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Holland City Council adopts Consumers Energy franchise, approves rezoning and zoning text changes; appoints new PCR member
Summary
At its Feb. 19 meeting the Holland City Council adopted an emergency franchise resolution with Consumers Energy, rezoned about 20 acres for a proposed bike park, approved two Unified Development Ordinance text amendments, and confirmed one appointment to a citizen commission.
The Holland City Council adopted a package of items Feb. 19 that included an emergency renewal of a Consumers Energy franchise, a rezoning for a proposed bicycle park, amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and the appointment of a citizen to the Police Community Relations Commission.
The most consequential vote came when council moved, by emergency resolution, to renew a 30‑year franchise with Consumers Energy tied to a local natural gas interconnection and storage arrangement. Dave Koster, who spoke to the item, explained the franchise allows the Board of Public Works to retain a 30‑year arrangement that supplements the city’s existing interstate pipeline supply and provides backup storage access. Council adopted the emergency resolution by roll call; the motion carried.
Other votes - Rezoning for bike park: Council approved a Planning Commission recommendation to rezone approximately 20 acres (parcel referenced as 5651140 Third Street) from industrial to open space to allow a proposed ODC bicycle park. The rezoning passed by roll call vote. - UDO text amendments: Council approved Planning Commission‑recommended changes clarifying permitted Open Space uses (adding green space, wetlands and similar uses) and adjusting the administrative process for "high intensity manufacturing" interpretations so the zoning administrator may make determinations that previously required Planning Commission review. The changes passed unanimously. - Appointment: The council approved Mayor Box’s appointment of David Wood to the Police Community Relations Commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2027.
Votes and motions (summary): - Consumers Energy franchise (emergency resolution): Moved by Freeman; support by Shay; roll call vote recorded in favor by council members present; motion carries. - Rezoning (5651140 Third Street): Motion to approve Planning Commission recommendation moved by Corbin; supported by Raymond; roll call vote in favor; motion carries. - UDO text amendments: Motion moved by Scholteis; supported by Vreeman; roll call vote in favor; motion carries. - Appointment of David Wood (PCR): Moved by Raymond; support by Scholteis; voice vote in favor; motion carries.
Why it matters: The Consumers Energy franchise preserves an existing pipeline and local gas storage interconnection that the city can draw from as a supplement or backup to interstate pipeline deliveries. The rezoning clears a legal barrier to the privately proposed bike park by matching the zoning with the master plan’s recreational use designation. The UDO edits streamline administrative review and explicitly allow certain open‑space uses such as manmade wetlands or regional retention/detention facilities.
Ending: Council approved all four items without prolonged debate and recorded roll calls for the ordinances. Staff will implement the ordinance renewals, update zoning records for the rezoned parcel and apply the UDO changes in future permitting.
