David W. Jackson

The meeting addressed public comment, including a presentation from the Charlton Park Village Foundation regarding the specific rules governing its endowment, which can only be spent on the collection (museum and historic village), with half of the interest returning to the endowment. Another key discussion involved fundraising efforts for the County Animal Shelter, where $18,545.20 was raised toward a new vehicle (estimated cost $23,800), and an additional $5,000 was raised for the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. A motion was approved to spend $8,588 from the McEwen Bridge Park fund (Fund 472) for ADA sidewalk and parking construction at the park to comply with grant funding requirements, specifically connecting the gravel parking lot, existing sidewalk, accessible restroom, and accessible deck. Later, the committee discussed a request from Thornapple Township for a letter of support for a DNR Trust Fund Land Acquisition Grant application concerning the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, which requires a commitment to collaborate on future maintenance agreements across multiple entities, with the goal of adding 15 points to their application.

The board meeting covered several agenda items presented by various county departments. Discussions included the adoption of a resolution for Barry County Transit to file for state operating assistance for Fiscal Year 2023, detailing federal, state, and local funding projections. The Emergency Management item involved the recommendation to adopt the 2021 Barry County Hazard Mitigation Plan and authorize necessary signatures; a related discussion confirmed this plan is separate from the previously funded flood mitigation plan. The Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force sought approval to submit a 2022 grant application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for education and outreach regarding the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, including efforts related to safe storage and driving. Finally, the Barry County Animal Shelter director requested authorization to add a third part-time kennel worker position due to increased animal intake and decreased volunteer support.

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda included several key items. Discussions covered interviews for two open positions on the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority Board, requiring consideration for specific lived experience representation criteria. Further agenda items involved Jim Yarger presenting on the Homeland Security Grant 2020 and 2021 Intergovernmental Funding Agreements. Michael Brown was scheduled to discuss Budget Amendment A-22. Additionally, there was a presentation by Jim McManus regarding PA 116 Applications for Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Chase. The agenda also included periods for public comment.

During this special meeting, the commission discussed and approved a modified management service contract, noting that future approval for a multi-term contract is required from the City Council and Board of Commissioners. The commission also addressed the vacancy created by Ron Holley's resignation, establishing a procedure to accept applications through the end of August, with an intent to appoint a new member at the September regular meeting. Commission members commented on the absence of required security, the need to designate new signers for existing contracts, and expressed gratitude for the former member's service.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes reviewing financial reports, discussing old business concerning airport zoning, and addressing new business items such as 100LL tank cleaning, a hangar rent increase, and zoning matters. The document also contains minutes from a previous meeting where the board approved the manager's contract extension, authorized year-end budget amendments, and approved the 2026 meeting schedule with a modification to the July date. The Manager's Report detailed that all hangars are full, 93 aircraft are assigned, and cleaning of the 100LL tank is underway to prepare for tank entry and cleaning.