Lansing City Council hears updates on street improvement project, ongoing planning measures regarding Black Hawk Bridge closure

by Joshua Sharpe

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, August 4 to address a comprehensive municipal agenda, ranging from consent agenda approvals and infrastructure updates to lease agreements, departmental readiness for Fish Days, and regional collaboration efforts. At the forefront were discussions around public works, public safety resources, and interagency operations.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
Progress on the infrastructure projects for Platt, North, and 4th Streets was highlighted during the recent meeting. Ryan Wicks of Fehr-Graham Engineering provided updates on scheduling and recent accomplishments, stating, “Last week was a good week… they got subgrade down. We’re getting concrete work this week.”

As construction advanced, the emphasis remained on structural integrity and pedestrian safety. Wicks noted the necessity for design modifications: “We’re going to build a curb about a foot wide… to avoid a thin sidewalk that would break up.”

Wicks further reassured the council that, despite earlier delays, project targets were still on track, affirming, “We’re still looking at being able to get it done by winter.”

The council formally approved Partial Pay Estimate #3 for the project, with Mayor Verdon confirming the payout amount of $80,394.37.

RESOLUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
During the meeting, two financial actions were presented and subsequently approved. Resolution 1060 involved the transfer of $8,347.99 into the Street Light account for utility expenditures that have already been accounted for in the budget.

Next, the police department sought approval for the purchase of radar equipment at a cost of $2,839.96. Police Chief Ross Kolsrud elaborated on its intended use in Officer Makayla Walleser’s patrol vehicle: “This would be a radar for Makayla’s vehicle.” He noted that the purchase had been previously planned within financial forecasts: “I put on the list between $2,800 and $3,400 for the budget. This quote is good through 2027.” The council approved the budgeted purchase.

To read the full article, pick up the Wednesday, August 13, 2025 print edition of The Standard or subscribe to our e-edition or print edition by clicking here.