The road improvement project at the Whitehall Industrial Park and the northern end of Lake Street will begin Monday, April 6 and hopefully be done by April 21, City Manager Dan Tavernier said during Tuesday's regular meeting of the Whitehall City Council.
The April 21 completion date is a goal of Michigan Paving, the company contracted to perform the work.
The council unanimously approved a resolution to allow Consumers Energy to remove three light fixtures near Goodrich Park as part of the West Colby Promenade project, work for which is underway. Tavernier said Consumers has a policy of not moving light fixtures without formal approval from municipalities, requiring the resolution.
The council also gave unanimous approval to its annual contribution to the Arts Council of White Lake-Nuveen Center's summer concert series, which brings musical acts to the Montague Bandshell. This year's contribution was $600.
While the contribution was approved and all expressed support of the concert series program, council member Debi Hillebrand reiterated a request she made earlier this year: compile donations like this and include them in the city's annual budget rather than approving them throughout the year. The city will determine its 2026-27 fiscal year budget later this spring.
Another unanimous approval came in favor of committing $50,000 in matching funds to the city's Recreation Passport Grant application. The matching funds would supplement a $150,000 grant the city is pursuing for Funnell Field improvements. Included in that project would be improvements to the parking lot, pathways and bathrooms; the conversion of one of the two tennis courts to three pickleball courts, while the other tennis court remained the same; and new fencing. The basketball court would be maintained.
Council member Jeff Holmstrom reminded city residents that April 13 is the first day of a two-week period during which they can have their leaves picked up, and that May 4 will be the day for stick and brush pickup.
Council member Tanya Cabala shared that the March 23 senior dinner was a success. She said she is open to ideas that would increase attendance, as just over 30 people attended.
