City Manager’s Newsletter

St. Johns Receives Stimulus Funds: The City of St. Johns will receive $145,000 in federal stimulus monies to be divided equally among the City, the Clinton County Road Commission and Clinton Area Transit Authority (the “blue bus”). This money passes through the Small Urban program, which permits application for federal and state grant money every three years. The City and Road Commission will use this money to upgrade a portion of north Lansing Street from Business Route 27 south past Gateway Elementary. The roadwork must be designed and the funds obligated by December 31, 2009. Construction will begin after school lets out in June 2010.

City Commission Approves Contract To Provide Fire Services For Bengal Township: At its April 13 meeting the St. Johns City Commission renewed its contract to provide fire protection for Bengal Township. The City receives approximately $15,000 to provide this service to one-half of the geographic area of Bengal. The City Fire Subcommittee meets annually with Bengal Township representatives at the beginning of each year to review the St. Johns fire department’s annual report and solicit feedback regarding quality of service and coverage issues.

Big Trash Day Coming Soon: It’s time to begin rummaging through your home for items that have outlived their usefulness. The annual Spring Clean-Up, conducted by Republic Waste Services, will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Residents can begin placing unwanted articles curbside seven days before the clean-up. Please be reminded that this service is paid for by City revenues, and therefore is restricted to those items owned by City residents. Refer to the City’s website, or call City Offices at 224-8944 for further information.

City Proposed for 2009-2010 Budget: At the April 27 City Commission Meeting a public hearing date of May 26, 2009 was set for public comment on the proposed budget for next fiscal year. The City Commission conducted three budget workshops to gather information regarding operations and revenues as it built this proposed budget. It is anticipated the Commission will pass a balanced budget despite a reduced revenue stream. The City currently receives revenue sharing payments from the State of Michigan that now are at 1998 funding levels. The City has avoided dipping into its savings account to fund its operational costs. The City Commissioners commended City staff for their work in constructing the budget document that will be considered at the May 26 public hearing. Even though revenues are anticipated to be less than last year, the City expects to provide the same level of services going forward.

City Commission Approves Two Special Events For May And June: Mark your calendars for the National Day of Prayer, scheduled to commence at noon on May 7, 2009 on the Depot grounds in the downtown district.

The Downtown Management Board will hold its 3rd annual Taste of the Town festival on June 26 and 27 on the Depot lawn. Come down and enjoy the entertainment, tasty barbeque and street vendors. A beverage tent with live music is also part of the festivities. For car enthusiasts, you won’t want to miss the “Classic Car Cruise” on Saturday. Stay tuned for more information on this great community event, which keeps growing each year.

Public Services Annual Report: At the April 27 City Commission meeting Director of Public Services Jeff Stephens presented annual reports for the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Water Department and the Public Works Department. These reports can be accessed using the City’s website (click on “Public Service” from the City Homepage). The City Commission commended Mr. Stephens and the department supervisors (Steve Martin/Wastewater Treatment, Al Sodman/Water Dept. and Steve Rademacher/Public Works) as well as their staffs for providing consistently high quality utility and public works services to city residents.