Joel Buist

The agenda for the meeting included several key items for consideration under the Consent Agenda. These items encompassed the approval of bills totaling $138,660.63, the consideration of appointing Lauren Baker and Thomas (TJ) Davis to the Planning Commission, and the approval of a 3-year contract with Gabridge & Company for auditing services amounting to $17,500 annually for fiscal years 2026-2028. Additionally, the council was scheduled to review the first reading of Ordinance 2026-226 concerning the vacation of a portion of the Oak Street Public Right-of-Way, and the purchase of a pre-owned truck for the Parks Department, not to exceed $30,000. Workshop items involved receiving monthly reports from the Police Chief, Water and Sewer Department Director, Assessor, Department of Public Services, City Attorney, City Manager, and the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (CGA), as well as the Bridgman Public Library report and a Medic 1 report.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, following a requested amendment to move two items to the subsequent March meeting. Discussions included a review of the current financial report. Under Old Business, the Authority reviewed and approved Option 1 for the North City Limit sign proposal from ArtFX, requesting installation prior to Memorial Day. The New Business section reported no items. Under the Staff Report, the Authority approved a quote from Carson Wood Specialties for benches. Authority members shared comments regarding potential landscaping improvements near the Weko Beach sign, suggesting dune grass due to low maintenance, and discussed postponing murals until locations are finalized. Comparisons were made to mural displays in Arcadia and Holland.

Key discussions included citizen concerns regarding the Tanner Creek Drain lawsuit and future preventative measures. The City received an unmodified opinion on its fiscal year 2025 audit findings. Action items involved approving engineering services from Wightman Associates for the Willard and Mathieu reconstruction, adopting the City Vehicle Camera and Telematics Policy, approving the Electrical Permit Fee Schedule (Resolution 2026-04), and adopting a resolution recognizing the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance's 20th anniversary (Resolution 2026-03). Additionally, the Council approved adopting a grant agreement for the Weko Beach Boardwalk Project Parks (Resolution 2026-05). Workshop discussions included monthly reports from various departments, updates on property assessments (2.7% increase), and citizen inquiries regarding sidewalk snow removal responsibility. Council also discussed addressing the Tanner Creek Drain issue further by attending a County Commission meeting.

The agenda for the meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026, includes the call to order, roll call, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval/amendment of the agenda itself. Key discussion points involve the election of officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary), a review of the 2024 Planning Commission Annual Report, and ongoing discussions regarding the Master Plan, specifically Chapter 8 Goals & Objectives and the distribution of a community survey. The materials also include the minutes from the December 18, 2025, meeting, which covered the approval of previous minutes, a hearing of citizens regarding Master Plan chapters, and discussions/approvals for revisions to Master Plan Chapters 4 through 7. Furthermore, staff updates included information on building department developments, commercial renovations, and MDOT grant awards for street reconstruction.

The regular meeting covered several key actions and discussions. The agenda was approved, noting an amendment to include the minutes from a previous special meeting. Key items approved included establishing President's Day as a paid holiday, and approving Abonmarche for professional engineering services related to the Weko Beach & Campground sewer connection, which includes abandoning the existing septic system. Resolution 2026-02 was also approved, authorizing the vacation and acceptance of utility easements for the Trails of Bridgman Development. Additionally, the Council considered and adopted Resolution 2026-01 to update the City of Bridgman Poverty Exemption Eligibility requirements for 2026. Reports were presented by various department heads, and during the hearing of citizens, concerns were raised regarding the condition of Baldwin Road. Council members were reminded that future meetings would shift to the second Monday of each month.