Berkley to Pick Flood Impacted Residents for Focus Group
(Berkley Press Release, Aug. 27, 2014)
As Berkley residents continue to recover from the record storms and related water damage, the City of Berkley seeks to streamline its processes and remove common obstacles in order to help residents proceed with recovery and repairs more quickly and safely.
Mayor Phil O’Dwyer stated, “Our residents and business owners have gone through so much already with this storm, that as they recover, the last thing they need is to deal with bureaucratic red tape and a myriad of fees. We identified an additional way to be of assistance in the aftermath of this storm.”
The City actively seeks the input of its residents to discuss and agree to a single, simplified approach to file permits, coordinate resources, perform inspections, and complete repairs. In order to expedite this process, we will randomly select from those who have already filed claim forms at City Hall. In addition to those who file claims, we would, as always, welcome ideas from any one affected by the storm.
Councilmember Steve Baker suggested the idea during the Berkley City Council meeting on August 18, and believes it will help in many ways. “By engaging our neighbors and fellow storm victims in streamlining the process, we listen to their concerns and partner together on innovative solutions.”
The focus group will meet in the near future, with the intent of proposing and exploring efficient changes very quickly. “These process improvements will cut the red tape without cutting any corners on safety,” Baker stated.
City Manager Jane Bais-DiSessa agreed, adding, “Our staff sincerely wants to help residents. With so many people needing repair work, we can ensure the repairs are not delayed and comply with building safety regulations.”
Mayor O’Dwyer stated, “The resulting process improvements and rates will be available to all residents and business owners affected by the storm. We will have the volunteers and our employees to thank for sharing their perspectives and engaging the City as we move forward together.”
Updates and schedules will be posted to the City website at www.berkleymich.org in the coming days.
For other flood related stories and resources see:
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/26/socrra-holds-special-meeting-with-updates-on-the-trash/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/19/madison-heights-contends-illegal-dumping-by-socrra/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/18/resource-centers-set-up-for-flood-victims/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/15/how-to-avoid-after-flood-scams/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/13/independent-insurance-agent-answers-water-related-questions-video/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/13/renaissance-vineyard-church-coordinating-volunteers-supplies/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/the-day-after-the-flood-hard-work-loss-and-community-video/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/11/oakland-county-issues-floodwater-safety-precautions/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/11/oakland-county-pounded-by-rain-swamped-with-flooding/
ttp://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/city-of-ferndale-issues-flooding-info-claims-trash-more/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/berkley-issues-flooding-info-including-claims-procedure/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/oak-park-issues-flood-advice-including-trash-safety-and-cleaning-video/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/hazel-park-flood-clean-up-information/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/12/royal-oak-flooding-information/