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East Express | Jan. 6, 2022

CITY COMMISSION UPDATE 

At Monday's meeting, the City Commission recognized our KDL Branch Manager Dawn Lewis for her many years of dedication to the community. In Dawn's honor, Mayor Favale proclaimed Jan. 14, 2022, as Dawn Lewis Day!  

The Commission also approved bidding for upcoming street maintenance projects and held a work session to discuss the implementation of the Parks Improvement Millage approved by voters in November. 

Please note the Monday, Jan. 17 City Commission meeting was rescheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  

You can always find agenda materials at eastgr.org/agendas and watch meetings live via our YouTube channel.   

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE & FINANCE 

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT 

Read our news article on power outages for the right contact information and safety tips.  

Please note that electricity is run by Consumers Energy, not the City. If you are ever in imminent danger due to a downed wire or a fire, call 911 immediately — even before contacting Consumers Energy. 

WINTER PROPERTY TAXES 

Winter property taxes are due Feb. 14. You can make a contactless payment online or drop off a check in our secure drop box located in the front vestibule of the Community Center any time before the due date. For more information, visit our Property Taxes webpage.   

2022 DOG LICENSES UPDATE

Kent County Animal Shelter is in the process of upgrading dog license tags for 2022. The City will not be able to issue any dog licenses in person until the end of January or early February. In the meantime, you are welcome to initiate an order online, which will be processed as soon as the new licenses are available.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Animal Control at 616.632.7300.

PUBLIC SAFETY 

STAY SAFE WHILE RIDING E-BIKES IN EGR 

Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are a convenient transportation service available in the greater Grand Rapids area. EGR Public Safety considers e-bikes of all classes to be regulated with the same rules as peddle bikes. Read our latest news article for tips that will help keep you safe while enjoying your ride. 

SKATE WITH A COP THIS SUNDAY 

The Kent County Sherriff’s Department is hosting an ice-skating event that’s a perfect opportunity for families to build relationships with community officers. Learn more.   

PREVENT A CHIMNEY FIRE IN YOUR HOME 

According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, all chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Even if you don't use your chimney often, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use. Public Safety encourages you to take this step in fire prevention to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

PARKS & RECREATION 

REGISTER FOR SPRING PROGRAMMING 

The Spring Program Guide is live! Resident and nonresident registration begins Jan.  13 and Jan. 20 respectively.   

BECOME A LIFEGUARD OR SWIM INSTRUCTOR 

Do you have a few hours a week to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor? We have several open positions with flexible schedules. Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.   

PUBLIC WORKS  

CONSTRUCTION IN EGR 

Our annual construction recap is ready for you! Check out highlights of the 2021 season on our website. 

Visit our Construction webpage for the latest updates and learn more about current and upcoming projects.  

CHRISTMAS TREE PICKUP 

Public Works crews will continue picking up natural Christmas trees and wreaths decorations following regular yard waste collection routes through Friday, Jan. 14. Note the City is not able to collect holiday decorations that have wire, ornaments, lights, etc. on them as the trees and wreaths are chipped/recycled. Learn more on our Refuse Collection webpage.    

WINTER OPERATIONS 

Our drivers are pros at what they do, but you can make their jobs easier with a little forethought. When snow events are in the weather forecast, Public Works respectfully asks residents to consider parking in driveways rather than on the street. If you must park in the street, please don't park directly across from another vehicle so snowplow drivers can get through safely and provide an efficient level of service to the community. 

You can review City plowing regulations, snowplow contractor rules and regulations, plowing routes and how to avoid the second shovel on our Street/Sidewalk Winter Plowing webpage.    

PREVENT YOUR PIPES FROM FREEZING

As we face low temperatures again this winter, pipes and water meters can freeze as temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods of time. Note, the City is responsible for water service from the curb stop in the right-of-way to the water main in the street. Property owners are responsible for their water service from the curb stop to and throughout their property. Read our news article to protect your water service pipes. 

USE LESS SALT  

Did you know a little salt goes a long way? Apply it sparingly and remove slush once the snow melts to prevent refreezing. Salt in our stormwater system can be harmful to aquatic life. Learn more at lgrow.org.    

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