Bridgman public meetings in 2024

Planning Commission

This is a regular meeting of the Bridgman Planning Commission with mostly procedural items. Old business includes a report from attendees of a Strong Towns training and an update on Master Plan funding. No public hearings, rezonings, or votes on specific projects are on the agenda.

• Master Plan funding update
• Strong Towns training – attendees to share insights

The Bridgman Planning Commission accepted the resignation of Jacquie Blackwell unanimously. The commission also discussed Strong Towns training, received an update on a $40,000 grant for the Master Plan update, and heard that the Jimmy John's development is moving forward. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Accepted resignation of Jacquie Blackwell (unanimous)
• Approved November 21, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to add item 8A (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Authority is meeting to discuss 2025 public art opportunities and a landscaping contract. The body will also receive updates on a code enforcement initiative and a grant-funded sideyard project.

• Consideration of Proposal# 8766V1 from Arcadia Gardens for $8,925 for 2025 plant installation and maintenance
• Discussion of 2025 public art opportunities and MDOT Highway Aesthetic Guidelines
• Staff update on Sideyard Project Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces grant award
• Staff update on code enforcement initiative

The Corridor Improvement Authority approved allocating $5,000 to support an Economic Assessment plan for the corridor and approved a $8,925 proposal from Arcadia Gardens for plant installation and maintenance in 2025. Both motions passed unanimously. The board also discussed public art opportunities and received updates on the Sideyard Project grant and code enforcement efforts.

• Approved $5,000 for Economic Assessment plan (unanimous)
• Approved $8,925 proposal from Arcadia Gardens for 2025 plants (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with amendment to add $5,000 item (unanimous)
• Approved November 18, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will appoint its Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tempore and consider a revised employment agreement for City Manager Juan Ganum. The body will also review proposed amendments to solar energy and stormwater management ordinances.

• Approval of bills totaling $270,959.15
• First reading of Ordinance 2024-220 (Solar Energy Collector Systems Ordinance)
• First reading of Ordinance 2024-221 (Stormwater Management Ordinance)
• Resolution 2024-21 designating United Federal Credit Union, Horizon Bank, and Honor Credit Union as depositories
• Resolution 2024-20 designating The Herald Palladium and MailMax as official newspapers

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to accept the resignation of Jacquie Blackwell and discuss the 2025 meeting calendar. The body will also review training opportunities and the Building and Zoning Department monthly report.

• Acceptance of Jacquie Blackwell’s resignation
• Scheduling of 2025 meeting calendar
• Discussion of Citizen Planner and Strong Towns training
• Review of Building and Zoning Department monthly report

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Bridgman Corridor Improvement Authority will review a landscaping proposal for planters by Arcadia Gardens, discuss public art opportunities for 2025, and receive staff updates on a grant award for the Sideyard Project and a code enforcement initiative. The board also plans to approve 2025 meeting dates and hear citizen comments.

• Review landscaping proposal for 2025 planters by Arcadia Gardens (Corinne Tucker)
• Discuss public art opportunities in 2025
• Staff update on Sideyard Project Michigan Shared Streets and Spaces grant award
• Code enforcement initiative update
• Approve 2025 meeting dates

City Council

The City Council will review several professional service agreements and a grant application. The body is also considering funding for a downtown holiday event and approving city bills.

• Approval of bills totaling $219,911.81
• Resolution 2024-19 for a Michigan Coastal Management Program grant with a city commitment up to $150,000
• Professional services agreement with Abonmarche for East Campground Restroom Renovation Sanitary Sewer Connection not to exceed $27,800
• Professional services agreement with Abonmarche for a 5-Year Parks Master Plan
• Allocation of $3,000 for Holiday Village events on December 14, 2024

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the regulation of solar energy systems or facilities. This includes equipment affixed to buildings or freestanding structures used for heating, cooling, or generating electricity via the City of Bridgman Zoning Ordinance.

• Public hearing on Solar Energy Systems Ordinance

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will meet to review financial reports and provide an orientation for new members. The body will distribute bylaws and the Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan #2 (2022 – 2031).

• Distribution of Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan #2 (2022 – 2031)
• Review of financial report
• Update on holiday planters
• Staff update on Holiday Village (December 14, 2024)
• Staff update on property maintenance code enforcement

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution for a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate for Lake Side Fit at 4055 Lake Street. Action items include approving a $404,304.93 bill list, a $29,500 design contract with Wightman for the City Hall Renovation Project, and an employment agreement for Daniel Unruh as Chief of Police. Also up for votes are appointments to the Corridor Improvement Authority, amendments to the FY2024 budget, and renewal of an automatic aid agreement with Chikaming Township Fire Department.

• Public hearing and resolution for Lake Side Fit Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption at 4055 Lake Street
• Approval of $404,304.93 in bills
• Approval of $29,500 design and bid services contract with Wightman for City Hall Renovation Project
• Consideration of employment agreement for Daniel Unruh as Chief of Police
• Consideration of automatic aid agreement renewal with Chikaming Township Fire Department

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing and consider a variance request to reduce the required side yard setback from 8 feet to 2 feet for an attached 2-car garage at 4273 Orchard St. The board also plans to review draft bylaws under old business.

• Public hearing on a 6-foot variance from Article 2.08 Site Development Standards for an attached garage at 4273 Orchard St.
• Review of draft ZBA Bylaws under old business.
• Approval of minutes from March 6, 2024 meeting.

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will review a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) application and discuss community signage and holiday decorations.

• Consideration of RLF application for Marylil Enterprises at 4352 Lake Street
• Discussion of refurbishing community sign at Red Arrow Highway and Lake Street
• Discussion of holiday planters

The Corridor Improvement Authority unanimously rescinded the Revolving Loan Fund application for Marylil Enterprises at 4352 Lake St. after no response from the applicant. It also approved up to $500 for refurbishing the community sign at Red Arrow Highway and Lake Street, and $1,200 for Christmas trees and lights for courtyard planters. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Rescinded RLF application for Marylil Enterprises at 4352 Lake St. (unanimous)
• Approved up to $500 for community sign refurbishment at Red Arrow Highway and Lake Street (unanimous)
• Approved $1,200 for purchase of trees and lights for courtyard planters (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will review several service contracts and a resolution to lower late payment penalties for water and sewer bills. The body is also considering the appointment of a Board of Review member and a Single Street Administrator.

• Proposal from BIT, Inc. for security systems at city buildings and Toth Park for $85,463.83
• Proposal from Wightman for a Transportation Asset Management Plan for $24,940
• Proposal from Shembarger Asphalt Sealing Inc. for City Hall parking lot sealcoating for $19,198
• Resolution 2024-17 to reduce late water and sewer bill penalties from 10% to 5%
• Public hearing scheduling for a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption at 4055 Lake Street

The Bridgman City Council approved all action items unanimously, including bills totaling $171,868.34, a $19,198 sealcoating contract, a $24,940 transportation plan, and an $85,463.83 security system installation. They also reduced the late payment penalty for water and sewer bills from 10% to 5% and appointed Karin Chappell to the Board of Review.

• Approved bills totaling $171,868.34 (unanimous)
• Appointed Karin Chappell to Board of Review for 3-year term (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-16 appointing JT Adkerson as Single Street Administrator (unanimous)
• Approved $19,198 sealcoating proposal from Shembarger Asphalt Sealing Inc. (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for Oct 7 on Lake Side Fit tax exemption (unanimous)
• Approved $24,940 TAMP proposal from Wightman (unanimous)
• Approved $85,463.83 security system installation by BIT, Inc. (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2024-17 reducing late water/sewer penalty from 10% to 5% (unanimous)

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Corridor Improvement Authority will consider recommending approval of a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate for Lake Side Fit at 4055 Lake Street to the City Council. Members will also discuss expiring terms for CIA members in October 2024. The remainder of the agenda is procedural.

• Consideration of a resolution to approve a Commercial Rehabilitation Exemption Certificate for Lake Side Fit, 4055 Lake Street
• Discussion regarding CIA member terms expiring in October 2024

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review a revised draft of the proposed Solar Energy Collector System Zoning Ordinance amendment and consider scheduling a public hearing. They will also discuss available grant funding for a Master Plan update using planning consulting services. The meeting includes approval of the prior meeting's minutes and an opportunity for citizen comments.

• Review revised draft of proposed Solar Energy Collector System Zoning Ordinance amendment language
• Consider scheduling a public hearing pursuant to Section 8.06 Public Hearing Process
• Discussion of grant funding programs available for Master Plan planning consulting services
• Approval of minutes from July 18, 2024 meeting

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will vote on several action items, including a Planned Unit Development agreement with Harbor Habitat for Humanity, a social district permit for Lake Time Brewing, and an amendment to the water ordinance for late payment penalties. The council will also consider a resolution supporting beach restoration funding and approve bills totaling $266,979.65. Workshop reports from police, parks, assessor, fire, attorney, and city manager are scheduled.

• Approve bills in the amount of $266,979.65
• Consideration of approving a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Agreement with Harbor Habitat for Humanity, Inc.
• Consideration of adopting Resolution 2024-13 for a Social District Permit requested by Lake Time Brewing and Spirits, LLC at 4236 Lake Street
• Consideration of adopting Ordinance 2024-219 to amend Water Ordinance (Sec. 523-12) to allow late payment penalties for water and sewer utilities to be set by council resolution
• Consideration of adopting Resolution 2024-14 in support of funding for beach restoration and resilience

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission will discuss a solar energy system zoning ordinance amendment via Q&A with consultant Andy Moore, and receive ordinance and policy recommendations from the Shoreline Resiliency Committee. Staff will also update on homeowner improvement grants, a master plan grant, and Bridgman Trails. No new business is listed.

• Solar Energy System zoning ordinance amendment Q&A with Williams & Works consultant
• Shoreline Resiliency Committee ordinance and policy recommendations
• Grants for Homeowners – Home Improvement Project (HIP) update
• Grant for Master Plan update
• Bridgman Trails update

City Council

The City Council will consider budget amendments for Fiscal Year 2024 and a contract for new police cameras. The agenda also includes reviewing special event applications and an ordinance amendment regarding water utility penalties.

• $54,524.62 purchase of Axon in-car video systems and body-worn cameras
• Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2024 City Budget
• Ordinance 2024-218 regarding late water and sewer utility payment penalties
• Special event applications for Dog Daze Yappy Hour and Movie in the Courtyard
• Approval of bills totaling $172,814.53

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission will discuss updates to the solar energy system zoning ordinance amendment and review a stormwater management concept from the Shoreline Resiliency Committee. The meeting also includes an introduction of Capital Improvement Planning. Staff will provide updates on code enforcement progress and a grant application for the Sideyard Project.

• Solar energy system zoning ordinance amendment update
• Shoreline Resiliency Committee stormwater management concept introduction
• Introduction of Capital Improvement Planning
• Code enforcement progress update
• Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Application for Sideyard Project

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget with $6,101,540 in total expenses. The agenda also includes proposals to increase water and wastewater service rates.

• Adoption of FY 2025 Budget with $6,101,540 in total expenses
• Proposed increases to water and wastewater service rates
• Fund request for a maintenance program on Maplewood Avenue
• Permit for Surf Air Wireless LLC fiber optic construction
• License agreement with CHR Solutions, Inc. for fiber optic installation

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Bridgman City Corridor Improvement Authority will meet to prepare the draft budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The meeting also includes updates on the Exit 16 ‘Discover Bridgman’ sign project and the Revolving Loan Fund.

• Preparation of the FY 2025 Draft Budget
• Status update on the Exit 16 ‘Discover Bridgman’ sign project
• Update on the Revolving Loan Fund
• Review of the financial report

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The council also plans to consider the city's millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, presentations on zoning amendments for climate resiliency are scheduled.

• Public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
• Approval of bills totaling $156,758.20
• Approval of the FY 2025 millage rate of $14.1527
• Fire Hydrant Inspection and Maintenance Agreement with Bridgman Public Schools
• Presentation on zoning amendments for climate resiliency and flow path mapping

Corridor Improvement Authority

The meeting includes a review of the financial report and approval of April 8, 2024 meeting minutes. Discussion items include a community welcome sign at Exit 16 and a Tax Increment Financing overview.

• Community Welcome Sign at Exit 16
• Tax Increment Financing overview by Nancy Kiernan
• Review of financial report
• Approval of April 8, 2024 meeting minutes

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will hold a public hearing and consider approval of a special assessment to establish a residential trash and recycling service district. Members will also review a water and sewer rate study presented by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors. The council will additionally vote on approving $261,158.37 in bills, schedule the Fiscal Year 2025 budget hearing for June 3, 2024, and approve special event applications for the July 13 Celebrate Bridgman Birthday Bash.

• Public hearing and action on a special assessment district for residential trash and recycling collection
• Review of a water and sewer rate study by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors
• Approval of municipal bills totaling $261,158.37
• Special event applications for the Celebrate Bridgman Birthday Bash on July 13, 2024
• Resolution to partner with the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance for seasonal weekend transportation to Weko Beach

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission is meeting to distribute draft solar energy system regulations and to discuss a timeline for updating the city's Master Plan. They will also review prioritized Master Plan goals and objectives, and receive a legislative update on a short-term rental bill.

• Distribute draft solar energy system regulations prepared by Williams & Works
• Discuss and develop timeline to update City of Bridgman Master Plan
• Review prioritized Master Plan Goals and Objectives
• Legislative update on HB 5438 Short Term Rental Regulation Act

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a special assessment to establish a residential trash and recyclables collection service district. Residents are invited to address the council during this hearing.

• Public hearing for a residential trash and recyclables collection service district via special assessment

Corridor Improvement Authority

The authority will review financial reports and approve March 11 meeting minutes. The agenda includes an update on the exit 16 community sign and the status of a revolving loan fund for Marylil Enterprises LLC at 4352 Lake Street. Staff will also provide updates regarding the proposed Red Arrow Highway Social District.

• Update on Bridgman community sign at exit 16
• Creation of an online file sharing page using Microsoft OneDrive
• Status of revolving loan fund for Marylil Enterprises LLC at 4352 Lake Street
• Status of proposed Red Arrow Highway Social District

City Council

The Bridgman City Council will vote on several action items, including a zoning map amendment for the Bridgman Trails Planned Unit Development and a five-year trash collection contract with Lakeshore Recycling & Disposal. The council is also considering Resolution 2024-06 to create a Special Assessment District for rubbish and recycling services, which would establish new fees for property owners in the designated area. Additional items include approving $188,470.31 in bills, appointing a Corridor Improvement Authority member, and granting permits for community events.

• Ordinance 2024-218 second reading to approve the Bridgman Trails PUD and amend the Zoning Map for parcels 11-56-0020-0150-19-0 and 11-56-0020-0150-16-0
• Five-year trash and recycling contract with Lakeshore Recycling & Disposal of New Buffalo, starting July 1, 2024
• Resolution 2024-06 proposing a Special Assessment District for rubbish/recycling services, with public hearings set for April 15 and May 6
• Professional services agreement with Abonmarche for the East Campground Restroom Renovation Project design and engineering, capped at $58,030
• Approval of city bills totaling $188,470.31 and appointment of Shanyn Day to the Corridor Improvement Authority through October 2024

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission is holding its regular monthly meeting. The main item of business is a discussion and consideration of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district as it relates to the scale and type of solar energy systems, based on a state guide. The meeting also includes routine items like approving the agenda and previous meeting minutes, and hearing citizen comments.

• Discuss and consider PUD zoning district for solar energy systems scale and type
• Approve agenda for March 21, 2024
• Approve minutes from February 15, 2024
• Hearing of citizens

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Bridgman City Corridor Improvement Authority will consider adopting draft bylaws and review financial reports. The meeting also includes updates on the community sign project at Exit 16 and the Bridgman Trails housing development.

• Adoption of draft bylaws
• Community sign project at Exit 16
• Bridgman Trails housing development update
• Review of financial report

City Council

The City Council is reviewing the Bridgman Trails Planned Unit Development through a public hearing and ordinance introduction. The council will also consider updates to construction standards and floodplain management maps. Additionally, several service agreements and departmental quotes are up for consideration.

• Public hearing and ordinance introduction for the Bridgman Trails Planned Unit Development
• Adoption of Ordinance 2024-217 regarding construction standards and floodplain management
• $4,584 agreement with HydroCorp for the Cross-Connection Control Program
• $19,800 quote from Dwan Services, LLC to refinish Fire Department station flooring
• Service agreement with Baker Tilly for a Water and Sewer Funds rate study up to $19,000

Planning Commission

The Bridgman Planning Commission will discuss and consider zoning districts for solar energy systems, referencing a state guide, and whether to recite the city's mission and values at each meeting. The agenda includes routine items like approving the agenda and minutes, and a public comment period.

• Discussion of Commercial Gateway, Downtown Core, and Neighborhood Edge zoning districts for solar energy systems
• Consideration of reciting the city's mission and values at every Planning Commission meeting
• Approval of minutes from January 18, 2024

Corridor Improvement Authority

The Authority will review the January 8, 2024 meeting minutes and a financial report. Discussion includes reviewing community sign concepts by Art-Fx and considering the adoption of CIA Bylaws.

• Review community sign concepts prepared by Art-Fx
• Consider adoption of CIA Bylaws

City Council

The City Council will consider several action items including a new police vehicle purchase and the appointment of a new City Clerk. The meeting also includes a first reading of an ordinance to update construction and floodplain management standards.

• Purchase of 2023 Durango Police Package for $54,762.50 from LaPorte Chrysler
• Approval of bills totaling $177,463.85
• Resolution 2024-03 to designate Bridgman Courtyard as a City park
• Resolution 2024-04 for a DNR Recreation Passport grant for Weko Beach East Campground restroom renovations
• First reading of an ordinance to amend Construction Standards and adopt the State Construction Code

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting to introduce new members and appoint a Vice-Chair and Secretary. Staff will also provide an overview of the board's responsibilities and discuss training opportunities.

• Introduction of new members
• Appointment of Vice-Chair and Secretary
• Staff overview of ZBA roles and responsibilities

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a meeting to elect new officers and consider a Planned Unit Development for a 68-home project. The commission will also discuss zoning districts and solar energy system concepts.

• Election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Planned Unit Development for 68 homes south of Lake Street
• Discussion of Commercial Gateway, Downtown Core, and Neighborhood Edge zoning districts
• Discussion of solar energy systems scale and type

Corridor Improvement Authority

The authority will review a proposal for seasonal flower and plant maintenance in the Courtyard. Members will also continue discussions regarding Exit 16 welcome signs and draft bylaws.

• Proposal for installation and maintenance of seven in-ground and twelve barrel planters
• Discussion on design and installation of Bridgman welcome signs at Exit 16
• Consideration of draft bylaws for the Corridor Improvement Authority
• Update on the establishment of the CGA Director position

City Council

The City Council will review the FY 2023 audit presentation and consider several action items. These include approving city bills, purchasing new fire department breathing apparatus, and a proposal for Weko Beach parking lot maintenance.

• Purchase of 13 replacement SCBA units and 1 RIT Pack from Municipal Emergency Services for $125,666
• Approval of bills totaling $300,041.81
• Proposal from Arnt Asphalt Sealing Inc. to reseal Weko Beach parking lot for $25,930
• Service agreement with Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance including $20,000 allocation
• Presentation of the FY 2023 Audit by Matthew Holland of Gabridge & Co