Norton Shores council approves purchase of Hile Recreation property for $1 and clears routine business

The Norton Shores City Council on April 7 approved buying the Hile Recreation Association property at 675 East Sternberg Road for $1 and completed a series of routine actions, including license renewals, reappointments and an ordinance amendment.

Council Member Fox moved to approve the Hile Recreation Association purchase; Council Member Fisher supported the motion and it carried unanimously. City Administrator Anthony Chandler confirmed that Parks and Recreation will maintain the facility and said there are no substantial maintenance costs at this time.

The council also approved a multi-item consent agenda that included 2026 liquor license renewals, 2026 used car dealer license renewals, authorization of bids for Airline Highway signal improvements, an emergency police department sewer repair purchase and amendments to Act 51 road certifications. Council Member Jurkas moved the consent agenda; Council Member Kasher supported the motion, and it passed on a 7–1 roll call vote with Council Member Halloran voting against.

Other formal actions on the agenda included reappointments to the Planning Commission and an amendment to Section 32-5 of the Code of Ordinances. Council Member Hylland moved to reappoint Nicolas Morano, Allison Revell and J.J. Westgate to three-year terms on the Planning Commission (terms to expire May 31, 2029); the motion was supported by Council Member Jurkas and carried unanimously, with Council Member Olson recusing. Council Member Jurkas moved the solicitor ordinance amendment; Council Member Kasher supported that motion and it passed 8–0.

Council Member Jurkas also moved to award a streets and drainage materials bid on an as-needed basis to the responsible low bidders as presented; Council Member Olson supported the motion and it carried unanimously.

The council took no additional formal action on the public comments raised at the meeting. The session adjourned at 6:28 p.m.