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

Jan Steggerda gave the invocation.

The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: 

Beginning Balance...........................................................$3,288,188

Receipts........................................................................$  131,215

Disbursements................................................................$  206,249

Ending Balance...............................................................$3,213,154

The Fire Department Report indicated 20 calls were made in the month of April, and $0 in property damages.  Chief Gamby thanked Mr. and Mrs. Van Iwaarden for their help with writing a homeland security grant request, which was since received by FEMA. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS (2 MINUTES PER PERSON)

No public comments.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Van Iwaarden to appoint Joseph Lampen to a 3-year term on the Planning Commission.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Steggerda to reappoint Mike Toscano to a second 3-year term on the Planning Commission.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Van Iwaarden to reappoint Skip Keeter to a second 3-year term to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Docter requested for non-elected officials to present a report of their committee’s activities to the Board on an annual basis.  Visser stated that this request would apply to the Community Pool Authority, the Holland Hospital Board, and the Herrick District Library Board.

FIRE WORKS PERMIT

Visser stated that the township received a request for Van Andel’s annual fire works display for July 3 with no rain date. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Price and supported by Docter to approve the fireworks permit application for JVA Enterprises for July 3, 2007 for the annual Van Andel display.

EASEMENT

Visser stated that SEMCO Energy is replacing the gas line along Ottawa Beach Road.  They are asking for an underground easement on the Pine Creek Trail property. 

Docter requested that the removal of their exposed existing equipment once the project is completed. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Van Iwaarden to grant the Pine Creek Trail easement to SEMCO Energy.

DEMOLITION:  704 W. LAKEWOOD BLVD.

Visser stated that the lowest bid for the demolition is $4,950 from Kieks Excavating.  This includes the demolition of the house, removal of debris, and fresh fill sand to the excavated area leveled to the existing grade.

Steggerda questioned an asbestos survey and reseeding.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Van Iwaarden to accept the demolition bid from Kieks Excavating in the amount of $4,950, subject to the asbestos survey is included in that price.

Ebihara questioned the VanWieren sign located on the property.

Martin stated that if there were a pre-existing signage agreement with the prior owner, it would have been recorded.   The township could allow the sign to remain until they are ready to make improvements.

TOWNSHIP INSURANCE

Visser stated that the township currently has Selective Insurance through Lighthouse Agency. 

Ebihara stated that HUB International would be our new agency with Bob Brock serving as the agent and point of contact.  He submitted a bid that would save the township over $25,000.  Michigan Township Participating Plan would handle the general liability insurance, The Accident Fund would handle the worker’s compensation insurance, and The Provident will handle the AD&D insurance for the Fire Department.  Lighthouse was asked to submit a new quote, but they were still too high.  Michigan Participating Plan currently insures over 1,100 townships in the state of Michigan.  The Finance Committee recommends that the Board accept the bid form Hub International.  Ebihara also noted that agent Bob Brock is a Park Township resident, and is active in our community.

Visser stated that the quote is $49,680 effective June 1, 2007.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and supported by Steggerda to accept the bid from HUB International Insurance in the amount of $49,680.

LAKEWOOD BLVD. – ADA RAMPS

Visser stated that if the Ottawa County Road Commission is to receive the federal funds that they are relying on for the Lakewood Blvd. resurfacing project, ADA ramps are required at all intersections on the existing bike path with the exception of single-family driveways.  The total cost to the township would be $8,845.  This amount would come out of the bike path fund.  

Steggerda questioned if the federal grant would help pay for the widening of the road’s shoulder.

Visser stated that the federal grant applies to resurfacing the travel surface, plus the original three feet of shoulder. 

Dreyer questioned why Ottawa County does not help pay for the bike path.

Visser replied that although the bike path is located on county property, it is owned by Park Township.

Motion carried:  6 to 1.  Dreyer opposed.

UNIFORM VIDEO FRANCHISE RESOLUTION

Visser stated that Park Township along with other local units of government uses Varnum Riddering for our video franchise renewals.    Attorney John Pestle is requesting a resolution authorizing a township representative (Stu Visser) to execute and issue franchise agreements in order to meet the deadlines of the Uniform Video Franchise Act.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Dreyer to adopt the Uniform Video Franchise Resolution as presented.

COMMUNITY BUILDING:  A) GYM FLOOR; B) WINDOWS

Visser stated that Foster Specialty Floors submitted the lowest bid for the gym floor replacement in the amount of $42,800.  They are highly recommended by West Ottawa Public Schools.  Midwest Window of Holland submitted the lowest bid for window replacements in the amount of $18,595.

Barb Burmeister stated that she would check into the rules and regulations for windows in the Tot-Time facility.

Dreyer commented on the high usage of the community building.

Van Iwaarden stated that the income for using township facilities is 35% over the anticipated figure in the budget, and the community building is the primary source of this income.

Steggerda questioned if roller-skating would be allowed on the new floor.

Burmeister stated that roller-skating and the dog obedience classes would be able to continue after the new floor is installed.

Dreyer stated that this could be a good time to replace bad bricks on the building.

The Board agreed to make the brick replacements a separate item on next months agenda.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Van Iwaarden to accept the low bids from Foster Specialty Floors and Midwest Window of Holland for the community building improvements.

Steggerda questioned which fund would be paying for this project.

Visser stated that the money should come out of the Improvement Fund.

Van Iwaarden stated that Spray Tech is willing to do a free demonstration for the front steps and front approach sidewalk at the community building in exchange for allowing prospective clients to view a finished project, and allow a small display next to the project during fair week.

Visser stated the cost would have been $3.00 per square foot.

The Board agreed that this is a positive offer for both the Township and Spray Tech.

RECREATION DIRECTOR

Visser stated that a committee was formed to review the job description and duties of the recreation director.  The committee recommends making the director’s job full-time.  Barb Burmeister has already been working full-time hours; a pay increase will compensate it.  She will be in the office 2/3 of the time, and doing fieldwork during the other 1/3 time.

Steggerda stated that the staff really appreciates the hours that Barb Burmeister works at the office.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Price and supported by Steggerda to approve the request to make the Recreation Director a full-time position.

Motion carried: 6 – 1; Ebihara was absent from the dais on this vote.

WINSTROM PARK: 

A) RESTROOMS

Visser stated that M.C. Smith recommends that the township accept the bid of $114,256 from C.L. Construction for the restroom building.  The bids included ways to cut cost, which were to delete specified quarry tile, provide asphalt shingle roof, delete radiant heaters, and delete entrance gates.

Van Iwaarden explained that the radiant heat is not to heat the building, but rather to keep the building dry to prevent mold and mildew buildup on the walls.

Docter questioned the necessity of radiant heaters, and a metal roof.

Steggerda questioned if the radiant heaters could be installed at a later time, and the longevity of a metal roof vs. shingles.

Dreyer stated that he couldn’t justify spending such a large amount for a restroom.

Docter stated that he compared area public restrooms, and noted that the bids are comparable for this kind of a project.  You need to use materials that will last for many years.

Burmeister stated that usually the floors are washed out in the mornings, and they would dry much faster with a radiant heater.  Also, the soccer program starts the week after spring break when the temperature could be very cool yet.  This park gets high usage.  The existing pit toilets are becoming unmanageable.

Price questioned if consideration was given to adding the bathroom onto the fire station to save costs.

Visser stated that the existing restroom site is the recommended location, and is centrally located.

Burmeister stated that the fire department discouraged a restroom at their facility for safety reasons; they did not want children running through the parking lot.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED:  A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and supported by Steggerda to accept the bid from C.L. Construction for the Winstrom Park restroom building in the amount of $114,256.

Roll Call Vote: Yes – 3, No - 4

Motion defeated.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Docter and supported by Ebihara to accept the bid from C.L. Construction for the Winstrom Park restroom building with the deletion of the radiant heaters, and provide an asphalt shingle roof instead of a metal roof; total cost $100,356.

Visser asked Barb Burmeister to check with C.L. Construction to see if radiant heaters could be added in the future, and if so, at what costs.

Roll Call Vote:  Yes – 6, No – 1

Motion carried.

Visser stated that Triangle Excavators had the lowest bid of $47,080 to bring water and sewer to the restroom site.  The sewer will come from 160^th Avenue south of the white barn.  The water will come off of Perry Street straight to the building. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Steggerda to award the contract to Triangle Excavators to bring water and sewer to the Winstrom Park restroom site in the amount of $47,080.

B) BARN ROOFING

Visser stated that he received two bids for the north side of the barn roof.  Riemersma Roofing submitted a quote for $6,875, and they will do the upper portion of the south side for an additional $2,790.  Sherriff-Goslin Co. quoted a price of $8,400 for the north side only.

Dreyer questioned if the structure of the roof is in good shape, and the main purpose of the barn.

Visser replied that the roof shows some stains from leakage, but no signs of rotting. It is primarily used for off-season maintenance storage.

Docter requested more information pertaining to the present condition of the roof, and obtain additional quotes.

The Board agreed to place this item on next month’s agenda.

LOT SPLIT:  70-15-22-426-002

Visser stated that the lot split request is at 1772 Lakewood Blvd.  The survey shows that the resulting lots would comply with the township’s ordinance with one exception; it would create a lot with an accessory building without a principal building.  The Zoning Administrator suggested that the Board could choose to approve the split with the stipulation that it will go through the split process when either the garage is gone or a building permit has been issued. 

Brent Hoitenga, owner, stated that his goal is to have a permit by the end of June to either incorporate the garage into the new house or remove it.  He asked if he were to move the building envelope forward, could he get a variance for the front yard setback.

Visser stated that the variance request would have to go through the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Martin stated that the Board could obtain a bond or letter of credit that would allow the township to remove the structure at the owner’s expense, if it has not been completed within a specified time frame.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Docter to approve the lot split of parcel 70-15-22-426-002 with a bond for $1,000 for the garage removal within a one year time period.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON)

Joel Welch, 679 Bosma Avenue, stated his concerns with the parking situation along the roads in his neighborhood.  There is a conflict among neighbors whether or not there should be no parking signs installed.  During beach season roads get congested from parked cars.  It is a safety issue.  Fire trucks could not get down the roads if they had to respond to an emergency.

Visser stated that Mr. Keena from the Ottawa County Road Commission is willing to be flexible as to where signs are placed keeping in mind that if a car is parked more that 100 feet from a no parking sign it could not be enforced.  Visser offered to put this issue on hold for a short period to give the people who are objecting time to come up with a better idea than blanketing the area with signs.  If the neighbors can agree on a plan that they could all support, it would be in the best interest for everyone.

Sally Cappello, 2256 First Avenue, stated that everyone agrees that there is a safety issue.  She feels that signage can be an eye sore.  She questioned, “If you saw a sign that said ‘No Parking On The Pavement’ would you insinuate it would be ok to park on the grass?”  She asked if it would be possible to put one NO PARKING sign at each end of the street.

Steggerda questioned if signs could be posted on telephone poles along the street.

Welch stated that per Mr. Keena, you could use telephone poles for posting signs.  He also noted that there had been issues with parked cars during winter months and plows not being able to get through the streets.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

A) AIRPORT PRESENTATION

Docter stated that the next step would be to prepare and submit a Request For Qualifications.  Then hire a consultant, and create a master plan. 

Steggerda questioned if we could also qualify for federal grants.

Docter responded that Park Township Airport could never qualify for federal grants because of our locale to Grand Rapids and Tulip City airports.

Visser stated that we completed a survey that showed 60% of the population would like to keep the airport.  However, if you were to ask for a millage to support the airport, the feelings for keeping the airport would change.

Ebihara questioned why Ottawa Aviation offered only $5,000. 

Price responded that it was a good faith effort.  No one approached Ottawa Aviation to make an offer. 

Ebihara stated that they should be 100% committed.  He is against spending township money in light of the budget they have shown. 

Docter stated that Ottawa Aviation must know that we are willing to extend the lease.  In order for them to receive any funding a 25-year lease must be in place.

Martin stated that the committee could start working with Ottawa Aviation in negotiating a lease with conditions that they pay for the study, etc.

Ebihara stated that if we are going to give a management contract for the airport, then we should put out a RFQ for other companies to bid on potentially managing the airport.

Price stated that no other airport in the state is privately supported except private airports.  She asked the Board what is the proper return on investment.

Visser stated that he is okay with a small return as we receive now.  He does not feel that there is enough support to subsidize it with public funds.

Ebihara feels that the airport is an eyesore, and that Ottawa Aviation is not following through with their promises.  He also commented that the military jet should be cut up and sold for scrap.

Price stated that the Board would like Ottawa Aviation to pay for the consultant, but questioned if that is the case, are we willing to sign a 25-year lease extension with contingencies.

Ebihara stated that a lease extension should include a performance bond.

Steggerda stated that Park Township and Ottawa Aviation should be involved in the development of the wording for the lease. 

Visser suggested having both groups work together to create of list of basic principles of agreement to adopt, without engaging professional help.

The Board agreed to form basic principles of agreement, and to submit a Request For Qualifications for a consultant.

B) COMMITTEE REPORTS

Van Iwaarden, Park 12 Advisory Council, stated that the construction of the pedestrian pathway on the north/west side of Ottawa Beach Road from the General Store to the channel is on schedule for completion by July 1.

Dreyer, Zoning Board of Appeals, thanked Frank Beltman for his many years of service on the ZBA. 

Docter encouraged Board members to attend this month’s Planning Commission meeting that has a PUD on the agenda, and it will be Dave Smeenge’s last meeting to chair.

Ebihara stated that he and Bret Docter provided Dan Martin with their comments on the T-Mobile tower lease, which may be on the June meeting agenda.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON)

BOARD COMMENTS

Ebihara thanked all of the precinct workers for a great job during the school election.  They had added two new precincts, three new locations, and it all went fairly smoothly.  He thanked Deputy Clerk Daniele Dykens for all her work at coordinating the election, and mailing out new voter registration cards.

Visser stated that he attended a township supervisor meeting with state legislators to discuss the idea of consolidating township duties.  Township supervisors gave reasons and explained how an action like this would not solve the state’s budget problem.

Price stated that MACC Policy meetings have focused on work sessions about Inter Governmental Cooperation.  They have put together a list of all the ways we cooperate, and it’s being sent to legislators. 

ADJOURN      

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Dreyer and supported by Ebihara to adjourn.

Julie Northrup, Recording Secretary
May 17, 2007