The council’s decision to advance the Bushman Road project was a focal point of the meeting. With a background investment of approximately $950,000 in planning and land acquisition, an additional $3.1 million is necessary to complete the project. The finance committee proposed a 15-year general obligation bond with an annual payment of $35,000 to evenly distribute the financial responsibility across current and future residents. This approach would allow the city to uphold daily services while progressing with essential infrastructure improvements. A motion was made and approved to proceed with this funding plan. Dave Peterson, a supervisor from Ideal Township, supported the council’s decision, acknowledging the long-standing discussions about the road and its significance for both residents and non-residents.

Equally central to the meeting was the discussion surrounding the city’s zoning code revision. The council had previously initiated a project to update the zoning code with HKGI as the lead consultant, but the effort paused after preliminary work. It was suggested that the focus should shift to the comprehensive plan before revising the zoning code to ensure both documents align closely. The council recognized the intertwined nature of these planning processes and the importance of moving forward with both the zoning code update and the comprehensive plan. The council members acknowledged the need to involve the planning commission and at least two council members in the ongoing discussions, emphasizing public education on zoning ordinances.

The meeting also featured discussions on the proposed 2026 preliminary tax levy, which is projected to increase by 10.41%. This increase aims to address essential capital improvement items identified by the finance committee, as opposed to relying on depleted capital reserves. The projected tax rate of 40.05% is notably lower than the 49% average in surrounding communities. Council members stressed the necessity of the levy while exploring options to minimize its impact on taxpayers. A motion was made to approve the preliminary tax levy and set December 1st at 6:30 p.m. for public comment, encouraging residents to share feedback through various channels. The preliminary levy can be reduced, but not increased, when the final levy is adopted in December.

Updates on various departmental matters provided further context to the council’s ongoing initiatives. Progress on the city hall project included the completion of parking lot paving and striping, with remodeling underway. The council expressed optimism about hosting future meetings in the new chambers and considered a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the facility’s opening. The recruitment process for an administrative assistant was also discussed, with interviews concluding soon and a potential job offer expected shortly. Additionally, the implementation of new financial software was detailed, with the sewer billing module set to go live in early October.

Planning and zoning updates included a scheduled hearing on September 16 that will address a variance application for a house on Asamana Key and proposed changes to the White Birch Golf Course. These changes, involving rerouting two holes and adjusting zoning from resort commercial to R4, have sparked neighborhood opposition. The planning commission’s recommendations on these zoning issues will come to the council for final decisions.