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PARK
TOWNSHIP
MEETING MINUTES
Draft until approved
at next meeting
October
13, 2005
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Art 1 |
Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park
Township Board held on October 13, 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.
Amanda Price gave the invocation. |
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Art 2 |
The minutes of the September
8, 2005 Board Meeting were approved with changes to the Treasurer’s Report as
follows:
Beginning
Balance...........................................................$2,425,857
Receipts........................................................................$
55,198
Disbursements................................................................$
310,796
Ending
Balance...............................................................$2,170,259 |
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Art 3 |
The
Treasurer’s Report was given as follows:
Beginning
Balance...........................................................$2,170,259
Receipts........................................................................$
275,815
Disbursements................................................................$
185,382
Ending
Balance...............................................................$2,260,692 |
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Art 4 |
The
Fire Department report indicated 28 calls were made in the month of
September and $3,200 in property damages. Fire Chief Gamby reported that
October is Fire Prevention Month. The department has been visiting
schools, conducting educational programs, demonstrations and tours, and
the Lion’s Club has chosen Park Township Fire Department to be their
guest speaker at their October 25th meeting. Chief Gamby also noted that
the Perry Street office renovation is complete; Prints for the new fire
truck should be received from the Pierce Company within two weeks; and
the grant for a new fireboat was denied. |
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Art 5 |
The Zoning
Administrator's Report listed 9 new single-family homes for the month of
September and a total building permit activity of $3,483,561.
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Art 6 |
Koopman reported that 7
liquor inspection reports were turned in for September. All establishments were
in compliance and good condition. |
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Art 7 |
PUBLIC COMMENTS (2
MINUTES PER PERSON)
Dan Fitzpatrick,
Co-Chairman of the Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes, asked the Board for
approval for the Blessing of the Bikes at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds
on April 30, 2006. They have a verbal agreement with the Fair Board
Manager and will get formal approval from the Fair Board. He stated
that last year they had 750 motorcycles, about 125 cars & trucks, and
raised $8,300 for West Michigan Child and Family Services, and Lakeshore
Habitat for Humanity.
MOTION MADE;
MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Steggerda and
supported by Van Iwaarden to approve the Blessing of the Bikes for April
30, 2006 at the Ottawa County Fairgrounds. |
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Art 8 |
REPORT:
OTTAWA COUNTY WIRELESS NETWORK MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Paul Sachs, Ottawa County Planning Department, gave an overview of the
Memorandum Of Understanding for a countywide wireless broadband network. He
stated that cost sharing would no longer be necessary. A proposal was received
from a Grand Rapids company that would use a new type of cellular technology.
They are proposing to provide broadband access to 100% of Ottawa County, and
would co-locate their equipment on about 20 existing communication towers in the
county. This type of network would be more secure, would not interfere with
emergency frequencies, and would be a fully mobile system throughout the
county. He noted that since this is new technology, a demonstration would take
place in Jamestown and Allendale to evaluate capabilities. Range, speed,
mobility and overall customer satisfaction would be determined. He asked the
Board (and all locale units of government) for their support to proceed with
this demonstration.MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Price and
supported by Dreyer to support the Ottawa County Wireless Network Memorandum of
Understanding as presented.
Ebihara voiced his concerns of local governments helping to promote a private
industry when there are already private industry services available to the
public.Mark Knudson, Director of Ottawa County Planning Dept., replied that many areas
do not have broadband coverage, and there is a definite demand for it. They met
with representatives from private sectors and invited them to participate on a
committee. There were no objections from these representatives for Ottawa
County to move forward with their plans. |
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Art 9 |
REPORT: AIRPORT
STATIC DISPLAY; ERIC FOGG
Eric Fogg, Jet
Monument Task Force Chairman, gave a detailed report on the renovation
plans for the 1956 T-33 Marine Trainer military jet to be mounted at the
Park Township Airport. He noted that he has received a large amount of
positive responses from the general public. He emphasized that the jet
belongs to the Township, and Ottawa Aviation is in support of this
project. Fogg stated that the project will cost approximately $30,000.
He asked the Township Board to match monies collected from their
committee’s fundraiser. He stated that an engineer’s approval will be
necessary for the mounting of the jet.
Van Iwaarden
stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee is waiting for a drawing
that shows the location where the jet will be mounted, and the
landscaping and usage plans for the surrounding area.
Price stated that
she would like to see coordination with Eric Fogg, Ottawa Aviation and
the Park & Recreation Committee. |
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Art 10 |
PUBLIC HEARING:
SPYGLASS P.U.D. AMENDMENT
Visser stated that this
amendment would authorize 22 garages, 11 additional parking spaces, and the
relocation of a dumpster. The Planning Commission recommended the amendment for
approval.
Visser opened the
public hearing.
Visser closed the
public hearing.
MOTION MADE;
MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Dreyer and supported by
Van Iwaarden to adopt the resolution and report granting a third amendment to
the Spyglass P.U.D. |
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Art 11 |
PUBLIC HEARING:
VACATION OF DUNE AVENUE WEST OF LAKESHORE DRIVE
Visser stated that this item came to the Board in August, then to the Planning
Commission as a legal requirement. The 33 ft. piece of Dune Avenue, west of
Lakeshore Dr., was never used or accepted by the Road Commission.
Visser opened the
public hearing.
Visser closed the
public hearing.
MOTION MADE;
MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Price and
supported by Koopman to approve the resolution to vacate the 33 ft.
strip of Dune Avenue west of Lakeshore Drive. |
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Art 12
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APPOINTMENTS
Visser
stated that a reorganization of the Parks & Recreation Committee is requested.
The official name would be Park Township Parks and Recreation Committee, in
order to align it with the Michigan Township Association Guidelines. As of
October 1, 2005 appointments and reappointments would be as follows: Patricia
Dobb for 2 years, Brian Rexford for 4 years, Greg Holmes for 4 years, and new
members Ann Radke and Julie Riordan for 3 years each. All members would be
eligible for two more 3-year appointments.
MOTION
MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and
supported by Steggerda to adopt the new Parks and Recreation structure and
confirm the new appointments. |
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Art 13 |
CONTRACT AWARD
Visser
stated that this contract is for the bridge and realignment of the bike path
along Ottawa Beach Road as it crosses Pine Creek. A total of 6 bids were
received. It is recommended to accept the bid from Ron Meyer and
Associates in the amount of $62,725.10.
MOTION
MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Dreyer and
supported by Ebihara to award the Ottawa Beach Road bike path contract to Ron
Meyer and Associates for the amount of $62,725.10. |
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Art 14 |
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Van
Iwaarden, Parks & Recreation Committee, stated that the Virginia Park renovation
is in progress. Two light poles from Virginia Park will be used at the dog
park, and wood chips made from the renovation will also be used at the dog park.
Price
stated that the MACC budget is in very good shape. She also noted that the 2006
Unified Work Project and the 2006-08 Transportation Improvement Plan were
approved.
Price
stated that the Park Township Airport has purchased a new search beacon, which
will be installed in the near future. Also, an Airport study committee is
developing a vision statement.
Price
stated that the Area Airport Authority Exploratory Committee unanimously voted
to recommend to each unit of government that an Area Airport Authority be
formed. A video presentation is being developed, and planned to be shown in
November with a vote coming before each board in December. |
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Art 15 |
PAYMENT OF BILLS
MOTION MADE; MOTION
SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Van
Iwaarden to approve the check register for September and the bills to be paid
for October. |
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Art 16 |
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC
COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON)
Brian Rexford, 1762 Main Street, stated that when Eric Fogg first came to the
Board in August, he asked the Board for $2500 to cover the paperwork for the
military jet. The understanding was that private funding would cover all other
expenses.
Visser stated that the $2500 was to cover the transfer fee, which had to come
from the Township. He believes that the balance was to come from private funds.
The August minutes will be read to confirm.
Steggerda stated that this project is now evolving into a park area.
Rexford stated that he is very concerned about children playing by the airport.
Eric
Fogg clarified that he is not affiliated with Ottawa Aviation. He stated that
Ottawa Aviation has set up a Charitable & Education Fund allowing donations to
be funneled through for the jet.
Fogg
stated that he worked with the owner of the blue house at the end of the runway
on 152nd Avenue. Fogg spent a lot of his own money and planted the
pine trees. The owner did not water, therefore the trees died. |
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Art 17 |
BOARD COMMENTS
Visser stated that an agreement has been reached between the County and MDEQ to
recap the landfill with approximately 140,000 yards of clay hauled out of
Zeeland. The trucks will be driven on Lakewood Blvd. to 160th Avenue
north. There will be 40 truckloads per day for 6 months beginning in January.
This is a pollution issue. We do not have a choice, but to comply. It will
probably become a county park in the future, and then many upgrades would most
likely take place. They have agreed to reshape the northeast corner for a
sledding hill.
Van
Iwaarden suggested keeping the trucks away during morning and afternoon rush
hours.
Visser stated that the owners of parcel 70-15-09-148-004, located immediately
south of Camp Geneva on Lakeshore Drive, were asked by the Ottawa County Road
Commission to try to acquire additional property in order to move their
driveway. This area is on a curve with a steep grade. The property owners came
to an agreement with Camp Geneva to change the lot line 20 ft. north along
Lakeshore Drive and 15 ft. deep.
MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Price and
supported by Van Iwaarden to approve the lot line realignment of Camp Geneva and
parcel 70-15-09-148-004.
Ebihara commended
the Parks & Recreation Committee for advertising the openings. It may
generate future interest as well.
Steggerda stated
that residents will have the opportunity to pay their taxes with credit
cards. The goal is to have this available for the winter 2005 taxes.
Extra charges will only be applied to those who use their credit cards.
Van Iwaarden
stated that over $1300 has been donated by private individuals and
corporate sponsors for the dog park. |
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Art 18 |
ADJOURN
MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Steggerda
and supported by Koopman to adjourn. |
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Julie Northrup
Recording Secretary
Posted 10/20/05 |
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