Midland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in City of Midland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Agricultural zoning petitions in floodway and west-end areas
Two rare agricultural rezoning requests came before council: one to let a retiring owner develop wildlife habitat on 26 acres near Prairie Creek Drive, and one letting a riverfront owner keep 4-H livestock despite floodway restrictions. Both passed 5-0 as consistent with the master plan.
The Dean Apartments facility tour
The Planning Commission took a firsthand look at The Dean Apartments, touring four rental units and the community room. Site visits like this usually inform future housing or land-use decisions coming before the commission.
Police Department fee increases
Several police service fees would climb under the proposed ordinance — notary service jumps from $2 to $10, breath tests from $5 to $10, and fingerprinting from $10 to $15. Final vote September 28.
New auto repair garage on S. Saginaw Road
Zaremba Group got approval for a 6,607-square-foot auto repair garage, bringing a new commercial service business to the S. Saginaw corridor.
Fall ordinance update schedule
Parking ordinance changes are coming in September and sign ordinance changes in October or November — worth watching if you own property or a business downtown.
Midland Daily News brownfield plan cancelled
The 2020 brownfield redevelopment plan for the old Daily News building was scrapped at the developer's request, ending the associated redevelopment incentives.
Landfill wheel loader replacement
Landfill wheel loader #6-33 suffered a punctured oil pan and $64,924.41 in engine damage that isn't worth repairing, so a $345,000 budget amendment hearing was set for July 27 to buy a replacement.
City Manager and City Attorney compensation
Both top appointed officials got 3% cost-of-living raises after their performance reviews, per their contracts. Not a new salary negotiation — just the annual contractual bump.
2026 School Tax Collection
The city will collect 2026 property taxes for six school entities, keeping collection fees and admin costs as revenue.
Barstow Airport fuel island
The airport's jet fuel tank will be replaced by K&W Equipment Co. for $76,950, using ARPA funds the council set aside in 2024.
Liquor license violation — Pi's Chinese Restaurant
One licensee was found delinquent on property taxes; unless the debt is paid before April 13, Pi's Chinese Restaurant faces a show-cause hearing on revoking its liquor license.
Downtown social district expansion
Rimamo, LLC at 101 E. Main Street was recommended for a state social district permit, letting patrons carry open alcohol in the designated downtown commons area.
2026 Recreation Fee Changes
Ordinance No. 1926 resets what residents pay for leagues, shelters, ski rentals, garden plots and more across city parks in 2026.
New downtown-area Japanese steakhouse
A-1 Hibachi Japanese Steak House cleared the first hurdle toward serving alcohol at 2006 N. Saginaw Road with the council's recommendation.
Plymouth Pool starting blocks
New competitive swimming starting blocks are coming to Plymouth Pool thanks to a Dolphins Swim Club donation and a $49,639 installation contract.
Street renaming for address consistency
Segments of St. Charles Street, Whitman Drive, and Atwell Street were renamed — mostly to Pine River Road — to simplify addresses in that corridor.
Transportation Asset Management Plan update
The state-mandated roadmap of the city's 100-plus miles of roadways was accepted for submission — shaping how road maintenance dollars get prioritized.