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151 Martin, P.O. Box 3001
Birmingham, MI 48012
Ph. 248.530.1800
Fax 248.530.1080
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Welcome to the August 2016 edition of the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. We hope you enjoy this e-newsletter and forward it along to others who may be interested in the City of Birmingham!
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Vote on Tuesday, August 2nd! 
The City Election will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Absentee ballots are available at the City Clerk's Office until 4:00 PM on Monday, August 1st. Absentee ballots must be returned to the City Clerk's Office by 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 2nd.
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Follow Detour During W. Maple Road Closure
Maple Road, between Cranbrook and Southfield, will be closed for resurfacing for four weeks beginning Wednesday, August 3. The project, which is 80% funded by the federal government, gives the 1.2 mile segment of Maple Road a much needed face lift. The existing asphalt will be removed, the underlying concrete street will be repaired as needed, and new asphalt will be placed. As part of the work, all new handicap ramps will be installed at each intersection, and concrete curb repairs are planned as needed.
Through traffic will be asked to follow the posted detour route (see below), which is directing traffic to Quarton Rd. via Lahser Rd. on the west, and Woodward Ave. on the east. Motorists are asked to respect the road closure for everyone's safety, as well as to facilitate a fast, efficient project. Upon completion of the road resurfacing project, the road will be striped as a 3-lane road following the completion of the City's trial lane configuration, which concluded with a decision to reconfigure the lanes on the road from four to three.
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Cruisers Delight in Woodward before and during 'Dream Cruise'
You're probably already hearing the rumble of engines along Woodward Avenue on warm summer evenings. The familiar sound reminds us that the world's largest one-day automotive event is right around the corner. The Woodward Dream Cruise will roll into town on Saturday, August 20, bringing 40,000 classic cars and more than one million people from all over the world. Whether the event draws a first-time visitor or a long-time Birmingham resident, the cruise offers a unique opportunity to showcase Birmingham's beautiful historic downtown and wide variety of shops and restaurants.
The Birmingham Shopping District will host the Birmingham Cruise Event from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on South Old Woodward from Merrill Street to Lincoln. It features 300 classic cars of all makes and models, sponsor exhibits, live entertainment and more. The Chevrolet exhibit will be located in the "triangle" south of the 555 Building, where Old Woodward meets Woodward Avenue. It's a great location to check out the displays while viewing the classic cars on Woodward. Both WXYZ Channel 7 and WOMC 104.3 FM will broadcast live throughout the day from Birmingham and the Chevy event respectively.
Event day registration is open to individual cars, model year 1978 and older. Individual cars may check in after 9:30 a.m. at Brown and Woodward (Jax Car Wash). Day-of parking is $25, based upon availability and on a first come first served basis.
Tell your family and friends: volunteers are needed for the Birmingham Cruise Event! All volunteers will receive free event t-shirts, snacks and hydration all day long! Select from convenient 2 or 2 1/2 hour time slots. Volunteers are a valuable part of the Birmingham Cruise Event. Download the
volunteer registration form
and sign up today
.
Thank you in advance for your support!
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Attend Concerts & Movies in Birmingham's Parks
In the Park Summer Concerts
The 36th season of In the Park Summer Concerts wraps up this month in Shain Park. The popular series features a variety of talented performers who treat guests of all ages to music genres ranging from blues & folk to Motown & country. Attend the concerts and enjoy a peaceful evening that will leave you feeling relaxed in the picturesque setting. Bring your blanket, lawn chair, picnic spread... and enjoy!
Wednesday, August 3, 2016 - Mainstreet Soul (Motown)
Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - CrossRoads (Family Group)
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 - Steve King & The Dittilies (50's)
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 - Sinjon Smith (Country)
Outdoor Movies and Entertainment in Booth Park 
Enjoy the last Movie Night in Booth Park this summer on Friday, August 12, featuring Inside Out. The Birmingham Shopping District's Movie Night events feature family-friendly presentations and pre-show entertainers carefully selected to appeal to both children and adults. Enjoy the park's award-winning play equipment before you get comfortable on your blanket or lawn chair for the show.
Pre-show entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m.; the movies begin at dusk. Head to Booth Park (located on the west side of North Old Woodward, just south of Harmon Street) and enjoy movies under the stars! Find out more at
www.ALLINBirmingham.com
.
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Enjoy Valet Parking in Birmingham
Due to the success of valet parking offered during the recently completed Hamilton Avenue construction project, the Birmingham Shopping District has arranged for In-House Valet to stay in Birmingham throughout the rest of the summer.
The service is located near the north east corner of Old Woodward and Maple. Drivers pay
$8 for valet parking for up to four hours, then $5 per hour for each additional hour. A $5 Short-Term option is also available for those who park for 30 minutes or less. The service is offered Monday - Saturday (excluding holidays) from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. For more information, call 248-530-1200.
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Understanding the City's Parking Policy
 In March of this year, the City Commission adopted a new parking policy for the City as recommended by the Advisory Parking Committee. New regulations under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) that require reserved accessible parking spaces on the street for newly constructed roads provided the City with an opportunity to improve on street accessible parking throughout the City with this new policy. This policy will apply to any street that has individually marked parking spaces on public streets.
The new policy adopted by the City Commission is consistent with state and federal laws as well as being more consistent with neighboring communities.
Parking Policy - City of Birmingham
- Reserved, designated spaces for the disabled shall be provided at the rate of at least one per 25 existing parking metered spaces on each block, located near adjacent ramps, as well as near pedestrian traffic generators.
- Each reserved space shall have a blue marked parking meter and post, reserved parking sign using the standard accessible parking symbol, and blue pavement markings. The meter shall charge for parking at the same rate and time limit as the other meters on the block, except that no meter shall have a time limit of less than two hours.
- Parkmobile customers parked at disabled parking spaces shall have the ability to renew their parking fee remotely one time over and above the posted time limit.
- Parking for free at any meter or at yellow curbed zones shall no longer be allowed. Disabled parkers with a yellow free parking tag affixed to their permit (as issued by the Michigan Secretary of State) shall continue to be exempt from parking fees at metered spaces.
- All new street projects within the Central Business District shall be designed with fully compliant reserved disabled spaces in accordance with the new ADA law.
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Introducing the Residential Knox Box Loaner Program
Senior citizens in Birmingham who find themselves in a temporary situation that hinders their ability to open the door to their home in case of an emergency can apply for a residential Knox Box which will enable emergency service personnel to gain entry to their residence quickly and without damage to the door. The Knox Boxes are being provided on a loaner basis, free of charge, thanks to generous funding by the Foundation for Birmingham Senior Residents.
A Knox Box is a small safe containing the homeowner's house key, and is affixed to an entry/exit door of the home. The box can only be opened by a specially cut key belonging to the Birmingham Fire Department. To access the key, the officer must enter a code that is specific to him/her for security measures.
"When we respond to an emergency situation, it's difficult when the person is alone and unable to answer the door," said Birmingham Fire Chief John Connaughton. "We strongly encourage residents to take advantage of this service so we can quickly reach them and provide prompt medical attention."
"This program is ideal for those who are temporarily immobile following an injury or medical procedure," said Rackeline Hoff, Birmingham Mayor and Chair of the Foundation for Birmingham Senior Residents. "The Foundation is pleased to provide funding for this important program for seniors."
To learn about qualifications for the Residential Knox Box Loaner Program and to access the program application, visit
www.bhamgov.org/knoxbox. Knox Boxes are provided on a temporary basis, first-come, first-served. Residents have the option to purchase their own residential Knox Box online at
www.knoxbox.com. For more information, contact the Birmingham Fire Department at (248) 530-1900.
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Savory, Sweet Michigan Corn at August 14th Birmingham Farmers Market Corn Festival
 Celebrate one of Michigan's sweetest harvests with games, special kids crafts, demonstrations, and old-fashioned corn shelling in Public Parking Lot 6 during the Corn Festival on Sunday, August 14 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event draws the largest crowd of the year with attendees enjoying fresh prepared corn dishes such as roasted corn, kettle popcorn, corn bread and other homemade recipes. And of course there will be plenty of fresh Michigan sweet corn for sale!
Shoppers can see and pet a variety of farm animals at the event, courtesy of Bowers School Traveling Farm. Expect to see rabbits, baby animals, a milking goat, pony, and sheep.
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Now Hiring! Fall Seasonal Positions Available
The City of Birmingham (EOE) is seeking qualified applicants for multiple fall seasonal positions within the City's Department of Public Services and Golf Courses. Applications are being accepted for the following positions: Golf course clubhouse positions, Golf course maintenance positions, parks maintenance positions, and general maintenance positions. The schedule is up to 40 hours a week, which may include evening and weekend hours; pay range of $9-15 per hour, based on qualifications.
Applications are being accepted until positions are filled. City of Birmingham Employment Applications are available online at
www.bhamgov.org/jobs
or in the City of Birmingham Human Resources Department, located at 151 Martin, Birmingham, MI 48009. The Human Resources Department is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Little Free Library at Barnum Park
Kids of all ages have to go no farther than Barnum Park to enjoy Birmingham's first "Little Free Library" housed inside a brightly painted owl figure perched in a tree on the southeast corner of Barnum Park. So what exactly is a Little Free Library? It's a "take a book, leave a book" free book exchange. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share. Enjoy!
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Public Feedback Sought in Smart Parking Meter Trial
Martin Street (in front of City Hall) is a test area for two different brands of "smart" parking meters the City is evaluating. The 32 trial "smart" meters have temporarily replaced existing electronic meters on the north and south side of Martin Street between Pierce and Henrietta.
The new "smart" meters will allow citizens to pay by credit card directly at the meter (MasterCard, Visa and Discover), utilize Park Mobile or pay the traditional way with coins. The trial will feature 16 CivicSmart Liberty meters on the north side of Martin Street, and 16 IPS M5 meters on the south side.
The project was initiated as part of the Old Woodward Avenue reconstruction project planned for the Spring of 2017.
Public input will be one of several considerations analyzed when the City selects which parking system is the best choice for the City. Surveys will be available for users to fill out and deposit in nearby survey boxes or can be dropped off at City Hall to provide feedback on ease of use for each type of meter. While visiting the downtown area, users who park on Martin Street are encouraged to take a moment to provide feedback on these new smart meters. Your feedback is also encouraged by emailing our social media team at:
socialmedia@bhamgov.org.
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Apply Now for Fall 2016 Citizens Academy
Applications to reserve a spot in the 2016 Fall
Birmingham Citizens Academy
are now being accepted in the City Manager's Office. This free, interactive
7-week
program is open only to Birmingham residents 18 years or older and is designed to provide a fun, informative learning experience for citizens who want to know how the City of Birmingham operates. Classes will be offered on Tuesday nights starting Oct. 4 from 6-8:30 p.m
.
Download a
Citizens Academy Application
or visit www.bhamgov.org/citizensacademy. For more information, c
ontact Joellen Haines, Assistant to the City Manager, at
jhaines@bhamgov.org
or 248-530-1807.
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Learn Proper Tree, Shrub & Plant Care
As the City of Birmingham is known for its many amenities and beautiful scenery, the Department of Public Services offers helpful hints for proper tree, shrub, and plant care.
- Per city ordinance; any privately owned tree, shrub, or plant overhanging the streets or highways in the city shall be trimmed so that its branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp and so there shall be a clear space of 14 feet above the surface of such street or highway.
- Any privately owned tree, shrub or plant overhanging a sidewalk of the city shall be trimmed so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of such sidewalk.
- No privately owned tree, shrub or plant shall be allowed to encroach upon, under or over any sidewalk in a manner to interfere with the free passage of persons using such sidewalk
- All privately owned dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs that constitute a menace to the safety of the public shall be removed.
Thank you for doing your part in keeping the city looking fresh, clean, and walkable! Follow these tips to ensure ordinances are not violated:
- Stay Proactive; always look for ways to make sure your property is maintained and looking in tip top shape!
- It's almost always best to trim or prune a tree during its dormant season.
- Dead or broken branches and limbs can fall off at any time, which is a serious safety hazard. If the branches of a tree obstruct your vision while driving, they should be trimmed away.
- Tree limbs and branches occasionally grow too close to utility lines. Contact the utility company to handle such issues.
- Thinning the crown of a tree improves airflow, which can be very beneficial. If branches are crossing or rubbing together, they should be trimmed so that they don't fall unexpectedly.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Services at 248-530-1700.
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Get Involved with the City of Birmingham
It's time for you to get involved in your local government. We need you!
The City is seeking applicants for appointment to the Multi-Modal Transportation Board, Public Arts Board, Advisory Parking Committee, Birmingham Shopping District Board, Cablecasting Board, Historic District Study Committee, and the Museum Board. These Boards often meet only once or twice a month, and are a great way to get involved in your community.
Visit the
City's website
to determine if you meet the specific requirements for these boards.
For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at
248-530-1880.
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Second Public Input Meeting Scheduled for Adams Park Concept Site Plan
The Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board will hold a second public
input meeting to discuss the Adams Park Concept Site Plan on Tuesday, August 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Department of Public Services.
This opportunity is a follow-up from the May 3, 2016 public input meeting for Michael J. Dul & Associates to present a preliminary park concept site plan for Adams Park. This concept plan has been created based on the involvement and feedback from the City of Birmingham Community, Neighborhood Associations, Roeper School, as well as from the meeting of May 3rd.
Please join us at the City of Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board meeting for the 2nd Public input session to be held during the:
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
6:30 pm
Conference Room -
Department of Public Services, 851 S. Eton
If you are unable to attend, but would like to provide input please email your comments to
cfolk@bhamgov.org
or drop off a letter at the address above ATTN: Parks and Recreation Board.
We hope to see you and your neighbors at the August 9th meeting.
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Mom-2-Mom Sale at Birmingham Ice Arena
Shoppers will find great deals on children's clothing and toys at
a Mom-to-Mom sale featuring more than 40 tables to be held at the Birmingham Ice Arena on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Event specifics are as follows:
Sale Date:
Saturday, August 13, 2016; 4
0 table event!
Where: City of Birmingham Ice Sports Arena
2300 East Lincoln, Birmingham, MI 48009
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Entry Cost: $1 per person
Early Bird Entry at 8:00 am / Entry Cost: $2 per person
For more information, contact the Birmingham Ice Arena at (248) 530-1642.
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Avoid Fines: Keep Grass & Weeds Below Eight Inches
To ensure our city looks well-maintained, the City's ordinance requires grass and weeds to be kept below eight inches high. Poison ivy, ragweed or any other poisonous, noxious or unhealthy growths are prohibited. Those in violation of this ordinance will have their lawn mowed and will be required to pay for the service. Access the entire Grass and Noxious Weed ordinance (Sec. 118-66) on the City's web site.
For more information, call the Department of Public Services at
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Pet Waste and Clean Water
Pet waste contains bacteria that are harmful to us and our local waterways. Leaving it on the sidewalk or lawn means harmful bacteria will be transported into the storm drains and then into our rivers. Birmingham encourages all residents to clean up after their pet. A number of signs, bag dispensers, and receptacles have been conveniently installed throughout the City for your convenience.
Dispose of pet waste promptly in the trash or down the toilet where it will be properly treated. Refrain from feeding waterfowl. Feeding ducks and geese may seem harmless; however it can be harmful to our water. Excess fecal matter in City lakes, streams, and ponds can create unnaturally high populations of unwanted vegetation that cause problems for aquatic organisms.
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Play Pokemon Go at the Birmingham Museum
Have you been catching them all? Downtown Birmingham is an excellent place to play the augmented reality game Pokemon Go. On the museum grounds we have a gym, where players can train or battle their Pokemon, and a Pokestop, where players can acquire extra supplies. Stop on by and when you are done "catching them all" catch our exhibit on the history of Woodward Avenue and take a tour of John West Hunter's House, the oldest building in Birmingham.
The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 1 PM to 4 PM and located at 556 W. Maple Rd. Parking is available in the Chester St. structure on the south side of Maple. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students and seniors, children 5 and under are free. Please visit us on the web at www.bhamgov.org/museum or www.facebook.com/TheBirminghamMuseum.
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August News from the Baldwin Library
Paddling the Great Lakes, with Stephen Brede
Saturday, August 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Hear the highlights of Brede's 3,800-mile solo canoe voyage around the shorelines of all five Great Lakes. Registration required.
Baffling Bill Magic Chef Nutrition Show
Monday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m.
End summer reading with a POOF! as Baffling Bill dazzlers your mind and scintillates your senses. Registration required.
19th Amendment Anniversary Celebration
Women's Equality Day Lecture, with Dr. Erin Dwyer
Tuesday, August 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Learn about women's journey to winning the vote and the role of race in the women's suffrage battle.
Women in Politics Panel Discussion
Tuesday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a panel discussion with women who serve our community in a variety of public offices.
Registration required.
The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street in Birmingham.
For more information visit
www.baldwinlib.org
or call (248) 647-1700.
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Thank you for reading Around Town, a monthly e-newsletter from the City of Birmingham. We hope you find the information timely and useful. Please feel free to forward this e-mail to friends and neighbors who may be interested in Birmingham.
Sincerely,
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