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The Veterans’ Committee is continuing to work to get all the pieces of the Memorial Park together. Some amazing progress has been made since the committee began just six months ago. Businesses and individuals in the community have committed to providing most of the items that will complete the park. OMM Engineering has donated all the site grade drawings. Nederveld Associates has done the surveying work. Nyko Excavating has donated all the excavating work. Maple Lake Tree Farm has already moved two large pine trees, along with some small trees and are willing to assist in the planting of our new trees in the spring. Several trees have been donated by individuals, and a generous gift by Gemmen’s Hardware has provided the rest of the trees needed to complete the backdrop of our veterans statues walkway. The details for the donation of the underground sprinkling system are being finished. Nykamp Excavating will be contributing all of the fill-dirt needed on the site. Aukeman Construction will be providing all the topsoil. And finally, the sign along 32nd Avenue has been given by Classic Graphics and by a private individual. Five of the statues have been purchased. The funds for the sixth statue are being raised by the eighth-grade Zoo Team at Hudsonville Baldwin Street Middle School. All of the park benches have been purchased, as well as an interpretive display. Finally, the two flag poles have been purchased.
Many are continuing to purchase paving bricks and name plates for the veterans wall. There is not a deadline to purchase either a paving brick or a name on the wall; however, for the expedient funding of the park, please send in your requests as soon as possible. The earlier the committee receives names for the veterans’ wall, the easier it will be to place each name under the appropriate branch of service.
The committee is very pleased to see our community’s excitement and are grateful for the response they have received. However, in spite of all that has already happened, the Veterans’ Park is still in need of two very important items. Money is needed for concrete and for electrical lighting. These are two basic necessities and they are costly. The estimate for the completion of the final project is $85,000. Most of this cost is for the concrete, electrical lighting, and labor. The efforts to raise this money are ongoing.
Thank you very much for your continued support of this important community project.
The Veteran’s Memorial Park Committee
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VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK PAVER BRICKS & DONATIONS Please fill out the form below and mail to: City of Hudsonville, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville, MI 49426 |
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Donor's Name: __________________________________ |
City/State: ______________________________________ Zip Code: ________________ Phone: ________________ |
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| Choose brick size or other item and the inscription that you want ot appear. The maximum is 14 characters per line, including spacing and punctuation. Use all capital letters. All inscriptions are subject to approval. | |||
INDIVIUAL 4" x 8" BRICK: $50  |
VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL OR PARK BENCH |
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FAMILY OR GROUP 8" x 8" BRICK: $100 |
ADDITIONAL GIFT FOR THE MEMORIAL PARK:
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Revenue Sharing is the way the State of Michigan distributes a portion of the sales tax collected in the state back to the local units of government. A portion of the collected sales tax is distributed to over 1,800 units of government throughout the state. This money is distributed as unrestricted revenue to these local units of government. In other words, there are no strings attached to these monies, therefore, these revenues can be used to support a wide variety of services ranging from public safety to community wide planning to maintaining city parks.
The Revenue Sharing is made up of two components, the Constitutional component and the Statutory component. The monies are distributed each February, April, June, August, October, and December to the local units.
The Constitutional portion is derived on a per capita basis and generally the formula used for calculating the distribution cannot be changed. The Statutory portion which is derived from a formula based on four variables (Percent Share of Fiscal 98, Taxable Value Per Capita, Population Unit type, and a Yield Equalization factor) and can be adjusted by the governor in order to balance the states fiscal year budget.
Over the past few years the state has been forced to cut back on the Statutory portion of the distribution amount in order to meet it’s yearly obligations. The net result to the city over the past two years has been a reduction in revenue totaling nearly $90,000. For the City of Hudsonville, State Revenue Sharing comprises over 25% of all general operating revenues collected for a fiscal year. A reduction in revenue of $90,000 per year means some expense somewhere is also going to be cut.
In order to lessen the impact of the cut-backs on the residents of Hudsonville the city has attempted to absorb these cut-backs internally by not filling vacant positions and having existing staff pickup additional job responsibilities that are left undone by the vacant positions. The city has also chosen not to increase taxes by way of a millage increase above the current level of 10.5 mils.
Because of the many cutbacks, the city does not know how long we can function without raising the millage. Cuts of service to the community would be necessary in order to function at the same millage rate. It may be necessary to raise the millage for the continued services that we provide to the community.
Our Friends group is a hard working and generous group, and to repay them for their efforts, the library is now offering a special evening preview for them just before each of our three major sales. This special preview will be available to Friends who attend at least 4 meetings per year and participate in one of our three major fundraisers: Holiday Home Tour, Parade of Homes, or Used Book Sales. We always have a great selection and here is your chance to see them first!
Our Friends group meets on the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 9:30 am in the library’s lower level. We’d love to have new members. Come in and pick up a Friends brochure or call Wanda Giem at 896-9376 or Marcia Wierda at 669-6608 for more details. Our next used book sale will be March 6 - 8, 2003 at the library.
Thanks to all who participated in the Holiday Home Tour 2003! This is our sixth year of touring and we raised $1770 for the library. Approximately 225 people went through the six homes this year. We especially want to thank the people who offered to show off their beautiful homes! We’re always on the look out for new homes – so if you’ve got an unusual or unique home, interesting decorating, or just a wonderful atmosphere, please let us know! We’d love to feature your home on our next tour. Call Wanda Giem at 896-9376 or Marcia Wierda at 669-6608.
This year one of the most talked about feature of our tour was part of the refreshments! Several people asked for this cookie recipe which was at the Rohn home and made by Marcia Wierda.
The Friends recently donated $300 to the library to buy books from the Scholastic Warehouse for our children’s collection. They also purchased the handy new blue shopping baskets for use while browsing in the library or at used book sales.
And, thanks to Mrs. Henrietta Byker, a member of our friends, our library mending ladies can now have hot drinks while they fix our books! At our last Friends meeting, Mrs. Byker presented a brand new microwave for use in our lower level. Mrs. Byker also recently donated money for some landscaping. We’re glad to have her as part of our Friends group.
Other recent donations:
Salted Peanut Chews
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The City of Hudsonville wishes to thank all those that volunteered and served on various city boards, committees and commissions in 2002. We thank them for their willingness to serve their community. |
| Barry Feenstra Keith Johnson Lisa Aukeman Royce Bierma Nicholas Van Dyke Craig Elston Dave Bolhuis Scott Soodsma Nancy Boorsma Jack Blair Dan Van Laar Phil Leerar David Ensing Ed Garen Maureen Van Hoven Joel Keegstra |
Laurie Van Haitsma Jeff Dombrowski Brad Dykstra Don VanderKuyl John VanRegenmorter Jacob DeWent Evelyn Sawyer Jacquie Elzinga Betty Goorhouse William Minnie Josh Woodwyk Joe Hop James Wades Sharon Kuiphof Pete Groters |
Bart Austhof Kathy Feig Larry Ver Hage Lynne VanDerKolk Sondra Wesseldyke Megan Linburg Sam Weidner Suzanne Gortsema Matt Bos Chris Vlaardingerbroek Truman Petty Skip VanDenBerg Darl Redder Jim Krikke Roger Spoelma |
Art Bolt Tom VanderHulst Steve Smit Dale Sall Linda Edema Ivan Shuck Shirley Krombeen Betty Schutt Marilyn DeJonge Marshall Elzinga Shirley Minnie Michael Bos Perry Zimonick John Klaassen Jim Kuiphof Don Van Doeselaar |
The year 2002 was a year of change for the Hudsonville Fire Department with Dick Mohr taking over as chief for the retiring Pete Luyk. Overall 2002 was a successful year. Of course we base success a little different than other people. No citizen or firefighter was injured or killed during fire fighting activities—that’s success!! Remember the loss of property, although devastating, can be replaced.
Here is a short breakdown of our 437 incidents:
We’re very proud of our 24 members for their dedication to answering calls and attending training meetings. It is our priviledge to serve a fine community as Hudsonville and if we can do anything for you or your business, please call our office at 669-0010 or E-mail the chief at dmohr@hudsonville.org.
Substitute Crossing Guards Wanted
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The Hudsonville Police Department is currently taking applications for substitute crossing guards. The crossing guard fills in during vacancies at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and Barry Street. Training and equipment provided by the police department. Starting pay is $6.65 hour, to $8.64 after 1 year. Anyone interested please contact the Hudsonville Police Department for an application. |
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The Hudsonville Police Department consists of 9 Sworn Officers, 12 Police Reserve Officers and 1 Police Administrative Assistant.
The men and women of the Hudsonville Police Department are committed to providing sophisticated, meaningful and responsive law enforcement services to the citizens of Hudsonville. We are dedicated to serving the community in such a manner, which not only promotes community awareness, but also remains sensitive to the needs of its citizens.
From January to November, 2002 the department has handled 2849 complaints, 175 people were arrested, 1210 traffic citations and 161 parking citations issued. The department policed 161 traffic accidents, of which 25 accidents involved injuries with 27 people injured.
For the year 2002, the department saw another change in the Office of Chief of Police. Chief Bob Stanberry left the department on November 1, 2002 to attend law school and pursue other endeavors. Michael Wieringa, a 16-year veteran of the department has been given the opportunity to lead the department and serve the residents.
The department continues to forge relationships with all of the schools within the city. The Detective Bureau celebrated its one-year anniversary, the S.A.V.E. Program continues to be a hit with the schools, and the department continues working and training with various law enforcement agencies in Ottawa County and the West Michigan area.
The department looks forward to the year 2003 as it continues to serve the people providing a safe community for all!
“Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists on.” – Robert Kennedy
New Commercial:
Commercial Additions and Alterations to:
New Residential Permits for:
In 2001 there were 81 building permits valuing $12,192,623, and in 2000 there were 92 building permits valuing $7,005,268
The City of Hudsonville is offering residents the opportunity to pay their quarterly utility bill through our new Automatic Bill Payment Program. By completing the enrollment form below, your quarterly bill will be automatically deducted from your specified checking or savings account on the bill due date.
The City is offering this program to you at no charge. However, you may want to contact your financial institution for any fees they may charge. You will still receive a quarterly bill to update your checking or savings account. If you would like to cancel the program after signing up, simply call (669-0200) or write to the Treasurer’s Department at City Hall.
If you have any questions on this program, please call us at 669-0200, Monday – Friday, between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: How does the City’s payment program work?
Answer: Complete the attached enrollment form and return it to the City Treasurer’s Office for processing. After you have been enrolled, the City will withdraw your utility payment automatically on the due date.
Question: How will I know the amount of my utility bill?
Answer: The City will continue to send you a quarterly bill. The bill will contain the same information that you are currently receiving. Your automatic payment will be reflected on your next checking/saving account statement.
Question: Is there a charge to enroll in this service?
Answer: The City does not charge any fees for this program. Your utility bill will be unaffected by the decision to enroll in the Automatic Utility Bill Payment Program. Most financial institutions do not charge for the service, but you should contact yours to be sure.
Question: What if there is a question about my billing?
Answer: Contact the Treasurer’s Office so we can correct any errors. If the error is not noticed until after the due date, refund can be issued or applied to your next bill.
Question: What if I change my financial institution?
Answer: Complete a new enrollment form and send it to the Treasurer’s Office for processing. If you decide to cancel your participation in the plan, simply call or write us.
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City of Hudsonville Utility Automatic Payment Enrollment Form Name:_________________________________________ W/S Acct No:__________-__________-__________-_________ Service Address:_________________________________ Mailing Address (if different) ____________________________ City:______________________State________Zip________ Daytime Phone: (_____)_________________ Name of Financial Institution:_____________________________________ ABA/Routing Number:______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ____ Checking Account No:______________________________________________________________________________ ____ Savings Account No: ______________________________________________________________________________ Signature:_______________________________________________ Date:_______________________________ |
When cross connections or faulty back flow prevention devices exist within the public water system, the purity of the public
commercial and industrial facilities within the city are in compliance with State requirements for water system usage. These regulations prevent the use of cross connections or faulty back flow prevention devices within the public water system.
The Hudsonville City Commission recently approved a contract with Hydro Designs, Inc. to inspect all commercial and industrial facilities within the Hudsonville service area. All commercial and industrial facilities will be contacted in advance to make arrangements for inspections. Inspections started in January with municipal buildings and schools. These inspections are to be completed by December 2004 and will be done in order based on the degree of hazard.
Although Hydro Designs, Inc. will be administering the program, the Hudsonville Department of Public works will be actively involved. The department is striving to eliminate cross connections in order to protect the water we drink. If you have any questions, please call 616-669-0200.
The City of Hudsonville has established a new policy for the use of fire hydrants. If you are in need of a large volume of water and wish to use a city fire hydrant, you must purchase a fire hydrant use permit. Permits are good for a day, week or a month at a time. The user will be billed for the permit and the metered water. The purpose of the permit is to protect and maintain the water distribution system and track water use. If you use a fire hydrant without a permit, you will be charged an unauthorized use fee of $250. For more information, please call the Public Works Department at 669-0200.
Are you looking for a place to have a large gathering and you don’t want to spend a lot of money? This summer the city will be taking reservations at Hughes Park. The park will have three sections open for reservations. Each section will be set up with picnic tables and grills. The sections are close to the bathrooms and the play ground equipment. Sections will rent for $20 if you are a resident and $30 for non-resident. Reservations are good for five hours. At Hughes Park, you will find a basketball court, tennis courts, beach volleyball, horseshoes, frisbee golf, and baseball and softball fields. For more information or to make your reservations call city hall at 669-0200.
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Dog licenses can be purchased at City Hall until February 28, 2003 from |
The 2003 Assessment Change Notices are scheduled to be mailed during the first week of February, 2003. Starting in 1995, your property taxes were calculated on Taxable Values. Prior to 1995, your taxes were calculated on State Equalized Value (SEV) which is the Assessed value multiplied by the Equalization Factor, if any. The change in Assessed Value and State Equalized Value are listed in the "Change" column at the right side of their respective value lines on the Assessment Change Notice. The State Equalized Value must be approximately 50% of market value.
If there was a transfer of ownership on your property in 2002, your 2003 Taxable Value will be the same as your 2003 State Equalized Value due to "uncapping". Please verify that the Transfer of Ownership as indicated on the Assessment Change Notice is correct (either was or was not a change in ownership).
If there was not a transfer of ownership on your property in 2002, your Taxable Value is calculated by multiplying your 2002 Taxable Value by the Consumer Price Index of 1.5% as set by the State Tax Commission for 2003. Physical changes made to your property such as an addition, accessory building, fence, deck, finished basement, etc. may also increase or decrease your taxable value. The change in taxable value is listed in the "Change" column at the right side of the Taxable value line on the Assessment Change Notice. This amount is a change in value -- not a change in taxes.
Also, please verify the correctness of the homestead percentage indicated at the bottom of the Notice. If you purchased your home after May 1, 2002, you have until May 1, 2003 to file a claim for homestead exemption. A homestead exemption affidavit is available from Shannon in the assessing department at City Hall.
Taxpayers are encouraged to call city hall with assessment questions or complaints and meet with the assessor for discussion and possible resolution prior to scheduling an appointment with the Board of Review. The March 
Board of Review is tentatively scheduled for public hearings on:
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Assessing Department at 669-0200.
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$125 for Memorial Wall
or the Ottawa County Discount Prescription Drug Plan are available at Hudsonville City Hall. If you are without prescription coverage, a resident of Ottawa County and over 18 years old, you are eligible for up to a 30% savings on prescription drugs. Stop by and pick up your application soon.
the City Treasurer by city residents only. The law requires all dogs, age 4 months and older, to be licensed. Cost for the license is $15 for dogs if they are NOT spayed or neutered, and only $6 for spayed or neutered dogs.