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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
July 22, 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 PM, Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Pastor Matt Luchenbill from the Cornerstone PCA Church, 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 Jay
Kilgo, Willie German, Jr., Rachel Gorman, and Katrina Kochin, Deputy City
Manager LeighAnn Mikesell, City Attorney John Schrier, and City Clerk Ann
Marie Meisch
Absent: Commissioner Destinee Keener
2025-59 HONORS, AWARDS, AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Introduction of Jessica Grimm, Election Coordinator City Clerk
City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch introduced Jessica Grimm, our new Election
Coordinator, to the Commission and public.
2025-60 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Request to establish a Plant Rehabilitation District at 701 W. Laketon
Ave. Economic Development
Pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, SRS Fiberglass Products, 1041 E.
Laketon Ave., Muskegon, MI has requested the establishment of a Plant
Rehabilitation District for property located at 701 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon,
MI.
SRS Fiberglass Products has submitted a request to establish a Plant
Rehabilitation District at 701 W. Laketon Avenue, the former Great Lakes Die
Cast facility.
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SRS is in the process of launching a new company to support and expand their
current fiberglass product operations. The new entity plans to make significant
capital investments into rehabilitating the facility and anticipates creating over
50 high-paying jobs within the next two years.
According to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, the creation of a Plant
Rehabilitation District is a required first step before a business can apply for an
Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) Exemption Certificate, which provides a property tax
abatement on qualified real property investments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
resolution establishing a Plant Rehabilitation District at 701 W. Laketon Ave. and
authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to close the
public hearing and approve the resolution establishing a Plant Rehabilitation
District at 701 W. Laketon Ave. and authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Request to establish a Commercial Rehabilitation District at 1700 Oak
Ave. Economic Development
Pursuant to Public Act 210 of 2005, as amended, Muskegon-Central Park, LLC is
requesting the establishment of a Commercial Rehabilitation District (PA 210) at
1700 Oak Ave. to support further development at 1700 Oak Ave.
Muskegon-Central Park, LLC has submitted a request to establish a Commercial
Rehabilitation District at 1700 Oak Avenue. Establishing the district would
enable the property owner to apply for a Commercial Rehabilitation
Certificate under Public Act 210 of 2005. If approved, the certificate would
freeze the building’s taxable value and exempt new real property investment
from local property taxes for a period of up to 10 years, while school operating
taxes would still apply.
The proposed project involves the demolition of the former General Hospital
site and the construction of six (6) new three-story multi-family residential
buildings. The total capital investment is estimated at $21,000,000.
The development is expected to create three (3) permanent full-time jobs, and
approximately 100 construction jobs during the redevelopment phase.
This investment will revitalize a long-vacant site and support the continued
growth of high-quality housing options within the City.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
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resolution establishing a Commercial Rehabilitation District at 1700 Oak Ave.
and authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign.
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 and approve the resolution establishing a Commercial
Rehabilitation District at 1700 Oak Ave. and authorize the City Clerk and Mayor
to sign.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments received.
2025-61 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the July 8, 2025, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Filtration Plant Air Wash Variable Frequency Drives (VFDS)
Replacement Public Works
Staff is requesting authorization to purchase two Eaton variable frequency
drives (VFDs) to replace existing units for our filter backwash system at the
Water Filtration Plant.
The filter backwash system at the Water Filtration Plant has two air blowers,
each with a variable frequency drive (VFD) manufactured by Eaton. VFDs are
used to control the speed of the electric motors that drive the air blowers.
These VFDs were installed in 2004 and have reached the end of their expected
life. One of the two units began to fail last year and is showing continued signs
of failing. Due to their age, staff recommends replacing both units with Eaton
VFDs. Other bids were not solicited at this time because of the advantages to
staying with Eaton. This purchase is covered by the Water Filtration Plant’s
capital improvements budget, although the cost is about 35% higher than
budgeted. Staff will reforecast the budget accordingly at the next quarterly
opportunity. These repairs are critical to the function of the plant, and staff
expects the overage can be made up by savings on other items, keeping the
water department budget flat overall.
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• The existing VFDs are made by Eaton, reducing installation and startup
costs. Installation will be easier and less time-consuming due to the
similarity of the wiring for power and controls. Previous units already
replaced were integrated with our plant control system without any
major rewiring or reprogramming. In addition, by purchasing the two units
together, setup can be completed in a single visit from the Eaton field
technician, saving on startup costs.
• Operations and maintenance will be more efficient if all units are
identical. Interchangeable units mean fewer spare parts need to be kept
on hand, troubleshooting is easier, and downtime is minimized.
• The existing Eaton VFDs at the Water Filtration Plant have shown
exceptional performance and reliability. Nearly all the Water Filtration
Plant’s VFDs (over 20) are manufactured by Eaton. All of these 20+-year-
old units are at or beyond the expected lifetime of this equipment. Of the
few problems experienced with these units, most were able to be fixed
by our maintenance staff. This alone has saved thousands of dollars in
service calls over the last 20 years.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize staff to purchase two Eaton
variable frequency drives (VFDs) to replace existing units for the filter backwash
system at the Water Filtration Plant at a cost of $67,556.00.
D. DWSRF Construction Engineering 2025 Public Works
Staff requests authorization to enter into a contract change order with Prein &
Newhof in the amount of $88,000 due to increases in the scope of the lead
service line replacement project that is part of the 2025 DWSRF program.
At the July 8, 2024 meeting the Commission approved award of a contract to
Gustafson HDD and the sale of bonds to finance the replacement of
approximately 1,300 lead service lines in the City. The original contract with
Prein & Newhof, the City's engineering consultant on the project,
contemplated about 1,000 service lines. Due to favorable bid pricing we were
able to award an additional 320 services lines in the construction contract to
bring the total to 1,320. Prein & Newhof is requesting an increase in their
contract related to construction engineering costs for the additional 400
service lines. Services include on-site inspection, grant and contract
administration, and environmental clearance work. The additional $88,000
requested is an eligible expense under the DWSRF program, so the City will
receive 25% principal forgiveness and the remainder will be included on the 20-
year bond with the other project expenses.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a contract
change order with Prein & Newhof in the amount of $88,000 due to increases in
the scope of the lead service line replacement project that is part of the 2025
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DWSRF program and authorize staff to sign.
Motion by Vice Mayor St.Clair, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to adopt the
consent agenda as presented minus items C, E, F, G, and H.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2025-62 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
C. Park Design Services Award DPW- Parks
Staff requests authorization to contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink in the amount
of $163,900 for park design and construction engineering services for
improvements at Richards, McGraft, Kruse and Hartshorn parks in accordance
with their proposal and the City's RFP.
An RFP was posted in June seeking proposals from qualified firms to help
complete 4 major park planning projects. Concepts were developed through
an expansive public engagement campaign in 2024, however staff need
assistance with site analysis and surveying, permitting, design development, bid
support and construction administration. The suggested improvements, which
were highlighted in our master plans include:
Richards Park - ADA kayak launch and paving for accessible parking and
approach to the launch; permitting is also required as the proposed area is
within the 100-year flood plain. This has been estimated at $200,000.
McGraft Park - Feedback in the master plan supports converting the tennis
courts to majority pickelball and new surfacing and fencing, and possibly site
lighting. Estimated at $390,000.
Kruse Park - Restoration of the beach access ramp that was lost in the 2020
high waters. EGLE permits will be required. An automated gate is also a high
priority for the community at the entrance of the park. Estimated at $380,000.
Hartshorn Park - Inspection of the current boat ramp and sheet pile wall to
support an accessible fishing feature. Estimated at $200,000.
All of these proposed improvements from the park master plans were based off
public engagement and received a unanimous vote of support to move
forward by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. The cost estimates for
these improvements is inclusive of the park design services award. The timeline
for these projects is TBD, but they must be completed by December 2026.
We received 15 proposals for this project from qualified firms. The scoring
committee scored the firms using a matrix that included prior experience with
similar projects, firm staff experience in the field, their work plan and proposed
services, the location of the firm, and their submitted price. The scores are
shown below. Fleis & Vandenbrink scored highest, and staff recommends them
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as the best choice for this project at $163,900, due to their experience, project
understanding, and presence within the City of Muskegon. F&V worked with
the parks department on the splash pad construction which also included
grant administration. Staff was pleased with their efforts on community
engagement, attention to detail, responsiveness and prioritization of the
project.
Scoring:
Fleis & Vandenbrink 8.425
Fishbeck 7.875
Prein & Newhoff 7.875
Spicer Group 7.725
OCBA 7.6
Progressive 7.6
Abonmarche 7.525
DLZ 7.5
MCSA 7.5
Rowe 7.425
Williams & Works 7.4
Newak & Fraus 7.1
Tower Pinkster 6.9
Troyer Group 6.1
SKO 6.1
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize staff to contract with Fleis &
Vandenbrink in the amount of $163,900 for park design and construction
engineering services for improvements at Richards, McGraft, Kruse and
Hartshorn parks in accordance with their proposal and the City's RFP.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to authorize
staff to contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink in the amount of $163,900 for park
design and construction engineering services for improvements at Richards,
McGraft, Kruse and Hartshorn parks in accordance with their proposal and the
City's RFP.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, and Gorman
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
E. Amendment to the zoning ordinance - Extending the hours of operation
for marihuana retailers and provisioning centers. Planning
Request to amend Section 2331 of the zoning ordinance to allow marihuana
retailers and provisioning centers with approved drive-thru access to remain
open for drive-thru sales only between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m., by The Grassy Knoll.
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In April 2024, the applicant requested to amend the ordinance to be able to
operate 24 hours per day. The ordinance that was proposed was not well
written and would have eliminated any hours of operation for all other retail
stores. The request was ultimately denied. This request is much more well written
and should not cause any unintentional hardships for other marihuana retailers.
There are currently three approved drive-through locations within the
city. These are located at The Bodega (885 E Apple Ave), The Grassy Knoll
(2125 Lemuel St), and Greencraft (551 Young Ave).
Current Ordinance Excerpt
Section 2331: Marihuana Facilities Overlay District
3. Provisioning Centers, Retailers, Microbusinesses and Designated Consumption
Establishments may operate between the hours of 8 am and 12 am.
Proposed Ordinance (additions italicized)
Section 2331: Marihuana Facilities Overlay District
3. Provisioning Centers, Retailers, Microbusinesses and Designated Consumption
Establishments may operate between the hours of 8 am and 12 am. daily;
however, Provisioning Centers and Retailers with approved drive-thru access
may remain open for drive-thru sales only between the hours of 12 am and 2
am, provided all other applicable local, state, and safety regulations are met.
Current Drive-Thru Regulations
Section 2331: Marihuana Facilities Overlay District
3.d. Curbside/Drive-Thru. Curbside delivery is allowed at all retail sale locations
with an approved site plan that does not impede traffic or pedestrian safety.
Drive-thru's are allowed as a special use permitted under the following
conditions:
i. The underlying zoning designation must be B-2, B-4, MC, I-1, I-2 or any Form
Based Code designation/building type that allows for drive-thru businesses.
ii. Drive-thru windows must be located on private property. Streets and alleys
may only be used for the movement of traffic and may not be used for drive-
thru vehicular stacking.
iii. A traffic study must be performed showing the anticipated number of
stacking spaces and where they would be located on site.
Staff Recommendation
Staff do not have a recommendation on whether marihuana establishments
should be open longer. However, the proposed ordinance is well written and
could be incorporated into the ordinance properly. Staff do have some
concerns about the applicant's ability to follow the established guidelines. Staff
have had discussions with the applicant for the past couple of years about their
desire to host temporary campground events on-site during special events
around the city. That use type is not allowed in their zoning district (I-1) and
would need an amendment for them to proceed. Staff have discovered that a
beach event in August is advertising overflow camping at The Grassy Knoll.
Planning Commission Recommendation
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A motion was made to approve the request to allow marihuana retailers and
provisioning centers with approved drive-thru access to remain open for drive-
thru sales only between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. However, the motion failed (5 no, 1
yes, 3 absent).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to deny the request to amend Section 2331
of the zoning ordinance to allow marihuana retailers and provisioning centers
with approved drive-thru access to remain open for drive-thru sales only
between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the request to amend Section 2331 of the zoning ordinance to allow marihuana
retailers and provisioning centers with approved drive-thru access to remain
open for drive-thru sales only between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, and Kochin
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES (REQUIRES SECOND READING)
F. Amendment to the zoning ordinance - Allowing churches as a permitted
use in civic buildings in the Form-Based Code, Downtown context
area. Planning
Request to amend Section 2005.05 of the Form-Based Code to allow churches
as a permitted use in civic buildings in the Form-Based Code, Downtown
context area, by Century Club Development, LLC.
Churches are not currently a permitted use in the Form Based Code,
Downtown (FBC-DT) context areas. There are two building types allowed in the
FBC-DT context areas - Mixed-use and Civic buildings. Churches are allowed in
the other FBC context areas, but only in civic buildings. Other uses allowed in
civic buildings include galleries and train stations. This request is to amend the
ordinance to allow churches in civic building types in the FBC, DT context area.
Staff believe that the Century Club can be defined as a civic building. The
building was dedicated in January 1889 for the Muskegon Club and became
the Century Club in January 1901. Historically, the building served as a social
club formed by Muskegon’s business leaders; some early club presidents
included business/community leaders Charles Hackley, John Torrent, Lyman
Mason, and A. V. Mann. The Club included, at one point, over 550 total
members and was considered the center of business life of the community.
Closed in 1991, retail activity in the building was introduced in the mid-2000s
following the demolition of the Muskegon Mall.
Staff Recommendation
Staff do not have a recommendation on whether churches should be allowed
in the FBC-DT context area. There currently are not any churches located within
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any of these designated properties, so it would not bring any non-conforming
churches into conforming status. There are pros and cons to the request. The
pro is that it would facilitate a sale of a specific building that has had a tough
time selling with its existing retail uses. The cons would include the elimination of
property taxes and potentially reducing the number of days the buildings
would be used, reducing foot traffic and activity in the downtown.
Planning Commission Recommendation
A motion was made to deny the request to amend Section 2005.05 of the
Form-Based Code to allow churches as a permitted use in civic buildings in the
Form-Based Code, Downtown context area. The motion passed (5 yes, 1 no, 3
absent).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move that the request to amend Section 2005.05 of
the Form-Based Code to allow churches as a permitted use in civic buildings in
the Form-Based Code, Downtown context area be denied.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to move that
the request to amend Section 2005.05 of the Form-Based Code to allow
churches as a permitted use in civic buildings in the Form-Based Code,
Downtown context area be denied.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
G. Amendment to the zoning ordinance - Allowing marinas as a permitted
use in Form-Based Code, Lakeside Mixed Residential districts. Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend the zoning ordinance to allow marinas as a
permitted use in Form-Based Code, Lakeside Mixed Residential districts.
This request was brought about after staff had contact with a couple of
property owners about land use issues on their properties. If this request is
approved, staff will look to rezone several properties in the current Waterfront
Marine (WM) district along Lakeshore Dr to Form Based Code, Lakeside Mixed
Residential (FBC-LMR) at a future meeting.
The owner at 2984 Lakeshore Dr wanted to demo and rebuild his house.
However, residential uses are not allowed in the WM district and the existing
house was considered legally non-conforming (grandfathered). The owner was
forced to seek a variance to rebuild the house and the request was eventually
approved. The new house plans were approved, but the new house would
have to meet the existing setbacks in WM, which is 10/14 (side setback
requirement) for a two-story house. Residential setbacks are usually much
smaller, such as five feet in many districts. There are eight houses located in the
WM district, all of which are considered legally non-conforming. With this
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current zoning, all property owners will have difficulty rebuilding, putting on
additions and possibly even refinancing.
The owner at 3092 Lakeshore Dr. demoed the existing house on site and wants
to build a multi-family house, between 6-8 units. This is not allowed since
residential is not a permitted use in the WM district.
Staff are not exactly sure why the entire area was zoned WM, but it has been
that way since at least 1986. Were these residential properties hoping to have
marinas added to their properties? Was it zoned in an effort to transform this
area into strictly marina and phase out residential? Without having a clear
answer, staff decided to hold a focus group among the property owners to see
what their vision was for their properties moving forward. At the meeting, it was
discovered that most of the homeowners wanted to continue to stay strictly
residential. A couple of the homeowners wanted to stay residential, but add a
marina to the property. All the homeowners stated that they did not have an
objection to allowing residential with a higher density than single-family.
After the focus group meeting, it was clear that the best path forward would
be to allow multi-family residential and marinas on these properties. The FBC-
LMR district allows for small multiplexes (up to six units) but it does not allow for
marinas. Staff are proposing to amend the ordinance to make marinas a
permitted use in this context, then to rezone these eight properties to FBC-LMR.
A clause was added to the amendment that states "marinas are a permitted
use on properties with Muskegon Lake waterfront frontage." This will eliminate
the possibility of any FBC-LMR properties without lake frontage to storage boats
on their properties. The master plan supports both WM and FBC-LMR as they
both fit the description of a lakeshore that allows for mixed-uses.
Planning Commission Recommendation
A motion was made to recommend the request to amend the zoning
ordinance to allow marinas as a permitted use in Form-Based Code, Lakeside
Mixed Residential districts. The motion passed (6 yes, 0 no, 3 absent).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the request to amend the zoning
ordinance to allow marinas as a permitted use in the Form-Based Code,
Lakeside Mixed Residential districts.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to approve
the request to amend the zoning ordinance to allow marinas as a permitted
use in the Form-Based Code, Lakeside Mixed Residential districts.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES (REQUIRES SECOND READING)
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H. Allen Edwin/Green Development Ventures Lot Purchase and
Development Agreement Economic Development
Allen Edwin Homes, through their subsidiary Green Development Ventures is
seeking a contract to purchase and develop 22 City-owned vacant lots for
MSHDA regulated rental housing.
In 2023, City staff assisted Muskegon County and Allen Edwin Homes to reach a
real estate deal in order to utilize the newly passed scattered site housing
payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) amendment to the MSHDA Act which allows
the addition of single-family detached housing in neighborhoods with MSHDA
rent limits. These limits dictate the rent be held under the MSHDA imposed limit
for 120% Area Median Income (AMI). The City passed a resolution for housing
exemption along with a restrictive covenant on the subject properties, and the
county land bank entered into a purchase and development agreement with
Allen Edwin. This arrangement has worked out well for all parties, with AE
underway or complete on 17 of the contracted 34 homes and providing the
community with larger format single-family rental units. The units are primarily 4
bedroom, 2 bathroom single-family homes.
The purchase and development agreement is the same format, but for City-
owned lots as opposed to properties owned by the County land bank. Allen
Edwin is happy with the progress they have seen with the County agreement
and is seeking the opportunity to make further housing investment. The
agreement compels them to build at a pace of 8 homes a year for a period
not exceed 5 years, as some lots may be split to accommodate more units.
Closing on any of the lots is contingent on the future passage of a resolution
and restrictive covenant on the lots to allow a PILOT. As we have approved
with other groups, the statute required PILOT rate would be 10% of shelter rents
for a period of 15 years. This allows us to approve the agreement and wait to
pass the PILOT until after Allen Edwin has had the opportunity to complete any
due diligence, so that way if there are any lots with concerns they can choose
to not take them and we keep them on the normal tax roll, as opposed to
approving a PILOT for something that doesn't get built.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the Lot Purchase and
Development Agreement between Green Development Ventures, LLC and the
City of Muskegon as presented and to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the Lot Purchase and Development Agreement between Green Development
Ventures, LLC and the City of Muskegon as presented and to authorize the
Mayor and Clerk to sign.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
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2025-63 NEW BUSINESS
A. Service Agreement With City Wise Software Economic Development
City Staff are proposing a partnership with City Wise Software to create and
maintain a resource for residents and potential residents to locate affordable
rental housing options.
For the last several months staff have been working with the ownership of City
Wise to propose a service agreement to the Commission to deliver a resource
directory for people in the community to find rental housing. Their platform uses
the branding and domain entity of their public sector partner (.org, .gov, etc.)
to construct and maintain the directory. The City IT Director has reviewed the
terms of the agreement to make sure we are properly secured from a domain
security standpoint and found it satisfactory. The City would have no costs or
maintenance responsibilities to the site; City Wise staff manage the entire
service and generate revenue by soliciting subscriptions from property owners
in the community. The advantage to the owners is that City Wise is a small
fraction of the cost of competitors such as Apartments.com, which is
inaccessible for smaller complexes or single-family units which make up a
significant portion of our rental stock.
Further, the service is offered to landlords who own under 20 units at no cost,
making it easy and accessible for local developers to participate. The results for
a given community are randomized with every visit to the site, so there is no
way to pay for optimization or preferential treatment on the platform. Users of
the service can organize the results by price point, if it is affordable or market
rate, number of bedrooms, and other factors. Additionally, city partners can
import any publicly available code enforcement reports for users to review,
increasing transparency. The site also geolocates all of the results on a map of
the City.
The agreement obligates City Wise to the following deliverables:
City Wise commits to:
• Hosting Housing Website:
o Host a housing website for City, on a subdomain of the City’s main
website, muskegon-mi.gov, including associated data, tables, and
login pages as part of the proprietary licensed software owned.
• Technology Integration:
o Collaborate with the City to embed the Technology in a
subdomain of City's existing website, maintaining the City website's
"look and feel" during user transitions to the Technology.
• Searchable Database Development:
o Construct a searchable database within the application for listing
properties available to the public. Customize search fields to align
with City's neighborhoods and terminology.
• Marketing of Housing Website:
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o Promote the housing website to prospective property listers
through targeted advertising, including local advertising, direct
mail, phone calls, and face-to-face sales visits.
• Listing Fees Collection:
o Collect Listing Fees, subject to City's approval (withholding
approval not unreasonably).
• User Agreement Development:
o Only using user agreements approved by the City, and to
collaborate with City to develop such user agreement including,
but not limited to:
a. Disclaiming City’s responsibility for and highlighting the
absence of any recommendation or guarantee regarding
property listings or physical properties.
b. Requiring user compliance with all applicable laws,
rules, and regulations.
Prepare and deliver quarterly reports on site statistics
to City, including, at a minimum, the number of
subscribers and property listings.
Provide product support to City and users through a
customer service email account.
Include in the customized site:
Property listing fields allowing up to three (3) photos or
graphic images of listed properties, linked to maps, and
property manager emails.
Regularly install Technology upgrades to the Technology,
notifying City of relevant upgrades via email.
Perform regular monthly backups of site data.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the Service and License
Agreement between City Wise Software, LLC and the City of Muskegon as
presented and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to approve
the Service and License Agreement between City Wise Software, LLC and the
City of Muskegon as presented and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Page 13 of 14
Vice Mayor St.Clair shared that after the last Commission meeting she was
singled out on Facebook for the unanimous Commission decision on water
rates. Please think about the impact of your posts.
Commissioner Kilgo stated he fully supports Vice Mayors words. He also stated
he attended the Lakeshore Drive Rehabilitation Conversation that was this
week and was asked by the public if this was set in stone.
Mayor Johnson stated that Engineering has not been done on this project yet.
Community Engagement Manager Deborah Sweet replied that there are
additional engagements planned for this project.
Commissioner Kochin stated she heard encouraging comments at the
engagement. She also announced the Pooch Parade in Glenside at the
McGraft Bandshell is on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6:00 p.m.; and National Night
Out is Tuesday, August 5th, at 6:00 p.m. at Marsh Field.
Mayor Johnson asked staff to check into incorporate creating view sheds on
Muskegon Lake.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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