Grand Rapids, City of - Engineering Dept.

Key discussions during the meeting involved public comments which heavily focused on opposing the allocation of $2 million for a road diet project on Fuller Street, citing negative impacts on traffic flow and safety, as well as opposition to a proposed $100,000 expenditure for police drones, arguing for prioritizing community safety efforts like housing instead. The Commission also adopted an ordinance amending classifications for the Special Events Manager and Deputy City Treasurer positions and approved a resolution authorizing a settlement in a specific risk management claim. Reports from the Comptroller and Treasurer for the period of March 15, 2023, through March 28, 2023, were received and filed.

The meeting commenced with roll call, noting one member was on their way, and a quorum was eventually present. The board approved the minutes from the August 20, 2025 meeting after making several corrections related to years and time stamps, and spelling of names. The primary discussion centered on the proposed letter for the 2024-2025 biannual report. Members debated the inclusion of policy recommendations and generalized observations about recurring issues, noting concerns regarding the board's jurisdiction and limited data availability from only two appeals in the review period. It was decided to leave the letter as a discussion item without formal approval, to be reviewed again before the final report publication, ensuring the final document reflects the board's consensus.

The meeting commenced with the presentation of monthly crime statistics, highlighting positive trends such as a continued decrease in auto theft totals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and a decrease in robbery totals. Assault numbers were noted as not alarming, often reflecting improved reporting. Fatal shooting statistics were reviewed, noting 10 individuals murdered, six cleared by arrest, and ongoing investigative work. Overdose fatalities showed improvement compared to the previous year, partly attributed to Narcan availability. Officers are safely removing over one illegal gun per day. A specific instance of effective de-escalation involving a juvenile was praised. Discussions then shifted to the state's Public Trust Fund (referred to by some as revenue sharing), which is intended to support law enforcement purposes, with approximately 75% allocated to the police department and 25% for non-direct crime prevention efforts. The department's current staffing level of 299 sworn officers against a budget of 302 was discussed, along with eight officers currently in training. Concerns regarding potential attrition from approximately 20 eligible officers nearing retirement were raised, though retention efforts have been strong recently. The recent homicide of a 17-year-old male victim in the same area as a previous fatality led to discussions about community efforts, mentorship, and deterrence in that specific geographic location.

The meeting focused on reviewing the budget for Fiscal Year 2019 and capital priorities. Discussion included maintaining a 4.5% capital set aside for the fiscal plan despite initial expectations of needing 5%, leveraging a $1.3 million transfer from the Transformation Fund for capital asset management, and noting a decrease in debt service percentage of total capital reserve spending to approximately 55%. Key financial elements of the Capital Reserve Fund and Capital Improvement Fund were detailed. Significant projects discussed included a $20 million investment in streetlight system refurbishment and LED conversion, and the Hearthside lighting project, which addresses deficient lighting levels in a high-crime area along the South Division corridor. The project phases, which include infrastructure work, traffic signal rework, and streetscape design, are scheduled to begin in phases starting summer 2018. Additionally, progress on energy efficiency initiatives was reviewed, including the completion of a partnership with Consumers that is projected to save approximately $500,000 annually from rate adjustments.

The City Manager Mark Washington discussed the 'Wonderful World of Winter' event in downtown Grand Rapids in partnership with Grand Rapids Inc., which features over 100 art installations and events running through March. Specific installations highlighted included 'Infinity Mountains' by local artist Two Eagles Marcus and the traveling exhibit 'House of Cards' from Israel, which incorporates images from both international and local artists. Event details mentioned included a 'Glowed Up' opening event, a 'Circus Wonderland' performance, and the upcoming 'Noodle Fest' and a free 'Silent Disco'. In city commission matters, discussions included a $10 million mixed-use project with housing and commercial offices on Front Avenue, and the receipt of a clean, third-party financial audit report from Plante Moran for Fiscal Year 2022, affirming responsible use of city funds. Additionally, updates were provided regarding ongoing efforts to improve services and outcomes for the unhoused community, in collaboration with the Public Safety Committee. The City Manager also dedicated time to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and emphasizing the city's commitment to becoming a more equitable and inclusive community.