Midland City Council Meeting - January 12, 2026

The Midland City Council met on January 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM in council chambers. Key actions included approval of two conditional use permits for drive-thru restaurants, denial of a bed and breakfast conditional use permit, adoption of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, budget amendments for the M20 corridor project and fire department SCBA equipment, first reading of recreation fee changes, and adoption of city council budget objectives for 2026-2027.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (4-0) with no items removed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Conditional Use Permit #95 (Bed and Breakfast at 1109 W. St. Andrews): Overwhelming public opposition was expressed by numerous residents. Speakers included Scott Fales (906 Holyrood St.) who argued the proposal conflicts with zoning intent and would destabilize the neighborhood. Robert Fagan (1209 Holyrood) contrasted it with smaller Airbnbs, calling the 11,486 sq ft structure a “boutique hotel.” Tom Feige (1111 W. St. Andrews) stated the petitioner does not plan to reside on site, making it a commercial lodging operation. Lolita Pfeiffer (1116 West Park Dr.) urged preservation of the neighborhood’s character. Bob Plishka (1010 Holyrood) presented a 267-signature petition and called for comprehensive short-term rental regulations. Other speakers echoed concerns about traffic, parking, safety, garbage, aesthetics, and precedent.

Discussion Items

• Conditional Use Permit #93 – Leo's Coney Island Drive-Thru (820 Joe Man Blvd.): Staff presented the proposal for a 5,000 sq ft restaurant with drive-thru. The site plan was revised to reduce parking from 90 to 81 spaces to meet the maximum under code. Council members noted the lot has been vacant and appreciated that no new curb cut on Joe Man Blvd. was created. The permit was approved 4-0.
• Conditional Use Permit #94 – Drive-Thru Restaurant at 6125 Jefferson Ave.: Proposed for a tenant to be determined in a multi-tenant commercial center. Staff noted the site is already under construction with only the drive-thru menu board and window added. The Planning Commission recommended approval 8-0. Council approved 4-0.
• Conditional Use Permit #95 – Bed and Breakfast at 1109 W. St. Andrews: Extensive debate. Council members expressed that the use is incompatible with the residential neighborhood. Councilwoman Solar stated, “I do not believe approving this conditional use permit is in the best interest of the neighborhood or the city.” Mayor Donker and others noted the property’s size and commercial nature. The applicant did not speak. Motion to approve failed; the permit was denied 4-0.
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2026-2030: Director Marcy Post presented the plan, which includes 12 goals and numerous action items. Public input was gathered via surveys and meetings. The plan is required for DNR grant eligibility. After a public hearing, the council adopted the plan 4-0.
• M20 Corridor Improvement Project Budget Amendment: Staff requested approval of a $3,683,400 amendment to the major street fund for the city’s cost share with MDOT. The project includes utility undergrounding, non-motorized pathways, decorative lighting, and water main replacements. Both resolutions were approved 4-0.
• Fire Department SCBA Purchase: Chief Mosier presented a $1,287,192 purchase (budget amendment and purchase resolution) for self-contained breathing apparatus funded through an AFG grant with regional partners (Bay City, Saginaw). The council approved both resolutions 4-0.
• Recreation Fee Ordinance – First Reading: Director Post presented minor fee increases for soccer, beach volleyball, Miracle Field, dog swims, and a new for-profit event space fee. The first reading was approved 4-0.
• City Council Budget Objectives for 2026-2027: Finance Director outlined directives from a prior retreat: maintain services, flat millage, $1 million in stormwater funding (via general fund or PPT reimbursements), $4 million to Act 345 (police/fire pensions), $500,000 above ARC to MERS, and allocation of $6 million in PPT reimbursement toward stormwater, building improvements, landfill treatment, and fire station needs. The objectives were approved 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• CUP #93 approved (4-0): Drive-thru restaurant at 820 Joe Man Blvd. with contingencies for fire marshal and landscaping.
• CUP #94 approved (4-0): Drive-thru restaurant at 6125 Jefferson Ave. with standard contingencies.
• CUP #95 denied (4-0): Bed and breakfast at 1109 W. St. Andrews; council cited incompatibility with the residential neighborhood.
• Parks Master Plan adopted (4-0) for 2026-2030.
• M20 Corridor budget amendment and cost-share agreement approved (4-0 each).
• Fire Department SCBA budget amendment and purchase approved (4-0 each).
• Recreation fee ordinance first reading approved (4-0); second reading and adoption expected at next meeting.
• City Council budget objectives for 2026-2027 approved (4-0), guiding staff in budget preparation.
• New business: Councilwoman Solar recommended a comprehensive review of short-term rental and bed and breakfast regulations, noting the Planning Commission is already working on it. A resident also raised concerns about homelessness in the city, particularly near parks, requesting attention in future regulations.