Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
New Grand Rapids apartment complex may strain mutual aid
A 181-unit development just over the city line in Grand Rapids could draw Kentwood police into mutual aid responses if Grand Rapids' coverage of that southern area is slow, the chief and a commissioner noted.
Fire hydrant repainting program
The city will sandblast and repaint its 218 hydrants with durable water-tower paint, starting with major streets this month, so hydrants stay visible and bright yellow.
FOIA policy amendment and appeals committee
The commission removed its proposed Freedom of Information Act policy update from the consent agenda and will keep refining it before bringing it back.
Repeated false alarms ordinance fix
The Commission re-adopted the false alarms ordinance just to fix a subsection reference — no change to how the rules actually work.
Vintage fire truck refurbishment
The 1949 Ford F-7 fire truck — a parade and funeral staple — gets a $34,658 refurbishment including an automatic transmission so more firefighters can drive it.
DPW laundry equipment purchase
DPW staff deal with road grime, fuel, and sanitary waste on their work gear. A commercial washer and dryer lets them clean PPE safely in-house instead of taking it home — extending equipment life and improving safety.