Zeeland council approves package of contracts, licenses and FY2026 budget amendment

The Zeeland Common Council on Monday approved a package of contracts, licenses and a fiscal-year amendment, voting unanimously on each motion by the four members present.

The council adopted a resolution granting JR Automation Technologies LLC a 12-year Act 198 Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption for its headquarters and production facility at 800 E. Riley St., after a public hearing during which company representatives and a Lakeshore Advantage official expressed support, City staff said.

The council also authorized the Police Department to contract with Axon for dash and body cameras and Taser electronic weapons under a five-year agreement totaling $282,903.90, with annual payments of $56,064.52. Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Kevin Plockmeyer told council staff negotiated as part of an Ottawa County consortium; staff cited integration benefits with county prosecutors and features such as live mapping and virtual-training that are not part of the department's current Motorola system.

Councilmembers supported a motion to pursue a regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with neighboring townships to replace Scott SCBA air packs, an approach staff said could reduce Zeeland's portion of replacement costs by roughly half if the grant is awarded at full potential.

Mandu Escapes LLC, doing business as La Crème, was approved to rejoin Zeeland's Social District; city staff said outdoor seating will be limited to four café tables adjacent to the storefront and that MLCC liquor-license renewal remains an annual requirement.

The council also approved multiple contracts and project awards including a design contract for the Howard Miller Library chiller, an award for a Clean Water Plant capacity-charge study (see separate coverage), and a contract for the 17 East Main boiler plant (see separate coverage). Council approved Addendum No. 2 to an existing parking easement with North Street Christian Reformed Church and granted a storm-drainage easement to Mead Johnson & Company LLC for work at 75 N. Division St.

The council approved a FY2026 budget amendment reflecting higher-than-expected building permit revenues, transfers to the Municipal Streets Fund tied to the Church Street construction project, unanticipated legal fees, and other line-item adjustments; staff said the General Fund is projecting a better-than-expected result compared with budget assumptions.

All motions recorded in the official minutes showed the four present members (Mayor Van Dorp, Mayor Pro-Tem Gruppen, Councilmember Perkins and Councilmember Bult) voting aye; Councilmembers Timmer, Lam and Langeland were absent.