Birmingham public meetings in 2025

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will appoint a new Fire Chief and approve a parking fee for private construction projects. The body will also consider a special land use permit for a commercial office building and a closed session regarding pending litigation.

• Appointment of Fire Chief Matt Bartalino
• Parking fee for private construction projects
• Special Land Use Permit for 36977 Woodward Ave
• Audit presentation for FY 2024-2025
• Closed session on pending litigation

The Birmingham City Commission approved a Special Land Use Permit and Final Site Plan for a 3-story commercial office building at 36977 Woodward Ave for InvestWise Financial. The Commission also approved schematic designs for four parking garages, the Birmingham Museum's 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, and several appointments. A motion to discuss special assessments on Arlington and Shirley failed.

• Approved Special Land Use Permit and Final Site Plan for 3-story office building at 36977 Woodward Ave (7-0)
• Approved schematic designs for Peabody, Pierce, Park, and N. Old Woodward parking garages (7-0)
• Approved Birmingham Museum 2026-2028 Strategic Plan (7-0)
• Appointed Kathleen Devereaux to Board of Review (7-0)
• Appointed Jill Stress to Board of Review (7-0)
• Confirmed Matt Bartalino as Fire Chief (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrant lists totaling $2,742,855.10 (7-0)
• Motion to discuss Arlington/Shirley special assessments failed (3-3, Mayor recused)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will hold a special joint meeting with the Multimodal Transportation Board on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes call to order, roll call, public comment, and a discussion of the MMTB’s scope. No actions or decisions are listed on the agenda. The meeting will be held at 851 S. Eton and streamed via Zoom.

• Discussion of Multimodal Transportation Board (MMTB) scope

The City Commission and the Multi‑Modal Transportation Board held a joint meeting to review the board’s purpose and possible tasks. Participants discussed potential responsibilities, meeting frequency, and how the board should interact with the Commission and staff. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will review the final schematic design for new parking garages presented by the BCT Design Group. A study session on the Sustainability Fee will be led by Planning Director Nick Dupuis. The committee will also consider parking reports and conduct routine business such as approving minutes and electing officers.

• Final Parking Garage Schematic Design Review – Peabody, Pierce, Park, and N. Old Woodward Parking Garages
• Study Session on Sustainability Fee – presented by Planning Director Nick Dupuis
• Review of recent Parking Reports
• Election of Chair and Vice‑Chair
• Approval of November 5, 2025 meeting minutes

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will discuss schematic designs for parking on Peabody, Pierce, Old Woodward, and Park. The meeting includes a study session on a sustainability fee and a clarification on moped space.

• BCT Design Group schematic designs for Peabody, Pierce, Old Woodward, and Park
• Study session on Sustainability Fee with Planning Director Nick Dupuis
• Clarification on moped space
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Review of parking reports

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will meet to consider rezoning applications, community impact studies, and special land use permits. The agenda also includes site plan and design reviews and a consultant selection for the Zoning Ordinance Update Project. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are detailed in the agenda.

• Rezoning Applications
• Community Impact Studies
• Special Land Use Permits
• Site Plan & Design Reviews
• Zoning Ordinance Update Project – Consultant Selection

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting. It voted unanimously to recommend that the City Commission select Houseal Lavigne Levine to conduct a comprehensive zoning ordinance update. The board also unanimously suspended the procedural rules for two January meetings to allow combined site plan and study session considerations.

• Approved November 12, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Recommended City Commission select Houseal Lavigne Levine for zoning ordinance update (7-0)
• Suspended procedural rules for two January meetings (7-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals will hear three requests for dimensional variances related to property setbacks and open space requirements. The board will also approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Hear appeal for 1061 Forest (John Van Brouck)
• Hear appeal for 925 Larchlea (Kastler Construction Inc)
• Hear appeal for 36977 Woodward (Dean Thurman)
• Approve minutes from October 28, 2025 meeting
• Review correspondence and general business

The Board approved the minutes of the October 28, 2025 meeting (7‑0). It approved both rear‑yard and side‑yard variances for 1061 Forest (4‑2). It approved the side‑yard variance for 925 Larchlea (7‑0). It approved the façade variance for 36977 Woodward but denied the height variance (4‑3).

• Approved October 28, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved variances A and B for 1061 Forest (4-2)
• Approved variance for 925 Larchlea (7-0)
• Approved façade variance A for 36977 Woodward (4-3)
• Denied height variance B for 36977 Woodward (4-3)

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board will discuss its recommendations to the City Commission on rule changes, capital improvements, and future cemetery service demands. New business includes a presentation from Creative Collaborations and Carter's Preservation, the FY 2026‑2027 recommended cemetery budget requests, and follow‑up on columbarium opportunities. The board will also review goals and priorities for 2026 and set the next meeting date for February 6, 2026.

• Presentation from Creative Collaborations and Carter's Preservation
• Fiscal year 2026‑2027 recommended cemetery budget requests
• Follow‑up on columbarium opportunities
• Review of rules and regulations and 2026 goals/priorities
• Next meeting scheduled for February 6, 2026

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board approved the minutes from the October 3, 2025 meeting. The board also voted to move forward with the recommended fiscal year 2026‑2027 cemetery budget requests. Both actions passed unanimously.

• Approved October 3, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved FY 2026‑27 cemetery budget requests (4-0)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will meet to discuss a Saturday Social Agreement and a committee application. The board will also hold a call for nominations for officer elections and recognize new board appointments.

• Saturday Social Agreement
• Committee Application
• BSD Board Officer Elections nominations
• Holiday Gift Guide presentation
• Approval of November 2025 vouchers

The board approved the consent agenda, including the November 6, 2025 minutes, November 2025 vouchers, and absence waivers for Pohlod, McKenzie, and Hussey. They reappointed Hussey and Roberts to the board, nominated Lipari as secretary, Kay as vice‑chair, and Pohlod as chair, all of which were accepted. The board also approved a $22,800 contract with Saturday Social to manage the district’s social‑media accounts from January through June 2026 and appointed Wolf to the Business Development Committee.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, vouchers, waivers) – motion passed unanimously (yeas: Ecker, Hussey, Kay, McKenzie, Pohlod, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Wolf; nays: none)
• Reappointed Hussey and Roberts to the board – terms through 2029
• Nominated and accepted Amy Pohlod as board chair
• Nominated and accepted Lipari as secretary (seconded by Hussey)
• Nominated and accepted Kay as vice‑chair (seconded by Hussey)
• Approved $22,800 contract with Saturday Social for social‑media management Jan‑Jun 2026 – motion passed unanimously (yeas: Ecker, Hussey, Kay, McKenzie, Pohlod, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Wolf; nays: none)
• Appointed Wolf to the Business Development Committee – motion passed unanimously (yeas: Ecker, Hussey, Kay, McKenzie, Pohlod, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Wolf; nays: none)
• Approved $5,000 investment for gift cards for Winter Markt event (committee decision)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will meet to conduct a study session regarding public comments on the Historic Preservation Master Plan. The body will also perform courtesy, design, and sign reviews.

• Study Session: Historic Preservation Master Plan – Public Comment Review
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Courtesy Review

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will meet to discuss playground design for Pembroke Park and receive a city-wide playground project update. The agenda also includes a communication regarding the Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve in Southfield.

• Pembroke Park Playground Design Planning Session
• City-wide Playground Project Update
• Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, Southfield, Michigan communication

The Parks and Recreation Board approved the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. No formal actions were taken on the Pembroke Park playground design, which was discussed but not voted on. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a special workshop session to discuss the Historic Preservation Master Plan. No formal actions will be taken during this meeting.

• Presentation and discussion of the Historic Preservation Master Plan by Planning Director Nick Dupuis

The commission held a workshop to review the Historic Preservation Master Plan presented by Planning Director Nick Dupuis. Commissioners raised points about costs, incentives, demolition delays, and community interest, but no formal actions or votes were recorded. The meeting adjourned without any approvals, denials, or items being tabled.

City Commission

The City Commission will vote on the 48th District Court's 2026 budget and an ordinance regarding contractor pavement requirements. The body will also consider several board appointments and a closed session regarding litigation with The Community House Association.

• Approval of 48th District Court’s 2026 budget
• Warrant lists totaling $882,483.08 (Nov 19) and $1,946,043.59 (Nov 26)
• Ordinance to require contractors to install final concrete or asphalt pavement and implement a trench maintenance bond
• Second addendum for 2024 Chester St. Parking Structure Repair Project with RAM Construction Services, Inc.
• Appointments to Design Review Board, Environmental Sustainability Committee, and Birmingham Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority

The commission approved three new alternate members to local boards, adopted the consent agenda, approved the 48th District Court 2026 budget (5‑1), and unanimously passed a trench‑maintenance ordinance and fee revision. A vote on the Building Department right‑of‑way bond tied 3‑3, and a motion to study AI‑generated minutes failed for lack of a second. A motion to meet in closed session was introduced but no vote was recorded.

• Approved Steve Sweeney as alternate Design Review Board member (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved Celeste Herpel as alternate Environmental Sustainability Committee member (voice vote, unanimous)
• Approved Tim Baldwin as regular Birmingham Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority member (voice vote, unanimous)
• Adopted consent agenda items including two warrant payments totaling $2,828,526.67 (roll call vote, unanimous)
• Approved 48th District Court 2026 budget as submitted (5‑1 roll call vote)
• Adopted trench maintenance ordinance and fee revision (6‑0 roll call vote)
• Bond for public right‑of‑way motion resulted in a 3‑3 tie (voice vote)
• Motion to study AI‑generated minutes failed for lack of a second

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will approve minutes from its November 5 meeting, conduct courtesy, historic design, and sign reviews, and hold a study session on the second draft of the Historic Preservation Master Plan. The meeting will also include miscellaneous business such as pre‑application discussions, staff reports on administrative sign approvals, demolitions, and the 2025 action list. Public attendance is available in person at City Hall or virtually via Zoom.

• Approval of HDC minutes from November 5, 2025
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session – second draft of the Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Staff Reports – administrative sign approvals, demolitions, Action List 2025

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the November 5, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. The commission also adopted a motion supporting the definition and context of the Historic Preservation Master Plan and requested staff release the document for public comment, again by a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved November 5, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Supported Historic Preservation Master Plan definition and requested public comment release (5-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to consider three requests for dimensional variances. The board will also review and approve minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting.

• Dimensional appeal 25-28 for 1061 Forest (John Van Brouck)
• Dimensional appeal 25-29 for 925 Larchlea (Kastler Construction Inc)
• Dimensional appeal 25-30 for 36977 Woodward (Dean Thurman)

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on November 18, 2025 was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered or decided.

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee will discuss draft ordinance language for single-family stormwater management. The body will also hold a study session regarding a sustainability fee.

• Draft ordinance language for Single-Family Stormwater Management
• Study session for a Sustainability Fee

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will vote on a playground project for Poppleton Park, authorizing up to $1,711,121.43 for design, equipment, and installation. It will also approve a Community Development Block Grant application allocating $34,052 to yard services and barrier removal, and adopt an ordinance amendment changing meeting times. Additional items include a resolution for five ADA parking spaces on Oxford Street ($80,000) and several closed‑session motions on property, privileged communications, and pending litigation.

• Resolution to approve Poppleton Park playground layout and purchase equipment from Landscape Structures, Inc. ($516,164.35) and installation by Penchura, LLC ($1,194,957.08) – total not to exceed $1,711,121.43
• Public hearing to approve 2026‑2027 Community Development Block Grant application with $5,107 for yard services and $28,945 for barrier removal (total $34,052)
• Motion to approve five ADA parking spaces on Oxford Street, funded up to $80,000 from the Parks, Other Contractual Services account
• Resolution to accept a Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund grant (terms of project agreement) – amount not specified in agenda
• Closed‑session resolutions to discuss real‑property purchase or lease, attorney‑client privileged communication, and pending litigation (Paul Wells v City of Birmingham) requiring a 2/3 majority vote

The commission appointed new members to several boards, approved the consent agenda—including a $2,406,244.79 payment and a Michigan Natural Resource Trust grant—and adopted an ordinance moving regular meetings to 7 p.m.–12 a.m. with a majority‑vote extension option. It also approved a $34,052 Community Development Block Grant, a $1,711,121.43 Poppleton Park playground project, and $80,000 for ADA parking, and authorized a closed‑session to consider real‑property acquisition.

• Appointed Carl Kona to Board of Zoning Appeals (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed Susan Shacket as alternate to Board of Zoning Appeals (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed William Watkinson to Board of Review (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items A‑F, including $2,406,244.79 payment and MNRTF grant (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved 2026 Community Development Block Grant $34,052 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved Poppleton Park playground design and purchase up to $1,711,121.43 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Adopted ordinance amendment changing meeting time to 7 p.m.–12 a.m. with extension option (voice vote, all ayes)
• Voted to discuss using AI for meeting minutes (voice vote, ayes: Kozlowski, Haig, Kolb, Host; nays: Longe, Baller)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will hold a study session to interview firms for the Zoning Ordinance Update Project. The board will also review rezoning applications, special land use permits, and site plan and design reviews.

• Zoning Ordinance Update Project firm interviews
• Rezoning applications
• Special Land Use Permits
• Site Plan & Design Reviews
• Community Impact Studies

The Board approved the minutes from the October 22, 2025 Planning Board meeting by a 6‑0 voice vote. No other motions were voted on. The Board conducted interviews with four firms for the zoning ordinance update and discussed the selection process, but no decision was made.

• Approved minutes of Oct 22, 2025 meeting (6-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will conduct the organization of the body, including the election of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem and the administration of oaths to new officials. The body will also consider a police union contract renewal and various land use applications.

• Settlement agreement with Birmingham Police Officers Association for contract renewal through June 30, 2028
• Warrant lists for approval totaling $1,906,598.93 and $414,482.93
• Public hearing set for Dec 15 regarding a 3-story office building at 36977 Woodward Ave
• One-year agreement with Next for $126,632
• Bistro applications for Teuta and Snap Taco

The commission elected Clinton Baller as mayor and appointed Andrew Haig and Anthony Long as mayor pro tem. It approved the consent agenda, including two ACH payments of $1,906,598.93 and $414,482.93, a public hearing date, and a $126,632 service agreement with Next. The board also approved a construction‑staging agreement, a police officers association settlement, and moved forward with the Teuta bistro application.

• Elected Clinton Baller as mayor (voice vote: 4 ayes, 3 nays)
• Elected Andrew Haig as mayor pro tem (voice vote: 3 ayes, 4 nays)
• Elected Anthony Long as mayor pro tem (voice vote: 4 ayes, 3 nays)
• Approved consent agenda items A‑E, including ACH payments of $1,906,598.93 and $414,482.93
• Approved one‑year $126,632 service agreement with Next
• Approved construction staging agreement for 34350 Woodward Ave (ayes: 6, nays: 1)
• Approved settlement agreement with Birmingham Police Officers Association (ayes: 7, nays: 0)
• Approved resolution to move Teuta bistro application forward (ayes: 4, nays: 3)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will consider routine consent items, including approval of the October 9, 2025 board minutes and the October 2025 vouchers. An absence waiver will be granted for three board members. The meeting will also feature reports from several committees and the executive director.

• Approval of BSD Board Minutes – October 9, 2025
• Approval of October 2025 vouchers
• Absence waiver for board members McKenzie, Fehan, and Lipari
• Committee reports: Special Events, Marketing and Advertising, Maintenance and Capital Improvements, Business Development, Executive Board
• Reports from the Wayfinding Committee, Advisory Parking Committee, and Executive Director

The board voted to nominate Lipari to serve as chair of the Birmingham Shopping District Board. The consent agenda, including approval of the October 9 minutes, October vouchers, and absence waivers for McKenzie, Fehan and Lipari, was approved. The Advisory Parking Committee approved a $25,000 allocation to the board for parking promotion.

• Lipari nominated as board chair (yeas: Ecker, Kay, Lundberg, Roberts, Surnow, Taddei, Wolf; nays: none) – passed
• Approved consent agenda: October 9 minutes, October vouchers, absence waivers (yeas: Ecker, Kay, Lundberg, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Taddei, Wolf; nays: none) – passed
• Advisory Parking Committee approved $25,000 allocation to BSD for parking promotion – approved

Museum Board

The Museum Board will meet to review and potentially approve the final 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. The board will also receive updates on the “What’s Your Story?” Oral History Project and conduct a tour of the Hunter House.

• Review and approval of 2026-2028 Strategic Plan Final Document
• Updates on “What’s Your Story?” Oral History Project
• Sneak peek/candlelight tour of Hunter House

The board approved the minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting. It also approved the final Birmingham Museum 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan with proposed edits and will forward the plan to the City Commission in December. Members agreed to move the Hunter House candlelight tour to take place after the other business and adjournment. The next regular meeting is set for January 8, 2026.

• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (Yeas 6, Nays 0)
• Approved final Birmingham Museum 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan with edits (Yeas 6, Nays 0)
• Decided to present the approved strategic plan to the City Commission in December
• Moved Hunter House candlelight tour to occur after other business and adjournment

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will approve minutes from previous meetings, review historic designs and signs, and discuss the first draft of the Historic Preservation Master Plan. Additional items include pre‑application discussions, staff reports on administrative sign approvals, demolitions, and the 2025 action list. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and also streamed online.

• Approval of HDC minutes from August 20, 2025 and September 17, 2025
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session – Historic Preservation Master Plan – First Draft
• Staff reports on administrative sign approvals and demolitions

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from August 20, 2025 by a 5‑0 voice vote. It also approved the minutes from September 17, 2025, again with a 5‑0 vote. The commission then adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

• Approved August 20, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:48 p.m.

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will review a Voltpost electric‑vehicle charging opportunity and discuss a related survey. It will consider prior discussion items on moped parking spaces and a holiday contribution request from the Birmingham School District. A staff report on the Comprehensive Repair Project and a review of recent parking reports will also be presented.

• EV Charging – Voltpost opportunity and survey discussion
• Items from prior discussion – moped spaces
• BSD holiday contribution request (Ericka Bassett, BSD Director)
• Comprehensive Repair Project staff report from City Commission meeting 10/6/25
• Parking reports review

The Advisory Parking Committee approved the minutes from the October 1 meeting unanimously. It then approved a $25,000 contribution from the parking fund to the Birmingham Downtown Development (BSD) to support marketing efforts, also unanimously. Finally, the committee approved reaching out to Voltpost to express interest in two EV‑charging spaces, again with a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved October 1, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved $25,000 contribution to BSD from parking fund (7-0)
• Approved outreach to Voltpost expressing interest in two EV‑charging spaces (7-0)

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will review updates on playground improvements at West Lincoln Well and Pumphouse Park and Poppleton Park, and consider new park rules and regulations. The meeting will also include an update from the Senior/Recreation Center Committee.

• West Lincoln Well and Pumphouse Park Playground Update
• Poppleton Park Playground Improvements Update
• Park Rules and Regulations
• Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant Acceptance Resolution
• Poppleton Park Playground Communication

The board unanimously approved the updated draft concept plan and layout for the Poppleton Park Playground Improvement Project and recommended the parallel parking Option B with five ADA parking spots and additional access points. The motion was forwarded to the City Commission for final approval. The board also unanimously approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes and voted to table the Park Rules and Regulations item.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved updated draft concept plan and playground layout for Poppleton Park Playground Improvement Project (7-0)
• Recommended parallel parking Option B with five ADA spots and extra access points (7-0)
• Forwarded Poppleton Park plan to City Commission for final approval (7-0)
• Tabled Park Rules and Regulations item (7-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals will first approve the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. It will then consider five dimensional variance appeals for properties at 495 Vinewood, 270 S Glenhurst, 1155 Webster, 309 Arlington, and 1061 Forest. The agenda also includes routine items such as roll call, announcements, correspondence, general business, and an open public period.

• Approval of the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Five dimensional appeals for 495 Vinewood, 270 S Glenhurst, 1155 Webster, 309 Arlington, and 1061 Forest

City Commission

The City Commission will consider the condemnation of a property at 611 Elm Street and a land use permit amendment for Kaishin Izakaya. The body is also reviewing several special event permits and infrastructure projects.

• Public hearing to declare 611 Elm Street a dangerous structure and require demolition
• Special Land Use Permit amendment and liquor license transfer for Kaishin Izakaya at 176 S. Old Woodward
• Contract award to KLM Landscape for 342 trees at a cost of $196,335
• Approval of warrant lists totaling $5,820,449.22
• Final design authorization for Wimbleton Drive (Phase 2) sewer and water main improvements

The commission appointed Benjamin Motyl to the Architectural Review Committee and approved the consent agenda items, including several warrant payments and special event permits. It awarded a $196,335 contract for the 2025 Fall Tree Purchase and Plant project. The commission declared the structure at 611 Elm Street dangerous and ordered demolition within 30 days. It also approved the Village Fair permit, a special land‑use permit amendment for 176 S. Old Woodward, and directed engineering to complete the final design of Wimbleton Drive Phase 2.

• Appointed Benjamin Motyl to Architectural Review Committee (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items A‑H and K, including $1,985,725.09 and $2,937,586.88 warrant payments (unanimous)
• Approved Village Fair special event permit for May 27‑31 2026 (unanimous)
• Awarded $196,335 contract to KLM Landscape for 342 trees (unanimous)
• Declared 611 Elm Street a dangerous structure; ordered demolition within 30 days (unanimous)
• Approved SLUP amendment for 176 S. Old Woodward and transfer of liquor license to Gold Coin Inc. (unanimous)
• Directed Engineering Dept. to proceed with final design of Wimbleton Drive Phase 2, including sewer, water, and cape‑seal road work (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review several items, including rezoning applications and community impact studies. It will consider a land use permit request for a new 3‑story commercial building over 4,000 sq ft at 36977 Woodward. The board will also conduct final site plan and design reviews for the same project and a withdrawn renovation request at 2333 Cole Street, and will review RFP responses for the Zoning Ordinance Update Project.

• Special Land Use Permit request for a new 3‑story commercial building >4,000 sq ft at 36977 Woodward
• Final Site Plan & Design Review for the 36977 Woodward commercial building
• Final Site Plan & Design Review for major renovations at 2333 Cole Street – withdrawn
• Review of RFP responses for the Zoning Ordinance Update Project
• Review and approval of minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting

The Planning Board adopted staff findings and recommended approval of the Special Land Use Permit for 36977 Woodward Avenue (InvestWise Financial) with five specific conditions. The Board also approved the final site plan and design review for the same project, applying the same conditions. Both motions passed unanimously with a 7‑0 vote. Earlier, the Board approved the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved Special Land Use Permit for 36977 Woodward Ave (7-0)
• Approved Final Site Plan and Design Review for 36977 Woodward Ave (7-0)
• Approved minutes of September 10, 2025 meeting (6-0)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will review finance reports and approve the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes and September 2025 vouchers. New business includes discussion of the Sunbelt contract. The meeting also features a business anniversary recognition, committee reports, and public comments.

• Approval of BSD Board Minutes – September 4, 2025
• Approval of September 2025 vouchers
• Discussion of Sunbelt Contract
• Business Anniversary Recognition presentation
• Committee reports on special events, marketing, maintenance, business development, and executive board

The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the September 4 minutes, September vouchers, and an absence waiver for McKenzie. It also approved a contract with Sunbelt to provide electricity for the Winter Markt event, with total payments not to exceed $27,331. Both motions passed with all present members voting yeas and no nays recorded.

• Approved consent agenda (Sept 4 minutes, Sept vouchers, McKenzie waiver) – yeas: Ecker, Hussey, Kay, Lundberg, Pohlod, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Taddei, Wolf; nays: none
• Approved Sunbelt electricity contract for Winter Markt, not to exceed $27,331 – yeas: Ecker, Hussey, Kay, Lundberg, Pohlod, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Taddei; nays: none

Museum Board

The Birmingham Museum Board will approve the minutes from the August 7, 2025 meeting, adopt the proposed 2026 meeting schedule, receive updates on the “What’s Your Story?” oral history project, and review the draft of the 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan. The Director will also report on the pending EGLE permit and the upcoming RFP for Phases 3 and 4 of the John West Hunter House project.

• Approval of minutes from August 7, 2025
• Adoption of the 2026 Museum Board meeting schedule
• Updates on the “What’s Your Story?” oral history project
• Review of the 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan draft document
• Director’s report on EGLE permit and RFP for Hunter House phases 3/4

The Museum Board approved the August 7, 2025 minutes (6-0). It adopted a new six‑meeting schedule for 2026 (6-0). The board also approved the draft 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan and will bring it back for final approval at the November meeting (6-0).

• Approved August 7, 2025 minutes (Yeas 6, Nays 0)
• Changed 2026 meeting schedule to six dates (Yeas 6, Nays 0)
• Approved draft 2026‑2028 Strategic Plan, to be finalized in November (Yeas 6, Nays 0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will discuss the proposed renovations and expansion of the Police Department. The meeting also includes routine appointments to several boards and committees, a consent agenda of routine items, and standard reports from the City Manager and commissioners. Public comment is allowed on any agenda item removed from the consent agenda.

• Appointment of regular members to the Museum Board, Advisory Parking Committee, Board of Zoning Appeals, Historic District Commission, and Design Review Board
• Discussion of Police Department renovations and expansion
• Consent agenda of routine items to be approved by a single motion
• City Manager’s regular report
• Public comment period for items removed from the consent agenda

The commission unanimously appointed new members to several boards, including the Historic District Commission and the Advisory Parking Committee. It approved a settlement agreement renewing the collective bargaining contract with the Birmingham Police Command Officers Association through June 2028 and a design contract for police department renovations up to $80,000. The commission also postponed the public hearing on the dangerous structure at 611 Elm Street and approved the posting of an RFP for a professional owner’s representative to explore public‑private partnerships.

• Appointed Judith Keefer to the Historic District Commission (unanimous voice vote)
• Appointed Patricia Hardy to the Advisory Parking Committee (unanimous voice vote)
• Appointed Richard Lilley to the Board of Zoning Appeals (unanimous voice vote)
• Accepted resignation of Paul Connell from the Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board and directed the clerk to fill the vacancy (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved posting the RFP for a professional owner’s representative to explore P3 opportunities (unanimous voice vote)
• Postponed the public hearing on condemnation of 611 Elm Street to the Oct. 27 regular meeting (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved the settlement agreement with the Birmingham Police Command Officers Association, renewing the collective bargaining agreement through June 30 2028 and authorizing fund transfers (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved an agreement with MCD Architects for police department renovations and expansion, not to exceed $80,000, funded $72,000 from account 403.0-901.301-977.0000 and $8,000 from account 101.0-301.000-971.0100 (unanimous roll‑call vote)

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board will discuss the 2024-2025 annual report, board composition ordinance, and future budget requests for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The meeting will also cover capital improvements and future demands for cemetery services.

• Approval of September 5, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of Draft 2024-2025 Annual Report
• Discussion on Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board Ordinance regarding Board Composition
• Discussion on recommended budget requests for the 2026-27 fiscal year
• Set schedule for 2026

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board accepted the September 5, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. The board also approved the draft 2024‑2025 annual report, again by a 4‑0 vote. No changes were made to the board‑composition ordinance, which will remain as‑is for now. The board discussed potential columbarium projects but took no formal action.

• Approved September 5, 2025 minutes (4 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved draft 2024‑2025 annual report (4 yeas, 0 nays)

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will meet to discuss increasing parking stall sizes at the Peabody Garage. The body will also review parking reports and discuss an article regarding EV charging.

• Peabody Garage parking stall size increase
• EV charging article and discussion
• Review of parking reports

The committee approved the October 1 meeting minutes by a 6‑0 voice vote. It then adopted a resolution to re‑stripe the Peabody Parking Structure so all spaces are at least 8 feet wide, with cross‑overs striped on every level except the basement, level 1, level 4, and roof levels, passing 5‑1. No formal action was taken on the EV‑charging discussion.

• Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
• Adopted Peabody garage re‑striping resolution (5-1)
• EV‑charging discussion held, no action taken

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will approve minutes from its August 20, 2025 meeting, conduct a courtesy review, and discuss historic design and sign reviews. A study session will provide an update and timeline for the first draft of the Historic Preservation Master Plan. Miscellaneous business includes pre‑application discussions, staff reports on administrative sign approvals, demolitions, and the 2025 action list.

• Approval of HDC minutes of August 20, 2025
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Historic Preservation Master Plan – update and timeline for first draft
• Staff reports on administrative sign approvals and demolitions

The September 17, 2025 Historic District Commission meeting was canceled at 7:15 p.m. because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made.

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee will hold a study session on single‑family stormwater management. It will also announce an appointment to the SEMCOG Flooding Task Force. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and review of minutes.

• Study session on single‑family stormwater management
• Appointment to the SEMCOG Flooding Task Force

The committee approved the previous month’s meeting minutes with a 5-0 vote. No other formal actions were taken; members discussed stormwater management ideas but did not adopt any proposals.

• Approved last month’s minutes (5-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will consider approving a large warrant list and a contract for a community survey. The body will also discuss the future role of the SCC and the property at 400 E. Lincoln.

• Warrant list dated September 10, 2025 in the amount of $40,762,011.22
• Six-month agreement with Cobalt Community Research for a community survey not to exceed $21,435.00
• Public hearing date of October 27, 2025 for Special Land Use Permit Amendment at 176 S. Old Woodward
• Request for Proposals for a Professional Owner’s Representative to explore Public/Private Partnership Opportunities
• Appointments to the Design Review Board and Historic District Commission

The Birmingham City Commission appointed four members to the Design Review and Historic District Commissions, approved the $40,762,011.22 warrant list, and authorized a six‑month community survey contract for up to $21,435. All actions were approved by voice vote with unanimous ayes. A five‑minute recess was also approved.

• Appointed Natalia Dukas as regular member of Design Review Board (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed Natalia Dukas as regular member of Historic District Commission (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed Steven Lemberg as alternate member of Historic District Commission (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed Mary Jaye as alternate member of Historic District Commission (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved warrant list including ACH payments totaling $40,762,011.22 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved six‑month community survey agreement with Cobalt Community Research, not to exceed $21,435 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved a five‑minute recess (voice vote, all ayes)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will meet to discuss a preliminary site plan for a new 3-story commercial building. The board will also hold a study session regarding updates to the Zoning Ordinance.

• Preliminary Site Plan Review for a new 3-story commercial building at 36977 Woodward
• Study session for Zoning Ordinance Update

The board approved the minutes from the August 13 and September 10, 2025 meetings, each by a 6‑0 vote. It then approved the preliminary site plan for 36799 Woodward Ave, attaching six specific conditions, also by a 6‑0 vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved minutes of August 13, 2025 meeting (6-0)
• Approved minutes of September 10, 2025 meeting (6-0)
• Approved preliminary site plan for 36799 Woodward Ave with conditions (6-0)

Parks and Recreation Board

The Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board will approve the minutes from the August 5 meeting, consider unfinished business on Poppleton Park playground improvements, adopt the 2026 board meeting schedule, and hear a staff report on the July scavenger hunt. Items for the next meeting include a review of park rules and regulations.

• Approval of minutes from August 5, 2025 meeting
• Unfinished Business – Poppleton Park Playground Improvements
• New Business – Adoption of 2026 Parks and Recreation Board Schedule
• Staff Report – July Scavenger Hunt
• Next meeting agenda – Review of Park Rules and Regulations

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting. It also approved the updated concept plan and layout for the Poppleton Park playground improvement, adding monkey bars, more spinners, and considerations for the mister placement and color scheme, and recommended forwarding the plan to the City Commission with a parallel parking option. The 2026 Parks and Recreation Board schedule was approved as well.

• Approved August 5, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved updated Poppleton Park playground concept plan and layout with conditions A‑D and recommendation to forward to City Commission (7-0)
• Approved 2026 Parks and Recreation Board schedule (7-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals scheduled for September 9, 2025 was marked as canceled. No agenda items, including the approval of the August 12, 2025 minutes and three dimensional appeals, will be acted upon at this time. Residents may still submit written statements to the Board as indicated in the notice.

• Meeting canceled – no agenda items will be considered

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will hold a workshop session with no formal actions. Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash will present on water and sewer infrastructure. Commissioners and the public may discuss and comment on the presentation.

• Presentation by Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash
• Commission discussion and comment on water and sewer infrastructure
• Public comment period
• Notice of virtual attendance via Zoom (Meeting ID: 655 079 760)
• Accommodation request information for participants

The September 8 City Commission meeting was designated a workshop and no formal actions were taken. Commissioners discussed water and sewer infrastructure, flooding concerns, and possible pipe‑diameter changes with Oakland County Water Resources staff. Public comments requested additional information and continued collaboration with the county and the Great Lakes Water Authority.

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will set a public hearing for October 6 to consider condemning the structures at 611 Elm Street, deemed unfit for habitation and a public nuisance. The meeting also includes routine approvals such as warrant payments, a special event permit for a Christmas Nativity Display, and contracts for a bus shelter, ArcGIS software upgrade, and a new Ford F350. New business items include revising the Multi-Modal Transportation Board charter and approving a construction coordination agreement for 320 Martin.

• Public hearing scheduled Oct 6 to consider condemnation of 611 Elm Street structures
• Contract authorized for ArcGIS Enterprise upgrade with Avineon, Inc. up to $36,300
• Purchase approved for 2026 Ford F350 from Bell Equipment Company up to $149,946
• Resolution to fund bus shelter installation with $17,833 from Capital Projects Fund
• Construction Staging Area and Coordination Agreement for 320 Martin approved

The commission appointed Lisa Silverman to the Advisory Parking Committee. It approved the consent agenda, including a $10,137,270.75 payment, a $510,383.88 payment, a special event permit for a Christmas Nativity display, a $17,833 bus‑shelter contract, a $36,300 IT contract with Avineon, and a $149,946 purchase of a Ford F‑350. The body set a public hearing for Oct. 6, 2025 on condemning a dangerous structure at 611 Elm Street and authorized a special meeting of the Multi‑Modal Transportation Board. It also approved a construction‑staging agreement for the 320 Martin project.

• Appointed Lisa Silverman to Advisory Parking Committee (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved $10,137,270.75 payment on warrant list (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved $510,383.88 payment on warrant list (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved special event permit for Lutheran Church Nativity display (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved $17,833 bus shelter contract (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved $36,300 IT contract with Avineon (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved purchase of Ford F‑350 up to $149,946 (voice vote, all ayes)

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board will meet to discuss modifications to cemetery rules, capital improvements, and future service demands. The board will also approve minutes from a previous meeting and review the draft 2024-2025 Annual Report.

• Approval of May 2, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of draft 2024-2025 Annual Report
• Discussion of capital improvements
• Discussion of future cemetery service demands
• Discussion of columbarium opportunities

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board elected Linda Buchanan as Chair and Linda Peterson as Vice Chair, each with a 4‑0 vote. The board also approved the minutes from the May 2, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. No other motions were adopted during the session.

• Elected Linda Buchanan as Chair (4-0)
• Elected Linda Peterson as Vice Chair (4-0)
• Approved May 2, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will approve August 2025 finance reports, minutes, and vouchers, consider new contracts with Party Dreams for wedding and event rentals, evaluate sponsorship requests, and discuss the proposed 2026 board and committee schedule.

• Approval of BSD Board Minutes – August 7, 2025
• Approval of Vouchers – August 2025
• Party Dreams Wedding & Event Rental Contracts
• Sponsorship Requests
• Proposed 2026 Board and Committee Schedule

The board approved the consent agenda, including minutes from August 7, 2025 and related vouchers. It unanimously approved three separate one‑year contracts with Party Dreams Wedding & Event Rental for the Santa House warming tent, the 2025 Birmingham Winter Markt, and the 2026 BRRmingham Blast, totaling about $41,610. The board also approved a $2,500 bronze sponsorship for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber and a $300 auction basket donation for the Birmingham Education Foundation, and it adopted the proposed 2026 meeting calendar.

• Approved consent agenda (minutes, vouchers, absence waiver) – passed unanimously
• Approved Party Dreams contract for Santa House warming tent – passed unanimously
• Approved Party Dreams contract for 2025 Birmingham Winter Markt tents – passed unanimously
• Approved Party Dreams contract for 2026 BRRmingham Blast rental items – passed unanimously
• Approved $2,500 bronze sponsorship for Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber for 2026 – passed unanimously
• Approved $300 basket of local items for Birmingham Education Foundation auction – passed unanimously
• Approved 2026 BSD meeting calendar as presented – passed unanimously

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission meeting on September 3, 2025 will follow its regular agenda. Items include roll call, approval of minutes, courtesy and historic design reviews, sign review, a study session, and miscellaneous business. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall, 151 Martin St., and also via Zoom.

• Roll Call
• Approval of the HDC Minutes
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session

Advisory Parking Committee

The Birmingham Advisory Parking Committee will meet on September 3, 2025 to approve the August 6, 2025 minutes, review parking reports, and discuss a proposal to increase parking stall sizes at the Peabody Garage. The meeting is open to the public in person at City Hall and via Zoom. No other substantive actions are listed beyond these agenda items.

• Approval of August 6, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Peabody Garage parking stall size increase
• Review of parking reports
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the June 4, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Bill Kolb, seconded by Jim Arpin, and carried unanimously (4‑0). No other formal actions or votes were recorded; the remaining agenda items were discussed informally.

• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (4‑0)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will consider a special land use permit and a final site plan and design review for a new food and drink establishment with on‑premise alcohol sales at 211 Hamilton Row. It will also review a final site plan and design request for major renovations at 2333 Cole Street, which has been requested to be postponed. Additional agenda items include rezoning applications and a discussion of a request for proposal for a zoning ordinance update. Standard procedural items such as minutes approval and public comments are also on the agenda.

• 211 Hamilton Row – NO28 – Special Land Use Permit Review for new food & drink establishment with alcohol sales
• 211 Hamilton Row – NO28 – Final Site Plan & Design Review for the same establishment
• 2333 Cole Street – Final Site Plan & Design Review for major renovations (postponed request)
• Rezoning Applications (unspecified projects)
• Zoning Ordinance Update – Request for Proposal discussion

The board approved the Special Land Use Permit for 211 Hamilton Row (N°28) with conditions, voting 7‑0. It also approved the final site plan and design review for the same project, also 7‑0. The board postponed the final site plan review for 2333 Cole Street until October 22, 2025, with a 7‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved Special Land Use Permit for 211 Hamilton Row – N°28, 7-0
• Approved Final Site Plan & Design Review for 211 Hamilton Row – N°28, 7-0
• Postponed Final Site Plan & Design Review for 2333 Cole Street to Oct 22, 2025, 7-0

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee will perform a final review of the Community Engagement Plan. The body will also hold study sessions regarding leafblowers, a sustainability fee, and single-family stormwater management.

• Final review of Community Engagement Plan
• Study session on GPLE & Leafblowers
• Study session on Sustainability Fee
• Study session on Single-Family Stormwater Management

The Environmental Sustainability Committee approved the June 23, 2025 meeting minutes by a 7‑0 voice vote. It then adopted the Community Engagement Plan with the recommended changes, also by a 7‑0 voice vote. No other motions were taken on the remaining agenda items.

• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes (7-0 voice vote)
• Adopted Community Engagement Plan with changes (7-0 voice vote)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will consider a 3% wage adjustment for non-organized administrative, management, and permanent part-time employees, along with merit-based adjustments. The agenda also includes appointments to the Advisory Parking Committee and Museum Board, several consent agenda items (including warrant payments totaling over $9.9 million), and a discussion on how to conduct a community survey. A public hearing on a special land use permit for 298 S. Old Woodward is being adjourned to allow for additional noticing.

• 3% pay raise for non-organized employees effective July 1, 2025
• Warrant lists totaling $8,332,879.52 and $1,584,967.68
• Special event permits for 2025 Winter Markt and Santa House
• Eliminate two part-time dispatch positions, add one full-time dispatch position
• Adjourn public hearing for 298 S. Old Woodward special land use permit

The Birmingham City Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included large ACH payments, special‑event permits and a change to police dispatch staffing. It also adopted a 3% pay raise for non‑organized administrative, management and part‑time employees, authorized a community survey, and placed a moratorium on Multi‑Modal Transportation Board meetings. Additionally, the commission adjourned a special land‑use permit amendment and appointed four residents and a temporary mayor pro tem.

• Approved consent agenda items A–H (including $8,332,879.52 and $1,584,967.68 payments, special‑event permits, and police dispatch staffing change) – unanimous
• Adopted 3% wage increase for non‑organized administrative, management and part‑time employees, effective July 1 2025, with merit‑adjustment authority – unanimous
• Directed City Manager to design and distribute a community survey to residents – unanimous
• Placed a moratorium on future Multi‑Modal Transportation Board meetings to review code sections 110‑30 and 110‑31 – unanimous
• Adjourned the Special Land Use Permit Amendment and Final Site Plan & Design Review for 298 S. Old Woodward – unanimous
• Appointed Michelly Moody to the Advisory Parking Committee (3‑year term) – unanimous
• Appointed Kevin Kozlowski to the Advisory Parking Committee (3‑year term) – unanimous
• Appointed Robert Moll to the Museum Board (remainder of term) – unanimous

Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer will review two appeals regarding city invoices for property maintenance. The body will determine the validity of charges for grass cutting and snow removal at two specific addresses.

• Appeal #25-016: Grass Cutting Invoice #9562 for $200 at 1420 W Lincoln
• Appeal #25-017: Snow Removal Invoice #9013 for $200 at 909 Fairfax Ave

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will conduct its regular meeting, including approval of July 16 minutes and a courtesy review. Commissioners will review the design proposal for 214 E. Maple titled “Design Within Reach.” The session also includes a study of the Historic Preservation Master Plan and miscellaneous business such as pre‑application discussions and staff reports.

• Historic Design Review – 214 E. Maple, “Design Within Reach”
• Study Session – Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Pre‑Application Discussions (Miscellaneous Business)
• Staff Reports – administrative sign approvals, administrative approvals, demolitions, Action List 2025
• Draft agenda for September 3, 2025

The commission approved the minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 voice vote. It then approved the Design Review application for 214 W. Maple – Design Within Reach, issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness with eight conditions, by a 5‑0 voice vote. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved July 16, 2025 HDC minutes (4-0)
• Approved Design Review for 214 W. Maple, issued Certificate of Appropriateness with conditions (5-0)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review several land‑use items, including rezoning applications, community impact studies, special land‑use permits, and site‑plan designs. A study session will focus on a zoning ordinance update and a request for proposal discussion. The meeting also includes routine agenda review, public comments, and miscellaneous business.

• Rezoning applications
• Community impact studies
• Special land use permits
• Site plan & design reviews
• Zoning ordinance update – request for proposal discussion

The Planning Board approved the minutes of the July 23, 2025 meeting by a 7‑0 voice vote. It also approved making the September, October, November, and December meetings hybrid site‑planning and study sessions, also by a 7‑0 voice vote. The board reached consensus to administratively approve the 35001 Woodward – The Maple pre‑application. The board expressed consensus that the 2333 Cole proposal shows potential and should comply with ordinances, while noting no further action on 479 S. Old Woodward pending a full submittal.

• Approved July 23, 2025 minutes (7-0 voice vote)
• Approved hybrid Sep‑Dec meetings (7-0 voice vote)
• Administratively approved 35001 Woodward – The Maple (board consensus)
• Board expressed support for 2333 Cole proposal (board consensus)
• No action taken on 479 S. Old Woodward; further review pending full submittal

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to consider three dimensional appeals from property owners. The board will also review and approve minutes from the July 8, 2025 meeting.

• Dimensional appeal 25-19 for 1133 Latham (John Gentile)
• Dimensional appeal 25-21 for 1291 Washington (Greater Detroit Landscape)
• Dimensional appeal 25-22 for 640 Shirley (Mosher Design)

The Board denied the generator variance for 1133 Latham and the deck variance for 1291 Washington, each by a 7-0 vote. It approved the pool house variance for 640 Shirley with a 6-1 vote. The minutes of the July 8, 2025 meeting were also approved unanimously.

• Approved July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Denied generator variance for 1133 Latham (7-0)
• Denied deck variance for 1291 Washington (7-0)
• Approved pool house variance for 640 Shirley (6-1)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a workshop session to discuss the 400 East Lincoln property. No formal actions will be taken; the meeting will cover potential options and allow commission members to comment. Residents may attend in person or via Zoom and submit written statements beforehand.

• Discussion of potential options for the 400 East Lincoln property

The commission met as a workshop to discuss the 400 East Lincoln property. Commissioners reviewed several options and heard extensive public comments. No formal actions or votes were recorded.

City Commission

The City Commission will discuss a bond proposal for the Birmingham Community and Senior Center and hold public hearings regarding zoning and land use. The body is also reviewing sidewalk repair contracts and garage designs.

• Bond proposal for Birmingham Community and Senior Center not to exceed $36,640,000
• Public hearing and proposed denial of Special Land Use Permit for 479 S. Old Woodward
• Public hearing to amend zoning for open space standards and impervious surface definitions
• Concrete and Sidewalk Repair Program change order not to exceed $930,622.10
• Warrant lists totaling $1,568,134.85 and $1,151,797.44

The commission voted 2‑5 to place a bond proposal of up to $36,640,000 on the November 4, 2025 ballot for the Birmingham Community and Senior Center. It also approved the consent agenda (7‑0), which included two ACH payment warrants and ordinance amendments. Two appointments were confirmed: Susan Schacket to the Housing Board of Appeals and Ron Berndt to the Historic District Study Committee. The public hearing on the 479 S. Old Woodward tower was adjourned and the applicant was asked to return to the Planning Board for a new hearing.

• Appointed Susan Schacket to Housing Board of Appeals (unanimous voice vote)
• Appointed Ron Berndt to Historic District Study Committee (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved consent agenda (7‑0), including $1,568,134.85 and $1,151,797.44 ACH payments and ordinance amendments
• Adjourned public hearing for 479 S. Old Woodward tower, directing applicant to present new information at Planning Board hearing (7‑0)
• Approved motion to submit Birmingham Community and Senior Center bond proposal up to $36,640,000 to Nov 4 2025 ballot (2‑5)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Board will meet to receive finance reports and review a Visitor Profile Report. The meeting includes reports from committees on special events, marketing, maintenance, and business development.

• Review of Visitor Profile Report
• Approval of July 2025 vouchers
• Reports from Maintenance and Capital Improvements Committee
• Reports from Wayfinding and Advisory Parking Committees

The Birmingham Shopping District Board voted to approve the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting, the July 2025 vouchers, and absence waivers for members Pohlod and Ecker. The motion passed with unanimous yeas and no nays; Board member Lundberg was absent. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded at this meeting.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes, July 2025 vouchers, and absence waivers for Pohlod and Ecker (yeas: all present members; nays: none; absent: Lundberg)

Museum Board

The Museum Board will discuss a proposed cancellation of its September meeting. It will also hear a presentation on the Hunter House interpretive dining program and review 2026 museum projects. Unfinished business includes updates on the "What’s Your Story?" oral history survey.

• Proposed cancellation of September meeting
• Hunter House Interpretive Presentation on Dining by Donna Casaceli
• Discussion of 2026 museum projects and exhibit plans
• Updates on "What’s Your Story?" oral history survey and promotion

The board approved the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0 vote. Members agreed by consensus to consider agenda Item C before Item B. A motion to cancel the September 2025 board meeting was passed unanimously (6‑0). No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (Yeas 6, Nays 0)
• Agenda order changed to consider Item C before Item B (consensus)
• Canceled September 2025 Museum Board meeting (Yeas 6, Nays 0)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will meet to approve previous minutes, conduct design and sign reviews, and hold a study session on pre-application discussions and staff reports.

• Approval of the HDC Minutes
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Pre-Application Discussions
• Staff Reports

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will review recent parking reports and hold a discussion on parking meters, focusing on signage and occupancy issues. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Roll Call
• Approval of Minutes from June 4, 2025
• Sandra Tessler Letter
• Parking Reports Review
• Parking Meter Discussion – signage and occupancy

The committee voted to approve the June 4, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. No other formal actions or votes were recorded; the remainder of the meeting consisted of informational discussions and staff comments.

• Approved June 4, 2025 minutes (4-0)

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board is meeting to discuss public input for the Poppleton Park playground design. The board will also review bench swing options and receive updates on Pumphouse Park and the West Lincoln Well & Park.

• Public input session for Poppleton Park Playground design
• Discussion of bench swing options
• Native Perennial Plug Planting Event at Booth Park Natural Area on August 6th
• Staff updates on Pumphouse Park and West Lincoln Well & Park

The Parks and Recreation Board approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Vice Chair Pam Graham, seconded by Anne Lipp, and carried with a 7‑0 vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes routine resolutions, warrant payments totaling over $9 million, and several contracts for equipment, pavement markings, and sidewalk improvements. It will also consider a resolution to purchase two Wolverine Freightliner trucks for up to $268,607 and $277,672 respectively. Additional items include a public hearing postponement for a special land‑use permit at 298 S. Old Woodward, appointment of a voting delegate to the Michigan Municipal League, and a closed‑session discussion of pending litigation.

• Resolution to purchase a Wolverine Freightliner single‑axle truck, not to exceed $268,607 (Rochester Hills Co‑op contract RFP‑RH‑20‑023)
• Resolution to purchase a Wolverine Freightliner tandem‑axle truck, not to exceed $277,672 (Rochester Hills Co‑op contract RFP‑RH‑20‑023)
• Resolution to approve handwork pavement markings contract with Royalty Pavement Markings for $277,092.50 and long/center lines contract with PK Contracting for $18,350.00
• Resolution to amend the 2025‑2026 IT budget, allocating $35,841.59 for computer software
• Resolution to postpone the special land‑use permit amendment and final site plan review for 298 S. Old Woodward to August 25, 2025

The Birmingham City Commission confirmed several board appointments and approved a large consent agenda that included major warrant payments and vehicle purchases. It also postponed the special land‑use permit hearing for 298 S. Old Woodward to August 25, 2025, and named the city’s voting delegate to the Michigan Municipal League. All actions were adopted by voice vote with no recorded dissent.

• Appointed Kamala Cummings to the Museum Board (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed William Watkinson as an alternate to the Board of Review (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed Margie Duncan to the Historic District Study Committee (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items including $4,229,977.47 and $4,786,211.66 warrant payments, delegation of election duties, and proxy election‑commissioner designations (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved purchase of a single‑axle Wolverine Freightliner up to $268,607 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved purchase of a tandem‑axle Wolverine Freightliner up to $277,672 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Postponed the special land‑use permit hearing for 298 S. Old Woodward to August 25, 2025 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Appointed ACM Fairbairn as voting delegate to the Michigan Municipal League, with Commissioner Host as alternate (voice vote, all ayes)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will meet on July 23, 2025. The agenda includes routine items such as roll call, minutes approval, and public comments. The board will review a postponed special land use permit request for the Birmingham Towers project at 479 South Old Woodward, which seeks to modify floor plans and obtain a parking waiver. The board will also consider a final site plan and design review for the same project, also postponed.

• Special Land Use Permit request for 479 S. Old Woodward – Birmingham Towers (modify floor plans, parking waiver) – postponed from 6/25/25
• Final Site Plan & Design Review for 479 S. Old Woodward – Birmingham Towers – postponed from 6/25/25
• Rezoning Applications
• Community Impact Studies
• Unfinished Business

The Board approved the minutes of the July 9, 2025 meeting by a 7‑0 vote. It then voted 6‑1 to recommend that the City Commission deny the special land‑use permit for 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers). A second 6‑1 vote recommended denial of the final site‑plan and design‑review application for the same project.

• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Recommended City Commission deny special land‑use permit for 479 S. Old Woodward (6-1)
• Recommended City Commission deny final site‑plan and design review for 479 S. Old Woodward (6-1)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will meet to conduct a study session regarding the Historic Preservation Master Plan. The body will also perform design and sign reviews.

• Study session for the Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Staff reports on demolitions and administrative approvals

The commission approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 vote. No other motions, approvals, or decisions were recorded during the July 16, 2025 meeting.

• Approved June 18, 2025 HDC minutes (5-0 vote)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will vote to award the Willits & Bates Paving Project #8‑25(P) to Al’s Asphalt Paving Co. for a total of $1,122,875.06. The meeting also includes approvals for several equipment purchases, a budget appropriation amendment, and a public hearing on open‑space ordinance changes. Additional items on the consent agenda cover routine minutes, warrant payments, and minor permits.

• Award Willits & Bates Paving Project #8‑25(P) to Al’s Asphalt Paving Co. for $1,122,875.06
• Approve purchase of a John Deere Backhoe 320P (up to $149,617.61) under MiDeal contract #240000000158
• Approve purchase of a 2025 street sweeper (up to $302,500.00) under MIDeal Contract #071B7700091
• Approve purchase of six vehicles totaling $304,503.00 (Jeep Wranglers and Ford pickups) from LaFontaine CDJR and Lunghamer Ford
• Set public hearing for Aug 11, 2025 to consider open‑space standards ordinance amendments

The Birmingham City Commission appointed Anthony Long as Mayor Pro Tem and Josh Dobrowitsky to the Multi‑Modal Transportation Board. It approved several equipment purchases, set a public hearing on open‑space standards, and awarded a $1,122,875.06 paving contract to Al’s Asphalt. Additional actions included changing a traffic control to a stop sign, postponing a special land‑use permit, and approving June 23 commission minutes.

• Appointed Anthony Long as Mayor Pro Tem (voice vote: ayes: Emerine, Haig, Host, Longe, Long; nays: none)
• Appointed Josh Dobrowitsky to Multi‑Modal Transportation Board (voice vote: ayes: Emerine, Haig, Host, Longe, Long; nays: none)
• Approved equipment purchases (John Deere backhoe, street sweeper, 6 vehicles) (voice vote: ayes all; nays: none)
• Awarded Willits & Bates Paving Project #8‑25(P) to Al’s Asphalt for $1,122,875.06 (voice vote: ayes all; nays: none)
• Set public hearing for Aug 11 2025 on open‑space and impervious‑surface ordinance amendments (voice vote: ayes all; nays: none)
• Replaced two‑way yield with two‑way stop at Cummings Ave & Davis Ave (voice vote: ayes all; nays: none)
• Postponed special land‑use permit and site‑plan review for 479 S. Old Woodward to Aug 11 2025 (voice vote: ayes all; nays: none)
• Approved June 23 2025 Commission meeting minutes (voice vote: ayes all; nays: none)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will meet to receive and file finance reports, approve consent agenda items including board minutes and vouchers, and review committee reports on special events, marketing, and maintenance.

• Approval of BSD Board Minutes – June 5, 2025
• Approval of Vouchers – June 2025
• Committee Reports: Special Events, Marketing, Maintenance, Business Development, Executive Board
• Wayfinding Committee Report
• Advisory Parking Committee Report

The Birmingham Shopping District Board approved the minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting. The board also approved the revised June 2025 vouchers. Both motions passed unanimously with nine yeas and no nays.

• Approved June 5, 2025 board minutes (9‑0)
• Approved revised June 2025 vouchers (9‑0)

Museum Board

The Museum Board will hear input from Kamala Cummings of In The Know Experiences for the strategic plan. Members will receive updates on the "What’s Your Story?" oral history project. The board will discuss developing a short paper‑and‑pencil and electronic survey to collect public feedback on the strategic plan. The meeting also includes a director’s report and a note that the chairperson’s term is ending.

• Kamala Cummings (In The Know Experiences) provides input for the museum strategic plan
• Updates on the "What’s Your Story?" oral history project
• Planning a 6‑10 item survey (paper and electronic) for public input on the strategic plan
• Director Leslie Pielack presents the director’s report and museum updates
• Chairperson Marty Logue notes her term is expiring and invites discussion of a new chair

The board unanimously amended the agenda to add the annual election of Chair. Marty Logue was unanimously elected Chair for FY 2025‑2026. The minutes from the June 5, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously. No other actions were decided.

• Amended agenda to include annual Chair election (5 yeas, 0 nays)
• Elected Marty Logue as Museum Board Chair for FY 2025‑2026 (5 yeas, 0 nays)
• Approved minutes of June 5, 2025 (5 yeas, 0 nays)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review minutes from the June 25 meeting, consider rezoning applications, community impact studies, and special land use permits. A study session will include a discussion of a zoning ordinance update and a request for proposal. The meeting also includes routine items such as staff reports and public comments.

• Review and approval of June 25, 2025 meeting minutes
• Consideration of rezoning applications
• Discussion of community impact studies
• Special land use permit reviews
• Zoning ordinance update – request for proposal discussion

The Birmingham Planning Board met on July 9, 2025. The board approved the minutes from the June 25, 2025 regular meeting. The motion, made by Vice Chair Bryan Williams and seconded by Board Member Daniel Share, carried by a 7‑0 voice vote.

• Approved minutes of June 25, 2025 meeting (7-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to hear five appeals regarding dimensional requirements for properties at 2630 Dorchester, 1998 Hazel, 1133 Latham, 798 Redding, and 1291 Washington. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and virtually via Zoom.

• Hear appeal for 2630 Dorchester (25-15)
• Hear appeal for 1998 Hazel (25-18)
• Hear appeal for 1133 Latham (25-19)
• Hear appeal for 798 Redding (25-20)
• Hear appeal for 1291 Washington (25-21)

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 voice vote. It approved a 1.77‑ft setback variance for 2630 Dorchester (Appeal 25‑15) with a 5‑0 roll‑call vote. It approved a 4‑ft setback variance for 1998 Hazel (Appeal 25‑18) with a 5‑0 roll‑call vote. It approved a 59.54‑ft garage‑setback variance for 798 Redding (Appeal 25‑20) with a 5‑0 roll‑call vote, and postponed appeals 25‑19 and 25‑21 to the August 2025 meeting.

• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (5-0 voice vote)
• Approved 1.77‑ft setback variance for 2630 Dorchester (Appeal 25-15) (5-0)
• Approved 4‑ft setback variance for 1998 Hazel (Appeal 25-18) (5-0)
• Approved 59.54‑ft garage‑setback variance for 798 Redding (Appeal 25-20) (5-0)
• Postponed appeals 25-19 and 25-21 to August 2025 meeting

Parks and Recreation Board

The Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes, consider unfinished business, receive staff reports, and discuss any new business submitted in advance. No specific agenda items, contracts, or policy proposals are listed for this meeting.

Historic District Commission

The commission will meet to conduct reviews of historic designs and signs. The agenda consists of standard procedural items and reviews.

• Courtesy Review
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider a Special Land Use Permit and Final Site Plan & Design Review for Birmingham Towers. The board will also hold pre-application discussions for 35001 Woodward.

• 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers): Request for Special Land Use Permit to modify floor plans and seek a parking waiver
• 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers): Request for Final Site Plan & Design Review
• 35001 Woodward: Pre-application discussions

The Planning Board approved the minutes of the June 11, 2025 meeting by a 6-0 vote. It then voted 5-1 to postpone the special land‑use permit and final site‑plan/design review for 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers) until July 23, 2025. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved minutes of June 11, 2025 meeting (6-0)
• Postponed consideration of 479 S. Old Woodward special land use permit to July 23, 2025 (5-1)

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee will meet on June 23, 2025 at Birmingham City Hall. The committee will review new business items including a leaf blower policy, a community engagement plan, and a SCAP Gantt chart. Additional items include updates on the FloodWise Communities Cohort and the SOCRRA Recycling Magnet. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and public comments.

• Leaf blower policy
• Community Engagement Plan
• SCAP Gantt chart
• FloodWise Communities Cohort
• SOCRRA Recycling Magnet

The Environmental Sustainability Committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a 6‑0 voice vote. The committee discussed a possible phased‑out of two‑stroke leaf blowers and related ordinance options, but no action was taken. Members also reviewed a community‑engagement plan and a SCAP Gantt chart, again without any formal decisions. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (6-0 voice vote)

City Commission

The City Commission is considering the confirmation of a special assessment roll and the awarding of a construction contract for the Wimbleton Phase 1 paving project. The body will also hold public hearings regarding land use and lot divisions on Old Woodward and Norfolk.

• Contract award to Eminent Excavating LLC for Wimbleton Phase 1 Project totaling $4,008,674.45
• Confirmation of Special Assessment Roll No. 915 for $131,381.90
• Public hearing for 185 N. Old Woodward (Bell Bistro) to increase outdoor seating from 4 to 22
• Public hearing for lot division of 1829 Norfolk
• Expenditure of $150,000 for enhanced bus shelters, with a $120,000 grant

The Birmingham City Commission approved a special assessment roll to fund paving on Wimbleton Drive, Woodward Ave., Abbey Street and Twin Oaks. It also adopted an amended Schedule of Fees, Charges, Bonds and Insurance and a revised Public Records Policy. Additional actions included approving a $150,000 bus shelter project, a special land‑use permit for Bell Bistro, a lot‑division for 1829 Norfolk, and several board appointments.

• Approved Special Assessment Roll 915 for paving projects (unanimous voice vote)
• Amended Schedule of Fees, Charges, Bonds and Insurance and adopted revised Public Records Policy (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved $150,000 bus shelter expenditure and acceptance of $120,000 grant (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved Special Land Use Permit Amendment for 185 N. Old Woodward (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved lot division of 1829 Norfolk with northward line shift (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Postponed Museum Board appointments to next regular meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Appointed Erik Nygren to Ethics Board (unanimous voice vote)
• Appointed Linda Buchanan and Margaret Suter to Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board (unanimous voice vote)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will conduct a historic design review, a sign review, and a study session on the Historic Preservation Master Plan. It will also hold pre‑application discussions, review staff reports on administrative sign approvals, demolitions, and the 2025 action list, and address miscellaneous business.

• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session – Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Pre‑Application Discussions
• Staff Reports: Administrative Sign Approvals, Demolitions, Action List 2025

The Historic District Commission voted to approve the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting with a 4‑0 vote. The commission then motioned to adjourn, ending the meeting at 7:37 p.m. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved May 21, 2025 HDC minutes (vote 4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:37 p.m.

Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer will review and decide on six appeals regarding snow removal invoices for properties across Birmingham. The body will consider requests to waive or reduce charges totaling $2,820.

• Appeal #25-012: 2806 Windemere Rd, $100 invoice
• Appeal #25-008: 2020 Yorkshire Rd, $200 invoice
• Appeal #25-013: 1885 Holland Ave, $100 invoice
• Appeal #25-014: 1073 Pleasant Ave, $200 invoice
• Appeal #25-009: 401 S Old Woodward, $3,300 in invoices

The hearing officer reviewed six snow‑removal invoice appeals on June 16, 2025. Invoices for James Cummins, Babi Construction Inc., and John Moran were upheld. Tarek Hassoun’s invoice was reduced from $200 to $100. The invoices for Rami Fawaz and Heather Armbruster were waived.

• Invoice #8990 ($100) for James Cummins upheld on 6/19/25
• Invoice #9222 ($200) for Tarek Hassoun adjusted to $100 on 6/19/25
• Invoice #9091 ($100) for Babi Construction Inc. upheld on 6/19/25
• Invoice #9015 ($200) for Rami Fawaz waived on 6/19/25
• Invoices #9019, #9107, #9155, #9232, #9302 ($660 each) for John Moran upheld on 6/19/25
• Invoice #9014 ($200) for Heather Armbruster waived on 6/19/25

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission and Planning Board will hold a joint meeting to discuss a proposed update to the zoning ordinance and outdoor dining platforms. The meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Works.

• Discussion of a Zoning Ordinance Update
• Discussion of Outdoor Dining Platforms
• Joint meeting of City Commission and Planning Board
• Public comment period available
• Meeting held at Department of Public Works

The City Commission and Planning Board discussed expectations for a zoning ordinance update, including alignment with the 2040 Plan, public communication, and potential changes to definitions and boundaries. They also reviewed outdoor dining platforms, considering limitations on decks, barrier‑free spaces, parking impacts, and possible policy studies. No motions, votes, or formal approvals were recorded on either topic. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review and approve the May 28 minutes, consider rezoning applications and community impact studies, and evaluate several site plan and design review requests. A public hearing will be held on the Impervious Surface, Open Space & Lot Coverage study. The board will also discuss special land use permits and miscellaneous business.

• Final Site Plan & Design Review request for a new outdoor dining facility at 168 W. Maple
• Request for re‑approval of an expired final site plan for Forest Townhomes at 295 Elm
• Final Site Plan & Design Review request for a new outdoor dining facility at 283 Hamilton Row
• Public hearing on the Impervious Surface, Open Space & Lot Coverage study
• Review and approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of May 28, 2025

The Board approved the minutes from the May 28 meeting. It postponed the 168 W. Maple outdoor‑dining site‑plan review and approved final site plans for 295 Elm (Forest Townhomes) and 283 Hamilton Row (Marrow) with conditions. The Board recommended that the City Commission adopt amendments to open‑space standards and related definitions. It also approved the agenda for the upcoming joint Planning Board‑City Commission meeting.

• Approved May 28, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Postponed consideration of 168 W. Maple outdoor‑dining site‑plan (7-0)
• Approved Final Site Plan for 295 Elm St. Forest Townhomes, conditional on City Department requests (7-0)
• Approved Final Site Plan for 283 Hamilton Row Marrow, with five listed conditions (7-0)
• Recommended City Commission approve open‑space ordinance amendments to Article 4 §§4.30, 4.31 and Article 9 §9.02 (7-0)
• Approved agenda for upcoming joint Planning Board‑City Commission meeting

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will vote to approve the minutes of its May 6, 2025 regular meeting. It will receive updates on Adams Park, Booth Park, and the Pumphouse Park & West Lincoln Well playground projects. The board will announce the start of the In‑The‑Park Summer Concert Series on Friday, June 13, 2025. The meeting also includes a brief public comment period and miscellaneous communications about park matters.

• Approval of minutes from May 6, 2025 meeting
• Update on Adams Park
• Update on Booth Park
• Update on Pumphouse Park & West Lincoln Well playgrounds
• Announcement of In‑The‑Park Summer Concert Series beginning June 13, 2025

The Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved the updated playground layout designs for Pumphouse Park and for West Lincoln Well Park, recommending that the equipment and surfacing purchases be sent to the City Commission for approval. The board also voted to rename West Lincoln Well Park to West Lincoln Park. The May 6, 2025 minutes were approved without dissent.

• Approved updated playground layout design for Pumphouse Park and recommended equipment and surfacing purchase be forwarded to the City Commission (7-0)
• Approved updated playground layout design with ADA‑accessible surfacing for Lincoln Well Park and recommended equipment purchase be forwarded to the City Commission (7-0)
• Recommended renaming West Lincoln Well Park to West Lincoln Park (7-0)
• Approved the May 6, 2025 board minutes (7-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to hear two appeals regarding dimensional requirements at properties on Maple Street and South Woodward. The meeting will be held at City Hall on June 10, 2025.

• Hear appeal for 284 W. Maple (Petitioner: J Jill)
• Hear appeal for 298 S. Old Woodward (Petitioner: Daxton Hotel)

The Board unanimously approved the May 13, 2025 meeting minutes. It denied a 392‑sq‑ft window‑film variance for 284 W. Maple by a 7‑0 vote. It approved a dimensional variance to modify the off‑street loading dock at 298 S. Old Woodward by a 4‑3 vote.

• Approved May 13, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Denied 284 W. Maple window‑film variance (7-0)
• Approved 298 S. Old Woodward loading‑dock variance (4-3)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will hold its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 151 Martin St. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom (ID 655 079 760). Written statements may be submitted to the City Clerk before the hearing, and accommodations are available for people with disabilities.

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will approve warrant payments of $498,064.53, $797,956.43, and $659,669.58. It will also approve several contracts and agreements, including a $652,309.13 dredging contract for Quarton Lake, a $111,438.00 spring tree planting project, and a $430,927.20 addendum for the Chester St. Parking Structure repair. Additional actions include setting a public hearing for a special land‑use permit at 479 S. Old Woodward and adopting a three‑year assessment services contract with Oakland County.

• Award Quarton Lake Maintenance Dredging Project Contract #15-24 to Mid‑American Group for $652,309.13
• Approve professional service agreement for 2025 Water/Sewer Rate and Connection Fee Study with Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc.
• Set public hearing on July 14, 2025 for Special Land Use Permit at 479 S. Old Woodward
• Approve three‑year contract with Oakland County for assessing services (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2028)
• Approve addendum to RAM Construction Services for 2024 Chester St. Parking Structure Repair Project for $430,927.20

The City Commission adopted a resolution to merge the nine existing election precincts into five, effective for the November 4, 2025 election. It also approved several contracts and appointments, including a water‑sewer rate study, a lake dredging contract, and a special land‑use permit for 280 E. Lincoln. All actions passed by voice vote with unanimous approval.

• Appointed Lia Jamerson to the Public Arts Board (term until Jan 28 2028) – unanimous voice vote
• Approved ACH payments of $498,064.53, $797,956.43 and $659,669.58 – unanimous voice vote
• Adopted resolution consolidating nine election precincts to five precincts – unanimous voice vote
• Approved water and sewer rate and connection fee study service agreement with Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. – unanimous voice vote
• Awarded Quarton Lake Maintenance Dredging Contract to Mid‑American Group for $652,309.13 – unanimous voice vote
• Set public hearing for 479 S. Old Woodward special land‑use permit on July 14 2025 – unanimous voice vote
• Approved Local Road Improvement Program Cost Participation Agreement with Oakland County – unanimous voice vote
• Approved special land‑use permit amendment for 280 E. Lincoln – unanimous voice vote

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Board will meet to receive finance reports and approve May 2025 vouchers and minutes. The agenda includes a presentation on the PSD Fund and updates from various operational committees.

• Review of PSD Fund presentation
• Approval of May 2025 vouchers
• Reports from Special Events, Marketing, Maintenance, and Business Development committees
• Wayfinding Committee update
• Advisory Parking Committee update

The Birmingham Shopping District Board approved the consent agenda, which covered the May 1, 2025 board minutes, May 2025 vouchers, and an absence waiver for Director Lundberg. The motion was made by Kay, seconded by Hussey, and passed with yeas from all present members and no nays. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved consent agenda (May minutes, May vouchers, Director Lundberg waiver) – Yeas: Hussey, Kay, McKenzie, Pohlod, Roberts, Sharrak, Surnow, Taddei, Wolf; Nays: none

Museum Board

The board will approve the minutes from the April 3, 2024 meeting, appoint members to the Collections Sub‑committee, and receive updates on the "What’s Your Story?" oral‑history project. It will also discuss finalizing working objectives and measures for the museum’s strategic plan. The director will report on fence and roofing projects and other museum activities.

• Approve minutes of April 3, 2024
• Appointments to the Museum Board Collections Sub‑committee
• Updates on the "What’s Your Story?" oral‑history project
• Finalize working objectives and measures for the strategic plan
• Director report on fence and roofing projects

The board unanimously approved the April 3 minutes. Members appointed Mike Ableson and Marty Logue to the Collections Sub‑committee and affirmed Judith Keefer’s role. The board also approved the objectives for Priorities 1, 2, and 3 of the 2025‑2028 museum strategic plan. By consensus, the board agreed to consider how to seek public input on the plan at the July meeting.

• Approved minutes of April 3 2025 (Yeas 5, Nays 0)
• Appointed Mike Ableson and Marty Logue to Collections Sub‑committee and affirmed Judith Keefer (Yeas 5, Nays 0)
• Approved objectives for Priority 1 of 2025‑2028 strategic plan (Yeas 5, Nays 0)
• Approved objectives for Priority 2 of 2025‑2028 strategic plan (Yeas 5, Nays 0)
• Approved objectives for Priority 3 of 2025‑2028 strategic plan (Yeas 5, Nays 0)
• Agreed by consensus to review public input approach for the strategic plan at next meeting

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will hold roll call and approve its previous meeting minutes. It will conduct courtesy, historic design, and sign reviews, followed by a study session. Miscellaneous business will include pre‑application discussions, a draft agenda, and staff reports. The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and also available via Zoom.

• Roll Call
• Approval of HDC Minutes
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will begin with roll call and approve the minutes from May 7, 2025. It will review recent parking reports and hold an open discussion on the park garage’s monthly parking rate. The meeting will also allow public items not on the agenda, set the next meeting for July 9, 2025, and then adjourn.

• Approval of minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting
• Review of parking reports
• Open discussion on the park garage monthly parking rate
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda

The committee approved the minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. No other actions were formally decided; discussion on parking rates and garage policies will continue at the next meeting.

• Approved May 7, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review two special land use permit applications: one for Birmingham Towers at 479 S. Old Woodward to modify floor plans and request a parking waiver, and one for the Daxton Hotel at 298 S. Old Woodward to modify the required off‑street loading facility. The board will also conduct final site plan and design reviews for the same two projects and for Origins Café at 163 W. Maple, which was postponed from the April 23 meeting. Additional agenda items include routine minutes approval, rezoning applications, and community impact studies.

• Special Land Use Permit – 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers): modify floor plans, parking waiver request
• Special Land Use Permit – 298 S. Old Woodward (Daxton Hotel): modify off‑street loading facility
• Final Site Plan & Design Review – 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers)
• Final Site Plan & Design Review – 298 S. Old Woodward (Daxton Hotel)
• Final Site Plan & Design Review – 163 W. Maple (Origins Café): new outdoor dining platform (postponed)

The Planning Board approved a special land use permit for 298 S. Old Woodward – Daxton Hotel, adding conditions on delivery vehicle size and off‑street loading plans. It also approved the final site plan and design review for the same hotel with the same conditions. In addition, the board approved the outdoor dining platform for Origins Café on 163 W. Maple, and postponed all items related to Birmingham Towers at 479 S. Old Woodward.

• Approved minutes of May 14, 2025 meeting (7-0)
• Postponed special land use permit and site plan for 479 S. Old Woodward – Birmingham Towers (7-0)
• Approved special land use permit for 298 S. Old Woodward – Daxton Hotel with conditions (7-0)
• Approved final site plan/design review for 298 S. Old Woodward – Daxton Hotel with conditions (7-0)
• Approved final site plan/design review for 163 W. Maple – Origins Café with conditions (7-0)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will conduct reviews for historic design and signs. The body will also hold a study session regarding National Historic Preservation Month and a specific property plaque.

• Study session for 1283 Buckingham historic plaque
• Study session for National Historic Preservation Month & Wallace Frost Call to Action
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Staff reports on demolitions and administrative approvals

The commission voted 7‑0 to approve the minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting. After routine updates and public comments, the body motioned to adjourn and the meeting ended at 7:52 p.m. No substantive policy decisions were recorded.

• Approved May 7, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Motion to adjourn carried

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss new business items. The agenda includes discussions regarding leaf blowers and a community engagement plan.

• Discussion on leaf blowers
• Discussion on Community Engagement Plan

The Environmental Sustainability Committee reviewed information on gas‑powered leaf blowers and considered studying four‑stroke models, potential bans, and incentives for electric equipment. Members also discussed elements of a community engagement plan, including data tracking, stakeholder lists, and possible collaboration with university students. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting.

City Commission

The City Commission will consider adopting the budget appropriations and property tax millages for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025. The body will also review a franchise agreement with Comcast and several liquor license transfers.

• Proposed 2025-2026 General Fund budget of $53,861,440
• Renewal of Uniform Video Service Local Franchise Agreement with Comcast
• Liquor license transfer for Big Rock Chophouse Ventures, LLC at 245 S. Eton St.
• Liquor license transfer for Abruzzese Hospitality, LLC at 115 Willits
• Warrant lists for approval totaling $2,529,097.68

The Birmingham City Commission approved the FY 2025‑2026 budget appropriations resolution, establishing the total ad valorem property tax mill rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The commission also approved a water and sewer rate schedule amendment effective July 1, 2025. Additional actions included approving a special land‑use permit amendment and liquor‑license transfer for 115 Willits and adopting a franchise agreement with Comcast. All items were adopted by unanimous voice vote.

• Approved Bradley H. Klein appointment to Board of Building Trades Appeals (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Reappointed Harry Awdey to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Appointed Robert E. Taylor, Jr. to Housing Board of Appeals (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Adopted FY 2025‑2026 budget appropriations and set property tax mill rate (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Amended water, sewer, storm‑water and related rate schedule effective July 1, 2025 (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Approved special land‑use permit amendment and liquor‑license transfer for 115 Willits – e Fiore (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Approved Uniform Video Service franchise agreement with Comcast (voice vote, 5‑0)
• Accepted resignation of Charles Heid from Architectural Review Committee (voice vote, 5‑0)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will conduct a final site‑plan and design review for a new outdoor dining facility at 168 W. Maple. It will also consider rezoning applications, community impact studies, and special land‑use permits. Study sessions on impervious surface, open space, lot coverage, and a childcare ordinance are scheduled. A pre‑application discussion will be held for an outdoor dining proposal at 283 Hamilton Row.

• Final Site Plan & Design Review – 168 W. Maple outdoor dining facility
• Rezoning applications – unspecified projects
• Community Impact Studies – unspecified projects
• Study Session – Impervious Surface, Open Space & Lot Coverage
• Pre‑Application Discussion – 283 Hamilton Row outdoor dining

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the April 23 and April 30 meetings unanimously. It postponed the 168 W. Maple outdoor‑dining site‑plan review until June 11, 2025. The Board also voted to combine site‑plan approvals and a study session at the first June meeting, and set a June 11 public hearing for proposed amendments to Article 4 and Article 9 of the zoning ordinance.

• Approved April 23, 2025 minutes, 7-0
• Approved April 30, 2025 minutes (corrected), 7-0
• Postponed consideration of 168 W. Maple site plan to June 11, 2025, 7-0
• Moved first June meeting to consider both site‑plan approvals and study session, 7-0
• Set public hearing for June 11, 2025 on ordinance amendments to open‑space and impervious‑surface standards, 7-0

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals will approve the April 8, 2025 meeting minutes and consider three appeals that request dimensional variances. The appeals involve properties at 2425 E 14 Mile (Clover Hill Park Cemetery), 280 E Lincoln (Grace Baptist Church), and 245 S Eton (Metro Detroit Signs Inc). The meeting also includes standard agenda items such as announcements, correspondence, general business, and an open public period.

• Approval of April 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Appeal for 2425 E 14 Mile – Clover Hill Park Cemetery (dimensional)
• Appeal for 280 E Lincoln – Grace Baptist Church (dimensional)
• Appeal for 245 S Eton – Metro Detroit Signs Inc (dimensional)
• Open to the public for matters not on the agenda

The Board approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting by a 6‑0 vote. It granted a dimensional variance for 280 E Lincoln, a use variance for the Clover Hill Park Cemetery at 2425 E 14 Mile, and a signage variance for 245 S Eton, each by a 7‑0 vote. All three variances were tied to the applicants’ submitted plans.

• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved open‑space and side‑setback variances for 280 E Lincoln (7-0)
• Approved cemetery use variance for 2425 E 14 Mile (7-0)
• Approved canopy‑sign variance for 245 S Eton (7-0)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will approve the minutes from its April 2, 2025 meeting, conduct a historic design review, and consider a sign review for 245 S. Eton – Big Rock Chophouse. A study session will cover National Historic Preservation Month, the Wallace Frost Proclamation, and a Wallace Frost program presentation. Miscellaneous business includes pre‑application discussions, staff reports on administrative approvals and demolitions, and an action list for 2025.

• Approval of HDC minutes from April 2, 2025
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review for 245 S. Eton – Big Rock Chophouse
• Study Session on National Historic Preservation Month & Wallace Frost Proclamation
• Staff Report on Demolitions

The Historic District Commission approved the minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting by a 5‑0 voice vote. It also approved the design review application for 245 S. Eton – the Birmingham Grand Trunk Western Railroad Depot and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness, with the condition that the canopy sign not exceed 8.4 sq ft or that a variance up to 16 sq ft be obtained from the Board of Zoning Appeals. The commission then adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

• Approved April 2, 2025 HDC minutes (5‑0)
• Approved design review application and issued Certificate of Appropriateness for 245 S. Eton (5‑0)
• Condition: canopy sign must be ≤ 8.4 sq ft or obtain a variance up to 16 sq ft from the Board of Zoning Appeals
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried

Advisory Parking Committee

The Advisory Parking Committee will meet to review schematic designs for the Chester Garage presented by BCT Design Group. The body will also discuss parking reports.

• BCT Design Group presentation on Chester Garage schematic designs
• Discussion of parking reports

The Advisory Parking Committee approved the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. No other motions were adopted; the session included a design presentation and parking reports discussion but resulted in no formal actions. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 a.m.

• Approved March 12, 2025 minutes (4-0)

Parks and Recreation Board

The Board will review updates for Booth Park and hold input sessions for playground designs at Pumphouse Playground and Lincoln Well Site Playground. The meeting also includes an update from the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee.

• Playground Design Input Session: Pumphouse Playground
• Playground Design Input Session: Lincoln Well Site Playground
• Booth Park Update
• Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee update
• Proposed time change to Parks and Recreation Board meetings

The Parks and Recreation Board approved the April 1, 2025 meeting minutes with a 7‑0 vote. The board also voted 7‑0 to keep the regular meeting start time at 6:30 p.m., rejecting a proposal to move it to 6:00 p.m.

• Approved April 1, 2025 minutes (7‑0)
• Kept meeting start time at 6:30 p.m., rejecting 6:00 p.m. change (7‑0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will hold a workshop session to discuss the Aging in Place Citywide Action Plan. Assistant City Manager Mark Clemence will present the plan, followed by commission members' discussion and public comment. No formal actions or votes will be taken during this meeting.

• Presentation of the Aging in Place Citywide Action Plan by Assistant City Manager Mark Clemence
• City Commission discussion and comment on the plan
• Public comment period

The commission met as a workshop to discuss the Aging in Place Citywide Action Plan. No formal actions or votes were taken. Commissioners expressed consensus supporting a permanent aging‑in‑place committee and suggested volunteer, educational, and board‑appointment initiatives. A public comment urged the City to invest in vulnerable community members.

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will approve routine items such as meeting minutes, warrant lists totaling $526,743.84 and $531,232.39, and resolutions on delinquent special assessments and water/sewer charges. Commissioners will consider a bond proposal for the Birmingham Community and Senior Center with two options not to exceed $36,640,000 or $37,330,000 for a special election on August 5, 2025. Additional actions include confirming Special Assessment Rolls 915 (paving) and 916 (sewer and water) and awarding the Bird Phase 1A project contract to F.D.M. Contracting, Inc. for $1,843,260.10.

• Bond proposal for Birmingham Community and Senior Center – up to $36,640,000 (Option 1) or $37,330,000 (Option 2) for a special election Aug 5 2025
• Award of Bird Phase 1A Project #7-25 to F.D.M. Contracting, Inc. for $1,843,260.10 (including 10% contingency)
• Public hearing set for June 9 2025 on Special Land Use Permit amendment for 280 E. Maple
• Approval of warrant lists: $526,743.84 (April 24) and $531,232.39 (May 1) Automated Clearing House payments
• Confirmation of Special Assessment Roll 915 (paving) with total city‑paid costs $204,392.04 and Roll 916 (sewer/water) with listed amounts (e.g., $2,375.00 sewer, $2,100.00 water for 407 Bird Ave)

The commission appointed Analie Nguyen to the Senior/Recreation Center Committee and Carl Kona to the Board of Zoning Appeals. It approved the consent agenda, including two warrant payments of $526,743.84 and $531,232.39, and transferred delinquent special‑assessment and water/sewer charges to the 2025 tax roll with a 15% penalty. A public hearing was scheduled for June 9, 2025 on the Special Land Use Permit for 280 E. Maple, and the senior‑center design approval was tabled for future discussion.

• Approved appointment of Analie Nguyen to Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved appointment of Carl Kona as regular member of Board of Zoning Appeals (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved warrant payment of $526,743.84 dated April 24, 2025 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Approved warrant payment of $531,232.39 dated May 1, 2025 (voice vote, all ayes)
• Transferred delinquent special assessments to 2025 tax roll with 15% penalty (voice vote, all ayes)
• Transferred delinquent water/sewer charges to 2025 tax roll (voice vote, all ayes)
• Set public hearing for June 9, 2025 on 280 E. Maple land‑use permit (voice vote, all ayes)
• Tabled approval of final design and bond discussion for Birmingham Community Senior Center (roll‑call vote, all ayes)

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board will review the current status of cemetery storage and consider adding a columbarium. It will also discuss possible modifications to cemetery rules, capital improvement needs, and how to meet future cemetery service demands. The board will provide recommendations to the City Commission and receive updates from the Department of Public Works and Creative Collaborations.

• Review of cemetery storage status and columbarium opportunities
• Discussion of modifications to Greenwood Cemetery rules and regulations
• Consideration of capital improvements for the cemetery
• Planning for future demands for cemetery services
• Begin work on the 2024‑2025 Annual Report (scheduled for September 5, 2025)

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board voted to accept the minutes as amended with five yeas and no nays. No other motions or votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will meet to discuss a snow removal contract and an administrative services agreement with the City of Birmingham. The board will also receive finance reports and a website demonstration.

• City of Birmingham Administrative Services Agreement
• Snow Removal Contract
• Approval of April 2025 vouchers
• Website demo

The Birmingham Shopping District Board unanimously approved its consent agenda, which included the April 3 minutes, April vouchers and an absence waiver. The board also approved a three‑year Administrative Services Agreement with the City of Birmingham for $30,929 in the first year, with a 3% annual increase. A snow‑removal contract with Nick’s Maintenance was approved at the same price as the previous contract. All votes were 10 yeas, 0 nays, with Director Sharrak absent.

• Approved consent agenda (April 3 minutes, April vouchers, absence waiver) – 10 yeas, 0 nays
• Approved Administrative Services Agreement with City of Birmingham for $30,929 first year, 3% annual increase – 10 yeas, 0 nays
• Approved snow‑removal contract with Nick’s Maintenance at unchanged pricing – 10 yeas, 0 nays

Museum Board

The Museum Board will meet to appoint members to the Collections Sub-committee and provide updates on the “What’s Your Story?” Oral History Project. The board also intends to finalize working objectives and measures for its Strategic Plan.

• Museum Board Collections Sub-committee appointments
• Finalization of Strategic Plan working objectives and measures
• Updates on “What’s Your Story?” Oral History Project

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will hold a special meeting to review minutes, hear public comments, and consider unfinished business. It will evaluate rezoning applications, community impact studies, special land use permits, and site plan designs. A pre‑application discussion will be held for the 400 E. Lincoln Birmingham Senior and Community Center project. The meeting is open to the public in person and virtually.

• Rezoning applications
• Community impact studies
• Special land use permits
• Site plan & design reviews
• Pre‑application discussion for 400 E. Lincoln – Birmingham Senior and Community Center

The Birmingham Planning Board met on April 30, 2025 at the City Commission Room. Board members held a pre‑application discussion of the 400 E. Lincoln Birmingham Senior and Community Center project, raising comments on parking, building massing, materials, and site design. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded. The meeting adjourned at 6:49 p.m.

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will conduct a public hearing to review the recommended 2025‑2026 municipal budget. Presentations will cover the General Fund, Public Safety, Public Works, Health and Welfare, and Community and Economic Development allocations. The meeting allows residents to comment before the Commission makes budget decisions.

• General Fund – General Government budget items (e.g., Manager's Office, City Hall, Human Resources)
• Public Safety budget (Police, Dispatch, Fire, Emergency Management, Building)
• Public Works budget (Engineering, Sidewalks, Alleys, Fiber Optic System, Streetlights)
• Health and Welfare budget allocation
• Community and Economic Development planning budget

The Birmingham City Commission reviewed the recommended 2025‑2026 budget for General Fund, Judicial, Public Safety, Public Works, Health and Welfare, Community and Economic Development, Recreation and Culture, Transfers Out, Special Revenue, Enterprise, and IT. Commissioners discussed water and sewer funding, road repair spending, zoning updates, mental‑health co‑responders, parking revenue, and other topics. No motions were adopted, denied, or voted on during the meeting.

Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer will review and potentially decide on four appeals regarding snow removal invoices for properties on Yorkshire Rd, S Old Woodward, and E Lincoln Ave.

• Appeal #25-008: Snow removal invoice for 2020 Yorkshire Rd, $200
• Appeal #25-009: Snow removal invoices for 401 S Old Woodward, totaling $1,980
• Appeal #25-010: Snow removal invoice for 115 E Lincoln Ave, $200
• Appeal #25-011: Snow removal invoice for 850 S Old Woodward, $420

The hearing officer upheld the snow removal invoices for Ashraf Khan and Suzanne Hagopian on 5/22/25. Tarek Hassoun's appeal was postponed to a future meeting. John Moran's invoice appeal will continue at the next hearing after questions are sent to DPS.

• Invoice for Ashraf Khan upheld (5/22/25)
• Invoice for Suzanne Hagopian upheld (5/22/25)
• Tarek Hassoun's appeal postponed to a future meeting
• John Moran's invoice appeal continued at next hearing

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will consider a Special Land Use Permit request for a new outdoor dining facility at 185 N. Old Woodward (Bell Bistro). The board will also review final site plans and design requests for several projects, including Bell Bistro, Origins Café, a generator at 185 Oakland, and a renovation at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Additional agenda items include rezoning applications, community impact studies, and other site‑plan reviews.

• Special Land Use Permit request for Bell Bistro – new outdoor dining facility at 185 N. Old Woodward Right‑of‑Way
• Final Site Plan & Design Review request for Bell Bistro outdoor dining at 185 N. Old Woodward
• Request for one‑year extension of site‑plan approval for 35001 Woodward
• Final Site Plan & Design Review request for Origins Café outdoor dining platform at 163 W. Maple Right‑of‑Way
• Final Site Plan & Design Review for whole‑building generator at rear of 185 Oakland (postponed from Feb. 26, 2025)

The Planning Board approved a special land‑use permit amendment and the final site‑plan review for Bell Bistro’s new outdoor dining area at 185 N. Old Woodward, each subject to several conditions. It also granted a 12‑month extension for the site‑plan at 35001 Woodward, postponed reviews for Origins Café and a generator project, and approved the cemetery site plan at 2425 E. 14 Mile with conditions. The Board set a special meeting for April 30 to discuss 400 E. Lincoln and amended meeting procedures for May 14.

• Approved special land‑use permit amendment for 185 N. Old Woodward – Bell Bistro (5‑0)
• Approved final site‑plan & design review for 185 N. Old Woodward – Bell Bistro (5‑0)
• Granted 12‑month extension of site‑plan approval for 35001 Woodward (5‑0)
• Postponed Origins Café final site‑plan review (163 W. Maple) to May 28 (5‑0)
• Postponed indefinitely 185 Oakland generator site‑plan review (5‑0)
• Approved final site‑plan for 2425 E. 14 Mile – Clover Hill Park Cemetery (5‑0)
• Set public special meeting for April 30, 2025 to discuss 400 E. Lincoln (5‑0)
• Amended rules of procedure for May 14, 2025 meeting to allow site‑plan and study items (5‑0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will vote on a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation and allocate city funds for major street work. It will also adopt routine consent‑agenda items, set public hearing dates for land‑use and cable franchise matters, and consider appointments and resignations. Unfinished business includes design input for the community center and a special‑assessment paving project on Wimbleton Drive, Abbey Street, and Twin Oaks.

• Approve Contract No. 25‑5149 with Michigan Department of Transportation for major street work; city share of cost $302,224.00
• Approve Automated Clearing House payments of $1,030,324.42 (April 10) and $822,937.49 (April 17)
• Approve 3‑year $235,947.50 landscape bed maintenance contract with Russell Landscaping, Inc.
• Set public hearing for May 19, 2025 on Special Land Use Permit amendment for 115 Willits – Abruzzese Hospitality, LLC
• Approve special‑assessment paving project on Wimbleton Drive, Abbey Street, and Twin Oaks (detailed property costs listed)

The Birmingham City Commission approved a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for Control Section ST 63000, authorizing the City Engineer to sign. The meeting also adopted budget appropriations for major street projects and approved a four‑year landscape maintenance agreement. Additional actions included approving special event permits, appointing two board members, and accepting two committee resignations.

• Approved appointment of Minna Sharrak to Birmingham Shopping District Board (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of David C. Hocker as at‑large member of Multi‑Modal Transportation Board (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items, including warrant payments of $1,030,324.42 and $822,937.49 (unanimous)
• Approved MDOT Contract No. 25‑5149 for Control Section ST 63000 and authorized City Engineer to sign (unanimous)
• Approved appropriation and amendment to FY 2024/2025 budget, drawing $123,400 from fund balance for major street fund (unanimous)
• Approved four‑year landscape bed maintenance services contract with Russell Landscaping, Inc. for $235,947.50 (unanimous)
• Approved special event permits for Next Level Summer Performance (Aug 10, 2025) and Michigan Men’s Health Foundation Cogs & Kegs (June 9, 2025) (unanimous)
• Accepted resignations of Pierre Yaldo (Board of Zoning Appeals) and Evan Dix (Senior/Recreation Center Committee) (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission will meet to conduct reviews of historic designs and signs. The agenda consists of standard procedural items and review categories.

• Courtesy Review
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will consider a special land use permit request and a final site plan and design review for Grace Baptist Church’s renovation and addition at 280 E. Lincoln. The board will also review rezoning applications and community impact studies. Study sessions on impervious surface, open space, lot coverage, and a childcare ordinance will be held. A pre‑application discussion for Luxe’s outdoor dining project at 525 N. Old Woodward will be presented.

• Special Land Use Permit Review – Grace Baptist Church, 280 E. Lincoln
• Final Site Plan & Design Review – Grace Baptist Church, 280 E. Lincoln
• Rezoning applications (unspecified locations)
• Community Impact Studies (unspecified topics)
• Pre‑Application discussion: Luxe outdoor dining, 525 N. Old Woodward

The Planning Board approved the March 26 minutes (7‑0). It adopted staff findings and recommended the City Commission approve the Special Land Use Permit for 280 E. Lincoln – Grace Baptist Church, with four conditions (7‑0). It also adopted staff findings and recommended approval of the Final Site Plan & Design Review for the same project, with five conditions (7‑0). The board postponed the pre‑application review for 525 N. Old Woodward until the applicant can attend.

• Approved March 26 minutes (7-0)
• Recommended approval of Special Land Use Permit for 280 E. Lincoln – Grace Baptist Church, with four conditions (7-0)
• Recommended approval of Final Site Plan & Design Review for 280 E. Lincoln – Grace Baptist Church, with five conditions (7-0)
• Postponed pre‑application review for 525 N. Old Woodward – Luxe outdoor dining until applicant attendance

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals will review and rule on five dimensional appeals for properties at 774 Lakeside Eve, 1792 Banbury, 719 Larchlea, 1000 Shirley, and 488 Willits. The board will also approve the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes. Public members may attend in person or via Zoom and may submit written statements before the hearing.

• Approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Five dimensional appeals: 774 Lakeside Eve (Hadley), 1792 Banbury (MGA Architects), 719 Larchlea (Don Wheeker), 1000 Shirley (MWA Architects), 488 Willits (Kreiger Klatt Architects)
• Open public comments for matters not on the agenda

The Board approved the March 11, 2025 minutes by a 7‑0 vote. It then approved three variances for 774 Lakeside and a garage setback variance for 1792 Banbury, each by a 7‑0 vote. A motion to deny all three variances requested for 719 Larchlea also passed 7‑0.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Approved three variances for 774 Lakeside (7-0)
• Approved garage setback variance for 1792 Banbury (7-0)
• Denied three variances for 719 Larchlea (7-0)

City Commission

The City Commission is deciding on a resurfacing contract for N Adams Road and discussing the Wimbleton Phase 1 Project involving paving and utility replacements. The body is also considering design changes for the Willits and Bates Project and appointing members to city boards.

• Contract award to DiPonio Contracting LLC for N Adams Road Resurfacing Project totaling $2,518,766.53
• Public Hearing of Necessity for Wimbleton Phase 1 Project paving and sewer/water lateral replacements
• Proposed design for Willits and Bates Project to convert Bates Street to 2 lanes
• Public Hearing of Necessity for sewer and water lateral improvements on Bird Street
• Warrant lists for approval in the amounts of $1,057,918.42 and $282,336.70

The commission appointed Charles Heid to the Architectural Review Committee and Jim Cleary to the Cablecasting Board. It approved the consent agenda items, corrected the March 24 meeting minutes, and amended the Retiree Health Care Fund Investment Policy. The commission also approved the design changes for the Willits and Bates streets project and authorized the Wimbleton Phase 1 water and sewer replacement project.

• Appointed Charles Heid to Architectural Review Committee (voice vote ayes, no nays)
• Appointed Jim Cleary to Cablecasting Board (voice vote ayes, no nays)
• Approved consent agenda items B, C, D, and E (voice vote ayes, no nays)
• Approved corrected March 24, 2025 meeting minutes (voice vote ayes, no nays)
• Amended Retiree Health Care Fund Investment Policy asset allocation (voice vote ayes, no nays)
• Approved Willits and Bates Project design changes (voice vote ayes, no nays)
• Approved Wimbleton Phase 1 water and sewer replacement project (approval recorded, vote tally not specified)

Museum Board

The Birmingham Museum Board will approve the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting. Members will discuss the “What’s Your Story?” oral history project and finalize draft goals of the 2025 strategic plan. The director will report on an open board position, the museum’s 2025‑2026 budget request for Phase 4 of the landscape project, and updates on Allen House repairs and upcoming programs.

• Approve minutes of the March 6, 2025 meeting
• Discuss and prepare to begin the “What’s Your Story?” oral history project
• Review draft goals and objectives for the 2025 strategic plan
• Director report on open Museum Board position and budget request for Phase 4 landscape project
• Updates on Allen House repairs, volunteer recruitment, and new podcast audience

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will meet to review finance reports and approve March 2025 vouchers. The board is scheduled to discuss advertising contracts for 2025/2026 and receive a grant check from MSOC/MSUFCU.

• 2025/2026 Advertising Contracts
• Grant check presentation from MSOC/MSUFCU
• Approval of March 2025 vouchers

The Birmingham Shopping District Board unanimously approved the March 6, 2025 meeting minutes and March 2025 vouchers. It also approved advertising contracts with Beasley Media Group for $30,500 and iHeartMedia for $30,820 for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, each passing with all present members voting yes. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved March 6, 2025 board minutes and March vouchers (Yeas: Hussey, Kay, Lundberg, McKenzie, Pohlod, Taddei, Wolf; Nays: none)
• Approved Beasley Media Group advertising contract $30,500 (Yeas: Hussey, Kay, Lundberg, McKenzie, Pohlod, Taddei, Wolf; Nays: none)
• Approved iHeartMedia advertising contract $30,820 (Yeas: Hussey, Kay, Lundberg, McK ‘Dice., Taddei, Wolf; Nays: none)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will meet to conduct reviews of historic designs and signs. The body will hold a study session regarding the Historic Preservation Master Plan, historic plaques, and the Wallace Frost Program.

• Study session on Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Study session on Historic Plaques
• Study session on Wallace Frost Program
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review

The Historic District Commission approved the February 19, 2025 minutes by a 6‑0 vote and subsequently adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. No other actions were decided.

• Approved February 19, 2025 minutes (6-0 vote)
• Meeting adjourned

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will approve the March 4, 2025 minutes and discuss several unfinished business items, including a recommendation for playground design services, scheduled design meetings for the Pumphouse and Lincoln Well Site playgrounds, and the designation of Birmingham well sites as parks. New business includes consideration of surfacing for the Adams Park playground and a proposed change to the board's meeting schedule. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Playground Design Services Recommendation
• Pumphouse Playground Design Meeting – April 15, 2025, 4 pm‑6 pm at 851 South Eton
• Lincoln Well Site Playground Design Meeting – April 16, 2025, 4 pm‑6 pm at 851 South Eton
• Birmingham well sites designated as parks
• Adams Park playground surfacing

The board approved the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting unanimously. It also approved the recommendation to hire Penchura, LLC for playground design services, and approved staff to seek purchase of a pour‑in‑place rubber surface for Adams Park. A motion to change the board meeting time was tabled.

• Approved March 4 minutes, 6-0
• Approved hiring Penchura, LLC for playground design services, 6-0
• Approved staff to seek purchase of rubber surfacing for Adams Park playground, 6-0
• Tabled motion to change board meeting time, 5-1

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review a special land use permit and final site plan for renovations at Grace Baptist Church. The board will also consider a final site plan for Birmingham Towers regarding floor plan modifications and off-street parking. Additionally, the board will hold pre-application discussions for outdoor dining at two North Old Woodward locations.

• 280 E. Lincoln (Grace Baptist Church): Special Land Use Permit and Final Site Plan for renovation and addition
• 479 S. Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers): Final Site Plan for floor plan modifications and off-street parking
• 458 N. Old Woodward (Wilders): Pre-application discussion for outdoor dining platform
• 525 N. Old Woodward (Luxe): Pre-application discussion for outdoor dining
• Review of Planning Department Annual Report

The Planning Board approved the minutes from the February 26 meeting by a 7‑0 vote. It amended its rules to hold the April 9, 2025 meeting as a hybrid session, also 7‑0. The board postponed the special land use permit and site‑plan review for 280 E Lincoln to the April 9 meeting, 7‑0. It postponed the final site‑plan and design review for 479 S Old Woodward (Birmingham Towers) without setting a new date, 6‑0.

• Approved February 26 minutes (7-0)
• Amended rules to designate April 9, 2025 meeting as hybrid (7-0)
• Postponed 280 E. Lincoln special land use permit and site‑plan review to April 9 (7-0)
• Postponed 479 S. Old Woodward site‑plan and design review without date (6-0)

Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Birmingham Environmental Sustainability Committee will meet to review the agenda and discuss new business items. The primary new business item is the Community Engagement Plan. Additional topics include the Sustainability & Climate Action Fund, long‑range planning, and two ordinances. The meeting also allows public comment on the SCAP and other miscellaneous communications.

• Community Engagement Plan
• Sustainability & Climate Action Fund
• Long‑Range Planning
• Environmental Sustainability Committee Ordinance
• Leaf Blower Ordinance

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will confirm Mary Chavez as Finance Director/Treasurer and approve several routine items on the consent agenda. It will adopt permanent parking restrictions for the Woodward Ave. service drive and approve an interlocal agreement with Oakland County. Additional actions include purchasing a TORO sprayer cart for up to $75,549.64 and postponing a public hearing on a special land use permit for 225 E. Maple to April 21, 2025.

• Resolution to confirm Mary Chavez as Finance Director/Treasurer effective March 31, 2025
• Resolution to permanently enact Woodward Ave. service drive parking restrictions (15‑minute and 30‑minute limits)
• Resolution to approve the Interlocal Agreement between Birmingham and Oakland County
• Resolution to purchase a 2025 TORO Multi Pro 5800‑G 4WD Sprayer Cart, not to exceed $75,549.64
• Resolution to postpone the public hearing for 225 E. Maple to April 21, 2025

The commission confirmed Mary Chavez as Finance Director/Treasurer and filled several Planning and Parks board seats. It approved the consent agenda, which included two warrant payments, an interlocal agreement with Oakland County, a public hearing for a special land‑use permit, a 50% city match for the Derby Road bridge replacement and an MDOT funding application, and the purchase of a new sprayer cart. All actions were adopted by voice vote with no recorded nay votes.

• Appointed Mary Chavez as Finance Director/Treasurer (voice vote)
• Appointed Scott Clein, Robert Boyle, and Duncan Currie to the Planning Board (voice votes)
• Appointed Anne Lipp (regular) and Narlu Castellano (alternate) to the Parks and Recreation Board (voice votes)
• Approved warrant payments of $2,595,263.83 (Mar 13) and $1,533,958.95 (Mar 20) (voice vote)
• Approved interlocal agreement with Oakland County authorizing Mayor and City Manager to sign (voice vote)
• Set public hearing for April 21 2025 on Special Land Use Permit for 1740 W. Maple (voice vote)
• Approved 50% city match for Derby Road bridge replacement and MDOT FY2028 funding application (voice vote)
• Approved purchase of a Toro Multi Pro 5800‑G sprayer cart up to $75,549.64 (voice vote)

Advisory Parking Committee

The Birmingham Advisory Parking Committee will meet on March 6, 2024 at 7:30 am. It will approve the February 2024 minutes, receive a parking operations update, and review parking finances and reports. The meeting is open to the public in person at City Hall or via Zoom (Meeting ID 860 8233 0819). No other decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of February 2024 meeting minutes
• Parking Operations Update
• Review of Parking Finances
• Review of Parking Reports
• Public comment period for items not on the agenda

The committee approved the February 5, 2025 meeting minutes with a 5‑0 vote. Members discussed numerous suggestions for parking reports and data presentation, but no formal actions were taken on those items. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m.

• Approved February 5, 2025 minutes (5-0)

Historic District Commission

The commission will meet to conduct courtesy, historic design, and sign reviews. The agenda consists of standard procedural items and review categories.

• Courtesy Review
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review

Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer will consider appeals regarding city snow removal invoices for five different properties. The body will determine the validity of these specific charges.

• Appeal for 193 W Maple: Invoice #9166 for $120
• Appeal for 1572 Emmons: Invoice #8991 for $100
• Appeal for 774 Lakeside: Invoice #9215 for $200
• Appeal for 1433 E 14 Mile: Invoice #9220 for $100
• Appeal for 391 Hamilton: Nine invoices at $120 each

The hearing officer reviewed two appeals for grass-cutting invoices and waived both. Nicole Stone's invoices totaling $408 were waived because the city had previously mowed the area and she was not properly notified. Christopher Tomassi and Lauren Steele's invoice of $137.70 was waived after they provided a survey showing the cut grass was on their neighbor's property.

• Waived grass-cutting invoices #8611 and #8736 for Nicole Stone ($206 and $202)
• Waived grass-cutting invoice #8621 for Christopher Tomassi and Lauren Steele ($137.70)

Planning Board

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and general categories for board business. No specific projects, addresses, or applications are listed for this meeting.

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals will first approve the minutes from its February 11, 2025 meeting. It will then consider five appeals for dimensional variances at 1511 E. Maple, 225 E. Maple, 774 Lakeside, 1408 Villa, and 283 E. Frank. No other agenda items are listed.

• Approval of February 11, 2025 minutes
• Appeals of 1511 E. Maple, 225 E. Maple, 774 Lakeside, 1408 Villa, and 283 E. Frank (all dimensional)

The Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request for variances to replace a non-conforming outdoor dining facility with a new one featuring enclosures at 225 E. Maple. The board also approved a reduced front-yard impervious surface variance at 1511 E. Maple, approved a setback variance at 1408 Villa, and tabled a lot coverage variance request at 774 Lakeside. A variance for a dental office at 283 E. Frank was denied.

• Approved reduced front open space impervious variance at 1511 E. Maple (6-0)
• Denied outdoor dining enclosure and seating variances at 225 E. Maple (4-2)
• Tabled lot coverage and setback variances at 774 Lakeside to next meeting (5-0)
• Approved accessory building setback variance at 1408 Villa (6-0)
• Denied off-street parking variance for dental office at 283 E. Frank (5-1)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will hold a workshop session on March 10, 2025, to discuss unimproved roads. No formal actions will be taken. City Engineer Melissa Coatta will present, followed by commission discussion and public comment. The meeting will be available in person at 151 Martin Street and via Zoom.

• Presentation by City Engineer Melissa Coatta on unimproved roads
• City Commission discussion and comment on unimproved roads
• Public comment period
• No formal actions will be taken
• Zoom participation link: https://zoom.us/j/655079760

The Birmingham City Commission held a workshop to discuss unimproved roads, with no formal actions taken. City Engineer Melissa Coatta presented information, and commissioners discussed the costs, timelines, and challenges of road improvements, including the 85%/15% cost split, the pace of improvements, and the need for better resident communication. Public comments were heard from several residents. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

• No formal actions were taken; the meeting was a workshop session.
• Commission discussed the 85%/15% cost split for road improvements, noting it has been in place since 1955.
• Commission discussed the potential for bonding costs and intermediate road improvement options.
• Commission discussed the need for better resident education and communication about road improvements.
• Commission discussed the need to consider both one-time and ongoing maintenance costs.
• Commission discussed the possibility of reallocating City funds to increase road improvement funding, but not from public safety services.
• Commission discussed the State legislature's review of Public Act 51 to increase road repair funding.
• Public comments were heard from Pat Hillberg, Rosie Koul, Tom Chisholm, and Gordon Davies.

City Commission

The City Commission will consider several professional service agreements and infrastructure improvements for Wimbleton Drive, Abbey Street, and Twin Oaks Lane. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding liquor license renewals for two local restaurants.

• Warrant lists totaling $7,706,047.25
• Sewer root control service contract with Duke's Root Control, Inc. not to exceed $131,753.37
• Public hearings for sewer, water, curb, and paving improvements on Wimbleton Drive, Abbey Street, and Twin Oaks Lane
• Liquor license renewals for 220 Restaurant and Zana
• Proposed ordinance amendments for standby generator standards in Accessory Structure Standards

The Birmingham City Commission approved the renewal of Class C liquor licenses for 220 Restaurant and Zana for the 2025 licensing period, with Zana's renewal passing 6-1 (MPT Baller dissenting). The Commission also approved moving forward with schematic design for parking garage improvements, set public hearing dates for the Wimbleton sewer/water and paving special assessment districts, and discussed but did not finalize agreements for the Community and Recreation Center.

• Approved liquor license renewal for 220 Restaurant (7-0)
• Approved liquor license renewal for Zana (6-1, MPT Baller dissenting)
• Approved BCT Design Group to proceed to Schematic Design phase for parking garage improvements (7-0)
• Set public hearing for April 7, 2025 for Wimbleton sewer/water lateral SAD necessity
• Set public hearing for April 7, 2025 for Wimbleton paving SAD necessity
• Set public hearing for March 24, 2025 for standby generator ordinance amendment
• Appointed Philip Neville to Board of Review as alternate member (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items including warrant lists totaling $7,706,047.25 and sewer root control purchase

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board will discuss modifications to cemetery rules, potential capital improvements, and how to meet future cemetery service demands. A specific agenda item is the inventory and grave price assessment. The board also schedules upcoming meetings for April 4 and September 5, 2025. Public participation is invited in person, via Zoom, or through written statements.

• Review modifications to cemetery rules and regulations
• Consider capital improvements for Greenwood Cemetery
• Discuss future demands for cemetery services
• Inventory and grave price assessment
• Schedule future meetings (April 4 and September 5, 2025)

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board voted unanimously to keep the grave price at $6,000 and to re-evaluate the price after 30 graves are sold. The board also approved the minutes as written. The April 2025 meeting was canceled, with the May meeting to be held at the cemetery if all stakeholders can attend.

• Approved the minutes as presented (5-0).
• Approved a motion to re-evaluate the grave price after 30 graves are sold (5-0).
• Decided to cancel the April 4, 2025 meeting and hold the May meeting at Greenwood Cemetery if all stakeholders can attend.

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will meet to discuss the Fiscal Year End 2026 Budget and the 2024 Year End Marketing Report. The board will also review sponsorship requests and a board member resignation.

• Fiscal Year End 2026 Budget presentation
• 2024 Year End Marketing Report
• Sponsorship requests
• Approval of January and February 2025 vouchers
• Board member resignation

The Birmingham Shopping District Board recommended the fiscal year end 2026 budget to the City Commission, which uses $110,000 of fund balance for special projects like office renovations, social media, and alley improvements. The board also approved a $175 donation basket to The Community House and accepted a board member resignation. The consent agenda, including January minutes and vouchers, was approved unanimously.

• Recommended FY2026 budget to City Commission (8-0)
• Approved $175 donation basket to The Community House (8-0)
• Approved consent agenda: January 9, 2025 minutes and Jan/Feb vouchers (9-0)
• Accepted resignation of board member Sloan

Museum Board

The Birmingham Museum Board will review the “What’s Your Story?” oral‑history project and continue work on the museum’s 2025 strategic plan, focusing on its working goals and objectives. The director will report on the upcoming fence replacement, and members will consider inviting city‑department representatives to future meetings. Public comments may include ideas for volunteer collaborations.

• Review and practice the “What’s Your Story?” oral‑history project
• Discuss and refine working goals and objectives for the 2025 strategic plan
• Director’s report on the planned vinyl fence replacement
• Member suggestion to invite city department guests to board meetings
• Public comment on expanding volunteer programs

The Birmingham Museum Board approved the minutes from its February 6, 2025 meeting and revisited the 'What's Your Story?' Oral History Project, with members ready to begin. The board agreed on first drafts of three strategic planning goals covering collection preservation, equity and inclusion, and community collaboration, to be refined at the April meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting also included a director's report on a board vacancy and member comments.

• Approved minutes of February 6, 2025 (5-0)
• Agreed on first drafts of three strategic planning goals (no formal vote recorded)

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will consider the unfinished business item titled Birmingham Well Sites Park Designations. The board will also approve the minutes from the February 4, 2025 meeting, receive updates from the Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee, and hear staff reports on the winter sports recap and a playground design services request for quotation. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

• Unfinished Business – Birmingham Well Sites Park Designations
• Approval of minutes from February 4, 2025 meeting
• Ad Hoc Senior/Recreation Center Committee update
• Staff report – Winter Sports Recap
• Playground Design Services RFQ

The Parks and Recreation Board voted 7-0 to recommend that the City Commission review five well sites—Derby Tank, Redding, Baldwin, Pumphouse Park, and W. Lincoln Well—for official designation as park property. The board also approved the February 4, 2025 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved February 4, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Recommended City Commission designate Derby Tank, Redding, Baldwin, Pumphouse Park, and W. Lincoln Well as park property (7-0)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will consider a request to postpone the final site plan and design review for a new whole‑building generator at 185 Oakland. The board will also hold a study session on Phase 2 of the Triangle District bonus‑height requirements. Routine items such as roll call, minutes approval, and other business are also on the agenda.

• Request to postpone final site plan & design review for new whole‑building generator at 185 Oakland
• Study session on Triangle District Bonus Height Requirements Phase 2

The Birmingham Planning Board approved the minutes from February 12, 2025, and postponed the final site plan and design review for a new whole-building generator at 185 Oakland (Belfor Property Restoration) to April 23, 2025. The board also held a study session on Triangle District bonus height requirements, discussing incentives for moderately-priced housing and mixed-use development, but took no formal action. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes of February 12, 2025 (7-0)
• Postponed 185 Oakland generator site plan review to April 23, 2025 (7-0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will consider several approvals, including a $32 million construction‑management agreement for the new Birmingham Community and Senior Center at 400 E. Lincoln. It will also set a public hearing for a land‑use amendment at 225 E. Maple, approve special event permits for the Farmers Market, Movie Nights, Day on the Town and Cruise Event, and adopt routine resolutions such as minutes and warrant payments.

• Approve construction‑management services agreement up to $32,000,000 for new Birmingham Community and Senior Center at 400 E. Lincoln
• Approve special event permits for Birmingham Farmers Market (May 4–Oct 26, 2025), Movie Nights (June 6, July 11, Aug 8, Sep 5, 2025), Day on the Town (July 26, 2025) and Cruise Event (Aug 17, 2025)
• Approve warrant list payments: $3,555,103.25 dated Feb 13, 2025 and $866,915.00 dated Feb 20, 2025
• Set public hearing for March 24, 2025 on Special Land Use Permit Amendment for 225 E. Maple (pergola project)
• Approve Special Land Use Permit Amendment for 111 Henrietta to transfer ownership to 111 Brooklyn Bham, LLC

The Birmingham City Commission approved a construction manager agreement with Clark Construction for the new Community and Senior Center at 400 E. Lincoln, not to exceed $32,000,000, in a 5-2 vote. The Commission also approved in concept the draft building program for the center (4-3), and unanimously approved a special land use permit amendment for Brooklyn Pizza at 111 Henrietta, subject to a condition. A closed session was held to discuss an employee complaint against the City Manager.

• Approved $32M construction manager agreement with Clark Construction (5-2)
• Approved in concept draft building program for 400 E. Lincoln Community and Senior Center (4-3)
• Approved special land use permit amendment for 111 Henrietta (Brooklyn Pizza) ownership change (unanimous)
• Appointed Jacob Bayer to Public Arts Board (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $4,422,018.25 (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for March 24, 2025 for 225 E. Maple special land use permit amendment (unanimous)
• Approved closed session for employee complaint against City Manager (unanimous)

Hearing Officer

The Hearing Officer will meet to consider appeals regarding city grass cutting invoices. Two different properties on Polo Ave are listed for review.

• Appeal for 2444 Polo Ave regarding invoices #8611 ($206) and #8736 ($202)
• Appeal for 2445 Polo Ave regarding invoice #8621 ($137.70)

At the February 19, 2025 hearing, Hearing Officer Larry Lyng waived two grass-cutting invoices after residents appealed. Nicole Stone's invoices totaling $408 were waived because she was not properly notified and had trouble contacting the city. Christopher Tomassi and Lauren Steele's invoice for $137.70 was waived because the city cut their neighbor's property, not theirs.

• Waived grass-cutting invoices #8611 and #8736 for Nicole Stone (total $408.00)
• Waived grass-cutting invoice #8621 for Christopher Tomassi and Lauren Steele ($137.70)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will review historic designs, signs, and a study session covering the Historic Preservation Master Plan and historic plaques. They will also consider pre‑application discussions, staff reports on administrative sign approvals, demolitions, and the 2024/2025 action list.

• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session – Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Study Session – Historic Plaques
• Pre‑Application Discussions

The Historic District Commission held a regular meeting with no formal decisions beyond routine approvals. They approved the previous meeting's minutes and nominated Mary Jaye as temporary vice chair. The commission discussed the Historic Preservation Master Plan and historic plaques, raising suggestions but taking no action.

• Approved December 4, 2024 minutes (6-0)
• Nominated Mary Jaye as temporary vice chair (6-0)

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will meet to discuss land use and zoning matters. The agenda includes a public hearing regarding a generator ordinance and a study session on impervious surfaces, open space, and lot coverage.

• Public hearing on Generator Ordinance
• Study session on Impervious Surface, Open Space & Lot Coverage
• Review of Royal Oak Master Plan Update
• Discussion on Long Range Planning 2025

The Birmingham Planning Board held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval to the City Commission of amendments to Article 4, Section 4.03 of the zoning ordinance to add provisions for standby generators. The board also discussed impervious surface, open space, and lot coverage standards in a study session, with plans to continue review at future meetings. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of standby generator ordinance amendments to City Commission (6-0)
• Approved minutes of January 22, 2025 meeting (6-0)
• Scheduled Triangle Bonus Height requirements discussion for February 26 meeting
• Scheduled childcare ordinance and impervious surfaces discussion for March study session

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet to consider five appeals regarding dimensional requirements at properties on Henley, E Maple, Humphrey, and Willits streets. The agenda includes approval of minutes from the January 14 meeting and a public comment period.

• Approval of January 14, 2025 minutes
• Appeal at 550 Henley (24-32 Dimensional)
• Appeal at 1511 E Maple (25-01 Dimensional)
• Appeal at 1845 Humphrey (25-02 Dimensional)
• Appeal at 468 Willits (25-03 Dimensional)

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals denied variances for a home addition at 1845 Humphrey (5-0), citing no practical difficulty or hardship. It approved variances for 550 Henley (6-0) and 468 Willits (6-0), and postponed a decision on 1511 E. Maple to the next meeting. The board also approved the January 14, 2025 minutes (5-0).

• Denied front and side yard setback variances at 1845 Humphrey (5-0)
• Approved front and side yard setback variances at 550 Henley (6-0)
• Approved roof and eave height variances at 468 Willits (6-0)
• Postponed impervious surface variance at 1511 E. Maple to next meeting (5-0)
• Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a workshop session to conduct an Architectural Visual Preference Survey for the property at 400 E. Lincoln. No formal actions will be taken during this meeting.

• Architectural Visual Preference Survey for 400 E. Lincoln

The City Commission held a workshop session with no formal actions taken. The purpose was for the Birmingham Community and Senior Center design team to conduct an Architectural Visual Preference Survey for the property at 400 E. Lincoln. Commissioners and public commenters discussed design preferences, including residential context, lighting, and building materials.

• No formal actions taken during workshop session

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution to approve a Special Land Use Permit amendment for 34244 Woodward Avenue, transferring ownership to M&D Woodward LLC and authorizing the transfer of a Class C liquor license from Papa Joe’s Birmingham LLC. Commissioners will also consider a resolution to renew liquor licenses for numerous local establishments and to schedule a public hearing on March 10, 2025 for two establishments cited for code violations. A separate resolution will create a Sustainability and Climate Action Special Revenue Fund with a $10,000 transfer from the General Fund. Additional items include approval of the updated Community and Senior Center vision and a draft building program for the new center at 400 E. Lincoln.

• Resolution to approve Special Land Use Permit amendment for 34244 Woodward Avenue and transfer of Class C liquor license to M&D Woodward LLC
• Resolution to renew liquor licenses for listed establishments (e.g., Adachi, Birmingham Pub, Churchills Bistro, etc.)
• Resolution to set a public hearing on March 10, 2025 for establishments 220 Merrill and Zana violating liquor code
• Resolution establishing a Sustainability and Climate Action Special Revenue Fund with a $10,000 transfer from the General Fund
• Resolution to approve the draft building program for the new Birmingham Community and Senior Center at 400 E. Lincoln

The Birmingham City Commission approved the renewal of liquor licenses for 40 compliant establishments and set public hearings for March 10, 2025, to consider objections to the renewals for 220 Merrill and Zana due to Chapter 10 violations. The Commission also approved a special land use permit amendment for Bistro Joe's ownership transfer, approved updated Community and Senior Center goals, and established a Sustainability and Climate Action Special Revenue Fund. The draft building program for the new Community and Senior Center was discussed but no action was taken.

• Approved liquor license renewals for 40 compliant establishments (unanimous)
• Set public hearings for March 10, 2025, for 220 Merrill and Zana license renewals (unanimous)
• Approved SLUP amendment for Bistro Joe's ownership transfer to M&D Woodward, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved updated Community and Senior Center Vision, Goals and Objectives (5-1)
• Established Sustainability and Climate Action Special Revenue Fund with $10,000 transfer (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants totaling $4,746,736.67 (unanimous)
• Appointed seven student members to city boards (unanimous)
• Took no action on draft building program for new Community and Senior Center

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The board will meet to approve previous minutes and establish a topic plan for 2025. The session includes reports on cemetery sales, activity, and finances.

• Approval of December 6, 2024 meeting minutes
• 2025 Meeting Topic Plan
• Financial reports
• Cemetery Sales & Activity report
• City Manager's reports for December and January

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board approved the minutes of its previous meeting and set its 2025 meeting topic plan, including discussions on grave pricing, cemetery maintenance, and a possible columbarium. No formal decisions were made on these topics; they were only recommended for future meetings.

• Approved minutes as written (4-0)
• Set 2025 meeting topics: grave pricing (March), cemetery meeting (April), columbarium consideration, biographical info project

Museum Board

The Museum Board will meet to review the strategic plan's final priorities, goals, and objectives. The board is also discussing guidelines for the "What’s Your Story?" oral history project and hosting a round table with city department heads.

• Guest round table with representatives from Library, Next, Parks, and Planning regarding the Strategic Plan
• Review of proposed guidelines for the "What’s Your Story?" Oral History Project
• Discussion of strategic plan final priorities, working goals, and objectives

The Birmingham Museum Board approved three strategic plan priorities focused on professional standards, equity and inclusion, and community collaboration. The board also discussed potential collaborations with city departments and the library, and agreed to revisit oral history project guidelines in March.

• Approved minutes of January 2, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved strategic plan priorities (5-0)
• Agreed to revisit oral history project guidelines in March

Birmingham Shopping District Board

The Birmingham Shopping District Board will receive and file finance reports, approve the January 9, 2025 board minutes, and approve January 2025 vouchers. The board will hear presentations of the Fiscal Year End 2026 budget draft and the 2024 annual marketing report. Committee reports on special events, marketing, maintenance, business development, and the executive board will also be presented.

• Approval of BSD Board Minutes – January 9, 2025
• Approval of Vouchers – January 2025
• Fiscal Year End 2026 Budget Draft presentation
• 2024 Annual Marketing Report presentation
• Committee reports (Special Events, Marketing, Maintenance, Business Development, Executive Board)

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will hold its regular meeting on February 5, 2025. Members will conduct roll call, approve the previous meeting minutes, and review courtesy applications, historic design proposals, and sign requests. A study session and miscellaneous business will also be discussed before adjournment.

• Roll Call
• Approval of the HDC Minutes
• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will approve the minutes from its January 13, 2026 meeting. It will then hear a new‑business update on the Pembroke Park Playground. No other decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of January 13, 2026 meeting minutes
• Pembroke Park Playground update

The Parks and Recreation Board approved the January 14, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously (7-0). No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of staff reports on park and project updates and a park recycling review, with board members offering comments and suggestions. A discussion on shifting the meeting schedule to an earlier time is planned for the March meeting.

• Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will consider several routine resolutions on the consent agenda, including approval of two warrant payments of $998,076.04 and $2,825,446.13, a public hearing for a special land use permit amendment for 111 Henrietta to transfer ownership to 111 Brooklyn Bham, LLC, and a special event permit for the Birmingham Street Art Fair on September 13‑14, 2025. In new business, commissioners will hold a public hearing to confirm Special Assessment Roll No. 913 for the Cape Seal resurfacing program, adopting a five‑installment payment plan with an 8.5% annual interest rate on unpaid balances. The meeting also includes committee appointments and routine reports.

• Approve warrant list payments of $998,076.04 (January 16) and $2,825,446.13 (January 23)
• Set public hearing for February 24, 2025 to consider Special Land Use Permit amendment for 111 Henrietta (transfer to 111 Brooklyn Bham, LLC)
• Approve Special Event Permit for the Birmingham Street Art Fair on September 13‑14, 2025
• Confirm Special Assessment Roll No. 913 for Cape Seal program with five payments and 8.5% interest on unpaid installments
• Amend poverty exemption resolution to add a 75% reduction in taxable value

The Birmingham City Commission approved the 2025 Cape Seal Program contract and confirmed Special Assessment Roll 913, with Mayor Longe recusing herself from the SAD vote due to a conflict of interest. The Commission also approved a special event permit for Common Ground's Street Art Fair, appointed Trenton Chapman to the Environmental Sustainability Committee, and directed BCT Design Group to proceed to the concept design phase for parking garage improvements. A lengthy discussion on draft agreements for the 400 E. Lincoln senior/community center resulted in no formal action, with commissioners raising numerous concerns and requesting revisions.

• Approved 2025 Cape Seal Program contract to Highway Maintenance & Construction Co. for $500,477.75 plus 10% contingency (7-0)
• Confirmed Special Assessment Roll 913 for 2025 Cape Seal Program (6-0, Mayor recused)
• Approved Special Event Permit for Common Ground's Birmingham Street Art Fair on Sept. 13-14, 2025 (7-0)
• Appointed Trenton Chapman to Environmental Sustainability Committee for one-year term (7-0)
• Approved BCT Design Group to proceed to concept design phase for parking garage interior/exterior design (7-0)
• Approved naming the 400 E. Lincoln building 'Birmingham Community and Senior Center' (6-1)
• Directed Sustainability Board to study commercial recycling practices (7-0)
• Agreed to consider appointing a technology advisory board (7-0)

City Commission

The Birmingham City Commission will hold a long-range planning session covering finance forecasts, public-service initiatives, engineering projects, and departmental strategies. Topics include a five-year financial forecast, park and fleet improvement plans, road construction prioritization, stormwater management changes, and library and museum expansion projects. The commission will also hear updates on police, fire, IT, and human-resources matters.

• Five-year Forecast 2025‑2029 (Finance)
• Park Improvement Plan (Public Services)
• Unimproved Road Construction Prioritization (Engineering)
• Library Phase 3 Addition & Renovation (Library)
• Museum Phase 3 & 4 Landscape Master Plan (Museum)

The Birmingham City Commission held a long-range planning session covering financial forecasts, infrastructure, public safety, and other departmental plans. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with commissioners discussing priorities and requesting future staff reports.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting

Planning Board

The Birmingham Planning Board will review several site plan and design requests for commercial properties. The board will also hold a study session to reset a public hearing regarding a generator ordinance.

• 225 E. Maple (Social Kitchen & Bar): Special Land Use Permit Amendment for outdoor dining renovation
• 34350 Woodward (Lavery Porsche): 1-year extension for 3-story auto sales agency site plans
• 320 Martin St.: Re-approval of expired site plans for a 5-story addition
• 185 Oakland: Final site plan review for a new whole-building generator
• Generator Ordinance: Study session to reset public hearing

The Birmingham Planning Board recommended approval to the City Commission for the Special Land Use Permit and Final Site Plan for the renovation of the outdoor dining facility at 225 E. Maple (Social Kitchen & Bar), subject to conditions including resubmitting plans without enclosures or obtaining a variance. The board also approved a nine-month extension for Lavery Porsche's site plans, re-approved expired site plans for a 5-story addition at 320 Martin St., postponed the generator review for 185 Oakland, and set a public hearing for a generator ordinance.

• Recommended approval of Special Land Use Permit for 225 E. Maple (Social Kitchen & Bar) with conditions (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Final Site Plan for 225 E. Maple (Social Kitchen & Bar) with conditions (6-0)
• Granted 9-month extension for approved site plans at 34350 Woodward (Lavery Porsche) (6-0)
• Approved re-approval of expired Final Site Plans for 320 Martin St. (5-story addition) (6-0)
• Postponed Final Site Plan review for 185 Oakland (BELFOR generator) to February 26, 2025 (6-0)
• Set public hearing for February 12, 2025 on generator ordinance amendments (6-0)

Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board will discuss budget requests for cemetery preservation work and review modifications to cemetery rules and regulations. The board is also canceling its February and March meetings.

• Approval of October 6, 2023 meeting minutes
• Discussion on budget request for Cemetery Preservation Work
• Review of Cemetery Rules and Regulations
• Cancellation of February 2, 2024 and March 1, 2024 meetings
• Update on restoration policy and Strategic Plan

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board approved a resolution supporting a budget request of $15,000 per fiscal year for cemetery preservation work, starting July 1, 2024. The board also approved the minutes from the October 6, 2023 meeting and canceled its February and March 2024 meetings. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved resolution supporting $15,000/year cemetery preservation budget request (6-0)
• Approved minutes of October 6, 2023 (6-0)
• Canceled February 2, 2024 and March 1, 2024 meetings

Historic District Commission

The Birmingham Historic District Commission will conduct a historic design review, examine signage matters, and hold a study session on the Historic Preservation Master Plan. The meeting also includes pre‑application discussions, staff reports on administrative sign approvals, demolitions, and the 2024/2025 action list. Public attendance is available in person at City Hall or via Zoom.

• Historic Design Review
• Sign Review
• Study Session – Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Pre‑Application Discussions
• Staff Reports – Administrative Sign Approvals, Demolitions, Action List 2024/2025

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board will review playground updates and options for a National Fitness Campaign. The board will also interview three firms for design services at St. James and Kenning parks.

• Design Services interviews for St. James & Kenning Parks
• Playground updates review
• National Fitness Campaign options review
• Park Rules & Regulations discussion
• City Commission Long Range Planning meeting announcement

The Parks and Recreation Board unanimously re-elected Heather Carmona as chair and Pam Graham as vice chair for 2025. The board also approved the December 3, 2024 meeting minutes. No other formal decisions were made; the remaining agenda items were informational updates and discussions.

• Approved December 3, 2024 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Re-elected Heather Carmona as 2025 chair (7-0)
• Re-elected Pam Graham as 2025 vice chair (7-0)

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider three dimensional variance appeals for properties at 732 Westchester Way, 1817 Sheffield, and 550 Henley. It will also approve the minutes from the December 10, 2024 meeting. Additional agenda items include general business and an open public period for matters not on the agenda.

• Approval of December 10, 2024 meeting minutes
• Dimensional appeal for 732 Westchester Way (Petitioner: Robin Ballew)
• Dimensional appeal for 1817 Sheffield (Petitioner: Mark Frizzo)
• Dimensional appeal for 550 Henley (Petitioner: Jeff Heichel)
• General business discussion