Lansing City Council reviews request for utility relief, hazard mitigation plan, winter matters, and street project close-out

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, December 15, with Mayor Mike Verdon and council members present, establishing a quorum. The agenda combined routine financial approvals with several policy questions: a citizen request for utility relief, long-range hazard mitigation planning, winter recreation and sidewalk maintenance, final payment on a major street project, and detailed operational updates from city departments and the public library.

CITIZEN CONCERNS - FARMERS MARKET
During the Citizen Concerns segment, the council heard from Ian Zahren, representing the Lansing Farmers Market, with concerns about where the market should operate and under what financial terms. The market currently utilizes a city park shelter under a cooperative arrangement, but the $50 per half-day rental fee (with a $10 refundable deposit) strains a small nonprofit operation such as the Farmers Market. He explained that the group, “just [doesn’t] have the money to do $40 per week” over the course of a full season.

As an alternative, Main Street Lansing has approved the use of the downtown plaza for the market, but that space is more physically constrained. Zahren clarified that the market will proceed regardless, but asked whether the city might waive or adjust park fees in order to keep the Farmers Market where it seems to be continually growing.

Because the matter appeared on the agenda only under “Citizen Concern,” the council could not take formal action at this meeting. City Clerk Teresa Severson confirmed that the item is slated for a future agenda, where the council will be able to consider specific action regarding both location and fee policy.

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