Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on September 9, 2004 at 6 p.m.

Present were Supervisor Stuart Visser, Treasurer Jan Steggerda, Clerk Ed Marsilje, Trustees Gene Koopman, Paul Van Dyke and John Van Iwaarden, and Attorney Dan Martin.

Absent was Trustee Amanda Price.

The minutes of the August 12, 2004 Board Meeting were approved as published.

The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: 

Beginning Balance...........................................................$2,663,737

Receipts........................................................................$  35,044

Disbursements................................................................$  148,696

Ending Balance...............................................................$2,550,085

The Fire Department report indicated 19 calls were made in the month of August and $92,000 in property damages.  Fire Chief Ken Fought reported all fire equipment is in good working order.      

The Zoning Administrator's Report for August  lists a total building permit activity of $3,383,154.

Koopman reported 7 Liquor Inspection reports had been turned in for August.  All establishments were in compliance and good condition.

PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Skip Keeter, 4Earl Welling, President of the Ottawa County Fair Board, announced President Bush would arrive at the county fair grounds on Monday, September 13, at 1:00p.m. He thanked Stu Visser, the fair board members and all who worked hard getting the fair grounds ready for the President.

Al Friend, The Holland Tax Payers, gave a quick presentation opposing Airport Area Authority and Taxation.

Brian Rexford, 1762 Main Street, thanked the Recreation Board and John Van Iwaarden for their participation in “The Big Show”.  He noted approximately 800 people attended, and they hope to make next year’s show bigger and better.

Visser explained this is for road improvements for portions of Hollywood Avenue and 1^st Street.

Visser opened the public hearing.

Steve Mainville, 17164 1^st Street, lives on a corner lot and expressed his concern with the distribution of payments.

Visser explained historically all road frontage is assessed.  The Board has the authority to change this, but should realize the fairness to all other corner lots assessed in the past.

Gary Houchin, 17130 1^st Street, stated he is open to dividing the assessment up more fairly.

Visser closed the public hearing.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Marsilje and supported by Koopman to adopt resolution #3 to establish proposed S.A.D. Road #12 as a Special Assessment District.

Steggerda recommended that the neighbors get together to discuss their views on distributing the assessment, and advise the Board prior to next month’s meeting.

Visser offered to help facilitate their meeting.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Van Iwaarden to adopt Resolution #4 to schedule a hearing of the Supervisor’s Special Assessment Roll for proposed S.A.D. Road #12 to be held October 14, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at the Park Township Office.

Steggerda stated she talked with the chairman of the South Haven Airport Authority and was told that once you grant the authority, they can tax up to 1 mil without any voter approval.

Martin confirmed this, but stated that is if the County participates as a member of the authority.  Once you become a member, you are obligated to fund it based upon the S.E.V. of the Township.  If the County participates and the Township doesn’t, the township could still be subject to a mil if the authority approves it.

Marsilje questioned if we should wait to see if the County participates before making any decisions.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and supported by Steggerda to appoint a representative to serve on the Airport Authority Negotiating Committee.  The designation of a representative in no way implies authority membership.  This is not a commitment to join or fund the Authority.

Visser stated Amanda Price would be the representative.

Visser stated Barbara Osborn’s first 4-year term as a representative on the library board has expired.  He recommended reappointing her for a second 4-year term.

Van Iwaarden reported the M.A.C.C. Watershed Technical Committee grants have been obtained to help clean up the phosphorus levels in Lake Macatawa.

Van Iwaarden stated the M.A.C.C. Storm Water Committee discussed permit requirements, and The Illicit Discharge Elimination Plan that was reported as a successful project.

Visser stated that we will be required to adopt a storm water ordinance in October or November for Phase II.

Steggerda stated the Fair Board Lease Committee is in the process of negotiating the lease renewal, and is going in a very positive manner. 

Van Iwaarden stated that the Macatawa Area Express focus group is expanding its area of coverage and would like Park Township to be a participant.

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

No additional public comments.

Koopman stated the Planning Commission formed a Subcommittee to look at the sign ordinance as well as other ordinances.  The meetings are open to the public and the dates will be posted.

Visser stated the reassignments of committee members will take place no later than November.

Koopman stated this would also be a good time for the Board members who are assigned to particular committees to look for improvements.

Board members present:  Stuart Visser, Jan Steggerda, Gene Koopman, and John Van Iwaarden.

Van Iwaarden chaired the forum.

Topics included:  Ottawa County Park 12 Parcels, sign ordinance, semi trailer ordinance, building/zoning information, communication i.e. web site and new residents kits, and recreation baseball program. 

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