The first action item of the Planning and Policy Committee was to go into closed session to consider the Purchase Agreement and the License and Reclamation Agreement between the County of Ottawa and Grand Rapids Gravel Company.

The request is to increase the budget by $1,179,407.36 to fully fund the purchase, reclamation activities, and initial site improvements for the Bend Area Open Space.

• The agreement would expand the existing Bend Area Open Space, which is currently 450 acres, by another 184 acres.

• The space would include open water and developable land.

• The acquisition would incorporate reclamation activities that Grand Rapids Gravel will have 150 days to complete after the closing.

• Funding would be derived from the Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.

• Ninety days after the August closing, a portion of the property would be open. The reclamation activities would take until spring.

• Dedication of the property would happen next spring.

Commissioners Jim Barry, Jordan Jorritsma, Douglas Zylstra, Jacob Bonnema, Kendra Wenzel, John Teeples, Sylvia Rhodea, Philip Kuyers, and Allison Miedema.

Absent: Commissioners Joe Moss and Josh Brugger

Administrative Health Office Adeline Hambley reported on actions the Health Department is taking to promote summer safety.

• Over the 4th of July weekend, there were approximately 10 drowning deaths in Michigan. Check the Health Department’s Facebook page for information on water safety and rip currents.

• The Health Department is conducting beach water sampling each week to test for water quality. Results will be posted on the website.

• With the Grand Haven dredging currently happening, there is a risk for increased bacteria in the water—as was seen last year when the water was stirred. The Health Department is working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to sample and monitor the water during the dredging. Beach goers should be advised: If the water looks murky with suspended sediment, it might not be a good day to swim.

• The Health Department is sampling for mosquitos and ticks. There has been a positive result for West Nile Virus and for Jamestown Canyon Virus. Check the department website for information on bite prevention.

Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush presented the 2024 Annual Water Resources Report. (page 110)

OCCAA Director Jennifer Browzoski presented the Community Action Agency 2023 Annual Report. (page 152)

July 8, 2025 Ottawa County Planning & Policy Committee meeting.

Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Planning & Policy Committee
July 8, 2025

Ottawa County Administration Building
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460