Sidewalk Replacement Program: This has been another great summer to get out and walk our beautiful city. City staff recognizes that many sections of sidewalk are in need of upgrading and repair. While we have a sidewalk replacement budget, funds are limited. The City also has a partnership program which allows property owners to replace sidewalk sections abutting their property with financial assistance from the City. The City will contribute $1.75 per square foot for sidewalk replacement. At approximately $3.00 per square foot cost, that means property owners pay less than half the cost to upgrade their sidewalks. With the City’s cost-sharing, replacing one sidewalk flag will cost a property owner approximately $31.00. Contact Jeff Stephens (224-8944, ext 281 or Steve Rademacher (224-8944, ext 229) for more information.
Leaf Bags/Leaf Pick-Up Program: Before we know it trees will begin shedding their leaves as temperatures cool and summer turns to fall. We encourage city residents to use leaf bags for leaf disposal. Bagged leaf disposal is a sound environmental practice that prevents clogged storm sewers and allows the City to promote its compost program. Biodegradable leaf bags can be obtained at no charge from the City Offices, at the Briggs Public Library or by calling DPW Supervisor Steve Rademacher at 224-8944, ext. 229. Filled bags put near the curb will be picked up by City public works crews. The City also provides a drop-off site 24-7 for leaves, branches and brush at the DPW facility located at 1000 N BR-US 27.
Elm Street Vacation: After a public hearing the St. Johns City Commission voted unanimously on September 10th to vacate a portion of Elm Street behind the Sparrow-Clinton Memorial Hospital to accommodate this facility’s proposed expansion. This action will not materially affect traffic flow in the neighborhood. City officials are pleased Sparrow-Clinton Hospital has demonstrated their continued long-term commitment to our community through this expansion.
“Complete Streets” Ordinance Approved: At its September 10, 2012 meeting the St. Johns City Commission passed an ordinance entitled “Complete Streets”. This ordinance is companion legislation to a state law passed in 2010 to promote a broader use of public rights-of-way. Michigan law defines “Complete Streets” as “roadways planned, designed and constructed to provide appropriate access to all legal users in a manner that promotes safe and efficient movement of people and goods, whether by car, truck, mass transit, assistive device, foot or bicycle”. Besides providing consistent and modern design guidelines for public streets, this ordinance will also be beneficial in pursuing federal and state grant funding for street maintenance and reconstruction. The ordinance addresses the best case scenario for planned roadways, but also considers the City’s financial ability to accommodate public rights-of-way improvements.
City Spray Park Fund-Raising: The proposed spray park for the St. Johns City Park is a recreational amenity that, once constructed, will provide generations of youngsters summertime fun; and maybe a few adults as well. Funding efforts continue throughout the community. Mark your calendars for October 23rd, when the St. Johns Big Boy Restaurant will sponsor a Celebrity Server Night from 6 to 8 p.m. A percentage of all Big Boy receipts from this dinner event will be donated to the spray park fund. More information regarding this and other events will follow. If you would like to hear more about this exciting community project please contact Bill Schafer at 989-224-8944 ext.227.
Upcoming Election: The election on November 6th will contain a full slate of state and federal candidates, including the all-important Presidential election. Be sure you are registered and eligible to vote. Absentee ballots can be obtained by filling out and submitting an “Application for Absent Voter Ballot” to the City Clerk’s Office. These applications are available at city offices and on-line at the City’s website:
http://www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com. Once at the site just click on “Departments” and then “Clerk’s Office”. Under “Clerk’s Office” you will click on “Absentee Ballot”. You will also find a wealth of other information concerning voting at this site, including voting locations, voter registration information and sample ballots. Let government hear your voice by exercising your right to vote!
