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City of Eaton Rapids

Michigan's Island City

News

September Mayor’s Corner

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We are getting closer to completing several city infrastructure projects, and I know many of you will be glad to see them finished. Thank you for your continued patience throughout this process. While we hope construction projects will move forward without complications, that is not always possible, especially when working with aging infrastructure. Please know that we are doing everything we can to limit inconveniences for residents. Thank you for your understanding and for hanging in there with us!

At the August 10th City Council meeting, we approved several new initiatives and grant funding applications that, if awarded, will support continued improvements over the next several years. The City is applying for three federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG); Planning & Asset Management, Zoning ordinance updates, and a downtown floodplain mitigation study. The total funding request is more than $700,000, and there is NO required match from the city.

At that same meeting, Council approved a proposal from ERM (Environmental Resources Management) for professional services related to the site demolition of Horner Mill. The proposed services will support a phased approach, including environmental testing of building and ground materials, project planning, and demolition implementation. The goal is to use the $1 million in federal grant funds to begin meaningful progress at the site. ERM will also continue working to identify additional revenue sources that can help complete the project.

On August 13th, the City of Eaton Rapids hosted an Active Violence Incident simulation in partnership with Eaton County Central Dispatch, the Eaton County AVI Team, the Eaton Rapids Fire Department, the Eaton Rapids Police Department, and many others. Eaton Rapids Medical Center also participated to assess and strengthen its response capabilities related to mass casualty incidents. The purpose of the training was to identify vulnerabilities, improve skills and coordination, and enhance planning for a potential large-scale violence event. Many city staff members and City Council members were able to observe or actively participate. While we hope we never have to use the knowledge gained from this exercise, the training better equips and prepares us to respond if such an event were ever to occur. I want to thank all of the community partners who helped make this training possible, with a special note of appreciation to Lieutenant Paul Creger for leading this effort for the City of Eaton Rapids.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov or by cell at (517) 410-9472. You are also welcome to attend any of our City Council meetings. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at both 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and we would love to see you there. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer, fall is right around the corner! 

Mayor Pam Colestock 

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER – Eaton Rapids Did Not Meet Treatment Requirements 

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Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this situation does not require that you take immediate action, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.

We treat our water to control corrosion and minimize lead and copper in the pipes from dissolving into the water. To ensure we are maintaining optimal corrosion control, we routinely sample the water at the entry points to the distribution system and in the distribution system for water quality parameters such as pH and orthophosphate. We are required to maintain these parameters inside of the state-designated ranges. We did not maintain these parameters within the set ranges for more than nine days during the January to June 2026 monitoring period.

What should I do? 
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. 

What does this mean? 
This situation does not require you to take immediate action. If it had, you would have been notified immediately. This is a treatment violation. The most recent monitoring indicates that lead and copper levels were below the action levels at least 90 percent of residential drinking water taps sampled. However, it is important that everyone takes measures to control lead and copper levels in the water because ingesting lead or copper can cause serious health consequences.

Health effects of lead 
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects and development in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

What happened? What is being done? 
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) set ranges for our water quality parameters on October 16, 2023. After these ranges were designated, we collected samples in the distribution system on April 6, 2026, that were below the required minimum value for orthophosphate. At least ten excursion days were accumulated in the distribution between the dates of April 6 and April 15, 2026. We are working on following up with all water quality parameter results timely to prevent this from happening again. For more information, please contact Mark Lease, mlease@cityofeatonrapids.gov , (517) 663-8118 EXT 8117, or 200 S Main St, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

August Mayor’s Corner

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I hope everyone enjoyed our 250th anniversary of America over the July 4th weekend. Our city worked very hard to make it special and we hope you all enjoyed it. I would like to thank all of our City staff for their hard work in making the event fun for the community. I would also like to thank those outside agencies that helped us, including City of Charlotte Police, Eaton County Central Dispatch, UM-Sparrow Eaton EMS, Eaton Rapids Township Fire and Hamlin Fire departments. Without the support of these agencies, we would not be able to put on such a great and safe event. 

It is with disappointment that I report that for the second year in a row, we were not considered for funding in the State’s budget for the Horner Mill property, or for a new fire truck that we’ve requested as well. This presents an opportunity for bipartisan unity to support Eaton Rapids and address the blight that affects our community’s economic future. Tangible commitment from our Representatives is necessary to demonstrate through action, that Eaton Rapids and public safety are indeed their priorities. As we all know, actions speak louder than words. We will continue to work with the Eaton County Land Bank, and both State and Federal representatives to fund the blight removal and bring this property to a meaningful use for our community. We will also continue the search funding so that we can replace the very old and outdated ladder fire truck. With the height of the buildings in our downtown, it is imperative to have this equipment but like everything else, it’s very costly, so we will continue speaking to our representatives in Lansing and D.C to get us this needed equipment for our city and community.

We know that it’s been a bit frustrating with detours around the city with all of the improvements being made, including outside the city, but please know that we are working hard to make our infrastructure better and safer and that means some inconveniences and delays will happen. If you experience any issues with these projects, PLEASE let me know, or call City Hall at (517) 663-8118. We can’t do anything to help if we don’t know about it. We thank you for your patience while we make these very important upgrades to our city!

As always, you can reach me at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov or (517) 410-9472. Or join us at one of our City Council meetings. We meet the 2nd and 4th Monday’s of each month at 5pm and 7pm. Both meetings are open to the public. 

Hope you have a great rest of your summer; fall is right around the corner! 

Mayor Pam Colestock 

Water Main Connection Notice – Temporary Water Service Interruption 

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On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, C&D Hughes will be performing a water main connection as part of the City’s water system improvements. To safely complete this work, a temporary water service interruption will be necessary for the following customers: 

  • Blake Street: All customers between Water Street and Chester Street 
  • Water Street: All customers from Osborn Street to 1502 Water Street 

Water service will be restored as soon as the connection has been completed. 

After water service is restored, customers may notice temporary discoloration or air in their water. If this occurs, run the cold water faucet for several minutes until the water runs clear. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to improve the City’s water distribution system. 

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Eaton Rapids Department of Public Works at (517) 663-8118. 

July Mayor’s Corner

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! 

The City has planned a fantastic celebration in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, starting Wednesday, July 1st with the Sea Cruisers band at G.A.R Island Park from 5pm-7pm. Events continue through the week and will include live music, a beer tent, children’s games, a parade, and a grand finale fireworks display on Saturday. Check the city’s website for the full schedule or stop into City Hall for a program. We are grateful to all of our sponsors for this event, as we would not be able to provide such a great time if not for their generosity and support.

We anticipate that Taco Bell will be open, or very close to opening very soon. We know many residents are looking forward to welcoming this new business to our community. Remember to offer them grace and patience while they adjust to opening a new store with new employees. It’s exciting to have them in Eaton Rapids!

E. Knight Street has reopened, and Phase 2 of the project is expected to begin soon. This phase will include E. Knight Street from East to Donegal, as well as Center Street to Hamlin. The work is being completed through a separate grant opportunity from the initial phase, which is why it could not be scheduled at the same time as the first portion of the project.

The water project continues and work on additional streets will begin soon. Residents who would like to know whether their street is included in the project may visit the City’s website for more information or contact me directly, and I will be happy to provide a map and schedule. There will be a new sewer line installed down State Street to Smithville Rd in anticipation of a new housing development. We will post more information as that project gets closer to scheduling.

The City was recently awarded two grants from Eaton County Parks totaling $10,000. These funds will support landscaping improvements at Milo Stewart Park, also known as Pocket Park next to City Hall, and the purchase of a 17-foot kayak trailer for the Outdoor Recreation Center. Since these grants were first offered, the City has been awarded funding each year, totaling more than $270,000. We appreciate Eaton County Park’s offering these funding opportunities so we can make important upgrades to our own parks.

Have a safe and Happy Independence Day! 

Mayor Pam Colestock 

Notice of Sealed Bids – Sale of Real Property

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The City of Eaton Rapids is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of the following three (3) parcels, which will be sold together as a single transaction:

  • Parcel No. 300-000-603-040-00 – 124 Hall Street
  • Parcel No. 300-000-603-037-00 – 118 Hall Street
  • Parcel No. 300-000-603-035-00 – 116 Hall Street

Sealed bids will be accepted until Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked: “Sealed Bid – Hall Street Parcels”

All bids shall be delivered to:
City of Eaton Rapids City Hall
200 S. Main Street
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

Bids will be publicly opened on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. at Eaton Rapids City Hall.

Additional Terms:

  • Minimum bid for all three parcels together: $46,000
  • The properties are being sold in “AS IS” condition without any representations or
  • warranties whatsoever.
  • The successful bidder shall be responsible for all closing costs associated with the sale.
  • The successful bidder is responsible for any fees to effectuate the transfer of the property to the successful bidder.
  • The successful bidder must close within 45 days after sealed bids are opened.
  • The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bidding process, and to accept the bid deemed to be in the best interest of the City.
  • Additional terms and conditions may apply.

For additional information, please contact Eaton Rapids City Hall at 517-983-9207.