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Council reviews zoning changes, conditional rezoning for 210 Oak St. and several community projects; most items return for more detail
Summary
Council heard updates on Ordinance No. 422 (zoning), housing-focused zoning amendments, a conditional rezoning at 210 Oak St., a Bridge Street mural proposal, a columbarium for Fairview Cemetery and deer‑control options; most items were discussed and staff was asked to return with clarifications or cost estimates.
City Manager Ellen Glass presented multiple planning and community items. She confirmed Ordinance No. 422 (amendments to sections 154.024 and 154.231–154.232 of the zoning ordinance) will be placed on the next meeting agenda for adoption after Planning Commission review. Glass also summarized proposed housing-focused zoning amendments, referencing a letter in the packet; councilors discussed the state housing mandate tied to redevelopment-ready status and noted a typo in the townhouse section.
On the conditional rezoning request for 210 Oak St., the applicant (present) explained the request and Council discussed precedence and the statement-of-conditions document. A member of the public noted the property historically was a multi‑family home. City Attorney Gildner clarified that statements of condition cannot be owner‑dependent; Council asked staff to return the item for final approval at the next meeting.
Kristyn Kanyak presented a Bridge Street mural proposal; councilors questioned ownership, maintenance responsibilities, artist rights and potential Downtown Development Authority (DDA) funding and asked staff to clarify funding and approvals. Councilor Pam Howd raised the idea of a columbarium in Fairview Cemetery; staff and council discussed feasibility and available lots and asked staff to estimate costs and return the item. Council discussed deer overpopulation and control options, noting Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rules and previous city approaches; no formal action was taken on wildlife control.
Next steps: most items (Ordinance No. 422 adoption, conditional rezoning for 210 Oak St., mural funding details and a columbarium cost estimate) were punted to future agenda items for additional staff information and formal action.
