East Jordan public meetings in 2025
21 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Planning Commission
The East Jordan Planning Commission held a public hearing and then approved the draft Vacant Building Ordinance, recommending it to the City Commission. The commission also discussed updates to the West Side Business Zoning District ordinance, agreeing to revise it for the December meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved draft Vacant Building Ordinance, recommending approval to City Commission (all ayes)
- Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)
- Agreed to update West Side Business Zoning District draft ordinance for December review
City Commission
The City Commission held a public hearing and unanimously approved Resolution 113-2025, establishing an Industrial Development District for the East Jordan Air Industrial Park #2. The commission also approved several other items, including a vacant buildings ordinance introduction, a state health insurance compliance resolution, a marina engineering contract, and the city administrator's contract. An EMS loan payment extension request was discussed but no decision was made, with the matter moved to old business.
- Approved Resolution 113-2025 establishing Industrial Development District for East Jordan Air Industrial Park #2 (6-0)
- Approved introduction of Ordinance 281 to regulate vacant buildings (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 114-2025 for compliance with Public Act 152 of 2011 (6-0)
- Approved fireworks application for wedding event (6-0)
- Approved 2026 Parks Rental Rates (6-0)
- Approved 2026 Lion's Club Firewood Sales at Tourist Park (5-0, Miller abstained)
- Approved East Jordan City Marina Engineering Contract with Gosling Czubak (6-0)
- Approved City Administrator's Contract (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved the FY 2024/25 audit, holiday City Hall closures, the City Administrator's yearly evaluation, and an amendment to close the entire block between Nicholls and North Streets for the Christmas on Third Street event. All motions passed 7-0. The commission also agreed to add discussions on postponing an EMS loan payment and encouraging downtown businesses to future agendas.
- Approved FY 2024/25 audit as presented (7-0)
- Approved City Hall holiday closures (7-0)
- Accepted City Administrator's yearly evaluation (7-0)
- Approved Christmas on Third Street event amendment to close entire block between Nicholls and North Streets (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including paid bills totaling $184,944.57 (7-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved the Ethics Policy as presented, along with event packets for the Light Up EJ Christmas Parade, Pumpkin Walk Fundraiser, and Christmas on Third Street. The commission also scheduled its organizational meeting for November 10, 2025, and discussed the EMS board's updates on maintenance, cameras, and a response vehicle, with no action taken. Commissioner Tom Reid Jr. announced his departure from the commission.
- Approved Ethics Policy (7-0)
- Approved Light Up EJ Christmas Parade and Block Party event packet (7-0)
- Approved 2025 Pumpkin Walk Fundraiser event packet (6-0, Gillespie abstained)
- Approved Christmas on Third Street event packet (7-0)
- Scheduled organizational meeting for November 10, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and paid bills (7-0)
Planning Commission
The East Jordan Planning Commission voted to set a public hearing for November 13, 2025, to consider a draft vacant building ordinance. The commission also reached consensus on setbacks for the West Side Business Zoning District and selected Jason LaPointe for a stakeholder committee. A proposed horse and buggy ordinance amendment was deemed unnecessary.
- Set public hearing for Nov 13, 2025 on draft vacant building ordinance (motion carried)
- Consensus to use Central Business District setbacks for West Side Business Zoning District, with 50-foot rear yard setback for waterfront parcels
- Consensus that horse and buggy ordinance amendment was not needed
- Selected Jason LaPointe as Planning Commission member for Old Boat Launch Development stakeholder committee
- Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (all ayes)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved five zoning ordinance amendments (145-O, 145-P, 145-Q, 145-R, 145-S) that define and allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential and PUD districts, with standards including owner occupancy, 900 sq ft max, and deed restrictions. The commission also approved an off-road vehicle ordinance amendment (235-B) restricting ORV operation on certain roads and city property, and canceled the November 4 meeting due to the general election. All votes were 6-0 with Commissioner Sladick absent.
- Approved Ordinance 145-O amending zoning definitions for ADUs (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 145-P allowing ADUs in R-A district (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 145-Q allowing ADUs in R-1 district (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 145-R allowing ADUs in R-2A district (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 145-S allowing ADUs in PUD district (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 235-B amending ORV roadway exceptions (6-0)
- Canceled November 4 City Commission meeting due to election (6-0)
- Approved mutual aid agreement with Charlevoix County Sheriff's Department (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Planning Commission
The East Jordan Planning Commission held a public hearing and received no comments on Ordinance 235-B, which amends off-road vehicle roadway exceptions. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance to the City Commission for approval. They also discussed the West Side Business Zoning District map, requesting adjustments to include specific parcels, and agreed to review draft ordinances for horse and buggy and vacant building regulations at their next meeting.
- Approved meeting minutes of August 14, 2025 (all ayes)
- Recommended Ordinance 235-B (off-road vehicle roadway exceptions) to City Commission (all ayes)
- Requested map adjustment for West Side Business Zoning District to include Community Foundation, Boat House, and Books & Things parcels
- Agreed to review setbacks and dimensional requirements for West Side Business Zoning District at October meeting
- Agreed to review draft horse and buggy ordinance at next meeting
- Agreed to review draft vacant building ordinance at next meeting
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved a $38,000 contract with Cornerstone Architects for boat launch redevelopment, approved 2026 harbor rates, and introduced six zoning ordinance amendments. The commission also recommended two ZBA appointments and cast a ballot for MME board candidates. No public comments were made, and no unfinished business was discussed.
- Approved $38,000 architect contract for boat launch redevelopment (5-0)
- Approved 2026 harbor seasonal and transient rates (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-O amending zoning definitions (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-P amending R-A district permitted uses (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-Q amending R-1 district permitted uses (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-R amending R-2A district permitted uses (5-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-S amending PUD district permitted uses (5-0)
- Recommended Daniel Swailes and Paul Timmons for ZBA appointments (5-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved the consent agenda, appointed Mark Penzien as the MML delegate, and cancelled the September 2 meeting due to the holiday and lack of agenda items. No other substantive decisions were made; the rest of the meeting consisted of reports and announcements.
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, paid bills list of $150,400.16, and reports (7-0)
- Appointed Mark Penzien as MML delegate (7-0)
- Approved cancellation of September 2 Commission meeting (7-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved Resolution 112-2025, placing a 1.4357-mill fire equipment millage renewal on the November 4, 2025 ballot. The commission also approved a housing commission purchase agreement, introduced two zoning ordinance amendments, and tabled the economic development plan. All votes were 6-0, with Commissioner Daniel Miller absent.
- Approved Resolution 112-2025 for fire equipment millage renewal on Nov. 4 ballot (6-0)
- Approved Housing Commission Purchase Agreement and MOU, authorizing Mayor to sign (6-0)
- Tabled Economic Development Plan until future meeting
- Approved MERS Officer and Delegate appointments (6-0)
- Approved vote for all MML Workers' Compensation Fund Trustee candidates (6-0)
- Approved Portside Arts Fair event packet (6-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-M (zoning special uses, Sec. 46-780 to 46-817) (6-0)
- Introduced Ordinance 145-N (zoning special uses, Sec. 46-791) (6-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved two zoning ordinance amendments (145-M and 145-N) updating special use permit terms and bed-and-breakfast regulations, both by unanimous 6-0 votes. The commission also approved the Economic Development Plan, an event packet for the cross country invitational, a lift station alarm dialer purchase, a memorandum of understanding with Michigan Community Capital, and authorized sending an RFP for architectural services. A motion to table the MME Annual Meeting voting delegate item until the next meeting was passed.
- Approved Ordinance 145-M amending zoning special use terms and expiration (6-0)
- Approved Ordinance 145-N amending bed-and-breakfast facility regulations (6-0)
- Approved Economic Development Plan as presented (6-0)
- Approved East Jordan Cross Country Invitational event packet (6-0)
- Approved Lift Station Alarm Dialer Option #2 purchase with Mission (6-0)
- Approved MOU with Michigan Community Capital for Old Boat Launch Property (6-0)
- Authorized City Administrator to send RFP for architectural services (6-0)
- Tabled MME Annual Meeting voting delegate item until next meeting (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved a $316,725 budget amendment for FY2024/25, including increases for capital outlay, recreation, and EMS authority, and directed the clerk to draft a resolution for a 1.5-mill fire equipment millage renewal for the November ballot. The commission also approved several contracts and event packets, rejected a boat launch proposal at 98 Bridge Street, and appointed Nikki Skrocki to the Library Board. No public comments were received at two public hearings.
- Approved FY2024/25 budget amendment (5-0)
- Approved drafting resolution for 1.5-mill fire equipment millage renewal for November ballot (5-0)
- Approved Memorial Park-Harbor Master Building Renovations Pay App 7 for $40,114.56 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution #111-2025 amending 5-Year Parks & Recreation Plan to include Marina Plan (5-0)
- Approved Up North Busker Festival event packet (5-0)
- Approved August Main Street Market event packet (5-0)
- Rejected 98 Bridge Street boat launch proposal (5-0)
- Appointed Nikki Skrocki to Library Board (4-0, Mayor abstained)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved several items, including the introduction of a FY 2024/2025 budget amendment (Ordinance 278-A) with a public hearing set for June 17, 2025, an amended Civic Center Purchase and Development Agreement, the Charlevoix County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Resolution 110-2025), and a Personnel Handbook amendment. The Commission also approved the 2025 Sweaty Yeti Run requests and the consent agenda. Items tabled included the fire equipment millage renewal and the Library Board appointment due to lack of quorum.
- Approved introduction of Ordinance 278-A (FY 2024/2025 budget amendment) (4-0)
- Set public hearing for budget amendment for June 17, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. (4-0)
- Approved amended Civic Center Purchase and Development Agreements (4-0)
- Approved Charlevoix County Hazard Mitigation Plan and Resolution 110-2025 (4-0)
- Approved Personnel Handbook amendments (4-0)
- Approved 2025 Sweaty Yeti Run requests (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including May 20, 2025 minutes and paid bills of $126,487.97 (4-0)
- Tabled fire equipment millage renewal and Library Board appointment
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved the 2025 property tax millage rate resolution, the East Jordan City Marina Phase 2 Harbor Development Agreement, and several other contracts and appointments. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with Commissioner Scott Gillespie absent. The commission also directed staff to proceed with a title search and closing for a housing matter.
- Approved Resolution 108-2025 establishing the 2025 property tax millage rate (6-0)
- Approved East Jordan City Marina Phase 2 Harbor Development Agreement and resolution (6-0)
- Approved Echo Street contract for services with Gosling Czubak (6-0)
- Approved EMS Loan Promissory Note as amended (6-0)
- Approved Housing North Service contract (6-0)
- Approved East Jordan Freedom Festival Event Packet (6-0)
- Appointed Barb Orban to Library Board vacancy (6-0)
- Directed title search and closing for housing commission matter (consensus)
City Commission
The City Commission adopted Ordinance 280, the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget, which includes a $2,083,496 general fund and a 17.7401 mill property tax levy. The commission also approved several contracts and event packets, and directed the city attorney to draft a second-year contract for the EMS loan. All votes were unanimous 6-0, with Commissioner Scott Gillespie absent.
- Adopted FY 2025/26 budget with $2,083,496 general fund (6-0)
- Approved assessing contract renewal with Up North Assessing (6-0)
- Approved amended Administrative Policy 124: Emergency Chain of Command (6-0)
- Approved East Jordan Summer Slugfest event packet (6-0)
- Approved East Jordan Summer Smash Baseball and Softball Tournament event packet (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 107-2025 to accept partial tax payments for 2025 (6-0)
- Directed city attorney to draft second-year EMS loan contract (6-0)
- Approved closing City Hall on June 20, 2025, using staff time-off bank (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved a resolution to place delinquent bills on the 2025 summer tax roll, along with several other routine items. All motions passed unanimously (6-0) with Commissioner Peter Sladick absent. The commission also introduced the proposed FY 2025/2026 budget ordinance.
- Approved Resolution 105-2025 to place delinquent bills on 2025 summer tax roll (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 106-2025 MDOT Performance Resolution for Municipalities (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 107-2025 designating Street Administrator (6-0)
- Approved Personnel Handbook amendments for sick time due to ESTA law change (6-0)
- Approved lot split request for Airport Drive (6-0)
- Approved Main Street Market Event Packet (6-0)
- Approved Housing North fee structure change to fee-for-service (6-0)
- Accepted introduction of Ordinance 280, FY 2025/2026 proposed budget (6-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved moving forward on a purchase agreement for property at 457 Water Street for the Housing Commission, approved the Freedom Festival fireworks application as amended, approved the South Arm Classics event packet, and approved a resolution requesting authorization to adopt an off-road vehicle ordinance. The meeting also included a public hearing on the FY 2025/2026 budget with no public comments, and a public comment letter from Miki Campbell alleging commissioner misconduct was read into the record.
- Approved moving forward on purchase agreement for 457 Water Street property (6-0)
- Approved Freedom Festival fireworks application as amended (6-0)
- Approved South Arm Classics event packet (5-0, Miller abstained)
- Approved Traffic Control Order 102-2025: No parking on 200 & 300 blocks of Second Street (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 104-2025: Request authorization to adopt ORV ordinance (6-0)
- Acknowledged delinquent bills report and scheduled public hearing for April 15, 2025 (6-0)
- Acknowledged passing of ZBA member Thomas Brennan and authorized posting vacancy (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, paid bills, and reports (6-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved a revised city administrator contract, a lot split for 812 Erie Street, and an installment purchase agreement for a Kenworth T480 plow chassis at a 5% rate over 10 years. The commission also approved an amended credit card policy, acknowledged receipt of the 2025/2026 fiscal year budget, and set a budget work session schedule. All votes were 5-0, with Commissioners Mark Penzien and Scott Gillespie absent.
- Approved city administrator contract revision (5-0)
- Approved lot split request for 812 Erie Street (5-0)
- Approved installment purchase agreement for Kenworth T480 plow chassis at 5% for 10 years (5-0)
- Approved Administrative Policy #134 credit card policy amendment (5-0)
- Acknowledged receipt of 2025/2026 fiscal year budget (5-0)
- Approved budget work session schedule with March 4 and April 15 as work sessions only (5-0)
- Tabled Housing Commission discussion for a future agenda (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda including paid bills totaling $322,666.22 (5-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission unanimously approved several items, including an amendment to the Civic Center Development Agreement, an intergovernmental agreement with Charlevoix County, a non-exclusive easement with Merit Network, and a lump-sum payment to pay off the police vehicle lease. The Commission also amended the City Administrator's severance package to add two additional months. No substantive decisions were made regarding public comments on snowmobile permits, parking, or housing commission matters, which were only discussed.
- Approved Civic Center Development Agreement Amendment (7-0)
- Approved Intergovernmental Agreement with Charlevoix County (7-0)
- Approved Non-Exclusive Easement with Merit Network (7-0)
- Approved lump-sum payment to pay off police vehicle lease (7-0)
- Amended City Administrator severance package to add 2 months (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and paid bills (7-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved the EMS loan documents with recommended changes, the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 audit, and several financial items including a TMF grant change order and pay applications. The meeting also included approvals for the Lion's Club firewood sales, board re-appointments, and cancellation of the January 7 meeting. A letter of interest from Gotts Enterprises for an industrial park lot purchase was tabled to the January 21 meeting.
- Approved EMS loan documents with recommended changes (4-0)
- Approved FY 2023/2024 audit (4-0)
- Approved cancellation of January 7 meeting (4-0)
- Approved TMF Grant Change Order #1 for $77,650 (4-0)
- Approved TMF Grant Pay Application #1 for $77,650 (4-0)
- Approved South Arm Construction Pay App #5 for $36,657 (4-0)
- Approved 2025 East Jordan Lion's Club Firewood Sales (4-0)
- Tabled Gotts Enterprises industrial park lot purchase to January 21 (4-0)
City Commission
The East Jordan City Commission approved the sale of Industrial Park lots 4, 5, and 6 to Gotts Enterprises for $24,000. The commission also approved several other items, including an amended emergency chain of command policy, the 2025 poverty exemption policy, a memorandum of understanding with the DNR, a fireworks application, and multiple construction pay applications. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with Commissioner Amy Sherman absent. The commission entered closed session for attorney-client privileged discussion but took no action, and agreed to place the Civic Center Development Agreement on the next agenda.
- Approved Industrial Park lot sale to Gotts Enterprises for $24,000 (6-0)
- Approved Administrative Policy #124: Emergency Chain of Command amendment (6-0)
- Approved 2025 Poverty Exemption Policy and Guidelines (6-0)
- Approved Memo of Understanding with DNR and City of East Jordan (6-0)
- Approved 2025 Fireworks Application for East Jordan Freedom Festival (6-0)
- Approved Memorial Park Improvements Change Order #1 for $77,000 (6-0)
- Approved Tri County Pay Application #3 for $46,747.08 (6-0)
- Approved South Arm Construction Pay Application #6 for $42,159.24 (6-0)