Summary
The Northport Village Council held its regular meeting on December 18, 2025, with President McCann presiding. The Council approved the consent agenda (with corrections to minutes deferred), adopted a settlement agreement with UHY, approved 2026-2027 marina slip rates via separate seasonal and transient votes, approved the 2026 meeting schedule and holiday calendar, and tabled proposed Rules of Procedure revisions to the January meeting. Ex-officio reports covered ongoing Planning Commission work on zoning definitions and the Master Plan, infrastructure project coordination, and NLTUA capital projects and agreements.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period. Written correspondence was received from Mark and Jane Voight regarding the future development of 7th Street; the document does not detail the specific content of their letter beyond noting the subject.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Not discussed in this meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Marina Rates (Resolution 2025-18): Manager Ottenwess reviewed proposed seasonal and transient slip rate schedules for 2026-2027, based on DNR guidelines and demand. Due to a conflict of interest, Trustee Harper requested the resolution be split into two votes:
- Seasonal rates: Increase from $100/foot (2026, Rate 2/$112/foot) to Rate 1 ($121/foot) in 2027. Moved by Trustee Cavendish, supported by Trustee Cook. Roll Call Vote: Yeas (4), Nays (0), Abstained (1) Trustee Harper. Motion Carried.
- Transient rates: Maintain 2025 base rate (Rate B) with tiered adjustments (Rates B, G, H) based on seasonal demand periods, same structure for 2026 and 2027. Moved by Trustee Cook, supported by Trustee Cavendish. Roll Call Vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0). Motion Carried.
Infrastructure Liaison Report: Trustee Cavendish reported ongoing coordination of pricing and scheduling for current and upcoming infrastructure projects.
Marina Liaison Report: Trustee Cook reported no updates.
NLTUA Liaison Report: President McCann reported the NLTUA has begun review of its draft budget, with formal adoption anticipated in February. Capital improvement updates included mainline cleaning and realignment of the wet well. The NLTUA approved an amendment allowing Jacobs to continue as wastewater treatment facility operator. Phone service at lift stations and treatment facilities is transitioning from landlines to cellular technology. Two unresolved issues were flagged: an ADU with its own grinder pump improperly connected to the primary dwelling's pump (raising liability and connection procedure questions), and a split parcel within the sewer assessment district requiring coordination with the Township on land use permitting and district placement.
Other Business
- The Planning Commission reported progress on Master Plan review, zoning definitions (including transient lodging), an updated use table, and special use regulations for campgrounds/RV parks, along with proposed D1 Multi-Use District amendments and map changes. Both items are expected to proceed to public hearings and return to Council for action, likely in February or March.
- The Council approved the 2026 Village Council meeting schedule and Village holiday calendar as presented (Moved by Trustee Cavendish, supported by Trustee Harper; Roll Call Vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0); Motion Carried).
- President McCann announced that Planning Commission member Kathy Wessell will not seek reappointment and thanked her for her service; the process to identify a replacement will begin.
- Trustee Dean expressed support for moving forward with audio/visual upgrades for the meeting room; Manager Ottenwess provided an update on the upgrade process and requested Council feedback on desired features.
- Trustee Cavendish noted that video from the recent Work Session had not yet been posted to the Village's YouTube channel.
Financial Summary
- UHY Settlement Agreement: Resolves a disputed invoice for $8,295, approximately half of the amount originally billed. The agreement includes mutual release of claims, non-disparagement provisions, no admission of liability, and final closure of past audit matters. Approved by Roll Call Vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0).
- Marina Rate Revenue Impacts (per Harbormaster estimates): Seasonal rate increase projected to generate approximately $43,000 in additional revenue; transient rate increase projected to generate approximately $6,000 in additional revenue.
- NLTUA draft budget is under review, with formal adoption anticipated in February 2026.
Action Items
- Rules of Procedure revisions tabled; consolidated changes to be revisited at the January meeting, including drafting criteria/definitions for "unexcused excessive absences."
- Planning Commission recommendations on campground/RV park regulations and D1 Multi-Use District amendments expected to proceed to public hearings and return to Council, likely February or March.
- Coordination needed with the Township to resolve land use permitting and sewer assessment district placement for a split parcel.
- Resolution needed regarding liability and connection procedures for an ADU with an improperly connected grinder pump.
- Village Manager to continue work on audio/visual upgrades for the meeting room and gather Council feedback on priorities.
- Process to begin for identifying and appointing a replacement for outgoing Planning Commission member Kathy Wessell.
- Trustee Cavendish requested that the Council take a future vote regarding the intent for development of the Seventh Street property.
- Outstanding Work Session video to be posted to the Village's YouTube channel.