Ferndale Mayor Raylon Leaks-May Shares State of the City Address

Ferndale Mayor Shares State of the Metropolis Handle

(Metropolis of Ferndale, Could 22, 2025)

Ferndale, MI – Ferndale Mayor Raylon Leaks-Could held the State of the Metropolis Handle on Could 13 at Affirmations. Right here’s what she needed to say:

Good Night, I’m Mayor Raylon Leaks-Could and I’m right here tonight to speak about what connects us – The nice Metropolis of Ferndale.

Ferndale has all the time felt like residence to me. I moved right here 34 years in the past to somewhat home on Saratoga. I knew this was meant to be my residence the second I noticed it. It jogged my memory of the home I grew up in. It had a quaint attraction to it, that may be present in so lots of our houses. I’m positive our tales of falling in love with Ferndale are very related. Issues appeared somewhat less complicated again then. As of late it’s simpler to see our variations. Activate the information or open social media and also you’ll rapidly see what divides us. Tonight, I need to give attention to what unites us.

Although we might say it in another way, on the finish of the day, everybody desires the identical issues. We need to really feel secure. We need to really feel safe. We need to be joyful. You aren’t on this alone and neither are we. These are the issues that join us.

Like so lots of you right here tonight, I bought my begin as a volunteer. At first, it was as a younger mom, serving to on the faculties with Brownies and Woman Scouts and the theater. From there, I took it to the subsequent step and was elected to the college board. However I wasn’t completed but, after I noticed that Ferndale’s Metropolis Council didn’t have any dad and mom or individuals of shade sitting on the dais, I ran for Metropolis Council. I needed my voice to be heard.

When the chance to run for mayor opened up, I talked it over with my household, and right here we’re at this time. There’s simply one thing in my bones that makes me need to exit and assist. You already know that feeling. You wouldn’t be right here tonight if you happen to didn’t.

Volunteers don’t simply do arduous work for the town; they symbolize the most effective of it. Thanks to all of you who’ve helped make Ferndale all the things it may be. From election staff and clean-up efforts to serving to with festivals to working committees and boards, all the things you do is appreciated. You retain Ferndale cleaner, more healthy, and extra lovely. You make it extra enjoyable, extra vibrant, and extra of a group. You might be an vital piece of what makes Ferndale, Ferndale.

I’d like to acknowledge our great Metropolis Council members, Donnie Johnson, Rolanda Kelley, Mayor Professional Tem Laura Mikulski and Greg Pawlica, Ferndale is lucky to have such stellar leaders guiding the way in which. I’m lucky to get to work with them. I’ll discuss extra about them somewhat later. Lastly, I need to thank Affirmations for welcoming us into their lovely area. They’re an important piece of our downtown that represents and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ group. Thanks to Cheryl Czack and her fabulous crew. I’d additionally like to increase a particular “thanks” to Michael Lary for organizing this occasion.

All through this speech, I encourage those that are being acknowledged to please stand and provides us a wave.

Headlee and the Colleges

Earlier than we transfer on, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out final week’s election. I’m thrilled that we had been in a position to move the brand new and improved model of the Headlee Override. Thanks for utilizing your voice to protect and maintain our municipal companies. We heard you, and by proof of the profitable Could 6 Election outcomes, you heard us, too.

After the failed Proposal in November, Metropolis Council prioritized group engagement to know one of the best ways to evolve the subsequent proposal. However, the trouble doesn’t finish right here. Metropolis Council and I’ll transfer ahead with workers and the group to make sure accountable fiscal administration whereas sustaining companies that you just and I rely on. Thanks, Ferndale, for trusting in our management. We’re stronger after we work collectively!

The Headlee Override Millage Proposal wasn’t the one constructive final result from the final election. The college millage handed with flying colours. Now we have now the chance to convey significant, long-lasting enhancements to our faculties, together with enhancing studying environments, upgrading getting old infrastructure, increasing alternatives for college students, and strengthening the center of our group. These investments will positively impression each scholar, each household, and each neighborhood in our district.

Congratulations to Ferndale Public Colleges for getting their bond proposal handed and thanks to the group. You selected to assist safer, extra fashionable lecture rooms, getting old infrastructure, and making it potential to broaden artistic arts areas, availability, and alternatives. It begins with management on the prime and our superintendent, Camille Hibbler, is a good champion of our faculties. Thanks to Camille, Felicia Wright, our Deputy Superintendent, and the Ferndale Public Colleges Board of Schooling, our children are fortunate to have you ever.

This faculty 12 months was stuffed with nice accomplishments. Giggle Pickles (Robotics) The Giggle Pickles, a robotics crew from the Ferndale Center College, made it to the FIRST Tech Problem World Championship in Houston, Texas. They put up a 7 and three file and got here in 14th on the planet! This unbelievable achievement is a testomony to their innovation, teamwork, and dedication. We couldn’t be prouder to have them representing our group on the worldwide stage.

Congratulations to Coach Fred George, Ferndale Higher Elementary’s Habits Interventionist. Coach George has skilled many athletes all through his time in Ferndale, nonetheless, most not too long ago, he was in Paris, France attending the Paralympics as Coach to Ferndale Alum, Jaydin Blackwell. With the steerage of Coach George, Jaydin gained Gold Medals in monitor for each 100 meters and 400 meters and broke the file for 100 meters. We’re so very happy with Jaydin Blackwell and Coach Fred George for not solely representing the USA but additionally Ferndale Public Colleges. What a historic achievement!

Indigenous Individuals’s Day

Final fall, I acquired particular person letters from 3 totally different fifth-grade college students at Ferndale Higher Elementary – every requesting that the town acknowledge Indigenous Individuals’s Day as a substitute of Columbus Day.  I used to be so impressed by these younger ladies, that I knew I needed to do one thing. You don’t ignore ardour at that age.

In 2022, Town handed a decision that states the Metropolis will acknowledge October 13 as Indigenous Individuals’s Day. So I had Dean Lent, Ferndale’s Metropolis Clerk, print out the decision that was adopted by Council. With the decision in hand, I took a morning off work and went to Ferndale Higher Elementary and offered these college students with the arduous copy of the decision.

Later, I acquired an e-mail from Gregory Williamson, an teacher who had beforehand taught a few of my youngsters. It stated: “Thanks for taking the day out. You possibly can’t think about the impression this had. The women shared with our class and you might see how impressed they had been with the connection and impression of the letter. I’ve been instructing for greater than 30 years and this might be a spotlight that stays with me. Please be at liberty to make use of the image and thanks once more for serving to to point out the potential impression of turning into lively.”

I’m so glad I had the chance to attach with these younger ladies. It’s all in regards to the connections–individuals working collectively to make a greater world.

I’m happy with the partnerships that our departments domesticate. As we discuss Well being and Security, you’ll see again and again how we go farther, collectively.

HEALTH AND SAFETY LEADERS

Ferndale cops and firefighters—or as our group is aware of them, superheroes, lifesavers, and educators—shield and serve Ferndale’s group. In 2024, the Fireplace Division responded to 2,663 calls. Most of those calls had been in reality not for fires, however for EMS-related instances. Additionally they reply to hazardous circumstances, extreme climate and pure disasters, and different specialty responses. The Division offers full-scale fireplace rescue and EMS companies for the communities of Ferndale, Nice Ridge, and Royal Oak Township. Our fireplace division expands our coaching and response capabilities as part of OAKWAY, a mutual help group of 11 fireplace departments. They embrace Bloomfield Township, Southfield, Birmingham, West Bloomfield Township, Royal Oak, Waterford Regional, Madison Heights, Rochester Hills, Farmington Hills, Independence Township, and Ferndale.

Over 600 firefighters are represented in these eleven communities. Almost 460,000 residents and roughly 174 sq. miles are protected domestically. We assist preserve our neighboring communities secure and so they do the identical for us. Now that’s a partnership! I’d prefer to say an enormous thanks to Chief Teresa Robinson for her management and to her crew for all of their vital work. We’re a safer metropolis due to you.

This security is balanced by the unbelievable efforts of the Ferndale Police Division.

The Police Division

Thanks to Chief Dennis Emmi and his crew, for persistently going above and past. This 12 months continues the partnership with the Co-Response Neighborhood Outreach or (CoRe) Program with our neighbors in Royal Oak, Madison Heights, and Hazel Park. This revolutionary psychological well being group outreach initiative contracts two psychological well being clinicians from the Oakland Neighborhood Well being Community (OCHN) to work with the 4 police departments. This partnership offers group members affected by psychological well being and substance use issues with extra assist. This system goals to complement police response with specialised approaches, providing assist earlier than, throughout, and after a disaster. To this point, the primary quarter has reported 70 issues that CORE has assisted with.

Latest improvements have given them new benefits in detective work. The Police Division’s response has been well timed, environment friendly, {and professional}. I’d prefer to acknowledge the Police Communications liaison, Evan Ahlin, for his swift and informative communications. I’d additionally prefer to have fun Audrey Raymond. 2025 marks Audrey Raymond’s fortieth 12 months of devoted service with the Ferndale Police Auxiliary. A proud resident of Ferndale since 1980, Audrey has served as a Squad Chief for 25 years and is a two-time recipient of the Auxiliary Officer of the 12 months award. She comes from a proud legislation enforcement household and is married to retired Detective/Lieutenant Norm Raymond, who served the Metropolis of Ferndale for 34 years.Collectively, they’ve three kids and 5 grandchildren. Since 2022, Audrey has additionally been a part of the crew at Ferndale Republic Parking, persevering with her dedication to the Metropolis she’s referred to as residence for over 4 many years. Thanks for your whole years of service.

The dialog of schooling and security amplifies as we consider our Public Works crew.

As they do yearly, the crew on the Division of Public Works has been arduous at work behind the scenes. Plus, this week is Nationwide Public Works Week, so let’s give them some additional love tonight.

Final 12 months they put up some unbelievable numbers: – The DPW planted 20,000 flowers and 125 timber. – They repaved six and a half miles of roadway and 4 parking tons.

The DPW additionally took the lead on the Get The Lead Out Initiative, partnering with the EPA to determine and exchange lead service traces throughout the town. By doing that they had been in a position to confirm 1,000 lead service traces, half of which have been changed. They’ve cleaned 60,000 linear toes and repaired one other 8,000 linear toes of the Metropolis’s service traces. Service Line Materials reporting is a crucial a part of the Program. The Metropolis created a self- reporting instrument to permit residents to determine the service materials inside their houses. This knowledge is used to higher perceive the water provide system as a complete and easy methods to decide which blocks had been first addressed. To this point, there have been 470 studies made within the system, which is a good stride. I’d prefer to thank Public Works Director Jim Jameson and his unbelievable crew for all the things they do for crew Ferndale. Thanks!

Parks and Recreation

Our Parks and Rec. Crew has been busy as all the time, livening up the Ferndale group with so many occasions, applications, and sports activities for all ages. Parks and Recreation Director LaReina Wheeler and her crew continued their efforts to revitalize our parks with main enhancements to Martin Highway Park and Wilson Park together with new actions, sustainable options, and accessibility requirements. They acquired the Park Design Award from the Michigan Recreation and Park Affiliation (mParks) for the work completed at Wilson Park. This award acknowledges exemplary park initiatives that show innovation, accessibility, and a robust dedication to group well-being— and Wilson Park embodies all that and extra.

This 12 months the summer time camp program offered out in simply 3 minutes! And that was with a 60% improve in camp measurement. It’s terrific that we’re in a position to supply such a useful service to working dad and mom over the summer time. (And the children find it irresistible, too!)

Thanks to Parks and Recreation workers Emanuel Johnson, Robert Burch, Christion Johnson, Taylor Furda, and the entire counselors for his or her time and efforts.

Parks and Rec has continued to construct relationships with our senior group. This 12 months they expanded their choices for seniors, due to Alicia Pardo, the Metropolis’s Program Specialist. Alicia champions the Ferndale Senior Group and fosters a enjoyable and full of life atmosphere. The seniors have had the chance to participate in a variety of lessons, social occasions and enjoyable journeys, together with the very fashionable Mackinac Island Grand Lodge Expertise. Thanks to the hardworking Parks and Recreation Division to your efforts in making Ferndale a enjoyable and vibrant group.

CITY HALL

None of us would have the ability to do what we do with out the unbelievable workers at Metropolis Corridor. I can’t thanks all sufficient for the entire work you do behind the scenes to maintain Ferndale shifting. And that begins with the highest.

Metropolis Supervisor’s Workplace You’ve already met Colleen O’Toole, Ferndale’s new Metropolis Supervisor, who joined our crew in March. Completely satisfied is an understatement. I’m completely thrilled with the presence Colleen has established in our group. In her brief time right here, Colleen has managed to revitalize this group by clear and well timed communications, proactive finances overview and evaluation, and trustworthy, forward-thinking as we approached the second Headlee Override election. Her management was wanted in a much-needed time of uncertainty, and I credit score her efforts for serving to Ferndale.

I’d additionally prefer to introduce James Krizan, Ferndale’s Assistant Metropolis Supervisor. In brief, James is the glue of the Metropolis Supervisor’s Workplace. He supported the Metropolis with the earlier Metropolis Supervisor administration, by himself within the Interim interval, and now in a crew with Colleen. James’s positivity and optimism is closely valued by workers. He’s the voice of purpose, notably in a time of nice uncertainty. He leads the Metropolis with group and immense information of the sphere. As a crew, they encourage workers to be the most effective they are often. I look ahead to seeing the place their management takes Ferndale.

The Human Sources Division hosted the second Convey Your Child to Work Day that welcomed 20 youngsters. This was such a enjoyable day, and I’m grateful for the efforts of Emmanuel Robinson, Justin Giorlando, and Dan Jacey from the HR Crew. I used to be notably touched as a result of Michael Olson, the Deputy DPW Director, particularly requested if I might attend to satisfy his grandson. All he needed was to satisfy the Mayor as a result of he desires to be a future Mayor. I used to be honored to satisfy him, and I can’t wait to see him out campaigning sooner or later. He’s bought my vote!

Relating to hiring practices, the Metropolis of Ferndale believes that fairness isn’t just a purpose—it’s a shared accountability that informs each side of how we rent, develop, and assist our crew. By steady studying and enchancment, we attempt to construct a tradition the place all workers really feel impressed, supported, and empowered to thrive. Since this time final 12 months, we’ve promoted 4 workers and welcomed one other 17 to the crew. We’re all the time searching for new officers to hitch the drive. For those who consider in community-focused policing, pro-active detective and investigative work and need to work in a true-team environment, please contemplate making use of.

Retiree Profit Financial savings

By an revolutionary change, the Human Sources Division has discovered another approach to supply our retirees the identical and even higher healthcare with substantial price financial savings to the Metropolis. I’m grateful for our HR Crew for always discovering higher methods to care for our Metropolis of Ferndale Crew.

Fern and Study

Communications Specialist Reilly Coleman is administering the Fern and Study Program for the third 12 months in a row. This weekly in-person program is hosted by each division, full with useful shows, station excursions, actions, and video games. This can be a nice alternative for residents to personally get to know their Metropolis leaders, study extra in regards to the Metropolis, and make associates with their neighbors. As a lot as this program is about instructing the general public, it’s additionally about instructing workers what we are able to do higher, and the way we are able to higher serve Ferndale. Thanks to all of our Fern and Study college students–present and current–to your drive to study and have interaction together with your group.

I’d additionally like to supply a particular shoutout to our returning college students this 12 months. Your ardour for Ferndale conjures up us.

Sustainability

The Zero Waste Supervisor Logan Applebee leads the sustainability initiatives for the Metropolis. Because of our new compost program, the Metropolis facilitated over 160,000 kilos of compost final 12 months. 183 new households signed up for the residential compost program. How many individuals on this room are signed up for this system? For those who didn’t increase your hand, let’s get you signed up! The Metropolis collaborates with Spurt Industries to course of our yard waste and meals supplies and switch it into wholesome soil. Spurt is a neighborhood, family-owned and operated enterprise with over 30 years of expertise manufacturing licensed compost, planting soils and customized soil blends designed to boost and keep plant and soil circumstances.

SOCRRA and Automobile Trucking oversee the waste and recycling assortment with the Metropolis. They’re nice companions in ensuring our group is staying sustainable. Their collaboration with Metropolis workers has developed and enhanced sustainability consciousness in the neighborhood. The Cleanup Membership is a champion in volunteerism. They’re a Michigan-based 501c3 nonprofit based by environmental advocate & artist, Hannah Tizedes, devoted to defending our communities & Nice Lakes from plastic air pollution whereas having enjoyable by cleanups & creativity! They’ve hosted many cleanups in Ferndale parks and different areas. Thanks to the Cleanup Membership for conserving Ferndale clear and exquisite.

Metropolis Clerk’s Workplace

The Could 6, 2025, Election noticed a turnout of 4,240 voters, which is 25.6% of the Ferndale inhabitants. Final 12 months alone, we had 4 elections with over 22,000 ballots processed. Thanks to our Metropolis Clerk’s Workplace, Dean Lent, Dave Movilla, Rande Horn, and Reggie Sutherland for the entire work you do. I additionally need to thank our election staff. Do we have now any within the room with us? Thanks for working tirelessly to make sure the election course of is easy and environment friendly. Your work is so vital. You ought to be so happy with yourselves.

Precinct Consolidation

Ferndale voters are more and more voting by mail or on the in-person early voting websites, which has decreased the demand for in-person voting on Election Day. As such, we’ve consolidated from 9 to six precincts. The consolidation saved the Metropolis an estimated $3,375-6,750 per election in wages, together with election gear and associated testing. I’m very happy with our Clerk’s Workplace for figuring out this chance.

Additionally they assist me with one in all my favourite mayoral duties, Marriage Ceremonies. We did 29 final 12 months and 12 to this point this 12 months. I hope we are able to do much more this 12 months!

Neighborhood and Financial Growth

Roger Caruso and his crew have been arduous at work all 12 months lengthy. They do an unbelievable job. Within the final 12 months alone, they issued over 2,000 permits, developed a brand new draft of the Zoning Ordinance and most excitingly, they accomplished the Woodward Strikes mission in partnership with MDOT, DPW, the Communications Division, and the DDA.

Mayor’s Enterprise Council

I hosted my first Mayor’s Enterprise Council Assembly this time final 12 months on the Jim Shaffer and Associates Neighborhood Nook. It was an unbelievable turnout with representatives from native companies together with ROSS Controls, Dessert Oasis Espresso Roasters , Gage Merchandise, Pure Honda Ferndale, Betterform, and Ferndale Labs, together with representatives from Michigan Works! Affiliation, Ferndale Public Colleges, and quite a lot of Metropolis workers. We had an amazing dialog and I look ahead to the subsequent one.

OLSHA House Chore Grant

The Metropolis of Ferndale and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Company (OLHSA) are happy to announce a $380,000 House Chore Grant for Ferndale residents. Certified low-income senior and disabled residents can apply for residence repairs and yard cleanup for initiatives as much as $5,000. We have now 22 candidates to this point, which is a good begin. Functions are nonetheless open! $90,000 of that grant funding is earmarked for grass slicing and snow removing to serve 45 individuals over 2 years.

Protected Streets for All

All through america and Michigan, site visitors fatalities have been trending up over the past decade, together with pedestrian and bicycle crash fatalities. Southeast Oakland County is working collectively on a plan, often known as Protected Streets for All, to scale back and remove traffic- associated fatalities and severe accidents on our streets. We’ve partnered with 6 different native communities to convey this plan collectively.

Downtown Growth Authority

In 2024, Downtown Ferndale acquired some spectacular accolades. Ferndale was named one of many 50 Finest Locations to Reside within the US by Cash.com and voted Finest Neighborhood To Reside In by Detroit Metro Instances. Downtown Ferndale was awarded almost $300,000 by Oakland County by ARPA funds devoted to placemaking. The funding might be matched by DDA reinvestment in direction of upgrades of the downtown signage and wayfinding, and repairs to the sidewalks from Livernois to Bermuda. These enhancements will make it simpler and safer for individuals of all ages and skills to take pleasure in our great downtown.

Downtown Ferndale added three new public artwork installations at Sneakers, Syndicate, and Western Market, and launched the primary annual Artwork March to have fun the native spirit of artwork and creativity. The downtown had a internet achieve of three new companies.

And lastly, additionally they acquired extra funding by consideration to coaching, topping $17,000 from Primary Road Oakland County. Partnerships like MSOC make it potential for companies to flourish, like Shionne Designs who was awarded greater than $2,000 in funds and companies by MSU FCU and Oakland Thrive. Thanks to the wonderful Jennie Beeker and Sommer Realy for all of their arduous work. You’re the coronary heart of our group. It’s partnerships like this that present what we are able to obtain if we work collectively.

We have now plenty of nice volunteer-run committees that do nice work all 12 months spherical.

COMMISSIONS

The Ferndale Arts and Beautification Fee, not solely partnered with the DDA, they’re additionally behind the Pollinator Parade going down subsequent month. Yearly, they hand out beautification awards to native residents who go all out to make their properties lovely (or spooky, for the Halloween Awards). Within the final 12 months, additionally they established an Artist’s Assume Tank – a quarterly assembly of native artists to return collectively to speak about all issues artwork and so they had been behind the tremendous secret flash mob that popped up ultimately 12 months’s pleasure.

The Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Fee is devoted to furthering Ferndale’s sustainability objectives. The fee helps the sustainability efforts of the town, with the purpose of making certain fairness within the atmosphere, society, and economic system. Just lately, Commissioners have suggested on residence power effectivity, native plant programming, and Ferndale’s plans and insurance policies. Additionally they supplied rain barrel demonstrations and distributed a curated native seed combination to Ferndale residents by a program that was fully funded by grants.

The Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Fee research challenges and boundaries referring to individuals with visible, listening to, cognitive, or mobility disabilities and the interplay with the group. They’re an important useful resource for Metropolis Council and Metropolis workers on present occasions and findings. They hosted a Sensory Zone at Ferndale Satisfaction final 12 months. They acknowledge and advocate for Incapacity Satisfaction Month and the ADA Anniversary. Final July the group hosted an Ice Cream Social taking recommendations from the general public. Additionally they award native companies for providing additional entry above state and federal necessities. Lastly, they supply perception on accessibility for metropolis planning and applications (Grasp Land Use Plan, Zoning, Housing, Parks, DDA, and so on).

CITY COUNCIL

I’d prefer to take a second to acknowledge the members of Ferndale’s Metropolis Council. I’m proud to sit down on a board that could be a becoming illustration of the town – An eclectic mixture of robust leaders with robust factors of view. Individually they present their love and devotion to Ferndale in methods which are as distinctive as they’re.

This job goes past sitting in a council assembly. All of us sit on totally different commissions too. I additionally requested every of them to ship me their favourite e-book, so we might get to know them somewhat higher.

Rolanda Kelley: Daring Enormously by Brené [Bruh-Nay] Brown

Greg Pawlica: Get Your Sh*t Collectively – Tips on how to Cease Worrying About What You Ought to Do So You Can End What You Have to Do and Begin Doing What You Need to Do

Laura Mikulski: Tips on how to Forage for Mushrooms with out Dying

Donnie Johnson: The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

My E-book: Creezy Greek Metropolis

Council is right here to advocate for you. As a result of it’s our job to symbolize your greatest pursuits. For those who by no means have, I like to recommend you cease by a council assembly someday. It’s an amazing probability to see how the sausage is made. And who is aware of, possibly it will provide you with the braveness to run sooner or later your self!

It takes a village to run this city. Tonight we’ve barely scratched the floor of the entire great individuals who dedicate their time to creating Ferndale a greater place. And the reality is… we’re all the time searching for extra. There are all the time alternatives to volunteer, as a result of there are all the time new issues occurring in Ferndale.

Within the subsequent few weeks alone we have now The Memorial Day Parade, Ferndale Satisfaction, and Juneteenth, and I feel you understand how busy we get in the summertime. The extra concerned you might be, the additional your voice will carry. Passing the Headlee Override was just the start.

We have now a lot work to do. It’s time we take what we’ve discovered and make investments it again into the town. After I assume again to seeing that home on Saratoga for the primary time, I don’t know that I might have imagined what my future would maintain, however tonight, standing earlier than you, I’m excited for the way forward for Ferndale. As a result of the long run is all of us. Working collectively. Making Ferndale the most effective metropolis it may be. Thanks to your time and power. Thanks to your partnership. Thanks for believing in Ferndale.

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