Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on April 8, 2004 at 6 p.m.

Present were Supervisor Stuart Visser, Treasurer Jan Steggerda, Clerk Howard Van Raalte, Trustees Ed Marsilje, Gene Koopman and Paul Van Dyke, and Attorney Dan Martin. 

Absent was Trustee Amanda Price.

The Treasurer's Report was given as follows:

Beginning Balance, $2,524,467
Receipts,                $999,429
Disbursement,          $620,257
Ending Balance,     $2,903,639

The Zoning Administrator's Report indicated building permits were issued for 13 single-family homes in February and a total permit activity of $5,812,000.

Koopman reported 6 Liquor inspection reports had been turned in for March.  All establishments were in compliance and good condition.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jon Van Allsburg, 207 Bay Circle Drive, announced he is running for Ottawa County Circuit Court Judge.

Brian McDonald, Great Lakes Surfing Association, stated he works with a group of volunteers for the Lake Michigan Federation Adopt-a-Beach Program and encouraged all people to volunteer for the Riley Street Beach Clean-up on Sunday, April 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Visser opened the public hearing.

Greg Raad, Nederveld Associates, Inc., represented Macatawa Bay Development Corporation.  The P.U.D. would have 12 private home-sites sold as condominiums.  The paved road would be private with public water and sewer.  There would be restrictions limiting the number of trees to come down.

Van Raalte and Marsilje abstained from voting due to conflict of interest because they live within the 300-foot notice zone.

Visser closed the public hearing.

Visser stated he received one letter of objection from Robert and Rose Marie Albers.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Steggerda to adopt the resolution and the report granting approval to the Old Macatawa Court P.U.D.

2004 ROAD RESURFACING

Visser listed all roads that need resurfacing and stated the entire project is estimated at $174,085.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Raalte and supported by Marsilje to approve the road resurfacing project as listed.

MASTER PLAN REVIEW:  AUTHORIZATION TO DISTRIBUTE

Visser stated if the Board is satisfied with the changes made by the Master Plan Committee, the Planning Commission needs authorization to distribute the Master Plan to adjoining cities, townships, public utility companies, county planning commission and the regional planning commission.

Marsilje questioned (page 12) if James Street would ever be considered a primary road.

Visser responded that decision would come from the county road commission. 

Marsilje questioned (page 16) why the soil changes on the map are in straight lines.

Visser responded that it is most likely due to property boundaries and usage.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Steggerda to authorize the Planning Commission to distribute the Master Plan for review to the other units of government.

PRIMARY ROAD SETBACK

Visser explained that this is a zoning ordinance amendment to establish a setback on primary roads at 83 feet measured from center line, or 40 feet from the edge of the road right of way, whichever is greater.  Currently, it is 100 feet from the center line. This can cause a hardship for people who are building along primary roads.                        

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Raalte and supported by Koopman to adopt the Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. ZA 54 pertaining to setbacks for structures adjacent to major streets.

Visser explained that there are two Metro Act Permits, one from the Board of Public Works and the other from the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.  These are for continued use of the right of way for existing fiber cable on Lakewood Blvd.; then south on Lakeshore Drive to the water treatment plant, and on Riley Street to the school sites at 152nd Avenue.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Marsilje and supported by Koopman to approve the Board Of Public Works request for a bilateral Metro Act Permit for continued use of specified right of way. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Van Raalte to approve the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District’s request for a bilateral Metro Act Permit for continued use of specified right of way.

CONTRACT AWARD:  LAKE BREEZE DRIVE SANITARY SEWER

Visser stated the lowest bidder for the Lake Breeze Drive sewer project was Ron Meyer & Associates Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $94,588.20.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Raalte and supported by Koopman to award the Lake Breeze Drive sanitary sewer contract to Ron Meyer & Associates Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $94,588.20.

Marsilje asked for the amount of the engineer’s estimate.

Visser replied $95,000.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A) SEARCH COMMITTEE

Steggerda stated that the search committee for the Clerk position received six applications and held interviews. It is the committee’s recommendation to appoint Ed Marsilje to fill the vacancy to the end of the term in November. 

Visser stated that according to the rules, Howard Van Raalte could not vote.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Koopman to appoint Ed Marsilje to complete the unexpired term of Park Township Clerk.

Visser suggested that they place an ad in the Holland Sentinel to fill the Trustee position and try to make the appointment next month.  

Steggerda questioned if Marsilje could vote on the Trustee position.

Martin replied yes he could vote.  The rules state only township officers cannot vote for their own replacement.

Visser stated that the new search committee members will be Visser, Koopman and Van Dyke. 

B) OTHER

No other committee reports.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Visser stated due to the end of the fiscal year, we do not have Bills For Payment.  However, the Check Register must be approved.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Marsilje to approve the check register for March.

Brian Rexford, 1762 Main Street, voiced his concerns and objections regarding the Holland/Park Township Recreation little league baseball program.

Visser presented a plaque from the State of Michigan to Howard Van Raalte as a tribute to his many years of dedication to Park Township.

Marsilje thanked the Board for appointing him as Howard Van Raalte’s replacement.  

The Board thanked Howard Van Raalte for all his efforts and service through the years. 

ADJOURN

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Marsilje and supported by Koopman to adjourn.