Hudsonville commission approves turnout gear purchase, pension default change, landscape waiver ordinance and library amendment

The Hudsonville City Commission on March 10 approved several operational and policy items in short succession, all by roll-call vote.

Turnout gear: Commission approved purchase of turnout gear from Phoenix Safety Outfitters for $83,877.91. Staff said the purchase is supported by FEMA and state grant dollars and will replace sets that have reached NFPA 10-year compliance limits. The motion passed unanimously.

Retirement plan default rate: The commission approved an amendment to the city's retirement plan to set the default employee contribution rate at 2%, effective July 1, 2025. Staff explained the change aligns with IRS rules preventing multiple employer plan elections and preserves employer contributions for employees moving between plans. The motion passed unanimously.

Zoning—landscape waiver (Ordinance 26-341): Commissioners adopted Ordinance 26-341 to amend the zoning ordinance’s landscape waiver standards, allowing the planning commission discretion to deviate from buffer specifications without a special stipulation in every case. Staff said the change aims to give planning staff and commissioners flexibility in addressing utility, grading or safety conflicts while still requiring landscaping unless otherwise addressed. The ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call.

Library services amendment: The commission authorized the city manager to sign a first amendment to the library services agreement with Blendon Township that would extend services for six months; staff said final approval is contingent on Blendon Township’s governing board action next week and authorized the city manager to finalize the agreement administratively.

Roll-call tallies: Each item was approved on a recorded roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting yes.