City of Leslie  
Electronic Newsletter August 2018
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Greetings!

 
Welcome to the City of Leslie electronic newsletter.

 
We use this newsletter to keep you up to date on what is happening in Leslie. Your e-mail has been added to our database as an interested community member. If you do not wish to receive the newsletter, please see the bottom of this newsletter for the unsubscribe link.   
We try to keep you up-to-date on the latest important news and events in the City of Leslie.  We are interested in your feedback. Please let us know how we can improve this newsletter by e-mailing us at montenegro@cityofleslie.org
 
We hope you enjoy our efforts!  Thank you!  
 

Mayor's Message

The annual Leslie Fall Festival is a time-honored tradition that brings those within the community, and from other areas, together for a fun-filled day in the City of Leslie. Please be sure to attend the festival events planned for this Saturday, September 8th. 
 
The Leslie Fall Festival Committee has been hard at work planning several activities. During the festival, there will be a car show, craft show, kids' activities, a scavenger hunt, a cornhole tournament, a beer tent, live bands, a family movie in the park and fireworks! In addition, please be sure to take the time to visit our local businesses throughout town!
 
This fall will certainly bring many other activities to the City of Leslie, as well! It is truly a wonderful time to be a part of such a close-knit community. 
 
Soon, we will also take part in the Pink Hawk Project, Leslie Homecoming, Leslie Scarecrow Days, Hallowed-Half Marathon and Frightening 5K, and of course, trick-or-treating. Within these events, there are activities for all ages and something that would interest just about anybody. 
 
There are many hard-working individuals behind these occasions. Their dedication and spirit keep Leslie's small-town atmosphere alive and thriving. I, for one, admire their continued willingness to spend time keeping our traditions going strong. Thank you, volunteers!
 
I look forward to all of the Leslie events being held during the upcoming fall season! Hope to see you there!

As always, you can reach me at (517) 525-5177 or shuster@cityofleslie.org with any questions or concerns you may have.


Manager's Corner


Hello!  Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Sue Montenegro and serve as your new city manager. Growing up in the small town of Stanwood, Michigan gave me a great appreciation of small communities that are tightly knit together. Smiling faces, helpful people, and a willingness to work together to improve our community are some of the attributes I love about small towns. Leslie definitely does that and makes you feel welcome!

Here is a bit of information about me to help you get to know me a little bit better. My most important accomplishments are my four children: Margaret is 25 and will be getting married to  Andy,  her fiancé, on September 8 th ; Amanda is 24 and is married to her husband, JJ; Sophia is 14 and just started ninth grade; Ricky is 12 and is in seventh grade this year. Additionally, we also have a Norwegian daughter, Sol, who is 21, and came to us as an exchange student three years ago.  We also have a lab/husky mix (our fur-baby) named Cody who believes he is a lap dog, all 96 pounds of him!

My husband, Fernando, works for the State of Michigan as a software developer/engineer and is working on his master's degree in computer science at the University of Michigan-Flint, which is also my alma mater, GO BLUE! I have an associate's degree in business, a bachelor's degree in human services management, and a master's degree in public administration. 

I am very humbled and honored to be a part of the City of Leslie and look forward to serving as your city manager here in Leslie. Please feel free to stop in and see me anytime.

 

                  Hello from the Department of Public Works!
 
 It has been a busy summer! 
The Washington Street Sewer Project is progressing well.  We are removing the lift station at Sherman and Washington Streets and changing it to a gravity fed sewer. We have removed all the trees for the new sewer and the project has been sent out for bid to start in October.

  We are progressing well with the Mill Street Bridge Project with a projected start date of early summer 2019.

 We have temporarily repaved the train tracks on Bellevue St. and plan to do Race Street next. We will keep them up best as possible until the Railroad can replace them.

   
  There are a lot of things happening in Russell Park! 
There is now a  handicap parking area closer to the pavilions with sidewalk's to both and a new roof is going to be installed on the Lions Club pavilion. 

We also have been working on the city's sanitary and storm sewer systems , cleaning ditches and fixing plugged and broken pipes. We have started to repair some of the manholes that have settled and have become uneven. We have been working on the city's water supply changing service lines and cleaning the wells themselves. We are also working on another phase of replacing more water main's.
 
                Ron Bogart
                DPW Director
 

 




City of Leslie Fall Clean Up will be October 13, 2018 
8:00 a.m. until Noon on Commercial Drive 
Near the Police Dept.

This is an event for City of Leslie residents only and it's free!
 
Items that may be disposed of include: Furniture, mattresses and box springs, non-Freon containing appliances, remodeling debris- all of those "hard to get rid of" items.
Not-accepted items include ; hazardous waste, explosives, ammunition or firearms, lead acid batteries, liquids, Freon containing appliances (Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners & dehumidifiers), gas cylinders, yard waste and motor vehicle tires.
 
If you have any questions please call the City offices at 517-589-8236






 

 

 


 

Quarterly Water Bills 
January, April, July and October



Did you know that you can pay your water bill online? It is fast, easy and secure! Go to www.cityofleslie.org click on pay utility bill at the top of the page. 
New water rates as of July 1, 2018 are as follows:
Ready to serve water = $52.49 per quarter
Ready to serve sewer= $46.36 per quarter
Water usage= $4.34 per thousand gallons
Sewer usage+ $4.00 per thousand gallons
*  Official Payments charges a 3% fee for this service. 
Irrigation Meter Program/Policy
 
The City of Leslie sells water meters to homeowners that wish to meter outside watering/irrigation use. The meters must be installed at the homeowners expense and will be activated upon inspection of the Department of Public Works. Irrigation meters will allow the homeowner to avoid sewer charges for water used on outside water lines. For more information please feel free to contact the City Offices at (517) 589-8236.
Brush Pickup Policy Reminder

A reminder about the City of Leslie leaf/brush policy:
* Brush and Limbs will be removed by the City crews typically the first week of the month. The primary use of brush collection is for clearing storm damage. We ask that residents try to cooperate and follow rules that make brush collection more efficient. 
* This service is not to be used when homeowners hire an outside service to remove trees in their yard, the contractor should remove the brush themselves. 
* Place brush and limbs (no larger than 5 inches in diameter) with the cut end toward the street. 
* Brush pick up is scheduled the first full week of each month for brush that is at the curb that Monday morning or after a storm event. 
* This service is not guaranteed as many other city services are of higher priority and take precedence over brush pick up. 
* Do not mix other yard waste with limbs. No grass clippings or leaves (except during specified leaf pickup times, generally in April and October).

LESLIE
Fall 2018 Events
 
FAMILY FUN
All ages are welcome at these family-friendly events.
 
Family Game Night
We're breaking out the games! Join us for a new one each month. 
Wednesdays, Sept. 12, Oct. 10 & Nov. 14 * 6-7 p.m.
 
CADL Karaoke
Be a CADL Karaoke Star by singing family-friendly songs at the library. 
Fridays, Sept. 14, Oct. 12 & Nov. 9 * 3:30-4:30 p.m.
 
Halloween Jingo
Play Jingo and earn prizes with Miss Joye.
Mondays, Oct. 22 & 29 * 3-3:45 p.m.
 
Drop-in Halloween Craft
Stop by to make a Spooktacular Halloween craft. 
Thursday, Oct. 25 * 3:30-4:30 p.m.
 
Not So Scary Halloween Movies
Enjoy family friendly Halloween classics and popcorn (while supplies last).   
Saturdays in October, Oct. 6-27 * 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct 6: Hotel Transylvania
Oct 13: Nightmare Before Christmas
Oct 20: Hocus Pocus
Oct 27:  It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
 
FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Little Builders (Ages up to 6)
Kids will enjoy chunky building sets and other activities that encourage creativity and problem-solving. 
Wednesdays, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 & Dec. 5 * 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
 
Preschool Storytime (Ages 3-6)
Engaging Stories, songs and activities to help build early literacy skills
Thursdays, Sept. 13-Dec. 20 (skip Nov. 22) * 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.
 
 
FOR OLDER CHILDREN & TEENS
STEAM Tuesdays (Age 5 & up)
Drop in after school for fun STEAM based activities and experiments (while supplies last).
Tuesdays, Sept. 4-Dec. 18 (skip Nov. 20) * 3:30-4:30 p.m.
 
 
 
Drop-in Yu-gi-oh
Bring your own cards or play with a library set. 
Thursdays, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 & Dec. 6 * 4-5 p.m.
 
Read to Scout the Dog (Ages 5-14)
Practice your skills as you share a book with our visiting therapy dogs.
Wednesdays, Sept. 12-Dec. 19 (skip Nov. 21) * 3-3:45 p.m.
 
*Minecraft Game Night (Ages 8-15)
Get your game on in an after-hours event open to beginner, intermediate and advanced players.  Younger children welcome with adult supervision. *Registration required at 517-589-9400 or cadl.org/events.
Tuesdays, Sept. 25, Oct. 23 & Nov. 27 * 6-7 p.m.
 
Drop-in LEGO Club (Age 4 & up)
Join us for a LEGO Challenge each month.
Wednesdays, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28 & Dec. 26 * 3:30-4:30 p.m.
 
Forensic Fun with MSU (Age 8 & up)
Learn about the science behind helping law enforcement solve criminal cases, plus experiment with finger printing, 'blood' spatter and more . Presented byMSU Forensic Science and Chemistry graduate students.Due to subject matter, not recommended for young children; an adult must accompany anyone under 8. Limited to the first 50 to arrive.
Tuesday, Oct. 16 * 6-7:30 p.m.
 
After School Game Hour
Stop by after school and play Nintendo video games. 
Monday, Nov. 19 * 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
 
*Hour of Code (Ages 8-15)
It's Computer Science Education Week. Come in to learn some coding skills.
Tuesday, Dec. 4 * 6-7 p.m. *Registration required at 517-589-9400 or cadl.org/events.
 
FOR ADULTS
*Personalized Technology Help
Call 517-589-9400 to Book a Librarian for a 30-minute personalized lesson on topics such as downloading CADL's digital collections and databases, using your tablet or other digital device, researching your family tree and more.
 
Sit 'n Knit: Hugs for Hospice
Join us as we knit or crochet for Heartland/Hospice patients. Volunteers are always welcome!
Mondays, Sept. 10-Dec. 17 (skip Nov. 12) * 5-7 p.m.
   
 
Adult Book Discussion
Our group meets each month for lively discussion.
2 nd Wednesdays * 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 12: Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
Oct. 10: The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne (Meet the author at CADL Haslett on Monday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.)
Nov. 14: Rocket Men by Robert Kurson
 
WWII Sites: Memories & Memorials
The Friends of the Leslie Library host a fascinating presentation by MSU Professor Dr. Jeffrey Charnley, about the history behind World War II Sites and Memorials. 
Thursday, Sept. 13 * 6-7 p.m.
 
*Community Conversations
Conversation helps us to better understand people's concerns and aspirations for their community, and their ideas for strengthening it. We invite you to join us for a conversation that will lead to a greater understanding of the community's common aspirations. Refreshments provided. *Registration required at 517-589-9400 or cadl.org/events.
Tuesday, Sept. 18 * 6-7 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 8 * 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 20 * 2-3 p.m.
 
Family History Connections
Come in for lively discussion of family history stories, research and genealogy resources.
4 th Wednesdays * 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 26: DNA Testing & Family History
Oct. 24: What's in a Name? Family Naming Patterns
Nov. 28: What Does That Say? Resources for Deciphering Writing 
Dec. 26: Family Holiday Traditions
 
Meet Author Tobin Buhk
The Leslie Library Friends proudly present Tobin Buhk, author of True Crime Murder and Mayhem. He will share Michigan murder and crime stories, highlighting his research and local connections. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Thursday, Sept. 27 * 6-7 p.m.
 
Community Scanning Day
Drop in and use our equipment, software, and expertise to scan historic photos and documents. You must have an email address, cloud storage, and/or an external storage device. We are also taking donations of Ingham County-related material for CADL's Local History collection.
Tuesday, Oct. 30 * 6-7 p.m.
 
Meet Author Carol Van Drie
Celebrate Veterans Day with Carol Van Drie, author of Homefront Cooking: Recipes, Wit, and Wisdom from American Veterans and their Loved Ones. She'll share inspiring stories along with favorite recipes from active duty service members, veterans and family members. Books will be available for sale and signing, with proceeds benefitting veterans.
Wednesday, Nov. 7 * 6-7 p.m.
 
 
Meet Author Robert Campbell
The author of Classic Ships of the Great Lakes will present a fascinating look at Great Lakes ships and talk about his personal experiences. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Wednesday, Nov. 14 * 10:30-11:30 a.m.
 

Jeff Antaya, Head Librarian
Capital Area District Libraries - Leslie
201 Pennsylvania St., Leslie, MI 49251
517-589-9400 | antayaj@cadl.org
 

 


 
 
Woodlawn Cemetery Memorial Walkway
The W mem walkwayoodlawn Cemetery is offering the opportunity to purchase personalized bricks for its Memorial brick walkway that was recently completed.  The money raised from brick sales will be used to benefit a mapping project at the Woodlawn Cemetery. 
 
Order forms are available at City Offices, Township Offices, and the cemetery.  A form is available on the City's website by clicking here.  For any questions regarding the project, please contact Patti Wade or Sherry Feazel at the Leslie Township Hall 589-8201.

 

In This Issue
Mayor's Message
Article Headline
Quick Links
City Council
Mayor:
Jennifer Shuster
Mayor Pro-Tem:
Pam Beegle
  
Council:
Alison Morrison
Jean Wixson
Martha Owen
Wayne Babin
Grady Doane
  
2018 Events


Fall Festival September 8th
Annual Lighted Parade

December 8th

 

 

2017 City of Leslie Drinking Water Quality Report

The City of Leslie annual report on the source and quality of your drinking water is available by clicking here.  Paper copies will not be mailed directly to residents.  To have a copy mailed to you, contact Chelsea Cox at 517-589-8236 or by e-mail at c ox@cityofleslie.org
  

Overnight Parking

Residents are reminded that there is no overnight parking allowed anywhere inside the City.  Streets need to be clear in order to allow for maintenance and services such as leaf pickup and snow removal.  We will be enforcing this ordinance.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Volunteer Opportunities
 
The City of Leslie is always looking for volunteers.  If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, or have any volunteering ideas please contact Cox@cityofleslie.org

light pole
Street Light Outages
The City of Leslie tries to keep track of street lights that have gone out and report them to Consumers Energy.  Consumers will come to change out lights that are out or not working properly.  While we do our best to track all the lights, often we miss them.  We rely on residents to let us know which lights are not working properly so that we can report them.  Consumers has a massive system of lights across the state, so it often takes them quite some time to fix lights.  Residents can report street light outages to Consumers directly by clicking here or calling 1-800-477-5050.
Starting A Business in Michigan
If you were going to start a business where could you go for advice?  The State of Michigan has created a one-stop guide to visit for new businesses or for those interested in starting a new business.  The website has plenty of valuable resources to answer many of your questions.  You can visit the one-stop center at http://www.michigan.gov/business
 
City on Facebook


The City of Leslie is now on Facebook.  Sign up to be a fan and receive updates on what is happening in the City.  
City of Leslie Anti-Discrimination Statement
"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).
  
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:
USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410
Washington, DC  20250-9410
  
Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866)377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800)845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."

City of Leslie Title VI Plan

The City of Leslie does not discriminate in anyway.  View the City's Title VI plan by clicking here.
  
Is Your Home Address Adequately Marked In Case Of Emergency?
The City has an ordinance designed to assist first responders to find a location in as little time as possible in case of emergency.
  

Sec. 14-173. - Numbers on houses and other structures.

It shall be the duty of the owners and occupants of every house, commercial building or other structure in the city to have placed thereon in a place visible from the street Arabic figures at least 2½ inches high showing the number of the house, commercial building or other structure. The numbers on residential buildings shall be displayed on, at or near the front door. The numbers on commercial buildings or other structures shall be displayed in such a manner as to be readily visible to occupants of vehicles immediately in front of such buildings during all hours of normal daylight. The color of the numbers shall be in contrast with the immediate background on which they are mounted.

 

The Leslie Fire Department does sell reflective signs for $20 if residents are needed.

  
 
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
LESLIE CITY RESIDENTS

The following is a list of regular meetings held in the City of Leslie at 107 E. Bellevue Street Leslie, Michigan 49251:

City Council Meetings at 7:00pm 
January 9th
February 6th
March 6th
April 10th
May 1st
June 5th
July 10th
August 7th
September 4th
October 2nd
November 13th
December 4th

Rescheduled or special meetings are sometimes conducted, due to holidays, elections, or other special circumstances. ALL MEETINGS are posted at City Offices 106 E. Bellevue Street Leslie, MI 49251 and Leslie City Hall 107 E. Bellevue Street Leslie, MI 49251. Meetings are sometimes canceled due to lack of business or other conflicts. For questions or details, please contact the Leslie City Clerk's office at 517-589-8236. All meetings are open to the public and are posted and conducted per the Open Meetings Act.



 

Follow City of Leslie on Facebook or Twitter

Twitter - @cityofleslie

Facebook - Click here 

Upcoming City Office Closures
 
The City Offices will be closed on the following days:

Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day and Wednesday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

For information, please call 517-589-8236.
  
Contact Information
City Administration:
Phone:  (517)589-8236
Fax:     (517)589-0156 
Sue Montenegro - City Manager
Chelsea Cox - City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer
Carrie Fancher-Howe - Finance Director/Treasurer/ Deputy Clerk
Ron Bogart - DPW Director
Robert Delamarter - Police Chief 
Bruce Howe - Fire Chief
Leslie Is the Place To Be
 
This institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.