Meeting Notes 6-23-26
Meeting Notes from the June 23 Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Meeting Packet: https://boards.miottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/06232026-BOC-Agenda-Packet1-1.pdf
Meeting Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOOhl9BNdgo
ONN Tweet:
Sentinel Meeting Roundup:
Settlement Agreement with Scott Hawkes: The Board voted to approve a Settlement Agreement with Scott Hawkes in the amount of $40,802.32 in relation to his voluntary separation with Ottawa County.
I believe in treating our employees with dignity and generosity, on-going and outgoing employees alike; however I also think that we need to treat our employees with even-handedness and fairness and unless outgoing severance is going to be a standard process for all our departing employees, I don’t think believe an agreement of this nature is a precedent that we should be setting.
Idema Explorers Trail Allendale Segment: The Board approved the easement agreement for the Stam Property in Allendale Township in the amount of $2,100.00 and to authorize the Parks Director to take all actions necessary to implement the intent of the Commission in this matter.
Motion to have Health Department follow the 2023 Resolution on Vaccine Waivers: The Board voted 10-1 to have the Ottawa County Health Departement follow the 2023 Resolution on Childhood Vaccine Waivers for School and Childcare.
I voted no on the original 2023 Resolution because I felt was not a balanced presentation of the issues offered around waivers and felt that any motion to follow what I felt to be an incomplete Resolution not to be in the best interest of Ottawa County residents.
Upper Macatawa Natural Area Restrooms: The Board approved the contract with Midwest Construction Group for the construction of a restroom building at the Upper Macatawa Natural Area at a total cost of $681,500 and to appropriate revenue and matching expense of $20,000 to the capital project from the Capital Fund balance for FY26.
Salary and Wage Continuation Policy: The Board approved the revised Salary and Wage Continuation Policy for a first and second reading.
Personnel Requisition Policy: The Board approved the newly drafted Personnel Requisition Policy for a first and second reading.
Housing Advisory Board: The Board approved the Resolution to disband the Ottawa County Housing Commission and create the Ottawa County Housing Advisory Board with originating bylaws.
I'm pleased that the Resolution to Expand the Housing Advisory Board passed unanimously today. Housing Opportunity is one of Ottawa County's most pressing challenges, and the Housing Advisory Board will be well structured to make a real difference — connecting developers, local governments, lenders, and community partners around practical solutions. I look forward to getting to work and seeing what this board can accomplish.
Solid Waste Financing Ordinance: The Board approved the Resolution adopting the Ottawa County Solid Waste Financing Ordinance.
While I believe that there are open questions regarding the ordinance, I believe the County has a legitimate need for a sustainable funding mechanism and that we have real long-term obligations associated with our landfill and materials management responsibilities, and I am persuaded that the current funding structure does not adequately reflect those costs and that this ordinance is warranted on that basis.
Natural Gas Supply: The Bopard approved the Master Retail Natural Gas Supply Agreement with Constellation Energy for the supply of natural gas to Ottawa County facilities.
FY2027 Corrections Plan: The Board approved the Resolution approving FY2027 Michigan Department of Corrections Plan and Application.
Finkler Farmland Conservation Easement: The Board approved an option agreement with Dennis W. Finkler for the development rights to 40.25 acres of farmland in Chester Township at a cost of $250,000 covered by a donation, grant funding, and privately raised funds.
Parks On-Call Pay: The Board approved the request for the Parks and Recreation Department to implement On Call Pay for the Guest Services Supervisor and the Reservation Specialists.
Jail & Prosecutor Interlocal Agreements: The Board approved the 10-year Interlocal Agreement between Ottawa County, Allegan County, and the City of Holland for jail transport and housing of Allegan residents arrested in the City of Holland, as well as terminating the Interlocal Agreement between Ottawa and Allegan counties for shared prosecutor services.
Sheriff’s Office Personnel Request: The Board approved the request from the Sheriff's Office to add 1.0 FTE deputy to be assigned to Holland Charter Township.
Budget Adjustments: The Board approved the FY2026 budget adjustments per the attached schedule.
Post-Execution Contract Ratification: The Board approved the Ratification Report pursuant to the County’s Contracting policy.
Debt Management Policy: The Board approved the revised Debt Management Policy for a second reading.
Legal Services Policy: The Board approved the revised Legal Services Policy for a second reading.
Tuition Reimbursement Policy: The Board approved the revised Tuition Reimbursement Policy for a second reading.
Strategic Plan: The Board approved the Resolution adopting the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan.
I was pleased that my motion to include the goal of working towards noticing and livestreaming all Boards, Commissions, and Committees was approved on will be in the Strategic Plan.
