Portage City Council Meeting – April 7, 2026: Proclamations, Budget, and Trash Referendum Debate

The Portage City Council met on April 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting included proclamations for the Portage Community Center’s 50th anniversary and a resolution of respect for Nancy Martin, public comments on various topics, approval of the consent agenda, a brief budget presentation, and council member comments emphasizing the upcoming May 5 special election on the single-hauler trash contract.

Proclamation – Portage Community Center 50th Anniversary

• Chris Buckley, Executive Director, and five board members accepted the proclamation. Buckley reported that food pantry visits are up nearly 15% over the same time last year, and overall assistance requests have increased. He highlighted the center’s services: food assistance to over 4,000 families annually, personal care items to over 250 families, and more than 2,000 program hours for youth. He also noted an upcoming 50th anniversary cornhole event in September. Donations of spring/summer clothing and non-expired food are being accepted.

Resolution of Respect – Nancy Martin

• Councilmember Young read a resolution honoring Nancy Martin, a retired Portage Public Schools educator and award-winning tennis coach at Portage Northern High School. Martin was inducted into the Western Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025 and the Michigan Tennis Coach’s Hall of Fame in 2025. She spoke briefly, expressing gratitude for her career in Portage.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously by roll call vote (all seven members present: Burns, Ledbetter, Miller, Olmsted, Pearson, Randall, Young).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Alan Lovers (23965 88th Avenue, Marcellus, MI) proposed funding TSA through a $12-per-ticket fee and suggested the government create a free software program to manage household inventory and reduce gas consumption.
• Rick Filipolski (8836 East Shore Drive) expressed support for the city’s fiscal responsibility and urged voters to vote “no” on the May 5 special election ballot item that would overturn the new single-hauler trash contract. He claimed the initiative is funded by Best Way ($50,000) and supported by the Republican Party, and that the city’s contract saves approximately $3 million per year.
• A resident (6047 Marlowe, age 80) praised the city’s moratorium on battery energy storage systems and data centers, urging careful deliberation. He also noted the emergence of motorized unicycles on streets and urged caution.

Discussion Items

• Budget Presentation (2026-27) – City Manager McGuinness and Finance Director Lauren Vanderveen presented the proposed budget. The general fund totals $37.9 million, up 4% from the previous year. The budget includes $9.8 million for the Portage Road reconstruction project, funded partly by a $1.3 million increase in debt. All funds are balanced. A detailed public budget review will be held on April 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Council Committee Reports

• No reports were given.

Council Closing Comments

• Councilmember Young congratulated the University of Michigan men’s basketball national championship. She reported on a roundtable with Attorney General Dana Nessel about flock cameras, noting Portage’s successful use of the system. She reminded residents of the April 17 deadline for yard waste sign-up and urged caution for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Councilmember Burns echoed congratulations and jokingly invited the championship team to bring a parade to Westnedge.
• Councilmember Olmsted highlighted the May 5 special election and upcoming elections in August and November. He noted Portage has over 40,000 registered voters, with 12,000 absentee ballots mailed on March 26 and about 400 returned as of that Friday. He encouraged residents to apply to be election workers.
• Councilmember Ledbetter defended his right to express opinions on the single-hauler issue, stating he will vote “no” on May 5 to keep the cost-saving contract. He cited emails from residents saving money and criticized efforts to overturn the contract.
• Councilmember Miller highlighted the Portage Road 360 construction mitigation plan approved on the consent agenda, which includes support for businesses during construction. She also updated on efforts to establish ice skating rinks, noting tourism and economic impacts.
• City Manager Pat McGuinness announced a prescribed burn of 62 acres at Gordon Eck Recreation Area on April 8, and the ribbon cutting for Benjamin’s Big & Tall store (a new ownership).
• Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Pearson urged voters to vote “no” on the May 5 trash proposal, stating that the city’s competitive bidding process saved money for most residents. He shared his own example: paying Waste Management $168 per year compared to $270+ with Best Way.
• Mayor Randall commented on the Open Meetings Act, which prevented her from participating remotely during recent absences. She noted she was engaged via city manager contact and thanked colleagues.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously.
• Budget presentation accepted. A detailed public budget hearing set for April 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
• No formal votes on the trash referendum; council members expressed strong positions urging a “no” vote on May 5.
• The city will continue to support Portage Road businesses during construction via the mitigation plan.