City Commission Election and much more
Incumbent City Commissioners Heather Hanover and Michael Nobach were re-elected to Commission positions following the November 8 election. New City Commissioner Dave Hudgens was also sworn at the November 14, 2011 City Commission meeting after his successful bid for election. At this same meeting the Commissioners re-elected Dana Beaman as Mayor and Heather Hanover as Vice-Mayor. Congratulations to all!
Citizen Committees: The City Commission invites residents to assist in a broad range of City activities by serving on various boards and committees. If you have an interest in serving please contact City Clerk Mindy Seavey at 224-8944 ext. 223.
Leaf Pick Up And Disposal: The City will continue to pick up bagged leaves placed curbside by residents. This method of disposal is encouraged by city staff, as it minimizes the accumulation of leaves in the city storm water sewer system. We commend our residents for their widespread use of leaf bags for leaf collection this fall. Loose leaves left in piles near the curb (not in the street) will be removed by city crews the week of November 21st, weather permitting. If you need more leaf bags they can be obtained at no charge from the City Offices or by calling DPW supervisor Steve Rademacher at 224-8944, ext. 229. Another important note: the City’s leaf and tree limb drop off site is located at the Department of Public Works behind the salt storage barn and is open 24-7 for your convenience.
City Commission Receives Audit Report: The accounting firm of Abraham & Gaffney, represented by Aaron Stevens, summarized its City of St. Johns audit findings for fiscal year 2010-2011 at the November 14th City Commission meeting. The audit report 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 eleventh straight year the City received the GFOA Award for excellence in financial reporting. Fewer than 5% of 1,856 Michigan municipalities receive this annual award.
Winter Tax Bills And On-Line Payment: Winter tax bills will be sent out by November 30, 2011. You can now pay your tax bill on-line through debit or credit card payments as well as electronic checks. This payment method can also be used for personal property taxes, water/sewer billings and park and recreational fees. Visit the City’s website at www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com. The on-line payment feature can be accessed from the main page of the City website. A newsletter is included with your tax statement and contains useful information.
Water-Sewer Billing Information: Besides making on-line payments, residents can also view their water/sewer account information on line for both current billings and account history. Your utility bills may also be paid on line through debit, credit card or electronic check.
Rails-To-Trails Presentation At Upcoming Commission Meeting: The much anticipated Tri-County Rails-to-Trails project continues to gather momentum. If you are interested in project plans and progress and how it affects our City you may want to attend the next City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. Annamarie Bauer of the Department of Natural Resources and Carolyn Kane of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will address the City Commission regarding the status of the CIS Rail-Trail project. Roger Thelen, a representative from the Friends of the CIS Trail, will discuss the “Friends” group efforts to promote trail development. This presentation is sure to provide valuable information regarding this recreational project as current plans are to begin construction sometime in 2012.
Marihuana Moratorium Extended: The City Commissioners extended 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, 2012 with the expectation that changes in the law will be made by the courts and legislature to provide municipalities with sufficient guidance to enact meaningful local regulations.