December 2022 Edition

Greetings from the Mayor's Office

As I reflected on my comments for this newsletter, I cannot escape the fact that on November 8, late in the evening, I was gifted with serving this community for four more years. While bittersweet in that I know my time serving our community is limited, I am comfortable with that fact. That gift this community has blessed me with has had me more reflective than usual and I have decided to make that the theme this month. Not just because of the holiday season, but we as a community simply need to increase our levels of gifting to one another to make us stronger moving forward.  

 

I believe that gifts come in three basic forms. The first we usually think of is monetary, or our treasures or finances. Gifting our treasures has become more difficult in our current times of inflation, and increasing prices on almost everything around us.


Another form of gifting comes in the shape of talent. An example of the gift of talent is our residents and business leaders who serve on committees and boards for the City. So many of these people lend their unique expertise which only makes our boards and committees better than before. Their talents are a gift that makes our community stronger.


The third form in which a gift could come is that of time. It’s those residents who take time to check in on one another or offer their time clearing snow for a neighbor. So, as you can see there are impactful ways you can share your gifts with our community.


As we enter the holiday season, I challenge our community to ask what you will gift to others. Thank you again for the gifts you have blessed me with during my time in office. My commitment to all of you remains in giving my time, talents, and treasures to this community. Whether a resident or a business, we appreciate you making the choice to call Walker home.


I wish all of you, your families, and friends a Merry Christmas and the happiest of holiday seasons. 


Mayor Gary Carey, Jr. 

Public Works Updates

Christmas Tree Recycling

December 26 - January 21


Locations:

Walker City Hall - 4243 Remembrance Rd. N.W.

Walker Community Park - 650 Cummings N.W.

Walker Fire Station #3 - 1470 Three Mile Rd. N.W.


Please note this is open to Walker residents only. Trees only, no plastic.

Help Us Help You

A friendly reminder from our public works department to keep trash bins and portable basketball hoops out of the street during snow events.


This will help our snow plow drivers clear your street and neighborhood efficiently.


We appreciate your cooperation!

Police Department Updates

Well, our first blast of winter arrived early this year. With that, we’d like to share 10 winter safety tips regarding your vehicles:


1. Know before you go. Check weather forecasts to be aware of upcoming changes in the weather. Leave yourself extra time to avoid feeling rushed & speeding during winter weather.


2. Brush off your vehicle. Letting the wind blow off accumulated snow creates visibility issues for those traveling around you. Drive with lights on.


3. Leave a little more space between yourself and other vehicles when driving.


4. SLOW DOWN.


5. Keep your cell phone charged so its ready in case of a crash or winter emergency. If you don’t have a cell phone, be sure to let someone know where you are going and the route you’d be using. Consider an emergency winter weather kit for your vehicle.


6. Know alternate routes to and from your destinations. Crashes may close roads for extended periods of time, so be prepared for detours.


7. NEVER leave your car running, unlocked, and unattended. We see a spike in vehicle thefts every year during winter weather because thieves are finding easy targets as citizens leave vehicles outside to warm up or leave them running while going into a store or gas station for a quick errand.


8. If you are involved in a crash, and you are uninjured and your vehicle is able, move to a nearby parking lot or driveway to get out of the traffic lane while you wait for police and/or tow service.


9. Check the tires on your vehicle. If they are bald and cannot provide proper traction, please use alternate modes of transportation.


10. SLOW DOWN. This one is so important it makes the list twice.

City of Walker Police Department - Michigan

Fire Department Updates

Keeping Fire Hydrants Clear

Winter is here and we are now faced with the chore of snow removal from driveways and sidewalks. However, many people do not realize that keeping our fire hydrants clear of snow is equally important. In the event of a fire emergency, having access to the fire hydrants for a water supply is critical in order to successfully combat a fire situation where time is of the essence.


Therefore, the Walker Fire Department is asking for help in keeping the snow cleared away from the fire hydrant in front of (or near) your home or business. The best way to do this is by clearing the snow from the street to the hydrant in a 3 ft. circle around the hydrant since this allows the fire hose to connect toward the fire truck faster.


The Walker Fire Department would like to thank the many residents and business owners who have taken time to help in the past and to those who will assist us this winter in keeping our hydrants clear of snow.

Candle with Care

Candles may be pretty to look at but it's important to remember a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.


• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

• Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that can burn.


If you do burn candles, make sure that you...

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.

• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.

• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Candles and Kids

Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.


FACTS

• December is the peak month for home candle fires.

• More than one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.

• Three of every five candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle

Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

Like Walker Fire Department on Facebook

Clerk's Department Updates

Licensing

Business License Renewal Applications have been sent out. Applications are due December 1, 2022. Current licenses will expire on December 31, 2022. All businesses in the City of Walker are required to have a license, including home occupations. If you have not filed for a license, click here to visit our website for the application.


Licensed Snow Plows

Just a reminder that the City of Walker requires snowplow service providers to license with the City. A list of those licensed snow removal companies can be found on our website under the Community tab. We also provide a list of Licensed Waste Haulers.


City Hall Drop Box

Any document(s) you need to turn in to the Clerk’s office may be dropped off in the City Hall green drop box outside City Hall. (i.e. License Applications/Renewals and Payments). 

Income Tax Department Updates

Due Dates

Fourth quarter estimated payments for calendar year 2022 are due January 31, 2023. Forms are available on our website.


Forgotten Returns

If you have past years of Walker returns that you have forgotten to file, contact the tax department immediately at (616) 791-6880. If you file prior year returns and pay the tax and interest due, you may request a waiver of penalty. If the tax department contacts you first regarding unfiled returns, you will not be eligible for a waiver of penalty. We are electronically matching State of Michigan returns filed from a Walker resident address with Walker returns filed. If you have forgotten to file Walker returns from prior years, now is the time to get that cleared up before the letters go out from this matching program.


Questions?

If you are not sure if you need to file Walker Income Tax returns, the most common questions are answered on our website. You can also call us at (616) 791-6880.

Walker Ice and Fitness News

Winter Hours

Monday - Friday: 5 am - 9 pm

Saturday and Sunday: 7 am - 7 pm


Walker Community Blood Drive


Wednesday, December 28 from 1:30 - 6 pm at the Walker Ice & Fitness Center in Meeting Rooms A&B

4151 Remembrance Road NW.

Grand Rapids, MI 49534


All attempting donors will receive a $15 e-gift card as a thank-you for keeping the community blood supply healthy during the holiday season!


APPOINTMENTS PREFERRED:

Call 866-642-5663 or click here to schedule your donation.

Walk-ins welcome as schedule allows!

Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey


Session 3 of WIFC’s Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey begins January 7.


Register online. For questions on registering, please reach out to Gillian via email. ghendershot@walkericeandfitness.com

Thank You for Thinking of our Veterans!


The Walker Recreation Department would like to extend our THANKS for helping make this year's Veterans Donation Drive a huge success!


With assistance from the City of Walker's public works department, we were able to deliver a truckload of items to the West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program.


Together, with your support and generosity, we’ve made a difference in the lives of many Veterans and their families!

Like Walker Ice & Fitness Center on Facebook

KDL Walker Branch News

Great Gifts for Library Lovers!


Welcome to the KDL Shop, an online store where you can purchase library-related gifts, collectibles, artwork, and more, all the while supporting your local library. Declare your love for the library from the rooftops – or at least from select KDL-branded gear. All proceeds will go directly toward Kent District Library.

Exciting Winter Programs: Visit our Events page for more information. A selection of programs is highlighted below:

Ready for Reindeer

Tuesday, December 20 | 11:00 a.m.


Teen Zone | Terrarium

Wednesday, December 28 | 1:00 p.m.

Like Kent District Library - Walker Branch on Facebook 

West Michigan Trails

West Michigan Trails & Greenways Coalition is developing a regional wayfinding system for the trail and bikeway network in West Michigan, also known as the Grand Region. Over the summer, the public completed surveys that provided input on colors, fonts, and themes. The answers that were submitted helped guide the style and design of the wayfinding sign concepts shown below. Please take a few moments to let them know which signs and characteristics (colors, shapes, designs, etc.) you like best! Click here to take the survey.