District 2 Councilman George Cushingberry Jr. Newsletter

From the 13th Floor Office of

Council President Pro-Tem

George Cushingberry Jr.

2 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 224-4535

CushingberryG@detroitmi.gov

District Office

18100 Meyers Detroit MI 48235

We do housecalls!

Breaking News from Lansing

Lame Duck Session

House Bill 5977

What: December 2, 2014, HB 5977 was introduced into the Michigan State Legislature. It is being discussed today in the Michigan Competitiveness Committee. The bill is called the "Local Government Employer Mandate Prohibition Act. This bill would ban any law that attempts to regulate any aspect of the employment including setting standards or policies with respect to city contractors, developers and others who are being paid by the city, or receiving tax abatements, land transfers even when the contract was not subject to an open bid. The bill prohibits paid sick leave, prevailing wage, living wage, local resident hiring or training programs as the local level, and any workplace health or safety standards that cities might have.

Why is this important? What does this mean for your community?:

This bill has implications for Detroit as City Council reviewing the Community Benefits Ordinance that was introduced earlier this year. The Community Benefits Ordinance which seeks to ensure that communities are engaged in the development process especially where public assets, such as tax incentives, tax abatements, and public lands are being used. The bill seeks to eliminate that power within local municipalities to make that decision and moves it to the realm of state concern. Below is a brief outline of the keypoints of HB 5977:

Wages and benefits for employees throughout the state are matters of state concern;
The power to regulate wages and benefits are outside of the authority of a municipality that are provided by the state;
Regulations and prohibitions on development and redevelopment are matters of statewide concern and are within regulatory authority of the state;
Municipalities shall not adopt, enforce, or administer a community benefits ordinance that establishes any requirement related to employee wages or benefits, such as a requirement for an employer to provide an employee with a minimum
wage, particular benefits, a specified amount of paid or unpaid leave time, or the payment of a prevailing wage.

CDAD continues to support and advocate for Community Benefit Ordinance (CBA's) in Detroit.

TAKE ACTION:

We encourage city residents to contact their state legislators TODAY about the impact of this bill on Detroit and the power of the city to make local laws that supports its residents and local economy. Tell your state legislator you support community benefits and Detroit’s Community Benefit Ordinance.

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Make a phone call: Call your state legislator and state senator.
Write a letter: Let your voice be heard by City Council and the Mayor’s office; encourage them to listen to the voice of the community on use of public funds.
Hit Forward: Share this alert with your networks and friends. Let them know what is going on in our community.
Be informed: Read the current Community Benefits Ordinance that is before Detroit City Council here; Read HB 5977.
Stay engaged: Attend House Committee Meetings or Watch Live Online

http://www.house.mi.gov/MHRTV/mhrtvwin_channel1.html

Contact information for your State Representatives

State House Representatives-- Detroit

Alberta Talabi (District2) 517-373-1776

John Olumba (District 3) 517-373-0144

Fred Durhal (District 5) 517-373-0844

Rashida Tlaib (District 6) 517-373-0823

David Nathan (District 8) 517-373-3815

Harvey Santana (District 9) 517-373-6990

Get Health Insurance by Dec. 15th Deadline!

- As Required by Law -

It’s time to take action on your health insurance application! Your insurance provider may have made changes to the benefits and services they provide for 2015. And it’s up to you to review your choices and pick the plan that meets your needs.

If you haven't already done so, take a moment to review your options at HealthCare.gov.

Follow these 5 steps to stay covered:

1. Come back and review your current coverage and information. For most users, about 90% of this year's application will be pre-populated with information from last year’s application.

2. Make sure your information is up-to-date and make changes if you need to.

3. Compare your current plan with other available plans. You may find new coverage that better fits your needs and budget.

4. Choose the best plan for you.

5. Enroll in coverage.

This is important: You must enroll by December 15th so your 2015 coverage can start January 1.

The HealthCare.gov Team

Talent for you in District 2!

Create your own lyrics to this track recorded by Edward T-Money Green www.myhomedetroitcity.com

"My Home Detroit City" was produced by legendary bass player, T. Money Green, and veteran producer, Nabil "Sandman" Ansara. This song is a way for artists to collaborate and express their feelings about the city they love, Detroit.

The project consists of local Detroit artists and musicians: Pierre Anthony, Chrissy Morgan, Skigh, D. Allie, Steve Caldwell, Gary Strauss and Randy Leipnik.

If you're an artist yourself, download the instrumental version and create a version of your own.

Detroit City Council's DFD/EMS overhaul plans (click here)

Detroit City Council Creates Commerce on Woodward Ave & City Airport (click here to read)

Find your City of Detroit Services Online By Street Address (Clicking Here) Garbage Collection Days, Your City of Detroit District and City Councilperson's Name, Tree Removal. For a complete list of City Services please (click here)

Urgent Message from

SBA Office of Disaster Assistance

The SBA Office of Disaster Assistance stands ready to assist those Southeast Michigan residents and business owners that have sustained damage from the severe storms and flooding that occurred between August 11 and 13 of this year. Although many business have indicated a need for assistance, very few have returned their applications.

At the close of business on October 22, 2014 the SBA has approved $23,084,800 for homeowners, renters and businesses in the State of Michigan with $5,537,600 approved in the City of Detroit. However there is much more that we can do.

Please join us in urging those with damage to submit their SBA Disaster Loan Applications as soon as possible and before the deadline of December 14th, 2014.

Click Here to Apply

If you have any questions please contact me at the following address

Michael B. Peacock

Public Affairs Specialist

US Small Business Administration

101 Marietta Street NW Suite 700

Atlanta, GA 30303-2725

Phone: 404-606-1988

Federal Disaster Loans for Homeowners Renters, and Business of All Sizes

Flood Victim News

The deadline for applying for

disaster relief from FEMA is

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 @ 5:00pm

The Governor’s office has declared

Detroit a disaster area on Sept 25th

Click Here for FEMA Flood Disaster Help

www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Property Owners may qualify for loans up to $200,000

Renters and Landlords for loans up to $40,000

Citizens may qualify for Small Business loan or $32,400 in financial assistance

Open Skating 7 days a Week at the Jack Adams/Butzel Ice Arena (click here)

Community Advisory Council

Per the Detroit City Charter Article 9, Section 1, community groups and concerned residents in each City Council District can establish a CAC by collecting 10% of the number of residents who voted in the last election in that council district in 2013. Petitions are available by contacting the City Clerk's office. For District 2, you need 2,700 signatures to qualify for the next election in 2016.

Open Enrollment is NOW! Get Health Insurance today

Did you know that Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins November 15, 2014 thru February 15, 2015? To apply please register at www.healthcare.gov

Did you know that under the Healthy Michigan plan you can enroll year round? To apply for health insurance under this plan please apply to www.michigan.gov/healthymiplan or call 855-789-5610

Motor City Mapping.

Learn how to become a

Blex-Texter

Check out www.motorcitymapping.org

in partnership with www.datadrivendetroit.org

Documenting Detroit One Bit at a Time.

Councilman Pro-Tem Cushingberry is pleased to report the following good news:

Councilmember Scott Benson approved a contract for $55,000 to the Fire Dept for purchasing boots and other needed equipment.

Wishing retired Councilmember Saunteel Jenkins success in her new job.

Detroit Fiber Works

19359 Livernois 48221

(313) 610-5111

Original Detroit and Hand Crafted Art for sale

Open Wed, Through Saturday

Thursday Night All you can Eat Crab Legs for $24.99 on the Avenue of Fashion at

1917 Bistro 19416 Livernois 48221

$24.99 all you can eat crab legs every Thursday

Food and Drink Specials and Saturday Morning Chess

Menu At the 1917 American Bistro

Wed: The Spoken Word 8pm
Thur: $24.99 all you can eat Crab Legs 4pm-until
Friday: DJ @ 7pm
Sat; Live Jazz 7pm

www.1917americanbistro.com

Tel: (313) 863-1917

Reservations: (313) 863-5270

E-mail:1917americanbistro@gmail.com

Make reservations in advance for a lovely evening in Northwest Detroit

on Thursday Evenings.

Saving Homes in Detroit (Click Here for the details)

Sounds for you from District 2

Vocalist Milton Rembert (click here) and

Bass Master Edward "T-Money" Green (click here)

Vote on the best track of Detroit My Home

recorded by Edward T-Money Green

www.myhomedetroitcity.com

Talent for you in District 2

Get Rid of the Blight with the Department of Neighborhoods

Click Here to Contact your District MGR

Detroit Fire Department

Equipment Upgrade Plan 2015

Click here to view the proposal

Bulk Collection of Flood Damaged property from your home

Click Here for Information

City of Detroit Jobs www.detroitmi.gov/employment

Subscribe Today: City of Detroit's Digital Dashboard

If your street lights are constantly off, drop a line to Ombudsman (Durene Brown)

www.detroitmi.gov Ombudsman's Office Link

M1-Rail is Here Click here for Informational Website

Getting Lit up in Detroit!

Turning on the lights in District 2, is not an easy thing to do..

See the entire plan to light up the City in Zip Code order by (Clicking Here)

Assistance at

Northwest Activities Center

Wayne Metropolitan

Community Action Agency

www.waynemetro.org

Providing help to low and moderate income individuals and families

in Wayne County since 1971

Find a house in Detroit By Clicking Here

www.waynemetro.org Custom District Map Link

mcupp@waynemetro.org

Listen to Pastor George Cushingberry Jr.

Every Saturday from 2-3pm EDT

With the Prospector Reveals

on Historic Soul Radio Station

1440 AM WDRJ Detroit MI

www.1440wdrj.com

The GREAT STORY of the BAGLEY COMMUNITY

BAGLEY COMMUNITY and the UNIVERSITY DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOODS tell a story like no other Detroit community can. It is a community that is rich in history, and celebrates a vibrant culture of Detroiters who care. The Bagley Community is the place where I grew up. It is the neighborhood that I have returned to time and time again after living in other cities, in other states, and in other climates. It is HOME.

And today, the Bagley Community and the University District are still very vital and strong communities that have a lot to offer to Detroiters, and visitors alike. This very strong part of Detroit is home to many residents who have been in the community for over 20 years. Those long-term residents that I speak of care about their community, and they care about their neighbors. You'll find tree-lined streets with homes of great character and architectural integrity. You'll see neighbors helping one another with gardens in the Spring, snow plowing in the Winter, and creating and maintaining Block Clubs all year round.

Today, the Bagley Community Council is instrumental in bringing residents together by holding monthly meetings at the 12th precinct, and distributing The Bagley Community Newsletter to all residents of the community so that they remain informed. The Bagley Community boasts over 5,000 family structures. Visit the BAGLEY COMMPUNITY BLOG to find out more.

In addition to all of the good things happening in the Bagley neighborhoods, there is a vital and flourishing Business District located on Livernois, also known as "The Avenue of Fashion". The Avenue of Fashion has a long history, and is rebounding in 2014 with greater strength, offering lots more to see and do. There are Artists, Designers, Galleries, Restaurants, Eateries, a historic Jazz music venue [Bakers Keyboard Lounge ~ VISIT the online site here ~ http://theofficialbakerskeyboardlounge.com], clothing, Real Estate Businesses, Banks, and many other places where you can get your hair done, find home accessories, purchase cell phones, and shop for groceries. There are many Events that go on during the Spring and Summer months on The Avenue of Fashion. And let me tell you, there is much to see and do...

View it in your browser.

SPRING EVENTS ON THE AVENUE OF FASHION

At present, the Bagley Community and the University District will be collaborating and working on maintaining very active and strong Community Patrols. AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project (Wayne State University - Center For Urban Studies) is playing a key role in providing assistance. You'll be hearing a lot more about the patrols in the very near future.

The University District is also the proud home of two major Universities, The University of Detroit Mercy and Marygrove College. It would take another article to tell you about the history of the merger of The University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit (of which I am an Alumni), as well as Bagley Elementary School, which I attended in my youth...so I'll save that story for a later time.

There is so much more that I could tell you about the Bagley Community and the University District, but what you can capture from the images, the video, and the words from my heart will hopefully give you a small touch of the Bagley LOVE.

ENJOY!

Story By: René Allen Americorps Urban Safety Program http://www.amusdetroit.org/ Rene.AmeriCorpsUSProgram@gmail.com

Watch the video to see the homes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDszCcu5bro

See A Movie At The Theatre In Detroit

Did you know there is a theatre in Detroit?

It is called the Redford Theatre and is located 17360 Lahser Road Detroit, MI 48219. Events may be held there. The theatre has been restored. Tour the projection booth before shows or during intermission. Email the theater to suggest a movie, be shown at the theatre. The theatre is owned by The Motor City Theatre Organ Society. Click the website for more details http://redfordtheatre.com/ (313) 537-2560.

There is a theatre in downtown Detroit at the Renaissance Center (200 Renaissance Center #a201 Tower 200 Detroit, MI 48203) Uptown Entertainment http://uptownentertainment.com/RenCen4.aspx (313) 259-2372.

Did You Know Vacant Property Owners Will Be Fined?

The owner of a vacant structure must register the property with Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environment Department within 30 days of the structure becoming vacant. Owner will receive a certificate of registration and must get a Certificate of Compliance from the Department. Call 313-628-2451 to have your property registered; or access the City of Detroit website http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/BuildingsSafetyEngineeringEnvironmental/Divisions/PropertyMaintenance.aspx . The form can be emailed, mailed or faxed to you. Click here to see the fee schedule, applications, and Vacant Property Toolbox. The ordinance’s penalties double from the first to second ticket written. The Property Maintenance Division will send any overdue amount in tickets to a collection agency, which adversely affects the owner’s credit report. Detroit ordinances and zoning code are available on line www.municode.com . On the website, select by state and then city to access the code.

Submit a complaint if a house or building next to you is not being maintained. Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 2 Woodward Avenue, Room 412 Attention: Property Maintenance Division Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 628-2451. The fines can be increased with City Council approval. The City Council representative for the Bagley Community (District 2) is George Cushingberry.

Detroit Police Helping Seniors (65+) and Veterans

The Detroit Police Department wants to improve its service to senior citizens (age 65 and older) and veterans, in case of an emergency. Seniors Citizens (65+) and veterans will have their profiles stored in the police department’s 911 database. This should improve This should improve the call taking, dispatch and emergency response process. You must agree to the 911 service. Please click here to see the agreement.

Organize A Block Club On Your Block

The information below is taken from The City Of Detroit website http://www.detroitmi.gov/Departments/NeighborhoodCityHalls/NCHServices/BlockClubCommunityGroupOrganization/tabid/765/Default.aspx

Community Services staff is available to assist those wishing to organize a block club or community group. Community Services offices also work with businesses and community groups to build strong relationships in an effort to improve neighborhoods.

It is important that we have your community group or block club registered with us, and that the information we have is correct and current. We do periodic mailings to inform community groups of projects and meetings in their areas. To get on our mailing list, please visit your local Community Services office, or print out our online Community Organization Registration form and mail it to any of the Community Services offices.

ORGANIZING A BLOCK CLUB
These guidelines are suggestions ONLY. Your ideas and innovations should be incorporated in your block club.

INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
A block club maybe a neighborhood organization whose members come from the neighborhood and whose purpose is to solve problems of the members. The key to organizing is getting members who will develop and carry out programs. It is important to know the best way to get individuals to work together as a team, and to make each one feel as though they are a part of the team willing to participate. Voluntary participation and creative citizen leadership is the key to the development of strong communities – and communities are made up of people who live in neighborhoods, which is the grass roots of a community organization. It is also a way in which the men and women who participate become better neighbors, better citizens and better democratic Americans.

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM – HOW CAN WE GET
MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED?
The first job of the leadership team is to organize a way to contact other people on the block. There are a number of communication channels used by other block clubs such as posters, flyers, announcements in the community or church newspapers. But for your first block club meeting, personal contact is best.
DECIDING WHOM TO CALL ON AND WHAT THE BOUNDARIES SHOULD BE
Though eventually you may hope that everyone in the area will be involved in block activities, remember that there is always room for growth. Only a few dedicated people are needed to get started. Make decisions on where to start.
The actual boundaries of the organization could possibly be only half of a block, one side of the block, both sides of the street facing each other, both sides facing the alley, or even a single apartment building. The boundaries will depend on such factors as how large is the block, the population density, size of available meeting places, and the nature of the problems in the neighborhood. For example, if your problems center on alley up-keep, you might want to organize residents on both sides of the alley.
The group should be large enough to tackle your problems with some assurance of success, but not so large that there is little chance for people to get to know one another, let alone trade ideas.
Once you decide the boundaries, you should proceed to contact everyone who lives in those boundaries. Owners, Renters, Newcomers and Seniors. A letter should be mailed to all residents stating the agreed upon block standards. All the residents will depend on each other for the enforcement of these standards. For example, even those persons who don’t comply with such things as cutting their grass, or putting trash in the proper storage containers or keeping up the exterior of their property should be contacted to participate. Only by getting everyone to cooperate can others be influenced and persuaded to conform to the wishes of the rest of the neighbors. Remember though, that such people should never be invited to the meeting to be lectured about their undesirable behavior. It is only by including everyone in the decision-making on what’s in the best interest of the entire block that will ensure a better standard of living for all.
STATING THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT (INTRODUCTIONS)
First, introduce yourself as a neighbor and explain the purpose of the visit. Inform the individual that you have been speaking with other neighbors who are interested in starting a block club and explain how their attendance is needed at the first meeting. Emphasize both the opportunities of getting to know their neighbors and how problems can be solved through the organization. Some individuals will want to socialize; others will be interested only in problem solving. Actually, most successful block clubs include both kinds of programs. It is important to stress from the beginning the value of setting up a block club. The continuation of a block club gives everyone the sense of being a part of a community and of sharing goals and ideas with neighbors. It also provides the machinery for working out immediate and long-range problems as they arise.
THE FIRST MEETING
After the leadership team has contacted the neighbors who may become block club members, there should be a decision on who will be the temporary president for the first meeting and an agenda created. The agenda is nothing more than a list of things to discuss or do. Since you have already talked to many neighbors, you should have a good idea of what their concerns are. Here are some things you will probably want to include in the first meeting agenda:
An explanation of why your neighborhood should have a block club. Point out problems that need group attention and action.
Invite a speaker from an already established and successful neighborhood organization to describe how their group got started and some of the possibilities for your group. If you don’t know of any other groups in your area, call your Neighborhood City Hall and we can put you in contact with one.
VOTE on the question of whether to form an organization.
Elect officers (usually a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer) for a temporary period, such as three months.
Appoint temporary special committees such as: Constitution and by-laws committee, membership committee, complaint/investigation committee, etc.
Set a time and place for the next meeting. Notification of members is usually the responsibility of the Secretary.

ELECTION OF PERMANENT OFFICERS AND WRITING OF THE CONSTITUTION
As shown above, temporary officers are elected at the first general meeting, usually for a period of three (3) months. In that three (3) month period, the Constitution and by-laws are written, the membership may increase, some projects are decided upon and some temporary committees may function.
Once the Constitution and by-laws are adopted, it sets the rules for electing permanent officers, defines their duties, and outlines the period of time they may serve.
The Constitution and by-laws Committee should prepare a Constitution and by-laws for presentation at a general meeting. The Constitution and by-laws is a document informing the purpose and goals of the organization; membership requirements; rules by which the organization will be governed; and the duties of the offices and committees. At the meeting, the proposed Constitution and by-laws are read in order to make changes or revisions. The members vote on its adoption and, once adopted, the Constitution and by-laws can only be changed according to the methods written into it.
Since a Constitution and by-laws are not an easy document to write, a sample is incorporated in this document for your review.
HOW THE ORGANIZATION WORKS – GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
You now have a permanent organization that meets on a regular basis. There are still many unanswered questions. How are meetings conducted? How does your group select and reach it’s goals? Where can you go for assistance? The answers to these questions will determine how well your organization works.
The difference between the purpose of a block club and its goals is not always spelled out clearly. This can lead to conflict between members since they might not be able to agree on specific actions for the group.
Determine what the overall purpose of the organization is to be: Should it be political, social, or deal only with neighbor problems?
Goals related to the chosen purpose should then be developed. It is possible that members want the group to be both political and deal with neighborhood problems.
This should be encouraged whenever it is possible, demand that neighborhood representatives be included on any political committee whose decisions affect the neighborhood.
General Goals: The general objective of any neighborhood organization should be to improve the living conditions for all neighbors in a given geographical area and the community in general. The goals of a neighborhood organization are usually:
To improve the physical and moral environment of the neighborhood.
To eliminate nuisance or unwholesome influences in the neighborhood.
To cooperate with various City of Detroit departments and other agencies in improving the health, safety, physical, economic and cultural standards of residents.
To develop a spirit of cooperation among the residents.
If you follow these informational steps, you should be able to organize a strong community group with a minimum amount of difficulty. Once you have organized your group, you should also register it with the Mayor’s Office Neighborhood City Halls office in your area. We have attached a Registration Form to this document. Remember to submit an update when your organization elects new officers.

BELOW IS A SAMPLE CONSTITUTION. It’s purpose is strictly to give some insight and or suggestions for the development of your own constitution.

SAMPLE CONSTITUTION

Perhaps the most necessary step in organizing a block club is the drafting of a constitution and by-laws. These documents explain the purpose of the block club, how it is to function, how it may be changed, and who are to be it’s members. In other words, the constitution and by-laws are the life-giver of the group. It further serves to avoid possible conflicts in a organization by setting forth the rules and guidelines beforehand.
Many of you may choose to incorporate features of your own choosing according to the particular needs and desires of your membership. Remember, our sample is only a guide for you.

SAMPLE CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE

We, the residents living within the limits of (Oak Street and Elm Street), bounded by Poplar Street and Pine Street (1), being desirous of combining our efforts for the purpose of promoting a greater sense of cooperation among and between us; maintaining and improving our property; and developing a sense of individual obligation to the area in which we reside, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

ARTICLE 1 – (NAME OF ORGANIZATION)

The name of this organization shall be the Oak-Elm Block Club.

ARTICLE II – BOUNDARIES

The territorial limits of this block club shall be Oak and Elm Streets between Poplar and Pine Streets/

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

All residents, residing within the stated boundaries, who subscribe to the purposes of the Oak-Elm Block Club stated in the Preamble, shall be eligible to become members in this club.

ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS

Regular meetings shall be held each month at (time) and (place) as determined. Special meetings may be called by the President or the Chairman of the Board with one fourth (1/4) of the membership, with notice given at least three (3) to five (5) days in advance.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS

The elective offices of this club shall be: President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. The term of office shall be one (1) year for all of the above offices unless otherwise stated.

ARTICLE VI – ELECTIONS

Section 1 – Nominations
At the regular meeting each year in October, a nominating committee shall be formed with volunteers of the group. Four (4) additional persons shall be elected to serve on the committee by: a majority of the members of the club present and voting at the October meeting.
The seven-member (7) nominating committee shall recommend candidates at the November meeting for the annual election in December. Nominations may also be made from the floor.
Section 2 – Balloting
The Officers shall be elected by secret ballot at the first regular meeting in December. A simple majority of all votes cast at the meeting shall be necessary for the election of any officer.
If no candidate shall receive a majority of all of the votes cast, there shall be an immediate run-off election held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes cast.
If the two candidates receiving the most votes shall receive a tie vote, a run-off shall follow immediately. It the tie is not broken after the run-off, the Executive Board shall vote by secret ballot at its next meeting to choose one of the two candidates.
Section 3 – Installation
Officers elected shall be installed at the first meeting in January.

ARTICLE VII – EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1 – Membership
There shall be an Executive Board which shall be comprised of the Officers the immediate past President, and two members elected by the membership as board members.
Section 2 – Duties
The Executive Board shall be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day business of the club, for preparing the agenda for meetings and for the other duties which normally fall to Executive Boards.
Section 3 – Quorum
A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4 – Meetings
Meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President alone or by the President upon the request of any two (2) members of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VIII – CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

Section 1 – Quorum
One-fourth (1/4) of the membership of the block club shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any legal business which may come before them at any meeting properly called.
Section 2 – Robert’s Rules
All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order. (Revised Edition)

ARTICLE IX – FAILURE TO ATTEND

The officer of any office, who fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the block club without satisfactory excuse to the President or the Executive Board, shall automatically vacate the office.

ARTICLE X – BY-LAWS

By-laws for a block club shall be adopted by a simple majority vote of those members present and voting at any regular meeting.
PLEASE NOTE: By-laws will cover block club affairs which are subject to frequent change, (such as the amount of dues, qualifications for membership, place and time of meetings, name composition and duties of standing committees, etc.) which the Constitution outlines the more permanent characteristics of the block club.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENT

The Constitution of a block club may be amended; provided, however, that the
following steps are taken in succession:
The proposed amendment is given to the Secretary in writing.
The proposed amendment is read at the regular meeting.
All members are given due notice by mail of the proposed Amendment.
Two-thirds (2/3) of all members present, vote in favor of adopting the proposed amendment. (At least one (1) week must pass between Steps (3) and (4), and only at the annual meeting can the count be amended).

ARTICLE XII – ADOPTION

This Constitution and by-laws shall become operative upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote in favor, held at the annual meeting. Notice of changes is sent by mail at least one (1) week prior to all residents within the territorial limits of the block club. The annual meeting can be your last meeting for the year, holding elections of your block club officials at that time.
The by-laws maybe amended at any regular meeting provided that notice of such changes will take place, and notice of the changes is sent or given to the members at least one (1) week prior to the meeting. The by-laws amended can be adopted by a majority vote.

According to the City of Detroit website, Community Services is located with the Recreation Department. Information on how to organize a block club can be picked up at the Northwest Activities Center 18100 Meyers, (313) 870-0649 or, at the other Recreation Centers
Butzel Family Center 7737 Kercheval (313) 628-2170, Williams Community Center
8431 Rosa Parks, (313) 224-2989, Patton Recreation Center
2301 Woodmere (313) 628-2180

Click here to download the booklet 'How To Create And Maintain A Block Club'.

To get an application to create a block club, email District 2 manager Kim Tandy TandyK@detroitmi.gov or call the Bagley hotline (313) 927-2674

Residents,

Many of you have approached the Bagley Community Council with your concerns for safety and security of your homes, blocks, neighbors and neighborhood. With that in mind, Bagley Community Council would like to share the following summary for your use with your home or with your block clubs. Each of these companies has presented their skills and services to Bagley members at one of our General Membership Meetings held in 2012.
Unfortunately, Bagley Community Council does not have the funds to provide private security patrols for our 5,000 home community as costs would range between $15K to $25K per year.
Bagley Security Patrol Options

Service Option Summary of Service:

There is an active Bagley Community Patrol. Click HERE to learn more and get involved.

_______________________________________________________________
Detroit Police Department Secondary Police Patrols

313-596-2217 $30 - $50 per hour per officer

8 hour minimum shift

Provide employee IRS forms

Patrol car is $50 per 8 hour patrol

$11,600 x 4 = 46,400 (month)

____________________________________________________________________________
Recon Management Group, LLC (Threat Mgt Services)

248-540-0160 / 1-800-525-3491 $10.00 PER MONTH $10.00 PER CALL FOR 10 MINUTES OF SERVICE ($60 per hour)

___________________________________________________________________________

Dusing Security & Surveillance (DSS)

1-586-779-5002 $30 per month for 40 hour week patrols. Customers receive alarm monitoring, out of town monitoring, exit/entering home monitoring

___________________________________________________________________________

Form Bagley Volunteer Patrol 12 active volunteers to patrol; FREE to residents;

Confirmed City is NOT reimbursing mileage

Registration provides access to radio, training and support

Builds relationship with 12th Precinct police
Also, residents can track crime in their neighborhoods by using Crime Mapping. Register your email at http://www.crimemapping.com. We recommend you use the address of Bagley School rather than your home address (8100 Curtis Street, Detroit MI, 48221)

Buy A Home In The Bagley Community

Are you interested in buying a home in the Bagley Community? The Bagley Community is a great place to live and work in, click this link http://bagleycommunity.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-bagley-community-is-great-community.html

Please see the Charles Ryan homes website http://www.charlesryanhomes.com/ .

Mr. Ryan has held his real estate license for 11 years. His facebook page is www.facebook.com/ryanrealtygroup As home become available he will posted them on the Bagley Community Facebook page.

Use $7,500 to put toward the home you buy.

FirstMerit Bank is offering low-rate loans to purchase, refinance or improve homes in select areas of Wayne County, Michigan. Click here to find out what how First Merit bank can help you buy the home of your dreams.

A Big Thank You to Lisa Royster mortgage loan officer with First Merit bank, for giving a presentation at the Bagley meeting on January 18th.

Detroit Area Schools Produce Quality

There will be a tour of t-shirts that have been signed by Detroit Public School students and Catholic school alumni beginning April 2014. T-Shirts with pictures of Detroit Public Schools will be on display with signatures from school alumni on the t-shirt. Many famous people went to Detroit public schools and catholic schools. This exhibit is designed to show that.
The t-shirts will be encased in glass and will be a part of a travelling exhibit.
Watch this Fox2newsclip http://www.myfoxla.com/story/20401888/dps-alum-shirt

Click this link www.SchoolShirtShop.com/signatures
Scroll to the bottom of the signatures link to see a photo gallery of people who have signed

Other links www.SchoolShirtShop.com/media

You may call Michael Williams with questions: cell phone (313) 641-6453 Office: (313) 446-2262

Do You Love To Read To Others?

The Detroit Public Schools (DPS) has a Volunteer Reading Program. The reading is done during the day.. Anyone can apply but each person will be fingerprinted and a background check will be done at the expense of the Detroit Public Schools. Once the application is completed, the applicant can request a certain DPS school or they will be assigned to one. Read to a child today. Please click the DPS website http://detroitk12.org/ for more information

Department Of Neighborhoods

The Department of Neighborhoods has been set up to help the citizens. The City of Detroit is divided into Districts, each district has a manager. "They have been charged with the task of eliminating blight in their district and will be your partners in making that happen. They will do this by working closely with neighborhood and other community organizations, CDCs, faith-based organizations and local businesses to identify and prioritize your concerns, and then coordinate with the appropriate City department to deliver results. They will help you to address all blight-related issues, including dangerous building demolition, repurposing vacant lots and structurally sound vacant buildings, as well as non-structural blight." Taken from the City of Detroit website.

The Bagley Community is in District 2. The District 2 manager is Kim Tandy. See can be reached at 313-236-3494 Email: TandyK@detroitmi.gov

Click the link to learn more about the Department Of Neighborhoods http://www.detroitmi.gov/DepartmentsandAgencies/DepartmentofNeighborhoods.aspx

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