“The document we are being asked to approve this evening is a testament to … the hard work of our city manager, our finance director and their leading managers who year after year we have asked to do more with less and they have risen to that challenge, ” Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said.

Earlier in the meeting, the unanimous approval of a specially designated distributor license for Jonna’s 2 Go, 210 Michigan Ave., permitted the business to sell hard liquor, an addition to the business’ existing specially designated merchant license, which allows the sale of beer and wine.

“This makes the whole store a complete package,” Owner of Jonna’s 2 Go E.J. Jonna said.

Councilmember Kevin Beard voiced concern towards adding hard liquor to the location, stating a college campus presents a significantly more difficult challenge, despite Jonna’s experience in other communities.

Jonna responded by sharing his experience working with students as a Brother Rice High School Teacher. He also mentioned the good reputation of his other stores in Howell, Plymouth and Taylor.

“If we are going to have someone like (students) coming in… I would want someone who has a good record,” Mayor Diane Goddeeris said.

A resolution was also approved that supported the addition of a new I-96 route for Michigan Flyer. East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas said the route would go from East Lansing to Ann Arbor to Detroit Wayne Metropolitan Airport. There would also be the addition of a consistent route between East Lansing and Ann Arbor.

Lahanas said the project will need assistance from the federal government because intercity buses are frequently subsidized by the federal government department of transportation.

Michigan Flyer serves as a popular method of airport transportation for out-of-state and international students.