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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 May 2017 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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Inside City Hall with Birmingham City Manager, Joe Valentine
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| Inside City Hall May Edition |
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Old Woodward Construction Update
The City of Birmingham's Old Woodward reconstruction project, originally planned for this summer, will now take place during the spring of 2018. On Monday, April 24, the Birmingham City Commission voted to reject bids the City had received for the project, and to rebid in the fall. The section along Old Woodward from Oakland to Brown will be the first phase of downtown infrastructure improvements that will span over the next several years. The area will receive extensive upgrades, including: new sewers, water main, pavement, street lights, traffic signals, planters and parking meters. Due to a demanding construction season, the City received a low number of bids to complete the work in the summer of 2017 and they were significantly higher than expected. The revised project timeline will allow for additional companies to bid on the project. In addition, it will give Birmingham merchants more time to prepare for the project and develop incentives to be offered throughout construction.
Learn more about the City's upcoming downtown infrastructure improvements and project phases at
www.bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure
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Climb Aboard City Vehicles and Enjoy Lunch On Us at DPS Open House
The community is invited to Birmingham's Department of Public Services for their 28th annual Open House event. Come and enjoy the fun on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m at 851 South Eton.
All attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch with hot dogs, refreshments and ice cream. Children will have an opportunit
y to excavate in a sand box, receive free "hard hats" and can climb on and explore municipal vehicles, including fire trucks, plow trucks, vactors and more!
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 and fun event to the community!
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Tickets on Sale Now for Birmingham Ice Show
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Fun for ALL at the Birmingham Hometown Parade on 5/21
 The Birmingham Hometown Parade is a long standing tradition in this great community. We are inviting you, your family, and friends to join us in celebrating Birmingham on Sunday, May 21st!
The parade begins at 1:00 PM on S. Old Woodward and travels north. The route ends at Shain Park, where the festivities continue with
music and free activities for the kids, including inflatables. Park activities will continue until 4:00 PM.
Volunteers are needed! Please consider contributing to the success of the parade by volunteering for a 2-3 hour shift on
May 21st
to help with setup, parade staging, or cleanup.
To join the parade team and for additional information regarding the event, please visit
www.bhamgov.org/parade
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Construction in Your Neighborhood
With the busy construction season upon us, you may notice work being done near or around your home. If you have a concern regarding the condition of a construction site, please contact the City's Building Department at 248-530-1850, or use the contact information posted on a sign at the site.
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Still Time to Submit Your Application to Visit Japan During 2017 Goodwill Mission
There's still time to sign up for a unique opportunity to visit Japan during the 2017 Goodwill Mission, scheduled for September 5 through 15. The annual Goodwill Mission is a key component of Birmingham's Sister City relationship with Ritto. It offers opportunities for Michigan and Shiga residents to deepen friendships and cultural understanding between our sister-states. Find pricing information and the application form at
www.mishiga.org/goodwill
. Application forms must be submitted by May 15, 2017.
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Understanding Birmingham Leash Laws
Please remember all dogs must be on a leash when off your personal property or not within the confines of the dog park. The following are our city ordinances that apply to dog owners walking their dogs in the city:
Sec. 18-33.
- Restraint of dogs.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of any dog to permit the dog to go beyond the premises of such owner unless restrained by a chain or leash and under the reasonable control of some person.
Sec. 18-36. - Vicious dogs prohibited.
No person shall own or harbor a fierce or vicious dog, or a dog that has been bitten by any animal known to have been afflicted with rabies. All dogs found to be vicious and all rabid dogs shall be destroyed, unless otherwise disposed of by the owner thereof.
Sec. 18-51. - Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess or harbor any dog or cat four months old or over in the city unless such dog or cat is licensed, or to own, harbor or possess any dog or cat four months old or over that does not at all times wear a collar or harness with suitable tag attached or with the license number written indelibly thereon. All dogs and cats shall be immunized against rabies, prior to the issuance of a license under this division.
If you have questions regarding the Animal Ordinance you may call the Police Department at 248.530.1889 or the City Clerk's office at 248.530.1880.
Off-Leash Fun at Lincoln Hills Dog Park
If you're looking for off-leash adventures for your dog, look no further than the Lincoln Hills Dog Park! Located at the southeast edge of the Lincoln Hills Golf Course (located at 2666 West Fourteen Mile Road, just west of Cranbrook Road), the dog park is open every day from dawn until dusk. Registered dog park users may bring their four-legged friends out to play! Your dog will enjoy running around in a securely fenced .85 acre Dog Park. Learn more at
www.bhamgov.org/dogpark.
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Opening Day at the Birmingham Farmers Market
Join us for Opening Day at the Birmingham Farmers Market this Sunday, May 7!
The sweet smell of flowers and fresh baked goods will grace Public Parking Lot 6 (located at 660 North Old Woodward) as the market returns for its 15th season. Warming temperatures, live music and comradery among shoppers add to the lively event, which draws thousands each Sunday throughout the season. The market will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. every Sunday from May 7 through October 29.
Throughout Opening Day attendees are encouraged to stop by the information booth for free balloons for children. The first 400 attendees will receive a complimentary canvas bag sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor - Birmingham Office. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m., followed by a presentation recognizing vendors who have been with the Birmingham Farmers Market since it opened. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Register Now for Nite Golf at Springdale Golf Course
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Attend the Birmingham Memorial Day Service
The City of Birmingham will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 29, 2017 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, featuring songstress Patty Ward. Civil War reenactors will assist in the service. This year's service will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the Friends of the Birmingham Museum will mark the occasion with a special presentation. At 11:30 a.m. they will conduct a tour of historic Greenwood Cemetery with emphasis on local heroes who served our country during The Great War. 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.
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Mixed Recycling Coming Soon
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Safety Tips for Bicyclists
With the spring/summer season upon us, it's a good time to learn about tips to keep you safe as you travel through Birmingham. The sidewalks in the downtown area are congested with pedestrians.
Due to the large volume of pedestrians walking and entering/exiting businesses, bicyclists on sidewalks in the downtown area can be dangerous. Therefore, to avoid pedestrian and bicyclist accidents we urge cyclists to ride in the roadway.
Please review the following bicycle safety tips from the State of Michigan:
- Always ride WITH other traffic;
- Obey the rules of the road as any other vehicle operator, including all traffic signs, lane markings and signals, and use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing or stopping;
- Wear bicycle helmets and reflective clothing;
- Stay as far to the right as practical when riding in traffic lanes;
- Do not ride more than two abreast in a single lane, so long as it does not interfere with the normal flow of vehicular traffic;
- Avoid entering the roadway without first stopping to look for vehicles;
- Ride predictably and defensively, and do not ride while drunk or distracted;
- Always yield to pedestrians;
- Have a white front headlight and a red rear reflector if riding after dark or in low light conditions
Follow these tips and stay safe this summer!
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Volunteer Opportunities in Birmingham
Get involved in your community by taking advantage of the following volunteer opportunities:
Birmingham Hometown Parade - volunteering at this beloved community tradition is so much fun! See the article above for event details.
Birmingham Farmers Market -
Volunteering at the Birmingham Farmers Market is a great way to get involved with your community and it's a fun atmosphere!
Short shift opportunities include market setup, helping at the information tent, packaging customer's purchases, assisting children at the Kids Zone and more!
Download a Volunteer Registration Form and become a Birmingham Farmers Market volunteer!
Rouge River Clean-Up Day - Make a difference in your community by volunteering for the annual Rouge River Clean-up Day on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. - noon. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at Linden Park and lunch will be served at noon. Volunteers will be removing invasive species and trash along the Rouge River. Volunteers should wear boots/sturdy shoes, long pants, long-sleeve shirt, hat and sunscreen. Mosquito repellent, gloves and bags will be provided. To volunteer, please call Connie Folk at 248-530-1642.
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Avoid Standing Water Outdoors
The Department of Public Services is treating catch basins for West Nile.
The City of Birmingham has taken proactive measures to prepare for a potential West Nile outbreak. The City has been treating catch basins and areas of standing water on public property since 2002. The current treatment is called
Natular XRT. It increases the effectiveness of the application, which destroys the mosquito larva and prevents mosquito emergence. To date, the program has been very successful.
The Oakland County Health Division encourages residents to take the following steps to avoid the West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses:
* Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes out of buildings
* Empty water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs
* Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
* Wear light colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
* Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA-approved repellents to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer's directions for use. Download a
brochure about selecting insect repellent from the Centers for Disease Control.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Services at 248-530-1700.
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Preventing the Spread of Canada Thistle
 Spring is a great time to apply herbicides to Canada Thistle. Canada Thistle is a v
ery invasive weed, classified as noxious because it takes over an area, colonizing in patches, and does not allow native plants to thrive. Plants may reach 1-3 feet high. It is extremely difficult to eradicate because it has a creeping root system that can grow several feet deep.
Herbicides are most effective with two applications per season: in spring, just before flowering, and in fall on new growth after mowing, treat all stems.
Keeping Canada Thistle mowed down throughout the season helps as well. Learn more about Canada Thistle on the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network's website.
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Birmingham Fireworks Show Update 
The Birmingham Fire Department has announced that the Birmingham Fireworks Show will not take place this year. While we know this decision may be a disappointment to our residents, we want to allow everyone sufficient time to plan their summer activities accordingly. The event, typically held on July 3rd at the Lincoln Hills Golf Course, has grown significantly in attendance each year. With fewer local
communities providing fireworks over the past several years, the city's public safety and service departments have continually evaluated this event and its growth and recognized the event has exceeded the capacity of services necessary to support it at this venue.
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Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
The Birmingham Fire Department is conducting the annual flow testing of the City's hydrants. This testing should be completed by the end of May.
The Fire Department flows about a third of the City's hydrants each year. The testing provides the department with the flow pressure and volume of water that is expected from each hydrant. Additionally, it reveals hydrants with mechanical problems. Flow testing is one of the ways the Department insures that hydrants are operable and give the proper water flow when needed.
Unfortunately, this may cause the water in the immediate area to appear rust colored. The Department does what it can to give a couple days warning to the areas that we will be flow testing for the upcoming week. Should you experience rust colored water, here are some facts:
- This condition DOES NOT pose a health problem.
- Normal running of COLD water in your home will soon clear up the problem. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. This will prevent rusty water from entering the hot water tank.
- If the rusty water affects your laundry, you may purchase "oxalic acid", or commercial products for taking rust out of clothes, from local grocery, drug or hardware stores. Follow the product instructions for rewashing the clothes and the rust will be removed.
The Fire Department conducts the flow tests Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. We do not flow Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The map below indicates what areas are to be flowed by year.
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May News from the Birmingham Museum
 On Thursday May 11 at 6 pm, we will welcome Chris Parham for the program "History Lives in Grandma's Button Basket." The fascinating history of buttons and fasteners will be explored as well as the identification, storage and display of these objects. Bring in some of your own button treasures to share and get expert feedback on the history and care of your special button. See our website for more info about Chris Parham and this great program!
Get Connected! Get Your Wi-Fi at the Birmingham Museum!
Spring is here, and so are all the great reasons to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh breeze and blooms that abound in Birmingham. In time for your wanderings around the grounds, the Birmingham Museum now offers public WiFi. Whether sitting under our umbrella near the Hill School Bell or out exploring the wildflowers near the pond, we have expanded public WiFi access to let you connect whenever you are near the museum.
While you are checking out your Facebook or Instagram page, drop by ours to see some fun tidbits about the museum. You can see a little of what goes on behind the scenes or catch up on curiosities in our collection. Or, maybe you have a question about Birmingham or our history to post. We also have some virtual exhibits that feature Birmingham's rich school history and a 1920s Birmingham crime story online.
You can pick up our public WiFi signal all over the grounds, or feel free to stop in to the lobby to catch up on your news feed. Or, take a breather at our authentic Peabody's Restaurant table (complete with their last menu) in one of their memorable and comfy seats. We want you to Get Connected at the Birmingham Museum! Museum hours: Wed-Sat, 1-4 PM, 1-8 PM on Second Thursdays. Admission to the museum is $7; $5 for seniors & students, and kids under 5 & members are free. (Lobby access is free too!)
Please visit us on the web at
www.bhamgov.org/museum
or
www.facebook.com/TheBirminghamMuseum
.
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May News from the Baldwin Library
Friends of the Library Semi-Annual Book Sale
Friday, May 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. -
Members Preview Night
Saturday, May 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. -
Half Price Day
Monday, May 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. -
Bag Day - Buy a bag for $5.00 and stuff it to the brim with books
Save the Date: Grand Reopening Featuring Fleur de Lys Ensemble
SUNDAY, JUNE 11 FROM 12:30 P.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
Baldwin will celebrate the reopening of the Adult Services department with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, tours, and a meeting of the Music Explorers featuring the Fleur de Lys String Ensemble.
1:00 P.M: Ribbon-cutting
2:00 P.M.: Music Explorers concert
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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