Projects
Urban Planning
Projects, Plans and Studies
Urban Smart Growth Demonstration Project (340KB)
This Project is designed to enhance the vibrancy, livability, and aesthetic character of an urban community. The Project involves the development of multiple highly-visual, graphic-based documents that will improve the ability of local leaders to plan for future growth and development. These documents include architectural design standards, a downtown-area master plan, a city-wide master plan, and a city-wide form-based zoning code. After an extensive selection process, the Ottawa County Planning Commission selected the City of Hudsonville to participate in the project.
The Architectural Design Elements Portfolio and Downtown Master Plan are completed and have been incorporated into community ordinances and have had a positive impact on development patterns within the City. The Portfolio serves as an architectural guidebook for the community and is designed to rekindle an appreciation for architectural and building tradition which represents the rich architectural heritage of small mid-western towns. This document regulates mass, form and composition while setting minimum standards for transparency, materials, lighting, and signage in a highly graphic, user-friendly format. In conjunction with the design portfolio, a new master plan was created for the City’s downtown to establish an urban structure that will form the foundation for creating the kind of place envisioned by the citizens and to strengthen the sense of place for the downtown. The basic principles of this urban structure included vertically integrated mixed-use, higher density development patterns, compact walkable districts, a pedestrian friendly street design, a connected street grid, a coherent block structure and a central public green.
The County and City are proud to acknowledge that these documents received top honors in 2008 by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects as innovative, practical tools for urban design. The documents also received honorable mention in the outstanding planning project category for 2008 by the Michigan Association of Planning.
Status: Implementation Phase
Rural Planning
Projects, Plans and Studies
"Scratch 'n Sniff" Agricultural Disclaimer Brochure (2003) (436KB)
This brochure, which includes a manure odor “scratch-n’-sniff”, provides useful information to help dispel misconceptions about country living while also providing background about the importance of farming operations, standard work practices, and Right-to-Farm laws. Because many potential country dwellers expect to escape the noise, traffic, and hassles associated with living in more populated communities, they are typically unprepared for farms that function at all hours of the day and night, operate slow moving machinery on country roads, and produce dust, noise, and manure odors. As a result, farmers are facing an increasing number of complaints, and in some cases lawsuits, from newly transplanted homeowners. A distribution partnership with realtors, financial lending institutions, mortgage lenders, and title companies will ensure that the brochure reaches the hands of potential new home-buyers before they actually move into an agricultural area. A Press Release, as well as the brochure, lists the following local distribution partners.
Status: Implementation Phase
| • Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp. | • Lakeland Mortgage Corporation |
| • AM Realty | • Lake Pacor Home Mortgage (Grand Haven, Holland) |
| • Byron Center State Bank | • Landamerica Transnation Title |
| • Carini & Associates, Realtors | • Macatawa Bank Mortgage Company |
| • Community Shores Bank | • Pine Bay Real Estate, Inc. |
| • EXIT Realty Professionals | • RE/MAX Grand Valley (Hudsonville) |
| • Franklin Mortgage | • RE/MAX Metro |
| • Grand Haven Bank | • RE/MAX SunQuest, Inc. |
| • Greenridge Realty (Holland) | • Universal Properties, Inc. |
| • Woodland Realty, Inc. |
Rural Smart Growth Demonstration Project (2002) (259KB)
This Project was a collaborative partnership between Ottawa County, Blendon Township, and several private sector partners, which included Scholten and Fant Attorneys at Law, Landscape Design Services, Inc., Bosgraaf Development, Eastbrook Companies, Rob Robbins (land developer and attorney at law), MarkTech Inc., and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. The purpose of the project was to demonstrate that townships in the midst of rapid development could preserve rural character through the implementation of innovative, market-oriented, planning techniques. Ottawa County contributed 80% and Blendon Township 20% of the total cost to update the township master plan and zoning ordinance as part of the project.
The Blendon Township Master Plan (17,486KB) was completed in 2001 and the Zoning Ordinance (1,433KB) amended in 2003 (please note that these documents may not be as up-to-date as are copies on file at the Blendon Township Office).
A project gallery (4,983KB) offers a visual representation of some of the innovative planning tools and techniques that were implemented in Blendon Township as part of the project.
Status: Completed
Rural Character and Farmland Preservation Guidebook (1999) (109,421KB)
This guidebook provides information planning practices that can be used to protect and preserve rural character, agricultural lands, and open space. A few regulatory and non-zoning planning practices discussed in the guidebook include, Overlay Zoning, Open Cluster Developments, Performance Based Zoning, Private Road Ordinances, Tree Preservation Ordinances, and Access Management.
Status: Completed
Agricultural Constructed Wetlands Feasibility Study (1999)
This study was developed to show the potential benefits and costs of utilizing Constructed Wetlands to treat intensive livestock odors, and to reduce nutrients in livestock wastes to agronomic levels. The study determined that intensive livestock solid waste was too voluminous to be treatable in this type of system.
Status: Completed
Residential Constructed Wetlands Demonstration Project (1999) (3,751KB)
This study was developed to show the potential benefits and costs of utilizing Constructed Wetlands to treat septic system waste on residential sites. A demonstration project has been operational for over two years at a site in Crockery Township. The Ottawa County Environmental Health Department has been collecting data to determine the system’s effectiveness. This new system could potentially replace failing septic systems in Ottawa County and provide an alternative when other traditional treatment options are not available.
It is the County’s intention to prove that these systems can provide waste treatment (not just passive storage) for multiple residences in rural residential subdivisions; thereby allowing cluster developments, which will increase open space and the preservation of rural characteristics. Implementing these types of treatment systems would reduce the need for costly sanitary sewer extensions in rural areas.
Status: Completed
This project is designed to transplant 3 to 6 inch caliper deciduous trees that would be purchased and/or donated from private developments, public works projects, and private tree stocks into receiving zones along approved transportation corridors and other public locations. The goal of the project is to create aesthetically pleasing, tree-lined streets while preserving the environmental benefits that mature trees provide. The program will also establish a tax-deductible value for developers that donate trees from their developments for receiving areas.
Status: Planning Phase
Purchase of Development Rights Ordinance (PDR)
An ordinance creating the Ottawa County Farmland Preservation Program which protects farmland by acquiring development rights voluntarily offered by landowners. This Ordinance authorizes the cash purchase and/or installment purchases of such development rights through sources other than the County General Fund, places an agricultural conservation easement on the property which restricts future development, and provides the standards and procedures for the purchase of development rights and the placement of an agricultural conservation easement.
Ottawa County Purchase of Development Rights Scoring System Criteria
Status:
Model Ethanol OrdinanceModel Ethanol Ordinance (3,751KB)
Status:
Transportation Planning
Projects, Plans and Studies
Non-Motorized Pathway Study (2002) (8,730KB)
This study outlines a plan for creating a countywide, interconnected non-motorized pathway system in Ottawa County. The pathway system, designed for bicyclists, walkers, joggers, and rollerbladers of any age and caliber, will help to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ottawa County and visitors to the county.
Status: Completed
Friends of Ottawa County Trails and Paths Committee
One of several recommendations of the Non-Motorized Pathway Study was the formation of a “Friends Committee.” The Ottawa County Planning Commission subsequently appointed the Friends of Ottawa County Trails and Paths Committee in 2003. The Friends Committee is responsible for promoting an interconnected, countywide pathway system, building a consensus for implementation, and identifying funding and grant opportunities.
Status: Implementation Phase
US 31 Staff Position Paper (2001) (374KB)
This report analyzes multiple solutions designed to help reduce traffic congestion along US 31 between the City of Holland and the City of Grand Haven. The discussion of problems surrounding US 31 have been occurring since the early 1990s and the County recognizes that since this is such a controversial issue, complete consensus cannot be attained. Ottawa County understands that it is in the best interest of the County as a whole to resolve present and future problems on US 31. Therefore, the Ottawa County Planning Department and the Planning Commission have prepared the US 31 Staff Position Paper that represents a long-term solution beneficial to the County as a whole.
Status: Completed
Right-of-Way Task Force Report: (1,835KB)
Narrow Street Benefits and Residential Street Dimensions (1998)
This study, prepared by the Right-of-Way Task Force, in conjunction with the Ottawa County Road Commission and local utility companies, provides recommendations for narrow right-of-ways, street width standards for new, residential street construction, and preserving natural features along road corridors. The study provides a foundation for supporting the many positive benefits which accompany narrow streets and the preservation of natural features along transportation corridors. Adopting narrow street standards is a difficult challenge, but the results of several projects from across the country as documented in this study show that narrow streets are safer, enhance the quality-of-life for residents, and provide greater opportunities to preserve our natural and cultural heritage.
The Planning Commission signed a Letter-of-Understanding with the Ottawa County Road Commission two years ago to review narrower right-of-way and street width standards for new, residential street construction on a demonstration basis. Since then, the Road Commission has revised their rules to allow the construction of 26-foot streets by right. Further, they have approved one demonstration project that includes a narrow right-of-way. The Task Force will be working with the Road Commission in an attempt to reduce the 26-foot street width even further.
Status: Completed
Ottawa County Public Transit Study (1997) (25,607KB)
This study was conducted to determine where public transportation services are needed, the extent of demand that exists for services, the types of trips (medical appointments, governmental programs, employment, errands, etc.), for whom (handicap, elderly, youth) the services are needed, and when (times, days, seasons) the services are needed. The study also analyzes and determines all of the transit and alternative-transportation options that could be utilized to meet the County's transportation services needs. This includes the study of bicycle paths, light-rail, car-pooling, reorganization of existing public transit systems, creation of a new public transit system, and a combination of methods.
Status: Completed
North-South Corridor Study (2004) (17,071KB)
This study was conducted to create short and long-term recommendations for access management, aesthetic enhancements, right-of-way preservation, and corridor management to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. The study area includes a geographic area from Jamestown to Coopersville. This project is one of the best examples of multi-jurisdictional collaboration in which the Planning Commission has ever been involved.
Status: Completed
M-104 Corridor/Access Management Study (24,638KB)
Similar to the North-South Corridor study, this project involved extensive collaboration among local units of government to implement short and long-term recommendations for access management, aesthetic enhancements, right-of-way preservation, and corridor management to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
Press Release
Status: Completed
Road Salt Management (2004) (27,323KB)
In May 2004, the Ottawa County Planning Commission appointed a Road Salt Commission to identify strategies that could be used to modify the Ottawa County Road Commission’s winter road maintenance practices. The objective of this effort was to prevent further environmental impacts related to the application of road salt. A road salt management plan was developed wherein the primary goal will be to reduce road salt use by 25 percent on a countywide basis over the next five years and by 75 percent in designated environmentally sensitive areas over the next three years.
Status: Completed
West Michigan Transit Linkages Study (14.8 MB)
The West Michigan Transit Linkages Study is being conducted to assess existing transportation services, determine the need for expanded regional transportation services, and the feasibility of developing, operating, implementing a regional transportation network. It is anticipated that the study will be completed by February of 2010.
Status:
Strategic Planning
Model and Planning Process
In 2003, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved the development of departmental strategic plans that include evaluation components for county programs. These plans and evaluations will be used to maximize the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of county departments and programs. Statistical program evaluations will be completed on a rotating basis, every five years at a minimum, and will include a strategic outline, program and data flow analysis, database design analysis, data collection tools (i.e., surveys, forms, questionnaires), and organization and workflow analyses. The administration and oversight of the strategic planning process and the development of program evaluation components will be performed by the Ottawa County Planning and Grants Department.
Each Strategic Plan will include the following items:
- Strategic Outline© – This outline will provide
a departmental vision statement. It will also list the target population
for whom the department provides services, specific characteristics of the
target population, goals and objectives that clearly articulate desired
outcomes for the target population, actions that are or will be undertaken
to accomplish the goals, and quantifiable measures of program performance.
The quantifiable measures shall include outcome-based data (i.e. actual
performance related to goals and objectives) and may include output-based
data (i.e. activities) and self-reported data (i.e. surveys).
- Program and Data Flow Analysis© – This analysis
will include a diagram listing the specific components of each departmental
program and the sequential flow of the program components from the first
stage of the program to the last. The diagram will identify the staff position
responsible for each program component. The diagram will also list the type
of data that will be collected during each of the program components.
- Database Design© – The database design will
include a diagram that outlines the relational database model that will
be used to store data. It will also identify the types of data that will
be stored in each database. The staff positions responsible for collecting
the data must also be identified on the diagram.
- Data Collection Tools© – Data collection
tools (i.e. surveys, forms, questionnaires) will be developed.
- Organization and Workflow Analysis© – This analysis will include a diagram listing the department’s organizational structure and the general duties (including specific data collection and management duties) assigned to each position.
Based on the strategic planning model that was developed, evaluations have begun for the Probation and Community Corrections Department and the Planning and Grants Department. Program evaluation components are being developed for a potential In-Jail/Post Jail Treatment Program, Juvenile Community Service Program, and potential Drug Court. A program evaluation was completed for the Addiction Program Therapy (APT) Program, and an evaluation is currently being completed for the Attitudes that Matter Program. The investment of time in adopting a model for strategic plans and program evaluations will expedite the number of evaluations that are completed in the future.
Status: Implementation Phase
Program Evaluations
Departmental Strategic Plans
Domestic Violence Evaluation (2002) (7,495KB)
This evaluation report provides insight into the demographic, trend, and relational aspects of this community problem that will assist county leaders with future policy decisions. It also provides a statistical assessment which illustrates the impact that present programs and policies have on the reoccurrence of domestic violence. This data will be used as a benchmark to determine whether new policy decisions reduce the occurrences of domestic violence.
Status: Completed
Addiction Program Therapy Evaluation (2002) (819KB)
This evaluation provides information about the Ottawa County Addiction Program Therapy Program that will assist in determining its overall effectiveness and efficiency. The primary program factors analyzed include, but are not limited to, program administration, recidivism, cost.
Status: Completed
Attitudes Matter Program Evaluation (2003) (997KB)
This evaluation provides information about the three-year pilot project involving the Attitudes Matter Program. The program is a prevention-based, social marketing campaign designed to educate parents about juvenile substance-use issues and encourages parents to address these issues with their children. The purpose of the program is to reduce substance-use among juveniles.
Status: Completed
Gatekeeper Program Evaluation (2005) (1,252KB)
This evaluation provides information about the implementation and administration of the Gatekeeper Program during its first year of operation. The program was created to provide holistic (spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological) in-jail and post-jail programs for inmates as well as personalized discharge plans that would increase the likelihood of a successful transition back into the community. The overall goal of the Gatekeeper Program is to enhance life-skills where needed in order to deter future criminal offenses.
Status: Completed
P.A. 2 Funding Report (2006) (2,278KB)
This report explains the origination of PA 2 Funds, clarifies statutory spending requirements for these funds, describes the County’s historic practices regarding the expenditure of the funds, and provides possible options for the future administration of these funds.
Status: Completed
Sentenced Work Abatement Program (SWAP) Evaluation (2006) (427KB)
This report provides an overview of the Sentenced Work Abatement Program’s (SWAP) benefits, drawbacks, and cost. Furthermore, it provides information about the satisfaction level of the organizations using the program. This report also provides an indication of whether organizations are willing to accept future rate increases to cover actual program expenses.
Status: Completed
Gatekeeper Program Evaluation (2006) (1,250KB)
This 2-Year evaluation provides information about the implementation and administration of the Gatekeeper Program. The program was created to provide holistic (spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological) in-jail and post-jail programs for inmates as well as personalized discharge plans that would increase the likelihood of successful transition back into the community. Based on the results of this evaluation, it was recommended that the program be discontinued in the fall of 2006.
Status: Completed
Sobriety/Drug Courts Evaluation (2006) (566KB)
This report provides an assessment of the administration and operational performance of the 58th District Court Sobriety Court and the 20th Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court and Juvenile Drug Treatment Court programs, as well as relative program cost.
Status: Completed
Traditional and Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) Evaluation (2007) (566KB)
This evaluation assesses aspects of the Traditional and ISP programs which include demographic information, completion rates, probation requisites, substance abuse assessments, home and office visits, drug and alcohol testing, and probation violations. An assessment of program cost and post-program recidivism rates are also included in this report. Furthermore, it provides a qualitative analysis of the participants’ views regarding treatment, overall accountability, as well as aspects of their retionships with judges and probation officers obtained through a survey of former program participants.
Parenting Plus Program Evaluation(2007) (566KB)
This evaluation provides information about the Parenting Plus Program’s success in accomplishing program goals, the relative cost of providing services, and the availability of options that exist to provide program services through other venues. Based on the results of this evaluation, it was recommended that the program be restructured in order to provide services in a more cost-effective manner.
Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer Program Evaluation (2007)
This evaluation provides information about the implementation and administration of the Senior Volunteer Program during its first year. This program was designed to utilize the services of senior citizen volunteers to perform routine tasks that are typically the responsibility of deputy officers. This allows officers more time to perform law enforcement duties such as road patrol, traffic safety, and criminal arrests.
Sentenced Work Abatement Program (SWAP)Evaluation (2007)
This evaluation provides a cost analysis of the SWAP Program during 2006 by assessing the program’s existing and projected fee-for-service, the number of service hours billed, and the County’s cost to administer the program. Based on the results of this evaluation, it was recommended that the fee-for-service be raised in order for the County to avoid funding an amount greater than $20,000 in 2008.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Evaluation (2008)
This evaluation assesses the administrative effectiveness of implementing the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program, as well as participation and completion rates, demographic characteristics of program participants, and program cost. This report also includes a summary of self-reported feedback from participants. The results of this interim administrative evaluation revealed that the CBT program is being administered very efficiently. The privatization of CBT instruction also resulted in a $53,508 savings for the County during fiscal year 2007.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Evaluation (2009)
This evaluation assesses whether the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program is administered efficiently and whether beneficial, cost-effective outcomes are being achieved. This is accomplished by analyzing administrative and operational program components, as well as completion rates, recidivism rates, and cost. This evaluation revealed that as a result of continuing to contract with Catholic Charities to administer the CBT Program, the County saved nearly $53,000 during fiscal year 2008. Based on the efficient administration of the program and the overall cost-effectiveness it was recommended that the contract with Catholic Charities to administer the Program be extended for an additional two years.
Inmate Case Management and Treatment Program Evaluation (2009)
This Interim Evaluation Report assesses whether the ICMT Program is administered efficiently. This is the first step in the overall evaluation process of the Program. If it is determined that the program is administered efficiently, the second step will be to complete an outcome-based evaluation that will assess participant recidivism rates to determine whether beneficial, cost-effective outcomes are being achieved. This evaluation measures the extent to which the ICMT Program is achieving the targeted administrative measures. The administrative functions that were measured involved the ICMT Case Manager’s ability to maintain high program enrollment levels, adhere to the program’s target population criteria, and administer the primary components of the program. Also included in this evaluation is an overview of program completion rates, treatment plan completion rates, jail diversions, and program cost.
Economic Development
Projects, Plans and Studies
Ottawa County is accepting applications for $31.1 million in Federal Recovery Zone Facility Bonds (RZFB), now available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The application deadline is November 12, 2009, and projects must be ready to start construction within 45 days of application submittal. Recovery Zone Facility Bonds are tax-exempt private activity bonds that may be used by private businesses in designated recovery zones (i.e. Ottawa County) to finance many types of projects such as large manufacturing plants, distribution centers, hotels, and research facilities.
The RZFB Application is available for download. Also available for download are the Selection Criteria that will be used to distribute the bonds to qualified projects.
Status: Implementation Phase
Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Application Guide
Ottawa County formally established its Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA) to assist, at the request of local units of government, in facilitating the rehabilitation, revitalization, and reuse of environmentally contaminated, blighted, or functionally obsolete properties identified as “brownfields." The OCBRA can issue revenue and tax increment financing bonds and notes to finance eligible remediation work, and can apply future tax increment revenues to pay off obligations incurred for environmental assessment, demolition, lead or asbestos abatement, and other activities performed as part of a qualified brownfield plan. The Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Guide explains the application process for participating in the County program, for those who have already explored potential brownfield program participation with their local units of government.
Status:
Statistical Data & Special Projects
Ottawa County Data Book (3,910KB)
This series of data books will be used to show a variety of information regarding indicators of Ottawa County’s quality of life and overall well-being. The first data book provides statistics on health indictors. The second data book provides demographic data that includes information about population, poverty, income, and many other subjects. Further sections of this comprehensive resource will include Environment, Infrastructure, Economic, Public Safety, and Commercial/Residential Development statistics. The data book series will also include a Miscellaneous Section that will compile information on education, agriculture, recreation, politics, taxation, and organizations in Ottawa County.
Status: Implementation Phase
Ottawa County High-Speed Wireless Broadband Network (28KB)
On March 20, 2009, Ottawa County announced the completion of a countywide wireless broadband network. The network provides high-speed, fully-mobile broadband Internet access to more than 95% of the County's population. Although the wireless signal cannot reach every household in the County, it does provide a broadband option to many residents of Ottawa County who previously had no broadband access. The deployment of the broadband network is the result of an innovative business model that did not require the expenditure of public funds. In exchange for enhancing and expanding high-speed wireless broadband service to the County’s rural areas, County and local officials, whenever possible, assisted with expediting permitting, zoning approvals, and site assessments that were needed to upgrade and expand the existing wireless network. County and local officials also assisted in identifying the locations of public structures in underserved areas of the County that could be utilized to install the broadband equipment and assisted in marketing the availability of the network in those underserved, rural areas. The broadband network is owned and operated by iPCS Wireless Inc, a Midwest-based communications company offering Sprint® products and services.
Status: Completed
Ottawa County Public Opinion Survey (2002) (207KB)
This survey was conducted to measure the opinions of Ottawa County citizens regarding county services and overall quality of life issues in Ottawa County. The results of this survey are representative of a cross-section of all Ottawa County adult residents. The findings of the survey are presented in six sections: Opinions About Life in Ottawa County; Ottawa County Strengths and Issues; Contact and Satisfaction with County Employees; Preferences for Expenditures on Services; Opinions about Tax Increases; and, Demographic Profile of Sample.
Status: Completed
LinkMichigan Connectivity Plan (4,956KB)
This initiative was designed to seek opportunities to enhance regional economic development by studying the demand, affordability, and accessibility of high-speed broadband internet, especially for low and moderate income residents. Included in the plan were a Needs Assessment for local businesses and residents, and an Internet Service Provider Study. Ottawa County has not relied exclusively upon the findings of the Plan in developing its response to the need for expanded broadband internet access.
Status: Completed
The Drain Code of 1956, Public Act 40 of 1956 (88KB)
The Planning Department is reviewing an overhaul to the Drain Code introduced under House Bill 4552 and Senate Bill 217. The bills would modernize the laws governing the office of the county Drain Commissioner. They also would expand the environmental responsibilities of the Drain Commissioner. The Department performed a review of a similar bill, House Bill 4803, in 2000.
Status: Completed
Metropolitan Planning Organizations In Ottawa County (2005) (1,012KB)
Because of the increasing demands placed upon the local transportation system and the complexity of transportation planning in the region, the Ottawa County Planning Department receives numerous inquires regarding the administration and operation of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in Ottawa County. In response to these inquiries, this report provides information regarding the following aspects of MPOs: creation and governance; statutory requirements; projects and services; and funding sources. In addition, the report explores the feasibility and practicality of utilizing different organizational models to deliver transportation planning services in the future.
Status: Completed
The Planning and Grants Department is working to improve the county’s ability to monitor and document county grant-making efforts by consolidating the record keeping and administration of all county grants. The administration and oversight of grant-making efforts will include, but not be limited to, the following factors:
- Grant Questionnaires and Applications – The Planning
and Grants Department reviews grant questionnaires prepared by requesting
county departments prior to the submittal of an application to a grant-making
entity. The grant questionnaires provide information about the purpose,
duration, cost savings, and future cost implications of the grant. The grant
questionnaire will also be used to determine if the purpose of the grant
is consistent with existing county and departmental goals.
- Awards/Contracts and Evaluation Components – Further,
the Planning and Grants Department ensures the development of outcome-based
evaluation components and database designs before an award or contract is
authorized for any grant that includes a “programmatic” purpose.
- Reporting – The county department that is applying for, and receiving, a grant will be responsible for preparing all performance/programmatic reports and adhering to all financial procedures related to the expenditure and disbursement of funds.
Status: Implementation Phase
Ottawa County Remonumentation Program (216KB)
In December 1990, the Michigan Legislature passed and the Governor signed into law the State Survey and Remonumentation Act (P.A. 345 of 1990) which provided for the remonumentation of the original U.S. public land survey corners that serve as the basis for all public and private property locations in Michigan.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners subsequently adopted a “County Monumentation and Remonumentation Plan” pursuant to Act 345, of the Public Acts of 1990. The purpose of the program is to: A) Provide for the location, monumentation and/or remonumentation of corners on an expedited timetable; B) Create a system for the research of the history of all corners and horizontal and vertical control markers; C) Create and maintain a repository for all records pertaining to Public Land Surveys; D) Provide for a “perpetual maintenance program” for all corners and horizontal and vertical control markers; and, E) Provide for the location of, and a database for, horizontal and vertical control markers.
The Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services maintains a statewide Remonumentation Database that provides access to digital images, with print capability, of the Land Corner Recordation Certificates (LCRCs) filed with the State of Michigan by Michigan counties under the State Survey and Remonumentation Grant Program.
Status: Implementation Phase
Floodplain Management Guidebook (2003) (1200KB)
This guidebook was created to provide local units of government in Ottawa County with recommendations, best management practices, sample ordinances, and other recommendations to assist in the development of regulations for floodplains.
Status: Completed
Project Impact Hazard Mitigation Plan for Ottawa County (2002) (271KB)
This plan was developed in conjunction with the Ottawa County Emergency Services Department and with the support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of the plan is to implement proactive steps that are designed to reduce property damage, save lives, and accelerate economic recovery in the unfortunate situation that Ottawa County is faced with a natural disaster.
Status: Complete
Ottawa County Hazards Analysis Report (2002) (882KB)
This report is a comprehensive study of the natural hazards that have confronted Ottawa County, as well as those that have the potential to occur in the future. The Hazard Identification and Assessment section describes in detail the natural hazards that have the potential to occur in Ottawa County. This section is divided by hazard, and contains the following information for each hazard: 1) a hazard description; 2) historically significant hazard related events in Ottawa County; 3) state, federal or other organizational programs and initiatives that exist to mitigate the hazard threat; and 4) a summary of potential impacts from the hazard. Records of the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Michigan Department of State Police Emergency Management Division, newspapers, and numerous other federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations were used as sources for the data presented.
Status: Completed
Communications Tower Inventory (2009) (248KB)
This inventory provides an assessment of existing and proposed towers in the County that are registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This information will assist local officials during planning efforts to identify future tower needs. Registered towers include those which are taller than 200 feet, those that may interfere with the flight path of a nearby airport, and towers which are voluntarily registered with the FCC. Also provided in the inventory is an assessment of other identified towers in the County that do not require registration with the FCC. The inventory includes a map that identifies the location of each tower, tower height, and whether the tower has been constructed or was pending construction, as of November 2007. A supplemental attachment is also included that identifies the ownership of each tower included in the inventory.
If any towers, registered or unregistered, are not included in this inventory, please feel free to email the tower ownership, height, and location to plan@miottawa.org
Status: Implementation Phase
Ottawa County Wind Energy Symposium
The Ottawa County Wind Energy Symposium was held on Thursday evening, June 5th, at the Grand Haven Community Center. The Symposium was a joint effort of the Planning Commission and Michigan State University Extension, and was undertaken to provide practical information to local officials and interested residents on the use, cost, practicality, types and siting of large and small wind energy facilities. The level of interest in this event was extremely high and it is estimated that between 375 and 400 individuals attended. Nine vendors also participated, two of which had actual wind turbines on display.
Featured speakers included Stephen Hamstra, Executive Vice President of GMB Architects/Engineers, who described how wind is converted to electricity, the basic components of wind turbines, and what regions in the County are best for using wind power according to local wind maps. Michael Ford, Renewable Energy Business Unit Manager for Cascade Engineering, discussed several different types of wind turbines and touched on what types are most appropriate for specific applications. He also discussed some of the differences between residential, and business applications, in terms of cost, amount of electricity generated, and maintenance requirements.
Dr. Stephen Harsh, professor of agriculture economics from MSU, spoke on what to consider when leasing land to a utility company to site one or more wind turbines, and the impacts of these larger facilities on farming operations. This was of particular interest to those representing the agricultural community. David Koster, Operations Director of the Holland Board of Public Works, presented the public utility perspective and described existing and proposed laws dealing with wind energy. He also discussed net-metering and the issues that must be considered before excess electricity can be sold back to the utility company. The last speaker of the evening was Michael Klepinger, author of the MSUE publication, "Michigan Land Use Guidelines for Siting Wind Energy Facilities". He discussed what issues should be considered by local governments when incorporating wind turbines in their regulatory framework.
A downloadable version of each presentation is provided below.
Holland BPW Presentation (269KB)
GMB Presentation (2,310KB)
Klepinger Presentation (972KB)
Cascade Engineering Presentation (12,878KB)
Status: Complete
Ottawa County Model Wind Energy Ordinance (206 KB)
This Model Ordinance provides a framework that local units can draw from in order to implement zoning standards for wind energy that are appropriate for varying turbine sizes in their communities. The Ordinance is one of the first in the nation to establish size appropriate regulations for small, medium and large turbines.
Under the Ordinance, small structure-mounted and small tower-mounted turbines are permitted by right in all zoning districts. Additionally, medium and large or utility wind turbines are allowed by special use permit only in non-residential areas. The Ordinance also provides regulations intended to protect neighboring landowners from any negative impacts of wind turbines, such as noise, tower failure, and shadow flicker which may be caused by the blade rotation of larger turbines.
The Ordinance was developed by the Ottawa County Planning Commission in conjunction with the Michigan State University Extension Office.
Status: Complete
