Mark Eisenbarth

The Board of Directors discussed financial reporting and account reclassification. Key business actions included the approval of salary grade reclassifications for the Land Bank Coordinator and Land Bank Specialist positions. Updates were provided on various development projects, including infrastructure challenges at the Glendale property, construction progress at Willowstone, and status reports on multiple Blight Elimination program rounds. Additionally, the Board approved an addendum to the Allen Edwin Agreement regarding the purchase of six additional lots.

The meeting convened with a quorum established. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of the regular and closed session minutes from January 13, 2022. Following a brief public comment section, the committee considered a motion to increase the pay scale for Parks Maintenance Supervisor, Senior Parks Ranger, and Parks Maintenance Worker positions, detailing the necessary budgetary impact of $12,480 annually, to be sourced from reserves due to increased park reservation revenue. The committee also discussed and moved to approve a resolution honoring Black History Month, including amendments to reflect the current year (2022) and ensure local inclusion by including Muskegon County and ensuring local individuals mentioned were accurately referenced.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and a discussion and acceptance of the financials for November and December, which were instructed to be placed on file. Under New Business, the Executive Committee met on December 22, 2025, to agree on a property purchase that was later canceled after discovering the owner was purchasing the property. A subsequent Executive Committee meeting on January 9, 2026, approved change orders for six rehabilitation houses. The Director's Report covered updates on Glendale development difficulties with City of Muskegon Heights utility pricing, road installation and preliminary construction approval in Willowstone, and progress updates across three batches of Blight Elimination Round 3 projects and one completed project in Round 4. Further updates involved a property transfer pending for a Round 4 project and signed contracts for roof systems and concrete repair at the Shaw Walker property. Following no closed session, the Board made a motion to offer $26,000 for 13 lots near the old Lindbergh School. A counteroffer of $3,000 with specific terms, including a reverter clause and a two-year non-transfer restriction, was approved 4-1 for the 2621 Getty property, and further information was requested for the 2524, 2501, 2533, and 2521 Superior properties. Finally, a motion was passed to accept Addendum No. 3 to the Lot Purchase Agreement with Allen Edwin, removing 13 lots from the original agreement.

The meeting focused on reviewing the proposed County-operated aviation fuel farm project. Discussions included an analysis of current fuel market conditions, financial data, and a pro-forma review of expected fuel demand and profitability. The committee addressed potential impacts on existing airport tenants and businesses, specifically concerning operating agreements and competitive services. Members evaluated airport goals for commercial air service and general aviation growth. Ultimately, the committee moved to recommend that the County proceed with the construction of the aviation fuel facility while directing staff to collaborate with the current FBO operator to maximize traffic and revenue, with a requirement to return final negotiation terms to the committee for deliberation.

The meeting included the approval of the minutes from July 7, 2020. Public comment addressed concerns regarding proposed changes to the public transportation system (MATS), specifically opposing changes that would eliminate seniors from the Go Bus service and expressing worry about the impact on low-income individuals and those with disabilities needing access for medical appointments and groceries. Another public commenter opposed proceeding with the MATS proposal (items 57, 58, 59), citing concerns about discrimination, unequal impact of service reductions, lack of resident input in the federally funded transit services planning process, and non-compliance with Limited English Proficiency standards in past reports. The committee also discussed budget updates, including applications for reimbursement grants under Senate Bill 690 and allocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for COVID-related expenses. A significant portion of the meeting involved debate over approving payment of accounts payable for June 20th to July 3rd, 2020, and approving the second amendment for Muskegon County Human Resources to continue providing services to the City of Muskegon through June 30, 2023, with some commissioners questioning the financial structure and timing of the latter item. Finally, a motion was made to authorize MATS to implement a service change proposal effective September 27, 2020, which would remove the fixed route and Go Bus system in place prior to COVID-19 and implement new routes and ADA service based on a recent operational analysis.