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Live coverage of Lansing City Council

Monday May 14, 2012

5:42

AngelaWittrock:

John Pollard is, per usual, on fire. He's schooling the #LansingCouncil on their budget, says revenues are underperforming this year. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:42 AngelaWittrock

5:44

AngelaWittrock:

Pollard tells #LansingCouncil the city is short $10.8 million in the current fiscal year. I'll need to find the report he's referencing... [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:44 AngelaWittrock

5:50

AngelaWittrock:

Now, onto discussion of pension, healthcare concessions; furlough days. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:50 AngelaWittrock

5:50

AngelaWittrock:

Mayor's right-hand man, Randy Hannan, says the growth of these costs is "unsustainable," outpaces revenues. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:50 AngelaWittrock

5:51

AngelaWittrock:

These costs are growing despite reducing the city's workforce by 33 percent since Bernero took office, #LansingCouncil hears. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:51 AngelaWittrock

5:57

AngelaWittrock:

Each furlough day saves the city about $38K, the #LansingCouncil hears. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:57 AngelaWittrock

5:58

AngelaWittrock:

I am suddenly very tired. Can't be related to steamy conditions here at #LansingCouncil, can it? [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 5:58 AngelaWittrock

6:02

AngelaWittrock:

Hannan says rising costs of retirement, healthcare "not the fault of employees," calls trends of increased costs disturbing. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:02 AngelaWittrock

6:03

AngelaWittrock:

Hannan calls the cost increases "very serious warning signs," says city needs to get pension costs under control. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:03 AngelaWittrock

6:05

AngelaWittrock:

Since 2009, the city's contribution to both retirement accounts have increased by $8 million. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:05 AngelaWittrock

6:05

AngelaWittrock:

Part of the reason for those increases: covering the losses to the funds from the 2008 economic crash. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:05 AngelaWittrock

6:13

AngelaWittrock:

Right now, city administrators are doing some math: how much of the city's budget devoted to health care, pension costs. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:13 AngelaWittrock

6:17

CityPulse:

Those 11 police officers brought back with a federal grant? The city will have to pay for them in 2015 out of gen fund #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:17 CityPulse

6:18

AngelaWittrock:

I definitely require mas caffeine. This is what I get for staying up until 2:30 a.m. reading Harry Potter #4. #LansingCouncil #SendCoffee [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:18 AngelaWittrock

6:19

jwduris:

@AngelaWittrock How are things going? Thanks for updates! #LansingCouncil #lovelansing [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:19 jwduris

6:21

AngelaWittrock:

.@jwduris So far, a lot of back-and-forth about semantics, contracts, and budgets. Oh my! #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:21 AngelaWittrock

6:22

AngelaWittrock:

Finance Director: revenues will continue to fall for next three years, at least. "We have not yet hit bottom," she tells #LansingCouncil. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:22 AngelaWittrock

6:23

CityPulse:

Finance director: three more years until property tax revenues stabilize #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:23 CityPulse

6:23

AngelaWittrock:

The $ generated by voter-approved millage will be lower in coming years than it is today. And even today, it's not enough. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:23 AngelaWittrock

6:24

AngelaWittrock:

Another piece of the big budget crunch coming: the TIFA fund will likely hit the red soon. City will have to cover it. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:24 AngelaWittrock

6:28

AngelaWittrock:

I may be in dire need of coffee, but this meeting is nerd gold, you guys. #ILoveTaxIncrementFinanceStories #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:28 AngelaWittrock

6:30

AngelaWittrock:

Also, typing "budget crunch" made me think about how delicious Crunch bars (TM) are. #GoodWithCoffee #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:30 AngelaWittrock

6:32

AngelaWittrock:

Finance director says Pollard's statement re $10M shortfall in current budget not correct, city gets most $ at end of year. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:32 AngelaWittrock

6:36

CityPulse:

Administration will be bringing forward deficit reduction plan for current fiscal year. Can't say how much at this point #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:36 CityPulse

6:36

AngelaWittrock:

City can't use parking $ for anything but paying for parking ramps, employees, etc. Same idea as parks funds. @jwduris #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:36 AngelaWittrock

6:37

AngelaWittrock:

I don't think the parking $ can be used to pay the debt on building the ramps. But it can be used to pay for maintenance. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:37 AngelaWittrock

6:39

CityPulse:

The city won't be bringing in as much money as it predicted before July1 and will have to fix that deficit #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:39 CityPulse

6:39

AngelaWittrock:

Finance dir just told #LansingCouncil they may have to make adjustments to revenue projections for FY2013 proposed budget. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:39 AngelaWittrock

6:40

AngelaWittrock:

Adjustment would be based on possible shortfall in this year's budget, but city admin won't tell #LansingCouncil before they vote on budget. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:40 AngelaWittrock

6:40

AngelaWittrock:

Frustration results in disgruntled laughter from #LansingCouncil. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:40 AngelaWittrock

6:41

AngelaWittrock:

So the city admin will bring forward a plan to close current year's deficit. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:41 AngelaWittrock

6:41

AngelaWittrock:

The #LansingCouncil is obv frustrated: they'll be voting on a budget that will likely be immediately amended. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:41 AngelaWittrock

6:42

AngelaWittrock:

This is constant complaint of #LansingCouncil: asked to make decisions based on incomplete info when admin has complete info but won't share [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:42 AngelaWittrock

6:44

AngelaWittrock:

There was also some news on the city's retirement funding today. Here's that story: http://ow.ly/aUmmm #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:44 AngelaWittrock

6:44

AngelaWittrock:

Basically, city may need to find another $3 million in a budget that hasn't even been passed by #LansingCouncil yet. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:44 AngelaWittrock

6:46

AngelaWittrock:

#LansingCouncil hears there could be even more $ to find, as city said may have to adjust - downward - revenue expectations for FY 2013. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:46 AngelaWittrock

6:46

AngelaWittrock:

Admin won't offer any numbers on the possible current year shortfall, or adjustments to next year. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:46 AngelaWittrock

6:48

AngelaWittrock:

.@diamond83 admin does make Inge-like statements. "Strike outs are a stupid stat." "The #s aren't mythical. they're real." #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:48 AngelaWittrock

6:49

CityPulse:

Councilwoman Washington keeps her word; votes against 2 separate $125 ad requests #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 6:49 CityPulse

7:05

AngelaWittrock:

We're getting back to business here at #LansingCouncil. Kathie Dunbar is absent. I'm headed downstairs for a snack. Brb. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:05 AngelaWittrock

7:22

AngelaWittrock:

You guys, I forgot all about Diet Mt. Dew. The next two hours of #LansingCouncil made possible by its rediscovery. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:22 AngelaWittrock

7:22

TimMartinMI:

RT @AngelaWittrock: You guys, I forgot all about Diet Mt. Dew. The next two hours of #LansingCouncil made possible by its rediscovery. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:22 TimMartinMI

7:22

AngelaWittrock:

Now we;re hearing from Ec Dev head Karl Dorshimer on the proposed brownfield tax incentive for Emergent BioSolutions. #Lansingcouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:22 AngelaWittrock

7:23

AngelaWittrock:

Tonight's just a public hearing. Then the committee process takes over. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:23 AngelaWittrock

7:27

AngelaWittrock:

I really want to take my sandals off. It's SOOOO HOOOOOOT in here. #TurnOffTheHeat #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:27 AngelaWittrock

7:28

AngelaWittrock:

"We don't have a crystal ball," engineer says. #LansingCouncil #QuotesOutOfContext [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:28 AngelaWittrock

7:29

AngelaWittrock:

Wood asks if Emergent BioSolutions will come back and ask for more brownfield incentives. Emergent rep: "I don't know." #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:29 AngelaWittrock

7:30

AngelaWittrock:

Emergent plans $108 million investment, of which this project is the first part. #LansingCouncil Would get $6.4M for brownfield incentive [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:30 AngelaWittrock

7:33

AngelaWittrock:

Former police chief Mark Alley here on behalf of Emergent, his employer. His hair looks fabulous. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:33 AngelaWittrock

7:40

AngelaWittrock:

John Pollard is on deck, folks. He's gonna bring it. Per usual. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:40 AngelaWittrock

7:41

AngelaWittrock:

Pollard on proposed building in flood plain: "One day the flood is going to come." #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:41 AngelaWittrock

7:44

AngelaWittrock:

Pollard: Emergent got $1.25B contract for anthrax production in 2011. Why do they need a tax abatement? #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:44 AngelaWittrock

7:44

AngelaWittrock:

Next commenter: "Thanks John...it's hard to follow that." #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:44 AngelaWittrock

7:45

AngelaWittrock:

We're also going to hear from a bunch of striking Red Cross workers. Speaking now is the first. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:45 AngelaWittrock

7:46

AngelaWittrock:

"There's two sides to the Red Cross: the $-making side, and the emergency services side. We're striking the $-making side." #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:46 AngelaWittrock

7:52

AngelaWittrock:

Now architect speaking about plan to build in the floodplain. A review of major topics tonight is here: http://ow.ly/aUq5V #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:52 AngelaWittrock

7:55

AngelaWittrock:

Head coach of Sexton HS basketball is speaking in support of Emergent at #LansingCouncil. Had to bend in half to reach microphone. Adorbs. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:55 AngelaWittrock

7:58

AngelaWittrock:

Emergent BioSolutions plan sent back to Committee on Development and Planning, per procedures. You know I will be there. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:58 AngelaWittrock

7:59

AngelaWittrock:

#LansingCouncil now considering tribute for Red Cross striking workers. First, only 5 were signed on in support. Now, sounds like 8. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:59 AngelaWittrock

7:59

AngelaWittrock:

So that would be unanimous support from the #LansingCouncil for striking Red Cross workers. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 7:59 AngelaWittrock

8:17

AngelaWittrock:

That public hearing is set for June 4. Passed unanimously., 7-0. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:17 AngelaWittrock

8:20

AngelaWittrock:

Back to public comment at #LansingCouncil. Also, my back hurts. #OldLady #GetOffMyLawn [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:20 AngelaWittrock

8:21

AngelaWittrock:

News from the #LansingCouncil meeting: Council approves Mich Ave development. http://ow.ly/aUrze [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:21 AngelaWittrock

8:27

AngelaWittrock:

Someone walked up to public comment. There was an audible fart. No lie. #LansingCouncil is about to be stinky AND hot. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:27 AngelaWittrock

8:28

CityPulse:

RT @AngelaWittrock: Someone walked up to public comment. There was an audible fart. No lie. #LansingCouncil is about to be stinky AND hot. [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:28 CityPulse

8:28

AngelaWittrock:

John Pollard is back. Now he is filing his 37th charter violation of the Bernero administration. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:28 AngelaWittrock

8:30

AngelaWittrock:

Oh, no. John Pollard just said my name. On camera. But he is being nice about it. PHEW. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:30 AngelaWittrock

8:31

AngelaWittrock:

I have PTSD from being called down to the principal's office in 5th grade. JP calling my name was a flashback. #LansingCouncil [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:31 AngelaWittrock

8:32

AngelaWittrock:

On the other hand, holla for readers! Even when they hearken back to Mr. Frownfelter, my principal. #LansingCouncil #ThanksJohnPollard [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:32 AngelaWittrock

8:39

AngelaWittrock:

Commenter Stan Shuck is rocking a Rolling Stone t-shirt. I bet @CityPulse noticed, right, Andy? #LansingCouncil #BeastOfBurden [via Twitter]

Monday May 14, 2012 8:39 AngelaWittrock

9:08