December 2014

Welcome to the 18th Edition of

The City of Highland Park Community News

The City of Highland Park is committed to engaging, involving and informing YOU, the residents and friends of this great City, on community initiatives as we gain momentum on the Rebirth of Highland Park. Together, we are...

Saving Our Community...

One block at a time!

From The Mayor's Desk

The Honorable Mayor DeAndre Windom

It's a GREAT DAY in the City of Highland Park,

The month of December for many is a time of reflection, transformation, and expectation. This can be said for our great City:

Reflection

The year of 2014 was filled with successes worthy of celebrating and some pretty significant challenges that we courageously faced.

As a community we have come together for a number of festive signature events like the 91st Annual Michigan Week Parade - May, The Senior Community Resource Day, the Highland Park Music Festival- July, The Highland Park Woodward Cruise - August, Octoberfest 2014 - October, Spring and Fall Community Clean-Ups, and most recently out Light Up the Park Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and the upcoming Senior Red Carpet Dinner Dance. It is during these times that we as a community of one, along with our friends from surrounding areas, have come together to enjoy each other, and our historical jewel of a city together. As Mayor, I take pride in being transparent, and our challenges in 2014 are no secret. Our city is known for pioneering and being industry leaders and even while facing financial challenges, we forged ahead as the first city ever to choose a Neutral Evaluation process, and while we are still working toward solvency, this type of creative thinking exemplifies the strong tenacity of our great city.

Transformation

So as we prepare to transition from one year to the next, we embrace transformations that will place us a step closer to the Rebirth of Highland Park. We are transforming aesthetically with street repaves and repairs (See our DPW section), streamlining finances, working on Community and Economic Development, and ensuring each department is gearing up for the upcoming year. By working together Council and Administration, Commissioners, Businesses, Schools and Organizations we are dedicated to the Rebirth of Highland Park.

Expectation

So as we embark upon 2015, let us go in with great expectations for our City. The groundwork has been laid, and the foundation is in place--it is now time to build.

Remember, this is Our Highland Park and

Together we are...

Saving Our Community... One Block at a Time.

Team Windom,

The Mayor that Cares

City Meetings

Get Involved in Your Government!

City Council

Monday, December 1 , 2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203

Housing Commission

Monday, December 15, 2014

Time: 5:00 pm

Location: Downes Manor Community Room

Planning Commission

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Time: 5:30 pm

Location: 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203

Police & Fire Commission

Wednesday, December 17 , 2014

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203

TIFA

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Time: 7:00 pm

Location: 12050 Woodward Ave. Highland Park, MI 48203

Senior Advisory Council Meeting

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Time: 11:00 am

Location: Recreation Center

Water Department

Director (Interim): Mona King

(313) 252-0050 Ext. 203

Mon. - Thurs.8:00am- 4:30pm

Friday 8:00am 1:00pm

The Highland Park Water Department is taking steps toward improving its customer service. We are currently working diligently toward reestablishing the issuance of timely invoices. In addition, a department representative will be contacting you to discuss your account.

In the interim, we are encouraging you to take this time to reduce any outstanding account balances to zero.

Should this prove to be a hardship,

payment arrangements are available!

Questions? Contact us at 313-252-0050 ext. 203 Today!

We appreciate this opportunity to serve you, and want to thank you for your continued support and patience during this transitional period.

Highland Park Water Department

Department of Public Works

Director: Gerraj Surles

(313) 252-0050 Ext.240

Hours: Mon. - Fri 8:30am - 4:45pm

What we have done so far:

-Road improvement for 2014 on the following streets:

Rosa Parks
Pilgrim
Colorado
Monterey
Ferris
Beresford
Gerald (IN PROGRESS)

- Three sinkhole locations repaired on the following streets:

Winona off of Woodward
Avalon off of Woodward
Byron off of Tuxedo

What we are working on now:

Still working on patching roads
Working on strategies and working on acquiring more snow equipment.
Sidewalk replacements and hazardous tree removals collapsed manholes and catch basins are ongoing (as the weather permits)
New snow blowers purchased! Snow removal strategies are in place as we have been gearing up for inclement weather.

What you can do to help:

If your street is in poor condition please feel free to email our DPW Director Gerraj Surles at [email protected] or contact him by phone at (313) 459-1069 to request your street to be added to the 2015 road improvement list.

**Severity of road conditions will determine

priority for street repairs.**

Community & Economic Development

Director: Louis Starks

Real Estate Division: Bob Hudson

Community and Economic Development Office

(313) 252-0050 Ext. 209

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00am - 5:00pm

Come Home to Highland Park!

Visit our Real Estate window or call for more information:

(Located on Main Floor City Hall)

(313) 252-0050 Ext. 209

Office Hours:

Mon. - Fri 9:00am -1:00pm

Field Hours

(Window closed at City Hall):

Mon- Fri. 1:00pm-5:00pm

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Police Chief Kevin Coney

Police Services

24-Hour Non-Emergency

313-852-7338

313-852-7339

The City of Highland Park Police Department

During the holiday season, it's important to be safe and to watch your surroundings. Please take heed to the holiday tips below and be safe!

In the event of an emergency always DIAL:
911

Avoid driving alone or at night.
Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.

Safe and Happy Holidays from the Highland Park Police Department

Fire Department

Chief Derek Hillman

Fire Services

24-hour Non-emergency

Fire: (313) 852-3221

Exciting News from the

Highland Park Fire Department

Mutual Aid-

The City of Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Detroit has started the mutual aid process which offers a huge benefit to residents. We now have 15-17 firefighters responding to fires in comparison to the former crew of 6-7.
EMT Training-

Approximately $1.5 million in funds from FEMA has been awarded to do EMT training for Highland Park and Detroit firefighters. Basic Emergency Medical Technician training will equip our firefighters with the tools to better rescue lives during a critical moments.
Regional Grant Award from State of Michigan - Competitive Grant Assistance Program
$401,000 from the State of Michigan to help update dispatch systems in Detroit. This has a direct impact on Highland Park, and Hamtramck as they are handling dispatch for the region. This new alert systems equates to higher efficiency in dispatch and results in lower response times for residents.

Hats off to HP Fire with nearly 2 million dollars being put to work toward the Rebirth of Highland Park!

Parks & Recreation

Director: Michael Drain

Parks and Recreation Center

313-865-2031

Mon-Thurs. 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-6pm

Under Construction

Due to the flooding event August 11-13 2014, the Ernest T. Ford Field House is under renovation and construction. We are working hard to ensure the center will be ready for our seniors, youth and the community at large in the very near future.

You can still apply for future use of the recreation center!

CLICK HERE FOR THE ERNEST T. FORD FIELD HOUSE APPLICATION

For more information, Contact Parks and Recreation Director Mike Drain at 313) 865-2031.

__________________________________________________________

"Making It Happen within the Highland Park Recreation Department!"

For more information, Contact Director Mike Drain

Parks and Recreation Director at
(313) 865-2031.

City Clerk

City Clerk Brenda Green

City Clerk's Office

(313) 252-0050 Ext. 222

Hours: Mon.- Thu. 8:00am - 4:30pm

Fri. 8:00am -1:00pm

The objectives of the Clerk's office are to provide professional and accurate information with courtesy and respect. Also, information requested outside the realm of the Clerk's office to be disseminated to the appropriate department and/or agencies.

Services

Voter Registration
Election Information
Absentee Ballot Procedures
Council Meeting Notices
Council Agendas
Council Minutes
Business License
Taxicab License
City Charter Request
Copies of City Ordinances
Notary Services
Dog License - To obtain a dog license, residents must bring the dog's current shot record and a photo of the dog.
Fees: $10 for neutered pets or $15 for non-neutered pets. Pit Bull Terriers are prohibited.

City Treasurer

City Treasurer Janice Bibbs

City Treasurer's Office

(313 252-0050 Ext. 229

Hours: Mon. - Thur. 8:00am -4:45pm

Fri. 8:00am-1:00pm

Important Tax Reminders!

Winter Taxes are due February 14, 2015

- Are you experiencing Financial Hardship? Do you believe there was a mistake on your assessments?

There will be a December Board of Review held at City Hall.

Call 313-252-0050 ext. 233 to schedule your appointment today.

The City of Highland Park Treasury Department is
committed to keeping you informed!

The City of Highland Park Treasury Department is committed to keeping you informed!

CITY EVENTS

Do you know of something exciting going on next month?

Is it resourceful, fun, and free?

Send it in and we'll get it out to the community!

THE PLEDGE

This is "OUR" Highland Park.

I pledge to Highland Park my energy, my creativity, my time, and my passion. Together we will overcome great obstacles. Together we will reach new heights.

This is our Rebirth of Highland Park.

Editor in Chief- Christenia Wafers, Executive Assistant to the Honorable

Mayor DeAndre Windom