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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
November 25, 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, November 25,
2025. Pastor E.J. Wood from All Shores Wesleyan 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
Rachel Gorman, Katrina Kochin, Jay Kilgo, and Willie German, Jr., City Manager
Jonathan Seyferth, City Attorney John Schrier, and City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
Absent: Commissioner Destinee Keener
2025-91 HONORS, AWARDS, AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Citizen Life Savings Award Fire
On October 5, 2025, at approx. 2:17 p.m., a swimmer in distress was observed
at Pere Marquette Park. Before fire rescue personnel arrived, Matthew Verplank
and Nate Witney were on a personal watercraft and noticed a woman
struggling to keep afloat amid the high waves of Lake Michigan. One rider
jumped from the safety of his watercraft and swam to the woman just before
she went underwater. The other watercraft assisted both subjects to shore; both
were extremely fatigued by the time firefighters arrived and assisted them to
shore. A tragedy was averted that day by two citizens who were willing to help
a stranger. Battalion Chief Keith McMillan presented Matthew Verplank and
Nate Witney with resolutions and thanked them for everything they did.
B. Recognition of Lt. Pastoor - Firefighter of the Year Public Safety
Lt. Samantha Pastoor has been recognized as the Firefighter of the Year for
2024 by the Michigan American Legion for her outstanding dedication, bravery
and service to the community. Chief Tim Kozal and Deputy Director Jay
Paulson presented Lt. Samantha Pastoor with a resolution recognizing her for
this great achievement.
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2025-92 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Certificates - 438 E Isabella Ave. and 444
E Isabella Ave. Economic Development
Staff is requesting the approval of Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ)
certificates for 15 years for a new construction home at 438 E. Isabella Ave. and
444 E. Isabella Ave.
Robert Muusse Builders LLC has submitted two applications for Neighborhood
Enterprise Zone (NEZ) certificates for the construction of single-family homes at
438 E. Isabella Avenue and 444 E. Isabella Avenue. The proposed sale prices
are $199,000 each for 438 E. Isabella and 444 E. Isabella. The applicant has met
all local and state requirements for the issuance of NEZ certificates. The
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act provides for the development and
rehabilitation of residential housing located within eligible distressed
communities. Approval of these applications would grant the future property
owners a tax abatement that reduces their property taxes by approximately
50% for up to 15 years.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) certificates for 15 years at 438 E. Isabella
Ave. and 444 E. Isabella Ave. and authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign
the applications and resolutions.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to close the
public hearing and approve the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ)
certificates for 15 years at 438 E. Isabella Ave. and 444 E. Isabella Ave. and
authorize the City Clerk and Mayor to sign the applications and resolutions.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, and Gorman
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
FEDERAL/STATE/COUNTY OFFICIALS UPDATE
Muskegon County Commissioner Jessica Cook read a resolution of support that
the County Commission passed unanimously at their November 18th meeting
for connecting the community to the water, ports, and parks property.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments received.
2025-93 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
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To approve minutes of the November 10, 2025, Worksession/Commission
Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
C. Fleet Vehicle Replacement - Plow Trucks Public Works
Staff is requesting approval to purchase two replacement plow trucks for the
City’s equipment fleet. These new vehicles will replace existing plow trucks that
are nearly 25 years old. The cab and chassis for each truck will be purchased
from West Michigan International through the Sourcewell contract for
$117,632.82 per unit. The plow truck components, including the dump box,
underbody scraper blade, and salt box, will be built and installed by Viking-
Cives under the Sourcewell contract for $139,952.69 per unit. Sourcewell is a
purchasing collective that publicly bids items to offer the best value to member
organizations, and its public bid process satisfies the City's purchasing policy
requirements.
Quantity Price Total
Cab and chassis 2 $117,632.82 $235,265.64
Dump box, underbody 2 $139,952.69 $279,905.38
scraper blade, and salt
spreader
Total $515,171.02
The total cost of $515,171.02 is a budgeted expense from the Equipment
Fund. Delivery timelines for fully assembled plow trucks have recently
exceeded one year. It is likely the purchases of the cab and chassis
($235,265.64) will occur this FY (2025-26), but the installation of the dump
box, underbody scraper blade, and salt spreader ($279,905.38) will be next
FY (2026-27).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize staff to purchase two new plow
trucks through West Michigan International and Viking-Cives for $515,171.02.
D. Fleet Vehicle Replacement - Water Dept. Construction Truck Public
Works
Staff is requesting approval to purchase a replacement construction truck for
the Water Department from Gorno Ford at a cost of $72,838. Construction
trucks are used by the Water and Sewer Department to transport staff and
equipment to job sites, as well as to carry the tools and supplies needed to
install, repair, and replace water and sewer infrastructure throughout the City.
The truck being replaced is from the early 2000s.
Updating this vehicle will provide more reliable transportation for our staff and
reduce emissions produced by the City's fleet. The truck will be purchased from
Gorno Ford, a MiDEAL partner. MiDEAL is a state-negotiated purchasing
program that allows local governments to purchase vehicles and equipment at
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a discounted rate without conducting their own bidding process. This purchase
is a budgeted expense from the Equipment Fund.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize staff to purchase a construction
truck from Gorno Ford for $72,838.
E. Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Permitted Yard
Encroachments Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend Section 2307 of the zoning ordinance to modify
the permitted yard encroachment criteria.
This amendment is to clarify some information found in Section 2307 (permitted
yard encroachments) of the zoning ordinance. The amendment will clean up
some language regarding porches that encroach on the front setback
requirement and will also allow steps on a porch to encroach a little further
than currently allowed. This amendment will also eliminate #4 in the section
that describes regulations for subdivisions that were 90% developed prior to
1940. Zoning reform has replaced the need for these requirements.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request
at their November 13 meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the request to amend Section 2307 of the
zoning ordinance to modify the permitted yard encroachment criteria be
approved.
(REQUIRES SECOND READING)
F. Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Residential Design Criteria Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend Section 2319 of the zoning ordinance to modify
the residential design criteria.
These minor amendments are to address some incorrect information in the
zoning ordinance that was created when zoning reform was approved. These
changes would also require a house to have a door at the front of the house,
which is not required as of now. The numbering of the design requirements has
also been updated.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request
at their November 13 meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the request to amend Section 2319 of the
zoning ordinance to modify the residential design criteria be approved.
(REQUIRES SECOND READING)
I. OpenGov Asset Management (Cartegraph) for the Highway
Department Public Works
Staff requests approval to enter into a contract modification with OpenGov for
Asset Management and Work Order Software in the total amount of
$173,477.74 over a three-year contract.
Cartegraph, a division of OpenGov (a government software services
company), is an asset management software designed for public works. It
tracks asset condition and maintenance practices and uses department
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priorities and AI to recommend new maintenance tasks, replacement
schedules and other valuable information. It also has the important benefit of
including a work order management system that will allow for electronic work
order management, improving efficiency at DPW, providing better tools for
supervision of labor, equipment and materials, and increasing the data
available for reporting and decisions.
In November of 2023, the City's Water & Sewer Department began the
transition to Cartegraph, and as of about six months ago (after delays due to
the BS&A cloud conversion), is fully utilizing the software for their daily
operations. During that time the Water Filtration Plant also implemented
Cartegraph, and the Equipment department is also working to prepare the
system for their needs. As the SeeClickFix citizen reporting tool came online, we
integrated it with Cartegraph to allow citizen requests to flow directly into work
tasks in the Cartegraph system. These experiences have been positive. The
workflows, asset management capabilities, reporting and financial tracking are
helping DPW's operations move into the modern era. When fully realized and
implemented, the software will allow the department to do more with less,
track material and equipment costs much more accurately, and more clearly
and easily report how dollars are being spent. To continue this transition, staff
looked at how various departments work together and determined that the
Highway Department (in charge of the City's streets and drainage as their main
tasks) would be the best area to next bring on to the software.
In order to have the tools needed for Highway to use the software, additional
"modules" are needed. This includes the Transportation, Stormwater and
Walkability (sidewalks and forestry) domains. The first year of this contract
modification is higher than the annual costs to allow Cartegraph staff to help
DPW implement the software and develop customizations that will assist our
operations. Attachments include the fees by year and the scope of work
document which defines the implementation services. This will be a
modification to our existing contract with OpenGov to provide Cartegraph to
our other departments. The Streets funds (202 and 203) will be paying these
costs. While the implementation schedule was not known at the time of
budgeting, these costs are well within the capability of the funds and a budget
amendment will be prepared for an upcoming reforecast. Additional device
costs are necessary to make the system function, including approximately
$20,000 for in-vehicle computer systems in the highway department
trucks. These additional costs will be made following the purchasing policy and
will be brought to the Commission, if applicable, in the future.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to approve staff to enter into a contract
modification with OpenGov for Asset Management and Work Order Software
in the total amount of $173,477.74 over a three-year contract.
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Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to approve
the Consent Agenda as presented minus Items B, G, H, and J.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2025-94 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
B. Cost of Living Adjustment-Non Union Employees Finance
At the end of the calendar year management recommends an adjust to non-
union wages. Management recommends a 3% COLA that is consistent with U.S
Bureau of Labor Statics data thru September 2025.
Overall, with the 3% increase, it looks like the NU group is projecting a decrease
of around $270K from budgeted figures, specifically $150K from the GF. Every
fund affected is included in the summary, but the increases are less than $20K,
of which many impact the street funds.
This decrease is most likely from a combination of a few items:
1. Budgeted numbers are finalized at the end of April, but staff currently
employed by the end of March/ early April are assumed to continue
employment. Just considering GF, we had three individuals either retire or
resign prior to the end of FY 24-25, and were replaced sometime in early
FY 25-26. The staff who replaced these members began at lower wages
and lower fringe rates.
2. We had already considered a 2.3% increase in wages, due to projected
inflation, so the additional 0.7% isn’t all too much more
3. With the increase in opt-out rates, we are seeing that more new hires are
choosing to go onto their spouse/ partner’s insurance.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kochin, to
approve the 3.0% wage increase for non-union employees effective January 1,
2026.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Gorman, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
G. Contract Award - Building Inspection Services Public Safety
Staff recommends awarding the contract for Building Inspection Services to
SAFEbuilt. SAFEbuilt is the City’s current provider and has demonstrated strong
performance, comprehensive service capability, and reliable responsiveness.
After reviewing the three proposals received, staff determined that SAFEbuilt is
the most qualified firm to continue providing these services.
SAFEbuilt has provided building inspection services for the City of Muskegon
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since 2012. Over the past thirteen years, they have delivered professional,
reliable, and timely inspection services for projects of all sizes, handled
dangerous buildings, and the City’s rental program. Their team has developed
a strong working relationship with City staff, local contractors, and developers;
and has maintained a clear understanding of the City’s permitting processes,
service expectations, and community development goals.
In 2024, the City extended SAFEbuilt’s contract for one year, with the current
agreement set to expire on December 31, 2025. As part of the City’s standard
procurement process, staff solicited proposals for continued building inspection
services. Three proposals were received and evaluated based on
qualifications, experience, scope of services, and ability to meet the City’s
inspection and customer service needs.
After a thorough review, staff determined that SAFEbuilt remains the most
qualified provider. Their long-term performance, institutional knowledge, and
demonstrated capacity to support Muskegon’s continued growth make them
the strongest choice for ongoing service delivery.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to award SAFEbuilt the Building Inspections
Services Contract.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to award
SAFEbuilt the Building Inspections Services Contract.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Gorman, Kilgo, and German
Nays: Kochin
Abstain: St.Clair and Johnson
MOTION DOES NOT CARRY
This will be discussed further at the Legislative Policy Committee Meeting on
Monday, December 1st.
H. Amendment to Froebel Purchase Agreement Economic Development
Samaritas is requesting an extension on closing on the former Froebel School
building for the Froebel Place Apartments project. They are also requesting to
split the lot and have the City retain the large vacant area on Jackson.
With the changes to the scoring system for LIHTC that has been codified this
year by the Michigan Statewide Housing Development Authority, there are 3-5
additional points available for a project in the event the parcel has been
subject to a Request for Proposals to seek redevelopment by the community in
the preceding 24 months. In the event that Samaritas closed on the whole
property now, that would not be the case and would make any future
application for a new construction phase at Froebel non-competitive.
Therefore, staff and Samaritas have prepared the addendum to the original
purchase agreement which provides an updated legal description reflecting
the lot split, and also extends the closing deadline to better align with the State
Land Bank Blight Elimination Grant requirements.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the addendum as presented,
and to authorize the City Manager to sign.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to approve
the addendum as presented, and to authorize the City Manager to sign.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, and Gorman
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
J. School Resource Officer Contract Public Safety
Approve annual School Resource Officer (SRO) contract with Muskegon High
and Muskegon Middle School.
Muskegon Middle School is to pay the City of Muskegon $60,437.00 per year for
one officer.
Muskegon High School is to pay the City of Muskegon $32,049.55 per year for
one officer.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Please approve both contracts.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the annual School Resource Officer contract with Muskegon High and
Muskegon Middle School.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, and Kochin
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2025-95 NEW BUSINESS
A. Concurrence with the Housing Board of Appeals Notice and Order to
Demolish 1763 McIlwraith St, 1853 Sanford St, 275 Dratz St. Public Safety
The Housing Board of Appeals is requesting that the City Commission concur
with their findings that the three properties 1763 McIlwraith St., 1853 Sanford St.,
and 275 Dratz St. are unsafe, substandard, a public nuisance and that these
properties be demolished.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to concur with the Housing Board of Appeals
decision to demolish properties at 1763 McIlwraith St., 1853 Sanford St., and 275
Dratz St.
No property owners or representatives were present at the meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Vice Mayor St.Clair, to concur with
the Housing Board of Appeals decision to demolish properties at 1763
McIlwraith St., 1853 Sanford St., and 275 Dratz St.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Gorman, Kochin, and St.Clair
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Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Fisherman's Landing/Third Street Wharf Lake Front
Development Manager's Office
For nearly a year, and at the direction of the City Commission, the City
Manager and legal counsel have been working with Mart Dock on the
potential transition of Fisherman’s Landing Campground into a commercial
port.
In September, staff presented a draft of the development agreement. At that
time, several exhibits were still incomplete. Following feedback from the
Commission and the public, the development agreement, including exhibits,
has been finalized.
Key points include:
• The City would lease Fisherman’s Landing to Mart Dock for 50 years, with
an optional 40-year renewal. Mart Dock would also have the option to
purchase the site after 2028. The lease would begin March 15, 2026.
• The campground will remain in operation until the City closes
on/acquires the conversion property (Verplank acreage).
• The City would purchase 2.5 acres of the Third Street Wharf property,
using a portion of the $2.8 million state appropriation to cover costs.
• The City would agree to riparian restrictions at Third Street Wharf to
safeguard docking (cruise ships) and launching activities.
• The Mart Dock has agreed to keep the shoreline on the north side of the
campground "soft" up to 25 feet beyond the ordinary highwater mark.
There will not be public access in this area.
• The development agreement notes that Mart Dock would be responsible
for the cost of moving the picnic pavilion at Fisherman's Landing.
• Revenue sharing is outlined in the agreement.
Funding:
• The City will sponsor or co-sponsor with Mart Dock grants for port
infrastructure at Fisherman’s Landing (most likely Port Infrastructure
Development grants).
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• The City would be compensated for the Fisherman’s Landing property in
a pre-paid lease (same value as a property sale) and use those funds to
acquire the Verplank property (with additional funding required to
complete the purchase, the funding gap will be in the six-figure range).
• The cost to rehab Verplank is still unknown. Staff is working with the Great
Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Cities Initiative to develop plans for the
next steps in the redevelopment of the Verplank properties into a park.
(Including a list of unknowns, possible avenues forward for grants, and
planning options.) We anticipate securing grants for the river estuary
restoration.
• The $2.8 million state enhancement grant (of which the City already
holds one-quarter) would support:
o Acquisition and improvements to the City-acquired Third Street
property
o A minimum of 50%—or $1 million, whichever is greater—for sewer
relocation and preservation of the LST and Silversides.
• If Mart Dock/the City secures a Port Infrastructure Development Grant
and operations begin at Fisherman’s Landing, Mart Dock must cease
operations at Mart Dock Proper within five years (extendable one year at
a time at the City Manager’s discretion).
• A deed restriction would be placed on the Mart Dock Parcel, requiring
Commission approval to amend or remove. This restriction runs with the
land and applies to current and future owners.
o Prohibited uses: All port operations, including cargo handling,
container storage, freight loading/unloading, and related logistics
o Permitted uses:
Cruise ship operations and related activities
Boat storage, service, and repair (current allowable use
under zoning via Special Land Use)
Marinas (by-right use under current zoning)
• Mart Dock Proper would be rezoned to Waterfront Industrial PUD (zoning
ordinance), with final approval to occur alongside the agreement. (2 (e))
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• Fisherman’s Landing would also be rezoned to Waterfront Industrial PUD
at the same time. This is not explicitly stated in the agreement because,
as property owner, the City has sole authority to initiate the rezoning.
This summary highlights the main elements of the agreement. Staff will present
additional details at Tuesday night’s Commission Meeting focusing on what's
changed since the last presentation, providing context and connecting this
draft to the earlier public engagement presentations.
Public Engagement:
In Person:
• Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, January 7, 2025
• Muskegon Rotary, West Michigan Port Operators, January 9, 2025
(available on YouTube for viewing)
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, February 15, 2025
• Public Information Session #1 - Sim Ray Community Building at Smith
Ryerson, January 27, 2025
• Public Information Session #2 - Public Works Building, February 4, 2025
• Neighborhood Associations of Muskegon, February 5, 2025
• Public Information Session #3 - The HUB, February 17, 2025
• Muskegon Chamber Governmental Affairs Meeting, March 4, 2025
• Commission Worksession, September 8, 2025
• Public Q&A Session at Muskegon High School, October 21, 2025
(available online for viewing)
• Muskegon Rotary Presentation, November 6, 2026 (available on YouTube
for viewing)
(more than 18 hours of large-scale public engagement. This does not include
Neighborhood Association Meetings attended where Ports & Parks have been a
topic of discussion.)
Digital:
• Social media Q&A (taken from engagement questions/online/written
feedback)
• Connect Muskegon Page
o All documents available on Connect Muskegon
o The public can provide feedback
o The public can sign up for updates when documents
change/information changes on the page (641 subscribers to Ports
& Parks (86 only for Ports & Parks, 555 for all City projects on
Connect Muskegon))
o Summaries of public meetings can be viewed
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o Copies of feedback received can be viewed
o Digital presentations (same presentations as given in the public
information sessions)
Print:
• Covered in our Fall/Winter 2025 newsletter
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: none - discussion only.
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth gave a presentation and much discussion
ensued. This will be discussed further at the December 9, 2025, City Commission
Meeting.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Commission wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Johnson stated the Community Holiday Tree lighting is Saturday,
November 29th, at 6:00 p.m., at Hackley Park.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 11:22 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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