In response to a series of recent incidents, the Hamtramck NAACP will hold a rally against Hamtramck Police injustice this Friday, March 19th at noon in front of Hamtramck City Hall.

Though not the sole concern of the group, the catalyst for this rally was an incident last week involving the arrest and alleged poor treatment of an elderly minister at Corinthian Baptist Church.

More information to come...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2010

Contact: Mary Trybus

“Public Pool” Art Space Opens in Hamtramck With Arena Rock Dance Party by Artist Tim Hailey

Although Hamtramck's highly recognized Design99 closed its storefront office/gallery, its art-for-all vibe lives on. Design99 contributor and ‘zine publisher Steve Hughes is spearheading a new project to inhabit the Caniff Street space: Public Pool. Public Pool is a new art cooperative looking to create and support a wide range of contemporary art experiences. Founding members include Hughes and his wife, artist Anne Harrington-Hughes, artist/curator Tim Hailey, who’s also the former co-director of New York City non-profit gallery HEREart, advertising-industry creatives Mary Trybus and Jim Boyle, who is also a former Detroit Institute of Arts executive, author and Team Detroit creative director Toby Barlow, and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) board member Jessie Doan.

Public Pool’s first show will be a solo installation and dance party by member artist Hailey. Opening Friday night March 26, Take a Chance on Rock and Roll LIVE constructs a utopian vision of Arena Rock, featuring large murals painted on Tyvek. According to Hailey, with the lurid, international failures of politics and religion, the world needs the utopian vision of Arena Rock like never before. He brings it to life here (visit timhaileyworld.com). Interested parties can find the artist working in the gallery most days and nights between March 16 and the 26. Interns looking to assist Hailey, or help out at the gallery can e-mail Public Pool at publicpoolhamtramck@gmail.com.

Last year Design99 presented the Art of Stupor exhibit, documenting the aesthetic of Hughes’ legendary ‘zine (Stupor). Much of that aesthetic over the years has involved the work of Hailey. Hughes then co-curated (along with Detroit designer Nina Bianchi) the well-reviewed Duplicator show at Design99, so expect a somewhat seamless transition to Public Pool. The co-op will both coordinate and execute its own shows, and invite other artists to share their ideas in the space. Also expect live music performances, readings and burlesque.

PUBLIC POOL: Pooling resources. Pooling ideas. A fluid exchange. A place for people to strip down and swim. A place for everyone. It’s good. Public Pool is located at 3309 Caniff in Hamtramck, Contact 313.506.9048 or e-mail publicpoolhamtramck@gmail.com. Special thanks to Traffic Jam Restaurant for supply support and beer.

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The following article about the assessment process in Michigan was distributed by the Detroit Association of Realtors in a February newsletter.

Appealing Michigan Property Tax Assessment
by Randolph T. Barker

The ongoing decline in property values in Detroit and surrounding southeast Michigan communities has further-expanded the substantial discrepancies between taxable values and market values for real estate. Assessors remain reluctant to hold or reduce taxable value despite reduced market value because of increased costs of providing public services. On top of this, assessors have the ability to apply an inflation increase to assessments, thereby raising a tax bill despite falling property values.

The potential disparity between taxable value and market value provides real estate professionals with an opportunity to help clients understand the tax assessment process and their rights as property owners. Regardless of whether the property is residential, agricultural, commercial or industrial, and whether your client is an owner, property manager or tenant, it is critical to review tax assessments annually and help determine whether an appeal could result in tax savings.

Why You Should Review and Possibly Appeal an Assessment

There are a number of reasons why one might consider challenging a property tax assessment. Among them:

Over-assessment: Market conditions preclude resale for at least two times the assessor's determination of "taxable value" and/or property improvements have been overvalued;
Property classification has changed;
Transfers of title (through acquisition or internal reorganization) are treated as taxable transfers and/or "uncapping" events;
For income producing property, income and expenses have changed (i.e., occupancy rates have declined and costs have increased);
Tenant paying taxes in addition to rent, and has written authority to challenge assessments on behalf of landlord;
Multiple contiguous parcels are taxed differently or inappropriately; and,
Exempt status not granted to non-profit organization.

Basic Chronology of the Appeals Process

To better understand the appeals process, it is important to be aware of the timeline that begins with the initial assessment and continues with established and rigid deadlines for pursuing an appeal. It is important to contact the local assessor's office to get information regarding deadlines and steps to preserve appeal rights because procedures often vary by jurisdiction.

December 31, 2009

The 2010 property tax assessment is based upon the value of the property as of December 31, 2009, or what is commonly referred to as "tax day."

January to Early March

"Notices of Assessment" are issued to property owners during this time period, and depending on the municipality and property classification, taxpayers must often act before strict deadlines with little or no actual notice. The Notice of Assessment might warrant a valuation appeal if the market value (or "true cash value") of the property is less than twice the stated Taxable Value. Additionally, the Notice of Assessment could raise issues regarding: classification, transfer of ownership (transfer tax liability and/or uncapping), principal residence exemption, and valuation of improvements. There are varied appeal procedures for each of these issues.

Some municipalities, including the cities of Detroit, Grand Rapids and Wyoming, require an assessor's review or similar pre-appeal review process regarding residential and agricultural property. Those reviews occur in early to mid February and are a prerequisite to the right to appeal to the Board of Review and later, to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. In Detroit, for example, this review must be requested in person in the Board of Assessor's office before February 12, 2010.

It is very important that you consult your local assessor's office to determine whether this or a similar added requirement exists, and if so, the deadlines and special requirements for its completion.

March

Each municipality holds Board of Review hearings in March, commonly from the second Monday in March unless a different day has been established by ordinance. Some municipalities allow written protests in lieu of a Board of Review appearance. Depending on the property classification and the type of appeal taken, the Board of Review must make its determination and give notice to the property owner typically no later than the first Monday in June following the Board of Review hearing.

May 31 and July 31

General deadlines for appeals to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The applicable deadline depends on the property classification and type of appeal.

Obligations of Real Estate Professionals

During tax appeal season it is common for property owners to approach real estate professionals requesting an "appraisal" of their property. Real estate licensees often charge a fee for this service. In Michigan, however, the law restricts the services that a licensee may render and under what circumstances:

A real estate salesperson may provide a market analysis solely for the purpose of assisting a customer or potential customer in
determining the potential sale, purchase, or listing price of real property or the rental rate of real property. The salesperson MAY NOT charge a fee or require any other valuable consideration in exchange for that analysis.

A real estate broker or associate broker may provide a market analysis for a fee if it does not involve a federally related transaction. The market analysis must be put in writing and it must state in boldface print "This is a market analysis, not an appraisal and was prepared by a licensed real estate broker or associate broker, not a licensed appraiser."

In light of the statutory requirements, and short of a formal appraisal by a licensed appraiser, real estate brokers and associate brokers are in the most appropriate position to offer guidance to clients regarding the value of their property for tax appeal purposes. Failure to comply with the above requirements subjects the licensee to statutory penalties and creates the risk that the analysis would be rejected and an appeal denied. Real estate licensees should also be cautioned that "representing" a client at a board of review proceeding could be construed as the unauthorized practice of law. Therefore, your clients should consult with legal counsel during the process to help determine the best course.

Randy Barker is the Broker-Owner of Elite Realty Services, LLC and is also a real estate attorney with Berry Moorman P.C., which has offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Birmingham. He has significant experience with commercial, industrial and residential real estate transactional and litigation matters, including leasing, development, financing, boundary disputes, property tax appeals and construction lien issues. He also represents real estate professionals in general business, employment, collections errors and omissions, and licensing matters.

PRELIMINARY MATTERS

1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance to the flag
4. Proclamations/presentations/recognitions
5. Public comments concerning agenda items

SECTION I: UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Ordinances scheduled for second reading and ordinances or resolutions previously postponed.

1. RESOLUTION APPROVING A SITE PLAN FOR STERLING SERVICES, LTD. LOCATED AT 1530 COMMOR, HAMTRAMCK, MI. The proposed site plan, recommended for approval by the Hamtramck Plan Commission, includes the installation of eight (8) storage tanks, and the addition of a new concrete loading pad. Postponed from the February 23, 2010 regular city council meeting. Placed on the agenda by CED Director Friedmann.

SECTION II: CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

The following items will be adopted on a single motion without discussion unless a councilmember requests separate consideration.

1. City council meeting minutes:
a. Special Meeting – February 18, 2010
b. Regular Meeting – February 23, 2010
c. Work Session – February 25, 2010
d. Work Session – March 1, 2010

2. Fund warrant list and payroll.

3. Correspondence:
a. Letter from The Review requesting permission to place and bolt down a newspaper box in front of City Hall.
b. Letter from The Review requesting that the City purchase the front page of a new directory.

4. RESOLUTION APPROVING TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OF 2009 CLASS C LICENSED BUSINESS WITH DANCE PERMIT, LOCATED AT 2363 YEMANS, HAMTRAMCK, MI 48212, WAYNE COUNTY, FROM PID CORP. TO ATLAS LOUNGE, LLC. The necessary approvals have been made by the city to request the transfer. Placed on the agenda by City Clerk Norris.

5. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING REAPPOINTMENT OF JAMILA BEGUM TO THE HAMTRAMCK ASSESSOR’S BOARD OF REVIEW. Mayor Majewski has reappointed Jamila Begum for a term ending 1/1/2012.

6. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF AMELA BERBEROVIC TO THE HAMTRAMCK ASSESSOR’S BOARD OF REVIEW. Mayor Majewski has appointed Amela Berberovic for a term ending 1/1/2012.

7. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF JERZY MATUSINSKI TO THE HAMTRAMCK ASSESSOR’S BOARD OF REVIEW. Mayor Majewski as appointed Jerzy Matusinski for a term ending 1/1/2012.

8. RESOLUTION CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF SEAN DAVIS TO THE HAMTRAMCK ASSESSOR’S BOARD OF REVIEW. Mayor Majewski has appointed Sean Davis for a term ending 1/1/2012.

SECTION III: NEW BUSINESS - Ordinance introductions and resolutions for initial consideration.

1. RESOLUTION TO HIRE REVIZE SOFTWARE SYSTEMS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A NEW CITY WEBSITE. Bids were received from five (5) companies to develop and implement a new website for the City and Revize Systems was the lowest qualified bidder. Placed on the agenda by City Manager Cooper.

2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF A NEWSPAPER BOX IN FRONT OF CITY HALL. The Review has requested permission to install a newspaper box in front of City Hall. Placed on the agenda by Councilmembers Ahmed and Stackpoole.

3. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A FRONT PAGE ADVERTISEMENT IN A DIRECTORY PUBLISHED BY THE REVIEW. The Review has requested that the City purchase the front cover of a new city directory for $3,500. Placed on the agenda by Councilmembers Ahmed and Stackpoole.

SECTION IV: CLOSED SESSION

The city council will meet in closed session with legal counsel to review the status of ongoing litigation.

SECTION V: OTHER ITEMS

1. City Manager’s Report
2. Non-agenda items and other business
3. Public comments

ADJOURNMENT

NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at (313) 876-7700, 48 hours before the meeting. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.

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There are a few bracelet-free things to do if you happen to be in town this weekend before the Blowout.

Friday

Hamtramck Moose Lodge #1670, 9421 Conant: will be holding a Lenten fish fry dinner. Dinners are $8 or $9, depending on what kind of fish you order.

Detroit Zen Center Cafe & Co-op, 11434 Mitchell Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., the cafe will offer a 3-course raw meal, including sprouted lentil-mung-alfalfa-clover-fenugreek salad, broccoli stir no-fry, and ginger miso soup, in addition to their regular menu. (Also available Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Free show by Detroit Techno Militia at Detroit Threads, 10022 Joseph Campau: "Music starts around 6 pm and doesn't end till Mikel kicks us out." DJ's for the evening include T.Linder, DJ Seoul, Darkcube, Neil V.

Saturday

Cafe 1923, 2287 Holbrook, Hatchback 4 Art Exhibition Opening: From 5 to 7 p.m., bring art supplies to the opening and join the fun with Dr. Sketchy, Detroit's branch of the international burlesque life drawing program. $5 to draw. "We'll even have a live model (Red Hot Annie, all the way from Chicago) and ambient music courtesy of Hamtramck's own Todd Luneack."

Sunday

2739 Edwin Gallery, 2739 Edwin: Between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., an opening for "An exhibit to celebrate the life of Ron Hayward (1943-2009), art model extraordinaire and long time fixture on the Detroit art scene. This show, curated by fellow model and Hatch member Sophia Raptis, features the work of over 25 area artists. Exhibit runs March 6-13. Gallery hours Saturday, 12-5 pm or by appointment."

Hello Friends of the Hamtramck Master Plan!

Just a quick update about our progress and schedule and a plea to help spread the word about the Parks and Recreation Community Survey.

First, the survey: Some pretty big parks and recreation-related moves are under consideration as part of the Master Plan: What should be the fate of Roesink Stadium? Should new park space be a part of the Master Plan? What should be considered a top priority? Bike lanes? Trees? Lighting? What’s missing? It’s important that we get a sense of what the community would like to see in terms of parks and recreation facilities in order for us to move in the right direction with the master plan. Some great ideas have emerged already, but the more participation we can get, the better! To date, 125 people have completed the survey online, which is accessible here:

http://tiny.cc/hamtramcksurvey

Thanks to Superintendent Niczay and faculty members at Hamtramck High School, over 90 high school students have completed the survey. That was a great response, but now we really need to drum up more survey participants spanning a wider range of ages to ensure that we’re getting the full spectrum of perspectives in Hamtramck. SO. If you have taken the survey, THANKS! If you haven’t yet and you live in Hamtramck and have 5 or 6 minutes to spare, it would be great if you could do it in the next couple of weeks. If you think your family and friends who live in Hamtramck would be willing to do the survey, please send them the link! If you have a blog or if you’re on a Hamtramck listserv, please help us spread the word by posting/forwarding the link! The City of Hamtramck is coordinating circulation of the paper version of the survey to ensure that residents who don’t have easy access to the survey can still participate. BUT if we can make the survey circulation a real community effort, that would be excellent—if you have a store, a bar or restaurant, or belong to community organization, you can print out a paper copy of the survey (attached to this email) and make them available to your patrons and visitors. Note: all online surveys and paper surveys need to be completed and submitted by Friday, March 19th in order for us to take them into account in the Master Plan, so the sooner, the better!

In other news, we experienced the thrill of Paczki Day first-hand on a recent visit to Hamtramck. Wow...I can’t say I have ever witnessed such enthusiasm over pastries! It was great to see the City in such a spirited mood. Aside from adventures in paczki land, the trip was another opportunity for us to talk with city agencies and organizations, as well as, on this trip, a group of great high school students from Hamtramck High. We are now in the process of formulating our preliminary recommendations (the exciting part!!), and we will be back in Hamtramck in about four weeks to hold a public meeting to present them. Once the date is finalized, I will be sure to let you all know!

Hope to see you then,

Leah Murphy

Associate Urban Designer and Planner

_INTERFACE STUDIO LLC

www.interface-studio.com

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I sent an e-mail to the clerk's office in regards to whether there is a meeting tonight at 6:30 or not, but here are the notices for two upcoming meetings of the city council.

***Notice***
The Hamtramck City Council will hold a Work Session on Monday, March 1, 6:30 PM. The meeting will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 3401 Evaline, Hamtramck, Michigan.

WORK SESSION DISCUSSION TOPICS
1. Discussion of information related to the matter of check #55211, and information as to the breakdown and remedies to fix internal controls.
2. Other Discussion Topics.

Please Note: No votes may be taken at a City Council Work Session. These sessions are strictly to present and discuss information.

NOTE: Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at (313) 876-7700.