We’re sharing a recap of this week’s City Council meeting. The full video is available to watch at youtube.com/cityofberkley.

 

Recognitions

Councilmember Baker shared a proclamation honoring former DDA Executive Director, Mike McGuinness, for his years of service helping to make Berkley a more positive, inclusive, and vibrant community. During Director McGuinness’ time in Berkley, he spearheaded the creation of several of our most-loved community events, including BOO!kley and its accompanying skeletons, the Berkley Farmer’s Market, the Berkley Pride Block Party, and many other events that foster community engagement and inclusivity. Under his leadership, the DDA successfully recruited and welcomed more than two dozen new businesses, strengthening the local economy and enriching the diversity of our downtown offerings. 

New Website

Our Director of Communications, Caitlin Flora, shared a presentation about our recently-launched new website, berkleymi.gov. She highlighted some new and helpful features and shared about the importance of moving to a .gov domain, which makes our online presence more secure. A feedback form is available at the top of the home page and the bottom of every page, and she encouraged our community to utilize it to share any questions or concerns with finding information. If there is something that the feedback form doesn’t cover, you can email her at communications@berkleymi.gov.

Special Land Use Request

Council denied a special land use request for an expanded in-home daycare at 1818 Mortenson. The applicant already runs a daycare for six children out of the home, which is allowed under state law, but came to Council with a request to expand the capacity to 7-12 children. Council denied the request due to on-street parking concerns. 

Financial Updates

Our Director of Finance, Carl Johnson, presented the quarter ended December 31, 2024 budget-to-actual report, as well as quarterly budget amendments related to property tax increases and salary and fringe benefit expenditures. These reports are a required piece of our overall financial health, and showed that we are on track with our expenditures staying smaller than our revenue. The quarterly budget-to-actual report was presented to Council a bit later in the year than normal due to staffing shortages in the department in the first half of the fiscal year. 

Zoning Board of Appeals Appointment

Council approved the appointment of a ZBA alternate. If you’re interested in being appointed to a volunteer board or commission position, you can click here to learn more.

Want to Learn More?

• Watch the meeting recording

• Review the agenda and minutes

• Join us at our next meeting on March 17 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.