The November 11, 2025 Whitehall City Council meeting opened with the swearing-in of newly elected Mayor Tom Ziemer and council members Jeff Holmstrom, Scott Brown, and Bryan Mahan. Each took the oath of office before City Clerk Brenda Bourdon at City Hall.
Following the ceremony, the council appointed Roger Squires to fill the remaining open seat, completing the new lineup of city leadership. The council then moved through the evening’s business under Mayor Ziemer’s direction.
Promenade Project and Infrastructure Focus
Council members continued discussions on the West Colby Promenade Project, designed to enhance the connection between downtown Whitehall and the waterfront. The project will create a more accessible pedestrian area and public space while improving visual appeal along the corridor.
Council agreed to simplify design elements and focus on maintaining functionality and appearance while reviewing potential updates to nearby Goodrich Park facilities to complement the promenade’s development.
City Manager Updates and Department Reports
City Manager Dan Tavernier delivered updates on ongoing initiatives, including the White Lake Municipal Marina, which reported steady end-of-season activity and continuing infrastructure improvements.
He also shared progress on the Celery Flats Restoration Project, a collaboration between the city, Ducks Unlimited, the Muskegon Conservation District, and the Great Lakes Fishery Trust. The restoration aims to return portions of the White River wetlands to their natural state and improve environmental sustainability.
The Senior Advisory Committee also provided its latest report, outlining community meals, transportation programs, and senior support initiatives planned through early 2026.
Council Reports and Public Comments
Following department updates, council members shared individual reports covering upcoming events and committee work. The meeting then opened for public comment, which was conducted before the session concluded.
Mayor Ziemer closed by thanking residents for their engagement and by recognizing the city’s staff and partners for their continued work in maintaining Whitehall’s growth and community focus.
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.
