City of St Johns, Michigan — Mint Festival City
(989) 224-8944 — http://ci.saint-johns.mi.us
Welcome to the City's Public Works Department
Steven R Rademacher, Department of Public Works Supervisor
Phone: (989) 224-8944 Ext 229
Fax: (989) 224-2204
E-Mail: srad@ci.saint-johns.mi.us
Emergency 'After Hours' Phone: (989)224-8931
The City of St Johns Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining the (44 miles of) street network within the City limits. Street sweeping, paving, snow removal and salting, pothole repair and crosswalk maintenance fall under the DPW responsibilities. Public Works Department is also responsible for the brush and leaf pickup in the City.
Public Works Department Services
**City strives to fill potholes--asking city residents to help**
Do you know where there is a pot hole? Please send the location to us at:
989-224-8944 (Monday through Friday between 8:00AM - 5:00PM)
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2013 RESIDENTIAL SPRING CLEANUP AND USED TIRE COLLECTION
CITY ENFORCES TRUCK TRAFFIC AND WEIGHT LIMITS***
Per Ordinance 565 the City is enforcing the truck traffic and weight limits on all City streets. For further information regarding this ordinance:
Weight Limits (Click to read Ord. 565 in its entirety)
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Batteries - Recycling (click here)
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Backyard Composting
Backyard composters take note. Ordinance #401 regulates residential composting operations by requiring:
1. A ten (10) foot setback from structures and property lines.
2. That compost sites be in rear yards only.
3. Compost facilities be constructed of wood, fencing, wooden or steel barrels. That the size not exceed 4 x 6 and height not to exceed 4 feet.
4. The compost be turned with lime or other chemicals added as needed to be operated as a compost pile.
5. That the compost facility not be a source of odors; that there be no evidence of vermin; and no evidence of household refuse, trash or food waste in the facility.
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BRUSH COLLECTION SCHEDULE (PICK-UP BETWEEN 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM):
Section 1 First Week of the Month West of Clinton Ave and North of M-21
Section 2 Second Week of the Month East of Clinton Ave and North of M-21
Section 3 Third Week of the Month West of Clinton Ave and South of M-21
Section 4 Fourth Week of the Month East of Clinton Ave and South of M-21
Burning Permits
Ordinance #388 bans outdoor burning of leaves and brush in the City. Outdoor burning may aggravate asthma and other respiratory ailments. Unattended burning piles are a greater risk in the close living quarters of the City. Recreational fires are permitted. Further information is available on the Police and Fire Department web pages.
Christmas Tree Collection
The City will pick up your Christmas tree the first week in January if placed near the curb within the public right-of-way but not in the street. Please remove ornamentation, plastic bags and wires.
Trees can also be taken to the Department of Public Works compost area located at 1000 North BR 127 seven days a week, 24 hours a day. For more information call Steve @ 224-8944 Ext. 229.
Compost (Free)
Compost from the leaf and yard waste collections is given back to the City residents FREE of charge. Compost is great for your gardens and flower beds. Compost is usually available at DPW. Watch for public service announcements on availability of your free compost.
Free Compost for City Residents ~ while supplies last
Available at the Brush and Yard Waste Drop Off Site
1000 North Business 127
Must load your own containers
Site is open 24/7
Compost Drop-off Site
Take leaves and brush to the Department of Public Works, 1000 North BR US 127. Please use the Kuntz Drive Entrance. This facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fire Hydrant (Adopt)
Keep the area around fire hydrants clear of snow and ice so the Fire Department can access the hydrant during a fire emergency.
Home Hazardous Waste Collection Program
Clinton County offers Home Hazardous Waste Collection in the spring or fall. Please check local newspapers for schedules. Residents desiring to use the service will be required to schedule an appointment to drop off materials. Residents are encouraged to utilize this service to dispose of unwanted waste considered hazardous and not permitted to be placed with the weekly trash. These include but not limited to: Pesticides and herbicides; solvents; turpentine; oil-based paints (not latex); rodent baits; poisons and repellents; chemical household cleaners; automotive antifreeze; grease; and automotive batteries.
All items to be disposed of must be in original containers. Unidentified substances cannot be accepted. Leaky items should be placed in a plastic or metal container with a secure top. Containers are limited to five (5) gallons or 40 pounds of weight. Substances must not be mixed together.
The following items cannot be accepted: Explosives; radioactive materials (smoke detectors); motor oils; or pressurized tanks (fire extinguishers, LP tanks). Latex paints are not considered hazardous waste and cannot be accepted. The program is available to Clinton County residents. Identification will be required at the drop-off site. No commercial waste will be accepted. No fee is assessed for this service.
Household Refuse Pickup
The City provides weekly residential refuse disposal through one licensed hauler. Please know for the health, safety and welfare of the community use of the green bag system is mandatory. Residents cannot contract with private haulers for residential collection.
Household Refuse and Recycle Collection
For detailed recycling and solid waste information, click here.
**WASTE MANAGEMENT 2013-2014 HOLIDAY COLLECTION SCHEDULE**
Recycling
SCHEDULE
Recycling is collected on:
Wednesday for those North of M-21
Wednesday for those East of US-27
Friday for the balance of the City
RECYCLABLES
Recyclables such as corrugated cardboard, glass bottles and jars, tin and aluminum cans and plastic bottles (#1 - #7) may be placed in a plastic bin along with any newsprint, junk mail, glossies, phone books and catalogs, etc. There is no requirement to sort recyclables, as they all may be placed in the recycle bin together. Cardboard must be folded or cut into pieces no larger than 2 foot by 2 foot or it will not be picked up. Larger pieces may be taken to the Lions Recycling Center located on N. Swegles Street between Lincoln and Steel Streets. For weekly pickup place the plastic recycling tub at curbside by 7:00 AM on collection day.
Remove lids, rings, caps and all residues from glass jars and bottles before placing in recycle bin.
DO NOT RECYCLE
Hazardous Waste
Scrap metal, paint, aerosol or automotive cans
Concrete, hot ashes or any yard waste
Plastic bags or plastic bottles used for motor oil, anti-freeze or hazardous materials
Large amounts of remodeling or demolition materials
Whole tires (State Law requires tires to be cut in quarters before disposal)
Polystyrene foam (may be taken anytime to the Lions Club Recycling Center (see above)
Businesses are encouraged to utilize the Lions Club Recycling Center for their recyclables. The curbside recycling service is available for the City’s residential customers only.
Sidewalks and Hydrants Clear of Snow and Ice
City Code requires all snow and ice to be cleared from sidewalks within twelve (12) hours after precipitation ceases during daylight hours. When snow and ice occurs during nighttime hours, it must be cleared by 6:00 PM the following day. Be careful when removing or having snow removed from your drive. It is against the state statute to deposit snow, ice or slush in the street or on the shoulder of the road. A citation may be issued to individuals violating this code (Motor Vehicle Code P.A. 82 of 1978, 257.677a). Please be courteous to your neighbors, do not push or blow your snow in their yards.
Sidewalk Replacement Reimbursement
The City will reimburse property owners $1.75 per square foot for sidewalk replacement ($2.25 per square foot if entire block is replaced) and one half the cost to a maximum of $.70 per square foot for sidewalk sections raised. There is also a reimbursement for converting previously unpaved driveway approaches to hard surface. That reimbursement is one half the cost to a maximum of $200.00. Sidewalk and approach construction must meet City Construction Standards. Inspections are required. Work performed without inspections will not be eligible for reimbursement.
For additional information please contact Steve Rademacher, 989-224-8944, Ext. 229.
Snow and Ice Control Plan
- When a weather event requires snow/ice removal, the Public Services Department shall endeavor to achieve the following:
1. Priority One Streets shall have cleared and passable pavement at all times through plowing and the application of salt.
2. Priority Two Streets shall be plowed, and salt will be applied to selected intersections.
3. Priority Three Streets shall be plowed only, which may result in these streets having a layer of snow and/or ice left in place.
- Public Streets, Alleys and Bike Paths:
- Public Parking Lots and Alleys
1. Priority One Streets--Snow and ice removal is performed to provide cleared and passable pavements at all times on designated streets (State Trunk lines, M-21 and BR 127 are done by Clinton County Road Commission).
2. Priority Two Streets--Plowing is conducted after a snow accumulation of two inches or more in depth following the completion of major streets. Placement of salt at all intersections, STOP sign approaches, and approaches to major school crossings will be conducted with the snow removal operations or as needed.
3. Priority Three Streets--Plowing is conducted after a snow accumulation of two inches or more in depth during normal working hours. When snowfall accumulation exceeds four inches, overtime operations will be initiated to conduct snow removal following completion of priority one streets and priority two streets.
4. Eight and Ten Foot Wide Bike Paths--Bicycle Paths will be cleared after snow accumulation of two inches or more in depth during normal working hours. Removal of snow will be performed in conjunction with parking lot snow removal operations. Ice control measures are not performed.
Snow and ice removal in the downtown parking lots and alleys is performed by Public Services during the hours of 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM. During the daytime these downtown sites have high volume traffic and the use of the parking lots and street parking makes it very difficult to do an efficient job of snow and ice removal. After an accumulation of three inches of snow, work schedules will be adjusted to have employees perform snow and ice removal into the center of the streets from parking lots, alleys and street parking areas. This snow will be collected and hauled to a specified storage site by the supervisor in charge. If snow accumulation is about six inches, the department will initiate the use of an outside contractor for the purpose of loading and hauling snow from the downtown area to the specified storage area.
- Public Sidewalks
The removal of snow and ice from public sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner in accordance with City Ordinance (s) 95.84 (1990 code 4.70 or 95.84 (1990 code 4.71). Privately-owned vehicles intended primarily for travel on public streets and highways shall not be driven on any pedestrian path sidewalks/brick pavers for the purpose of snow removal.
Snow Emergencies
Snow and ice control procedures shall be carried out by the Public Services Department as described herein. However, should a severe snow storm occur, once declared a "SNOW EMERGENCY," the Water, Wastewater and Public Works personnel will be notified to stand by and direct their assistance to a designated "Supervisor in Charge." This individual shall coordinate all snow removal tasks utilizing all available manpower and equipment to accomplish necessary snow removal operations with the following priority:
1. Public street system - priority one, then priority two, then priority three streets
2. Downtown parking lots and public owned alleys
3. Public Safety Buildings: Police and Firea. Wastewater Treatment Facility and Lift Stations
b. Water Department and Well Sites
c. Briggs Public Library
d. Depot4. Designated Public Walkways/Bike Paths
Other--personnel will be allowed to work a maximum of 16 continuous hours, after which they must have 8 hours of rest before they may return to work. Director or Supervisor in charge will call in additional personnel from other departments and if needed, outside contractual services to assist in the removal of snow and ice until snow emergency has been abated.
Once completed, the "Supervisor in Charge" will declare the snow emergency abated and all other snow and ice control measures shall be carried out as identified herein.
Snow Crews
City crews work long hours after a heavy snowfall to clear the streets and City parking lots as quickly as possible. Please move vehicles off City streets and out of City parking lots as snow removal equipment does not maneuver easily around smaller vehicles. Be aware that loaders clearing snow from the streets need room to operate and may back up unexpectedly.
Snow/Ice Winter Driving Tips
Winter driving tips – Clean all snow and ice from your windows, including rear and side windows; so you can see traffic from all directions. Don’t forget to clear snow from headlights and taillights; so other motorists can see your brake lights, directionals and headlights. If your windows fog up, wait until the defroster clears them adequately for good vision. Taking a few extra minutes to clear snow and foggy windows may prevent an accident.
Prepare vehicles for emergencies – Equip your vehicle:
Winter gear – ice scraper, can of de-icer, small folding shovel, bag of sand or kitty litter, rug or traction mat.
Trunk gear – basic tool kit (screwdrivers, wrenches, adjustable pliers, pocketknife, duct tape and fuse puller), spare tire, tire jack, lug wrench, board to place under jack, aerosol tire inflator, windshield washer fluid, premixed coolant with water, gloves, rags, paper towels, hand cleaner and jumper cables.
Safety gear – flares or reflective triangles, “call police” sign, reflective vest, first aid kit, small fire extinguisher, blanket, drinking water and non-perishable snacks.
Glove compartment gear – owner’s manual, registration, insurance card, accident report form, emergency phone numbers, waterproof flashlight and fresh batteries.
Sump Pump Discharge
Sump pump discharges for drainage and groundwater cannot be connected to the sanitary sewer, but must be connected to the storm sewer where available.
Tree Planting in the Right-of-Way
A permit must be obtained from the City to plant vegetation in the parkway (the area between the curb and sidewalk or where sidewalk would be placed). The City regulates the type of trees planted in parkway, as well as the trimming, removing or spraying of trees in this area. Permitted street trees include hardy oak and maple. Ash trees prohibited due to Emerald Ash Borer.
The Department of Public Works may send notices to individuals who have planted prohibited trees, bushes and shrubs in the parkway. Vegetation may have to be removed or trimmed to prevent vision problems for motorists.
Tornado Testing Sirens
At noon on the first Saturday of the month (April thru September), the City tests the City’s tornado sirens (early warning system). This test will be conducted unless there is severe weather in the area.
The City of St. Johns has a tornado siren in the City Park. This siren replaced three old sirens that were located at the St. Johns High School, Mahle and Jiffy Muffler (M-21 and Baker Street).
Tornado sirens are located at the City Park, Clinton Memorial Hospital and just east of Federal Mogul.
As always, use safe weather practices for protection of your family when severe weather is approaching.
Tornado Safety Tips
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dictates the tone of the fire and tornado whistles. The fire whistle is stationary and has a varying tone that sounds like it goes up and down. The tornado sirens have a steady tone, but they rotate around. The fire whistle is no longer sounded as an “all clear” after the tornado threat is over; listen to the television or radio for the all clear.
The following tornado safety information was obtained from the Michigan Department of State Police Emergency Management Division:
- A tornado/severe thunderstorm watch is issued whenever conditions exist for severe weather to develop. Watches give you time to plan and prepare, keep an eye to the sky and listen for further weather bulletins. A tornado/severe thunderstorm warning is issued by the National Weather Service whenever a tornado or severe thunderstorm actually has been sighted or is strongly indicated by radar. You should act immediately and seek shelter when you first hear the warning.
- A tornado is a column of violently rotating winds extending down from a thunderstorm cloud and touching the surface of the earth. A funnel cloud basically is a tornado that does not touch ground.
- Where should you seek shelter? If you are home, a basement offers the greatest safety. Seek shelter under heavy furniture if possible. If there is no basement, take cover in the center of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a bathroom or closet. If you are in a mobile home, go to a prearranged substantial shelter. If you are driving a vehicle, get out of the vehicle. Find shelter in a basement, ditch or ravine away from the vehicle. If you are at work or school, follow advance plans to move to interior hallways or small rooms at lowest level.
- Avoid areas with glass and wide, free span roofs.
- If you are in open country, get to a sturdy building if possible, or lie in a ditch or depression. Hold onto something attached to the ground if possible.
Tornado facts:
- Each year, Michigan averages 16 tornadoes. In the last 45 years, approximately 240 people were killed due to Michigan tornadoes.
- Tornadoes can occur anytime during the day or night, and during any month of the year. Most tornadoes occur during the months of April, May, June and July; usually in the late afternoon or early evening hours between 3 and 7 p.m.
- Tornadoes usually travel from the southwest at an average speed of 30 miles per hour, although some tornadoes follow erratic patterns with speeds approaching 70 miles per hour.
- Tornadoes that develop from early season thunderstorms tend to be the most severe.
- The average tornado travels a distance of around five miles and is on the ground less than ten minutes. Tornadoes don’t always follow the norm and have been known to travel 100 miles and stay on the ground for over an hour.
- The average width of a tornado as it touches the ground is 200-400 yards, but may be up to a mile across.
- Tornadoes usually rotate counter-clockwise. Typical Michigan tornadoes produce winds of 17-125 miles per hour.
- The greatest frequency of tornadoes occurs with temperatures between 70-75 degrees, and relative high humidity.
- Tornadoes do their destructive work through the combined action of strong rotary winds, flying debris, and the partial vacuum in their center.
The City of St. Johns tests its tornado sirens the first Saturday of the month from April to September.
Utility/Street Permit Application (click)
Yard Waste Collection
Collection Schedule for Bagged Yard Waste:
Monday -- South of M-21 and West of BR 127
Tuesday - North of M-21 and everything East of BR 127
Yard waste, including grass clippings, yard and garden vegetation, small sticks and leaves must be put in biodegradable paper yard waste bags.
Only biodegradable paper yard waste bags will be collected. Plastic bags will not be collected. A coupon is issued yearly and redeemable for ten (10) free yard waste bags.
Debris raked into piles in the street will not be picked up and blocks the flow of water into the storm sewers. All yard waste should be properly bagged for collection and must not be overfilled.
The City will not pick up any stumps, logs, construction debris, concrete, rocks, stones or animal waste.
