Summary
The Northport Village Council held a work session on July 3, 2025, addressing several infrastructure, recreation, and administrative matters. Key outcomes included support for transferring a portion of the Seventh Street property to the County Land Bank Authority, approval of a water filling station near the marina, direction to staff to draft revisions to the 2015 recreation plan, and discussion of sanitary sewer rate increases to be brought forward for action at the next regular meeting. The Council also addressed a longstanding Second Street encroachment issue, an over-limit IT invoice, and a proposal for community recognition street banners.
Public Comments
During the initial public comment period, Trustee Cavendish mentioned correspondence from resident Meg Jean regarding installation of a water filling station near the Farmer's Market parking lot.
During the later public comment period, Anne Harper expressed concerns about legal fees related to the Second Street encroachment matter and suggested the Village seek a reasonable resolution to avoid costly litigation.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Council discussed updating the Village's 2015 recreation plan. Trustees emphasized incorporating universal access and exploring collaboration with the township and schools. Staff was directed to begin drafting revisions to the plan.
Infrastructure Projects
- Seventh Street Property/Land Bank Transfer: The Council discussed transferring a 1.2-acre portion of the Seventh Street property to the County Land Bank Authority for brownfield remediation and pre-development work. Village Manager Ottenwess explained the process would involve quieting title and limiting environmental liability before the property is conveyed back to the Village or a developer. The Council supported moving forward with splitting the property and working with the County on a development agreement.
- Sanitary Sewer Rates - Debt Collection: Village Manager Ottenwess outlined a proposed $20.48 quarterly increase per REU to cover sewer debt service shortfalls. The Council agreed to bring the proposal to the next regular meeting for formal action.
- Water Filling Station at Marina: The Council approved installation of a water filling station near the marina, estimated to cost $4,000-$5,000, with DPW staff assisting in construction. The Village Manager was authorized to pursue and move the project forward.
- Second Street Encroachment: The Council discussed a longstanding encroachment (dating back to at least 1996) on Second Street, where a property owner placed structures including a gate, stone wall, pump, and rocks in the creek on Village-owned right-of-way. Village Manager Ottenwess reported a letter has been drafted demanding removal of the structures. Trustees expressed concern about public access to the creek, particularly for children fishing. Trustee Harper noted the property owner had redirected the stream, raising possible environmental concerns. The Council agreed to have Ottenwess send the letter and pursue legal action if the owner does not comply.
Other Business
- Short Term Rentals (STRs): Village Manager Ottenwess reported approximately 45 STR listings online, with 28 registered and 15 appearing non-compliant. Trustees Harper and Cavendish agreed STRs are not currently a significant factor in affordable housing but recognized the need for proactive oversight. Trustee Ager noted resident Heberlein has been vocal about STRs and suggested inviting her to a future meeting to share ideas, including treating STRs as businesses, registration fees, a lottery system for STR owners, and higher sewer fees for STR properties. The Council agreed a task force is not needed and instead directed the Village Manager to continue tracking STRs and send notices to unregistered owners.
- Public Participation Plan: The Council reviewed a draft Public Participation Plan from the Planning Commission and requested further revisions before adoption. The Council agreed to adopt the plan once finalized, and Village Manager Ottenwess will bring the revised plan back for approval.
- Affinity Invoice: Village Manager Ottenwess reported an invoice from Affinity exceeded his $3,000 spending limit, covering additional IT support services including onboarding assistance and iPad-related issues. Trustee Cavendish expressed support for bringing such invoices to the Council for transparency. The invoice will be placed on the July 17 regular meeting agenda for approval, and Ottenwess suggested making it routine practice to present invoices exceeding the manager's spending limit at work sessions.
- Street Banners: Trustee Cavendish proposed creating street banners to recognize community members, suggesting banners featuring past Citizen of the Year recipients with photos and award years, and banners celebrating local graduates (previously discussed during COVID). The Council agreed this would be meaningful, with President McCann calling it a great idea. Village Manager Ottenwess was directed to research cost, pricing, and feasibility and report back.
- Council Comment: President McCann reminded everyone of the upcoming fireworks and Citizen of the Year award ceremony.
Financial Summary
- Proposed sanitary sewer rate increase of $20.48 quarterly per REU to address debt service shortfalls; to be brought to the next regular meeting for action.
- Water filling station at the marina estimated to cost $4,000-$5,000; approved by the Council.
- Affinity invoice for IT support services exceeded the Village Manager's $3,000 spending limit; scheduled for approval at the July 17 regular meeting.
Action Items
- Village Manager Ottenwess to work with the County on splitting the Seventh Street property and drafting a development agreement.
- Staff directed to begin drafting revisions to the 2015 recreation plan, incorporating universal access and collaboration with the township and schools.
- Village Manager Ottenwess to continue tracking STRs and send notices to unregistered owners; Trustee Ager suggested inviting resident Heberlein to a future meeting to discuss her STR proposals.
- Sanitary sewer rate increase proposal to be brought to the next regular meeting for formal action.
- Village Manager Ottenwess authorized to pursue the marina water filling station project.
- Village Manager Ottenwess to bring the revised Public Participation Plan back to Council for adoption once finalized.
- Village Manager Ottenwess to send a letter demanding removal of encroaching structures on Second Street and pursue legal action if the owner does not comply; this matter involves a longstanding dispute (since at least 1996) with public access and environmental concerns raised by Trustees.
- Affinity invoice to be placed on the July 17 regular meeting agenda for approval.
- Village Manager Ottenwess to research cost, pricing, and feasibility of street banners and report back to Council.