Midland City Council Meeting - February 9, 2026

The Midland City Council met on February 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. The meeting included a presentation on the Curry Golf Course, a proclamation for Public Schools Week, public hearings on a conditional use permit and budget amendments, and the introduction of the 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan. All votes were 4-0 in favor.

Consent Calendar

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

Proclamation

• Council proclaimed February 23–27, 2026, as Public Schools Week in the City of Midland. Superintendent Penny Miller Nelson accepted the proclamation and highlighted the importance of public schools. A student and retired teachers were present.

Public Hearings

• Conditional Use Permit No. 96 (3500 Isabella Street): Staff from the Planning Department presented a request to allow a contractor's yard (roofing business) in a vacant former car wash. The Planning Commission recommended approval (6-0). Council members asked about lighting and screening. No public comments were made. The resolution was approved 4-0.
• Budget Amendments: Assistant City Manager Chris Salinane presented amendments for the general fund and Curry Golf Course fund. This included $25,000 to make the airport manager full-time, and donations from the Barry C. Curry Foundation: $20,000 for dead tree removal at the golf course, $10,000 for a climbing structure at Briarwood Park, $10,000 for picnic tables at Miracle Field/Stratford Woods/Walmart, and $4,500 for a gear rack at Fire Station 3. No public comments. The resolution was approved 4-0.

Presentation: Curry Golf Course Update

• Representatives from Troon Golf (Nick Bednar and Tim Fenwick) presented a recap of the 2025 season. Key points:
  • Record rounds played (just over 60,000, up 17 rounds from previous record).
  • Total facility revenue up 3% due to marginal price increases.
  • Net operating income of $318,000 — a new record; the course has been self-sustaining for five consecutive years.
  • Participation in golf growing nationally: 18 million new on-course/off-course golfers in the last decade.
  • Michigan rounds up 3% statewide; U.S. rounds set a fourth record in five years.
  • Programming highlights: First Tee, PGA HOPE, Youth on Course (top course in Michigan), PGA Junior League (4 teams), and hosting the Dow Championship LPGA practice facility (300 kids attended).
  • Plans to add two golf simulators in a 1,400 sq ft room to make the facility year-round. Target opening: fall/winter 2026.
  • 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the West Course.
• Council members expressed appreciation for the partnership and noted the course's improved beauty and community role.

Discussion Items: Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 2027-2032 Introduction

• Jacob Kane presented the six-year CIP, a state-required plan covering capital needs over $15,000 for equipment and $50,000 for infrastructure. The plan proposes $35 million in projects for FY2027 and over $300 million over six years.
• Key projects highlighted:
  • Airport: tree obstruction removal (Phase III) and avigation easements ($881,000).
  • Engineering: local street reconstruction using CDBG-DR disaster recovery funds (fully federally funded), major street design projects (Jefferson Ave, Rod St), wayfinding sign upgrades, sidewalk replacement program ($500,000/year).
  • Equipment Revolving Fund: $20 million fleet replacement over six years; costs up post-pandemic.
  • Facilities: fleet building moved to FY2027 ($6 million), downtown parking lot D replacement ($370,000).
  • Parks: playground replacements, parking lot projects at Central Park and Grove Park.
  • Senior Housing: window/door replacements (CDBG-funded), parking lot refurbishments.
  • Stormwater: culvert replacements and storm sewer linings.
  • Water Reclamation: potential upgrade of a sanitary force main and pump station north of US-10.
• The Planning Commission recommended adoption (9-0) with minor changes after their hearing.
• Public Comment: Ron Morzinski (5810 Woodview Pass) addressed the council about the omission of his street block from the local street project list. He argued that the block was overlooked during a transition in road treatment programs and that the PASER rating of 6 was inaccurate given visible alligator cracking. He requested inclusion in the CIP.
• Council discussion: Councilwoman Donker provided historical context showing Woodview Pass (from Scenic to Foxwood) was on the 2017-2023 CIP but not completed when adjacent sections were done. She noted the city acknowledged the error. The block is 1,000 feet (one-fifth mile) with 10 homes. Estimated cost ~$375,000–$400,000 (based on $2 million/mile). Other council members noted many roads are in worse condition; Councilman Wazbinski expressed support for correcting the mistake and adding it to the plan. The resolution before council was to receive the CIP (not adopt). Council decided to discuss inclusion at the next meeting (February 23) with a cost estimate from staff. The motion to receive the CIP passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 4-0.
• Proclamation: Public Schools Week, February 23–27, 2026, proclaimed.
• Conditional Use Permit No. 96: Approved 4-0.
• Budget Amendments (Airport staffing and Curry Foundation donations): Approved 4-0.
• Capital Improvement Plan: Received 4-0; further discussion on adding Woodview Pass to the plan will occur at the February 23 meeting.
• Fire Study: Council noted a fire study meeting scheduled for February 18; members were asked to prepare for discussion on mutual aid.
• Meeting adjourned after no further business.