City of East Lansing A Community in focus & ndar 2009 Community c a le ndar l r e port 2008 annua

Department of Communications Quality Services for a Quality Community Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are thrilled to share the 2009 Community Calendar & 2008 Annual Report with residents and supporters of the Community City of East Lansing. Contacts As the 2008 calendar year comes to a close, we at the City find ourselves reflecting on the accomplishments and success stories East Lansing of the past 12 months. A few highlights of the year included City Hall the grand opening of the East Lansing Technology Innovation 410 Abbot Road Center above Barnes & Noble Booksellers in downtown, the early completion of the Abbot/ East Lansing, MI 48823 Chandler Road reconstruction project north of Lake Lansing Road and the dedication of downtown East Lansing’s first green roof above the City-owned parking structure of the Albert Place Condominiums. The City also began to lay the groundwork for City Center II, a visionary Main Line...... 337-1731 City Council...... 319-6920 mixed-use redevelopment that will begin to take shape on the west end of downtown in 2009, City Manager...... 319-6920 and oversaw the completion of three new homes — with more to come in 2009 — within the City Clerk...... 319-6914 Avondale Square neighborhood revitalization project. Code Enforcement & Neighborhood In addition to infrastructure improvements and community development, the City conducted Conservation...... 319-6857 Water Billing...... 319-6890 a community survey in 2008, which yielded overwhelmingly positive results. Six hundred Planning & Community randomly selected registered voters were contacted via telephone to answer questions Development...... 319-6930 about the East Lansing community and the services the City provides. According to the results, 97 percent of respondents agreed that East Lansing is a good place to live and East Lansing Police 94 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with the overall quality of services Department the City provides. Community members can view the community survey in its entirety 409 Park Lane at www.cityofeastlansing.com. East Lansing, MI 48823 While the year’s end has allowed us a chance to reflect on the past 12 months, it has also prompted us to think about the City’s path into 2009. Community members can expect to see Emergencies...... 911 more job growth, development and infrastructure improvements in the City of East Lansing in 24-Hour Non-Emergency...... 351-4220 the new year. One other noteworthy event coming down the pike in 2009 will be the opening Tip Line...... 337-2599 of a new, outdoor farmer’s market in East Lansing. The farmer’s market is slated to open in Toll Free Tip Line...... 1-877-ELPD-TIP summer 2009 in Valley Court Park. P.A.C.E. (Parking & Code Enforcement) ...... 319-6894 As you gear up for 2009, we encourage all of you to take a moment and read a little more about what has happened in the East Lansing community over the past 12 months. We 54-B District Court also encourage you to show your community pride by posting this beautiful calendar, 101 Linden Street featuring several photographs taken by East Lansing residents, in your home or place East Lansing, MI of business. 48823 Main Line – 351-7000 Warm Regards,

East Lansing Fire Department Station 1, Theodore J. Staton 1700 Abbot Road East Lansing, MI 48823

Station 2, Shaw Lane, MSU Campus Emergencies...... 911 Non-Emergency...... 332-1956

East Lansing East Lansing City Council Department of Public Works Mayor Victor W. Loomis, Jr. 1800 E. State Road [email protected] East Lansing, MI 48823 Mayor Pro Tem Diane Goddeeris [email protected] Main Line...... 337-9459 Special Pickup 24-Hour Line...... 351-4999 Councilmember Kevin Beard [email protected] Councilmember Roger Peters [email protected] Councilmember Nathan Triplett [email protected] East Lansing Hannah Community Center 819 Abbot Road East Lansing, MI EXPANDED VIEW OF CITY LIMITS 48823

Front Desk...... 333-2580 ext. 0 Prime Time...... 337-1113 PUBLIC WORKS RECYCLE DROP OFF EAGLE EYE NEIGHBORHOOD STATE RD East Lansing Bailey Community Center

BROWN RD BROWN HAWK NEST Parks NEIGHBORHOOD 300 Bailey Street East Lansing, MI COOLIDGE RD COOLIDGE COLEMAN RD 48823 PUBLIC WORKS Public Schools RD CHANDLER RECYCLE DROP OFF STATE NeighborhoodsRD RD WEST Main Line...... 337-7615 Nature Trail East Lansing Childcare LAKE LANSING RD Program...... 337-7615 OLIDGE OLIDGE CO CO Community Facilities RD East Lansing SAGINAW ST Public Library City Boundaries RD LAKE RK COOLIDGE COOLIDGE PA HARRISON RD RD HARRISON 950 Abbot Road East Lansing, MI COLEMAN RD MSU Campus RD ABBOTT 48823 CHANDLER RD CHANDLER GR AVE A RD HAGADORN ND RIVER AVE Main Line...... 351-2420 ABBOT PARKSIDE SOCCER MICHIGAN STATE COMPLEX WEST RD WEST WEST RD WEST UNIVERSITY SOFTBALL COMPLEX TROWBRIDGE RD Parking Division ABBOT Office located on the ROAD PARK AQUATIC CENTER ground level of the colorful parking ramp PINECREST CONDOMINIUMS at Division Street and EAST LANSING Albert Avenue. PINECREST LAKE LANSING RORDAD NEIGHBORHOOD TAMARISK

NEIGHBORHOOD RD WHITE TT MEMORIAL Main Line...... 337-1277 PARK CHANDLER RD CHANDLER ABBO TAMARISK DONLEY PARK ELEMENTARY LAKE LANSING RORDAD HENRY FINE PARK WHITEHILLS East Lansing Family ELEMENTARY PINECREST Aquatic Center ELEMENTARY HARRISON MEADOWS PARK 6400 Abbot Road ABBOT FIRE STATION WHITEHILLS NORTHERN MEADOWS WOODS NEIGHBORHOOD East Lansing, MI WOLF COURT NEIGHBORHOOD PARK 48823

SHAW STSTONELAKEONELAKE ESTATES SAGINAGINAW ST. HASLETT RD COCONDOMINIUMSNDOMINIUMS PATRIARCHE WALNUT HEIGHTS Seasonal Line (Memorial Day – SHAW PARK OLIDGE RD OLIDGE POST OFFICE OLD WHITEHILLS NEIGHBORHOOD WATERTOWER

CO NEIGHBORHOOD CHARTWELLTWELL PARK Labor Day) ...... 332-4H20 COCONDOMINIUMSNDOMINIUMS RK LAKE RD LAKE RK HAWTHORN SHAW PUBLIC LIBRARY RD LAKE RK GADORN RD GADORN LANTERN HILLS RD GADORN PA NEIGHBORHOOD GLENCAIRN PARK PA Off-Season Line...... 333-2580 ext. 26 HA NEIGHBORHOOD HA ELEMENTARY MacDONALD HARHARVVARDARD RO ROADAD & & EAST LANSING MIDDLE SCHOOL NORTHNORTH COWLEY COWLEY GLENCAIRN HIGH SCHOOL MARBLE PARK EAST LANSING NEIGHBORHOONEIGHBORHOOD D GLENCAIRN HANNAH ELEMENTARY COMM. CENTER SAGINAW ST NEIGHBORHOOD FOREST BURCHAM DR Active Living for OAKWOOD PARK RD AVONDALE BURCHAM RD BAILEY SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD RD TTT NEIGHBORHOOD PARK Adults (ALFA) GRAND RI COMMUNITY MARBLE V VALLEY COURT NEIGHBORHOOD ER RD HARRISON AV ABBO ASSOCIATION CHESTERFIELD E COMMUNITY Valley Court CNTR. HILLS VALLEY ORCHARD ST NEIGHBORHOOD COURT CITY HALL BAILEY PARK PUMPHOUSE Community Center

CLOCK TOWER STODDARD 201 Hillside Court, BAILEY COMMUNITY CENTER PA RK AL BERT & CHILD CARE FACILITY East Lansing, MI 48823 AV E MICHIGAN AVE DOWNTOWN BROOKFIELD EAST LANSING WEST BROOKFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD HERITAGE NEIGHBORHOOD Main Line...... 337-4611

WELCOME PARK KALA MA

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O ST AV VER Michigan State University AV E HARRISON HARRISON SHAW LN RED CEDAR

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RED CEDAR RD GADORN RM LN RM

ELEMENTARY HA FA BOGUE ST BOGUE

J.D. EMERSON PARK

TROWBRIDGE RD Management & Public Service

East Lansing City in-depth look at East Lansing’s vital role within the East Lansing Public School Board and other Manager Theodore Staton the region, the program allowed graduates to learn local and regional partners, in 2008 the City was selected by his peers more about the community in which they live, also began regularly meeting with the City of to serve as president-elect while honing invaluable leadership and public Lansing and Lansing Township on the Michigan of the Michigan Local service skills for the future. Avenue revitalization project. The Michigan Government Management Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Study The City of East Lansing conducted a Association (MLGMA) Committee facilitated three public workshops in community survey in 2008 to gauge residents’ in 2008. MLGMA is the 2008 to begin the community visioning process overall satisfaction with the City and its services. professional association for local government for the project. The ultimate goal of the project Six hundred randomly selected registered voters managers from municipalities, counties and is to revitalize and beautify the Michigan Avenue were contacted in September to answer brief townships throughout the state of Michigan. corridor, creating a more pleasant environment for questions relating to East Lansing services. The Beginning in January 2009, Staton will lead surrounding neighborhoods and attracting a larger survey demonstrated that 97 percent of residents the organization as president in its advocacy base of customers and businesses to one of the think East Lansing is a good place to live. Results of “Better Local Government through most traveled roadways between Lansing and of the survey, which can be viewed in full at Professional Management.” East Lansing. www.cityofeastlansing.com, will be used as a A new deputy city manager was appointed to tool to make improvements to service, continue The East Lansing City Council and City staff serve the City of East Lansing in 2008. Deputy the City’s well-received practices and make policy collaboratively worked to streamline the East City Manager George Lahanas now formally serves changes in the future. Lansing Strategic Priorities in 2008. A total of 115 as East Lansing’s acting city manager in the absence activities and goals were pared down to 41 activities The East Lansing City Council and City staff of the city manager. Lahanas has served in various and goals, which will be used as guidelines for continued to collaborate with Michigan State capacities with the City since January 1999, most policy objectives of the sitting council over the University (MSU), East Lansing Public Schools recently as the director of Administrative Services. next two years. The new Strategic Priorities were and several regional partners on a number Lahanas will continue his duties as director of formally adopted in summer of important initiatives in 2008. In addition Administrative Services in 2009, while also taking 2008 and will receive a mid- to strengthening its partnerships and on the role of deputy city manager. collaborations with the East Lansing- term update in January 2009. In an effort to build tomorrow’s leaders today, MSU Celebrations Committee, The Strategic Priorities the City hosted the 2nd Annual East Lansing the Associated Students can be viewed at www. Emerging Leaders Program in 2008. This 10-week of Michigan State cityofeastlansing.com crash course in civic engagement provided 22 University, under City Council. enthusiastic community members with a series of workshops revolving around the fundamentals of local government and community leadership. From a Local Government 101 session to an East Lansing bus tour, a discussion of municipal finance and an

The Joy of Catching Snowf lakes

Two-year-old Alison Riley catches snowflakes in her mouth on a winter day in East Lansing. This photo was taken on Briarcliff Street.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured January photo was taken by East Lansing resident Ruth Riley. When asked what she loves about the East Lansing community, Riley said, “As a family with three young children, we love the many family oriented events and activities held in East Lansing with people of all ages from all over the world.” January 2009

DECEMBER 2008 FEBRUARY 2009 thursday friday saturday S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 New Years Day 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 City Offices Closed 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 sunday monday tuesday wednesday 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ashura

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MSU Spring Semester Begins

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day City Offices Closed

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Lunar New Year

George Lahanas was Nella Davis-Ray, a graduate of East Lansing worked appointed to serve the City the 2nd Annual East Lansing with Lansing and Lansing of East Lansing as its new Emerging Leaders Program, Township to facilitate the deputy city manager in 2008. became acquainted with her community visioning classmates at the program’s process for the Michigan kick-off reception at MSU’s Avenue revitalization Cowles House. project in 2008. Red Cedar Sunrise

The sun rises over the Red Cedar River on a winter day in East Lansing. This photo was taken behind the IM Circle on the Michigan State University campus.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured February photo was taken by MSU alumna and East Lansing resident Christine Van Nada. When asked what she loves about the East Lansing community, Van Nada said, “I love walking in the mornings in East Lansing. So much of the natural world is still evident in our little town and I love to watch it change through the seasons.”

East Lansing Police East Lansing A new officer was sworn in to serve Chief Tom Wibert held Police Officer ELPD in 2008. Jayson Young previously a press conference in Tresha Rodriguez served as a cadet with ELPD and also as a Parking August 2008 to discuss was recognized in & Code Enforcement (P.A.C.E.) officer. Young recent crime trends. 2008 as the Greater became a sworn ELPD officer on June 30. Lansing Woman’s Woman of the Year. Rodriguez According to a statistical The East Lansing Citizens’ Police Academy has served with ELPD for more than 14 years report prepared by the held its eighth class, graduating 22 students in and in that time has served as a patrol officer, an East Lansing Police March 2008. Originally created in 2000 as a way officer with the ELPD Investigations/Detective Department (ELPD), the City hit an astounding to create positive interaction between ELPD and Bureau and as ELPD’s first female motorcycle 28-year low for Part 1 crimes in 2007. Part individuals who live, work and/or go to school officer with the ELPD Patrol Division. She is I crimes include murder and non-negligent in East Lansing, the Citizens’ Police Academy is also currently a trained Use of Force instructor. manslaughter, criminal sexual conduct, rape, a 10-week program where community members Among her many accolades, Rodriguez was robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, learn about life in a police officer’s shoes. The awarded a bravery citation for her part in rescuing auto theft and arson. In addition to news of the 2009 class will begin in January. 28-year low, the report also showed a significant family members from a burning house in 2002 reduction in noise complaints and a sharp decline and was honored again, in 2006, for investigative ELPD continued to work closely with the in traffic accidents. The report also demonstrated work which ultimately led to clearing an innocent MSU Police Department in 2008 to address a 17-year high on drunk driving arrests, which is man’s name in a rape case. Rodriguez has also issues that directly impact the East Lansing-MSU one of the ELPD’s stated priorities. been recognized recently for her work with community as a whole. This cooperative effort ELPD’s Sexual Offender Registration Program. continues to improve service to the community ELPD responded to an estimated 167,000 ELPD changed the look of its patrol fleet with and lends consistency in police service delivery. telephone calls in the 911 center, which resulted In addition, both agencies have adopted the in more than 50,000 calls for service in 2008. the purchase of 13 new black-and-white Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars in 2008. After 25 Community Policing philosophy, which places ELPD consists of 62 sworn officers, four K-9 a special emphasis on community involvement. units, 13 marked patrol cars, two semi-marked years of driving its marked navy blue patrol cars, the department decided to switch to the more ELPD also continued to collaborate with the police vehicles, 10 unmarked vehicles and three Responsible Hospitality Council (RHC)—a motorcycles. ELPD officers undergo extensive identifiable black-and-white vehicles. Each patrol car includes a new digital recording system. The community coalition of East Lansing restaurant annual training in order to efficiently answer and bar owners, City officials and MSU to the emergency needs of the East Lansing digital recorders replace the fleet’s 10-year-old VHS recorders. These recorders were purchased students—in 2008. The RHC works to promote community. In addition to 40 hours of general responsible drinking and safe management training for each officer each year, specialized with grant funding and bonds. The new cars also feature a new mobile data computer system, practices to improve quality of life and discourage units undergo numerous hours of specialty excessive drinking. training on an annual basis. which is connected to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office’s records system. This provides ELPD officers with access to several records systems that were unavailable prior to 2008.

February 2009

JANUARY 2009 MARCH 2009

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Groundhog Day Mid-Winter Children’s Singing Festival Concert Series

Mid-Winter Singing Festival

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Daddy Daddy Lincoln’s Birthday Children’s Daughter Dance Daughter Dance Concert Series

Valentine’s Day

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President’s Day Children’s City Offices Closed Concert Series

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Washington’s Ash Wednesday Birthday

East Lansing Police Officer Graduates of the East Lansing Jayson Young became a Tresha Rodriguez was Citizens’ Police Academy sworn officer of the East recognized in 2008 as the participated in traffic-stop Lansing Police Department Greater Lansing Woman’s exercises as part of the 10- in 2008. Woman of the Year. week program in 2008. Other activities included police ride-alongs, crime scene investigations and more. East Lansing Fire Department

The East Lansing Fire ELFD has a staff of 53 firefighters. Forty-eight firefighters, public events and parades in years Department (ELFD) members serve specifically in fire suppression to come. is a comprehensive, and there are two members in fire prevention. Fire Chief Randall Talifarro was elected to the full-time career fire There is also one safety training officer, one fire International Association of Fire Chiefs – Safety, department that provides chief and one administrative assistant. ELFD Health and Survival Board of Directors in August fire, medical, hazmat firefighters undergo training each week, including 2008. Greg Tracy was promoted from captain to (hazardous materials), many annual recertification updates to keep the deputy fire chief with ELFD also in 2008. Chief water, high-angle and department’s personnel current with their skills Tracy began his tenure with ELFD in June of confined-space rescue to the community. It is also and ensure their ability to handle the various runs 1983 as a firefighter paramedic. He rose through a partner in a number of regional specialty teams. they respond to on a daily basis. In addition to the ranks, serving as a lieutenant, captain and, continued EMS training for medical personnel, As of Aug. 31 now, an A-shift deputy fire chief. Tracy replaces , ELFD made an average of personnel undergo continued education in fire ELFD’s former deputy fire chief, Scot Wyman, 332 emergency runs per month in 2008. These operations, including hose training, pumper who retired in June 2008 after years of dedicated runs typically consisted of 227 Emergency operations, ladder operations, search and rescue, service. In addition to Chief Tracy’s promotion, Medical Service (EMS) calls and 105 fire and vehicle extrication, aerial operations and driving several other individuals were promoted various other types of calls per month. Medical skills. Specialized training includes ice rescue, within ELFD in 2008 and two new firefighter and rescue services ranged from minor injuries to confined space, trench rescue, hazardous paramedics, Pat Greathouse and Chris Patterson, full arrests and included motor vehicle accidents, materials, building collapse and high/low were hired in June and July of 2008. such as a fuel tanker/car accident at US-127 and angle rescue. Interstate-496 in August. Fire calls occurred in business and residential locations, which include The East Lansing Firefighters Honor Guard single- and multi-family dwellings, sororities made its debut public performance at a Lansing and fraternities. Lugnuts game in 2008. Since its formation in the fall of 2007, the East Lansing Firefighters In 2008, ELFD purchased a fire rescue Honor Guard has been preparing to represent vehicle used for hazmat and technical rescue ELFD at community ceremonies and events. operations. This new piece of equipment The guard is available to present the substantially improves fire protection and safety nation’s colors at ceremonies for the East Lansing community and region as a honoring fallen whole. This apparatus was a $300,000 investment for the community. Other ELFD apparatus inventory, as of December 2008, includes two fire engines, two 75-foot fire “quint” trucks, three transporting ALS (paramedic) units, a mobile air trailer, a “Pumper and Pal” trailer and a rescue boat.

A Debut Presentation of Colors

The newly formed East Lansing Firefighters Honor Guard made a debut performance at a game in 2008.

Photographers Notes “This photograph was’ taken on a hot summer day right before the first pitch of a Lansing Lugnuts game. I was able to get down on the field, which lent a great opportunity to snap a close-up shot of the new East Lansing Firefighters Honor Guard with the crowd in the background.” The featured March photograph was taken by East Lansing freelance photographer Natalie Newman. March 2009

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Daylight Saving MSU Spring Break MSU Spring Break MSU Spring Break MSU Spring Break MSU Spring Break Time Begins Mother Son Dance

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St. Patrick’s Day East Lansing East Lansing East Lansing East Lansing Film Festival Film Festival Film Festival Film Festival

First Day of Spring

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East Lansing East Lansing East Lansing East Lansing East Lansing Family Fun Day Film Festival Film Festival Film Festival Film Festival Film Festival

29 30 31 FEBRUARY 2009 April 2009

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The East Lansing Fire The East Lansing Fire The City hosts the Department participated Department purchased a Children’s Concert Series in several community fire rescue vehicle used for in February and October outreach programs and hazmat and technical rescue of each year. The annual events in 2008. operations in 2008. series offers free, toe- tapping music to families. Smiling Before Take-Off

A red dragonfly sits atop a flower in the Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum on the MSU campus.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured April photo was taken by 23-year-old MSU alumna Jennifer Easley. When asked what she loves about the East Lansing community, Easley said, “East Lansing has a great ‘green environment’ and friendly community.”

East Lansing was or donated East Lansing City Council began to recognized as a Tree to local look at different avenues for encouraging City USA for the 21st charities. The more environmentally conscious construction consecutive year by the off-campus site in the City in 2008. While state building codes National Arbor Day will be available limit what can be mandated, City Council plans Foundation in 2008. The to students again in to look at adopting polices in 2009 that will City planted more than 2009. Visit www.cityofeastlansing.com encourage some level of Leadership in Energy 50 new trees along streets near move-out time for details. The City also and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and in parks and donated a tree to each of East partnered with MSU in fall 2008 to distribute on new construction and mandate some level of Lansing’s elementary schools in celebration of recycling bins and information about recycling LEED certification on new construction when Arbor Day. The City also participated in another services to students. City funds are involved through Tax Increment successful year of the Restoration of Our Trees Financing (TIF) or grants. Council also plans to The City collected a record amount of (ROOT) program. A total of 300 landscape trees look into making existing City buildings and new recyclables with another successful year of Project were sold to community members at a reduced City buildings LEED certified. In an effort to Pride in 2008. The community spring cleanup rate in an effort to restore tree canopy diminished make its existing buildings more energy efficient, resulted in collection of 49 tons of material. Of by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer. the City also underwent an energy audit in 2008. this amount, 85 percent was recycled or donated Inset Photo: East Lansing Environmental Specialist to local charities. East Lansing has been a leader in the David Smith made a special visit to several area development and updating of the Red Cedar elementary schools in 2008 to educate students The City partnered with East Lansing Public about trees and why they are important. A young Schools (ELPS) in 2008 to open a second public River Watershed Management Plan and Looking Pinecrest Elementary student is pictured, asking recycling site in the parking lot across from the Glass River Watershed Management Plan for Smith a question during a special outdoor tree ELPS Administration Building, 841 Timberlane years. The plans establish 10 long-term goals and planting on Arbor Day. St. The City’s primary recycling site is located at 55 specific objectives to be achieved through the City’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Initiative The City partnered with Michigan State the Department of Public Works, 1800 E. State Road. (SWPPI). In addition to educating the public University (MSU) in 2008 to expand the on- about the importance of protecting and campus Pack Up, Pitch In recycling program The City partnered with neighboring managing the watersheds, some of the goals of off campus. A new recycling checkpoint at the municipalities to sponsor several regional the plans include encouraging water quality- East Lansing Hannah Community Center was recycling events in 2008, including two friendly development, restoring and enhancing open for two days during spring move-out, where electronic recycling collections, two book recreational uses through development of a students could drop off clothing, shoes, recycling collections, a pharmaceutical waste watershed recreation plan, protecting and non-perishable food, carpet, electronic waste collection, plastic/pot tray collection and a enhancing habitats for wildlife and aquatic and sofas. Collection included 21 cubic yards of document destruction/recycling day. The City animals, protecting and increasing wetlands electronic waste, 2,400 pounds of clothing/shoes, also partnered with Urban Options to celebrate and providing pollution prevention/good 2 ½ large garbage cans of non-perishable food, 30 Change A Light Day with a discount sale on housekeeping practices for municipal operations. pieces of carpet and 22 sofas. Items were recycled compact fluorescent light bulbs. April 2009

MARCH 2009 MAY 2009

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ELPS Spring Break ELPS Spring Break ELPS Spring Break ELPS Spring Break ELPS Spring Break

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National Library National Library National Library National Library National Library National Library National Library Week Week Week Week Week Week Week

Easter

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Holocaust Administrative Crystal Awards Arbor Day Remembrance Day Professionals Day

Earth Day

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The City partnered with The 2008 Project Pride Protecting and increasing MSU to create a temporary, recycling event, an annual wetlands is one of East off-campus recycling site community cleanup held Lansing’s many goals under for students during spring each spring in East Lansing, the Stormwater Pollution move-out in 2008 as part resulted in the collection of Prevention Initiative. In 2008, of the Pack Up, Pitch In 49 tons of material. the City created new wetland program. habitats for animals as part of the Abbot/Chandler Road reconstruction project. Arts, Culture & Community Events

The East Lansing announced the arrival of a new director in 2008, continue growing the festival in coming years by Art Festival celebrated Tim Lane. Lane comes to (SCENE) with bringing more national artists to the stage and its 45th anniversary in a background in art, writing and education. incorporating more jazz education components. 2008 under the direction To learn more about (SCENE) and its upcoming In an effort to add a splash of community of a new art festival exhibits and musical performances visit creativity to East Lansing’s 2009 Community coordinator, Corinn www.scenemetrospace.com. Calendar & 2008 Annual Report, the City hosted VanWyck. More than 200 The City celebrated the 21st Annual Crystal a Community Photo Contest, “The Essence exhibitors from across the Awards, a program that honors the extraordinary of East Lansing,” in 2008. An astounding 127 nation and Canada were welcomed to downtown accomplishments of individuals, businesses and submissions were narrowed down to eight winning in May for the two-day juried festival. The event organizations that have positively impacted East photographs, featured throughout this calendar. drew an estimated 80,000 art patrons from across Lansing’s quality of life in 2008. This year, Father The City received submissions from community the region to East Lansing for the weekend. The Mark Inglot of Saint John’s Student Parish, members throughout the region, many of whom 2007 Art Festival was ranked 32nd in the nation Oakwood Neighborhood President Ann Nichols, cited the diversity, community activities and by Sunshine Artist magazine in its 2008 feature, film enthusiast Frank Leahey and the MSU the “peaceful places that exist within the busy “Sunshine Artist 200 Best.” Federal Credit Union were honored. city” as things they love about the East Lansing Inset Photo: Artist Candra Boggs won the Michigan community. Community pride was truly reflected The City celebrated the State University Federal Credit Union Diamond 12th Annual Summer in all of the submissions received. Award at the 2008 East Lansing Art Festival. Solstice Jazz Festival in 2008. Partnering with Her winning work was purchased by MSUFCU the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and The City was recognized by Keep Michigan for $1,500. She is pictured with East Lansing MSU College of Music, the City was able to bring Beautiful Inc. in 2008 for its Centennial sculpture, Mayor Victor Loomis. in its first international act. Sophie Milman, a “Community,” and its surrounding landscaping The East Lansing Arts Commission Russian-born jazz vocalist, heated up the 2008 and amenities. Keep Michigan Beautiful also unveiled a new online Virtual Art Tour in 2008, Summer Solstice stage before a massive crowd recognized the City and featuring 18 public art pieces found throughout of jazz enthusiasts. Accompanied by the MSU Community Relations the community. Created by Cheeney Media Professors of Jazz, Milman performed several Coalition in 2008 for Concepts2, the online tour makes East Lansing’s songs off her recent Juno Award-winning its part in hosting a public art accessible to a world audience and, album, “Make Someone Happy.” series of community more importantly, to individuals with physical It is the plan of the City and cleanups during MSU’s disabilities. In addition to magnified views, its new partners across fall football season. several of the pieces can be viewed through a unique, 360-degree experience. Visit Avenue to www.cityofeastlansing.com/publicart to take the tour yourself! (SCENE) Metrospace, East Lansing’s City-funded contemporary art gallery and performance space, Dancing in the Streets

Jazz enthusiasts, young and old, danced in the streets at the 12th Annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival.

Photographers Notes “This photograph was’ taken amidst the music, food and fun of the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival in June 2008. I snapped a number of shots of this young couple dancing. They had no inhibitions and really seemed to be enjoying themselves.” The featured May photograph was taken by East Lansing Communications Coordinator Mikell Frey. May 2009

APRIL 2009 JUNE 2009

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MSU Final Exams MSU Final Exams MSU Final Exams MSU Final Exams MSU Final Exams MSU Commencements Cinco De Mayo MSU Commencements

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MSU East Lansing Commencements Art Festival

Mother’s Day Armed Forces Day

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East Lansing Art Festival

24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30 Memorial Day East Lansing Project Pride City Offices Closed Family Aquatic Center Opens

Jen Sygit & Spare Change The City of East Lansing International jazz performed at the 2008 East was recognized by Keep sensation Sophie Milman Lansing Art Festival. Fiddle Michigan Beautiful Inc. was the headlining performer player Tahmineh Gueramy is in 2008 for its Centennial at the 12th Annual Summer pictured. sculpture, “Community,” Solstice Jazz Festival. and its surrounding landscaping and amenities. New Park Makes a Splash

The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center introduced its newest amenity, a 12-feature, fully accessible Splash Park, to community members in 2008.

Photographers Notes “This photograph was’ taken during the ribbon cutting celebration for the new Splash Park at the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center. It was the beginning of summer and the handful of children at the event were the first to use the new amenity. This little girl stood in awe for a couple of moments before making her first splash.” The featured June photograph was taken by East Lansing Communications Coordinator Mikell Frey.

The City of East Lansing remodeled to class and program registration completed an Access to and expanded services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Recreation project in and the fitness Customers can browse the database for classes 2008, making access to center and programs and benefit from easier transactions community recreational underwent with online credit card payments. The new facilities and picnic areas a modest expansion, program also notifies customers when a class is in the Northern Tier making way for the inclusion of more cardio full or canceled and features class and instructor area easier for individuals equipment and free weights. descriptions and costs. ELPRA enthusiasts can with mobility issues. Made possible by a $20,000 call (517) 333-2580 to receive everything they Building on the success of the Chinese Access to Recreation grant awarded to the East need to use WebTrac™ today! Immersion Preschool program, a new Spanish Lansing Department of Parks, Recreation & Arts Immersion Preschool program was introduced to The City received a $225,000 grant from the (ELPRA) by the Michigan Recreation and Park community members at the Bailey Community Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund in Association Foundation in fall 2007, the project Center in 2008. The program introduces world 2008 to be used for improvements at the White includes the addition of wheelchair-accessible language to preschoolers in a diverse educational Memorial Park in summer 2009. Combined with picnic tables within the East Lansing Family setting. It allows 3- and 4-year-old children to $25,000 from the Al White Estate and $50,000 Aquatic Center, the installation of a concrete pad experience Spanish language and culture in a from the City, the $300,000 project will include that provides wheelchair access to picnic shelters caring environment with well-qualified English the creation of East Lansing’s first interpretive and a portion of the Northern Tier Trail located and Spanish teachers. nature trail, the construction of a new overlook outside of the Aquatic Center and a new paved deck for wildlife watching, parking and softball walkway leading from the pool deck to the picnic The City of East Lansing held a “Ruff” Rally and field improvements and a new pavilion. shelters within the Aquatic Center. Northern Tail Dog Park dedication in 2008. The Northern Tail Dog Park, a free outdoor amenity The City of East Lansing designated a .2-acre The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center for East Lansing dog owners, features two acres of parcel of vacant, City-owned land located at the introduced its newest amenity, a 12-feature, fully fenced-in field where dogs can enjoy off-leash fun corner of Mt. Vernon and Mooreland avenues accessible Splash Park, to community members in and socialization with other dogs. Dogs must be as park land in 2008. The designation was made 2008. The 3,000-square-foot Splash Park features four months of age or older and must be licensed in response to a request by residents in the geysers, water jets, buckets, sprays and more. The and up to date on all vaccinations to use the park. surrounding neighborhood to create a pocket City of East Lansing extends a thank you to all The park is located along the northeast edge of park at that corner. The site was evaluated for of the Splash Park sponsors and to the East the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center parking park potential and will be modestly developed Lansing Rotary Club for spearheading the lot, 6400 Abbot Road. as a pocket park in the future. “Make a Splash!” Fundraising Campaign. A new online parks and recreation registration The City unveiled newly renovated fitness program, WebTrac™, was introduced to patrons and locker/shower facilities at the East Lansing in 2008. A vast improvement to the online Hannah Community Center in 2008. The process utilized before, WebTrac™ offers access men’s and women’s locker/shower facilities were June 2009

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World Environiment Day

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Summer Summer Concert Series Concert Series

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Flag Day Summer Solstice Summer Solstice Jazz Festival Jazz Festival

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Father’s Day Summer Summer Concert Series Concert Series First Day of Summer

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A new Spanish Immersion A dedication ceremony for Crowds flocked to East Preschool program was the new Northern Tail Dog Lansing’s 24 community and introduced to community Park took place in 2008. neighborhood parks during members at the Bailey the warm weather months in Community Center in 2008. 2008. Pictured at left, young visitors to Patriarche Park enjoy a game of hopscotch in the summertime. Code Enforcement & Neighborhood Conservation

The East Lansing block of Virginia Avenue as part of the Avondale celebrate Building Safety Week on an annual Department of Code Square neighborhood revitalization project and basis in East Lansing. Enforcement & brand new apartment structures on Louis Street The East Lansing Department of Code Neighborhood and Burcham Drive. Enforcement & Neighborhood Conservation Conservation issued The City of East Lansing commemorated participated in another year of Michigan State 1,500 permits in 2008, Building Safety Week for the first time in University’s Rental Housing Clinic in 2008. This including building 2008 with an educational open house. Officials ongoing program is designed to educate students permits, mechanical with the East Lansing Department of Code about the renting process in East Lansing and permits and electrical permits. The department Enforcement & Neighborhood Conservation provide advice on common rental issues. Many also performed approximately 1,800 annual and the East Lansing Fire Department (ELFD) of the students who come through the rental inspections and re-inspections in 2008. In camped out for a day at the residence at 535 clinic each year are eligible to receive free help addition, the department also issued 424 M.A.C. Ave. to educate community members with rental problems if they meet certain income tickets for over occupancy and renting about home safety. Housing inspectors were qualifications. Another service the department without a license in 2008. present to discuss annual inspections for offers to students is the provision of an up-to-date According to an annual construction evaluation licensed rental houses and the most common listing of rental property locations and specific provided by the East Lansing Department safety items that should be in all residences, occupancy in the City of East Lansing. Students of Code Enforcement & Neighborhood whether an apartment or a home. Officials with can stop by the department, located in the East Conservation, the dollar value for all building the ELFD Fire Prevention Bureau were present Lansing City Hall building at 410 Abbot Road, permits issued in 2008 was $15,500,000. to answer questions about smoke and fire alarm to view an office copy of the systems, proper egress, fire escape routes, where available rental properties A major duty of the East Lansing Department to locate smoke detectors in your home and or purchase a copy of of Code Enforcement & Neighborhood other important fire safety matters. their own. Conservation is to ensure that new construction Building on the success of this year’s in the City of East Lansing meets the standards open house, it is expected of safety and is in compliance with building that the City will now code. In 2008, the department oversaw the construction of a number of new structures, including the new, 140,000-square-foot Michigan State University Federal Credit Union building off of Coolidge Road, the Albert Place Condominiums at the corner of Albert Avenue and Bailey Street, the first homes built along the 600 Looking for a Frog

Hawon and Youha Kim look for a frog on a colored bridge at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden at MSU.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured July photo was taken by East Lansing resident Minjung Oh. When asked what she loves about the East Lansing community, she said, “I love the many seasonal events and festivals for family.” July 2009

JUNE 2009 AUGUST 2009

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Play in the Park Moonlight Summer Summer Film Festival Concert Series Concert Series

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Play in the Park Moonlight Summer Summer Film Festival Concert Series Concert Series

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Play in the Park Moonlight Summer Summer Film Festival Concert Series Concert Series

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Play in the Park Summer Splash Moonlight Summer Film Festival Concert Series

The East Lansing Department The City commemorated Zeke the Wonder Dog of Code Enforcement & Building Safety Week for the & Friends made an Neighborhood Conservation first time in 2008 with an appearance at Valley Court oversaw construction of the educational open house. Park in 2008 as part of the new 140,000-square-foot Play in the Park series. Play Michigan State University in the Park takes place every Federal Credit Union building summer, on Tuesdays at 7 in 2008. p.m. throughout July and part of August. Planning & Community Development

Music & Culture Collide

A number of talented groups brought music, dance and culture to East Lansing streets with the 2008 Great Lakes Folk Festival.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured August photo was taken by Okemos resident Raymond Holt. Holt is the owner of Okemos’ VideoGraph. When asked what he loves about the East Lansing community, he said, “East Lansing has a diversity of people, culture and events beyond what one would expect of a city its size. The contrast of its stable institutions and population, with the ever changing face of students, makes it an interesting place to live and enjoy.”

Following a thorough residential density continued vision to move East Lansing and all-inclusive vetting of downtown and is forward as a more vibrant community with process, East Lansing City part of the national Smart Growth movement. socio-economic diversity, improved housing and Council approved the It allows the City to avoid urban sprawl, protects stable neighborhoods through its promotion of City Center II site plan essential open spaces and promotes a walkable, homeownership, provision of financial assistance in 2008. This visionary bicycle-friendly community. to a wide range of household types and provision mixed-use redevelopment of affordable housing in target neighborhoods. In The first family moved will begin to take shape in in to their new Avondale 2008 HHP worked with the City and Michigan downtown East Lansing in 2009. The project will Square home in 2008. The Avondale Square State University (MSU) to administer the be roughly bounded by Grand River Avenue to neighborhood revitalization project broke ground Employee Home Ownership Program (EHOP). the south, Valley Court Park and Peoples’ Church along the 600 block of Virginia Avenue in fall of This program awards $5,000 forgivable loans to to the west, Abbot Road to the east and Valley 2007. Construction is now well underway, with qualifying City and MSU employees to be used Court Drive to the north. In addition to offering three homes completed in 2008. At completion, on closing costs of East Lansing homes. The new living and parking options to community the project will feature 16 single-family detached EHOP initiative encourages retention of the members, the project will feature a 10-story homes, 14 townhouses and two small pocket East Lansing workforce and reinvestment in building at the corner of Grand River Avenue parks. The 30 distinctively designed homes, East Lansing’s older, historic neighborhoods. and Abbot Road with high-end restaurants, retail, built by Mayberry Homes, will be located in The new East LansingTechnology Innovation office space, a boutique hotel and a performing a prime location within walking distance of Center opened its doors to technology-based arts theater featuring programming by the East Lansing schools, parks, City amenities and business startups in the region in 2008. Located Wharton Center for Performing Arts. the downtown. It is expected that the project will serve as a catalyst, encouraging additional on the third level above Barnes & Noble The brand new Albert Place Condominiums investment in the revitalization of surrounding Booksellers, the 7,000-square-foot Technology welcomed its first residents in 2008. Located at neighborhoods. Innovation Center is surrounded by another the corner of Albert Avenue and Bailey Street 17,000 square feet of anchor space for Michigan In an effort to rebrand in downtown East Lansing, the Albert Place itself and emerge as State University spin-offs and businesses. At Condominiums include 36 studio, one-, two- and an independent non-profit organization, East the time of its grand opening in October, the three-bedroom condominium units, two levels Lansing Housing & Neighborhood Services, Inc. Technology Innovation Center was already close of parking owned and operated by the City and became Hometown Housing Partnership, Inc. to full capacity. The Technology Innovation downtown East Lansing’s first “living” green roof. (HHP) in 2008. In addition to hiring a Center is a City project supported by the The development is the result of a public-private new executive director, Michelle Reardon, Lansing Regional SmartZone and Downtown partnership between the City and Stonehouse the HHP also launched a new Web site, Development Authority. www.hometownhousing.org. Village III, LLC. The development adds to the HHP has a August 2009

JULY 2009 SEPTEMBER 2009

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Play in the Park Great Lakes Great Lakes Folks Festival Folks Festival

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Great Lakes Play in the Park Moonlight Summer Summer Folks Festival Film Festival Concert Series Concert Series

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Play in the Park Moonlight Summer Summer Film Festival Concert Series Concert Series

Ramadan Begins

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Moonlight Film Festival

The brand new Albert Place Construction of three homes The interior of the model Condominiums welcomed within the Avondale Square home for the Avondale its first residents in 2008. An neighborhood revitalization Square neighborhood open house and dedication project was completed in 2008. revitalization project is of downtown East Lansing’s The exterior of the model home pictured. first “living” green roof was for the project is pictured. held in September. Finance

Despite continued cuts for expectations of a declining debt within the The City of East Lansing installed a Geographic in critical community five-year forecast. The City’s long-term labor Information System (GIS) viewer to a property funding from the state, agreements, stable employee health care costs and information site in 2008. The site can be the East Lansing City carefully planned development projects also came accessed by visiting https://is.bsasoftware.com/ Council approved a in to play with Fitch’s rating. Definitions of Fitch bsa.is/default.aspx or scrolling to Property balanced budget of $64.7 ratings can be found at www.fitchratings.com. Information under Quick Navigation at million for Fiscal Year www.cityofeastlansing.com. Community The Government Finance Officers Association 2008-09. In addition to members can access basic property information, presenting a balanced budget, East Lansing’s tax of the and Canada (GFOA) including the most up-to-date assessed rate remained at 19.28 mills for the ninth year awarded a Certificate of Achievement for value, taxable value and homestead in a row and reserve funds remained within the Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City information available. minimum range of the 8-15 percent margin of East Lansing for its Comprehensive Annual The East Lansing Assessing Department adopted by City Council. Of the budget, East Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year that Lansing City Manager Theodore Staton said, ended on June 30, 2007. The City has received educated City of East Lansing taxpayers about “This budget reflects our continued responsible this recognition 24 fiscal years in a row. In order the effects of Proposal A on the taxable value stewardship of scarce City resources in these to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a and assessed value of property in 2008. The hard economic times. Without raising taxes or governmental unit must publish an easily department prepared a Power Point presentation dipping into our reserves, we will continue to readable and efficiently organized CAFR with for a public East Lansing City Council meeting, repair streets, sidewalks and community facilities contents that conform to program standards. which aired on WELG Ch.22, and mailed an in Fiscal Year 2008-09. We will continue to invest Such reports must satisfy both generally informational piece to all East Lansing taxpayers. in parks and recreation and will continue to accepted accounting principles and applicable The information provided taxpayers with an maintain our quality police and fire protection. legal requirements. explanation of why taxes increase when the housing market is down. We are able to do this through the responsible As a result of favorable rates in the bond market, financial planning of our City Council and staff.” the City was able to refinance its 1996 Building Inset Photo: East Lansing Finance Director Mary Authority Bonds. The issuance of $2.125 Haskell presents the budget to the East Lansing million of General Obligation Limited City Council. Tax Refunding Bonds yielded a net present value cash flow The City of East Lansing retained its AA+ bond savings of $137,000. rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Investor Services in 2008. As such, the City was able to issue approximately $1.3 million in bonds for facility improvements and construction of the East Lansing Technology Innovation Center. East Lansing’s AA+ rating reflects the City’s growing tax base, sound financial policies and planning Maintaining History in the Park

A cupola adorns the top of the historic East Lansing Board of Water and Light substation building in Valley Court Park. The building was preserved and relocated in 2007 to make way for new development in the area.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured September photo was taken by East Lansing employee Jane Meddaugh. When asked what she loves about the East Lansing community, Meddaugh said, “It is colorful and vibrant and very distinctive.” September 2009

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MSU Fall Semester Begins

One Book, One Community Kickoff

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Labor Day Patriot Day City Offices Closed

East Lansing Family Aquatic Center Closes

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Rosh Hashanah

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First Day of Autumn

27 28 29 30 AUGUST 2009 OCTOBER 2009 Yom Kippur S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 23 24 / 30 / 31 25 26 27 28 29 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

The East Lansing Assessing The skyline along Albert Another MSU fall football Department processed several Avenue in East Lansing’s season will kick off in East hundred transfers of property downtown is pictured. Lansing in September 2009. in 2008. Public Works

Trojan Spirit Shines at Homecoming

East Lansing High School cheerleaders showed their Trojan spirit at the MSU/ELHS Homecoming Parade in 2008.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured October photo was taken by East Lansing resident and East Lansing Emerging Leaders Program graduate Dorsey Gude. Of her photo, Gude said, “School spirit, academic excellence and community involvement keep East Lansing Public Schools a centerpiece of our City.” Gude is the ELPS coordinator of communications.

The City of East Lansing Virginia (Easy Carts) or yellow, City-issued trash celebrated the completion Avenue at bags for refuse collection. Among its many of the Abbot/Chandler the current advantages, this change increases efficiency of Road reconstruction construction refuse collection, reduces worker-related injuries project in 2008. The site of the and improves the overall appearance of East project, which spans Avondale Square Lansing neighborhoods. As a result of the refuse almost one mile neighborhood revitalization project. The collection change, the City will now provide 52 between Lake Lansing infrastructure portion of the project included yellow, City-issued trash bags annually at no cost and Coleman roads, began in January 2008. It installation of new reconfigured curb and to those physically unable to maneuver an Easy was completed more than three months ahead of gutter, new asphalt pavement, replacement of Cart and to income-eligible seniors. schedule in early July. In addition to expanding the sanitary sewer main and installation of new From September 2007 the roadway from two lanes to four lanes and sidewalks and all associated appurtenances along to September 2008, improving road surface conditions, the project Virginia Avenue. The project also included DPW collected 2,374 compacted cubic yards of incorporated new eight-foot pedestrian pathways relocation of the water and sanitary sewer mains yard waste and 13,924 compacted cubic yards of and new wetland areas along the roadway. along Burcham Drive, from Lexington Avenue to refuse. During the same time frame, DPW also According to a traffic analysis conducted prior west of Virginia Avenue. recycled 1,604.20 tons or 3,208,400 pounds of to the project, average daily traffic volumes were material. DPW is responsible for maintaining the City’s projected to increase from 18,000 to 49,300 In spite of record breaking infrastructure. In 2008, this included 24.6 miles snowfall amounts by 2030. The expansion of the roadway and a statewide salt shortage during the winter accommodates the projected increase. of major streets, 61.5 miles of local streets, 8.2 miles of state trunklines, 152.3 miles of sewer of 2008, DPW kept City roads and sidewalks As part of the City of East Lansing’s Local pipe, 93.3 miles of water main and 986 hydrants. designated as school routes safe for travel by Streets Program, the East Lansing Department of consistently plowing, salting and applying liquid As part of the City of East Lansing’s Public Works (DPW) oversaw the completion of Hazardous brine after winter snowfalls. the reconstruction of Fairoaks Court, Farwood Sidewalk Program, DPW replaced sidewalks in Drive and Boltwood Drive in 2008. The project the Glencairn neighborhood in 2008. In general, consisted of the installation of new asphalt the project was bounded by Saginaw Street to the pavement, replacement of curbs and gutters and north, Harrison Road to the east, the City limits minor utility repairs and extensions. The roads to the west and Grand River Avenue to the south. remained open to local traffic for the majority In an effort to modernize and simplify of the project with intermittent closures for neighborhood refuse collection in 2008, DPW short periods of time. The project was funded implemented a vital revision to the City of East with a portion of the City’s Gas and Weight Lansing’s solid waste ordinance. Beginning in Tax funds. As part of the Local Streets Program, October, owners of single-family and two-family DPW also oversaw the substantial completion dwellings who utilize the City’s collection service of a reconstruction project on the 600 block of were obliged to purchase City-wheeled carts October 2009

SEPTEMBER 2009 NOVEMBER 2009

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Columbus Day 54-B District Court Closed

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Great Halloween Pumpkin Walk

The Abbot/Chandler Road The East Lansing Department The Great Pumpkin Walk reconstruction project of Public Works modernized returned to downtown East expanded the roadway and simplified neighborhood Lansing in October 2008. between Lake Lansing refuse collection in 2008. MSU The popular Halloween and Coleman roads from senior Kristina Cowden is event features door-to- two to four lanes. pictured using her Easy Cart. door trick-or-treating with downtown merchants. City Clerk & Prime Time

A new city clerk was which served to educate students about the The East Lansing City Clerk’s office issued appointed to serve the importance of voting. The City Clerk’s office 105 restaurant licenses, 10 garbage licenses, City of East Lansing in served in an advisory role with YouVote. In 16 entertainment licenses, 16 taxi licenses, 36 2008. City Clerk Nicole addition to educating the student population, tobacco licenses and 11 towing/wrecker Evans took her new City Clerk Nicole Evans also traveled to the licenses in 2008. position with the City various senior residence homes in East Lansing to a mere two months answer questions about voting and participated The nationally accredited East Lansing before the Nov. 4 in a televised panel with city clerks from Lansing, Prime Time Program had a year packed with General Election. Evans began her tenure with Dewitt Township, Delta Township and Delhi progress and growth in 2008. Well on its way the City in 1992 and has served in various Township, which served to educate members of to becoming a renowned center for wellness for capacities since that time. Prior to her city clerk the region about how to have a great experience mid-Michigan’s 55+ community, Prime Time appointment, Evans served as deputy city clerk on Election Day. continued to enhance fitness opportunities for for East Lansing. its expanding cohort of patrons. Fencing, Sit and The East Lansing City Clerk’s office partnered Be Fit, Pilates and Ballroom Dance were a few of The East Lansing City Clerk’s office with Ingham County in 2008 to move East the new fitness offerings added in 2008. Fitness administered three elections in 2008. In January, Lansing Public Schools’ May election to of the mind is as important as fitness of the body 4,990 of 29,483 registered voters cast their votes November, making it a part of the General at Prime Time and according to a recent survey, in the presidential primary. The voter turnout, Election. This move was a cost-saving measure socialization and continuing education are the which accounted for 17 percent of registered for the East Lansing Public School Board, as top two reasons why individuals join Prime voters, included 849 absentee ballots. In August, it minimized the staffing and administration Time. Continued partnerships with MSU 2,848 of 27,913 registered voters cast their of the additional election. The school election helped to expand educational offerings in vote in the primary. The voter turnout, which will now permanently be included as part 2008 through collaboration on such programs accounted for 10 percent of registered voters, of the November election as a continued as Global Perspectives, included 997 absentee ballots. In November, cost-saving measure in the future. In May Wellness Workshops and 22,096 of 36,459 registered voters cast their votes 2007 the school election cost the East Lansing Art Appreciation. in the General Election. The voter turnout, which Public School Board $27,358. accounted for 61 percent of registered voters, included 3,665 absentee ballots. There were 17 polls open in East Lansing, both on and off campus, on the day of the General Election. The East Lansing CityClerk’s office continued its outreach to the community in 2008 by taking voter education on the road, right to the people of East Lansing. The office partnered with Michigan State University (MSU) on the YouVote campaign,

A Paradise Lilly Collects Dew

A Paradise Lilly collects dew in the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden, located on the MSU campus. This garden, an outdoor laboratory for the study and appreciation of plants, features more than 2,000 different taxa.

Community Photo Contest Winner The featured November photo was taken by 23-year-old MSU alumna Jennifer Easley. Another of Easley’s winning photos is featured in the month of April. November 2009

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Dayight Saving Election Day Time Ends

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Veterans Day City Offices Closed

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Thanksgiving City Offices Closed City Offices Closed

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The East Lansing City The East Lansing Prime Time The East Lansing Prime Time Clerk’s office administered Program offered a growing Program is one of only a few three elections in 2008. list of classes and programs accredited senior centers in to the 55+ community in the state of Michigan. 2008. A line dancing class is pictured. Ringing in the Holiday Season

A reindeer petting zoo, photos with Santa and steamy bowls of chili and soup were just a few of the treats community members enjoyed at the 2008 Winter Bowl.

Photographers Notes This photograph was’ taken at the Winter Bowl. The reindeer petting zoo is a popular feature of the annual December event. This photograph was taken by a former MSU intern with the East Lansing Department of Communications.

Photographers Notes ’ This photograph was taken during the ribbon The East Lansing Public East Lansing ELPL hosted its ongoing, year-round sale of cutting celebration for the new Splash Park at the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center. It was the Library (ELPL) received and Michigan used books in the FriendShop in 2008. The beginning of summer and the handful of children national accolades from State University celebrated the seventh year of the FriendShop is run by the Friends of the East at the event were the first to use the new amenity. the United States Board One Book, One Community program in 2008. Lansing Public Library. Offering a wide variety This little girl stood in awe for a couple of moments on Books for Young The 2008 book selection, They Poured Fire on of affordable, gently-used books and other before making her first splash.” The featured June People (USBBY) in the Us From the Sky, opened community members’ materials to patrons, the FriendShop donates all photograph was taken by East Lansing Communi- form of a 2008 Bridge eyes to the story of three Lost Boys from Sudan, proceeds of the ongoing sale to the library. Book to Understanding Award who escaped their homeland and traveled 1,000 and monetary donations from community for its innovative annual program, International miles across Africa in search of freedom. One of members are accepted and greatly appreciated. Storytime, in 2008. Dr. Linda Pavonetti, President the co-authors of the 2008 One Book selection, The library continued to utilize MeLCat, the of USBBY, visited East Lansing in the fall to Benjamin Ajak, made a special visit to East statewide inter-library loan system, in 2008. present the library with this prestigious award. Lansing in the fall to discuss his experiences and MeLCat allows library staff to locate books for “It’s wonderful to see our library recognized for a the book with a captivated audience. Although patrons that ELPL may not have. Books located program that has not only connected people with many programs exist across the country similar at other libraries in the state can be loaned and books, but also connected people across cultures,” to One Book, One Community, East Lansing’s delivered to the library within a matter of a week ELPL Director Sylvia Marabate said. program is one of only a few that bring together a or two. The library also continued to provide city and university. Visit www.onebook.msu.edu A new search engine began homework help and consultation to students ‘making noise’ at to learn more about this annual program. ELPL in 2008. The new, state-of-the-art in 2008. Students can contact the library at technology, Encore, makes finding what the ELPL served an estimated 21,500 cardholders (517) 351-2420 or visit www.elpl.org to take library has to offer easier and more engaging than in 2008, with an average of 22,000 patrons using advantage of this helpful service. Library staff ever before. In addition to assisting patrons in the library per month. There were an estimated can find articles or pertinent information on finding media and e-books, the new search engine 345,000 items checked out in 2008. The library any topic and can also show students how to also features pathways to relevant Web sites and also held more than 400 free programs for find this information from their own personal other library databases. The search engine is not children, teens and adults over the 12 months of computers at home. only available on library workstations, but also 2008. These programs included story times, book The library provided access to 46,823 computer available remotely on the newly launched ELPL discussion groups, computer classes, tutoring, sessions in 2008 and the library technology staff Web site, www.elpl.org. The new Web site, writing workshops, a teen advisory board, video provided more than 120 hours of one-on-one launched in September 2008, features everything gaming, movies, author visits and more. computer training in 2008. from recent news feeds to blogs, a scrolling list of upcoming events and more. Encore can be accessed on the new Web site by clicking on ‘Catalog.’ December 2009

NOVEMBER 2009

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Winter Bowl Soup Pearl Harbor Hanukkah & Chili Cookoff Remembrance Day

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First Day of Winter Christmas Eve Christmas Day Kwanzaa City Offices Closed City Offices Closed

27 28 29 30 31 JANUARY 2010 New Year’s Eve S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 / 31 25 26 27 28 29 30

Benjamin Ajak, co-author The East Lansing Public The East Lansing Public of the 2008 One Book, One Library served an estimated Library held more than 400 Community selection They 21,500 cardholders in 2008. free programs for children, Poured Fire on Us From the teens and adults in 2008. Sky, visited East Lansing in 2008. 2008 Year-End Fiscal Report

Other Transfer Out/Other Funds Fines 3.65% 12.30% Capital Outlay General Government 9.78% 2.28% 23.96%

Charges & Services Culture & Rec 13.64% 4.73% Health/Welfare .31% Taxes Licenses & Permits 45.40% 3.88%

Public Works 4.70% Investment Income 1.23% Intergovernmental Revenue Public Safety 22.42% 51.73%

REVENUES $33,587,106 EXPENDITURES $34,535,765 Taxes $15,247,099 General Government $8,273,602 Intergovernmental Revenue $7,529,291 Public Safety $17,865,147 Investment Income $414,501 Public Works $1,622,251 Licenses & Permits $1,303,946 Health/Welfare $105,508 Charges for Services $4,581,796 Culture & Rec $1,633,254 Fines $3,285,328 Capital Outlay $788,050 Other $1,225,145 Transfer Out/Other Funds $4,247,953

The City’s auditors have completed their at the end of FY07. General Fund revenues In the last fiscal year the City saw a spike in examination of the Fiscal Year 2008 financial for the year were $33.59 million, compared expenditures due to the Tower/Snell Drain statements and will again be issuing a to $35.75 million last year. The majority of this ($698,000 was the City’s share of debt), favorable opinion on the thoroughness and decrease came from an accounting change. contributions to the East Lansing Soccer accuracy of the statements. The City is The East Lansing Finance Department is now Complex project ($322,000) and advance proud to have maintained an AA+ rating recording the revenue from the debt millage funding of firefighter retiree healthcare costs from both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch directly in the Debt Service Fund instead ($300,000). This fiscal year the City saw a Investor Services. of in the General Fund—as it was last modest growth in expenditures as annual year. Revenue sharing from the state has wage increases were kept to 2 percent and The General Fund undesignated fund continued to decline (FY08 - $5.52 million, health care benefit cost increases were under balance increased from $2.59 million in FY07 - $5.73 million) and remains a 5 percent. In its continued efforts to preserve Fiscal Year 2007 to $3.14 million at the vulnerability to the City’s budget. infrastructure, the City was also able to more end of FY08. Through careful planning, the than double its contribution to the Hazardous City was able to recover the $300,000 decline Expenditures for the year were $34.54 Sidewalk Program this year. in General Fund undesignated fund balance million, compared to $35.61 million last year.

A Community in focus 2009 Community Calendar & 2008 Annual Report City Council City Manager 410 Abbot Road Theodore J. Staton Mayor Victor W. Loomis, Jr. Mayor Pro Tem Diane Goddeeris Councilmember Kevin Beard Councilmember Nathan Triplett Councilmember Roger Peters Annual Report Staff: Mikell Frey, Editor in Chief This calendar was published for the information of East Lansing residents. If you have questions or comments please call (517) 319-6873 or write Annual Report, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Design: Blohm Creative Partners, East Lansing Photos (Excluding Community Photo Contest Winners): Mikell Frey, Natalie Newman, Jack Thompson and Meghan Schwarb