Bridgman public meetings in 2023

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss residential zoning districts regarding solar energy system scale and type. Staff will also provide updates on drain improvement petitions and a climate resiliency grant.

• Discussion of Residential Suburban (RS) and Residential Central (RC) zoning districts for solar energy systems
• Status update on Bedortha Drain, Bridgman Drain, and William & Essig Drain petitions
• Shoreline Resiliency Committee grant and zoning ordinance review

Corridor Improvement Authority

The authority will review its financial report and discuss several upcoming community initiatives. Items for discussion include landscaping options, public art projects, and the potential incorporation of courtyard programming into the city's parks and recreation department.

• Frostina the Snowman contest update
• Lego League public art project
• Community sign at Exit 16
• 2024 planter landscaping options
• Adoption of bylaws

City Council

The Bridgman City Council is meeting to approve routine items including minutes, bills totaling $418,253.68, a two-year tax processing agreement with Berrien County, and a $6,392 copier purchase. They will also consider supporting a capacity building grant application with a $20,000 match and a resolution supporting a mural art project at the I-94 underpass. Several department reports are scheduled for the workshop portion.

• Approval of bills in the amount of $418,253.68
• Support for AEP Foundation capacity building grant with $20,000 match in collaboration with Lake Charter Township
• Two-year agreement with Berrien County for Tax Processing Services
• Purchase of Kyocera TASKalfa 3554ci Copy/Fax/Scanner for $6,392 from US Business Systems
• Resolution 2023-18 supporting mural art project at I-94 underpass with Bridgman School Bee Bot Lego League Team

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss and consider solar energy system concepts within the Open Space/Agricultural District (OS) and Residential Lake District (RL). The discussion is based on a previously distributed guide for Michigan local governments.

• Discussion of solar energy systems in OS and RL districts

Corridor Improvement Authority

The authority will review the October financial report and revised FY 2024 budget. Members will also discuss sign examples for Exit 16 and programming options for the Bridgman Courtyard.

• Review of October financial report and revised FY 2024 budget
• Consideration of $325 for holiday planter contest trophies
• Consideration of contestant reimbursements not to exceed $1,200
• Discussion of Bridgman welcome sign examples at Exit 16
• Discussion of 2024 programming options for Bridgman Courtyard

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission will discuss and consider the Transitional Industrial District and concepts of solar energy systems scale and type, referencing a state guide. They will also receive a progress update on the Bridgman Trails Development from the Lannert Group and hear a Michigan legislation update on four bills related to wind and solar.

• Discussion of solar energy systems in Transitional Industrial District
• Michigan legislation update on 4 bills related to wind and solar
• Progress update on Bridgman Trails Development with Lannert Group

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will meet to discuss and potentially approve an agreement regarding early voting with Berrien County. The meeting also includes a period for citizens to address the Council.

• Early Voting Agreement with Berrien County

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will review the September financial report and revised budget. The meeting also includes discussions regarding holiday planter decorations, a community excellence award, and a new welcome sign at Exit 16.

• Review of September financial report and revised budget
• Discussion of holiday decorations for planters
• Discussion of Courtyard/MML Community Excellence Award
• Discussion of Bridgman welcome sign at Exit 16

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will vote on routine approvals including minutes, bills totaling $457,242.03, and several appointments to the Corridor Improvement Authority. They will also consider special event permits, a police vehicle purchase, and a resolution for a drain improvement. The meeting includes reports from city staff and a discussion on trash and recycling special assessments.

• Approve bills totaling $457,242.03
• Purchase 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicle up to $60,000 for Police Department
• Approve $21,483 quote from Hoekstra Equipment for salt spreader, snowplow, and chipper hood on DPW truck
• Approve Resolution 2023-16 for Williams & Essig Drain #555 maintenance and improvement
• Approve special events: Homecoming Parade (Oct 6), Makers Trail Festival (June 8, 2024), Music in the Courtyard (Oct 15)

Planning Commission

The commission will conduct a working group tour of the Lake Shore Die Cast Solar Energy System. The regular meeting includes discussions on solar energy system scales and various staff updates regarding local development projects.

• Tour of Lake Shore Die Cast Solar Energy System at 8829 Stevensville-Baroda Road
• Discussion of Interstate Gateway District and Corridor Commercial District solar energy concepts
• Lannert Group development project proposal update
• Harbor Habitat for Humanity development project proposal update
• Lake Street Improvement Project update

Corridor Improvement Authority

The authority will review its monthly financial report and current budget. The meeting includes discussions regarding the allocation of $1,161.00 in fiduciary funds for the MML Conference and plans for Christmas planters.

• Allocation of $1,161.00 for MML Conference funds
• Monthly Financial Report review
• Budget Review
• Discussion of Christmas Planters

Corridor Improvement Authority

The meeting will discuss the monthly financial report and conduct a budget review.

• Consideration of approval of August 15, 2023 meeting minutes
• RLF Update
• Courtyard/MML Community Excellence Award

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. but was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. because a quorum was not present. No substantive decisions were made.

City Council

The City Council approved a resolution to enter an agreement with Berrien County for early voting and authorized the purchase of a Parks and Recreation pick-up truck. The council also approved $138,023.75 in bills and held a public hearing regarding the Harbor Habitat Planned Unit Development.

• Approved Resolution 2023-15 to implement and conduct early voting with Berrien County (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Parks and Recreation pick-up truck not to exceed $40,000 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of 2021 Ford F150 from Parks and Recreation to Water Department (unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoices totaling $138,023.75 (unanimous)
• Approved August 28, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to include Harbor Habitat PUD Public Hearing (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will hold its regular meeting, featuring presentations on early voting and the Bridgman Trails Planned Unit Development. Action items include approving minutes, bills totaling $383,010.47, a second reading of an ordinance to amend street design standards for planned unit developments, and a service agreement with the CGA for $15,000 in economic development funding.

• Second reading of Ordinance 2023-215 to amend street design standards for PUDs
• Approval of bills totaling $383,010.47
• Service agreement with CGA including $15,000 ($5,000 for Cornerstone Alliance, $10,000 unrestricted)
• Early voting presentation by Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler
• Bridgman Trails PUD presentation by Chris Lannert

The City Council approved an ordinance allowing street design plans for planned unit developments to be reviewed by the city engineer and fire chief. Council members voted to pursue an agreement with Berrien County for early voting. A proposed service agreement and $15,000 in funding for the Greater Bridgman Area Council for Growth & Advancement (CGA) was denied.

• Approved Ordinance 2023-215 regarding street and roadway design standards (6-1)
• Denied $15,000 service agreement for Greater Bridgman Area Council for Growth & Advancement (2-5)
• Approved payment of invoices totaling $383,010.47 (unanimous)
• Approved July 10 and August 18 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to pursue early voting agreement with Berrien County (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council is meeting to consider approving a School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement with Bridgman Public Schools. The agenda also includes routine items such as agenda approval, citizen comments, and council comments.

• Consideration of SRO agreement with Bridgman Public Schools

The City Council approved the School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement with Bridgman Public Schools. Police Chief Unruh was authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the city.

• Approved School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement with Bridgman Public Schools (unanimous)
• Authorized Police Chief Unruh to sign the SRO agreement (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will discuss a guide for solar energy system planning and zoning. Staff will also provide updates on several development proposals and local projects.

• Discussion of solar energy systems planning and zoning guide
• Lannert Group development project proposal update
• Harbor Habitat for Humanity development project proposal update
• Zoning ordinance review via Michigan Department of Great Lakes and Energy grant
• Lake Street Improvement Project update

The Commission decided to proceed with incorporating solar energy into city zoning by targeting specific districts individually. No other substantive decisions were made during the meeting.

• Agreed to target specific zoning districts individually for solar energy incorporation
• Approved June 29, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority approved a Revolving Loan Fund application for Marylil Enterprises LLC. The board rejected a holiday planter decoration proposal from Arcadia Gardens based on cost. Staff provided updates on the Lake Street Improvement Project and the Bridgman Courtyard Project.

• Approved Revolving Loan Fund Application for Marylil Enterprises LLC at 4352 Lake Street (Unanimous)
• Rejected Arcadia Gardens proposal for holiday planter decorations due to price
• Approved amended August 15, 2023 agenda (Unanimous)
• Approved June 12, 2023 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City Council

This is a joint meeting between the Lake Charter Township Board of Trustees and the Bridgman City Council. The agenda consists of updates from local organizations and officials, a proclamation honoring the Bridgman Boys Varsity Baseball Team, and public comment. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Joint proclamation honoring Bridgman Boys Varsity Baseball Team for MHSAA Division 3 State Championship on June 17, 2023
• Update from Bridgman Public Schools by Superintendent Shane Peters
• Update from Bridgman Public Library by Director Sarah Skinner
• Update from Greater Bridgman Area Council for Growth and Advancement by President John Bonkoske
• Update from Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber by CEO and President Arthur Havlicek

The joint meeting consisted primarily of community updates and reports. The City and Township issued a joint proclamation honoring the Bridgman Public Schools Varsity Baseball Team for winning the 2023 State Baseball Championship.

• Issued joint proclamation honoring Bridgman Boys Varsity Baseball Team

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will vote on several action items, including increasing water and sewer connection fees, adopting resolutions for a trash collection special assessment district and a social district, and introducing a street design ordinance amendment. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, and budget amendments, plus reports from city staff.

• Consideration of approving bills totaling $154,609.93
• Traffic Control Order 01-2023: no parking on paved city streets from 2-5 a.m., Nov 1-Mar 31
• Resolution 2023-12 to prepare report for a Special Assessment District for city-wide trash and recycling
• Resolution 2023-13 to establish Bridgman Red Arrow Social District
• Increase water connection fee from $700 to $1800 and sewer connection fee from $1630 to $2200

The City Council approved fee increases for water and sanitary sewer connections. Other actions included establishing a new social district and mandating winter parking restrictions on paved city streets.

• Increased water connection fee from $700 to $1800 and sanitary sewer connection fee from $1630 to $2200 (Unanimous)
• Approved Traffic Control Order 01-2023 banning parking on paved city streets 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. from Nov 1 to March 31 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-13 to establish the Bridgman Red Arrow Social District (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-14 to prepare a report on a Special Assessment District for city-wide trash and recycling (Unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2023-15 regarding street design plans for planned unit developments (5-1)
• Approved $154,609.93 in bill payments (Unanimous)
• Approved FY2023 Budget Amendments (Unanimous)
• Scheduled a public hearing for the Habitat for Humanity Project on August 14, 2023 (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Commission will review a Planned Unit Development application for Harbor Habitat. Members will also follow up on evaluating local ordinances to support renewable energy following a recent presentation on solar energy systems.

• Harbor Habitat PUD Application
• Review of local ordinance objectives regarding renewable energy
• Staff update on Lannert Group housing project developments
• Update on Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program

The Planning Commission voted to send a recommendation of approval for the Harbor Habitat PUD Application to the City Council. The commission also discussed renewable energy ordinances and received updates on local housing and grant funding.

• Recommended approval of Harbor Habitat PUD Application to City Council (unanimous)
• Approved May 18, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council is holding a special meeting to consider two action items: approving the minutes from the June 5, 2023 regular meeting, and discussing the Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF), also known as TEDF Category B Grant Opportunities. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with public comment periods and council comments.

• Consideration of approving minutes from June 5, 2023 regular meeting
• Consideration of Community Service Infrastructure Fund (CSIF) / TEDF Category B Grant Opportunities

The City Council approved two resolutions to seek TEDF Category B grant funding for crush and shape road projects. The Council also accepted a construction proposal for Lake Street.

• Approved Resolution 2023-11 for Stelter Farm Subdivision road funding (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-12 for Water Tower Subdivision road funding (unanimous)
• Accepted B & Z Company proposal #5996 for Lake Street construction totaling $23,500 (unanimous)
• Approved June 5, 2023, regular meeting minutes (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority is considering a request to create a new social district. The meeting also includes an update on the Bridgman Courtyard and a public informational presentation by the city manager.

• Request for a second Social District along Red Arrow Highway
• Bridgman Courtyard update
• Public informational meeting with presentation by city manager
• Staff update regarding accent lighting on Lake Street streetlights

The Corridor Improvement Authority recommended the creation of a new social district along Red Arrow Highway. The board also approved funding for a public parking sign on Lake Street.

• Recommended approval of a new social district encompassing the east side of Red Arrow Highway (unanimous)
• Approved up to $200 for a public parking sign behind China Cafe at 4205 Lake Street (unanimous)
• Approved May 15, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will hold a public hearing and consider adopting the FY 2024 budget with $5,713,546 in total expenses and a millage rate of $14.2382 per $1,000 taxable value. Action items include approving a $348,040.90 professional services agreement with GameTime-Sinclair Recreation for the Toth Park Playground Renovation Project, a $147,842.99 bill list, a Planning Commission appointment, and resolutions on Public Act 152 and the Building Permit Fee Schedule. The meeting also includes a closed session for a confidential attorney-client communication.

• Public hearing and consideration of FY 2024 budget ($5,713,546 expenses, $14.2382 millage)
• Professional services agreement with GameTime-Sinclair Recreation for Toth Park playground ($348,040.90)
• Approval of bills totaling $147,842.99
• Appointment of Adam Schaller to Planning Commission (partial term to April 1, 2024)
• Resolution 2023-10 to amend Building Permit Fee Schedule

The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget and set the millage rate. The council also authorized a contract for playground renovations at Toth Park and appointed a new member to the Planning Commission.

• Adopted FY 2024 Budget with $5,713,546 in total expenses (Unanimous)
• Set millage rate at $14.2382 per $1,000 taxable value (Unanimous)
• Approved $348,040.90 agreement with GameTime-Sinclair Recreation for Toth Park Playground Renovation Project (Unanimous)
• Appointed Adam Schaller to the Planning Commission for a partial term ending April 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved payment of invoices totaling $147,842.99 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-10 to amend the Building Permit Fee Schedule (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-08 regarding Annual Exemption Option of Public Act 152 of 2011 (Unanimous)
• Approved May 1, 2023, regular meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will discuss updating local ordinances to support renewable energy and evaluate solar energy regulations from other communities. Staff will also provide updates on housing development projects and electric vehicle charging infrastructure grants.

• Discussion of Master Plan objective 10f regarding renewable energy and solar regulation
• Staff update on Housing Development Projects
• Staff update on Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program

The commission discussed sample solar energy ordinances from other municipalities and received updates on two housing developments. City Manager Ganum announced the city will submit a grant application for electric vehicle charging stations.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 20, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Authority is considering a request to create an expanded Social District from local business owners. Members will also review the May 2023 financial report and the proposed FY 2024 Tax Increment Fund budget.

• Request for an expanded Social District by local restaurant and brewery owners
• Review of May 2023 CIA financial report
• Proposed FY 2024 Tax Increment Fund budget
• Potential public informational meeting on June 12, 2023
• Accent lighting on Lake Street streetlights

The Corridor Improvement Authority scheduled a public informational meeting for June 12, 2023, and rescheduled its July 10 meeting to July 17. The board discussed a petition to create a new social district involving The Get-A-Way Grill and Cubbie Bar, Emma's Hearth and Market, and Haymarket Brewery and Taproom.

• Approved May 15, 2023 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 10, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled public informational meeting for June 12, 2023 at 5:30 PM (unanimous)
• Rescheduled July 10, 2023 meeting to July 17, 2023 (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will consider approving April minutes, bills totaling $208,988.17, and a special event application for the Courtyard Concert Series. They will also schedule a public hearing for the FY2024 budget, adopt Ordinance 2023-214 (International Property Maintenance Code), and approve a Memorial Day Parade request. The FY2024 budget will be presented during the meeting.

• Approve bills in the amount of $208,988.17
• Schedule public hearing for FY2024 budget on June 5, 2023
• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2023-214 International Property Maintenance Code
• Approve Special Event Application for Bridgman Courtyard Concert Series
• Approve Memorial Day Parade request by American Legion Post 331

City Council adopted Ordinance 2023-214 to implement the International Property Maintenance Code. The council also approved over $208,000 in bills and scheduled a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

• Approved payment of invoices in the amount of $208,988.17 (Unanimous)
• Scheduled FY 2024 Budget public hearing for June 5, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved Special Event Application for Bridgman Courtyard Concert Series (Unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance 2023-214 International Property Maintenance Code (Unanimous)
• Approved Bridgman American Legion Post 331 Memorial Day Parade for May 28, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved April 3, 2023 regular meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will review goals from the City of Bridgman Master Plan and discuss a federal grant program for electric vehicle fueling infrastructure. Staff updates include reports on the Courtyard Project, Toth Park Project, and various housing developments.

• Review of City of Bridgman Master Plan goals
• Discussion of Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program
• Staff update on Courtyard Project
• Staff update on Toth Park Project
• Staff update on housing development projects

The Planning Commission appointed a new Vice-Chair and reviewed the City of Bridgman Master Plan goals. The commission discussed a federal grant program for electric vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure. Staff provided updates on the Courtyard, Toth Park, and various housing development projects.

• Appointed Commissioner Parsons as Vice-Chair of the Planning Commission (Unanimous)
• Approved agenda as presented (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes from February 16, 2023, and March 16, 2023 (Unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The authority will receive an update on the Courtyard Project and discuss a concept for the Lake Street lighting project. The meeting also includes consideration of rescheduling the August 14, 2023, meeting.

• Courtyard Project update
• Lake Street lighting project concept discussion
• Consideration of rescheduling the August 14, 2023, meeting

The Corridor Improvement Authority approved the use of Michigan Municipality League Foundation grant money for upcoming expenses. The board also rescheduled the August meeting and received a progress update on the courtyard project.

• Approved spending of Michigan Municipality League Foundation (MMLF) grant money (unanimous)
• Rescheduled August 14, 2023 meeting to August 15, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved April 10, 2023 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 13, 2023 and April 4, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Bridgman Corridor Improvement Authority will meet to review progress on courtyard updates and view a presentation regarding courtyard furniture selection. The meeting also includes the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Courtyard furniture selection presentation
• Courtyard updates

The Commission approved two separate purchases for courtyard furniture from Tom Carsons. Members also received updates on the courtyard project's concrete extension and crowdfunding progress.

• Approved purchase of six Adirondack chairs and two donor benches not to exceed $5,400 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of courtyard furniture as presented not to exceed $24,600 (unanimous)
• Approved April 4, 2023, agenda as amended (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will vote on routine approvals including meeting minutes, bills totaling $184,277.81, and a special event application for the Bridgman 5K/10K. They will also consider multiple appointments to boards and commissions, and hold a first reading of Ordinance 2023-214 to adopt the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code.

• Approval of bills in the amount of $184,277.81
• First reading of Ordinance 2023-214 adopting the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• Rescheduling May 8, 2023 meeting to May 1, 2023 due to postponed election
• Special event application for Bridgman 5K/10K on July 8, 2023
• Appointments to Construction Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals

The City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2023-214 to adopt the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. The council also filled several vacancies on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Construction Board of Appeals. Additionally, the council approved $184,277.81 in bill payments.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 2023-214 (2021 International Property Maintenance Code)
• Approved $184,277.81 in bill payments (unanimous)
• Appointed James Crow, Rich Kubsch, and Lowell Smith to Construction Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Appointed Lauren Baker and Jacquie Blackwell to Planning Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Steven Boshnyak and Eugene Schoon to Zoning Board of Appeals (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-09 appointing Chief Unruh as emergency management liaison (unanimous)
• Approved Special Event Application for Bridgman 5K/10K on July 8, 2023 (unanimous)
• Rescheduled May 8 meeting to May 1 and August 7 meeting to August 14 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission will review a request to enlarge the seasonal outdoor seating area at 9489 Red Arrow Highway. Staff updates will cover the Courtyard Project, Toth Park Project, and various housing developments.

• Request to enlarge seasonal outdoor seating at 9489 Red Arrow Highway
• Courtyard Project update
• Toth Park Project update
• Housing development projects update
• Shoreline Resilience Committee updates

The Planning Commission unanimously supported a request to enlarge the seasonal outdoor seating area at 9489 Red Arrow Highway. The board also received updates on several housing developments and city projects. Approval of the February 16, 2023, minutes was tabled.

• Unanimously supported patio expansion at 9489 Red Arrow Highway (Getaway Grille & Cubbie Bar)
• Tabled approval of February 16, 2023, minutes
• Approved agenda with amendments (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will consider approving letters of support for grants to renovate restrooms at Weko Beach east campground and replace the boardwalk, as well as a $5,400 contract with Arcadia Garden LLC for steel tanks. Members will also review financial reports and discuss tax increment financing reporting requirements.

• Consideration of letters of support for Recreation Passport grant (Weko Beach restroom renovation) and Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant (boardwalk replacement)
• Proposal #7624 for $5,400 from Arcadia Garden LLC to furnish and plant ten steel tanks in the courtyard and maintain thirteen steel tanks
• Review of Revenue and Expense Report for 251 Fund (February 2023)
• Discussion of Public Act 57 of 2018 tax increment financing reporting requirements
• Courtyard Project updates: budget review, pre-construction list, and furniture options

The Authority approved a $5,400 landscaping contract and a cost-sharing agreement for farmers' market restrooms. The board also authorized letters of support for two grants to improve Weko Beach facilities.

• Approved 50/50 cost sharing agreement for farmers' market port-a-johns (unanimous)
• Approved letters of support for Recreation Passport grant for Weko Beach east campground restrooms (unanimous)
• Approved letters of support for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for Weko Beach boardwalk replacement (unanimous)
• Approved $5,400 proposal #7624 from Arcadia Garden LLC for courtyard and Red Arrow steel tanks (unanimous)
• Decided required TIF Reform organizational meetings will be held in June and December

City Council

The Council approved funding for Weko Beach restroom renovations and a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant. They also authorized a construction engineering contract for Lake Street and a multi-year audit contract. No action was taken on the proposed property maintenance code ordinance.

• Approved $129,590.92 in bill payments (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year audit contract with Gabridge & Co. at $16,900 per year (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-06 for Weko Beach East campground restroom renovation, not to exceed $150,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2023-07 for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, not to exceed $129,300 (unanimous)
• Approved ~$109,000 Wightman proposal for Lake Street Improvements Project engineering (unanimous)
• Approved sale of Fire Department Smoke House to Berrien County Youth Fair for $500 (6-0-1)
• Approved St. Joseph Today Special Events Application for Makers Trail Festival on June 10, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved $6,695 MM Concrete Solutions proposal to resurface Weko Beach House basement bathrooms (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to discuss old and new business. Key items include an update on a conditional rezoning at 9675 Maplewood Avenue (Wayward LLC/Transient Artisan Ales) and a public education seminar on oak wilt. The commission will also receive staff updates on the Courtyard Project, Toth Park Project, and housing development projects.

• Update on conditional rezoning at 9675 Maplewood Avenue (Wayward LLC/Transient Artisan Ales)
• Oak Wilt Public Education Seminar on February 18, 2023 at Weko Beach House
• Citizen Planner Program – Land Use Training and Certificate Course
• Staff updates: Courtyard Project, Toth Park Project, housing development projects

The Planning Commission approved the agenda and the January 19, 2023, meeting minutes. No new ordinances or zoning changes were decided during the meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved January 19, 2023, meeting minutes (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will discuss updates on the Bridgman Placemaking Courtyard project, including allocation of donated funds, and a quote for a social district sandwich sign. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes, financial reports, and a discussion on student banners.

• Bridgman Placemaking Courtyard project update and allocation of donated funds
• Social district sandwich sign update with quote from ArtFx
• Expense report for 251 Fund (July 1, 2020 to January 31, 2023)
• Revenue and expense report for 251 Fund (January 2023)
• Student banners time frame discussion

The Corridor Improvement Authority approved funding for the Bridgman Courtyard project and authorized payments for signage and art services. Members also discussed public art initiatives and the scheduling of student banners.

• Allocated $10,000 to the Bridgman Courtyard project (Unanimous)
• Approved $750 payment to Jake Zapor for Magic Carpet and Music in the Courtyard project (Unanimous)
• Approved $256 payment to ArtFx for four Social District sandwich signs (Unanimous)
• Approved January 16, 2023, meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will vote on several resolutions, including accepting a resident protest letter for the March Board of Review and approving an MDOT contract for the Lake Street Reconstruction Project. They will also approve bills totaling $324,719.30 and make appointments to local boards. The agenda includes reports from city staff and a presentation on the Bridgman Placemaking Project.

• Resolution 2023-05 to approve MDOT Contract 22-5565 for Lake Street Reconstruction Project
• Resolution 2023-04 to accept letter of protest from residents for March Board of Review
• Approval of bills in the amount of $324,719.30
• Appointments to CGA, Board of Review, and Corridor Improvement Authority
• Presentation on Bridgman Placemaking Project by Julie Strating

City Council approved an MDOT contract for the Lake Street Reconstruction Project and authorized $324,719.30 in bill payments. The council also filled several board appointments for the CIA, CGA, and Board of Review.

• Approved MDOT Contract 22-5565 for Lake Street Reconstruction (6-0)
• Approved payment of invoices totaling $324,719.30 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2023-04 to accept letters of protest for March Board of Review (unanimous)
• Appointed Julie Strating to the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber of Commerce and Growth Alliance (6-0)
• Appointed Dorothea Crocker and James Kole to two-year terms on the Board of Review (6-0)
• Appointed Hannah Anderson (1-year term), Matthew Bizoe, and Beth McNeil (4-year terms) to the Corridor Improvement Authority (6-0)
• Approved January 9, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission will consider a site plan from Corewell Health (formerly Lakeland Health) for a new medical office building at 9625 Red Arrow Highway. They will also discuss the structure of an Oak Wilt public education seminar scheduled for February 18, 2023, and receive an update on the first meeting of the ad-hoc housing development committee.

• Consideration of site plan for new Corewell Health medical office building at 9625 Red Arrow Highway
• Discussion of Oak Wilt public education seminar structure on February 18, 2023 at Weko Beach House
• Update on ad-hoc housing development committee's first meeting on January 12, 2023

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a site plan for a new Corewell Health medical office building at 9625 Red Arrow Highway. Approval is contingent upon signage compliance, storm water review by the Berrien County Drain Commission, and a soil erosion permit.

• Approved Corewell Health site plan for 9625 Red Arrow Highway (6-0)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will review financial reports and discuss the 2023 holiday planters, finalize a contract for Arcadia seasonal planters, and consider a Memorandum of Understanding with the CGA for a courtyard project funded by a MEDC grant.

• Review of revenue and expenditure report
• Discussion of 2023 holiday season planters options
• Finalization of Arcadia Seasonal Planter Contract for 2023
• Memorandum of Understanding between CIA and CGA for Courtyard Project with MEDC grant

The Corridor Improvement Authority approved a contract with Arcadia Gardens for 2023 seasonal planters and a Memorandum of Understanding for the courtyard project. The board also agreed on the design concept for holiday planters.

• Approved use of red and white natural accents for holiday planters (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 seasonal planter contract with Arcadia Gardens (unanimous)
• Approved amended Memorandum of Understanding between CIA and CGA for courtyard project (unanimous)
• Approved January 16, 2023 agenda (unanimous)
• Approved December 12, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will hold its regular meeting on January 9, 2023, with action items including approval of bills totaling $172,773.10 and consideration of three resolutions: adopting the Berrien County Hazard Mitigation Plan, updating the Poverty Exemption Eligibility Requirements for 2023, and supporting the Berrien County Trails Master Plan. The council will also receive presentations on an American Electric Power Foundation grant and the FY 2022 audit, plus annual reports from police, fire, and building officials.

• Approval of bills in the amount of $172,773.10
• Resolution 2023-01 to approve the Berrien County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Resolution 2023-02 to update the City of Bridgman Poverty Exemption Eligibility Requirements for 2023
• Resolution 2023-03 to support the Berrien County Trails Master Plan
• Presentation of American Electric Power Foundation grant award by Mona Livingston, Community Affairs Manager, Indiana Michigan Power

The City Council approved over $172,000 in invoices and adopted resolutions regarding the Berrien County Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, and 2023 poverty exemption requirements. The city also received a $75,000 grant for Toth Park improvements.

• Approved payment of invoices in the amount of $172,773.10 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2023-01 to approve the Berrien County Hazard Mitigation Plan (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2023-02 to approve the City of Bridgman Poverty Exemption Eligibility Requirements for 2023 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2023-03 to support the Berrien County Trails Master Plan (unanimous)
• Approved December 5, 2022, regular meeting minutes (unanimous)