Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting - September 23, 2025

The Grand Rapids City Commission met on September 23, 2025, for a regular meeting that included consent agenda items, ordinance approvals, public hearings on housing and development projects, and public comment. The meeting began with a moment of silence, roll call, and the introduction of Spanish interpretation services.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the previous meeting.
• Received and filed communications: 11 expressing opposition to a single hauler trash program; one from Ivan Chiquito supporting renaming Delaware Street to Millier Penn Street; one from Tom Lozuski regarding Mount Mercy Apartments; and one from L. Andrew regarding the Grand Rapids Housing Commission.
• Received and filed the Comptroller's warrant report ($31,465,357.12 for August 26 – September 8, 2025) and the Treasurer's report (August 28 – September 9, 2025).
• The consent agenda (items passed unanimously out of committee) was adopted with a unanimous voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• D Jones spoke in support of resolution five (GRPS television authority grant), urging transparency and education on curricula, programming, esports, and STEM/STEAM careers.
• Lucas (first name only) praised the commission for handling routine business and expressed support for the trash program, calling it a "big step in the right direction."
• Jim Davis (Family Promise of West Michigan) highlighted a 39% rise in family homelessness nationally in 2024, stated that all 51 family shelter rooms are full, and called for more flexible federal funding for shelter production. He also requested longer application timelines and clearer funding source information for CDBG/Home/ESG grants.
• D Jones (also Pastor Entrepreneur, West Grand Neighborhood Organization) advocated for increased federal/state funding for affordable housing, including 3D-printed homes and tiny homes, and noted the need to address homelessness he observed under bridges.
• Lucas (second appearance) thanked Chief Winstrom for discussing downtown parking enforcement and advocated for a night shift for parking enforcement to address issues around the arena and amphitheater.
• Reverend Dr. Lisa Townsend shared her 84-year-old mother's experience with a property line dispute, alleged implicit bias by city workers after winning in court, and called for improved neighbor dispute resolution processes.
• Mark criticized a political violence bill honoring Charlie Kirk and named Representative Hillary Scholten, saying she should be held accountable for voting for it.
• Avery Harbison advocated for two ADU policies: a revolving loan fund for homeowners to create ADUs, and legalizing condominium ownership of ADUs to expand affordable homeownership options.

Discussion Items

Budget Ordinance Amendment #2 (FY2026)

• Commissioner Perdue moved to remove the "enhanced support pilot" from the budget amendment, citing fiscal responsibility and existing city capacity. The motion to remove passed (voice vote with opposition recorded). Commissioner Sasi agreed, stating he had not seen full value.
• The amended budget ordinance then passed on roll call: Commissioner Knight voted no; Commissioners Belchak, Kilgore, Sasi, Robbins, Perdue, and Mayor Legrand voted yes (6-1). Immediate effect was approved.

Salary Ordinances for 61st District Court Employees

• Association of Public Administrators Union: Three-year contract with 5% increase in year one and 4% in years two and three. Passed unanimously on roll call.
• Grand Rapids Employees Independent Union: Three-year contract with 4% in year one, 3.5% in year two, and 3% in year three. Passed unanimously on roll call.

Public Hearing: Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) & Future Needs

• Ms. Bohatch presented the CAPER for FY2024–2025, covering CDBG, HOME, ESG, opioid settlement, and other funds. Key outcomes: 283 households received homelessness prevention assistance; 1,200 unhoused residents served in day centers; 150 housing units completed, 176 underway; over 3,000 code compliance cases resolved; 512 properties received home repairs; and 39 senior affordable rental units created via adaptive reuse.
• Commissioner Robbins requested demographic comparisons between program participants and community need. Ms. Bohatch noted federal constraints on using such data in planning under the current administration.
• Commissioner Kilgore asked about harm reduction supply trends (deferred to next year) and suggested redirecting Outcome 8 funds to other areas (e.g., neighborhood associations, food production).
• Commissioner Perdue raised interest in fostering neighborhood startups and small business under Outcome 7 (economic opportunity).
• Public comment from Jim Davis and D Jones reiterated need for additional affordable housing and shelter funding.

Public Hearing: Beacon Hill at Eastgate Bond Issuance (Senior Living)

• Ms. Ranero introduced a request for the Economic Development Corporation to issue up to $190 million in bonds for expansion and renovation of Beacon Hill’s continuing care retirement community. The project includes 29 renovated units and 149 new units, with a total investment of $300 million. The EDC already approved the project plan on September 9. No public comments were offered. The item will return October 7 for final approval.

Public Hearing: 443 Sheldon Brownfield Plan (26 Apartments)

• Developer Bryce Hanson presented a new construction project with 26 all-electric, solar-ready apartments (six units income-restricted at 60% AMI). Rents ranged from $1,100 (studio) to $1,800 (two-bedroom), targeting households earning 70–80% AMI. The project received an earlier Emerging Developer Grant. Commissioners praised the transparency and affordability mix. No public comment; referred to Committee of the Whole.

Public Hearing: Powers Place Brownfield Plan (8 Townhomes)

• Developer Adam Rogalski described eight townhomes with two bedrooms and two baths, with most rents at 80–100% AMI and one unit at 60% AMI for the full 25-year term (instead of two units for a shorter period, due to high site preparation costs from a steep slope). Commissioner Knight questioned the single affordable unit vs. policy; staff and consultant explained that site challenges and limited TIF dollars necessitated a waiver for longer affordability. Commissioner Belchak acknowledged community benefits (stabilizing the slope, improving neighbor properties). No public comment; referred to Committee of the Whole.

Key Outcomes

• Vote to remove enhanced support pilot from budget amendment: Passed (voice vote with aye and nay).
• Budget amendment (FY2026) as amended: Passed 6-1 (Knight opposed). Immediate effect approved.
• Salary ordinances for both 61st District Court unions: Passed unanimously. Immediate effect approved.
• Public hearings held on CAPER, Beacon Hill bonds, 443 Sheldon, and Powers Place; all referred to Committee of the Whole except the bond issuance (pending final vote on October 7).
• Unanimous consent items including the consent agenda and various reports were approved.