Walker commission appoints First Ward commissioner, approves easement notice and DDA assessment
January 27, 2026 | Walker, Kent County, Michigan
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The Walker City Commission on Monday appointed Mike Bertie to fill the First Ward vacancy and approved several consent and resolution items, including an intent-to-vacate notice for a drainage easement and the DDA s annual special assessment.
After interviewing four candidates in recent public meetings, commissioners discussed the finalists and several members said Mike Bertie was the preferred choice. A motion to appoint Mike Bertie as First Ward city commissioner was made and supported; the commission voted in favor with ayes recorded and welcomed Bertie to the dais.
The commission also considered a staff presentation on a traffic-control order related to a westbound-to-north movement that, according to the city s MDOT Local Agency Program engineer, cannot safely accommodate a 53-foot truck. Scott, the director of public services, said one business is affected and has been consulted; staff recommended appropriate signing to prevent unsafe truck movements. The consent agenda, which included expenditures and the TCO, passed on a motion and voice vote.
Scott also briefed the commission on Resolution 26-787, a resolution of intent to vacate a drainage easement within the old Walker View Industrial Park. Scott said Egypt Creek Properties owned four parcels where 2024 construction activity had moved storm sewer lines, altered drainage patterns and changed rim elevations; staff and city attorneys advised proceeding through the charter-required public process. The clerk verified a public hearing on the easement vacation will be held March 9.
On Resolution 26-788, Daryl summarized the DDA s recommendation to assess the full frontage/maintenance charge this year for properties across from Meijer (those properties were charged 50% last year while development completed). The commission approved the assessment resolution, which funds streetscape maintenance including snow plowing, lighting and irrigation.
Other items included a police badge pinning and promotions and brief commissioner comments praising DPW and public safety staff. The meeting adjourned after closing remarks.
Votes at a glance
- Excused absence (Commissioner Groders): motion made and supported; voice vote approved.
- Approval of minutes (Jan. 12, 2026): motion made and voice vote approved.
- Consent agenda (expenditures; traffic control order 290): motion and voice vote approved.
- Resolution 26-787 (intent to vacate drainage easement): motion to place on public-notice schedule; vote approved; public hearing set for March 9.
- Resolution 26-788 (DDA special assessment): motion and vote approved.
- Appointment of First Ward commissioner (Mike Bertie): motion made and supported; vote approved.
The commission said details and schedules for public interviews and hearings will be posted publicly.
After interviewing four candidates in recent public meetings, commissioners discussed the finalists and several members said Mike Bertie was the preferred choice. A motion to appoint Mike Bertie as First Ward city commissioner was made and supported; the commission voted in favor with ayes recorded and welcomed Bertie to the dais.
The commission also considered a staff presentation on a traffic-control order related to a westbound-to-north movement that, according to the city s MDOT Local Agency Program engineer, cannot safely accommodate a 53-foot truck. Scott, the director of public services, said one business is affected and has been consulted; staff recommended appropriate signing to prevent unsafe truck movements. The consent agenda, which included expenditures and the TCO, passed on a motion and voice vote.
Scott also briefed the commission on Resolution 26-787, a resolution of intent to vacate a drainage easement within the old Walker View Industrial Park. Scott said Egypt Creek Properties owned four parcels where 2024 construction activity had moved storm sewer lines, altered drainage patterns and changed rim elevations; staff and city attorneys advised proceeding through the charter-required public process. The clerk verified a public hearing on the easement vacation will be held March 9.
On Resolution 26-788, Daryl summarized the DDA s recommendation to assess the full frontage/maintenance charge this year for properties across from Meijer (those properties were charged 50% last year while development completed). The commission approved the assessment resolution, which funds streetscape maintenance including snow plowing, lighting and irrigation.
Other items included a police badge pinning and promotions and brief commissioner comments praising DPW and public safety staff. The meeting adjourned after closing remarks.
Votes at a glance
- Excused absence (Commissioner Groders): motion made and supported; voice vote approved.
- Approval of minutes (Jan. 12, 2026): motion made and voice vote approved.
- Consent agenda (expenditures; traffic control order 290): motion and voice vote approved.
- Resolution 26-787 (intent to vacate drainage easement): motion to place on public-notice schedule; vote approved; public hearing set for March 9.
- Resolution 26-788 (DDA special assessment): motion and vote approved.
- Appointment of First Ward commissioner (Mike Bertie): motion made and supported; vote approved.
The commission said details and schedules for public interviews and hearings will be posted publicly.
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