The Montague City Council convened on March 17, 2025, to discuss key community initiatives, public funding allocations, and updates from previous discussions.
Key Highlights from the Meeting
Updates from the February 17, 2025 Meeting
- The 2025 Muskegon County Senior Millage Allocation was approved last month, and updates were provided on outreach to other townships for funding contributions. The senior center is leading efforts to gather support.
- The Poverty Exemption Resolution was flagged for necessary updates last month, and this meeting included a revision aligning it with state and federal regulations.
- The Fireworks Display Approval and Funding were discussed in February, with details finalized at this meeting.
- A Subcommittee Guidance Document was under review last month, and discussions continued on subcommittee roles during the work session.
Public Hearing: Cullen Field Improvements & DNR Grant Application
The council held a public hearing regarding the Cullen Field Phase 1 Improvement Project, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trust Fund Grant application. The proposal includes:
- Parking lot enhancements
- Pickleball courts
- A dog park
- A playground with shaded seating
- Trail connections to Coon Creek Nature Preserve
The city seeks $400,000 in grant funding with a $100,000 local match. Community members expressed appreciation for the phased approach, allowing improvements to begin while additional funding is secured.
Fireworks Display Location & Funding Finalized
Following February’s discussion, the council formally approved the annual fireworks display at the boat launch site. Alternative locations were considered but deemed impractical for 2025.
Additionally, the city allocated $2,500, which, combined with the Downtown Development Authority’s contribution, secures a $5,000 match for the event.
Poverty Exemption Resolution Updates
As discussed in February, the council updated the 2019 Poverty Exemption Resolution to comply with state and federal guidelines. The revised policy removes the Board of Review’s ability to override state regulations.
Public comments suggested adopting partial exemption options to provide 25%, 50%, or 75% relief based on income levels. The council agreed to explore this possibility in future meetings.
Emergency Preparedness & Public Safety
Muskegon County Commissioner Kim Seer provided updates on local emergency planning, highlighting:
- Disaster preparedness initiatives (floods, severe weather, etc.)
- Resources for homeless individuals
- Community safety guides, which were distributed at the meeting
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Appointment
The council confirmed Tracy Murphy, owner of C’s Extreme Ice Cream & Mini Golf, as a new member of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Her presence will help represent businesses along Water Street ahead of upcoming MDOT repaving projects.
Social District Review & Community Events
- The Social District, which allows open-container beverage consumption in designated areas, is approaching its one-year anniversary. The council will review its effectiveness in April before deciding on an extension.
- The Sports and Shorts Program funding proposal was revised to a voucher-based system, which will be discussed in April.
Student Activities & School Engagement
Montague students remain highly engaged in school and community projects:
- Montague FFA was named the #1 chapter in Michigan and will compete at the national level.
- DECA students traveled to California for a competition and will advance to Orlando, Florida.
- National Honor Society (NHS) raised funds through a pop-can drive and is planning a graffiti cleanup project at the Montague biking trail.
https://www.mapsk12.org/montaguehs
Looking Ahead
The next Montague City Council Meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2025. Upcoming discussions will include:
- Subcommittee roles and responsibilities
- Final review of the Social District
- Further action on the Poverty Exemption updates
- Updates on the Safe Routes to Schools Project
Stay tuned for continued community updates and opportunities to get involved.
