A NOTE FROM MAYOR FAVALE
Hello Friends and Neighbors,

Well it’s official, fall is finally upon us. While some aspects may look differently this year, I hope you and yours get out and enjoy the beauty and bounty of this lovely season.

Last week, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our City Staff, City Clerk Karen Brower and countless volunteers, a record 4,300 ballots were mailed out to East Grand Rapids residents. This was no small feat and I want to thank Clerk Brower and everyone that contributed to this tremendous effort!

Additionally, I would like to thank every resident that has donated blood in our EGR Community Blood Drives. Since resurrecting this program in May, and due to your donations, our community has saved 340 lives. That is truly amazing, so pat yourselves on the back EGR! The next EGR Community Blood Drive will be held Oct. 22, 2 to 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Community Center. Sign up on the Versiti website.

My office hours will continue to take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons throughout October. Please reach out to schedule an appointment. I am happy to jump on a call, zoom or meet in person, whichever you are comfortable with.

Let’s get together for some great coffee and conversations about all things East! Please plan to join me for the next EGR Coffee Talk on Oct. 26, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Please contact me via phone or email if you are interested at kfavale@eastgr.org or 616.949.2110 x 887. 

All the best,

Katie

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CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE & FINANCE
ELECTION UPDATE
Last week we mailed 4,300 absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 Presidential Election to those who had submitted requests. We have since received over 800 of them back already via mail and our drop box at City Hall. Learn everything you need to know about the election by visiting eastgr.org/elections. If you have any additional questions about your ballot or the voting process, please don’t hesitate to contact the City at 616.949.2110.

DIGITAL BUDGET BOOK
The City has modified the publication of budget documents to not only include traditional documents but also a more interactive budget through a new digital budget book to help citizens better understand and have easier access to local government budgeting and finances. Take a look at EGR’s budget. 

HALLOWEEN 2020
With the CDC advising against traditional festivities, Halloween will look a little different this year. Visit eastgr.org/Halloween which provides tips, resources and alternative activities that will help you and your family stay safe and healthy this holiday.

Please note the City does not organize any neighborhood Halloween events.
 



REAL-ID REMINDER   
As a reminder, the Secretary of State has extended the Real-ID deadline to October 1, 2021 due to COVID-19. You will need a REAL-ID compliant document to fly in the US after that date. Learn more.  

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PUBLIC SAFETY
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
If residents choose to hold block parties on National Night Out, which was rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, contact Public Safety at 616.949.7010 so our officers can join you in important community conversations as well as bring around the cruisers and/or firetruck for the kids. We ask all those holding block parties to continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing and avoid serving food.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Learn more about National Night Out.  



UPCOMING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Join the EGR Public Safety Department for its next Community Engagement Session on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. You will have the opportunity to meet your officers, learn more about the department and discuss topics important to EGR. All residents, employees and community members are welcome to attend. RSVP is not required.

PUBLIC SAFETY ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Residents and community members of all ages are invited to visit Public Safety for its annual Open House on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to engage with our officers and take a look at the cruisers and firetrucks. Children are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes. We value these interactions but want to make sure everyone remains safe. We ask all participants to practicing social distancing and wear a mask.



NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
National Fire Prevention Week starts Sunday, Oct. 4! This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” Follow us on social media or visit the National Fire Prevention Association to get great tips and educational resources. Don’t forget to use this opportunity to review important concepts and your fire escape plan with everyone in your household.  

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PARKS & RECREATION
NEW BIKE REPAIR STAND INSTALLED
A bike repair stand was recently installed in Gaslight Village just outside the Community Pool doors. The station provides tools, a rack to place your bike while you work on it and a QR code for helpful instructions.

We’d like to thank the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation for funding projects like these for our active community to use.  



WINTER PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE SOON
Similar to our 2020 fall guide, our winter guide will only be provided virtually and will be live on our website in coming weeks. Visit eastgr.org/recreation for more information.

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PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
As construction season wraps up, take a look at eastgr.org/construction for project updates.  

FALL LEAF COLLECTION
Fall leaf pickup will take place from Monday, Oct. 12 through Friday, Dec. 11. During this time, leaves may be placed out along the curb without being placed in containers. Leaves should be placed along or in the street without obstructing the traveled portion of the roadway and away from storm sewer catch basins. Please view yard waste rules and regulations on our Refuse Collection webpage.

Please note any storm debris placed along the street for yard waste pick up should not obstruct the sidewalk nor the roadway.  

MOBILITY/BICYCLE ACTION PLAN UPDATE
The City continues to work with Progressive AE on creating the Mobility/Bicycle Action Plan. Stay tuned for our final meeting date.   

The City will be additionally implementing a few demonstration sites to show potential changes for facilities in the future as part of the plan’s community engagement process. Demonstration sites considered are Lakeside Drive/Reeds Lake Boulevard and Boston Street near the west City limit. Sites are anticipated to be setup around Oct. 14 and be in place until approximately Oct. 28. Additional details will be shared soon for the community to participate and provide feedback.

KENT COUNTY RESOURCES
Is your furnace not working? Roof leaking? Are you having trouble getting in and out of your house due to a mobility impairment? Kent County continues to provide year-round funding to Home Repair Services to offer minor home repair and accessibility modifications for income-eligible Kent County homeowners. Referrals are accepted year-round to address other needs eligible homeowners may have. Call 616.241.2601 or visit www.homerepairservices.org to learn more.

Additionally, a special Water and Sewer Repair Program for households with low income is being offered until Dec. 30, 2020 through Kent County Community Action. Work can be performed for both interior and exterior plumbing or sewer needs for qualifying households. Call Kent County Community Action at 616.632.7950 to find out if you are eligible.

LGROW FALL NEWSLETTER
Check out the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds’ 2020 Fall Newsletter, which includes events, updates and tips all dedicate to conserving and protecting our watershed.  

ADOPT A DRAIN
The City has partnered with other local jurisdictions through the Grand Valley Metro Council and LGROW to promote water quality for our watersheds while also minimizing localized flooding by creating an online “adopt a drain” portal.