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

Absent was Trustee Doug Dreyer.

Phil Glupker – engineer with Prein & Newhof – told of Park Township’s history regarding storm water and drainage issues.  He discussed how much water the township has taken in the last 2 months due to precipitation.  He concluded the water table went up four (4) feet as a result of the storms.  As of Monday he stated the table is up three (3) feet.  Flooding was reported in Waukazoo Woods and areas around South Shore Dr.  He confirmed Ventura Estates is not in a county drainage district.  He discussed options to remedy the situation with the residents.

2)    Create a new district for drain #37.  The cons to this option are obtaining easements, possibly creating a lower water table for agricultural properties, and it could lower culverts.  The estimated cost for this project could be approximately $1 million.

3)    Provide a storm water pump system for the area.  Cons to this option are maintenance issues with a pump station, minimal lowering of the ground water table, on-going operation and maintenance of the pump, need to purchase a generator, freezing weather, and less reliable during storm events due to electrical operation.  The estimated cost is around $1.5 million.

4)    Provide a well system.  There are currently three (3) in our area.  Cons to this option are again purchasing generators and it may negatively affect agricultural areas in the township Estimated cost could be approximately 1.2 million. 

Johnny Little – 16588 Quincy – stated his concerns about the water table near his home as it relates to his neighbor’s pool.

Gustaf VanderVeen – 16420 Quincy – stated the back flush occurs every 12-15.

Grunleer stated the back flushing has remained the same since 1991 even though they are wrapping up construction.  The volume of water they are backwashing now is less than they were backwashing back in 1991.  He confirmed the validity of the study.  There has been no extraordinary development to change the model of the analysis. There was a countywide study done by a Hope College professor mentioned in the Fishbeck study in the 70’s. The study found the same issues and arrived at the same conclusions.  According to the study only one residence was potentially affected by the water levels.

Docter asked what the Lake Michigan table was and if it affected this area.

Goenleer stated what the table was and stated it has no affect on the area.  He showed a map regarding lagoons and mounds as it relates to the Fishbeck study.

Paul Geerlings – Ottawa County Drain Commissioner - asked when the photo was taken.

Groenleer stated it was a 2005 aerial photo.  A conclusion observed in the Fishbeck study is precipitation has the greatest influence on the ground water table.  He believes that is the case in this situation.

Visser stated our building permits process requires a builder to build at least two (2) feet above the highest known water table.  Also, he stated there is a letter from the MI DEQ which states the Wyoming Water Treatment Plant is operating within their permit regarding the construction.  He will place the letter on the web site.

Martin stated the township has little authority regarding issuing building permits to state regulated entities like the Wyoming Water Treatment Plant. The township issues some permits regarding the construction, not all of them.  The MDEQ is responsible for ongoing monitoring of the construction process.  The township, by law, cannot sue Wyoming Water Treatment Plant.

VanIwaarden asked if the neighbors were still pumping.

The residents stated many of them are still pumping.

Martin stated the township cannot prevent someone from using their property if it is a permissible use.  The Township would have to pay reasonable compensation for the land if this were to occur.

VanIwaarden asked Mr. Geerlings what his opinion is regarding the situation.

Mr. Geerlings – Ottawa County Drain Commissioner – he gave a history of precipitation in the area over the last few years.   He addressed the drain cleaning issues and who is responsible for the cleaning.  He described the process of petitioning for a drain district and how the cost is distributed.  He stated the residents within the drainage district would probably be responsible for approximately half of the total cost.

Steggerda stated the Township is responsible for the fees involved in cleaning out the drains. 

The board agreed to ask the Wyoming Water Treatment Plant to verify changes regarding the dewatering procedure since 1991 and contact the MDEQ and ask what type of verification they are doing in regard to the dewatering and permit enforcement.