Ben Campbell

The agenda includes a budget hearing with discussions on revenue, expenditure, and the town of Milltown tax levy increase for 2025, which will be collected in 2026. The special town meeting involves discussions on revenue and expenditure, a resolution of the Town Board to propose exceeding the levy limit, a resolution to exceed the levy limit, and a resolution to adopt the town tax levy.

The Town of Milltown board meeting addressed several key areas. The board discussed road maintenance, including proposals from Fahrner and Monarch Paving for road work in 2026, and tabled a quote for a tractor/backhoe. They reviewed a LRIP grant submission for 190th Ave and updated the 2-year road plan. Easy IT Guys presented options for managed IT services, focusing on cybersecurity. The board accepted a road bid from Monarch Paving for 145th St. Preliminary approval was given for subdividing land on Pine Island Park St, with specific requirements for vegetation barriers and usage. Other topics included the Milltown Community Fire Association bylaws, parking on highway town roads, and a parcel of land controlled by the town. The meeting moved to closed session to discuss purchasing public properties and employee matters, before reconvening to approve a settlement with Carlson Construction.

The City Council agenda includes approval of the agenda and consent agenda items such as city council minutes, monthly reports, special events application, and payment of bills. New business includes budget amendments, sale of property to New Buffalo Area Schools, establishment of mobile concession vending fee, Outpost Sports Concession Agreement, special use permit approval, Downtown Development Authority appointment, marina repairs pay request, property leasing, traffic control order resolution, veteran and senior citizen discount for boat launch pass, and amendments to the City of New Buffalo Code of Ordinances. Discussions will focus on dates for a City Council workshop.

The council discussed and approved Resolution 20.30, authorizing the City of New Buffalo to apply for the ACT Recovery Assistance Program for the Municipal Marina Expansion Project. The council also approved the appointment of Police Chief Rich Killips as Acting City Manager. Changes to board appointments were approved, including appointments to the Cemetery Board, GRSD Board, and LRSB Board.

The Michigan State Rail Plan, developed by the Michigan Department of Transportation, provides a long-term roadmap for the state's rail system over the next 20 years. It focuses on guiding the development of rail services and infrastructure through six major goals: promoting the efficient movement of passengers and freight, encouraging intermodal connectivity, enhancing state and local economic development, promoting environmental sustainability, and ensuring safe and secure railroad operations. The overarching vision is to create a rail system that offers enhanced mobility for travelers and efficient goods movement, thereby supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.