Dennis Hennen, Berkley City Council

Topics discussed include firearm retailers, the future of Berkley Days, bag tags and brush pickup, finance updates, short term rentals, a new park on Coolidge, City Manager finalists, and the Michigan Municipal League.

At Council this week: Holiday Lights Parade, overnight parking, website update, AirBnB, bag tags, the cost of misinformation, and more.

Council discussed sustainability efforts, updated our parking ordinance, and held a work session on overnight parking.

Council approved budget amendments and new apartments on Coolidge at Columbia. The overnight parking ban remains, but changes are being proposed to get more cars off the road while providing relief for true hardships.

On Monday, Council decided there won't be a millage request this year, reviewed the recent budget report, and discussed voting changes.

On Monday, City Council approved the annual budget and finalized water, sewer, and solid waste rates, among other items.

Council discussed the City Manager's replacement and a potential plan for improving city policies and procedures. We approved a union contract with our Public Safety Dispatchers but denied a residential daycare over safety concerns. Other topics discussed included Coolidge Road updates and questions about and improvements to our budget process.

At meetings on Monday and Tuesday, Council completed its review of the city budget, recognized Matthew Baumgarten's service as City Manager, and approved a contract for HR services, among other matters.

Council has hired Nate Geinzer as the interim city manager, hired GovHR to help with the search for a new manager, and made modifications to public safety union contracts, among other matters. Also, construction updates and the city's proposed budget have been released.

At Monday's meeting, the City Manager announced his resignation. Council approved HVAC projects for the Library and Public Safety, approved Art Bash and Street Art Fest, but denied an office at the former Vitrine location.