|
City Clerk's Office
Important information regarding the upcoming November election:
Presidential General Election
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM.
Last Day to Register
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Voters may register to vote online, at the Secretary of State or at the Clerk’s Office.
Last Day to Request Absentee Ballot
2PM - Saturday, November 5, 2016
Absentee Voter Applications are available online or at the Clerk’s Office.
Precincts
-
Precinct 1: Berkley City Hall, 3338 Coolidge Hwy.
-
Precinct 2: Rogers Elementary School, 2265 Hamilton Ave.
-
Precinct 3: Berkley High School, 2325 Catalpa Dr.
-
Precinct 4: Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina
-
Precinct 5: Angell Elementary School, 3849 Beverly Blvd.
-
Precinct 6: Pattengill Elementary School, 3540 Morrison Ave.
-
Precinct 7: Berkley High School, 2325 Catalpa Dr.
Anyone interested in becoming an election worker may find out more information by visiting the Clerk’s Office or by clicking here.
Connect with the City
Facebook
Twitter
Berkley Online
Upcoming City Council Meetings
- October 3
- October 17
- November 21
Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings
Upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meetings
City Council Meetings begin at 7 PM. Planning Commission meetings and ZBA Meetings begin at 7:30 PM. City Council, Planning Commission and ZBA meetings are held at the Berkley City Hall.
You can watch the meetings live on the city's website or on cable.(WOW-ch. 10, Xfinity-Ch. 17).
A taped version of the Council and Planning meetings are available on the City's YouTube channel 3-4 days after the meeting.
*ZBA meetings are not televised or recorded*
Hours of Operation
City Hall offices are open M-F from 8:30 AM to 5 PM; closed from 1-2 PM
|
Message From the Mayor
The Presidential election has intensified political conversation across the country. Among its many unfortunate consequences is that it has legitimized the practice of saying whatever one likes without regard for its truth or its capacity to hurt others. Name calling, which responsible parents seek to extinguish in elementary school children, seems to have become a new national right! The modeling effect of this behavior is unfortunately now reflected in ordinary daily discourse.
World Mental Health Day is October 10th. It is estimated that 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression alone. Suicide rates are up 60% in the past 45 years. Stress can come from a variety of sources, sometimes it is self-generated and unfortunately it is sometimes generated by other people. It is important to encourage people with mental illness to seek professional help, and to refrain from shaming behavior that can overwhelm the vulnerable.
October 28th is the date scheduled by the Chamber of Commerce for the State of the City presentation. I look forward to sharing a more comprehensive review of our city’s progress over the past year, and our vision for the future as we continue to look ahead and move the city forward. We will also hear updates from the Chamber, the DDA, and our neighboring Huntington Woods leaders.
Realtor.com just published their 2016 list of the “hottest housing markets in the country by zip code.” Among the variables measured were the time it takes properties to sell and how frequently homes are viewed. While cities in California and Texas were well represented on their list, the City of Berkley was ranked 13th. That recognition is another powerful affirmation of our city, its administration, employees and the commissions that regulate and protect our housing stock.
One of the nicest aspects of being Mayor is the opportunity to conduct weddings. Last week, I was invited to officiate the wedding of Chelsey Humphrey, the city’s Communications Coordinator. It was a delightful ceremony and we wish the happy couple a long and beautiful life together.
Several religious holidays will be celebrated by residents of our city in October. Rosh Hashanah begins on October 2nd while Yom Kippur occurs on October 12th.
The month ends with Halloween. This is a wonderful evening for the young children of the city and a time for all drivers to be vigilant as excitement sometimes overcomes caution for these children. Please be extra careful during the early to mid-evening hours, and ensure this year’s All Hallows’ Eve is both safe and delightful.
From the City Manager 
Chat with Matt
I am excited to invite everyone to our second “Chat with Matt” event on October 19, 2016 at 6:00 pm. We will be chatting in the Robina Plaza (weather permitting). It was suggested by a resident that each “chat” feature a different department. I loved that idea and on October 19th, our Department of Public Works Director, Derrick Schueller, will be joining us. Come dressed for the weather!
Eyes and Ears on Community
Effective code enforcement depends upon all 15,000 plus residents of our community. I want to thank everyone who reports code violations they see around the community. Our Code Officer patrols the city but nothing compares to neighbors who are active in reporting violations when they see them.
Downtown Development Authority
The Downtown Development Authority is looking for a new Executive Director! The successful director is a self-motivated, innovative leader with excellent communication and presentation skills who is willing to occupy a highly visible position in the community and beyond. The director will function as an independent contractor and work closely with business and developmental interests while maintaining excellent relations with DDA Board of Directors, City Council, Planning Commission, and other members of the municipal team. The director has managerial competence, maturity of judgment and strong personal leadership as well as an eye for detail while keeping the “big picture” in perspective. For more information and how to apply, click here.
Robina Plaza
I hope that you have had the opportunity to visit the Robina Plazas created on the north and south side of Twelve Mile Road. These are temporary plazas, created as a test for a possible permanent installation. If you have been there already please let us know what you think by emailing robinaplaza@berkleymich.net. Please visit the local businesses, which are all open! Parking is off of Griffith and Wakefield. For more information, click here.
Public Works
From October 1 to November 30, 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. Residents along Greenfield Rd. and 11 Mile Rd. may only rake leaves and yard debris to the curb for pickup on Tuesday, November 15 and Thursday, December 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.
The last compost delivery for 2016 is available for  residents (no contractors). The remaining stockpile is located just outside the DPW yard on Beverly between Bacon and Phillips.
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.
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.
Building/Planning
Code Enforcement
Robina Plaza ProjectThe joint venture between Berkley’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the city has officially launched and residents are taking advantage of the new gathering spot on Robina and 12 Mile Road. Robina Plaza, a temporary destination for community engagement, will be in place until November 18. Your favorite Robina shops in the plaza area, Reforming  Foundations, the Recipe Kit Warehouse, Berkley Shoe Repair, Magic Alterations or Have You Any Wool, remain open during their regular business hours. Free parking is available on 12 Mile road and behind the Robina shops. Parking lots are accessible from Wakefield and Griffith Street, on the north and south side of Twelve Mile Road.
For a list of scheduled events taking place during the temporary closure, click here.
Robina Plaza is a great venue  for family friendly group events or informal gatherings. To reserve the space, contact the Parks & Recreation Department 248-658-3472 or email Amanda Slusarski at aslusarski@berkleymich.net.
The last day for plaza events is November 18, 2016.
For more information on the Robina Project, including updates and conceptual drawings, click here. Comments and suggestions on the Robina Plaza Project are welcomed by email sent to robinaplaza@berkleymich.net
Berkley Historical Museum
On the last day of June in 1924, the Reverend Orrin Van Loon, pastor of Berkley Community Church, vanished. Eleven days later, he turned up, exhausted, frail and fearing for his life on a street corner 100 miles from his home. Legend has it that he was abducted, tortured and "branded" by the KKK. But was this really the KKK's retribution for the reverend having spoken out against them from the pulpit? Was there something else behind the disappearance?
Berkley author David Hunter has written a  fascinating book about this puzzling incident: "Branded, the strange disappearance of Reverend Van Loon".
Copies can be purchased for $10.00 at the Berkley Historical Museum and, in the near future, at the Berkley Public Library. All proceeds have been donated to the Museum by Mr. Hunter.
The Berkley Historical Museum is located in Berkley's old Fire Hall at 3338 Cooldige Hwy. The Museum is open on Wednesdays from 10 AM - 1 PM and on Sundays from 2 PM - 4 PM.
|
Library
The library now accepts credit and  debit cards as a form of payment at the Circulation Desk. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted. A 5% service fee is added to card transactions to cover the cost of providing the service.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE
Sale takes place at the Berkley Public Library
Friday, October 14: 4 PM - 7 PM
Saturday, October 15: 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, October 16: Bag Day, 12 PM - 4 PM
Adults
Origami Club at Berkley Library
Monday, October 3: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
If you're interested in origami or are a seasoned folder, stop by the library's origami club! This club provides an opportunity to learn and explore with like-minded individuals. The club meets the first Monday of every month.
Book Upcycling: Fall Bouquets
Thursday, October 6: 6:30 PM
Join us as we use our older books to create fall bouquets that look beautiful and unique but require no watering. Instructions will be given to show two different types of flowers as well as options for flower arrangements. Skills required are folding, cutting, and gluing. We will have book pages available or you can bring your own. You are also invited to bring scrapbooking paper and/or a bone folder, but neither are required for attendance. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.
Afternoon Book Club
Tuesday, October 11: 12:30 PM
A Spool of Blue Thread by Alice Hoffman
Cocktails & Coloring at Amici’s
Monday, October 17: 7 - 9 PM
Ages 21+ are welcome to join us for cocktails and coloring at Amici's Pizza in downtown Berkley. We will have coloring pages, colored pencils, and markers available. Feel free to bring your own. We'll also have drink specials! Registration required as there is limited space (Click here or 248-658-3440 to register). Amici's Pizza is located at 3249 Twelve Mile.
The Real Nat Turner
Thursday, October 20: 6:30 PM
Presented by Dr. Roy Finkenbine of the University of Detroit Mercy
Nat Turner's 1831 uprising was the bloodiest slave revolt in American history. Hollywood is portraying the revolt in a new feature film, ironically titled Birth of a Nation. This talk will uncover the man behind the uprising and the impact of the revolt in its time. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.
Berkley Rock Hounds
Tuesday, October 25: 5:30 PM - 8 PM
Berkley Rock Hounds is a free club for rock, mineral and fossil fans, ages 12-99. Join us on the 4th Tuesday of every month to learn something new, teach what you know, show off your own finds, get help identifying them, learn how to tumble/polish, share places to rock hound, tips and more. Very casual, friendly environment to talk about collecting with other enthusiasts. Come for a little while or the whole meeting. Bring a few of your own finds to tell us about!
Youth
Family Game Night
Tuesday, October 4: 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!
Family Craft Night
Wednesday, October 19: 7 PM
Join us to make a candle votive covered in colorful fall leaves at Family Craft Night. A snack will be served. To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.
Tale on the Trail Kick Off
Thursday, October 20: 6 PM at Jaycee Park
Join the Berkley Public Library and  Berkley Parks & Recreation to kick off a Halloween themed Tale on the Trail at Berkley’s Jaycee Park. Come in costume and bring a flashlight!
Lapsit Storytime
Mondays at 10:30 AM
Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 / Nov. 7, 14
This storytime is for those from 6 months to 18 months, with a parent, grandparent or caregiver for 20 minutes of stories and fingerplays. No registration needed.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 / Nov. 1, 8, 15
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. No registration needed.
Parent-Toddler Storytime
Thursdays at 10:30 AM
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 / Nov. 3, 10, 17
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. No registration needed.
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.
Parks and Recreation
Senior Programs
Detroit’s Riverfront- USS Detroit Naval Warship
Monday, October 17: 11 AM
Lunch followed by a tour on the USS DETROIT. USS DETROIT (LCS 7) will be the seventh Littoral Combat Ship and the fourth Freedom-class LCS to join the U.S. Navy fleet. Lunch is not included in the cost. If you do not want to join the tour, you are invited to explore the Riverfront on your own. Restrictions and limited space apply for the tour. Call the Berkley Community Center for details.
Cost: $8
Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill 
Monday, October 24: 10 AM – 3 PM
Take in the fresh fall air and join us for a train ride, apple picking, animal land, premium Cider and donuts of course. There will be time for lunch and shopping on your own.
Cost: $20
Coffee and Canvas -Painting with a Twist in Royal Oak
Wednesday, October 26: 10:15 AM – 1:30 PM
This is a great place to have fun with your friends, or meet new friends; relax or just let your hair down and be you; or simply discover your inner artist. Paint along with an artist to create your own work of art that you will take home at the end of the class. All painting supplies, artist instructions, coffee and a snack are provided. No art experience is needed. Simply be ready to have a Twisted good time!
Cost: $31
Medicare Q & A - Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program through the Area Agency on Aging 1-B
Thursday, October 27: 10 AM
Do you have questions about the changes in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Blue Cross Legacy Medicare Plan C? Join Medicare Fred to learn more at the Berkley Community Center.
*You must RSVP by October 25th.
Robina Plaza
All about Science
Wednesday, October 5: 5 - 7 PM
Dan the Creature Man will be doing a presentation from 5:30-6:30 PM
Bug station with the Clinton River Watershed Council will also be set up during the event. Look for different bugs to identify water quality.
Fall into Fun
Saturday, October 15: 1-3 PM
Join us for cider, donuts, and pumpkin decorating.
Special Events
Spooktacular Carnival- Community Center
Thursday, October 27
Session 1: 5-6 PM
Session 2: 6:30-7:30 PM
Ages: 3 yrs. to 5th grade
Cost: $4
Parents Night Out - Community Center
Friday, October 28: 6-9 PM
Jump-A-Rama will be here with an obstacle course, the bouncer, a craft, pizza, and a movie.
Cost: $15 resident $20 non-resident (Register early to avoid the late fee)
*Call Berkley Parks & Recreation for more information and to register (248)-658-3470
Ice Arena
Learn to Skate – Session I
Starts on Sunday, October 23
Time: 4 - 4:50 PM
Session Length: 8 Weeks
Classes include: Snowplow Sam (Up to 5 Years Old)
Basic Skills (Ages 6 and up)
Freestyle
Adult
Cost: $100 per session + $15 annual USFS registration fee*
*Skate rental available for an additional cost*
Spooky Skating
Sunday, October 23: 5 - 6:50 PM
Wear your favorite costume, hit the ice with the rest of the ghosts and goblins and enjoy some eerie fun.
Free admission with costume, $4 skate rental charge
For more information on any of the above events, contact the Berkley Parks & Recreation Department at (248) 658-3470
|
