Regular City Council Meeting
The Montague City Council met for its regular session on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall. Mayor Tom Lohman called the meeting to order with all members present except Councilman Robert Hires, who was excused. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the agenda was approved unanimously.
Consent Agenda
Council approved the minutes from the August 18 meeting along with reports from the WestPlan Policy Committee (June 16), Montague Planning Commission (Aug. 11), and Muskegon Central Dispatch 911 (Aug. 13).
Bills totaling $3,219,299.27 ($2,503,363.42 to others) were approved for payment.
Public Comment
Councilman Schultz raised questions about Fruitland Townships possible reentry into the White Lake Ambulance Authority, expressing concern about the lack of notice and input from current members. City officials clarified that discussions are ongoing but that the township has not yet voted to rejoin. Any future arrangement would likely be on a contract basis, not a full return to the prior agreement.
General Business
Charitable Gaming License Request
Council discussed a request from the White Lake Fireworks Committee seeking city authorization to apply for a state raffle license. Members supported the effort but voiced concerns about the lack of detail regarding the number of raffles, timing, and coordination with Whitehall. The item was tabled until the two cities could meet to ensure both handle fireworks fundraising consistently and transparently.
Downtown Development Authority Appointment
Mayor Lohman appointed Shawna Ransom, owner of Renew Youth Fitness, to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) through 2026. She fills a vacancy left by Mark Peets, who stepped down after changing employment outside the downtown district. Council approved the appointment unanimously following a brief discussion on how mid-term vacancies are advertised and filled.
Whitehall Products Expansion
Council approved an updated site plan and First Amendment to the Development and Use Agreement with Whitehall Products, advancing a major expansion of its Water Street facility.
The project realigns the building slightly toward Water Street to allow for a new underground trench system that moves and recycles molding sand — increasing efficiency, improving safety, and allowing the company to bring additional manufacturing work back from overseas.
Design updates include a more commercial-style façade with brick knee walls, improved landscaping, and revised street-facing elevations. The amended development agreement sets a 240-day construction timeline for site improvements, clarifies parking lot boundaries, and returns an unused portion of property to city ownership.
Officials also noted that interior mechanical redesigns and new sound-dampening panels should help reduce exterior noise levels for nearby residents.
Deer Management Areas
Council renewed and certified several Deer Management Areas (DMAs) and associated hunting permits, including:
- Private Lands DMA #1 (Aerts Parcel)
- Public Lands DMA #2
- Private Lands DMA #3 (Neubauer Parcel)
- Private Lands DMA #4 (Hanson Parcel)
Council discussed maintaining proper hunting buffers near residential areas and compliance with all state setback requirements.
City Manager’s Report
City Manager Jeff Auch provided several updates on ongoing and upcoming projects:
- City Hall Renovations were completed under budget at $129,007.62, below the $150,000 allocation.
- New plow truck has been delivered, with the old unit now listed for bids.
- Whitehall Products approvals are finalized following Planning Commission review.
- Sidewalk projects continue on Cook Street, with upcoming work scheduled for Grant, Blain, Williams, and Sheridan.
- Industrial Park lot-split survey has been completed; council will soon consider naming the new access road.
- Crosswalk and bike trail lighting ordinances are being drafted in coordination with MDOT.
- Water street Car Wash property purchase has closed, with bids underway for new garage doors and interior improvements.
- Playground replacement is in progress, with installation expected soon.
Auch also shared that the city is reviewing long-term options for the Senior Center, as structural stabilization costs could range from $200,000 to $250,000, prompting consideration of a multi-use community center alternative.
Student Representative Report
Council welcomed Olive Carlson, Montague High School’s National Honor Society President, as the student representative for the evening. Carlson reported a successful homecoming week highlighted by a football victory over Manistee, a fourth-place finish at the girls golf state finals, and excitement around the launch of the school’s new girls wrestling program.
She also shared updates on FFA community projects and noted a new yoga and mindfulness program at the high school that teaches stress management and self-awareness.
Council and Public Comments
Councilmembers praised the success of this year’s Pumpkinfest, describing it as one of the largest and most energetic festivals Montague has hosted in recent years.
Residents brought forward concerns about sidewalk conditions—particularly along Sheridan Street between Phoenix and Williams—citing uneven surfaces and insufficient lighting. City officials noted these issues for inclusion in upcoming sidewalk repair phases.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The next Montague City Council meeting is scheduled for November 17, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
