“Ensuring that our residents receive the essential services that they need will continue to be our top priority,” East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas said in a press release. “We encourage community members to continue to try and stay calm, prepared and informed as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time together.”

Essential services for the community will continue to be maintained under this new executive order, including police, fire, EMS, trash and recycling collection, water services and wastewater management.

“It should also be noted that ELPD officers will be monitoring the community and actively encouraging voluntary compliance with this new executive order,” according to the press release.

The East Lansing Police Department’s 24/7 police desk will remain open to the public and staffed. Additionally, water service shut offs will continue to be suspended during this time.

“Community members are also reminded that bulk item collection has been temporarily suspended,” according to the press release. “The decision was made today to delay yard waste collection until further notice in order to limit the number of essential public works employees working and reduce exposure to those employees.” 

Additional information on yard waste collection will be provided at a later date.

Residents should also note that Simple Recycling announced today the temporary suspension of services in Michigan. This does not impact residents’ regular curbside trash and recycling collection services.

As part of the governor’s new executive order, building division staff will only be processing residential permits related to emergency work, such as emergency plumbing or electrical repairs necessary for building safety, with limited staffing and a goal of limiting entry into structures for inspections.

Facilities closed to the public include East Lansing City Hall, the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, the East Lansing Department of Public Works, including the recycling drop-off site, the East Lansing Prime Time Seniors’ Program, the East Lansing Public Library and the East Lansing 54B District Court. 

City officials have also decided to temporarily close the following until further notice: playground equipment, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, park shelters and pavilions and park restrooms in East Lansing’s parks. The Northern Tail Dog Park will also remain closed until further notice.  

“All other parks and trails will remain open to the public, and community members are encouraged to use them while still practicing proper social distancing (remaining six feet away from others) and following the hygiene guidelines provided by public health officials,” according to the press release.

Additional changes to City of East Lansing services will be necessary as a result of this executive order and will be published via the City’s Continuity of Operations Plan over the coming days.