Ferndale – September 23, 2019
Friends,
I did it! I ran my first 5k race. I went into it thinking I wasn’t going to make it, that I was going to let myself down. But, you know what? It was great.
I ran my personal best time. I finished in the upper half of my age group. I got a medal. I didn’t do as well as the pace runner who was pregnant and finished a 10k five minutes behind me. And I certainly didn’t run as well as the lady who didn’t even break a sweat when she was passing me.
But for someone who never thought to run a race, but here am. And I have to say, I’m pretty proud.
Next on my list is the Kona Chocolate 5k in November.
Rebecca
City Council Reviews Applications
Ferndale City Council reviewed applicants for the open City Council position at the regular Sept. 23 meeting. The open seat is a three-month temporary position to fill the vacancy left after Councilmember Dan Martin’s Sept. 9 resignation. Martin vacated his seat following his appointment to mayor, replacing David Coulter.
By city charter, council must appoint a replacement within 30 days of a resignation. The designated appointee will serve on City Council through the end of the year, after which the individual elected in the Nov. 5 election will assume the position.
The city received applications from five candidates:
Fabrizio Constantini
Linda Flaherty
Julia Music
Douglas Rutley
Sherry Wells
If you have questions about the City Council appointment process or Monday’s meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 248-336-4366.
Pesha Named New Ferndale Fire Chief
Joseph Gacioch, city manager, announced that Fire Marshal Jack Pesha is the new fire chief for Ferndale.
Pesha is a 19-year veteran of the Ferndale Fire Department, serving as firefighter/paramedic, fire marshal, and most recently as the department’s interim fire chief. Pesha held the interim role since April, following the retirement of longtime fire chief, Kevin Sullivan.
The announcement comes after a thorough and rigorous national recruitment effort—typical of executive leadership positions within the city. After interviewing the top candidates identified in the national search, the panel unanimously agreed that Pesha was the best individual to assume the department’s top leadership position.
As he moves into his new role, Pesha plans to continue the fire department’s recent focus on community engagement. “I’m looking forward to building on the relationships I’ve developed with citizens and business owners, continuing our investment in the safety of Ferndale’s special events, and finding new opportunities to work with and engage the community,” Pesha said. “I’m honored by the community’s trust, and thankful for this opportunity.”
Axle Brewing Company Acquired by Eastern Market Brewing
After closing in June, Ferndale-based Axle Brewing Company was recently purchased by Eastern Market Brewing Co. According to a report in the Detroit Free Press, the Livernois Tap Room, which was owned by Axle, will be used to expand the craft beer makers product line, but will not brew any of Axle’s beverages. However, Livernois Tap Room will offer food and craft brews from Eastern Market Brewing.
City Approves Partnership with Ring
At the Aug. 26 meeting, Ferndale City Council approved a partnership agreement between the Ferndale Police Department and Ring—a technology solutions company that aims to reduce crime in neighborhoods and make communities safer. Residents and law enforcement agencies use Ring’s ‘Neighbors’ app to share and access hyper-local crime and safety information in real time—a neighborhood watch for the digital age.
The ‘Neighbors’ app—available on iOs and Android—is free for police departments and the public.
The app allows residents to:
- Share and comment on real-time crime and safety events in neighborhoods
- Post information relating to critical incidents to keep Ring Neighbors informed about issues in the neighborhood
- Assist police department operations and investigations by sharing information and video from home security cameras
While residents using the ‘Neighbors’ app have the opportunity to share video with the police department, it’s completely voluntary and police cannot view or access video without an owner’s approval.
Visit the FAQ page for more information about how the program works, or for questions or additional information, contact Detective Matt Goebel at 248-546-2387.
Here’s a chance to learn about fire prevention while having a blast at the Fire Safety Open House.
To maintain environmental quality and public health and safety, the Road Commission for Oakland County and various local governments, working with the Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, are treating the invasive plant Phragmites in ditches along major roads.
The Auburn Hills Fire Department was notified by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency officially awarded the department an Assistance to Firefighters Grant of $131,000 to replace the department’s existing failing vehicle exhaust capturing systems.
On Sept. 12, Mahindra’s President and CEO Rick Haas handed over the keys to a new Roxor off-road utility vehicle to Mayor Kevin McDaniel for use by the Department of Public Works.
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