City of Grand Haven

The meeting extensively covered the Community Solar Project, which is intended to help the city meet state renewable energy laws passed in December 2023. The preferred site location south of Comstock and 168th was discussed, emphasizing FAA compliance regarding airspace and safety in the runway approach path, leading to a board recommendation to prioritize FAA approval. Key discussion points included preferring land leasing over selling airport property. The Airport Manager presented the Annual Safety & Security Report, noting a 100% compliance rating following a Department of Homeland Security inspection, and the successful installation of a new weather station accessible via UNICOM frequency. The Board approved recommendations to the City Council for holding an Open House, a Trunk or Treat event, and securing an MDOT-Aero Grant for hangar design funding ($63,000). An $8,000 engineering contract for tree identification and tagging on the East approach was also approved. Operational reports indicated a slight year-over-year improvement, preparations for snow removal, and ongoing wildlife management. The Airport Liaison reported on the cash balance, the insufficiency of the current budget for necessary tree removal projects ($11,000 for West/South approaches, potentially $40,000 for East side), and confirmed that the 18/36 runway contract is signed for early spring work.

The meeting covered several key actions, including the reappointment of Kevin Gancarz to the Construction Board of Appeals and appointments of Brian Sytsma and Donald Looman to respective boards. The council approved the agendas and discussed public comments regarding the Board of Light and Power's proposed community solar project at Grand Haven Memorial Airport. Finance Director Emily Greene presented the first draft of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Fee Schedule. Consent agenda items involved approving previous meeting minutes, approving a bills memo, approving a contract extension for turf maintenance, approving a grant agreement from the Michigan Infrastructure Office for the Grant Reconstruction Project, and awarding a contract to HDR for CCR Data Collection Work Plan. Unfinished business included approving a final resolution for a zoning change request for a mixed-use development. Public Hearings were held regarding filing Special Assessment Roll #605, establishing an Obsolete Property Rehabilitation District, and adopting the Brownfield Plan for the Washington 123, LLC redevelopment project. New business items approved an easement agreement with the Board of Light and Power for community solar installation on airport property, approved a contract for 2026 Street Resurfacing, and approved an amended contract award to HDR for Non-CCR Data Collection Work Plan. Council reported on planning commission discussions regarding housing challenges.

The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for March 10, 2026, includes several public hearings and new business items. Public hearings involve special land use requests for a retaining wall exceeding 48 inches in height at 912 S. Harbor Dr. and for a two-family dwelling at 301 N. 3rd St. New business primarily features a site plan review for a personal storage building and a preliminary development plan amendment for South Village PD. Old business addresses a pre-public hearing regarding a zoning change request to permit short term rentals off 5th St. as a key street. Additionally, reports from the Zoning Board of Appeals Liaison and the City Planner regarding the TI district and state legislation are anticipated.

The meeting was called to order by the Vice Chair at 5:00 PM. Following a roll call, it was determined that a quorum was not present. Consequently, the Vice Chair closed the meeting shortly after it commenced at 5:01 PM.

The regular meeting included excusing two directors and approving the meeting agenda. During the public comment period, one attendee commented on a Consumers Energy solar project. The consent agenda items approved included receiving and filing December Financial Statements, Power Supply and Retail Sales Dashboards, the December KPI Dashboard, and the MPPA Energy Services Project Resource Position Report, in addition to approving bill payments totaling $2,371,397.44 from the Operation & Maintenance Fund and $712,996.37 from the Renewal & Replacement Fund. Purchase orders were approved, including one for a Harbor Drive underground project change order due to unforeseen labor costs and another for a directional bore at Waverly and Eastern. The Board accepted the strategic planning proposal from Steve Vandermeer based on it being the low-cost bid and the familiarity staff has with him, setting a timeline that includes an April workshop and June final draft approval. A presentation kicked off the discussion on community solar, outlining a proposed project size of 0.3 to 0.5 megawatts with an approximate cost of $1 million on identified land. Guidance was provided to staff regarding the community solar project, including achieving a 33% subscription rate before proceeding, starting at 0.3 megawatts, setting a 20-year subscription term, and establishing rules for ownership transfer upon customer relocation or donation. Other business included scheduling input sessions for strategic planning, and a public comment addressed including an escalation schedule for the community solar project credit rate.