Meeting Notes 9–24–19
Meeting Packet: https://www.miottawa.org/appImages/Calendar/1568986939799-packet.PDF
Juvenile Justice Center Resolution: Today, by a 9–2 vote, the Board approved the Resolution calling for construction of a new Family Court to be built at Fillmore Complex. Background here. I voted no because I felt the cost, between $15 to $23 Million, was too high and that we could accomplish many of the new Courthouse’s goals, especially those related to privacy and safety, through a smaller scale, more strategic build that would also imply reduced annual staffing and maintenance costs.
Miles of Smiles: Today, the Board voted to approve the purchase of a specialty mobile unit the County’s “Miles of Smiles” (MOS) dental services. The current vehicle was purchased as new by the County at a cost of $555,085. The Miles of Smiles program has been awarded $200,000 by Delta Dental Foundation for the mobile dental unit with the understanding that the Delta Dental Foundation logo will be included on the exterior vinyl wrap graphics. An additional $10,000 was awarded from Community Foundation of Holland/Zeeland to be applied towards the new mobile unit. There also exists the opportunity to trade in the existing mobile unit for a yet to be determined amount. Dental equipment is estimated to cost an additional $80,000 and will be solicited separately. The remainder of the cost will come from the Public Health budget.
The Miles of Smiles dental program was implemented in 1995. Miles of Smiles provides on-site preventive and restorative dental services for Medicaid insured and qualifying uninsured children ages 0–20 and provides services for select adult populations. The program has improved access to oral health by eliminating barriers related to cost, transportation, culture, and language. Miles of Smiles visits approximately 35 sites including: schools, Head Start Centers, migrant summer schools, Holland Free Health Clinic, the Ottawa County Jail and Community Mental Health.
2020 Budget: The Board voted today to approve the a general appropriations act for the general fund and each special revenue fund. Ottawa County also includes capital project, debt service, and permanent funds in the resolution. You can view the Resolution here.
Ottawa County Business Plan: The Board approved the 2020 Business Plan. Some key dates for the upcoming year include receiving the Strategic Plan from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on September 30, 2019, the streaming and recording of Board meetings by March 31, 2020 as well as Board of Commissioner meeting to take place at Hope College by that same date.
Fall into Nature: The Ottawa County Parks Foundation invites you to discover fall with us at the Ottawa County Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing.
- Meet the new Ottawa County Parks Director Jason Shamblin and enjoy fall-themed activities with your family.
- Enjoy the outdoors with naturalist-led kayak trips and hikes (*space is limited for kayak trips.)
- Join us for a wildlife encounter with monarchs and much more.
- A $10 donation per family is suggested at the door.
Sponsorship opportunities are available!
