Present were Supervisor Stuart Visser, Treasurer Jan Steggerda, Clerk Jeff Ebihara, Trustees Bret Docter, Doug Dreyer, Amanda Price, and Attorney Dan Martin.

Absent was Trustee John Van Iwaarden.

The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: 

Beginning Balance...........................................................$3,415,051

Receipts........................................................................$  378,513

Disbursements................................................................$  288,323

Ending Balance...............................................................$3,505,241

Captain Patrick Gamby stated the order for the rescue truck has been placed.  The Department submitted a grant for a breathing apparatus.

Ebihara asked the time frame estimated for the arrival of the new truck.

Gamby stated that it is approximately 6 months.  

PUBLIC COMMENTS (2 MINUTES PER PERSON)    

PETITION TO ESTABLISH COUNTY DRAIN

Visser introduced and explained the petition for a county drain at Perry Street.  The drain is number thirty-two (32).

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Price to petition for the establishment and construction of the drain improvements to be known as the number 32 drain under chapter 20.

Steggerda asked how the Township would pay for the improvements. 

Visser stated an estimate was included as part of our road improvement package approved at the budget meeting in March.

BIKE PATH REPAVING CONTRACT AWARD

Visser introduced the repaving contract.  We have been unable to get an easement to construct the path on the south side of Ottawa Beach.  This particular construction project will be taken off the estimate if an easement is not granted.

Docter asked the time frame of the project.

Visser stated 90 days is the normal amount of time required to complete a project.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Price reviewed her report regarding the meetings she attended for the month of March.

Docter asked if the board should see the lease as it progresses.

Price stated the next meeting is intended to be the last for the committee so the lease is almost complete. 

Dreyer asked where the airport authority is getting their funds.

Price explained how funds are generated and used.

Docter stated that he and Mr. Visser have been meeting with the fair president and addressing issues.  The 2008 Ottawa County Fair is coming together well. 

Visser stated that it is the Ottawa County Fair’s 50^th anniversary.

Barb Burmeister - Parks and Recreation Director - referenced a letter given to the board from the community foundation and was awarded $5000 for the skate park.  She asked for the board’s acceptance of the grant.

Docter asked if we need to act on the grant at this meeting.

Burmeister stated she hoped the board would accept the grant tonight and she could give notice to the grant organizers.

Burmeister also stated that a donation was given by Glen and Janet Dirkse for $5000. 

Burmeister stated Larry Boonstra, Director of Kandu Industries, stated an interest in “adopting” a park.  She stated they will be “adopting” Ashwood Reserve.  Also, the Summer/Fall recreation brochure is available and registration will be on Saturday, April 17th.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Ebihara to accept the grant and donation as presented with the Township’s gratitude.

Docter asked if the funds donated would be part of the matching funds.

Burmeister stated they are not.

Steggerda stated she invested funds for the skate park and interest earned will be used toward the park.

Docter stated the site plan approval was granted to the Pronto Pup applicant by the Planning Commission. 

PAYMENT OF BILLS

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Price to approve the check register for March, and the bills to be paid in April.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON)

Mike Toscano-1228 Oak Hampton- asked if the Township would consider referring the area of Post avenue south side of fairgrounds to the county for upkeep and trimming.

Docter agreed the board should mention the space to Ottawa County for consideration.

BOARD COMMENTS

Visser asked what would happen if one of the other jurisdictions refused to support the channel.

Ebihara stated that the channel will most likely revert back to charter.

Price stated her concerns regarding the cost being more than our franchise fees.

Ebihara stated that we have the lowest franchise fees in the area with no opportunity to increase at this time.

Docter stated he feels the channel is valuable.

Visser asked when Ebihara needed to report back to Mac Media.

Ebihara stated that he needs to report back mid-may.

Ebihara requested to place the item on the May agenda.

Ebihara also stated the township would like to re-codify their ordinances and building codes and has contracted MuniCode Corporation to facilitate the re-codification process.

Docter asked if the proposal includes making the codes and ordinances available online.

Ebihara stated the proposal does include the transfer of the codes and ordinances to an online format.

Price announced that she will be seeking the office of Supervisor in the August Primary Election.

Steggerda announced she will be seeking re-election to the office of Treasurer in the August Primary Election.              

ADJOURN      

Daniele Dykens, Recording Secretary