FROM MAYOR FAVALE

Friends and neighbors,  

I hope you are enjoying the summer and beautiful weather. Nothing beats the long, warm days and evenings of Michigan summers. My garden is really starting to take off, and I am thrilled tomato season is approaching. I wanted to take a moment to provide some updates and ways you can engage with the City.

First, a big thank you to everyone who has participated in our monthly EGR community blood drives. These blood drives help serve the greater West Michigan area, and thanks to our amazing and dedicated donors, almost 300 lives have been saved so far in 2022. The next blood drive is 2-7 p.m. Aug. 16. 

Mark your calendars for the next EGR Coffee Talk 10-11 a.m. Aug. 9 at Bagel Kitchen. City Manager Shea Charles, a City Commissioner and I will be available to answer your questions, address concerns and talk about all things East. As always, the coffee is on me, so I hope to see you there.

Not able to make it to the EGR Coffee Talk? No worries – we can set up a time to meet. I continue to make myself available for office hours and on weekends. Please reach out via email or phone to schedule a time to meet.  

Continue to have a fun and safe summer!

All the best,
Katie
kfavale@eastgr.org
616.949.2110, ext. 887

PARKS & RECREATION

FALL PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE

The fall program guide is now available. Registration is open for residents and nonresidents.

PLAYGROUND SURVEY

There's still time to share your thoughts on the final design proposals for elementary school playgrounds. Complete the survey at eastgr.org/survey by Aug. 3. 

CONCERTS AND MOVIES IN THE PARK

The Concerts and Movies in the Park series presented by The Brouwers Agency, Auto-Owners Insurance, Consumers Credit Union and Friends of the EGR Library continue at John Collins Park. Both series are free to the community.

Below is the remaining lineup for Concerts in the Park, which runs 7-8:30 p.m.  

• July 25 – The Stones Soul Rhythm Band
• Aug. 15 – Whorled

Here's what's on deck for Movies in the Park, with each film beginning at dusk: 

• July 22 – “Dora & the Lost City of Gold”
• Aug. 12 – “War Horse”
• Aug. 19 – "Jungle Cruise"

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets and arrive early to secure a spot. Barbeques, grilling, open fires or alcohol are not allowed in the park and dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Visit eastgr.org/concerts and eastgr.org/movies for more information.

RHOADES MCKEE REEDS LAKE TRIATHLON / DUATHLON

Race day is Saturday, Sept. 10. Details, registration and volunteer opportunities are available at eastgr.org/triathlon.

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

PRIMARY ELECTIONS

The primary election is Aug. 2. The last day the City can mail you an absentee ballot is July 29. The last day to obtain a ballot in person is Aug. 1 by 4 p.m. You can register to vote for the primary election through Aug. 2 with proof of residency by visiting the Clerk's office. Learn more about City elections here.

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property tax bills were billed July 1 and are due by Monday, Aug. 15. Residents can pay property taxes in one of the following ways: 

• Drop box: The City has a 24-hour drop box located in the Community Center vestibule at 750 Lakeside Drive SE.  
• Online: Online payments using a savings or checking account (EFT) have a $1.95 service fee. Credit and debit card payments have a 2.75% convenience fee. https://bsaonline.com/OnlinePayment/OnlinePaymentSearch?PaymentApplicationType=4&uid=320
• Mail: Payments must be received on or before the due date. Postmarks are not accepted. If you need a receipt, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with both portions of the tax bill or supply an email address on the tax bill stub for an electronic receipt.

More information can be found at eastgr.org/taxes. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

REMINDER TO LOCK UP

Remember to lock your home and vehicle. The City encourages residents to participate in the #9PMRoutine. This national initiative helps community members remember to bring in items, lock them up and turn on lights at 9 p.m. each night to keep their possessions safe.

Learn more about the #9PMRoutine here.

PUBLIC WORKS

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

To learn more about street, sidewalk and utility projects and to receive frequent updates, visit the construction updates webpage.

MOBILITY-BIKE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

The City Commission approved the Mobility-Bike Action Implementation Plan on July 5. The Department of Public Works and contractors are anticipating completion of the plan by September. To learn more, please visit the project webpage.

TREES & SHRUBS

Residents are asked to ensure any trees, shrubs and bushes are clear from impeding the sidewalks. There must be a 10-foot clearance before a tree can overhang a sidewalk. For more information, refer to Chapter 32, Section 3.38 of the City Code. 

CONSUMERS ENERGY TREE MAINTENANCE 

To ensure the reliable delivery of electricity to residents, Consumers Energy and its contractors continue to trim and remove trees in private utility easements in various areas of the City. For more on the tree trimming process, FAQs and contact information for Consumers Energy, please visit the Consumers Energy Trees and Power Lines webpage.

FOOD SCRAPS COMPOSTING PILOT PROGRAM

The City's food scraps composting drop-off site pilot program has reached its 100-household limit. Anyone interested in participating can be added to a waitlist. Learn more about this program and how to get on the waitlist here.

ADOPT A DRAIN

The City has partnered with other local jurisdictions through the Grand Valley Metro Council and Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds to promote water quality while mitigating localized flooding by creating an online adopt-a-drain portal. By pledging to keep your drain free of leaves and debris, you're joining your neighbors in helping to protect the environment, manage stormwater and minimize flooding. The City has about 1,300 catch basins and, while Public Works staff work to keep them clear of leaves and debris, a community effort is needed to support these efforts.

How to Care for Your Adopted Drain 

Check the weather report weekly. If possible, clear leaves and debris off the drain before it starts raining and shovel snow off the drain in winter to keep water flowing. Remove leaves, other natural materials and trash. Compost, if possible, in your yard compost container. Clear about 10 feet on both sides of the drain.  

Drain Cleaning Safety Tips  

Please stay out of the street as much as possible. Place yourself in the right of way – the area between the sidewalk and the street – to clear the drain. Always wear gloves and be careful of sharp objects. Use a rake, broom or shovel, if possible. Never try to lift or remove the drain grate. Wear reflective clothing so vehicles can see you. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS