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Cedar Springs staff report: hires, software, community events and budget schedule
Summary
City staff reported completion of routine public works tasks, launch of the Civic Ready alert system, two new fire department hires, a 23% drop in runs, and a budget review scheduled for next week; the sheriff's department announced an Aug. 13 community event.
Department heads updated the council March 12 on operational activity, staffing and upcoming events.
Assistant City Manager Rebecca said the city recently launched the Civic Ready mass notification system and will refine its contact lists with additional test messages. She also noted the DDA approved budget priorities for the coming fiscal year and that staff continue to work on a demolition and revitalization grant program and a Cedar Creek cleanup grant (initially estimated at $2,500, later described as higher).
Public Works supervisor Tanya reported February work including repairs to vandalized restrooms, installation of two replacement baby changing stations, sewer line checks, sidewalk and street snow removal, cold patching and routine equipment maintenance.
Sergeant Paulson of the Kent County Sheriff's Department said operations are "business as usual" and announced the North Kent community event will return to Cedar Springs on Aug. 13; organizers expect roughly 1,000 attendees.
Fire Chief Detla reported a decline in emergency runs, saying, "We're actually down 23% on runs this year," and described maintenance work for apparatus and ladder testing. He announced two new hires joining the department: Dalton Vanderhid (already fully trained as Firefighter I/II and EMT) and Christy Tracy (Firefighter I/II, pending MFR training). Chief Detla also said the department plans to deploy new reporting software to better track call hot spots.
Finance Director Mrs. Blandon said staff are finalizing the city budget and will present it at a budget meeting next Thursday at 6 p.m.; she and city staff are preparing a final reimbursement submission for remaining Heart of Cedar grant funds (about half the grant remains to be requested).
What’s next: staff will continue to refine the Civic Ready rollouts, finalize budget materials for next week’s meeting and complete hiring/onboarding tasks for the fire department.
