Public Meetings - Midland, Michigan

The Midland City Council met on December 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM in council chambers at City Hall. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a presentation on the City Strive employee recognition program, a proclamation recognizing the opening of the American Revolution Experience, a public hearing and vote on a zoning petition, and a presentation on the 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Due to only three council members being present, one consent agenda item requiring a four-fifths vote was deemed defeated and will be rescheduled. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, comprising routine resolutions marked with an asterisk, was approved by a 3-0 vote. No items were removed from the consent agenda. - Note: Item number nine, regarding Nelson Lift Station pump replacements, was later identified as requiring a four-fifths vote. Since only three council members were present, the 3-0 vote did not meet the threshold, and the item was considered defeated. Staff will return it to the January 12, 2026, agenda. Presentations & Proclamations - City Strive Awards: Becky Schaefer, Director of Human Resources, presented the City Strive employee recognition program. The program, a well-being initiative, allows employees and citizens to nominate city employees for extraordinary performance. Awards are vetted by a well-being committee and the city manager's office. In 2025, dozens of nominations resulted in only two awards: Peter Schwartz (Water Services Director) received the Stewardship Award for handling PFONT settlement paperwork himself, saving the city an estimated 25% (approximately $250,000); Rachel (Customer Account Rep, Parks and Rec) received the Above and Beyond Award for consistent, calm performance and handling unexpected tasks like coordinating crews during storms. Council expressed appreciation for the program. - Proclamation – American Revolution Experience: Council adopted a resolution recognizing December 21, 2025, as the opening day of the American Revolution Experience at the Midland Mall, sponsored by the Midland John Alden Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Julia Lawless, chapter regent, accepted the proclamation. The exhibit runs from December 21 to January 3, 2026, and focuses on the people and decisions of the Revolutionary era. The chapter also contributes approximately 5,000 service hours annually in the community. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public comment period or during the public hearing on the zoning petition. Public Hearing and Discussion Items - Zoning Petition 668 – 4007 Letts Street: The public hearing was held on a request to rezone a one-acre parcel (recently annexed from Larkin Township) from Larkin Township zoning to Residential B (RB) – Multiple Family Residential. The applicant, Merrick Holdings LLC, plans to develop two two-family dwellings (four units total). Staff analysis indicated the proposed RB zoning is consistent with the city's master plan, serves as a transitional district between higher-intensity mobile home park (south/east) and lower-intensity single-family development (north/west), and supports infill housing goals. The Planning Commission recommended approval 8-0. No public comments were received. Council discussed the difference between RA4 (one- and two-family) and RB (allows multiple-family). The motion to approve passed 3-0. Discussion Items - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Sneak Peek: Jacob Kane, City Planner, presented a preview of the 2027-2032 CIP, noting that this year's plan is more of a status quo after major expansions in prior years. Three project areas were highlighted: 1. Parking Lots: The city has about 50 parking lots. Nine new requests are included for mill and overlay, full reconstruction, and reconfiguration, including Central Park (reconfigure after community center construction, proposed for FY2027) and Grove Park (expand and improve accessible parking). Staff will develop a comprehensive maintenance plan similar to streets and sidewalks. 2. Newspaper Digitization: A new request from the library to digitize the local newspaper collection (dating back to 1881) via a company called NewsBank. This one-time acquisition provides high-quality, searchable digital access remotely, with no platform fee. It would save space and preserve deteriorating print and microfilm. 3. Diamond Drive Non-Motorized Facility: A citizen request for a sidewalk/shared-use path along Diamond Drive from Waldo Avenue to Midfield Lane (nearly 2 miles). Estimated cost $2.1 million, proposed for FY2032. Staff recommends a 10-foot shared-use path rather than sidewalk due to wetland conditions and low property owner density, which may require alternative funding (general fund or grants). The presentation was received by resolution (3-0). The full CIP will go to Planning Commission on January 13, 2026, with a public hearing on January 27, and council action expected on February 23, 2026. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved 3-0 (with one item needing future reconsideration due to voting threshold). - Proclamation for American Revolution Experience approved 3-0. - Zoning Petition 668 (4007 Letts Street) approved 3-0, rezoning to RB. - CIP presentation received 3-0, with no further action; formal adoption process to follow in early 2026. - Nelson Lift Station pump replacements item deferred to January 12, 2026, agenda due to insufficient council members present for the required four-fifths vote. - No new business was introduced. The meeting adjourned with holiday wishes. Note: The meeting had only three council members present (Mayor Donker, Councilman Passick, Councilman Brown Will). Council members Wazbinski and Solar were absent.

The Midland City Council met on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. in council chambers at Midland City Hall. No conflicts of interest were declared. The council unanimously approved all agenda items by 5-0 votes, including recognitions, a proclamation, service center renovation funding, an entranceway sign gift, and a rescheduled public hearing. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 5-0 with no items removed at the request of council or the public. Proclamations, Awards, and Recognitions - Midland 100 Club proclamation: The council voted 5-0 to authorize a proclamation recognizing the Midland 100 Club's more than $2 million in contributions to Midland County. The club has grown from 11 founding members to more than 600 members, has partnered with 86 local charitable organizations, and will hold its 50th meeting on January 7, 2026. Chair Tina Van Damme accepted the proclamation and credited Bobby Arnold with starting the club in 2009 with 10 people; the proclamation text states it was founded with 11 members. - Police Officer of the Year: The council voted 5-0 to recognize Officer Christopher Corbett as the 2025 Carl and Esther Gerstacker Police Officer of the Year. Corbett joined the Midland Police Department as a patrol officer on August 10, 2020, and was praised for his empathy, communication skills, coaching, and work on a nearly year-long homicide investigation. - Firefighter of the Year: The council voted 5-0 to recognize Firefighter Nathaniel McCorrey as the 2025 Carl and Esther Gerstacker Firefighter of the Year. McCorrey is an eight-year veteran, Marine Corps veteran, and acting fire truck operator at Station Two; he led a training session on search tactics and later helped locate a trapped resident during a structure fire. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public comment period. - The public hearing on the municipal service center project was opened and closed with no public comments. Public Hearing: Municipal Service Center Phase One Renovations - City staff presented a facility study recap identifying four major facility needs: water plant security, water reclamation office expansion, municipal service center and cold storage space, and library space management. Water reclamation and library work are underway and expected to finish around February 2026. - An earlier concept proposed an 8,700 square foot cold storage addition for $2.3 million, but after organizational changes created new office positions, a revised phased plan was developed at a projected total cost of $7.3 million. That plan would include a new fleet service building of about 20,000 square feet at $6.1 million, freeing more than 20,000 square feet of existing space for other departments, plus about $800,000 in remaining building renovations. - Phase one, the only phase before council this evening, renovates DPW and Parks and Recreation front offices, adds ADA-compliant public windows and restrooms, and creates a public conference room. - The council voted 5-0 to amend the fiscal year 2026 building fund by $360,000 for phase one, drawing from the $2.865 million building fund balance created by two prior council appropriations ($250,000 and $2.6 million). - The council voted 5-0 to authorize a design and construction contract with Three Rivers Corporation in the amount of $338,689, with the city manager authorized to approve change orders up to $20,000 total. - Council discussion noted that future staffing needs were considered in the design and that the new public window would be similar to City Hall's layout. Entranceway Signage Gift from the Entranceway Initiative Task Force - City staff presented a proposed gift from the Entranceway Initiative Task Force: replacing gateway signage at Isabella Street and Curry Parkway with landscaping upgrades, at a total cost of about $28,000 fully funded by the task force. - The new sign is similar to the Patrick Road gateway sign but about 15% wider and 2% taller. The existing city-owned sign would remain in the city's inventory for potential reuse. - The council voted 5-0 to accept the gift and thank the task force, noting that the task force was formed in 2000 and the city assumed maintenance responsibility for entranceway improvements in 2006. Rescheduled Budget Amendment Public Hearing - The council voted 5-0 to move the budget amendment public hearing for a grant to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for the fire department from December 15, 2025, to January 12, 2026, because the advance notice publication requirement could not be met for the earlier date. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 5-0. - Midland 100 Club proclamation approved 5-0. - Police Officer Christopher Corbett recognition approved 5-0. - Firefighter Nathaniel McCorrey recognition approved 5-0. - FY2026 building fund amended by $360,000 for Phase One service center renovations, approved 5-0. - Three Rivers Corporation contract for $338,689, plus up to $20,000 in change orders, approved 5-0. - Entranceway sign and landscaping gift accepted 5-0. - SCBA budget amendment public hearing rescheduled to January 12, 2026, approved 5-0. - Council noted the next regular meeting is December 15, 2025, and highlighted the recent grand opening of Founders Crossing.

The Midland City Council held a regular meeting on November 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The council approved consent agenda items, conducted two public hearings on a structural inspection of the Tridge and a major zoning modernization update (Task 2), and voted to refer two zoning matters to the Planning Commission. All votes were unanimous (5-0). Consent Calendar - Approved all consent agenda items by a 5-0 vote. No items were removed for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public hearing for the Tridge inspection or the zoning amendment. No general public comments were offered during the public comment period. Discussion Items Tridge Structural Inspection (Public Hearing) - Karen Murphy, City staff, presented: The Tridge (a city landmark) requires restaining of its arches and repair of visible wood rot on deck support members, as the protective coating has a 5–7 year lifespan. A $28,500 proposal from Western Wood Structures (Oregon) for a thorough inspection was received. The city has an endowed maintenance fund at the Midland Area Community Foundation to cover major expenses; accessing these funds requires amending the General Fund Parks budget by $30,000 (including incidentals). The inspection report is expected in winter 2025-26, with repair work planned for 2026 (staff corrected a typo from "2027"). Council members expressed support, calling it a good investment. Zoning Modernization – Task 2 (Public Hearing) – Ordinance Amendment No. 169 - Mr. Kane (Planning) presented: This is part of a multi-phase update to the city's zoning ordinance (last comprehensively updated in 2004) to align with the 2024 Master Plan (Midland City Modern). Task 1 (use regulations) was adopted in March 2025. Task 2 focuses on dimensional standards (lot size, setbacks, building height, density). Key proposed changes: - Remove both-side setback requirement in most residential districts (found to serve no public purpose and hindered home expansions). - Streamline RA4 district by applying single-family dimensional standards to two-family dwellings, allowing more housing flexibility (e.g., on 7,200 sq ft lots). Responding to a council question, Mr. Kane noted the change responds to a housing gap identified in community studies. - Allow small-lot residential development in residential B, B2, and office-service districts (minimum 20-foot lot width, 2,400 sq ft area) to enable fee-simple ownership (vs. condominiums) and reduce infrastructure costs. Examples illustrated compatibility with existing Midland development patterns. - Eliminate front yard setbacks in mixed-use districts (neighborhood, community, regional centers) to permit more walkable development akin to downtown; this is a minimum, not a requirement. - Simplify table footnotes (consolidate from 4 to 3), expand height exceptions for places of worship, and make other minor clarifications. - The Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0 after several meetings and a “stress test” of sample developments. - Council questions addressed parking standards (to be addressed in Task 4), relationship with state MI Home program (staff noted alignment in spirit but lack of quantified targets), and interactions with existing overlay districts (e.g., Center City, Downtown Northside overlay maintain their specific setbacks). - Council members praised the work and the stress-test approach. New Business: Referral to Planning Commission on Bed-and-Breakfast and Short-Term Rental Regulations - Councilman Solder raised concerns about the current definition of “bed and breakfast” in the zoning code, specifically that it does not require owner occupancy, which he believes is important for property stewardship and neighborhood character. He also noted that short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb) are a separate but related issue. Discussion clarified that B&B and short-term rentals are distinct; the council had previously discussed short-term rental regulation but had not acted. Councilman Brown Wilhelm and Councilman Solder supported reviewing both topics separately. - A motion was made and seconded to request the Planning Commission to review both bed-and-breakfast standards and short-term rental regulations and bring back recommendations. The motion passed 5-0 without a specific timeline. Key Outcomes - Approved (5-0) resolution to amend the FY2026 General Fund Parks budget by $30,000, accepting funds from the Tridge Endowed Maintenance Fund (Midland Area Community Foundation) for a structural inspection of the Tridge. - Approved (5-0) resolution repealing Article 26 and adopting new Article 12 of the zoning ordinance (Task 2), updating dimensional regulations to implement the Master Plan. - Referred to the Planning Commission a review of bed-and-breakfast and short-term rental regulations, with instructions to bring back recommendations. - Announcements: Ribbon cutting for Posyville Preserve/Founders Crossing walkway on December 2 at 4:30 p.m., followed by Christmas tree lighting and courthouse lighting events.

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the date as November 10, 2025, but the provided instructions specify the date as October 30, 2025. This discrepancy is noted here. The Midland City Council held a regular meeting covering routine approvals, an infrastructure update from the MBA Advisory Committee, a public hearing on a homeland security grant, and the second reading adoption of the recodified code of ordinances. All votes were unanimous (4-0). Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda (4-0) without any items removed or discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made on non-agenda items during the public comments portion. - No public comments were made during the public hearing for the homeland security grant. - No public comments were made on the recodification of ordinances. Discussion Items - Infrastructure Advisory Committee Update (Agenda Item 3): Tony Stomas (MBA), JW Fisher, and Bill Shute presented an update. They reported that the committee has raised nearly $1.9 million in seed money, leveraging over $68 million in state and federal funding (a 37-to-1 return on investment). Short-term projects include $2 million for MyMichigan boiler plant, $5 million state appropriation, $1 million for a city pump station/detention basin, and $85,000 for floodplain reconnection. Mid-term projects are highlighted by $40 million in city projects ($25 million ARPA, $15 million MEDC). Long-term projects involve the Army Corps of Engineers general investigation (GI) study, with a 50% local cost share (the city designated $1.5 million). An additional $10 million was secured in the state budget for flood reduction. The speakers emphasized the three Rs: resourceful, relentless, and resolute. Council expressed appreciation for community engagement. - Public Hearing – Homeland Security Grant (Agenda Item 4): Laura Stolwell presented a grant from the Michigan State Police Homeland Security for $85,500 under the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). Funds will be used for cybersecurity assessments, migration to a .gov domain, and EDR SIEM threat monitoring. A budget amendment was required with zero net effect on fund balance. Councilmember noted the importance of addressing cybersecurity. The grant was accepted, and the resolution passed 4-0. - Second Reading – Recodification of Code of Ordinances (Agenda Item 5): City Attorney Comaro explained that the current code was adopted in 1970, amended 10-20 times per year. The recodification process involved non-material changes (reorganization, fee indexing) and material changes (removing obsolete language, aligning with state law). The new code will have 58 chapters (previously 35) with reserved chapters for future regulation. Council held a workshop on October 9, first reading on October 27, and tonight’s second reading. The recodified code will take effect July 1, 2026. Council thanked staff for the extensive work. The resolution passed 4-0. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 4-0. - Homeland security grant (SLCGP) accepted and budget amended, 4-0. - Recodification of code of ordinances adopted on second reading, effective July 1, 2026, 4-0. - No new business was introduced. All votes were recorded as 4-0, indicating one council member was absent.

The Midland City Council met on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered airport tree clearing and ARPA-funded projects, wayfinding sign improvements, CDBG-DR local street reconstruction, recodification of city ordinances, a Freedom of Information Act appeal, and the Local Officers Compensation Commission determinations. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted. The meeting concluded with a closed session. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (5-0) without any items removed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the public comment period or during the public hearings for wayfinding signs and CDBG-DR streets. Discussion Items - Airport Tree Clearing (Barstow Tree IP's Removal Plan): Stephanie Ward of Mead & Hunt presented a multi-phase project to clear trees obstructing runway approach surfaces to meet state and FAA licensing standards. Phase 1 (32 acres west of Sturgeon Road, $12,000 under budget) is nearly complete; Phase 2 (9 acres, $160,000) is bid and awaiting contract; Phase 3 (off-airport properties) expected in 2027-28. The project is a test case for forested wetland clearing with EGLE approval. - ARPA-Funded Airport Projects: Airport Manager Sarah Bagano reported that the $850,000 ARPA grant originally planned for taxiway redesign, fencing, and fuel pump replacement is being reallocated to replace underground fuel tanks (nearing 30-year lifespan) with an above-ground fuel system. Tank 3 (2009) will remain. Estimated construction cost $500,000–$600,000. The rationale is to protect airport fuel revenue and avoid using federal entitlement funds (which would limit future pavement projects). - Wayfinding Sign Improvements: Jacob King presented a plan to refurbish the city's 170 wayfinding signs (original cost $700,000 in 2006). A $250,000 contract with Johnson Sign Company (successor to original installer) will address the worst-condition signs. Funding includes $125,000 from the Entranceways Maintenance Fund at Midland Area Community Foundation, added to the city's $140,000 budget. A public hearing was held, followed by two votes. - CDBG-DR Local Street Reconstruction: Jacob King presented two grant awards from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation: $2.8 million for woody debris management and $8.5 million for reconstruction of five local streets (with water main replacement by the city). Design engineering contract awarded to ANG Engineering for $477,392.63. Construction expected in 2027. A public hearing was held, followed by two votes. - Recodification of Ordinances: City Attorney Mr. Colmar presented the first reading of the recodified code of ordinances, replacing the 1970 code. The new code increases from 35 to 58 chapters, removes obsolete/unconstitutional language, and adds clarifying provisions. Material changes include updates to the Downtown Development Authority board composition, peeping Tom statute, and removal of vagrancy/begging regulations. The code will take effect July 1, 2026, pending second reading on November 10, 2025. - Freedom of Information Act Appeal: Mr. Colmar explained that reporter Matt Miller (MLive) requested authorizations for police secondary employment (Sept. 2022–Sept. 2025). The city denied the request for lack of a complete address and exemption under MCL 15.243 (personnel records of law enforcement). Miller appealed. Council discussed the public interest balancing test and safety concerns (citing a recent attack on off-duty officers). Council upheld the denial unanimously. - Local Officers Compensation Commission (LOCC): Chair Roy Green reported that the LOCC, meeting in odd years, reviewed compensation for council and mayor. No increases were recommended. Council acknowledged receipt of the 2025 determinations. Key Outcomes - Wayfinding Sign Improvements: Resolution A (budget amendment to accept $125,000) passed 5-0. Resolution B (contract with Johnson Sign Co. for $250,000, plus $15,000 change orders) passed 5-0. - CDBG-DR Local Street Projects: Resolution A (budget amendment of $525,000 for design engineering) passed 5-0. Resolution B (contract with ANG Engineering for $477,392.63, plus $47,607.37 change orders) passed 5-0. - Recodification of Ordinances: First reading passed 5-0; second reading scheduled for November 10, 2025. - FOIA Appeal: Council voted 5-0 to uphold the city attorney's denial of Matt Miller's FOIA request. - LOCC Determinations: Council acknowledged receipt of the 2025 determinations by a 5-0 vote. - Closed Session: Council voted unanimously to enter closed session to consult with the city attorney on material exempt from disclosure under MCL 15.268(h). After closed session, the meeting was adjourned.

The Midland City Council met at 7 p.m. on October 13, 2025, in council chambers. Mayor Donker presided, with Mayor Pro Tem Brown Wilhelm and Councilmembers Wazbinski, Solar, and Passick present. The agenda included routine consent items, two public hearings, public comments, a landfill energy purchase agreement amendment, and notification of a FOIA appeal. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted by one motion with no requests for removal. The vote was recorded as passing; the transcript notes both "5-0" and "4-0" (all five members had answered roll call, creating a discrepancy in the record). Public Hearings Conditional Use Permit 92 – Drive-Through Coffee Shop at 7142 Eastman Avenue - City staffer Jacob presented the request by Brutopia Michigan LLC (the resolution reads "Brewtopia Michigan LLC") to construct a 510-square-foot modular Seven Brew drive-through coffee shop (plus a 300-square-foot cooler) on the Meyer property at 7142 Eastman Avenue, reusing the site of a car wash that closed about two years ago. The site is zoned Regional Center. The proposal includes demolition of the old car wash, two drive-through queuing lanes, pedestrian sidewalk connections, a bike rack, landscaping, and a shared parking agreement with Meyer. - Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval with nine contingencies; following applicant corrections, four contingencies remained: conditional-use tie to the site plan, stormwater management permit, soil erosion/sedimentation control due to nearby Jacobs Drain, and later review/approval of signage by the building department. - Aaron McMackin of Stonefield Engineering, representing Seven Brew, said the company was excited about Midland, accepted all contingencies, and described the model: no menu boards or speaker boxes; employees take orders and walk beverages to vehicles. The building is employee-only, no indoor dining; typical hours 5:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; construction could take two to three months. - Council questions addressed queuing capacity, turn movements, access points, and hours. Staff noted queuing space is likely more than sufficient because most orders are placed via app. - Public comment: Aaron Magley, owner of The Coffee Ground at 4951 Eastman, opposed the project, stating Midland already has over a dozen coffee shops and a franchise/chain could be detrimental to existing local businesses. - Council approved the conditional use permit without recorded opposition. General Fund Budget Amendment – Trune Park Major Maintenance Donation - Karen Murphy presented a requested acceptance of a $50,000 donation from the Charles J. Strohsacker Foundation, part of the park's five-year maintenance cycle. Work includes restaining concrete letters, the painted circular walkway, and the restroom exterior; resurfacing splash pad safety surfacing and rubber area around the caterpillar sculpture; and rebuilding the alligator bridge. - The resolution amended the FY 2025-26 general fund budget, increasing revenues and expenditures by $50,000. Council praised the foundation's generosity. The motion passed 4-0. Public Comments – Non-Agenda - John Elson, 6106 Sturgeon Creek Parkway, praised the Army Corps of Engineers/Midland Business Alliance flood-planning meeting and the city's presence there. He said the city has had over 150 water line breaks this year, which he saw as a sign that infrastructure needs repair. He criticized spending on a Rod Street bike lane and a proposed roundabout, arguing the city should prioritize water and sewer lines. He also thanked the city for fixing his driveway. Discussion Items Landfill Energy Purchase Agreement Amendment with Dow Inc. - Karen Murphy presented a proposed amendment to the agreement under which the city sells electricity and renewable energy credits from its gas-to-energy facility to Dow. Under the current contract, Dow pays market rate for the first one million kilowatt-hours per month and a reduced rate above that. The amendment lowers the ceiling to 650,000 kWh per month and shortens the contract extension cycle from five to three years; the reduced-rate formula remains unchanged. Effective date would be June 1, 2026. - Murphy projected revenue losses of about 23% in a high-production month (1,000,000 kWh), 15–16% at typical production (around 850,000 kWh), and no loss in a low-production month (600,000 kWh). She said Dow could buy electricity and renewable energy credits cheaper on the open market but wanted to continue as a partner; the city would likely receive less by selling to Consumers Energy. - In discussion, the city manager and Murphy said the facility covers its costs but is not a money-maker; the city still owes debt until 2030, and generator overhauls could cost up to $600,000 per generator. Other options (selling the gas or system) were evaluated but did not make financial sense at this time. - The resolution authorizing the mayor and clerk to execute the amended agreement passed 4-0. New Business – FOIA Appeal Notice - The city clerk reported that Matthew Miller filed a FOIA request on September 3 and received a denial on September 8, citing two exemptions. Miller has appealed, and council will hear the appeal at its October 27 meeting. No action was required at this meeting. Key Outcomes - Adopted the consent agenda (with a vote noted as 5-0/4-0 in the transcript). - Approved Conditional Use Permit 92 for the Seven Brew drive-through coffee shop. - Approved the Trune Park donation/budget amendment 4-0. - Approved the Dow energy purchase agreement amendment 4-0. - Acknowledged an upcoming FOIA appeal for October 27.

The Midland City Council met on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured multiple proclamations, approval of a 20-lot preliminary plat for a subdivision, allocation of $3.5 million in state flood response funds, and authorization of emergency repairs to a critical raw water main. All votes passed 4-0, with one council member absent. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda unanimously (4-0), which included routine resolutions not individually discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the designated period. Proclamations and Recognitions - MCTV Awards Recognition: City staff were recognized for winning two National Hometown Media Awards (first in MCTV history): - Matthew Richardson won for professional PSA (City of Midland Fire Department Free Smoke Alarm PSA). - Chris Ferguson won for professional instructional video (Non-Motorized Safety Part Two: Safe Interactions). - City Council approved the recognition resolution 4-0. - City of Peace Week (Sept 21-27, 2025): Gail Hoffman (Rotary Club of Midland and Nonviolent Peace Force Midland) accepted the proclamation. A peace pole with “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages was planted at Creative 360. Council approved 4-0. - Global Diversity Month (October 2025): Kelsey Hackaday (Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition) accepted the proclamation. Month-long events include celebrations, poetry, film series, and Faces of Midland storytelling. Council approved 4-0. - Fire Prevention Week (Oct 5-11, 2025): Fire Marshal John Jurik accepted the proclamation. Theme: “Charge into Fire Safety – Lithium Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Tips: buy listed products, charge properly on hard surfaces, recycle damaged batteries. The annual open house will be October 11. Council approved 4-0. - Midland Neighboring Week (Sept 28 – Oct 4, 2025): Kelsey Hackaday accepted on behalf of the Cultural Awareness Coalition. Over 100 events planned to build connections and belonging. Council approved 4-0. Discussion Items - Countryside Subdivision Tentative Preliminary Plat: - Applicant: MLR Engineering for proprietor Tim Lyons. Property is 10.7 acres at 5900 Countryside Drive. - Proposal: 20 single-family lots on a new street (Harrier Street) with one access point off Countryside Drive and stub streets for future connections. - Wetland impact of approximately 1/3 acre required a Part 301/303 permit from EGLE; mitigation credits purchased. - A 275-foot cell tower east of the site has a 135-foot fall zone; nearest lot is 65 feet away. - Staff and Planning Commission (8-0) recommended approval. Council debated single-access concerns, future connections, and wetland impacts. Approved 4-0. - Allocation of $3.5 Million in MEDC Flood Response Funds: - City Manager Mr. Kaye explained the $15M total from MEDC (HUD funds) and $25M from EGLE (ARPA funds) for flood resiliency. $3.5M remained unallocated from MEDC. - Proposal: Use $3.5M to cover design and engineering costs of approved storm sewer and culvert projects, preserving the $25M for construction. - Key difference: MEDC funds allow spending even if projects are not completed; EGLE funds require completion by end of 2026. - Council discussed claw-back risks and reimbursement timing. Approved 4-0. - Emergency Repair of 36-Inch Raw Water Main: - Public Works Director Peter Schwartz reported three breaks in August 2025 on a line installed in 1946. Cause: pressure surge from Saginaw maintenance work, exacerbated by corrosion. - Repair costs: $136,547.67 for excavation, pipe replacement, road rebuilding; additional $263,000 for parts and materials (total $400,000). - Staff requested waiver of sealed bids as impractical, and use of surplus encumbered funds ($1M from prior water projects) to cover costs and future inspections. - Council discussed need for condition assessment of the entire 13-mile line. Approved 4-0. New Business and Announcements - A special City Council meeting will be held Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. - Upcoming community events: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood resiliency presentation (Sept 24, 5:30 p.m. at Northwood University), “Floats with Goats” at Emerson Park (Sept 25, 5:30 p.m.), and final Commons Music Series concert with Stephen Court Band (Sept 27).