Lansing Council approves ordinance to increase water and sewer rates

by B.J. Tomlinson

At the regular meeting of the Lansing City Council Monday, August 4, Mayor Mike Brennan, for the third and final time, read Ordinance #191 re-specifying water and sewer rates. Resident Deb Volker asked if the Council had made any progress on writing a policy to help elderly and low-income residents with paying the new rates. Councilman Dick Roeder and Mayor Brennan both indicated the Council is aware of the problem and is working on it, but no formal policy has been written. The Council approved the ordinance and the new rates will go into effect September 1, 2014.
Police Chief Ed Stahl reported he issued 17 parking tickets at the Marina over the weekend in an effort to enforce the parking policy and relieve congestion. Marina slip renters are issued a parking permit and are only allowed one parking space per boat. Those persons parking at the Marina without permits are issued citations. Mayor Brennan said the complaints received about the citations were from boat owners and not visitors.
Heath Draeger, People Service representative, said a new vacuum pump has been installed and the department is now in the process of taking a curb stop inventory. Mabel Terry presented a second water/sewer bill to the Council, asking for an adjustment on her water bill due to a leak. The Council agreed to a $71.02 adjustment, half of the sewer fee.
The Council reviewed and approved Resolutions #848 and #849, approving and adopting preliminary plans and specifications for the North Front Street Sewer and Water Extension project. According to the Proposed Resolution of Necessity document submitted, the project  “…will include installation of sewer and water mains, sewer and water service lines, grinder pump station and low pressure force main, decommissioning the existing wells and septic systems and site restoration…”  Mayor Brennan indicated that the cost of the project is included in the recent water/sewer rate increase.  Property owners have been notified and construction will commence at the end of September.
Street Superintendent Jerry Aperans reported the library recycling center has been moved from South Front Street to South Fourth Street. Aperans also indicated the Street department has everything in order for Fish Days.
Joe Papp, representing Main Street Lansing, reported that several consultants were in town last week to discuss tourism. They met with residents, retailers and lodging proprietors and will submit results of their visit in three or four weeks; Papp encouraged the Council to attend the meeting.