Newaygo council approves zoning, utility and budget measures, and new city manager contract

The Newaygo City Council voted April 13 to adopt a package of ordinances, resolutions and administrative actions intended to update local land-use rules, set utility rates and advance several budgets for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.

Council adopted Ordinance 2026-02 to amend Chapter 17 (Industrial I-1) of the city zoning ordinance to allow compatible retail operations in the Industrial Park and adopted Ordinance 2026-03 making amendments to Chapter 78 (Utilities) of the City Code. City Manager Jon Schneider told the council the zoning change’s principal intent is to permit retail uses compatible with industrial operations and that the utilities amendments had been discussed in detail at the March meeting.

The council also approved Resolution 2026-07 (rules, regulations and fees for utility billing) and Resolution 2026-08, a new Water and Sewer Charges resolution that replaces an expiring rate schedule and is set with a 10-year term. Schneider said the rules resolution is designed to make future fee changes administratively simpler. Mayor Ed Fedell noted the previous water-and-sewer rate resolution had expired.

In budget matters, council adopted the Newaygo Area Fire District budget for FY 2026–2027 and the Newaygo Community Recreation Authority budget for FY 2026–2027. Mayor Fedell explained that the City, Brooks Township and part of Garfield Township fund the Newaygo Area Fire District and that the district budget materials were included in council packets.

Council approved Resolution 2026-10 to proceed with establishing a Special Assessment District to defray costs for police, fire and emergency medical services, approving plans and cost estimates and directing the city assessor to prepare a special assessment roll. Schneider said a public hearing on the renewal had already been held and that another hearing will be scheduled; he added the assessment language was broadened to allow for police and EMS funding if needed, though the first-year assessment will cover only the City's portion of the fire district budget.

Separately, the council approved a Right of First Refusal Agreement with Sable Developing Inc.; Mayor Fedell said prior meetings had included letters of intent and that this document will be recorded. Council also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the March 9 meeting, multiple accounts-payable items and the appointment of Andrew Gunneson to the Planning Commission.

On personnel, the council accepted the Personnel Committee’s annual review of City Manager Jon Schneider and voted to approve a new employment agreement for Schneider effective June 1, 2026. Council members praised Schneider’s work and he thanked the board. Schneider also provided a brief update on the adopted budget and several city projects, including a pocket park, Highbank Apartments, the J&H gas station site, a water service line project and a recently closed Riverbank property that he said is under preliminary discussions with a developer.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (minutes, accounts payable, appointment to Planning Commission — includes Resolution 2026-06): approved (motion by Black, second by Walker). All in favor/motion carried; six council members present; one absent. - Right of First Refusal Agreement with Sable Developing Inc.: approved (motion by Engemann, second by Walker). All in favor/motion carried. - Ordinance 2026-02 (Chapter 17, Industrial I-1 amendments): adopted. All in favor/motion carried. - Ordinance 2026-03 (Chapter 78, Utilities amendments): adopted. All in favor/motion carried. - Resolution 2026-07 (utility billing rules and fees): adopted. All in favor/motion carried. - Resolution 2026-08 (Water and Sewer Charges, 10-year term): adopted. All in favor/motion carried. - Resolution 2026-09 (Newaygo Area Fire District budget FY 2026–2027): adopted. Roll call — Yeas: Black, DeVries, Engemann, Fedell, Walerczyk, Walker; Nays: None; Absent: Burns. - Resolution 2026-10 (proceed with Special Assessment District): adopted. Roll call — Yeas: Black, DeVries, Engemann, Fedell, Walerczyk, Walker; Nays: None; Absent: Burns. - Resolution 2026-11 (NCRA budget FY 2026–2027): adopted. All in favor/motion carried. - Employment Agreement with City Manager Jon Schneider (effective June 1, 2026): approved (motion by Black, second by Walker). Roll call — Yeas: Black, DeVries, Engemann, Fedell, Walerczyk, Walker; Nays: None; Absent: Burns.

What this means: the zoning amendments open the city’s industrial park to some retail uses, the utilities code and fee changes update how the city charges and administrates water and sewer services, and the special assessment action begins a procedural sequence that could add a dedicated funding mechanism for emergency services in future years. The council also finalized managerial employment terms and recorded routine budget approvals.

The council adjourned at 7:58 PM.