MONTAGUE — The Montague City Council covered an extensive list of issues during its regular meeting and follow-up work session on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. Topics ranged from ambulance service negotiations to major development approvals, infrastructure considerations, crosswalk law updates, and a debated resolution on National Guard deployment.
Ambulance Authority Update: Fruitland Township Seeks Reentry
Bruce Froelich, Montague’s representative on the White Lake Ambulance Authority, delivered an in-depth update on efforts by Fruitland Township to potentially return to the authority after earlier withdrawing.
Froelich detailed:
- Fruitland Township is dissatisfied with its current provider, Trinity, citing response times twice as long as White Lake Ambulance’s 9–10 minute average.
- An RFP was issued by Fruitland; three organizations responded, including White Lake Ambulance.
- Public meetings in Fruitland have been contentious—two motions reportedly failed for lack of a second.
- A meeting with Fruitland Township’s supervisor is scheduled to continue discussions.
- If reentry proceeds, Froelich said the Authority hopes for a trial service period before any ballot-required full membership.
- Long-term projections suggest the millage could eventually be cut in half if Fruitland rejoins due to increased tax base.
Councilmember Paul Schultz expressed concerns about Fruitland’s past actions and emphasized the importance of council input should reintegration move forward:
“This was an ugly breakup… our taxpayers deserve transparency and a voice.”
Froelich acknowledged the past strains but reiterated the goal of better regional emergency care.
Bowen Woods Planned Unit Development Approved
City Manager Jeff Auch walked council through the final version of the Bowen Woods PUD agreement, marking the culmination of months of negotiation with developers and attorneys.
Key elements of the approved agreement include:
Construction & Infrastructure
- Four-year completion timeline, with a possible two-year extension.
- City will construct major infrastructure: water, sewer, and streets.
- Developers responsible for on-site elements (laterals, driveways, private areas).
Financial Safeguards
- City reimbursed $35,000 per unit closing.
- Surety and construction bonds required.
- If deadlines aren’t met, unit counts can be reduced.
Design, Parking & Aesthetics
- No on-street parking; 27 visitor spaces required.
- Garbage/recycling stored inside garages.
- At least five approved exterior design variations.
- Stringent landscaping and buffer requirements, with arborist-supervised tree removal.
Stormwater
- Two detention basins planned; potential to reduce or eliminate one if engineering allows connection to the Roberts Street storm sewer.
Emergency Access
- Permanent emergency-only access via Roberts Street, deeded to the city.
Auch noted that future exhibits — including building designs, contractor lists, and detailed engineering — will continue to be added to the agreement.
The council unanimously approved the agreement.
Council members praised Auch and Zoning Administrator Steve Coverly for the significant work invested.
Councilmember Newhof:
“You managed to check every box… and made this a better, more attractive project.”
City Manager’s Update
City Manager Jeff Auch provided numerous updates:
- Maple Grove Shoreline Project is out for bids; completion expected before Memorial Day.
- Playground improvements at Maple Grove Park are 50% complete, pending weather.
- Senior Center structural review shows foundation issues limited to one wall; repair estimates forthcoming.
- Emergency food bucket pilot workshop with the Montague Commoners is scheduled for Dec. 2, with public workshops planned for January.
- Lead & Copper line replacements: 188 lines replaced; two years ahead of state schedule.
- Short-term rental regulation research underway following an MSU Extension training.
Student Representative Report
High school representative Abby Tallquist reported:
- First academic quarter completed.
- FFA completed a community cemetery cleanup.
- Winter sports tryouts underway.
- NHS inducted 12 new members.
- Student Senate hosted a successful American Red Cross blood drive.
- Band and choir preparing for Christmas concerts.
Council Comments
Councilmembers highlighted upcoming community events, including:
- Tree Lighting — Friday, 5 p.m.
- Holiday Walk — Weekend of Nov. 21 and 22
- White Lake Christmas Parade — Dec. 6
The council then adjourned to prepare for the work session.
Work Session Summary
Water Street Building: Repair or Remove?
The council revisited the future of the former Teddy’s Car Wash at 8960 Water Street — now owned by the city.
Two options were discussed:
1. Invest $20,000–$30,000
For garage doors, radiant heating, and basic rehab to temporarily store DPW and police vehicles.
2. Demolish the building
Concerns raised included:
- Aging structure with cracking block walls.
- A sludge tank needing pumping and filling.
- Desire to free the property for commercial redevelopment.
- MDOT access-management discussions that may eliminate or consolidate driveways along the corridor.
Several council members favored further study before investing money into a building likely to be demolished in the near future.
Auch will gather demolition cost estimates and bring back more information.
Crosswalk Ordinance Updates: Ordinances 313 & 314
Two ordinances intended to improve safety and local enforcement at pedestrian crossings were reviewed.
Ordinance 313: US-31 Business Route Crossings
Adopts local language paralleling the Uniform Traffic Code so the city can enforce crosswalk violations more directly.
Ordinance 314: City Street Crossings & Blind Pedestrian Protection
- Defines crosswalks as any area marked with two parallel lines.
- Requires vehicles to stop when a pedestrian or bicyclist is waiting in the crosswalk.
- Outlines rules for flashing red and yellow beacons.
- Prohibits passing a stopped car at a crosswalk.
- Reinforces responsibilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Adds white-cane protections for residents who are blind or disabled.
Councilmembers encouraged a public education effort to accompany any ordinance adoption.
Resolution to Reaffirm State Sovereignty re: National Guard Deployment
A proposed resolution asserting that out-of-state National Guard units should not enter Michigan without the governor’s consent generated extended and at times heated debate.
Key arguments:
Supporters:
- Emphasized respect between states.
- Said recent deployments in other states occurred without consent.
- Framed the resolution as reinforcing Michigan autonomy and protecting residents.
Opponents:
- Viewed it as unnecessary, political, or outside city jurisdiction.
- Noted that Guard deployments have historically occurred under federal command.
- Questioned whether the resolution truly reflected community sentiment.
Public comment included a statement for the resolution.
Ultimately, the council chose not to move the resolution forward to a future meeting.
Closed Session
The council entered a closed session for the City Manager’s annual performance evaluation, as permitted under Michigan law, then returned to open session solely to adjourn.
Next Meetings
- Dec. 1, 2025 – Special Meeting, Fiscal Year Audit Presentation
- Dec. 17, 2025 – Regular Council Meeting
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