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Hudsonville Hometown News
GOOD PEOPLE. GOOD LIVING.
go
od p
eople good living
WINTER, 2021
Winter City Enhancements
Winter can sometimes feel long, and it can be easy to hunker down inside and avoid spending time outside;
however, there are so many fun things to do outside in Hudsonville this winter season.
There has been a purposeful focus on making the public spaces you know and love more inviting for winter
activities. A winter task force was created to explore the research around vibrant winter cities. Many of the
committee's recommendations were simple and easy to implement; others needed some level of investment
from partners like the Downtown Development Authority and local businesses, as well as a commitment of staff
resources.
All of the winter enhancements are focused on
improving walkability, creating unique experiences,
increasing access to amenities, and supporting local
businesses. So, we encourage you to bundle up your
crew in your warmest gear and head out to explore all
the winter fun Hudsonville has to offer.
Hughes Park now boasts a fire pit complete with
ample seating for a cozy winter fire.
Harvey Street is also full of excitement this winter.
Once the sun goes down, Harvey Street is brightly lit
with new holiday lights. Two new furnished igloos are
also located on Harvey street - the perfect location for you to enjoy local cuisine, your favorite hot beverage, and
some great conversation.
If you love the snow, there are so many fun ways to enjoy winter in Hudsonville! Consider bundling up and taking
a hike through the Nature Center, or participating in one of the guided hikes hosted by the city's naturalist. Fresh
air is so refreshing in the winter. You may even spot some local wildlife.
Are you looking to test out your snowman-building skills? All January long, snowman
kits are available at the snow play area on Prospect street. Please look for the designated
areas for snowman building. Snow toys are also available for use at Hughes Park!
Have you noticed the tiny doors that popped up around Hudsonville? Little elves have
moved in and built their homes in downtown Hudsonville! Head out for an elf hunt and
see how many of their doors you can find! There are forty doors in total! Need some
extra help? Hudsonville Has It has a map to help find all of the sneaky elves.
Looking for more winter adventures? Check out the full Winter Bucketlist at
www.hudsonvillehasit.com.
2020 - A YEAR IN REVIEW
2020 was certainly a year to remember for all of us, and for many of us, it was a year that we’d soon like to forget.
It was sad that for the first time in history our annual community festivals had to be cancelled, most notably the
Hudsonville Community Fair, the Memorial Day Service, the Concerts on the Green Series, Urban HayDay, and the
Holiday Parade. Yet despite the many negative impacts of COVID-19 on our community, the City of Hudsonville was
still able to accomplish many positive things in 2020. Below are some of the highlights from this past year.
• We partnered with MDOT to install new pedestrian-activated flasher devices at the School Avenue and Chicago Drive
intersection, which help to enhance pedestrian safety. The flashers were Pedestrian-activated crossing
installed in conjunction with a new city-wide ordinance which requires all
motor vehicles to stop for any pedestrian within a crosswalk.
• Despite the many COVID-related restrictions, the Terra Square Farmers Market
was still able to operate and the farmers had another successful season of
sales.
• In an effort to help local restaurants remain open through the pandemic, the City Commission authorized staff to
administratively approve all temporary outdoor eating structures for restaurants. This saves the business owners the
time and cost of having to pay for a permit and go through a formal approval process with the Planning Commission.
• Several new commercial developments and businesses were approved in the city including a Talsma Furniture addition, a
Betten Baker GMC new- and used-car dealership, a Life EMS Ambulance transfer station, and Bosco’s Pub (coming soon!)
• With many Michigan libraries restricting services, our Gary Byker Memorial Library was able to pivot their operational
model to provide curbside and “contactless” locker pickup service for materials and virtual
programming for children.
• We held four stressful, yet well-run elections this year under enhanced COVID rules and
restrictions. The city’s November general election results were even randomly selected by
the State to be audited (Ward 3) and were found to be 100% accurate. This is a testament
to the skill and dedication of the City Clerk’s office.
Virtual library story time
• In an effort to streamline services and save taxpayer dollars, we began contracting with
Ottawa County to provide assessing services to Hudsonville residents.
• The City Commission officially dedicated the new Buttermilk Creek Park, which will be opening to the public within the
next two years. This is a 10-acre park, located on the former Summergreen golf course property, which will feature a
4-acre pond that will be stocked and accessible for fishing, and the new pathway, discussed below.
• Plans were finalized and funding was approved for a new north-south, non-motorized
pathway that will run between New Holland Street and Allen Street. Construction on this
section of the Buttermilk Creek Pathway is expected to begin next year.
• We worked on a collaborative project for a new mountain bike trail on the south end of
town that will be opening in the next couple years. Supporting partners include Jamestown
Township, the Ottawa County Water Resources Commissioner, Consumers Energy, Royal
Technologies, and the local mountain bike association.
• Several infrastructure improvements were completed, including upgrading water mains on
Kiel and Lincoln Streets, upgrading the lift station on Corporate Grove Drive, and repainting
the city-owned light poles along Chicago Drive.
Buttermilk Creek Pathway
Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 2
• We partnered with MDOT on the reconstruction of the I-196 interchange ramps, which included widening 32nd Avenue to
accommodate dual left-turn lanes onto the eastbound ramp and enhancing the non-motorized pathway connecting the City of
Hudsonville to Jamestown Township.
• We redesigned the front counter lobby interface in City Hall to make it more welcoming and functional,
while at the same time enhancing safety for our employees and visitors.
• We added new outdoor amenities designed to encourage people to get outdoors this winter. These
include enhancing the holiday lighting in the downtown, installing a community fire pit in Hughes Park,
partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on an elf door scavenger hunt, and installing new heated
igloos in the Harvey Street pocket park!
• Finally, our Fire Department and Sheriff personnel responded to hundreds of calls for emergency
assistance, many of which were medical calls for COVID-positive patients. We’d therefore like to take this
New lights
opportunity to thank our first responders for their tremendous service and dedication to our residents
during this difficult year!
Hughes Park fire pit Downtown igloos
CITY DASHBOARD
The City of Hudsonville actively participates in
Michigan's City, Village and Township Revenue
Sharing Program.
This program requires that the city fulfills
requirements set by the state in the areas of
accountability and transparency in order to receive
HIRING FIREFIGHTERS state revenue sharing.
Visit the city website at www.hudsonville.org/city-
The City is currently hiring part-time, paid-on-call
dashboard to review the City of Hudsonville's Citizen’s
firefighters.
Guide, Performance Dashboard, Debt Service Report
Interested parties can apply in person at Hudsonville and Projected Budget.
City Hall.
Photo credit: SJK Productions
Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 3
Gary Byker Library of Hudsonville
Services, Programs & More!
Calling All Teen Private Detectives!
AT THE LIBRARY
Free access to BookBrowse available
to Gary Byker Library card holders!
www.BookBrowse.com/GBML
-
• : virtual Program
February 15
Breathe • Bend March 15
• Read Stories Together
Ages 6 and under
Ages 9 - 18 | Register for a supply kit
See the full Calendar of Events & register for programs:
www.hudsonvillelibrary.org
3338 Van Buren St. | 616.669.1255
Note: Programs held subject to restrictions on public gatherings for health & safety.
Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 4
Assessment Notice
Each year the Assessing Department determines the
assessed and taxable values for properties within city
limits. There are a few terms to be aware of in order to
understand the assessment notice you will receive from
the city.
The first is the Assessed Value (AV), which represents
50% of the market value of a property. This figure TAX REMINDER
is calculated through a sales study conducted each
year. In the sales study, properties are grouped into Winter tax bills were mailed to property owners
different neighborhoods based on style and quality of whose taxable value is over $64,700.
construction. Then, the sale prices are evaluated against
Assessed Values to establish the percentage by which To avoid penalties and interest, winter tax and
values will change. (AV will go up in a strong market, deferred summer tax payments must be received by
down in a weak market.) the city no later than February 14, 2021.
Postmarks are not accepted. It is the responsibility
of the property owner to ensure that tax payments
Secondly, Taxable Value (TV) is the basis used to are received by the city on time.
determine your property tax bill and is adjusted to
match the AV anytime a property changes ownership. Escrow owners, feel free to contact City Hall to
TV will increase the year after a property is sold. It will ensure that your payment has been received from
thereafter adjust by the lower of the Consumer Price your mortgage company.
Index (CPI) or 5%. In 2021 all taxable values will increase All tax payments will be accepted by the city until
by 1.4%. The TV also increases after property improve- March 1, 2021. On March 2, 2021, the city will sell
ments are made. For example, if a deck was built in delinquent taxes to Ottawa County. Once taxes are
2020, the taxable value will increase beyond just the CPI sold to the county, tax payments must be directly
in 2021. TV will never exceed AV. paid to the Ottawa County Treasurer.
For 2021, many of Hudsonville’s residents will again
see varying increases in both AV and TV as a result
of improving home values. In February, you will be
Seeking Volunteers
Hudsonville is looking for volunteers to join the
receiving a Change of Assessment Notice listing both Emergency Management Department and help out
the Assessed and Taxable Values. If you have any with disaster response and event traffic management.
questions or concerns please contact our office at that
Please email your contact information and a short
time. Information regarding sales studies are available
statement of your interest to hemd@hudsonville.org.
from the City Assessor’s Office.
Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 5
Mayor's Corner
We live in challenging times but Hudsonville Has IT!
Whatever one might believe about the response to the pandemic, it doesn’t change the reality of the impact on our families and
friends, our community, or the local businesses.
Many have actually flourished during these times with consistent incomes and have modified spending away from daily
transportation, dry cleaning and entertainment to saving more, tackling home projects or buying furniture and cars. This is good
for banks and hardware stores, car dealers, and furniture stores.
However, many have suffered with lost business, in particular our restaurants and other
small businesses. We all know them and are concerned for them. Many are on the edge
of going under and not coming back.
I would encourage all to do as much as possible to support local business: order a “take out”
meal, have a local lawn service clean up the yard, take your car to the local repair shop, get
your hair cut or nails done locally. And some businesses, although closed currently, offer
gift cards to be used later.
Maybe you have seen these signs out in public encouraging your support for local
businesses. They need us, we need them. Hudsonville Has IT!
- Mayor Mark
TERRA SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
The 2021 Terra Square Farmers Market season begins in June. The market will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
every Wednesday, as well as the last Saturday of each month (June 26, July 31, August 28, September 25).
The market hosts multiple local vendors that sell fresh produce, yummy baked goods, handcrafted artisan goods,
and more. Stop by, get some fresh air, and shop local!
The market operates as an essential business and is expected to be open to the public starting in June. Visitor
capacity limits and safety protocols will be enforced if they are still necessary.
There is still space for a few more vendors, so if you are interested in participating in the 2021 season, contact our
Market Manager, Teri Schut, at (616) 669-0200. To see the full line up of participating vendors, visit the website
at www.terrasquare.com.
Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 6
Sidewalk Reminders
Just a friendly reminder that it is the responsibility of each property owner to keep their sidewalks clear of snow and
ice. The Department of Public Works plows the streets as a priority. If time allows, the sidewalks will be plowed as a
courtesy. It is important to also make sure the fire hydrants are kept clear of snow.
Shovel First Use Less Protect Waterways
Shoveling sidewalks first A little salt goes a long way. Shovel snow onto vegetated
makes for a better salt impact. Apply sparingly and remove areas where meltwater can soak
Remember that snow melt slush once the snow melts to into the ground. This reduces
leads to waterways prevent re-freezing. runoff that goes to streams.
Icon credit: photo3idea_studio on Flaticon.com
Water Bills
Would you like to receive your water/sewer bill by e-mail?
Why e-bill?
• E-bills are a convenient, secure and environmentally friendly way of
delivering your quarterly bill to you.
• E-bills are an electronic version of your water/sewer bill that is emailed to
the email address you provide.
• E-bills contain all of the same information you are used to seeing on your
paper bills.
Sign up at www.hudsonville.org/ebill.
Automatic Bill Payment Program
The City of Hudsonville is also offering residents the opportunity to pay their
quarterly bill through an Automatic Bill Payment Program.
By completing the enrollment form, your quarterly utility bill will be
automatically deducted from your specified checking or savings account on
the bill due date.
The City is offering this program to you at no charge; however, you may want
to contact your financial institution for any fees they may charge.
Sign up at www.hudsonville.org/automatic-utility-bill-payment.
Please bring the completed form with your ID to City Hall.
Hudsonville Hometown News · Page 7
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eople good living
City of Hudsonville
3275 Central Blvd.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Phone: 616.669.0200
www.hudsonville.org
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Your City Commissioners & Staff
Mayor Mark Northrup (616) 662-2663 mnorthrup@hudsonville.org
Commissioner - Ward 1 Toben DeVree (616) 283-9346 tdevree@hudsonville.org
Commissioner - Ward 1 Gary Raterink (616) 669-6191 graterink@hudsonville.org
Commissioner - Ward 2 Dan Bolhuis (231) 206-0584 dbolhuis@hudsonville.org
Commissioner - Ward 2 Greg Steigenga (616) 669-2336 gsteigenga@hudsonville.org
Commissioner - Ward 3 Philip Leerar (616) 450-5126 pleerar@hudsonville.org
Commissioner - Ward 3 Larry Brandsen (616) 304-4116 lbrandsen@hudsonville.org
City Manager Patrick Waterman (616) 669-0200 x 1418 pwaterman@hudsonville.org
City Clerk Diana VanSlyke (616) 669-0200 x 1412 dvanslyke@hudsonville.org
Finance Director Keyla Garcia (616) 669-0200 x 1420 kgarcia@hudsonville.org
Facilities Director Mike Kloosterhouse (616) 669-0200 x 1425 mkloosterhouse@hudsonville.org
Planning/Zoning Director Dan Strikwerda (616) 669-0200 x 1414 dstrikwe@hudsonville.org
Marketing Coordinator Michelle Fare (616) 669-0200 x 1411 mfare@hudsonville.org
Terra Square Market Manager Teri Schut (616) 669-0200 x 1416 tschut@hudsonville.org
Sheriff Sergeant Jeff Steigenga (616) 669-0200 x 1428 jsteigenga@miottawa.org
Fire Chief Dick Mohr (616) 669-0200 x 1429 dmohr@hudsonville.org
Public Works Superintendent Bob Miller (616) 669-0200 x 1424 rmiller@hudsonville.org
Library Director Melissa Huisman (616) 669-1255 mhuisman@hudsonville.org
Emergency Services Director Dave Dahl (616) 669-0200 x 1404 ddahl@hudsonville.org
The City of Hudsonville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability,
or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies: City Clerk, City of Hudsonville, 3275 Central Blvd., Hudsonville MI 49426. 616.669.0200 x 1412.
To view Hudsonville’s Citizen’s Guide and Performance Dashboard, visit www.hudsonville.org/city-dashboard.
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