Depot Grounds: The impressive recreational pavilion being constructed on the Railroad Depot grounds is scheduled for completion on or about June 1. This structure will enhance the appearance of the grounds as well as provide for increased use of the area for public and special events in the downtown area. The new pavilion will be available for day rentals through the City for family functions and private parties after completion. Further details will follow.
The City is also in the process of acquiring additional land near the Depot as part of its overall trailhead development project related to the Rails-to-Trails corridor. This land will be used to develop trailhead facilities such as a park, restrooms and off-street parking.
Sidewalk Program: The City will continue to replace deteriorating sidewalks in various neighborhoods as part of its long-range sidewalk replacement program. Because of budget constraints, funding is limited in next year’s operational budget for the sidewalk program. This effort is in addition to the existing sidewalk replacement program available to property owners through the City. If you are interested in upgrading sidewalk sections adjacent to your property the City has a “partnering” program available to help defray costs. For more information please contact Director of Public Services Jeff Stephens at 224-8944, ext. 281.
Tornado Warning System/Tornado Season: As we enter the tornado season it is the City’s standing procedure to test its tornado sirens (early warning system) at noon on the first Saturday of each month, beginning in April and running through October. These tests will be conducted unless there is severe weather in the area. Tornado sirens are located at the City Park, Clinton Memorial Hospital and just east of Federal Mogul.
Families are encouraged to establish a home safety plan for severe weather events. Suggested family safety plans for weather emergencies can be found in brochure form on the internet at: www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/ttl.pdf.
Spring Clean-Up Set For May 14th: It’s once again that time of the year; Big Trash Day is right around the corner. That means it’s time to begin scouring your home, garage and shed for items that have outlived their usefulness.
The annual Big Spring Clean-Up, conducted this year by Waste Management Services, will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on May 14. Residents can begin placing unwanted articles curbside seven days before the clean-up. Waste Management will be coming through neighborhoods throughout the week prior to May 14th to do early pick ups and will be back on the 14th for another entire run through the city.
Please be reminded that this service is paid for by City residents and is therefore restricted to those items owned by City residents. Refer to the City’s website, or call City Offices at 224-8944 for further information regarding the 2011 Big Trash day.
Garage Sale Regulations: City residents are permitted to hold up to two garage or yard sales per year per our zoning ordinance. The length of each sale can be for up to seven days. The placement of garage sale signs is prohibited in the public rights-of way. Simply stated, this means signs must be placed on the private property.
Townsend Road Construction: The Townsend Road Improvement Project is slated to begin during this year’s construction season. When completed residents will see significant road improvements along Townsend Road from Oakland Street east to business route US 27. It is anticipated this project will begin shortly after school lets out and will be completed before Mint Festival. All efforts will be made to keep traffic flowing with minimal disruption.
National Safe Digging Month: April is National Safe Digging Month. The Miss Dig program promotes the location of underground utilities and other infrastructure before any repair or construction digging is done on private and public property. To avoid hitting gas lines, water pipes, electrical conduits and other utilities please take advantage of Miss Dig’s flagging of underground placements before you excavate near your home or business. Miss Dig has a new and easy number. By simply dialing “811” you will be connected to the Miss Dig service for Michigan. The service is provided at no cost to users.
Spray Park Update And Reader’s Digest Contest: As many of you know, the City is in the process of exploring the development of a Spray Park at or near the site of the City Park Veteran’s Memorial Pool site. As always, funding is one of the issues that must be addressed. A well outfitted spray park with attractive water features is not an inexpensive undertaking.
Related to the funding issue, residents and other supporters of the City recently participated in an on-line Reader’s Digest contest as St. Johns competed with other communities on a nation-wide basis for private grant money for its spray park. Through internet voting the City of St. Johns finished in 6th place, and in so doing won a $10,000 Reader’s Digest grant. Representatives from Reader’s Digest will come to St. Johns on Monday, April 25th to present this money to City officials. We invite you to attend this event, which will be held at the Main Pavilion/Performance Shell in the City Park, beginning at 1:00 p.m.