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CITY OF MUSKEGON
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/BROWNFIELD
REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MEETING
November 10, 2025 @ 10:30 AM
MUSKEGON CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
MINUTES
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
M. Bottomley called the meeting to order at 10:31 and roll was taken.
ROLL CALL
Present: K. Reid,M.Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M.Bottomley, B. Hastings, J. Dornbos, S.
Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Absent: B. Tarrant, K. Thornston
Excused: H. Sytsema
Others: K. Perschbacher, M. Gongalski, J. Eckholm, J. Hines, W. Webster
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
I. Approval of the minutes from the regular meeting of September 9, 2025
Economic Development
A motion to approve the Minutes of the regular DDA/BRA meeting on
September 9, 2025 was made by B. Hastings, supported by A. Boyd, and
unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
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NEW BUSINESS
I. BRA AGENDA ITEM: Brownfield Plan Amendment #1 - Harbor 31 Hotel,
Lakeshore Hotel Partners, LLC Economic Development
Summary:
Harbor 31 Hotel is requesting approval of Brownfield Plan Amendment #1. The
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved the original Brownfield
Plan on December 10, 2024, and the City Commission granted final approval on
the same date. Amendment No. 1 includes the addition of state school tax
capture for reimbursement of costs associated with Michigan Strategic Fund
(MSF) eligible activities. The amendment adds $15,000 for plan preparation,
increases contingency by $1,500 due to the addition of plan preparation costs,
and reflects a decrease in interest from $770,742 to $533,328, resulting in a total
reduction of $237,414.
The 2.99-acre development will consist of a five-story hotel with 126 rooms. The
project will include two meeting rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center,
restaurant, and a bar with outdoor dining and patio space. The estimated total
investment is approximately $28.8 million and is expected to create
approximately 35 full-time jobs. Construction is anticipated to begin in the winter
of 2026 and be completed in the fall of 2027. The hotel will be part of the larger
31-acre Harbor 31 mixed-use community.
The Brownfield Plan is anticipated to remain in effect for up to 25 years, or until
all eligible activities have been reimbursed. The final five years of the plan will
allow for capture by the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund (LBRF). The total
estimated cost of eligible activities is approximately $2.2 million, with an
estimated $927,000 allocated to LBRF capture.
Motion by City Manager Seyferth, second by DDA Member Moore, to approve
the resolution for Brownfield Plan Amendment #1 for the Harbor 31 Hotel and
further request staff to set a public hearing before the Muskegon City
Commission to consider adoption of the amended plan.
Amended motion by B. Hastings to approve the resolution for Brownfield Plan
Amendment #1 for the Harbor 31 Hotel and further request staff to set a public
hearing before the Muskegon City Commission to consider adoption of the
amended plan subject to the approval of BRA board for compliance with
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Section 224 of the Americans with Disabilities Act Design standards.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes:K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSED
II. BRA AGENDA ITEM: Harbor 31 Development and Reimbursement
Agreement Economic Development
The draft Development and Reimbursement Agreement between the
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA), the City of Muskegon, and the
developer extends through 2047 or until all eligible activities have been
reimbursed through tax increment financing (TIF) capture, whichever occurs
first.
Brownfield Plan Amendment #1 was presented to the BRA on November 10,
2025, to incorporate state school tax capture for reimbursement of eligible non-
environmental activities.
The Development and Reimbursement Agreement complements the Brownfield
Plan Amendment by defining the specific terms, conditions, and timeline for
reimbursement.
Motion by None, second by None, to I move to approve the Development and
Reimbursement Agreement as presented and to authorize the Chair to sign..
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
III. DDA AGENDA ITEM: Acceptance of Financial Report for September 30,
2025 Economic Development
City staff is requesting approval of the financial report for the period ending
September 30, 2025. The current projected fund balance is $460,986.12, with no
unexpected changes to the budget.
The report includes revenue received from the State Treasury Department for TIF
revenue loss. Expenses during this period include wages for the DDA seasonal
worker, Lakeshore Art Festival expenses, hay bale decorations, and downtown
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landscaping.
Please note that the projected fund balance is subject to change as additional
revenues and expenses are received and processed.
Motion by K. Reid, second by A. Boyd, to approve the September 30, 2025
financial report as presented..
ROLL VOTE: Ayes:K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
IV. DDA AGENDA ITEM: Acceptance of Financial Report for October 31,
2025 Economic Development
City staff is requesting approval of the financial report for the period ending
October 31, 2025. The current projected fund balance is $460,986.12, with no
unexpected changes to the budget.
Revenues and expenses for this period include final DDA seasonal worker
wages, Lakeshore Art Festival expenses, downtown landscaping contract
payments, downtown wayfinding signage, and Holidays in the City brochure
costs.
Please note that this projected fund balance is subject to change as additional
revenues and expenses are received and processed.
Motion by K. Reid, second by J. Dornbos, to approve the October 31, 2025
financial report as presented..
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
V. DDA AGENDA ITEM: GLOW SPONSORSHIP for Holiday Lights Economic
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Development
On October 28, 2025, we received a request from the Lakeshore Legacy Project
for financial support of their annual GLOW event. Over the past three years,
GLOW has provided holiday lighting along Western Avenue and other key
locations throughout the downtown area.
The organization is requesting $15,000, which was already included in the DDA
budget to cover costs associated with lighting, installation, maintenance, and
event coordination.
The Lakeshore Legacy Project is now under new leadership but plans to
continue delivering the same quality and festive holiday experience as in
previous years. M. Gongalski from Lakeshore Legacy was present. The project
will continue to expand a bit more. This year they will be going from Jefferson
St. to 7th and continuing down 3rd St.
Motion by K. Reid, second by A. Boyd, to approve the Lakeshore Legacy
Project sponsorship request in the amount of $15,000 for downtown holiday light
expenses.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
DPW would like to continue to leave the Hackley Park decorated with
snowflakes through the winter. They are asking to purchase 15 additional
snowflakes and looking for DDA to purchase.
Motion by K. Reid, second by J. Moore to approve the purchase of snowflakes
for holiday decorations downtown in the amount of $1,548.69.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
VI. DDA AGENDA ITEM: Board and Commission Attendance Policy Reminder
Economic Development
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Discussion Only. City Staff was asked to present the attendance policy to the
DDA/BRA. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding attendance for City
boards and commissions. According to the 2025 Community Relations Index
(page 4), the following policy applies to meetings that occur monthly:
• Members are allowed no more than three (3) unexcused absences per
year.
• Members are allowed no more than four (4) excused absences per year.
If a member is unable to attend a meeting, they must notify the Board Liaison
(Jocelyn Hines) at least 72 hours in advance. Absences after the 72 hours can
still be considered excused, when it's an emergency, if the Board Liaison and/or
Chair are notified.
Attendance is expected at every meeting. If you would like to confirm your
attendance record, please contact Jocelyn Hines or Wendy Webster.
If more than three (3) absences are identified, the Chair will send a letter to the
member to confirm their continued interest in serving. Each year, an
attendance report is submitted to the Community Relations Commission. If
deemed appropriate, the Chair may recommend a member’s replacement
due to excessive absences.
VII. DDA AGENDA ITEM: Snow Removal Contract — K&E Outdoor
Management Economic Development
City staff is requesting approval of K&E Outdoor Management for snowplowing
services for select downtown parking lots and sidewalks. Snow removal in the
downtown area has traditionally been handled in partnership with Summit
Lawncare, the City of Muskegon Department of Public Works (DPW), and
Terrascape. Summit Lawncare is no longer taking new contracts and has
recommended partnering with K&E Outdoor Management, a company owned
by one of their former employees.
K&E Outdoor Management has proposed the following rates:
• $10,675 for seasonal snowplowing of parking lots and sidewalks
• $325 per application for salting services
• $150/hr for snow stacking
These numbers align with last year's Summit Lawncare's contract.
As discussed during the budget meeting earlier this year, staff is in the process of
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evaluating several longstanding contracts to ensure they continue to meet the
needs of the downtown district. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to
streamline snow removal services for improved efficiency.
Staff recommends contracting with K&E Outdoor Management for the 2025–
2026 winter season to ensure continuity of service while a comprehensive
evaluation of snow removal needs and service delivery models is completed.
Motion by K. Reid, second by J. Moore, to I move to approve the contract from
K&E Outdoor Management for up to $20,000 for snow removal services starting
November 15, 2025 and ending on April 15, 2026.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: K. Reid, M. Kleaveland, A. Boyd, M. Bottomley, B. Hastings, J.
Dornbos, S. Black, J. Moore, J. Seyferth, J. Curtis
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1. James Curtis was sworn in as a new member of the DDA/BRA. He will replace
Jay Wallace, Jr. who has resigned.
2. J. Eckholm updated committee on Adelaide Pointe receivership and
development progress.
ADJOURNMENT
The DDA/BRA meeting adjourned at 11:51 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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