City Commission tackles routine slate of items after Labor Day

East Grand Rapids, MI -- The East Grand Rapids City Commission convened for its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Commission Chambers at the East Grand Rapids Community Center. The meeting, which had been moved from Monday because of the Labor Day holiday, drew residents and neighbors for both public listening and comment.

Public comment on regular agenda items occurs after the introduction of that item, while public comment on issues not on the agenda happens at the start of the meeting, before the regular agenda items are taken up.

Zoning Board of Appeals alternate named

The commission voted on the approval and appointment of Mike Stelter to the Zoning Board of Appeals to serve as an alternate. The recommendation for the appointment followed the resignation of a previous alternate from the Board.

Final reading on street planting sightline rules

The meeting also marked the second and final reading of a set of ordinance amendments establishing new guidelines for maintaining plantings on both public and private property. The proposed rules would require plantings to be kept at a height that ensures clear and safe vision for motorists and for all street and sidewalk users. The first reading was held and approved at the August 17, 2026 City Commission meeting.

Temporary Ward 3 polling location set for November

The commission moved to approve the establishment of a temporary polling location for Ward 3 voters at the Community Center for the November 3, 2026 General Election. The change is a response to ongoing construction at the East Grand Rapids High School.

Ward 3 residents typically vote in person at the High School Performing Arts Center. With construction underway at the High School, the parking lot adjacent to the Performing Arts Center will be unavailable. To provide parking for voters, the City Clerk has proposed relocating the polling location to Room 105 in the Community Center at 750 Lakeside Drive.

Aquinas College pool contract renewed

The commission also took action on a one-year renewal of a long-standing contract between the city and Aquinas College for use of the community pool at East Grand Rapids High School by the Aquinas swim team. The arrangement, in place for the past five years, has been described by both parties as mutually beneficial. The Aquinas team is able to use the pool around school district, club and community use, and the city has been able to staff hard-to-fill lifeguard positions with some of the Aquinas swimmers. The renewed contract is in the amount of $30,000.

Three-year tree planting contract approved

The city runs a long-standing cost-sharing tree planting program in which residents and the city split the cost for trees planted in out-lawns, the area between the sidewalk and the street. The commission approved a contract with Davey Resource Group to source and plant trees requested through the program for the next three years. The total cost of the contract will depend on the number and type of trees planted, with the total annual cost estimated to fall between $20,000 and $35,000.

Water main rehabilitation contract awarded

The commission also approved a one-year contract with Corby Energy Services and granted the Deputy City Manager the authorization to renew two additional one-year contracts to the same contractor at the same established rate. The contract sets pricing by foot of rehabilitated main and allows the city to use the pricing structure set by its negotiated contract with the City of Grand Rapids.

At the conclusion of the agenda, the commission was expected to enter a closed session for the purpose of attorney-client communication in accordance with Michigan's Open Meetings Act.

Residents and neighbors remain welcome and encouraged to attend future regular meetings of the City Commission to listen and to make public comment.