Board of Water and Light

I want to begin this section by saying thank you to the many people that went above and beyond to assist your neighbors and be supportive of the BWL workers during one of the most stressful and traumatic times our city has endured in many years.  I witnessed so many people stopping to help stranded motorists, assisting with shoveling, checking on neighbors, offering warm meals and their homes.  I could go on and on listing the acts of kindness that took place during these times.  I want to give a special thank you to the Baker Donora neighborhood that prepared food and gathered drinks for the workers in their neighborhood.  Also, thank you Julie Powers for the countless hours given to assist with outage maps and finding working crews and giving them coffee.  And thank you to all that reached out and assisted, listened, and offered compassion to those that were suffering.  I am so proud of our citizens.

As most of you are aware, the Board of Commissioners of the BWL held a special meeting Tuesday, January 7 to hear from the public and to receive updates from the BWL management team.  The meeting lasted 5.5 hours, and I am sure most of you have developed your own opinions as to the process of that particular meeting.  Mr. Lark did state that they have triple the tree trimming staff than what they had before, and many more positions are being posted.  Mr. Lark also stated that they will be performing a top to bottom review.  There will be three public forums for residents to speak and offer their opinions.  They are as follows:

Wednesday, Jan 15, 6 p.m.  Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, E Lansing

Thursday, Jan 16, 7 p.m.  Delta Township Administration Bldg, 7710 W Saginaw Highway, 

           Room A, Lansing

Friday, Jan 17, 7 p.m.  REO Town Depot, 1201 S. Washington Avenue, Lansing

Feel free to attend any of the forums.

Mayor Bernero has called for an independent review of the response to the storm.  He has recruited Brigadier General Michael McDaniel to head up the review team.  If you believe you have the desire, background and qualifications to be a part of this review team, please send your requests, questions, and resume to McDaniel directly at lansingcrt@gmail.com.