Organizational Meeting 1-3-23
Meeting Notes from the January 3rd, 2023 Organizational Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.
Meeting Packet: https://www.miottawa.org/Calendar/viewDoc.do?docId=Calendar/Meetings/2022/12/1672423800858-packet.PDF
Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP-MNiaVNn4
Commissioner Comments: I was extremely disappointed in the events of today’s meeting, both in what happened and the manner in which it happened. The firing of Counsel Doug van Essen, Administrator Shay, DEI Director Afrik, as well as the demotion and evential removal of Director Hambley will have long lasting repurcussions here in Ottawa County as well as the improvised, non-transparent manner in which these items were handled.
I appreciate those who have reached out to similarly express their disappointment, and would like to offer them the encouragement that many Ottawa County residents share that disappointment.
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Election of Chair and Vice Chair: The Board elected Joe Moss and Sylvia Rhodea for Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively. I nominated and voted for Roger Bergman for Chair, and voted for myself for Vice-Chair, who nominated for me for Vice Chair
Standing Committee Assignments: I was appointed to the following committees for the following year:
- Finance Committee
- Talent and Recruitment
- Planning and Policy Committee
- Health and Human Services
- Rules Committee
- Parks and Recreation
- Holland SmartZone
- Veteran’s Affairs
2022 Rules of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: The Board approved, by a 9 to 2 vote, the proposed 2023 Rules for the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. While I appreciated some of the changes to the rules for this term, I voted no on the measure, principally because under Rule 3.1 regarding Powers and Duties, I believe that our language regarding the power to terminate the local Health Officer to not be in agreement with state law as seen in MCL 46.11(n), which states that the Board may remove an Officer if that individual is incompetent, guilty of official misconduct, or shows habitual or willful neglect of duty. These caveats are important, and should be part of our language around the issue of removal of Officers. There were various attempts (HB 5355 2021, HB 5711 2022) over the last few years to change this language at the state level so that a simple Board majority vote, without conditions, would be sufficient to remove a Health Officer. Neither of these two bills passed, and state law continues to posit that various conditions must be met before a Board majority can legally remove a Health Officer.
Appointment of Kallman Legal Group as interim Corporate Counsel: The Board voted to approve the appointment of Kallman Legal Group as interim Corporate Counsel to the Board. Kallman Legal Group is a Lansing-based entity who will travel to Ottawa County to fulfill their role as Counsel. Their billing rate will be $225 per hour. Current Counsel Doug Van Essen will stay on staff through the end of February to help with the transition.
I voted no because I do not believe we have suitable information regarding their services, as well as cost and logistical concerns with having them serve as Corporate Counsel.
Removal of current Admistrator Shay and replacement with John Gibbs: The Board voted to remove to remove current Admistrator Shay and replace him with John Gibbs on a three year basis.
I voted against the motion becasue I believe that John Shay had done an excellent job as Administrator who has shown dedication and integrity over the his time Ottawa County.
New County Vision Statement: The Board voted to change the current county vision statremnt from “Where You Belong” to “Where Freedom Rings”.
I voted against the motion because I believe the “Where You Belong” is a meaningful slogan which encapsulates well the idea of service, equity and unity that we have always striven for as Ottawa County government.
Dissolution of DEI Department: The Board voted to dissolve the DEI Department and terminate the employment of all employees in that department effective immediately.
I voted no on the measure because I believe that DEI Department was effective at beginning the work of addressing implicit bias in our County government and community, as well as serving as a strong partner with local governments in their own equity and diversity efforts.
Demotion of current Health Officer Adeline Hambley and eventual potential replacement with Nathanial Kelly: The Board voted to demote current Health Officer Adeline Hambley and replace her with Nathanial Kelly at such time as he is approved by MDHHS as credentialed Health Officer.
I voted no on the measure becasue I believe that Officer Hambley has started her term well, and there has been no report of misconduct, which is required by state law in order for a Health Officer to be removed.
