Welcome to Pleasant Ridge

Whether you are a new to the City, or a long time resident, the following information is designed to answer your questions about services, benefits, and unique situations:

Communications

Open communication is a primary objective of Pleasant Ridge elected and appointed officials. City Commission and many other important meetings are not only open to the public, but also available for live streaming or watching at your convenience on the City’s YouTube channel.

The Ridger – a quarterly (seasonal) newsletter delivered to your home and also found on the City website. It provides important news and announcements as well as parks and recreation schedules and event information. Watch for your annual city magnet in the winter edition of the Ridger – it is a convenient resource for important dates and information. Click here for current and back issues of the Ridger to see what’s gone on in Pleasant Ridge now and over the years.
Email blasts – timely news right when you need it, in your email box. We won’t overwhelm you with emails, they usually come out once a week or less. Click Here to subscribe to the email list.
Facebook:
- the official city page is facebook.com/ PleasantRidgeMI
- A community-driven page that is not sponsored, owned, or monitored by the city can be found at facebook.com/PRpr.
Drop Box – a convenient drop box for bills and ballots is posted at City Hall near the parking lot door. It is checked twice a day, Monday through Thursday.

Community Facilities

City Hall is lobby hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, phone hours are until 5 pm.
The community center, located at 4 Ridge Road, is the recreation hub for the community. It features a wellness center, the community pool, activity rooms that are used for a wide range of classes, and meeting rooms that are available for rent by residents for meetings or events. Check out the recreation page for more details.

City Government

Mayor and City Commission. Public policy is set by an elected mayor and four city commissioners. City Commission meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the commission chambers at City Hall and can also be viewed online at the City’s YouTube channel. All meetings are open to the public, and opportunity for resident input is included. Agendas, background materials, and meeting archives also are available in the document library.

Elections for local, county, state, and national elections are held at the 4 Ridge Community Center. Based on population, Pleasant Ridge currently has one precinct. Register to vote or obtain absentee ballots at City Hall.
Advisory boards or junior commissions include Planning/ Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Board of Review, Historical, Recreation, Huntington Woods Library Board, and an Arts Council. Residents are encouraged to contribute their expertise as members of these volunteer advisory groups. Apply here if you are interested in serving on a City Board or Commission. Applications are accepted year-round, and the City Commission makes appointments to fill open seats in March of each year.

Tip – The Historical Commission maintains the Police Booth Historical Museum located behind City Hall. Along with objects and photos of historical interest, it includes files on nearly every home in the city. Homes reaching their 100-year mark are eligible to purchase a special Pewabic Pottery centennial tile. The Police Booth Historical Museum is open from 10 a.m. until noon on the third Saturday of each month.

Mayor and City Commission – Your elected officials are the Mayor and four City Commissioners. Click on the link for more information about your elected officials and email addresses to contact them.

City Staff:

City Manager: James Breuckman – citymanager@cityofpleasantridge.org
City Clerk: Kersten Emsley – cityclerk@cityofpleasantridge.org
Water/Building Clerk: Lisa Vitale-Hess – waterclerk@cityofpleasantridge.org
Public Works Director: Tim Schutz – dpw@cityofpleasantridge.org
Recreation Director: Shawnie Stamper – sstamper@cityofpleasantridge.org
Assistant Recreation Director: Greg Calbeck – gcalbeck@cityofpleasantridge.org

Police and Fire

Pleasant Ridge employs its own police officers. The department is headquartered in the City Hall building. Note that Pleasant Ridge contracts with the City of Berkley for dispatch services; fire and EMT services are provided through Ferndale. Emergency and non-emergency calls are forwarded accordingly.

Contact Information:

Emergency: Diall 911 in an emergency
Non-emergency: (248) 541-2900, press 1 to be connected to police dispatch

Vacation House Watch is offered by the Police department. You can complete the vacation watch form online, or a paper copy at City Hall during regular business hours.

Traffic Issues:

The speed limit on Woodward Ave. in Pleasant Ridge is 45 mph, but it drops abruptly to 35 mph at the Ferndale city limit.
All local Pleasant Ridge streets are 25 mph.
Remember there is NO RIGHT TURN ON RED to Woodward Ave. from Oakland Park Blvd. and from Sylvan Ave.
Be sure to avoid the area around Roosevelt School from 8 to 8:30 a.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. weekdays as parents are dropping off and picking up children.

Parking

No vehicle may be parked on any city street for more than 48 hours without being moved.
Cars parked in driveways cannot block or impede the sidewalks. The entire pedestrian walkway must be free from obstruction.
Stored vehicles parked in rear yards must have current tags and be in running condition.
Vehicles with “For Sale” signs are not permitted on city property.
During leaf pickup or snow removal, park vehicles off the street, if possible, to facilitate the work.
Parking tickets can be paid online using the Online Payments tab on the front page of the city website.

Tip – Opportunities are available at PR events throughout the year to get to know the public safety personnel looking out for your welfare. Introduce yourself and get to know them. Wave at them when you see them driving on your street. They are a valuable resource.

Your Public Safety Leaders:

Police Chief: currently vacant
Police Sergeant (interim chief): Rob Reid – sgt@cityofpleasantridge.org
Fire Chief: Teresa Robinson – (248) 546-2510 (Non-emergency calls – in a fire or EMS emergency dial 911)

Child Safety Seat Inspections

The Ferndale Fire Department has staff trained and certified in the installation of car seats for children of all ages, from birth through youth booster. If you are interested in receiving a car seat check – including installation, demonstration of proper use, and answers to your questions – they are happy to assist free of charge.

To schedule your free appointment, click this link for an online request form or contact the Ferndale Fire Department at (248) 546-2510 or by email at Information@ferndalemi.gov.

Home Fire-Safety Inspection
The Ferndale Fire Department offers a complimentary home inspection program for residents of PR. The inspection covers both the exterior and interior of your home and includes fire safety tips and suggestions to safeguard your family, such as proper smoke and CO2 detector placement. The inspection typically lasts 40-45 minutes, and an adult must be present during the inspection. No fines or citations are issued against residential occupants; the goal is simply to assist in making homes fire-safe.

To schedule your free appointment, click this link for an online request form or contact the Ferndale Fire Department at (248) 546-2510 or by email at Information@ferndalemi.gov.

Taxes & utility bills

Tax bills are mailed to homes in July (summer) and December (winter). Utility bills are mailed to residences every other month beginning with January. These bills can be paid in person at City Hall, by mail, or dropped in the secure dropbox located outside the City Hall door on the parking lot side. They also can be paid online through the city website or at https://bsaonline.com. BS&A Online is a collection of municipal services providing instant and convenient access to various kinds of important information held at your local government. This website allows people to access, view and pay both tax and utility bills online.

Tip – Residents can access tax and utility bill information by creating an online account. Click on the Online Payments option at the top of the city website front page.

Public Works (DPW)

Check out the Public Works page for full details on public works services, including garbage and recycling pickup, yard waste and loose brush pickup, fall curbside leaf pickup, salt delivery, street ponding after rain events, street sweeping, and street trees.

Following are some highlights and important information:

Street Ponding. PR has restricted inlets to slow the rate at which stormwater can enter the sewer system. This causes our streets to be used as short-term retention during storm events to help avoid basement flooding.

Tip – Occasionally, the restricted inlet covers become clogged, preventing the water from entering the drains. Clearing leaves and sticks from the grates can help reduce street flooding. A rake and maybe some wellies can help make for a Zen and satisfying experience.

Compost Dirt. Starting in March or April, free compost is available at the east end of Sylvan Ave. while supplies last. The compost pile is replenished periodically. It is supplied by SOCRRA, and comes from the yard waste they pick up in PR and other communities from April through December.
Garbage and Recycling. Garbage and recycling are picked up every Monday unless it is a major holiday; then it is delayed until Tuesday. Refer to www.cityofpleasantridge.org/garbage for this year’s pickup schedule.
Garbage and recycling bins should be placed at the curb between 6 p.m. the day before pickup and 7 a.m. the day of collection. City code requires them to be removed within 12 hours after pickup.

Tringali Sanitation Services
(248) 585-9120
Tringali is the garbage hauler for our city. Garbage must be securely wrapped and placed in approved garbage receptacles. If you prefer, a large, heavy-duty, wheeled garbage bin can be purchased directly from Tringali. Call Tringali for current prices for pickup or delivery.

SOCRRA
(248) 288-5150
Pleasant Ridge is a member of SOCRRA (South Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority) which contracts with garbage haulers to provide pickup to member communities.

Each home has been provided with a large, wheeled recycling bin. A replacement or additional recycle bin can be obtained for a charge by contacting City Hall. Visit www.socrra.org for detailed information regarding what is accepted in curb-side recycling and also drop-off options for other items.

Tip – Residents should contact SOCRRA directly at (248) 288-5150 with any questions or issues regarding recyclable items or recycling pickup. SOCRRA holds the contract with our trash hauler and prefers that all performance related issues and questions be directed to them.

Parks & Recreation

Community Center – 4 Ridge Road
(248) 541-2902

The Recreation Department manages, maintains, and operates all parks and recreation facilities where staff plan, organize, and supervise activities for residents of all ages. Its mission is to enhance the leisure, lifestyle and quality of life for residents through active and passive recreational opportunities. Click Here to visit the recreation page for full information on all of the Recreation Department offerings and City Parks.

Residents are invited to enjoy the city’s private pool, wellness center (ages 16 and up), indoor and outdoor gathering areas, two outdoor pavilions available for private parties, age-appropriate playground structures, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and pickleball facilities. Special youth programs include the Pleasant Ridge Piranhas swim team, soccer team, and summer day-camp experience. Adult fitness classes, movies, day-trips, and more are offered for adults.

Consult your latest copy of The Ridger or the Parks and Recreation tab on the website for specific information about upcoming activities, registration, Community Center, and park usage.

Pool – With proof of residency, adults and children are issued annual key cards that must be presented for admission to the community pool. Apply any time at the Community Center. The pool opens the Friday before Memorial Day and closes on Labor Day. Open every day of the summer season, weather permitting, the pool is a hub of activity and community life. Check the city website for the current pool schedule and rules.

Wellness Center – The Wellness Center, located inside the 4 Ridge Community Center, is a free benefit for residents of Pleasant Ridge. It features a wide array of high-quality fitness equipment. Bring your own standard headphone or earbud set to enjoy the individual TV screens on each cardio machine. A special electronic fob is available for residents to use when checking in at the desk or to use the wellness center when the Community Center is normally closed. Stop by the Community Center with proof of residency to obtain your cards and fobs. Locker rooms and showers also are available. Bring your own lock. Check the city website for a list of Wellness Center equipment, and its rules and etiquette.

Swim Team – The Pleasant Ridge Piranhas swim team is open to residents and non-residents aged 6-18. Registration is in the late winter, and the season starts in May and runs through late July.

Parks – The city maintains several parks for the use of residents and their guests.

Gainsboro Park stretches along the eastern border of Pleasant Ridge and includes ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, specialty playground equipment for children ages 2-5 and 5-11, walking paths, open recreation space, tables and chairs, a comfort station, and an adjacent pavilion with a fireplace and grill that can be rented for private gatherings. The Dog Park and Community Garden are located at the north end of the park, bordering the I-696 freeway.
The Community Center Park includes a play structure for 5–12-year-olds, a volleyball court, open recreation space, and an attractive pavilion that can be rented for parties. The patio outside the Big Room at the Community Center is an attractive gathering spot with bistro tables and chairs.
Hessel Park is maintained as open recreational space. Two Little Free Libraries offer books for young and older residents to enjoy.
The Woodward Greenbelt Parks extend along the west side of Woodward from the north city limit to Oxford Road and are connected by a winding path. Memorial Park is the site of the annual Memorial Day program, Christmas tree lighting event, a picturesque fountain, the old Police Booth containing information about individual homes and copious information compiled by the Historical Commission, along with wildflower and butterfly gardens maintained by the Garden Club. Stevenson Park at the south end is a passive park with memorial-bench seating around a pedestal-mounted armillary, and gardens maintained by members of the Garden Club.

Tip – Parks & Recreation organizes an annual city-wide garage sale in May each year. There is a modest fee to register. A special lawn sign, address listing, and garage sale promotion are provided to participants. Individual garage sales on any other day require a permit, but there is no fee.

Pets

Dog licenses are required. You can purchase a one or three-year license for your dog online or at City Hall. Click Here for full details. Oakland County provides animal control services and conducts a dog census during the summer – so make sure your dog is licensed by June 1.
Dog Park. Pleasant Ridge has a dog park. Click Here for full details about the park and how to become a member. An annual membership is $50 and proof of rabies vaccination is required.
Leashes Required. Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times when on public property. This includes sidewalks and walking paths through parks. Dogs are only allowed off-leash in the dog park or on your own private property.
Dog Poop. Please – be considerate and pick up your dog’s waste. No one wants to smell, look at or step in dog excrement.
Number of Pets. A maximum of three dogs and/or cats are allowed per household by City Ordinance.

Huntington Woods Library

www.HuntingtonWoodsLib.org
6415 Scotia Rd., Huntington Woods
(248) 543-9720

Pleasant Ridge residents are served by our neighboring Huntington Woods Library and The Library Network that allows access to more books and resources through a shared catalog. Visit their website for current hours and special programs available at the library. Bring proof of residency to obtain your library cards.

Tip – Three Little Free Libraries – built and donated by PR residents — are chockful of an ever-changing collection of books for children. Visit them in Hessel Park at the southwest corner of Cambridge and Ridge roads and near the end of Sylvan Ave. by the swings. Adults will also find some of the most popular reads on the free-library shelves at the Community Center. Bring a book – borrow a book!

Garage Sales

Garage sales require a permit. You can get a permit at City Hall. Permits are free, except permits for the City-wide garage sale held on the third Saturday of May each year are $25.

Clubs, Committees and More

While not actually a function of the city administration, a number of groups operate in Pleasant Ridge for the enjoyment of residents and benefit to the community. Many of their meetings, programs, and events are included in the quarterly Ridger newsletter.

Pleasant Ridge Foundation – For over 50 years the Foundation and its countless volunteers have contributed to the betterment of our community by fundraising and returning the proceeds to the city in the way of infrastructure improvements and special projects. Annual membership is $40 per household. The Auction Gala brings out hundreds of residents and friends for a fun, fundraising party. To learn more about the Foundation, its events and how it benefits the community, visit their Facebook page or go to PleasantRidgeFoundation.org.
Ridge Resale – a small group of PR Foundation members created this unique resale shop in the Public Works building located in Gainsboro Park at the foot of Amherst Rd. Donations of new or gently used women’s and men’s clothing, jewelry, art, and household items are accepted during warm-weather months when the shop is open – generally the second Saturday of the month. Other dates are announced on the Pleasant Ridge Resale Facebook page and via targeted email list. Funds raised are managed by the Foundation and benefit the entire community. Volunteers to help with intake and sales are welcome. Contact – Lisa Wetzen at lisawetzen@gmail.com.
Garden Club – Created in 1941, the Garden Club holds monthly meetings from September to June, spreading knowledge of gardening and promoting conservation of our natural resources. The Club plants and maintains many beautiful gardens in our city parks, and holds special programs and events for the community – often with expert guest speakers – as well as sponsoring a Junior Garden club for elementary school-aged children. Contact – Barbara Bolz at (248) 398-1136 or barbbolz71@gmail.com.
Woman’s Club – Looking to make new friends in the community? Since 1932, the Woman’s Club has sponsored strictly social, as well as fun fundraising events, that support its annual scholarship program. Graduating seniors residing in the Ferndale School District and attending public or private schools can apply for scholarships to vocational schools, colleges or universities. For more information about the Woman’s Club or to apply for a scholarship, send an email to PRwomansclub@gmail.com.
Pleasant Ridge Social Club – Founded in 1911, the PR Social Club brings friends and neighbors together for fun and socializing, usually including dining and dancing or other activity – an excellent way for new and established PR residents to get out and meet each other. Contact – Mark Kueber at markkueber@gmail.com or find Pleasant Ridge Social Club on Facebook.
Block Clubs – Many Pleasant Ridge streets have created block clubs that organize parties and activities. Check with your neighbors to learn if you already have an active block club, or stop by City Hall to pick up information on how to form and register one, as well as things you should know about planning block parties, and more.

Rodent Information

Pleasant Ridge is located in a densely developed part of the region, and rodents are a fact of life in our environment. We experience issues with rodents here, along with all of our neighboring and nearby communities. Fortunately, there are simple steps that residents can take to minimize the presence of rodents in our City. The most important thing is to not provide attractive living conditions for rodents, and to eliminate food and water sources.

Click here for rodent control tips
Mouse and rat products that meet EPA safety standards (external link)
EPA rodenticide information page (external link)
State pesticide regulatory agencies (external link)