Contents:
GENERAL ELECTION
NOVEMBER 7, 2000
Polling places open at 7 o’clock AM and remain open
until 8 o’clock PM. Deadline to apply for an absentee voter ballot is two
o’clock PM, Saturday, November 4, 2000.
The following statewide ballot questions qualified to appear on the November 7, 2000
General Election ballot:
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE PROPOSAL 00-1:
A proposal to amend the constitution to prevent the state to provide indirect support to
students attending nonpublic pre-elementary, elementary and secondary schools; allowing
the use of tuition vouchers in certain school districts, and require enactment of teacher
testing laws.
The proposed constitutional amendment would:
ELIMINATE ban on indirect support of students attending nonpublic schools through tuition
vouchers, credits, tax benefits exemption or deductions, subsidies, grants or loans of
public monies or property.
Allow students to use tuition vouchers to attend nonpublic schools in districts with a
graduation rate under two thirds in 1998-1999 and districts approving tuition vouchers
through school board action or a public vote. Each voucher would be limited to one-half of
state average per pupil public school average.
Require teacher testing on academic subjects in public schools and in nonpublic schools
redeeming tuition vouchers.
Adjust minimum per-pupil funding from 1994 –1995 to 2000 – 2001 levels.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Yes ---->
No ----->
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE PROPOSAL 00-2:
A proposal to amend the constitution to require a super majority vote (2/3 vote) of the
State Legislature to enact certain laws affecting local governments.
The proposed constitutional amendment would:
Require a super majority (2/3) vote) of the State Legislature to enact any law which
addresses a matter which a county, city, township, village or municipal authority could
otherwise address under its governing powers or which places a condition or unrestricted
aid extended local governments by the State. Currently, a simple majority vote of
legislature is required to enact such laws.
Retroactively apply the super majority voter requirement to any such law enacted on or
after March 1, 2000.
Exempt from the super majority vote requirement any such law which can be applied at the
option of local governments.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Yes ---->
No ----->
HISTORY OF PLANNING COMMISSIONS
During the beginning of the twentieth century,
“boss” rules guided many U.S. cities. Within such cities, political machines
produced graft through contracts and franchises for street paving, water, sewer, and
trolley lines. In the teens and twenties, a reform movement swept many of these corrupt
bosses out of power. Nonpartisan city council-manager forms of government replaced the
boss systems. Because the public still considered council members as
“politicians,” councils garnered very little trust. To isolate Planning and
Zoning Commissions from the dishonesty of politics, appointed citizens on the Planning and
Zoning Commissions provided quasi-independent bodies. Edward M. Bassett, coauthor of the
seminal 1928 City Planning Enabling Act, said as late as 1938 that the Master Plan of a
community “should be kept within the four walls of the City Planning
Commission.” This view is still common.
The City Beautiful Movement, 1890-1910, marked another major antecedent of today’s
Planning Commission. Stimulated by the eclectic grandeur of the 1893 Chicago Exposition,
this movement resulted in a nationwide rash of public monument building such as palatial
city halls, grand boulevards, and colossal floodlit fountains. While indifferent to
pressing social and functional needs, this movement did lay the groundwork for
comprehensive planning because it stressed three dimensions in contrast to the earlier
two-dimensional U.S. town planning of lot, plot, and street layout. The movement also
typically included the appointment of a blue-ribbon panel of local citizens, and the
hiring of an eminent consultant (usually an architect or landscape architect) to draw up a
one-shot city plan. These elements of the movement foreshadowed the current citizen
Planning Commission and the consultant-prepared plan.
Political authorities eventually placed such plans under some type of public authority. To
lead the way, in 1913 Massachusetts required all cities of more than 10,000 people to
create official planning boards. Other states followed this lead.
In these early days, the Chamber of Commerce and well-to-do citizens constituted the
commission leadership. Thus, the commissions sought to stabilize and protect property
values. To do this, the commissions segregated public nuisances and incompatible uses from
“good” residential areas. Simultaneously, the commissions constantly over-zoned
commercial, industrial, and multi-family uses, areas that had a potential for speculative
profit outside of the established good residential. Unfortunately, the towns altered
before commissions could implement plans. Thus, the City Planner Norton Long labeled the
Master Plans, “the Civic New Year’s Resolution.”
In the thirties, commission concerns expanded from civic anesthetics and zoning to
engineering functions. The width and alignment of streets and the location and adequacy of
public facilities and utilities became increasingly important. Once commissions became
interested in utilities, issues such as efficient and effective government operations also
became important. Concerned with such operations, the commissions became
involved in capital budgeting.
The great postwar impetus to Planning Commission activity was section 701 of the Housing
Act of 1954, which funneled federal money to local jurisdictions. Such federal funds
covered two-thirds or more of the costs of preparing plans, studies, and surveys. Staffs,
agencies, and consultants for the commissions grew in proportion to the money available.
As the nation passed into the troubled sixties, many more issues forced their way onto the
typical Planning Commission’s agenda. These issues included social welfare (housing
and racial issues), environmental impacts, design controls, historic preservation, urban
renews, and most recently growth controls.
During the seventies, Planning Commissions challenged the emphasis on efficient regulation
and processing of development. Planning has traditionally been growth oriented, yet
communities now face a new set of problems due to “decline” (especially those in
the Northeast and Midwest).
Building and zoning regulations may become
more complicated in urban areas, as opposed to rural areas, but not necessarily. While
urban areas possess their own ordinances, many rural areas use state and county codes and
ordinances. Many very small towns and villages have adopted their own regulations.
Zoning ordinances generally prescribe the function of various areas. Such ordinances
regulate dimensions and locations of buildings on lots.
Originally, building codes ensured the safety of structures. Plumbing and electrical codes
also protect public health and safety. Many states provide model codes for cities and
towns.
Gradually, municipalities have expanded and modified the objectives of public regulations.
Now, many regulations concern matters such as aesthetic appearances, rights to have
unobstructed views, rights to have one’s share of sunlight, and many issues that
affect the community lifestyle.
To implement codes and ordinances, municipalities require residents to attain permits for
any new land use or building. Inspectors or code enforcement officers issue the permits if
the new use or building follows regulations.
To appeal the inspector’s decisions, most go to a board of appeals,
and then frequently, to the City Commission or other governing body. The courts provide
another route to appeal. Courts often test innovations in zoning ordinances.
As part of your residency in the City of Hudsonville, YOU are needed to continue to make this community a good place to live. There are two openings on the Planning Commission and one opening on the Zoning Board of Appeals. If you have any desire to serve your community, please keep these positions in mind and call Mayor Jim Holtrop at 669-6523 for more information.
There have been a number of complaints concerning dog defecation being left behind when persons take their dogs for a walk. It is considered a nuisance per the City of Hudsonville Code of Ordinances to allow an animal to urinate or defecate on any public property without the permission of the owner of such property. This has been a growing problem, particularly in the Hudsonville Nature Center area. The City is asking for residents to please practice your civil responsibility when taking your pet out for a walk and to remember to clean up after your pet. Other residents do not want to take home, or smell, unwanted “souvenirs” from a nice walk through the Nature Center, or elsewhere in the City. There is the potential of being charged for a misdemeanor. It is desired to avoid that, so please remember to clean up after your pets.
SIDEWALKS
COMMENTARY BY CITY MANAGER
After recently moving to the City of Hudsonville, I have observed something that I feel would help to improve the aesthetics of the City of Hudsonville. It has been my pleasure to join many of the other residents of this community in the spirit of walking. While taking my walking excursions, I have observed the lack of edging on many of our sidewalks. The grass has taken over the sidewalk by about 50 %. Many of the sidewalks look like they have never been swept or ever edged. When you come upon an area that is edged and cleaned, the appearance of the sidewalk seems to enhance the value of the property that goes with it. Hudsonville is proud of its community. However, some of these little things can go a long way to enhance the beauty of the community even more.
There will be another fall leaf/brush
disposal this year held at our DPW Department, 5713 Balsam Drive. Leaves must be placed in
plastic, paper bags, or boxes only. No open loads. Brush may not exceed 4’ length by
2” diameter. The times will be:
Friday, November 3, from 1 PM - 7 PM
Friday, November 17, from 1 PM - 7 PM
Saturday, December 9, from 9 AM - 1 PM
Our annual Holiday Parade will be held Saturday, November 18, beginning at 10:00 AM. As in the past, the parade will be on 32 nd Avenue, between New Holland Drive and Central Blvd. Former Police Chief Richard Honholt, a member of the parade committee since it formed, will be the Grand Marshal. Please join us for some family fun time and welcome in the spirit of this wonderful holiday season. Refreshments will be served at the Fire Department after the parade.
The Friends of the Gary Byker Memorial Library
have already hosted two highly successful holiday home tours. The third Holiday Home Tour
will be held: 
Friday, December 1, 6 PM - 9PM
Saturday, December 2, 11 AM - 3 PM
Mark your calendar and enjoy Christmas
artistry of many different styles, colors and settings. Six homes will again be featured
on our tour 2000.
Tickets will be available at the Gary Byker Memorial Library, City Hall, Somewhere
inThyme, or call Wanda Giem at 896-9376, Marcia Wierda at 669-6608, Norma Van Harn at
669-2771 and of course each participating home. When you purchase your ticket, you will
receive a brochure which includes the names and addresses of participating homes as well
as a map. Cost for tour is $7.00.
If you are interested in your home being on next year’s tour (does not require
professional decorating), please call Wanda Giem at 896-9376 or Marcia Wierda at 669-6608.
Water meters are placed in many different
areas of homes. It is sometimes difficult to read the remote to your water meter because
of obstructions (the remote is outside your dwelling near the location of your inside
water meter).
PLEASE HELP BY:
NOT PLANTING SCRUBS IN FRONT OF THE REMOTE
TRIMMING SHRUBS ALREADY NEAR THE REMOTE
NOT SHUTTING OFF ACCESS TO THE REMOTE (BY FENCING IT IN)
Thank You.
OTTAWA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADULT SERVICES
Did you know you can have:
comprehensive panel of blood tests
blood pressure check
cancer and diabetes risk screening
hearing test
vision test
heart and lung check
breast exam
individual session with a public health nurse
This is available to Ottawa County Residents for only $10.00. Call for an appointment and
sign up today as space is limited.
LOCATIONS Coopersville: 785 Randall Road, Coopersville,
MI 49404. Phone: 837-8171 |
INFORMATION FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
WINTER SEASON PARKING REGULATIONS. The City of
Hudsonville continues with a long-standing ordinance that prohibits parking on city
streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. from November 1 through April 1. The
purpose of this regulation is to ensure that the Department of Public Works snow removal
personnel can promptly, efficiently, and safely clear roadways for our citizens’
safety and convenience.
Our police department does enforce this ordinance and issues parking citations for these
violations. We certainly hope that information and education will be the front line runner
to enforcement, and we urge all of our citizens help us keep our city a safer place during
the winter months.
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO ASSIST WITH POLICE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMMING. Our police
department will, once again, need student volunteers to assist in the role playing of
Vince & Larry, the Crash Dummies, McGruff, the Crime Fighting Dog, and Daren, the
D.A.R.E. Lion during our annual Christmas Parade. The Christmas Parade will be held during
the morning of Saturday, November 18, 2000. Student volunteers should be between the ages
of 12 and 18 as well as be able to act and interact as a friendly, outgoing, animated
character. Students interested in volunteering can obtain more information by calling the
Hudsonville City Police Department between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday
through Friday at 669-0010.
VACATION WATCH SECURITY CHECKS FOR RESIDENCE AND BUSINESS. For well over 20-years, the
Hudsonville City Police Department has offered property checks for both residences and
businesses in our community while away on vacation. Though we live in an extremely safe
community, our police department believes that a proactive approach remains an intricate
part of our community’s safety and best interest.
Whether a citizen or business owner is leaving the property for just a weekend or an
entire season, we encourage them to stop in and complete a Property Check Request form so
that our officers can sporadically check the property and ensure that all is well.
Vacation request forms can be completed at the police department Monday through Friday,
8:00 AM through 5:00 PM
HOLIDAY TIMES SHOULD BE HAPPY TIMES. The winter holiday season, i.e., Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year’s, is a joyous time of year for families and friends to both
celebrate and commemorate the many blessings that we have received. Unfortunately,
celebrations often include underage drinking and/or drinking and driving. Life can take a
sudden, unexpected, and tragic turn by one misjudgment and have a devastating effect for
many forever. PLEASE DO NOT DRINK IF YOU ARE UNDER AGE AND DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!
Let’s work together to keep our holidays healthy and happy not terrifying and teary.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE. WHAT YOU CAN DO! Someone in your household or business has just fallen
victim to a heart attack or stroke! Someone has just been injured severely and needs help!
You call 9-1-1 and the Hudsonville City Police Department, Hudsonville Fire and Rescue,
and AMR Ambulance responds. What more can you do to help?
Our police, fire, and medical response teams are trained, equipped, and skilled to help
people in need; however, often times response times (life-saving seconds) can be hampered
by time spent attempting to locate the exact location. If circumstances allow, we
encourage anyone who calls for emergency help to, if possible, send someone to the front
porch or front property line to flag down responding emergency personnel. If this is not
possible, turn on a front porch light. In addition, please ensure that the structure
and/or mailbox are properly addressed in visible (contrasting colors) minimum three inches
high Arabic numbers. These actions can make a difference between life and death!
CITY
OF HUDSONVILLE
AUTOMATIC UTILITY BILL PAYMENT PROGRAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How does the City’s payment program work?
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.
How will I know the amount of my bill?
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/savings account statement.
Is there a charge to enroll in this service?
The City does not charge any fees for this program. Your utility bill will be unaffected by the decision to enroll in Automatic Utility Bill Payment Program. Most financial institutions do not charge for the service, but you should contact yours to be sure.
What if there is a question about my billing?
Contact the Treasurer’s Office so we can correct any errors. If the error is not
noticed until after the due date, a refund can be issued.
What if I change my financial institution?
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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