Mayor McDonald Updates City Council on Her First Month as Mayor

Mayor Glenda McDonald addressed City Council virtually with relevant news and updates about her work during her first 33 days as Mayor of Highland Park.

Who is handling the triple homicide found at an apartment building on six mile?

Mayor McDonald's first topic was the degree to which Highland Park police are involved in the homicide investigation regarding three men who were missing and found dead in an abandoned apartment building on McNichols and Log Cabin. Mayor McDonald informed us that Highland Park police do not handle homicide cases in-house, and that the Michigan State Police are in charge of the investigation. Some of our officers are working with the State Police on the case.

Highland Park Police Department is hiring.

Highland Park Police Chief McMahon, is working hard right now to recruit new police officers for Highland Park. Individuals who are interested in joining our police department but have no experience in policing can be sent to the police academy for training after they are vetted. Highland Parkers are encouraged to apply. The city is looking to hire six additional officers. Interested individuals should contact the Highland Park police department.

Chief McMahon to hold a meet and greet.

On February 22nd , at 6:00pm, Chief McMahon will host a meeting 13233 Hamilton Avenue to get to know residents. Snacks and refreshments will be provided and Highland Parkers can bring as many people as we want.

Fire Department needs new fire trucks.

Highland Park Fire Department is currently applying for a grant to buy equipment. The Mayor says they have communicated that new fire trucks are needed for our fire team.

Department of Public Works tackling dumped-on areas.

Department of Public Works (DPW) is on a mission to clean up all of the areas that have been subjected to illegal dumping around Highland Park. They are starting on the Six Mile side of town and will be moving southward systematically, gaining momentum with their efforts as the weathers warms. They are also tasked with picking up random litter as they go.

Dumpsters available in the DPW yard for Highland Park residents.

The Department of Public Works is making dumpsters available at the DPW yard for use by the residents of Highland Park. Mayor McDonald stressed that the dumpsters are for Highland Park residents only. Any Highland Parker with an ID identifying them as a Highland Park resident can put items in the dumpster that our curb-side garbage service does not handle.

The CED Department is listening to ideas.

The Community Economic Development Department has been busy over the past month meeting with business owners who are bringing ideas for development projects to Highland Park. Right now the city is actively listening to various development ideas. Mayor McDonald wants everyone in the business community to know that Highland Park is open for business.

Past due water bills will soon go on tax rolls.

Mayor McDonald also said that people should make payment arrangements with the water department for overdue water bills because water bill balances will soon be put on the tax rolls. This is a measure beyond the control of the City of Highland Park as putting overdue water balances on the tax rolls was a court ordered mandate.

Oakland Avenue to be paved this year.

Oakland Avenue is finally slated to be paved in the fall of 2023.