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a newspaper for the rest of us www.lansingcitypulse.com March 28 - April 3, 2018 City Pulse & Top of the Town Kickoff: Watch them climb! See page 9
2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
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4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
VOL. 17
PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROPOSED STATE AND FEDERAL APPLICATIONS FOR ISSUE 33
OPERATING AND CAPITAL ASSISTANCE AND PUBLIC HEARING
CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (“CATA”) has prepared applications requesting (517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com
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assistance (“FTA”) under federal laws, as follows: or email citypulse@lansingcitypulse.com
PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704
State Operating Assistance $16,655,000
FTA/State (20%) Urban Capital Program (Section 5307)
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21 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz
FTA Rural Operating Assistance (Section 5311) $ 300,000 publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061
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Wharton Center brings in sensory shows
race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. For more Todd Heywood
information regarding our Title VI obligations or to file a complaint please contact our Deputy CEO todd@lansingcitypulse.com
at the address given below.
Additional details on the proposed applications are on file at CATA, 4615 Tranter Street, Lansing,
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and may be reviewed during a 30-day period (March 25, 2018 – April 23, 2018), Monday - Friday
between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 23 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Daniel
E. Bollman, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier,
Written comments on the proposed applications and/or written requests for a public hearing to Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence
review the application must be received by 5 p.m. on April 23, 2018. If a hearing is requested, notice Kingston Kitchen serves up Jamaican eats Johnson, Eve Kucharski, Terry Link, Andy McGlashen,
of the scheduled date, time, and location will be provided at least 10 days in advance. Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Shawn Parker, Stefanie Pohl,
Dennis Preston, Allan I. Ross, Dylan Tarr, Rich Tupica,
Submittals should be sent to: CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, FY 2019 Grant Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak
Application, Attn: Grants Department, 4615 Tranter Street, Lansing, MI 48910. Cover Interns: Kelly Sheridan, Shruti Saripalli,
Sherry Min-Wang
CP#18-070
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By Jonathan Griffith
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City Pulse • March 28, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5
PULSE NEWS & O P I N I O N
‘Thinly veiled’ payoff? Coalition Against Violent Athletes,
Katherine Redmond has spent 25 years
educating pro- and college-level athletes Ormond
Deal with Nassar victim being made out to be the victim again.”
Dreyfus slammed back on that allega-
about sexual assault. She angrily dismissed
Walsh’s claims the questions being asked
made Randall-Gray a victim again.
settlement?
may violate state law, tion.
“It’s really twisted logic to
“It’s not re-victim-
izing,” Redmond said. City Council wants to
Meridian clerk alleges
accuse someone of re-victim-
izing Brianna when that per-
“It has nothing to do
with the victim and her
settle lawsuit brought by
A $30,000 no-bid contract to a vic-
son is trying to comply with
state law and township poli-
claims. Of course, she park neighbors
was believed by those
tim of Larry Nassar is under attack in cies and serving in the role of A controversy over a neighborhood park
of us who understand
Meridian Township by Clerk Brett Dreyfus the fiduciary responsibility,” that has roiled an eastside neighborhood
sexual assault from the
and experts in the field of sexual assault said the clerk. for nearly a year could be coming to an end.
beginning, while others The Lansing City Council in a closed session
prevention and education. But Township And he’s following that did not take her claims
Manager Frank Walsh is defending what responsibility by seeking an Monday night cleared the path for the city
seriously and did not to begin negotiations for a settlement with
experts have characterized as a “sketchy” outside legal opinion. He said act. The issue here is the Friends of Ormond Park, according to
deal by accusing those questioning the con- he would meet with Ingham the process and ensur- sources.
tract as “re-victimizing the victim.” County Prosecutor Carol ing that the right peo- The organization sued last year in an
Dreyfus raised concerns about the con- Siemon on Tuesday to discuss ple with the knowledge attempt to block the construction of a
tract during the board’s March 20 board avenues to “investigate” his Dreyfus of sexual assault are road through the 8-acre park at a cost of
meeting. He is questioning if the contract $385,000 to create a new entry way to
with Brianna Randall-Gray, who reported Groesbeck Golf Course. The suit maintained
her victimization by Nassar to township the drive threatened the unique physical
police in 2004, is a legal expenditure under features of the area, namely a section of an
state law. esker. Doing so, it argued, violated Michigan
“I want to ensure the community has a environmental law.
qualified consultant to deliver a training In October, Ingham County Circuit Judge
program that is effective,” Dreyfus said by James Jamo lifted the temporary restrain-
phone. “And that we follow state law on our ing order after determining that allowing
expenditures. I also want to make sure we construction to proceed would not be an
follow our own internal policies.” irreparable harm to the park. The city has
Dreyfus called the contract a “thinly largely finished the road project.
veiled payout to the sexual assault victim.” The Council had rejected the project, but
“We shouldn’t be doing backroom deals former Mayor Virg Bernero successfully
that the manager feels personally great vetoed the override.
about,” Dreyfus said, referring to Walsh. Peter Wood, a leader in Friends of
Walsh bristled at that implication. “She’s Ormond Park, said Tuesday morning the
not asked for a dime.” group was “encouraged by the spirit of coop-
At issue is a state law that limits how eration” that talk of a settlement brought to
townships in Michigan can expend mon- the table.
ey. The law limits expenditures related to “But of course we have no response until
domestic or sexual violence to “any private, we have heard the particulars of what that
nonprofit corporation or organization.” HOMTV.net settlement would look like,” he wrote in a
Meridian Township Manager Frank Walsh apologizes to Brianna Randall-Gray for the email. “We remain concerned about the
The board approved the no-bid contract
failure of Meridian Township Police to fully investigate her 2004 criminal sexual conduct impact of the road on the enjoyment of and
with Randall-Gray as an individual.
complaint against Larry Nassar. Walsh is now under fire for a no-bid contract given to use of the esker, on the values of neighbor-
That contract would pay Randall-Gray
Randall-Gray to develop a sexual assault program in the township. hood homes, and the loss of play space for
$30,000 to “assist in developing and
children. We remain committed to the pro-
implementing a community-wide sexual tection of democratic process and the pres-
assault program.” being placed in positions to prevent sexual ervation of park land.”
Walsh played down the legal concerns in legal questions. assault and support victims.” Meanwhile, Mayor Andy Schor said he
a combative interview Monday afternoon. Siemon did not return calls seeking com- As a sexual assault victim, Redmond has offered to return the play equipment to
“We’re in a good place on this,” he said. ment. understands how important victim’s voices the park that was removed during road con-
But asked if he had asked township law- Tashmica Torok, who runs the local are in shaping educational opportunities struction. Schor expressed his opposition to
yers to review the state law and provide a Firecracker Foundation, which does sexual related to sexual violence. But after review- the road during his campaign last year. He
legal opinion, he said he had not. He also assault and abuse education programming, ing the contract between the township and said he will meet with neighbors to deter-
said that he had not personally read the said the policy and process questions were Randall-Gray, she’s not sure it’s a good one. mine where best to restore the equipment.
law. He then pivoted to accuse those who legitimate. “I don’t think that is revictim- “It is concerning to me. While victims do But Schor said removing the road and
might question the process of making izing someone,” she said. She will meet have very good insight and understanding restoring the park is not in the cards
Randall-Gray a victim again. with township officials next week at their into their specific experience, that this type because of the expense, which he estimated
“If somebody wants to challenge us, they request. They hope to get her agency on of consultancy fee with no deliverables and at $500,000 or more.
can,” he said. “It’s too bad that through this board with Randall-Gray’s program. —TODD HEYWOOD
whole thing she is, I feel like, Brianna is As the executive director of the National See Meridian, Page 7
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
A 2nd Amendment supporter debates with a March For Our
Lives participant.
A crowd gathers at the Capitol steps for the Constitutional Enforcement rally.
A DAY ON THE CAPITOL LAWN — On Saturday, two opposing groups met at the
Photos by Theresa Rosado State Capitol of Michigan lawn. March For Our Lives met to call for stricter gun
enforcement laws, drawing nearly 3,000 people. Later in the day the Constitutional
Enforcement for 2nd Amendment Rights gathered, drawing about 60 people. Some
speakers mentioned one thing they agreed upon the need for expanded mental
health services in our communities.
A dad and his son pledge allegiance at the A father carries his son toward the Capitol
Constitutional Enforcement rally. steps at the March For Our Lives rally
Militia members decorate the Trump Bridge float at the
Constitutional Enforcement rally.
Shown right, a mom and
son gather at the March
For Our Lives Rally.
March For Our Lives crowd at the Capitol.
City Pulse • March 28, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
Not going away Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope over his
rejection of its petitions for a ballot initiative.
That called for the City Council to rescind
have have no marijuana ordinance whatsoev-
er. We will have to shut everyone down.”
Asked why, he said, “I’m not interested in
Kathie Dunbar are on the same wavelength
on how the group should approach repeal-
ing and replacing the ordinance as two sep-
Dispensary owners doubling the ordinance it passed last year capping dis- breaking the law.” arate efforts. Let Lansing Vote has drafted
down in anti-ordinance fight pensaries at 25 or allow voters to approve or Reminded that his predecessor, Virg the repeal language and a second group has
reject it. Ingham County Circuit Judge James Bernero, allowed dispensaries to operate ille- submitted replacement language to the City
A group of medical marijuana activists is Jamo has ruled against a motion by the city gally, Schor said, “That was before there was Clerk’s Office for preliminary consideration.
launching a second front in its effort to derail to dismiss the suit. The city plans to appeal a state law.” A state law took effect last year Dunbar, who voted for the ordinance when
Lansing’s new ordinance. the ruling to the state Court of Appeals. regulating dispensaries. it passed in September 2017, said it was com-
They are at work on mounting a drive In an interview Tuesday with City Pulse But they were still illegal before that mendable to see recent college graduates and
to place separate issues on the ballot. One that will be available later this week on its because of court rulings, yet Bernero allowed younger residents fighting for their cause.
would seek to repeal the ordinance and the website, Mayor Andy Schor said the city will them to stay open in Lansing, Schor was told. “A group of young people have made it their
other would attempt to replace it with new not settle. “A lawsuit against the city to get a “You’d have to ask him” why he did so, mission to take on the system, and they’re not
language. legislative decision to change — to me that’s Schor said.
Meanwhile, the group, known as Let not a settlement you can make,” he said. One of the leaders of Let Lansing Vote,
Lansing Vote, is continuing its lawsuit against “If they win” the suit, Schor said, “we will Jarren Osmar, and City Councilwoman See Dispensaries, Page 8
Meridian
vide community-wide education about contract over $5,000, but Walsh said view with City Pulse.
sexual assault and prevention. Within there was no bid. As clerk, state law requires Dreyfus
that context, Walsh said, Randall-Gray, “If we did a bid it would be for someone to oversee the issuance of payments and
who lives in Washington state and is a who was a Nassar victim who had inter- township account-
from page 5 physician’s assistant, expressed interest actions with our department,” he said. “I ing.
STATE OF MICHIGAN
no expectations would make it sketchy,” in leading the process. can’t think of anyone else who fits that He said a deci- PROBATE COURT
INGHAM COUNTY
said Redmond, who has provided training Walsh said Monday she had not pro- description.” sion to pay to
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
to pro and college athletes for the last 25 vided the township with a resume or cur- Despite local services like the Firecracker have Randall- DECEDENT'S ESTATES
years. riculum vitae, and only on Sunday, days Foundation, Walsh said he wasn’t interest- Gray fly in from File No. 18-000287-DE-P33
Throughout the interview, Walsh after the contract was signed, did she ed in working with them specifically. “We Washington to tes- Estate of Bernice Pakkala,
deceased (D.O.B. 02/26/1926)
referred to Randall-Gray as “our” vic- provide a one-page summary of some of wanted to work with Brianna,” he said. tify against Nassar
tim, noting that organizations such as her plans. The one-page project descrip- “That’s it. We have a very good working was “a nice ges- TO ALL CREDITORS:
NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
Firecracker Foundation weren’t. tion has a vaguely worded assurance that relationship with her.” ture, but an illegal The decedent, Bernice M.
Pakkala, died 12/31/ 2017.
In February, as hundreds of women she will create an educational program, He said he can’t assure taxpayers that expenditure.” State
Creditors of the decedent are
lined up to testify about the harm Nassar but it has no clear deliverables, noted Randall-Gray may replicate already avail- law requires that notified that all claims against
the estate will be forever barred
did to their lives through his assaults, Dreyfus. able services. “We just don’t know what it expenditures result unless presented to Ann Gilmore,
personal representative, or
township officials held a press conference “We don’t know exactly what this will will be yet, just that it will be specific to our in the township to both the probate court
at 313 W. Kalamazoo St.
to acknowledge they had failed Randall- look like until it’s done,” Walsh said. “But township and our schools,” he said. receiving goods or Lansing MI 48933, and the
personal representative within
Gray. A tearful Walsh stood before local that’s the deliverable.” Dreyfus is also questioning whether it services equal to 4 months after the date of
the publication of this notice.
and national media and apologized. When questioned whether he was was legal for the township to foot the bill or in excess of the
Bradley A. Vauter J.D. P35762
She brought a complaint against aware of any other no-bid contracts for to fly Randall-Gray to Michigan to testify amount of taxpay- Bradley Vauter & Assoc. P.C.
912 Charlevoix Dr. Ste. 120
Nassar to Meridian Township in 2004, tens of thousands of dollars that provided against Nassar. The township paid about er money spent. Grand Ledge MI 48837
(517) 853-8015
but Nassar was able to convince an inves- no deliverable measures of timelines, he $1,300 for that flight. —TODD Ann Gilmore
tigator that he had performed a legiti- said he could not think of one off the top “It was the right thing to do,” Walsh said HEYWOOD 1320 Salt Fork Circle
Lansing MI 48917
mate medical procedure and the case was of his head. about the flight expense in a previous inter-
closed. On top of questions about the legali-
While Randall-Gray has not shown any ty of the contract under state law, there City of Lansing
Notice of Public Hearing
intent to sue the township, Walsh said are also questions about whether internal
officials recognized they had an opportu- spending policies were followed. Dreyfus The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on April 23, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
nity to learn from the mistake and pro- said the township requires bids for any Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, Lansing, MI, for the purpose stated below:
To afford an opportunity for all residents, taxpayers of the City of Lansing and other interested
persons to appear and be heard on the application of Tecomet, Inc. for an Industrial Facilities
CALL FOR PROPOSALS Exemption Certificate (IFT-01-18) pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, as requested by
the applicant for the location indicated below:
VALLEY COURT PARK SCULPTURE
Applicant: Tecomet, Inc.
CITY OF EAST LANSING By: Daren Dodson
410 ABBOT ROAD IFT Location: 5858 Enterprise Drive, Lansing, MI
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN 48823
Legally described as:
Proposals will be received by the City of East Lansing up to 5:00 PM, Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from LOT 16 EXC COM SW COR LOT 16, TH S 89DEG 35MIN 10SCD E 118.66 FT ON S LINE LOT 16,
qualified artists interested in creating a commissioned work of public art for installation in Valley N 24DEG 03MIN 40SCD W 376.87 FT, S 65DEG 56MIN 20SCD W 108 FT, S 24DEG 03MIN 40SCD
Court Park, 300 Valley Court, East Lansing, MI 48823. Proposals may be mailed or hand delivered E 327.71 FT TO BEG; MIDWAY INDUSTRIAL CENTER.
to the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, at 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823, or
emailed to the attention of Wendy Wilmers Longpre at wlongpr@cityofeastlansing.com. Approval of IFT-01-18 as requested by Tecomet, Inc. will make certain new property investment
(real property) eligible for tax abatements and/or exemptions. Further information regarding this
The Request for Proposals may be electronically obtained by contacting the Wendy Wilmers Longpre application may be obtained from Mr. Karl Dorshimer, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, 1000
at 517-319-6940 or wlongpr@cityofeastlansing.com. South Washington Ave., Ste. 201, Lansing, Michigan, 48910, (517) 702-3387.
Michigan artists are strongly encouraged to apply and local artists will be given priority consideration. For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend
the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m.
The City of East Lansing reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive defects in and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the
proposals, and to make the award in its own best interest. City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.
clerk@lansingmi.gov.
CITY OF EAST LANSING
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC
www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
By: Jennifer Shuster www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope
City Clerk
CP#18-066 CP#18-067
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
Dispensaries
the petitions.” Monday, includes one new position in the ordinance.
The group’s attorney, Bob Baldori, said clerk’s office to handle applications and two “We’re not talking about just the general
the city was wasting taxpayers’ money on the more premise inspectors. costs of government — that’s how you distin-
appeal. At even Smiertka’s original estimate of guish what’s a valid fee supporting different
from page 7
“They didn’t even do it in-house,” Baldori $6,000, given the 148 license applications expenses,” Smiertka said. “If there are activ-
said. “They hired an expensive law firm in the city received as of March 27, the city ities that are directly related to the applica-
losing,” Dunbar said.
Detroit to appeal something that is friv- would be facing an $888,000 tab for the tion, that’s the difference.”
Osmar said the new effort was motivated by
olous.” The firm is Plunkett Cooney of licensing process. Add in the maximum fee That has to be the case, as a 1999 Michigan
concern over the city’s appeal of Jamo’s ruling.
Bloomfield Hills. that the consulting firm IFC can charge for Supreme Court ruling against the city placed
“If they were to win, then city clerks across
While the court fight goes on, the City its assistance and the costs rapidly approach limits on what can be called a fee before it
the state could throw away signatures at their
Clerk’s Office continues to consider applica- a cool $1 million. actually becomes a tax, which requires voter
discretion,” Osmar said. “Ballot petition sig-
tions for dispensaries, grow operations and This compares to the $740,000 the city approval.
natures, initiatives, referendums, and anyone
related businesses. has collected from those applicants. Lansing Smiertka said that he was “totally aware of
trying to run for office could get all of their
City officials say the city has spent hun- will only be able to pocket as much as the law” that said fees could not be used to
signatures thrown away.”
dreds of hours evaluating the applications, $577,500, because rejected applicants will generate revenue, as expected — he was the
Swope rejected petitions because, the city
which they say justifies the $5,000 fee per see half their application fee returned. city’s attorney in that Supreme Court case.
alleges, two circulators incorrectly filled out
application. Smiertka said that the regular costs of
residency information about themselves, not
City Attorney Jim Smiertka said that in doing business could not warrant a fee, so — MAXWELL EVANS and BERL
because they lacked sufficient valid signatures.
the process of drafting the ordinance, the all of his estimates are for the added respon- SCHWARTZ
Without those two circulators’ petitions, Let
city “grossly underestimated” the true cost of sibilities the city will face under the licensing
Lansing Vote lacked just 45 valid signatures.
implementing it.
The two sides will be in court next week ent group of dispensary owners against
Down the drain
The city attorney said that 25 percent of
over a motion by the city to prevent Swope Swope for invalidating petitions to
his staff has been occupied by work around
from being deposed. repeal the city’s new medical marijuana
the medical marijuana ordinance, answering
Appearing before the Council on Monday, ordinance or place it on the ballot.
Osmar told Swope he “would be deposed.”
questions from lobbyists and applicants and Dispensaries sue Lansing Covert said state regulations related
working with Lansing police to take action over license denials to medical marijuana disposal are not as
“They have to defend that and explain why a
against operations that have been denied clear as they should be. “It’s like the state
public official shouldn’t be allowed to be ques- Five local dispensaries are suing the
licenses. cut some corners here,” he said. That
tioned,” Osmar said in an interview. “Our pri- city of Lansing after they were denied
“The amount of work that we’re going is resulting in differing legal opinions
mary question is why did [Swope] invalidate licenses last week. The city claims the
through right now? Boxes and boxes of insur- about what the disposal protocols and
ance policies and performance [reviews] five businesses’ disposal plans for excess
processes must look like.
and the enormous amount of questions we’ve marijuana didn’t meet the standards of
“The city should have a wind-down
been getting from applicants,” Smiertka said. state rules, said Joshua Covert, who is an
time,” said Covert, “so businesses have
Schor said Tuesday that his proposed bud- attorney representing the businesses.
an opportunity to advise their patients
get, which was submitted to the Council on Got Meds, Green Mile, Emerald City,
on where to get their medicine, as well
Dank House and Cedar Leaf are among
as to sell off their product. There is not
18 businesses that Lansing City Clerk
currently a legal way to transfer it any-
Chris Swope has denied licenses to in
where else.”
recent weeks. The five businesses are
Because of the closures, the business-
suing in Ingham County Circuit Court.
es are suffering economic harm, Covert
Swope said the 18 were denied due
40 said
to building code and sanitation-related
Smiertka noted that the business-
issues.
es still have appeals available to them
As a result of the denial, City Attorney
Commercial & Jim Smiertka determined that the busi-
under the ordinance. The first appeal
would go to an independent outside
Residential nesses had to cease operations imme-
reviewer. If that decision is unfavorable
diately under emergency state licensing
to the business, then the decisions are
rules. They were served with a cease and
Fully Insured desist orders on March 19.
appealed to the city’s Medical Marijuana
Commission. If that body upholds the
“We immediately filed for a temporary
license rejection, it is considered final.
restraining order against the city after
“We will be filing appeals,” said Covert.
Call Joan at: that happened,” said Covert. “We are still
waiting on a decision on that request.”
“But under the ordinance the decision is
(517) 881-2204
not final until it’s heard by the commis-
The case was assigned to Ingham
sion.”
County Circuit Judge James Jamo,
— TODD HEYWOOD
who is also hearing the suit by a differ-
CITY OF LANSING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. CITY OF LANSING
in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI for SUMMARY OF
the purpose of considering: ADOPTED ORDINANCE # 1221
An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend Chapter 1426 by adding Section Lansing City Council adopted an Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan to amend Chapter
1426.07- Fire and Smoke Damper Inspection Program. 656.05 of the Lansing Codified Ordinances by providing for the times City Parks are closed.
For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend Effective date: Upon publication
the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the Notice: The full text of this Ordinance is available for review at the City Clerk’s Office,
City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city. 9th Floor, City Hall, Lansing, Michigan. A copy of the full text of this Ordinance
clerk@lansingmi.gov. may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, 9th Floor, City Hall, Lansing,
Michigan at a fee determined by City Council.
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC
www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope
CP#18-069 CP#18-068
City Pulse • March 28, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
TOP OF THE TOWN 2018
PRESENTED BY
AND
It’s time again for Lansing to hit the rounds. In the first round,
polls and for local businesses to claim which runs now through
their spots at the Top of the Town. The April 17, you can write in
first round of voting for the 11th annual your own choices or choose
Top of the Town awards, presented by people, places and busi-
City Pulse and Fox 47, begins now! And nesses that have already
a big hello from 55 Savushkina Street in been submitted.
lovely St. Petersburg, Russia! No hacking Once the first round of
here, just fraternal greetings from one voting concludes, the top
superpower to another! And now back five finalists of each cate-
to our introduction. gory move onto the second
Voting is open at round, which runs from May
www.lansingcitypulse.com 16 to May 29. City Pulse will
There have been a lot of changes since announce the winners in
we began this contest in 2008. Many our June 20 issue. Ballots
businesses have come and gone, includ- will be counted on the air-
ing our inaugural big winner, Bonnie’s craft carrier Ronald Reagan,
Place. And for the first time since 2005, in a secure offshore loca-
we have a new Lansing mayor in Andy tion.
Schor, replacing Virg Bernero, who was There are eight main cat-
known to win both Best Politician and egories and 151 subcate-
Worst Politician in the same year. gories. You must vote in at
Our staff has changed and the entire least 15 subcategories to
country is going through a tumultuous have your votes count. You
time. Some people have even expressed may spread your 15 votes
the fear that Russians will exploit this through multiple main cat-
year’s vote to sow chaos and discord egories. You can only sub-
among the citizens of Lansing. Ha, ha, mit one entry per email
what a ridiculous notion! The Golden address, so don’t hit that
Harvest sucks! But seriously, comrades, submit button until you’ve
what hasn’t changed is our desire to let voted in all the categories you wanted Tower (hoorah, Nabatnaya!), Best nominating has more than one loca-
you know which of Lansing’s businesses, to. If you don’t want to submit your vote Phishing Hole, Best Place to get a Tattoo tion, be sure to indicate as specifically as
institutions and public figures are the digitally, you can bring or mail a paper of Vladimir Putin, Best Borscht Booth possible which location, such as “Cedar
best of the best. list with your picks to the City Pulse, and Best Orifice for Hiding a Thumb Street” or “West Lansing.” In categories
1905 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing 48912. Drive Containing Kompromat on Donald like Best Bartender or Best Hairstylist, be
The Rules Note the new categories this year: Best Trump. sure to list both the person and the busi-
Top of the Town is broken up into two Place for Bear Meat, Favorite Kremlin IMPORTANT: If the business you are ness he or she works.
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
TOP OF THE TOWN 2018 CATEGORIES
Best BAR NEW! •
•
Diner
Family Friendly
•
•
Seafood
Steak
• Dance
• Fast Food NEW! • Sushi
• Gay/Lesbian
• Fish Fry • Tacos NEW!
• Happy Hour
• Food Truck NEW! • Thai
• Karaoke
• Fries • Upscale Dining
• Lansing Area Brewery
• Greek • Vegetarian/Vegan/
• Lansing Area Distillery
• Ice Cream Shop Gluten Free
• Neighborhood Bar NEW!
• Italian • Wings NEW!
• Open Mic NEW!
• Kids-Eat-Free NEW!
Friends don't let friends
• Pub/Tavern
• Late Night Food Best HANGOUTS
• Spartan Sports Hangout • Biggby (specific address required)
eat at chain restaurants! • Margarita
• Sports Bar • Bowling Alley NEW!
• Mediterranean
• Coffee Shop (non-Biggby)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily !
Daily Food Specials
Best Dining •
•
Mexican
Nachos NEW! • Comedy Night NEW!
• Asian Buffet • For Students
Six Soups Served Daily! • New Restaurant
• Bakery • Movie Theater
12 Draft Micro Brews, • Patio NEW!
all Michigan made
• BBQ • Place of Worship NEW!
• Breakfast • Pizza
Boutique wines • Restaurant Beer List NEW! • Place to Take Kids
• Brunch • Public Park NEW!
Classic Cocktails. • Restaurant Wine List
• Burger • Smoke Shop/Hookah
Catering • Reuben NEW!
• Chinese Lounge NEW!
1419 E Michigan Ave., Lansing • Cocktails • Salad/Salad Bar NEW!
• Dessert • Sandwich/Deli
(517) 316-2377 See Categories, Page 12
THANK YOU, Lansing for voting
Dagwood’s
MICHIGAN TAP!
6 DRAFTS ON
in 2017 Final Five of the Top of the Town Contest
2018 Voting is open now!
Go to: lansingcitypulse.com and vote for us:
2018
• Best Pub/Tavern • Best Spartan Sports Hangout
CONTEST • Best Fries • Best Burger
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2803 E. Kalamazoo St.
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Categories Best PEOPLE •
•
Realtor (and office)
Restaurant Waitstaff
• Advocate/Activist
(and restaurant)
from page 10 • Bartender
• TV News personality
• Budtender
Best LOCAL ARTS • CATA Bus Driver
(and station)
Clothing for women of • Cover Band • Best Local/State Politician
• Event/Wedding DJ
• Classical Musician • Worst Local/State Politican
Grace and distinction • Food Delivery Person NEW!
• Club DJ
focusing on sizes 0–22. • Country
• Hairstylist (and salon) Best Services
• High School Coach • Accountant/CPA NEW!
Accessories and gifts • Folk Band/Artist (and location) • Auto Repair
for everyone you love. • Hip-Hop Band/Artist • High School Athlete NEW! • Bank
• Jazz Group/Musician (and location) • Bed and Breakfast
• Punk/Metal NEW! • Massage Therapist • Bicycle Shop
• Radio Station (and office) • Cab Company
• Rock Band/Artist • Personal Trainer (and gym)
• Local Theater Group See Categories, Page 13
Featured
on:
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Fish, Burgers & Steak Lansing’s Finest Pizza
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Categories • Salon/Spa • Pet Store TOP OF THE TOWN
• Tailor/Seamstress NEW! • Record/CD Store
• Tanning NEW! • Wine Shop VOTING BEGINS NOW!
from page 12
• Tattoo Parlor APRIL 17:
• Car Wash/Detailing • Used Tire Shop Best Whatever END OF NOMINATING ROUND
• Caterer/Catering Company • Wedding Services • Cleanest Public Restroom NEW!
• Cleaning Service • Dirtiest Public Restroom NEW! MAY 16:
• Yoga Studio
• Chiropractor • Eye Candy Place TOP 5 contestants ANNOUNCED
• Credit Union Best shopping • Eyesore Place MAY 29:
• Dance Studio • Adult Bookstore NEW! • Worst Pothole - specific ALL VOTING ENDS
• Dry Cleaner • Antique Shop location
• Electrical JUNE 20:
• Art Gallery • Best Day Trip NEW!
• Food Delivery Service NEW! WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
• Beer Selection in Retail • Best WiFi NEW!
(not individual) Store WWW.LANSINGCITYPULSE.COM
• Gym/Fitness Studio • Bookstore (local)
(address if chain) • Butcher
• Heating/Cooling/Plumbing • Candy Shop
• Law Firm/Lawyer • Consignment Shop
• Marijuana Dispensary • Farmers Market
• Massage Company NEW! • Florist
(not individual) • Gardening Center NEW! ing
• Music Lessons NEW! 20% off Groomew
• Gift Shop Service s fo r N
• Nail Salon • Indoor Grow Shop Customers
• News Source • Jewelry Store Vote for Kelly’s in the
• Non-Profit Organization Top of the Town Contest
• Clothing Store (locally owned) 2018
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• Pet Care/Vet Services
CONTEST
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for all Service Industry Employees
Tuesday: Tequila Tuesday! $1 off all tequilas all day, $1 Tacos (While supplies last!)
Wednesday: Whiskey Wednesday $3.50 Jameson Shots,
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Thursday: Wine Down! Select bottles of wine $10-$12
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517.351.0608 • PeanutBarrel.com In the Lansing City Market • WaterfrontLansing.com14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
Best Hangouts: Best People:
What’s New This Year As mentioned above,
anything pertaining to
alcohol has found a
“Best People”has received
two new additions,
“Best Food Delivery
There have been several changes, includ- new home under Person” and “Best High
ing many additional subcategories that Best Dining: the main category School Athlete (and
await your nominations. We also have a new This category has been given a tuneup “Best Bar.” But, that Location).” Nothing
category entirely, “Best Bar.” to reflect the changing culinary trends of doesn’t mean we’ve too dramatic, just
Read the updates below to stay in the loop Lansing. We’ve added much needed awards neglected to update remember to fill in
about who’s in this year’s contest. for “Best Nachos,” “Best Kids-Eat-Free” and our subcategories for your nominations for
“Best Food Truck,” just to name a few. After “Best Hangout!” New the new subcategories.
Best Bar: all, there are food trucks popping up all over additions include, “Best
Say hello to our new main category! the place and it is entirely possible for a non Bowling Alley,” “Comedy
Subcategories like “Best Dance Bar” and “Best Mexican restuarant to have Lansing’s best Night,” “Place of Worship,” Best Services:
Gay/Lesbian Bar.” had previously been under
the main category “Best Hangout.” But, we
nachos. Or is it? That’s up to you.
We’ve also added “Best Tacos” and “Best
“Public Park” and “Smoke Shop/
2018
Hookah Lounge.” Again, these are going
There a number of new ser-
vices being recognized by Top of the
decided that there were so many different Wings,” bringing entirely different tastes and to require nominations from you, the voters. Town. Now you can nominate your favor-
varieties of bars and alcohol that it deserved styles into the Top of the Town foray. Wing If you want your favorite place to be recog- ites for, “Best Accountant/CPA,” “Best Food
its own category entirely. Anything rooted
in the cause — and solution — to all of life’s
lovers of Lansing rejoice! Because these sub-
categories are brand new, it’s up to you to
nized, write their name in on your ballot!
CONTEST
Delivery Service,” “Best Massage Company,”
“Best Music Lessons,”“Best Tailor/Seamstress,”
problems, alcohol, will be found here. The nominate your favorite restaurants. Best Local Arts & Music: and “Best Tanning.” Just note, that for “Best
new subcatergories are “Best Neighborhood For the first time in Top of the Town’s his- Massage Company” and “Best Food Delivery
Bar” and “Best Lansing Area Distillery.” Now tory, we’ve added a subcategory for “Best Service,” you are nominating the business –
you can recognize the acheivements of your Punk/Metal.” So for all the thrashers and met- not the individual. Though they will surely be
favorite Lansing brewer with a Top of the al heads out there, it’s your chance to get flattered either way.
Town nomination. recognized in City Pulse. Let your fans know
they can finally nominate and vote for your Best Shopping:
band. There are only two new additions: “Best
Adult Bookstore”and“Best Gardening Center.”
Two pretty seedy places, don’t you think?
Best Whatever:
We’ve got a handful of new places for
Vote “Best Whatever.” Nominate your favorites, or
Elderly least favorites, for “Cleanest Public Restroom,”
Instruments “Dirtiest Public Restroom,”“Best Day Trip” and
for Best Musical “Best Wi-Fi.”
www.elderly.com Instruments Store
Winning
e Town
To of th
p
it b egan!
since
ake a
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e a r s tr e
10 y
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2018
CONTESTCity Pulse • March 28, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15
Top of the Town’s Longest Dynastys and Snapped Streaks
There’s a lot of establishments that Elderly Instruments — Best Musical Spiral Dance Bar — Best Gay/Lesbian Broken Dynasties
have won for more than seven con- Instruments Store Bar Schuler Books & Music — Eastwood
secutive years. Newcomers will have Horrocks — Best Produce NCG Eastwood Cinemas — Best Movie location closed
to strive hard to snap these dynasties. Theater Woody’s Oasis — Lost its seven-year
But, with four streaks broken — three Nine Years Starfarm — Best Cover Band reign over Best Mediterranean to
by vote, one by closure — it is possible DeLuca’s — Best Pizza Root Doctor — Best Original Band or Zaytoon
for new blood to arise. Jersey Giant — Best Sandwich/Deli Best Blues Band Green Door — Seven-year streak of
MSUFCU — Best Credit Union/Bank Riverwalk Theatre — Best Local winning Best Dance Bar snatched by
Ten Years Theater Group Spiral Dance Bar
Crunchy’s — Best Karaoke Douglas J. Aveda — Usurped by
Flat Black & Circular — Best Record/ Eight Years Jenny Nails after seven years of holding
CD Store Mitchell’s Fish Market — Best Seafood the title
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Tuesday through Saturday16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 28, 2018
ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC THEATER
About a quarter turn of the clock: early 2018 Lansing album reviews
Catching up with recently released local music Crystal Drive — “Crystal Drive” of the term — music to stare at your shoes and mope out
Listen: www.crystaldrive.bandcamp.com to. This singular mood carries throughout the entire EP,
Andrew Farmer & Jazz Special Forces — Crystal Drive’s self-titled LP has a strong pedigree. The which if you listen to uninterrupted can leave you with the
“Redacted Passages” Lansing group’s sole permanent member is George Sze- impression that you’ve only listened to a single song.
Listen: www.andrewfarm.org gedy, whose last Interlocking guitar parts and thick drumbeats keep the
“Redacted Passages” by Andrew Farmer & Jazz Special Forc- project, the People’s flow steady. But, as soon it begins to drag, it finishes strong
es is epic in scope. Yes, it’s a concept album. One about things Temple, garnered with its most exciting song, “Never Ending.”
being “covered up,” whether because of lack of recognition, con- national attention Some bands like this have two guitar players that mere-
spiracy, or just the before its extended ly parrot each other, to garner a greater sense of power
erasure of memory. hiatus. The Lan- through doubling the volume. Thankfully, Worn Spirit in-
It can be difficult to sing garage rock stead developed a series of catchy lead riffs over its torren-
tackle such issues unit even earned tial rhythms. These little melodies give Worn Spirit a vital
without coming kudos from Lenny pop sensibility and are by far the highlight of the EP.
across as melodra- Kaye, the original Some listeners might find the lack of range in the vocals
matic, but there are guitarist from the or the mood of the music itself as off-putting. But if you’re
only a few moments Patti Smith Group. looking for a solid reverb-soaked session of downer rock
where “Dramatic That’s pretty damn that harkens to Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth, look
Passages” is guilty of cool. no further.
this. Fittingly, Crystal
The opening Drive is an evo- — SKYLER ASHLEY
track, “Calling all the lution of the People’s Temple’s Brian Jones-era Rolling
Crazies,” has some Stones garage rock. Had the People’s Temple been an ac- Yay High — “Clocked Out”
questionable lyrical tual band in the ‘60s, it probably would’ve sounded like Listen: www.yayhighyayhigh.bandcamp.com
choices. The childish hide and seek phrase “ollie ollie oxenfree” this by ’84. This synth driven sound is extremely in vogue Yay High, a three-piece Lansing-based outfit, has re-
does not make for an interesting hook. This is followed by a right now: the LP reminds one of the “Stranger Things” leased its highest-energy EP to date. The six-track record,
verse that mentions the clichéd Shakespearean quote “To be or soundtrack and Tame Impala’s “Currents.” However, the “Clocked Out!,” blends the fast-paced guitar riffs reminis-
not to be.” Thankfully, the flagrant lyrical blunders somehow obvious new wave influence is done tastefully. Thankfully, cent of early East
seem to be contained solely within the first track. Crystal Drive is closer to Roxy Music’s “More Than This” Coast garage rock
It’s followed by a stronger cut, “Said Goodbye to Summer,” than it is The Car’s “Just What I Needed.” It’s Gary Nu- with the fuzzy vo-
which highlights a consistent trend throughout this album — man in his Tubeway Army days, before he was just a one cal production
Jazz Special Forces is incredibly strong when it is allowed to go hit wonder. The single “900” particularly impresses with heard from many
off. Electric violin is not an instrument heard very often, and its lush soundscapes and an earworm of a chorus, while of today’s top
Farmer plays it very well. It could easily be confused for a guitar, “The Scanner” makes one wonder why Crystal Drive isn’t psych-rock groups.
but that’s actually Farmer wailing away as if he’s turned into booked for Europe’s biggest musical festivals. Szegedy’s Aesthetically, the
Slash. The psychedelic violin playing paired with brass solos skills in the production field truly shine here with impres- band fits right
from Brad Fowler, Shawn Bell and Jon Gerwitz and the very sive results, considering that the liner notes state it was re- into the “screw the
off kilter piano playing from Jake Greenwood is absolutely kill- corded entirely in his bedroom. Szegedy also had key help man,” D.I.Y. mold
er. And that’s not to mention how well Greenwood also holds in the lyrical department from Hannah Scott, who helped galvanizing the
down the drums during these extended jams. Phenomenal mo- pen eight of the album’s 12 tracks. Midwest currently,
ments like these are the album’s true selling point, and “Redact- with standout lyr-
ed Passages” has many peppered throughout. — SKYLER ASHLEY ics such as, “I quit
Farmer’s vocals maintain a hushed cadence throughout the my job today, I quit
entire album, which works depending on the mood of the back- Worn Spirit — “I Could Disappear” my job, made a way now, a billion fucking hours a week,
ing track. With the quiet guitar and spidery piano on “It Will Listen: www.wornspirit.bandcamp.com swear to God I’m not gonna get no sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep
Be Winter,” his voice meshes well and draws the listener in. But The first track of “I Could Disappear” starts with a series oh!”
when things get louder on “Our Love is Not for Attribution,” of warm power chords and bass drum kicks that very easily Sitting at just under 15 minutes in its entirety, the album’s
Farmer sounds somewhat bored. The backing vocalists from fool you into ex- fast driven instrumentation and Lo-Fi production take lis-
“Calling all the Crazies” would have been better utilized during pecting an upbeat teners to the grungy basement of their friend’s house. This
this song’s energetic verse. rock song. Yet, 15 is where they’ll find Yay High buzzing around like bees,
Before the album closes, there are more strong instrumen- seconds later it’s playing in black and yellow long sleeve polos. The EP’s
tal passages. “House of Ghosts” has interesting and excellent enveloped by sev- initial track, “Plaything,” opens with three clicks of Hick-
percussion coupled with a series of great lines from the brass eral other layers ey’s drumsticks before the guitar and bass explode into the
and Farmer on violin. This is also the moment where Farmer of bass, guitar and forefront and take charge. From there, songs like “Fool,” “I
pushes his voice to its limit, a refreshing change of pace from crooning vocals — See Blood” and “He Knows” showcase a full breadth of ex-
his previously muted vocals. “Redacted Passages” ends with a like rain overtak- actly the kind of energy the band is capable of producing.
jazz number that seems to be filtered through the white noise ing a sunny day. Stressed out from the seriousness of work and school, Yay
of a bustling café, similar to the bar chatter heard throughout And, by the way, High has officially clocked out, turned in their timesheet
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.” As Farmer says, “With that upbeat song and seem ready to just have some fun jamming out and
so many passages redacted, your lost memory is set in stone.” never comes. jumping around with a room full of their fans.
It’s shoegaze in
— SKYLER ASHLEY the literal meaning — JONATHAN SHEAD
Arts Council of Greater Lansing calls for mural submissions
Selected works to be featured on walls of BWL’s Central Substation Project for Central Substation project, an art- Upon bringing this project to the
ist statement, an estimated budget, and public, BWL committed to dedicating
By JONATHAN SHEAD played on the north and south entrances a statement detailing the maintenance $20,000 every three years to fund the
of the Central Substation. and longevity of the piece being submit- addition of new public art on or around
BWL’s Central Substation project “I think it was inevitable that the Cen- ted. the substation. While they, and others
plans to add a series of murals that re- tral Substation project was going to hap- Artist submissions to the project in the committee, collectively decided to
flects the city’s vi- pen,” said Deborah Mikula, the execu- should be colorful, eye-catching and fund three murals first, other visual art,
BWL Art brant community. tive director of the Arts Council. “Once characteristic of the community. It must such as sculptures, will grace the site in
Submission The Arts Council of it was moving along we wanted to make not contain propaganda, advertisements the years to come, explained Mikula.
Greater Lansing has sure that if there was any sort of creative or nudity. Members of the selection committee
Deadline
Friday, April 20, 2018 teamed up with BWL or artistic project attached to it, that we All three murals will be fully funded are giving preference to artists from
at 11:59 p.m. and other community would make that happen.” by BWL, with costs including everything Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties,
Submissions must
be sent as a PDF partners in search of Artist submissions must include a re- from artist fees, supplies, insurance, per- though they are accepting submissions
package to Deborah artists to submit their sume, visual portfolio of similar-scale mits, fabrication, labor, shipping, instal- from artists across the state of Michigan.
Mikula at debbie@
lansingarts.org. artwork to be dis- work, preliminary sketches of design lation, and more. All are encouraged to apply.You can also read
