Victor Vuong

The Planning Commission meeting included a public hearing regarding the request to rezone 151 N. 68th Avenue from I-1 Light Industrial to I-2 Heavy Industrial. A resident adjacent to the property requested stipulations concerning tree preservation, berm installation, and lighting. The Commission recommended approval of this rezone request to the City Council. A preliminary site plan review for Fairlife involving several additions was approved with conditions requiring corrections to external elevations to meet ordinance requirements, submission of all required information for final site plan review, and the submission of a revised site plan drawing to distinguish existing and proposed improvements. The site plan review for MacAllister Machinery at 151 N. 68th Avenue was approved contingent upon City Council approval of the underlying rezone, and included numerous conditions related to permits, utility coordination, and required buffers/sidewalk installations.

The Planning Commission meeting included the unanimous appointment of Commissioner Weise as Vice Chairperson. The primary discussion involved the final site plan review for Fairlife at 999 W. Randall St., specifically concerning architectural façade revisions and parking availability. Commissioners requested that the blue and white façade be extended across more exterior walls, and unanimously approved the site plan contingent upon several conditions. These conditions included obtaining necessary permits (Building, Flat Work, Right-of-Way, Sign), securing drainage approval, utility coordination, completion of a Non-Domestic User Survey, installation of a Knox Box, and ensuring all specified façade adjustments and paving of temporary parking areas were completed. Additionally, the Commission discussed spoiled milk odors emanating from Fairlife and Continental Dairy, requesting staff follow up.

The meeting addressed citizen input regarding the Senior Recreation Department's budget and accountability, as well as odor complaints concerning the local Dairy. Key actions included approving the consent agenda, which covered minutes from the previous meeting and financial reports. The Council entered a closed session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property. Upon returning to open session, the Council approved an increase to the Board of Review members' compensation cap to meet state training requirements. Reappointments were approved for positions on the Board of Review and the Fire Station Building Authority Board, with discussions noting open seats on the Planning Commission, Property Maintenance Board of Appeals, and Zoning Board of Appeals. The Council also approved design engineering for 2026 street improvements and subsequent funding for construction engineering related to Safe Routes to School. Funding was approved for the purchase and installation of a new flood pump for the Main Lift Station. Furthermore, an update was provided regarding the 2026-2030 Community Parks and Recreation Plan, noting the initiation of a community survey following feedback from the Department of Natural Resources.

The key discussion items for this meeting include a presentation by James McManus of McKenna regarding the Final Draft of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan. Further discussion and action items focus on the 2026 Development Plan and the Tax Increment Financing Plan. The agenda also allocates time for receiving and filing an informational meeting report. Informational packets include DDA Financials for November and December 2025, City Council Minutes from December 2025 and January 2026, and permit summaries for December 2025 and January 2026.

The meeting covered updates from the Ottawa County Commissioner regarding county finances, TIF grants, a national award received, Community Mental Health, the selection of a new County Administrator, and concerns about Public Act 233. The council addressed citizen input, approved the consent agenda items including the Fund Balance Report and first quarter financials, and discussed a proposed amendment regarding meter locations, setting a public hearing for December. The 2026 Community Parks and Recreation Plan was reviewed, with a public hearing scheduled for December. Actions taken included the approval of the Master Contract to join the Muskegon County Wastewater System, the approval of Civic Plus Archiving and Monitoring Services, a decision to manage social media commenting settings on Facebook pages, and the approval for the installation of blinking red traffic lights at Randall Street/64th Avenue. The initial session concluded with recognition for the outgoing Mayor Bush. Following a recess for the installation of new members, including the new Mayor Brian Mooney, the council adopted the 2026 City Board Meeting Schedule and approved appointments for various boards, including the Fire Authority Board, DDA Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Recreation Board. The City Manager also provided updates on funding for the Main Street Bridge replacement and upcoming SOS Mobile Office dates.