St. Joseph, MI

Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Commission

City Commission

The St. Joseph City Commission meets Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM at 700 Broad Street. The agenda includes two resolutions giving notice of intent to issue water system and sanitary sewer system revenue bonds, plus new business on a donation policy and a Downtown Spooktacular special event application. The consent agenda covers meeting minutes, invoice and tax disbursements, a housing commission update, an AMI software contract, a Fit 4 Fall 5k special event application, a board reappointment, and dredging easements. Reports include an MCLASS presentation, an MDOT update, and a City Attorney Selection Committee update.

• Resolution - Notice of Intent to Issue Water System Revenue Bonds
• Resolution - Notice of Intent to Issue Sanitary Sewer System Revenue Bonds
• AMI Software Contract on the consent agenda
• Special Event Application: Fit 4 Fall 5k (consent agenda) and Downtown Spooktacular (new business)
• Dredging Easements/Authorization for Entry; Donation Policy; Board Reappointment

Water Service Joint Operating Board

The St. Joseph Water Service Joint Operating Board meets Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the Water Treatment Plant on Lions Park Drive. The board will consider approving its agenda and the minutes of its August 19, 2026 meeting, receive reports including the Superintendent Report for August 2026, the 591 Water System Fund financial reports, and an AMI Project update, and take up old business on 591 Water System Fund invoice approval and a modification to the WSJOB Agreement term sheet. No new business items are listed.

• Approval of minutes from the August 19, 2026 meeting
• Superintendent Report for August 2026
• 591 Water System Fund financial reports
• AMI Project update
• Old business: 591 Water System Fund invoice approval and WSJOB Agreement (Term Sheet) modification

Downtown Development Authority

The St. Joseph Downtown Development Authority holds a regular meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Commission Chambers at 700 Broad Street. The agenda covers approval of prior meeting minutes, a financial report, monthly reports and staff updates, continued discussion of a Broad Street sign, and setting 2027 meeting dates. The meeting is in person and viewable via Zoom, though comments cannot be submitted through Zoom; public comment is on the agenda.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Financial report presented to the board
• Monthly reports and staff updates
• Old business: Broad Street sign
• New business: setting 2027 meeting dates

City Commission

The St. Joseph City Commission meets Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Commission Chambers at 700 Broad Street. The agenda includes resolutions giving notice of intent to issue water system and sanitary sewer system revenue bonds, plus a donation policy, an AMI software contract, and two special event applications. Reports include the Housing Commission monthly update, an MCLASS presentation, an MDOT update, and a City Attorney Selection Committee update. Public comment is limited to three minutes, and comments will not be received via Zoom; those wishing to speak should attend in person.

• Resolution - Notice of Intent to Issue Water System Revenue Bonds
• Resolution - Notice of Intent to Issue Sanitary Sewer System Revenue Bonds
• AMI Software Contract
• Donation Policy
• Special Event Applications: Fit 4 Fall 5k and Downtown Spooktacular

Recreational Harbor Authority

The St. Joseph Recreational Harbor Authority holds a regular meeting at noon on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club. Members will review minutes from the August 26 meeting, financial reports, bills paid, and a deficit elimination report. Old business includes a boat launch agreement, and new business covers auction items. Reports include a boat launch financial report and the manager's report, followed by public comments.

• Boat Launch Agreement under old business
• Auction Items under new business
• Financial Reports and Bills Paid
• Deficit Elimination Report
• Boat Launch Financial report and Manager's Report

Planning Commission

The St. Joseph Planning Commission meets October 1, 2026 at 4:30 PM in Commission Chambers, 700 Broad Street, to hold two public hearings: one on the Harbor Shores Parcel 5 Planned Unit Development (PUD) and one on R3 Mixed-Use Text Amendments. The commission will also review a preliminary analysis of the 10-Year Master Plan, consider draft 2027 meeting dates, and continue discussion on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) text amendments. The meeting is held in person; comments will not be received via Zoom, though the public may view it online or by phone.

• PUBLIC HEARING: Harbor Shores Parcel 5 Planned Unit Development (PUD)
• PUBLIC HEARING: R3 Mixed-Use Text Amendments
• 10-Year Master Plan Review Preliminary Analysis
• Draft 2027 Planning Commission Meeting Dates
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Text Amendments Discussion - Next Steps

Library Board

The St. Joseph Library Board is holding its regular September meeting. They will review financial and statistical reports, consider quotes for a new integrated library system, and hold a first reading of a revised Garden Events Policy. The agenda also includes discussion of a consent agenda and public comment periods.

• Integrated Library System quotes
• Garden Events Policy rewrite - first reading
• Consent Agenda Discussion
• Bill Report - July/August 2026
• Treasurer's Report - Financial Reports July/August 2026

The Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library Board of Trustees approved July and August bills and financial reports, accepted the BookSystems quote for an integrated library system, and authorized the finance committee to handle a maturing CD. The board also held a first reading for a Garden Events Policy rewrite and adopted a new consent agenda format.

• Approved agenda for Sept. 22, 2026 (Unanimous)
• Approved July 28, 2026 minutes with one date correction (Unanimous)
• Approved bills for July ($34,040.69) and August ($12,948.67) (Unanimous)
• Authorized finance committee to make decisions regarding the $152,000 CD maturing Oct. 7 (Unanimous)
• Accepted city financial report for July/August (Unanimous)
• Accepted BookSystems quote for integrated library system (Unanimous)
• Adopted Consent Agenda format including 4 items (Unanimous)

Library Board

The St. Joseph Library Board is holding its regular September meeting. The board will review quotes for a new integrated library system, discuss a rewrite of the Garden Events Policy (first reading), and consider a consent agenda. They will also approve minutes and receive financial and statistical reports for July/August 2026.

• Integrated Library System quotes (new business)
• Garden Events Policy rewrite – first reading
• Consent Agenda discussion
• Bill report and financial reports for July/August 2026
• Statistical reports and summer reading statistics

Water Service Joint Operating Board

The St. Joseph Water Service Joint Operating Board is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, receive the superintendent's report and financial reports, and review an AMI project update. Under old business, the board will consider approving invoices for the 591 Water System Fund and a modification to the WSJOB Agreement (term sheet). The agenda is otherwise routine, with no new business listed.

• 591 Water System Fund Invoice Approval
• WSJOB Agreement (Term Sheet) Modification
• AMI Project Update
• Superintendent Report for August 2026
• 591 Water System Fund Financial Reports

City Commission

The St. Joseph City Commission is meeting to handle routine approvals and several new business items. Key actions include initiating a county bond project for the AMI water meter project, adopting text amendments on lots and yards definitions, and considering a contract amendment with Best Way. The commission will also discuss special events, a pickleball expansion, and may enter closed session for the city manager's annual evaluation.

• Initiating Resolution for County Bond Project Under Act 185 - AMI Water Meter Project
• Best Way Contract Amendment
• Lots and Yards Definitions Text Amendments - 2nd Reading and Adoption
• Fee Schedule Update - Special Pickup Correction
• Request to Enter Closed Session - City Manager Annual Evaluation

The City Commission unanimously approved an initiating resolution asking Berrien County to issue up to $9,995,000 in bonds under Act 185 to fund a roughly $9.5 million radio-read water meter upgrade, with the County as financing conduit and the City repaying over 20 years. Commissioners also adopted zoning text amendments on lots and yards and residential fences, approved the 2027 meeting calendar, and added seven municipalities to MEDIC 1's extended service area. In closed session they reviewed City Manager Emily Hackworth's performance and approved a contract amendment raising her salary by $5,000 to $155,000 plus $2,500 in performance pay, with a term ending April 30, 2029. Public comment was dominated by Sandbar amplified-music noise complaints from Evergreen Drive residents and support from other residents and the owner.

• Approved initiating resolution for County Act 185 bond project, up to $9,995,000, for the AMI water meter project (5-0)
• Adopted second reading of zoning ordinance amendments on lots and yards definitions and Chapter 12 residential fences (5-0)
• Approved 2027 City Commission meeting schedule as presented (5-0)
• Approved extended service area membership in MEDIC 1 for City of Watervliet, Bainbridge Township, Pipestone Township, City of Coloma, Coloma Charter Township, Hagar Township and Watervliet Township (5-0)
• Approved amended City Manager Hackworth contract: $5,000 raise to $155,000 salary, $2,500 performance pay, term ending April 30, 2029 (4-0, Vetne absent)
• Approved tree plantings at numerous City locations; Dogwood Hills Nursery to perform work for $22,021 (consent agenda)
• Approved Truck or Treat street closure: Lake Boulevard from Elm to Pleasant and 500 block of Broad Street on October 24, 5AM-7PM (consent agenda)
• Approved special event applications for Halloween Trick-or-Treat 10/30, Luminary 11/20, Small Business Saturday 11/28, Reindog Parade 12/5, Holiday Artisan Market 12/6 (consent agenda)

Downtown Development Authority

The St. Joseph Downtown Development Authority is holding its regular September meeting. The board will consider old business items including the Broad Street sign, DDA goals, and Main Street sidewalk amenities, and will take up new business on formula/chain businesses and Michigan Downtown Day. Public comment is limited to in-person attendance; Zoom is available for viewing only.

• Discussion of formula/chain businesses policy
• Broad Street sign update
• Main Street sidewalk amenities
• DDA goals review
• Michigan Downtown Day planning

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is meeting to discuss new business including a high school history club project, a downtown Spooktacular event, the 2026-2027 Howard Ice Arena schedule, and a donation policy. Old business includes an update on Amtrak ADA station improvements. The agenda is mostly discussion items with no votes or contracts listed.

• St. Joseph High School History Club community project
• St Joe Today Downtown Spooktacular at Whirlpool Centennial Park
• 2026-2027 Howard Ice Arena schedule
• Donation policy discussion
• Amtrak ADA station improvement update

City Commission

The St. Joseph City Commission will consider several items, including a resolution to initiate a county bond project for the AMI water meter project under Act 185, and a second reading and adoption of text amendments to lots and yards definitions. The agenda also includes routine approvals, a contract amendment, fee schedule updates, and special event applications.

• Resolution to initiate county bond project under Act 185 for AMI water meter project
• Lots and yards definitions text amendments - 2nd reading and adoption
• Best Way contract amendment
• Fee schedule update - special pickup correction
• Special event applications: St. Joe Today Fall & Winter Events

Planning Commission

The St. Joseph Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting with mostly routine items, including approval of prior minutes and setting the agenda for the next meeting. The main substantive item is a continued discussion on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), comparing sample language and approaches used by other communities.

• Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) sample language and comparison to other communities
• Approval of Planning Commission meeting minutes from August 6, 2026
• Agenda items for the October 1, 2026 Planning Commission meeting

Sustainability Committee

The St. Joseph Sustainability Committee is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, discuss new and old business, and receive reports. Key agenda items include updates on Bee City commitments and the Bike St. Joe! program, as well as a staff update and an announcement about UN Climate Goals. Public comment is also scheduled.

• Approval of August 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Bee City Commitments: Educational Events
• Update on Bike St. Joe! program
• Staff updates report
• UN Climate Goals announcement

Zoning Board of Appeals

The St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a dimensional variance request for the property at 2713 Thayer Dr (case ZBA 26-08). The board will also consider approving minutes from its August 13, 2026 meeting and discuss a staff clarification on yards. The meeting is in person, with public viewing available via Zoom.

• Public hearing on dimensional variance request for 2713 Thayer Dr (ZBA 26-08)
• Approval of minutes from August 13, 2026 meeting
• Staff comments on yards clarification

Downtown Development Authority

The St. Joseph Downtown Development Authority is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, review financial and monthly reports, and discuss old and new business. Key items include the Broad Street sign, DDA goals, Main Street sidewalk amenities, and a discussion on formula/chain businesses. The meeting is open to the public in person or via Zoom, but comments cannot be received through Zoom.

• Discussion of formula/chain businesses
• Broad Street sign update
• Main Street sidewalk amenities
• DDA goals review
• Michigan Downtown Day planning

Property Maintenance Board of Appeals - CANCELED

Zoning Board of Appeals

The St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on September 10, 2026, to conduct a public hearing regarding a dimensional variance request. The board will also discuss staff clarifications regarding yards and review minutes from the August 13 meeting.

• Public hearing for ZBA 26-08 dimensional variance request at 2713 Thayer Dr
• Staff discussion regarding yards clarification

Recreational Harbor Authority

The St. Joseph Recreational Harbor Authority will review minutes from the July meeting, financial reports, and a deficit elimination plan. Old business includes the boat launch agreement and Ruff Waters, while new business is not listed. A boat launch financial report and manager’s report will also be presented.

• Review of deficit elimination plan reporting
• Discussion of boat launch agreement
• Presentation of boat launch financial report

The authority reviewed the City's boat launch proposal and agreed it lacks the financial resources to fund the proposed items, contrary to their understanding when taking over management. They noted unrecovered investments and upcoming major projects. The authority also set a minimum bid for auctioning a derelict boat and denied a slip request.

• Approved previous meeting minutes
• Accepted financial statements as presented
• Approved invoices for payment
• Agreed to reject City's boat launch proposal due to insufficient funds
• Set $3,000 minimum bid for derelict boat 'Ruff Waters' auction, with 30-day removal requirement
• Denied Dirk Kruger's request for Slip 19, offered Slip 13 instead

Planning Commission

The St. Joseph Planning Commission is holding a regular meeting on September 3, 2026. The main item of discussion is accessory dwelling units (ADUs), with sample language and comparisons to other communities provided. The meeting will also include approval of minutes, public comment, and staff updates.

• Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) sample language and comparison to other communities
• Approval of Planning Commission meeting minutes from August 6, 2026
• Public comment period (in-person only)
• Staff comments on agenda items for the October 1, 2026 meeting

City Commission

The St. Joseph City Commission is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda and several action items. Key items include a first reading of text amendments to Lots and Yards definitions, a fee schedule update, and a special event application for the Tri-State Regatta. The meeting also includes updates from the Housing Commission and a presentation from Amtrak.

• Fee Schedule Update
• Special Event Application: Tri-State Regatta
• Lots and Yards Definitions Text Amendments - 1st Reading
• Royalton Water Tower Repaint
• Michigan Gas Utilities Easement-SJ River Crossing

The Commission approved Amtrak's 'Option C' design for the St. Joseph station to improve ADA accessibility and safety. Other major actions included awarding a contract for the Royalton Water Tower repaint and approving tree removal work.

• Approved Amtrak platform 'Option C' design (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Zoning Ordinance and Fence Ordinance amendments (unanimous)
• Awarded $186,200 contract to E&L Contractors for Royalton Water Tower repaint (unanimous)
• Authorized $45,454 for tree trimming and removal by Chop Tree Service (unanimous)
• Approved Michigan Gas Utilities easement request (unanimous)
• Approved 2027 meeting dates through March 15 (unanimous)
• Approved Consent Agenda with corrected Best Way Agreement typo (unanimous)
• Approved Tri-State Regatta special event application (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The St. Joseph Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider new business, including a pole sign refacing at 3125 Cleveland Ave and proposed text amendments to lot and yard regulations. They will also review results from an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) survey and receive updates on a sign approval, a postponed planned unit development, and a possible text amendment for low-intensity commercial uses in the R-3 zone.

• 3125 Cleveland Ave: pole sign refacing over 32 sq ft
• TXT-01: Lots and Yards text amendments
• ADU survey results discussion
• Harbor Shores Parcel 5 PUD postponed to Sept 3, 2026
• Possible R-3 zone text amendment for low-intensity commercial uses

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a pole sign refacing for Sturgis Bank at 3125 Cleveland Ave and recommended approval of zoning text amendments clarifying definitions for rear lots, rear yards, alleys, and fence heights for through lots. The commission also discussed ADU survey results and directed staff to draft language for review without a formal public hearing. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved pole sign refacing at 3125 Cleveland Ave (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of zoning text amendments for through lots, alleys, and fences (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft ADU ordinance language for review without public hearing
• Postponed Harbor Shores Parcel 5 PUD to September 3, 2026

Water Service Joint Operating Board

The St. Joseph Water Service Joint Operating Board is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, receive financial and superintendent reports, and consider old and new business. Key items include approving water system fund invoices, modifying the WSJOB agreement term sheet, and discussing a repaint of the Royalton water tower. The board will also consider moving the next meeting date to September 23, 2026.

• 591 Water System Fund Financial Reports
• 591 Water System Fund Invoice Approval
• WSJOB Agreement (Term Sheet) Modification
• Royalton Water Tower Repaint
• Move Next Meeting Date to 9/23/26

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will hold its regular meeting to review minutes, accept a resignation, and discuss new policies including ADA parking in parks and a rental policy for the John E.N. Howard Bandshell.

• Member Strine resignation
• ADA parking policy in parks
• John E.N. Howard Bandshell rental policy
• Meeting schedule change

The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met August 20, 2026, with Chair Petzke and Member Strine absent. The board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Commission amend the parks parking policy so ADA parking in all city parks is free, matching the downtown parking program. It also voted unanimously to move the September 10, 2026 meeting to September 17 at 8:00 a.m., and approved the July 9, 2026 minutes. A first motion on the John E.N. Howard Bandshell rental policy failed, then a revised motion passed unanimously authorizing city staff to draft more inclusive language aligned with the Park Pavilion Reservation policy for review at a future meeting.

• Approved July 9, 2026 meeting minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Recommended City Commission amend parks parking policy so ADA parking in all city parks is free, matching downtown program (unanimous)
• Approved rescheduling September 10, 2026 meeting to September 17 at 8:00 a.m. (unanimous)
• Bandshell rental policy motion failed (5 nay)
• Approved authorizing staff to draft more inclusive John E.N. Howard Bandshell rental policy aligned with Park Pavilion Reservation policy, to return to a future meeting (unanimous)

Housing Commission

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is holding a regular meeting with a light agenda. The main item of new business is a discussion about a plaque for Augustus Moore Herring's first flight. The board will also receive updates on parks and recreation activities and review its mission and vision statement.

• Discussion of Augustus Moore Herring - First Flight Plaque
• Parks & Recreation Update report
• Mission & Vision Statement review

The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Advisory Board approved its June 11, 2026 minutes and passed a motion acknowledging and approving recognition of Augustus Moore Herring consistent with existing historical signage. The board supported the signage itself but not placing a historical marker at Lake Bluff Park, citing a City Commission moratorium on new installations there. The board also received updates on the Whirlpool Centennial Park landscaping project and the proposed Global War on Terrorism Memorial subcommittee.

• Approved June 11, 2026 meeting minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Approved acknowledging and approving recognition of Augustus Moore Herring congruent with existing historical signage (unanimous)
• Supported Herring signage but not placement at Lake Bluff Park due to City Commission moratorium

Cemetery Board

The St. Joseph Cemetery Board is holding a regular meeting to approve minutes, review burial and sales reports for April-June 2026, discuss open niches, receive a director's report, consider a headstone variance request for Kaminski, and discuss the budget and invoices paid. Public comments and trustee comments are also on the agenda.

• Headstone variance request - Kaminski
• Cemetery burial and sales reports - April-June 2026
• Budget discussion
• Open niches
• Invoices paid