October 13, 2026 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Planning & Policy Committee

The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Planning & Policy Committee met October 13, 2026. The committee unanimously approved forwarding a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund development project agreement and resolution for Phase Two of the Idema Explorers Trail’s 7.7-mile Bass River segment to the full board. Members also considered forwarding an easement agreement with Philip and Diane Forner for construction and maintenance of the Allendale segment; the transcript cuts off before the vote result is clear. The committee discussed a revised facilities-use policy that would keep county rooms available to the public while increasing rental fees to better cover staff, setup, and custodial costs. One commissioner cited a proposed increase from $25 to $150 for a half-day rental; the vote is not fully captured in the transcript.

The committee also discussed a proposed resolution concerning automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems. A commissioner described a draft that would direct the administrator and legal counsel to prepare an ordinance prohibiting fixed or stationary ALPR systems, while allowing vehicle-mounted systems used by sheriff’s deputies. The sheriff said the county’s 15-camera Flock contract costs $45,000 annually and automatically renewed through September 10, 2028; he also said three townships pay the full cost of cameras under county-administered agreements. He cautioned that the proposal could affect township agreements and an upcoming Axon contract that may include ALPR cameras and could offer cost savings. No vote on the ALPR proposal is shown in the transcript. A legislative update also covered potential state funding and other pending bills, including competitive-bidding requirements for road commissions.