East Lansing City Managers Blog

Support the Arts by Becoming an Art Festival FOOF

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:48:00 GMT

Spring isn’t too far away, and for the City of East Lansing that means the East Lansing Art Festival is just around the corner.

Serving as the unofficial kickoff of spring in our community and the region as a whole, the East Lansing Art Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that has successfully drawn an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 visitors to downtown East Lansing for a running 45 years. This year, the 46^th Annual East Lansing Art Festival will hit East Lansing’s downtown streets on the weekend of May 16 and 17. Recently ranked 32^nd among a list of the 200 best art fairs and festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine, the East Lansing Art Festival has become a nationally renowned event with its showcase of 230 of the top artist exhibitors from across the country and Canada.

The East Lansing Art Festival has grown in stature in its 46 years and has drawn thousands of tourists to the region from throughout the state and other far-reaching places. These visitors stay to shop in our region’s stores, eat in our region’s restaurants and stay over night in our region’s hotels – generating an undeniably positive economic impact for greater Lansing as a whole.

With recent news of drastic statewide cuts in Michigan’s arts and cultural grant funding, it is now more important than ever for FOOFs – Friends of our Festival – to show their support for this beloved, longstanding arts and cultural festival. Support for this event will in turn support the region as a whole.

I encourage past FOOFs to renew their commitment this year and I encourage others to become a first-time FOOF. The financial support FOOFs provide make the festival possible and help create the unique quality of live we have come to enjoy in our community. Print this FOOF brochure and mail it to the East Lansing Art Festival with your donation to become a FOOF today.

Longstanding East Lansing Police Officer Retires

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:39:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, the East Lansing Police Department gave a touching sendoff to a long- serving patrol officer, Wing Lum. Wing began working for the ELPD as a Parking and Code Enforcement (PACE) Officer on May 19 of 1975. After two years as a PACE officer he became a sworn police officer in which capacity he served for 32 years!

To say that Wing served our community with commitment and distinction would be an understatement. Among his many accolades include a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service to the Students of East Lansing Public Schools (1995), several Letters of Commendation (1978, 1989, 1999, 2001), two Letters of Recognition (1987, 1996) Awards for Meritorious Service (February and August of 1994), Citation for Citizenship (1977), Employee of the Month (August 2001 and July 2003) and, not surprisingly, he was twice selected as Officer of the Year first in 1992 and more recently in 2008.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wing is known for his calm and friendly demeanor, along with a good sense of humor. During his tenure with the City, Wing rarely missed a day of work and has even been known to come in on his days off to check in. It is my understanding that he actually came to work for several days after his retirement became effective! Clearly, one Wing’s best attributes and one that made him such a pleasure to work with, is his very apparent enjoyment of his job! Wing also unfailingly discharged his duties as an East Lansing Police Officer with integrity and he will certainly be missed. We at the City wish him happiness and fulfillment in all of his future endeavors!

Nominate an Unsung Hero in Our Community

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:43:00 GMT

It’s not too late for community members to nominate the unsung heroes in our community for a 2009 Crystal Award.

The Crystal Awards, an annual program presented by the East Lansing City Council, honors the individuals, groups, organizations, businesses and commercial enterprises that have gone above and beyond to enhance the quality of life in East Lansing. This year marks the 22^nd year of the program, which in years past has honored the likes of Howard Ballein, Jack Thompson, Liz Schweitzer, Kevin Epling, Rollie Ledebuhr and countless other community leaders.

I encourage you to nominate the individuals, groups, organizations, businesses and commercial enterprises that you believe have made a positive impact on our great community through their actions and contributions. There is no limit on the number of nominations you can submit and it’s fairly easy to do: Simply visit the City of East Lansing Web site, www.cityofeastlansing.com, to submit a form online or visit East Lansing City Hall, the East Lansing Public Library or the East Lansing Hannah Community Center to pick up a paper form.

Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and will then be reviewed by a selection committee. As nominators, community members will be contacted by a member of the selection committee to discuss respective nominations.

Three nominees and one business will be selected and recognized during the 2009 Crystal Awards public reception on Thursday, April 23 at 5 p.m. at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. The reception, open and free to the public, typically brings together many local activists and community supporters to recognize those who stand out in our community for their ongoing commitment to making this City a great place in which to live.

Another step forward for the arts in East Lansing

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:43:44 GMT

Last Thursday evening, my wife Carol and I had the pleasure of hosting a fundraiser for local mixed media art gallery, SCENE Metrospace. Over fifty friends, neighbors and patrons of the arts, attended this event, during which some of the art currently on exhibit at SCENE, was on display in our home (would that it could’ve stayed there!). I am pleased to share that this event raised more than $3,500 towards supporting this important community asset.

Trends – arts and the economy

I have blogged in the past and will, no doubt, continue to write about the value of arts and culture to the local community. Not only do they enrich our environment but they contribute significantly to the local economy. In 2005, a study by the Americans for the Arts revealed that, the arts produce a whopping $166.2 billion in economic activity annually (nationally), which includes nearly $30 billion in revenue to local, state and federal government. All three levels of government collectively, spend approximately $4 billion annually to support arts and culture with a 7:1 return on investment.

The study also details the “ripple” effect of arts on the economy by measuring “events-related” spending on items such as parking, dining and other types of commerce benefiting local merchants. Since the first study of this kind in 1992, the nation’s arts and culture industry has continued to expand at a rate greater than the rate of inflation. And because arts and cultural organizations are strongly rooted in their communities, they produce economic benefits that remain local. (To learn more about the study findings, please view the PowerPoint presentation below.)

The importance of venues like SCENE Metrospace

One of the great things about SCENE and other similar venues, is that it offers local artists the opportunity to showcase their work. In addition to manifesting my interest in the arts, I wanted to support SCENE because of its association with East Lansing City government. We at the city recognize the cultural and economic value of a flourishing arts industry and are working with partnering organizations to develop a comprehensive arts and cultural plan. East Lansing already has so much to offer and enhancing arts and cultural offerings will only add to the quality of life we enjoy.

If you haven’t already, please take an hour or two to visit the latest exhibit entitled “Bleeding Green” which will be featured at (SCENE) Metrospace from Jan. 16 to March 1st. Gallery hours are Thursday from 2-5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2-6 p.m. and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. If you are interested in making contribution to SCENE please contact Tim Lane at 319-6832.

In the meantime, thanks in advance for your patronage and support!

View Arts & Economic Prosperity PowerPoint Presentation

Not all the clouds in Mid-Michigan are dark!

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:50:00 GMT

News on the economic front lately has been dismal at best but it appears that some rays of light are shining through (or at least that some of the clouds have silver linings!). In addition to the exciting news released just before the holidays regarding the location of the new Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (the FRIB) at MSU, effectively making MSU an international center of nuclear physics, along with the U of M announcement that it will be redeveloping the former Pfizer facility into a scientific and medical research facility creating thousands of jobs of the next decade, more good news is in our midst.

On Tuesday, January 13, 2009, Governor Granholm announced the creation of an IBM global delivery center for application services, to be located on MSU’s campus. This initiative is expected to bring 100 jobs to the region in mid 2009 and will create up to 1,500 jobs in the next five years. This tremendous announcement helps solidify MSU’s global appeal and the ability of Mid-Michigan to attract and retain highly skilled talent in high-growth employment sectors.

I am extremely hopeful that these are all signs of Michigan’s economic renaissance. We are nothing, if not resilient!

Stay warm.

Good things on the horizon in 2009

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:21:24 GMT

In addition to the Silver Medal designation of East Lansing’s outstanding High School and the news that MSU successfully landed the “FRIB” in a competitive process, there is even more to celebrate in our region. In spite of – or perhaps because of the monumental economic challenges Michigan has faced, several local organizations, some of them stalwarts in the community, have stepped up to the plate to make our region a desirable one in which to attract and retain talent.

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce recognizes regional agents of change

While there are many local organizations worthy of acknowledgement, six have been recognized by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce for significant investment in the region in terms of jobs creation, innovation and expansion. They represent diverse sectors of the economy from transportation and manufacturing, to arts and culture. One of the six organizations, Niowave, has combined the best of what our region has to offer. Housed in a former school building, Niowave employs the finest machinists from the auto industry, as well as individuals with experience working on MSU’s cyclotron. It also provides opportunities for recent MSU graduates and epitomizes what it means to “retool” our economy.

Along with Niowave, the Chamber has also recognized Two Men and a Truck, Mahle Engine Components, Capital Region International Airport and MSU’s Wharton Center in a video entitled “2008 Celebration of Regional Growth.” This video was sent to me by newly-named Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Tim Daman, to share with all of you. And I gladly do so! I would also take this opportunity to congratulate Tim on his new position – we will all benefit from his leadership in promoting our region.

Looking forward to 2009!

Along with the many challenges it will bring, 2009 has the potential to be exciting and positive for the region. Change is in the air as we welcome a new administration, and anticipate moving forward with several key initiatives at the local level. Please take a moment to watch the video at the link below – I hope that after doing so, you will be as optimistic as I, about all the prospects for 2009 and beyond. Happy New Year!!

Watch 2008 Celebration of Regional Growth (Part 1)

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Watch 2008 Celebration of Regional Growth (Part 2)

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East Lansing and Partners Celebrate Huge Accomplishments

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 15:23:45 GMT

Amidst all the gloom and doom of recession and bailout talks, our community is so fortunate to be able to point to two stellar achievements that will surely enhance the economic recovery of our region. For the second consecutive year, East Lansing High School has earned the Silver Medal designation by the U.S. News & World Report. This ranking places ELHS in the top 2.9% of 21,000 public schools surveyed nationwide. Schools were evaluated based on the ability to address diverse needs and the degree to which they prepare students for college. Only 19 other high schools in Michigan were named Silver Medal Schools in this latest annual report.

I’m not the least bit surprised however, having two children of my own the East Lansing School system. This rating is a reflection of a community that is invested in education as evidenced by the recent millage renewals. Our recent Citizen Survey also showed a dramatic increase in satisfaction with our schools. Most of all, this outstanding achievement is a direct result of the good work of all of our K-12 teachers, administration and staff and they are to be congratulated!

The FRIB is in the crib!

Of course the other great piece of news is the recent decision of the U.S. Department of Energy to locate the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) on the campus of Michigan State University. Already the site of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), MSU is uniquely poised to house the FRIB and to assume its place as a global leader in the area of nuclear accelerators. This half-billion dollar, federally-funded project will bring to the region, critical construction and knowledge-based jobs and further establish MSU as a leading research institution.

From the City’s perspective, we are pleased that our significant development and community reinvestment, along with our outstanding public school system, will help to attract the finest minds from around the world as this project moves forward. Congratulations to all who worked so hard to prevail in this highly competitive process, especially President Lou Anna K. Simon. This project will be a tremendous asset to our city and our region – I’m willing to bet any school-aged child in the area will be able to tell you what FRIB means before the end of the school year (I know mine will)!

What a great holiday gift to the community! And speaking of that, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

East Lansing Receives Grant Funding for Parks

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:33:00 GMT

Earlier this month the City received exciting news from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Among a handful of other communities in the state, East Lansing was awarded three Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grants to be used for park land acquisition and improvements. The grants, totaling $757,300, will be used to improve outdoor recreation offerings for our community members, while also creating improved pedestrian access to those who regularly utilize our parks.

East Lansing’s existing outdoor recreation offerings are a huge part of what makes quality of life in our community so superior. From the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center to the Northern Tier Trail, East Lansing Soccer Complex, East Lansing Softball Complex and 24 community and neighborhood parks, the City is second to none in its offerings of outdoor amenities and activities.

With this month’s exciting news from the MDNR, community members can expect to see a number of substantial improvements made to Hawk Nest Park and White Memorial Park in the near future. Grant funding, combined with matching funds, will be used to install a new playground and picnic pavilion, construct a one-third mile spur of the Northern Tier Trail and install a number of new accessible walkways at Hawk Nest. The funding will also be used for re-vegetation of the Hawk Nest site to promote the growth of diverse natural habitats.

The other grant funding will be used for acquisition of two different parcels of land adjacent to White Memorial Park. A 2.93-acre parcel of land will be acquired from the White Family Trust for not only future expansion of the park, but also to provide a location for a trailhead/park entry plaza and space for additional connections to the Northern Tier Trail. A 1.75-acre parcel of land will be acquired from the St. Paul Lutheran Church on Lake Lansing Road for the future provision of pedestrian access to the park from the north. Both the White Family Trust and the St. Paul Lutheran Church body have graciously agreed to sell the adjacent park land at 75 percent of its appraised value. We thank them for their 25 percent in-kind donations.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has been in place since 1976. It provides financial assistance to local governments to purchase land or rights in land for public recreation or protection of land because of its environmental importance or its scenic beauty. It also assists in the appropriate development of land for public outdoor recreation. The City of East Lansing, on multiple occasions, has served as a grant beneficiary of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. It is safe to say that the support of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund has provided invaluable financial assistant to our organization and has helped us to uphold one of our stated priorities: to provide second-to-none outdoor recreation to our community members.

The Annual Report – not just your ordinary calendar!

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 21:27:11 GMT

Earlier this week East Lansing residents received the City’s Annual Report or, as many of us think of it, the City Calendar. The intent of the Annual Report, in addition to serving its obvious purpose, is to provide you the taxpayers, with a city report card of sorts. In fact, the report includes fiscal information, economic development updates, significant advances and highlights from each of the City’s departments.

From time to time we are asked why we undertake this effort and expense. First, we provide this report to keep you informed of what we’re doing with your tax dollars (mind you, this is only one way in which we do this). Second, our recent Citizen Opinion survey showed that 54% of respondents get their information about city affairs from mailed publications such as the Annual Report and the Dialog – this outranked all other modes of communication including the local newspapers and broadcast media so we feel pretty confident that we’re on the right track! And finally, the Annual Report gives us a great opportunity to celebrate achievements of the past year and share with you our pride in this community.

The City’s Communications Department does an outstanding job of compiling this document each year. When you do receive the Annual Report in the mail I hope you’ll read through it and not only take note of the events of the past year, but begin to look forward to all of the exciting city events that will “ring in” with 2009!

Click here to go to the Annual Report Page

City Passes Audit with Flying Colors

tstaton@cityofeastlansing.com — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:31:52 GMT

During the City Council meeting of December 2, 2008, Plante Moran, the firm retained by the City to conduct the annual audit required by law, affirmed the City’s fiscal prudence and sound accounting practices. One of the purposes of the annual audit is to test the City’s internal control mechanisms – our system of “checks and balances.” The Plante Moran representatives proposed only minimal changes to our current accounting methods and I am pleased to report that they offered strong praise for finance director Mary Haskell and her very able staff – a sentiment with which I wholeheartedly agree.

Highlights of the Audit

As you may know, the City’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30^th and so the current audit is a review of FY 2008. This audit report shows a $550,000 increase over last fiscal year in the undesignated, unreserved fund balance of the General Fund. Revenue appears to have decreased but this is merely a reflection of a change in accounting method. We now account for debt service millage and special assessment revenue directly in the Debt Service Fund rather than in the General Fund where it was in FY 2007. Expenditures increased by a mere 1% from FY 2007. According to Plante Moran, this is a very positive indicator that City staff has done well in terms of managing and containing costs. It was also noted that the City’s Fund Balance still remains well within the parameters set by City Council. At 10.4%, the “Rainy Day Fund” is actually at its highest level in ten years.

Legislative Concerns

While bright spots have emerged from this process, the overall picture is far from rosy. In fact, we face significant legislative challenges, one of which is Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) funding. This mandate requires, at a minimum that we measure the impact of future legacy costs on current budgets. For the sake of practicality, we have actually begun to set aside a portion of these funds.

There is also talk in Lansing of legislating a moratorium on the “pop-up” tax or even a property tax super cap in order to spur the housing market. This, however, would unequivocally have a deleterious impact on all municipal budgets including ours.

There remains uncertainty about statutory revenue sharing. Revenue sharing is the mechanism by which the State returns sales tax monies to local units in exchange for limitations on our taxing capabilities. Plante Moran cautiously predicted a .75% increase in revenue sharing funds which would represent the first increase in this decade. The fact is that the decline in revenue sharing over the past eight or nine years has cost East Lansing some $24 million in lost revenues – funds that the State promised to return to the City and indirectly, to all of you.

So again I would congratulate the Finance Department for a job well done, as well as every City employee who strives to achieve efficiencies for the community we serve. No doubt, we’ve got a tough road ahead of us but I have confidence in this organization. Perhaps the mayor said it best when he stated that “We are not approving cream puff budgets, rather, these are lean budgets for lean times.” To be continued……….