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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
June 24, 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 24, 2025.
Pastor Jeremy Lenertz from First Wesleyan Church of Muskegon, opened the
meeting with prayer, 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
Katrina Kochin, Jay Kilgo, Willie German, Jr., and Rachel Gorman, City Manager
Jonathan Seyferth, City Attorney John Schrier, and City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
Absent: Commissioner Destinee Keener
2025-49 HONORS, AWARDS, AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Introduction of Isabela Gonzalez, Economic Development
Analyst Economic Development
Jake Eckholm, Director of Development Services, introduced Isabela Gonzalez,
the new Economic Development Analyst.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments received.
2025-50 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the June 9, 2025, Commission Worksession Meeting, and
the June 10, 2025, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption at 524 and 528 Oak Duplex/ADU
Project Economic Development
Page 1 of 14
Arnoldink Properties, with Derek Sjaarda acting as builder, is requesting a
housing tax exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's on
2 lots in the Angell neighborhood.
Mr. Sjaarda has been working with Development Services Staff and leadership
in order to facilitate new construction rental housing in the City of Muskegon.
These proposed lots will be utilized for two 2 story duplexes with an accessory
dwelling unit behind each for a total of 6 housing units. In this case Sjaarda
Homes is acting as the owner's representative and builder for the Arnoldink
family. They are proposing that all units be subject to the proposed PILOT, which
will reserve them for only households under 120% of the Area Median Income
(AMI) for Muskegon County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and
the ADU's are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
This resolution will result in the City assessing 10% of the annual rents on the
property as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a period of 15 years in
exchange for the developer complying with MSHDA rent limits. With recent
changes to state statute, these properties can benefit the City's scattered site
Brownfield TIF program despite being part of the PILOT. This is the same
incentive program we approved for Allen Edwin in 2023, but with smaller
incremental developers.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Resolution for Housing Tax
Exemption for Arnoldink Properties, LLC and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to
sign.
C. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant, 524 and 528 Oak Duplex/ADU
Project Economic Development
Arnoldink Properties, with Derek Sjaarda acting as builder, is requesting a
housing tax exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's on
2 lots in the Angell neighborhood.
Mr. Sjaarda has been working with Development Services Staff and leadership
in order to facilitate new construction rental housing in the City of Muskegon.
These proposed lots will be utilized for two 2 story duplexes with an accessory
dwelling unit behind each for a total of 6 housing units. In this case Sjaarda
Homes is acting as the owner's representative and builder for the Arnoldink
family. They are proposing that all units be subject to the proposed PILOT, which
will reserve them for only households under 120% of the Area Median Income
(AMI) for Muskegon County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and
the ADU's are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
This restrictive covenant establishes the terms by which the City has agreed to
authorize a PILOT as opposed to ad valorem property taxes for these parcels. It
is to be attached to an affidavit the developer must submit to MSHDA to prove
they have local approval for the project and to their commitment to reserving
these units for households within the MSHDA income thresholds.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Workforce Housing Restrictive
Covenant between Arnoldink Properties, LLC and the City and to authorize the
Mayor and Clerk to sign.
Page 2 of 14
E. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption at 300, 310, and 370 Allen
Duplex/ADU Project Economic Development
OrangeFin Properties, owned by Kara Novak and her husband, are requesting
a housing tax exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's
on 3 lots in the Angell neighborhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Novak have been working with Development Services Staff and
leadership in order to facilitate new construction rental and for sale housing in
the City of Muskegon. These proposed lots will be utilized for three 2 story
duplexes with an accessory dwelling unit behind each for a total of 9 housing
units. The Novaks are proposing that all units be subject to the proposed PILOT,
which will reserve them for only households under 120% of the Area Median
Income (AMI) for Muskegon County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2
bathroom and the ADU's are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. The units at 370 Allen are
potentially to be used for a partnership with Goodwill Industries to provide
housing to returning citizens that have completed their independent living
course and have full time employment.
This resolution will result in the City assessing 10% of the annual rents on the
property as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a period of 15 years in
exchange for the developer complying with MSHDA rent limits. With recent
changes to state statute, these properties can benefit the City's scattered site
Brownfield TIF program despite being part of the PILOT. This is the same
incentive program we approved for Allen Edwin in 2023, but with smaller
incremental developers.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Resolution for Housing Tax
Exemption for OrangeFin Properties, LLC and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk
to sign.
F. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant, 300, 310, and 370 Allen Duplex
ADU Project Economic Development
OrangeFin Properties, owned by Kara Novak and her husband, are requesting
a housing tax exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's
on 3 lots in the Angell neighborhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Novak have been working with Development Services Staff and
leadership in order to facilitate new construction rental and for sale housing in
the City of Muskegon. These proposed lots will be utilized for three 2 story
duplexes with an accessory dwelling unit behind each for a total of 9 housing
units. The Novaks are proposing that all units be subject to the proposed PILOT,
which will reserve them for only households under 120% of the Area Median
Income (AMI) for Muskegon County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2
bathroom and the ADU's are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. The units at 370 Allen are
potentially to be used for a partnership with Goodwill Industries to provide
housing to returning citizens that have completed their independent living
course and have full time employment.
This restrictive covenant establishes the terms by which the City has agreed to
Page 3 of 14
authorize a PILOT as opposed to ad valorem property taxes for these parcels. It
is to be attached to an affidavit the developer must submit to MSHDA to prove
they have local approval for the project and to their commitment to reserving
these units for households within the MSHDA income thresholds.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Workforce Housing Restrictive
Covenant between OrangeFin Properties, LLC and the City and to authorize
the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
H. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption at 280 Allen and 305 Amity
Duplex/ADU Project Economic Development
Joe and Jennifer Helms, represented by builder Derek Sjaarda, is requesting a
housing tax exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's on
2 lots in the Angell neighborhood.
Mr. Sjaarda has been working with Development Services Staff and leadership
in order to facilitate new construction rental housing in the City of Muskegon
and is acting as the contractor and owner’s rep for Joe and Jennifer Helms in
this case. These proposed lots will be utilized for two 2 story duplexes with an
accessory dwelling unit behind each for a total of 6 housing units. Mr. Sjaarda is
proposing that all units be subject to the proposed PILOT, which will reserve
them for only households under 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for
Muskegon County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and the ADU's
are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom.
This resolution will result in the City assessing 10% of the annual rents on the
property as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a period of 15 years in
exchange for the developer complying with MSHDA rent limits. With recent
changes to state statute, these properties can benefit the City's scattered site
Brownfield TIF program despite being part of the PILOT. This is the same
incentive program we approved for Allen Edwin in 2023, but with smaller
incremental developers.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Resolution for Housing Tax
Exemption for Helm Group, LLC and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
I. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant, 280 Allen and 305 Amity
Duplex/ADU Project Economic Development
Joe and Jennifer Helm, represented by builder Derek Sjaarda, is requesting a
housing tax exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's on
2 lots in the Angell neighborhood.
Mr. Sjaarda has been working with Development Services Staff and leadership
in order to facilitate new construction rental and housing in the City of
Muskegon. These proposed lots will be utilized for two 2 story duplexes with an
accessory dwelling unit behind each for a total of 6 housing units. Mr. Sjaarda is
proposing that all units be subject to the proposed PILOT, which will reserve
them for only households under 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for
Muskegon County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and the ADU's
are 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. The units at 370 Allen are potentially to be used for
Page 4 of 14
a partnership with Goodwill Industries to provide housing to returning citizens
that have completed their independent living course and have full time
employment.
This restrictive covenant establishes the terms by which the city has agreed to
authorize a PILOT as opposed to ad valorem property taxes for these parcels. It
is to be attached to an affidavit the developer must submit to MSHDA to prove
they have local approval for the project and to their commitment to reserving
these units for households within the MSHDA income thresholds.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Workforce Housing Restrictive
Covenant between Helm Group, LLC and the City and to authorize the Mayor
and Clerk to sign.
J. Sale of 305 Amity & 280 Allen Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 305 Amity &
280 Allen to Helms Group (Joe Helms).
Helms Group (Joe Helms) would like to purchase the City-owned buildable lots
at 305 Amity & 280 Allen for $6,000 (75% of the True Cash Value of $8,000) plus
half of the closing costs, and the fee to register the deed. Helms Group (Joe
Helms) will be constructing a duplex and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on
each property. 280 Allen is adjacent to the current location of the Angell
Neighborhood Association (NA) community garden (290 Allen). The Angell NA
has given an official letter of support for the development of the lots.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at
305 Amity & 280 Allen to Helms Group (Joe Helms) .
K. Resolution for Housing Tax Exemption at 313 Orchard Duplex/ADU
Project Economic Development
JEB Group, with Derek Sjaarda acting as builder, is requesting a housing tax
exemption for the new construction infill of duplexes and ADU's on 1 lot in the
Angell neighborhood.
Mr. Sjaarda has been working with Development Services Staff and leadership
in order to facilitate new construction rental housing in the City of Muskegon.
These proposed lots will be utilized for two 2 story duplexes with an accessory
dwelling unit behind each for a total of 6 housing units. In this case Sjaarda
Homes is acting as the owner's representative and builder for the JEB Group, a
small scale family property investment company. They are proposing that all
units be subject to the proposed PILOT, which will reserve them for only
households under 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Muskegon
County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and the ADU's are 1
bedroom, 1 bathroom.
This resolution will result in the City assessing 10% of the annual rents on the
property as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for a period of 15 years in
exchange for the developer complying with MSHDA rent limits. With recent
changes to state statute, these properties can benefit the City's scattered site
Brownfield TIF program despite being part of the PILOT. This is the same
Page 5 of 14
incentive program we approved for Allen Edwin in 2023, but with smaller
incremental developers.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Resolution for Housing Tax
Exemption for JEB Group, LLC and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
L. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant, 313 Orchard Duplex/ADU
Project Economic Development
JEB Group, with builder Derek Sjaarda, is requesting a housing tax exemption
for the new construction infill of a duplex and ADU on 1 lot in the Angell
neighborhood.
Mr. Sjaarda has been working with Development Services Staff and leadership
in order to facilitate new construction rental housing in the City of Muskegon.
These proposed lots will be utilized for one 2 story duplex with an accessory
dwelling unit behind each for a total of 3 housing units. In this case Sjaarda
Homes is acting as the owner's representative and builder for the JEB Group, a
small family owned property investment company. They are proposing that all
units be subject to the proposed PILOT, which will reserve them for only
households under 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Muskegon
County. The duplex units are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom and the ADU is 1
bedroom, 1 bathroom.
This restrictive covenant establishes the terms by which the City has agreed to
authorize a PILOT as opposed to ad valorem property taxes for these parcels. It
is to be attached to an affidavit the developer must submit to MSHDA to prove
they have local approval for the project and to their commitment to reserving
these units for households within the MSHDA income thresholds.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to adopt the Workforce Housing Restrictive
Covenant between JEB Group, LLC and the City and to authorize the Mayor
and Clerk to sign.
M. Sale of 313 Orchard Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lot at 313 Orchard to
JEB Group LLC.
JEB Group LLC (Emily and Joe Hovinga) would like to purchase the City-owned
buildable lot at 313 Orchard for $3,000 (75% of the True Cash Value of $4,000)
plus half of the closing costs, and the fee to register the deed. JEB Group LLC
will be constructing one duplex and one ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on the
property.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lot at
313 Orchard to JEB Group LLC (Emily and Joe Hovinga).
N. Sale of 420 Oak, 452 Oak, and 451 Erickson. Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 420 Oak, 452
Oak, and 451 Erickson 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 420 Oak, 452 Oak, and 451 Erickson for $9,000 (75% of
Page 6 of 14
the True Cash Value of $12,000) plus half of the closing costs, and the fee to
register the deed. RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone Capital LLC will be
constructing a duplex and an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on 420 and 452
Oak and a triplex on 451 Erickson, for a total of two (2) duplexes, two (2) ADUs,
and one (1) triplex.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at
420 Oak, 452 Oak, and 451 Erickson to RSW Holdings LLC and Barrowstone
Capital LLC.
O. Sale of 447 Oak Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lot at 447 Oak to
Nicole Ledeboer.
Nicole Ledeboer would like to purchase the City-owned buildable lot at 447
Oak for $3,000 (75% of the True Cash Value of $4,000) plus half of the closing
costs, and the fee to register the deed. Nicole Ledeboer will be constructing
one duplex and one ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on the property.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lot at
447 Oak to Nicole Ledeboer.
P. Fire Records and Compliance Program Public Safety
The Fire Department is seeking approval to enter into a 3-year contract with
Brycer L.P. to have "The Compliance Engine" which will better help with records
management and compliance with fire alarm and suppression systems.
This is a no-cost contract. The Compliance Engine collects, tracks and follows
up on 3rd party inspection report on fire alarm and fire suppression systems to
better support compliance of our buildings in the City of Muskegon.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I recommend to enter into a 3-year contract with
Brycer L.P. to receive The Compliance Engine system for the Fire Department.
Q. Revision to County Human Resources Contract Manager's Office
Staff is seeking approval of a contract amendment for Human Resources
services provided by Muskegon County.
Management has found that the human resource services needed for the City
exceed what was originally contemplated when the contract with Muskegon
County was modified in 2023. The County staff member assigned to work with
the City has been responsible for activities that align with a leadership role
rather than an analyst position. The County intends to upgrade the position to
a manager role with an increase in salary. City management fully supports the
increase due to the workload and responsibility associated with the role.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the contract amendment for human
resources services with Muskegon County and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to
sign.
S. Janitorial Service Contract Public Works
Staff is requesting authorization to enter into a contract with Goodwill Industries
for janitorial services at City Hall and the Public Service Building for $282,310.22
Page 7 of 14
over 3 years.
The current janitorial contract began in January 2024 with Professional Building
Services. The current contract is three years and costs $137,280.00 for City Hall
and $64,350.00 for the Public Service Building. Staff is looking for a higher level
of service at both buildings, and so solicited bids for a new three-year janitorial
contract with fourth and fifth year options for City Hall and Public Service
Building. The three-year bid total for each building is as follows (note these are
three-year totals, not annual costs):
Bidder City Hall DPW Combined
Building Total
UCS $166,060.49 $45,450.17 $211,510.66
Goodwill $177,520.09 $104,790.13 $282,310.22
Industries
Top to $234,517.06 $87,497.76 $322,014.82
Bottom
Cleaning
Reliant $281,644.00 $113,199.00 $394,843.00
Professional
Cleaning
Staff recommends awarding the janitorial contract to Goodwill Industries for
both buildings. Goodwill is staffing each building with considerably more hours
than the other bid submissions, and had great comments from
references. Their bid also substantially increases supervision over levels in the
previous contract with Goodwill.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize staff to enter into a contract with
Goodwill Industries for janitorial services at City Hall and the Public Service
Building for $282,310.22 over 3 years.
V. Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificate Transfer for 302 Terrace Point
Circle Economic Development
Staff is requesting the approval of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone certificate
transfer for 302 Terrace Point Circle. This is being requested due to the transfer
benefiting a current staff member of the City of Muskegon.
The staff are requesting the approval of a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ)
certificate transfer for the property located at 302 Terrace Point Circle. While
NEZ certificate transfers are typically handled administratively and do not
require City Commission approval under state statute, this request is being
brought before the Commission out of an abundance of transparency.
The homeowner is an employee of the City of Muskegon's Department of
Public Works. Although the City Attorney has determined that a conflict of
interest statement is not required, staff believes it is important to disclose the
relationship and obtain formal Commission approval.
Page 8 of 14
Supporting documentation includes the simplified NEZ transfer application,
Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit, Letter from the City of Muskegon
Attorney and the recorded Warranty Deed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the Neighborhood Enterprise
Zone Certificate transfer for 302 Terrace Point Circle.
W. Adjustment to FY 2024/25 Budget, Manager's Office, Contracted
Services (Climate Action Plan) Manager's Office
Staff is requesting a budget adjustment to account for expenditures related to
the climate action plan.
In the fourth quarter reforecast, a mistake was made in the Manager's Office
budget. There is a second charge of $24,500 for finalizing the climate action
plan that was not accounted for. The total amount fits within a State grant the
City received for this work so there is a net zero impact to the budget. An
adjustment needs to be made to the federal grant revenue line item since the
first payment of the grant was mistakenly coded.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: to approve the budget adjustments as outlined.
Motion by Commissioner Gorman, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the Consent Agenda as presented minus items D, G, R, T and U.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2025-51 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
D. Sale of 528 Oak Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lot at 528 Oak to
Arnoldink Properties LLC, Dave Arnoldink.
Arnoldink Properties LLC, Dave Arnoldink, would like to purchase the City-
owned buildable lot at 528 Oak for $3,000 (75% of the True Cash Value of
$4,000) plus half of the closing costs, and the fee to register the deed. 528 Oak
will be split into two build-able lots and Arnoldink Properties LLC, Dave
Arnoldink, will be constructing a duplex and an ADU on each property for a
total of 2 duplexes and 2 ADUs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lot at
528 Oak to Arnoldink Properties LLC (Dave Arnoldink).
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to authorize
staff to sell the City-owned vacant lot at 528 Oak to Arnoldink Properties LLC
(Dave Arnoldink).
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Page 9 of 14
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
G. Sale of 300, 310, & 370 Allen Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 300, 310, &
370 Allen to Sjaarda Homes and Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda).
Sjaarda Homes and Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda) would like to purchase the
City-owned buildable lots at 300, 310, & 370 Allen for $9,000 (75% of the True
Cash Value of $12,000) plus half of the closing costs, and the fee to register the
deed. Sjaarda Homes and Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda) will be constructing a
duplex and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on each property. 300 Allen is
adjacent to the current location of the Angell Neighborhood Association (NA)
community garden (290 Allen). The Angell NA has given an official letter of
support for the development of the lots.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at
300, 310, & 370 Allen to Sjaarda Homes and Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda).
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to authorize
staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 300, 310, & 370 Allen to Sjaarda
Homes and Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda).
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: Kochin
MOTION PASSES
R. Contract with Mediation & Restorative Services Planning
The City has partnered with Mediation & Restorative Services for the past two
years to provide consultations with youth on the risks of vaping and early
marihuana use. This contract is to provide another year of services.
This year's price for services has been reduced by $5,000 because of reduced
overhead costs. Over the past two years, M&RS has talked with over 4,000
youth, parents and community members as part of its partnership with the City.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the contract with Mediation &
Restorative Services as presented.
Commissioner German stated he is a mediator through Mediation & Restorative
Services that is volunteer, not paid a salary, and just wanted to disclose that it is
not a conflict of interest.
Vice Mayor St.Clair stated she serves on the Board of Directors for Mediation &
Restorative Services and did get confirmation from legal counsel that it is not a
technical conflict of interest.
Page 10 of 14
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to approve
the contract with Mediation & Restorative Services as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
T. Rezoning of 62 Irwin Ave from Neighborhood Residential (R) to Low-
Density Multiple Family Residential (RM-1). Planning
Request to rezone the property at 62 Irwin Ave from R, Neighborhood
Residential to RM-1, Low-Density Multiple Family Residential. The Planning
Commission unanimously (6-0, 3 members absent) recommended approval of
the request.
The property is zoned R-1, Neighborhood Residential. The parcel measures
13,200 sq. ft, and the vacant church on-site measures 2,583 sq. ft. The applicant
would like to convert the former church building into residential units. The
current zoning would allow up to a duplex, but the building is large enough to
host more units. A rezoning to RM-1 would allow up to 16 units per acre, which
would be four units on this property, assuming each unit would meet the
necessary size requirements. With RM-1 zoning, the applicant would also have
the option to apply for a special use permit for a single-room occupancy
building, which he is also considering.
The parcels to the west along Peck St are also zoned RM-1. However, staff have
been holding focus group discussions with these business owners about the
possibility of rezoning the district to form-based code. Initial discussions were
very positive and well-received. Even if these parcels were to be rezoned away
from RM-1, the rezoning of 62 Irwin should still be considered for a rezoning to
this designation, and staff do not believe this would be considered a spot zone.
The Master Plan specifically talks about being flexible with the zoning of former
civic buildings and allowing more density in their redevelopment.
Notice was sent to all properties within 300 feet of this parcel. At the time of this
writing, staff had not received any comments from the public.
Staff recommends approval of the rezoning to RM-1. This zoning designation will
allow the redevelopment of this civic building into a reasonable number of
residential units, which will not vary from what already exists in the area. This
request is consistent with the goals of the Master Plan to redevelop former civic
buildings into multi-family housing or mixed-use developments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the request to rezone the
property at 62 Irwin Ave from R, Neighborhood Residential to RM-1, Low-Density
Multiple Family Residential.
Page 11 of 14
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kochin, to
approve the request to rezone the property at 62 Irwin Ave from R,
Neighborhood Residential to RM-1, Low-Density Multiple Family Residential.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES (REQUIRES SECOND READING)
U. Rezoning of 1188 Lakeshore Dr from Lakefront Recreation (LR) to Form
Based Code, Urban Residential (FBC, UR). Planning
Request to rezone the property at 1188 Lakeshore Dr from Lakefront Recreation
(LR) to Form Based Code, Urban Residential (FBC-UR). The Planning Commission
unanimously (6-0, 3 members absent) recommended approval of the request.
This vacant lot measures 1.6 acres and is zoned LR, Lakefront Recreation. It is
located between the Lakeshore Yacht Harbour marina and Adelaide Point
and is owned by Cole's Quality Foods. The applicant is considering purchasing
the property and would like to build a single-family house to live in. The LR
zoning designation does not allow for housing. The lot does not have frontage
on a street, but the applicant is working with Lakeshore Yacht Harbour to
obtain an easement from the southern end of this lot to W. Western Ave.
The applicant is requesting to rezone the property to Form Based Code, Urban
Residential, which would allow up to a duplex and an accessory dwelling unit,
in terms of density. However, he is only planning on developing one single-
family house. Much of the lot is unusable for construction as it lies below the
ordinary high watermark, and there is also a large slope in the building footprint
area. Utilities will need to be installed underneath the former railroad ROW, and
the applicant will be responsible for obtaining easements from CSX. A driveway
will also need to be installed at the end of the cul-de-sac and across the bike
path. A permit from the City Engineering Department will be required.
The future land use map in the Master Plan identifies this parcel as "Lakeshore,"
which is described as "Mixed-use development and recreational, water-related
activities located along the Muskegon Lake shoreline. The large lot sizes,
uniquely shaped parcels, and wide range of permitted uses, Planned Unit
Developments (PUD) are common in this land use category."
A site plan is not required for a rezoning request, but one has been provided to
show how the development would work. The applicant has worked with city
staff to create a driveway that would be placed in a way to minimize conflict
with the bike path.
Staff recommends approval of the request. The applicant will have to purchase
the property and obtain easements for the driveway and utilities before permits
can be pulled. While the rezoning to FBC, UR does not totally align with the
mixed-use designation in the future land use map, the low elevation of most of
the lot prevents its redevelopment into anything substantial. A single-family
Page 12 of 14
house may be about as large of a development that could fit on this lot, given
its development challenges. The addition of a housing unit will contribute to the
mixed-use along the shoreline.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the request to rezone the
property at 1188 Lakeshore Dr from Lakefront Recreation to Form Based Code,
Urban Residential.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the request to rezone the property at 1188 Lakeshore Dr. from Lakefront
Recreation to Form Based Code, Urban Residential.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, and Gorman
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES (REQUIRES SECOND READING)
2025-52 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Official City of Muskegon Pride & Juneteenth Flags Mayor's Office
A proposal to adopt two additional Official City Flags modeled on the Intersex
Pride Flag and 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 Vice Mayor St.Clair, to adopt the
City of Muskegon Pride Flag and the City of Muskegon Juneteenth Flag as
alternative official City flags.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: None
Nays: St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, and Kochin
MOTION FAILS
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth stated that the demolition of 880 First Street
will be delayed until mid-day Wednesday because a cable broke and it is
causing the delay.
Page 13 of 14
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments were received.
2025-53 CLOSED SESSION
A. City Manager Evaluation City Clerk
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth requested that we go into Closed Session and
that it be reflected in the minutes as so.
Motion by Vice Mayor St.Clair, second by Commissioner Kilgo, the City
Manager having requested that his periodic personnel evaluation be
conducted in Closed Session, I move to go into Closed Session to consider a
periodic personnel evaluation of the City Manager.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to go into Open
Session.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
Page 14 of 14
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