Ionia County, MI

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

City Council

Planning Commission

Downtown Development Authority

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

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 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)

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)

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)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the site plan and special land use application for 90 E. Tuttle Road and will vote to approve or deny the permit. The meeting also includes routine items such as agenda approval, minutes approval, and a motion to reschedule the April meeting. Public comments are allowed at the start of the meeting.

• Public hearing and decision on site plan and special land use permit – 90 E. Tuttle Road
• Approval of agenda and minutes from February 11, 2026 meeting
• Rescheduling of the April Planning Commission meeting

The Ionia Planning Commission approved its agenda and the February 11 meeting minutes by voice vote. It approved the site plan and special land use permit for 90 E. Tuttle Road, subject to listed conditions. The commission also moved the April 8 regular meeting to April 1 and then adjourned the session.

• Approve agenda (voice vote)
• Approve February 11, 2026 minutes (voice vote)
• Approve site plan and special land use permit for 90 E. Tuttle Rd (voice vote)
• Reschedule April 8 regular meeting to April 1, 2026 (voice vote)
• Adjourn meeting (voice vote)

City Council

The Ionia City Council will hold a special meeting on March 4, 2026. After routine items such as agenda approval and a public comments period, the council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2032. Council members will decide whether to adopt Resolution No. 2026‑06, which would approve the plan.

• Approval of agenda
• Public comments (up to 5 minutes per speaker)
• Public hearing on proposed Capital Improvement Plan (FY2027‑FY2032) – decision on Resolution No. 2026‑06
• Adjournment

The council voted unanimously to adopt the proposed FY2027‑2032 Capital Improvement Plan. The resolution directs that the plan’s projects be incorporated into the annual operating budget, beginning with the first‑year items. The council also ordered that the plan be available at City Hall and on the city’s website. All other agenda items were approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Adopted FY2027‑2032 Capital Improvement Plan (9 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions)
• Directed incorporation of plan projects into the annual operating budget process
• Directed the plan be made available at City Hall and on the city website
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

City Council

The Ionia City Council meeting will consider several actions, including a public hearing on Ordinance No. 602 for codification and a first reading of Ordinance 603 covering a DDA development and tax‑increment financing plan. The council will also approve bid awards for the Steele Park Project Phase I and for an Axon TASER 10 purchase. Additional items include a vertical pole banner application and the City DDA 2025 annual report.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 602 – codification (second reading, approve or reject)
• First reading of Ordinance 603 – DDA Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan
• Bid award for Steele Park Project – Phase I
• Bid award for Axon TASER 10 Project
• Vertical Pole Banner Application – Ionia Community Awareness

The council excused the absence of Councilmember Tim Lee, approved the meeting agenda and the February 4 minutes, all by voice vote. It adopted Ordinance No. 602, which codifies and renumbers various city ordinances, with a unanimous roll‑call vote. The council also accepted the 2025 Downtown Development Authority report, approved a vertical pole banner application, and introduced the first reading of Ordinance No. 603 to establish a downtown development and tax‑increment financing plan, each passed unanimously.

• Excused Councilmember Tim Lee’s absence (voice vote)
• Approved the meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved February 4, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 602 codifying city ordinances (unanimous roll‑call, 8‑0)
• Accepted the 2025 Downtown Development Authority annual report (voice vote)
• Approved vertical pole banner application for Ionia Community Awareness (unanimous roll‑call, 8‑0)
• Introduced and conducted first reading of Ordinance No. 603 and scheduled a public hearing (unanimous roll‑call, 8‑0)

Downtown Development Authority

The Ionia Downtown Development Authority will approve the meeting agenda, the minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting, and accounts payable totaling $24,251.19. It will consider the 2025 Annual Report, a match on the Main Panel selection, and the review and release of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Development Plan. A marketing committee update will also be discussed.

• Approve DDA accounts payable of $2,122.23 for Dec 25 2025 – Jan 25 2025
• Approve Theatre accounts payable of $22,128.96 for Dec 25 2025 – Jan 25 2025
• Approve minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting
• Review and release the TIF and Development Plan
• Match on Main Panel selection

The Downtown Development Authority approved its meeting agenda and the minutes from the January 21 meeting. It accepted the December‑January accounts payable totals of $2,122.23 for the DDA and $22,128.96 for the theatre. The board accepted the 2025 Annual Report, nominated two members for the Match on Main grant panel, and voted to recommend the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Development Plan to City Council for final approval.

• Approved meeting agenda (voice vote)
• Approved January 21 minutes (voice vote)
• Accepted DDA accounts payable $2,122.23 (voice vote)
• Accepted theatre accounts payable $22,128.96 (voice vote)
• Accepted and filed 2025 Annual Report (voice vote)
• Nominated Sheehan and Wilson as Match on Main grant panel members (voice vote)
• Recommended approval of TIF and Development Plan and forwarded recommendation to City Council (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Planning Commission

The Ionia County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and make a decision on the site plan and special land use permit for 113 S. Depot Street. The meeting also includes a new business hearing for a site plan and special land use application at 90 E. Tuttle Road. Routine items such as agenda approval, minutes approval, and public comments are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing and decision on site plan & special land use for 113 S. Depot Street
• New business: site plan & special land use application for 90 E. Tuttle Road
• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes from Jan. 14, 2026 meeting
• Public comments period

The commission approved the site plan and special land use permit for a mixed‑use building with a ground‑floor residential unit at 113 S. Depot Street, waiving the sealed site plan and landscaping requirements. The approval was subject to conditions including noise reduction, ADA‑compliant access, parking restrictions, dumpster enclosure, lighting, signage permits, and required permits. The commission also scheduled a public hearing for March 11, 2026, to review the site plan and special land use application for 90 E. Tuttle Road. The agenda and the January 14, 2026 meeting minutes were approved by voice vote.

• Approved agenda as presented (voice vote)
• Approved January 14, 2026 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Approved site plan and special land use permit for 113 S. Depot St, waiving sealed plan and landscaping (voice vote)
• Approved conditions of approval for 113 S. Depot St (voice vote)
• Scheduled public hearing for 90 E. Tuttle Road site plan on March 11, 2026 (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several administrative actions, including a social district permit and a brownfield redevelopment policy. The meeting also includes the first reading of a codification ordinance and the establishment of a Development Area Citizens Council.

• Resolution 2026-05: Social District Permit request from County Seat Brewing Company, LLC
• Policy 4-007 Amendment: City of Ionia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Policy
• Ordinance No. 602: Codification (Introduction and First Reading)
• 2026 Independence Holiday Fireworks Permit
• Establishment of Development Area Citizens Council

The Ionia City Council introduced Ordinance No. 602 to codify recent ordinances and scheduled a public hearing. It also approved a brownfield redevelopment policy amendment, several permits, and appointed a new DDA board member. All actions were carried by unanimous roll‑call votes or voice votes.

• Approved vertical pole banner application for Ionia High School (Apr 2–May 14 2026) – unanimous roll‑call vote
• Accepted Granger Waste Services 2025 Annual Refuse & Recycling Report – passed by voice vote
• Accepted Ionia Community Library 2025 Annual Report – passed by voice vote
• Introduced Ordinance No. 602 to codify ordinances and scheduled public hearing for Mar 4 2026 – unanimous roll‑call vote
• Approved amended Policy 4‑007 for Brownfield Redevelopment Projects – unanimous roll‑call vote
• Approved Resolution 2026‑05 granting County Seat Brewing Co. a Social District Permit – unanimous roll‑call vote
• Approved fireworks permit for Pyrotecnico Fireworks and waived $25 fee – unanimous roll‑call vote
• Appointed Mark Ludema to the Downtown Development Authority Board for a four‑year term – unanimous roll‑call vote