Hudsonville Hometown newsGOOD PEOPLE. GOOD LIVING.

WINTER, 2020good people good living

A YeAr in review2019 was another busy year for the City of Hudsonville. We saw the completion of some big-impact projects in the community, as well as the beginning of some new exciting ones. We thought you might be interested in reading a summary of all the things that were accomplished in your hometown this past year.

• The city, Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses partnered on several family-friendly events that drew thousands of people to our community. These include the Memorial Day Ceremony, the Summer Concerts on the Green series, Safety Night, DPW Open House, Urban HayDay, the Holiday Parade, and the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

• New in 2019 was a re-launched Happenings on Harvey event, which included fun activities for families, vendor booths, and delicious food. The nights that had the best feedback were Ninja & Princess Night and the Car Show Night. Watch for the 2020 themes to be announced soon!

• The Terra Square farmers market had another successful year of activity and growth.

• The city adopted several new ordinance regulations including provisions for the keeping of chickens and a new law that requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians within a crosswalk.

• The eastern section of Van Buren Street received a water main upgrade along with resurfacing and added on-street parking lines. Next year the western end is planned to be resurfaced as well.

• We purchased several new pieces of equipment to better serve the community, including a new Prinoth sidewalk plow that you may have seen driving by on your street.

• The city completed more Quality-of-Life Enhancement projects with the installation of new parking spaces and streetscape enhancements along Service Drive in front of Pizza Ranch. The project added much-needed parking for downtown businesses, and also makes the area more inviting and safe for pedestrians.

• The city’s first round-a-bout was constructed at the School/Prospect/Service intersection to help calm traffic, increase pedestrian safety, and improve aesthetics.

Christmas tree Lighting

happenings on harvey

van Buren resurfaCing

new sidewaLk pLow

round-a-Bout ConstruCtion

Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 2

YeAr in review continued• The Gary Byker Memorial Library continued its standard of offering

outstanding customer service to our residents by holding hundreds of programs, events, and services for our community.

• The Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, which is under the direction of our own Michelle Fare, was awarded the Outstanding Small Chamber of the Year for the second time in three years!

• Our Fire Department and Sheriff personnel responded to hundreds of calls and other requests for emergency assistance.

• The city led a regional effort to bring commuter-based transit service to Hudsonville. The West Michigan Express would run daily between Holland and Grand Rapids with stops in five communities and schedules that align with first-shift employees. If funding can be secured from the state and private sector investors, the new service could be up and running as soon as this fall!

• A new $150,000 accessible playground structure with rubber surfacing was installed in Hughes Park, along with new ADA-compliant walkways to the bathrooms and parking areas. This city project was co-sponsored by the Hudsonville Lions Club, Kenowa AMBUCS, and a $75,000 grant from the MDNR.

• The city began updating its five-year Park and Recreation Plan which will include setting new spending priorities in our parks over the next five years and beyond. The plan included a community survey component, the results of which will be used to help guide these priorities.

• We began construction on a new city park on the former Summergreen Golf Course property. The 10-acre park will feature a four-acre pond that can be accessed for fishing, as well as a non-motorized pathway that runs from New Holland Street to Allen Street. The new park is expected to be open to the public by 2021.

• We welcomed the following new businesses to our community with ribbon-cutting celebrations:

• Dorados Mexican Grill and Bar

• 317 Coffee

• Solid Rock Childcare

• Tommy's Express Car Wash

• We worked hard on priorities that further the Imagine Hudsonville 2030 Vision, including several new installments of public art and attracting more residential living units in and around our downtown.

2829

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39 40

4142

1

2

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

F&V

PRO

JEC

T N

O.

1491

2

Conceptual Master Plan

City of HudsonvilleOttawa County

Summergreen Trails - Open Space Park

NORTHSCALE: 1" = 60' DATE: 08.23.19

DAY USEPARKING

16' X 16'UNISEX RESTROOMBUILDING

PICNICPAVILION

10 STATIONEXERCISE PODS

MOWABLELAWNAREAS

COVEREDOBSERVATION DECKFLOATING DOCKWITH ADA RAMPS

FLOATINGDOCK

NEWPEDESTRIANBRIDGE

PAVED10' WIDEPATHWAY

EXISTINGPEDESTRIANBRIDGE

WILDFLOWERNO-MOWMIX

PLAYGROUND WITHRUBBERIZEDSURFACE

west miChigan express

hughes park pLayground

new park pLans

puBLiC art instaLLations

sensory pLay @ LiBrary

Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 3

Join us on March 14 where you can shop, sample, and enjoy a morning out with friends and family from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hudsonville's Freshman Campus. Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living sponsors this fun event that gives you the opportunity to connect with local businesses right in your community. Snatch the dollar bills out of the air in West Michigan's Cash Cube and enter to win extravagant door prizes! While kids participate in the scavenger hunt, get balloon animals, and free face painting. Engage with over 85 local businesses and the Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce at this great family-friendly event.

sHowcAse

City staff have been busy planning one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Sponsored by West Michigan Community Bank, our June Concerts on the Green Series kicks off on Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at Veteran’s Park in Hudsonville.Stop by every Thursday night for a chance to win prizes, indulge in food from local food trucks, and listen to some great music from local bands. • June 4, Brena Band, Rock Music• June 11, Alan Turner, Country Music• June 18, Trixy Tang Band, Rock Music • June 25, DB and the Dinos, Blues/Rock MusicPick up your punch card at the West Michigan Community Bank booth to enter to win an awesome grand prize! Qualify by attending 3 out of the 4 concerts! The lucky winner will be announced at the last concert. We’ll also have bounce houses, face painting, and so many more activities for the entire family at each concert event.

concerts

tHings to do

Help wAnted: pArt-time mAintenAnce workerThe City of Hudsonville is hiring! Under the direction of the Facility Maintenance Director, the Facility Maintenance Worker will perform a variety of tasks in the maintenance and custodial care of all City facilities. Our ideal candidate would care about the city of Hudsonville with particular interest in the care of city facilities and supporting city events.

A positive attitude, strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and with others are important for this position. View the full job description at www.hudsonville.org/jobs.

sAve tHe dAte• Memorial Day Service: May 25• Terra Square Farmers Market: Wednesdays from June to September and the following Saturdays: June

27, July 25, August 22, and September 26• Happenings on Harvey: Thursday nights in July, starting July 9• Safety Night: September 15 from 4-7 p.m.

Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 4

Each February, the Assessing Department determines the assessed and taxable values for properties within city limits. There are a few terms to be aware of in order to understand the assessment notice you will receive from the city. The first is the Assessed Value (AV), which repre-sents 50% of the market value of a property. This figure is calculated through a sales study conducted each year. In the sales study, properties are grouped into different neighborhoods based on style and quality of construc-tion. Then, the sale prices are evaluated against Assessed Values to establish the percentage by which values will change. (AV will go up in a strong market, down in a weak market.)Taxable Value (TV) is the basis used to determine your property tax bill and is adjusted to match the AV anytime a property changes ownership. TV will increase the year after a property is sold. It also can increase if home prices in the area (and therefore AV) are rising. Taxable values will increase by the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 5%. In 2020 all taxable values will increase by 1.09%. The TV also increases after property improve-ments are made. For example, if a deck worth $3000 was built in 2019, the taxable value will increase beyond just the CPI in 2020. TV will never exceed AV. For 2020, many of Hudsonville’s residents will again see varying increases in both AV and TV as a result of improving home values. In February, you will be receiving a Change of Assessment Notice listing both the Assessed and Taxable Values. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at that time. Information regarding sales studies are available at the City Assessor’s Office.

cHAnge of Assessment notice

Winter tax bills were mailed to property owners whose taxable value is over $64,110. To avoid penalties and interest, winter tax and deferred summer tax payments must be received by the City no later than 5 PM February 14, 2020. Postmarks are not accepted. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that tax payments are received by the City. Escrow owners, feel free to contact City Hall to ensure that your payment has been received from your mortgage company.All tax payments will be accepted by the City until 5 PM March 2, 2020. On March 3, 2020, the City will sell all delinquent taxes to Ottawa County. Once taxes are sold to the County tax payments must be directly paid to Ottawa County.

winter tAxes

A Few RemindeRs

For more information on the assessing process please visit:

www.hudsonville.org/Finance-Assessing

winter tipsWhen using salt in the winter please consider the following:• More is not better – use salt only as needed. One

teaspoon of salt pollutes five gallons of storm water.

• Sand only provides temporary traction. Mixing salt with sand does not enhance the salt’s performance. Sand should be used sparingly as it clogs catch basins, ditches and streams.

• Avoid spreading salt at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Rock salt will not react and melt snow at temperatures that low.

Remember: Any salt and sand you pour on hard surfaces unfortunately ends up in our rivers, streams and lakes. It can negatively affect wildlife and natural habitats near water bodies.

• Shovel snow onto vegetated areas. Grass and plants will act as a natural filter once snow melts!

• Shovel and scrape early and often. De-icers work best when there is only a thin layer to remove.

• Save money by reclaiming salt for re-use by sweeping the solids from the sidewalk after the storm.

• Store de-icers under a roof or cover to minimize polluted runoff.

• Winterize your vehicles so there are no leaks.

pleAse protect Your wAtersHed...

Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 5

It’s that time again when the U.S. Census Bureau is asking residents to complete their census forms. Every ten years we ask that our residents complete their forms in order to provide accurate information. The Bureau’s mission is to serve as the nation’s leading provider of quality data about its people and economy so they can provide the community with the resources it may need. Each year more than $675 billion in federal funding is given to communities where people participate in the census. This money is then distributed in each community to develop better roads, improve parks, and create other local enhancements. It is important for Hudsonville residents to be counted in order for these funds to the benefit of our community.

Residents will either receive their forms in the mail or be called to answer the 10 questions. You will have the option to complete their 2020 Census form online, over the phone, or on a paper questionnaire. All of the information will remain confidential to provide the utmost security for area residents. We cannot stress enough the importance of participating in this census!

US CenSUS: Why it MatterS

kids count too

Kids are often left uncounted. The Gary Byker Memorial Library is committed to helping families complete their forms and make sure kids are included in the count. Children can get involved March 23-28 with the Kids Count Too program at the library. They’ll be able to take part in their own fun, JUST FOR KIDS census! This event will even include a chance to win a raffle.

The library will also be open on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist residents with filling out their census forms.

The Presidential Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The 2020 Presidential Primary will be conducted as a “closed” primary, which means there will be two ballots; a Republican ballot and a Democratic ballot. Voters will be required to indicate on their applications to vote which ballot they want to receive. A sample of the proposed ballots will be available at the City Clerk’s office and posted on the city’s web page at www.hudsonville.org when the ballots are available. Residents in Wards 1 & 2 will vote at City Hall, 3275 Central Blvd., and residents in Ward 3 will vote at the Hudsonville Congregational UCC, 4950 32nd Avenue. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Absentee ballots for the March 10 election will be available at the City Clerk’s office. If you wish to apply for an absent voter ballot, please stop by City Hall or contact Diana VanSlyke, City Clerk, at 669-0200 ext. 1412 to obtain an application. The City Clerk’s office will also be open on Saturday, March 7 until 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of issuing absentee ballots and voter registration.

presidentiAl primArY election - tuesdAY, mArcH 10

Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 6

HUDSONVILLE LIBRARY PROGRAMSRegister today at http://hudsonville.evanced.info/signup

Jan. 31 . 2:00pmJan. 31 . 2:00pmCome by the library and play CANDY BAR BINGO! We will be playing BINGO for sweet treats, including peanut-free and other non-candy options.

It’s an early release day for Hudsonville students!

Ages 8+.Register today!Ages 8+.Register today!

CANDY BAR BINGOJan. 31; 2:00pm1/2 day for Hud. students!

TEEN

S &

TWEE

NS!

CREATE IN THE COLLABORATORY!Feb. 8; Mar. 14. 10-12:30am

PARTY Feb. 21; 2:00pm1/2 day for Hud. students!

ADUL

T AC

TIVITI

ESKID

S PR

OGR

AMS

NEW! KIDS COCOA CLUBFeb. 3; Mar. 2. Ages 6-12. Monthly. 4:00pm

BOOK CLUBSBOOK CLUB FOR SERIOUS READERS:

MAR 5: Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? by Bill McKibben you are never too old to young adult club held at the Hudsonville Winery

JAN 21: Genuine Fraud by E. Lockart FEB 18: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen MAR 24: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein Classics Book ClubFEB 6: One Hundred Years of Solitude by G. Garcia-Marquez Apr 2: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

7:00 pm

6:30 pm

1:00 pm

CRAF

TY A

ND F

UN!

FAMI

LY P

ROGR

AMS

MAKER MONDAYS!Mondays; 4:30pm; Ages 9-18.

Join us for an hour of hands-on creativity!

Feb. 10: Ozobot Dance PartyMar. 16: Watercolor book quote posters!

Ages8+

POLYMER CLAY PICTURE FRAME Feb. 6; 6:30pm$15 fee.

ENGLISH PAPER PIECING Feb. 22; 10am$5 fee.

creative crafts in 2020!

SPEAKER: ZOO SURGEON Mar. 12; 1:00pm

BED TURNING (Show & Tell) Mar. 21; 10amWant to share your quilt story? Call Melissa at 616.669.1255

SWEETHEART BASKET Feb. 8; 10am$14 fee.

AdditionalPrograms:

Family StorytimeMon./Tues

Jan. 6 - Feb. 25 All ages; 10:15am

Yoga StorytimeThursdays

Jan. 9 - Feb. 27Ages 3-6. 10:15am

Sensory PlayFeb. 5; Mar. 11

All ages; 10:15am

Bring your eReader, laptop or phone with you! Nick will answer your questions!

JAN 22 FEB 19 MAR 18

A Day in The Life of aZoo Surgeonfrom John Ball Zoo

Bed Turning

FRIENDS Presentsseries

Startsmar. 9

Show off your quilt!Basket Weaving

with laurie!

feb. 8Heart Basket!

Grooveto themusic!

Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 7

snow plow fAQs

The City of Hudsonville’s Department of Public Works (DPW) employees are responsible for keeping our 30-plus miles of City streets cleared of snow and ice in the wintertime. It is a rigorous job that often begins at 4:00 in the morning and takes a full day to complete. Unfortunately, some of the most common complaints the city receives in the winter are related to snowplowing. Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to snow-plowing that are intended to provide a better understanding of the practice, and hopefully alleviate some of our residents' aggravations:

Q: Why does snow get pushed into the end of my driveway by City plows?

A: At normal operating speeds (25 MPH or less), snowplow blades are designed to gather snow from the street and throw it up and over the curb. When driving at lower speeds however, the snow does not have enough momentum to ride up the curve of the blade and be thrown to the side. Rather, it will collect on the blade and be dispersed into driveway openings. This often occurs on dead-end streets and cul-de-sacs where the trucks are moving slowly and the blades are carrying large amounts of snow. The depositing of snow into driveway openings is not the fault of the plow driver, but rather a matter of physics.

Q: How do I prevent damage to my lawn or mailbox?

A: For lawn damage, we recommend that you cleanly edge your sidewalk before winter. Lawn damage often occurs when the sidewalk plow blade tears sod that has grown into the sidewalk. In addition, please place high-visibility marker stakes at least 6” back from the edge of your sidewalk to help guide our plow operators. Mailbox damage can either be caused by the vehicle physically striking the mailbox, or from the force of the snow being thrown against it. To minimize the risk of a vehicle strike, it is recommended that you install the base of your mailbox 41”-45” above the road surface, and the front face of the mailbox 6”-8” back from the curb. If you are on a higher-speed road and your mailbox is susceptible to snow throw damage, we recommend that you either install a sturdier mailbox or some sort of protection shield.

Q: What should I do if my lawn or mailbox gets damaged?

A: If your lawn or mailbox is damaged, please call the DPW to file a report. The DPW Superintendent will make a determina-tion of the damage and the cause and will generally make the necessary repairs if the city was at fault. Lawn repairs will typically be made in the spring. Damage to mailboxes resulting from snow throw are not the responsibility of the city.

Q: Do I still need to shovel my sidewalk?

A: Yes, even though the city will plow the sidewalks as a courtesy, under City Ordinance it is still your responsibility to shovel the sidewalk in front of your property.

Q: What are my responsibilities when it comes to snow removal?

A: In addition to shoveling your sidewalk, please be sure to keep a clear path to and around any fire hydrants on your property. The Fire Department requires a clear space of not less than 60” in front of each hydrant.

Q: Can I shovel my snow into the street or sidewalk?

A: No. Doing so is illegal and is grounds for a civil infraction.

Lastly, please keep your children safe by not allowing them to play near the street, especially when plow trucks are out. There have been national incidents of fatalities due to children playing in snowbanks along the road. They can fall into the road in the path of an oncoming truck, or even be buried when playing in a snowbank. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

City of Hudsonville3275 Central Blvd.Hudsonville, MI 49426

Phone: 616.669.0200 www.hudsonville.org

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mayor Mark Northrup 662.2663 mnorthrup@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 1 Toben DeVree 283-9346 tdevree@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 1 Gary Raterink 669.6191 graterink@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 2 Dan Bolhuis 206.0584 dbolhuis@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 2 Greg Steigenga 669.2336 gsteigenga@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 3 Philip Leerar 450-5126 pleerar@hudsonville.orgCommissioner - Ward 3 Larry Brandsen 669.3365 lbrandsen@hudsonville.orgCity Manager Patrick Waterman 669.0200 x 1418 pwaterman@hudsonville.orgCity Clerk Diana VanSlyke 669.0200 x 1412 dvanslyke@hudsonville.orgAssessor/Finance Director Jan Sal Syswerda 669.0200 x 1413 jsal@hudsonville.orgFacilities Director Don Postma 669.0200 x 1425 dpostma@hudsonville.orgPlanning/Zoning Director Dan Strikwerda 669.0200 x 1414 dstrikwe@hudsonville.orgMarketing Coordinator Michelle Fare 669.0200 x 1411 mfare@hudsonville.orgTerra Square Market Manager Teri Schut 669.0200 x 1416 tschut@hudsonville.orgSheriff Sergeant Jeffrey Steigenga 669.0200 x 1428 jsteigenga@miottawa.orgFire Chief Dick Mohr 669.0200 x 1429 dmohr@hudsonville.orgPublic Works Superintendent Bob Miller 669.0200 x 1424 rmiller@hudsonville.orgLibrary Director Melissa Huisman 669.1255 mhuisman@hudsonville.org Emergency Services Director Dave Dahl 669.0200 x 1404 ddahl@hudsonville.org

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 x 1418.

To view Hudsonville’s Citizen’s Guide and Performance Dashboard, visit www.hudsonville.org/City-Dashboard-Citizens-Guide.

Your citY commissioners & stAff

good people good living