Hudsonville Hometown newsGood PeoPle. Good livinG.

Spring, 2015good people good living

imaGine Hudsonville 2030 - Public outreacHThank you to those who participated in the Imagine Hudsonville 2030 Master Plan public outreach phase! We are thrilled to report that over 340 people gave input through either the online survey or at the kiosks that were graciously hosted by Gemmen’s Home & Hardware, Keegstra’s Dollar Store, 3rd Coast Cycle, Hawthorne Collection, the Gary Byker Memorial Library, City Hall, Hudsonville Grille, Family Fare, Hudsonville High School, and Unity Christian High School.

We are pleased with the amount of input since the master plan is intended to represent the viewpoint of the residents and stakeholders of Hudsonville. The graphic to the right shows which projects received the highest level of support during the survey process.

The feedback and priorities established through the surveys will now be incorporated into the final draft of the plan, which will be presented to the Planning Commission at the May 20 (7pm) public hearing. If you haven’t had a chance to give your input, we encourage you to attend that meeting!

City staff will track the implementation of the Master Plan and will publish the progress on a dashboard available at www.hudsonville.org/imagine2030. For example, Gettin’ Fresh food truck was recently approved to operate in the city, which supports the ‘Start Small’ goal in the draft plan of supporting food trucks and pop up shops. These types of accomplishments will be included in the dashboard so you may keep informed on what is happening with the plan’s implementation.

One of the strongest calls to action from the survey results is to build a farmer’s market. The city plans to submit a grant request late this year to determine the viability of a permanent farmer’s market structure in our community. The non-motorized network also received a lot of support. This year, a section of pathway will be constructed on the property behind City Hall, from 32nd Avenue to Prospect Street. The city has also been awarded grant funding for a project in 2016 to extend the Barry Street pathway to 22nd Avenue, connecting to an existing pathway system in Jamestown Township. Finally, a grant was also awarded to construct a pathway extension from Hudsonville High School to New Holland Street along Buttermilk

Creek. These are some examples of how Imagine Hudsonville 2030 is already having an impact on Hudsonville!

A lot of time and effort has gone into the creation of the Imagine Hudsonville 2030 Plan, including support from our sponsor, the Ottawa County Planning and Performance Improvement Department, and the hard work of our consultant Nederveld, Inc.

Thank you again for your input and please consider attending the public hearing on May 20 at 7pm!

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OFFICIAL�BALLOTSpecial�Election

Tuesday,�May�5,�2015Ottawa�County,�Michigan

City�of�Hudsonville,�Ward�1�Precinct�1

STATE

PROPOSAL�15-1

A�proposal�to�amend�the�State�Constitution�to�increase�the�sales/use�tax�from�6%�to�7%�to�replaceand�supplement�reduced�revenue�to�the�School�Aid�Fund�and�local�units�of�government�caused�bythe�elimination�of�the�sales/use�tax�on�gasoline�and�diesel�fuel�for�vehicles�operating�on�publicroads,�and�to�give�effect�to�laws�that�provide�additional�money�for�roads�and�other�transportationpurposes�by�increasing�the�gas�tax�and�vehicle�registration�fees.

The�proposed�constitutional�amendment�would:

*���Eliminate�sales�/�use�taxes�on�gasoline�/�diesel�fuel�for�vehicles�on�public�roads.

*���Increase�portion�of�use�tax�dedicated�to�School�Aid�Fund�(SAF).

*���Expand�use�of�SAF�to�community�colleges�and�career�/�technical�education,�and�prohibit�use�for4-year�colleges�/�universities.

*���Give�effect�to�laws,�including�those�that:

-���Increase�sales�/�use�tax�to�7%,�as�authorized�by�constitutional�amendment.

-���Increase�gasoline�/�diesel�fuel�tax�and�adjust�annually�for�inflation,�increase�vehicleregistration�fees,�and�dedicate�revenue�for�roads�and�other�transportation�purposes.

-���Expand�competitive�bidding�and�warranties�for�road�projects.

-���Increase�earned�income�tax�credit.

Should�this�proposal�be�adopted?

YES

NO

LOCAL�SCHOOL�DISTRICT

HUDSONVILLE�PUBLIC�SCHOOLSOPERATING�MILLAGE�RENEWAL�PROPOSAL

This�proposal�will�allow�the�school�district�to�continue�to�levy�the�statutory�rate�of�18�mills�on�allproperty,�except�principal�residence�and�other�property�exempted�by�law,�required�for�the�schooldistrict�to�receive�its�revenue�per�pupil�foundation�allowance.

Shall�the�limitation�on�the�amount�of�taxes�which�may�be�assessed�against�all�property,�exceptprincipal�residence�and�other�property�exempted�by�law,�in�Hudsonville�Public�Schools,�Ottawaand�Allegan�Counties,�Michigan,�be�increased�by�18�mills�($18.00�on�each�$1,000�of�taxablevaluation)�for�the�year�2015,�to�provide�funds�for�operating�purposes;�the�estimate�of�the�revenuethe�school�district�will�collect�if�the�millage�is�approved�and�levied�in�2015�is�approximately$4,020,000�(this�is�a�renewal�of�millage�which�expired�with�the�2014�tax�levy)?

YES

NO

40

41

42

48

53

21

A

A

B

B

C

C

7.4.1.0�/�012503-14��©�Election�Systems�&�Software,�Inc.�1981,�2002

may statewide electionThe ballot for the Tuesday, May 5, 2015 Statewide Election will contain the following two items:

1. The Michigan Legislature has placed before the Michigan voters a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution.

2. The ballot will also contain one proposal for a millage renewal for the Hudsonville Public Schools which is an operating millage renewal proposal requesting the Non-homestead 18 mills, which is an annual renewal and does not apply to a person’s homestead. This is a renewal of a millage which expired with the 2014 tax levy.

The polling location for Wards 1 & 2 is at City Hall, 3275 Central Blvd. Ward 3 is located at the Hudsonville Congregational United Church of Christ, 4950 32nd Avenue.

All polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are handicapped accessible.

Absentee Ballots are also available from the City Clerk’s office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

nomination for Public officeNominating petitions will be accepted by the Hudsonville City Clerk until 4:00 PM, Tuesday, April 21, 2015 for the following offices:

Mayor - 4 year term Incumbent Don Van Doeselaar

Ward 1 Commissioner - 4 year termIncumbent John O’Brien

Ward 2 Commissioner - 4 year termIncumbent Mark Northrup

Ward 3 Commissioner - 4 year termIncumbent Phil Leerar

A petition must be signed by not less than 15 nor more than 30 registered electors of the Ward in which the candidate resides; except the Office of Mayor which can be signed by registered electors of the City at large.

Petition forms and affidavit of identification forms are available at the Office of the City Clerk, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

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Hudsonville tsHirt sHow off!Chadd, Sandra, Madison, and Charlie Goodyke show off their t-shirts at the Hudsonville Lanes in this edition’s Hudsonville t-shirt show off!

Want to be featured in the next edition?

Send photos showing off your shirt to Michelle at mfare@hudsonville.org.

Need a shirt? We have sizes ranging from 6mo onsies to XXL adult shirts. Stop by City Hall to pick yours up. All designs are $10.

concerts on tHe GreenThe line up for the summer concerts this year is fantastic!!

June 4: Union GunsJune 11: StrumbleheadJune 18: Out of Favor BoysJune 25: Kari Lynch Band

Come out to enjoy the concerts, delicious food, ice cream, and kid’s activities each night. Enter for a chance to win in an iPad mini if you attend three of the four concerts!! There will also be some delicious dinner options each night, featuring different local food trucks each night of the series, including Gettin Fresh, Thundergun Cafe, and Scott & Joe’s World Dogs. The Concerts on the Green start at 7:00 p.m. and are held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to City Hall.

women’s exPo & man caveStop by Hudsonville High School on April 18 (9am-2pm) for the Hudsonville Showcase, featuring a women’s expo & man cave! A big ‘thanks’ to sponsor, Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living! Visit www.hudsonvilleshowcase.com for details!

Ladies, there will be tons of great shopping, style demonstrations, and a chance to win a $1,000 diamond, thanks to Jensen Jewelers! Guys, hang out in our lounge featuring a 64” tv, a root beer bar, and a free grill giveaway! There will be fun for the kids, with an all new scavenger hunt for prizes!

farmer’s marketEvery Wednesday starting June 4 from 8am to 2pm, you can find fresh produce, meat, eggs, crafts, baked goods, and even local honey at the Hudsonville Farmer’s Market, located in front of the Hudsonville Farmer’s Co-Op at 3302 Prospect Street.

save tHe dateThe Saladbowl Bash is scheduled for August 8, 2015 this year. Mark your calendars!

Parks oPen aPril 15

Starting April 15, the City Parks are open for use.

You are invited to come enjoy p l a y g r o u n d e q u i p m e n t , disc golf, baseball diamonds, picnic areas, and much more in the parks!

HouseHold Hazardous wasteThrough the Ottawa County Health Department, you can dispose of hazardous household materials for free. Materials accepted include batteries, oils and filters, oil-based paints, garden and yard chemicals, fire extinguishers and more. For a complete list of materials accepted and disposal locations please visit www.miOttawa.org/health or call 616-393-5645.

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2015 summer road constructionHaving high quality roads in Hudsonville is a top priority for the City Commission. In fact, Goal #1 of the City’s Strategic Plan is to “Deliver the exceptional level of public services and amenities that our residents have come to expect”. And the first priority under this goal is to “Prioritize street maintenance and repair at the top of the list for public services.” The city’s emphasis on maintaining quality roads is based primarily on the results of a 2011 Hudsonville Citizen Survey in which residents showed strong support for the city doing more in this area.

The prioritization of street construction projects is deter-mined based on two primary factors – condition of the road and available funding. To determine the condition of the road, the city has its streets evaluated using a PASER rating, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. If you visit the city’s website and view our PASER Map, you will see that a large percentage of streets are rated 5 or below.

Although the city makes efforts to repair these lower rated streets as they worsen, you might be surprised to learn that we focus largely on maintaining the higher rated streets first. The reason for this is because the city follows a preventative maintenance program where we continuously reinvest in our “newer” streets before streets that have already structurally failed. Treating newer streets with preventative mainte-nance overlays, such as FiberMat, protects them from air, light and water infiltration and significantly extends their life. Through preventative maintenance we are able to protect the city’s investment in new roads and save taxpayer dollars in the long run. Roads that have structurally failed are much more expensive to replace, and therefore require long range planning for funding.

In the current budget year, Hudsonville will expend close to $680,000 on road-related infrastructure improvements. This summer’s planned construction projects include:

1. Oak Street bridge replacement – (Over the Buttermilk Creek near Elm Ave.)2. School Street water main replacement and road resurfacing - (from Hillcrest Rd. to Chicago Dr.)3. Highland Drive resurfacing - (from Creekview Dr. to 40th Ave.) 4. FiberMat overlay and crack sealing preventative maintenance - (various loactions throughout the city)

Please note that the Oak Street bridge and School Street reconstruction projects will require the closure of Oak Street (at the bridge) and partial closure of School Street. If you live in or drive through this area, please allow extra time for detour routes. Highland Drive will remain partially open to traffic, and will be fully open during Fair Week.

The city typically schedules road construction projects during the summer months in order to avoid disruption to school traffic. Please be patient with us this summer as we work to improve your streets in the city. If you’re interested in learning more about these projects, feel free to contact the City Manager.

memorial day serviceU.S. Coast Guard Veteran Lieutenant Mark Northrup, will serve as the keynote speaker at the annual Memorial Day service. Mark also serves as a City Commissioner for the City of Hudsonville.

The service will take place on May 25, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Park in Hudsonville. The Civil Air Patrol will again serve as the color guard.

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natural beauties of sPrinG ~ By Craig Elson, City NaturalistAs I write this in mid March we have just come through the coldest February on record with an average temperature of 13.3 degrees and now this week we have jumped from single digit temps to the 40’s and 50’s. Maple sap is running, the birds are beginning to sing and Skunk Cabbage is about to bloom in our wet wooded areas. Skunk Cabbage is our earliest blooming wildflower in Hudsonville and will be followed by Harbinger-of-Spring, Marsh Marigold, Twinleaf, Hepatica and in May many more.Late April and the first two weeks of May are many people’s favorite wildflower time of the year. With over 40 species of spring wildflowers, few if any mosquitoes, birds singing to mark their breeding territories and warm gentile breezes, this is an excellent time to be out in the woods. You can join us on a guided tour of the Hudsonville Nature Center or walk on your own.

In the guided tours I will help you to identify the flowers and plants we see as well as some folklore about and use of some of the plants.April 13 marks Thomas

Jefferson’s 272nd birthday and usually within a week of this time Twinleaf or Jeffersonia, which was named to honor him blooms at the Hudsonville Nature Center. This delicate white flower may last a very short time, so to see it bloom you must locate it and keep a frequent watch to catch it in bloom. While you watch for Twinleaf, there are other early flowers to enjoy also.Many breeding and migratory birds come through our area in early to mid May and could show up in your yards. If you feed the birds, consider keeping some mix thistle and/or sunflower seed out into late May to catch these colorful beauties. Seed on a larger tray or flat surface will entice Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and native sparrows. Indio Buntings have also been known to visit thistle and tube feeders

We May Be stoPPing ByJust as you will be heading outdoors soon, so will the Assessing Department!

Assessing Assistant, Tony Rewers, will be out collecting data with an intern in various neighborhoods.

Beginning in May, they will be photographing properties found in the triangle between 36th Ave and Van Buren St in order to update the city’s electronic property database.

They will also begin conducting a complete revaluation of the southwestern portion of the city, which will go through the summer of 2015. Homes found between 36th and 40th on the south side of New Holland and on the east side of 40th south of New Holland as well as all of Creek View Estates will be measured, sketched, and photographed. Tony will also contact you personally to evaluate the interior components of your property.

This study is done in order to maintain equitable assessments throughout the city and your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Because our goal is that each assessment reflects the current market value of each property, it is essential that we obtain accurate information. If your home is to be revaluated, you will be receiving a letter from our department before the visit.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tony Rewers at 669-0200 x 1443.

Rose-breasted GrosbeakPhoto credit: Craig Elston

TwinleafPhoto credit: Craig Elston

recreational firesJust a reminder that only recreational fires are allowed in the city. This means you must have some type of fire pit made

of stone, cement, block, or an old truck wheel in the ground. This fire must be attended at all times, no burning of trash, leaves, or garbage, and extinguished properly when finished. No other burning is allowed!©Wolf183 | Dreamstime Stock Photos

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uPcominG eventsRegister for any of the following programs by calling (616) 669-1255 or on our online event calendar. Programs are free unless otherwise noted.

• BookClub(April16-7pm):This month we are discussing The All Girls Filling Station’s Last Reunion: A Novel By Fannie Flagg

• MatterofBalanceClass60+(8weekclassstartsMay7,1-3pm)Emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Registration required. Cost: $10.

• Book mobiles (May 16 - 10:30 am):Adult program. Learn how to make a beautiful piece of art from an old book. Cost $5. Registration required.

• BookClub(May21-7pm):This month we are discussing The Husband’s Secret By Liane Moriarty

• BookmobilesforTEENS(July21-1pm):Learn how to make a beautiful piece of art from an old book. Teens to Adults. Free. Registration Required.

• AdultSummerReadingClub(June8th–August1):Adults can read 8 books in 8 weeks to win a $5 gift card from Gemmen’s, a small prize, plus a chance to win a $100 Gemmen’s gift card! Sign up starts June 8th at the library or online.

• EmbroideryClass(Datetobeannounced):Join us for this free class where you will be able to bring home a framed piece! All materials provided. Registration required.

kid’s ProGrams• Summer Reading Club: This year’s theme

is ‘Every Hero Has a Story’ for children up to 6th grade. The teen reading club theme is ‘Unmasked’ and is for teens in 7th-12th grades. Sign up begins June 8.

• Superhero Training Camp: June 18 @ 1:30 pm. Calling all superheroes! Go through the training course performing feats of strength and speed. We will also make a mask and super cuffs. (for grades 1 through 4)

• Chalk Art Contest: June 30 @ 6:30 pm. Create a super hero by drawing an existing superhero or making up one of your own. Winning designs will receive a prize. Chalk and drinks are provided.

• Hunger Games: July 9 @ 1:00 pm. Nerf guns, Peeta’s Bakery cupcake decorating, Hunger Games Jeopardy and more. (Registration necessary)

• The Yoyo Master: July 30 @ 6:30 pm. See yoyos through the years and watch Dr. Zeemo do outstanding yoyo tricks.

For a complete list of programs, visit www.hudsonville.org/library

Garden seriesThomas Jefferson’s Gardens April 14 @ 7 pmThis program by Craig Elston, explores some of Monticello’s architecture, landscape architecture, and gardens.How To plant a Butterfly Garden May 7 @ 7 pmWhether you have a small apartment patio or several acres, you can attract butterflies. Learn how.

Library Butterfly Garden Tour for Kids July 7 @ 1 pmTour the Butterfly Garden at the Gary Byker Memorial Library with City Naturalist Craig Elston, while he talks about butterflies and how to attract them to your garden.

liBrary neWsletter sign uPSign up for our e-newsletter and be the first to hear about programs

& special events! Sign up at http://tinyurl.com/o8pbodd

library HiGHliGHts

History buffsInterested in serving on a Hudsonville Area Historical Committee? Please contact Melissa at 616-669-1255 x 5 or mhuisman@hudsonville.org

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sPrinG brusH PickuPWe are excited to announce a pilot program for spring brush pickup, a new city service for our residents. The program will be in a trial phase for 2015, but we are hopeful to roll it out as a permanent city benefit in coming years. The Department of Public Works will pick up brush on May 18th and 19th. There is no charge for this service. The schedule for pickup is as follows:

• North of Chicago Drive: May 18th. • South of Chicago Drive: May 19th.

Please have all brush in the curb lawn by 8:00 am on your location’s desig-nated date. No return trips will be made. Please do not bag the brush; just pile it in the curb lawn.

Acceptable Materials: Limbs, branches, and tree trimmings

Unacceptable Materials: Yard debris, building materials, grass clippings, roots/dirt or any items that cannot be run through the wood chipper.

All brush and limbs will be wood chipped and recycled for use in City Parks for walking trails.

sPrinG & summer ProjectsAs summer approaches and people are getting outside, we wanted to remind you of a few of items. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind before you take on any summer projects!• Contact the Zoning Department before installing a fence, pool, driveway, shed or any other addition to ensure

setbacks and dimensions are compliant. A permit may be needed.• Grass can be no higher than 8” tall, including around utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, etc. Vacant property

requires mowing by June 1, August 1, and October 1. • Grass clippings cannot be mowed or blown into streets, sidewalks, or drains. • Signs, including portable or temporary ones, have location requirements so they don’t inhibit traffic vision,

damage utility poles, or clutter the community. Sign permits are required!• Only your own vehicle may be sold from your property. A license

and proper zoning are required to sell someone else’s vehicle. • Motor homes, boats, trailers, and other large recreational equipment

are not allowed to be stored for more than 3 consecutive days in any area between house and street.

• Make sure to clean up after your pets. Please contact the Zoning Department with any questions you have regarding improvements for your property. Thanks for your cooperation and have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Example of grass clippings in the street

reminder about solicitorsThe City of Hudsonville has an ordinance regarding solicitors. If you have someone without a lanyard that stops by your house, please contact our office at 669.0200 x 1416 between 8 am & 5pm. After hours, please contact the Ottawa County Central Dispatch at 1-800-249-0911.

good people good living

The City of Hudsonville3275 Central Blvd.Hudsonville, MI 49426Phone: 616.669.0200 Fax: 616.669.2330www.hudsonville.orgHours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

your city commissioners & staffMayor Don Van Doeselaar 669.8045 dvandoes@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 1 John O’Brien 669.2670 jobrien@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 1 Gary Raterink 669.6191 graterink@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 2 Dan Bolhuis 206.0584 dbolhuis@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 2 Mark Northrup 662.2663 mnorthrup@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 3 Philip Leerar 662.1520 pleerar@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 3 Larry Brandsen 669.3365 lbrandsen@hudsonville.orgCity Manager Patrick Waterman 669.0200 x 1418 pwaterman@hudsonville.orgCity Clerk Jan Wiersum 669.0200 x 1412 jwiersum@hudsonville.orgAssessor/Finance Director Jan Sal 669.0200 x 1413 jsal@hudsonville.orgPlanning/Zoning Director Dan Strikwerda 669.0200 x 1414 dstrikwe@hudsonville.orgMarketing Coordinator Michelle Fare 669.0200 x 1411 mfare@hudsonville.orgSheriff Sergeant Mike Bagladi 669.0200 x 1428 mbagladi@miottawa.orgFire Chief Dick Mohr 669.0200 x 1429 dmohr@hudsonville.orgPublic Works Director Dutch Besteman 669.0200 x 1424 huddpw@hudsonville.orgLibrary Director Melissa Huisman 669.1255 mhuisman@hudsonville.org Emergency Services Director Dave Dahl 669.0200 x 1404 ddahl@hudsonville.org

The City of Hudsonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: City Manager, City of Hudsonville, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville MI 49426. 616.669.0200 x 1418.