Muskegon City Commission approves procurement contract, event permit, zoning change and budget reforecast

The Muskegon City Commission on Feb. 24 approved multiple routine and substantive items, including a three‑year contract for online bid processing, a permit for a July beach event, an amendment to the zoning ordinance to accommodate veterinary clinics, and a second‑quarter city budget reforecast.

The consent agenda was adopted unanimously after commissioners agreed to remove items B, D and I for separate consideration and to defer item E to next month. Commissioner German moved to adopt the consent agenda and Vice Mayor Keenir seconded.

On a separate vote commissioners approved a three‑year contract with SORBRA for online bid processing. City Clerk Amish told the commission the platform will require complete submissions (for example, the system can be configured to require required photos) and is expected to expand the pool of bidders and reduce missed deadlines. Commissioners questioned the rising year‑to‑year pricing; staff said year‑three and beyond could be higher, and authorized necessary budget amendments and the clerk to sign the agreement. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all present voting "yes."

The commission also approved an application from the Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan to host the Moskegon Riata and campsite at Pier Marquette Beach July 31'Aug. 2, 2026. Dan Vanderhigh, director of public works, referenced maps in the packet showing where boats would be parked and where camping would occur. Applicant James Sturk said the group expects roughly 20'30 onsite campers based on prior events, that boats weigh 200'400 pounds and are rolled into the water on beach wheels (not launched from boat ramps), and that the organization intends to leave the area cleaner than they found it. Commissioners probed cleanup plans and noise management before approving the permit by roll call.

A zoning amendment to update how veterinary clinics are defined and where they are allowed also passed. Planning Director Mike Franzac said staff recommended allowing small, nonintrusive clinics in additional commercial and form‑based code zones while explicitly prohibiting outdoor kennels in those zones; mixed‑use buildings with upstairs residential units would require a special‑use permit so neighbors are notified. Commissioners emphasized the kennel restriction and potential noise concerns.

Finally, the commission approved a fiscal year 2025-26 second‑quarter reforecast presented by Finance Director Kenneth Grant. Staff proposed higher revenue estimates for property taxes (+$100,000), income tax (+$275,000) and building permits (+$250,000), and noted a $50,000 reduction in certain state formula revenues. Expenditures rose for police and fire staffing and higher building inspection costs tied to the SafeBuild contract (an approximate 80/20 revenue split). Commissioners clarified that the changes reflect updated assessed values and revenue projections, not a rate increase. The reforecast passed on a unanimous roll‑call vote.

What's next: staff were authorized to effect budget amendments where required and to execute the approved contracts and permits. The commission will resume routine business at its next scheduled meeting.