Inside this Issue: '56 Tornado Open House Neighborhood Revaluation School Election Smart Growth Memorial Day Observance Swimming Pool Attention Dog Owners Youth Theater Hughes Park Rental Hydrant Flushing West Nile Emerald Ash Borer Lawn Fertilizer Guide Hazardous Waste Disposal Summer Reading Program Used Book Sale Adult Summer Reading Club Nature Center News	Free Concerts! 7:00 PM • Veteran’s Park Save the third Thursday of each month. Bring a blanket or lawn chair...and a friend! Door Prizes • Concession Stand Rain or shine! We’ll move to the Fire Station next door in case of rain. Upcoming Concerts May 18 June 15 July 20 Aug. 17 Sept. 7 Kings Choraliers Calder City Concert Band Baker/Pasma Family Band B-Bop Band 6:30 P.M. Down Home Horns

April 3, 1956 Tornado Memorial Open House April 22, 2006 On Saturday, April 22, 2006 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will be an Open House at the Hudsonville City Hall, 3275 Central Blvd. This will be a family event and all interested parties are invited to come and see: Mementos, photos and newspaper articles provided by the survivors and their families City of Hudsonville Emergency Vehicles and our new Severe Weather Training Trailer Ottawa County’s Command & Communications Trailer A tornado model Commemoration Plaque Also on hand: National Weather Service Personnel Various Media Personnel Ottawa County Red Cross Ottawa County Emergency Management Personnel City of Hudsonville Emergency Personnel Please call (616) 669-0200 x421 for more information.	School Election - May 2, 2006 On Tuesday, May 2, 2006 the Hudsonville School District will elect two Board candidates for four-year terms expiring 2010. Three candidates are running for two Board positions. They are Steve Bowerman, James Brandt and Kenneth J. Petkus. Also, a mileage renewal will be on the ballot requesting the Non-homestead 18 mills, which is an annual renewal and does not apply to a person’s homestead. Absentee ballots are available from the City Clerk, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2006. Voting locations for school elections are the same as for all regular elections.
	Smart Growth in Hudsonville The Small Town Design Initiative (STDI), which was the first part of the Smart Growth program, has been completed! The STDI resulted in the creation of over 100 digital renderings of Hudsonville locations as designed by advanced students in the MSU Architecture Program. These renderings range from improved downtown landscaping and building facades to various signage and monument designs at key entry points to the city. We were pleased with the good attendance from the community during the STDI program and hope to see that trend continue throughout the following steps. The next step of creating an Architectural Design Elements portfolio is being worked on with completion anticipated in May. The portfolio is based on ideas we gained from the STDI program and will provide assistance with building designs that can be used in Hudsonville. The future steps are to redo our Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance, incorporating the portfolio throughout. Nederveld & Associates is providing assistance on all of these documents. Ottawa County made this program possible by awarding Hudsonville their Urban Smart Growth Demonstration Project grant.
Neighborhood Revaluation Our neighborhood revaluation project will continue again this summer for the area bounded by 36th Avenue on the east, 40th Ave on the west, Van Buren on the south, north to the city limits. Since the summer of 2002 our department was able to update the records for approximately 550 properties in the area north of Chicago Drive. The goal of revaluation is to adjust assessed values to more accurately reflect the property. Accurate and complete information regarding each property is necessary to maintain uniformity and equity of assessments throughout the neighborhoods and the city. A student intern and the Assessor will visit each individual property. The property will be photographed, measured and information gathered from the property owner for updating the parcel record. Letters will be sent to property owners scheduled for each phase letting you know when we will be on your street.

!!Swimming Pool Safety!!

Portable swimming pools have become a popular item. It is great that families are enjoying these pools as a fun way to cool off in the summer heat but there are a few things to remember. Out of a concern for safety here are some of the key state and local regulations concerning swimming pools 2’ deep or greater:

• Swimming pools two feet deep or greater require permits.
• Swimming pools shall not be located closer than ten feet from a dwelling unit or lot line.
• Barriers with a minimum height of 4-feet are required per the Michigan Residential Code.

Contact Professional Code Inspections at 667-8803 if you plan on installing a pool this summer to obtain the proper permits and ensure you comply with all of the codes.

Attention Dog Owners

Dog licenses are available all year at either the county or city offices. The annual fee is $6 if it is spayed or neutered and $15 otherwise. Fees double after March 1 for existing dogs. Dog licensing is a state requirement with responsibility given to the county. The main reason dog licenses are issued is dog identification for public health to make sure it has had its rabies shots per state requirements. It is logical to assume that a dog license allows a dog to live at the owner’s address but that is not the case. The county issues dog tags and they do not have the responsibility of reviewing if the number or breed of dog is permitted at a certain address. Unfortunately this leaves each municipality responsible for enforcing the specific rules for dogs after the licenses have been issued. This enforcement occurs when the dog owner assumes all is OK. The city has been in discussion with the county in an effort to improve communication on this topic.
This is also a reminder of a couple of other common concerns associated with dogs: barking which can be a nuisance when left unchecked, and 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 or private 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 of this City 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 for the barking dogs or leaving behind doggie souvenirs. It is desired to avoid that, so please remember to mind your pets.

Hydrant Flushing

Annual flushing of fire hydrants began in April. The flushing process opens fire hydrants and flushes water into the streets and gutters to clean out any sediment or minerals that may have settled in the water mains.
This work is performed on an annual basis to ensure that water quality is maintained and that water mains, valves and fire hydrants are working properly. During this period, you may notice slightly lower water pressures.
When the fire hydrants are flushed, sediment within the water main is loosened and can cause stains when washing clothes. This degradation of water quality is short-term and is not a threat to public health. If you notice rusty or cloudy looking water, let the water run for a few minutes before doing any laundry. You may contact the Public Works Department with any questions at 669-0200.

West Nile

Mosquitoes need water to breed and grow. Here are some ways to prevent West Nile Virus: reduce or eliminate standing water by emptying 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. Also, keep grass cut short and keep shrubbery well trimmed.
For more information visit the Ottawa County Health Dept. at www.co.ottawa.mi.us or the State of Michigan West Nile Virus website at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic pest from Asia, primarily China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Eastern Russia, and is not native to Michigan or anywhere else in North America. The Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in six southeastern Michigan counties in the summer of 2002. To date, it is responsible for the death of nearly 15 million ash trees in the state and threatens Michigan’s estimated 700 million ash trees.
This pest attacks all species of ash with the exception of Mountain Ash, which is not a true ash. Ash trees can be identified by their distinctive leaves and bark. Ash trees have five, seven, or nine leaflets per leaf stem, and the leaves are located directly across from each other.
The state is looking for your help in stopping the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer to new locations. Firewood may appear sound and not visibly infested but may carry the Emerald Ash Borer larvae in its dormant stage. Most of Michigan’s outliers are the result of movement of infested firewood from quarantined areas. Don’t be responsible for the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer by mistakenly moving ash trees and wood products out of these affected areas or by taking hardwood firewood on vacation with you. Buy firewood when you reach your destination, burn it on site, and leave any remaining firewood behind. Imagine how your favorite vacation spot would look with some or all of its ash trees gone. If you have inadvertently moved firewood from a quarantined area, please burn it immediately and report it to the Emerald Ash Borer Hotline at 866-325-0023.
This information is courtesy of www.michigan.gov/eab. Please visit this website for further information

A Citizen’s Guide to Lawn Fertilizer

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.

GARY BYKER MEMORIAL LIBRARY PRESENTS: Summer Reading Programs for Kids (Registration Required – Sign-up Begins June 12th)

June 20 – 11:00 – 12:00 a.m.: John Ball Zoo - Let the zoo come to you! The John Ball Zoo volunteers will be here to tell us what’s up with all those paws, claws, scales, and tails and introduce us to the animals who wear them. (Preschool through 4th grade)

June 27 – 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.: Pocket Pets - The Humane Society of Kent County will hop on by with some rabbits for us to meet and teach us how to take care of small animals: bunnies, hamsters, guinea pigs, & other “pocket pets”. (1st grade & up)

July 6 – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Arthur Party - Miss Ellie will read an Arthur story and then the games will begin: The Disappearing Ring, Binky’s Relay Race, Mom’s Closet, the Brain’s Guessing Game and more…(K-4th grade)

July 13 – 11:00 – 12:15 p.m.: Birds of Prey: See live raptors (falcon, hawk, owl…) up close and personal. Learn about the unique adaptations of these feathered masters of hunt. (1st grade & up)

July 17 – 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.: Canine Demonstration – Meet Ottawa County Officer Sarah Flick and her police dog as they demonstrate how dogs search for people and illegal substances. (4th grade & up)

July 27 – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Wildlife Michigan – Snakes, turtles, frogs, and hawks! Bones and hides! The Outdoor Discovery Center of Michigan will bring Michigan Wildlife to you. (1st grade & up)

August 1 - 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.: Farm Animals on the Go - Watch Hughes Park turn into Hughes Farm and meet a miniature horse and cow, a donkey, pigs, ducks, rabbits, chickens… Bring a picnic lunch if you wish. (All summer reading club members are invited.)

City Naturalist, Craig Elston schedules certain times of the year for nature walks through the Hudsonville Nature Center. Each walk has a season appropriate theme. All walks at the Hudsonville Nature Center are led by Craig Elston and begin at the end of New Holland St. east of 32nd Avenue.
Come prepared for weather and other elements, as walks will be held except in the case of severe weather.

Tuesday, April 11, 6:00 pm
The Gardens of Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd president of the United States was also a great naturalist and gardener. Mr. Jefferson grew hundreds of different plant varieties, including many North American native species at his beloved Monticello in Virginia. Come see many plants that Mr. Jefferson grew as photographed by Craig at Monticello and from his own garden here in Hudsonville.
This program will be held in the community room in the lower level of the Hudsonville City Offices building at 3275 Central Blvd.

Sunday, April 23, 2:00 pm
Early Spring Nature Hike
Come walk the trails and discover any early Spring Wildflowers and other signs of spring. Although not in bloom, several of the spring flowers should be beginning to show and be identified. A few may also be blooming and the birds beginning to sign and be seen.

Sunday, May 14, 2:00 pm
Spring Wildflower Hike
Come walk the trails looking for and learning about the lovely ephemeral wildflowers of spring. You will learn about and how to identify spring wildflowers. We should have an excellent showing of many flowers. This is also a good time for early warblers migrating through.
If you have a computer and email and would like to receive occasional notices of special sightings, walks or programs as opportunities arise from time to time, just email Craig Elston at wildflower1000@ameritech.net. Put your email address and the phrase “email list” in the body. The list will be kept confidential and only be used to alert you of items of interest as mentioned above.