A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Hello, Friends and Neighbors.
I cannot believe how quickly time flies by – here we are saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall. I hope you’ve enjoyed the beautiful summer weather and are excited for the upcoming holiday weekend.
With school recently starting, I would like to wish all our EGR students a wonderful, fun and productive school year! A very special thank you to all our amazing EGRPS teachers and staff for all you do.
Please mark your calendars for the next EGR Coffee Talk on Sept. 19 from 8-9 a.m. at Bagel Kitchen. Please join me and City Manager Shea Charles to talk about all things East. I hope to meet you there – the coffee is on me!
Please also consider joining me and the members of the E-GReen Sustainability Initiative in this year’s Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup on Sunday, Sept. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. We will partner with the Coldbrook Creek Community group and clean up the area around Reeds Lake. We will meet in the Public Works parking lot at 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. and assign volunteers to smaller groups from there. Supplies, gloves and light snacks will be provided.
Volunteer registration can be found at wmeac.org/mayors-cleanup. Click the EGR cleanup location when completing the form.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please consider reaching out to schedule a time to meet. I host office hours on evenings and weekends. Contact me at kfavale@eastgr.org or 616.949.2110, ext. 887.
Wishing you and yours a fun and safe holiday weekend!
All the best,
Katie
PARKS & RECREATION
TRIATHLON VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Looking to get involved in your community? Volunteers are needed for the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/Duathlon on Saturday, Sept. 10. Register to volunteer here.
DOG PARK INPUT SESSION
The dog park public input session is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 12 from 6-7 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at the Community Center. City staff will present updated dog park designs for community feedback.
FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION
LABOR DAY HOURS
City offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day. Offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 8 a.m.
The City Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center.
ELECTION WORKERS NEEDED
Interested in getting involved with elections? Simply fill out an election inspector application online or email elections@eastgr.org. If you have worked elections in previous years but have not filled out an application recently, please submit a new updated application.
REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT
If you plan to vote absentee in the November election, request an absentee ballot by completing an application or visiting the Clerk's Office at the Community Center.
For more information on absentee voting, please visit the City’s website.
PUBLIC WORKS
FALL LEAF PICKUP
Fall leaf pickup begins the week of Oct. 10 and goes through the week of Dec. 5. Leaves may be placed in the street without obstructing the roadway and storm sewer catch basins. Rules and routes can be found at eastgr.org/refusecollection.
TREE PLANTING PROGRAM
As part of the City’s tree planting program, residents can share the cost of a new tree to be planted in the outlawn of their yard – the area between the sidewalk and the street. Place your tree order by Oct. 1, with payment due Oct. 7. Learn more at eastgr.org/forestry.
TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL SIGNS
The City is reminding residents of proper sign placement on residential property. All signs on a residential lot must be placed at least 5 feet from the property line or sidewalk and at least 10 feet from the driveway. Additionally, signs are not allowed in the outlawn – the area between the sidewalk and the street – or public right of way. Review the City’s sign regulations here.
ADOPT-A-DRAIN
The City has partnered with neighboring communities 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 this initiative.
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 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.
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Learn more about street, sidewalk and utility projects as the season wraps up by visiting the construction webpage.
MOBILITY-BIKE ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
The implementation phase of the Mobility-Bike Action Plan began last month with new pavement markings and route signage. Please visit the project webpage for details.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
GRAND VALLEY METRO COUNCIL
The Grand Valley Metropolitan Council is kicking off development of the next Metropolitan Transportation Plan for our region, which will outline funding and priorities for all modes of transportation through 2050. Complete the survey to help determine future transportation resource investments.
The five communities with the highest survey participation rates will be entered to win a $1,000 beautification grant for trees, native plants or green infrastructure.