By Gari Voss
The Monday, April 14, 2025, meeting of the Allegan City Council began with clarification of a conversation that occurred during the April 10th Budget Session. It continued on a lighter note with Mayor Traci Perrigo making the 2025 Arbor Day Proclamation. From there, commission meetings were shared, resolutions were adopted, and property dealings moved forward.
City Manager Joel Dye began the Special Presentation portion of the meeting by referencing the Budget Meeting conversation regarding the large number of capital outlay projects around Allegan, and the fact that if these projects are to be completed, about $14.2 million would have to be found over the next 10 years.
During the April 10th budget meeting, a proposal was presented to eliminate the Allegan City Police Department and contract with the Allegan County Sheriff Department for officers to cover the City of Allegan. The belief is that transferring to the county services would save the City of Allegan about $500,000 each year. In parting, City Manager Dye admitted he has great respect for the Allegan Police Department, and that any decision about the police force was not a done deal. An examination is being done by a Budget Subcommittee from the Council to dig into the city’s financials and identify other places to find dollars that could be put toward the larger projects. The examination may lead to a special bond proposal so the voters decide.
News of the Budget Meeting discussion reached the ears of Police Chief Jay Gibson. Chief Gibson came to the podium to explain that any decision to dismantle the City Police Department would have more ramifications than a budget savings. All but one officer in the City Police Department are graduates of Allegan High School and have roots in the city. In addition, officers who have served that city for 17 or 18 years would lose their retirement. If these officers moved to the county, they would be going into a union shop where they would enter at the bottom of the seniority list.
Chief Gibson stressed that it is difficult to quantify the relationships between the officers and the community. Gibson encouraged the council members to ask him any questions they may have regarding the importance of the Allegan Police Department to their community.
Later in the meeting, County Commissioner Scott Beltman came to the podium to report on the drain commission’s increase in funds, but took a moment to reassure both the council and the police department that the County Commissioners have not heard about any collaboration between the city and county for law enforcement. Beltman also expressed that maybe the exchange would not produce a savings for the city to receive the same level of support. He also stressed that many hurdles must be covered.
Arbor Day Proclamation
Mayor Traci Perrigo read the Arbor Day Proclamation with the focus on continuing to celebrate Arbor Day and urge all citizens to plant and care for trees. Allegan has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the past 39 years, and it is the city’s intention to continue this tradition. The North Ward Arbor Day Celebration will be Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10am with the planting of an Eastern White Pine. The City of Allegan will have their Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 25th at 10am at the Griswold Auditorium when they celebrate the planting of a Firestarter Tupelo Tree. The public is welcome to attend both of the events.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE
A Public Hearing was held regarding the adoption of Resolution 25.12 which is the confirmation of the Summer 2025 Special Assessment Roll. At several earlier meetings, the Council was given a list of property owners who had not paid for work that the city did on their property to maintain compliance. All of the owners received invoices and many owners have paid, but seven remain unpaid.
Property owners had been invited to come to the Council to plead their case, but no one spoke at the Public Hearing. At this juncture, resolution 25.12 passed, and the homeowners have until June 30, 2025, to pay their assessments. After that time, the balance will be added to their next the tax bill.
PUBLIC COMMENT
In addition to County Commissioner Scott Beltman, speaking to the rise in the drain commissioner amount that will be used to hire contractors to open drains, Dan Saltwell requested that more speeding tickets be given to slow down the traffic on Main Street.
Paula Mintek thanked Downtown Allegan for working with the Allegan Area Arts Council to cover the cost of bringing The Wildwoods Concert to the Griswold Auditorium on May 4, 2025, at 7pm. The proceeds from the concert will assist in offering scholarships to the Summer Arts Camp. Ticket sales are slower than anticipated, so she encouraged everyone in attendance to bring concert goers from other communities to cover the costs.
PRESENTATIONS by SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Linda Teeter from Allegan County Legal Assistance Center explained how the Center, which is now located on the first floor of the Allegan County Courthouse, provides free legal assistance to those needing legal guidance. This Center makes a difference in people’s daily lives as it provides tools, resources and information so citizens can represent themselves in civil cases. These are ALICE households who are unable to pay when faced with legal issues. It also provides resources to find legal assistance if needed. Assistance is often given in how to complete and file paperwork even in the middle of the night. Teeter shared that 338 Allegan County citizens have already requested assistance. Allegan County provides the space, plus staff who look for grants and other supports. Thirteen municipalities support the facility, and Teeter asked for financial support from the City of Allegan. She also requested that info about the Legal Assistance Center be uploaded to the city website.
REPORTS
The Airport Advisory Board. City Manager Dye filled in for Bill Morgan to share that the committee reviewed the capital improvement plan for 2026. In addition, members were exploring federal and state programs that might be available for airport projects. The group decided to increase fuel sales which has already been done. A goal is to have more social events at the airport like in past years. The PAPI light is off to Runway 29, and Public Works Director Doug Kadzban explained there was an obstruction and that MDOT AERO told them to turn off the light and call NOTAM until it can be upgraded with funds from the FY2026 budget.
Downtown Development Authority. Assistant City Manager Parker Johnson shared that the committee received an update on construction projects including the Hubbard Street Parking Lot Project, the Water Street Parking Lot Project between Myers Auto and the Perrigo Outlet Store, and the Mahan Park Improvement Project. The Wayfinding Signage status was shared with the final delivery date being in April. During the budget review, the committee decided to increase the line items of marketing and plan to purchase a new utility vehicle for downtown use.
Public Spaces Commission. Parker reviewed the potential of establishing pollinator gardens around Allegan, especially at the Sports Complex. The status on Mahan Park indicated that the project would meet its June 30th completion. Member Peter Savage asked that plans be posted in the City Hall lobby for Mahan Park and the Parking Lot improvement. Savage, as a member of the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery, reminded the group of the Civil War Dedication on Sat., May 3rd when 6 civil war veterans would be honored with grave markers, and the Living History Tours would be on May 30 & 31, 2025. Tickets are available online. Tree damage is being addressed, and April 25th at 10am is the city’s Arbor Day Celebration in front of the Griswold Auditorium.
Positively Allegan. Council member Melanie Hooker shared that the Board is now complete. The committee reviewed the lineup for Friday night Rollin’ on the River concerts and food vendors for Monday night Fork in the Road that will run during the summer months. The budget for Bridgefest was reviewed. The inaugural Halloween Hoot-n-Howl event was scheduled for October 3rd and 4th.
Parker Johnson shared the expectation that members would volunteer to serve refreshments at the Griswold Auditorium events for which Positively Allegan pulls special licenses. Then the committee approved the liquor license for The Wildwoods concert on May 4th. Another liquor license would be needed if the Small Town City Boy tour comes to the Griswold on November 14, 2025.
Public Works
Mahan Park Change Order. The request to approve the change to P.O. 25-0802 with Site Work Solutions to make various improvements to the existing donor wall in Mahan Park in the amount of $8,977.50 was approved by the Council. The damages were not noticed originally because of the foliage hanging over the Memorial Wall.
Concrete Parkway Change Order. The request to approve a change to P.O. 25-0801 with Milbocker & Sons to replace the concrete parkway along Chestnut Street next to the Allegan City Hall in an amount not to exceed $20,000 was approved. The change would remove the concrete slope, and Milbocker would soften up the area by removing the concrete, hauling in fill, and seeding.
Administrative Services
Accounts Payable and Payroll. The council approved accounts payable in the amount of $1,488,051.50 and payroll in the amount of $124,963.94 for a total disbursement of $1,613,015.44.
Request to purchase a city parcel. The Council voted not to sell the parcel on Monroe Street that is adjacent to Jaycee Park. The Planning Commission wishes to maintain the north side of Monroe to be a public open space with no houses.
Request to purchase a parcel on Lowe St. Discussion regarding the potential sale of a city owned parcel on Lowe Street had been previously discussed by the Council. The city staff had brought to the Council information regarding the pros and cons of selling or not selling at the March meeting. After Councilmember Westover recused himself, the Council decided to sell the parcel to Tantrick Brewing for $1. The City staff will now follow protocols before completing the transaction.
Request to release a city easement. The city easement along the property at 147 Eastern Avenue is no longer needed. The Council requested that the City staff create a document to turn the easement over to the property owner.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER
City Manager Dye expressed a hearty thank you to Leah Ward and the Allegan Chapter of Kzoo Folklife for organizing the Cabin Fever Reliever concert series at the Griswold. It is events like this that have increased the use of the Griswold. Dye felt the average attendance at each concert was 60-70 people. The city plans to again coordinate efforts with Allegan Folklife for 2026.
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
Mayor Perrigo asked the newly formed Budget Subcommittee if they had been able to meet and begin their closer look into the City’s finances and budget. Councilmember Walker shared that they met on Saturday. They realize that there are some extremely serious decisions that require serious investigation. As they move forward, they will develop lists of pros and cons by speaking with council members to gather their experience, getting with the city’s finance director Traci Stull, and looking at various options. They are hoping to expedite the process.
Walker and Hooker will continue their Coffee with the Council meetings on May 14th from 6-8pm at the Allegan Library. Resident Matt Houser came back to the last meeting with a well-planned investigative letter to add 400-600 sq.ft. homes in the city.
