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East Express | April 25, 2024

PARKS & RECREATION 

SAVE THE DATES: CONCERTS & MOVIES

Mark your calendar for the all-ages summertime Concerts and Movies series at John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE:

• Concerts (Mondays at 7 p.m.): June 10, June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15 and July 22
• Movies (Fridays at sundown): June 14, June 28, July 12 and Aug. 2 

Check the City’s Facebook page for updates and the lineup.

SUMMER REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration for both residents and nonresidents is open for our summer programming. View the summer guide here.

REEDS LAKE RUN, TRAIL BLAZER & TRIATHLON REGISTRATION OPEN
Registration for the June 22 Reeds Lake Run, July 4 EGR Community Foundation’s Trail Blazer and Sept. 7 Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon are now open. Click on the name of each event for details and to register.

PUBLIC SAFETY

SPRING DRUG TAKEBACK DAY RETURNS SATURDAY
Public Safety is hosting its semiannual Drug Takeback Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Saturday (April 27) at the department, 770 Lakeside Drive SE.

Public Safety can collect a wide variety of prescription medications at this event, including opioids, through its coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Needles, aerosol cans and thermometers are not accepted.

BICYCLE SAFETY
Public Safety reminds cyclists to stay on top of their safety with these tips:

• Always wear a helmet
• Wear reflective clothing and a blinking light
• Stay to the right and look for cyclists and pedestrians on sidewalks
• Be mindful of cars backing out of driveways
• Ensure vehicles come to a complete stop at intersections
• Get off your bike and walk it across the street
• Lock up your bike when you reach your destination 

Watch this video to learn more about bicycle safety. 

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

Here are a few highlights from the April 23 City Commission meeting:

• Commission approved a resolution placing the Street and Sidewalk Millage renewal on the Aug. 6 ballot for a 10-year period.
• Commission approved a four-year contract for yard waste transportation and composting services.
• Commission approved a permit agreement with DTE Energy for its natural gas renewal program.
• Commission awarded a bid for new amenities and renovations for the Manhattan Park Improvement Project.
• City Manager Charles provided a preliminary overview of the proposed 2024-2025 budget. 

For the full meeting agenda, visit our website. 

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 6 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel and view minutes and agendas.

PUBLIC WORKS

YARD WASTE PICKUP CONTINUES
Public Works continues to pick up yard waste. Please place all loose yard waste materials in disposable paper bags or 32-gallon containers with a maximum weight of 40 pounds per container. Large items such as tree limbs need to be cut to 6-foot lengths or less and cannot exceed 12 inches in diameter. Items need to be placed in the public right-of-way on the terrace side of the curb.

For more information, please call Public Works at 616.940.4870 or visit the City’s website.  

PREVENT SEWER BACKUPS

Fats, oils and grease are some of the most common causes of sewer backups. Residents can take simple steps to prevent them from adversely affecting their homes. The easiest way is to keep them out of our sewer system. 

Here’s how you can help prevent sewer backups:

• Never pour grease down sinks, toilets or garbage disposals
• Pour grease into a covered disposable container and put it in the trash
• Soak up remaining fats, oils and grease with paper towels and dispose with your trash
• Before you wash dishes, scrape meats and food with fat and grease into the trash
• Put baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids and empty the drain basket or strainer into the trash
• Only use garbage disposals for fruits, vegetables and organic waste

TREES AND SHRUBS: TRIMMING REMINDER 

A reminder City code prohibits trees and shrubs from obstructing public ways and clear vision areas. With spring here and more community members are out walking, running and playing, residents are asked to make sure their trees and shrubs aren’t blocking sidewalks. 

The required height for clearance over a sidewalk is 10 feet. Clear vision areas at street corners may not have a plant height of more than 30 inches in 20-foot by 20-foot triangular areas adjacent to street corners. Properly maintaining trees and shrubs adjacent to sidewalks and streets helps keep pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers safe.

TALL GRASS

City code allows for a maximum height limit of grass at 5 inches.   

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & DTE WORK
View the latest construction updates from Public Works on our website.

A reminder DTE Energy is working on large-scale replacements of private gas mains throughout EGR this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DTE natural gas system improvement office at 616.551.2621.

When driving through a work zone, please be mindful of crews, pedestrians and traffic. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Expect changes in speed limits and congestion
• Minimize distractions
• Obey workers and signs
• Don't speed or tailgate
• Remain patient and calm

Learn more about work zone safety here.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS  

EGREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

Join us in making an impact this Earth Day by participating in the E-GReen Sustainability Initiative Garlic Mustard Pull from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 27 at the EGR Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. 

Under direction of the Kent Conservation District, volunteers will learn how to identify and properly remove this invasive species. Sign up today.

Additionally, E-GReen is hosting a gas-powered leaf blower buyback event 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 11 at the Public Works Complex, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. EGR residents can trade in their gas-powered leaf blower for a $100 coupon to be used toward purchasing an electric blower at Great Lakes Ace Hardware. Registration and proof of EGR residency are required, and a total of 50 coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If any coupons remain, the event will return 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 18. 

Email esiac616@gmail.com with any questions.  

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
The EGR branch will feature several programs and events in the coming weeks:

• Spring Craft Extravaganza – 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1: Celebrate spring with free crafts and activities for all ages.
• Mama Bear & Baby Cubs Support Group – 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, May 8: All moms and children welcome. Join this free maternal support group for play time, bonding with fellow mothers and coffee and tea.
• Friends of the East Grand Rapids Library Used Book Sale – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 5. There will be bargains galore at the annual spring used book sale.

EAST GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Reeds Lake Trail Blazer 5k Run/Walk returns July 4. This holiday classic supports the East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, which seeks to improve the quality of life for EGR residents and visitors by supporting various projects including the Reeds Lake Trail wayfinding signage, Public Safety AED purchase and the Ramona Park historical marker, to name a few recent examples.

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