Residents raise concerns about appointed ZBA member; sheriff warns of possible water impacts from proposed data centers

During the meeting’s limited public comment period, Shelly Lake of Irving Township read a letter expressing concerns about Larry Osborne, who serves as an appointed member of the County Zoning Board of Appeals, and provided the Board with photocopies of Facebook screenshots she requested be entered into the record. The minutes state, "She stated that the posts contained comments regarding herself, Representative Smit, and Sheriff Leaf." The Board did not take action on the matter during the meeting.

Later, Sheriff Leaf provided an update on Barry County Fair operations and "expressed concerns regarding proposed data centers and the potential for water contamination." Commissioners reacted to the use of social media in appointed positions: Commissioner Bob Teunessen urged the Board to consider adopting a social media code of conduct for individuals serving on county boards and commissions and suggested a resolution that would establish expectations and a removal process for appointed members who violate the policy. Chair David Jackson said any policy should not infringe on free speech rights.

Chair Jackson also corrected public reporting about a separate matter, explaining that a Rutland Charter Township motion on a proposed Meijer project did not pass because of a tie vote caused by the absence of Clerk Hawthorne; the Township is expected to reconsider the matter in August. The minutes record no formal disciplinary action or policy adoption; the items were noted for possible future Board consideration.