State of the City 2021 - City of Montague, MI

State of the City 2021

Though 2020 was anything but ordinary, the City of Montague and its citizens remain strong.
On top of the City’s routines and traditions, a reflection of the past year also includes a Presidential
election that occurs once every four years, the U.S. Census that happens at the beginning of a new
decade, and something that has not happened in more than a century -- an unprecedented
pandemic. I’ll start with the extraordinary.

The Covid-19 virus appeared in our community in mid-March 2020. Governor Gretchen Whitmer
issued a series of Executive Orders that led everyone to shelter-in-place; doors to all but essential
services were closed to residents. Our executive and public safety staff worked with local
businesses to ensure the understanding and support for compliance of the face mask Executive
Order. Councilwoman Susan Newhof partnered with Quilted Memories and their volunteer quilters
to produce face masks for the public to purchase outside City Hall. As the pandemic grew, we
witnessed the cancellation of major indoor events and all large, in-person outdoor events. This
included in-person school last spring and the later part of the 2020 fall semester, extracurricular
school events, the Cruz’in Classic Car Show, the White Lake Art Festival, both the July 4th and
Christmas parades, and the Pumpkin Roll, along with associated activities. It was anything but
normal. Curbing the social interaction was necessary to help curtail the spread of the virus. Our
quaint community was rattled; we took bold steps to ensure that we could still operate, as we
worked to prevent the Covid-19 transmission.

I salute our citizens for their diligence in doing their part to thwart its spread, with a special nod to
those who work on the frontlines in public service including healthcare, public safety, food
distribution centers and transportation, our postal workers, and more. I also thank our residents
for supporting our local businesses through take-out, and curb-side service. Together, we succeed.
City services have continued with citizens encouraged to use remote interactions, as City Hall is
open but closed to the public. During regular business hours, staff are at the office and maintaining
services as they are available by phone and appointment. Staff estimates that more than 50% of City
receipts are now being paid online.

We held three successful elections in our jurisdiction, despite the pandemic. People voted in record
numbers; and the elections brought out the best in our team of bi-partisan election inspectors,
election officials, and our entire staff. I’m pleased to report that each election went off efficiently
and effectively. To curb the spread of the virus, our team provided opportunities to minimize face-

to-face interactions by facilitating absentee voting within the City. For example, we had 600 more
voters cast votes prior to the 2020 General Election than were cast beforehand in the 2016 General
Election. Having less in-person traffic on Election Day was safe, smart, and efficient, as staff
constantly sanitized surfaces and writing implements. To process the larger number of early votes,
the City applied for and was awarded several grants that helped to defray the cost of a new
tabulator, and other protective equipment and supplies. Election officials and staff shared their
appreciation for the resolution and certificates of recognition granted them by the Council and me.

The Census means an allotment of federal revenues and representation assigned to each
jurisdiction depending upon population. That is why having an accurate and full count is important.
The 2020 Census ended on September 30. I am pleased to report that Montague residents had a
high rate of participation in completing their Census surveys.

Though the pandemic forced multiple revenue streams to change on a daily basis in 2020, the City
Budget remains strong and we continue to stay within our means as we address public services. It
was a bleak year, especially in the early months of the pandemic, that reflected a 25 percent
decrease in receipts for water / sewer bills, a decline of $15,000 per month in campground revenue,
and a stall in all building permits due to the pandemic. State road funding was significantly reduced
because of limited gas sales. The City’s property tax revenues are expected to help mitigate major
impacts to the General Fund this next fiscal year, but additional changes in State funding, if not
stabilized, then the City will likely see dramatic impacts to its financial health. Though the State of
Michigan Legislature appropriated funds in December 2020 to address Covid-19, we have yet to
receive funds for our community. Recognizing the volatile economic impact and lack of state and
federal relief, the City has worked to minimize the direct costs of the pandemic and has restricted
costs at every juncture.

During the next fiscal year the City has planned a conservative budget reflecting few projects and
only basic operations. Fortunately, the budgeting tactics utilized to address the City’s pension issue
over the past couple years has put Montague in a much better position than most communities
within the State. Although the City may be unable to continue with the positive progress on the
pension during the next couple years, it will be able to maintain current staffing levels and basic
operations.

The City applied for Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program funds and the
First Responder Hazard Pay Premium Program that were made available under the federal
government CARES Act. It received 25 percent of the reimbursements requested. Along with other
local jurisdictions nationwide, we continue to watch and see if a federal stimulus package will be
passed to off-set the excessive costs associated with the challenges of operating during the
pandemic.

Staff Changes:

The face of City has had several changes as we saw our longest serving police officer, Jim Fessler,
and Treasurer, Tim Paul, both retire. The City Clerk, Michelle Landis, Esq., also left when she joined
a law firm. The Clerk’s role was filled part-time by K.P. Mahoney who was assisted in three elections
by Elections Director Mary Semelbauer. The City hired a part-time Administrative Assistant, Kelly
Markley, to take on the full responsibility of Permit Coordinator for the Building Department,
operate the front desk, and help with other administrative duties. The City’s new Finance Director
/ Treasurer is a seasoned Treasurer, Melissa Beegle, who previously held the position in
neighboring Fruitland Township. Lastly, two part-time officers were sworn-in to round out our

Department of Public Safety. They are Officers Peter Duncan and Brandon Tenhove. For further
efficiency, we approved the interlocal agreement for a Designated Assessor to only act as the
assessor of record for the City when required to by the State Tax Commission. I tip my hat to our
City Manager, Jeff Auch, who oversees our entire city operations as he works closely and
deliberately to ensure functions of the City of Montague. Auch works daily to ensure smooth
operation of City services that include: administrative staff; our Department of Public Works team
supervised by Scott Beishuizen; the Department of Public Safety led by Chief of Police Robert
Rought. We are truly blessed with tremendous personnel serving the public in the City of Montague.

We continue our strategy development with the Muskegon County Drain Commissioner on the
Montague Drain Project to mitigate overflow from its waterway, Buttermilk Creek. The drain covers
an area of land just northeast of the intersection of Eilers Road and Cook Street / Ochs Road to the
outlet on the White River, near Dog-n-Suds. The Creek erosion over the years has encumbered the
natural flow of water. To restore the Creek and protect it from further damage, the Drain
Commissioner is working to obtain easements with property owners who live along the Creek; the
hope is to commence restoration work in 2021.

The City prioritized road and sidewalk projects for 2021 that includes reconstructing a section of
Hancock Street (from Old Channel Trail to Sheridan Street) to address the street issues and the
underground stormwater infrastructure in this area. The City was allocated State funds for
approximately 75% of the cost of the project and, estimated to cost $404,000.

The causeway flooding between Montague and Whitehall seems to be successfully controlled by the
huge white sandbags that serve as a berm. Meanwhile, we continue to coordinate mitigation efforts
with the Muskegon County Road Commission, and the Michigan Department of Transportation
(MDOT), including a long-term strategy. Though water levels are cyclical, water levels like we’ve
seen the past two years are likely to return. Therefore, a stable long-term solution for the causeway
is essential. In addition, as the City works with the MDOT on the strategic redesign of Business 31,
it considers a “road diet” that would abandon one lane with reuse of that space for extra parking,
curb redesigns, or as a bicycle lane. Any proposed work would ultimately help with traffic calming
and create a more pedestrian friendly corridor. In addition, the redesign will benefit businesses
along the corridor when Business 31 is blended in as a part of the downtown rather than just a
travel route through the City. With discussions on the causeway section now at the forefront of
MDOT’s planning, the City’s input on possible road diet concepts will be important in the route
development. Meanwhile, I recognize and salute the City’s Department of Public Works in its
dedication and perseverance to keep the causeway open. We do well with our small, but mighty
five-member team.

City Council authorized a painting contract for the Scharmer Water Tower, which will be painted inside
and outside in 2021. Also, to ensure the safety of the public water supply, we are following the State’s
new Lead and Copper Rule. We just finished the second year of a five-year effort. The City is using
revenues from its existing Water Fund to upgrade or replace approximately 30% of the water service
lines.

Though weather and the onslaught of COVID-19 did not cooperate to allow full utilization of the
skating rink (behind the Post Office) and the Artisan Market Village, the City and the Downtown
Development Authority continue to refine those projects. When we get back to a sense of normalcy,
we will continue with plans for additional walking paths and cottages at the Artisan Market Village.
The Farmers’ Market opened the last Saturday in May. Staff coordinated with vendors to ensure
that safe social distancing and sales practices be observed. The City closed off Church Street in

front of the market so that vendors could be dispersed within the covered pavilion and under pop-
up tents along the opposite side of the street. This allowed greater space for the public and
vendors.

Other Highlights:

The pandemic also caused the City to reevaluate its boat launch operations. The City limited its sales of
permits to annual permits only which allowed the City to decrease the number of staff that need to
handle, process, and track permits. As part of this effort the City intitiated an online payment system
and created a user database. These efficiencies have allowed the City to send out seasonal permit
applications to local residents in the Montague and Whitehall area to pre-purchase permits for 2021.
This transition minimizes the administrative nuisance of distributing and collecting batches of permits
to and from the drop box at the boat launch. The City continues to monitor the high water implications
at the boat launch. We want to ensure that it continues to be accessible and safe.

The Central Dispatch wireless communication tower at 5085 Wilcox Street (Montague Fire District
property) is nearly completed. It was provided by the people of Muskegon County through a
countywide cellphone surcharge authorized in 2018. It will allow countywide, seamless
communications across all emergency and first-responders. Further, it aligns with statewide
systems that can supplement our emergency preparedness, especially during peak tourist season.

Though many things were cancelled or paused in 2020, the goodness in our community rang
through. We held on to our character with dignity as we readied for 2021. I could not be prouder of
what I saw in our great community as people reached out to help one another and ensure support
for others through shear creative genius. For example, Ferry Memorial Church distributed food
baskets to more than 200 area families for Thanksgiving, the school kids at the high school held an
outdoor artisan market to hone their crafts and marketing skills. The White Lake Giving Tree
project was conducted with caution and public health in mind as the community made donations.
Volunteers from area churches worked through the leadership at St. James Catholic Church so that
families with needs had food and children had gifts to ensure a happy holiday. I’m also proud of our
City of Montague staff and Councilmembers for their generous donation to the White Lake Giving
Tree to assist families in our greater Montague region.

On December 1st, I issued a Mayoral Proclamation naming Richard H. Hoos as the City of
Montague's Poet Laureate. This is the first time we have named a Poet Laureate for the City of
Montague. Mr. Hoos was an exceptional individual with glee in his heart and passion to engage and
delight those across the generational continuum. He had served unofficially for decades as the
consultant in poetry to the City of Montague--both as a high school teacher, and later as a Montague
City Council Member. He passed away on November 22nd and left an indelible mark on our
community. It was my distinct honor to proclaim him as our Poet Laureate.

The City of Montague, at its final City Council meeting of the year, adopted a resolution declaring a
climate emergency and resolved to lead efforts in our community to create an ecologically, socially,
and economically responsible community. The resolution commits to a citywide effort to
implement projects and initiatives to decrease and eliminate carbon levels in the atmosphere
through our operations. In the coming months the City will engage residents and business in this
effort to help us meet those goals. Although this effort puts no mandate or burden on our residents,
it does call upon the residents and businesses within the City, the State of Michigan, the United
States Congress, the President of the United States, and all governments worldwide to join us and
declare a climate emergency, initiate a climate mobilization to reverse global warming and the

ecological crisis, and provide maximum protection for all people and species of the world.

Finally, as we look for relief from the pandemic that has gripped our world, my fervent hope is that
folks will continue to keep in touch with others in our neighborhoods to make sure that they have
necessities especially while house bound. This pandemic has socially-distanced all of us, but in a
way it has brought us closer. We are supporting our local businesses, while traveling less. Families
are having dinner together again and discussing their daily activities. Parents and grandparents are
traversing the digital divide to stay in touch with family members and help kids with homework.
Even the City services are taking advantage of increased use of technology. Together, we are
experiencing growth through the challenges that we have met head on. May the experience of 2020
continue to help us to be creative and thoughtful public servants and may our people have good
health and prosperity in the coming year. May God bless each-and-every one of you.

Tom Lohman
Mayor
City of Montague