Dennis Hennen, Berkley City Council

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.

This meeting focused on supporting the Berkley Football Boosters, enhancing public safety with a new vehicle purchase, upgrading DPW equipment, and helping residents remain in their homes. There are also updates on marijuana dispensaries and road signs.

The main topics at Monday's Council meeting were Berkley Days and budget amendments, among other matters.

The Council meeting focused on several important topics, including the approval of engineering assistance for the 2024 Road Rehabilitation Project and the revision of voting precinct boundaries in Berkley.

Despite the failure of the city's operating millage request and resulting service cuts, 2023 has still been full of progress and development in Berkley.

• Operating Millage
• Retail Animal Sales Ordinance
• Apartments at Columbia
• Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
• New Voting Precincts
• Parks and Rec Updates
• Infrastructure Updates
• Talk with Dennis Office Hours
• City Council Updates
• Kitten Update
• Upcoming Events
• Other News Resources

Monday's meeting included the annual audit presentation, approving a replacement for the Community Center roof using grant money, plus fee updates for commercial trash, pet stores, and events that use city resources.

Council passed pet store regulations, City Hall will be getting a new piece of community art, and a minor construction ordinance was passed. Plus, there are updates on downtown events in December, leaf collection and holiday tree disposal.

Council discussed a lot of new items including the city's strategic plan and new pet store licensing ordinances, we welcomed a new Council member, plus much more.

Topics include:

• Council Updates
• Pet Store Licensing
• Public Works and Community Development
• Public Safety
• Zoning Ordinance Re-write
• Boards and Commissions
• Michigan Municipal League
• Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
• Other Items