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

East Express | Aug. 15, 2024

FINANCE & CITY ADMINISTRATION

AUG. 6 ELECTION RESULTS

Thanks to residents who came out to support the 2024 Street and Sidewalk Millage, which passed with 71.9% approval. Public Works is excited to continue improving our community's infrastructure with the renewal of this sustainable funding.

Special thanks to our election staff and volunteers who facilitated another secure election. 

Initial projects include:

• 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. 

For more information on elections in East, visit eastgr.org/elections.

CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

The next City Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. View the full agenda here.

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

FINANCE DEPARTMENT EARNS TOP AWARD FOR TRANSPARENCY

Our Finance Department has received top honors for its comprehensive annual financial report from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada – the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The award is given to those who meet a high standard and demonstrate a “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its finances.

The report includes detailed statements of all the City’s funds, cash, investments, debt, fund balances, accounts, health insurance, pensions and more.

For more information about the Finance Department, visit eastgrmi.gov/finance.

PARKS & RECREATION 

“BARBIE” RESCHEDULED AUG. 16

Parks staff is pleased to announce “Barbie” has been rescheduled to Friday, Aug. 16 at sundown. Grab your lawn blankets, chairs and something pink to wear to enjoy the final movie of the season at the scenic John Collins Park.  

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 runs every Thursday through Aug. 29 at the East Grand Rapids Community Center north parking lot, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

View our list of vendors here. 

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

REMINDER: KAYAK KIOSK AVAILABLE
Enjoy the beauty of Reeds Lake by renting a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the kiosk located behind Public Safety, 770 Lakeside Drive SE. 

From dawn to dusk, community members can rent the equipment for $25 for two hours. Additional rental time is available at $5 for 30 minutes after the initial two hours. Each rental includes an adjustable life jacket and paddle.  

Learn how to use the kiosk here.

PUBLIC SAFETY

REGISTER YOUR BICYCLE
Public Safety encourages residents to register their bicycles as school begins. Registering your bicycle significantly increases the chances of getting it back if it’s lost or stolen. 

To obtain a free bicycle license, visit Public Safety, 770 Lakeside Drive SE, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Remember to bring the bike you want to register.

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.  

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS
With the start of a new school year, East Grand Rapids Public Safety has tips for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to ensure those busy morning and afternoon commutes are safe and smooth: 

• If no crossing guard is present, make eye contact with the pedestrian or driver to ensure a safe street crossing.
• Walk bikes while crossing a street and always wear a helmet.
• Ensure bikes are working properly.
• Obey the “no turn on right” signs at red lights during school hours and always use a turn signal.
• Always cross at an intersection – it can be difficult for drivers to see pedestrians crossing elsewhere in the neighborhoods and through Gaslight Village due to street parking.
• Stay alert and off your phone. If you are listening to music, make sure it is either at a level you can hear traffic or you only have one earbud in.
• Do not continue driving until all pedestrians have safely reached the sidewalk.
• As daylight hours shorten, pedestrians and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing or gear so they are easily visible to drivers.
• Follow crossing guard prompts – it may take a few extra minutes, but it provides a safe commute for students.
• Plan your commute by checking eastgr.org/construction for all roadwork updates.
• Visit eastgr.org/safety for crossing guard post locations, schedules and additional pedestrian safety videos.

PUBLIC WORKS

MASTER PLAN SURVEY
The Planning Commission has recently begun the process of updating the 2018 Master Plan. Since the plan was adopted six years ago, four subareas of the community have been identified as meriting additional study to address current challenges – Gaslight Village, Eastown, Greenwood and St. Stephens. The Master Plan acts as a guiding document for City leaders, outlining a clear vision for our community’s future and path to achieve it. 

Learn more by visiting the Master Plan webpage and share your opinions in the survey. 

This website will be updated thought the planning process with survey results, meeting calendar and other materials.  

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
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. 

CLEAN AIR ACTION DAY INFORMATION
 Join your neighbors in helping improve air quality on clean air action days. Read these tips from the West Michigan Clean Air Coalition or visit the Public Works educational display in the lower-level lobby of the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE.  

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 

GASLIGHT VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Join us tonight for the Taste of East Grand Rapids from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Gaslight Village. 

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. 

View the full menu here.

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY: EAST GRAND RAPIDS BRANCH 
Some exciting upcoming programs include:

• KDL Lab Experience: Wilderness Explorers – 2-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19: Do you feel out of your element while braving the elements? Wilderness Explorers is just the program for you! For participants ages 5-10.
• Bingo Hour – 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20: Relax and make new friends while playing exciting rounds of bingo. For adults.

View the full calendar of events and programs here.  

SAVE THE DATE: EGR HARVEST & BEER FESTIVAL
Save the date for the inaugural EGR Harvest & Beer Festival 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 in Gaslight Village. Attendees can enjoy pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, cider and donuts, live music and wine, spirits and local beer tastings. Admission is free while the tasting will require tickets.

Learn more here.

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE: RECYCLING EVENT
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.  

E-GREEN SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE: BUYBACK EVENT
EGR residents: Trade in your gas-powered leaf blower, edger or trimmer in exchange for a $100 coupon to purchase an electric one at Great Lakes Hardware during the buyback event noon-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at the EGR Public Works Complex parking lot, 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. 

For questions, email esiac616@gmail.com.

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