City Manager’s Newsletter

City Responds To December Weather Event: On December 26—27 the City experienced a heavy thunderstorm on top of 15″ of snow pack. The rapid melting of snow combined with the persistent rains (1 ¾”) taxed the City’s storm water and sanitary sewer systems. City workers responded by diverting excess flow into the St. Johns Big Ditch and the Townsend Road detention area. Surface water flows were monitored closely over the following 48 hours. During the first week of January the City Commission held a special meeting to evaluate the effect of these weather events and the City’s response.

City staff and consulting engineers provided input for the commissioners. Discussion included prospective ways to reduce storm water and sanitary sewer effluent overflows. Mitigating these problems included discussion of pipe relining and underground televising of pipes to determine their integrity. Staff recommended to the commission to look at sump pump discharges and other property owner discharges (foundation drain tiles, downspouts, etc.) that contribute to sanitary sewer overflows. The City Commission authorized staff to develop a plan to address overflow issues as they are identified through further investigation and study. The commissioners recognized the city workers’ quick response and dedication during this challenging time.

Public Hearing Regarding Ambulance Service: The City Commission, at its January 12 regularly scheduled meeting, solicited public comment regarding the City’s continued association with the Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority. Vice Mayor Heather Hanover made a power point presentation to the commission and public. She was assisted by St. Johns ambulance board member Todd Deitrich. CAASA board members in attendance spoke of the budgetary issues of concern raised by the city commission at prior meetings. City residents spoke in favor of the commission’s critical evaluation of CAASA’s operations. The commissioners expressed their appreciation for the public’s input. No decision was made with respect to the City’s continued membership in the ambulance authority. Mayor Beaman indicated this issue will be an agenda item in the very near future, and that a decision will be forthcoming.

Signature Building Grant Program: City of St. Johns Community Housing Development Director Steve Wagner has been pursuing state and federal grant money in an effort to upgrade properties in the downtown area. This month the City was notified by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) that its grant application for purchase and development of a downtown building has been approved. After discussion the City Commission authorized a subcommittee to evaluate the purchase requirements and formulate a development plan. The subcommittee will report back to the commission at its January 26 meeting. If approved, the City will partner with a developer to improve the exterior of the building as well as ready the interior for new businesses.

Federal Government Stimulus Package: As many of you have heard, the government is developing a stimulus package by the Obama administration to stimulate the economy. We have been advised that some of these funds will trickle down to local governments for road, bridge and other infrastructure projects. City staff has developed a list of various street and infrastructure projects. If funds are available, we will be first in line with our hands outstretched. At the moment the details are in a dynamic state, and are likely to change as the new administration formulates its overall plan.

Snow Removal: City workers have met the challenge of this winter’s significant snowfall by clearing streets and roads in a timely manner and per the City’s snow removal policy. We appreciate residents’ efforts to keep sidewalks free and clear of snow during the winter months. Please use special care when driving where plows are present. Also, remember to park off the street during significant snowfall events so plows can move expeditiously up and down the 43 miles of city streets. This is truly a team effort, where the city utilizes not only Department of Public Works personnel, but also Water Department and Wastewater staff to keep our streets clear and passable.

The hard work and coordination of staffing by DPW Supervisor Steve Rademacher and Director of Public Services Jeff Stephens is crucial to this endeavor and the City Manager and Commissioners commend them and their Team. Job well done!