WHITEHALL – The Whitehall City Council gathered Monday, August 26, 2025, at 6 p.m. to review a full agenda, including infrastructure concerns, housing discussions, and upcoming community events.
Staircase at Hansen Hill Raises Safety Concerns
City Manager Dan Tavernier reported that the staircase near Hansen Hill is being undermined by runoff from a nearby parking lot. He explained that water is flowing beneath the structure, creating a dangerous washout that could eventually lead to failure. Bids are being collected to address the problem, though the cost is expected to be significant. Council members discussed poor original design and suggested contacting the engineers responsible. Ideas such as improved vegetation to stabilize the slope were also mentioned as potential long-term solutions.
Debate Over Division Street Property
A lengthy discussion focused on the vacant house at 708 South Division Street. The property, currently owned by the land bank, is in poor condition. Council reviewed three options: allowing the land bank to handle rehabilitation on its own timeline, purchasing and demolishing the house, or purchasing and investing in a full rehab. Cost estimates for renovation ran as high as $150,000, while demolition would be far cheaper but leave the city with a small, hard-to-develop lot. Several members expressed concerns about mold, asbestos, and the structural issues inside the home. Public commenters, including a local contractor, strongly advised demolition as the safest and most cost-effective solution.
Election Cycle Change Discussed
The council also considered adjusting the city’s election schedule to align with even-year state and federal elections. This shift could save the city thousands of dollars and reduce staff workload, though it would require extending or shortening current council terms. Members emphasized the importance of transparency and public comment before making any changes.
Deer Control Ordinance Tabled
The proposed ordinance on deer control was pulled back for further review. Council members agreed that additional adjustments to property boundaries and hunting locations were necessary before approval. The item will return at a future meeting after refinements.
Social District Expansion Moves Forward
The council approved a resolution to expand the downtown social district. The boundaries were adjusted to make the district easier to identify, including extending along First Street and areas near Hansen Hill. Officials also discussed better signage and concrete markers to help residents and visitors clearly see district limits.
West Slocum Street Closure Approved for Library Event
The White Lake Community Library received approval to close West Slocum Street on September 25 for its annual Good Neighbor Day Community dinner. Council members praised the event as a successful way to bring the community together.
Other Council Discussions
Reports of traffic visibility concerns at intersections, with suggestions for added signage and safety reminders.
Issues with restrooms and water fountains at Funnel Field.
Parking lot concerns at Goodrich Park with trailers being left for long periods, prompting discussion of new signs.
Upcoming senior dinners announced for October and March, free to Whitehall residents ages 60 and older.
Public comment raised traffic issues near Whitehall Elementary during student drop-off, along with praise for Monday night community events downtown.
Closing Notes
The meeting concluded with recognition of City Clerk Brenda Bourdon for her outstanding service to the community. The next council meeting will revisit both the deer control ordinance and the Division Street property options.
Owen Raeth joined CatchMark in August 2020 as a Tech Support Intern, then transitioned to DMM to learn graphic design. He is a 2024 graduate of Montague High School. Owen Raeth is a Digital Marketing and Media Intern at CatchMark Technologies with growing experience in video editing, content creation, and drone operations. A 2024 high school graduate, Owen is currently pursuing a degree in English education with a long-term goal of integrating technology into the classroom. Passionate about teaching, communication, and digital tools, he brings strong public speaking skills, hands-on technical ability, and a creative mindset to his work. Owen is committed to bridging education and media to empower future learners.
