View Other Items in this Archive | View All Archives | Printable Version

East Express | Aug. 1, 2024

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

2024 STREET AND SIDEWALK MILLAGE PROPOSAL FAQs
To help inform residents of the upcoming 2024 Street and Sidewalk Millage Proposal on the Aug. 6 ballot, we have created a series of FAQs.

This week’s millage FAQ: What does the City plan to do with the millage dollars, if passed?

Our answer: The City will continue to take a comprehensive approach to maintain, rebuild and replace streets, sidewalks, utility networks and traffic infrastructure, with initial investment plans including:

• Continuing routine and preventative maintenance to increase the lifespan of streets currently in good condition.
• Conducting preservation treatments and repaving approximately 4.5-6 miles of streets per year
• Replacing and rehabilitating sidewalks.
• Improving accessibility of pedestrian facilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Replacing traffic signals as needed. 

Learn more about the millage proposal by visiting eastgrmi.gov/streetmillage.

ELECTION REMINDERS

Whether you’re planning to vote absentee, early or on Election Day Aug. 6, the Clerk’s Office wants to share some important reminders. 

Early voting continues in Room 105 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE, on the following days:

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2
• 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 3 and 4

On Election Day, polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Find your polling location by referencing your voter card or visiting mi.gov/vote. 

EGR voters will also have the ability to use a Voter Access Terminal at each precinct, including the early voting site. The VAT is an electronic voting machine that allows users to cast their votes directly on the machine by touching the screen. It securely records votes and does not allow for mistakes, such as cross-voting or over-voting on specific sections. VATs are designed to be easy to use, for voters of all abilities. Learn more about VATs by visiting the Michigan Secretary of State webpage. 

 More information at eastgrmi.gov/elections.

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 5 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. The agenda includes the considering of:

• A liquor license application for Pauly’s Wine Café & Cellar
• Authorizing the purchase and installation of RRFB devices for uncontrolled school crosswalks at Breton Road and Elinor Lane, Lakeside Drive and Reeds Lake Boulevard, Reeds Lake and El Centro boulevards and Reeds Lake Boulevard and Manhattan Road with additional stock for future crosswalk enhancements
• Awarding the 50/50 Tree Planting Program contact for fiscal years 2024-2025 through 2026-2027 
• Participation with the EMS Consortium to conduct an evaluation of the current contract with ambulance agencies
• Extending the agreement with Plummer’s Disposal Service for the supply and maintenance of porta-johns
• Authorizing the purchase of a scoreboard and components for Manhattan Field #5
• Designating a delegate and alternate for the Annual Michigan Municipal League Business meeting

Community members can also watch the meeting live via the City’s YouTube channel and view the full agenda here.

SUMMER PROPERTY TAXES

Summer property taxes have been mailed out. The deadline to pay without penalty is Aug. 14. Learn more about property taxes in East here.

PUBLIC SAFETY

CROSSING GUARDS NEEDED
With school right around the corner, Public Safety is looking to fill several vacancies in its crossing guard program. Crossing guards provide a safe environment for students traveling to and from school. Each guard is provided with yearly training through AAA of Michigan.

Those interested should reach out to School/Community Liaison Officer Troy Brown.  

PARKS & RECREATION 

FINAL MOVIE IN THE PARK

Our final Movie in the Park will be “Wonka (2023)” taking place at sundown tomorrow (Aug. 2) at John Collins Park.  

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION VACANCY

Are you an EGR resident who enjoys our public parks, programming and community events? Looking to get involved in local government and help shape policy for the betterment of our community? Then consider applying for the open seat on the Parks and Recreation Commission. 

This seat is being vacated by Kate Skaggs, who was recently appointed to fill another vacancy on the City Commission.  

The Parks and Recreation Commission has nine members, appointed to renewable three-year terms. If you are interested in serving, fill out a commission application form and return it to the City Clerk’s Office, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.  

EAST GRAND RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET 

Be sure to visit the East Grand Rapids Farmers Market for a wide selection of fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods, treats and more. From 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the market will run every Thursday through Aug. 29 at the East Grand Rapids Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

TRIATHLON REGISTRATION OPEN
Registration for the Sept. 7 Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon is open.

PUBLIC WORKS

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 DTE at 616.551.2621.

When driving through a work zone, please be mindful of crews, pedestrians and traffic.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Save the date for the Taste of East Grand Rapids, returning to Gaslight Village from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15. 

Booths will line Wealthy Street between Lovett Avenue and Lake Drive, offering attendees a sampling of local cuisine from Gaslight Village eateries and featuring local artisans, all-ages entertainment and live music.

The event benefits Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Tickets for food and entertainment options will be sold through 8 p.m.

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH 
KDL’s Summer Wonder continues through Aug. 9, with programs and prizes for all ages. See the full list of events here. 

Some upcoming programming includes:

• Backyard Safari – 2-3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2: Have you ever explored your own backyard jungle and the animals that call it home? Join the Outdoor Discovery Center as we go on safari and explore our wild backyards with the help of our animal ambassadors. This program is designed for patrons ages 5 to 10 and takes place at the East Grand Rapids branch. 
• Storytime – 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7: Nurture your child’s love of books and build early literacy skills through stories, rhymes, music and movement; held weather permitting in John Collins Park.
• Mama Bear & Baby Cubs Support Group – 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Aug. 14: Join this maternal support group for play time, bonding with other mothers and free coffee and tea.

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE 
Join your neighbors in recycling e-waste and foam packaging at E-GReen’s free recycling event 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 24 at the EGR Public Works parking lot, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE.

The only foam packing that will be accepted is #6 expanded polystyrene (EPS), which mostly comes from food and beverage containers and electronics and furniture packaging. Look for a triangle with the number six inside. Packing peanuts will be accepted in plastic bags, but please only have one peanut type or color in each bag. Ensure to check and clean waste you plan to recycle. 

For additional information, including a full list of accepted items, click here.  

Stay up to date with all things East Grand Rapids by following us on Facebook and X.