Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on March 11, 2004 at 6 p.m.

Present were Supervisor Stuart Visser, Treasurer Jan Steggerda, Clerk Howard Van Raalte, Trustees Ed Marsilje and Amanda Price, and Attorney Dan Martin. 

Absent were Trustees Gene Koopman and Paul Van Dyke

The Treasurer's Report was given as follows:

Beginning Balance, $2,603,717
Receipts,                $  68,629
Disbursement,          $147,879
Ending Balance,     $2,524,467

The Zoning Administrator's Report indicated building permits were issued for 5 single-family homes in February and a total permit activity of $1,715,000.

Visser stated the Liquor Inspection Reports will be held until next month after Koopman returns form vacation. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments.

Visser explained this is a sanitary sewer district for Lake Breeze Drive.

Visser opened the public hearing.

Visser closed the public hearing.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Raalte and supported by Marsilje to adopt the resolution accepting the Supervisor’s assessment roll for SAD 19 in the amount of $53,512 with interest beginning September 1, 2004, at 8%, payable in 15 installments, the first of which will be due June 1, 2005.

PINE ISLAND SUBDIVISION:  PRELIMINARY APPROVAL

Visser stated the Planning Commission recommended the site plan.

Chuck Geenen, Geenen & DeKock Developers, stated Prein & Newhof and Holland Township Water Department discussed running the water main along James St. west to tie into an existing main.  It will supply two locations and help the overall flow for the Township.  He noted the subdivision would have 36 lots on a 40-acre parcel.  Lots 28 and 29 will split the wetlands island.

Visser used a visual aide to point out the water main plans.     

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Marsilje and supported by Steggerda to grant preliminary approval for the Pine Island Subdivision. 

CONTRACT AWARD:  WATER MAIN CONSTRUCTION

Visser explained the contract award would be for three water mains.  1) Ottawa Beach Road from 168^th Avenue to Lake Street.  2) Post Avenue between 152^nd Avenue and 160^th Avenue.  3) 152^nd Avenue going south from Timberline Acres.  Bids were taken March 9.  The recommendation was to award the contract to    DeSal Excavating for their bid of $223,570.45. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Marsilje to award the Water Main Construction Contract to DeSal Excavating in the amount of $223,570.45.

Price questioned when the Lake Street section would be done.  She is concerned about the summer traffic.

Visser replied they would like to get the project started by April 1.  It should be done by mid May.  He stated he has no problem doing the Post Street project last.

Marsilje questioned if this company had worked for Park Township before.

Visser replied no, but they have worked with Prein & Newhof and were recommended by them.

BUDGET:  A) HEARING  B) RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH GENERAL  APPROPRIATIONS

Visser reviewed the budget.  He noted the millage at 3.9576 is the same amount as the last two years.  

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Marsilje to approve the resolution to establish the general appropriations for Park Township.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Price stated Ottawa Aviation has established an educational foundation

PAYMENT OF BILLS

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

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS

Fred Porter, 625 Harrington Avenue, questioned how Park Township would implement the recent federal law mandating provisional voting.

Ellen Van Raalte replied the Clerks have not been educated on the new law yet.  Park Township will comply with the new requirements.

BOARD COMMENTS

Van Raalte announced that after 19½ years at Park Township, he will be retiring effective April 15.  He thanked everyone who has supported him through the years, with a special thanks to his wife Ellen Van Raalte.

Visser stated Howard Van Raalte submitted his letter of resignation effective April 15, 2004.  He personally thanked Howard noting he has never had to work with any other Clerk through all his years as Supervisor.  He could always count on him, and really appreciated his efforts.

The Board and Trustees expressed their gratitude and appreciation.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Marsilje to accept the resignation of Clerk Howard Van Raalte effective April 15, 2004.

Visser, with the Boards approval, appointed a search committee to fill the Clerk position.  The members of the search committee will be Supervisor Stuart Visser, Treasurer Jan Steggerda and Trustee Gene Koopman, if he is willing to serve.  Deputy Clerk Ellen Van Raalte will assist the committee.  An ad will be placed in the Holland Sentinel as soon as possible.  

Marsilje announced that he would like to be considered for the Clerk position

ADJOURN

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Van Raalte and supported by Steggerda to adjourn.