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CITY OF MUSKEGON
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Minutes
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
5:30 pm
Present: Commissioners Johnson, St.Clair, Kilgo, Gorman, and Kochin.
Absent: Commissioners Keener and German.
Approval of Minutes
Vice Mayor St.Clair moved, Commissioner Kilgo seconded, to approve the minutes of
May 22, 2024.
MOTION CARRIED.
Traffic Studies – LeighAnn Mikesell and Dan VanderHeide
LeighAnn Mikesell and Dan VanderHeide gave an overview of what is generally learned
from a traffic study and how its results can inform City planning and development. This
includes the study area, time of day and year, impact of irregular events, etc. The various
grading systems for roads within traffic study terminology was explained (e.g., roads are
generally designed to perform at a C Level, and roads that perform at an A Level are more
often than not overbuilt and encourage speeding).
Commission were asked for some guidelines for the consultant.
Legislative Updates - Pete Wills
Pete Wills reviewed several State proposed bills with City Commissioners.
The City reached Gold certification in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge.
A $75,000 Community Energy Management Grant has been secured to offset the
development of a Climate Action Plan.
The $18 million state enhancement grant is expected to be awarded to support the
redevelopment of the former Shaw-Walker building.
Disaster declaration for Muskegon County was discussed. It is expected that the Governor’s
Office and legislature will reconsider Muskegon County’s request.
The Governor signed the FY25 state budget which included $549.7 million in statutory
revenue sharing for cities, villages, townships plus the new $75 million for the public safety
and violence prevention fund. The City is expected to receive approximately $467,000 to
support operational expenses within the Public Safety Division.
Commission discussed Short Term Rental legislation.
Special Event Policy Updates – Mayor Johnson
Mayor Ken Johnson and Commission discussed potential changes to the City’s Special Event
Policy. It was asked if large events at Pere Marquette Park should be required to use a shuttle
service. General consensus was for shuttle service use.
Discussion was held on multiple events overlapping, should there be a limit on events on the
same day. Discussion was held on what size of the event. It was asked if new events should
be allowed when other events are already scheduled. This was set aside – no consensus.
Public Access to Waterways and Natural Resources – Mayor Johnson
Mayor Ken Johnson asked if we should have a standardized approach on establishing policy
or setting expectations for public access to natural resources and waterways. Discussion was
held on signage, parking, ADA parking, and if rustic bike and foot is adequate. There was a
consensus on signage.
Parking Fees – Jonathan Seyferth
Jonathan Seyferth explained that staff has begun to discuss Beach Parking rates and tools
available to us now that Verizon has installed cellular equipment covering Pere Marquette
Beach. Discussion was held on dynamic pricing, different prices for different times, days or
events. It was asked to have staff come back with a proposal for increased parking fees and
also a free day. Commission were in agreement.
Joint Norton Shores/Muskegon City Commission Meeting – Jonathan Seyferth
Jonathan Seyferth asked if Commission would be interested in a joint meeting with Norton
Shores. Commission stated that they would. City Manager will get it set up.
Meeting Date for 4th Quarter Legislative Policy Committee Meeting
Mayor Ken Johnson stated that City Hall will be closed on 11-27-24 for the Thanksgiving
Holiday. The meeting was rescheduled to Monday, December 2, 2024.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, seconded by Vice Mayor St.Clair to adjourn the
meeting at 8:30 pm.
MOTION CARRIED
______________________________
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC
City Clerk
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