Spring Lake, MI

Township Zoning Board of Appeals

The Spring Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on two property requests. The board will consider a variance for a deck replacement and an appeal regarding a duplex construction.

• Variance application for a nonconforming deck at 18034 Egret (Nuismer)
• Appeal regarding a request to construct a duplex at 15669 Littlefield Lane (Coston)

Village Council

The Village Council is reviewing two options for water and sewer rate increases to fund an infrastructure bond. The body is also discussing budget adjustments and appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

• Proposed water and sewer rate increases of either 31.3% (January 2027) or 23.8% (January 2027) followed by 6.9% (July 2027)
• Budget adjustment to reappropriate $142,900 for Whistlestop Park resurfacing
• Budget adjustment to reappropriate $40,500 for Tanglefoot Park ShadeSail project
• Proposed appointments of Shannon McMaster and Jeff Mohr to the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Proposals from Moore&Bruggink (Fleser Ct. and Sidney Ct.) and Municipal Analytics (Capital Improvement Plan)

Village Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The regular meeting of the Village of Spring Lake Downtown Development Authority Work Session scheduled for October 8, 2026, has been cancelled. A Work Session is instead scheduled for October 22, 2026.

Village Parks & Recreation Board

The regular meeting of the Village of Spring Lake Parks and Recreation Board scheduled for October 5, 2026, has been cancelled.

Village Historical Conservation Commission

The Historic Conservation Commission will hold preliminary discussions on designating three properties as historic landmarks. The body will also coordinate upcoming fall events and discuss the installation of the Temperance Fountain.

• Preliminary landmark designation discussion for 212 West Savidge Street (Field Fabrics), Barrett Boat Works, and the clock at Jackson and Savidge Streets
• Planning for Northside neighborhood walking tour on November 7
• Coordination of 'Spooktacular' trick-or-treating event on October 31
• Discussion on location and reconditioning of the Temperance Fountain
• Proposal for a Winter 2027 lecture series on Spring Lake fires and historic homes

Township Zoning Board of Appeals

The Spring Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two property requests. The board will consider a variance for an accessory building and a waterfront setback determination.

• Variance application for an accessory building in a front yard at 17596 Hickory St
• Waterfront setback determination at 15623 Vinecrest Dr

Village Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and discuss a Special Land Use application for a new boat storage facility. The proposal involves combining three parcels at 823, 901, and 903 West Savidge to build a nearly 42,000 sqft facility.

• Public hearing for Special Land Use: Marina Boat Storage – Barrett Boat Works
• Review of proposed 42,000 sqft facility at 823, 901, & 903 West Savidge
• Discussion of requested waivers for CBD design standards
• Review of required EGLE and Ottawa County permits for floodplain and soil erosion

The Planning Commission tabled a Special Land Use application for a boat storage facility due to noncompliance with Central Business District design standards. The applicant was directed to revise the design regarding height, materials, and architectural features.

• Tabled Special Land Use application for Barrett Boat Works boat storage (5-0)
• Directed applicant to revise design to meet Central Business District standards (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved August 22, 2026, meeting minutes (5-0)

Village Council

The Village Council will consider updated water and sewer rate scenarios and discuss a proposed zoning amendment for short-term rentals. The body is also reviewing several contracts and a fee schedule amendment.

• Payment of bills in the amount of $631,904.15
• Architectural agreement for Village Hall space analysis totaling $8,437
• Proposed amendment to Chapter 110 regarding Bird and Waterfowl Feeding
• Proposed amendment to Chapter 390-137.33 regarding short-term rentals
• Resolution No. 2026–12 to amend the FY2026-27 Fee Schedule

The Village Council approved a consent agenda including bill payments, a software proposal, and a fee schedule amendment. Council also scheduled two public hearings for October 19, 2026, regarding bird feeding and short-term rental zoning.

• Approved bill payments totaling $631,904.15 (6-0)
• Approved Civic Plus Asset Management software proposal (6-0)
• Approved restrictive covenant for 224 Dixie Street (6-0)
• Scheduled Oct. 19 public hearing for Bird and Waterfowl Feeding amendment (6-0)
• Approved architektura Architectural Agreement for Village Hall space analysis (6-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026–12 amending FY2026-27 Fee Schedule (6-0)
• Scheduled Oct. 19 public hearing for Short-term rental zoning text amendment (6-0)

Village Historical Conservation Commission

The commission is holding a special work session to organize a walking tour of the Northside neighborhood. Members will discuss the event date, route, script, and logistics, and review research on potential historic homes for inclusion.

• Planning of Fall Walking Tour including date, start/end locations, and registration
• Discussion of the Spring Lake Lecture Series
• Discussion of locating the Temperance Fountain
• Review of historic home research for the Northside neighborhood

The Historic Conservation Commission planned a walking tour of historic properties. The Commission determined the event date, start location, and designated speakers.

• Set walking tour for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Determined tour will begin at the Cutler Street Gate at Liberty Street and Cutler Street
• Designated Dye and Medina as speakers for the tour, with Hilliard providing guidance

Township Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding zoning ordinance text amendments for waterfront decks and accessory structures and fences in the MHP District. The body will also review a site plan for a private road.

• Public hearing on Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments for Accessory Structures and Fences in the MHP District and Waterfront Decks
• Private Road Special Land Use and Site Plan review for Brill on Parcel 70-03-08-100-008 near Dogwood Drive and 180th Ave

Village Council

The Village Council is holding a work session to discuss funding strategies for future infrastructure projects. Members will review multiple scenarios for water and sewer rate increases and the use of General and Major Street fund balances.

• Water and sewer rate analysis with potential residential increases of 13% to 38% in 2027
• FY2026-27 Fee Schedule Amendment
• Zoning Text Amendment discussion regarding short-term rental (STR) parking
• Bird and Waterfowl Ordinance Amendment
• Restrictive Covenant discussion for 224 Dixie Street

The Village Council moved several items to the consent agenda, including a space analysis for Village Hall and asset management software. Council also scheduled a public hearing for October 19 to discuss amendments to the bird and waterfowl ordinance.

• Placed CivicPlus Asset Management software proposal on consent agenda (Village share max 50%)
• Placed restrictive covenant for 224 Dixie Street on consent agenda
• Placed scheduling of Oct. 19 public hearing for Bird and Waterfowl Ordinance amendment on consent agenda
• Placed Architektura Architectural Agreement for Village Hall space analysis on consent agenda (contingent on 50% Township contribution of $8,437)
• Placed Resolution No. 2026-12 amending FY2026-27 Fee Schedule on consent agenda
• Placed determination on scheduling a public hearing for Short-Term Rental Zoning Text Amendment on regular agenda

Township Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will discuss a grant resolution for the Prelwitz property and funding for a new industrial park. The meeting includes a workshop on e-bike ordinances, website updates, and invasive species remediation.

• Resolution for Prelwitz property acquisition including a $360,000 local match
• Internal borrowing resolution to fund 46 acres of land along M-104 for an industrial park
• Proposed $25,000 annual contract for Civic Plus work order tracking software shared with the Village of Spring Lake
• Engineering proposal from Prein & Newhof for industrial park project at 14717 Cleveland Street
• Appointment of Braeton Ardell to the Wetland Review Board

The Board of Trustees approved a civil engineering proposal for a new industrial park project and the purchase of work order tracking software. Other actions included appointing a member to the Wetland Review Board and approving a property acquisition resolution.

• Approved Prein & Newhof civil engineering proposal for industrial park at 14717 Cleveland Street, not to exceed $95,900 (7-0)
• Approved purchase of Work Order Tracking Software for $24,175.04 initial cost and $20,500.04 annual cost, shared with Village of Spring Lake (7-0)
• Approved MNRTF Resolution for Prelwitz Property Acquisition (7-0)
• Approved Internal Borrowing Resolution with amendment to Paragraph 6 (7-0)
• Appointed Braeton Ardell to the Wetland Review Board through 3/31/28 (7-0)
• Named VanderWall Bros. Concrete as the 2026 Spring Lake Township Business of the Year (7-0)

Village Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority will discuss a marketing grant for exterior signage at 821 W. Savidge Street. The board will also receive updates on boating infrastructure, the Grand River Greenway project, and Tanglefoot shade sails.

• Proposed $800 marketing grant for exterior signage at 821 W. Savidge Street
• Boating Infrastructure Grant update regarding cancelled EGLE permits
• Grand River Greenway Project update
• Tanglefoot Shade Sail update
• Communications Director update including Halloween in the Village event

The Board approved the August 13 meeting minutes and current financial reports. Members discussed the Boating Infrastructure Grant for transient docks and reviewed updates on the Tanglefoot Park shade sail and Grand River Greenway Project.

• Approved August 13, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved financial reports (7-0)

Village Parks & Recreation Board

The regular meeting of the Village of Spring Lake Parks and Recreation Board scheduled for September 8, 2026, has been cancelled.

Township Zoning Board of Appeals

The Spring Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to discuss a specific property setback. The board will also consider the minutes from the July 23, 2026, meeting.

• Waterfront setback determination for Cuppy at 15464 Leonard Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a waterfront setback determination for a home at 15464 Leonard Rd. This allows for a 7.6-foot by 20.7-foot addition to square off the front of the house.

• Approved waterfront setback determination for 15464 Leonard Rd (unanimous)

Village Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and continue discussions regarding a text amendment to short-term rental parking standards. The proposal considers reducing parking requirements specifically for multi-family dwelling units.

• Public hearing on Text Amendment: Short Term Rental Parking Standards

The Planning Commission held a public hearing regarding a proposed text amendment to modify parking requirements for short-term rentals. Following discussion on enforcement and multi-family dwelling units, the Commission voted to recommend that the Village Council deny the amendment.

• Recommended Village Council deny Zoning Ordinance text amendment for short-term rental parking (4-2)

Village Historical Conservation Commission

The commission is holding a work session to discuss how to promote Spring Lake history and manage its Facebook page. Members will review the status of several proposed community projects and events.

• Proposed walking tour of the Northside neighborhood
• Proposed 'Spooktacular' trick or treating event
• Winter 2027 library lecture series on local fires and historical homes
• Proposed tea event at the Lilly Mansion
• Proposed relocation of the Temperance Fountain within the Village

The Commission held a work session to discuss promotional efforts, potential community events, and the mission statement. No formal votes were taken on these items. The Commission determined a further meeting is needed to finalize details for a planned North Side walking tour.

• Scheduled Special Work Session for September 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Township Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss regulations regarding accessory structures and fences in the MHP District. The body will also review waterfront decks and commercial signage.

• Accessory Structures and Fences in the MHP District
• Waterfront Decks
• Commercial Signage

The Commission reached consensus to send draft language for accessory structures in the MHP District and waterfront deck regulations to the Township attorney. Public hearings for both items are scheduled for the September meeting.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Adopted July 15, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Forwarded draft MHP District accessory structures and fences language to attorney for ordinance form
• Forwarded waterfront deck language to attorney for ordinance form

Village Council

The Village Council will meet to review department reports and consider several consent agenda items, including a Planning Commission appointment and traffic calming improvements.

• Payment of bills (checks 64665-64708 and electronic payments 734-743) totaling $1,459,252.68
• Progressive Companies proposal for traffic calming on Liberty Street and South Street not to exceed $8,200
• Resolution No. 2026–11 for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Project Agreement
• Appointment of Bill Meyers to the Planning Commission for a term ending November 2028

The Village Council approved a consent agenda including bill payments and a traffic calming proposal. Council also appointed a new member to the Planning Commission and authorized a project agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $1,459,252.68 (4-0)
• Approved Progressive Companies proposal for traffic calming on Liberty Street and South Street not to exceed $8,200 (4-0)
• Appointed Bill Meyers to the Planning Commission for a term ending November 2028 (4-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 2026–11 authorizing Michigan Department of Natural Resources Project Agreement (4-0)
• Approved minutes for July 13 and July 20, 2026 meetings (4-0)

Village Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority will review updates on the Corridor Improvement Plan and the Barrett Boat Works Special Land Use application. The board will also provide direction on whether to reaffirm the removal of west-end docks from a boating infrastructure grant.

• Boating Infrastructure Grant update regarding potential removal of west-end docks to reduce DDA match by up to $169,000
• Barrett Boat Works development update and advisory comments on site plans for 821 W. Savidge Street
• Corridor Improvement Plan update
• Review of financial reports for period ending 07/31/2026

The Board voted to recommend that the Village Council remove the installation of docks at the west end of the Village from the Boating Infrastructure Grant application. The Board also reviewed updates on the Corridor Improvement Plan and the Barrett Boat Works site plan.

• Approved minutes from 7/9/2026 meeting (7-0)
• Approved amended agenda (all in favor)
• Recommended removing northern docks from Boating Infrastructure Grant application (6-1)

Township Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will discuss the purchase of the Bisacky property on M-104 and a pump station upgrade. The meeting includes appointments to the Planning Commission and Cemetery Board, as well as a review of Tax Increment Financing.

• Proposed purchase of 46.71 acres on M-104 from AJB Investments LLC for $2,100,000
• Proposed $400,000 authorization for development planning activities
• Bid from DVT Electric for $170,000 for William Ferry Park pump station improvements
• Appointments to the Planning Commission and Cemetery Board
• Review of Tax Increment Financing for the M-104 Corridor Improvement Authority

The Board approved the purchase of 46.71 acres on M-104 for $2.1 million and allocated $400,000 for development planning. The Board also approved a $170,000 bid for pump station upgrades to be split with the City of Ferrysburg.

• Authorized purchase of 46.71 acres (parcel 70-03-13-400-063) for $2,100,000 (6-1)
• Authorized $400,000 for development planning activities (6-1)
• Approved $170,000 DVT Electric bid for pump station improvements to be split with Ferrysburg (7-0)
• Appointed Bob Shay, Jim Koster, Art Bolt, and Ruth Frein to the Cemetery Board (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Gil Segovia to the Planning Commission (7-0)
• Approved July 13, 2026 Regular Minutes and payment of all fund bills (7-0)

Village Council

The Village Council will receive a preliminary analysis of water and sewer rate structures to support operations and infrastructure. The body will also discuss a grant agreement for the redevelopment of North Bank Park.

• Water and Sewer Rate Analysis presentation by Municipal Analytics
• MDNR Trust Fund Grant Agreement for North Bank Park: $400,000 grant with $600,000 local match
• Traffic Calming Proposal
• Planning Commission Appointment
• USDA Funded Infrastructure Project Final Budget Letter

The Village Council reviewed a water and sewer rate analysis and a Metro Act Permit update. Several items were placed on the consent agenda for future approval, including a traffic calming proposal and a commission appointment.

• Placed MDNR Trust Fund Grant Agreement for North Bank Park on consent agenda
• Placed appointment of Bill Meyers to Planning Commission (term ending Nov 2028) on consent agenda
• Placed $8,200 Progressive Companies traffic calming proposal for Liberty and South Streets on consent agenda

Village Parks & Recreation Board

The Parks & Recreation Board and Tree Board will meet to review finance reports and receive updates on boating infrastructure and village trees.

• Boating Infrastructure Grant update
• Finance reports review
• Tree Board updates

The Board approved the meeting agenda and the May 4, 2026, minutes. Members discussed the Boating Infrastructure Grant application and received updates on park projects and staff changes. No substantive new policies or funding were decided.

• Approved the meeting agenda (6-0)
• Approved May 4, 2026, meeting minutes (6-0)

Village Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will continue discussions on a proposed text amendment to short-term rental parking requirements. The proposal seeks to allow rentals with one parking space to be approved for up to four occupants, whereas current rules require two spaces for up to six people.

• Continued discussion on text amendment for Short Term Rental Parking Standards

The Commission voted to have staff draft an amendment to the short-term rental ordinance. The proposed rules establish specific parking space requirements based on the number of occupants in multifamily dwelling buildings.

• Directed staff to draft short-term rental amendment for multifamily dwellings (3-1)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved June 24, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)

Village Historical Conservation Commission

The commission is discussing a preliminary script for a tour of 10 proposed landmarks and considering several properties for historic landmark designation. The body will also review a preservation permit application for 203 E. Savidge.

• Review of preliminary script for a tour of 10 proposed landmarks
• Historic Preservation Permit Application for 203 E. Savidge
• Proposed landmark designations for 307 N. Division St., 218 N. Division St., 207 N. Division St., and 301 Barber St.
• Proposed landmark designation for 305 Barber St.
• Discussion of potential cemetery tours

The Historic Conservation Commission approved a Marketing Grant application for Abbott Accounting to install a non-lit projecting wall sign. The board also discussed prioritizing historic events for the fiscal year and potential collaborations with the Tri-Cities Historical Museum.

• Approved Marketing Grant for Abbott Accounting to install a projecting wall sign at 102 E. Exchange Street (7-0)
• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved minutes from May 26, 2026, and June 22, 2026 (7-0)

Township Zoning Board of Appeals

The Spring Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to consider zoning authorizations and variances. The board will review requests regarding building heights, setbacks, and garage sizes.

• Variances and authorizations for 16210 and 16218 Highland Drive (Bricker/Sluka)
• Accessory building area, height, and oversized attached garage at 15364 Leonard Road (Lehner)
• Waterfront setback determination and oversized attached garage at 15656 Willows Drive (Annese)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved an accessory building authorization for 15364 Leonard Rd and an oversized garage and waterfront setback for 15656 Willows Dr. The board denied variances for 16210 and 16218 Highland Dr and tabled one garage request.

• Approved Resolution of Denial for variances at 16210 and 16218 Highland Dr (unanimous)
• Approved accessory building authorization for 15364 Leonard Rd with conditions including removal of two other buildings (unanimous)
• Tabled request for attached garage at 15364 Leonard Rd for up to one year (unanimous)
• Approved oversized garage authorization for 15656 Willows Dr (unanimous)
• Determined Average Waterfront Setback to be 155 feet from the north property line for 15656 Willows Dr (unanimous)

Village Council

The Village Council will meet to discuss the management of Tanglefoot Park and review department reports. The body is also considering several consent agenda items including budget adjustments for wayfinding signs and a commission appointment.

• Payment of bills in the amount of $1,691,849.36
• Budget adjustments for wayfinding sign project completion: DDA (up to $45,000) and General Fund (up to $50,000)
• Appointment of Jacqueline Medina to the Historic Conservation Commission
• Withdrawal of the West End dock project from the Boating Infrastructure Grant
• Discussion of Contractual Tanglefoot Park Management

The Village Council approved over $1.69 million in bill payments and budget adjustments for wayfinding signs. Council authorized a contract for Tanglefoot Park reservation management and tabled a decision on the West End dock project.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $1,691,849.36 (7-0)
• Approved DDA budget adjustment up to $45,000 and General Fund adjustment up to $50,000 for wayfinding signs (7-0)
• Appointed Jacqueline Medina to the Historic Conservation Commission for a term ending 11/2028 (7-0)
• Tabled discussion on West End docks north of the bridge until after the August DDA Board meeting (6-1)
• Authorized Manager Selner to contract an independent contractor for Tanglefoot Park reservation management (7-0)
• Approved June 8, 2026, Work Session and Regular Council meeting minutes (7-0)

Township Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will meet to discuss regulations for accessory structures and fences in the MHP District and rules for waterfront decks. The body will also hold a discussion regarding the Master Plan.

• Accessory Structures and Fences in the MHP District
• Waterfront Decks
• Master Plan Discussion
• Election of Officers

The Planning Commission elected its Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Members discussed draft ordinances for accessory structures in the MHP District and waterfront decks, directing staff to present both items to the Board of Trustees.

• Elected Jeff Baxter as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Russ Tiles as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Kelly Clark as Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved June 17, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to present MHP District accessory structure and fence ordinance to Board of Trustees
• Directed staff to present waterfront deck zoning options to Board of Trustees

Township Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will discuss trail usage etiquette and consider funding for trail and sewer repairs. The meeting includes votes on a property purchase option extension and a contract for fire hydrant painting.

• North Bank Trail restoration: proposed costs of $391,500 for Phase I & II or $700,000 for all phases
• Extension of purchase option for 46 acres on M-104 from AJB Investments LLC for $26,477
• Contract with Giant Maintenance & Restoration to paint 172 fire hydrants for $19,780
• Appointments to Zoning Board of Appeals, SL District Library, and SL Lake Board
• Presentation on the Culture of Kindness Campaign regarding trail etiquette and e-bike use

The Board approved funding for trail repairs and a contract for fire hydrant painting. Several board and commission appointments were made, and a new Assistant Township Manager position was created.

• Approved Phase 1 and 2 North Bank Trail repair work at an estimated $391,500 (unanimous)
• Approved $19,780 contract with Giant Maintenance & Restoration for fire hydrant painting (unanimous)
• Authorized $26,477 to extend Bisacky property purchase option through Sept 10, 2026 (6-1)
• Created Assistant Township Manager position and appointed Amy Bessinger (unanimous)
• Appointed Jack Schroeder to the Zoning Board of Appeals (unanimous)
• Appointed Skip Lorimer and Sheri Boon to the Spring Lake District Library Board (unanimous)
• Appointed Christopher Estes to the Spring Lake – Lake Board (unanimous)
• Approved June 8, 2026 minutes and payment of all fund bills (unanimous)

Village Council

The Village Council will hold a work session to provide direction on a requested change to short-term rental parking requirements. The body will also consider budget adjustments to complete a wayfinding signage project.

• Proposed text amendment to allow short-term rentals with one parking space for up to four occupants
• Request for $50,000 from General Fund and $45,000 from DDA budget for wayfinding signage
• Review of 2025 MERS Valuation showing unfunded pension liability decreased to $590,547
• Discussion of Boating Infrastructure Grant and Mill Point Park MGU Easement
• Appointment for the Historic Conservation Commission

Council nominated Grand Finale for the Grand Haven Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award. Several items, including budget adjustments for wayfinding signage and a grant amendment for boating infrastructure, were placed on the consent agenda for future approval.

• Nominated Grand Finale for Chamber Business of the Year
• Placed DDA budget adjustment of $45,000 and General Fund contribution of $50,000 for wayfinding signs on consent agenda
• Placed appointment of Jacqueline Medina to Historic Conservation Commission (term ending 11/2028) on consent agenda
• Placed amendment to Boating Infrastructure Grant to remove docks at the west end of the Village on consent agenda