Doug Kadzban

The City Council meeting included several agenda items pertaining to ordinances, reports, and appointments. Key discussions involved the first reading and scheduling of a public hearing for Ordinance 532 regarding the rezoning of the 'Former Girl Scout Property' from MDR to PUD for a 38-unit residential development. The Council also considered a request to deny rezoning for parcels related to the Village Xpress Gas Station from CBD to GC. Reports included reviewing minutes from various boards (Positively Allegan, Planning Commission), adopting a resolution to appoint Jeff Morrie as Streets Administrator, approving purchase orders for lawn care and demolition services, and approving Accounts Payable and Payroll. Furthermore, the process for filling a City Council vacancy was discussed, leading to the scheduling of a Special Council Meeting on October 21, 2025, for interviews and selection.

Key discussions during the meeting included the selection of the Chair and Vice Chair. The board addressed the Water Street Boardwalk Scenic Overlook, planning to deconstruct and fence it off for safety and liability reasons. Updates were provided on the donation and placement of new landscaping boulders at Trowbridge Plaza. A report was given on the first annual Wreaths Across America event at Oakwood Cemetery. Other topics included a proposal for public sponsorship of downtown trees and business sponsorship of landscaping beds, feedback on downtown holiday decorations, a preview of early ideas for Griswold Auditorium improvements, and details on planned 2026 improvement projects such as the Downtown Allegan Improvement Project -- Phase II and the Rossman Neighborhood Improvement Project. A staff inquiry was made regarding the QR code donation program.

The meeting included discussions and updates on several items following the call to order. Key discussion topics involved the annual Parks Tour recap, repair work completed on the Arbor Street entrance column at Oakwood Cemetery, and a discussion on the green burial process at the cemetery, including updates from the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery group regarding the Wreaths Across America event. The commission also reviewed the list of trees slated for annual fall removal. Other items included a recap of the Rossman Block Party and an invitation to the Downtown Allegan Master Plan Open House. A board member also inquired about the Allegan City Dam removal.

The City Council meeting agenda included the first reading of Ordinance 533 concerning the addition of a licensed plumber requirement to Section 29-73-Testing, scheduling its second reading and public hearing for January 12, 2026. The council was also set to review the December 2025 minutes from the Downtown Development Authority and Planning Commission. Administrative services items included approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll, a request for approval of a lot split for the 'Girl Scout Property,' and a request to amend the Purchase and Development Agreement with Allegan Development Co., LLC regarding the timing of a security instrument deposit. Other items involved reviewing the 2026 public meetings schedule and discussing the 2026 budget schedule and council goals, alongside various board reappointments.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the Amended Agenda for November 10, 2025. Key discussions centered on the selection of the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for the 2025-2026 calendar year, resulting in Mayor Perrigo retaining her position and Mayor Pro Tem Hanse retaining his. The council also conducted a public hearing, second reading, and adoption of Ordinance 532, which rezoned specific parcels from Medium Density Residential District to a Planned Unit Development District, including preliminary review of a thirty-eight-unit residential development. Other items included the adoption of Resolution 25.34 to accept a TEDF Grant from MDOT and appoint the City Manager as representative, adoption of Resolution 25.35 appointing the City Manager as signatory for MDOT AERO Contracts, approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll, and adoption of the City of Allegan Public Participation Plan. Additionally, an amendment to the fee schedule was approved to establish a "Holiday Rate" for Griswold Auditorium rentals, and discussion occurred regarding reformatting the City Council agenda.