Meeting Notes 11-22-22
Meeting Notes from the November 22 Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.
Meeting Packet: https://www.miottawa.org/Departments/BOC/pdf/2022/Agendas/BOCPacket_112222_updated.pdf
Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8ONd1KqeXs
Sentinel Roundup: https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/politics/county/2022/11/24/ottawa-county-approves-33-5-million-in-arpa-funds-for-24-projects/69669267007/
Development Rights Option Agreement for Mark Jongekrijg: The Board approved a Conservation Easement Option Agreement with Mark Jongekrijg in the amount of $700,000 for+/- 94 acres located in Zeeland Township.
Resolution of Support for the establishment of two separate Commercial Rehabilitation Districts (PA 210 of 2005) in the City of Hudsonville: The Board approved the Resolution of Support for the establishment of two separate Commercial Rehabilitation Districts in the City of Hudsonville
Summary:
The City of Hudsonville is asking for Ottawa County’s upcoming support for the establishment of two, separate Commercial Rehabilitation Districts (CRD) in the City of Hudsonville, as allowed under PA 210 of 2005. At a special meeting on October 25, 2022, the Hudsonville City Commission voted to schedule public hearings on November 15, 2022 to establish two new CRDs. Assuming the Hudsonville City Commission adopts resolutions to establish the districts on the 15th, notice of such will be sent to the County. The City is asking for a resolution of support from the County.
The establishment of the two CRDs is necessary in order to make possible the purchase and redevelopment of two city-owned properties located in the heart of the city’s downtown Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district. Both projects will be mixed-use developments that will add much-needed rental housing and retail space in our downtown. Without the local contribution of a multi-year tax abatement, these developments would not be eligible for outside MEDC funding, and neither would be financially viable.
Apex Contractors Ottawa Sands Phase 1 Construction: The Board approved the Agreement with Apex Contractors for the Ottawa Sands Phase 1 Construction for a total contract amount of $3,539,000.
Summary:
Ottawa County Parks has been developing plans for the first phase of improvements at Ottawa Sands in accordance with grant funds provided to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Bids were received in early October for elements of this project. In order to proceed with the construction, millage funds allocated for Bend Area Phase I and the Sheldon Landing projects will need to be removed from the CIP.
Ottawa Sands Kayak Launch CZM Grant Application: The Board approved the Resolution approving the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program grant application in the amount of $100,000 to assist with the construction of a universally accessible kayak launch at Ottawa Sands County Park.
Summary:
Ottawa County Parks is seeking funding for several improvements to Ottawa Sands County Park as defined in the Ottawa Sands Park Master Plan. One key element of this effort is the installation of a universally accessible kayak launch on the Grand River which would provide needed water access in this location for the Grand River Heritage Water Trail, the Lake Michigan Water Trail, and general access to the waterways of the Tri-Cities Area. The project includes a floating launch dock, walkways, parking, and miscellaneous amenities estimated to cost $200,000. The grant would fund $100,000 (50%) of the total cost.
Establish Parks Capital Project: Ottawa Sands Wetland Restoration: The Board approved an amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan by adding Ottawa Sands phase I - Wetland Restoration.
Summary:
As part of the Ottawa Sands Master Plan, significant wetland restoration and creation projects were recommended to enhance the site’s ecology and aesthetics, which had been degraded as a result of previous mining and sand extraction activity. This project will implement the first phase of these restorations. A wetland assessment, completed as part of the Master Plan, prioritized the order of wetland restoration/creation by ecological impact, with shoreline enhancement for the manmade lake as the highest priority since there is minimal natural habitat, and this feature is key within the region. Although the shoreline is aesthetically attractive, it is currently an overall poor habitat for wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and fish.
The project is funded by a Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) grant obtained by Audubon Great Lakes and made available to Ottawa County Parks through a subaward agreement. Ottawa County Parks contribution to the required grant match is through in-kind labor, Stearns Creek north acquisition (already complete) and a MI DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant (to be awarded) but no cash is required.
Development Rights Option Agreement for Lyle and Donna Veldheer: The Board approved a Conservation Easement Option Agreement with Lyle and Donna Veldheer in the amount of $198,000 for+/- 38 acres located in Olive Township.
Brownfield Plan Amendment for Jamestown Industrial: The Board approved a Brownfield Plan Amendment for the Jamestown Industrial LLC Project located in Jamestown Township.
Health Management Plan Renewal: The Board approved the Health Management Plan Renewal at a total cost of $175,000. Ottawa County contracts with Priority Health on an annual basis for the Health Management Plan. Contract dates for the Health Management Plan runs from January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023.
Communications Tower Lease and Memorandum Lease Agreements: The Board approved the Lease Agreement and Memorandum of Lease Agreement with DISH Wireless LLC to install their wireless broadband equipment on the County’s Johnson Street/Robinson Township Communications Tower. DISH Wireless LLC has agreed to lease tower space from the County at a rate of $2,100 per month for a minimum of five (5) years, with automatic renewal for at least an additional five (5) years. Rent increasing by 3% upon the commencement of each renewal term.
ARPA Task Force Projects:
Housing Revolving Loan Fund: The Board approved 6-3 the Housing Next request, after amendment to increase by $2M, that Ottawa County grant $10 million to a designated, qualified Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) for the specific and express purpose of supporting affordable housing investments in Ottawa County. The grant award will stipulate that all funds must be used to support projects only in Ottawa County unless otherwise directed by Ottawa County. As a result of the $10 million investment, the CDFI will match that investment threefold to create a total fund size of $40 million to support affordable and workforce housing in Ottawa County. The funds contributed by Ottawa County will be non-recourse funds, and the funds contributed by the CDFI will be recourse. An $10M initial investment is sizable enough that, on its own, it will be able to leverage multiple large-scale affordable housing investments.
I supported the increase and the overall package because study after study show that lack of affordable housing options across the housing spectrum is the most critical issue that faces Ottawa County residents.
ODC-Network Childcare Slots: The Board approved ODC Network’s request to reduce the gap in child care capacity by 10% over the next 3 years. To do so, it will work with its partners to create 1,000 additional child care spots across the County. The ODC Network plans to accomplish this through a coalition of partners including the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) and local businesses. The ODC will physically locate the new and expanded child care centers across the County using local employer sites.
Recruitment/Retention Fund for Mental Health Professionals: The Board approved Community Mental Health's request for $1,000,000 in Board committed funds to support the Recruitment/Retention Fund for Mental Health Professionals. The Social and Human Service Needs Review Committee is recommending the establishment of a $1,000,000 prescribing professional recruitment and retention fund to be managed by CMHOC with the goal of attracting 6-10 new prescribing professionals to Ottawa County.
Children’s Advocacy Center Staffing Expansion: The Board approved the Children's Advocacy Center's request for $211,750.00 in Board committed funds to support the Children's Advocacy Center Staffing Expansion. The Social and Human Service Needs Review Committee is recommending $211,750 to Children's Advocacy Center to hire an additional on-staff clinician to meet therapy demands for the next three years. Following the three years CAC should be through the backlog created by the pandemic and would then decrease the use of contract therapists and increase its federal funding to sustain the on-staff clinician originally funded by ARPA funds.
Reach for Recovery Staffing Expansion: The Board approved Reach for Recovery's request for $337,500.00 in Board committed funds to support the Reach for Recovery Staffing Expansion. ARPA funds would allow Reach for Recovery to add 60 more MAT clients and provide for substantially enhanced physical and mental health support for the 160 clients that annually receive treatment in its residential programs. After 24 months, fees for service and a small amount of fundraising will fully support ongoing program expenses.
With service locations in Grand Haven and Holland, Reach for Recovery plays an essential role in providing access to substance abuse treatment in Ottawa County. Expanding MAT treatment capacity and providing more integrated mental and physical health care to all SUD clients will have a lasting impact on these individuals as well as addressing the increased demand for services that has arisen during and in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic in our community.
Direct Care Providers Certification Program for Benjamin’s Hope: The Board approved Grand Rapids Community College's request for $55,919.75 in Board committed funds to support the Direct Care Providers Certification Program with Benjamin's Hope. The Social and Human Service Needs Review Committee is recommending $350,000 to a joint application from MOKA Corporation, Heritage Homes, Inc., Harbor House Ministries, and Benjamin's Hope to collaboratively pilot a certificate program in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) that would provide a Post-Secondary track for students to enter the Direct Care field specifically serving adults with Mental Illness and Developmental Differences. This funding would support 40 individuals completing the GRCC certification program as well as provider labor costs over a two-year timeframe. The providers will employ eligible participants and sponsor the costs of putting them through to a certification program with the support of ARPA funds. This effort provides a pathway to stabilize and expand local DSP capacity and these additional employees can make the difference between facilities being able to remain open or closing permanently. For these individuals and their families, it is critical that these residential providers have stable businesses into the future.
Direct Care Providers Certification Program for Harbor House: The Board approved Grand Rapids Community College's request for $103,294 in Board committed funds to support the Direct Care Providers Certification Program with Harbor House Ministries. The Social and Human Service Needs Review Committee is recommending $350,000 to a joint application from MOKA Corporation, Heritage Homes, Inc., Harbor House Ministries, and Benjamin's Hope to collaboratively pilot a certificate program in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) that would provide a Post-Secondary track for students to enter the Direct Care field specifically serving adults with Mental Illness and Developmental Differences. This funding would support 40 individuals completing the GRCC certification program as well as provider labor costs over a two-year timeframe. The providers will employ eligible participants and sponsor the costs of putting them through to a certification program with the support of ARPA funds. This effort provides a pathway to stabilize and expand local DSP capacity and these additional employees can make the difference between facilities being able to remain open or closing permanently. For these individuals and their families, it is critical that these residential providers have stable businesses into the future.
Direct Care Providers Certification Program for Heritage Homes: The Board approved Grand Rapids Community College’s request for $103,294.00 in Board committed funds to support the Direct Care Providers Certification Program with Heritage Homes, Inc. he Social and Human Service Needs Review Committee is recommending $350,000 to a joint application from MOKA Corporation, Heritage Homes, Inc., Harbor House Ministries, and Benjamin's Hope to collaboratively pilot a certificate program in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) that would provide a Post-Secondary track for students to enter the Direct Care field specifically serving adults with Mental Illness and Developmental Differences. This funding would support 40 individuals completing the GRCC certification program as well as provider labor costs over a two-year timeframe. The providers will employ eligible participants and sponsor the costs of putting them through to a certification program with the support of ARPA funds. This effort provides a pathway to stabilize and expand local DSP capacity and these additional employees can make the difference between facilities being able to remain open or closing permanently. For these individuals and their families, it is critical that these residential providers have stable businesses into the future.
Direct Care Providers Certification Program for MOKA Corporation: The Board approved Grand Rapids Community College’s request for $87,492.25 in Board committed funds to support the Direct Care Providers Certification Program with MOKA Corporation. The Social and Human Service Needs Review Committee is recommending $350,000 to a joint application from MOKA Corporation, Heritage Homes, Inc., Harbor House Ministries, and Benjamin's Hope to collaboratively pilot a certificate program in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College and Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) that would provide a Post-Secondary track for students to enter the Direct Care field specifically serving adults with Mental Illness and
Developmental Differences. This funding would support 40 individuals completing the GRCC certification program as well as provider labor costs over a two-year timeframe. The providers will employ eligible participants and sponsor the costs of putting them through to a certification program with the support of ARPA funds. This effort provides a pathway to stabilize and expand local DSP capacity and these additional employees can make the difference between facilities being able to remain open or closing permanently. For these individuals and their families, it is critical that these residential providers have stable businesses into the future.
Grand Rapids Community College Michigan Reconnect Expansion: The Board approved Grand Rapids Community College's request for $506,493.00 in Board committed funds to support the Michigan Reconnect Expansion - Tuition Gap Payment. GRCC will also begin outreach and recruitment in Ottawa County. Strategies will include social media campaigns, posters/brochures in local businesses and other locations, neighborhood job fairs and networking events, bus/media advertisements, and information sessions in trusted venues (e.g., churches, schools, etc.). One hundred seventy individuals have already been identified in the county as possible participants. These individuals have expressed an interest in programs at the GRCC Holland campus, but financially have not been able to begin programs.
GRCC will also begin the process of hiring a Reconnect navigator for the Lakeshore Campus. The college anticipates that this staff person will be in place and ready to begin serving the community in January 2023. Individuals who have other part time roles with the College in the Ottawa County are interested in this position. Regarding the navigator position, a growing body of practice and data suggests that college/career navigators are strong drivers of student retention, completion of training programs, and employment advancement for nontraditional students. This specialized role provides a way to close the gap in helping low-income adults access and succeed in college programs, attain credentials, and ultimately pursue quality careers. In this project, the part-time navigator will be responsible for intake, assessments, and assisting in alignment of assessment and career planning. The navigator will also facilitate academic and personal wraparound services to remove barriers as they arise, and act as a coach/mentor to assist students with persistence and educational goal attainment.
LAUP Business Stabilization-Workforce Development Initiative: The Board approved the LAUP request to seek to launch a Workforce Development Initiative increasing the upward mobility and economic stability for community members who are unemployed or working in lower wage roles through intentional career development opportunities and wrap around support. This initiative is built on proven programs. LAUP’s expansion of these programs in Ottawa County is strongly supported by several key employers as they look to engage more deeply with this community. By partnering with Lakeshore Immigrant Advocates, The Source, Zeeland Adult Ed, and the area’s largest employers, LAUP will bring unemployed or underemployed individuals into the workforce, and support those in low-earning positions in promotion.
Bizstream Academy Expansion: The Board approved the BizStream Academy’s, request to address Ottawa County’s current and future need for skilled workers in the computer science and technology fields by meeting students where they are in schools. The proposed options would empower BizStream Academy to grow from a passion project of one of the area’s leading tech businesses into an educational powerhouse reaching all students in Ottawa County. ARPA funding will provide the one-time transformational funding BizStream Academy needs to not only expand programming to the young emerging workforce but will also enable them to incorporate grant funding and contractual income from employer partners for long-term sustainability.
MiWorks Earn and Learn Manufacturing Career Fair: The Board approved the West Michigan Works! request to organize a county-wide event for local employers to share information about career opportunities, current entry level open positions, tuition reimbursement programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and career paths to high school seniors on the cusp of graduation. Both educators and manufacturers have expressed a need for an opportunity like this for seniors that are close to graduation. West Michigan Works! is the right organization to lead this initiative as they have close employer relations and a proven track record of hosting large-scale employer-student events such as MiCareer Quest which are ultimately fully funded by the private sector. The program will run in perpetuity via employer contributions after the first year’s transportation, marketing, and operational costs are supported by ARPA funding.
County Staff Projects:
Youth Center Youth & Parent Portal Funding Request: The Board approved the 20th Judicial Circuit Court's request for $20,000 in ARPA grant funding to support the Youth Center Youth & Parent Portal.
Summary:
This project would build out our Circuit Court's Juvenile Services' current case management system to create a youth and parent portal that could be accessed by a youth and parent to handle cases (online dispute resolution) assigned to the consent calendar and to provide a portal where all youth and parents involved with the Juvenile Court could access court, programmatic, and other pertinent information to their case.
BOC Electronic Roll Call and E-Voting System Funding Request: The Board approved 8-1 the Clerk/Register of Deed's request for $100,000 in Board committed funds to support the Board of Commissioners Electronic Roll Call and E-Voting System.
Summary:
Technology that allows the Board of Commissioners to have electronic Roll call, e-voting, and digital agenda's. Some programs even allow for live streaming right through the program, so we would no longer have to stream on YouTube.
I voted no on this measure, not because I don’t see the need, but because I do believe this is a decision best made by the incoming Board, which will be implementing it going forward.
James Street DHHS Building Funding Request: The Board approved the Department of Facilities Maintenance's request for $350,000 in Board committed funds to support the James Street DHHS Building.
Summary:
To rehab the existing rubber roof on the building. When we had a moisture survey done by Tremco this it was revealed that this roof is in worse shape than originally thought. This would allow us to rehab the roof instead of replacing the roof, saving the County funds in the long term.
Sheriff's Shooting Range HVAC Funding Request: The Board approved the Department of Facilities Maintenance's request for $395,000 in Board committed funds to support the Sheriff's Shooting Range HVAC.
Summary
The current shooting range was designed for officers testing and shooting indoors. The uses today are also including physical tactics and training. Given the fact that no air conditioning is currently available the exhaust fans get turned on to lower CO2 levels which causes wet slippery conditions that are borderline unsafe for training in the needed capacity during the summer months when the hot humid entering meets the cool basement slab. This upgrade would provide conditioned air.
Idema Explorer Trail Funding Request: The Board approved Parks and Recreation's request for $2,000,000 in Board committed funds to support the Idema Explorer Trail.
Summary:
The Grand River Greenway connects Lake Michigan to Millennium Park and Grand Rapids with a multi-use river and land trails on and along the Grand River through vast parks, deep woods, and hidden bayous. The heart of the Greenway is the Idema Explorers Trail, which is currently being developed. When connected, the 36.5-mile trail will offer endless opportunities to explore nature, community, and culture while also expanding access to over 100 miles of regional trails. These shovel-ready segments of the Idema Explorers Trail will connect the Grand River Greenway to growing areas of the County, opening access to trails, park land, and the Grand River where it is currently lacking. This includes the 2.4-mile Stearns Bayou Connector segment that is the final connection between the M-231 Grand River bridge pathway and the City of Grand Haven on the south side of the Grand River. It will connect bikers and pedestrians in Grand Haven to several Greenway parks for the first time (Connor Bayou, Riverside Park, and the Bass River State Recreation Area). This is also the final segment needed to complete a 24-mile trail loop around the Grand River between the US-31 bridge and M231 bridge. This project will provide safe crossing over two major barriers for bike/pedestrian users: Stearns Bayou and Little Robinson Creek. There is also the 2.2-mile Bea Idema Eastmanville Legacy segment that will connect the neighborhoods of Allendale Township to the Grand River waterfront via Eastmanville Bayou County Park. It will feature over a mile along a high bank adjacent to the Grand River and provide access to the eastern section of Eastmanville Bayou. This area of the park is not currently readily accessible to the public and features a stand of rare Virginia Bluebells, which the trail route has been designed to preserve. It will also include an expanded underpass beneath the 68th Avenue bridge over the Grand River and a trailhead with rustic restrooms at Eastmanville Bayou. See the attached budget, project sheets, and project schedule map for more detail.
Middle Macatawa Trail System Funding Request: The Board approved Parks and Recreation's request for $906,000 in Board committed funds to support the Middle Macatawa Trail System.
Summary:
The Macatawa Greenway connects Lake Michigan to the southeastern area of the County along the Macatawa River/Lake Macatawa corridor. Through the efforts of Ottawa County Parks and its local, state, and non-profit partners, there is now over 1,500 acres of public land directly along the River or the Lake. Over time, the partners have worked toward a shared vision of connecting these public lands together through a non-motorized trail system and/or increasing access to this land and the water through connected hiking trails while also improving amenities along the corridor. The corridor has been broken into different sections for planning purposes. The focus of this project is the section of publicly accessible land along the River east of I-196, which include 774 acres of land that is nearly continuously connected, including Hawthorn Pond, the Outdoor Discovery Center’s “Middle Macatawa” properties, and Upper Macatawa Natural Area. In 2021, Ottawa County Parks purchased a 5-acre property that was the final acquisition needed to develop a connected trail route through all these properties. While Hawthorn Pond and the Upper Macatawa Natural Area are currently somewhat accessible for pedestrians and bikers via the Adams Street separated pathway, this bypasses two miles of riverfront and 177 acres of natural land. As a result, Ottawa County Parks, Holland Township, and the ODC Network have developed a plan to connect these properties with a recreational trail system. This includes the development of a 2.8-mile hiking and mountain biking trail from Hawthorn Pond through the entire length of Middle Macatawa. In order to accomplish this, installation of bridges and boardwalks to cross the River and wetlands is needed as well as repair of some existing boardwalks in the “Poppen Woods” area of the Middle Macatawa property. Additionally, work would be needed to develop an underpass under the Adams Street bridge over the River. These improvements comprise the bulk of the costs related to developing this trail system. In total, these improvements would create a 15.69-mile connected system of trails, with a total of 8 miles of natural surface mountain biking trails. Additionally, enhanced amenities are proposed to pair with the expansion of the greenway trail system. Some of the most requested facilities for the parks within the Macatawa Greenway are modern restrooms. Currently, Ottawa County Parks is assisting Holland Township with planning for a possible trailhead, modern restroom, connector pathways within the park as well as along Black River Court at Hawthorn Pond on the west side of this section of the Greenway. A modern restroom is also needed at the popular Upper Macatawa Natural Area, which is a regional destination for mountain biking on the east side of this section of the Greenway. This project includes construction of these two restrooms. The Upper Macatawa restroom will service the general user as well as mountain bikers, with changing rooms and showers for mountain bikers. Both of these restrooms will feature accessible elements.
Ottawa Sands Phase I Improvements Funding Request: The Board approved 8-1 Parks and Recreation's request for $3,400,000 in Board committed funds to support the Ottawa Sands Phase I Improvements.
Summary:
In 2019, Ottawa County Parks completed the purchase of Ottawa Sands. This 345-acre former sand mine includes over a mile of Grand River frontage, an 80-acre manmade lake, and critical dune features. The park is situated at the crossroads of the Grand River and Lake Michigan Coastal Greenways and is the midpoint of a 6-mile corridor of duneland along Lake Michigan, stretching from the north side of the Grand River in Grand Haven to PJ Hoffmaster State Park. In 2021 the Ottawa Sands Master Plan was adopted, and it features several projects designed to restore and open up access to the Park and its Grand River Greenway features. These projects include ecological improvements to the mine lake shoreline, the restoration/creation of up to 18 acres of wetland, paved pathway connections to the regional trail system, a 1.6-mile paved path around the manmade lake, a kayak launch, swimming beach, Idema Explorers Camp (including tent camping, yurts, and tree houses), and “Riverfront Promenade” area along the Grand River. It would also connect to the Idema Explorers Trail and Grand River Heritage Water Trail. Though a very popular and beloved park, many users are unable to access the park from the temporary gravel parking area off North Shore Drive due to the challenging sandy conditions of the trails and walking distances to the scenic areas. To enhance access for people of all abilities, take advantage of its location at greenway corridor crossroads, and create a more biodiverse park for users and wildlife, this project includes lake shoreline improvements, wetland creation, developing a paved entry drive, the Idema Explorers Camp, an accessible kayak launch on the Grand River, a paved “day-use” parking area near the sand mine lake, trail boardwalks, modern restrooms (at the day-use area and Idema Explorers Camp), an accessible 1.6-mile paved loop around the scenic Ottawa Sands lake, and connection to the Idema Explorers Trail. See attached annotated “Project Phasing Plan” map for the Ottawa Sands Master Plan, Project Sheet, Phase I Budget, and relevant renderings for more detail.
I voted no because the increase in the Housing fund from $8M to $10M did create a need for an offset someplace else in the ARPA allocation process, and I felt that this was that best place to find that offset.
Crime Victim's Assistance Fund Funding Request: The Board approved the Prosecutor's request for $1,000,000 in Board committed funds to support the Crime Victim's Assistance Fund.
Summary:
To establish a self-sustaining Crime Victim Assistance Fund at the county level. Currently our office receives funding from the State of Michigan as part of our Crime Victim Rights grant to be used as Direct Victim Need funds. FY2022, the Direct Victim Need amount received $13,398.80 and but $378.00 of those resources were depleted in the first 9 months of the fiscal year by providing assistance to 28 victims. For FY2023, we are receiving $11,877.00 from the grant. It is a concern that the funds designated for this purpose could eventually be completely discontinued by the State. Establishing a county fund would guarantee that Ottawa County would always have the ability to assist victims of crimes that occur in Ottawa County.
Local Food Rescue to Turn Food Excess into Healthy Food Access throughout Ottawa County Funding Request: The Board approved Public Health's request for $486,675 in Board committed funds to support the Local Food Rescue to Turn Food Excess into Healthy Food Access throughout Ottawa County.
Summary:
If granted, funds would be used to purchase two new food rescue vehicles, food rescue supplies for storing & transporting food, purchase and deploy the Food Rescue Hero app, and fund three staff positions critical to expanding this food rescue infrastructure throughout Ottawa County. Community Action House would be contracted to manage this county-wide expansion, based on their capability and proven pilot work in the Holland area.
The collaboration between Ottawa Food and Community Action House exists because Community Action House has the ability and capacity to meaningfully carry out the aspects of the Ottawa Food Strategic Plan to increase access to healthy foods across the county. Ottawa Food is able to seek out and leverage funding opportunities to make the expansion of Food Rescue available to serve all Ottawa County residents struggling with food insecurity and poor health outcomes.
Medicaid Cost Based Reimbursements Funding Request: The Board approved Public Health's request for $1,507,178 in Board committed funds to support the Medicaid Cost Based Reimbursements.
Summary:
Medicaid Cost Based (CBR) reimbursement is a state funding source that helps offset actual program cost with the amount received in Medicaid reimbursement. Local health departments receive full cost reimbursement for the following services: Family Planning, Immunizations, Hearing and Vision, Maternal and Infant Health Programs, Communicable Disease Services and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. These are delayed payments made on services provided 2 years prior to the receipt of the CBR payment. For example, FY22 CBR payments will be based on the actual FY20 services provided. OCDPH would normally receive about 1.3 million per year in CBR payments. Due to the reduction in services caused by the OCDPH COVID19 emergency response, our department will experience lost revenue in the amount of about 1.5 million to be used over the next 2 fiscal years. In order for us to maintain these important services, We are requesting that this lost revenue be provided by the ARPA funding for FY 23 and FY24 as we work to restore OCDPH service and subsequent CBR payments to pre-pandemic levels.
Accelerating Farmland Protection Funding Request: The Board approved the Department of Strategic Impact's request for $1,000,000 in Board committed funds to support the Accelerating Farmland Protection.
Summary:
Ottawa County leadership recognizes that the loss of its prime farmland is a significant resource concern, having lost 8% from 2012-2017 (Ag Census 2017). The cornerstone of the County’s efforts to protect its farmland is the Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR), which has been used to leverage $3.3M to permanently preserve 728 acres of prime farmland in our local foodshed. This was achieved using only staff time – no general fund dollars were used for the actual purchase of development rights. While this is a tremendous achievement, those 728 acres are just the tip of the iceberg. The County has received applications to preserve over 4,500 acres of farmland to date. But the County’s ability to preserve a greater number of acres is greatly limited by matching funds required by grant funders. The County must raise those matching funds, and in the absence of a millage or other fee structure to support PDR, staff must rely on donations from stakeholders and fundraisers. Since the inception of the PDR program in 2008, the County had a water resources study performed that demonstrated challenges with sustaining adequate ground water for the level of growth and development the County has experienced over the past decade, with more severe challenges in certain areas of the County. Over 89,000 acres of land in these more severely challenged areas are agriculturally zoned. Permanently preserving these acres as farmland could not only have the effect of protecting our land base for food production, but could also give us the opportunity to actively manage this land for water efficiency and groundwater protection through the terms established in the conservation easement. Validating this concept is the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project that was secured by the Ottawa Conservation District and its many partners like Ottawa County. The RCPP program awarded $500,000 in funding for agricultural easements that could help protect our groundwater resources. To receive this funding, the County had to commit to raising $250,000 in matching funds using very limited staff resources. If matching funds were more readily available, the County could request a much higher amount of grant funding. To that end, the Agricultural Preservation Board, which oversees the PDR program, respectfully requests $1M in funding to purchase agricultural conservation easements in areas that are known to have groundwater challenges and have demonstrated the need for more intensive management. Maps to define these areas have been created and can be made available upon request. This investment is estimated to enable the PDR program to double its current number of protected acres while giving staff the capacity to get more townships to participate in farmland preservation. Protecting farmland, and thereby our local food source, enhances the County’s resiliency in the event of another catastrophic event like a pandemic or climate related disaster.
FY2023 Budget Adjustments: The Board approved the 2023 budget adjustments per the above schedule.
Item:
Resolution Urging the State Legislature to Amend the Michigan Auto Insurance Reform Act: The Board approved the Resolution to Amend the Reimbursement Cap for Auto Accident Victims and Home Health Care.
Summary:
At the request of certain groups, the Planning & Policy Committee is recommending that the Board of Commissioners adopt the Resolution of Support to Amend the Auto Insurance Reform Act to Amend the Reimbursement Cap for Auto Accident Victims and Home Health Care.
