Councilmember Smith announced that on Wednesday March 9^th she will be holding a Townhall Meeting to address the General Motors Plant closing on Verlinden St. The Townhall meeting will be at 6:00 P.M. at Verlinden Elementary School and the Mayor will be present as well as others that can answer the questions that she is unable to.

Councilmember Leeman announced that the Traffic Division is having a Traffic issues meeting for those that live in the Groesbeck Neighborhood. The meeting will take place at Plymouth Congregational Church on Wednesday, March 9^th at 7:00 P.M.

Councilmember Wood announced that on Wednesday, March 9^th at 6:30 P.M. the Friends of Hunter Park will meet at the Allen Neighborhood Center. The Moores Park Neighborhood Organization will meet on Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. at Moores Park School, and the Quentin Park Neighborhood Association will meet at Grace United Methodist Church on Wednesday.

Councilmember Jeffries urged public participation of the March 9^th meeting dealing with the traffic study of the Groesbeck area. He said this is an issue that has been kicked around for over a year. The meeting will focus on getting input from the public. On March 10^th there is going to be a presentation on the Southwest side of Lansing and discussion on the intersections of Holmes and Pleasant Grove, Holmes and Waverly and Jolly and Waverly in terms of how to redevelop those areas. The meeting will be Thursday at 7:00 P.M. at Trinity AME Church on W. Mt. Hope and this will be an opportunity for the public to provide their comments.

Councilmember Williams announced that the Lansing Eaton Neighborhood Association will meet Wednesday night at 6:45 P.M. at the Woodcreek Elementary School. One of the topics of discussion will be renewing the special assessment for mowing of Glenburne Commons.

David Wiener, Executive Assistant to Mayor Benavides, announced that on Wednesday evening at 5:30 P.M. there will be a Memorial Review Board Meeting in the Mayor's Conference Room.

Murdock Jemerson provided an overview of the Five Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. He announced that along with the two community forums being held for this Master Plan, there is the regular Park Board meeting on Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. at Gier Community Center and the public is welcome to attend and give their input. Copies of the Five Year Plan are available for review at the Community Centers, City Council Office, City Clerk's Office, Mayor's Office, Planning Office and the Parks and Recreation Office at 318 N. Capital. The Five Year Plan is also on the City's website.

Sue Erickson of 1403 Indiana Ave. spoke in support of the Parks Plan and how important it is to keep up the Parks so that the kids can have a safe clean place to go.

Joan Sheldon of 736 Seymour Ave. spoke in support of the Parks Plan.

Doug Finley of 2810 N. Cambridge spoke about the process that the Lansing Parks Department went through to get community input on this plan. He said this is the right thing to do.

Sandra Shelp of 1534 Massachusetts spoke in support of the Parks Plan, but stated concern about the amount of money being spent on Golf Courses, which she feels could be better spent on youth activities..

Carol Webster of the Potter Park Zoological Society spoke in support of the Parks Plan and thanked the citizens of Lansing for supporting the Park Millage's every five years.

Joan Nelson of 217 Rosamond spoke in support of the Parks plan.

Ellen Sullivan of 424 Everett Drive spoke in support of the Leash Free Dog Park. She said that she will continue working with the Parks Department to make this a great place for pets.

Mike Sears of 5810 Orchard Court said the Parks Plan does not include any funding for a South Side Community Center.

Jerry Roe of 4809 Gull Road, Delta Township, spoke in support of the Parks Plan and said he will work very hard to help get the Millage passed. He is the President of the Friends of Turner Dodge House and said it is very important for this millage to pass.

Pat Murray of 1720 Bradley thanked everyone for the appointment to the Parks Board. He said that even though he has only been on the Board for a short time he has seen how important it is for this plan to be put into place.

Darnell E. Oldham Sr. of 3815 Berwick spoke about how the South side needs a community center and how the plan does not speak to that.

John Pollard of 1718 Blair spoke about the extension of the River Trail as stated in the plan.

Ted Ramsby of 3830 Royale Dr., Holt, said he is a representative from the Lansing Adult Baseball Advisory Board. He thanked the City of Lansing for their support in the renovation of Kirshner Park.

Dorothy Jones of 426 W. Barnes spoke in support of the five year Parks Plan.

Susan Dougherty of 229 Moores River Dr., stated that she is the President of the Moores Park Neighborhood Assn. and they support the Parks Master Plan.

Christopher Hull of 1937 Sunnyside Ave. spoke in support of the Parks Plan, but stated that he is opposed to the millage.

Charlene Decker of 2711 Pleasant Grove Rd spoke about the Parks Plan and stated that the City needs to get Supervisors back in the parks. She said that it is important to get a South Side Community Center established.

Frank S. Curtis X, no address given, spoke about the Parks and Recreation Department not taking care of the public swimming pools as well as all of the tall grass in the Parks.

Christine Timmons of 339. St. Joe spoke about the Millage including a South Side Community Center

Belinda Fitzpatrick of 224 S Holmes spoke in support of the Parks Plan.

Mike Cole of 3424 Braeburn thanked the Parks Department for the improvements to Davis Park. He also spoke about the need for the Community Center on the South side.

Kathy Dunbar of 1334 Boston Blvd spoke is support of the Parks Plan

2. In consideration of Public Improvement II/III; Special Assessment Roll #381 Road Improvement for all lands fronting Washington Ave. south of Miller Rd. to the north of Edgewood Blvd.

Jim Campana of 6239 S. Washington Ave. spoke about concerns with the notice that was sent to the residents and the sewer lines that are in the area for repair.

John Pollard of 1718 Blair spoke about financial concerns regarding this Public Improvement.

Darnell E. Oldham Sr. of 3815 Berwick Dr. spoke about the assessment being to high and said it should be looked at again by the Council.

• Public Comment on Legislative/City Matters:

Lakiesha Allen, no address given, spoke about racial issues inside the Lansing Police Department and about an e-mail that was sent to all LPD employees.

Captain Ray Hall of the Lansing Police Department, spoke in reference to the e-mail that was mentioned by the previous speaker. He stated that the Police Department shares the same concerns that Ms. Allen does regarding this e-mail. An Internal Affairs Investigation has been launched and is ongoing at this time. They do not know who sent the e-mail whether it be a sworn personnel or a civilian but they do intend to find out. He stated that the Lansing Police Department will not tolerate this from any of it's employees and when the person that sent this e-mail is found, they will be dealt with according to Department protocol.

Ammahad Shekarakki of 902 Willow stated that October 16, 2005 is the Million Man March in Washington DC and asked that all black men and boys attend the March in DC.

Larry Brunette of 230 N Sycamore spoke about the denial of his rezoning request for 230 N. Sycamore

Frank S. Curtis , no address given, spoke about how the citizens of Lansing want Council Members to listen to their needs.

Sheila McCoy of 230 N. Sycamore spoke about the lack of accountability that is happening in the City.

Dolores Nagel of 1267 Lakeside spoke about the financial problems that she has had because of the denial of her rezoning.

Mike Sears of 5810 Orchard Ct said that Council needs to reconsider the requests of Mr Brunette and Ms Nagel for rezoning.

William Hubbell of 3916 Wedgewood spoke about the closing of the GM plant on Verlinden.

Patricia Lone of 1807 Georgetown spoke of an issue between herself and Councilmember Smith.

Michael John Simon of 720 Sycamore spoke about the need for a cure for AIDS and for World Peace.

John Pollard of 1718 Blair spoke about his FOIA requests and charter violations by City Council.

Darnell E. Oldham Sr., of 3815 Berwick Dr. spoke about UAW Employees and thanked the Union workers for the work that they do.

Howard Jones of 426 W. Barnes gave praise to the Lansing State Journal for an article that they put in the paper about the Governors Club.

Ed Simmer of 4245 W. Jolly spoke about the pile of snow up against the parking meters and said that the City Attorney should void all tickets given out to people because of not being able to get to the meters and put money in them.

Mike Behaan of 4127 Okemos Rd., Okemos spoke about the need for a Board of Water and Light Audit.

Christine Timmons of 339 W. St. Joe spoke about the tax abatements to GM

Belinda Fitzpatrick of 224 S. Holmes spoke about the importance of a Board of Water & Light Audit.

Russell Terry of 121 E. Mt. Hope spoke in opposition to the fees for the use of the Inflatable Obstacle Courses and Various Carnival games.

Charlene Decker of 2711 Pleasant Grove spoke about the problems with the Board of Water & Light .

Viol Trice of 3514 Aragon spoke about the kick off event for "Fathers Day" at School in Lansing Schools.

Mike Cole of 3424 Braeburn spoke about the City TV Channel and how residents of the City do not have access to it unless they have cable. He said all residents should be able to watch Council meetings without having cable.

Councilmember Leeman left the meeting at 9:40 P.M.

RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LANSING

WHEREAS, Michigan State University received the "Corporation of the Year - Education Sector" award from the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) at the council's 21^st annual awards dinner, October 5, 2004 at Cobo Hall in Detroit; and

WHEREAS, Michigan State University's Purchasing Department, through its Supplier Diversity Program, was presented with the award based on its cooperation with small, minority and female-owned area businesses which the university contracts to supply a vast array of products, supplies and services; and

WHEREAS, this is the third time Michigan State University has won the award; and

WHEREAS, Michigan State University was nominated by minority business entrepreneur Vince Hylton, owner of Waterson's Tool in Warren. Wayne State, Western Michigan University and the Detroit Public Schools also were award nominees; and

WHEREAS, Desiree Quinney, supplier diversity coordinator and purchasing agent for the purchasing department, accepted the award; and

WHEREAS, she values working with minority-owned businesses and is proud of how it reflects the diversity of the MSU community; and

WHEREAS, Desiree and MSU President Peter McPherson were featured in a short video discussing the diversity program and its vitality to the maintenance of community relations, which was shown at the awards dinner; and

WHEREAS, Desiree continues to work through MSU to create opportunities and encourage departments to support minority and women-owned businesses, and actively seeks vendors and suppliers that can provide a myriad of goods and services, thereby assisting the broader community by building relationships for MSU and businesses in the Lansing area and throughout Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the award is a reflection of Desiree's leadership abilities and the participation by the entire purchasing staff and their support of the program; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1978, the MMBDC is a privately funded, nonprofit corporate services organization based in Detroit, composed of members from major corporations across the state who look to utilize the emerging minority-owned, operated and controlled small businesses to diversity their supply and product line; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Desiree Quinney and is herby recognized by the Lansing City Council for her continuous efforts and dedication to diversifying both Lansing and the MSU community.

By Councilmember Smith

Carried Unanimously

Whereas, Grace Louise Brown was born on April 21, 1927 in Georgia; and

Whereas, Her family moved to Lansing when she was 7 years old. She spent the remainder of her childhood in Lansing and grew to be an upstanding citizen; and

Whereas, Grace Louise Brown met a special gentleman, James Hinton, who she married and later passed away; and

Whereas, Grace Louise lived a Christian and spiritual life and was fortunate to meet another special gentleman, William Demps, who she married; and

Whereas, Grace Louise Demps is devoted to the Lansing Community and a member of the Union Baptist Church. She has touched many lives in special ways because of her heart of gold; and

Whereas, Grace Louise Demps' love, encouragement, and generosity has given her family, friends, and community wisdom, strength and courage that will be felt in their lives for generations to come;

Whereas, there are 5 generations in her immediate family with 24 Grandchildren, 44 Great grandchildren, and 7 Great Great Grandchildren; and

Whereas, Grace Louise Demps received an award honoring her for the inspiration she offered to everyone she touched; and

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, the Lansing City Council recognizes Grace Louise Demps' for her life time of generosity and involvement in the Lansing Community.

Councilmember Smith motion to place an affirmative roll on the resolution passed by the following vote:

Yeas: 7

Nays: 1 (Councilmember Leeman absent during the vote)

That the following FY05 transfers be approved:

(Approval of a mini-grant to Parks for special swimming sessions for middle school students. The Parks and Recreation Department will partner with Lansing School District (LSD) to provide a Girls and Boys Swim Team and Guard Start program for students in the District grades 6,7, and 8. A competitive swim team season will be conducted at four local schools, followed by five (5) two-week sessions of daily swims and educational activities. A soft-match mini-grant was received from the Michigan Recreation and Park Association; the soft match is met by $2,638 in-kind covered costs including the guard instructor, bus transportation, and a small administrative fee.)

(Approval of donations to Police from the Capital Area United Way organization for the CARE program. The Capital Area Response Effort (CARE) program provides counseling and other special assistance to domestic violence victims in the Lansing area and neighboring communities.)

(Approval of State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) loan assistance to Public Service for the $4.7 million reconstruction of the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge).

By Councilmember Meyer

To place an affirmative roll on the resolution

Councilmember Wood stated, for the record, that she will vote no on this resolution, and further that until the 1.8 Million Dollar issue in the City Budget has been dealt with by the City Council, she will continue to vote no on all budgetary issues of the City.

YEAS: 6

NAYS: 2(Councilmember Leeman absent during vote on this item and Councilmember Wood dissenting)

ABSENT: None

WHEREAS, The Pubic Service department is applying for grant funding through Nike, Inc. and the National Recycling coalition (NRC); and

WHEREAS, Nike, Inc. and NRC will be accepting grant applications for the next grant cycle no later than March 11, 20005; and

WHEREAS, Nike, Inc. and NRC will be accepting applications between February 1 - March 11, 2005; and

WHEREAS, The Public Service Director is recommending the City apply for grant funding to install a rubberized playground surface at the Potter Park and Zoo made from the recycled athletic shoes collected from the Reuse-A-Shoe program; and

WHEREAS, applicant must provide funding to cover all costs except for the grant amount of $20,000; and

WHEREAS, funds must be secured within 6 months of grant and project must be completed within a year of grant award (unless prior approval from Nike/NRC); and

WHEREAS, the local match for the Nike, Inc./NrC grant is included in the Parks & Recreation FY2006 CIP budget request; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the submission of grant applications to Nike, Inc. and the National Recycling Coalition for the project as described as follows:

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that if the grants are awarded, the City of Lansing, Michigan, will accept the terms of the agreement as received from Nike, Inc. and the NRC, and that the City of Lansing does hereby specifically agree, but not by way of limitation,, as follows:

That if the proposed grants are received, in an amount requiring less than or equal City match to the amount indicated in the application document(s), the administration is authorized to create appropriate accounts and transfer necessary funds to administer and monitor the grants and to appropriate such additional funds as shall be necessary to complete the project subject to the City Council transfer policies.

To maintain satisfactory financial accounts, documents, and records to make them available to Nike, Inc. and the National Recycling Coalition for auditing at reasonable times.

To construct the project and provide such funds, services, and materials as may be necessary to satisfy the terms of said Agreements.

To authorize the Mayor of the City of Lansing to be the local authorized representative to sign documents in behalf of the City of Lansing.

To comply with any and all terms of said Nike, Inc and the National Recycling Coalition agreements including all terms not specifically set forth in the foregoing portion of this resolution

Councilmember Smith motion to place an affirmative roll on the resolution passed by the following vote:

YEAS: 7

NAYS: 1 (Councilmember Leeman absent during vote)

There were no Committee Reports

There were no Ordinances for Introduction

There were no Ordinances for Passage

There were no late items

By Vice President Smith

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 Allen

1. Letter from the City Clerk submitting Mayor Benavides' Executive Orders regarding:

a. Executive Order 2005-01; Transfer of the Transportation and Parking Office from the Planning and Neighborhood Development Department to the Public Service Department

b. Executive Order 2005-02; Reorganization of Functions in the Parks, Finance, Management Services and Public Service Departments, and Creation of a City Public Information Officer

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

2. Letter from Mayor Benavides regarding the Delegation of Authority to the Development Manager of the Department of Planning and Neighborhood Office to Sign Routine Documents Associated with Property Acquisition and Disposition for the City of Lansing

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

3. Consolidated Strategy and Plan Submission Action Plan for FY 2006

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

4. Letters from the Mayor re:

a. Announcement; Ingham County Courthouse Centennial Celebration to be held May 7, 2005

RECEIVED AND PLACED ON FILE

b. Public Improvement II; 2004 Gravel Streets Reconstruction #2, PS #01076, for all lands fronting Kenbrook, Annetta and LaBelle, Special Assessment Roll #380

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

c. Establishment of Fees for the Parks and Recreation Department Leisure Services Division to charge for the use of Inflatable Obstacle Courses and various Carnival games

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

d. Reappointment of Jeff Williams to the Economic Development Corporation and the Tax Increment Finance Authority Board of Directors for a Term to Expire February 28, 2011

REFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

e. Appointment of Richard Karp to the Principal Shopping District for a seat left vacant by Bill Castaner for a Term to Expire June 30, 2008

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

f. Public Improvement IV; 2004 New Sidewalk Project, P.S. #01075, for all lands fronting the north side of Jolly Rd. from Dunckel Rd. to Tranter St., Special Assessment Roll B-75

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

g. Public Improvement IV; 2004 New Sidewalk Project, P.S. #01075, for all lands fronting Mercantile Way from Pierpont St. to the north end and Pierpont St. from Pennsylvania Ave. to the east end, Special Assessment Roll B-76

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

h. Public Improvement IV; 2004 New Sidewalk Project P.S. #01075, for all lands fronting Lake Lansing Rd. from Massachusetts Ave. to the east City Limits, Special Assessment Roll B-77

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

i. Public Improvement IV: Special Assessment Roll #381 Road Improvement for all lands fronting Washington Ave. south of Miller Rd. to the north of Edgewood Blvd., P.S. #85058

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

j. Grant Applications; Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Transportation for the development of the River Trail South from Hawk Island County Park (Cavanaugh Rd.) To Maguire Park (corner of Jolly and Aurelius)

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

k. Application for an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) filed by NeoPhase for the property located at 1131-1133 S. Washington

REFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

l. 2005 Golf Fees

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

M. Grant Acceptance; Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the development of the River Trail South

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

n. Reassignment of Tim Haggart to the Board of Water & Light from an At-Large Position to a 2^nd Ward Term to Expire June 30, 2007

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Carried unanimously

1. Letter from the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Liquor Control Commission providing 15 Day Notice of an application filed by Lansing Restaurant Ventures, Inc. for a new SDM License to be held in conjunction with an existing 2004 Class C License located at 217 Townsend

REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES

2. Application for Community Funding filed by the Native American Arts and Crafts Council for their Riverbank Traditional Pow Wow to be held June 17-19, 2005

REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES

3. Financial Report on Community Funding filed by the Native American Arts and Crafts Council for their Riverbank Traditional Pow Wow held July 18-20, 2004

REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES

4. Financial Report on Community Funding filed by Hospice of Lansing for their Service of Remembrance Event held November 3, 2004

REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES

5. Notification from the State of Michigan, Department of Treasury of the issuance of Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate #N2004-0614 for property located at 201 Lathrop

REFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING COMMITTEE

6. Appeal of the Decision by the Claims Review Committee filed by Yolanda G. Reyes of 125 N. Magnolia for property located 220 Regent St.

REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES

7. Letter from Jill Rassizi of 321 Bingham regarding her shared driveway and requesting overnight parking

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY

8. Letter from Brett R. Stockhill, President of the Forest View Citizens Association regarding safety issues with the intersections of Forest and Collins and Cavanaugh and Dunckel

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY

9. Electronic Mail regarding snow removal on side streets from:

--JoLynn Crawford of 5643 Valencia Blvd

--Colleen Blossey, no address given

REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICES

10. Letter from Comcast Cable providing notice of the repositioning of channels on their lineup effective April 5, 2005

REFERRED TO THE CABLE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY BOARD

11. Appeal to the Decision of the Claims Review Committee filed by Edward A. Henderson Jr. of 10700 Petrieville Hwy, Eaton Rapids for property located 300 S. Pennsylvania

REFERRED TO GENERAL SERVICES

12. Brochure and Registration Form from the National League of Cities Leadership Training Institute for their 13^th Annual Leadership Summit to be held August 25-27 in Cambridge, MA

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

13. Registration Form for the Michigan Municipal League's Region 2 Meeting to be held April 29, 2005 in Decatur, MI

REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Councilmember Leeman returned to the meeting at 10:15 P.M.

Councilmember Bauer said the Discussion Group on the "Price of Government" Book Part IV will be this Wednesday at the Michigan Retailers and Part V is next Thursday. She thanked everyone who came to tonight's meeting to give their opinion on the Parks and Recreation Five Year Master Plan. She said there is another meeting on this Master Plan tomorrow at 6:30 at the Foster Community Center and everyone is invited to attend to give their input.

Councilmember Jeffries announced for the first time ever in the history of Spartan Women's Basketball they won 55-49 over Minnesota. Councilmember Jeffries said that he wanted to make a correction to the announcement that he made earlier regarding a meeting at Trinity AME Church, the location of the Church is on W. Holmes and not W. Mt. Hope.

David Wiener, Executive Assistant to Mayor Benavides, responded to comments that had been made during public comment. He said there were comments made about the distribution of Park Millage Funding with the suggestion that a lot of the Park Millage Funding went to new acquisitions and new development. He said Parks Director Jemerson provided him with a chart that lays out the proportion of funding from the millage that is used for different purposes. He read from the chart so that the public could get an understanding of how the millage is used because he did not want there to be an impression that the park millage is used primarily for new acquisitions. He also responded to a comment that was made regarding sewer, curb and gutter assessments. He said there is a formal process where there is a formal notice sent to everyone who will be affected by a potential assessment and in that notice the person is encourage to come to the City Council meeting if they have a problem or want to raise any questions regarding the assessment, and this process is established by Ordinance and State Law. He said everyone should understand that assessments are done over a series of annual payments. He reviewed the payment schedule. Regarding the South Side Community Center, they have provided a comprehensive memo that states all of the processes of funding going in and coming out of the various accounts over a ten year period. Mr. Oldham has been provided all of that information. He responded to a comment made regarding Finance Director Glen Kirk's contract. He it is incorrect to say that Mr. Kirk contract requires him to move into the City. State law does not even allow that requirement to be enforced. Mr. Kirk said, at the time his contract was approved, that if it were to become an embarrassment to the Mayor about where he lives, which is on the other side of the City line, that he would consider moving into the City of Lansing. The person making these comments may want to embarrass Mr. Kirk about moving into the City but Mr. Kirk is not an embarrassment to the Administration, he is an asset.

ADJOURNED TIME 10:17 P.M.

DEBBIE MINER, CITY CLERK