11/6/2025 - Northport Village | Work Session Minutes Draft

Summary

The Village Council of Northport convened on November 6, 2025, where key topics included discussions on several infrastructure matters, financial disputes, and future property development. The meeting did not include public comments from attendees, focusing instead on council reports and proposed actions. A consensus was reached on a series of topics, including negotiations with UHY over audit disputes and potential next steps for village-owned properties.

Public Comments

No public comments were offered during the meeting, however, two residents expressed concerns during the second public comment period. Elizabeth Mallek urged the Village to carefully address discrepancies in special assessment records and be cautious with spending. Campbell McLeod emphasized the importance of understanding infrastructure and sewer capacity impacts, advocating for visual renderings in public comparisons.

Infrastructure Projects

The Council reviewed several infrastructure-related issues: - **Rose Street Culvert Grant**: Progress reported with discussions on project details and timeline. - **Special Assessment Discrepancy**: A $27,000 discrepancy was reduced to approximately $500, with concerns regarding the Township's documentation. The Council decided to send a letter recording their disagreement while taking no further actions. - **Tree Removal Proposal**: A revised proposal for urgent tree removal was discussed, with costs lowered to $8,725 approved for formal vote in the next meeting.

Other Business

Several other items were discussed: - The Council agreed to prepare a new sign ordinance, subject to legal review. - Dialogue on the longstanding commercial slip agreement with Jerry Spears, emphasizing the need for improved oversight and formal contracts. - Discussion about the need for visual renderings for village-owned properties to guide potential development.

Financial Summary

The meeting included discussions around financial disputes: - **UHY Invoice**: A dispute regarding audit charges resulted in a recommendation to negotiate a settlement of up to $12,500, aiming for a lower final payment. - **Tree Removal Costs**: Approval of a revised proposal of $8,725 reflecting cost savings from prioritizing urgent safety concerns over a previously quoted $22,000 estimate.

Action Items

- Village Manager Jered Ottenwess is tasked with negotiating the UHY settlement and will return with a proposal for formal approval. - A formal letter regarding the special assessment discrepancy will be prepared for transparency. - The Council will consider the revised tree removal proposal and the new sign ordinance in upcoming meetings. - Discussion on legal representation will be added to a future agenda.