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CITY OF MUSKEGON
WORKSESSION/COMMISSION
MEETING
November 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., Monday, November 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 Jay
Kilgo, Destinee Keener, Rachel Gorman, Katrina Kochin, and Willie German, Jr.
(arrived at 5:45 p.m.), City Manager Jonathan Seyferth, City Attorney John Schrier,
and City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
2025-86 HONORS, AWARDS, AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Presentation from Melissa Howell, Muskegon County Department of
Health and Human Services - Foster Parents City Clerk
Melissa Howell explained the need to find and recruit Foster Parents.
B. Work session Item — Beach Parking Report/Revenue Discussion Public
Safety
Public Safety Director Tim Kozal and Parking Enforcement Manager Ashley May
presented an overview of Beach Parking for the 2025 season.
There is an action item under the consent agenda for a parking incentive
program for 2026.
2025-87 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Brownfield Plan Amendment #1 — Harbor 31 Hotel, Lakeshore Hotel
Partners, LLC Economic Development
Harbor 31 Hotel is requesting approval of Brownfield Plan Amendment #1. This
amendment includes the addition of state school tax capture for reimbursement
Page 1 of 15
of costs associated with Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) eligible activities.
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved the original Brownfield
Plan on December 10, 2024, and the City Commission granted final approval on
the same date. Amendment #1 includes the addition of state school tax capture
for reimbursement of costs associated with Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) eligible
activities. The amendment adds $15,000 for plan preparation, increases
contingency by $1,500 due to the addition of plan preparation costs, and reflects
a decrease in interest from $770,742 to $533,328, resulting in a total reduction of
$237,414.
The 2.99-acre development will consist of a five-story hotel with 126 rooms. The
project will include two meeting rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant,
and a bar with outdoor dining and patio space. The estimated total investment is
approximately $28.8 million and is expected to create approximately 35 full-time
jobs. Construction is anticipated to begin in the winter of 2026 and be completed
in the fall of 2027. The hotel will be part of the larger 31-acre Harbor 31 mixed-use
community.
The Brownfield Plan is anticipated to remain in effect for up to 25 years, or until all
eligible activities have been reimbursed. The final five years of the plan will allow
for capture by the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund (LBRF). The total estimated
cost of eligible activities is approximately $2.2 million, with an estimated $927,000
allocated to LBRF capture.
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved Amendment #1 at their
November 10, 2025 meeting. The Development and Reimbursement Agreement
must be approved separately.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
resolution and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resolution.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. Comments were heard from Jamie Cross about public access, and Brad
Hastings about ADA compliance.
Motion by Vice Mayor St.Clair, second by Commissioner Kochin, to close the
public hearing and approve the resolution with the same condition attached by
the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority on November 10, 2025, and authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resolution.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Keener, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. PA 198 Industrial Facilities Exemption — 2034 Latimer Drive Economic
Development
Pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, Johnson Technology, INC has
requested the issuance of an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for their
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property located at 2034 Latimer Drive.
Johnson Technology, Inc., a subsidiary of GE Aerospace, has submitted an
application for an Industrial Facilities Exemption (IFT) certificate for real property
improvements at 2034 Latimer Drive. The company is proposing a 20,000 sq. ft.
addition with a total investment of $9,078,845. This addition will expand shipping
and receiving facilities and add manufacturing floor space to support increasing
production demands.
If approved, the IFT certificate would reduce property taxes on the real property
improvements by 50% for the duration of the exemption.
Johnson Technology, Inc. is an aircraft engine parts manufacturer headquartered
in the City of Muskegon, with additional facilities in Norton Shores. GE Aerospace
employs over 330 people at its Muskegon location and plans to hire an additional
90 employees as part of this expansion. GE Aerospace (formerly GE Aviation) has
been part of the Muskegon area since 1997, when it acquired Johnson
Technology. The company is also investing $70 million in a separate expansion in
Norton Shores and has announced a broader $1 billion nationwide commitment.
Due to Johnson Technology’s status as a federal contractor and pursuant to
Executive Order 14173, the company is not subject to local affirmative action plan
requirements. However, Johnson Technology remains committed to non-
discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity for all employees and applicants,
and has provided the City with a copy of its Respectful Workplace Policy
reflecting that commitment.
Following its review, the City’s Internal Tax Committee recommends approval of
a 12-year abatement term for the proposed investment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
issuance of an Industrial Facilities Exemption certificate for a period of 12 years for
the property located at 2034 Latimer Dr. and to authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to sign the application and the 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.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and Keener
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments received.
2025-88 CONSENT AGENDA
Page 3 of 15
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the October 13, 2025, Commission Worksession Meeting
and the October 14, 2025, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Ordinance Adoption: Unlawful Speed Exhibition Events (SECOND
READING) Public Safety
The City of Muskegon Police Department requests consideration to adopt an
ordinance to address the rise in unauthorized vehicle speed exhibitions—
commonly known as “street takeovers”—which threaten public safety, disrupt
neighborhoods, and damage infrastructure, by enhancing enforcement and
providing progressive responses such as impoundment authority and advance
notice procedures.
The City of Muskegon finds that unauthorized motor vehicle speed exhibition
events—commonly known as “street takeovers,” “sideshows,” or “slideshows”—
pose a serious threat to public safety, disrupt neighborhoods, damage
infrastructure, and endanger motorists, pedestrians, and first responders. Events
like these have been an issue in other communities, like Grand Rapids and
Kalamazoo, and the police department has seen an uptick in these events in
Muskegon. This ordinance is adopted to deter such behavior, enhance
enforcement options, and provide for progressive administrative response
through impoundment authority and advance notice procedures.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to adopt Chapter 92, Article VIII, Sections 92-
500 through 92- 504 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Muskegon, Michigan
to deter unauthorized speed exhibitions.
G. FY26 State Revolving Fund Engineering Services Public Works
Staff requests authorization to enter into two contracts with Prein & Newhof in the
total amount of $839,700 for design and construction engineering services related
to the FY26 DWSRF and CWSRF programs, associated projects and service line
replacements.
The City is again fortunate to have been offered loans, grants and principal
forgiveness through the FY26 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and
the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) programs through the State of
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE). Specifically,
the City has been offered a combination of grants and principal forgiveness
totaling 28% funding, with the remaining 72% eligible for a 20-year loan at a 2%
interest rate which is well below market.
Due to scoring requirements, several projects were included in the City's
application and must be completed under the program in order to take
advantage of the principle forgiveness (most of which is associated with the lead
service line replacement work). The overall budget for the projects is $14,450,000.
Note that these represent the amounts the City is eligible for, and construction
costs may be different once fully designed. Specifically, the program includes:
Page 4 of 15
The Glenside/9th Project includes 9th Street from Keating to Shelby, which will loop
a dead end water main and provide better interconnects between the City's
transmission mains, and work in Glenside to continue moving sewer and water
mains from the alleys to the streets (work will occur on Hadden, Lexington,
Randolph and Winchester, all west of Wickham).
Depending on bid prices, it is anticipated the FY26 program will replace up to 700
lead service lines. The debt service fees the SRF-eligible portion of the program
are expected to add to the water bill are estimated at $1.62 per month for a water
residential account and at $1.33 for a sewer residential account, for a total of
$2.95 per month which would begin impacting customer's bills in FY28 or FY29.
Portions of the engineering work required for these projects are included in the
25/26 budget and should they move forward, the projects will continue to have
allocations included in the 26/27 and 27/28 fiscal year budgets. The engineering
costs are eligible for the principle forgiveness and bond at the same cost split as
the construction work.
A qualifications-based process was used in 2019 that shortlisted Prein & Newhof
along with two other firms to provide engineering services for these projects. Staff
solicited proposals from Prein & Newhof which total $1,113,600, split into one
contract for the lead service line replacements and a second contract for the
remainder of the projects. Prein & Newhof has already performed about 25% of
the design work on the Glenside project for a prior SRF funding round, which the
City elected not to take advantage of at that time due to system finances. The
staff has reviewed the proposals and feels Prein & Newhof are best suited to
handle these projects based on their experience and their intimate familiarity with
our water system, the DWSRF program, and their history of exemplary
performance on similar projects over the past several years.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into two contracts with
Prein & Newhof in the total amount of $839,700 for design and construction
engineering services related to the FY26 DWSRF and CWSRF programs, associated
projects and service line replacements.
K. Harbor 31 Development and Reimbursement Agreement Economic
Development
Harbor 31 Hotel is seeking approval of their development and reimbursement
agreement for their hotel at 181 and 201 Viridian Dr.
The draft Development and Reimbursement Agreement between the Brownfield
Redevelopment Authority (BRA), the City of Muskegon, and the developer
extends through 2047 or until all eligible activities have been reimbursed through
Page 5 of 15
tax increment financing (TIF) capture, whichever occurs first.
Brownfield Plan Amendment #1 was presented to the BRA on November 10, 2025,
to incorporate state school tax capture for reimbursement of eligible non-
environmental activities. The BRA approved the development and
reimbursement agreement at their November 10, 2025 meeting.
The Development and Reimbursement Agreement complements the Brownfield
Plan Amendment by defining the specific terms, conditions, and timeline for
reimbursement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the Development and
Reimbursement Agreement for Harbor 31 Hotel as presented and to authorize the
Mayor and City Clerk to sign.
M. Bid/RFP contract award - Engineering AutoCad standards DPW-
Engineering
Staff is requesting authorization to enter into a contract with Fleis & Vandenbrink
in the amount of $98,490.00 for engineering services to update City specifications,
bid documents, standard details and CAD software.
Bids were solicited for a technical project to develop and improve City Standards
and AutoCad Templates; including but not limited to creating drawing details,
blocks and layers, creating new front end construction specifications, and
updating the City's construction specifications, training for engineering staff on
these items, and a year of ongoing technical support. The bid tabulation is below.
Staff recommends Fleis & Vandenbrink, a local firm, based on the details of their
proposal being in line with staff's expectations for the project, and their local
presence for the training and support components. The project was budgeted
at $100,000.
Spicer Group: $95,500.00
Fleis & Vandenbrink: $98,490.00
Prein & Newhof: $160,900.00
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a contract with
Fleis & Vandenbrink in the amount of $98,490.00 for establishing engineering
services to update City specifications, bid documents, standard details and CAD
software.
O. Brunswick Sewer Work Manager's Office
The sewer fund would receive $49,195 from Brunswick to cover its share of the
repair costs. This is a reduction of the total bill, taking into account the costs
Brunswick had already incurred in the repair process.
In 2024, the City collaborated with Brunswick to perform repair work on their sewer
lateral within Laketon Ave. After taking into account various costs both parties
incurred, this represents the balance that Brunswick is responsible for, $49,195.
Since this adjustment to the total bill exceeds $25,000, approval from the
Commission is required.
In 2024, the City collaborated with Brunswick to perform repair work on their sewer
lateral within Laketon Ave. After taking into account various costs both parties
Page 6 of 15
incurred, this represents the balance that Brunswick is responsible for, $49,195.
Since this adjustment to the total bill exceeds $25,000, approval from the
Commission is required.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the sewer repair bill to Brunswick for
$49,195.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Keener, to approve
the Consent Agenda as presented minus Items C, D, E, F, H, I, J, L, and N.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, and Gorman
Nays: None
(Commissioner Keener stepped out for a moment)
MOTION PASSES
2025-89 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
C. Limited Traffic Data Software Subscription Public Works
Staff requests authorization to enter into a three-year contract with Vertosoft, LLC
for $26,752 per year for a subscription to Urban SDK traffic data software.
Staff in the Police Department and Engineering Department have long been
interested in taking advantage of improving technology to gain a better
understanding of traffic in the City. Current technology involves placing radar
trailers or rubber hoses on the roadways and returning later to pick up the devices
and process the data, one location at a time. Urban SDK offers a solution that will
give both departments access to speed and volume data across the entire City
network, instantaneously, via software. Urban SDK uses the connected devices
already in nearly all vehicles to anonymously report speed and volume data.
Vertosoft has provided the City with a quote for a three-year contract that is
based on Sourcewell pricing. Sourcewell is a purchasing cooperative that
competitively bids goods and services and offers its members the ability to
purchase those items at the lowest bid price. It meets the City's purchasing policy
requirements for a public bid. While this item was not specifically budgeted for in
the street fund budgets, reserves are available to cover this expense, and the
budget will be amended accordingly. This advanced software will improve the
staff's efficiency, knowledge and accuracy.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a three-year
contract with Vertosoft, LLC for $26,752 per year for a subscription to Urban SDK
traffic data software.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to authorize staff
to enter into a three-year contract with Vertosoft, LLC for $26,752 per year for a
subscription to Urban SDK traffic data software.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, Keener, German, and Gorman
Page 7 of 15
Nays: Kilgo and Kochin
MOTION PASSES
D. Sale of 617, 625, & 635 Oak Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 617, 625, and
635 Oak 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 617, 625, and 635 Oak for $6,100 (50% of the True
Cash Value of $12,200) 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 on each of the properties.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 617,
625, and 635 Oak 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 617, 625, and 635 Oak to Sjaarda Homes
and Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda).
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: German
MOTION PASSES
E. Sale of 638 & 644 Oak Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 638 and 644 Oak
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 638 and 644 Oak for $4,000 (50% of the True Cash
Value of $8,000) 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
on each property.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 638
and 644 Oak 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 638 and 644 Oak to Sjaarda Homes and
Properties LLC (Derek Sjaarda).
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, Keener, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: German
MOTION PASSES
F. Sale of 595 Oak & 594 Orchard Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 595 Oak and
594 Orchard to Sue Ann Properties LLC (Eric Payne).
Page 8 of 15
Sue Ann Properties LLC (Eric Payne) would like to purchase the City-owned
buildable lots at 595 Oak and 594 Orchard for $4,000 (50% of the True Cash Value
of $8,000) plus half of the closing costs, and the fee to register the deed. Sue Ann
Properties LLC will be constructing a duplex on each property.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 595
Oak and 594 Orchard to Sue Ann Properties LLC.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kochin, to authorize
staff to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 595 Oak and 594 Orchard to Sue Ann
Properties LLC.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Keener, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: German
MOTION PASSES
H. Beach Pass Online Discount Public Safety
Request to give a discount to patrons who purchase their annual beach parking
permits on the portal.
As we introduce our new license plate reader program for beach passes, a portal
is available for the public to purchase all beach passes. As an incentive to
encourage people to use the portal, we would like to offer a $4.00 discount for
annual passes purchased on the portal.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve $4.00 discount for patrons who purchase
annual beach passes on the new portal.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner German, to approve a
$4.00 discount for patrons who purchase annual beach passes and a $3 discount
for patrons who purchase a daily beach pass on the new portal and request staff
to move forward with the BOGO.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and Keener
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
I. Rezoning of 560 Mart St from Waterfront Marine (WM) to Waterfront
Industrial PUD (WI-PUD). Planning
Request to rezone a portion of the property at 560 Mart St from Waterfront Marine
(WM) to Waterfront Industrial PUD (WI-PUD), by West Michigan Dock & Market
Corp.
The applicant is requesting to rezone 23.5 acres of the 43.5 acre site to WI-PUD.
The area to be rezoned is located behind the existing security fence. This area has
historically been used for port-related activities. Although these uses are not
allowed in the WM zoning district, they are considered legally non-conforming
(grandfathered). Rezoning this portion of the property to WI-PUD would allow the
Page 9 of 15
applicant to apply for a PUD for port-related uses, which would allow them to
become legally-conforming. The rest of the parcel would remain under
Waterfront Marine (WM) zoning.
This rezoning request is related to the "land swap" project between the City, Mart
Dock, and Verplank. More information regarding the project can be found
here: https://muskegon-mi.civilspace.io/en/projects/connecting-community-to-
the-water-ports-and-parks
The land swap project would help complete several goals identified in City plans,
including the following:
o Increasing publicly-accessible land along the waterfront - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 10).
o Increasing publicly-accessible shoreline - Imagine Muskegon Lake (page
10)
o Increasing multi-use paths and trails align the shoreline - Imagine Muskegon
Lake (page 10)
o Increasing mixed-use development along the waterfront - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 11)
o Activating the Mart Dock property as an activity center - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 37,40,41)
o Habitat restoration at the future park on the Verplank site - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 59)
o Connecting the Western & Central Waterfront Districts to Downtown -
Imagine Muskegon Lake (page 15)
o Become regionally and nationally designated by organizations that will
bring visibility and economic development to Muskegon Lake - Master Plan
(Economic Development, page 19)
o Improve the environmental quality of greenway corridors by cleaning up
contaminated sites, safeguarding areas highly susceptible to private land
use, and reducing dumping - Master Plan (Natural Features, page 13)
o Increase and enhance publicly-accessible amenities along the waterfront
and soften shorelines where possible - Master Plan (Economic
Development, page 18)
o Invest in placemaking opportunities that capitalize on community assets -
Master Plan (Economic Development, page 10)
o Increase access to the Muskegon Lake shoreline - Master Plan (Jackson Hill,
page 11).
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the request by a 7-2 vote
at their special meeting on October 23.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move that the request to rezone a portion of the
property at 560 Mart St. from Waterfront Marine to Waterfront Industrial PUD be
approved.
Page 10 of 15
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to move that the
request to rezone a portion of the property at 560 Mart St. from Waterfront Marine
to Waterfront Industrial PUD be approved.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Kilgo
Nays: Keener and German
Abstain: Johnson
MOTION PASSES (REQUIRES SECOND READING)
J. Rezoning of 501 E Western Ave from Open Space Recreation (OSR) to
Waterfront Industrial PUD (WI-PUD). Planning
Staff-initiated request to rezone 501 E Western Ave from Open Space Recreation
(OSR) to Waterfront Industrial PUD (WI-PUD).
Staff is requesting to rezone a portion of Fisherman's Landing (501 E Western) to
WI-PUD to allow for port activities on-site. Once the property is rezoned to WI-PUD,
the owner would be able to apply for a PUD for port-related activities. The
remainder of the property will remain OSR zoning, and the boat launch, fishing
areas, and bathrooms will remain open to the public. About 3.5 of the 5 parking
lots on-site will remain (about 46 parking spaces to be eliminated). Please see the
map depicting the portion of the property to be rezoned and the zoning
ordinance excerpts for WI-PUD and OSR.
This rezoning request is related to the "land swap" project between the City, Mart
Dock, and Verplank. More information regarding the project can be found
here: https://muskegon-mi.civilspace.io/en/projects/connecting-community-to-
the-water-ports-and-parks
The land swap project would help complete several goals identified in City plans,
including the following:
o Increasing publicly-accessible land along the waterfront - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 10).
o Increasing publicly-accessible shoreline - Imagine Muskegon Lake (page
10)
o Increasing multi-use paths and trails align the shoreline - Imagine Muskegon
Lake (page 10)
o Increasing mixed-use development along the waterfront - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 11)
o Activating the Mart Dock property as an activity center - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 37,40,41)
o Habitat restoration at the future park on the Verplank site - Imagine
Muskegon Lake (page 59)
o Connecting the Western & Central Waterfront Districts to Downtown -
Imagine Muskegon Lake (page 15)
Page 11 of 15
o Become regionally and nationally designated by organizations that will
bring visibility and economic development to Muskegon Lake - Master Plan
(Economic Development, page 19)
o Improve the environmental quality of greenway corridors by cleaning up
contaminated sites, safeguarding areas highly susceptible to private land
use, and reducing dumping - Master Plan (Natural Features, page 13)
o Increase and enhance publicly-accessible amenities along the waterfront
and soften shorelines where possible - Master Plan (Economic
Development, page 18)
o Invest in placemaking opportunities that capitalize on community assets -
Master Plan (Economic Development, page 10)
o Increase access to the Muskegon Lake shoreline - Master Plan (Jackson Hill,
page 11).
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning by a 7-2 vote
at their special meeting on October 23.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move that the request to rezone a portion of the
property at 501 E Western Ave from Open Space Recreation to Waterfront
Industrial PUD be approved.
Motion by Commissioner Keener, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to move that
the request to rezone a portion of the property at 501 E. Western Ave. from Open
Space Recreation to Waterfront Industrial PUD be approved.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and Gorman
Nays: Kochin, Keener, and German
MOTION PASSES (REQUIRES SECOND READING)
L. Bid Award - Park Building Renovations DPW- Parks
Staff requests authorization to enter into a contract with JWK in the amount of
$390,295 for park building renovations to Sheldon Park and Hartshorn Marina &
Park.
The parks department published a Request for Proposals in September for
renovations to 3 park buildings in need of renovation and repairs. The
improvements include restoring Sheldon Park bathroom and making ADA
improvements. Hartshorn Marina harbormaster building will be renovated to
improve work operations and properly seal the building. Hartshorn Boat Ramp &
Park restroom will be renovated as well with all new fixtures and a new roof. Short
Elliot Hendricks is the architect and project manager for these projects and will
assist with project oversight. These projects are scheduled to be completed no
later than fall of 2026. These improvements have been planned and budgeted
since the Parks Master Plan update in 2024 due to high community desire for these
bathrooms to reopen.
Bid Tab:
Page 12 of 15
JWK Construction Inc - $390,295
Clifford Buck Construction Company - $409,481 ($401,291 with 2% City preference)
Midwest Construction Group - $424,312
Tridonn Construction Company - $513,913 ($508,774 with 1% County preference)
JWK Construction is the recommended contractor for this project. The Purchasing
Policy does offer a 2% local contractor preference, and JWK is the lowest bidder
with the 2% preference factored in.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a contract with
JWK in the amount of $390,295 for park building renovations to Sheldon Park and
Hartshorn Marina & Park.
Motion by Commissioner Keener, second by Commissioner Kochin, to authorize
staff to enter into a contract with JWK in the amount of $390,295 for park building
renovations to Sheldon Park and Hartshorn Marina & Park.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, German, Gorman, and Kochin
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
N. Police Department Wage Increase Public Safety
The City of Muskegon is proposing a wage increase for both the Patrol and
Command Police Unions. This proposal recognizes the tremendous work our
police officers and command staff perform under extraordinary circumstances
and supports our commitment to retaining compassionate, professional, ethical,
and community-focused officers. The proposed wage increase would pay officers
at their 2026 rate starting on October 1, 2025, with an additional $1 added to those
wages.
The Muskegon Police Department, like many police departments nationwide, has
experienced staffing shortages. Despite these challenges, our officers and
command staff have continued to provide exceptional service to the community.
The City of Muskegon must continue to reward our officers for their hard work and
also have a competitive wage to attract new talent to fill our staffing shortage.
The City of Muskegon is proposing a wage increase for the Patrol and Command
Unions. The proposed wage increase would pay officers at their 2026 wage rate
beginning October 1, 2025, with an additional $1 added to those wages. The pay
adjustment will be retroactive to October 1 and issued in the first pay period of
December. Below is the breakdown of the wage increase.
Police Patrol Union Wage Matrix (hourly)
Recruit Start 1 YR 2 YRS 3 YRS 4 YRS 5-9 YRS 10+
YRS
2025 23.00 28.00 29.00 32.00 35.00 37.00 38.00 39.00
2026 24.00 29.00 32.00 35.00 37.00 38.00 39.00 41.00
Page 13 of 15
Proposed25.00 30.00 33.00 36.00 38.00 39.00 40.00 42.00
Increase
Police Command Union Wage Matrix (hourly)
Sergeant Lieutenant Captain
2025 45.20 48.29 51.39
2026 47.10 50.16 53.21
Proposed Increase48.10 51.16 54.21
It should be noted that for FY 2025-26, we were projecting a $232,000 budget
surplus, with total revenues of $44,335,812. However, fiscal Year 2024–25 revenues
came in better than expected at approximately $44,251,000. This number is only
about $85,000 less than our projected revenues for the current fiscal year. Given
the revenue number from this past fiscal year, and considering changes in state
revenues, we're now projecting general fund revenues closer to $45,000,000. This
would give us more than enough flexibility in our budget to absorb this increase.
Additionally, because FY 2024-25 revenues came in higher than initially forecast
(and expenses were also down) we did not have to touch the fund balance as
initially anticipated. So, we're projecting a slight increase in our fund balance
position when the auditors present the audit after the first of the year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the wage increase for both the
Patrol and Command Police Unions to begin 2026 wage rates plus a $1 increase
retroactively beginning October 1, 2025.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to approve the
wage increase for both the Patrol and Command Police Unions to begin 2026
wage rates plus a $1 increase retroactively beginning October 1, 2025.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, German, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Johnson thanked the Clerk and her staff for operating another excellent
election and for sharing the results as soon as they were available.
Commissioner German also thanked the Clerk and those who ran for office and
congratulated those who won.
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth stated we cannot get pennies anymore, they
stopped being minted in May. We are working on a pilot program on rounding.
Mayor Johnson reminded that we have the kiosk in the atrium where you can pay
your water bill and DTE bill.
Commissioner Kilgo asked council about Closed Session.
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Commissioner Kochin announced that those who are struggling to get food there
is an event on November 15, starting at noon, at the Paradise Event Center, 465
W. Broadway. They will be handing out food.
Mayor Johnson stated the fall menu at the Love Café is launching Tuesday,
November 11. It is a pay-as-you-can diner. He also stated that our Farmers Market
is a participant in the double-up food bucks program, and there is also bonus
bucks.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
2025-90 CLOSED SESSION
A. Discussion of Attorney/Client Privilege Manager's Office
Motion by Vice Mayor St.Clair, second by Commissioner Keener, to go into Closed
Session to consider material exempt from discussion and disclosure by State or
Federal Statute, being an attorney client communication.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, Keener, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner German, to go into
Open Session.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Keener, German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City
Clerk
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