Essential Dearborn Services And Public Services Like Street Sweeping Taking Place

Press release from the City of Dearborn:

As of this May 7 report, there are a few essential and necessary public services occurring during the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order that Dearborn residents may have questions about, such as street sweeping, tree trimming and removal, and sewer maintenance.

Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr. wants residents to know the City is following the provisions of the Governor’s Executive Orders, as they exist on May 7.

“All outside maintenance work being carried out by the City is necessary for the safety of our residents, or is essential to critical infrastructure systems that we cannot allow to fail,” Mayor O’Reilly said.

For example, street sweeping began again in April.

“It is imperative for street sweeping to occur as it prevents debris from entering the sewer system that could potentially cause blockages,” Mayor O’Reilly said.

In addition, residents may see City employees inspecting sewers to ensure they are working properly and to clear of any debris that may cause blockages.

Video inspection of sewer systems may also occur to discover and rectify potential defects in the sewer system that could prove detrimental in the event of severe weather.

Tree trimming services are ongoing in anticipation of water, sewer and paving projects that are still proceeding through the stay-at-home order. Tree trimming also is necessary to provide clearance for any construction equipment used in these projects.

In addition, contractors are regularly removing trees deemed hazardous to the public due to structural deficiency or damage.

“If you see City employees or City contractors on the job, understand that they are working in accordance with the Governor’s Orders, and on your behalf,” said Mayor O’Reilly.

Other City services available and still being carried out in compliance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order include those listed below:

Trash, Recycling and Yard WastePublic Service Days have been suspended until further notice, and no tickets will be issued. However, garbage and recycling pick-up will continue as normal. Yard waste pickup resumed on Monday, April 20. If residents have any concerns about trash or recycling pick-up, please call GFL at 844-233-8314.

City ClerkThe City Clerk’s Office will be operating from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday during the DAC closure. Residents are still able to request birth and death certificates and licenses. Forms and information on what is required for licenses or certificates can be found at cityofdearborn.org. Residents are encouraged to conduct their business by mail, online at cityofdearborn.org, or by utilizing the 24-hour drop box outside the DAC.

Please address all mail to:City ClerkCity of Dearborn16901 Michigan Ave. Ste. 11Dearborn, MI 48126

If a request is urgent, appointments for in-person pick-ups can be scheduled by calling 313-943-2010.

PermitsPermit applications and plans will be accepted by mail only, and payments must be included at the time of submittal. Plan reviews will continue as normal. Approved permits will be emailed and approved plan sets will be mailed to applicants. There may be some delay in these processes.Please address all mail to:Permit and Plan Review OfficeCity of Dearborn16901 Michigan Ave. Ste. 7Dearborn, MI 48126

For assistance with permits, residents can call 313-943-2442.

Sales, Rental, and Re-occupancy Inspections, Compliance AgreementsAll residential sales and commercial re-occupancy applications will be accepted by mail only, and payments must be included at time of submittal. As of March 25, only unoccupied residences are being inspected. Any residences in the inspection process will not be assessed late fees or extension fees.Certificates of Occupancy will be prepared as usual and either mailed or emailed to customers. Compliance Agreements will be prepared and emailed to customers for signature. Signed agreements with payment will be accepted by mail only. Please note there may be some delays in these processes.

Please address all mail to:Inspection Programs DivisionCity of Dearborn16901 Michigan Ave. Ste. 7Dearborn, MI 48126

For assistance with commercial and residential occupancy programs, or with compliance agreements, residents may call 313-943-2120.

Tax and Water BillsThe City provides several ways to pay your water and tax bills without entering the DAC. • 24-hour drop box in front of the DAC: Bills and checks must be placed in a sealed envelope and placed in the drop box no later than 5 p.m. on the due date.• By mail: Bill payments can be sent to the City through USPS. Please note that the City of Dearborn does not accept postmarks; payment must be received by the due date.Please address water bill payments to:City of DearbornWater Dept 3101 P O Box 30516Lansing MI 48909-8016

Please address property tax payments to:City of DearbornTax Dept 3102 P O Box 30516Lansing MI 48909-8016

• Automatic Transfer: Residents may choose to have their property tax and water bills automatically deducted from their accounts monthly through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Debit system. The service is free, secure and easy to arrange. You must submit a completed ACH form to the Treasury Division with a copy of a voided check or statement from your bank verifying your routing and account number. Forms are available at cityofdearborn.org and can be mailed, faxed or emailed.• Online: Residents can pay online at cityofdearborn.org. Additional processing fees may apply.• By phone: For property tax bills, miscellaneous invoices, special assessment bills and delinquent personal property taxes only, residents can pay by calling 866-518-2301. Note that phone services may be limited or unavailable with the closure of the DAC building.

Golf Courses

Golfers taking safe and prudent steps to socially distance and abide by other mandatory restrictions are able to play at Dearborn Hills Golf Course and Mystic Creek Golf Course at Camp Dearborn. Both golf courses are owned by the City of Dearborn.

Tee times must be booked in advance online or by phone. Visit www.mysticcreekgc.com or www.dearbornhills.com or call Mystic Creek at 248-684-3333 or Dearborn Hills at 313-563-4653 for details.

In addition to the services listed, street sweeping, tree trimming, sewer maintenance, and maintenance grass in parks and in city-owned vacant lots are on-going.

Violating the executive order, which is expected to end May 28, is punishable by a misdemeanor, $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Anyone can report violations to the Michigan Attorney General's consumer complaint hotline at (877) 765-8388 or online ­at www.michigan.gov/agcomplaints.

For general questions, residents may call 313-943-2000. Please note that requests may take longer than usual due to staff availability. We are working diligently to serve the community and appreciate our residents’ patience during this difficult time.

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This press release was produced by the City of Dearborn. The views expressed here are the author’s own.