MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP – The Montague Township Board convened for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Montague Township Hall. The meeting covered a range of topics including park improvements, planning commission updates, and a discussion on a potential moratorium related to artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
Approval of Agenda and Minutes
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the agenda, which included an addition under payables — a reimbursement totaling $178.06. This adjustment brought the total invoices payable to $18,441.93. Minutes from the September 9, 2025, meeting were approved as presented.
Old Business
Clear Springs Nature Park Improvements:
Board members discussed replacing a collapsed bench along the bike trail, to be funded by donations collected at the park. They also reported progress on the railing installation project, with color selection finalized — a darker black-gray tone to complement the existing structures. Tooling for bending the handrail has arrived, and installation will begin soon.
New Business
Planning Commission Chair Compensation:
The board approved additional compensation for Planning Commission Chair Bob Muzio, recognizing his extensive extra work and research, particularly related to township planning and ordinance updates. Going forward, the chair will receive $10 more per meeting hour than other Planning Commission members.
River Ace Property Discussion:
The board discussed a concept from River Ace, which owns the former Cafe 31 property at Fruitvale and Old 31. The business hopes to combine three small lots and develop a two-phase project — beginning with an outdoor pavilion and food truck space, followed by an indoor restaurant and bar area.
Board members expressed interest in hearing a detailed presentation while emphasizing that site plan reviews and zoning considerations would fall under the Planning Commission’s authority. Concerns were raised about property limitations due to easements and sight-line restrictions from the Road Commission.
Board Reports
Fire Department
Jay Goodrich reported for the Fire Board: 426 runs year-to-date, up from 353 during the same period last year.
Recent activity included new gear purchases and fire prevention outreach. The department plans to order a new fire truck by summer 2026, as the current Engine 1121 approaches 30 years of service. Electrical issues with the existing truck are being addressed. Bills totaled $41,374.66, with payroll at $27,368.92.
Solid Waste
The Solid Waste Committee reported routine operations, with no major issues. A previously discussed incident was reviewed and considered resolved.
Ambulance Service
The ambulance millage passed successfully, ensuring continued funding. Discussions continue regarding Fruitland Township’s potential contract with White Lake Ambulance Authority. A one-year trial partnership is under consideration.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is actively updating the Master Plan in collaboration with Williams & Works.
Treasurer Tracy Korthase, on behalf of the entire Planning Commission, presented a proposal to implement a 12-month moratorium on AI data centers, citing concerns about power consumption, water usage, and noise associated with such facilities. The board agreed to consult with the township attorney before taking formal action.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer reported that township finances remain stable. The state revenue sharing payment for the month totaled $30,000, with overall fund balances healthy. The township’s investment rate decreased slightly from 5.41% to 4.14%, but the board agreed not to make additional investment changes at this time.
Board members were encouraged to begin planning for potential 2026 road projects in coordination with the Road Commission.
County Commissioner Update
County Commissioner Kim Cyr provided updates from Muskegon County:
- The Muskegon County Airport recently hosted an open house with more than 1,000 attendees to showcase major renovations and taxiway reconstruction projects totaling $22 million.
- The airport’s regional air carrier, Denver Air, continues to grow in ridership, with flights to Chicago starting at $69 and free parking available.
- Cyr also shared details about the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) program, which is offering $30 million in community development block grant funding for affordable housing initiatives. The program supports home repairs, rental rehabilitation, and infrastructure projects for moderate-income residents.
Elections Recap
Clerk reported 233 total votes cast in the November election, with the proposal passing 182–51. About 155 absentee ballots were returned out of 243 issued, with 78 in-person voters on Election Day. No issues or irregularities were reported, and election operations ran smoothly.
Other Discussion
The board discussed long-term housing and development challenges in Montague Township, noting the lack of affordable clustered housing and considering potential land-use opportunities for future projects.
Next Meeting
The next Montague Township Board meeting will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Montague Township Hall.
Montague Township Board Meeting Recap — October 14, 2025
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