Portage public meetings in 2024

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will discuss a subcommittee report on Green Week, vote on proposed special rules and procedures to be forwarded to the City Council for approval, and hold elections for chair, vice-chair, and secretary. The board will also review a letter to the City Council and set agenda items for the next meeting.

• Subcommittee report: Green Week
• Vote to send Special Rules and Procedures to City Council for ratification
• Elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
• Review of letter to City Council

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board held a short meeting due to weather, approving October minutes and revised Rules and Procedures. It elected Deirdre as Chairperson, David L. as Vice Chairperson, and Marty as Secretary, all unanimously. The board also approved a letter to City Council summarizing 2024 achievements and 2025 goals.

• Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved revised Special Rules and Procedures, forwarded to City Manager and City Council
• Elected Deirdre as Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected David L. as Vice Chairperson (unanimous)
• Elected Marty as Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved letter to City Council on 2024 achievements and 2025 goals (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider a Section 106 response letter for a new AT&T antenna installation at 6577 Hampton Street, along with unfinished business including Holiday Plans, a Podcast Discussion, and the Parks and Recreation Events Schedule. The commission will also approve minutes from the November 6 meeting.

• Section 106 response letter for new antenna at 6577 Hampton Street, concluding no adverse effects on historic resources
• Discussion of Traditional Holiday Plans
• Podcast Discussion and Plan
• Parks and Recreation Events Schedule
• Approval of November 6, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and vote on a request to reduce required parking from 8 to 6 spaces for a proposed commercial building at 8939 S. Sprinkle Road. The development consists of a 4,160 sq ft building for two contractor/repair workshop businesses with limited retail. Staff recommends approval subject to recording a parking agreement.

• Parking reduction from 8 to 6 spaces (25% reduction) at 8939 S. Sprinkle Road
• Proposed 4,160 sq ft commercial building for two contractor/repair businesses
• Site is vacant and located at northwest corner of S. Sprinkle Road and Waruf Avenue
• Public hearing scheduled; no public comments received as of November 14
• Staff recommends approval with condition to record a parking agreement before building permit

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will meet to conduct elections and review comments regarding its Special Rules and Procedures. The board will also receive a subcommittee report on Green Week.

• Subcommittee report on Green Week
• Review of comments to Special Rules and Procedures
• Board elections

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for an Active Home Occupation at 6734 Oakland Drive to operate a lawn maintenance and snowplow business with one employee. The applicant seeks approval under zoning code Sec 42-129(B). The agenda also includes approval of the prior meeting's minutes and citizen statements.

• Public hearing for Active Home Occupation at 6734 Oakland Drive (lawn/snowplow business with one employee, two trucks)

Park Board

The Park Board will meet to elect officers and approve the 2025 meeting schedule. The body will receive financial and department reports and discuss the 2025 calendar of events.

• Election of officers
• Approval of 2025 meeting schedule
• Financial report
• Discussion of 2025 calendar of events
• Reports on Monster Mash, Leaf-A-Legacy, and Traditional Holiday events

Historic District Commission

The Portage Historic District Commission will meet to discuss the dismantling of the Campbell house on Sprinkle Road and seek short-term solutions. They will also address proactive strategies for preserving historical assets, and plan participation in Holiday Fest. The meeting includes approval of October 2 minutes and announcements.

• Discussion of Campbell house on Sprinkle Road being taken apart and short-term solutions
• Proposed proactive assistance for preserving historical assets, as chartered by the city
• Planning for Holiday Fest participation to promote historic preservation
• Approval of draft minutes from October 2, 2024 meeting
• Announcements including podcast, Fall Fest, May presentation, and deputy director response on demolition concerns

EDC, TIFA & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

The Portage Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will vote on approving the 2024 Brownfield Policy Update, which establishes guidelines for tax increment financing and other incentives. The board will also hold an education session on legislative changes to the Brownfield Act from 2023. Approval of the September 19 meeting minutes is also on the agenda.

• Approval of 2024 Brownfield Policy Update (draft included in agenda packet)
• Education session: Legislative Changes to Brownfield Act in 2023, part 2
• Approval of September 19, 2024 meeting minutes
• Policy update includes criteria for affordable housing developments and project evaluation

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a parking reduction request and the creation of new mixed-use zoning districts. The body is discussing development standards for the Lake Center Commercial Corridor on Portage Road.

• Public hearing for parking reduction request at 6400 S Westnedge Avenue to allow for a new Chase Bank at 6460 S Westnedge Avenue
• Public hearing for Rezoning #24/25-3 to create mixed-use zoning districts in the Lake Center Commercial Corridor on Portage Road

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing and decide on two variance requests for 9230 Shaver Road: to place accessory buildings within 30 feet of front property lines where 75-foot setbacks are required, and to waive parking lot landscaping requirements along the east property line. Staff recommends approval due to the small parcel size and traffic visibility concerns at the intersection of Shaver Road and Vanderbilt Avenue.

• Variance to place accessory buildings within 30 feet of front property lines (75-foot required) at 9230 Shaver Road
• Variance from parking lot landscaping requirements along the east property line
• Applicant proposes an unmanned accessory building display site on a 0.6-acre I-1 Light Industrial parcel
• Staff recommends both variances, citing exceptional circumstances from expanded right-of-way and acute road intersection
• Previous meeting (Sept 9, 2024) approved partial variance for 224 South Shore Drive and denied attached garage variance

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will review subcommittee reports and discuss the annual calendar for future planning. The board is also scheduled to review comments on Special Rules and Procedures and provide updates on vehicle electrification.

• Bee City review of needs
• Green Week report
• Review of comments to Special Rules and Procedures
• Annual calendar planning and goal setting
• Update on electrification/vehicles

Human Services Board

The Portage Human Services Board will meet to review and finalize the application form and evaluation criteria for FY2025-26 human service funding. They will also discuss a Red Ribbon Week proclamation and hear public comment. Approval of previous meeting minutes is also on the agenda.

• Review and finalize the FY2025-26 Human Services Funding Grant Application form
• Review and finalize the Human Services Funding Evaluation Criteria
• Red Ribbon Week proclamation reading and updates
• Approval of minutes from September 5, 2024
• Statement of citizens (public comment period)

Park Board

The Park Board will meet to receive financial and department reports. Members will discuss updates from the Bicycle, Cultural Arts, and Youth advisory committees, as well as reports on specific park initiatives.

• Oktoberfest review
• Monster Mash planning
• Leaf-A-Legacy report
• Traditional Holiday planning
• Lending/Seed Library initiative

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will consider approving the September 4, 2024 meeting minutes and discuss the FY 24-25 Goals and Objectives, which include evaluating historic structures and amending the preservation ordinance. The commission may also continue discussions on preserving the Schram's Greenhouse property.

• Approval of September 4, 2024 meeting minutes
• Review of FY 24-25 Goals and Objectives, including safeguarding historic district and evaluating potential historic structures
• Possible discussion of designating Schram's Greenhouse property as a historic site
• Amendment of Historic Preservation Ordinance to comply with State requirements
• Creation of Portage Historic District Design Guidelines

EDC, TIFA & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

The board will meet to discuss legislative changes to the Brownfield Act (PA 381) resulting from PA 90 of 2023. The session focuses on how these changes support the creation of additional housing. No new business or old business items are listed for decision.

• Staff report on 2023 legislative changes to the Brownfield Act
• Approval of August 1, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the McConley Cove Planned Development at 1075 Bacon Avenue, which would increase the number of housing units from 40 to 54 by reducing lot sizes, home sizes, and side-yard setbacks. The commission will also discuss the Lake Center/Portage Road Commercial Corridor Rezoning Workshop and review the FY23-24 work program and proposed FY24-25 work program.

• Public hearing on PD Tentative Plan Amendment and Preliminary Condominium Plan for McConley Cove at 1075 Bacon Avenue, increasing units from 40 to 54 on 16.25 acres
• Lake Center/Portage Road Commercial Corridor Rezoning Workshop to be held prior to the regular meeting at 6 p.m.
• Review of Planning Commission FY23-24 Work Program Report and proposed FY24-25 Work Program
• Approval of minutes from the September 5, 2024 meeting

Park Board

The Portage Park Board will discuss the proposed Archery Park and receive financial, committee, and event reports. Topics include updates from the Bicycle Advisory, Arts, and Youth Advisory committees, as well as plans for Oktoberfest, Monster Mash, and other community events.

• Archery Park discussion
• Financial report presentation
• Oktoberfest update (September 14)
• Monster Mash planning (October 19)
• Park Department report

The Portage Park Board heard a presentation from John Dunlop about creating an archery park, but took no formal action. The board also received updates on park projects and events. No substantive decisions were made; the only votes were to approve the agenda and the August minutes.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved August Park Board meeting minutes (one abstention)

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting with procedural items including approval of minutes, subcommittee reports on Bee City and Green Week, and a review of comments to the Special Rules and Procedures. No binding decisions or financial items are on the agenda.

• Subcommittee report: Bee City review of needs
• Subcommittee report: Green Week planning
• Review comments to Special Rules and Procedures
• Open discussion to set items for October meeting

The Portage Environmental Board met on September 11, 2024, and approved the August minutes with minor corrections. The board discussed potential Green Week activities and partnerships, but made no final decisions. The review of Special Rules and Procedures was postponed to the next meeting, with members asked to review proposed changes beforehand.

• Approved August minutes with spelling and seconder corrections (unanimous)
• Postponed Special Rules and Procedures review to next month
• Discussed Green Week event ideas, no formal action taken

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two variance requests for 224 South Shore Drive: to retain an existing 1,200-square-foot accessory building that exceeds the dwelling's living area, and to construct a 384-square-foot attached garage. Staff recommends approving the retention due to a 1977 permit error, but recommends denying the garage variance, citing no practical difficulty. The board will vote on both requests.

• Variance to retain 1,200 sq ft accessory building (exceeds dwelling living area by 363 sq ft)
• Variance to construct 384 sq ft attached garage (total accessory would be 1,563 sq ft vs. 837 sq ft max)
• Staff recommends approval of retention variance, denial of garage variance
• Property at 224 South Shore Drive, zoned R-1B One Family Residential

The Portage Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance to retain an existing 1,200 sq ft accessory building at 224 South Shore Drive, exceeding the dwelling's living area by 363 sq ft, citing exceptional circumstances including a 1977 erroneous permit. The board denied a separate variance to construct a 384 sq ft attached garage, which would have brought total accessory space to 1,563 sq ft against a permitted 837 sq ft, because conforming alternatives like a retaining wall and regrading were available. Both decisions passed 7-0.

• Approved variance to retain 1,200 sq ft accessory building (7-0)
• Denied variance for 384 sq ft attached garage (7-0)
• Approved August 12, 2024 minutes (7-0)
• Excused member David Bergher (7-0)

Human Services Board

The Human Services Board will hold a public hearing on the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), detailing the use of $209,795 in CDBG funds and $50,000 in program income for housing rehabilitation, neighborhood improvement, and transportation assistance. The board will receive public comments before approving the report for submission to HUD.

• Public hearing on CAPER for CDBG program year July 2023 – June 2024
• $209,795 in CDBG funds and $50,000 program income expended
• Housing rehabilitation completed at 15 homes (33 purchase orders)
• Transportation assistance served 133 low/moderate-income residents (double the goal)
• Neighborhood improvement program handled 1,601 cases, including storm-related cleanup

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a rezoning from R-1B to Planned Development and a preliminary condominium subdivision for the proposed Stanwood Crossings single-family development at 9617 Portage Road, and on a request for a larger and taller accessory building at 2813 Vanderbilt Avenue. They will also receive a presentation on the Lake Center/Portage Road Commercial Corridor Rezoning. The meeting will begin with approval of the August 15, 2024 minutes.

• Public hearing on additional space and height request for an accessory building at 2813 Vanderbilt Avenue
• Public hearing on rezoning and tentative plan application for Stanwood Crossings at 9617 Portage Road
• Presentation on the Lake Center/Portage Road Commercial Corridor Rezoning
• Approval of August 15, 2024 meeting minutes

The Portage Planning Commission voted 7-0 to recommend City Council approval of the rezoning of 9617 Portage Road from R-1B to Planned Development (PD) and the preliminary condominium plan for the Stanwood Crossings single-family residential development. The commission also approved an accessory building height and space request at 2813 Vanderbilt Avenue. A presentation on the Lake Center/Portage Road Commercial Corridor Rezoning was given, but no vote was taken.

• Approved additional 880 sq ft and 5 ft 2 in height for pole barn at 2813 Vanderbilt Avenue (7-0)
• Recommended City Council approval of rezoning 9617 Portage Road from R-1B to PD for Stanwood Crossings (7-0)
• Recommended City Council approval of preliminary condominium plan for Stanwood Crossings (7-0)
• Approved minutes of August 15, 2024 (7-0)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will discuss and take action on its annual goals and objectives for FY 2024-25 and review updated monitoring assignments for historic properties. The commission also plans a presentation to the City Council in May 2025. No new business items are scheduled.

• Approval of August 7, 2024 meeting minutes
• Announcement: City Council presentation in May 2025
• Discussion and action on FY 2024-25 Goals and Objectives
• Review and update of PRE list with commissioner monitoring assignments for historic properties

The Portage Historic District Commission met on September 4, 2024, and approved the August 7, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously (4-0). No new business, unfinished business, or citizen comments were presented. Members discussed interest in preserving historic buildings on the Schram's Greenhouse property and making Celery Flats more kid-friendly, but no formal action was taken.

• Approved August 7, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold two public hearings: adoption of the proposed Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan, and an ordinance amendment to various Zoning Code technical standards. The commission will also vote on approving the June 20, 2024, meeting minutes.

• Adoption of the Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan (public hearing)
• Ordinance Amendment #24/25-1 to amend Zoning Code technical standards (public hearing)
• Approval of minutes from June 20, 2024

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board will receive an update on the city's leaf collection program and continue planning the annual Greenathon event. The meeting also includes public comment, approval of June minutes, and open discussion.

• Leaf collection update from city staff
• Greenathon planning discussion
• Approval of June 2024 meeting minutes
• Public comment period

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance to retain a carport exceeding the dwelling's living area by 110 square feet at 3859 Romence Road. Staff recommends denial, stating the applicant created the need and conforming alternatives exist. The board will also approve minutes from the July 8, 2024 meeting.

• ZBA #24-03: Variance to retain a 630 sq ft carport exceeding the dwelling's living area by 110 sq ft at 3859 Romence Road
• Staff recommendation: Denial, citing applicant-created practical difficulty and available alternatives
• Approval of draft minutes from July 8, 2024

Park Board

The Park Board will meet to receive reports from the Bicycle, Arts, and Youth advisory committees. Members will discuss preparations for upcoming events including Oktoberfest, Monster Mash, and Leaf-A-Legacy. The board will also consider a letter of support for a tree grant.

• Letter of support for a tree grant
• Oktoberfest planning (September 14)
• Monster Mash planning (October 19)
• Leaf-A-Legacy planning (October 27)
• Updates on Lending/Seed Library and Park Passports initiatives

Historic District Commission

The Portage Historic District Commission will discuss and adopt an action plan for its FY 2024-2025 goals, building on objectives approved in June. The meeting also includes routine approval of minutes from June 5 and announcements about a city podcast appearance and a City Council presentation. New business is not listed, making the goals discussion the primary substantive item.

• Discussion and action on Annual HDC Goals & Objectives and action plan
• Approval of June 5, 2024 meeting minutes
• Announcement of City Council presentation on September 10 or 24
• Announcement of City's Podcast guest spot

EDC, TIFA & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will consider an amendment to the development agreement for the TST of Portage Act 381 Brownfield Plan (Project Depatie). They will also vote on the fiscal year 2024-2025 annual budget and receive an education session on recent changes to brownfield legislation. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and a staff annual report.

• Amendment to development agreement for TST of Portage, LLC Act 381 Brownfield Plan (Project Depatie) at 5870 and 5960 S. Sprinkle Rd.
• Approval of Fiscal Year 2024-2025 City of Portage Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Annual Budget
• Education session on changes to brownfield legislation in 2023
• Staff annual report to the public and board

Portage Cultural Arts Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss the 2024-2025 calendar of events and address resignations within the Executive Committee. Members will also review subcommittee reports and a financial report.

• Resignations of Chairperson Amy Dunham and Secretary Dennis Martin
• Discussion of 2025 events including themed artist workshops, a Doodling Gathering, and a Pecha Kucha event
• Holiday Card Entry scheduled for November
• Subcommittee reports on Theatre, Outreach, and Public Art

Environmental Board

The Environmental Advisory Board will review subcommittee reports and receive program updates. Discussion includes the status of leaf collection and refrigerant recycling.

• Bee City subcommittee report
• Special Rules and Procedures subcommittee report
• Portage leaf collection update
• Refrigerant recycling update

Park Board

The Park Board will receive updates from the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Portage Arts Committee, and Youth Advisory Committee. The board will also consider approving $150 for youth tennis camp scholarships.

• Approval of $150 for Youth Scholarships for Tennis Camp
• Bicycle Advisory Committee update
• Portage Arts Committee update
• Subcommittee reports on upcoming events including Oktoberfest and Monster Mash
• Financial and Park Department reports

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review two applications for property variances. The board will consider a second-story addition at 9736 East Shore Drive and an addition at 4608 Cedarcrest Avenue.

• Variance request for a second-story addition at 9736 East Shore Drive
• Variance to retain a dwelling and construct an addition at 4608 Cedarcrest Ave
• Election of board officers

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is reviewing a plan amendment for a residential project at 8150 Creekside Drive. The proposal includes 46 new rental homes, consisting of detached and attached units on 9.11 acres.

• Tentative Plan Amendment for 46 rental homes at 8150 Creekside Drive

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board will discuss updates regarding refrigerant and plastic bag recycling. The meeting includes reports from the Bee City and Special Rules and Procedures subcommittees. Members will also discuss a visit to Ruth Caputo’s native plant garden.

• Refrigerant recycling update
• Plastic bag recycling update
• Bee City subcommittee report
• Review of March & April minutes

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is considering a temporary use permit for outdoor barbecue sales in the parking lot at 106 East Centre Avenue. The proposal covers operations from June 11 through October 31, 2024, and May 1 through October 31, 2025. All sales would be on a 'to go' basis with no customer seating or canopies provided.

• Temporary Use Permit for outdoor barbecue sales at 106 East Centre Avenue
• Election of board officers

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission agenda lists three public hearings for June 6. Staff will review a contractor business site plan at 9651 Portage Road, a group child care home parking reduction request at 3609 W. Milham Avenue, and an amendment to sign regulations in Chapter 42 of the Land Development Regulations. The commission will also approve minutes from its May 16 meeting.

• Public hearing on a Special Land Use Permit and Site Plan for a contractor business at 9651 Portage Road
• Public hearing on a Special Land Use Permit and parking reduction request for a Group Child Care Home at 3609 W. Milham Avenue
• Public hearing on Ordinance Amendment #23/24-4 to amend sign regulations in Chapter 42 of the Land Development Regulations
• Approval of Planning Commission minutes dated May 16, 2024

Park Board

The meeting includes reports from the Bicycle Advisory, Arts, and Youth committees. The board will also receive updates regarding subcommittee planning for upcoming seasonal events.

• Bicycle Advisory Committee update
• Portage Arts Committee update
• Youth Advisory Committee update
• Review of upcoming events including Oktoberfest and Monster Mash

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will review a proposal to remove a deteriorating shed and construct a replacement and an accessory dwelling unit at 5260 Angling Rd. The commission is also scheduled to discuss and approve its annual goals and objectives.

• Proposal for 5260 Angling Rd: removal of a shed, construction of a new shed, and an accessory dwelling unit
• Discussion and approval of Annual HDC Goals & Objectives

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will discuss a proposal for 5260 Angling Road to remove a deteriorating shed, build a new shed, and construct an accessory dwelling unit. The commission will also review and approve its annual goals and objectives, and receive a staff update on the 5720 Oakland Drive barn collapse. The agenda includes approval of the April 3, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Discussion on proposal for 5260 Angling Road: remove deteriorating shed, build new shed, and construct accessory dwelling unit
• Annual HDC Goals & Objectives discussion and approval
• Staff update on 5720 Oakland Drive barn collapse
• Approval of April 3, 2024 meeting minutes

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a Special Land Use Permit and Parking Reduction for a group child care home at 3609 W. Milham Avenue, a Special Land Use Permit and Site Plan for a contractor's business at 9651 Portage Road, and a Lakefront Property Housing Code Ordinance Amendment. The commission will also review a final site plan for a 58-unit residential development at 9581 Oakland Drive and discuss the draft Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan.

• Special Land Use Permit and Parking Reduction for group child care home at 3609 W. Milham Avenue (up to 12 children)
• Special Land Use Permit and Site Plan for contractor's business at 9651 Portage Road
• Lakefront Property Housing Code Ordinance Amendment #23/24-5
• Final PD Site Plan for 'Oakland Commons' 58-unit residential development at 9581 Oakland Drive
• Draft Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan discussion

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board is meeting to discuss a visit to Ruth Caputo's native plant garden, receive subcommittee reports on Bee City and Special Rules, and get updates on refrigerant and plastic bag recycling programs. The board will also set agenda items for the June meeting.

• Discussion of EAB visit to Ruth Caputo's native plant garden
• Subcommittee reports: Bee City, Special Rules and Procedures
• Refrigerant recycling update
• Plastic bag recycling update
• Open discussion to establish items for June meeting

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will discuss proposed revisions to the Public Participation Plan and review the draft Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan. The meeting also includes approval of the April 18, 2024 minutes. No public hearings or site/final plans are scheduled.

• Proposed revisions to Public Participation Plan (stakeholder list, notification, developer outreach)
• Draft Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan
• Approval of April 18, 2024 minutes

Park Board

The Portage Park Board is meeting to review financial reports, receive updates from various committees, and discuss upcoming park events. The board will also vote on approving $400 in funds for a garlic mustard pull.

• Approval of $400 for garlic mustard pull
• Financial report with top 5 items for funding
• Updates from Bicycle Advisory, Arts, Youth Advisory committees
• Planning for Picnic in the Park-Westfield (May 9), Breakfast in the Park-Ramona (June 22), Oktoberfest (Sept 14), Monster Mash (Oct 19)
• Individual park reports and subcommittee reports

Historic District Commission

The Portage Historic District Commission will meet to approve minutes, receive a staff update on the 5720 Oakland Drive barn collapse, and discuss and approve the annual goals and objectives. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive items being the barn collapse follow-up and the annual goals review.

• Staff update on 5720 Oakland Drive barn collapse walkthrough
• Annual HDC Goals & Objectives discussion and approval
• Approval of April 3, 2024 meeting minutes
• MHPN fact sheet on HB 5430 (historic preservation tax credit) transmitted

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a preliminary plat for Oakland Farms No. 4, a 21-lot single-family subdivision at 9840 Oakland Drive, and will discuss potential changes to lakefront property housing codes for Long, Austin, West, and Gourdneck lakes. The commission will also approve minutes from the April 4 meeting. Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat, which would extend streets, sidewalks, and utilities.

• Preliminary plat for Oakland Farms No. 4: 21 lots on 9.67 acres at 9840 Oakland Drive, with new street Loganberry Lane
• Lakefront Property Housing Codes study: 6-month process to reexamine development regulations for lakefront properties
• Public hearing on the Oakland Farms preliminary plat; no public comments received as of April 10
• Approval of April 4, 2024 meeting minutes

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board is meeting to hear a biodiversity presentation from Ruth Caputo, receive updates on refrigerant and plastic bag recycling, and review a subcommittee report on special rules and procedures. The agenda is largely informational and procedural, with no votes on ordinances or contracts listed.

• Biodiversity presentation by Ruth Caputo
• Special rules and procedures subcommittee report
• Refrigerant recycling update
• Plastic bag recycling update
• Approval of March minutes

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hear a presentation on the 2024-2030 Draft Capital Improvement Program and discuss the Public Participation Plan. They will also review a memo on the draft master plan's residential areas of change, which could add 7,500 to nearly 15,000 housing units.

• 2024-2030 Draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP) presentation
• Public Participation Plan (PPP) discussion
• Master Plan memo on residential areas of change
• Potential 7,500 to 14,841 additional residential units under draft plan
• Approval of March 21, 2024 meeting minutes

Park Board

The Portage Park Board is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the agenda and prior minutes, and receiving committee updates. New business includes a financial report, updates from several advisory committees, and individual park reports. The board will also consider approving $400 in funds for a garlic mustard pull.

• Approval of $400 for garlic mustard pull
• Financial report with top 5 items for funding
• Updates from Bicycle, Arts, and Youth Advisory Committees
• Planning for events: Picnic in the Park (May 9), Breakfast in the Park (June 22), Oktoberfest (Sept 14), Monster Mash (Oct 19)
• Next meeting set for June 5 at Celery Flats

Historic District Commission

The Portage Historic District Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for a proposed 128-foot white vinyl privacy fence at 8643 S. Westnedge Ave. The commission will also discuss annual goals and receive a staff update on the barn collapse at 5720 Oakland Drive. The agenda includes approval of the January 29, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Certificate of Appropriateness: 8643 S. Westnedge Ave – proposed 6-foot white vinyl fence (128 feet)
• Staff update: 5720 Oakland Drive barn collapse pictures and past approval documents
• Annual HDC Goals & Objectives discussion
• Approval of January 29, 2024 meeting minutes

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to review scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. This is a procedural session to address property assessment challenges.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a Final Planned Development Site Plan for a senior housing facility at 732, 810, 830, and 906 E. Centre Avenue. The proposal includes 103 units of senior living care, reusing the existing Beacon Memory Care building and demolishing the closed Otis Montessori Academy. The commission will also approve minutes from the March 7, 2024 meeting.

• Final PD Site Plan for senior housing facility at 732, 810, 830, and 906 E. Centre Avenue
• 103 total units including assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care
• 87,312 square feet total building area
• Demolition of existing Otis Montessori Academy
• 8-foot privacy fence near homes to the south

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to review scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The session includes a public comment period limited to three minutes per person.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to handle scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The session includes a public comment period limited to three minutes per person.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board is meeting to discuss recycling opportunities, including plastic bag and refrigerant recycling, along with subcommittee reports. The agenda includes public comment and planning for the next meeting.

• Plastic bag recycling opportunity discussion
• Refrigerant recycling update
• Subcommittee reports: special rules, land conservancy, Bee City

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to review scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The session includes a public comment period limited to three minutes per person.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to handle scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The session includes a period for public comment.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to handle scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The session includes a public comment period limited to three minutes per person.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to review scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The meeting includes a public comment period limited to three minutes per person.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to conduct scheduled appointments and review mail appeals and correspondence. The session includes a period for public comment.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Board of Review

The Board of Review will meet to hear scheduled appointments, mail appeals, and correspondence. The session includes a public comment period limited to three minutes per person.

• Review of scheduled appointments
• Review of mail appeals
• Review of correspondence

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a Special Land Use Permit for a proposed religious institution (Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Kalamazoo) at 4401 Bishop Avenue. They will also review a draft Master Plan outline and revised Future Land Use Map. The meeting includes approval of minutes from February 15, 2024.

• Special Land Use Permit for religious institution at 4401 Bishop Avenue (16,000 sq ft building, 100-space parking lot)
• Draft Master Plan Outline and Revised Future Land Use Map presentation
• Approval of minutes from February 15, 2024

EDC, TIFA & Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

The Portage Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will elect a new chair and consider a brownfield assistance application for Project Depatie, a two-phase manufacturing development at 5870 and 5960 South Sprinkle Road. The board will also approve minutes from the December 2023 meeting. No other business is listed.

• Election of officers to fill the vacant board chair position
• Consideration of brownfield assistance for Project Depatie, a $9,334,162 two-phase manufacturing project at 5870 and 5960 South Sprinkle Rd.
• Proposed tax increment financing capture of $836,511 over 10 years for eligible expenses, plus additional capture for the Local Brownfield Revolving Fund
• Project includes 51 new jobs from Depatie Fluid Power and 13 from Micro-LAM Inc.
• Approval of minutes from December 8, 2023 meeting

Human Services Board

The Portage Human Services Board will review General Fund applications and ranking documents for FY2024-25 and make funding recommendations to City Council. The board will also discuss follow-up information on Twelve Baskets, which was previously excluded from eligibility due to code compliance issues.

• Review of General Fund application and ranking documents for FY2024-25
• FY24-25 General Fund recommendations to City Council
• Follow-up on Twelve Baskets eligibility (excluded due to code compliance issues)
• Approval of February 1, 2024 minutes

Park Board

The Portage Park Board is meeting to receive routine reports on finances, park operations, and advisory committees, and to discuss board goals for fiscal year 2024-2025. The agenda is largely procedural, with updates and event planning details rather than major policy decisions.

• Financial report and park department report
• Updates from Bicycle, Arts, and Youth Advisory Committees
• Planning for events: Picnic in the Park (May 9), Breakfast in the Park (June 22), National Night Out (Aug 6), Oktoberfest (Sept 14), Monster Mash (Oct 19)
• Discussion of Board Goals for FY 2024-2025

Board of Review

The Board of Review is meeting to conduct organizational business. The body will elect a Chair and Vice Chair and schedule March sessions for reviewing assessment rolls.

• Election of 2024 Board Chair
• Selection of Board Vice Chair
• Presentation of 2024 Assessment Rolls
• Scheduling of March sessions and determination of 3-member panels

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a rezoning application for 600 W. Milham Avenue, which would change the zoning from office and residential to local business and vehicular parking to facilitate future development, possibly a veterinary clinic. The commission will also approve minutes from the previous meeting. The agenda includes no other substantive items.

• Public hearing on rezoning application No. 23/24-4 for 600 W. Milham Avenue from OS-1 and R-1A to B-1 and P-1
• Applicant: Matthew Callander for CC Development, LLC
• Neighborhood meeting held December 21, 2023; two attendees, one supportive
• Potential future use: animal veterinary business (requires special land use permit)
• Approval of minutes from February 1, 2024 meeting

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board is meeting to discuss routine business, including subcommittee reports and a potential July meeting. The board will also review opportunities for Bee City certification and plastic bag recycling, and set items for the March meeting.

• Review of Bee City certification opportunity
• Plastic bag recycling opportunity
• Special rules and procedures subcommittee report and consideration of July meeting
• Green Week subcommittee report
• Land conservancy subcommittee report

Park Board

The Portage Park Board is meeting to approve minutes, receive committee updates, and discuss financial and park department reports. The board will also set goals for fiscal year 2024-2025 and take public input on two Austin Lake Trail grant applications (MDOT and MDNR).

• Financial Report and Park Department Report
• Bicycle Advisory Committee, Portage Arts Committee, Youth Advisory Committee updates
• Board Goals FY 2024-2025 discussion
• Public input on Austin Lake Trail MDOT application
• Public input on Austin Lake Trail MDNR application

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a rezoning application to change 1330 E. Centre Avenue from OS-1 Office Service to B-1 Local Business District, which would allow future commercial development. The applicant, Gobind Realty LLC, owns adjacent lots and plans to demolish existing homes for commercial use. The Commission will decide whether to recommend approval to the City Council.

• Rezoning application No. 23/24-3 for 1330 E. Centre Avenue from OS-1 to B-1
• Applicant: Harbahajan Multani, Gobind Realty LLC
• Property currently has a single-family home and pole barn
• Neighborhood meeting held December 13, 2023, with 5 attendees
• Future commercial development expected across multiple lots

Human Services Board

The Portage Human Services Board will review a substantial amendment to the CDBG-CV grant, recommending $76,000 for Housing Resources Inc. for subsistence payments, funded by reallocating unused funds from other projects. They will also discuss the 2024-2025 funding cycle, following a January meeting where several organizations were not funded.

• Substantial Amendment to CDBG FY 2020-21 Annual Action Plan
• $76,000 allocation to Housing Resources Inc. for rent/rapid rehousing
• Reallocation of $50,000 from Lexington-Green Park trail project
• Reallocation of $8,716.15 from Portage Community Center
• Human Services 2024-2025 funding discussion

Portage Cultural Arts Committee

The Portage Cultural Arts Committee is meeting to fill an executive committee vacancy, discuss board focus for 2025, and plan the 2025 calendar of events including the Gallery Walk, Plant Sculpture/Rebar Trees, Holiday Card Entry, Snowflake Challenge, and an Artists Social Event. The committee will also review financial and subcommittee reports. The meeting is open to the public.

• Executive Committee Member Vacancy (4) to be filled
• Discussion on Board Focus for 2025
• 2025 Calendar of Events: Gallery Walk (April), Plant Sculpture/Rebar Trees, Holiday Card Entry (Nov), Snowflake Challenge, Artists Social Event (Nov 19 @6PM)
• Financial Report
• Subcommittee reports: Public Art, Theatre, Outreach, Fund Development

Planning Commission

The Portage Planning Commission will hear a presentation on a strategic market analysis of economic and residential outlook, followed by a Master Plan Future Land Use Workshop. The meeting also includes approval of the December 7, 2023 minutes, which detailed a rezoning recommendation for 6008 and 6018 Chelsea Lane.

• Presentation: Strategic Market Analysis on Economic and Residential Outlook
• Master Plan Future Land Use Workshop
• Approval of minutes from December 7, 2023 (includes rezoning recommendation for 6008 and 6018 Chelsea Lane)

Environmental Board

The Portage Environmental Advisory Board is meeting to discuss routine business, including subcommittee reports and a review of the Bee City certification opportunity. The board will also consider an article for the Portager and set items for the February meeting.

• Review of Bee City certification opportunity
• Special rules and procedures subcommittee report
• Green Week subcommittee report
• Land conservancy subcommittee report
• Review of article for the Portager

Park Board

The Portage Park Board is meeting to elect officers, review financial and department reports, and approve the 2024 calendar of events. They will also consider letters of support for the Austin Lake Trail and Lakeview Park, and a $400 funding request for a garlic mustard pull contest.

• Election of officers
• 2024 Calendar of Events approval
• Letter of support – Austin Lake Trail
• Letter of support – Lakeview Park
• Garlic Mustard Pull Contest funding request $400

Historic District Commission

The Portage Historic District Commission will vote on changing its meeting day from Wednesday to Thursday, a proposal postponed from November due to absences. They will also discuss updates on the Glenbrook Village historic district neighborhood meeting and state-recommended historic preservation code updates.

• Vote on changing HDC meeting day from Wednesday to Thursday
• Update on Glenbrook Village historic district neighborhood meeting (12/6/2023)
• Discussion of State recommended Historic Preservation code updates

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Portage Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance request from Great Lakes Self Storage 1, LLC to build storage buildings 50 feet from the front property line at 6425 Naomi Street, where a 75-foot setback is required. Staff recommends denial, citing no practical difficulty. The board will also elect officers and approve prior minutes.

• Variance request ZBA 23-01 for 6425 Naomi Street to construct buildings 50 feet from front property line (75-foot required)
• Staff recommendation to deny the variance
• Election of officers
• Approval of May 15, 2023 minutes

Human Services Board

The Portage Human Services Board will meet to discuss funding for the 2024-2025 period. The agenda also includes the approval of minutes from the October 5, 2023, meeting.

• Human Services 2024-2025 Funding Discussion