Meeting Notes from the October 27 Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Meeting Packet: https://boards.miottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/10272026-BOC-Agenda-Packet-2.pdf
Meeting Video: [Add link]
Enterprise Survey Platform: The Board approved a five-year contract with SurveyMonkey for survey platform services at a cost not to exceed $265,000. The agreement replaces the County’s Qualtrics platform and includes implementation and migration services.
Environmental Sustainability Centers: The Board approved a contract with Resource Recycling Systems for a strategic needs assessment of the County’s Environmental Sustainability Center network at a total cost of $100,000.
Copier Service and Maintenance: The Board approved a contract with Copy-Tech Integrated Office Solutions for service and maintenance of the County’s active Toshiba multifunction printers at an estimated cost of $140,000.
Agricultural Conservation Easement – Mobil Crest: The Board approved a purchase agreement with Mobil Crest LLC for the development rights to approximately 25 acres of farmland in Jamestown Township.
Agricultural Conservation Easement – Dietrich: The Board approved a purchase agreement with Ryan Dietrich for the development rights to approximately 90 acres of farmland in Chester Township.
Agricultural Conservation Easement – Rolfe: The Board approved a purchase agreement with Josh and Laura Rolfe for the development rights to 77.04 acres of farmland in Polkton Township.
Agricultural Conservation Easement – Creager: The Board approved a purchase agreement with Joel Creager and Melissa Hogan-Creager for the development rights to approximately 36 acres of farmland in Chester Township.
Designated Assessor: The Board approved the interlocal agreement establishing Ottawa County’s designated assessor arrangement beginning January 1, 2027.
Apportionment Report: The Board approved the 2026 Ottawa County Apportionment Report.
MSU Extension: The Board approved the agreement with Michigan State University for Extension Services for Fiscal Year 2027 at a total cost of $297,847.
Sheriff’s Office Cadet Positions: The Board approved three additional part-time, limited-benefited Cadet positions and transferred $58,658 from General Fund contingency to the Sheriff’s Office. The additional positions will provide administrative support, assist with recruitment, and support reopening the public counter on Fridays.
Community Mental Health Authority Support Services: The Board approved the County Support Services Agreement with the Community Mental Health Authority, including Human Resources, Fiscal Services, Information Technology, Facilities and Maintenance, and building leases. CMH will reimburse the County for the services provided.
Medical Examiner Cremation Permit Fee: The Board approved increasing the Medical Examiner’s Office cremation permit fee from $50 to $70, effective November 1, 2026.
Budget Adjustments: The Board approved the budget adjustments as presented below:
Idema Explorers Trail – Bass River Segment: The Board approved the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Development Project Agreement and resolution for Phase 2 of the Bass River Segment. The Board also approved an additional $248,126 in project revenue and matching expenditures, bringing the total project budget to $1,283,126.
Idema Explorers Trail – Allendale Segment: The Board approved an easement agreement with Philip and Diane Forner to facilitate construction of the Allendale Segment and authorized the Parks Director to take the actions necessary to implement the agreement.
Facilities Use Policy: The Board approved the revised Facilities Use Policy for a first reading.
Post-Execution Contract Ratification: The Board voted to ratify the above contracts on the Ratification Report pursuant to the County’s Contracting policy.
Reemployment of Retirees: The Board voted to approve the revised Reemployment of Retirees Policy for a second reading.
Silver Maple Solar Project Intervention Petition: The Board voted to authorize the County Administrator to file a Petition to Intervene with the Michigan Public Services Commission by the November 23, 2026, deadline.
I voted no on the motion because I don't believe it's the County's role to insert itself into what I see as fundamentally a matter of private landowners deciding how to use their property, subject to the requirements and provisions of PA 233, without a clear and compelling reason to do so.
Silver Maple Solar Project Intervention Legal Counsel: The Board voted to authorize the County Administrator to develop the County's position and testimony and to identify and engage legal counsel for intervention with the Michigan Public Services Commission on the Silver Maple Solar siting project.
I also voted no on this motion because I have deep concerns about authorizing administration to develop the County's position on behalf of the Board. Frankly, we should know why we're intervening before we actually intervene. Deciding to intervene before we even have a position, and then having the administrator develop that position for us, seems to turn the entire process upside down.
Silver Maple Solar Project Intervention Funding: The Board voted to authorize the use of $50,000 in funding supplied by RWE Americas in connection with the Silver Maple Solar siting project to cover costs associated with participation in the contested case.
I voted yes on this motion, even as I recognize that the $50,000 may have to be returned to RWE and that the amount itself may not be sufficient. I was heartened by the clarification that the Board will need to authorize any additional County funding in regards to intervention.
