Norton Shores council adopts CDBG plan, approves permits and denies Pontaluna land division

Norton Shores — At its April 21, 2026 regular meeting, the Norton Shores City Council approved a series of routine and land-use actions and held a public hearing on the Regional Consolidated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Five-Year Action Plan for 2026–2030.

Council Member Sowa moved to approve the CDBG plan following a public hearing at which there were no public comments; Council Member Hylland supported the motion, and it carried unanimously. The consent agenda passed unanimously and included departmental reports (Police, Fire, Public Works and Administrative Services), a quarterly investment update, authorization to solicit bids for a training-center remodel and filing a Local Bridge Program grant application.

Council Member Hylland moved to adopt an amendment to Section 32-5 of the Code of Ordinances; Council Member Olson supported the motion and the amendment was adopted unanimously on a roll-call vote. Council members also approved a Special Use Permit amendment for Atwater Springs / FJ Peterson Solutions and a Special Use Permit for C&B Equipment LLC to operate a vehicle- and trailer-dealership at 3194 Getty Street; both motions passed unanimously.

A separate land-division request for 495 E. Pontaluna Road, filed by John Valk, was brought forward by Council Member Sowa with Council Member Hylland supporting; the council voted to deny the request unanimously. The motion text on the record was: "Council Member Sowa moved to grant permission to John Valk to divide the property at 495 E. Pontaluna Road to create a new parcel." The minutes record that the motion failed unanimously on a roll-call vote.

During general comment, Kay Herr (692 Mapleway Drive) and Bob Meyer (845 Winslow Court) spoke; the transcript notes that they "shared public comments" but does not record their statements verbatim. Council Member Hylland raised concern about a cleared lot at Seminole Road and Roosevelt Road being used as a drainage collection point for Roosevelt Park; James Murphy said he had not received updates, and Ted Woodcock stated that "drainage will be addressed during permitting." Council Member Halloran relayed homeowner feedback about the city's short-term rental requirements, saying one property owner found the application process smooth but the fee high and another listed a second home for sale because of fee and insurance requirements. City Attorney Doug Hughes reported, "there were 13 applications for the MADL Director position as of Friday April 17th."

The council adjourned at 5:54 p.m. City Clerk Rachel Pavlich certified the minutes.

Votes at a glance: 26-45 Minutes — Approved (motion by Council Member Olson; supported by Council Member Hylland; carried unanimously). 26-46 Consent Agenda — Approved (motion by Council Member Sowa; supported by Council Member Hylland; carried unanimously). 26-47 Regional Consolidated CDBG Plan — Approved after public hearing (motion by Council Member Sowa; supported by Council Member Hylland; carried unanimously). 26-48 Ordinance amendment Section 32-5 — Adopted (motion by Council Member Hylland; supported by Council Member Olson; carried unanimously, roll call). 26-49 Special Use Permit amendment, Atwater Springs / FJ Peterson Solutions — Approved (motion by Council Member Hylland; supported by Council Member Sowa; carried unanimously). 26-50 Land division, 495 E. Pontaluna Road (John Valk) — Denied (motion by Council Member Sowa; supported by Council Member Hylland; failed unanimously). 26-51 Special Use Permit, 3194 Getty Street (C&B Equipment LLC / Dan Dix) — Approved (motion by Council Member Hylland; supported by Council Member Olson; carried unanimously).