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THE WEEK IN REVIEW
May 3, 2024
Al Vanderberg, County Administrator
Good Afternoon Chair Stek and Commissioners,
On Monday, I toured Glenwood Elementary School in Kentwood Public Schools with Community School Coordinator Maddie Rhodes and Kent School Services Network Director Dr. Keenan King. The purpose of this tour was to showcase the innovative school programs and services that are possible due to community and organizational support.
As a reminder, we have a Quadrant Meeting on Thursday (May 9) at the Grattan Township Office. We hope to see you at this meeting. Have a good weekend!
Judge Sara Smolenski Retiring
On Wednesday, Judge Sara Smolenski announced her retirement, which will take effect on July 15, 2024. Her departure marks the end of a distinguished 34 year career on the district court, leaving behind a legacy of service. Notably, Judge Smolenski has a longstanding connection to the district court, with both her father and brother having served in similar capacities. Though we'll undoubtedly miss her and her quick wit, there's hope that she may return to emcee future County events.
The Governor will select a replacement to serve out Judge Smolenski's term.
Zoo Master Plan
Looking ahead to the John Ball Zoo work session scheduled for Tuesday (May 7) at 9:30 a.m., I wanted to provide some context for the discussion. This is the first point of engagement during the master planning process during which Commissioners will be asked to share their vision for the future of the Zoo. Also occurring later that day will be two other engagement sessions that will include community partners and neighborhood groups.
The John Ball Zoo has contracted with two nationally renowned experts in zoo design and planning, Tessere and Canopy Strategic Partners to facilitate the master planning process. Tuesday’s session will be a big picture, visionary discussion that will inform the design concepts that will be presented at the next Commission Work Session on August 8. Between these two sessions as well as the required Finance & Physical Resources Committee and Board of Commissioners votes, Commissioners will have several opportunities to provide their input during this process. The Zoo plans to formally present the new master plan to the Commission before December 31, 2024.
PACE Program
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is an alternative method of financing for commercial property owners to invest in energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy projects, designed to reduce the environmental impact commercial facilities. Commercial property owners located in a local unit of government that has created a PACE District can secure financing for these investments and repay their private lender through a voluntary special assessment on the property. The loan and assessment can be spread over 25 years, making it possible for the annual energy savings realized to be equal or more than the annual assessment. Thereby, creating immediate payback. Another benefit to the property owner is that the special assessment and loan stays with the property if it changes ownership. The new owner takes on the assessment so that the savings and payments remain tied to the property and not any one owner.
In order to make this tool available throughout Kent County, the County Commission would need to pass a resolution creating a Kent County PACE District. The Administration continues to conduct our due diligence to ensure the County would not be taking on any liability or unreasonable risk if this tool were to be made available and used. This could provide just one more resource to encourage commercial development and job growth at a time when construction and energy costs continue to rise in our region. Currently four local governments have created PACE Districts within Kent County, City of Grand Rapids, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, and Cascade Township. We will continue to keep you apprised if we decide to move this program forward.
Kent District Library August Millage
As you may have seen in the media, voters will be asked to renew a millage in August that funds 20 library branches and serves 27 municipalities. The language that was approved in November 2023 did not include funding for next year. In response to this situation, here is a message from the Executive Director Lance Werner
"I wanted to share some news from KDL with you personally that is pertinent to residents in your community.
This August, we are asking voters to consider a one-year non-renewable millage to support our 2025 operations. As you know, last fall voters approved our 15-year renewal at a lower rate. In the past few weeks, it came to our attention the approved ballot language does not give us the authority to assess the new millage until December 2025, resulting in a one-year funding gap.
While the ballot language was reviewed by many sets of eyes, both within KDL and by multiple outside parties, no one recognized the gap. This can only be addressed by going back to voters this year.
Our Board of Trustees approved the ballot language last night during a special public meeting. We’ve already had media interest in this and are launching a dedicated web page, which will be updated periodically. Additional information for you and your community will be provided in the coming week."
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