Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun talks about his first 100 days as elected mayor during an April 13 presentation at Caroline Kennedy Library.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – Newly elected Mayor Mo Baydoun delivered an address April 13 detailing his first 100 days, sharing both good and bad news, while ending on a positive outlook for the city.
“Our streets belong to families, our budget belongs to residents and this city’s future belongs to everyone who calls Dearborn Heights home,” Baydoun said during his presentation at the Caroline Kennedy Library.
Baydoun said former Mayor Bill Bazzi’s administration created a budget crisis by overspending by more than $11.5 million during the past four years.
He said to be fiscally responsible, the city needs to cut a half million dollars in spending annually, and several city-owned properties and vacant land will soon be put on the market.
Baydoun said a city grants department has been established, and more than $100 million in grants have been applied for during the past 100 days.
He said more than $1.8 million in grant money has been secured to benefit the city, including $500,000 from Wayne County for the new fire station, and $84,522 from Wayne County for parks.
The city will receive $700,000 in Southeast Michigan Council of Government Transportation Alternative Program funds from the federal government that may be used for local transportation projects.
A $200,000 donation will fund the purchase of a drone, and the Michigan State Treasury will provide $123,735 for BS&A cloud software and $75,000 for training, as well as a $126,000 Distressed Cities grant.
In addition, the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority will provide $50,000 for police officer bullet-proof vests.
Baydoun said that in an attempt to reduce speeding and other reckless driving, the Police Department has recently issued more than 6,200 tickets to send the message that city streets are not a racetrack.
He said police officer overtime has been cut by 50 percent through smarter scheduling and better deployment without reducing services to residents.
Baydoun said flashing stop signs will be deployed at high-risk intersections, making them safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, especially children walking to school. In addition, a new pedestrian walkway will be installed near Crestwood High School.
The mayor said funding has been obtained for a new K-9 unit and officer position.
Baydoun said 3,435 ordinance enforcement tickets have been issued to reduce blight in neighborhoods, and rental properties are being brought into compliance, with 604 properties identified.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun talks about plans for the new Chief Brogan fire station during his first 100 days as elected mayor presentation April 13 at Caroline Kennedy Library.
Short-term rental units, which the city has banned, has resulted in 15 investigations, eight tickets, and $28,000 in potential fines.
The mayor said police officers will receive new body cams with built-in translation software to improve communication with residents.
Baydoun said the new fire station is on schedule, and will be named after long-time Fire Chief David Brogan, who has been with the department for 34 years.
He said for the first time in a decade, the Fire Department is fully staffed, and two new emergency medical service units have been approved and are on the way.
Baydoun said roads are being fixed, with construction starting on Ann Arbor Trail from Parkland Street to Outer Drive, and Cherry Hill Street from Gulley Road to Inkster Road.
He said $1.5 million has been spent on new Department of Public Works equipment to help clear storm drains.
Baydoun said a sidewalk replacement program is being developed, and newly installed smart water meters are making billings more accurate.
The mayor said a plan is being developed to address flooding with an infrastructure and green space plan.
Baydoun said flood zone homes will be bought and demolished, with the land turned into green space.
He said his administration will focus on government efficiency and customer service, with transparent communications supported by a new communications department for social media, cable television and other public communication.
Baydoun said customer service training will be provided to city employees to reduce resident complaints.
He said city hall is “going to the cloud,” and that the building department is going digital, which will allow for faster permitting and licensing, certificates of occupancy, inspections and rental renewals.
Baydoun said the city will develop the first new master plan in 20 years, which will provide a clear vision for growth, development and the city’s future.
He said community engagement will occur in the spring to upgrade the city’s public spaces, with a splash pad for Van Houten Park.
Baydoun said new park investments will be inclusive, allowing access for people with special needs.
He praised the city’s libraries, and said an alley art mural project is under way.