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East Express | May 9, 2024

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

2024 STREET AND SIDEWALK MILLAGE PROPOSAL
The City will ask voters to consider a 10-year millage to improve streets and sidewalks on the August ballot. Voters will consider a millage of 2.0 mills, both renewing the 1.7307 mills expiring with the 2024 tax levy and restores the 0.2693 mill lost because of Headlee rollbacks from the previous street and sidewalk millage, which was approved by voters in May 2015. 

Continued funding is needed to maintain current street and sidewalk conditions, as well as recover the rising costs of asphalt and construction expenses.

Learn more here.   

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

Here are a few highlights from the May 6 City Commission meeting:

• Commission approved a revised resolution placing the Street and Sidewalk Millage on the Aug. 6 ballot.
• Commission approved a process to fill the current City Commission vacancy.
• Commission set an additional budget work session date.
• Commission approved a fireworks permit on behalf of EGR Public Schools.
• Commission approved a contract for fire hydrant sandblasting and painting services.
• Commission discussed potential changes to the City’s parental leave policy.

View the full agenda here. 

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, May 20 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. 

FIRST WARD CITY COMMISSIONER OPENING
The City is accepting applications for the open First Ward city commissioner position through May 31. This seat is being vacated following Commissioner Schulz’s resignation, as he and his family move outside East Grand Rapids. 

First Ward residents who are interested can apply online or in person at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, during normal business hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

View the map of city wards here.

If you have any questions, contact City Clerk Lori Parmenter at lparmenter@eastgr.org or 616.949.2110.

PARKS & RECREATION 

FRED BUNN MULTIPURPOSE TRAILS GRAND OPENING CEREMONY 

Community members are invited to the grand opening ceremony of the Fred Bunn Multipurpose Trails Tuesday, May 21 at Manhattan Park, 430 Manhattan Road.

At 5:30 p.m., attendees will hear from city officials and project donors including the local nonprofit West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance and East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, as part of the dedication and ribbon cutting. Attendees can also enjoy refreshments and have the opportunity to explore the trails. The trails feature a designated technical mountain biking skills area, located within a closed loop separate from the beginner and intermediate trails that welcome hikers, walkers and runners.

Learn more about the ceremony here. 

MAY IS WATER SAFETY MONTH

During Water Safety Month, we encourage you to check out these tips from the American Red Cross to help ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and fun summer season ahead.

To show your support and to spread awareness of water safety, pick up a free sticker at the Parks and Recreation Department, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, during normal business hours.

SWEETHEART DANCE REMINDER

Make sure you register for the annual Sweetheart Dance by May 13 to receive a $5 discount. Community members of all ages are invited to a night of crafts, dancing, desserts and two themed photo backdrops on Saturday, May 18 at East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive SE. 

A few additional reminders: Each child and adult chaperone must register for the event. Don’t forget to bring your own camera.  

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

THANK YOU: SPRING DRUG TAKEBACK DAY 
Public Safety thanks community members for their participation in the spring Drug Takeback Day event. By doing your part in properly disposing of unused or expired prescription medications, you are helping make our community safer.

PUBLIC WORKS 

TOUCH-A-TRUCK RETURNS MAY 23
Public Works, in partnership with the Kent District Library – East Grand Rapids branch, invites children of all ages and their loved ones to its annual Touch-a-Truck event Thursday, May 23 as part of National Public Works Week.

From 10 a.m. to noon, attendees will enjoy activities at the East Grand Rapids Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. The event will begin with a construction-themed storytime inside the library, 746 Lakeside Drive SE, followed by a tour of the various trucks East Grand Rapids Public Works staff use to maintain the City in the north parking lot of the Community Center.

The event provides children and their caregivers the opportunity to get up close and sit inside select Public Works equipment, such as a bucket or lift truck, street sweeper and sewer truck. East Grand Rapids Public Works staff will be onsite to provide attendees details about each truck and answer any questions.

TREES AND SHRUBS: TRIMMING REMINDER 

A reminder: City code prohibits trees and shrubs from obstructing sidewalks, streets and street corners. 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

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. 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:

• Lakeside Lit Book Club – 1-2 p.m. Monday, May 13: Join a fun, informal discussion of great books. This month, the club will discuss “The Exiles” by Christina Baker Kline.
• Tiny Gardens Succulent Workshop – 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 13: Create your own tiny succulent garden masterpiece while receiving step-by-step instructions and learn from an expert succulent gardener. Space is limited to 30 and open on a first come, first served basis.
• Composting for Beginners – 6:30- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21: Curious about composting? Building nutrient-rich soil with organic waste from your home is easier than you may have thought. Explore how to compost at home or through a vendor and learn which option is best for you. This program is part of the Sustainable Neighbors Series, presented in partnership with the E-GReen Sustainability Initiative and sponsored by Friends of the EGR Library.
• Bingo Hour - 1- 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 21: Relax and make new friends while playing exciting rounds of Bingo. For adults.

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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