Midland City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Midland City Council met on May 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered a consent agenda, public hearings on a conditional use permit for a child care center, the CDBG budget, the sidewalk improvement plan, and the city budget, as well as discussion of the East Park Drive property and a contract for Saginaw Road streetscape design. Votes were taken on several items, with tallies ranging from 4-1 to 5-0.

Consent Calendar

• Routine Approvals: The consent agenda was initially moved for approval. A citizen requested removal of the "Professional Engineering Study for Center City" item. After no further requests, the remainder of the consent agenda was approved by voice vote with no opposition. The removed item was not separately discussed later in the meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Conditional Use Permit #97 (Child Care Center at 1112 East Wackerly Street): Eight written comments were received: two in support and six in opposition (four unique opponents, two submitting twice). Opponents Art House (6119 Courtside), Tammy Elfwall (6115 Courtside), Dave Savereen (6116 Courtside), Ashley Alphewall (6115 Courtside), and Kais Hamasha (6111 Courtside) cited concerns about residential character, noise, traffic, privacy, safety, tree removal, and the potential precedent for commercial uses in RA1 zoning. Supporters included Patrick Panasik (2525 North Eastern Road, citizen), Tony Stamas (President/CEO, Midland Business Alliance), and Sean Panasik (7102 Windstream Circle, developer/builder). The applicant, Logan Ricchetti (property owner), also spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for infant care and the building’s design.
• Community Development Block Grant Budget: No public comments were offered.
• Sidewalk Improvement Plan: No public comments were offered.
• Budget (Second Public Hearing): John Ellison (6106 Georgian Creek Parkway) commented critically, advocating for spending on infrastructure (water, sewer, stormwater) over what he considered frivolous projects (Sugnet Road extension, streetscapes, Ashman Circle study). He questioned the value of past streetscape investments.
• Saginaw Road Streetscape Phase 2 / Ashman Circle Improvements: Matt Lemon (3415 Marvo Court, former city engineer and competing bidder) criticized the selection process, stating his firm’s fee proposal was $376,000 vs. the recommended $559,500, and raised transparency concerns. He also challenged Moore & Bruggink’s performance on Phase 1. Staff responded that the contract was awarded based on qualifications, not low bid.
• East Park Drive (tabled item): No public comments were taken, per council procedure.

Discussion Items

• Conditional Use Permit #97 (Child Care Center): City Planner Kane presented the request for a 3,800 sq ft child care center on a 0.75-acre wooded lot, with a 19-space parking lot, playground, and evergreen screening. The site is zoned RA1 (residential) but allows child care as a conditional use. Kane noted 25 existing child care centers in RA districts, and that the master plan identifies child care as a top community need. Council discussed parking setbacks, noise, traffic, tree buffers, and comparisons to other permitted uses (e.g., schools, fire stations). The outdoor play area will be about 60 feet from the southern property line. The applicant described a planned six-foot vinyl privacy fence and retention of natural trees. Council debated the impact on the neighborhood but noted the property owner has the right to develop under current zoning; a home could also be built. Motion to approve passed 4-1.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Budget: Kane presented the 2026-27 annual action plan with a total budget of $232,429 (entitlement $222,429 + $10,000 program income). Funding is proposed for five of six requests: Fair Housing Testing (Legal Services of Eastern Michigan) – full funding; Accessibility Modification & Home Repair (Home to Stay) – full requested; Housing Rehabilitation (Affordable Housing Alliance) – partial; Habitat for Humanity Rehabilitation – almost full (their priority over a second proposal); and Cleveland Manor walk-in shower installation – full. The Housing Commission voted 4-0 to recommend. A 30-day public comment period yielded no comments. Council approved the budget and plan 5-0.
• Sidewalk Improvement Plan: Kane presented two projects: (1) South side of Bay City Road from Fast Ice Drive to North Market Street (to complete the network); (2) West side of Dublin Avenue at 6003 Dublin Avenue (filling the only gap between Saginaw Road and Wackerly). Both projects have separate resolutions. No written opposition was received (threshold for 4/5 vote not triggered). City share is $33,469.75 (budgeted) and property owner share is $39,786 across three owners. Council noted safety and walkability benefits. Both resolutions were passed 5-0.
• Budget (Second Public Hearing / Adoption Preview): Finance Director Stilwell presented a revised general fund budget with a deficit reduced to $6.8 million (from an initial $20 million). Key changes: 0.5 mill increase (to 15.64 mills – first increase in 9 years), removal of $1M stormwater contribution, no additional pension funding, removal of $1.5M for landfill and fire study placeholder, reduction of health insurance budget from $8M to $6M, and reduction of library transfer by $1M. The deficit is largely covered by a pending personal property tax reimbursement. Council directed staff to continue looking for efficiencies. Adoption is scheduled for the next meeting.
• East Park Drive (905 East Park Drive): The council considered a motion to rescind a previous direction (March 23, 2026) to solicit bids for the sale of this property. Mayor Donker, who made the motion, argued that the property is valued as a green space and aligns with the master plan and parks master plan goals. Other council members noted that the neighborhood has voiced strong support for keeping it, and that changing one’s mind is acceptable when warranted. The motion to rescind was approved by voice vote (apparently unanimous). Council clarified that this does not make it a chartered park and that future proposals could still be considered.
• Saginaw Road Streetscape Phase 2 & Ashman Circle Improvements: Staff recommended a contract with Moore & Bruggink for professional engineering services at $559,500 (plus $50,000 change order authority). Funding is from $1.2 million in donated funds remaining from Phase 1. The project includes lighting, sidewalk, street trees, parking study, and placemaking for Ashman Circle. A qualified bid process ranked Moore & Bruggink highest; six bids were received. Despite a lower bid ($376,000) from a local firm, staff emphasized the need for a thorough, complex design. Council approved 5-0.
• New Business: Mayor Donker announced that she will assign council members to interview boards and commissions applicants (Aviation Committee, Dial-A-Ride, Library Board, Parks & Rec, Planning Commission, Historic District, Zoning Board of Appeals). Assignments will be sent later in the week.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional Use Permit #97 (Child Care Center) Approved: Vote 4-1. Contingencies include compliance with fire marshal requirements and engineering permits. The applicant must maintain the proposed site plan, evergreen screening, and lighting standards.
• CDBG Budget & Action Plan Approved: Vote 5-0. Five projects funded; Habitat for Humanity’s second proposal deferred.
• Sidewalk Projects – Bay City Road and Dublin Avenue Approved: Two separate 5-0 votes. Special assessments will be prepared; construction expected late summer/early fall.
• East Park Drive – Rescission of Bid Solicitation Approved: Vote appears unanimous. The city will not pursue sale at this time; property remains undeveloped.
• Saginaw Road Streetscape Phase 2 Engineering Contract Approved: Vote 5-0. Contract amount not to exceed $559,500 with up to $50,000 change order authority. Design and community engagement to follow; project funded by donations.
• Budget Adoption Scheduled: Next meeting (May ?) will consider final adoption of the 2026-27 budget with a $6.8 million deficit.
• Boards and Commissions Interviews: Assignments to be distributed this week.