Summary
The Northport Village Council met on July 16, 2026, with President McCann presiding and all trustees present. The Council approved the Consent Agenda, authorized a $95,000 Northport Marina Enhancement and Expansion Study, approved a Consumers Energy streetlight removal proposal with a budget amendment, and discussed potential revisions to the Mill Pond Dam ballot millage language without taking final action. Public comments addressed stormwater runoff concerns and praise for staff response to a recent storm event.
Public Comments
During the first Public Comment period, no correspondence or comments were received.
During the second Public Comment period, Sue Manson raised concerns about recent heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff within the Village, encouraging the Village to consider long-term improvements, including a stormwater sewer system, to better manage future storm events. No formal response from Council is recorded in the minutes, though Trustee Ager later echoed the need to continue addressing stormwater management during Council Comments.
John Weber complimented Village staff and the Department of Public Works for their response during the recent storm event and thanked them for their efforts.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Cook commented on the success of the Fourth of July festivities, thanking Village staff, volunteers, and community organizations for another successful fireworks celebration.
Infrastructure Projects
Northport Marina Enhancement and Expansion Study: Council reviewed a proposal from Machin Engineering to conduct a marina enhancement and expansion study for $95,000, covering existing marina conditions, future needs, conceptual expansion opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and public input. Trustee Ager expressed reservations about expanding the marina, while other Council members clarified the study would not commit the Village to expansion but would inform future decisions and support grant opportunities. President McCann moved, supported by Trustee Harper, to approve the proposal not to exceed $95,000. Roll call vote: Dean-Yes, Ager-Yes, Cook-Yes, Cavendish-Yes, Ruble-Yes, Harper-Yes, McCann-Yes. Motion carried.
Consumers Energy Streetlight Removal: Council considered a proposal from Consumers Energy to remove four Village-owned streetlights at a cost of $8,922, discussed in context of the Village's Dark Sky initiative and ongoing maintenance costs. Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Cook, to approve the proposal and amend the FY 2026-27 Budget accordingly. Council requested staff verify the quoted removal cost with Consumers Energy before scheduling work. Roll call vote: Dean-Yes, Ager-Yes, Cook-Yes, Cavendish-Yes, Ruble-Yes, Harper-Yes, McCann-Yes. Motion carried.
Mill Pond Dam Ballot Proposal: Trustee Ager requested discussion on the previously approved Mill Pond Dam ballot proposal, focusing on whether the proposed 0.90 mill levy would adequately fund the project given rising costs from inflation, permitting requirements, and extreme weather. Village Manager Ottenwess reviewed updated project estimates and discussed rationale for a higher millage to provide financial flexibility. Council discussed balancing adequate funding with minimizing tax impact on property owners. Trustee Ager withdrew her motion to amend the ballot proposal. Council directed the Village Manager to prepare revised ballot language reflecting the discussion and bring it back for further consideration at the August 6, 2026 Work Session. No action was taken.
Stormwater Concerns: Raised during Public Comment by Sue Manson and echoed by Trustee Ager during Council Comments, regarding the need for long-term stormwater management improvements, including a possible stormwater sewer system.
Other Business
The Planning Commission Liaison Report was delivered by Village Manager Ottenwess in Trustee Cavendish's stead, covering draft regulations for the R-2 Shoreline Residential District (public hearing scheduled for August 5, 2026), development of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations to encourage attainable housing, preparation of a Public Participation Plan, and continued collaboration with the Tree Committee on beautification projects and potential expansion of its role.
Financial Summary
- Marina Study: Approved not-to-exceed amount of $95,000 for Machin Engineering's Northport Marina Enhancement and Expansion Study.
- Streetlight Removal: Approved $8,922 expenditure for Consumers Energy to remove four Village-owned streetlights, with the FY 2026-27 Budget to be amended to include this additional expenditure. Staff were directed to verify the accuracy of the quoted cost before scheduling work.
- Mill Pond Dam Millage: Discussion of a proposed 0.90 mill levy and whether it would provide adequate funding given rising project costs; a higher millage amount was discussed for financial flexibility, but no changes were finalized. Revised ballot language is to be brought back for further Council consideration.
Action Items
- Staff to verify the quoted $8,922 streetlight removal cost with Consumers Energy prior to scheduling the work.
- Village Manager Ottenwess to prepare revised Mill Pond Dam ballot language reflecting Council's discussion and present it at the August 6, 2026 Work Session for further consideration.
- Planning Commission public hearing on draft R-2 Shoreline Residential District regulations scheduled for August 5, 2026.
- Continued development of ADU regulations to encourage attainable housing opportunities, and continued work on the Public Participation Plan.