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MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Matthew Baumgarten
Hello, Berkley, and Happy November to you all!
As always, I hope this month finds you healthy. As a popular TV show once said, ”Winter is Coming” and it’s never too late to start your cold-weather preparations.
Winter prep can keep you and your family healthy, your home safe and your utility bills low. Since Berkley is serviced by DTE Energy, I thought I would pass along some tips for winterizing your home:
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- For homes with chimneys, keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a window wide open during the winter. An open damper allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
- It is important to find and seal any hidden leaks to maximize home efficiency. Many of our residents already use the trick of installing low-cost, clear plastic window sheeting over leaking windows to keep cold air out. However, did you know that heat can leak out of your house around openings that are not in obvious areas such as plumbing vents, an attic hatch, recessed lights, and basement rim joists?
- Have you thought to check your attic for air leaks as well? Sealing attic air leaks throughout the house will help you better control the temperature in your home. Moreover, air sealing and attic insulation can be a one-two punch to help to alleviate the formation of dangerous ice dams this winter.
We’ve all heard our wonderful little community described as cozy so let’s make sure our houses can be described the same way and there is nothing wrong with saving a little money along the way.
Have a great month Berkley and may your homes be as warm as your heart.
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The General Election Is November 3, 2020!
All seven precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for in-person voting.
Those wishing to return an absentee ballot may do so at the City Clerk's Office until 8 p.m. on Election Day.
If your ballot is complete, feel free to drop it off as soon as possible.
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Anyone wishing to register to vote may do so at the City Clerk's Office until 8 p.m. on Election Day. Please call the Clerk's office at 248-658-3310 for requirements.
The last opportunity registered voters may request an absentee ballot is Monday, November 2nd by 4 p.m. Anyone requesting an absentee ballot on that day must vote the ballot at the City Clerk's Office.
For more information about any voting needs, please visit www.berkleymich.org/vote.
Thank you for voting!
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Audit Field Work is Now Complete!
Our auditing firm completed the fieldwork and testing portion of the audit through virtual means and is now working to complete our Consolidated Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
We are continuing to apply for COVID-19 grant funds through the State of Michigan and Oakland County wherever we can.
Learn more about Finance & Treasury Department here.
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Due to spacing constraints in the building, the office at the Department of Public Works remains closed to the public.
DPW is available via phone at 248-658-3490 during standard work hours (7 AM - 3:30 PM) or email at publicworks@berkleymich.net. All DPW team members are working.
Yard Waste Collection
Yard waste collection information, including the full schedule, is posted on the City website and has been sent to all residents via utility bills. Free pickup of yard bags or labeled cans (50 lbs. limit) runs through November 27.
Leaf pick-up season has begun! Please make sure to place loose leaves in the road ONLY. Leaves can be raked to the curb or placed in paper yard waste bags or cans marked “COMPOST” or “YARD WASTE”. All other yard waste must be placed in bags or cans. Until leaf volumes get heavy, we recommend residents utilize yard waste bags for weekly disposal which helps keep the streets clean/clear.
Learn more at www.berkleymich.org/leafpickup.
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.
Smaller branches must be placed in yard waste bags/cans for FREE weekly pickup on garbage day. Residents can sign up using the online request form here: bit.ly/BerkleyChipper or they continue to contact the DPW if the chipper service is needed at 248-658-3490.
Trash Bins Available
96-gallon trash toters can be purchased from DPW for $60 each. These are wheeled cans with attached lids that are dumped mechanically by the City trash hauler. Please contact the DPW for more details.
PLEASE NOTE: Thursday, November 26 is a holiday for the City’s refuse and recycling contractor (Tringali). As a result, Friday pick up that week will be delayed until Saturday, November 28.
Traveling for the Winter?
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.
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Prevent a Turkey Fryer Fire
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Did you know? Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. When you fry foods, you increase the risk of a cooking fire.
Keep in mind the potential dangers of deep-frying a turkey:
- Turkey fryers can easily tip over spilling hot oil across a large area. Use your turkey fryer only outdoors on a sturdy, level surface well away from things that can burn. Make sure to have a “3-foot kid- and pet-free zone” around your turkey fryer to protect against burn injuries.
- An overfilled cooking pot will cause the oil to spill over when the turkey is placed inside. Determine the correct amount of oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot with water.
- A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before you fry it.
- Turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire. Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil won’t overheat.
- The pot, lid, and handles of a turkey fryer can get dangerously hot and cause burn injuries. Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle these items.
For more information and free fire-safety resources, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.
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Our Planning Commission Has A Vacancy!
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There is currently an opening available on our Berkley Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission consists of nine residents who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council, to serve a three-year term.
In accordance with state and city ordinances, the Planning Commission is responsible for:
- Drafting and adopting the city's master plan
- Reviewing and recommending approval of the city's Capital Improvement Plan in accordance
- Developing and updating Zoning text and map changes
- Reviewing Special Land Use requests described in the zoning ordinance
- Conducting Site Plan Reviews
Apply today at berkleymich.org/getinvolved!
The deadline to apply is Friday, November 6, 2020, by 5 PM.
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Berkley Outdoor Dining, Sales, and Service Resolution Extended Through March 31, 2021
City Council approved the extension of the resolution to allow outdoor dining, sales, service areas for local businesses through March 31, 2021.
This is intended to assist businesses that are looking to expand their service areas when they are restricted to operate at maximum capacity.
The City Council also approved temporary outdoor enclosures through March 31, 2021, so businesses can continue to operate during the fall and winter seasons.
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These enclosures will require a plan review and site inspections.
Interested businesses can submit applications for the outdoor areas to the Community Development Department for review and approval. Learn more at www.berkleymich.org/communitydevelopment.
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Berkley Master Plan
The Master Plan process continues and currently in the drafting process.
Have something to share with us? We have set up a voicemail box for any residents wanting to leave a message with their ideas at 248-658-3327, or email masterplan@berkleymich.net.
Learn more at www.berkleymich.org/masterplan.
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 The City will be closed on the following day(s):
- 11/09 - City Hall Closed 1 PM - 3 PM for Staff In-Service
- 11/11 - Veterans Day
- 11/20 - City Offices Closed for Staff In-Service Training
- 11/26 - Thanksgiving
- 11/27 - Day After Thanksgiving
Public Safety will continue to provide 24-hour operations and support to the community.
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Berkley Public Library Curbside Pickup & Delivery Service
The library building remains closed to the public. However, curbside pickup and delivery in Berkley are available on:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
To schedule a pickup or delivery, call the library at 248-658-3440.
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Dive Into Some of Our Digital Resources!
 We encourage you to visit our website (www.berkleymich.org/elibrary) to access our digital resources from home. You will need your library card number as well as your PIN.Your PIN is typically 1234 or the last four digits of your phone number
Need a Library Card?
Head over to berkleymich.org/librarycard to fill out an application and we will get you registered for a card!
Need to Connect to the Internet?
The library's WiFi is available 24/7 outside our building.
You should be able to connect from the parking lot or around the perimeter of the building.
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ADULT PROGRAMS
An Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
Wednesday, November 4 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. Register at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar or 248-658-3440
Afternoon Book Club
Tuesday, November 10 at 12:30 p.m.
This month’s selection is Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs. This title is available for curbside pickup or Berkley delivery. Register at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar or 248-658-3440
Understanding Climate Change
Thursday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m.
This guest lecture spans introductory topics regarding climate change symptoms, science, and solutions. Questions from the audience are welcome and encouraged. Ryan Shadbolt, Ph.D., is an Advising Specialist within the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University. Register at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar or 248-658-3440
Trees, Trees, Tree (Zoom)
Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Trees, Trees, Trees: Evaluation Management Reporting By John Cohoon, Horticulture Technical Assistant, Ruth Mott Foundation. This guest lecture is an hour long interactive workshop and will cover:
- Basic Tree Identification
- Fundamentals of Tree Care
- Identifying and Reporting Hazard trees
The presentation should last between an hour to an hour and a half depending on the number of questions.
Michigan's 529 Programs: Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP)
Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Learn more about Michigan’s 529 college savings plans, the Michigan Education Trust (MET), and the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP). Both plans offer flexible features and tax advantages to help save for a loved one’s future college education. Michigan’s plans are the only plans that offer Michigan taxpayers a Michigan income tax deduction on contributions. Register at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar or 248-658-3440
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TEEN PROGRAMS
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Book Election
November 2 through November 7
Stop by the library during our curbside hours to vote for your favorite book and get an "I Voted" sticker.
We'll share what books got the most votes on our social media the following week.
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Thanksgiving Take-Home Kits
November 9 through November 14
Snag a bag of activities to help you celebrate at home. You can let us know what day you'd like to pick up when you register.
Register at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar or 248-658-3440
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Thankful Turkeys
November 16 through November 21
Stop by the library during our curbside hours to write things you're thankful for on paper turkeys.
We'll collect them and tape them up behind the glass at our front entrance for people to read.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
Weekly Storytimes will return in January! Stay tuned for details.
Book Election
November 2 through November 7
Stop by the library during our curbside hours to fill out a ballot with your favorite book--"I Voted" sticker included!
We'll share what books got the most votes on our social media the following week.
Thanksgiving Take-Home Kits
November 9 through November 14
Sign up for a bag of Thanksgiving activities you can do at home. You can let us know what day you'd like to pick up when you register.Register at http://berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar or 248-658-3440
Thankful Turkeys
November 16 through November 21
Stop by the library during our curbside hours to write or draw things you're thankful for on paper turkeys. We'll collect them and tape them up behind the glass at our front entrance for people to read.
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NOVEMBER PROGRAMS
The Berkley Community Center reopened on Monday, October 12th. Please check online or call us for program information. Classes and programs are limited to ensure the health and safety of participants and staff.
Check out our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for when you come back to visit us at the Community Center at www.berkleymich.org/communitycenterfaqs.
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SENIOR PROGRAMS
Chair Yoga
- Date: November 9, Mondays - 3 Weeks
- Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
- Cost: $21
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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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The Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank the Berkley Beautification Committee, who organized and planted Hydrangeas at the newly named Friends Park in late October.
Parks and Recreation would like to thank the Friends of Berkley Parks and Recreation group for your help with our Halloween Parade and assisting the Beautification Committee with the planting.
Another special thank you goes out to the Berkley Junior Women's Club, Berkley Dads Club, Berkley Steelers, and Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance for helping us put on the Berkley Boo-Tacular.
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Berkley Areas Chamber Annual State of the Cities
On Thursday, October 29th, the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce honored two chamber members for their volunteer work in supporting local businesses.
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Berkley resident, Steve Johnson, received the Berkley Business Person Award.
He is the owner of Motor City Brew Tours, a company that offers bus, bike, and walking tours of local breweries.
Steve is the creator, leader, and host of the Berkley Local Podcast, a new way the Chamber promotes local businesses to the surrounding communities.This new marketing tool would not exist if it wasn’t for Steve.
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Already an experienced podcast host as the creator of the Beer Tour Guy, he approached the Chamber with the concept of Berkley Local, a podcast spotlighting local businesses and letting them tell their story. He handles all aspects of producing the show. To date, he has produced 13 episodes with more to come this year and has started planning 2021.
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The Business of the Year went to Cooper Glass Homes. The dynamic real estate duo of Dana Cooper and Laurie Glass are not only passionate about helping people with that big life move but they are passionate about giving back to the community.
This spring, the duo knew that so many of the downtown Berkley restaurants and shops they love were hurting with the stay-at-home order.
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They on their own decided to create an awareness campaign, reaching out to owners asking them to hold signs up conveying messages of solidarity and customer appreciation. They compiled photos of this into a video which they marketed through social media and email encouraging others to support local and remember these small business gems that are part of the Berkley community.
The State of the Cities also allowed the Berkley Chamber, Berkley DDA, Berkley School District, and the mayors of Berkley and Huntington Woods to provide their annual report updates to the community. Special thank you to Beaumont for sponsoring the event and CMNtv for providing production and streaming services. To view the program, follow this link here: https://youtu.be/1DSj0p061Jk.
The holiday season is upon us and we truly hope you shop local. Berkley is a great place to find that unique gift for a loved one or for those who have everything, get a gift certificate to one of Berkley’s restaurants.
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We want to give a BIG thank you to everyone who came out to the DDA events over the summer and fall. We were happy to be able to safely host 2 Ladies Night events along with our first-ever Concert Pop-up Series!
The DDA's famed MerriMonth is still happening this year!
While events will look different due to COVID, we are looking forward to bringing some holiday magic into the downtown. You can visit here for more information: https://downtownberkley.com/merrimonth-in-downtown-berkley.
With the holidays quickly approaching, there's no time like the present to shop local. The DDA is working on both in-person events and online ways to safely shop. More information will be released soon.
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Berkley Holiday Mugs Now Available!
The new Berkley Historical Museum 2020 holiday mugs have arrived and are now available!
No other image says Berkley quite like the Berkley Theatre does. This handsome drawing was done by Berkley's own Cindy Pendleton.
The mugs are available at the Berkley Historical Museum (COVID-19 hours are Wednesdays 10 AM - 1 PM) and at the Berkley City Clerk's office during normal City Hall business hours.
They are on sale for $10 each. For those who want them mailed, there will be a $10 charge for mailing one or two.
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BOARDS & COMMISSIONS NOVEMBER MEETINGS
Due to COVID-19 and the local State of Emergency, all governing and advisory boards & commission meetings will be virtual. Additionally, the advisory boards & commissions will be moving to a bi-monthly schedule. Governing boards will continue with a monthly schedule.
Visit our calendar page on the website for more details and to stay up-to-date with our boards & commissions.
NOVEMBER 02:
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City Hall Open for Election Business ONLY
NOVEMBER 03: General Election Day
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City Hall Open for Election Business ONLY
NOVEMBER 09:
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: City Hall Closed for In-Service
- 7:00 PM - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting
- 7:00 PM - Tree Board Meeting
NOVEMBER 10:
- 7:00 PM - Historical Committee Meeting
NOVEMBER 11: City Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day
NOVEMBER 16:
- 7:00 PM - City Council Meeting
NOVEMBER 17:
- 7:00 PM - Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting
NOVEMBER 18:
- 8:30 AM - Downtown Development Authority Meeting
NOVEMBER 19:
- 7:00 PM - Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting
NOVEMBER 20: City Offices Closed for In-Service Training
NOVEMBER 24:
- 7:00 PM - Planning Commission Meeting
NOVEMBER 26: City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
NOVEMBER 26: City Offices Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving
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