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East Lansing City Council Meeting Recap 4/9/24

East Lansing City Council Meeting Recap 4/9/24


** Thanks for reading!
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The East Lansing City Council Recap is sent after regular, discussion-only and special City Council meetings. View the 2024 meeting schedule here (https://cityofeastlansing.com/DocumentCenter/View/14120/2024-City-Council-meeting-schedule-PDF) . Readers are encouraged to contact the East Lansing City Manager's Office with questions at (517) 319-6920.

The City of East Lansing occupies the ancestral, traditional and contemporary lands of the Anishinaabeg – Three Fires Confederacy of Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi peoples land ceded in the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw.


** Highlights from the April 9 Meeting
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The East Lansing City Council met on Tuesday, April 9 at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC) for a regular meeting. Watch the meeting from the beginning (https://youtu.be/LGLq93Qx6BQ?t=626) .

During communications from Council, East Lansing City Councilmember Erik Altmann talked about the City's Canopy Challenge Contest. Nominations are due by Friday, April 19 and can be submitted via the City's website at www.cityofeastlansing.com/canopychamp (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/2434/Canopy-Champions-Challenge) . The winner will be announced on Arbor Day (Friday, April 26).

East Lansing City Councilmember Dana Watson talked about the East Lansing Public Schools bond proposal coming before voters on Tuesday, May 7 and noted there will be two information sessions. The first is on Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Snell Towar Recreation Center, 6146 Porter Ave. and the other will be held on Thursday, April 25 at 9 a.m. in the Hub at East Lansing High School, 501 Burcham Drive. For more information, visit https://elps.us/bond2024/.

East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Kerry Ebersole Singh added that the City Clerk's office is seeking election inspectors for the May 7 election and beyond. She also gave a shoutout to the East Lansing Public Library and Director Kevin King for National Library Week and the exciting work that staff is doing there.

East Lansing City Manager Robert Belleman announced that the Emerging Leaders program is accepting applications. Community members can visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/emergingleaders (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/1542/Emerging-Leaders-Program) for more information and to apply for spot in the eight-month program. City Manager Belleman also invited community members to participate in Dream Play Build, an interactive workshop hosted in conjunction with the comprehensive plan update. The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. The event is free, but preregistration is required (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dream-play-build-hands-on-workshop-tickets-867659160907) .

Belleman also congratulated the City's Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) for winning the Michigan Water Environment Association's Premier Utility Management Performance (PUMP) award. Finally, he noted that the FY2025 budget has been presented to Councilmembers and presentations will begin next week (Tuesday, April 16) at 5 p.m.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dream-play-build-hands-on-workshop-tickets-867659160907


** 4.1 Public Hearing on Rental Restriction Overlay in Glencairn Neighborhood: Ordinance 1528
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Watch this part of the meeting (https://youtu.be/LGLq93Qx6BQ?t=2617) . City Council considered Ordinance 1528, a request from residents within the Glencairn neighborhood to establish an R-O-1 rental restriction overlay (RRO) district. The issue had arisen last fall, and the City's Planning Commission held a public hearing on Jan. 10. The Planning Commission voted 6-1 on Jan. 24 to recommend Council approve the proposed overlay including possible consideration of expansion of the overlay's boundaries. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/375993/A%20public%20hearing%20to%20consider%20Ordinance%201528_%20A%20.pdf?handle=8B657C2FDBA04A48B925853375DD7C02) . Councilmember Altmann moved approval, seconded by East Lansing City Councilmember Mark Meadows. An amendment to include an expanded area of approximately 85 additional properties. The motion as amended was approved 4-1 with Councilmember Watson voting against.



** 5.1 Consideration of a Contract with Schindler Elevator Corp. for $111,921 at City Hall
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Watch this part of the meeting (https://youtu.be/LGLq93Qx6BQ?t=7030) . To comply with the State of Michigan's Elevator Code, the elevator control unit in the lobby at City Hall must be modernized. Council considered a request to award a contract for $111,921 to Schindler Elevator Corporation to replace the control unit and related operating mechanics. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376802/Approve%20a%20contract%20with%20Schindler%20Elevator%20Corp.pdf?handle=C95B40A074D34D2F99945A894BAEF6FE) . The motion was approved unanimously.



** 5.2 Consideration of Michael McDaniel's Appointment to the Independent Police Oversight Commission
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Watch this part of the meeting (https://youtu.be/LGLq93Qx6BQ?t=7769) . Council considered an application from Michael C. McDaniel to serve a full term on the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission ending Dec. 31, 2026. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376904/Consideration%20of%20approval%20of%20the%20appointment%20of.pdf?handle=64C9E94EE5224B9B94A062732220BDC8) . Councilmember Meadows moved approval, seconded by East Lansing Mayor George Brookover. The appointment was unanimously approved.



** 5.3 Consideration of Conditional Class III Rental License Review for 854 Touraine Ave.
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Watch this part of the meeting (https://youtu.be/LGLq93Qx6BQ?t=8430) . The Housing Commission reviewed an initial rental license application for the property at 854 Touraine Ave., which is a single family dwelling with a unique open floor plan. A conditional class III rental license would allow for up to two unrelated persons or a family to occupy the dwelling. It was noted that the property had come before Council in April 2023; however, that was with a different owner. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376846/Consideration%20of%20approval%20of%20a%20Conditional%20Clas.pdf?handle=A6F740B9B98F42738C570BC0A5A4004C) . The motion failed on a vote of 3-2 with Mayor Brookover, Mayor Pro Tem Ebersole Singh and Councilmember Altmann voting against approval and Councilmembers Watson and Meadows voting in favor of approval.



** 5.4 Consideration of Revised Site Plan and Closure of Two Lanes for Albert EL Fresco
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Watch this part of the meeting (https://youtu.be/LGLq93Qx6BQ?t=9119) . The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) approved a recommendation on March 28 for Council to approve a revised site plan for Albert EL Fresco, including the closure of two lanes on Albert Avenue between Grove Street and M.A.C. Avenue, beginning no sooner than April 29 and ending no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 12. Problematic issues identified in the current plan are the blocking of the driveway to 7-Eleven, resulting in delivery issues for the store, and impacts to residents of Newman Lofts using a car service for pickup and drop-off. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376830/Consideration%20of%20approval%20of%20the%20revised%20site%20p.pdf?handle=182AC324EDF1475EB8FE629E9A4E1C79) . During discussion, Councilmember Altmann expressed concern about the proposed change because people like the bigger footprint. East Lansing Police Department Deputy Chief Chad Pride noted that the
safety of the community is a concern including vehicle-pedestrian interactions and emergency vehicles being able to access that area. Staff noted that they started having conversations with downtown businesses over a year ago and began looking at issues on their behalf. The new proposal also includes porta potties. Councilmember Altmann moved approval of an expanded plan that includes the entire intersection of Albert Avenue and Grove Street (version A) as well as the proposed additional sites including Fountain Square, Bailey Parking Lot, etc. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ebersole Singh. Councilmember Meadows moved to defer a decision to next week (April 16), seconded by Councilmember Altmann and unanimously approved.

Council adjourned to closed session at 10 p.m.


** Other Items
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1. Council approved a resolution proclaiming April 26, 2024 as Arbor Day in the City of East Lansing. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376390/Approve%20a%20resolution%20proclaiming%20April%2026,%202024.pdf?handle=F4B607767F4F4098A9D69ED3FE2C15FD) .
2. Council approved Policy Resolution 2024-7 to support a No Mow May initiative in the City of East Lansing. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376824/Approve%20Policy%20Resolution,%202024-7,%20a%20resolution.pdf?handle=B9B12EF5365F458B898EBFF6C82EA7C4) .
3. Council approved street closure requests for the East Lansing Art Festival: Albert Avenue from the Albert Avenue Garage to Bailey Street, M.A.C. Avenue from the East Lansing Marriott entrance to the Grand River Avenue intersection, Grove Street from the south edge of the 7-Eleven entrance, and the Bailey surface parking lot, and approved the use of amplified sound and regulation of Art Festival vendors from 5 a.m. on May 17, 2024 to 10 p.m. on May 19, 2024. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/375933/Approve%20a%20street%20closure%20request%20for%20the%20East%20L.pdf?handle=2C792B06FE9A4E44B6A2E91B7AB1DA97) .
4. Council set a public hearing date of May 14, 2024 to consider Ordinance 1527: An application from George F. Eyde Family, LLC and Leo Brown Group, LLC to rezone a 2.29-acre vacant parcel, immediately north of and to be combined with 3512 Coolidge Road, from A* (Dewitt Township Agricultural) to B-1 (General Office Business District). View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376554/Set%20a%20public%20hearing%20date%20of%20May%2014,%202024%20to%20co.pdf?handle=7B7CCA2C455C40B698F2C68BEAE8DF62) .
5. Council set a public hearing date of May 14, 2024 to consider Ordinance 1530, which would amend the Zoning Ordinance to make changes to items related to electricity. Specifically, the proposed amendments would clarify requirements for electronic display signs, set measurement and fixture standards for outdoor lighting, facilitate solar power generation in East Lansing and clarify requirements for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376562/Set%20a%20public%20hearing%20date%20of%20May%2014,%202024%20to%20co.pdf?handle=DBEADCBD337E4B9C9BD3727B1C0F124D) .
6. Council approved a proposal from Tetra Tech to perform a DPW Facility Solar and Geothermal Assessment and authorized the City Manager to sign. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376588/Approve%20a%20proposal%20from%20Tetra%20Tech%20to%20perform%20a.pdf?handle=E14CCDE59755496EB4C4429F3AD502B8) .
7. Council approved a five-year contract with Bound Tree Medical for UCAPIT Purchase and Rebate Program in the amount of $326,000 and authorized the City Manager to sign. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376730/Approve%20a%205-year%20contract%20with%20Bound%20Tree%20Medic.pdf?handle=D25760FF2D9A46ABA8E22B869C0ABD48) .
8. Council approved a contract in the amount of $84,175 with Spectrum Construction Services for lighting improvements to William B. Sharp Park and authorized the City Manager to sign. Furthermore, Council approved a project contingency of $8,418. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376953/Approve%20a%20Contract%20in%20the%20amount%20of%20$84,175.00%20.pdf?handle=941083729F96430AA77C9DC675429A3F) .
9. Council approved a contract with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP for $37,342.20 to replace the fire alarm panel at City Hall and install nine additional smoke detection devices. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376796/Approve%20a%20contract%20with%20Johnson%20Controls%20Fire%20P.pdf?handle=E4D256EF384243BFB779D3F43DA33749) .
10. Council approved a conditional Class III rental license for an occupancy of up to two unrelated persons or a family at 550 Spartan Ave. The owners of record according to assessing records are Andrew and Lindsey Price, Williamston, Mich. The applicant is Lindsey Price, Williamston, Mich. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376838/Approve%20a%20conditional%20Class%20III%20rental%20license%20.pdf?handle=9886CF88380949B2B43E1BE83B7C708C) .
11. Council approved a conditional Class III rental license for an occupancy of up to two unrelated persons or a family at 631 Cornell Ave. The owner of record according to assessing records is Cornell Place Rentals, LLC, Birmingham, Mich. The applicant is Kenneth Wallace, Birmingham, Mich. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376842/Approve%20a%20conditional%20Class%20III%20rental%20license%20.pdf?handle=56E5DA60D13E40CEAF799A7EA2ED26D8) .
12. Council had a first reading of Ordinance 1534, amendments to regulatory requirements and administrative procedures for operating mobile food vending units in the City of East Lansing. View the agenda item report (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376949/First%20reading%20of%20Ordinance%201534,%20amendments%20to%20.pdf?handle=53F20D4F33A644028A2555B5411E7673) .

To learn more about all items discussed during the meeting, view the Agenda Packet (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/document/376989/) (597 pages) and the meeting synopsis (https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2194) (PDF).

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 16


** Additional Information
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East Lansing City Council meetings take place at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road at 7 p.m. A remote option for viewing the meetings and providing public comment is offered via the City's public meeting portal (https://cityofeastlansing.civicweb.net/Portal/) . The number to call in for public comment is posted at the top of each meeting agenda.

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