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Zeeland council approves JR Automation tax break, awards multiple contracts and adopts budget amendment
Summary
At its June 15 meeting, the Zeeland Common Council approved a 12-year Act 198 tax exemption for JR Automation, authorized a $282,903.90 five-year contract with Axon for police dash/body cameras and Tasers, awarded construction and design contracts (including a $1.14 million boiler plant contract), and approved a FY2026 budget amendment; staff were directed to pursue a Clean Water Plant capacity study regarding Mead Johnson wastewater flows.
The Zeeland Common Council on June 15 approved a package of economic development incentives, equipment contracts and budget changes while directing staff to study the financial implications of a potential industrial wastewater connection.
The council voted unanimously to adopt a 12-year Act 198 Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate for JR Automation Technologies LLC at 800 E Riley St, following a public hearing where Community Development Director Tim Maday and representatives from Lakeshore Advantage and JR Automation described the project and local collaboration. Mayor Pro-Tem Gruppen moved the resolution, Councilmember Bult supported it, and the four members present voted in favor; three members were absent.
Why it matters: the tax-exemption is designed to encourage local investment and job creation by reducing property tax obligations for qualifying industrial facilities, and Council advanced the certificate after the Tax Incentive Committee recommended it for consideration.
The council also authorized a five-year contract with Axon for police dash and body cameras and Taser electronic weapons at a total five‑year cost of $282,903.90 (five annual payments of $56,064.52). Police Chief Tim Jungel and staff briefed the council in a prior study session on June 15, comparing an Axon consortium purchase (which includes integrated evidence storage, live mapping/streaming and virtual-reality training) with a Motorola option; staff said Ottawa County prosecutors require evidence submitted via Axon’s digital-evidence platform, and the Axon solution would reduce front-office transfer steps.
Also on equipment and safety: the council authorized pursuing a regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) with neighboring townships to replace self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Fire Chief Brad Deppe said participating in the regional application could cut Zeeland’s out‑of‑pocket replacement cost by roughly half if the full grant is awarded; Councilmember Bult moved the authorization and the measure passed unanimously.
Infrastructure and contracts: the council awarded a contract to Midwest Construction Group for the 17 East Main boiler plant to support the city’s snowmelt system. The recommended contract amount is $1,140,740.77 with a total project budget set at $1,254,814.85; the award is subject to final contract review by City Attorney Jim Donkersloot because the contractor owns the building and some standard bidding requirements are being waived.
Water and wastewater planning: Council approved a contract with Utility Financial Solutions LLC for a ‘‘significant user’’ capacity and financial analysis, estimated at $18,000, to determine charges and impacts if Zeeland accepts additional wastewater flows from Mead Johnson. Staff told the Clean Water Plant Committee that preliminary modeling indicates the plant could accept Mead Johnson’s flows under the modeled assumptions, but additional technical, operational and financial reviews are required before any final acceptance.
Budget and facilities: the council approved a FY2026 budget amendment covering multiple funds. Highlights include higher-than-expected building permit revenue (inspection fees of $500,000 offsetting costs), reallocation of funds to support the Church Street construction and snowmelt projects (a $400,200 transfer to the Municipal Street Fund was noted for FY27 planning), and authorization of $49,500 to Tower Pinkster for design services to replace the Howard Miller Library chiller (base fee $39,000 plus a $10,000 add-alternate to size equipment for potential future expansion).
Parking and easements: Council approved Addendum No. 2 to the easement with North Street Christian Reformed Church to formalize city access to 49 parking spaces and a negotiated initial lease rate of $200 per space for weekday public use. Separately, the council approved a storm drainage easement of approximately 0.01 acres to Mead Johnson for a storm connection to the Brower Drain; the easement documents were authorized for execution by the Mayor and City Clerk.
Other actions: the council reappointed Chad Keegstra to a three-year term on the Board of Review. The meeting concluded with brief remarks about a new Airport Authority member and a Planning Commission approval for Mead Johnson site work; the council adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Votes at a glance: JR Automation Act 198 exemption — adopted (ayes: Mayor Pro-Tem Gruppen, Perkins, Bult, Mayor Van Dorp; absent: Timmer, Lam, Langeland). Axon dash/body cameras & Tasers — authorized (same vote count). 17 E Main boiler contract — awarded (subject to attorney review). Clean Water Plant financial analysis — authorized (estimated $18,000). Mandu Escapes/La Crème — added to Social District. Multiple routine BPW ratifications and contract awards were ratified via the consent agenda.
What’s next: the Mead Johnson wastewater matter remains under study; any final decision to accept flows will require further technical, legal and contractual review. The 17 East Main contract remains subject to City Attorney approval of final contract documents.
