December Around Town e-Newsletter

AROUND TOWN MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2021

Stay Connected INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Join the Citywide Email List at

IN THIS ISSUE LATEST NEWS

www.bhamgov.org/citywideemail.

CUSTOM UPDATES FOR YOUR TOPICS OF INTEREST

Select topics of interest at bit.ly/bhamnews.

Holiday EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

EMERGENCY ALERTS & CRIMEDAR

For Nixle emergency alerts directly from Birmingham Police and Fire, register at www.nixle.com or text "48009" to "888777". View and track crime at Crimedar.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us for the latest City news and events.

Please forward this e-newsletter to your family and friends!

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

LATEST NEWS HAPPY HOLIDAYS! The City of Birmingham wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season!

NEW CITY WEBSITE

VISIT THE ALL NEW BHAMGOV.ORG

The City of Birmingham invites the community to visit its new website at www.bhamgov.org. With hundreds of daily visitors, the City’s website serves as an informational resource to residents, businesses, visitors and others in the community.

While the website address remains the same, visitors will experience a beautiful, modern design as well as enhanced functionality throughout the new website.

The site was designed with the goal of creating a user-friendly and positive experience for all website visitors. The responsive design adapts to the user’s device and browser, making it easy to navigate anywhere, anytime. A translate feature allows site content to be translated into more than 70 languages. The site layout and aesthetics focus on the beauty of Birmingham, showcasing various aspects of the city through the use of photography and videography. The beautiful new site features an enhanced search function, a clean and intuitive design, meeting documents and video footage located in one place for each board and committee, enhanced calendar with embedded Google maps, a user-friendly accessibility widget, and more.

The community is encouraged to explore and enjoy the new site at www.bhamgov.org.

Users may need to clear their cache to view the brand new site. For questions or more information regarding the site, email website@bhamgov.org.

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM

NAME THE STREET SWEEPERS Thanks to an Engage Birmingham survey in which nearly 200 people participated, Birmingham's Street Sweepers have new names. Meet "Sweeping Beauty" and "Meryl Sweep". Keep an eye out for them around town featuring their brand new names - you'll be swept away!

MEET THE STAFF

CHRISTINA WOODS, DEPUTY CITY CLERK The City Clerk’s Office would like to welcome our newly appointed Deputy Clerk, Christina Woods. Christina comes to Birmingham after serving the City of Fraser with more than 20 years of experience in a variety of departments.

Christina is passionate about providing excellent service to the public and city government.

Learn more about her in our Meet the Staff video.

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

CITY OFFICES & MEETINGS UPDATES CITY OFFICES The City Hall lobby remains accessible to the public through the Martin Street entrance on the north side of City Hall during regular business hours, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Oakland County remains classified as a high transmission area, and we ask the public to wear a mask while in the building. Main floor services including the Clerk’s and Treasurer's offices are accessible. Necessary in-person meetings between City Hall employees and the public take place at a designated location on the main floor of City Hall. Social distancing of six feet should be maintained during all in-person meetings. 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. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.

CITY MEETINGS City Commission and other city boards meet in-person with a virtual option available to the public. The virtual option is provided to help reduce the volume of people inside meeting rooms at any given time. Individuals who would like to attend meetings in person can access City Hall from the Martin Street entrance during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For meetings that occur after hours, visitors can access City Hall through the Police Department lobby entrance on Pierce Street.

Members of the public who prefer to attend meetings virtually may learn how to participate 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.

CITY MANAGER'S 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 Tom Markus provides the latest updates from city departments and a sneak peek at upcoming events, staffing changes, developments and more.

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

POST-ELECTION UPDATE NOVEMBER 2021 ELECTION The Clerk’s office would like to thank all of the voters for their participation in the November General election. We had a 27.4% turn out, which means 5,103 Birmingham residents voted in the November 2, 2021 election. Of these voters, 64.2% voted by absentee voter ballots. The City of Birmingham will have a Primary Election on August 2, 2022 and the Clerk’s Office will keep you updated on any other upcoming information and deadlines.

The Clerk’s Office would also like to recognize and thank the 70+ election inspectors that completed training and worked on Election Day. Also thanks to DPS and our polling locations for their work and time to ensure open and accessible in-person voting. Thank you to these people, who helped to ensure that every precinct was able to process voters in an efficient, calm, and safe manner.

CONGRATULATIONS As a result of the November 2, 2021 election, congratulations go to: City Commission members Andrew Haig, Elaine McLain, and Katie Schafer; and Baldwin Public Library Board Members Melissa Mark, Frank Pisano, Karen Rock, and Diane Rumple.

Congratulations also to newly appointed board members for the Board of Review: Elicia Katrib, Thomas Loafman, and Cynthia Rose.

GET INVOLVED! Help form your community by getting involved in your city. This can be as easy as exercising your right to vote in elections, working at a city election or volunteering to be on a city board!

Updated board openings can be found on the city website at www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities.

CLERK'S OFFICE SERVICES Visit us in the office or utilize our online forms and payment options on our website. All of our applications for licenses and permits are available at www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments. Residents may use our drop box located in the parking lot behind City Hall to turn in any forms. We are anticipating passport services to begin in 2022. Until then, we recommend visiting www.travel.state.gov to find open passport facilities.

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SECOND DRAFT REVIEW - CITYWIDE MASTER PLAN The second draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 has taken into consideration the majority of the recommendations of the Planning Board and City Commission following review of the first draft. Join the Planning Board as they review the second draft at the following meetings: - December 8th, 2021 – Chapter 2 (Embrace Managed Growth) - January 12th, 2022 – Chapter 3 (Retain Neighborhood Quality) - February 9th, 2022 – Chapter 4 (Support Mixed-Use Districts) & Chapter 5 (Advance Sustainability Practices) Information about how to participate in upcoming Planning Board meetings can be found on the City's website at www.bhamgov.org/participate. After the Planning Board review process, a joint meeting of the City Commission and Planning Board will be held to finalize the second draft and authorize distribution of the plan for review by entities required by state planning law.

We want to hear your opinion, preferences, and vision for the community’s future. You are encouraged to review the plan and share your feedback at www.thebirminghamplan.com. The site includes relevant data, surveys, documents and an email communication option to send comments directly to the planning team.

LEAF COLLECTION

SET LEAVES OUT FOR PICKUP THRU WEEK OF DEC. 13 All residents may place leaves in approved containers curbside by 7 a.m. on your trash day now through the week of December 13th. Leaf collection from the street has concluded for the season. For more information, visit www.bhamgov.org/leaves.

PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include pickleball site selections and other park project updates. Attend in person or learn how to participate via Zoom at www.bhamgov.org/participate. Find more information about Parks & Recreation bond projects at www.bhamgov.org/parksbond.

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SENIOR SERVICES Did you know seniors enjoy a wide 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.

EXCHANGE INTERNET PURCHASES IN POLICE LOT With the holiday season approaching, the Birmingham Police Department reminds residents to use the Internet Purchase Exchange Location for buyers and sellers utilizing websites like Craigslist. The internet exchange location is in the parking lot on the south side of City Hall at 151 Martin Street.

Residents are encouraged to make exchanges during daytime hours, however the lot is well-lit if meeting after dark is necessary. The lot is under video surveillance at all times. While this area may not work for every online sales transaction because of the size of the item(s) being exchanged, it is open to the general public and encouraged for use when possible.

The purpose of the Internet Purchase Exchange Location is to cut down on potential fraud and robberies that can be associated with these types of transactions. The area is intended for completing exchanges; police personnel will not participate or act as official witnesses in the transactions nor are they available for legal advice or pricing disputes between parties involved in transactions occurring at this location.

For more information, contact the Birmingham Police Department at 248-530-1870.

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

SOUTH OLD WOODWARD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT Downtown infrastructure improvements will continue next year with the South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 project between Brown and Landon. It is a continuation of the work completed in 2018 on other areas along Old Woodward, and in 2020 on Maple. The reconstruction project will result in new underground infrastructure and new streetscape between Brown and Landon.

The City Commission approved the design concept for the project in October, and the city is moving on to the final design stage. This month and next month, contractors in the area will investigate the location of sewer services, and perform pavement cores and soil borings, which will help with preparation of the project plans.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for the South Old Woodward Reconstruction Phase 3 Constant Contact group at bit.ly/bhamnews to receive updates throughout the project. The city’s public engagement platform, Engage Birmingham, offers the community an opportunity to share feedback about their experiences as a pedestrian and driver on the previous phases of the project. Download frequently asked questions regarding the project at bit.ly/oldwoodwardphase3faq. More information about the project can also be found at www.bhamgov.org/oldwoodwardphase3.

FIRE DEPARTMENT TOY DRIVE, NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 16 For nearly 20 years, the Birmingham Fire Department has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation in their mission to provide a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children during the holidays.

Now until Thursday, December 16, the community is invited to participate in the annual collection by donating new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls of all ages.

Contactless donations will be accepted at both firehouses, Station 1 and Station 2. Station 1 is located at 572 South Adams Road (between Hazel Street and Bowers Street) and Station 2 is located at 1600 West Maple Road (between Fairfax Street and Chesterfield Street).

For more information, please contact Station 1 at (248) 530-1906. For details about the Toys for Tots program, visit www.toysfortots.org. For more information about the Birmingham Fire Department, visit www.bhamgov.org/fire.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2021

JOIN US FOR A CITY COMMISSION WORKSHOP MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 6 P.M.

Wayfinding infrastructure will be discussed at the City Commission workshop on Monday, December 6 at 6 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.

Residents are encouraged to attend the workshop to gain a better understanding of projects considered by the City Commission. The Mayor will call for public comment at the end of each workshop to ensure the City Commission has as much time as possible throughout the workshop to learn, explore, discuss and hear community input as well.

Workshop agendas will be available www.bhamgov.org/commissionagendas.

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Thursday

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UNDERSTANDING THE SNOW ORDINANCE Take measures to ensure you don't find yourself in violation of the ordinance regarding snow removal and snow parking bans. Here are the two most important requirements: 1) You are required to clear snow and ice on sidewalks that abut your property. If the snow stops falling during the day, your sidewalks must be cleared by no more than 12 hours later. If the snow stops falling during the night, all sidewalks must be cleared by 6 p.m. the following day. Sidewalks that are not cleared of snow and ice will be shoveled by the city and the property owner will be fined.

2) When a Snow Emergency is declared, residents must remove their cars from city streets so the snow plows can get through. Cars in violation of this ordinance will be ticketed.

View more information about snow removal at www.bhamgov.org/snowremoval.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2021

NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA PUBLIC OPEN SKATE: FUN FOR ALL AGES!

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY EDUCATIONAL EVENTS On Thursday, December 2, we continue our series with the Birmingham Museum, highlighting Olde Christmas in Birmingham and on December 13 we feature historian Jim Craft who will discuss the American Army in Normandy.

FAMILY STORY TIMES On December 22 and 29, attend a Family Storytime at the park, or at the Library.

PARTICIPATE IN A RECURRING SERIES Learning in Retirement meets every Wednesday Computer classes happen nearly each week Book Clubs meet all month long

WINTER READING CHALLENGE Pick up a bookmark from the Youth or Adult Department, or a Bingo Sheet for Teens, and partake in our Winter Challenge for a chance to win a giveaway!

The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700. The Library is closed December 24-26, 2021 and Saturday, January 1, 2022.

NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM NEW SIGN AT THE MUSEUM

The Birmingham Museum has a new sign, installed as part of its first phase landscape improvements. As part of its landscape master plan, improvements in the Heritage Zone around the Allen and Hunter Houses have included a fence gate and re-introduction of three historic elm trees. The sign installation is the most visible enhancement, and features the museum’s updated logo.

The sign is located in a planned community heirloom garden, which will contain heritage perennials sourced from Birmingham’s gardeners through a plant donation and exchange event in May of 2022. Stay tuned for more information over the winter on how you can pledge your historic plants! Interested gardeners can contact the museum now for more information.

The Birmingham Museum is currently open Tuesday – Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., with our current exhibit, “Beyond Suffrage: Empowering Birmingham’s Women” and guided tours of the John West Hunter House, the oldest house in Oakland County. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children 5 and under and Friends members are free.

Contact museum staff at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org for more information or for help with your questions. To see what we’ve been up to, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube!

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

NEWS FROM NEXT THE HIDDEN PAYOUT OF EATING ORGANIC WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 AT 12:30 PM Are you sick and tired of being, well, sick and tired? Is your weight all over the charts? Overwhelmed by health care expenses? Many people believe that buying conventionally processed food saves them money — but does it really? Where do we spend that money? Doctor's bills?

Surgeries? Prescriptions and supplements? Energy drinks? In this class you will learn the lesser known facts about eating organic. We will teach you not only how to improve your physical health, but your financial health as well. Aaron Wallace, CEO of Balance Your Fitness, returns to Next to share his expertise about how to live life at your highest potential. Click here to register.

MIXED MEDIA: COLLAGE ASSEMBLAGE MONDAYS, JAN. 10 - FEB. 28, 5:00 - 7:00 PM Next welcomes mixed-media artist and instructor Marat Paransky whose

studio

practice

includes

sculpture,

painting,

drawing,

photography and other media. Marat’s artwork falls into one of several themed projects including research-based work on social issues, text pieces about the art world, and more spontaneous assemblies of found materials. This class will cover the techniques and thinking behind 2D collage, 3D assemblage and everything in between. There will be technical instruction through demos, discussion of examples in books and slideshows and studio time to work on projects. Students will need to scavenge for their own raw materials and purchase some basic supplies. All skill levels welcome and a supply list is available in the Next office. Click here to register.

Next proudly serves the growing 50 plus population in our community. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street in Birmingham. Contact Next at (248) 203-5273, visit www.BirminghamNext.org or like us on Facebook

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2021

BIRMINGHAM GREEN ARTICLE BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR As noted in a previous newsletter article, Birmingham is poised to have just under 3,000 homes that are 100 years of age or older by the year 2030. With the cold winter months ahead, so too come cold drafts, cold pipes, and overworked HVAC units. As is the mission of the Birmingham Green series, we would like to highlight a few ways that you can green an old home to alleviate some of these problems by highlighting a few important points from a publication by the National Trust for Historic Preservation: 8 Ways to Green Your Historic House: 1. Conduct an energy audit - Before you start making changes to your historic house to make it more energy-friendly, you first have to understand what parts of your house need help. The best way to do this is to conduct an energy audit.

2. Don’t replace windows - One of the biggest misconceptions is that old houses are drafty because of their historic windows and that the only solution is to replace them. Adding weather-stripping or storm windows keep out drafts just as well, and the old growth wood found in historic windows lasts longer than modern day materials.

3. Insulate the attic and basement - Energy escapes through places that are usually uninsulated, especially basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Consider insulating these spaces to prevent air from escaping. Cellulose is a great option because, unlike spray foam, it is reversible.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2021

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT SANTA HOUSE VISITS* WEEKENDS / SHAIN PARK Make an appointment to visit Santa* at his quaint home in Shain Park. While you're here, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. As always, Santa House and carriage rides are free! Thank you to our sponsor Shain Park Realtors. *Visits with Santa are by appointment only except during Winter Markt (Friday, December 3 Sunday, December 5) where Santa visits will be first-come, first-served. For all other dates, please visit our event calendar at ALLINBirmingham.com/events to schedule an appointment.

SANTA HOUSE HOURS: December 3: Following the Holiday Tree Lighting – 8:00 p.m. (No appointment needed) December 4: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (No appointment needed) December 5: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (No appointment needed) December 11: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

December 12: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

December 18: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

December 19 and December 24: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2021

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES WEEKENDS / SHAIN PARK Hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. As always, carriage rides are free!

CARRIAGE RIDE HOURS: December 4: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (no rides from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

December 5: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 11: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 12: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 18: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (no rides from 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

December 24: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

SCAVENGER HUNT / WIN $250!

WEEKENDS / DOWNTOWN Register to participate in a scavenger hunt throughout downtown Birmingham for your chance to win* a $250 Birmingham Bucks gift card! Birmingham Bucks can be used at over 70 participating stores and restaurants in downtown Birmingham. Free and fun for all ages!

Thank you to our sponsor, Chief Financial Credit Union.

Visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events for details and to register. *There will be one $250 Birmingham Bucks winner per day. Winners will be contacted by the Birmingham Shopping District.

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2021

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES WINTER MARKT RETURNS! DECEMBER 3 - 5 / SHAIN PARK Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt featuring displays from local artists, European cuisine, thousands of lights, ice sculptures, entertainment, carriage rides and more. Visits with Santa*, reindeer (Sunday, December 5), a Kinderhaus children’s activity area and warming stations are sure to please visitors of all ages. Watch our Winter Markt Video and visit ALLINBirmingham.com/wintermarkt for more information!

WINTER MARKT HOURS: December 3: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

(Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m.)

December 4: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

December 5: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. *Santa visits are first-come, first-served following the holiday tree lighting and throughout the weekend of Winter Markt.

TREE LIGHTING DECEMBER 3 at 6:00 PM IN SHAIN PARK Join us on Friday, December 3 at 6:00 p.m. for the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting featuring Santa, caroling and the lighting of a 41-foot holiday tree adorned with over 40,000 LED lights!

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2021

WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES STATE & LIBERTY 141 WEST MAPLE ROAD

State & Liberty offers athletic fit, performance fabric menswear.

Stretchy, moisture wicking, lightweight and infused with anti-odor treatment - all the properties of your favorite workout shirt made into a sharp looking dress shirt that is also wrinkle free and machine washable. Open just in time for the holidays! Visit the store or find out more at www.stateandliberty.com.

Image Credit: State & Liberty Instagram

MARE MEDITERRANEAN 115 WILLITS STREET

Visit Mare Mediterranean for a stunning atmosphere and Mediterranean inspired seafood cuisine. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for menu highlights and to find out more.

Image Credit: Mare Mediterranean Instagram

GIVE THE GIFT OF BIRMINGHAM THIS SEASON! Birmingham Bucks e-gift cards keep local dollars within the community and can be used at over 70 retailers and restaurants downtown. Perfect for the holidays, teacher and coach gifts, birthdays, employee incentives and more, a Birmingham Bucks e-gift card is sure to please everyone on your list!

Simply purchase the e-Gift card online and email, text or print it for use within the Birmingham Shopping District.

Purchase a Birmingham Bucks e-gift card today!

DECEMBER 2021

AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER

Photo Credit:Chris Cook Instagram: @jchriscook