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Bedford Township

Just click anywhere on the above photo for the Bedford Township web site.

Bedford Township Board Members (November 20, 2016)

Michelle Bork, Nancy Tienvieri, TC Clements, Rick Steiner...........................Paul Francis, Trudy Hershberger, Paul Pirrone

Bedford Yes!

Quick Links: Demographics Township Organization Chart Commercial Property Currently For Sale or Lease in Bedford Township Government Transparency Michigan Lawmakers Bedford Great Buckeye Cable Franchise Fee Dispute Larry O'Dell 2015 video Communications Media Committee Buckeye Agreement with Bedford Township Michigan Open Meetings Act Miscellaneous Info Concerning Bedford Township Public Transportation in Bedford Township ......... List Ribfest 2017

Contact Information for Bedford Township Officials

Click here to view a copy of the Township directory. (A Guide to Township Departments, Committees, County Offices, and State Agencies.) This directory includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses for all Bedford Township officials.

Click here to view Contact Information for Bedford Township Officials (including home addresses and home phone numbers) that are listed on the Michigan Townships Association web site. This page also includes Demographic and Population Information for Bedford Township.

Click here to view additional information concerning contacting Bedford Township officials. See the answer to question #1 in the "Questions & Answers" section.

Click on the graphic to the left to view and/or post to the official Bedford Township Facebook Page.

Michigan Open Meetings Act Information

OPEN MEETINGS ACT
Michigan Act 267 of 1976

AN ACT to require certain meetings of certain public bodies to be open to the public; to require notice and the keeping of minutes of meetings; to provide for enforcement; to provide for invalidation of governmental decisions under certain circumstances; to provide penalties; and to repeal certain acts and parts of acts. See "Open Meetings Act Handbook" listed below for complete information.

Click on the graphic to the left to read the complete Michigan Open Meetings Act.

The basic intent of the Michigan Open Meetings Act is to require public bodies to conduct business at open meetings.

Key definitions

“Public body” means any local governing body (including a board, commission, committee, subcommittee, or authority) which is empowered (by state constitution, statute, charter, ordinance, resolution or rule) to exercise governmental or proprietary authority or perform a governmental or proprietary function.

“Meeting” means the convening of a public body at which a quorum is present for the purpose of deliberating toward or rendering a decision on a public policy.

“Closed session” means a meeting or part of a meeting of a public body which is closed to the public.

“Decision” means a determination or vote of a public body to formulate public policy.

Notification of meetings The public body must post a notice stating the dates, times and places of all its meetings.

Closed meetings The law provides for closed meetings in a few specified circumstances.

Minutes of a meeting Minutes must be kept for all OPEN meetings and are required to contain:

• a statement of the time, date and place of the meeting;
• the members present as well as absent;
• a record of any decisions made at the meeting and a record of all roll call votes; and
• an explanation of the purpose(s) for which a closed session is held.

A public body shall make proposed minutes available for public inspection within 8 business days after the meeting to which the minutes refer. The public body shall make approved minutes available for public inspection within 5 business days after the meeting at which the minutes are approved by the public body.

Separate minutes must be taken of CLOSED meetings.

Current News Concerning Bedford Township:

Quick Links: Roads Fire Dept Water Crisis Hayley Turner Yard Waste May 2015 Road Commissioner Appointment Weighmaster Michelle Bork

July 2017

5 Candidates For The Open Bedford Township Trustee Position Have Been Selected To Be Interviewed on July 20, 2017

Lamar Frederick selected to fill Bedford Township Trustee position

Toledo Blade July 21, 2017: Bedford Township appoints new trustee

Monroe News July 22, 2017: Frederick back on Bedford Township Board

Click here to watch the video of the July 20, 2017 Bedford Township Special Meeting where Lamar Frederick was selected as the new Trustee.

Bedford Township Board
*Special meeting to select a Township Trustee* 7-20-2017
Agenda: Video timeline
1. Call to order:01
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: :03--:28
3. Address by Mr Goldsmith-TWP Attorney--:30--:05:12
4. Approval of the Agenda--:05:13-:06:46. Vote 6-0
5. Discussion of the interview process for Trustee Applicants--:06:47-:10:42
6. Applicant interviews by the Board
A). Linda Rohr--:10:43-:30:25
B). Dennis Jenkins-:31:23-:48:49
C). Lamar Frederick-:49:38-01:09:48
D). James Nyhan-01:10:49-01:31:02
E). Heath Velliquette - *Withdrew*
7. Discussion of Applicants interviews
01:32:20-01:53:33
8. Motion to select James Nyhan
01:53:35-01:54:04--VOTE-2 -4 motion failed.Yeas: Pirrone, Tienvieri. Nays:Clements,Steiner,Francis and Hershberger.
9. Motion to select Lamar Frederick
01:54:05-01:54:55- VOTE- 5-1 motion passed.Yeas:Clements,Steiner,Francis,Hershberger and Pirrone. Nays: Tienvieri
10. Statement by Lamar Frederick
01:55:09-01:55:50
11. Public Commentary-01:56::26-(none)
12. Board Comments-01:56:39-01:59:15
13. Adjournment-01:59:16
14. Live feed- 01:59:17-02:00:05

Media Coverage:

Toledo Blade July 17, 2017: Bedford Township takes applications to fill vacant trustee seat

Social Media Discussion:

Bedford Township Residents are voicing their questions, concerns, and suggestions on the following Facebook Pages:

Bedford Township Unleashed

Bedford Township Michigan Community News & Events

Bedford Township Election Central

Bedford Yes - Advocates For Bedford Township Michigan

Please note: Candidates are encouraged to submit any information that they would like to have listed. Please e-mail the info to Gene Stock

LaMar Frederick

Click here to view the voting history for Lamar Frederick (4 pages)

Dennis Jenkins

Click here to view the voting history for Dennis Jenkins (4 pages)

Jim Nyhan

Click here to view information submitted by Jim Nyhan when he ran in the 2016 Primary Election for Bedford Township Trustee

Click here to view the voting history for Jim Nyhan (4 pages)

Linda Rohr

Click here to view the voting history for Linda Rohr (4 pages)

Heath Velliquette

Click here to view the voting history for Heath Velliquette (4 pages)

Procedure Approved By The Bedford Township Board To Select The Person Who Will Fill the Open Trustee Seat.

At the Bedford Township Board Meeting on July 11, 2017 the Board adopted the following procedure concerning how to select the individual who will fill the vacant Trustee seat:

1. Board members will review all 14 applications and will submit the names of their top 3 candidates to the Township Clerk on a ballot by the end of the day on Friday, July 14, 2017. (Board members can choose to place their name on the ballot or do it anonymously)
2. The Township Clerk will tally the ballots and give the top 5 names to all board members.
3. The top 5 candidates that are selected will be notified that the Bedford Township Board will hold a special meeting on July 20, 2017 at which they will be interviewed by the Board. There are no set questions for the interviews.
4. After all 5 candidates are interviewed on July 20th, the Bedford Township Board will vote. A majority of votes (4 out of 6 Board members) will be required to appoint the new Trustee.
5. In the event that no person is selected, a special election will need to be held to select the new Trustee.

June 2017

Click on the graphic to the left to view the rules from the Michigan Townships Association concerning filling this vacancy.

Click here to view the Michigan Laws on Filling a Township Vacancy due to death or resignation.

May 2017

Bedford Township Considers Adding It's Own Weighmaster

Information:

Click here to read an article concerning weighmasters in the State of Michigan published in the February 20, 2017 "Crossroads" magazine.

State of Michigan Public Act 181 Laws concerning weighmasters in Michigan

Michigan State Police Traffic Safety Division

Michigan Department of Transportation: "Frequently Asked Questions - Commercial Vehicle Transport Permits"

Media coverage:

June 7, 2016 Bedford Press Supplement "Bedford Township Update" Article written by Bedford Township Trustee Nancy Tienvieri "Consideration For A Bedford Weighmaster.

May 1, 2017: Toledo Blade “Bedford considers monitor for trucks”

April 29, 2017: Bedford Now “Bedford weighs whether to have weighmaster”

August 7, 2015: Michigan Capital Confidential " Local Governments Look To Cash In On Commercial Truck Inspections

March 2017

Major Ribfest to take place in Bedford Township July 21st, 22nd and 23rd 2017!

Click on the graphic above for the most current information concerning the Bedford Township "Red, White, & Blue Ribfest"

Click here to view the web site for the company that will be used for the event. The promoter for this event is Mike Calvin who is a 1982 Bedford High School Grad.

There will be a 9' X 11' "Jumbo Tron" at the Ribfest that will be use for announcements and advertising. If you would like to advertise or post a message on the Jumbo Tron, just click on the graphic to the left to view a printable copy of the information.

Current Media Coverage of the Red, White & Blue Ribfest:

January 2017

Attention Bedford Township Residents! At the January 3, 2017 Bedford Township Board Meeting Nancy Tienvieri spoke on the issue that Bedford Township does not currently have an Administrative Policies Manual in place for Township officials and employees. She presented to the Board a suggested template from the Michigan Townships Association and stated that it has been worked on in the past but never adopted by the Board. Bedford Township residents should take a close look at this document and make suggestions to the Township Board concerning a uniform application of policies and procedures for our officials and employees. A good example is that the Township officials do not currently have a documented “Code of Ethics” (see page 7 of the suggested template). A good example is 3.13 of this section “Gifts and Special Benefits”. Currently Bedford Township officials can accept “personal gifts” of any value from vendors and any other persons or companies who wish to do business with the Township. Residents should ask themselves “Why are any of our officials or employees receiving any personal gifts from current vendors or others”?

Click on the graphic to the left to view the suggested template that was presented at the meeting. This document covers all policies and procedures.

Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Board Meeting on January 3, 2017 to view the discussion that took place concerning implementing an Administrative Policies Manual. The discussion begins on Disk # 2 at the 54 minute mark.

December 2016

Bedford Township to Start Plowing Snow Beginning December 20, 2016

Great News for Bedford Township residents! At last night’s Bedford Township’s board meeting (December 20, 2016) it was jointly announced by Supervisor Paul Pirrone and Randy Pierce, from the Monroe County Road Commission, that they have entered into a partnership for snow removal in Bedford Township. Listed below is an announcement made by Trustee Michelle Bork.

We have been working with the Monroe County Road Commission to find a solution for better snow removal for our township. Through several conversations we have offered and they have accepted a partnership where we will join in the efforts during a snow event. Currently, Bedford Township owns 3 dump trucks with plow equipment and employs 4 full-time maintenance people who will assist in clearing our roads (including sub divisions).

If you live in a subdivision and would like to hire a private contractor to maintain the snow in your neighborhood for a more timely removal, the Monroe County Road Commission will offer permits to those contractors to do so. The permit fee will be waived. This will inform the MCRC which subdivisions will be taken care of privately. The safety of our residents is a priority for us and together we will do our best to provide clear pathways during these winter months.

Supervisor Paul Pirrone also stated that the Bedford Township trucks will start plowing anytime there is a snowfall over 1”. Geographic areas will be rotated when they begin plowing so that not the same roads get plowed first. They have already started plowing the sub divisions this week. Snow plowing will also include the weekends. Click here for additional information concerning this announcement and Bedford Township Roads:

Media coverage:

Monroe News December 21, 2016 Bedford, road crews to work together on snow removal.

Bedford Township Considers Future Leaf Removal Methods

Click on the graphic to the left to read the complete newspaper article.

Monroe County Road Commission Meeting at Bedford Township Hall on Wednesday December 14, 2016

Please note: The public meeting scheduled for Wednesday December 14th at 8:30 am with the Monroe County Road Commission has been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

Click on the graphic to the left to view a printable copy of the announcement.

Click here for the latest news concerning Bedford Township Road Projects.

Communications/Media Commission

February 2017

Click on the graphic to the left to read the agenda for the February 13, 2017 Meeting and the Minutes of the January 9, 2017 Meeting

More great news for Bedford Township residents! The recently established Bedford Township Communications/Media Commission will meet for the second time on Monday, December 12, 2016 at the Bedford Township Hall 6:30 pm (Meeting Room C on the 2 nd floor). All meetings are open to the public.

Many residents who are Buckeye Cable subscribers have had concerns and questions about their service. Those residents have an advocate now! According to the commission’s By-Laws, one of their many responsibilities is to act as the community representative for outside marketing and communication vendors such as Internet Service Providers (ISP’s) and Cable TV Services and to “Act as a Citizens advocate/liaison for Programs & Communications”. If residents have questions, concerns or suggestions I am sure that they would like to hear from you.

Click here for complete information concerning the Commission.

Click on the graphic to the left for the most current information concerning the Communications/Media Commission that is posted on the Bedford Township web site.

Bedford Township resident, Greg Stewart appointed as a Monroe County Road Commissioner

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning Greg Stewart's appointment.

Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission web site.

Click here to view the duties of the Monroe County Road Commissioners.

Click here to view the list of current Monroe County Road Commissioners.

Click here to read the article that was published in the Monroe News on November 22, 2016 concerning Greg Stewart's future plans.

Click here to read the newspaper article concerning the four individuals who have applied to be appointed as a Monroe County Road Commissioner.

Opening for a Temperance resident to serve on the Monroe County Commission on Aging

As a Monroe County Commissioner, one of my duties is to appoint a Temperance, MI resident as a board member to the Commission on Aging. In the past, this appointment has been made in private, and without much public knowledge. As a candidate that ran on transparency, I will not be making my appointment this way. I want the best person for the job, and the person I know will represent me correctly on the Board. If you are interested in this appointment, I will be accepting resumes from 12/7/16-12/15-16. Please email your resume to votemoore.us@gmail.com

Only those who submit a resume to me during the above mentioned time period, and whom also reside in Temperance, MI will be considered. I have attached a document below that outlines some of the duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of this appointment. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you!

Greg Moore Jr.
Monroe County Commissioner 8 (Northern and Eastern parts of Bedford Township)

Click on the link below to view a description of district boundaries of each Monroe County Commissioner.

http://www.co.monroe.mi.us/official s_ and_departments/officials/boa rd _of_commissioners/districts.php

Click on the graphic to the left to view the newspaper article that was published in the Toledo Blade on December 6, 2016 concerning the first Committee of the Whole meeting for the newly elected Bedford Township Board.

November 2016

Al Prieur named Deputy Supervisor in Bedford

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article that was published in the Monroe News on December 3, 2016 concerning Al Prieur being named Bedford Township Deputy Supervisor.

Click here to view Al Prieur's resume.

Future Plans for Former Bedford Township Supervisor, Greg Stewart.

Click on the graphic to the left to read the article that was published in the Monroe News on November 22, 2016 concerning Greg Stewart.

New Bedford Township Board sworn in on November November 18, 2016.

Monroe News November 19, 2016:

The Bedford Township Board's new term starts Sunday. Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, led the swearing in ceremony this morning at Bedford Township Hall. From left: trustees Michelle Bork, Nancy Tienvieri, T.C. Clements and Rick Steiner; Paul Francis, treasurer; Trudy Hershberger, clerk; and Paul Pirrone, supervisor; and Sen. Zorn.

Monroe County Commissioners to appoint 1 person to a six (6) year term as a Monroe County Road Commissioner

Attention Bedford Township residents, especially those of you who are concerned about the condition of our Township roads and snow plowing by the Monroe County Road Commission in the winter, now is your opportunity to do something about it. As many of you know, Bedford Township has over 20% of the population in Monroe County. We need a strong representative for all the residents of Monroe County and especially Bedford Township.  Bedford Township resident, Greg Stewart is one of the candidates for the open position as a Monroe County Road Commissioner. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will interview the 4 candidates who are being considered for the Monroe County Road Commissioner position on December 6, 2016 at 6:00 pm. After the interviews the Board will appoint one person to a six (6) year term which begins on January 1, 2017.

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning the four individuals who have applied to be appointed as a Monroe County Road Commissioner. Included in the names is Greg Stewart of Bedford Township.The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will interview the 4 candidates who are being considered for the Monroe County Road Commissioner position on December 6, 2016 at 6:00 pm. After the interview, the Board will appoint a person to a six (6) year term starting on January 1, 2017.

The meetings of the Board of Commissioners are held in the Board Chambers on the First Floor of the County Office Building Addition, 125 East Second Street, Monroe. Regular Meetings - 1st, and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.

Click here to view the contact information for the Monroe County Board of Commissioners.

Click here to view contact information for all the local newspapers if you would like to write a letter to the editor.

Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission web site.

Click here to view the duties of the Monroe County Road Commissioners.

Click here to view the list of current Monroe County Road Commissioners.

Click here to read the article that was published in the Monroe News on November 22, 2016 concerning Greg Stewart's future plans.

Media coverage:

Monroe News November 26, 2016: Letter to Editor by Ernie Brancheau "Stewart deserves Road Agency seat"

Bedford Township is now accepting applications for appointments to Boards and Commissions

At the November 15, 2016 Bedford Township Board meeting there was discussion concerning appointments to various Bedford Township Boards and Commissions. Now is a chance for residents to get involved in the government process by applying for various open positions on the Boards and Commissions. Some of the Boards offer compensation. A complete description, along with a current list of members is available on the Bedford Township web site. According to information posted on the Township web site, the following is a list of positions that will expire on December 31, 2016 and are open for residents to apply for appointment:

Zoning: 1 regular position and 1 alternate
Planning: 3
Beautification: 11
Downtown Development Authority: 2
Bedford Library Advisory Board: 2
Fire Advisory Board: 1

Click here to download a Bedford Township application to serve on a Board, Commission or Committee:

Click here to watch the video of the November 15, 2016 Board Meeting where the appointment to various Boards was discussed (begins at the 2 Minute mark on the video):

Bedford Township is now accepting applications for the following positions:

Click on the graphic to the left to view a printable copy of the announcement.

Click here to download and print an employment application for this position.

Click here to view the salary and benefits being paid to Supervisor Greg Stewart's current Administrative Assistant, Kim Pollins, along with other Bedford Township employees:

Click on the graphic to the left to view a printable copy of the announcement.

Click here to download and print an employment application for this position.

November 2016

Attention Bedford Township Residents! This is very Important Announcement! Are you satisfied how Bedford Township roads are repaired and plowed during the winter by the Monroe County Road Commission? If your answer is “No” you have the opportunity to get proper representation for Bedford Township by applying for consideration to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner! You must apply by November 10, 2016 to be considered! Bedford Township has the largest population in Monroe County and it’s about time that we get proper representation on the Road Commission. Here is a link for an application to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner: http://www.co.monroe.mi.us/news_detail_T7_R2.php

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning the Road Commissioner opening.

April 2016

Lake Erie Request for Millage to be placed on the August 2, 2016 Primary Ballot

Click here to view request by Lake Erie Transit to have the millage request placed on the August 2, 2016 Primary Ballot.

Please note: On March 8, 2016 a request millage by LET was defeated by over 1,000 votes (No 4,443 - Yes 3399). Click here for complete information concerning Lake Erie Transit.

Bedford Township Board Budget Workshop Meeting Schedule for FY July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017

Click here to view the schedule for the Budget Workshops Meetings for the FY July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.

Summary of the Bedford Township Budget Meeting held on April 14, 2016.

Officials in attendance: Nancy Tienvieri, David Manning, Paul Francis, Greg Stewart, Trudy Hershberger, Larry O’Dell and Rick Steiner.

1. The Bedford Township Finance Committee brought a recommended Budget for FY 2017 to the full Board.
(Finance Committee: David Manning, Paul Francis, Greg Stewart and Trudy Hershberger)

2. Finance Director David Manning and Township Treasurer Paul Francis presented the revenue stream for the General Fund Budget.

3. Discussion of the “Other Funds Budgets”. “Other Funds” are all funds besides the General Fund that have or have had in the past as sources of revenue in addition to the General Fund. These funds include: Fire Millage, Police Millage, and Library Millage and Lake Erie Transit Millage.

4. During discussion of the Other Funds Paul Francis passed out info on the limited funds left in those accounts and when the millages associated with those funds will expire.

5. Paul Francis noted the need for new millages and in some cases additional millages to cover future costs in those areas. Millages discussed were Fire, Police, Library and Lake Erie Transit.

Please note: The next Budget Workshop - Committee of the Whole meeting will take place on Tuesday April 26 7:00 at the Bedford Township Government Center in the Board Room.
All meetings are broadcast live on Buckeye Cable channel 7 or 11.

Bedford Schools Named in Transgender Discrimination Probe

M-Live April 7, 2016 Michigan school district under investigation for discrimination against transgender students

Monroe News April 7, 2016 Bedford Schools under investigation for possible discrimination. Bedford Public Schools is under federal investigation for the possible discrimination of transgender students.

13abc Toledo, April 8, 2016: Bedford Schools named in transgender discrimination probe

Toledo Blade April 8, 2016: Bedford Schools under U.S. investigation

Click on graphic to the left to read the press release concerning the special event scheduled honoring Vietnam Era Veterans in Bedford Township on April 11, 2016.

The following additional information was supplied by Corey Welch, Constituent Relations Director for State Senator Dale Zorn.

The general public is welcome to attend the event on April 11, 2016.

If there is any Vietnam Era Veteran that cannot attend the event, they can come to Lansing and have a separate ceremony. I can also get them a lapel pin and drop it off at their home. If they are out of state, we can work something out to make sure they get a pin. I will need their name, branch of service, and a phone number. They can call me at 517-373-5356 or email at cwelch@senate.michigan.gov. Either way, I will make sure they are taken care of.

If someone has a deceased Vietnam Era Veteran they can send me their name, military service information, and a bio and I will make sure they are honored at the ceremony.

Click here to read the newspaper article in the Monroe News and the Bedford Now on March 24, 2016 announcing: " Ceremonies set April 11 here honoring Vietnam-era veterans

Click on the photo at the left to read the newspaper article published in the Monroe News on April 12, 2016 concerning the "Overdue Recognition of Vietnam Era Vets"

You also can click here to view a pdf of the actual newspaper article (which takes a little longer to load).

To view additional photos of the ceremony go to State Senator Dale Zorn's Facebook Page

Click here for information concerning contacting State Senator Dale Zorn's office. You can also contact Corey Welch, Constituent Relations Director for State Senator Dale Zorn by calling him at 517-373-5356 or email: cwelch@senate.michigan.gov.

March 2015

Click here to read the article that appeared in the Toledo Blade on March 14, 2016

Click here to watch the video of the last 2 Bedford Township Board Meetings (February 16th and March st) to get an idea of what the Supervisor is talking about in his article.

Click here to read the Spring 2016 Bedford Township Newsletter

Click here to watch the video of the last 2 Bedford Township Board Meetings (February 16th and March st) to get an idea of what the Supervisor is talking about in his article.

Bedford Township Organization Chart

Bedford Township Organization Chart from page 2 of the June 30, 2013 Financial Statements that are posted on the Bedford Township web site. Click here to view the financial statements.

Government Transparency

"Every citizen is entitled not only to know what the local government body decides, but to observe how and why every decision is reached" stated Robin Luce Hermann who was a guest speaker in Monroe on the topic of the state's "Open Meetings Act and the "Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

Click here to read the newspaper article that appeared in the Monroe News on June 9, 2015 "An Issue Of Government Transparency". This is a great primer for every citizen to read so they understand their rights and the responsibilities of local government, including Bedford Township, concerning the "Open Meetings Act" and the "Freedom of Information Act"

Michigan Lawmakers

Click here to read the Toledo Blade May 22, 2015 Commentary by Jack Lessenberry “Michigan lawmakers mostly look out for themselves”

Bedford Township Directory:

Click here to view a copy of the Township directory. (A Guide to Township Departments, Committees, County Offices, and State Agencies.) This directory includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses for all Bedford Township officials.

Click here to view Contact Information for Bedford Township Officials (including home addresses and home phone numbers) that are listed on the Michigan Townships Association web site. This page also includes Demographic and Population Information for Bedford Township.

Click here to view additional information concerning contacting Bedford Township officials. See the answer to question #1 in the "Questions & Answers" section.

Demographic and Population Information for Bedford Township

April 2015 "Best Cities for Young families in Michigan" ranked by the web site NerdWallet.

Congrats to Lambertville and Temperance! The web site Nerd Wallet found the communities in Michigan that offer young families the best combination of solid schools, great neighbors and affordable housing. Here’s their second analysis of 173 cities, towns and census-designated places in Michigan. As you will see, Lambertville is rated #2 and Temperance is rated #22!

Click here to view the complete list of cities in Michigan that were rated "Best cities for young families in Michigan".

1960 "Green Hills Subdivision selected by the Wall Street Journal as "Best Place to Raise Children"

Green Hills Subdivision Info.

In 1960 the Green Hills Subdivision was selected by the Wall Street Journal as "Best Place to Raise Children". The source for this photo is from a book by Trudy Urbani “Images of America Bedford Township” published in 2005. This book is also a great source for the history of Bedford Township. Mrs. Urbani has given me permission to publish the information and photos concerning the school buildings on this web site. If you would like to purchase a copy of this book it is available on Amazon. Here is the direct link for more info: http://www.amazon.com/Bedford-Township-MI-Images-America/dp/0738534218

Click here to view the "Bedford Township History Page" which has many more photos and newspaper articles concerning the history of Bedford Township.

Michigan Townships Association Information Concerning Bedford Township

Click here to view the Michigan Townships Association web site (which Bedford Township is a member)

Click here to view information and facts concerning Bedford Township that are listed on the Michigan Townships Association web site. This page includes:

Contact Information for Bedford Township Officials (including home addresses and home phone numbers)
Demographic and Population Information

SEMCOG Information for Bedford Township

Click here to view a copy of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Profile of Bedford Township. This profile contains all-kinds of info concerning
Bedford Township based on the 2010 Census. Here are the major categories:

People (Population, youth population, senior population, population forecast, demographics)
Economy & Jobs (Job forecast, where residents work, household income, poverty level)
Housing (Housing type, housing value)
Transportation (Roads & Bridges, pavement condition, transportation to work, safety, accident info, High-Frequency Crash Intersections, High-Frequency Crash Segments
Land Use

Click here to view a large map of Bedford Township which will show the average daily traffic volumes on our roads.

Miscellaneous Township Info:

Information concerning Public Transportation in Bedford Township:

Lake Erie Transit

Bedford Township has levied a public transit services millage pursuant to an authorized vote of the citizens of Bedford for many years, and said millage monies have been used to pay for said public transit services. Currently Bedford Township has a contract with Lake Erie Transit (LET) to provide public transportation for Bedford Township Residents.

The contract between LET and Bedford is indefinite but only requires a 60 day written notice to terminate.

Information concerning Lake Erie Transit:

Current News:

On November 30, 2016 a Bedford Bus was unveiled at the Bedford Township Government Center as part of Lake Erie Transits' Community pride program.

Click here to watch the video of the unveiling.

Click here to read some related questions and answers concerning the wraps and LET 2016 expenditures.

Recent Election Results concerning public transportation in Bedford Township (Lake Erie Transit)

This proposal was passed in the August 2, 2016 Primary Election: Yes: 3977 No: 1393. Click here for official Bedford Township election results for the August 2, 2016 elect ion..

Click here to watch the video of the April 19, 2016 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the discussion of placing the millage on the August 2, 2016 ballot.

Click here to view the Monroe News and Bedford Now coverage of the Ballot Issues concerning Fire Department and Transportation in Bedford Township.

This proposal was defeated in the March 8, 2016 election (no: 4,434 yes: 3399) votes by Bedford Township voters. Click here for official Bedford Township election results for the March 8, 2016 elect ion..

Click here to watch the video of the April 19, 2016 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the discussion of placing the millage on the August 2, 2016 ballot.

BEDFORD TOWNSHIP LOCAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE PROPOSAL (Millage renewal and increase request for Lake Erie Transit (LET)

At the December 1, 2015 Bedford Township Board meeting Mark Jagodzinski, General Manager of Lake Erie Transit spoke to the board, explaining the reasoning behind the request to place a 5 year .25 mill millage renewal and a .10 mill 5 year additional millage request on the March 8, 2016 Presidential Primary Election. After his presentation Board discussion followed, with board members asking questions of the township attorney and Mr. Jagodzinski regarding the issue. The voted unanimously approve the request from Lake Erie Transit to place a 5 year, .35 mill millage issue on the March 8, 2016 Presidential Primary Election ballot. Motion carried on a roll call vote as follows: Aye: Francis, O’Dell, Pirrone, Steiner, Tienvieri, Hershberger & Stewart. Nays: None. Excused: None

Currently Bedford Township homeowners pay approximately $295,500 per year (view 2015 financial statement) to provide Bedford Dial-A-Ride service in Bedford Township. Currently a Bedford Township homeowner of a $100,000 pays $25 per for the service. If the millage is successful, it would cost a homeowner of a $100,000 home $35 per year for five years and raise approximately $350,000 for bus transportation.

Bedford Township officials included a stipulation that if during the five-year millage period Lake Erie Transit lacks the federal funding to provide services or if the contract for whatever reason is terminated, township can continue collecting the millage money and use it on another public transportation provider.

Bedford Township currently has two buses dedicated to the township Monday through Friday -- bus 1 that runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and bus 2 operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The average total ridership for bus 1 in September and October was 670. Bus 2 averaged 551 riders. (Click her to view the cost to ride the bus and area that is covered by the bus service).

Questions from Gene Stock and answers from Mark Jagodzinski, LET Director concerning LET. Several of these questions were submitted by Bedford Township residents.

1.  What are other transportation services available to Bedford Township residents, (such as Health Van, MCOP, SMART and others and what they provide and the cost) ?

Lake Erie Transit (LET) operates through a Purchase of Service (POS) agreement with SMART.  A SMART act as the designated recipient of all LET Grant Dollars and agrees to pass through to LET.  You will have to contact the Health Van and MCOP to get a description of their services.

2.  Background on how LET is financed.  Sources of revenue and various amounts (and %) received.

29% of Bedford Dial-A-Ride operating expenses are paid for through Michigan Act 51 approximately $116,000.  Bedford is considered part of the large urban area of Toledo.  The other two operating funding sources for Bedford is Fare box currently at 3.8% approximately $15, 000, and the local Bedford millage at 67.2%.  It cost approximately $400,000 a year to operate the Bedford Dial-A-Ride, the current .25 mills raises approximately $270,000. Click here to view financial statement for 2015

LET’s Small Urban area receives approximately 35.76% of its eligible expenses covered under Act 51.  The Small Urban area consists of the City of Monroe and Frenchtown Township.  The Non-Urban area, other parts of Monroe County receives Act 51 dollars at 35.76% of eligible expenses and 18.5% of Federal money for eligible expenses.

3.  What is the background on LET?  

The Lake Erie Transportation Commission is created under Michigan Public Act 7, through an Inter-local Agreement between the City of Monroe and Frenchtown Charter Township.  A SMART act as the designated recipient of all Federal Grant dollars and through a POS (attached) distributes them to the LETC.  The LETC is a non-profit governmental unit under Act 7.(Click here to view the document)

4.  What is your arrangement with TARTA in Toledo?

The LETC has a transfer agreement with TARTA to allow transfers between LET and TARTA at the transfer station at Franklin Park Mall in Toledo.

5.  What is the current cost to the taxpayers of Bedford Township per rider (one way)?

As of December 31, 2015 the cost per ride (one way) for the Bedford Dial-A-Ride is $17.72.  The cost per mile is $4.52 and the cost per hour is $87.59. (Please note that approximately 70% of the cost for a one-way trip is paid for by Bedford Township taxpayers which works out to $12.40 based on current ridership) Click here to view cost per one-way ride.

6.  Could Bedford Township end the current agreement with LET and use the money that taxpayers are currently paying to contract with another private contractor or start their own bus service? (Click here to view the current agreement)

The Agreement (attached) between Bedford and the LETC requires a written 60 day notice to terminate the service agreement.  I do not know the answer as to what Bedford can do as to operating bus service any differently.

7.  What was the survey you did concerning LET riders going to various businesses in Bedford Township which brings in money for our local economy?

LET did an informal survey on one bus of the Bedford Dial-A-Ride for one week.  Asking passengers who we picked up at Kroger’s how much money did they spend at Kroger that trip?  It was determined that on an average day Bedford Dial-A-Ride passengers from one bus only spend a total of $200 a day at Kroger. Click here to read an article in the Toledo Blade on December 3, 2015 concerning this answer.

8.  What does "DART" and "ETS" stand for as listed on the ridership breakdown?

There are two DART services, DART stands for “Dial-A-Ride Transportation”, LET runs DART service in Bedford and Frenchtown Charter Township it is a demand type door to door service.  It is reservation based so the passenger needs to call the dispatch office to reserve a ride.  The Bedford Dial-A-Ride services just the Bedford area with the added transfer point in Toledo. ETS stands for “Essential Transportation Service” This service is contracted service specifically for Seniors and the Disabled that is funded mainly through contracts with the Commission on Aging and Community Mental Health Workshops.

9.  What is your financial "fiscal year"  Jan-Dec?  Could you send me a breakdown by system for the last full "fiscal year".

The LET Fiscal Year is July 1 st to June 30 th   Attached is the audited FY15 system breakdown.

10.  Who owns and purchases the LET bus fleet?  What is the source of revenue for those purchases?

SMART holds title to all vehicles and is the owner of all facilities.  SMART makes capital purchases for LET as they are the actual grant recipient, however the capital grants are specific to LET capital needs

11.  Who maintains the bus fleet?

LET maintains the vehicles.

12.  What was the cost per one-way trip for the FY 2015. 

 Per passenger cost using Fiscal Year 2015 expenses of $439,711 and 2015 passengers of 19,483 equates to $22.57 for one-way cost per passenger.

13.  Why don't you go to Miracle Mile shopping center anymore?

 LET had to cur service by 20% to stay within the current tax millage this resulted in eliminating the Miracle Mile stop, this stop had very few passengers during a higher demand period with the bus better serving Bedford by concentrating service in Bedford.

14.  Do you go to any TARTA stops on the state line (so that people can catch the TARTA bus) other than Franklin Park?

The only transfer point with TARTA is at Franklin Park Mall

15.  When does the current contract end between Bedford Township & LET (June 30, 2016?)

The contract between LET and Bedford is indefinite but only requires a 60 day written notice to terminate

16.  Will the Bedford Township DART end if the millage is not past or will LET consider charging more to continue the service if the millage fails?  Several people who use the current service said they would be willing to pay more to keep the service operating.

The Bedford DART service operates at the request of the Bedford Township Board that is currently supported by the millage. If the millage fails it is up to the township on how they would continue to fund the service if at all.

Concerning question #16. Am I correct that the current agreement between Bedford Township and LET will provide bus service until June 30, 2016 since Bedford Township has collected the millage for LET on our winter tax bills for bus service? If the millage fails, will Bedford residents be able to use the LET bus service until June 30th or will the bus service end on March 9th of the millage fails?

The budget is based on the tax money collected in December 2015. This money is used to operate through December 2016. Service will operate though possibly reduced through December 0f 2016 if the millage fails.

17. Concerning the wraps that were put on the LET buses.  How much did that cost and what was the source of the funds to pay for them? (The bus that operates in Bedford Township was unveiled on November 30, 2016)

The cost of each wrap was approximately $14,00 (3 @ $14,00 = $42,000).  They were paid for out of the General Fund as all Lake Erie Transit (LET) expenses are.  The reason for the wrapped buses was to associate LET with the community in which we operate.  I recognized that there was a clear disconnect between the bus system and Frenchtown and Bedford Trustees when we requested to be put on the ballot.  The Wraps represent community pride in the City of Monroe, Frenchtown Charter Township and Bedford Township.  We met with the local communities and asked for their input as to what should be on the bus that best represents their community pride.  I think this was some of the best advertising LET has ever done and we got great support from each community.  The roll out of each wrap was a fantastic community event and I think it showed how proud LET is to provide much needed bus service in each of these communities!  The LET Commission approved the project as part of our advertising budget and the use of significant savings in insurance cost in our FY 2016 year.

The Lake Erie Transportation Commission annual Christmas party is paid for out of the General Fund.  The General Fund receives all revenues for LET.  LET revenue sources are federal & state grants, local millage dollars from the City of Monroe, Frenchtown Charter Township and Bedford Township, fare box dollars, contracted services dollars and advertising revenues.  The cost of the party was $2,636.41.  The LETC Christmas party has been an annual event recognizing the LET Commissioners for their work on the LETC.  No LET Commissioners receives any form of payment for their services (no meeting per diem, no health of life insurance, no pension, no mileage reimbursement, nothing!)  The Christmas party is a means of showing appreciation for their volunteered service.  The LETC felt that it was important to include those that LET works with the most in our annual recognition and appreciation.  We invite our State Representatives, We invite the top political representatives from the communities in which we have a millage, we invite key vendors and LET staff members.  This year we also included one of our drivers that acted as the master of ceremonies at all of the wrapped buses roll out events.  We also invited the Deputy Supervisor from Bedford at the request of the Supervisor.  (In the invite we also include the spouses).  The invite list and attendee list is attached. (47 people attended the Christmas party)

18a. Was the cost of the "Honey Baked Ham" that you gave to each guest included in the cost of the Christmas Party? Why were those in attendance given a gift of the "Honey Baked Ham"?

The cost of the ham was not included in the cost of the party ($2,636.41 noted above) but was an additional cost. The ham was not an expensive “Honey Baked Ham”, it cost a lot less and actually taste better – a great job by local guys!

The supplier of the hams is listed below and is local to Monroe County.  Each couple was given a gift of one ham.  The ham was given as a gift from LET to show its appreciation for their efforts in working with or for LET.  The ham cost to LET averaged $25 to $30 per ham this price is a large discount off of the listed web price and a great deal on a very good ham!  See my previous response for a further explanation as to why we do the dinner. 

Honey-Glazed Hams by the Ham Guys

Please note that the guests were given a gift of a "Honey-Glazed Baked Ham". My personal feeling (Gene Stock) is why is LET spending my Federal, State and Local tax dollars on an event like this one and why were guests given a gift? This money could have been used to reduce the cost of current contracts with communities like Bedford Township. Under our current Bedford Township policy of accepting gifts from vendors, attending this party and accepting a gift of a "Honey-Glazed Baked Ham"is permissible. I believe that this is a nice event. If our Township officials feel that attending this event would benefit the taxpayers of Bedford Township, and they would like to attend, they should pay for it using a Township expense account (otherwise, they should pay for it personally). I believe that Bedford Township should adopt a "no gift policy" for all of our officials and employees, especially from current or potential vendors or anyone that the Township has a current or potential contract (Bedford Township currently has a contract with LET to provide transportation service to the Township). At the January 3, 2017 Bedford Township Board Meeting, the Board agreed to adopt an Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual (which is currently in the process of being developed), where these types of issues can be addressed.

LET Board of Commissioners

Joseph S. Lybik - Chairman of the Board
Mark Baker - Frenchtown Charter Township
Dr. Patrick Miller - A.D.A. Representative
Sue Iott - City of Monroe Representative
Barbara Mazur - Frenchtown Charter Twp.
Walt Wilburn - Bedford Township
Laurence W. Wilson - Senior Citizen Rep.

Documents from Mark Jagodzinski, Director of Lake Erie Transit

Click here to view of printable copy of this flyer which explains the the Bedford Dial A Ride Service.

Contract between Lake Erie Transit and Bedford Township

PURCHASE OF SERVICE OPERATING AGREEMENT BETWEEN SUBURBAN MOBILITY AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION (SMART) And THE LAKE ERIE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (LETC) For MONROE AREA TRANSPORTATION

SERVICE PROGRAM FOR LAKE ERIE TRANSIT For the Period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 (Area of service covered and cost per person to ride the bus)

Ridership Breakdown for FY 2015

FY 2015 LETC Financial Statement which shows sources of revenue and expenses. (July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015)

Cost per rider FY 2016 July 1 to December 31, 2015

Financial Statement FY 2016 July 1 to December 31, 2015

Bedford Ridership Count for September, October, November, December 2015

What services will LET (Lake Erie Transit) provide to the residents of Bedford Township if the March 8, 2016 is defeated?

According to LET Director, Mark Jagodzinski if a millage is not approved before December 31, 2016, the service to Bedford Township will end. All communities that are serviced must contribute to LET in order to have service in their area.

According to MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) web site.

System Profile

“Lake Erie Transit was established in 1975 to provide demand/response service to aid seniors and those with disabilities in the county of Monroe. It also provides general public fixed route service in the city of Monroe and Dial-A-Ride services in Frenchtown and Bedford townships.”

System Characteristics

Days/Hours of Operations:

M-F 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

SAT 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Employees: 68

According to the LET web site, LET will provide the following services in Monroe County (including Bedford Township):

ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: ETS is a door-to-door service for Senior Citizens and for those with disabilities in the Monroe County area who meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. You are 60 years or older.
2. You are wheelchair restricted.
3. You are unable to go up or down a
flight of stairs without assistance.
4. You have great difficulty walking
without a cane or walker.
5. You have an emotional impairment
recognized by a state or federal agency

Other Transportation Services Offered in Bedford Township and other alternatives to mass transit

Bedford Health Van (explains cost, who is eligible to use the service and the area covered)

Questions submitted to Carrie Pitzen, contact person concerning the Bedford Health Van for Bedford Public Schools Community Education Program.

The answer I received was a letter from Howard Schwagner, Executive Director of HR/LR for Bedford Public Schools stating that I would have to make a FOIA request in order to get the information.

I sent me Mr Schwagner an e-mail message on February 11th but have not heard back from him yet. I told him that I felt that this information should be on the BPS web site as part of the"Transparency Reporting".

Click here to read the response from Howard Schwagner, Executive Director of HR/LR for BPS concerning the costs for the Health Van for FY 2015.

MCOP (Monroe County Opportunity Program

MCOP "Need Transportation" Flyer

Questions submitted to Stephanie Kaspzak, Executive Director, MCOP

Here are her answers:

February 11, 2016: As a follow-up, MCOP provided 13,950 rides last year. This provided transportation to 554 unduplicated people, with the understanding that many use our service multiple times. Finally, of the 554 people, a total of 8 were from Bedford and Lambertville. Again, with an understanding that the Bedford Health Van is in place to provide the majority of service in that area. 

The Monroe County Commission on Aging 

Black & White Taxi & Transportation Online Services Pricing

CHILDERS LIMOUSINE SERVICE Toledo, Ohio

Taxi Cab Companies servicing the Temperance Area

Other information concerning transportation services in Michigan

Michigan’s Senior Transportation Network

Michigan Transportation Resource Booklet

The Monroe County Commission on Aging 

Click here to view past transportation millage requests in Michigan and the election results.

Information concerning alternatives to mass transit

Click on the graphic to the left to read the article that was published in the Monroe News on April 11, 2016

Buckeye Cable and Bedford Township Cable Committee Info:

Quick Links:: Lew Horn Editorial Current Cable Committees Public Act 480 Franchise Fee Minutes January 17 2006

Communications/Media Commission

Click on the graphic to the left for the most current information concerning the Communications/Media Commission that is posted on the Bedford Township web site.

Click here to read the By-Laws for the Communications/Media Commission

Click on the graphic below to watch the power point presentation (3 minutes) by the Exploratory Communication/Cable Committee to the Board on May 5th concerning their recommendations.

Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Board meeting of May 5, 2016 where the Exploratory Communication/Cable Committee made a presentation to the Board concerning their recommendations.

Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Board meeting of August 9, 2016. Discussion/Report from the Communications Sub-Committee (Rick Steiner) 3 minute mark on the video. This concerned establishing By-laws for the committee.

Current agendas and minutes are listed below.

Current Contact Information for Communications/Media Commission Members:

Chairman: Deborah Lucius
Corey Welch: Vice Chairman Message Corey on Facebook
Jodi Russ: Secretary Message Jodi on Facebook
Lori Welling:
Nate Elarton: Message Nate on Facebook
Greg LaScala: Message Greg on Facebook

Trudy Hershberger Township Board Chairman: E-Mail Trudy or Call Trudy: 734-847-6791 ext: 7328

Committee Members Applications to serve on the Communications/Media Committee

Deborah Lucius, Chairman: Approved September 20, 2016 (see page 22 of board packet)
Lori Welling: Approved June 21, 2016 (see page 19 of board packet)
Jodi Russ Secretary: Approved June 21, 2016 (see page 17 of board packet)
Corey Welch, Vice Chair: Approved September 20, 2016 (see page 19 of board packet)
Nate Elarton: Approved June 21, 2016 (see page 22 of board packet)
Greg LaScala (Alternate): Approved December 20, 2017 (see page 36 of board packet)

Bedford Township Communications/Media Commission :

Current News:

Meeting Agenda & Minutes:

July 10, 2017 Agenda and Minutes from the June 12, 2017 Meeting
June 12, 2017 Agenda and Minutes from the May 8, 2017 Meeting
May 8, 2017 Agenda and Minutes from the April 10, 2017 Meeting
April 10, 2017 Agenda and Minutes from the March 20, 2017
March 20, 2017 Agenda and Minutes from the February 13, 2017 Meeting

Click on the graphic to the left to read the agenda for the February 13, 2017 Meeting and the Minutes of the January 9, 2017 Meeting

Click on the graphic to the left to view the agenda for the January 9, 2017 meeting along with the minutes of the November 14, 2016 meeting.

Please note: The meeting scheduled for December 12, 2016 was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Current Media Coverage

Click here to read the newspaper article that appeared in the Toledo Blade March 21, 2016 concerning the Bedford Township Communications/Cable Committee.

Click here to read the article "Improving Communication Opportunities" that was published in the Bedford Township Update Spring 2016 issue. Go to page 5.

Click here to read the newspaper article that was published in the Monroe News February 20, 2016 concerning the new exploratory committee.

Bedford Township residents are encouraged to contact the committee members with suggestions. Meetings are usually held at the Bedford Branch Library on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm and are open to the public.

Please contact Nancy Tienvieri, Bedford Township Board Liaison for the current meeting schedule and to offer any input.

Committee Members:

Carrie Setzler – YMCA
Edward Manuszak – Bedford Schools
Greg LaScala - BBA
Michelle Bork - Community Member
Jodi Russ - Bedford Branch Library
Nate Elarton - Religious Community
Nancy Tienvieri - Township Board Liaison

Click on the logo to the left to view the Buckeye Cable web site.

Current Information from Buckeye Broadband:

Everyone who has Buckeye Cable should attend one of these workshops. At the end of each session they give you a chance to ask questions and make suggestions. My wife and I both attended one of these sessions and brought up the idea that they should host a “Town Hall” Meeting with Bedford Township subscribers to answer questions and make suggestions on how customers can lower their cable bills and improve service. They said they are looking into it. We were able to lower our cable bill by going to TiVo from our old DVR box. Click on the link below to view how to sign up for one of these workshops. Click on the graphic to the left for more information.

You can also call Buckeye Broadband for more information at: 419-724-9800

Click here to view information concerning how to contact members of the Bedford Township Media/Communications Commission who are your advocates concerning any questions or concerns you have with your cable service.

Click here to post a comment, suggestion or question on the Buckeye Broadband Facebook Page

Agreements between Buckeye Cable and Bedford Township along with various regulations.

1. Click her to view Bedford Township Ordinance #86A-1 "Amendment to Cable System Franchise to Buckeye Cablevision, Inc Adopted October 14, 2006. (This ordinance amended parts of Ordinance #86 and also repealed Ordinance #79 listed below.)

2. Click here to view Bedford Township Ordinance #86 Part 44 "Buckeye Cablevision Inc." Agreement with Bedford Township Adopted March 4, 1999. (Contract between Bedford Township and Buckeye Cable)

3. Click here to view Bedford Township Ordinance #79-4 Part 45 "Transfer of Cable Television Franchise" Adopted February 19, 2002. (Revised Contract between Bedford Township and Buckeye Cable)

4. Click here to view Ordinance # 73 Part 26 "The cable television rate regulation ordinance" Adopted October 5, 1993

State and Federal Regulations concerning cable franchise agreements:

1. Michigan Public Service Commission Video and Cable TV Franchise Info Packet for Public Act 480. This covers frequently asked questions concerning the role of the Michigan Public Service Commission in regard to Video and Cable Television. Covering such things as what cable subscribers should do if they have problems with their local cable franchise. (60 pages)

2. Michigan Public Service Commission Act No. 480 Public (Acts of 2006): AN ACT to provide for uniform video service local franchises; to promote competition in providing video services in this state; to ensure local control of rights-of-way; to provide for fees payable to local units of government; to provide for local programming; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officials; and to provide for penalties. (9 pages)

3. Michigan Legislature UNIFORM VIDEO SERVICES LOCAL FRANCHISE ACT Act 480 of 2006. This is a copy of the actual bill that was passed with a document index by section.

4. Please note: There has been an important change in PA 480 effective December 31, 2015. On December 17, 2015 the MPSC announced that the  Michigan Legislature did not appropriate funding to the MPSC to administer PA 480 in 2016.  As a result of this the MPSC will not be handling cable franchise complaints or dispute resolutions going forward. Click here to read the announcement on the MPSC web site.

Examples of Current Cable Advisory Committees in Michigan

Birmingham Michigan Area Cable Board
Meridian Township Michigan
Orion Township Michigan
The Southwestern Oakland Cable Commission
Bloomfield Township Michigan (Under section 2.0 Administration see 2.4 and 2.5)
Harrison Charter Township Michigan
Shelby Township Michigan
Troy Michigan
West Bloomfield Charter Township, Michigan: Click on "Government" tab then "Directory of Government"
Inkster Michigan
Monroe Michigan
Trenton Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions concerning Buckeye Cable

1. Do we still have a Bedford Township Cable Advisory Committee?

As of March 2016, a committee is not listed on the Bedford Township web site. We currently do not have an active Cablevision Advisory Committee. When the committee was originally set up in 1997, this was the description that was on the Bedford Township web site: Click here to view a copy of the description that was posted on the Bedford Township web site in 2006.

a. The purpose of the Cablevision Advisory Committee was created by Bedford Township to regulate and recommend franchise agreements to the Board. Bedford currently has an agreement with Buckeye Cablevision.

b. The Committee also acts as an oversight committee to the franchise holder. The Committee reviews cable operation and offers suggestions on how franchises can offer better services.

c. The Committee also sends one member to the local origination channel program committee. This committee approves the programming on Channel 3. The local organization committee consists of one person from the Cablevision Advisory Committee, one person selected by the Superintendent of Bedford Schools, and one person from each cable franchise.

d. Membership: Non-paid five (5) member appointed committee serving two year terms. One (1) voting member of the Township Board. Two (2) voting members from Whiteford Township.

e. Meetings: Meets the third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Bedford Township Hall.

Please note: A new committee "Bedford Township Communications/Media Commission" has be established in November 2016. One of their responsibilities is to be an advocate for cable subscribers. Click here for more information.

2. What is the "franchise fee" that is listed on my Buckeye Cable Statement each month?

Click here for an explanation of the "Franchise Fee" which is paid by subscribers each month (currently 4% of their cable bill) to Buckeye Cable. Buckeye Cable then pays this fee to Bedford Township each quarter. Click here to view a sample Buckeye Cable Bill that will show where to locate the "Franchise Fee"

3. How much income does Bedford Township receive on an annual basis from the "Franchise Fee"?

The Township received $360,341 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. They received $370,707 in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. Click here to view the "Franchise Fees" that Bedford Township received from 1997 to 2002.
Click here to view the "Franchise Fees" that Bedford Township received from 2002 to 2005. Please note that some of these amounts may contain money paid to the "Metro Fund".

More info on the Metro Act: Facts and Fees
Metro authority annual report & funds use guidelines
Buckeye Cable Linear Footage used in Monroe County in 2005

4. What does Bedford Township use the money that it receives from the franchise fees?

According to Supervisor Greg Stewart, the dollars are going to the General Fund and are not earmarked for any specific department or project. Click here to view answers to questions concerning Buckeye Cable answered by Bedford Township Supervisor Greg Stewart. See Questions 7 & 8.

Please Note: From 1997 until 2002 Bedford Township and Buckeye Cable shared $20,000 of the franchise fees with Bedford Public Schools as called for in the franchise agreement. For more information concerning why they discontinued the payments see the section listed below: " Information Concerning why Bedford Township stopped making payments to Bedford Public Schools in 2002"

5. Why don't be have a local office in Bedford Township to pay our bill. Why can't we pay it at the Bedford Township Hall?

This topic was discussed at a Cable Advisory Committee Meeting in June of 2005. Tom Dawson, Director of Government and Community Affairs for Buckeye Cable told the group that the office located on the north-east corner of Lewis & Dean Roads did not have enough walk in traffic to keep it open. After closing the Lewis Avenue office, the office moved to Foodtown in Lambertville. That office was forced to close when the store was sold. Efforts were made to make new arrangements with either the new Foodtown owners or the Kroger store across the street with no success. Mr Dawson told the group that Buckeye would look into this again. At the July 2005 meeting the topic was brought up again. The Township officials and Buckeye Cable representatives said it will be investigated further. Click here to view the Cable Advisory Committee Minutes for June & July 2005.

6. Does Buckeye Cable have an exclusive contract with Bedford Township for TV, Phone and Internet Service? Can other cable companies, such as ATT Uverse, come in and compete with them in Bedford Township as they do in Toledo?

This question was discussed at the Bedford Township Board Meeting on April 16, 2013. The answer is that Buckeye Cable does not have an exclusive contract with Bedford Township. Other cable companies are allowed to come in to the township. To see the discussion of this topic at the board meeting just click here to view the video (Part 2 of 2 videos) go to the 8 minute mark on the video.

7. How many channels are provided to Bedford Township by Buckeye Cable for educational and governmental origination?

According to Ordinance 18A-1 Section Section 9 " SECTION 9. PUBLIC; EDUCATIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ACCESS PROGRAMMING .Buckeye will provide Bedford Township with two channels on the portion of its system delivered to Township residents. The channel positions for these two channels will be determined through cooperative discussion between Buckeye and the Township (Currently they are Channel 7 and 69). One of those channels will carry educational local origination programming and alpha-numeric information generated from Bedford High School; and the other channel, in the Township's sole discretion, may carry general and governmental local origination programming, alpha-numeric information generated by the Township, and public access, if the Township so determines."

8. Why doesn't Bedford Public Schools currently receive any of the "franchise fees"?

The original agreement called for them to receive $20,000 per year ($10,000 from Bedford Township and $10,000 from the Buckeye Cable). The Bedford Township Board stopped making payments to Bedford Public Schools in 2002. Click here to view the payments that were made to BPS from 1998-2002. See information below for an explanation of why they do not receive payments at the current time.

9. Who were the members of the Bedford Township Board when the decision was made to stop making payments to Bedford Public Schools?

BPS stopped receiving payments from Bedford Township in June 2002. The following were members of the board at that time:

Supervisor: LaMar Fredrick
Clerk: Robert Schockman
Treasurer: Sherri Meyer
Trustees: Med Barr, Joyce Hagen, Arnold Jennings and Dennis Steinman

10. Who were the members of the Bedford Township Board in 2005 when the discussion was brought up by the Bedford Township Cablevision Committee that Bedford Township should not have stopped making payments to Bedford Public Schools in 2002?

Supervisor: Walt Wilburn
Clerk: Robert Schockman
Treasurer: Sherri Meyer
Trustees: Larry O'Dell, Paul Francis, Dennis Steinman and Rick Steiner

Information Concerning why Bedford Township stopped making payments to Bedford Public Schools in 2002:

In 2005 The Bedford Township Cable Advisory Committee began investigating why BPS was not receiving payments from Bedford Township & Buckeye Cable.

Committee Members:

Bedford Township Representatives: Nick Karay, Sigmund Geremski, Steve Lennex, Gene Stock and Mike Murphy
Whiteford Township Representatives: Bernice Heidelberg & Denise Hill.
Bedford Township Board Representative: Larry O'Dell
Buckeye Cable Representative: Tom Dawson Director of Government & Community Affairs

1. Click here to view the minutes of the Bedford Cable Committee minutes from May to November 2005 where the topic of the non-payment to Bedford Public Schools was discussed.

2. In September 2005 Bedford Township officials produced a memo dated August 22, 2002 from the "Cable Committee" regarding the Franchise Fees. (Please note that none of the Cable Advisory Committee members listed above, who served on the Cable Committee at that time, could remember seeing this document before.) This document was disavowed by the current Cable Advisory Committee. Click here to view the document along with the note of disavowal by the current Cable Committee

a. Read the newspaper articles from the August 21, 2002 Bedford Township Board Meeting which is in conflict with the above stated memo.
b. Read the official minutes of the August 21, 2002 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the Supervisor Lamar Frederick "reminded the board that no matter what the board decides (concerning who should tape their meetings), they would still be liable to pay the franchise agreement to the schools. Trustee Med Barr advised the board "that there will still be financial obligations to the school whether they taped the meets or not."

3. October 27, 2005 Toledo Blade: Bedford faces issues over cable television payments.(Comments by BPS Superintendent Jon White concerning the dispute along with comments by Township Trustee Larry O'Dell criticizing members of the Cable Advisory Committee)

4. November 21, 2005 the Bedford Cable Committee made the following recommendations to the Bedford Township Board (see minutes for November 21, 2005 listed in #1 above for details)

a. Rescind Comcast Ordinance #79.
b. The township board members review the Buckeye Franchise agreement, Ordinance #86 and the supporting documents provided by the cable committee.
c. Bedford Public Schools is financially reimbursed for the local origination fees from 2002 to present in a timetable that is acceptable to the township board and Bedford Public Schools.

5. December 5, 2005 Monroe News "Bedford Schools may get cash from cablevision group"

6. December 7, 2005:Toledo Blade Bedford Township: Board questions TV contract

7. December 9, 2005 : Editorial in the Monroe Evening News on December 9, 2005 asking Bedford Township to give Bedford Schools the Cable TV Funds.

8. December 9, 2005: Bedford Now: Cablevision urges township to pay $60,000 to schools. Comments by Township LaMar Frederick "that Trustee Med Barr recommended to the township broad that we stop paying them (Bedford Public Schools) if they weren't going to do anything for the community" Superintendent Jon White also commented on the situation.

9. December 20, 2005:

Five (5) Cable Committee members received a letter from Bedford Township that their terms on the Cable Committee had ended and they would not be re-appointed: Steve Lennex, Bernice Heidelberg, Denise Hill, Nick Karay and Mike Murphy. Please note that Mr. Murphy has only been a member of the cable committee for 7months. (The only members still on the committee were Sigmund Geremski and Gene Stock.

It was suggested by several committee members that due to the fact that only 2 committee members would still be on the Cable Committee after December 31,2005 that we should ask for a special meeting before the end of the year in order to finalize our presentation to the Township Board on January 17, 2006. Bernice Heidelberg contacted the Township Clerk's office on December 21, 2005 and asked if the Cable Committee could schedule a special Cable Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. in the Township Hall. She was informed that the time and space was available and that the meeting would be posted. A short time later Mrs. Heidelberg was contacted by the Clerk's office that Township officials had decided that we would not be allowed to meet on December 27, 2005. No reason was given for this decision.

The decision not to allow the Cable committee to meet on December 27, 2005 upset all committee members. Cable Committee Chairman, Steve Lennex volunteered to put a packet together to present to the board on January 17, 2005. Committee members signed the memo indicating that they agreed with the memo and content of the packets. On December 29 th Steve Lennex delivered the packets to the Township Clerk's office and requested that a copy be given to each Township Board Trustee. Mr. Lennex requested that this information be placed on the agenda for the Township board meeting for January 17, 2006. His request was denied. It was the consensus of the Cable Committee members that press packets be prepared for the media. Packets were delivered to The Monroe News, Bedford Now and The Toledo Blade.

10. December 21, 2005: . E-Mail written to Bedford Township Trustee Larry O'Dell by Cable Committee Member, Bernice Heidelberg expressing her concern and disappointment at the Bedford Township treatment of the cable committee. (Please see #9 above for more information)

11. December 21, 2005: Recommendation by the Bedford Cable Committee to the Bedford Township Board asking them to restore funding to Bedford Public Schools

12. January 17, 2006: Bedford Township Board Meeting Public Commentary by Gene Stock concerning restoring funding to Bedford Public Schools from the Bedford Township franchise fees. Bedford Township Board Meeting Public Commentary by Steve Lennex concerning disbanding the Cablevision Advisory Committee.

Bedford Township Board Meeting January 17, 2006

Click here to view a video of the meeting (35 minutes)

Please note that this is not a complete copy of the meeting. This video contains the comments by residents (Mike Murphy, Gene Stock, & Steve Lennex) and a representative of Bedford Public Schools (Denzil Bell) during "Public Commentary" time and the remarks from the Township Board members turning their "Comment Time". These comments concern the issue of the non payment of the franchise fees to Bedford Public Schools by Bedford Township from the years 2002 to 2006). Please also note that the topic of the non payment was brought to the attention of the Township Board by the Cablevision Advisory Committee beginning in May of 2005. (see minutes of the cable committee from May to November 2005) on the following web page). Complete details concerning the issue of non payment is located on this page.

13. January 18, 2006: Monroe News Article: "Several Bedford Township Board members chastised the members of the Bedford Township Cable Committee for "airing dirty laundry in public" and "going to the press."

14. January 19, 2006: Notice of Bedford Township Board Committee of the Whole Meeting.

15. January 31, 2006: Information read at the Bedford Township COW Meeting by the Bedford Cable Committee during public commentary regarding the agreement between Bedford Township & Bedford Public Schools concerning the franchise fees.

16. January 31, 2006: Mr. Tom Dawson, Director of Government & Community Affairs for Buckeye Cable read a letter at the Bedford Township COW Meeting that was written by him on January 27, 2004 to Walt Wilburn, Supervisor of Bedford Township. This letter was in response to Mr. Wilburn's letter written to him on January 19, 2004. In Mr .Wilburn's letter he was seeking the reaction of Buckeye Cable officials to the request by the Bedford Township Board to alter the Permit to Operate (by removing the schools as a beneficiary of part of the franchise fee paid to the Township). Mr. Dawson stated in his letter "Even if the School District does not have a legal right to hold the Township and us to the contract, we (Buckeye Cable) believe it has a strong moral claim to expect us to honor promises."

17. February 1, 2006 Toledo Blade "Cable deal spits advisory panel in Bedford Township" Discussion of COW meeting or January 31, 2006 concerning the Buckeye Cable Agreement. No action was taken at the COW meeting, and several township board members expressed afterward that they had little interest in making any more payments to Bedford Public Schools.

18. February 10, 2006 Bedford Now: "Cable franchise controversy splits school board, township" Tom Dawson, Buckeye Cable official gave his opinion on the non-payment to Bedford Public Schools

19. February 22, 2006: Toledo Blade "Bedford Township Board takes control of cable access" The Bedford Township Board stripped control of the local studio for public access cable away from the Bedford Public Schools and "officially" moved it a quarter mile south to the township hall."

20. February 22, 2006 Monroe News "Bedford board votes to move cable studio" Main topics: Cable Committee Member resigns. Bedford Township Supervisor said "Our attorney explained the contract that we have. There's is really no agreement or anything like that. Basically there were a lot of verbal agreements made. There was a lot of "You do this for us, and we'll do this for you" type stuff. Nobody ever wrote anything down. They were flying by the seat of their pants. And then one day somebody discover a mistake and they want to make a big deal about it"

21. March 1, 2006 Bedford Now Letter to the Editor by Deborah Hessler-Davis "Heed words, actions of elected officials" She expresses her criticism of the Bedford Township officials handling of the Cable issue with Bedford Public Schools

22. March 15, 2006 Monroe News "Bedford makes cablevision offer" Results of the discussion of a special Bedford Township Board Meeting of March 14, 2006 where the board decided to offer $80,000 to BPS to end the dispute.

23. March 19 2006 Editorial by Monroe News "Cable TV Fees: Put Dispute To Rest"

24. March 23, 2006 Toledo Blade "Schools, Bedford may settle dispute" Bedford Township has agreed to offer BPS $80,000 to settle dispute.

25. March 31, 2006 Bedford Now: Guest Editorial by Lew Horn, Bedford High School Journalism teacher "Schools offered diverse programming for franchise fee portion". In the article he lists all of the events that were covered by the broadcasting class at BHS.

26. March 31, 2006 Bedford Now Letter to Editor William Dukeshire "Schools shouldn't settle for less than they're owed"

27. April 28, 2006 Bedford Now "Words get in way of cable settlement" Bedford Public Schools was not satisfied with the wording of the agreement.

28. April 28, 2006 Bedford Now "Rules governing public comment frustrate residents" Several residents tried to speak during public commentary time on the issue of the payment terms of the agreement between BPS and Bedford Township.

29. May 10, 2006 Monroe News "Bedford board votes to bond more for new township hall" Was money from the cable franchise fee stashed away for years to create a pool of about $1 million for construction of a new hall?

30. June 2, 2006 Bedford Now "Schools mull township's cable offer"

31. June 8, 2006 Toledo Blade : Bedford schools accept $80,000 in cable dispute

32. August 16, 2006 Toledo Blade "Cash infusion to target broadcasting program" This article explains how Bedford Public Schools spent the $80,000 it received from Bedford Township in the settlement of the cable payment dispute.

Additional Buckeye Cable Information

Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Board Meeting of March 5, 2013 where Nancy Tienvieri made a presentation to the Bedford Township Board concerning broadcasting more events and information on the Buckeye Cable Station. Her presentation is right at the beginning of the meeting at about the 1 minute 45 second mark on the video.

Click here to view answers to questions concerning Buckeye Cable answered by Bedford Township Supervisor Greg Stewart. See Questions 7 & 8.

Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Board Meeting on February 4, 2014 where there was a discussion of Buckeye Cable, Franchise Fees, Township Cable Channel and Establishing a Cable Committee. (1minute mark on video #1) Click here to read the request from Nancy Tienvieri to have these items added to the agenda for this meeting.

Click here to watch the video of the November 17, 2015 Bedford Township Board meeting. Of special note is a discussion under “Old Business”-Discussion Regarding the Cable Committee”.

Public commentary begins at the 11 minute mark on the video and the discussion of the Cable Committee begins at the 28 minute mark.

Prior to the discussion, 3 residents spoke during public commentary in support of re-establishing a Cable Committee. During the discussion of the topic, one Bedford Township Board member made some very misleading and inaccurate statements concerning the chain of events that occurred in 2005-2006 regarding the “franchise fees” that were not being paid to Bedford Public Schools from 2002 to 2006, as called for in the agreement with Buckeye Cable. This person also made some very wild accusations directed toward individuals in the Bedford Community as stating that ”The same persons who have caused problems in the past are bringing it up again” in regards to the topic of Buckeye Cable. The Township Board agreed to add the topic of the "Cable Committee" to the agenda for their December 1, 2015 meeting.

To read the factual information concerning the Cable Advisory Committee back in 2005-2006, just go to the information listed in the section above. There you will find plenty of media coverage and other documents explaining exactly what transpired. This area also contains the up-dated information concerning Public Act 480 that the Supervisor referred to at last night’s meeting:

Click here to view the video of the following recent meetings where the re-establishment of the Cable Committee has been discussed:

1. November 17, 2015

2. December 15, 2015 Click here to view packet given to Board Members by Paul Pirrone which states why he feels that a cable committee should be re-established.

3. Discussion of the re-establishment of a cable committee will be on the agenda for the January 5, 2016 meeting

Bedford Township News

Temperance Distillery

December 2015

Click here to view an excellent article concerning why and how citizens should hold their elected officials accountable which was published in the December issue of the Bedford Township Newsletter. This article also discusses the importance improving civic engagement in the government process. Some excellent examples of "How To Do This" are listed in the article.

Civic engagement is getting the people of a community involved in the workings of the governing body in order to make known the needs of the community.

July 2015

Bedford Township Fire Chief Rudy Ruiz Resigns

Click here to read his resignation announcement

Media Coverage:

Bedford Now July 1, 2015: Fire Chief Ruiz To Resign For Perrysburg Job

Toledo Blade July 1, 2015: Bedford Twp. fire chief leaving for Perrysburg

Contract Agreement between Bedford Township & Fire Chief Rudy Ruiz

Information concerning the employment contract between Bedford Township and Fire Chief Rudy Ruiz. According to Bedford Township Trustee Nancy Tienvieri there was no formal signed contract, and there is nothing wrong with that fact. Here is her explanation as to why there was not a formal contract with Chief Ruiz.

Regarding a contract, typically local government does not work off of personnel contracts. Elected officials do not have contracts, nor employees. We have the duties of the Fire Chief in the Fire Department regulations. We have the Personnel Policy that all employees are bound by in terms of vacation, etc. All employees are “at will” which means either side can end the agreement at any time. Technically Township officials should have rewritten the supporting document to reflect the motion that was made at the meeting on February 18, 2014, which included 2 weeks of paid vacation and that he would be paid if called in to work on paid holidays. Legally the minutes of the meeting on February 18, 2014 are the key concerning the contract for the Bedford Township Fire Chief Rudy Ruiz.

Click here to view the agreement and the minutes of the February 18, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the motion to hire Rudy Ruiz was passed 6-0 (Trustee Paul Pirrone was excused from the meeting).

Click here to read a newspaper article that was published in the Toledo Blade on February 24, 2014 "Sandusky firefighter Ruiz to lead Bedford Township department ;Ruiz to fill post vacant since Bofia’s retirement". which gives the basic details of the agreement between Bedford Township and Chief Rudy Ruiz.

Click here to watch the video of the Bedford Township Board Meeting on February 18, 2014 where the agreement was discussed and finalized between Chief Ruiz and Bedford Township.

May 2015

Bedford Now May 28, 2015: Temperance Distillery wins top award at state festival

Click here to read the history of Temperance Distillery

May 25, 2015 Timber Valley Apartments:

Work on villa homes continues in Temperance (Timber Valley Apartments)

Located on east side of Lewis Avenue just south of the Bedford Plaza (7150 Lewis Avenue) next to Victory Lane & Mancino's

Toledo Blade May 25, 2015: Work on villa homes continues in Temperance

May 18, 2015 Redwood Acquisitions Housing Complex:

Construction begins on the Whitman property (Lewis Avenue & Sterns Road) by Redwood Acquisitions for a 118 Unit Housing Complex

Click on the graphic at the left to read all of the details concerning the construction by Redwood Acquisitions of the 118 Unit Housing Complex.

April 2015

Click here to view the video from the Town Hall Meeting held on April 20, 2015. State Representative Jason Sheppard explained and answered questions concerning the May 5 th State Ballot Proposal to raise the sales tax to be used for roads and other state funds.

Click here to read the unbiased facts concerning the May 5 th Ballot Proposal to raise the Michigan State Sales Tax from 6% to 7%.

Attention Bedford Township Residents! There is no need to burn your leaves and twigs this weekend. The following was posted on the Bedford Township web site Friday afternoon, April 17, 2015:

YARD WASTE DUMPSTERS BEHIND THE TOWNSHIP HALL FRIDAY, APRIL 17 THROUGH MONDAY MORNING APRIL 20, 2015 --  NO PLASTIC BAGS!  LEAVES AND SMALL TWIGS ONLY.
OPEN TO BEDFORD RESIDENTS ONLY, NO BUSINESSES.

Click here to view the BURNING REGULATIONS for Bedford Township

March 2015

Bedford Now March 14, 2015: Several Bedford Township Officials To Get Raises
Bedford Now March 14, 2015: Letter to Editor by Dale Track: Compensation package for township board members criticized

December 2014

Lawsuit filed against Bedford Township regarding Fire Department Funding

Bedford Now December 1, 2014: Lambertville Resident Seeks Lawsuit Against Bedford Township Regarding Fire Department Funding

August 2014

Bedford Township Board Announces Plan to Create a Special Assessment of $75 Per Parcel for 5 Years to Repair Roads:

Click here for complete information.

Bedford Township Teen Abducted

WNWO TV-24 August 8, 2014: Air, ground search continues for missing Bedford Twp. teen

13abc September 19, 2014: Teen arraigned for false report felony charge

Fox News Detroit September 19, 2014: Hayley Turner charged for filing false police report

Monroe News September 20, 2014: Hayley Turner arraigned in faked abduction case

Monroe News October 10, 2014: Hayley Turner Admits To Posting Craigslist Ad Soliciting Abductor

Bedford Now November 20, 2014: Probation For Hayley Turner In Faked Kidnapping

13abc November 20, 2014: Monroe teen who faked her abduction gets probation (with video)

Fox News Detroit November 20, 2014: Hayley Turner pleads guilty to faking abduction, doesn't apologize (with video)

WDIV 4 Detroit November 20, 2014: Monroe County woman who faked her disappearance avoids jail time (with video)

Bedford Township and Toledo Area Water Crisis:

The Bedford Township Supervisor, Greg Stewart is posting up-dates on the following Facebook Pages, Web Sites and Forums concerning the water crisis:

Bedford Township Fire Department and Board Forum (FB)

Bedford Yes Advocates for Bedford Township Michigan (FB)

Bedford Township, Michigan Community (FB)

Bedford Now Chatter (Forum)

Bedford Township (Web Site)

Current Newspaper Articles and Media Coverage of the "Water Crisis"

Toledo Blade August 4, 2014 (9:30 a.m.) Toledo tap water deemed safe to drink;City lifts ban on drinking tap water

Toledo Blade August 4, 2014: Toledo mayor: System safe, but water advisory remains in effect;Collins says it is 'my decision,' cites 2 tests as red flags

Toledo Blade August 4, 2014: Algae’s lake effect reveals pea green disaster; Rapid deterioration creates concern for Toledo community

Bedford Now August 4, 2014: Toledo Water Ban Enters 3rd Day

Toledo Blade August 3, 2014: Toledo-area water advisory expected to continue through Sunday as leaders await tests; water stations to remain open; Microcystin found in samples; boiling not recommended.

Bedford Now August 3, 2014: Toledo Water Alert Enters Day 2; 30,000 Monroe County residents affected

On-going TV coverage:

13abc Toledo
WTOL TV-11

July 2014

Bedford Township Fire Department Strategic Plan

The Bedford Township Fire Department will be developing its new strategic plan for 2015-2018 at meetings which start on Tuesday, August 5, 2014..

Bedford Township's new fire chief, Rudy Ruiz, is willing to accept any “stakeholder” in the community to participate. The definition of “Stakeholder” is “A person, group or organization that has an interest or a concern in an organization.” The meetings are open to the public. This will be a great opportunity for Bedford Township “Stakeholders” to give their input concerning the future direction of the Bedford Township Fire Department.

Click on the graphic to the left to view the informational flyer concerning the Bedford Township Fire Department Strategic Plan and when and where meetings will be held. The Fire Chief's contact information is listed on the flyer if you have any questions.

August 5, 2014 Meeting #1 held at Station #1 in Temperance:

Click here to view the power point presentation concerning the BTFD Strategic Plan.

Click here to view the discussion results from the residents and fire fighters who were present at the meeting. Chief Ruiz broke down the residents and fire fighters who were present at the meeting into 5 groups and asked each group to discuss and come up with initiatives that were a priority to the residents of Bedford Township concerning the Bedford Township Fire Department when developing a new strategic plan for 2015-2018.

The initiatives were based on the following process: "Select the initiatives your organization must reach if it is to effectively work toward your mission and achieve your vision."

The mission of the BTFD is: “The mission of the Bedford Township Fire Department is to save, serve, and protect the citizens and their property to the best of our ability”. The vision of the BTFD is: “We will strive to be a model of excellence in providing fire protection, emergency services, fire prevention, public education, fire and emergency training, and any other related services at the local, state, and national levels.”

Chief Ruiz encouraged each person who was in attendance at the meeting to share this information with someone and invite them to future meetings. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Chief Rudy Ruiz. Click here to view the schedule of future meetings.

August 19, 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #2 held at Station #1 in Temperance):

From Bedford Township Fire Chief Rudy Ruiz
Subject: Strategic Plan #2 results and #3 agenda

The initiatives that were determined as a priority by the group of stakeholders Tuesday August 19, 2014 are:

Training 
Advanced Life Support
Facilities and Equipment
Public Education
Recruitment and retention
Improved response time
Improved Technology

The next strategic planning meeting will be held at Station #2 3445 Dean Road in Lambertville, Tuesday September 2 nd at 6:00 pm. We will begin by establishing a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. If you are not familiar with a SWOT analysis here is a short video explaining the process: http://articles.bplans.com/how-to-perform-swot-analysis/

I need to ask you to complete some homework and bring it with you to the next meeting in order to keep the meeting brief. The members of the fire department will be the internal stakeholders and all others will be the external stakeholders. Page two of this link is a good example of what it should look like: http://www.tempe.gov/home/showdocument?id=18281

Simply jot down some points that you believe are Strengths & Weaknesses (internal stakeholders) and Opportunities & Threats (external stakeholders). Have these ideas ready for our next meeting on Tuesday September 2 nd.

Once we have our SWOT analysis, we will then begin developing our objectives for each of the above initiatives. I appreciate your time and assistance, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Rudy Ruiz, MBA, EFO, CFO
Fire Chief
Bedford Township Fire Department
Office: 734-224-7308

September 2, 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #3 held at Station #2 in Lambertville):

Last night we began to develop the goals for each initiative. We also developed a SWOT analysis and identified our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (underlined). The initiatives are in BOLD, the goals are numbered and some objectives are lettered. This is simply the beginning of the goal development; we will tighten up the goals at our next meeting on the 16th of this month. This should be the last strategic planning meeting held on the same night as the Township Board meeting.

I wish to personally thank everyone for their participation thus far! Now that we have a vision we are definitely moving forward toward the same goal!

See you all on the 16th.

Rudy Ruiz, MBA, EFO, CFO
Fire Chief
Bedford Township Fire Department

Click here to view a copy of the notes from the September 2, 2014 Strategic Planning Meeting #3 held at Station #2 in Lambertville

September 16, 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #4 held at Station #2 in Lambertville):

In an effort to keep you all informed with the Fire Departments’ most “Current Events” please review the attached document.

The new objectives developed last week are highlighted in the document. For our next meeting on Tuesday September 30^th 6:00 pm at station #2 in Lambertville we will review the objectives and create new objectives for another goal. Please let me know if you are unable to attend.

Thank you for your time!

Rudy Ruiz, MBA, EFO, CFO
Fire Chief
Bedford Township Fire Department

Click here to view a copy of the notes from the September 16, 2014 Strategic Planning Meeting #4 held at Station #2 in Lambertville

September 30, 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #5 held at Station #2 in Lambertville):

The new objectives developed last week are highlighted (view notes from September 16th meeting) for our next meeting on Tuesday September 30^th 6:00 pm at station #2 in Lambertville we will review the objectives and create new objectives for another goal.

Toledo Blade October 13, 2014: Bedford Fire Chief outlines 7 department initiatives

October 14, 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #6 held at Station #2 in Lambertville):

The new objectives developed last week are highlighted (view notes from September 30th meeting) for our next meeting on Tuesday October 14, 2014 6:00 pm at station #2 in Lambertville we will review the objectives and create new objectives for another goal.

October 28, 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #7 held at Station #2 in Lambertville):

The latest update to the strategic plan has been completed (view notes from October 14th meeting) for our next meeting on Tuesday October 28, 2014 6:00 pm at station #2 in Lambertville. This will be the last meeting at that station to finalize our goal development.

November 11 , 2014 Meeting (Strategic Planning Meeting #8 held at Station #3 on Lewis Avenue in Temperance)

The November 11, 2014 Strategic Planning meeting scheduled for the Bedford Fire Department will be cancelled due to the Veteran’s Day holiday. Our last meeting will be Tuesday November 25^th at 6:00 PM at station #3 7016 Lewis Avenue. We will be finalizing the plan at that meeting.

November 25 , 2014 Meeting (Final Strategic Planning Meeting #9 held at Station #3 on Lewis Avenue in Temperance)

We will conduct our final Strategic Planning meeting on Tuesday November 25 th at 6:00 PM at station #3 7016 Lewis Ave. If you are an external stakeholder and interested in being an evaluator please make sure you are at this meeting. The responsibilities of an evaluator include:

-          Review the progress of each initiative on a quarterly basis
-          Meet with each “gatekeeper” and provide recommendations to maintain progress on each initiative
-          Provide a documented evaluation to the Fire Chief on the progress or needs of each initiative

I appreciate the assistance of everyone who participated throughout this process. I will be working on completing the entire document to present to the Board by the first of the year.

If you have any questions please let me know. Thank you

Rudy Ruiz, MBA, EFO, CFO
Fire Chief
Bedford Township Fire Department

"The mission of the Bedford Township Fire Department is to save, serve, and protect the citizens and their property to the best of our ability"

June 2014

Bedford Township Master Plan

The current Bedford Township Comprehensive Master Plan is now under review. The Master Plan serves as a guide for public and private decision-makers regarding the future physical development of the Township. The Master Plan provides framework for preserving the Township's unique character, ensuring diversity, supporting investment and promoting desired change. A major purpose of the Master Plan is to assist Bedford Township officials, especially the Bedford Township Board, the Bedford Township Board of Zoning Appeals and the Bedford Township Planning Commission in making decisions concerning zoning.

Click on the graphic at the left to view the current Bedford Township Zoning Map.

A Master Plan Steering Committee has been appointed by the Bedford Township Board. The mission of this committee is to build consensus around a comprehensive strategy for Bedford's future by engaging public input and directing the process of developing a Comprehensive Master Plan for Bedford Township. The master plan committee meets on a regular basis and all meetings are open to the public. Click here to view the meeting schedule for the Master Plan Steering Committee and the list of committee members.

The Master Plan Steering Committee needs the input of the Bedford Township residents in developing a new plan. Please see the info listed below concerning the Master Plan Update Survey.

Click here to view "Bedford Township Master Plan Process Update July 2014" prepared by Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.

Agenda:

April 7, 2014
May 19, 2014
June 16, 2014
July 21, 2014
August 18, 2014
September 15, 2014
October 20, 2014
November 17, 2014

Minutes

April 7, 2014
May 19, 2014
June 16, 2014
July 21, 2014
August 18, 2014
September 15, 2014
October 20, 2014

Master Plan Update Input from the Residents of Bedford Township and Other Stake Holders

The Master Plan Steering Committee needs input from the residents of Bedford Township along with other Stake Holders (A person, group or organization that has an interest or concern with the Master Plan). Bedford Township Residents and Stake Holders can assist the Master Plan Committee in developing a new Master Plan in the following ways:

1. Attend any of the monthly Master Plan Committee Meetings and give your input during "Public Comment Time". They are usually scheduled for the 3rd Monday of the month. Click here to view the schedule of Master Plan Committee Meetings. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and are held upstairs in Conference Room C in the Bedford Township Hall. The Bedford Township Hall is located at 8100 Jackman Road (between Sterns and Dean Roads).

2. Please assist the Master Plan Steering Committee in developing a new Master Plan by completing the Bedford Township Master Plan Survey. The survey can be completed using the internet. Residents can also pick up a copy of the survey at the Bedford Township Hall.

Click on the graphic at the left to view and complete the Bedford Township Master Plan Survey.

3. A special invitation has been extended to Real Estate Professionals (both Residential and Commercial) along with Real Estate Developers to attend the July 21, 2014 Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and are held upstairs in Conference Room C in the Bedford Township Hall. The Bedford Township Hall is located at 8100 Jackman Road (between Sterns and Dean Roads).

The Steering Committee is seeking their assistance in compiling a “SWOT” analysis of the Township, i.e. identifying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of Bedford Township. If you are a Real Estate Professional or Developer and would like to attend the meeting on July 21, 2014 please click here to contact the Steering Committee and let them know that you plan to attend this meeting. You can also click here to send any questions or suggestions that you have to the Master Plan Steering Committee. Click here to send any questions or suggestions that you have to the Master Plan Steering Committee.

Newspaper Articles and other Media Coverage of the Bedford Township Master Plan

Bedford Now June 6, 2014: Township Offers Survey To Aid In Master Plan

Bedford Township Web Site Press Release October 14, 2014: Bedford Township Master Plan Steering Committee to Hear Community Survey Final Report

Toledo Blade October 20, 2014: Report to detail survey to steering committee

Bedford Now October 24, 2014: Survey: 56% Of Bedford Residents Rate Quality Of Life As ‘Good’

Toledo Blade October 27, 2014: Trustees seeking public’s opinions; Master plan debate urged (Click here to view the video of the October 21, 2014 Township board meeting where the discussion took place concerning the Master Plan.)

Toledo Blade February 16, 2015: Update of master plan is ongoing; Officials expect to post draft soon

The first of 2 public workshops to get input from residents concerning the Bedford Township Master Plan has been announced for Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Bedford High School Cafeteria starting at 7:00 pm. Click here to view complete details which are listed on the Master Plan Facebook Page.

Bedford Township Roads:

Quick Links: Road Projects 2014 Road Public Announcement Approved Road Projects 2014 Pavement Asset Plan Average Daily Traffic Volumes Questions & Answers Public Hearing Roads September 9 Meeting September 16 Meeting Monroe County Road Commission

2015 Road Projects

Questions & Answers Concerning Bedford Township Roads.

1. Who is responsible for Road Maintenance of Primary and Secondary Roads in Bedford Township?

Answer: The Monroe County Road Commission. Click here to view an explanation concerning road maintenance in Bedford Township by Greg Stewart, Supervisor.

2 . Who is responsible for Maintenance of Subdivision Roads?

Answer: The property owners through the MCRC. Only Primary and Secondary Roads in Bedford Township will be maintenance by the MCRC. Subdivision road improvements will need to be requested and paid for by the residents living in those subdivisions (See the Michigan Public Act 188 of 1954 for a detailed explaination).. Click here to view the MCRC pamphlet which explains why they are not covered and the procedure to request a SAD to improve subdivision roads. For more information and to ask questions concerning the SAD process, residents should contact the Bedford Township Clerk, Trudy Hershberger.

Current News Concerning Bedford Roads:

December 2016

Bedford Township to Start Plowing Snow Beginning December 20, 2016

Great News for Bedford Township residents! At last night’s Bedford Township’s board meeting (December 20, 2016) it was jointly announced by Supervisor Paul Pirrone and Randy Pierce, from the Monroe County Road Commission, that they have entered into a partnership for snow removal in Bedford Township. Listed below is an announcement made by Trustee Michelle Bork.

We have been working with the Monroe County Road Commission to find a solution for better snow removal for our township. Through several conversations we have offered and they have accepted a partnership where we will join in the efforts during a snow event. Currently, Bedford Township owns 3 dump trucks with plow equipment and employs 4 full-time maintenance people who will assist in clearing our roads (including sub divisions).

If you live in a subdivision and would like to hire a private contractor to maintain the snow in your neighborhood for a more timely removal, the Monroe County Road Commission will offer permits to those contractors to do so. The permit fee will be waived. This will inform the MCRC which subdivisions will be taken care of privately. The safety of our residents is a priority for us and together we will do our best to provide clear pathways during these winter months.

Supervisor Paul Pirrone also stated that the Bedford Township trucks will start plowing anytime there is a snowfall over 1”. Geographic areas will be rotated when they begin plowing so that not the same roads get plowed first. They have already started plowing the sub divisions this week. Snow plowing will also include the weekends.

Click here to view the video of the December 20, 2016 Bedford Township Board Meeting where there were several discussions concerning the roads.

Media coverage:

Monroe News December 21, 2016 Bedford, roadcrews to work together on snow removal.

Monroe County Road Commission Meeting at Bedford Township Hall on Wednesday December 14, 2016

Please note: The public meeting scheduled for Wednesday December 14th at 8:30 am with the Monroe County Road Commission has been cancelled and will be rescheduled to a later date.

Click on the graphic to the left to view a printable copy of the announcement.

Residents who are unable to attend the meeting please send you questions, concerns and suggestions to any of the Bedford Township Board members. Their contact informations is posted on the Bedford Township web site. Click here to view a Bedford Townshp Directory which lists all contact info.

Supervisor Paul Pirrone 734-224-7321 Email: ppirrone@bedfordmi.org

Clerk Trudy Hershberger: 734-224-7328 Email: thershberger@bedfordmi.org 

Treasurer Paul Francis: 734-847-6791 E-mail: pfrancis@bedfordmi.org

Township Trustees

 Michelle Bork: mbork@bedfordmi.org      

 TC Clements:  tclements@bedfordmi.org             

 Rick Steiner:  rsteiner@bedfordmi.org         

 Nancy Tienvieri: ntienvieri@bedfordmi.org 

Bedford Township resident, Greg Stewart appointed as a Monroe County Road Commissioner

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning Greg Stewart's appointment.

Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission web site.

Click here to view the duties of the Monroe County Road Commissioners.

Click here to view the list of current Monroe County Road Commissioners.

Click here to read the article that was published in the Monroe News on November 22, 2016 concerning Greg Stewart's future plans.

Click here to read the newspaper article concerning the four individuals who have applied to be appointed as a Monroe County Road Commissioner.

November 2016

Attention Bedford Township Residents! This is very Important Announcement! Are you satisfied how Bedford Township roads are repaired and plowed during the winter by the Monroe County Road Commission? If your answer is “No” you have the opportunity to get proper representation for Bedford Township by applying for consideration to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner! You must apply by November 10, 2016 to be considered! Bedford Township has the largest population in Monroe County and it’s about time that we get proper representation on the Road Commission. Here is a link for an application to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner: http://www.co.monroe.mi.us/news_detail_T7_R2.php

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning the Road Commissioner opening.

May 2015

Click on the photo at the left to read the Editorial in the Monroe News on May 17, 2015 "A Better Idea For Fixing Roads"

Monroe News May 15, 2015: Part Of Secor Rd. To Have Resurfacing This Summer

Monroe News May 14, 2015: Letter to the Editor by Kevin Mahoney “Lawmakers looked to residents to fund road repairs; let’s turn the tables”

Monroe News May 14, 2015: Bedford Twp. Expands The 2015 Road Repair List

April 2015

Toledo Blade April 8, 2015: Michigan road improvements get approval; Bedford Township to spend $500,000 by mid ’16

13abc Toledo: Bedford Twp. trustees to vote on 2015 road repairs

Click here to view the video from the Town Hall Meeting held on April 20, 2015. State Representative Jason Sheppard explained and answered questions concerning the May 5 th State Ballot Proposal to raise the sales tax to be used for roads and other state funds.

Click here to read the unbiased facts concerning the May 5 th Ballot Proposal to raise the Michigan State Sales Tax from 6% to 7%.

Information Concerning a Plan by the Bedford Township Board to Create a Special Assessment of $75 Per Parcel for 5 Years to Repair Roads:

Click here to view the Legal Notice that was mailed to all 12,316 property owners in Bedford Township on September 1st concerning the Special Assessment for Roads.

Click here to view the Public Announcement that is posted on the Bedford Township web site concerning the meetings scheduled for the proposed special assessment for roads.

Click here to watch the video of the August 12, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the proposed special assessment for roads was discussed. The discussion starts at the 1 hour 20 minute mark on Video #1 and continues on Video #2 of the meeting

Media coverage concerning the proposed special assessment for roads:

Toledo Blade August 25, 2014 Bedford Twp. residents urged at 4 sessions; Special assessment for roads is at issue
Bedford Now August 23, 2014: Public meeting set for proposed road tax
Toledo Blade August 18, 2014: Bedford board looks at parcel to fund roads

September 9, 2014: Bedford Township Town Hall Meeting Concerning Proposed Special Assessment for Roads
Agenda:

Click here to watch Part 1 of 2 videos of the meeting (1 Hour 50 minutes)
Click here to watch Part 2 of 2 videos of the meeting (1 Hour)

Media coverage of the meeting:

Monroe News September 10, 2014: Proposed Road Assessment Hits Some Potholes
Toledo Blade September 15, 2014: Bedford Township residents reject fee for road repairs
WTOL TV-11 September 15, 2014 Bedford Trustees feeling pressure to vote down road assessment plan Click here to watch the video from Channel 11 concerning the Proposed Road Assessment (Appeared on their morning newscast 9-15-14)
Monroe News, September 15, 2014 "Our View" Road assessment plan best option for now

Monroe News September 12, 2014: Letter To The Editor by Gene Stock: Excess money in Bedford means residents shouldn't have to pay for roads.
Monroe News September 12, 2014: Legal Notice for Special Assessment for Roads
Bedford Now September 13, 2014: Letter To The Editor by Gene Stock: Homeowners should be allowed to vote on assessment.

September 13, 2014: Letter To The Editor by Mary Pagels: "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION IN OLIGARCHAL BEDFORD TOWNSHIP IS ALIVE AND WELL”
Toledo Blade September 15, 2014: Bedford Township residents reject fee for road repairs
WTOL TV-11 September 15, 2014 Bedford Trustees feeling pressure to vote down road assessment plan Click here to watch the video from Channel 11 concerning the Proposed Road Assessment (Appeared on their morning newscast 9-15-14)
Monroe News, September 15, 2014 "Our View" Road assessment plan best option for now

Click here to view information concerning the Bedford Township Citizens For Fiscal Responsibility. They are starting a petition drive on Sunday September 14, 2014 to request that the Bedford Township Board rescind the Special Assessment for Roads. They are also encouraging Bedford Township residents to attend the next regular Bedford Township Board meeting on Tuesday September 16th to encourage the Board members to vote to rescind the proposed SAD.

September 16, 2014 Regular Bedford Township Board Meeting where a vote was taken to rescind the Special Assessment for Roads
Agenda: (Please note that the agenda includes all supporting documents that are on the agenda.

Click here to watch Part 1 of 2 videos of the meeting (2 hours 10 minutes)
Click here to watch Part 2 of 2 videos of the meeting (15 minutes)

Media coverage of the meeting:

WTOL TV-11 September 16, 2014: Bedford Township trustees debate over $75 road repair assessment (Includes video from the meeting)
Toledo Blade September 17, 2014: Bedford plan for road repairs advances
Bedford Now September 18, 2014: Trustees Question Road Tax Plan
Toledo Blade September 22, 2014: Board assessing plan to fix roads; Decision could come at Tuesday meeting

Monroe News September 22, 2014 Letter to Editor by Mary Pagels: Bedford Residents Must Demand That The Board Kill Road Assessment Plan Now

Monroe News September 23, 2014: Road Commission in Black for 2015 But Still Looking to Make Adjustments

September 23, 2014: Bedford Township Special Board Meeting (Public Hearing on Proposed Special Assessment for Roads
Agenda: (Please note that the agenda includes all supporting documents that are on the agenda.)

Click here to watch the video of the meeting (2 Hours)

Media coverage of the meeting:

WNWO TV-24 September 23, 2014: Public hearing held for Bedford Township residents over road repair tax (with video)
Toledo Blade September 24, 2014: Bedford leaders end tax pitch; Unanimous vote drops idea of $75 per parcel tax for roads
Bedford Now September 24, 2014: Bedford Nixes Road Fee Plan
Toledo Blade September 29, 2014: Board now ponders next move on roads ;Vocal opposition doomed Bedford plan
Bedford Now October 9, 2014: Bedford Officials: Roads Still Need To Be Fixed, But How?
Toledo Blade October 13, 2014: Township weighs plan for road work; Board eyes budget reserves, 2016 levy

Questions & Answers Concerning the Special Assessment Proposal

Listed below are questions from residents concerning the scheduled meetings for the proposed assessment for roads in Bedford Township. The answers are given after the questions.

1. What is the cost to do the mailings to 12,316 parcels in Bedford Township to meet the legal requirement for the notification for the special assessment meetings?

Answer: According to David Manning, Bedford Township Director of Finance, he has received a request from Treasurer Paul Francis for $4,863.60 for the first mailing of the public hearing for the proposed special assessment. Bedford Township is using the company KCI for the printing and mailing of both notices. The total cost for both mailings will be $9,727.20. (Please note that this info is not accurate, see the answer to question 1a below for the correct amount)

1a. You have some information posted on your web site that is hard for me to believe concerning the cost to do the mailings to 12,316 parcels in Bedford Township to meet the legal requirement for the notification for the special assessment meetings? If this information is correct, the total cost to mail out 24,632 (12,316 x 2 mailings) is $.39 each (9727.20 divided by 24,632). It is hard for me to believe that the company that Bedford Township has hired to do the mailings (KCI) can do it at that price. Are you sure that the cost includes postage, materials and labor to do the mailings?

Answer: From Paul Francis, Bedford Township Treasurer and Road Committee Chairman.

In response to your request for clarification of information provided previously by the township finance director regarding the cost of mailing the required notice of the first public hearing for the proposed Township-wide Special Assessment for Road Maintenance and Improvements, I am happy to offer the following comments.

The cost information provided previously ($4,863.60) is not complete and could be viewed as somewhat misleading because it did not include the cost of printing and assembly, and did not provide any context with the information – which I feel is important. Frankly, the question should have been posed to me directly, because I was the one that did the cost analysis comparing outside contracted printing and mailing service versus performing the work in house. Utilizing an outside contractor (KCI, who has been used for printing and mailing of Bedford Township property assessment notices for quite some time), resulted essentially in a slight savings in cost, and a large savings in the labor and stress involved in printing, folding, stuffing, mailing and obtaining and preserving the legally required proof of mailings. The outside contractor utilized for the printing and mailing process has a long history of successfully providing these services to a large number of municipalities and townships throughout the state.

The total quoted cost for printing, assembly and mailing for the first public hearing notice is $7,517.77, based on an initial estimate of 12,600 pieces. Because of the enhanced digital sorting capability of KCI, about 80% of the mailings will be posted at $0.3810 each, with the rest posted at $0.4060 each – compared to $0.48 each if mailed without the digital sorting process. An adjustment in the quoted price will be made to reflect the final mailing piece count. The cost for printing and mailing of the required second/final public hearing notice has not yet been quoted, but is projected to be about 12 - 15% less, bringing the projected combined cost for both mailing to be in the range of $13,900 (compared to the estimated “in house” cost of $14,100 for both mailings). The cost savings available by utilizing the enhanced digital sorting capability of KCI more than offsets the printing and assembly costs by using an outside contractor.

Although my comments are a little lengthy, hopefully they clarify the response to the question of mailing costs. If not, please let me know, and I will give it another try.

I am aware that some have implied or are of the opinion that the mailing costs (est. $13,900 for both mailings) is a waste of taxpayers’ money (to inform the taxpayers of the rationale and details of the proposed Special Assessment for township roads), and that a millage proposal would have been the better choice for raising needed funds for roads. I would like to remind them that conducting a millage referendum (vote) is not free, and depending on when it is conducted, could cost the township at least as much as the mailings would.

Thank you for allowing me to respond to your inquiry.

2. How much has the Bedford Township Board spent on road projects over the past 6 years?

Answer: (Information supplied by David Manning, Bedford Township Director of Finance)

2009    $207,461
2010    $89,133
2011    $48,727
2012    $127,224
2013    $502,974
2014... $1,000,000 budgeted ($716,425 spent as of 8-26-14)

3. "What is a Special Assessment District (SAD)? Is that what the Bedford Township Board is trying to approve for the roads or is what they are asking to do something different?  Are SAD's part of the Bedford Township Ordinances? If so, where can I locate the info on the Bedford Township Web Site?  I really like the idea of raising some needed money for our roads, just don't know if this is the right way to do that"

Answer: I received the following e-mail from Bedford Township Treasurer & Road Committee Chairman, Paul Francis, in response to the question above (August 27, 2014).

In response to the questions raised by a resident, I’m happy to offer my views on the Township-Wide Special Assessment concept for raising funds for maintenance and improvements to Bedford Township roads.  The overall rationale (a message from the township road committee members) is posted on the township web site in a memo entitled “BEDFORD TOWNSHIP ROADS…FIX THEM OR NOT FIX THEM?”.  I believe you have this memo posted or linked on your web site also. 

What is not discussed in the memo is an explanation of a special assessment and how it works in townships, specifically Bedford Township. 

The Special Assessments process is usually begun in response to a petition signed by at least 50% of the property owners in a certain neighborhood, subdivision or area, requesting that a particular service or road repair or reconstruction project be initiated in their specific neighborhood, subdivision or area.  The township’s involvement is only to facilitate the process (on behalf of the affected residents) by verifying petition signatures, obtaining engineering cost estimates, arranging the required public hearings to discuss the requested improvement, and then, after approval by a majority of the affected residents, placing the special assessment amount on their respective real estate tax bills for the period of time specified. 

The Township-wide Special Assessment that the Bedford Township Board is proposing is not in response to any property owner petition, but has been initiated by the township itself (as permitted by Michigan law) as a method of generating the funds needed over the next five years to pay for the various road maintenance and improvement projects recommended by the township engineering firm, Mannik & Smith Group, Inc., in the Pavement Asset Management Plan.  The Plan includes recommended road maintenance and improvement projects thoroughly analyzed and prioritized over the next five years.  The Plan will be reviewed at least annually, and updated as road conditions dictate, so that the township road committee will be working with a running three to five year plan for road maintenance projects.  The proposed township-wide special assessment is $75 per year for the next five years, with each  taxable parcel owner paying the same annual amount.  The funds generated by this township-wide special assessment will be restricted for maintenance and improvements to Bedford Township roads, and will be administered exclusively by the Bedford Township Board.  At the end of the five year period, the Township Board will analyze the results, and determine whether or not to propose continuation of the special assessment funding.  Hopefully within the next five years the State Legislature will have increased the road funding (trickling down to Bedford Township) to a level that will reduce or eliminate the need for additional local funding such as this plan entails.   

In a few days, each taxable parcel owner in Bedford Township will receive an envelope containing two important items:  (1) a Notice of Hearing; and (2) a Public Announcement of the various public meetings scheduled – each to review and discuss the proposed Township-wide Special Assessment and Pavement Asset Management Plan in detail. 

On behalf of the Township Road Committee, I encourage every property owner wishing to review and discuss the proposed Township-wide Special Assessment for maintenance and improvements for Bedford Township roads to attend at least the first Town Hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2014 and the first Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2014 – both meetings to be held in the Bedford Junior High School Cafeteria at 7:00pm.              

Listed below are some links to web pages that may answer some questions concerning Special Assessment Districts (SAD's)

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS : Act 188 of 1954 (From the State of Michigan web site)

AN ACT to provide for the making of certain improvements by townships; to provide for paying for the improvements by the issuance of bonds; to provide for the levying of taxes; to provide for assessing the whole or a part of the cost of improvements against property benefited; and to provide for the issuance of bonds in anticipation of the collection of special assessments and for the obligation of the township on the bonds.

PAVEMENTS, SIDEWALKS, AND ELEVATED STRUCTURES: Act 246 of 1931 (From the State of Michigan web site)

AN ACT to provide for the construction, repair, and maintenance of pavements, sidewalks, and elevated structures on or along public roads and highways; to provide for the levying of taxes and of special assessments; to authorize the borrowing of money and the issuance of bonds; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies and officers; to validate actions taken, special assessments levied, and bonds issued; and to provide for the lighting of certain roads, highways, and bridges.

Michigan's Special Assessment Processes (From Michigan Property Consultants LLC)

Michigan Property Taxation - Distinguishing between Special Assessments and an Ad Valorem Tax (From Michigan Property Consultants LLC)

THE MISUSE AND ABUSE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS IN MICHIGAN (From the CITIZENS RESEARCH COUNCIL OF MICHIGAN)

Sample application process for an SAD

4. Where can I view a copy of the 2014-15 Bedford Township budget?

Answer: This question was submitted to Bedford Township Clerk, Trudy Hershberger. Here is her e-mail response: "If they look on the web site under agenda’s they will see the budget under June 3, 2014.  This is the meeting when the budget was approved by the board. "

Click here to view a copy of the 2014-15 budget that was approved at the June 3, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting.

5. See note below.

The following 3 questions were submitted by the same person. I thought it would be best to ask Bedford Township Trustee, Nancy Tienvieri to respond to each question since she had commented on most of these questions at the Bedford Township Board Meeting on August 12, 2014 when the “Special Assessment for Roads” was first discussed. If you would like to view her comments from the meeting, click on the link below and go to the August 12, 2014 Board Meeting. Her comments start on video #2 at the 11:30 mark on the video.

August 12, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting

A.  How much is currently in the Bedford Township General Fund Balance ("Rainy Day Fund") and how much should the township keep in this fund for emergencies?

Answer: According to the Report of 7/31/14 the Unreserved Fund Balance (some monies in the Fund Balance are reserved for predetermined items) was reported to be $3,757,740.51. The Fund Balance can be tapped at any time during a fiscal year if/when a fund goes over the amount designated in the proposed budget. Township Government must maintain a balanced Budget. That is why the Board has occasional budget adjustments on the Township Board Agenda. My philosophy is different than other Board Members. I believe that each Department Head should keep a close enough eye on his/her budget that spending is limited to their budget and items outside their budget should be held off until the next Budget is adopted.

The dollar amount in the Fund Balance is arbitrary really. The Board should set an amount and hold to that amount. Generally it is said that 6 months of spending should be held to protect against emergencies. The Township receives quarterly checks from the State which represents our share of the State Revenues, to reimburse our revenues.

Special notes:

Click here to view the adjusted Balance Sheet for June 30, 2014 which shows a General Fund Balance of $3,888,363.63 This page was part of the board packet for the Bedford Township Board Meeting on August 12, 2014.

Click here to view a copy of the Bedford Township General Fund Revenue/Expenses for Fiscal Years 2003 to 2013 ending June 30.

The ending balance for each year is also listed, which is the amount of excess money in the account (sometimes referred to as the "Rainy Day Fund"). This balance is "Non Restricted", which means that the Bedford Township Board can approve to spend some or all of the excess funds as they wish.

B. Can the money in this fund be used for road repairs instead of the Special Assessment that the township is requesting?

Answer: The money in the Fund Balance can be used for anything the 7 Member Board deems necessary. My opinion of necessary is of course roads. I also believe that the Fund Balance belongs to the public and is money they have contributed through their taxes. It should be used for needs of the people, which mean roads. We should never say, "We don't have the money" when we have over $3.000.000 in reserve. We also should not be asking for more money when we have not been good steward of what we have been given. The idea is that we need to pass the Special Assessment District (SAD) so it can be placed on the 2014 tax bill so the money will be there for 2015. Well the excess money in the Fund Balance is already there that can be used in 2015.

Please note: Click here to view the minutes from the August 12, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the General Fund Balance of $3,888,363.63 was approved by the Bedford Township Board. This fund is also known as the "Rainy Day Fund" which means that the Bedford Township Board could vote to spend this "extra money" on whatever project they wish including spending the funds on Bedford Township Road improvements.

C. Has money in the General Fund Balance ever been used for other projects similar to the Special Assessment for roads?

Answer: A previous Board used money from the Fund Balance toward the new Government Center Building (Township Hall). I am certain that The Fund Balance has been used for other projects as well as to boost road funding at some point.


Please note: Listed below are newspaper articles explaining how the Bedford Township Board paid for the construction of the new $2.9 Million Township Hall (Government Center Building) in 2006-2007:

Toledo Blade September 20, 2006 "Toledo Builder wins contract for a Municipal Hall"

Toledo Blade September 12, 2007 "Bedford Township's $2.9 Million Government Center To Open Soon"

6. The following 3 questions were submitted by the same person:

A. Will the meeting be broadcast live on Buckeye Cable? Will it be rebroadcast?

B. Will there be an agenda posted for the meeting? If so, will it be posted on the Township web site?

C. What is the length of time for public commentary at the meeting?

Answer: The following e-mail was received from Bedford Township Supervisor, Greg Stewart at 10:15 a.m. on September 8th.

We are trying to get a live feed, but we will for sure be re-broadcasting.

The Agenda was posted on Friday under Special meetings section of the Bedford Township Web page. Click here to view a copy of the agenda

A note on public comment, we will be having a q and a section for that conversation I have talked about, this has no specific time limit, but we will have a specific time set aside for comments of 2 minutes each at the end.

7. What was the amount spent to have the legal notice placed in the newspapers for the Public Hearing for the Special Assessment for Roads?

Answer: The following e-mail was received from Bedford Township Clerk, Trudy Hershberger on September 18, 2014

I have not received the bill for the notice.  I should receive the invoice in October for all notices published in September.  I can give you an estimate of $1200.00 based on other SAD’s I have published in the past.  That amount is to publish the notice twice per law.  Once at least 10 days prior and one 5 days prior to the public hearing. I was giving you an estimate based on what the Giant Oak SAD cost to publish twice in the paper.  That amount is only an estimate.

 Click here to view the legal notice that was published in the Monroe News on September 12th & 18th.

8. The following 3 questions were submitted by a member of the Bedford Township Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility. The questions concern the collection of signatures for the petition drive to request that the Bedford Township Board rescind the Special Assessment for Roads. The answers are from Bedford Township Clerk, Trudy Hershberger.

A. Do corner lots count double?

Answer: Corner lots have two (2) road frontages. So, when someone signs the petition with a corner lot, both road frontages must be counted.

B. If you have 4 different parcels with 4 different addresses but one person is listed as owner of record for all four properties would that count as 4 signatures?

Answer: Yes, the one signature counts toward all the parcels they own as long as they are the only owner listed on the deed. (Listing them on the petition will insure that all are counted for.)

C. If you have three lots all on the same property, all separate parcels but one person listed as owner of record, would that count as 3 signatures?

Answer: If each lot has a separate parcel number then all 3 would count. If the parcel only has one parcel number it would only count as one.

9. Currently all Bedford Township property owners are being assessed a 1% administrative fee on their property tax bills. This was allowed by the State of Michigan when Bedford Township went back to collecting the summer tax bill (from once a year to twice a year). That being said, is it possible to return to collecting property taxes one time per year thereby saving the residents this 1% administrative fee? Do you know the reason it has been switched back and forth from once per year to twice per year? As such, can the 1% administrative fee be used for any other purpose?

Answer: (From Bedford Township Clerk, Trudy Hershberger) The 1% was passed by resolution (Click here to view resolution) on May 19, 2009. It passed unanimously by the board at that time, which consisted of Wilburn, Schockman, Meyer, Francis, O’Dell, Goebel & Hurley. I have also attached the link to the law (Click here to view the Michigan Public Act 503 of 1982) explaining the 1% administrative fee. At the very bottom of the law it states the 1982 change.

Click here to read the newspaper article from the Toledo Blade May 26, 2009: "Bedford Township 1% property tax fee will start July 1."

10. Are subdivision roads covered under the $75 SAD ?

Answer: No, they will not be covered, only Primary and Secondary Roads in Bedford Township will be covered on the $75 SAD. Subdivision road improvements will still need to be requested and paid for by the residents living in those subdivisions. Click here to view the MCRC pamphlet which explains why they are not covered and the procedure to request a SAD to improve subdivision roads.

June 5, 2014 Town Hall Meeting on "Bedford Township Roads" @ 7:00 p.m. Bedford Township Hall.

The following officials voluntarily served on the panel: Bedford Township Trustees: Greg Stewart, Paul Francis, Trudy Hershberger, Rick Steiner, Paul Pirrone and Nancy Tienveri; Monroe County Road Commissioner Jeff Zink; Monroe County Commissioner (Bedford area) Jason Sheppard; Michigan State Representative Dale Zorn

Click here to watch video coverage of the meeting on 13abc Toledo.

Click here to read the story by 13abc which was published on their web site.

Click here to read the "Solutions for Bedford Township Roads" that were recommended by the Bedford Township Residents
who were in attendance at the Town Hall Meeting concerning roads on June 5, 2014.

Click here to view the Facebook Page "Michigan Local Roads Matter"

This is a very informative page that advocates for local road funding. Currently (and forever really since Act 51) there is NO funding for local roads. The classification of whether a road is local or primary is determined by MDOT and the MCRC, and in Bedford Township many of our section roads as well as subdivision roads are designated as "local". Linking to this Facebook page as well as the web site "Local Roads Matter to Michigan" will provide you with an education regarding Michigan roads, and road funding, and what is going on in our State Legislature regarding roads.

Bedford Township Road Projects Under Consideration For Work In 2014:

Click here to view the list of road projects that were submitted by the Bedford Township Board (Roads Committee) to the Monroe County Road Commission in
October of 2013 for consideration in 2014 (2 pages).

At the Bedford Township Board Meeting on June 17, 2014 Township Trustee and Road Committee member, Paul Francis, read the following list of township roads that are on the priority list of road projects that Bedford Township plans to bid out and repair this summer. The Bedford Township Trustees have committed over $1 million for repair and improvements to Bedford Township roads to be completed this summer. To view his comments from the video of the board meeting, just click on the link below and go to the 1 hour and 54 minute mark on the video (June 17, 2014 Board Meeting):

http://www.bedfordyes.com/BedfordTownshipAgendaMinutesVideo.htm#agendaminutesvideo

Sterns Road between Secor & Jackman Roads
Crabb Road between Temperance & Sterns Roads
Secor Road between State Line & Sterns Roads
Clegg Road between Adler & Monroe Roads
Dean Road between Secor & Monroe Roads
Monroe Road between Secor & Summerfield Roads
Crabb Road between Temperance & Erie Roads

At the Bedford Township Board Meeting on July 1, 2014 Township Trustee and Road Committee member, Paul Francis, read the following list of road projects that are under consideration in Bedford Township. Five new road projects were added to the list that her originally read off at the June 17, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting. He said the road committee plans to refine this list and bid out some of these roads for repair this summer and next summer. To view his comments from the video of the board meeting, just click on the link below and go to the 52 minute mark on the video (July 1, 2014 Board Meeting):

http://www.bedfordyes.com/BedfordTownshipAgendaMinutesVideo.htm#agendaminutesvideo

1. Sterns Road between Secor & Jackman Roads
2. Crabb Road between Temperance & Sterns Roads
3. Secor Road between State Line & Sterns Roads
4. Clegg Road between Adler & Monroe Roads
5. Dean Road between Secor & Monroe Roads
6. Monroe Road between Secor & Summerfield Roads
7. Crabb Road between Temperance & Erie Roads
8. Temperance Road between Secor & Summerfield Roads
9. Douglas Road between Temperance & Erie Roads
10. Dean Road between the RR Tracks and Minx Road
11. Crabb-Sterns Road Intersection
12. Secor Road between Temperance & Samaria Roads
13. Summerfield Road between Consear & Temperance Roads

Click on the graphic to the left to view a large map of Bedford Township showing the roads which are being considered
for repair in 2014 (marked with a yellow sticky note box). See the list above for the 13 roads on the list.

Newspaper articles relating to the road projects under consideration for the summer of 2014:

Toledo Blade July 7, 2014: Bedford Township Board proposes 13 road projects; $1M budgeted for work may not be enough

Bedford Now July 3, 2014: Overhaul Of County Road 151 Has Begun ;Samaria Rd. torn-up concrete will benefit other projects

Bedford Now July 2, 2014: Bedford Township Makes Road Repair Plans

Road Projects that were bid out and approved by the Bedford Township Board and the Monroe County Road Commission in 2014

Click here to view road projects that will be bid out if approved at the Special Bedford Township Board Meeting on July 22, 2014 (This will show the detailed cost of each project)
Click here to view the approval of Crabb Road (between Temperance & Erie) at the September 2, 2014 Board Meeting. (This will show the detailed cost of the project)

Newspaper articles concerting road projects that were approved:

Bedford Now July 23, 2014: Bedford Okays List Of Summer Road Work

Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Special Board Meeting on July 22, 2014 where the road projects were approved.

Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission Minutes where the Bedford Township Road projects were approved on July 28, 2014.

Bedford Township Road Projects Under Consideration For Work In 2015:

Click here to view the Bedford Township Road Projects Under Consideration for work in 2015-2016.

Media coverage of road projects:

13abc TV Toledo April 6, 2015: Bedford Twp. trustees to vote on 2015 road repairs (with video)

Toledo Blade April 8, 2015: Road improvements get OK; Bedford Township to spend $500,000 by mid '16

Toledo Blade June 22, 2015: County set to begin 23 Projects $2.8M will go to fix 11 Roads in Bedford Township

Click here to watch the video of the Bedford Township Board Meeting on April 7, 2015 where the various road projects were approved.

Monroe County Road Commission Information

November 2016

Attention Bedford Township Residents! This is very Important Announcement! Are you satisfied how Bedford Township roads are repaired and plowed during the winter by the Monroe County Road Commission? If your answer is “No” you have the opportunity to get proper representation for Bedford Township by applying for consideration to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner! You must apply by November 10, 2016 to be considered! Bedford Township has the largest population in Monroe County and it’s about time that we get proper representation on the Road Commission. Here is a link for an application to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner: http://www.co.monroe.mi.us/news_detail_T7_R2.php

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning the Road Commissioner opening.

Click here to make a service request to the MCRC using their web site.

Click here to view a hard copy of the MCRC Service Request form.

Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission Home Page

A brief description of the current week’s work that the Monroe County Road Commission oversees can be found in The Weekly Road Watch Report on their web site. You may also be interested to see what is planned throughout the summer construction season by visiting the Construction Projects page on their web site. Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission Home Page to locate the information.

Click here to contact the MCRC. Individual contact information for all Monroe County Road Commissioners is also listed on this page including individual phone numbers and e-mail addresses

Click here to view The County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM). This association represents the interests and concerns of Michigan’s 83 county road agencies. They work alongside each county road agency to ensure safe and efficient roads for all who travel in Michigan.

This site has some great information concerning roads. Here are some of the topics that are listed::

1. State of the Roads – A Decade of Decline
2. Five Simple Reasons Why Michigan Roads Are Crumbling Now
3. Legislative Inaction Costs Michigan Motorists More than $1 Billion Each Year

Click here to view the document by CRAM titled “Michigan’s County Road Agencies” which answers the following questions:

What is a County Road Agency?
Where does the Money Comes From?
How is Road Funding Distributed?
Where does the Money Go?
What are the Rising Costs and Declining Revenues?
What is Asset Management?
Who are the Partners in Transportation?
What are some Innovations and Efficiencies?
How do we Move Forward.

Media Coverage of Monroe County Road Commission and Bedford Township Roads:

Attention Bedford Township Residents! This is very Important Announcement! Are you satisfied how Bedford Township roads are repaired and plowed during the winter by the Monroe County Road Commission? If your answer is “No” you have the opportunity to get proper representation for Bedford Township by applying for consideration to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner! You must apply by November 10, 2016 to be considered! Bedford Township has the largest population in Monroe County and it’s about time that we get proper representation on the Road Commission. Here is a link for an application to become a Monroe County Road Commissioner: http://www.co.monroe.mi.us/news_detail_T7_R2.php

Click on the graphic to the left to read the newspaper article concerning the Road Commissioner opening.

Monroe News October 14, 2014: Zink declines to resign from road position

Monroe News October 8, 2014: County board calls for resignation of road commissioner.

Toledo Blade October 6, 2014: Private snowplow services mulled; Road commission might solicit bids

Monroe News September 23, 2014: Road Commission in Black for 2015 But Still Looking to Make Adjustments

Toledo Blade August 25, 2014 Bedford Twp. residents urged at 4 sessions; Special assessment for roads is at issue

Bedford Now August 23, 2014: Public meeting set for proposed road tax

Toledo Blade August 18, 2014: Bedford board looks at parcel to fund roads

Bedford Now July 3, 2014: Overhaul Of County Road 151 Has Begun ;Samaria Rd. torn-up concrete will benefit other projects

Bedford Now July 2, 2014: Bedford Township Makes Road Repair Plans

Bedford Now June 11, 2014: $4.5 Million Contract For Samaria Rd. Rebuild Awarded

Toledo Blade June 9, 2014: Bedford Slates $1M for street plan, work;Board hires engineer for paving projection.

Click here to watch video coverage of the June 5th Town Hall Meeting concerning roads which aired on 13abc Toledo.

Click here to read the story by 13abc which was published on their web site concerning the Town Hall Meeting on "Roads" held on June 5th.

Bedford Now May 23, 2014: Trustees To Hold Road Meeting

Bedford Now April 15, 2014: Bids To Rebuild County Road 151 Expected To Be Sought Soon

Toledo Blade April 4, 2014: Monroe Co. to get $664,993 to fix winter-ravaged roads

Monroe News December 20, 2013: State Funds To Pay For Repair To County Road 151

Bedford Township Board Meeting April 1, 2014: Video #2

There was an eye-opening discussion at this meeting (April 1, 2014) concerning the Bedford Township roads and the Monroe County Road Commission. Every Bedford resident should watch the video to hear what was discussed concerning the challenges that Bedford Township faces regarding getting our roads repaired and maintained.

To view the discussion, go to video #2: Michigan State Representative Dale Zorn spoke twice, once starting at the 7 minute mark and again at the 20 minute mark. The vice-president of the MCRC workers union spoke starting at the 33 minute mark. Bedford Township residents will be very interested to hear what was discussed by Bedford Township Board members, State Representative Dale Zorn and the vice-president of the union concerning the Monroe County Road Commission funding and plans concerning road projects for this summer in Bedford Township.

Bedford Township Pavement Asset Management Plan August 27, 2014

Click on the graphic to the left to view the Bedford Township Pavement Asset Management Plan which was completed by the Mannik & Smith Group. The plan was presented at the September 2, 2014 Bedford Township Board Meeting and was approved a unanimous vote of the board members.

Click here to view the video of the September 2 nd Board Meeting where Mannik & Smith made the presentation and board members discussed and approved the plan. The discussion begins at the 27 minute mark on the video.

Click here to view a map of the existing pavement surface conditions in Bedford Township (September 2014) Please note that the surface condition includes what the surface conditions will be after the road
projects that were approved in 2014 are completed.

Click here to view a large map of Bedford Township which will show the average daily traffic volumes on our roads. This document was presented at
the Bedford Township Master Plan Steering Committee meeting on September 15, 2014.

Bedford Township Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Volumes & Other Transportation and Road Information

Click here to view a large map of Bedford Township which will show the average daily traffic volumes on our roads. This document was presented at
the Bedford Township Master Plan Steering Committee meeting on September 15, 2014.

Click here to view a copy of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Profile of Bedford Township. This profile contains all-kinds of info concerning
Bedford Township based on the 2010 Census. When the document opens go to page 9 to view complete information concerning roads and transportation in Bedford Township.

Click here to view a large map of Bedford Township showing the Top 10 High Frequency Crash Segments & Intersections (2009-2013)

Announcements:

February 11, 2014:

Bedford Township Trustee Nancy Tienvieri has started a new web page on the Bedford Township web site “Welcome Bedford Residents”. This page has been created to give more information to Bedford residents on how your local government works, the distinctive nature of your local government, and how the position of trustee plays out in your government. She is also encouraging residents to send her any questions they have concerning Bedford Township Government. Once she gets questions, she will research them and post the answers on her page. Click on the graphic on the left to view her page.

Click here to view the questions that have been submitted to Nancy Tienvieri with her answers.

Bedford Township Newsletters:

2013 Spring Newsletter

2013 Summer Newsletter

2013 Fall Newsletter

Click on the graphic on the left to view an up-dated video produced by Doug Dibert Jr. called "Bedford Great". for the Bedford Business Association. This is a video that promotes Bedford Township as a great place to live, work, go to school, and shop!

Click here to view other videos produced by Doug's production company Crossing River Studios.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Bedford Township:

I will post questions and answers that I receive from residents concerning Bedford Township. I would also encourage residents to contact your elected officials with questions, suggestions and comments. A directory of contact information is provided on the Bedford Township web site under the tab “Township Directory”.

Please feel free to e-mail me with your questions or post them on the Bedford Now Chatter Forum and I will do my best to get an answer for you and post information on this page.

1. (Jan 15, 2013) If I have questions, comments or suggestions for Bedford Township government officials, how do I submit them?

• Mail them to the Supervisor, Paul Pirrone. (8100 Jackman Rd, PO Box H, Temperance, MI 48182)
• Call the Supervisor at the Bedford Township Hall (734-847-6791 ext 7321)
• Drop them off at the Bedford Township Hall using the “Drop Box” by the drive up window.
• E-Mail them to the Supervisor. (See Township directory on the Township web site for e-mail address)
• Use the Bedford Township web site. Click on the tab “I want to ask a question”.
• Post comments and suggestions or ask questions using the Bedford Township Facebook page.
• Go to the Bedford Township Hall in person.
• Speak during “Public Commentary” time at any Bedford Township Board Meeting. Go to the Bedford Township web site for the meeting schedule under “Agendas & Minutes”
• Contact any of the Bedford Township Trustees, Supervisor, Treasurer or Clerk. See the Township directory on the Township web site for their contact information.
• February 11, 2014: Bedford Township Trustee Nancy Tienvieri has started a new web page on the Bedford Township web site “Welcome Bedford Residents”. This page has been created to give more information to Bedford residents on how your local government works, the distinctive nature of your local government, and how the position of trustee plays out in your government. She is also encouraging residents to send her any questions they have concerning Bedford Township Government. Once she gets questions, she will research them and post the answers on her page. Click here to view her page.
• February 15, 2014: Click here to view the questions that have been submitted to Nancy Tienvieri with her answers.

   

2. (Jan 27, 2013) How do I apply to be considered for one of the Bedford Township Boards, Commissions and Committees?

Applications are available by going to the Bedford Township web site:

On the home page click on the tab “Forms and Documents” under “Quick Links”; when the next page opens, click on the word “Supervisor”, then click on” Application Board, Commissions & Committees”. You will then be able to view and print the application. Click here for the direct link to the page where the application is located

3. Bedford Township has a DDA (Downtown Development Authority). What is a DDA, and how is it financed? Here are some links to web sites that should be helpful in explaining Downtown Development Authorities in Michigan:

Information from the Michigan Economic Development Authority: http://www.michiganadvantage.org/cm/Files/Fact-Sheets/DowntownDevelopmentAuthority.pdf

Information from the State of Michigan concerning DDA’s: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-197-of-1975.pdf

Michigan Policy Network “Meet Your Downtown Development Authority”. This document explains how DDA’s are financed in Michigan: http://www.michiganpolicy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1151:meet-your-downtown-development-authority&catid=59:urban-affairs-policy-briefs&Itemid=243

Bedford Township DDA Ordinance: http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=02123 (See part 252 of the list of ordinances)

At the Bedford Township Board meeting on October 16, 2012, it was stated by a couple of the board members that the new township board that takes over on November 20th could change any decisions that the current board has made. If the new board wanted to change the DDA from Lambertville to Temperance is that possible? Answer from Trudy Hershberger, Bedford Township Clerk: I looked in the Bedford Township minutes of Sept. 21, 2010 and the DDA was approved to stay in place (per ordinance approval 81A-1) for the next 25 years. Yes, the new board could possibly change the DDA, but it would take some work. First, all outstanding bonds and or expenses would have to be paid in full. Second, the board would have to rescind Ordinance 81A-1 and create new ordinance for a DDA in Temperance. (Click here to view the video of the Bedford Township Board Meeting of October 16, 2012)

4. At the Bedford Township Committee of the Whole meeting on January 29, 2013 Supervisor Greg Stewart mentioned that Bedford Township was checking into the Michigan Corridor Improvement Authority Grants. What is the Michigan Corridor Improvement Authority Grant?

Listed below are some useful web sites that explain the Michigan Corridor Improvement Authority:

Corridor Improvement Authority - Michigan Economic Development: http://www.michiganadvantage.org/cm/Files/Fact-Sheets/CorridorImprovementAuthorityPA280.pdf

Michigan CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY ACT (Act 280 of 2005): http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(rfxx5y55zh42xn55ipltsknn))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-Act-280-of-2005

Financing Programs and Tax Authorities - Citizens Research: http://www.crcmich.org/PUBLICAT/2000s/2007/rpt347-05.pdf

5. Several residents have contacted me concerning if there is video of the meeting where the resolution was passed to have a hearing by the DNR concerning firearms discharge in Bedford Township.

The resolution was passed at the November 13, 2012 Bedford Township Board Meeting. Listed below is a link to the page where the video is posted. Just go down to the November 13, 2012 meeting and click on “Watch Video of the Meeting”. The discussion starts at the 3:30 minute mark in the video and goes to the 8:45 minute mark. You can also read the minutes of the meeting by clicking on the “Minutes” under this section of web page listed below.

http://www.bedfordyes.com/BedfordTownshipAgendaMinutesVideo.htm

6. When was the redesign of the Bedford Township web site approved by the Bedford Township Board and when will they start streaming the Bedford Township Meetings on the web site? We do not subscribe to Buckeye Cable and my husband and I would like to watch the meetings when they are broadcast.

The contract for the redesign of the web site was approved at the May 15, 2012 Bedford Township Board Meeting. At that meeting the board approved the additional cost per month of $55 to stream all Bedford Township Meetings. Please contact Trudy Hershberger, the Bedford Township Clerk to find out when the live streaming of the meetings will begin. Her contact info is on the Bedford Township web site (http://www.bedfordmi.org/ ). I contacted the Bedford Township Clerk on February 25, 2013. Here is her response to the question concerning streaming the meetings on the web site: "I just heard back from the web site provider and they have given me instructions on how to get the streaming video started on the web site. I will be starting to work on that portion of the web site very soon and hopefully will have it up and running within the next few weeks."

You can view the discussion that took place at the meeting on May 15, 2012 concerning the contract to redesign the web site by going to the link below and look under the May 15 th meeting. Click on “Watch video of Meeting” ((Discussion is at the 40 minute mark of the video.

http://www.bedfordyes.com/BedfordTownshipAgendaMinutesVideo.htm#agendaminutesvideo

7. At the Bedford Township Board Meeting on March 5, 2013 there was a discussion concerning adding more programming on the local Buckeye Cable Township origination channel. During the discussion the topic of a franchise fee that all Buckeye Cable Subscribers pay each month was brought up by Nancy Tienvieri. How much does the township collect from Buckeye Cable subscribers each year and what happens to the money that is paid by subscribers? Also, there was a lengthy discussion concerning a past financial agreement with Bedford Public Schools, Bedford Township and Buckeye Cable, whereby Bedford Public Schools received some of the funds collected by the township from the franchise fee. Why did the township end this agreement with the schools?

Here are the questions that I submitted to the Bedford Township Supervisor, Greg Stewart and his answers concerning the above questions:

Information concerning the agreement signed in 1999 by Buckeye Cable, Bedford Township and Bedford Public Schools is posted on the following web page:

http://www.bedfordyes.com/BedfordTownshipAgendaMinutesVideo.htm#Misc (Listed under "Miscellaneous Township Info")

Click here to view more information concerning the agreement between Bedford Township and Buckeye including the Franchise Agreement and a Sample Buckeye Cable Statement showing where to locate the "Franchise Fee"

8. Does Buckeye Cable have an exclusive contract with Bedford Township for TV, Phone and Internet Service? Can other cable companies, such as ATT Uverse, come in and compete with them in Bedford Township as they do in Toledo?

This question was discussed at the Bedford Township Board Meeting on April 16, 2013. The answer is that Buckeye Cable does not have an exclusive contract with Bedford Township. Other cable companies are allowed to come in to the township. To see the discussion of this topic at the board meeting just click here to view the video (Part 2 of 2 videos) go to the 8 minute mark on the video.

9. At the Bedford Township Board Meeting on April 16, 2013 there was extensive discussion concerning the Compensation Committee’s Recommendation to give raises to the elected officials of Bedford Township. (Click here to view the video of the discussion, go to the 47 minute mark for the discussion and the 1 hour 49 minute mark for the vote on this item.) At the meeting former Bedford Township Supervisor LaMar Frederick spoke during public commentary time concerning the issue of the recommendations. He stated in his comments that Bedford Township elected officials are paid more presently than elected officials at the county level. (Click here to view his comments, go to the 1 hour and 25 minute mark of the video.) Can you please post the current salaries and benefits for all of the Bedford Township elected officials and employees? Also, if possible can you please post the salaries and benefits of the elected officials at the county level along with any comparison of Bedford Township official’s salaries to other townships in Monroe County?

a. Click here to view the Compensation Committee's recommendation (Go to page 37 & 38 of the board agenda). Other info will be added as I receive answers to the above questions.

b. Click here to view information concerning how Bedford Township salaries compare to other townships in Monroe County. This information was obtained from the Bedford Township Compensation Committee Chairman. Also included is a copy of the minutes of the Compensation Committee meeting of March 18, 2013.

c. Click here to view a comparison of Bedford Township salaries with additional Monroe County Townships not listed in "b" above.

d. Click here to view information concerning how Bedford Township salaries compare to other townships in the State of Michigan based on similar population to Bedford Township. Also listed is the current Cost-of-Living Adjustments published by the Social Security Administration. This information was obtained from the Bedford Township Compensation Committee Chairman. Also included is a copy of the minutes of the Compensation Committee meeting of March 18, 2013.

e. Click here to view the current salaries and fringe benefits for Bedford Township elected officials and Bedford Township employees. The source for the information: 2012-13 General Fund Budget & General Fund for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2014. Please also note that I sent a copy of the information to David Manning, Bedford Township Finance Director by e-mail. He verified on May 14, 2013 that the salaries and fringe benefits that I have listed is correct.

10. (July 2013) Several residents have contacted me concerning road projects that are going to be completed in Bedford Township this year by the Monroe County Road Commission. A good example concerns the Erie Road improvements from Minx to Summerfield. If you have traveled on Erie Road recently you have noticed that they have re-paved sections of the roadway. Residents who contacted me have asked if they are finished with the project. I contacted both Bedford Township Supervisor Greg Stewart and Monroe County Road Commissioner Jeff Zink about this question. They both told me that they are not finished with the road improvements to Erie Road. Mr. Stewart indicated that The Monroe County Road Commission is scheduled to apply a single chip seal to Erie Road which is scheduled to be completed in August.

A brief description of the current week’s work that the Monroe County Road Commission oversees can be found in The Weekly Road Watch Report on their web site. You may also be interested to see what is planned throughout the summer construction season by visiting the Construction Projects page on their web site. Click here to view the Monroe County Road Commission Home Page to locate the information.

Click here to view the weekly Monroe County Road Watch Report for August 5, 2013 to see what roads in Bedford Township are scheduled for up-grades.

Click here to make a service request to the MCRC using their web site.

Click here to view a hard copy of the MCRC Service Request form.

11. The Bedford Township Board members will be hosting the first Bedford Township “Town Hall Meeting” on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the Bedford Township Hall Board Room starting at 7:00 p.m. Here are a few questions and answers concerning the meeting:

1. Will all the Bedford Township Board members be in attendance?
2. Will the Town Hall Meeting be broadcast live on Buckeye Cable?
3. Will the format be open questions and suggestions?
4. Can citizens who can't attend the meeting submit questions and suggestions in writing to be read at the meeting?

Answers to questions:

1. All Board members are invited. You will have to contact them to see if they are coming. Paul Pirrone and Nancy Tienvieri will be there for sure.
2. We have requested the Town Hall meeting to be broadcast.
3. Yes the format will be open questions and suggestions.
4. We will take written questions and answer them as time permits.

Click here to watch the video of the last Bedford Township Board meeting on September 17 th (20 minutes) where the topic of the Town Hall Meeting was discussed by board members.

Click here to view the Bedford Town Hall Meeting Facebook Page for additional information, questions and comments concerning the "Town Hall Meeting".

Listed below are questions from Bedford Township residents who can’t attend the meeting on September 26 th but have submitted them to the web master of this site to be read at the Town Hall Meeting. Bedford Township residents who can’t attend the meeting but have a question, comment, compliment or suggestion for the Town Hall Meeting can submit them to the web master who will read them at the meeting. Just click here to e-mail them to the web master. A summary of the answers to the questions are listed below.

1. Why isn’t there an office located in Bedford Township for Buckeye Cable for residents to pay their bills and pick up and return items? According to the Bedford Township Ordinance # 44 it states: 44.010 - Local office Sec. 10. Buckeye will open an office in Bedford Township within one year of connecting its first customer in the Township. This office will be in the southern one-third (1/3) of the Township. It will offer Buckeye customers the ability to obtain, return, or exchange equipment, and to conduct all financial transactions with Buckeye.

2. How does the Bedford Township Board determine which roads will be repaired or re-built? How do I get my road to the top of the list?

3. When will Bedford Township start the live streaming of meetings on the Bedford Township web site? Many of us do not subscribe to Buckeye Cable and are unable to watch the Bedford Township meetings at the present time. When the new web site was set up over a year ago the Township Clerk indicated that live streaming would be added to the web site.

4. When will the Bedford Township officials begin posting the Bedford Township financial statements on the Bedford Township web site? This topic has been discussed at several of the board meetings during the past year.

Click here to view a copy of the answers to the 4 questions listed above. Trustee Paul Pirrone read the questions and answers at the meeting. At the beginning of the document is an introductory statement by Supervisor Greg Stewart concerning the Community Chat.

Click here to read the notes taken by Nancy Tienvieri and Paul Pirrone of the "Community Chat". A copy of this document was given to the Supervisor, Greg Stewart at the Board Meeting on October 1st.

Current Newspaper Articles concerning the Bedford Township Community Chat held on September 26, 2013

Toledo Blade September 30, 2013: Most Bedford Twp. trustees no-shows at public ‘chat’; Worries about quorum kept some officials away

Bedford Now September 27, 2013: Residents Talk Roads, Cemetery during 'Community Chat'

Campaign comments concerning “Town Hall Meetings” by current Bedford Township Board Members:

Click here to view the video of the “Meet the Candidates Night” to hear what the candidates (and current board members) said about “Town Hall Meetings”

Click here to read the answers to the survey questions “Why Should I Vote for You” concerning what the candidates (and current board members) said about “Town Hall Meetings”. ( Please note that on July 8, 2012 all the candidates running for Bedford Township Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer and Trustee were invited via e-mail to complete the questionnaire. Some candidates did not respond to the e-mail).

Current Newspaper Articles:

Toledo Blade October 21, 2013:Streetlight assessments cut by 34% in 4 Bedford areas;Ex-township supervisor leads effort to correct error

Bedford Now October 16, 2013: Street Lighting Fee Hike Proposal Draws Residents’ Concerns, Questions

Toledo Blade October 7, 2013: Development nonprofit set to help Bedford Township draw business

Bedford Now October 2, 2013: Township Moving Forward On Fire Chief Search

Bedford Now October 2, 3013: Township Encouraged To Work With County Business Agency

Toledo Blade September 30, 2013: Most Bedford Twp. trustees no-shows at public ‘chat’; Worries about quorum kept some officials away

Bedford Now September 27, 2013: Residents Talk Roads, Cemetery during 'Community Chat'

Bedford Now September 10, 2013: Temperance Action Committee Considers Options; Future under EDC

Toledo Blade May 20, 2013: "Interim chief fills fire post 2 months after vacancy. Acting chief promoted; vote had been delayed"

Bedford Now May 18, 2013: "After weeks of discussion, board names interim chief"

Toledo Blade May 13, 2013: "State agency denies Bedford Township bid for firearms regulations" Click here to read the letter dated April 26, 2013 from the DNR to Bedford Township.

Monroe Evening News May 9, 2013 Editorial: "Don't Rush Bedford Market"

Letter from the Michigan DNR May 2, 2013: "Hunting Area Control in Bedford Twp - Denied

Monroe Evening News April 30, 2013: Letter to Editor by Valerie Brunt "Ultimate challenge: driving the roads in Bedford, Ida"

Toledo Blade April 22, 2013: " Bedford to get farmers’ market legal concerns addressed"

Toledo Blade April 22, 2013: "Bedford Twp. board OKs hiring Meyer as supervising officer"

Bedford Now April 17, 2013: “Farmer's Market Plan Approved; The new market would replace one held since 2008 by the Temperance Action Committee”

Monroe Evening News April 16, 2013: Letter to Editor by Gene Stock "Scheduled Road Work in Bedford Township Appreciated"

Toledo Blade April 8, 2013: "Bedford board gives go-ahead for work on Smith Rd. stretch;Douglas-to-Lewis segment to be improved"

Bedford Now April 6, 2013: Letter to editor by Frank Knoll "Cemetery issue still rankles"

Bedford Now April 6, 2013: "Township Treasurer Clears Up Misconceptions On Cemetery"

Bedford Now April 3, 2013: "Board Approves Contracts To Fund Road Projects"

Bedford Now March 27, 2013: “Township To Receive State Assistance From Redevelopment Program”

Bedford Now March 27, 2013: “Making Himself At Home; Stewart getting used to being supervisor”

Bedford Press March 27, 2013: Letter to the editor by Paul Francis "To set the record straight about the Bedford Memorial Garden Project and Cemetery Fund Deficit"

Toledo Blade March 25, 2013: "Bedford Township holds off on replacing fire chief; Trustee wants job posting first; tree removal an issue"

Bedford Now March 20, 2013: "Appointment Of Interim Fire Chief Delayed

Bedford Now March 20, 2013: "Township Trustees Reject Paying For Tree, Root Removal "

Toledo Blade March 11, 2013: "Bedford accepts the resignation of longtime fire chief"

Bedford Now March 9, 2013: Letter to Editor by Ken Swint "Township cemetery a losing proposition"

Toledo Blade February 25, 2013: "Bedford Twp. addresses cemetery fund deficit; Board approves merger with general fund until revenue picks up"

Bedford Now February 23, 2013: Letter to Editor by Lynda Urbaniak "Opening prayer at meetings is what we need"

Monroe Evening News February 12, 2013: "Shooting rules topic of Bedford hearing"

Monroe Talks February 12, 2013: New Gun Control Ordinances a topic at Township Meeting tonight.

Toledo Blade February 11, 2013: "Moment of silence to open Bedford board meetings "

Bedford Now February 8, 2013: Letter to Editor by Frank Knoll "What has new administration accomplished?"

Toledo Blade February 4, 2013: " Bedford board is urged to be nicer to one another"

Toledo Blade January 28, 2013: "Bedford Township Trustees green-light parcel split; 3 houses planned for Dean Road site"

Toledo Blade January 14, 2013: "Bedford Township Board pondered whether to sell bonds;Subdivision road work reason for discussion"

Bedford Now January 12, 2013: "Bedford's Balancing Act;Township officials plan for tough times"

Bedford Now December 26, 2012: "After 25 Years, Jenkins Retires As Planning Coordinator"

Toledo Blade December 26, 2012: " Church to locate in Bedford Twp. residential area"

Monroe Evening News December 12, 2012: "Schumaker, Zink added to road board" (Click here to read additional concerning Jeff Zink who ran for Bedford Township Trustee in the General Election)

Toledo Blade December 10, 2012: "Bedford Twp. board rejects end to retirement benefit; Trustees balk at timing, last-second addition"

Bedford Now December 5, 2012: "Bedford Board Shares Camaraderie"

Toledo Blade November 26, 2012: "Bedford board hires aide to township supervisor"

Bedford Now November 24, 2012: "New Bedford Board Convenes, Pitches Changes"

Click on the graphic at the left to view a printable copy of the plat map of Bedford Township (1990)

Property & Land Search Information :

Quick Links: Commercial/Industrial Property for Sale in Bedford Township

April 2015: News concerning Property & Land Search Info:

At the Bedford Township Board Meeting on April 21, 2015 there was discussion by Board members concerning if they should start charging residents and others a fee to use the BS&A software listed on the Township web site. Residents are encouraged to contact Greg Stewart and other Board members and let them know how they feel about charging a fee to use the service. This item will be on the May 12th agenda. Click here to view for information regarding contacting Board members:

Click here to view the video of the April 21, 2015 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the discussion took place concerning charging a fee to users who use the look-up services for property information. (The discussion starts at approximately the 32 minute mark on the video of the meeting.)

Property & Land Search Information for Bedford Township (BS & A Internet Services)

The Bedford Township web site has a page called “Property/Tax Info” which can be very useful if you would like information concerning any parcel in Bedford Township.

Information that is available is:

Here are the directions on how to access the information:

• Go to the Bedford Township web site: http://www.bedfordmi.org/
• On the right hand side of the Bedford Township home page there is a button labeled “Property/Tax Info”. Just click on the button and it will take you to the home page for property information concerning Bedford Township.
• On the next page you will have 3 basic choices to search for a parcel in Bedford Township: By Address, By Parcel Number or By Owners Last Name. Here is an example on how to use each:

By Owners Name: For this example use your last name to search for all the information on property that you own in Bedford Township.

1. On the top right of the home page select "By Name" if it is not already selected. (Just click on the down arrow tab next to the word "By" to select by "Name" from the drop down menu.
2. Just type your last name in the "Name box" and click on the “search” box on the top right side of the home page. The next page will give you the list of all parcels owned by residents with that last name including the address.
3. Click on your name from the list.
4. The next page will have all the info on file at Bedford Township for the property that you own. It will show a photo of your home on the top left side of the page. You will have tabs under the photo for "Property Information, Tax Information, Building Department"

Property Information: General info on your property
Tax Information: Complete tax info on your property
Building Department: Any construction changes to your property.

By Address: For this example, let’s say you are interested in a piece of property located on Erie Road and have a general idea of the address but do not know the exact address and you know what to know what the house looks like.

1. On the top of the home page select "By Address" if it is not already selected. (Just click on the down arrow tab next to the word "By" to select by "Address")
2. Click on the "Advanced Address Search" box under "By Address" at the top left on the home page.
3.In the “Address Search Fields” type in “Erie”, in the “street number” box type “10” in the first box and “500” in the next box (this will be the range of the addresses), and then click on the “search” box on the top right side of the home page.
4. The next page that opens will give you all of the parcels in the range that you specified. It will give you the parcel number, the owners name and property address. (It will display 15 properties in that address range. If you would like to see more on a page at a time you can change the default from 15 to up to 50 displayed on a page. Just go to the top right hand side of the page and change the "Records Per Page". You can also change the view of the properties that you are searching. The default view is "List View". You can change this to "Detail View". "Detail View" will also show you a photo for each property. To change the "view" just click on the tab next to "Record Style" at the top left of the page.
5. If you want to see the information on a particular parcel, just click on the “address, parcel number, or name ”.

By Parcel Number Search:

1. On the tope of the home page select "By Parcel Number".
2. T type in the parcel number in the “Parcel Number Search Field”, and click on the “search” box.

If you nee additional help, there are a couple of very good tutorial pdf files listed on the top right side of the home page. Click on the line to read info:

Please note that you can also search for any property info in any City, Township, Village in the United States who uses the BS & A Internet Services. (see the tutorial under "Click here to learn more about AccessMyGov basics" on the right hand side of the home page" See the next section for more info.

BS & A Internet Services Offered in Michigan Communities

Please note that you can also search for any property info in any City, Township, Village in the United States who uses the BS & A Internet Services. (see the tutorial under "Click here to learn more about AccessMyGov basics" on the right hand side of the home page"

Click here to view communities in Michigan that offer BS & A property look-up (please note that some communities charge for using the service)

Click here to view the video of the April 21, 2015 Bedford Township Board Meeting where the discussion took place concerning charging a fee to users who use the look-up services for property information. The current cost to Bedford Township for the services is $10,000 per year. (The discussion starts at approximately the 32 minute mark on the video of the meeting.)

Property Information Services Offered for Communities located outside of the State of Michigan:

Click here to view property information for Lucas County Ohio (Which includes Toledo)

Click here to view property information for Wood County Ohio (Which includes Bowling Green)

Links to to other property information web sites in Ohio:

• Hancock County
• Henry County
• Lucas County
• Sandusky County
• Ottawa County
• Putnam County
• Seneca County

Commercial and Industrial Property Currently For Sale or Lease in Bedford Township

Click here to view commercial property that is currently For Sale or available to Lease in Temperance Michigan

Click here to view commercial property that is currently For Sale or available to Lease in Lambertville Michigan

Click here to view commercial property that is currently For Sale or available to Lease on Bedford Township's local Real Estate company Lennex Realty.

Click here for instructions on how to do a Property & Land Search for Information on any property located in Bedford Township (BS & A Internet Services- free, no cost)

Click here to view Demographic and Population Information for Bedford Township

Click here to view a copy of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) Profile of Bedford Township. This profile contains all-kinds of info concerning
Bedford Township based on the 2010 Census. Here are the major categories:

People (Population, youth population, senior population, population forecast, demographics)
Economy & Jobs (Job forecast, where residents work, household income, poverty level)
Housing (Housing type, housing value)
Transportation (Roads & Bridges, pavement condition, transportation to work, safety, accident info, High-Frequency Crash Intersections, High-Frequency Crash Segments
Land Use

Click here to view the Bedford Township Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Volumes & Other Transportation and Road Information

Current Bedford Township Meeting Info:

Click here for current Bedford Township Meeting Info: Agenda, Minutes and Video for Bedford Township Board, Planning and Zoning Meetings.

Old Video from 2013