We’re sharing a recap of the most recent City Council meeting on May 5. The full video is available to watch on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/cityofberkley.

 

Proclamations for National Public Works Week and National Police Week

Councilmember Hennen shared a proclamation recognizing the week of May 18-25 as National Public Works Week, noting that the work of public works professionals in all levels of government and the private sector is of vital importance for sustainable and resilient communities. Our DPW staff’s dedication to rebuilding, improving, and protecting our community’s infrastructure, public health, and buildings and facilities is appreciated and necessary.

Mayor Dean shared a proclamation recognizing the week of May 11-17 as National Police Week. Our dedicated Berkley Public Safety Department plays a vital role in the safety and success of our community, often going above and beyond the standards of professionalism and care required for the profession. The work of law enforcement extends beyond traditional police work to include community outreach and education, building trust with our community. The men and women of BDPS unceasingly provide this vital public service in the face of difficult challenges and sacrifices.

We’re extremely grateful to and proud of our Department of Public Works and Berkley Department of Public Safety. The next time you see them, be sure to share a big THANK YOU!

Approval of “Corporate Cup Relays” Event on June 14

Council approved this event, which has been happening at Anderson Middle School since 2016. Run by the Midwest Corporate Athletic Association, this event promotes friendly competition and connection between various corporations in our greater community. The corporate teams raise funds for Special Olympics and the Dearborn Animal Shelter to add benefit to this event.

This event will take place on the same day as the Art Bash, so the association changed the scope of their event this year to ensure both events will have proper safety measures in place.

Local Roadway Updates Tabled to Next Meeting

Each year, Public Act 51 requires cities and villages to sign and submit an annual map and requested road certification changes provided by MDOT. This year, the map that we were provided showed areas of Berkley that were still classified as roadways even though they are closed off – about 700 feet in total:

• Royal: The 12 Mile Road approach to the parking lot wall that closes off the pass through to the rest of Royal

• Henley: The extension of Henley that went North past Harvard, where new homes were built

• Larkmoor: Woodward approach to the parking lot wall that closes off the pass through to the rest of Larkmoor

• Sunnyknoll:  Robina to the Sunnyknoll round about that is closed off at the Community Center.
   

MDOT had not identified these areas of concern before, but requires the City to submit documentation to declassify these areas. This update is procedural to ensure accurate records going forward. The areas of concern will continue to see regular maintenance and services as needed.

Council asked for more clarification and information about conflicting language in the required documentation, and approved a motion to suspend the decision to the next meeting, where there will be more clarity on the language.

First Reading of PILOT Workforce Housing Ordinance

Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to add PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) Workforce Housing provisions to our Code of Ordinances. The proposed ordinance opens the door to allow the City to negotiate a yearly payment from 1% - 10% of rental income as a replacement for standard property tax. This negotiation is on a project-to-project basis and can also include other public benefits related to the project. This would only be applicable to workforce housing that will add more homes that are affordable to the average resident (defined as 80%-120% of the area median income), not any low income housing. The ordinance can be utilized for brand new housing developments, but could also include rehabilitated properties, as defined in the ordinance definitions. 

Adding PILOT Workforce Housing options directly aligns with a stated goal of our Master Plan, diversifying housing choices to accommodate various populations, ages and incomes. Following the discussions of multiple public work sessions over the past months, the first reading is the first official look at the proposed ordinance update for Council and our community. The vote to approve the first ordinance simply starts the steps to continue the discussion from work session to potential adoption, and the ordinance will move to a second reading that will include additional opportunities for public comment before any final adoptions are made.

Budget Amendments and Revenues & Expenditures Report

Our Deputy Finance Director presented the budget amendments and our revenues & expenditure report for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, which were both approved by Council. Overall, there were minimal changes and the adjustments made have a positive impact on the original adopted budget. We achieved savings in our General Fund by postponing planned vehicle purchases and locker room improvements in Public Safety, and saw additional revenues in this fund from rental income. The money saved was placed into our Capital Improvements Fund. 

Another amendment was made for record keeping during the budget process this year: the addition of an opioid settlement fund, which received funds from the General Fund that were already earmarked for the purposes outlined by the settlement. Our Major/Local Streets and Infrastructure Funds remain on track, and revenue and expenditure reports were made to reflect the actuals of those budgets. Additionally, our Capital budgets were strategically adjusted to match the proposed capital projects planned through the end of the fiscal year. 

The budget to actual report showed no significant concerns or issues. With the adoption of the Q3 budget amendments, we are in a strong financial position as we approach year-end. Our finance department has only been at full staffing levels for the past few months, so the updates shared in the report are largely procedural to ensure that all allocations are properly made up-to-date by the year-end.

Want to Learn More?

• Watch the meeting recording

• Review the agenda and minutes

• Join us at our next meeting on May 19 at 7 PM - we'd love to see you there!

Thanks for staying connected with your city! Your engagement helps make Berkley better for everyone.