Grand Ledge commission recommends terminating Rowe, endorses Mannik Smith Group to finish parks master plan

The Grand Ledge Parks and Recreation Commission voted April 18 to recommend that the City Council confirm termination of the agreement with consultant Rowe and to hire the Mannik Smith Group to finish the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Commissioner Teri Langley moved “to recommend the City Council confirm the termination of the agreement with Rowe as the Parks and Recreation Master Plan consultant,” and Commissioner Michael Krombeen seconded. The motion carried unanimously, according to the meeting record.

The commission recorded receipt of a written proposal from the Mannik Smith Group dated April 16, 2026. Commissioners discussed the proposal and noted Mannik Smith would complete the Parks and Recreation Master Plan by the end of 2026 if engaged. Commissioner Michael Krombeen moved “to recommend the Mannik Smith Group be hired to complete the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as outlined in the April 16, 2026 proposal,” a motion seconded by Commissioner Teri Langley; that motion also carried unanimously.

Mayor Keith Mulder spoke during the public comment period in favor of the commission’s decision to change consultants. In a postvote communications item, commissioners expressed support for the commission leadership’s handling of the consultant change and thanked them for their work.

The special meeting opened with roll call listing Chair Ruthann Jaquette and Vice Chair Teri Langley among commissioners present. City staff in attendance included Rich Morrison, Community Development Director; Kurt Ristow, Public Works Superintendent; and City Council liaison Dave Logel. The meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.

Next steps: the commission recommended City Council consider the termination and the hiring motions; the transcript does not record a City Council vote or implementation steps beyond the commission’s recommendation.