Portage City Council Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Portage City Council held a regular meeting on September 9, 2025, featuring two proclamations, public comments from a resident and a state representative, a presentation on the city's investment policy, approval of the consent agenda and a reappointment, and council member reports and announcements.

Proclamations

• National Senior Center Month: Proclamation read by Senior Citizens Advisory Board Chair Linda Zowler and Co-Chair Shirley Wamoff. Highlights included membership at 4,430 individuals, an average of 267 daily visitors, over 100,000 annual visits, new programs (virtual reality, horsemanship), and partnerships with Bronson, AARP, and the Area Agency on Aging. The center operates without cost to Portage taxpayers.
• Suicide Prevention Month: Frank Lewis, Crisis Program Manager at Griffin Place, presented the proclamation. He noted that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., that Griffin Place’s 988 crisis line handles over 60,000 calls annually, and that the organization has trained over 200 adults and 3,000 students in suicide prevention. An annual walk is scheduled for September 20.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 7-0 as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alan Leverage (Marcellus, MI) proposed a voluntary $50/month savings program for sewer hookups, with interest used for small projects, and encouraged reporters to connect idea-generators with decision-makers.
• State Representative Matt Wong (40th House District) warned that Michigan is likely headed for a state government shutdown on October 1 due to the budget impasse. He urged residents to complete state business (e.g., title transfers) before that date, expressing disappointment in the House’s failure to advance a budget.

Discussion Items

• Investment Policy Presentation: Deputy Director of Treasury and Revenue Taylor briefed council on the city’s investment practices under Public Act 20, emphasizing safety, liquidity, and yield. Preferred investments include U.S. Treasuries, agency securities, FDIC-insured CDs, top-rated commercial paper, and eligible mutual funds. The city works with local and regional brokers and banks. Councilmembers asked about returns (approximately $600,000 annual interest from the traditional portfolio) and risk management. City Manager McGuinness noted a new program that aggregates and invests funds for other taxing entities, earning an additional $1.23 million over two years by disbursing weekly instead of semi-monthly.
• CCTA Update: Councilmembers Pearson and Young reported that the Central County Transportation Authority board approved FY 2026–27 budgets and announced a legislative breakfast on Friday, September 19.
• Tax Abatements: Councilmember Burns reviewed PA 198 industrial tax exemptions, noting 11 active programs that retained or attracted roughly 4,500–5,000 jobs at an annual tax relief of ~$4.5 million (approximately $2,000 per job).
• Reappointment: Council confirmed Jim Pearson’s reappointment to the CCTA board unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 7-0.
• Motion to receive annual report from Senior Citizens Advisory Board approved unanimously.
• Reappointment of Jim Pearson to the CCTA board confirmed unanimously.
• The investment policy amendments will be presented for action at the September 23 council meeting.

Council Member Statements & Announcements

• Councilmember Young highlighted the “Battle of the Bins” food drive (Portage Northern vs. Portage Central) leading up to the October 10 game, with donations benefiting 12 Baskets charity. Also noted new businesses (Kalamazoo Pediatrics ribbon cutting on October 2) and the Central Elementary School ribbon cutting.
• Councilmember Burns discussed the PA 198 tax abatements as an efficient job-creation incentive.
• Councilmember Ledbetter urged men to get prostate exams and colonoscopies, noting Bronson’s free prostate exam event on September 23 in Battle Creek.
• Councilmember Miller announced the Judy Eckersmith Inspirational Garden at Lakeview Park now open, the Senior Center’s “In the Bag” purse/jewelry sale fundraiser, and the Holiday Bazaar vendor call (November 8).
• Mayor Randall emphasized the city’s partnership with schools (crossing guards, resource officers) and the opening of the eighth annual Art Exhibition on September 11 featuring winner Kathleen Mills.
• City Manager McGuinness announced a new online parks reservation system and the Monster Mash graveyard event in October.

Adjournment

• The meeting was adjourned at approximately [time not specified].