Medical Marihuana Moratorium Extended: The City Commission voted to extend the Medical Marihuana Moratorium to the end of the calendar year. The moratorium has the effect of prohibiting all commercial activity in the City related to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA). The main activities prohibited under this moratorium involve commercial growing and commercial dispensing and/or selling. The moratorium does not prohibit the use of medical marihuana by a resident who has become certified as a qualified patient under the applicable state statute.
The moratorium was put in place because of significant anomalies and gaps in existing state law. Members of the state legislature have resolved to introduce and pass legislation to provide more certainty to local communities with respect to what is permitted and what is prohibited under the MMMA. The City’s moratorium provides a timeline for the legislature to act. The City of St. Johns’ Resolution Establishing and Extending the Medical Marihuana Moratorium can be viewed at: www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com.
Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget: At the May 9, 2011 Commission meeting, the commissioners voted to set a public hearing on May 23, 2011 for consideration and approval of next fiscal year’s operating budget. The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit input from members of the community. The Commission will vote on approval of the budget following the public hearing. As in past years, a balanced budget has been submitted by the City Manager, as required by the Michigan State Constitution. Submitting a balanced budget in the face of a state-wide economic downturn is no easy feat. As is widely known, many Michigan municipalities are “under water” with respect to their budget picture. Through careful planning and strategic belt-tightening the City of St. Johns has avoided having to go into crisis-management mode.
That said, it is worth noting that the City continues to operate in the face of a rather bleak economic picture. State revenue sharing continues on a downward trend. Property tax revenues are on the decline. While the City will make every effort to provide the essential public services to which residents are accustomed, major projects such as street improvements will be off the table for the time being because of the reduced revenue stream.
New Pavilion On Depot Grounds: The finishing touches are being put in place for the new pavilion structure across from the Briggs Library on the Depot Grounds. This beautiful addition not only adds to the overall look of the Depot Grounds, but will also serve the public well for special events and private gatherings. Please take the time to drive down Railroad Street to take a look at this impressive facility.
Community Development Director’s Annual Report: Steve Wagner, Community Development Director for the City, presented his always informative annual report at the May 9, 2011 City Commission Meeting. The presentation highlighted new building activity in the city, zoning code enforcement, and recent successes with respect to the receipt of grant monies for development. Mr. Wagner discussed, among other projects, the City’s efforts to acquire land near the Depot for trailhead development related to the Ionia to Owosso Rail Trail.
It is worth mentioning that the Rail Trail referred to above may enter the construction/paving phase as early as the summer of 2012. The CIS Trail Authority, of which the City of St. Johns is a member, indicated initial trail segments will be likely be constructed in cities, towns and villages and secondary trail sections will then be installed to connect the various communities along the trail route.
It is noteworthy that in addition to staffing the City Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals, Steve also is the zoning enforcement officer, issues zoning permits, administers the City/County housing program and is well-versed in grant writing and grant administration. At the conclusion of his presentation the City Commission commended Mr. Wagner for his continued efforts and many successes.
Commission Approves Movies In The Park Request: Pathway Church’s request to offer free family movies in the City Park on June 17 and July 22, 2011 was unanimously approved by the commission. The movies are shown at the Performance Shell, and have always drawn a good crowd.
Consumers Energy Phasing In Energy Efficient Street Lighting: The City Commission passed a resolution which permits Consumer’s Energy to convert City Street lighting to a more energy-efficient model. Currently the City pays approximately $100,000 per year out of its operating budget for public right-of-way lighting. It is anticipated significant savings will be realized through this conversion.