December 2019 eNewsletter
Welcome to the City of Kentwood's monthly eNewsletter. Stay up to date about community news, events and programs happening this month.
Tree Lighting Ceremony and
Holiday Light Parade - Dec. 5
‘Tis the season for friends and family to celebrate the holidays! All are welcome to join us for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade on Thursday, Dec. 5.

The festivities will begin with the holiday light parade at 6 p.m., followed by a variety of activities in front of the Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, including carriage rides, hot chocolate, live music, a visit from Santa and more! Here’s the schedule of events:

6 p.m. – Holiday Light Parade from Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton Ave.) north to the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma Ave.)
6:30 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony & Caroling in front of library
6:40 p.m. – Pictures with Santa
6:45 – 8 p.m. – Carriage Rides

There will also be activities for kids and refreshments available for purchase inside the library for the entirety of the event. For more information, visit: kentwood.us/treelighting .
Ron Draayer Joins City Commission
Ron Draayer was elected to the Kentwood City Commission as a second ward commissioner during the Nov. 5 election. He took the oath of office on Nov. 13 for the four-year term, filling the seat of former commissioner Michael Brown, who served four consecutive terms. A resident of Kentwood since 2016, Commissioner Draayer brings 40 years of knowledge in education, technology and cybersecurity to the role. You can learn more here .

In addition, Maurice Groce and Robert Coughlin ran unopposed for their seats on City Commission and were reelected as commissioner-at-large and first ward commissioner respectively. 
Richard Roberts Appointed to Police Chief
Last month, the City of Kentwood appointed Richard Roberts to police chief. He succeeds former Police Chief Thomas Hillen, who retired after a distinguished law enforcement career spanning four decades – including more than 10 years with the City of Kentwood. In his new role, Chief Roberts will lead a team of nearly 95 personnel, including 70 sworn police officers.

Chief Roberts first joined the Kentwood Police Department in 1987 as a police paramedic. During his more than 30 years with the City of Kentwood, he has served in many different roles, including 24 years of supervisory and management experience, giving him a thorough knowledge of police operations. He most recently held the deputy police chief position and is the first Kentwood officer to move through the ranks to police chief. 

To learn more about Chief Roberts, please visit our website .
Brush & Leaf Drop-Off Sites
Open Through Dec. 7
The City of Kentwood will continue to offer brush and leaf drop-off services at the Kentwood Department of Public Works, located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE through Saturday, Dec. 7. The sites are open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Accepted materials include brush, sticks, tree limbs, logs, leaves and grass clippings.
 
After closing for winter, the City plans to open both drop-off sites again in the spring of 2020 from Saturday, April 4 through Saturday, May 30. Please visit our   website for more information. 
Kentwood Holiday Giving 
If you’d like to join our efforts in making spirits bright this holiday season, we invite you to take part in the following programs:
 
Adopt-A-Child Tree
We have trees for “Adopt-A-Child” this year in the lobbies of both City Hall and the Kentwood Activities Center. Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag, wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside of the gift and return by Dec. 11.

Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree
Donations of hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets from the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree will be distributed to individuals in our school systems and surrounding community organizations who are in need of support. Drop off your donations at the Kentwood Activities Center during business hours.

Little Free Pantry
Located in the Kentwood Activities Center, Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry is available year-round for anyone to donate to or take from during regular business hours. Donations of food such as rice, cereals, canned goods and pasta are accepted, as are personal care items such as deodorant and toilet paper. Other items like crayons, small toys, games and school supplies are also welcome.

Thank you for your generosity and continued participation in these programs!
Kentwood Community Choir
Christmas Concert - Dec. 13
Celebrate the season with the Kentwood Community Choir at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at Heritage Baptist Church, 1570 60th St. SE. The free concert is the culmination of the choir’s fall season and will include all the holiday sing-along favorites! 
Wyoming-Kentwood Santa Parade - Dec. 14
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a parade along Division Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 14. At 10 a.m., parade participants will march from 34th Street southbound to Murray Street.

Immediately following the parade, Santa will be at Brann's Sizzlin' Steaks & Sports Grille on Division to take pictures with kids.

For more information, click here .
Holiday Events at the Library
There are a few holiday programs offered through the Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch this month, including:

Gingerbread Lane : Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Jump into the holiday spirit with some family-friendly festivities! Listen to seasonal music while you build a gingerbread house. Pre-registration is required.

Winter Wonderland Puppet Concert : Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (off-site event)

Countdown to Happy Noon Year! : Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Kids will ring in 2020 with a countdown, noisemakers, crafts and fun – at an hour that won't keep them up past their bedtimes!

For a full list of library events, be sure to visit kdl.org .
Tree Recycling at Kentwood Public Works
A tree recycle site will be offered from Dec. 26 to Jan. 31.

Residents may bring trees to the Public Works facility between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Please note, all decorations, lights, wires, tree bags and other non-natural materials must be removed in advance.
Vacation House Checks
Did you know that while you’re away on vacation, you can have Volunteers in Police Services check on your home? To arrange a courtesy exterior home check, submit a request form on our website . Questions may be directed to VIPS Coordinator Vicki Highland at 616.656.6571.
Winter Taxes Due Feb. 14

City of Kentwood winter property taxes have been issued. Payment must be received no later than Feb. 14 to avoid a 3% penalty.

Please note, postmarks are not accepted as a date of payment.

For more information or questions, contact the Treasurer’s office at 616.554.0761 or visit our website .
Holiday Closures 
Please be aware our offices will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Wednesday, Dec. 25, Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the holidays.
Snow Removal Reminder
Winter on-street parking rules are now in effect through March 15. Parking along City streets will be prohibited between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m., or at any other times when on-street parking could impede snowplowing, cleaning or maintenance operations.

The City of Kentwood’s Department of Public Works prioritizes winter operations from highest volume streets (such as 44th Street, 52nd Street and Kalamazoo Avenue) to lowest volume roads (such as cul-de-sacs). We make every attempt to have all the roads cleared within 24 hours after a snow event has ended.

Please note, property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks in front of their homes and businesses, as well as from around fire hydrants within 24 hours after a snow event has ended. If you'd like to report a sidewalk snow removal code complaint, you can do so through Code Enforcement here .

We appreciate your help in keeping our pathways clear for everyone to use and enjoy! 

For more information about our winter maintenance efforts, visit our website . If you’d like to report a street snow removal issue or snowplow damage, you can do so through the City’s online Public Service Request System .
For more information, please visit our website: www.kentwood.us
4900 Breton Ave. SE Kentwood, MI 49508 | 616.698.9610 | Contact Us

City Hall opens daily at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.; Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; and Fridays at noon.
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