Update on Council Vacancy and Other Items

I had a wonderful time on my vacation, and my husband was able to get a much needed rest after his illnesses.  Although I treasured every moment in Mexico, I am happy to be back to this city that I love so much and return to work.  It seems as though so much happened in Lansing while I was gone. 

First, Derrick Quinney was appointed to the Register of Deeds for Ingham County position—that has left us needing to fill a vacancy for an at large position.  The Clerk’s Office took applications up until 4:00 p.m. this past Friday, February 13^th. Regarding the process to fill the vacancy, here’s what’s next:

1. A 10 minute interview of all candidates will begin at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 18. Candidates will have 5 minutes to present an introduction and respond to questions regarding their knowledge of experience of city government and city council.
   
2. The finalists will then have a 30 minute interview on Thursday, February 19.  City council will vote on the appointment immediately following the interviews.
   
3. City Council will vote on the appointment by resolution on Monday, February 23.  The appointee will be sworn in at that time.The term of this position ends January 1, 2016.  Any individual that would like to stay in this position will need to run for the position this year.

Second, Tina Houghton has been promoted to the position of President of City Council with the vacancy left from Mr. Quinney.  This will require council to elect a new vice president.  President Houghton pulled the item from Monday’s agenda.

Third, we finally had the public hearing on the development agreement and the selling of the Red Cedar Golf Course.  Most of the individuals that gave input were for the passage of the resolution—two were not.  If you have comments for me regarding this issue, please feel free to contact me.

Last, I am sure that you are all aware of the actions surrounding the Board of Water and Light.  The mayor wants council to allow ballot language allowing charter changes regarding the governance of the BWL.  We will discuss this matter at the next 1^st Contact being held on March 7th.

Stay tuned, as I will be updating this blog as I get information. 

--Jody

Meetings and Events 3/10/14 - 3/16/14

We have many things coming up this week. I hope everyone enjoys the slightly warmer weather and the longer daylight hours!

Red Cedar Golf Course to Be Re-Envisioned

A public envisioning community engagement will take place on March 13th at 6:00 p.m. at the Foster Community Center (200 North Foster Avenue, Lansing).

A second community engagement will take place on April 15th at 5:00 p.m. at the Plymouth Congregational Church, Community Room (2001 East Grand River Avenue, Lansing).

Everyone is encouraged to attend. 

Ferguson Continental Lansing, LLC will be present at the community engagement events to work with the community. 

Public Safety Meeting

Tuesday, March 11th, 2014, 12:00 p.m. /10th Floor City Hall

RESOLUTION -- Setting a Show Cause Hearing; 721 Leslie Street
RESOLUTION -- Setting a Show Cause Hearing; 500 S. Fairview

Ordinance Updates
A.) Medical Marihuana Ordinance -- Chapter 1300
B.) Michigan Avenue Dispensary -- Update

Discussion on Lead-Free Certification at Point of Sale

Ways & Means Committee

Monday, March 10, 2014, 5:15 p.m., 10th Floor City Hall

Resolution/Wet Weather Control Program -- Sanitary Sewer Projects.

Committee of the Whole

Monday, March 10, 2014, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 10th Floor, City Hall

Presentation:

Capital Region Airport Authority

Discussion/Action:

A.) Ordinance to Amend Chapter 288 of the Lansing Codified Ordinances by adding         Section 288.19 to establish the minimum qualifications for employment as the Director of the Information Technology Department. 

B.) Board, Authority and Commission Term Expirations and Commission Vacancies

C.) Board of Water & Light (BWL) December 2013 Ice Storm Outage Report

Jody