Portage City Council Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Portage City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM, presided over by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Pearson. Mayor Randall was absent but participating via TV link. The meeting included two proclamations, public comments, approval of a consent agenda, a public hearing and vote on a moratorium for data centers and battery energy storage systems, committee reports, and council member statements.

Consent Calendar

• Approved 11 consent agenda items, including a $121,000 contract for Ramona Park fishing pier rehabilitation. All items were approved unanimously via roll call vote (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alan Leverage (Marcellus, MI) proposed a countywide consolidated garbage route system managed by road commissions, with competition among haulers and a 1% fee for administration.
• Unnamed speaker urged a moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage facilities for at least one year, citing rising utility bills. They shared a personal example: $34 in actual consumption led to a $145 bill from Consumers Energy, and warned that data centers elsewhere have driven up rates.
• Rachel Vignalis (Kalamazoo Township) introduced herself as a candidate for the 8th District Court judge, emphasizing the need for courts to address root causes and minimize trauma.

Public Hearing: Data Center and Battery Energy Storage Moratorium

• A public hearing was held on an amendment to Chapter 42, Article IV, Division III to establish a temporary moratorium on data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Jason Mickelborg (Portage) spoke against BESS, detailing risks including thermal runaway, difficult-to-extinguish fires, toxic gas releases (hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen cyanide), electrical hazards, and large-scale infrastructure danger. He urged the council to prioritize public safety over such facilities.
• Caitlin Clary (Vicksburg) spoke in favor of the moratorium, highlighting risks from natural disasters (e.g., tornadoes spreading hazardous materials), lack of enforcement and inspection mechanisms, and cited an illegal power plant at an XAI data center in Tennessee. She urged plans for worst-case scenarios.
• The public hearing was closed via a voice vote (all in favor).

Discussion Items

• Motion to Adopt Moratorium: Councilmember Pearson moved to adopt the amendment, with a second from Councilmember Burns. The roll call vote was unanimous (5-0 in favor). Staff will study the issue and return to council at a future date.
• Committee Reports:
  • Councilmember Miller reported on the Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (KCCDA) approval of an $8 million radio readiness program for law enforcement encryption and fire/EMS migration to MPSCS system by end of 2027; and on a Discover Kalamazoo Tourism Master Planning Steering Committee meeting, emphasizing outdoor recreation, nightlife, and better trail connectivity.
  • Councilmember Young reported on attending the Michigan Municipal League's Capcon conference, including meeting gubernatorial candidates and joining state Rep. Rogers during a House session; and on a Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors legislative forum highlighting new businesses like Donut Den and Tullejour Bakery.
  • Councilmember Burns previewed a water/sewer rate setting committee recommendation: sewer rate increase of 8.4%, water rate increase of 5%, combining to about 7% overall ($5.67/month for average user) due to Kalamazoo's capital improvements.
  • Councilmember Olmsted reminded about the May 5th special election, featuring a single-hauler trash ordinance amendment and a KRisa millage proposal. He encouraged informed voting without personally taking a side.
• Councilmember Statements:
  • Councilmember Miller reiterated the May 5th election, urging a "no" vote on the trash proposal to preserve oversight, cost projections under contract, and existing programs (recycling, brush/boot pick-up). He also noted MML youth art contest and road construction on Sprinkle, Portage, and Westnedge roads this summer.
  • City Manager McGuinness reported:
    • Stanwood Crossings community land trust: three homes closed, 42 total will be largest in Michigan.
    • Balanced FY2026-27 budget to be presented April 7, with no tax rate increases.
    • Public works helped Three Rivers with tornado debris removal (160 loads).
    • Yard waste sign-up deadline March 31.
    • Thanked Board of Review volunteers.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Pearson personally urged a "no" vote on the garbage proposal, stating competitive bidding saved money: his own Best Way bill was $274 in 2025 (9.2% increase), while Waste Management bill is $168/year – a $100+ savings. He argued the city is acting in residents' financial interest.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Data Center/BESS Moratorium: Approved unanimously; staff to study and return.
• Future Budget: April 7th meeting with no property tax increase.
• Water/Sewer Rate Increase: Recommendation of ~7% or $5.67/month for average user; final vote pending.
• Special Election: May 5th, absentee ballots mailed March 26. Council members generally encouraged informed voting; some took personal positions on the trash ordinance.
• Ramona Park Pier: Rehabilitation contract awarded ($121,000), pier has been closed since 2024.