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CITY OF MUSKEGON
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Minutes
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
5:30 pm
Present: Commissioners St. Clair, Johnson, Gorman, Kilgo, St. Clair, and Kochin.
Absent: Commissioner German.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner St. Clair moved, Commissioner Kilgo seconded, to approve the minutes of
February 28, 2024.
MOTION CARRIED.
Legislative Update – Pete Wills
Pete Wills reviewed several State proposed bills with City Commissioners.
Mr. Wills reviewed the ARPA community grants. Twenty-five grants were approved for $1.6
million. Five projects are completed, thirteen have been paid 50% of their installment, five have
been paid the second installment, and two projects are pending. Tiki Boiz did go out of business
and their food truck does not qualify for the ARPA Grant.
The City has completed an organization-wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory.
City Climate Action Workgroup is meeting and currently generating a Climate Action Plan,
using data from the inventory.
The City of Muskegon reached Gold certification in the Michigan Green Communities
Challenge. MGC is a statewide network of local government staff and officials who collaborate
with one another, through peer learning and information sharing, to promote innovative
sustainability, climate change, and environmental justice solutions. MGC is open to all counties,
cities, villages, and townships at no cost.
Lakefront Development Discussion – City Manager
A presentation was given by Sand Products representatives to the Commission on port/shipping
opportunities on the Great Lakes. The presentation was a high-level view of how Muskegon
could contribute to the future of shipping on the Great Lakes and discuss possible sites along
Muskegon Lake that lend themselves to port operations.
Commissioners engaged on a discussion regarding port development and how port development
could move forward. The discussion also included the topic of public access to water and how
port operations can work together in harmony with public access.
Time Sensitive Land Acquisition Request – Mayor Johnson
This was a discussion of consideration of the City pursuing a DNR Trust Fund grant to acquire
property adjoining Hartshorn Park & Marina for recreational purposes.
Hartshorn Village is more than three acres currently listed for sale and the City does have the
opportunity to purchase it. It is currently part of the PUB which was first approved by the City
Commission on February 26, 2019. Since then, the PUD has been amended, the property has
changed ownership, and two houses on site have been constructed. The initial PUD envisioned
the construction of 55 houses. The property is now being marketed for sale altogether to
prospective developers and investors as well as for sale by parcel to individuals.
While the regular cycle deadline to apply for a DNR Trust Fund grand to acquire land has passed
already this year, the City may pursue a Time-Sensitive Land Acquisition Request through the
DNR. If desired, the City would petition the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board to
invite the City to submit a formal request for a time-sensitive land acquisition request.
It is expected that at least 25% of the approved land value will need to be matched by the City.
This matching value could be satisfied by a portion of the property being donated or the sale
price being discounted from the appraised value. Alternatively, the matching value could be paid
by the City directly or via third-party monetary donations.
Commissioners discussed the prospects of applying for the grant.
Rebranding – Community Engagement Manager
Deborah Sweet shared the process of the City’s plans for a new logo and how it was chosen. She
then shared the logo with City Commissioners and explained the plan to implement the logo
throughout the City.
Adjourn at 8:14 pm.
______________________________
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC
City Clerk
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