Orion Supervisor Shares State of the Township w/Cinematic Flair
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 3, 2024)
Orion Township, MI – From Dodgeball to developments, Back to the Future to budgets, and references to The Sandlot, Orion Supervisor Chris Barnett’s State of the Township speech gave traditionally un-entertaining municipal governance topics a bit of Hollywood glow.
Mixed between costume changes and films of Township staff recreating blockbuster scenes, Barnett shared statistics of the past year.
For example, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Orion Substation received 19,661 calls for service in 2023. And across the state Orion ranks 18th on SafeWise’s list of safest municipalities in Michigan, taking the #1 spot for municipalities with a population of over 25,000.
The Fire Department saw 3115 EMS runs, 503 calls for public assistance, 112 calls for Hazmat response, 44 fires, and 204 false alarm calls. The number of calls went from 2101 in 2013 to 3989 in 2023.
Water quality and infrastructure are also important Orion administration, as the DPW works to maintain 170.2 miles of water main, 152.18 miles of sewer main, 2151 fire hydrants, and a 2.5 million gallon water tower.
The Township is also tasked with protecting the 42 lakes within it’s boundaries, and has recently added a boat shrink wrap recycling program. The program is free this year to residents who are welcome to pick up a recycling bag at the public service office until May 31, while supplies last.
The lakes and the green space of Orion Township mean a robust interest in recreation, evidenced by statistics shared from Treasurer Kim Urbanowski’s office, who issued 352 regularly priced passes for Oakland County Parks, 347 free passes to seniors, veterans and other qualifying individuals, and 106 passes that are good at both Oakland County Parks and Metroparks. There were also 843 dog licenses issued.
Statistics also show growth in development. In 2023 there were permits issued for 51 new single family homes, 7 new commercial developments, and 155 new certificates of occupancy. One common request is that of people wanting to know what is happening at properties where they see changes happening. So the Township is adding a feature to their website to help.
“We launched a really cool tool because we heard so many residents asking us, what’s going there, that we thought, Tammy [Girling, Planning Director], though let’s take this online,” Supervisor Barnett said. “We are launching a new interactive zoning map that will allow you to click on a development that you see and you’ll be able to open up the site plans that have been approved, the dates of the important things related to that project, as well as be able to see color images and other things that are coming.” As an example, Barnett showed renderings of the hotels slated to go in on Brown road behind the new Culver’s.
Perhaps the most often-discussed new project is not a new building, but the transformation of one. Last year Orion Township purchased the Great Lakes Athletic Club on Baldwin Road. They immediately added more staff and a coffee shop area, and worked to increase membership from 1,800 in December to over 4,000 currently. Over the next year administration is working with a firm that specializes in community centers to turn GLAC into a true community center, with places for meetings, events, classes, and other community benefits as well as the fitness opportunities offered there.
Like any good movie, there were highs and lows in the Orion Township script, with the invasion of orange barrels taking over some scenes. Those trying to navigate the township will see many of these monsters over the next year as there is unprecedented road repair taking place. Obviously it is temporary pain that will mean safer, smoother roads. But the decor of orange, lane reductions, and road closures impact every corner of the community, including paving on Waldon Road, the installation of a roundabout at Clarkston and Baldwin, culvert work on Indianwood, work on Brown and Giddings, and resurfacing on Silverbell, Joslyn, Miller, and Conklin.
The State of the Township speech also included recognition of the people and projects that are stars of the community. Dr. Joseph Mastromatteo, a World War II veteran, was honored for his work on the community’s veteran’s memorial. Julie Savvard was honored for her work in Orion Township administration, working for over 44 years and serving under seven Supervisors in that time.
Lake Orion Schools also showcased their stars, including Assistant Superintendent Heidi Mercer who earned the 2023 Youth Impact Award from the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. Ben Kirby, the Superintendent, also recognized the football team for playing an undefeated regular season, celebrated the opening of the new Blanche Sims Elementary School building, and recognized the Oakview Middle School Choir for being able to sing at a Detroit Tigers game, and the High School band for placing third in the state.
Young people are also part of the Township’s outreach to residents, with the reinstatement of the Youth Advisory Council, whose first big project is a day of service doing yard work at the homes of seniors on May 4.
Like any films, there are critics. And Barnett did not fail to include them. While surveys show that most people are pleased with the township “where living is a vacation,” there are those online who disagree. In a scene reminiscent of The Matrix, Barnett can be seen bending backwards in slow motion to dodge the bullets of online commentators, with quotes pulled The Lake Orion Chat room, including “We need new leaders. those in office are a joke and incompetent,” “Please get a new township supervisor yours is shady,” and “Less spending money on things I don’t want.” And of course there is that ever-elusive question “Will Lake Orion get a White Castle?”
While pleasing everyone may only be a fairy tale in local government, there are ways for everyone – from the harshest critics to the biggest fans – to be involved in making the community better. Find ways to stay informed and to get involved on the Orion Township website. Also check out the full video on Orion ONTV.
