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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
February 24, 2026 @ 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, February 24,
2026. 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 Destinee Keener, Commissioners Jay
Kilgo, Willie German, Jr., Kiley Jackson, Katrina Kochin, and Rebecca St.Clair,
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth, City Attorney Brennen Gorman, and City
Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
No public comments were made.
2026-13 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the February 9, 2026, Commission Worksession Meeting,
and the February 10, 2026, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
C. Notice of Intent to Bond - Sanitary Sewer Fund Manager's Office
Staff is seeking approval of the notice of intent to bond.
At our February 9, 2026, Worksession, the City Commission heard from our Bond
Counsel, Pat McGow at Miller Canfield, and Warren Cramer, our Municipal
Financial Consultant at MFCI, about the City's next planned round of bonding
to continue our Sewer System Improvements.
The intent to bond that the Commission will consider tonight is not to exceed
$15,000,000 and will be to finance the cost to acquire, construct, furnish and
equip improvements to the Sanitary Sewer System of the City of Muskegon. This
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includes sewer system rehabilitation and replacement of existing sewer lines,
together with pump station improvements and all related items.
Please note, this does not mean the City will bond for $15,000,000 all at once.
This will be done over several years while also taking advantage of the State's
revolving loan fund/grant programs (when available).
In the first year of this program, we're estimating bonding for $3.4 million for
sewer system rehab. We anticipate about $640,000 is eligible for principal
forgiveness from the State. The remainder will be financed at about 2.00%.
The staff will come back to the Commissioner at a later date to formally bond
for this amount.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the notice of intent to bond not to
exceed $15,000,000.
E. Soccer in the Sand - REMOVED PER REQUEST OF STAFF DPW- Parks and
Recreation
F. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Fees Public Works
New and replacement electric vehicle charging stations are being installed at
multiple locations. Staff proposes to implement fees to cover the costs
associated with the charging stations.
In 2020, three electric vehicle (EV) charging stations were installed on Western
Avenue near 7th Street, 1st Street near Western Avenue, and at Pere
Marquette near the crosswalk. These stations have now exceeded their life
expectancy, and some chargers are no longer functioning. The cost to repair
the existing units exceeded the cost of full replacement.
Thanks to generous rebates from Consumers Energy and a grant from EGLE, the
City was able to secure eight new charging stations. Three stations will replace
the existing units, with one additional station added at Pere Marquette. Two
new stations will be installed in the parking lot at Third Street and Morris Avenue,
and two additional stations will be located on Webster Avenue near 3rd
Street. Each charging station includes two plugs/ports, bringing the total
number of cars able to be charged within the City at a given time to 16, four at
the beach and 12 downtown.
To date, charging has been offered free of charge to users. As a result, the City
has absorbed all associated costs, including utilities, software, maintenance,
and replacement. The utility cost averages approximately $0.18 per kWh, and
the software cost for the new stations is $0.05 per kWh. Maintenance and
replacement costs are variable.
In addition to recovering expenses per kWh, staff recommends implementing
an idle fee for vehicles that remain plugged in but are no longer actively
charging. In 2025, there were 272 sessions in which vehicles remained plugged
in for more than four hours without charging, including 78 sessions exceeding 12
hours. An idle fee is intended to encourage turnover and improve access for
other users. Revenue generated from this fee would also help offset long-term
replacement costs.
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Competitive pricing in communities similar to Muskegon ranges from $0.25 to
$0.35 per kWh. After evaluating operational costs and market rates, staff
recommends setting the charging rate at $0.30 per kWh and implementing a
$6 per hour idle fee for vehicles plugged in and not charging.
Staff estimates the recommended fee structure would generate approximately
$25,000 annually. This revenue would cover utility and software expenses and
provide an estimated $10,000 per year to support maintenance and future
replacement costs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve new fees for electric vehicle
charging stations at $0.30 per kilowatt-hour and $6 per idle hour.
G. Generator Service Contract Renewal Public Works
Staff is requesting authorization to renew a generator service contract with
Cummins-Bridgeway for two standby generators located at the Filtration Plant.
Two Cummins standby diesel generators reside at the Water Filtration Plant. The
first generator was installed after the Multi-Purpose Building construction in 1999,
and the other was installed in 2014 as part of the West Michigan Water
Authority (WMWA) upgrades. Both generators are crucial for providing water to
the City and our wholesale customers during a power outage.
Staff is requesting renewal of our generator service contract with Cummins-
Bridgeway for both generators at the Filtration Plant, totaling $17,115.03 over 3
years, through the end of calendar year 2028. This renewal provides 1 annual
inspection (typically performed in March each year) and 1 annual full service
(typically performed in August), at a cost of $5,705.01 per year (the total over
three years is the $17,115.03 contract amount). Any issues found during the
inspection will be quoted and require approval before work is done.
The current service contract was last renewed in September 2023. Cummins-
Bridgeway is our local manufacturer's representative and has serviced our
generators since installation in 1997. Cummins-Bridgeway technicians are
familiar with our operations, have access to parts, and are located in West
Michigan for a relatively quick response for emergencies.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize staff to renew the City’s current
generator service contract with Cummins-Bridgeway for 3 years in an amount
of $17,115.03.
H. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance — Wireless Communication
Service Facilities at Marsh Field. Planning
Request to amend Section 2321 of the zoning ordinance to allow wireless
communication service facilities (cell towers) as a special use permitted at a
specific location at 1800 Peck St (Marsh Field), by Vertical Bridge.
The zoning ordinance defines a Wireless Communication Support Facilities
(WCSF) as "A monopole, guyed, or lattice type tower designed for the
attachment of or as support for wireless communication antennas or other
antennas."
WCSF's are allowed as a special use permitted in eight specific locations
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throughout the City. A specific location at Marsh Field (behind the center field
fence) was approved as a location in January, 2020. However, a WCSF was
never approved for a special use permit as nobody ever applied.
This proposed amendment will slightly increase the area where a WCSF could
be placed. This will allow for a taller structure than was previously proposed. A
taller structure will accommodate co-location of services.
If this ordinance amendment is approved, a company may apply for a special
use permit for a WCSF at this location. If it is denied, a company could apply for
a special use permit for a WCSF at the already approved location at Marsh
Field (same location, just smaller area).
This request was brought forward by a private company, Verticle Bridge. They
hosted an informational meeting at City Hall on February 11 from 4:30-6:30pm.
A Connect Muskegon page has been made for this request and can be
viewed at the link below.
https://muskegon-mi.civilspace.io/en/projects/marsh-field-cell-tower
The Planning Commission unanimously (5-0, 4 members absent) recommended
approval of the ordinance amendment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the request to amend Section 2321 of the
zoning ordinance to allow wireless communication service facilities as a special
use permitted at the location identified in the survey be approved.
J. DTE Energy Easement - Laketon and Wood Public Works
Staff is requesting approval to sign the proposed easement with DTE Energy to
provide them access to their proposed facilities to be located within the City of
Muskegon parcel No. 61-24-205-308-0010-10.
DTE Energy is proposing upgrades to their facilities and has requested an
easement from the City near the corner of Wood and Laketon. The easement
will provide them access to build and maintain a pressure regulating and
monitoring station. The location sits within the property occupied by the
Laketon Trail, but the facilities will not impact the trail. The equipment will be
fenced and out of view of trail users and the public. This has the benefit to the
City of moving the existing station out of the adjacent pavement in Laketon,
where it currently sits underground, making future road and City utility work in
the area easier. The proposed easement document has been reviewed and
approved by City counsel.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I authorize staff to sign the presented easement
document as reviewed and approved by counsel conveying an easement to
DTE Energy for their new proposed gas facilities to be located on the NW corner
of Laketon Ave. and Wood St.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Vice Mayor Keener, to adopt the
Consent Agenda as presented minus items B, D, and I.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, Keener, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, and
Johnson,
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Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2026-14 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
B. Purchasing SOVRA Software for Bids City Clerk
To purchase bidding software from SOVRA to expand opportunities for
contractors to bid on City items as well as submit bids electronically.
Staff have been evaluating various bidding programs to help contractors find
our bids more easily and submit them online. We have found SOVRA has the
most outreach in Michigan and is widely used by many municipalities. Through
negotiations, we secured a waiver of the implementation cost.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I motion to approve the three-year contract with
SOVRA for $9,112.50 for year one, $9,568.13 for year two, and $10,046.53 for
year three, authorize staff to make the necessary budget amendments, and
authorize the Clerk to sign the agreement.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the three-year contract with SOVRA for $9,112.50 for year one, $9,568.13 for
year two, and $10,046.53 for year three, authorize staff to make the necessary
budget amendments, and authorize the Clerk to sign the agreement.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Keener, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and
Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
D. Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan Muskegon Regatta DPW-
Parks and Recreation
The Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan has applied to host the
Muskegon Regatta at Pere Marquette on July 31-August 2, 2026. Per event
policy, new events at Pere Marquette and camping must be approved by the
City Commission.
The Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan (CRAM) has requested to bring
the Muskegon Regatta back to Pere Marquette Beach. The event was
historically held there before relocating to Fisherman’s Landing due to high
water levels. CRAM has expressed that they greatly enjoyed the Pere
Marquette location and would like to return in 2026.
Event details are as follows:
• Location: Margaret Drake Elliott Park parking lot (near the Coast Guard
Station) for staging, parking, and camping. Boats are parked on the
beach inside the arms.
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• Participants: Approximately 20–25 catamarans, with one or two racers
per boat
• Arrival: Friday, July 31, between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM
• Racing schedule:
o Saturday, August 1: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
o Sunday, August 2: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
o Racing occurs approximately one mile offshore.
• Teardown: Sunday, August 2, by 6:00 PM.
Historically there are no other major events scheduled that particular weekend,
and only Parties in the Park should overlap with the regatta. Staff have
expressed concerns about the loss of public parking spaces for the duration of
the weekend, particularly during peak beach season. Additionally, the Parks
Department has indicated a desire to discontinue the practice of allowing
camping, as we do not receive positive feedback from residents. With Burning
Foot relocating, this regatta would be the only camping-related event
scheduled for 2026. The event has expressed that the camping is helpful for
their logistics and the security of their boats.
The fees associated with the event requests are the parking lot rental fee of
$400 per day, $20 per camping site, $20 for additional trash cans, and each
vehicle is required to have a Beach Parking Pass. There is no fee currently
associated with the use of the beach between the arms.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the Catamaran Racing
Association for Michigan's application for a Muskegon Regatta event and
camping on July 31 through August 2, 2026.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Jackson, to
approve the Catamaran Racing Association for Michigan's application for a
Muskegon Regatta event and camping on July 31 through August 2, 2026.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and
Keener
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
I. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Veterinary Clinics. Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend the zoning ordinance to define veterinary
clinic and to allow them in several zoning districts (B-2, B-4, FBC-MS, FBC-NE,
FBC-NC, FBC-MSW, LFBC-LC, LFBC-HC).
An existing veterinary clinic on Sherman Blvd. would like to move to another
facility, but they have found limited options because of the current zoning
regulations. After researching the ordinance, staff is recommending to make
amendments that would allow this type of use in more zoning districts.
There currently is not a definition for veterinary clinics in the zoning ordinance,
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although they are allowed in limited districts. The ordinance references
veterinary clinics with or without outdoor kennels.
Proposed definition — Veterinary clinic: A facility where animals are given
medical care and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care
incidental to the clinic use.
There is already a definition for commercial kennel and outdoor kennel in the
zoning ordinance.
Kennel, Commercial: Any premises on which more than three dogs or more
than four cats, older than four months old, are kept or any premises which
offers cats or dogs for sale on a reoccurring basis (more than once per year).
Kennel, Outdoor: Any business that includes outdoor pens where pets are
housed, boarded, bred, or trained.
Veterinary clinics without outdoor kennels are currently allowed as a special
use permitted in B-2 districts and as a permitted use by right in B-4 districts.
Veterinary clinics with outdoor kennels are currently allowed as a use by right in
I-1 and I-2 districts.
Commercial kennels are currently a special use permitted in B-4 districts and as
a permitted use by right in I-1 and I-2 districts.
Within the Form Based Code, veterinary clinics are currently only allowed as a
use by right in "flex buildings" within FBC-Neighborhood Edge and FBC,
Neighborhood Core context areas. They are not allowed at all in the Lakeside
Form Based Code. Staff believes this type of use would be compatible with
more building types and more context areas.
Staff is proposing to allow veterinary clinics without outdoor kennels in the
following form based code context areas (P=Permitted, S=Special Use):
FBC, NE - Mixed Use (S), Retail (P), Flex (S), Cottage Retail (P), Live/Work (P)
FBC, NC - Mixed Use (S), Retail (P), Flex (S), Cottage Retail (P), Live/Work (P), L
Multiplex (S)
FBC, MS – Mixed Use (S), Retail (P), Flex (S), Live/Work (P), L Multiplex (S)
FBC, MSW – Mixed Use (S), Retail (P), Flex (S), Live/Work (P), L Multiplex (S)
LFBC, LC – Mixed Use (S), Retail (P)
LFBC, HC – Mixed Use (S), Retail (P)
The Planning Commission unanimously (5-0, 4 members absent) recommended
approval of the ordinance amendment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the amendments to veterinary clinics be
approved.
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Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to move
the amendments to veterinary clinics be approved.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, and
German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2026-15 NEW BUSINESS
A. 2nd Quarter Reforecast FY 2025-26 Finance
Staff is seeking approval of the 2nd Quarter budget reforecast for the 25/26
fiscal year.
Finance has provided documents outlining the change requests across all
funds detailed in the reports following this memo.
Notable highlights from changes to the general fund include:
• Property Tax Revenue increase of $100,000
• Income Tax Revenue increase of $275,000
• Building Permit Revenue Increases of $250,000
• State Constitutional Revenue DECREASE of ($50,000)
Overall, the staff is projecting general fund revenues will increase by a total of
$1,179,664 above the original FY 2025–26 approvals (see table below).
• Police staffing costs increase of $449,079
• Fire staffing cost increases of $154,120
• Building inspection cost increase of $409,660
Overall, staff projects general fund expenses will increase by $1,210,801 above
the original FY 2025-26 approvals (see table below)
We are still projecting revenues will exceed expenses (producing a budget
surplus) by $201,815. This is a slight reduction is the original budget surplus
projection.
Total General Fund allocations will be as follows:
Original Mid-Year Change
Approved Adjustment from
Original
Approved
Revenues $44,335,812 $45,515,476 $1,179,664
Expenses $44,102,840 $45,313,661 $1,210,801
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Surplus $232,972 $201,815 ($31,157)
Fund Balance
Current Current Projected Projected Projected
Percent of End of End of Percent of
Prior Year's Year Year Fund Prior Year's
Revenues (FY Change Balance Revenues (FY
2023-24) 2024-25)
$7,080,481 17.36% $201,815 $7,282,296 16.47%
Please note that although the total fund balance will increase by more than
$200,000 because FY 2024–25 revenues exceeded FY 2023-24 by more than $3
million, the percent funded based on those revenues decreases. However, we
remain above the 13% fund balance requirement set by the City Commission,
and the overall condition of the City's general fund fund balance has improved
significantly from where it was projected to be in the spring of 2025.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the approval of the 2nd Quarter
reforecast for the 2025-26 fiscal year as presented.
Motion by Commissioner St.Clair, second by Vice Mayor Keener, to approve
the 2nd Quarter reforecast for the 2025-26 fiscal year as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, German, and
Jackson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner German mentioned that this is Black History Month. Every year
he pays tribute to a Black Historian who paved the way. This year he paid
tribute to the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson.
Mayor Johnson thanked Commissioner German for recognizing and honoring
Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson. He thanked Commissioner Kilgo, Commissioner
Jackson, Vice Mayor Keener, and Commissioner German for stepping up to
serve and to the voters of Muskegon for electing them. This Commission made
Black History and Muskegon history this year by becoming, for the first time
ever, a black majority City Commission.
Commissioner Kilgo announced that the City of Muskegon was recently named
a Five-Star Community in the 2025 East Cities Program, the highest rating
awarded by the University of Michigan Dearborn College of Business. This
recognition places Muskegon among Michigan’s top performing communities
based on five years of economic data.
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Mayor Johnson commented on the rash of gun violence in our community.
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth stated the Police Department is working very
hard and actually around the clock to bring those responsible for this current
situation to justice. We do not believe that this is random. He asked the public
to say something if they know something.
Mayor Johnson stated the Annual Report for 2025 has been handed out to the
Commission and will be made available online shortly.
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth stated that one of our team members, Kassi
Dean, worked super hard on the Annual Report and he wanted to recognize
her for all her hard work.
Mayor Johnson introduced Director Eckholm who informed Commission that on
the March Worksession there will be a presentation on the Muskegon Infill
Housing Program, progress and next steps.
Mayor Johnson recognized former City Commissioner Byron Turnquist who
passed away February 4th. His celebration service is Saturday, March 7th, at
11:00 a.m., at Forest Park Covenant Church. Mayor Johnson stated he had the
pleasure of serving alongside him for six of his eight years. He was a good man
who cared about this community and was deeply invested in the success of
this community.
Commissioner German stated he would also like to send condolences to Byron
Turnquist’s family. They were elected at the same time; and he was a real
down to earth guy, and he definitely cared about the community.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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