Lansing City Council sets public hearing for FY 2024-2025 property tax levy, and approves grant application for Platt Street water/sewer project

by Julie Berg-Raymond

During the regular meeting of the Lansing City Council Monday, March 4, the council set a public hearing for Monday, April 1 in regard to the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 property tax levy. The proposed levy rate is $18.20, down from last year’s rate of $18.86.

PUBLIC HEARING: CDBG GRANT APPLICATION
After a public hearing on Resolution #1003 authorizing submission of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) water/sewer improvement project application held during the regular meeting of the Lansing City Council Monday, March 4, the council approved the resolution. The project for which funding is being sought involves replacement/upgrade of existing water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer utilities along Platt Street, North Street and 4th Street.

NINE POINTS
At the public hearing, Diana Johnson, economic development department head with Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission (UERPC) reviewed for the council nine points related to the grant application. First, Johnson described how the need for the proposed activity or projects was identified, saying the need for the CDBG water/sewer grant with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) came from various planning sessions with the City of Lansing and its residents. The water main that goes up 4th Street to Platt Street is grossly undersized, she noted, adding that there are serious water pressure and flow issues from aging infrastructure and lead lines that need to be addressed.

In addition, she said, a 2019 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wastewater treatment plant inspection indicated excessive infiltration and inflow (I/I) was occurring. She said it was recommended that the City work to reduce I/I within its sewer lines. Also, Johnson said, the City currently has four lift stations but only two portable generators to power them in the event of a power outage.

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