By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
WKTV Managing Editor
joanne@wktv.org
In his first State of the City address, City of Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood called it a “season of change” for the city as he highlighted several successes from 2022 and looked to the future at upcoming projects.
“Change can be scary. With change comes new opportunity. With new leadership comes fresh eyes and energy,” Vanderwood said at the Jan. 16 City Council meeting where he presented the State of the City address. “Building on the legacy of those who have come before, Wyoming is a city with a proud history and a bright future…and I say with confidence that the best days are in front of us.”
Representing that “season of change,” Vanderwood noted that three of the six current city council members are new along with a new mayor pro tem, Rob Postema, as well as himself having been seated as mayor in December. Vanderwood recognized guests State Rep. John Fitzgerald, State Majority Senate Leader Winnie Brinks, whose district includes the cities of Wyoming and Kenwood, and Wyoming Kentwood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Keith Morgan. He also recognized City Manager Curtis Holt, who will be retiring in February after 23 years of service, along with all the city staff, for their dedication to the city.
Public Safety Remains a Main Priority
Safety remains the city’s top priority, Vanderwood said. Like most cities, Wyoming saw a sharp increase in crime in 2020 but has seen a reduction in violent crime over the past two years due to the leadership of Chief Kim Koster and her team, Vanderwood said.
The Wyoming Police Department hired 10 additional police officers and has been able to increase crime analysis efforts to help in preventing and solving crime. The team continues to work in removing illegal guns off the street and to help with the opioid and mental health crisis, he said.
The fire department responded to more than 7,000 calls in 2022, Vanderwood noted. To help the increase in call volume, the city has added quick response, a training captain, radio upgrades, and restructured the commend service, he said.
Vanderwood also noted that Wyoming is a growing community, with more than 2,000 building permits, adding about $108 million in construction value. The city has seen about 1,300 new housing units constructed in the past few years. To help with city development, planning, economic development and inspections were placed under one department with Nicole Hofert now serving as the director of community and economic development.
Looking to Meet the Needs of a Growing City
To continue to meet up with the growth of the city, residents will be asked in May to approved a dedicated 1.5 mill that will be used for police, fire, and first responders, Vanderwood said. The millage proposal has a five-year capped which he said would give the city time to look for other ways to fund the staffing needs.
“The reality is clear, we do not have the longterm resources to support our current staffing levels in the police or fire department and our current staffing levels are not adequate to address the current needs of the city,” Vanderwood said, adding that the city has had to rely on surrounding communities for emergency assistance.
“Our city continues to grow but our police department has shrunk nearly 45 people since 2000,” he said.
The millage, which would generate about $3.9 million annually, would allow the city to hire additional police and fire which in turn would increase public safety by decreasing response times, enhancing crime prevention efforts and traffic safety, Vanderwood said, adding that the additional funding would allow fire staff to operate out of all four of the city’s fire stations. Currently, only two stations are staffed.
The city will host three public meetings about the millage, the first on March 9 at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW. More information about the millage can be found at wyomingmi.gov/future.
Other 2022 Highlights
The Parks and Recreation Department has new leadership with Krashawn Martin taking the helm. This department runs more than 250 sports and activity programs, along with 12 after school TEAM 21 sites and special events that include the summer concert series, the spring carnival, Memorial Day events, the Trunk or Treat Trail and several other programs. Along with that, the department lead the improvements at Jackson and Gezon parks, which included new playground equipment and splash pads.
Vanderwood said the City of Wyoming’s infra structure continues to grow with the city adding its third main for water service along with a new $8 million ultraviolet disinfection facility, which is a cost effective, safer way to clean water.
Looking Ahead
In economic development, residents will see the start of the City Center project this spring with the construction of a new pedestrian bridge on 28th Street and 3.1 miles of new trails that will connect to existing trails within the city. Vanderwood noted that the project was made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The city received $6 million from the county’s ARPA Funds distribution and has put $10 million of its own ARPA Fund monies toward the project.
Also breaking ground in the spring will be the public market at the former Site 36 location, Vanderwood said. The city kept the northern portion of the site with Franklin Partners purchasing about 74 acres with plans for development of the site.
Also in 2023, the city will be unveiling its branding project that involved many focus groups and community events, Vanderwood said.
“At the outset, I said we are in a season of change,” Vanderwood said. “You have the opportunity to work with us to shape the future of this city. I encourage you all to stay connect, serve on boards and commission and participate in elections.
“As I begin my time as mayor, I look forward to working with city staff, residents, community members, surrounding municipalities and organizations. I am committed to making Wyoming a better place to live, work and play.”
For the complete State of the City address, visit click here.
