The Barry County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to approve the consent agenda items recommended by the Committee of the Whole last week, and heard a presentation by Sarah Nelson, Executive Director of the Barry Conservation District about invasive species plants in the county, especially in county rights of way.  Nelson requested that funding be included in next year’s budget for eradication or reduction efforts of specific invasive plants in some rights of way.

 

The Board approved a resolution supporting Thornapple Manor exploring the addition of independent and assisted living units for seniors, as well as adult day care services at Thornapple Manor.

 

However, the Board of Commissioners did not approve a Letter of Agreement between the Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Blue Zones LLC that would have allowed Blue Zones to use a small amount of office space inside the Health Department building in Barry County.  The vote was 4 to 3, with Commissioners Geiger, Jackson, and Parker in support, Commissioners Connor, Gibson, Smelker and Wing against. Much of the opposition was over I-T services that the Health Department would have provided, such as a laptop computer, information storage, a direct dial phone line and email address, and access to a copier or printer.

 

The Blue Zones Initiative is a public health initiative that the Barry community has agreed to pursue. It has financial backing from multiple community partners and the health care community and is just getting established in Barry County.

 

Commissioners voted to appoint Michael Spangler to serve on the Barry County Veteran’s Affairs Committee. Spangler was one of four individuals who applied for the remainder of a four year term on the committee that expires 12/31/2020.