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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Daniel J. Terbrack
Well, we’ve made it to the end of 2019. Over the next couple of weeks, it’s important to reflect on what we've learned in the previous year and what changes we want to make for 2020. Often times, these changes manifest themselves in the form of resolutions. However, even with the best of intentions, most resolutions don’t even last into March. We come into a New Year with so much energy, passion, and enthusiasm only to have life intervene as we fall back into our comfortable routines.
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Change is never easy, whether it be personal or municipal, and it often involves frustration. If we want change to last, it must have a purpose strong enough to persevere through the pain and frustration. For the City, change should always result in Berkley becoming a better place for our residents and businesses. The change may seem difficult at first, but if we keep our purpose at the forefront, we can all persevere through the early challenges.
As we look to the new year, one incredibly important change and date for all of us is April 1st, National Census Day. Your participation in the census matters because it is critical to ensure that our community is properly represented and supported. For more information, please visit www.berkleymich.org/berkleycounts.
Goodbye 2019. Hello 2020! It will be another great year for our city!
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Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the March 10, 2020 Primary Presidential Election!
Applications to receive an absentee ballot for the March 10th Presidential Primary Election will be going out to residents mid-January.
If anyone would like an absentee ballot, they can contact the City Clerk's Office at 248-658-3310. Every voter is eligible to receive an absentee ballot.
Still Need to Register to Vote?
It's not too late. Following the passage of Proposal 18-3, residents may complete an in-person voter registration through Election Day at the City Clerk's Office. Registrants must have proof of residency if it is within 14 days of the election. Please Note: You can ONLY register to vote at the Clerk’s Office NOT at the polling stations.
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The Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is now available for your review on the City of Berkley website.
What is a CAFR?
The CAFR contains summarized reports and notes which are prepared by our auditors. Now that one fiscal year is wrapped up, we will start working on the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Our fiscal year runs from July 1st until June 30th. We expect to spend over $2.5 million of our reserve on capital projects during this fiscal year.
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Road and infrastructure projects will continue along with many capital purchases and projects. This will help to ensure the future of Berkley remains solid.
Learn more about Finance & Treasury Department here.
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 Stay in the know with DPW!
Residents are encouraged 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, chipper route reminders and snow emergencies. Homeowners can sign up on the City website at the bottom of the homepage.
Curbside Leaf Pick-up and bagged Yard Waste collection has ENDED for the season
During the off season (after December 23), yard waste placed in paper bags may be dropped off at the SOCRRA facility located at 995 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48084 for FREE.
Chipper Service Reminder
The branch chipper service runs once a month starting the 3rd Monday of each month. Please note the chipper service will only accept branches over 4' in length and over 2" in diameter. Residents can contact DPW if chipper service is needed at 248-658-3490 or sign up at http://bit.ly/BerkleyChipper
Need a Trash Can?
96 gallon trash toters (cans) can be purchased at the DPW office for $60 each. These are wheeled cans with attached lids that are dumped mechanically by the waste collection hauler.
PLEASE NOTE: Wednesday, December 25 and Wednesday, January 1 are both holidays for the City’s refuse and recycling contractor (Tringali). As a result, Friday pick-up for both weeks will be delayed by one day to Saturday. There is no change to the Tuesday pick up.
Traveling for the Holidays?
Any homeowners leaving the City during the winter months are encouraged to contact 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.
Having trouble managing your water bill?
The City of Berkley is a participating community in the Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP). WRAP is a program to assist eligible, low-income customers with bill payment and water conservation measures. The program is administered by Wayne Metro Community Action Agency and OLHSA. They can be reached at 313-386-9727 for program details and eligibility.
Any additional questions head over to the Public Works web page or give us a call at 248-658-3490.
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Friendly Reminder on Snow Emergencies |
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In the event of severe winter weather, the Berkley Department of Public Safety may issue a Snow Emergency, during which parking on City streets is prohibited until the snow event is over and snow removal operations are completed.
For the safety of the officers, snow removal crews, and residents, removal of vehicles from residential streets will be mandatory during a declared Snow Emergency.
Be sure to follow the City and Department of Public Safety's social pages, the website, and sign up for e-news to stay up-to-date when Snow Emergencies occur.
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Welcome to the Department of Public Safety!
Public Safety Officer Brianna Berge was given the Oath of Office at the City Council Meeting on Monday, December 16, 2019. She is officially a sworn Public Safety Officer for the City of Berkley, and we are happy to have her on the team!
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Development Updates
Sadly, Farina's Banquet Hall has been sold and will be serving Berkley residents for its final holiday season in 2019. We thank Karen and Farina's staff for their wonderful contributions to the community and wish them well in their new ventures.
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The Farina's property is proposed to be renovated with new building and site improvements for a multi-tenant building with two retail storefronts, a restaurant with outdoor dining, and an AquaTots indoor swim facility. The project was reviewed by the Planning Commission (PC) at the December 17, 2019 meeting, where the PC recommended a special land use approval to City Council for the outdoor dining, and granted site plan approval with conditions for the construction of the new building. |
Next steps for this project include:
- City Council will review the special land use application at the January 6, 2020 meeting.
- The developer and his team will address the conditions of site plan approval and make any and all changes to the plans.
- The final plans will be reviewed administratively.
- The applicant is hoping to begin construction Spring 2020.
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Berkley Master Plan
The Master Plan Steering Committee has been appointed by City Council. The 15-member group will start meeting with Carlisle Wortman in January 2020 and we are excited to get the project moving forward.
Additionally, Carlisle Wortman Associates led a joint meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission on December 16, 2019 to kickoff the Master Planning process. Both boards provided insight into the past planning efforts, including the 2007 Master Plan, subsequent amendments, the Woodward Corridor Plan, Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, Bicycle Plan, and more.
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The City will be closed on the following days:
- 01/01 - New Year's Day
- 01/20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
As a result, most City departments will not be open. Public Safety will continue to provide 24-hour operations and support to the community.
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Library Closure Notice
The Library will be closed on the following days:
- 01/01 - New Year's Day
- 01/20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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ADULT PROGRAMS
Origami Club at Berkley Library
Monday, January 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
If you're interested in origami or are a seasoned folder, join us to learn and explore the art of origami. No registration needed.
An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Most people tend to live their lives with a wandering mind, worried or consumed by past or
future events. This introduction to meditation tries to open up a world of the present moment,
the most important time of our lives. We will start with a short introduction followed by a 30
minute guided, sitting meditation, then close the session with questions, answers and interesting
experiences. Session led by Greg Sherburn. No registration needed.
Hiking Ecuador with Chris Hillier
Thursday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkley Public Library
Come and listen to Chris Hillier talk about his 15K miles of long distance hiking. Chris will be sharing stories of all his adventures on the trail but with a focus on the 10 weeks he spent hiking Ecuador. There will be some vendor displays and an after-party at Amici's.
Come on out and let's talk about hiking! Register by calling (248) 658-3440 or at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
Afternoon Book Club
Tuesday, January 14 at 12:30 p.m.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Getting Started with Your Genealogy Research
Thursday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Presented by Sarah Hatter. Want to know more about your family history but don't know how to get started? Learn how to fill in the blanks of your family history using what you have in your attic, as well as, MyHeritage and other online sources. Class includes an introduction to U.S. Federal census records and vital records. Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkley Public Library.
Register by calling (248) 658-3440 or at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
Aaron Jonah Lewis: Fiddle and Banjo Genius
Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 pm
Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkley Public Library
Join us for a lively and entertaining live concert! Aaron Jonah Lewis is a champion fiddler who has been elbow-deep in traditional American fiddle and banjo music since his first lessons at the age of five with Kentucky native Robert Oppelt. As a banjoist, Lewis explores some interesting veins in the roots of old-time, bluegrass, ragtime and jazz music.
Register by calling (248) 658- 3440 or at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
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TEEN PROGRAMS
Exam Cram for Teens
Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 1:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday, Jan. 16 from 1:00 - 8:00 PM
Get ready for exams and take some study breaks here at the library! We'll have space available for studying, as well as, board games, snacks, a therapy dog from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and Nova Chiropractic will be providing 10-minute chair massages from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
No registration needed.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
Yoga Storytime
Monday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Suggested for ages 3-6
Join us for stories, yoga, songs, crafts, and fun! If you have a yoga mat, please bring it along.
Please register the number of children attending by calling (248) 658-3440 or at
http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
Family Evening Storytime
Monday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Come read, sing, and play with us! Stories and activities will target ages 2-6, but children of any
age and their grown-ups and siblings are welcome.
No registration needed.
Camp Pencilpoint: A Place Where We Draw with Nonsense and Tomfoolery
Wednesday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Recommended for ages 9-12.
At Camp PencilPoint, we draw with nonsense and tomfoolery. Why? Because art should be fun!
Please join us in that fun! First, we will lead everyone in a draw-along tutorial and then to loosen things up a bit, we will play a drawing game or two. We will wrap things up with some time to answer your questions about making art. Come draw with us!
Please register the number of children attending by calling (248) 658-3440 or at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar.
Lapsit Storytime
Mondays at 10:30 a.m. starting January 13
This storytime is for those from 6 months to 18 months, with a parent, grandparent or caregiver, for 20 minutes of stories, songs, and fingerplays and for 25 minutes of playtime.
No registration needed.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting January 14
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 ***new day of week***
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting January 15
This storytime is for ages 18 months to 3 years, with a parent, grandparent or caregiver, for 30 minutes of stories, fingerplays, songs, and activities.
No registration needed.
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Berkley Chess Club
Monday, January 6, 13, and 27 from 5:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.
Players of all ages and ability levels are welcome. If you have a board, go ahead and bring it, but if you are a new player there will be spares.
No registration needed.
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Berkley Winterfest
Saturday, February 1, 2020 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Community Center, 2400 Robina
Activities slated for 2020 include: Soup Cook-Off, Cookie Decorating, Ice Sculptures, Face Painting, Cake Walk, Petting Farm, Children's Crafts, Fowling, Broom Ball, Bouncer, Outdoor Ice Rink, and much more!
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Youth Dances
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Times: 4:30, 6:00, 7:30
Cost: $10 couple, $5 additional daughter
**Deadline is January 15th. Late prices apply if any space is still available**
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Mother-Son Dance
Saturday, January 25, 2020
Times: 4:30, 6:00, 7:30
Cost: $10 couple, $5 additional son
**Deadline is January 15th. Late prices apply if any space is still available**
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ADULT PROGRAMS:
- Adult Art Splash
- Dog Obedience Classes
- Tai Chi- Beginner or Advanced
- Fit4Mom Classes
- Boot Camp
- CPR/AED/First Aid
- Intro to Argentine Tango
- Intro to DSLR Photography
- Kickboxing
- PiYo
- Sanchin Ryu Karate
- Yoga Blend
- Zumba
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YOUTH PROGRAMS:
- Abrakadoodle
- Advanced Gymnastics
- Jump-A-Rama Gymnastics
- Little Ninjas
- Tumble Tots
- Babysitter Safety
- Pet First Aid
- Bear Lacrosse
- Bricks 4 Kidz
- Dodgeball
- Guitar Lessons
- Parent-Tot Playgroup
- Pillo Polo
- Sanchin Ryu Karate
- Young Rembrandts
- Zumba Kids
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Visit berkley.maxgalaxy.net to register for programs and view ongoing classes that are available throughout the month.
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Vacation Camp HAPPENING January 2, 3, and 20
8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
AM/PM Extended options available
Visit berkley.maxgalaxy.net to register your child for Vacation Camp
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Senior Lunch Outing to Clubhouse BFD
Date: January 19, 2020
Time: 11:00 AM
Cost: $6 (lunch on your own)
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SENIOR ACTIVITIES:
Chair Yoga
Date: Mondays and Thursdays
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Cost: Drop in $8
Senior Fitness
Date & Time:
- Tuesdays: 10:30 – 11:30 AM
- Fridays: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
- Cost: $1 per class
Senior Trip to the Greektown Casino
Date: January 15, 2020
- Departure at 10 AM
- Cost: $10
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The Chamber has quarterly Berkley U Series educational programs that are open to anyone to attend. The next one is Friday, January 31, 2020 from 8 AM to 9:30 AM at the Berkley Public Library.
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The month’s topic will be on ways to have a healthy workplace. Learn how to improve productivity, diminish workplace fatigue, retain employees, and reduce risk factors.
This event is FREE but you must register.
For more information visit www.berkleychamber.com.
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Did you receive an Explore Berkley Gift Certificate this holiday season?
Make sure this winter you redeem it! Enjoy a meal at 24 Second’s Bar & Grill, Atomic Dawg, Coco Fairfield’s, Amici’s, Vinsetta Garage, The Lunch Café, Crispelli’s, Berkley Common or O’Mara’s Restaurant. Or, buy yourself something special at The Vitrine Gallery, Yellow Door Art Market, The Twisted Shamrock, Catching Fireflies, Ullman’s Health and Beauty, Sydney Bogg’s Sweet Essentials or Council ReSale.
Need an oil change or an auto repair? You can use these gift certificates for that too at Berkley Collision/Berkley Auto Care, Curt’s Service or at Sol’s Complete Car Care.
New Year’s resolution centered on health? Redeem it at Balanced Health and Wellness, Disrupt Fitness, Nova Chiropractic, Berkley Eyewear and Local Sunglass Co. Have that unique item that needs to be framed then redeem at Distinctive Framing. Or want to go on a special brew tour? Motor City Brew Tours also accepts them.
There are just so many places you can redeem these gift certificates there is no excuse to hold onto them!
You can still purchase the gift certificates from the Berkley Education Foundation website and a percentage goes to them, or they can also be purchased on the Berkley Area Chamber website here!
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One of the most popular collections in the Berkley Historical Museum are the Berkley High School yearbooks.
Starting in the 1930s thru the year 2000 they are available for people to peruse and copy. Frequently we see grandparents showing their grandchildren what they looked like years ago, and children are amazed. In addition, there are some years where the museum has extra copies that are for sale.
If you have yearbooks that are no longer wanted please consider donating them to the museum.
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BOARDS & COMMISSIONS JANUARY MEETINGS
JANUARY 01: City Offices & Library Closed for New Year's Day Holiday
JANUARY 06:
- 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting
JANUARY 08:
JANUARY 09:
- 7:00 PM - Citizen's Engagement Advisory Committee Meeting
- 7:00 PM - Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
JANUARY 12:
- 4:00 PM - Historical Committee Meeting
JANUARY 13:
- 7:00 PM - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
- 7:00 PM - Tree Board Meeting
JANUARY 15:
- 6:30 PM - Technology Advisory Committee Meeting
- 7:00 PM - Library Board Meeting
JANUARY 20: City Offices & Library Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
JANUARY 23:
- 6:30 PM - Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting
JANUARY 28:
- 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting
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