City Council - Regular Meeting

All right. Good evening and welcome to the January 7, 2026 regular meeting of the Holland City Council. I am Nathan Box. calling this meeting to order. We are going to begin this evening's meeting first as we have for many years, first with a pledge of allegiance uh followed immediately uh by prayer and we invite you to join us if you're so inclined. And actually prayer first. Would you like the roll call first? Oh, yeah. Thank you. I'm sorry. I was just I was so excited about the co the coffee with council that I'm all all mixed up. Yes. Uh would you please call the role, Brendan? Sure. Clumps here. Freeman here. Raymond here. Corbin here. Schulty present. Marin here. Rowan

present. Shay. Mayor Box. Yes, I am here. We do have a coral. And and now I'm engaged. So please uh join us opening prayer and pledge of allegiance. [clears throat]

Please pray with me if you're so inclined. Lord, thank you for the opportunity to serve the people of the city of Holland. As we come off of the holiday season and start a brand new year, it's the opportunity to think about the future, to think about plans, to think about goals, to think about the opportunity to work together to guide the future for the people of the city of Holland. In your name we pray. Amen. Thank you.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

All right. Next item on the agenda is our consent agenda items. These are items that are considered to be fairly routine and have been previously reviewed by council members as part of our council packet. and they will be enacted in one motion unless a member of the public or a member of council asks to have an item removed from the consent agenda and then it will be placed on the regular agenda in the regular order where it goes. Uh but before we do that, Brenda, would you please review the consent agenda items for us?

Okay. 4 A, excuse the absence of council member Sheay. 4 B approve the minutes from the December 17, 2025 regular meeting. 4 C, claims filed against the city. 4 D, award the bid for the 2026 to 2028 printing services for Holland Parks and Recreation. 4 E, the September financial reports. 4 F, approve the purchase of 20 life pack CR2 semi-automatic defibrillators. 4 G, approve the cooling tower replacement at police services building. [clears throat] 4 H, replacement of the rooftop HVAC units at Colin Park Fire Station. 4 I, approve the purchase of a new phone system. 4J, reclassification of police desk assistant position. And 4K, reclassification of finance department position.

Great. Thank you, Brenda. Is there any member of the public that would like to have an item removed from the consent agenda and placed on the regular agenda? Seeing none, any member of council that would like to have an item removed from consent? Seeing none there, what is the pleasure of council in regard to the consent agenda? Move to approve the agenda as presented. Moved by Vman. Is there support? Support. Support by Raymond. Any discussion? Seeing none, Brenda, would you please call the role? Clumps. Yes. Freeman, yes. Raymond, yes. Corbin, yes. Schultz, yes. Mayor Keane, yes. Rowan, yes. Mayor Box, yes. Motion carries.

Great. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is item number five, public comment. Under the open meetings act of the state of Michigan, we provide the public the opportunity to address council at our regular meetings, our study sessions, and every one of our board committee, and commission meetings. We do have guidelines that we ask you to follow. Uh first each person is allowed to speak one time. Uh and you're allowed to speak for up to five minutes. There are three lights on the deis in front of me. There's a green light, a yellow light, and a red light. Green light means that you're doing well on time. Yellow light means that you have one minute left, and the red light means that your time is expired, and we are strict about that. You may address council about any subject that you believe is important. Uh but we do not answer questions at this time or engage in discussion. But if there's a question that staff may be able to answer, they may be able to circle back to you after the meeting. Uh we do ask that you address council directly uh and that you please state your name and the municipality in which you live because it's important to us to know whether or not you are a resident of the city of Holland. Now having said that, is there anyone here who would like to address council at this time? Please come forward and would you please state your name and municipality for the record?

It's me again. I'm Nancy Honor. I live up in Holland Heights. Um, and I am here because I have been advocating for improved crosswalks at 16th Street by Meyer going on 11 months now. And as I've given this a lot of thought and talked to other residents in Holland, this is not a problem that is unique to Holland Heights. This seems to be a citywide concern. And so, um, I want to thank you all for the improvements that you have done. Columbia Avenue downtown district is awesome with all of the changes that have been made, but I think that maybe it would be helpful for us residents if we reviewed the process in which residents concerns are addressed. So, I did a deep dive into the process on how citizens comments are reviewed by the city and I have a couple of suggested changes for process. First of all, I think we need to do a review and restructure of the traffic committee to address the following. More public transparency in their decision-making process. I think residents need to have a voice rather than being represented by one of the committee members. I think we could improve the timeliness of responses to and rationale to residents. I've been waiting 10 months for some answers to the issues that I've brought forward. Uh the committee responsibilities and its members should be listed in the city and police department websites. There is no mention of the traffic committee on either website. This committee currently makes ultimate decisions on residents requests with no oversight that I can find. I think uh there ought to be an appeals process for some of these decisions. I also think that we could be more creative and forwardinking in addressing some of the issues. uh MDOT guidelines should be a minimum standard the floor in which we uh work and I think we should go above and beyond what MD dot standards call for. I think there should

be an equal number of members representing the city departments including the police department and elected officials. I also think that there should uh currently all members are only city and column police department employees. I think that we should have elected officials equally represented on this committee. I think uh we could do a better job prioritizing pedestrians outside of our downtown area and do not make the movement of traffic and high residential areas the priority. Um also just as a lay person reading it, I think the traffic committee may be subject to the open meetings act, but no one is allowed to attend these meetings unless you are on the committee. I also think we could create an inventory of all crosswalks and pavement markings. If we had photo documentation of existing conditions, these could be reviewed on a regular, perhaps bianual basis for any needed upgrades or maintenance issues. I think we could set minimum requirements for signage that exceed the MDOT recommendations. A minimum standard signage and markings like arrows yield for pedestrians. Advanced warnings for crosswalks could be an example so we don't have to review every single crosswalk every single time and run through the whole process again. I think we could implement traffic laws that give shared responsibility to drivers and those using alternate forms of transportation like their feet. Right now uh we could set speed limits at the 75th percentile versus the 85th percentile that we of average speed that we currently use. State law says that the speed limits uh are left up to the municipalities but cannot be below the 50th percentile of the average speed. So we do get to decide what percentile that should be set at. I think we could implement laws that yield at all crosswalks particularly the midblock crosswalks as a city policy with active

police enforcement. I think we could create a culture here to encourage forms of transportation other than vehicles. We could add traffic calming crosswalks in residential areas where there are long stretches of open road. Roads currently are designed to say we want people to be able to get from point A to point B at X miles an hour. Some of these long stretches as examples are State Street between 32nd Street to River, West 17th Street, Southshore Drive to Old Orchard Road, 32nd Street from Grascup Road to Old Orchard are just a few of the examples I have. Last but not least, I would like to see city council implement the 2022 non-motorized transportation plan that was approved in 2022. Right now, we've done a really good job implementing this plan. when it comes to new road construction or um taking care of current roads like we rebuilt Colombia, we implemented a lot of that but right now that plan is not implemented outside of new construction that I can see. I also think that city council may five minutes.

I'm sorry your time is expired. Is there anyone else who would like to address council at this time and you are one of our Hayak students? Welcome. um that I do have uh some additional things that we like you to share with us. Uh could you please tell us the school that you go to uh what grade you're in, what you're doing with Hayak, and if you have any plans for the future, and if you don't, that's okay because I didn't have any at your age either. Yeah. Okay. My name is Yamallet. I live in Holland. I'm a senior at Black River, and this is my second year on the environmental committee. Um, right now my future plans for after high school is I plan to go to either Grand Valley or Aquinus to be um to study health sciences and eventually become a physical therapist.

Wonderful. Welcome.

Yeah, thank you. Um, well, I've been a part of the environmental committee for about two years now and I have lived in Holland almost all my life and being able to contribute to my community is something that's very important to me. I love this city and I love everything that you guys have done for it. Um, a lot of people love our city and more and more people want to come to Holland every year. Unfortunately, not everyone in Holl who wants to live in Holland can afford to live here, but I've seen the changes that you guys have been trying to imply and improve on that. We've had a housing crisis and every year you guys are trying harder to make it possible for anyone to start their lives here and you guys have been improving our housing units, creating more housing and making them more afford more affordable. So, I just want to thank you guys for being able to help our city grow and expand and just include anyone who wants to live here.

Great. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to address council at this time? I would. And would you please state your name and municipality for the record?

My name is Israel Kinttonia. I go by Izzy. Um, so again, you guys all know who I am. It's no secret, but I've got plenty of things to complain about this time around. So, homeowners um and auto owners now has the complete file from city hall uh your inspector's office, the complete file and they are really scratching their head wondering how you could put somebody on the street when the building is being condemned by the city and why did the city not do anything about it? It is in auto owner's hands. Okay, phone calls will be coming down the pipeline. They are very not very well understanding how you can put a guy in business on the street when the building is being condemned by the city and the members that I'm talking to right now. Reliable Sports was put in the parking lot May 7th, 2019. Illegally. Illegally. Let's get that across the board right now. It comes from your office and it's in black and white. Your your your buddy over here, Keith, couldn't do his job because I went to him. I keep calling. I keep trying to get hold of you. You just don't want to talk to me. That's fine. I'm getting some really good advice, too. And I'm getting a movement, too. The cool part because on social media, Facebook pays me to do this. Okay? And in the last 50 days, I got over 300,000 views and over a thousand new followers. My momentum is working. You can't keep hiding behind black and white that's coming from your office. And then let's talk about something about last week Monday when I get a call from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department about, "Hey, why don't you come down here and we're going to give you the proper way to go about with Brian Eller, the Holland Police

Officer that committed two felonies against me that got away with it." Okay, that's also black and white at the Holland Police Department. But by the way, you guys are in charge of. So, by him using the name Brian Eller, that involves you guys. A search warrant was handed to me for my phone a week ago. I got it back. But during New Year's, I didn't have a [ __ ] phone and I had to stay inside of a storage unit cuz I had no way for anybody to call Tim. I had no way to talk to anybody because they decided to take my phone with an open warrant. There's not even a [ __ ] I'm sorry. Sorry. There's not a description of why you wanted my phone. allegations. Allegations Well, when is this enough? When are you guys just going to say, "Hey, let's get these paperwork. Let's look at this. Let's get this right so that way we can move forward because all I want is vindication and compensation." It's been six years. Six years. I'm not done. But you guys can't return a phone call. 616 377698. By the way, there's something that we're all forgetting about right here in this border, in this whole room. We are all brothers and sisters. Every single one of us. And I love every single one of you. Can you say that to me? Can you give me unconditional love with no circumstances? I can. And that's that's through the pain I've been through for six years. I still have a heart of gold. Come on, man. You're the lawyer. Let's get the paperwork. Let's Let's chop this [ __ ] up. Sorry. Let's chop this up and be done with it. It's in black and white. HBD department. It's black and white. City clerk's office, black and white. Okay. God bless. Is there anyone else who would like to

address council at this time? And you are also one of our Hayak students. Yes. So again, we would love to know the school that you go to, your the grade you're in, what you're doing with Hayek, and if you have any plans for the future.

All right. Um, I am Miley Nap. I live in Holland. I go to school at Black River. I'm a senior and I'm in the environmental committee. I plan to either go to U of M or MSU. But [clears throat] I just wanted to say that I really enjoy being a part of Hayak and I'm really glad that I get to do it during my junior and senior year. Right now, we're working on informational videos about recycling, which has been fun because we get to film them ourselves and write the scripts. I also think that the new ice skating rink is really fun and it seems a lot of people really like it, which is nice because it's bringing people together, so it's building our community, too. Um, I'm also planning to go in January with my friends and I'm really excited for that. So, I just wanted to say thank you.

Great. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to address council at this time? And you are also a Hayak student. I'm sure you heard the four things I would love to know.

Yes. Um I'm Ida Visser. I'm a junior at Block River. I live in Holland. I'm on the environmental committee and I plan to go to GVSU or MSU. I would just like to say that I'm very grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Hayak environmental committee. Both my sisters have previously been in Hayak and I have seen firsthand the positive impact it can have. I truly appreciate that the city of Holland values youth voices and provides us with the platform to share our perspectives on city matters. As [snorts] high school students, it can be refreshing to feel that our voices matter. Being able to contribute ideas and know that they are heard is something I am proud and thankful to be a part of. Great. Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to address council at this time?

And would you please state your name and municipality for the record? and Henrikson. Happy New Year. It's good to be uh starting another year again with you council. Um I'm very excited about this year and the changes that are taking place. We have seen over the past five years that our religious freedoms are being respected and um the community is reacting in many many good ways as well. Especially I'm I'm excited whenever the young people are here so that they can hear even in public education that uh any student who has a faith base um that they are have the freedom of speech because they can see that I do in this council. Um what has excited me is April faith month organization. We are now an organization more than just a committee. So, we're looking forward to 2026 engaging more of the churches and more of the faith-based people in this community. The this community was founded on Jesus Christ. So, we call the city a Christian city. Not everybody in the city is Christian, but we're glad they're here anyway. And so, it's uh part of our heritage, but it's also a part of who we are. Uh we thank you for your your interest in supporting National April Faith Month Action Ministry. Now it's beyond just April. It's all year long in some of our activities. And we thank the mayor for declaring it every year because it is a national holiday or month. Our mission is to be news of Jesus Christ beyond church walls and into public spaces so that all people may hear the greatest

story ever told. We desire to welcome those who may never step inside a church and lovingly guide them towards a relationship with our Lord. We are not a church but a united but a united gathering of the body of Christ. building relationships with God, his family, and our community. These with through these connections, we help individuals find a church home. So, we're not against churches. Our work serves as a visible reminder of West Michigan was t was originally founded on Jesus Christ. So, we we operate out of volunteers. We don't pay anybody. Um we're so glad when people show up and come. We want people to come to our events which are increasing. And um this year we're going to start with National Day of Prayer. Cannot be in May because tulip time is right during the National Day of Prayer and the Civic Center is occupied. So we will have it as an April faith month, but we will have a national day of prayer um take place at Centennial Park. um in in September because most people are not few people are here in the summer. Uh we will have Shine the Light again at Colin Park Band Shell and uh we do the Holland Parade of Lights and we're hoping not this year but next year, well maybe this year to be in Tulip Time Parades. Um, one of our favorite things is the rest homes or the senior citizens homes and we join them for their Christmas parties with caroling and it's a lot of fun where the churches come together. So

um 2026 we're looking for more and more to be activated in Holland and um hopefully you'll join us. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone else who would like to address council at this time? Seeing none, I will close the public comment period. Next item on the agenda is item number nine, written petitions and communications. In addition to providing the public the opportunity to address us in person at our council meetings, we do also have the ability provide you the ability to provide written communication and we do have a special email address for that. It is public comment at cityofholland.com. Again, public comment at cityofholland.com. Uh when we receive those, we do excuse me accept them into the record at our regular meetings. We don't read them out loud, but we do accept them into the record. We do not have any this week, but I just did want to make sure that people knew that. Email address, public comment at cityofholland.com. Uh next item on the agenda, 12 echo 2.1, appointment of historic district study committee. Mr. Van Dyken.

Yes. Thank you. Anna from the third floor is going to come up and present on this one. This is a been a long and drawn out process and she has skillfully guided us through that and will tell us what our next step is.

All right. Well, hello council. It's my first time in front of some of our newer members, so it's nice to meet you. I'm Anna Scutter. I work up on the third floor, community and neighborhood [clears throat] services. Um here we go. Um and I'm our municipal planner. So, I work with our historic districts and then I also do other planning responsibilities. Um, but this one's going to be focused on historic district stuff tonight and specifically the city green houses. Um, so as you saw in your packet materials, I am requesting um, city council to appoint the provided members of the HTC um, to serve on a historic district study committee for the purpose of considering the potential removal of the city green houses landmark status as identified in the city of Holland code of ordinances. Um, so as the mayor mentioned and as Matt mentioned, it's been a long process. So tonight, um, in consideration of my request, I'm just going to provide a quick refresh on how we got to where we are today, where it's at, where it's going. Um, so we can kind of all be on the same page about exactly why we need this study committee. So, here is a map of the area I'm talking about. Um, the city green houses are bounded, or were, I should say, bounded by State Street to the west, Central to the east, 20th to the north, and 21st to the south. Um it's immediately adjacent to Evergreen Commons. Um on the GIS map I have in the background there, you can see where the green houses were and then I went out and took a picture this afternoon of what you would see if you went there today. Um so as of November 2025, they have been demolished. Um this was approved by the historic district commission two years ago and I'll talk a little bit more about that so it wasn't a surprise. Um but that's um the state of the site right now. All right.

So here's a timeline of basically from their construction 1911 through 1950. There were four different structures built during that span of time. Um probably the one that's the most notable was facing Central Avenue. That was built in 1929. Um all the way to where we are today. Um, the green houses were listed as a landmark property back in 1999. This gave them the same status as a local historic district in Holland city ordinance. In the '9s, several properties were protected as landmarks at that time. Um, but uh over over time they have all ended up in historic districts of their own. So today, the green houses are the last remaining landmark listed in our ordinance. Those others include the Kapan House, the Settler's House, and Venalty Farm. Um, so, uh, when that was done in the 90s, it was meant to protect those properties, um, and also to recognize their history, and it's done a great job of that. Um, but again, we're now we were left with the green houses. The green houses were actively used for growing by the parks department until 2019. Um, however, they had been showing their age for many years. That's what kind of prompted a need for a new place um, to grow plants in the city. Um, and from 2019 to 2020, a new growhouse was built at the 24th Street um, sort of headquarters for the parks department. And shortly thereafter, the green houses were vacated. Um, around this time, again, before and after, it's all kind of happening at the same time. Few the future of the green houses began being contemplated. There was internal brainstorming and external brainstorming with stakeholders about the futures of the structures. This happened alongside plans from the city for the growhouses and also plans from Evergreen Commons who was looking at future expansion. Um, as I mentioned, uh, the new space for the parks was occupied in 2020 and

the green houses had been vacant, uh, around since then, um, but maintained. So, heat was turned on in the winter. They're made out of glass, things like that. Um, right before the pandemic and right before my time here at the city, there were several opportunities for public input that were offered. Hopefully, maybe some of you remember that. You might have participated in it. Um, to vision and plan for the greenhouse's future. It was decided that um if the entire structure couldn't be saved, that retaining and relocating a portion to preserve um was favored and Centennial Park was identified as the best location out of several that were considered. Um, it's both connected to the history of the green houses. It was growing plants that were planted in Centennial Park and it's also within our local historic districts. So, it'd be moving from one historic district to another. Um, so following the vacancy of the green houses, um, there continued to be more problems. Broken glass was a big one. A lot of people love taking pictures in front of the green houses, but it was also dangerous having people so close to those buildings. Um, and that's kind of when this all rose to a head. And in 2023, the parks department formally applied to the historic district commission uh to remove the green houses and to relocate the tropical house, that's that 1929 portion I mentioned, to Centennial Park. So, the HDC approved a COA, a certificate of appropriateness, and a notice to proceed. The notice to proceed was for the demolition citing concerns about the safety of the building and that was a qualifying criteria um for the state statute that has to be followed um for demolitions and the like. And the certificate of appropriateness was approving the relocation into Centennial Park, which hasn't happened yet, but is still planned for in the future. So, it was a two-part plan that the green houses weren't just going to be removed, there was a plan for their future. And all of

this was informed by site plans um created by GMBB. So it was really helpful for the visualization. Um the green houses were demolished per the approved plan in November 2025. The land was filled in, grass seed laid down, and then it snowed and that's where we are today. Tentatively, the reconstruction of the tropical house is slated for summer 2026, but uh we all know how that goes, so we'll see. Um that's uh Andy Kenyon and um Jamie Scott's project. All right. So, that was a a big rundown. So, what's next? All right. Um, we have an empty site at State and Central. This is when the process kind of diverges into two different directions. We have the reconstruction that I've mentioned. Um, it'll have new poured foundation walls, clean reffinished steel. There won't be any glass. Um, and it'll also be surrounded by landscaping. You can see one of those renderings on the slides. Um the HDC will be involved if there's any changes from the original plans from two years ago. Um it'll go back through COA approval because again it's in a historic district. On the other side of things at the original site um we are looking at the removal of the landmark status from that property. Um because with the greenhouse is gone there's no longer a historic resource there. Um and in order to do this the ordinance would need to be amended. So again, that's that landmark status ordinance. [snorts] Um, following procedures set forth in public act 1969 of 1970, which is the local historic district act in the state of Michigan. It's what establishes our historic districts and our historic district commission. They lay out exactly what needs to happen in order to establish a historic district or to eliminate a historic district. And we would be considering the latter in this case. Um, the very first step to kick

off that process is forming a study committee. And now I've circled it back around to why I'm here tonight. So, it's a really long story, but um, we are seeking that ordinance amendment. Um, just kind of if you look down there by, um, removing this landmark status, want to acknowledge that this would open the door for future development at the property. Um, we don't know. The city doesn't know yet what that might be. It's currently owned by us. Um, any what can happen there is limited by zoning, environmental concerns. Um, but going back to those discussions held over 10 years ago, Evergreen Commons is interested in securing the site. So, don't have plans yet, but just talking about everything holistically, that's where this is headed. All right. So, what I'm looking for from all of you, this is the process we're entering now and kind of how we get the ball rolling. So, again, tonight I'm asking that we form the study committee with the individuals included on my request who will prepare a report contemplating the removal of the green houses's landmark status. These individuals are all members of our historic district commission and represent a variety of experiences and um related to historic preservation building community. Um when discussing this with the city manager, we both agreed that they were the most um qualified people for the job. Um so as you can see, I tried to kind of make a little flowchart there. Assuming that we receive approval tonight, the committee will meet next month and work with myself staff um on the report focusing on reviewing the criteria for removal and seeing if um the green houses or the former greenhouse property um is eligible.

Uh after creating that report, it will then go to the HDC. Yes, that's the same people, but it's a different body. Um and that will also be a public hearing and involved in that process. We will also share the report with the state shipo state historic preservation office. So this isn't something that's just happening here. We're informing all parties involved as well as the public. Um that will be the public hearing. Again, assuming um that the HDC is in support, they will then or not in support actually either way, they will make an official recommendation to city council and that's when it'll come back to you. Um, assuming a change to an ordinance is proposed, you all will then follow your standard procedure first second readings for an ordinance amendment. So, in theory, this isn't the last time you'll see me talking about this. Almost, but not quite yet. Um, so that's where we're headed. That's what I'm asking of you tonight. Um, thank you for listening to my update and considering my request. And I'm happy to answer any questions.

Any questions for staff? Yeah, Mr. Schulty. Uh, maybe Anna, maybe Matt, maybe Vince, just a validation that formation of a subcommittee, does that fall, will their meeting fall under open meetings act? I believe so. For formal subcommittees, I would believe. So just you know without looking at the details in the statute anytime a committee uh makes a recommendation or can limit information that the ultimate body appointing body will consider then the open meetings act should apply. So if the subcommittee is looking at

good just opportunity for those listening who are interested and want to be engaged that the the likely early February meeting is an opportunity. Yeah absolutely. Yeah, keep an eye on the city calendar and the city website. Um the plan right now is to piggyback it on an HDC meeting. Um but we post all of our meetings and notices there and then also at city hall. Yep. Any other questions? Great. Thanks, Anna. Appreciate it. What is the pleasure of council in regard to this item? Move to approve as presented. Moved by Schultice. Is there support? Support.

The support by Clamp Barnes. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, Brenda, would you please call the role? Freeman, yes. Raymond, yes. Corbin, yes. Schultz, yes. Marin, yes. Rowan, yes. Clumparens, yes. Mayor Box, yes. Motion carries. Great. Thank you. Next item on the agenda, 12 echo 6.1, gifts. Brenda, would you please review the gifts for us?

Okay. The city manager's office is pleased to report the following gifts for the Department of Public Safety, $500 from the Kathy and Wayne Elhart Fund of the Community Foundation of Holland Zealand area, and $4,000 from Katherine Hobbs. And for the parks and recreation, $250 from Patricia Forester in memory of Scott Meyer for the Holland Ice Park and $5,200 from Jim Stelter for the adaptive sports program. Great. What is the pleasure of council in regard to the gifts?

Move to um approve the gifts, route them to the correct places, and send a note of thanks with our appreciation. Moved by Rowan. Is there support? Support. Support by Raymond. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All oppose, same sign. Motion carries. Uh, next item 12 echo 6.2 fiscal year 2026 strategic plan and business plan quarterly progress report for October through December 2025. Mr. Van Dyken.

Yeah, thank you very much, Mr. Mayor. I think this is a very important um document currently as we head into the budget process. I'm I'm sure all of you have thoroughly gone through your packet and reviewed this. Um but if you haven't had time yet, I would strongly recommend that you do and just go in and look at the progress of the things. All of the things that we've got going on. You're going to hear budget videos um in study session next week. Um, and a status of the business plan, I think, really would be a great primer for council to go in and just see how far we've come with a lot of these projects and the vision that you set last year as we go into setting the vision for fiscal year 2027. So, uh, great document. U, please review it, public review it. It's great to see what the city's been able to accomplish over the last quarter. Great. And we're accepting this as information, correct?

That is correct. All right. What is pleasure of councel? Motion to accept his information. Corbin, Mr. Corbin, uh motion. Is there support? Support. Support by Freeman. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. All oppose, same sign. Motion carries. Uh communications from the assistant city manager, Mr. Van Dyken.

Yeah, just a couple of quick things. We had a nice little turnout here in council chambers this evening for the first coffee with council officially kicking off our complete budget process. Um, a reminder to council, I'm sure you've already got it on your calendars, but also a reminder to the public that on Saturday at 9:00 from 9:00 to 11:30, we will be at the Holland Civic Center. I'm sure we'll have some kind of fun refreshments. Um, come out, grab a cup of coffee, iced tea, or lemonade, whatever. Um, and just let us know as a citizen of this community what you think. Uh, should be our priorities as we go into our really our goal setting piece for the year. So, that's fun. Uh, the farmers market's slated to be going on at the same time. It's always a great turnout, great vibe. go in, get some something from your favorite farm stand in the indoor market and then come and let city council and staff know what you uh would like to see us do over the next year. So, that's one. Um, believe it or not, it is still winter even though it's going to be almost 60° tomorrow here in Holland. Um, and Holland on Ice is coming up February 6th and 7th. So, with the addition of the ice park downtown, I think it's just one more fun thing. give people a chance to get outside, get on the snow melt, see some sculptures, have some fun, and just hang out in in good old beautiful downtown Holland. And then the last thing is we actually had a a pretty cool milestone today at the ice park. And that is that the first of 40 scheduled school trips happened today during the day. Uh, we had approximately 50 children from, I believe it was Holland Language Academy, but don't quote me on that, out there just bombing around having a ball. So, really cool. I was I couldn't believe they have 40 trips scheduled already. Um, that's just fantastic. A lot of area schools, not just Holland Public Schools, but um, yeah, just a wonderful thing to see today.

Great. Thanks, Matt. Uh, next item on the agenda, appointments and communications from the mayor. I just have a a couple of comments just to piggyback on the ice park. I don't know if every single session with the ice park so far has been sold out, but every time I've walked by it has been sold out. Uh I think it has been incredibly popular. I want to I want to thank staff. Um they have been out there in the rain and in the snow and making sure the ice looks great. I know that that Garrett has been out there. I think every day I've been out there, I've seen Garrett out there on the Zamboni, and I appreciate uh him being out there and other staff members working out um all hours of the day and night, keeping that thing looking really great. And for members of the public, you can stop calling me. I do not have any access to tickets. Um I've gotten calls from people all over the state asking for some sort of special advantage to tickets. I have to do the exact same thing everybody else does to get tickets for the ice park. So, please stop calling. Um, and that is all I have tonight. Um, any appointments, motions, communications from council members? Mr. Freeman?

Um, yesterday, uh, we had just a very, uh, monumental, u ceremony for, um, Chief Hoverink, who is the fire chief in Hamilton area. And I just have to extend my gratitude on behalf of our business who facilitated that. um to the entire surrounding community of all the fire departments, police forces that have covered for one another uh coming forward with their trucks polished to the absolute best way possible to honor him, his service and uh work together as a community. Uh it's really a testimony to the relationships that we share with townships and park uh across this particular area, but across the state. There was uh fire representation from five uh states uh represented in our city yesterday and the road closures and everything that had to take place to make that happen. Uh just know on our business side of things uh we're very appreciative and we're honored to serve in that way. Um related to that I will not be at the retreat or not retreat the uh coffee on Saturday uh as I'll be serving in that same capacity uh Saturday as well. So I beg forgiveness and absence. So

any other motions, communications from council members? All right, there's just one more motion ite uh any discussion. All those in favor say I. I. We are adjourned. Thank you all. Have a great night.