Sidewalk Replacement Funds: The City has been able to transfer an additional $20,000.00 into the fund for repair and replacement of city sidewalks. These funds will be used beginning in the spring of this year as we continue to upgrade our network of sidewalks, making for a safer and more “walkable” community.
The City has a partnership program where property owners can replace sidewalk sections abutting their property with financial assistance from the City. With the City’s cost-sharing plan, replacing one sidewalk flag will cost a property owner approximately $31.00. Contact Steve Rademacher (224-8944, ext 229) for more information.
New Special Events/Facilities Rental Ordinance: At its January 14, 2013 public meeting the St. Johns City Commission passed an ordinance significantly revising the procedure for obtaining permission to hold a special event or rent a city facility (park pavilion, railroad depot rental, performance shell, etc.).
Renters of city facilities will be required to sign a Use Agreement indicating the terms of the rental. Rentals continue to be approved on a first come, first served basis and can be secured up to one year in advance.
Community Development Plan Update: The City Planning Commission has invested considerable time and energy updating the City’s Community Development Plan. The proposed revisions to the plan were recently completed and are now being submitted to local agencies for review and comment. Careful consideration of the results of the 2012 Citizen Survey was given by the Planning Commission during discussion of needed revisions. After agency review a public hearing will be calendared and citizen comment will be solicited. The revised plan will then be presented to the City Commission for final review and approval. For more information contact Community Development Director Dave Kudwa (989-224-8944, ext. 231) or Deputy City Manager Cindy Warda (ext. 222).
Local Streets And Roads: St. Johns city officials are closely watching developments regarding Governor Snyder’s ambitious proposal-formally announced during his recent State of the State address-with respect to funding state road re-construction and repair. While the Governor indicated this is one of his top legislative priorities, it is unclear where the money will come from and how it will be disbursed. Snyder stated $1.2 billion in revenue would be needed to adequately fund his highway and road improvement plan.
Early indications are most of the money would be used for state and county highways and surface roads. Where this leaves municipalities with deteriorating streets and insufficient street funds is a looming issue not addressed by state officials. St. Johns city officials placed a dedicated street millage proposal on the ballot in 2004 and again in 2005. The millage was defeated both times. The Act 51 gas tax money we receive every year from the state isn’t enough to even cover required yearly light road maintenance.
Paying for modest street programs with general fund money is an approach that has run its course given declining property tax revenue, the elimination of state personal property taxes as well as cuts to state revenue-sharing. Simply put, the City is reaching critical mass with respect to this issue, and there is no easy funding mechanism in sight. Currently 60% of St. Johns city streets are classified as “poor”.
The city has more than 50 miles of roadway within its boundaries it must maintain and repair. The percentage of streets falling into significant disrepair will only continue to increase if an overall street reconstruction/repair plan isn’t implemented. Any plan for street upgrades is dependent on a funding source.