Maria Boersma

Key discussion topics included the amendment of previous minutes concerning tree removal related to circle-to-land approach limitations. The board reviewed a proposal for a community solar project on airport property, emphasizing the necessity of meeting all FAA regulations and obtaining airspace compliance before proceeding. Concerns were raised regarding selling airport land versus leasing it, prioritizing safety and long-term airport needs. The board tabled the discussion on allowing a fiber optic line on airport property pending Shape review. The Airport Manager reported steady activity, ongoing tree trimming and removal for compliance, maintenance issues with runway lights and hangar doors, and plans for runway rehabilitation and new hangar construction in the spring. Fuel sales were reported as the second-highest in ten years. Lease rates were updated. The Airport Liaison noted an outstanding accounts receivable balance and issues with contract documentation for crack sealing. The board also needs to decide on a tie-down fee policy. A special meeting was scheduled to further address the solar facility easement and related questions.

The meeting addressed operational improvements, community projects, and fee policies. Key decisions included recommending approval to the City Council for ShapeCorp to install new optic cable on airport property, contingent upon junction placement. The board voted against recommending approval for the proposed solar easement agreement as written, citing unresolved issues regarding FAA regulations and safety clearances. Furthermore, the board unanimously approved a revised fee schedule by eliminating daily and weekly tie-down fees and establishing a standard monthly fee of $100 for aircraft parked longer than one month.

The key discussions included the approval of the Code of Conduct, which passed by a majority vote. Old business focused on several collaborations and updates: an update regarding collaboration with Loutit Library, planning for the MLK Day Service Project, updating the Human Relations Commission section on the City of Grand Haven's website (including the Code of Conduct, volunteer opportunities, and resource links), and discussing the event timeline for The Beloved Community Project. Specific awareness months were noted for planning events throughout the year, such as Black History Month, Women's History Month, Pride Month, API Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month. New business included discussions on utilizing Four Pointes in the future and planning for larger events in 2027, as well as submitting the annual report for 2025.

The agenda for the meeting includes reviewing and potentially approving several Park Use Permits for future events scheduled in 2026. Specific items cover a request for a Purple Heart Commemoration Ceremony at Escanaba Park on August 7, 2026, and multiple beach wedding permits requested for June 10, April 25, and other dates in 2026. The meeting agenda also notes the presentation of the minutes from the February 4, 2026 meeting for board approval. Separately, meeting minutes from February 4, 2025, indicate that the board approved several Park Use Permits for weddings scheduled throughout June, July, August, and September of 2026. A memorandum dated February 18, 2026, details the Purple Heart Ceremony request, which is slated for review by the Parks and Recreation Board on March 4th and the City Council on March 16th.

The meeting began with the approval of the agendas as presented and subsequently amended. Key actions included moving a Consent Agenda item to New Business. During the Consent Agenda approval, several items were ratified, such as the approval of Special Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes from January 5, 2026, the approval of a bill memo totaling $1,359,986.60, the approval of a professional services proposal from Abonmarche Consultants Inc. for DWSRF program engineering services, and the approval of a grant agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for the Centertown Vision Plan update. New Business involved the approval of a five-year service agreement with Axon Enterprises, amendments to the motion reflecting the total cost and annual payment structure, approval of a resolution for the Principal Shopping District continuation, renewal of a lease agreement with Abonmarche Consultants Inc., and approval of the 2026-2027 Municipal Joint Early Voting Site Agreement. Council members also reported on various matters, including a proposal to budget for city-wide sidewalk clearing for the remainder of Winter 2026, and the City Manager provided updates on economic development projects such as South Village and Chinook Pier. An audience member commented on the Board of Light and Power's proposed solar project.