April Around Town E-Newsletter |
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Stay Informed and Connected |
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Social Media
Follow us on social media for the latest updates
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Please forward this e-newsletter to your family and friends! |
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Meet Jamil Alawadi, IT and Media Specialist. You may see him filming around town! |
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While Oakland County officially declined the Fire Department’s request for
vaccines due to the lack of other Oakland County fire departments willing to participate in the program, Birmingham Fire Chief Paul Wells continues to explore other options for receiving the vaccine directly from the government and hopes to help with inoculating Birmingham residents.
Residents may visit www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention for helpful information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Michigan, the Oakland County Health Division and more.
City 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.
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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.
City Services
City offices continue to serve 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.
Documents such as building permit applications and plans 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 who need assistance are encouraged to contact via phone or email. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of departmental contact numbers for services needed.
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Celebrate Birmingham Appreciation Video |
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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.
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April 12 City Commission Workshop |
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Unimproved streets will be discussed at the City Commission workshop on Monday, April 12 at 6 p.m., immediately before the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting.
Background Information
Last year the Ad Hoc Unimproved Street Study Committee formulated a recommendation regarding the future of Birmingham’s unimproved streets. The Committee conducted extensive research on the initiation of the petition process, road surface/design alternatives, and funding to support a program of converting unimproved roads. The City Commission accepted the Ad Hoc Unimproved Street Study Committee's final report on Monday, December 21, 2020.
Next Steps
The City Commission will continue to review the implementation of this plan during the special City Commission workshop scheduled for Monday, April 12 from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Pending direction from the Commission, City staff will begin rating the unimproved streets pavement conditions, in conjunction with the water and sewer infrastructure on those streets to establish an annual priority schedule for consideration to be reconstructed and improved in the city's capital improvement program. The capeseal maintenance schedule will be reviewed, and will continue to be an integral part of any future plan for managing the unimproved streets, as they cannot all be replaced in a short period of time. Additionally, a water and sewer bond may need to be established in conjunction with this program to assist in funding those improvements in accordance with the recommendations. Download the Ad Hoc Unimproved Street Study Committee's final report at www.bhamgov.org/unimprovedstreets.
Tentative dates and topics for other upcoming City Commission workshops include: Monday, May 10 – Parking Assessment District Concept/Deep Dive; 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.
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Learn about the Citywide Master Plan at 4/19 Meeting |
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You’re invited to join the Planning Board and the City Commission as they continue discussions regarding the Citywide Master Plan for 2040 at a special meeting on Monday, April 19 at 7 p.m. The City Commission will review a summary of public comments and the recommendations for changes to the first draft expressed by Planning Board members to date. The Commissioners will give direction to the consultants in preparation for the second draft.
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Next Steps
Upon receiving direction from the City Commission, the DPZ team will prepare the second draft of the 2040 Plan, which will be provided to the City this summer. The remaining steps in the master plan updating process will then 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.
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Parks & Recreation Bond Meetings in April |
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Learn and ask questions about Parks and Recreation Bond projects at the virtual Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30 p.m. Attend and learn about the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena general contractor award recommendation for the ice arena renovation and addition construction project.
Also mark your calendar for the City Commission meeting on Monday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Birmingham Ice Arena construction contract award will go before the City Commission and if approved, work on the arena will begin later this spring.
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Golf Courses Open for Spring |
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The City of Birmingham’s golf courses are excited to welcome golfers this season! Lincoln Hills Golf Course is OPEN and Springdale Golf Course will open on April 5, 2021, contingent upon the weather. Rated as two of the top golf courses in Oakland County, both offer a nine-hole course that is picturesque, challenging and fun.
Lincoln Hills Golf Course will also offer its Junior Golf program this summer, from June 14 – August 5, 2021. Golfers ages six to 16 can learn the fundamentals of golf and improve their skills through a variety of instruction options. Online registration opens for residents and members on May 1, 2021. More information can be found by visiting www.golfbirmingham.org/junior-golf-program.
For the safety of all patrons, both courses will continue to support the “Park & Play” model created by the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and adhere to social distancing and other policies as part of state and local public health and safety initiatives. Reservations may be made online or by calling Lincoln Hills at (248) 530-1670 or Springdale at (248) 530-1660. Learn more at www.GolfBirmingham.org.
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Birmingham Farmers Market Opens May 2 |
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Location: Public Parking Lot 6, 660 N. Old Woodward Ave.
The Birmingham Farmers Market returns on Sundays, May 2 - October 31, in a walkable format this year! Visitors of all ages are invited to experience the open, outdoor environment and shop for local produce, meat and dairy, artisan goods, fresh foods and more. The market proudly offers Michigan-grown produce subject to Michigan growing patterns. By late spring, find early organic vegetables, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, beans, leafy greens and more. In addition to foods, shoppers can browse unique and stunning floral bouquets, hanging baskets, garden flats and other plants. The Market will follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Oakland County and City of Birmingham outdoor gathering regulations, so please be sure to bring your mask and be mindful of social distancing. For the latest information, visit www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. We look forward to seeing you this spring!
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Now Hiring:
Spring/Summer Seasonal Positions
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The City of Birmingham is hiring spring and summer seasonal hourly positions! Earn up to $15/hour and up to 40 hours per week.
- Golf Course Clubhouse & Maintenance
For more information and to apply, please visit
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Coming Soon - A New Way to Engage |
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The City’s new public engagement website, Engage Birmingham, will be launched later this month. On the new site, residents are encouraged to shape the future of Birmingham by sharing their ideas, asking questions, and discussing upcoming projects. Residents will be able to use the site to interact with fellow residents and City staff. Keep your eyes peeled for more information in the coming weeks.
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Residents Making a Difference |
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Thank you, Julie Dawson!
Julie is a beloved Birmingham artist, author and designer who has used her creative talents to support and enhance many nonprofit organizations in the community. Among them are The Community House, Girl Scouts, Care House and Beaumont Hospital. She loves to share her exciting world of art and travels by giving talks to many groups and giving tours of her home, studios and fabulous gardens. During the pandemic, she has been giving her beautiful artwork to hundreds of front-line workers in admiration and appreciation for all their courageous work.
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This year she is creating one of her unique Kaleidoscopes to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Common Ground, a mental health crisis agency that was founded in Birmingham. Each of the 139 Kaleidoscopes she has created has added to her enormous pride in the American Can Do Spirit.
Referring to the Common Ground Kaleidoscope, Julie says, "From Crisis to Hope - these four little words represent a huge commitment of helping people in distress. With compassion and respect, the staff and volunteers at Common Ground are dedicated to listening carefully and finding appropriate paths. It was exciting to tell Common Ground's story visually; to portray its intense passion for helping people through extraordinary services. Not surprisingly, Common Ground's logo is a heart."
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Birmingham Fire Department
Introduces Evening Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
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The Birmingham Fire Department and the Department of Public Services will conduct the annual flow testing of the City's hydrants during the evening of Wednesday, April 14, with a backup date of Thursday, April 15. For the first time ever, 20 hydrants will be tested throughout the City (rather than specific sections per year) and the work will be completed during the night to avoid disruptions for residents. Flow testing a reduced number of hydrants will reduce instances of discolored water.
Flow testing is a critical infrastructure project that ensures the safety of residents by providing 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 City ensures hydrants are operable and give the proper water flow when needed.
Please note flow testing may cause water in the immediate area to appear rust colored. If you experience rust colored water, here's helpful information:
1. This condition does not pose a health problem.
2. 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.
3. 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 Birmingham Fire Department and the Department of Public Services appreciate your patience as they work to ensure the safety of Birmingham's residents. For more information, please contact the City at 248-530- 1805.
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Yard Waste Begins Week of April 5 |
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Spring is officially here and you may start putting yard waste bags curbside for pick up on your refuse day during the week of April 5. Only the kraft-style paper bags are acceptable, or trash containers with a "Yard Waste" decal sticker attached (no plastic bags).
For more information, view yard waste guidelines at www.bhamgov.org/yardwaste or contact the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700.
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Updates from the Engineering Department |
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Water Service Line Replacement
The City of Birmingham is well ahead of schedule in meeting the state-mandated deadline for replacing individual lead water service lines. The City is wrapping up water testing in more than 700 homes serviced by lead lines, and the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program is underway. Under Michigan law, Birmingham must replace at least 7% of all lead-service lines every year for the next 20 years (52 per year are required at minimum). We expect to remove all lead service lines in our community far in advance of that deadline. More than 130 services have been replaced in the past year, and the City plans to replace approximately 100 more lead service lines in 2021. This program brings us into full compliance with Michigan regulations and ensures properties with lead service lines will have them replaced. Learn more at www.bhamgov.org/leadtesting.
Backyard Sewer Lining
The City is continuing to rehabilitate the backyard sewers in the Quarton Lake Neighborhood. The current contract will be finished in the spring of 2021. With its conclusion, there will be only several remaining “blocks” to have this important maintenance cycle completed so that these sewer assets are ready to reliably serve the community for many years to come.
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Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development Seeks Input from Residents |
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Participate in this 10-minute Community Needs Survey by April 4, 2021, to influence how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds are allocated across the county.
The Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development Division seeks input from everyone - homeowners and renters, long-time residents and new Americans, college students, seniors,
singles, families, and couples in all parts of the county.
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National Work Zone Awareness Week is
April 26 – 30:
Drive Safe, Work Safe, Save Lives.
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Everyone deserves to get home safely. National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), in its 21st year, is a national public awareness campaign that spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety.
This year’s NWZAW is April 26-30 with the theme of “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives." Statistics from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse show there were 762 fatal crashes in work zones resulting in 842 deaths in 2019. In addition, 135 roadway workers were killed in work zones in 2019. The vast majority of people killed were motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
Those statistics demonstrate the importance of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that everyone plays a role in work zone safety. It is critical for motorists to safely navigate through work zones so they and roadway workers make it safely home to their families each day.
For additional information on the history of NWZAW, visit NWZAW.org/learn. Participate in NWZAW and Go Orange Day – Wednesday, April 28 – by spreading the message of work zone safety with your friends, family and community and by liking, commenting and sharing on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW and #GoOrange4Safety.
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Code Enforcement Gets a New Title |
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City Manager Tom Markus recently renamed the position of Code Enforcement to Code Assistance. “The goal of the City is to have compliance, not punishment. Most of the time, residents don’t even know they are in violation of one of the City Codes,” said Markus. Markus believes the word enforcement connotes more of a police function when the purpose of this division of the Building Department is to work with residents, builders and developers and to make sure City ordinances, which focus on safety concerns, are addressed. “Certainly, the Code Assistance Unit will have the legal authority to issue violations to those who ignore our codes, but that should be a last resort,” said Markus. “When you issue a citation, the situation you want to correct may not necessarily change.” The Mayor and City Commission agree that code compliance is a very important issue in the City. Working with residents rather than punishing
them is always preferable.
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To continue the push to preserve the character of historic buildings outlined in last month’s newsletter, the Planning Division will be starting with perhaps the most striking, unique and memorable features found on many old buildings: decorative wooden trim. In many cases, historic wooden trim defines a buildings character and identity as a fingerprint would define ours. Coupled with its undeniable beauty and intrinsic value is the reality that wooden trim is also considered one of the most at-risk features of historic buildings. It is vulnerable to the elements and must be maintained and painted regularly to ensure its survival. To also ensure its survival, we must to continue to experience the craftsmanship, style and sense of time and place that cannot be manufactured or reproduced. Next time you are out and about in the City, be sure to look out for the many examples of wooden trim on Birmingham’s historic buildings such as gable decorations, ornamentation, window dressings and more! |
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Birmingham Welcomes New Businesses |
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Daxton Hotel
298 South Old Woodward Avenue
At the intersection of luxury and community, Daxton Hotel creates full sensory experiences that surprise and inspire. A magnet for cultured locals and modern travelers, the boutique hotel boasts 151 incomparably luxurious rooms and suites and is home to the exquisite Madam Restaurant & Bar. Visit www.daxtonhotel.com for more information.
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Grab Your Fishing Pole & Head to Quarton Lake |
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There’s a lot to do around Birmingham as the weather gets warmer, including fishing at Quarton Lake. The rules were recently amended and there are no longer age restrictions. Everyone who abides by Michigan State Fishing Regulations may fish at Quarton Lake. Enjoy! |
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Pet License & Safety Tips |
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More than 11.38 million U.S. households welcomed a new pet during the pandemic, according to the American Pet Products Association. If yours was one of them, and your puppy or kitten is at least four months old, it’s time to secure a pet license from the city clerk’s office.
Here are a few things to know:
Pet licenses are available in three durations and the license expire with the expiration of your pet’s rabies vaccination:
- One year for $5
- Two years for $10 (available only if your pet’s rabies immunization is valid for at least 24 months)
- Three years for $12 (available only if your pet’s rabies immunization is valid for at least 36 months)
While City Hall remains closed to the public, you may purchase a pet license online at bhamgov.org/petlicense, by mail or via the clerk’s office drop boxes behind city hall. You’ll need to provide a photo or copy of your proof of residency and your pet’s valid rabies certificate, and a check (if not paying online.)
For more information, visit bhamgov.org/pets or call the Clerk's Office at 248-530-1880.
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Useful reminders when walking around town:
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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.
Also, please remember dog waste should be collected with a bag and disposed of in your garbage container, not your yard waste bin. 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.
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‘Saginaw Trail’ Book Now Available with Proceeds Benefiting Museum |
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Local history has become more popular than ever and the Birmingham Museum has something extra special to offer those who love to read about it. The Saginaw Trail: From Native American Path to Woodward Avenue takes a look at the all-important highway that has defined Birmingham’s character.
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The highly regarded book includes numerous historic photos and in-depth research with a unique take on the road’s past and its impact on the people and communities along it. Author and museum director Leslie Pielack will sign the book and patrons can pick it up curbside at the museum at 556 W. Maple for $24. And, as an extra bonus, all proceeds benefit the museum.
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April News from the Baldwin Public Library |
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Poetry Month - Kids Open Mic Zoom
Wednesday, April 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Grades 3-6. Write your own poem to read aloud or bring your favorite poem written by somebody else to share with the group.
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DIY Bubble Tea for Teens
Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Grades 6-12. Bubble tea, or Boba, is a Taiwanese tea-based drink that usually contains tea, sweetened milk, and chewy tapioca balls known as pearls or “bubbles”. During this program, we will make it together virtually!
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Begins April 1
This year-round program is designed to encourage you to enjoy a local pathway or trail while listening to an audiobook. Every month there will be a theme which will include a suggested route and a list of audiobooks, along with the digital library service in which you can find them.
The Baldwin Public Library is located at 300 W. Merrill Street. For more information visit www.baldwinlib.org or call (248) 647-1700.
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April News and Events from NEXT |
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NEXT GOLF LEAGUES ARE FORMING!
Kick-Off Meetings on Tuesday, April 6
Springdale at 9:30 am / Lincoln Hills at 12:30 pm
Please plan to attend if you are interested in playing in either league. Details about green fees, golf rules, start dates, etc. will be discussed. League participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-payment is necessary to reserve your spot. If you’re unable to attend the meeting, please contact the appropriate League Manager for details.
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Springdale: Play Mondays at 9:37 a.m.
League Manager: Jerry Mercier at (248) 514-2853
Lincoln Hills: Play Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
League Managers: Bob Borgon and Jack Nanry at
DETROIT - THEN AND NOW
April 15, 6:00 p.m. at Next and via Zoom
Linda Yellin, Founder and Owner - Feet on the Street
Join Linda for a photographic tour of Detroit’s architecture and historic neighborhoods. Learn more about Detroit’s history and what’s happening now. Linda will share updates on the beautiful RiverWalk, and some remarkable Brush Park mansions that were built in the 1890s and now sell for more than $800,000. Linda will also give us a tour of the historic Eastern Market and the revitalized Book Cadillac Hotel. Finally, we will see some new parks, greenways, murals and pieces of art.
ZUMBA GOLD: New at NEXT!
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Shake it at your own pace! This is the dance party for the young at heart. Join certified Zumba Gold® instructor, LaLa Breton, for a low impact, fun session of great moves and great music.
Please visit the Next website for the most up to date information at www.BirminghamNext.org or stop in for a tour. Next is located at 2121 Midvale, Birmingham, MI 48009. Phone: (248) 203-5270.
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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 contact us with any questions or for more information. |
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151 Martin St. P.O. Box 3001 Birmingham, MI 48012
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tel: (248) 530-1800
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