Lansing City Council passes Restricted Residence Ordinance

by B.J. Tomlinson

In its first regular meeting of 2016, Monday, January 4, the Lansing City Council reviewed and approved revisions to Ordinance #196 which regulates and defines the restricted residence district. Mayor Mike Brennan said the Ordinance was necessary to protect the downtown district from becoming residential dwellings. According to the Ordinance, a Central Business Residence may only be located on the second or upper floors of a building located within the Central Residential District. A map of the official Restricted Residence District is on file with the City Clerk.  During the discussion, Lansing resident Dennis Sweeney questioned the boundaries on the map. He said the boundaries would require a first level business on his lot, which would prohibit the future construction of condos. The Council agreed to move the boundary line on the map to eliminate Sweeney's lot from the Restricted Residential District. The new Ordinance will become effective, and the temporary Moratorium prohibiting new residences in the District will be lifted, after publication in the newspaper.
The Council reviewed and approved building permits for Mahr and Berg and for Sweeney's levee lot, pending publication of Ordinance #196.
While discussing the Payment of Claims within the Consent Agenda, Councilman Don Peters questioned an item presented by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the amount of $216.37 for a "Land Lease". He said that in the past it had been determined that the railroad does not own the property, rather it is owned by the State. Peters will contact the railroad and the County to remove the claim.
Mayor Brennan appointed Councilwoman Conway as Mayor Pro Tem and Council members to  various committees: Streets, alleys and sidewalks - Kolsrud and Wagner; Water, sewer and street lights - Rethwisch and Kolsrud; Grounds, buildings, parks, marina - Peters and Rethwisch; Swimming pool, summer rec - Wagner and Rethwisch; Budget, planning and Development - Peters and Wagner; Public Safety, Ordinances - Conway, Kolsrud; Administration - Conway and Peters; Personnel - All.
The Council reviewed and discussed applications for Street Superintendent. One interview has been conducted. A question arose regarding the legality of requiring the Street Superintendent to live within five miles of the City limits. The Council determined this issue needs to be clarified before a candidate can be selected. Interviews will continue.
City Clerk Katie Becker reminded the Council that budget meetings will begin soon. The Budget Committee, Don Peters and Pat Wagner, will begin meeting every other Monday and will submit reports to the Council.