The City of Birmingham’s Historic District Commission is creating a new set of historic design guidelines. The purpose of this project is to create an indispensable reference guide for the Historic District Commission, residents, architects, developers, property owners, and all other entities with a stake in historical preservation in the City In addition, the design guidelines will create a consistent environment for historic preservation in the City with certainty and definitiveness to assist the Historic District Commission in both residential and commercial preservation. Visit Engage Birmingham to share your input via our short survey.
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
The City of Birmingham wishes you and your family a very happy holiday season!
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.
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.
The City recommends members of the public wear a mask if they have been exposed to COVID 19 or have a respiratory illness. City staff, City Commission and all board and committee members must wear a mask if they have been exposed to COVID 19 or actively have a respiratory illness. The City continues to provide KN 95 respirators and triple layered masks for attendees
CONTACT US Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.
City Commission and other city boards meet in person, and most have a virtual option available to the public.
Individuals may access City Hall from the Martin Street entrance during normal business hours, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. 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 non emergency concerns or questions directly to the City of Birmingham using the GovAlert Mobile app! Simply download the free app and follow the user friendly 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 www.bhamgov.org/citizenrequests.
Chief Mark H. Clemence began his career with the Birmingham Police Department in 1985 after graduating from Michigan State University. Chief Clemence continued to work road patrol for many years before navigating his career through many promotions including corporal, sergeant and commander of the Birmingham detective bureau. He later became Commander of the patrol and services division in 2009 and just six months later, Commander Clemence became Deputy Chief Clemence Chief Clemence was appointed to his current position in 2016.
During the course of his career with Birmingham, Chief Clemence has completed over 2,000 hours of documented training, including graduating from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy and the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Institute. He is well known amongst his peers for his investigation skills, particularly in the area of interview and interrogation and major case administration.
As an investigator, Chief Clemence had cases profiled on ABC’s “20/20” and Fox’s “Americas Most Wanted”. Chief Clemence joined forces with the City of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township and the City of Troy to help develop the multijurisdictional “Major Case Assistance Team” or “MCAT”. MCAT later became a group of nine police departments who worked together on difficult cases.
Chief Clemence has implemented many positive changes to the police department including prioritizing community engagement, increasing staff levels in the patrol division and introducing Therapy K9 Bella the first police therapy dog in Michigan. In 2021, the Birmingham Police Department successfully gained accreditation through the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, showing that our department works hard to be a professional and transparent organization by holding our personnel to high standards. At the time of our accreditation, this accomplishment had only been achieved by 6% of police departments in the State of Michigan. Last year Chief Clemence, in cooperation with the City of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Township and the Oakland Community Health Network, founded a mental health co responder program to enhance our ability to serve those in the community struggling with mental health concerns (continued on next page)
After 38 years of dedicated service to the City of Birmingham, Chief Clemence is retiring in January. He has served with top notch professionalism and is well respected within the community Chief Clemence has been an exemplary role model for his staff and will be greatly missed. Chief Clemence reflected on his career with the City of Birmingham and said, "I could not be more proud of the men and women of the Police Department who “protect and serve” the City. They are true professionals and good people. I have always felt that the residents of the City value the police department and I want them to know how much I have appreciated their support.” Chief Clemence will be enjoying retirement with his wife Alison, his three children and new grandson.
Congratulations, Chief Mark H. Clemence! If you would like to send best wishes to Chief Clemence, you may send an email to mclemence@bhamgov org
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.
Following a thorough review of the city’s parking structures, new equipment will soon be installed to create an expedited easy in, easy out experience for all parkers. Equipment and software by TIBA Solutions will provide cloud-based kiosks with user-friendly, contactless entry and convenient payment options.
The following is an estimated timeline for parking equipment upgrades:
Chester Street Parking Structure: January 2023 N Old Woodward Parking Structure: January 2023 Park Street Parking Structure: January 2023
Pierce Street Parking Structure: Jan. Feb. 2023 Peabody St. Parking Structure: Jan. Feb. 2023
Transient parkers (those without a monthly parking pass) may enter and exit using a credit card, or they may pull a ticket at entry and scan the ticket upon exiting. As always, parkers will enjoy two hours free in all structures.
The new system will offer multiple forms of payment, such as debit/credit card (insert or tap to pay), Apple Pay and Google Pay. In the near future, the equipment will also integrate with the ParkMobile app Monthly parking pass holders will have the option to access the structures by scanning a new parking pass, or use the TIBA Mobile Access App.
Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/parking or contact Parking Manager Aaron Ford at aford@bhamgov.org or (248) 530 1257.
We are pleased to feature the City's new Senior Clerk/Cashier, Kimberly Mann, in this month's meet the staff video. She is looking forward to meeting and serving the residents of Birmingham in her new role with the City!
Follow this link to learn more
Members of the community are encouraged to review and submit feedback on the third and final draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040, available at www thebirminghamplan com The approximate timeline for review and implementation of the plan is as follows:
All documents related to the 2040 Plan remain available at www.thebirminghamplan.com. The community may visit the site to submit comments directly to the consultant team, and also submit comments directly to the Planning Division to be placed in the next available Planning Board agenda
We want to hear your opinion, preferences, and vision for the community’s future. You are encouraged to share your feedback at www.thebirminghamplan.com.
Curbed street leaf collection wraps up this Friday, December 2. After December 2, all residents must place their leaves in containers for pickup using the following containers:
Brown paper yard waste bags, 30 gallon size, found at most hardware stores.
Rigid 35 gallon containers that contain Birmingham's yard waste decal Decals can be obtained at the Department of Public Services, 851 S. Eton Road or the Clerk's office, located at City Hall, 151 Martin Street.
Place approved containers curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your trash day. Yard waste is collected each year until the third Friday in December.
For more information, please visit www.bhamgov.org/leaves.
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.
Remember, snow removal equipment is large, loud, and difficult to stop Pedestrians and vehicles should allow a wide safety area around plows and deicing equipment during winter operations Avoid darting out in front of snow and ice removal equipment, and make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of them. Walking or driving too closely in front or behind such equipment can create unsafe conditions. Remember, stay back and stay safe!
Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, December 6 at 6:30 p m The meeting will be held at the Department of Public Services, located at 851 South Eton. Topics on the agenda include:
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 learn how to participate via Zoom at www.bhamgov.org/participate. Find more information about Parks & Recreation bond projects at www bhamgov org/parksbond
Trail Improvements is a priority project for the Parks and Recreation Bond. The city hired a consultant, MCSA Group, Inc., to prepare preliminary concept plan drawings. The Trail Improvements Concept Plan includes a Booth Park corner feature, with additional seating and a restroom facility, new trail entry identifier plazas, accessible connections and viewing areas, and connectivity improvements including confidence markers, wayfinding and signage from Booth Park to Linden Park. Public input was collected on Engage Birmingham and from City departments and various boards.
The Parks and Recreation Board has reviewed the concept plan and provided feedback, and will continue discussions on upcoming Parks and Recreation Board meeting agendas. Additionally, the plan is scheduled for review by the Multi Modal Transportation Board, the Martha Baldwin Park Board and Museum Board. The Parks and Recreation department plans to explore grant opportunities such as MI Spark and Oakland County Parks and Recreation Trailways, among others, to help leverage funding to accomplish this project
Davey Resource Group (DRG) is currently working in the Northwest section of the City, updating the City’s Tree Inventory. This is year two of a four year contract to accomplish the task of updating all trees in the City. DRG’s certified arborists and urban forest experts perform data collection of city trees, stored in our TreeKeeper software program. This process includes updating existing city trees and capturing new trees not currently in the system. They confirm the tree’s species and location, measure and update the tree diameter, rate its heath, assess risk and suggest maintenance.
This year’s upcoming fall planting project consists of 144 trees along city streets and parks and will be performed by KLM Landscape The project completion date is December 15, 2022
The Clerk’s Office would like to thank all of the election inspectors and city staff that helped conduct a safe and successful November 8th State General Election. We appreciate all of the 12,680 voters who participated by absentee or in-person voting More than 66% of Birmingham registered voters participated, exceeding the Oakland County turnout average of 60 75% Unofficial results are available at oakgov com/elections under the November election tab. Official results will be available after Oakland County Board of Canvassers completes its canvass of the election.
The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board met on November 4 and discussed the completion of the rules and regulations and the marker policy for persons of historical significance The next meeting is Friday, December 2 at 8:30 am in City Hall and will include discussions of strategic planning and the board’s future goals
On Monday, November 14, 2022, the City Commission approved the city's strategic goals, which were developed following a series of Strategic Planning Workshops, input from the community and city leaders, a comprehensive city evaluation, and the direction of Dr. Lewis G. Bender. Dr. Bender has decades of experience working with municipalities in Michigan, Illinois and others to create strategic plans, and was selected following an RFQ process earlier this year. The strategic goals will direct the city’s efforts and resources toward a clearly defined vision for its future.
Thank you to residents, property owners, and businesses for your patience and support during the following construction projects this year: South Old Woodward: Brown Street to George Street -2021/2022 Asphalt Resurfacing Program Lead Service Replacement Program
The following construction projects will be competed in December: Water
Work continues on this program by verifying existing water service materials in random locations throughout the City, and will be completed by the middle of December
The following construction projects will be completed in December, with work continuing in the spring.
The City’s contractor is finishing work for the season which includes ADA ramps in the downtown area, a new sidewalk along Oak Avenue, and sidewalk repairs between Southfield Road to Cranbrook Road and Maple Road to 14 Mile Road. The contractor will be back in the spring for the sidewalk on Ann Street and granite benches along Maple Road
The contractor will continue eliminating trip hazards along sidewalks in December between Maple Road and Quarton Road, and the west City’s limits to Quarton Lake and the Main Branch of the Rouge River, weather permitting Any remaining work will continue in the spring
In this installment of our exploration of reducing consumption and minimizing waste, we will focus on composting. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines composting as a controlled, aerobic (oxygen required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take to
reduce our trash, address climate change, and build healthy soil. By turning our food scraps and yard trim into compost, we can transform our waste streams into a beneficial, value added soil amendment and use it to protect the environment and create resilient communities.
Your compost should consist of nitrogen rich “greens” such as food/veggie scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells, as well as carbon rich “browns” such as dry leaves, shredded paper, plant stalks and twigs. Visit the EPA’s Composting at Home webpage to learn more! And remember, the most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.
FROM
THE BIRMINGHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT
Throughout the years, the Birmingham Fire Department has responded to several of the fire hazards listed below. Please be careful and enjoy the holidays!
Real Christmas trees are very beautiful and smell amazing Properly maintaining the water level in a real tree not only helps the tree to last longer, but also greatly reduces the risk of a fire.
Cut spruce trees need water to stay hydrated. A dried out spruce tree is susceptible to ignite from worn out holiday lights or a spark from the fireplace, cigarettes, candle, etc
Candles are used more in the winter months. Make sure candles are always extinguished when leaving the house or going to bed. Candles should never be placed near flammable substances or within reach of children and pets. Liquid wax can quickly enhance a fire and cause serious burns
Wood burning fireplaces should have their chimneys cleaned and inspected if they are often used Chimney fires can quickly cause damage to the chimney and spread to the inside of the home. The buildup of soot in a chimney can catch fire which may cause the chimney brick to crack. When cleaning out the ashes of a fireplace, make sure the ashes are cool and place the ashes in a metal can outdoors at least five feet away from any structure
The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena offers Learn to Skate programs for ages three and up. Session Three runs January 31 March 26. Register online at https://play.bhamgov.org, starting January 9 at 8:00 a m Skate rental is available
Enjoy open skate this month! Visit bhamgov org/icearena to view the open skate and holiday skate schedule.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26
3:30 pm 4:50 pm
4:00 pm 5:20 pm
5:30 pm 6:50 pm
7:00 pm - 7:20 pm
7:30 pm 8:50 pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27
8:25 pm 9:45 pm
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29
6:55 pm 8:15 pm
8:25 pm 9:45 pm
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
5:20 pm 6:40 pm
6:50 pm - 8:10 pm
8:20 pm 9:40 pm
Ice rental is available this holiday season!
Rental rates: 80 minutes for $266. Email rental requests to cfolk@bhamgov.org.
Join us for a holiday skating event on December 11 from 1:10 2:30 p.m. Purchase individual tickets for $15 ($10 for seniors) or an 8 pack for $75.
The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln in Birmingham. For questions about programs, contact Connie Folk at (248) 530 1642 or cfolk@bhamgov org
Join us this month for a variety of fun events, including a concert with Andrew Wu, a presentation from the Birmingham Museum, Teen Anime Club, an Idea Lab class on 3D printing, and a party with your favorite heroic pups. Find all of these and more at baldwinlib org/calendar
Michigan Activity Pass is a great way to find and visit attractions all over the state. Traveling for a holiday visit? Hosting out of town guests? Find free or discounted admission on sites of interest, all over the state michiganactivitypass.com. Have your library card number handy!
From December 1 to January 31, pick up a bookmark from the Youth, Teen, or Adult Department, and partake in our Winter Challenge for a chance to win a giveaway! See more at baldwinlib.beanstack.org.
Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647 1700. The Library is closed December 24 25, 2022 and Sunday, January 1, 2023
Professor Presbey will present a photographic overview of the religious diversity of contemporary India, based on her travels Then she will lead us back in time, to 1930, to Gandhi’s Salt March, describing his march, the path, the goals he had in mind, the participants. She will share how a key goal was to unify the people of different religions of India as well as goals of religious reform and social justice. She will look at recent commemorations of the Salt March, asking questions of how the lessons of the Salt March are appropriated today. She will share her own experience on the 75th anniversary of the Salt March, marching with others along the original route. Register here.
Join us for an evening of enchanting Indian music performed by Panchaveena (Panchaveena means five veenas). As their name suggests, they are a group of five students who have been studying and playing the veena instrument for the past six years The veena is believed to have a meditative sound capable of taking the performer and listener on a spiritual journey Come and experience this beautiful classical string instrument! Register here.
India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies — and is now the world’s second-most populous country with over one billion people. India is also a nuclear power and has a large military force, using its economic and political clout to expand its influence around the world Yet India still struggles with poverty and other challenges of a developing economy. India is also the largest and most diverse democracy, yet hesitates to promote these values abroad. In this presentation, we will look at the geopolitical position of India to better understand their ambitions and their role in the IndoPacific, and on the world stage, ambitions that are still debated among India’s own leaders We will also examine the India-American bilateral cooperation and assess the future of India American relations. Join us for this far reaching presentation focused on this complex nation filled with contradictions Register here
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.
WalkupSantaHousevisitsareavailableonthefollowingdates:
Friday, December2:6:30-8:00p.m.
Saturday,December3:10:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Sunday,December 4:10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
All other visits are by appointment only. Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/events fordetailsandtoregister!
Hop aboard a horse drawn carriage ride for a scenic view of beautiful Shain Park downtown. As always, carriage rides leave from Shain Park, are free and all are welcome! Carriage rides are first come, first served (no appointment needed). Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com/events for details
Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt, featuring displays from local artists and vendors, European cuisine, thousands of holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, complimentary carriage rides and more. Warming stations, Santa House, live reindeer and the Kinderhaus children’s activity area are sure to please visitors of all ages!
Friday, December 2, 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Holiday Tree Lighting, 6 p.m.)
Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. ("Winter Sisters" Ice Princesses, 12 3 p.m.)
Sunday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Opening night, Friday, December 2, will feature the Holiday Tree Lighting at 6:00 p m All are invited to join Santa and Birmingham’s mayor for live caroling and the lighting of the 41-foot holiday tree adorned with over 40,000 LED lights! Learn more at www.ALLINBirmingham.com/wintermarkt.
See what's new in the Birmingham Shopping District! Visit www.ALLINBirmingham.com for a list of restaurants, shops and more! Sign up for our enews and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest information on what's happening downtown.
Shop unique, local gifts for everyone on your list right here in downtown Birmingham! Browse the 2022 Birmingham Shopping District Digital Holiday Gift Guide for ideas.
Downtown Birmingham has hundreds of local and national retailers to choose from this holiday season! Shopping local not only supports businesses, but also the local community! View the retail directory for a full list of retailers.
Also, be sure to consider all of our wonderful restaurants for your holiday gathering plans! View the dining guide for a full list.
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 egiftcardissuretopleaseeveryoneonyourlist!
Simply purchase the e-Gift card online and email, text or print it forusewithintheBirminghamShoppingDistrict.
Purchasea BirminghamBuckse-giftcardtoday!
The Birmingham Police Department reminds residents to use the Internet Purchase Exchange Location for buyers and sellers utilizing websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace 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.
For more information, contact the Birmingham Police Department at 248 530 1870.
The Birmingham Fire Department is now collecting new, unwrapped toys, for its annual Toys for Tots Foundation toy drive. For more than 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 through Monday, December 19, the community is invited to participate in this long standing tradition 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.
With clothing for men, women and children, Faherty welcomes visitors to their newest location in downtown Birmingham! The brick and mortar stores are a reflection of the Faherty aesthetic, inspired by the company's first love the beach. As a family-owned company, Faherty is committed to making you feel welcome. Stop by 128 South Old Woodward Avenue and say hi. You can also visit online at www.fahertybrand.com.
O2PT provides a natural approach to health and wellness with solutions that focus on oxygen to help achieve optimal health Their programs are designed to identify risk factors, provide optimization, and encourage healthy practices. O2PT utilizes new technologies, and ancient techniques, and upholds the best evidence based healing practices to make sure YOU reach your full potential. Visit them at 715 East Maple Rd and find out more online at www.o2pt.com.
Serena & Lily combines its love of breezy California style with a passion for great design. The look is casual and coastal, relaxed yet refined The designs blend classic influences with modern lines; eclectic inspiration with great American style. Serena & Lily creates spaces that feel put together, yet livable well-traveled with a personal point of view. They believe your home should be a welcoming oasis your favorite place to retreat, gather, and live well every day.
Help us welcome Serena & Lily to downtown Birmingham! Stop by and see their beautiful new showroom at 299 West Maple Rd. Visit www.serenaandlily.com for more information.
Constant Contact (subscribe to receive emails about topics of interest)
Webpage e Notify (receive an email or text when agendas and minutes have been posted) Nixle Public Alert System (alerts from the Police & Fire Departments)
City Forms & Payments
Crimedar
City of Birmingham
Birmingham Police Department
The Birmingham Museum
Birmingham Shopping District
Birmingham Farmers Market
City of Birmingham
Birmingham Police Department
The Birmingham Museum
Birmingham Shopping District
City of Birmingham
The Birmingham Museum
Birmingham Shopping District
Birmingham Farmers Market
Nextdo City of am Nextdoor Page
Photo Credit:Chris Cook