Lansing City Council approves law enforcement sharing agreement with City of New Albin
by B.J. Tomlinson
The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday night, June 15 and approved an agreement between the cities of Lansing and New Albin to provide law enforcement services to both communities. The agreement will begin July 1, 2015 with the City of Lansing in charge of administering services for New Albin. Lansing will be responsible for labor, insurance, equipment, personnel, supplies and any other expenses related to law enforcement while on duty in New Albin. The agreement provides for at least 1,300 hours of services per year. New Albin will pay Lansing $44,622.00 annually for patrol, investigation and all technical services performed by the Lansing Police Department.
Police Chief Ed Stahl said calls were down for May and distributed the May activity report. Six traffic related incidents resulted in two warnings, two citations and two accidents. Non-criminal activities included 31 general complaints, seven animal complaints, three medical assist calls, two funeral escorts and four welfare checks.
Several citizens addressed the Council with concerns about the poor condition of Shaw Street, asking for an update on the progress of repairs to the street necessitated by the 2013 flood. The citizens reported that damages worsen after each rainfall. Mayor Brennan said the City is waiting to hear if FEMA will approve funds. Several citizens asked if it would help if they contacted state representatives to move things forward. Mayor Brennan stated he didn’t know if it would do any good, but “it couldn’t hurt.” The Council and the citizens all shared past horror stories of delays in dealing with Federal agencies. Mayor Brennan assured the citizens that the City will continue to push for resolution of the matter. In the meantime, the City will fill potholes as best it can.
Main Street Lansing Director Craig White told the Council that the Main Street office would help the City with reservations for use of the Mt. Hosmer shelter.
Councilwoman Deb Volker, speaking on behalf of the Lions Club, asked if the Council could arrange for Luster Heights inmates to assist with cleaning the Lions Club Park grounds. Volker said there are so many animal droppings and other debris, including glass bottles, that the kids can’t play there. In addition, extra sand and wood chips are needed as well as repairs to some of the playground equipment. City workers will investigate. Mayor Brennan requested the Lions Club provide a detailed list of needs to give to City workers.
A resident and the Council discussed parking at 100 North Second Street and whether or not to allow parking on the boulevard. Mayor Brennan said there has been previous discussion about disallowing any parking there, especially if there are safety factors, and that boulevard parking is not allowed on any other streets in Lansing. Mayor Brennan said his preference is to redo the whole block, put the curb at the sidewalk, and make that block “no parking.” Council members will look at the situation further and come up with a plan.
