Cardi DeMonaco Jr

08/30/2023

Yesterday we dedicated a storywalk built by Eagle Scout Kevin Martincic. He did a fantastic job!

Visitors to our Spindler Park will now be able to read a book while walking the path near the south end. Each quarter the library will change the book. Entertainment for all ages!

It took a whole community: Kevin of course!, the Boy Scouts Troop, our Library Director Sue Todd, our DPW, our DPW Director Darin Paolucci, DPW Superintendent Carol Apley, Parks Director Joe Merucci, Chair Gary Sasek and the Parks Commission, the Library Commission, and the City Council.

Thank you also to so many others that were in attendance, including the family of Kevin, Betty Bishop (Parks Commission), Elizabeth Pirkola (Parks Commission), Alex Stokes (Parks Commission), Craig Wodecki (Library Commission), 38th District Court Administrator Mike McLoyd, City Manager Mariah Walton, Mayor Pro Tem Rob Baker, Councilman Harvey Curley, School Board Trustee Mary Hall-Rayford, resident Shelly Cioppa, and many others.

08/22/2023

Plenty to do this Friday and Saturday in our county seat Mount Clemens!

Check out https://macombcountypride.com/pride2023/ for more information on everything happening, and check their page also.

Macomb County Pride has a mission to create a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and to be a resource in Macomb County.

08/18/2023

Use the map this weekend! 🗺

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1ld2ctvYAy9F13gDpA5jlPojvwiPgSwc&ll=42.46543372894887%2C-82.94482745000002&z=15

And good luck!!!

The Eastpointe "CityWide Yard Sale" starts "TODAY" and the "Participating List" is READY!

To view the LIST and MAP of all the available locations, Click Here! 👇

https://www.eastpointemi.gov/news_detail_T9_R260.php

08/10/2023

Tuesday's election results ✅✅✅

08/08/2023

It's election day! Polls are open 7am to 8pm. Make your voice heard for the Mayoral Primary and Eastpointe Community Schools bond proposal.

Vote at your precinct today, unless you are registering to vote and then you register at City Hall and can vote there.

If you are unsure of where to vote or of your registration status, visit https://mi.gov/vote

https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index

08/08/2023

I am voting yes on the Eastpointe Community Schools bond proposal.

The school district needs your support! Please support them by voting yes also. ☘️

Invest in our district now, so that we can continue to take pride in our local school district. ☘️

It takes money to improve buildings, and this money will be well spent. Below are a couple links with more detailed information on the proposal. ☘️

https://www.eastpointeschools.org/bond-election-info/

https://www.candgnews.com/news/eastpointe-community-schools-bond-proposal-on-aug-8-ballot-2992

EASTPOINTE — During the primary election Aug. 8, Eastpointe Community Schools residents will decide whether to support a bond proposal.

08/05/2023

Clerk’s Office will be open Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm., for election related activities, only!

We are closed TODAY, except for Election Trainings.

07/12/2023

Instead of the City fixing misinformation, it has decided instead to leave it as-is and also patronize its own residents.

I looked at data and saw that there was an inconsistency in the City's post and pointed it out in a thoughtful way showing the issue. Instead of fixing the post, the City has now posted AGAIN, with the same misinformation. And not only that, when the same point was clarified again, the City patronized the user. We can do better. This should not be how we treat residents (or anyone) in the City of Eastpointe.

Please urge the City to share factual information only. And please urge them to treat others with respect. The City Manager's office can be contacted at 586-445-3661 or [email protected].

https://eastpointemi.gov/

July 5th post:
https://www.facebook.com/TheCityOfEastpointe/posts/pfbid02eFU8SPSXsVRr6k6uLSzbSv6Tuo6o4j7DcTZGY1wGJBJtsCDzswx8wwVLzuqctwcvl

July 12th post:
https://www.facebook.com/TheCityOfEastpointe/posts/pfbid02esWPL2s4PoA8ykMY5WdJmK49KQG8M7hCeoRnf5WkQx21tHXzPGwr9JAf2xLVHcrJl

07/02/2023

A couple weeks ago, had a great:
✅Gratiot Cruise
✅Juneteenth
✅Father's Day

It was a great weekend of celebration! (Posted a picture of my favorite car from the Cruise!)

Looking forward to next year 😎

07/01/2023

A little spring cleaning...

The way the street should be spelled???

Maybe GPS would pronounce it correctly...

07/01/2023

The City's contract with GFL Environmental (formerly Rizzo Environmental Services) has ended and we are now working with Priority Waste (https://www.prioritywaste.com) for garbage, recycling, and compost.

No action needs to be taken on your part. We are keeping the same 96-gallon bins for garbage, and 64-gallon bins for recycling. Your garbage will be picked up on the same day as it previously was. Now that ten years have gone by, the cost will increase from $10.86 to $15.56, still charged on your monthly water bill. This price was the lowest price received. Independence Day is of course on Tuesday, and the same rule applies as previously, that if your garbage day is Tuesday (July 4) or later in the week, your garbage day for that week is pushed back by one day. The observed holidays are New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Don't be surprised when the next truck to pick up your refuse is yellow instead of green or red!

https://www.cardidemonaco.com/news/395-switch-of-garbage-collection-contractors

06/16/2023

Tuesday was a tragic day for our community.

I did not know Connor personally, but it's clear that he made a huge difference in many lives teaching at his alma mater Fraser High School and at the Rec Center as a counselor.

Please keep his family & friends in your thoughts.

06/16/2023

Tuesday we lost a dedicated community activist.

Harvey Creech was someone who would tell you what he was thinking (as seen pictured at the last Hearing of the Public he was able to attend). He was also someone to show up and personally show you what could be improved. One time he gave me the nickel tour (as he called it) at the Rec Center.

He'll be missed. I know many will carry on the torch for him in the name of the community.

06/04/2023

Very proud of our Beautification Commission :D

The two residents could not have been more appreciative.

06/04/2023

Hope to see you Tuesday!

We will have a budget public hearing. You can find the proposed budget here (link will take you directly to page 115):https://eastpointecitymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/6a193cf7-6f01-ee11-a3bf-000c29a59557/City%20Council%20Agenda%20June%2006,%202023%20CC%20Regular%20Meeting.PDF =115

There's one general Hearing of the Public at the beginning of the meeting, and one general Hearing of the Public at the end of the meeting. Please make your voice heard!

06/02/2023

Happy Pride Month!

Love & authenticity will take over this month to fight the hate. Drag queens are being attacked indiscriminately, transgender folks are having laws written against them, and companies are being attacked for being "woke" when in fact they are simply supporting people for who they are and who they love.

Let's stand up for the LGBTQ community this month and every month.

Had a great time with Councilman Bill Shoemaker, who read the City of Roseville's Resolution for Pride Month, and then presenting it to Macomb County Pride! Great job putting together a great event Roseville-Eastpointe Recreation Authority, including Sara Frederick, Tony Lipinski, and others.

05/31/2023

More than 55 groups this year!

Nice work to the board: Sarah Lucido, Chris Causley, and Ron Tomala! And also the the parade committee, and especially our MVP volunteer Michaelene Buczak!!!

And would not have been possible without so many sponsors, groups in the community, businesses, City employees, and community members!

05/17/2023

The state agency that licenses police officers in Michigan is investigating the circumstances that allowed a Detroit police officer facing termination to accept a new job with Eastpointe Police.

05/16/2023

Join your neighbors and community 🇺🇸

Two weeks away! 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

Thank you to the presenting sponsors North Gratiot Cruise Committee on behalf of the Gratiot Avenue Chamber of Commerce, and JARS!

Thank you to stage sponsor AEW!

Thank you to the Eastwood Odd Fellows #496 for sponsoring the picnic!

More thank yous to come...

05/08/2023

A wonderful resident and community volunteer passed away. Sue Young is going to be missed!

How many of you would have the courage to walk around as a pumpkin like Sue :-P

Here she is volunteering at an Eastpointe Lions events.

It was a pleasure to be around Sue, as she always brightened the room.

https://guestbook.wujekcalcaterra.com/obituaries/Darlene-Young-6/ #!/TributeWall

05/06/2023

Bring and/or take plants 🪴 and check out the books and more for sale, at the Eastpointe Memorial Library today from 10:00a-1:30p!

The Book and Media Sale continues today from 1:30-4:30pm and tomorrow from 10:00am-1:30pm. Books, movies and music in good to excellent condition are sold to benefit The Friends of the Library.
Also, join us tomorrow in our courtyard when the Library and the Eastpointe Beautification Committee team up to host a perennial exchange! Bring your hostas, cone flowers, daylilies and more to trade for some new plants.

04/24/2023

Year-to-Year Improvements
⬆️ Volunteers (30 this year!)
⬆️ Bags of garbage (47 this year!)
⬆️ Food (best food yet!)
⬆️ Fun (yes, it feels great improving the community!)

04/13/2023

Long term planning...

Attached today is the Five Year Budget Forecast provided in the City Manager's proposed budget (page 150 in the PDF)

https://cms9files.revize.com/eastpointemi/2023-2024%20Proposed%20Budget%20(Eastpointe).pdf

04/12/2023

Budget Timeline 💵⏱

Tuesday, May 2 at 6:00pm - Workshop Day 1
Wednesday, May 3 at 6:00pm - Workshop Day 2
Tuesday, June 6 at 7:00pm - Public Hearing
Tuesday, June 20 at 7:00pm - Second Reading and Adoption of Appropriations Ordinance / Budget

The budget will guide priorities from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

City Manager's proposed budget:https://cms9files.revize.com/eastpointemi/2023-2024%20Proposed%20Budget%20(Eastpointe).pdf

Please let the City Council know what you think (https://eastpointemi.gov/government/mayor_and_council/index.php), let me know what you think by commenting here, or show up to the workshops and/or public hearing!

04/11/2023

It's budget season!

Today's focus is on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that our City received in the amount of $3,371,351.19.

What would YOU focus on in the community if you had $3M+?

Our City Administration proposed to City Council that most of the funds be spent on repairing roads (two blocks of Mott Avenue, one block of Ego, two blocks of JULIANA, and one block of Sprenger), and some much smaller amount on streetlights. Those were the two priorities proposed.

I was hoping for a larger focus on removing lead service lines (a non-recurring project), but instead the bulk was allocated for the previously mentioned road projects (which is not allowed with the original rules, but was only allowed because we accepted the funds as "revenue replacement").

Acceptable uses (you will not see "roads", "streets", etc.):
https://www.nlc.org/covid-19-pandemic-response/american-rescue-plan-act/arpa-local-relief-frequently-asked-questions/ -uses

Fortunately I was able to get $500,000 allocated for lead service lines, but without my amendment none of the funds would have gone towards the public health project (the main reason for ARPA funds) of replacing lead service lines.

We have previously spent some of our stimulus funds on hazard pay and equipment for the fire department. Not this time. Please make your voice heard as we discuss the budget from now until June 20th!

04/05/2023

Be safe out there today

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT

Local weather authorities are anticipating severe weather today for the metro-Detroit area. Please plan accordingly and stay indoors when the weather gets bad.

03/29/2023

Please reach out to your friends and let them know about this opportunity! 🇺🇸

Join us for the parade! 🇺🇸 🚶‍♀️🚶👩‍🦽🧑‍🦽🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️ 🇺🇸

If you can join us, send the following information to us 📫

[email protected]

✅ Group / Organization Name
✅ Contact Person
✅ Email Address
✅ Phone Number
✅ Address
✅ Type of Organization: Veteran, Fraternal, Civic, School, Church, Community, other
✅ Will you have a float?
✅ Will you have a motorized vehicle?
✅ Length of floats and/or vehicles total
✅ Estimated # of participants in your group

03/24/2023

Read The Lorax, The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, and The Day the Crayons Came Home with Forest Park kindergartners today in Ms. Johnson's and Ms. White's classes! Possibly the most engaged classes I've ever read with... they were guessing story endings and asking a lot of great questions.

Unfortunately did not read P is for Pterodactyl... there is always next year :-P

Eastpointe Community Schools

03/20/2023

Regular City Council meeting tomorrow evening 🏛

Agenda can be found here!:
https://eastpointecitymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/372d0678-ecc4-ed11-a3b0-000c29a59557/City%20Council%20Agenda%20March%2021,%202023%20CC%20Regular%20Meeting.PDF =4

03/14/2023

The Urban Seed - Eastpointe, MI is a fantastic organization in our community. They grow food for others, and create a relaxing place to hang (all this much easier said than done).

Please help them with your time and/or money!

Time: https://www.facebook.com/events/558467759596784
Money: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-grow-food-for-the-community

Help support the Eastpointe Community Garden and its mission to bring the community … John Hofmann needs your support for Help us grow food for the community

03/09/2023

I campaigned in 2019 for a strong ethics policy (https://2019.votecardi.com), and believe we have made huge strides. When improvements are identified, I am happy to support them and continually enhance the culture of ethics in our local government.

We had a First Reading to update the Ethics Ordinance yesterday. The Board of Ethics suggested a clause on hiring special legal counsel, in addition to adopting a fee schedule for violations of the ordinance.

A recent history on the evolution of ethics in Eastpointe:
✅ 01/21/2021: https://www.cardidemonaco.com/boards-and-commissions/331-ethics-board
✅ 06/02/2020: https://www.cardidemonaco.com/news/326-ethics-ordinance-update-passes
✅ 06/02/2020: https://www.cardidemonaco.com/accomplishments/317-ethics-ordinance-strengthened
✅ 02/25/2020: https://www.cardidemonaco.com/news/300-ethics-ordinance-ad-hoc-committee-formed
✅ 12/18/2019: https://www.cardidemonaco.com/news/294-updating-our-ethics-ordinance

03/03/2023

Due to the expected weather and subsequent early release of students, I will not have a chance to confuse third graders about how words are pronounced.

03/01/2023

Learn more about Erma Henderson, the first black woman elected to the Detroit City Council, at the Detroit Historical Society website: https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/henderson-erma

With this year’s Black History Month coming to a close, the final Black municipal official we are highlighting is Erma Henderson.

Elected in 1972, she was the first Black woman to serve on Detroit City Council, where she lobbied for equal rights regarding discriminatory and predatory practices. She served until 1989 and was the first Black woman to hold the council president role for twelve of these years.

As we transition into Women’s History Month in March, we also want to highlight Erma’s founding of both MML and NLC’s Women in Municipal Government groups.

02/23/2023

Maybe we need balcony seating for the local felines interested in local government 🐱

The cat was the most punctual meeting attendee and somehow managed to get the best spot in the crowd.

02/20/2023

Happy Black History Month!

I would like to highlight David Augustus Straker. Mr. Straker was the first African American to conduct oral arguments in front of the Michigan Supreme Court. He was also the first black judge in our State.

Straker successfully represented William Webb Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was an African American businessman who was denied service at a Detroit restaurant. This case happened prior to the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson case at the US Supreme Court.

Read a little about his phenomenal life here:https://www.michbar.org/file/barjournal/article/documents/pdf4article2547.pdf

02/13/2023

🚨🚨🚨

Next Memorial Day Parade planning meeting is a week from today! It is Monday, February 20th 6:00pm 🕕 at the military museum 🏛 - 16600 Stephens.

Help us out! Bring your contacts with groups in the City, and get them to participate in the parade. Help us fundraise to offset the DPW and Police costs for holding the parade. Help us in whatever way you can!

Check out the group's page: https://www.facebook.com/acfvo

🚨🚨🚨

Non-profit organisation

01/26/2023

❄️ ❄️ ❄️

01/26/2023

❄️❄️❄️

A Snow Emergency has been declared. This will be in effect at 8:00 p.m. tonight.

Please remove all vehicles from the street.

01/25/2023

The City of Eastpointe Beautification Commission Landscape Awards canceled tonight? Why not make snowmen and snowwomen with your neighbor??? ☃️⛄️☃️

01/23/2023

Special City Council meeting tomorrow regarding the Capital Improvement Plan... please come out and let us know what you think! Or at least watch it :)

Meeting starts at 6:00pm and not the usual 7:00pm.

Agenda:
https://eastpointecitymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/e029107f-d798-ed11-a3a4-000c29a59557/City%20Council%20Agenda%20January%2024,%202023%20CC%20Special%20Meeting.PDF