Whitehall Council Talks Budget, Walkability, & Future Plans

Whitehall city leaders spent April 14 focused less on immediate decisions and more on direction.

From improving pedestrian safety to shaping how the city supports residents, businesses, and its own workforce, both the work session and regular council meeting pointed toward a broader question. What kind of city is Whitehall building moving forward?

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Work Session: Planning for Safety, Growth, and Smarter Spending

The evening began with a work session centered on discussion and long-term planning, with several conversations tying directly to future funding decisions.

Walkability and Safety Drive Early Conversation

Council reviewed a proposal to pursue a Safe Routes to School grant, which could bring up to $300,000 into the city for pedestrian improvements.

To get there, the city would first invest about $9,500 to study how residents move through Whitehall and identify where improvements are needed.

The conversation went beyond a single crosswalk. Council members discussed speeding concerns, pedestrian safety, and how infrastructure could better reflect how people actually use the city, especially along Colby Street.

City Manager Dan Tavernier also noted that community input could play a role, mentioning plans to host a town hall this spring.

Park Land Discussion Shows Reluctance to Sell Public Space

Council also considered requests from residents interested in purchasing portions of Gee Park.

While no decision was made, the discussion made one thing clear. There is little appetite to give up public park land, especially without a broader plan guiding those decisions.

Charter Updates Likely to Stay Focused

Council reviewed options for updating the city charter, ranging from targeted amendments to a full rewrite.

The consensus leaned toward a simpler approach, with council members encouraged to review the document and bring back specific areas for potential updates.

Budget Conversation Begins with Transparency and Priorities

Tavernier opened early budget discussions by emphasizing transparency, saying he wanted to start conversations now rather than present a finalized plan later.

His approach also framed a broader philosophy.

“It’s better to be the employer of choice and treat workers a little better,” Tavernier said, as he outlined potential updates to wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Council members built on that discussion with ideas and priorities.

Tanya Cabala pointed to energy efficiency improvements as an area worth investing in to reduce long-term costs. Jeff Holmstrom highlighted the need for upgrades at Goodrich Park, including bathroom improvements and the possibility of adding a changing area.

Scott Brown suggested creating a dedicated fund to handle community requests, as the council has discussed in previous meetings, recognizing that small asks continue to come in throughout the year. Council discussed the need for structure, including possible limits, application processes, and even the idea of having a council member champion individual requests.

The takeaway was not a final decision, but a shared understanding. The city wants to support community needs, but it needs a clear and fair system to do it.

Cleanup Efforts Highlight Communication Gaps

Updates on recent cleanup efforts revealed both success and areas for improvement.

Officials said the citywide trash pickup was well received, but many residents were unaware it was happening. Mattresses made up a large portion of what was collected, and the city may consider changes next year.

Council also reminded residents of upcoming cleanup opportunities:

• Leaf pickup runs April 13 through April 27
• Brush pickup begins May 4
• Free dump day is scheduled for May 16, with vouchers covering $25 and residents responsible for any additional cost

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Regular Council Meeting: Approvals and Community Updates

Following the work session, council moved into its regular meeting, where several actions were finalized and updates shared.

City Updates Reflect Ongoing Activity

Tavernier highlighted continued work across the city, including construction on Lake Street, activity in the industrial park, and progress on the downtown promenade project.

Dock improvements are also underway, with new railings installed and additional concrete work expected once weather conditions improve.

Council Messages Focus on Community Impact

Council members shared updates that reflected both city operations and community needs.

Cabala raised the need to revisit questions around the VAC with senior funds and announced plans to invite Mid Michigan Community Action to present at a future work session, with the goal of connecting residents to available assistance programs.

Roger Squires provided a police update, noting recent activity, continued work on a missing person case involving Whitehall resident Brian Wiegand, and positive early feedback on a new ticketing system.

Debra Hillebrand and Bryan Mahan both highlighted strong community response to the recent junk pickup, while also recognizing the workload placed on DPW crews.

Scott Brown added a lighter moment by wishing Mayor Tom Ziemer a happy birthday.

Tavernier also outlined the city’s next step following cleanup efforts. After giving residents opportunities to address blight, the city plans to increase enforcement moving forward.

Ongoing Property Discussion Raises Questions of Control and Use

Council spent time discussing a complicated property issue involving undeveloped “paper roads.”

The discussion highlighted legal limitations, unclear ownership, and differing perspectives on whether the city should attempt to take action or leave the areas as they are.

Some council members expressed interest in potential future use, such as pathways, while others questioned whether pursuing it would interfere with residents who currently treat the land as part of their property.

No action was taken, but the conversation underscored the complexity of balancing long-standing property realities with future possibilities.

Fee Schedule Approved with Questions on Fairness

Council approved Resolution 26-23, updating the city’s fee schedule.

The full fee schedule is included in the council packet at the end of this article for residents who want to review the detailed changes.

Discussion included questions about the $10 fee for police reports. Squires explained the fee is primarily intended for insurance companies and attorneys, while local residents may still receive reports ,with no fee, at the discretion of the department.

Holmstrom also asked about winter burial fees, with clarification that burials are possible until the ground freezes, at which point they are no longer feasible.

Facade Grant Supports Downtown Investment

Council approved a façade improvement grant for The Gnarly Heifer, marking the first use of the program.

The project includes exterior upgrades, lighting, fencing, and outdoor seating aimed at improving the appearance of a key entry point into downtown.

Tavernier emphasized the importance of the project’s location and impact, noting it helps shape first impressions for visitors entering the city.

Council members expressed support not just for the project itself, but for seeing the program put into action. As Hillebrand noted, funds are reimbursed after approved work is completed, ensuring accountability.

Additional details and project information are included in the council packet at the end of this article for residents who want a closer look.

Public Comment Brings Regional Perspective

During public comment, County Commissioner Kim Cyr shared news of a major investment in West Michigan, highlighting a multi-phase expansion of the La Colombe plant that is expected to bring jobs and increased demand for Michigan dairy.

Cyr closed on a lighter note by leading the room in singing happy birthday to the mayor.

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Takeaway: A City Defining How It Grows

Across both meetings, the focus was not just on what is happening now, but what comes next.

From walkability and infrastructure to employee support and community investment, council discussions reflected a city working to be more intentional with its decisions.

The details will continue to take shape in the coming months, especially as the budget develops, but the direction is becoming clearer. Whitehall is not just maintaining what it has. It is actively deciding what it wants to be.

To watch the full meeting and hear the discussion firsthand, view the livestream below:

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