Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, October 27, 2025

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING - proposed November 10, 2025 The City Council met to have a Regular Council Meeting at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. 102 Butler St., Saugatuck, MI 49453. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Mayor Anderson at 6:30 p.m. Attendance: Present: Mayor Anderson, Mayor Pro-Tem Stanton and Councilmembers Clark, Dean, Gardner, Muncey and Peterson. Absent: None. Others Present: DWP Superintendent Herbert, Attorney Witte, Zoning Director Moore, Treasurer Bredeweg and Clerk Wolters. Mayor’s Comments: Mayor Anderson acknowledged the collaborative effort across the community to help secure housing for Mr. Davis, highlighting it as a complex and educational process. She recognized the significant support and contributions from various local individuals, organizations, and agencies—including Councilmember Chris Peterson, Curt Pieper, Ruth and Mike Johnson, the Cowhill Yacht Club, and Jennifer Ludwig. Mayor Anderson emphasized the importance of community partnerships, particularly with Allegan County and the VA, and expressed gratitude for everyone’s involvement and respect shown to Mr. Davis. City Manager Comments: DPW Superintendent Herbert expressed appreciation to Clerk Wolters, Deputy Clerk Williams, and the entire election team for conducting another thorough election. Congratulations were extended to Mayor Anderson, Councilmember Gardner, and Councilmember Clark on their recent election victories. He also wished City Manager Ryan Cummins a safe and enjoyable trip, noting his hard work and dedication to the City of Saugatuck. Herbert recognized community member Chuck Gustafson of Douglas for his volunteer service in maintaining the area inside the fenced portion of the Mount Baldhead radar station. Mr. Gustafson has voluntarily mowed the area for several years, often biking to the site and climbing the steps to perform the work. His dedication and quiet service were commended, and Herbert expressed gratitude for his continued contributions to the community. Agenda Changes: Motion by Gardner, second by Stanton to add County Commissioner Brad Lubbers as item 8b to Guest Speaker. Via voice vote, motion carried unanimously. 102 Butler St. ★

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Selection of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem: Mayor Anderson asked for Mayor nominations: Motion by Dean to nominate Anderson for Mayor. No other nominations were received. Anderson for Mayor vote: Via roll call vote, motion carried 6-1. Yes: Anderson, Clark, Muncey, Peterson, Stanton. No: Gardner. Mayor Anderson asked for Mayor Pro Tem nominations: Motion by Stanton to nominate Clark for Mayor Pro Tem. Motion by Peterson to nominate Muncey for Mayor Pro Tem. No other nominations were received. Clark for Mayor Pro Tem vote: Via roll call vote, motion carried 5-2. Yes: Anderson, Clark, Muncey, Stanton. No: Peterson, Gardner. Guest Speakers: Lisa Mize presented plans for a proposed warming station in the Rose Garden, emphasizing its carefully considered design to complement the existing landscape and improve accessibility for both residents and visitors throughout the year, including winter. She explained the station’s location and features, including low brickwork, multiple new entryways, and its elevated design to accommodate people with mobility needs. Lisa noted positive feedback from local businesses and stakeholders and mentioned that outreach was ongoing. She assured the council that existing roses and sculptures would largely remain unaffected, and the city’s maintenance process would continue to involve contracted landscape professionals. Funding would come primarily from the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), with additional donations and possible in-kind contributions of materials, while final costs were yet to be determined. County Commissioner Brad Lubbers began by reporting that the county’s budget has been finalized, although some funding from federal grants remains uncertain due to the federal budget situation. He celebrated the re-opening of Pier Cove and the collaborative work of community volunteers and public agencies. Lubbers announced the official dissolution of the county’s Economic Development Commission, noting that its function is now performed by Lakeshore Advantage and that a Tourist Council continues to serve the region’s economic needs. He commended Sara Clark and her team for winning a state-level emergency management award. Finally, Lubbers provided an update on the “123 Net” broadband project, explaining that most of the county’s connectivity upgrades are nearly finished, with Saugatuck scheduled for completion last, due to existing service overlaps and some service providers withdrawing from previous commitments. He ended by congratulating recently re-elected council members and expressing appreciation for their dedication to public service. Public Comment on Agenda Item Only: None. Consent Agenda: A. Approval of City Council Regular Meeting Minutes for October 27, 2025. B. Special Event – Veterans Day Celebration. C. Special Event – Christmas Tree Lighting. D. Special Event – Christmas Parade. 102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

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Motion by Gardner, second by Clark to approve the consent agenda as presented. Via roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. Staff Reports, Boards, Commissions & Committees: Reports provided by City staff and board, commission & committee members. Fire District Administration: Dan Fox representing the fire district administrative board, reported that the usual monthly statistics were delayed but shared several noteworthy operational updates. He highlighted an increase in marine responses—especially calls for boats in distress—emphasizing the fire district's critical role when other agencies are unavailable. He discussed the district’s shared use of a drone, which has become vital for person searches and public safety operations. He also explained the recent rise in emergency responses triggered by iPhone auto-calls after car rollovers. Dan ended his report with a recommendation to review Rose Park fire pit safety, especially considering children, as part of public planning efforts. Interurban Board: Councilmember Muncey's Interurban report highlighted record-breaking ridership, with 7,366 riders in September (up from 5,735 a year earlier) and a total of 88,959 for the fiscal year—almost 16,000 more than the previous record set in 2019. Strong usage was reported in Laketown Township and Fennville, leading to increased expenses. Due to federal grant cutbacks, Interurban may need to use its reserves for the 2026 budget unless more funding is found. To address budget concerns, they plan to request a tax millage increase, returning to 1 mill from the current .05 mills. Fall hours are now 7am–7pm on weekdays and 9am–7pm on weekends. Employees received a 3% cost-of-living wage increase. Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority: Mayor Pro Tem Clark report for the Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority included the following updates: There was a recent service line break on Park Street caused by directional drilling, which contributed to ongoing staffing shortages. The authority promptly hired an interim facility administrator, who is now handling urgent operational and administrative needs, including work on the SRF grant and preparing for the upcoming fiscal year. They are searching for a permanent administrator; a decision is expected by late January. Their next board meeting will be on the 17th, where creating official bylaws will be discussed. Kalamazoo Lake Harbor Authority: Councilmember Peterson reported that the Kalamazoo Lake Harbor Authority’s recent meeting lacked a quorum, so no official actions were taken, but members still met informally. They received a report on funding for the local Superfund site and ongoing concerns about securing future funds for dredging, as available money is limited. Current water levels are dropping, increasing concerns for the harbor, and there is little to no outside funding to address dredging needs at this time. The next official meeting will be held in the City of Saugatuck as part of the authority’s recent rotation from Saugatuck Township hosting. Zoning Board of Appeals: None.

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com

Historic District Commission: Councilmember Russ Gardner reported that the November 6 Historic District meeting was canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, at 6pm at City Hall. Planning Commission: None. Parks & Public Works Committee: Councilmember Stanton reported that the Parks and Public Works board received and selected a bid for invasive species management and improved signage at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, with the proposals to be reviewed at an upcoming workshop. She also highlighted an upcoming Water Smart landscaping event hosted by the ODC Network at the Allegan Conservation District on November 18, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly landscaping, especially near local waterways. Tri-Community Non-Motorized Trail Study Committee: None. Water Systems Operations Contract Advisory Committee: Councilmember Gardner updated council that they met the previous Friday discussed recent changes at Kal-Lake with another meeting scheduled for two weeks. Wildlife Management Committee: None. Approval of Accounts Payable: Motion by Dean, second by Peterson, to approve the accounts payable in the amount of $454,749.68. Upon voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Public Hearing: None. Unfinished Business: None. New Business: Park Rules.: Motion by Muncey, second by Stanton to approve park rules as presented. Upon voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Public Comment: Jane Underwood Chad Dupont Jan Cohen Donna Cohen Correspondence: Scott Kierzek – SPS Community Recreation. Kevin Tringali – Bella Vita Vacation Rentals.

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com

Council Comments: Councilmember Chris Peterson Councilmember Russ Gardner congratulated Mayor Anderson and Mayor Pro Tem Clark on their re-election and expressed pride in the community and this year’s strong group of candidates. He praised the continued growth and success of the community recreation program and acknowledged its founder, Kevin Tringali. Gardner thanked Chad DuPont and other residents for raising concerns about short-term rental license renewals, emphasizing the need for procedural fairness and due process. He also expressed appreciation for community input and participation. Councilmember Lauren Stanton expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Veterans Day celebrations and thanked Councilmember Dean for his organizational efforts. She also extended appreciation to city clerks and election volunteers. Stanton highlighted the significance of community recreation scholarships funded by the Grant Rogers Burd Memorial Fund, which enable local children to join programs regardless of financial circumstances. Additionally, she promoted the December 3 Corks and Forks event supporting the Boys and Girls Club, underscoring its value to over 200 area children and encouraging community involvement. Councilmember Scott Dean highlighted the upcoming Veterans Day event in Saugatuck at 4:30 pm, noting that, although the band is unavailable, there will be a talented soloist for the national anthem and a trumpeter for taps. He also mentioned a ceremony in Douglas at 11:00 am, encouraging attendance at one or both events. Dean expressed gratitude to those involved in organizing and supporting the celebrations. Mayor Pro Tem Joe Clark congratulated Mayor Anderson and Councilmember Gardner on their reelection and thanked the election staff for their hard work. He shared a story about local Halloween trick-or-treating, highlighting how some residents gave food to families in need, which he found touching and representative of the community’s compassion. Clark expressed pride in the generosity of Saugatuck residents and wished he had participated in this outreach himself. Mayor Anderson thanked Lisa Mize for her service and contributions, recognizing her anticipated departure. She congratulated Russ Gardner and Mayor Pro Tem Joe Clark on their re-election and commended the positive teamwork throughout the campaign. Mayor Anderson reflected on the city’s progress, emphasizing achievements in infrastructure and adherence to community priorities. Looking ahead, she expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration and strategic planning in the new year. Adjournment: Motion by Muncey second by Peterson to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, motion carried unanimously. Mayor Anderson adjourned at 7:59 p.m. Respectfully Submitted ____________________ Jamie Wolters, City Clerk

102 Butler St. ★

PO Box 86

★ (269) 857-2603

www.SaugatuckCity.com