Midland City Council Meeting – July 13, 2026

The Midland City Council met on July 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM in council chambers. The meeting covered a proclamation for National Parks and Recreation Month, a public hearing and vote on vacating a portion of Maple Street, a public hearing and vote on an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption (IFT) for Midland Compounding, and new business concerning culvert project updates. All items were approved except one vote on the IFT drew a dissenting vote.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5-0). No items were removed. Councilman Wasbinski requested that new business later in the meeting include a discussion of culvert projects.

Proclamation – National Parks and Recreation Month

• Marcy Post, representing the Parks and Recreation Department, presented a proclamation designating July 2026 as National Parks and Recreation Month. She highlighted the theme “The Power of Parks and Recreation” and noted that parks improve health, foster community, and boost the local economy. The proclamation was adopted unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Street Vacation (Maple Street):
  • James Bain (2113 Bayless Street, representing himself) spoke in support of the vacation, provided pedestrian access to Cleveland Park is preserved. He noted he walks through the area and wants continued access.
  • Patrick Pinocchic (2525 North Eastman Road, petitioner) expressed appreciation for the vacation and stated the intended use is to develop approximately 14 townhouse units. He confirmed support for the 15-foot easement for park access.
• IFT – Midland Compounding:
  • Ther Brown (President, Midland Compounding, 3810 James Savage Road) described the company’s history in plastic compounding and recycling. He stated the IFT is critical to the project; without it, the company might consider moving to Bay City or Stanish.
  • Katie Robel (5709 Drake Street) asked about accountability for job creation and retention. Staff responded that annual reporting is required and non-compliance could lead to revocation.
  • Nicole Wilson (Vice President of Economic Development, Midland Business Alliance) voiced support, noting Midland Compounding has been in the community for over 25 years and the investment strengthens the local manufacturing base.

Discussion Items

• Vacation of a Portion of Maple Street:
  • Mr. Kane presented the request from Panastic Property Solutions to vacate the right-of-way along six parcels in the Solander Addition plat. The street has never been developed. Staff recommended vacating the entire right-of-way but retaining a 15-foot-wide easement across the northern half for public access to Cleveland Park. The planning commission supported the vacation subject to combining lots to prevent landlocking. Councilman Wasbinski and others noted support from neighbors and the win-win nature of the proposal. The resolution passed unanimously (5-0).
• Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption for Midland Compounding PMLLC:
  • Kayla Ripley (Finance Department) presented the request. The company seeks a 12-year IFT for a $2,755,400 building expansion connecting three existing buildings. The project will retain 25 jobs and create 3 new full-time jobs. Estimated first-year city tax revenue without IFT: $78,600; with IFT: $43,400 (exemption of about $35,000). Over 12 years, the city would forgo about $140,510 in property tax revenue while the company saves about $459,000. Council debated the term length. Councilman Passick suggested adopting criteria to grade abatements and proposed a shorter term (e.g., 6–9 years) given budget constraints. Mayor Donker and Councilman Brown Wilhelm favored 12 years, noting the company’s first-time request and the modest revenue loss relative to the investment. Councilman Soler expressed openness to a shorter term but ultimately voted for 12. The motion for a 12-year term passed 4-1 (one dissenting vote). The resolution was then approved by the same margin.
• New Business – Culvert Project Updates:
  • Councilman Wasbinski requested that future culvert replacement projects (e.g., the box culverts under West Sugnet Road) include a summary of how the design compares to Spicer report recommendations for flood resilience. Mr. Kane explained that the Sugnet culvert replacement is driven by bridge condition, not flood mitigation, and that design details are typically not brought to council. The discussion concluded with an agreement that staff will include brief flood-related context in bid award reports when relevant.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 5-0.
• Proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month adopted 5-0.
• Maple Street vacation approved 5-0, subject to lot combination and a 15-foot public easement.
• IFT for Midland Compounding approved for a 12-year term by a 4-1 vote. The resolution authorizes the exemption and will be forwarded to the State Tax Commission for final approval.
• Council directed staff to provide flood resilience context in future culvert project reports.