City Council Meeting - 2024-11-04

Detailed briefing

CITY COUNCIL — NOVEMBER 4, 2024 ATTENDEES: City Council members, city staff, Harbor Commission representatives, police personnel, and members of the public. • Council approved the Harbor Commission’s recommended marina and waterfront rates by roll-call vote. Seasonal dock and mooring rates will increase 3.25%. Transient mooring rates will rise by $5, from $30 to $35 for the 200 series and from $40 to $45 for the 300 series. Seasonal dinghy storage and kayak storage will each increase from $225 to $230. Transient slip pricing will move from state category I to category J, the state’s highest listed category. • Council also approved a three-year agreement to use the Michigan DNR central reservation system for 12 of the city marina’s 17 transient slips. The city will continue managing the other transient slips and all 34 seasonal slips. Officials emphasized that the city retains control, including the ability to block reservation-system slips for special events with notice. • The DNR system will allow boaters to reserve online or by phone. A seven-day maximum stay will apply from July 15 through August 15, while the city has more flexibility earlier and later in the season. The Harbor Master said hardware, software, installation, and staff training will be provided without cost. Installation was estimated at eight to 12 weeks, with operation targeted for May 1. • Police reported progress on vandalism from the night of October 23, when approximately 40 to 45 homes were hit with paintballs, eggs, or similar materials. Investigators traced paintball purchases through store records and video, identified three young adults from outside Harbor Springs, and interviewed them. Police said warrants would be sought. A city speed sign on Lake Street was also damaged and was valued at approximately $2,500 to $3,000. • Election staff reported roughly 600 absentee or early voters, including about 160 early-voting ballots handled through the county. Those county results must be combined with City Hall totals after polls close. Polls on November 5 were scheduled to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Fall cleanup continues through November 18, weather permitting. The city Christmas tree is scheduled to arrive November 11. Residents were reminded to turn off irrigation systems before freezing weather and not to shovel snow into city streets. Worth watching: - Staff follow-through on cleaning up the marina waiting list before next season. - Whether the DNR reservation system is installed, tested, and operating by May 1. - Police warrant requests and accountability for damage to homes and city property. Upcoming: Planning Commission special meeting November 6 at 5:30 p.m.; Christmas tree arrival November 11; fall cleanup through November 18; regular Planning Commission meeting November 21. Why it matters: The meeting set next season’s waterfront costs, changed how most transient slips can be reserved, and highlighted public-safety and election administration work.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.