ROYAL OAK — On March 23, the Royal Oak City Commission was presented with $3.3 million in grant funding from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments for traffic signal modernization. 

NOVI — The city of Novi is working to get to the “root of the problem” of food waste by implementing a pilot composting program.

EASTPOINTE  — Under a proposed overhaul of the city’s animal control ordinance, Eastpointe animal control officers could soon have broader authority to protect pets, including breaking into vehicles to rescue animals in distress.

NOVI — The Novi City Council discussed options for the future of the Novi Ice Arena March 23 and is considering selling the facility to Suburban Arena Management, which currently manages the facility for the city.

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — When Grosse Pointe Farms Court Administrator Sue Thomas announced her retirement after eight years of what City Manager Shane Reeside said were “exceptional service,” the city didn’t need to go far to find someone who could continue that tradition.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees approved a revised version of an ordinance regulating electric bicycles at its March 16 meeting.

PLEASANT RIDGE — At its March 10 meeting, the Pleasant Ridge City Commission decided to take the next steps with two ordinances that would regulate short-term rentals.

HUNTINGTON WOODS — The Huntington Woods community has been in mourning after the passing of Department of Public Works Supervisor Doug Chmiel.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — While the development around Broughton Road is set to look different from the rest of Macomb Township, the Board of Trustees has put the gears in motion to govern the area somewhat differently as well.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The workings of government are often portrayed as Byzantine and unknowable, but Clinton Township is looking to curtail that.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Officials have approved a measure to protect motorists near the busy intersection of 15 Mile and Schoenherr roads on the city’s east side.

WARREN —​​ The Warren City Council and Mayor Lori Stone continue to spar over reappointments to city commissions.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — As a few road paving projects have been completed under budget, some Bloomfield Township homeowners in three special assessment districts in the Kirkway and Bloomfield Village area will be receiving partial refunds.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The deadline is approaching for the next round of funding for native plant gardens from the Madison Heights Environmental Citizens Committee, part of its Bloom Project. Past recipients have ranged from individual homeowners to local schools cultivating green spaces as hands-on learning experiences for kids.

STERLING HEIGHTS — City officials would like nothing better than to lower the boom on residential fireworks but state law obstructs their efforts to address an issue that residents continually complain about.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Officials have approved spending plans for the latest amount of federal money earmarked for specific purposes.

WARREN — City officials and state lawmakers are looking to obtain funding to help build a new courthouse in Warren.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — In a 7-0 vote, the St. Clair Shores City Council approved the use of Community Development Block Grant funding to renovate the bocce ball courts at the Senior Activity Center at their meeting on March 16.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At its meeting on March 16, the St. Clair Shores City Council agreed to adopt a resolution opposing a bipartisan series of proposed state laws that sponsors claim would reduce zoning restrictions and spur housing development in Michigan. 

STERLING HEIGHTS — A federal grant of more than half a million dollars is paving the way for safety improvements along Saal Road.