Grosse Pointe Woods City of - Celebrating our trees
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City of
Grosse Pointe Woods
Community Calendar 2021
Celebrating our trees
City of Grosse Pointe Woods 2021
Mayor & City Council A message to our residents
“Adapt, Improvise, Overcome” It is a mindset used by Marines to overcome obstacles
and achieve objectives. It is a mantra that also has helped our Grosse Pointe Woods elected
and appointed officials, as well as city staff and the residents we serve, navigate the evolving
uncertainties of 2020.
We started the year still immersed in the aftermath of the 2019 building flood, and the relocation
of all City Hall departments and services to the Community Center while the damaged area
was gutted and rebuilt. There were multiple delays in the reconstruction project often due to
recurring asbestos issues that needed to be cautiously addressed. Then came COVID-19. The
construction work came to a halt, city office employees were required to work from home, and
we all learned how to “Zoom” meetings, including official city council and court sessions, with
Robert E. Novitke our first responders providing their invaluable services under demanding circumstances. In Arthur W. Bryant Kenneth Gafa
early July, we were ready to serve our residents even more efficiently in our new, redesigned
and updated City Hall. Recommended COVID-19 safety practices were put into place, and daily business resumed
almost as before, prompting novel and flexible approaches to what were our normal, routine operations.
This spring, the Parks and Recreation division of the Department of Public Works (DPW) had another situation to
overcome – that of the historically high water levels affecting the marina at Lake Front Park. As they have so often in
the past, our talented DPW crew took on the challenge. They engineered and built platforms to raise the swamped boat
docks, and constructed sandbag and plastic dikes and decks to keep the Milk River from flooding areas of the park while
still allowing access to individual boats. At a time when many marinas threw up their hands in defeat, our boaters were
able to get back on the lake.
Our very popular Music on the Lawn concerts, Fall Fest, senior programs and day trips, fitness classes, Egg Stroll and
Hob Nobbin’ with the Goblins, among other family activities, were cancelled in consideration of the health and well-
being of our residents during this pandemic. A consequence of these cancellations was that we had no photos for our Vicki A. Granger Michael Koester
2021 calendar. However, through the talent and innovation of our Communications Coordinator, Jan Treuter, and the
Citizens’ Tree Commission, a long-ago “Celebration of Trees” booklet was updated and recreated here. We hope you will
find this calendar interesting and informative, as well as attractive for your home or office, and keep it for later reference.
It has been a uniquely challenging year, but Grosse Pointe Woods has persevered. Working together, we adapted to
our new circumstances, improvised where necessary, and overcame the obstacles. Along with members of our City
Council and Administration, I extend our gratitude to our dedicated group of employees for their flexibility and
creativity in adapting to ever-changing situations, and to our residents for their patience, cooperation, and understanding
along the way.
Our City Council, Administration, employees, and I look forward to 2021 bringing health, joy, and togetherness
to every home in Grosse Pointe Woods, a return to normalcy, and a greater appreciation for so many things that we
have taken for granted. Todd A. McConaghy George McMullen Jr.
Most sincerely,
Robert E. Novitke, Mayor
City Government
The City of Grosse Pointe Woods
Voters Originally incorporated in 1927, Grosse Pointe Woods was known as the Village of
Lochmoor. In 1939, the Village of Lochmoor became the Village of Grosse Pointe
Woods and, on Dec. 11, 1950, it was incorporated as the City of Grosse Pointe
Municipal Judge Mayor & Council Woods, a Home Rule City. The city covers an area of 3.28 square miles.
Grosse Pointe Woods operates under a Council-Manager form of government,
established by the City Charter and adopted by voters in 1950. This efficient format
City Administrator divides government into policy-making and administrative functions, and has an
Building Inspection & organizational structure similar to a business.
Code Enforcement
City Treasurer/Comptroller The residents of the city are the highest government authority. They delegate
this authority to representatives they elect every four years. Similar to a board
Court Clerk of directors of a corporation, the City Council, composed of the Mayor and six
City Assessor
Councilmembers, is responsible for determining policies and adopting ordinances
Information Technology needed to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.
City Clerk
Input provided by various advisory boards and commissions is a valuable
Public Safety resource. Citizens show interest in the community not only by voting, but also
City Attorney by taking an active part in the policy-making process. There are 14 boards or
commissions established to address specific purposes. Some function in an
Public Services advisory capacity, making recommendations to the City Council; others review
City Engineer
problems and petitions from residents, and offer recommendations based upon
Public Works Division local regulations and ordinances; several plan and work on special events.
Advisory Boards
Parks & Recreation Division & Commissions The Mayor and City Council are particularly proud of commission and board
members who serve the city. On numerous occasions, these dedicated citizens
Community Center Division have been honored for their allegiance and inestimable contributions to
maintaining one of the finest communities in the nation.
Municipal Judge The Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation
The Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation was established in 2008 as a non-profit
Theodore A. Metry Michigan corporation, independent of the City of Grosse Pointe Woods, to fund civic,
E-mail: court@gpwmi.us recreational and cultural projects that improve the quality of life for residents of Grosse
In accordance with the City Charter and Code of the city, the
Pointe Woods, but are not covered by the municipal budget. Its first project was the
Municipal Judge is an elected official with a four-year term and installation and dedication of the clock at City Hall
presides over all court jurisdiction matters (reference City Code, and its on-going, surrounding, commemorative brick
Chapter 15). paver program.
The Foundation states that donations of any
amount are appreciated, and all contributions to the
Foundation are tax deductible. To make a donation,
mail a check payable to:
Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation
PO Box 361068, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
www.gpwfoundation.org
January
T he members of the Community Tree
Commission invite you to join them in
celebrating the trees of our City of Grosse
Pointe Woods.
The Tree Commission was established in
1978 to help preserve our urban forest through
programs that encourage appropriate tree
planting and effective management of tree
resources.
● Arbor Week is celebrated in the last week of
April with visits to over 300 third graders at local
elementary schools. Commission members
present a video on the history of Arbor Day
and the many benefits that trees provide. The
presentation also prepares students to plant
and care for the tree seedling that each student
receives. Since 1979, over 10,000 seedling
trees have been distributed, and many have
grown to maturity.
● The Fall Tree Planting program involves the
planting and maintenance of appropriate, sturdy
trees, 8 to 12 feet tall, between the sidewalk and
curb in front of residents’ homes. Since 1976,
more than 3,000 trees have been planted at city
expense, yet that barely replaces those lost to
disease, storm damage, or old age.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
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The Community Tree Commission assists the city in meeting the requirements specified by the
1 p.m.
National Arbor Day Foundation to establish and maintain a comprehensive forestry program. The City offices closed
directive of the Foundation is to “plant, care for, and protect trees.” by fulfilling these requirements, Lake Front Park closed
Grosse Pointe Woods has received the prestigious “Tree City USA” designation annually since 1977.
New Year’s Day
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
LAST
Municipal Court
Council, 7 p.m.
Feast of the Nativity
Orthodox Christian
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
NEW
Citizens’ Recreation Municipal Court Historical
Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Beautification
Commission, 7 p.m.
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
FIRST
City offices closed
(unpaid furlough day)
Senior Citizens’
Rubbish pickup on schedule Commission, 7 p.m.
all week
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
FULL
Rescheduled Council Planning Municipal Court
31 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us January 2021
February
T ake a tour around Grosse Pointe Woods to
enjoy the “urban forest” that surrounds us.
More than 10,000 trees grace our city streets and
beautify our parks. Thousands more are enjoyed
by residents on their own property, cooling the
homes with their shade and purifying the air through
photosynthesis.
The Walking Path at Lake Front Park is lined
with a living collection of specimen trees that
thrive in this area, many of which are featured in
this calendar. It is an arboretum representing the
wide variety of color,
size, shape and unique
characteristics available.
Along the path are
markers identifying these
special trees, and more
varieties continue to be
planted. For additional
information on the
characteristics of these
trees, download a map
of the walking path and
tree identification key
available on the Tree Commission page at the city
website – www.gpwmi.us.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
“The creation
1 2 3 4 5 6
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of a thousand
1 p.m.
LAST
forests is in
one acorn.” Municipal Court Pension Board
6 p.m.
Council, 7 p.m.
Ralph Waldo
Community Tree
Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Emerson Groundhog Day
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
NEW
Citizens’ Recreation Beautification Historical
Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Chinese New Year
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FIRST
City offices closed Last day to Municipal Court
Rubbish pickup on schedule pay winter taxes
all week without penalty, 5 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Presidents’ Day
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
FULL
Registration open for
Planning Municipal Court
Egg Stroll
Commission, 7 p.m.
Rescheduled Council
7 p.m.
Purim begins
28
The upright form of the European Hornbeam – Carpinus betulus – is remarkable in winter and
extremely dense in summer. One of the most formal appearing trees, it is noted also for dark foliage
and smooth, dark grey bark.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us February 2021
T he goal of tree planting is to have
a vigorous, healthy tree that lives
to the limits of its natural longevity. Old,
mature trees are a symbol of stability.
Young trees represent vibrancy and
growth. In order to assure trees for the
future, new trees need to be planted and
older trees maintained.
Trees contribute to our lives and
community in many ways.
● Trees clean our air by producing
oxygen, absorbing dust and pollutants,
and by reducing carbon dioxide.
● Trees conserve our resources by
stabilizing soil and preventing erosion,
reducing storm-water run-off, and by
providing shelter and food for wildlife
and songbirds.
● Trees improve our climate by shading
our homes, slowing strong winds, and
reducing the “urban heat island” effect.
● Trees provide economic benefits by
increasing property values and lowering
heating and cooling costs.
● Trees beautify our world by blocking
March
unsightly views, displaying pleasing
colors, shapes and textures, and
providing enchanting sounds and
fragrances.
● Trees provide social benefits by
increasing our mental well-being,
contributing to a sense of community
pride, and providing an irreplaceable
legacy for future generations.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 Siren test
1 p.m.
LAST
Time to renew
Last day to pay summer or Municipal Court
your animal winter property taxes, with Community Tree
licenses penalty, at city hall by 5 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Council, 7 p.m.
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
NEW
Board of Review Beautification
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historical
Commission, 7 p.m.
Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Citizens’ Recreation
Commission, 7 p.m.
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Set clock ahead one hour Council, 7 p.m. Board of Review Municipal Court
Daylight Savings Time 6 to 9 p.m.
begins
Senior Citizens’
Commission, 7 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day First day of spring
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
FIRST
Curbside yard waste Board of Review Easter Egg Stroll
pickup begins 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lake Front Park
Planning
Commission, 7 p.m. Passover begins
The White Pine – Pinus strobus – was adopted as
28 29 30 31
FULL
Michigan’s state tree in 1955 and is considered to be
the largest conifer in the northeastern United States.
It is easily identified by its leaves (needles) which
Municipal Court
are soft, flexible, bluish-green to silver green in color,
and are arranged in bundles of five.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us March 2021
T rees are planted to beautify the
landscape, for their fruit, or to provide
wildlife habitat. Trees also provide shade
and can save homeowners energy if the
right tree is planted in the appropriate spot.
Large shade trees should not be
planted within 20 feet of a house to
minimize the chance of damage from
falling limbs or roots that push against the
foundation. Small ornamental trees can be
planted within eight feet.
April
The best place to plant a tree for
shading is on the west side of your home.
Plant it 20 feet away and 20 feet due west
from the south corner. To provide shade for
morning sun, plant 20 feet from the house
and 20 feet due east. Pay close attention to
property lines. You may want to make it a
joint planting with your neighbor so you both
benefit from the tree.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3
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The rosy pink flowers of the Eastern Red Bud – Cercis canadensis – 1 p.m.
LFP pavilion, gazebo and
appear in April. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves turn to golden group permit
City offices closed
yellow in autumn and the reddish brown, highly fissured mature bark
reservations open
Registration begins for
make it a popular ornamental choice in landscaping. Swim Team &
Synchronized Swimming Good Friday
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LAST
Municipal Court
City offices closed
Lake Front Park Historical
(unpaid furlough day) Tree Commission Commission, 7:30 p.m.
open 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Activities Building Rubbish pickup on schedule Memorial Tree
closed all week Dedication, Community
Center, 7:30 p.m.
Easter Easter Monday
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
NEW
Hazardous Waste
Drop-off
Rescheduled Citizens’ Recreation Beautification Public Works
Council, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ramadan begins
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
FIRST
Council, 7 p.m. Municipal Court
Earth Day
25 26 27 28 29 2021 Group
30
FULL Permits for
Lake Front Park
Planning Municipal Court
Commission, 7 p.m. available at the
Community
Arbor Day Center April 1
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us April 2021I f you wish to plant a tree
on city property - between
the sidewalk and curb -
contact the Department of
Public Works (DPW) - (313)
343-2460 - before doing so
because certain trees are
prohibited. Also, the tree you
plant is recommended to be at
least 8 feet in height and must
be set 6 feet away from any
driveway, 40 feet from another
tree, 10 feet from a light post
or fire hydrant, 25 feet from an
intersection, 30 inches from
the sidewalk, and not under
utility wires.
The Department of Public
Works is responsible for
trimming all trees located on
city property. Do not
trim any tree planted
between the
sidewalk and
curb without
first checking
May
with the DPW.
Snowdrift Crabapple – Malus ‘Snowdrift’ Homeowners
provides a spectacular display in early-to-mid-May. are responsible
Enjoy walking through the formal Williamsburg- for the trimming of
style grove at City Hall, dedicated in honor of Jean trees on their private
Rice who, prior to serving on the City Council, was property. DTE Energy
instrumental in the creation of both the Community Tree trims those encroaching on
and Beautification Advisory Commissions. their easement.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Each year the Department of Public Works receives requests to remove healthy city trees that someone
Siren test
1 p.m.
perceives as a nuisance. Although each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, healthy trees are Marina opens
rarely removed. Some reasons deemed insufficient to warrant removal include dripping sap, roots in sewers, for boat launching
Lake Front Park
dropping twigs, and the presence of non-harmful insects. summer hours begin
6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
LAST
Little League Parade Council, 7 p.m. Municipal Court Pension Board Beautification Beautification
12:15 p.m. Community Tree 6 p.m. Commission Flower Commission Flower
Pascha
Commission, 7:30 p.m. Sale, City Hall Sale, City Hall
Orthodox Easter 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
National Day of Prayer
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
NEW
Citizens’ Recreation Historical
Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Municipal Court
Beautification
Mother’s Day Commission, 7 p.m.
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Senior Ice Cream FIRST
Social, 2 p.m.
Council, 7 p.m. Community Center
Public Hearing, 2020-2021 Rescheduled Senior
budget approval & tax levy Citizens’ Commission, 4 p.m.
Senior Citizens’ Commission
rescheduled to May 19 Municipal Court
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
FULL
Swim Team New Parent City offices closed Lake Front Park Pool opens
(unpaid furlough day) (limited hours) weekends
31 Ceremony
Meeting,
30
Memorial Day
Lake Front Park, 7 p.m.
at
Circle of Honor, 10 a.m. Planning
City offices closed Commission, 7 p.m.
No rubbish pickup
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us May 2021S electing the right tree for the right place is critical
to its long-term vitality. Keep these points in mind
when choosing and planting a tree:
● Hardiness - Make sure the tree will tolerate our
variable climate. The Arbor Day Foundation national
hardiness zone map puts zip code 48236 in Zone
6 if the tree is in a somewhat sheltered area. Trees
identified as being hardy in Zone 5 may be a safer
choice in a more open area. ● Moisture - Each tree
species can tolerate wet or dry conditions to a different
degree. ● Sun vs shade - Most trees like lots of light,
but some species will grow and a few will even thrive
in shade. ● Soil conditions - the depth, soil structure
(black loam, sandy, clay, etc.), and moisture content
of the soil all need to be considered when selecting
a tree. ● Height at maturity - It is critical to know
how tall the tree will be a maturity. Will it have enough
“head space,” or will it someday tangle with utility
wires? ● Root room - Roots can spread beyond the
branching area of the tree. They are found in
the top 18 inches of soil, with most absorbing
roots in the top 6 inches where oxygen
and water are more available. Be sure
there is enough room for the roots to grow
healthy and strong without interfering with
sidewalks, patios, driveways, foundations or
underground utilities. ● Characteristics -
June
Some trees are hard to live with, their brittle
wood splits easily, they are prone to disease
and insects, or they produce flowers, seeds
or fruit that are poisonous, irritate allergies,
or must be cleaned from lawns and gutters.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
The popular Kousa Dogwood 1 2 3 4 5 Siren test
1 p.m.
LAST
– Cornus kousa – also called
Lake Front Park Pool opens
(limited hours) weekdays
Municipal Court Synchronized Swim
Japanese or Chinese dogwood, Community Tree
Parent Meeting
Lake Front Park, 7 p.m.
is a year-round beauty. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Monday’s rubbish pickup Tuesday’s rubbish pickup Wednesday’s rubbish pickup Thursday’s rubbish pickup
6 7 8 9 10 NEW
11 12
Council, 7 p.m. Aquatics Session 1 Municipal Court Historical
registration begins Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Beautification
Citizens’ Recreation Commission, 7 p.m. Cook Schoolhouse
Commission, 7 p.m. open noon - 2 p.m.
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
FIRST
Summer pool hours begin
10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Flag Day
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
FULL
Park bus service starts
Aquatics Session 1 begins
Planning Municipal Court Music on the Lawn Relay Meet
Council, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. City Hall @ GPW
Swim Meet, 5:30 p.m.
7 - 10 p.m. 9 a.m.
GPW @ GPC
Father’s Day First Day of Summer
27 28 29 This Dogwood’s unique paper-white flowers bloom
30
in late May to early June. Green fruits turn pink,
Swim Meet, 5:30 p.m. then dull red in September, and are readily eaten
SCS @ GPW
by birds and squirrels. The dark to medium green
leaves change to purple and scarlet before falling.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us June 2021T he Department of Public Works maintains a list of recommended
shade and specimen trees for planting on private property, but
this list is not exhaustive. For reasons ranging from disease to plant
breeding, both recommended and prohibited lists are amended as
necessary. If the tree you wish to plant is not on this list, or for other
related concerns, contact the City Forester at (313) 343-2460.
Some of the best trees to plant include:
Alder, Italian - Alnus cordata Birch, River - Betula nigra
Coffeetree - Gymnocladus dioicus Gingko - Gingko biloba/male only
Hackberry - Celtis occidentalis Hazelnut, Turkish - Corylus colurna
Honeylocust - Gleditsia triacanthos (non-thorny trees only)
Hornbeam, European – Carpinus betulus
Horsechestnut, Baumann – Aesculus hippocastanum Baumanii
Linden, Littleleaf – Tilia cordata Linden, American – Tilia Americana
Linden, European – Crimean, Silver
Maple, Red – Acer rubrum Maple, Norway – Acer platanoides
Maple Freeman – Acer x freemanii
Oak, Northern Red – Quercus rubra
Oak, Scarlet – Quercus coccinea Oak, English – Quercus robur
Oak, Swamp White – Quercus bicolor
Redwood, Dawn – Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Scholartree – Sophora japonica
July
Sourgum (aka Blackgum, Pepperridge, Tupelo) – Nyssa sylvatica
Sweetgum – Liquidambar stryraciflua
Tuliptree – Liriodendron tulipifera Zelkova – Zelkova serrata
The following are acceptable for planting under wires:
Crabapple – Malus (plant recommended cultivars only)
Lilac, Japanese Tree – Syringa reticulata
Maple, Hedge – Acer campestre
Redbud – Cercis CanadensisSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
The American Sycamore is favored for its hardiness and fast growth
1 2 3 Siren test
1 p.m.
– more than two feet a year. Its thick canopy provides cooling shade LAST
Aquatics Session 2 City offices closed
as well as food and nesting sites for birds including red-tailed hawks, registration begins (unpaid furlough day)
woodpeckers, and hummingbirds. They often are called “buttonball” Summer property
tax bills mailed (approx.)
trees because of the 1-inch seed balls that hang from the tree. Canada Day
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
NEW
City offices closed Municipal Court Aquatics Session 1
Independence Day observed ends Campout & Movie
Swim Meet, 5:30 p.m
Lake Front Park
GPW @ GPF. Historical
Rubbish pickup on schedule
Commission, 7:30 p.m.
all week
Independence Day
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
FIRST
Municipal Court
Rescheduled Council, 7 p.m. Swim Meet, 5:30 p.m. Cook Schoolhouse
GPW @ GPS open noon - 2 p.m.
Aquatics Session 2 begins
Citizens’ Recreation Beautification
Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m.
18 19 20 Board of Review 21 22 23 24
9 a.m. FULL
All-Pointes
Council, 7 p.m. Synchronized Swim Show Swim Meet, 5:30 p.m. Aquatics Session 3 Park bus service ends
GP City Park, 7 p.m. GPP @ GPW registration begins
Senior Citizens’ Synchronized Swim Show
Commission, 7 p.m. GP Woods Pool, 6 p.m.
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
LAST
Swim Tournament Prelims Municipal Court Music on the Lawn
9 a.m., hosted by GPW City Hall
Swim Tournament Finals
at GPW 7 - 10 p.m.
5:30 p.m., hosted by GPW
Planning at GPW
Commission, 7 p.m.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us July 2021August Preparing to plant ● By law, you must call Miss Dig at 800-482-7171 at least three full working days prior to planting. ● If possible, dig the hole before you bring in the tree. Keep the root ball covered, well watered, and in a shady location until you are ready to plant. ● Measure the height and diameter of the tree’s root ball. ● Dig the hole to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. Leave the bottom of the hole firm. ● Dig the hole three times the width of the root ball. Wide, shallow holes encourage natural horizontal root growth. ● Break up compacted soil. The sides of the planting space should not be packed. ● Do not add compost or peat to the soil used for planting. Amended soil creates a comfortable environment for the roots, discouraging the natural growth of roots into the surrounding soil.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Siren test
1 p.m.
Aquatics Session 3 begins Municipal Court Pension Board City Picnic
6 p.m. & Fishing Derby
Council, 7 p.m.
Lake Front Park
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
NEW
Beautification Historical
Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
FIRST
Council, 7 p.m. Municipal Court Aquatics Session 3 ends
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
FULL
Planning Municipal Court Music on the Lawn
Commission, 7 p.m. City Hall
7 - 10 p.m.
29 30 31
The Tricolor Beech is a unique type of European beech that
LAST
provides unmatched year-round beauty. Its variegated leaves
Last day to pay summer
taxes without penalty - 5 p.m. include shades of green, pink and white, giving the tree an overall
rose-colored appearance, turning gold in autumn.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us August 2021September
Planting your tree
● Gently lift the tree by the root ball, not the trunk, and place it into
the prepared hole. Avoid dropping the tree into the hole.
● Balance the tree upright in the center of the planting hole.
● Cut away the strings and burlap. Some burlap can remain in the
hole as long as it is completely covered with soil. Do not break the
root ball apart or remove soil from the root ball. If the tree is container
grown, cut and remove the container completely.
● Prune dead or crushed roots and straighten or
cut circling roots. Use sharp pruning shears to
make clean cuts.
● Use the original soil to refill the hole. As you
replace the soil, add water to eliminate air
pockets and firmly set the tree. Do not put soil
mixed with grass or weeds into the hole.
● When planting in soil heavy with clay, leave
one third of the root ball above the ground. This
will aid the spread of lateral roots and reduce
the chance of the roots becoming water logged
in the heavy clay subsoil prevalent in our area.
● Prune out dead or broken branches, or those
that rub together.
● Do not stake the tree. Staking can weaken
the tree because it is giving it a crutch. An unstaked tree will develop
a strong root system, a sturdier trunk, and have less wind resistance
because it can bend with the wind.
● Do not wrap the tree trunk. This can do more harm than good. A
wrap may girdle the tree, mask insect or disease problems, or trap
moisture next to the bark.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
A tree that dates to the time of dinosaurs and 1 2 3 4
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1 p.m.
was once thought to also be extinct, Dawn
Redwood – Metasequoia glyptostroboides – Municipal Court City offices closed
(unpaid furlough day)
is beautifully shaped with textured reddish-brown Community Tree
Commission, 7:30 p.m.
bark and an unusual branching habit.
5 6 Community
Bridge Walk
7 8 9 10 11
Lake Front Park NEW
Hob Nobbin’ with Goblins Senior Citizens’ Day
9:30 a.m. Beautification Lake Front Park
registration begins
Pool closes 8 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Historical
City offices closed Commission, 7:30 p.m. Rescheduled Senior
No rubbish pickup Citizens’ Commission, 2 p.m.
Monday’s rubbish pickup Tuesday’s rubbish pickup Wednesday’s rubbish pickup Thursday’s rubbish pickup
Labor Day
Rosh Hoshana begins Patriot Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
FIRST Fall Fest
City Hall Lawn
Rescheduled Council Last day to file for Municipal Court 5 - 9 p.m.
7 p.m. summer tax deferment Cook Schoolhouse
Citizens’ Recreation
open 5 - 7 p.m.
Commission, 7 p.m. Yom Kippur
18 20 21 22 23 24 25
FULL
Council, 7 p.m. Senior Citizens’ Commission
rescheduled to Sept. 11
First day of Sukkot First day of autumn
The Dawn Redwood is a
26 27 28 29 30 deciduous conifer, meaning it
LAST
produces small, round cones
Planning Municipal Court
Commission, 7 p.m. yet its feathery green leaves
turn to orange-brown before
dropping in the fall.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us September 2021Mulching Natural mulch, such as compost, aged wood chips, or shredded bark, should be placed around the base of the tree at the time of planting. The mulch protects shallow roots and gradually releases nutrients to help support the growth of the young tree. ● Mulch lightly, about two-to-four inches deep. Never mound the mulch around the trunk of the tree. Keep it at least three inches away to avoid the potential for rotting the trunk. Do not use freshly cut wood chips because they can drain nitrogen from the soil as they age. ● The total depth of the mulch should not exceed four inches. This amount will retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures while still allowing air to reach the soil. ● Extend the mulch outward at least to the width of the crown of the tree. To encourage healthy root growth, mulch can be extended beyond the tree branches. ● Do not plant grass or flowers under a tree as they compete with the tree roots for nutrients and water. ● Do not fertilize your newly planted tree for one year. October
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 Siren test
1 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to avoid any trees that are highly invasive, drop
excessive seeds, nuts, berries or bark, are susceptible known disease, or
interfere with the sewer system.
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
NEW
Fire Prevention Week
Public Safety Open Curbside leaf pickup begins Municipal Court
House, noon - 3 p.m. on your regularly scheduled
leaf pickup day this week Community Tree
Cook Schoolhouse Commission, 7:30 p.m.
open 1 - 3 p.m. Council, 7 p.m.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
FIRST
Citizens’ Recreation Beautification Historical Hob Nobbin’ Hazardous Waste
Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m. with the Goblins Drop-off
Lake Front Park Public Works
6 p.m. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
FULL
Council, 7 p.m. Municipal Court
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
LAST FULL
Election Commission Public
Accuracy Test, 2 p.m. Municipal Court Absent Voter office
31
All boats must be open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Planning
removed from Park
Commission, 7 p.m.
Halloween
Trick or Treat 5:30 - 8 p.m.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us October 2021November
Caring for your trees
● Water is the critical factor for tree survival after
planting. Water deeply on a regular basis throughout
the first growing season. Allow water to run slowly,
soaking the soil, once or twice a week. Do not over
water. Continue deep root watering for five years
after planting.
● Replace mulch each year. Keep grass and weeds
out of the mulched area, since they compete for
water and nutrients.
● To protect the tree trunk, keep lawn mowers and
weed whips away from the base of the tree. The
mulched area around the tree is a helpful reminder.
● Reduce or eliminate herbicide use near the tree
and in surrounding lawn.
● Start an annual inspection program while the tree
is young so that problems can be identified early.
● Prune dead or injured branches immediately. If a
tree is on city property, contact the Department of
Public Works, and they will maintain the tree.Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
"The best time
to plant a tree 1 2 3 4 NEW
5 6
Siren test
1 p.m.
was 20 years ago.
The second best Lake Front Park
winter hours begin
General Election Community Tree Pension Board
6 p.m.
Polar Express registration
opens at 10 a.m.
time is now.”
Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Commission, 7:30 p.m.
8 a.m. to 9 -p.m. daily
Chinese proverb
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
FIRST
City offices closed
Rescheduled Council Citizens’ Recreation Municipal Court Rubbish pickup on schedule
Change smoke alarm batteries
7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m.
Set clock back one hour Beautification Commission Historical
Awards Night Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Daylight Savings Time
ends Veterans’ Day
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
FULL
Senior Citizens’ Municipal Court
Council, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m.
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
LAST
Woods Aglow
City Hall, 7 p.m.
Municipal Court City offices closed City offices closed
Planning Lake Front Park closed Thursday’s rubbish pickup
Commission, 7 p.m. No rubbish pickup
Thanksgiving Day
28 29 30
Winter property Any questions about your trees may be directed to the
tax bills mailed (approx.)
Department of Public works - (313) 343-2460
Curbside leaf pickup
ends on your regularly
scheduled pickup day
Hanukkah begins this week
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us November 2021December
Celebrate our trees
Take a walk around Grosse Pointe Woods
to enjoy our “urban forest.” If you have a
particular interest in trees, consider applying
for the Community Tree Commission.
An application for this and other city
commissions can be found online at
www.gpwmi.us.
With residents and the city administration
working together, we can keep the woods
in Grosse Pointe Woods and preserve this
valuable resource for decades to come.
The Polar Express
Senior Holiday SocialSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 Senior
4
Siren test
1 p.m.
The strong, arching branches of the Norway Spruce Holiday Social
NEW
Boat dock deposits due Curbside leaf pickup ends 1 - 4 p.m.
make it the perfect outdoor Christmas tree. Be sure
Municipal Court Polar Express Polar Express Polar Express
to give this stately conifer plenty of growing room.
Community Tree
Commission, 7:30 p.m.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
FIRST
Polar Express Council, 7 p.m. Municipal Court Polar Express Polar Express Polar Express
Historical
Pearl Harbor Commission, 7:30 p.m.
Remembrance Day
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
FULL
Board of Review, 9 a.m.
Polar Express Citizens’ Recreation Municipal Court Polar Express Polar Express Polar Express
Commission, 7 p.m.
Planning Curbside pickup of bagged
Commission, 7 p.m. leaves and yard waste ends
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
City offices closed Lake Front Park closed
Council, 7 p.m.
Lake Front Park closes 4 p.m.
First day of winter Christmas Eve Christmas Day
26 27 28 29 30 31 “Between
LAST
every two pines
City offices closed City offices closed is a doorway to
Rubbish pickup on schedule Lake Front Park closes 4 p.m. a new world."
all week
John Muir
Kwanzaa begins New Year’s Eve
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us December 2021January 2022
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
The Arbor Day Foundation is committed to addressing environmental problems . . . through trees. Trees Siren test
1 p.m.
are an important part of the solution to air and water pollution, shifting weather patterns, global health decline
and other critical issues facing the planet and humankind. By 2022 — the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day — Lake Front Park closed
the Arbor Day Foundation plans to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities round the globe and
also inspire five million planters to carry the mission forward. To learn more, visit TimeForTrees.org
New Year’s Day
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
NEW
City offices closed
Municipal Court
Rubbish pickup on
schedule all week
Feast of the Nativity
Orthodox Christian
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
FIRST
Rescheduled Citizens’ Recreation Municipal Court End curbside
Council, 7 p.m. Commission, 7 p.m. Christmas tree pickup
Beautification
Historical
Commission, 7 p.m.
Commission, 7:30 p.m.
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
FULL
City offices closed
(unpaid furlough day)
Senior Citizens’
Rubbish pickup on schedule Commission, 7 p.m.
all week
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Rescheduled LAST
Council, 7 p.m.
Planning Municipal Court
30 31 Commission, 7:30 p.m.
All meetings and events are tentative and subject to cancellation. For the most up-to-date information, refer to the
city website – http://www.gpwmi.us For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us January 2022City of Grosse Pointe Woods 2021
City Administrator City Treasurer/Comptroller
Bruce J. Smith Ph: (313) 343-2604 | Fax: (313) 343-2785
Ph: (313) 343-2450 | Fax: (313) 343-2658 | E-mail: bsmith@gpwmi.us Appointed by and reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the City Treasurer/Comptroller is
the chief financial officer of the city. The Comptroller works along with the City Administrator
Appointed by and reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the City Administrator is the chief
developing, enacting and overseeing the fiscal policies of the city, and is responsible for budget
administrative officer of the government. Primarily, the City Administrator is responsible for: the
preparation and review, general ledger accounting and payroll, property/liability/worker’s
efficient administration of all city departments; the enforcement of all city laws and ordinances;
compensation insurance coverage, property tax collections/utility billings/records, accounts
the enforcement of contracts or agreements; the recommendation of an annual city budget and its
payable/receivables, debt financing, pension administration, collection/deposit/investment of all
management. The City Administrator, in conjunction with the City Treasurer/Comptroller, maintains
city funds, and fixed asset inventory.
a system of accounts which conforms to uniform systems required by law, the City Council, and
generally accepted principles and procedures of government accounting; and performs other The City Treasurer/Comptroller assists the City Administrator and the Finance Committee
duties as may be prescribed by City Charter, City Ordinances or City Council. in the preparation of the annual budget. The adopted budget document details the revenue
and expenditure estimates of the city for the forthcoming fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).
City Clerk Residents are invited to attend the annual budget hearings held in April and May of each year.
The budget document is available to the public, upon request, following its adoption (by city
Lisa K. Hathaway charter on the third Monday in May).
Ph: (313) 343-2440 | Fax: (313) 343-5667 | E-mail: lhathaway@gpwmi.us Summer Tax Deferment
You can delay paying your summer taxes until February 14 if your total household income is
Appointed by and reporting to the Mayor and City Council, the City Clerk is responsible for: $40,000 or less as shown on your Michigan Homestead property tax return, and you can be
• voter registration and verification of nominating petitions for local offices or questions; classified as one of the following:
• administering all elections for the city, state or federal government and school boards as
needed, and serving as chair of the Election Commission; • eligible service person, eligible veteran, • blind
• training and supervising election inspectors and processing absentee voter requests; eligible widow or widower as defined in • senior citizen (age 62 or older) or
• preparing meeting agendas, posting agendas, recording and preserving the official minutes of Chapter 9 of the Income Tax Act of 1967 un-remarried spouse
the City Council and various boards and commissions; (MCL 206.501 to 206.532) • paraplegic, quadriplegic or totally
• filing and safeguarding census information, contracts and other legal documents; and permanently disabled
• providing notary services, and issuing business licenses and other permits and licenses;
• serving as the city’s freedom of information coordinator and managing the repository of all Taxpayers may claim a deferment by filing an “application for deferment of summer taxes” form
official city records such as ordinances, resolutions, custodian of city seal, and notifications available at City Hall or at www.gpwmi.us. Forms are due by Sept. 14. All taxes paid after Feb. 28
regarding public hearings in accordance with the Open Meetings Act; must be paid at the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office.
• serving as the city’s claims administrator
Voting information The tax bills you receive City of Grosse Pointe Woods (313) 343-2435
To be eligible to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, attained 18 years of age, a resident of the state include taxes for: Grosse Pointe School District (313) 432-3000
of Michigan, and registered to vote. Register to vote for federal, state, local and school board Grosse Pointe Public Library (313) 343-2074
elections with your county clerk, any city clerk or at any Michigan Secretary of State branch office. Please address any
Huron Clinton Metro Authority 1-800 477-2757
questions or complaints
Animal licenses Grosse Gratiot Drain (313) 343-2604
directly to the responsible
Any person owning, possessing or harboring a dog, cat or wild animal over the age of four Wayne County (313) 224-5950
taxing authority.
months must obtain a license for that animal from the city clerk. Proof of rabies vaccination Wayne County Jail (313) 224-5950
is required to obtain the license, the tag for which must be worn by the animal. All animal
Wayne County Community College (313) 496-2513
licenses expire on March 1 of each year or upon expiration of the rabies vaccination
certificate, whichever comes first. Wayne County Regional Ed. Service (313) 467-1455
Wayne County Trans. Authority (313) 223-2100
Detroit Institute of Arts (313) 224-5950
Detroit Zoological Society (313) 224-5950City Attorney Department of Public Safety
The City Attorney, appointed by and reporting to the Mayor and City Council, provides legal
services to the city, including review of complaints made to the Department of Public Safety,
John G. Kosanke, Director
and of all proposed new ordinances or amendments to ordinances. The City Attorney consults,
Ph: (313) 343-2420 – Complaints or information | E-mail: pubsafty@gpwmi.us
when requested, with the various city department heads concerning the need and advisability Emergencies (24 hours) dial 911 ● TDD for the Hearing Impaired: (313) 343-9249
of ordinance amendments. Public Safety officers perform police and firefighter duties and are cross-trained as medical first
responders. The Department of Public Safety is responsible for:
Assessing Department Aware Interventions ● 911 Emergency Service ● Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Youth Services Division ● Traffic Safety ● Crime Prevention
WCA Assessing Ph: (313) 343-2452 | Fax: (313) 343-2785 Fire Inspections ● Criminal Investigations ● Fire Fighting
WCA Assessing is contracted by the city to perform assessing services. A company Public Safety items to note:
representative is at City Hall on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Assessing
Department is responsible for listing all real and personal property in the City of Grosse Pointe • Vehicles are not allowed to park on the street between 3 and 5 a.m. unless a permit is obtained.
Woods. Generally, real property is land and all things attached to it. Personal property is • Bicycle licenses are required and can be purchased at the Department of Public Safety for $1.
property such as machinery and equipment belonging to a business. Annually, the Assessor is • Per the city ordinance, cats and dogs are limited to a combination of four per household, and no
required by state law to individually place an assessment equal to 50 percent of its true cash
more than three dogs or four cats. All cats and dogs over four months of age are required to be
value on all property in the jurisdiction.
licensed and vaccinated annually. Licenses can be purchased at the city clerk’s office for $8 with
Records in the Assessor’s office, including field sheets, appraisal reports, legal descriptions, proof of vaccination. Dogs must be on a leash when leaving your property and are not allowed in
12-month sales data, lot and building sizes, are available to the public. Assessment rolls are the city parks, except with a dog park or boater-dog permit for Lake Front Park.
completed in February. A formal review is held in March by members of the Board of Review, a
Municipal Court
body composed of Grosse Pointe Woods citizens appointed by the City Council to review such
issues. Any property owner who feels there may be an error in assessment may attend one
of the sessions. Property owners must make an appointment to appear before the board by
calling (313) 343-2435. Check the city calendar for scheduled hearing dates. Also, the hearing Beth Miro, Court Administrator
dates are published in the Grosse Pointe News as required by law. Ph: (313) 343-2455 | Fax: (313) 886-6284 | E-mail: court@gpwmi.us
The Municipal Court is responsible for the administration of justice under the laws of the State of
City Engineer Michigan and the local ordinances of the city. Jurisdiction includes civil matters up to $3,000, and
criminal misdemeanors occurring within the city.
Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick, Inc. The court handles the arraignment, setting bail and conducting preliminary examinations in felony
Ph: (586) 726-1234 | 51301 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, MI 48315 cases, as well as traffic offenses, city charter and ordinance violations, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Appointed by the Mayor and City Council, Anderson, Eckstein & Westrick Inc. provides consulting The Michigan Supreme Court has directed municipal courts not to accept small claims cases.
engineering services that include preparation of construction plans, specifications and bid Litigants may still proceed with their civil claims (up to $3,000) under the court’s general civil division.
documents, with all necessary on-site surveying, inspection of new sewer, water main and
pavement construction, review and appraisal of television inspection of sewers in ongoing city
maintenance programs, updating all utility records as they are affected by new construction, and
assisting the City Council in the advertisement for construction bids and selection of qualified
Notice – All meetings and events listed in this calendar are
contractors to perform the work. subject to alteration or cancellation. For weekly updates and timely
announcements, subscribe to the city eblasts by visiting www.
gpwmi.us and click on “Email Newsletter Request” under the “Online
Services” heading. Eblasts are sent every Tuesday or as needed.
“To be without trees would, in the most literal way, to be
without our roots.” News and notices also are available on the city website – www.
Richard Mabey gpwmi.us. For recreation registration, visit https://recweb.gpwmi.us.City of Grosse Pointe Woods 2021
Building Department
• Junk, trash and debris cannot be left
Gene Tutag, Building Official in the yard and must be disposed of Staff Schedules
Ph: (313) 343-2426 | Fax: (313) 343-2439 | E-mail: gtutag@gpwmi.us properly.
The primary responsibility of the Building Department is the enforcement of construction codes Code Enforcement
• Parking is permitted for passenger
relating to building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work including new construction, cars and motorcycles in residential Dave Podeszwik (313) 600-8497
additions, alterations, renovations, demolitions, swimming pools, sheds, fencing and other lots only on a legal driveway or in Monday – Friday
related activities. a garage. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Permits must be secured for the following types of work: • Commercial equipment and Electrical Inspector
• installation of fences, swimming pools, sidewalks, driveways, porches, sewers, decks; commercial vehicles may not be
• major electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and mechanical installations; David Caldwell
parked or stored in a residential (313) 343-2426
• additions and alterations to homes and accessory buildings, re-roofing; area unless they are within a fully
• aluminum or vinyl siding installation; Tuesday & Thursday
enclosed structure. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• rebuilding of masonry chimneys or fireplaces;
• temporary signs, business signs and awnings. • All exterior building structures and Call for appointment/message
walls shall be maintained in a secure
Note: This list is not all inclusive. Please call the Building Department if you have questions.
and attractive manner. All defective Property Maintenance
Alterations to commercial structures require a review before the Planning Commission. structural and decorative elements Inspector
Guidelines for this procedure may be obtained from the Building Department office. of such building facade(s) shall be Sean Ditty (313) 348-0743
Whenever there is a change of ownership of a home or business, or new residential construction, repaired or replaced in a competent Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
a certificate of occupancy is required. Rental properties require a certificate of approval and must manner, to match as closely as Call for appointment
possible the original materials and
be registered with the Building Department. Upon the change of tenants, the property owner or
construction of the building. Mechanical & Plumbing
agent has 30 days to register new tenants with the Building Department.
• The maintenance of a structure is
Inspector
Code Enforcement the responsibility of the property
Tim Israel
Report a complaint by sending an email to building@gpwmi.us or calling the Building owner. Any wood, siding, shingles, (313) 343-2426
Department at (313) 343-2426. roof covering, railings, fences, walls, Monday & Thursday
ceilings, porches, doors, windows Call for appointment/message
Common Code Violations
and screens, and other exterior parts
• If the owner of any parcel of property within the city fails or neglects to cut the weeds, brush
of a structure must be maintained in
or grass growing upon the property and the weeds, brush and grass attains the height of
weather tight, rodent proof, sound
six inches or more, the city after 48 hours of notice, shall have the authority to and may
condition and good repair. The • In residential areas, storage of boats, mobile
enter upon the property, or hire a private contractor to enter upon the property to abate the homes, campers, recreational vehicles, and
property owner is responsible for
nuisance. Costs incurred by the city plus a 30-percent administrative fee shall be billed to boat/travel/house/non-commercial utility
maintaining secure windows, doors
the owner. trailers are permitted only if such vehicles or
or other openings that cannot be
• Yard maintenance standards include the plant material in any right-of-way abutting the readily opened from the outside. equipment are unoccupied and parked in a
property. On a corner lot, no fences, walls, hedges or planting shall be erected or maintained fully enclosed garage, or if permitted with a
• Outdoor storage is prohibited. 72-hour pass by the Department of Public
to a height exceeding thirty (30) inches above the crown of the roadway within fifteen (15)
Any equipment, materials or Safety per Ordinance Section 50-208(8).
feet of the intersection of the front and side street property lines. Vegetation and trees must
furnishings that would ordinarily
be trimmed so as not to impair vision or obstruct the travel of motorists or pedestrians.
not be used outdoors may not be
• Inoperative motor vehicles cannot be stored except in a fully enclosed structure that was stored outdoors.
constructed with a permit.Department of Public Services Heavy household items
Appliances, furniture, and other oversized items are collected on your regular
Frank Schulte, Director
pick-up day. Call Public Works 48 hours in advance to advise of pickup.
If you have extra rubbish due to a move, please arrange for a dumpster
Public Works Division rental or call DPW for more information.
1200 Parkway Drive | Ph: (313) 343-2460 | E-mail: pubwks@gpwmi.us Leaf disposal
From Oct. 4 through Dec. 2, 2021, leaves only may be raked into the
Public Works is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is responsible for maintaining gutter for vacuuming on your collection day. Leaves are collected as
all city buildings and grounds. Public Works operates on an eight-year rotating schedule and shown on the map at right. In order to keep up with the volume of
is responsible for maintenance and capital improvements including water system repairs, tree
trimming, replacement of street signs, concrete sidewalk and approach, and miscellaneous ³ falling leaves, there is a possibility of additional leaf pickups on
unscheduled streets. This does not affect the regular pickup schedule.
street repair, asphalt street resurfacing, maintenance of the sewer system and fire hydrants. City Leaves cannot be vacuumed from beneath parked cars, so avoid parking
employees inspect driveway approaches and sidewalks, and handle care of grass, flowers and on the street at collection time. Do not mix other garden waste with leaves
sprinkling systems on city property. because it can damage the equipment. Mixed piles will not be picked up.
Rubbish & yard waste removal Curbside pickup of bagged leaves and other yard waste is available until Dec. 16.
All rubbish, recycling, yard waste and brush is TUESDAY From Dec. 20, 2021, through March 18, 2022, residents may bring bags to Public Works yard
to be set out for collection no later than 7 a.m. on for disposal. Residents must stop in the office to show proof of residence.
the day scheduled for collection and no earlier than
5 p.m. the day before scheduled collection. Recycling – For more recycling information, go to: http://www.gpwmi.us/departments/dpwRDG.html
Each residence is provided with a 64-gallon green cart stamped “Recycling Only.” Items that can
Rubbish and food waste must be in plastic bags WEDNESDAY be recycled include: newspapers, magazines, catalogues, office paper and telephone books,
and placed in the 64-gallon brown cart stamped clean and flattened cardboard and cereal boxes, junk mail; all metal or aluminum cans and
“Waste Only” provided by GFL. Construction materials, containers including trays, foil and pie tins, rinsed and flattened if possible; empty aerosol cans,
concrete or car parts will not be picked up. Contractors, plastic caps discarded; glass bottles and jars, rinsed and unbroken, with metal lids removed and
owners or tenants are responsible for MONDAY
recycled. When recycle cart is full, place at the curb next to your trash.
disposal of these items outside of the city.
The following items are not recyclable and should be disposed of as follows: plastic bags, broken
Yard waste
glass, incandescent light bulbs, mirrors, Pyrex, ceramic dishes, styrofoam, and empty motor oil
• Acceptable items are grass clippings, leaves, THURSDAY
containers should be put in regular rubbish bags. Fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of
twigs, fruit, garden and hedge clippings, and mercury and can be dropped off at the DPW on Hazardous Waste Drop-off days in April and
house and garden plants with soil removed. October. Used motor oil, antifreeze, and car or boat batteries can be dropped off at the DPW
• Suitable containers are paper yard waste during normal business hours. Household batteries are considered hazardous waste and can be
bags or 32-35 gallon containers labeled “yard dropped off during normal business hours at the Community Center, the DPW, or the Public Safety
waste” or “compost.” Department.
• Unbundled brush stacked neatly at the curb
• Bags and containers may not exceed 50 lbs. Legend with cut ends facing the street must be at Forestry
• Compost stickers for containers are available The Forestry Division is responsible for the maintenance of trees, shrubs, flowers and grass
Monday
least 4’ in length and no more than 12’.
Tuesday
Wednesday
for no charge at the DPW and City Hall during • Long pieces should be placed on a diagonal
Thursday
throughout the city and parks. Trees are trimmed every eight years according to the district
normal business hours. so as not to cover sidewalks. maintenance schedule. Residents who want to plant these same trees on private property can
• Paper yard waste bags are available -$4.50 • Wood must meet the same size requirements
obtain a complete list of acceptable trees by calling (313) 343-2460. DTE is responsible for
for 10 bags – at the DPW and City Hall during pruning trees encroaching on their easement. If you have questions, call them at 1-800-477-4747.
as bundled brush and must have any nails
normal business hours or at the Public Safety Public Works can supply a list of trees suitable for planting under electrical wires. DTE is
bent over or removed to prevent injury.
when they are closed. responsible for maintaining all streetlights. Report street light outages to Public Works or directly
Sod, soil, dirt, tree stumps, plant containers, to DTE at 1-800-477-4747.
Brush and branches or garbage of any kind will not be picked up.
• Brush and branches must be no more than Snow removal
4” in diameter. There is limited curbside pickup of yard waste
When a snowfall begins, crews start salting and snow removal immediately on major streets
from Dec. 21, 2020, through March 19, 2021,
• Bundled brush and tree trimmings tied with and school areas, followed by residential streets. Sidewalks are plowed only when there are
due to the minimal amount during these
twine must be cut to measure no more than at least four inches of frost in the ground and two or more inches of snow. Residents are
months. However, residents may bring bags
4’ in length. responsible for clearing snowfall of less than two inches. Sod or sprinkler systems damaged
to the Public Works yard for disposal.
• Bundles tied with twine must not exceed by city plows should be reported to Public Works. Repairs are made in the spring. The city
Residents must stop in the office to show
50 lbs. or 18” in diameter. does not reimburse residents for repairs made by private contractors. Salt is available to
proof of residence.
residents at Public Works on weekdays, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Bring your own shovel and container.
To report emergencies or service problems with Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. and DTE Energy, call 1-800-477-4747You can also read
