Whitehall City Council Recap – Dec. 23, 2025

The Whitehall City Council met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, wrapping up the year with a detailed update from the Friends of the Playhouse, several grant- and budget-related resolutions, and public comments that ranged from downtown accessibility during snow season to proactive planning for potential data centers.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, council approved the evening’s agenda.

1. Special Presentation — Friends of the Playhouse / Playhouse at White Lake Update

Frank Bednarek (chair of the Friends of the Playhouse) and Beth Beaman (executive director of the Playhouse at White Lake) presented a five-month progress report (July 1 through Nov. 30), following recommendations that grew out of earlier review discussions.

Ticket sales and pricing updates

The Playhouse increased summer season ticket prices by $3 per ticket. The Friends reported:

• Ticket sales July–August: $92,445 (includes single tickets and flex pass/season sales)
• Ticket sales Sept.–Nov.: $8,881
• Total ticket sales July 1–Nov. 30: $101,326

Council asked whether ticket sales increased compared to last year, and presenters confirmed they were up—describing the season as significantly stronger (with flex pass sales rising sharply).

Concessions and beverage sales

Beverage prices were increased by $1–$3 depending on the product, and premixed cocktails were added to concessions.

• Total beverage sales July–Nov.:$10,786
  • Alcohol sales: $5,786
  • Soda/candy/popcorn, etc.: about $5,000

Flex pass growth

The Friends emphasized growth in summer flex pass sales:

• 12-ticket flex passes: 31 sold (up from 16 in 2024)
• 6-ticket flex passes: 60 sold (up from 45 in 2024)
• Reported as a 49.2% increase in flex pass ticket sales overall

Sponsorships, fundraising, and rentals

The Friends reported they were not able to secure a single $25,000 sponsor specifically for the White Lake Youth Theater, but said general sponsorships covered those costs.

They also exceeded a fundraising goal:

• Annual fundraiser raised $67,000, up from $56,239 the prior year (about a 19% increase)

Rental pricing was updated after reviewing comparable facilities:

• $1,600/day for the full complex
• $800 for the lobby
• $400 for the green room

Presenters noted the rental budget line had previously anticipated a major rental arrangement (Hope Bible Chapel), but that group moved to the high school to accommodate a larger space. Council asked whether the higher rental rate increased the number of rentals; the Friends said they hadn’t seen a clear change yet, but noted rentals do occur (including three weddings this year, celebration-of-life events, and corporate gatherings).

Season operations and facility use

The Friends reported staying under their seasonal operating goal:

• Target summer operations budget: $66,000
• Preliminary unaudited 2025 season expenses (not including staffing): $52,667
  • Includes items like royalties, materials, costumes, and production-related costs

They also reported strong community use:

• Goal: operate as a community center with 180 days of use annually
• Reported use (Jan. 1–Nov. 30): 298 days
  • Includes yoga, vocal lessons, rehearsals, and other activities

The group also shared that the Playhouse plans to remain mostly “dark” in January and February unless there’s a paying event that covers operating costs.

Improvements and upcoming projects

Additional updates included:

• A donation box added in the lobby (funded by the Friends) has collected about $600 since May
• Merchandise sales (shirts/hats) are still a goal, but the Friends said they’re holding off until they have more cash to invest in inventory
• The Playhouse is evaluating an upgrade from manual thermostats to a programmable/remote control system for better efficiency during colder months
• A 50/50 raffle is in progress through state licensing; the Friends expect approval for calendar year 2026 and described a raffle plan totaling $20,000 with $10,000 in prizes, $20 tickets, and a winner announced in December 2026
• The Friends contributed $4,800 toward a new Playhouse website, with a hoped-for launch in March
• The group mailed about 600 annual giving letters and had received $12,750 as of the meeting (with more expected through January)
• Their next annual event is scheduled for May 7, 2026, with a goal of exceeding last year’s results

Council and staff thanked the Friends group publicly for their volunteer support and community impact.

2. Consent Agenda Approved

Council approved the consent agenda, including:

• Approval of the Dec. 9, 2025 work session and council meeting minutes
• Approval of accounts payable
• Communications: None

3. Messages from the Mayor, Council, and City Manager

City Manager Dan Tavernier provided an infrastructure update focused on:

Lake Street lift station and resurfacing

Dan said the city is pursuing an Economic Development Agency (EDA) grant connected to the Lake Street lift station work and resurfacing, and the agency asked whether the city could expand the scope to include additional infrastructure.

He explained:

• Lift Station #2 (on Lake Street) is about 36 years old
• Lift Station #4 (serving the industrial park and force main) is about 33 years old
• If awarded, the city would have 3–4 years to spend the funds
• The city’s existing bond budgeting already assumes the work will proceed even without the grant, meaning a grant could help the city address Lift Station #4 at reduced cost

Council members also took time to:

• Council member Tanya Cabala thanked newly retired city staff member Brian Armstrong for his service
• All council members gave holiday greetings
• Many council members made comments on downtown activity and wonderful holiday decorations
• Discuss leaf pickup challenges due to frozen leaves and early snowfall
• Note from city manager Dan Tavernier mentioned a new owner for the former Lakeland Inn property and interest in redevelopment potential

4. Public Comment

Several residents spoke during public comment.

Highlights included:

• A lighthearted holiday moment with Tommy Foster returning an old record to Jeff Holmstrom from their junior high days that he recently found.
• Kathy West praised downtown Whitehall’s appearance, saying it looks better than ever and expressing hope for continued positive change
• Kim Cole, the Mason County sheriff, introduced himself and spoke about his intention to run for Jon Bumstead’s open state senate seat next year

5. New Business — Resolutions Approved

Council approved three resolutions:

1. Resolution 25-42 — Community Fund Request

Council approved a request for distribution from the Leonard & Edna Fund held at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County for the benefit of the city and Playhouse operations.

• The city was notified $12,400 is available for distribution this year
• Unused funds typically do not roll over

Vote: Approved by roll call.

2. Resolution 25-43 — Water Resources Division / Michigan Coastal Management Program

Council approved moving forward with a grant opportunity tied to future master planning.

Tavernier explained:

• Funding is available through the Department of Commerce via the Water Resources Division / EGLE coastal program
• Total project cost is estimated not to exceed $100,000
• Grant would cover 50%, with 50% local match
• Funds would not be available until 2027
• The city’s current master plan runs through 2030, and council discussed the benefit of beginning the groundwork early

Council also discussed using the process to strengthen research and planning around the city’s waterfront parks and opportunities for preservation, conservation, and future grants—while potentially identifying ordinance updates that align with the city’s long-term vision.
Council member Debra Hillebrand thanked the city manager for being ahead on the planning for the new master plan.

Vote: Approved by roll call.

3. Resolution 25-44 — Budget Amendment #4

Council approved a year-end budget adjustment described as “right-sizing” based on updated projections.

Tavernier cited two key cost drivers:

• Expenses tied to the city manager search
• Use of outside services with a high cost

Vote: Approved by roll call.

6. Public Comment (Second Opportunity)

Two residents offered additional comments:

Sidewalk snow access and downtown customer accessibility

Kathy Russell thanked the city for the new sidewalk snowplow service, calling it a major improvement, but said snow piles at street corners make crossings difficult—especially after street plows come through. She noted safety concerns for pedestrians and challenges for downtown customers trying to reach businesses from parked vehicles.

Data center ordinance — proactive planning request

Tamara Horne encouraged the city to look into whether a data center ordinance is needed, noting recent state tax incentives could drive future proposals across Michigan. She asked the city to consider guidelines in advance—especially around water use, electric demand, diesel backup generators, noise, air quality, and reporting requirements.

The mayor asked if she could share examples of ordinances for reference, and she said she would forward them to the city clerk.

MEETING ADJOURNED

Council closed out the final meeting of 2025 with holiday well-wishes and gratitude to the community for attending.

The next City of Whitehall meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, with a Work Session followed by the regular City Council meeting.

Whitehall City Council Recap – Dec. 9, 2025

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