Midland City Council Meeting - September 28, 2026

The Midland City Council met on September 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in council chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, a fire prevention proclamation, several budget amendments, ordinance updates, and a significant discussion on the potential sale of the Larkin Parking Deck, which was ultimately tabled for further valuation analysis. All votes were unanimous (4-0) unless otherwise noted.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by a 4-0 vote, enacting routine items without separate discussion.

Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week

• Chief Mosier presented a proclamation designating October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week in Midland. The theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower," focused on safe use of lithium-ion batteries. The department reported installing 645 smoke alarms in 126 homes over the past year and highlighted the Metals Preserve Project as the first community in Michigan fully equipped with residential sprinkler systems. The proclamation was adopted 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the public comment period or during any public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Budget Amendments (Fiscal Year 2026–27): Laura Stowell presented amendments across multiple funds. Net effects included: General Fund +$86,000; Major Street Fund +$3,000; Stormwater Management +$17,895; Center City Authority +$62,800 (for the Sagna Streetscape project); Downtown Development Authority +$587,000 (lighting, restroom renovations, economic development); Library +$34,000 (locker project); Landfill +$121,800 (fringes and Eagle permit savings); Water +$250,000 (budgeted equipment); Water Reclamation +$891,660 (wages, fringes, carryover projects); Equipment Revolving Fund +$600. Staff explained that many items were carryovers from the previous budget or omissions due to process changes. The city manager noted a remaining $700,000 gap in the General Fund, now increased to $786,000 after these amendments, but said they are actively identifying savings. Council expressed concern about the process but voted 4-0 to approve.
• Landfill Service Truck Purchase: Karen Murphy presented two resolutions to replace a landfill service truck. The equipment revolving fund originally budgeted $85,300 for a like replacement, but staff determined a larger Ford F-350 chassis was needed. Auction proceeds of $36,305 from sold landfill equipment were added, and the landfill budget contributed $3,926 for the upgrade, totaling $125,531. The first resolution amended the equipment revolving fund budget by $36,305, and the second authorized purchase orders to Lunghammer Ford ($55,549) and NAP Hide Truck Equipment ($69,982), with a 5% change order authority. Both passed 4-0.
• Police Department Fee Ordinance (Second Reading): Chief Ford presented an ordinance to update police service fees, which had not been changed since 2001. The amendment adjusts notary fees, preliminary breath tests, and fingerprinting costs, and removes fees for discontinued services. Fees are effective October 1, 2026. Approved 4-0.
• Yard Waste Collection Fee Ordinance (Second Reading): Karen Murphy presented an ordinance to increase yard waste fees, last raised in 2023. Current revenue of $332,000 falls short of the $441,000 needed to recover costs. A two-year phase-in was proposed: annual bin stickers from $55 to $70; additional bin stickers from $25 to $35; compost bag stickers from $0.60 to $0.80. The increase is expected to generate an additional $90,000 annually. Approved 4-0.
• Bulk Fuel Purchasing Ordinance (Second Reading): Karen Murphy presented an ordinance to streamline bulk fuel purchasing. Current requirements for council approval on every purchase (due to rising fuel costs) have become burdensome. The amendment allows the city manager to award spot bids for bulk fuel without council approval. Approved 4-0.
• Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District Renaming (First Reading): Mr. Kane presented an ordinance to update references from "neighborhood commercial" to "neighborhood center" in the Code of Ordinances, consistent with zoning amendments passed in March 2025. No substantive changes to regulations. First reading passed 4-0; second reading scheduled for next meeting.
• General Employees Retirement System (GERS) Ordinance (First Reading): Mr. Sally presented an ordinance to establish the City of Midland General Employees Retirement System, replacing the current MERS plan. The change only affects administration, not employee benefits. The city expects to save approximately $100,000 annually in administrative fees, achieve more accurate actuarial assumptions, and potentially improve investment returns based on the performance of the existing police and fire pension system. The ordinance creates two boards (defined benefit and defined contribution) and requires council appointment of retiree and citizen trustees. First reading passed 4-0; second reading scheduled.
• Larkin Parking Deck Sale: Mr. Kay presented a purchase offer from Midland Main Street Investments LLC to buy the city’s two-thirds interest in the Larkin Parking Deck for $50,000. The buyer plans to redevelop adjacent buildings (the Midland Main Project) with 19 apartments, six brownstones, office, and restaurant space. The city currently contributes $90,000 annually from DDA funds and receives $68,000 in lease revenue, resulting in an annual net loss of $22,000. The deck also has an estimated $1.1 million in future repairs against $860,000 in the condominium reserve fund. The purchase agreement includes a right of first refusal for the city at no cost if the buyer later divests. Councilman Passick requested more detailed valuation information before deciding. The item was tabled to the next meeting by a 4-0 vote.
• New Business: Repurposing Tridge Wood: Councilman Passick suggested exploring options to salvage wood from the old Tridge structure for community use (e.g., benches, keepsakes) rather than sending it to the landfill. Council agreed to discuss the idea further, noting potential liability concerns, and will incorporate it into future retreat discussions.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Fire Prevention Week proclamation (4-0).
• Approved budget amendments for FY 2026–27 across multiple funds (4-0).
• Approved landfill service truck purchase and budget amendment (4-0).
• Adopted police department fee ordinance (4-0, effective October 1, 2026).
• Adopted yard waste fee ordinance (4-0, phase-in starting 2027 season).
• Adopted bulk fuel purchasing ordinance (4-0, effective immediately).
• Gave first reading to neighborhood commercial renaming ordinance (4-0; second reading October 12, 2026).
• Gave first reading to GERS ordinance (4-0; second reading October 12, 2026).
• Tabled Larkin Parking Deck sale until the next meeting for additional valuation analysis (4-0).
• Directed staff to consider repurposing Tridge wood in future planning.