Grand Rapids City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

The City Council convened for the final meeting of the 2025 term, covering routine approvals, public testimony on a proposed noise ordinance surrounding healthcare facilities, and the status of the Martin Luther King Park Lodge. The meeting featured significant debate regarding Freedom of Speech versus public safety in the Third Ward, alongside community calls for shower facilities in the new park lodge and reflections on civic civility and equity.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved unanimously for the December 2 meeting.
• Petitions and Communications: Filed communications regarding Zachary Verholst's resignation from the West Side Corridor Improvement Authority; Lucas Leverett's letter regarding GRPD and specific individuals; Abby Passer's notice on detention oversight; and Marshal A. Kilgore's proactive zoning proposal for data centers.
• Financial Reports: Received and filed the Comptroller's warrant report ($4,700,280.78) and the Treasurer's report.
• Appointments: Filed the Mayor's 2026 standing committees and commissioner appointments report.

Public Comments & Testimony

Noise Ordinance Amendment (Item 4 & 5 - Health Care Facilities)

• Speakers opposing the restriction on amplification (Supporting Protesters' Rights to Amplify):

  • Rev. Daniel Scott: Expressed strong opposition, framing the issue as a moral imperative to "save lives" of the unborn and criticizing the clinic as a "murder factory," stating they have saved over 50 lives (later corrected to 130 by another speaker) through their presence.
  • Mr. Jones: Expressed support for the ordinance but focused on 3D printing housing and cryptocurrency; later reiterated support for balanced enforcement against right-wing activists.
  • Jeff (Street Preacher): Stated that the ordinance is unconstitutional because content is regulated rather than just noise levels, noting that loud machinery like lawnmowers is not penalized, whereas evangelism is.
  • Matthew (Anonymous): Expressed that the Council is being "scared" and that "the gospel is offensive," arguing that Christians should not be silenced while other groups are permitted to speak.
  • Daniel Fagan: Testified that he was arrested previously while complying with officers but using voice only, arguing that amplification is necessary to be heard and is mandated by the Bible.
  • Mark (Anonymous/Cynic): Expressed opposition and welcomed counter-protests, suggesting that noise and chaos are already inevitable regardless of the ordinance.
  • Elizabeth Johnson (Alliance Defending Freedom Attorneys): Stated that amplification is a constitutionally protected First Amendment tool and warned that an outright ban on loudspeakers could be struck down in court as unconstitutional content-based regulation.

• Speakers supporting the restriction on amplification (Supporting Patient Safety/Noise Control):

  • Linda Trout (Planned Parenthood Escort): Expressed full support for the ordinance, describing the amplification as harassment that prevents patients from hearing directions and creating a hostile environment while patients attempt to enter the facility.
  • Shelley Sinus: Expressed support, noting that police currently lack tools to measure noise and that the amplification ricochets off buildings, affecting residents working from home and third-shift healthcare workers.
  • Deborah Fulton: Expressed support as a senior citizen, finding the amplified noise intimidating and unsafe while walking in the neighborhood.
  • Jerry Barnaby: Expressed support, utilizing his expertise in noise control (Ego Power Tools) to argue that protest can occur without disruptive amplification and that the current noise puts residents "on edge."
  • Kim Combs: Expressed strong support, citing trauma caused to residents and their dogs, and stating the current environment is too toxic.
  • Lucas Leverett: Expressed support, noting that while they typically oppose such restrictions on one political side, they believe in balancing enforcement against the "right-wing side of the aisle" and the harassment of individuals.
  • Daniel Scott (Commentator on Safety): Apologized to Kim Combs for a previous interruption but expressed opposition to the protesters' presence in the parking lot and demand for an end to the harassment.
  • Jeff (Second Appearance): Expressed support for the ordinance and urged residents to "give justice to the weak and the fatherless."
  • Ernest Brewster: Expressed support for the Lodge having showers and lockers.
  • Tina Griffin: Expressed support for maintaining the park's legacy and engaging with the community, though her primary focus was on facility access.
  • Mark (Second Comment): Did not explicitly take a stance on the noise ordinance itself but urged high voter turnout for 2026 to protect democracy.

Martin Luther King Park Lodge & Community Sports

• Lucas Leverett (MLK Park Activities of Community Sports): Expressed concern that the Parks and Recreation department had not fully engaged the community in planning the new lodge and feared losing control of the park's activities.
• David Chapman: Expressed that the lack of safe storage (lockers) and shower facilities is dangerous and disadvantageous to community members using the park.
• Daryl Holt: Expressed desire to donate historical artifacts to the lodge and shared a personal story of homelessness, emphasizing the need for community support.
• Albert Weiss: Expressed that the park needs to honor its history and argued that the city must align its actions with its declaration that racism is a public safety crisis.
• Mark (Third Comment): Echoed requests to bring activities back to the community.
• Ernest Brewster: Expressed a clear need for showers and a locker room in the lodge for youth athletes.
• Tina Griffin: Expressed a desire for the long-time community concession team to have a formal part in the new facility.
• Anonymous Advocate: Expressed that the park does not currently include showers or lockers and that these are essential for recreational facilities.
• Anonymous (Democracy Advocate): Expressed that democracy is under attack but urged all to preserve it through voting.

Discussion Items

• Noise Ordinance Review: Commissioners discussed the proposed amendment restricting amplification near healthcare facilities. Commissioner Asassi noted the item was brought forward by her predecessor five years ago and emphasized that the vote will not occur until January 13th to allow for further engagement. Commissioner Purdue clarified that the current agenda item was to advance the proposal for study, not a final vote.
• MLK Park Lodge: Commissioner Purdue confirmed that the new lodge will include showers and locker rooms. She encouraged the community groups to coordinate with the Parks and Recreation team to define the scope of engagement and suggested connecting with the Third Ward Legacy Tour for historical preservation.
• Commissioner Reflections: Commissioner Kilgore emphasized "civility" and the need to listen to diverse community voices, sharing a story about an interaction with a homeless individual and a police officer. Commissioner Belchak reflected on the year's challenges, the importance of "conviviality," and the need for equitable engagement. Commissioner Kilgore responded to anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from the public, condemning vilification and referencing the human rights ordinance.

Key Outcomes

• Adjournment: The meeting concluded with holiday wishes and a confirmation that the Council will reconvene on Tuesday, January 13th.
• Noise Ordinance Status: The proposal to restrict amplification near healthcare facilities was not voted on; it is referred back for further review and public engagement prior to a vote in January.
• MLK Park Amenities: The Council verbally confirmed that showers and locker rooms will be installed in the new MLK Park Lodge.
• Commissioner Farewells/Reflections: Commissioners Belchak, Kilgore, Purdue, and Asassi reflected on their service, the challenges of the year, and the need for collaboration in 2026. Mayor LeGrand acknowledged the completion of the new Public Works building storage for election equipment.
• Future Actions: The City Manager noted the need to resolve funding clawbacks from the state that impacted essential services and election storage.