Berkley DDA Amends Budget to Fund 12 Mile-Coolidge Makeover

The Berkley Downtown Development Authority agreed to contribute $225,000 toward the overhaul of the 12 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway intersection in a contentious 4-3 vote.

On Wednesday, the DDA approved a package of amendments to the 2011-2012 fiscal year budget that would allow the group to fund 60 percent of the project that engineering firm Hubbell, Roth & Clark LLC has estimated will cost $375,000.

The Berkley City Council agreed to pay for the remaining 40 percent of the work Jan. 9 when it approved a 2011-2012 fiscal year budget amendment that provides $150,000 from the city's Major Street Fund for the project.

at the intersection during 2012 either by repaving the intersection entirely with concrete or possibly using stamped concrete in the crosswalks – similar to what is in place at the 11 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway intersection.

DDA debate about the corner's clay pavers dates at least to June, when to address the issue.

In combination with declining property values and continuing bond payments through fiscal year 2015-2016, the expenditure will deplete the DDA's resources in the near future.

"So, basically we're done until 2016-2017," said DDA board member John Barbuscak, who questioned Wednesday whether the body would need to exist during the intervening period. "Basically, we'll be able to spend some on flowers or do some maintenance."

Berkley Finance Director David Sabuda explained that the DDA still would be necessary to collect tax capture funds and added that if the intersection work goes under budget, the balance would flow back into the DDA's general fund and be available for other projects.

Barbuscak also questioned whether there were enough members present during the meeting – as required under the DDA's bylaws, the city charter and Robert's Rules of Law – to pass the measure.

But, City Manager Jane Bais-DiSessa assured the DDA that only a simple majority of the board members present was needed to approve the budget amendments since it was a budgetary issue rather than a legislative issue.

A debate about the DDA's voting procedures and meeting processes ensued before board chairman Alan Semonian called for a vote, which board member Aleta Young suggested delaying in favor of holding a work session.

"I disagree," board member Diane Farrington said. "This has been beat to death."

Following the vote, Semonian sought to rally the board.

"I just want to speak as chair on moving forward on Coolidge this year. ... This is our call to arms, people," he said. "We have money in the fund balance to get things done."

Sabuda, the city finance director, said Friday that the next step for the project will be for the DDA's budget amendments to go to the Berkley City Council for approval Feb. 6.

Once approved, the project will go to Hubbell, Roth & Clark, which will develop a plan and seek contractors, Bais-DiSessa said Wednesday. The proposal then will come to the City Council and DDA for approval, she added.

"This is just the next step in the process," City Council member and DDA liaison Steve Baker said Wednesday. "Spring construction season would be an opportune time to begin."

Visit www.berkleydda.com or call 248-658-3350 for more information.