Street Maintenance Equipment Update

Council approved the purchase of a new street sweeper to replace our 2016 model, which has accumulated 10,000 service hours - significantly high for equipment of this age.

Berkley maintains a more frequent street sweeping schedule than many neighboring communities, often completing weekly passes compared to the twice-yearly schedule some municipalities follow. This regular maintenance prevents debris from entering our sewer system and helps maintain our community's appearance and infrastructure.

Our maintenance team conducted a thorough evaluation to select equipment that best meets our specific needs. The City maintains two sweeper units to distribute wear and tear while ensuring consistent service for residents.

Senior Transportation Services Renewed

Council authorized the renewal of our contract with SMART to continue providing valuable transportation services for Berkley seniors for the next year. This program serves residents over 50 who are retired or semi-retired, helping them access essential services and maintain independence.

The program, managed through our Parks & Recreation Department, helps seniors travel to medical appointments, grocery stores, banks, and other necessary destinations. Transportation must originate in Berkley, with service available from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Anyone interested in making an appointment can call the Parks & Recreation Department at 248-658-3470.

This important program supports our commitment to helping seniors age in place while staying connected to community resources.

Zoning and Planning Updates

Several ordinances received first reading approval, aligning our regulations with the new zoning ordinance (currently in final draft stage) and our master plan. These updates represent the final step toward achieving Redevelopment Ready Community status.

Council engaged in productive discussions about potential modifications to:

• Sign ordinance requirements

• Parking space requirements for multi-family housing

• Parking overlay districts

• Engineering design standards

After thorough consideration and discussion, Council approved the first reading of all of the ordinances with one modification to the amended sign ordinance, reducing the sign setback requirement from 5 feet to 3 feet.

A second reading of these ordinances will occur at a future meeting, providing additional opportunity for community input and Council discussion.

Looking Ahead

A few items were shifted to the next meeting, including a presentation of our new website, our quarter ended December 31, 2024 budget-to-actual report, and the matter of authorizing amendment 2025-3 of the 2024/25 fiscal year budget as presented. These presentations will happen at our next City Council meeting on March 3. 

Want to Learn More?

• Watch the meeting recording

• Review the agenda and minutes

• Join us at our next meeting on March 3 at 7 PM - we'd love to see you there! You can check our website calendar to stay informed about public meetings and events.

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