ZEELAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP
NEWSLETTER
Fall 2009
The year 2009 has been a very interesting year to say the least. As everyone knows, the economy has affected all of us in one way or the other and Zeeland Charter Township is no exception. For 2010 we are anticipating our tax income to remain about the same as 2009, however our other revenues will be down. The Board takes this situation very seriously and works diligently to manage the finances of the township responsibly.
There is a lot of information in this newsletter. I appreciate your interest in reading about our township’s activities. If you have any questions, you are welcome to call me at the office (616-772-6701 ext. 109) or attend a Tuesday evening Board Meeting. Viewing our township web site is also an excellent source of information.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who volunteer and donate toward township projects. Your generous support makes Zeeland Charter Township a wonderful place to live and work.
Gordon J. Ellens Trailside Park
On April 21 the Township Board approved naming the property on the southwest corner of Adams and 64th in memory of former Township Supervisor Gordon Ellens. Gord was committed to building bike paths in the township. The funds to construct the improvements were donated either in time and/or material by the following people:
· Daryl Boerman-Boerman Masonry
· Matt & Mike Brower-Cornerstone Concrete
· Ryan Boerman-Integrity Landscape
· Ken & Todd Hulst-Ottogan Excavating
· Spurt Industries
· Chris Dykstra Concrete
· Drenthe Telephone Co.
· Roger VanderVeen
· Floyd DeBoer
· Eric Nykamp
· Brent & Emily Ellens
· Linnay Compagner
Many of you also sent in cash donations to purchase benches, flag pole, sign, and flowers. Additional donations will go toward a bike rack and covered shelter.
If you would like to contribute toward the Gord Ellens Trailside Park, please send your donations to the Township office. Thank you to everyone involved!
Summer Serve Cleans Up Drenthe Grove
We want to give a big “Thank you!” to the people from Compassionate Heart Ministries’ Summer Serve Program who came out to the Grove to paint, wash buildings, and clean up. We appreciate Rachel Mast, Donna Bunce and their crew of enthusiastic helpers!
Annual Board of Review
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 may schedule an appointment with the Annual Board of Review to appeal your taxable value. The Board meets during the middle of March.
Fire Department Web Site
Our new Fire Department web site is made up of two parts; one for the public to view township fire department information and a second with protected access for the firemen to communicate with each other. Check out the new site by going to zeelandtwp.org, scroll down the left side to Fire Department. The site has information concerning burn permits, what to expect in a variety of fire situations and other useful information.
Fire Chief VanHaitsma wants to thank everyone who participated in the fire department activities at the Drenthe Grove Chicken BBQ.
Burn Permits call: 866-6666
Reflective Address Signs: $20 at township office.
2010 Census
2010 is a very important year for the finances of the township. In March, the decade CENSUS questionnaires will be sent to every address in the United States. It is of the utmost importance that you fill out this questionnaire so that every individual in the township is COUNTED. All of the Revenue Sharing funds we will receive from the Federal Government are based on this 2010 head count. You will be receiving more information in the future on this very important CENSUS COUNT.
Building, Planning and Zoning Department
People often come in and ask how this year’s building activity compares to last year. Here are the numbers:
Total number of building permits through August: 2008 = 65; 2009 = 79.
Total number of new homes: 2008 = 20; 2009 = 34.
Total declared dollar value: 2008= $5,848,900; 2009 = $13,556,153
The Planning Commission will be re-evaluating the RV storage and parking ordinance. The present ordinance requires RVs to be stored behind the front building line of the house unless the resident is actively loading or unloading the unit. Newer developments with walkout and daylight basements do not have large, level side yards to store an RV. Many families also use their RVs every weekend in the summer and find it inconvenient to store them offsite for the few days between uses. Planners will be studying other options including exceptions to the rule for certain months. If you have a helpful comment or suggestion pertaining to this issue, please email the Planning Commission at don.mannes@zeelandtwp.org.
2009 Road Projects
IN PROGRESS:
· Perry St. between 64th & 56th
COMPLETED:
· North and South Maple Court resurfaced.
· 76th Ave. south of Perry St.
· 52nd Ave. between Perry and Byron Roads
JOINT PROJECT between Holland Twp, Zeeland City, Zeeland Twp, and Ottawa County Road Commission.
· Realignment of intersection of Perry St. and 96th.
FEDERAL STIMULUS PROJECT:
-Resurface Byron Rd. between I-196 and 64th Ave.
Dog Licenses
You can purchase or renew your dog licenses at the township office from December 1, 2009—February 26, 2010. Licenses may also be obtained online at www.miottawa.org/DogLicense.
Elections in 2010
We will have 3 elections next year. The School Election is May 4. August 3 is the Primary Election to nominate candidates for state Governor, as well as state and federal Senators and Representatives. The General Election will be November 2, 2010.
Fred Meijer Trail
We continue to make progress on the Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail. The concept for this 13 ½ mile bike trail began in 2006. The trail will run along Byron Road and link Zeeland Charter Township to the west with Holland Township’s Macatawa Greenway Trail and to the east with the Kent Trails system. Funding for this project comes from MDOT, Fred Meijer Trail, and Zeeland, Holland, and Jamestown Townships. Construction could possibly begin in the spring of 2010.
Office Software Upgrade
The Board approved purchasing a new software package that will greatly assist us in preparing budgets based on projected revenue. The new BS&A accounting package will integrate with the other BS&A programs already in place at the office. This upgrade will improve our financial management as well as eliminate much of the duplicate data entry currently occurring in the office.
Recycle your Autumn Leaves
This fall Autumn Hills Landfill and Spurt Industries will accept leaves Oct. - Nov. from township residents at the Landfill. We thank everyone who took advantage of this opportunity last year and encourage you to do likewise this year. Remember: burning leaves can be a health hazard and offensive to your neighbors. Leaves also make a good mulch for your garden