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Commission approves minutes, reviews burial report and updates on BL 196 crossing and park budget priorities
Summary
The commission approved its Dec. 11 minutes, received a burial report showing five Lincoln Cemetery burials since Dec. 6, 2024, and heard updates on a possible BL 196 crossing grant, downtown snowmelt troubleshooting and parks budget priorities including gazebo and Huizenga Park lighting.
The Zeeland Cemetery-Parks Commission convened on Jan. 15 and approved the Dec. 11, 2024 meeting minutes by motion of Commissioner Thom Parker with support from Commissioner Sue Lucas; the minutes record that "all those present" voted in favor and that Commissioners Ashley Kiekintveld and Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen arrived after the vote.
Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Kevin Plockmeyer presented the operational burial and sales report from the packet. He reported five burials at Lincoln Cemetery since Dec. 6, 2024 (two resident burials and three non-resident burials), zero burials at Felch Cemetery, one sales transaction at Lincoln (one resident sale), and no transfers or sale-backs during that period.
Plockmeyer updated the commission on the BL 196 crossing project: one outstanding grant request covers design work and staff are coordinating with the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC), which is preparing a Safety Action Plan that would make projects eligible for Safe Streets for All grants. He said the MACC process is expected to wrap up in March, which could enable grant submissions in May; the crossing project has been identified as a top safety priority in the MACC area and is estimated within a five-year project horizon.
Other operational items included a positive note from Commissioner Ashley Kiekintveld on the downtown snowmelt system, with staff acknowledging one area currently under troubleshooting that likely requires additional glycol. Regarding upcoming budget items, Plockmeyer flagged potential capital requests for VDL Gazebo improvements and Huizenga Park pickleball court lighting and said he would follow up with engineers for updated cost quotes. He also said sumac and overgrowth mitigation work at Paw Paw Footbridge Park, contracted with the Outdoor Discovery Center, will begin in spring and will be included in the budget.
Plockmeyer presented FY26 park rental and cemetery fee schedules and the commission recommended no changes at this time. There were no noteworthy public comments. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:05 p.m.; staff (Susan Moore) will send an invite after members recommended rescheduling the Feb. 12 meeting to Feb. 19, 2025.
