Departments
City Commissions
ACT 78 Police & Fire Civil Service Commission
The ACT 78 Police & Fire Civil Service Commission was established to provide a civil service system for full-time paid members in the Fire and Police Departments based on Michigan Public Act 78 of 1935. The Commission oversees all matters related to appointment, employment, and promotion of all full-time paid members in the Fire and Police Departments. In accordance with Act 78, the Commission regulates transfers, reinstatements, suspensions, and discharges of police officers or firefighters. When appropriate, the Commission conducts investigations, holds hearings, and prescribes penalties or repeals acts.
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ACT 345 Pension Committee
The City of Dearborn Heights Police and Fire Retirement System was established to provide pension benefits to the personnel of the Police and Fire Departments of the City of Dearborn Heights and their beneficiaries. The Retirement System was created by the adoption of the provisions of Public Act 345 of 1937, as amended. The provisions of Act 345, together with the applicable collective bargaining agreements and applicable federal and state law, control and govern the rights and benefits under the Retirement System. The Retirement system is administered by a five member Board of Trustees.
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Board of Review
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Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was created to oversee preparation and implementation of brownfield redevelopment plans; to create brownfield redevelopment zones; to promote the revitalization, redevelopment, and re-use of certain property in Dearborn Heights including, but not limited to, tax reverted, blighted or functionally obsolete property; and to authorize acquisition and disposal of certain property. Any such actions require City Council approval.
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Building Authority
The Building Authority issues bonds to refund certain prior bonds or to acquire, furnish, construct or improve buildings located in the City of Dearborn Heights which the City leases in return for the payment of certain rentals pursuant to a full Faith and Credit General Obligation Lease Contract.
Building Board of Appeals
The Board hears appeals that are based on claims that the true intent of a building code or the rules governing construction have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the code do not apply, or an equal or better form of construction is proposed.
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Cable Commission
The Cable Commission acts as a liaison on cable issues between the residents, City government and the cable franchise holders. This commission keeps up to date on changes that affect the existing franchise agreements for compliance. The Cable Commission also assists in contract negotiations.
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Canvass Board
The Canvass Board meets after an election is held. Board members are appointed by the City Council for 4 year terms. For more information regarding this board, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 313-791-3430.
Civil Service Commission General Government
The General Government Civil Service Commission was established to provide a civil service system for all full-time paid employees of the City of Dearborn Heights, with the exception of members in the Fire and Police Departments who are subject to Public Act 78, probationary employees, all officers of the City whether elected or appointed, all part-time and/or temporary employees, and all Board or Commission members. In accordance with the City Charter and the Code of Ordinances, the Civil Service Commission oversees all matters related to appointment, employment, promotion, and other changes in status. When appropriate, the Commission conducts investigations, holds hearings, and issues recommendations to the Appointing Authority.
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Commission on Aging
The commission's purpose is to act as a liaison between the Senior Citizens of Dearborn Heights and the Mayor to ensure that the needs of the seniors are met. The commission sponsors the Dearborn Heights Senior Citizen of the Year Award Program, the File of Life Program and Knox Box Program.
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Commission on Disability Concerns
The Disability Commission Actively promotes the full integration and participation of persons with disabilities into areas of economic, political, and community life. This commission renders advice, monitors, and evaluates City policies, practices, and procedures, which impact persons with disabilities.
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Commission on Women & Girls
The Commission is to bring attention to, report on, and monitor issues relating to the concerns, opportunities and rights of women and/or girls. Commission will work with organizations and social service agencies to advance gender equality and promote public discussion on issues that impact women and/or girls. Commission will work with the Mayor, City Council, and other elected and appointed officials to make recommendations that promote policies that address the concerns of and promote opportunities.
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Community & Cultural Relations Commission
The purpose of the Community and Cultural Relations Commission shall be to increase constructive communication among residents and groups in the city across racial, religious, ethnic and socio-economic lines and between residents, groups in the city, and public officials, thereby promoting harmonious and productive relationships within the city.
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Demolition Board of Appeals
The Demolition Board of Appeals hears appeals from the owners of properties that have been condemned to determine if the property is able to be brought up to current codes within a limited time frame without exceeding the value of the property. The owner is asked to provide details of the work to be done, estimates, if funding is available to complete this, and proof of ownership. Many times this requires at least two meetings to complete. There are 5 members on the commission.
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General Government Pension Commission
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Library Advisory Board
The Library Advisory Board was created to advise the Mayor and the Library Director on issues that affect the operation and services of the Dearborn Heights City Libraries. The five members of the Board are appointed by the Mayor. The City Council appoints one of its members to serve as Council Liaison, serving as an "ex-officio" member along with the Library Director.
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Little Red Schoolhouse Committee
The Little Red Schoolhouse Committee is a volunteer advisory committee committed to the improvement of the Little Red School House through fund raising. For more information on this commission, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 313-791-3600.
Local Officers Compensation Commission
The Local Officers Compensation Commission determines the salary treatment for elected officials in accordance with Ordinance No. H-72-1. Elected officials are the Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk and the members of the City Council. This commission typically evaluates salaries for elected officials for the subsequent two years. Recommendations are based on realistic standards to keep elected officials' pay in line with the cost of living, increases afforded other city employees and to keep pace with other cities.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission hears cases requesting rezoning of properties, Special Land Use requests, Site Plan Approvals, Zoning Amendments, and reviews of the City Master Plan. The Plans can be from new construction to making modifications to the existing site plan. There are 9 members on the commission.
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Recreation Commission
The Dearborn Heights Parks and Recreation Commission is an advisory commission consisting of seven (7) members who shall be qualified by experience and shall have evidenced interest in the development of parks and recreation services for public use. The commission's duty is to act in an advisory capacity making recommendations to the Director of Parks & Recreation as to reasonable recreational needs and activities which concern the City.
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Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA)
The TIFA Board oversees the TIFA Development Plan and coordinates expenditure of taxes captured within the designated TIFA area (Michigan Avenue on the north; Van Born on the South; Telegraph Road on the east; and Inkster Road/Beech Daly Road on the west) which are used for projects to improve the infrastructure, businesses and neighborhoods in the TIFA area. The Board is also responsible for yearly TIFA budget preparation for City Council approval.
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Watershed Stewards Commission
The City of Dearborn Heights Watershed Stewards Commission serves as a resource for watershed information to answer community members' questions regarding water quality, watersheds, and habitat enhancement projects. The Stewards Commission is actively involved in the organization and staffing of the annual Ecorse Creek Cleanup and Rouge River Day events. The commission also represents the City at events promoting regional watershed stewardship.
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Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals hears appeals regarding issues that do no meet City ordinances. The cases may be over lot coverage, not meeting set requirements, requesting alterations on a nonconforming lots, over height allowed, fences not permitted, shortage of parking spaces for commercial buildings, signage and festivals. There are 7 members on the commission.
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