Summary
The Northport Village Council met on November 20, 2025, with President McCann presiding and all trustees present (Trustee Ruble via Zoom). The Council approved an amended consent agenda, heard public comments largely centered on a proposed six-unit cottage court housing concept for the Seventh Street parcel, and approved two significant contracts: a site planning services proposal from Influence Design for conceptual renderings of Village-owned properties, and an engineering services proposal from Machin Engineering for the Rose Street culvert replacement. Both motions passed, though the Influence Design proposal saw a split vote. Staff reports covered marina water levels, DPW operations, and website/procedural updates.
Public Comments
Joanne Swanson raised concerns about the Village spending approximately $6,000 on conceptual renderings for the six-unit cottage court concept on the Seventh Street parcel, urging the Council to prioritize transparency and careful decision-making over public relations.
Eric Potes spoke in support of attainable housing on Seventh Street, stating that opposition reflects a minority view, and supported using renderings to help residents understand the proposal. Later in the meeting, he reiterated support and noted that homes priced around $300,000 to $350,000 would be comparatively affordable given local rental rates.
Mary Cermak Betzolt expressed opposition to housing development on the Seventh Street parcel and asked that the Village also produce renderings depicting a preserved natural habitat or park-like setting, stating a preference for ecological and open-space use of the site.
No correspondence was presented at the meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Discussion centered on a proposed six-unit cottage court concept for the Seventh Street parcel. The Council approved a proposal from Influence Design (not to exceed $5,800) to produce conceptual site renderings for both the Seventh Street and High Street Village-owned properties, intended to improve transparency and help the public visualize potential development scenarios before soliciting developer interest.
Trustee Cavendish raised concerns that focusing renderings on housing concepts might unintentionally rule out other potential uses, such as preserved natural space or public parkland, and suggested the Village consider a formal vote on the intended use of the site. The Council discussed the possibility of a public vote on long-term use, with general agreement that any such action should be preceded by adequate public notice and community input opportunity.
The Planning Commission report (Trustee Cavendish) noted continued work on zoning updates and Master Plan review, with discussions focused on aligning zoning tools with the Village's attainable housing and preservation goals.
During Council Comments, Trustee Cook noted the relative affordability of $300,000 homes compared to local rental prices. Trustee Harper emphasized continuing to explore attainable housing opportunities and working cooperatively with Leelanau Township and housing partners, stating renderings are a planning tool rather than a final commitment. Trustee Ager spoke about the broader need for attainable housing in the Village and surrounding area, noting that larger Township-level housing initiatives may interact with Village efforts and should be coordinated.
Vote: Roll Call on the Influence Design proposal: Yeas (4) President McCann, Trustees Ager, Cook, and Harper; Nays (2) Trustees Cavendish and Dean. Motion carried.
Infrastructure Projects
Rose Street Culvert Replacement: The Council approved an engineering services proposal from Machin Engineering in the amount of $22,900 for design, permitting, and coordination related to the Rose Street culvert replacement. Manager Ottenwess confirmed the proposal did not include field survey work, which would be contracted separately if required. Trustee Harper emphasized the importance of construction oversight and coordination to protect Village infrastructure. Roll Call Vote: Yeas (6), Nays (0). Motion carried.
Marina: Staff reported plans to conduct soundings to assess water levels at the marina. A five-year dredging permit allows for small-scale dredging if needed, though significant dredging is not anticipated for several years. A bill-sheet entry for "amending soil at Marina" was clarified as rototilling poor soil, adding compost and topsoil, and reseeding areas used by food vendors.
The Infrastructure Liaison Report (Trustee Cavendish/Manager Ottenwess) noted that engineering proposals and project phasing for water and street projects are being evaluated as part of capital planning efforts.
Other Business
The consent agenda was approved unanimously as amended, with the Marina/DPW/Manager reports and bill payment sheet moved to separate discussion.
DPW Superintendent Holton confirmed wreaths for the Northport signs had been ordered and that the sidewalk-plowing policy remains unchanged, with continued snow blowing and sanding operations.
Manager Ottenwess noted he would review the Rules of Procedure posted online to ensure they reflect adopted amendments, gather requested website concerns, and schedule a future discussion with the village attorney on legal services and procedural updates.
The Marina Liaison Report (Trustee Cook) had no updates. The NLTUA Liaison Report (President McCann) had no new information beyond the most recent NLTUA meeting.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:02 p.m. by motion of President McCann, supported by Trustee Harper; motion carried unanimously.
Financial Summary
- Approximately $6,000 cited by public commenter Joanne Swanson as the cost of conceptual renderings for the Seventh Street cottage court concept (context for concern raised).
- Influence Design site planning services proposal approved: not to exceed $5,800, covering conceptual renderings for Seventh Street and High Street properties.
- Machin Engineering proposal approved: $22,900 for engineering services (design, permitting, coordination) related to the Rose Street culvert replacement; field survey work would be an additional cost if required.
- Bill payment sheet was reviewed separately from the consent agenda, including a line item for "amending soil at Marina" (soil rototilling, compost, topsoil, reseeding).
Action Items
- Manager Ottenwess to review the Rules of Procedure posted online to ensure they reflect adopted amendments.
- Manager Ottenwess to gather website update concerns raised by Trustee Cavendish.
- Manager Ottenwess to schedule a future discussion with the village attorney regarding legal services and procedural updates.
- Staff to conduct soundings to assess marina water levels to inform future dredging decisions.
- Council to consider, at a future date, whether to hold a formal vote on the intended long-term use of the Seventh Street parcel (housing vs. preserved natural space/parkland), with adequate public notice and input beforehand, per discussion prompted by Trustee Cavendish.
- Ongoing coordination between Village and Leelanau Township on attainable housing initiatives, as noted by Trustee Ager.