With the absence of Committee Chair Jacob Bonnema, Vice Chair John Teeples began the meeting by welcoming Brian Dissette, the new Deputy County Administrator who comes to Ottawa County from his previous role as the Administrator for Berrien County.

Also absent from the meeting was Commissioner Phil Kuyers. The remaining committee members: Commissioners Jim Barry, Jordan Jorritsma, Doug Zylstra, John Teeples, and Sylvia Rhodea voted unanimously to approve and forward to the Board of Commissioners the following Action Requests:

• To approve the Statement of Review.

• To approve a 2-year contract to continue services with Pine Rest for the Employee Assistance Program.

• To approve Consumers Energy’s 2026 Work Together Agreement grant for $246,000 in emergency utility assistance. If approved by the Board of Commissioners, Consumers Energy customers will be able to call 211 or MDHHS for assistance in paying their utilities.

• To approve the general claims for the month of January 2026.

• To approve the 2027 Budget Calendar.

• To approve the FY2026 Budget Adjustments.

County Treasurer Cheryl Clark shared her monthly Finance update which focused on the County’s investments. Currently the Mutual Fund Money Market is where the County is getting the best rates.

February 10, 2026 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Finance & Administration Committee meeting.

• County Administrator Patrick Waterman introduced the request, saying the need stemmed from the damages that derived out of the Holiday Hills flooding.

• Parks & Recreation Director Jason Shamblin explained that the $180,000 in funding for the project is already “in hand” from the Drain District and the Insurance Authority. Back in 2020 and 2021 the Parks Commission issued an emergency dewatering authorization under an emergency license which resulted in damages that were documented. The funding will allow for restoration and ecological improvements to be addressed.

• Commissioner Allison Miedema asked if the delay for the request came from the Insurance Authority having to work through everything to obtain the funding.

• Shamblin responded that after getting the license, it took two years to assess and determine the impact to the ecology and then work with the Drain District to submit the insurance request.

Those voting to approve the project request and forward it to the Board: Commissioners John Teeples, Allison Miedema, Jordan Jorritsma, and Jim Barry.

Commissioners Jacob Bonnema, Kendra Wenzel, and Philip Kuyers were absent.

• Shamblin shared that the location was platted in 1886 and then accepted by the County in the 1950s/60s. The right-of-way in question is an unimproved (paper) right-of-way. The County has retained responsibility and has titled these properties. However, some of the cottages in that area do not have vehicular access to their sites. Working with the West Michigan Parks Association and the homeowners, the accommodation for resident parking was settled in the early 2000s. The residents are asking that the parking authority to use the right-of-way be formalized.

• Having worked with the West Michigan Park Association and Corporation Counsel, Shamblin would like authorization to offer a nonexclusive license that is revocable.

Those voting to approve to forward the license agreement to the Board: Commissioners John Teeples, Allison Miedema, Jordan Jorritsma, and Jim Barry.

Commissioners Jacob Bonnema, Kendra Wenzel, and Philip Kuyers were absent.

• The Walk for Warmth event will be next Friday, February 20, at 5:30 pm at EV Construction in Holland. Visit the website for more information, to register, and to volunteer. There will be face painting, balloons, food, and a silent auction.

• All of the grants for CAA have been approved—meaning, CAA has access to all the intended FY26 funds.

• The Weatherization Program was paused while CAA was waiting on funding approval and because one of the inspectors retired. Now CAA is trying to catch back up to get to the weatherization goal for the year. Also, there currently are openings for contractual energy auditors and quality inspectors. Contact the agency for more information.

• Home Energy 101 volunteers are needed to visit Holland BPW homes and provide education on how to low utility costs. More information is available on the website.

February 10, 2026 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Planning & Policy Committee meeting.

Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Finance & Administration and Planning & Policy Committees
February 10, 2026

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