This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Berkley City Council Looks at August for Headlee Override Proposal

Other issues covered in Monday night's meeting include a preview of Berkley Days festivities and honoring the city's history.

Berkley City Council met this evening and addressed an array of issues on the agenda.

Citizens Committee gives recommendation on millage increase

A work session to discuss the took place during a majority of the meeting.

The Berkley Citizens Advisory Committee presented its recommendation to bring the proposed increase of 3 mills to voters this year.

Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

City Finance Director David Sabuda recapped the numbers for council and the public, reiterating the need for more tax revenue to sustain the city’s services.

Finally, the language of the proposal was discussed to see how the questions would be presented on the ballot and whether it would be brought to voters in August or December.

Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Council generally agreed that a proposal for the increase should tentatively be on the Aug. 7 ballot in the form of one single question for a 3 mill increase. Mayor Phil O’Dwyer asked that the language be revised to reflect these sentiments of the council and then brought back at the next meeting for a final decision.

As a formality, the matter was voted down to be brought up again at the next City Council meeting, May 21.

Berkley Days update

Representatives from Berkley Days spoke during public comments to remind the council and residents of upcoming festivities during the May 12-20 community event.

Denise Brainard explained that the 10K will kick off Berkley Days on the Saturday, rather than Mother’s Day as in previous years. This year, a 5K and one-mile race were added.

“From my understanding … we’ve got more online entries this year than in past years and I’m hoping it’s going to be bigger than it’s ever been,” she said.

Registration online is now closed, but runners can register at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the race.

Brainard also explained that the .

Proclamations approved

City Council approved the proclamation to name May 2012 as Berkley History Month and celebrating the 80th anniversary of Berkley's designation as a city.

Councilman Steven Baker read a brief history of the city over the past 80 years that led up to it becoming the community it is today with 15,000 residents, eight schools, nine parks, a “state of the art library,” more than 6,000 homes and being named one of Businessweek's Best Affordable Suburbs in America in 2010.

Council also voted to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of Arbor Day and designate the week of May 13-19 as Arbor Week. Lisa Platt Auensen read the accomplishments of the city, including becoming the first community in the state of Michigan to receive the Sterling Award.

She also noted that the city of Berkley will plant more than 80 trees in the community in the spring tree planting program as part of the celebration.

Telcom Credit Union's impact on community recognized

City Council also approved a resolution to show appreciation for the support from to the community. Particularly, Telcom Credit Union’s support over the last five years has helped the obtain books and CDs of books and music, as well as many youth programs during the summer.

Councilman Jack Blanchard read the recognition of Telcom’s generosity and Mayor Phil O’Dwyer echoed his thanks for Telcom’s dedication and service to Berkley.

Work on Berkley Community Center

Council also approved Commercial Climate Controls Corp. to complete HVAC work at the in an amount not to exceed $13,716.

Tom Colwell, director of , explained the HVAC unit is the largest rooftop unit and is 13 years old.

“We’re starting to see some issues with it,” he said, adding that it controls the multipurpose room and when necessary, auxiliary rooms around it.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Huntington Woods-Berkley