AROUND TOWN Monthly e-Newsletter May 2021
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MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
LATEST NEWS SHARE YOUR IDEAS ON ENGAGE BIRMINGHAM
The City is pleased to introduce Engage Birmingham, a new public communications tool where you can contribute ideas to actively shape your community and strengthen the place you call home. The community is encouraged to visit engage.bhamgov.org to register and provide input on two projects: Naming the City Newsletter and Pickleball Court Locations. The platform will soon feature additional projects and engagement opportunities. Register and share your feedback today!
MEET THE STAFF JOSEPH LAMBERT HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Meet the City's new Human Resources Manager, Joseph Lambert. Joe began working for the City as a Human Resources Generalist in November, 2017, and was promoted to Human Resources Manager last month. Congratulations, Joe!
JOIN A BOARD OR COMMITTEE Help make our community better by applying for an available City board and committee position. You may be interested in history, building trades, or transportation - wherever you look, we've got a place where you can make a difference. For a complete list of openings and requirements for each board please visit www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE CLERK'S OFFICE CANDIDATE PACKETS AVAILABLE FOR NOVEMBER 2 CITY COMMISSION AND LIBRARY BOARD ELECTIONS Interested in running for the Birmingham City Commission or Baldwin Library Board? Birmingham’s November 2 ballot will include candidates for three city commission seats (4year terms expiring in 2025) and four library board of directors positions (three 4-year terms expiring in 2025, and one 2-year partial term expiring in 2023). To qualify, you must live in and be registered to vote in Birmingham, and file the following with the city clerk’s office not later than 4 p.m. on July 20, 2021: A nominating petition signed by at least 40 Birmingham registered voters or, alternatively, pay a $100 non-refundable fee Two affidavits of identity form (an original and a copy) Candidate packets with blank petitions, affidavit form and other information are available by calling or emailing the clerk’s office at 248-530-1880 or clerksoffice@bhamgov.org.
PASSPORT RENEWALS BY MAIL If you’re starting to dream about traveling again, know that most passports can (and should) be renewed by mail. Even if your passport has expired, you’re eligible to renew by mail if you can answer yes to these statements: You have your passport in your possession to submit with your application It’s undamaged other than normal wear and tear It was issued when you were age 16 or older It was issued in the last 15 years It was issued in your current name or you can document your name change If you qualify, visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/havepassport/renew.html to complete an application and find further instructions. Be aware that renewals are currently taking 10-12 weeks; expedited processing by the State Department is available for an additional fee. If, however, you answered no to any of the above statements, you will have to apply in person. While Birmingham City Hall remains closed to the public due to the pandemic, the Troy Post Office at 2844 Livernois is accepting applications by appointment. For more information, call (248) 619-1598 or schedule online at www.usps.com/scheduler.
MAY 2021
COVID-19 UPDATES
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
CITY SERVICES City offices continue to serve the
BIRMINGHAM NEXT SENIOR CENTER TO HOST COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC NEXT, with the support of Mills Pharmacy, is excited to announce a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic on May 15th. All NEXT members and seniors have priority, followed by all others, 16 years and older, by appointment. The two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will be administered by Mills Pharmacists, based on availability. Vaccine #1 will be administered on Saturday May 15th and vaccine #2 will be administered on Saturday June 5th or June 12th. Appointments are necessary at this time, please call the
community, however the Municipal Building and Department of Public Services remain closed to the public. Forms and payments may be submitted 24/7 via the drop box located behind City Hall, or use the drive-up drop box located near the driveway entrance off of Henrietta.
NEXT office at (248) 203-5270 to schedule your appointment.
Documents such as building
NEXT is located at 2121 Midvale in Birmingham, MI 48009.
permit applications and plans
COVID-19 INFORMATION Visit www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention for helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of Michigan, Oakland County Health Division and more.
CITY MEETINGS All City meetings will be held virtually until further notice. This will be reevaluated as the pandemic continues. Learn how to participate in these meetings at www.bhamgov.org/participate. Visit www.bhamgov.org/calendar to view all upcoming meetings.
COVID RELIEF INITIATIVES The City is assisting the community with the following COVID relief initiatives: Free parking in the parking structures and waived parking fees for monthly permit parking holders through June 30, 2021. Waived e-check fees for online payments through June 30, 2021. Most City forms and payments may be submitted online at www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments. Hand sanitizer stations have been installed in all parking structures and high pedestrian traffic areas. Dedicated curbside pick-up locations for restaurants and retailers.
can be picked up at the Police Department entrance on the east side of City Hall and dropped off in the new Community Development drop box located behind the building. Residents requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the City via phone or email. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view departmental contact information for services needed.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
PARKS & REC BOND PROJECT UPDATE PARKS & RECREATION BOARD MEETING Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the virtual Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. Topics on the agenda include: Pickleball Sites - Review Possible Locations, Ice Arena Construction Update (see below), and Chesterfield Fire Station 2 - Park Space Discussion. Learn how to participate in upcoming meetings via Zoom at www.bhamgov.org/participate.
BIRMINGHAM ICE ARENA RENOVATION/ADDITION PROJECT This is an exciting time for the City of Birmingham and its skating/hockey community! The Birmingham City Commission approved the contract with CE Gleeson Constructor, Inc. to serve as the General Contractor for the renovation/addition project. The contractor is now onsite to remove the rink contents and perform other interior pre-construction work. Upcoming work includes: mobilize, decommission ice equipment, remove dasher boards, remove bleachers, and Selective demolition. Visit www.bhamgov.org/icearena to learn more about the project. Keep an eye on www.bhamgov.org/parksbond for next steps and project updates!
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
PROGRESS ON CITYWIDE MASTER PLAN Last month the City Commission reviewed a summary of public comments regarding the first draft of the Citywide Master Plan for 2040, and the recommendations for changes to the first draft expressed by Planning Board members to date. The Commissioners gave direction to the consultants in preparation for the second draft. The DPZ team is currently preparing the second draft of the 2040 Plan, which will be provided to the City this summer.
NEXT STEPS The remaining steps in the master plan updating process will include the review of the second draft of the 2040 Plan and the completion and review of a final draft of the 2040 Plan using the formal public hearing process required under State and local law. Find more information about the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 at www.thebirminghamplan.com. Learn how to participate in all upcoming meetings at www.bhamgov.org/participate.
CITY COMMISSION MAY WORKSHOP PARKING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT CONCEPT/DEEP DIVE The Parking Assessment District will be discussed at the City Commission workshop on Monday, May 10 at 6 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting. The workshop will offer the City Commission an opportunity to review the history of how the Parking Assessment District came to be in the City of Birmingham, the legal ramifications of the Special Assessment District, and discussions on the future of Parking Assessment Districts in the City of Birmingham. Tentative dates and topics for other upcoming City Commission workshops include: Short Term Rentals – June 14; and Commission Standards for Online Platform/Social Media Conduct – date to be determined. Residents are encouraged to attend the workshops 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 each Thursday preceding the meetings at www.bhamgov.org/commissionagendas.
MAY 2021
PET CARE & SAFETY
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
FIRE DEPARTMENT DRYER SAFETY TIPS Annually in the United States nearly 3,000 fires are caused by clothes dryers. The following tips may prevent a fire caused by a clothes dryer.
INSTALLATION
USEFUL REMINDERS WHEN WALKING AROUND TOWN All dogs must be on a chain or leash and under reasonable control of some person at all times. A dog cannot go beyond the premises of its owner unless restrained by a chain or leash and under reasonable control. 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. If a person is walking an animal on property they do not own, whether public or private, they must have an appropriate device for the collection of fecal matter in their immediate possession and an appropriate depository for the transmission of fecal matter to the premises where the animal is harbored or kept. 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.
Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional and follow the owner’s manual.
CLEANING Clean the lint trap before and after every use. Periodically check around the appliance for lint build up (especially the back of the unit). Clean the lint trap with a nylon brush at least every six months. Consider having your dryer cleaned and inspected by a professional periodically. Lint can build up in the exhaust tube and under the drum. A slow drying machine is a sign of lint build up or blockages.
MAINTENANCE Replace non-metal vent pipe with smooth, non-ribbed, rigid metal duct work. Have copper gas lines replaced with rigid black pipe by a professional contractor. Inspect the vent pipe periodically for restrictions, lint build-up, nesting material and proper connectivity to the dryer and the exiting port. Keep 36 inches of clearance around dryer.
CLOTHES DRYER DON'TS Never leave your dryer on when you go to bed or if you leave your home.
Also, please remember dog waste should
Do not dry anything containing foam, rubber
be collected with a bag and disposed of in
or plastic or anything that has come into
your garbage container, not your yard
contact with flammable or combustible
waste bin. If you have questions regarding
liquids or materials. Dry these items outdoors
the Animal Ordinance you may call the
in a well-ventilated area away from heat.
Police Department at 248.530.1889 or the City Clerk's office at 248.530.1880.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
BIRMINGHAM GREEN Article and photos by Nicholas J. Dupuis, City Planner As we continue to talk about valuable character-defining features of historic buildings, we would be remiss if we did not mention roof shape early and often. The roof is crucial to understanding the overall visual character of a building as seen from a distance, and often draws the observer toward even more important details contained on the building. Many different elements make up a roof and its shape other than the basic gable, gambrel or mansard construction (to name a few). Dormers, chimneys, parapets, finials, and towers all add important visual character. Let us employ some examples around town pictured above. The unique Tudor-style house on the left has a pronounced hip on the front of the roof with side runs that extend down to the middle of the house, two hipped dormers on both sides, and a chimney in the center of the peak. The middle building boasts a tin-shingled mansard style roof, a tower with three gable dormers and a finial. On the right - a house that contains a basic, lowpitched gable roof with a chimney and long gable dormer. Could you imagine how dramatically the visual character of these buildings would change without some of these defining features? What remarkable roof shapes have you seen around town?
S&P GLOBAL RATINGS ASSIGNS AAA RATING TO BIRMINGHAM On April 27, 2021, S&P Global Ratings assigned a AAA rating to the $4.75M 2021 Unlimited Tax General Obligation Parks and Recreation Bond Series. S&P Global Ratings also affirmed Birmingham’s long term rating of AAA. Birmingham has held this rating since 2002 and is one of fourteen municipalities in the State of Michigan to have this rating. S&P Global Ratings attributes Birmingham’s tax base, management, budgetary performance, budget flexibility, and low debt ratios as factors contributing to its rating. Birmingham Finance Director Mark Gerber states, “What this rating means is that Birmingham is able to sell these bonds in the market at the lowest interest rates possible for this type of debt. This rating saves our taxpayers money by lowering the amount of taxes needed to repay the debt.” For a complete summary of the rating, visit http://bit.ly/bhamratingreport.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE ONLINE Read the newest issue of Baldwin’s newsletter
online at www.baldwinlib.org/library-newsletter.
BOOK CLUBS FOR EVERYONE
The library offers 13 book clubs on a regular
basis, across genres and age groups. Check out www.baldwinlib.org/book-clubs/ to see
what they’re reading next. All groups are meeting via Zoom until further notice.
FRIENDS OF THE BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNUAL MEETING Tuesday, May 11
Join the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library for their virtual annual membership meeting. Learn more about the organization and how you can help, and then hear an update from President Ryndee Carney and Library Director Rebekah Craft.
ASIAN AMERICAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH READING May 1 to May 31
Celebrate Asian-American & Pacific Islander voices through recommended reading lists and resources. Go to baldwinlib.beanstack.org or download the mobile app to get started. The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham. Visit
www.baldwinlib.org/reopening to view current information on the Library's hours and services.
NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM FRIDAYS IN MAY: PORCH POP UP EXHIBITS Beginning in May, the museum will be featuring free “Porch Pop Up” exhibits every Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Allen House front porch. This pedestrianfriendly format will offer a different set of artifacts each week to connect Birmingham’s past with its present using a monthly theme. Museum staff will be on hand to discuss the objects and answer questions. Masks are required and social distancing, sanitizing, and public health safety guidelines will be strictly followed. May’s theme will be “The Museum’s Changing Landscape,” which will feature historical information about the buildings and site as well as our planned landscape restoration, which will begin this spring. Museum Board members will be on site during the pop ups to greet the public and discuss current and future projects on the museum grounds. 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!
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
THE BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET EVERY SUNDAY MAY 2 - OCTOBER 31, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. Visit Public Parking Lot 6 (660 N. Old Woodward Ave.) every Sunday May 2 through October 31, and you will be met with colorful produce and floral displays, the aroma of fresh foods and the bustle of the Birmingham Farmers Market! Recognized as a top Farmers Market by HOUR Detroit, the community tradition that began nearly 20 years ago continues strong today. Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the open, outdoor environment and shop for local produce, plants and flowers, meat and dairy, eggs, artisan goods and so much more! The Market will follow Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Oakland County and City of Birmingham outdoor gathering regulations. Masks and social distancing are required. For the latest information, visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket. Follow us on Facebook @BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET and Instagram @BhamFarmMkt. We look forward to seeing you at the market this season!
MOVIE NIGHTS SELECT FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER It’s show time! The Birmingham Shopping District’s popular Movie Nights will return this season but in a new format. Planning is still underway, so please check www.AllinBirmingham.com/events soon for details. SAVE THE DATES: Friday, June 11 – Featured presentation: LITTLE MERMAID Friday, July 16 – Featured presentation: ELF Friday, August 13 – Featured presentation: CARS
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
GOLF COURSES JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMS & FAMILY DAYS! Junior Golf Program
Registration for the Lincoln Hills Junior Golf program opens online on Saturday, May 1st: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Registration for Residents & Members 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Registration for Non-Residents & Non-Members The City of Birmingham’s Junior Golf Program is designed for youth
ages 6 to 16 who have an interest in learning golf fundamentals and improving golf skills. For more information, visit
www.golfbirmingham.org/junior-golf-program/.
Family Days
Family Days are back on Sundays, May through August! During Family Days, children under 10 play
free with a paid adult. Family Days are a great opportunity to take your child out on the course. Tee Times will be 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and may be reserved by calling the Pro Shop. Each week, Family Days will alternate between golf courses. Sunday, May 2nd will be at Springdale Golf Course; Sunday, May 9th will be at Lincoln Hills; and so on. There will be no Family Days on holiday weekends including Memorial Day weekend and Fourth of July weekend.
DPS OPEN HOUSE VIDEO The Department of Public Services (DPS) Open House event has been canceled due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. Keep an eye out for a behind-the-scenes/meet the staff video on the City's website and social media channels in early May. Learn more about the DPS at www.bhamgov.org/publicservices.
PARADE VIDEO The city’s annual Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade is a beloved tradition that normally occurs in May. The celebration serves in part to recognize residents who give their time and talents as
members of city boards and commissions. In light of the current statistics and progression of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person gathering of the celebration is canceled. The City still wishes to
show gratitude for its volunteers and has an alternative way to celebrate Birmingham. The City Clerk’s Office would like to celebrate our board members in a safe way with an appreciation video that
includes each board/commission’s accomplishments and photos of members with a scheduled
release date of May 16, 2021. We encourage everyone to view the appreciation video on our website at www.bhamgov.org/parade.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
VIRTUAL MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE Due to COVID-19, the City of Birmingham plans to host a virtual
Memorial Day service on Monday, May 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. live on its Facebook page. Please note there will be no on-site
audience allowed. The virtual patriotic program will include
addresses of historical interest, Mayoral address, and wreath
laying at the monuments in Shain Park. Civil War reenactors will assist in the service. This years’ service will commemorate the Korean War.
The origin of Memorial Day dates back to 1868 when the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (the fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans), General John A. Logan, designated May 30 “for the purpose of strewing flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion (the Civil War).” The first service was held that year at Arlington Cemetery, which was already the site of over 20,000 burials. From that first “Decoration Day” to today, we honor all who served their country with Memorial Day. We hope to – virtually – see you on May 31st!
MAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES There are two great opportunities in May to make a difference in your community by helping to clean up our natural spaces. Rouge River Clean-Up Day on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Volunteers will be removing invasive species and trash along the Rouge River. Volunteers should wear boots/sturdy shoes, long pants, longsleeve shirts, hats and sunscreen. Mosquito repellent, gloves and bags will be provided. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Linden Park. Garlic Mustard Pull-a-Thon on Sunday, May 16 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Community groups, churches, scout troops, and neighbor associations are asked to help remove the invasive species along Quarton Lake. Registration will be at Pine and Lake Park. To volunteer for either event, please call Connie Folk at 248-530-1642.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES
BIRMINGHAM PUB 555 S. OLD WOODWARD AVENUE
Cradled in the heart of the City is the new gastropub, welcoming all who seek neighborly company and good conversation. Inspired by old American and cork traditions, Birmingham Pub serves locally sourced continental cuisine, artfully crafted libations and sommelier curated wines to please all. Here, Birmingham Pub has found their niche in the neighborhood and look forward to welcoming you! Visit www.thebirminghampub.com for more information.
BEAUTY FUSION
555 S. OLD WOODWARD AVENUE, SUITE 20U Beauty Fusion Aesthetics is a modern, innovative space where medical aesthetics are prioritized. Beauty Fusion specializes in anti-aging providing the highest quality cosmetic and aesthetic procedures including Botox/Dysport, Dermal Fillers, Kybella, Sculptra, PRP/PRF, Radiofrequency Microneedling, Laser, Ultherapy, Chemical Peels, Body Contouring Procedures and medical grade skincare products. Beauty Fusion specializes in helping clients achieve ultimate skin health by utilizing proper medical grade products and integrating appropriate and evidence-based skin health procedures. Visit www.beautyfusionaesthetics.com for a list of services.
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES AROUND TOWN Have you noticed inspirational chalk messages around Birmingham lately? Residents have shared these messages from around town on social media and through Nextdoor. While we don't know who the chalk artist and inspirational author is, we would like to recognize their efforts to spread optimism to pedestrians throughout the City. It just goes to show that no small act of kindness goes unnoticed! Thank you to the Chalk Artist who continues to encourage us to remember the good in each day. Keep an eye out for more messages as you walk, run or bike around town.
KNOW SOMEONE MAKING A DIFFERENCE? NOMINATE THEM FOR 'RESIDENTS MAKING A DIFFRENCE'! Birmingham is full of amazing residents, and we're recognizing them our 'Residents Making a Difference' feature. We want to recognize people making a positive impact in the community such as healthcare and frontline workers, special teachers, or even small acts of kindness from friends and neighbors. Each month, one resident will be featured in the 'Around Town' e-newsletter and via the City's social media channels. Please complete the simple Residents Making a Difference Nomination form today! Thank you for helping us recognize the special people in our community.
Birmingham resident pictured above: Julia Cook Photo by Chris Cook
MAY 2021
AROUND TOWN E-NEWSLETTER
Photo Credit:Joel Ingersoll Instagram: @agl_aerial_photography