[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6517581,"mediaKeyId","5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104","parentId",5408280,"title","Votes at a glance: Holland City Council approves consent agenda, tulip contract, special-event liquor license and appointments","audioSeconds",5656,"startMs",140000,"endMs",5796000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104&start=140&end=5796","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104/thumbnail_140000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6517581/Holland-City/Ottawa-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Holland-City-Council-approves-consent-agenda-tulip-contract-special-event-liquor-license-and-appointments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517581-b6da35c9679f7091d6b4ee9399b7114d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156579&Signature=OeLNaWpqeDr9QaKe4AvOYNUwvJvEYEIOndj8Z5A2bo47hY7rBu1bWKTf4~1BdAMVjLHTJR8av1QKSiLLZXw6s839QHAAOWLJvCWF6gZS~vu2APFrioVXF1ogKOuQ7sn2JgOA3fzd460zSdpBKLPfUSiwtRxpfToSElnZZxn5iBL8ZzEJvywqgmlbgyTA0pQwLnM78tds0HCIdu2QY4VMhiYc58jWDGnjECp4PlB5gjzDjN4bXKvqJlv9UTAwyhXQSx0v2T2gu1xM4WQ8Ctb0oQpxjgQpfXsv1I-MID9zmHktUr~J8DnqhTZVxPh9OO9yPZmAMt-Te1VMu6txZOlJrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-16T16:25:38Z","article","Holland City Council took several routine actions Wednesday evening, approving the consent agenda and a group of discrete items with little debate.

What council approved (high level):
- Consent agenda items including approvals of minutes, oaths of office, a transfer of funds, equipment purchases for the Holland Energy Park, a renewable energy certificate (power purchase commitment), grant acceptance for a foam recycling coalition, infield groomer purchases for the recreation department, a 2026 Ford Interceptor vehicle purchase for police, a cardiac monitor for fire, pension plan administrative items (MERS defined benefit and 457 plan addendum), a staff reclassification for Windmill Island garden position, a downtown special liquor license (moved to regular agenda), downtown development authority board appointments, and bids for the clerk and human relations office renovations and a museum HVAC/ventilation project.
- Award of the tulip-bulb contract to UNIX (low bidder) for approximately $189,000 after bids ranged up to about $389,000; staff cited higher bulb prices due to tariffs, shipping and growing conditions in the Netherlands.
- Approval of parks and recreation fees and charges (including the Ice Park fee schedule) as presented.
- Acceptance of donations to the Sal Perez scholarship fund (cash receipts and employee payroll deductions) and authorization to forward thanks to donors.
- Approval of a special liquor license for the \"Taste of Downtown\" fundraiser (Warehouse 6) and related service arrangements.
- Reappointment of Ron Hemmick to the Community Pool Authority (term expiring June 2029).

Motions were routine and passed by roll-call votes. Councilmember Bird moved and Councilmember Soule supported the tulip-bulb award; the parks fees motion was moved by Freeman and supported by Byrd; the special liquor license was moved by Vreeman and supported by Schulteis. Most items were on the consent agenda and were adopted in a single motion that passed unanimously after Councilmember Corbin asked to move the downtown special liquor license to the regular agenda.

City staff noted the higher tulip cost is a notable budget variance for a high-profile city event (Tulip Time) and explained the city will continue with its long-standing supplier. Councilmembers observed Tulip Time's large visitor counts in support of the expenditure. The gifts and scholarship funds were accepted with appreciation.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","7-16-25 City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The council adopted a multi-item consent agenda and approved several routine motions, including a tulip-bulb contract, parks fee book, a special-event liquor license and an appointment to the Community Pool Authority.","taxTitle","Holland City, Ottawa County, Michigan","taxId",5780,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517586,"Council approves Ice Park fees and programming; open skate likely $10 for 90-minute sessions",790,4724000,5514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104&start=4724&end=5514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104/thumbnail_4724000.jpg","/articles/6517586/Holland-City/Ottawa-County/Michigan/Council-approves-Ice-Park-fees-and-programming-open-skate-likely-10-for-90-minute-sessions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517586-0e12e0a7dcae983f225818ed9042e8f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156579&Signature=QmPwoKo5h1OInorEVsF2RRfSB10S3eJZuuw1~8d0AA4ioVBJps3Uas7eWatIrPVbwgQeAlhoCe9E326cAaYloimTER3SC-YnCyWz6R1Sgg4bq9HS41yWk9XC-ctbjENg5ytRAf4PQORgKPz4E6gFZbq1ABglN6W61fUU8vnhNEvn0DTKHMMmESpYENUzTjmxDJGZId4qhiitqDwUQrOoSVCtikwWnPsc-VGebeT73C3FgXAaN5PP8fYlNcs-KbYWsvXxupmJXFr0vZYbi9Y88KAjwckwPUkXOWGuNkIN2yI7k0t0qt8fiMAxzkoRER9QlhCXGlHbzIc8I8m9sw8LHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Holland City Council approved updates to the parks and recreation fees and charges Wednesday that include rates and program plans for the city's new Ice Park.

Parks staff presented a recommended price schedule and operational plan for the Ice Park. Garrett Thalen, parks staff, said open-skate sessions will most likely be $10 for 90-minute sessions, with a discounted $5 night for nonprime sessions possible. \"It's mostly going to be $10,\" Thalen said, describing a five-session Saturday schedule with 30-minute ice-resurfacing breaks between sessions.

The proposal also includes learn-to-skate classes ($40 to $60 per participant for classes of 15\u001225 participants), curling-sheet rentals (nonprime $75\u001125, prime $125\u00150 with modified lightweight stones), private event rental options and field-trip packages for area schools priced at about $7 per skater for outside districts and at-cost pricing for partner schools. Staff said scholarships from the Sal Perez fund will be available for qualifying participants.

Thalen said the operation will require about eight on-site staff during peak Saturday sessions (concessions, rental window, ice monitors, ticketing), and the department expects to recruit roughly 30 seasonal staff to operate the park. The city compared pricing to similarly sized Midwest ice rinks and positioned its rates to be accessible while covering ongoing costs.

Councilmember Freeman moved to approve the proposed parks and recreation fees and charges; the motion was supported by Councilmember Byrd and passed on roll call with unanimous yes votes. Councilmembers praised staff for progressing the project while balancing affordability: Mayor Box thanked staff for the work and said the investment continues to focus on community access and quality programming.

Staff will finalize the fee schedule and include Ice Park programming in the seasonal program guide; the park manager and parks staff will monitor participation and can recommend fee adjustments in future fee-cycle updates if needed.

","Council approved the park fees and charges package that includes proposed Ice Park pricing: open skate sessions likely priced at $10 for 90 minutes, learn-to-skate classes and curling-sheet rentals planned; staff outlined staffing, field-trip packages and scholarship access.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517591,"Holland council votes to put Headlee override question on November ballot to preserve local taxing authority",1918,2326000,4244000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104&start=2326&end=4244","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104/thumbnail_2326000.jpg","/articles/6517591/Holland-City/Ottawa-County/Michigan/Holland-council-votes-to-put-Headlee-override-question-on-November-ballot-to-preserve-local-taxing-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517591-fb129ed67ab04e6363d2038d3dc157ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156579&Signature=kKeANJwsgyv63uEDCmAHHtH6OLS0DOhYFN8XTc6RNyo0Tr17iC09k8hyItJdhlNWQuIDUNCLvZDIDZp6r-XhF9QCC0dZwbn41j~1BPXiUudBIMjnG9jUnWEuKfkzmaezguXfR4GeY4l0cOXGPVLXRR56MZSRVOGgL-79nS5DBc62LsSyh-F9Z1EPkHbBk5BK4Dfl8mzwYKNQ6~V9bYmSs5afh0poz6XYdIeI6VK7VN~I5FO2gPeZdySypD590DSXLSxZ8bUoUh9AShmKSgEJd8j5k7G-AZobgCjmOQ~uqt6MiJFsjjBn7XVVNy1Fr0hOWco-MCzZLrLRByFnlwnTlQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Holland City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to place a Headlee override question on the Nov. 4 ballot that would reset the city's charter millage cap from its reduced level back to 17.5 mills.

City Manager Keith Van Beek told council the move is a preemptive response to a gradual state-mandated rollback under the Headlee Amendment that would otherwise reduce the maximum rate the city may levy and could force future service cuts. \"We really need to get relief from that rollback amount before the orange line crosses the teal bar graph,\" Van Beek said, explaining the staff recommendation to put the question before voters.

The vote was driven by financial forecasts city staff presented showing the city has levied a steady rate of 13.8692 mills for the last 14 years while the Headlee rollback slowly reduces the allowable ceiling. Van Beek and Finance Director Lynn McCammon told council that if the rollback reaches the current levy, the city would begin losing revenue year over year and would eventually face choices about cutting services or using one-time reserves.

Council members emphasized the vote is intended to preserve local control, not to raise taxes. Mayor Nathan Box said the ballot language is complicated, but stressed the intent: \"This is not about raising taxes. This is about preventing the artificial lowering of the tax rate for the people of the City Of Holland.\" Several council members, including Councilmember Schulteis and Councilmember Grama, echoed that the city and past councils have kept rates steady and were acting to avoid an externally imposed reduction in capacity to fund services.

The motion to place the Headlee override question on the November ballot passed on a motion by Councilmember Soule, supported by Councilmember Rowan. Roll-call voting recorded unanimous support: Freeman (yes), Corbin (yes), Sowell (yes), Rowan (yes), Shea (yes), Scholteis (yes), Bird (yes), Vreeman (yes), Mayor Box (yes). The council instructed staff to prepare ballot language and voter information; city staff reiterated the city may only inform voters and cannot use public funds to advocate for a particular vote.

Councilmembers outlined which services would be most likely affected if the rollback reduces revenues: public safety (police and fire), parks and recreation, roads and other capital needs. Van Beek said the city has reserves (fund balance and budget stabilization) but cautioned those are intended for unforeseen emergencies, not to offset a structural revenue decline. He said staff would begin public information and planning so voters could make an informed decision.

The council’s action places a single question on the ballot asking voters to restore the charter cap to 17.5 mills, a procedural step that would allow — but not require — future councils to levy up to that amount. The city will publish explanatory materials about the effect of a yes or no vote in coming weeks.

","After extended discussion, Holland City Council voted unanimously to place a Headlee override question on the November ballot that would reset the city's charter millage cap and preserve local control over future levy decisions.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517571,"Museum supporters urge council to place millage question on November ballot; city schedules study-session follow-up",5433,1277000,6710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104&start=1277&end=6710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104/thumbnail_1277000.jpg","/articles/6517571/Holland-City/Ottawa-County/Michigan/Museum-supporters-urge-council-to-place-millage-question-on-November-ballot-city-schedules-study-session-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517571-fd6c4f5bf96a53c94d9d19d6f6c6b2ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156579&Signature=fhVVLQMKnkmiPbXh519p2DCnvEfCBpWdNr1zemdd5x98fQ7zZLZ~kmxM4qS6m69VQQTjFn3cjBY7C27BQOpGUSYo2Sacdr3rg06ueFYbNhPdE4sgH2WYTGodAVZaQ85Q5zOaNhe3io5580IGSrO5K-HjQ9tybcb5N7Ys9x7NTYgF2KxOXFnmp2Wck3ayu5jyB87vvr~b4X0cq0aR5SSJQu5fhHCP8C1913foh6V5kniu~cexZWZg~ktsuhi811Iut6kxogHpB0yqOp~PnOflLmYewBiF3ucR4mhnqA5YQCgipqFWGKj2y8lHyl2RPBrTX79p5tBlyx~S1~VME3PpUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple speakers during the public-comment period urged Holland City Council to allow voters to decide whether to place a museum millage on the November ballot and asked council to hold a study session to present the proposal and financial details.

Linda Falstad, a Holland Museum board member, asked council to consider a study session on July 23 to examine the museum millage proposal, including the financials and how the measure would impact households. \"...for most of us, it'd be less than $25 a year per household to preserve this vital community asset,\" Falstad said, noting the museum's attendance and education programs.

Deb Wake, who previously worked at the Henry Ford Museum and now supports placing the millage on the ballot, told council museums build tourism and community pride and asked that citizens be allowed to vote. \"I believe the $25 a year is not a steep cost to ensure the institution for generations to come,\" Wake said.

Claire Hibor and Fred Johnson (a Hope College history professor) also spoke in favor of placing a millage before voters, describing the museum's educational role and community reach. Johnson noted the museum's collections and programming and said it has attracted speakers and visitors beyond Holland.

City Manager Keith Van Beek said staff was already planning to bring a housing-support policy item to an upcoming study session and that he recommended the museum request be scheduled at a study session as a matter for council consideration. Councilmember Shea confirmed he supported a study-session discussion of the museum proposal next week.

No formal council action to place a millage on the ballot was taken at the meeting; supporters asked that council schedule a study session to present full financial details and allow public discussion before any ballot decision.

","Several speakers urged Holland City Council to place a museum millage proposal on the November ballot and requested a study session for financial details; council and staff said they will schedule a session next week to review the proposal.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6517576,"Former LG Energy Solutions worker urges Holland council to reconsider tax breaks, alleges workplace mistreatment",278,388000,666000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104&start=388&end=666","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5408280-5141576dfd9724e956f962d2cac83104/thumbnail_388000.jpg","/articles/6517576/Holland-City/Ottawa-County/Michigan/Former-LG-Energy-Solutions-worker-urges-Holland-council-to-reconsider-tax-breaks-alleges-workplace-mistreatment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517576-bec20fa8a4dcf84dd8696f1bc711e30c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156579&Signature=hSTeblnID7wM021I2dFawpyj367vQqW9oUn9hj-7aHDC4pme88hAZJMvBjIMJufxZ3hafFGVxz1C3q8uPZ0VW1iA91j5j6CCQV8U4FwfFAQTWjcdeZc6ZjljICa6B7IO1qZmLp2xU-iwi3NyggNace~dCMJCyEUpiCj5myO30pwgBWnb1sTFTsCGncEoxvqFu5ELa~qqVK2~7wVvJ~JpYsvJ38YiVtGedPcfOw4VkG4Lm0I7pHaW0Jw2YHfHFiawQIlri9aHPEzd-nAN5feZNfZ2B~azIlY54RIK7q6yskklKAYGZ0MiPbwR~kQJhzb~bYy65mPxmDY1Fw-nTGoSbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamie Adams, a Coopersville resident and former employee of LG Energy Solutions Michigan, used the public comment period Wednesday to urge Holland City Council to examine the company's stewardship and the local benefits of its tax breaks.

Adams described her employment from June 2021 until May (year not specified) and said she resigned after what she characterized as ongoing harassment, denial of training and failure to honor intermittent FMLA and ADA accommodations. She told council she had filed complaints with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and received a \"right to sue\" letter, but said she could not find legal representation to pursue a case. \"They treat people so badly ... it's a rotten place to work,\" Adams said.

Adams also alleged she observed workplace safety and environmental concerns, stating she saw cleaning products being poured down a drain that led to a retention pond and noted the company had been fined $15,000. She urged council to reconsider providing tax breaks (she referenced the company's \"renaissance zone\" status) given what she described as poor treatment of employees and environmental lapses.

Council did not take any formal action in response; the comment was received into the public record. City staff noted that regulatory enforcement (e.g., MIOSHA, state agencies) rests with state authorities. Adams said she had been unable to secure an attorney and was using the public comment opportunity as a final recourse.

","A former LG Energy Solutions Michigan employee told council she experienced harassment, denied accommodations and alleged environmental dumping; she urged council to reconsider tax incentives given to the company.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Holland City Council approves consent agenda, tulip contract, special-event liquor license and appointments

Council approves Ice Park fees and programming; open skate likely $10 for 90-minute sessions

Holland council votes to put Headlee override question on November ballot to preserve local taxing authority

Museum supporters urge council to place millage question on November ballot; city schedules study-session follow-up

Former LG Energy Solutions worker urges Holland council to reconsider tax breaks, alleges workplace mistreatment