Regular City Council Meeting
The Montague City Council met on September 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Tom Lohman called the meeting to order, with roll call showing all members present except Councilwoman Lisa Kiel, who was excused. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the agenda was amended to include discussion of 8960 Water Street property. A separate proposal to add a resolution reaffirming “state sovereignty” failed on roll call.
Consent Agenda
Council unanimously approved the August 18 minutes, reports from WESTPLAN Policy Committee (June 16), Montague Planning Commission (Aug. 11), and Muskegon Central Dispatch 911 (Aug. 13), as well as payment of regular bills totaling $767,859.70.
Public Comment on Agenda Items
- A resident from Dowling Street raised concerns about unsafe pedestrian crossings along Business 31 between the Dowling Street traffic light and the city’s eastern edge. He urged the city to work with MDOT to install marked crosswalks.
General Business
Resolution 2025-12: MDOT Lane Reconfiguration – Business 31
Council approved a resolution requesting MDOT to begin a lane reduction study from the White River Bridge to Stanton Boulevard as part of the 2027 repaving project. The proposed reconfiguration would reduce the corridor from four lanes to two, with a center turn lane and potential space for traffic-calming features such as bump-outs and street parking. Council emphasized the need for clearly delineated crosswalks.
Charitable Gaming License – Montague Wildcat Band Boosters
Council adopted a resolution recognizing the Montague Wildcat Band Boosters as a nonprofit eligible to apply for a 50/50 raffle license with the State of Michigan. This is one step in their approval process.
Deer Management Areas (DMAs)
Council approved certifications and hunting permits for:
- Public Lands DMA (Parcel 2): permit for Paul Hill.
- Private Lands DMA #1 (Wessels Parcel): parcel certification and permit.
- Private Lands DMA #2 (Acuna/Keck Parcel): parcel certification and permit for one requesting landowner.
Purchase of 8960 Water Street
Council authorized the purchase of 8960 Water Street for $98,000, designating the city manager as signatory.
- Immediate use: storage facility and police wash bay.
- Corridor improvements: consolidation of driveways and landscaping at the north city entrance.
- Future use: resubdivide and resell portions, with cost recovery expected from lot line adjustments and eventual sale.
- Budget: Any rehab or capital investment will be brought back to Council in a mid-year amendment.
County Commissioner Report
The commissioner highlighted:
- West Michigan Works Career Guide: now accessible via QR code.
- Emergency Preparedness “Prepare Fair”: Sept. 30 at Heritage Landing, 4–7 p.m., featuring first responders, equipment displays, and an MSP helicopter.
Public Comment (Open)
- National Guard deployments: A resident urged councilors to contact the President about limiting interstate use of local Guard units and submitted a scaled-down “emergency preparedness and collaboration” resolution for future consideration.
- Civic education: Local group ROAD (Reviving Our American Democracy) recently held a session on ranked-choice voting (Sept. 11) and will host a recycling forum Oct. 16 in council chambers.
- Water Street vision: A resident suggested the parcel would be better suited for housing or condos rather than green space.
City Manager’s Update
- New plow truck delivered; old truck listed for bids.
- Whitehall Products site plan: approved by Planning Commission; Council will review in October along with an amended development agreement.
- Sidewalk projects: Cook Street nearly complete; next up are Grant, Blain, Williams, and Sheridan.
- Industrial Park: parcel split survey completed; assessor’s process pending.
- Ordinances: drafting language for bike trail lighting and crosswalk permitting linked to MDOT’s project.
- Senior Center: repair quotes continue; structural review suggests stabilization could cost $200,000–$250,000. City is exploring alternate facilities with potential for a multi-use community center.
Work Session: Bowen Street PUD Agreement (First Draft)
Council convened a work session after a brief recess. The main topic was a first draft of the Bowen Street Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreement, reflecting Planning Commission approval and prior council discussions. Staff emphasized the draft has not yet undergone full legal review.
Project Timeline
- Start: Infrastructure must begin within 1 year.
- Completion: Infrastructure within 2 years; all units by 6 years.
- Some councilmembers favored reducing the total timeframe to 4 years from start.
- Annual status reports required until construction commences.
Performance & Infrastructure
- Developer must provide a surety bond covering all city infrastructure (water, sewer, storm, streets).
- No building permits until city engineer approves infrastructure.
- City bills each unit separately through individual meters.
Parking & Storage
- No on-street parking permitted (mirrors city code).
- Duplexes must provide two spaces each.
- 35 guest spaces required, adjustable if additional private parking is built.
- No accessory sheds; pool area may have two storage/pavilion structures.
Stormwater & Snow Management
- On-site detention basin required; must use native plantings. Connection to city storm system may be allowed if feasible.
- Developer responsible for sidewalks, driveways, and cul-de-sac cleanup. Snow storage areas must be maintained on site.
Access & Landscaping
- A secured emergency-only access to Robert Street must be built and kept unblocked.
- Street trees at one per 40 feet and evergreen buffers along edges.
- Flexibility allowed to save large oak trees. Additional oak wilt restrictions will be written into the agreement.
Density, Setbacks & Design
- Minimum 70% open space required.
- Total of 48 units capped; duplexes may be split into single-family homes.
- Setbacks: 25 ft front, 35 ft periphery, 10 ft between structures (or as fire code requires).
- Developer must submit at least five distinct façade designs to ensure neighborhood variety.
Construction Rules
- All equipment and worker parking must remain on site; prohibited on Bowen, Sharon, Mead, Robert, and Old Channel.
- Emergency egress must remain clear and functional throughout construction.
- Noise hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Mon–Fri only.
- Construction traffic restricted to Whitbeck Industrial → Cook Street → Bowen.
Looking Ahead
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2025.
City of Montague Council Meeting recap – August 18, 2025
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