6/13/2024 - Northport Village | Regular Meeting Minutes

Summary

The Northport Village Council meeting on June 13, 2024, addressed several key topics including the approval of the fiscal year budget, zoning ordinance revisions, and the establishment of a joint housing planning commission. The Council approved several financial amendments, scheduled public hearings, and appointed new members to the Planning Commission. Public comments were largely absent, but some feedback regarding the budget process was noted.

Public Comments

- Nicole Arbury expressed appreciation for the budget process and raised concerns about the implications of short-term rentals, noting that it appeared inequitable for some residents to profit from their homes while others could not.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Village Manager Jim Dyer recommended the formation of a joint housing Planning Commission to facilitate affordable housing projects, emphasizing the need for early zoning approvals to attract investment. He proposed that the commission comprise members from existing Planning Commissions and community representatives to ensure broad expertise. The Council discussed the proposal and considered ongoing communication with stakeholders to further develop it.

Infrastructure Projects

- Village Manager Dyer reported on the ongoing demolition of the old hospital with exterior work starting after July 5. - Trustee Cavendish emphasized the importance of aligning infrastructure work, specifically street striping, with MDOT standards.

Other Business

The Council approved a range of other items, including: - Finalization of the 2024-25 fiscal year budget and amendments for various projects. - Scheduling a public hearing for a variance request. - Submission of the 2023 annual Planning Commission report. - Nominations and appointments to the Planning Commission. - The organization of the 2024 Braman Bolt event. - Selection of the 2024 Northport Citizens of the Year.

Financial Summary

- The 2024-25 Budget was approved with a roll call vote of 6 yeas and no nays. - Additional budget amendments included: - Playground equipment at $89,000 funded by a mix of grants and fund balances. - Street and marina parking lot striping for $20,000 with shared funding from operational budgets. - Sealing and striping the Village Office parking lot for $2,400 funded by the General Fund. - All budget amendments received unanimous approval.

Action Items

- Follow-up on the establishment of the joint housing Planning Commission for further discussion. - Monitor zoning ordinance revisions based on the Council’s feedback during the meeting. - Prepare for public hearing on variance request for 109 Rose Street scheduled for July 11, 2024. - Continue to engage the community regarding feedback on the budget process and infrastructure projects.