Lansing City Council approves staffing for upcoming pool season, discusses citizen concerns with speeding and garbage pick-up
by Joshua Sharpe
The Lansing City Council moved through a full agenda at its Monday, May 4 regular meeting that combined routine approvals, resident concerns, seasonal staffing decisions, infrastructure updates, and repeated reminders that the city is operating under tighter financial limits. That broader budget caution shaped several of the evening’s decisions, from small purchase requests to larger discussions about capital categories and future planning.
CITIZEN CONCERNS
Resident concerns were discussed early in the meeting, beginning with a written complaint from property owner John Brustkern regarding traffic speed on North Front Street. Brustkern was unable to attend in person, but his concern prompted the council to discuss whether speeding is an ongoing problem on North Front Street and whether additional visual reminders might help.
Mayor Mike Verdon said the city had discussed “the possibility of flashing speed limit signs” in the past. He suggested contacting county or state transportation officials to see whether Lansing could obtain a temporary sign for the area. Discussion ensued regarding resident perception and measured average speed, but council members appeared to treat the flashing sign idea as a practical middle-ground response that could increase driver awareness. No immediate change in enforcement policy was adopted, but the city signaled a willingness to explore a temporary speed display sign as a next step.
That same public comment section also highlighted broader frustration with the garbage pick-up service. Council members and staff said missed pick-ups and inconsistent timing have generated repeated complaints from residents on a weekly basis. Mayor Verdon said the city remains under contract with the current provider through the end of the year, which limits how quickly Lansing can change course.
City staff said they have repeatedly contacted the company, adding that the hauler has blamed employee shortages and constant turnover for the service problems. Council members discussed whether the city should begin documenting the issue more formally through written communication and a clearer paper trail, especially since repeated informal complaints have not resolved the issue.
BUDGET AMENDMENT
The council then held the public hearing on Budget Amendment #2. With no public opposition or comment, the council moved directly to formal action on the amendment. The council then approved Resolution #1084, adopting the amendment to the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget. In explaining the change, City Clerk Teresa Severson said the amendment included the public works vehicle and adjustments connected to clerk and library accounts.
UTILITIES BILLING CHARGES ORDINANCE
Another financial item, Ordinance #209 on utility billing charges, reached its third and final reading. Because the ordinance had already been read and discussed at prior meetings, the council chose not to repeat the full reading and the ordinance was then approved, finalizing the city’s action on the utility billing measure.
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