HIGHLIGHTS + OTTAWA COUNTY
Meeting highlights—Public hearing, Recovery Court, Life Saving Awards, and permanent administrator hiring
Published September 11, 2024
Written by Adams
Photography by Simply American
Tuesday, September 10, 2024, was a busy day at the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting. A celebratory resolution, awards, and a public hearing for the budget with no concerns from the public made for a positive day.
Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Regular Session
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Fiscal Year 2025 Ottawa County Budget Public Hearing
• Commissioner Gretchen Cosby made a motion at 9:52am to open public comment for the public hearing for the budget
• No public comment was made
• Commissioner Kendra Wenzel made a motion at 9:53am to close the public hearing for the budget
The public hearing allows an opportunity for the public to share their thoughts or concerns about the upcoming county budget.
Ottawa County Recovery Court Resolution
Summary of Request:
“The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners recognizes and congratulates the Ottawa County Recovery Court and Judge Feyen for 20 years of work changing lives of those addicted to drugs and alcohol and making our community safer.”
Commissioner Sylvia Rhodea read the resolution.
Ottawa County Recovery Court Resolution:
WHEREAS, the County of Ottawa recognizes the importance of the work of the 20th Circuit Court’s Recovery Court program; and,
WHEREAS, the Ottawa County Recovery Court is a voluntary, intensive probation program that accepts defendants who are residents of Ottawa County and are convicted of non-violent drug/alcohol related felonies; and,
WHEREAS, the Ottawa County Recovery Court has the laudable mission of promoting recovery from addiction to alcohol and drugs and to reduce criminal activity by changing behaviors; and,
WHEREAS, the Recovery Court program began in January of 2004 and this year celebrates its 20th year of operation; and,
WHEREAS, the Honorable Mark A. Feyen has presided over the Ottawa County Recovery Court since its inception; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners does hereby recognize and congratulate the Ottawa County Recovery Court and Judge Feyen for 20 years of work changing lives of those addicted to drugs and alcohol and making our community safer; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with this Resolution are hereby repealed.
The Resolution passed 9–0, with Commissioners Roger Bergman and Chris Kleinjans absent.
Employee Awards
The Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Steve Kempker presented multiple awards to several Ottawa County deputies.
• Nine Ottawa County deputies received the Life Saving Award
• One Ottawa County deputy received the Distinguished Law Enforcement Service Award
These deputies are to be applauded. Here at Simply American we are truly thankful for Ottawa County deputies and the work they do daily.
Chairman’s Update
• Interim Jon Anderson is planning to return to the job that he had previously
• Anderson made his intentions known last week
• Conversations are being held to possibly have Anderson stay on a little longer through the transition process
• “Regarding the process, we want to make sure we are leveraging best practices,” explained Chairman Joe Moss
Additionally, Moss said he is “very thankful for seeing the Life Saving Awards and hearing about the Recovery Court.”
“These are people in Ottawa County who are serving individuals and promoting life and protecting our citizens.” —Chairman Joe Moss
No concerns or comments about the budget and a celebratory day for the Recovery Court and sheriff’s deputies made for a positive day for the Board of Commissioners.
Meeting
Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Regular Session
September 10, 2024
Location
Ottawa County Administration Building
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460