Commission Passes Resolution To Establish Joint Committee With Bingham Township: The City Commission adopted a resolution calling for the formation of a joint committee with Bingham Township to address issues concerning regional cooperation and the provision of utilities and other services beyond our municipal borders. It is expected this committee will be compromised of the full public bodies of each local government entity, and should begin its committee work within the next 90 days. The benefits of PA 425 agreements will be discussed by the members.
While on the topic of regional cooperation, the City Commission recently approved the extension of both City water and sanitary sewer service to Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizer as a means of supporting expansion of its Corporate Offices in Bingham Township.
Scott Road Project Set To Begin: This road project, characterized as “heavy maintenance”, will kick off in mid-June of this year. Design plans call for the resurfacing of Scott Road from Jones Street (near the Wheel Inn) to Wildcat Road. Some curb reconstruction and related work will also be done. Additionally, the resurfacing of a portion of Sturgis Street from the Southpoint north mall entrance to Scott Road is included in this project. There will be limitations of “local traffic only” along these streets during certain parts of the project, but in general the road work should be of only a minor convenience to motorists.
July 4th Fireworks Site Moved: The St. Johns Rotary Club sponsors a terrific 4th of July fireworks display every year up at the St. Johns City Park. Due to school and athletic field construction, the site of this year’s display has been moved to the St. Johns Middle School athletic fields off Townsend Road. Please note only limited parking is available. Before the fireworks begin, please be sure to take in some live music at the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell.
Public Hearing Set For City Fiscal Year 2012-13 Budget: A proposed City operating budget has been submitted to the City Commission for the next 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. This hearing will be part of the City Commission’s public meeting agenda on Tuesday, May 29 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. Submitting a balanced budget in the face of a state-wide economic downturn and 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 fees or taxes for city residents in the FY 2012-2013 budget.
Noxious Weed Ordinance Enforcement: City Ordinance 93.50 requires that noxious weeds be cleared before reaching the seed-bearing stage and lawn grasses be cut before reaching 8″ in growth. The ordinance also mandates that any accumulation of dead weeds, grass or brush be cleared by the occupant/owner of premises. This ordinance applies to unoccupied structures as well as occupied residences and buildings. A violation of this ordinance will result in a warning letter from the City Clerk. If non-compliance persists for 10 days the St. Johns Police will issue citations and the City will do the needed work and charge the occupant or owner of the property. This and all ordinances can be reviewed on line at the City’s website. Paper copies of ordinances can be obtained at City Offices, or by calling 224-8944.
Public Services Annual Report Presented To Commission: Director of Public Services Director Jeff Stephens gave his annual report to the City Commission at the May 14 public meeting. Covering the Departments of Public Works, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Mr. Stephens highlighted the dedicated efforts of department personnel who endeavor to provide a sustained level of services to residents and property owners in the face of declining revenues. The Commission accepted the reports and recognized the hard work of City employees in the Public Services arena. The annual reports may be viewed on the City’s website at: www.ci.saint-johns.mi.us
Lieutenant Michael Carey To Retire: After 37 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, on May 31, 2012 Lieutenant Mike Carey of the St. Johns Police Department is hanging up his holster. A special gathering will be held for Mike at the courthouse in Conference Room C, first floor on his last day of work (from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm). We thank Lieutenant Carey for his outstanding service and wish him the best in his retirement.
Dogs Running Loose: Dogs can be pleasant companions for residents out for their daily walks. But please remember city regulations require that dogs be on leashes at all times while in public places within the city, including the City Park. Solid animal wastes, whether left on public or private property, must be collected by the person walking a dog or other domestic pet within the city limits. Police officers are authorized to issue misdemeanor citations for violations of the city’s animal control ordinance.
DMB Downtown Battle Of The Bands Event Coming Up: The St. Johns Downtown Management Board and Principal Shopping District will sponsor “St. Johns Summerfest” on June 23, 2012, beginning at 7:00 pm. Come on down with your friends and enjoy good food, cold beverages and the Battle of the Bands at the Rotary Pavilion on the Depot Grounds as the DMB begins the summer in style.