City Council Chambers
Lansing, Michigan
The City Council of the City of Lansing met in regular session and was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by President Bauer.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Allen, Bauer, Jeffries, Leeman, Meyer, Smith, Williams, Wood
ABSENT: None
The Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Dr. Clyde Carnegie
President Bauer asked for a moment of silence for Walter Campbell whose funeral service will be held tomorrow. He was a long time labor leader in our community and very instrumental in the United Way.
By Vice President Allen
To accept the following under suspension of the rules:
1. From Councilmember Smith; a Resolution of Tribute to Chief Kingsley Ikemefuna Ozobia, to be presented along with the special ceremony presentation
2. From President Bauer; to amend the Agenda to change the order of special ceremonies to allow the presentation of the Chief Okemos Council 2004 Distinguished Citizens Awards to be taken up as the first order of business under special ceremonies
Carried unanimously
1. Presentation; Chief Okemos Council 2004 Distinguished Citizens Awards
President Bauer expressed her great pleasure at having the honor of recognizing two gentlemen who have given a great deal to our community, our region and our City. She read the resolutions honoring and congratulating Dr. Clyde Carnegie and Michigan State University Basketball Head Coach Tom Izzo on their receipt of the 2004 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Chief Okemos Council #271.
Councilmember Smith officially presented the resolution to Dr. Carnegie.
Dr. Carnegie thanked the City Council and the Mayor for this wonderful evening of recognition. He said his family will cherish this award and on their behalf he thanked City Council for thinking of him.
Councilmember Smith thanked Dr. Carnegie and Coach Izzo. It is people like these two men who dedicate their lives to volunteering and making cities like Lansing all over this country what it is. She thanked them for the giving so much of their time.
Councilmember Meyer presented Coach Izzo with his resolution of tribute.
Coach Izzo thanked everyone involved in bestowing this award on him. He feels that Dr. Carnegie has done a lot more than he has in Lansing, while his work has just begun. So, he is a work in progress, but it is a great feeling to give back to your community. He said that his job is partly to be a role model and he is glad that he is able to do so. This award means a lot to him and he appreciates it.
2. Presentation; Eagle Award, Chief Kinglsey Ozobia
City Clerk Miner read the resolution honoring Chief Kingsley Ikemfuna Ozabia for his charitable education and health efforts in Nigeria and for creating the Eagle Award to promote appropriate role models in the black community.
Councilmember Smith said it is with great honor that she presents this tribute to Chief Kingsley Ikemfuna Ozabia on behalf of the City Council. She thanked him for his work and for helping all people to understand the culture of Black Americans and the contributions that Black people have made to this Country.
Chief Kingsley Ikemfuna Ozabia said that he is honored and delighted to be here, especially during the anniversary of the controversial Brown versus the Board of Education decision by the Supreme Court. He said fifty years ago a group of bold and visionary men and women stood up for freedom and equality. They pursued the right to be the best that God made them to be by desegregating public schools. We are not there yet as far as equal opportunities. Achievements have been made , but we still have a long way to go. A child is not expected to succeed in life if he or she is denied the opportunity of an education. He is proud to be the creator of the Eagle Award the most distinguished Black Achievement Award anywhere in the world. This Award was created to appreciate the contributions of Black People and hopefully to inspire young people and provide them with achievements they can seek to emulate. This award recognizes ordinary people as well as people in the public eye. He expressed his appreciation to Mayor Benavides, Barbara Mason, Chairperson of Lansing Regional Sister Cities Commission and the Legislative Black Caucus for being part of this celebration. He said God Bless America.
Mayor Benavides extended his congratulations to Chief Kingsley Ikemfuna Ozabia and his delegation. He said that he had the opportunity to be with them for lunch today. He said this is a proud day for Lansing and we are honored to have them here.
Councilmember Meyer congratulated the South African Delegation and said that he enjoyed the address today. He is glad the Legislative Black Caucus invited Chief Kingsley Ikemfuna Ozabia.
Councilmember Smith welcomed the delegation to our humble community and thanked them for all of the good work they do.
3. Presentation; National Police Day
Councilmember Wood described the award recognizing National Police Week. She recognized the officers that support this community and announced that there will be a dinner this week to recognize the many police officers who have gone out of their way in the line of duty by way of the presentation of commendations . Civilians who have helped make this community a safer place will be commended as well. She thanked the Lansing Police Department and other police departments in the Tri-County area for the work that they do day in and day out.
Councilmember Leeman announced that the Michigan Parade is Saturday, May 15, 2004 on S. Washington and Capital from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.
Councilmember Allen announced that She will be out of State starting tomorrow and will return on May 17, 2004.
Councilmember Wood announced that the Ad Hoc Committee on Supplier Diversity meeting scheduled for Tuesday will be canceled due to the amount of time the budget has taken. The next regularly scheduled meeting is the fourth Tuesday of month at 3:30 P.M.
Councilmember Jeffries congratulated all Law Students who graduated recently, took the Bar in February and found out today that they passed the bar. He congratulated interns in his office Novia Butler, who will become an Associate Attorney in his office and Steve Edema who is going to become an Assistant City Attorney for the City of E. Lansing.
Councilmember Williams announced that the Lansing Eaton Neighborhood Organization will meet Wednesday at 6:45 P.M. at Woodcreek Elementary.
Mayor Benavides announced that tomorrow night the Lansing Police Department will have their Awards Ceremony for Police Officers in our community that have distinguished themselves for special incidents at St. Mary's main hall at 6:00 P.M.
David Wiener, Executive Assistant to Mayor Benavides announced that Wednesday there is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Brown versus Topeka decision by the Supreme Court desegregating schools. Wednesday is the monthly meeting with the County Commissioners at 4:00 P.M. Thursday at Noon at the Letts Center will be the Annual Luncheon Award Meeting to recognize the Neighborhood Grant Award Winners . Saturday is the Annual Salute to Excellence Program that Black Incorporated of Greater Lansing will hold at 8:00 P.M. at Hill Auditorium to recognize students in Lansing's middle and high schools for academic achievements and contributions to their community. There will be about sixty students recognized. Saturday is the First Annual Hope Scholarship Baseball "Hit a Home Run Fundraiser", an all day event.
President Bauer announced the graduations for Lansing Community College at the Breslin Center Friday night and she congratulated the graduates. Thursday is the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 1:30 P.M.
Councilmember Williams announced a special Recycling event this weekend, Saturday May 15, 2004 from 8:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M., at the Recycling Transfer Station located at 530 E. South St. There is a Computer and Electronic selection. A small fee is associated with some of the items. For more information please call 483-4400.
1. In consideration of the City of Lansing Fiscal Year 2004-2005 Operating and Capital Improvements Budgets and the City's Tax Rate
John Pollard of 1718 Blair said this budget does not include a dime for the next generation in terms of Summer employment. He advised Mayor Benavides to get rid of Kolt & Serkaian because they are not doing anything for him. When Hollister was Mayor he was on televison everyday but he never sees Mayor Benavides, he sees Councilmembers Wood or President Bauer more than the Mayor. He spoke about the fee increases for recycling which are collected on Summer taxes. That is a .23 Mill increase on a fee that is bigger than taxes and citizens do not get to deduct any part of it on their taxes.
Willy Williams of P. O Box 1042 spoke about property taxes and said taxes will go down because 210 W. Saginaw was demolished today. He said that it took ten months and he would like the world to know that a sixty day Make-Safe or Demolish could take ten months. He thanked Mr. Leeman and said W. Saginaw is clean and can be taken off of his what to do list.
Richard Clement, no address given, spoke about the budget and said that even though the City is broke right now we have to stop raising fees. He spoke about converting to hemp fuel because it will raise revenue with lower taxes and no layoffs. He gave suggestions for the DARE Program.
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Stan S. Shuck of 818 Cooper said that he is representing the UAW Local 2256. He spoke about an article in the Lansing State Journal regarding unused plow money. He said the unused plow money should be used to fill the twenty-five vacancies in the Public Service Department.
William Hubbell of 3916 Wedgewood spoke about the placement of signs on public light poles and said maybe the City should fine the people who are doing this because he believes that placing signs on light poles is illegal.
Paul Kendel of 2915 Margate spoke about the River Trail running from Mt. Hope South to Scott Woods. He has objections to the location of the Trail mainly on the E. Bank of the Sycamore Creek. The reason he objects is the cost, aesthetics, inaccessibility due to flooding and, the cost of maintenance on the E. Bank is more expensive then the maintenance on the W. side of Sycamore Park. He questioned where he should proceed with follow up regarding this matter.
Marie Vicknair of 15768 Burton asked the City Council to vote against the proposed job cuts to the Recycling Program.
President Bauer said although they have not passed the budget, last week at one of the budget wrap up sessions they voted to maintain the Recycling Program as is. If nothing changes between now and next week those positions will not be eliminated.
Aaron Liepman of 2530 Sundance Lane, Okemos, said that he oversees an online recycling network and is concerned with the proposal to decrease the Recycling Program. He said it is our responsibility to future generations and the environment to reduce, reuse and recycle because it promotes healthy living by reducing the need for new landfills and incinerators.
Lynn Hershberger of 2318 Lyons questioned how Lansing could be a "Cool City" without recycling. We need to take care of our resources, if we do not keep up with education on how to keep things our of the landfill, we will have higher expenses for getting rid of trash.
John Pollard of 1718 Blair said that he is concerned with the budget and how the City is going to come up with the money for projects they already have budgeted for future years. He asked David Wiener if he could have a copy of the consultants contract regarding MSU Health facility moving to Grand Rapids.
Tim Florinki of 414 Dunlap said he is here to see if there is any follow up regarding the Make-Safe or Demolish for 418 Dunlap. He told Councilmember Allen that he had expected her to follow up on this issue by making a site visit and contacting him, as one of her constituents.
Councilmember Leeman said that there is a process that the Committee follows. Eleanor Love, Code Compliance Manager will provide the committee with an update next week. It is up to the Administration to follow up on the house and to make sure it gets demolished. The house will go down in a timely fashion.
Councilmember Wood said that she requested this information from the Administration today, but did not get it. She will talk with Mr. Ruff and call Mr. Florinki personally.
President Bauer said that the Mayor has confirmed that they will get an update on all Make-Safe or Demolish by Thursday.
Patricia Fitzpatrick of 3018 Tecumseh River said May 17th will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Landmark US Supreme Court decision Brown versus the Board of Education, which ended legal segregation in public Schools. In commemoration of this decision The Lansing Branch of the NAACP and Friendship Baptist Church will have a community celebration on May 16, 2004 at 4:00 P.M. at Friendship Baptist Church located at 2912 Pleasant Grove Rd. This is a free family event.
Councilmember Meyer expressed his gratitude to Ms. Fitzpatrick, who is the Principal at Attwood Elementary School. He very much admires her leadership in that school. We are privileged to have in this building an extraordinary leader and principal, who is good because she has a basic principle, she loves children.
Russell Terry of 121 E. Mt. Hope spoke about the problems of the economy and how everyone seems to be downsizing.
Frank S. Curtis X, no address given, said that he has questions that have not been answered regarding the young man that got shot by a Police Officer. He promised retaliation if issues are not addressed.
Willy Williams of P.O. Box 11042 spoke about comments and threats that are made at the podium during the City Council meetings and said that speakers should not be allowed to make threats.
Charlene Decker of 2711 Pleasant Grove Rd. spoke about the Documentary Fahrenheit 911 which is critical of the Bush Administration. She said the failure to release the film is clear censorship. She never thought to see the time when this country would be slipping back into the McCarthy era.
WHEREAS, the City of Lansing supports the efforts to improve and revitalize the Lansing area through housing opportunities and the construction of new housing units in the area; and
WHEREAS, the Michigan Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act, being Public Act 147 of 1992, was enacted to encourage new housing construction and the renovation of existing properties in older established cities of the State, including the City of Lansing, by allowing cities to grant certain tax abatements on specific residential properties located in designated districts; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor's Housing Task Force recognizes that a mixed use development is an important component of the new housing strategy because it provides the goods and services demanded in a high density environment; and
WHEREAS, an additional Neighborhood Enterprise Zone in the Lansing area will assist property owners and developers in making much needed improvements, including housing rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, P.A. 147 of 1992 requires that the City Assessor and each taxing unit receive notification of the City's intent to establish a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone not less than 60 days prior to the designation action and further requires the City to hold a public hearing on the establishment of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone not later than 45 days after said notification to the Assessor and the taxing units;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lansing hereby approves the tentative boundaries for the new Neighborhood Enterprise Zone as depicted in the diagram filed with the City Clerk and as described below.
Baker-Donora Neighborhood Area, No. 16
Approximate Boundaries: Mt. Hope to the South, Cedar Street to the West, Pennsylvania Avenue to the East and Grand Trunk Western Railroad to the North (excluding Parcel #33-01-01-21-426-005).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk give the required 60 days notice of the intent to establish the zone to the City Assessor and all taxing units in each of the proposed Neighborhood Enterprise Zones of the City.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a public hearing be held in the City Council Chambers of the City of Lansing, 10th floor, Lansing City Hall, Lansing, Michigan, on June 7, 2004, at 7:00 p.m., and that the City Clerk publish the requisite advanced notice of the hearing in a publication of general circulation in the City.
YEAS:7
NAYS:1 (Councilmember Williams absent during the vote)
The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 7, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Tenth Floor, Lansing City Hall, Lansing, Michigan, for the purpose stated below:
To afford an opportunity for all residents, taxpayers of the City of Lansing, taxing units and the City Assessor to appear and be heard on the proposed establishment of a new Neighborhood Enterprise Zone as indicated below:
Baker-Donora Neighborhood Area, No. 16
Approximate Boundaries: Mt. Hope to the South, Cedar Street to the West, Pennsylvania Avenue to the East and Grand Trunk Western Railroad to the North (excluding Parcel
#33-01-01-21-426-005).
Establishment of a new Neighborhood Enterprise Zone in the Lansing area will assist property owners and developers in making much needed improvements, including housing rehabilitation. Further information regarding the establishment of the zone may be obtained from Ms. Patricia A. Cook or Ms. Marchelle Smith, Economic Development Corporation of the City of Lansing, 309 N. Washington Square, Suite 016, Lansing Michigan 48933, 517-487-4140.
Deborah K. Miner, City Clerk
WHEREAS, the Councilmember Geneva Smith has requested the re-appointment of David A. Merchant, II, 2715 Gatsby, to the Ethics Board for a term to expire on June 30, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Committee of the Whole, on May 6, 2004, recommended confirmation of this re-appointment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lansing City Council hereby confirms the re-appointment of David A. Merchant, II, 2715 Gatsby, to the 4th Ward position on the Ethics Board for a term to expire on June 30, 2008.
By Councilmember Allen
YEAS:7
NAYS:1 (Councilmember Meyer absent during vote)
WHEREAS, Councilmember Sandy Allen has requested the re-appointment of Robert Nole, 524 N. Dexter Drive, to the Ethics Board for a term to expire on June 30, 2008; and
WHEREAS, the Committee of the Whole, on May 6, 2004, recommended confirmation of this re-appointment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Lansing City Council hereby confirms the re-appointment of Robert Nole, 524 N. Dexter Drive, to the 2nd Ward position on the Ethics Board for a term to expire on June 30, 2008.
By Councilmember Allen
YEAS:7
NAYS:1 (Councilmember Meyer absent during vote)
WHEREAS, Chief Kingsley Ikemefuna Ozobia is the Managing Director of Transcoast London Limited, a shipping and procurement company that specializes in international freight forwarded to all major West African sea ports and airports; and
WHEREAS, Chief Ozobia established the "Ikem Ozobia Foundation" as a charity to focus on education and health in Nigeria; and
WHEREAS, Chief Ozobia initiated The Eagle Award in 2001 after recognizing the need for an Award to celebrate the achievements of black people around the world; and
WHEREAS, Chief Ozobia believes that The Eagle Award helps to promote positive role models in the black community that young black people may emulate; and
WHEREAS, previous winners of The Eagle Award include singer Miriam Makeba, Kaze Lawal (the CEO of America's largest African-American owned company), tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, broadcaster Sir Trevor MacDonald, and renowned mathematician, Professor Philip Emeagwali;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Lansing City Council, hereby, honors Chief Kingsley Ikemfuna Ozabia for his charitable education and health efforts in Nigeria and for creating The Eagle Award to promote appropriate role models in the black community.
By Councilmember Smith
Carried Unanimously
There were no Committee Reports
There were no Ordinance for Introduction
There were no Ordinances for Passage
1. From Councilmember Smith; a Resolution of Tribute to Chief Kingsley Ikemefuna Ozobia, to be presented along with the special ceremony presentation
ADOPTED AS RESOLUTION #212
2. From President Bauer; to amend the Agenda to have the presentation of the Chief Okemos Council 2004 Distinguished Citizens Awards first under special ceremonies
AGENDA AMENDED AND CEREMONY PRESENTED BY PRESIDENT BAUER, COUNCILMEMBERS MEYER AND SMITH
By Vice President Allen
That City Officer and Board Reports, along with Communications and Petitions, be considered as being read in full and that the proper referrals be made by President Bauer
1. Letters from the Mayor re:
a. Transfer of Funds; Municipal Golf Fund, Potter Park Zoo Fund
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS AND THE INTERNAL AUDITOR AND REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
b. Setting a Public Hearing to consider establishing special assessment zones and rates for the Principal Shopping District (PSD)
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES
c. Streetscape Improvements in the 200 Block of S. Washington
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
d. Planning Board recommendations for the Capital Improvement Program for FY 2005
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
e. Letter from Friends of Greater Lansing Dog Parks requesting designation of a portion of Scott Woods Park as the Future Site of a public off leash dog park
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES
Carried unanimously
1. Letter from Eric Hewitt, Chair of the Northtown Neighborhood Association Safety Committee regarding the placement of a temporary traffic barrier at the S. end of the 1100 block of N. High St.
REFERRED TO THE MAYOR AND THE TRAFFIC BOARD AND REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
2. Notice from the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Water Division of the issuance of a 2004 Campground License #L-2100-33 to Life O Riley Mobile Home Park located at 6726 S. Washington
REFERRED TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT
3. Letter from Eaton County Equalization and Property Description Department submitting the 2004 Tax Levy and Millage Reduction Fraction Computation
REFERRED TO THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT
4. Notice from Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. of rate changes effective June 1, 2004
REFERRED TO THE CITY ATTORNEY AND REFERRED TO THE CABLE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD
5. Electronic Mail from Ann Fiedler of 3200 Trappers Cove Tr., Apt 3D opposing the elimination of yard/waste compost pick up during the Summer months
RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE
6. Electronic Mail from Janet Guinter of 708 N. Chestnut requesting that the City's Recycling and Composting Program remain unchanged
RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE
7. Letter from Monica Ross of Tomie Raines Inc. opposing the proposed Community Mental Health Facility on Aurelius Rd.
REFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
8. Financial Report on Community Funding for the Holden Hall Black Caucus "Keepin It Real Talent and Taste of Blackness Cultural Show" held on April 17, 2004
REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES
9. Letters supporting the annual Principal Shopping District assessment from:
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND REFERRED TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
10. Letter from Frederick P. Hammond, President of Old Town Commercial Association regarding the Principal Shopping District
REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES AND REFERRED TO THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION
There were no comments by Councilmembers
David Wiener said that he would like to respond to Mr. Pollards questions; regarding the study that was done pertaining the MSU College of Human Medicine move, that study has not been officially released. It is a proprietary document and he is not at liberty to release it until it becomes a nonproprietary document. In regard to President McPherson being named by the Mayor to lead the Regional Cooperation Effort; The Mayor requested development of a regional cooperation effort through the Greater Lansing Urban Policy Forum, which President McPherson chairs. He did not ask that President McPherson be selected to Chair it. Regarding the comment referring to business be transacted in smoked filled rooms; he does not recall anyone smoking in the Hollister Administration, in fact there is a prohibition against smoking in City Hall.
ADJOURNED TIME 8:45 P.M.
DEBBIE MINER, CITY CLERK