Change In Service Provider For Refuse/Recycling Pickup: Waste Management, Inc., a national refuse collection corporation, has been awarded the contract to provide refuse pickup service to City residents. The basic collection service will remain the same; the color of the trucks and recycling bins will be the most noticeable change for customers. Garbage and recycling pick-up schedules will also remain the same, as will the Annual Spring Clean-Up. Because the change-over from Republic to Waste Management will occur on July 1, expect to have your brown recycling bins collected by Republic during the last week of June and new bins provided shortly thereafter by Waste Management. Any questions can be directed to City Offices at 224-8944, ext. 250.
Industrial Park Activity: The City is working with a private developer related to a 3 acre parcel in the St. Johns Industrial Park with the expectation that the property will be purchased and developed for the construction of a commercial office building. It is anticipated that a State of Michigan administrative agency will become a long-term tenant in this new commercial construction. The developer, who has an option on the industrial park parcel, was recently notified by the State that his bid was approved for the contract award. The City is hopeful this development will lead to additional job creation in the area.
Summer Fest At Depot Grounds: On Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th the Downtown Management Board will sponsor the St. Johns Summer Fest. You are invited downtown for what is being billed as the “First Barbecue of Summer”. There will be live music, a beverage tent and casino gaming. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and wraps up at midnight on both Friday and Saturday. Come on down to the train depot grounds with your friends and neighbors for two great evenings of fun, good eating and lively entertainment.
2010 Concert In The Park Series: It’s time to get out your calendar and block out your Wednesday evenings for the 7th season of Music in the Park at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell. The concert series will be held every Wednesday starting June 16th and continue through August 25th. All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m., rain or shine. The weekly concerts will feature jazz artists, country music, classical orchestra, the blues, Big Band sounds and the ever-popular Elvis impersonator. The Clinton County Arts Council and the City continue their support of this great music series. For more information about the series call 224-2429 or visit www.clintoncountyarts.org or www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com.
Land Acquisition Near Depot: The City has been approved for the receipt of state grant funds to acquire land near the Train Depot for facilities which relate to the future Tri-County Rail Trail. The City Commission passed a resolution on Monday, June 14th formally requesting these funds. The subject parcel, once developed, will include green space, a picnic area, and a play area for children and bathroom and parking facilities. These funds have been made available through the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Trust Fund.
Lansing Street Reconstruction Project: The City’s portion of the Lansing Street reconstruction project should begin during the week of June 21st, weather permitting. Lansing Street will be upgraded from Walker Road south to Lewis Street, and will include improvements at the intersection near the entrance to Gateway school and Johnella Estates. This project is utilizing an MDOT Safety Grant, stimulus and City funds. The County will do a companion project from Walker Road north to Business Route US 27. Drive with care while workers are on site in this area. Efforts will be made to minimize local traffic inconveniences during construction.