Veterans Memorial Park
Inside this Issue: Note from the Mayor DDA Zoning Regulations Stormwater Pollution West Nile Hughes Park Adult Reading Program Farmer's Market Hazardous Waste Summer Programs	Dedication Ceremony Memorial Day May 31, 2004 10 a.m.

May 2004 is the month to celebrate and dedicate the new
Veterans Memorial Park!

Two years ago the Hudsonville City Commission voted to create a new Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall. The original Veterans Park was located on the corner of Chicago Drive and School Street, next to the railroad tracks on the Freshman Campus property. That park was very small, and often during Memorial Day services speakers had to compete with passing trains. The creation of a new and larger park would provide the city an opportunity to recognize men and women who have served, or are currently serving, their country.
Once the commissioners decided to fund the new park through donations rather than from the city’s general fund, a citizens committee was established to oversee the development of the park. This committee, consisting of chairperson Jim Kuiphof, Sharon Kuiphof, Dave Bolhuis, Pete Groters, Pauline Luben, Darl Redder, Kristin Ritsema, John Gorney and Don Van Doeselaar was given the responsibility to plan the park and conduct fund raising activities. Over the next two years the committee met monthly to meet the goals established by the city commission.

Hudsonville Citizens Committee

Back Row: (L to R) Darl Redder, Jim Kuiphof, Chairman, Don Van Doeselaar Center Row: Dave Bolhuis, John Gorney, Pete Groters Front Row: Kristin Ritsema, Pauline Luben, Sharon Kuiphof

The new park has three main features. In the center, and the focal point of the park, is the Memorial Stone, moved from the original park, which list the names of those who died while defending the freedoms of our country. Along the west side of the park facing 32nd St. are six statues representing the branches of the military. On the north end of the park by Buttermilk Creek is the stage and Memorial Wall that bears the names of those who have or are currently serving in the U.S. Military.
This beautiful park could not have been built without the help of many volunteers and financial donors. Over 400 individuals and businesses from the surrounding area gave money, labor, materials and managerial skills to complete the park. The City Commission and the Citizens Committee say “Thank You” to all those who helped to ensure the construction of this beautiful tribute to honor those who have and will serve this great nation of ours. The goal to build a Veterans Memorial Park at an estimated cost of $175,000 has been accomplished!
The dedication and the first Memorial Day service will take place on May 31, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra will be the featured speaker and State Senator Wayne Kuipers and Representative Bill Huizenga will also be there to help us celebrate. Julie Kersaan will be the soloist and uniformed military personnel representing each branch of the service will be standing at each statue. A few chairs will be available but it is recommended that you bring lawn chairs and blankets along for additional seating.

Come and celebrate with us!

~Mayor Van Doeselaar

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DDA RE-HIRES CHESAPEAKE GROUP, INC.

The DDA has entered into an agreement with The Chesapeake Group out of Baltimore, Maryland to conduct a “Needs Assessment” for the Hudsonville area. The Chesapeake Group did the initial needs assessment for the DDA in 1991. Howard Kohn, the President of the company, is working on this study personally. This proposed work program is to address the economic/market issues associated with Hudsonville. The work program will analyze the commercial opportunities and components to develop a non-“boiler plate” strategic plan and implementation program.
The first phase of the work program for Hudsonville includes comprehensive data collection essential for quality projections for the market analysis component and strategic recommendations development. The types of data collection are:

• One-on-one, in person interviews
• Telephone surveys of various resident groups
• Survey of area businesses
• Reconnaissance of the core and other Hudsonville area
• Inventorying

The next step is the analysis. The analysis is expected to yield information with respect to, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

• Definition of the current conditions
• Definition of market/trade areas
• Definition of commercial components of demand
• \Demographic characteristics or profile of market area
• Spending habits of the area
• Customer base and commercial utilization patterns
• Current or potential components of demand penetration levels
• Definition of competitive advantages and disadvantages with central core area

Phase three will be Site Specific Development Concepts followed by phase four the Strategic Recommendations & Implementation Plan.
Phase five will be the Plan Document. The Chesapeake Group will present a report summarizing the process utilized, the findings, conclusions, and recommendations with respect to the analysis and implementation program. An Executive Summary of conclusions and suggestions will also be produced and distributed.

Zoning Regulations...

With summer comes outdoor activities. Please keep the following zoning regulations in mind:

• Recreational vehicles (travel trailers, boats, etc.) are only allowed in the front yard for a maximum of three-3 days at a time. Please store recreational vehicles in an enclosed building or in the side or rear yard.
• Fences require permits. Contact the Planning Dept. for information on height restrictions and permit information before erecting a fence.
• Some sheds may also require a permit. If the shed is greater then a 200 square foot, please contact

Professional Code Inspections at (616) 667-8803.
Please contact the Planning/Zoning Dept. if you have any questions regarding zoning regulations at (616) 669-0200, Ext. 416. Thank you for your cooperation.

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STORMWATER POLLUTION

As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water.
By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors!

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Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water

Vehicle and Garage

• Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on the lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody.
• Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
• Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.
• Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest- resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
• Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.
• Don’t overwater your lawn. Sprinkle during the cool times of the day, don’t let water run off into the storm drain.
  
• Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Home Repair and Improvement

• Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials.
• Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
• Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
• Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
• Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.
• Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.
  

Pet Care

• When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increase public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.

Swimming Pool and Spa

• Drain your swimming pool only when a test kit does not detect chlorine levels.
• Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system.
• Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to stormwater

Septic System Use and Maintenance

• Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 3 years, and have the septic tank pumped as necessary (usually every 3 to 5 years).
• Care for the septic system drainfield by not driving or parking vehicles on it. Plant only grass over and near the drainfield to avoid damage from roots.
• Flush responsibly. Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil, and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system. Other items, such as diapers, paper towels, and cat litter, can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater or www.epa.gov/nps
Storm drains connect to waterbodies!

Ozone Action Days

What is an Ozone action day? An ozone action day is in effect when ground-level ozone levels are forecast to reach unhealthy levels. On those days, businesses and the public in West Michigan are asked to take voluntary, no-cost actions to reduce emissions which lead to the ground-level ozone creation.

• Here are a few simple tips to improving air quality on Ozone Action Days.
• Get fuel when its cool. Refueling during cooler periods can prevent gas fumes from heating up and creating ozone.
• Use public transportation, share a ride, or vanpool.
• Care for your car. Regular maintenance could reduce your cars emissions by more than half.
• Combine your errands into one trip. It helps you get things done quickly and reduces air pollution. Did you know that when you first start a car after it has sat for more than an hour, it pollutes up to five times more than when the engines warm.
• Know before you mow. Waiting to use gasoline powered lawn equipment until evening or skipping it all together on ozone action days helps the air. After just one hour of mowing, a lawn mower puts out as much pollution equal to driving a car 340 miles.
• Drive smooth and easy. Avoid high speeds. In some cars driving 55 m.p.h. improves gas mileage by as much as 15%.

Hazardous Waste Disposal The Ottawa County Health Department is opening disposal centers called Resource Recovery Service Centers for the collection of household hazardous waste. These centers are open to Ottawa County residents at no cost. In addition to disposal of hazardous waste, the center will also serve as a household recycling center. There is a $18 fee to county residents for this service. City of Hudsonville residents may use the Georgetown Service Center located at 6683 Roger Dr off of Port Sheldon Road. It opens May 10th, however, dates and times have not yet been determined. Please visit our website for updated information.

Downtown Hudsonville Farmer’s Market Starts Wednesday May 12, 2004 Coming again this summer will be the 5th annual Farmer’s & Crafter’s Market in Downtown Hudsonville. It is held every Wednesday from May 12th to September 22nd in the front parking lot of Gemmen's. In the past 4 years we have had many different booths selling everything from fruits and vegetables to birdhouses, jewelry, hand knit items, cheesecakes, honey, floral arrangements, candles, cookbooks and more. We would like to invite those who would like to rent a booth this year to call Gemmen's at 669-1118 and ask for Barb Van Noord to receive more information. As a bonus for first time renter’s we will give you a spot FREE for the first week you sign up for. Rental for a 10’ x 10’ booth is only $10 and only $6 if you prefer to be under the awning. And those looking for fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers, we invite you to check it out every Wednesday starting May 12th. Protect Against West Nile Virus Mosquitoes need water to breed and grow. Here are some way to prevent West Nile Virus: empty water from flower pot dishes, dispose of used tires properly, clean leaf clogged gutters, clean garden ponds and stock with fish, keep pet and birdbath water fresh, and put away garden equipment and toys in the yard that can collect water. For more information visit the Ottawa County Health Dept. at www.co.ottawa.mi.us. And remember to eliminate places where water can collect.

Hughes Park Are you looking for a location to have the family picnic this summer? The City is now taking reservations for Hughes Park. In addition to the shelter house, the park also has three sections open for reservation. Each section is set up with picnic tables and grills. The sections are near the restrooms and playground equipment. Sections rent for $20 to residents and $30 for non-residents. Reservations are for a five hour time period. Other activities at Hughes Park include basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, horseshoes, frisbee golf, and baseball. For more information or to make reservations, contact the Clerk’s office at (616) 669-0200 ext. 412. 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 at City Hall. The purpose of the permit is to protect and maintain the water distribution system and track water use. The user will be billed for the permit and the metered water. If you use a fire hydrant without a permit, you will be charged an unauthorized use fee of $250. For more information, please call Gina at City Hall, 669-0200 ext. 421.

Gary Byker
Memorial Library
Summer Programs

Programs for Kids
(Registration Required)

June 24 – 1:00 p.m.: Maciek the Magician will astound & amaze you and even teach you a few tricks. (2nd grade and up)

July 1 – 11:00 a.m.: Rocks – Ask Larry Byle everything you wanted to know about U.S. rocks but were afraid to ask. Plus, you take home a Petoskey Stone Kit. (2nd grade and up)

July 8 – 10:15 a.m. : Fish Puppet Show - Learn how to keep your pet fish alive and swimming and other really cool fish stuff. Presented by Tim Boelema of Aquarium Services. (K – 2nd grade)

July 8 – 11:15 a.m.: Fish Aquariums - Create your own aquatic environment with fish, plants and other watery creatures. Presented by Ken Williams of Aquarium Services. (3rd grade and up)

July 13 – 1:00 p.m.: Dog Sledding – Teen Peter Odren will bring his dog sled and some dogs too. Learn what makes ‘em run. (2nd grade and up)

July 20 – 11:00 a.m.: Pirates – Aye, maties, do you dare to hear Miss Ellie tell pirate tales? Play pirate games and make a pirate craft. Be there or walk the plank! (K – 2nd grade)

July 27 – 1:00 p.m.: It’s the Great Bug Discovery with buggy Professor Anson Pantz (Pete Stobie) of the Kalamazoo Nature Center. What bug will you discover? (K and up)

Walk-in Story Time Ages 3 1/2 – 7 Wednesdays 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. June 23 through July 28 Walk in! Sit down! Hear a story! Stand up! Sing a song! Do a dance! Have some summer story time fun! (Parents are welcome to stay or to use that time to look around the library.)

Kids Summer Reading Club

June 7 – Sign-up begins. $10.00 fee for non-Hudsonville City residents. Hudsonville Library cardholders may register for free.

August 14 – Program ends. Last day to drop off charts and get prizes is August 21st.

Teen Programming
(for teens 12 – 18 who have registered for the summer reading club)

July 6 – 1:00 p.m. Stained Glass
Make a stained glass game board (chess/checker) or do something completely different. Let your light shine through.

July 22 – 2:00 p.m. Cartooning
Matt Vander Pol, professional cartoonist, will show Anime and other cartooning styles and give tips on how to draw your own cartoons.

5th Annual
Adult Summer Reading Club

Sign up for our “annual” program and read one book a week from June 12 – August 7 to become a “perennial” reader. Fill out a short book review for each book to earn some outstanding prizes!

Downtown Hudsonville Farmer’s Market Wednesdays May 12th - September 22nd

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