Board focuses on staffing changes, planning leadership, ordinance enforcement, and ongoing township improvements
Whitehall Township leaders focused on growth, accountability, and long term community standards during the May 26 regular board meeting, approving several measures aimed at improving township operations while also addressing growing concerns about development and property maintenance.
Much of the discussion centered on how the township balances progress with protecting community standards, especially as development pressures continue along the Holton Whitehall Road corridor near Walmart.
Office transition announced as township welcomes new staff member
Township officials announced a staffing transition within the township office during the meeting. Mandie Lee recently accepted another position, a move Supervisor Dennis Kroll described as a positive career advancement. Board members wished her well while also welcoming Tina Jackson into an expanded office role after previously serving the township in other capacities.
During approval of the consent agenda, Trustee Chuck Schmitigal questioned a $5,295 payment to Muskegon County. The payment was clarified as the township’s quarterly assessor expense. While routine, the exchange reflected the board’s continued attention to financial oversight and transparency during township spending discussions.
Special June 9 meeting planned to discuss Hickory Place development and housing incentives
The board also announced a special meeting scheduled for June 9 at 11 a.m. focused on the Hickory Place development project. Kroll said consultants familiar with Brownfield and Tax Increment Financing programs are expected to attend to help educate township officials and residents on how those tools could support future housing developments.
Planning Commission appointment aims to strengthen township master plan efforts
One of the more significant conversations of the evening involved the township’s Planning Commission vacancy. Kroll explained the township has struggled to fill the open seat for nearly 18 months, in part because planning issues can place commissioners in difficult and often controversial positions as development activity increases.
Rather than rushing to fill the position, township officials looked for someone with experience who could assist during an important period as the township works to modernize and rewrite its master plan.
The board ultimately approved the appointment of Brian Mulnix, a former Whitehall Township Planning Commission chair who now works with the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission. Although Mulnix no longer lives within the township, Kroll explained state law allows one Planning Commission member to reside outside township boundaries. Township officials confirmed the appointment with both the Michigan Township Association and municipal legal counsel before moving forward.
Township board room renovations continue as officials encourage residents to see updates
The board also approved updates to the township board room as part of ongoing renovations inside the township offices. For $2,200, contractors will repaint and refresh the room while preserving some of the original wood trim features. Officials said the work is part of broader improvement efforts taking place throughout the township building and will be funded through the township’s capital improvement budget.
New ordinance enforcement contract targets blight and property maintenance concerns
Perhaps the meeting’s strongest discussion came during consideration of a new ordinance enforcement contract with Muskegon Township.
Board members approved a $6,000 annual agreement that will provide proactive code enforcement services aimed at addressing blight issues including junk vehicles, campers, boats, unsafe properties, and ordinance violations throughout the township. Kroll said previous enforcement efforts were not producing results and that complaints from residents had continued to grow.
Under the new approach, enforcement officers will actively patrol the township instead of only responding to complaints. Officials said the goal is to work with property owners first while still protecting neighborhood quality and long term property values.
Officials voice frustration over zoning and development issues near Walmart
The conversation eventually shifted toward ongoing concerns near Walmart along Holton Whitehall Road, where officials voiced frustration over properties and businesses they believe have bypassed proper zoning and planning procedures.
Kroll specifically referenced operations near Port City Exteriors, saying some businesses had never appeared before the Planning Commission despite occupancy and zoning concerns. He described the situation as “making a mockery of the whole zoning process” while emphasizing that rules must be applied fairly across the township.
Officials also discussed fire code concerns, multiple access points being used against prior agreements, and ongoing violations that have drawn attention from township attorneys and fire officials. Trustees stressed that allowing unresolved violations to continue can negatively impact both community appearance and long term property values.
The discussion highlighted a broader theme throughout the evening’s meeting: township leaders are trying to position Whitehall Township for future growth while also maintaining standards residents expect as development continues expanding across the area.
The Whitehall Township Board includes Supervisor Dennis Kroll, Clerk Ilene R. Nichols, Treasurer Rhonda Boyd, Trustee Chuck Schmitigal, and Trustee David Holly.
The next regular Whitehall Township Board meeting is scheduled for June 22, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at Whitehall Township Hall, located at 7644 Durham Road in Whitehall.
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