Watervliet, MI

Capital Improvement Plan 2026

The Watervliet Planning Commission is recommending a six-year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2026-27 through 2031-32) totaling $4,759,187. The plan schedules 40 projects, including streets, utilities, parks, and equipment, with Year 1 (FY 2026-27) projects totaling $359,438 to be considered for the upcoming budget. Major future investments include the Mill Site redevelopment, riverfront trails, and M-140 streetscape improvements.

• Vehicle lease renewals for nine vehicles in FY 2028-29 totaling $679,749
• Paw Paw River Trail extension: $420,000 over FY 2028-29 and FY 2030-31
• Pedestrian river bridge: $975,000 in FY 2031-32
• Mill Site access road: $855,000 in FY 2029-30
• Environmental Phase I/II assessment: $30,000 in FY 2026-27

Watervliet Development Guide 2026

The City of Watervliet has published its 2026 Development Guide, a procedural summary of the city's development review processes. The agenda item is informational only; no decisions are being made at this meeting. The guide covers pre-submittal meetings, site plan review, planned unit developments, special use permits, variances, and rezoning, and notes that the Zoning Board of Appeals is currently seated as the City Commission.

• Special Land Use Permit application fee: $800
• ZBA variance application fee: $800
• Site plans due at least 15 days before Planning Commission meeting
• PUD granted by City Commission ordinance with two readings
• ZBA currently seated as City Commission acting as ZBA

July 7, 2026 Public Hearing

The City of Watervliet held a public hearing on July 7, 2026, to consider an amendment to the Fire Inspection Safety Ordinance that would allow charges for inspections, with fees added to the Master Fee Schedule. After discussion, the council decided the amendment needs more clarification. City Manager Tim Sutherland will consult the city attorney and Fire Chief Whitney for additional details, and a future public hearing will be scheduled. No vote was taken on the amendment itself.

• Approved the public hearing agenda (6-0, Whitney absent)
• Tabled the Fire Inspection Safety Ordinance Amendment for further clarification
• Directed City Manager Tim Sutherland to consult the city attorney and Fire Chief Whitney
• Adjourned the public hearing at 5:22 PM

July 7, 2026 Commission

The commission approved placing the Watervliet Joint Fire Department's millage renewal ballot language on the November 2026 General Election ballot. It also approved appointing five residents to the Compensation Committee, appointing Beth Wagner to the DDA, and approving a special event application from Jesus Shines Ministries for an event at Oasis Park. A first reading of a zoning ordinance amendment (Section 12.03(9)) took place, with a second reading scheduled for August 11, 2026. June 2026 payables and payroll totaling $228,884.60 were approved.

• Approved agenda as amended to add Special Event Application
• Approved minutes from June 2, 2026 Public Hearing and June 12, 2026 Commission and Budget meetings
• Approved June 2026 payables ($157,222.94) and payroll ($71,661.66), total $228,884.60
• Appointed five residents (Joshua Coffin, XXX Coffin, Brad Mann, Bessie Mann, Rod Kinzler) to Compensation Committee
• Approved Resolution 14-2026 placing fire department millage renewal on November 2026 ballot
• Appointed Beth Wagner to Downtown Development Authority
• Approved special event application for Jesus Shines Ministries at Oasis Park
• Held first reading of zoning ordinance amendment Section 12.03(9); second reading set for August 11, 2026

May 12, 2026

The Watervliet City Commission is holding its regular meeting on May 12, 2026. The agenda includes several action items: a second reading of a zoning ordinance amendment, approval of a Medic 1 agreement, a School Resource Officer agreement, and appointments to the Planning Commission. The commission will also approve the April 2026 financials and meeting minutes.

• 2nd Reading of Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Attachment #4)
• Approval of Resolution 09-2026 Medic 1 Agreement (Attachment #5)
• Approval of School Resource Officer Agreement (Attachment #6) and Resolution 10-2026 (Attachment #7)
• Appointment of Barbara Schofield to Planning Commission
• Approval of April 2026 Financials: $172,038.02 total (AP $99,982.45, Payroll $72,055.57)

Zoning Permit Application Rev 2026 04

The City of Watervliet is providing supplemental specifications for fence and shed permits. The document details height limits for fences, permit fees for sheds, size and placement restrictions, and notes that corner lots may require a site plan and visit. This is informational guidance for residents applying for zoning permits.

• Fences: 6 ft max in side/rear yards, 4 ft open style in front yard
• Shed permit: $24 for sheds up to 200 sq ft; larger sheds fee based on construction cost
• Only one shed or accessory building allowed; existing must be removed before new one
• Sheds limited to 40% of required backyard, 15 ft height, 30% lot coverage
• Sheds must be 10 ft from dwelling, 5 ft from property lines, not in front yard

April 7, 2026 Commission

The Watervliet City Commission approved Resolution 08-2026 for the Joint Fire Board ballot language and the FY 26/27 Joint Fireboard Budget (with one abstention). They also approved zoning ordinance amendments (first reading) and contracts with Alan C. Smaka PE, PLLC and Anderwylde, LLC. All votes were unanimous except the Smaka agreement, which passed 3-2.

• Approved Resolution 08-2026 Watervliet Joint Fire Board ballot language (5-0)
• Approved FY 26/27 Watervliet Joint Fireboard Budget (4-0, Whitney abstained)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendments (first reading) including rezoning parcel 78-0023-0079-02-9 (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Alan C. Smaka PE, PLLC (3-2, Smith and Whitney opposed)
• Approved GIS service contract with Anderwylde, LLC (5-0)
• Approved March 2026 payables and payroll totaling $210,075.70 (5-0)

Master Fee Schedule Effective April 1, 2026

The Watervliet City Commission is adopting Resolution 01-2026, which approves the updated Master Fee Schedule effective April 1, 2026. The schedule sets fees for planning, zoning, permits, water, sewer, and other city services. It includes new and adjusted fees, such as increased water tap fees and rental registration fees.

• Zoning Board of Appeals application fee: $800
• Water tap fee (1-inch): $5,500; sewer tap fee: $5,300
• Annual rental registration fee: $45 (due July 1)
• Business license base fee: $100 (includes inspections)
• Cemetery lot sales: $400 for city residents, $800 for non-residents

April 7, 2026

The Watervliet City Commission is meeting to approve routine items like minutes and financials, and to take action on several substantive items. These include approving ballot language for the Joint Fire Board, a second reading of zoning ordinance amendments, a first reading of a zoning amendment, and the Joint Fire Board's FY26/27 budget. The meeting also includes reports from committees and department heads.

• Approval of March 2026 financials totaling $210,075.70 (accounts payable $138,187.80, payroll $71,887.90)
• Resolution 08-2026: Fire Board ballot language approval
• Second reading of ordinance amendments: B-1 district placemaking standards, downtown parking exempt zone, public notice streamlining
• First reading of zoning ordinance amendment
• Approval of Watervliet Joint Fire Board budget for FY26/27

Industrial Land Value Grid 2026

The Watervliet City Council is reviewing a proposed 2026 Industrial Land Value Grid based on 23 recent industrial land sales. The grid calculates per-square-foot land values by parcel size, with values ranging from $1.59 per square foot for 2,500-square-foot parcels down to $0.12 per square foot for 100-acre parcels. The agenda includes a table of concluded land values for various acreages, with a 1-acre parcel valued at $27,007 and a 100-acre parcel at $522,720.

• 23 industrial land sales analyzed, with sale prices from $9,800 to $1,250,000
• Proposed 2026 land values: $1.59/sq ft for 2,500 sq ft, $0.12/sq ft for 100 acres
• Concluded 1-acre value: $27,007; 10-acre: $117,612; 50-acre: $326,700
• Grid uses formula y=A*X^B with A=30.00, B=-0.3625
• Prior year values shown for comparison, with percentage changes up to 27%

Prime I94 Land Value Grid 2026

This is a technical workbook for analyzing land values in Watervliet, Michigan, not a public meeting agenda. It explains how to use a spreadsheet to calculate land values from verified sales data, including entering sales, adjusting for time, and excluding outliers. The workbook is outdated and expired, and contains a list of recent property sales with prices and parcel numbers.

• Workbook version v1.3.2 is out of date and intentionally expired
• Sales period from 4/1/2023 to 3/30/2025 with time adjustment calculations
• Land Allocation Multiplier of 0.3549 derived from weighted land residual of $1,870,547 and weighted sale price of $5,269,891
• Includes 100+ verified sales with prices ranging from $27,500 to $3,509,395
• Instructions for entering improved sales twice (Abstraction and Allocation methods)

Residential Acreage Land Value Grid 2026

This is a technical workbook for analyzing residential vacant land sales to set land values for the 2026 assessment year. It includes 11 verified vacant land sales from the past two years, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $50,000, and uses regression analysis to determine price per square foot and per acre. The agenda is not a policy decision but a data analysis tool for assessors.

• 11 vacant land sales listed, e.g., 446 ELM sold for $6,000, 1033 RICHARD sold for $50,000 and $26,000
• Study period: 4/1/2023 to 3/30/2025, with time adjustment calculations
• Concluded land values range from $5,222 for 2,500 sq ft to $209,236 for 25 acres
• Workbook is expired and requires update from county contacts

2026 Commercial ECF

The Watervliet City Council is reviewing a commercial equalization factor (ECF) study based on recent arm's-length property sales. The agenda lists five qualifying sales totaling $699,000, with an average sale-to-assessment ratio of 49.08%. The proposed ECF is 0.669, with a standard deviation of 0.180, and the study includes three additional sales for comparison.

• Five qualifying sales totaling $699,000, including 8609 Red Arrow ($184,000) and 281 N Paw Paw ($150,000)
• Proposed equalization factor (E.C.F.) of 0.669, with an average ECF of 0.675
• Three additional sales listed, including 620 S Main St sold for $2,392,241 on 03/27/25
• Property class 201 (commercial) for all listed parcels
• Land values range from $11,994 to $100,410 across the parcels

2026 Downtown Comm Sales

This agenda presents a table of recent downtown commercial property sales in Watervliet, Michigan, including sale prices, assessed values, and appraisal data. The document appears to be a sales ratio study or appraisal summary for the 2026 assessment cycle, with no decisions or proposals listed.

• 620 S Main St sold for $2,392,241 on 03/27/25
• 620 S Main St sold for $385,000 on 04/17/24
• 8609 Red Arrow sold for $184,000 on 10/16/24
• 426 N Main sold for $62,000 on 07/27/24
• 404 N Main sold for $95,000 on 04/06/23 and $125,000 on 10/03/24

2026 River Oaks ECF

The City of Watervliet is reviewing 34 arm's-length home sales in the River Oaks subdivision to establish 2026 assessed values. The data shows sale prices ranging from $239,990 to $480,000, with current assessments significantly lower. The city will use this sales analysis to update property assessments for the upcoming tax year.

• Review of 34 home sales in River Oaks subdivision for 2026 assessments
• Sale prices range from $239,990 to $480,000; current assessments range from $10,500 to $167,600
• Average equalized assessed value factor is 0.985, indicating assessments are below sale prices
• All sales are arm's length transactions, with most being single-parcel sales
• Land value set at $21,000 for all parcels in the subdivision

2026 Scrub Land Value

The Watervliet City Council is reviewing a 2026 scrub land value study based on 23 recent property sales. The agenda lists sale dates, prices, acreage, and calculated per-acre values for parcels in the North neighborhood. This appears to be a routine assessment update for tax valuation purposes.

• 23 property sales reviewed, ranging from $12,500 to $643,200
• Sale prices per acre range from $3,417 to $8,968
• Time adjustment factor of $20 per month applied to sales
• Tillable land valued at $5,000 per acre, scrub land at $3,800 per acre
• Parcel 01-0005-0001-02-4 sold for $643,200, highest in the list

2026 Watervliet North ECF

This agenda item presents a detailed list of recent property sales in the area, including sale prices, assessed values, and appraisal data. The body is reviewing this information, likely to ensure property assessments are accurate and equitable. The data includes various properties on streets like Riverside, Paw Paw, Main, and Parsons, with sale prices ranging from $17,500 to $215,000.

• Sale of 431 Riverside for $178,000 on 10/24/24
• Sale of 362 Paw Paw for $207,000 on 11/17/23
• Sale of 827 N Main for $215,000 on 12/05/24
• Sale of 411 Paw Paw for $40,000 on 01/09/25
• Sale of 417 E Parsons for $140,000 on 02/29/24

2026 Watervliet Northwest ECF

2026 Wet Land Value

The city is determining the 2026 wetland value for assessment purposes, using sales data from 2021-2023. The analysis includes a time adjustment factor of 0.8649% per month to bring sale prices to the assessment date. The final indicated value is $1,200 per acre, which will be used for the 2026 assessment.

• 2026 wetland value set at $1,200 per acre
• Time adjustment factor of 0.8649% per month applied to sales
• Five comparable sales analyzed, ranging from $1,010 to $5,219 per acre
• Residential land value analysis includes sales on W Pleasant, Congress, E Parsons, Lewis, and W St Joseph
• Residential time adjustment averages 0.8649% per month (10.38% annually)

5500 River Oaks Site Value 2026

CP City Lot & Paw Paw River 2026

This agenda is a land value study for the 2026 assessment year, covering city lots and Paw Paw River frontage parcels. It lists recent arm's-length sales with sale prices, adjusted sale amounts, and previous assessments, along with calculated land residual values and estimated land values. The document is technical and procedural, providing data for property assessment purposes.

• Sale of 310 Congress at $218,500 with previous assessment of $93,700
• Sale of 925 Richard at $294,900 with previous assessment of $148,500
• Sale of 561 Twin Hills at $309,011 with previous assessment of $143,500
• Sale of 629 Courtyard at $299,900 with previous assessment of $150,600
• Sale of 621 Courtyard at $299,900 with previous assessment of $146,000

2026 Watervliet South ECF

The Watervliet South Equalization Factor (ECF) meeting presents a detailed list of recent arm's-length property sales in the city, comparing sale prices to current assessed values. The data is used to calculate equalization factors that adjust assessments to reflect market conditions. This is a technical review of sales data, not a decision on individual properties.

• 23 arm's-length sales listed with total sale price of $3,472,910
• Sale-to-assessment ratio averages 48.24% with standard deviation 11.95
• Individual sales range from $30,000 (337 Lewis) to $240,000 (448 S Pleasant)
• Equalization factor calculated at 0.946, with average variance of 17.34%
• Properties include addresses on Lewis, First, W Pleasant, N Pleasant, Elm, W St Joseph, Park, S Pleasant, Congress, S Main, Lucinda, Sutherland, Myrtle, and E St Joseph

Downtown Commercial Land Value Grid 2026

This is a technical land value analysis workbook for Watervliet's downtown commercial properties, not a public meeting agenda. It contains sales data and calculations used to estimate land values for the 2026 assessment, including a concluded land-to-building ratio of 0.3057 and a price-per-square-foot curve. No decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Sales data for 8609 Red Arrow Hwy ($184,000), 426 N Main St ($62,000), 620 S Main St ($385,000 and $2,392,241), 404 N Main St ($95,000 and $125,000)
• Concluded land allocation multiplier (LB ratio) of 0.3057
• Weighted land residual of $56,553 and weighted sale price of $185,000
• Workbook version v1.3.2 is expired and must be updated
• Includes vacant sales at 4309 Lake St ($120,000) and 1648 Oak St ($9,000)

March 3, 2026

The Watervliet City Commission will consider several action items, including approving ballot language for the North Berrien Historical Museum, a first reading of zoning ordinance amendments, and approving spring dump passes and garage sale dates. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and financials, as well as reports from committees and department heads.

• Approval of February 2026 financials totaling $191,669.12 (accounts payable $122,455.42, payroll $69,213.70)
• Resolution 06-2026: Museum ballot language for North Berrien Historical Museum
• First reading of ordinance amendments: B-1 Retail Business District standards, Downtown Parking Exempt Zone, public notice streamlining
• Discussion/approval of spring dump passes and city-wide garage sale dates
• Resolution 07-2026: MDOT Performance Resolution

March 3, 2026 Commission

The Watervliet Commission approved Resolution 06-2026 for the North Berrien Historical Museum millage renewal ballot language, and approved first reading of ordinance amendments to Sections 8.01, 12.07, and 16.05. They also approved spring dump passes and city-wide garage sale dates (May 21-25, 2026), Resolution 07-2026 for M-DOT performance, and appointed Jennifer Helms, Patrick O'Brien, and Melanie Marvin to the Board of Review. All votes were unanimous among the six present commissioners, with Mayor Muth absent.

• Approved Resolution 06-2026 for North Berrien Historical Museum millage renewal ballot language (6-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amendments to Sections 8.01, 12.07, and 16.05 (6-0)
• Approved spring dump passes and city-wide garage sale dates May 21-25, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 07-2026 M-DOT Performance Resolution (6-0)
• Appointed Jennifer Helms, Patrick O'Brien, and Melanie Marvin to the Board of Review (6-0)
• Approved February 2026 payables of $122,455.42 and payroll of $69,213.70 (6-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals Bylaws 2 3

The Watervliet Zoning Board of Appeals is adopting Resolution 04-2026, which establishes its bylaws. The bylaws define membership, meeting procedures, public hearing rules, and the process for appeals and variances. The resolution was approved unanimously by the City Commission, which serves as the Zoning Board of Appeals.

• Resolution 04-2026 adopts bylaws for the Zoning Board of Appeals
• City Commission serves as the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Three-member concurring vote required to reverse zoning administrator decisions or grant variances
• Public comment limited to five minutes per person
• Appeals must be filed within 30 days of an administrative decision

February 3, 2026

The City Commission will consider several resolutions, including ballot language for a police millage renewal, a poverty exemption application, and an updated master fee schedule. They will also approve January financials totaling $198,931.97 and a water main installation agreement. Reports from committees and department heads are scheduled.

• Resolution 01-2026: Police millage renewal ballot language
• Resolution 05-2026: Updated Master Fee Schedule
• Water Main & Service Lead Installation Agreement
• January financials: $198,931.97 total
• Resolution 04-2026: Zoning Board of Appeals By-Laws

February 3, 2026 Commission

The Watervliet Commission approved all agenda items, including the police millage renewal ballot language, a March Board of Review memo, and several resolutions covering poverty exemptions, letters of protest, zoning board by-laws, and an updated fee schedule. They also approved a water main and service lead installation agreement and January 2026 payables and payroll. All votes were unanimous with Commissioner Smith absent.

• Approved Resolution 01-2026 Police Millage Renewal Ballot Language (6-0)
• Approved March Board of Review Memo (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 02-2026 Poverty Exemption Application (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 03-2026 Accepting Letters of Protest (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 04-2026 Zoning Board of Appeals By-Laws (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 05-2026 Updated Master Fee Schedule, effective April 1, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved Water Main & Service Lead Installation Agreement (6-0)
• Approved January 2026 payables of $132,679.46 and payroll of $66,252.51, total $198,931.97 (6-0)

Watervliet PC 01 26

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of five zoning ordinance amendments to the City Commission, including requirements for conceptual development plans, sidewalks and street lights in R-3 districts, a new E district for public uses, and natural buffers in B-2 districts. The Commission also scheduled a public hearing for February 23, 2026, on three new proposed amendments and a rescheduled parcel rezoning. No public comment was offered at this meeting.

• Approved minutes of January 20, 2026 public hearing (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of 5 zoning ordinance amendments to City Commission (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for Feb 23, 2026 on 3 new amendments and parcel rezoning (unanimous)

DDA 1 15

The Watervliet DDA held a routine meeting, re-electing all current officers for 2026. They decided to repeat the Square fundraiser in the fall and announced a Valentine's Day window display contest with cash prizes. No formal votes were taken on new business; the group agreed the next mural should be on the Jot building, pending owner contact.

• Re-elected Deah Muth as Chair, Stephanie Andrews as Vice-Chair, Senica Smith as Treasurer, and Rebecca Oliphant as Secretary (motion carried)
• Accepted the agenda as presented (motion carried)
• Approved the November minutes (motion carried)
• Agreed to hold the Square fundraiser again in the fall
• Set Valentine's Day Window Display Contest prizes: $50 (1st), $50 (2nd), $25 (3rd)
• Agreed the next mural should be on the Jot building, with Tim to contact the owner