Portland City Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Portland City Council convened on September 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting focused on two major items from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA): a proposed social district and holiday lighting on City Hall. Extensive public comment was heard in support of lighting City Hall. The council approved both DDA initiatives, along with several routine resolutions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Gibbs, resident and downtown business owner, expressed strong support for lighting City Hall, citing examples from other Michigan cities (Lathrop Village, Saginaw, Hartford, Westland). He noted that DDA funds were originally used to build City Hall, that infrastructure is already in place, and that estimated electrical cost is approximately $7 per week. He framed it as a partnership between the city and downtown property owners.
• Tim Fuller, resident and downtown property owner, detailed the growth of the holiday light show over seven years, from a few blocks to a major attraction drawing 5,000 to 10,000 visitors per show. He stated that the show brings outside money to local businesses and that City Hall is the only missing piece. He asked the council to join the partnership.
• Cheryl Van Gore, resident, asked about resurfacing of the local trail, citing safety issues on Cutler Road. The city manager noted it is evaluated annually and encouraged further discussion.
• Darlene Shraban, 74-year resident, strongly supported the lights, calling City Hall a "big great dinosaur" that should be illuminated to add hope and draw people downtown.
• Naomi Gibbs, lifelong resident, supported the lights and urged the community to work together, noting that a new business (Monkey Llama) recently signed a lease, showing potential.
• Rick Davison, resident, expressed strong support for Resolution 26-68, arguing it is legally secure under the government speech doctrine, uses proper procedures, and pairs well with the social district.
• Elijah Larson, resident and property owner, supported the lights, calling City Hall a "noticeable void" in the show and a way for the city to show it is part of the community.
• Jennifer Sternisha spoke on behalf of her husband Ed Sternisha, who is running for circuit court judge. This was not related to agenda items.
• Heather Conroy, new resident from Illinois, moved to Portland partly due to the light show. She noted City Hall appears as a "darkness" in photos and strongly supported lighting it.
• Julie Hughes, resident, demanded that if the council votes against the lights, they must have a substantive reason. She called the lights about atmosphere, not religion.
• Corey O'Connell, DDA board member, supported both the social district and the lights. He noted that dark spots are heavily criticized in light shows and that 18 property owners signed in support. He stated that a professional company would charge hundreds of thousands of dollars for such a show.
• Renee Davis, resident, supported the lights, calling City Hall a "dark place" during the show and urging collaboration.

Discussion Items

• Social District (Resolution 26-67): DDA Director Tina Conner Wellman presented the proposal to establish a social district in downtown Portland. The DDA had completed preliminary work and budgeted approximately $15,000 for setup and $5,500 annually. Council discussion included concerns about crossing Grand River, park alcohol rules, and whether the district would provide enough financial gain. The city manager recommended moving forward to develop the ordinance. The council voted to approve the resolution, directing staff to proceed with legal and framework development.
• City Hall Holiday Lighting (Resolution 26-68): The DDA recommended lighting City Hall as part of the downtown holiday show, with equipment costs covered by DDA funds (not general fund). Two options were presented: wrapping the west and north sides and adding the portico, with a 40% cost reduction by coordinating with other projects. The city manager recommended denial, citing mission creep and prudent use of public funds. Mayor Barnes argued that an ordinance should be in place first to govern decorations on city property. Other council members expressed support, emphasizing the community enthusiasm and low cost. The council voted 4-1 to approve the resolution.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 26-67 (Social District) was approved, directing staff and the DDA to continue developing the framework and draft an ordinance for the social district.
• Resolution 26-68 (City Hall Holiday Pixel Lighting) was approved (4-1), authorizing equipment purchase and installation planning using city-approved contractors, with the DDA responsible for costs and maintenance.
• Other resolutions approved unanimously:
  • Resolution 26-69: Transient trader permits for Portland Accole Football Association.
  • Resolution 26-70: MERS service credit purchase by a city employee.
  • Resolution 26-71: Distributed energy resource interconnect plan with MF Consultants.
  • Resolution 26-72: Municipal dam public safety plan with MF Consultants.
  • Resolution 26-73: Purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for the electric department.
  • Resolution 26-74: Purchase of two Viper reclosers for Grant Street substation.
  • Resolution 26-75: Pay application #2 for Hill Street improvements.
  • Resolution 26-76: Confirmation of Cameron St. Moore's appointment to city boards/commissions.
• Consent Calendar approved, including August 17 meeting minutes, invoices ($502,984.51), payroll ($149,433.64), and several purchases over $5,000.