Tag Archives: City of Wyoming

2015 Year In Review – City of Wyoming

January 1, 2016Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Hard News, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Volunteers2015, ArtPrize, City of Wyoming, GM Bringing Jobs, Pinery Park Little League, Rogers Mansion, Wyoming Schools, Year in ReviewJoanne

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.

Wyoming Deputy Manager Receives Heartfelt Farewell – January

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 mentors make a difference – January

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.

Wyoming Public Safety Honors Top Employees – February

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.

High School March Madness
Wyoming and Kentwood Area Basketball Teams Feel the Magic of March – March
Survive and Advance: Two Wyoming-Kentwood Area Teams Still Left – March

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.

Wyoming’s Landscape Sees Positive Changes – May

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 Oldest Home, ‘Rogers Mansion,’ Up for Sale – June

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.

GM Bringing New Jobs
General Motors announces 300 new jobs and a $119 million dollar expansion at Wyoming Plant – June
GM Set to Invest 43 Million into Wyoming Plant – December

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 Memorial Day Ceremony in Pictures – June

Citizen Journalist Harriet Sturim took pictures to capture Wyoming’s Memorial Day celebration at its core.

New Business Construction in Wyoming – September

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.

Wyoming Residents in ArtPrize
Wyoming, Michigan Artist’s ArtPrize Entry Shines Light on Peers – September
Wyoming, Mich. ArtPrize Artist Explores Interpretation of Structures – October
ArtPrize Entry by Wyoming, Mich. Artist Makes the Final 20 – October

Artist’s from right here in Wyoming, Michigan entered their work into ArtPrize 7. One of the artists found themselves in the top 20!

Pinery Park Little League
Time is Running Out on Pinery Park Little League – September
Pinery Park Little League on the Right Track – October

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’s New ‘Sinking Fund’ Will Keep School Infrastructure Afloat – November

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 – December

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!

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

December 8, 2015Holidays, Local Faces, Our Cities, Recreation, Upcoming EventsChristmas, City of Wyoming, City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, family, Games, Great Candy Cane Hunt, Holiday, Kenny Westrate, Mike DeWitt, santaJoanne

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!

Pre-registration is required. You can download a registration form here or you can register online.

Event details are below:

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!

City of Wyoming Offers Foreclosure Assistance Resources

November 30, 2015Non-Profits, Our CitiesCity of Wyoming, FHA, Foreclosure assistance, Home Repair Services, Hop Head Farms, HUD, Rescue FundJoanne

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.

Reminder! Fall Yard Services Available to Wyoming Residents

November 6, 2015Our Cities, Upcoming EventsCity of Wyoming, Fall Yard cleaning, fall yard services, leaf removal, Wyoming, Yard services, Yard WasteJoanne

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.

Fall Yard Services Available to Wyoming Residents

October 14, 2015Our Cities, Upcoming EventsCity of Wyoming, Leaves, Yard WasteJoanne

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.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 530-7260.

Wyoming Memorial Day Ceremony in Pictures

June 4, 2015Our Cities, Recreation, VeteransCity of Wyoming, Harriet Sturim, Memorial Day, Veteran's Memorial GardenJoanne

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.

Ideal Park Restoration Plan Update

February 19, 2015Our Cities, RecreationCity of Wyoming, Ideal Park restorationJoanne

Ideal Park Planning mtg — 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.

Proposed restoration by P.M. Blough Incorporated.

Facts about Wyoming’s Upcoming Mileage Proposal on August 5th!

June 4, 2014Our Cities, Senior LivingAugust 5th Mileage Proposal, City of Wyoming, public safety mileageJoanne

Frequently Asked Questions by Voters

by The City of Wyoming

What proposal are we voting on?

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 three main 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.

Words with Retired Fire Chief Austin

March 21, 2014Local Faces, Our CitiesCity of Wyoming, Wyoming Fire Chief Bob AustinJoanne

by Janice Limbaugh

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. — 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. — 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.

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.

City of Wyoming Announces 2014 Citizens Academy

February 13, 2014Our Citiescitizen academy, City of Wyoming, leadershipJoanne

by Erin Nemastil

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.

Optimistic Mayor Poll Enters Second Term

November 19, 2013Our Cities28 West, City of Wyoming, Mayor Jack Poll, second termJoanne

“Be involved and be informed!” ~ Mayor Jack Poll

By Janice Limbaugh

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.

“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.