Connect with the City

Facebook

• City
• Library
• Parks & Recreation
• Berkley CruiseFest
• Behind the Badge

Twitter

• City Twitter

Berkley Online

• City Site
• City Calendar

Upcoming City Council Meetings

• April 3
• April 17

Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings

• April 25

Upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meetings

• April 10

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

The Department of Public Works office is open M-F from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

City offices, including the Library, will be closed on Friday, April 14 in observance of Good Friday. In addition, the Library will also be closed on Saturday, April 15.

All City Offices and the Library will reopen on Monday, April 17.

Berkley Historical Museum

This is one of the most popular images in the collection of the Berkley Historical Museum. Like so many other wonderful pictures, it came to the museum without a date. The most recent car in the image is a 1958 model. Based on that and the visible stores, we can safely guess that it was taken around that date.

Cunningham's drug store, Kresge's dime store, Shopping Center grocery and the Berkley theater can be seen on the left (north) side of 12 Mile. On the right side (south), you can see Hintz's hardware, the Berkley Beer Store, Florsheim shoes, Nellie Davis drugs and the Tip Top restaurant. If you look carefully you can also see the Plymouth dealership.

Now for exciting news! The Museum will start selling copies of this wonderful picture in May! They will be on glossy poster material, size 13 X 18 and only $10! We will be selling them at Berkley Days and in the Museum, Library and at the City Clerk's desk in City Hall. There will only be 250 copies made.

One last note: this picture will appear in the June issue of Hour Detroit Magazine!

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. 

Message From the Mayor

It’s difficult for us to imagine New Year’s Day occurring on April 1st but that’s when it was on the Julian calendar. Then, in 1582, the Gregorian calendar moved the first day of the year to January 1st. Initially those who lacked the flexibility to accept this change persisted in celebrating New Year’s Day on April 1st. Such people were called ‘fools’ and in time April 1st became known as ‘fool’s day.’ In modern times it is a day harmless tricks are played to make friends feel foolish.

April 15th is the traditional final day to settle one’s tax accounts with the government for the prior year. This year it is April 18th because April 15th falls on a Saturday and Emancipation Day, on April 17th, is a DC holiday which extends the deadline to Tuesday.

Recently, several members of Council attended the Michigan Municipal League’s Capitol Conference in Lansing. It was a worthwhile educational experience on a broad range of topics relevant to municipalities. Representatives of the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors explored the changing landscape in Washington and its anticipated effect on Michigan communities.

Some disturbing facts highlighted a series of troubling trends in Michigan. In 1980 our population was 9.3 million and today it is 9.9 million. Had we grown at the same rate as the nation, we would have 14 million people in our state now.

Declining revenues from the state to communities like ours have forced communities to slash police protection by 23% from 2001 to 2014. Meanwhile, U.S. law enforcement numbers grew by 3%. In the same period, fire department personnel in Michigan dropped by 36% while it grew nationally by 8%.

Nationally, local government payrolls have increased by 34% between 2002 and 2012 but in Michigan they grew by 0.3%. State investment is necessary to ensure thriving communities that are appealing to businesses and their employees. Every state in the union increased their municipal revenue allocation between 2002 and 2012 except Michigan. Ohio ranked second to last (49th out of 50) and they increased their allocation to municipalities by 28%. Last of all was Michigan, which actually disinvested in municipalities by -9% during the same period.

At City Hall, the important work of preparing the 2017-18 budget is progressing well and is on target to come before Council in May for final approval. Meanwhile, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Infrastructure Improvement presented a preliminary report to Council and requested an additional 90 days to complete their work. Council approved their request and expressed gratitude for the care and diligence each member brings to this important task.

Two historically connected major world religions have significant celebrations in April: Passover for the Jewish community and Holy Week and Easter for the Christian community coincide this year. Passover begins on April 11th and Holy Week ends with Easter Sunday on April 16th. We wish those who celebrate either observance the tranquility of soul associated with such faith experiences.  

City Manager's Office

New Website
On Monday, April 3rd, the City of Berkley will unveil its new website. The fresh new design, available at www.berkleymich.org, features easy navigation and improved functionality for residents and visitors alike. Whether you are looking for minutes from a City Council meeting or need information about a city service – the website will serve as a supportive tool.

On Friday, March 31, 2017, the City of Berkley’s current mobile app will no longer be in service. The city will unveil an updated app after the launch of the new website. The new app will be available for both Apple and Android users. More information on the function of the app will be provided once the app is available.

Chat with Matt
Thank you to all that attended our “Chat with Matt” session on March 1st at the Community Center. Theresa McArleton, Director of Parks and Recreation, was our guest speaker for the event. Theresa provided an update on parks, programs, and all the upcoming events.

Below are a couple of questions and answers from the group:

Q: Where can I find out information on the proposed plans for the new Oxford/Merchant Park?

A: Information and updates are posted on our website by clicking here. 

Q: Parking has always been a problem at the Community Center. Will additional parking be considered in the proposed new plans for a Community Center?

A: Yes. For additional information and updates regarding the Community Center, visit the city’s website by clicking here. 

Rodent Prevention
On Monday, March 27, the Library hosted guest speaker Joe Giannosa from Great Lakes Pest Control to discuss the “dos and don’ts” on preventing rodents. The event was attended by over 50 Berkley residents. The open forum allowed residents to get many of their questions answered by a professional. Mr. Giannosa demonstrated several pieces of equipment to trap rodents and offered solutions to safeguard yards against rodents.

Severe Weather Awareness Week
Governor Rick Snyder and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson have declared the week of April 16 through April 22 as SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK.

To promote severe weather safety preparedness, Oakland County Homeland Security Division will conduct a special test and activation warning system on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 1PM.

Fire Pits/Burning 
It is getting to be that time of year again. Spring has arrived and homeowner’s are outside cleaning up their yards. As a reminder, the burning of leaves, trees, garbage, or rubbish are not permitted within the city per Code of Ordinance Sec. 58-41. For information on yard and waste pickup, contact the Department of Public Works or visit the website by clicking here.

Public Works

Garbage and recycling pick-up for the month of April will occur on regularly scheduled days (no changes).

General yard waste collection information, including the full schedule, is available on the city's website. Pickup of yard bags or labeled cans is provided free of charge from the first full week of April until the second week of May (no tags required-50 lbs. limit).

Brush pickup is ongoing with DPW staff working on a rotational basis around the city. In order to safely feed the chipper, tree limbs must be 1/2"-4" in diameter and at least 4' long with cut ends facing one direction. Branches smaller than 3' shall be placed in yard waste bags.

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.

SOCRRA will be making the transition from dual-stream recycling to single-stream recycling starting in the summer of 2017. This exciting change will make recycling easier for residents while increasing recycling rates. More details to come including the distribution of new recycling toters.

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.

Library

The Library will be closed on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 in observance of Good Friday and Easter. The Library will reopen on Monday, April 17 at 10AM.

Adults

Origami Club at Berkley Library
Monday, April 3 from 5:30-7:30PM
If you're interested in origami or are a seasoned folder, join us to learn and explore with like-minded individuals.

Movie Screening: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Wednesday, April 5 at 2PM
Enjoy an afternoon screening of the Academy Award winning (Best Costume Design) film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Explore a new era of the Wizarding World before Harry Potter. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets of 1926 New York, threatening to expose the wizarding community. Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures. When unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt’s beasts loose, a band of unlikely heroes must recover the missing beasts before they come to harm, but their mission puts them on a collision course with Dark forces. This film is rated PG-13. We'll provide the popcorn! No registration needed.

Art & Science of Pruning
Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30PM
Frank Allen, Advanced Master Gardener, will discuss the why, how and when of pruning your trees and shrubs. Bring your pruning questions to this very informative presentation. No registration required.

Afternoon Book Club
Tuesday, April 11 at 12:30PM
The Fixer by Joseph Finder.

Berkley Reading Society
Thursday, April 20 at 6:30PM
The Martian by Andy Weir.

Cocktails and Coloring at Amici's
Monday, April 24 from 7-9PM
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 call 248-658-3440 to register). Amici's Pizza is located at 3249 Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072.

Teen

Movie Screening: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Wednesday, April 5 at 2PM
Enjoy an afternoon screening of the Academy Award winning (Best Costume Design) film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Explore a new era of the Wizarding World before Harry Potter. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets of 1926 New York, threatening to expose the wizarding community. Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures. When unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt’s beasts loose, a band of unlikely heroes must recover the missing beasts before they come to harm, but their mission puts them on a collision course with Dark forces. This film is rated PG-13. We'll provide the popcorn! No registration needed.

Youth

Movie Screening: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Wednesday, April 5 at 2PM
Enjoy an afternoon screening of the Academy Award winning (Best Costume Design) film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Explore a new era of the Wizarding World before Harry Potter. Something mysterious is leaving a path of destruction in the streets of 1926 New York, threatening to expose the wizarding community. Newt Scamander arrives in the city nearing the end of a global excursion to research and rescue magical creatures. When unsuspecting No-Maj Jacob Kowalski inadvertently lets some of Newt’s beasts loose, a band of unlikely heroes must recover the missing beasts before they come to harm, but their mission puts them on a collision course with Dark forces. This film is rated PG-13. We'll provide the popcorn! No registration needed.

Family Craft Night
Thursday, April 13 at 6:30PM
Make a adorable bird nest and little birds! To register, click here or call 248-658-3440.

Family Game Night
Tuesday, April 18 from 6-8PM
Stop by with the whole family or some friends and have some fun playing a variety of board and card games. Registration is not required.

Tale on the Trail Kickoff at Jaycee Park
Thursday, April 20 at 6PM
Come out for a fun evening of stories and play, co-hosted by Parks & Rec, as we unveil the newest Tale on the Trail picture book, Laundry Day by Jessixa Bagley. Walk through the park to read the whole story and enjoy games and activities. The story will stay up in the park until May 20. Registration is not required. 

Family Movie: Sing
Saturday, April 22 at 11AM 
Join us for a showing of the fun new animated film Sing! Dapper Koala Buster Moon presides over a once-grand theater that has fallen on hard times. An eternal optimist, and a bit of a scoundrel, he loves his theater above all and will do anything to preserve it. Facing the crumbling of his life's ambition, he takes one final chance to restore his fading jewel to its former glory by producing the world's greatest singing competition. Five contestants emerge: a mouse, a timid elephant, a pig, a gorilla and a punk-rock porcupine. Sing is rated PG. Registration is not required. We'll provide the popcorn! 

Lapsit StoryTime
Mondays at 10:30AM
April 3, 10, 17, 24
This storytime is for those from 6 months to 18 months, with a parent, grandparent, or caregiver for 20 minutes of stories and fingerplays and 20 minutes of playtime. No registration needed.

Preschool StoryTime
Tuesdays at 10:30AM
April 4, 11, 18, 25
This storytime includes 30 minutes of stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 3-6 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 10:30AM
April 6, 13, 20, 27
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.