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3 days ago

Bay City commission affirms constitutional policing in 8–1 vote after heated public comments The Bay City City Commission adopted a resolution reaffirming constitutional policing and compliance with applicable law after extended public comment about immigration and public safety. Supporters said it formalizes current practice; one commissioner voted no, citing political risk to federal funding.

In a contentious meeting, the Bay City Commission voted 8-1 to reaffirm constitutional policing, igniting debates over community safety and federal funding risks.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #ConstitutionalPolicing #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #BayCityPublicSafety #CommunitySafety

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1 month ago

Commission hires search consultant for city manager search and extends temporary manager agreement Bay City approved a $15,500 professional services agreement with Vetrino/Vitrano Consulting for the city manager executive search and approved a temporary employment agreement with Dana Muscott to serve as city manager through April 30, 2026; commissioners said the consultant will interview each commissioner and gather public input.

Bay City is taking major steps in leadership transition by hiring a consulting firm for an executive search and appointing Dana Muscott as temporary city manager until 2026.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #ExecutiveSearch #PublicEngagement #FiscalResponsibility

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1 month ago

Bay City officials highlight public safety, utility reliability, parks and redevelopment in annual update City officials summarized the year’s accomplishments, including public-safety training and recognition, utility reliability and storm response, new park facilities, more than $1.4 million in Brownfield grants for redevelopment, and nearly $12 million in wastewater upgrades funded through ARPA.

Bay City is transforming through significant investments in public safety, utility upgrades, and community parks, showcasing a year of progress and connection!

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1 month ago

Public testimony centers on city manager search, bridge lease complaints and immigration resolution Dozens of residents addressed the commission about the city manager selection, the Bay City Bridge Partners lease and an immigration/ICE resolution; speakers presented competing arguments about fiscal liability, public safety and civic values and asked for transparency and broader stakeholder engagement.

Residents of Bay City are demanding transparency and community involvement in the crucial selection of a new city manager while grappling with controversial issues surrounding immigration and bridge lease complaints.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CivicAccountability

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1 month ago

Bay City considers expanding poverty tax exemption for owner-occupied homes City assessors recommended increasing the poverty exemption for owner-occupied homes — proposing 50% local tax relief for households at or below the federal poverty level and 25% for those up to 50% above it — and the commission referred the proposal to staff for options that could add discretion or higher relief in extreme cases.

Bay City is considering a significant expansion of its poverty tax exemption, potentially offering up to 50% relief for qualifying homeowners facing financial hardship.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #HousingRelief #BayCityPovertyExemption #CommunityOutreach

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1 month ago

Bay City public safety briefing prompts heated debate over ICE detainers and resolutions Public Safety Director defended department policies and said Bay City does not honor ICE administrative detainers; commissioners and dozens of public speakers then debated three related resolutions, and the commission referred each resolution for revision rather than adopting them as presented.

Bay City's recent public safety briefing sparked intense debate over controversial resolutions on ICE detainers and law enforcement transparency.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityTrust #BayCityPublicSafety #PublicSafetyReform

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1 month ago

Bay City commission pauses on three public-safety resolutions after hours of public comment and referrals for revision After a lengthy presentation by the Department of Public Safety and nearly six hours of public comment, the Bay City Commission referred three resolutions on immigration detainers, face coverings, and local public-safety priorities back to sponsoring commissioners and staff for redrafting; the public-safety director told the commission the department already follows many of the proposed practices.

The Bay City Commission's heated meeting on immigration detainers sparked passionate debates over public safety and community trust, leaving critical resolutions in limbo.

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2 months ago

Downtown parking congestion, contested lot and brownfield questions draw lengthy discussion Commissioners and residents described chronic parking congestion near the theater and businesses, discussed a vacant lot (previously graveled, possibly contaminated) that might be a land-bank candidate, and explored brownfield funding and feasibility of creating public parking.

Downtown Bay City is grappling with severe parking congestion and a long-vacant lot that might finally be redeveloped—what's the future of this contentious space?

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDevelopment #BayCityParking #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

Bay City commission approves release of city-attorney opinions on 2025 "welcoming city" matter, with amendment After debate and an amendment to clarify scope, the Bay City City Commission voted 8-1 to authorize release of redacted city-attorney legal opinions related to the 2025 "welcoming city" resolution and future 2026 welcoming-city resolutions; the city attorney was directed to prepare a version suitable for public posting.

Bay City has taken a bold step by voting to release redacted legal opinions on its controversial "welcoming city" resolutions, sparking debate about transparency and legal implications.

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2 months ago

Bay City routes multi-phase basic housing site plan to planning commission with MHT Housing partner City staff presented a multi-phase basic housing site plan that would replace some single-family homes with two- to three-story rental buildings and townhomes; MHT Housing is a development partner and the plan will go to the planning commission in February.

Bay City is set to transform single-family homes into a vibrant multi-phase housing project featuring modern rental units and townhomes.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #CommunityPlanning #BayCityHousing

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2 months ago

Bay City commission refers Tenney's warming-centers proposal to staff after public testimony Following public testimony about gaps in daytime shelter services, the Bay City City Commission voted to refer Commissioner Tenney's resolution on daytime warming centers to city staff for a detailed plan, including budget estimates and partnership options; the referral passed on a roll-call vote.

Bay City is taking a crucial step towards addressing the chilling gap in daytime shelter services by exploring new warming centers after heart-wrenching public testimonies.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #BayCityEmergencyServices #WeatherRelief #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

Bay City commissioners approve letter supporting $60,000 traffic-calming mural grant Commissioners voted to authorize a letter of support so staff can apply for a $60,000 grant to install pavement murals and crosswalk treatments intended as traffic calming downtown; installation timing and parking impacts will be shared when confirmed.

Bay City is taking a colorful step towards safer streets with a $60,000 grant for stunning pavement murals and optical-illusion crosswalks!

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #BayCityArt #PublicSafety

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3 months ago

Bay City commission asks staff to study data center zoning after heated public comments After extended public input from residents, unions and trade representatives about environmental, water and job impacts, the commission approved Mayor Gerard's resolution directing planning staff to study data center zoning questions and seek public engagement.

Bay City's commission is diving deep into data center zoning after passionate public outcry about jobs, water use, and environmental impacts.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #ZoningReform #EnvironmentalProtection #BayCityDataCenters #PublicEngagement #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Bay City asks planning staff to study data‑center rules after months of public concern; resolution passes unanimously After more than an hour of public comment, the City Commission approved Mayor Gerard’s resolution asking planning staff and the zoning consultant to study data‑center zoning, environmental limits and public engagement; the motion passed 9–0.

Bay City is taking a proactive stance on data-center development, prompting a thorough study to address community concerns about environmental impact and job creation.

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3 months ago

'Hey Bay City' program reports growth in reach, emphasizes tailored job-seeker support Chamber representatives reported metrics and year-end outcomes for the Hey Bay City workforce/placemaking initiative, highlighting targeted marketing, partnerships with SVSU and Michigan Works, and a focus on one-on-one job-seeker support; commissioners asked about student retention numbers and transition plans for the brand.

The Hey Bay City initiative is reshaping workforce development in the Great Lakes Bay region, boasting over 61,000 job views and a commitment to tailored support for job seekers.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment #JobSeekerSupport

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3 months ago

Bay City delays vote on water-affordability resolution, refers measure to staff for review After robust public testimony urging support for statewide water-affordability bills, the Bay City City Commission referred a proposed resolution backing Senate bills 248–256 to staff for further study rather than voting on it tonight; commissioners cited need for vetting of local impacts and potential surcharges.

Bay City is taking a crucial step towards protecting its residents from water shutoffs, but the fight for affordable water is far from over.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #PublicTestimony #WaterAffordability #CitizenPortal #BayCityWater #CivicAccountability

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3 months ago

Bay City says $5 million bonding will not finish lead-service-line work; warns of state cuts to local projects City staff said roughly 3,200 lead service lines remain citywide and that the proposed $5 million bonding would cover about 500 replacements; the city manager also said a separate $1.6 million award tied to local projects may have been reassigned by the state and broader state budget cuts could reduce Bay City’s street funding.

Bay City faces a critical challenge as 3,200 lead service lines remain unreplaced, and proposed budget cuts could halt progress in funding vital infrastructure projects.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #StateBudgetImpacts #InfrastructureFunding #LeadServiceLineReplacement #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Chamber’s 'Hey Bay City' program reports steady job-board traffic, limited direct retention data The Bay Area Chamber’s Hey Bay City initiative reported steady engagement in 2025 — including about 61,000 job views and a year-end balance just over $23,000 — while leaders said direct evidence of long-term retention of students and out-of-market visitors is still limited.

The Hey Bay City program is connecting job seekers with employers like never before, boasting over 61,000 job views and captivating stories that are reshaping the local workforce landscape.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #JobSeekerSupport #BayCityWorkforce #EmployerOutreach

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4 months ago

Bay City housing commission outlines plan to transfer 193 public-housing units to nonprofit, says tenants won’t be displaced The Bay City Housing Commission presented a plan Dec. 1 to move 193 scattered-site public housing units into a nonprofit affiliate to free federal authority and pursue new financing for Columbus Avenue development; presenters said tenants would not be displaced, but commissioners and residents pressed for clarity on long-term deed restrictions and utility costs.

The Bay City Housing Commission is set to transfer 193 public-housing units to a nonprofit, unlocking new funding for affordable housing while ensuring current tenants remain protected.

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4 months ago

Bay City Housing Commission outlines plan to transfer 193 public-housing units to nonprofit, pledges no displacement Bay City Housing Commission told the City Commission it will transfer 193 scattered-site public-housing units to a nonprofit, freeing federal allocation authority and accessing new capital while saying the move will not displace current residents; commissioners pressed staff on deed restrictions, voucher administration and waiting-list impacts.

Bay City is making a game-changing move by transferring 193 public-housing units to a nonprofit, ensuring no displacement for current residents while unlocking new funding opportunities!

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4 months ago

Bay City rejects proposed Flock license‑plate reader contract after lengthy debate and heavy public opposition After competing presentations from the ACLU and Flock Group, hours of commissioner questioning and more than two dozen public commenters urging rejection, the Bay City City Commission voted 2–6 to defeat a two‑year contract to install license‑plate readers; commissioners referred a separate funding reallocation resolution to staff for follow‑up.

Bay City commissioners voted down a controversial contract for automated license-plate readers after fierce public opposition and intense debate on surveillance concerns.

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4 months ago

Bay City Commission rejects Flock license-plate reader contract after ACLU and months of public debate After presentations from the ACLU and vendor Flock and an extended public comment period with dozens of residents raising privacy and oversight concerns, the Bay City City Commission voted 6–2 to reject a two-year contract to deploy automated license-plate readers; commissioners referred a related budget reallocation resolution to staff for follow-up.

Bay City has sparked a heated debate after rejecting a controversial contract for automated license-plate readers, leaving privacy advocates cheering and law enforcement concerned.

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5 months ago

Redstone Architects urges against renovating Bay Citys Station 5; recommends investing in Station 4 or new build A consultant told the Bay City City Commission that Fire Station 5 is in poor-to-critical condition and that renovating it would cost nearly as much as building new. A runtime analysis showed closing Station 5 would modestly reduce structure-fire coverage below NFPA targets, prompting discussion about staffing, PFAS contamination at Station 2 and a

Bay City's Fire Station 5 is facing a crucial decision: should the city invest in a new build or risk safety with costly renovations on a facility deemed structurally obsolete?

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5 months ago

Consultants say Station 5 too small and unsafe to renovate; recommend investing on north side or new build At its Nov. 3 meeting the Bay City City Commission heard a condition and space‑needs analysis for Fire Station 5. Redstone Architects concluded the 1965 station is structurally and operationally deficient, that renovation costs approach new construction, and recommended not renovating Station 5. The firm urged the city to consider renovating/expan­

Bay City's Fire Station 5 may be too costly and unsafe to renovate, prompting a push for a new or expanded facility to better serve the community's emergency needs.

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5 months ago

Parks staff to draft tiered pavilion and event fees; commissioners debate cost recovery and tournament potential Bay City parks staff outlined plans to revise pavilion and special-event fees, consider resident/nonresident tiers and nonprofit waivers, and create an intermediate permit tier for smaller events. Commissioners discussed bathroom fees, deposits, insurance/liquor requirements, and the financial and operational issues around softball fields that are,

Bay City parks staff are revamping pavilion rental fees and special-event permits to make community events more accessible, but will it be enough to boost local engagement?

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CostRecovery #BayCityParks #PublicRecreation #CommunityEvents

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5 months ago

Residents and organizers urge Bay City to back statewide water-affordability measures Several out-of-town and local residents urged the Bay City Commission to support statewide water-affordability legislation and noted that low-income households struggle to keep up with rising water bills; speakers asked the commission to pass a supporting resolution.

Residents are sounding the alarm on rising water bills and crumbling infrastructure, urging the Bay City Commission to take action for affordable water solutions.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #BayCityWaterAffordability #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #AffordableWater #UtilityCosts

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5 months ago

Residents and canvassers press Bay City commission to back statewide water-affordability measures Visiting organizers and canvassers urged the commission to support statewide water-affordability legislation, citing high bills, fixed-income households and aging infrastructure; speakers asked the commission to consider a supporting resolution.

Bay City residents are sounding the alarm over skyrocketing water bills, urging local leaders to champion statewide affordability legislation for struggling families.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #BayCityWaterAffordability #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #AffordableWater

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5 months ago

Commission urges state to regulate kratom after resident and medical testimony; resolution passes 7-1 After public comment and medical testimony about health effects and overdose risk, Bay City commissioners approved a resolution asking the Michigan Legislature to consider age restrictions and regulation of kratom, 7-1.

Bay City commissioners have taken a bold step to tackle the risks of kratom by urging state lawmakers to implement age restrictions and regulations following alarming medical testimony.

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#BayCityBayCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #SubstanceRegulation #PublicHealth #CommunitySafety

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5 months ago

Commission urges state lawmakers to regulate kratom after public health testimony After public testimony from local medical and prevention professionals about addiction and overdose risks, Bay City commissioners passed a resolution calling on the Michigan legislature to enact age and safety restrictions on kratom sales.

Bay City commissioners are sounding the alarm on kratom, urging state lawmakers to impose regulations after alarming testimonies about its addiction risks and health dangers.

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6 months ago

Resident Raises Concerns Over Bay City Bridge Partners' Toll Charge Discrepancies Elderly resident contests $49 toll bill for a single bridge crossing on July 28.

Frustration mounts in Bay City as residents confront shocking toll charges, including a $49 bill for one bridge crossing—what's really going on with Bay City Bridge Partners?

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