Ionia, MI

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss several action items, including a rezoning request and transportation agreements. The body will also review health insurance cost sharing and city equipment purchases.

• First reading of Ordinance 609: Rezoning of 174 E. Adams Street
• Resolution 2026-28 regarding PA 152 - 80/20 Cost Sharing for Publicly Funded Health Insurance
• Proposed Transportation Agreements with Village of Saranac, Boston Township and Saranac Housing Commission
• City Phone System Replacement Project
• I-Go Van Purchases

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will meet to accept financial reports and discuss several updates. The agenda includes a review of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the city's fireworks display.

• DDA account payables of $881.34
• Theatre account payables of $10,782.87
• City of Ionia Fireworks Display update
• TIF Review
• Marketing Update

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to review a rezoning application for a specific property. The body is required to provide a recommendation to the City Council regarding the approval or denial of the request.

• Public hearing and recommendation for rezoning application at 174 E. Adams Street

The Ionia Planning Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the September 9, 2026, joint meeting. The commission also held a public hearing and voted to recommend that the City Council approve Ordinance No. 609 to rezone 174 E. Adams Street from B-1 Neighborhood Business District to LDR Low-Density Residential District.

• Approved meeting agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved September 9, 2026 joint meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance No. 609 to rezone 174 E. Adams Street to LDR Low-Density Residential District (voice vote)

City Council

The Ionia City Council meets Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The main decision items are a public hearing and vote on Resolution 2026-24 to vacate part of the right-of-way reserved for extending Kidd Street, and review of applications from Ward 3 residents to fill a council vacancy, followed by the new member's oath of office. The Council will also vote on several City Manager items, including insurance, a 2027 MDOT master agreement, and multiple 2028 street and utility project bid awards.

• Public hearing and vote on Resolution 2026-24 to vacate a portion of right-of-way reserved for the Kidd Street extension
• Review of applications from City Council Ward 3 applicants, followed by oath of office for the newly appointed councilmember
• Resolution 2026-26 to approve The Pool of West Michigan membership for healthcare insurance
• Resolution 2026-25 to approve the 2027 MDOT Master Agreement
• Bid awards for the 2028 Cleveland Street and 2028 Adams Street improvement projects, 113 S. Depot Street CDBG third-party administrator, 2026 street tree planting, and the WWTP bar screen project

The Ionia City Council approved joining the West Michigan Health Insurance Pool, awarded several engineering and project bids including street improvements and a wastewater treatment plant screen, and passed FY 2026-2027 Budget Amendment #1. The council also vacated a portion of platted right-of-way on Kidd Street, appointed Ian Rideout to the Ward 3 Council vacancy, and approved the annual property and liability insurance renewal.

• Excused absences of Councilmembers Tim Lee and Mary Patrick (voice vote)
• Approved September 2 and 9, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2026-24 to vacate a portion of Kidd Street right-of-way (6-0)
• Appointed Ian Rideout to Ward 3 City Council vacancy (5-1, Milewski nay)
• Approved Resolution 2026-26 for West Michigan Health Insurance Pool membership (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-25 for 2027 MDOT Master Agreement authority (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-27 terminating Riverside screening building easement (6-0)
• Approved FY 2026-2027 Budget Amendment #1 (6-0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Ionia County Downtown Development Authority is holding a regular meeting with routine items including approval of the agenda, minutes, and financial reports. The main discussion item is downtown activation, with no specific proposals or decisions detailed in the agenda.

• Approve September 16, 2026 meeting agenda
• Approve minutes from August 19, 2026 meeting
• Accept DDA account payables of $1,392.03 (July 26-August 25, 2026)
• Accept Theatre account payables of $16,548.20 (July 26-August 25, 2026)
• Discussion: Downtown Activation

The Board approved accounts payable for the DDA and the Theatre for the period of July 26 to August 25, 2026. Members discussed a potential pilot program for downtown activation and sidewalk café seating to begin next year.

• Approved DDA accounts payable of $1,392.03 (Voice Vote)
• Approved Theatre accounts payable of $16,548.20 (Voice Vote)
• Approved September 16, 2026 meeting agenda (Voice Vote)
• Approved August 19, 2026 meeting minutes (Voice Vote)

Planning Commission

The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a joint informational meeting at the Ionia Theatre. The session includes presentations from MSU Associate Professor Jean Hardy and Allen Bacon of Consumers Energy, followed by discussion and public comments.

• Presentation by Jean Hardy, MSU Department of Media & Information
• Presentation by Allen Bacon with Consumers Energy
• Discussion and questions for speakers by City Council and Planning Commission

The Ionia City Council and Planning Commission held a joint informational meeting on data centers on September 9, 2026. MSU associate professor Jean Hardy presented on data center basics and impacts and recommended zoning modifications; Consumers Energy representatives Allen Bacon and Lindsey McGuirk described planned electrical grid improvements in Ionia County and said existing customers would not pay higher rates due to data centers. Members asked questions, and 15 residents from Ionia and nearby townships and villages gave public comments, most opposing data centers. No substantive decisions were made; the only votes were to approve the agenda and to adjourn, both by voice vote.

• Approved the agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Adjourned the meeting (voice vote)

City Council

The Ionia City Council will hold a second reading and decision on Ordinance 608 regarding parking amendments. The meeting also includes discussions on a street closure request, nonprofit recognition, and a utility department vehicle purchase.

• Second reading and decision on Ordinance 608 (Parking amendments)
• Street closure request from Restore Church for September 13, 2026
• Resolution 2026-23 regarding Clavers Companions nonprofit recognition
• Utilities Department vehicle purchase
• Closed session for collective bargaining agreement negotiations

The Ionia City Council approved Ordinance 608, amending Chapter 440 (Parking) to prohibit utility, boat, and similar trailers from parking on city streets or public lots without a permit, with fines and impoundment for violations. The council also approved a street closure for Restore Church's pancake breakfast, recognized Clavers Companions as a nonprofit for charitable gaming licenses, purchased a 2027 Ford Transit van, accepted Councilmember Winters' resignation, made board appointments, and approved a POAM collective bargaining agreement.

• Approved Ordinance 608 amending Chapter 440 Parking (7-2)
• Approved street closure for Restore Church pancake breakfast (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2026-23 recognizing Clavers Companions for charitable gaming (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2027 Ford Transit 250 Cargo Van for $52,157 (unanimous)
• Accepted Councilmember Winters' resignation effective Sept 8, 2026; declared Ward 3 vacancy (unanimous)
• Reappointed Mark Jennings to LDFA and Jordan Parham, Trevor Tooker to LOCC (unanimous)
• Approved POAM Collective Bargaining Agreement for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2029 (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority is holding its regular monthly meeting, primarily handling routine business: approving the agenda and prior minutes, accepting financial reports, and receiving director and theatre reports. The board will also take action on the City of Ionia Fireworks Display and discuss invoicing oversight and preferred direction.

• Approve account payables for DDA: $5,954.48 (June 26 - July 25, 2026)
• Approve account payables for Theatre: $15,894.08 (June 26 - July 25, 2026)
• Board decision on City of Ionia Fireworks Display
• Discussion on invoicing oversight and preferred direction

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority approved authorizing Director Rice to contact community organizations and the Ionia Free Fair to gauge interest in continuing the fireworks display. Findings from this outreach will be presented at the October board meeting. The board also accepted recent accounts payable for the DDA and the Theatre.

• Approved August 19, 2026 meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved July 15, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted DDA accounts payable of $5,954.48 for June 26 – July 25, 2026 (voice vote)
• Accepted Theatre accounts payable of $15,894.08 for June 26 – July 25, 2026 (voice vote)
• Authorized Director Rice to gauge community interest in future fireworks events

Planning Commission

The Ionia County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting with public comments, approval of minutes, and a review of an amended final site plan for properties at 421 and 431 W. Lincoln Ave. The commission will also discuss a joint work session with the City Council. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Amended Final Site Plan Review for 421 and 431 W. Lincoln Ave.
• Joint Work Session with City Council discussion
• Approval of minutes from June 10, 2026 regular meeting

The Ionia Planning Commission approved an amended final site plan for a gas station, convenience store, coffee shop drive-thru, and car wash at 421 and 431 W. Lincoln Ave. The amendment, requested by MDOT, changes the M-66 driveway to right-in/right-out only, removes two gas pumps, and adjusts onsite traffic flow. The approval includes waivers for additional trees and parking spaces and is subject to seven conditions, including combining the parcels and obtaining MDOT approval. The commission also scheduled a joint informational meeting with City Council on data centers for September 9, 2026.

• Approved amended site plan for 421 and 431 W. Lincoln Ave (voice vote)
• Waived additional trees and parking spaces required by ordinance
• Scheduled joint informational meeting with City Council on data centers for Sept 9, 2026
• Administered oath of office to Commissioner Jordan Parham
• Approved June 10, 2026 meeting minutes
• Amended and approved agenda to include oath of office

City Council

The Ionia City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 5, 2026, at Ionia City Hall. The body will consider a second reading and decision on Ordinance 606, which amends Chapter 1286 of miscellaneous regulations. Public hearings include street closure requests for County Seat Brewing Co. and Ionia Farmers Market. The City Manager will present ordinances, resolutions, and reports on development agreements, sidewalk projects, and budget discussions.

• Second reading and decision on Ordinance 606: Amendment to Chapter 1286 — Miscellaneous Regulations
• Request from County Seat Brewing Co. for Street Closure with Mobile Food Vending Units - August 21, 2026
• Request from Ionia Farmers Market for Street Closure with Mobile Food Vending Units - August 27, 2026
• Introduction and First Reading - Ordinance 608: Amendment to Chapter 440 - Parking
• Austin Pines West Development Agreement

The Ionia City Council approved Ordinance 606, which amends the zoning code to add definitions for portable storage units, shipping containers, and short-term rentals, and updates regulations for accessory buildings, landscaping, fences, and camping. The council also approved a temporary exception allowing recreational vehicle inhabitance on residential properties from August 24-31, 2026, for the Ionia Freak Fair. A resolution to study allowing chickens in the city failed on a 4-4 vote.

• Approved Ordinance 606 amending zoning code (8-0)
• Approved street closure for County Seat Brewing Co. on Aug 21 (8-0)
• Approved street closure for Ionia Farmers Market on Aug 27 (8-0)
• Introduced Ordinance 608 to limit trailer parking on streets to 24 hours (7-1)
• Approved Resolution 2026-21 allowing RV inhabitance Aug 24-31 (8-0)
• Approved Austin Pines West development agreement with Allen Edwin Homes (8-0)
• Approved $11,076 crack sealing bid from Wolverine Sealcoating (8-0)
• Rejected Resolution 2026-22 to study chicken keeping (4-4)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will consider approving the meeting agenda and prior minutes, accept financial reports showing $11,484.16 in DDA payables and $18,778.14 in Theatre payables, hear staff reports, and discuss a staff report on portable restroom rentals. The board will also receive an informational presentation on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE).

• Accept DDA payables of $11,484.16 and Theatre payables of $18,778.14
• Staff report and discussion on portable restroom rental
• Informational presentation on Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority approved renting at least three portable restrooms for downtown during the Freak Fair weekend in late August. The board also accepted accounts payable for the DDA and Theatre, and discussed PACE financing and future fireworks involvement.

• Approved minimum of three portable restrooms for Freak Fair weekend (6-0)
• Accepted DDA accounts payable of $11,484.16
• Accepted Theatre accounts payable of $18,778.14
• Approved July 15, 2026 meeting agenda
• Approved June 17, 2026 meeting minutes

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will consider approving reimbursement agreements for the Heritage Row and Austin Pines West projects. A financial report on FY25/26 activity will also be presented.

• Brownfield Plan Reimbursement Agreement — Heritage Row (Ionia Development Company)
• Brownfield Plan Reimbursement Agreement — Austin Pines West (Allen Edwin Homes)
• Approval of minutes from May 11, 2026

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved reimbursement agreements for two housing projects, Homes of Heritage Row and Austin Pines West. These agreements define how local tax increment revenues will be distributed back to the developers for eligible construction costs. The board also accepted the authority’s financial report showing $6,000 in fees and $1,550.20 in interest earnings.

• Approved Homes of Heritage Row reimbursement agreement
• Approved Austin Pines West reimbursement agreement
• Accepted financial report noting $6,000 in fees and $1,550.20 in interest
• Approved May 11 meeting minutes

City Council

The council will hold a first reading of Ordinance 606 amending miscellaneous regulations and consider multiple action items including an interlocal agreement with Portland, an LDFA bylaws amendment, a partnership resolution with the Ionia County Economic Alliance, and rental rate changes for parks and recreation facilities. Other action items include an elevator upgrade project, an assessing services agreement, a biosolids removal contract, and a boiler tube replacement. The council will also receive an informational update on the FY2026-2027 budget gap and hold a closed session for collective bargaining negotiations.

• First reading of Ordinance 606 (amendment to Chapter 1286 - Miscellaneous Regulations)
• Interlocal agreement with City of Portland for I-DART transportation
• LDFA Bylaws Amendment
• Resolution 2026-19 - ICEA partnership
• Resolution 2026-20 - Parks and Recreation Facility Rental Rates

The City Council introduced Ordinance No. 606 to update definitions and miscellaneous regulations within the zoning code. A public hearing for this proposed ordinance is scheduled for August 5, 2026.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved June 3, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Introduced and conducted first reading of Ordinance No. 606 (8-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Ordinance No. 606 for August 5, 2026

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two variance requests. The first request from Mark Purkey LLC seeks a 4.06‑foot height increase and a 3.80‑square‑foot display area increase for a V‑shaped monument sign at 703 W. Lincoln Avenue. The second request from Mr. Mann seeks a 30‑inch (2.5 ft) height increase and a 50 % opacity increase for a front‑yard fence at 710 Chapman Street.

• Sign variance: 4.06‑ft height increase and 3.80 sq ft display area increase for a V‑shaped monument sign at 703 W. Lincoln Ave (Mark Purkey LLC)
• Fence variance: 30 in. (2.5 ft) height increase and 50 % opacity increase for a front‑yard fence at 710 Chapman St (Mr. Mann)

The Ionia Zoning Board of Appeals approved two variance requests during its June 29 meeting. The board authorized a property owner at 703 W. Lincoln Avenue to install a monument sign exceeding standard height and area limits. It also granted a request from a resident at 710 Chapman Street for a front yard fence that exceeds the permitted height and opacity rules. These decisions allow specific properties to build structures outside standard zoning dimensions after the board determined practical difficulty based on lot topography.

• Approved sign height and area variances for 703 W. Lincoln Avenue (3-0)
• Approved front yard fence height and opacity variances for 710 Chapman Street (3-0)
• Elected Mike Kirgis as chair, Logan Bailey as vice-chair, and Amanda Ondersma as secretary

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will review staff reports regarding 2027 M66 easements and Downtown Brick Adventures. The board will also discuss the City of Ionia fireworks display.

• Account Payables for April 26, 2026 - May 25, 2026 in the amount of $3,831.44
• Account Payable for April 26, 2026 - May 25, 2026 in the amount of $11,358.19
• Staff Report on 2027 M66 Easements
• Staff Report on Downtown Brick Adventures
• Discussion of City of Ionia Fireworks Display

The Board approved granting drainage and grading easements to MDOT and authorized the Downtown Brick Adventure pilot program. Financial reports for DDA and Theatre accounts payable were also accepted. The Board discussed future sustainability of the City fireworks display but took no formal action.

• Approved June 17, 2026 meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved May 20, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted DDA accounts payable of $3,831.44 (voice vote)
• Accepted Theatre accounts payable of $11,358.19 (voice vote)
• Approved MDOT drainage and grading easements (voice vote)
• Approved Downtown Brick Adventure pilot program with budget up to $1,750 (voice vote)

Local Development Finance Authority

The Local Development Finance Authority will vote on the FY26-27 budget and amendments to its bylaws. The board will also elect a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson and swear in new member Beth Milewski.

• Adoption of FY26-27 LDFA Budget
• Amendments to LDFA Bylaws
• Election of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson
• Swearing in of board member Beth Milewski

The LDFA approved the FY2026-2027 budget and amended its bylaws to establish a quarterly meeting schedule. New board members Gordon Kelley and Beth Milewski were sworn in, and the board elected Mark Jennings as Chairperson and Bob Masters as Vice Chairperson.

• Swore in new board members Gordon Kelley and Beth Milewski
• Elected Mark Jennings as Chairperson
• Elected Bob Masters as Vice Chairperson
• Approved bylaws amendment for quarterly meetings
• Approved FY2026-2027 LDFA Budget

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and take action on Ordinance No. 606, which amends Chapter 1286 (Miscellaneous Regulations). Following the hearing, the commission will vote on a recommendation to the City Council to approve or reject the ordinance.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 606 to amend Chapter 1286: Miscellaneous Regulations
• Recommendation vote for City Council on Ordinance No. 606

The Planning Commission recommended that City Council approve Ordinance No. 606 to amend Chapter 1240 and Chapter 1286 of the Codified Ordinances. The commission also approved the May 13, 2026, meeting minutes.

• Approved May 13, 2026, meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of Ordinance No. 606 to City Council (voice vote)

City Council

The City Council will decide on the adoption of the FY2026-2027 budget and a general fee schedule amendment. The meeting includes decisions on Brownfield plans and site plans for Homes of Heritage Row and Austin Pines West. Council will also consider a bid award and bond ordinance for a lead service line replacement project.

• Decision to adopt the FY2026-2027 City of Ionia Budget (Resolution 2026-14)
• Public Act 381 Brownfield Plans for Homes of Heritage Row and Austin Pines West
• Ordinance 604 regarding Austin Pines PUD District and Final Site Condominium Project Plan
• Ordinance 605: Amendment to Chapter 214 - General Fee Schedule
• Lead Service Line Replacement Project bid award and Bond Ordinance No. 607

The City Council approved a Brownfield Plan for the Homes of Heritage Row project, which includes 14 housing units. Additionally, council passed an ordinance to amend the Austin Pines Planned Unit Development District.

• Approved May 6 and May 21 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved Resolution 2026-17 and the Homes of Heritage Row Brownfield Plan (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 604 to amend the Austin Pines Planned Unit Development District (8-1)

City Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting that includes a closed session under the Open Meetings Act for strategy and negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement. No other substantive business is scheduled.

• Closed session under OMA Sec. 8(1)(c) for collective bargaining negotiation strategy

The council excused the absences of Tim Lee and Jeff Winters and approved the meeting agenda. It voted to enter a closed session for a strategy and negotiation discussion on a collective bargaining agreement, then later voted to end the closed session and return to open session. The meeting was adjourned.

• Excused absences of Tim Lee and Jeff Winters (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Entered closed session for collective bargaining strategy (voice vote)
• Ended closed session and returned to open session (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Downtown Development Authority

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority will meet to discuss funding support for MIPitch. The board will also review financial reports and the status of the City of Ionia fireworks display.

• MIPitch funding support decision
• Account payables for $1,155.56 (March 26 - April 25, 2026)
• Account payables for $13,827.34 (March 26 - April 25, 2026)
• Discussion on the continuance of the City of Ionia fireworks display
• Marketing Committee update

The board approved the meeting agenda and the April 15 minutes by voice vote. It accepted two accounts payable items totaling $14,982.90 by voice vote. The board approved continued support of MiPitch with a $1,000 allocation, passing with four ayes, one nay, and two abstentions. The meeting was adjourned by voice vote at 9:06 a.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved April 15 minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted accounts payable $1,155.56 (voice vote)
• Accepted accounts payable $13,827.34 (voice vote)
• Approved MiPitch funding $1,000 (4 ayes, 1 nay, 2 abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to conduct regular business and review a proposed ordinance amendment. The session includes time for public comments and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Ordinance Amendment - Chapter 1286: Miscellaneous Regulations

The Planning Commission voted to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment to Chapter 1286, Miscellaneous Regulations, at the next meeting on June 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM. The agenda and the minutes from the April 1 and April 29 meetings were also approved by voice vote. The commission adjourned the meeting at 5:23 PM.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Approved April 1 and April 29, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Scheduled public hearing for Chapter 1286 amendment on June 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will consider approving Act 381 Brownfield Plans for two projects: Austin Pines West (by Allen Edwin Homes) and Heritage Row (by Ionia Development Company). The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• Act 381 Brownfield Plan – Austin Pines West (Allen Edwin Homes)
• Act 381 Brownfield Plan – Heritage Row (Ionia Development Company)
• Approval of minutes from April 20, 2026

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board approved the Austin Pines West plan and the Heritage Row plan, each with a recommendation for final approval by the Ionia City Council. Both motions were carried after staff reports were reviewed. The board also approved the meeting agenda and minutes and then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes from April 20, 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved Austin Pines West brownfield plan, recommending City Council approval (motion carried)
• Approved Heritage Row brownfield plan, recommending City Council approval (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:44 PM (motion carried)

City Council

The Ionia City Council will hold a public hearing on a CDBG grant application for 113 S. Depot Street and consider action on several items. These include the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Austin Pines Planned Unit Development district, a final site condominium plan for Austin Pines West, a fee schedule update, and a sidewalk improvement program. The Council will also vote on a resolution for the CDBG application and discuss a street closure request for a car show.

• Public hearing and action on CDBG grant application for 113 S. Depot Street (Resolution 2026-10)
• First reading of Ordinance 604 amending the Austin Pines PUD District zoning
• First reading of Ordinance 605 updating the city's General Fee Schedule
• Resolution 2026-12 authorizing the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement Program
• Action on purchase of a Public Safety Patrol Vehicle

The council authorized the Community Development Block Grant application to fund the rental‑rehabilitation project at 113 S Depot Street. It also approved a street‑closure with mobile food vendors for the June 6 Ionia Cruisin' Classic Car Show and moved to a first reading of Ordinance 604 to amend the Austin Pines Planned Unit Development district.

• Approved Resolution 2026‑10 authorizing $472,000 CDBG grant (unanimous)
• Approved street‑closure with mobile food vending units for June 6 car show (unanimous)
• Moved Ordinance 604 to first reading and scheduled public hearing for June 3 (8‑1 vote)
• Excused absent Councilmember Mary Patrick (voice vote)
• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved April 1 and April 28 meeting minutes (voice vote)

City Council

The City Council will review the proposed FY2026-2027 city budget during a work session. The meeting also includes an action to schedule a public hearing on the budget for June 3, 2026. Public comments will be heard before the review.

• Review of FY2026-2027 City Budget (draft) and work session presentation
• Action to schedule public hearing for June 3, 2026
• Public comments period

The council approved the meeting agenda by voice vote. It voted to hold a public hearing on the FY2026-2027 city budget on June 3, 2026. The meeting was then adjourned by voice vote.

• Approved agenda (voice vote)
• Scheduled FY2026-2027 budget public hearing for June 3, 2026 (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Ionia City Planning Commission will hold two public hearings at this special meeting: one on Ordinance No. 604 to amend the Austin Pines Planned Unit Development District, and another on the preliminary Austin Pines West Site Condominium Plan and final site plan. The commissioners will make recommendations to the City Council on approval or denial of the ordinance and the development plan.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 604 to amend Chapter 1292 (Austin Pines PUD) – recommendation to City Council
• Public hearing on Preliminary Austin Pines West Site Condominium Plan and Final Site Plan for 84 single-family detached homes and 12-unit condominium townhomes on parcels 34-201-025-000-001-01 and a portion of 34-201-036-000-001-01

The commission held public hearings on Ordinance No. 604 and the Austin Pines West Planned Unit Development and condominium plans. After discussion, it voted by voice to recommend that City Council conditionally approve the PUD amendment and the preliminary and final condominium site plans, subject to listed conditions. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Recommended City Council conditionally approve Austin Pines West PUD amendment (voice vote)
• Recommended City Council conditionally approve Austin Pines West preliminary and final condominium site plans (voice vote)

City Council

The Ionia City Council will hold public hearings and vote on two resolutions adopting final project planning documents for water system improvements and wastewater system improvements. Both resolutions designate an authorized project representative.

• Public Hearing and vote on Resolution 2026-08 for water system improvements planning document
• Public Hearing and vote on Resolution 2026-09 for wastewater system improvements planning document

The council approved Resolution 2026‑08, authorizing the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund application for the FY 2027 water services replacement project. It also approved Resolution 2026‑09, authorizing the Clean Water State Revolving Fund application for the FY 2027 wastewater services replacement project. Both motions passed unanimously.

• Approved Resolution 2026‑08 to adopt water system project plan and authorize SRF application (8‑0)
• Approved Resolution 2026‑09 to adopt wastewater system project plan and authorize SRF application (8‑0)

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority board will review and potentially approve Act 381 workplans for two projects: Austin Pines West (Allen Edwin Homes) and Heritage Row (Ionia Development Company). A future workplan for County Seat Brewing (aka Redbud Brewery) is also discussed, and a special meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes, public comments, and the treasurer's report.

• Act 381 Workplan – Austin Pines West (Allen Edwin Homes)
• Act 381 Workplan – Heritage Row (Ionia Development Company)
• Future Act 381 Workplan – County Seat Brewing (aka Redbud Brewery)
• Schedule special meeting for May 11, 2026

The board approved the agenda, minutes, and treasurer's report as presented. No project proposals were approved; the board scheduled a special meeting for May 11 at 4 PM to consider future Act 381 workplans.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes from Jan 12, 2026 (motion carried)
• Accepted treasurer’s report (motion carried)
• Scheduled special meeting for May 11, 2026 at 4 PM (motion carried)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will approve its meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 18, 2026 meeting. It will accept two accounts‑payable invoices: $8,002.33 for the DDA and $10,977.50 for the theatre, and hear reports and a marketing update.

• Approve the April 15, 2026 meeting agenda
• Approve minutes from the March 18, 2026 meeting
• Accept DDA accounts payable of $8,002.33 (Feb 26–Mar 25, 2026)
• Accept theatre accounts payable of $10,977.50 (Feb 26–Mar 25, 2026)
• Discuss DDA marketing update

The Downtown Development Authority board approved the meeting agenda, the March 18 minutes, and the February‑March accounts payable for both the DDA and the Ionia Theatre. All approvals were passed by voice vote. No other actions or decisions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved March 18, 2026 minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted DDA accounts payable $8,002.33 (voice vote)
• Accepted Theatre accounts payable $10,977.50 (voice vote)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding Ordinance 603. Members will also review transportation and transit plans and decide on several city manager reports.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 603 - DDA Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan
• Electric service for Steele St. Park
• Wellhead Protection Plan - 2026 Update
• License Agreement for use of City Property for Event Parking
• Presentations on Transportation Development Plan and Move Ionia transit services

The council approved Ordinance No. 603, repealing the previous tax‑increment financing plan and enacting a new Chapter 885 for the Downtown Development Authority. The Ionia Dial‑A‑Ride Transportation Development Plan and Move Ionia transit plan were also accepted. Additional actions included approving a utility easement for Steele Street Park, scheduling a budget work session for May 6, and adopting the 2026 Wellhead Protection Plan.

• Approved Ordinance No. 603, adopting new Downtown Development Authority Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan (unanimous)
• Accepted I‑DART Transportation Development Plan and Move Ionia countywide transit plan (unanimous)
• Approved service agreement and utility easement for Steele Street Park (unanimous)
• Scheduled special council meeting for FY26‑27 budget work session on May 6, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution 2026‑07, the City of Ionia Wellhead Protection Plan (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Ionia County Planning Commission will meet on April 1, 2026. The agenda includes a by‑laws update, a final site‑plan presentation for Deerfield Business Park, a preliminary review of the Austin Pines West PUD and site condominium, and scheduling a special April meeting. Public comments and routine approvals will also be addressed.

• Planning Commission By‑Laws update
• Deerfield Business Park – final site plan presentation
• Austin Pines West PUD and site condominium – preliminary review
• Schedule special April Planning Commission meeting

The commission approved revised by‑laws and recommended them to City Council. It adopted the final site plan for the 80‑acre Deerfield Business Park, making the property shovel‑ready for high‑tech development. The commission also scheduled public hearings and a special meeting to consider the Austin Pines West development.

• Approved revised Planning Commission By‑Laws and Rules of Procedure (voice vote)
• Approved final site plan for Deerfield Business Park (voice vote)
• Scheduled public hearings for Austin Pines West PUD ordinance (voice vote)
• Scheduled special Planning Commission meeting for April 29, 2026 (voice vote)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will approve its meeting agenda and minutes from the February meeting. It will accept two accounts‑payable items totaling $12,194.97 for the DDA and the Ionia Theatre. The board will discuss a marketing action item for the Ionia Freak Fair.

• Approve the March 18, 2026 meeting agenda
• Approve minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting
• Accept DDA accounts payable of $1,281.99 (Jan 26–Feb 25, 2026)
• Accept Theatre accounts payable of $10,912.98 (Jan 26–Feb 25, 2026)
• DDA Marketing – Ionia Freak Fair

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority approved its agenda and the minutes from the February meeting. It accepted DDA and theatre accounts payable totaling $12,194.97. The board approved a marketing concept and a budget not to exceed $1,750 for the Ionia Freak Fair. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved February 18, 2026 minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted DDA accounts payable $1,281.99 (voice vote)
• Accepted theatre accounts payable $10,912.98 (voice vote)
• Approved Ionia Freak Fair marketing concept and budget up to $1,750 (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)