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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
March 10, 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, March 10,
2026. Pastor Dewayne Riley from the Crestwood United Methodist 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, Commissioners Rebecca St.Clair, Jay Kilgo, Willie
German, Jr., Kiley Jackson, and Katrina Kochin, City Manager Jonathan
Seyferth, City Attorney Brennen Gorman, and City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
Absent: Vice Mayor Destinee Keener
2026-17 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Recommendation of Annual Renewal of Liquor Licenses City Clerk
To adopt a resolution recommending the State withhold renewal of those liquor
license establishments who are in violation of Section 50-146 and 50-147 of the
Code of Ordinances for the City of Muskegon.
These establishments have been found to be in non-compliance with the City
Code of Ordinances and renewal of their liquor licenses should not be
recommended by the City Commission. If any of these establishments come
into compliance by March 19, 2026, they will be removed from this resolution,
and recommendation for their renewal will be forwarded to the Liquor Control
Commission.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the resolution.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. Lea Willett LeRoi asked that businesses not be approved who are not in
compliance.
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Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to close the
Public Hearing and adopt the resolution.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Request to Create a New Neighborhood Enterprise Zone District at 1937
Lakeshore Drive Economic Development
Pursuant to Public Act 147 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1992 as amended,
staff has received a request to create a new Neighborhood Enterprise Zone
(NEZ) district for 1937 Lakeshore Drive.
This public hearing is being held to consider the establishment of the proposed
NEZ district. The applicant intends to develop residential condominium units at
this address. Inclusion in a NEZ district would allow eligible property owners to
apply for NEZ certificates, which reduce residential property taxes on newly
constructed or rehabilitated housing. Only the residential component of the
proposed condominium development would be affected by the NEZ
designation.
In accordance with Public Act 147 of 1992, as amended, notice of the
proposed NEZ district was mailed to all affected local taxing jurisdictions on
January 28, 2025.
Per state requirements:
• A public hearing must be held within 45 days of the notice being sent.
• The resolution establishing the NEZ district may not be adopted until at least
60 days after notice was issued.
The resolution to establish the NEZ district at 1937 Lakeshore Drive is scheduled
to return to the City Commission for consideration on April 14, 2026. State law
allows up to 15% of a local government’s total land area to be designated as
NEZ districts. The City of Muskegon is currently at 13.34%. The addition of the
proposed NEZ district at 1937 Lakeshore Drive would remain within the
allowable statutory limit.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing for the NEZ District
at 1937 Lakeshore Drive.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to close the
public hearing and create the NEZ District at 1937 Lakeshore Drive.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Page 2 of 15
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Public comments received.
2026-18 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the February 24, 2026, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Sale of 663, 647, 1557 Marquette, 768 Scott, and 1160
Ambrosia. Planning
Staff is seeking authorization to sell the City-owned vacant lots at 663, 647, 1557
Marquette, 768 Scott, and 1160 Ambrosia to Landmark Construction LLC
(Adam Hecht).
Landmark Construction LLC (Adam Hecht) would like to purchase the City-
owned buildable lots at 663, 647, 1557 Marquette, 768 Scott, and 1160
Ambrosia to build duplexes and ADUs (accessory dwelling units). 1160 Ambrosia
will be split into two build-able lots; and will have a duplex and an ADU built on
each, for a total of 6 duplexes and 6 ADUs. All addresses will apply for a PILOT
agreement. The projected rent range for the duplexes will be $1700-$2000 per
unit, and the ADUs will have an estimated rent range of $750-$900. Landmark
Construction is a locally owned company that Adam Hecht operates
alongside his daughter and son, Kara and Max.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To authorize the Code Coordinator to complete the
sale of 663, 647, 1557 Marquette, 768 Scott, and 1160 Ambrosia, as described in
the purchase agreement and to have the Mayor and Clerk sign the purchase
agreement.
D. Digital Billboard Policy Community Engagement
This policy establishes clear guidelines for how the City of Muskegon manages,
operates, and regulates its digital billboards, outlining their purpose, allowable
content, and fee structure.
The City of Muskegon operates four digital billboards located throughout the
community:
• Laketon Industrial Park (Laketon Avenue at US-31)
• Sherman Industrial Park (Black Creek Road at Sherman Boulevard)
• Farmers Market (Market Street at Terrace),
• Arena Billboard (Shoreline Drive at 4th Street)
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Since their installation, the City has not had a formal policy outlining the
application process, fee structure, eligible and ineligible content, or the
general purpose of these digital billboards. The proposed Digital Billboard Policy
addresses these gaps by establishing clear guidelines for their use and
management.
The policy defines the City’s digital billboards as a non-public forum, intended
primarily to promote City or community events and to lease advertising space
for commercial purposes. Advertising displayed under this policy constitutes
government or commercial speech, not an open platform for public
expression. Future adjustments to billboard fees will be made through the City’s
established fee schedule process.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: to approve the Digital Billboard Policy as presented,
authorizing its immediate implementation.
F. Approval of Amendment from Placer Labs. Inc. Economic Development
The City of Muskegon’s agreement with Placer Labs, Inc. for access to the
Placer.ai data analytics platform is due for renewal.
The City of Muskegon entered into an Order Form agreement with Placer Labs,
Inc. on April 14, 2021 for access to the Placer.ai analytics platform. The current
agreement term is set to expire, and this amendment extends the agreement
for an additional 12-month term commencing April 14, 2026 and ending April
13, 2027. Beginning April 14, 2026, the updated annual subscription fee will be
$18,522. This reflects a total list price of $22,750 with a discount of $4,228
applied.
The Placer.ai platform provides location analytics and visitation data used by
staff to support economic development efforts, including tracking attendance
and visitor patterns for special events, analyzing foot traffic in commercial
corridors and neighborhoods, evaluating park usage, and supporting
presentations such as the DDA Annual Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the Amendment to Order Form
to continue services with Placer Labs, Inc. under the revised terms and
authorize Jake Eckholm to sign.
H. Road Maintenance Materials, Aggregates, and Concrete Public Works
Staff requests authorization to purchase road maintenance materials,
aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete from the selected bidders.
The Department of Public Works issued an invitation for bids to supply the City
with road maintenance materials, aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete for
2026. These materials are utilized for a variety of projects, including preventive
maintenance and repairs of City streets, restoration of streets after
underground utility work, and winter maintenance operations.
Purchases will be made from the recommended bidders highlighted in yellow
on the bid tabs and will be contingent upon product availability, timely
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delivery, and quoted pricing. These materials are included in the budgets for
major roads, local roads, water, and sewer.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve purchases of road maintenance
materials, aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete for 2026 from the selected
bidders.
I. 2026 Lift Station Improvements Contract Award Public Works
Staff requests authorization to enter into a contract with JK of Michigan in the
amount of $911,500 for improvements to four lift stations.
In April of 2025, Fleis & VandenBrink was hired to design improvements to two lift
stations (known as the Sherman and the Industrial Park lift stations). In
September of 2025, staff identified two more lift stations (known as the Beach St
and the Barney Ave lift stations) in need of improvement, and Commission
approved adding them to the contract. The project was put out for bids this
winter and we received two (2) bids. JK of Michigan is out of Jackson, is well-
known to Fleis & VandenBrink and capable, and is recommended for the
award. The bid price is under the budgeted amount of $1,000,000. The project
will be completed this year with no interruption of service to any customers.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a contract with
JK of Michigan in the amount of $911,500 for improvements to the Sherman,
Industrial Park, Beach St. and Barney Ave. lift stations.
M. McGraft Park - Pickleball Courts DPW- Parks
Staff requests authorization to contract with Midwest Construction for the
McGraft Park Pickleball Courts for $363,055.
Following the 2024 park master plan update, the Parks & Recreation
Department released a bid for construction design services for 4 park Master
Plan improvements (Richards, Kruse, Hartshorn and McGraft). These
improvements were all heavily supported by the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee with City Commission ultimately approving the Parks Capital
Improvement plan. Fleis & VandenBrink was selected as the construction
design service and developed construction plans for these new or updated
park amenities. Public input collected during the 2024 Park Master Plan process
demonstrated significant and growing demand for pickleball facilities within
the community. Converting the underutilized tennis courts at McGraft Park to a
multi-court pickleball configuration allows the City to respond to evolving
recreational trends while maximizing existing infrastructure and park space.
The proposed improvements at McGraft Park include conversion of 4 of the
existing tennis courts to pickleball courts, including installation of new court
surfacing and updated fencing. The City's intention is to leave 2 remaining
tennis courts east of the new pickleball area for future tennis use. Prior to this
plan, staff did connect with Muskegon Public schools to discuss the need for
tennis courts/programs. The feedback received was that 2 tennis courts would
be suffice for the possibility of a revived local tennis team in the future.
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Also seen on the plan, the City intends to connect the current parking lot to the
north of the basketball court to another set of 4 tennis courts, remove the nets
and fencing, and resurface them for expanded parking. Much of this work will
be done with City forces. With McGraft Park and its community center being
heavily rented and programmed, a polling location, home of the City's well-
loved McGraft Concern Series, and now an in-demand pickleball facility,
additional parking need is anticipated and already called for by frequent users
of the park. This repurposing will save the City the expense of creating an
entirely new parking area, and also helps to address the blight of additional
deteriorating tennis courts that are not well used.
The lowest qualifying bid for this project was Midwest Construction Group at
$363,055.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to contract with Midwest
Construction for the McGraft Park Pickleball Courts for $363,055.
N. Washwater Pump Valves Replacement Public Works
Staff is requesting authorization to contract with Underwater Construction
Corporation (UCC) for $179,340.00 to perform foot valve replacement,
cleaning, and inspection at the Water Filtration Plant.
The Filtration plant has 3 Washwater pumps used to back flush filters as filtered
sediment builds, extending the life of filter media. 2 out of the 3 pumps are
original to the 1936 construction of the filtration plant, including their foot and
isolation valves. Most recently the foot valve on Washwater pump #3 has failed
and needs replacement. This valve is located underwater in the finished water
reservoir at the water plant. The original plan was to drain this section of the
reservoir to install a new foot valve and perform the inspection while it was
empty. However, the engineering firm overseeing the project determined that
draining the reservoir was not recommended. As a result, staff rebid the project
to account for the use of divers to complete the valve replacement and
inspection underwater.
A proposal for bids was posted and 1 diving contractor's bid was received,
Underwater Construction Corporation (UCC). UCC is an experienced
commercial diving team that has previous experience with this type of work
including work in the City’s water reservoirs. UCC will follow AWWA C652 for
proper disinfection and diving procedures to ensure water remains safe for
consumption after work has been completed. This section of the reservoir will
also be isolated during the work and will be tested to ensure water meets
bacteriological, disinfectant, and turbidity standards before returning to
service. Diving was used for inspections on the other sections of the reservoir in
the summer of 2025 with no issues.
Staff recommends this project be awarded to Underwater Construction
Corporation for the work described above.
Total Bid Valve Replacement Cleaning Inspection
$179,340 $132,640 $38,610 $8,090
Page 6 of 15
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to contract with Underwater
Construction Corporation for $179,340.00 to perform foot valve replacement,
cleaning, and inspection at the Water Filtration Plant.
Q. Approve CRC Recommendations City Clerk
The Community Relations Committee met on March 9, 2026, to accept
resignations and make appointments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve Community Relations Committee
recommendations.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to adopt the
Consent Agenda as presented minus items C, E, G, J, K, L, O, and P.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2026-19 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
C. Mobile Concession Application (Pere Marquette Park) - Chick-fil-
A DPW- Parks
The Parks Department has received an application from Chick-fil-A for a
concession agreement to run a mobile food concession at Pere Marquette.
Chick-fil-A has applied to be a mobile food vendor at Pere Marquette
Park. Per the concession policy, their fee to operate at the park in a mobile
unit is $1,000/year + 5% of gross receipts for operations conducted at beach
parks. The applicant has stated their frequency would be weekly with a
presence primarily on weekends. This would be a mobile trailer that is set up on
the weekends near the Kite Shack/new restroom parking lot. The intention is to
use this as a serving trailer, food will be prepped at a different location. Hours
of operation will be Fridays & Saturdays in the summer from 11a.m. - 7p.m.
when they do not have other commitments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a concession
agreement with Chick-fil-A as a mobile food vendor at Pere Marquette Park.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner German, to authorize
staff to enter into a concession agreement with Chick-fil-A as a mobile food
vendor at Pere Marquette Park.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Jackson, St.Clair, Johnson, and German
Nays: Kochin and Kilgo
MOTION PASSES
Page 7 of 15
E. Soccer in the Sand DPW- Parks and Recreation
Soccer in the Sand and Inside Out's Volleyball Tournament have both applied
to hold their events at Pere Marquette on July 25-26, 2026. Per the event policy,
two events cannot occur on the same date at Pere Marquette. Soccer in the
Sand is seeking an exception to be made.
Soccer in the Sand Event Details include:
• Location: Pere Marquette (south of the playground)
• Setup: Friday, July 24
• Competition Dates: Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00
p.m.
• Teardown: Sunday, July 26 by 6 pm
• Description: Soccer in the Sand is a 5 v 5 sand soccer tournament held
annually at Pere Marquette since 2018. Teams can consist of 5 to 11
players and play against other teams in a similar age group. Games are
three 11-minute periods. Each team is guaranteed 3 games with
opportunities to advance to the semifinals and finals.
• Attendance: In 2025, there were approximately 1,200 participants, with a
total attendance estimated at approximately 4,000.
Soccer in the Sand has been on the same weekend as the Inside Out Volleyball
Tournament since its inception. The natural beach traffic and these events
make navigating and parking at Pere Marquette difficult during the weekend
of these events. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to move either event's
date. Soccer in the Sand has a national tour of events with tournaments on the
surrounding weekends. Inside Out works with other volleyball tournaments in
the area to create the season's schedule so they cannot move their date.
Inside Out has been hosting a tournament on this date longer than Soccer in
the Sand, and under the Special Event Policy, the event with the longer tenure
on the requested date is given preference.
In 2025, the City Commission approved allowing both events on the same
weekend with the understanding that transportation would be provided from
alternative parking areas. Staff followed up with the event organizers leading
up to the event to get details of the parking plan, and the organizers thought
the free beach shuttles were the answer to the transportation concerns. It was
too close to the event at that time to secure additional busing, and the
organizers acknowledged that the longevity of the event depends on the
planning for traffic. They encouraged attendees to carpool and to utilize the
shuttle transportation. The Beach Shuttle was used by a total of 86 individuals
on the tan line and 110 individuals on the blue line that weekend. The event
implemented schedule blocking, so teams were not scheduled all day. A
group would have morning games, and a different group would have
afternoon games. This allowed for parking turnover at midday. Staff saw
Page 8 of 15
improvements in traffic flow with the scheduling improvements and the use of
the Beach Shuttle.
Staff acknowledge the parking challenges during Soccer in the Sand, but
being on the same date as Inside Out has very little impact. On Saturday, Inside
Out has approximately 200 participants and 100 spectators utilizing 26
volleyball courts spread throughout the day. On Sunday, there are
approximately 64 participants and 50 spectators on the 8 courts north of The
Deck. Regardless of the weekend, Soccer in the Sand is held, transportation
concerns will need to be reviewed annually as the event grows.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the Soccer in the Sand
Tournament to be held on July 25-26, 2026, at Pere Marquette.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner German, to
approve the Soccer in the Sand Tournament to be held on July 25-26, 2026, at
Pere Marquette.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner German, to table
and refer back to staff.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, German, Jackson, and Kochin
Nays: St.Clair and Kilgo
MOTION TO TABLE PASSES
G. GoodTemps Staffing Solutions - Temporary Staffing Services Agreement
Extension Employee Relations
The City of Muskegon utilizes a contract workforce for Public Services Division
(Parks, Cemetery, Highway, and Marina Departments), the Public Safety
Department, the Farmers Market, and the Arena. The extension proposes to
request approximately 50-75 full and part-time employees. Services include
contract laborers for seasonal projects as well as long-term, part-time positions,
and administrative and temporary office employees on an as needed basis.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the extension of the GoodTemps
Staffing Solutions Agreement for 2026.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to approve
the extension of the GoodTemps Staffing Solutions Agreement for 2026.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
J. Richards Park Proposals - ADA Kayak Launch DPW- Parks
Page 9 of 15
Staff requests authorization to contract with BMC for construction of an ADA-
accessible kayak launch at Richards Park for $156,590.
Following the 2024 park master plan update, the Parks & Recreation
Department released a bid for construction design services for 4 park Master
Plan improvements (Richards, Kruse, Hartshorn and McGraft). These
improvements were all heavily supported by the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee with City Commission ultimately approving the Parks Capital
Improvement plan. Fleis & VandenBrink was selected as the construction
design service and developed construction plans for these new or updated
park amenities. This ADA-accessible kayak launch is intended to enhance
equitable waterfront access and remove barriers for residents and visitors with
mobility challenges. This was identified as a priority through the 2024 Park
Master Plan process and reflects strong community support for expanding
waterfront accessibility.
The proposed improvements at Richards Park include installation of an ADA-
accessible kayak launch, construction of accessible parking spaces, and
development of a ADA-compliant accessible route connecting the parking
area to the launch site. This project will be complete by the Fall of 2026.
The lowest qualifying bid that staff recommends for this project is BMC with a
cost of $156,590. Bultsema Construction's bid does not include the specified
pre-manufactured ADA-accessible kayak launch equipment, and so is actually
about $30,000 higher than it appears.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to authorize
staff to contract with BMC for construction of an ADA-accessible kayak launch
at Richards Park for $156,590.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
K. Kruse Park - ADA-Accessible Beach Access Ramp DPW- Parks
Staff requests authorization to contract with Midwest Construction in the
amount of $331,821 for the construction of an ADA-accessible beach access
ramp at Kruse Park.
Following the 2024 park master plan update, the Parks & Recreation
Department released a bid for construction design services for 4 park Master
Plan improvements (Richards, Kruse, Hartshorn and McGraft). These
improvements were all heavily supported by the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee with City Commission ultimately approving the Parks Capital
Improvement plan. Fleis & VandenBrink was selected as the construction
design service and developed construction plans for these new or updated
Page 10 of 15
park amenities. Replacement of the beach access ramp at Kruse Park that
was lost during the 2020 high water event has long been desired by staff and
the community. Restoration of this access is necessary to reestablish universal
connectivity between the park and the Lake Michigan shoreline and supports
the accessibility objectives outlined in the current Parks Improvement Plan.
The ramp design incorporates resiliency measures intended to mitigate impacts
from future high water events and shoreline erosion. Specifically, the structure
will include designated “sacrificial” sections engineered to fail or be removed
in a controlled manner under extreme conditions. This modular approach,
recommended by City of Muskegon engineering staff, will hopefully allow
damaged segments to be replaced independently without compromising the
structural integrity of the entire ramp system. The ramp components will be
securely anchored under normal operating conditions.
Staff recommends the lowest qualifying bid of $331,821 from Midwest
Construction. The bid from Patron Construction does not include pile-driving
equipment which Fleis & VandenBrink and the other contractors all felt
necessary. Midwest also offered (in their original bid) a 9% discount if awarded
multiple contracts, reducing the apparent price difference.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to contract with Midwest
Construction in the amount of $331,821 for the construction of an ADA-
accessible beach access ramp at Kruse Park.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner Kochin, to authorize
staff to contract with Midwest Construction in the amount of $331,821 for the
construction of an ADA-accessible beach access ramp at Kruse Park.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
L. Hartshorn Park - ADA-Accessible Fishing DPW- Parks
Staff requests authorization to contract with Tridon Construction in the amount
of $152,136.45 for construction of an ADA-accessible fishing area at Hartshorn
Park.
Following the 2024 park master plan update, the Parks & Recreation
Department released a bid for construction design services for 4 park master
plan improvements (Richards, Kruse, Hartshorn and McGraft). These
improvements were all heavily supported by the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee with City Commission ultimately approving the Parks Capital
Improvement plan. Fleis & VandenBrink was selected as the construction
design service and developed construction plans for these new or updated
park amenities. The addition of an ADA-accessible fishing component aligns
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with the City’s broader goal of improving accessibility across the park system
and was identified as a desired improvement during the master plan
engagement process.
This project includes development of an accessible fishing feature designed to
expand inclusive waterfront recreation opportunities. This amenity will be
constructed along the sea wall just northwest of the Hartshorn boat launch. This
is a popular location for locals and visitors to fish but the area has a variable
shoreline and many sandy spots. By paving the area, adding sidewalks, and
installing a toe-rail and seating, this improvement allows everyone - including
those with mobility challenges - to have a clear path to park and access
Muskegon Lake for fishing or other recreational purposes.
The lowest qualified bid for this project which staff recommends is $152,136.45
from Tridon Construction.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to contract with Tridon
Construction in the amount of $152,136.45 for construction of an ADA-
accessible fishing area at Hartshorn Park.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to authorize
staff to contract with Tridon Construction in the amount of $152,136.45 for
construction of an ADA-accessible fishing area at Hartshorn Park.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
O. Police Vehicle Purchase Public Works
Staff requests authorization to purchase police vehicles from Berger Chevrolet
for a total expense of $222,188.
The equipment division is replacing older, out of warranty vehicles with newer
versions. The equipment division plans to purchase four Chevy Tahoes from
Berger Chevrolet for $55,547 each, totaling $222,188. These four vehicles will
replace older police vehicles and help ensure the police fleet stays running
reliably. Berger Chevrolet is a MiDeal awarded vendor. MiDeal is a cooperative
purchasing program managed by the State of Michigan that secures
competitive bid pricing to ensure the best value for member agencies. The
expense of $222,188 will be funded by the equipment fund as part of their
scheduled vehicle/equipment replacement for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to purchase police vehicles
from Berger Chevrolet for a total expense of $222,188.
Page 12 of 15
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to authorize
staff to purchase police vehicles from Berger Chevrolet for a total expense of
$222,188.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
P. Nelson School Use Agreement - Parks & Recreation Programming DPW-
Parks
The Parks & Recreation Department has received a proposal from General
Capital Group regarding shared use of the gymnasium and cafeteria space
within Nelson School. The estimated annual operating cost to the City is
approximately $22,000, primarily associated with utilities. At this time, no
additional fees or upfront capital contributions have been requested. Based
on the current schedule, the space would become available in 2027 once the
redevelopment is complete.
General Capital Group is currently pursuing acquisition of the Nelson School
property with the intent to renovate the building into mixed-income residential
apartments, addressing a documented housing need within the community. As
part of their redevelopment concept, the developer has proposed allocating
the gymnasium and former cafeteria space (without a kitchen) for use by the
City’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Under the proposed arrangement, the developer would be responsible for
completing necessary code compliance improvements and initial upgrades to
make the designated spaces operational. No capital investment is being
requested from the City at this time.
The Parks & Recreation Department anticipates utilizing the facility for
affordable community rentals, similar in function to McGraft Park facilities and
the Sim-Ray Center, as well as for expanded recreation programming. While
the City maintains numerous park assets, it currently lacks a municipally
controlled indoor facility that includes both a full gymnasium and multi-purpose
space. This opportunity would address a recognized service gap and support
expanded summer recreation programming and additional community
activities.
The developer has requested a formal indication of the City’s interest in
proceeding with the agreement to assist with their redevelopment planning
and financing timeline. The Letter of Intent (LOI) will satisfy their need, but does
not obligate the City to signing the lease since details are
forthcoming. Discussions have indicated that the City would not be able to
occupy the space until some time in 2027, and staff will budget in future years
accordingly.
Page 13 of 15
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to negotiate with General
Capital Group for recreational usage of the gymnasium and multi-purpose
space at Nelson School.
Motion by Commissioner German, second by Commissioner Kochin, to
authorize staff to negotiate with General Capital Group for recreational usage
of the gymnasium and multi-purpose space at Nelson School.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, German, and Jackson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner German thanked Muskegon Public School for putting on the I
Am Living Black History event. He and four others were honored at this event.
He was excited to speak to the students.
Commissioner Kilgo recognized all the ladies in the room, this is Women’s History
Month. He also mentioned that March is National Colorectal Cancer
Awareness Month. If you can, wear blue this month.
Commissioner Kochin also wanted to recognize all the women that work at the
City, our citizens and staff. She also stated that it was a huge win for
accessibility and our citizens who have spoken out about accessibility in our
City.
Commissioner German also stated he is grateful for the women and what they
have to deal with.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
2026-20 CLOSED SESSION
A. Attorney Client Privileged Communication Manager's Office
Motion by Commissioner St.Clair, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to go into
Closed Session to consider two distinct matters each of which consist of
material exempt from discussion or disclosure under State or Federal Statute as
an attorney client communication
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Page 14 of 15
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to come out
of Closed Session.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, and St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Motion by Commissioner Jackson, second by Commissioner Kochin, to
approve settlement as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, and Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
Page 15 of 15
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