Brenda Eilers

This Five-Year Regional Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2026-2030 establishes a regional framework for the Cities of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton Shores to address housing, community development, and economic needs, with a focus on low- and moderate-income populations. Key objectives include expanding affordable housing, improving housing quality, strengthening neighborhoods, increasing economic opportunities, enhancing public services, aiding in blight removal, and promoting fair housing. The plan aims to improve housing conditions, expand opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents through coordinated investment and planning.

This document outlines a Regional Consolidated Plan (2026-2031) and an Annual Action Plan (2026-2027) developed collaboratively by the City of Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Norton Shores. The plan details community needs, priorities, goals, and objectives for administering Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, fulfilling HUD requirements. It specifies proposed programs, projects, and funding allocations, with a particular focus on addressing critical needs and supporting eligible residents in very low- to low-income areas, especially within the City of Muskegon Heights.

The council received a presentation on housing incentives and the Fire Fighter of the Year award. Discussions were held regarding an EGLE consent agreement and monthly departmental reports. New business included the approval of sub-committee appointments for 2026-2027, the authorization for the Interim City Manager to manage outstanding and recurring invoices, and setting dates to review the 2026 budget to address a deficit. Additionally, the council approved an agreement with the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners for a property assessment administration program and awarded a bid for the Broadway Phase 3 Construction project. A closed session was conducted regarding the City Manager search, resulting in the council's decision to offer a two-year contract for the City Manager position.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including a successful motion to add the Police Chief contract discussion to New Business. Key discussions included an item regarding an EGLE Consent agreement and the discussion of the property at 2536 Peck Street, which was previously tabled. New Business involved a successful motion to approve the Paradise Event Center applying for an on-premise liquor license. A subsequent motion to approve Sub-Committee appointments for 2026-2027 failed, leading to a motion to bifurcate and update committee titles. Another item was moved to a future meeting pending consultation with Mike Franzac. The session concluded with entry into a Closed Session to discuss an unspecified matter, after which the meeting adjourned due to a lack of quorum.

Key discussions during the session included adding a public comment item before the closed session, receiving a presentation of the Medal of Valor to two officers, and a presentation from Maner Consterisan. The council tabled the approval of the January 12, 2026, minutes. Following a motion to un-table, the sale of the property at 2536 Peck Street to Ele'Louise Holdings LLC was ultimately approved after a brief recess. New business involved the approval to remove an item from the agenda, followed by the approval of a zoning recommendation to rezone the property at 491 W. Sherman from I-1 (Industrial) to C-3 (Highway Commercial), and the approval of entering into a contract for technical assistance services to develop the City Recreation Plan. During the closed session, motions regarding the appointment of Maurice Sain as Chief of Police failed initially but were later passed to appoint Maurice Sain as Police Chief of the City of Muskegon Heights, though the meeting adjourned due to a lack of quorum shortly after.