Appreciation For Residents and Volunteer Committee Members and more
by Dennis LaForest
It’s that time of year; a time to be grateful, a time to celebrate the season, and of course, a time to look back. The year 2010 was another busy one for the City of St. Johns . . .
The U.S. Census : Our citizens demonstrated a high level of cooperation with this important federal undertaking. Unfortunately, the results weren’t all that we had hoped. The City’s population is down about one hundred and fifty folks, which translates into lost revenue sharing payments from the State.
Inter-Governmental Cooperation: The City worked with Bingham Township to reach agreement in 2009 regarding the treatment of township sewer effluent. The Township hooked into our system in early 2010. This cooperative effort increased the City’s customer base and allowed the Township to provide dependable sewage treatment to current residents and business owners.
Fluoride: Fluoride was re-introduced into the City’s water system. This additive is proven to be effective in preventing tooth decay and other associated dental problems.
Budget And Revenue Sharing: The City was able to develop another balanced budget in the face of declining revenues. Both tax receipts and state revenue sharing are down from the previous year. City staff members continue to do all that they can to maintain the same high level of service for residents in the face of a smaller operating budget.
Street Improvements: Working with a very limited road budget for fiscal year 2010-11, the City was able to make street improvements in several areas of town. Portions of Oakland Street, Sickels Street, Park Street and sections of North and South Lansing Street were re-paved or otherwise improved during the summer construction season. The City was also able to obtain a Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality grant (CMAQ) from the State of Michigan which will be used to improve Townsend Road for vehicular, non-vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This project is slated to begin in 2011. Future street construction projects are on indefinite hold as street funds are exhausted. With rising gas prices and alternative fuel and electric vehicles on the immediate horizon, the street reconstruction and maintenance revenue funds obtained from gas taxes will decline in the future. Street funding must be addressed as a priority at the State level.
Parks And Recreation: As always, the City Parks and Recreation Department did a great job of providing many recreational and sports opportunities for area residents. The City Park was well-maintained and heavily used during a very warm summer season. Music in the Park was a great success once again. Because of budget and operational issues, the City Pool did not open during the summer of 2010. The City was able to fill that recreational void by working with the St. Johns Public Schools to make the high school pool available for swimming lessons and open swim. We appreciate the school district’s cooperation. The City is already exploring an alternative to the outdoor pool and has formed a committee to look at the possible installation of a spray park. On the south side of the park the BMX track opened for business, sponsoring several racing events. Lots of riders used the track for practicing and racing from spring through fall.
Land Sales And Acquisitions: The City sold a portion of land abutting the high school football field to the St. Johns Public Schools so the school district could enhance the athletic complex at that site. Improved seating and expanded locker room facilities are a few of the changes residents will see as early as next football season.
The City is purchasing two tracts of land near the old Railroad Depot for future parkland development. This is part of the City’s overall plan to be a trailhead destination once the Tri-County Rails to Trails is developed. The City has applied to be a member of the local trail authority which was formed in 2010. Membership will allow the City to have valuable input in the development of the trail and trail facilities.
Depot Grounds: You will notice the ongoing construction of a multi-purpose pavilion on the Railroad Depot grounds. Without the efforts of several groups and individuals, as well as the continuing financial support of our St. Johns Rotary Club, this undertaking would not have been possible. The City also obtained grant funds to offset a portion of the construction costs.
Industrial Park: Speaking of construction, the City sold an Industrial Park parcel for development. Construction of a new State Department of Health and Human Services office complex is underway. This expansive facility will hopefully lead to additional jobs within the community.
Public Safety: The Public Safety Director’s Annual Report showed a sharp decline in reported crime during the previous year. Fire protection services for the City remain strong with a very committed and highly trained group of firefighters. A new fire truck was purchased, resulting in two older model trucks being taken out of service.
South End Drainage: The City continued to work on plans and projects calculated to improve storm water drainage in the southern sector of the City. Infiltration of storm water into the sanitary sewer collection lines must be reduced as mandated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Appreciation For Residents and Volunteer Committee Members: I would be remiss not to mention our local residents as this year winds down. Because of the character of our citizens, because of the pride people take in their property and in the community as a whole, St. Johns is a terrific place to live. And continuing on that note, I’d like to particularly mention the many volunteers who serve on City committees; everything from the Library Board to the Planning Committee to the Parks and Rec Board and numerous others. There are thirteen citizen committees that really do a great deal to advance the mission of local government. So a big thanks to Anne Rademacher, Dan Redman, Don Keim, Jim Thelen, Keith Peterson, Dave Rademacher, Tom Hutton, Wendy Ward, Curt Keck, Craig Bishop, Tim Black, Bob Bellgowan, Dick Starck, Bob Craig, Mark Holden, Leslie Lechner-Salemi, Ed Peters, Ed Thelen, Pete Motz, Bill Pioszak, Suzie Fromson, Alan Harr, Don Rademacher, Bill Brewbaker, Terry Clarke, Kerry Nobis, Byron Delavan, Mary Hutton, Jennifer Brewbaker, Ed Mikula, Mike Madden, Jared Fromson, Paul McNamara, Jackie Burk, Ken Kramer, Henry Burkhardt, Blake Anthes, Monica Craig, Rodger Massa, Gary Barnard, Eric Silm, Roy Piggott, Kenneth Ladouceur, Jan Havlik, Gene Bellingar, Eric Harger, Tyler Barlage, Aaron Baker, Craig Smith, David Mageli, Lance Ouellette, Bob Petty, John Sirrine, Curt Fedewa, Herb Bucholtz, Charles Kebler, Dave Kudwa, Brad Hurley, and Susan Neuder.
Holiday Cheer: On behalf of the St. Johns City Commission and City staff, I want to wish you the very best during this holiday season. We look forward to serving you and the best interests of the community again next year!