Lansing City Council approves infrastructure bonding resolutions, discusses mobile vendor regulations, updates excavation policy
by Joshua Sharpe
The Lansing City Council met Monday, July 7 in its first regular session for the month of July. Among the agenda items addressed were a pair regarding the ongoing North, Platt and 4th Streets improvement project, discussion of regulation for mobile vendors, and the updating of the city’s excavation policy, among other matters.
Main Street Lansing Executive Director Jackie Cooper presented a request to the council regarding the removal of a shrub at 51 South Front Street. She stated that the shrub was obstructing the sidewalk and creating an unwelcoming appearance at the riverfront. Cooper, speaking on behalf of a local design committee, expressed a desire to improve the space with grass, a bench, or even a memorial seating area donated in honor of a resident’s daughter.
“This shrub is really overtaking the area… they would like to request if we could remove the shrub and just put it back to grass so we can make it more inviting,” she said.
Council discussion confirmed the shrub was also blocking visibility and creating safety concerns. Councilman Steve Murray noted that the overgrowth prevented pedestrians from safely walking on the sidewalk, and the more historical use of the site for placement of Lansing’s public Christmas tree was also reflected upon. There was also mention of coordinating with the family who donated a wooden kiosk to the area years ago. The motion to remove the shrub and consider future site enhancements was approved.
PROJECT PAYMENT
A payment request was granted to Skyline Construction for continued work on the North, Platt and 4th Streets project. Despite recent weather delays, progress on alleyways was noted by Nick LaRosa of Fehr Graham Engineering, who said, “There wasn’t as much on this one, there’s been a lot of rain… but they’ve been making good progress on the alley.”
A progress meeting held earlier that afternoon in regard to the project included representatives from the city, Skyline Construction, and engineering staff, who all expressed general satisfaction with the project’s development. The council expects visible progress on asphalt paving in the coming weeks.
STREET CLOSURE
The council approved the date and temporary street closures for the Driftless Half Marathon, Relay, and 5K event, scheduled for October 11 of this year. The route follows the same city street closing procedure as prior years. Street Superintendent Ken Ripp clarified, “That’s just the city street we shut down - South Front and right out front here.” Coordination with local authorities was noted to ensure public safety and prevent conflicts with other city events.
BOND RESOLUTIONS
The council approved Resolution 1058, authorizing bonding up to $365,000 for water infrastructure upgrades. Council discussion detailed a funding strategy that includes $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) support and $260,000 in forgivable State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans.
The city’s share of liability is estimated at $100,000. The funds will be used to support improvements associated with the North, Platt and 4th Streets project, enabling the city to reimburse Skyline Construction and maintain momentum in its infrastructure renewal efforts.
Resolution 1059 was passed, authorizing bonding not to exceed $537,000 for sewer system enhancements. This portion of the project is also supported by $250,000 in CDBG funds and approximately $338,000 in SRF forgiveness, leaving a $199,000 balance to be covered by the city.
Mayor Mike Verdon noted, “Out of the 537 that we’ve got in this bond… the forgiveness amount will be around 340 thousand… Thank goodness we had both that CDG and the forgiveness.” These resolutions represent components in securing the full funding package necessary for the city’s coordinated water and sewer modernization plan.
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