St. Joseph, MI

Zoning Board of Appeals

The St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals will consider two variance requests: a fence variation at 2310 Langley Ave and a dimensional variance at 601 Lake St. The board will also hold an organizational meeting to elect leadership. The meeting is open to the public in person; comments will not be accepted via Zoom.

• 2310 Langley Ave – Fence Variation Request
• 601 Lake St – Dimensional Variance Request
• ZBA Organizational Meeting – Election of Leadership
• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2026

Library Board

The St. Joseph Library Board will consider FY 25/26 budget amendments and a new policy for outdoor lawn weddings (Garden Events). They will also hold a second reading of the Research Request Policy. Financial reports and a bill report are scheduled for review.

• Second Reading - Research Request Policy
• FY 25/26 Budget Amendments
• Outdoor Lawn Wedding (Garden Events) Policy
• Bill Report - May 26
• Financial Reports - May 26

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the denial of a special use permit for a short-term rental at 520 State/515 Market Streets. The commission will also consider purchasing public safety squad cars, encrypting Motorola 800 radios, and approving a sanitary sewer service agreement for JWWTP and SJCT East. Other items include a fee schedule update, budget amendments, and an HVAC contract.

• Public hearing on findings of fact for denial of special use permit for short-term rental at 520 State/515 Market Streets
• Purchase of public safety squad cars
• Encryption of Motorola 800 radios
• JWWTP Sanitary Sewer Service Agreement with SJCT East
• Fee schedule update

Property Maintenance Board of Appeals - CANCELED

Housing Commission

The St. Joseph Housing Commission will consider Resolution 2026-5 adopting 2026 income limits and flat rents, along with other new business items including rescinding the lockout policy, an easement for Michigan Gas Utilities, and a performance evaluation for the executive director. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and financial reports from March and April 2026.

• Resolution 2026-5 adopting 2026 income limits and flat rents
• Rescind lockout policy
• Michigan Gas Utilities easement
• Executive director performance evaluation
• Approval of consent agenda including March and April 2026 financial reports

Recreational Harbor Authority

The St. Joseph Recreational Harbor Authority will hold a regular meeting to review minutes, financial reports, and a deficit elimination plan. Old business includes a marina operations project list and derelict boats. New business covers setting 2027 slip rental rates, employee wage adjustments for the 2026-27 fiscal year, and a boat launch property agreement. Reports will be given on boat ramp finances and the manager's report.

• 2027 slip rental rates discussion and possible decision
• Employee wage adjustments for 2026-27 fiscal year
• Boat launch property agreement consideration
• Derelict boats old business item
• Deficit elimination plan reporting

The Harbor Authority approved a 4% increase in slip rental rates for next season and a 2.7% wage increase for marina employees. They also authorized drafting a letter to the city regarding responsibility for boat launch property maintenance, including tree removal and parking lot upkeep. The board reviewed financial reports, noted progress on pension accrual deficits, and accepted a donated derelict boat from the owner of 'Rough Waters'.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved invoices for payment (unanimous)
• Authorized drafting letter to city about boat launch maintenance responsibilities (motion carried)
• Approved 4% slip rental rate increase for next season (motion carried)
• Approved 2.7% wage increase for marina employees (motion carried)
• Accepted donation of derelict boat 'Rough Waters' to the city (noted)

Water Service Joint Operating Board

The Water Service Joint Operating Board will hear a presentation on AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) water meters as new business. They will also review financial reports for the 591 Water System Fund, receive the superintendent's report for May 2026, and consider approval of invoices. No formal decisions are listed beyond routine approvals.

• AMI Water Meter Presentation under New Business
• 591 Water System Fund Financial Reports
• Superintendent Report for May 2026
• 591 Water System Fund Invoice Approval

Water Service Joint Operating Board

The Board will review financial reports and the Superintendent's report for May 2026. The agenda includes a presentation on AMI water meters and approval of invoices for the 591 Water System Fund.

• AMI Water Meter Presentation
• 591 Water System Fund Financial Reports
• Superintendent Report for May 2026
• 591 Water System Fund Invoice Approval

Zoning Board of Appeals

The St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a regular meeting on June 11, 2026. The agenda includes only procedural items: approval of the May 14, 2026 meeting minutes, new business with no listed items, old business, and public comments. No specific zoning appeals, variances, or other substantive decisions are scheduled for discussion.

• Approval of May 14, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting minutes

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss a Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial under new business. The board will also hear reports including an introduction of a new employee, a parks and recreation update, and a mission and vision statement review.

• Discussion of Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial
• Introduction of new employee
• Parks and Recreation update
• Mission and Vision Statement review

Cemetery Board

The St. Joseph Cemetery Board will consider approval of March 2026 minutes, review burial and sales reports for January-March 2026, discuss open niches, receive a director's report, review paid invoices, and consider an update to cemetery rules. The meeting includes public comments and trustee comments.

• Approval of March 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Cemetery burial and sales reports for January-March 2026
• Discussion of open niches
• Director's report
• Cemetery rules update

Sustainability Committee

The St. Joseph Sustainability Committee will consider new business items including bird strikes and a tree list, and receive a presentation from the Bike St. Joe! Commission. Old business topics include EV charging and committee governance. Reports on Earth Day and Bee City USA will also be presented.

• Discussion of bird strikes and tree list under new business
• Bike St. Joe! Commission presentation
• Update on EV charging stations
• Committee governance review
• Reports on Earth Day and Bee City USA

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review two applications for signs exceeding 32 square feet at 2935 Division St and 2805 Niles Ave, and elect a new chair. Old business includes a public hearing on text amendment TXT 26-01 concerning through lots and fencing definitions, followed by a discussion on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) text amendments. Public comment will be received in person only.

• 2935 Division St - Application for signage in excess of 32 sq ft
• 2805 Niles Ave - Application for sign in excess of 32 sq ft and allowance of canopy signage
• Election of Chair
• TXT 26-01: Lots and Yards Definitions Amendments (Through Lots and Fencing)
• ADU Text Amendments Discussion and Update

City Commission

The St. Joseph City Commission will vote on a consent agenda that includes a grievance settlement agreement for the patrol unit, several professional services contracts, and urgent infrastructure repairs. The meeting also features public hearings on road and path projects. The agenda consists largely of approving invoices, authorizing bank signatures, and purchasing vehicles and equipment.

• Grievance Settlement Agreement for Patrol Unit
• Court Place Plaza Improvements Professional Services Contract
• Bandshell Sound Board & System Upgrade
• Arboretum Seawall Urgent Repair Request
• Purchase of New Water & Sewer Service Truck and 2 Yard Dump Truck

The commission unanimously approved a grievance settlement agreement with the police patrol unit and authorized the city manager to execute it. It also approved purchases of a service truck ($154,469), a dump truck ($98,861), a bandshell sound system ($22,490), and a seawall repair ($32,860), plus a $50,000 contract for Court Place Plaza improvements. New staff were introduced and the consent agenda approved.

• Approved grievance settlement with Patrol Unit and authorized City Manager to execute (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2027 Ford F-550 service truck from Enterprise Fleet for $154,469 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2027 Ford F-450 2-yard dump truck for $98,861 (unanimous)
• Approved bandshell sound system upgrades from Sweetwater Music for $22,490.73 (unanimous)
• Approved Arboretum seawall sinkhole repair by B&Z Company for $32,860 (unanimous)
• Approved professional services contract with Cornerstone Alliance for Court Place Plaza improvements using $50,000 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, invoices, and bank signature resolution (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will approve the April 6 meeting minutes and review May financial reports. It will discuss the Court Place Plaza Funds under old business. The board will consider entering a Professional Services Agreement as new business. Public comment and board member comments are also scheduled.

• Approval of April 6 meeting minutes
• May financial reports
• Discussion of Court Place Plaza Funds
• Consideration of a Professional Services Agreement
• Public comment period

Property Maintenance Board of Appeals - CANCELED

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a second reading of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Appropriations Ordinance, effectively adopting the annual budget. Other business includes a right-of-way license for an awning at 915 Pleasant St, sewer service agreements, and a special event application for the 2026 Marine Corps League Dog Walk. Several items are on the consent agenda including minutes and invoice disbursements.

• Resolution for FY2026-2027 Appropriations Ordinance - second reading
• 915 Pleasant St awning right-of-way license agreement
• Special event application for 2026 Marine Corps League Dog Walk
• Sanitary sewer service agreements with SWMRSSWA and Benton Charter Township
• Ordinance to allow issuance of bonds for sewage disposal system bonds (JWWTP)

The City Commission approved the second reading of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Appropriations Ordinance, setting millage rates and adopting the annual budget. They also approved a $249,940 contract for cleaning the water plant intake, a special event permit for the Marine Corps League Dog Walk, and the consent agenda items. A request to install a historical sign at Milton Park was discussed but no decision was made.

• Adopted FY2026-2027 Appropriations Ordinance and set millage rates (5-0)
• Approved $249,940 water intake cleaning contract with Underwater Construction Corporation and associated budget amendments (5-0)
• Approved Marine Corps League Dog Walk special event permit for July 11 at Riverview Park (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, invoices, Dickinson Park declaration, and 915 Pleasant St awning license (5-0)

Recreational Harbor Authority

The St. Joseph Recreational Harbor Authority will hold a regular meeting to consider minutes from the previous meeting, old business, and new business including a marina operation project list and derelict boats. Reports will cover boat ramp finances and the manager's report, along with marina financials, bills paid, and a deficit elimination plan. Public comments will be heard before adjournment.

• Marina Operation Project List discussion
• Derelict Boats item
• Boat Ramp Financial Report
• Deficit Elimination Plan Reporting
• Approval of minutes from April 29 meeting

The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting. Invoices submitted for payment were approved. A motion to cease boat storage on the Junior Foundation property was adopted unanimously. No action was required on the pension‑related technical deficit.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (motion carried)
• Approved invoices for payment (motion carried)
• Approved motion to cease boat storage on Junior Foundation property (unanimous)
• No action required on pension technical deficit

Library Board

The St. Joseph Library Board will hold a regular meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items. Key business includes a first reading of a revised Research Request Policy, discussion of the Meeting Room Policy, and review of painting quotes. The board will also approve minutes, bills, and financial reports.

• First Reading of the Research Request Policy (2026 Revision)
• Discussion of the Meeting Room Policy
• Review of Painting Quotes
• Approval of Bill Report (Apr26) and Treasurer's Report
• Penal Fines Update and City financial reports

The Library Board unanimously approved a CertaPro bid of $1,855.72 to paint the exterior doors. It also approved the April bills totaling $35,553.28 and accepted the April city financial report. The meeting agenda, prior minutes, and adjournment were each approved unanimously.

• Approved CertaPro painting bid $1,855.72 (unanimous)
• Approved April bills $35,553.28 (unanimous)
• Accepted April city financial report (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 28 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Water Service Joint Operating Board

The Board will review financial reports for the 591 Water System Fund and a capital project budget update. Discussion includes an AMI update, intake cleaning, and potential modifications to the WSJOB Agreement term sheet.

• 591 Water System Fund Financial Reports
• 591 Water System Fund FY27 Capital Project Budget Update
• WSJOB Agreement (Term Sheet) Modification
• Intake Cleaning 2026
• Superintendent Report for April 2026

Housing Commission - CANCELED

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a variance request (ZBA 26-02) for property at 2301 Old Lake Shore Road to allow a reduced setback and increased fence height. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and hear public comments.

• ZBA 26-02: Variance request for reduced setback and increased fence height at 2301 Old Lake Shore Rd

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The board will discuss new business including a historical sign for Milton Park and a memorial request for Bear Park. Reports will also be provided regarding Linear Park and the department's mission and vision statement.

• Milton Park Historical Sign
• 2026 Dog Walk
• Old St. Joseph Neighborhood Park (Bear Park) Memorial Request
• Linear Park report
• Mission & Vision Statement

The Board approved the April 9 meeting minutes and a historical sign for Milton Park. They recommended approving a Dog Walk event in Riverview Park to the City Commission and recommended a memorial stone and tree at Bear Park.

• Approved April 09, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved placement of historical sign at Milton Park (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Riverview Park Dog Walk to City Commission (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Bear Park memorial stone and tree to City Commission (unanimous)

Sustainability Committee-CANCELED

The May 12, 2026, meeting of the St. Joseph Sustainability Committee was canceled. The agenda had included discussions on bird strikes, a presentation from Bike St. Joe!, EV charging, committee governance, and reports on Earth Day and Bee City USA.

• Bird Strikes (new business item)
• Bike St. Joe! Commission Presentation (old business)
• EV Charging (old business)
• Earth Day report
• Bee City USA report

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider an application for signage in excess of 32 square feet at 915 Pleasant St. They will also review the 2025 Annual Report as old business. The meeting includes approval of minutes from April 2nd, 2026, and public comment in person only.

• 915 Pleasant St: application for signage over 32 square feet
• Review of 2025 Annual Report
• Approval of draft minutes from April 2nd, 2026

City Commission

The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and millage rates, followed by resolutions to adopt the budget and Capital Improvement Plan and to approve the appropriations ordinance on first reading. Other business includes awards for the sidewalk replacement project and board appointments.

• Public Hearing on 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget and Millage Rates
• Resolution adopting Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget & CIP
• Resolution for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Appropriations Ordinance (first reading)
• 2026 Sidewalk Replacement Project Award
• Special Event applications: Downtown Sidewalk Sales and Family Night in the Plaza

The Commission amended the 2026 downtown parking program to start June 12 and end at 6:00 p.m. daily. Other actions included approving seasonal vendor applications, a special event permit for Family Night in the Plaza, and multiple paving and sidewalk contracts.

• Approved seasonal vending applications for Zo's Mini Donuts, Scooter Joes, and Pierogi Rig (unanimous)
• Approved St. Joe Today Sidewalk Sale special event permit (unanimous)
• Approved $20,680 asphalt patch proposal from Shembarger Asphalt Sealing, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved board reappointments and new members (unanimous)
• Approved 'Family Night in the Plaza' special event application (unanimous)
• Amended 2026 downtown parking program to run June 12 through Labor Day, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (unanimous)
• Approved $48,202.00 Kiwanis Park ADA parking improvements contract with Chorba Asphalt Paving, Inc. (unanimous)
• Awarded $250,675.00 sidewalk replacement contract to Anlaan Corporation (unanimous)

Employees' Retirement System

This is a regular meeting of the St. Joseph Employees' Retirement System. The board will hear the SEI Investment Status Report and Fund 731 financial reports, then discuss an update on beneficiaries. A closed session is scheduled to discuss Final Average Compensation. The board will vote on final service retirement resolutions for Julie Ostdiek, Bunny Wheeler, and Claire Gillespie, and also consider the 2026 MAPERS Spring Conference.

• Final service retirement resolution for Julie Ostdiek
• Final service retirement resolution for Bunny Wheeler
• Final service retirement resolution for Claire Gillespie
• Closed session to discuss Final Average Compensation
• SEI Investment Status Report and Fund 731 Financial Reports

Recreational Harbor Authority

The St. Joseph Recreational Harbor Authority will hold a regular meeting on May 27, 2026. Items include review of minutes, old business, and new business covering a marina operation project list and derelict boats. Reports on boat ramp finances and a manager's report will be presented, along with public comments. The authority will also review financial reports, bills paid, and a deficit elimination plan.

• Marina Operation Project List discussion
• Derelict Boats item
• Boat Ramp Financial Report
• Deficit Elimination Plan Reporting
• Manager's Report

The board unanimously approved a motion to no longer store boats on Junior Foundation property, citing liability issues from transporting and storing. Routine approvals included the previous meeting's minutes and submitted invoices. Financial reports and a list of future marina projects were discussed but no action was taken. The derelict boat 'Rough Waters' remains unresolved pending owner response or legal action.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved invoices for payment (unanimous)
• Approved to cease boat storage on Junior Foundation property (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority will discuss and likely vote on a budget amendment and approval at its regular meeting. Other items include approval of previous minutes, financial reports, and monthly updates. No public hearings or rezonings are on the agenda.

• Budget amendment and approval under New Business

Library Board

The St. Joseph Library Board will hold its regular meeting on April 28, 2026. Key agenda items include a second reading of the Local Author Policy, updates on the new library website, and consideration of the FY 26-27 budget. Financial reports and a directors report are also scheduled.

• Second reading of Local Author Policy
• New website updates
• FY 26-27 Budget consideration
• Bill report and treasurer's report including March 2026 financials
• Quarterly Berrien Community Foundation statements

The Library Board approved the 2026-27 budget, accepted financial reports, and unanimously approved a delayed opening on May 21st for staff training before the new website launch. The board also accepted the Local Author Policy and approved the March bill report.

• Approved 2026-27 budget as presented
• Approved delayed opening on May 21st for staff training
• Unanimously accepted Local Author Policy
• Unanimously accepted March financial report
• Unanimously accepted March bill report totaling $89,376.81