Berkley eNews - August 2016

Message From the Mayor

August is often viewed as a quiet month; a time for vacations, relaxation, and fun. The volume of activity around City Hall in recent weeks would lead an observer to a different conclusion. Large numbers of residents have engaged both elected and appointed public servants to help forge an even more representative version of the Master Plan with respect to housing options.

Planning is an unusually complex process filled with both statuary and procedural requirements that must be followed. We are thankful to the members of the Planning Commission for their continued compliance with enabling legislation and seeking community input. As this journey unfolds, accurate information and thoughtful, constructive dialogue must guide our deliberations if we are to make the city we call home even better.

The Berkley CruiseFest committee is finalizing plans for the Friday August 19th parade of classic cars along 12 Mile Rd. This annual event draws large crowds of enthusiasts to our city. The Public Safety Department in conjunction with the parade volunteers will ensure that our residents and visitors enjoy this popular event safely.

Finally, this month finds many of our young high school graduates preparing to head for college either locally or around the country. We wish them every success as they pursue their dreams and begin a new chapter in their lives.

City Clerk

Important information regarding the upcoming August election:

Tuesday, August 2, 2016: State Primary Election, polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM.

Precincts for the August 2, 2016 State Primary Election: 

• Precinct 1: City Hall, 3338 Coolidge
• Precinct 2: Rogers School, 2265 Hamilton
• *Precinct 3,4,5 & 7: Community Center, 2400 Robina
• *Precinct 6: Anderson Middle School Media Center,
3205 Catalpa
• Absent Voter Counting Board (AVCB), Public Safety Building, 2395 Twelve Mile

*Please note the TEMPORARY location change for precincts 3,5,6 & 7. This change is ONLY for the August 2nd primary election.

For any additional questions, call the City Hall at (248) 658-3300.

Parks and Recreation

CruiseFest Classic Car Parade
Friday, August 19, 6:30 PM
12 Mile Rd. between Coolidge & Greenfield

Family Movie in the Park - SummerFest Event
Saturday, August 27
Community Park, 6 PM (movie at dusk)
Movie-"Minions"

Ice Cream Social - SummerFest Event
Tuesday, August 30
Community Center, 6-8 PM

*SummerFest events are free! 

Upcoming Camps

Young Engineers Camps - August 8-12
K'NEX Big Builders Camp (ages 4-6): 10-11:30 AM
LEGO Challenge Camp (grades 1-5): 12:30 PM - 3 PM

Jump-A-Rama, Kid Fit Camp - August 8-12
(Ages 1-4), 9 AM - 12 PM, Community Center

Leisure Unlimited Camps - August 15-19, Community Field #3
Sports Starters (ages 3-5), 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Kiddie Soccer (ages 4-6), 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

For more information on any of the above events, contact the Berkley Parks & Recreation Department at (248) 658-3470

Public Works

Monday, September 5 is a holiday for the City's refuse and recycling contractor (Tringali).  As a result, pickup that week will be delayed by one day (Tuesday moves to Wednesday and Friday moves to Saturday).

The free, bagged yard waste pickup has ended. From May 17
through September 30, residents will need to purchase yard waste stickers at $2 each. These stickers can be purchased at the DPW, City Hall or Library. Each sticker is good for one bag or can, one time only, with a 50 lb. limit each. Leaves and grass may not be raked into the street until October 1.

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.

Compost is available for residents. The stockpile is located just outside the DPW yard on Beverly between Bacon and Phillips.

The DPW is taking orders for the Fall 2016 Tree Planting Program. Residents shall have their order placed and paid no later than August 19, 2016.

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 online by clicking here.

Twelve Mile Road Sidewalk Survey

This summer you may notice survey crews on Twelve Mile Rd., between Tyler and Greenfield. The survey is the first phase of the process to repair sidewalks and improve and lighting in this area. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2017. The project will be completed using general fund and special assessments. More information on this project will be provided as developments occur.

Proposed Robina Plaza

For several months, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) discussed the feasibility of creating a pedestrian plaza and gathering place in the downtown area. After many public meetings, Robina (near Twelve Mile) was identified as the ideal location to establish this gathering place given its current use for the annual CruiseFest entertainment and Robina Rhapsody. Both are signature events that attract a great number of Berkley residents and non-residents.

The DDA and city staff are working out the details to conduct a temporary road closure on Robina near Twelve Mile. Temporary road closures will begin in September, 2016 and continue for several months to determine the cause and effect this closure will have on traffic flow in the area. The Public Works and Public Safety departments and the city’s engineering consultant will work together to analyze how traffic is effect and provide recommendations. Residents are encouraged to monitor the city’s website for updates.

Library Corner

Don’t forget, we’ve got new hours at the library! The year-round hours, will be Monday through Thursday (10 AM - 8 PM), Friday (10 AM - 6 PM), and Saturday (10 AM - 3 PM). You’ll have an extra evening to visit the library and Saturdays year round!

ADULTS

Cut the Cord
Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 PM
Have you been considering canceling your cable package but are not sure how to access your favorite content without it? A local expert will provide an overview of some of the most popular and user-friendly alternatives. Attendees will have a chance to see and try devices made by Apple, Roku, and Amazon. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.

The Birth of Sake
Tuesday, August 23 at 6 PM
In Japan, saké has been popular for nearly 2,000 years. But this traditional rice wine is more than a mere libation; the country's finest varieties are considered works of art. The Birth of Saké takes us on a cinematic journey inside the Yoshida Brewery, a 144-year-old family-owned establishment whose workers range in age from 20 to 70. Here, a brotherhood of artisans and their brewmaster spend six months in nearly monastic isolation as they follow a precise, painstaking procedure to bring their "unruly child" into being. Witness the mythical, mystical process of creating a world-renowned masterpiece. This event is a collaboration with the award-winning documentary series POV (www.pbs.com/POV). To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.

eBooks and More at the Library
Wednesday, August 24 at 2 PM
Would you like to get content for your iPad, Kindle or other device? Attend this free class to learn how to download eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from the library’s online collection. Bring your device if you’d like hands on help after the class. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.

Evening Mystery Book Group
Wednesday, August 3 at 6 PM
The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Afternoon Book Club
Tuesday, August 9 at 12:30 PM
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

YOUTH

Lunch and a Movie: Lion Guard
Thursday, August 4 at 12 PM
Bring a blanket and your lunch to enjoy lunch and a movie at the library. Join us for an afternoon of family fun! We'll provide the dessert! Space is limited. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.

Dinner and a Movie: Lion Guard
Thursday, August 4 at 6 PM
Bring a blanket and your dinner to enjoy dinner and a movie at the library. Join us for an evening of family fun! We'll provide the dessert! Space is limited. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.

Family Game Night
Thursday, August 11 from 6 - 8 PM
Set aside time to play some games at the library as a family. We’ll have games available for you to play or you can bring a favorite. No need to register. Fun for the entire family!

LIBRARY HOURS:

• Mon-Thurs: 10 AM - 8 PM
• Fri: 10 AM - 6 PM
• Sat: 10 AM - 3 PM
• Sun: Closed

For more information, call 248-658-3440, visit our website here. or find us on Facebook at by clicking here.

Berkley Historical Museum

Social/civic clubs have always played an important role in Berkley. In the 1920s the IOOF led the campaign to make Berkley a Village.

The Lions Club has also been active for many years in our city. The pictures above and below are from the Installation Dinner Program for the 1967 Lions Club. It indicates that it is the 19th year of this event. Click on the pictures to expand and see if you know any of the members.   

The Berkley Historical Museum has the archives of many Berkley groups. If your organization is wondering what to do with your historical archives please contact the museum at 248-658-3335.

The Berkley Historical Museum is open on Wednesdays from 10 AM - 1 PM and on Sundays from 2 PM - 4 PM.