The regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on August 14, 2003, at 6 p.m. was called to order by Supervisor Stuart Visser.

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

Absent was Gene Koopman

Visser introduced Pastor Carl Balk to give the invocation

The Treasurer's Report was given as follows:

Beginning Balance, $2,560,513
Receipts,                 $ 85,869
Disbursement,          $191,598
Ending Balance,     $2,454,784

The Zoning Administrator's Report indicated building permits were issued for 8 single-family homes in August and a total of $3,394,000.  

Visser reported that the Liquor Inspection reports had been turned in for August.  All establishments were in compliance and good condition. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments.

Visser stated this amendment was a well thought out plan. 

John VanIwaarden, 1864 Blue Isle Ct., Planning Commission Chairperson, gave an overview of the ordinance amendment.  He explained that over the last few months there had been many requests from residents for variations on the size for accessory buildings.  A subcommittee was appointed consisting of Planning Commission and Z.B.A. members.  They feel they now have a very workable document.  He stated this would make the work of the ZBA easier and give the residents a little more leeway.  They created a sliding scale where you calculate the percentage of your land area to figure the building size allowed.  He noted they received very positive feedback, however he would like to send it back to the Planning Commission to make a couple adjustments.

Dave Smeenge, 2165 Woodlark Dr., Z.B.A Chairperson, stated the subcommittee did comparisons of other township and city accessory building ordinances.  They discovered many went to a percentage basis.  Another area they looked into was setbacks.  They also cleaned up the language for clarification.

Visser expressed his concern with the 25 feet side yard setbacks for one-acre corner lots.  Also at the 1.6% ratio some existing buildings will be non-conforming.

Marsilje commented that he would like to see some flexibility with the 25 feet setbacks. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Marsilje and supported by Van Dyke to refer the Accessory Building Ordinance Amendment back to the Planning Commission.

Price stated the Recreation Committee reviewed the summer enrollments and announced it was down 4%.  However, she noted Art Rocks has become a very popular class and attendance for that has increased.  Price also stated the Recreation Committee is looking into improving the south side tennis courts.

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

No audience comments.

Price stated the Open House for the new Fire Station will be October 11.

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

Julie Northrup, Recording Secretary, 09/16/03