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Contract for Strategic Real Estate Services from Plante Moran Realpoint

As the next step in the process of identifying the best course of action for the future of several city facilities, the City released a Request for Proposals for Strategic Real Estate Services and received one proposal from a highly qualified local firm, Plante Moran Realpoint. The scope of work includes detailed space planning for the Community Center, highest and best use analyses, and capital planning analyses. Project deliverables include a Final Feasibility Report with recommendations, scenario options, supporting analysis and a clear roadmap for implementation.

B.O.S.S. Social District Expansion

Community Development Director Kristen Kapelanski shared a resolution to expand the Berkley Outdoor Social Scene (B.O.S.S.) Social District boundary to include a majority of the Downtown district. Director Kapelanski made note of the exclusion of the area surrounding Berkley High School to not interfere with the school district’s property. The Social District Expansion map is available through the agenda and minutes portal.

Bacon Avenue Water Main and Road Reconstruction Project Contract Awarding and Services Proposal

Deputy City Manager Shawn Young presented on awarding a contract to Eminent Excavating LLC and approving the Proposal for Construction Engineering Services as submitted by Spalding DeDecker for the Bacon Avenue Water Main and Road Reconstruction Project, which will begin later this year after years of planning. Information will be shared early and often throughout the project to keep the public informed on progress being made and potential impedances. 

Accepting the Quarter-Ended March 31, 2026 Budget-to-Actual Report and 2026 Investment Report, and Authorizing Amendment 2026-4 of the 2025-26 Budget as Presented

Finance Director Carl Johnson shared this quarter’s Budget-to-Actual and Investment Reports. The general sentiment was that our Budget-to-Actual is on track. Director Johnson explained that not much progress has been made with Investments due to bank limitations, however he hopes to make more progress in future quarters. The Budget Amendment was made to adjust General Fund subsidies to the Parks and Recreation fund to recognize the increased Parks and Recreation revenues.

Presentation and Public Hearing of the City Manager's proposed FY 2026/27 budget for the City of Berkley, Michigan 

City Manager Crystal VanVleck and Finance Director Carl Johnson presented a proposed fiscal year budget, which was accepted by Council following a public hearing. They started with establishing how revenues have changed over time, and sharing how tax dollars are split between funding local schools, community resources, and the City. The presentation focused on how the budget will help the City continue to achieve the goals outlined in our Strategic Framework, and included a breakdown of total expenditures by fund and revenues and expenditures of the General Fund. The presentation also covered how expenditures have changed over time, while sharing the current state of our lead service lines, roads, and water mains and the efforts being made to improve them. The final focus was on utility rates: the reasons for recent rate increases and the breakdown of the elements of the utility bill.

The full presentation document is available through the agenda and minutes portal, and the 2026-2027 draft budget can be found at berkleymi.gov/budgetbook.

Updates to the Fee Schedule 

Amendments were made to the fee schedule. 

Municipal Civil Infractions Policy

Community Development Director Kristen Kapelanski shared that a Municipal Civil Infractions Policy will be adopted to allow the City to handle violations internally. 

Shared Use License Agreement with Berkley School District

City Manager Crystal VanVleck explained that in order for the Berkley School District to build the planned parking lot at Anderson Middle School, access to a small piece of the City’s adjacent property is needed.  This agreement will allow access and shared use between the School District and the City.

Want to Learn More?

• Watch the meeting recording

• Review the agenda and minutes

• Join us at our next meeting on May 18 at 7 PM - we’d love to see you there!

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