City Council Meeting

Detailed briefing

CITY COUNCIL — March 18, 2026 ATTENDEES: Council roll call named Jamie Milkey, Tom Graham, Wendy Reeve, Gene Benjamin and Kathy Manchel; a quorum was declared. • Council unanimously authorized a conditional offer of employment to city manager candidate Chris. The offer depends on a successful background check and contract negotiations. The search consultant said he had completed extensive reference checks, while several residents asked council to slow down and investigate concerns further. A draft contract is to be reviewed by the negotiating team before being sent, and the Personnel Committee will meet after the candidate responds. • Council approved the Harbor Springs Little League opening-day public event. Organizers plan the customary parade along Main Street followed by activities at the park. City officials said the parade would use temporary traffic control rather than a full street closure. • Council approved Surf Internet's Metro Act fee schedule and authorized the city manager to sign the agreement. The city attorney said the negotiated schedule was favorable to Harbor Springs. Surf indicated that its proposed installation would be citywide and that it hoped to begin in the fall, with coordination involving public works, the electric department and the city's engineering firm. • Council discussed a possible public vote on disbanding the Tree Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Board, and Downtown Development Authority. Numerous speakers defended the boards' volunteer work, fundraising and advisory role. No ballot proposal advanced. The mayor said residents could use a petition process if they wanted such a question placed on a ballot. • An anonymous document prompted discussion of whether to seek new zoning and planning services. Staff said Beckett and Rader was hired after the 2022 master plan and assists with applications, technical reviews and zoning matters. Council sent the issue to the Planning Commission for feedback and a possible recommendation rather than issuing an RFP immediately. • Following a closed employee evaluation, council approved paying up to $23,800 to MERS to purchase one year of pension service for Lucas Vander Zee, conditioned on his immediate retirement and his use of accumulated PPO to purchase four additional years of service. The motion carried. Worth watching: 1. Completion of the city manager background check, contract negotiations and Personnel Committee review. 2. The Planning Commission's assessment of current planning-consultant services. 3. A sewer feasibility study concerning the Harbor 2 lift station and three-mile force main, both dating to 1972; preliminary figures presented to council suggested substantial costs beginning in 2028. Upcoming: Easter egg hunt at Zorn Park on April 4; Arbor Day activities at Upper Summit Swimming Park on May 23. Why it matters: Council advanced leadership and infrastructure decisions while leaving major questions about planning services, sewer costs and future board structure unresolved.

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