Inside this Issue: Alcohol Veteran' Memorial Water/Sewer Rates Downtown Study Fall lLaf program Holiday Parade Holiday Home Tour Winter Parking Winter Reminders Book Discussion Group Cart Wheelers Used Book Sale Craft Night Winter Story Time

General Election—November 5, 2002 An online source is now available to provide Michigan residents with all the information they need to cast their ballots in the November General Election. The Voter Information Center provides voters with: Information about their voter registration status. Voters can check to see if they are registered to vote and where they are registered to vote. The address of their polling place, directions, and a map. Ballot information, including statewide candidates and ballot proposals. Easy-to-follow instructions for using the voting equipment at their polling place. Updated election results. You can access this website by visiting the city’s website at www.hudsonville.org and clicking on Local Voter Information for November 5, 2002 and then clicking on the Publius logo.

Retail Sale of Alcohol

On January 12, 2002, the Hudsonville City Commission held a planning retreat. Fifteen topics were on the agenda that day, one of which was the retail sale of alcohol in Hudsonville. The Commission discussed the following:

1. Hudsonville residents bemoan the lack of an upscale restaurant in the city.
2. Various restaurants have expressed interest in locating in Hudsonville, but have dropped such interest when they learn of our present ban on the retail sale of alcohol which they feel would make any upscale restaurant less viable.
3. The current law is therefore an obstacle to the development of further taxable property which would be helpful in keeping the city’s tax rate low.
4. Keeping our property tax rate low is also made difficult by the amount of non-taxable property, such as churches, schools and the fairgrounds (currently 25% of land in the city is non-taxable).
5. The ability to sell alcohol would make some existing Hudsonville businesses more viable.
6. The August, 2000, vote on the retail sale of alcohol featured two competing and confusing proposals authored by others at a primary election in which the turnout was low.

Since January 12, the City Commission continued discussing this subject. The Commission did consider the option of by its own power revoking the current law, but decided against that because of two reasons:

1. There is more to this issue than just money; the retail sale of alcohol has been the subject of much discussion, often passionate, in this community for several years.
2. A decision to change to a community where the retail sale of alcohol is permitted is an irrevocable one; meaning once the change is made, we can never go back.

And so the Commission resolved to submit only one clearly written question – yes, you want it; no, you don’t - of its own to the voters and place it at a general election in which there will be an excellent voter turnout so we will truly find out where this community wants to go on this issue.
The wording of the ballot question is:
Shall Section 3-6 of Chapter 3 of the Hudsonville City Code be amended in its entirety as follows:
The retail sale of alcoholic beverages within the borders of the city limits of Hudsonville shall be permitted only in accordance with applicable State of Michigan law including specifically the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, being Act 58 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1998, as amended and as may be amended.
At the same time that the City Commission passed the resolution putting this question on the ballot, it also passed a companion resolution. In that resolution, the present Commission expressed its intent, if the ballot proposal was approved, to award liquor licenses only to businesses that do no more than 50% of their annual gross revenues in the sale of alcoholic liquor. This means that the City will not grant liquor licenses to bars or taverns.
City Attorney Dick Wendt has provided the following information on liquor licenses:

• All licenses for the consumption of alcoholic liquor, i.e., beer and wine and/or spirits and mixed spirits drinks on premises require approval of the City Commission.
• The City is eligible for 5 on-premises licenses for consumption of beer and wine and/or spirits and mixed spirits drinks (1 for each 1,500 population or major fraction thereof).
• The City is eligible for 3 off-premises licenses for sale of packaged liquor (1 for each 3,000 population or fraction thereof).
  
• There is no quota for off-premises licenses for the sale of beer and wine only; however, a 15-day notice is sent to the City by the Liquor Control Commission inviting its opinion on the proposed license.
• A new application to sell alcoholic beverages at retail, or a request to transfer location of an existing license, shall be denied if the contemplated location is within 500 feet of a church or school building.

I hope this information is helpful to you in making an informed decision on this issue. I urge you to vote on November 5.

Mayor Jim Holtrop

Veterans’ Memorial Park Update

In our last newsletter we shared with our readers the plans for a new Veterans’ Memorial Park to be located next to the City Hall. Since the beginning of June an adhoc committee of volunteer citizens and two city officials have been meeting regularly to raise funds for the new park. The committee consists of Jim Kuiphof, chairperson, Sharon Kuiphof, Dave Bolhuis, Pete Groters, Darl Redder, Don Van Doeselaar, Pauline Luben, City Manager, and Kristin Ritsema, Commissioner. The initial response from the community at large has been wonderful. Individuals and businesses have stepped forward to purchase the statues representing the five branches of the military. Companies have donated gifts-in-kind such as surveys, excavation, tree removal, tree relocations and plantings, fill dirt, and topsoil. A veteran’s organization donated a flagpole. A second flagpole has been donated by a local business. Businesses, individuals, and a local church have purchased all the benches designed for the park. Contributions have also been received for trees. Individuals and families have purchased paver bricks and name plates memorializing veterans. A few cash donations have also been received. At an appropriate time all contributors will be recognized in this newsletter and permanently displayed in the Veterans’ Memorial Park.

During the second week of September a call came to City Hall from Amy Smith, a teacher at the Baldwin Street Middle School, asking if her 8th grade team of students could participate in the fund raising for the new park. They want to make this one of their civic projects. This particular group of 8th graders, known as the Zoo Team, consists of 110 eighth graders. In addition to Amy, instructiors, Karen Van Dyke, Nancy Pirlot, Jennifer Scott, and Scott St. Antoine lead this academic team. Their goal is to raise $4,000+ for an additional statue. On September 19, 2002, these teachers loaded their 110 students on two busses and transported them to City Hall to see the site of the new park. A member of the committee met with the students to explain the layout and the reason for such a park in our community. Since this time one of the teachers reported that the students have met and enthusiastically laid plans for fund raising activities.
The last major piece of this project are the under ground sprinkling, electrical work, and the cement work to complete the memorial wall, statue foundations, stage, and walkways. If you would like to become a participant in this part of the project with materials, gifts-in-kind, or a donation, please call the city offices or one of the committee members. Many donations, whether small or large, will help our community reach its goal to construct a beautiful Veteran’s Memorial Park to recognize those men and women who have or are currently serving our country to maintain our freedoms.

Water & Sewer Rate Structures
Adjusted to Reflect Costs

Due to continued increasing expenses and an aging infrastructure the City Commission could no longer hold the line with its current water rate schedule where rates had not been increased in over three years. Because costs for water and operation/maintenance of the water system have outpaced revenues generated under the current rate structure the city was forced to implement an 8,000 gallon per quarter minimum usage rate at $11.36 plus adjust the remaining rate schedule to more accurately reflect the city’s current costs. It is expected that these changes will generate approximately an additional $70,000 per year. These additional funds will be used to offset expenses for 1) higher operating and water costs, 2) additional security measures for water towers and lift stations, 3) maintenance of the aging infrastructure, for example, both towers need to be painted at an estimated cost of $300,000 to $500,000.
The City Commission also adopted a small increase in sewer rates to offset rising costs. Both of these newly adopted rate structures will be effective with the November 1, 2002 billing.

Downtown Study

The Downtown Development Authority has hired the firm of M. C. Smith to analyze the DDA District to better understand the functionality and possibility of enhancements to this area. M.C. Smith will be studying the daily activity in the downtown business area, taking pictures of the area, and conducting public meetings to absorb the vision of the community. Possible projects that will be looked at are developing more commercial properties, helping with the traffic flow and a streetscape enhancement project.

Fall Leaf Drop-off

This year’s fall leaf pickup schedule is as follows:

• Friday, October 25 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 9 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Saturday, December 7 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Residential only—No commercial disposal

City residents only—ID will be checked

Leaves and grass clippings

Leaves: plastic/paper bags/boxes only (NO open loads)

Branches and small bushes: (Maximum trunk diameter of 4 inches and length of 4 feet.)

Hudsonville Annual Holiday Parade

Strike up the band! Jingle your bells!

The Hudsonville Holiday Parade Committee is planning their annual holiday parade. The parade will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 10:00 a.m.
Parade entries, volunteers, and sponsors are needed for the 2001 Holiday Parade. If your church has celebrated a special milestone enter the parade to demonstrate your special event. Entries can be floats, singing groups, bands, or walking groups representing clubs, churches, organizations, etc. There are opportunities for people to volunteer to help with entries or sponsor a group.
The Annual Holiday Parade seems to get better every year. This year a fourth band “Northern Lights” will be at our parade. This is a Home School Association Band out of Wyoming. Senator William Van Regenmorter will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Parade as well as a moderator along with Gil Dykstra.
Please join us for some family fun time and welcome in the spirit of this blessed holiday season. Children bring your bags for candy! Refreshments will be served at the Fire Department after the parade.

5th Annual Holiday Home Tour 2002

The friends of the Gary Byker Memorial Library will hold its 5th annual “Holiday Home Tour” on:

• Friday, December 6, 6 pm – 9 pm
• Saturday, December 7, 10 am – 4 pm

Tickets will be $7.00 and are available at the Gary Byker Memorial Library (669-1255), Wanda Giem (896-9376), or Marcia Wierda (669-6608). When you purchase your ticket, you will receive a brochure that includes a map, addresses and a brief description.
Six homes will be featured representing Hudsonville history and historical family names. Some homes representing new growth and development in and around Hudsonville will be featured. All the homes will feature Christmas artistry. The “Friends of the Gary Byker Library” sincerely thank the owners of these homes for welcoming “us” as their guests during this holiday time.

Ken & Sally Groenink 4611 Sunnyslope Drive Paul & Aleta Penfold 1953 Barry Street Jim & Betty Rohn 3247 Van Buren Street Harv & Lin Fredericks 1555 Ponstein Drive David & Cathy Dracht 3937 Bauer Road Mike & Joan Huffman 7333 56th Avenue

As “Friends” we thank you for your support as all proceeds go to the library. If anyone is willing to be included in the 2003 tour, we would love to hear from you.

Winter Season Parking

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 to help us keep our city a safer place during the winter months.

Winter Reminders

• 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 the case of a extreme snow fall, the streets are priority).
• DO NOT shovel or blow snow into the street or sidewalk.
• DO NOT pile snow to a height so as to obstruct driveway vision.

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.

Adult Book Discussion Group

The Adult Book Discussion Group meets the third Thursday of every month, September – May at 7:30 pm to discuss great books, enjoy wonderful company, and of course, refreshments. Come join us for the following selections:

Byker Library Cart Wheelers

If you remember Esther Williams, then the library’s entry this year will hold special interest for you. Or, if you’re too young to remember Esther, think of synchronized swimming from the Olympics. Now, picture this on a nippy November day on the pavement. The participants won’t be clad in bathing suits, but they will be having just as much fun.

ENJOY THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE NEW LIBRARY BOOK CART PRECISION DRILL TEAM

THE “BYKER LIBRARY CART WHEELERS!”

Watch for us in the Holiday Parade!

Used Book Sale

Does your house look like this with stacks and stacks of seldom-used books? Well, donate them to a good cause – our next library book sale on Thursday, November 21 through Saturday, November 23, during regular library hours. This sale features a big selection of children’s non-fiction, withdrawn from our shelves, as well as our regular “almost new” table. Be sure to come in and ask for a tax receipt if you need one or just drop your books off in our green “mailbox” by the front door! Thanks for your support!
Hardcovers: 50 cents; Paperbacks: 25 cents, Magazines: 10 cents. Some “almost new” or “rare” books will have special prices.

Craft Night at the Library

Our library has a great selection of craft books used by some of the greatest crafters around – our patrons! Take advantage of their know-how and come learn a new craft. Each month we will feature a different one. You pay for supplies and we provide the instruction and the fun. And best of all, you get to take home your work! Call the library to register at 669-1255. If you have a special skill that you are willing to share, please call and let us know.

September 24: Quilling – Melissa Huisman & Sueann Posthumus will teach the art of paper filigree, and participants will take home tools, paper, and a simple design suitable for framing.

October: Rubber Stamping – Viv Lane will show us how to make beautiful holiday cards. Participants will take home their designs and a variety of colored stamp pads.

November: Advanced Glass Mosaic – Beth Austhof will show us how to cut glass into shapes and set them into a glass trivet with a Christmas motif.

January: Decorated Birdhouses – Patty Vruggink will show us how to decorate a birdhouse using paint, shingles, and stones!

February: Beaded Bracelets – Carrol Jordan will show us how to make a beaded bracelet.

Future programs will feature quilting, wood chip carving, and wreath making.

Sign-up for Winter Story Time