Cable Television Services: Michigan communities are authorized to enter into franchise agreements with private cable television providers so that this service is available to local residents. The City of St. Johns has franchise agreements with both Charter Communications and Westphalia Broadband, Inc. (WBI) for the provision of cable television-related services.
Because each of these franchise agreements is up for renewal this summer, City staff is seeking input from cable television customers regarding the quality of service provided by these companies. Please contact City Offices at 989-224-8944, ext. 228 if you would like to provide feedback regarding your cable television service.
Scott Road/Sturgis Street Project: The City is in the process of developing an important road reconstruction project for the 2012 summer construction season. Working with Spicer Engineering, design plans have now been formulated for the resurfacing of Scott Road from Jones Street (near the Wheel Inn) to Wildcat Road. In addition to a new surface, some curb reconstruction and related work will take place.
The resurfacing (mill and fill) of a portion of Sturgis Street from the Southpoint Mall’s north entrance to Scott Road is also included in this project. A Small Urban Grant has been submitted to the Michigan Department of Transportation to underwrite a portion of the cost for this road work.
The City is also looking at the possibility of extending the Scott Road resurfacing project all the way to M-21, depending on available local City street funds.
Old Drakes Station: The City has taken the final step to merge the two parcels upon which the old Drakes gas station is situated out on north Business Route US 27. With the merger of the parcels, the City will now market the property and building for private ownership. Interested parties should contact Deputy City Manager Cindy Warda at 989-224-8944, ext. 222.
City Recognizes Officers: At the January 9, 2012 City Commission meeting St. Johns Director of Public Safety Michael Madden introduced Ben Helms as the newest patrol officer in the department. Ben has prior law enforcement experience both with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Dewitt.
Chief Madden and Mayor Dana Beaman also recognized the long and valued service of Auxiliary Officer Craig Price, who received a Certificate of Appreciation for his 18 years with the department.
Rails-To-Trail Update: The Tri-County (CIS) Rails-to-Trails project update is slated for the next St. Johns City Commission meeting on January 23, 2012. If you are interested in trail project plans and development you will want to attend the public meeting at the courthouse in the Commission Chambers on this date.
Annamarie Bauer of the Department of Natural Resources and Carolyn Kane of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will address the City Commission regarding the status of the CIS Rail-Trail project. Roger Thelen, a representative from the Friends of the CIS Trail, will discuss the “Friends” group efforts to promote trail development.
This presentation is sure to provide valuable information regarding this recreational project as current plans are to begin construction sometime in 2012.