After speaking with Mayor Marl today I have some information you might find helpful. The reason you were not provided much time to make decisions if you received a letter from the city is because originally the city did not have anyone bid on the job. They tried again at the last minute and did find a contractor.  However now all usual time lines are shortened.  This is why the city was not able to give proper lead time for us to make decisions.

Generally, damaged sidewalk squares are spray-painted with markings, if the marking is closer to the home, the property owner is responsible, if the markings are closer to the street, the City is liable. The city is liable if tree roots from a tree in the extension has caused the damage.  If residents did not receive a letter, they should assume that they are not liable to finance sidewalk repairs. If they received a letter, and believe the assessment is incorrect, I would strongly encourage a prompt call to Saline DPW, and request that your home be scheduled for a re-inspection. This should be done immediately if you feel that tree roots have caused the damage.  Their number is: 734.429.5624.

Per Mayor Marl: For this season, work will be done on the northeast quadrant of the city and is expected to begin early next week, I know this is a fast turnaround, and I apologize for any hardships. However, participation in this program is very cost effective, and unless residents are planning significant concrete work in the coming year, I would strongly encourage citizens to opt-in to this program. For those property owners who choose not to participate, it would be the City’s expectation that they independently complete work/resolve sidewalk deficiencies by the end of the 2020 construction season. Subsequent to that, remaining defects will be referred to the City Code Enforcement Officer.

Update 10/10/19 – Mayor Marl emailed me to say that the city now has an agreement with the contractor to start a little later than the first of next week. As such, the new deadline for opt-in is October 16th. Residents should have time for a re-inspection before the actual works begins. Most re-inspects are occurring within 48 hrs.