Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Street sweeping and MS-4 compliance
A $370,809 sweeper replaces the aging unit; owning the sweeper saves the city big versus the county's rate of $173,000 per year to sweep all streets twice annually.
Adaptive recreation program recognition
Former mayor Rev. Jerry DeRuiter was honored for helping launch Kentwood's adaptive recreation program, one of only a handful in the country, serving residents with disabilities.
Storm sewer repair billed to fiber company
A fiber installer dug through a city storm sewer at East Paris and Stahl Drive at the wrong depth, so the city is hiring Quantum Construction for a $45,980 repair and sending the bill to 123.Net — with permit leverage if they don't pay.
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.
Brush grinding and disposal services
The city's yard-waste brush program gets a new vendor, Brink Wood Products, under a three-year deal after Renewed Earth could no longer handle the growing volume.
Kent District Library community report
The library reported record circulation of 1.9 million items, 30,000 free summer meals with Feeding America, a 2025 Library of the Year honor, and a 10,000-person author event at Van Andel.
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.
Honoring Peter Lamberts, Kentwood's founding father
Lee Lamberts asked the city to keep his father Peter Lamberts' legacy alive — the township supervisor who fought off annexation and led Kentwood to cityhood in 1967 — by naming City Hall or another feature in his honor.
Consumers Energy franchise renewed for five years
The city renewed its electric franchise with Consumers Energy for five years rather than the 30-40 year terms utilities prefer, keeping leverage for regular conversations with the utility.