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East Express | August 19, 2021
CITY COMMISSION UPDATE At its Aug. 16 meeting, the City Commission approved ordinances regarding sign and variance procedures and appointed City Manager Shea Charles to the Grand Valley Metro Council Board of Directors. During its work session, the Commission continued its ongoing discussion regarding its previous decision to opt out of permitting marijuana establishments in our community. The Commission resolved not to make any changes at this time but will continue researching and monitoring other communities. The Commission has planned to revisit the conversation next summer. The City Commission likely will discuss the creation of a Zoning Board of Appeals at its Sept. 7 meeting. The Planning Commission last week recommended a ZBA that would handle zoning-related agenda items. You can always find agenda materials at eastgr.org/agendas and watch meetings live via our YouTube channel.
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE & FINANCE WEST NILE VIRUS In response to test results detecting mosquitos carrying West Nile virus in EGR, the City continues to treat all storm sewer catch basins with biological larvicide pellets. We advise residents, community members and visitors to follow Health Department guidelines, including wearing bug spray with a minimum of 25% DEET, covering exposed skin when possible and avoiding areas with high insect concentration between dusk and dawn. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones and prevent the spread of West Nile virus by visiting the MDHHS website. UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVE Be a beacon of hope and sign up to donate blood 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28 in Rooms 101 and 102 of the Community Center.
PUBLIC SAFETY BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY The new school year starts Monday, and our public safety officers and crossing guards have important reminders for drivers, walkers and bicyclists. You can also check out our walking, biking and moped safety videos on YouTube.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSION Public Safety will hold its third quarterly community engagement session at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, focusing on de-escalation. View the full agenda at eastgr.org/communityengagement. View this event on Facebook.
PARKS & RECREATION VOLUNTEER AT THE RHOADES MCKEE REEDS LAKE TRIATHLON We’re looking for volunteers for the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon – set for Saturday, Sept. 11. We need community members to help manage aid stations and direct traffic as well as lifeguards to ensure racers’ safety while swimming Reeds Lake. The time commitment is 7:30-10:30 a.m. It's easy, fun and a great way to serve your community. Sign up today to volunteer or register to race at eastgr.org/triathlon. 
MOVIES IN THE PARK Brought to you by The Brouwers Agency, Auto-Owners Insurance and Consumers Credit Union There are still two opportunities to enjoy all-ages movies on the banks of Reeds Lake. Join us this Friday evening, Aug. 20, to catch “Aladdin” (2019) and next Friday evening, Aug. 27, for “Raya and the Last Dragon.” More information.
SWIM INSTRUCTORS & LIFEGUARDS NEEDED We're looking for lifeguards and swim instructors to join our team. Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION IN EGR Visit our Construction webpage for the latest updates and learn more about upcoming projects. This page includes updates on Hall Street, which was paved earlier this week in advance of school starting on Monday. As a reminder, residents impacted by construction projects will receive mailed notices with project details. Public Works also posts notices at project locations. 
TREE PLANTING PROGRAM Interested in having a new tree planted in the out-lawn area in front of your home? Split the cost 50/50 with the City. The estimated total cost of a tree is $350-$450, which includes a tree that is 2 inches in diameter and 12-14 feet tall as well as planting, mulching and a two-year warranty. Interested residents should complete an order form and send it to or drop it off at City Hall (750 Lakeside Drive SE) by Oct. 1. Planting occurs between October and December, depending on the weather. For questions about the City's tree planting program, call Public Works at 616.940.4817. Learn more on our Forestry webpage.
BOATS, TRAILERS & RVS As summer winds down, a friendly reminder that outdoor storage of boats, trailers and RVs is allowed for up to 72 hours on streets and driveways. Otherwise, they must be stored indoors or in a rear yard only and be reasonably shielded from view. Not all properties can accommodate such storage, so you may have to use off-site storage. COMMUNITY PARTNERS EGRPS 2021 COMMUNITY WELCOME LETTER The school year starts Monday. Read Superintendent Heidi S. Kattula’s 2021 Community Welcome Letter. 
HELP PROTECT OUR WATERSHED Public Works reminds residents that only rain should go down the drain. That’s because the City maintains a storm sewer system that discharges stormwater into local watersheds. Help reduce flooding and have a positive impact on water quality in our local watersheds by: - Keeping yard waste and debris out of the street. Debris can clog catch basins, which can cause temporary flooding of streets and can fill catch basins and ultimately end up in the watershed. You can help by clearing any accumulation of leaves and debris and properly disposing of these items in your yard waste bags or container. You can also help by not blowing or sweeping grass clippings or leaves into the street.
- Cleaning up after your pets. Pet waste is a major source of bacteria and nutrients that are harmful to waterways. Pet waste that is not properly disposed of can end up getting into storm drain catch basins and into our watersheds.
- Using fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides sparingly and following manufacturer instructions or using alternative natural methods.
For information on the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, please visit lgrow.org.
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