Whitehall city leaders spent more than an hour during a May 12 budget work session discussing major infrastructure investments, park planning, road funding, marina improvements, and long term financial priorities as the city prepares for another busy construction season.
Much of the conversation centered on balancing aggressive infrastructure improvements with responsible long term planning while also improving quality of life throughout the city.
Infrastructure projects expected to shape next several years
City Manager Dan Tavernier said the proposed fiscal year 2026 to 2027 budget aligns with the city’s strategic priorities, including infrastructure reliability, walkability, connectivity, and stewardship of public assets.
The city is preparing for more than $12 million in infrastructure improvements, including planned work involving Muskegon Street, Livingston Street, Lake Street, and the North End neighborhood.
Tavernier explained that road condition ratings and lead service line replacements are among the primary factors determining which streets are prioritized.
“Driving around town, you can throw a dart at a chart of Whitehall and find a road that needs to be fixed,” Councilmember Scott Brown said during the discussion.
Tavernier said the city continues pursuing outside grant funding while attempting to strategically stretch bond money across multiple projects.
The city also discussed future walkability and connectivity improvements, including sidewalks, ADA accessibility, and pedestrian safety projects.
Parks and recreation planning sparks discussion
Council members spent significant time discussing parks and recreation planning, including the continued development of the West Colby Promenade and future programming opportunities throughout the city.
The city is pursuing a Michigan DNR Recreation Passport Grant that could provide roughly $200,000 for park improvements with a local match requirement.
Part of the conversation focused on expanding the role of Playhouse Director Beth Beaman into broader parks and recreation coordination duties, including scheduling events and overseeing public space usage throughout the city.
Some council members voiced concerns about workload and staffing demands, while others said the city needs stronger coordination as more events and activities develop around the waterfront and promenade areas.
Councilmember’s suggested the city may eventually need additional staffing support as responsibilities continue expanding.
Utility rates, sidewalks, and insurance costs discussed
The work session also included discussion regarding utility rates, sidewalk replacement projects, and increasing operational costs.
Tavernier said staff is recommending moderate 2% increases for both water and sewer rates in an effort to avoid larger spikes in future years.
Concerns were raised about the pace of sidewalk replacement work throughout the city, noting earlier discussions about making larger investments in sidewalk improvements.
City officials explained that concrete and labor costs continue rising, limiting how much replacement work can be completed annually.
Council members also discussed a significant increase in insurance costs after officials reported Whitehall’s insurance rates rose roughly 55% due to claims history and ongoing litigation issues.
Marina improvements and tourism efforts highlighted
City officials also reviewed marina operations ahead of the summer season.
Tavernier said the marina currently has approximately $250,000 in cash reserves and continues seeing strong reservations through a new dock reservation system.
Additional marina employees have been hired for the season, and the city is exploring new revenue opportunities through vending machines and possible participation in the America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association.
Council members also discussed future dredging needs, waterfront cleanup efforts, and additional seating options near the marina and promenade areas.
Public comment focuses on Liberty Swing concerns
During public comment, a resident addressed concerns about the Liberty Swing at Goodrich Park, saying the accessibility feature has fallen into disrepair and is difficult for many people to use because of mechanical and maintenance issues.
The resident explained the swing was originally created as an Eagle Scout project intended to serve both disabled residents and the broader community.
Concerns included structural cracking, fencing issues, and locking mechanisms that are difficult to operate.
The resident urged the city to improve maintenance and visibility for the swing moving forward.
Communication and community concerns emerge during Whitehall City Council meeting
The Whitehall City Council then reconvened for its regular meeting May 12, where discussions focused on communication concerns, community updates, and several approved resolutions.
Council approves resolutions and agreements
During the regular meeting, council approved Resolution 26-24 involving a new union contract agreement with Teamsters Local 214 for Department of Public Works employees. The agreement includes wage adjustments, benefit changes, and updates to employee allowances.
Council also approved Resolution 26-25 for a lot split request and Resolution 26-26 related to a well pump generator.
An additional discussion regarding park enhancements was added to the meeting agenda after council members noted it was not fully addressed during the earlier budget work session.
Marina updates and storm recovery discussed
Tavernier provided updates from the Marina Advisory Committee, including ongoing dock repairs, new marina staffing, and plans to expand services for boaters.
The city also submitted reimbursement requests through Muskegon County for storm related damage repairs and cleanup efforts following recent flooding events.
Council members discussed marina reservations, improvements to waterfront appearance, and possible efforts to attract more boating traffic to Whitehall.
Communication concerns raised over training burn
Brown raised concerns regarding a recent fire authority training burn on Division Street, saying communication with nearby residents should have been handled more directly.
“I think there needs to be better communication when they’re going to do something like that rather than just posting it on their Facebook page,” Brown said.
Brown said nearby residents were surprised by the presence of fire apparatus and activity in the neighborhood because they had not received direct notice ahead of time.
Dog park discussion leads to broader communication concerns
Discussion surrounding possible park enhancements and a future dog park eventually shifted into a broader conversation about communication between residents and city leadership.
Council members noted frustrations that many community concerns are often discussed on Facebook before residents directly contact city staff or council members.
Tavernier said one of the city’s biggest challenges is that officials frequently do not receive direct calls or reports before complaints begin circulating online.
Additional community updates shared
Councilmember Tanya Cabala highlighted upcoming senior dinners and noted plans for a guest presentation during the June work session.
Muskegon County Commissioner Kim Cyr also provided an update regarding repairs at Meinert Park in Montague following recent washout damage. Cyr said the county has issued repair requests and hopes the area will be restored by Memorial Day.
Public comment raises South Lake Street concerns
During public comment, a resident raised concerns about a sinkhole near duplexes on South Lake Street in front of the Tannery Bay area.
The resident also questioned whether possible construction runoff or spill material near the development could present safety concerns.
Whitehall City Council members are Tom Ziemer, Mayor; Jeff Holmstrom, Mayor Pro Tem; Scott Brown; Tanya Cabala; Debra Hillebrand; Bryan Mahan; and Roger Squiers. Council members can be contacted through cityclerk@cityofwhitehall.org.
Whitehall City Manager Dan Tavernier may be contacted by phone at 231-894-4048 or by e-mail at tavernier@cityofwhitehall.org
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