Hickory Buell

The session included a roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions covered an employee recognition presentation for an employee retiring after 16 years of service and an administrative update covering service improvements with dispatch, compliance with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and construction updates. Discussion items involved appointments to the Tourist Council and general board positions, including confirmations for the Community Corrections Advisory Board and the Community Mental Health Board. The board also authorized the delegation of the Chair's responsibilities regarding the Emergency Management Chief Executive Official role to Commissioner Gale Dugan. Action items included the adoption of Brownfield Redevelopment Program Policy #213 and the approval of FY2027 MDOT operating and capital assistance applications for Transportation Services, totaling several million dollars across various categories. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss collective bargaining.

The meeting agenda included employee recognition for Debra Jones, Web Developer. Discussion items encompassed the 2025 Sheriff's Office Budget Adjustment, setting a public hearing for the 2026-2030 Recreation Plan, abolishing the Brownfield Plan for the Former RockTenn Papermill Redevelopment Project, and adopting Board Rules of Organization and Budget Policy. Action items included Commissioner appointments and elections. Several appointments were listed for various boards and committees, such as Community Mental Health, Local Emergency Planning Committee, Community Corrections Advisory Board, Material Management Planning Committee, and Tourist Council.

This five-year recreation plan for Allegan County Parks outlines goals for the maintenance, development, and improvement of parks and recreational facilities from 2026 to 2030. It focuses on providing diverse recreational opportunities, enhancing operational and fiscal excellence, and promoting the preservation and education of natural and cultural resources. The plan also addresses community needs by assessing current facilities, identifying areas for improvement like accessibility and programming, and fostering partnerships to serve residents and visitors.

The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda included several key items. Discussion topics included appointments to the Tourist Council, general appointments, and the Emergency Management Chief Executive Official delegation. Action items involved adopting the Brownfield Redevelopment Program Policy (#213) and approving the FY2027 Michigan Department of Transportation Operating and Capital Assistance Applications for transportation services, which seek significant federal and state funding for operating costs and capital equipment replacement. The consent items included a motion to approve claims paid from mid-December 2025 through mid-January 2026. Subsequent documents detailed recent general appointments, Tourist Council appointments, the delegation of Emergency Management responsibilities, the adoption of the Brownfield Policy, and the details of the MDOT Transportation Assistance Applications.

The meeting began as an Organizational Meeting, including the election of a Temporary Chairperson, the setting of the Chair's term of office, and the election of the Permanent Chair and Vice-Chair. Discussions focused on reaffirming Board Rules of Organization, specifically amending the language regarding the Division of Question and defining procedures for the Organizational Meeting. General appointments and elections were confirmed for the Tourist Council, Community Corrections Advisory Board, and Parks Advisory Board. The Board also adopted a new Budget Policy #211. Later in the session, following a public hearing, the 2026-2030 County 5-Year Recreation Plan was adopted. Additionally, the Board terminated the Brownfield Plan for the Former RockTenn Papermill Redevelopment Project and approved a request for mileage related to a funeral.