Approval of City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes for October 22, 2025

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTESproposed October 22, 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, Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton and Councilmembers Dean, Clark, Gardner, Muncey and Peterson. Absent: None. Others Present: City Manager Cummins, Attorney Cunningham, Zoning Director Moore, Treasurer Bredeweg and Clerk Wolters. Agenda Changes: Motion by Muncey, second by Dean to add subject Resolution No. 251027-A Split of Fund 592 (Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund) into Fund 496 (Sewer Capital Projects Fund) and Fund 497 (Water Capital Project Fund) to discussion item as item 6D. Via voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Public Comment on Agenda Items Only: None. Approval of Minutes: Regular City Council Meeting Minutes – October 14, 2025. Closed Session City Council Meeting Minutes – October 14, 2025. Motion by Stanton, second by Peterson to approve the regular city council meeting minutes of October 14 and the closed session city council meeting minutes of October 14. Via voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Discussion Items: Milfoil Treatment for 2026: City Manager Ryan Cummins and an Aquatic Doctors representative Ryan Schauland reported a 10% reduction in treatment area, a monetary value of $7,000. • Residents and council members noticed a significant reduction in weeds, which improved boating conditions and public satisfaction. • Aquatic Doctors confirmed similar positive outcomes in neighboring Douglas and recommended continuing the same level of treatment for 2026, with hopes for further reductions. • The council discussed the benefits of a multi-year contract, which would lock in pricing and provide administrative efficiencies. The contract allows for flexibility in treatment volume and charges based only on actual work performed. 102 Butler St. ★

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Continued collaboration with Douglas is expected, providing cost savings through shared permits and synchronized treatment efforts, which also helps prevent re-infestation from untreated upstream areas. Council members expressed broad support for the program, noting that the initial years were the toughest, but ongoing maintenance is expected to get easier. There was consensus that while complete elimination isn’t realistic due to natural factors, ongoing treatment and collaboration are controlling the problem effectively.

Park Rules: City Manager Ryan Cummins presented the need to formally approve existing posted rules and consider new regulations of City parks. • Council members discussed overnight sleeping and camping in parks.. The group favored a blanket rule against overnight stays but agreed on allowing staff some flexibility and “grace period” when enforcing the rule. • The intent of new rules is to empower city staff and law enforcement to guide behavior, begin with education, and escalate to removal or trespassing only when necessary. Ordinances may allow civil infractions or misdemeanors for repeated violations. • Council members discussed making park closing times uniform—suggesting 11 PM for Oval Beach, Bald Head Park, and Village Square, with flexibility for parks like Coghlin and Wicks to accommodate activities like fishing and stargazing. • There was support for allowing dogs on Oval Beach outside the busy summer season, with attention to waste cleanup and safety concerns. Further input from public safety officials was requested. The council wants clear signage posted at parks, especially regarding hours and behavior, to aid public compliance and law enforcement. • Flexibility is retained for handling emergencies, special events (temporary waivers), or unique community situations compassionately. Proposal for Updated Historic District Signage: Tim Straker, chair of the Historic District Commission, outlined the need for more noticeable and celebratory signage that better reflects community pride at entrances to the Historic District. • The proposed signs should stand out as unique identifiers of the historic area. • Council members expressed strong support for distinct, attractive signs that signal entry into the Historic District. They agreed that the signs should not feel like a temporary or trendy branding campaign but rather remain classic and recognizable over time. • A proposal from Concept A was included in packet for $880. Resolution No. 251027-A – A Split of Fund 592 into two separate capital funds – Fund 496 & Fund 497: Treasurer Nicole Bredeweg explained she conducted a detailed historical review of revenues and expenditures to make sure the transition would be accurate and withstand external scrutiny. • The split addresses upcoming water system requirements (such as lead line servicing), ensures transparency, and provides clear accounting of how water and sewer revenues are used. • City Manager Ryan Cummins clarified that the split enables better reporting for grants, audits, and future budgeting, ensuring water-related funds are only used for water projects and vice versa. • The council strongly supported adopting the resolution to formally split the funds, enabling better financial tracking and accountability for current and future city projects. Public Comments: None. Council Comments: Councilmember Chris Peterson expressed appreciation for the thoughtful discussions held during the meeting, noting that the topics addressed were emotional and complex. She emphasized that the council’s approach provides the city with tools to protect parks while giving police clear procedures for 102 Butler St. ★

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enforcement, ultimately supporting the maintenance and stewardship of city park assets. Councilmember Gardner appreciated the good, thoughtful discussion during the meeting, especially regarding emotional and complex issues. Mention of a recent incident where an individual was offering palm readings for a fee in front of City Hall, and the concern it created for residents and visitors. He distinguished this activity from busking and pointed out it was advertised online. Gardner also expressed his ongoing appreciation for the council’s work in protecting city assets and ensuring procedural clarity for handling unique or challenging situations in the community. Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton expressed disappointment that the scheduled Dark Sky Initiative event had to be canceled due to poor weather, mentioning that organizers hope to reschedule it for spring. Councilmember Dean expressed hope for better weather on Halloween and is looking forward to seeing many trick-or-treaters in town. Councilmember Muncey thanked everyone who supported and participated in the Make-A-Wish benefit at the Dunes Resort, which raised nearly $10,000 for a local child’s wish. He promoted the upcoming historical event at Riverside Cemetery featuring reenactments of the city’s founders, supporting the Saugatuck Douglas History Center. Muncey, Becky - Interurban director and staff will participate in the annual Halloween parade in Douglas. Reminder that free Interurban shuttle service will be available on parade night, with details on routes and times available via Facebook. He appreciated the meeting’s productive discussion, and a positive outlook on the community’s growing fall season, local tourism revenue, and city event participation. Councilmember Clark Noting that it has been one of the best fall seasons for local tourism and business revenue, with positive feedback from business owners. He expressed support for the council’s decision to provide flexibility and discretion in enforcing park rules, especially regarding park access and use. Endorsing ideas like expanding Oval Beach access through longer hours and off-season opportunities for residents and their pets. Shared his enthusiasm for how the city is making better use of its assets, and looking forward to the upcoming Monday meeting. Mayor Anderson expressed appreciation for the good meeting and thoughtful discussions held by the council. Adjournment: Motion by Stanton, second by Peterson to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m. Respectfully Submitted ____________________ Jamie Wolters, City Clerk

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com