Adopt a Resolution declaring the township's intent to establish a street lighting Special Assessment District in the Washtenaw Heights neighborhood area, and setting the tax roll, Resolution #21-50.

Washtenaw Heights was developed around the 1950's, when the Township did not have a requirement to install street lights, as compared to the overwhelming number of residential neighborhoods in Pittsfield (if not all) that have had street light installations at the cost of the developer. Absent the option of a private investment, we felt it incumbent upon us to support the residents of Washtenaw Heights that have petitioned for installation of lighting in their neighborhood by making an investment, similar to others we have over the past decade, for the public good.

Pittsfield Township requested DTE Energy to provide a proposal and cost estimate to furnish and install street lighting equipment in the Washtenaw Heights residential neighborhood area, located between Washtenaw/Packard (north and south) and between Carpenter/Golfside (west and east). DTE Energy proposed thirty-two 136W LED fixtures on 28’ steel posts, at a cost of $105,597. On March 10, 2021 the Pittsfield Charter Township Board of Trustees authorized the purchase and installation of street lights, per DTE's recommendations, in the Washtenaw Heights neighborhood area. Individual letters were mailed to all property owners in Washtenaw Heights to inform them of the project, and on August 11, 2021 the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution #21-37 declaring the township's intent to establish a street lighting Special Assessment District (SAD) in the Washtenaw Heights neighborhood area and setting the first public hearing date. On September 8, 2021 the Board of Trustees adopted Resolution # 21-41 declaring the township's intent to establish a street lighting SAD in the Washtenaw Heights neighborhood area, and setting the second public hearing date.

In response to resident feedback regarding renewable energy and the discussions at the September 8th Board meeting, Pittsfield Township is pursuing enrollment in the MIGreenPower Flat Rate Program through DTE Energy with the intent, as discussed at the meeting, to have the Township pay the difference between the established SAD annual cost and the investment into renewable energy sources. 

The MIGreenPower program is a turnkey renewable energy program that provides businesses, governments, and other institutions with a simple and cost-effective option for adopting renewable energy. This "flat rate" MIGreenPower enrollment will allow Pittsfield to set a monthly dollar amount corresponding to the cost of renewable energy desired for the energy the streetlighting is estimated to use. This program is expected to be rolled out in the beginning of 2022 and a Resolution will be brought before the Board of Trustees for consideration as soon as pricing and full program details are available.

Resolution #21-50 directs the township to place the Washtenaw Heights residential neighborhood area SAD, at an annual cost of $10,575, on the regular tax roll for 2021.

No impact

The annual operating charge is to be funded through the SAD. Account #448-921, Streetlights at Large S.A.

No impact

No impact

Conforms