more information take a look - www.shopchelseamich.com. website.
Jennifer Fairfield, owner of The Garden Mill, says that “The best remedies for Cabin Fever are nestled in Chelsea, Michigan. While you are here for Chocolate Extravaganza, sign up to win a ‘Basket of Sweet Treats’
at True North Jerky and Foods, and enjoy their Chocolate Cheese!” During Chocolate Extravaganza, be sure to stop by the Hospitality Tent and “Home Domes”, at Palmer Commons. This sure to combat “Cabin Fever Blues” experience is brought to you by Mykala Mortgage Planning at Dart Bank.
The Artisans Market at the Chelsea Depot will take a hiatus this year, returning in 2021 with unique wares and fine art! Remember, there is free parking throughout Chelsea.
Chocolate Extravaganza is brought to you by #shopcheleamich. a group of independent business owners who possess entrepreneurial spirits. This collaborative team includes a network of 35+ Chelsea merchants and restaurants who have participated in and promoted Wine, Women & Shopping, Chocolate Extravaganza, and Sidewalk Sales events over the years.
Dexter Forum Recap From January 4By Doug Marrin, [email protected]
Even though it was a new year we began with an old topic – the county mental health and public safety millage from 2017. The millage was promoted by our sheriff as a way of dealing with a large number of jail residents with mental health issues, but it was configured in a pretty complicated way that allowed some communities to use the funds for other purposes. No governmental unit in the Dexter area got any of the ‘special’ funds since we all contract with the sheriff’s department for police protection so we don’t really understand where the approximately ten million dollars actually ended up.
Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Maciejewski was on hand to comment on the millage. “(The millage) is two pieces,” explained Jason, “the public safety component, and then a mental health services component. The very controversial part of it was the return of funds to municipalities that have their own police departments. They get their funding back for the police portion to do whatever they want with it because the county government can’t tell municipal governments what to spend their money on. So that’s a very controversial part of it.”
The new redistricting commission that will draw the lines for the 2020 election was required to mail out 250,000 applications to serve on the commission as one of the first steps in the process. Actually, anyone can apply but 250,000 folks chosen at random received a personal invitation. With around 8,000,000 eligible voters the odds would be about one in thirty that you might be chosen.
There were five people at the forum who had received a personal invite. The people who follow through and apply and are not disqualified for any of a number of reasons will then be whittled down to 13. Hopefully one of the five will make it so Dexter Forum will have a front-row seat to what is likely to be a very contentious process.
“I look forward to a free and fair process,” said Bill Gordon who works within the county’s political system. “I am interested to see how square the districts come out because the only way to have a nonpartisan treatment of redistricting is to draw the district square instead of having the snake district that I live in the 12th which runs from my house to Wyandotte.”
Everyone who subscribes to the sheriff’s department notification service called Nixle, was invited to apply for the citizen’s police academy and there was an instructor from the academy and a graduate of the program to explain how things work. It is basically an outreach program to help regular folks understand the scope of the sheriff’s department and build community goodwill.
“(The Citizen’s Police Academy) was designed to show the different functions of the sheriff’s department,” commented the academy instructor, “with exposure to the jail, booking processes, marine division, SWAT team, and canine unit.”
The next meeting of the Dexter Forum will be on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 8:30 AM at the Dexter Wellness Center.
Sylvan Townships Citizen of the YearBy Sean Dalton
Sylvan Township awarded its annual Citizen of the Year award this week to Planning Commission Secretary and Trustee Dawn Caplis.
The Shepherd And The Shrink Dexter Duo Launches PodcastCombining Spirituality And PsychologyBy Doug Marrin, [email protected]
Sylvan Township awarded its annual Citizen of the Year award this week to Planning Commission Secretary and Trustee Dawn Caplis, who was appointed in 2018 to her current three-year term.
Sylvan Township has been recognizing a citizen of the year since 2013 with the township’s Board of Trustees taking nominations from the public and determining which candidate stands out in early January shortly after the holidays.
Township Supervisor Tom McKernan made the announcement and gave remarks on Caplis performance in her duties to the township at Tuesday evening’s board meeting.
“When (Caplis’ nomination) came through it was like ... I couldn’t believe why this didn’t happen before,” McKernan said, before articulating Caplis’ unique contribution to the planning commission and township as a whole.
“Her work is meticulous and conscientious and there’s so much activity going on with the planning commission -- the detail that she provides in the minutes really allows us to keep the boat afloat,”
McKernan said, followed by a joke that her qualities as secretary and the quality of her record keeping probably help keep the township out of court as well.
Caplis has been the planning commission chair in the past, having served multiple terms at the behest of township board trustees.
She received her award from McKernan with a handshake, before making her own remarks.,
“This means a lot -- I just want to take a minute to say it’s been a real privilege to work with all of you on the board over these last many years, as
well as with the planning commission members who work long hours to review site plans and to look at text amendments and so on,” Caplis said.
She also thanked the township staff for their support and the
township residents who “attend meetings, provide feedback, and give (the township) insight into the valuable decision-making that the planning commission does.”
Do spirituality and psychology have anything in common? Or are they at opposite ends of the spectrum? If we favor one, must the other be excluded?
However, as conflicting as the two disciplines can sometimes seem, there is a psychologist and pastor in Dexter who believe the two approaches to the human condition have much in common and can be brought together to work in powerful ways for our wellbeing.
Meet The Shepherd and the Shrink: Psychologist Dr. Marty Fletcher of Renew Hope Counseling in Dexter and Dr. Matt Hook Senior Pastor of Dexter United Methodist
Church. The two have teamed up for a podcast (“The Shepherd and the Shrink”) where psychology meets spirituality.
I caught up with the two just before the taping of their inaugural podcast which released Sunday, Jan. 1, 2020.
“The idea for The Shepherd and the Shrink is that we’re going to bring psychology together with spirituality and dig deep into both of those so people can make lifestyle changes,” says Marty. “It will also bring to light the community’s mental health crisis.” Continued on Page 7
Dexter United Methodist Church (DUMC) has generated a donation of more than $20,000 to the Faith in Action / Avalon Housing supportive housing initiative planned for Dexter, Hilltop View Apartments.
The church is in the practice of taking up offerings for special causes. These special offerings are in addition to their usual Sunday offerings. DUMC elected to support the Hilltop View Apartment initiative with a $5,000 pledge hoping a special collection would cover the commitment. After the plates were passed one Sunday a month ago, and the money had been counted, more than $20,000 had been donated by the congregation.
“Dexter United Methodist is extremely grateful for the tireless work that Faith in Action does for many, many people in our communities,” said DUMC Senior Pastor Dr. Matt Hook. “When Faith in Action shared the need for struggling families to have affordable and supportive housing in Dexter and FIA’s plan to build Hilltop View Apartments to meet that need, our members responded.”
“There are over 300 scriptures in the Bible
to help the poor and those that are less fortunate,” said Pastor of Missions Tom Snyder. “Housing is vital. Everyone needs a safe, warm place to live. Shouldn’t the church, through social issues and social justice, offer some means of opportunity for struggling people to still be a part of the community?”
The church has been a steady supporter of Faith in Action for decades with money, food for the pantry, and volunteer time as the charitable organization continues their work to alleviate the effects of poverty in western Washtenaw County.
“We hope and trust this will provide more security for kids and families,” said Pastor Matt. “The bottom line is that we saw this as an opportunity to help. God is crazy about all people, and we’re thrilled to reflect that. We thank God for the people who have given and for the opportunity to help make a difference.”
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 7
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Local Congregation Gives $20K For Faith In Action/Avalon Housing In DexterBy Doug Marrin, [email protected]
DUMC Pastor of Missions Tom Snyder with Faith in Action Assistant Director Sarah Shugart. Photo courtesy of Dexter United Methodist Church.
St. Joseph Chelsea Developing Land Owned By Silver MaplesBy Sean Dalton
Two parcels of land currently owned by Silver Maples of Chelsea on Old US 12 across from Pierce Lake will be rezoned from residential to office space designation by month’s end after the Chelsea City Council formally ratified a rezoning request filed by St. Joseph Mercy Hospital of Chelsea.
The two parcels of property totaling 3.32 acres will be used by the hospital for an unspecified future medical office development, contingent upon a transfer of ownership of the property from Silver maples to St. Joseph Mercy.
The two neighboring entities have been exchanging land with each other in ongoing cooperation for several years now, according to city
officials.The request originated
from the hospital to the city’s planning commission this past October. That request was approved and sent by the commission to the city council, which held a first reading of the rezoning ordinance last month before the second reading approval this past Monday.
While these actions are fairly recent, the land in question is called out as 0-1 in the future land use portion of Chelsea’s Master Plan, which was updated earlier this year with Carlisle Wortman Associates having drafted the document on March 20, 2019.
While the documentation provided to the city by the hospital goes into no more detail than is summarized
in this report, the city’s description of O-1 or office district zoning gives some details on what the hospital might eventually build on the land that sits in front of Silver Maples and is flanked by St. Paul United Church of Christ and St. Mary of Chelsea Catholic Church on either side.
The zoning allows for “Medical and dental offices or clinics” or “ Medical and dental laboratories.”
The lot minimum area per structure is 10,000 square feet with an 80 foot width.
The building must be no larger than 20 percent of the lot area and no more than 55 percent of the land can be covered in concrete and thus impervious to storm-water.
Chelsea City and the RTABy Sean Dalton
With the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners recently appointing two of its members to represent Washtenaw County in negotiations with Wayne and Oakland County, as well as large municipal entities like the city of Detroit, Chelsea Mayor Melissa Johnson made a motion to get out in front of the county’s representatives to the Regional Transit Authority.
The Regional Transit Authority, or RTA, was formed in 2012 and has recently been gearing up to move forward with major mass transit initiatives to make traveling without a vehicle in and out of Washtenaw County are more viable option for those who want to or need to do away with their personal automobile.
The Board of Commissioners recently appointed District 7 Commissioner Jason Morgan and District 8 Commissioner Andy
LaBarre to engage in critical negotiations on pending RTA initiatives that could have a positive impact on public transit for all county residents.
“We know that the city of Chelsea has not been actively represented in discussions and I would like to send a letter to the [Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners] indicating our interest in regional transit,” Johnson said.
Strides have been made with the Western Washtenaw Value Express, which has expanded its services greatly on strong demand in the Chelsea and Dexter areas in particular with more frequently visited bus stops, extended routes, and linkages with other modes of public transit.
Johnson’s concern is that Morgan and Labarre, both representing districts within Ann Arbor in the central and eastern portions of the city, could
go to negotiations with a more complete picture of the needs of the county as a whole if given the chance to hear from representatives of western Washtenaw.
The letter would in part be an invitation to the two county commissioners to come interact with the Chelsea City Council while hearing what its representatives have to say.
Johnson said that the potential for having a positive impact on residents’ lives is significant, with 31 percent of Chelsea residents commuting to and from Ann Arbor for work or vice versa. A high number of commuters also travel to and from Livingston County every day for their work.
“Similarly we have a large population of aging seniors that could use this regional transit for medical appointments, for entertainment, as well as for travel,” Johnson said.
Chelsea Senior Center Looking For Lyft And Uber Drivers
Are you a Lyft or Uber driver who would like to help your local community members and earn a little extra money? The Chelsea Senior Center’s Rural Older Adults in Motion (ROAM) program has been trying to fulfill unique requests for rides to the airport or surrounding communities not currently served by WAVE. Please consider sitting down with us so we can learn more about your experience as a driver and you can learn how you can help locally. Call us at 734-475-9242 to set up an appointment and get a $10 gas card for meeting with us or a $25 gas card if you sign up to be one of our contacts. Looking for drivers willing to serve Chelsea, Grass Lake, Stockbridge, Manchester, and Dexter areas.
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Continued from Page 6“We have a mental health crisis right now,” he continues. “While our culture is
prospering in material goods and lifestyle, and although these material measures are improving, our mental health is getting worse and worse. We have a 30% increase in suicides since the year 2000. Other data points show that we have a spiritual crisis of meaning. Anxiety disorders are up almost 20% and depression also keeps going up.”
‘Spirituality’ is one of those ambiguous terms that take on different meanings depending on who you’re talking to. It can range from a reference to all things unexplained by science to cloaked language for ‘you should go to church.’ The term is used across a broad spectrum of contexts.
“In my mind, spirituality means connectedness, not a religion,” explains Matt. “I can go out on a starry night, look up at the sky, and feel ‘wow’ with a connectedness to the universe. That’s spiritual. When we’re specifically talking Christian spirituality, it is connectedness with God through Jesus Christ.”
The seeds for The Shepherd and the Shrink were planted six years ago when the duo met. Marty, the clinical psychologist got into a conversation with Matt, the Christian pastor, and the two quickly developed a friendship with open and candid conversations. What they discovered was that psychology and spirituality were not separate disciplines in the sense that in choosing one you must exclude the other. Over the course of a few years, the two came to understand that psychology and spirituality were two components of a person’s overall wholeness, and one couldn’t be treated without addressing the other.
“What was amazing to me was to hear (Marty) describe how psychology repeats what is already in the Bible,” says Matt. “For those of us who grew up Christian and aren’t so sure about the faith versus science thing, this was such amazing news to realize it’s not either/or.”
“Integrating psychology and Christian spirituality can be very reassuring,” said Marty without skipping a beat. “People are longing for the transcendent right now. You can see it by the movement into things like UFO shows, New Age type practices, and even zombies. Sadly, Christianity has seemed to have lost a lot of its mysticism and spirituality. Christians need to return back to the transcendent nature and life-changing transformation of Christianity, not just give it lip-service and then go about your life.”
The purpose of the podcast is simple: The two men want to help people.“We are in a crisis of loneliness at epidemic proportions,” said Matt. “We’re told it is
worse than heart disease that comes from smoking two packs a day. Loneliness is that devastating for people.”
“I believe that there’s a real need for this type of thing,” added Marty. “Eighty percent of people who need treatment for mental health won’t get it mainly because of the stigma. This podcast is mental health help that is not stigmatizing.”
I sat in on the first taping of The Shepherd and the Shrink podcast upstairs in the Red Brick. Owner Pete Landrum has also jumped on board with the cause by donating the space to be converted into a makeshift studio.
Marty and Matt conversed easily and freely. It was obvious they have had many conversations with each other already as well as several in front of the DUMC congregation on Sunday mornings.
The Shepherd and the Shrink can be followed on their Facebook page.
Episode #1 from The Shepherd and the Shrink can be found at www.thesuntimesnews.com.
The Shepherd And The Shrink
The Shepherd and the Shrink: Dr. Matt Hook (L), Senior Pastor of Dexter United Methodist Church with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Marty
Fletcher of Renew Hope Counseling
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 8
By Mike [email protected]
Bowling Teams Split Matches with Tecumseh
The Chelsea varsity boys’ bowling team improved to 3-0 on the season after taking down two-time defending SEC White champion Tecumseh 27-3 Thursday night.
The Bulldogs dominated the Baker Games by rolling games of 279 and 233, while Tecumsea shot 182 and 144.
Chelsea took 7 of 10 singles matches. Two of the losses were the split scores.High scores for the Bulldogs were Jaylen Watson 233, Colin Ledbetter 218, Nicholas
Eicher 206, Luis Carvallo 202, and Logan Clark 191.The girls continued to struggle, falling to the Indians 30-0. They are still looking for
their first win of the season.Rebecca Wurster had games of 142 and 105 to lead Chelsea, while Emily Kovearch and
Emily Claus rolled games of 93.The JV boys dropped the first match of the season to fall to 2-1 as Tecumseh won 18-12.Anson Eberle rolled a 212 to lead the Bulldogs. Bode Carpenter shot 186, Colin Hay
164, and Jacob Nelson 79.
Bulldogs Blow Past Columbia Central
Chelsea Hockey Remains Undefeated in SEC White
The Chelsea hockey team bounced back from a tough loss to a strong Flint Powers team by pounding Lenawee United 6-0 Wednesday night.
The Bulldogs dominated as they allowed Lenawee to collect just five shots on net which were all stopped by Ben Mitts for Chelsea.
Tyler Valik and Devin McIntyre scored first period goals for a 2-0 lead and that is all the Bulldogs would need, but they were not done.
Wes Hansen scored early in the second to make it 3-0 and McIntyre scored his second of the game to make it 4-0 after two.
Gabe Vowles and Corbin Steele would wrap up the scoring with third period goals for the 6-0 shutout.
Steele, Valik, Jack Capper, and Michael Jones collected two assists each for the Bulldogs.
Chelsea out shot Lenawee 61-5 in the match.The Bulldogs improved to 4-0 in the SEC White and 8-3 overall.
Chelsea Swim and Dive Early Season Struggle Continues
The Chelsea men’s swim and dive team has had a rough start to the 2019/20 season.The Bulldogs early season struggles continued Friday night as the Bulldogs dropped all
three meets of a SEC quad at Ann Arbor Huron.Chelsea fell to Huron 133-43, Pinckney 127-53, and Bedford 121-59 to remain winless
on the season.Parker Olk picked up a second place finish in diving, while the 200 free relay of Landen
Collins, Deaglan Kruse, Olk, and Zander Hartsuff was also second.Collins added a fourth place finish in the 50 free and 100 free.The Bulldogs host Tecumseh in the home opener Thursday night and some of the
swimmers will compete in the Dexter Freshman and Sophomore Invite Saturday.
Chelsea Wrestlers Win Kargel Klassic
Lady Bulldogs Pull Away From Pontiac Notre Dame for Win
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Following a tough last second loss to Grass Lake Tuesday night, the Chelsea basketball team bounced back to trounce Brooklyn Columbia Central 69-31 January 10.
The Bulldogs took a 17-10 lead after one quarter and blew the game wide open with a huge second quarter outscoring the Eagles 19-5 for a 36-15 lead at the half.
Lucas Hanifan sparked the run with eight points in the second.
The Bulldogs offense
kicked it into high gear in the third, putting 22 points on the board to take a comfortable 59-29 lead after three and they cruised to the easy win.
Hanifan scored a career high 22 points to lead the Bulldogs.
Ross Stofflet finished with 15 points, while Jordan Fansler added 10. Adam Hauser chipped in with eight, Owen Brown six, Jaylen Woody five, and Ethan Litzinger three.
Tuesday night saw the Bulldogs fall to Grass
Lake 43-41 on a basket at the final buzzer by the Warriors.
Chelsea lead 34-28 after three quarters, but the Warriors rallied, and the game was tied at 41 in the final seconds.
The Warriors took the ball and hit a fade away jumper from the left corner as the buzzer sounded to pull out the win.
Stofflet finished with a team high 19.
Hauser finished with 13 points, Hanifan and Woody four each, and Fansler one.
Hayden Westcott tries to get a shot on net for the Bulldogs. Photo by Lynne Beauchamp
Connor McKenzie drives to the hoop against Columbia Central. Photo by Lynne Beauchamp
The Chelsea wrestling team dominated its 6th Annual Kargel Klassic Saturday by going 5-0 on the day to claim the championship.
The tournament is named after legendary Chelsea wrestling coach Kerry Kargel, who coached the Bulldogs for 35 years from 1978-2013. He was also a Chelsea wrestling state champion in 1969.
Saturday saw the Bulldogs easily take down its five opponents. They defeated Fowlerville 51-22, Riverview 58-18, Michigan Center 54-20, Allen Park 49-21, and Melvindale 72-12.
Four Bulldog wrestlers went 5-0 on the day.
Nick Matusko at 140, Cole Munson 145, Nolan Sinkwitts 160/171, and Drew Maguire 119 each swept all five of their
opponents on the day.Shane Nold went 4-0 on
the day at 189 and picked up his 100th career win in the process.
Zach Byerly was 4-0 at 160/171, while Josiah Fitch was 2-0 at 285. Zach Dosey picked up three wins at 152, Jonas Norwood at 112 and Dalton Grabarczylc 125 earned two wins each, and Andrew Byerly one win at 215.
In a key SEC wrestling tri-meet between three of the top teams in the SEC, Chelsea came away with a 1-1 record Wednesday, January 8.
The Bulldogs defeated Tecumseh 37-33 in a hard fought match and came up short against D1 5th ranked Bedford 66-12.
The Bulldogs lower weight classes came up huge when needed the most against Tecumseh.
The teams were tied at 24 after nine matches with five to go thanks to pins by Matusko at 140, Munson at 145, Sinkwitts at 171, and Nold at 189.
Norwood picked up a 10-5 win at 112 and Carson Trinkle followed with a pin 119 to give the Bulldogs a 33-24 lead.
Tecumseh earned a 6-5 win at 125 to make it 33-27, but Grabarczylc picked up an 18-6 major decision at 130 to clinch the match for Chelsea with a 37-27 lead with one to go. The Bulldogs voided at 135 with the match out of reach.
State power Bedford was just too much for the Bulldogs as Chelsea picked up just two wins in the match.
Matusko remained undefeated on the season with a pin at 140 and Nold picked up a pin at 171.
Shane Nold picked up his 100th career win as the Bulldogs won the Kargel Klassic Saturday. Photo by Dawn Miller
The Chelsea girls basketball team used a quick start and a big fourth quarter to put away Pontiac Notre Dame Prep 47-30 Friday night.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a 12-4 lead after one quarter but could not shake the Irish through the middle part of the game.
Chelsea outscored Notre Dame 10-9 in the second for a 22-13 halftime lead and the Irish held tough in the third with the Bulldogs leading 29-19 after three quarters.
The Bulldogs opened the fourth with a 9-3 run to pull away for a comfortable 38-22 lead.
Riley Davis hit a pair of baskets in the run to start the quarter and Grace Lane hit an And-One to extend the lead to 16. Lane finished with seven points in the fourth as the Bulldogs pulled away for the win.
Jessica Emmert scored nine points and Kiersten Anstead eight to lead a balanced Bulldog scoring attack.
Lane finished with seven points, Davis six, Emily McCalla five, Megan McCalla and Morgan Majeske four each, Katie Wickman and Andrea Kowalski two apiece.
The game was the last non-league game for the Bulldogs until the last regular season contest as they return to SEC White action. They host Adrian Tuesday night and travel to Ypsilanti Friday for a pair of league contests.
The Bulldogs improved to 6-1 overall on the season.
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Bulldog Wrestlers Improve To 4-0 in SEC
The Dexter wrestling team is off to a fast start in the SEC conference as the Dreadnaughts swept a pair of matches Wednesday night to improve to 4-0 in the league.
The Dreadnaughts took down Adrian 51-28 and Pinckney 45-26 on Senor Night for Dexter.
Six Dreads picked up two wins each on the night.Noah Drummond at 140, Jasper Howell 171, James
Mazurek 189, Mark Young 215/285, Eli Yount 125, and Dylan Lorincz 130 all earned a pair of victories for Dexter.
Picking up single wins were Jacob Joyce at 135, Ethan Cameron 215, Kyle Safrasci 112, Brendon Valerio 160, and Kevin Blanchard 119.
The Dreadnaughts went 4-1 at their own Al Ritt Invitational Saturday. They picked up wins over Trenton, Hanover-Horton, Ypsilanti Lincoln, and AA Pioneer
and fell to Belleville.Young, Cameron, and Joyce each went undefeated on the day for Dexter.The Dreadnaughts are 13-2 overall on the season.
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 9
Written by Mike [email protected]
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Dexter Hockey TeamSkates By Jackson
Parachek’s Big Night Leads Dexter Past Pioneer
Dread Swim and Dive Battles in Top 10 Quad
Mark Young remained undefeated for the Dexter wrestling team. Photo by Mike Williamson.
Jasper Howell picked up his 100th career win this week for Dexter. Photo by Dawn Miller
The Dexter hockey team improved to 8-3 overall on the season after a 4-1 win over Jackson United Wednesday night.
The Dreadnaughts celebrated Teacher Appreciation Night by inviting members of the Dexter faculty to the contests. The teachers came decked out in Dexter hockey jerseys and celebrated the victory with the team.
Joey Fracassi led the Dreadnaughts with a pair of goals.Nate Kniesteadt and Brendan Busdeker each added one goal. Dylan Hutchison, Kyle
Burke, Dalton Wright, and Landen Karmineke each picked up assists.Caleb Kril stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced. The Dreads improved to 3-2 in the SEC White.
Dexter junior Colin Parachek might be known for his arm on the football field, but he showed Friday night that he is no slouch on the basketball court either.
Parachek put up 24 points and grabbed nine boards to lead the Dreadnaughts to a 50-45 win over Ann Arbor Pioneer Friday, January 10.
He was a force inside and out as Pioneer had no answer for him all night.
Both teams started slow with Dexter holding a 9-8 lead after one quarter.
Parachek put five points on the board and Marco Lucchesi four in the second as Dexter took a 22-18 lead into the break.
Aidan Dexter hit a pair of big triples in the third, while Parachek scored eight points and Dexter clung to a 36-33 lead.
The teams stayed close throughout the fourth and Pioneer took the lead late.
Lucchesi nailed a huge triple to help the Dreads retake the lead and they closed it out from the line, hitting five of nine free throws in the fourth.
Lucchesi finished with seven points, while Dexter scored points and Brennan Parachek five. Ryan Frinkle added four points, Lucas Koone and Kellen Porter two each.
The Dreadnaughts improved to 4-1 overall on the season.
The Dexter swim and dive team took part in a quad meet in Birmingham Saturday that featured four D2 Top Ten teams.
The Dreadnaughts had a strong showing but came out on the short end of three close head to head matches.
Dexter entered the meet ranked #7 in the MISCA state rankings. They fell to 4th ranked Birmingham Groves 102-83, 5th ranked U of D Jesuit 92-88, and 6th ranked Birmingham Seaholm 94-89.
First place finishes went to Cole Warren in diving and Paul Schaefer in the 500 free.
The Dreadnaughts had several second place finishes. Leo Varitek was second in the 200 free and 500 free, Zack Norris 100 back, Tanner Sharp 100 breast, the 200 free relay of Drew Kemp, Sharp, Luke Sayler, and Varitek, and the 400 free relay of Sayler, Varitek, Norris, and Schaefer.
Sayler was third in the 200 free and 100 free, and Sharp the 50 free.
Fourth place finishes went to Schaefer 100 breast
and the 200 medley relay team of Kemp, Schaefer, Norris, and Sharp.
The Dreadnaughts won 11 of 12 events at and SEC White dual meet at Adrian, winning 128-48.
Sharp and Norris were in on four wins each. Schaefer
picked up three wins, while Kemp and Varitek had two each.
The Dreadnaughts travel to Saline for an SEC quad with the Hornets, Ypsilanti, and Monroe Thursday night.
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Saline Pulls Away From Dexter in Battle of Unbeatens
It wasn’t the high scoring offensive affair that many expected when the two highest scoring offenses in the Ann Arbor area met up in Dexter Friday night, but the Saline girls’ basketball team used one big quarter to pull away to beat Dexter 40-18.
Both teams entered the match-up unbeaten on the season and both teams were averaging over 60 points a game, but it was anything but a high scoring affair in the first half.
Both teams struggled offensively, while the defenses dominated the opening two quarters.
Saline jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first quarter, but Dexter rallied to cut the lead to 10-8 after one.
The second quarter was not one for the highlight reel as neither team scored for the first six minutes of the quarter and it stayed 10-8.
Livvy Mellifont finally broke the scoreless drought with a put back to tie the game at 10 in what the only points in the quarter for would be either team.
The third quarter was a different story for the Hornets. Saline’s defense forced several turnovers in the third quarter and Ella Stemmer scored 13 points in the period as the Saline offense looked like it had all season, outscoring the Dreadnaughts 21-5 in the quarter.
Dexter was scoreless for over six minutes in the third as the Hornets went on a 16-0 run to build a 26-10 lead. A Brianna Rodriguez basket and a triple by Sydney Pnacek cut the lead to 26-15, but Saline scored the final five points of the quarter for a 31-15 lead after three.
The Hornets defense continued to lockdown on the Dreadnaughts in the fourth allowing just a three point basket by Rodriguez as Saline pulled away for the 40-18 win.
Stemmer finished with a game high 19 points. She also had six boards and six steals.
Liz Sekerak added nine points, Steffi Bentley and Sophie Canen five each, Amera Boyd and Beth Ann Ford one each.
Rodriguez and Kaila Simpson led Dexter with five points each. Alayna Babut and Pnacek scored three each, and Mellifont two.
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 10
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Hornets Clip Jackson With Late BasketLuke Yaklich took an inbounds pass underneath the basket and launched a shot for the
game winner with 20 seconds left as Saline slipped by Jackson 44-43 Thursday, January 9.The Vikings had one last chance for the win, but the shot bounced off the rim and was
batted around as time expired as the Hornets held on for the win.Jackson led 12-6 after one quarter, but Saline would hang tough in the second behind
10 points behind Trevor Arico as the Vikings clung to a 24-21 lead at the half.The teams played evenly by scoring 10 points each and Jackson led 34-31 heading to
the fourth setting up the exciting finish.Arico led the Hornets with 22 points, while Yaklich chipped in with 13.
Saline Hockey Routs HuronThe Saline hockey team snapped a recent slump in a big way Saturday as the Hornets
pounded Ann Arbor Huron 12-3.The win snapped a four game losing streak for the Hornets and improved their record
to 4-9 overall on the season.Saline had three players collect hat tricks against the River Rats. Ben Wild, Will Clark,
and Joe Raupp scored three goals each for the Hornets. Julian Downey recorded two goals and Griffin Clark one for Saline.
Wrestlers 6th At Jim Dewland InviteThe Saline wrestling team came home with a sixth place finish at Parma Western’s Jim
Dewland Invite Saturday, January 11.The Hornets finished with 103 points in the meet won by D4 number one ranked
Clinton with 266. Mason was second with 211.Zach Sabin led the Hornets with a third place finish at 215 going 3-1 on the day.Luke Hoyt went 2-2 and finished fourth at 140, while Brent Marvin went 4-1 and
finished fifth at 112. Noah Frush went 3-2 and finished sixth at 135 and Julius Burtell 3-2 and finished sixth at 152.
Campbell Thomas at 189, Jason Harbach 285, Brent Thornell 119, Adam Singer 145, and Blaise Blastos 152 each collected two wins on the day for Saline.
Kylee Niswonger drives to the lane against Saline. Photo by Mike Williamson
Amera Boyd drives to the basket against Dexter. Photo by Mike Williamson
Letter to the Editor - continuedAvalon’s Supported Housing Model Is Comprehensive
“An Individual has not started living fully until they can rise above the narrow confines of individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity. Every person must decide at some point, whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment: ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., August 11, 1957.
Once again tragically misinformed and disingenuous Dexter resident Sue Sherrill misleads Sun Times readers, this time with her response printed on January 1st to my letter published in the paper on December 27th.
The partnership between Dexter and Chelsea institution Faith in Action and Ann Arbor’s Avalon Housing brings nearly 70-years of successful community service to the Hilltop View apartments. Fearmongering cannot obscure the tremendous success that both agencies enjoy.
We should remember that the Hilltop View apartments has tremendous potential to serve families and military veterans living today in Dexter and Dexter Township. That includes 500 residents, 120 of them children living in poverty and the well over 600 veterans that reside in the community.
Being homelessness does not make anyone a criminal and no substantive crime is necessary for the poor to become enmeshed in our penal system. News outlets across the nation are replete with articles where impoverished individuals land in jail simply for being homeless or who face minor quality of life charges such as trespassing or sleeping on the streets. Jail is a harsh,
ineffective and very expensive alternative to supported housing.
Hilltop View will be constructed using funds provided almost entirely by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis - monies devoted by our elected officials to serve the ill-housed. Beyond the housing provided the Hilltop View apartments will bring substantial monies to the Dexter community which otherwise will be devoted to similar projects in compassionate communities elsewhere.
A University of Michigan student’s 2010 death at Brian William’s hands in the Kalamazoo bus depot was horrific. At the time Williams resided in an Ypsilanti group home and had numerous run ins with area police which were clearly not appropriately addressed. Hilltop View will be 100-percent family and veterans housing, will not be a group home, and William’s case was in no manner related to Avalon Housing or to the housing and services Avalon provided then and continues to provide today.
Avalon’s supported housing model is extraordinarily comprehensive and at Hilltop View will enlist universally respected Faith in Action’s able assistance. The proven, successful programs will include weekly unit inspections, after-school and leadership programs for young people and active support for safe and healthy households.
“Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” Zechariah 7:10Jim WolfingtonAnn Arbor
Letter continued from Page 5Dexter schools, medical providers, child protective
services and law enforcement already have programs to identify and remedy child abuse and neglect in the community. If our chief concern is reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect in Dexter, then we should be implementing more measures suggested by CDC in a 2016 report authored by experts at the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The report is entitled “Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities,” available at https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/CAN-Prevention-Technical-Package.pdf. Indeed, readers will find that the type of supportive social services that will be offered to Hilltop View residents include practices similar to those suggested in this CDC report.
In conclusion, opponents’ repeated claims about an increased danger to children from Hilltop View residents are not well-founded. Terminating the Hilltop View project will do little or nothing to protect the children of Dexter from future abuse or neglect. For this reason, claims of danger to Dexter’s children do not offer a valid reason for opposing Hilltop View. /s/Rick McHughDexter
Claims Of Danger To Dexter’s Children
Hilltop Housing Development Deserves Our SupportI write today to express my unwavering
support for the Hilltop View Apartments development to be built in the city of Dexter as a joint project between Faith in Action and Avalon Housing.
As I have read the many stories and letters, both opposing and supporting this development, in our community, I could not help but think of my father and how much a similar housing arrangement turned his life around.
My father was, at one point of his life, a homeless veteran. The details that led to this situation are complicated, but mental health issues and alcohol abuse certainly played a role. Yet it was stable housing and supportive services that gave him the foundation from which he was able to rebuild his life.
He graduated from a veterans’ homeless shelter to supportive housing established in an urban neighborhood transitioning from abandoned houses to family homes. It was not long before the “veterans’ house” became the gem of the neighborhood.
The house was repaired and repainted. An empty lot was transformed into a community garden. The big porch on the veterans’ house became a neighborhood gathering place. And my dad had found a stable home and a new purpose in life.
By the time he died, he was the “house father” of that rag-tag group of guys and “Grandpa Dick” to the two kids who lived next door in a traditional two-parent household. The vets had quickly become, well, neighbors.
I cannot help but see a similar trajectory
for the Hilltop View Apartments. The residents in these apartments will be our neighbors. In some cases, they already are.
Affordable and supportive housing is one of the most critical needs in Washtenaw County. While much of the attention has been on developing this type of housing in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti urban core, no one should think that is the only area where the need exists.
Avalon Housing has an exemplary, 25-year track record of providing affordable and supportive housing. Avalon already operates 292 apartments in the area. It serves more than 750 individuals, including some 200 children.
In this instance, Avalon has wisely teamed up with Faith in Action, the community service agency created by Dexter-Chelsea people to serve our neighbors. Faith in Action is us. It is Dexter and Chelsea individuals and institutions pulling together to help our community.
The Hilltop View Apartments will have one-bedroom apartments designated for veterans and two- and three-bedroom apartments intended for families. It will provide stable housing and supportive services for those among us who need just that type of grounding for a fresh start at life.
I cannot help but think that my father would have enjoyed and appreciated living at Hilltop View. And I would have loved having him live nearby.Rick Fitzgerald,Dexter Township
Your Vote is Your VoiceIf you are a registered
voter in the city of Dexter, you should have received a pamphlet in the mail outlining our concerns with several aspects of the sale of public property to Avalon Housing for the establishment of permanent supportive housing for Washtenaw County’s chronically homeless. Although some of you might think that our contribution to this important public dialogue hasn’t been balanced, we think that Dexter residents should have the opportunity to form an opinion that is based on all of the facts, not just those that are convenient or fit a desired narrative.
Yes, people can disagree as to whether our city, in its sale of public property and forfeiture of property taxes, has an obligation to be charitable to those outside our city limits, but we all deserve to know that that is what this development entails. Yes, people can disagree about the prudence of placing those whose struggles with mental health, substance use, and other behavioral control issues have contributed to their chronic homelessness thus
making them eligible for placement in this facility that does not require sobriety or agreement to treatment—directly across the street from the school playground, along the sidewalks already designated to be a safe route to schools, in an area the state and federal governments have already defined to be a drug-free zone out of concerns for the safety of school children—but we all deserve to know that that is what this development entails. Yes, people can disagree as to whether the positions of influence Faith In Action board members hold in our government offices and local media had anything to do with the uncharacteristic speed of this deal, but we all deserve to know who the key players are. Yes, people can disagree as to who should have a seat at the table when our local government is making a decision about selling and developing public property, but we all deserve to know that this public discourse has been dominated by people who are not city of Dexter residents and who represent special interests with a vested interest in
this specific development. Throughout the month of
January, we are circulating a petition requesting that all sales of public property be approved by a majority of city voters. We would like to return some of the power back to you—the hardworking taxpayers of our city—and increase the transparency of important policy decisions, like sales of public property. If you haven’t done so already, please consider visiting our website, www.dextercrg.org, to review all of the documentation we have compiled, including a detailed timeline, FAQs, and links to videos of relevant city council meetings, various letters to the editor, and an online version of this petition provided for your convenience. We will follow up with digital signers to obtain their in-person signature. Please also consider joining us at a drop-in Q&A on Saturday, January 18 between 1:30p and 4:30p at the Dexter District Library. Respectfully submitted,Jamie GriffinDexter Citizens for Responsible GovernmentCity of Dexter
The Sun Times News • 734-648-0837 • January 15, 2020 • Page 11
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Celebrate Michigan’s Winter With Dexter’s ‘Ice Fest’By Doug Marrin, [email protected]
A winter storm is fast approaching and you won’t want to miss it. Dexter’s first ‘Ice Fest’ is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, in and around Monument Park in downtown Dexter.
The idea was introduced to Dexter’s Chamber of Commerce by Lisa Teahen, District Manager for Aubree’s and chamber board member.
“I had the idea to bring an ice festival to downtown Dexter to help bring foot traffic to the downtown area,” says Lisa. “We have such a great town and I thought it would be fun to do something during the winter.”
Lisa has been a longtime
fan of the Ice Festival in Plymouth. Last winter the thought struck her, ‘Why can’t we do something similar in Dexter?’ When she brought the thought to the Chamber, they immediately jumped on board.
There will be at least 27 ice sculptures displayed around town on a walking tour. Other attractions include:
Arts & Crafts by supported by area businesses.
Snowman building contest (Surely there will be snow!)
Folwing (throw a football at bowling pins).
Sculptures and LIVE ice demos in Monument Park.
A White Claw (spiked seltzer) bar in front of Aubree’s.
S’mores stations with fire pits along closed off Central Street.
Elsa will be posing for photos with kids inside Aubree’s!
“Conquest Construction and Doors and Drawers are building all the stands for the sculptures to sit on and I wouldn’t be able to do it without their help,” says Lisa. “I think it could be a lot of fun for kids, families, and everyone.”
So, mark your calendars now for another great event coming to Dexter. See you there!
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