Village of Saranac

The Council reviewed law enforcement statistics and received information regarding an upcoming county library millage renewal proposal. A resolution was adopted to support a Social District Permit application for the Saranac Community Association's event. The council discussed the Homeowner Occupied Rehabilitation Project, confirming the Saranac Housing Commission as the administrator and introducing the partner organization, Revitalize, LLC. Tina Vroman was reappointed to both the Housing Commission and the Non-Profit Housing Corporation. Additionally, the council reviewed various departmental reports, including updates on the Fire Department's new engine and career day initiatives, parks planning and concept projects, street construction, and water and sewer maintenance activities, and approved the payment of accounts payable.

The council reviewed law enforcement reports, approved accounts payable, and discussed financial results for the fiscal year ending in February 2026, including the approval of related budget amendments. Personnel discussions covered a resignation within the Department of Public Works and the potential to fill the position. The Fire Chief provided updates on the fire station remodel, plans to sell an existing fire engine, and the purchase of a new Class A Pumper. Additionally, the council reviewed Parks and Recreation concept plans and discussed a potential property purchase regarding a parking lot, ultimately deeming the cost prohibitive.

The Village of Saranac's Wellhead Protection Program Plan aims to safeguard the community's public water supply from contamination. This is achieved by delineating groundwater contribution areas (Wellhead Protection Areas), inventorying existing and potential contamination sources, and implementing management strategies. Key focus areas include water supply emergency contingency planning, future well development, and robust public participation and education to ensure the long-term integrity of the water supply system and minimize threats to existing and future water wells.

This document is the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for the Village of Saranac, Ionia County, Michigan. It is established to regulate land use and development within the Village, outlining various zoning districts such as Low Density Residential, Medium Density Residential, High Density Residential, Manufactured Home Park, Neighborhood Service, Open Space Preservation/Flood Plain, Central Business, Industrial, and Industrial/Service districts. The ordinance defines permitted uses, special land uses, accessory uses, and specifies area and height regulations, setbacks, and other general provisions for structures and land. Its purpose is to promote public health, safety, and general welfare, preserve property values, ensure orderly development, and protect natural resources by providing standards for construction, parking, landscaping, and other aspects of community planning.

The Planning Commission discussed the Harker Place project, focusing on the possibility of Phase I involving 12 apartment units instead of condos. Revitalize LLC's role in securing funding for the project, including state grants, was also discussed. An amendment to the Special Use Permit (SUP) may be needed to accommodate the change from condos to apartments, and a public hearing may be required.