National Night Out

DeWitt Charter Township will host a National Night Out on October 9th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. National Night Out is a community-based program that promotes strong relationships between citizens of the community and public safety departments.

The community will come together that evening to promote police-community partnerships; crime and drug prevention; fire and building safety; and neighborhood unity. The event will be located on the collective space between the Township Hall and Fire Station 2 on Herbison Road (1401 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt, MI).

This event is for all ages. Good food, good music, good times… bring the kids and let them get into a police car or fire truck; learn CPR; have their face painted; and enjoy community camaraderie. Meet our Police Chief Mike Gute and his officers, Fire Chief Dave DeKorte and his fire and EMS team, Building Official Al Hoard, State Representative Graham Filler, and Captain Al Goodrich and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol.

Handicapped accessible parking available on site. Other parking will be at neighboring businesses; however, walking from any surrounding neighborhood would be a plus.

Please join us!

Stop for School Safety

Now that schools are back in session with in-person classes, the DeWitt Township Police Department would like to remind motorists to please stop for all school buses when the red lights are activated. Motorists disobeying the flashing lights of school buses is one of the biggest complaints our office receives. Everyone needs to adhere to this law in order to protect all of our children. The majority of bus-related deaths and injuries involve pedestrians - mostly children - who are struck by a bus or injured when they are exiting the bus to cross traffic.

Those who pass stopped school buses may be charged with civil infractions carrying a fine between $100 and $500. Violators may also be required to perform up to 100 hours of community service at a school.

Below are some tips for motorists when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing lights activated:

Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing
Stop at least 20 feet away from buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway
Slow down in or near school and residential areas
School buses are like traffic signals:

When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop
When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop
When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution

Please use these safe driving tips when approaching school buses when they are stopped on the side of our roadways picking up children. We welcome all students back to the school year and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ride during their commute to both work and school.

Application For Absentee Ballots Mailed For November 2nd Election

November 2, 2021 is an election for the DeWitt Public School (DPS) bond proposal. This is the only item on the ballot. We have sent Absentee Ballot Applications to DPS school district residents that previously requested to be on the permanent absentee voter (AV) list. This application always precedes a ballot, and must be signed, dated and returned to the Clerk’s Office. The application information is verified and then a ballot is sent.

Completed absentee ballot applications and ballots can be placed in the Township Hall drop box, returned to the Clerk’s Office directly or mailed to 1401 W. Herbison Rd., DeWitt MI 48820. The absentee ballot application also has our email address if you wish to email the ballot application. If a resident has any questions, please contact us at 517-668-0720.

Delinquent Summer Taxes

Summer real and personal property taxes were due September 14, 2021. Open summer balances accrue a 1% interest penalty on the first of each month, through February 2021. If you are not able to pay in full, partial payments are accepted and will reduce the interest charged. Taxes not paid by February 14, 2022 are assessed a 3% penalty fee and turned over to Clinton County for collection.

Building Code History

In 1625, the first building codes were established in the United States primarily addressing materials that were specifically used for roof tiling and fire safety. By 1940, there were 3 regional code organizations in the U.S., which later consolidated into the International Code Council (ICC) which published the first set of codes in 2000.

Building and Code Staff continue to be diligent in the maintenance and execution of all building codes. Their work requires not only great attention to detail, it also involves educating the public on the importance of the codes and their necessity in the construction, safety and overall maintenance of buildings/structures.

CIA Façade Improvement Program

The Corridor Improvement Authority rolled out a Façade Improvement Program to help business owners improve their business within the Valley Farms Corridor. The Façade Improvement Program is a grant program that is funded by the DeWitt Township Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA). The CIA is partnering with corridor property owners to enhance the aesthetic of the Valley Farms area providing grant funds for improvements to the façades of commercial buildings.

Matching funds are available for commercial façade improvements with a reimbursement of 50% up to $5,000. To be eligible to participate in the program, the property must be located within Valley Farms area boundaries.

For more information, please contact the Planning Department at 517-669-6576.

Park News

Granger Meadows’ pedestrian pathways were recently repaved. Head out for a smooth stroll this fall to enjoy the fresh air and vibrant fall colors! Township parks remain open daily from dawn until dusk.

Important Upcoming Dates

10/9 - National Night Out
10/12 - ACH Autopay processed for enrolled sewer accounts
10/15 - Quarterly sewer bills due
11/01 - Delinquent sewer accounts liened and turned over to taxes
11/02 - Special Election Day DeWitt Public School Board's proposal

E-News October 2021