Summary
The Northport Village Council held a work session on June 5, 2025, covering the draft FY 2025–2026 budget, PILOT and attainable housing tax exemption ordinances, a proposed Planning Commission appointment policy, a draft social media policy, public restroom options, and EV charging station costs. The Council also adopted two resolutions: one authorizing the Rose Street Culvert Replacement project and grant application, and another approving social district permit applications for six businesses. Both votes passed unanimously (6-0).
Public Comments
No public comments were offered during either public comment period (Item C or Item F).
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Council reviewed draft ordinances for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and tax exemptions for attainable housing. Staff clarified that adopting these ordinances would allow the Village to support qualifying developments without obligating future approvals. The PILOT could last up to 20 years, and the housing tax exemption up to 12 years. Council agreed to place both ordinances on the agenda for adoption at the next regular meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
- Rose Street Culvert Replacement: Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Harper, to adopt Resolution 2025-3, authorizing the Rose Street Culvert Replacement project and the MDOT Category B TEDF Enhancement Grant application. Roll call vote: Yeas (6), Nays (0). Motion carried.
- Public Restroom Options: Council discussed installing a restroom unit in the village parking lot, noting the need for water, sewer, and electrical connections. Staff was directed to research options and report back on potential costs and infrastructure requirements.
- EV Charging Station Costs: Trustee Cavendish raised concerns about the Village covering electricity costs for public EV chargers. Staff was asked to investigate the situation and explore billing or cost-offsetting options, including potential grant opportunities.
Other Business
- Social District Permit Applications: Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Cook, to adopt Resolution 2025-4, approving social district permit applications for six participating businesses. Roll call vote: Yeas (6), Nays (0). Motion carried.
- Planning Commission Appointment Policy: Trustee Cavendish emphasized the need for a formal, consistent appointment policy, proposing an application process with a resume and cover letter, a 14-day review period, and public posting. Council agreed to have staff draft language for inclusion in the Rules of Procedure Policy for review at a future meeting.
- Village Social Media Policy: A draft policy was presented to ensure transparency and compliance with the Open Meetings Act, restricting online deliberation by council members and outlining content moderation parameters. Council supported creating an official Village Facebook page and discussed adding a newsletter for non-social media users. The policy will be an action item at the next regular meeting.
- Council Comment: Trustee Ager questioned whether votes should be taken during a work session. President McCann responded that while work sessions typically focus on discussion, urgent or time-sensitive matters—such as the culvert grant and social district permits—may be acted upon if necessary.
Financial Summary
- Taxable value increased from $72 million to $80.6 million for FY 2025–2026.
- Draft budget included $60,000 for a BS&A software conversion.
- Draft budget included $26,000 for a spring cleanup event.
- The fireworks fund was removed and merged under Community Promotion, with a budget of $18,650.
- The Budget Committee expressed overall support for the proposed budget.
Action Items
- Staff to research public restroom unit options for the village parking lot, including costs and infrastructure requirements (water, sewer, electrical).
- Staff to investigate EV charging station electricity costs and explore billing or cost-offsetting options, including potential grants.
- Staff to draft language for a Planning Commission appointment policy to be included in the Rules of Procedure Policy, for review at a future meeting.
- PILOT and Attainable Housing Incentive Ordinances to be placed on the agenda for adoption at the next regular meeting.
- Village Social Media Policy to be brought forward as an action item at the next regular meeting.