Operations committee recommends public hearing on Sparta annexation petition

The Kent County Operations Policy Committee on Nov. 18 voted to send the Village of Sparta’s petition to annex the Peterson parcel to the full Kent County Board of Commissioners with a recommendation to hold the statutorily required public hearing Thursday.

The committee’s recommendation followed public comments from Sparta Township officials and the property trustee that presented sharply different views. "Despite the village's claims and its written submissions, this is frankly a land grab," said Laura Genovich, an attorney with Foster Swift representing Sparta Township, urging the committee to recommend denial and to pursue a Public Act 425 cooperative agreement instead. Jim Lauer, village manager for the Village of Sparta, urged support, saying the annexation "really is a win-win for everyone," arguing it will enable denser housing served by existing utilities.

The conflict centers on property rights and municipal boundaries. Township representatives told the committee that a 425 agreement would allow utility extension while allowing the township to retain its operating millage. Martin Peterson, trustee for the estate that owns the parcel, said the family requested annexation to obtain services: "We approached the village," he said, describing past attempts to market the property for light industrial use without interest because of lack of services.

County staff and the committee emphasized process and limits of this meeting. Staff said Michigan statute requires the board to hold a public hearing and that the operations committee's vote is a recommendation to the full board, which may vote on the petition, request more study, or postpone action. The committee’s motion to send the petition with a "yes" recommendation was made by Commissioner Womack, seconded by Commissioner Faber, and carried on roll call with the following recorded as yes: Pacla (Paclock), Faber, Womack, DeBoer, Pondstein, Vice Chair Coleman and Chair Burrell.

The panel did not adopt a final decision on annexation; the matter is scheduled for public hearing before the full Kent County Board of Commissioners on Thursday.