Saline Advances Projects, Planning, and Community Initiatives

Infrastructure improvements, community events, and future planning headlined the Saline City Council’s April 6 meeting, where officials approved more than $5.2 million in bills, adopted multiple community resolutions, and advanced several projects affecting parks, utilities and city facilities.

Public Input and Presentation

During public comment, Tyler Kinley, a developer on the Murphy’s Crossing and Uptown Square project, updated council on progress, noting the project recently secured state funding. “We did achieve our funding, so that’s been the major milestone on our end,” Kinley said, adding he wants to “make sure you’re fully informed with where we’re at” and encouraged residents to reach out with questions as the project moves forward.

Changming Fan addressed council regarding the future of the Saline River dam and Mill Pond, framing the issue as broader than a simple keep-or-remove decision. “This debate is not just a matter of keep the mill pond,” Fan said, urging leaders to “go deeper” and consider long-term possibilities, including new approaches that could “create a new history” for the community.

Council received an update on the Davenport-Curtiss House work group, which has focused on organization, early site management and planning since forming. The group has partnered with Eastern Michigan University to guide a strategic process that will include community input through focus groups and surveys. “It’s important that we hear from the people of Saline about what they want to do with the house,” said Rebecca Schneider, chairperson of the Davenport-Curtiss Working Group.

In the meantime, members have addressed maintenance and security needs, begun public communication efforts, and are planning a July 18 “Jazz in the Park” event as a test use of the site.

Consent Agenda

Council approved a wide-ranging consent agenda that included routine and policy items:

• Payment of $5,213,339.70 in bills across 168 payees
• Renewal of 2026 liquor licenses for local businesses, including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues across the city
• Proclamation of April 24 as Arbor Day and April 19–25 as Library Week
• Appointment of Brandon McNiel as staff liaison to the Environmental Commission

Additional approvals included extending the Washtenaw County Metro Dispatch agreement through June 2027, renewing the city’s Cisco service contract, and authorizing a traffic control order for an upcoming Salt Springs Brewery event.

The brewery event, scheduled for April 24, is described in application materials as a private Emerson School fundraiser running from afternoon into late evening at 117 S. Ann Arbor Street, with valet service and an estimated attendance of about 100 people.

Council also acknowledged receipt of an assessment of the ROMP playground at Mill Pond Park. The long-standing, community-built structure is aging and may require significant rehabilitation or replacement.

Unfinished Business

Council approved a $70,001 contract with Comprehensive Contracting LLC for sewer reconstruction work at City Hall, tied to a grinder pump project.

New Business

Several proclamations and policy actions were approved:

• Day of (No) Silence (April 10): A measure encouraging open dialogue and engagement around inclusion and awareness, rather than silence
• Earth Day (April 22): Annual environmental recognition
• Davenport-Curtiss House bylaws: Updated to clarify council oversight, including authority over member removal and grant approvals

Council also approved a $37,555 proposal from Midwest Power to replace air relief valves on iron filters at the city’s water treatment plant, part of ongoing system maintenance.

Planning and Financial

Council adopted the city’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 following a closed session. The plan outlines long-term infrastructure and investment priorities.

In another financial action, council approved an $8,730.52 sewer credit adjustment for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Woodland Drive.

Closing Actions

Council members provided updates from various boards and commissions. Council entered a closed session to review a legal opinion protected under attorney-client privilege, then returned to open session before approving the capital improvement plan.