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CITY OF MUSKEGON
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
April 14, 2026 @ 5:30 PM
MUSKEGON CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
933 TERRACE STREET, MUSKEGON, MI 49440
MINUTES
The Regular Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall,
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, Michigan at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Mayor Johnson opened the meeting with a moment of silence, after which the
Commission and public recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Ken Johnson, Vice Mayor Destinee Keener, Commissioners
Rebecca St.Clair, Jay Kilgo, Willie German, Jr., Kiley Jackson, and Katrina
Kochin, City Manager Jonathan Seyferth, City Attorney Brennen Gorman, and
City Clerk Ann Marie Meisch
2026-26 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Regional Consolidated Plan 2026-2030 Community & Neighborhood
Services
Community and Neighborhood Services to host a public hearing for the
Regional Consolidated Plan 2026-2030.
Community and Neighborhood Services (CNS) is developing the 2026–2030
Regional Consolidated Plan in partnership with the City of Norton Shores and
the City of Muskegon Heights. As entitlement communities, the three
jurisdictions collaborate to prepare a shared Regional Consolidated Plan that
establishes housing, community development, and economic development
priorities for the five-year planning period. The plan will guide the use of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment
Partnerships Program (HOME) funds and will help ensure that federal resources
are directed toward the highest priority needs identified across the region.
As part of the planning process, the three communities are conducting a
regional needs assessment and community survey to gather input on housing
needs, neighborhood conditions, public services, and community
development priorities. Outreach efforts have included consultation with
municipal staff, local service providers, housing agencies, nonprofit
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organizations, and residents from each jurisdiction. Public input collected
through surveys, meetings, and stakeholder discussions will be used to help
establish regional goals, identify priority activities, and ensure that the 2026–
2030 Regional Consolidated Plan reflects the most pressing needs of low- and
moderate-income residents throughout Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and
Norton Shores.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To conduct a public hearing.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Vice Mayor Keener, second by Commissioner German, to close the
public hearing.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Keener, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, and
Kilgo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
B. Request to Establish an Industrial Development District at 331 W. Laketon
Ave. Economic Development
Pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, American Fabricated
Products, 16910 148th Ave., Spring Lake, MI has requested the establishment of
an Industrial Development District for property located at 331 W. Laketon Ave.
American Fabricated Products (American Fab) has submitted a request to
establish an Industrial Development District at 331 W. Laketon Ave, the former
Intra City Dispatch facility. American Fab purchased the building in 2025 and
plans to move all of their business operations to this location. American Fab
plans to make significant capital investments into rehabbing the facility and
anticipates adding additional jobs.
According to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, the creation of an Industrial
Development District is a required first step before a business can apply for an
Industrial Facilities Tax (IFT) Exemption certificate, which provides a property tax
abatement on qualified real property investments.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
resolution establishing an Industrial Development District at 331 W. Laketon
Ave., and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to close the
public hearing and approve the resolution establishing an Industrial
Development District at 331 W. Laketon Ave., and authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to sign.
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ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and
Keener
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
C. PA 198 Industrial Facilities Exemption - 2246 Olthoff Dr. Economic
Development
Pursuant to Public Act 198 of 1974, as amended, A.B. Electrical Wires, Inc., 2246
Olthoff Dr., has requested the issuance of an Industrial Facilities Exemption
Certificate for the property located at 2246 Olthoff Dr.
A.B. Electrical Wires, Inc. is requesting an Industrial Facilities Exemption (IFT)
certificate for real property improvements at 2246 Olthoff Dr., located within
the Port City Industrial Park, an area designated as an Industrial Development
District in 1983. The company is proposing a real property investment of
approximately $3,243,486 to support the expansion of its existing facility,
including the construction of an addition totaling approximately 39,750 square
feet.
A.B. Electrical Wires, Inc. specializes in the design, engineering, and
manufacturing of wire and cable harness assemblies and industrial control
panel solutions used across a wide range of industries. The proposed expansion
will support increased production capacity and continued growth of the
company’s operations.
In addition to the physical expansion, the company anticipates creating over
30 new jobs within the next two years, further contributing to local employment
and economic development within the City of Muskegon.
The company has also signed the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity and
Inclusive Workforce Development Letter, affirming its commitment to building a
workforce that reflects the diversity of the community. The City’s EEO &
Employee Relations Director, in collaboration with the Economic Development
Department, will monitor the company’s progress toward these workforce
goals.
Following review, the City’s Internal Tax Committee recommends approval of a
12-year abatement term for the proposed investment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to close the public hearing and approve the
Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for A.B. Electrical Wires, Inc., 2246
Olthoff Dr., and further authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
resolution and all related agreement documents, as presented.
The Public Hearing opened to hear and consider any comments from the
public. No public comments were made.
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Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner German, to close
the public hearing and approve the Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate
for A.B. Electrical Wires, Inc., 2246 Olthoff Dr., and further authorize the Mayor
and City Clerk to execute the resolution and all related agreement documents,
as presented.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, and
German
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
No public comments were made.
2026-27 CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of Minutes City Clerk
To approve minutes of the March 24, 2026, City Commission Meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the minutes.
B. Workforce Housing Restrictive Covenant - Ryskamp Builders Economic
Development
Dave Ryskamp is developing workforce housing targeted duplexes and
accessory dwelling units in the Jackson Hill Neighborhood and seeks a
Workforce PILOT.
Dave Ryskamp has an approved site plan for 4 duplexes, each with rear yard
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) on Adams Street in the Jackson Hill
Neighborhood. He is targeting rents in the range conducive 80-120% AMI for
our community. The units will have an affordability period for 15 years, and the
Payment in Lieu of Taxes to the City as well as other taxing jurisdictions will be
10% of shelter rents.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the Workforce Housing Restrictive
Covenant between the City of Muskegon and Ryskamp Properties 4 LLC as
presented and authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
C. Resolution for Workforce Housing Tax Exemption - Ryskamp
Builders Economic Development
Dave Ryskamp is developing workforce housing targeted duplexes and
accessory dwelling units in the Jackson Hill Neighborhood and seeks a
Workforce PILOT.
Dave Ryskamp has an approved site plan for 4 duplexes, each with rear yard
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) on Adams Street in the Jackson Hill
Neighborhood. He is targeting rents in the range conducive 80-120% AMI for
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our community. The units will have an affordability period for 15 years, and the
Payment in Lieu of Taxes to the City as well as other taxing jurisdictions will be
10% of shelter rents.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the Resolution for Housing Tax
Exemption for Ryskamp Properties 4 LLC as presented and authorize the Mayor
and Clerk to sign.
D. Resolution to approve the NEZ District at 1937 Lakeshore
Drive. Economic Development
Pursuant to Public Act 147 of 1992, as amended, the City of Muskegon has
received a request to establish a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) district for
the property located at 1937 Lakeshore Drive (the old Harbor Theater).
The proposed NEZ district would support the development of residential
condominium units at this location. If established, eligible property owners
within the district would be able to apply for NEZ certificates, which provide a
reduction in property taxes on newly constructed or rehabilitated residential
housing. Only the residential portion of the proposed condominium
development would be eligible for NEZ benefits.
This property, commonly referred to as the old Harbor Theater, may be familiar
to the Commission, as it has been the subject of several prior actions. The
Commission has previously considered and approved the revocation of the
former OPRA certificate, established a Commercial Redevelopment District,
and approved associated tax abatements, all of which included a few
required public hearings.
The proposed NEZ district represents the next and final step to support the
residential portion of the redevelopment project. While no additional actions
are required at this time for the NEZ district, the project may return to the
Commission in the future for consideration of additional incentives, including a
potential transition of the tax abatement structure from the Commercial
Redevelopment Act to OPRA, as well as a Brownfield Plan.
In accordance with State requirements, notice of the proposed NEZ district was
mailed to all affected taxing jurisdictions on January 28, 2025, and a public
hearing was held on March 10, 2026. State law also requires that a resolution
establishing an NEZ district not be adopted until at least 60 days after notice
has been issued.
The proposed resolution to establish the NEZ district at 1937 Lakeshore Drive is
now being presented for City Commission consideration. State law allows up to
15% of a local government’s total land area to be designated as NEZ districts.
The City of Muskegon currently utilizes 13.34% of its allowable NEZ designation,
and the addition of this district would remain within the statutory limit.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the resolution establishing the
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone district at 1937 Lakeshore Drive, as presented.
E. Contract Award: Hartshorn Marina Dredging DPW- Marina
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Staff requests authorization to enter into a contract with Civil Construction
Solutions LLC in the amount of $427,240.48 for the dredging of Hartshorn Marina.
Hartshorn Marina was last dredged in approximately 2020, and recent seasons
have suffered from sediment settling in the entrance to the marina and are
making it difficult for some slips to host boats of the size they were designed for
due to shallow waters. Staff solicited bids for dredging via an RFP issued
February 20, 2026, and an addendum issued March 9, 2026. The bids were as
follows:
Civil Construction Solutions, LLC $427,240.48
The King Co., Inc. $519,042.88
Tucker Marine Construction $597,296.00
Sediment Removal Services $784,938.00
The bids came in higher than anticipated, however the marina fund's
unrestricted net position - thanks to previous investments from the general fund
- is able to spend down fund balance to cover the cost. The work will happen
later in the fall to avoid the 2026 boating season. The expenditure will be
included in the FY26-27 budget presented to the Commission later this spring, if
approved.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a contract with
Civil Construction Solutions LLC in the amount of $427,240.48 for the dredging of
Hartshorn Marina.
F. City Commission Handbook Manager's Office
Staff is requesting approval of the new Commission handbook and the
associated policies.
Staff has gathered various rules, procedures, and policies that apply to the
Commissioners to develop a handbook that can easily be referenced. Some
changes have been made to the information gathered to better match
current practices or make common sense adjustments. A new attendance
policy has been included based on the work of the committee established to
set that policy. Travel costs have been updated, and spending limits have
been modified in the purchasing policy. Additional revisions have been made
after discussion and direction given at the February Legislative Policy
Committee meeting.
Staff recommends this handbook be reviewed annually to ensure
Commissioners are aware of the policies included.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: to approve the City Commission Handbook as
presented.
G. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Removing B-3 and RT
Districts. Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend the zoning ordinance by eliminating B-3,
Central Business, and RT, Two-Family Residential districts, and all other
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references to these districts in the zoning ordinance.
The B-3, Central Business District has been replaced by the Form Based Code
(FBC). All properties that were zoned B-3 were rezoned to FBC in 2015, and
there would be no reason to rezone any new parcels to B-3. Once removed,
Section 1200 (B-3) will be reserved for future use in the zoning ordinance.
In 2025, all properties zoned RT, Two-Family residential were rezoned to R,
Residential. The RT district is no longer needed since zoning reform was passed
in 2024. Duplexes may now be built in R districts. Section 600 (RT) will be
reserved for future use in the zoning ordinance.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the request to amend the zoning ordinance
by eliminating B-3, Central Business, and RT, Two-Family Residential districts, and
all other references to these districts be approved.
I. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Establishing Minimum Density
Requirements in Multi-Family Districts Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend Sections 703, 803, and 903 to set minimum
density requirements for multi-family housing districts.
The zoning ordinance sets maximum density requirements for multi-family
housing. These standards can be viewed in the RM-1 (Low-Density Multiple-
Family), RM-2 (Medium-Density Multiple-Family), and RM-3 (High-Density
Multiple-Family) sections of the zoning ordinance.
Staff is proposing to set a minimum density requirement in these districts as well,
to ensure the proper amount of housing in each development. Currently, a
property zoned RM-3, designated for the highest density, could use the
development standards of the RM-1 districts, which would allow for the
development of a lone, single-family house.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the request to amend Sections 703, 803, and
903 to set minimum density requirements for multi-family housing districts be
approved.
J. Fireworks Display Permit for Muskegon Country Club City Clerk
Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc., is requesting approval of a fireworks display permit
for Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Muskegon Country Club, 2801 Lakeshore Drive. The
Fire Marshall will inspect the fireworks on the day of the event.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve the fireworks display permit for Pyrotecnico
Fireworks, Inc., pending site inspection the day of the launch.
L. Resolution to Approve the NEZ District at 2400 Lakeshore Dr Economic
Development
Pursuant to Public Act 147 of 1992, as amended, the City of Muskegon has
received a request to establish a Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) district for
the property located at 2400 Lakeshore Drive, commonly known as Windward
Pointe and the former Sappi Paper Mill site.
The proposed NEZ district would support the development of single-family,
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owner-occupied residential units within the development at 2400 Lakeshore
Drive. The district request letter includes two outlined areas, with the larger 44-
acre area representing Phase 1 of the development and the smaller 21.46-acre
area representing Phase 2. If established, eligible property owners within the
district would be able to apply for NEZ certificates, which provide a reduction in
property taxes on newly constructed residential housing.
In accordance with State requirements, notice of the proposed NEZ district was
mailed to all affected taxing jurisdictions on February 12, 2026, and a public
hearing was held within the required timeframe. A map was included with the
notice; however, an incomplete image of the district was inadvertently
provided. No comments or requests for clarification were received from any
taxing jurisdictions. State law also requires that a resolution establishing an NEZ
district not be adopted until at least 60 days after notice has been issued.
The proposed resolution to establish the NEZ district at 2400 Lakeshore Drive is
now being presented for City Commission consideration. State law allows up to
15% of a local government’s total land area to be designated as NEZ districts.
The City of Muskegon currently utilizes 13.34% of its allowable NEZ designation.
Based on the addition of the proposed district, it is estimated that the City’s
total NEZ district land area will be approximately 14.1%, remaining within the
statutory limit. At the request of the City Commission, staff also evaluated the
cumulative NEZ district acreage associated with projects submitted by the
same developer, including Terrace Point Landing, the Shaw development, and
the proposed Sappi district, which total 85.94 acres and would represent
approximately 0.91% of the City’s total land area if the Sappi district is
approved.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the resolution establishing the
Neighborhood Enterprise Zone district at 2400 Lakeshore Drive, as presented.
M. SOAR Business Partner Agreement Approval Economic Development
The City of Muskegon is considering entering into a Business Partnership
Agreement with SOAR™ by Cornerstone University. This partnership would
provide eligible City employees and their immediate family members with
access to flexible, online degree programs and up to $1,950 annually in
scholarship support.
The City of Muskegon is considering entering into a Business Partnership
Agreement with SOAR by Cornerstone University, an online higher education
program designed to provide flexible and affordable degree pathways for
working individuals.
Through this partnership, eligible City employees and their immediate family
members would have access to fully online, mobile-friendly degree programs
that are self-paced and designed to accommodate work and personal
schedules. Participants may receive up to $1,950 annually in scholarship
funding through the Business Partner program, in addition to any available
Federal or State financial aid.
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The program offers multiple degree pathways, including associate, bachelor’s,
and master’s level programs. Tuition is structured at approximately $2,400 per
four-month term for associate and bachelor’s programs, and approximately
$3,750 per four-month term for master’s programs. These rates are less than half
the national average for private online degree programs.
The City of Muskegon also offers a tuition reimbursement benefit for eligible
employees, providing up to 75% of tuition, including required course fees, for all
passing grades, with a maximum of $2,500 annually for undergraduate studies
and $3,000 annually for graduate and post-graduate studies.
During initial discussions, City staff expressed concerns regarding certain
general education course content related to religious perspectives. Following
continued dialogue, the SOAR team revised and expanded the course
offerings to ensure they are inclusive and accessible to all participants,
regardless of background or belief. This opportunity is intended for employees
interested in furthering their education to support career advancement and
professional development. Participation in the SOAR program aligns with the
City’s broader workforce development goals by expanding access to
continuing education and skill-building opportunities.
This agreement is being presented for City Commission awareness and
authorization.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to authorize the City Manager to enter into
the Business Partnership Agreement with SOAR by Cornerstone University, as
presented.
N. Henry Corridor Signal Project - Engineering Amendment - Right-of-Way
Effort Public Works
Staff requests approval of the Design Services Amendment in the amount of
$35,000 from Rowe Professional Services Company for the completion of the
necessary Right-of-Way services.
During the design of the Henry Corridor Signal project, it has been determined
that temporary easements and permanent right-of-way takes are necessary to
complete this project. Therefore, Rowe Professional Services Company is
requesting additional funds to complete the necessary Right-of-Way
acquisition services for the Henry Corridor Signal Improvements Project as
outlined in their amendment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to modify the existing professional
services agreement with Rowe Professional Services Company in the amount of
$35,000 adding Right-of-Services to their Henry Corridor Signal Improvements
project.
O. Extension of Partnership Agreement: Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon
Lakeshore DPW- Parks
Staff is requesting authorization to extend our contract with the Boys & Girls
Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore for temporary staffing services during the 2026
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maintenance season.
DPW typically hires up to 30 seasonal employees each year from GoodTemps
(Goodwill). The staffing provided by this agreement will take the place of an
approximately equal number of our typical seasonal employees, helping DPW
fill our roster during the labor shortage and providing employment and training
for younger community members. Temporary staffing is accounted for in the
annual budget of the departments that use these services. The employees
under this agreement are included in the parks (general) fund budget.
The Boys & Girls Club anticipates providing approximately 8 staff split in two
teams, and in consultation with DPW, identified two service areas that they
would be well suited for:
1. Landscape maintenance, waste-removal and general support in the BID
area downtown.
2. Restroom cleaning and waste removal at various parks.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize staff to contract with the Boys and Girls
Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore for temporary staffing services during the 2026
maintenance season.
P. Concession Application - The Thirsty Mitten (Pere Marquette) DPW-
Parks
The Parks Department has received an application from Thirsty Mitten for a
concession agreement to run a mobile food concession at Pere Marquette. Per
the concession policy, their fee to operate at the park in a mobile unit is
$1,000/year + 5% of gross receipts for operations conducted at beach parks.
The applicant has stated their frequency would be weekly with a presence
primarily on weekends. This would be a mobile trailer that is set up on the
weekends near the Kite Shack/new restroom parking lot. Hours of operation
will be Thursday - Saturdays in the summer from 11a.m. - 6p.m. when they do
not have other commitments. The only possible food prep on site would be mini
pancakes, aside from this the vendor would be seeking non-alcoholic
beverages.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Move to authorize staff to enter into a concession
agreement with Thirsty Mitten as a mobile concession vendor at Pere
Marquette Park.
Q. Health and Dental Care Renewal Finance
To approve the renewal of Priority Health as the City's fully insured health care
provider and the Third Party Administrator for City's self-funded health care
plan. Also, to renew Delta Dental as the City's dental insurance provider.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the renewal of Priority Health as the
City's fully insured health care provider and the Third Party Administrator for
City's self-funded health care plan. Also, to renew Delta Dental as the City's
dental insurance provider.
R. Contract with MATS for Beach Shuttle Service Manager's Office
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Staff is seeking approval of a contract with the Muskegon Area Transit System
to provide bus service to the City's beach parks.
Staff has presented the proposed changes to the beach shuttle program to the
Commission. Adjustments to bus stops have been made based on input from
the Commission balanced with route timing and efficiency. A map of the route
and stops is included in the packet.
At this time, staff is presenting the contract for services which has already been
approved by the County Commission. Costs remain as previously discussed.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: To approve the contract with MATS and authorize
the Mayor and Clerk to sign.
S. Approve CRC Recommendations City Clerk
To accept the resignation of Deborah Sweet from the Citizens Police Review
Board and appoint Nathaniel Williams to the Citizens District Council-
Community Development Block Grant as a Ward 2 Representative with a term
ending 1/31/27.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Motion to approve the recommendations from the
Community Relations Committee.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to adopt the
Consent Agenda as presented minus items H and K.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, German, and
Jackson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
2026-28 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
H. Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Establishing Maximum Lot Widths
in R Districts Planning
Staff-initiated request to amend Section 404 of the zoning ordinance to
establish maximum lot widths in R, Neighborhood Residential districts.
Currently, the zoning ordinance requires a minimum width of 30 feet for
residential lots.
In the Form Based Code, there is also maximum lot widths, which is 60 feet. This
request is to make this same standard a requirement in all R, Residential districts,
not just Form Based Code districts. Minimum lot widths for single-family (30),
duplexes (40) and triplexes (50) will remain the same.
The master plan references the need for zoning restrictions that would eliminate
the possibility of combining several lots, which reduces housing development.
See Goal 2 and Recommendation 2 in the master plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move the request to amend Section 404 of the
zoning ordinance to establish maximum lot widths in R, Neighborhood
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Residential districts be approved.
Motion by Commissioner Kochin, second by Commissioner Kilgo, to move the
request to amend Section 404 of the zoning ordinance to establish maximum
lot widths in R, Neighborhood Residential districts be approved.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, German, Jackson, Kochin, and
St.Clair
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
K. Soccer in the Sand DPW- Parks and Recreation
Soccer in the Sand and Inside Out's Volleyball Tournament have both applied
to hold their events at Pere Marquette on July 25-26, 2026. Per the event policy,
two events cannot occur on the same date at Pere Marquette. Soccer in the
Sand is seeking an exception to be made.
2024 event
2025 changes
2026 changes
Soccer in the Sand Event Details include:
• Location: Pere Marquette (south of the playground)
• Setup: Friday, July 24
• Competition Dates: Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00
p.m.
• Tear down: Sunday, July 26, at 6 pm
• Description: Soccer in the Sand is a 5 v 5 sand soccer tournament held
annually at Pere Marquette since 2018. Teams can consist of 5 to 11
players and play against other teams in a similar age group. Games are
three 11-minute periods. Each team is guaranteed 3 games with
opportunities to advance to the semifinals and finals.
• Attendance: In 2025, there were approximately 1,200 participants, with a
total attendance estimated at approximately 4,000.
Inside Out Volleyball tournament and Soccer in the Sand have been on the
same weekend since their inception. With the exponential growth of the
Soccer in the Sand tournament in 2024, there were significant issues with traffic
at the beach. In 2025, the City's beach shuttle service began, and a total of 86
individuals used the tan line and 110 individuals used the blue line that
weekend. Also in 2025, the tournament changed the scheduling structure to
morning and afternoon blocks. Staff saw an improvement in traffic flow from
the previous year. For the 2026 event, the MATS bus system can start the beach
shuttles earlier to cover the tournament's hours.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: I move to approve the Soccer in the Sand
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Tournament to be held on July 25-26, 2026, at Pere Marquette provided that
the event works with City staff to cover the costs of additional shuttle hours.
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Vice Mayor Keener, to approve the
Soccer in the Sand Tournament to be held on July 25-26, 2026, at Pere
Marquette provided that the event works with City staff to cover the costs of
additional shuttle hours.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Kilgo, Keener, German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, and
Johnson
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
NEW BUSINESS
A. Concurrence with the Housing Board of Appeals Notice and Order to
Demolish the Following: ITEM REMOVED PER STAFF REQUEST Public Safety
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Kilgo recognized his son Antione Taylor who was elected to his
Student Council in his school.
Vice Mayor Keener stated that Healthy Kids Day will be at McGrath Park, April
17th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. She also was able to participate in the People’s
Table and explained the need for donations. This occurs every Sunday at 3:00
p.m. on Houston Avenue.
Commissioner German asked for information on the beach parking passes.
City Manager Jonathan Seyferth explained the process to receive the passes.
Commissioner Kochin stated that the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership
Annual Spring Cleanup is this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and volunteers will meet at
the CIO Hall on Western Avenue. The Third Street Cleanup is April 22nd at 4:30
p.m., and the youth soccer league starts May 5th at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioner St.Clair reminded everyone that we will not have a Commission
Meeting on April 28th because early voting will be held in the Commission
Chambers. On the ballot is a bond proposal for Muskegon Public Schools. If
you are unfamiliar with the proposal, you can contact
Muskegonpublicschools.org website.
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Public comments received.
2026-29 CLOSED SESSION
A. Attorney Communication Manager's Office
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Motion by Commissioner St.Clair, second by Commissioner German, to go into
Closed Session to consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by
State or Federal Statute as an attorney client communication.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: German, Jackson, Kochin, St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, and
Keener
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
Motion by Commissioner Kilgo, second by Commissioner St.Clair, to come out
of Closed Session.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: St.Clair, Johnson, Kilgo, Keener, German, Jackson, and
Kochin
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
ADJOURNMENT
The City Commission meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC City Clerk
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