Administrator's Digest, August 19, 2020

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August 19, 2020

A note from the Administrator

It is tempting at times to focus on all of the challenges and even “negative happenings” that 2020 has brought to our world.  Many have stopped saying “what else could go wrong” because indeed something not only can but probably will.  One day recently, when I caught myself beginning to think this way, I consciously made myself think about many of the positives that have come of COVID-19 and other crises that we have faced over the past year.  I wrote about the Black Swan theory a couple of months ago.  Digest messages will include some of the innovative changes that we are making as a result of crisis.  We have seen unique and innovative use of technology and will highlight one or more of these in each upcoming Digest. -Al


Sheriff Steve Kempker Talks Timely Policing Topics

Listen to Ottawa County's top elected law enforcement officer, Sheriff Steve Kempker, discuss a number of timely policing topics during his monthly appearance on WHTC.

Sheriff Podcast

Catching up with the 2019 Corporate Champion of Diversity Award recipient

The Michigan West Coast Chamber caught up with Ottawa County, its 2019 Champion of Diversity award recipient. Read the article and learn more about the accomplishments of the Ottawa County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office in the past year. 

Lakeshore connect

Ottawa County Art Trust adds new works to its collection

Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council announced which works have been purchased to become part of the permanent collection of the Ottawa County Art Trust. Ten pieces were chosen for purchase awards from a total of 46 entries by 29 artists who live or work in Ottawa County. 

The third annual exhibition is open for public viewing in the Ottawa County Administration Building at 12220 Fillmore in West Olive from 8AM to 5PM. Masks and social distancing are required. The exhibit closes on September 11. 

Purchase Awards were given to:  (Listed in no particular order)

  • Maggie Bandstra - Marigolds - Prismacolor Colored Pencil
  • Bob Bosgraaf - Morning Nap - Acrylic 
  • Amy Peterson - Evening Coneflowers - Soft Pastel
  • Patrica Flynn - Lotus Batik - Watercolor Batik
  • Diane Lemmen - Michigan 2 - Egg Tempura
  • Marilyn Troutman - Rosy Mound - Pastel
  • Jan Winiarski - Pigeon Creek at Hemlock Crossings -  Oil
  • Carolyn Stich - Van Raalte Farm - Gouache and Ink
  • Judy Johns - Morning View - Acrylic
  • Tanner Bosma - Spring Tulips - Acrylic 

Artist and curator, Chris Protas, served as juror for the 2020 show, selecting the newest additions to the permanent collection.  “I want to thank Mary Sundstrom and Shannon Felgner for the honor of jurying this year's Ottawa Art Trust Exhibition. I was amazed but not surprised at all the beautiful work," said Chris Protas. "This community has so much to offer in the way of art, and it’s very heartening to see Ottawa County getting behind an initiative that will have such a meaningful impact both on individual artists as well as the cultural legacy of this area.”

Establishing an Art Trust is a tangible way to demonstrate Ottawa County's commitment to culture, creativity and innovation. At the same time, the trust will preserve a legacy of art for generations of residents to come. 

Individuals, businesses and organizations can get involved by:

  • Viewing and Appreciating the art at the exhibition.
  • Purchasing art from the show for their homes or offices. A portion of the sale goes to the trust.
  • Purchasing exhibition pieces to gift to the Art Trust. Sponsoring a piece is a thoughtful way to show dedication to the art community or to honor a loved one, family member or mentor. Sponsored pieces will be marked with a plate, recognizing the gift. 
  • Donating to the Art Trust which will enable it to purchase more works. 

Those wishing to make a purchase or gift may contact Shannon Felgner with Ottawa County or Mary Sundstrom of the Holland Area Arts Council.

The Art Trust was established in 2018. Ottawa County and the Holland Area Arts Council plan to hold the exhibition annually to grow the County’s fine art collection. The Ottawa County Art Trust will build a permanent library of artwork created by resident artists. As the collection grows, the works will be on display in various county locations.

Art Trust 2020

Social Media: Best practices from an early adopter

This article appeared in the June 2020 edition of the MAC Newsletter.
By Shannon Felgner, Ottawa County Communications Manager

Ottawa County established its first social media account on Facebook in 2009. Since then, social media channels have become some of the most useful and effective communication tools employed by Ottawa County. During the month of April, Ottawa County reached more than 448,000 unique residents via Facebook alone. Nearly 70,000 people engaged with the County on the platform with comments, messages, shares and other interactions, demonstrating that social media are more than one-way communication. Social media are critical communication channels.

Much has changed since 2009. Additional social platforms have emerged, new tools are available, and features have been added. These changes both enhance and test social media content creators.  One of the most challenging changes on Facebook, the top platform among Ottawa County residents according to its 2018 Citizen Survey, is known to social media managers as “the algorithm.”

At any given moment, Facebook is choosing between thousands of competing posts to be shown your follower’s newsfeed. Only about one hundred ever make it to your target’s newsfeed. The elusive algorithm determines who will see your post. While Facebook will not disclose precisely how the formula works, it has disclosed some of the signals. Just a few of these signals include:

  • Time of day of the post
  • Speed of internet connection
  • Type of device in use
  • Type of post
  • Previous interactions with posts
  • Friends with interactions with posts
  • Plus thousands of other signals

The key, then, is to work with what we know about the algorithm to ensure your page’s post is served to as many people as possible. Keep the following tips in mind to create engaging content.

Post Frequency:

Data shows that Facebook pages who post daily perform better than pages who post less than once a day. Posting up to three times per day is acceptable, however the posts should have varying content types.

Content Type:

Pages who vary their type of content perform better. Content types include photos, status updates, videos, events, lives, local alerts and more. Even the same topic shared as a different type of post can be effective at reaching additional individuals. Users who have not actively engaged with videos in the past are not likely to have a video show it their newsfeed. Perhaps these residents may be more likely to engage with a photo and as such, they will be served more posts with photos. Remember to avoid “too much of the same” when it comes to the type of content.

Authentic Posts:

Content that is authentic performs better. Consider photos of real community members instead of stock imagery. You may want to share stories about the people behind the work you do. Imperfect video shot from a phone generally performs better than a slick, high-end production. Live videos perform very well in the algorithm and also come with built in promotion tools, such a notifying your followers that your page “is now live.” Interacting appropriately with your followers also improves engagement and authenticity in your posts.

Final Thoughts

Social media are effective and useful for communication when managed properly. The role of managing social media is complex, however, both an art and a science. Those managing social media protect the agency, mitigate risk, develop communication messaging, influence the public and take on a great deal of responsibility for an important communication channel. Leaders can support communication professionals and social media managers by remembering that, like other positions in the workplace, the job requires a certain set of expertise, skills, education, and training.

MAC Article

'Excellence in Equity' award

The Ottawa County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is seeking nominations for the Excellence in Equity Award. The Excellence in Equity Award, presented at the annual Diversity Forum, recognizes individuals who impact the public sector field in Ottawa County and focus on the importance of equity through their practices, programs, policies, and decision making. Previous award recipients can be found HERE. They may also be re-nominated. Nominations officially close on August 31st, 2020.  Please submit entries HERE. For questions or inquiries please contact Judy Kettring, Cultural Intelligence Committee Chair.


Ottawa County Circuit & Probate Court Administrator Nationally Recognized

Kevin Bowling

From Susan Franklin, Trial Division Director, 20th Judicial Circuit Court

On July 15, 2020, 20th Judicial Circuit Court and Ottawa County Probate Court Administrator Kevin Bowling was recognized by his peers in the National Association for Court Management (NACM) as deserving the Award of Merit, their highest individual honor.

The Award of Merit is presented each year at the NACM Annual Conference to recognize distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the profession of court administration. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the in-person conference slated for New Orleans was canceled, so Mr. Bowling will receive this award in a virtual meeting. He was presented with the award in person by NACM’s Vice President, Kathy Griffin, on July 14 in Grand Haven.

NACM’s President, Will Simmons, said, “I've known Kevin professionally for nearly 15 years. He is passionate about court management and progressing the courts forward. Kevin has tirelessly given of himself to advance the profession and NACM. He is a leader, a trend setter, mentor, scholar, gentleman and friend. He is very deserving of this high honor. Congratulations, Kevin!”

Since the beginning of his career with the judiciary over forty years ago, Mr. Bowling has worked with relentless dedication to improve the administration of justice and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of judges, court leaders, and staff. For the first twenty years of his career, he served in a variety of positions with the Michigan Supreme Court including State Judicial Educator and Regional Court Administrator. His passion for quality leadership and administration of the courts is reflected in his contributions as adjunct faculty for the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada; the National Center for State Courts, Institute for Court Management; and the Leadership Institute in Judicial Education. Mr. Bowling also served as Deputy Chief of Party for the Nigeria Justice Sector Assistance Project during his career. He is a well-respected court leader in Michigan and always brings his international, national, and statewide experiences and knowledge back to Ottawa County’s 20th Circuit and Probate Courts in an effort to keep the courts true to their mission, “To administer justice and restore wholeness in a manner that inspire public trust.”

During his 17 year tenure with the Ottawa County Circuit and Probate Courts, Mr. Bowling has led the way through a number of improvements in the Courts. He shepherded the Court through the construction of the Grand Haven Courthouse in 2009, and is integral to the planning of the new Family Justice Center coming to West Olive. He has also been on the forefront and the proponent of leveraging technological advances to provide additional services to the public, including e-filing and the use of online dispute resolution for child support and parenting time issues.

Mr. Bowling received in B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island; a M.S. in Judicial Administration from the University of Denver College of Law and a J.D, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  


Ottawa County receives $300,000 grant for brownfield redevelopment assistance

By Becky Huttenga, Ottawa County Economic Development Coordinator

BRA

West Olive, MI — In a win for local economic revitalization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) on May 6 awarded Ottawa County $300,000 for environmental site assessment and cleanup planning for brownfield properties. This grant is part of $65 million worth of brownfield site assessment, revolving loan fund, and cleanup grants awarded to 155 communities by the USEPA.

This year’s grant competition was as fierce as ever — approximately 435 communities submitted applications to the USEPA. Ottawa County last received a grant from this same pool of USEPA funds in 2013. With a $400,000 award, the County was able to assist 34 different projects and leverage approximately $35.6 million worth of investment into brownfield properties. Read more


Progess Continues on Ottawa Sands Master Plan

By Curt TerHaar, Ottawa County Coordinator of Park Planning & Development

Ottawa County Parks, with funding from a Coastal Zone Management grant and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, is working with Viridis Design Group to engage stakeholders and the public; conduct an in-depth review of the natural features of the site; and then develop a plan which preserves and/or restores the site’s natural features while offering desired high quality recreational opportunities.

So far, the following has occurred or is underway:

  • Multiple local and Ottawa County-related stakeholder groups have provided input, a social media campaign on Instagram has been ongoing, an online survey is being conducted, and a public “field day” at Ottawa Sands was held on July 18, 2020.
  • A wetland review and natural features inventory have been completed, and the Viridis ecological team conducted an in-depth property review in June. The Parks Foundation also received a grant from the Wege Foundation to conduct a review of the ecological importance of the larger coastal dune corridor from the north pier of the Grand River to PJ Hoffmaster.   
  • A draft Campground Feasibility Study has been completed and is expected to finalized soon.

Based on these various inputs and studies, Viridis will work with Parks staff to develop preliminary options for the Master Plan, which will be made available for public review and comment. A final draft plan incorporating these comments will then be presented to the Parks Commission in late fall with a final plan expected to be completed and approved by the end of the year.


Outstanding Customer Service Award Recipients

Deanna Allen of Community Mental Health and Deputy James Dyer of the Sheriff's Office were recognized by the Board of Commissioners on July 14th, for their outstanding customer service. Deanna was nominated by a consumer for her friendly and professional manner while assisting with a patient portal. Deputy Dyer was acknowledged by a Ferrysburg resident for his assistance with changing her door locks after his shift. Continue submitting internal and external Outstanding Customer Service Award nominations so employees can be recognized for their exemplary actions.

https://www.miottawa.org/CustomerService/outstanding_service.htm