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Here is a look at the upcoming discussion/action items for the April meeting.
8.A. FY 2026-27 Budget and Millage
Council will review the proposed city budget and millage rates for the coming fiscal year. At this time, I do not see a need for raising the millage rate. The city’s operating millage rate has remained stable at 13 mills for more than 20 years, and I believe maintaining that stability is important for residents and businesses while continuing to invest in roads, infrastructure, and city services.
8.B. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Development and TIF Plan
We will hold a public hearing and consider the proposed DDA development plan and tax increment financing plan. This does not create a new tax or increase anyone’s tax rate. Instead, the DDA captures a portion of the future increase in taxable value within the downtown district above today’s base value. As downtown property values grow, that growth in tax revenue can be reinvested into downtown improvements such as infrastructure, public spaces, and redevelopment projects. The current proposal includes a cap of $450,000 per year in captured growth.
8.C. City Treasurer Search / Hiring Committee
With our treasurer announcing their retirement effective January 2027, council will consider appointing members to a search and hiring committee. The goal is to begin the process early so there is adequate time for hiring, training, and a smooth transition in this important financial leadership role.
8.D. Election Commission Appointment
Council will consider an appointment to the City’s Election Commission. This commission is required under Michigan election law and helps ensure local elections are conducted legally, transparently, and smoothly, including appointing election inspectors and working with the clerk on election procedures.
8.E. 60th Avenue Booster Station Upgrade
Council will consider approval of a $28,947 upgrade at the 60th Avenue Booster Station. This is needed to improve water pressure control, reduce fluctuations in the system, and improve reliability for current service and future growth. This helps keep the city’s water infrastructure operating efficiently and reduces the risk of service issues.
8.F. East Street / Grove Street Valve Replacement
Council will consider a $15,200 infrastructure project to replace a critical water valve at East and Grove. This is needed because the valve is an important part of controlling water flow and isolating sections of the system during maintenance or repairs. Replacing it now, in coordination with the East Street resurfacing project after the school year, helps reduce future disruptions and avoid needing to reopen the road later.
8.G. Fee Schedule Update
This item updates the city’s fee schedule, primarily related to larger 8-inch water meters, trunkage charges, and meter testing deposits. This is expected to primarily affect commercial and industrial users, rather than most residential customers.
8.H. North Bank Trail Grant Support
Council will consider support for the North Bank Trail project and authorization for a $400,000 grant application to continue moving this important community trail project forward.
8.I. Rotary BBQ, Bags, & Brews Event Request
Council will consider approval for the Rotary Club’s community fundraiser event at Veteran’s Park on May 23, which will include food, entertainment, and family activities supporting local initiatives.
As always, I welcome questions and feedback from residents.
Update - 4.17.2026
Here is a recap of the discussion and action items from the April 9 City Council meeting. These notes are based on my personal notes and the meeting transcript, not the official minutes, so there may be errors or small omissions.
Council opened the meeting, approved the agenda, and held two public hearings.
The first public hearing was on the proposed FY 2026-27 budget and millage. Staff presented Draft A and explained that the proposed city millage would remain at 13 mills, where it has stayed for decades. Staff also reviewed major infrastructure and capital projects included in the draft budget, along with the city’s goal of maintaining a 40% fund balance.
During discussion, council asked questions about the East/Cleveland lift station project. Staff explained that the city is still planning to move the lift station from its current location, but the original relocation plan changed because FEMA restrictions do not allow new infrastructure on the originally intended property. Staff said the revised approach is still aimed at improving safety, reliability, and protection from vehicle impacts.
The second public hearing was on the Downtown Development Authority Development Plan and TIF Plan. McKenna Associates presented an overview of the updated plan, including updated census and survey information, revised project lists, clearer goals, and a phased timeline for future downtown projects. They also reviewed the TIF portion of the plan and noted that the annual capture cap in the updated document would be increased.
After the public hearings, council approved the consent agenda.
8.A. Proposed FY 2026-27 Budget and Millage
Council held discussion on the proposed budget. Council members spoke positively about that the draft budget does not raise the city millage and maintains a strong reserve position. There was also discussion about recommended wage increases and the proposed additional MERS pension payment, with some council discussion about whether that extra payment amount should be reduced.
8.B. DDA Development Plan and TIF Plan
Council approved the 2026 Downtown Development Authority Development Plan and Tax Increment Financing Plan. During discussion, it was clarified that the annual capture cap would be updated from $450,000 to $475,000.
8.C. City Treasurer Search / Hiring Committee
Council discussed next steps related to Treasurer Keri Rogers’ announced retirement in January 2027. Staff explained the importance of starting the process early because of the technical nature of the position and the value of an overlap period for training and knowledge transfer. Council approved forming a hiring committee with Council Member Bowman and Council Member Poelma, with Mayor Mooney serving as an alternate.
8.D. Election Commission Appointment
Council approved the appointment of Cindy Chesla to the Election Commission. Staff explained that the Election Commission is a required body under Michigan election law and plays an important role in election oversight. It was also noted that this appointment follows the recent resignation of Alvina Vanderlaan, and council thanked her for her service.
8.E. 60th Avenue Booster Station Upgrade
Council approved the 60th Avenue Booster Station upgrade. Staff explained that this is needed because the booster station plays a critical role in supplying water to the city, and the new actuator will provide better operational data and system control without the higher cost of a full valve replacement.
8.F. East Street / Grove Street Valve Replacement
Council approved the valve replacement at East and Grove. Staff explained that this repair is important for improving reliability, isolating parts of the water system during maintenance or emergencies, and reducing future service disruptions. The work is expected to take place after school is out to reduce impacts.
8.G. Resolution to Amend Schedule of Fees, Charges, and Rates
Council approved updates to the city’s fee schedule. Discussion included larger water meters and the process for water meter testing deposits. It was noted that the larger meter changes are primarily related to larger commercial uses.
8.H. Resolution Supporting North Bank Trail Grant Application
Council approved the resolution supporting the North Bank Trail grant application and local match structure. Staff reviewed the funding already identified for the project and explained that city staff continue to work on outside funding before committing additional taxpayer dollars.
8.I. Rotary BBQ, Bags, & Brews Event Request
Council approved the Rotary Club’s request to hold the BBQ, Bags, & Brews event at Veteran’s Park on May 23. Staff confirmed the event is family-friendly, that the required insurance documents had been submitted, and that the nonprofit status allows for alcohol service under the city ordinance.
During the City Manager’s report, council received updates on several ongoing items, including the master plan process, recognition for Ken Bush’s 40 years of service, the new Coopersville Cares shed, the upcoming community expo, open board seats, progress on the Southeast Regional Force Main connection, the secondary water main project, possible MEDC and state funding discussions, the potential Fairlife expansion, lift station planning, and bridge project timelines.
Council members also thanked staff for their work on the budget and expressed support for the upcoming Rotary event.
The meeting then adjourned.
Big Picture: This meeting was about responsible planning and taking care of the city’s core needs. We discussed the budget, infrastructure, staffing transitions, election administration, community events, and long-term projects. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is the kind of work that helps keep the city stable and moving forward.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions, ideas, or concerns.
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