By Gari Voss
The Allegan City Council made the decision to remove a member from the Council. The root of the resolution fell on information that Mike Zeter had moved from his residence on Thomas Street to a location that was not in the city limits. According to Section 5.7 of the City Charter, councilmembers must reside in a residence within city. Once the move out of the city is made, the councilmember is no longer eligible to be on the council.
During the special meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a timeline came to light that gave some credence to the determination of residence. City Manager Joel Dye shared that in August the Allegan City Police informed him that an eviction notice had been served to Mr. Zeter along with a Personal Protection Order (PPO).
“I reached out to Mr. Zeter on September 8th via email inquiring about his residency,” shared Dye. “He did not respond to that email. The mayor also reached out to inquire where he was living. We observed him staying at the Mason Lodge, which is outside the city limits.”
“About two weeks after Joel had reached out to Mr. Zeter (September 15th), I reached out with the Mayor Pro Tem cced requesting a meeting with a specific date and time,” explained Mayor Traci Perrigo. “I had not heard from him to confirm that he would be available. I texted with Mike asking if he was going to be able to meet. He responded that at that time, he could not commit to a meeting to talk about his residency.”
After those attempts, residents who were aware of Mr. Zeter’s situation inquired as to his ability to stay on the council since he no longer lived on Thomas Street. Others were aware of the PPO and were wondering if the council was going to address this.
Councilmember Will Walker asked for clarification wondering if Mr. Zeter’s residence was temporary and if the council had done their due diligence. After examining the timeline, it was felt that the council and their legal counsel were following protocol.
Mayor Pro Tem Peter Hanse reminded the council that Mr. Zeter has a right to appeal the council’s decision if he wishes.
After thoughtful discussion, the council looked at Mr. Zeter’s situation as a whole. His residence outside the city would be the top infraction and take effect the day the move was made. Having a PPO violation may be another consideration. Missing Council Meetings in the future with no request to be excused would be a third.
The Resolution declaring a vacancy cited:
Section 5.7 of the City Charter provides that “a vacancy shall be deemed to exist in any elective office on the day when the officer dies, files a resignation with the city clerk, is removed from office, moves from the city, is convicted of a felony, or of misconduct in office under this charter, … is absent from three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the council, unless excused by the council for cause to be stated in the record of council proceedings.”
The Resolution continued, that since Councilmember Zeter no longer resides on Thomas Street, and to resolve this situation: 1. The City Council finds that Section 5.7 has been violated; 2. A vacancy would be declared to exist; 3. The vacancy would be filled in accordance with applicable charter provisions; 4. The City Manager and City Attorney would move forward to fill the vacancy; and 5. The Resolution would take effect immediately.
In the end, the Council unanimously voted to pass the Resolution to declare Mike Zeter’s City Council seat vacant, and to post the vacancy position.
Those wishing to fill the position can obtain the proper application from City Hall and submit a completed form before October 10, 2025, 5pm. The applications of those interested will be interviewed during a special Council meeting.
