Village of Spring Lake

The key discussions and public hearings during this meeting involved two primary agenda items: the expansion of a nonconforming deck at 704 Fall Street and a Short Term Rental application for 116 S Jackson St. The session also addressed a Special Land Use application for a Short Term Rental at 917 W Savidge St #9, which was ultimately denied due to failure to meet mandatory parking requirements outlined in the Zoning Ordinance, despite the location being within the short-term rental overlay zone. Discussions related to the 704 Fall St deck centered on setbacks and alternative rebuilding options. The minutes also reference correspondence received concerning the 116 S Jackson St rental application, which involved detailed analysis of occupancy limits (set at four people maximum) and required on-site parking, including ongoing discussions regarding a potential right-of-way agreement to secure necessary parallel parking spaces.

The agenda for the Council meeting included a Consent Agenda covering the payment of bills totaling $831,547.58, approval of minutes from previous meetings (January 12, 2026 Work Session and January 21, 2026 Special Meeting), approval of February 2026 Budget Adjustments, and approval of various contracts and proposals. Key general business items involved three public hearings concerning rezoning from Central Business District to Community Commercial, proposed Zoning Text Amendments, and the Pedal Pub Ordinance. Other items included consideration of a resolution for a liquor license classification transfer for Lilley Mansion Bed and Breakfast, and receiving department reports.

The Work Session agenda included discussions on proposed involvement in the Spring Lake Heritage Festival, specifically a Historic Scavenger Hunt for kids and a potential HCC booth at the Artisan Market. Commissioners also considered developing an expanded mission statement for the Commission, moving beyond the current statement on the Village web page. Further discussions involved potential collaboration with the Tri-Cities Historical Museum on a new exhibit about the resort era opening in May 2026, and whether the Commission should advertise in the Museum's 'River Winds Periodical.' Finally, the Commission addressed the suggestion of potential candidates to fill a current vacancy on the HCC board.

Key discussions for the Work Session included obtaining guidance regarding the Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) proposed gas easement replacement project, particularly concerning the new high-pressure line crossing the Grand River, and whether to proceed with negotiating terms. The Council also reviewed the Barrett Boat Works Development, considering input on vacating the adjacent roadway and the intersection with pending zoning ordinance amendments that would remove marinas as a special land use in the Central Business District. Other topics involved discussion of the EGLE Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Project Plan, focusing on LSLR work for FY27 and subsequent infrastructure upgrades for FY28. The session included agenda items for bid awards for N. Division Infrastructure work and the Grand River Greenway Improvement project, a discussion on Stantec Invasive Species Management, February Budget Adjustments, the North Bank Park Cell Tower Offer, and the Spring Lake Public Works Joint Agreement.

The Special Meeting agenda for the Council included the approval of bills totaling $1,278,385.60 and January 2026 Budget Adjustments. Key considerations involved authorizing the Village Manager to sign a proposal for the North Bank Park Project not to exceed $97,500 and approving professional planning services for a Corridor Improvement Plan not to exceed $64,892. The Council also considered appointing Lisa Hilliard to the Historic Conservation Commission and rescheduling a public hearing regarding amendments to Chapter 90 and the Pedal Pub Ordinance to February 16, 2026.