Annual Reports Presented To Commission: At the last City Commission meeting several City Department heads and supervisors presented their annual reports to the public body. Reports from Water, Sewer, and the Public Works Departments were received, reviewed and approved by the City Commissioners. Letters of commendation were approved for the water department crew, supervised by Al Sodman, the wastewater department, under the supervision of Brad Gurski, and the Department of Public Works, supervised by Steve Rademacher. Commissioners gave high praise for the work of Utilities Director Steven Martin, the department head supervisors, and especially the city employees that provide the essential services that keep the city running smoothly. Copies of departmental annual reports are available for residents to review at the City Offices. Contact City Clerk Mindy Seavey at 989-224-8944 ext.223 for more information.
Public Hearing Set For Fiscal Year 2014-15 Proposed City Budget: The annual City operating budget has been submitted to the City Commission for the 2014/2015 fiscal year. As part of the budget ratification process a hearing must be held so that members of the public have the opportunity to comment on budget matters. This hearing will be part of the City Commission’s public meeting agenda on Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 pm. The Commission will vote on approval of the budget following the public hearing. A balanced budget has been proposed by the City Manager and his staff as required by the Michigan State Constitution. Submitting a balanced operating budget in the face of declining municipal revenues has become an increasingly difficult endeavor. Even though tax receipts and state revenue-sharing are down, there are no proposed increases in water/sewer fees or taxes for city residents in the FY 2014-2015 budget. The dedicated street millage approved by the voters will be levied for 4 years.
Art Piece To Be Installed At Rotary Park May 21: Last year the City of St Johns was awarded a $10,000 public art grant through the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). The resulting art sculpture created by local artist Timothy Higgins, entitled “Opolis”, will be installed on the St. Johns Depot Grounds at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 21 at 10:30 a.m. The City is engaged in making this area as inviting and interesting as possible as construction of the Clinton-Ionia-Shiawassee Rail-Trail commences this year.
Townsend Road Lift Station Upgrade Project: In an effort to increase the reliability of sanitary sewer service to residents, and to accommodate future growth and development in the southeastern sector of the community, the city has been engaged in an ongoing effort to develop a plan to upgrade certain wastewater facilities in the Townsend Road area. City staff has obtained state and federal grant funds to commission an engineering study for this purpose, which has now been completed. A public hearing was held at the May 12th City Commission meeting where a representative from C2AE Engineering presented the plan for sanitary sewer lift station upgrades and plant improvements. Ultimately, the plan must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for approval before implementation can begin.
The City’s sewer/water fund balance will be utilized for these improvements with no rate increases needed.
Local Roadwork Underway: You should already be seeing the benefits of the passage of the dedicated street millage. Area “Two” construction is underway, involving portions of Cass, McConnell, Traver and Kibbee streets. Consumers Energy has been making gas line improvements in the area. Curb and gutter will be “pulled” in the near future with re-paving to begin in approximately two weeks, weather permitting. The remaining street projects for 2014 will take place throughout the summer and fall seasons.
Joint Meeting Of City—Bingham Township Officials: In an effort to promote regional cooperation and plan for future development, the St. Johns City Commission and the Bingham Township Board held a joint special meeting on May 5, 2014. A variety of topics were discussed, to include how these separate governmental units can create efficiencies and savings for its respective residents. Promoting smart and sensible economic development through collaboration was a recurring theme as the joint boards worked through the meeting agenda. Both boards agreed periodic and regular joint meetings had real value. The next joint board meeting was set for September 15, 2014. Postings of this special meeting will be done as required by law.
Assessor/Deputy City Manager Retires: After 25 years as a City Assessor and Deputy City Manager, Cindy Warda has retired from public service on May 14, 2014. Her expertise, wealth of experience and invaluable institutional and historical knowledge of the city will be greatly missed. We wish Cindy the best in her future endeavors.
Noxious Weed Ordinance Enforcement: Just a reminder that City Ordinance 93.50 requires that lawn grasses be cut before reaching 8” inches in growth and noxious weeds be cleared before reaching the seed-bearing stage. The ordinance also mandates that any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush be cleared and properly disposed of by the occupant/owner of premises. This ordinance applies to unoccupied structures as well as occupied residences and buildings. If non-compliance persists for 10 days after a letter is received the St. Johns Police will issue citations and the City will do the needed work and charge the occupant or owner of the property.
City News On Facebook: Get news about City activities, updates, road construction, police department information and other community “stuff” on the City’s Facebook page. Access the City’s Facebook page by logging on to your Facebook account and typing “City of St. Johns” into the search box.