Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on March 17, 2005 at 6 p.m.

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

Jan Steggerda gave the invocation.

The minutes of the February 10, 2005 Board Meeting and the February 24, 2005 Budget Meeting were approved as published.

The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: 

Beginning Balance...........................................................$2,513,844

Receipts........................................................................$   67,229

Disbursements................................................................$  131,520

Ending Balance...............................................................$2,449,553

The Fire Department report indicated 12 calls were made in the month of February and $6,000 in property damages.  Fire Chief Ken Fought reported that all of the equipment is in good working order.  He also announced that after 14 years as Fire Chief he will be retiring as soon as a replacement is found.  Chief Fought thanked the Board for their cooperation in working together throughout the years.

The Zoning Administrator's Report lists 5 new single-family homes for the month of February and a total building permit activity of $1,546,382.

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

John Foster, 586 Old Orchard Rd., thanked the Board for holding the meeting on the township’s south side, and asked for this consideration for future meetings as well.

Visser stated that the Planning Commission recommended this amendment in order to clarify rear yard setbacks, and to define what is considered water front lots as it applies to our ordinance.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Price and supported by Koopman to approve the Zoning Ordinance Amendment ZA 55.

T2 CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE

Visser opened a public comment period.

Fred Porter, 625 Harrington Ave., questioned cable placement on poles.

Price questioned the amount of revenue for the township.

Visser replied that the revenue is just enough to cover the cable costs.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and supported by Dreyer to approve Ordinance No. CF 05 to authorize the granting of a non-exclusive cable television franchise to T2 TV.

Ebihara cautioned the Board that this might prompt an increase in home businesses.  We need to make sure our ordinances meet possible future issues.

BUDGET:  A) HEARING   B) RESOLUTION TO ADOPT

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

Mr. Porter questioned who actually pays for election expenses.

Visser replied that we do get some reimbursement for election expenses.  This would show up on the budget under Governmental Revenue.  However, since we actually made payments, this must be shown as an expense under Disbursements.

Mr. Foster questioned if the township will receive funds for the bike paths.

Visser replied that we have gotten grants in the past. Presently, there are no funds available.

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Van Iwaarden reported that the Township and Fair Board are making plans to install new fencing along Ottawa Beach Rd.  They are also looking at the possibility of changing gate locations to help control traffic during big events. 

Koopman reported for the Airport Authority stating that they are still trying to determine the cost for government membership to the Airport Advisory Committee.

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 February and the bills to be paid in March.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON)

Earl Welling, Fair Board President, questioned the status of the military jet to be mounted at the township airport.

Visser replied that the paperwork is in order.  The jet is being taken apart by volunteers and the cold weather has temporarily slowed progress.

LeeAnn Jachim, 1522 Perry St., complimented the Parks and Recreation Committee on the Dog Forum.  Many residents showed an interest and offered some good ideas.

BOARD COMMENTS

Koopman stated over the years he has seen how the Park Township Fire Department has grown into a progressive and professional organization.  He thanked Ken Fought for his good leadership, and he is proud of the department’s training and dedication.

Ebihara stated that the May 3^rd School election polling locations will be the same as the general election locations.

Van Iwaarden stated his concern about a section of the bike path on Ottawa Beach Rd. that crosses over Pine Creek.  It’s a potentially dangerous situation.  The Ottawa County Road Commission owns this section of the bike path.  The Board will work with the County to possibly move the path behind the guardrail.

ADJOURN

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