The current decline of the property values throughout the area, which affects each of us, will not make much of an impact on the financial status of the Township. Our taxable values dropped by 1.02 million dollars or about $68,600 in actual tax dollars from last year and the interest on fund deposits has also decreased greatly. Due to an increase in our State Revenue Sharing, because of our 2010 Census population growth, our general fund budget remains relatively the same. Treasurer Myaard and the entire Zeeland Charter Township Board continue to monitor our investments for maximum returns. We also look at our expenditures and try to provide the services and capital improvements we feel our residents desire. Feel free at any time to share your concerns, comments, and/or ideas with any Board member. A list of contact names, phone numbers, and email addresses are on the Township web site.
FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
The township board voted to spend $20,000 to hire an outside consulting firm to assess and recommend future expansion and equipment needs for the fire department.
Fire Chief Gord VanHaitsma requests you do the following:
Refresh your detector batteries.
Shovel snow from hydrants in winter.
Have visible house numbers.
If you have a medical history, have a list of medicines and conditions on hand to give to medics in the event of an emergency.
ELECTION 2012 INCLUDES TOWNSHIP BOARD POSITIONS
Next fall the entire Township Board will be up for election. If you are interested in becoming involved in making decisions regarding the township’s roads, bike paths, water and sewer lines, development, cemeteries, fire department and more, consider running for one of the board positions. Board positions up for election are Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer and 4 Board Trustee positions. Salaries, job descriptions and filing requirements are available upon request at the Township office. Terms are four years and commence at 12 p.m. on November 20, 2012 following the November 6, 2012 general election. Candidates must be 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen and have lived at least 30 days in Zeeland Township. Nominating petitions must be submitted by May 22, 2012.
GORDON ELLENS TRAILSIDE PARK
This summer, we installed underground sprinkling and a bike rack in the park. Thanks to Herb and Carol Berens for generously donating the flowers for this park.
DRENTHE GROVE
We extend a big “Thank you!” to the volunteers and fire department who made the 57th Annual Chicken BBQ a success! Fortunately the weather cleared and everyone attending could enjoy the food and activities. Thanks also to Waste Management for providing trash containers for the event.
If you were unable to attend the BBQ, make plans to visit the Grove this fall; we’ve made several improvements and additions to the park. There is a new fishing dock, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, and a large grassy area for games. A groomed trail leads to the pond at the southern end of the park. The Dozeman Center is available to rent for family events. Call our office to inquire about reservations.
VANZOEREN WOODS
Mr. Richard Brand, local history enthusiast, appeared before the board with a proposal to turn VanZoeren Woods into a historical landmark. He sited several interesting events and structures related to the property. Along with historical markers, the trail system with its rolling terrain could be promoted as fitness trails with stations identifying optimal heart rates.
FUTURE RECREATIONAL SITE
Waste Management's agreement with the township provides for the creation of low impact recreational purposes at the conclusion of landfilling operations. ZCT held a public hearing on Aug. 16th to discuss possible styles of recreation activities that would be appropriate at the Autumn Hills Landfill. However, don’t look for anything soon, Autumn Hills estimates it has approximately 45 more years of operation before they are full. In the meantime, they can begin dumping their excess clay in a way that will prepare for the future recreational site. If you have an idea for this site, please email Glenn.Nykamp@zeelandtwp.org
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
As of August 31, 38 building permits were pulled for new home construction. This is about the same number of new homes as last year. The new energy codes for home construction took effect March, 2011 requiring more insulation in new homes.
BIKE PATHS
We will have three major additions to our trail system this year:
Bridge on Adams and 80th St.
Fred Meijer Trail along Byron Road
The township board approved constructing a bridge along Byron Rd. that will extend the Fred Meijer Trail through the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Construction will begin this fall.
ROADS
There are a number of road projects going on in the township this summer and fall. Several subdivision roads were recently repaved. Roads repaved were Maple Lane, Whispering Pine Ave, Whispering Pine Ct., Land Lane and Bluff Ridge Dr. The Road Committee along with the Ottawa County Road Commission looks at the condition of our local roads every spring to determine which ones are in the worst condition and need repaving. The estimated cost for the above repaving is $90,821.72.
72nd Ave. between Perry & Byron Road is a 2 year project of reconstruction and repaving at a total estimated cost of $720,000.00. Work being done in 2011 includes new tiles under the road in several places, widening of the roadway, a new sand base with a layer of road gravel over the top of that. The 2011 portion of this project is estimated to cost $ 470,000.00. Actual paving will occur summer of 2012 to allow for good compaction of the roadway.
The total estimated cost of road projects for 2011 is $560,821.72.
ADAMS STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Groundbreaking occurred Aug. 11, 2011 at the new school property on Adams and 74th Ave. Classrooms should be ready for the 2012-2013 school year.
PARK PLACE DEVELOPMENT
The board granted Granger Group a Planned Unit Development change to the property surrounding Holland Hospital on 84th Ave. The housing component was dropped from the P.U.D. requirement due its close proximity to Zeeland East Estates. The property will be used for medical, office, and general commercial use.
DRAIN ASSESSMENTS
ZCT may no longer pay for drain assessments at large. Instead, property owners in the drainage area could be billed a drain assessment on their tax bill. Holland Township and Zeeland City are no longer paying for these assessments at large. The Township Board will look at this issue at a later date and make a determination at that time.
COMMISSIONER REDISTRICTING
By law, reapportionment of county commissioners must be evaluated following every census. The 2010 census demonstrated population changes in Ottawa County. Due to these changes, districts were redrawn to provide equal representation. Beginning 2012, ZCT Precinct 1 will be represented by Mr. James Holtrop while Precincts 2 and 3 will continue to be represented by Mr. Robert Karsten. Commissioners will have to run for their new districts in the next election.