Street projects and much more
Oakland And Spring Street Re-Paving Project: Due to a very favorable bid proposal from Spartan Asphalt, the City has been able to contract for the re-paving of portions of Oakland Street and Spring Street. Both roadways will receive “mill and fill” resurfacing which is a heavy maintenance application. It is anticipated that these projects may be completed– weather permitting– by the time this newsletter is published. Funds for this project were derived from leftover Capital Improvement Bond monies from 2007. We are pleased to be able to resurface these heavily traveled streets.
Lansing Street Reconstruction Project: The City’s portion of the Lansing Street reconstruction project is now well under way. Lansing Street is being upgraded from Walker Road south to Lewis Street, and includes improvements at the intersection near the entrance to Gateway school and Johnella Estates. This project will be completed prior to Mint Festival week. The County is reconstructing a separate portion of Lansing Street from Walker Road to Business Route 27. Funds for this project come from a Safety Fund grant and federal stimulus monies.
Summer Taxes (Delinquent Water/Sewer Bills): Summer property taxes are due on August 14th. The City accepts credit/debit cards and electronic checks for payment of this tax. 2009 water/sewer bill not paid by May 24, 2010 were placed on the summer tax bill as permitted by state and local law. It should be noted that the City’s share of the total summer and winter tax levies is only 33%. The remaining property tax revenues collected by the City are forwarded to the School District, the county and other taxing units.
Building Code Permits/Enforcement: The City has contracted with Clinton County to provide services related to the issuance of building permits and building code enforcement. The City had previously used a private company for these services, but believes using the county will be more cost-efficient and will also provide better customer service. The contract with the county goes into effect July 23, 2010. Those individuals or entities needing to obtain either Building, Plumbing, Mechanical or Electrical permits after that date should contact the Clinton County Building Department. The main contact person is building inspector Audley Pierce, who can be reached at 989-224-5180.
Rails To Trails Update: The City Commission received testimony from MSU professor and trail committee volunteer Chuck Nelson regarding the progress being made to create the tri-county recreational Rail Trail. Once completed, this trail will span all of Clinton County from east to west as well as parts of Ionia and Shiawassee Counties. The City, in anticipation of the completion of this trail, has been enhancing the Depot grounds through grants and community service projects (Rotary Club and Clinton County Arts Council) for the purpose of making St. Johns one of the main trailheads and stopover destinations for trail users.
Severe Weather Events: The summer season often brings with it unstable air masses and possible severe weather events, including thunder/lightening storms and the occasional tornado. Please heed the early warning sirens which will provide residents ample notice of storm systems in the area. This is a good time to make or review your family safety plan for severe weather events. More information on proper safety measures for families can be found at www.redcross.org.
New Site For CATS (Blue Bus) Facility: The City Commission on July 12, 2010 approved the Planning Commission recommendation for the CATS bus facility on Scott Road. Construction of this phased project will begin in the fall. Future phases will be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to construction. City staff and City Commissioners expressed some concern that increased traffic in this area (Scott Road and M-21) might merit a study of the intersection and the installation of a traffic control signal. The City Commission urged CATS representatives to work with the City and MDOT to achieve this safety objective.
Well-Head Protection Program: The City’s Wellhead Protection Program was approved by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. This is a preventative program designed to insure the purity of the groundwater from which the City’s water supply is derived. The thrust of this effort involves taking preventative measures to guard against the pollution of underlying groundwater. This Wellhead Protection Program was paid for in part through grant funds. Please visit the City’s website at www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com for additional information.
Community Development Director’s Annual Report: The Community Development Director’s annual report highlighted the fact that for the first time in more than two years building permits were obtained for new home construction at two sites in the City. Additionally, new public facilities for the Clinton Transit Authority (blue bus service) and the Department of Human Services will be constructed in St. Johns in 2010. Finally, two new grant opportunities were obtained for the development of the Depot site and the area adjacent to the future CIS Trail. The City Commission commended Community Development Director Steve Wagner and his staff for a job well done.