Spring 2014 Newsletter
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Fall 2013 Newsletter
Spring 2013 Newsletter
ZEELAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP
SPRING 2013 Newsletter
CALENDAR of EVENTS
MONTH OF MAY—NEW METERS
Consumers Energy will be replacing analog meters with smart meters for their Zeeland Township customers. The new meters have the capability to send a message when power is out; shortening response time. Look for information in your mail notifying you when they will be in your area.
MAY 7— SCHOOL ELECTION Polls Open 7am—8pm
The Hudsonville ballot includes three proposals:
1. Hudsonville Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal (18 mills)
2. Millage renewal for Building and Site Sinking Fund Tax Levy (1 mill)
3. Airport Operating/Capital Millage for West Michigan Airport Authority (1/10th of a mill)
Zeeland ballots include these three proposals:
1. Zeeland Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal (18 mills)
2. Millage renewal to provide funds to operate a system of public recreation (.4 mills)
3. Airport Operating/Capital Millage for West Michigan Airport Authority (1/10th of a mill)
PRECINCT NO. 1—Beaverdam Ref. Church, 7250 Ransom St.
PRECINCT NO. 2—Townhall, 6582 Byron Road
PRECINCT NO. 3—Dozeman Center, 615 68th St. (Drenthe Grove Park)
Absentee Ballots are always available if you are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. Call or stop in the office for assistance
MAY 18—CAKES, WINGS AND OTHER THINGS
Team One Step at a Time is hosting a community day fundraiser on Saturday May 18th, from 8am to 1pm at the Ottawa Executive Airport, 5923 Byron Road, Zeeland. The fundraiser includes a pancake breakfast and several children’s activities such as an obstacle course and bounce house. Take an opportunity to donate blood then take a walk through the bake sale and silent auction. Take a scenic flight of the West Michigan Lakeshore for as little as $25 and watch a flyover by T-34 Warbirds. The Fire Department, Ottawa County Marine Water Rescue boat, and AMR Ambulance will be on display. Fun for all ages and supports a great cause! All profits benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Holland/Zeeland
JUNE 1—PRINCIPLE RESIDENCE EXEMPTION DEADLINE
If you purchased a home after Nov. 1, 2012 you should check if you are receiving this exemption. Residents claiming 100% P.R.E. are exempt from paying 18 mills on their tax bill for Hudsonville and Zeeland Schools Operating budget.
AUGUST 17—55th ANNUAL DRENTHE CHICKEN BBQ
The Drenthe Community Association invites all residents to the Annual Drenthe Grove BBQ. Tickets are $7.50/dinner. Activities are free and include fire department demonstrations, Critter Barn Petting Zoo, hay rides, antique tractor display and more! Tickets can be purchased at the township office.
Volunteers Appreciated! Would you be willing to help with parking, serving, BBQ pits or cleanup? Please call the township office if you’d like to be a part of the BBQ team. Volunteer for as little as an hour or the entire evening—you decide. Call 772-6701 to volunteer. Thanks!
WHAT’S NEW...
2013 ROAD PROJECTS
The Ottawa County Road Commission will repave 64th Ave from Byron Rd. south to the county line this summer. Homestead Dr., Knoll Dr. and Pleasant Dr. will also be repaved.
A joint project with Gentex Corp. includes some major improvements to 88th Ave between Riley and Quincy. The sewer line and a third traffic lane will be extended a 1/2 mile north of Riley Street to Gentex’s east entrance. An additional 4 feet will be added to the width of 88th from the Gentex entrance north to Quincy St.
This fall, the Zeeland Township Road Committee will be looking at future road needs to establish their long range road improvement plan.
ZCT ENCOURAGES INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Industrial Facility Exemption Certificates were granted to Active Tooling, Allied Engineering, Inc., Custom Tooling Systems, Inc. and Zeeland Farm Services, Inc. The certificates totaled $2,759,095 in real and personal property. This new investment will add approximately 22 new jobs in the township.
AIRPORT AUTHORITY MILLAGE PROPOSAL
The May 7th ballot will include a request for a 1/10 millage increase (.10 for every $1,000 in taxable value) for a period of 5 years to fund the West Michigan Regional Airport (Tulip City Airport.) Millage would be used for “supporting the planning, promoting, acquiring, constructing, improving, enlarging, extending, owning, maintaining, and operating the landing/navigational and building facilities.” Many area businesses use this commercial airport and consider it a vital piece in attracting customers to their products. J.E.T. (Jobs and Economy Team) and the Airport Authority funded the cost of the May 7th election in order to have this proposal on the ballot.
ZEELAND WASTE WATER
Zeeland Charter Township and Holland Charter Township are working on an agreement to send our wastewater to the City of Zeeland’s Clean Water Plant. All of ZCT’s sewer area and a portion of HCT’s are included in this agreement. There will be a substantial cost savings compared to having all our wastewater going to the Holland City plant. When this agreement is completed, it will take a year or so to make the needed construction changes.
OTTAWA COUNTY WATER STUDY
The county contracted MSU’s Institute of Water Research to study area water supply and quality. The initial report shows current consumption use outpaces restoration for areas drawing water from the Marshall aquifer. ZCT along with other units of government contributed funding toward Phase II of the study which will address planning for a water shortage.
LIBRARY FUNDING
The Township Board approved an increase in funding for the Howard Miller Library. This year ZCT will increase spending to $80,000. Next year funding will be $85,000 and rise to $90,000 in 2015.
VANZOEREN WOODS
Located on 56th Ave just north of Riley St., VanZoeren Woods is a lovely wooded park with many walking trails. Last year, the parking lot was improved and this year the board would like to make some improvements to the trails.
NEW BIKE PATH ON GORDON STREET
This summer we will construct a new path between 84th and 88th Ave.
Looking ahead, plans are to construct a path on 64th Ave. between Adams and Byron Road in 2015. The path will be funded partially with CMAC funds. Completing the loop, Ottawa County Parks will construct a path through the Macatawa Greenway (pending grant funding.) When these two paths are complete, ZCT will have an 8 mile loop for recreational enjoyment!
NEW FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
Melissa Whitney, Financial Director in Holland Township, was hired to assist ZCT with finance and capital improvement planning. She is contracted for approximately 15 hours a month.
PLANNING COMMISSION NEWS
The planning commission has been working on an ordinance addressing medical marijuana. An ordinance will be in place by the June deadline.
HLV Zeeland LLC submitted a site plan for an 82 site condominium project to be located south and east of the intersection of Byron Road and 76th Ave. The proposed subdivision will have township water and sewer. HLV Zeeland also developed Black Creek Ridge located on the north side of Byron Road. Final approval is still to be determined.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design suggests ways to make your home less susceptible to crime:
1. Know your neighbors. Promote neighborhood watch programs.
2. Natural Access Control: use walkways and landscaping to direct visitors to the proper entrance and away from private areas.
3. Natural Surveillance: fully illuminate all doorways that open to the outside. Front doors should be visible from the street. Don’t have landscaping obstructing views of vulnerable doors and windows.
4. Make your street address clearly visible from the street and public way.
5. Maintenance: Keep shrubs trimmed to 3’ in height and tree branches 7’ above ground. Use exterior lighting at night. Keep house, garage and yard in good repair and neat at all times.
MAKE A CALL...
VOLUNTEER AT THE DRENTHE CHICKEN BBQ
Call the Township Office: 772-6701
ADDRESS SIGNS
We continue to offer green emergency address signs in the office. They are $20 each and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Contact the office to place your order.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PAYOFF/PARTIAL PAYMENT
Residents with water and sewer assessments over time may pay off their assessment at anytime or make a partial payment on their outstanding balance. (Water assessments have an 8% interest rate, sewer assessments have an 8.4% interest rate.) If you are interested in making a payment, please call the office; we’d be happy to assist you.
STREET LIGHTS
Please call the office if you notice street lights that are not functioning properly. Give us the address near the pole so we can submit a order for repair.
MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE
The Drenthe Community Association is forming a new Men’s Slow-pitch Softball League. Games will be Wednesday evenings during the summer. This league is specifically dedicated for teams with players over the age of 40. Please call the League Director (616-403-6205) if you are interested in joining.
CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG
April is National Safe Digging Month. MISS DIG System, Inc. cautions you of the dangers underground utilities represent and the importance of having them located and marked before digging.