On the Agenda: Apple Island Dig, West Bloomfield Schools Millage Proposal

Edited: 1:55 p.m., Dec. 17 to remove information regarding building and site sinking fund

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at West Bloomfield High School. Follow along on Twitter at @WBloomfldPatch or Facebook at West Bloomfield Patch. View the proceedings by tuning in to Civic Center TV or watch the live stream online. View the complete agenda packet on Broadbook.

Apple Island on the State and National Register of Historic Places?

The board will consider a resolution which would allow the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society (GWBHS) to apply for state and national historic designation for Apple Island, the 35-acre island in Orchard Lake owned by the district since 1970.

The board will also consider a resolution which would allow Western Michigan University students to conduct an archaeological dig and survey on the island in May under the direct supervision of Dr. David Brose, archaeologist and Dr. LouAnn Wurst, Associate Professor. 

The benefit to the district, Brose explained at the Nov. 19 board meeting, includes a prestigious list of Michigan-area company on the National Register, which is the federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation. It would also allow the district a special opportunity to apply for grants for public interpretation and preservation.

To read the attachments concerning this agenda item:

• Resolution for National Register (.docx)
• Resolution for archaeological dig (.docx)
• GWBHS letter (.doc)

West Bloomfield Schools millage proposal

The board will consider options to approve a resolution placing a building and site sinking fund proposal on an upcoming ballot, following the failure of a similar proposal last November.

According to a Dec. 13 memo by Deputy Superintendent Thomas Goulding, the resolutions proposed include one 10-year levy to raise a cumulative $21.61 million and one 14-year levy to raise $30.25 million. The millage rate for both proposals is 1.25 mills ($1.25 per $1,000 of taxable valuation). The suggested date for the special election is May 7.

A 10-year, 1.5 mill levy proposal failed at the polls in the Nov. 6 general election.

According to the district, the fund is to be used primarily on upgrades or repairs. The district's school enrollment and facilities committee identified $23.1 million in needed repairs.

To read the attachments concerning this agenda item:

• Sinking fund memo (.doc)
• Sinking fund resolutions (.pdf)
• Sinking fund projects (.xlsx)

Other highlights on Monday's agenda

• The district's application for energy savings incentive rebates from Consumers Energy for work done at the high school has been approved for $67,768.
• The district seeks approval to apply for a "best practices" grant as part of the Michigan State School Aid Act for $52 per pupil.