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CITY OF MUSKEGON
GOAL SETTING MEETING
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
3:30 p.m.
City Commission Chambers
933 Terrace Street
Muskegon, MI 49440
MINUTES
2019-27
Present: Mayor Steve Gawron, Commissioners Turnquist, Warren, Hood, Johnson, and
Rinsema-Sybenga.
Absent: Commissioner German.
Employees present include: Frank Peterson, Mike Franzak, Jim Maurer, Oneata Bailey, Leo
Evans, Leighann Mikesell, Jeff Lewis, Kirk Briggs, Dave Smith, Doug Sayles, Dwana
Thompson, Sarah Peterson, Ken Grant, and Ann Meisch.
Welcome
Frank Peterson welcomed the group and reviewed what was covered at the March 1, 2019 Goal
Setting meeting.
1. Discussion took place regarding devotion of staff time to areas that we didn’t devote time
to in 2017 – particularly; community safety plan, education activities, street funding plan,
Muskegon Lake Area of Concern designation, and parks/recreation improvements
including the possibility of eliminating the Parks Commission.
2. There was discussion regarding Programs/Policies that continue improving livability in
our neighborhoods. Some ideas relative to this topic are front porch reclamation
(CDBG), Infill Housing (affordable, semi-affordable, market-rate; attached, detached,
etc.), Park Improvements (deferred maintenance, capital improvement, AP Affiliation
(Listed by priority – over $15 Million, etc.), Local Street Improvements, and Curb Cuts
(CDBG).
3. The group discussed keeping Downtown as top priority – must be considered the
epicenter for activity for all of Muskegon County. Some long term ideas regarding this
are connectivity to the lakeshore, designated parking (structure), Mix of housing
affordability levels, events, and walkability. There was also discussion of equity training
or classes.
4. There was also discussion regarding the need to update policies for development
incentives focusing on thresholds for abatement levels, investment levels, and tax
capture, including commercial and industrial abatements, residential abatements (NEZ),
opportunity zone incentives, and miscellaneous development and investment incentives.
There will be further discussion regarding this at June’s worksession meeting.
5. Discussion took place regarding continued focus on Quality of Life Tenants, equity, and
customer service. There was also discussion regarding a resolution not to give extension
per property taxes per the County Treasurer. This will be addressed at the next City
Commisson meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ann Marie Meisch, MMC – City Clerk