Summary
The Northport Village Council held a meeting on March 14, 2024, where significant discussions surrounding the proposed Social District were brought to light, along with resolutions for a joint housing commission, adoption of the Leelanau County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and authorization for a waterfront master plan RFP. Overall, the council emphasized the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes.
Public comments
Several citizens voiced their opinions regarding the Social District during the public comment section:
- **Karl Wizinsky** urged the council to hold a public hearing to gather community input and ensure informed decision-making.
- **John Weber** supported Wizinsky and emphasized the need for more transparency in sharing information.
- **Anne Harper** thanked the council but echoed concerns over the time provided for public input and suggested alternatives for economic vitality over the Social District.
- **Mike Stoffel** raised a question about the village's liability related to the Social District.
- **Barbara Weber** expressed her opposition to the Social District, citing concerns about safety and public perception.
Responses from the council included acknowledgments of the concerns raised and discussions of the implications of the Social District.
Infrastructure projects
The Infrastructure Committee reported progress related to:
- Wind turbine site clearance.
- Electric car charger sponsorships.
- Updates on the Old Mill Pond dam discussions with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
- A draft sidewalk ordinance to be reviewed in the upcoming meetings.
Other Business
The meeting included routine approvals of meeting minutes and agenda modifications. The Finance Committee reported on the budget preparation process aiming for a tentative budget by April and discussed renaming the committee for clarity.
Financial Summary
The meeting approved payments for January and February bills totaling $132,264.40 to be paid when funds are available. Additionally, an estimated budget of $20,000 was discussed for the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for the waterfront master plan.
Action Items
- **Trustee Harper** and **Conley** will oversee the creation of a joint housing committee to explore workforce housing with discussions with the township to follow.
- A resolution for the Social District was adopted with amendments, including environmental considerations and operational hours.
- The infrastructure projects and reports will continue to be monitored with updates in future meetings.
- Community feedback regarding the Social District and public engagement in upcoming decision-making processes will be addressed.