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Contents:
GOODBYE AND THANKS
LIBRARY GUARDIAN FILTERING INSTALLED
OTHER LIBRARY NEWS
DAM TO BE BUILT ON BUTTERMILK CREEK
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE SCHEDULED
COMMUNITY POLICING WINS TOP STAFF HONORS
P.A.L.S. PROGRAM A SUCCESS
CENSUS 2000 COUNT IS VITAL!
HUDSONVILLE COMMUNITY NIGHT AT OLD KENT PARK
"GOODBYE AND THANKS"
Dear Friends:
It is with a feeling of both excitement and apprehension that I will soon end my local government career as your City Manager. My official retirement date is July 7, but I will spend my last day on the job on June 23, having completed nearly thirty-nine years in public administration--twenty-five years with the City of Zeeland and the last fourteen years here in Hudsonville.
My decision to move to Hudsonville, in 1986, was a challenge that turned out to be a rare opportunity. My work here soon became a labor of love for a city that is truly special. Our citizens are kind, understanding, tolerant, hardworking, moral and conservative. They have strong religious convictions, concern for our children's education and future, a willingness to help each other, and are deeply committed to community values. Our city is clean, prosperous, safe, and friendly. You may not realize it, but local officials from many other cities have a high regard for Hudsonville and wish they could experience the same successes in their towns.
We've had some failures, but our accomplishments have vastly outweighed them. I can look back with pride at the changes that have taken place:
- Three new industrial parks with diversified industry and jobs for our resident
- A revitalized central business district which now serves as the community's shopping center
- Hundreds of new homes and small businesses
- Development of the Hudsonville Nature Center
- A thousand new residents, and with them expanded schools and churches to serve them
- Miles of new streets and sidewalks
- A modern utility system
- A new city hall and expanded library
- Regional involvements (planning, utilities, transportation, etc.)
- Our first comprehensive master plan
- Well-equipped, well-trained public safety and public service departments (which I'll compare to any small progressive city)
- Well-kept neighborhoods and homes
- Ways to keep our citizens informed (such as this newsletter)
Community activities (our "125th Anniversary", holiday parade, police and fire programs)
Certainly, I can only take partial credit for these accomplishments. It took honest and committed elected leaders who were willing to be farsighted and take some risks, dedicated department heads and city employees, businesses which recognized the value of locating here, outstanding public and private school systems, and a whole lot of local citizens who provided their talents, involvement, time and money. In summary, we're in fine shape and getting better all the time!
My wife, Norma, and I look forward to some RV'ing, continuing to work for community causes and church missions, and spending quality time with our family. I would like to thank all of you with whom I've had the privilege of working with over the years. I urge you to provide the same foundation and support to Pauline Luben, my Assistant for the past eight and one-half years, who succeeds me and will do an excellent job as your new City Manager.
May God continue to bless Hudsonville!
Leon Van Harn
LIBRARY GUARDIAN FILTERING INSTALLED
In March, an internet filtering system was installed on all public computers at the Gary Byker Public Library .
The "Library Guardian" (previously called SmartGuardian) filtering system is felt to be the most technologically advanced filtering system available today. Although the Hudsonville library is only the second library in the country to install the software, it is now being looked at by library officials across the nation.
The computers are not filtered. In effect, the users are! Five different filtering levels have been provided. Only parents may obtain a Library Guardian computer card for their children(those under 18). They are automatically restricted from the highest access level, which contains sites deemed harmful to minors. The parent can choose one of four other accessl evels, each level more restricted than the previous. The lowest filtered level is "Safe Harbor", a 15,000 site level suitable for all children. So far, most parents are choosing the least restricted level allowed for children.
Adults have all five levels available. Most adults are choosing "unrestricted access", although some do choose among the filtered levels. So far, there has not been a single problem reported with children's internet use because any inappropriate matter is automatically screened out--either by our own policy, or by the parent's wishes. To use the internet, a patron must have his or her own Library Guardian card. It contains the users photograph and a programmed computer chip. Each time a computer is used, patrons must register at the circulation desk, where cards are checked and instructions given. The computer shuts down automatically when they finish and all computers (except at the small desks in the children's section) are recessed.
Occasionally, a user cannot access a desired site. If this happens, patrons are generally advised to decrease their filter level. Or, they may have been attempting to enter a "chart room" or "e-mail", two features that are not permitted. Filters are not 100% accurate and parents are always advised to provide necessary parental guidance.
Throughout the implementation of the project, library officials have kept close contact with Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm to make sure we are doing everything right. The library has provided a direct on-line contact and if a patron believes that any site should not be on the internet at all, the patron can request the Attorney General's office to investigate.
City officials are pleased with the system and welcome any questions that patrons may have. Many local patrons supported this project. We want to especially thank the following supporters:
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Fair Haven Ministries
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Bill & Lisa Aukeman
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| Norman & Crystal Unema |
Lois B. Mol
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| Leon & Norma Van Harn |
Dan & Mary Gryzen
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| Dr. Robert & Anita Huizenga |
Ken & Marcia Wierda
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| Jim, Cindy & Becky Holtrop |
Dale & Delores Sall
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| Mr. & Mrs. Ross Hoezee |
Allen Boersen
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| Royal Plastics, Inc. |
Grand Valley Remax
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| Western Michigan Fleet Parts, Inc. |
Hudsonville Lanes
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OTHER LIBRARY NEWS
Congratulations to the 32° Club members who read 32 books over the winter! Barb Boldt, Carrie Bontje, Katie Boorsma, Sherry Bos, Sharon Boshoven, Doretta Bouwkamp, Gloria Byle, Deb Cooper, Lisa Dick, Barb Doane, Kelli Drenth, Patti Dykstra, Jenifer Fazio, Mike Fisher, Cindy Geers, Becky Haagsma, Charlene Horling, Anita Hoezee, Jim Holtrop, Marian Johnson, Jerry Keuning, Wilma Keuning, Iva Klawiter, Johanna Koops, Rich Kornoelje, Alvin Koster, Marjorie Koster, Karen Mastbergen, Ellie Mazor, Kerrie Meinema, Nancy Noteboom, Marcia Poortenga, Frank Schuchardt, Judy Sibley, Peggy Snellink, Lois Spinks, Deb Sprague, Ali Stratton, Dave Vruwink, Cheryl Vanderwell, Cornelia Vander Wal and Linda Westhuis.
A variety of other programs began in April, including Children's Spring Story Time, Wee Wigglers, National Library Week, Family Reading Night, Amnesty Week, and TV Turn-Off Week.
Registration for summer programs begins June 12. You must be a participant in the Summer Reading Club to register ($10 sign-up fee — free to Hudsonville Library card holders): Call 669-1255. Programs include:
| June 20 |
1:00-2:00 PM |
Horizon Complex Gymnastics, Dance & Karate |
| June 27 |
1:00-2:00 PM |
Baseball Stories for the Very Young |
| July 6 |
1:00-3:00 PM |
Board Game Marathon |
| July 13 |
1:00-2:00 PM |
Teddy Bear Olympics |
| July 18 |
1:00-2:00 PM |
Hot Peppers Jump Rope Team |
| July 27 |
1:00-2:00 PM |
Library Olympics |
| August 3 |
1:00-2:00 PM |
Sport Science |
Every Wednesday, June 21-July 26, 10:30-11:00 AM Walk-in Story Time at Hughes Park for children age 3-7 (no registration required).
DAM TO BE BUILT ON BUTTERMILK CREEK
For a number of years, Hudsonville (and other area units of government) have jointly planned for the construction of a large reservoir and dam on the upstream end of Buttermilk Creek (south side of I-196, in Jamestown Township, between 32nd and 40th Avenues).
The Ottawa County Drain Commission has awarded a contract for construction of the dam by September 30, 2000, at an estimated construction cost of $200,000. There will be a 48" diameter culvert under the dam to restrict stormwater flows into Buttermilk Creek and significantly reduce peak flows passing through Hudsonville during major storm events. The new dam will also minimize erosion of banks and sediment at the stream bottom in Buttermilk Creek.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE SCHEDULED
Monday, May 29, 2000
10:00 AM
Veterans Park
(corner Chicago Drive and School Avenue)
Each year our Memorial Day Service is held to honor those who have died in defense of our country. Please join your neighbors to honor those who have paid the supreme sacrifice.
This year's service will include:
Opening/Introductions........................................................Pauline Luben, Ass't City Manager
Colors/Laying of the Wreath.................Michigan National Guard, 507th Engineer Battalion
Invocation.......................................................................................................Rev. Robert Vance
Comments.....................................................................................................Jim Holtrop, Mayor
Music.........................................................................................................Cherri Butler, vocalist
Address......................................................................................Leon Van Harn, City Manager
Gun salute/posting colors/colors......................................................Michigan National Guard
In case of rain, the service will be held at City Hall.
COMMUNITY POLICING WINS TOP STATE HONORS
The Hudsonville Police Department has had a community policing department for just three years. And, for each of those three years, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police has chosen the program for its highest honor — its "Award of Excellence".
This year's recognition was for the department's P.A.L.S. (Police and Love Services) program, an approach to handling community property deterioration and code violations. Working with Love, Inc. (In the Name of Christ) and forty support churches, free materials and volunteer labor are used to bring residences up to municipal codes, as an alternative to prosecution. The program brings self-esteem to property owners, satisfaction to contributors and volunteers, and raises the quality of life and harmony for both the resident and the community. Read about the P.A.L.S. story below.
P.A.L.S. PROGRAM A SUCCESS
The City of Hudsonville believes that eliminating safety hazards and property deterioration is a quality of life issue for the community, and that a proactive approach (rather than punitive) is the best defense against hazardous situations, poor or declining structure condition, inadequate yard maintenance, abandoned vehicles, animal care and/or behavioral problems.
The Hudsonville Police Department uses its new P.A.L.S. Program (Police and Love Services) to help maintain community safety, health and appearance. Often, there are reasons for such problems — indigent property owners, property owners lacking maintenance skills and abilities, individuals lacking drive or initiative. By delivering understanding, love and compassion, the community policing program is helping make a difference.
LOVE, INC., supported by nearly forty area churches, and the Police Department, has created an alliance of individuals, companies and corporations to provide materials and labor through the LOVE, INC. organization. Together, needs are identified and corrective measures are planned and offered to property owners and residents. Individual problem areas are usually identified by the Police Department through routine patrol, complaints received, and the routine task of enforcing city ordinances and codes (about 1,200 instances annually). A discussion with the resident may identify that the problem can be corrected by providing counseling, materials, tools, and/or labor. If the party is willing to accept help, he or she receives a warning, and must sign an acceptance form and liability waiver.
Then, police and LOVE, INC. meet with the resident and review project details and a time schedule for correction. Sometimes, only financial counseling is needed. Or, some training or advice is required. At other times, a major effort may be needed to repair a dwelling, remove debris or spruce up shrubbery, paint a house, repair or replace windows, or perform interior electrical or plumbing repair. LOVE, INC., through its many contacts and community support, arranges for the work.
The programs positive effects:
boosts individual self-esteem
- teaches individuals to perform self-maintenance of property
- provides a positive attitude in the neighborhood and community
- reduces potential for neighborhood deterioration, tensions and criminal activity
- promotes improved safety and health, property appearance and harmony
- cost savings to local law enforcement (prosecution and follow up)
Extra effort is taken to prevent a resident or property owner from taking advantage of the program or becoming dependent upon others for help. Once deficiencies are corrected, the property owner or resident is responsible to keep the problem corrected. If not, a citation is issued.
So far, the community is truly responding in the spirit of peace and love as we work together to serve our God, our community, and our fellow brothers and sisters!
CENSUS 2000 COUNT IS VITAL!
Have you received you Census 2000 from from the U.S. Census Bureau? Have you filled it our and returned it? Each household in Hudsonville should have received a Census 2000 questionnaire in March. If you did not receive one, or have misplaced it, another form can be obtained from Hudsonville City Hall. It is vital that every household in Hudsonville be counted.
Census information is used to distribute federal and state revenue sharing dollars to the city, based on local population. The City will receive about $700,000 in federal and state funds over the next ten years. This does not count those funds distributed to schools and other agencies.
Census information is used for planning and allocating funds for school construction, public buildings such as libraries, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, location of emergency services and other projects. Community organizations use data to determine community needs, businesses use the data to locate factories and the U.S. Congress and other legislative bodies use the number to allocate voting members.
A U.S. Census is taken every ten years. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your answers with others. Do your part! Be counted!
HUDSONVILLE COMMMUNITY NIGHT AT OLD KENT PARK
With the cooperation of the Whitecaps, Hudsonville is planning a special event at Old Kent Park on July 18, when the Whitecaps host the Peoria Chiefs at 7:00PM.
 Hudsonville with be featured throughout the evening. City Officials will participate in events and special activities are planned. Hudsonville residents will sit as a group and celebrate our wonderful community!
Let's demonstrate what Hudsonville community spirit is! Event proceeds will be used for funding of our parks. There will be prizes and items given away.
Tickets are just $4 each are are available at City Hall! Buy yours soon!
Show your Community Support!
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