Lansing City Council reviews sewer and water bonds, Parks spending and marina planning
by Joshua Sharpe
The Lansing City Council convened at City Hall Monday evening, April 7 to deliberate infrastructure bond approvals, seasonal recreation staffing, community safety concerns, and multiple departmental updates. The session included public hearings for general obligation bonds, updates on marina maintenance, and a discussion of an upcoming sewer rate increase and Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) application.
PUBLIC CONCERNS
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Susanne and Ron Herman raised concerns about several deteriorating trees located on city property near their newly acquired lot at 891 South Front Street. Ron Herman outlined their concerns with the condition of those trees after having been struck by lightning over the years, most notably in regard to future development of that property.
The trees were identified as three cottonwoods, two oaks, and one walnut, with limited market value, as noted by council member Steve Murray, who added, “There’s not enough value there… a couple hundred bucks maybe.” City officials acknowledged the safety concerns and emphasized the need for an assessment. Mayor Mike Verdon stated, “We’re intimately aware of the situation with those trees, and they are a concern. There’s no better time than now.”
The discussion also included the trees’ proximity to power lines, with Ron Herman adding that “three or four of them are leaning... toward the river… but all the wires are behind them.” In addition to safety, erosion and hillside stability were also brought up.
The council expressed willingness to investigate, proposing that local contractors John and Tom Burke evaluate the site and report back. Although the city’s policy generally prohibits removing trees unless deemed dangerous, officials indicated a resolution might be possible if the evaluation supports it.
They also acknowledged the broader implications, with Verdon cautioning, “Are we setting a precedent? The exception becomes the new rule.”
INFRASTRUCTURE RESOLUTIONS: WATER AND SEWER BONDS
The council conducted two public hearings to authorize funding for water and sewer infrastructure improvements. According to Mayor Verdon, “This general obligation bond will be about $365,000, SRF (State Revolving Fund) funded, 59% of the total, and we need to have the general obligation bond to apply for the loan forgiveness once it’s paid for.”
This explanation came during a discussion of Resolution 1047, formally approving a $365,000 General Obligation Water Improvement Loan. Verdon further clarified that the city must “borrow the money, pay it back, and then ask the DNR for repayment - the loan forgiveness - which we have already qualified for.”
Following this, the council moved to the second hearing for Resolution 1048, which sought authorization for a $537,000 sewer project bond. As Verdon stated, “This one again is for general obligation funding for $537,000… SRF-funded at 59%. The balance is funded through a Community Development Block Grant administered through Upper Explorerland.”
No public comments were made in either hearing, leading the council to adopt both resolutions unanimously. Verdon affirmed, “We are clear, since there was no public comment, to go ahead and review and consider the adoption of Resolution Number 1047.” Minutes later, Resolution 1048 was similarly advanced, securing financial groundwork for both projects.
ZONING VARIANCE: SOUTH 4TH STREET
The council approved a zoning variance request for Randy Miller at 472 South 4th Street to permit the placement of a new mobile home with a one-foot deviation from the standard property setback. As discussed during the meeting, “He’s only a foot off of his setback from the south side,” said City Clerk Teresa Severson, with council members further noting, “that lot’s 134 feet wide, so there’s only so much you can do with that,” making the request reasonable given the property’s dimensions.
Council members also acknowledged receiving written support for the variance from the homeowners association, as confirmed when Severson stated, “You did see the letter in there from the president of the homeowners association, that they’re fine with it.” After a brief discussion, the motion was approved unanimously, allowing the variance to proceed without public objection.
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