Portage · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Portage public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Election of Mayor Pro Tempore
The council was scheduled to choose its Mayor Pro Tempore, who presides in the mayor's absence. It's an internal leadership decision but shapes who holds the gavel when the mayor is away.
Proposed City Charter amendment on ballot in November
A petition group, Community Action Michigan, gathered signatures to put a citizen health action committee amendment on Portage's November ballot. Councilmember Miller said she can't support it because health care isn't a city function and the language was written without local input.
Blind-corner left turn at W. ON Avenue and 12th Street
A resident asked whether a three-way stop could ease a nerve-wracking blind-hill turn; the mayor noted the road is a county road and the county resists new three-way stops.
E-bikes and e-scooters on city trails
A parent described near-misses with fast e-bikes on blind-corner trails and asked the city to consider rules like Dearborn's restrictions on motorized devices in public spaces.
Accessory building size limits on large lots
Portage caps accessory building space based on house size, and attached garages count toward that cap — which forces many homeowners into a public hearing for extra sheds or outbuildings. Commissioners flagged this as a rule worth revisiting, possibly via a lot-coverage approach in the upcoming zoning rewrite.
Purchasing ordinance revision
The city is updating its purchasing and sales rules; the amendment got first reading Tuesday, with final adoption expected July 21.
Fire suppression and ammunition storage safety
A neighbor asked whether the old school's fire suppression system is still active, given gunpowder and ammunition on-site. Staff agreed to confirm with the fire department.
National Gun Violence Awareness Day
The council proclaimed June 5, 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Day, read by high school students from Students Demand Action who described walkouts and advocacy in Lansing.
New flights at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
United returns next month with up to four daily flights; Delta adds a fourth daily flight in June, improving connections out of the regional airport.
Fire therapy dog Flora
Portage's fire division sworn in Flora, a therapy dog for post-incident stress debriefings — funded entirely by the Portage Public Safety Foundation, not taxpayers.
Lakeview Park state award
Lakeview Park won the American Public Works Association's state Project of the Year award for projects between $1 million and $5 million, with more improvements planned over five years.
Leadership transition at Public Works
Jereme Rowland, a 25-year city employee who started as a laborer, was unanimously confirmed as Public Works director, succeeding retiring 16-year director Rod Russell.
2026 Board and Commission Appointments
The council filled seats on the Board of Review, Historic District Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Environmental Board after afternoon interviews, with two Environmental Board openings remaining.