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Mayor-Led Moment of Reflection

The meeting opened with Mayor Bridget Dean acknowledging the incident involving the distribution of antisemetic flyers throughout the community over the weekend. She directed those that have information to contact the Berkley Department of Public Safety Detective Bureau directly at 248-658-3390 or by emailing DB@berkleymi.gov. BDPS is asking for home security footage from the overnight period of May 15 through May 16, which can be submitted via bit.ly/4u197BL. More information about the incident can be found at berkleymi.gov/news/hate-has-no-home-in-berkley.

Presentation of the Quarter 1 Strategic Framework Report

Executive Assistant to the City Manager Lydia Brauher gave a presentation on the City’s current progress in achieving the goals outlined in our Strategic Framework for Quarter 1 of 2026. These priority areas include: Organizational Effectiveness, Economic Sustainability, Community Assets, Open Communications, and Fiscal Stewardship. Many items were discussed. but here are some of the highlights: 

• Implementation of the Civic Plus Agenda Management Module to submit and approve agenda items 

• A final draft of the Economic Development Strategy is underway with a final draft expected in early summer 

• Parks and Recreation 5-year plan has been approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

• Community Development and the Downtown Development Authority have collaborated to expand the BOSS Social District

• The City expects to utilize a requested $570,900 TMF grant reimbursement to continue lead service line replacement field work

• Efforts are being made with Emergency Manager Jack Blanchard to update and revise the City’s Security Plan for the upcoming midterm elections

• Public Safety successfully conducted its first Citizen’s Academy since 2018

• Efforts are being made to ensure multiple avenues for regular updates on the Bacon Avenue Water Main and Pavement Replacement Project

…and many more! The full outline of our Strategic Framework is available at berkleymi.gov/strategicframework.

Ordinance Amendments

Community Development Director Kristen Kapelanski discussed multiple ordinance amendments. Focuses ranged from revising time limits for temporary signs, prohibiting commercial vehicles at single and two family dwellings, allowing annual parking passes in municipal lots, and performance guarantees. Performance guarantees ensure that if a work site project is no longer able to be completed, there is a provision in place for things like utility work and grading to be completed so future developers can use the land. 

Amendments were also made to remove the performance guarantees from the subdivision ordinance to the zoning ordinance performance guarantee regulations.

Resolution approving the Conveyance of Property To and From the Berkley School District

City Manager Crystal VanVleck explained how due to a lack of legal documentation of conveyance of land between some areas of City and School District property, a concentrated effort has been made to create documentation accurately defining the property boundaries. 

Want to Learn More?

• Watch the meeting recording

• Review the agenda and minutes

• Join us at our next meeting on June 1 at 7 PM - we’d love to see you there!

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