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A Note From
Mayor Van Doeselaar
 The start of a new year is cause for hope with the anticipation of a new beginning. It’s also a time for reflection of the year just ended. No doubt many in our world were glad to see 2005 come to an end. The tsunami and earthquakes in Asia, hurricanes, wild fires, floods and tornadoes in our country gives millions of people reason to hope for a better 2006. Compared to victims of these tragedies, we have been richly blessed.
That is not to say we in Michigan and locally have no challenges to deal with. State wide we still have a weak economy, issues of globalization and an unemployment rate above the national average. Some of these problems continue to impact certain areas of West Michigan. However one of our greatest assets is our people. As the demographics show we continue to grow in population.
In Ottawa County, over the last 10 years the population grew by 30% and in the next 20 years it is expected to grow by 65%. Currently the City of Hudsonville has a population of approximately 7,500 and in 10 years it is expected to reach 10,000
The City of Hudsonville is on the verge of many changes. Within the last year our community was awarded two grants. One was given by Ottawa County entitled “Urban Smart Growth Demonstration Project” which will ultimately result in a new Master Plan and a new set of Zoning Ordinances. By the time this project is completed we hope to have a road map to enhance the vibrancy, livability and aesthetics of our community. The second award, given by Michigan State University is entitled “Small Town Design Initiative.” To fulfill the goals of this project many of our citizens have met to record what they liked least and best about our community and how they envision our community to look in 10 years. Based upon this information a digital rendering will be created to help us plan for our future.
It’s important that we begin to plan for the next generation. This new generation will seek a more active lifestyle, increase social opportunities, an assortment of entertainment and recreational activities, creative outlets for the arts and new business opportunities.
As a first step in that direction the city has teamed-up with Master Arts Theatre to promote drama classes for children from age 8 through high school. These classes will be held at the “white church” located next to the Hudsonville Library. At the conclusion of the classes the children will have the opportunity to demonstrate their theatrical skills by giving a performance for parents and the community.
Our goal is to maintain a city where citizens want to live, learn, worship, work and conduct business.
We welcome your input!
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Thank You
The City of Hudsonville wishes to thank all those that volunteered and served on various boards, committees, and commissions in 2005. We thank them for their willingness to serve their community.
Al Scholten
Larry Ver Hage
Keith Johnson
Sharon Leerar
Jack Blair
Skip VanDenBerg
Bea Berghorst
Dave Ensing
Nancy Westrate
Roger Spoelma
Marilyn DeJonge
Marshall Elzinga
Shirley Minnie
Art Bolt
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Laurie Van Haitsma
Jim Roskam
Dr. Brad Dykstra
Linda Edema
Dan Gryzen
Gerald De Weerd
Ed Garen
Gordon Krombeen
Jacob DeWent
Jim Kuiphof
Darl Redder
Norman Unema
Alden Jelsema
Kelly Ten Harmsel
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Ed Spoelma
Lisa Aukeman
Royce Bierma
Kristen VandenBerg
Carol Baker
Phil Leerar
Craig Elston
Maureen Van Hoven
Ed Garen
Dan Brummel
Jacquie Elzinga
Betty Goorhouse
William Minnie
Joel Keegstra
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Steve Smit
Dale Sall
Stan Buell
Tom Vander Hulst
Joan Brouwer
Randall Smith
Ivan Shuck
Shirley Krombeen
Evelyn Sawyer
Don Van Doeselaar
Gary Raterink
Theresa Kooistra
Larry Brandsen
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Thank you to everyone who contributed to “Operation Beanie Baby”. The response was overwhelming! We were able to collect over 2,900 Beanie Babies & stuffed animals! You have helped put smiles on many Iraqi children’s faces. Thanks again for you generosity!
The Tiffany Family
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Youth Theatre Arts Program
In December we had a fundraising presentation through Master Arts Theatre called the Sanders Family Christmas. This was a fund raiser for Hudsonville’s Youth Theatre Arts Program. We were pleased with the turn-out and would like to thank all those who supported this endeavor. A special thanks goes out to Todd Wenzel Automotive, Aukeman Development and Hudsonville Automotive for their sponsorship of the Sanders Family Christmas.
We will be announcing other opportunities for the community to support this wonderful program.
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Winter Reminders
Residents are reminded of snow removal requirements in Hudsonville:
- DO keep fire hydrants clear of snow and ice.
- DO keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice (the City plows sidewalks as a public service but the property owner is still responsible. In case of extreme snow fall, the streets are priority.)
- DO NOT shovel or blow snow into the streets or sidewalk.
- DO NOT pile snow to a height so as to obstruct driveway vision.
Please remove the snow from around your outside water reader so that the meter readers may locate and read your water meter.
If you use a private snow removal contractor, be sure the contractor is insured and is licensed with the City. The annual fee is $25 per vehicle. The licenses are available from the City Clerk’s office. Commercial (for hire) plow vehicles must have an oscillating or flashing yellow or amber light. Neither private property owners, nor private contractors may push driveway snow on property which he does not own, without permission. This includes the curb lawn area which is needed to store snow plowed from the street or the adjacent drive approach area only.
There is no parking on streets between the hours of 2 a.m.—6 a.m. from November 1st through April 1st.
Annual Notice of Assessment
The annual notice of assessment, taxable valuation and property classification will be sent to all property owners within the City of Hudsonville in mid February, 2006. This notice is issued under the authority of Public Act 206 of 1893, Section 211.24 (c) and begins by identifying the taxpayer of record, the property by parcel number and address, and the current classification of the property. Changes in taxable, assessed, and state equalized values are provided. If a change has occurred in the classification of the property it will be stated on the notice. If there was a transfer of ownership in 2005, the 2006 taxable value and the assessed value are the same due to "uncapping". Principle residence and agricultural exemptions that exempt the property from 18 mills of school tax are also shown on the notice. The notice should be reviewed by the taxpayer for accuracy as there are additional taxes, interest, and penalties that may accrue if corrections must be made at a later date. Also, it is the position of the Department of Treasury that it is the taxpayer's responsibility to know that their property record is correct.
Additionally, this notice provides information regarding the appeal process for disputes concerning the property assessment and lists the dates and times the Board of Review will be in session. It is recommended that any taxpayer with questions and/or problems review the property tax record with the assessor. The assessment process and the property record can be reviewed personally and privately with the assessor without jeopardizing the options of the appeal process through the Board of Review, the Michigan Tax Tribunal and/or the State Tax Commission. The March Board of Review will meet in Hudsonville City Hall on March 7 to receive the 2006 assessment roll and again on March 27 to endorse the roll and formally adjourn. The public is welcome to attend but appeals will not be heard at these meetings. The appeal meeting dates and times are tentatively set for:
Monday, March 13, 2006 3:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Again, taxpayers are encouraged to discuss their assessed value, taxable value, and/or any other information that appears on their Notice of Assessment with the assessor prior to meeting with the Board.
If you have any questions regarding this information please contact Jan Sal, Hudsonville City Assessor at 669-0200, extension 513.
Water Meter Program Update
For the past several years, the Department of Public Works has been working on upgrading the water meter system within the City of Hudsonville. We are nearing the end with an expected finish date of July 1, 2006.
This upgrade requires entry to your home by the DPW personnel and the process takes 20-30 minutes per average household meter. We will continue sending letters as we make our way through the final portion of town. Many of you have already had your meter upgraded, if you have not and would like to do so, you can contact the Public Works Department at (616) 669-7196 to schedule a meter change appointment for a time that is most convenient for you. Our appointments are scheduled between 7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you know these times do not work for you we may be able to schedule an alternative time, please contact our office to be added to our evening/weekend list.
We appreciate your continued cooperation in helping us complete this project!
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Be Prepared; It Happened Here Before...
On April 3, 1956 the worst tornado on record in the history of West Michigan tore a path through Ottawa, Kent and Montcalm counties. In its wake was an extraordinary level of death & destruction. The Hudsonville area incurred some of the worst devastation.
A significant volunteer effort has been underway to commemorate this event. Many people have contacted us and provided stories, newspaper articles, photos, and some have been interviewed. To all of those people we say THANK YOU! Without you, we would not know what we know now.
To those of you who have not yet heard back from us, please be patient. Most of this work is being done as a volunteer effort requiring significant free time from the volunteers. We are consuming the feedback as quickly as we can while making arrangements for other events and presentations. We will continue to work with the information until it is all incorporated into the project, but this may not be until after April. It continues to be our intent to provide a CD or DVD to every contributor that will contain ALL of the content that has been provided. This should be quite a keepsake for your families.
What has been done so far?
- Over 1,000 items have been scanned, edited, and published
- A web site has been developed from scratch to allow the materials to be researched by many
- Several video interviews have been performed and we are working on ways to edit it and post them on the web
- Hudsonville High School has put together a great video
- The National Weather Service, and local media organizations are working on a professional video
- Arrangements are being made for two special events in April
- Presentations are being developed for the schools and churches
- The National Weather Service is studying all of the materials in an attempt to reconstruct the event meteorologically.
But, there is much more to do and just a few remaining weeks to get it all done.
What are the planned upcoming events?
April 3, 2006 – Plans are underway to host an official commemoration of the event. We anticipate that 
this event may draw many people, including government officials and the local media. Many have been formally invited already. Those people involved in the tornado, such as survivors and their immediate families, are encouraged to attend.
Since we do not have a comprehensive list of who this is, we ask that you please register on our web site for the event, or call the city so that we know you are coming. This event is not limited to Hudsonville: it is for all who were impacted by the tornado that day. More information will become available as the time draws nearer.
April 22, 2006 – The City of Hudsonville plans to host an open house for the community. We will be encouraging the survivors and eyewitnesses to attend to share their first-hand accounts of the tornado with the public. The National Weather Service will be in attendance to speak about tornado safety and perhaps display their tornado model. The Ottawa County high-tech communications trailer will be on display. The City of Hudsonville will display some of its emergency equipment. Please plan to bring your family out to meet those who lived it!
Is there support for a plaque? 
Suggestions have been received regarding a special plaque to commemorate the event. It could be displayed in Hughes Park, right near the main path of the tornado. Below is just an example, not necessarily the actual design.
We would like to dedicate a plaque on April 3 that contains a list of all who died on that fateful day. However, this project is working solely on the dollars of the volunteers. If someone reading this is inspired to sponsor a plaque and/or monument, please contact us.
Aerial Video/Photographs
We are interested in taking current video footage and photographs of the area for input to the presentation material. If there is a local pilot who is willing to provide us with a fly-over as a donation or at a reduced cost, please let us know.
How can you help this community to be prepared?
An important way that you can personally make Hudsonville ready for the next hazard is to volunteer. Hudsonville Emergency Services is an organization of volunteers who help protect our community through planning and response for disasters. We have just four people at the moment and we really need more.
There are so many fun learning opportunities with this department from radios to computers to communications to first aid to storm spotting. You can choose what you want to do. Working with us can also equip you to do so many other things. Please consider volunteering. More information may be found on the city web site.
Conclusion
All of this volunteer effort is being put forth in a hope that our communities will be more aware that disasters can happen, even here. This is a fight against complacency and an encouragement to prepare. A 50th anniversary is a perfect time to raise awareness. Please take the opportunity while we are all remembering the events of April 3, 1956 to encourage your families to know what to do in any hazard. We look forward to seeing you at the “Open House” in April!
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Our next library used book sale will be on Thursday, March 23 through Saturday, March 25 during regular library hours. We are always glad to accept book donations for use at the library or in our book sale. Please place them in the green drop box outside the library’s front doors or bring them in and get a tax receipt.
Prices at our sale will be as follows:
- Adult Hardcovers $1.00
- Adult Paperbacks 50 cents
- Juvenile Hardcovers 25 cents
- Juvenile Paperbacks 10 cents
- Magazines 25 cents
We will also have some “almost new” or rare books with special prices.
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March is Reading Month
There will be a walk-in story time for children ages 3 1/2 to 6 years old, every Wednesday in March from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
There also will be a walk-in Wee Wigglers for children ages 18 months to 3 1/2 years old with an adult every Monday morning in March from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Josefina American Girl Party
On Saturday, February 11th, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, the Gary Byker Library will be having a Josefina Party. We will learn a little Spanish, play some games, make a craft, have a snack and win some prizes. This party is recommended for children between the 2nd and 6th grades. Sign-up begins Monday, January 23rd. There is a three dollar fee but Hudsonville City residents may sign-up for free.
On Saturday, March 18th from 11:00 a.m. to noon, the library will have a Narnia Party. We will play Narnia Jeopardy and other games and make some crafts. This program is recommended for children 2nd through 6th grades. There is no fee but please register beginning Monday, March 6th.
The idea of a community-wide reading program began in 1998 with a concept originating with the Washington Center for the Book. The primary goal of community-wide reading programs is to promote civic unity through the shared experience of reading and discussing literature.
The selection for the first One Book, One Community Reading Program for the Hudsonville/Georgetown Township community is Harper Lee’s American Classic, To Kill a 
Mockingbird. This book was chosen because it is an American masterpiece as relevant today as when it was written. Offering a glimpse of small-town American life, it is a personal memoir/novel as well as a cultural snapshot. All of this in a book that is a delight to read!
You are invited to take part in the 2006, “One Book, One Community Reading Program”. Read To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time, or re-read it, and discuss it with your friends and neighbors. The Gary Byker Memorial Library and Georgetown Township Library are also offering several book discussion opportunities in addition to other events which we hope will enhance your reading experience.
Pick up a brochure at either library for the dates and times of discussions, movie night, and the grand finale celebration.
Adult Book Discussion Club
This lively group meets the third Thursday of every month, September – May, at 7:00 p.m. at the library. This is our ninth year of discussing great books, and enjoying wonderful company and refreshments. Come join us for the following selections:
- February 16 Liar’s Club by Mary Karr
- March 16 1776 by David McCullough
- April 20 Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
- May 18 The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
A Citizen’s Guide to Lawn Fertilizer
True or False: “More is better” when applying lawn fertilizer.
False! Over-fertilizing is a problem contributing to stormwater pollution in most rivers. Without realizing it, many landowners are applying fertilizers and pesticides when their lawns don’t even need them! While applying an appropriate amount of fertilizer is usually okay, it’s important to take care when adding chemicals to your lawn so that we can keep our rivers and streams healthy.
Don’t guess… soil test!
Don’t assume your plants need fertilizer. Perform a soil test. You’ll save money and reduce the chance of over-applying by only replacing the nutrients your soil is actually missing. Michigan State University Extension offers easy-to-use nutrient testing boxes, and recommends a soil test every two or three years. To find out more, call the extension office in your area.
Choose the correct fertilizer:
Use slow-release fertilizers that provide a slow, steady source of nutrients for plants. This also prevents the big spurt of growth common with synthetic fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers come in a variety of types: organic, time-release and coated. You may want to talk to a lawn care professional to find out what’s best for your yard.
Avoid “weed-and-feed” mixtures. These contain herbicides to control weed growth and are often applied where they aren’t needed. If healthy lawn care practices (correct mowing height and watering) are followed, weed control shouldn’t be necessary. Be sure your mower is set to three inches to help shade out unwanted weeds.
How often, how much?
Unless you’re maintaining a golf course, you can have a beautiful lawn by fertilizing only two or three times a year:
- Either apply twice a year, in late spring (late April or early May) and fall (September or October)
- Or apply three times a year, in late spring (Memorial Day), early fall (Labor Day) and late fall (Thanksgiving)
Pointers for pesticide use:
Correct watering, mowing and fertilizing habits can reduce many pest problems. But if you do choose to treat for insects, it is essential that you know your enemy before you apply pesticides! If possible, hand pick the little buggers off the plants and identify the pest. The important part is to identify and treat only for the pests you have, at their most vulnerable stage.
For help identifying the bug that’s been bugging you, call the Michigan State University Master Gardner Hotline.
A general spraying of insecticide is ineffective, costly and may do more harm than good.
Here are a few key points to remember with dog ownership. You are not allowed to have more than two dogs over the age of six months living in the same premises and Pit Bulls are prohibited from living in the city. All of your dogs must be licensed and must wear current licensing tags when leaving their property for a walk. From December 1 to February 28 city residents can go to city hall to obtain a dog license, otherwise the Ottawa County Treasurer’s Office in Grand Haven issues licenses, but the fee is doubled.
Per the City Code it is a nuisance to allow an animal to urinate or defecate on any property without the permission of the owner. Please practice your civil responsibility when taking your pet out for a walk and remember to clean up after your pet. Constant barking may also be considered a nuisance. Remember that all dog bites must be immediately reported to the police.
Most importantly, please remember to take your neighbors into consideration when it comes to your dog’s behavior.
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| 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 extension 418. |
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