Ken Gensterblum

The meeting included reports from the City Manager on the postponement of the Looking Glass Plaza Grand Opening, trick-or-treating guidelines, and an emergency repair conducted by the Electric Department. The Michigan State Police requested assistance with their Winter Hazardous Awareness Week campaign. The council discussed streaming meetings on the city website and community notification of a scheduled power outage. Resolutions were approved for the Ionia County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024, the addition of a voluntary donation line to the City Income Tax Form, and the appointment of Corey O'Connell to the Downtown Development Authority. Council members shared upcoming community events and information on a proposed millage for Portland Public Schools.

The council discussed and made decisions on several key issues. These included approving a recreation services agreement with Eagle Township, an agreement for professional assessing services with Michael Dougherty, and the installation and operation of Wi-Fi internet service at the Red Mill Pavilion. Additionally, the council approved an Energy Waste Recovery (EWR) Plan and participation agreement with the Michigan Public Power Agency, along with proposals from Cook Brothers Excavating and Kendall Electric for the Grant Street Substation Project, and a proposal from Resco to purchase electrical distribution voltage connection parts for the same project. They also approved a license agreement to permit holding a haunted house at the Red Mill and a payment to F&V Construction for work on the River Crossing and Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.

The Portland City Council discussed and made decisions on several key items, including approving the Ionia County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2024, adding a voluntary donation line to the city income tax form for contributions to the Recreation Department or the Ambulance Department, and confirming appointments to city boards and commissions. Additionally, they reviewed the minutes and synopsis of the regular City Council meeting held on October 6, 2025, approved payment of invoices and payroll, and addressed purchase orders for emergency repairs to the electric distribution system. Communications included DDA minutes for August 25, 2025, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Report for September 2025, the Ionia County Board of Commissioners Agenda for October 14, 2025, and a MPSC Notice of Hearing for Consumers Energy.

The City Council meeting addressed several key issues, including speeding on Looking Glass Ave. and the paving status of Bishop St. The council discussed the upcoming Divine Highway Bridge Project, city income tax allocation, a scheduled power outage, and utility bill increases. A presentation was given on downtown activities. The council approved a Recreation Services Agreement with Eagle Township, an agreement for professional assessing services with Michael Dougherty, the installation and operation of Wi-Fi internet service at the Red Mill Pavilion, and the Energy Waste Recovery Plan and Participation Agreement with the Michigan Public Power Agency. Additionally, proposals were approved for work related to the Grant Street Substation Project and the purchase of electrical distribution connection parts. The council also authorized a License Agreement for the Friends of the Red Mill to hold a haunted house and approved payments for the River Crossing and Wastewater Treatment Plant Projects, as well as improvements to the 103 East Grand River Avenue Plaza.

The meeting addressed public safety concerns regarding scaffolding on Kent Street and reviewed the August 13, 2025, power outage, focusing on improved communication efforts. The DDA approved using remaining contingency funds to add amenities to the Plaza at 103 E. Grand River Ave. The council approved an agreement for professional assessing services, payments for the Grant Street Substation Project, the purchase of a Viper Recloser, and payment for repairs to engine generators. A Contracted Services Agreement with Dorsey College for tuition discounts for Portland Ambulance employees was also approved. Discussions included recent safety concerns and improvements to police department facilities.