Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on December 8, 2005 at 6 p.m.

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

Absent was Trustee John Van Iwaarden.

Stu Visser gave the invocation.

The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: 

Beginning Balance...........................................................$2,174,177

Receipts........................................................................$   237,212

Disbursements................................................................$  142,533

Ending Balance...............................................................$2,268,856

The Fire Department report indicated 33 calls were made in the month of November and $360,000in property damages. Fire Chief Gamby reported that November was the fire department’s busiest month in history.  The vacant captain position will be filled this month.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (2 MINUTES PER PERSON)

Skip Keeter, 442 Lakeshore Dr., N., stated that he is the Chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  They are in need of a venue.  He asked the Board to consider the request to use the Ottawa County Fairgrounds for their location.  The request is on a contingency basis since the Fair Board will not meet until December 13. 

Earl Welling, Fair Board President, stated that the Fair Board has received the American Cancer Society’s request for the use of the fairground for the Relay for Life.

The Board had no objections.

Al Friend, Holland Tax Payers, shared a letter opposing the Airport Authority.

PUBLIC HEARING:  BEACH HOUSE PUD

Visser opened the public hearing.

Jack Siebers, Attorney representing Randy Bouwkamp, requested that two conditions to the Lake Street Beach House PUD be revised.  The first condition would permit the sale of fractional ownership interest in a condominium unit, which would discourage rentals.  Fractional ownership is not the same as time-share.  Fractional ownership interest is more like a second home.  It involves a deed, and encourages pride of ownership.  Only one out of the eight-condo units has sold.  Secondly, they are asking condition M to be revised to state that the condominium owners may use the storage area over the garages.  It currently states that only the association can use it.

Charles Cooper, 2050 Lake Street, stated that he is against fractional ownership. He feels that temporary residents would cause too many disturbances.

Henry Vanden Heuvel, 2099 Ottawa Beach Rd., stated his concerns with condominium owners and renters using the Bay Front Association’s deeded beach area. 

Carolyn Stegink, 2058 Ottawa Beach Rd., stated that she and her husband are not in favor of fractional ownership interest.  She is concerned with overflow parking, short-term rentals, and property upkeep.

Carol Tuls, 2083 Ottawa Beach Rd., stated her concerns with additional people and traffic in such a small area.

Randy Bouwkamp, Developer, stated that the amount of people occupying the units would remain the same regardless of the number of owners.  As it stands now, a sole owner of a condominium unit could rent it out 52 weeks a year.  He feels fractional owners would buy for their own usage, therefore eliminating renters.  It would be run and maintained by a management company.  He also stated that his office has not received complaints regarding the lake access.

Tina Stevens, 453 S. 168^th Ave., stated her concern with the Lake St. traffic.  She questioned if a limit has been set for the fraction of ownerships.

Attorney Siebers stated that he has a letter of support from the owners of the condominium that did sell.

Visser closed the public hearing.

Koopman stated that the Planning Commission discussed fractional ownership interests.  There is a significant difference from time-sharing because of the actual ownership of a piece of property.  Fractional ownership is popular and has positive results.

Steggerda stated that the number of owners allowed per unit needs to be established.

Bouwkamp stated that he would limit the number of owners to tenths.  A property management company would oversee it.  There would be an association.  If parking becomes a problem, they are willing to assign parking spots.

Steggerda questioned how taxes would be billed to multi-owners.

Bouwkamp replied that taxes would be sent to the property management company, and they would divide it between the owners.  Each unit is one tax parcel.

Price stated that she is very concerned with the parking during summertime.

Ebihara questioned if Park Township currently has fractional ownership properties.

Visser stated that the township does not have fractional ownership properties such as the one requested.  Visser and Van Iwaarden looked into fractional ownership interests in different communities and received positive feedback.

Ebihara questioned if there would be any restrictions on renting.

Bouwkamp replied that the township does not have anything in the ordinances to control other people from renting. 

Ebihara stated that intuitively ten owners seems to be too many to discourage rentals, and minimizes the idea of pride of ownership.

Steggerda disagreed.  With more owners there would be less renters because they would want to use the time they have for themselves.

Motion Carried 5 to 1.   Ebihara opposed.

PUBLIC HEARING:  WATER SAD 74

Visser explained that this hearing is for a 1200 ft. water main on Lakewood Blvd. between Pine Creek and Bay Meadows.  A petition was signed by 100% of the property owners.

Visser opened the public hearing.

No comments.

Visser closed the public hearing.

A) RESOLUTION 3

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Koopman to adopt resolution 3 establishing proposed Water SAD 74 as a special assessment district.

B) RESOLUTION 4

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Price and supported by Dreyer to adopt resolution 4 scheduling a hearing on the Supervisor’s assessment roll for SAD 74 in the amount of $22,730 to be held January 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at the Park Township office.

PRESENTATION:  OTTAWA COUNTY CORRIDOR STUDY

Mark Knudsen, Ottawa County Planning & Grants Director, stated that over the past two years the Ottawa County Planning Commission has been involved in a study of corridors.  In the north/south corridor they would like to preserve an area for possible future expansion.  They’ve looked into setbacks, landscaping, natural features, service drives, and traffic flow.  He asked the Board to pass a resolution supporting their studies.

Koopman stated that there are several organizations doing similar studies.  He questioned how this one would be different.

Knudsen stated that they are working together with all three Metropolitan Planning Organizations.  They are also hoping that this study will allow for more grants and funding in the future.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Price to approve the concept of the Ottawa Countywide Corridor Plan and agree that corridor studies should be conducted for the roadways identified in the plan and will consider collaborating with other local units of government, the county planning commission, and the area road agencies to implement studies along corridors within their boundaries.              

HOLLAND HARBOR HISTORICAL LIGHTHOUSE COMMISSION

John Gronberg, Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission, stated that they are the only applicants to ask for a deed transfer in reference to the lighthouse.  He asked the Board for their support for the Commission to continue to be caretakers of “Big Red”.  The Commission has been leasing the lighthouse from the Coast Guard for about 30 years, and invested large amounts of money for improvements to preserve this maritime heritage.  There is free access for people to visit the lighthouse during summer months. 

Koopman questioned how the Commission is operated. 

Gronberg stated that the Commission is made up of a small nucleus of people who have an interest in preserving maritime heritage.  They hold a fundraiser once a year, allowing them to be self-sustaining.   

Visser commended the Commission for their work in taking care of the lighthouse.  

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Ebihara to adopt the resolution of support for the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Commission’s request for transfer of ownership of “Big Red”.

OTTAWA BEACH ROAD BIKEPATH COST SHARE REQUEST. 

Visser stated that the cost share request is for relocating and rebuilding the bike path on Ottawa Beach Rd. from Auburn to the state park entrance.  Additional landscaping, trash receptacles, benches and signage are normally not bike path related items.  The county is asking for 50% of the cost. 

Price stated that the state park receives 1 million visitors per year.  The improvements are needed. 

Koopman stated that this area is a gateway to the state park.  He feels that it is in the Township’s best interest to make it as nice as possible.

Visser stated that this is probably the Township’s most heavily used bike path.  The total project cost is estimated to be $116,875.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Koopman to fund up to $58,437.50 of the Ottawa Beach Road bike path project.

Steggerda suggested using the Bike Path Fund for the construction of the path, and the Parks Fund for all the amenities.

Visser stated that this item was tabled last month.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Price to remove this item from the table.

Visser stated that the Board would be committing to a share of the estimated cost of $7,500 to prepare documents for everyone to review for a possible millage vote.

Dreyer stated that he is not convinced that the airport authority is a good idea. 

Koopman stated that he is opposed to using the General Fund for the Airport Authority.  He feels that the Board should participate in the preparation of the documents for the benefit of our voters.  By being part of the preparation of the documents at least the Township has the ability to help structure the policies and procedures. 

Martin stated that if we do not participate, then Park Township would not have representation in creating the formation documents.

Steggerda feels that it is in the best interest of township residents for the Board to be involved in the wording of the documents.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Price to adopt the resolution of intent authorizing the preparation of documents to form an airport authority.

Motion carried 5 to 1.  Dreyer opposed.

Ebihara stated that the City of Holland should obtain greater participation from the minority community since they represent a significant amount of the population.   He feels that the Airport Authority Board does not have adequate representation.

2006 BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE

Ebihara questioned holding meetings on Park Township’s south side.

Visser stated that meeting locations must be scheduled a month in advance.

Price suggested meeting on the south side when Virginia Park is complete.

2006 DEPOSITORIES        

Steggerda stated that Bank One changed their name to JP Morgan Chase.

STREET LIGHTING AUTHORIZATION

Steggerda stated that this is a high traffic area, and for safety reasons lighting should be installed.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER PRIVACY POLICY

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Koopman and supported by Ebihara to approve the Social Security Privacy Policy.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Visser stated that the Financial Committee will start working on the new budget within two weeks.

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PAYMENT OF BILLS 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Ebihara to approve the check register for November and the bills to be paid for December.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON) 

Hannes Meyers, 939 Meadowlark Ct., commended the Board for the way they conduct their meetings.  He stated that the concept of an airport authority goes back over 40 years, and he appreciates the steps the Board has taken.

BOARD COMMENTS

Price suggested the possibility of conducting another Board retreat.

Koopman stated that the proposal is too restrictive.  He suggested giving them comparisons of properties the Township has accepted.

Visser stated that the area where parking is authorized is wetland.

Ebihara stated if a counter offer arises, changes should be discussed with the Parks and Recreation Committee prior to the Board.

Attorney George Bauer, representing developer Mark DeVries, stated there are four noncomformants:  direction of the parking signs, landscaping plans, the road, and the sidewalk.  The PUD conditions are very clear that the road must be 33 ft. wide.  When the valley gutters were installed they overlapped the road.  Mr. DeVries would like to propose to the Board to amend the PUD conditions to leave the road as constructed.

Visser recommends meeting with the ad hoc committee again.

Ebihara stated that Mr. DeVries has created a total lack of trust.

Mark DeVries stated that the Zoning Administrator approved the signs and landscaping.

Ebihara questioned who is responsible for the accuracy of the landscaping plan, and at this point can the Board request every tree be identified.

With the Board’s consensus, the ad hoc committee will regroup to resolve the Kelly Ridge issues.

The Board agreed not to allow any more building permits until all issues are resolved. The existing house under construction is not affected.

ADJOURN