Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Announcements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents raise trash pricing and safety concerns; council highlights grants, jobs and local business incentive
Summary
Public commenters urged City of Portage action on garbage pricing transparency and on traffic safety related to motorized bikes and scooters. Council highlighted a citywide façade grant, Portage Pocket Pay incentives and a Pro Services Inc. investment of roughly $12 million and 250 jobs.
Portage — Residents used the June 24 public comment period to raise cost and safety concerns, and councilmembers and staff used reports to spotlight local economic and community programs.
Alan Leverage told the council he and other residents see widely varying garbage prices and proposed the city offer an endorsement or a pricing‑disclosure program so residents could compare vendors; he suggested mailers with pricing details and a website button, and outlined possible service‑districting and fee examples (he referenced a $75 pickup fee and a $50 new‑can charge as an illustration of how fees can be structured).
Terry Tesari described near misses with quiet motorized bicycles and other micromobility devices on sidewalks and streets and urged increased enforcement, improved signage at high‑incident intersections (he cited the Shell station on Westnedge turning onto Romance) and education for drivers and older residents.
In council reports and announcements, Council member Young promoted a citywide façade improvement grant program: a 50/50 matching grant (up to $25,000 per qualified business) and up to $2,500 in architectural‑fee assistance to improve street‑facing façades. Council members encouraged interested businesses to contact the Department of Community Development while funds last.
City Manager McGinnis announced a Portage Pocket Pay summer promotion that will award a bonus equal to 50% of the card value for purchases between July 1 and Nov. 1 to stimulate local spending. He also noted a governor’s office announcement that Pro Services Inc. plans to invest roughly $12,000,000 and create about 250 jobs in Portage.
Council member Burns thanked staff for negotiating and bringing forward a collective bargaining agreement included in the consent agenda with the Portage Police Officers Association, describing 'nearly 8%' raises for officers in that agreement.
Next steps: Staff follow up on pricing‑disclosure feasibility if council directs; Community Development is accepting applications for the façade grant while funds remain; economic development staff will provide updates on Pro Services' investment as details solidify.
