City of Cedar Springs

The City of Cedar Springs is seeking bids for the following:

Main Street Snow Removal:

Please contact Jerry Hall, DPW Superintendent, at 616.696.1330 ext. 108 for a complete list of removal specifications.  Bids are due by 9:00 a.m. Feb. 3, 2010.

Computer Tower Replacement:

A bid package is available by contacting Jerry Hall, DPW Superintendent, at 616.696.1330 ext. 108.  Bids are due by 9:00 a.m. Feb. 3, 2010.

Updating the Phone System at the Wastewater Treatment Plant:

Bidders may make arrangements to visit the facility and pick up a bid package by contacting Jerry Hall, DPW Superintendent, at 616.696.1330 ext. 108.  Bids are due by Feb. 3, 2010.

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S.  Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.   Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. 

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT  YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION.  The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations.  Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.  No Acorn worker should approach you   saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

The Department of Public Works is offering free Christmas tree removal through January 29, 2010.  Please remove all decorations, including tinsel, and place by the curb for pickup.

Mulch and bark from the trees will be available to City residents for yard use next spring and summer.  Please call the DPW (616.696.1330 ext. 108) to make arrangements to pick up the free bark and mulch.

The City of Cedar Springs will be holding a public hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 7 p.m. at City Hall on the planned uses for the 2010 Community Development Block Grant proceeds.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Oh, my.  Here comes Ol’ Man Winter with a vengeance!  The DPW crew is working diligently to get the slush removed before the snow arrives this afternoon.  The DPW has priorities when it comes to snow removal.  First they address the major streets, followed by the local streets, sidewalks which are trunklines to the school and finally public parking lots.  Depending on how quickly the white stuff comes down, they may be only able to keep up with the streets.  Rest assured, they will get to the sidewalks and parking lots eventually but safe vehicular travel is far more essential. 

Please, please please remind your children not to play in snowbanks next to the roadway.  It is very dangerous; our crews work at all hours of the day and night and travel at high rates of speed. 

Residents are also reminded that you can not park on City streets or in the right-of-way (20′ from the centerline of uncurbed streets) from 3 a.m. until 6 a.m. from November 1 until May 1.  Officers will ticket your vehicle for violating the City ordinance.

Be safe!

Christine Burns, City Manager