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East Express | May 23, 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 ballot question of 2.0 mills, which both renews 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 20 City Commission meeting:

View the full agenda here. 

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, June 3 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 was vacated following Commissioner Schulz’s resignation, as he and his family have moved 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.

JOB OPENINGS
The City’s Public Works and Public Safety departments have recently posted for the following full-time positions:

• Utility worker ($43,994 annual starting salary)
• Public safety officer ($67,678-$82,500 annually)
• Public safety recruit ($53,040 annual starting salary): 

The City provides competitive medical benefits, 401a contributions and life insurance. Learn more and apply at the links above.

PARKS & RECREATION 

FRED BUNN MULTIPURPOSE TRAILS

Parks and Recreation extends a big thank you to all who attended the grand opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon. The trails, now officially open, welcome walkers, runners and mountain bikers alike.

FARMERS MARKET OPENS JUNE 6

The City is excited to kick off its inaugural Farmers Market season, offering residents and community members convenient access to fresh, local produce, baked goods and artisan goods throughout the summer. The market will be open Thursdays 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. from June 6-Aug. 29, except for the week of the Fourth of July. 

Conveniently located in the Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, the Farmers Market offers shoppers easy access to parking and restrooms located in the Community Center. It is within walking distance of the Kent District Library – East Grand Rapids Branch, Gaslight Village, John Collins Park and the Reeds Lake Trail.

Vendors interested in participating in the Farmers Market can contact Market Manager Tracy Will at egrmarket@eastgr.org. Vendors pay either a $100 fee for the season or $15 per week for a space at the market. Vendors should plan to bring needed equipment for their space, including tents, tables, chairs and tablecloths.

KAYAK KIOSK OPEN FOR SEASON

With warmer weather here, it’s time to enjoy the beauty of Reeds Lake by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the kiosk located behind Public Safety, 770 Lakeside Drive SE.  

From dawn to dusk, community members can rent the equipment for $25 for two hours. Additional rental time is available at $5 for 30 minutes after the initial two hours. 

Each rental includes an adjustable life jacket and paddle.  

 Learn how to use the kiosk 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

HOLIDAY WEEKEND: REMEMBER TO LOCK UP
A reminder to lock your home and vehicle during the upcoming holiday weekend. Public Safety encourages residents to participate in the #9pmRoutine – a national initiative that helps community members remember to take simple measures at 9 p.m. each night to keep their homes and possessions safe. This includes bringing in items, turning on outside lights and locking your house, garage and vehicles and to deter theft.

PUBLIC WORKS

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 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 

LIONS & RABBITS CENTER FOR THE ARTS 
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as DJ AB sets the stage for the Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts After Dark market 5-11 p.m. Thursday, June 6 in Gaslight Village.

Experience the magic as AB spins while you explore various strolling performance artists. From mesmerizing magicians to awe-inspiring acrobats, there's entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

And that's not all – bring your shopping bags and get ready for a world of creativity with our curated selection of vendors offering unique and innovative goods. From handcrafted jewelry to delectable treats, there's something to delight every taste. 

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH
KDL’s Summer Wonder returns June 3, with programs and prizes for all ages. Visit the website for a full list of amazing events!

The EGR branch will feature the following programs and events in the coming weeks:

• Summer Wonder Kickoff Celebration – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 4: Join us in John Collins Park as we kick off our summer programming with all-ages crafts, games and more. Get started on your Summer Wonder Challenge to earn some great prizes.
• Reeds Lake Rogues – 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 29: Learn to play Dungeons & Dragons with us! Character sheets will be provided. If possible, please bring a notebook. For teens.

REEDS LAKE TRAIL BLAZER: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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. 

To make this race a reality, volunteers are needed to help with setup, cleanup, water stations and more. 

Volunteer here.

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