In an effort to keep our community safe, slow the spread of COVID-19, and operate in support of the recent order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Sterling Heights is announcing modifications.
The following building, amenity, service and programming closures and modifications beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021.
City Hall will remain open for resident services Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2p.m. to 5 p.m. However, residents are urged to handle any City business they can from their home to avoid putting themselves or others at risk. A comprehensive list of City services available from home, including bill payment, license and permitting, can be found at sterling-heights.net/athomeservices.
First responders remain available for all emergencies. Residents experiencing an emergency should call 9-1-1. All other non-emergency matters can be handled by calling the Sterling Heights Police Department non-emergency line at 586-446-2800. Sterling Heights Police Department Front Desk will remain open for resident reports with a limited capacity.
41-A District Court is not open to the public. The building is open for limited purposes, such as cases that must be handled in person. All other matters (e.g. traffic tickets) are being conducted via videoconference. Phone calls are being answered from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 586-446-2500. More information, including specific departmental phone numbers, is available at sterling-heights.net/421/41A-District-Court.
Refuse will continue to be picked up on residents’ regularly scheduled pick up day. DPW will continue to allow one person at a time into the lobby for necessary resident services.
Sterling Heights Public Library will continue curbside materials service, phone service, and home delivery/outreach service on Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, 24/7 digital library services are available at shpl.net. The Library will be returning to virtual programming only.
The Community Center and Senior Center will be closed from Wednesday, Nov. 18 to Tuesday, Dec. 8, but staff will still be answering phone calls and emails. Registration for future activities and services can be completed at myshpr.net, by emailing recreation@sterling-heights.net, by faxing 586-276-4064 or by mail. Senior Center registration day has been moved from Dec. 2 to Dec. 22. Any cancelled programs or events will receive the appropriate refund or credit.
Senior transportation for medical and shopping appointments only remain available by calling 586-446-2757.
The Dodge Park Ice Rink will open on Dec. 1 as scheduled with a maximum of 22 skaters permitted on the ice at once.
At this time, the Nature Center will remain open with a maximum capacity of five patrons allowed inside at a time. Registration at registration.sterling-heights.net is required to schedule a visit, or patrons may register on site, space permitting.
Due to limited capacity for outdoor events, A Sterling Christmas and the City’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will be canceled. However, a virtual tree lighting will be hosted on Facebook Live on Dec. 1. Other Parks & Recreation event cancellations include:
- Nov. 20 – Senior Center’s Name That Holiday Tune
- Nov. 20 – Adaptive Recreation Thanksgiving
- Dec. 10 – Senior Center Christmas Concert
- Dec. 19 – Nature Center Illuminated Walk
The City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 17 at 7 p.m. will be held at the Community Center at 40250 Dodge Park Road. All subsequent council meetings will be held via videoconference for the remainder of the year. Council agendas can be found in advance on the City’s website at sterling-heights.net (click on government, city council and scroll down to agendas and minutes). The Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission meetings will remain on videoconference through 2020. The December Ordinance Board of Appeals meeting will be postponed until January.
“While we understand that these changes might be frustrating and inconvenient, especially with the pending holiday season, we can’t ignore the current trend of infection within our community. Right now, the safety of our residents and employees must be our top concern,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “Since limiting contact with others continues to be the only effective defense to the spread of COVID-19, we feel these temporary changes are our best bet at reversing the current trend and preventing further spread of the virus. As always, we can’t thank our residents enough for their ongoing patience and cooperation during these unprecedented times. Between now and the end of the year, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and update residents when normal operations can resume.”