Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - May 2025

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Memorial Day Service at the Board of Commissioners Meeting

During its recent meeting, the Board of Commissioners held a solemn Memorial Day Service to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The program included:

• A performance of the National Anthem by Rachel Gillette

• A proclamation recognizing veterans, delivered by Chair Greene and Commissioner DeBoer

• Remarks from Joe Kline, Kent County’s Veteran of the Year, and Jeremy Binder, a former Marine and current Veterans Services Officer specializing in service-connected claims. Binder served in private security detail in Iraq from June 2003 to September 2005, during which he was injured and lost the use of his right hand

• Remarks by Commissioner Dan Burrill about the Missing Man Table - a solemn military tradition that honors fallen service members, with each element symbolizing the absence and sacrifice of those who served
  
  

• A moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices of those who gave their lives while serving in the armed forces

• The playing of Taps by Mr. Kline, a poignant tribute to those who gave their lives in service

The event brought the community together in reflection and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights

The Board of Commissioners generally meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Attending these meetings in person or via livestream offers a chance to stay informed and involved in community issues.

Below are videos summarizing key moments from our May Board meetings:

May 8, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Stan Ponstein Resolution Passed to Appropriate $9,364.32 in donations to the Walk for Warmth Special Project Fund Resolution Passed to Authorize the Issuance of Emmons Lake Drain Drainage District Bonds-Series 2025 Resolution Passed to Appropriate $343,000 for the Emmon’s Lake Drainage District and the Cascadia Drain Resolution Passed to Appropriate $358,000 for the West Michigan Sports Commission Winning Streak Campaign Resolution Passed to Adopt the Board of of Commissioners Standing Rules

May 22, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Matt Kallman Special Order of Business: Memorial Day Presentation Special Order of Business: Employee Recognition for Quality Service - Sgt. Kathy King, Sheriff's Office Resolution Passed to Authorize a Summer 2025 General Operating Property Tax Levy Resolution Passed to Adopt County Identification Badge Policy

2025 ARPA Report: Q1 Updates Now Available

Our 2025 Q1 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) report is now available, highlighting key projects and their impact across the county.

Over the past six months, ARPA funding has driven transformational change in multiple areas:

• Economic Development: The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan celebrated a $1.2 million grant approval to expand access to capital for Latino entrepreneurs. This grant is part of a broader $2 million investment aimed at supporting new and emerging Latino-owned businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing due to financial history, credit challenges, or language barriers.

• Community Infrastructure: C-SNIP, a nonprofit dedicated to providing low-cost spay/neuter services, reached a major milestone with the completion of a new 12,000-square-foot veterinary clinic and headquarters in Walker. The project was supported by a $1 million ARPA investment.

• Affordable Housing: Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for two pivotal housing projects — the Southtown Lofts and Leonard Apartments. These developments are part of a revolving loan fund launched with an initial $17.5 million ARPA investment to expand affordable housing options.

These projects represent just a snapshot of the transformative work underway across the county. As these and other initiatives progress, their positive impact on residents and businesses will continue to grow, reinforcing our commitment to driving impactful change through this funding.

Celebrating Arbor Day: Planting the Seeds for a Greener Future

Commissioner Stan Ponstein joined community leaders and residents to mark Arbor Day by planting trees at the new middle school located at 3535 Wilson Ave. SW, set to open for the upcoming school year. The 18 trees planted on April 26 will provide a canopy for an outdoor classroom.

Arbor Day, celebrated on the last Friday of April, began as a national holiday in 1970 under President Richard Nixon. During the event, Commissioner Ponstein presented a proclamation highlighting the importance of community engagement in creating a greener future.

Pictured left to right: Kyla Bos, Chair of the Grandville Tree Board; Commissioner Stan Ponstein; Mayor Pro-Tem JR Vanderwall; City Manager Griffin Graham; Councilman Tim Steenstra; and Councilman Randy Gelderloos.

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, June 3: Finance Committee
• Thursday, June 12: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, June 17: Operations & Policy Committee
• Tuesday, June 24: Community, Health and Safety Committee
• Thursday, June 26: Board of Commissioners Meeting

All Board and committee meetings start at 8:30 a.m. at the County Administration Building within the Board of Commissioners Chambers, unless otherwise specified. Click here to access meeting agendas and minutes.

Around The County

• The Kent County Parks Department is partnering with Blandford Nature Center to launch Nature Neighbors, a series of affordable, nature-based programs for all ages. Held at various county parks throughout spring and summer, these programs offer opportunities to connect with nature and fellow residents.
• Kent County Community Action (KCCA) is celebrating Community Action Month throughout May. Since 1964, KCCA has been a vital safety net in West Michigan, offering essential services like food assistance, housing support, and transportation. Follow them on social media to see the impactful work they’re doing in our community.
• Kent County Veterans Services (KCVS) is providing free firearm cable locks to residents to help prevent veteran suicides. Locks can be picked up at the KCVS office, 836 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids.
• Millennium Park’s beach and splashpad opened on May 16, giving residents a head start on summer fun. For the first time in 20 years, weekend visitors can now take The Rapid directly from downtown Grand Rapids to the park which will provide greater access to outdoor recreation.
• The Kent County Sheriff's Office is participating in the "Click It or Ticket" campaign from May 19 to June 1, focusing on seat belt enforcement to reduce traffic fatalities. Violators could face a $65 fine.

Office Closures for Memorial Day and Juneteenth

All Kent County offices and clinics will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, May 27.

In recognition of Juneteenth, offices and clinics will also be closed on Thursday, June 19, with operations resuming on Friday, June 20.

We encourage everyone to reflect on the significance of these holidays and spend time with family, friends, and the community.

Board Recognizes County Employees During Public Service Recognition Week