Archive Center • East Express 2022-02-03

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East Express | February 3, 2022

MAYOR'S ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE

Mayor Favale’s annual State of the City update is ready for you on our website. From new faces and updates on street and sidewalk projects to the new parks improvement millage and other plans for the future, this update provides our residents with a comprehensive look into the programs, services and initiatives of the City. Comments, questions and suggestions can be sent to the City Clerk to be passed on to the entire City Commission and relevant staff members.

CITY COMMISSION PREVIEW

The next City Commission meeting is Monday, February 7 at 6 pm at City Hall. The Commission will be welcoming a new Public Safety Officer, setting a hearing date for the proposal to rename Franklin Street, and getting an update from Chief Herald on the Public Safety Department’s training plans as well as their investigative, enforcement and outreach programs from the last quarter. You can always find agenda materials at eastgr.org/agendas and watch meetings live via our YouTube channel.

PUBLIC WORKS

WINTER OPERATIONS UPDATE

After yesterday’s snow event, Public Works crews worked through the evening and overnight hours to plow and salt main roads and make at least one pass through all residential streets. All sidewalks were also plowed before the morning school commute. Today, crews are working on further plowing of residential streets and additional cleaning of cul-de-sacs, boulevards and sidewalks.

Just a reminder that sidewalks are not salted. With the rain on Tuesday and then snow on Wednesday, sidewalks likely have a frozen layer of compacted snow and ice. Residents can help reduce the ice buildup if they clear as much residual snow and slush after the sidewalk plows go through.

Plowing routes and regulations, snowplow contractor rules, and other winter maintenance tips can be found on our Street/Sidewalk Winter Plowing webpage.

FINANCE & CITY MANAGER

WINTER PROPERTY TAXES REMINDER

Winter property taxes are due on Monday, Feb. 14. You can bring it to the front desk during business hours (M-F, 8 am-5 pm) or use our 24/hour drop box inside the front door of the community center. If mailing your payment, please allow time for your payment to reach us as postmarks are not accepted as paying on time. You can research your current and past tax bills on our website or call us at 949-2110 if you have questions.

KENT COUNTY UPDATED DOG LICENSE SYSTEM

Kent County has updated their dog license tag system. All licenses will now be smart QR tags. In the event a pet goes missing, anyone can find the pet’s name, age, gender and owner’s contact information any time with a smartphone camera or by entering the tag information online.

Dog licenses can be purchased online, at the shelter or in person at one of the many participating partners around the county, including the EGR City Hall. Please visit www.accesskent.com/KCAS to learn more and purchase your license today.

EV CHARGING STATIONS

The new electric vehicle charging stations at the Community Center and the Bagley Avenue parking lot are now available for use for all electric vehicles. The chargers are currently free to use during this introductory period. You can use the PlugShare app to find chargers near you, check rates and get use instructions. Instructions are also available on each charger.

PUBLIC SAFETY

KEEP FIRE HYDRANTS CLEAR OF SNOW AND ICE

If 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.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION DROP-OFF

In 2021, the EGR Public Safety Department collected 1,171 pounds of expired and unused medications through their drop box and special collection events! Proper disposal of medication helps avoid these drugs entering our environment and keeps them from being misused or sold illegally. The secure drop box is located in the lobby of the Public Safety Department at 770 Lakeside Drive. Medications can be dropped off anytime the department is open, usually Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. No appointment or explanations are necessary.

PARKS & RECREATION

THINK SPRING - REGISTER FOR SPRING PROGRAMS

Thank Spring! If the snow and cold have you longing for spring, the Parks & Recreation Department invites you to check out their Spring Program Guide to see all their upcoming programs. Try something new this spring. Learn how to manage stress, play bridge or make friends in one of the fitness classes for all levels. Register for classes online or by contacting the Parks & Recreation Department at 949-2110.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

EGR HISTORY ROOM WEBSITE

The East Grand Rapids History Room website is a must-read for history buffs and residents alike. There’s so much more to our town than just Reeds Lake and beautiful tree lined streets -- there’s a rich history of bathing beaches, steamboats, vaudeville shows, dance halls, trains and prominent local residents. Special thanks to long-time historian Mary Dersch for compiling all the information and working diligently to make it available to today’s and future generations.