Approval of Workshop Meeting Minutes for June 18, 2025

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTESproposed June 18, 2025 The City Council met for a Workshop Meeting at 4:00 p.m. City Hall 102 Butler St., Saugatuck, MI 49453. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson at 4:00 p.m. Attendance: Present: Mayor Anderson and Councilmembers Clark, Dean, Gardner, Muncey and Peterson. Absent: Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton. Motion by Peterson, second by Muncey to excuse Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton. Via roll call vote, motion carried 6-0. Others Present: City Manager Cummins, Attorney Brennen, Clerk Wolters. Agenda Changes: None. Public Comment on Agenda Items Only: None. Approval of Minutes: Regular City council Meeting Minutes – June 9, 2025: Closed Session City Council Meeting Minutes – June 9, 2025. Motion by Clark, second by Dean to approve both meeting minutes from June 9, 2025. Via voice vote, motion carried 6-0. Discussion Items: Kalamazoo River Greenway Presentation and Funding Request: Dave Nyitray from ODC presented the Kalamazoo River Greenway project, seeking partnership from the city to support a collaborative conservation and education initiative. 1. The project aims to create a greenway from the mouth of the Kalamazoo River through Allegan County. 2. Saugatuck was one of the first municipalities to sign on to the plan in 2019 via Resolution 190610A. 3. The project involves working with stakeholders on: • Watershed conservation • Trail development

Potential dam changes Environmental stewardship 4. They're requesting funding from five local communities to: • Create a base of support • Leverage partnerships • Pursue larger collaborative projects 5. Benefits for Saugatuck would include: • Potential grant writing support • Consultation on local conservation projects • Possible preservation opportunities (like the mill property) • Coordination with schools and local organizations The ODC is seeking an annual investment and would provide staff support to help identify and prioritize local projects aligned with the city's goals. The City Council discussed focused on funding, potential benefits, governance and coordination, community impact. • •

Liability and Property Insurance Renewal: Treasurer Nicole Bredeweg presented the city's liability and property insurance renewal with Michigan Municipal League (MML). 1. Insurance Details: • 3% increase in property values • Cyber liability deductible increased from $2,500 to $5,000 • Slight overall cost increase 5. Dividend Considerations: • Fewer claims and mild weather can positively impact dividends The City Council was supportive of renewing the current plan and appreciated the detailed presentation. Employee Health Insurance Benefits: City Manager Cummins presented the employee health insurance benefits with the following key points: 1. Current Situation: • Employees currently pay nothing towards health insurance premiums • Facing a 14.94% premium increase ($20,658 annually) 2. Recommended Plan: Priority Health HMO West Michigan Partners • Increases individual deductible from $500 to $1,000 • Increases family deductible from $1,000 to $2,000 • Lowers out-of-pocket maximum • Reduces primary care co-pay • Would only increase city costs by 3.26% ($4,500 annually) 3. Potential Options: • Offer two plan options: West Michigan Partners and a classic HMO • Potentially introduce an HSA (Health Savings Account) plan in the future 4. Benefits Considerations: • Maintain competitive benefits for recruitment and retention • Provide flexibility in plan selection • Minimize financial impact on current employees

5. Next Steps: • Educate employees about plan changes • Potentially bring in Priority Health for detailed explanation • Consider offering multiple plan options The recommendation is to switch to the West Michigan Partners plan to reduce costs while maintaining comprehensive employee coverage. The Council reviewed and discussed all insurance options presented. Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025: Treasurer Nicole Bredeweg presented the budget amendments for fiscal year 2024-2025 with these key points: 1. Budget Amendment Highlights: • Necessary to complete before June 30 • Some projects and positions moved to next year 2. Financial Changes: • Originally budgeted to use $465,000 from general fund balance • Now projecting an increase in fund balance 3. Specific Adjustments: • DPW shifts impacted salary and wage lines • Project coordinator position not yet hired • New truck purchase delayed • Increased KLSW (Kalamazoo Lake Sewer and Water) fees 4. Motor Pool Fund: • Increased revenue from internal equipment rental • Ensures funds available for future equipment replacement 5. Overall Outlook: • Positive financial projection • Careful management of budget allocations • Flexibility in handling unexpected changes The presentation showed a generally stable financial position with potential for increased fund balance. The Council appreciated the detailed presentation. 4th Quarter Investment Status Report: Nikki presented the 4th quarter investment status report briefly, highlighting: 1. T-bill Rollover: • T-bill rolled over this month • Slight changes in investment portfolio 2. Motor Pool CD: • Motor pool certificate of deposit (CD) also rolled over 3. Upcoming Rollovers: • Multiple investments set to roll over at the end of the month • Continuing to monitor and maintain investment diversity 4. Current Investment Environment: • City Manager Cummins noted strong interest rates remain stable The report was concise, focusing on maintaining the city's investment strategy and keeping investments diversified. The Council enjoyed the report.

Ordinance No. 250623-A: Amendment to City Code: City Manager presented an ordinance amendment related to firearms and archery equipment, with key points: 1. Purpose: • Update city code to align with state laws • Remove outdated regulations on archery equipment • Address recommendations from Tri-Community Wildlife Committee 3. Key Discussions: • Concerns about public safety in urban areas • Deer population management • Balancing state law compliance with local safety needs • Aim to change deer behavior in urban areas • Potential alternative to costly professional culling The Council discussed and had questions for City legal counsel. Closed Session: Motion by Gardner, second by Muncey to move into a closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(e) and (h) to discuss a confidential written legal opinion regarding the ongoing lawsuits filed against the City by Dune Ridge, captioned Dune Ridge v. City of Saugatuck (Case No. 22-65713-CK) and Dune Ridge v City of Saugatuck (Case No. 21-64709-CZ) regarding trial or settlement strategy, which if discussed in an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect. Via roll call vote, motion carried 6-0. The council entered the closed session at 6:02 p.m. Motion by Peterson, second by Muncey to return to open session. Via roll call vote, motion carried 6-0. The council entered the open session at 6:43 p.m. Public Comments: None. Correspondence: None. Council Comments: • Councilmember Joe Clark will reserve comments for the Monday night regular meeting. •

Councilmember Muncey noted Music in the Park is cancelled for the night and April Gundy is still looking for volunteer for the Fourth of July Parade.

Councilmember Dean did not have comment.

Councilmember Garnder expressed concern that the city doesn’t have a parking problem, but rather a walking and public information problem. He highlighted the street light shield that has been installed on lower Spear Street. He encourages all to see it as there has been positive feedback.

Councilmember Peterson congratulated Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton.

Mayor Anderson is excited about the picnic next week. Thanked all council members who signed up and she will email out assignments.

Adjournment: Motion by Peterson, second by Muncey to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. Respectfully Submitted ____________________ Jamie Wolters, City Clerk