Here is the Coopersville City Council, public agenda for
Monday, January 12, 2026, 7:00 PM

8.A Closed session
Council may enter a closed session as allowed under state law. This part of the meeting is not open for public discussion, and will be limited to what the law permits.

8.B Board of Review compensation cap, training and workload
Consider increasing the annual not-to-exceed cap for Board of Review members from $700 to $900.
The Board of Review hears property tax appeal cases, the work has strict timelines, and members are required to complete state training. This change helps ensure we can staff the board, cover required training time, and keep the process running smoothly for residents.

8.C Board reappointments and open seats
Council will consider routine board reappointments, including the Board of Review and the Fire Station Building Authority.
We also have openings on several boards and committees (Planning Commission, Property Maintenance Board of Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals). If you are interested in serving, please reach out.

8.D 2026 Street Improvements, design engineering
Consider approving design engineering (not-to-exceed $54,200) for parts of the 2026 street program.
This is the planning and design work that sets up bidding, schedules, and a clearer construction plan before the work hits the street.

8.E Parks and Recreation Plan, DNR follow-up and survey
Update on DNR feedback for the City’s 2026–2030 Parks and Rec Plan. The DNR requested an updated parks-focused community survey so we can keep our plan eligible for grant opportunities.
Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTk4KI2m6e4AWmyl6b_ZhdHLJs4Is7Jhvsfv1R5FfvTIzzZw/viewform

8.F Safe Routes to School, construction engineering
Consider approving construction engineering services (inspection, testing, documentation) for the Safe Routes to School project (not-to-exceed $149,000).
This is the behind-the-scenes work that helps keep a sidewalk and crossing project on track once construction starts.

Side Note: Discover Coopersville is happening!
Celebrate Coopersville Fundraiser: March 5, 2026, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
More info: https://discovercoopersville.com/

If you have questions about any of these items, ask in the comments or message me, and I will do my best to answer.

Replies and Responses

D.Y. - Could you kindly provide a link to the agenda details that come with a Council Member's "Packet," excluding any information about closed meetings that isn't legally required to be disclosed? I believe it's essential to make this information accessible to the public to promote transparency and enhance understanding of the objectives behind each agenda item. Thank you!

Peter - Duane, thank you. As you might remember from your training as mayor, some packet materials are public records under Michigan FOIA, but packets can also include information that must be withheld or redacted under FOIA (for example attorney client privileged material). I do not want to create a legal issue by accidentally releasing something that should be redacted, and I am not the trained clerk or FOIA coordinator. The best way to request the full packet details is through the City Clerk or FOIA process so it can be released with any legally required redactions.

UPDATE - Unofficial Highlights of Key Actions and Updates

Important note: This is my personal, unofficial summary based on the council packet and the notes I took during the January 13, 2026 Coopersville City Council meeting. It is NOT an official record and may contain errors. For the official wording and votes, please refer to the approved minutes and documents on the City of Coopersville website.

Section 8: Discussion and Action Items

8.A Closed session
Council entered a closed session as allowed under state law. No details are shared from that portion.

8.B Board of Review compensation cap
Approved increasing the annual not-to-exceed cap for Board of Review members from $700 to $900 to cover required state training time and help keep the Board staffed and compliant.

8.C Board reappointments and open seats
Approved reappointments for the Board of Review and the Fire Station Building Authority.
Open seats remain for Planning Commission, Property Maintenance Board of Appeals, and Zoning Board of Appeals (including alternate positions). If you are interested in serving, please reach out.

8.D 2026 Street Improvements, design engineering
Approved design engineering for parts of the 2026 street program (not-to-exceed $54,200), including work on Eastmanville Street, Mill Street, and storm sewer relocation planning.

8.E Parks and Recreation Plan, DNR follow up
Discussion only. The DNR requested an updated community survey as part of the 2026–2030 Parks and Rec Plan and grant eligibility.
Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTk4KI2m6e4AWmyl6b_ZhdHLJs4Is7Jhvsfv1R5FfvTIzzZw/viewform

8.F Safe Routes to School, construction engineering
Approved construction engineering services (not-to-exceed $149,000) to move the Safe Routes to School project forward. Staff noted the project is tied to an MDOT TAP grant totaling $1,501,998, and the goal is to see sidewalk work underway this summer.

Additional action, Main lift station flood pump
Approved a not-to-exceed $100,000 for purchase and installation of a replacement flood pump after a recent failure during heavy rain and snowmelt. Staff indicated they expect the final cost to be lower, but asked for the higher cap so the repair can move quickly.

City Clerk report

• Reminder that there will be 18 days of early voting this year.

• The City is in need of election inspectors to help staff those days. If you are interested, contact City Hall.
  
  

City Manager report

• Celebrate Coopersville (Discover Coopersville fundraiser): Thursday, March 5, 6:00–9:00 PM, Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall. Proceeds benefit the North Bank Trail. More info: https://discovercoopersville.com/

• Secretary of State mobile office: held Jan 5, next date is April 6.

• Update that the City did not receive the MDOT railroad crossing grant again this year.

• Master Plan draft will be out for review soon, with Planning Commission discussion expected in February.

• Ongoing utility projects and continued grant procurement work were noted.

• New business note: Boxcar Bargains grand opening at 50 Main Street, Thursday at 9:00 AM.

Mayor comments

The Mayor encouraged residents to attend Celebrate Coopersville, and noted follow up is continuing on the odor concerns that have been raised.

If you have questions about any of these items, ask in the comments or message me, and I will do my best to answer.