GREENVILLE — The Greenville City Council approved the To: Africa From: U.S. fundraiser in hopes of bringing new people to Greenville.
To: Africa From: U.S. is based in Cedar Springs and will raise money for improving education, sanitary needs and medical needs for Africa.
The event will use Alexander, Oak, Maplewood and Marvel streets, City Manager George Bosanic said. The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail will be closed from Meijer Drive to Baldwin Lake Beach.
The event, set to take place from 7 to 11 a.m. on March 24 will consist of a 5K run and walk.
Bosanic said other organizations are “lining up” to rent parts of the trail for other fundraisers. He is working on a policy to govern use of the trail by community groups to make sure everything is safe and fair.
Bosanic said To: Africa From: U.S. will pay a $500 fee to reimburse city staff time used to help plan the event.
Bosanic described the request as unique because the organization is not part of the Greenville community, the proceeds are not benefiting the community and the route proposed is one that has not been used in the past. However, he said the event is likely to bring people into the community and businesses could benefit from the event.
Councilwoman Frances Schuleit was concerned about the event taking place where ambulance traffic is heavy.
Bosanic said the route was changed around so by the time the run/walk entered that specific area, the group should be spread out and will not pose as much as a problem if it was one big group.
Another issue that Councilwoman Jeanne Cunliffe asked about was cleanup after the event. In a letter prepared by the organization, it is stated a small vehicle is available to help with cleanup of the trail.
Cunliffe questioned the vehicle and if it would able to be on the trail.
Bosanic said he believed the small vehicle was either a golf cart or a Gator, but added if it is too heavy, it will not be allowed on the trail.

In other matters…
• The council voted to table the consideration for a request for license to use public property to install and use a boat dock on Baldwin Lake until next meeting.
• The council approved a request seeking relief to the city’s waste hauling contract with Allied Waste Disposal Inc. regarding holidays. Because of the possibility of Christmas, New Years and Fourth of July falling on a Sunday, Allied will observe those holiday on a Monday, along with governmental entities, pushing back garbage pick up by one day.