Roll Call and Agenda Approval

Mayor Tom Lohman called the City of Montague council meeting to order with council members Ken Mahoney, Lisa Kiel, Susan Newhof, Bob Hires, Laura LaGuire, and Paul Schultz present. The agenda was approved with an addition of a resolution honoring the VFW on its 90th anniversary.

Public Comments on Agenda Items

• Fireworks Committee Request:
  Jason Jaekel, representing the White Lake Fireworks Committee, thanked the council for past support and encouraged continued partnership for the 2026 Independence Day fireworks, part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations. He noted the increased cost of $25,000 and emphasized both tourism and community benefits.
  Concerns were raised by one council member about environmental and health impacts of fireworks, with suggestions to consider drones or laser shows as alternatives.
• Bowen Street Development Concerns:
  A resident urged the council to carefully manage construction traffic related to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) on Bowen Street, suggesting designated and enforced routes to protect neighborhood streets.

Financial Approvals

The council approved bills totaling $854,443.14, with $46,363.07 allocated to “other support.”

Presentations and Reports

• Psychological First Aid Training:
  Kara Jaekel, a longtime community worker, presented information on Psychological First Aid (PFA). She explained its evidence-based effectiveness in supporting individuals after trauma and encouraged council members and residents to pursue the five-hour online training. She noted 27 local individuals have already been trained, with monthly support meetings available.

Key Council Actions

• 2026 Fireworks:
  The council approved use of the Montague Municipal Boat Launch for the 2026 fireworks, with closure times adjusted for public convenience. Funding of $2,500 was confirmed in the budget, consistent with prior years.
  Votes showed strong support, though one dissent highlighted concerns over fireworks’ environmental and social effects.
• Deer Management:
  Council approved a single public hunting area south of the bike trail for deer population control, while noting prior private land certifications.
• Resolution 2025-11 – Poverty Exemption:
  Adopted updated guidelines aligning with state audit requirements, particularly clarifying treatment of recreational vehicles.
• Planned Unit Development (Bowen Street):
  The initial site plan for a 48-unit residential development was approved. The plan includes setbacks, natural buffers, stormwater detention, additional guest parking, and traffic considerations. Architectural details and buffers will be finalized in a narrative agreement.
• Resolution Honoring VFW Post 3256:
  The council adopted a resolution celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Montague VFW, recognizing its contributions to veterans and the community.

Public Comment

• Recognition of VFW Resolution: A member thanked the council for its tribute.
• Upcoming Meetings: Residents noted future discussions on ranked-choice voting, recycling, and MDOT’s bridge project.
• Other Updates: City staff reported progress on sidewalk installations near schools, Park Street improvements, and preparation for downtown art sculptures.

Council Comments

Council members discussed pedestrian safety at trail crossings, with suggestions for MDOT involvement and community education. The meeting adjourned before transitioning to the scheduled work session.

City of Montague Work Session – August 18, 2025

Public Comment

No public comments were made at the start of the session.

Industrial Park Parcel Splits

Council reviewed a conceptual parcel split in the Industrial Park. Key points:

• Reconfiguration creates better buffers for nearby Cook Street residences.
• Crosswinds Boat Storage expressed interest in purchasing a parcel.
• Council discussed the importance of keeping development “low impact,” with storage units suggested as a likely use.
• Concerns were raised about residents adjacent to Cook Street not yet being informed. Council agreed residents should be notified to avoid future conflict.

Bowen Street Planned Unit Development (PUD) Agreement Narrative

A detailed discussion followed regarding the conditions for the 48-unit development:

• Timeline: Consensus leaned toward a six-year buildout (two years for infrastructure, four for unit sales/construction).
• Performance Guarantees: Surety bonds will be required, likely staged for infrastructure completion and overall project delivery.
• Infrastructure Payments: Council supported tying city reimbursement to unit closings, ensuring funding flows with sales.
• Inspections: City engineer certification will be mandatory for all major infrastructure.
• Rental Restrictions: Debate centered on short-term rentals. While currently allowed under city ordinance, council considered limiting them within the development due to density and neighborhood impacts. Final decision was deferred for more discussion.
• Construction Management: Agreement will include traffic patterns, work hours, staging rules, and noise restrictions to protect nearby neighborhoods. Contractors will be directed through industrial park access rather than residential streets.
• Design Standards: Garage sizes may be slightly increased to allow more on-site parking. Architectural diversity, buffers, and landscaping will be incorporated into the binding narrative.

Additional Public Input

• Safety Concerns: A resident expressed worries about children’s recreational space, the risks of open retention ponds, and traffic impacts on Bowen Street.
• Neighborhood Relations: Another urged council and developers to continue engaging residents to ensure the project reflects community concerns.

Adjournment

The work session concluded with council consensus on key direction but acknowledgment that details of the PUD agreement narrative will be refined over the coming months before final approval.

Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.