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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
June 10, 2025 @ 5:30 PM
MUSKEGON CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall,
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, Michigan at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Mayor Johnson opened the meeting with a moment of silence, after which the
Commission and public recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Ken Johnson, Vice Mayor Rebecca St. Clair, Commissioners
Rachel Gorman, Katrina Kochin, and Willie German, Jr., City Manager
Jonathan Seyferth, City Attorney John Schrier, and City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
Absent: Commissioners Jay Kilgo and Destinee Keener
2025-45 HONORS, AWARDS, AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Women's Veterans Day Resolution Manager's Office
Mayor Johnson read the Women's Veterans Day Resolution and presented it to
the Women Veterans who were in attendance thanking them for coming and
for their service.
B. Climate Action Plan - Fresh Coast Climate Solutions Government
Relations & Strategic Operations
Peter Wills, Director of Government Relations and Strategic Operations,
introduced Rebecca Elder and Jenny Oorbeck from Fresh Coast Climate
Solutions who presented the City’s Government Operations Climate Action
Plan (CAP). A CAP exists for assets owned and operated by the City. The CAP
establishes a roadmap for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from
municipal operations by 2040.
2025-46 PUBLIC HEARINGS
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A. Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate - 351 W. Western Ave (Units
7A-7B) (Floors 2-5) Economic Development
The staff is requesting the approval of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ)
certificate for 15 years for new construction apartments at 351 W. Western
Ave. An application for a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) certificate has
been received from 351 Phase II LLC for the construction of 64 new apartment
units (41 studios and 23 one-bedroom units) located at 351 W. Western Avenue.
The project also includes retail space. The City Commission previously
approved a Brownfield Plan amendment for this project on May 13, 2025.
According to the Brownfield Plan, approximately 50% of the apartments will be
designated for individuals earning 120% or less of the area median income
(AMI) for a period of 30 years. The cost of construction is estimated at $232,160
per unit. This project represents the second phase of the Lakeview Lofts
development. The applicant has met both local and state requirements for the
issuance of the NEZ certificate.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) certificate for 15 years for 351 W. Western
Ave (Units 7A & 7B) (Floors 2-5) and authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign
the certificate and resolution.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kochin, to close
the public hearing and approve the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ)
certificate for 15 years for 351 W. Western Ave (Units 7A & 7B) (Floors 2-5) and
authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign the certificate and resolution.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, German, Gorman, and Kochin
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Community and Neighborhood Services 2025 Annual Action
Plan Community & Neighborhood Services
Citizen input is a necessary process of program activities for the CDBG/HOME
annual allocations. The 2025 Annual Action Plan comment period is another
opportunity to comment on the programs and activities proposed during the
Hearing.
The Annual Action Plan is available on our website for citizen review and
comment. The comment period is 30 days from June 2 to July 1, 2025. A public
hearing is another opportunity to comment about the Federal CDBG and
HOME program activities performed during the fiscal year 2024 (July 1,2025 -
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June 30, 2026).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To host a hearing for the Annual Action Plan 2025.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Vice Mayor St.Clair, second by Commissioner Kochin, to close the
Public Hearing.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, German, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
FEDERAL/STATE/COUNTY OFFICIALS UPDATE
Jessica Cook, Muskegon County Commissioner for District 6, stated they just
signed a new 3-year contract with the County Administrator, Mark
Eisenbarth. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services awarded
accreditation to the Public Health Department. Accepted an increase in the
DTE Energy Assistance Program. Original budget was 3.8 million dollars and
they just increased it to 7.3 million dollars.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments received.
2025-47 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the May 27, 2025, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Fresh Coast Climate Solutions - Climate Action Plan Manager's Office
Staff to present and seek adoption of the City's Government Operations
Climate Action Plan (CAP) as prepared by Fresh Coast Climate Solutions. A
CAP exists for assets owned and operated by the City. The CAP establishes a
roadmap for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
municipal operations by 2040.
In April 2023, the City Commission passed a resolution declaring the city’s
commitment to climate action initiatives and to combat the impact of climate
change on our community and planet. The city intends to reduce its
organizational GHG emissions through deliberative budget, policy, and
administrative actions.
In February 2024, a Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory was
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completed. Results of this Inventory were intended to inform the development
of a Climate Action Plan.
This CAP’s content is organized into 5 focus areas, 18 objectives, and 97
actions.
Understanding which facilities are the highest contributors to the city’s
organizational GHG emissions can inform investments in energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and operational improvements to maximize emissions
reductions.
The City received a $75,000 Community Energy Management Program grant
through EGLE to offset the cost of the contract.
Documents related to Climate Action can be found here.
https://muskegon-mi.gov/city-services/elected-officials/climate-action/
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to adopt the City of Muskegon Government
Operations-Climate Action Plan, as presented.
C. FY 2025-26 Budget Manager's Office
Presenting a draft of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget - the total appropriation
across all funds is $111.9 million, with $44.1 million appropriated from the
general fund.
Staff distributed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget on May 12, 2025. We held our
public hearing on May 27, 2025, and further discussion took place at our work
session on Monday, June 9. The staff recommends approval of the FY 2026
budget as presented, with total appropriations of $111.9 million, including $44.1
million in the general fund. The General Fund budget is presented with a
budget surplus (in the black) of $232,972.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to approve the budget resolution for Fiscal
Year 2025-26, which begins on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
H. Contract for expungement clinics with G.U.N.S. Planning
The City has partnered with G.U.N.S. (Gaining UNITY through Non-Violent
Solutions) for the past two years to provide expungement clinics. This contract is
for another three expungement clinics to be held over the next year.
The City has partnered with G.U.N.S. (Gaining UNITY through Non-Violent
Solutions) for the past two years to provide expungement clinics. These services
are paid for by the Muskegon Social Equity Program, which is funded through
excise tax dollars from adult-use marihuana. This contract is for another three
expungement clinics to be held over the next year. These services are free of
charge to all residents of the City.
At their May 28 meeting, the Legislative Policy Committee recommended
entering into an agreement with G.U.N.S. to provide expungement clinic
services.
Page 4 of 10
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the contract with G.U.N.S. as
presented.
I. 4th Quarter Reforecast FY 2024-25 Finance
At this time, staff is seeking approval of the 4th Quarter budget reforecast for
the 24/25 fiscal year.
Overall, the revenues in the General Fund went up by $399,000. However, the
General Fund expenditures went up by $989,000. Payroll and benefits make
up a largest portion of the General Fund increased expenditures. Legal fees
expenditures are expected to go up by $175,000 from the original budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the 4th Quarter fiscal year 2024-25
budget reforecast as presented by staff.
K. Resolution for 292 W Western Ave Unit 103 Social District
Permit Manager's Office
Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill and Bar LLC is requesting to join the Downtown
Muskegon Social District for their new restaurant, Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill
and Bar, located at 292 W Western Ave Unit 103—in the Leonard Building,
alongside Hometown Creamery and the Exchange. To meet state
requirements under MCL 436.1551, the business must receive approval from the
City Commission in order to apply for a Social District Permit. Puerto Vallarta
Mexican Grill and Bar plans to open on June 20, 2025, and will feature a full bar
and Mexican food. Upon approval, staff will coordinate with the business to
provide training on social district rules as outlined in our social district processes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: to approve the Social District Permit for Puerto
Vallarta Mexican Grill and Bar LLC at 292 W Western Ave Unit 103, Muskegon,
MI 49440 for consideration by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
L. Charter Amendment Language Manager's Office
Staff is seeking approval of proposed ballot language for a charter
amendment.
A petition was circulated to amend Chapter III, Section 3 of the City Charter
establishing a 12 year term limit for City Commissioners. The resolution is
presented for commission approval.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: to approve the resolution approving ballot
language for a 12 year term limit for service on the City Commission.
M. Concur with CRC Recommendation City Clerk
To concur with CRC recommendation to accept resignation and make
appointments.
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To accept the resignation of Shaundrica Roberts from the Citizen's Police
Review Board; appoint Heather Garretson to the Citizen's Police Review Board
as citizen at-large; and appoint Scott Plummer to the Construction Code Board
of Appeals as plumbing.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To accept the resignation of Shaundrica Roberts
and appoint Heather Garretson and Scott Plummer.
Motion by Commissioner Gorman, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to adopt the
Consent Agenda as presented minus items D, E, F, G, and J.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2025-48 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
D. Social Media Policy & Guidelines Community Engagement
Staff recommends the approval of the Social Media Use Policy and Guidelines.
To address the evolving landscape of online communication and ensure
responsible, effective, and consistent use of social media by the City of
Muskegon, a comprehensive Social Media Use Policy and Guidelines has been
developed. This Policy establishes protocols for social media use by City
officials and employees, ensuring communications are properly authorized,
formatted, and legally compliant, particularly considering rulings such as Lindke
v. Freed, 601 U.S. 187 (2024).
At the May 28, 2025 Legislative Policy Committee Meeting, Commissioners
reviewed a draft social media policy. Based on their feedback, staff made two
clarifying updates:
1. Elected Official Pages (Page 2): Updated language encourages officials to
distinguish their elected pages from personal ones and understand legal
responsibilities. A previous request to separate campaign and official pages
was removed, recognizing that incumbents may use official pages for
campaigning.
2. Oversight and Enforcement (Page 3): Corrected wording to specify that City-
controlled pages—not individual staff or officials—are prohibited from
posting certain types of content, including confidential information,
copyright violations, offensive language, partisan political views, and
commercial content.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: to approve the Social Media Use Policy and
Guidelines as presented, authorizing its immediate implementation.
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Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner German, to
approve the Social Media Use Policy and Guidelines as presented, authorizing
its immediate implementation.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
E. Sale of 286 Myrtle, 518 Oak, and 450 Orchard. Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 286 Myrtle,
518 Oak, and 450 Orchard to RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone Capital LLC.
RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone Capital LLC would like to purchase the City-
owned buildable lots at 286 Myrtle, 518 Oak, and 450 Orchard for $8,400 (75%
of the True Cash Value of $11,200) plus half of the closing costs, and the fee to
register the deed. RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone Capital LLC will be
constructing a single-family home on each property. Both 286 Myrtle and 450
Orchard will be split into two build-able lots, for a total of five (5) single-family
homes to be built.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at
286 Myrtle, 518 Oak, and 450 Orchard to RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone
Capital LLC.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to authorize
staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 286 Myrtle, 518 Oak, and 450 Orchard
to RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone Capital LLC.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: German
MOTION PASSES
F. Contract Award: SP92339 City Parks Parking Lot Improvements DPW-
Engineering
Staff is requesting authorization to enter into a contract with McCormick Sand,
Inc. in the amount of $621,571.00 for parking lot reconstruction work within
Reese Playfield, Sheldon Park, Beukema Playfield, and Grand Trunk Launch
Ramp.
Bids were solicited for a construction project to reconstruct the parking lots
within three parks and one boat launch; Reese Playfield, Sheldon Park,
Beukema Playfield, and Grand Trunk Launch Ramp. McCormick Sand of
Whitehall provided the low bid. This work is being funded by ARPA dollars
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dedicated to Parks capital improvement needs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a contract with
McCormick Sand, Inc. in the amount of $621,571.00 for parking lot
reconstruction work within Reese Playfield, Sheldon Park, Beukema Playfield,
and Grand Trunk Launch Ramp.
Motion by Vice Mayor St.Clair, second by Commissioner Kochin, to authorize
staff to enter into a contract with McCormick Sand, Inc. in the amount of
$621,571.00 for parking lot reconstruction work within Reese Playfield, Sheldon
Park, Beukema Playfield, and Grand Trunk Launch Ramp.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, German, and Gorman
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
G. Kruse Park Nature Scape Playground Award DPW- Parks
Staff requests approval to enter into a contract with Nature Playscapes in the
amount of $152,597 for a "nature scape" playground at Kruse Park based on
their innovation, sustainability, qualifications and experience building nature
scapes in Michigan.
Through our park master planning efforts, the community identified Kruse Park
as the perfect location for a Nature Scape Playground. A nature scape
playground (also known as a natural playground or nature-based play area) is
a play environment that uses natural elements—such as trees, rocks, sand,
water, logs, and native plants—instead of traditional playground equipment
like plastic slides and metal swings. Natural materials (wood, boulders, plants,
soil), unstructured elements that encourage creative play (e.g., tree stumps for
jumping, logs for balancing), integration with the natural landscape, and
design reflecting the local ecosystem emphasize open-ended play rather than
fixed play. Several proposals provided a nice playground design but failed to
represent a true natural playground. Out of the 4 bids we received, Nature
Playscapes shows the most innovative and sustainable design that fits into the
natural playground criteria. This playground was budgeted at $160,000. The
bid tab is shown below.
Nature Playscapes - $152,927
Kinetic Recreation - $149,457
Park Vision - $149,535
WeBuildFun - $93,768
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to approve staff to enter into a contract with
Nature Playscapes in the amount of $152,597 for a "nature scape" playground
at Kruse Park based on their innovation, sustainability, qualifications and
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experience building nature scapes in Michigan.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to approve
staff to enter into a contract with Nature Playscapes in the amount of $152,597
for a "nature scape" playground at Kruse Park based on their innovation,
sustainability, qualifications and experience building nature scapes in
Michigan.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, German, Gorman, and Kochin
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
J. Official City of Muskegon Pride & Juneteenth Flags Manager's Office
A proposal to adopt two additional Official City Flags modeled on the Intersex
Pride Flag & the Juneteenth Flag.
Cities across the country have taken steps to ensure inclusive symbols can be
used in their cities. One way to achieve this is by adopting multiple official city
flags that can be flown at any time. It is proposed that the City of Muskegon
adopt two additional city flags based on the Intersex Pride Flag, with the city's
tile "M" in the lower right corner of the flag. And another flag based on the
Official Juneteenth Flag with the city's time "M" in the upper left corner of the
flag.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To adopt the City of Muskegon Pride Flag and the
City of Muskegon Juneteenth Flag as alternative official City flags.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kochin, to adopt
the City of Muskegon Pride Flag and the City of Muskegon Juneteenth Flag as
alternative official City flags.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to table this
item to the June 24th Commission Meeting.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Johnson celebrated the Muskegon Pride Group, as well as JC's, and all
the other sponsors and vendors that put on the Pride Festival at Hackley Park.
Vice Mayor St.Clair reminded everyone about the Juneteenth Parade on
Thursday, June 19th at 11:00.
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Commissioner Kochin stated that Thursday, June 12th, at 3:30 at Fisherman's
Landing is the Public Safety Youth Fishing Derby.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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