Thursday, March 26, 2015

20% Increase In Pay & the Upcoming City Budget

I’m beginning to wonder if spring is really right around the corner.  I’m not sure, but I do know the City of Lansing budget process is.  I will keep this blog updated after each budget presentation just in case you are not able to view it on cable television.

First, I want to report on the recent events regarding the mayor’s, clerk’s and city council's 20% “salary adjustment.”  I am disheartened that the raise went through when so many of our folks are struggling.  Statistics for Lansing show that:

One in two of our children in our city are living below poverty level.  Twenty-nine percent of the households in our city are living below the poverty level (compared with 17% statewide).  One out of every 618 homes in Lansing are in foreclosure (this is a higher ratio than Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Saginaw, Pontiac and many other cities in Michigan (RealtyTrac).  An LSJ article written on September 15, 2014, states that Lansing remains among the poorest capital regions in the country.  At the last Mobile Food Pantry, Lansing gave out 10,000 tons of food to the needy in our city. 

Families in Lansing have yet to fully recover from the Great Recession.  Many have lost their jobs and are working at much lower wages than before.  Some haven’t seen pay raises in years.  According to the LSJ article of March 24, 2015, “Lansing’s median household income in 2000 was $47,000, when adjusted for inflation, it fell to just over $36,000 in 2013—more than a 20% decline due to Michigan’s long-struggling economy in that period."  I called some of the cities that were cited by Ms. Dunbar during the council meeting to see what the salaries for their elected officials were.  I found that in Lansing, council members are paid at a higher rate than other cities our size.  Also, the Clerk is paid at a higher rate than other cities our size.  In fact, he now makes the same as our County Clerk.  It was difficult to find comparison for the mayor, as most cities our size have city managers. 

I think we are headed in the right direction.  I just don’t think we are anywhere near where we need to be and should not be taking an increase in pay.

I am proud of my colleagues that stood up and said no to the 20 percent pay increase.  Thank you Judi Brown-Clarke, Vince Delgado, Carol Wood, and Jessica Yorko. 

Beginning in July, I will be writing a monthly check (dividing my $4000.00 into 12 payments) to the Lansing Food Bank.  I want my share to go to those that are struggling.  You may check each month with the Food Bank and hold me accountable, should you think I’m not keeping my word.

We are moving toward the budget.  At first glance, I see that we are placing $500,000 into the rainy day fund.  That is not nearly enough.  I have already found where we can get another $200,000 (another 40%) and bump that figure up.  We need three to six months savings to run this city should we find ourselves is calamity.  This should prove to be another interesting budget year. 

Is it just me?  I think we must begin to have long-term vision and work in wisdom not on a whim.

--Jody

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

City Council Meeting 03/02/15

Here’s a recap of what happened at Monday night’s City Council meeting.

Business Conducted:

Council Vice-President

The vote for vice-president of Council was pulled from Committee of the Whole because no one individual had enough votes (5) to be elected vice-president.

Parks and Recreation Five-Year Master Plan

The resolution to approve the five-year master plan was pulled until a public hearing can be held. The public hearing will be held Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m., at the South Washington Armory (the old armory where Chris Swope now has offices).  You will need to enter through the back entrance.  There is plenty of parking and someone will lead you to the meeting area. 

Bridge Repair Funding Information

If we are successful in securing funding from MDOT, the projects slotted are:

1.     Aurelius Road over Pawlowski Creek Drain             Replacement

2.     Aurelius Road over Grand Trunk Railroad               Replacement

3.     E. Elm Street over the Red Cedar River                  Replacement 

4.     Cavanaugh over Sycamore Creek                           Preventive Maintenance

5.     North Grand River Avenue over the Grand River    Rehabilitation

20% Increase in Pay for the Mayor, Clerk, and Council Members

I am opposed to the proposed 20% salary increase for city elected officials.  When so many of our residents are struggling to keep their homes, feed their children, pay their utilities, are receiving fewer services, and driving on crumbling roads, I just don’t feel this is the time for an increase in pay. Because the president of Council did not place the item on the agenda, there was no vote on this issue. Stay tuned for more.

—Jody

Sunday, March 1, 2015

The March Toward Spring

I am absolutely positive that spring is right around the corner!  The days are a little longer and the sun seems just a little brighter.  I am optimistic about our weather and I am optimistic about our ward!

Items of Interest from our New Neighborhood Resource Person
The City of Lansing has hired a neighborhood resource person--her name is Andi Crawford and she has hit the ground running. You may contact Andi at Andi.Crawford@lansingmi.gov. The following are a couple of pieces of information from Andi: 

"If you haven't reviewed the MiNeighborhood opportunity, see the link below. I am available to provide grant strategizing and writing support if your organizations or neighborhoods want to explore this opportunity:  http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-45746_67426---,00.html"

"The Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Board is seeking new members. We have 5 slots to fill and this board will be responsible for the administration of the grant process and the new mini-grant program through Cities of Service. Please send me your ideas for new leaders. We're looking for some energy as we launch into this new era of mini-grants!"

"The Bea Christy Award nomination packets will be sent out electronically on Monday. We are working to move most ticket sales on line, although there will be a paper format available. In addition to the Bea Christy Award, we are also seeking nominations for the new Emerging Leaders Award, and the Mary Margaret Murphy Woll Award. Details and criteria will be in the packet."

Please contact Andi with any questions and/or ideas.

Council Meeting 02/23/15
At Monday night’s council meeting, the council unanimously passed the purchase and sell agreement and development agreement for the Red Cedar project.  This does not mean that there will be shovels in the ground in May, but it does set the stage for the beginning of the project.  On an up-note, I have been told that national developers were amazed at how well the process and vote went with the administration, council, and the public.  This clearly says that Lansing is ready for business!

Further, we swore in our new council member, Vincent Delgado.  I think he will be an asset to the council.  As with everyone, there will be a learning curve, but I am certain he will do his research and make informed decisions.  If you happen to run into him, please introduce yourself.  He is, after all, representing you as an at-large member.

Meetings & Events Coming Up This Week
Please remember to attend our 1st Contact meeting this Saturday, March 7, 10:30 to noon at the Allen Market Place located at 1629 E. Kalamazoo.  Come in the back door.

Following the 1st Contact is the ENO Souper!  This will be held March 7, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Have a great week!

--Jody