Midland City Council Regular Meeting – April 13, 2026

The Midland City Council met on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered a wide range of business including a consent agenda, proclamations, three public hearings, first readings of water and sewer rate increases, the introduction of the 2026‑27 city budget, flood mitigation funding allocations, a sidewalk improvement plan, a petition regarding Drake Street tree removal, and a report on short‑term rental and bed‑and‑breakfast regulations. The most contentious item was a motion to rescind the prior decision to solicit bids for the city‑owned parcel at 905 East Park Drive (known as “the Point”). After extensive public testimony, the council voted 4‑0 to postpone that decision to the next meeting. All council members were present at the start; later votes were 4‑0 (one member absent).

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved 5‑0 after Councilman Wazbinski requested removal of item 11 (Drake Street road construction petition), which was then considered separately. All other routine resolutions marked with an asterisk were adopted without separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sidewalk Improvement Program (Item 14): Several Gardenbrook Drive residents (John Jossi, Robert Budnik, Wanda Maloney, Mark Lewis, Jason Yap, Julie Raymond, Phil Purdue) spoke against proposed sidewalks on the east side of Gardenbrook Drive and on Sam Street, citing adequate existing sidewalks, low foot traffic, tree roots, sprinkler systems, and cost. One resident also opposed the Foster Road segment. Council later removed those three segments (Gardenbrook, Sam Street, Foster) and also Swede Avenue, leaving only Dublin Avenue and Bay City Road.
• Short‑Term Rentals & Bed‑and‑Breakfasts (Item 15): Public comments included support for the planning commission’s recommendations and concerns about distinguishing owner‑occupied rentals from investor‑owned properties. John Bunch (401 East Pine) described being mistakenly cited for not living at his home due to a short‑term rental unit in his house. Randy Swirzman asked whether Airbnbs are included in the bed‑and‑breakfast definition. Several short‑term rental operators (Nate Senior, Nicole Moses, Jenny Mooth) expressed appreciation for the city’s approach and highlighted the service their properties provide to temporary workers and families.
• Drake Street Road Construction (Item 11): Katie Rubble (5709 Drake) stated that the city’s online project information was not updated until after the petition was submitted, but that the later published drawings were clear.
• 905 East Park Drive (Item 20): Approximately 20 residents spoke: many opposed the sale, arguing the triangular green space (the Point) has served as a de‑facto neighborhood park for decades, is vital for children’s unstructured play, and that its loss would harm community cohesion. They presented a petition with 188 signatures. Speakers also raised safety, liability, and the city’s master plan goals. One speaker (Andrew Halderson) said they were “blindsided” and had new information. Others (Dave Collette, Fred Jones, Greg Smith) spoke in favor of selling, arguing the property was not a designated park, that the city could use proceeds, and that the neighbors were exhibiting “white privilege” by opposing a blind buyer. Mr. Collette, the prospective buyer, said he had followed the proper process and that rescinding would set a bad precedent.

Discussion Items

• Arbor Day Proclamation: Marcy Holis (Parks and Recreation) presented a proclamation designating April 24, 2026 as Arbor Day. The council approved it 5‑0.
• Budget Amendment for Audit Services (Public Hearing): Laura Stolwell requested a $20,200 budget increase and a $42,650 change order to cover higher‑than‑expected audit costs for the 2025 fiscal year. The council approved the resolution 5‑0.
• Downtown SARA Assessment (Public Hearing): Selena Harris (DDA) reviewed the Shopping Area Redevelopment Act assessment for downtown Midland – a $45,000 annual levy for two years (unchanged from 2014). The council voted 5‑0 to direct the city assessor to prepare the special assessment roll.
• Liquor License Revocation (Show Cause Hearing – Item 5): City Attorney Komara explained that Pies Brothers Inc. (former PI’s Chinese Restaurant) is delinquent on $2,151.71 in property taxes. The council held a show‑cause hearing; no respondent appeared. Council voted 5‑0 to recommend revocation of the two liquor licenses.
• Water and Sewer Rate Increases (First Reading – Items 6‑7): Assistant City Manager Dalby presented a 5.5% increase for water reclamation (raising per‑1,000‑gallon charge from $3.57 to $3.77) and a 3% increase for water (from $2.78 to $2.86). Typical residential increase estimated at $3.07/month for a 5/8‑inch meter. The ordinances also allow staff to adjust bills for water leaks where sewage treatment was not needed. Both first readings passed 4‑0.
• Introduction of Citywide Budget (Item 8): City Manager Kay and Finance Director Stolwell presented the proposed 2026‑27 operating budget. Mr. Kay warned that the budget uses significant reserve funds for the second consecutive year, creating a structural deficit. The budget maintains the current millage rate (15.14 mils) and meets council’s January goals but will require difficult discussions. The resolution to receive and file the budget passed 4‑0; public hearings will be held April 27 and May 11 with adoption scheduled for May 18.
• Flood Mitigation Fund Allocations (Item 9): Mr. Kay outlined $10 million in MEDC funds originally set aside for the Sturgeon Creek flood control system (which cannot be completed by the grant deadline) and recommended reallocating it to storm‑sewer and culvert projects and pump‑station improvements (Emerson, Wyman, Valley Drive). A second $10 million in LEO funds would be used for Saginaw Road bridge/culvert reconstruction and the Sugnet Road culvert at Snake Creek. Both resolutions passed 4‑0.
• Sidewalk Improvement Plan (Item 14): Jacob Kane presented six proposed sidewalk segments. After public opposition, Councilman Wazbinski moved to remove Gardenbrook Drive, Sam Street, Foster Road, and Swede Avenue, leaving only Dublin Avenue and Bay City Road. The amended motion passed 4‑0, scheduling a hearing of necessity for May 11.
• Drake Street Road Construction (Item 11): Mr. Kay responded to a citizen petition requesting a halt to tree removal on Drake Street and changes to the city’s tree‑removal process. Staff found no justification for the requested changes; the project contracts are already awarded. The council received and filed the report 4‑0.
• Short‑Term Rentals and Bed‑and‑Breakfasts (Item 15): Jacob Kane presented the planning commission’s findings and recommendations after a council referral. Key findings: the city has 66 short‑term rentals (0.33% of housing units), 80% are licensed, no documented complaints or violations; the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act prevents a ban. Recommended updates to the 1971 housing code (Chapter 12) to clarify licensing requirements and add a local contact requirement. No changes to the zoning ordinance were recommended. After discussion, the council voted 4‑0 to receive the report and direct staff to prepare the housing code amendments, and separately voted 4‑0 to schedule a joint council‑planning commission meeting to develop a long‑term strategy for short‑term rentals and bed‑and‑breakfasts.
• 905 East Park Drive (Item 20): Mayor Donker moved to rescind the March 23 council resolution that authorized soliciting bids for the property. After extensive public comment, the council voted 4‑0 to postpone the matter to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Votes (all unanimous unless noted):
  • Consent agenda approved 5‑0 (item 11 removed).
  • Arbor Day proclamation adopted 5‑0.
  • Budget amendment for audit services approved 5‑0.
  • SARA assessment resolution approved 5‑0.
  • Liquor license revocation recommended 5‑0.
  • First readings of sewer and water rate ordinances passed 4‑0.
  • Receipt of proposed 2026‑27 budget approved 4‑0.
  • Flood mitigation fund reallocation (MEDC) approved 4‑0.
  • Flood mitigation fund allocation (LEO) approved 4‑0.
  • Sidewalk improvement plan (amended to four segments) approved 4‑0.
  • Drake Street road construction report received and filed 4‑0.
  • Short‑term rental report received with directive to prepare code amendments 4‑0; joint meeting on long‑term strategy approved 4‑0.
  • Motion to postpone decision on 905 East Park Drive to next meeting approved 4‑0.
• Next Steps:
  • Public hearings on the budget: April 27 and May 11; adoption May 18.
  • Public hearing on sidewalk necessity: May 11.
  • Public hearing on SARA special assessment roll: May (date TBD).
  • Second reading of water/sewer rate ordinances at a future meeting.
  • Joint council‑planning commission meeting on short‑term rental strategy to be scheduled.
  • The matter of 905 East Park Drive will be taken up at the council’s next regular meeting.