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This is Your City of Muskegon
A Citizen's Handbook
2007 Edition
Muskegon is a city with a rich history and strong sense of community. You will find that
Muskegon's high level of services, recreational opportunities and spectacular shoreline provide
a high quality of life. Part of understanding the community means quickly learning about local
rules that impact your daily life. This information packet is provided to help you become
familiar with our services and to be a good neighbor. Remember, quality neighborhoods
benefit everyone by keeping our City an attractive, clean and safe place to visit, work, live and
raise families.
Following is information on some of our most common questions--or sources of complaints.
Please become familiar with this booklet and call if you have any questions. City Hall is
located downtown at 933 Terrace St, 49440, adjacent to the Police Department and across
Terrace St. from the County Building. City Hall is located in the block bounded by Terrace,
Apple, Jefferson and Muskegon Avenues. For more information visit City Hall, call any of the
City offices listed inside, or get online with one of the City of Muskegon's website addresses:
www.ci.muskegon.mi.us or www.shorelinecity.com
www.muskegonpolice.com will connect you directly with the Police Department
Any corrections or recommended changes to this booklet?
Please call the Planning Department at 231-724-6702 or email your comments to diane.leafers@postman.org
1
Table of Contents
City Commissioners.............................................................................................................3
City Departments.................................................................................................................3
Getting Involved ..................................................................................................................4
Active Citizen Boards and Commissions ............................................................................4
Neighborhoods.....................................................................................................................5
Schools.................................................................................................................................5
Safety/Youth........................................................................................................................5
General Information and Key City Policies
Addressing ........................................................................................................6
Alleys................................................................................................................6
Animals.............................................................................................................6
Bicycle Registration..........................................................................................6
Burning .............................................................................................................6
Junk Cars ..........................................................................................................6
Mowing and Yard Upkeep................................................................................6
Noise.................................................................................................................7
Parking..............................................................................................................7
Permits ..............................................................................................................7
Property Maintenance.......................................................................................7
Rental Units ......................................................................................................7
Sidewalks..........................................................................................................7
Streetlights ........................................................................................................7
Taxes and Payments .........................................................................................8
Trees .................................................................................................................8
Voting ...............................................................................................................8
Yards.................................................................................................................8
Waste ................................................................................................................8
Garbage Pick-up ...............................................................................9
Appliances ........................................................................................9
Stickers .............................................................................................9
Toters ................................................................................................9
Spring Clean-up..............................................................................10
Leaves and Yard Waste ..................................................................10
Recycling ........................................................................................10
Special Disposal Needs...................................................................10
Other Useful Contacts........................................................................................................11
Utilities ..........................................................................................................11
Misc. Governmental ......................................................................................11
County of Muskegon .....................................................................................12
Housing Programs .........................................................................................12
Health & Human Services .............................................................................13
Entertainment/Cultural/Recreation....................................................................................14
Boat Launch Facilities ...................................................................................14
Consumer Protection .........................................................................................................15
General Educational Materials ..........................................................................................16
Services Index....................................................................................................................17
2
City Commissioners 724-6701 Meetings at City Hall the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Steve Warmington Mayor
Stephen J. Gawron Vice Mayor (At Large)
Chris Carter Ward I
Clara
Shepherd Ward
II Kevin
Davis
Ward
IV
Lawrence
O.
Spataro
Ward
III Sue
Wierengo
At
Large
City Departments : City Hall, 933 Terrace St, 49440 Public Works, 1350 E. Keating, 49442
Department
Director Phone
Emergency
911
Affirmative
Action
724-6703
Arson Control 1-800-44-ARSON
Assessing Office (Equalization) Dennis Burns 724-6708
Cemetery
&
Forestry
Larry
Decou
724-6783
Civil
Service
Karen
Scholle
724-6716
Clerk's
Office
Ann
Marie
Becker
724-6705
Community & Neighborhood Services (housing programs)
Wil
Griffin
724-6717
Community & Economic Development (Planning)
Cathy Brubaker-Clarke 724-6702
Engineering
Mohammed
Al-Shatel
724-6707
Finance
Tim
Paul
724-6713
Income
Tax
Kenneth
Grant
724-6770
Leisure
Services
Lee
Slaughter
724-6704
Manager's
Office
Bryon
Mazade
724-6724
Lee
Slaughter,
Asst.
Mgr
724-6724
Mayor's
Office
Steve
Warmington
724-6701
Planning Cathy
Brubaker-Clarke 724-6702
Public Safety
Fire
Mark
Kincaid
724-6792
Inspection
Services
Mark
Kincaid
724-6715
Police
Tony
Kleibecker
724-6955
Silent
Observer
722-7463
Public
Works
Bob
Kuhn
- streets & alley maintenance 724-4100
- water service and sewer maintenance 724-4100
-
plowing
724-4100
- senior transit 724-4150
- recycling & garbage pickup 724-6908
- after-hours emergency 737-2680
Treasurer
Derrick
Smith
724-6720
Water/sewer
billing
Derrick
Smith
724-6718
TDD (for hearing impaired)
724-4172
3
GETTING INVOLVED
There are many great ways to get involved with your community, such as joining your neighborhood
association, coaching, mentoring, volunteering with a human service organization, or serving on a
citizen committee or advisory board. Look over the Human Service listing on page 13 or call one of
the following to get started:
City Advisory Boards (applications available from City Clerk's Office) 724-6705
HOSTS mentoring (Help One Student to Succeed) 720-2208
Institute
for
Healing
Racism
777-7883
Muskegon
Area
Chamber
of
Commerce
722-3751
Volunteer Muskegon! (a clearinghouse for organizations in need of volunteers)
722-6600
Youth Recreation Programs (City Leisure
Services)
724-6704
Active Citizen Boards and Commissions*
Assessing Board of Review - reviews property assessment rolls.
Board of Canvassers - publicly verifies election returns in elections.
Construction Board of Review - assists with interpretations of construction codes in appeals process.
Cemetery Committee - reviews policy, regulations and fees with respect to public cemetery operations.
Citizen's Police Review Board - helps investigate complaints about police conduct and procedures.
Civil Service Commission - sets policy and procedures for City personnel under the Civil Service
system.
Citizen's District Council - reviews and makes recommendations on community block grant resources.
Downtown Development Authority - administers captured tax increments to reinvest in the downtown.
Election Commission - examines voting machines prior to elections.
Enterprise Community Citizen's Council - reviews use of enterprise community incentives.
Equal Opportunity Committee - monitors hiring practices of the City.
Historic District Commission - administers design guidelines in designated historic districts.
Housing Board of Appeals - reviews and recommends demolition of unsafe structures.
Image Committee - promotes City beautification.
Income Tax Board of Review - hears appeals on income tax claims.
Land Reutilization Committee - makes recommendations on the use of City-owned, tax-reverted lands.
Leisure Services Board - makes recommendations on recreation programs and park improvements.
Loan Fund Advisory Committee - reviews loan requests from the revolving loan fund.
Local Development Finance Authority - issue bonds and use tax increments to promote development.
Local Officer's Compensation Commission - recommends salaries for local elected officials.
Planning Commission - recommends land use policy and helps implement the zoning ordinance.
Zoning Board of Appeals - hears appeals regarding the zoning ordinance.
*For more information on roles, meeting times and membership, consult the Community Relations Index
available from the Clerk's Office.
4
NEIGHBORHOODS
The City is divided into 15 neighborhoods, each with its own neighborhood association. The
associations work with City Hall, have special social functions, and help keep a high quality of life in
the City. To find out which neighborhood you're in, contact Denny Powers, Police-Community
Coordinator, at 724-6764 or by e-mail at Denny.Powers@postman.org.
Neighborhood Meeting Place
Day Time
Angell Allen Ave Church, 695 Allen 3rd
Monday
7:00
PM
Beachwood/Bluffton 2261 Surfwood 3rd
Tuesday
5:30
PM
Campbell Field Park Terrace Welcome Center 3rd Tuesday (Quarterly) 7:00 PM
1290
W.
Hackley
Ave.
East Muskegon COGIC Community Center 2nd
Monday
6:00
PM
Glenside McGraft Park Community Bldg 3rd Wednesday 7:00 PM
Jackson Hill Bethesda Baptist Church 575 Getty 3rd
Tuesday
6:30
PM
Lakeside Bunker School, 2312 Denmark 3rd Wednesday 7:00 PM
Marquette Marquette School, 480 Bennett 3rd
Tuesday
6:30
PM
Marsh Field Moon School, 1826 Hoyt 3rd
Monday
6:00
PM
McLaughlin Bethany Church Parish House 3rd
Monday
6:00
PM
Nelson
5th/Mason Neighborhood Bldg. 3rd Wednesday 6:00 PM
Nims Laketon/Lakeshore Fire Station 4th
Thursday
7:00
PM
Oakview Oakview School, 1420 Madison 3rd Tuesday (Bi-monthly) 7:00 PM
Sheldon Park Evanston Ave Baptist Church 3rd
Tuesday
6:30
PM
Steele Steele School, 1150 Amity INACTIVE INACTIVE
Schools
Muskegon Public Schools
Administration 720-2000 Nims Elementary 720-2660
Alternative Education 720-2530 Oakview Elementary 720-2450
Muskegon High School 720-2800 Steele Middle School 720-3000
Bluffton Elementary 720-2170
Bunker Middle School 720-2300 Western Michigan Christian 799-9644
Head
Start
720-2560 Muskegon Catholic Central 755-2201
Marquette Elementary 720-2600
McLaughlin Elementary 720-2750 Baker College 777-5232
Moon Elementary 720-2700 M-Tec
720-2530
Nelson Elementary 720-2200 Muskegon Comm. College 773-9131
Safety/Youth
Big Brothers/Big Sisters 728-2447 Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-HIT-HOME
Poison Control 1-800-764-7661 Neighborhood Watch 724-6750
Children's Resource Network 728-7152 Webster House 759-7909
Child Abuse Council 728-6410 Muskegon Family YMCA 722-9322
U.S. Dept. of Justice www.parentingresources.ncjrs.org
National Parent Information Network www.npin.org or 1- 800-583-4135
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information www.health.org 1-800-729-6686 or
en Espanol 877-767-8432
5
GENERAL INFORMATION AN D KEY CITY POLICIES
Addressing: To help friends, neighbors and emergency vehicles find you, all buildings are
required to have address numbers posted on the building so that numbers are visible from the
street. The numbers should be at least two inches high and set on a contrasting background to
make them stand out.
Alleys: Residents must help maintain alleys by trimming brush, grass and picking up trash to the
center of the alley, even if it is outside fenced areas. This includes mowing and keeping them
free of garbage and yard waste. Alleys are graded and plowed if they are on the City's
maintenance schedule. You may call the Department of Public Works about alley maintenance
(grading, plowing) at 724-4100. Environmental Inspectors will send notices and may ticket
unkempt areas adjacent to alleys. They may be contacted at 724-6702.
Animals: You may have up to three adult dogs and four adult cats in the City. Both dogs and
cats must be licensed, and animals may not roam. Dogs must be under your control when off
your personal property. You must also clean up after your pet in public. Animal waste is to be
cleaned up from yards. Ownership of livestock, wild and exotic animals is not permitted. For
more information, call the Planning Department at 724-6702, the Police Department at 724-
6750, or Animal Control at 724-6007.
Bicycle Registration is required, and it can help locate your bike if its lost or stolen. Please
register your bikes with the Police Department for only $2.00 per bike. 724-6750
Burning : Open burning of leaves and waste is not permitted. Call the Fire Dept. at 724-6792.
Junk Cars: Vehicles must be licensed, operable and in good repair. The Police Department may
tow inoperable or unlicensed vehicles. If you have vehicles you need to get rid of, there are
salvage yards who will come and get them and sometimes pay you, if you have the title. If you
do not have a title, call your local Secretary of State office at 773-8900.
You may also donate your car for a tax write-off. Again, you need the title. Call:
Cars for a Cause 1-888-448-5277
Kidney Cars Program 1- 800-488-2277
Lung Association Car Donation 1-800-577-5864 (cars must be 1990 or newer)
Mowing and yard upkeep: During the growing season (typically April 15th October 15th),
City rules require that grass and vegetation be maintained so as not to exceed eight inches in
height, and grass clippings may not be in the roadway or gutter. Terraces (the area between the
sidewalk and street) and alley areas must also be maintained. An Environmental Inspector will
take action on properties that are not maintained. The City may also have weeds, grass, etc., cut
at the property owner's expense.
Please, also keep shrubs and trees trimmed back at corners to prevent traffic hazards, and away
from sidewalks for pedestrian safety. For more information contact Environmental Services at
724-6702. Please do not put lawn clippings or leaves in the road, alley or gutter since they may
clog storm drains, which can be costly to clear out. Call the Highway Department at 724-4100 to
report dumping in the street.
6
Leaves: The City has a new leaf ordinan ce, effective in 2007. Leaf season begins
September 1 st and ends April 30 th. Once leaf season has concluded (May 1), unbagged
leaves on a property with a principal structure must be removed. Call Environmental
Inspectors at 724-6702 to report violations.
Noise: The City has a noise ordinance enforced by the Police Department. The ordinance deals
with excessive noise at any time of day (i.e. loud car stereos and other disruptive noise).
Established quiet hours are from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Heavy equipment may not be operated
during quiet hours. Call 911 to report a noise problem when the violation is occurring.
Parking: To keep streets clear for snowplows, City ordinance prohibits parking on all City
streets from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. from November 15th through April 15th. Vehicles parked on
the street during this period may be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense. Parking is
permitted in the winter on City terraces (the area between the sidewalk and street), but please use
your driveway space if you have it. Parking in alleys is not permitted, since a clear path through
the alley may be needed for emergency access. To report a vehicle in violation call the Police
Department at 724-6750. Cars may not be parked in the front yard unless on a paved driveway,
or unless it is on the terrace in the winter months. To report front yard parking, call 724-6702.
Permits :
- Permits are needed in the City to divide parcels, clear land, and construct fences, sheds,
pools, or decks. Contact the Zoning Administrator or Code Coordinator at 724-6702.
- Permits are needed to remodel, wire, plumb, change heating or cooling systems or to
construct buildings. Contact the Inspection Services Department at 724-6715.
- Permits are needed to change or put in new driveway openings and public sidewalks.
Contact the Engineering Department at 724-6707.
Property Maintenance : Continued maintenance of buildings (roof, paint, siding, porches, etc.)
is the responsibility of the property owner. Fences and walls must also be kept in good repair.
For information on the property maintenance code, call the Inspection Services Department at
724-6715.
Rental Units : Must be licensed and have a certificate of occupancy with the City. Call the
Inspection Services Department at 724-6715.
Sidewalks: Sidewalk maintenance and repair is the responsibility of the property owner.
Sidewalks should be shoveled, free of overhanging shrubs or branches and not blocked by
vehicles. Of particular concern are uneven sidewalk slabs having a height difference of 3/4 inch
or more. These present serious hazards to pedestrians. Sidewalks that are not maintained may be
cited and the City may have repair work done with costs being charged to the property owner.
Call the Engineering Department at 724-6707.
Street Lights: The Department of Public Works alerts Consumers Energy of street light outages.
To report a streetlight out call the Department of Public Works at 724-4100. You may also
contact Consumer's Energy directly at 1-800-477-5050 (select option 2) or at
www.consumersenergy.com
7
Taxes and Payments:
City Income Tax Residents (as well as non-residents who work in the City) are required
to file a City income tax return annually by April 30. The tax rate for residents is 1% of
taxable income. For forms or information, contact the Income Tax Department at 724-
6770.
Property Taxes Winter Property tax bills are sent out each December 1st and are due
February 14th. The amount of your taxes depends on 1) the taxable value of your
property, and 2) the tax rates set by the City, County, Schools and other taxing units that
provide services in your area. Questions about the taxable value of your property should
be directed to the Muskegon County Equalization Department at 724-6708. Please Note:
County Equalization has an office in City Hall on the 1st floor. Questions about your tax
bill should be directed to the City Treasurer's Office at 724-6720. Summer property tax
bills are paid at the Muskegon County Treasurer's Office, 990 Terrace St., 2nd floor of the
County Building.
If you are looking for a list of houses up for tax sale, please call the Muskegon County
Treasurer's Office at 724-6261 or visit their website at www.tax-sale.info
Payments: All payments for winter taxes, water and sewer charges, or other City charges
may be made in person or by mail at the Treasurer's Office, City Hall, P.O. Box 536, 933
Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49443-0536. After hours payments can be made at the
drop box located in front of the Police Department (which is in City Hall), 980 Jefferson
Street or the drop box in City Hall between the doors facing the Fire Department. The
City accepts MasterCard, VISA and Discover for all payments except taxes. Parking
tickets or water/sewer payments using a debit or credit card may be made via the Internet
at www.shorelinecity.com and selecting "Muskegon E-government" then "Online
Payment Services."
Trees: Trees in the City right-of-way (generally the terrace area between the sidewalk and curb)
are planted and maintained by the City Forestry Department. Please report dangerous trees,
downed limbs or dead or diseased trees on the terrace to City Forestry at 724-6783. Trees on
public property may not be removed or trimmed without the consent of the City Forester. Please
note: Limbs falling off private trees onto the terrace or other public land are the responsibility of
the property owner.
Voting: Please register to vote at the Clerk's Office, 724-6705, or with the Secretary of State.
Yards : Items like building materials, car parts, tires, household items, tools, appliances,
dismantled machinery, scattered trash, cardboard, or domestic waste may not be openly stored in
yards. If such items are not disposed of properly or stored in a suitable manner (i.e. in a garage
or shed) an Environmental Inspector will take action to initiate clean-up. Action may include the
City cleaning the property at the property owner's expense and/or ticketing responsible parties.
Call 724-6702 for more information.
Waste Pickup: Call the Department of Public Works at 724-4100 or 724-6908. The Public
Service Building is located at 1350 East Keating.
8
Garbage Pick-up: Curbside garbage pick-up is provided each week at no charge. Your
garbage day depends on your location in the City. In general:
There is no garbage service on: New Years, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Garbage service is delayed one day across the City.
Friday's scheduled collection will be on Saturday of the same week.
Garbage must be contained in the green plastic toter, which must be obtained from the
City. Toters have a 64-gallon capacity. They must stay with the property and can be
replaced for a fee if lost or stolen. Any refuse not in a toter is not picked up unless it
has a bulk refuse sticker (see below). If trash accumulates on a property it will result in
a clean-up and billing and/or ticket to the property owner. Additional toters are available
for an additional cost. New construction will need to purchase a toter. Call the
Department of Public Works at 724-4100 for fees.
Items that cannot be in the curbside trash pick-up include: appliances without appliance
stickers, hazardous waste, car parts, building materials, plastic bags of grass or leaves,
batteries, tires, and items over 30 lbs.
Items that can be in the trash (with a hot pink bulk refuse sticker): mattress, metal and
wood furniture, storm door, toilet, sink, household furniture, bed springs, windows,
bathtubs, cardboard boxes (if flattened and tied), and televisions.
Please be careful not to put items out that may be too large to handle . For example,
rolls of carpet must be cut down and rolled up in 4-foot lengths so the carriers and the
equipment can handle it. Individual loose items should not weigh more than 30 pounds.
Appliances: Appliances require a different neon green sticker, which costs $25.00.
Acceptable appliances include: refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave oven, washer,
dryer, water heater, trash compactor and dehumidifier.
Stickers: If you have more garbage than the toter can hold, you must have a hot pink
bulk refuse sticker on each item (couch, extra garbage bag, etc.). If loose items do not
have a sticker, you will get a 24-hour violation notice, which could result in a clean-up
bill. We recommend that you staple the sticker on the item if there is a chance it will
blow off. The stickers may be purchased for $2.00 each at the City Treasurer's Office in
City Hall or at the Public Works Building at 1350 E. Keating Ave. If you buy five
garbage stickers, you get one free (six for $10.00). Remember that an appliance sticker is
neon green and costs $25.00. Stickers can also be purchased by phone at 724-6720 using
your credit card.
Toters: To keep neighborhoods looking neat and avoid spilling trash, please do not
overload your toter or recycling bin or put them out before 7:00 p.m. the night before
garbage pick-up. After toter and recycling bins are emptied, they are to be stored out of
public view. If a toter or recycling bin is not taken care of, you may be ticketed or it
could be taken away.
9
Spring Clean up: A Dumpster Day for each neighborhood is announced for both spring
and fall. A dumpster is placed in each neighborhood and residents can bring household
items for disposal. Each neighborhood supervises its Dumpster Day.
Leaves and yard waste: Yard waste is picked up on your garbage day and should not be
set by the curb until 7:00 p.m. the night before. The yard waste service runs from April
through December, weather permitting. Yard waste (grass, leaves and twigs) must be in
paper bags or rigid containers only or the waste hauler will not pick it up. Rigid
containers should be labeled "yard waste". The Department of Public Works sells paper
leaf bags, as do most area stores. An Environmental Inspector will cite yard waste stored
in plastic bags.
Branches and sticks must be tied up with twine in manageable bundles no
greater than four feet in length. Branches can be no more than 4 inches in
diameter. Large limbs and trees coming from residential units may be disposed
of by making an appointment with the City's Solid Waste Coordinator at the
Department of Public Works at 724-6908.
Leaves: Leaf season runs September 1st through April 30th. Once leaf season has
concluded (May 1), unbagged leaves on a property with a principal structure must
be removed. Call Environmental Inspectors at 724-6702 to report violations.
Please keep leaves and other yar d waste out of the gutter. It's illegal, it clogs
storm drains, and makes a huge mess when plows go through. You may not rake
leaves into the gutter, road or alley. Call 724-4100 to report violations.
Christmas Trees: natural trees are picked up curbside through the second week of
January.
Recycling: The City has curbside recycling at no cost to residents. The schedule depends
on where you live. Recycling bins can be obtained from the Department of Public Works
724-4100 for a fee. The program accepts clear glass, metal, plastic (#1 and #2 only),
cardboard and paper (cereal boxes, office paper, magazines, etc.). Please tie or tape
cardboard in bundles no more than a foot thick and in lengths no longer than a standard
newspaper. Please secure household batteries in a clear plastic bag. Sorry, no styrofoam,
plastic grocery bags or colored glass . Please remember that labels must be peeled and
containers rinsed before being placed in recycling bins.
Special disposal needs Note: Some places do have a small disposal fee, so we
recommend you call first. For larger disposal needs you may go to Muskegon County
Landfill 9366 Apple Ave., phone: 724-6001. Please contact them for their hours of
operation and fee schedule.
Automobile batteries may be disposed of at D Auto Parts, 1450 East Bard Road,
Phone: 766-3094.
Cement and brick may be disposed of locally at Verplank, 102 S. Getty (this is an
unmanned dumping site).
Household Hazardous Waste - Muskegon County For information on hazardous
wastes and the next disposal time, call the county at 724-6525.
10
Metals such as tin cans, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, iron, steel, stainless
steel, zinc, etc., may be disposed of at:
Shoreline Recycling, 259 Ottawa Street, Phone: 722-6081 (will also
accept refrigerators with freon in them for a fee).
West Michigan Recycling Center, 40 Harvey Street, Phone: 773-7582
Beacon
Recycling, 1241 E Keating, Phone: 727-0722
Depending on the metal, you may get cash for scrap!
Oil - Most "quick change" oil service stations will take used motor oil. You may
also call the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Coordinator at 724-6908
for disposal locations.
Tires - Thrifty Tire & Wheel, 25 W. Apple Ave. will take old tires 722-6041.
(There is a charge for the tire disposal)
Misc. recycling: clear glass, paper, cardboard, tin, aluminum and no. 2 plastic
may be disposed of at Community Recycling, 1970 Port City Blvd, 773-8407.
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
Utility Connections:
Water & Sewer service: Provided by the City of Muskegon. You can sign up for water
service by Faxing 724-6768 (include identification) or in person at City Hall which is located
in downtown Muskegon at 933 Terrace Street. You will need to have a picture ID. If a land
contract is involved, you will also need proof of the registered contract.
Electric service: Provided by Consumers Energy (1-800-477-5050)
www.consumersenergy.com
Gas service: Provided by DTE Energy (1-800-477-4747). www.dteenergy.com
Telephone service: Provided by Verizon (1-800-483-5600). www.verizon.com
Cable television: Provided by Comcast (1-800-577-2345) www.comcast.com
Misc. Governmental
60th District Court, County Building, 990 Terrace St. 724-6250
Muskegon County Sheriff, 25 Walton Ave. 724-6351
Muskegon Post Office, 880 First St. 722-7292
Federal Citizen Information Center 1-800-333-4636
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Flood Map information www.fema.gov or 1-877-FEMA-MAP
Internal Revenue Service 1-800-829-3676
Secretary of State (drivers license, registrations, etc.) 773-8900 (Apple Ave.)
Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 or
Local office: 2585 Barclay, Suite A, 759-2525
11
State Department of Natural Resources
1-616-356-0500
(Gr.
Rapids)
U. S. Coast Guard (search and rescue) 1-800-492-5983
Veterans Affairs (www.va.gov) 1-800-827-1000
State Senator Gerald VanWoerkom District office 722-6590
sengvanwoerkom@sentate.michigan.gov State office 1-866-305-2134
State Rep. Doug Bennett 1-877-411-3684 toll free, or dougbennett@house.mi.gov
County of Muskegon Website address: www.co.muskegon.mi.us
Facility Phone Location _
Airport 798-4596 99 Sinclair Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441
Animal Shelter 724-6007 1300 East Keating, Muskegon, MI 49442
Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates 724-6538 990 Terrace, 2nd Floor, Muskegon, MI
Child Protective Services 733-8281
Cooperative Extension 724-6361 635 Ottawa Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442
County Clerk's Office 724-6221 990 Terrace, 2nd Floor, Muskegon, MI
District Court, Clerk 724-6294 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442
District Court, Traffic Violations 724-6302 990 Terrace, Muskegon, MI 49442
MTEC Employment & Training 720-2530 1580 Park, Muskegon, MI 49441
Dog Licenses 724-6007 1300 East Keating, Muskegon, MI 49442
Department of Human Services 733-3700 2700 Baker, Muskegon, MI 49444
(formerly the Family Independence Agency)
Friend of the Court 724-6421 990 Terrace, Suite 300, Muskegon, MI
Health Department 724-6311 209 E. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442
Household Hazardous Waste (DPW) 724-6411 990 Terrace 4th Floor, Muskegon, MI 49442
MATS Bus Terminal 724-6420 351 Morris, Muskegon MI 49440
Probate Court 724-6241 990 Terrace, 5th Floor, Muskegon, MI 49442
Register of Deeds 724-6271 990 Terrace 2nd Floor , Muskegon, MI
Small Claims Court 724-6307 990 Terrace, 1st Floor, Muskegon, MI 49442
Treasurer 724-6261 990 Terrace 2nd Floor, Muskegon, MI
Transit (bus lines & curb to curb) 724-6420 2624 6th Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
Veteran's Affairs 722-3499 165 E. Apple Ave. #201 Muskegon, MI
Housing Assistance Programs
City of Muskegon Community & Neighborhood Services 724-6717
(housing rehab and other services)
Neighborhood Investment Corporation (home ownership) 727-0809
Trinity Housing Corporation (low and moderate income) 728-5303
Muskegon Housing Commission 722-2647
Provides housing for the disabled, elderly, and low-income families, under HUD guidelines
MO-CAPP is a county program that helps with weatherization 725-9499
U.S. Housing & Urban Development Housing Discrimination Hotline 1-800-669-9777
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The State of Michigan Housing Development Authority has several programs through
local banks including:
- Low cost property improvement loan for homes and rental properties
- Single family affordable mortgage program
- Mortgage credit certificate
- Downpayment assistance program
Call (517) 373-8017 or 1-800-327-9158; (TTY) 1-800-382-4568 or visit www.mshda.org
Health & Human Services
United Way Community Access Line Dial 2-1-1 or www.CALL-211.org
Addiction Services 1-800-252-6465 MOKA Corporation 728-3444
Catholic Social Services 726-4735
(Muskegon, Oceana, Kent & Allegan)
Child & Family Services 726-3582 www.moka.org
www.cfsofmuskegon.org Muskegon Community Health Proj 728-3201
Children's Resource Network 728-7152 Muskegon Co. Lions Helpline 744-8924
www.crn.nu Muskegon Pregnancy Services 726-2677
Christian Community Center 725-7579 Muskegon Rescue Mission 727-6090
Comm. Mental Health Services 720-3200 www.muskegonmission.org
24-Hour Mental Health Emergency 722-4357 Nutritional
Services
755-0434
Every Woman's Place 759-7909 Planned Parenthood Center 722-2928
24-Hour Crisis Hotline 722-3333 www.plannedparenthood.org
Goodwill Industries 722-7871
Problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700
www.goodwillwestmich.org Red Cross www.redcross.org 726-3555
Hackley
Hospital
726-3511
Salvation Army 773-3284
Hospice of Michigan 777-5509 www.tsa-wmni.org
Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana 728-3442
Senior Services of Muskegon 739-5858
www.yourhospice.org Urban League of Greater Musk. 726-6019
Legal Aid of West Michigan 726-4887 www.nul.org
Love, Inc. 777-3905 Visiting Nurses/Hospice 726-5025
Mercy-General Health Partners 739-9341 www.vns-muskegon.org
Michigan Online Health Directory Westshore Dispute Resolution 727-6001
www.mchp.org or www.ihelp-westmi.info Women's Medical Service 773-7666
Mission for Area People 733-1792
NOTES :
13
Entertainment/Cultural/Recreation (also see Muskegon Events and Attractions brochure)
Muskegon County Convention & Visitor's Bureau: 724-3100 www.visitmuskegon.org
Muskegon County Chamber of Commerce 722-3751
Farmers Market & Flea Market 722-3251
700 Yuba (Tues/Thurs/Sat - flea market on Wed.)
Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts 722-9750 (or 1-800-585-3737 for tickets)
FUN, Inc. P.O. Box 232, Muskegon, MI 49443
Hackley Public Library 722-7276
Hackley & Hume Historic Site 722-7578
Lake Express High Speed Ferry 755-0308 www.lake-express.com
Milwaukee Clipper 755-0990 www.milwaukeeclipper.com
Muskegon Chronicle newspaper 722-3161 www.mu.mlive.com
Muskegon Civic Theater 722-3852
Muskegon County Air Fair 800-652-4774 www.muskegonairfair.com
Muskegon County Museum 722-0278 www.muskegonmuseum.org
Muskegon Museum of Art 720-2570 www.muskegon.k12.mi.us/mma
Muskegon Summer Celebration 722-6520 www.summercelebration.com
Parties in the Park www.partiesinthepark.com
Port City Princess lake cruises 728-8387
State Park camping reservations 1-800-447-2757 www.michigan.gov/dnr
Ticket Master Tickets 1-616-456-3333
Tickets Plus 1-800-585-3737
USS Silversides 755-1230
Volleyball
(AVP)
1-800-250-9283
Volleyball (Inside Out) 739-3311
Walker Arena Box Office 726-2400
West Shore Symphony Orchestra 726-3231 www.wsso.org
Boat Launch Facilities (Permits available through Leisure Services, 724-6704)
Fisherman's Landing Giddings & Ottawa, just off BR US-31 (downtown area)
Grand Trunk McCracken & Lakeshore Dr. (Lakeside area)
Hartshorn Marina 920 W Western Ave. next to the YMCA (downtown area)
Jaycees Cottage Grove & Lakeshore Dr. (Lakeside area)
Notes:
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Consumer Protection
Educational Materials: The federal Consumer Information Catalog offers many low or no cost
educational materials for consumers. The Consumer Action Handbook provides several useful
consumer contacts. Both documents can be ordered by calling toll-free 1-888-878-3256 or via
the Internet at www.pueblo.gsa.gov.
Automobiles: The State Bureau of Automotive Regulation, Michigan Department of State,
Lansing, MI 48918. Toll-free: 1-800-292-4204.
Better Business Bureau of West Michigan (616) 774-8236 or www.muskegon.bbb.org
Contractors : Contractors must be licensed by the State of Michigan. The State Commercial
Enforcement Division handles complaints. For information on the process call (517) 241-9202.
Finance: State Banking Authority, Financial Institutions Bureau, Office of the Commissioner,
333 S. Capitol Avenue, Suite A, P.O. Box 30224, Lansing, MI 48909. (517) 373-3460.
www.cis.state.mi.us/fib
Insurance: Michigan Insurance Bureau, 611 West Ottawa St. 2nd Floor North, P.O. Box 30220,
Lansing, MI 48933. Toll-free; 1-877-999-6442. www.cis.state.mi.us/ins
Realtors : Realtors must be licensed by the State of Michigan. The State Commercial
Enforcement Division handles complaints regarding Realtors. For information on the process call
(517) 241-9202.
Securities: Corporate, Securities & Land Development Bureau. P.O. Box 30222, 6546
Mercantile Way, Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 241-6370. www.cis.state.mi.ss/corp/
Seniors: Legal Hotline for Older Michiganians 1-800-347-5297. The state also has a booklet
called "Services for Seniors; Laws and Programs for Senior Adults" which is available from the
City Planning Department, or call your state representative.
Tenant rights : The State of Michigan wrote a handy booklet called "A Practical Guide for
Tenants and Landlords" some copies are available from the City Inspections Department or call
your state representative for a copy.
Utilities: Public Service Commission, 6545 Mercantile Way, Suite 7, P.O. Box 30221. Lansing,
MI 48909. Toll-free: 1-800-292-9555. www.cis.state.mi.us/mpsc
Weights and Measures: Department of Agriculture, Food and Dairy Division, Ottawa Bldg., 4th
Floor, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909. (517) 373-3333. www.mds.state.mi.us
The State Attorney General's Office , Consumer Protection Division, has a summary of where
to complain. P.O. Box 30212, Lansing, 48909. Toll free: 877-765-8388. www.ag.state.mi.us
15
General Educational Materials
Michigan State University, Cooperative Extension Service has a catalog of useful educational
brochures on such topics as child development, family financial planning, gardening and youth
career development and much, much more. Order a catalog by calling 724-6361.
Muskegon County Public Health provides many informational brochures on health issues
addressing such things as keeping bugs out of your home, lead poisoning prevention, rats, and
information on rabies. Call the County Health Department for more information at 724-6311.
Muskegon County Conservation District: Is a good resource for information on natural resource
issues including the use of natural vegetation in landscaping, control of soil erosion and
protecting water quality. For more information call 773-0008.
Your own City of Muskegon has several useful brochures from various City departments
including:
- A Safe Neighborhood is Everyone's Concern - Human Service Resources (Planning)
(Police) - Important Information Regarding the New
- Abandoned Motor Vehicles (Police) Property Tax Laws (County Treasurer)
- Are you Ready for a Fire? (Fire) - Keeping Animals in the City (Planning)
- Automatic Payment Plans for Water & - Millage Rate Report (Treasurer)
Sewer Bills (Treasurer) - Muskegon Events and Attractions (Planning)
- Because Kids Don't Come With Instructions! - Parking in Residential Zones (Planning)
(Police) - Pools in Residential Zones (Planning)
- Burn Prevention Tips (Fire) - Protect Your Kids with Safety Seats (Police)
- Business Registration Procedure (Clerk) - Preventing Home Fires (Fire)
- Citizen Summary Financial Report, Fiscal - Purchase of City-owned Residential
Year (Finance) Property (Planning)
- Community Crime Prevention--There's a Lot - Recreation Programs & Facilities (Leisure
You Can Do (Police) Services)
- Curbside Recycling Schedule (Dept. of - Register to Vote and Voting (Clerk)
Public Works) - Safe Families, Ready for Anything (Fire)
- Decks in Residential Zones (Planning) - Services for Seniors; Laws and Programs
- Disaster Preparedness for Seniors (Fire) for Senior Adults (Planning)
- Falls Prevention (Fire) - Sheds & Garages in Residential Zones
- Fences in Residential Zones (Planning) (Planning)
- Fire Extinguishers (Fire) - Take Steps for Personal Safety (Police)
- Fire Safety Tips (Fire) - Tenants and Landlords, a Practical Guide
- Historic District Building Improvements (Planning)
(Planning) - This is Your City for Business
- How Can I Help to get a Neighborhood - Victim-Witness Services (Police)
Watch Started? (Police) - Watch out for Rape Drugs (Police)
- How Can we Help You? (Clerk) - What are the Specs for Sidewalk
- How Your Sidewalk was Chosen for Replacement? (Engineering)
Replacement (Engineering)
- How Senior Citizens Can Prevent Crime
(Police)
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Services Index
*Phone numbers found on page 3*
Abandoned automobiles -- Police Department City Commission meeting schedules & agendas -- City Clerk
Absentee ballots -- City Clerk City employee training & development -- City Mgr./Civil Service
Accounts payable -- Finance City Ordinances -- City Clerk
Accounts receivable -- Treasurer City Policy -- City Clerk
Affirmative Action -- hiring issues for the City of Muskegon City/state/federal relations -- Manager's Office
Affirmative Action (Housed in City Mgr's. Office) Civil Service rules and regulations -- Civil Service
Alleys, plowing/grading/dust control -- Public Works Community based organization grants -- Community &
Animals Neighborhood Services
Abuse --County Animal Control Community Police Program -- Police Department
Dead in street -- Public Works Contract compliance /wage rates for contracts -- Affirmative Action
Dog feces (excessive) Inspection Services Damage claim (City Related) -- Finance
Noise -- Police D.A.R.E. program -- Police Department
Arena (Walker) -- Leisure Services Dead animals in the street -- Department of Public Works
Bankruptcy claims filed for the city -- Treasurer Deeds -- County Register of Deeds
Ball Diamonds -- Leisure Services Debris/glass in street -- Department of Public Works
Bicycle registrations -- Police Department Development plan review -- Community & Economic Dev.
Bid openings -- City Clerk Divorce decree -- County Clerk
Birth Certificate -- County Clerk Dog tags (December 1st through March 1st)-- City Treasurer or
Boat launch locations Leisure Services Muskegon County Animal Control
Bonds (e.g., surety, sidewalk) -- City Clerk Dog tags (year round) -- Muskegon County Animal Control
Brush, limbs disposal-(from private property) -- Public Works Downtown development -- Community & Economic Dev.
Budget -- Finance Driveway changes (new drives)-- Engineering
Budget administration -- Manager's Office Driveway permits -- Engineering
Building permits -- Inspection Services Dump facility -- Muskegon County Solid Waste
Burning regulations -- Fire Department Economic and industrial development -- Community & Economic
Business registration -- City Clerk Development
Cat licensing -- Planning Elderly/Disabled public housing -- Housing Commission
Cemetery maintenance -- Cemetery Elections -- City Clerk
Census -- Community & Economic Dev. Electrical permits -- Inspections
Child support -- County Friend of the Court Employer income tax withholding registration -- Income Tax
Citizen insurance claims Finance Employment services -- Civil Service
Citizens Police Academy Police Encroachments ( in the City Right-of-way)-- Engineering
City bond issue information -- Finance Environmental (grass and trash) -- Community & Economic Dev.
City calendar -- City Clerk Family public housing -- Housing Commission
City Commission contacts -- Manager's Office Farmers Market -- Leisure Services
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Fence regulations -- Community & Economic Dev. Low water pressure -- Department of Public Works
Firearms registration -- Police Maps and aerial photos, city -- Community & Economic Dev.
Flooding Maps , county, Chamber of Commerce
Basement -- DPW, 724-4100 after hours, 737-2680 Marinas -- Leisure Services
Street -- DPW, 724-4100 after hours, 737-2680 Master Plan -- Community & Economic Dev.
Forestry -- Leisure Services Mechanical permits -- Inspections
Garbage collection -- Department of Public Works Moving traffic violations - Muskegon County Traffic Violations
Garbage collection, missed pick-ups 724-6908 Neighborhood land use planning -- Community & Economic Dev.
Garbage on the property -- Community & Economic Dev. Notary public -- City Clerk
General city administration -- Manager's Office Ownership information (property)-- Assessor
Graffiti Community Police Parking tickets, collection -- Treasurer
Grass (tall grass/weeds on property) -- Comm. & Economic Dev. Parking tickets, complaints -- Police Department
Gun permits -- Police Parking ramp -- Leisure Services
Hartshorn Marina /launch ramp facilities -- Leisure Services Parks maintenance -- Leisure Services
Hazardous material leaks & spills -- Fire Department Payment assistance for sidewalk and street assessments
Historic districts -- Community & Economic Dev. Community & Neighborhood Services
Historic city records -- City Clerk Permits (building: remodeling & new) -- Inspection Services
Homeownership Opportunity Program -- Housing Commission Permits (dances, transient vendors) -- City Clerk
House moves -- Inspection Services Permits (fence, shed, pool, deck) -- Community & Economic Dev.
Housing & building inspections -- Inspection Services Petitions (e.g., nominating, initiative & referendum) -- City Clerk
Housing rehabilitation (single family & rental) -- Community & Picnic shelters /Community building rental -- Leisure Services
Neighborhood Services Plumbing permits -- Inspection Services
Income tax forms, info and payments -- Income Tax Pothole and shoulder repair -- Public Works
Industrial facilities certificates -- City Clerk Property sales and acquisition (City land) -- Community &
Infrastructure building (streets, water, sewer construction) Economic Dev.
Engineering Property values -- Assessor (County Equalization)
Infrastructure maintenance (streets, water, sewer) - Public Works Recreation programs -- Leisure Services
Junk cars -- Police Recycling information -- Department of Public Works
Labor relations , city policy -- Manager's Office Rehab grants (emergency, vinyl, outside paint for homeowners) -
Land use policy -- Community & Economic Dev. - Community & Neigh. Services
Launch ramp stickers -- Leisure Services Rental unit registration -- Inspection Services
Leaf collection -- Department of Public Works Senior transit information -- Department of Public Works
Legal descriptions of property -- Assessor Sewer back-up -- Department of Public Works
Limbs on city property -- Forestry Sidewalk permits -- Engineering
Licensing (e.g., business, liquor, taxi cab) -- City Clerk Sidewalk plowing (major routes only) -- Leisure Services
Lot sizes & dimensions of lots -- Assessor Sidewalk replacement permits (public)-- Engineering
Low income rental assistance , Section 8 -- Housing Commission Snowplowing and salting -- Department of Public Works
18
Soil erosion or excavating permits -- Engineering Water main break -- Public Works
Special assessments (development)-- Engineering Water meter installation /problems -- Public Works
Special assessments (payments) -- Treasurer Water quality -- Water Filtration
Special events (on City property) -- Leisure Services Water treatment -- Water Filtration
Special use permits -- Community & Economic Dev. Water/sewer bills -- Treasurer
Sports leagues -- Leisure Services Water/sewer main & service locations -- Public Works
Storm drain repair & cleaning -- Public Works Water/sewer service installation -- Public Works
Street lights out -- Consumer's Energy Weapons (permits) -- Police Department
Street signs -- Public Works Work within right-of-way , incl. sidewalk & drive approaches
Street sweeping -- Public Works Engineering
Streets grading/dust control -- Public Works Yard Waste Collection (leaves, brush) -- Public Works
Stump removal (public property) -- Forestry Youth recreation programs -- Leisure Services
Summer concert series -- Leisure Services Zoning ordinance & amendments -- Community & Economic Dev.
Tax abatements for industries -- Community & Economic Dev.
Taxes ( real/personal/specific) Treasurer
Taxes (delinquent real) Muskegon County Treasurer
Traffic complaints and accident reports -- Police Department
Traffic control devices/barricades -- Public Works
Traffic counts -- West MI Shoreline Regional Development Comm.
Traffic lights/signals -- Public Works
Transportation Service (seniors only) -- Public Works
Trash in yards -- Community & Economic Development
Trash on porches -- Inspection Services
Tree removal /trimming (on public lands)-- Forestry
Turn-off (water) for repairs -- Public Works
Utility information (water and sewer lines) -- Engineering
Utility payment agreements -- Treasurer
Vacating streets & alleys -- Community & Economic Dev.
Vinyl siding program -- Community & Neighborhood Services
Voter poll training of workers -- City Clerk
Voter registration -- City Clerk
Walker Arena -- Leisure Services
Water & sewer bill non-payment shut-offs & turn-ons -- Water &
Sewer Billing
Water & sewer connection permits -- Water & Sewer Billing
Water & sewer service initiation & discontinuation -- Water &
Sewer Billing
Word/planning/common/educational/thisisyourcityofmusekgon06.doc
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