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.
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Tag Archives: City of Kentwood
City of Kentwood continues to manage the bumps in the road of finances
By: Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
All budgets – whether personal or business – have challenges. The City of Kentwood’s budget is no different, however; through good planning, Kentwood officials have been able to weather many challenges leaving the city on solid financial ground.
City officials presented the City of Kentwood’s 2016 – 2017 budget last month during a special presentation to residents with WKTV scheduled to rebroadcast that presentation on the WKTV Government Comcast 26 and AT&T U-verse WKTV Government 99 at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, June 8 and 10, and noon Sunday, June 11.
Or to see the entire program, click here.
Kentwood Finance Director Tom Chase said the city has a strong track record for being financially well run with city officials being good stewards of the city’s money. By planning ahead, officials have been able to keep good on promises to its citizens while balancing the always changing financial environment.
“We have safe infrastructure, clean water and the highest rated quality-rated roads in West Michigan,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. Add to that a AA bond rating and 96-percent funded pension plan, all of which demonstrate how well city officials have been able to navigate the challenges that over the years have impacted the city’s funding sources such as property taxes.
The city’s fiscal year starts July 1. City staff and the commission work on the budget over several months with the City Commission approving it in the spring.
The city projects to break about even with revenues coming in around $30,813,100 and expenses slightly lower at $30,786,800.
Most of the revenue generated for the city comes through taxes. The city of Kentwood levies a 9.6066 mills with two-thirds of it going towards police and fire. Since the city is mostly service oriented, most of its expenses is in personal, Kepley noted. In fact 72 percent of the city’s budget, a little more than $22 million, is on personal.
What staff has worked toward, according to Kepley, is to make sure that the millages levied cover the city’s expenses. When determining a millage, officials try to project out enough to cover expenses for several years, Kepley said. Eventually expenses will exceed what is raised by a millage, he said.
The good news for Kentwood residents is that city officials have done a good job in keeping expenses low by managing health care expenses and the city’s pension funds and through strategic staffing. In return, staff has been able to move back when the lines between millage revenue and expenses will cross.
Kentwood’s Depty Finance Director Lorna Neniarini said part of this is because the city takes a “five-by-five” approach when preparing a budget. This is a process where officials try to look into the future to see where there might be trouble and how best to help the city save.
“When we are looking at savings, we are not looking at savings in one year, but really looking at what is the savings in five years,” Kepley said. “So if you are able to save $50,000 a year that is good, but in five years that is $250,000. If we are able to save $100,000 in a given year, in five years, that is half a million.
“So we are looking at five years ahead, so that when we save money that pushes the crossing of the lines farther away. That is all we can do. That is all any municipality can do.”
Chase added that “…picture yourself driving your car. The idea is not to look at your hood ornament as you are almost certain to get into an accident, What we are trying to do is we are trying to raise our vision up so that we are looking further down the road, making sure to take in consideration what is coming at us.”
Kentwood celebrates paying off Justice Center
By: Mike DeWitt
The cake was cut and commemorative bottles were opened as the City of Kentwood celebrated paying off a 15-year, $10 million bond on the City’s Justice Center this past Friday. The celebration was led by Mayor Stephen Kepley and quickly handed off to the two men who put the plans together 15 years ago, Judge William Kelly and former Chief of Police Richard Mattice.
Before the Justice Center was built, the Police Department and the District Court were housed in the Kentwood City Center. It was a cramped working environment that limited the productivity of both staffs.
“We were really cramped,” said Judge William Kelly. “One of our clerks in the court had to be put in the back of the courtroom, and that was also our city commission chambers.”
“Before [the Justice Center] was built, the police department used the City Center but also had two trailers that housed our detective bureau and our community services bureau,” said former Police Chief Richard Mattice. “Our locker rooms were across the street in the fire station.”
It was apparent that the court and the police department needed a new home, but how? Kentwood had never taken out a bond for a building before. For a city as fiscally conservative as Kentwood, it was a big step to take.
“The mayor promised the voters that if they approved the millage to hire more police officers, then the city would build a new facility without going to the public for another millage,” said Kelly.
So, with that on the table, the millage was passed to hire more police officers and the city got to work on building a new facility. Planning started in August of 2000 with a groundbreaking ceremony quickly to follow on March 22, 2001.
Coming in at 60,000 square-feet, approximately 20,000 on the court side and 40,000 on the police side, the Justice Center added much-needed room for city employees to do their jobs.
“When we moved in here, we came from 5,200 square-feet to 41,000 square-feet,” said Mattice. “We had facilities to adequately meet the public which we didn’t have before.”
In the end, the Kentwood Justice Center was completed on time and on budget. 15 years later the building was paid off on time and is one of the reasons for the city’s AA+ bond rating – a rating very unusual for a city the size of Kentwood.
Another example of the City of Kentwood doing what is best for the community.
New study shows Kentwood offers a lot to your business
By: Mike DeWitt
The City of Kentwood prides itself on being business friendly. It’s a city looking for ways to create jobs, generate commerce, and offer opportunities for those looking to open a business in Kentwood.
Now Kentwood has another pitch to potential business owners: One of the best places to open a small business in America.
In a study of 1,268 small-sized cities in America, Kentwood came in at number 51.
“The City leaders, past and present, have intentionally focused City staff and services to be ‘Open for Business’,” noted Mayor Kepley. “It is exciting to see our efforts result in a national ranking.”
The study compared cities with a population size between 25,000 and 100,000 residents across three different dimensions – business environment, access to resources, and business costs. Those three dimensions where then broken down further into 15 relevant metrics that were weighted accordingly.
Kentwood scored well enough to place itself just outside of the top-50. In fact, Kentwood sits atop the nation when it comes to inexpensive office spaces.
The ranking doesn’t act as validation for the city but instead registers as verification that Kentwood is open and ready for business.
Other rankings of note – Wyoming comes in at 230 and Holland tops the list at number 1.
Kentwood ‘founder’ remembered for his passion, dedication
It has been a long time since Quinten “Jack” Ward has walked through the doors of the City of Kentwood but his influence and passion for the city can still be felt today.
Ward, considered one of the founding fathers of the City of Kentwood, died Feb. 11 in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by family. He was 90.
“I remember he was very active and very passionate about the city,” said Nancy Shane who started with the City of Kentwood in 1974 as the mayor’s secretary. Shane currently is the assistant to the Kentwood fire chief.
“He was one of the original leaders who helped to shape our city,” Shane said. “He was very conservative and really set the tone and the direction for the city fiscally.
“The city has continued to follow his direction and because of that we have been without the problems that some of our neighbors have had.”
It was the mid-1960s when a group of Paris Township citizens decided enough was enough when it came to the annexation of township industrial property. In 1964, enough votes were garnered for the formation of a nine-member Charter Commission and the three-year clock started ticking to secure charter approval from voters and the Michigan Secretary of State.
With some other charter changes, including the establishment of wards, the charter was approved in 1967 with Paris Township becoming the City of Kentwood.
Ward was one of the first commissioners elected to the council and he served as a first ward commissioner from 1967 to 1981. Shane said she remembers that he simply decided not to run for election in 1981. Ward did run for mayor in 1979 but was defeated by Marvin Hoeflinger. It was also the same year that the city’s first female commissioner, Joyce Van Keulen, was elected.
According to “The Story of Kentwood,” from 1967 to 1977, “the elected officials of Kentwood occupied themselves with setting up a new city government and all its many services – including fire and police, protection, zoning, sanitation and libraries.
Shane said while Ward had a passion for the whole city, one of his personal projects was the city’s library. A year after the city incorporated, a library was built at 200 44th St. and in 1969 was moved to a rented building at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Plans were in the works to construct a new library but was delayed when city leaders discovered that it would be more than twice the budgeted amount. In 1975, the new facility would be built at 4700 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. Ward also would see the construction of Kentwood’s City Hall at its current location, which was dedicated in 1977.
According to a recent obituary in “The Grand Rapids Press,” Ward graduated from the University of Michigan in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University.
He worked for Lear Siegler and joined six other engineers to form a small business that grew into X-Rite, which pioneered a new era in the science of color measurement. Ward’s interest in sailing also inspired him to also start The Sailboat Center, a family business in Grand Rapids.
Citizen Journalist Eyes on MLK Jr. Celebration
The Kentwood library held a celebration of the life and teachings of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the community room, consisting of readings from lead organizer Jessica Ann Tyson and Mayor Stephen Kepley, a fact-filled PowerPoint, a powerful and moving musical solo, and food and drink for guests. This celebration was an inaugural event in Kentwood’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day plans, in the works for now two years.
Lead organizer Jessica Ann Tyson led the proceedings, initially admitting she neither knew the late Rev. King or had actually participated in his rallies or demonstrations, but she was determined to keep his ideals alive through the celebration and remembrance of the iconic civil rights leader.
After the introduction came a presentation by the Kentwood ARCH program, the program helmed by Kentwood Public Schools in an effort to aid disadvantaged youth in the bottom 30% of the schools. ARCH stands for academics, recreation, community and health, and it allows students to focus on excelling in the classroom by connecting learning to their everyday lives. Later on, Mrs. Tyson gave out awards to student essayists and artists alike who made contributions to the celebration proceedings. It was a great choice to get the younglings involved in the celebration proceedings, so as to spur on their talents and imaginations with the universal topics Dr. King’s work can provoke.
Mayor Stephen Kepley spoke on how influential the Rev. Dr.’s I have a Dream speech was on his perspective and life choices. A Proclamation was performed by various personnel from around the area of varying ages, cultures, and viewpoints, all in the name of simultaneous equality and diversity.
Craig Tyson performed a song for the guests that was most effective. All present truly felt the emotion of his musical plea for leadership. Tears welled, guests cheered, and this here reporter cannot deny the passionate power of his simple musical interlude.
Passion is a powerful thing; ’tis something that can inspire, unite, employ the emotions of your surroundings to further a cause, and all present at the MLK Jr. celebration knew exactly how to utilize these feelings for the betterment of the community at large. This day speaks to not just persons of color, but to all populations, black, white, brown, pale, dark, big, and small, who believe in justice, equality, and the power of ordinary people in (extra)ordinary times.
Happy Birth Anniversary, Dr. King.
Kentwood Remembers Martin Luther King Jr.
The City of Kentwood will host “Kentwood Remembers MLK – Our Community Comes Together” to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18. The celebration will take place at the KDL Kentwood Branch Library at 4950 Breton Rd SE.
The first-time event, which runs from 10:00am – 11:00am, was only an idea two years ago and will kick off with a welcome from Jessica Ann Tyson, Event Visionary, and Kentwood Resident/Kentwood Business Owner.
“We wanted to focus on making the event authentic to our community, to Kentwood,” said Tyson in an interview with Wyoming/Kentwood NOW. “There are numerous other celebrations in other communities, but ours needed to be authentic. I love that our event is for everyone and not just people of color.”
The event will feature Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech as well as a number of essays and artwork from Kentwood ARCH students that highlight what MLK means to them.
Following Dr. King’s speech, Mayor Stephen Kepley will deliver a mission moment and proclamation. “It is said where there is no vision, the people perish,” explained Kepley. “Passionate and honorable visions, goals, and dreams empower people to live their lives that benefit all. The City of Kentwood is honoring one of those persons, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who passionately declared his vision with the inner-personal courage to defend his dreams that have forever influenced our values so all may live in peace and unity.”
“Kentwood Remembers MLK” is sponsored by a number of Kentwood businesses, with all proceeds raised to benefit the ARCH after school program. The ARCH program focuses on low-income families, families of color, special education students, and English language learners.
“Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that still lives on today. As the community of Kentwood comes together to remember his legacy, I can only pray that each citizen takes to heart what this day truly symbolizes; peace, hope, and a chance for everyone to live together in unity,” said Tyson. “It’s idealistic, but why not strive for it?”
Wyoming/Kentwood NOW and WKTV will provide coverage of the inaugural event!
Kentwood’s New Dog Park Enjoyed by All
After holding off until deep in November, planet Earth decided it was finally time to switch over to winter and bring down the snow from above. While the temperature drop necessary to bring on a nice snowfall usually keeps people indoors, it didn’t stop dog owners and the City of Kentwood from opening the city’s first dog park!
On Saturday, November 21, Mayor Stephen Kepley lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new dog park located in Kelloggwoods Park at 275 Kellogg Woods Drive. What ensued was doggy heaven as the pups quickly began socializing with their new furry friends in the winter wonderland.
The park has designated off-leash areas for dogs both big and small, dog-waste bins, water spigots and benches.
Dog owners, and citizens of Kentwood, look forward to having a dog park so close to home. Pets are family members too, and watching them play is enjoyable for everyone involved.
Mayor Kepley said it best, “Our dogs can now have just as much fun in the City of Kentwood as the adults do.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself Mayor!
Four-Legged Friends will have Space to Roam and Play in Kentwood
The City of Kentwood will officially have its first dog park this Saturday, November 21 after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
The park, located in Kelloggwoods Park at 275 Kellogg Woods Drive, was an idea brought by residents to the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department. Together, the community was able to identify a need for a dog park and Kentwood Parks and Rec put together a business plan back in March to make it happen.
The park cost $15,650 and was funded through the park millage. Featured at the park are off-leash areas for both big and small dogs, dog-waste bins, water spigots and benches.
Mayor Stephen Kepley will give a speech at the grand opening. The ceremony will start at 10 a.m.
Don’t forget to bring your pooches and puppies!
Make sure to stop by the site next week to check out footage from the event.
Trunk or Treat 2015 brings Seasons Treatings
On the morn of October 24th, a truckload of cute ghouls and characters appeared outside the Kentwood Public Works Garage. They shambled and moved in unison with a hunger, for seasonal treats. It was Halloween time and that meant Trunk or Treat had arrived.
The event was put on by Kentwood Parks and Recreation in association with many local organizations including Kent District Library, the Fun Spot, and the local police and fire departments, of course.
The event had much to offer for all in attendance. There were the treats, of course, but also warm cider and donuts for sale, a bouncy castle, a clownish DJ playing assorted holiday favorites like “Thriller” and the “Addams Family Theme”, and tractor rides on the way out.
In attendance that crisp morning was Mayor Stephen Kepley, or rather, Mr. President. Dressed in deluxe Abe Lincoln attire, the mayor was most gracious in handing out treats and goodie bags for the festive multitudes. Asked afterwards about his thoughts on this year’s event, “It was a really great turnout. We only expected around eight-hundred or a thousand, but I surmise we at least doubled that estimate this morning.”
There had been a warning of rain that morning, so the event had actually been moved from its original location to an indoor locale, just in case the weather made a turn.
Representing the police department, Officer J. Morningstar dispensed candy to passing minions, ninjas, superheroes, and even a cupcake!
Attendance proved so numerous that halfway into the two-hour showcase, a supply run had to be made, as sweets were in such high demand!
A miniature horse was also in attendance, representing Karin’s Horse Connection, a group who specializes in equestrian riding as well as vaulting, gymnastics on top of moving horses.
‘Twas a fantastic event that got the community involved and cemented a genuine Halloween atmosphere in the township. Good job, Kentwood Parks and Rec.
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Proposals Passed and Incumbents Stand Strong after Votes are Counted
By: Mike DeWitt
The results are in!
Kentwood and Wyoming residents visited the polls yesterday to cast their votes in the local elections and proposals. Between the two cities, there were two school district proposals and three city commission elections.
Kentwood
Commissioner At Large
Incumbent Commissioner-at-large Steven Redmond (appointed in March 2015) ran against Thomas Webb. Webb won the August primary by 46 votes, but both he and Redmond had to run again in November because neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote. This time, Redmond toppled Webb by winning 54 percent of the vote with a final tally of 2,147 to 1,855.
Commissioner (1st Ward)
Robert Coughlin ran for re-election against William Wenzel, and the voters decided to keep the incumbent in his chair. Coughlin won the race with 67 percent of the vote in a final tally of 1,293 to 637.
Commissioner (2nd Ward)
Michael Brown ran unopposed for his re-election. Brown pulled in all 1,715 votes.
Kentwood Public Schools
After voters initially said no to a $64.86 million bond proposal back in May (by only 353 votes), the Kentwood School District rededicated their efforts towards getting the word out on why the bond was needed. The new bond focused on building, security, and technology renovations and improvements. It was placed back on to the November ballot and passed by a vote count of 3,125 to 2,108.
Wyoming
Wyoming Public Schools
Voters in Wyoming voted to pass a building and site sinking fund for Wyoming Public Schools that will raise about $400,000 each year. The sinking fund will go to infrastructure repairs like roofs, parking lots, doors, windows, and boilers. The fund should get the district to 2021, then a millage can be proposed to renovate all the schools in the district.
Kentwood Public Schools Seeking New Bond on November 3rd
In May of 2015, the proposal on the Kentwood school bond narrowly failed. After months of gathering feedback and re-evaluating district needs, the bond is being resubmitted for vote on November 3rd.
The revised proposal calls for the residents of Kentwood School District to vote on a $64,860,000 school bond that will enhance safety, improve technology, and increase operational efficiency over a ten-year period. For a homeowner, the proposal would cost about 72 center per week (an increase from 3.5 mills to 4.25 mills) for every $100,000 in market value of your home.
As a Kentwood resident, here’s where your money will be going if the new bond is passed:
Safety and Security (27% of bond)
• School entryways will be remodeled, ensuring a friendly lobby for our families, while providing limited access to our students and classrooms.
• Enhanced security measures will be implemented in all schools. Cameras and ID monitoring will provide remote access for security purposes.
• Pedestrian and vehicle traffic challenges will be addressed to create safe, more efficient environments for students and parents as they travel to and from the Kentwood facilities
• Building-wide communications systems will be brought up to date.
• Aging school buses will be gradually replaced, as need. The district currently has a fleet of 43 buses, but only 38 are operational. Bus purchases have been deferred for the last four years and has cost the District by doubling bus routes and maintenance expenses. If approved, bus replacements will begin during this school year.
• Playgrounds will be updated to meet current safety standards.
Technology (25% of bond)
• Purchasing new computers and devices to replace outdated technology.
• Upgrades to the District’s network infrastructure and modernizations at each school location to support and serve more wireless technology.
• Remodeling media centers with technology updates.
• The creation of flexible Collaboration Center spaces which will focus on state-of-the-art technology and large group instruction throughout the District.
• Replacement of obsolete student technology devices. If approved, will begin during this school year.
Operational Efficiency and Building Renovations (48% of bond)
• Plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building systems that require investment will be upgraded to extend their useful life and improve operational efficiency.
• Aged doors and windows will be replaced where necessary to improve building efficiency.
• Building finishes will be refreshed with new carpet, ceilings and other interior improvements, such as furniture.
• Parking lots and paved areas will be improved and expanded as needed.
• All elementary school media centers will be renovated, including new technology and furniture.
• Collaborative, multi-purpose learning centers will be created in each school in order to support 21st century education practices.
• A per-student allocation of funds for furniture upgrades and replacements for all elementary, middle school and high school students.
• Meadowlawn Elementary renovations, including the addition of a gymnasium, that will bring it up to District-wide standard.
• New community entrance for after-school and recreation programs (youth arts and athletics) will be built at Valleywood Middle School.
• Locker room remodeling and upgrades will take place at Pinewood and Valleywood Middle Schools for use by students and community.
• Fine arts classrooms at East Kentwood High School will be renovated.
The previous bond came through on every project that was promised to the community and also did so under budget on 90% of the projects!
Three public information forums will be held at different locations leading up to the election on November 3rd. Those dates and locations are as follows:
• Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Kentwood High School in the West Wing Commons
• Tuesday, October 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the KPS Main Office, 5820 Eastern Avenue
• Thursday, October 29 at 5:00 p.m. at Challenger Elementary
Specific building project listings and renderings for each school are on display at kentwoodps.org.
More information can be found on the Facebook pages for Kentwood Public Schools and Kentwood Friends for Education.
‘Fun Five’ Whittled Down to Three
All the way back in October of yesteryear, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley raved of a little something he likes to call his ‘Fun Five.’ The ‘Fun Five’ is a group of five businesses the Mayor is actively approaching to open up shop in Kentwood for everyone to enjoy!
With its opening in May, Dave & Buster’s, a restaurant/arcade, was the first of the five dominoes to fall in Kepley’s plan.
In less than 60 days, a second domino will fall when Trader Joe’s has its grand opening on September 25th!
“Trader Joe’s is a destination spot,” explained Mayor Kepley, “People have mentioned their excitement. It’s a spot customers will plan a trip around to fill out their grocery lists. It will bring a lot of business to Kentwood.”
When Mayor Kepley was campaigning for Mayor, he promised to bring 400 news jobs to the area in 4 years. A promise that he is intent on keeping.
The positivity is overwhelming from the Mayor about his “Fun Five.” He has succeeded in opening up two of the five business he envision. Whole Foods, Chick-Fil-A, and The Cheesecake Factory are still prizes waiting to be caught!
City of Kentwood helps local University!
City of Kentwood donates hand held portable radios to Lake Superior State University
In a recent Kentwood City Commission action, approval was given to Fire Chief Brent Looman to donate 20 older hand help portable radios to Lake Superior State University’s Fire Science, Criminal Justice and Paramedic programs.
Receiving the donated radios was James Schaefer, Ph.D., Chair of the Fire Science, Criminal Justice and Paramedic programs. Lake Superior State University is the only state university in Michigan that offers Undergraduate degrees in all three of these professions.
The City of Kentwood has previously donated fire fighter turnout gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SBCA) to LSSU’s Fire Science program and they continue to be a partner with LSSU providing internships for individuals in the Fire Science program.
All of individuals in the picture are Alumni of the Lake Superior State University, along with several other police officers and fire fighters of the City of Kentwood.
