April 2024 Around Town e-Newsletter

AROUND TOWN E NEWSLETTER APRIL INFORMATION

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EMERGENCY ALERTS

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VIRTUALLY EXPLORE BIRMINGHAM

Enjoy our 3D virtual tour at birmingham skywayvr com

ENGAGE WITH US

Share feedback at engage.bhamgov.org.

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CITY OFFICES

CITY HALL - 151 MARTIN STREET

City Hall is open to the public during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a m - 5 p m

The Police Department lobby entrance on the east side of City Hall on Pierce Street continues to operate as the point of contact for all off-hour requests.

MEETINGS

City Commission and other city boards meet in-person, and most have a virtual option available to the public For meetings that occur after hours, visitors can access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street. Learn how to participate in virtual meetings at www bhamgov org/participate You may also watch many city meetings on your local cable access channel and by web streaming on the city's Vimeo channel.

SUBMIT CONCERNS WITH GOVALERT

CONTACT US

Visit www bhamgov org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.

Submit non-emergency concerns directly to the City of Birmingham using the GovAlert Mobile app. Simply download the free app and follow the userfriendly prompts. Follow this link for a short video with step-by-step instructions. Don't want to use the app? That's OK! Submit your request at bhamgov.org/citizenrequests.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

Looking for the inside scoop at City Hall? Download the City Manager's Report prepared for the City Commission each month Birmingham City Manager Jana Ecker provides the latest updates from city departments and a sneak peek at upcoming events, staffing changes, developments and more.

JOIN US FOR THE 2024-2025 BUDGET HEARING

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 AT 8:30 A.M.

Join us for the City Commission Budget Hearing

on Saturday, April 27 at 8:30 a.m. Attend in person or learn how to participate via Zoom at www.bhamgov.org/participate.

In person attendees should access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street. The community may also watch many city meetings on the local cable access channel and view live streaming information at www bhamgov org/watch

MEET THE STAFF

MYA BROWN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Meet Mya Brown, Deputy City Clerk. Mya graduated from Oakland University with a degree in public administration and public policy. Her goal is to provide the best quality service for the citizens of Birmingham and to modernize services. Follow this link to learn more about Mya.

SHARE SENIOR/RECREATION CENTER FEEDBACK

The new Birmingham recreational facility located at 400 E. Lincoln will become the new home of Next Senior Services and provide recreational opportunities for Birmingham residents. Please complete our Senior/Recreation Center Community Survey by Friday, April 26 and share your ideas about what should be included in the new facility! Complete and submit the survey on Engage Birmingham at engage.bhamgov.org/senior-rec-center. Respondents

may also complete the survey in print form and mail it back to the City or drop it off at City Hall, the Baldwin Public Library, The Birmingham Museum or Next (print copies of the survey will be available at each of these locations).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The City of Birmingham purchased the YMCA building at 400 E Lincoln in June 2023 The YMCA had planned to sell the building, creating a unique opportunity for Birmingham, the surrounding communities and Next. The City has envisioned the property as a future Senior/Recreation Center for collaborative use. The building will be the home of Next, a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided the City with senior services for the past 45 years as well as other potential community-based partners, such as the YMCA, City Parks and Recreation services and/or any other users. On November 7, 2023, Birmingham residents approved a senior millage--a .33 mill levy for a three-year term--enabling the city to make interim improvements to the YMCA building and to establish a sinking fund to contribute toward the cost of permanent improvements to the building for use as a senior/recreation center in the future

In an effort to engage the public as much as possible in the planning process, the City has hired a private architectural firm, NORR, LLC to perform a building assessment and conceptual design for the location. The City has also formed an Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee to assist with the project Working in conjunction with one another, NORR, LLC and the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee created the community survey to receive input from the public regarding their ideas and vision for the future of the building at 400 E. Lincoln.

SHARE SENIOR/RECREATION CENTER FEEDBACK

SAVE THE DATE: COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE 4/29, 6-8 P.M.

The City of Birmingham and NORR, LLC invite the community to attend a Community Open House at 400 East Lincoln on Monday, April 29 from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will tour the facility, view interactive displays and hear from subject matter experts regarding plans for Birmingham’s future senior/recreation center. We hope to see you there!

SENIOR SERVICES

Did you know seniors enjoy a variety of services all throughout the Birmingham community? From special events and activities to exclusive discounts and assistance, seniors have many special opportunities in Birmingham. Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/seniorservices.

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM

FIRST PHASE OF LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS AND BARRIER-FREE ACCESS TO BE COMPLETED THIS SPRING

The Birmingham Museum Board developed a landscape master plan in 2018 to address several key objectives at the 3½ acre John West Hunter Park. They include 1) providing barrier-free access, 2) preserving historical features, and 3) maintaining the site’s natural setting. The plan divides the property into four distinct zones with different characteristics and planned improvements The first zone targeted for improvements was the Heritage Zone, around the Allen and Hunter House, and involved signage, access, and heritage perennial plantings.

The second zone involves the pond area along Willits, which was further subdivided into four phases The first phase involves the addition of an accessible barrier-free parking space and a path along Willits on the park’s north boundary to give viewing access to the pond A bench, bike rack, and native landscape plantings will complete the first phase of the project, with installation planned for this spring. Later phases of enhancements in the Pond Zone will include additional barrier-free pathways around the pond, additional seating and landscaping, and an overlook for the Rouge River. To learn more about the museum’s plans for the landscape, contact Leslie Pielack, Museum Director, at (248) 530-1682 or lpielack@bhamgov.org.

The Birmingham Museum features changing exhibits and tours of the 1822 Hunter House Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Contact the museum at (248) 530-1928 or visit us at bhamgov org/museum

NEWS FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

STAY SAFE AROUND DOWNED POWER LINES

Spring showers may increase the amount of incidents involving downed power lines. If you observe downed power lines, please follow the following safety guidelines:

· Call 9-1-1 for any downed power lines causing fire

· Always consider all downed wires as LIVE and DANGEROUS

· Stay at least 25 feet away in all directions

· Stay away from fallen trees or branches as they could be hiding downed wires

DO NOT CROSS YELLOW CAUTION TAPE

· Do not use portable generators inside a home or business as they emit carbon monoxide which can be deadly. Keep them outside and away from windows and doors. Keep a carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home.

· Report outages and downed wires by calling 800-477-4747, visiting https://outage dteenergy com, or using the DTE Energy mobile app

· Contact the Police Dept. at (248) 530-1889 for downed wire evaluation by the Fire Dept.

BIRMINGHAM GREEN

BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR

The City of Birmingham’s Ad Hoc Environmental Sustainability Committee received extremely valuable feedback on sustainability and climate action in the City through “Phase 1” of our planned engagement activities. We continue to be thankful for the time our residents take to help us create meaningful plans

As the summer approaches, the City is gearing up for the equally important “Phase 2” of public engagement related to the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP). This will include more surveys, in person engagements at events (like the DPS Open House on May 11, 2024), and specific stakeholder engagements with groups like NEXT, Birmingham Public Schools, and Birmingham’s business community.

Keep an eye out for communications regarding engagement opportunities and provide your feedback wherever you are able! If you aren’t signed up for the City’s Constant Contact e-New service or wish to know more about how you can keep up with the happenings related to sustainability and climate action (among many other things), visit our Communications Resources webpage today!

TOP THREE REASONS TO JOIN A CITY BOARD

Here are our top three reasons why YOU should join a City board or committee:

#1: It’s a fulfilling and rewarding way to give back to your community.

#2: Sharing your talents and ideas will impact Birmingham’s future

#3: It’s a great way to get involved with your community and meet your neighbors.

Join a City board or committee and have a direct impact on Birmingham! From public art, historic districts, infrastructure improvements and more, we have a place for you!

Visit www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities to view openings.

INTRODUCING SWEEP CAROLINE

More than 225 votes are in, and the City’s new street sweeper’s name is Sweep Caroline. The winning name beat out close contenders Lightning McClean and Sweepasaurus Rex. Sweep Caroline joins Sweeping Beauty and Meryl Sweep in the Department of Public Services' fleet that keeps our community clean. Keep an eye out for Sweep Caroline on your street this spring!

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES UPDATES

ATTEND THE APRIL 2 PARKS & REC BOARD MEETING

Join us for the next meeting of Birmingham’s Parks & Recreation Board on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p m and learn about these agenda topics and more:

Birmingham Rotary centennial anniversary and park donation

Booth Park entry plaza and trail improvements kick-off meeting

Owl and wood duck boxes

Bloomfield Hills National Honor Society volunteers

Attend in person at the Department of Public Services, located at 851 South Eton Street (park inside the gate and use the side entrance), or join via Zoom at bhamgov.org/participate. Find more information about Parks & Recreation bond projects at bhamgov.org/parksbond.

YARD WASTE COLLECTION UNDERWAY

Curbside yard waste collection has begun for the season Yard waste must be placed in kraft-style paper bags or trash containers with a “yard waste” decal sticker attached. Plastic bags are not acceptable.

Yard waste stickers are available in a literature rack on the City Clerk counter in City Hall, or at the Department of Public Services at 851 South Eton. For more information, view yard waste guidelines at bhamgov.org/yardwaste.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION APRIL 26

Save the date for Birmingham's Arbor Day celebration! Did you know Birmingham has been designated a Tree City USA for 46 years? We will celebrate Arbor Day 2024 on April 26, rain or shine, with the planting of a native tree at a park. Location and time details are still being determined. Watch our social media and website for final plans and join the celebration!

The Tree City USA program, an initiative of the Arbor Day Foundation, provides communities with a four-step framework to maintain and grow their tree cover Learn more about it here

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES UPDATES

BIRMINGHAM PLAYGROUND INSPECTORS KEEP KIDS SAFE

Birmingham’s Department of Public Services is proud to have three staff members who have earned the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) designation from the National Recreation and Park Association: Ron Dix, Devin DeRoeck and Brad McNab.

This trio conducts monthly safety inspections of the 14 playgrounds in Birmingham’s parks to keep kids safe and reduce the potential for accidents and injuries CPSIs are trained to properly inspect playgrounds for safety hazards and to ensure compliance with national standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials and Consumer Product Safety Commission. Certification also requires passing a rigorous test every three years. There are currently only 245 certified playground safety inspectors in the State of Michigan.

BOOTH PARK ENTRY & TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

The city hired consultants Grissim Metz Andriese Associates to provide professional design services for the Booth Park Entry Plaza and Trail Improvements project, slated to occur in spring 2025. This architectural firm will prepare designs for construction based on features included in the Trail Improvements Concept Plan. Designs are just beginning, but will be presented at a future Parks and Recreation Board meeting to garner additional feedback from the community.

PARKING METER CHANGES

The City Commission recently approved extending one (1) hour parking zones to two (2) hour parking zones, except those located on Maple west of Old Woodward, and those on Old Woodward between Willits and Brown Street.

With the conversion, the City hopes visiting patrons will be happier knowing they don’t have to move their vehicle to another zone or leave to repay a meter for some of the more common visits that extend past one hour. The City will keep one-hour parking in select zones due to the popularity of parking in those areas and a desire to encourage turnover.

As a reminder, parking is free in all City parking garages for two hours or less.

NEWS FROM THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS BEGINNING SOON

Projects beginning in April: Redding Road Project Edgewood Road Project

Tentatively scheduled to begin in May: 2023 Concrete Sidewalk Program Plantings in Parking Lot No. 5

MDOT – Woodward Ave and Brown/Forest Intersections

Construction started on this project on March 6, 2024. This work requires daily single lane closures along northbound and southbound Woodward At times, Brown and Forest may be closed for up to 10 days for construction

For additional information about these project, please visit the Engineering Department webpage or call (248) 530-1840

SPRINGTIME PET ORDINANCE REMINDERS

As you and your furry friend head outside for springtime fun, please consider the following pet safety ordinances:

All dogs must be on a chain or leash of 6 feet or less and under reasonable control of a person at all times This also applies in Birmingham parks except the Lincoln Hills Dog Park (see below).

Owners cannot allow animals to deposit fecal matter in any place other than the premises where the animal is harbored or kept, unless it is immediately collected and removed. No person shall harbor or keep any dog which, by loud or frequent or habitual barking, yelping or howling, causes a serious annoyance to the neighborhood, or to people passing on the street. Please remember dog waste should be collected with a bag and disposed of in your garbage container, not your yard waste bin

Birmingham’s dog park, located at the southeast edge of Lincoln Hills Golf Course, offers a secure place for dogs to play off leash. Dogs must be licensed, have a current rabies vaccination and apply and pay an annual fee for a key fob ($50 for residents; $200 for nonresidents). Temporary one-week passes are available for visitors and those who want to try the park before purchasing an annual pass Learn more at bhamgov org/dogpark

RESIDENTS WITHIN GEORGE W. KUHN DRAINAGE DISTRICT ELIGIBLE FOR RAINSMART REBATES

RAINSMART REBATES PILOT PROGRAM

Birmingham residents who live within the George W. Kuhn Drainage District are eligible for green stormwater infrastructure rebates through a RainSmart Rebates pilot program. The initiative by the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office offers up to $2,000 per property in rebates for the installation of rain gardens, rain barrels and trees to eligible residents over the next two years.

The George W. Kuhn Drainage District serves all or part of 14 communities, including Birmingham.

The primary goals of the RainSmart program include fostering awareness about stormwater management and promoting environmental stewardship. Green stormwater infrastructure manages rainwater utilizing vegetation, soils and natural processes to capture and slow rainwater or snowmelt as it moves across the landscape. This approach allows water to percolate through the soil and utilize plant roots to filter out contaminants. In addition, instead of letting the water flow into storm drains, techniques such as rain gardens, rain barrels, and trees filter and temporarily store the water to reduce the amount of stormwater from entering the drainage district’s underground pipes that handle both sewage and stormwater

In Birmingham, the George W. Kuhn Drainage District spans the east section of the City, approximately south of Derby and east of Adams. Residents may check their eligibility through the RainSmart Rebates Eligibility Map and learn more at OakGov.com/RainSmart.

“We will work to expand this program to other areas of Birmingham in the future,” said Birmingham Planning Director, Nicholas Dupuis. “We are excited to be part of this pilot program and hope the community will take advantage of the opportunity to reduce the amount of stormwater that enters the combined sewer system while improving water quality and climate resiliency ”

Rebate funds may not be applied to projects completed in the past, and will be allocated to new installation projects throughout 2024 and 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis until all of the allotted money is spent Applicants may follow a step-by-step process to implement an approved project to be eligible for the one-time rebate over the next two years. Interested residents may visit OakGov.com/rainsmart to learn more and submit their application.

CELEBRATE BIRMINGHAM PARADE RETURNS MAY 19

Preparations are ramping up for the 2024 Celebrate Birmingham hometown parade and afterparty! The parade marches into town on Sunday, May 19 at 1 p.m. – rain or shine – followed by a family oriented party in Shain Park This beloved tradition offers three opportunities to get involved:

As a participant – walk proudly with your organization in the parade and/or showcase your organization with a table at the Shain Park afterparty. Register online here no later than May 1

As a sponsor – support the parade with a financial or in-kind donation, and be recognized for your contribution. See the sponsorship packages at bhamgov.org/paradesponsorship and register as a sponsor here by April 26

As a volunteer – donate approximately two hours of your time on parade day. Learn more and register here.

Look for additional details about the parade and afterparty coming soon in this newsletter, at bhamgov org/parade and social media

NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA

LEARN TO SKATE REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 15 AT 8 A.M.

Join us at the Birmingham Ice Arena for Learn to Skate classes and open skating this spring! Enroll in our Learn to Skate program offering instruction for children and adults at all skill levels. Session 5 online Learn to Skate enrollment starts at 8 a m on Monday, April 15 through Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with classes starting the week of Monday, June 10.

Open skate sessions are offered throughout the week year round; see the current schedule at bhamgov.org/icearena. To enroll in classes and learn more, visit play.bhamgov.org.

MAIN ICE RENTAL AVAILABLE

Ever dream of having an entire skating rink to yourself or your team? Now’s your chance. The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena just released its spring 2024 calendar of available ice rental time for the main arena through mid May. Rentals start at 50 minutes for $207.50. See available ice rental dates/times here, and email rental requests to Connie Folk at cfolk@bhamgov.org.

2024 ICE SHOW SCHEDULED FOR MAY 18

Mark your calendars for 2024 City of Birmingham ice show, “A Day in Birmingham” on Saturday, May 18. Skaters from the Birmingham Learn to Skate program and the Figure Skating Club of Birmingham will perform the show at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The skaters have worked hard this season and look forward to showing all they’ve learned Keep an eye on social media and bhamgov.org/icearena for ticket sale information coming soon.

The Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln. For more information, contact Connie Folk at (248) 530-1642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org

SPRING GOLF NEWS

GOLF COURSES OPEN THIS WEEK

The first week in April marks the start of the 2024 golf season at Birmingham’s two municipal golf courses. Lincoln Hills Golf Course is now open, and Springdale Golf Course will open Saturday, April 6, 2024, weather permitting Rated as two of the top nine-hole golf courses in Oakland County, both offer courses that are picturesque, challenging and fun for all ages.

Upon opening, tee times can be made up to one week in advance by calling Lincoln Hills at (248) 530-1670 or Springdale at (248) 530-1660. Reservations and more information are also available at bhamgov.org/golf.

SPECIAL EVENTS KICK OFF THE 2024 GOLF SEASON

Join us for a fun "welcome back" event on Sunday, April 21 at Lincoln Hills to kick off the season! Registration begins at 4 p.m. with a 5 p.m. shotgun start followed by an awards dinner. Then come back for the Cinco De Mayo Golf Classic on Sunday, May 5. Registration begins at 5 p m , followed by a 6 p m shotgun start and concluding with an awards dinner Bonus points for festive costumes! For more information and to register, please call Lincoln Hills at (248) 530-1670.

JUNIOR GOLF REGISTRATION STARTS MAY 4

Birmingham’s popular Junior Golf program returns to Lincoln Hills from June 10 through August 2 this year Golfers ages 6 to 16 can learn golf fundamentals and improve skills through a variety of instruction options. Online registration begins Saturday, May 4 Residents and members may register starting at 9 a.m. before public registration opens at 11:30 a.m. Registration will remain open online until classes are filled. Visit bhamgov org/juniorgolf for details about the program and registration information.

BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT

SPRING STROLL

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.

DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM

Register to participate in the free Spring Stroll event featuring local retailers with special giveaways! The event will take place throughout downtown Birmingham on Saturday, April 13 from 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., with staggered start times. Attendees are invited to visit participating retailers, collect giveaways and complete an activity sheet, which may be returned for a prize.

Find more information and register at ALLINBirmingham.com/events. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and events downtown!

BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT

FARMERS MARKET OPENING DAY CELEBRATION

SUNDAY, MAY 5 FROM 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. 660 NORTH OLD

WOODWARD AVENUE

The Birmingham Farmers Market returns in May with a record number of vendors, monthly special events, fitness activities, and a new logo!

Join us as we officially kickoff the Farmers Market season with the Opening Day Celebration on May 5! We have an exciting day planned with over 50 local vendors selling Michigan-grown produce, meat and

dairy, floral arrangements, plants, artisan goods and more, in addition to live music, food trucks, crafts for kids and other festivities Free reusable totes will be distributed to market attendees throughout the event (while supplies last)

The market is open every Sunday, May 5 through October 27 from 9 a m – 2 p m For more information and special events schedule, visit ALLINBirmingham com/FarmersMarket, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

See you at the market!

CONGRATS TO OUR TOTE BAG CONTEST WINNER!

Thank you to everyone who entered the 2024 Farmers Market Tote Bag Design Contest. Congratulations to Mattea S Kaczmarek, fifth grader at Birmingham Covington School, whose artwork will be featured on the reusable tote bags distributed at the Farmers Market Opening Day Celebration! Runner-up designs will be featured on the Kids’ Zone banner at the Farmers Market all season.

WELCOME, NEW BUSINESS SCENTHOUND

745 EAST MAPLE ROAD

Pamper your pups at Scenthound, now open in downtown Birmingham!

Scenthound offers a full range of dog grooming services, so leave the routine care to them and snuggle up to a clean, healthy pup! Find more information at www.scenthound.com/birmingham. As

Courtesy of Scenthound Instagram

APRIL NEWS FROM THE BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

This month there’s lots of fun at the library. Join us for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration, learn more about getting into highly selective colleges, show off your paper airplane skills, and get help with your online genealogy searches. We’re celebrating Poetry Month with Tariq Luthun and by learning about various forms of poetry. Plus, we’ve got computer classes and book clubs, and storytimes all month long! Find all of this and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.

SAVE THE DATE

Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day on Saturday, May 4.

The Friends of the Baldwin Public Library Used Book and Media Sale – May 3-5, 2024

The Library Open House and Dedication on Saturday, May 18.

Tariq Luthun

JOIN US FOR BIRMINGHAM’S BIG NIGHT OUT TO BENEFIT NEXT!

Daxton Hotel • Thursday, April 4 • 7 p.m. 298 South Old Woodward Avenue

HEADLINING THIS YEAR'S BIG NIGHT OUT the incomparable Mark Randisi with the amazing acapella group, The Unforgettables kicking off the evening. Think of bands like Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie or Glen Miller and crooners like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Dean Martin.

The night will be reminiscent of the nightclub scene that was popular through the 1930s and 40s with clubs such as the Copacabana, The Chi Chi Room and The Rainbow Room. Add strolling appetizers and desserts, special surprises, and the warmth of community, and you truly have a night to remember!

Join us for this very special evening, a community celebration to benefit Next!

Tickets are on sale now at www.BirminghamNext.org.

Next proudly serves the growing 50 plus population in our community Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street in Birmingham Contact Next at (248) 203-5270, visit www.BirminghamNext.org or like Next on Facebook.

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Photo Credit:Chris Cook

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