Midland City Council Meeting - March 23, 2026

The Midland City Council met on March 23, 2026, at 7:00 PM in council chambers. The meeting covered the annual audit, a stormwater budget amendment, zoning for a 75-acre property, the potential sale of a city-owned lot, park rule changes, and a resolution opposing state preemption of local zoning. All votes were 4-0 unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved with items 8 (East Park Drive property), 10 (boards and commissions reappointment), and 11 (park rules) removed at the request of the public or staff. The balance of routine items passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Katie Roble (5709 Drake Street) presented a petition signed by community members requesting increased transparency in the selection of trees for removal on Drake and Camp House streets. She emphasized that residents support infrastructure improvements but seek clear documentation of criteria used.
• Mackie Craig (907 West Park Drive) spoke against the sale of 905 East Park Drive, describing it as a vital neighborhood gathering space used for block parties, children's play, and community connection. She noted the parcel functions as a "public square" and asked council to decline opening bids.
• Diane Wilcox (1101 East Park) echoed Craig's remarks, calling the parcel the neighborhood's most open space and a venue for ball games and social events.
• Nancy Carney (West Park Drive) shared historical context, noting the parcel has been used as a de facto park for decades, with a memorial bench installed. She urged council to keep the property public.
• Dave Colette (man who initiated the inquiry) stated he is blind and seeking to build a home on the lot to be near downtown amenities. He asked that the bidding process proceed, noting his intent to add a half-million-dollar home to the tax rolls and preserve the existing bench.
• Sasha King (Hemlock Street) spoke against the new anti-camping park rule, arguing it criminalizes homelessness. She noted that shelters are often at capacity and that the rule would further marginalize unhoused residents.

Discussion Items

• Annual Audit (Item 4): Jamie Rebette of Yo and Yo CPAs presented the June 30, 2025 audit. The city received an unmodified opinion and a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Net position was $199.2 million, with $152 million in net investment in capital assets. The general fund had $65.6 million in revenue, $61.1 million in expenditures, and $47 million in fund balance ($18.6 million unassigned). Property taxes ($34 million) and intergovernmental revenue ($20 million) were key sources. Pension funding: police/fire 76%, general employees 61.44%; OPEB nearly 100% funded. The millage rate remained at 15.14 mills. The resolution to receive and file was passed.
• Stormwater Management Fund Budget (Item 5): Mr. Driscoll requested a $1 million budget amendment to move funds from working capital to the capital fund for the Barstow Woods project. The project involves replacing a failing 27-inch storm pipe with a surface drain. No public comments were received. The resolution passed.
• Zoning Petition #670 (Item 6): Jacob Kane presented a request to rezone 7900 Eastman Avenue (75 acres, annexed from Larkin Township) from township Residential A to city Residential B (multiple family). The future land use map shows a split of light industrial and neighborhood mixed use. Staff found the rezoning consistent with the master plan, which identifies a need for more housing. The planning commission recommended approval unanimously. The co-petitioner, Redwood USA, plans to develop an additional 20-acre phase adjacent to their existing development. No public comments were received. The resolution passed.
• East Park Drive Property Sale (Item 8): Council considered authorizing sealed bids for 905 East Park Drive, a city-owned lot valued over $20,000. Staff determined no public purpose for continued ownership. After public testimony, council debated the balance between neighborhood character and housing need. Councilman Soler and Councilman Wazbinski supported selling to address the housing shortage and generate tax revenue. Councilman Brown Wilhelm expressed concern about losing a community gathering space, but ultimately voted with the majority. The resolution to solicit bids passed 4-0.
• Parks Rule Changes (Item 11): Marcy Post proposed three amendments: (1) add "unless the city park is signed otherwise" to the dog rule to allow off-leash areas; (2) prohibit motorized vehicles in Trilogy Skate Park; (3) add a new rule prohibiting camping in parks (Section 17). City Attorney Chris Kamara explained the camping rule is needed to legally distinguish between trespassing and camping, following recent Supreme Court rulings. Council discussed the potential for daytime use of tents and shelters; Kamara clarified the rule is not intended to prohibit daytime recreational use. After public comment, council voted 4-0 to adopt all three changes.
• New Business – State Legislation (Item 12): Councilwoman Donker introduced a resolution opposing a package of nine state bills that would preempt local zoning authority. She argued local control is essential for accountability and that Midland has already advanced housing goals. Council directed staff to review the bills and draft a resolution for the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Audit: Received and filed (unanimous).
• Stormwater Budget: Amended to move $1 million for the Barstow Woods project (unanimous).
• Zoning: Rezoned 7900 Eastman Avenue to RB (multiple family residential) (unanimous).
• East Park Drive: Authorized solicitation of sealed bids for the property at 905 East Park Drive (unanimous).
• Park Rules: Adopted amendments to Sections 10, 14, and 17 (dogs, motorized vehicles, camping) (unanimous).
• Boards/Commissions: Reappointment to the Local Officers Compensation Commission was delayed; all other appointments approved (unanimous).
• Legislation: Council directed staff to prepare a resolution opposing state zoning preemption bills for a future meeting.