Miriam Andrus

The primary agenda items involved presentations and updates across various operational areas. Key discussions included Senior Housing Reports for Riverside Place and Washington Woods, which covered maintenance updates such as elevator modernization and meal service provider transitions to Morrison Living. A presentation was given by the Midland County Treasurer regarding the newly authorized Land Bank Authority. The Commission considered and supported a proposed prioritization framework for reallocating remaining CDBG-DDR funds, which are related to recovery from the 2020 dam failure, to ensure timely expenditure by the September 1, 2026 deadline. Furthermore, a presentation was scheduled for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan concerning fair housing testing results from 2022 to 2025, which indicated persistent race discrimination and significant barriers for the LGBTQ community. The Commission was also asked to provide recommendations for the 2026-2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan and Budget.

The agenda for the meeting included a roll call, the approval of minutes from the February 10, 2026, meeting, and two public hearings. Public Hearing 5.a concerned Site Plan No. 438 initiated by DGR Developments, LLC for a 96-lot Meadows Preserve residential development. Public Hearing 5.b involved Site Plan No. 448 by M & G Party Store, LLC for a gas station. Old Business addressed Site Plan No. 447 regarding an addition to Midland Compounding PM, LLC's industrial/manufacturing development, and discussions on Short-Term Rentals & Bed-and-Breakfast Establishments. The agenda concluded with sections for public comments unrelated to agenda items, new business, communications, and reports from the Chairperson and Planning Director.

The City Council meeting involved a discussion regarding the recommendations from the Fire Department Assessment Review conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management LLC. The Fire Chief presented an overview of the 65 recommendations, detailing which have been completed, which are not being implemented, and which require Council direction for next steps. The Council expressed general support for the recommendations but identified areas needing additional information and justification before making final decisions.

Key discussions during the meeting included a proposed budget amendment for the FY 2026 Equipment Revolving Fund to acquire a new pickup truck and trash tipper unit for the Parks Department, which was approved. The Council also addressed a budget amendment for the FY 2026 Stormwater Management Fund to purchase engineering services for the CDBG-DR funded Woody Debris Management Project, including the acceptance of a proposal from Spicer Group for these services. A resolution was adopted to recommend approval to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for a New On-Premises Tasting Room Permit for Clock & Candle, LLC. The Council adopted the City of Midland FY 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan after failing to pass an amendment to add a street to the plan. The Annual Sidewalk Report for 2026 was received and ordered filed, and the Final Preliminary Plat for Countryside Subdivision was approved. Additionally, funds were approved for the purchase and installation of a public announcement system at Washington Woods, a contract was awarded for the 2026 Commerce Drive Reconstruction, and a purchase order was approved for Rotork valve actuators for the Water Treatment Plant. A prior diesel fuel purchase was approved, and an increase to the Landfill Equipment Maintenance blanket purchase order was authorized. Finally, a public hearing was set for March 23, 2026, regarding an amendment to the Zoning Map concerning Zoning Petition No. 670.

The agenda for the upcoming Regular Meeting included several key items. The meeting scheduled a presentation from Legal Services of Eastern Michigan regarding fair housing testing, discussion and potential action on the CDBG Annual Action Plan and Budget, and reports on Senior Housing, specifically Riverside Place and Washington Woods. Other planned items included processing reports and reviewing communications.