September is here. For the students of Berkley Schools it is time to begin another year of learning and activities. Older youth and adults are returning to college and university classes. For most of us it is time to resume the "normal" activities of life, and get ready for fall.
City Council has already adopted a motion authorizing an agreement for winter maintenance of 12 Mile Road. In the next two months the 2007 road reconstruction project at 11 Mile Road will be completed.
Crossing guards have reported to duty at the intersections near the schools in our city. The relationship between the three cities: Berkley, Huntington Woods and Oak Park; and the Berkley School district will be renewed. Berkley will continue to cooperate with the school district as we share facilities, playing fields, tennis courts and ice arena.
The State of the City, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce will take place again this October, when we will share news of activities and progress in the cities and schools. In the spring elected officials, department heads and administrators of the three cities and school district will hold a joint meeting.
For a number of years the City of Berkley has engaged in shared services with Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak. These endeavors are successful, and future shared revenue from the state will be tied to cooperative efforts such as these.
The question we face as a city is one faced by the school district as well. Will forces in Lansing ask that cities and school districts move beyond shared services to consolidation? Will future shared revenue be tied to consolidation of city services? How will such endeavors be accomplished?
Yes, it is September, and that means it is time to get serious again about the issues facing this city and all municipalities, villages and counties in this state. I welcome your thoughts regarding these, and any issues facing our city.
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