Supervisor Stuart Visser called to order the regular meeting of the Park Township Board held on September 8, 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 August 11, 2005 Board Meeting were approved as published.

The Treasurer’s Report was given as follows: 

Beginning Balance...........................................................$2,425,857

Receipts........................................................................$    55,198

Disbursements................................................................$  310,796

Ending Balance...............................................................$2,170,259

The Fire Department report indicated 31 calls were made in the month of August and $1,000 in property damages.  Fire Chief Gamby did a presentation on Park Township’s fire protection coverage.  A long-range projection plan will be established with consideration to population growth and a new fire station.

Koopman reported that no liquor inspection reports were turned in for August.

Rick Nelson, 17242 Riley St., asked for an update on the dog problems at Lake Michigan road ends.

Visser stated that the Sheriff’s Department report indicated many citations were issued.  The Township has ordinances covering leash and sanitation rules.  However, they do not stipulate that dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Rick Nelson stated that the Health Department will be looking into this situation, too.  He noted that there has been as many as 30 dogs on the beach at the same time.

Dave Siegers, Vice President of Ottawa Aviation, stated that the military jet has been assembled and is ready for detailing.  The goal is to have it mounted by next Memorial Day.  He also noted that progress is being made in the Airport Master Plan and MDOT has been contacted for additional state and federal funding.

Skip Keeter, 442 Lakeshore Dr., questioned whether, in lieu of recent plane crashes, Park Township had implemented airport safety measures, and suggested the Township keep residents informed of the safety measures that have been enacted.

PUBLIC HEARING:  GROVE AVENUE ASSESSMENT ROLL

Visser stated that the Grove Avenue surfacing covers two blocks.

Visser opened the public hearing.

No comments.

Visser closed the public hearing.

CONTRACT AWARD:  VIRGINIA PARK

Visser stated that contract bids were taken for the total renovation of Virginia Park.  The Parks & Recreation Committee recommends that the bid be accepted from C.L. Construction in the amount of $529,745.

Van Iwaarden stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee decided to make the tennis courts, the two half-court basketball courts, and the walkway around the soccer field out of concrete (instead of asphalt) for the purpose of longevity.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and supported by Steggerda to award the Virginia Park renovation contract to C.L. Construction in the amount of $529,745.

Visser stated that M.C. Smith will be supervising the construction.  C.L. Construction offered the lowest bid of the six received.  They were recommended by Holland Township and Camp Geneva, and they will be putting up a Performance Bond. 

Van Iwaarden stated that the completion goal is July 4, 2006.

2005 TAX RATE REQUEST

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED:  A motion was made by Van Iwaarden and supported by Price to approve the millage rate request at 3.9576.

EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

Ebihara stated that we should look into privatizing some of the maintenance in our Township to see if it would be more cost efficient.

Steggerda feels that it would be less costly to purchase this equipment and have the Township’s Maintenance Department do the labor, than to contract the job out. Our employees can do the job on a daily basis or as needed.

Price left the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 1)      UTILITIES

          1.      Sewer Front Footage

          2.      Water Front Footage

Visser stated that the Utilities Committee recommends that the water front footage rate be increased from $20 to $30 per foot and the sewer front footage rate be increased from $28 to $50.  The water connection fees would also increase as per the chart in the Water Rate Resolution.  Township residents would be notified by newsletter that they would have until November 1, 2005 to apply for water and/or sewer service, or to turn in a valid petition, to receive the current rate. 

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Steggerda and supported by Van Iwaarden to adopt the Sewer Rate Resolution.

MOTION MADE; MOTION SUPPORTED; MOTION CARRIED: A motion was made by Ebihara and supported by Steggerda to adopt the Water Rate Resolution.              

B) OTHER

Visser thanked John Van Iwaarden for all his personal time he put into the Dog Park.  He also extended his thanks to Earl Welling and Frank Beltman who were in the audience.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES PER PERSON)

BOARD COMMENTS

Ebihara suggested assembling a committee to discuss possible solutions for beach road end issues.  Then they could bring recommendations back to the Board. 

Martin stated that forwarding e-mails is okay, but avoid responding. 

Koopman stated that when viewing MAC TV, many times it has visual but no sound.  He questioned if something can be done about this problem.

Van Iwaarden stated that he appreciates the change in police shift hours ending at 4:00 a.m. instead of 2:00 a.m. for patrolling the beach road ends.

ADJOURN