Summary
The Northport Village Council held its regular meeting on April 16, 2026, with President McCann presiding. Trustee Cavendish was absent; Trustee Ruble attended via Zoom. The Council approved the consent agenda, adopted five resolutions repealing or amending village ordinances (subdivision, short-term rental, and planning commission ordinances), approved a boundary adjustment resolution, approved two infrastructure-related proposals (water financial projection study and streetlight replacement), and approved an amendment to the NLTUA service agreement. The Council also reached consensus on preferred illustrative concepts for the Seventh Street and High Street housing parcels to be presented at an upcoming housing summit. All roll call votes passed 5-0 with Trustee Cavendish absent.
Public Comments
During the first public comment period:
- Kevin Murphy (110 Waukazoo / 504 N. Mill Street) spoke about a boundary adjustment request for a three-foot strip of land tied to his property, thanking staff for assistance and asking Council to clarify the property line for future planning and improvements.
- Vicki Slot (10160 North Shore) raised concerns that proposed densities for the Seventh and High Street parcels may not fit the neighborhood, and requested additional public input and consideration of lower-density options that preserve village character.
- Eric Potes (712 Ransom Street) encouraged continued public engagement and stated his belief that the community supports a balanced housing approach, neither high-density nor no development.
- Joanne Swanson (10554 North Shore Drive) raised concerns about divisive rhetoric in the community and urged Council to base decisions on facts and needs rather than perceptions of residents or neighborhoods.
Written correspondence was received regarding the 7th Street Parcel from Vickie Slot (2 letters), Eric Potes, Jane Ives, Mary Betzold, and Susan Manson; the content of these letters was not summarized in the minutes beyond noting the subject matter.
During the second public comment period:
- Kevin Murphy commented on streetlight design concerns, suggested improvements, and encouraged continued investment in downtown infrastructure and year-round community activity.
- Eric Potes expressed support for ongoing housing efforts and a balanced, engaged approach.
- Jane Gale (Planning Commission) thanked Council for accepting zoning recommendations and noted the availability of Tree Committee funds for future plantings.
- Joanne Swanson raised concerns about the decision-making process for the Seventh Street concepts and requested additional opportunity for public input.
- Kali Digman (463 N. Vincent Way) voiced support for advancing housing efforts in the village.
- Vicki Slot emphasized respectful public comment and stated that all residents, including seasonal ones, should be equally valued.
- Ricky Deering (706 Ransom Street) spoke about the value of long-term community perspective and expressed support for increased year-round residency.
- Charles Anderson shared his perspective as a long-time resident and noted challenges some residents may have with community change.
Council members responded to these comments under Council Comments (see Other Business).
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Planning Commission liaison report noted ongoing work on zoning ordinance text and map amendments (public hearing held March 11, 2026; recommendations forwarded to Council April 8, 2026) and continued updates to the Master Plan.
Council discussed multiple concept layouts for the Seventh Street parcel and, by consensus, selected "Scenario 3 – Design Forward (S4.1)" — approximately nine units in a mix of duplex and single-family buildings with tree preservation and common open space — as the preferred concept for illustrative renderings only.
Council also discussed configurations for the High Street parcel and, by consensus, selected a multifamily scenario (a two-story, six-unit apartment building) as the preferred concept for illustrative renderings only.
Trustee Harper moved, supported by Trustee Cook, to direct the Village Manager to have IDF prepare visual concept renderings for the April 28 housing summit based on the Seventh Street Scenario 3 concept and the High Street multifamily concept. Motion carried.
Under Action Items, Resolution 2026-7 (Zoning Ordinance Map and Text Amendments) was adopted; the Overdier (Kitchen Road) property will be rezoned to R-1, with any future development requiring a separate rezoning request, and the Fleece Road/boatyard area will remain D-1.
Under Council Comments, Trustee Harper clarified that the recent action on housing concepts was for illustrative direction only, not a final decision, and encouraged public participation in the upcoming housing summit. Trustee Ager noted that housing discussions have been ongoing, including prior summits and work sessions, and that engagement opportunities have been available. Trustee Ruble offered suggestions for further refinement of the Seventh Street concept. President McCann commented on the evolution of the Seventh Street concept and stated that use of village-owned property is intended to support attainable housing and address long-term community needs.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Jane Gale, speaking for the Planning Commission, noted the availability of Tree Committee funds for future plantings. No other parks and recreation items were discussed.
Infrastructure Projects
The Council adopted Resolution 2026-6 authorizing a boundary adjustment and land division process for 110 Waukazoo St, including application to the Land Division Committee, a title search, and, if approved, execution of a quitclaim deed. The transfer is contingent upon approval of the boundary adjustment and parcel merger. Estimated title search costs were discussed at $500-$700. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
The Council approved a proposal from Utility Financial Solutions for a water financial projection study in the amount of $14,900, citing positive past experience with the consultant. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
The Council approved a proposal from Cherry Capital Electric for streetlight replacement in the amount of $17,600, to be funded when funds become available in the Major Street Fund. Discussion noted that two damaged streetlights were not eligible for insurance claims due to the age of the damage. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
Other Business
The Council approved the amended agenda, removing the Work Session Meeting Time item, with no objections.
The consent agenda was approved, including approval of February 19, 2026 and March 5, 2026 minutes, staff reports, payment of bills, and the Planning Commission re-appointment of Hugh Scott. Motion carried.
The Planning Commission liaison report (Village Manager Ottenwess) covered: recommended approval of zoning ordinance text amendments following a March 11, 2026 public hearing; revised recommendation for map amendments at the April 8, 2026 meeting; approval of a Capital Improvement Plan to be incorporated into the Village budget process; ongoing Master Plan updates with a consultant; preparation of the Commission's annual report; ongoing shoreline zoning district updates with public engagement planned for summer; and review of potential updates to the Public Participation Plan.
Resolution 2026-3 repealing Ordinance 66B (Subdivision Ordinance) was adopted, as the ordinance is no longer applicable due to the Michigan Land Division Act. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
Resolution 2026-4 amending Ordinance 111 (Short-Term Rental Ordinance) was adopted. Discussion covered the April 30 annual renewal deadline (to be applied prospectively) and a proposed rental fee to be considered in an upcoming fee schedule. Trustee Harper raised concerns about the complexity and cost of special use permit and site plan requirements for new short-term rentals. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
Resolution 2026-5 amending Ordinance 99 (Planning Commission Ordinance) was adopted, reducing Planning Commission membership from seven to five members through attrition; the Planning Commission supports the change. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
The amendment to the NLTUA Service Agreement (covering shared Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and Superintendent services) was approved, with a modest increase from the prior year noted. Roll call vote: Yeas (5), Nays (0), Absent (1). Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. on a motion by Trustee Harper, supported by Trustee Cook.
Financial Summary
- Title search for the 110 Waukazoo St boundary adjustment estimated at $500-$700.
- Utility Financial Solutions water financial projection proposal approved at $14,900.
- Cherry Capital Electric streetlight replacement proposal approved at $17,600, contingent on funds becoming available in the Major Street Fund.
- NLTUA Service Agreement amendment approved with a modest, unspecified increase from the prior year.
- Planning Commission approved a Capital Improvement Plan to be incorporated into the Village's budget process; no figures given.
Action Items
- Village Manager to proceed with the Land Division Committee application, title search, and (if approved) quitclaim deed execution for the 110 Waukazoo St boundary adjustment.