Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, July 14, 2025

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETINGproposed July 14, 2025 The City Council met to have a Regular Council Meeting at City Hall. 102 Butler St., Saugatuck, MI 49453. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance: Present: Mayor Anderson, Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton, and Councilmembers Clark, Dean, Gardner Muncey, and Peterson. Absent: None. Others Present: City Manager Cummins, Clerk Wolters, Engineer Moxey and Attorney Witte. Mayor’s Comments: Mayor Holly Anderson focused on highlighting community kindness during her opening remarks. She shared two specific examples: a local incident where community members helped rescue ducks from a sewer grate, and a story about Mr. Fox helping ducks cross a road safely. She also mentioned seeing the play "Come From Away" and being moved by its themes of compassion and generosity. Her overall message was to reflect on the kindness that exists in the world, especially during times of global strife, and to encourage people to focus on positive, hopeful moments. City Manager Comments: Ryan Cummins expressed gratitude to the council for hosting a staff picnic at Mount Bald Head Pavilion, appreciating the chance for staff and council to connect. He then discussed the Fourth of July weekend, explaining that the parade was canceled due to a storm and volunteer limitations, but commended the Convention and Visitors Bureau for successfully organizing the fireworks display. He emphasized the substantial coordination required with community partners and public safety officials to make the event happen. Agenda Changes: Motion by Stanton, second by Gardner to add a special event, the Mt. Baldhead Challenge to item 9i. Via voice vote, motion carried unanimously.

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com

Guest Speakers: Interurban Director, Becky Carten-Crandell provided a comprehensive update on the Interurban service. In May, which included school being in session, Lake Town Township had 833 riders generating $5,831 in revenue. Destination stops at Modales, Virtue Cider and Fenn Valley Winery attracted 202 riders and $1,010 in revenue. The city of Fenn Ville saw $335 in revenue. In June, with one week of school, Lake Town Township had 1,008 riders and $7,056 in revenue. Destination stops increased to 215 riders with $1,505 in revenue, and Fenn Ville generated $275 in riders. The service raised evening fares from 7 pm to 11 pm to $3, primarily to cover the $5 per hour premium paid to drivers working those shifts. This change brought in an additional $9,700 over the two months. Combined May and June fare revenue increased by 300% to $25,102. Becky highlighted that bus costs have dramatically increased from $80,000 to $160,000. She plans to request a millage increase from 0.5 to 1 mill in 2026, noting they haven't increased their millage in 45 years. The service will celebrate its 45th anniversary with an open house in December or January, showcasing their new additions and remodeled bus garage. Public Comment on Agenda Item Only: None. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of Workshop Meeting Minutes for July 9, 2025. B. Approval of Closed Session Minutes for July 9, 2025. C. Delegation of School Plan Review and Inspection Authority. D. Revocable License Agreement Regarding Sign in the Right of Way – Brass Anchor. E. Revocable License Agreement Regarding Sign in the Right of Way – Beach Day. F. Resolution 250714-A – Resolution by the Saugatuck City Council to Amend the Terms of the City Manager Agreement. G. Temporary Sign Installation Agreement between City, Township, and Road Commission. H. Resolution 250714-B - Local Government Unit Approval for Social District Permit – Noble Twist Taphouse. I. Special Event Application – Mt. Baldhead Challenge. Motion by Muncey, second by Clark to pass the consent agenda as stated on our City Council Meeting, July 14, 2025. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Staff Reports, Boards, Commissions & Committees: The City Manager, Treasurer, Clerk, Director of Planning & Zoning, Department of Public Works, and Engineer submitted status reports on current activities since the last regular council meeting for their respective departments. Fire District Administration: City of Saugatuck Fire Board representative Dan Fox provided a detailed report on the Fire District's activities for June. He highlighted 127 incidents for the month, with response times within acceptable ranges. EMS calls comprised the largest share of incidents at 61%, concentrated primarily in downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. The calls were categorized by medical priority, with an overall compliance level of 84% with Allegan County medical control standards. Fox noted 55 total transports, which are the primary revenue stream for their emergency services. He discussed the ongoing discussions about potentially providing a subsidy to their service provider, Life EMS, to ensure fair compensation. He also emphasized the busy 102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com

Fourth of July weekend, with 20-21 calls over the four-day period. Fox shared statistics about cardiac arrest and motor vehicle incidents, noting significant decreases compared to the previous year. He mentioned the challenges of volunteer safety during events like the parade and suggested potential improvements like magnetic signs for safety vehicles. The report included detailed maps and charts showing incident locations, types of calls, and response times across the fire district. Interurban Board: Councilmember Gregory Muncey did not provide a detailed report on the Interurban. Instead, he deferred to Becky Carten-Crandell's earlier presentation, noting that she had already covered everything he would have discussed. He simply thanked Becky for her comprehensive report and for including the Interurban in future discussions about the parking commission committee. Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority: Councilmember Joe Clark's report was brief. He mentioned an upcoming meeting on July 22nd and noted that a vote to unionize employees at Kal-Lake is scheduled for July 17th. The union approached the employees about unionization, and the vote will include staff but not the manager or director. Clark emphasized the importance of not discussing unionization with employees to avoid any appearance of interference. Kalamazoo Lake Harbor Authority: Councilmember Chris Peterson reported on the Kalamazoo Lake Harbor Authority meeting. Key points included: 1. No Wake Zone: There was a general agreement not to change or expand the current no wake zone. The board was split, with a consensus that more enforcement is needed. 2. Enforcement: A letter is being drafted to the sheriff and county commissioners about increasing marine enforcement. They might consider using their own funds if necessary. 3. Signage: The group wants to improve signage, particularly around the bridge, to remind boaters to maintain slow speeds. 4. Dredging and Water Levels: Greg Weykamp discussed low water conditions similar to a 2013 report. They're exploring funding options through the Michigan Waterways Commission and considering soil testing. 5. Potential Dredging: The best chance for funding might be through the Superfund site. They're looking into options for addressing sediment buildup. The next meeting is scheduled for September. Zoning Board of Appeals: None. Historic District Commission: Councilmember Russ Gardner reported on the Historic District Commission meeting held on July 10th. They reviewed three main items: 1. 145 Grant Street: Approved a landscaping request. 2. Pink Patio: Approved a request to replace windows. 3. 234 Spear Street: Tabled an application due to concerns about the proposed changes' massing. A special meeting is planned for July 31st to reconsider the application. Gardner noted the house is not considered a contributing structure, unlike other houses on the block. Additionally, the commission discussed replacing the two historic district signs, which are 102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

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original to when the district was established around 1984. The signs are old and not reflective of the district's current pride. Gardner suggested the council would likely support replacing these signs and wants to put this on everyone's radar for future discussion. Planning Commission: Councilmember Joe Clark reported on the planning commission's upcoming special meeting. The meeting will focus primarily on master planning goals, with a specific emphasis on developing the first community outreach survey. They plan to drill down on the survey questions. Parks & Public Works Committee: Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton noted the next meeting is July 22nd at 10 a.m. Tri-Community Non-Motorized Trial Study Committee: Councilmember Scott Dean noted they are setting up a meeting with MDOT to go over the initial tribal feedback and look out for the on-site assessment by the tribe to happen next month. Water Systems Operations Contract Advisory Committee: City Manager Ryan Cummins noted they met last month and are still working through the process. Wildlife Management Committee: Councilmember Scott Dean reminded all of two dates. Archery season starts October 1, runs through November 14th and from December 1, through January 1, 2026. Approval of Accounts Payable: Motion by Stanton, second by Dean to approve the accounts payable in the amount of $724,570.94. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing: None. Unfinished Business: None. New Business: City Hall Interior Renovations – Proposal for Needs Study, Conceptual Design, & Structural Evaluation: Motion by Dean, second by Muncey to approve the proposal from Fleis and VandenBrink for a needs study, conceptual design, and structural evaluation for City Hall interior renovations. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Creation of a Parking Improvements Task Force and Request for Proposals for Consulting Support: Motion by Stanton, second by Clark to create an advisory Parking Improvements Task Force as outlined in the staff memo and issue a request for proposals for consulting services for a parking study and solutions as presented. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com

Public Comment: None. Closed Session: Motion by Peterson, supported by Stanton, Motion to move into closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(d), to consider the purchase or lease of real property. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. The council entered a closed session at 7:29 p.m. Motion by Muncey, second by Clark to go into open session. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. The council entered the open session at 8:06 p.m. Correspondence: Sherry Tedaldi submitted correspondence to Mayor Anderson relating to ethics. Council Comments: Councilmember Peterson enjoyed the council’s discussion. Councilmember Gardner shared that he received numerous positive comments from both residents and visitors regarding the Fourth of July fireworks. He extended his thanks to the Convention and Visitors Bureau for their excellent organization of the holiday events. Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton expressed her appreciation to April Gundy for her hard work in organizing the Fourth of July events, noting her dedication even as some activities were cancelled due to the weather. She also extended her gratitude to the many volunteers who contributed their time and effort. Councilmember Dean noted how great the city looks and commended the Department of Public Works and City staff for their ongoing efforts. With increased traffic and a high number of visitors in town, he remarked on the positive energy throughout the community. He also welcomed the new businesses opening this summer. He echoed the Councilmember Muncey praised the Fourth of July fireworks and commended April Gundy and the Convention and Visitors Bureau for their excellent event coordination. He noted a concern regarding an individual offering a parking spot for $20 and reminded the public that this is not permitted. He also encouraged everyone to attend Music in the Park, held on Wednesdays. Councilmember Clark shared that many people commented on how incredible the fireworks display was and thanked the CVB. He praised the Department of Public Works for their outstanding job cleaning up the city, noting that by the next morning, it looked as if nothing had happened. He also extended his sincere thanks to all first responders for their dedication and responsiveness during the busy summer season.

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com

Adjournment: Motion by Stanton second by Dean to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Mayor Anderson adjourned at 8:13 p.m. Respectfully Submitted ____________________ Jamie Wolters, City Clerk

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com