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East Express | February 17, 2022

CITY COMMISSION MEETING PREVIEW 

The agenda for Monday, February 21 has many items of interest. The meeting starts at 6 pm at City Hall with a public hearing regarding the request to rename Franklin Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Street. Then we’re moving forward on agreements with Aquinas College for pool usage, the Crew Team for the new boathouse at Collins Park, and approving resolutions relating to parks projects contained in the Parks Improvement Millage passed by voters last year. You can see the full agenda on our website. Can’t attend in person? Watch the meeting live on our YouTube channel.

PUBLIC WORKS

WINTER OPERATIONS UPDATE

Clogged storm drains can lead to street flooding, property damage and environmental contamination.  With the rain and snow melting this week, we are asking for residents’ assistance with clearing snow, ice and leaves from around a storm drain near your home so ground water can enter the storm sewer system. You can use a rake or shovel and stand on the curb to pull ice and debris up onto the lawn surface. If you are unable to safely clear the drain, contact our Public Works Department at 940-4870 to report large areas of standing water. 

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

SNOWPLOW DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK - FEB 28 - MAR 4

Join us in thanking our Public Works crew members for all their work in keeping our streets and sidewalks passable during the winter months. These employees work long hours this time of the year maintaining equipment, loading salt, watching the skies, driving the routes and cleaning up after the storms. Give them a wave and a smile the next time you see them. We’ll have several social media posts highlighting their work and giving our residents a chance to say thank you. 

2022 CONSTRUCTION IN EGR 

Our 2022 construction programs have been bid and a complete list of projects is on our website. Check this page throughout the year for updates on your neighborhood and your routes around town.

WATER SERVICE LINE SURVEY 

The city will have a contractor working with public works staff to continue the survey of water service lines over the coming months. The city is working on completing a visual inspection of water service lines as the city continues to remove lead service lines. The target area for the survey work will be in the northwest quadrant of the city-west from Plymouth Road to Lakeside Drive to the east and north from Robinson Road to Lake Drive to the south totaling approximately 250 lines. A mailed notice will be sent to areas where the survey work will occur as well as door hangers. The survey work will be completed by a vacuum truck which will excavate a two-foot diameter hole for the survey inspection. Public Works crews will backfill the excavation following the survey inspection. All survey work will be in the public right-of-way, typically between the sidewalk and the street. For additional questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 616-940-4870. 

FINANCE & CITY MANAGER

EV CHARGING STATIONS 

The new electric vehicle charging stations at the Community Center and the Croswell 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.  

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE UPDATE

The 2022 assessment notices were mailed on February 10, 2022. If you have not received your notice or have general questions, contact the assessing office at (616) 940-4818 or email Stacey Hayes, Assessor or Robin Christoffersen, Deputy Assessor. You can always access property information online at www.eastgr.org. 

The Organizational Meeting will be Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 8:00 a.m. The Appeal Hearings will be Monday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Appointments must be made by calling (616) 940-4818.  Non-residents may appeal by letters received no later than the adjournment of the Board's hearings.  Residents may appear in person or by representative. All appellants must have completed an appeal form for each parcel prior to their hearing. Appeal forms are available on the City’s website at www.eastgr.org/appeal.  

The Consumer Price Index for assessment purposes for the 2022 year is 3.3%.  If there was NOT a transfer of ownership on your property in 2021, your 2022 taxable value is calculated by multiplying your 2021 taxable value by 1.033.  Physical changes of your property may also increase or decrease your taxable value.  If there WAS a transfer of ownership on your property in 2021, your 2022 taxable value will be the same as your 2022 state equalized value.

PUBLIC SAFETY 

FORMER PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER REMEMBERED

Fallen EGR Public Safety Officer Bruce Van Popering is being honored for his service and sacrifice this month as part of a special billboard campaign. We’ve got his story and links to media coverage on our website.

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW OFFICER 

Last week, we officially welcomed new Public Safety Officer Brian Duran with a ceremonial oath of office at the City Commission meeting. Officer Duran earned his law enforcement degree and certification from Grand Rapids Community College in August 2021 and is now working with our field training officers to learn all about East Grand Rapids. Welcome Officer Duran! 

PARKS & RECREATION

SWEETHEART DANCE COMING IN APRIL 

Families, join us Saturday, April 23 for our Enchanted Garden! Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a date night at the annual Sweetheart Dance! The evening includes your child’s choice of corsage, crafts (open 5:30 - 8:30 pm) dancing, delicious desserts, and two themed photo backdrops to help capture this unforgettable evening. Please remember to provide your own personal camera. Sign up at https://secure.rec1.com/MI/city-of-east-grand-rapids-mi/catalog

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH 

The Grand Rapids Press has compiled a great list of in person and virtual programs and activities to celebrate Black History Month. From panel discussions to movies, concerts, and exhibits, there are many opportunities to reflect and honor African American history and accomplishments.

THE RAPID TESTING NEW SERVICES

The Rapid recently launched a new, on-demand transit option in parts of Kentwood and Wyoming called Rapid Connect. Take a look at this new ride booking service and help them spread the word to those who live and work in these areas.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY REMINDERS

We can’t stress this enough: please wear light, bright or reflective clothing, use some type of headlamp, flashlight or blinking light, and cross at well-lit intersections and crosswalks, if available. Our friends at the Grand Valley Metro Council are helping get this word out with a new public service announcement video.

FRIENDS OF THE EGR LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The next Friends of the EGR Library Used Book Sale will be held March 18-20 at the Community Center. Thousands of books, music CDs and DVDs for all ages at bargain prices.  

Members Only Pre-sale - Friday, March 18, 3:00-7:30 pm. If you are not a member, you may join at the door or via friendsoftheegrlibrary.org
Bag Sale Saturday - March 19, 9:00am - 5:00pm $10 per bag (public sale) 
Bag Sale Sunday - March 20, 9:00am - 3:00pm $10 per bag (public sale) 
Location: East Grand Rapids Library, 746 Lakeside Dr SE, lower level, EGR Parks & Rec rooms 
Payments Accepted: Cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo

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