Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - November 2025

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A Thanksgiving Message from the Board Chair

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection. While this season may look and feel different for each of us, we all share countless reasons to give thanks. At Kent County, we are deeply grateful for the strength and resilience of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors, local organizations stepping up to meet needs, and residents working together to make our county a better place for everyone. We are especially thankful for our dedicated County employees, whose commitment keeps essential services running and ensures our residents are supported every day of the year. As we look ahead, we are reminded that gratitude is more than a feeling. It's an action. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or time spent with loved ones, we can all make a difference in someone’s life. We are honored to serve such a giving community. On behalf of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, thank you. We wish you and your loved ones a safe, peaceful, and happy Thanksgiving.

Commissioners Kallman and Halsted Celebrate Byron Township’s New Fire Station Opening

Commissioners Matt Kallman and Robin Halsted recently joined community leaders and first responders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of Byron Township’s second fire station.

Located in Cutlerville near the M-6 and US-131 highways, the new station was built to improve response times and strengthen emergency coverage for residents in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.

Congratulations to Byron Township on this important investment in public safety!

Honoring Our Veterans and Community Partners

Board Chair Ben Greene and Commissioner Robert S. Womack recently presented a proclamation recognizing our veterans and the impactful work of Hero’s Corner Grand Rapids.

Hero’s Corner was founded by U.S. Navy Veteran Reginald Leon Howard, who transformed his own journey of struggle and recovery into a mission to support fellow veterans. The organization provides community, resources, and a safe place for connection and healing — ensuring no veteran has to navigate their path alone.

This support now extends to women veterans through SHero’s Corner, led by Director Joan Wallace, a U.S. Army combat veteran who brings her lived experience, strength, and passion to empowering others.

As we look back on Veterans Day, we extend our gratitude to all who served — and to those who continue to uplift our veteran community every single day.

To every veteran in Kent County: thank you for your service, sacrifice, and courage.

Pictured left to right: Board Chair Ben Greene, Reginald Leon Howard, and Commissioner Robert S. Womack.

Commissioners Honor Local Veterans Through Operation Green Light

At the November 6th Board meeting, County Commissioners joined the Kent County Veterans Services team to celebrate Operation Green Light—an annual initiative that recognizes and honors the service of local veterans.

Each November, residents, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to light their homes and buildings green to show appreciation for those who have served. Throughout the week, landmarks across the county—including homes, businesses, sporting venues, and even the airport—were illuminated in green as a visible show of gratitude and support.

A small but meaningful gesture, Operation Green Light continues to unite the community in honoring those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation.

Commissioner Ponstein Visits Future Home for River Otters

Commissioner Stan Ponstein recently toured the construction site of the John Ball Zoo’s soon-to-be-expanded habitat for North American river otters. The new space—set to open next year—will triple the size of the zoo’s current exhibit and create an engaging, natural environment for a group of up to five otters. The design features an underwater viewing area, interactive learning elements, natural land space, and varying-depth pools to encourage playful behavior and exploration. Construction began late last year, and the project is on track for completion in 2026. The new habitat is another example of how community partnerships help make John Ball Zoo a place where education, conservation, and connection come to life.

Pictured left to right: Allmon Forrester, Director of Facilities, Planning, and Sustainability at John Ball Zoo, and Commissioner Stan Ponstein.

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 is a video summarizing key moments from our November Board meetings:

Nov. 6, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Nancy Morales Special Order of Business - Presentation of the County Clerk/Register of Deeds Annual Report by Lisa Lyons, County Clerk/Register of Deeds. Resolution Passed to approve a coperative agreement between Kent County Community Action (KCCA) and the City of Wyoming to receive the city’s FY 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Resolution Passed to appropriate $73,867 in grant funds from the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to support Kent County Community Action’s 2026 Assisted Transportation Program. Resolution passed to appropriate $5 million from the Strategic Capital CIP to the Facility Replacement and Renovation Project for demolition activities and to confirm the project’s assignment to the Building Authority. Resolution passed to accept and appropriate $38,000 in federal grant funds from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to the FY 2026 Health Fund budget. Resolution passed to accept and appropriate $150,750 in federal grant funds from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to the FY 2026 IT Special Projects Fund for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program.

November 20, 2025 Meeting

Invocation by Commissioner Walter Bujak Special Order of Business - Drain Commissioner's Annual Report - Ken Yonker, Drain Commissioner Special Order of Business - Village of Sparta Annexation Petition Public Hearing Resolution Passed to Accept 2025 Amended Apportionment Report  Resolution Passed to Approve the Village of Sparta Petition for Annexation

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, Dec. 2: Finance Committee
• Thursday, Dec. 4: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, Dec. 9: Operations & Policy Committee - Cancelled
• Tuesday, Dec. 16: Community, Health, and Safety Committee
• Thursday, Dec. 18: Board of Commissioners Meeting - Cancelled

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. Access meeting agendas and minutes here.

Around The County

• Expanding Affordable Housing in Lowell: The Board of Commissioners has approved the County’s first Brownfield Redevelopment Plan, paving the way for new affordable housing in the City of Lowell. Through the Kent County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Flat River Outreach Ministries will transform a vacant parcel at 504 E. Main Street into a $2.8 million, 17-unit affordable housing development with two multi-unit buildings and one duplex. The project will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom rentals affordable to households earning between 50% and 120% of the area median income (AMI).
• The Health Department has released its quarterly newsletter, featuring updates on available food resources, the reopening of the main Clinical Services area on Monday, Nov. 17 (by appointment), the Environmental Health services area reopening on Monday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving food safety tips, and more.
• Holiday Recycling Guide Released: As the holiday season approaches, the Department of Public Works has released its annual Holiday Recycling Guide to help residents reduce waste during festivities. The guide offers practical information on how to properly recycle or dispose of common seasonal items, including glass bottles, toy packaging, wrapping paper, and string lights.
• County-Wide Deer Management Recommendations Released: The Kent County Deer Management Coalition has released a new set of county-wide recommendations based on a yearlong study conducted by Grand Valley State University (GVSU). The data-driven report examines deer–vehicle collisions, habitat conditions, population trends, and public perceptions across Kent County. The resulting recommendations offer a coordinated framework designed to reduce human–deer conflicts, support a healthy and sustainable herd, and promote ecological processes such as forest regeneration.
• Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) Receives $10,000 Donation from Meijer: The KCAS has received a generous $10,000 contribution from Meijer Store #216 in Standale through the retailer’s “Meijer Team Gives” program. The donation will support life-saving medical care — including vaccinations, treatments, and urgent veterinary services — as well as behavioral enrichment and comfort supplies such as toys, beds, treats, and stress-relief items to help keep animals healthy and comfortable while awaiting adoption.

Thanksgiving Office Closure

All Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday. For more information about County departments and services, visit www.kentcountymi.gov.