Berkley eNews - November 2015
City of Berkley, Michigan sent this bulletin at 11/02/2015 05:03 PM EST
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November 2015
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Berkley Online Council Meeting Schedule
Meetings begin at 7:00 pm and are held at the Berkley City Hall. Live stream of the meeting will be available on the city's website and Facebook page. We Care Your city source to get help when you need it. Hours of Operation City Hall offices are open from 8:30am to 5pm; closed from 1-2pm M-F. Access Berkley is here... Sign up now!
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Message From the Mayor  Daylight saving time ends as November begins. Tradition reminds us to ‘fall back’ and pick up an extra hour of sleep! Some of our representatives at the State House are advancing the notion that this practice be discontinued. I suppose such a discussion is a convenient distraction from developing a sustainable plan to fix the state’s crumbling roads and infrastructure. Tuesday, November 3rd, is Election Day when we have the opportunity to vote for the candidates of our choice. When all the expenses are included, each election in Berkley costs the taxpayer almost $10,000 whether 100% of eligible voters show up or only 10% vote. It is important to make that expenditure worthwhile. Our City Clerk assures me that there should be little or no delay at any of our polling stations. The quest for a new City Manager is well under way. The ad hoc committee of Council under the chairmanship of Mayor Pro Tem, Dan Terbrack, is working in conjunction with the Michigan Municipal League to craft and follow a thoughtful and deliberate process. To date, three separate focus groups – Community volunteers, Department Directors, and City Council – have provided their views on the skill set and personal qualities desired in our next City Manager. It is important to clarify in advance what we want before we embark on a search to find it. The full process will take a few months and this column will provide updates as they proceed. Meanwhile, the annual State of the City address was delivered at Farina’s at the end of October. In a nutshell: “Our City is thriving, its finances are secure, its vision is solid, its institutions are strong, and the future of Berkley is bright.” It was also noted that our finance department enjoyed another excellent year, earning awards in accounting and budgeting. These awards acknowledge the careful and transparent way taxpayer’s money is managed. As a result, our bond rating continues at an “AA Stable Rating” according to the New York based Frisch rating house. Residents and the business community invested heavily in the city last year. Twenty seven new family homes were built and several businesses upgraded or redesigned their properties, including Sila’s and the Neighbors’ Shoppe. Independent outside organizations in this year alone describe the strong perception of Berkley within our state and across the country: 28th best place to live in America, 9th best city in Michigan in which to raise a family, listed in the top 20 safest cities in Michigan, ranked 47th best suburb in the United States, and more. These accolades recognize the advances we have made over the years and affirm the work of City Council and the various commissions and boards of the city. These honors come to our city because our residents have consistently elected, and in turn, we have appointed people who are willing and capable of working well with others. The good of the entire city remains our goal, and purveyors of negativity no longer find traction in such an environment. It is amazing what positive people can achieve when personal agendas are put aside in favor of the good of all. The secret is knowing how to disagree without being disagreeable. Thanksgiving rounds out the month of November. There is little doubt that we have much to be thankful for here in Berkley. Beyond the national accolades I am thankful for the passionate volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to improve our quality of life; the dedicated employees who deliver first class city services; and the bright, energetic, and positive city council who consistently seek to make our community more welcoming and inclusive. Success is a team sport! May this Thanksgiving Day be a celebration of harmony and good health for you and your family. May all of us spare a thought for those in need and may we continue to be thankful for those who make our city such a special place in which to live.
Parks and RecreationLearn to Skate Classes - 8 Week Sessions Youth Classes Jump-A-Rama Gymnastics (Ages 5-9) – 6 Week Session Jump-A-Rama Gymnastics (Ages 3-5) – 6 Week Session Jump-A-Rama Tumble Tots (Ages 1-4) – 6 Week Session Jump-A-Rama KidFit (Ages 1-4) – 6 Week Session 21-100 Featured Trip Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit like a holiday lights tour. We'll travel through Rochester's Bright Lights and enjoy neighborhood decorations. We will also make a stop at the Waterford Oaks Lookout Lodge, where we'll enjoy cookies & hot chocolate. You don't want to miss out on the Christmas Carols. Happy Holidays! Clerk
1. The last day to request an absentee ballot to be sent to you by mail is October 31, 2015. The City Clerk's Office will be open from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2015. 2. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 City General Election, polls open 7 a.m. and polls close at 8 p.m. 3. Precincts for the City General Elections are as following:
Public Works
Through the end of November, leaves and yard debris may be raked to the curb or placed in yard waste bags at no charge to the residents. Yard waste bags (50 lbs. limit) will be collected on garbage days and the street debris will be removed by DPW staff on a rotational basis, depending on workload. 11 Mile and Greenfield residents will have curbside service only on November 13 and December 1 (in the greenbelt-not in the street).
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Friday, November 27 trash collection will be delayed one day and will be picked up on Saturday, November 28. 90 gallon trash toters (cans) can be purchased from the DPW for $60 each. These are wheeled cans with attached lids that are dumped mechanically by City refuse hauler. November is Bin Blitz month. Half price recycle bins - only $6.00. The last compost delivery for 2015 is still available for residents (no contractors). The remaining stockpile is located just outside the DPW yard on Beverly between Bacon and Phillips. Residents no longer need an appointment to drop off hazardous household waste or electronics at the SOCRRA facility in Troy. Any homeowners leaving the City during the winter months are encouraged to contact the DPW to temporarily change the mailing address for utility bills and shut off the water service at the curb to limit the possibility of pipes freezing. Snow plowing season is right around the corner. We urge residents and businesses to follow the guidelines below: Do not push or plow snow into the public street Please move parked vehicles off the street during snow events Snowplows need "room to groom"-please give road crews ample room to safely clear the streets Any questions on the above, please call the Berkley DPW at 248-658-3490. We encourage all residents to sign up for Berkley email updates. In addition to receiving the monthly City newsletter, residents will be sent alerts related to water main breaks, road construction and snow removal. Homeowners can sign up on-line at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIOEBERKLEY/subscriber/new?category_id=MIOEBERKLEY_C1 |
 Library CornerADULTS Origami Club at Berkley Library If you're interested in origami or are a seasoned folder, stop by the library's new origami club! This club provides an opportunity to learn and explore with like-minded individuals. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. The Secrets of Abu Ghraib Revealed: American Soldiers on Trial The prisoner abuse, and the photographs that seared it in our national consciousness, was a major turning point in the war in Iraq and the beginning of our country's debate about interrogations and torture in the larger war on terror. Chris Graveline is one of only six people who have complete knowledge of the Abu Ghraib investigation and prosecutions. Chris will discuss the details of what occurred at the now infamous prison, the subsequent investigation, and the broader policy implications these events had and continue to have on US foreign policy. Chris Graveline was the Army prosecutor involved in the major criminal prosecutions stemming from the Abu Ghraib scandal. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. To Kill a Mockingbird Screening Watch this classic film adapted from Harper Lee’s book. No registration necessary. Behind The Times: Live Music Concert Behind The Times is an acoustic trio which blends influences from bluegrass, country, jazz, and popular favorites. The trio works together to create original music that reflects their eclectic roots backgrounds. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. Go Set a Watchman Book Discussion Join us for a discussion of Harper Lee’s newest book. Moderated by Barbara Rebbeck, author of Nola Gals. No registration necessary. YOUTH Family Movie at the Library Family Craft Night Join us to make a holiday decoration at this Family Craft Night. A holiday snack will be served. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. Lapsit Storytime This storytime is for those from 6 months to 18 months, with a parent, grandparent or caregiver for 20 minutes of stories and fingerplays. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. Preschool Storytime The program includes 30 minutes of stories, activities and a craft for ages 3-6. This storytime is for those who are able to participate without their adult in the room. Parents and others are asked to remain in the library during the program. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. Parent-Toddler Storytime This storytime is for ages 18 months to 3 years, with a parent, grandparent or caregiver for 30 minutes of stories, activities and a craft. To register, visit http://goo.gl/2oHwbP or call 248-658-3440. Library hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 248-658-3440, visit www.berkley.lib.mi.us or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerkleyPublicLibrary. |
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Important information and dates regarding the upcoming November election: