Government

Council Approves Seasonal Sauna Park, Hears Update on Non-Motorized Transportation Plan

Council Approves Seasonal Sauna Park, Hears Update on Non-Motorized Transportation Plan

The seasonal sauna park will operate from January through April 2025.

Is the City Planning to Take Legal Action in Response to Proposal 1 Passing?

Is the City Planning to Take Legal Action in Response to Proposal 1 Passing?

At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, several residents in favor of the charter amendment voiced their belief that the city is exploring legal action to nullify parts of Proposal 1, which was recently approved by voters.

City Council Passes Building Incentives System, Picks Firm to Lead Search For New Police Chief

City Council Passes Building Incentives System, Picks Firm to Lead Search For New Police Chief

Council hopes the incentive system brings environmentally friendly buildings and affordable units.

By the Numbers: Student Vote Carried Proposal 1 and Other Takeaways From Election Day

By the Numbers: Student Vote Carried Proposal 1 and Other Takeaways From Election Day

Nearly 83% of votes from the five precincts on the MSU campus were in favor of Proposal 1. Overall, about 54% of votes were “yes” on the charter amendment.

Proposal 1 Passes, School Board Members Elected and Other Election Results

Proposal 1 Passes, School Board Members Elected and Other Election Results

Abbie Tykocki, Elizabeth Lyons, Estrella Torrez and Chris Martin were elected to the school board, and other outcomes from yesterday’s election.

Early Voting Centers See Big Turnout Ahead of Election Day

Early Voting Centers See Big Turnout Ahead of Election Day

More than 5,500 voters have already cast their ballot at an Early Voting Center.

Know the Candidates: Patrick Lindemann is Challenged by Brian Bruce Beauchine in County Drain Commissioner Race

Know the Candidates: Patrick Lindemann is Challenged by Brian Bruce Beauchine in County Drain Commissioner Race

Incumbent Democrat Patrick Lindemann is being challenged by Republican Brian Bruce Beauchine to serve as Ingham County drain commissioner.

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Derrick Quinney is Challenged by Karla Skoczylas

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Derrick Quinney is Challenged by Karla Skoczylas

The Register of Deeds office records, indexes and retains “documents that convey or encumber real estate located within the county.”

Council Votes to Move Forward With Northern Tier Trail Extension

Council Votes to Move Forward With Northern Tier Trail Extension

Council voted to move forward with the trail extension, instead of delaying the project until 2028.

ELi Voter Guide For Nov. 5 Election

ELi Voter Guide For Nov. 5 Election

Election Day is two weeks from tomorrow!

Council Passes Ordinance to End Pretextual Stops, Considers New Building Incentives

Council Passes Ordinance to End Pretextual Stops, Considers New Building Incentives

Besides the major agenda items, City Manager Robert Belleman shared at the meeting that the city is struggling to fill some key positions.

ELHS Students Enter the Voting World at In-School Registration Event

ELHS Students Enter the Voting World at In-School Registration Event

More than 150 students were registered or pre-registered to vote.

Know the Candidates: John Dewane is Challenged by Norm Shinkle in Ingham County Prosecutor Race

Know the Candidates: John Dewane is Challenged by Norm Shinkle in Ingham County Prosecutor Race

After being appointed as the county’s prosecuting attorney two years ago, John Dewane is running for a full term. He is challenged by Republican Norm Shinkle.

Council Hears Presentations From BWL, ELIPOC at Discussion-Only Meeting

Council Hears Presentations From BWL, ELIPOC at Discussion-Only Meeting

The city’s police oversight commission shared its 2023 annual report, and BWL reps spoke about rate increases, and future energy projects.

Know the Candidates: Steve Fox Challenges Scott Wriggelsworth in Ingham County Sheriff’s Race

Know the Candidates: Steve Fox Challenges Scott Wriggelsworth in Ingham County Sheriff’s Race

Over the next several weeks, ELi will bring you articles highlighting the choices for state- and county-wide election. We seek to interview each of the major candidates for these offices and share an objective look at their backgrounds and goals for office. Today, we focus on Ingham County Sheriff. With its administrative offices in the…

Council Votes Against Development Moratorium, Discusses Ending Pretextual Stops

Council Votes Against Development Moratorium, Discusses Ending Pretextual Stops

City Manager Robert Belleman said he believes it would be “premature” to put a moratorium on developments while the city investigates its stormwater management standards at the Oct. 1 City Council meeting.

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Penelope Tsernoglou is Challenged by Frank Lambert for 75th District House Seat

Know the Candidates: Incumbent Penelope Tsernoglou is Challenged by Frank Lambert for 75th District House Seat

Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 75th District.

Know the Candidates: Julie Brixie and Josh Rockey Compete for 73rd District House Seat

Know the Candidates: Julie Brixie and Josh Rockey Compete for 73rd District House Seat

Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 73rd District.

Early Voting for the General Election Started Today

Early Voting for the General Election Started Today

Election Day is more than a month away, but voting officially started today.

Housing Commission Takes First Look at Proposed New Housing, Rental Ordinances

Housing Commission Takes First Look at Proposed New Housing, Rental Ordinances

The city hopes new proposed ordinance changes address resident concerns about its housing and rental regulations.

Council Approves Motel, Calls Out BWL Rate Increases
|

Council Approves Motel, Calls Out BWL Rate Increases

BWL will increase its rates at the start of October.

Charter Review Committee Holds First Meeting

Charter Review Committee Holds First Meeting

The committee started its year-long review of the city charter at a Thursday, Aug. 22 meeting.

Pair of Developments are Approved by Council

Pair of Developments are Approved by Council

Council approved a gas station and convenience store, and a multi-tenant retail and restaurant space at its Aug. 13 meeting.

Charter Amendment Committee Members Picked; Proposed Rental Ordinance Changes Revealed at Council Meeting
|

Charter Amendment Committee Members Picked; Proposed Rental Ordinance Changes Revealed at Council Meeting

Diane Goddeeris, Jonathan Forman, Jeffrey Hank, Veronica Wilkerson-Johnson, Ruben Martinez, Jill Rhode and Pam Weil have been selected to serve on the charter review committee.

It’s Election Day!

It’s Election Day!

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for today’s primary election.

Council Approves Toned Down Caption to be Placed on Ballot with Charter Amendment

Council Approves Toned Down Caption to be Placed on Ballot with Charter Amendment

“The proposed charter amendment below was initiated by a citizen initiated petition and not the East Lansing City Council,” the revised caption reads.

City Council to Consider Adding “Explanatory Caption” to Proposed Charter Amendment

City Council to Consider Adding “Explanatory Caption” to Proposed Charter Amendment

A special City Council meeting to be held tomorrow (July 31) at 6 p.m. was added to the city calendar this morning.

Council Talks Flooding; Defers Discussion on Charter Committee

Council Talks Flooding; Defers Discussion on Charter Committee

For years, flooding has hurt residents around East Lansing. A solution to the problem seems far away.

Filing Deadline Passes, Clerk Marie Wicks Presents on Two Upcoming Elections

Filing Deadline Passes, Clerk Marie Wicks Presents on Two Upcoming Elections

While the Presidential election gathers most headlines, there are important local items to be decided at the looming elections.

EL Dems Respond to Biden Candidacy, Withdrawal

EL Dems Respond to Biden Candidacy, Withdrawal

Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection.

Planning Commission Discusses Tree Removal Process, B&B Definition

Planning Commission Discusses Tree Removal Process, B&B Definition

No major votes were held, but the Planning Discussion held important discussions around tree removals, a new bed and breakfast definition and a proposed motel.

Mayor George Brookover Announces Preferred Charter Review Committee Members

Mayor George Brookover Announces Preferred Charter Review Committee Members

While council isn’t scheduled to make a final decision on members of the charter review committee until August, Brookover’s memo shows which candidates have an inside track to being appointed.

Council Sets Guidelines for Charter Review Committee Selection; Partners with Gun Violence Reduction Program

Council Sets Guidelines for Charter Review Committee Selection; Partners with Gun Violence Reduction Program

In addition to council settling on an August selection date, City Attorney Anthony Chubb explained the limited scope the committee will have at the June 18 City Council meeting.

City Officials Continue to Spar with Residents Over Proposed Charter Amendment

City Officials Continue to Spar with Residents Over Proposed Charter Amendment

Residents circulating a petition to change the city charter and two members of City Council have offered drastically different interpretations of what the amendment would do.

Deadline to Apply to Serve on EL Charter Review Committee Approaching

Deadline to Apply to Serve on EL Charter Review Committee Approaching

Applications to serve on the East Lansing charter review committee are due by June 15.

Drive Thru Rejected, Renaming Committee Approved, Judges Present at City Council Meeting

Drive Thru Rejected, Renaming Committee Approved, Judges Present at City Council Meeting

After being recommended by the Planning Commission in January, a proposal for retail spaces and a drive thru restaurant on Lake Lansing Road could not win over approval from City Council at the Tuesday, June 4 meeting.

DDA Talks Evergreen Properties, New Director and Responds to Councilmember’s Comments

DDA Talks Evergreen Properties, New Director and Responds to Councilmember’s Comments

The DDA is hopeful to soon find a firm to market its Evergreen Avenue properties.

New Emergency Alert System, Budget and Potential Charter Change Addressed at Council Meeting

New Emergency Alert System, Budget and Potential Charter Change Addressed at Council Meeting

The budget is finally set for fiscal year 2025.

Council Talks Budget, Establishes Charter Review Committee

Council Talks Budget, Establishes Charter Review Committee

There was a packed agenda for this week’s City Council meeting.

DDA to Once Again Take Pitches on Evergreen Properties

DDA to Once Again Take Pitches on Evergreen Properties

The DDA will again look to find the right development for its long-held properties.

Police, DPW and More Give Budget Presentations

Police, DPW and More Give Budget Presentations

City staff returned for the second straight week to present on budget requests, Tuesday, April 23.

Annette Irwin: East Lansing’s Leslie Knope?

Annette Irwin: East Lansing’s Leslie Knope?

Planning, Building and Development Director Annette Irwin still carries the reputation of a “Worker Bee” even after 27 years of service to the city.

Council Receives First Round of Budget Presentations Ahead of FY 2025

Council Receives First Round of Budget Presentations Ahead of FY 2025

The new fiscal year will start July 1, 2024.

Council Approves “Flexible” Albert El Fresco Plan

Council Approves “Flexible” Albert El Fresco Plan

Street closures allowing for Albert El Fresco starting April 29 were approved by City Council.

Council Approves Glencairn Overlay, Unhappy with El Fresco Shrinkage

Council Approves Glencairn Overlay, Unhappy with El Fresco Shrinkage

Council hopes to hear a plan that does not downsize the El Fresco area so much before it is scheduled to open on April 29.

Planning Commission Postpones B&B Plans, Recommends Energy Ordinance Changes

Planning Commission Postpones B&B Plans, Recommends Energy Ordinance Changes

The Planning Commission recommended approval on a pair of items, while tabling proposed rezoning that would allow for a Grove Street B&B.

Path to Healthy Pension Funding Laid out to Council

Path to Healthy Pension Funding Laid out to Council

For years, the city has struggled with its underfunded pension plan. Now, there appears to be a path forward – but there is work to do.

ELIPOC Amendments Approved by Council

ELIPOC Amendments Approved by Council

Though controversial, the amendments to the ordinance regulating the city’s police oversight commission are meant to provide clarity, and not change how the commission functions.

Council Not Sold on Proposed Short Term Rental Legislation

Council Not Sold on Proposed Short Term Rental Legislation

The city’s lobbyist spoke at the March 12 discussion-only City Council meeting to update Council on proposed legislation that would regulate short term rentals. Council was not in favor of the legislation in its current form, however.

Trees Dominate Discussion at Planning Commission Meeting

Trees Dominate Discussion at Planning Commission Meeting

Three public hearings were held at the Feb. 28 Planning Commission meeting. One regarded tree removals, another addressed a solar energy ordinance and the third revisited a B&B that is proposed for Grove Street.

Equitable Hiring, Modernizing Systems Among Priorities Set by Council

Equitable Hiring, Modernizing Systems Among Priorities Set by Council

City Council held a special meeting to narrow down a large list of priorities for 2024 and 2025.

Secontine Investigation Released, Finds One Charter Violation

Secontine Investigation Released, Finds One Charter Violation

A report from independent investigator J. Randall Secontine explores alleged charter violations and gives insight to some factors that stressed out city staff members.

City of East Lansing: Pay Up (Please)

City of East Lansing: Pay Up (Please)

Some East Lansing residents have been surprised to receive notices that they may owe the city income taxes.

Council Tackles Variety of Issues in Tuesday Meeting
|

Council Tackles Variety of Issues in Tuesday Meeting

Glencairn rental restriction overlay public hearing set, rejected projects discussed and minutes of Nov. 2 special meeting finally approved during 90-minute session.

Glencairn Overlay, Mass Timber Discussed at Busy Planning Commission Meeting

Glencairn Overlay, Mass Timber Discussed at Busy Planning Commission Meeting

The rental restriction overlay proposed in part of Glencairn neighborhood was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its Jan. 24 meeting.

Pair of Major Road Projects Approved by City Council
|

Pair of Major Road Projects Approved by City Council

City Council voted to approve projects that will have major impacts on two of East Lansing’s busiest roads at the Jan. 23 meeting.

Brookover Negotiates EV Charger at Car Wash; Gas Station and B&B Proposals Rejected
|

Brookover Negotiates EV Charger at Car Wash; Gas Station and B&B Proposals Rejected

City Council heard another statement condemning the election of Singh as mayor pro tem over Watson.

Council Attempts to Outline Ambitions for 2024-2025 Term
|

Council Attempts to Outline Ambitions for 2024-2025 Term

The last two city departments presented their priorities, while the strategic planning process was met with some resistance.

Council Will Consider Hagadorn ‘Road Diet’ Project
|

Council Will Consider Hagadorn ‘Road Diet’ Project

The Transportation Commission unanimously approved recommending the plan be implemented for the stretch of road from Burcham Drive to Grand River Avenue.

Video of Nov. 2 Special Council Meeting Released On City YouTube Channel
|

Video of Nov. 2 Special Council Meeting Released On City YouTube Channel

The video was uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel, but not added to the meeting calendar like other recordings. City manager tells ELi it was an “oversight.”

Police, Public Works and Other City Departments Lay Out 2024 Priorities
|

Police, Public Works and Other City Departments Lay Out 2024 Priorities

City strategic planning will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hannah Center.

Lansing NAACP Speaks Against Perceived Bias from Council
|

Lansing NAACP Speaks Against Perceived Bias from Council

Following statements by the NAACP’s James McCurtis and Councilmember Dana Watson, Council heard presentations from city department heads about 2024 priorities.

New Commission Gives Voice to Youth
|

New Commission Gives Voice to Youth

“It’s a great way to bridge the gap between and learn what the commissioners see as important to their peers,” assistant to the city manager said.

Council Rejects Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resolution
|

Council Rejects Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resolution

Despite emotional testimony from many personally impacted by the conflict, the resolution drafted by the Human Rights Commission was rejected 4-1.

Council Kicks off 2024 with Stacked Meeting Agenda
|

Council Kicks off 2024 with Stacked Meeting Agenda

Tuesday’s meeting includes 10 items on the business agenda, 3 public hearings and a mysterious closed session.

Three to Be Interviewed for ELPL Director Position

Three to Be Interviewed for ELPL Director Position

The Library Board of Trustees will begin public interviews early this month.

Council Takes a Long Look at Finances
|

Council Takes a Long Look at Finances

During public comment, speakers requested the city support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission
|

City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission

The letter signed by nine civic and school leaders supports putting the commission establishment on the 2024 ballot.

Overlay in Glencairn to be Considered After Widespread Confusion, Protest
|

Overlay in Glencairn to be Considered After Widespread Confusion, Protest

The interim planning director and a Council member work to explain the overlay ordinances. But the debate is expected to continue.

Council Floats Regional Strategy Following Deer Management Presentation

Council Floats Regional Strategy Following Deer Management Presentation

The deer management plan and January cull were approved 4-1 at the Nov. 28 meeting.

Overlay Districts, Bias All Broached at Eventful Meeting
|

Overlay Districts, Bias All Broached at Eventful Meeting

City Council heard from 20 members of the community during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

The Numbers: Analysis of Data From Nov. 7 Election

The Numbers: Analysis of Data From Nov. 7 Election

Kerry Ebersole Singh ran well ahead of other candidates in a City Council election that saw a strong turnout.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Erik Altmann, Mark Meadows and Kerry Ebersole Singh are sworn in, joining George Brookover and Dana Watson on City Council.

Ebersole Singh Runs Way Ahead of Pack; Meadows, Altmann to Return to Council
|

Ebersole Singh Runs Way Ahead of Pack; Meadows, Altmann to Return to Council

In unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, Dan Bollman narrowly missed out on the third slot. Noel Garcia finished fifth, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts was sixth, Rebecca Kasen seventh and Chris Wardell eighth.

Hometown Boy Returns as City Planner

Hometown Boy Returns as City Planner

New Principal Planner Landon Bartley is eager to get to work back in the community that shaped him.

Special Council Meeting: Assertion Charter Was Violated Found to be Without Merit, City Attorney Will Settle Two Lawsuits
|

Special Council Meeting: Assertion Charter Was Violated Found to be Without Merit, City Attorney Will Settle Two Lawsuits

The agenda for the Thursday meeting was added to the city calendar on Wednesday.

Mysteriously Delivered Packet Tells Story of City Raises and Promotions

Mysteriously Delivered Packet Tells Story of City Raises and Promotions

Councilmember George Brookover expressed discomfort with the actions taken by the outgoing interim city manager. Randy Talifarro, the new city manager and finance director respond.

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Tuesday’s City Council Elections

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Tuesday’s City Council Elections

Here’s a roundup of ELi’s election coverage leading up to the polls opening throughout the City of East Lansing on Nov. 7.

Campaign Expenses Reveal Big Differences in Resources Available to Candidates
|

Campaign Expenses Reveal Big Differences in Resources Available to Candidates

ELi analyzes and breaks down financial records from the Ingham County Clerk.

Robert Belleman Easing into His Role as City Manager

Robert Belleman Easing into His Role as City Manager

The city’s new top administrator talks about his life, his priorities and gives his perspective on the end of his job in Saginaw.

Parks & Rec Advisory Commission Hears Updates on Local Projects

Parks & Rec Advisory Commission Hears Updates on Local Projects

Commissioners heard a presentations on lyme disease interventions, the aquatic center and city park upgrades.

Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro Reflects on Tenure

Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro Reflects on Tenure

After 228 days on the job, Talifarro said he is glad to have had the opportunity to step into the crucial city role during a sometimes tumultuous time.

City Council Denies 530 Albert Development in 2-3 Vote
|

City Council Denies 530 Albert Development in 2-3 Vote

The communitywide debate has been ongoing since May. With the Tuesday decision, the surface parking lot will stay a parking lot.

People with Disabilities File Most Housing Discrimination Complaints in East Lansing, Analysis Shows

People with Disabilities File Most Housing Discrimination Complaints in East Lansing, Analysis Shows

The required analysis, presented during the Oct. 10 discussion-only City Council meeting, reviewed demographics, affordability and housing complaints.

Where the Eight City Council Candidates Stand on Ballot Initiatives

Where the Eight City Council Candidates Stand on Ballot Initiatives

Responses of “yes” or “no” to the ballot initiatives may give insight into candidates’ political views.

City Council Candidates Explain their Visions for Development, Affordable Housing

City Council Candidates Explain their Visions for Development, Affordable Housing

This is the third short-answer question posed to the eight East Lansing Council candidates.

What are Council Candidates’ Plans to Help Retain City Staff?

What are Council Candidates’ Plans to Help Retain City Staff?

ELi is providing a series of stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers. This is the second of the series of four packages.

Where do Council Candidates Stand on Moving City Elections?

Where do Council Candidates Stand on Moving City Elections?

ELi is providing a series of three stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers.

No Decision Made by Council on 530 Albert Ave. Project
|

No Decision Made by Council on 530 Albert Ave. Project

22 people spoke to Council about the affordable housing project during the Oct. 3 meeting, with majority speaking against the proposal. Council expects to make a decision at the Oct. 17 meeting.

EL Council Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves in Crowded Field at Public Forum

EL Council Candidates Try to Distinguish Themselves in Crowded Field at Public Forum

ELi brings you what candidates had to say about the city’s workforce problem, redevelopment, climate change, public safety and lots more.

ELi’s Voter Guide for the 2023 City Council Election

ELi’s Voter Guide for the 2023 City Council Election

All the information you need to be prepared for the upcoming Nov. 7 election.

ELi Voter Guide to the East Lansing Charter Amendment Proposals

ELi Voter Guide to the East Lansing Charter Amendment Proposals

Voters are being asked to consider three amendments on the Nov. 7, 2023, ballot.

Grove Street Rezoning Denied by City Council
|

Grove Street Rezoning Denied by City Council

The proposal was defeated 3-2. Hagan Reality owners are not sure what their next steps will be for the properties but vow not to give up.

Special ELi Investigation: Why Have So Many Senior Personnel Quit the City of East Lansing?

Special ELi Investigation: Why Have So Many Senior Personnel Quit the City of East Lansing?