Township Board - Regular Meeting

We're going to call the meeting to order at this time and glad to see so many folks here tonight. Glad to have you. Appreciate it. We have the full board tonight, which hasn't happened for a little while just cuz I think we could have gotten a quorum in Florida easier than we could have here. And you can just tell by who's tan and who uh who had to stay, right, Kelly? You and me. Yeah. All right. All right. Um we like to open with a prayer for guidance. And Gary, would you offer that prayer? Our gracious God and heavenly father, we come to the Lord in this evening. Now we thank thee for this beautiful day you've given us. We ask for blessings now on this meeting as we meet. May you give us wisdom and knowledge and discernment and making decisions that must be for the township and may ultimately may they glorify you. We bring before you our nation, oh Lord, and the conflicts that are around the world. May you protect our our men and women in the armed forces. Give them all to standing. be with our own township employees, those, oh Lord, that uh uh fix the pipes and do the infrastructure. We pray for our fire department, oh Lord, that you may give them multi-standing needs tonight, Lord, as we swear in six men, the fire department as we begin this journey of a full full-time fire department. May you give each one of those individuals and the the uh existing fire firemen and fire women um safety and guidance. Give them protect them, oh Lord, and give them all they stand in need. Be with our police officers and those that protect us uh in our in our township limits. May you give them all they stand in too. Bless us now, Lord, in all that we do and say in the rest of this night. Keep us from sin, Lord. Forgive any sins. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Amen. Amen. If you'd stand and join us for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, for liberty and justice for all. You may be seated. Ask our clerk to call the role. You're all present. Excellent. Is there a motion to approve tonight's agenda? So move support. Move to support. Any discussion? I need to make a uh statement of a conflict of interest in item number 17 on the agenda.

Similar item to last month's meeting. Okay. The work for the applicant. Okay. Um I'm going to move that we permit the recusal of uh Miss Kyper on item 17. Support. We support any discussion. All in favor say I. I. I. Opposed. All right. She's recused from that item. Otherwise, uh, all in favor of the agenda say I. I. Opposed. Great. Uh, we start right away with our fire department with an update from the chief, whether it's about that beautiful rig out there and then we'll move right into uh new hires. So, absolutely.

You hear me? Okay. I got you. Can everybody hear them?

Hear me? Okay. Uh, total calls for service for February was 84. Uh, that's slightly down from January as 122 calls. Mutual aid, we only had one for the month of February. So, year to date, we're at 240 calls. For public education and community outreach, we had 29 home safety surveys, 110 smoke alarm installs, and 39 CO detectors for a total of 172 for the month. Our most notable is that big, beautiful ladder truck out there. So, we appreciate it your uh support. Uh it's been a long time coming. It's been about three and a half to four years to get to this point. Um very very excited about it and very blessed to have that truck. So uh truck holds six people 110 ft 100gallon tank. Um we look to train on it the end of March and we're hoping to have it in service in April. So we're excited about that. And the biggest thing we're here tonight for is to share our 247 firefighters. So we appreciate the board support on this getting us to this point. Our manager um Andy with the interview process, John with the interview process. We appreciate it to get to this point. So, like to call them up so we can swear them in. Super excited about that.

Can everybody hear them? Everybody in the back there? Yeah. No, a couple you know. Just a little closer. Yeah. Get closer. Got to eat it.

All right. As I call you up, if you can stand here facing the audience this way, please. Uh Mark Nada, Nick Leatherman, Jacob Hall, Jordan Reed, Clayton Deppy, and Chad Richardson. These are your first 247 Georgetown full-time firefighters. Thank you. Okay. First, congratulations. Um, I'm going to read a statement. You can wait until I'm done saying it and then you'll repeat. Uh, I do. You'll raise your right hand, please.

You want me to take a I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Georgetown Charter Township Fire Department according to the best of my ability. Thank you. You're all sworn in. Congratulations.

All right. Got the same shirt. You're not going to see us. We got to get between you guys. Yeah, I'm just going to come right in. Th those who want pictures. I mean, we'll stand as long as you're needed and uh just take turns. So,

couple of guys in blue down on one knee. All right, you guys need

I'm Wendy. All right. I ain't got that many Christmas presents. Well, welcome you guys. Welcome. Don't leave quite yet, families. Uh I think the board would like to say a few words as well. So, congratulations. Thank you. Yeah, you're welcome. Congratulations. Welcome. Thank you. Welcome.

A lot of enthusiasm in your interview. Thank you. Thank you. Appcate board.

If you all want to just turn and face the board just for a minute. I I just figured the board would want to say a few things, not just to you, but to your families as well. I know that many in the room tonight are relatives and friends and family. And um you know, John, you went through the interview process and I know Kevin and of course deputy chief and chief and I'm really appreciative um on behalf of the board for how you work together through this process. Many qualified candidates um a sought-after position. You should feel uh very blessed and honored because uh you really um you know competed for these positions. So, I had a chance, as we all did, to read the biographies. And I just wanted to say to those who are here tonight, it was evident to all of us how much you matter to them and how important what they're doing is uh to not only the community, but also to you as a family and how much they value your support behind them. And so, if you got your kids here tonight or possibly spouses or parents or siblings or friends, um thank you so much for being a big part of who these men are. It was very evident in the process that they value you highly highly. And so um we think of you as we think of them. We appreciate you offering them to the township to put them sometimes in harm's way. And we greatly appreciate that. No different than it would be a military family. So uh thank you so much. And those on the board, anyone who wish to to add some words, go ahead. They did an incredible job in the interviews and with there's such a passion in your heart for Georgetown Township and many of you shared stories with us of your experiences in life whether it was here at Georgetown or other fire departments and it just you could tell that you have a kind heart, you're highly skilled and this is something that you've dedicated your life to and we are very very proud to have you And we hope this will grow. And

we know with your enthusiasm and your attitude that this is going to be a very very it's going to be incredible. It's going to provide a safety for our community and also um I think you're going to be very motivated. You're going to motivate our community. So thank you very much.

Like to thank you all for doing this. I've worked with at least four of you for quite a few years and I know your heart and I know your heart's there. It's not always about the job. This is still one big happy family even if it's a full-time or partaid family. And I hope it continues to work that way for all of you. And um this will be just another good stepping stone for you and we appreciate what you're going to be doing for us. And I got to believe you're going to be busy. So don't hesitate to come to any one of us or your fellow men. So thank you once again. Anyone else?

I just want to say thank you real quick. I I think that this is a really important step for our township uh with you all serving in a full-time capacity and I'm just really excited for the opportunity that it brings for our community and I think it's really exciting that you all get to be uh a part of that. So thank you again. Yeah. And if you guys have any questions, please reach out to any of us. We're all so excited that you guys are here and have joined our team. Thank you. Okay. All right. Well, any speeches from any of you? Yeah. If anybody wants to say anything, this is your opportunity.

Sure. You bet. You got it. Excellent. Well, certainly um we would not consider it rude if you want to about celebrate. uh and leave the meeting early. Welcome to stay if you wish. And family, same with you. If you want to step out, you're welcome to or to stay. That's up to you. All right. Thank you. Thank you. There's a nice fire truck.

Sure. They're all taking photos by the new fire truck. Right. Hey, the rest of the meeting is important, too. Uh this guy right here. Do you know this guy in the tin pants? He's hugging everybody. Not him. Sorry. This guy right here. Tin pants in a green chucked shirt. That's Martin N's dad. John Na.

How does he know everybody? He's was fireman from Wyoming all time for Oh. Oh, he's Clay's uh Clay's. Okay. Okay. Got you.

Actually, actually a pastor. He's going to be doing Ryan's statue. Thank you very much. Oh.

Yeah. All right. We'll move on to item eight, communication letters and reports received for the board's information. Then item nine, public comments for action items remaining on tonight's agenda. So for those of you who've remained, this is your opportunity to speak to uh any of our agenda items tonight. So welcome, Michael. How are you? I believe this is my only opportunity to speak to the mortorium topic. Is that correct?

This the right time. Yep. Yep.

Okay. Um thank you. Um, I guess I'm just wanted to make my feelings uh a part of the record that I'm Michael McGraw with Eastbrook Homes um for the record and we're we're disappointed in the moratorium I guess I would say or the thought of it. We've been here and I guess I'm speaking specifically at this moment to what we believe is a vested right with respect to the Loing Woods uh plan unit development. As you guys probably know, we that project started in 2004 uh with a unit a density cap of 865 units. Um the approval of that project in its entirety required some infrastructure investment um sanitary work, some uh water main looping that was done in subsequent phases. that wasn't done initially, but there was roughly 500 to 600,000 invested in each of those, which in today's dollars is probably each of them would be a million or more to get that that work done. And we did that, I think, with with the understanding that, you know, we were going to build out to near our uh cap on our unit count. Um, we never tried to maximize the density. That has not been our intent. Um, most recently in 2021, we had a PUD that was at 829 units. Um, the current amendment that we discussed with the planning commission and board was to adjust the density down further to 782 units. So, still well below we were approved to construct in 2004. There are some housing typology changes, uh, addition of park space, a second pool that you guys may remember we had in that most recent uh, amendment request. Um, it just I guess what I'm hoping to confirm is that so long as we are not asking to go above the number of units that was approved for in 2004 that we would continue to have the right to work through these subsequent phase approvals. Um,

because we believe that right was earned when we got the project approved. Um, the other thing I think we need to be mindful of is that preliminary approval or a site plan approval is really just the first step in any of those projects for these subsequent phases. It's really two years from that point that we get to the point where houses are ready to be occupied. And I think sometimes that gets missed. We've got engineering. The site plan approval allows us to move forward with that next step. So to just bring the approval processes to a screeching halt and say we're not going to look at any of this, it would constrain our ability to do the forward planning that's necessary in the form of uh engineering drawings. You go through multiple iterations of approval from agencies to the township engineer and all the people who have purview over our uh construction documents. We can't do any of that without getting that first step approved. So, I guess that's what I want to confirm is that we've got that vested right to continue working through those knowing we have to agree on some of those. If there are modifications or slight changes in the phasing, we have to talk about those things. But I I just want to confirm that that right is indeed vested so we can continue to support the roughly 100 employees and 600 contractors who rely on a steady stream of work from us. and to have a big gap in that would be injurious to a lot of people who rely on us uh for employment and putting food in their tables. So, um thank you uh and appreciate the time.

Thank you. Yes. Ah, East Brook Homes. Yeah. East Brook Homes, 1188 East Paris Avenue, Kentwood. And then you live where? Uh 3918 Egypt Valley. Ada. Yep. Appreciate it. Anyone else?

Randy Coochie, 547 Baldwin. Um, also here to speak about the moratorum. Um, and um, just Michael kind of hit what I was going to hit on the time frame. Um, I brought out a little bit today. We just got that resoning at the last meeting and, um, we're looking forward to the momentum of going ahead with the, um, planning of the first phase. Um without moratorum we'd probably be looking at approval in July of 26. Engineering would probably run through July through December of 2026. Permitting would maybe be January through March of 2027 with site work construction April through November of 2027. We get recording and final approvals in December of 27th, early February 28. And our first occupancy of a house in there is really in all reality probably about July of 2028. We got a 8-month moratorium on there that's going to push it back to July 2029, which I mean that's a long ways off. It's when I think about that. Um we got about 71 lots approved in our Eagles um ridge subdivision in 2017 in two phases. Um the last homes are just under construction there in 2026. So it's plus or minus 9 years from like today if we started a project we use 71 lots in a in a you know same school district Georgetown right now. Bosgraph Homes has five of their last lots being built. Um we have nowhere to sell them lots. They're good customer of ours. We have nowhere to sell them lots in Georgetown Township until 2028 without the moratorium in 2029. And I don't know to my knowledge that there's any approved out there and coming that's going to supply lots not only for them. I mean I big concern for the small builders. Georgetown's always been full of small builders and we don't have anywhere for them to go and being able to provide some lots for them is

important to us. They've been good customers for many years. So and I just go I qu the delay I'm afraid is going to raise the cost of the lots again. Well, I got the only lots. So they're not 140. They're 150. Well then, well, they're getting 150. And construction costs are up 5%. We better get 160. And for kids and families in the township and kids of families in the township and others that want to move in, is that extra hit to affordability going to be worth it? Um, so and I just kind of the concerns are big enough to push this, you know, push the small builders out and in the residents and who want to build a new house here if we want to push them to other townships um or could we work um together to like start our phase? I guess that's really what I'm asking if we could consider some way allowing us to work through the design phase with the understanding that things like hookup fees and maybe some other stuff could be changing and um and maybe we could and part of that we could identify what would have to be in place before we could start construction.

Okay, thank you.

My name is Kevin Hzinger, 2669 Tamarak Drive in Jennison. Uh I'm here as quite the opposite. Um I'm in support of the moratorum. Um, I work in the industry as a civil engineer. I've seen municipalities play catch-up uh with utilities and overall infrastructure. Uh, and that really impacts everyone, current residents, future residents, anyone who works here, passes through here. Um, a pause to evaluate the situation is warranted and can lead to impactful changes if needed. Um, unfortunately, I couldn't make the first uh reading two weeks ago. Um, but I was happy to see that most of the board was in agreement. However, after reviewing the minutes and the discussion from that meeting, I do have concerns about a conflict of interest in my opinion with Clerk Kelly Kyper, um it wasn't disclosed or brought up in any way that um she is employed by Eastbrook Homes, uh clearly a developer here, um fighting against this moratorum. Um as far as I know, it would have a direct impact on at least one current project, uh the Tall Oaks, that they're trying to get the preliminary plat approval here tonight. Um I believe that is going to be rejected based on the planning commission. Um and if the moratorum passes then obviously that's 8 months. Um and then any design changes that have to be brought up to compliance with the uh any changes from that moratorum. Um and then as mentioned that would be an 8-month pause on any new Eastbrook Homes project. Um, I strongly think that that's a direct conflict of interest and I would like to know why clerk Kelly Kyper did not request that she be excused or even bring it up. Um, it is

at last month's at two weeks ago meeting regarding um the moratorium itself. I did not see that in the uh minutes at all. Um, but okay. Um I still believe that um this project or this moratorium would be a good thing for the township. Um developers want to come here uh small developers, big developers. Um and to just put a pause to collect some data, analyze the data and see if there needs to be any changes. Um I think that that would be beneficial.

Thank you, Kevin. Pete Plowman, 6877 Creek Ridge Court, Hudsonville. Um, couple of things. The moratorum, I think that was a good decision. We have a lot of other things going on, primarily infrastructure, roads, sewer, water, and everybody in the room is from Georgetown is dealing with that. So, I think that was a good call. Kevin's uh point that you did discuss the moratorum. Kelly Kyper was part of those discussions and um so she has an influence on the um project going in for Eastbrook. The other thing, one quick question um as it relates to fire. Um I'm curious because I don't know the answer to this with the nursing homes that we have here. They are nonprofit. They don't pay property taxes. I'm curious as to how many times we go there and do we bill them for those services. I'm sure we don't give them free water and sewer, but are we giving them free EMS, those types of services of which they are not paying for? And maybe we could have the fire department let us know how many times they go there in a course of a year and then thus we should bill them something for those services. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else?

Good evening everyone. Um, my name is Sam Hansen. My wife and I live at 2637 Willow View Drive. Uh, Will View currently serves about 93 homes. Cars often park along the street, turning it into a one-lane road where drivers must yield to oncoming traffic. This is just an example of how narrow the street already is, especially on the east end with the two large curves leading to 24th Avenue. Willow View was never designed to handle heavy through traffic. The plat being voted on tonight would force about 145 of the 273 planned homes to use Willivview Drive as their main exit. While drivers could go north to Filillmore, many will avoid an already overburdened Filillmore Street and instead try to reach Bower Road. This will almost double the traffic on Willow View and creates a serious safety concern, especially since these 145 homes would have no other direct access to Bower. In addition, 28th Avenue is already planned to be a main corridor connecting Filillmore to Bower. No matter how traffic is distributed, will view drive will see increased traffic. Because of these existing conditions and expected increases, the proposed layout creates problems beyond inconvenience. That is why we are asking the board to deny the Tall Oaks preliminary plat and uphold the planning commission's decision. This is not just a personal concern. It's a street design issue, a safety issue, and a rules issue. 28th Avenue is planned as a corridor route designed to carry heavy traffic shown by its 50 to 60 ft setbacks. These setbacks reflect the township's intent for this road to function as a major corridor, not a neighborhood street. Willow View is dri different. It is a local street with lower traffic, slower speeds, and 30-foot setbacks. Designed for single family homes, treating 28th Avenue like Willow View ignores the purpose of the corridor and existing zoning standards. The planning commission denied this plat

because it does not meet section 5051A of the ordinance. The street layout does not continue existing streets, does not match the surrounding pattern, and does not arrange minor streets uh to discourage through traffic. Instead, the design funnels traffic into a single internal spine road. Phase one controls access to all future phases. If phase one is built as shown, the entire street system is locked in, even if future phases are delayed, changed, or never built. Once the streets are constructed, the township loses leverage. Approving this plan would set a bad precedent, allowing future developers to seek the same treatment and weakening the township's control over corridor planning. The planning commission's denial was based on compliance, not opinion. If a plat does not meet the ordinance, it should not be approved. Approving a non-compliant plat today locks in problems tomorrow. The safest decision is to require compliance before approval. We respectfully ask the board to uphold the planning commission's denial and maintain adherence to section 5051. Thank you.

Thank you. Question. This the only spot to speak to that agenda item as well. Is this the only time in the meeting to speak to that? It is. Uh and each person gets one. Okay. Yeah. If you've got a a maybe you've got a Yeah. But just to be clear for the upcoming followups agenda item, there will be no comment from the applicant. Uh if there are questions from the board, yes, they may Okay. They may inquire of you. Yes. Mhm.

Eric Stark, Miller Johnson, on behalf of the applicant for Tall Oaks. Um so I'm I'm going to talk about the requested preliminary plat for phase one. Um, and I guess maybe if there are questions, we're happy to take them now. Or if you want to take them when the agenda items up, it's up to you guys. So, one thing we want to clarify, I think there was some confusion by the planning commission at their meeting. They took it upon themselves to make a recommendation with respect to phase one of the preliminary plat. When we look at the ordinance, they don't really have that authority. And there's also some confusion about whether or not we're seeking approval of phase one or the extended phases. Under your ordinance, we have an obligation to provide the extended phases together with the phase one preliminary plat. The ordinance is clear that this board doesn't have the authority to approve or deny the extended phases. Those are really there to um provide some additional flavor I would say for the phase one of the preliminary plat. So really what the planning commission is to be looking at is the phase one of the preliminary plan. And what this board is either to approve or reject is phase one of the preliminary plan. at the time phase the extended phases in whatever configuration they may be in. Um when we seek approval for those, this board will have the exact same opportunity to do that review and approval that they're doing for phase one. For example, looking at the roads, looking at the utilities, any other layout concerns for each phase. So, right now we're looking at phase one of the preliminary plat, which is 47 lots. Um and when we look at

phase one, there are no road issues created by phase one. What we heard at the city at the planning commission level was that this cut through from 28th to Bower is something the township has wanted for 40 years. We heard that from the chair of the of the planning commission. We've heard from other planning commissioners that said this is great. We've wanted this for a long time. We hope that Eastbrook will put it in for us and that is what we heard at the planning commission level which is not something frankly that can be put onto the applicant. So what we're looking at are 47 lots and does the 47 lots create a burden that must be um relieved by this road? No. We have there's a chip trip generation study that you all have in your packet that says phase one is not going to create any sort of traffic issues. So, what we're looking at and what the planning commission is attempting to do is put this public benefit onto the applicant, which I get it. I would want to do that, too. But you can't that's not constitutional. So, they can't do that. We're looking only at 47 lots. Hey, what we will um intentionally give you an opportunity during that period of time. I'm sure one of us will ask a question to allow you to finish your statement as long as it's reasonable in length.

Yeah, believe me, I I want to be as short as possible, but we want to make sure that there there are clearly what what I mean is yeah, when that point comes Yep. So, one one other point I want to saying you understand what I'm saying. So, your your time expired, but we're going to give you Eric an opportunity. Okay. Most likely at that point it's brief. There'll probably be a question. Yeah. Along those lines. Thank you. Oh, we stand practice at 145 Ottawa Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Okay. And that's not a home address. We It is. I spend a lot of time there. Address and work address. So,

I like that. I uh I know they have condos in that building, so maybe just go up the elevator, right? Yeah. All right. Okay. Anyone else wish to address the board at this time? The best way to do that would be to come forward to the mic. Uh but I'm sorry. You've already spoken. So, yep. Excuse me. I'm going to have to I'm going to have to maintain uh decorum in that respect to say we appreciate your comments. Duly noted. And uh thank you. So, yes, sir.

Good evening. Mitch Glenn, 2512 Cedar West Drive. Uh I also want to uh two things to mention that I uh hope that the board upholds the spending uh that is mentioned in the minutes. Um but specifically the tall oaks development um to reiterate a lot of the things. I hope that the board considers the the meeting and the notes that the and the diligence that the planning committee did uh and they uphold that and that the um you know to me it seems interesting to question the planning committee and and you know the developer wasn't even present at that meeting to address some of the questions and one of the comments that I believe Gary said when he was there is um having the uh com the community buy in and be excited about this uh development. Obviously, that was not the case at the first meeting as this was pretty much every uh seat was filled and there was a lot of uh concern um about this and we were glad to see that there was a specific item uh 50-51 called out that was followed in the planning committee's um uh opinion. Thank you.

Thank you. Please state his address. I didn't catch Oh man, did I miss another one? West Drive. Okay. Okay. I didn't get his last name. Chelsea get the address. I didn't catch it and I just want to make We try to make a record. Will you restate your address, please? 2512 Cedar West Drive. And your last name? O G L A N D. Thank you. Thanks. All right.

Welcome.

Hi, Tim Bolta. I'm at 2708 Cedar West Drive and we are right on Willow Lake, which is right across from the first phase. I work for Pioneer Construction. I understand you guys like the development. We're in the development also with commercial project. I I understand process and progress. Um the first phase that you're talking about is basically the foundation of the entire rest of the plot. So if 28th Street does not go all the way through, that first phase locks it all in. Plus with us living right there on that water, there is a ton of wildlife. There's mating pairs of muskrats. We see fox, coyote, there's seven deer that were bedded down right on the right on the dry parts of the lake. Not to mention what we've mentioned too with all the traffic. Uh I went out for a wife a walk with our grandchild and my wife. We couldn't even get across um Fillmore to get to the park uh down by Riverside Park down by the park across the street where the boat launch is at. That traffic was coming back and forth there. Um everything needs to be studied. just and then also the north side of um Filillmore with that whole development going in with all those brand new houses going in there traffic's going to be a nightmare. So, uh, I also have my neighbor here. When we when the snow was all melting, when all the rain was coming down, when we sit in our backyard, we can hear the water coming down through the streams off the top of uh, Fillmore Hill coming all down. There's a ton of water, wetlands. Um, like I said, I understand progress, but it there's got to be more study done. Um, it's just too many people in too much uh area. Um, and I, like I said, I understand progress. Um, I would like to see I understand that was always going to be developed. When we moved in, we were understanding that that Willow Lake was actually going to possibly be dug

out because we signed things in our um in our U purchase agreement that said there might be future lake association um uh fees that might go along with it if that lake was completely dug out. So anyway, between the traffic, the number of people that are there, um I appreciate the planning commission just putting a hold on it. It has to have more study done. So thank you

evening. Adam McCloskey, 254 Cedar West Drive. Um I am directly behind the proposed phase one lots 18 and 19. And something I forgot to bring up last time during the planning commission um meeting was reference point B. I believe it to be inaccurate um was the maps make it look like there's land between those two pieces of water there where 18 and 19 butt right up to the existing properties on Cedar West Drive. And after these heavy rains and the snow melt, it's it's a stream. I could have skated through there if it was frozen. I think I've heard my neighbors talk about taking kayaks to the larger park to the north side. Um I also don't prefer the way that that uh reference point was collected. I'm not sure what the legality is of surveyors, but excuse common courtesy to knock on our door when you're walking through my property and tell us what you're doing. Um, beyond that, the traffic, um, I just moved to Jennison in November. There's already a hell of a lot of traffic, uh, on Filillmore when I'm turning into 24th or 28th. Um, there's development on the north side of Filillmore, and I know the person representing the plat mentioned how it would be a service to the county if they put a road through. Well, there's lots of exterior roads outside the plat that I'm sure the county would have to take commission. You know, the Georgetown would have to take charge of, including turn lanes. Um, there's a huge queue of cars behind me typically when I do make a turn on the 24th um going home. So, I just wanted to bring up that I do think more studies need to be done and I hope you guys agree with the uh planning commission's uh opinion from the other meetings. Thanks.

Thank you. Did you say McCloskey? Any relation, Mr. McCloskey? No. Okay. Curious. I thought that too. Oh, yeah.

Hello, I'm Shelley Hansen. I live at 2637 Willow View Drive. My husband was just up here and I'm not a lawyer, but Michigan law requires uh the street the entire layout to be compliant at the time of review and it does not rely on future phases. So, I'm not sure if he's talking about 47 homes all going through Willow View Drive, making that through street to 24th Avenue. It will not work. There's too much. It's too narrow. There's too many homes close to the road. It's not like 28th Avenue. So, I'd like to just say that if that is Michigan law that it requires that.

Thank you.

Anyone else? All right. Seeing none, we'll close that public comment period and move on to item number 10, which is our consent agenda. Is there a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda? Moved and supported. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? And it passes. Item 11, a parks truck. Is there a motion to approve the purchase of a 2026 GMC 2500 for the parks department? So move. Support.

Okay. So we move to supported. Did I see well right in the front here as needed? Not necessarily unless you want to for certain make a statement to this, but I know on um uh services that we received information much as the board has here, bid results and the like. Is there anything you wish to add to the information we've received? Rod, only if we have questions. Okay. All right. Among the board, any questions for Rod or any discussion? U you can't judge this one, I'll just say by its miles because of the type of miles that it uh that it puts on. But we had discussion about both miles and condition and it's at the cusp of uh losing um its value you know more precipitous drop. We have a really great I think resale value on a truck like this which will apply to the purchase of the new one which is itself a very good price a very good price which I think is through MI deal if I'm not mistaken.

Mhm. So, are we going to be able to use I assume this is a plow truck because of the low mileage and so are we going to be able to use any of the plow equipment from this this new truck or is that going to have to be completely different setup because it's 10 years old? That is one of the main things that we and you like the GMC versus the Chevy, right? No, it really doesn't matter. Um, they're all great. Okay. What Let's have I brought up there. He's usually passionate. Yeah. I thought you had a GMC. He sells it. And you liked that one. And let him off the hook. It was cheaper. GMC. All made in the same line.

Okay. Yeah. It came down to a timeline issue that we can get a GMC truck way quicker than we can a Chevy truck. So, Okay. The Yeah. I look at some of the specs though. The first specs on that truck is what we are getting with the 18in rims, 18inch tires because as you go down and then get into some of the other I mean if you got to really figure out the coating cuz it does say 17 in tires and spare and all that kind of stuff which we certainly don't want. I think you want to at least be 18 or 20s. Um GMC come stock.

Okay. Yeah, cuz I I don't think you want 17s. So, just

that was the only thing I actually seen it. So, I'm good.

Anyone else? Okay. Hearing nothing further. All in favor of this motion for the purchase say I. I I opposed. This carried. Appreciate your input, Rod. Item 12 related to improvements at Maplewood Park and Rush Creek Park. Is there a motion to approve of these improvements to these parks, which is a significant number, but has been worked on for quite some time.

I will make a motion to make the improved by Amy from services. Second, seconded by John formerly of services and probably a part of this when discussions began. Um, as those of you who have been on services know or on this board, um, expenditures of this magnitude do not happen overnight. Um, and this has been something that's been studied, debated, discussed. And, um, it comes here after, you know, an odyssey, put it that way. It's not just lightly uh, chosen. So, thoughts, comments, questions? I know I always turn to Kelly as our resident park expert, but you love the parks. You love these parks. any unique thoughts that you want to add for the the full board here other than what's apparent to them?

We've done a lot of research on this particular park and this reconfiguration here. Um, I'll just point out that the challenge with not having detailed committee minutes is that it's not quite obvious as to why I voted no on this item that came through committee. And I'll just point out that the 797 number represents uh post-tension. Um and we had this conversation with the engineer and the pickle ball expert that is post-tension great. Yes. But is reinforced concrete sufficient? Um so I voted no because I thought the reinforced concrete for cost savings was a sufficient uh material for this particular park. So, I don't know if we want to have that conversation or if we trust the uh recommendation by the committee, but I just wanted to point out that this number was not the lowest bid. It was uh I think it was close to $30,000 higher uh for that post-tension uh material. But

I remember right, the original bids were well over a million dollar though with post tension. So, if we get a price down to this $800,000 range with post tension, what's going to bring the life of the of the surface far greater than without post tension. I I think it's worth the $30,000. So, we're not looking at this in seven or 10 years and saying, "Well, there's cracks. There's there's uneven. We got to remove it, replace it, and and spend more money on it." We'll get more life out of the post tension than we would without it. And I think it's a significant savings from the original bid.

I agree. And the um problem too is the tennis courts have been in disarray for a long time. I have not been able to play on our tennis courts and it's hard to get on the schools because the kids all use them or they kick you off because you're not allowed during the day because of security cuz I would be a threat with a tennis racket. Um so uh I think we need to keep up our parks and what we have right now we're not keeping up. So, I think this is a good time to do it and the prices seem better and if we do the post-tension, um it's going to last way longer and we're not going to have to do the upkeep. Um I'm not a big fan of the layout in Rush Creek Park, but it's a neighborhood park. My only concern there is will we have to replace the tennis net because the courts back up to that. Usually pickle ball is sideways on a tennis court. So, but it's a neighborhood park so it maybe is fine with that. Um, but I think for our neighborhood parks and Maple Wood gets a lot of use and I think it's smart to get rid of the sand pit that's there, volleyball or whatever it is, um, and fix up the basketball court because that needs it as well. So

yes, the stray cats are not happy about that volleyball area going away. Um, you know what you just commented on uh for those of you who are not in services about the configuration at Rush Creek is a bit of a compromise. I think ideally we would have had separate courts, you know, pickle ball here and so on. It was meant for efficiency and cost effectiveness. Yes,

that we tried to to do a multiport arrangement there. Maplewood is not as much. We've we've separated them out as they've been separated, both basketball, tennis, now with some pickle ball. And just for the benefit of the public, um pickle ball has been mentioned a lot in recent years. This is not the the pickle ball you've probably heard of, which is the consideration of possibly at 8th Avenue Park. That's still just a thought, right? This has to do with these two established areas where multiport activity already takes place. the fact that we can both enhance um in addition to what's there, but also replace and repair that which is, you know, begun to fall apart. So, um yeah, it's a price-wise, believe it or not, it's a it's much better than it was, which usually it's heading the other direction. So, I think we're pleased about that.

Mhm. These are the feel-good projects that ought to be something that puts a smile on the whole community. And whenever I talk to people, if I run into people and um I'll say, "What do you like about living in Georgetown Township?" First thing they say are our parks. Second thing is the library. Pretty much standard. Anytime I talk to people, they love our parks. So, we need to maintain our parks for our residents and our kids and our grandkids. Gary's committee deals with $5 million pipes and things. You don't see them. Cost a lot of money. I'd like to hear from you looking at the parks and yeah, the the Maplewood Park needs to be updated. Court shot.

Gary, I'd like to hear from you because I know you're the big opponent um with the SMET last time. That's why we Yeah, the post tension, you know, when you when you look at the big scheme of things, the post tension isn't as expensive

considering my biggest thing is trying to get my arms around this kind of money for concrete and fence. You know, when you compare this to a $750,000 house, like I'm getting concrete and fence for $750,000. Seems like it's just like a lot of money. We did get five bids and so they're all in the same same ballpark for the lack of a better term. Um, you know, I I I you know, I've been reading up there is probably a little more longevity with uh post tension. I'm not sure how much more, but if it's $30,000 more compared to a $740,000 bid. It's in the big scheme of things, it's not as expensive as I thought it might be. Um I'm just trying to get my arms around the whole huge package for concrete and fence, but apparently that's what they're getting because there's five bids on it. So, but they need it needs to be done. I mean, I I was I drove to Mwood Park the other day just look at that ton of that and that thing gets used a lot. Mhm.

It does. Those that that basketball court, it's amazing. There's people there all the time playing ball. I bet today tonight you go there and be guys up there. So, it's time to update some of these. Rush Creek, same thing. I think it's a good compromise. You'll be able to do tennis, pick a ball, got a basketball, Park, we got to start with some of the stuff. It's just what some of 30 years old, Rod. Maplewood Park. Some of that that basketball court 30 years old. Um, I had it resurfaced probably about two years ago. Okay. Yeah. Right. So, it's it's time.

We've talked about post tension for years and a lot of us had to be educated and just what that meant. Um, but it seems like it's the way to go and it holds up much much longer. These are improvements to those parks which those parks have desperately needed

and you know as Rod just mentioned I mean asphalt out there that's we've been using for 22 years. Uh let's put something out there as this place the particularly Rush Creek has dramatically expanded uh with population. Um, it's time to take and and give them a very nice park cuz it was in rough rough shape even though Rod's crew does an incredible job. So, I'm for this. I think it's a smart move. But yes, the numbers huge, but we've been talking about it for years. Sure needs to be done.

And we've added handicap accessible playground equipment at Rush Creek, too, which is great. And uh we'll probably update the uh what do you call it? Frisbee disc golf once that goes in too. I I think we're investing into that community over there. All of these at Maplewood Park. Mhm. Do you know what the warrant is on the coatings on that stuff? The 20. Don't Don't they put coating on the on the pickle ball courts and stuff or is it just concrete? Oh, it be I'm sure it be painted surface, right? Yes. Absolutely. They have to wait the water.

They have to wait to get the water out and then they put another coating on top of it and paint the lines. And is that annually the undone then or is that Oh, it's my understanding it lasts for a number of years before it has to be done. I guess I'm going to default to Amy on that one. Um, it should last for quite a few years. Yes. I don't know how many. And now they have all new different materials than before. But when I coached at tennis at Unity, I mean, we really didn't have to repaint the lines. Okay. So, I mean, we had to repair the crack writing rock. Yeah.

Okay. There anyone else? No. Anybody's good? Okay. Good. Um, this is not a roll call. So, all in favor say I. I. I.

Any opposed? It's carried. And that's exciting. Item 13, the Rosewood Park slide, the really really tall one. Um, it has a broken it has a broken uh side panel if you will, and it has happened uh now and then. So, um, came through services. The question is whether or not to break it or I'm sorry to fix it or to remove it at this point. Came from services on a split vote to remove it. And is there a motion then to make a motion to remove the broken tunnel slide?

Right. Yes. Is there a second? Okay. I' I'd like to maybe make a motion just to replace it. Why Why remove it? I mean it's it gets used obviously. I mean, that park is is used a lot. I mean, there there's probably I would say that playground there is one or you go by there in the summertime or even in the winter time when kids are out there sledding that that they're using that playground. We remove that slide. It's kind of the I mean, you just put that picture up there. It's kind of kind of the marquee of the playground. It gets a lot of damage it seems like though, doesn't it? I mean

I mean I can explain the rationale at the services committee meeting at least why I made the motion at services was

it it's consistently damaged this is not the first time uh and the damage is not coming from regular wear and tear the damage is coming from very aggressive wear and tear by near adults I think the last uh uh pictures that we got were grown adults that were using that slide and breaking it and you all know I've said this phrase quite a bit. We deserve nice things. And I still wholly believe that we deserve nice things here. But I also believe the opposite is true. When you break nice things, we're not just going to keep replacing them for people. And I don't think that this means we won't ever replace it in the future. But I think we need to sort of evaluate what the feedback is on if it's removed because at this point we're just consistently replacing something that people are destroying

and it's expensive to fix it or fixing something that people are destroying. Removing the whole thing or removing removing it and capping it. Remove talking about the top. Jean, they're talking about the top. Just the top. I'm confused on the Not the whole thing. Let's take a look. No, just the slide. You don't have to show the vid. Oh, now my Oh, shoot.

By the way, I'm going to get a little background. Uh, so this is approximately 12:30 in the morning. Yeah. And uh and I'll have Chelsea play it. Sure. Moms don't love this slide. Some moms do. So, okay, this is after the slide was already broke. Uh, these individuals peeled back the I guess the safeguard that our parks department put in place. And then this person went down the slide and you can see the boot marks.

How many people are there at 12:13 in the morning? just taking off the the tall slide all blue side most of it will stay. Yeah. Yeah. So we would we would remove the I guess looking at this video we would remove the left hand side slide on the third floor we would cap with uh bars and basically the kids could go up into like a tower. They just couldn't come down it anymore. Right.

This uh history this structure is 20 years old. Uh, and we talked to the committee about maybe at 25 years we replace it just for general wear and tear, but this is a lose-lose decision. So, I'm going to place it on the board. You're going to have some parents that are mad because we're taking it away. Others want it fixed, but apparently you have one out here that wants to take it away. Yeah, right. I'll add to it. My son has gotten hurt on that slide, so I don't have much left. I just want to let you know that the chrome slides that I grew up on that were 150° in the summer, right? They're still working. They're still They're 100 years old and nobody broke them.

Yeah. How much if we replace that? How about giving us that? So, so if you if we pull up the options, um it there is a lead time and we'll look at Mr. Dempter for this one. I think it's about six to eight months. Um we we we've done this in the past a couple years ago. I think when I first started here uh three over three and a half years ago, they ordered it. It took they have to get a crane to support it while they swap out the segments. 2022, seven segments cost $8,000 for materials only for seven segments. It needs three right now, right? Needs three. I think I'm going to go look at Dee right now.

If I could just give you a little more background information. So, when I built this playground way back in 2003, I think there were two, um, it was my pride and joy, and it still is. I still am very proud of this park, but looking back, hindsight, this probably was not the best playground to be putting into this park, especially with the soccer ball for sliding in the winter and the splash pad now for the summer. It's created a lot of problems for us because in the summer now we're having kids haul water up and dumping it down the slides and little kids that go down it go out at about 110 mph.

Okay. Cuz it could and in the winter time it's mainly we're drawing a lot of adults and they're the ones that are going down through there and destroying that. So that doesn't get caused by the children. Mhm.

Does not. So, how do we fix this problem? One is, you know, my initial thought was we'll lower the whole thing down, take the whole top of that playground off, and then we just have a bland low and slow playground, which is actually what we're going to have to go to someday is the low and slow because of the splash pad and the soccer. Um, so this is the cheapest solutions to remove that slide. that they tal sad to be that we have to do something like that, but we have to do it in light of safety. Yeah. Something's got to be done.

Well, we want to keep our residents safe. So,

as one as the lone voice crying in the wilderness here who was just beside myself when I saw police tape on it during COVID, uh the whole playground. Um, I am all for the thrill ride yet and I would vote. I voted in committee to fix it and keep it going cuz I love it and it's kind of iconic and I don't know, kids need to do a little bit of dangerous stuff these days. They don't do much of that. I I leaned towards that, but I'd heard a story that you put chainlink fencing up and um secured it and a father brought bolt cutters and cut it all off and said that he was a taxpayer and it shouldn't be like that. Two years after I built the playground, I was having a lot of problems with steel runner sleds going down the tubes and slicing the plastic creating a cutting hazard for children in the in the springtime. So, we had to go down and actually sand the hole in the tube.

Okay. Not a fun thing to do. Um but yeah, it it just needs to be changed. So then I had put up all that um fencing up all the way around it to try and keep the people out and that just seemed to draw them all the more to for the adventure to get in. Yeah, thank you. We also had knuckleheads that jumped on the drinking fountain a couple times there, but we still have a drinking fountain. Public health, safety, and welfare.

I guess one person's safety is another one's adventure. All right. Well, clearly I can see it going one way. We may as well take a vote. Anybody else have anything they want to say? I'm just glad somebody didn't go down that slide and get their leg caught in that hole. That would have been that would have been like a little Chinese handcuff because if you look at those plastic sparks, they're they're like this. You get in, you wouldn't be able to pull back out. So, some little kid goes down there and falls in that hole somehow. That' have been that would have been a major alley, right? Yep. You could point out a lot of different things like that that could happen on a lot of things public, you know. Yeah. A lot of things can happen. Yep.

Okay. Um all in favor say to the removal that's the motion that Kelly made. Say I. I. I. Opposed. I.

It carries. All right. Item 14. This is the second reading uh related to the temporary moratorum, the 8-month mortorium that's been proposed. uh for those who are not here the last meeting of course you've um read the minutes and you have also spoken I'm sure to Justin or Andy about the meeting so we had a public hearing and we had our initial reading and now it's the time for the second reading and if the board should choose then the adoption of this moratorum so should it be placed on the table here by someone so moved

by Gary reported Uh Kevin, uh I want to say I guess at the outside of the conversation about this that to the extent that uh comments were made tonight in terms of what the moratorum prevents and what it does not that that can be I think it's fairly well addressed here specifically in section 4 I believe it is but uh it can be clarified uh because we don't want anybody to have the wrong interpretation or understanding. Um, and so to that degree, I I'm prepared to speak to it. I think Justin probably would be. We have Manette here tonight, which we appreciate. Um, and so we want to make sure we get that clear and right. And that's aside from is it a good idea or isn't it? the principles underlying it which are stated within it which were discussed the last time and maybe discussed now uh it seemed to me are are different than the question of okay if this does get enacted does this stop me or doesn't it right those developer questions and a clear understanding I think is important on that score I will say and Mr. Mr. Stark, I appreciated your letter. I think we each received a copy of both the letters you sent. You sent one in particular on on the moratorum. Um, if it should pass tonight, I know that we have a a response letter uh from legal counsel to you as well. So, that should be received should it pass very soon. I'm I'm privy to that letter and I'm privy to the conversation with uh council. And I will just say that I'm very confident for the sake of this board as well. Not only I but legal counsel is very confident in the foundation upon which we've rested this this uh proposed moratorum. Um so with that as my own backdrop to the u setting it's uh open and on the floor once again.

Well I appreciate all the comments that were said too um with the moratorum. Is it possible to do six months instead of eight months or a lesser time? Four months. I mean two months, you can do two months. I mean because I appreciate that they have things in motion and everything takes time. So I I mean I hear both sides of the story. So I'm just asking cuz I don't deal with moratoriums on a daily basis. Well, I got I got to think that if we could collect information and get things figured out in six months, I don't know reason, but we would be able to pull them over to try and crack. We have this moratorium for eight months.

Curtail it. Sure. If we could get if we could get all the information that we need. We're working on that now and get through some of these things far as uh utilities, what we need, we could come back and say, "Okay, we've got our information. We're good to go. We could we can get it quick enough." I think 8 month we're going to we're probably going to need the whole eight months from what I'm seeing utilities committee but you know if we can get it quicker we could come back I like that idea

to open up to say we're done but we got a lot of things we got to collect. I'm just going to tell you right now there's there's a few things we need to work with if I can initiate a question uh to Manette. Manette um and if you don't mind just for the record here so people are watching online later can hear you. Um Manette by the way works in our zoning department for those of you who are here in the public tonight. She's been with us for 30 plus years. And uh so Manette, you've heard some of the concerns. Not that I expect you to address specific developers tonight. There may be further conversations that are needed to be had, but could you at least reinforce the concept of a moratorum, what it clearly would apply to and what it clearly would not.

Thank you, Mr. Supervisor. My name, can you move that microphone a little closer to you? There you go. There you go.

My name is Manette Maner. My address is 8687 24th Avenue. It's kind of weird being at this end of the table, but anyway, I appreciate this opportunity and I'm thankful that I can maybe explain how the building and zoning department interprets this and that way we can get in on the minutes too so that everybody's clear so that you know this is my understanding of it and then if of course if it's not yours then um then you can make some changes or whatever. But first of all to let everybody know just I want to take a minute. Um chapter 51 in the code of ordinances is our subdivision ordinance and it talks about plats and it talks it requires that when a developer comes in and applies for a plat that they have to submit the extended phases. So we have to look at the extended phases and then each individual phase 1, phase 2, phase three and then similarly a PUD is the same way. Chapter 22 of the zoning ordinance requires a preliminary plan and then the developer comes in for phase 1, phase 2 and phase three. So it's it's my interpretation of this from the language in here that for example when a plat comes in the planning commission reviews the overall plat and then phase one and then the developer comes in with phase two developer comes in with phase three and you look at it in regard to the overall plat with the PUD they got their overall approval and then they come in for phase one and phase two so as per the language in here the way that I interp interpret this and of course it's it's up to you if this is what you want it to say but it appears that if a developer comes in for preliminary and got the preliminary recommendation from the planning commission board and got preliminary approval from the board in phase one if they want to come in for phase 2 phase three phase 4 it's my interpretation of

this moratorum that extended phases that were provided at the beginning with the overall phase could continue to come in. So if somebody has their preliminary phase one, phase two, they could come in for phase three or phase four. Similarly with a a PUD um a developer comes in for a preliminary of the of the PUD and then they come in for phase 1, phase 2, phase three. And that's my interpretation of this is that once they got their preliminary, they could come in for the extended phases. And then just a a side note on that as well, it's like a flowchart. So a plat also after they get their preliminary, there's there's actually three steps to plat approval which come to the board. Preliminary goes to the planning commission. Final preliminary and final plat go to the board. But it's also my interpretation from the language in here that a developer could also then after they get their say they're coming in for phase three. They could come into phase three for the planning commission for preliminary go to the board for preliminary and then get their final preliminary which is construction and then get their final plat. That is my interpretation of this language in the moratorum and that would be how I if if you agree with that interpretation how we would handle this for the next however many months that it goes is that everybody else's interpretation as well. It's consistent with what I understood is consistent with what I understand legally.

Well, as well as with our ordinance, right? So,

chapter or section 51 of the code and of ordinances requires us requires us to accept extended phases when somebody comes in for a plat. It is the I started here in 1993. That's the way we have done it since 1993. So it appears to me that a developer has some vested rights once they get their preliminary and as long as the next phases comply with the preliminary then they it appears to me according to the language in here that they would have the vested right to continue to do that. But now if somebody with a plat wanted to change the preliminary then they go back to to step one and then no they would have to wait till the um the mortorium is over. The same thing with a PUD. If somebody came in with phase three, phase four, phase 5, if it's consistent with the preliminary, then according to the language here, the way I would interpret it, working in the township, then we would accept that and move forward with it. But if they want to change the preliminary, then that goes back to state step one, and that would not be able to be reviewed till the end of the moratorum. That's how I interpret this language. And and I wanted this to be in the minutes as well. So if this is how you interpret it, we can have it in the minutes and that way we can show it to a developer if a developer comes in.

Questions for Annette? Anyone? We're here and I mean I'm a lay person. I'm really confused to be honest with you. Um I keep hearing about we need to do these studies. So, we're studying our water. We're studying our sewer. We're studying our fire department response. We're doing all these before for what? I mean, you say they can do the preliminary, but yet we want to do studies. I'm I'm confused on

They can't do they could not come in. somebody could not come in for a overall preliminary for let's just call it um what would be a name of plat that nobody uses um I don't know

township plat okay so somebody comes in for the preliminary of the township plat and they say okay this is going to be five phases here's our preliminary here's all of our extended phases this is phase one this is phase two phase three they came in a year ago and they already got their approval for that they came in for phase one they're already Well, now they want to come in for phase two. And I believe that the language in here allows them to come in for phase two because according to the language in in section uh 51 of the code of ordinances, we compare the future phases to the overall preliminary and as long as it's consistent, then we would approve it. So nobody would come in for the overall preliminary. So now they're coming in for township plat phase 4 and then and then those actually so the language is probably what's confusing you. A plat has three steps for approval each plat after you get your preliminary of the overall then they come in for the preliminary for each individual phase and that's just the language of preliminary final preliminary and final plat. Oh them between overall preliminary and then the preliminary of each individual one.

So what we're saying basically is that this this moratorum anybody who's already received over overall plat approval isn't affected by it. However, somebody else that walks in the door and says, "Hey, I decided I'm going to develop this piece over here and I want to submit a new plat approval." That person's got to wait. Correct. The overall preliminary if they haven't gotten it yet, that would have to wait. Okay.

We're still doing that because according we don't know that our water system will handle it and we don't know if our sewer is going to handle it. I mean, it says whether public water system through the township can do this, but I'm sure that's already been reviewed. Well, I'm sure. Yeah, I was going to say I'm sure that Joel and our water department has done enough research that they're not just doing it day by day or month by month. They've got to be five or 10 years out. And

you're you're 100% right. When that person when that developer came in for the overall preliminary absolutely at that point we review everything at that point we we review they have to have you know approvals from you know Ottawa County Road Commission the drain commission our department when they come in for we look at all of that that's required in in in section 51. So yes if a developer comes in and they already have that We're not concerned about that part. We're concerned about the You're going to have to do the Joe Blow that just bought 40 acres and wants to put something up. That's the one we're concerned about.

Well, first of all, you know, remember, I mean, I'm just trying to explain to you what this means. Certainly, that's what exactly that means. If somebody comes in now and has not already gone to that process, this would mean that they would have to wait. I'm just explaining Yeah. No interpretation of the language. Thank you, Lynette. Same thing with I don't understand. Yeah, it was a lot of paper to go through. Do have we do we have an estimated uh development yield on property that has not been approved for any development yet at this time?

I I can't answer. I I only ask because you know based on the explanation that you just provided there's hundreds of units already that have the ability to be built tomorrow even under this moratorum but yes I'm concerned that there's not really that many left to be built. So oh you know what it it's going to be market driven it's going to be driven by the developer. I mean we have no idea how many

well we we have limited land available. So I think it's worthy of pointing out that the moratorum will only impact undeveloped land. We've got a significant amount of property in the northwest corner that's rural residential which limits its development ability. So there's not much land available for LDR, MDR, even HDR development. So I just want to make sure that we kind of all understand that this moratorum it has kind of an undetermined development yield that it really will impact. So I I question that a little bit. I mean, I I can't answer that. It probably is going to be more of a question that you could pose to the planning commission going through the master plan process and the and to look at a future land use map. I mean, right now, that's what they're they're going through that. So, to say how many houses or more units are left to be developed, it will probably depend on the outcome of the master plan. instrument your point Kelly really is is making the point of those in favor of it but saying you're really not going to get that much for it. In other words, you can enact your moratorium but you're not going to be stopping as much as you think you might.

Well, I Yeah, and I think just I don't want to step on anybody's toes if there's any other comments. The only comment I would want to make tonight is I don't need to reiterate everything I said in the last meeting, but I will just sort of sum it up by saying um you know I'm just concerned that we don't have the data yet to support this. And so we are now entering uh we're using the moratorium to sort of enter a factf finding uh stage if you will. And we don't even know the the developable property yet that this will impact. It just feels like there's so many question marks related to it. That is my concern. And I I said it last meeting. I'm not necessarily sure. I don't I won't go on record to say if a moratorum is ultimately the right decision. It may be. I just don't think we have the appropriate data to say that it's the right decision today and more importantly that it's the right decision to enact as an emergency moratorum without the proper public uh notice. I I just think that the way we're going about this uh leaves leaves uh some questions in my mind as it relates to how we bring things uh forward uh as the best way to represent this community.

What it's worth, our legal council of of 40 years says otherwise.

So, I'd like to address some of that. So when the Cedar Cedar Valley flat was approved when I first got on the planning commission, they came with a all different phases for 190 lots or I think believe and when we got the uh packet prioff had done a small study of that and in the bottom of one of them things it said we are not sure if the lift pump on Filillmore will be big enough with 190 lots. And I picked up on that. I'm like, what do you mean? So, we did some questioning. Well, as it came out as

your your microphone, is that Oh, is that what that is? Um, back up.

So, so I talked to uh DPW and I said, "What's going on with this with us?" No. and they said, um, we really don't have flow meters on all our pumps. It was something that nobody wanted to spend money on in passport boards and whatever. So, some of you may remember we came in and we passed uh um money to put uh flow meters on the lift pumps because the lift pump at Filillmore goes to the lift pump at Maplewood Park and then that lift pump goes to the gravity feed to the sewage treatment plant. Um, I talked to Joe again recently about those lift pumps, about the flow meters, and he said, "Well, the problem is is that, um, Frier Newhoff, our engineer, said we really need 3 years of data to get the proper data of how these lift pumps work and what they're how if they're efficient enough." And it's only been two years. So, he is going to get some of the data. He's starting to work on that already, but it's only two years of data instead of the recommended three when we put it on. So there there are things in our sewage system that we need to work on. The other thing is is water and we're working on some things there trying to increase pressure at that area of the township around Cedar Lake and uh those things are those are things all in the works too with the city of Grand Rapids and and city Wyoming and a lot of things going on. So for me, you know, if we can get the information, we could probably come back and lift the moratorum quicker, but I think 8 months is going to it's going to take some time to get it together, but we need to do it right because let's face it, when your basement fills up with sewage, you will not call the developer. You will call the township.

That's that's our responsibility to make sure we do it right. And I've learned that a long time ago. if if you want to do it right, you got to make sure you get everything in place so we don't have an issue down the road. We we we may get done with this go, hey, we really didn't need that moratorum. But on the other hand, when I start reading the reports from the engineers and I do sit with Joe quite a bit trying to figure out what to do, what's the best way? He goes back and forth, what do we need this? But on the other hand, he also knows that if it goes south, it'll come down to him. And so we know we have some water pressure issues. We also know that we have some lip pump. Not issues, but they're coming and we got to figure out how to do it. And the other the other the other concern is that if if we continue to put development in the township, the developers are going to have to help pay for some of these costs. If we get down the road and they sell all their lots and also we need to upgrade these these lip pumps, we put the burden on everybody that lives here that didn't need that instead of putting the burden on the development who decided to put more lots in the township. That's the way we always was in Georgetown.

Well, that can I The devel The developers have always paid for the upgrades in those types of things. Yeah. And so if we get ahead of oursel and we got to do the upgrades after it's done, we can't go back and get it.

Fully agree. But I do want to clarify that doing development all through West Michigan, the developer is often responsible for upgrades to systems. And I think that's an important piece that's missing to this conversation. to the lay person who doesn't understand the typical development process. When you receive zoning approval, that is essentially a green light to begin the tens, 20s to potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of engineering work that needs to be done. And every single developer is required to go through an approval process where you have detailed conversations with the DPW departments, with the township engineers that often result in them saying, "You might need a lift station here." and the developer often pays at least a portion if not all of it in some instances. So that's not something that is out of the question and it's a part of the typical development process. I just want to make sure that we're saying that uh paid for those lift stations. I know, but I'm just saying I want to make sure we got it right because I don't want to come down back and go, "Oh yeah, we should have we should have got this kind of money for that." I was like, "Well, go well. I sold the lots already. I'm not going to get $1,000 from each homeowner now that I got to have 300 grand to upgrade this lift bomb. So, I'm going to I'm going to side I'm going to air on that side. Say we need to have our information. If we can get it done sooner, I'm more than more than happy to lift this to make a motion and lift it. But right now, I think we need the eight months to get it figured out. Anyone else? appreciate Gary's detail and his information. This background experience really is helpful for the board.

Thanks for that. Thanks for that. Thank you. Anything else to add? Anybody? All right. Hearing none, we'll have a roll call vote on this one. Grassman, yes. Belink, yes. Schwam, yes. Ellie, yes. Pipers, no. Det no. No yes. Motion carries. Okay. Item 15, Shepard's Farm Preliminary Plat. Is there a motion to adopt the staff report? So move support. I'm sorry. To grant the tenant preliminary plat approval. So mo motion by Gary, supported by Amy.

Yes. I trust everyone has reviewed staff report and all other documents provided to you. Any questions, concerns, comments? Okay. Would appear from all that I've reviewed that they have met the requirements. If there's no further discussion, then all in favor? I.

Anyone opposed? And is carried. Item 16, final preliminary plat approval. Overall layout, Shepard's Farm. Is there a motion to approve that final preliminary construction plat? Yeah, I move we motion to deny the preliminary plan approval. Okay. Um, so I said approve. You want to make that a denial? I I want to Yeah, we're a motion to approve to adopt. This is 16, not 17. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm on the wrong one. I I'm sorry. I flipped the wrong page here. Motion to Is there a motion to approve the final preliminary construction plat? Oh, yeah. Overall layout. Yeah. Is that a So move supported?

Yes. discussion. Everyone's read everything. Everyone's satisfied. Okay. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? None. 17. Current cut me off on what's yourself. Yeah, I did.

Okay. Item 17, the overall layout of the Tall Oaks Plat and layout of the preliminary plat of Tall Oaks phase one. Is there a motion to adopt the staff report as findings of fact and to deny tenative preliminary plat approval of the overall layout of the tall oaks plat and layout of the preliminary plat supported all right it's before you a great deal to review with that including I trust many of you as much as you're able to traffic in the zoning ordinance not quite as well maybe as Manette but uh I was able to follow along with those detailed minutes from your planning commission Um that's helpful. So comments among the board questions, challenges to the motion, support of it. Anybody?

Yeah, I I mean I'll reiterate the issues I had with the planning commission because I sit on that too. Um, so in in 2017 the ordinance was made that uh 28th Avenue run all the way through. And I know one of the concerns that was brought up was by the representative from Cedar Valley Associates when they uh platted 28th Avenue off from Filillmore. They were made to uh go to 90oot setbacks. And if you look at the proposed plat that they are proposing here, there's not 90 foot setbacks on that road to continue on. Other than just those few lots that are on 28th Avenue once they made that turn um and they changed the street name, it went back to 40ft setbacks. So, you know, to to to approve to say you want to approve this first phase, it doesn't affect it. It does affect it because it changes what was agreed upon in 5051, which was that all the lots that are going to be on 28th Avenue, which is supposed to run to B Road, would have these 90 ft setbacks. If we propose, if we approve this first phase, they don't have enough property there to do what they're supposed to be doing because they had 40 foot setbacks. It changes the whole it changes everything because it it it actually changes their lot lines and everything because that that was the deal. Also, if you look at all the phases, they stop it they stop it short uh quite a ways um from getting to Bower Road and I put even put a piece of green space in there. So, it's that's not going to be viable to do. And so, there are things I think that need to be addressed and uh I wish they would have been addressed

before they got as far as they did. But I do know that if we approve this um it's going to be set in stone. They're not going to be able to do the setbacks that we required um uh Seedar Valley Estates to do. We required them no setbacks because we they it was proposed to be a through road. So

appreciate that summary Gary uh from planning commission. I did promise Mr. Stark I'll ask the question to give you the floor. Um you have an opportunity here for the rebuttal you wish to give earlier. So if you wish to take the mic you can do that. I'd appreciate uh being concise. So, so what I wanted to address when we look at the ordinance is is there's confusion and it may only be with me with respect to the preliminary plat and the extended phases, but your ordinance is in my opinion clear that the township board is in section 50-27. Seven, the township board is to receive and the report from the planning commission. Township board is to review each extended phase of the preliminary plat submitted in the same manner as A and B. So in A and B of 27, you review the preliminary plat and apply A and B to the preliminary plat. Then you are to to when you receive the extended phases, you're to also then go back and apply A and B to the extended phases at that time. And it says it shall not approve or reject any extended phase of the preliminary plat which is also consistent. It says any prelim and it starts with any preliminary plat or extended phase of a preliminary plat must meet the street requirements. So and it's it doesn't say and it doesn't say the preliminary plat and the extended phase. It's clearly when the preliminary plat comes in, you go through the the the road standards. When a phase of the extended plat comes in, you go through those standards. So that that was my point earlier. And when I I when we look at the staff report, staff report says that this complies and

with respect to the road, it says the township would prefer that a connections made to Bower Road. I get it at the south end, but it's not a requirement. And so I am curious with the setback issue. I know that wasn't addressed by staff. Um, and I'm not sure the ordinance you're referring to, but I I think it relates only to 28th. Um, so that was my point. Um, Mr. Ra, thank you. Well, we have Mr. Stark, any questions for what he's said thus far? didn't sorry we did get one of the letters was that

yeah one of them was on the bottom of one of those if I'm not mistaken did you actually write that you're be willing to work with the township township board on extending that road 28th to B road um in future da da das um where where do you stand on that if if you got this plumber five that doesn't even make it to Bow Road. What What were you thinking on that statement then that you would consider helping us get there?

So, so as so as you've noted and I think it's been discussed, there are some practical considerations going to the south um with respect to the cemetery, with respect to wetlands. So, all of those are open issues. I think somebody mentioned that, you know, we could move the bodies in the cemetery. Yeah, those are all open issues and I do know that the developer has indicated that they'd be willing to work with the township to make that work. Now, do they do they want and do their residents want a straight shot from 28th to Bower?

I don't I don't think so. Um, from a from a marketability standpoint, nobody really thinks that that's what they want. But but there's no question that is open to to discussion. So, that that that statement holds true. My first concern was that we have talked about a road cross there for decades and to as Gary had mentioned to have 48 foot setbacks when we'd been looking before I believe about 90. Uh it's tough. I agree with Gary. I mean we're locking ourselves in if we're ever to extend that road. That that's a major stumbling block. Well, I I the township always has the ability to extend infrastructure. There is no question that they can do that without the developer. Um we've we've had and there's a right way to do it and there's a a a not a right way to do it. Um but look, if if the township wants to extend that, they have the right to do that. But to to require the developer to do it for 47 lots is a question. How do you accommodate the 48 foot setback if you put in a major road?

Well, I I I think it's a matter of health, safety, and welfare. And is is the setback that's there protective of health, safety, and welfare? I arguably, and I don't know if there's other areas within the township that have that similar setback. I suspect there are. Um but no question, you'd have to look at that when that if that road were to come in and go straight through. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. I Well, I guess as I have you there, I would just point out and you could you could uh choose to do this from a seated position if you wish. Uh sure.

Well, there was a there was a suggestion that there was an agreement to to extend this road. I was curious who that agreement was with that was that was something offer. Oh, from one of the board members who said what it was known that it's going to be extended and they agreed when they developed Cedar Lakes. I'm just curious who the land owner of this property was at the time. And if you're insinuating there was some agreement that this road would go through with the landowner, I'm not aware of that.

That's a period that's a different board. But I do know that when they took 28th Avenue from Fillmore, that was the intent to run it to Bower Road. And so they already then made them do the 90 ft setbacks. If you look, that's what they got. And and to be honest with you, you guys do too. You have 90 foot setbacks on lots 45, 46, 47, and 44 for that reason, too. So, okay. You're you're aware of the 90oot setback. Well, and that's why the staff said you're aware of that.

It's just so that's why it's there. You're aware of that and you and you probably asked why do we have to do this? And somebody said because the intent was to run 28th Avenue all the way to Bower. Well, and that's why the developers narrative in with respect to the preliminary plat was, "Look, we satisfy all of the zoning ordinance requirements, so please approve the preliminary plat." And then and then things went a little off when we wanted to extend Bower Road or extend 28th Avenue. But if you also go to to your your next phases, you get to lot number 135, 36, 37, you don't have an open end down there to be able to make it to Ball Road either. In fact, you even have an open space on the back side which basically blocks the opportunity to be able to make it to to uh right and that's where

so speak to Can I just speak to the layout? Okay. And then we're going to cut off. We're not going to let this get away from us. Go ahead, Michael. You make your statement and then comment though. All right. But then we're otherwise we've got all kinds of neighbors who want to make 10 comments, too. So, as the one making the the request, you may speak to it.

We have five other road connections or six. I'm not sure. There's five or six. There's numerous other road connections. We did not even anticipate the thought of having to go there. We didn't think. One, you have a large wetland that's separating the end of that culde-sac from B Road. You have the position of the cemetery which blocks that right away continuing north south from south of Bower North. There's no way to do that. We did not in all of my 21 years of planning site plans never thought that we needed another vehicular connection here. And frankly, if I live there, if you talk about health, safety, and welfare and cut through traffic, this will only create a cut through. So, I none of it really makes sense to me. And I think there's legal arguments to the contrary as well. But we never agreed that that road was going to go through. I'm not privy to who might have agreed with that. But that is the reason that there's a culde-sac there because you've got a number of physical obstacles to running that road.

Okay. Thank you. Um I will say and thank you, Mr. Shark. You if if we need you, we'll call you back. Yep. Uh I'll just say um that uh our planning commission voted unanimously and they're pretty educated and diverse in their thinking to get them all together on one uh vote like that says a lot about their perspective on this. Um terms of legal grounds uh not surprisingly to you probably Mr. our our uh lawyer who will be also answering this letter of yours uh entirely disagrees with your position and finds it incorrect and I will not steal his thunder in that respect but you'll receive that within a day or two. Um but I you pointed out section 50 verse uh verse- 27 and uh from our our ordinance and I'd like to cite to a couple of considerations in there that that are part of that section that you rely upon. One is that it mentions in there that um in your point I think here was that you know we're limited or the board's limited to tenatively approving or rejecting the preliminary plat only. I know you want us to look at this myopically and I think you called the rest of it sort of just giving a flavor of what's to come. I respectfully again disagree um because we can review the extended phase in the same manner as the preliminary plat as it says here quote may make any we may make any recommendations or the planning commission may any recommendations for any changes it deems advisable section 50-27 uh C uh moreover 5727B says um that we may make uh a tenative approval subject quote subject to certain conditions which must be fulfilled by the proprietor prior to final approval of the preliminary plat provided such conditions are in conformity with this article. And so there is room in the language of 50/27 uh for exactly what the planning commission did and what I think this board is likely to do just from what I'm

hearing from other comments. And I believe that their position in the planning commission relying upon section 50-51 uh is therefore um on good ground. And uh I I agree with that decision personally. So anyone else uh among the board have any comments, questions, debate? Yeah, that would like to give a quick clarification on an item that was said. So Sure. Yeah. And the Yeah, please. Sorry.

I've worked here since 1993. So since that time the the definitions in chap in section 15 um it defines the additional phases or the uh means the additional language which will be included in the overall phase. Section 50-26A states that the application for a preliminary plat shall shall means has to may means doesn't have to. This is shell. Um, submit nine copies. Oh. Oh, it's closing. What do I do? Technology.

Oh, it's reminding me of my meeting in a few minutes. So,

okay. So, um, this is how since 1993 I have consistently interpreted the ordinance. Um section 50-26A the ordinance states that the application for a preliminary plat or that the applicant shall submit nine copies of the preliminary plat including all extended phases of a preliminary plat. The definition of extended phases are the additional phases. In section 50-26B, the ordinance states that the zoning administr administrator shall submit a written report to the planning commission used by the planning commission and the township board. So they can put in their report whatever they want. In section 5026 C, the ordinance states that the zoning administrator shall provide the planning commission with a preliminary plat and the extended phases shall provide that. In section 50-26 C, the ordinance states that the planning commission at the hearing shall review the preliminary plat and any extended phases of the preliminary plat. Um, uh, section 250-27A states that the board will receive the the, um, report from the planning commission, review the preliminary plan together with the report of the planning commission along with any additional data. Um, okay. So, based on that language, as long as I have been here, the entire time, every single plat that I have been here, whenever it initially comes in, we have required the overall preliminary, we have consistently always required that. And then then the planning commission board would would approve the overall preliminary tentatively. And then phase one, we've consistently done that. There has never been one plat that we've taken one piece out of and just approved it since 1993. And I am attesting that to you.

Thanks very much. Thank you. Thank you, Matt. Anyone else? Hearing no one. Motion is before you. It is not a roll call. So I'm just going to call for a vote. First vote. All in favor of this is approving the denial. So it sounds like a tricky way of putting it, but it's approval of the denial of the planning commission. All those in favor of approving the denial of the planning commission on this phase say I. I. I.

Any opposed? Hearing none. carries 6 to zero and Miss Kyper is rejoin us here. Item 18, Chamber of Commerce activities at Rosewood Park. Uh this would be proposed for the weekend of Memorial Day. I believe that's a Friday, Saturday. And uh the question before you then is do you want to move to approve their request to use Rosewood Park for these festivities? Uh we've historically appreciated the chambers involvement with us uh in throwing activities in particular at that park. They've had art in the park. They've had concerts in the park and anytime they're willing to roll up their sleeves and help us celebrate especially the 250th anniversary of the country, I think it's great.

So I'll move to approve that request. Support support it. Okay. Any comments or questions or willingness to volunteer? your volunteer Gary. Okay. Nominate Gary. Sorry. I knew I didn't mean to speak home during a summer holiday. Heather's excited and she's she's got a lot of ideas and this should be fun. I think it's uh being put in good hands and they're taking care of it all. So, yep. But they would appreciate help. Mr. for new business.

Uh there's there's uh a second public comment period coming here momentarily. Yeah. Yep. All right. Uh anyone further on this particular motion? Hearing no one. All in favor say I. I. Any opposed? It's carried. And now item 19, second public comment period. At this time, you can step forward again. You have three minutes to address the board even if you spoke earlier. And now you're not limited to the items on the agenda but items on your mind. Okay. hopefully pertaining to the township. So, yes, please say your name and your address again.

Uh Tim Boltza, 2708 Cedar West Drive. Um as Amy had pointed out that a lot of people are really happy with the parks. Um I graduated from Jennison High School 1981. I've been here for a long time and Are you 62? What's that? You're 62. 63.

Okay. And some are retiring this year. Um, back in the late '7s down at Woodcrest Park, we had the whole pond that was open and we had ice outdoor ice skating and there is no place to outdoor ice skate. So, I was wondering this is all the way for next year. Is there possible we could do some studying to see if we could put a even if it's temporary just for the winter time on Rosewood? We got that whole corner right there that maybe we could put some kind of temporary ice rink. So part of it we uh hockey play hockey on it. They put uh at Woodcrest Park they used to have um bales of hay they put through and they had ice hockey on one side and they had family ice skating on the other side. We had lights. There was music. They actually had a concession stand that the churches ran so they had hot chocolate and donuts or cookies or whatever and it was all donation basis. It was a great time when I was a teenager. Um, great place to hang out, ice skate, and I'm just wondering if that was something we could do. There's no place to outdoor ice skate. And with with being on the corner of Rosewood right there with all the all the kids with the sleds going at it, that would be a great place for it.

So, that's what I was wondering if that that was something that we could introduce for next winter. Thanks, Tam. The guy who voted for the slide of death, you got me on that one. I like that. We even thought there if they if you put up a little concession stand, you could have churches or organizations, they could volunteer to come in and do that kind of thing. So, you could have hot chocolate and Okay. stuff for people while they're sledding. We'll put your name on the list for volunteering. That's fine. And I know we don't normally respond to public comments. Yeah. Would be more than happy to go there. And

but I will say that um you are speaking our language. We've had some of these conversations brainstorming a variety of activities at some of the parks that are underused. Um Woodrest Park in particular is uh has a special place in my heart. Yeah.

Um because I think it's uh significantly underutilized. Um and as you saw tonight, you know, we got a couple of amazing uh new renovations approved. It's it's just, you know, the time, right? the time to plan, think, budget for it. But but that is that has been on our radar. I have heard I think John might have mentioned out somebody mentioned outdoor ice skating before. Maybe it was Jim and and it was a story similar. It was like a historical story of it used to happen. Um so that's pretty cool and and we'll continue to think on those parks in the future. Y said it just made sense to be right there at Rosewood because you got all the right there. So

So can we turn a splash pad into a skating rink? The water's there, right? Come on. As a guy who's built a lot of ice rinks and I live on a lake, they are a lot of work. They are a This year we had maybe How many skating days? A week and a half. We had decent ice cuz the snow gets on and if you don't shovel it off, you're done. Y So I'm just saying. But when we buy that Zamboni, we'll cut back. Oh, I can drive that. Do I say it all again? Uh, please. Yeah. Uh, Mitch Oakland, 2512 Cedar West. Thank you.

Um, I was just wondering if you could provide some clarity on how the uh pause the um on the zoning affects the planning committee uh for those of us who might be at our second uh township meeting and what that looks like u moving forward specifically on like the tall oaks project. Appreciate that question and um right now is an opportunity for you to speak. So if we don't right away answer, don't take it wrong way. Okay, we're listening. Okay. Thank you. Yep. CL McClosky. You live at 3540 Baldwin Street.

Can I just say he's the only one who gives he's given special dispensation to not say his first name. We all know him as McCloskey. Don't take advantage of that. That's his exception. My name is Donald. Okay. Uh and all these plots, these mandatorium for plots putting out. When a plot is made by a by a promoter that's doing that, the streets and everything else that goes on there, does he own the streets, too, or is that turned over to the city? You have to excuse my talk because I got no teeth in me. I Okay. I'm having some work done.

Yeah. Uh for saying rooers deal up there on 36 in Baldwin or on 36th Avenue off of Baldwin. That's all private land up there. So, do the city own that Georgetown or is that is that just private land? You always make me want to answer because you ask questions, but this is not a time for dialogue.

The reason why because you can't drive through the part going up to Bower, they've got a gate across it. Now, that's all bad for the fire department because they're going to have to have a a gate or a key to get that out. So if there's any kind of a fire in the house or these houses in that addition uh nobody can get nobody can get through it. So I think there's a problem there with these because all right this the street behind Westco uh gas station there that's not owned by Westco is not owned by Georgetown. That's a private street. Did you people know that? Because the road commissioner when they come for snow, they don't plow it. Somebody has to pay. The people around there or otherwise Westco comes in and plows it out. There's a problem with these mandatorium we're going to make in their with with these plots coming out with because you're taking away farmland and making big plots. Uh what's going to happen to who owns everything? So does Georgetown own it and the streets that are put in? Is that Georgetown owning it? So when all these additions and even codachs that you have uh is the snow removal going to be through the road commissioner or what? I think there has to be some more. Somebody has to give some kind of more information out on that.

Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh boy. Two McCloskies in a row. I just want to thank you for upholding the planning commission's vote ear uh today about the tall oaks development. Your name again? Uh Adam McCloskey. Your address? 504 Cedar West Drive.

Thank you. Um, yeah, thank you for upholding the planning commission's recommendation there. Um, the not sure how the what the legality is of the reference points they use, but I'd appreciate them staying on the property that they want to develop to gather those reference points. Um, and if they do want to um, come by and let us know what they're doing, that that'd be appreciated for next time. Uh, bit of a surprise when I get move into a new property and people are walking around with survey equipment um, in the backyard, unannounced to me. Um, and then wanted to second the thing um about the ice rink. That sounds like a great idea.

My name is Miss Schneider. I'm at 7553 Hidden Forest Drive, Hudsonville, Michigan. Um, so what I'm going to do is I'm going to talk about a little bit about the federal and then bring it back to how that affects here and two referendums I would like to have. So I'd like to have the community actually talk about two different items. So right now we have illegally attacked um Iran and there's there's reports that we intentionally struck a girl school twice. 168 kids dead. Um we have the stance a sta Lancel German hospital shut down for labor to focus on injuries because that's how many injuries are coming in from what's going on. They are hitting air bases, airports, US bases, even the bombed um US embassy in Norway. Putin is great because he's going to get funded for the oil in Ukraine. BB is going to be great because he's been pounding the war drums for 25 years and we are giving them something like over hundred billion dollars for equipment. Trump's sons are getting money for this war because they are in anonymous power corp and powerus that's one of the brothers and then you univer uh unusual machines and JFB construction. So his the dad has war we have to pay for it and they're going to make money off these drones. Great. Um, so now we're also hiding the MCeden files and that toll that they killed is going to be his son who's going to come in. And now that the dad's dead and his wife because of what we did is dead, we're probably going to have some terrorism actions. Um, I look at this and I say, "Now we're putting AI and Anthropic said we don't want AI in government because we don't want autonomous killing. We want an actual person checking out who's going to be killing and who's not." And they said, "No, no, no. We don't want to have ethics in this." And they went to OpenAI and they put it into our government. Anyways, I cannot tell you how dangerous that is. Why am I bringing this up? because we have the flock system here that does not just go to our local cops. It goes to these people who are doing these items. This is not moral actions. This isn't thinking ahead. I don't want our data being given to these people. I would like to have a refer referendum on taking these blocks out. Okay. The other thing is is that with the police, we have multiple different actions going on

right now. We have ICE agents that are actually betting on when the next person will commit suicide. That is an actual article. You can go look that up. We also have Senator Osaf who's having reports that they are actually doing illegal gyneological exams in some of these women and medical stuff that is horrific. You can go look into the senator and what he's done with that. We have these blue butterfly zones where they have these very young girls and they're isolating from everybody else and no one else can see what's going on with them. Um I would like that investigated, but that's obviously not a part of you. We also have Missouri putting out bills that's not passed yet where they would like to jail undocumented people for the rest of their life and through uh article 13 be able to put them in slavery. That is just uncool. This is not proper. This is not right. I don't want to be doing things with ICE. If ICE comes in here, what I would like to do is have a referendum on a contract with our local police to say if you have a judicial warrant signed by a judge, which is legal, fine. Our police will help you. If you do not have that, we're not going to help you. If you are doing illegal things like breaking into windows into someone's car in their house, these aren't even cops. They're not even allowed to give you a speeding ticket, let alone break into items. That is all illegal. I would like to have them arrested. I would like to have contracts with our police officers to say if they are that's what they're supposed to be for to serve and protect us and when people are doing things illegal we get arrested why shouldn't they be so I'd like two referendums I don't know how you do that thank you have a nice day

thank you Michelle

here's information on Kevin Hzinger 2669 Tamarak um I Just wanted to clarify on my previous comments. Um, looking at the video uh from the 223 meeting, um, Miss Kyper did excuse herself from item 7.2 and 10. Um, but I did not see anything about item 17, which is what I was referencing, which was the moratorum. Um, I'm not sure how all of you guys feel, but I think that a someone that works for a developer that would be directly impacted, i.e. Tall Oaks and any other future projects by that moratorum probably isn't appropriate to be um sitting before the board. And in my opinion, that's a conflict of interest. Um, I think that's evident with kind of who was for the moratorum and who was against it. Um, and then just kind of a general sentiment. I think that if developers are bringing in their legal counsel trying to strongarm you into doing something, you're probably doing the right thing. Um, and then also just because a developer does work here, has done work here, doesn't mean they're entitled to any special work. Not saying that you guys are giving them any special treatment. Um, but it kind of seemed that they were almost trying to hint at that. Um, and if if they want to leave uh never develop again in the township because of an 8-month pause, someone else is definitely going to come in. We have great schools. We have uh great location. We're just inside Ottawa County, outside of Kent County. easy to get to the lake, easy to get currently kind of easy to get to the uh downtown

depending on how much development we allow. Um but then also their comment about wetlands uh as being kind of a pause on why they can't continue the road all the way down. Um I would push back on that because the wetlands everywhere else on the site aren't stopping them at all. So that's just a interesting hill to die on. Thanks Kevin. Thank you,

Pete Plowman, 6877 Creek Ridge Court, Hudsonville. Um, I want to say thank you for cancing the Tall Oaks. Um, phase one because phase one sets the stage for everything in the future. 28th Street will never be a through street and if we went on with that development, 24 Street would be a nightmare. So, I want to say thank you for doing that. So, phase one shouldn't be approved, let alone the what the other ones are going to be. I want to reiterate my other point about um our fire EMS that we do to the nursing homes here in Georgetown. And I'd like for something to be looked into as to how many trips we do to those locations um since they're owned by the same company. and we should look into billing them for those services since they're nonprofit. They don't pay property taxes. So, we should be billing them for those services unless we're just going to, you know, have all the other taxpayers pay for it. Thank you.

Thank you. All right. Seeing no one else, we'll close the second public comment period. Item 20, discussion and general information among board.

I have three quick short things. Um, yes, I like the idea of an ice breakke in our township and I want to say possibly I've heard some rumblings about Ottawa County and um, one of their parks maybe down the road would be a spot for it and maybe Ottawa County would do it. I don't know. Could just be talk. Um, also I'm just curious since we had our fire department, our new hires, new fire truck, where was our neighborhood TD7 reporter, Jazelle Valentine? She should have been filming it. She should have been here. She's always looking for a story. So, I'm surprised she hasn't come.

Oh, okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um, and Thursday, I'm teaching a class at the Georgetown Senior Center at 10:30 in the morning if anybody is interested. What are you doing? Uh, we're making greeting cards. How'd you look at me? I just How'd you look at me? Really? Yeah. Why' you look at me? I got one guy volunteering stuff for me. You're looking at me like I'm old. I don't know. I'm a little concerned about this. That's not my cat. I agree. Want to make one. John's too far away.

John's too far. I just want to make one comment for anybody that's interested. That plat of tall oaks is going to happen. just just so we're clear. It's just whether or not we can get some things that we would that should be done from a township standpoint. The plan hasn't been cancelled. The property will be developed. We need to get it figured out so it goes along with what our ordinance been approved in 2017. But I I don't want anybody to think that that plat's not coming because there's no reason for them not to be able to plat that. There's no reason to not develop it. I would like to see them come alongside and work with us to try to get this so we get through 28th Avenue, but it's coming. I'd like to say I appreciate and I mean this you and I kid a lot, Gary, but I appreciate your insight, the work you do, and your wisdom on this and you're polite when you explain it to people and you do an incredible job. I'm so glad you're on that planning commission. Uh I I Amy had mentioned about Woodcrest and we used to take the kids down there and it was just like the gentleman described. It was just awesome there, but the church was behind that and it was like a mission that they had for the community with hot chocolate and volunteers. They ran the show and to my knowledge the township didn't have anything to do with it. Uh but I'd like to see us kind of move in that direction. And originally with Rosewood when we looked at uh putting in all the systems and so forth for um for the kids, we looked at ice and Dale Moore was big on that um as a possibility, but as we looked at all the maintenance involved

and uh staff personnel, it was very very difficult to pull off. So, I'm open to it. We just need to get a local church to do it that has property. Well, but uh I'd like to see us consider going I I'm open to it, but I know it's a uh incredibly difficult to do, right?

I also want to comment uh for for people that were speaking tonight. I I thought you did a wonderful job and you were polite, particularly the Hansen's. You were detailed and you went right through it and there was no anger in your voice. None of you. Thank you. It it it makes us look good and it carries a lot more weight and people were very very thoughtful. I also want to mention Sean Hoff this afternoon was doing evaluations of property where people would come in and appeal and he was dressed up like this and I said, "Why don't you come to our meetings with a sport coat on once in a while? Usually he's Detroit." So, thank you. Nothing wrong with Detroit, Pete. Don't get

anyone else. I just want to comment on the quarterly newsletter for the historical association. Yeah,

I get a kick out of that thing every time it comes out. I like reading on. I'm kind of a history nut. Um, you know, and the amount of work that goes into that. I know it doesn't, you know, is is an easy task, but they do a fantastic job with it. If anybody hasn't seen it, it's in our meeting uh in the agenda. It's a nice little PDF there. And Jennison has a lot of history. There's a lot of things that happened here prior to Georgetown Township. So, um, just want to comment on that and and, uh, give make people aware that it's out there.

Like to emphasize that we're having a a float contest for the Memorial Day parade this year, and hopefully people can spread the word. Uh, it's neighborhoods, it's churches, it's businesses, and uh, we will there will be a judging of it, and there will be a winner, and the idea is to post some kind of plaque or otherwise that would be updated annually in the library. Um, but it it could really be special in 20 250th year. I remember when we lived uh in Granville one year our neighborhood made a float uh for Lewis and Clark to commemorate their I forget it might have been 250 years for them uh or 200 years whatever it was. Anyway, um we had a huge long canoe and it was, you know, everybody dressed up and you had fake waves along the side of it. And one year we also did one where uh we had the Statue of Liberty in the middle and it was actually my wife inside of a costume and and we had all the kids in the neighborhood dressed up in different nationalities and uh they played patriotic music and people were literally crying uh as they were watching. So people were standing attention. We have people that really really touches. So I think it could be a really positive thing. um this year. So, if you have any influence that way in your neighborhood, your church, or your your business here in the community,

are you gonna influence Gary to ride the float? What's that? Are you going to influence Gary to ride our float? Oh, yeah. Right. We'll get Gary to do it. Gary will do everything. Yeah. Yeah. We got your name down. I'll be at the cabin.

I just got um one thing. It's memorial somber note that and I think I can do it here is um our deputy chief Ryan Tibbitz uh lost his father on Sunday morning early um had some issues with a stroke um in the last week did surgeries and and uh it didn't come out as well as they anticipated but um I would just ask prayers for him and his family and everything. He was a 30 plus year fireman for Grand Rapids full-time and plus he had 30ome years on a part paid paid on call thing. So he's really in with the fire. I think that's where um Ryan and Ross both are in fire service now and stuff. Both captains and uh chiefs and stuff. So just uh just keep him and family in their prayers as they go through this next week and stuff. So

thank you. Very nice. Go ahead. Anyone else? Hearing none. Is there a motion to adjurnn? So move support. All in favor say I. I post. Close.