City council met on Monday and approved body cameras for public safety, the Downtown Master Plan, heard about upcoming events, and more.
Council approved a 10 year agreement for body cameras and new tasers for Public Safety. This also includes virtual reality training modules to help in things such as de-escalation, decision making, and dealing with encounters with people with special needs.
The city approved Mongers' Provisions liquor license. They will be expanding their store. They are hoping for the new space to be ready by the first quarter of 2023, but this is partially dependent on how quickly the notoriously slow State Liquor Control Commission acts.
The Berkley Instrumental Boosters/Orchestra Association were given permission to conduct their annual Tag Days throughout the city on Friday, October 14th from 4-9pm, Saturday the 15th from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday the 16th from 9am to 5pm.
Other upcoming events include Parks and Rec's Touch-a-Truck and Tale on the Trail and a month of Halloween related activities with the Downtown Development Authority's BOO!KLEY Nights.
The Chamber is preparing events for Berkley's centennial next year. They are also selling the Berk-Perk Card for discounts at Berkley restaurants and stores through 2023.
Myke Hunyor was recognized on his retirement from the Department of Public Works after 17 years.
New members were appointed to the Downtown Development Authority, Planning Commission, Historical Committee, and Board of Review.
The city approved a contract with SMART for providing transportation services for Berkley residents age 50 or above or with disabilities. You can see more details about the program at on the city's website.
The FY2021 Community Development Annual Report was presented to Council.
The Downtown Master Plan (PDF, 72MB) was approved. The plan was completed before Covid, so the parking section is out of date, but work is already underway to do a comprehensive parking plan for the city in both the commercial and residential districts.
Changes to city fees related to planning projects were approved. The main purpose is to collect sufficient fees to cover city expenses for larger projects.
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to change the Planning Commission from nine to seven members, but removed a provision proposing to allow a Council Member to also serve on the Planning Commission.
Council also approved the first reading of small changes to the sign ordinance to cover some common cases on older signs that had to come before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Both ordinances will have their second reading at the October 3 Council meeting.
Finally, Council approved routine budget amendments and a minor update to our Public Safety pensions to meet new IRS standards.
The meeting packet.