The Pentwater Village Council met at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10 with all members present: Mary Marshall (president), David Bluhm, Jared Griffis, Dan Nugent, Donald Palmer, Kathy O’Connor and Karl Schrumpf. An audience of 16-20 also attended.
The approved Consent Agenda included a Planning Commission report from July 28 where decisions were made on solar energy systems and a sign ordinance. Roof-mounted solar panels should not exceed 10 feet above the roof height for residential and commercial buildings and will not require a permit. Temporary signs, including special event signs, should be removed within seven days after the event.
A Services Committee meeting from Aug. 4 reported two utility bill appeals were discussed, of which one was denied and the second received an adjustment. A list of dates in 2027 was requested by the Pentwater Chamber of Commerce for use of the Village Green along with street closures or one-way adjustments related to the event dates. All dates were approved except for Brews & Beats and Oktoberfest, for which council requested additional paperwork. They will be voted on next month.
Correspondence included a letter of appreciation from James Lambrix on behalf of the Pentwater Historical Society (PHS) for the support and assistance from the police department and the village staff for the short-notice 4th of July parade sponsored by the PHS. Another letter was from the Michigan Municipal League announcing its annual meeting Oct. 7-9, 2026, in Traverse City. The letter included a request for confirmation of who would attend as the village representative.
Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Bieri reported the tax amount already received and said interest on unpaid taxes would start to accrue on Sept. 15. She apologized that council agenda packets were not available earlier to council members due to the busyness in the office and the number of new staff transitions. Additionally, she complimented new staff members for their teachable spirit and their exceptional service to community members. Bieri will be gone for training Aug. 17-19.
Department reports were received from the Department of Public Works (DPW), the zoning administrator and the police department. Tony Kies reported the DPW is making progress on water meter installations; has officially numbered and tagged all the fire hydrants; is painting the lift stations and cleaning around the wastewater ponds; and is managing summer tasks, but had to let one hire on probation go due to excessive absences. Zoning Administrator Aaron Bigelow reported two permits were issued, one of which was to replace the shed on the Village Green.
Chief Laude Hartrum reported the police department responded to 124 calls for service in July, including a pickup truck fire on July 12. Officer Ethan Lassiter is expected to complete his training this month. Evaluation of Flock Safety camera usage began July 31 and will end Oct. 28, with 45 days to decide whether to keep or discontinue the service. The department issued 141 tickets, including 136 for violation of the local parking ordinance.
Old business consisted of two discussions begun last month – the agreement for the School Resource Officer and the agreement to participate with Hart in a Fire Authority program. After discussion about the modified specific financial terms, council voted unanimously in favor of signing the agreement for the School Resource Officer.
Last month the Fire Authority agreement discussion was extended so Pentwater Fire Chief Jonathan Hughart could be present to express his views on the issue. Coincidentally, although he showed up for the meeting, his participation was pre-empted by an emergency call to which he had to respond. Fortunately, there were others present to answer some of council’s questions and concerns about Pentwater Fire Department property and the fact that village wells are on the property. Resident Greg Hopkins, a retired veteran fireman from Indiana who spoke at last month’s meeting, was able to share statistics from 2025 and this year so far. In 2025 the department had 303 medical calls, 86 fire calls and 32 calls for the drone. This year to date there have been 164 medical calls, 47 fire calls and 11 calls for the drone. Following extensive discussion, the council voted unanimously to support joining the Fire Authority.
Under new business, the first item was to appoint a village representative to the Fire Authority Board. Greg Hopkins was appointed to the position. The second item was approval of a new noise ordinance. It was clearly articulated, based on decibels and will become effective immediately after a public announcement in the paper. The third item was a Donation and Recognition Agreement drafted by manager Toby Van Ess. Over the years residents have paid for benches and engraved bricks to be installed in memory of loved ones. No records have been found related to these donations, and no policy has been in place to guide decisions. Following discussion, some revisions were suggested. It will be brought back for approval at the next meeting.
For the Personnel Committee, O’Connor gave a detailed report on the retirement program for village staff. Chief Hartrum is on the “old plan," which is presently underfunded. All other staff are on the plan that began in 2018. The current plan requires a 10-year investment, whereas the previous plan required only an 8-year investment.
The golf cart ordinance passed a few years ago was also brought up for discussion for proposed amendments. Residents should note that all safety (child car seats) and operational requirements of the state, all local motor vehicle ordinances, and all driver license (for the minimum age of 16) validity that apply to cars also apply to golf carts. Registration is required, and citations and fees can be issued for violations. The number of passengers is limited, and times of operation are also limited. Golf cart owners are encouraged to obtain a copy of the amended ordinance to enable their adherence to it.
In his Village Manager’s report, Van Ess said the old dock had been removed from the end of Manchester Street and that three dead trees had been removed in the village. He noted that new staff member Casey Kies has transitioned well into the office, and she will soon be focusing on Park Place improvements. Van Ess also gave updates on the well #4 work and the sale of 327 Hancock. The well program will start mixing only 10% water from well 4 with 90% from well 2 and work up to 50% from each of them.
Public comment included continued concern for water quality from well #4 and a request for a safety crossing to be installed between St. Vincent Catholic Church and its parking lot on the other side of the street.
Council closing comments included a thank you to Eric Marshall for watering the geranium flowerpots downtown and the announcement that the clock for the front of the Village Hall, paid for by the Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club has been ordered.
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
