WHITEHALL — Whitehall City Council met Tuesday, Feb. 10, for a 5 p.m. work session followed by its regular 6 p.m. meeting, with conversation ranging from the city’s general obligation bond process and the Lake Street project timeline to downtown revitalization ideas and a detailed proposal to expand the White Lake Community Garden.
Work session: Bond process and Lake Street timeline
During the work session, council reviewed the city’s ongoing work related to a general obligation bond, noting a bond rating (due diligence) call scheduled for Feb. 25. Discussion emphasized that preliminary project pricing is coming in higher than expected, and that the city’s path forward will rely on a mix of strategies — including pursuing grants, seeking legislative support, and using enterprise and road funds already set aside.
Council also received a Lake Street project update, including grant and engineering milestones.
Among the updates shared:
- The city submitted an EDA grant application on Feb. 6, with results expected around August 2026.
- If awarded, project bidding could occur in fall 2026, with construction targeted for 2027.
- A successful EGLE permit meeting has taken place, with floodplain and wetland permits still needed.
- Soil borings are scheduled for Feb. 17–18.
- The Lake Street lift station and force main design is around the 75% stage and expected to wrap up after incorporating feedback.
Work session: Community center discussion and regional partnerships
Council also discussed a potential community center concept after touring a church property on Division. Members stressed the conversation was exploratory — focused on identifying community needs and possible partners — rather than moving toward an immediate purchase.
Several council members expressed interest in strengthening regional collaboration, including restarting annual joint meetings with the City of Montague and expanding discussions to other municipalities in the White Lake area. Ideas raised included cooperative approaches to senior services, shared facilities, and potential future housing partnerships.
Work session: “Fight the Blight” and downtown strategy ideas
Another theme that emerged was a longer-term focus on “Fight the Blight,” with council discussing tools that could encourage investment and occupancy downtown.
Ideas included:
- Extending a façade matching program into the commercial rehab district using proceeds from the sale of two industrial park properties.
- Reviewing zoning and downtown policies to expand options for filling vacant spaces, while balancing concerns about maintaining a walkable, retail-oriented downtown core.
- Revisiting prior planning work and seeking broader public input before making major policy shifts.
Council also discussed community clean-up approaches — including the possibility of periodic junk pickup efforts — and how disposal costs can contribute to clutter and dumping concerns.
Regular meeting: White Lake Community Garden expansion proposal
The regular meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, followed by a special presentation from Amber Marks and members of the White Lake Community Garden leadership team.
Presenters outlined a 2026 plan to expand the community garden by converting a cracked asphalt surface into usable growing space. They shared one-, five-, and 10-year goals, including infrastructure improvements in the near term and a longer-range vision that includes a publicly accessible “food forest.”
The group reported it has incorporated as a nonprofit and is awaiting final confirmation of federal tax-exempt status. Organizers also shared that more than 40 community members have committed to volunteering in 2026.
Requests to the city
The group’s requests included:
- A multi-year park permit (with a preference for a five-year term)
- Installation of additional water spigots and continued coverage of water costs
- A portable restroom during the growing season (May through early November)
Council expressed broad support for the project, discussed logistics and sustainability expectations, and indicated a resolution would be prepared for consideration at a future meeting.
Consent agenda approved
Council approved the consent agenda, with clarifying questions raised during discussion regarding grant-related line items and equipment-related purchases.
Council and staff updates
During council updates, members highlighted:
- Interest in reviving joint meetings with neighboring municipalities
- A reminder about the upcoming senior dinner event (RSVP details were referenced)
- A notice that a council member would be absent from the next meeting due to surgery
City staff also shared community service feedback, including appreciation for responsiveness to resident concerns.
Public comment: Regional trail funding shared
During public comment, a speaker shared news of funding for a regional recreation project — a motorized path along Scenic Drive intended to connect park areas from Muskegon north toward the Whitehall area.
New business: Tag day, drinking fountain, and bond resolution approved
Council approved a Knights of Columbus tag day request for March 28.
Council also approved a request connected to a Snow Farmers drinking fountain, discussing cost, planning considerations, and maintenance responsibilities.
Later in the meeting, council approved a resolution related to the city’s bond process — described as an administrative step connected to issuing general obligation limited tax bonds.
Second public comment: Knights of Columbus fundraising and fish fry
In the final public comment period, a Knights of Columbus representative thanked council for approving the tag day and explained proceeds support local and disability-related programs. The speaker also promoted the group’s upcoming fish fry at St. James Catholic Church.
Council then adjourned for the night.
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