Two special luncheons were not only designed to say thank you to the many first responders who helped with a July 15 fire, but also an opportunity for residents of Bayberry Farms Apartments to heal.
“We really wanted to show our appreciation for all that the Wyoming police officers and firefighters did for us,” said Catherine Kooyers, a resident of Bayberry Farms Apartments and one of the organizers of the event that took place earlier this month.
“By being able to say thank you, the residents are able to put closure on what happened and heal from the entire event.”
It was July 15 when a call went out that there was a fire at the Bayberry Farms Apartments, a Wyoming senior-living complex located at 2520 56th St. SW. “Earlier that day, we had just had the fire department here but it turned out to be nothing,” Kooyers said. However, the mid-afternoon fire was much more serious as smoke started to fill the apartment complex. Kooyers, who lives in an apartment that was near where the fire started, ran through the building knocking on doors and trying to get people out.
“Because of the earlier incident, some people didn’t think the second situation was all that serious,” Kooyers said.
Along with tenants, firefighters and police, workers from the nearby businesses came over to help with the evacuation.
“I heard a knock on the door but didn’t pay that much attention to it,” said resident Ellen Vining. “I heard another knock, much harder and decided I needed to answer it.
“There was a young lady telling me that I needed to get out. She was all dressed in blue so I thought she was one of the firefighters.”
Vining later learned that person was a Monelli’s employee who was coming in for her shift when she saw the smoke and came over to help.
“I learned a very valuable lesson that day,” Vining said with a chuckle. “Don’t ignore a knock on the door.”
Because of the organization of the tenants it made it easier for the department to assess who was missing which in turned meant the lost of only a pet, said Wyoming Deputy Chief Brian Bennett. Three people were taken to the hospital to be checked out. Three units suffered the most damage with the entire building having smoke and water damage.
It has taken several months, but most of the residents have been able to move back home and with the fire behind them, the tenants felt now was a good time to show their appreciation to the police officers and firefighters with the special luncheons.
“It is always nice when you are able to come back and visit with those who you were able to help and learn what has happened since the fire,” Bennett said. “A lot of times, we are in and out and we do not get that chance to talk to the residents and see how they are doing afterwards.”
“I am so impressed with all of them,” Vining said. “They all have such compassion which I guess that is why they became firefighters.”
The sun sat high in the sky beating down on the hot, black pavement. Midday was in the rear view mirror, the competitors in front of me had come and gone, and there I stood face-to-face with more than 50,000 pounds of metal that I was expected to control through a timed obstacle course.
“Do you have your driver’s license?” asked the judge to my left as I stared at the vehicle.
A grapefruit sized lump made its way into my throat as the little voice inside my head said what everyone was thinking, “you entered a snowplow driving competition and you left your license in the car?” It was a rookie mistake, and I answered back in a way only a novice can, with false confidence and a dash of ignorance, “No, I left it in the car.”
The judge chuckled and made a couple of marks on his score sheet. I hadn’t even entered the snowplow yet and my score was already sitting in the negatives.
As a celebrity driver at the American Public Works Association (APWA) Snowplow Roadeo, hosted this year by the Wyoming Department of Public Works, I had the opportunity to personally get behind the drivers wheel of a snowplow to catch a glimpse of the challenges the snowplow drivers face come winter. While the competition is all fun and games for myself and the other celebrities, the Roadeo acts as a training seminar for drivers to prepare themselves for the winter ahead.
“This is a training session, but it looks very much like a competition because that’s the way we run it,” explained William Dooley, Wyoming Director of Public Works, “The Roadeo is all about preparing the drivers that have to remove snow and ice from our roads in the winter. It’s really about getting all of the drivers in West Michigan thinking about it again, getting in the trucks, and getting used to where those blades start and stop.”
The idea for the Roadeo was started by the City of Wyoming where they hosted the event for 21 straight years before cutbacks in the department forced the event to come to a close.
“At that time we said we could no longer host it every year but that we would take our turn,” said Dooley. “Well, here we are in 2016, and we’re happy to host the Roadeo once again!”
The drivers take turns driving through a timed obstacle course that tests their fundamentals inside the snowplow. Those fundamentals include basics like having your driver’s license and medical cards on hand, entering the snowplow properly and adjusting the mirrors. After the intial prep is completed, drivers make their way through a course lined with cones and barrels designed to test driving ability with maneuvers like going around a turn to the left and right, backing up, and moving snow in-between parked cars.
Oh, and it’s all timed.
“This event is an opportunity to get drivers back in the trucks to see some real life situations. In addition to the course, we have classroom training on how to interact with the public and stay alert behind the wheel,” said John Gorney, Kentwood Director of Public Works.
“Every element they’ll face on the job, we test them on,” added Dooley.
And the tests are anything but easy. For starters, from the driver’s seat, both blades – the big one in front and the one underneath – aren’t visible. Yes, you read that correctly, you cannot see the blades. The front blade has one orange pole on each end that acts as a guide for the driver. They give a frame of reference on how wide the blade is and an idea on where it’s located. It’s very much a ‘feel’ thing where a driver must become one with the snowplow.
The green cones mimic snow that has to be moved between parked cars
Unfortunately for me, I did not feel one with the machine, and my Master Yoda was nowhere in sight to teach me the ways of the force. During the serpentine I ran over a barrel like it was nothing more than a fly on the windshield. The obstacle that mimics pushing snow between two parked cars was also an epic fail as I distinctly clipped a barrel acting as the rear bumper of a car. Hopefully they had insurance. As I rounded corners, I assume I trucked numerous cones because, truthfully, I couldn’t really see whether I did or not. The sight lines in a snowplow aren’t the most advantageous to a roadway vehicle.
Thankfully the obstacles that involved backing up were taken out of the course for the celebrity drivers. After making my way through the course, I know why, it would’ve been a disaster.
Upon completion of the course, scores were gathered and tallied. Shockingly, yours truly didn’t bring home the celebrity hardware.
I never thought driving a snowplow would be easy, but it didn’t think it would be as difficult as it was. Even with a beautiful day and no true stress of hitting other cars or pedestrians, it was still a lot to process and handle. The ability to drive one of those on a busy street in the middle of winter is daunting, but the Public Works Departments take their biggest job very seriously.
“The event is very important,” Gorney emphasized. “Snow removal for all of the Public Works Departments is the biggest efforts we have. It costs the most money and the trucks are the most expensive piece of equipment. To get back in the truck and get some training is critical.”
About 75 percent of the calls received by the Wyoming Fire Department is for chest pains, difficulty breathing, or similar medical needs but up until now, only some of the department’s firefighters were able to administer an EpiPen, monitor blood glucose, or simply provide aspirin.
By 2017, all of the City of Wyoming’s full-time firefighters will be able to provide a variety of vital treatments because of a Metro Health Hospital Foundation grant covering the cost for the necessary emergency medical technician training along with allowing the Wyoming Fire Department to upgrade its status.
“We have had to look at a person and the symptoms they were having to determine what is happening,” said Brad Dornbos, a firefighter and EMS coordinator for Wyoming. “Being able to poke their finger to test their blood makes it quicker and a much more efficient way to do that.”
The Metro Health Hospital Foundation awarded Wyoming a $10,000 grant providing funding for 27 full-time firefighters to be trained as emergency medical technicians, or EMTS. Dornbos said about two-thirds of the department already are certified EMTs, which requires about 150 hours of training. Without the grant, Dornbos said he is not certain the Department would have been able to offer the trainings.
The grant also allows the for department to upgrade its status from medical first responder (MFR) to EMT. This means that firefighters can provide treatment such as albuterol for those with asthma, king tubes for breathing assistance and operate CPAP devices used for patients with congestive heart failure.
“Operating at the EMT level allows our department to provide better care and better service to our residents,” Dornbos said. “It is just really awesome to be able to partner with a local hospital to provide better care to the community.”
In addition to providing the EMT training for certification, the grant will also fund the purchase of six EMT bags, which will contain medications and equipment, including CPAP devices, albuterol, and king tubes.
“Metro Health is a community hospital,” said Metro Health Hospital Foundation Board Chair Mike Damstra. “In this case, that means helping to equip our firefighters to improve patient outcomes.”
Dornbos said this is the first time the department has received a grant from the Foundation. He learned about the Foundation and its desire to partner with Wyoming at a Kent County EMS meeting. From there, the two groups worked together on needs for the department.
The Foundation has indicated it plans to continue its partnership with the department by providing additional financial support for future years to maintain the EMT program and and instructor development.
It seems logical that an artist like David Reinbold would be interested in participating in Wyoming’s Art Cruise. After all Reinbold has built a reputation out of creating stained glass sculpture replicas of peoples’ cars and Art Cruise is part of West Michigan’s biggest car event, Metro Cruise.
Art Cruise is an annual art event similar to Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize in that several Wyoming businesses feature the work of various local artists during August, the same month as Metro Cruise, which is Aug. 26 and 27. In a way, Art Cruise helps people get revved up for the big event, said Art Cruise Coordinator Donna Kuba, who runs Instant Cash Advance and is part of the West End Business Group that founded Art Cruise.
This year, more than 25 artists will display their work in 17 Wyoming businesses with a list of business locations available at 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.
“It’s really just a way to support the community,” said Jerry DeGood, who owns Auto Finance/J’s Motor Sales, at 2939 Division Ave. DeGood said his place has a nice open space for an artist and is excited about featuring the work of former General Motors employee David Townsend.
“I’ve always painted as a hobby,” Townsend said. After the 36th Street GM plant shutdown, Townsend said he decided to paint on a more regular basis. This is Townsend’s first year participating with his work showing at two locations, Auto Finance/J’s Motor Sales and The Chiropractic Doctors at 4415 Byron Center Ave. SW.
Outsider Artist Dirk W. Hughes said he loves the grassroots feel of the event. “It’s just people coming together with no alternative motive other than to support each other,” said Hughes, whose work will be at Edward Jones, 185 44th St. SW.
This also is why artist and Grand Rapids Public Schools fourth-grade teacher Holly Peterman decided to participate as well.
“I grew up in Grandville and I saw the flyer for Art Cruise where you could display for a whole month and thought, ‘I want to do that,’” said Peterman who’s prints and etchings will be at El Informador, 2000 28th St. SW and Maya Mexican Grill, 1020 28th St. SW.
“It’s an opportunity where people can see a lot of art,” Peterman said. “It’s a great opportunity for both the artist and the business owner. The business owner has people coming in to view the work and the artist is able to get the word out about what they do.”
And that is the main reason Reinbold has been participating in Art Cruise since almost its inception.
“I really got to know and meet a lot of different people last year,” Reinbold said. During the event, “I pretty much show what I can do. People can give me a picture of their car or motorcycle – I can even do an airplane – and I create 3-D sculpture out of glass.”
It’s also not about making money either, but about the experience as Hopkins High School student Madalyn Hatfield can attest. Three years ago, Art Cruise gave her the opportunity to get her “feet wet” in the art world and now she is looking to pursue a career in animation. She once again will be showing at Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW.
For details about the artists and businesses participating in this year’s Art Cruise, visit 28thstreetmetrocruise.com.
Make sure to check out the “DreamWheels” show which will be broadcasting live Saturday, Aug. 27 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Pal’s Diner, 6503 28th St. SE, and Rogers Plaza, 972 28th St. SW. The show will air Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. on WKTV Channel 25.
Take one last good look at 28 Street and Michael Avenue because it could change in a matter of weeks.
Last night, the Wyoming City Council approved the last piece in the 28 West Place project as it accepted a purchase agreement with Loeks Theatres for around $278,000. The agreement was the final piece for the city to construct a new road from the current Wyoming Mall entrance off Michael Avenue to 28th Street across from Hook Avenue where Applebee’s is located.
Adopted in 2013, the 28 West Place is a reimagining of the south side of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame avenues into a mixed-use town center utilizing form-based code. A form-based code provides for flexibility to developers, according to Wyoming Deputy City Manager Heidi Isakson who has been working on the 28 West Place project.
The 28 West sign located in front of the former Studio 28 property. Construction for the 28 West project will actually start just east on the Wyoming Mall property.
A key element to the 28 West concept is the construction of a curving slip street which would become the center’s new “main street.” The street is proposed to run from the south side of 28th Street across from Hook Avenue to Jenkins Avenue, which runs next to the former Klingman/Rogers Department Store building. Before the city could move forward, it had to have the property owners on board with the project. Earlier this year, owners of the Wyoming Mall approached the city with some redesign plans for its facility and city officials knew now was the time to move forward with the west portion of the street.
“It has been a nail biter,” Isakson said as city staff pulled together the several elements that needed to be coordinated for the project. This included working with Wyoming Mall officials and Loek Theatre representatives to acquire the necessary right-of-ways.
“We believe that the city investment of public utilities and improving public access combined with the private investment will yield greater results,” said City of Wyoming Assistant City Manager Heidi Isakson.
In June, the Wyoming City Council accepted a $1.6 million agreement with Wyoming Mall, LLC. Total cost to the city will be about $1.2 million for the relocation of city services and construction of the road. At its Aug. 1 meeting, the council awarded the construction of 28 West Place street and utility improvements to Kentwood Excavating which had the lowest bid of $1.74 million. The bid, which was one of five, came in about 11.34 percent below the engineer’s estimate. The total cost for the project, which includes right-of-way acquisition, is estimated at $2.8 million.
Isakson said Loeks Theater officials plan to have the agreement signed by Wednesday with plans for construction starting soon. Wyoming Mall officials already have begun demolition work and are waiting for the city to being moving utilities, she said.
Isakson said she has been in touch with the owners of Rogers Plaza about the project but at this time there are no plans to move forward with the west portion of the new street.
The cities of Wyoming and Kentwood participated in National Night Out with all day events and locations around each city. WKTV was there to take in the action and the community building.
Tree Amigos members Lenny Guiliano, Stelle Slootmaker and Lee Groth at City Hall (Photo by Jennifer Stowell)
In a unanimous vote, Wyoming City Commissioners approved a resolution last week to establish a Wyoming Tree Commission, which is designed to promote healthy tree coverage and variation of tree species in the City of Wyoming. The move was prompted by a group of Wyoming citizens called The Tree Amigos, who have been working with City leadership since February to establish a platform to become a Tree City USA.
By establishing an official city tree commission, Wyoming has taken the first step to becoming a Tree City USA.
Members of the Wyoming Tree Commission include:
• Bill Brown, resident arborist
• Greg Bryan, former city commissioner who spearheaded The Tree Amigos’ efforts
• Lauren Davis, resident arborist
• Lee Groth, Godwin Neighborhood Watch
• Lenny Guiliano, Oriole Park Neighborhood Watch
• Pam Jurick, Grenadier neighborhood resident
• Stelle Slootmaker, Oriole Park neighborhood resident
“We are thrilled with the council’s unanimous vote,” Slootmaker said. “The designation as Tree City USA will help promote Wyoming as being a great place to live and work.”
Established in 1976, Tree City USA is a nationwide program that provides a framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees. There are currently more than 3,400 communities in the country that have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA, including 123 in Michigan. To become a Tree City USA, municipalities must have:
• A tree care ordinance
• An Arbor Day proclamation
• A community forestry program with a $2-per-capita operating budget
• A tree board, department or citizen committee
Tree City USA is an Arbor Day Foundation program in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
For more information, call the City of Wyoming at 616.530.7272 or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. Follow the City on Twitter @WyomingCityHall and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming.
It is probably fitting that the month of July is Parks and Recreation Month. It is the only full month of summer when the weather is nice enough to be outside and do something. And for many individuals, the best place and way to do that something is at a local park.
So in honor of July being Parks and Recreation Month, I decided —in a two-part series — to check out what is happening in both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood when it comes to parks and recreation.
This piece focuses on Wyoming. To check out the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department story, click here.
Besides the 28 West project finally moving forward this summer, the City of Wyoming had another big reason to celebrate the summer of 2016: Ideal Park reopened.
The park was one of the casualties of the tornado of 2014 with the city spending the past two years cleaning up the debris and replacing the trees.
“I know a lot about insurance and what it covers,” said Director of Community Serices Rebecca Rynbrandt with a little laugh. For example, insurance would help with the removal of the trees but not all of the debris and deadfall that was left. Also, the city had to fill in where the trees once stood.
“With 100-year-old trees they had pretty large bulbs which left large holes that had to be backfilled,” Rynbrandt said.
The cost for the tree removal was more than $500,000 and with like any budget, when something happens, you may have to shuffle a few things around, Rynbrandt said. So the city did a little rearranging of its almost $5 million parks and recreation budget, of which about $3 million comes from a 1.5 millage approved by Wyoming voters in the mid-1990s. The rest of the budget comes from grants at about $1.5 million and service and rental fees.
New trees to replace the ones taken down by the 2014 tornado at Ideal Park.
There is a lot left to do at Ideal Park — such as replacing the playground equipment, improve signage, adding a basketball court, establish a trailhead, and foliage and vegetation — which the city is hoping a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund will help cover some of the costs.
But Ideal Park is open and it’s a nice way to mark the month of July, which happens to be Parks and Recreation Month.
The current American Parks and Recreation system actually dates back to the early 1900s, when a growing concern for leisure activities gave birth to the recreation movement which had four components: the adult education movement; the development of national, state, and municipal parks, the establishment of voluntary organizations and the playground movement. Around 1935, many states were passing laws allowing local municipalities to operate parks and recreation departments and by the early 1940s, organized recreation services were firmly established in American life.
Today, Parks and Recreation Departments, like those in the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, offer a host of programs for all ages along with overseeing the care and maintenance of its parks.
The city of Wyoming has 21 parks totaling about 700 acres and a vast majority of the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget goes for the care and maintenance of those parks such as resurfacing projects, new fencing and tree replacement. It may not be as noticeable as new playground equipment other amenities, but such general maintenance is important in keeping the parks safe and vital for the community.
“If you are on the Wyoming Public Schools tennis team, you are going to notice the tennis courts have been resurfaced,” Rynbrandt said. “Someone who uses the baseball field 8 at Pinery Park is going to notice the new backstop and if you are a passionate dog owner, you are going to notice the new canine castle at the dog park.
Along with the resurfacing and redevelopment projects at Pinery, Lamar, Lemery, and Jackson, the 30-year-old exercise equipment at Pinery Park was replaced this year.
One of the bridges at Ideal Park.
But the parks are only one component of what the Parks and Recreation Department handles. The Department oversees the Wyoming Senior Center, which received security upgrades along with a new front entrance. The Department also provides support for special events such as the Concerts in the Park series run by the Wyoming Community Enrichment Program as well as community programs, such as the Pumpkin Patch and T.E.A.M. 21 Fun Run, and athletic programs such as the football program formerly run by the South Kent Recreation Association (SKRA).
And another of its biggest projects for the summer is the renovation of the Wyoming Library facility, which the city owns the building and Kent District Library owns the collection. The $800,000 project includes resurfacing the parking lot, new carpet and furniture and converting the former Book Warm Cafe into a new multipurpose area for meetings and other activities.
There is more on the horizon, Rynbrandt said. The city’s five-year parks plan shows more than $26 million in capital need, which includes major maintenance and replacing of assets such as playgrounds, fencing and trail work. Among those capital improvements is funding the master plans for Ferrand, Oriole Phase II, Jackson and Gezon.
After determining a developer had followed all the proper procedures required, the Wyoming City Council gave tentative approval to its first plat proposal in more than two years.
At its July 5 meeting, the Wyoming City Council followed the lead of the city’s Planning Commission and approved a tentative preliminary plat proposal, called The Greens of Wyoming, for a 13.15-arce parcel located off 56th Street not far from Gezon Parkway. Developer of the site is Sniper One LLC.
The tentative proposal calls for 39 lots to be built on the property with a straight road running about the full length of the site with a cul-de-sac at the end. The development is designed to connect with the Palmer Park subdivision to the east of it with Mulligan Drive being extended. Mulligan Drive is designated by the city to eventually link all the subdivisions over to Burlingame Avenue.
Many of the residents in the Palmer Park subdivision attended the meeting in opposition of the project citing a number of concerns including that the full engineering on the plan was not included and existing drainage problems that could increase if the plat is put in.
“I really don’t see how we can deny this project,” said City Councilmember Dan Burrill, who sits on the Planning Commission as the council’s representative. Burrill pointed out that the plat meets all the requirements set forth by the city including fitting the zoning for that area which is R-1 Residential.
City Manager Curtis Holt said it has been some time since the city council has had to review a plat. In fact, the last plat project brought to the city was the Rivertown Valley III located just south of 56th Street on Nile Drive. That plat’s final approval was in 2014.
A portion of the tentative preliminary site plan for the Greens of Wyoming.
For the City of Wyoming, the platting of property is a three-step process. The first step is the tentative preliminary plat which authorizes the basic lot sizes and orientation and street layout. The second step is the preliminary plat approval which will include the engineering detail for the construction of the plat. The last step is the final plat approval.
City Planner Tim Cochran said the city has a number of similar blocks of land like The Greens of Wyoming that could be developed especially now that the housing market seems to have stabilized. In fact, just west of The Greens of Wyoming property is another undeveloped parcel of land.
Residents especially were concerned about the overall layout of the plat and drainage issues. Because of the narrowness of the property, staff said there is not much more the developer could do as far as layout. The property does meet zoning with its 10,000-square-foot lots, which residents noted does not fit in with the current lot sizes of the existing properties.
As for drainage issues, Wyoming Department of Public Works Director Bill Dooley said after the June Planning Commission meeting, his staff investigated if it had received any complaints and did not find any on record. Mayor Jack Poll said staff will get back with residents on the drainage concerns.
Dooley said it’s good when residents do voice their concerns as it makes city staff and officials aware of what has been happening in a specific area and to make sure those concerns are addressed.
The developer can now move forward to get engineering and other requirements for the preliminary plat approval. This includes having the plan reviewed by the Kent County Drain Commissioner’s office.
Grand Rapids Plastics, 4220 Roger B. Chaffee Blvd. SW., Wyoming, closed its doors in April. The Wyoming City Council decided to revoke the company’s abatements at its July 5 meeting.
After learning promises were not being kept, the Wyoming City Council decided to revoke a former business’s tax abatements a month earlier than planned in an effort to capture about $200,000 in taxes.
At its last council meeting, the Wyoming City Council unanimously voted to revoke the three tax abatements granted to Grand Rapids Plastics.
The company, with a home address of 4220 Roger B. Chaffee, closed its doors April 15. According to city officials, Chemical Bank seized the company’s assets after Fiat Chrysler ended its contracts with Grand Rapids Plastics with the city not being notified of the closure but staff learning through other means.
At a May council meeting, representatives from Chemical Bank and the former owner, Art Bolt, requested the city delay revoking the abatements as, according to bank officials, they were working to find someone to take over the existing business. The council agreed to table the action until its Aug. 4 meeting.
Since that meeting, City Manager Curtis Holt said staff learned promises to the city were not being kept in that the equipment had been tagged for an auction and an auctioneer had been hired. The city staff is not aware of anyone interested in the business and that bank officials acknowledged that they were aware of the abatements and that the money was owed.
Chris Meyer, an attorney representing Chemical Bank, presented a letter to council at the July 5 meeting stating that it is the bank’s position that the sudden lost of the Fiat Chrysler contract did meet the “unforeseen circumstance” requirement and that the city should not revoke the abatements. Meyer said if the city went through in the revocation process, the money would not immediately comeback but it would be considered an unsecured debt as it is a penalty that the company took out the abatements.
However Sandra Hamilton, from the law firm Clark Hill and who has worked with the city treasurer’s office and the state treasurer’s office on tax collection issues, said the city would have a super lien against the property which means the city would be given higher priority than all other types of liens including any liens Chemical Bank currently holds.
Hamilton has stated that an unforeseen circumstance is usually associated with a natural disaster such as a fire or “act of God.” She said the state treasurer’s office has already filed jeopardy assessments agains the company for taxes. The city’s revocation would go to the State Tax Commission which has the authority to revoke a tax abatement certificate.
Mayor Jack Poill said he contends that a new business interested in the current site is going to want new abatements versus abatements that only have about six years left.
Grand Rapids Plastics had three abatements. One that was amended in 2007 for $1.2 million for personal property and another one that was for $1 million for personal property in 2008. Both of these were for 12 years. There also is a full abatement for $615,931 granted in 2011 for 10 years for personal property accusation. The total taxes owed to the city is about $212,000, $180,00 is the abatement taxes and around $33,000 is the personal property taxes for 2016.
The gypsy moth has been the bane of the northeastern and Midwestern U.S. (and Canada) for nigh on over a century now.
Originally introduced to the U.S. as a possible alternative to the finicky silkworm (which favors only mulberry leaves), the hardy gypsy moth has a voracious appetite for oak trees as well as several species of trees of shrubs, including (in alphabetical order): apple, aspen, basswood, birch, hawthorns, poplar, speckled alder (not to be confused with pickled herring), sweet gum and willow, to name a few. Older larvae feed on Atlantic white cypress, cottonwood, hemlock, pine and spruce. All told, these things will eat more than 300 different species of trees.
Before getting too far into the meat of the matter — which is, admittedly, overwhelming — there are some things we can do, and I won’t leave you high and dry. You’ll find tips at the end of this essay.
A single gypsy moth caterpillar can consume 11 square feet of vegetation during its lifetime; the presence of millions of caterpillars can defoliate13 million acres of treesin the United States in just one season.
Normally, nature’s creatures keep each other in check. So, what accounts for the millions of trees that are decimated each year by gypsy moth larvae? As with most unnatural disasters, this one arose out of human greed and error — a failed attempt to cultivate a silk industry in America. We should know better.
Here, then, is the sordid tale of an enterprise gone very, very wrong.
The man also had a beard
Picture, if you will, a Frenchman in the mid-1800s.
A man with a moustache. A man with an entrepreneurial spirit. A man who saw an opportunity and without an iota of thought for the future, just went for it.
That man was Étienne Léopold Trouvelot, an artist and astronomer who showed real talent in those fields. Some examples of his work are shown here (also scroll down).
Originally from Aisne, France, Trouvelot and his family were forced to flee Louis Napoleon’s coup d’état in 1852. They settled in Medford, Massachusetts at 27 Myrtle St., where our proud, little breadwinner supported himself and his family as an artist and astronomer, painting lovely pictures of the planets as he saw them. We can only assume his renderings were the result of a creative eye and not mind-altering substances.
Jupiter as Étienne Léopold Trouvelot saw it. Trouvelot was an artist and astronomer who should have stuck to sketching and star gazing
A pause here to reflect: I personally know dozens of artists would would kill to have the opportunity to make a living with their art. But it just wasn’t enough for Trouvelot.
No, sirree.
Indeed, one day, during one of his random, no doubt fitful, musings, the Frenchman decided, “Eureka! I shall study Entomology!” (from Greek ἔντομον, entomon “insect”; and -λογία, -logia)—the scientific study of insects, a branch of zoology.
Only he likely decided this in French.
And on that fateful day, life as all future inhabitants of the northeastern and Midwestern US of A would come to know it, was forever altered.
Planet Mars by Trouvelot
Actually, this should come as no surprise. Trouvelot’s interest coincided with a nineteenth-century fad—raising silkworms to become rich beyond belief. After all, silk had been a symbol of great wealth for centuries.
At its zenith, the silk trade reached as far as the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa. So extensive was this trade that the major routes between Europe and Asia came to be known as the Silk Road.
Silk route
In ancient times, silk from China was an incredibly profitable and desirable luxury item. People from Persia and many other civilizations benefited mightily from its trade.
Fast-forward to the mid-1860s, in Medford, Massachusetts…
…where our anti-hero, Trouvelot, had became utterly fixated on the biology and culture of worms — silkworms, specifically — because what man in his right mind would ignore an opportunity to become richer than his wildest dreams?
To his credit, Trouvelot was meticulous with his research comparing the qualities of silk produced by a variety of native North American silkworms. After a time, he concluded that Antheraea Polyphemus (NOT a gypsy moth) showed the greatest possibilities for commercial silk production. This species occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada, feeds on several hardwood species, and is reported to produce a very high-quality silk.
Courtesy of Purdue UniversityAll fine and dandy. But our guy was obsessed. For eight years, from 1860 until at least 1868, Trouvelot developed techniques for mass rearing A. Polyphemus. Seriously, I can think of so many other, vastly more interesting things to pursue for one year, let alone eight.
Experiments rearing larvae on cut foliage were “meh” at best; these things preferred living saplings. At the peak of his operation, our guy had more than a million larvae under culture in a five-acre wooded area behind his house. I can’t begin to imagine how he managed to cover the entire area with nets, but that he did, to discourage birds from feeding upon his little darlings.
“The first year I found only two caterpillars.”
Not content to limit his experiments to species native to North America, in the late 1860s, Trouvelot brought home a shipment of live gypsy moth eggs upon his return from a trip to Europe. His plan was to crossbreed gypsy moths with a silk-producing North American species to develop a strain resistant to the protozoan disease, Nosema bombycis, which had decimated the silk industry in much of Europe.
He soon learned that the species were incompatible for breeding. Nonetheless, he kept a few gypsy moths in a room in his house. As souvenirs, perhaps?
Who can say?
And he continued researching. He fed his caterpillars. He nurtured them. He raised them as his very own. And he watched in awe as they cycled through the egg/larvae/pupae/moth stages. These little buggers ate anything. And, they produced silk, dammit!
Then, Mr. Trouvelot had the unmitigated gall to write about it.
Poor Trouvelot! One could almost feel sorry for him. The first year, he found just two insects, one half dead and the other still in its cocoon, refusing to emerge.
“Imagine my anxiety; it was a year lost,” lamented Trouvelot in his journal.
Indeed. But our anti-hero was tenacious if nothing else, and he wasn’t about to let the little matter of the absence of insects to derail his mission. And so, the second year, he found a dozen worms and studied them further to learn more about their habits. His patience was rewarded.
“It is astonishing how rapidly the larva grows, and one who has no experience in the matter could hardly believe what an amount of food is devoured by these little creatures.”
This went on for a few more years, as our dear Frenchman became expert in cultivating his little pretties. He describes his efforts in detail in his treatise, The American Silk Worm.
About the gypsy moth, he made this astute observation:
“What a destruction of leaves this single species of insect could make if only a one-hundredth part of the eggs laid came to maturity! A few years would be sufficient for the propagation of a number large enough to devour all the leaves of our forests.”
Really?
As Murphy’s Law is wont to dictate, in 1868 or 1869, several of Trouvelot’s gypsy moths — not content within the confines of four walls and probably feeling neglected (really, who could blame them?) — escaped the room in which he kept them. It is written that he was quite upset about the incident and it is thought that he “publicly” announced it, having become “all too aware” of the danger of a species like this run amok.
Gypsy moth pupae (ugh… I can’t even…)
Soon after his experiment, Trouvelot gave up on the worms, returned to art and astronomy and by 1882, had gone back to France. Shortly thereafter, his old neighborhood suffered an enormous gypsy moth infestation. Residents were at first intrigued, but that was short-lived.
And just as Mr. Trouvelot had postulated, the gypsy moth became one of the most destructive pests of trees and shrubs to ever be introduced into the United States. Since 1970, gypsy moths have defoliated more than 75 million acres in the United States.
So, here we are, more than 100 years later, still dealing with this foppish mess.
It’s now up to us to help prevent the further spread of this destructive pest, and this includes inspecting and removing gypsy moth egg masses from household goods before moving from an infested to a non-infested area.
Caterpillars on the side of a shedFrass (i.e., caterpillar poop) on a picnic tableCaterpillars on a garden gnomeThese creatures have absolutely no redeeming qualities, especially at the pupae stage.
And these things are everywhere, from the undercarriages of campers and cars to mailboxes, to the siding of houses and the surfaces of rocks. Even innocent garden gnomes and picnic tables. You name it, and they are likely to be there.
On the plus side, they’re not fond of American holly, American sycamore, ash trees, balsam fir, black walnut, butternut, catalpa, cedar, cucumber trees, flowering dogwood, mountain laurel, rhododendron shrubs and tulip-trees, so be sure to plant plenty of these, BUT the worms will make an exception when densities are very high.
Is all hope lost? Well, maybe a goodly portion of hope is forever gone, but I offer you here, at no extra charge, a handy-dandy little guide:
First, is it a Gypsy moth? These are the telltale signs:
The nasty little caterpillars emerge from tan, fuzzy egg masses in April and feed on leaves through late June
Caterpillars are hairy, with a yellow and black head and 5 pairs of blue spots, followed by 6 pairs of red spots. They fancy themselves fashionable; they are not.
Mature caterpillars are 1.5 to 2 inches in length. They start out tiny and molt several times. Each time they molt, their appetite increases exponentially.
Leaf debris and small, round frass (i.e., insect larvae excrement) found under trees are indications of gypsy moth infestation. Apparently the mention of “excrement” is off-putting to civilians, so “frass” it is.
Male moths’ wings have a wavy pattern of brown to dark brown and span 1.5 inches.
Female moths are larger than males and do not fly. Wings are white to cream with wavy black markings
These guys do not pitch tents. Thank goodness for small favors. That is the domain of the tent caterpillar, an altogether different pest.
A gypsy moth caterpillar who fancies himself fashionable
Habitat:
Gypsy moths most often feed on the leaves of oak and aspen but can also be found on hundreds of other plant species.
Native Range:
Europe and Asia
U.S. Distribution:
Northeastern U.S. west to Minnesota
Local Concern:
Gypsy moth caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving trees vulnerable to diseases and other pests, which may lead to tree mortality.
During large outbreaks, debris and frass (again, excrement) from feeding caterpillars can be disruptive to outdoor activities. Those strange messes you’ve seen on picnic tables and had no clue as to what they were? Now you know.
Hitching a ride in an undercarriage of a vehiclePathways of Spread:
Though female moths do not fly, small caterpillars can be blown by the wind to other trees.
Gypsy moth egg masses and pupae can be unknowingly transported on firewood, vehicles and recreational gear.
Short distance dispersal of this species happens by way of “ballooning”—where caterpillars are windblown and dispersed (think: hot air ballooning). Humans unwittingly transport egg-laden materials as females will lay their egg masses anywhere, including on man-made objects such as vehicles.
The City of Wyoming is doing something about it. Get involved!
The city is surveying neighborhoods for the presence of gypsy moths and their larva. Formal gypsy moth assessments take place in the fall to determine if the following spring will provide the best opportunity for treatment. Go here to learn about Wyoming’s suppression efforts and to complete a survey — the city wants to know where you see ’em. Plus, here’s a map where suppression efforts are in progress. More info here, too.
Check under your eavesThere are several techniques you can use to help suppress this pest. Below are some articles that will help you understand the gypsy moth, its treatment and what we can use to minimize this pest on our property.
WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters. Note: Wyoming City Council seats are nonpartisan and decided at the Aug. 2 primary.
2nd Ward
The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward Council area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits.
Richard Kent Pastoor – Incumbent
Occupation: Worked in sales and broadcasting. Has been on the Wyoming City Council since 2001
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“Well, I was appointed to the 2nd Ward back in March of 2001 and liked it, so I decided to run again in 2003. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I’ve met some great people. I try to serve the people and I love being able to help them.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“Most of that area is in my ward and the people over there have always felt slighted and cheated that the City ignored them. That the business ventures stopped at Burlingame. I hope it’s something that takes off and benefits the businesses in the area. I would like to see all of 28th Street re-birthed.”
Jeremy Bakken – Candidate
Occupation: Senior Director at Lambert Edwards and Associates
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“I’ve been involved with the city for years as a member of the Wyoming Community Enrichment program and I have enjoyed my time serving. I joined after wanting to see a fireworks show in Wyoming and we now have one with the WY-FI event. I want to do more and help Wyoming stay great.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I’m excited about it. That section has seen a lot of change and it will be great for the area and for the businesses. Visually it will look great and the new design will give people space to walk around.”
Marissa K. Postler – Candidate
Occupation: Works at Costco Warehouse
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 2nd Ward?
“I was frustrated with Millennials engagement into politics. I want to bring more people into politics in order to give a more accurate representation of the community. With a median age of just over 30, the City Council needs more diversity to properly represent the City of Wyoming.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I’d love it as long as we get the right types of businesses in. With young people taking advantage of the low housing market in Wyoming, we need to keep them here. A new 28 West has the potential to increase Wyoming’s appeal.”
3rd Ward
The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward Council area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its’ western border is Burlingame Avenue.
Tamara I. Lopez – Candidate
Occupation: Lawyer
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?
“As a lifelong resident of Wyoming, I believe it is important to give back to the community that contributed so much to my upbringing. My calling in life as a lawyer is to be an advocate for my clients and I feel representing the 3rd Ward would be natural for me.”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“It will impact the City immensely and will bring back a part of Wyoming that used to be thriving. It will offer a distinct shopping district with stores that serve the local market and meet the demands of the city’s ever changing consumer demographic.”
Rusty Richter – Candidate
Occupation: Twenty-seven years as a commercial real estate broker and property manager
Residence: Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?
“I’ve lived in Wyoming my whole life and so have my parents and their parents. In order to keep the solid foundation the city is built on, you have to be involved to make sure it remains sound and sensible”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“I think it’s an important project for Wyoming. It has to be competitive in growing business development and the project will help with that. It will also help Wyoming develop a downtown feel.”
Robert D. Postema
Due to a family emergency, Robert was not able to make it in to film a video message to the voters.
Occupation: Engineer / Part Owner of Richard Postema Associates PC, Architects & Engineers
Residence: 36 years in Wyoming
Why did you decide to run for the City of Wyoming 3rd Ward?
“I am running for election because I believe I have the experience and critical thinking necessary to properly guide the decisions made by the City Council. I have consistently shown in my work the desire to fully understand an issue and make a thoughtful, common-sense decision on how to proceed. I grew up in Wyoming, raised my own family here and own a business in Wyoming. I want Wyoming to continue to be a great place to live, raise a family, and run a business. I am committed to limited government, being accessible and accountable, fiscal responsibility, strong public safety, and smart growth. ”
With the announcement that the 28 West project is moving forward, how do you feel it will impact the City of Wyoming?
“The 28 West project is the catalyst that should help drive new development in Wyoming’s DDA. Redevelopment often is about momentum with new development driving more new development. The city needs to work promote the area and also needs to remain flexible enough to work with developers on concepts that may not have been envisioned in the 28 West plan but hold true to the plan’s ultimate goals.”
All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters. Only contested races where the field would be narrowed or decided at the primary on August 2 were included.
As summer is upon us and we’re more likely to interact with our neighbors, I want to reflect on the importance of respect and kindness in our City.
Our own actions, however small, can change our community for the better. Even small things can make a big difference. Performing random acts of kindness can spread goodwill throughout Wyoming.
These may include:
Holding the door for the person behind you
Picking up litter in the street, in the parking lots or in our parks
Taking someone else’s cart back to the grocery store
Helping plant or weed your neighbor’s garden
Saying “thank you” to service members
Simply saying hello and smiling when you pass someone
I urge all of our citizens, businesses and school districts to be involved, informed, and to support and promote civility and kindness
Summer Activities in Wyoming
Splash pad at Lamar Park
Beat the summer vacation slump with these activities taking place in the City of Wyoming in July.
The Wyoming Community Enrichment Commission Concerts in the Park will take place at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW.
All Concerts in the Park events are free to attend. Each concert features a theme, giveaways, games and competitions for kids and adults, as well as inflatable bounce-house equipment. Local, affordable, and healthy food options are available for purchase from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
July concerts include:
The Kentwood Community Church Worship Band with gospel and world music on July 5.
The Legal Immigrants with indie folk rock on July 12.
Jared Knox with modern country music on July 19.
The Crane Wives with Americana Folk music on July 26.
The Metro Health Farm Market at Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, is open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. each Thursday in July.
The market attracts visitors from all over West Michigan. In addition to farm-fresh produce, offerings include baked goods, flowers and plants, homemade foods, hand-crafted items and more from about 60 different vendors. The market features free parking and fun, family friendly events throughout the summer months.
Wyoming Parks and Recreation and Senior Center activities and events include technology, art, dance and fitness classes, day trips, social services and educational programs.
To browse summer activity brochures, get more information and to register for classes and events, visit the City of Wyoming website at wyomingmi.gov.
The City of Wyoming took a giant step forward on its 28 West project by entering into a development agreement with Wyoming Mall Monday night.
The 28 West sign located in front of the former Studio 28 property. Construction for the 28 West project will actually start just east on the Wyoming Mall property. Above is the original 28 West marketing video.
In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming City Council accepted a $1.6 million agreement with Wyoming Mall, LLC, to facilitate the mall owner’s construction and demolition projects, and the relocation of city water, sewer and storm water lines and construction of a new public street. The actual cost to the city will be about $1.2 million for the relocation of city services and construction of the road. The developer’s costs is around $113,000 with there being a 25 percent contingency, around $322,000, for the entire project.
“The Wyoming Mall approached us about doing some major reconstruction/demolition on their property,” said Mayor Jack Poll during Monday night’s council meeting. Mall officials indicated they were ready to allow the city to put in a public road since they were planning to teardown the north end of the mall where Once Upon A Child is located and add a new structure along the northwest side of the building, Poll said.
City Manager Curtis Holt said the city is in active discussions with Loeks Theatre Inc. which owns the Studio 28 property just to the west of the Wyoming Mall. It is the goal of the city to acquire property for the proposed road to continue through with an egress across from Hook Avenue located on the north side of 28th Street between Applebee’s and Anzah Sands West. Proposed land acquisition and construction of the road on the Studio 28 lot is estimated about around $708,000. The entire project from Michael Avenue to Hook Avenue is estimated to be around $2.2 million.
Holt said the city plans to put the project out to bid with the goal of completing the entire road project from Michael to Hook within the next few months.
Because of the Wyoming Mall owners’ decision to move forward with construction, it gave the city an opportunity to officially start its 28 West concept which is a reimagining of the south side of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame into a mixed-use town center with new complete streets and compact blocks. Part of that plan features a curving slip street to be the center’s new “main street.” That street is proposed to start on the south side of 28th Street across from Hook Avenue to Jenkins Avenue, which runs next to the former Klingman/Rogers Department Store building. A portion of the road runs straight through the Wyoming Mall property which is bordered by the former Studio 28 site on the west side and Michael Avenue on the east.
Adopted in December of 2013, the 28 West plan has a form-based code, which is a land development regulation that fosters predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form rather than separation of uses. Form-based codes address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and types of streets and blocks. 28 West calls for an increase in retail space with a mix of office and residential space.
City officials have been working on the 28 West concept for the past couple of years acknowledging that they knew it would take several years for the plan to materialize. With Wyoming Mall officials’ announcement that they had decided to remodel its facility at 28th Street and Michael Avenue construction of the first part of the 28 West could begin, Poll said.
Plans for Wyoming Mall include removing the north end of the mall and adding a new building to the northwest side of the current facility.
City officials said this is a first good step on the project and they hope it will help encourage growth along the corridor and future development of the 28 West project.
Construction on the site should start soon, Holt said, adding that the city can not begin the road until the demolition at Wyoming Mall is completed . In fact, mall officials want construction to start on the new building so quickly that they are willing to build on top of existing utilities instead of waiting for the city to move those utilities. The council approved a second agreement with Wyoming Mall Monday night that mall officials assume any risk for doing this so that the mall could begin construction.
Through planning and controlling costs over the past several years, the City of Wyoming had good news with its 2017 budget: the city is recovering from the economic downturn the state experienced about six years ago.
The City of Wyoming, like many Michigan municipalities, faced challenging times when the housing market decline that caused the city’s taxable value to drop. Coupled with the fact that the State of Michigan has diverted state money away from Michigan municipalities since 2002 – about a $2 million lost annually for the City of Wyoming – city officials have worked to provide the same level of services to its residents with less income.
And the city has succeed in doing just that, according to City Manager Curtis Holt. The 2017 budget is about $105.4 million, a 4.7 percent increase over last year with no scheduled increases in the local millage and sewer and water rates. In fact, the city’s millage will remain the same as it has been for the past two years at 11.9073 mills.
“Compared to similar cities we maintain a very low cost per capita for the services we provide,” City Manager Curtis Holt said. “The leaning of the organization hasn’t stopped service delivery, though. We’re committed to investing in technology and training to continue to provide better service and greater value while ensuring the safety of residents and city employees. This year’s budget reflects our work to maximize every tax dollar we receive.”
In fact, staffing levels have decreased from 2006’s 402 to 345.5, but this does include the addition of five and half new positions to the city including a part-time firefighter program introduced in 2016, which continues to provide significant overtime cost savings, while improving response times and firefighter coverage.
Other positive factors impacting the city’s 2017 budget include the state’s 17 percent increase in road funding which will allow the city to spend down some of its reserves in its street funds; the relocation of the Wyoming’s public safety dispatch operations and the refinancing of two water bonds and the anticipated payoff of one water bond.
Residents will see an increase in property tax of about 1.97 percent, which is actually less than the 5.6 percent assessed value. The reason for this is that in 1994, Michigan voters approved Proposal A, which is designed to limit the growth in property taxes by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) until ownership in the property is transferred. The CPI is a statistic calculated by the State of Michigan that tracks the cost of living in Michigan.
Most property taxes are based on a capped value multiplied by the CPI or 5 percent, whichever is lower which has crimped how quickly Michigan municipalities such as Wyoming can recoup from when property values dropped in 2009. In fact, even with the slight property tax increase, making the city’s taxable value around $2.35 billion, the city’s overall taxable value is still about $338 million below the highs of 2009, when the housing market crashed. This represents a lost of about $1.6 million in revenues to the city, said Deputy Finance Director Rosa Ooms as she presented the council the 2017 budget at a meeting last month.
The lost of taxable value also has hit Wyoming’s Downtown Development Authority, whose budget was also approved by the council in May. While the council has adjusted the amount the DDA can capture, the current funding has limited what the authority has been able to do, Holt said.
Despite the fact that the city probably will not see its taxable values return to the levels of 2009 for about another 14 years, Wyoming residents will see several improvement projects taking place in the upcoming year such as work at several of the city parks including Palmer, Kelloggsville, Lemery and Pinery along with improvements at the Wyoming Senior Center, the reconstruction and widening of 56th Street from Ivanrest Avenue to Byron Center Avenue and upgrades to the Kent District Library Wyoming branch.
Mayor Jack Poll cited the City’s tradition of maintaining its fiscal stability and commended Holt for his work and commitment to balancing the budget. “Our city runs extremely efficiently thanks to the good work done by the city manager and our city employees,” Poll said. “They serve our community admirably while working to maintain a healthy and sustainable financial position.”
For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7272 or click here.
Realizing just how much the Wyoming Public Safety Department officers do for businesses, Harriet Sturim and her family, which owns Steve’s Antique Auto Repair, Inc., have been hosting the Wyoming Public Safety Appreciation Day, an event – with the help of Wyoming businesses – they are now making a community-wide celebration.
“When we started it, it was during a time when officers really weren’t being given the credit for what they do,” Sturim said during a recent phone interview. “As a business owner, we recognize the amount of time the officers take to check the businesses throughout the night, leaving their card to let owners know when they came by, and we just wanted to say thank you for that.”
This year, the Sturims along with the Wyoming Business Leaders, the business association the Sturims are a part of, decided to make the event a community “thank you” by having it Saturday, June 25, at the lodge at Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW. The event will run from 2 – 4 p.m.
Several area businesses, such as Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, Fresh Coast, and Marge’s Donut Den, have donated items from food to kids activities. More donations are welcomed and anyone interested can contact Sturim at 616-540-7675.
Depending on the needs of the city for that day, the Wyoming Public Safety Department and the Fire Department will have equipment on hand as well. Also scheduled to make an appearance is the K9 Unit.
“This is a great way to meet your police department,” Sturim said. “In this day and age, we feel it is really important for the young people to realize that these officers are friends and that if they need them for something, they are there for them.”
The City of Wyoming is weighing several different options for future carnival events.
Due to a late start followed by an early closure of its carnival, City of Wyoming officials expect its revenues to be “significantly” less than last year, coming in under $10,000, way below the $30,000 goal.
Wintry weather caused a delay in the opening of the spring carnival, moving the opening from Friday, April 8, to Monday, April 11. Despite the delay, city officials said if the weather cooperated, they felt they could make their goals.
The weather did turn warmer, but the city closed the carnival at various times on Thursday and Friday due to shooting incidents near the event. City officials officially announced the shutdown of the annual event at the former Studio 28 parking lot on the morning of April 16, about two days before the scheduled conclusion. City officials made the decision to close the carnival because of the shooting incidents. The first was on Thursday, April 14, when a 19-year-old man showed up at Metro Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. While witnesses to the shooting were uncooperative, Wyoming police officers believed the this shooting took place in the parking lot next to 1350 28th St. SW.
On Friday, April 15, officers heard a gunshot in a parking lot south of the carnival. The officers witnessed a vehicle leaving and made a traffic stop, discovering two guns and arresting three people on weapon charges. Both events are still under investigation.
“We are still working on the final numbers,” said Wyoming’s Community Services Director Rebecca Rynbrandt about the carnival, adding that the city is working with the carnival vendor on expenses he had to incur do to the early closure.
“We are expecting our portion to be significantly less than what we had hoped,” Rynbrandt said. She said that the estimated amount is less than $10,000. Last year, the city earned about $26,000. The money from the carnival is split between the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department and the Greater Wyoming Community Resource Alliance (GWRCA). The Parks and Recreation Department uses the money to help with park needs. The GWRCA funds youth scholarships and youth and family programming through the Parks and Recreation Department.
Rynbrandt said officials will be reviewing park needs and funding along with meeting with GWRCA to assess funding and programs.
As for the future of the carnival, Rynbrandt said the city is still reviewing all of its options.
“One thing people should be aware is that carnivals themselves are not bad and provide wonderful services in the city of Wyoming,” Rynbrandt said, emphasizing that none of the incidents took place at the carnival. Rynbrandt added that city officials want to wrap up this year’s event and then take a step back to look at everything such as location and time of year.
“Our number one priority is public safety,” Rynbrandt said. “As sponsor of the event we hold ourselves to a much higher accountability in that regards.”
Captain Kim Koster, from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety echoed the city’s commitment to safety of its residents and visitors. With safety at the forefront, Koster said the department is working with other organizers on upcoming city events.
“Our Department of Public Safety has and will continue to worked with the Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce and the participating businesses to determine and provide the appropriate level of police presence for the Metro Cruise, and we are always happy to work with other community organizations to plan for similar events.,” Koster said. “Similarly, public safety has worked with the Community Clean-Up Day [which takes place this Saturday] committee to determine the appropriate level of police presence for the day’s activities.”
The 62A District Court in Wyoming will be closed for the remainder of the day in order to address emergency water system repairs.
According to Court Administrator Chris Kirrmann, “A pipe burst. There is no water damage to the building. The 62A District Court building will open tomorrow as usual.”
Because of the closure, payments due to the court today on March 23 may be postponed until tomorrow, Thursday, March 24. All afternoon court appointments including preliminary hearings, probation appointments and other meetings will be rescheduled.
Court users with questions are encouraged to call 257-9823 and leave a message including their name, issue, and a phone number to return a call. A court representative will return the call by 5 p.m. today.
For further information, visit the City website at wyomingmi.gov.
Trees are not only beautiful, but they add many other benefits to a community
By: Mike DeWitt
What started as a routine tree removal ended up igniting an inner-passion in Wyoming resident, and former city commissioner, Greg Bryan.
“If the city was smart, they would’ve replaced my tree and this group never would’ve been created,” exclaimed Greg with a tinge of humor in his voice before getting serious once again. “When the city came in and chopped down my trees, I said to myself, ’this has to stop!’ So, I called [city council member] Kent Vanderwood and told him we have to do something.”
That ‘something’ has morphed itself into a group called the ‘Tree Amigos,’ a Wyoming, Michigan citizens committee supporting a vibrant tree canopy. The group started as a Neighborhood Watch campaign to raise awareness of the Gypsy moth blight in the Oriole Park neighborhood.
Now the group has a new focus: to establish a new commission centered on planting trees in the City of Wyoming. Ultimately, the goal is to have Wyoming become the 120th city in Michigan, and part of 3,400 communities nationwide, to become a part of Tree City USA. In order to achieve status as a member of Tree City USA, a community must meet four core standards of sound forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.
Wyoming’s former tree planting program
A tree planting program is nothing new for Wyoming. In fact, a program existed back in the 70’s to plant and install trees under contract by the township. However, the program ran out of money due to budget cuts and the city hasn’t planted trees since.
“There’s so much beauty and serenity in trees and the wildlife that comes with them. There are also huge health benefits as well,” explained Tree Amigos member Stelle Slootmaker on her decision to help lead the group.
Those benefits? Well, trees are extraordinarily energy-efficient. Amazingly, 100 trees remove 26 tons of CO2 and 300 pounds of pollutants from the air. They provide the net cooling effect of 1,000 air conditioners! The same number of trees can also intercept more than 200,000 gallons of rainwater each year, reducing the need for storm water controls, and providing cleaner water.
On top of reducing costs for the city over time, trees can also add market value to residential real estate. One large tree can add 10 percent.
While trees are helpful from a numbers perspective, they also benefit in ways that are more difficult to measure. Trees build strong ties to neighborhoods and communities. They help promote better psychological well-being and make people happier. More trees are linked to faster hospital recoveries, increased employee productivity, less crime, and reduction in stress and anxiety.
According to one survey, having on average 10 more trees in a city block improved how someone rated their health by a level comparable to an increase in annual personal income of $10,000, moving to a neighborhood with a $10,000 median income, or being seven years younger.
With all the benefits of trees, it seems like a no-brainer for the city to implement a tree planting plan. However, whenever there’s work to be done, there needs to be someone willing to take up the new workload. It’s always easier said than done.
That’s where the Tree Amigos come in. The group has already put in the time and effort to research the steps to make Wyoming a part of Tree City USA. They have also taken the time to present the idea of forming a new commission to the City Council. Most importantly, the Tree Amigos aren’t simply dropping the workload for someone else to pick up. They’re looking to be on the front line as volunteers wherever this effort takes them.
Stelle Slootmaker and Bill Brown addressing the Wyoming City Council
“It’s important to Greg. He represents a neighborhood that needs help with trees,” said Wyoming City Council Member Kent Vanderwood. “It’s the right response for us to get behind as a city. Whatever I can do to help, I’m going to do.”
Two members of the Tree Amigos, Stelle and Arborist Bill Brown, gave a formal presentation at the City Council meeting on February 8. They are meeting with the Council again this Wednesday, February 24, to talk about the next step.
Bill is hoping everyone is on the same page going forward, “I grew up in Wyoming. This is what I do everyday. I understand the importance of trees. It’s something Wyoming needs now.”
UPDATE: The City of Wyoming has published a FAQ sheet about the quality of our drinking water. Go here to download the pdf.
By Victoria Mullen
By now, you’re likely aware of the Flint water crisis—residents of Flint have been using contaminated drinking water beginning in April 2014, when the city switched water sources from treated Lake Huron water via Detroit to the Flint River. The idea was to save money, but the corrosive river water, with its lower pH and higher saline content, eroded the protective coatings in household lead pipes, exposing bare metal and allowing lead to leach into the water supply.
Even though Flint residents had been complaining about the quality and odor of the water since mid to late 2014, state officials didn’t acknowledge the situation until the late fall of 2015. By then, between 6,000 and 12,000 Flint residents had already presented with severely high lead levels in their blood and a wide range of serious health problems. An outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease that killed 10 people and sickened 77 may also be linked to the change.
The crisis is both tragic and ironic. Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, a huge source of drinking water for many cities and towns. This never should have happened. (As an aside, the Flint water crisis has caused such an uproar that it now has its own Wikipedia page.)
Why is lead so dangerous?
It’s a heavy metal that doesn’t belong in the human body. When you ingest helpful minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc, your body distributes it to the bloodstream, nervous system, tissues and organs. The same goes for lead, which can cause harm wherever it ends up. For example, in the bloodstream, lead can damage red blood cells, limiting their ability to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues. This can cause anemia. In the brain and nervous system, it can be disastrous.
Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. The kids in Flint affected by this crisis will have lifelong health and learning deficits.
We take a lot for granted At the turn of the 20th century in the U.S., the life expectancy for men was only 48 years; for women, it was 52. Compare that to 75 and 80, respectively, in 2000. Common outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera and dysentery took a huge toll on human life.
The addition of chlorine to drinking water in 1908 resulted in a dramatic decline in fatalities from waterborne illnesses.
And we use a lot of water Just turn on the tap and voila!, safe drinking water, right? Since 1966, City of Wyoming’s water treatment capacity has grown from 32 million gallons per day to 90 million gallons per day. We sell some of the water to Kentwood
, Byron Center and Gaines Township, so as a bonus, Wyoming residents pay less for their water than Grand Rapids residents do. Plant improvements have occurred over the years to accommodate continued growth in the region. As changes in our region occur, the Drinking Water Plant will continue to evolve.
Five years ago, Wyoming’s Lakeshore water plant north of Holland pumped about 30 million gallons to more than 220,000 users in 13 communities each day. Water use varies with the seasons; more water is used in the hot summer months. In 2011, Wyoming spent $73 million expanding the plant, increasing the daily capacity to 120 million gallons—an annual capacity of about 44 billion gallons.
While the City of Wyoming is responsible for providing high-quality drinking water, it cannot control the variety of materials used in household plumbing. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can lower the risk of lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.
Could a Flint-like crisis happen to us here in the City of Wyoming and Kentwood? The answer is no, and here’s why: We’ve been using Lake Michigan as our source for drinking water since 1966 and will continue to do so. The water is treated before it reaches your tap.
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) that limit the amount of certain contaminants in our drinking water. Wyoming’s water treatment process provides multiple barriers, including clarification, filtration and disinfection, to lower the risk of contaminants in finished tap water. In 2014, monitoring of treated water samples from the lakeshore treatment plant yielded a 100% contaminant removal rate, highlighting the effectiveness of the treatment system in microscopic particle removal.
Testing is also performed to detect the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which are protozoan parasites that occur in natural surface waters such as lakes, rivers and streams.
Each year, the City of Wyoming sends out a water quality report to its residents. In 2014, water quality met and exceeded all state and federal guidelines for safe drinking water.
For more information about our drinking water, go here.
An Alpha Wolf is someone who stands out from the pack in everything they do. Not only is the Alpha Wolf a power by themselves, but they’re at their strongest when they can impact others. An Alpha Wolf is always proactive in helping others and strives to set the standard for those around them. On a scale of 1 to 10, the Alpha Wolf is an 11 in everything they do.
This Thursday – January 28 – for the first time, Wyoming High School will be honoring six students in an assembly as ‘Alpha Wolf 11 Champions of Character’ for their exemplary character inside the school walls. Every student is eligible for the award.
The award recognizes students for character and treating others with kindness and compassion at Wyoming High School. Being an Alpha Wolf 11 has nothing to do with what a student does in extracurriculars after school, but instead focuses on what they do during school hours, as people, to make the school a better place.
Wyoming High School faculty, support staff and administration all have a say in selecting six students, two from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes, to honor with the award. During the ceremony, the six winners will be introduced with a personal description of why they were selected. A banner will then be revealed in the gymnasium recognizing the Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character winners.
The Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character award will be presented in front of the entire student body, special guests from the Wyoming community, school administration, and the Wyoming Board of Education Members in a ceremony at the end of each school semester. A special guest speaker will be there to commemorate the event.
Not only will the students be given recognition in front of their peers and school administrators, but each student will receive a framed Alpha Wolf 11 Champion of Character certificate, lanyard, and their name placed on two large banners that will be displayed in the gymnasium and near the main office entrance of the building.
It’s a way for students to be celebrated for the little things they do to make a school environment friendly and something fun to be a part of. When the world asks for a 10, step up and give an 11.
WKTV will carry full video coverage of the assembly.
Mayor Poll address Wyoming during the annual State of the City
By: Mike DeWitt
While national news outlets are pumping out stories of local governments and authorities gone awry – think Flint water crisis and numerous police scandals – the City of Wyoming is a beacon of shining light in government balance and transparency.
On Monday, January 18th, Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll delivered the annual State of the City address in front of the Wyoming City Council and residence in attendance. Mayor Poll’s message shed light on Wyoming’s growing business and building development, productive and advancing city services, and the government’s consistent fiscal responsibility.
“We wish to keep our city financially strong while maintaining the valued services we provide,” said Mayor Poll during the address. “We must continue to build our foundation for the future.”
Back in 2010, Wyoming’s largest taxpayer, the JM Stamping Plant, left and taxable values of homes dropped. Now in 2016, the taxable home values have leveled off and improved. In fact, home tax values went up by 5 percent from the beginning to the end of the year. That trend is expected to continue in 2016 and keep improving until 2025 when tax dollars will reach the levels they were at back in 2008.
“Development in the city was strong in 2015,” added Mayor Poll. “Construction values totaled more than 44 million dollars. A 7% increase over the previous year.”
Part of that was due to three businesses – Zeeland Lumber and Supply, the Habitat for Humanity Restore, and the Well Mannered Dog Center – reopening their doors after taking damage from the tornado that hit Ideal Park in 2014.
Not only is Wyoming seeing development in the private sector, but the city is constantly looking to improve its services to better serve the residents of Wyoming.
Last year, all four of Wyoming’s fire stations were ready and open during peak time. This year, the city is expecting to reach their goal of 80 firefighters ready for emergency in the city. Wyoming is also equipped for a potential ice storm in the winter or a swift flood come spring.
Quick Response Vehicle
The city utilized two Quick Response Vehicles (QRV) this past year to up the efficiency of city services. QRV’s led to an overall reduction in response time as three fires were quelled by QRV’s before the larger engines arrived. The city is strongly considering adding a third to the fleet in 2016.
Police officers consistently visit local businesses, business meetings, and perform off hour business checks to keep communication flowing throughout the community and to keep local business owners safe. Plans for program and high school advisory groups are being set to educate the community on police procedures, gather feedback, and to better understand the issues the Wyoming community faces.
On top of improved emergency services and communication, families and businesses in Wyoming continue to benefit from water and sewage rates that are the best in the state. The public works department provides safe drinking water, sanitation, roads and plowing all while operating in a financially responsible way.
“Our financial responsibility is perhaps most evident in our successful early payoff of capital debt in 2015,” said Mayor Poll.
That eliminated debt includes an early payoff of six physical buildings that are owned by the city. The buildings include the library, city hall, police station, motor pool, and two fire stations.
As the City of Wyoming continues to build and grow, the city council insists on staying transparent. Mayor Poll’s hope for 2016 is that more Wyoming citizens look to get involved with city government, Every city council meeting is open to the public, and if you can’t make the meeting, they’re broadcasted live on WKTV and can be reviewed online.
“As I have now started my seventh year, it is truly my honor and sincere privilege to serve as the Mayor of the City of Wyoming,” proclaimed Mayor Poll. “My hope and prayer is that this year we all continue to build on that tradition of success.”
It took awhile, but Michigan finally decided it was time to let winter out of the basement and into the living room. With winter comes a barrage of snow that accumulates because of our trusted old friend Lake Michigan and its gift of ‘lake effect’ weather.
With snow comes the need to keep our roads and sidewalks plowed in order to keep citizen traffic flowing smoothly. A snow shoveled sidewalk keeps citizens walking on the sidewalks and off of the roads. It’s going to be a team effort to keep the sidewalks snow free this winter.
In the City of Wyoming, the City has a contractor hired to keep the sidewalks cleared. However, if there aren’t at least two inches of snowfall by 10 p.m., the contractor has to wait until the morning to start clearing. During that time the snow can get packed down, making it difficult to clear.
While the City does hire a service to clear the roads and sidewalks, it’s also up to the citizens and the business owners to do their part to keep the sidewalks cleared! Even if you don’t use the sidewalks, your neighbors might, and it’s your responsibility to make sure your portion of the sidewalk is snow free!
Take pride in your sidewalk and help make the City of Wyoming a safer place this winter.
Another year has come and gone. Here at Wyoming-Kentwood NOW, we take a look back at the year that was with some of our favorite, and most memorable, stories from here in Wyoming.
After almost 15 years on the job, former Wyoming Deputy City Manager Barbara Van Duren retired. Her retirement was celebrated at the Wyoming Public Library to make room for all the people in attendance! 28th West, the re-development of 28th street, was a project close to Barbara’s heart. In the words of Barbara Van Duren, “28th streets needs a facelift.”
One Wyoming 1 on 1 offers mentors the opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives. Not only that, but the children will make just as big–if not bigger–of an impact on you! Deb Havens shares her story on mentoring Amber and the bond they’ve created.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recognized their top employees. Among those honored was Jason Caster for Officer of the year, Brian Illbrink as Firefighter of the Year, Terra Wesseldyk as Civilian of the Year, and Lt. Kirt Zuiderveen received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence.
March is a special time for basketball lovers of all ages! The MHSAA playoffs kicked into full gear with multiple schools from the Wyoming area vying for a State Championship.
Harriet Sturim, a proud Wyoming homeowner since 1977, highlights some new and positive building in the city. From the new Veterans Clinic in Metro Village to the new businesses on 28th and 36th street, the City of Wyoming is continuing the city’s growth of vision and progress.
Wyoming’s, and most like Kent County’s, oldest home was put up for sale in 2015. For the first time in 179 years, the ‘Rogers Mansion’ was put on the market for someone outside the Rogers family. The house comes with the original skeleton key to unlock the front door. History is all around us.
General Motors used 2015 to invest in their Burton location with capital and full-time job opportunities. $119 million and 300 jobs were announced in June and another $43 million 55 new jobs were announced later in December! A reinvestment in West Michigan manufacturing is sometime to get excited about.
Wyoming continues to add new businesses to the area. Three new businesses found a home at the corner of Clyde Park and 44th Street. A four-story WoodSpring Hotel, a Fox Powersports, and a J&H Mobil Station with a Tim Horton’s right next-door broke in the dirt.
The Pinery Park Little League was in troubled water as they risked losing their contract to the fields at Pinery Park with the Wyoming City Council due to a lack of transparency and losing their 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. Fortunately, the league was able to get it together but will need to run more efficiently going forward.
Wyoming Public Schools found themselves on the winning side after election day with the passing of a sinking fund to help the school. The sinking fund works a little differently from a bond issue and will end up raising over $400,000 per year with little, if any, increase to Wyoming tax payers.
The Great Candy Cane Hunt had another successful season with Santa being delivered by the fire department and then leading the children on a candy cane hunt throughout Pinery Park. The event continued at the Wyoming Senior Center with “life-size” jenga and connect four that families could enjoy!
This Saturday, December 12, a multitude of children will find themselves waiting patiently at Pinery Park in hopes that Santa will arrive. However, instead of appearing on his sleigh pulled by reindeer, Santa will be coming in hot thanks to the Wyoming Fire Department!
After the spirited arrival, the real fun can begin with Santa leading the children on a Great Candy Cane Hunt throughout the park. Immediately following the hunt, the adventure continues as the group scampers across the street to the Wyoming Senior Center to play board games, color, eat lunch, and sit down with Santa to share their holiday wish list.
This year, the Wyoming Senior Center will have some new “life-size” games for the everyone to enjoy. Enlarged Jenga pieces and giant Connect Four boards are sure to bring some extra magic to an event already beaming with it.
The Great Candy Cane Hunt is a timeless Wyoming tradition and a kick-off to the ensuing Christmas and Holiday seasons.
“I plan a lot of events, but this event is special,” exclaimed City of Wyoming Recreation Programmer Kenny Westrate. Westrate has planned the Great Candy Cane Hunt for the past eleven years. “You get to see the smiling faces of the kids during the hunt and when they see Santa. You get to see families playing board games and enjoying each other. You don’t always see that with other events, but it’s guaranteed every December.”
Come on out to Pinery Park this Saturday for a fun-filled day of laughs, smiles, family, and Santa!
Date: Saturday, December 12 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Pinery Park for the hunt followed by lunch at the Wyoming Senior Center Age: All ages Cost: Ages 3-14 – $4 Resident, $6 Non-Resident (All others – $2)
Remember, the Great Candy Cane Hunt is outdoors, so dress accordingly!
The holidays are supposed to be joyous, but for those who are having trouble making ends meet, the season can be enormously stressful.
If you’re unsure you’ll be able to make your next house payment or if you think you’ll have trouble making future payments, know that you are not alone and that the City of Wyoming is here to help you.
Step one: Contact your lender immediately to see if you can work something out. You may be surprised. True story: During the height of the Great Recession, I was unemployed and having a very hard time with my budget. I asked my bank for help, and they refinanced my mortgage at a much lower interest rate and extended the loan to 40 years. While I can’t promise your lender will do the same, it’s worth looking into. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Step two: Contact the City of Wyoming here for a list of resources that can help.
Here are some of the resources that are available to you:
Home Repair Services offers foreclosure prevention help. They have well-trained foreclosure counselors who can give you valuable information concerning your situation. A foreclosure intake pack can be downloaded here.
Home Repair Services of Kent County
1100 South Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49507 616.241.2601
Foreclosure Response
This nonprofit group connects Kent County residents with various community resources to help with immediate foreclosure questions as well as information on foreclosure prevention. Their website has easy-to-understand information about foreclosure in Michigan.
Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF)
The Inner City Christian Federation is a nonprofit corporation that believes decent housing is a basic human need and an important building block for families and communities. ICCF provides high-quality, affordable housing and services for those who would not otherwise have this opportunity. For information specific to foreclosure counseling, refer to Housing Resources/Programs.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) received money from the federal government in 2010 to develop programs to assist Michigan homeowners with preventing foreclosure. MSHDA developed a website where applications can be taken right online. MSHDA’s program, Step Forward, has three different ways it can assist:
Unemployment Subsidy
If you are receiving unemployment, then MSHDA may be able to pay half of your mortgage payment, up to $750, for one year.
Rescue Fund
If you are delinquent and just need your mortgage brought current so you can resume normal payments, then MSHDA may be able to assist with up to $10,000 towards the delinquency.
Principal Curtailment
If your lender is willing to contribute money to pay down your principal balance so they can do a modification to lower your payment, then MSHDA may be able to match that amount dollar for dollar up to $10,000.
There are more rules and restrictions on these programs than stated above. To get more information, feel free to contact a counselor at Home Repair Services at 616.241.2601 to set up an appointment or go directly to the Step Forward Michigan website to apply.
The Federal Housing Administration also provides many ideas about how to avoid foreclosure, available FHA loans, alternate ways to dispose of your house and other housing issues.
The City of Wyoming has several yard waste services available to help keep yards looking neat as leaves begin to fall.
The yard waste drop off-site at 2660 Burlingame S.W. is open to residents Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 12.
There is no limit on the size of branches or shrubs accepted at the site. However, residents must be able to unload the yard waste themselves. If yard waste materials are delivered in bags, totes or boxes, the containers must be removed from the facility.
Leaf removal containers are available through November 25. A container is delivered to a home and picked up the next business day for a delivery to the yard waste site. Containers are 11 feet long, 6 feet wide and 3 feet high, or 7.5 cubic yards. The cost of container delivery and rental is $10 for a weekday and $20 for a weekend. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations can be made by phone with a credit card by calling 530-7260. Residents may also visit the office to pay with cash or a check.
A curb-side leaf pick up will be held on Saturday, December 5. Leaves must be in paper yard waste bags by 6 a.m. Saturday. There is no limit to the number of bags residents can put out. Branches that are tied together in bundles less than four feet long will also be picked up.
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260.
The City of Wyoming has several yard waste services available to help keep yards looking neat as leaves begin to fall.
The yard waste drop off-site at 2660 Burlingame S.W. is open to residents Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 12.
There is no limit on the size of branches or shrubs accepted at the site. However, residents must be able to unload the yard waste themselves. If yard waste materials are delivered in bags, totes or boxes, the containers must be removed from the facility.
Leaf removal containers are available through November 25. A container is delivered to a home and picked up the next business day for a delivery to the yard waste site. Containers are 11 feet long, 6 feet wide and 3 feet high, or 7.5 cubic yards. The cost of container delivery and rental is $10 for a weekday and $20 for a weekend. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations can be made by phone with a credit card by calling 530-7260. Residents may also visit the office to pay with cash or a check.
A curb-side leaf pick up will be held on Saturday, December 5. Leaves must be in paper yard waste bags by 6 a.m. Saturday. There is no limit to the number of bags residents can put out. Branches that are tied together in bundles less than four feet long will also be picked up.
For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260.
This past Memorial Day, the City of Wyoming held a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden (2300 DeHoop SW). The Lee High School band performed along with the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Honor Guard, Bronson Swan. The newest arch for the Veteran’s Memorial Garden was recognized and couldn’t have been made possible without the Community Development Block Grant Funding.
“Our Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Ceremonies are a tribute to the services of the armed forces. We are grateful to have a place in Wyoming where we can not only hold these ceremonies, but where people can honor and reflect, on any time, on those who have protected, and continue to protect, our freedoms,” said Rebecca Rynbrandt, Director of Community Services in the City of Wyoming.
WKTV’s Harriet Sturim, also the 5th District Auxillary Chaplain, was a guest speaker for the event. She gave an address entitled “Voice for our Veterans” and also took pictures to capture the essence of the ceremony.
Photo by Harriet SturimPhoto by Harriet SturimPhoto by Harriet SturimThe Lee High School Band Performs. (Photo by Harriet Sturim)
Ideal Park residents came to the meeting in January to give their input on the restoration plans.
The Ideal Park restoration plan was passed by the Wyoming City Council during Monday night’s meeting.
Now that the plan has been passed, Wyoming’s Director of Community Service Rebecca Rynbrandt said in a statement that they do have to take additional steps in order for the process to be finalized.
“Our next steps will be to amend the City’s 5-year Community Recreation Plan, incorporating the newly approved Ideal Park plan for the State of Michigan and begin writing grants,” Rynbrandt said. “We plan on doing tree planting this spring and fall, and continuing to perform remnant clean up yet this spring. Construction of the primary park plan will occur after we obtain funding.”
Overall, residents want to ensure that the park’s historic elements remain intact throughout its restoration.
To amend the Charter of the City of Wyoming to provide for a renewal of the annual levy of 1.25 mills on the dollar for public safety, specifically for the operation, maintenance and administration of Police and Fire services in the City of Wyoming for a period of 5 years. For a homeowner with a $100,000 house, this comes to $62.50 per year.
When is the election?
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Where do I vote?
To find the correct polling location, check your green and white Voter Identification Card, which lists the name and address of our polling place or call the City Clerk’s Office at 530-7296, to verify that you are registered to vote and where you should go on election day to cast your ballot. You can also visit www.mi.gov/vote or follow the Clerk’s Office link on the City website (www.wyomingmi.gov) for voter information.
If I am not registered to vote, can I still do so? How?
The last day to register to vote in order to be eligible to participate in the August 5, 2014 election is July 7, 2014. You can register to vote in person at the City Clerk’s Office, the County Clerk’s Office, the Secretary of State and most social service agencies. You may also register to vote by mail using the form available at www.mi.gov/vote.
How many years will the millage renewal levy be in effect?
Five years.
Why did City Council ask voters to consider a 1.25 mil increase for public safety in 2010?
There are threemain factors which contributed the need for additional general fund dollars for public safety.
1. The loss of state funding. 2. The closure of the General Motors Stamping Plant in Wyoming. 3. The general decrease in home values which means that we will collect less property taxes this year.
These three issues meant that less revenue went into our general fund. Since Police and Fire account for nearly 65 percent of all spending from the general fund, the City Council asked voters to support public safety services, or face elimination and cuts to services.
It’s important to note that in 2010 this millage was only meant to allow the City to maintain the current level of services; it was not anticipated the millage would have allowed the City to add new services or people, or bring back services like the Gezon Station.
Why is the City Council asking residents to consider renewing this millage?
Many proactive Police and Fire programs have been implemented thanks to savings and efficiencies due to the new Public Safety service delivery model. These have included:
• The addition of three full-time firefighters
• Implementation of peak-load staffing with more firefighters on duty during periods of high call volume
• Police accreditation in 2012 at the gold-level by CALEA and re-accreditation efforts
• Offering hands-on citizens’ academies that allow residents the opportunity to better understand the workings of the City
• An increase in utilization and total number of paid-on-call staff to 30
• Cross-training and licensing 16 City employees as firefighters
• Installation of police cruiser dashboard cameras and AEDs in every police cruiser
• Expansion of forensic lab capabilities to expedite blood alcohol and drug testing
• Staging emergency response vehicles during peak call volume times at the Gezon and Burton Street fire stations
Renewal of the millage will ensure that we continue to perform at the current level with the current funding.
What services are included in Public Safety?
Police and Fire.
Why is the City spending money on road projects, parks and sidewalk snowplowing, when money is needed for Police and Fire?
Capital improvement projects such as road projects, along with parks and sidewalk snowplowing are funded by dedicated millages. They do not come from the general fund, unlike fire and police. In years past, voters decided to support specific activities such as parks and roads. We collect funds dedicated for these specific purposes. It is against state law to use these funds for any other purpose than what they were designated for.
It would take voter approval to remove funding from a dedicated millage and place it in the general fund for police and fire.
How do the new changes to personal property tax affect the funding for police and fire services?
The changes to personal property tax only replace funding that will be lost if the initiative does not pass. These proposed changes do not affect property taxes paid by residents.
How do I get more information?
More information is available at www.wyomingmi.gov, or call City Hall at 530-7272.
Retiring Wyoming Fire Chief Bob Austin is surrounded by well wishers during his retirement party on March 3rd.
Retirements, as retirements go, are considered special milestones. But the March 3rd retirement of Wyoming Fire Chief Bob Austin went above and beyond the typical retirement party expectation, and for good reason. Chief Austin’s retirement not only celebrated his 37 years of service to the city of Wyoming, but it punctuated an incredible 85-year legacy of having one or more Austin family member working in the city’s fire department. The dedication that started with Chief Austin’s grandfather, Edward Tilma, in 1929 carried over to his father James Austin for 43 years, and on to Bob from 1977 to 2014. Each man serving as Wyoming Fire Chief.
Meanwhile, Chief Austin’s uncle, Robert Tilma, also served one year with Wyoming in addition to 29 years with the Grand Rapids Fire Department as Equipment Operator/Dispatcher. The family is proud to note that these four men have given 146 years of combined service to firefighting!
Gifts and memorabilia of years of service.
As if that tidbit of information didn’t make the day special enough, March 3rd was also, coincidentally, the Chief’s 55th birthday – Wyoming/Kentwood NOW couldn’t help but wonder, ‘It’s your birthday and your retirement day – was this your gift to yourself or a promise to your family?’
Chief Austin: This did turn out to be a gift to me but actually that was the date that I reached my retirement age and so, after 37 years with the department, it was just time to leave. I have always said that the Fire Service is a ‘young person’s job and when you reach retirement age, you should go, so I was practicing what I preached.
Friends and colleagues line up to add well wishes to the Chief’s guest book.
Wyoming/Kentwood NOW:You had a heck of a turn out – how does that make you feel?
Chief Austin: I did indeed have a huge turn out which was truly overwhelming, and I was very humbled by it all…. sometimes you don’t realize the impact you have in your field.
Wyoming/Kentwood NOW:What would you say is your fondest memory of being Fire Chief?
Chief Austin: My fondest memory is reaching the goal of being Fire Chief – to be able to serve in a leadership position as my Father and Grandfather did and represent the Wyoming Fire Department, throughout the community as well as the State.
WKTV’s Nate Diedrich (foreground) records Chief Austin’s retirement presentation. Wyoming Police Chief Carmody speaks with Chief Austin beforehand.
Wyoming/Kentwood NOW:So what are your plans for now?
Chief Austin: The first few weeks of retirement I am staying busy writing thank you notes! But I’m planning to stay involved in some of the regional committees that I have been a part of, and to enjoy the summer with my wife.
Wyoming/Kentwood NOW:When you spoke about your service, you said you couldn’t have done it without your wife Brenda. When duty called you had to drop everything and leave it in her hands –
Chief Austin: Yes, even the dinner check once!
Wyoming/Kentwood NOW: So she has been patiently waiting for this moment to arrive and it has. Now you’re off on a new adventure together! The only thing that I can think of that would make a perfect ending to a great story is if there Austin relatives stepping in to carry on the family legacy of serving the Wyoming Fire Department?
Chief Austin: No, not at this time.
W
ell it’s understandable that after 117 years of serving the Wyoming community, this family can step back and change course. All good thing must come to an end, but the long run has definitely been appreciated by the community. With that said, Chief Austin, his wife Brenda along with their grown daughters, Liz and Courtney, have the blessings of many to enjoy this new chapter of life together.
The City of Wyoming is accepting applications for participation in the 2014 Citizens Academy – a unique opportunity for residents to learn about the City of Wyoming government including how it works and how it impacts neighborhoods. Residents will gain knowledge that will help promote leadership in the community while City administrators gather feedback to consider when making decisions that impact Wyoming residents.
This four-week course will take place on Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. from March 18 through April 8. Classes will be held in various locations across the city including City Hall, the Department of Public Safety Building and the City Public Works Facility. Each class will focus on specific areas of City operation. Participants will learn from and make connections with City of Wyoming subject-matter experts including Mayor Jack Poll, City Manager Curtis Holt, Director of Public Safety James Carmody and others.
Topics will include:
• Tuesday, March 18 – City Administration
• Tuesday, March 25 – Public Safety
• Tuesday, April 1 – Public Works and Utilities
• Tuesday, April 8 – Community Services
• Monday, April 21 – Recognition Ceremony
“Graduates” of the Citizens Academy will receive a certificate of completion and be recognized at the April 21 City Council Meeting.
Interested residents should contact Jennifer Ballard to RSVP by phone at 530-7272 or by email at ballardj@wyomingmi.gov. Include your name, address, phone number and email address. For further information, call the City of Wyoming at 530-7272, or visit the City website at www.wyomingmi.gov. You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofWyoming, and on Twitter @WyomingCityHall.
These words of Mayor Re-elect Jack Poll have been and will continue to be, his signature message to Wyoming residents as he begins his second term in office. The unopposed mayor, who was sworn in on Tuesday evening, plans to continue to build on the progress made over the last several years.
The improvements included new streetscape lighting along 28th Street, newly installed water mains and water services, and the initial construction of Silverline stations along Division Avenue.
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll sworn in for a second term.
“I’m very optimistic,” Poll says. “Our city is continually improving thanks to our proactive leadership and citizen involvement.”
According to Mayor Poll, one of the city’s top initiatives is improving the newly formed Public Safety Department. The mayor believes that the city’s efforts for the merger are successful so far, and will continue to create a “hybrid” public safety program not typically seen around the country.
“We are going to be a public safety model for other city governments,” he states explaining that the proven financial sustainability is in decreasing administrative costs and crossing over responsibilities and duties of well-versed police and fire professionals.
Over the next five years, Mayor Poll expects to see progress on the re-development of 28th Street between Clyde Park and Burlingame known as 28 West, improvements and remodeling to Wyoming Village at Michael and 28th, and the revamping of the Downtown Development Authority.
As for concerns for the city, the mayor is quick to point out the aging of the current city council and the absence of younger council members. Six out of the seven current council members, have stated that this will be their last term.
“That will be a huge turn over,” says Poll. “We need to find and recruit younger people to get involved and interested in managing the future of this city. We’re making great progress and need to continue the momentum.”
For the first time, the city hosted a Citizen’s Public Safety Academy this fall as a means of engaging and encouraging residents to take a behind-the-scenes look at their police and fire services. Over 20 people participated in the program, prompting Mayor Poll to continue the academy again next year.
“We would do well as a community if every citizen could attend and learn everything about their city,” he says.
“By being able to say thank you, the residents are able to put closure on what happened and heal from the entire event.”
It has taken several months, but most of the residents have been able to move back home and with the fire behind them, the tenants felt now was a good time to show their appreciation to the police officers and firefighters with the special luncheons.
Established in 1976, Tree City USA is a nationwide program that provides a framework for communities to manage and expand their public trees. There are currently more than 3,400 communities in the country that have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA, including 123 in Michigan. To become a Tree City USA, municipalities must have:
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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
The 62A District Court in Wyoming will be closed for the remainder of the day in order to address emergency water system repairs.
