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CITY OF MUSKEGON
LEGISLATIVE POLICY COMMITTEE
Minutes
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
5:30 pm
Present: Mayor Johnson, Vice Mayor St.Clair, Commissioners Kochin, Kilgo, Keener, German,
and Gorman
Absent: None
Approval of Minutes
Vice Mayor St.Clair moved, Commissioner Kilgo seconded, to approve the minutes of
December 2, 2024.
MOTION CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS
Update on Water Affordability Study by Prein & Newhof
Department of Public Works Director, Dan VanderHeide, and Barbara Marczak, Ernie Sarkipato
and Nicole Dyer from Prein & Newhof presented information on the state of the water fund,
expected future water costs, and an update on the affordability study. Four program funding
scenarios were explained.
Commissioner German was contacted by a 90 year old whose bill was $500, no leaks were
found by her plumber. She was told she must pay the bill. Mayor explained how this was being
handled. The City will repay if the error is on the City’s end.
Vice Mayor St.Clair believes the City can do better than MMCAA, local admin preferred. It was
suggested that delinquency be increased to $100. She would like to see a policy change to
incorporate an appeals process when there is a metering dispute.
Commissioner Gorman stated we have many low-income residents, $500 bill could create
homelessness. An appeals process is needed. Would rate increases impact wholesalers?
Director VanderHeide stated yes, commodity charges do impact, except WMRWA.
Commissioner Kilgo prefers scenario A. Additional rate increases are a hard sell to residents. If
state plan passes, what happens to a local program? Director Pete Wills indicated the state
program would allow for local programs.
Commissioner Kilgo has concerns about payment plans, these often lead to more problems if
they are too long.
Commissioner Kochin has had good experience with Consumer’s flat rate billing for elderly and
income constrained. Supports a policy on shutoffs, investigations and appeals. Prefers Option
A, no rate increases. Feels reducing number of shutoffs is important.
Commissioner Keener would like the online credit card fee waived, and the $2 look-up fee for
paying in person without the paper copy of the bill.
Mayor Johnson asked why only residential rates were used to estimate cost of program options.
It was explained that case law appears to indicate that funding source of the program must be
those that benefit from the program. Suggested we consider offering affordability to small
businesses. Would like something more than Option A, but does not want something
complicated. Maybe something like Option B to create a fund, but prefers no rate increases.
It was asked if there is an excessive use/high bill alert. BS&A does have something and
Treasurer’s Office does contact people.
2025 Legislative Policy Meeting Calendar
To set the meeting dates for the Legislative Policy Committee for 2025.
For 2025 the meeting dates are:
February 26, 2025
May 28, 2025
August 27, 2025 (move to August 20)
November 26, 2025 (move to November 19)
August 27 is the date being considered for an unrelated event involving the Mayor and Manager.
November 26 is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and this date could be rescheduled.
Discussion was held on the August and November dates. It was suggested that August 19 and
December 1 would work for everyone.
Vice Mayor St.Clair moved, Commissioner Kilgo seconded, to set the dates for the 2025
Legislative Policy Meetings as May 28, August 19, and December 1.
MOTION CARRIED
Legislative/ARPA Updates
Director of Government Relations and Strategic Operations, Pete Wills, gave an update on
ARPA Community Grants. Climate Action – contract signed with Fresh Coast Climate
Solutions. A draft of the CAP will be brought to Commission on April 22nd. Discussion was
held on the Governor’s road funding plan, House Resolution 19, and adult-use marijuana
payments. Earned Sick Time Act Legislation went into effect Friday, February 21st, but changed
Thursday. We may need a policy change on how we cash out sick time. Nelson School
Apartments were discussed.
$2.8 Million State Appropriation
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth explained that several years ago, our state legislators
appropriated $2.8million (in two buckets) for improvements at the Third Street wharf. Staff
recommends that we begin spending that money soon. The $2.8 million was appropriated to
help move forward the initial conversations about a Fisherman’s Landing and Third Street Wharf
swap. Those conversations did not come to fruition, and about 25% of the dollars have been
sitting in our coffers waiting to be used. The City cannot request the additional appropriations
until we start spending the dollars we already have.
Staff recommends that we begin spending these dollars on engineering and planning related to
improvements at Third Street Wharf and a road grid north of Shoreline Drive in that same area
(as discussed in our recent public engagements).
It may seem premature to start spending these dollars before any agreement with Mart Dock is
finalized. However, the state has begun to look at previously appropriated dollars that have not
been spent to reappropriate those funds to complete other state priorities. If we are actively
spending the dollars, we believe it will lessen the chance of the state reappropriating those
dollars (this is not a guarantee). Although no specific timeline has been given, we believe that
within the second quarter of 2025 (April – June), the state will begin looking at these unspent
dollars
It should be noted that the enabling legislating notes the dollars are for a wharf project in
Muskegon, and the legislative summary specifically calls out Third Street. This boxes us in a bit
on how the dollars could be used (i.e., we could not use the funds to purchase the Verplank
Property, for example).
It was discussed to concentrate on an agreement and bring it back to Commission.
Commission Meeting Attendance
Vice Mayor St.Clair explained the importance of consistent attendance at Commission Meetings.
Regular participation is essential for informed decision-making, productive discussions, and the
overall effectiveness of our work. To ensure clarity and accountability, perhaps we should
consider adding formal attendance expectations to our guidelines of conduct. This will help
reinforce our shared commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities. We have a Code of Conduct
but it does not reference attendance. There is a 1983 Commission Attendance Policy but it is
very vague.
Deputy City Manager LeighAnn Mikesell and City Clerk Ann Meisch are working on a new
Handbook and there is an attendance policy in there.
Vice Mayor St.Clair, Commissioner German and Commissioner Gorman will work with staff
and bring a draft policy back to the Legislative Policy Committee Meeting for review.
Ownership of L-Dock
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth discussed with Commission if the City should own the L Dock,
which is tentatively approved for Hartshorn Marina as part of Adelaide Pointe’s in-out boat
operation.
Per the shared use agreement, Adelaide Pointe is allowed to use the forklift drops at Hartshorn
Marina for in-out boat operations. This includes using two finger docks and an L dock (so
named because of its shape). The City has debated the idea of owning the L Dock which would
provide us more control over its use.
Event Food Vendors on Western
Commissioner Gorman explained updating Event Regulations in the City of Muskegon
specifically regarding food vendors being placed in front of permanent restaurant businesses on
Western Avenue. Discussion was held on potential options for zones along Western Avenue
more appropriate so as not to create direct competition from food vendors and restaurant
businesses. It was discussed to have food trucks on Third Street.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments were received.
Adjournment
Commissioner Keener moved, Commissioner Gorman seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
8:40 pm.
MOTION CARRIED
______________________________
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC
City Clerk
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