Financial Audit Highlights Sound Fiscal Position: The City’s “Comprehensive Annual Financial Report” for fiscal year 2011-2012 was summarized by a representative of the Rehmann Robson accounting firm at the December 10, 2012 City Commission meeting. The audit findings reflected the City’s continued strong financial position in the face of difficult economic times. By all indicators, the operating budget was well-managed by city staff during the last fiscal year. For the twelfth straight year the City received the GFOA Award for excellence in financial reporting. Fewer than 5% of Michigan municipalities receive this annual award.
Local Economy Uptick In Terms Of Jobs: As we evaluate our community needs as the year winds down, it is noteworthy that this has been a good year for local job creation. By partnering with private business, the City has fostered commercial growth. We are especially pleased that Martin-Brower (formerly “M&M”) chose to expand its facility in the Industrial Park, and that as many as 150 additional jobs have resulted. Mahle Corporation continues its growth in terms of job creation and F.C. Mason also is in the midst of a plant re-location and expansion resulting in more jobs for the community.
Summary Of 2012 City Street And Road Projects: Because of the ongoing depletion of road funds, road maintenance and construction budgets are dwindling. The City recently met with MDOT and other road agencies at a Clinton County Traffic Summit to hear that funds from MDOT are scarce, and without significant changes to how we fund roads this will be the case for years to come.
One bright note is the completion of the Scott Road-Sturgis Street project which involved re-paving and curb and gutter work for Scott Road south of M-21. A portion of Sturgis Street was paved as part of the overall grant project. The City also used our limited road funds to pave from Sturgis street to M-21.
With no new funding in sight for streets and roads it is difficult to envision making major street improvements in the immediate future, even though city street upgrades remain a top priority of elected officials and city staff. There is no indication federal or state transportation dollars will filter down to municipalities for improvement of local streets.
Citizen Survey: We want to thank and commend the many city residents who responded to the recent city survey. It was no surprise that the condition of local streets and sidewalks was the most frequent issue of concern cited in the survey results. While street funding continues to be a problem as discussed earlier in this newsletter, it is worth mentioning that from 2008 through 2012 the City has expended through a combination of grant funds and city revenues a total of $3.4 million dollars on streets and $230,000 on sidewalk repair/replacement.
Director Of Public Services To Retire: Jeff Stephens, Director of Public Services, is slated to retire at the end of 2012. Jeff is a valued employee who has served in various capacities over his 32 years of city employment, having started as a wastewater operator back in 1980. Known for his willingness to put in many extra hours when emergency events or special projects required it, his commitment and dedication will be sorely missed. We thank him and wish him a happy and satisfying retirement.
Medical Marijuana Moratorium Extended: The City Commissioners extended by unanimous vote the moratorium concerning commercial activity in St. Johns as it relates to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. The moratorium was extended through a resolution unanimously passed by the City Commission. City officials have extended the moratorium until December 31, 2013.
Wishing You A Merry Christmas: The downtown is filled with the sound of holiday cheer, sparkling lights and Christmas decorations again this year. Special thanks should go out to the Downtown Development Board/Principal Shopping District for their efforts in creating this special holiday atmosphere and the Santa Parade was even better than before. Great job to all.
Please take time from your busy holiday schedules to visit and shop in our community during this Christmas season. City staff and the members of the City Commission wish you and yours a safe and merry Christmas.