The East Lansing City Council will discuss the status of the Hannah Community Center construction project during its work session tonight.

In November 1998, East Lansing voters approved a $7 million bond issue to renovate the former Hannah Middle School, 819 Abbott Road. Initial renovation work began on the building last fall.

East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said they plan to present council members with proposed costs, admission fees, management structure and rental rates for the center’s amenities.

“We’re still about 90 days away from opening, so there’s time to adjust,” Staton said.

The center is scheduled to open in December.

Staton will also address the issue of allowing restaurants to have outdoor dining facilities in the downtown area during his city manager report. Currently these areas are only allowed on football Saturdays and on special occasions, he said.

“We want to encourage business but discourage any problems that could arise,” Staton said.

Councilwoman Bev Baten said the issue is not one of whether or not outdoor dining is bad but rather if it’s what East Lansing should do.

“I don’t think any of us are opposed to outdoor dining, we just want to create a downtown that is for everyone,” Baten said.

The work session will be held at 7 p.m. tonight in the conference room of City Hall, 410 Abbott Road.