A thank you is in order for our Novi voters who supported the Capital Improvements Program Millage at Tuesday's election.

City leaders will work diligently to ensure the money generated from this millage is used in a fiscally responsible way and goes toward projects that will enhance services for our residents.

A six-year Capital Improvement Program has already been created for fiscal year 2017-2022 that addresses projects that are needed, or will be needed, across a broad spectrum of areas. The various projects will be selected based on the goals set by City Council as well as the costs associated with each project. 

The millage will be effective on the July 2017 summer tax bill.

Summer in Novi is going to get a little bit livelier next Saturday when Novi's newest summer festival Vibe on Main takes over downtown.

The event, presented by Vibe Credit Union, runs from 2-11pm on Aug. 13 and features live music, local food choices, a beverage tent and mini bazaar. Main Street will be closed to traffic, with the stage set up at the Main/Potomac intersection.

Five acts of various genres will take the stage starting at 4pm. There is no cost to attend the festival, but admission to the beverage tent is $5. Adults and those under age 21 will receive different color wristbands.

For more information and to see the entire music line-up, visit vibeonmain.com.

The Novi Police Department is looking for engaged residents who want to enhance the level of safety in the community by joining the Volunteers in Public Safety team.

The mission of the VIPS program is to "Observe, Report and Educate," and team members will be equipped with information about crime prevention and other safety topics they can share with fellow residents.

VIPS members will help patrol community parks during special events, perform handicap parking enforcement, conduct checks as part of the Home Watch Program and educate the public on home safety and crime prevention topics.

Those interested must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Michigan driver's license, maintain a satisfactory driving record, have no criminal convictions, pass a background check and attend a training session. An application is available at cityofnovi.org. 

Residents wanting to get more involved in the City or learn about the inner workings of local government should look no further than the upcoming Ambassador Academy.

This free, eight-week program takes residents behind the scenes of how Novi operates and lets them engage in the collaborative City governing process. 

Each week residents will hear from staff, tour facilities and get hands-on experiences. Classes are presented weekly at various Novi locations, and a graduation reception is included at the close of the academy.

The upcoming Academy takes place Sept.6 to Oct. 25 starting at 6pm. For more information, call 248.735.5628. Registration forms also are available online at cityofnovi.org.