Council - Regular Meeting

Wednesday.

Heat. Heat. Welcome everybody to this regular city council meeting for Monday, May 4th, 2026. Um, would you please call the role?

Fritz here. Calio here. Lion here. Dora here. Manza

here. Our invocation this evening is by Pastor Nathan Stro from the Grant Church of God. Please rise and remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Heavenly Father, we come before you tonight grateful for your love and your grace. We ask that Lord you would draw us back to you as your city, as your people. You would draw us back to repentance. draw us back to what you would have us to be and have us to do. Lord, I pray now for each and every single one of these council members that Lord, you would give them wisdom, you would give them guidance by your Holy Spirit and you would lead them in the right decisions, the right actions, the right moves that Father God, everything in this meeting would be ordained by you and that you would lead this city to greater things. that Lord we can be a grand city once again. Father God, we give you all the praise and honor and glory.

Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Uh, brings us to our approval of the consent and regular agendas. Can I get a motion, please? So, I'll move. Second. Motion by Fritz, second by Lion. Uh, changes to either the consent or regular agenda.

I'd like to ask that we move item 11D to new business. Okay. Any other changes? Can I get a motion for the amendment? Move. Second. Motion by Dora, second by Calio to move item 11D to new business, which would be 114 C. Please call the role. Dora, yes. Calio, yes. Lion, yes. Fritz, yes. Vanessa, yes. And if there's no further changes, would you please call the role on the agendas? Fritz, yes. Lion, yes. Dora, yes. Calio, yes. Manza,

yes.

That brings us to our first call to the audience. At this time, members of the audience may address council on any item, whether on the agenda or not. Those addressing council are asked to provide their name and address will be limited to three minutes of speaking time. Council will hear all comments for future consideration, will not have a response at this time. Those not physically present who would like to call in may dial 616 935 3203. We do have a u public hearing this evening on the budget too. So your comments are related to the budget, you can hold them for then otherwise uh who would like to address council. Thank you. My name is Ryan Cotton, 515 Park Avenue, and I'm glad to be here tonight um to uh do to speak on the budget, but later I'd like to at this point thank the council and the staff for everything that does make Grand Haven grand. As was just mentioned, uh three things in particular while I'm here, I want to thank you for the leadership on the public safety building and solution that was on the ballot. Gave us all a chance to exercise our democratic right. also your uh your response to the concerns about snow plowing this winter also from last winter before that and and consideration of a solution that that is now been implemented. And uh third the uh your study of and conclusion on the deer management uh which is another thorny and and tough issue we appreciate your your support and leadership for. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else? Seeing no one else, we'll close the call to the audience. This evening, we have a presentation, a mental health awareness pro month proclamation. Uh, do we have someone from Oh, Lita, are you going to read it? Okay, please.

Hi, my name is Lita, commissioner for the human relations commission of Grand Haven. City of Grand Haven, Michigan proclamation mental health awareness month. Whereas mental health is a vital component of overall health and well-being impacting individuals, families, and communities across all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. And whereas mental health conditions are common and treatable, yet stigma, misunderstanding, and barriers to care continue to prevent many individuals from seeking the support they need. And whereas promoting mental wellness strengthens families, enhances educational and workplace outcomes and continues contributes to safer, healthier, and more resilient communities. And whereas children and adolescents are facing increasing mental health challenges, making early awareness, intervention, and support essential to lifelong well-being. And whereas mental health continues to be a challenging area of nationwide community balance, reminding all community members near and far that compassion and patience are key to minimize impacts of mental health crisis. And whereas mental health awareness month provides an important opportunity to educate the public, foster open dialogue, reduce stigma, and reaffirm our shared responsibility to support mental health for all individuals. Now therefore be it proclaimed that the city of Grand Haven hereby designates the month of May 2026 as mental health awareness month in the city of Grand Haven and be it further proclaimed that we recognize seeking help as a sign of strength, commit to reducing stigma wherever it exists and stand with those in our community navigating mental health challenges. We further encourage residents,

organizations, schools, health care providers, and community leaders to work collaboratively to promote awareness, compassion, and access to effective mental health support. Thank you. Yeah. And I'm glad we're doing this. People with mental health issues suffer in silence and beyond stigma. So, what we do to recognize that and promote good mental health is important. All right, that brings us to our consent agenda. Marie, would you please read that?

Item A, approve the regular city council meeting minutes for April 27, 2026. Item B, approve the bills memo in the amount of $147,449. Item C, consideration by city council of a resolution to place delinquent invoices in the amount of 8 $8203 for CLT ground leases, $450 annual snow melt maintenance, $3,565.93 delinquent water sewer bills, $9912 and delinquent BLP electric bills, $3,15983 on the 2026 property tax bills, including an 8% penalty as single lot special assessment rule 599 with section 31-13 of the city's code of ordinances. Item D has been moved to new business and item E, approve a proclamation recognizing May as the mental health awareness month in the city of Grand Haven.

Okay. Can I get a motion on the consent agenda? So moved. Second. Motion by Fritz, second by Dora. Any further comments or questions on consent agenda? Please call the role. Fritz, yes. Dora, yes. Calio, yes. Lion, yes. Manza,

yes. All right, that brings us to our public hearing. So, I'm opening a public hearing regarding the proposed budget, mill rates, 1% tax administration fee fee schedule, capital plan for the city of Grand Haven fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026, ending June 30th, 2027. So, I'm opening a public hearing. Who would like to address council on the budget? Well, Emily, would you Emily, would you like to make a few comments before the public speaks?

I would like to. Emily Green, finance director. I just wanted to um go over a few of the changes that have happened or in the budget um that are reflected now in this proposed budget. Um changes happened from the work session on April 15th to now. Um change to the fee schedule. The building inspection permit fees, additional permit fee was increased to $300. uh public works, we put an outdoor dining section um for the barricade rental and parking space rental charges to make that more clear. And then the building permit fees, ICC valuation under other inspections and fees, we updated the fee to $75, which is the actual fee. Um prior years there was a $60 to $75. All of those fees are now 75. So we increased that. changes to the capital plan. We removed the property acquisition. Um there's nothing planned to acquire additional property at this time and we'll add that if we need to in the future. We removed the temporary farmers market electricity and lighting. The cost for the temporary electrical updates is below the asset threshold. So we removed it from the capital plan and updated that in the line items. the snow melt boiler replacement. We added a placeholder at $ 1.5 million in fiscal year 20 working will work towards figuring out the snow mile system, but heard you at the work session and so we added that as a placeholder. And um motorpool trucks, we were as of the work session, we did not have the up bidding costs. We received those shortly after that work session. So those at costs increased were added to that. Um we also included a tenative street resurfacing plan at the end of the capital plan and changes to revenue. Um the general

fund fiscal year revenue adjusted based on kind of updated projections that we received and same thing with expenses. So, as I looked through the budget, if they were if those increased, then generally we increased the lines that needed to often offset by lines that we could increase or decrease as needed. And then the millage rates, we received those last week as well. And so, those were updated in the budget document. Um, the city's now levy um 3125 mills less than the heavily reduced maximum. And those were all of the changes that I've gotten. All right. Thank you.

You're welcome. I think I helped produce 30 some budgets in my career and uh I want to thank you for uh how clear this one is and I haven't read every one of the 122 pages but I was looking for something spec specific. Once again my name is Ryan Cotton 515 Park Avenue. I serve on the sustainability and energy commission and u I'm here to talk about the tree uh canopy line item. Um uh just for background, you probably all recognize that Larry Burns was designated um by the administration to be our liaison on working through some of the questions associated with some comprehensive treat plan um discussions about policy in relation to trying to be the best that we can be and everyone of course um you know feels that way because of our tree status etc. So, but there are a lot of uh changes that have taken place nationwide that that can support what Grand Haven's uh goals are. One is a standard about having a 40% tree canopy. Um some communities go even larger more than that for all the right environmental reasons, storm water benefit, cooling benefit, beauty, um as well as oxygen creation. So, uh, that kind of is what got us, uh, down this road. Uh, with Larry's, uh, support and and knowledge, uh, we also learned the, uh, benefits of an inventory, a detailed inventory that is updated, uh, regularly. And with his knowledge also there was some information we we gleaned from uh contractors that can provide these services as well as a a lump sum budget

number which I see on page um I think it's 29 of the capital plan uh and um makes a lot of sense um and is and is uh something that the SEC ended up voting on and supporting. So, I just want to thank you for being able to find the resources to include that in the budget. Having said that, um I there's two things I don't want to assume. Um I I don't want anyone here to assume that the company that provided the budget number to us uh is is known to be any better than any other company that does this. So, I assume that the normal purchasing will be followed and you know find the best um competitor out there. Um, and that is good for a number of reasons. Uh, one, you want the best product, but also at the at the best price. And that's important because we, um, there's two components to what we talked about. One is the inventory. You know, what trees exist where, what condition are they in, where are the gaps, what needs to be done to fill those gaps. Okay. Um, and some of the management uh, variables associated with that. The second component is what's the overall percentage of the canopy. You know, what's the percentage of the community that that has leaves above it? Of course, in distressed communities, you know, that percentage can drop as low as 5 or 10%. Um, it's thought from some very rough data that we have that we were at 32% and have dropped to 28%. And I hes I hesitate to mention that because it is rough and it is dated data. So hopefully with the competition and the resources that are in the budget, you'll also be able to add to the RFP that that this uh this contractor can establish what is that percentage today. Uh we had the last point to be made on that is we had hoped that GIS at Ottawa County could assist

us with that and they can. However, the data they have is all with trees without the leaves on. Um, so obviously to establish tree cannabis, you need the leaves on and that's not something the GIS they they they fly over during uh bare leaf seasons. So that's um that's where we're at. Thank you mainly and um glad that you're moving forward on this and we're here on the sustainable environmental commission energy commission to uh to be of any support we can be. Thank you Ryan.

Anyone else? Seeing no one else, I will close the public hearing. We take no action on that this evening. We'll take action on adopting the agenda at our next meeting. And between now and then, it's possible for a change, but unlikely. All right. So, we'll move on now to new business. Marie, would you read the first item of new business? Item A, consideration by city council of a resolution to approve a partial closure of Fourth Street between Columbus Avenue and Washington Avenue to provide World Book Day additional space for the book giveaway on June 28, 2026. Administration recommends approval. Can I get a motion on this? So moved

in second. Motion by Calio, second by Fritz Brian.

Hello there. Um, so before you tonight, um, oh, Brian Dro, Waterfront Events Manager. Um, before you tonight is a request by World Book Day, uh, organized by Brilliance Publishing. Um, they've been around for quite a while here in town. Um, annually they give away up to 20,000 books for free to the community. Um they have new organ or new organizers this year and uh logistically they've asked if they could get some more space on Fourth Street by doing a partial close down um from Columbus to the bank so that bank traffic's not interrupted um but give them more room to unload and load books and uh just operate a little more efficiently. Have they ever requested a street closure before?

No. Okay. Questions, comments? No. I I think this is a good move for the fact is I've been there when they unload them. If they're over on Columbus Street over there, the traffic's going by and everything else. It's really they're trying from all different angles to get their books out there right away for everybody because there's usually a large crowd waiting for them. And so if they have them all in one area like that, I think it's gets them off the main street, which is Columbus there. And I think that's really good. So I think this is a good move for them.

When I've attended in the past, it's an incredible event. And there's a lot of our community that takes part in it and um a lot of books that are donated, which is an amazing thing. So to have the road closed for a few hours seems reasonable to me.

Yeah, I don't think it's a big deal to close the road, at least that part of it. It is Artfest weekend um and the tail end of Artfest weekend. So that is artists clearing out at the same time they'll be clearing out. Um so I guess I just worry about the congestion of everybody trying to leave at the same time. Um but I mean I think it's kind of great to use the the amount of people I guess getting all the artists down here and all the book lovers down here at the same time. It might get more people doing both um and enjoying both, but I think it could make for a very chaotic moment at the end of the day, but good luck to them.

And we've attended it um for many years in the past. And we're not we're not talking about just a couple boxes of books here. I mean, we're talking about thousands and thousands of books that they are moving into the park and giving away and hauling back out. So, it's a great event and a great place to to find books that you're looking for at a reasonable price. So, I don't have an issue with it either. Can you remind us what the hours of the closure would be? I believe setup began at 8:00 a.m. Uh, they begin at 10:00 a.m. and then shut down at 1. So, I would say probably about 2:00 they should be cleared out of there.

Okay. So, that should help with some of the traffic concerns that they'll be closing mid they'll be reopening the street midafter afternoon, right? Is that what you're expecting? Okay. Unfortunately, it's a it's not a main route, so maybe it won't be so bad. I don't think it'll be a huge deal. I think that it's good to accommodate this. I mean, you can't get a much better event that putting books in the hands of people. So, I think it's outstanding. Any other comments? Please call the role. Calio, yes. Fritz, yes. Lion, yes. Dora, yes. Manza, yes.

Next item, please. Item B, consideration by city council of a resolution to accept the low bid and approve the contractor services agreement with PK contracting of Lake City, Michigan in the budgeted amount of $58,940.95 for citywide pavement marking and striping. Administration recommends approval. Can I get a motion on this? So move second. I think I heard Lions and Freds relying on and Fritz. Sorry. That's right. Um,

yes, sir. Uh, Logan Cington, streets and utilities manager. Um, what I have for you is the pavement marking contract um to be done by PK Contracting. Um, staff thought that due to the hard winter and um the visuals of what the pavement markings look like at the current point, um, it was needed to do citywide striping this year. So, I can answer any other questions you may have about the contract. Okay. But

just just to add a little bit because I know there were some questions, we did only receive one bid for this, which is not um an unusual occurrence for our um paving bids, but also just additional clarification that Logan had provided me um is the company we're approving tonight had bought out a company we had previously used. So the market again is a little bit slimmer in that regard. So um we believe that to be the result of why we only have one bid. And this is a company we previously worked with that got bought out. Yes. Okay. We used to have Advance uh Advanced Paving and Striping used to do it for us and PK they they bought them out. So Yep. I was glad to hear.

And we currently work with um Don who owned Advanced Pavement Markings who is now at PK. Oh, Don went over. So it's the same person we're working with just under the new company name. Yeah. Don's pretty good at it. Not only does he do streets and stuff like that, but he also does like MIS. He does all racetracks and stuff. Well, well verssed in it. I did a little research. Okay, questions, comments. No, I like to see typically more than one, but don't have it. Is what it is. Can't go out and make them bid.

Nope. And the pricing has been um fairly consistent on this um since 2020. um the costs of say like a crosswalk have gone up um 100%. So we're hoping that those prices kind of level off from here on out. So when you say citywide, is this truly citywide? Is this throughout the city or is it specific areas? Uh downtown specifically, but other than that, they have a footage that they go to and once they get to that, then they would be done. So the the footage was estimated to cover majority of the city. Mhm. Okay. Okay. Anything else? Please call the role. Lion, yes. Fritz,

yes. Calio, yes. Dora, yes. Manza, yes. Okay. Next item, please. New business. C. Consideration by city council of a resolution to approve the case of the Monday's event in Lynn Sherwood Waterfront Stadium for six nights in July and August of 2026. Can I get a motion? So moved. Okay, I heard Calio. Motion, my friend, second by Calio. You can have Brian, you're up again.

I'm back. Uh, Brian Drills, Waterfront Events Manager. Um, over the last couple summers of being here, uh, staff has received a lot of feedback from community business owners that, uh, Waterfront Stadium sits pretty empty on Monday nights all year long. Um, in fact, last year it was only used on one Monday night the whole year for Coastg Guard Monday. And, uh, a lot of people in the community, business owners have uh, commented that it'd be great to have something there. Uh, it is, uh, commonly considered the slowest night for first block, first couple blocks, social district. U, there's just not a lot happening. And then uh other side is as an events manager, we've had a lot of bands reach out looking to play gigs. Um either they're just starting out or they're very small um don't have enough uh time in the area to be recognized by local businesses, can't get gigs at um Oddside or um any of the other places in town and uh they're just looking for a place to play. And uh so staff saw a really good opportunity for a lot of wins at the same time. And uh before you we would like to reserve the stadium this summer uh three nights in July, three nights in August for an open mic style concert series. Um bands don't pay anything to play. We don't pay them. They don't charge any attendance. Just come as you go. Um hopefully that will kind of have more of a draw downtown on a very slow, traditionally slow evening during the week. and uh hopefully get a little more foot traffic down there and have another night of live music in Grand Haven.

All right, questions, comments? I just want to say thank you. I think it's a great idea. Um I would love Grand Haven to keep supporting local artists and especially on their way up to greater things. So we can maybe say they played here when. Um and yeah, I think it's it's really smart use of the space. So, thank you for your effort on that. For sure. I think we have one of the most beautiful venues in Michigan and I think it should be used more. So, it's a great use of that space. Agree.

I think this is fantastic. Um, I'm the big music guy anyways from way back. I started the Battle of the Bands, which I had local bands that would come and compete during the Coast Guard time for us and they were just garage bands basically, a lot of them. And I was just talking with my fellow member here about a guy named Garrett Bournes. When his band first started out, he played in our battle of bands and they was just just started out. You know, if anybody knows Garrett Bournes, he went on to be pretty big from Grand Haven. So, I'm pretty proud of this and I really think this is going to be a good good thing to do for our waterfront. when we built that Lyn Sherwood when we was first building it, we wanted to have as much activity down there and stuff on this order down there for it would be really good. So, I want to say thank you for uh stepping forward and moving it to us. So, I appreciate it very much.

Yeah. And I think for up and cominging bands and people trying to get started and get heard, the price is right, the venue is available. It's all good. Yeah. Anything else? Let's call the roll. Fritz. Yes. Calio, yes. Dora, yes. Lion, yes. Manza, yes. That concludes our business for the evening. It brings us to our report by city council. Who would like to go first? I'll just say a quick thank you for the mental health proclamation first off, and once again to our DPW who seem to be working a lot of overtime lately, putting out fires.

Yes. and seems like they're working on all the projects that we wish we didn't have to work on. Yes. With extra hours. So, we always appreciate that. Uh, no one wants to be out in the middle of their night fixing that kind of stuff, especially, you know, what they were working on. So, never good. Um, I guess the 7th we have a meetings with the BLP coming up, which I'm looking forward to, and that starts at 6 PM. At 6. And wasn't there something before that? Uh the BLP is graciously providing you dinner if you would like to show up early to eat, but obviously not part of the meeting. No, but no business will be conducted before 6,

right? Okay. Officially starts at 6, but hungry people show up earlier. No. Maybe extra, I guess. Um no, that's um about all I have. Um other than a beautiful day, probably not long to live. it sounds like, but colder weather coming. Thank you very much for your proclamation as well. Okay.

Uh I just wanted to welcome back all the college kids that are now home for the summer or getting close to. Um we have just a few more days for ours to get back, but we're glad you're back and we're glad you're here. Um, and then also to the city staff, uh, all the effort that you put into the putt putt cleanup and, um, allowing me to pretend that I do work. So, thank you for all your effort there, too.

Okay. Um, I just like to give my condolences out to the Dantag family. He was a long he's been a long officer here, a detective, and also our chief. And he also was a musician. He had what they call dant tag and the tag alongs. And not only that, he taught me my very first lessons in playing the guitar. So meant a lot to me. And also um I was going to say something about Taylor Street Hill, but I'll get a hold of Mike on that myself personally. It's pretty deteriorated. Uh Tigers, well scooble elbow surgery. So

we'll see what happens now. who they bring up and who can replace them. It's pretty big shoes to fill for us. So, and happy Cinco de Mayo. That's coming up. And also, you got to do it. I got to do it. Okay. Got to do it. May the fourth be with you.

I didn't want to do it. I'd do it. Don't matter to me. All right. Yeah. I appreciate everything that the DPWs had to respond to. Everything made by man has to be repaired and maintained and it's fact life and it doesn't break when you want it to. So, yes, we have an excellent crew and they work very hard. And uh everyone on staff does. We're in the middle of our street resurfacing, which is like you mentioned Taylor. There's at least one block of Taylor that's ground up that can resurface, but happening all over town. Should be happening this week. I don't know if they were out this today or not. Mhm. Were they okay? I didn't notice them, but I didn't go everywhere. I should be should all be getting done this week.

And then now we're all set up for marking. Um Oh, are we done hiring seasonal? Are we done hiring seasonal help for u Brian shaking his head? Brian shaking his head. So there's opportunities. You mentioned college kids coming home. We have we have work for you if you want to. season will help for the city. There's there's things we can put you weren't doing. So, we're we almost don't quite double our workforce in the summertime, but we bring on a lot of seasonal help and they keep the city looking really special and clean and bright. And

without them, we couldn't do all these things. So, I think that's all excellent. And other than that, I don't really have any other comments. So, I'll turn it over to Ashley. I don't have anything for you this evening, but we'll see you Thursday at 6 PM. Okay. What time is dinner? I believe five. Okay. The food should be here by 5. Yes. That's the magic words. I knew that. That is the important part. Yes.

Okay. Well, then that brings us to our second call to the audience. Anybody wishing to address city council may please give us your name and address. Speak for no more than three minutes. And we'd like to address council now. I don't see any big rush of people. All right. Well, if no one else would like to address council, then if there is no further business this evening, we are adjourned. Thank you.