City of Birmingham
Around Town E-Newsletter
August
Around Town
E-Newsletter
Welcome to the Around Town e-Newsletter from the City of Birmingham. Thank you for your support and please forward this newsletter along to friends and family.
Around Town - Updates from Birmingham
Citywide Email System
Birmingham residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for the citywide email system at www.bhamgov.org/citywideemail . The email service allows the City to target specific neighborhoods for messaging and keep everyone updated on what’s happening in this rapidly changing environment.
City Meetings Update
Upcoming regularly scheduled City meetings will continue to be conducted virtually (online and/or by phone) due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19 under the Governor’s Executive Order. Learn how to participate in these meetings at www.bhamgov.org/participate .
COVID-19 Updates from Birmingham
COVID-19 Information
The City's COVID-19 webpage at www.bhamgov.org/virusprevention continues to provide information from trusted resources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Michigan, the Oakland County Health Division and more.

Let's Work Together to Reduce COVID-19 Cases
As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, the City reminds you to take the actions listed below to protect yourself and your loved ones. Let's all do our part to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases.

  • Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
  • Wear a mask in outdoor crowded spaces where you cannot maintain social distancing. 
  • Wash your hands often and take advantage of hand sanitizer stations in place throughout the downtown area, City parks and parking structures.

The nice summer weather has encouraged high activity levels on streets, sidewalks and parks throughout downtown Birmingham. While City crews work to pick up discarded masks and debris, we encourage the community to take advantage of garbage receptacles in place throughout the downtown area and in parks.

We appreciate your help as we work to maintain a clean and safe environment for residents and visitors to enjoy!

City Services
City offices continue to service the public, however the Municipal Building and Department of Public Services remain closed. Forms, payments and ballots may be submitted 24/7 via the drop box located behind City Hall. Documents such as building permit applications and plans can be dropped off or picked up at the Police Department entrance on the east side of the Municipal Building on Pierce Street. As part of the City's operational relief efforts, most City forms, applications and payment submissions are also available at www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments . Residents are encouraged to contact any department requiring assistance via phone or email. Visit www.bhamgov.org/contacts to view a list of departmental contact numbers for services needed.

Parking Updates
  • Enjoy free parking in the City’s parking structures through September 1, 2020. 
  • Take advantage of hand sanitizer stations throughout the City’s parking structures (also throughout the downtown area and in city parks). 
  • Fees are waived for monthly permit parking holders through September 1, 2020. 
  • Enjoy contact-free parking with the ParkMobile parking application. Simply pay for parking with your cell phone! To use the ParkMobile system, register for free at www.parkmobile.com. Once registered, use a mobile app, the internet, QR code, or call toll free at 800-280-4146 to pay for parking. Select the zone and parking space numbers printed on the ParkMobile stickers on each meter. Add more time to a meter from your phone, as long as the posted time limit is not exceeded. Enjoy a contact-free parking experience! 
  • Valet parking - To ensure an advanced level of service to Birmingham customers and visitors, the City of Birmingham is offering two valet parking locations: Hamilton near Ferndale and South Old Woodward near Merrill. The service is offered Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. The charges are $5 per vehicle (first two hours), then an additional $5 per hour thereafter. Also please continue to enjoy free parking in the City’s parking structures through September 1, 2020.  
Birmingham Events Update
 
Birmingham to Host Recycling Drop-Off Event Saturday, August 1, 2020
The City of Birmingham will host a drop-off recycling event on Saturday, August 1 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Seaholm High School (2436 West Lincoln) in the north parking lot. Birmingham residents may drop off electronics, household hazardous waste, cardboard and Styrofoam. Residents must place recyclable items in their trunk and will need their driver’s license for proof of residency. Vehicles will enter off of Cranbrook and exit off of Midvale. The first table will be for paint and other household hazardous waste, and the second table will be for electronics. Learn more by calling SOCRRA at 248-288-5150. 

Birmingham Farmers Market , Sundays May through October: The drive-through market is going strong in Public Parking Lot 6. Learn more at www.AllinBirmingham.com/FarmersMarket.
August Birmingham Bucks promotion - Shopping incentives continue in Birmingham with the announcement of the popular Birmingham Bucks promotion to be offered from August 1 – August 31, 2020 or until the promotion maximum has been reached (whichever comes first). Shoppers may earn $25 in Birmingham Bucks for every $100 spent at Birmingham Shopping District retailers, boutiques or restaurants (exclusions apply). Shoppers may earn a maximum of $100 in Birmingham Bucks per person. Learn more at www.AllinBirmingham.com/bb .


Golf Events – Club Championship and Junior Club Championship
The Annual Club Championship event will be held on Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd. This is a 36-hole tournament - the 1st 18 holes will be played on Saturday at Springdale and the last 18 holes will finish on Sunday at Lincoln Hills:
* We have several divisions
   Men and Women Championship
   Sr Men and Women Championship
   Net Division for both Men and Women (Handicap Division)
* The Champions will be our guest at the Tournament of Champions that is hosted by the Golf Association of Michigan
 
Junior Club Championship
This is an exciting event too!
This event will be held at Lincoln Hills on Thursday, August 13th.
There are many divisions for all ages and all of our Juniors look forward to this tournament. Each year this event sells out with 60 kids. Upon completion, we have a fun awards luncheon and it is so nice to see their faces when they come up for their trophies.

Canceled Events
As a reminder, the following events have been canceled due to safety concerns surrounding COVID-19: In the Park Summer Concerts, Birmingham Movie Nights, the Birmingham Village Fair, the Art Birmingham art fair and Common Ground’s Annual Birmingham Street Art Fair. Please note the Birmingham Cruise Event is also canceled. While we understand cruisers will continue to drive throughout the Woodward corridor, there will be no official event, tents or live entertainment. We encourage you to avoid congregating along Woodward and be mindful of social distancing guidelines. Let's all do our part to prevent an increase in COVID-19 cases. 
Maple Road Reconstruction Project Update

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The Maple Road reconstruction project is now 2/3 complete and moving along on schedule.

The project is the second phase in the City’s three-phase plan to improve infrastructure and amenities in downtown Birmingham. Construction crews achieved several important infrastructure milestones on East Maple (between Woodward and Old Woodward) in the month of July, including the completion of curb-to-curb concrete work, laying the foundation for the installation of traffic signals, and installing structural soil to support planter boxes. On West Maple (between Pierce and Chester), crews continued to enhance the infrastructure by completing the connection of all water service lines and the installation of sanitary sewer leads, including investigation of location and functionality, exploratory digging and dye testing. Crews also made subgrade cuts on West Maple to prepare to pour concrete in August.

In August, Maple Road reconstruction will focus on both the west and east side of the project. Planned activities on West Maple include: pouring concrete for drive lanes and parking lanes, laying structural soil for planter boxes, conducting electrical and irrigation work, and installing mast arms for traffic signals. On East Maple, crews will install planter boxes and begin planting trees, pour concrete sidewalks, complete electrical and irrigation work, and install mast arms for traffic signals.

The Maple Road Reconstruction Project will help the City manage traffic more effectively; provide a welcoming, attractive experience for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists; and serve the community for decades to come. Look for the finished project after Labor Day.

Learn more about this project at   bhamgov.org/maplereconstruction . Sign up to receive weekly project updates for residents and businesses at  bit.ly/bhamnews .
Online Forms and Payments
 As part of the City’s COVID-19 operational incentives, the City has expanded online service offerings so that City forms and payments may be submitted online. To address social distancing restrictions and provide continuity of services while City offices remain closed, most City applications, permits and licenses have been transitioned to online submittals with online payment functions.

Examples of forms and payments now available for online service include: Pet License Registration Form, Property Transfer Affidavit, Absentee Voter Application, Block Party Permit, Tree and Shrub Permit and many others. In addition, several Building Department applications are also now available online. Electronic building plan submittals along with Planning and Engineering forms will be available online later this year. As part of the City’s Economic Relief Program, e-check fees have been waived through June 30, 2021.

For a complete list of payments and forms that may be submitted online or to view mailing addresses for City payments, visit  www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments . Forms and payments may also be submitted 24/7 via the drop box located behind City Hall.
Submit Property Taxes and Payments by August 31, 2020
City offices continue to service the public, however the Municipal Building remains closed. Please see the information below for several ways to submit your property taxes and other payments:

Mail
Due to the pandemic, mail delivery services are running slower than normal. If you wish to make your property tax payment by mail, please allow additional time for delivery so you don’t incur late fees. Property tax payments must be received by August 31, 2020 to avoid penalty (we do not accept postmarks as proof of timely payment). Payments for property taxes may be mailed to: City of Birmingham – Taxes, P.O. Box 671732, Detroit, MI 48267-1732.

E-Check
The City Commission approved waiving the $3 convenience fee for e-check payments through the City’s online payment website (access BS&A via www.bhamgov.org/formsandpayments ) until June 30, 2021. This is a great way to draft a secure electronic check to the City instead of mailing a check. Please allow sufficient time (at least five days days) for your e-check to process.

Drop Box
If you need to make an immediate payment, the City’s drop box behind City Hall is open 24/7. If you would like a receipt mailed or emailed to you, please include a note with your payment.

Credit Card
You may also make a credit card payment on the City’s online payment website for a 3% convenience fee. For more information concerning online payments, please visit www.bhamgov.org/paymybill .
Kenning Park Ballfield Redevelopment Project

The Kenning Park Ball Field Redevelopment Project is complete and games have resumed at the park! Project improvements include: 

  • Complete reconstruction and reorientation of two fields; 
  • Improved field drainage and expansion of existing storm water system; 
  • New infield surfacing and irrigated turf; 
  • New fencing, safety netting, and scoreboards; 
  • New players' benches and bleachers; 
  • New concrete walkways; 
  • New trees
 
The Kenning Park ball fields project was a joint partnership between the City and Birmingham Little League (BLL), which has used the facilities at Kenning Park since 1947. Stop by Kenning Park to see the improvements soon! 
Introducing Our New Parks Online Reservation System
Our new website,  play.bhamgov.org , is designed to streamline your park reservation and activity registration experience! On the site you may reserve a tennis court, request the shelter at Springdale Park, or reserve space in one of our many parks to host a fitness class. In the future, you will also be able to register for our Learn to Skate classes on the site. Visit  play.bhamgov.org  or call DPS at (248) 530-1700 for more information.
Share Your Feedback on the Citywide Master Plan at Aug. 12 Planning Board Meeting
New community engagement opportunities for the Citywide Master Plan will kick off on August 12th at the Planning Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. The draft plan and overall planning themes will be discussed during the meeting. Key objectives of the Master Plan will be reviewed, along with the following Mixed Use Districts: Maple & Woodward and Market North. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting via zoom and share their feedback. The Planning Department and Planning Board gathered valuable input during initial meetings and are eager to gather additional community feedback as they move forward with the process. Learn how to participate at www.bhamgov.org/participate . Find additional information at www.thebirminghamplan.com . 
Birmingham Green

If nothing else, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lot about how our decisions affect others. Although much of the focus has been on human-to-human interaction, it is imperative to take a moment to discuss the human-to-environment interactions that have been observed over the last [nearly] five months. The implications of reduced carbon emissions from a workforce that largely stayed at home have been overshadowed by things that we experience firsthand in our day-to-day lives. The littering of gloves, masks, and disinfecting wipes has added to the urban litter problem, and Birmingham has seen its fair share. While City crews work to pick up discarded masks and debris, we encourage the community to take advantage of garbage receptacles in place throughout the downtown area and in parks. Aside from maintaining a positive urban experience, Birmingham has a precious natural resource to protect in the Rouge River. The rouge corridor is home to many important plants and animals that are affected by littering. Keep an eye out for the wildlife shown below the next time you step out to enjoy the beautiful nature trails in Birmingham.
Learn about a Parks & Recreation Bond Opportunity at
Tuesday, Aug. 11 Parks & Rec Board Meeting

The Birmingham City Commission recently approved an opportunity to accept a Parks and Recreation Bond to advance the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The last bond issuance for park improvements occurred in 2008. With current bond debt expiring in fiscal years 2021 and 2024, there is an opportunity to secure a new bond and achieve the goals of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, if desired. Ballot language regarding the bond proposal will be placed on the November ballot. On Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m., the Parks & Recreation Board will discuss the plan for educating the community about the Parks and Recreation Bond proposal on the November ballot. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting via zoom and share their feedback. Learn how to participate at www.bhamgov.org/participate . More information about the bond opportunity can also be found at www.bhamgov.org/parksbond .
Vote in the August Election
There’s still time to participate in the upcoming August election. See below for a list of important dates and deadlines:

  • Saturday, August 1 - The Clerk's Office will be open curbside by appointment only from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to issue absentee ballots. 
  • Monday, August 3 - The Clerk's Office will be open curbside by appointment from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to issue absentee ballots. 
  • Election Day, Tuesday, August 4 - Registered voters who did not submit an absentee ballot must vote at their precinct. All live precincts will be open and available to the public on Election Day.

Polling place information is available at Michigan.gov/Vote . If you are not already registered, you may register and vote curbside at the Clerk's Office on August 4 from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. To make a curbside appointment or request an absentee ballot, please call the City Clerk's Office at (248) 530-1880 or email elections@bhamgov.org .

City Seeks Election Inspectors for Upcoming Elections
The City Clerk's office is seeking Election Inspectors as it prepares for the General Election on November 3rd. City election inspectors are essential in the functions of democracy. Their duties can include: processing voters when they arrive at their polling location; assisting voters while they cast their ballots; helping to close a precinct when voting is complete as well as other assorted tasks throughout Election Day.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old (the voter registration requirement is waived for inspectors under 18), be a registered voter in the state of Michigan, and be able to attend a paid election inspector training session. Training session dates will be announced soon. Knowledge and familiarity with computers is also helpful. Full and half-day shifts are available. The pay rate for inspectors is $11.00/hour. Inspectors can anticipate working a total of about 17 hours, with the bulk of their time dedicated to activities on Election Day.

If you'd like to be a part of democracy in action, please complete the Election Inspector application. For more information, please log onto  www.bhamgov.org/voting  or call the City Clerk's office at (248) 530-1880.
Residential Water Testing Update
The City of Birmingham is well ahead of schedule in meeting the state-mandated deadline for replacing lead and copper water-service lines. The City is testing the water in more than 700 homes serviced by lead or copper lines. Final testing is now being completed. If you received a notice from the City’s vendor, HydroCorp, please schedule an appointment for drop-off of a water sample collection kit as soon as possible if you have not yet done so. Residents are asked to read and follow the directions exactly. HydroCorp will automatically pick up the water samples the day after drop-off. Test results will be used to prioritize service line replacement. Visit www.bhamgov.org/leadtesting for more information.
Pet Care & Safety Reminders for Walking Around Town
The City of Birmingham has several pet regulations designed to keep pets and people safe, especially during these uncertain times. Here are some useful reminders:

  • 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.
  • All dogs and cats four months old or over must have a license. All dogs and cats shall be immunized against rabies, prior to issuance of a license. Licenses are issued by the City Clerk's Office at City Hall.
  • 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.
August News from The Birmingham Museum
Museum and Partners to Raise Funds to Erect Greenwood Grave Monument for First African-American Property Owners in Birmingham  
 
Eliza and George Taylor were escaped slaves who settled in Birmingham in the late 19th century and purchased a home in 1892 on Bates Street. The Taylors had farmed in the Birmingham area for several decades when in later life they moved to the village and became its first African-American property owners. The Taylors were well known and respected in town, and the community mourned when they died within 6 months of each other in 1900 and 1901. They are buried side by side in Greenwood Cemetery, but their graves were not marked, and their story was lost. 

Recently George Getschman, board member of the Friends of the Birmingham Museum, discovered their story while researching the cemetery. He has worked with the Friends, the Daughters of the American Revolution (Piety Hill Chapter), and the museum to raise awareness of the Taylors’ story and their importance to Birmingham, and to raise the necessary funds to install a marker for them. A community fundraising initiative is planned for the fall that will invite the public to contribute to this important project, so stay tuned! 

Although the Birmingham Museum is currently closed to the public, you can visit the grounds to see the John West Hunter House from dawn to dusk at 556 W. Maple, or contact us at 248-530-1682 or museum@bhamgov.org.
August News from The Baldwin Library
Youth Room Expansion & Renovation
Baldwin’s new Youth Room is now open and available to the public! The refurbished space is 40% larger than the old room and features full handicap accessibility, updated restrooms, a children’s terrace and garden, and beautiful floor-to-ceiling views over Shain Park. The terrace and garden, as well as other exterior landscaping, will be completed in September. 

Librarian Recommended Reads
Miss getting reading suggestions from your BPL librarians? Complete the information on the form at www.baldwinlib.org/bookpicks and we will email you personalized recommendations.

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.   Please visit www.baldwinlib.org/reopening  to view current information on the Library's available hours and services.
August News from Next
2121 Midvale
Birmingham MI 48009
(248) 203-5270



Though Birmingham Next continued providing services to the community while we stayed home—such as transportation, Meals on Wheels and well-check calls—they officially reopen their doors on July 13. Some classes and programs will resume with a hybrid approach. Formats include outdoor fitness classes like yoga, line dancing and Agebusters in the center courtyard under the newly erected tent, small social groups gathering outdoors, or speakers and presentations through a Zoom call. The building has been redesigned to encourage social distancing while members transition back to their daily routines. Next will be reopening in phases and implementing advanced protocols to preserve the health and safety of their members, per Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. Their current adjusted operating hours will be Monday – Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, but be sure to check their website for updates. To learn more about Next programs and services, visit  https://birminghamnext.org/ .
 
Join our Team!
Next is a growing and thriving 50-plus Community Center serving over 2000 members in the surrounding area. We are posting for a part-time financial administrator to be part of our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a passion to work with our expanding 50-plus demographic, possess a strong understanding of Quick Books and Microsoft Excel, with municipal reporting a plus. More information can be found on the Next website at   www.BirminghamNext.org .
Be Counted Birmingham
Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the response deadline to October 31, 2020. Approximately 75% of Birmingham residents have responded to the census, while several nearby communities have an 80% or higher response rate. Submit your response today! You may fill out your census form by mail, phone, or online at https://my2020census.gov/ . The information collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is used to produce apportionment counts, inform redistricting decisions, and guide federal spending so it is important that each and every resident is counted.
Understanding the Grass & Weeds Ordinance
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 website . For more information, call the Department of Public Services at (248) 530-1700. To make a complaint, call the Birmingham Code Enforcement Hotline at (248) 530-1859, and leave a detailed message.
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.
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