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East Express | January 20, 2022
PREVENT FROZEN PIPESThe upcoming weather forecast features some very cold air in the next several days, meaning an increase in frozen pipes and water meters as temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods of time. The City is responsible for water services from the curb stop in the right-of-way to the water main in the street. Property owners are responsible for their water service from the curb stop to and throughout their property. Some tips to help protect water service pipes: - Wrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas of your home, paying particular attention to pipes near exterior walls of your home.
- Keep the location of your water meter above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure exterior garden hoses are disconnected and the outdoor faucet is winterized.
- Know the location of your water shutoff valve if a water leak occurs in your interior plumbing.
What to do if your pipes freeze: - If your pipes freeze and you have water running in your home, turn off the water at your water shutoff (usually located near the water meter) and contact a licensed plumber.
- If you have interior pipes freeze, do not apply any direct heat to your pipes. Instead, use a space heater or a blow dryer to heat the area around the piping.
- If your water service stops and all of your interior plumbing and water meter are insulated or located in an area heated above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, please contact the City Public Works Department at 616-940-4870. Public Works staff will assist in assessing the situation further. If the water service is frozen from the curb stop to the main, the staff will thaw the service line and restore water service.
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CITY COMMISSION UPDATE At this week's meeting, the City Commission recognized crossing guard Susan Maccardini for her quick thinking in reporting a house fire on her way home from a shift at Breton Downs last November. After calling in the information, Susan stayed at the scene and assisted with traffic and crowd control. Later in the meeting, the Commission approved an ordinance amendment clarifying rules and procedures for the new Zoning Board of Appeals and started preparing for their strategic planning session later in January. You can always find agenda materials at eastgr.org/agendas and watch meetings live via our YouTube channel.
PUBLIC SAFETY
ICE SAFETYThanks to WZZM for highlighting the topic of ice safety recently. Reporter Charlie Tinker spoke with EGR Public Safety Officer Troy Brown about some basic precautions to take if you’re venturing out onto the ice of a lake or river this winter. Always be prepared by bringing along safety equipment and knowing how to get out of the water quickly if necessary. 
PREVENT A CHIMNEY FIRE IN YOUR HOME According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, all chimneys, fireplaces and vents should be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Even if you don't use your chimney often, animals may build nests in the flue or there may be other types of deterioration that could make the chimney unsafe to use. Public Safety encourages you to take this step in fire prevention to keep you and your loved ones safe.
KEEP FIRE HYDRANTS CLEAR OF SNOW AND ICEIf you have a fire hydrant near your home, please consider helping keep snow piles away from the hydrants or shoveling out around the hydrant after heavy snow events. The Department of Public Safety do make the rounds and shovel where necessary, but traffic issues, accidents and other duties may keep them from getting to all the hydrants in a timely manner. If there is a fire in your neighborhood, seconds count, and taking the time to dig out a fire hydrant to attach hoses can make a difference in fighting a fire. Thank you for any help you can give.
PARKS & RECREATION
SPORT NIGHT OUT FOR K-5th GRADE This Saturday is the annual Sports Night Out for your child and an adult chaperone. Preregistration is preferred; however, onsite registration will be honored. This event is for K – 5th grade children and is held at the EGR High School. Sports themed games and other activities along with a photo booth, refreshments, a craft and more will round out the event.
ACCOUNT CLERK OPENINGThe Parks & Recreation Department has an open position for an Account Clerk III to assist with program registration and perform a variety of administrative duties for this active department. Check out our job posting and pass it along to anyone who may be interested in joining our team.
REGISTER FOR SPRING PROGRAMMING The Spring Program Guide is live! Register for classes online or by contacting the Parks & Recreation Department at 949-2110.
BECOME A LIFEGUARD OR SWIM INSTRUCTOR Do you have a few hours a week to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor? We have several open positions with flexible schedules. Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION IN EGR We’ve summarized last year’s construction activity to keep our residents informed about our progress in maintaining our roads and infrastructure. Our Public Works Department has made significant headway in their goal to improve the condition of our streets, sidewalks, water system and sewer networks. Check out highlights of the 2021 season on our website. Construction projects for the 2022 season will be announced soon on our website and affected residents will receive notices by mail prior to construction beginning. 
WINTER OPERATIONS You can help the Public Works Department operate safely and efficiently by parking in driveways instead of the street during and right after snow events. If you cannot park in a driveway, please do not park your vehicle directly across from one another so snowplows can navigate the traffic lanes easier. You can review City plowing regulations, snowplow contractor rules and regulations, plowing routes and how to avoid the second shovel on our Street/Sidewalk Winter Plowing webpage.
USE LESS SALT A little salt goes a long way. Salt in our stormwater system can be harmful to aquatic life. Apply salt and deicing products sparingly and remove slush once the snow melts to prevent refreezing. Learn more at lgrow.org.
SAVE THE PIPES-DON'T FLUSH WIPES! Many products labeled “flushable” can lead to clogs and costly repairs to private and public sanitary sewer infrastructure. Just because a product is marked “flushable” does not mean it degrades like toilet paper and can end up clogging pipes. Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed - all other products should be disposed of properly in the trash. When flushed, products like disinfecting wipes, “flushable” wipes, and paper towels can cause damage to pumps, clog sewer pipes and systems in your home and neighborhood, and negatively impact the environment. Thank you for continuing to protect our sanitary sewer system and keeping it free from clogs caused by paper products and disinfecting wipes!
TREE MAINTENANCE The Department of Public Works has started tree maintenance for city-owned trees in the public right-of-way which will continue into March. The city will also have a contract vendor assisting in pruning during this time frame. Pruning during the dormant winter months when the branches are exposed is an ideal time to take care of trees as it causes less stress on trees and allows the tree to heal quicker. Pruning at the proper time can also help avoid disease and physiological problems helping to maintain a healthy tree canopy.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA PRODUCTION The High School will be presenting the one-act play COMPETITION PIECE, a fun and satirical comedy about three groups of students preparing for a drama competition. The Preppies have lots of rehearsal time and choose a romance. The Metal heads decide to do a typical teen problem play in one week and the Arties wants to do a one-act version of King Lear as an Ancient Greek Tragedy. Fun ensues! Show times are 7 pm on January 27 and 28. Advance Online Tickets are available at https://egrhspac.ludus.com/15025. Tickets will also be available at the door for $8.00 for students and $10.00 for adults. General Seating. Stay up-to-date with all things East Grand Rapids by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
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