Inside this Issue:
A Note from Mayor Van Doeselaar

As we begin another year we want to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to the new.
During 2006, significant decisions and projects were accomplished. The most important decision made by the City Commission was to transfer responsibilities of the police department to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department. After many long and thoughtful discussions the transfer took place on July 1, 2006. The response from the business community and citizens has been very positive. Throughout the past year a commissioner’s ad hoc committee met to discuss options concerning the DPW building on Balsam Drive. The current facility is too small and needs significant renovation to current codes. Major water/sewer repairs and upgrades were accomplished on Allen and Oak Streets. The parking lot at Sunrise Park was redesigned and enlarged. The water tower off Highland Drive was repainted. The city hosted the 50th anniversary and commemoration of the 1956 Tornado. A commemorative plaque remembering those who lost their lives in the tornado was placed in Hughes Park. Many city staff members gave their time to make this a success.
The major focus for 2007 will be the creation of a new Master Plan for the City. This will be accomplished with the support of the Ottawa County grant entitled “Urban Smart Growth Demonstration Project”. Planning sessions with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to discuss changes to Chicago Drive are also being scheduled. Beginning in 2007, MDOT will begin to upgrade and renovate Chicago Drive starting in Jenison. Over the next 4 to 5 years significant changes will be made to Chicago Drive through the City of Hudsonville and ending at 80th Avenue near Zeeland. This will greatly influence how the Master Plan design impacts downtown. And again significant water/sewer projects and street resurfacing will take place. The city will also receive expert advice from our engineering consultants concerning the Allen/32nd and Barry Street intersection. Depending on the advice received a change may or may not take place. And finally the commissioner’s ad hoc committee will make its report concerning the DPW facility. The city has many important decisions and major projects to consider for 2007. Public meetings advertised in the local newspapers will be held to get business and citizen input. WE ENCOURAGE YOUR PARTICIPATION.

We wish everyone a successful and blessed New Year.

A

The City of Hudsonville wishes to thank all those that volunteered and served on various boards, committees, and commissions in 2006. We thank them for their willingness to serve their community.

Al Scholten
Case Lubbers
Larry Ver Hage
Keith Johnson
June Richards
Mary Gryzen
Jack Blair
Skip VanDenBerg
Bea Berghorst
Gary Raterink
Dave Ensing
Dan Brummel
Julian Aukeman
Marilyn DeJonge
Marshall Elzinga
Shirley Minnie
Art Bolt
Laurie Van Haitsma
Jim Roskam
Dr. Brad Dykstra
Linda Edema
Joan Brouwer
Randall Smith
Gordon Krombeen
Jacob DeWent
Don Van Doeselaar
Norman Unema
Alden Jelsema
Kelly Ten Harmsel

Jim Kuiphof, II
Curt Hoogeboom
Lisa Aukeman
Royce Bierma
John Blom
Sharon Leerar
Carol Baker
Phil Leerar
Nancy Westrate
Craig Elston
Ed Garen
Neil VanderMaas
Gloria Byle
Jacquie Elzinga
Betty Goorhouse
William Minnie
Joel Keegstra
Steve Smit
Dale Sall
Stan Buell
Dan Gryzen
Gerald De Weerd
Ivan Shuck
Shirley Krombeen
Evelyn Sawyer
Darl Redder
Theresa Kooistra
Larry Brandsen

Youth Theatre Arts Program

In December we had a fundraising presentation through Master Arts Theatre called “It’s a Wonderful Life”. This was a fund raiser for Hudsonville’s Youth Theatre Arts Program. We were pleased with the turn-out and would like to thank all those who supported this endeavor. A special thanks goes out to Todd Wenzel Automotive, Hudsonville Trailer, North Coast Components, Burns Recovery, Healthy Air Care Industries, Comerica Bank, Community West Credit Union, Costco Wholesale, Meyers Cleaning Service, Wild Boar Harley Davidson, Jensen Jewelers, Miedema Metal Building Systems, Hudsonville Physical Therapy, and Laurel Health Care Company for their sponsorship of “It’s A Wonderful Life”.
The Hudsonville Youth Theatre Arts Program will hold it’s 2007 Winter Classes on Tuesdays January 16—March 20. The classes will be at 5578 School Avenue and are for youth ages 6 to high school. To register for classes call Master Arts Theatre (616) 455-1001 or (800) 455-5003.

Dripping...

A leaky faucet, shower or toilet can waste 50 gallons of water in just one day. That’s a serious threat to our water supply. All of our tap water comes from Lake Michigan. Wasting water depletes our supply of water and costs you money.
So please, fix the leaks. Don’t let a good drop go bad.
Visit the City of Hudsonville web site at www.hudsonville.org/DPW for other water, wastewater and storm water related links.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

The Ottawa County Health Department operates Resource Recovery Service Centers for the collection and proper disposal of household hazardous waste. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is a service provided by the Ottawa County Health Department for the residents of Ottawa County. Items accepted at no cost include used motor oil, old gasoline, oil based paint, pesticides and other household quantities of hazardous materials. PLEASE NO BUSINESS WASTE. In addition to disposal of hazardous waste, the centers also offer residential recycling of typical curbside materials including newspaper, glass, cardboard and #1 and #2 plastics. There is a $40 annual fee to county residents who need to dispose of hazardous wastes.
City of Hudsonville residents may use the Georgetown Service Center located at 6693 Roger Drive off of Port Sheldon Road. The center is open Tuesday & Thursday 8-1 & 2-5, and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 8-noon. For more information call (616) 393-5645.

From the City Manager

We have been a blessed community in many ways. Everyday decisions are made that can affect the life of this community. The City Commission and Administration try to collect all of the information in order to make wise decisions on behalf of the residents.
The city continues to plan for the future by partnering with Ottawa County and Nederveld & Associates on the Urban Smart Growth Project. Hudsonville remains a quiet, conservative, small community that sits close to all kinds of sports and culture. We are on the cusp of some exciting plans that could possibly change the look of this community. It is essential that everyone be a part of this planning process at every stage. Young and old ideas are essential when you are planning the future of your community.
The next phase of this project is developing a new Master Plan. The Master Plan Process will require several public meetings for input. These meetings will show you some possible layouts and will act as the listening ears of the planning process. If you want to help establish the community of Hudsonville in the years to come, it is imperative that you assist in this process.
The small community character does not have to change if it is developed in a manner that keeps those values in tact. Every idea is important! Possibilities are endless however cost and design are essential. We are looking for input from all ages. Watch for the meetings that will be advertised in the Advance. The first one will be sometime in February or early March.
In closing, I want to express what a privilege it is to serve as the City Manager in Hudsonville. I have worked and collaborated with some extremely knowledgeable and talented people. I think we should be proud of some of the good executives that we have running businesses in this community. In this season of generosity, forgiveness and compassion, I urge you all to vow to take the Christmas Spirit into the New Year and beyond for the good of our City and our country.

Pauline Luben
City Manager

Dog Licenses

Hudsonville city residents can purchase dog licenses at City Hall until February 28 at the Treasurer’s Department. The law requires all dogs, age 4 months and older, to be licensed. Cost for the license is $15 for dogs if they are NOT spayed or neutered, and only $6 for spayed or neutered dogs. A current rabies vaccination certificate is required along with the printed mailer card sent by the county. From March through the end of November licenses are available only from the Ottawa County Treasure's Office in Grand Haven and the cost doubles.

Hydrant Flushing

Annual flushing of fire hydrants will begin 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 wash. You may contact the Public Works Department with any questions at 669-0200.

Winter Reminders

Residents are reminded of snow removal requirements in Hudsonville:

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.
There is no parking on streets between the hours of 2 a.m.—6 a.m. from November 1st through April 1st.

Mailbox Replacement Policy

The City will pay to repair or replace a mailbox physically struck by a city vehicle. Street truck plow blades do not extend beyond the width of the street truck; to strike a mail box it would be necessary for the vehicle to accidentally jump the curb. This is a rare occurrence.
The City will not pay for mailbox damage due to snow propelled against the mailbox from snowplowing activities:

Most mailbox damage is (but not always) caused when:

Some helpful hints:

Hughes Park

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. 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.


Friends Meeting

The Friends of the Library will hold their next meeting on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 10 a.m. in the library’s lower level. All are welcome to join this lively group that makes such a difference in the quality of our library programs and offerings. The Friends participate in such things as used book sales, online book selling, book mending, audio repair, decorating, and gift basket making. The money they earn has gone to buy books, furniture, sponsor specific programs, purchase reading incentive prizes for children, and many other things. We are very grateful for our Friends!

Library Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville wish to announce that their next “big” Used Book Sale will be on Thursday, March 22 through Saturday, March 24 during regular library hours. As usual, most hard covers will sell for $1, paperbacks for 50¢. Children’s items are priced lower. If you’d like to donate your gently used books, please drop them off at the library in the green donation bin outside our front door, or bring them inside.

American Girl Party: A Kristen Square Dance

On Saturday, February 3rd from 10 to noon the Byker Library will be having a party with Kristen, an American Girl. We will learn how to square dance, play some games, have a snack and win some prizes. Miss Ellie will be dressed up and you can too. This party is for children between the 2nd and 6th grades. Get out of the cold and warm up in the “barn”. Look for flyers in January at the Library.

March is Reading Month

There will be a walk-in story time for children ages 3 1/2 to 6 years old, every Wednesday in March (starting the 7th) from 10:30 to 11:00 am.
There also will be a walk-in Wee Wigglers for children ages 18 months to 3 1/2 years old, with an adult lap, every Monday morning in March (starting the 5th) from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Hope to see you there!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Party

On Saturday, March 17th present your golden ticket at the Library at 11:00 a.m. (party will go until noon). DO NOT BE LATE! In your wildest dreams you can not imagine the marvelous games and candy surprises that await YOU! This program is recommended for children 2nd through 6th grades. There is no fee but please register beginning Monday, March 5th.

Adult Book Discussion Club

The Adult Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of the month, September through May, from 3:30 pm to 5 pm at the Gary Byker Memorial Library of Hudsonville.

Scheduled books are:

  • February 15: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  • March 15: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
  • April 19: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
  • May 17: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

All are welcome. To reserve your copy of the book please call the library at 669-1255


Annual Notice of Assessment,
Taxable Valuation and Property Classification

The annual notice of assessment, taxable valuation and property classification will be sent to all property owners within the City of Hudsonville in mid-February, 2007. This notice is issued under the authority of Public Act 206 of 1893, Section 211.24 (c) and begins by identifying the taxpayer of record, the property by parcel number and address, and the current classification of the property. Changes in taxable, assessed, and state equalized values are provided. If a change has occurred in the classification of the property it will be stated on the notice. If there was a transfer of ownership in 2006, the 2007 taxable value and the assessed value are the same due to "uncapping". Principal residence and agricultural exemptions that exempt the property from 18 mills of school tax are also shown on the notice. The notice should be reviewed by the taxpayer for accuracy as there are additional taxes, interest, and penalties that may accrue if corrections must be made at a later date. Also, it is the position of the Department of Treasury that it is the taxpayer's responsibility to know that their property record is correct.
Additionally, this notice provides information regarding the appeal process for disputes concerning the property assessment and lists the dates and times the Board of Review will be in session. It is recommended that any taxpayer with questions and/or problems review the property tax record with the assessor. The assessment process and the property record can be reviewed personally and privately with the assessor without jeopardizing the options of the appeal process through the Board of Review, the Michigan Tax Tribunal and/or the State Tax Commission. The March Board of Review will meet in Hudsonville City Hall on March 6 to receive the 2007 assessment roll and again on March 26 to endorse the roll and formally adjourn. The public is welcome to attend but appeals will not be heard at these meetings. The appeal meeting dates and times are tentatively set for:

Again, taxpayers are encouraged to discuss their assessed value, taxable value, and/or any other information that appears on their Notice of Assessment with the assessor prior to meeting with the board.
If you have any questions regarding this information please contact Jan Sal, Assessor at 669-0200, extension 413.

Here’s To Your Health

You may have found in your Tax Assessment Notice one or two cards entitled “Medical Information”. These cards are given to you courtesy of the Hudsonville Fire Department, Grand Valley Remax, Arby’s of Hudsonville, and Byron Bank. We would also like to thank Classic Press for designing and printing the cards. Please take a few minutes to fill out the card, one per person. Be assured that the information on these cards will not be shared with anyone other than medical personnel. You will notice they can be folded into thirds to fit into your wallet or purse, or keep it on the counter top or refrigerator if you are a shut-in. If you need more cards, they are available at the above mentioned business including City Hall.
The Hudsonville Fire Department is the primary responding agency for medical calls and those injured in accidents. Our job is to care for and stabilize our patients and gather as much information as possible to pass along to the responding ambulance. The information contained on these cards are vital to the responding medical personnel. Often people have a hard time answering medical questions in a crisis situation, therefore these cards will come in handy.
If our sponsoring businesses run out of cards, we have been assured that more will be printed. The Hudsonville Fire Department is committed to serve our citizens with the best possible medical care. We wish you a safe and healthy 2007.

Automatic Utility Bill Payment Program

The City of Hudsonville is offering residents the opportunity to pay their quarterly utility bill through our Automatic Bill Payment Program. By completing the enrollment form below, your quarterly bill will be automatically deducted from your specified checking or savings account on the bill due date.
The City is offering this program to you at no charge. However, you may want to contact your financial institution for any fees they may charge. You will still receive a quarterly bill to update your checking or savings account. If you would like to cancel the program after signing up, simply call (669-0200) or write to the Treasurer's Department at City Hall.
If you have any questions on this program, please call us at 669-0200, ext #421, Monday - Friday, between 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.


The City of Hudsonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: City Manager, City of Hudsonville, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville, MI 49426, 616-669-0200 extension 418.

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