With recent moves of water lines, water meters and modifications to the islands along the roads, there has been some question as to what all of the flags are in the area. Plainfield Township has posted a nice article explaining what each flag represents and why they are in the lawns of some units at the current time. You can click here to learn more about the flags.

Aerial patrols of power lines will take place in Kent County shortly. Low flying helicopters will be in the area surveying the power infrastructure.

ITC Michigan will inspect its high-voltage electricity transmission structures and lines in Kent County on May 20-25 and June 7-10, which means helicopters will fly low near power lines.

The helicopters are flown low so crews can look for damaged or worn equipment and any vegetation, trees or objects that may create a hazard. Workers will inspect steel towers, wood poles, wires, insulators and other equipment during these flights.

As of early May, all Hillside residents should have received correspondence from Consumers Energy about their new rate program. Beginning in June, most owners will pay about 1.5 times the “off peak” electric rates for all energy consumed between 2 PM and 7 PM, Monday through Friday. This is part of the 315 million dollar rate increase Consumers wants to implement over a 24 month period.

The highlights from Consumers regarding the new standard rate can be found below:

The Summer Peak Rate includes a peak period from June 1 through September 30. The peak period consists of “on-peak” and “off-peak” rate prices:

• “On-peak” rate price From 2 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, your electricity rate will cost about 1.5 times higher than the “off-peak” rate price.
• “Off-peak” rate price This is the same rate you would pay October through May.

All of the details can be found on the Consumers Energy website.

Plainfield Township will begin its regular spring flushing of water mains this month, which may result in discolored water. Some hydrants on Maybeck will be opened which typically results in minor street flooding at Maybeck & Legend Woods Drive.

If you see discolored water from your faucet, let your faucet run until it clears up. Per the township, the discolored water is not harmful, but residents should wait for it to clear up before ingesting.

Per The KCRC (Kent County Road Commission), here’s a brief article with an online link to report potholes that need to be repaired:

With the recent mild temperatures, you may notice an increase in potholes.

Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of water below the pavement. As temperatures rise, gaps are created between the soil and pavement. When vehicles drive over the gaps, the pavement breaks and leaves behind divots in the road, also known as potholes.

The Kent County Road Commission has a convenient way for you to report potholes online so they can be repaired.

Please click here to report a pothole in two easy steps.