Chesterfield Township Board Approves Local Ordinances

The Chesterfield Township Board of Trustees gathered Monday evening at the  for a brief meeting, lasting just under 30 minutes.

The majority of the meeting focused on the introduction of three ordinances, with each proposal being led by Bruce Smith.

The first ordinance to be approved was Ordinance No. 62-02, High Blood Alcohol Content, which is an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Code and includes the violations and penalties listed for driving under the influence including fines, community service and possible imprisonment.

The next two ordinances to be approved were coinciding. Both Ordinance No. 136, a Precious Metal and Gem Dealer ordinance, and No. 137, a Pawnbroker, Secondhand Dealer and Junk Dealer ordinance, were approved for first publication.

Both ordinances require an electronic system to record what sorts of items are taken in at pawnbroker shops and junkyards, respectively, to help prevent the reselling of stolen items. Smith notes that with the current paper system, the items are very hard to track and there is a long delay when receiving notice of items.

"It's a very good tool," said Smith to the board. "It will help us control crime and identify these stolen objects by being able to track the seller."

With question from the board, Smith also mentioned that he is aware of many neighboring communities across Macomb County enacting this same ordinance.

Furthermore, the rest of the items on the Regular Agenda were approved quickly, without much discussion by the Board, including the approval of the re-allocation of $15,579 in Community Development Block Grant funds to the Senior Walking Path Project and the adoption of Ordinance No. 138 to repair the township's sewage system.

A resolution was also approved to proceed with proposed maintenance improvements to Hickcock Road, with a public hearing set for June 4 at 7 p.m.

The next Chesterfield Township Board meeting will be held June 6 at 7 p.m.