a message from mayor patricia m. randall

JANUARY 2021

A Natural Place to Move PORTAGER Newsletter | JANUARY 2020 facebook.com/CityofPortageMI portagemi.gov

Investment in the Portage Community Remains StrongInvestment in the community is a principal indicator of an area’s economic strength. Even with the challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, Portage and the surrounding community continue to push forward. With ongoing industrial, commercial and residential growth, Portage has positioned itself as a location destination for individuals and families looking for A Natural Place to Move!A Natural Place to Move!

Building construction activity associated with new and expanding businesses signals a strong economy and identifies a strong community. As displayed in the chart to the right, construction activity has shown confident trends since Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Between FY 2013-2014 and FY 2019-2020, the annual construction value averaged over $90

million in Portage. In 2017-2018, Portage earned a record $157.6 million in construction valuation. Through the first six months of FY 2020-2021, more than $51 million of new community investment has occurred.

Growth and stability through long-term visioning, planning and direction continue to be key issues for the leadership of Portage. The two largest employers in the city, Stryker and Pfizer, continue to push forward with facility investments and expansions, which provide a positive effect on construction value and greatly enhance local employment opportunities. Along with this growth comes the wide variety of housing choices, restaurants, boutiques and retail establishments that Portage residents have come to enjoy over the past several years.

For additional information, please contact the Department of Community Development at 329-4477.

Annual Construction ValuationFiscal Year 2013-2014 through Fiscal Year 2020-YTD

$51.6

$96.6$86.0

$157.6

$83.7

$64.5

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$55.3

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A Message from Mayor Patricia M. RandallEyes around the world watched in hopeful anticipation. The laser focus is on our

city, Portage, Michigan. Front and center is the Pfizer Corporation, located at 7000 Portage Road. Portage! Portage! Portage! People, this is our home town. Forever in the history books in a “salvation” sort of way!

The largest vaccination effort in the history of the United States of America starts right here! The Pfizer manufacturing site in Portage is the primary distribution site where the COVID-19 vaccine ships around the world. The plant has the capacity to produce one billion sterile units per year. How awesome is that? How joyous this is!

This is effectively the beginning of the end.

To develop a vaccine in less than one year, when it historically has taken four years, is a miracle. To develop a process to mass-produce and package this vaccine, takes a Herculean effort. To coordinate the distribution of this vaccine throughout our country requires perfect coordination on the ground and in the air.

How did this amazing, world-changing treatment happen here?

The story really begins 134 years ago in 1866 when Dr. William E. Upjohn created the Upjohn Company. This pharmaceutical company figured out how to make friable pills, which were specifically designed to be easily digested. They also developed a process for the mass production of Cortisone. Over the years, Upjohn’s most well-known drugs were Xanax, Halcion, Motrin and Rogaine.

In 1995, Upjohn merged with Swedish company, Pharmacia. In an attempt to integrate culture, local families like mine were transferred to Stockholm and Swedish families came here to call Portage home. Eight years later, in 2003, Pfizer went through an acquisition to acquire Pharmacia. Hello, Pfizer.

The City of Portage has always embraced our pharmaceutical history. Prior to the hiring for the vaccine, 2,262 people from the City of Portage worked for Pfizer, making it our second-largest employer. Pfizer owns 1,263.63 acres within the City of Portage. Their numerous buildings encompass 1.5 million square feet. Pfizer is also our largest taxpayer, contributing $9,446,320.98 in 2020, or 7.97% of our entire city budget. The company has been granted PA 198 tax abatements, most recently in 2016 for a $105,570,000 investment for a 98,000-square-foot warehouse addition and the purchase of highly specialized sterile equipment, including four custom freezers. Amazingly, it is their newest investment that allowed for the sterile capacity, which is

now producing the COVID-19 vaccine.

We all take pride when our country achieves a gold ribbon in the Olympics. We recognize there is one athlete on the podium, but we all know the effort behind the victory was the effort of many: parents, siblings, teammates, friends, coaches, sponsors and the community. So, congratulations to Pfizer and all its employees. And congratulations also to the city that created a community worthy of attracting and keeping world-class talent. Thank you to the taxpayers who supported the infrastructure around the plant and shouldered the burdens when tax abatements were awarded. Thank you to the taxpayers who approved school millages to build a blue ribbon school system. Thank you to the teachers who taught the Pfizer children. Thank you to the local commerce that provided goods and services to Pfizer families. Thank you to our front-line workers including medical professionals, first responders and public safety personnel who continue to care for everyone. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Obviously, we each didn’t perform that perfect triple axle, defy speed down a mountain, or make that game-winning goal. But collectively, we did make it possible. Take a bow, Portage. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Pfizer. Let’s make 2021 the best year yet!

Patricia M. Randall

From the Desk of City Manager Joe La MargoWith 2020 in the rear view mirror, I reflect on a year that challenged us in ways that could

not have been anticipated. As a result, we learned to work together in new ways. I am proud of the accomplishments we were able to achieve this year against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic.

I am pleased to welcome Kelly Peterson to the new role of Director of Development Services. Ms. Peterson will lead the Community Development department and team. Previously she served as a planning director leading multidisciplinary teams in strategic planning, economic development initiatives, data analysis, inter-agency coordination, and stakeholder engagement. She brings public and private sector experience working with developers, regulatory stakeholders, city councils and local communities on planning, infrastructure, and redevelopment initiatives.

Ms. Peterson holds a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Beloit College.

With 15 years of progressive experience in the planning field, Ms. Peterson brings a wealth of knowledge and competence to Portage. Her first day in her new role was Monday, December 7, 2020. She is already engaged on

critical projects including citywide strategic planning, the Lake Center District Area revitalization, and identifying areas to strengthen delivery of services. Kelly will be joining in High Performing Organization and process improvement programs, as well. With Kelly’s expertise, we are poised to take the City of Portage to the next level.

Kelly is a native of Portage and is pleased to return to the Midwest after many years on the East Coast. “I grew up in Portage, and it will always be my hometown. It is a privilege to give back and contribute to the city’s continued growth and prosperity,” said Ms. Peterson. “As

Director of Development Services, I will serve as an active leader in that effort, ensuring the city continues to be a special place for everyone who lives, works, and plays in Portage.”

Among the many infrastructure improvements made in 2020, the Zylman Avenue Reconstruction Project ranks very high. The project addresses the increase in traffic associated with the nearly 1,000 new jobs at Stryker’s expanded facility on East Centre Avenue. The project improved the flow of traffic and added Complete Street enhancements, such as curbs, underground utilities, bike lanes and trails. The project received the Southwest Michigan American Public Works Association project of the year award in the transportation project over $3 million category.

Parks & Recreation projects aimed at bringing the community together in recreation were completed this past

fiscal year, such as the Lexington-Green Bike Skills Course and the newly expanded Ramona Park Beach. Together, these additions to the park system inspire us to get outside, get moving, and spend time with friends, old and new.

A campaign to build a new Portage Community Senior Center marked the first private/public funding partnership in the city’s history. The new facility will be a destination for the Portage community and Kalamazoo County. Portage seniors, who have given so much of their lives to this community, will continue to find support and empowerment through this new venture. I am pleased to announce that construction on the new Charles & Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center is now underway and the facility will be substantially complete in January 2022!

The Lake Center District Redevelopment Project exemplifies the very best of Portage’s desire to create a sustainable and functional Lake Center District. Since February, Portage residents and the City of Portage have joined in conversation to determine how to best redefine the Lake Center District in a way that represents the spirit of those who call this district home and those who own businesses in this area. Options for the district will be presented to the Council and the community in the first half of 2021.

So despite the Coronavirus pandemic, we did some good work in 2020. Imagine what 2021 will bring!

Happy New Year!Joseph S. La Margo


Annual Planning For City Of Portage Community Development Block Grant Program BeginsIn January 2021, the City of Portage will begin the planning process to develop an update to the five-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The Consolidated Plan is designed to help the city assess needs for affordable housing and community development, as well as market conditions. The plan also helps to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions in regards to the use of CDBG entitlement grant funds and other resources available within the community.

An annual entitlement grant awarded to the community by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the City of Portage CDBG Program.

The Annual Action Plan outlines proposed expenditures of CDBG Program funding for the upcoming fiscal year. These funds help address affordable housing and community development needs, with both entitlement grant funds and other resources available within the community.

The 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan and 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan preparation involves public input, review by the Human Services Board and approval by City Council. Development of both plans will follow the schedule below.

The Human Services Board holds monthly public meetings to review components of the CDBG Program plans and reporting documents. The Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan will include two public hearings during the development of the plans, with the first hearing to be held virtually on Thursday, February 4, 2021, at 6:00 PM*. During the first hearing, the Human Services Board will receive comments on the needs assessment and housing market analysis within the City of Portage, prior to preparing the five-year Consolidated Plan and FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan. The draft Consolidated Plan

and FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan will be reviewed at a second hearing in April 2021.

For more information regarding the City of Portage CDBG Program and the Consoli-dated Plan, please feel free to contact the Department of Community Development at 329-4477 or visit the city website at

portagemi.gov/260.

*Virtual meetings will be held using the WebEx platform. The public can participate by joining the WebEx via computer, mobile device or phone. Meeting details will be published at

portagemi.gov/180.

2021-22 Annual Action Plan Update ScheduleEvent Date(s)Public meeting to receive presentations from human services grants January 7, 2021

Public hearing on community needs assessment and fair housing February 4, 2021

Complete draft of Annual Action Plan February 26, 2021

30-day public comment period and public hearing February 26 - March 30, 2021

City Council approval of Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan May 11, 2021

Begin new grant year July 1, 2020

Lock it or Lose it!Tips for Avoiding Vehicle TheftA motor vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds in the United States. Many vehicle thefts are the result of leaving a key in the ignition or a door unlock, making the vehicle an easy target for thieves. Only half of vehicles reported stolen are recovered. Don’t be the next victim!

Each year, the Portage Department of Public Safety –Police Division responds to numerous vehicle thefts and larcenies from motor vehicles. We are all susceptible to theft, but by following a few simple steps we can help reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

» Lock your doors and keep the windows closed.

» Remove your keys from your vehicle and never leave your car unattended while it’s running.

» Park in well-lit areas.

» Install an audible alarm system.

» Never leave valuables in your car.

» Be alert and contact the police if you notice anything suspicious.

Take these few simple precautions to help reduce the chances of vehicle and valuable theft. If your car is stolen, call 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to give the year, make, model and color of your vehicle, as well as the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Red Med Box Medication DisposalFast, Free & SecureRed Med Box is a drug collection and disposal program launched in Kalamazoo County in 2011. The Red Med Box is a joint effort among law enforcement, the Kalamazoo Household Hazardous Waste Center, Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force, and many other community partners. The program allows the safe disposal of unwanted or expired medications, including over-the-counter medications. Once collected, the medications are taken to an incinerator and destroyed.

Red Med Box offers an alternative to flushing old medications down the toilet, which contaminate local water sources. Moreover, certain medications considered controlled substances have a high potential for abuse and addiction and often fall into the wrong hands. Red Med Box is a safe and secure way to dispose of these medications.

Location & HoursA Red Med Box is located in the Department of Public Safety Headquarters Building (7810 Shaver Road) across from the Duty Officer window. The Red Med Box is accessible Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Red Med Boxes are also located at Walgreens Pharmacy at 7920 Shaver Road and Meijer Pharmacy at 8850 Shaver Road.

In 2019, the Portage Department of Public Safety collected and destroyed more than 3,500 pounds of unwanted or

unused medication, protecting the environment from contamination and our community from medication abuse and addiction.

Keep medications in the original container and mark out any personal identifying information. Then, simply drop the medications in the Red Med Box. No need to check in with anyone or fill out any forms. It’s just that simple!

Red Med Box will accept: » Expired and unused medications » Over-the-counter medications » Antibiotics/steroids » Cold and flu medications » Vitamins and herbal supplements » Medication samples » Pet medications » Medicated ointment/lotion/drops » Unopened Epi-Pen » Liquid medications

Red Med Box will NOT accept: » Needles/lancets/syringes » Thermometers » IV bags » Bloody or infectious waste » Hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, etc. » Business waste » Empty containers » Personal care products » Used Epi-Pens » Aerosol cans » Electronic devices (diabetes testers, etc.) » Inhalers

Brush Collection ReminderJanuary 2021The Quarterly Curbside Brush Collection begins January 4 and includes the collection of whole Christmas trees free of tinsel and ornaments. To ensure items are collected, residents are asked to place brush and Christmas trees at the curb by 7 AM on the Monday of the designated collection week. Each zone will be cleared within its designated week – not necessarily on Monday. Crews cannot return to pick up items placed out late. If snowfall occurs, residents are asked to clear snow from brush piles and Christmas trees to ensure crews are able to find items for collection.

Complete details regarding the Quarterly Curbside Brush Collection Program can be located at portagemi.gov/280 or by contacting the Department of Public Works at 329-4444.

Drop Off Day: Brush, Leaves & Christmas TreesJanuary 30, 2021 from 9 AM - 1 PMFrom 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, January 30, residents can drop off leaves, brush and whole Christmas trees free of tinsel and ornaments at the City of Portage Compost

Facility. The compost facility is located at 10905 Oakland Drive, just south of West Osterhout Avenue. Staff from the Department of Public Works will be present to direct patrons to the proper location for leaves, brush and Christmas trees.Note: These services are not performed for commercial establishments, churches or schools. Collection takes place on private streets only when every property owner has signed an indemnification form. When using the City of Portage Compost Facility, be prepared to show proof of residency (drivers license). Contact the Department of Public Works at 329-4444 with any questions.

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Visit: kalcounty.com/hhw Call: 373-5211 Email: [email protected] detailed materials accepted and FREE recycling participation areas.HOURS: Tues. & Fri. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Wed. 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. 2nd Sat. 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (closed in Aug. & Sept. on Sat.)

1301 Lamont Ave. - Next to Fairgrounds

Our apologizes, however, due to Covid-19, recycling hours may vary.Please call 269-383-8742 for up-to-date changes in hours and restrictions.

WE’RE OPEN FORCURBSIDE SERVICEPlease Stay In Your Car!

2021_HHW_Portager_Jan&Feb.indd 1 12/5/20 5:08 PM

Household Hazardous Waste DisposalThe City of Portage participates in the Kalamazoo County Government Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program. This is a free service provided through the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services. For more information, including drop off location, hours of operation and accepted materials, call the Household Hazardous Waste Program Information Hotline at 373-5211.


The Ice Rink At Millennium ParkDue to COVID-19 Restrictions, the Ice Rink at Millennium Park remains closed. Please watch our Facebook Page for future announcements.

Adopt-A-Critter For Valentine’s DayThere’s nothing better than spending Valentine’s Day with the people important to you – and the Portage Parks & Recreation Department! Up until February 12, for $35 you can adopt either a plush fox cub or owl packaged with a Certificate of Adoption and animal trading card.

Other animals available for adoption include a rabbit, squirrel, raccoon and lynx cub (limited supply). These

animals make the perfect gift for those close to your heart. The proceeds go toward supporting park nature programs that advance Portage’s role in southwest Michigan as A Natural Place to Move!A Natural Place to Move!

Call Portage Parks & Recreation at 329-4522 for more information while supplies last.

Alligator Sanctuary Program Mr. “C” of Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary will present live reptiles including American alligators, lizards, tortoises and a snake. This program is an engaging and up-close experience that everyone can enjoy. This program is free. However, space is limited to the first 30 people who register due to restrictions on indoor buildings. All family members who plan on attending must register online at mypark.portagemi.gov and click on the purple Recreation Activities & Facility Rentals button.

» Saturday, January 23, 10 AM

» Doors open 15 minutes prior to start time

» Schrier Park (850 West Osterhout Avenue)

» FREE

Junior Ranger Earn-A-Badge Calling all Junior Rangers! Do you need help with your badge requirements? Join Rangers and Park Staff in these 60 minute, hands on sessions. Together we will tackle some of the more challenging activities to complete the badge. Each session will be dedicated to one Badge. Registration is required to participate. Visit mypark.portagemi.gov and click on the purple

Recreation Activities & Facility Rentals button. Registration deadline is one week before each workshop.

If this activity cannot be conducted in person, supplies will be available via curbside pickup at City Hall.

» Wednesday, January 20, 6 PM

» Stuart Manor (7340 Garden Lane)

» FREE

City Hall Exhibitions Rotating exhibitions that focus on local arts and history are featured at Portage City Hall throughout the year.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In partnership with the Society for History and Racial Equity (SHARE), we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy with a detailed exhibition of his life.

» January 8 - 29

Little Known Facts Celebrate Black History Month! Discover some memorable moments and courageous stories in history. This exhibit features interesting lesser known events and people in American Black history.

» February 1 - 26

Flakes, Flurries & Finger Painting Snow…an exact science or breathtaking art? Exercise your creativity as we explore the mystical world of snow! In this 90-minute program, children will get imaginative with snow-themed art projects and then dive into snow experiments. This program is geared toward 5-9 year-old children. Space is limited. Visit mypark.portagemi.gov and click on the purple Recreation Activities & Facility Rentals button to register. The registration deadline is January 23.

» Saturday, February 6, 10:30 AM - 12 PM


» $7 per child

Downhill Ski or Snowboard Lessons Group downhill ski and snowboard lessons for beginners will be taught by professional instructors on the snowy slopes of Timber Ridge, just 30 minutes from Portage. Fee includes equipment rental, instruction for three weeks and lift ticket valid until 8 PM on each lesson date.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, visit mypark.portagemi.gov and click on the purple Recreation Activities & Facility Rentals button. The registration deadline is January 16.

» Sundays, January 24, 31 and February 7, 2 - 3:30 PM

» Timber Ridge Ski Area (7500 23 1/2 St. Gobles, MI 49055)

» Age: 8 years - adult

» $75 per person

Adult Softball Summer League - Organizational Meetings All softball team managers (or other team representatives) should attend this meeting to gather information on the registration process, rule highlights, updates and more. New teams are welcome! Summer league team registration is open February 22 – March 26. Late registration deadline for teams is April 2 with a $50 late fee.

» Tuesday, February 16

» 5:30 PM - Over 50 League Organizational Meeting

» 7 PM - Adult League Organizational Meeting


Portage Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k The 9th Annual Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, presented in partnership by Kalamazoo Area Runners, Susan G. Komen Michigan and the City of Portage will be held on Sunday, February 21, 2021. Runners and spectators alike are invited to join in this extraordinary community celebration of health and wellness. The courses highlight the Portage trail system and include a mix of paved bike trails and roads.

Race times and all running events will start and end at Loy Norrix High School. COVID-19 guidelines will be in place and we will be offering staggered starts every 10 minutes. The Half Marathon will be capped at 250 runners and the 10K and 5K will be capped at 200 runners per event. For more information, to register or volunteer for this event please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Kalamazoo/ WinterBlastHalfMarathon10K5K.

» Sunday, February 21, 8 AM

» Loy Norrix High School (606 East Kilgore Road)

Winter Snow Party! A great opportunity to enjoy time with your family all while embracing the wonders of the Michigan outdoors.

» Sled design contest - build, decorate and bring your own cardboard sled!

» Snowman building contest - build and dress up the fanciest snowman!

Prizes will be awarded for best in show for both contests as well as the fastest cardboard sled! Cardboard sled contest begins at 1 PM, with snowman building following soon after. There will also be a scavenger hunt. The event is hosted by the Portage Youth Advisory Committee. Face masks are required. Attendance restrictions may apply for safety – stay tuned to the city website and city Facebook page for updates!

» Saturday, February 6, 12 - 3 PM

» Oakland Drive Park (7650 Oakland Drive)

» FREE

Recreation Activities& Facility Rentals

Portage Parks & Recreation Events, Camps & Classes1,000 Acres. 18 Parks. One City.To find out more and register online, visit mypark.portagemi.gov and click the purple Recreation Activities & Facility Rentals button.

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION BASED ON COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS.

North Pole Trolley ExpressSanta and Mrs. Claus met so many friends on the North Pole Trolley Express! They visited ten neighborhood parks on December 12 and 13. Children dropped their letter to Santa in the trolley mailbox and received some sweet holiday treats.

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDKALAMAZOO, MI

PERMIT NO. 33

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

7900 South Westnedge Avenue Portage, Michigan 49002-5160

portagemi.gov | (269) 329-4400

JANUARY 2020

Claudette Reid (269) 491-9725 [email protected]

Terry R. Urban (269) 323-8160 [email protected]

Mayor Patricia M. Randall (269) 993-2311 [email protected]

Chris Burns (708) 710-3102 [email protected]

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Pearson (269) 303-5459 [email protected]

Joseph La Margo, City Manager (269) 329-4400 [email protected]

Portage City CouncilPortage City Council meetings are held twice a month on Tuesdays at 7 PM at Portage City Hall (7900 South Westnedge Avenue) in Council Chambers and are always open to the public.

The City ManagerThe City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. Citizens are encouraged to contact the City Manager with concerns or complaints about city services by calling Complaint Resolution at 329-4404 or by visiting reportit.portagemi.gov.

PORTAGER Editor Mary Beth Block | [email protected]

Lori Knapp (269) 324-0178 [email protected]

Vic Ledbetter (269) [email protected]


Televised City MeetingsCity Council, Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings can be viewed live on Charter channel 995 and AT&T channel 99. All meetings can be viewed via live streaming at portagemi.gov/205.

JANUARY 2020 7 7:00 PM Planning Commission Meeting - CANCELED - Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting 12 7:00 PM City Council Meeting 21 7:00 PM Planning Commission Meeting 26 7:00 PM City Council Meeting

The PortagerThe Portager is the official publication of the City of Portage, used to inform residents of city services and events, as well as city projects that have significance to Portage citizens. The newsletter is published monthly and delivered to every mailbox in the 49002 and 49024 zip codes.

This month’s front and back cover photo features the Portage Creek Bicentennial Park Trail. (Photo credit: Eric Wengert)

Make a Difference in Your Community!

The Portage City Council is seeking Portage residents to become involved in local government by serving on an Advisory Board or Commission.

The City of Portage relies on citizen participation on many advisory boards and commissions to help to serve the community. The advice received from these groups assists the City Council and the City Administration in making Portage A Natural Place to Move!A Natural Place to Move! The citizens serving on the advisory boards and commissions provide the talent and experience needed to meet the diverse challenges facing the community.

All Boards are accepting applicants, with current vacancies and expiring terms on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Meeting times and responsibilities for each Board and Commission vary. Visit the Boards & Commissions page at

portagemi.gov/151 for more information on each Board. Interested applicants may also visit the website to submit an application or contact the Office of the City Clerk at 329-4511 by January 8, 2021 for interviews with City Council on January 12, 2021. A citizen looking to serve on an Advisory Board or Commission must be a registered voter of the City of Portage.

Winter Reminders December is often the start of the snowy season in Michigan, coating roadways and neighborhood sidewalks and blocking access to fire hydrants and bus stops. The City of Portage encourages Portage residents to be mindful of on-street parking restrictions and requirements to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks.

Overnight On-Street Parking Restrictions The City of Portage parking ordinance is in effect from November 1 through April 15 of each year. The ordinance (Chapter 78-2 Parking) prohibits parking of vehicles on the street between the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM local time. This restriction is in effect whether or not there is snow present. The City of Portage also recommends that in times outside the hours of 2 AM and 6 AM when snow is present, residents make every effort to not park on the street if at all possible. This ensures that city snow removal equipment can complete the snow clearing process as rapidly and effectively as possible.

Assist Your Fellow Portager – Clear Snow and Ice from Sidewalks, Fire Hydrants and Bus Stops Assistance from businesses, residents and property owners is appreciated to keep key public areas free of snow and ice accumulation during the winter months.

Sidewalks Public sidewalks adjacent to all types of property (residential, commercial, etc.) provide safe routes to schools, bus stops and other important destinations. City Code requires all sidewalks to be cleared of snow and ice throughout the winter season by adjacent property owners. To ensure sidewalks are accessible, a minimum clearance width of three feet is appropriate. Special attention to sidewalks adjacent to street corners is necessary to ensure snow banks do not obstruct access to and from the sidewalk.

Fire Hydrants The Portage Fire Division requests that property owners clear snow away from any fire hydrants on or adjacent to their property. Should there be a fire nearby, it is imperative that firefighters have clear access to fire hydrants so that fire hoses can be immediately attached and used to fight the fire.

Bus Stops Property owners are also requested to help with keeping bus stops clear of snow and ice. Assistance in these areas helps public transit and school bus stop users to safely enter and exit buses at bus stops.

We know that it can be challenging to keep up with winter maintenance; however, good property stewardship is appreciated by the City of Portage, as well as your neighbors. If you become aware of a neighbor who might need assistance with property maintenance this winter, lend a hand if you are able.

TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, CITY OF PORTAGE OFFICES ARE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL THE

APPROPRIATE CITY DEPARTMENT.

City Manager 329-4400 Police Division 329-4567

City Assessor 329-4433 Public Information 324-9230

City Clerk 329-4511 Public Works 329-4444

Community Development 329-4477 Technology Services 324-9269

Finance 329-4534 Purchasing/Risk Mgmt 324-9284

Fire Division 329-4487 Senior Center 329-4550

Human Resources 329-4533 Transportation & Utilities 329-4422

Parks & Recreation 329-4522 Treasury 329-4455

a message from mayor patricia m. randall

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