Lansing City Council announces open burning dates, Spring Clean-Up Day
Residents reminded that no burning is allowed on City streets
by B.J. Tomlinson
The Lansing City Council met in its regular session Monday night, March 21. Mayor Pro-tem Rebecca Conway presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Mike Brennan.
The Council reviewed and approved a liquor license for the Red Barn Resort and announced Tuesday, April 12 as the annual Spring Clean-U Day. April 15 through October 31 were set as open burning dates within the community.
Main Street Lansing representative Curt Snitker addressed the Council requesting Spring Clean-Up Day be coordinated with Main Street Lansing’s annual Spiffy-Up Day. He also asked permission to conduct a garden burn at the corner of Main Street and North Front Street by the railroad tracks. The Council agreed to both requests.
Donna Hogan, representing Kee High School’s Kee Club Service Organization, presented information concerning a fundraising project being planned for April 2. Hogan said several sophomore, junior and senior students from Kee High School would be soliciting donations on City streets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to benefit the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (www.fallenheroesfund.org). She said this organization is not associated with the Wounded Warrior program that has recently been accused of wasting donors’ money, and that 96% of donations go directly to facilities that serve seriously wounded military veterans. No “peddler’s permit” is required.
Lansing area resident Doug Mullen addressed the Council and provided information concerning trees infected with the Emerald Ash Borer. He said there are companies who use a pesticide to kill the insects, but expressed concern that the systemic long-lasting effect would affect bees and other living things. He encouraged the City to cut down trees rather than use the pesticide. Mullen also suggested planting burr oak trees or flowering crab trees to take the place of ash trees.
People Service representative Heath Draeger said water line flushing would begin Wednesday, April 6 and continue each Wednesday of that month. He advised that City water customers may experience rusty water those days.
Police Chief Ed Stahl said officers will be more closely monitoring the stop sign at the corner of Main Street and Second Street due to continued reports of motorists running through the stop sign. Citations, which carry a fine of $127.50, will be issued for each violation. Stahl and the Council discussed problems with residents burning yard waste on the City streets, which is in violation of the City Code. Councilman John Rethwisch said the practice degrades the blacktop and plugs the storm sewers. Councilman Don Peters suggested that residents may need to be reminded that they are not to burn on City streets and warned that citations will be issued if the illegal burning continues.
Ken Ripp, City Street Superintendent, said the two older City trucks have been diagnosed with many safety issues and will be retired from service. Ripp said crews have worked on potholes and have graded the alleys. They will also be replacing the lights in the City garage with newer, more efficient lights.
