HIGHLAND PARK NEWSLETTER AND UPDATES Monday, June 1, 2020

City of Highland Park, MI sent this bulletin at 06/01/2020 05:36 PM EDT
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Mayor Yopp

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR!

Highland Park – Mayor Hubert Yopp today announced that Highland Park is on track to transition reopening the City of Highland Park. The City’s reopening plans will stay in-line with Governor Whitmer’s plans. All residents should continue to abide by important guidance by our governor, including physically distancing and wearing a face covering; limiting non-business, social gatherings to 10 persons; staying at home if you feel ill or have come into contact with someone with COVID-19, and getting tested if you have symptoms. The City of Highland Park services that had been closed to the public including parks and facilities will begin reopening on Friday, June 12, 2020, unless extended by Governor Whitmer.

“Throughout the pandemic, I have been overwhelmed by the service and sacrifice made by countless Highland Parkers from every corner of our city and every walk of life,” said Mayor Yopp. “Our ability to meet this moment would not have been possible without the work and passion of Highland Parkers, our Public Safety, and our Administration who stepped up for their city during our time of need. It’s because of all these efforts that Highland Park is ready to begin cautiously reopening on June 12.”

Below are updates on the various departments within the City of Highland Park:

DPW:

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is committed to providing the best service possible to the citizenry of the City of Highland Park. The following is a brief overview of our recent operations.

During the State recess ordered by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the City recess ordered by Mayor Hubert Yopp at the Mayor’s direction HPDPW has completed the following tasks:

  • Cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized all high touch areas in our City Hall Building, Recreation Center, Police Offices, Mini Station, and Prison Cells 8 times each to CDC standards.
  • Highland Park Fire Station Administration was treated twice.
  • All municipal buildings, police vehicles including our MWRAP and Fire Apparatus were
    • fogged with Vital Oxide to kill all bacteria on 2 occasions.
  • Located and purchased 1000 KN95 & 1000 Non-Medical face masks to protect our first
    • responders, essential workers, and office staff... We have 300 KN95 & 400 Non-Medical
    • Masks in our inventory currently.
  • Located and purchased 40 No Touch Medical Thermometers and immediately
    • distributed 28 devices to our Police, and Fire department. We have 12 in inventory for
    • the rest of our departments.
  • Painted offices, hallways, restrooms, and the courtroom @ City Hall
  • Stripped and waxed floors at City Hall, and the Recreation Center
  • Upgraded the Recreation Centers Kitchen to meet State Specifications for onsite
    • congregant meal service.
  • Restructured our GFL sanitation contract to keep unaltered collection services by
    • moving the collection date to Friday form Thursday throughout the remainder of our
    • City’s contract to work through GFL COVID-19 issues
  • Upgraded the City Hall Air Handler Filters from MERV7 to MERV8 w/microbial
  • Replaced the shaft and bearing on the return HVAC Air Handler system to circulate air
    • throughout the building... (First time in operation since 2005!)
    • Has been the Department of Public Works Contribution thus far to prepare our municipal building for the re-habitation of our co-workers and keeping the city's 30th District Court employees, first-responders, and essential workers safe!
    • Our Recreation Department, Mini Station, and Fire Station have also received special attention during this pandemic.

Water Department:

Collection of monthly payment and establishment of upcoming financial assistance for affected residents

2020 Lead and Copper Sampling to begin for designated customers

Emergency Water Restoration Initiative Program (EO-2020-28)

  • Work started on April 27th for the repair/replacement of approximately 127 water service locations. 
  • We completed /scheduled approximately thirty (30) location thus far.
  • Our team continues to work around weather delays and all repairs are dependent on communication and scheduling with homeowners. We anticipate a mid-June completion. (weather/communication dependent)
  • Also, 30 homes were simple turn-ons which were completed in March before EO-2020-28 was awarded.

2020 Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF)

  • The state of Michigan is still reviewing and bidding documents and working on closing documents for the award.
  • Plan to replace two (2) miles of water and complete 110 partial connections
  • Construction activities expected to start in August 2020.

2020 State Revolving Fund (SRF)

  • The state of Michigan working on finalizing closing documents for award
  • Construction activities scheduled for late summer/early fall.
  • Repair of sinkholes located on 2nd Avenue between Buena Vista and Highland Street expected to start August 2020.

 

City Engineering Department

  • Continue to perform a detailed engineering review for several developments
    • Faurecia Development
    • Mobis Development
  • Communication with Utility agencies regarding upcoming blanket permit fees

 Human Resources:

The City of Highland Park will be hosting a COVID-19 Testing at the Ernest T. Ford Field House for all City Hall employees and First Responders, we will also be working with Highland Park Community Crisis Coalition providing testing to the community on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  We would like to thank the Wayne State University Physicians Group.

New Human Resources Director

We would like to welcome Ms. Richetta Akins to the City of Highland Park team as our new Human Resources Director.  Ms. Akins has a B.S. in Business Management, with 20+ years' experience in Human Resources, Finance, and Community Development. She loves meeting new people and has an open-door policy (you do have to make an appointment LOL).  She is a member of the MDP Black Caucus and believes VOTING is our fundamental right!

 

Community and Economic Development:

 

The CED Director has been on calls every Friday at 1 pm. The information has been distributed to Michigan Works Cheryl Sandford to send out to all businesses, also; CED has also sent to both bar and grills.

 

  • June 16, 2020, I will be on a call with Hamtramck to discuss the reopening procedures and have been in conversations with restaurants in Hp. The only business that is open right now is Cakes and Shakes.
  • Chief Kevin Coney has all the info on PPE 
  • I have MCA working on a project for the Cares Act money 225 million is for Roads, infrastructure, and Bridges only.
  • We are still waiting for money from Wayne county as we speak.
  • Health Department will notify me when Mobile testing is available in Highland Park 
  • Right now, CED is trying to see how we can get tool kits for small businesses - visit www.waynecounty.com for more information 
  • Demo of 63 houses should be starting soon, waiting on water shutoffs and environmental 
  • 116 Pilgrim is set to close on June 12, 2020, Late closing due to mold in basement

IT/Internal Affairs:

Project Blue Light is almost complete. The center is up and running and we are finalizing agreements with the test locations. We will continue to test until the system is operating according to expectational standards.

 Police Department:

The Highland Park Police Department would like to thank the many states, federal, and private organizations that have assisted us in getting through this pandemic thus far by supplying much needed protective equipment and supplies. We would also like to thank the residents and local businesses that have sent us kind words and letters supporting the police department through these difficult times. Fortunately, through the collaborative effort from the Mayor, Administration, City Council, and all the departments within the city government, we were able to continuously provide police services to the professional standards that the residents have come to know and deserve.

 

The Highland Park Police Department has maintained a less than the two-minute average response time for several years now and we will continue to improve our efforts through training and public feedback.

 

We recognize that residents are unable to have traditional parties to celebrate special events within the city due to social distancing requirements, so we have been providing short public safety parades in front of their residence to help children celebrate special days such as birthdays. If this is something you are interested in please contact the Highland Park Police Desk at 313-852-7338.

 

We have also participated in distributing food to residents in need thanks to the help of several local charities. If you know someone that may need a food package please contact the Police/Fire Desk, city council member, your local block club, or your senior housing coordinator so we can get them on a list for the next distribution of food supplies.

 

To limit contact we have been promoting our non-emergency online reporting system that can be accessed from the city website highlandparkmi.gov. If you would like to report non-emergency incidents or schedule a vacation property check from your mobile device you can call 844-331-8003 and follow the prompts to receive a link that would allow you to report incidents from the device. 

Senior Coordinator:

QUARANTINE BOXES WILL BE GIVEN OUT ON THURSDAY

(JUNE 4, 2020) @ 10:00 A.M.

LOCATION: CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK FIRE STATION. GERALD STREET/WOODWARD.

HIGHLAND PARK SENIORS AGES 60 AND OVER.

POP TRUNK/DRIVE THROUGH

GOD BLESS OUR COMMUNITY AND KEEP

SAFE.

SENIOR COORDINATOR

MS. CATHY PERKINS

(313) 974-9902

Parks and Recreation:

  • The center has been sanitized.
  • Three compartment sinks have been installed.
  • We are continuing to work with Wayne County for the Fitness pad installation.
  • We are working with Gleaners for a plan for Summer lunch distribution beginning in July. 
  • All Reggie McKenzie Summer Clinics are canceled.
  • Looking into printing signs for parks on safe distancing guidelines.

Communication and Media:

  • Marli Blackman has submitted a proposal to Wayne County for additional 2020 Census Grant Advertising through a grant they received, awaiting a response.
  • Did a call-out last week to about 800 homes with city staff and volunteers for the 2020 Census.  Another call out will be done once the advertising grant has been issued.
  • Have managed to keep a weekly newsletter going out to the Highland Park constituents as well as updating social media with information
  • Weekly Warren Evans update calls every Tuesday
  • Initiated the mobile testing for Highland Park for Mayor Hubert Yopp.
  • Have been on several webinars and calls regarding the COVID-19 and 2020 Census
  • Worked on and currently working on the advertising campaign for the Highland Park Amnesty Program

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The Honorable 

Mayor Hubert Yopp

Click Here for COVID-19 Case Updates.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA ADVISORY

HIGHLAND PARK, MICHIGAN 30th District Court Announces Warrant, Traffic, and Parking Ticket Amnesty Program

HIGHLAND PARK, MI - The 30th District Court, along with the City of Highland Park, announces an amnesty program for an individual delinquent on payments already assessed by the Court. The amnesty program is a one-time program designed to offer relief to individuals plagued with late fees and penalties. The waiver of these fees will give individuals a fresh start to regain their driving privileges and eradicate old warrants. The program offers waivers of late fees and/or penalties to individuals upon payments of their reduced fines and costs in full. The Court will not waive the $45 fee for reinstating a suspended license. EXTENDED NOW THROUGH JUNE 15, 2020

  • All eligible misdemeanor cases and civil infractions cases in which late fees, penalties and/or warrant fees have been assessed are eligible for amnesty.

  • Individuals with misdemeanor failure to pay warrants are eligible for amnesty and will not be arrested/ jailed on the warrant once they contact the court. Upon their payment of tickets eligible for amnesty, the warrant will be canceled.

  • During the amnesty period, all late fees and costs to compel appearance fees will be waived upon payment in full. NO PARTIAL PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

"The hope is that this program will be tremendously successful," said 30th District Court Judge Brigette Officer Holley. "First, it will allow the Court to clear a backlog of warrants and save on the costs and resources necessary to collect on these debts. Second, it will allow individuals who have a warrant for their arrest or a suspended driver's license because of their failure to pay, the chance to correct these issues."

This program will be in effect Now until Monday, June 1, 2020. Questions, including those regarding eligibility for this amnesty program, should be directed to the Court at (313) 252-0300 ext.104 or (313) 707-0331. You can also e-mail to rdiamond@court.highlandparkmi.gov, Be sure to leave your full name and date of birth in the email.

Payment can be made by certified check, (drop in mailbox located at court) debit or credit card (VISA/ MASTERCARD). (All credit card payments will be charged a processing fee). You may also pay-on-line at:

GovPayNow.com OR 1(888) 604-7888 Fines and Costs with Pay Location Code (PLC): 7179

If an individual’s driver’s license has been suspended by the Michigan Department of State for nonpayment of a traffic offense, the individual is still required to pay the $45 reinstatement fee to reinstate the driver’s license. The $45 fee will be remitted to the State of Michigan.

At the end of the amnesty period, no further discount consideration will be given.

Resources

resources
Wayne

LOCAL STATES ON COVID-19 - Wayne County/ Highland Park Cases
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New Programs Announced by Governor Whitmer
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Click here for the State of Michigan Updates
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SBA Loans & Grants Due to the Coronavirus 
2020 Census
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BE COUNTED HIGHLAND PARK!

ITS NOT TO LATE!

 

Click Here to Start Questionnaire NOW! 

The 2020 Census is underway and the most important thing you can do is respond online, by phone, or by mail when you receive your invitation. Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up.

Please help Highland Park by helping a neighbor, a senior or any hard to count individual by calling them on the phone or through social media. Everyone needs to be counted.
CITY UPDATES

Please find below an update of activities taking place between

(6/1/2020 thru 6/5/2020)

WATER DEPARTMENT

  • The City of Highland Park Water Department would like to take this time to show our gratitude and thanks to all the Customers who continue to make payments and stay current on their accounts during this crisis.
  • Please be advised that the Highland Park Water Department Customer Service Center will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. If any residents should have any questions or concerns please direct calls to the City of Highland Park Water Department at (313) 865-1876 to leave a message or email hpwaterdepartment@metroca.net. Customers are encouraged to continue to utilize our online payment option or the dropbox (no cash please) to make payments during the shutdown. We apologize for the inconvenience.
  • Wayne Metro continues to offer financial assistance as needed to customers. If any Residents are interested and would like to know more information, please call 313-388-9799 or visit www.waynemetro.org.
  • Any Customer that received a notice on your door regarding your water service last week is asked to contact the Water Department at (313)-865-1876 and leave a message with contact information for our staff to contact you.
  • If any customer received pitchers or faucet filters during the distribution period in July 2019, please contact the Customer Service Center via phone (313-865-1876) or email hpwaterdepartment@metroca.net to make arrangements on obtaining your filter refill cartridges.
  • The National League of Cities (NLC) is offering Highland Park residents “homeowner repair protection for leaking, clogged or broken water and sewer lines from the point of utility connection to the home exterior.” If you would like more information, please visit www.slwofa.com or call the NLC at 1-866-922-9006.
  • The Customer Service Center would like to remind all customers that Payments can also be made online at https://highlandparkmi.gov/Services/Water.aspx by clicking on the link “View and Pay your Bill online”. Should you have any questions or concerns please contact the Customer Service Center at 313-865-1876.
  • The Customer Service Center would like for residents to be aware they have a monthly drainage/stormwater bill that generates for each parcel they own, even without active water usage. If residents have questions, they can call the Customer Service Center at 313-865-1876 to review their account/s.
  • Another available Source for residents interested in receiving water bill assistance is with Detroit Water Project. Any resident interested should apply online at www.Detroitwaterproject.org.
  • Work Activity:

  • City Water Department to perform emergency repairs as necessary.

        • City Water Department to continue with the Emergency Water Restoration Initiative and Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-28. All residence schedule to have repairs have and/or will be contacted.
        • City to perform lead and copper compliance testing in various locations within the city.  Residents impacted during this testing period have and/or will be contacted. 
        • Emergency Sewer cleaning along the alley north of Pasadena St.  between 2nd Avenue and Hamilton avenue.

CITY ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

  • Ongoing acceptance and processing of right-of-way and site plan permits
  • Documentation of all construction-related activity from contractors and utility companies within the city

Contractor Activity

  • AT&T onsite near 2nd Avenue and Louise performing maintenance on services lines and final restoration.
  • AT&T onsite along Oakland Avenue south of Davison Freeway performing maintenance on service lines and completing any necessary restoration.
If any residents should have any questions or concerns please direct calls to the City of Highland Park Water Department at (313) 865-1876.
CED
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QUARANTINE BOXES WILL BE GIVEN OUT ON THURSDAY

(JUNE 4, 2020) @ 10:00 A.M.

LOCATION: CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK FIRE STATION. GERALD STREET/WOODWARD.

HIGHLAND PARK SENIORS AGES 60 AND OVER.

POP TRUNK/DRIVE THROUGH

GOD BLESS OUR COMMUNITY AND KEEP

SAFE.

SENIOR COORDINATOR

MS. CATHY PERKINS

(313) 974-9902

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DONATIONS 

THANK YOU DTE FOUNDATION FOR 150 MASK FOR OUR POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT! 
FIRE PHOTO K
THANK YOU Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib for donating 100 Mask to our Police & Fire Department 

SENIOR RESOURCES CONTACT YOUR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT REP

Carlton D. Clyburn Jr., City Council President / Mayor Pro -Tem /District 1 

City Phone - 313-252-0050 Ext. 396 / Direct: 313-378-3749 

Email: clyburn@highlandparkmi.gov 

 

Kendrich Bates, City Council / District 2

City Phone - 313-252-0050 Ext. 398 / Direct:  313-378-3594

Email: kbates@highlandparkmi.gov 

 

Derrick Armstrong, City Council / District 3 

City Phone - 313-252-0050 Ext. 395 / Direct:  313-378-4458

Email: darmstrong@highlandparkmi.gov 

Special Links

For the Small Business Association’s (SBA) homepage, click here.

For SBA’s Coronavirus Relief options, click here.

 For the First Independence Bank’s website, click here.

For the Detroit CDFI Coalition’s website, click here.

For Senator Gary Peters’ website, click here.  

Stay-Home Order Extends to May 15, Lifts Restrictions on Certain Businesses and Activities

Governor Whitmer's Executive Order

Additional Resources Available Online

Access additional resources by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities and stay informed on Michigan’s latest efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on our state’s residents and economy.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

TCF Small Business Relief Loan Fund

https://www.tcfbank.com/waynecounty

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR MICHIGAN WIC FAMILIES

COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR MICHIGAN WIC FAMILIES

The safety and health of your family is WIC’s top priority during the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). To protect all families and staff, your local WIC clinic may be closed, may have changed its hours or may be providing remote assistance.

If you have a scheduled WIC appointment and have not yet been contacted by WIC staff, please call ahead of your appointment to make sure the clinic is open.

To find your local WIC clinic, you may:

  • Call or visit 211.

  • Download the WIC Connect mobile app (available for Android and iPhone).

  • Visit the Michigan WIC Client Connect online portal.

  • Visit the Michigan WIC Directory.

    What if my WIC clinic is closed? Will I still be able to use my benefits?

    Yes. In many cases, if you are a current WIC client, benefits may be added to your WIC EBT card remotely.

    If your current WIC clinic is unable to serve you, you may contact a different WIC clinic in your area.

    What if I can’t reach anyone at my local WIC clinic?

    Please call the Michigan WIC Division at 1-800-942-1636. Select option 1, then option 2 to speak with a WIC staff person.

    What if my usual grocery store is out of my WIC foods or infant formula?

    As of April 1, Michigan WIC families now have more choices at the store.
    If you can’t find your WIC foods at your regular grocery store, please use the WIC Connect

    mobile app or Michigan WIC Client Connect to find another WIC grocery store nearby.
    If you cannot find your WIC infant formula in grocery stores, please contact your local WIC clinic

    and ask for help. It is not safe to make your own infant formula at home.

    To submit a vendor complaint, please email MDHHS-WICVendor@michigan.gov with the food item(s) that you were not able to find, as well as the name and location of the store.

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Is it safe to breastfeed during the COVID-19 outbreak?

The most up-to-date information may be found at the CDC on breastfeeding and COVID-19 website.

Where can I get breastfeeding support?

During this uncertain time, it is extremely important that our WIC families continue to receive breastfeeding support. If you are unable to reach your local agency peer counselor for support, please call 833-MIWICBF or 833-649-4223.

Who can get WIC and how do I sign up?

If you are pregnant, have just had a baby or have children under 5 years old, WIC is here to help! WIC provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support and other resources.

If you are a new WIC client, please contact your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment.

What other food resources exist in my community?

Local food pantries may provide help.
Many Summer Food Service Program sites are open because of COVID-19. Please call the site

before visiting to make sure that it is open.

Other online resources:

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has many helpful nutrition-related articles. ChooseMyPlate has information on meal planning during the pandemic.

Support Highland Park Small Businesses!

Support

Restaurants for Take-out or Delivery Our local restaurants may offer take-out or delivery. Per Gov. Whitmer's most recent executive order 2020-21, restaurant carry-out is still allowed. Please call ahead. Woodward Bistro 12891 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 826-0841 Woodward Ave Grille 12000 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 286-9007 Cakes & Shakes 13806 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 707-0923 Victors Bakery 36 Victor St. Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 869-5322 Red Hots Coney Island 12 Victor St. Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203 (313) 868-0766

Attention Residents

The City of Highland Park has the following measures in place to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus: 

  1. Upcoming regularly scheduled meetings for the City of Highland Park may be conducted virtually (online and/or by phone), due to health concerns surrounding Coronavirus/COVID-19 under the Governor of Michigan’s Executive Orders 2020-15 and 2020-21. You can also watch these meetings on the city Facebook Page at facebook.com/Thecityofhighlandpark/
  2. City Hall will remain closed until May 31, 2020, however; it will continue to service the public, the Department of Public Services and the Fire Stations will be restricted to scheduled meetings only. The public is encouraged to contact any department requiring assistance via phone or email. 
  3. The 30th District Court continues to perform all essential and necessary functions during the close of Highland Park City Hall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The court is not accessible to the general public and is only conducting emergency hearings at this time. You may continue to contact the court at (313) 252-0300 or go to the City of Highland Park's website at http:WWW.HighlandParkMi.gov 
  4. Visit www.highlandparkmi.gov/Services/Administration.aspx to view a list of departmental contact numbers for services needed.
  5. The Highland Park Recreation Center is closed to the public and all programs are canceled. City staff will be available via phone or email to assist you.

Our Local Schools AT WORK FOR YOU!

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