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ZEELAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP
NEWSLETTER
Fall 2008
By the time you receive this newsletter the 2009 budget of $2,087,000 will have been approved. This year the Board is proposing a .15 mil reduction for the non-voted general fund budget. We are looking at approximately a $170,000 reduction in revenues in the general fund due to some loss of interest income, other income sources, and millage reduction. We continue to try to provide the services that the residents need and want.
We installed 1½ miles of new water lines in 2008. One half mile was for the residents in Beaverdam who were having problems with low water levels. The other mile was for new water mains to loop the existing system at two different locations. This was done to maintain continuous water flow and pressure.
This summer we upgraded two more miles of gravel roads. These roads will be paved in 2009. We let improved roads set for one year to allow for settling before we lay down a new paved surface. We paved just over 2 miles of gravel roads that had been upgraded in 2007. Finally, we paved 2 miles along 48th Ave in collaboration with Jamestown Township. We now have less than 20 miles of gravel roads in the township. Our goal is to completely upgrade them over the next 10 years.
Many of our residents are out enjoying the new shared use path along Adams Street! We will complete 1½ miles of path this year. By years end the section of path on Adams St. from 96th Ave. To 64th Ave. will be complete.
We continue to pursue building the Fred Meijer Trail along with Jamestown and Byron Townships. Due to increased costs, we are looking for additional funding options. When this trail is completed, it will join with the Kent Trails system to the east which would allow cyclists to travel from Zeeland to Cadillac. To the west it will connect with our existing Township paths, Holland Township, and other Zeeland/Holland area pathways.
The township has had issues in the past with burning leaves. Our ordinance does not allow burning without a permit unless it is done in a totally contained “burn barrel” of 55 gallons or less. We worked out an agreement with Autumn Hills Landfill and Spurt Industries (compost) to accept leaves from township residents during the months of October and November. A roll off container will be provided for leaf disposal. Please dump only leaves into the roll off. A second container will be available for dumping your plastic bags. Enter the Landfill entrance on 56th Ave. and stop at the window for directions to the unloading area. This is a pilot program to see how much interest is generated. Before burning your leaves and offending your neighbors, please consider this new recycling option.
NOVEMBER 4 GENERAL ELECTION
You need to be registered in order to vote. You can verify your registration by calling our office, 772-6701 or going online www.michigan.gov/vote. This website will also identify your precinct and polling location. The deadline to register for the November General Election is OCTOBER 6.
If you are not registered to vote or would like an Absent Voter Ballot Application, you can link to Voter Information. From this link you can print a Voter Registration Form or an Absent Voter Ballot Application. Fill out the form, sign, and mail your form to the township office.
We are anticipating a very busy day with long lines and limited parking spaces. If you qualify, I encourage you to vote absentee ballot. You must be at least one of the following to qualify:
- You are over 60 years of age.
- You are absent from the community during poll hours.
- You are physically unable to vote without assistance.
Simply call the office to receive an application or print off an application from our website. Sign and send it to our office and your ballot will arrive by mail.
Watch for the Election Newsletter displaying a copy of the November ballot. You may take this along to the polls to assist you when voting. Please call the office if you have any other questions.
MOST OF ALL BE SURE TO VOTE
The Beaverdam fire station is in the process of renovating its 30 year old facility.
Fire Chief Gord VanHaitsma requests:
- Call 616-886-6666 for a burn permit on the day prior to your burn. Burn permits are free.
- Turn on your outdoor lights when you have a medical emergency at your home during night hours.
- Please check that your house numbers are visible from the road for the first responders
Donate your old cell phone to Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office. They will use them to provide emergency communications to seniors and victims of abuse in our community. All brands and models accepted.
The 50th Anniversary of the Drenthe Grove Chicken BBQ was a great success. Thank you for participating with us! You can view photos of the event by clicking the following link: Special Events
BUILDING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT
So far this year residential building permits are down by more than 50% from 2007 levels, but the last three months showed one and one half times more activity than the first six months of the year. Zeeland Township is not geared for a large industrial and commercial base but in the last few months we have seen a nice industrial facility with the Lakeshore Candle Company going in on Pentatech Drive and a 11,000 sq. ft. addition to Wood Ways Inc. on Construction Court, along with a Vriesland village enhancement with the Vriesland Country Store now under construction.
August was the one year anniversary for the re-stated zoning ordinance and as with a lot of new things we have found a few changes we need to make. A couple of things were inadvertently left out and a couple of things need minor changes to better fit our needs, but all in all it is filling our needs in these changing times.
Located on 56th Ave. north of Riley St., Van Zoeren Wood’s upland forests and streams provide a sanctuary for songbirds and small mammals as well as an accessible and peaceful place to hike. GVSU student Melissa Buzzard analyzed the outdoor educational component and recreational potential of the park. She found very few parks in the region have both an outdoor education component and an undeveloped setting. Interpretive trail signs identifying wildflowers and improved trails would enhance the experience for park visitors. GVSU student Tony Holm will continue Melissa’s work this fall.
During the month of February you will receive your Assessment Notice. Please review the information concerning your property value. If you feel your assessment is incorrect, you can schedule an appointment with the Annual Board of Review to appeal your taxable value. The Board meets during the middle of March.
Watch for new signs at the East Drenthe, West Drenthe, and Vriesland Cemeteries. The committee welcomes comments and suggestions from our residents for improvements you would like to see. Contact committee chairman Tim Barkel 688-5338.
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