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     The Channel 
     www.shor
     www                         e
                     .shorelinecity.
                                      linecity.com 
                                                       com              Your Community Newsletter 
                                                                        Your Community Newsletter 
                                  City of Muskegon  Newsletter 
           City of Muskegon Newsletter 
                                                                                                                             S U M M E R   2 0 0 7      
     City Commission 
     City Commission                                           
                                                                         Where's the Best Place to Vacation?... 
      
     May
     Mayoor                                                     
                    r 
     Stephen J. Wa
     Stephen J. W rm
                                 a ington                                        
                                  rmington 
                                                                                     MUSKEGON! 
      
     Commissioner At Large 
     Vice Mayor                                                     
                                                                                                           
     Vice May
     Commis or 
                          sioner At Large 
     Stephen J. Gawron 
     Stephen J. Gawron 
       
     Co
     Commis
              mmissioner At Large 
                          sioner At Large                     The City Commission recently adopted a leash law ordinance .  It requires that a 
     Sue Wierengo 
     Sue Wierengo                                             dog or cat  be restrained by its owner on a leash no greater than six feet in length 
                                                              and of sufficient strength to confine the animal and in certain cases a shorter leash.  
     Co
     Commissioner Ward I 
              mmissioner Ward I                               The term "control" shall not mean allowing an animal to go unleashed outside of its 
                                                              confinement or pen. 
               City Commissi
     Chris Carter 
     Chris Carter                       on  
        Mayor                                                 A dog or cat shall be considered under restraint if it is within the real property lim-
                Stephen J.
     Co
     Comm
              mm             Warmington 
                     issioner Ward II 
                     issioner Ward II                         its of its owner.  Any other animal is considered restrained only if it is effectively 
           ***************
     Clara Shephe
     Clara Shephe ****
                                 rd 
                                 rd  ****                     prevented from escape by appropriate means. 
        Vice Mayor                                            All dogs and cats shall be kept under restraint, except for a service animal actively 
                Bill L
     Comm arson 
     Commissioner Ward III 
                     issioner Ward III                        engaged in performing its duty or a dog actively engaged in training or performance 
           **********
     Lawrence************* 
     Lawrence O. Spataro 
                            O. Spataro                        event or competition.  Dogs or cats shall not be permitted to be at large in the city. 
           Commissioner 
                                                              Dangerous Dogs 
                Stephen J. Gawron 
     Co
     Commissioner Ward IV 
              mmissioner Ward IV                              Current ordinance states that dangerous dogs, including pit bulls, be leashed and 
           *********************** 
     Kevin Davis 
     Kevin Davis                                              muzzled outside of its kennel and on a leash no longer than four feet.  The animal 
           Commissioner Ward I 
                                                              may not be leashed or tied to inanimate objects.  Owners must place a sign in a 
                Chris Carter 
     City
     City Manager 
                 Manager                                      prominent place stating "Beware of Dog".  All owners must obtain $50,000 public 
           *********************** 
     Bry
     Bryon L. Ma
               o                 zade 
                 n L. Mazade                                  liability insurance for bodily injury, death or property damage.  No more than one 
           Commissioner Ward II                               dog may be kept on any premise in the City.  To see this ordinance in its entirety, 
                Clara Shepherd                                please visit www.shorelinecity.com, ordinance Section 6.  
           *********************** 
              City of Muskegon 
              City of Muskegon                                 
           Commissioner Ward III 
                    P.O. Box 536  
                    P.O. Box 536  
                Lawrence O. Spataro  
              933 Terrace Street  
              933 Terrace Street  
           *********************** 
           Muskegon, MI  49443 
           Muskegon, MI  49443 
           Commissioner Ward IV 
                    231-724-6721 
                    231-724-6721                              On July 10, 2007 the City Commission adopted an ordinance prohib-
                                                              iting smoking in the area of Pere Marquette Park bounded by the 
                Kevin Davis 
               Ann Marie Becke
               Ann Marie Becker, 
                                                r,            walkway leading from the bathhouse to the water's edge on the 
           *******************
                           MMC 
                           MMC  ****                          south, the walkway to the south breakwater on the north, the side-
           City Manager
                Newsl
                Newsl  etter E
                            etter Edditor 
                                          itor                walk adjacent to the roadway on the east and the water's edge on the west.  Visit 
                Bryon L. Maza  de                             www.shorelinecity.com ordinance Section 34-34 to view the ordinance. 
                                                               
 



                      CITY OF MUSKEGON  OUTSTANDING                                                                     2 
                                      CITIZENSHIP  AWARD 

 
Purpose: 
The City of Muskegon and the Muskegon Rotary are proud to recognize the outstanding citizens in the 
Muskegon community.  This award is indicative of the belief that the future of Muskegon is dependent on 
the character and civic participation of its community members. 
Nomination Qualifications: 
     1.  Contributions to family, school, and the community, or to the arts, environment, education, health or 
               human services through volunteer efforts; 
     2.  Specific behavior or actions which put others first, including exemplary acts in coming to the 
               assistance of those in need; and/or 
     3.  Overcoming the odds, moving beyond specific hardships or family or societal difficulties to enhance 
               the quality of life for others. 
Awards Criteria: 
     1. Completed Application. 
     2.  Essay (1000 words or less typed) including the following: 
               a.  How does this nominee exemplify outstanding public service to the City 
                   of Muskegon and its citizens? 
               b.  Why do you believe that this nominee deserves credit over other possible 
                   nominees? 
     3.  List three adjectives that describe your nominee. 
     4.   Letter(s) of support from an individual with knowledge of the individual's contribution. 
     Please forward any submissions or questions to  the City Clerk at ann.becker@postman.org, 231-724-
     6705, City of Muskegon, PO Box 536, Muskegon, MI  49443. 

 


Have a lifeguard or an adult show you where it is safe to swim. 
Watch out for drop-offs and rip currents.  Stay away from rock formations and embankments. 
Be careful of aquatic plants and fish that can hurt you.  Never touch a jellyfish. 
Wear protective footwear.  Never touch strange objects found in the water or on the beach, even if they look 
safe. 
Never play around drainage ditches or culverts. 
When body surfing, ride the surf at an angle, not in a straight line, toward shore. 
Never swim farther than you are able to swim back. 
Swim in water that is at least 60 degrees, otherwise you could get cramps and have problems breathing. 
           
Never turn your back on the lake.                                   Courtesy of National Fire Safety Council, Inc. 



                                                                                                                                   3 
                             Landscaping is Here!  
    The weather is warm and             (water will evaporate                         maintenance. 
everyone is itching to get              quickly if you water during the                  Plant native plants to help 
outdoors and start working on           hottest times of the day).                    introduce Michigan natives back 
their yards. Our yards are                 Install rain shut-off's on your 
definitely important to us and we                                                     into our landscape. 
often use them for entertaining, a      underground sprinkling systems.                      By: 
place to relax, and as a safe              Use soaker hoses under mulch                      Jessica Burrows 
place for our children and pets to      to help water your plants while 
play.                                                                                 City Meeting Schedules 
   To ensure that our yards stay 
both environmentally and 
economically friendly for us.                                                    Citizen's Police  1st Monday of month @6:30 
                                                                                 Review Board        PM 
Here are a few tips to follow:                                                   City Commis-        2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 5:30 
Build Healthy Soil                                                               sion Meeting        PM 
   Use organic compost to help          conserving water.                        Citizen's District  1st Tuesday of month @ 5:30 
your soil hold water and                                                         Council             PM 
nutrients.                                 Invest in a rain barrel.              Civil service       1st Wednesday of month @ 
                                                                                 Commission          4:00 PM 
   Use organic fertilizer to help          Think Twice Before Using 
feed your lawn and plants. (slow        Pesticides (Pesticides can affect        City Commis-        Monday preceding the 2nd 
                                                                                 sion Work Ses-      Tuesday @ 5:30 PM 
release formula)                        the health of your family)               sion 
   Use mulch around your                    Choose pest resistant plants.        Community           1st Monday of month @ 5:30 
vegetables, trees, and flowers to          Remember most bugs are                Relations Com-      PM 
                                                                                 mittee 
help retain moisture and to help        beneficial for your yard. 
decrease watering.                                                               Downtown De-        3rd Tuesday of month @ 4:00 
                                           Use organic alternatives to           velopment Au-       PM 
 Plant Right for Your Site              ward off bugs. (i.e dish soap and        thority 
                                                                                 Equal Employ-       4th Monday of month @ 5:15 
   Use plants that require the soil     water).                                  ment Opportu-       PM 
and sunlight needs your site               If you have a diseased plant or       nity 
provides.                               tree... replace it with a healthier      Historic District  1st Tuesday of month @ 4:00 
                                                                                 Commission          PM 
   Plant some perennials rather         disease resistant species. 
than all annuals. Perennials            Practice Natural Lawn Care               Housing Board       1st Thursday of month @ 5:30 
                                                                                 of Appeals 
come up every year, are low                                                                          PM 
                                           Use healthy mowing 
maintenance, and have deeper            techniques and don't scalp your          Land Reutiliza-     4th Tuesday of month @ 4:00 
root systems to help prevent                                                     tion Committee  PM 
                                        lawn. 
erosion.                                                                         Legislative Pol- 4th Wed of Jan, April, July, 
                                           Leave the grass clippings in          icy Committee 
Practice Smart Watering                                                                              Oct @ 5:30 PM 
                                        your yard (these produce instant         Leisure Services   3rd Monday of month @5:30 
    Water deeply, but                   food for your lawn).                     Board               PM 
infrequently.                              Choose grass seed best suited         Planning Com-       Thursday following the 2nd 
   Water in the                         to your site.                            mission             Tuesday @ 4:00 PM 
morning and                                                                      Public Relations  2nd Tuesday @ 4:00 PM 
evening to help                         Go Native                                Committee 
conserve water                             Native plants are pest resistant, 
                                        aesthetically pleasing, and low          Zoning Board of  2nd Tuesday @ 4:00 PM 
                                                                                 Appeals 

                                                                                                      



                                                                                                                                    4 
               ECONOMIC  IMPROVEMENTS  IN MUSKEGON  
shoreline drive             downtown             summertime                   hotrod 

         This will be an exciting summer for construction and announcements of new 
developments for the former downtown mall site.  The City of Muskegon has awarded bids             Muskegon is the place to be! 
for construction of the side-streets (First, Second, Market and Jefferson) and construction is 
underway.   Western Avenue Properties, LLC has purchased the former Daniels, Century 
Club and First Savings Bank buildings.  
       Hegg's Gallery of Fine Furniture recently opened in the former Century Club building.  
In addition, the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce building, Sidock Properties LLC (an 
architecture and engineering firm), and Baker College School of Culinary Arts are all 
expected to complete their property transactions and begin construction soon.   
   Announcements for the development of two new residential developments, Heritage 
Square, fronting Clay Avenue, and Lakeview Town Homes 
at the Northeast portion of the development, were recently 
made.   
   The County of Muskegon is moving forward to secure 
funding for the development of a new parking facility on 
Third and Morris Streets, which will also house the terminal 
for the Muskegon Area Transit System.  This will supply 
much needed parking for the new developments taking place. 
    It is fun to see the new developments on Edison Landing.  
The first Vida Nova condominiums have been completed and 
open houses are taking place on most weekends. This 
development is a 40-unit, environmentally conscious residential development, which is 
planned to include a new marina.  The Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center 
continues to announce new innovations it is working on, such as the methane gas project 
with area farms.  They also offer a bio-diesel course, and have meeting space available. 
   The HotRod Harley dealership at Shoreline Drive and Terrace Street, hopes to complete 
construction by mid-summer.  This will be a great new addition to downtown Muskegon.  
HotRod Harley is instrumental in the development of the "First Annual Bike Time".  The 
event includes a 10-block long "motorcycle alley", as well as food and entertainment.  
Adjacent to HotRod Harley is the new Central Fire Station.  Construction will be completed 
in August. 
   The Watermark Loft Condominiums (former Shaw Walker building) has units available.  
Phase II of the development is complete.  They are expected to open a Banquet and 
Conference Center in the new commercial space. 
   The Main Street program, an organization that coordinates business development and 
promotion of downtown, sponsored "Taste of Muskegon" and the "Fifth Annual Main Street 
Car Show".  The event included food from area restaurants, a beer tent, live entertainment 
and a children's area.  We also welcome several new businesses downtown and encourage 
everyone to stop by and say "hello" (and do some shopping while you are at it!) 
                                                                      Cont'd Page 6 
           



                                                                                                                              5  5 
                         What's Hot !! 
Grilling Season-   With temperatures on the rise, culinary enthusiasts and basic backyard 
cooks emerge with spatulas in hand ready to greet outdoor grilling season.  The National Fire 
Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that safety be considered when grilling to avoid fires, 
injuries and property damages. 
NFPA suggests safety tips for outdoor grilling  
     Gas and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.  If used indoors, or in any enclosed 
     spaces, such as tents, they post both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic 
     gasses and potential asphyxiation. 
     Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging 
     branches. 
     Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. 
     Keep children and pets away from the grill area:  declare a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the 
     grill. 
     Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and 
     flames when flipping burgers. 
     Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill. 
Charcoal Grills 
     Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat 
     sources. 
     Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use 
     any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going. 
Gas Grills    
     Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  A light soap and 
     water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.  If 
     you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is not flame: 
     Turn off the gas tank and grill. 
     If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. 
     If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. 
     If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.  
     Do not attempt to move the grill. 
     Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory.  Follow the 
     manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it. 
     Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages.  If you store a gas grill inside during 
     the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside. 




                                                                        Courtesy of National Fire Protection Association 
 



 
                                                                                                                                   6  

       Cont'd from Page 4                                              
          The Lakeside Business Plan was                                 On the industrial side, several Muskegon 
       completed by Sidock Group Inc.                                 businesses are expanding or expected to 
       The plans were endorsed by the City                            expand in the future.  Although the busi-
       Planning Commission and City                                   ness climate has been difficult the last sev-
       Commission.  Lakeside Business                                 eral years, our industries have been hold-
       Association held a successful event,                           ing their own, diversifying and exploring 
       Lakeside Walk and Spring Fling, in                             creative means to remain stable and grow. 
       May.  This, as well as future events,                           
       will assist in raising funds for improvements to 
       the business district.  The City will also be ex-          This summer promises to be fun for all with 
       ploring grant options.                                  Parties-in-the-Park on Fridays,  and many  festi-
                                                               vals, events and lots of construction!  Enjoy! 
        

      Discount Amusement Park Tickets 
      Stop by the Leisure Services Office before                                City Telephone Numbers 
      heading out to the amusement park and get 
      a discount on your ticket!                                           Affirmative Action.................  724-6703 
                  Michigan Adventure: $22.50                               Assessor.............................. 724-6708 
                       (Gate price: $24.00)                                Cemetery............................. 724-6783 
                 Six Flags Great America: $35.00                           Civil Service.........................  724-6716 
                       (Gate price: $56.64)                                City Clerk............................  724-6705 
                       Cedar Point: $34.25                                 City Manager........................  724-6724 
                                                                           Community &                           
                         You're Invited!                                   Neighborhood Services............  724-6717 
                    McGraft Park Concerts                                  Engineering.......................... 724-6707 
When : Tuesday Nights                                                      Finance............................... 724-6713 
Time: 7:00 p.m.                                                            Fire.................................... 724-6792 
                                                                           Income Tax..........................  724-6770 
Join us for a night of fun, friends, and free music. 
Come enjoy the "Big Band" sounds, with some cool                           Inspections........................... 724-6715 
jazz. Concerts take place at the McGraft Park Band 
Shell. If there is rain the concert will take place in the                 Leisure Services....................  724-6704 
McGraft Park Building. Don't miss out on the fun!                          Mayor & City Commission........  724-6701 
                                                                                                                 
July 31­ West MI Banjo Band                                                Planning &                                       
                                                                           Economic Development...........  724-6702 
August 7-Dr. John Hair & New Connections Jazz                              Police................................. 724-6750 
August 14 - Dave Collie Quintet 
August 21­ Don Waarner                                                     Public Works........................  724-4100 
August 28­ Jack Videtich Orchestra                                         Treasurer............................. 724-6720 
September 4-Old Timers Polka Band                                          Water/Sewer Billing................  724-6718