VIRTUALLY EXPLORE BIRMINGHAM



VIRTUALLY EXPLORE BIRMINGHAM
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.
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
Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of department contact numbers for services needed.
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.
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
Meet Ryan Kearney, Operations Captain for the Birmingham Police Department. Captain Kearney oversees the patrol division, special events and traffic-related issues He is a graduate of Western Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University's Police School of Staff and Command. He has been with the department for nearly 20 years and looks forward to continuing to serve the residents and community. Follow this link to learn more.
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023 AT 6:45 P.M.
Learn about the process for electing a Mayor at the City Commission workshop on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 6:45 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.
Residents are encouraged to attend the workshop to gain a better understanding of topics and 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 on the city's website.
The Birmingham Fire Department recently announced its 5-year Insurance Services Office (ISO) review will result in a new class 2 rating, effective August 1, 2023. This is up from the department's previous class 3 rating over the past 18 years ISO ratings are graded 1-10, with 1 being the best. This improvement is a great accomplishment, as it is now among the top 1.5% of all fire departments in Michigan
ISO measures a department’s ability through their Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) review manual. The FSRS considers three main areas of a community’s fire suppression system: emergency communications, fire department (including operational considerations), and water supply In addition, it includes a Community Risk Reduction section that recognizes community efforts to reduce losses through fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation.
The Birmingham Fire Department, with its two strategically located and fully staffed Advanced Life Support stations, maintains an average emergency call response time of three minutes – the quickest response time in the state In addition to all fire and medical (EMS) emergency calls, the fire department also provides response to hazardous materials calls, including explosive gas leaks, gasoline and chemical spills, carbon monoxide incidents, electrical wires down, etc. The department’s fire prevention bureau handles inspections of all commercial and industrial occupancies, schools, and multi-family dwellings. Their community risk reduction approach includes home safety inspections and public education throughout the entire city.
Learn more about the Birmingham Fire Department at www.bhamgov.org/fire.
Safety should be paramount when using barbecues, recreational fire pits or anything that produces an open flame. Follow these safety tips when using outdoor cooking appliances or enjoying a recreational fire:
Maintain a minimum distance of 10-feet for BBQ grills and 15feet for fire pits away from your home, garage or other combustible property.
Have a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby in the event that a fire gets out of control Call 911 in the event of a fire
Always use clean fuel such as charcoal, non-treated wood, natural gas, or propane Clean your grill after each use to reduce grease build-up, reducing the chances of fires. Always fully extinguish a fire after use and never leave a fire unattended.
There are different rules and requirements for multi-tenant buildings, such as condominiums and apartments These types of structures cannot use propane for cooking Alternatives for multi-tenant structures are electric grills. Inquire with building management or association members about a common area where tenants can grill safely
Please call the Birmingham Fire Department if you have any questions or concerns at (248) 530-1906.
Birmingham will hold a general election on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. At this time, the ballot will include four Birmingham Commissioner seats and three Birmingham Library Board positions, all for four-year terms. Filing deadline for petitions and candidates is 4:00 p.m. on July 25, 2023.
City Commission and Library Board candidates must be registered voters and residents for at least one year before the November 7, 2023 election. Petition packets containing all the information needed to run for these positions are available at the City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. Candidates must complete the required paperwork in the petition packet and collect more than 25 but not more than 50 signatures from Birmingham registered voters. Signers must print their names with their current address and date. A signer may only sign one petition for each available seat; in this election that means a single voter can sign no more than four City Commission petitions and three Library Board petitions.
The Clerk’s Office must receive all candidates’ paperwork no later than July 25, 2023 at 4:00 p.m., after which the Clerk’s Office will review to ensure all petition requirements are met. The clerk cannot extend the filing deadline for any reason. For more information regarding petition and candidate filing please visit www.bhamgov.org/elections.
Pet licenses are required for puppies and kittens four months old and older and are available in three durations:
One year for $15
Two years for $20
Three years for $25
Pet licenses expire with the expiration of your pet’s rabies vaccination. Pet licenses may be purchased online at www bhamgov org/petlicense, by mail or in person at the Clerk’s Office. You’ll need to provide a photo or copy of your proof of residency, your pet’s valid rabies certificate and a check (if not paying online). Visit www.bhamgov.org/pets or call the Clerk's Office at (248) 530-1880 for more information
All dogs must be on a chain or leash and under reasonable control of some person at all times
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
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.
On March 8, 2023, the Planning Board completed its review of the Birmingham Plan 2040 (“2040 Plan”) and provided a recommendation to the City Commission at a public hearing to adopt and approve in its entirety the Birmingham Plan 2040, inclusive of all maps, plans, charts, and other related matter, figures and the Future Land Use Map. On April 3, 2023, the City Commission moved to set a public hearing date of May 22, 2023 for final review and approval of the 2040 Plan per the requirements of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. The remaining schedule of review should closely resemble the following:
Updates to the Final Draft Plan, following the Planning Commission public hearing, include a change to the land use category of the city-owned parcel at the NE corner of Lincoln and Eton from commercial destination to recreational destination, adjustments to the keys on diagrams which were not the correct color, and spelling and grammatical corrections. Follow this link to view the final draft, dated April 18, 2023.
All of the documents related to the 2040 Plan remain available on www.thebirminghamplan.com. You can also watch a recording of past meetings on the City of Birmingham website. As a reminder, you can still submit comments directly to the consultant team through the aforementioned 2040 Plan website, and can submit comments directly to the Planning Division to be placed in the packet for the public hearing at the City Commission.
Did you know? An amendment to the tennis facility lease with the Birmingham Racquet Club was approved during the April 24, 2023 City Commission meeting, and Birmingham residents will now receive a 20% discount on all memberships which include youth, individual and family Learn about the Birmingham Racquet Club at www.birminghamracquetclub.com.
Join a city board to have a direct impact on your community! The following City of Birmingham boards and committees have vacant positions or members with terms expiring soon. Applications are due before noon the Wednesday prior to the commission interview/appointment date For more information, please visit www.bhamgov.org/boardopportunities.
The following city projects are currently under construction:
Westwood, Oak, and Raynale Project
Parking Lot No. 5 Slope Repair
Lincoln Hills Golf Course Tee No. 1 Tee-Box and Cart Path Improvements
2022-2023 Cape Seal Program
2022-2023 Trip Hazard Elimination Program
Water Tower Maintenance and Coating
The following city projects are tentatively scheduled to start in May:
2022 Concrete Sidewalk Program
Cranbrook Road Non-Motorized Pathway Improvement Program
2021 Asphalt Resurfacing Program – Parking Lot No. 5
Punchlist items for South Old Woodward Project
For additional information about these projects, please visit bhamgov.org/engineering or call 248-530-1840
Thank you to everyone who attended the South Eton Street Public Open House event on Tuesday, April 18. The Multi-Modal Transportation Board (MMTB) will review concepts at the May 4, 2023 meeting. The public is welcome to attend the meeting. More information is available on the city's website.
The Allen House at the Birmingham Museum will close to the public May 1 due to lead abatement for the historic window restoration project. The 1822 Hunter House, however, will remain open for guided tours by museum staff
The Hunter House is one of the oldest existing dwellings in Michigan, and features unique building technology of the period as well as fascinating changes made during its 200-year history. The Hunter House is also the primary focus of Birmingham Public Schools’ 2nd grade local history field trips during the month of May. The museum anticipates reopening the Allen House to the public on June 15.
The Birmingham Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. During the closure of the Allen House, admission is $3; children 5 and under and Friends members are free Questions? Contact the museum at 248-530-1928 or museum@bhamgov.org, or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, May 9 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:
Interview consultants qualified to update the city's five (5) year Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
Adams Park Update
Tennis Facility Lease Update
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.
Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant that spreads quickly through woodlots, outcompeting understory plants including tree seedlings Tiny seeds can be transported or blown around by vehicles. Garlic mustard produces allelopathic compounds that can limit seed germination in other species. Garlic Mustard thrives in wooded areas and can tolerate deep shade, partly because it emerges and blooms before trees develop leaves in spring.
Characteristics:
An herbaceous, flowering plant that smells like garlic when crushed
Heart-shaped basal rosettes (leaves) appear in year one at ground level
In the second year, stems shoot up (1-4 feet) and develop flowers and seeds.
Leaves become more toothed and triangular in shape.
Clusters of tiny, white, 4-petaled flowers bloom in early spring.
Seed pods are green, long and narrow and look like stems – turning brown in fall.
Learn about control methods on the state's website and in this informational document.
Enjoy open skate this spring at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena! Visit bhamgov org/icearena to view the open skate schedule.
The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena offers Learn to Skate programs for ages 3 and up! All classes meet once per week and skate rental is available. Find more information and register starting Monday, May 15 at https://play.bhamgov.org/. Session 5 Learn To Skate classes are held on either Mondays or Wednesdays and begin the week of June 12.
If you are interested in renting ice this spring, visit bhamgov.org/icearena or contact Connie Folk at (248) 530-1642.
SATURDAY, MAY 20 AT 12PM AND 4PM
Join us at the Birmingham Ice Arena on Saturday, May 20 to watch our talented Learn to Skate and club skaters showcase their achievements this season! Visit bhamgov org/icearena for ticket information.
The Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln. For questions about programs, contact Connie Folk at (248) 530-1642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org.
Historic preservation is a recurring topic in this newsletter column, and for good reason. Historic buildings and historic places provide numerous quantitative and qualitative benefits to a community and the environment. This May, celebrate Historic Preservation Month by putting a spotlight on the people in our community who are doing the important work saving our places and building our communities through preservation! This year’s
theme (chosen by the National Trust for Historic Preservation) is People Saving Places. Historic place-savers pour their time, energy, and resources into protecting places they care about, often without recognition. The 2023 Preservation Month theme of “People Saving Places” is a national high-five to everyone doing the great work of saving places in ways big and small and inspiring others to do the same! We know we have amazing place-savers in Birmingham, and they should be recognized for their work If you know anyone, be sure to say hello and offer a big thank you for what they do!
This May we are proud to join SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, and partners across the region in supporting the Commuter Challenge 2023 to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from commuting By reducing the miles we drive alone, we improve air quality for Southeast Michigan.
The Commuter Challenge is a monthlong competition that encourages Southeast Michigan residents to try a green commute in May using Commuter Connect. Commuter Connect and the Commuter Challenge are excellent opportunities to reduce roadway congestion, improve air quality, and save commuters money Commuters who drive alone are encouraged to try a new method of travel to work (carpool, bus, vanpool, bike, walk, or work from home) during the month of May, and participants are eligible for great prizes. By reducing the miles we drive alone, we reduce air pollution in Southeast Michigan.
Sign up (it’s free) to find your green travel options, record your trips using Commuter Connect and be entered to win a variety of prizes.
MAY-be we’ll see you for one or many of this month’s exciting events! Kids will have the chance to ”travel” to France, celebrate Star Wars, craft with perler beads, and collect a fun take home kit to make a spring treat. Teens are invited to a night out, another college prep session and to learn more about henna Adults can get new info on genealogy searches and a jump start on growing a great garden. We’ll have something for everyone on Free Comic Book Day And the Friends will host a book sale and their annual meeting Find all of this and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.
Tuesday May 9 at 6 p.m.
Next is thrilled to bring you this amazing program made possible by a generous grant through the Michigan Humanities Council. Leslie McCurdy, Outstanding Performing Artist award recipient, has been portraying the life of Harriet Tubman in this unique presentation across North America. We will learn about the conviction that drove Harriet to follow her dreams: the spirit of the past connecting with the present and inspiring her charges to have the courage to envision their future
Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m.
Argentina is known for the Tango, a musical genre and social dance originating at the end of the 19th century in Buenos Aires. Who better to learn about this exciting dance than 2-time National Champions, Amanda Accica and Donato Juarez. The acclaimed Latin American dancers have traveled, performed and studied dance all over the US and South America. They both will give a lesson in Tango and Amanda will give a mini-lesson on bachata.
Wednesdays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., with Caryn Ciagne
A slow yet strong flow practice suitable for all who may be interested in expanding their yoga practice. This class will explore sun salutations, traditional standing, seated and supine postures to strengthen, improve balance, stretch and calm one’s presence. Please bring a yoga mat, water, yoga blocks, strap and an optional towel
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.
Learn about behind-the-scenes happenings at the Department of Public Services during their Open House event, scheduled for Saturday, May 13 from 10 a m – 2 p m at 851 South Eton This annual event is a family favorite with DPS trucks, fire trucks and other equipment on display, informational exhibits and complimentary grilled hot dogs and refreshments!
We extend a special thank you to the DPS employees, Birmingham Fire and Police Departments, Engineering Department and many others who work hard to offer this free, fun and hands-on event to the community.
For more information, visit bhamgov.org/dpsopenhouse. We look forward to another great event!
Lincoln Hills and Springdale Golf Courses are open! For more information or to make tee times, please visit bhamgov org/golf or call (248) 530-1670
Registration for the Junior Golf Program begins Saturday, May 6. Residents and Members may register starting at 9:00 a m and will receive special pricing until 11:00 a m
Registration opens to the public at 11:30 a.m. For program information, visit bhamgov.org/juniorgolf or call (248) 530-1670.
Register to participate in the Nite Golf event on Saturday, May 20 at Springdale Golf Course
The cost is $45 per person and includes golf, a taco bar and two drink tickets. The taco bar dinner begins at 7:30 p m and golf begins with a shotgun start at approximately 9:15 p m
The city's contractor, Jacklyn Contracting LLC, is working on the Lincoln Hills Golf Course Hole #1 Tee-Box and Cart Path Improvements project through May 27, weather permitting. Parking is limited for golfers and those who are visiting the dog park Thank you for your patience while crews complete this work.
The City of Birmingham will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Shain Park, adjacent to City Hall, located at 151 Martin Street. The patriotic program includes addresses of historical interest, popular songs, wreath laying at the monuments and live music provided by the Birmingham Concert Band Entertainers. Civil War reenactors will assist in the service
In addition, the Friends of the Birmingham Museum will mark the occasion with a special presentation and at 11:30 a.m. they will conduct a tour of historic Greenwood Cemetery with emphasis on local heroes who have served our country. Family attendance is welcomed and veterans’ participation is encouraged
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, 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.
SUNDAY, MAY 7, 9AM - 2PM
The Birmingham Farmers Market returns for its 21st season! Visitors of all ages are invited to join us for the Opening Day Party on Sunday, May 7 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy live music, kids' activities and more as you shop local produce, plants, artisan goods and other fresh fare! We have an exciting market season planned with over 40 vendors each week, special events and so much more!
Visit ALLINbirmingham.com/farmersmarket for more information. We look forward to seeing everyone at the market!
SAVE THE DATE! OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS BEGIN JUNE 9
It's show time! Join us at Booth Park downtown on select Friday nights for a free, familyfriendly movie under the stars. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m.; movie at 7:30 p.m.
DATES AND FEATURE PRESENTATIONS:
June 9: Encanto
July 14: The Grinch (Christmas in July)
August 11: People's Choice*
September 8: People's Choice*
In the event of inclement weather, Movie Nights will be held the following evening (Saturday).
*Starting in June, the community will be invited to vote for the movies they would like to see in August and September Keep an eye on social media and the June Around Town for details!
For more information on the Birmingham Shopping District, visit www ALLINBirmingham com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and events downtown!
Mark your calendars for this new event, happening June 5 -11! Keep an eye out for more details in the June edition of Around Town, and the Birmingham Shopping District's Event Calendar, Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks!
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 11 AM - 3 PM
The Birmingham Public Arts Board invites folks of all ages to join them in painting the city's new piano on Saturday, May 13 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. during the Art Birmingham Fair in Shain Park Bring the kids, parents and grandparents (or anyone else!) out for this fun event Once complete, the piano will be placed in Shain Park for everyone to play and enjoy. The Public Arts Board will provide paint, brushes and aprons (if needed).
Painting will take place at the children's activities tent. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the St. James Episcopal Church rear parking lot, located at the corner of Chester Street and Martin Street.
For questions regarding this event, contact Brooks Cowan at (248) 530-1846 or bcowan@bhamgov.org.
The In the Park Summer Concert Series returns to Shain Park with a full line-up of bands this summer! During this free, fun and substance-free concert series, visitors will enjoy the vibrant outdoor atmosphere and beautiful park setting while listening to performances from local bands playing a wide variety of music genres. Evening and afternoon concerts are scheduled on select dates from Friday, June 9 through Wednesday, August 16. View the concert lineup coming soon at www.bhamgov.org/summerconcerts.
Mark your calendars for the annual Celebrate Birmingham Parade and Party in Shain Park! The parade will kick off at 1 p.m., and it will be a vibrant display of hometown pride. The parade route will begin on Old Woodward Avenue by Booth Park and will proceed through the downtown area before ending at Shain Park. Attendees can expect to see various community groups, businesses and organizations showcasing their creativity and spirit in the parade.
At the end of the parade, the fun begins at the party in Shain Park with activities for all ages This community celebration offers a great opportunity to connect with friends, family and neighbors and enjoy beautiful Shain Park. For kids, there will be a bounce house, games, face painting and crafts. Food trucks will be on site offering a range of delicious treats, including sweet and savory options, and a photo booth available to capture memories of the event with friends and family. Don’t miss this beloved Birmingham tradition! For the latest information, go to www.bhamgov.org/parade. We look forward to seeing you there!
Community groups, local businesses, dance teams, scout troops, children and adults of all ages are encouraged to march in this year's parade. It’s a great opportunity to spotlight your group! Visit www.bhamgov.org/parade to register before May 12.
Sponsors are invited to join in the 2023 festivities! Being a sponsor is another way for a business, group, organization or individual to be recognized as part of this familyfriendly event which reflects the hometown feel of Birmingham. The Hometown Parade is televised by Bloomfield Community Television and covered by traditional print and social media, giving sponsors a fantastic PR opportunity. Visit www.bhamgov.org/parade for registration forms and sponsorship packages; register before April 28.
Interested in being a food vendor or otherwise join in the celebration? Contact Christina Woods at cwoods@bhamgov.org or (248) 530-1803.
Parade Presenting Sponsor: Bank of Ann Arbor - Birmingham
Party in Shain Park Presenting Sponsor: Bloom Pediatrics
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