[0:05] I just didn't copy it over.
>> Yeah. Anything under there or
[0:11] » No, they all
>> those are
[0:13] » No. Well, I just want to We need
>> Okay.
[0:21] » Yeah. So, anything anything under
approval or is Kevin
[0:32] By the way, did
>> did historical society like those?
[0:38] » Yeah, she loved them.
She was
[1:02] Summer has the warm
[1:21] » going.
[1:24] I heard you were circling the block
>> a little bit.
[1:29] » Half other people in this meeting.
[1:58] two paper clips.
>> We So, it'll be This should have been
[2:03] doublesided.
>> It's only one-sided. So, we communicated
[2:07] that. It was nice to have the whole
terrac
[2:21] » I like that
[2:25] everybody ready.
[2:38] How you doing, man?
[2:47] » Did we get all the adjusting entries,
everything all done yet? Or
[2:51] » that uh tax revenue one is proving we
knock down again.
[2:57] » We just don't have any knocking.
>> We may need may need him to have to sign
[3:04] up. passes down and sign it,
>> right?
[3:07] » In blood.
[3:12] » Don't worry. Here's Go read the fine
print.
[3:14] » No, no, no. I'm not supposed to even
hold them.
[3:17] » Well, you're signing with your left
then.
[3:19] » Let's get started, everyone.
>> Here.
[3:23] » Good afternoon, everyone. I'd like to
call to order the uh regular monthly
[3:27] summer meeting of the Ada Township
Board, trustees, and other members. Can
[3:33] we all please stand for a moment? Um,
the pledge of allegiance. A moment of
[3:37] » silence.
[3:43] To the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for it
[3:48] stands. One nation,
indivisible, liberty and justice for
[3:54] all.
[4:13] Clerk DeMarco, will you please call the
role?
[4:16] » Supervisor
>> here.
[4:19] » Clerk DeMarco here.
>> Treasure Morand
[4:22] » here.
>> Trusty Crows
[4:24] » here.
>> Trusty
[4:25] » here. Trusty Carter
>> here.
[4:31] » Trusty Damstra is absent.
>> Thank you. Um we have an agenda in front
[4:38] of us with a number of items. There's no
u requirement to change this agenda. So
[4:42] it's an agenda as presented with someone
move to approve as presented.
[4:48] » So moved.
>> Second.
[4:50] » Thank you. Moved by Trusty Heritz,
supported by Trusty Carter to approve
[4:54] the agenda. All in favor signify by
saying I.
[4:56] » I.
>> I.
[4:57] » That motion carries. We're going to go
on to the general township business.
[5:01] It's the motion to approve minutes and
accept and file reports communications
[5:05] under the consent agenda.
Includes the approval of the township
[5:10] board meeting minutes from June 8th,
2026
[5:14] and the following planning commission
meetings from May 21st. The Thornample
[5:19] Thornapple pedestrian bridge meeting
minutes number 10 from June 10th. The
[5:23] Thorn Apple River Pedestrian Bridge
meeting minutes number 11 from June
[5:27] 26th. Coverbridge Park Progress meeting
uh number 21 minutes to June 18th. The
[5:35] Grand River Drive trail improvements
progress meeting number three minutes
[5:39] from June 10th, the Nap Street
Pedestrian Bridge kickoff meeting
[5:43] minutes from June 26th, and the revenue
and expense report as of June 30th,
[5:48] 2026.
There's does anyone have any questions
[5:53] or comments on any of those? And if not,
um, would someone move to approve all
[5:58] these items?
>> I move to approve minutes and accept and
[6:00] file reports and communications
under the consent agenda.
[6:05] » Second.
>> Thank you. We have motion by trustee
[6:08] pros, supported by trustee Carter to
approve the reports and communications
[6:12] under the consent agenda. All in favor
signify by saying I.
[6:17] » I.
>> Anyone opposed? Hearing none, that
[6:20] motion carries.
We're going to move on to the approval
[6:23] of the warrants. The first one is the
township general warrants. Um would uh
[6:28] Treasurer Moran, will you please present
the warrants?
[6:31] » Thank you, Supervisor Cor. Uh today,
July 13, 2026. We have hand checks that
[6:36] total 1,93,8215
[6:40] and warrants that total $964,19727
[6:46] for all checks and warrants totaling
$2,58,18.32.
[6:57] » These items were are detailed in the
revenue expense report as well as the
[7:02] summary of the warrants. Does anyone
have any questions or comments?
[7:10] This is a roll call vote.
Clamar Mark, will you please call the
[7:14] role?
>> No. Need a motion to appropriate.
[7:18] I'll make I'll make a motion to approve
the uh the uh uh checks and warrants uh
[7:25] for uh as of Monday, July 13th, 2026 in
the amount of 2,58,18.32
[7:35] » support. All right. Thank you,
gentlemen. We have a motion by Trusty
[7:38] Carter supported by Trusty Pros to
approve the general township warrants.
[7:43] Right now, we're ready for the roll call
vote. Trusty Carter.
[7:46] » Iusty
>> I.
[7:49] » Trusty pros.
>> Hi,
[7:51] » Treasure Moran.
>> I clerk Marco I. Supervisor.
[7:55] » I.
All right. The next item is to consider
[7:59] the conservation boardwalk replacement
project change order number one.
[8:04] Riverworks construction to balance
original contract items to asbuilt
[8:08] quantities for a project deduction of
$6,970.
[8:15] Uh thank you, Supervisor Cor Ryan
Erenss, Morren Bruent Township Engineer.
[8:19] Um as you mentioned, have before you uh
change order number one and final for
[8:24] the conservation boardwalk replacement
project. This change order balances uh
[8:29] contract quantities to asbuilt um
quantities and uh we did end up slightly
[8:35] under the original contract amount. The
change order is for a negative $6,970.
[8:41] um that resulted in RiverWorks
construction. They were able to
[8:46] eliminate the helical piles we had set
up and they were able to utilize
[8:49] standard timber piles in uh location of
the helical piles by offsetting their
[8:55] pile driving equipment to avoid the
power lines that were above. So, um this
[9:01] change order closes the project out and
like I said, balances everything to
[9:05] asbuilt quantities.
>> Great. Thank you.
[9:09] » Any questions or comments? [snorts]
I think Bob should this. We got a
[9:12] deduction here.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
[9:14] » Well, I I I certainly like deductions.
>> Um I move approval of change order
[9:21] number one, a deduction of $6,970
[9:26] [clears throat]
>> on the riverwork construction.
[9:30] » Second.
>> Thank you. Motion by Trusty Pros,
[9:32] supported by Trustee Carter to approve
the change order um for the conservation
[9:38] boardwalk improvement project. Uh this
is a roll call vote.
[9:45] » Supervisors
>> IMACO
[9:49] I treasure
>> I
[9:52] » trusty pros.
>> Hi.
[9:54] » Trusty. Hi.
>> Trusty Carter.
[9:56] » I
thank you. All right. The next one is
[10:02] the consider the cover bridge
park change order number 10 from
[10:08] Katherburg Verg
up. Sorry to consider conservation
[10:14] boardwalk replacement project final pay.
Oh, it's a pay application for that
[10:17] boardwalk. Application number three for
Riverworks construction in the amount of
[10:21] 39,32975
which I'm assuming reflects the red the
[10:26] deduction.
>> Correct.
[10:29] » Yes, that is correct. Thank you,
Supervisor Court. Again, Ryan Arens more
[10:32] brink township engineer. Uh with the
approval of that change order on the can
[10:37] conservation boardwalk replacement
project, we now have the uh final pay
[10:41] recommendation. Uh it's pay
recommendation number three and final in
[10:44] the amount of $39,329.75.
[10:48] Uh RiverWorks Construction completed the
boardwalk um and has addressed all of
[10:53] the punch list items that we identified
at our May 26th final inspection. So,
[10:58] we're recommending full payment and
release of all retainage. Uh, so that
[11:02] total amount would be $39,329.75.
[11:06] » Ryan, I got a problem with uh releasing
the retention.
[11:10] » Okay.
>> Um,
[11:12] you know, in a final pay, we got to keep
this for a little while just make sure
[11:16] nothing shifts, no boards warp. Let's
get through a little season. Um, fair is
[11:22] fair. There's another payoff later in
here where it's not completion, but it's
[11:27] pretty close for the similar type uh
trail construction. All along we've
[11:33] always withheld 5%
10% at the beginning and get so far in
[11:38] the project, we reduced that. But to
break away from that is a breakaway from
[11:44] the norm. And it's miraculous how all of
a sudden if there's no money out there
[11:50] and something happens that now we're
liable for it. And to call the
[11:55] contractor back is a charge where if we
withhold something and as part of the
[12:01] project then it becomes common sense
that they would fix it in order to get
[12:06] their retention. Um how long do we hold
it for? I'm not an expert. we would come
[12:12] to you for it for for that. But I
believe we should hold it for at least
[12:16] uh through the through the fall season
and perhaps even into spring where the
[12:21] fluctuations in the in the earth and the
movement causes it. I'm not trying to be
[12:28] mean or anything else to the contractor
because they've done a good job.
[12:32] However, common sense and consistency is
what I'd like to strive for. I don't
[12:38] know if any of the other board members
agree or disagree, but it's uh
[12:42] » just as a as a note, Bob. So, I mean,
typically when we do the final pay
[12:46] application, we pay the final amount.
The items you might be speaking to would
[12:50] be covered under warranty, which would
be for, I believe, a year from
[12:54] » So, the warranty in the contract, uh,
the legal and binding contract specifies
[12:58] one year from final inspection. So, the
warranty would be good until May 26th of
[13:04] 2027. Um, at which point basically the
contractor is liable for any repair
[13:09] replacement.
>> I'm just I'm was just concerned about
[13:13] » Yeah. So, typically, I mean, what we
we've done is we do pay the final pay
[13:16] application and then anything else would
fall under warranty. Typically, the only
[13:20] thing we've held retainage for has been
lawn restoration or yard restoration
[13:23] that might [clears throat]
uh, you know, go from the fall into the
[13:26] spring. But typically, when the
project's complete, we do the final
[13:28] payoff once the punch list items are
done. And then anything else would be
[13:32] covered under warranties.
>> I'm fine with that.
[13:35] Does the contract specify that we pay
the retainage at the end
[13:39] » when the project's complete?
>> Yeah. When when the project's complete
[13:42] and all, basically they've satisfied our
final inspection list.
[13:45] » And we believe that's where we're at.
>> Yeah. So if uh as Mr. Pro said, if
[13:51] something does happen over the course of
the fall, winter, spring, it then
[13:54] becomes a warranty related issue. Um
okay.
[14:02] I think it's a good discussion, but
Um, I'll I'll make the uh motion to
[14:08] approve uh uh pay application number
three for 39. I got this right? Yeah.
[14:16] Yeah. 39 32975
[14:21] $39,329.75
[14:25] uh for the conservation boardwalk
replacement. This is application number
[14:30] three.
>> Support.
[14:33] » Thank you. We have we have a motion by
trustee pros, excuse me, trusty Carter
[14:38] supported by treasure man. Roll call
vote, please.
[14:43] » Supervisor Cords.
>> I.
[14:45] » Clerk Demarco,
>> I. Treasure Moran,
[14:48] » I.
>> Trusty Crows.
[14:50] » Hi.
>> Trusty [clears throat] Herurwitz.
[14:52] » Hi,
>> Trusty Carter.
[14:53] » I
>> Okay. All right. Thanks. Thank you. Um,
[14:58] right. Now we're ready to move on to the
consider the covered bridge park change
[15:00] order number 10 from KG
to add water fountain relocation, snow
[15:06] melt system capping, restroom building,
electrical adjustment for a project
[15:11] increase of $5,635.
[15:15] » Good afternoon. Uh Pieransky, project
manager, uh Progressive Companies on the
[15:19] Ada Coverbridge Park. Uh here is change
order number 10. It covers three items
[15:23] as mentioned. Uh the relocation of
existing water fountain. There was one
[15:27] in front of the restroom building. Uh we
thought we could work around it through
[15:30] conversations with Caterberg and through
just kind of talking means and methods
[15:33] of how they were planning on building
it. It just made much more sense to
[15:36] remove it instead of potentially
damaging it because we had to pour more
[15:38] concrete around it. So that's the first
item. Second item is uh capping the snow
[15:43] melt system. We thought we had it taken
care of last early early this spring,
[15:47] but it turns out with a little bit more
excavation, a little bit setup, it was
[15:50] hit again. So we need to cap it again
properly to make sure it doesn't leak in
[15:54] the future. That was the snow melt that
used to lead to the sidewalk that ran
[15:57] out to the parking lot originally from
the building. And the last one is the
[16:01] pretty unfortunate, but uh as we've been
digging into the building as the
[16:04] renovations have happened, we've
discovered that the electrical wires
[16:07] throughout the building were essentially
morted into the concrete block. So our
[16:11] plan was originally to be able to pull
that wire out and reroute it, but
[16:14] because it's inside the block and we're
adding blocks above it, there's no way
[16:17] to actually connect safely those wires
throughout. So this is essentially to
[16:20] rewire the restroom building. That's
just something that open it up, find
[16:24] something unique. Never seen that
before. And that's that's what that is
[16:27] for. So those are the three items. Um I
believe right now we're pretty much in a
[16:32] shape. I don't think anything else is
going to jump up. This is kind of the
[16:34] last unknown. Renovations. I'm sure
we've all renovated a house or home or
[16:37] have friends or family. Things just kind
of pop up and you start tearing stuff
[16:40] apart. So this should be uh hopefully
the last change order for now.
[16:46] » Director Diesson uh is out of town and
so I'm happy to answer any questions. I
[16:51] mean, these are items that we discussed,
uh, worked through, he felt comfortable,
[16:56] um, paying from the existing contingency
fund. And as Peter indicated, we're
[17:01] essentially pretty close to the finish
line. Um we did when we did took a tour
[17:06] um we looked at the electrical piece and
because we added I think Peter said
[17:10] three or four blocks on top. I mean
rather than start splicing wires
[17:14] together it just made a lot more sense
to do it the safe way and re rewire the
[17:19] electric box without a mortar block is
not a smart idea for long term.
[17:23] » Yep. So,
>> I remember asking about the water
[17:27] fountain in regards to I know we're
replacing the existing one, but I think
[17:32] I mentioned at one point in time using
a more
[17:37] popular one that you can refill your
water bottles. Was that ever discussed
[17:41] or did we ever get a price on that or is
there a second? Oh jeez, you're kind of
[17:46] if we got a spot here. I can't remember
if we have a second one on the park or
[17:48] not. I don't think we do. The one there
is just being re removed and replaced.
[17:52] It's It's in great shape. It's just uh
doesn't have the water bottle fil
[17:56] filter, but that's a
>> Is it attached to the building itself?
[17:58] » It is right outside about 2 feet.
>> So, it's freestanding. Okay.
[18:01] » Freestanding. Yeah. Yep.
>> Thank you.
[18:13] » I'll make a motion uh to approve uh
covered bridge uh park change order
[18:19] number 10.
um to add the water fountain uh
[18:24] relocation, the snow melt system
camping, and restroom building,
[18:28] electrical adjustment for a project
increase of $5,635.
[18:37] » Thank you. We have a motion by Trustee
Carter, supported by Trusty Kerwitz
[18:42] to approve this change order. Um
Mark, we please call the RO.
[18:49] Excuse me. [clears throat] Trusty
Carter.
[18:51] » I.
>> Trusty Herurwitz.
[18:53] » Hi.
>> Trusty Pro.
[18:55] » Hi.
>> Treasure Moran.
[18:56] » Hi.
>> Clerk Demarco. I Supervisor C.
[18:59] » I.
Thank you.
[19:04] Okay. So now we're consider the cover
bridge park pay application number nine
[19:08] from Caterberg in the amount of
$338,569.56.
[19:16] Hi Peter Spansky again. Uh it's payation
number nine. We have uh a lot of uh
[19:21] items in this one. I picked out five of
the larger ones. Um we have the restroom
[19:26] building, the restroom building which is
being constructed. We're roughly about
[19:28] 80%. Uh a lot of the structural aspects
have been taken care of. Um on that we
[19:34] have the uh canopy structure bringing up
to 90%. Really is just a little bit more
[19:38] roofing left to go and the final
connections to the restroom building
[19:40] itself. I believe actually siding today,
so that's good. Um and then we have
[19:45] $85,000 for the pave drain pavers. Those
are those uh rain rainwater infiltration
[19:49] blocks that you see throughout the
entire downtown. And we've done the
[19:52] curve around the park there. And we have
$29,796.75
[19:57] for the 75% of the irrigation system.
Just a little bit left kind of out by
[20:01] the restroom building where we're still
currently operating. And then $31,175.
[20:07] And that's kind of the lump sum of the
if you remember back there's a change
[20:09] order to add the north side of the cover
bridge the deck the steel rail the steel
[20:14] beams underneath being re repainted and
re well sanded then repainted and then
[20:18] the railing. So all that work is
complete now. So this is kind of up to
[20:22] there. Um as you can see we are moving
closer and closer to completion. It's
[20:26] kind of fun to see some grass seating
going on. You can kind of see the final
[20:29] form. Um right now we are still tracking
for August 12th as planned and uh
[20:34] everything talked to contractor this
morning everything seems to be going
[20:37] relatively smooth. So any questions feel
I'm here here to answer them.
[20:50] Uh I I'll make another motion here to to
approve uh the covered bridge park pay
[20:55] application number nine from Kerberg for
HG in the amount of $338,569.56
[21:06] » support. Thank you.
[21:11] Application number nine was moved by
trustee Carter supported by treasure
[21:17] man.
This is another roll call vote.
[21:21] Call the vote.
>> Treasure Moran.
[21:23] » Hi.
>> Supervisor Kors.
[21:26] » Hi.
>> Trusty Carter.
[21:28] » I.
>> Trusty Herurwitz.
[21:30] » Hi.
>> Trusty Pros.
[21:31] » I Marco. I.
>> Thank you.
[21:36] Okay. The next one. Consider the Grand
River Drive trail improvement project
[21:40] pay application number two from Tomic
Construction in the amount of
[21:44] $490,234.40.
[21:47] 40 cents.
>> Thank you, Supervisor Court. Uh again,
[21:50] Ryan Erenss, Mor Brink, Township
Engineer. Uh have before you this
[21:54] afternoon recommendation for payment
number two for the Grand River Drive
[21:57] trail improvements project. Uh this is
for work completed from about miday
[22:02] through June 26th. Um and essentially
the the path is nearly complete at this
[22:08] point. Um, this pay application uh is in
the amount of $490,2340.
[22:17] Um, and it does include a 5% retainage
uh as we've hit 50% of the contract
[22:22] amount which is $43,914.81
[22:27] uh to atomic construction.
[22:33] » How um is the section on Ada Drive done
yet?
[22:37] » It is not. They're actually they were
scheduled to start today. Uh they had
[22:41] some equipment issues. The mill broke
down um that crushes the pavement. So
[22:46] now they're scheduled to start
Wednesday. They have done some
[22:48] preliminary concrete work and put the
soil erosion control measures up. They
[22:52] did that late last week. Uh but the
brunt of the work was scheduled for for
[22:57] this week. Um they're just going to be a
little delayed with the equipment.
[23:01] » What's this the start to finish on just
that little stretch because it's
[23:04] » essentially about a week.
>> A week. Okay.
[23:08] So,
we do have our final inspection
[23:12] scheduled for the section on Grand River
from Nap down to Fulton uh for the
[23:18] middle of next week.
>> So, we're going to walk that with Atomic
[23:21] Construction, document any punch list
items, that type of
[23:25] » great
move approval of uh Grand River Drive
[23:28] trail improvement project application to
atomic construction in the amount of
[23:32] $490,2340.
[23:36] support
>> motion to approve
[23:41] by
support treasure.
[23:47] All I guess roll call vote.
>> Trusty Carter
[23:52] » I.
>> Trusty Herurwitz.
[23:53] » Hi.
>> Trusty pros.
[23:56] » I.
>> Treasure Moran
[23:57] » I.
>> Marco I. Supervisor.
[24:00] » I. Thank you.
All right. Here's the last one of this
[24:04] group. Uh it's the consider the
Thornapple River pedestrian bridge
[24:07] project pay application number six from
the Grand River construction from Grand
[24:12] River construction in the amount of
832,85442.
[24:19] Thank you, Supervisor Court. Again, Ryan
Arens, Morren Brujink, township
[24:23] engineer. I have before you pay
recommendation number six uh for the
[24:27] Thorn Apple River pedestrian bridge
project uh due to Grand River
[24:31] construction and this is for work
essentially performed in the month of
[24:34] June. It's a big one as we set the the
pre-fabricated pedestrian bridge in that
[24:39] bridges in that month. Uh so this pay
recommendation is for $832,8542
[24:47] and it still does include a 10%
retainage on that as well.
[24:57] » Where where are we on the opening of the
bridge?
[25:00] » So they are finishing up concrete work
on both sides this week. Um also
[25:04] finishing up the rough earth work. uh
going to do uh irrigation repairs, tree
[25:10] planting next week and then as soon as
irrigation repairs are done, they're
[25:13] going to spray restoration. Uh there's a
good chance it could potentially be open
[25:17] to foot traffic this Friday. Um after
they get the concrete poured,
[25:21] essentially the concrete cures one day
and foot traffic is allowed on it. So
[25:26] » it's exciting.
[25:31] What else?
>> I'll move approval to uh Riverworks
[25:35] Construction
in the amount this is pay what number is
[25:41] » six
>> six in the amount of $832,8542
[25:48] » second to Grand River.
>> So we have a motion by trusty pro
[25:55] supported by trusty Carter
pay application number to Grand River
[26:00] construction for 832,8442.
[26:06] » Supervisor Cor
>> I clar.
[26:10] » Treasure Moran
>> I.
[26:11] » Trusty pros.
>> Hi.
[26:13] » Trusty.
>> Hi.
[26:14] » Trusty Carter.
>> I.
[26:17] » Thank you. All right. So, we're going to
move into um our public com first public
[26:22] comment of the afternoon. Uh would any
members of the public like to come up uh
[26:27] and talk about any topic they'd like?
They'd like to come up, please state
[26:31] your name and address for the record,
please.
[26:40] Seeing no one come up at this time, I
will close this first public comment
[26:44] session and move on. We have no items of
unfinished business. We do not have a
[26:49] public hearing. So, we'll move into our
new business section, which is the first
[26:53] one is the request from Egypt Valley
Country Club for public fireworks
[26:57] display permit on September 19th,
2026 with a rain date of October 3rd.
[27:04] » Yes, my name is Michael Faulk. I'm with
Pyro Technical Fireworks and I'm
[27:08] representing specifically Egypt Valley
Country Club today. Um, as a supervisor
[27:13] said, they would like to have a firework
display for their fall festival on
[27:17] September 19th. So you have in front of
you an application for the fireworks as
[27:22] well as a certificate of insurance and a
site map. So no changes from previous
[27:28] years. Same same crew more or less, same
location. Um same situation all around.
[27:33] I'm here to answer any questions you
might have.
[27:37] » And this has been reviewed um with fair
chief Murray and Township doesn't have
[27:42] any issues with the request as
presented.
[27:46] Move approval of the request as
presented
[27:51] » for the fireworks display.
Second.
[27:56] So we have a motion by trustee pro
supported by trusty Carter for the
[27:59] approval of the um firework display
permit for Egypt Valley Country Club on
[28:04] September 19th. All in favor signify by
saying I.
[28:08] » I. Anybody opposed? Hearing none, that
motion carries unanimously.
[28:13] » Thank you very much.
Okay, we're going to move on to uh the
[28:18] resolution resolution R07
1326-1, a resolution to authorize the
[28:24] songs and sips application for special
license.
[28:29] » Thank you board members. Uh Ethan Angel,
recreation coordinator with your parks
[28:32] and rec department. Uh just need your
approval to move forward. It's our
[28:35] second annual songs and sips. Last year
went off with great success. We had
[28:40] about 55 people in attendance even
though the weather was questionable as
[28:44] it tends to be in February. Roselle
worked great. We had some great
[28:47] partnerships with the historical society
and a couple other sponsors that came
[28:50] through. Uh worked with Gravel Bottom to
supply the beer and wine. We don't have
[28:54] any artists planned at this time. Still
working with Chris Collins. We're hoping
[28:58] to get through music on the lawn before
we book the next set of artists. Um but
[29:01] we just need your guys' approval to be
able to move forward and this just keeps
[29:04] our events moving forward and and ahead
of schedule.
[29:08] Okay.
[29:11] I think it's wonderful.
>> I move approval of resolution to adopt
[29:14] resolution R-07
1326-1 authorizing the songs and steps
[29:20] application for special license.
>> Support
[29:25] by trustee with supported by treasurer
Moran to approve resolution 071326-1
[29:33] uh for the songs and sips application
for a special liquor license. This is a
[29:38] roll call vote.
[29:42] » Supervisor Cor
>> Igo
[29:45] I. Treasurer [clears throat] Moran
>> I.
[29:47] » Trusty Pros.
>> Hi.
[29:49] » Trusty Herurwitz.
>> Hi.
[29:50] » Trusty Carter.
>> I.
[29:53] » Thank you. We're all set. Thanks.
>> Okay. We're moving on to consider the
[29:59] recommendation from the planning
commission to deny request to reszone 60
[30:03] Adah Hills Drive Northeast
from rural residential to single family
[30:08] R1 residential.
>> Thank you.
[30:11] » Good afternoon,
Supervisor Cor and members of the board.
[30:14] John said, director of planning for the
township.
[30:18] This matter concerns a request for
reszoning for 68 Hills Drive from rural
[30:25] residential to single family
residential. This matter was fully
[30:29] vetted at the June planning commission
meeting. However, I do have a number of
[30:34] details. So, I can go into those and
share that information with you now if
[30:38] you would like or if you wanted to just
ask questions, whatever your pleasure
[30:43] may be.
John, what were some of the issues or
[30:48] what is the is there a top five issues
that they all rejected or top one or
[30:54] » certainly um
significantly it's a it's a great
[30:58] question. Significantly, the the the
request to reject this was based on the
[31:04] fact that this is an isolated zoning
request. This is a request that um there
[31:10] is no other location uh anywhere around
there that has this zoning district.
[31:15] This is a single parcel resoning request
and it is simply to allow for an
[31:21] increase in density in an area that
otherwise it would not comply with. The
[31:26] applicant had identified other areas
not far from this one where
[31:33] lots were smaller than the the minimum
allowed. However, as I've noted in the
[31:39] staff report,
those were developed undoubtedly under
[31:44] previous zoning ordinances and do not
match what is there now. So the idea is
[31:50] always moving to move forward to
progress to increase conformity with
[31:54] current standards including lot sizes
instead of moving backwards to allow
[31:59] non-conformance or use use of outdated
standards. So that was a that was a
[32:03] large issue conformance with those
zoning standards and our zoning
[32:07] ordinance
significantly as well. We don't have any
[32:11] other location in the township that is
zoned R1. This would be a one lot zoning
[32:17] district which we don't have anywhere in
the community and it would be a location
[32:22] where um there is no other no other
property within the township that is
[32:28] zoned R1. So the the planning commission
felt very strongly about that topic.
[32:36] They felt that that merited significant
consideration
[32:41] because of those conditions. We also had
a member of the public that spoke at the
[32:46] meeting and also submitted a letter in
opposition and it was a neighbor
[32:50] neighboring property owner in that
location.
[32:54] the factors and I can certainly read
this in verbatim if you want but just
[32:58] the main factors were disruption of the
rural residential characteristics of the
[33:03] area uh conflict with the township's
plan
[33:09] degradation of the Fulton Street
corridor increase in density diminished
[33:13] safety and functionality of the
neighborhood
[33:16] so that that's what that individual
submitted uh their information is
[33:20] complete is also included in the um in
the uh minutes for that meeting. One
[33:28] thing I'd also like to make mention of
as it relates to the master plan. While
[33:32] the applicant had had said this conforms
with the master plan because the R1
[33:37] district and this particular area is
currently planned for neighborhood
[33:42] residential. The fact of the matter is
is that master plans just like zoning
[33:48] ordinances and everything else are
living breathing documents and they are
[33:52] subject to update as time goes along.
This particular area does not have any
[33:57] of the utilities that would be
appropriate and necessary for
[34:01] neighborhood residential. There's no
sewer, there's no water or any of that
[34:04] kind of stuff north of Fulton Street. So
that's a significant issue to be
[34:10] considered. Sim similarly um
the the master plan and the other topics
[34:19] that are talked about in the master plan
talks about in areas of the that have
[34:23] more rural character which this does
that language in the master plan says
[34:29] that the township should discourage
resonings which incrementally increase
[34:33] density in the area. So that's a master
plan policy matter as well as it relates
[34:38] to the isolated zoning. I have
references from a planners dictionary
[34:44] which is from the American planning
association and several several
[34:48] references of that planners dictionary
as it relates to spot zoning which is
[34:52] the kind of the planner geek term used
for isolated zoning basically talk about
[34:58] the zoning of a small area which differs
measurably from the zoned land
[35:03] surrounding the area.
Um, similarly,
[35:08] reszoning of a lot or parcel designed to
benefit an owner for a use incompatible
[35:13] with surround with surrounding uses and
on and on. Several more definitions that
[35:17] are similarly noted and and referenced
in that way.
[35:22] I apologize for the length and answer to
your question.
[35:24] » I think you hit five. [laughter]
[35:36] questions or comments.
[35:39] The request is for the denial of the
request as recommended consistent with
[35:43] the planning commission and staff
recommendations based on the findings of
[35:47] fact that the request would be
inconsistent with the township law
[35:49] specified in the planning ordinance.
>> So moved.
[35:55] support
>> moved by treasure man supported by
[35:59] trustee pros to go with the planning
department's recommendation of the
[36:03] demile of the request as recommended
all in favor signify by saying I
[36:09] » I
>> anyone opposed hearing none that motion
[36:13] carries unanimous
>> thank you very much
[36:20] » all right the next item is the consider
the Thor Apple River pedestrian excuse
[36:23] me is moved down to um
let's see resolution R071326-2
[36:32] the redevelopment liquor license
application for Terara GR Incorporated.
[36:39] » Okay. Good afternoon to the township
board. Kevin Austin, your DDA director.
[36:43] Uh so I have the uh the memo there for
you guys that I'm going to roll through
[36:46] and hit some highlights on. Um and uh
and then there I we also do have the
[36:51] applicant here today that I will turn
over uh to summarize and give a little
[36:55] bit more detail on the business
operation that's proposed in connection
[36:58] to this redevelopment liquor license. Uh
so rolling through here, Ada Township
[37:02] has received an application from Kenneth
Sun on behalf of Terra GR requesting
[37:06] local government approval for a
redevelopment area uh liquor license for
[37:09] the proposed restaurant at 590 ADA
Drive. Uh that is the for you guys that
[37:14] are unaware that is the former jam and
bean recently former jam and bean. Uh
[37:18] originally uh the one of the original
buildings here in uh in the historical
[37:23] ADA called Rex Anony's general store. Uh
you can see some things about that in
[37:28] the historical society as well. The
proposed establishment is located within
[37:31] a township uh DDA. Uh it's eligible to
within an eligible redevelopment area
[37:36] which is the DDA. The application
requires local government approval as
[37:40] part of the MLCC licensing process. So
in accordance with the township's review
[37:44] process for this license, uh the Ada
Township Downtown Development Authority
[37:48] first reviewed this application on June
1526, adopted resolution DDA061526
[37:54] TAC1 which is included in your packet uh
which is a resolution of support for
[37:58] this application from the DDA board. Uh
the DDA's action is advisory in nature
[38:03] and has been forwarded to you all uh as
the township board as the legislative
[38:06] body which is authorized to adopt the
formal resolution that is required uh by
[38:11] the MLCDC from the the local government
entity. So the applicable law is there
[38:15] for you guys uh for redevelopment area
liquor licenses. Uh we do have several
[38:20] that are inside the the DDA uh currently
as well. This is a process that's come
[38:24] up probably every couple of years with
different applications as the
[38:26] development has increased in the DDA
district. So, uh, one of the critical
[38:30] components for your awareness and
knowledge is the redevelopment area
[38:34] license eligibility and available
license capacity section right there.
[38:38] The statute authorizes one redevelopment
liquor license for every million dollars
[38:42] of qualifying investment occurring
within the redevelopment area in the
[38:45] preceding three years uh, for every
1,000 residents of local government
[38:49] unit. So to adopt the to document
eligibility under the statute, the
[38:54] township assessor Stephanie Borman has
provided an affidavit certifying that a
[38:57] qualifying investment within the
township redevelopment area totaled
[39:00] $24,293,014
[39:04] during the preceding three-year period
and there's an affidavit included with
[39:07] that. Uh but that goes into the
calculation by the MLCC. This is a
[39:12] calculation that they do, not
necessarily that we complete uh for
[39:15] eligibility. So this does still go to
MLCC to establish whether or not uh this
[39:20] actually is exists according to their
metrics. However, according to what's
[39:24] been calculated with their with their
format under the statute, uh you can see
[39:28] 24.293 investment units divided by the
population is 1.69 uh which they the
[39:34] statute does claim the greater fraction
thereof. So we have roughly two um two
[39:39] redevelopment liquor licenses afforded
to the DDA district currently in the
[39:43] preceding three years uh that this has
occurred. So we do have at least one for
[39:47] this applicant uh and that was
communicated to them and and so this was
[39:51] reviewed uh by the DDA. The proposed
business operation is is there for you
[39:55] guys, but we do have the applicant here.
So I won't go too much into detail, but
[39:58] you guys might be familiar with the
name. Uh this restaurant does uh does
[40:03] have a location in Easttown uh that has
been operating successfully and I do
[40:07] believe they had a satellite location in
downtown as well but uh Mr. Sun uh can
[40:11] document that and talk about his uh
unique approach that he's looking to do
[40:15] here in downtown ADA on the historic
side. So the requested licensing you
[40:19] guys can see there is a class C on
premise license. Uh the narrative that
[40:23] was provided by the applicant says that
they do not intend to operate a
[40:26] traditional full service bar. Rather
that alcoholic beverages will be
[40:30] ancillary to the restaurant operation.
Consists primarily of beer, wine, and
[40:33] other packaged alcoholic beverages. Um
they see to have an SDM license which is
[40:37] a specially designated merchant license
as well. We do have several of those uh
[40:40] here in the township. Um there's the the
dining which requires at least 25
[40:45] patrons or 25 seats indicated. And there
is a floor plan that you guys have there
[40:49] in the in the the package as well. Um
and then looking at the building
[40:54] rehabilitation investment that is a
critical part of uh this application
[40:58] process under MLCC. So Coverbridge
Properties LLC which owns the property
[41:02] has provided estimate building
improvements estimated building
[41:05] improvement costs totaling approximately
$131,000
[41:08] uh including floor replacement, repair,
HVAC, exterior improvements, rear
[41:12] service entrance, ADA compliant
restrooms, utility updates, and sewer
[41:15] improvements. uh they have a breakdown
of that included. Um the requirement is
[41:19] $75,000 for improvement in the in the
building or in the premises that the the
[41:24] license is tied to. So um and so uh the
community redevelopment benefits, I just
[41:29] want to note that the the DDA reviewed
the proposal and determined that the
[41:32] project is consistent with continued
redevelopment economic vitality of the
[41:36] district and and then subsequently
approved the resolution and and for it
[41:40] to you guys. Uh, so there is a a
recommended action there for you guys,
[41:43] but uh, if there are no questions right
now, I'll still be available afterwards.
[41:47] I'd love to get the applicant in front
of you guys to to give kind of a
[41:49] synopsis of his of his application for
the license.
[41:53] » Just one question before you um, sir
leave, Kevin, in regards to just in the
[41:57] application, there's this alcohol
information management system where it
[42:01] talks about how many are allowed and how
many are issued. I I know you touched on
[42:06] the SD and the SDM. Mhm.
>> Uh do all these numbers make sense to
[42:11] you? Did you get a chance to look at
these? It says 15 are allowed for this
[42:14] merchant
and only three are issued.
[42:18] » So you're talking about the uh the
documentation.
[42:21] » Yes. Local government unit quota search.
So
[42:24] » yes. So that's the that's the publicly
available information on Laura uh I
[42:28] believe or Laura's database providing uh
what the township currently has. Uh STM
[42:33] licenses are specially designated
merchant licenses. Those are licenses
[42:37] that are often for like liquor stores
and things like that. Okay. Uh to
[42:40] provide uh the sale of alcohol that is
not to be consumed on premises but is to
[42:45] be taken somewhere else. Uh the lark
actually uh applied for this license and
[42:50] was granted this license in conjunction
to a class C on premises license. Um it
[42:55] was a application in 24. So they applied
for a similar thing. We are just uh
[42:59] evaluating really the um the class C
license is what is is tied to the
[43:04] redevelopment. Uh so I'm not exactly
sure on the numbers provided there by
[43:08] Lara. Um we did discuss this a little
bit in DDA about quota licenses. Uh the
[43:13] differences between those two things.
Redevelopment liquor licenses can't
[43:16] leave uh the DDA. They can't leave the
township. Quota licenses can. So people
[43:20] that are granted quota licenses uh they
can take those uh and go to different
[43:25] municipalities and things like that. But
redevelopment liquor licenses are tied
[43:28] to the development district
specifically. Um does that answer your
[43:32] question, Treasure Mar?
>> For the most part. Yeah. I was just kind
[43:34] of curious what that merchant liquor
store makes sense to me. So,
[43:38] » yeah. Uh, and to expound on that a
little bit, you could ask uh Kenneth as
[43:43] well. Uh, but they do intend on being
able to sell a certain packaged alcohol
[43:46] under the SDM license for people to take
being that their uh their function or
[43:51] their operation is a little bit more
geared towards that format. So,
[43:56] okay, I'll turn it over to Mr. Sun for a
brief presentation.
[44:04] Good afternoon everybody. My name is Ken
Sung. I'm the owner of Terra GR. I don't
[44:08] know if you're familiar with Terra GR.
We've been open in Easttown, as Kevin
[44:11] had indicated, since 2012. Uh we're a
farm-to-table scratch kitchen, so we
[44:16] support
probably 20 different farmers in the
[44:20] West Michigan area. And everything we do
is made on premises at our restaurant.
[44:24] We're a full-ervice restaurant. And in
2020, we added a new uh uh business
[44:30] called Terra Bagels, which is two doors
located from our Easttown location. Then
[44:36] we opened up a second location in 2012
or 2022
[44:40] uh in downtown GR. And with the same
philosophy, doing bagels, but everything
[44:45] being scratch kitchen using local uh
ingredients. The concept that we we're
[44:51] presented here with a with a location
here in Ada is we want to provide the
[44:56] bagels during the day and then in the
evening more of our terra to go uh menu.
[45:01] So the reason for the the class C
license would be for allow to allow uh
[45:06] our guests to consume what we would
focus on beer and al beer and wine on
[45:11] premises and the SDM license as we
emphasize the to-go nature of our menu
[45:17] which is pizzas, pastas and salads.
People can have the opportunity to pick
[45:22] up or to to purchase a a beer and wine
with their with their purchase which is
[45:26] the concept that we've we are working
with. So it's more of a cafe than a full
[45:30] service restaurant. and it's a little
deceptive people thinking we're going to
[45:33] have a full service restaurant. So as a
result we are kind of going to be
[45:38] running the business as terra kitchen
ADA kind of a hybrid of the two
[45:42] businesses that we currently have. So to
kind of clarify things so it isn't as
[45:46] confusing as like are you Terra Bagels
are you Terra GR this should hopefully
[45:50] create a new a new path for us as well.
Um our uh plan for operation would be
[45:57] from 7:00 a.m. till 3 we'll basically
run our bagels menu which would not
[46:01] include any alcohol and then from 4
until 9 we will include more to the to-
[46:06] go menu that we offer at Terra which
would offer the ability to again cons uh
[46:12] enjoy uh the beer and wine on premises
as well as to to go. Um we're really
[46:17] excited about being around the corner
here. Um, if you stop by the building,
[46:22] you can see the the the renovations that
the Vanderbeans have put into this
[46:25] building. It's a second gen, they're the
second gen generation owner of this
[46:29] building. Um, as Kevin had indicated,
we're getting uh finally an HVAC system
[46:35] in the building, ada uh bathroom, a
brand new floor, everything is going to
[46:40] be updated in this. the outside of the
building will remain the same with, you
[46:43] know, some painting and so forth, but
the the inside of the building will be
[46:46] totally up to 21st century standards.
So, we're really excited about being
[46:51] part of this community and being a local
business. We feel like it's a good fit
[46:55] for everybody.
Any questions that I can answer for
[46:58] anybody?
[47:03] » I have a question. Given the the concept
[47:08] » a pickup location in the and evening
hours.
[47:13] How are you going to market where people
are supposed to park? It's not as if
[47:18] it's a modern drive-thru or something.
And and are you using delivery services?
[47:24] » We will also we will offer both uh Door
Dash and Uber Eats uh for both for
[47:29] operations throughout the day. So, and
then we've we've actually had pretty
[47:34] pretty good success at especially even
our downtown Grand Rapids location. We
[47:37] don't have anything specifically listed
out as parking, but one of the things
[47:41] that we will be doing is um we will have
um within our websites the ability for
[47:46] for our guests to actually order order
place orders prior to pickup. So
[47:52] basically, it'd be a really if somebody
wanted like currently right now, a lot
[47:56] of people will place orders the evening
before for bagels and pick it up at 9:00
[48:00] a.m. and it's basically ready for them
at 9:00 a.m. So, it's a fairly quick
[48:04] process even though we're not a
drive-through uh operation at all.
[48:10] It's just that the um I totally support
concept and I and I actually think we
[48:14] have room from the mechanics of of the
parking and the and the like, but the
[48:19] logical area is is right outside this
wall in terms of where people would
[48:24] would come in and and and access kind of
from the rear if they're just kind of
[48:28] trying to pick up their order and leave
or the Uber Eats guys or whatever trying
[48:31] to pick up their orders. Has there been
any conversations like who controls that
[48:36] parking lot?
>> So, has there been any conversations
[48:40] between the township and and us related
to, you know, being able to to dedicate
[48:45] five minute parking only during certain
hours in the afternoons and evenings and
[48:49] that kind of thing? I
>> uh I would say currently Supervisor
[48:56] Corve most of the conversations we've
had around uh that lot uh actually
[49:00] pertain to uh some of the the joint use
of of the trash facilities and things
[49:05] like that being that the the new
businesses coming into that corner are
[49:09] trying to cohabitate really well in that
in that uh in that environment. And so
[49:13] we were talking about that specifically,
but nothing uh related specifically to
[49:18] timed parking for what assets are
currently there. Um those assets were
[49:22] shared between uh the residential units
that are still uh on above those
[49:26] properties and then also the the
commercial units inside of that
[49:29] building. Uh so we have not talked about
specific timed parking or things like
[49:33] that. I know that there's been
conversations about the um the parallel
[49:37] spots on Ada Drive. uh that is something
that happens uh in the uh the natural
[49:43] evolution of certain dynamic downtown
environments is that uh valuable
[49:48] parallel parking does end up getting
times on it. Uh that's not something
[49:51] that was necessarily recommended yet as
from our parking plan. Uh but as there
[49:56] becomes more dynamic use in the
commercial nature of our downtown, I I
[50:01] would say that that recommendation will
probably come up um you know maybe in
[50:04] the near future for something like that
to make sure that that there is that
[50:07] kind of turnover in those spaces. But we
do know that right now people do highly
[50:11] value uh that those parking spots are
not uh uh either limited timeline or
[50:17] something like that. But yes,
>> just because like over here where Mike
[50:22] Ward's uh building that has the blimpies
and the hungry howies, I mean they're
[50:29] militant about their parking staying
open and available for pickups uh by
[50:35] people and um
>> [clears throat]
[50:39] » I don't oppose the broader concept. I
just think that we're we if you're as
[50:43] successful as you hope to be, I just
hope we don't have a weird kind of train
[50:47] wreck going on out here during the
evenings. So,
[50:50] » it's weird and very all day long.
[50:59] » Well, that's [snorts]
I'd like to see fleshed out a little bit
[51:03] more.
>> It is actually a good idea. I mean, I
[51:05] don't know if that location, what you
speak of between the two buildings is
[51:08] the perfect spot for it just because of
deliveries and whatnot. There's just a
[51:12] lot of traffic there, but you know,
maybe in front of Lo's I think there's a
[51:15] handicap then you could have a five
minute
[51:19] quick in and out. It certainly makes
sense to me. I understand what you're
[51:23] saying, Supervisor Cor. So, something to
consider.
[51:25] » We would love it. So,
>> yeah, I bet you would. [laughter]
[51:28] I mean definitely something we can look
at as you know we continue to look at
[51:32] the parking plan implementation of the
parking plan and then you know even what
[51:37] the future use of this building looks
like once the township moves. I mean
[51:41] we're a heavy day user. Uh and then
obviously it's open at night. Um and
[51:45] then we've got other restaurants too. So
we want to make sure whatever we do
[51:48] we're cognizant of not only how does it
impact this business but other
[51:52] businesses because if we put one here
then all of a sudden everyone's going to
[51:55] want one. And so again, I think it is a
good idea. I think there's value in it.
[51:59] Um, and definitely something that
obviously Kevin can take a look at and
[52:02] we can look at as we move forward.
>> Any other questions I can answer?
[52:07] » Okay. Thank you.
>> Move approval of resolution R71326-2
[52:14] for the redevelopment liquor license
application for Terra GR Inc.
[52:19] » support.
Moved by trustee pros, supported by
[52:22] trustee heritz to approve resolutions
71326-2
[52:27] for the red development liquor license
application for ter incorporated. This
[52:31] is a roll call vote. Marco, you call the
role, please.
[52:35] » Supervisor Cord
>> I.
[52:37] » Ry Marco I. Treasure Moran
>> I.
[52:41] » Trusty pros.
>> I.
[52:42] » Trusty.
>> I.
[52:44] » Trusty Carter
>> I.
[52:47] » So we're all set on that.
All right, we're going to move on to um
[52:53] 11E, which is consider the letter of
engagement with Municipal Financial
[52:57] Consultants, MFCI,
for 2026
[53:03] municipal building financing related to
our town, new proposed town.
[53:08] » Thank you, Supervisor Cor. Um so, as
Treasurer Moran, I have been working
[53:12] through, you know, next steps uh as
we've um had Dixon Architecture look
[53:16] take a look at the schematics. We wanted
to make sure we had a schedule. It made
[53:20] sense. Um, working with um, a vendor.
Previously, we've used PFM. Um, we met
[53:26] with PFM, MFCI, and I know Treasure
Moran met with Huntington,
[53:31] » Huntington Bank. Um, and we felt
comfortable moving forward MFCI. I mean,
[53:35] all the firms are qualified. All the
firms can do the work. Um, but I we
[53:40] think we have a a good opportunity, a
good relationship with MFCI to move
[53:43] forward uh, for a successful process. We
did include a draft schedule um because
[53:49] I know that's the one question is what
does this really mean? Where are we at
[53:53] in terms of uh if we're moving forward?
Uh this is the first step. Um so on the
[53:59] schedule now that we have the letter of
engagement, the first step would be at
[54:03] the um August 3rd, we're going to
include for the August 10th uh board
[54:08] meeting a notice of intent. And that
would be the notice of intent of what
[54:12] the township board's intent is for
bonding or financing the uh new township
[54:17] hall building. You'll notice uh later in
the agenda, I've got a special work
[54:21] special work session so that we can have
the board meet and review uh the outcome
[54:26] of the schematic design uh review with
Dixon Architecture. But essentially,
[54:30] this would run us through um publishing
the notice of sale in October 29th. um
[54:37] bond closing and delivery on uh November
24th.
[54:42] And Treasure Man, I don't know if
there's anything you'd like to add.
[54:46] Uh no, I think uh between PFM and MFCI,
they're both wellrespected firms. And
[54:54] again, having uh Paul Stodder, who has
been our financial consultant in the
[54:58] past, retire, it afforded us the
opportunity to look around. and through
[55:03] Julius's network as well as mine, we we
landed with uh Warren Kramer and MFCI.
[55:08] So, both outstanding firms.
[55:14] Um just some clarification because I've
never been involved in bonding
[55:20] before.
um where it says on a on November 24th
[55:25] there's bond closing and delivery is
that essentially
[55:30] where the bond is approved accepted and
they actually distribute funds and then
[55:34] we we lock the funds away and and we
control the distribution there's not
[55:38] oversight
>> correct
[55:39] » correct that's the days the the funds
get our bank
[55:42] » okay
>> and it's also the day interest hurts
[55:48] » it does
>> okay
[55:50] » we'll talk about that in a couple
months.
[55:55] » So, so, so that date could be funible.
But Kevin, the point I'm making is if
[55:59] that date could be funible in the sense
that if we find that our timeline shifts
[56:03] to the spring or something, we would
clearly want to slow this down so that
[56:08] we're not paying interest on money. Just
unless we could invest it. Can we invest
[56:11] the money?
>> We can.
[56:12] » That's what I thought you were referring
to. I'm sorry. Yeah, we get charged
[56:15] interest, but we also start earning
interest on that money.
[56:18] » So, yes.
>> All right. So potentially depending on
[56:21] how that would play out, the net cost of
just having the money at our disposal
[56:25] may be plast.
>> We hope so.
[56:32] » Okay.
[56:37] » Government doesn't like that.
>> No.
[56:39] » Okay. So
>> we move approval of the letter of
[56:42] engagement with MFCI for municipal
building financing of the township hall
[56:48] project. Second.
>> Thank you. We have a motion by trustee
[56:52] pros supported by Carter to move forward
with the engagement with MCI for the
[56:59] bonding for the new township all
project. All in favor signify. This is
[57:04] this is a roll.
>> No roll.
[57:06] » All in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. That motion. All right. I and then uh
[57:11] anyone opposed? Hearing none. That
motion carries. Thank you.
[57:17] Right.
Next one is to consider the proposal
[57:21] from FMV operations and resource
management for a water reliability and
[57:26] asset management plan for an amount not
to exceed uh $31,800.
[57:32] » Thank you, Supervisor Cor. Um so a
little bit of background. The township
[57:35] needs to update its water reliability
and asset management plan. Uh it was an
[57:39] item that was identified previous
communication with Eagle. Um we received
[57:43] two proposals. one from Moren Brewink um
who's completed this work in the past
[57:47] and serves as our township engineer and
then one from FMV operations and
[57:50] resource management which is contracted
as our utility operator. Both are uh
[57:54] capable of completing the work. Um FNV
proposes completing the work for a lot
[57:59] lumpsum fee of $31,800.
Warren Burg proposes completing the work
[58:03] for a not to exceed amount of $50,000.
Um
[58:08] staff's recommendation is to move
forward to FMV operations for an amount
[58:12] of $31,800.
Staff is also completely okay if the
[58:16] board determined that we wanted to move
forward with more in bridging. This is a
[58:19] little bit unique um just because uh FMV
has um as they've transitioned their
[58:25] utility capacity and capability um
they're another resource for us to be
[58:29] able to utilize for something like this.
And happy to answer any questions uh
[58:34] that the board may have. And then
Stephanie Kosol with FMV is here. If you
[58:39] have any questions for Stephanie.
>> As I've read this, this is really ironic
[58:43] because they both are more than capable
of doing it.
[58:50] As you said in the past, we've always
used more brink. But
[58:56] you know, it's the money thing if
>> and it's too bad they can't team up and
[59:01] then we work together with both. But
they're both very functional
[59:08] and I think it would be foolish of us to
spend more than we have to
[59:17] need a motion.
>> Yes. to make a motion then uh to uh
[59:23] yeah to
lost it here but oh here it is to uh to
[59:30] accept the uh proposal from FNV
operations and resource management for a
[59:36] water reliability and asset management
plan for an amount not to exceed 31,800
[59:43] support.
>> Thank you.
[59:45] moved by trustee Carter supported by
treasurer Moran to you could utilize the
[59:51] services of FND operations for water
management reliability asset management
[59:55] plan.
>> All in favor signify by saying I
[59:59] » I.
>> Anyone opposed? Hearing none that motion
[1:00:02] carries unanimous.
>> All right. The next item is a
[1:00:07] solicitation permit revocation appeal by
EcoShield.
[1:00:12] Is there someone from Eco Shield that
like to come up and that request.
[1:00:16] » Hello members of the board. I'm Tanner
Shuck. I'm one of the partners of Eco
[1:00:20] Shield. Um I'm here to speak on behalf
of EcoShield. Um mostly in reference to
[1:00:28] Skip Kenneth Navaro. He's no longer
employed by our company. He will never
[1:00:34] be applied for again in a permit in Ada
Township. I hear that was multiple
[1:00:39] complaints from him. Um so we've
addressed that issue. Another complaint
[1:00:44] that I heard was somebody riding a
scooter across lawns. Um, none of our
[1:00:48] guys ride scooters, so I'm not sure who
that was or if he was in relation to.
[1:00:54] Um, so no scooters have been ridden. And
then, uh, I I'm fully in support of
[1:01:00] following the rules and the guidelines
and everything like that. And I think
[1:01:03] that when guys break it, there should be
a process. So, I fully understand all of
[1:01:08] this. Um, in terms of the other two
solicitors that we have no complaints
[1:01:12] on, um, I just request that we can maybe
apply for veteran solicitors that have
[1:01:20] been with us for multiple years that
will, uh, obviously look at the rules
[1:01:24] and regulations very strictly and avoid
those areas. Um, but I am open to any
[1:01:29] and all support um, as well as like
recommendations for what we can do
[1:01:34] better.
[1:01:42] Yes, I would. Nice to meet you in
person. I'm Mark with the clerk. We've
[1:01:46] spoke many many times on the phone.
Long story short, this is one of the
[1:01:52] simplest and most easily understood
programs that that I've ever
[1:01:57] encountered. And I've spent an abundance
of time with your employees going over
[1:02:03] very remedial requirements, processes,
rules, all that. I have I have it in
[1:02:08] writing um from Aubriana Moyes if I'm
pronouncing her name correctly.
[1:02:12] » Yeah, she's newer to our organization.
>> She is fully fully aware of our zero
[1:02:17] tolerance compliance. I will say that
you are mistaken when you say none of
[1:02:21] your employees use scooters because um
I'll say they all do. Um and we've got
[1:02:26] we have a multitude of even photos and
one of them was included in this packet
[1:02:31] that I gave you. And it wasn't just one
solicitor. It was also after the notice
[1:02:37] of revocation that was submitted to
Aubriana on June 16th. There were
[1:02:42] multiple complaints after that date. One
of which is a photo of one of your
[1:02:49] solicitors with your Echo Shield
clothing on on a scooter.
[1:02:53] » Can you define scooter for me? Because
we ride some guys ride one wheels. Um
[1:02:58] » okay. A scooter. Um there's all
different kinds. Yes, I will agree. But
[1:03:05] » yeah, I think that's where the
miscommunication came from because the
[1:03:07] communication that came down for me was
a scooter, like handlebars riding a
[1:03:11] scooter. And that's why I said that none
of our guys ride scooters.
[1:03:15] » If it was a onehe or like a single wheel
device
[1:03:18] » on an apparatus,
>> okay,
[1:03:20] » and it's moving. I don't know. Yeah, it
you receive
[1:03:25] » a onehe. Yes. So, I mean, again, call it
what you want, but when you're standing
[1:03:30] on an apparatus and it's moving and
you're going across people's lawns,
[1:03:35] » there you go.
>> But again, just to just to wrap up a
[1:03:38] real long show, I mean, I I go into the
most finite detail that you want.
[1:03:42] » Yeah.
>> But just to wrap it all up quickly, you
[1:03:46] guys have broken every single rule, not
once, not twice, but a multitude of
[1:03:51] times. And the the documented complaints
that I've received don't even measure up
[1:03:57] or or fully fulfill the calls of people
who are actually scared and they're, you
[1:04:03] know, crying on my shoulder telling me
stories about how they were, you know,
[1:04:06] so aggressively approached and I told
this guy I didn't want I want didn't
[1:04:10] want his services and he just wouldn't
leave. But I don't have documentation on
[1:04:14] those so I couldn't include them.
>> Okay?
[1:04:17] » But I promise you as sure as I'm sitting
here, they are there.
[1:04:21] » And and again, I mean this is not just
one solicitor. This was several that you
[1:04:26] guys seem to have overlooked even after
you got the notice saying cease and
[1:04:30] desist. You didn't pull your people in.
>> Yeah.
[1:04:34] » I've gone way overboard and even on from
the words of our attorneys saying I've
[1:04:39] never seen a situation so clean,
concise, and tightly buttoned up.
[1:04:43] » Yeah.
>> And and the amount of time that I've
[1:04:46] spent with your employees that from the
looks of things, you haven't. So, I
[1:04:51] don't know what else to say, but um
I think I've gone way overboard to keep
[1:04:57] every to keep it all compliant and in
line. And I've even fielded complaints
[1:05:02] to Aubriana and it seems that nothing's
been done about them. So, I can't manage
[1:05:07] your staff. I manage my own.
>> Yeah. And I think the really difficult
[1:05:10] part here is Aubriana oversees every I
we have over 2,000 sales reps nationwide
[1:05:16] and her communication down to me takes a
minute. And that's why I think a day
[1:05:20] after the permits were revoked um that's
whenever she sent me the email and
[1:05:25] that's whenever I immediately pulled the
reps from the area. So I think like
[1:05:29] going forward my request would be this
like communication go straight to me.
[1:05:32] I'm in market. I oversee all of these
guys. But whenever we have a chain of
[1:05:36] command that takes like seven people
things are delayed. It's hard. I mean
[1:05:40] you've played the the uh game telephone
before. Like everything gets
[1:05:44] misconstrued as it goes down the line.
>> I get it. I get it. What you're saying
[1:05:47] is we're all busy.
>> Yeah. Um, I can speak to that. I'm very
[1:05:50] busy myself. I'm busy managing my staff
>> and my responsibilities.
[1:05:56] » I don't have time to manage yours
>> 100%. So, I would just ask the
[1:06:00] communication go directly through me. I
know that you had my email wrong one
[1:06:03] time. So, I didn't get a bunch of these
emails and that's whenever Aana
[1:06:07] » my email was uh typed wrong and so
Aubriana retied me into the email thread
[1:06:13] in one of the emails that's in the
packet. And so I miss like half of these
[1:06:17] communications. So
>> that would have been well I'm not going
[1:06:20] to go there but in the beginning
>> it's um a little difficult to um to get
[1:06:26] the handwriting that is submitted to me.
>> Okay. Yeah. But I think that was a
[1:06:31] breakdown in like the chain of commands
as [clears throat] well.
[1:06:34] » That was way in the beginning. We fixed
that.
[1:06:36] » Okay.
>> I can't you talk about chain of command
[1:06:40] issue emails. Listen we have very clear
no solication signs in neighborhoods.
[1:06:44] including mine.
>> Yeah.
[1:06:46] » And they are there all the time and
they're told there's no solication and
[1:06:49] it doesn't matter. And so when you have
clear entrance at at gated communities
[1:06:53] with clear things that say no
solicitation
[1:06:56] » Mhm.
>> It just happens again and again and it's
[1:06:59] not just one neighborhood, it's lots of
neighborhoods and patience for it is
[1:07:03] over.
>> Yeah.
[1:07:04] » I'm sorry. It's just it's just I don't
care about communication that but if if
[1:07:08] it says clearly no solicitation is no
solicitation.
[1:07:12] » End of discussion. I'm done. I agree.
>> Thank you. And in addition to that, may
[1:07:16] I say we have a do not knock list
>> that I personally hand to your
[1:07:22] solicitors. What more could we possibly
do?
[1:07:25] » Yeah.
>> With the do not knock list, you're
[1:07:28] saying. And your guys' do not knock list
is super fair. I mean, like Park
[1:07:32] Township has
>> Thank you.
[1:07:33] » hundreds and hundreds. So, it's very
difficult. So, I I would agree. My one
[1:07:38] thing that I would like to say though is
like in terms you said that we're there
[1:07:41] all the time. We weren't even in the
township last year. It's been two years
[1:07:45] since we've been here. So, us being here
all the time last year was because there
[1:07:50] were some extremely egregious behavior
on part of your staff
[1:07:53] » two years ago.
>> That didn't end well for them.
[1:07:56] » Yeah. And that was before I took over
this office. I took over this office
[1:08:00] last year and we were dealing with
things from two years ago as well. So, I
[1:08:04] can't speak on behalf of the managers
that ran the office three years ago, but
[1:08:08] I started taking over last year. We
weren't here last year. This year we
[1:08:11] were here for what was it? A week and a
half, two weeks.
[1:08:14] » No, you were here for just shy of 30
days.
[1:08:17] » Okay.
>> And then even when the revocation letter
[1:08:20] went out, you extended that.
>> Okay. But yeah, I I don't know what the
[1:08:25] comment was all the time that were there
because and maybe solicitors in general,
[1:08:30] but we've been there, I mean, for a
total of max 30 days over the last two
[1:08:33] years. So, and uh hey, I want to respect
everybody's privacy just like you guys
[1:08:39] do. I think that private streets with no
soliciting signs at the front should be
[1:08:43] avoided [snorts] 100%. And that's why
I'm asking like um instead of sending
[1:08:48] Eric Claude, he's uh not being mean, but
a low IQ individual. Same thing with
[1:08:53] Skipper. Um sending only our veterans
that have done this for years and years
[1:08:57] that have a ton of experience. Um we
haven't had a permit revoked in any
[1:09:02] other municipality on this side of the
state except for here. So, we've adhered
[1:09:07] to guidelines really, really well. But I
think we've not done such a good job
[1:09:10] here and I just want to make it better.
I want to work with you guys.
[1:09:17] » Um I'm a [clears throat] businessman as
well in the past.
[1:09:22] I would uh
I appreciate the fact that you have
[1:09:28] 2,000 salesmen and are giving kids a
chance to go out and make some money.
[1:09:33] However, I too agree with Clerk DeMarco.
We've done a lot. We ended up creating a
[1:09:41] whole
policy on how we want to handle
[1:09:46] solicitors. In the past, we never really
affected it
[1:09:52] » and it really didn't matter and we were
getting complaints. And then with the
[1:09:56] stuff that happened a couple years ago,
we went and [clears throat]
[1:10:01] clerkco did a really marvelous job of
putting together a plan that we all had
[1:10:07] to agree to.
And
[1:10:11] it's out there. Other communities say,
you know, we really never had it. We'd
[1:10:15] like it. Um
I'm kind of stuck saying, you know, I
[1:10:23] tend to agree
The third strike would certainly be a
[1:10:28] permanent for this year is certainly no
way an H. next year basically up to her
[1:10:35] perhaps if there were people coming in
like yourself presenting the people
[1:10:40] going through in detail in front but
knowing it's a conditional that if
[1:10:46] there's errors and omissions and they
are in these areas or they are knocking
[1:10:50] or they shouldn't then that would mean
immediate
[1:10:56] because this is a repeat thing and I
truly believe that that would be a fair
[1:11:01] approach to this from your standpoint,
from our standpoint that this year's
[1:11:07] 100% out, but we're not here. We're in
America where we have the freedom to go
[1:11:12] and do things, but there's rules that
have to be followed. Just like building
[1:11:17] a house, you can't start till you have
the permits. This is the same thing. So,
[1:11:22] I would hope you understand our
position. Um, and my only ask of perhaps
[1:11:29] the board would be no for this year.
Maybe we'll try you again next year. I
[1:11:34] know it's really kind of that she
doesn't want you back because she's
[1:11:37] wasted a lot of time on it.
>> Yeah.
[1:11:39] » But I also know that
>> with proper supervision and that we've
[1:11:45] had one strike, this is two. Do we go
three strikes? You're out of the ball
[1:11:49] game permanently.
>> That's my kind of recommendation.
[1:11:53] » Yeah. and I fully respect and understand
that too. Um, my one question is the
[1:11:59] majority of the concerns came up with
Skipper or Kenneth Navaro.
[1:12:03] » It doesn't matter who who your employee
is. Okay?
[1:12:06] » If it's one, he's a representative of
you, right?
[1:12:09] » If you've got a bad apple in the bunch
as a management, your your job, the
[1:12:13] weakest link in your chain can screw up
everything. So, we're not out to point
[1:12:19] one individual. That's your job.
>> Yeah. I just mean he's been terminated.
[1:12:23] » It doesn't matter.
>> He's been terminated.
[1:12:25] » It doesn't matter. You broke the link.
The link was that individual. So for
[1:12:29] this year, there's no way I would would
go I would go with Joe on this
[1:12:34] completely and say I'm sorry.
>> Okay.
[1:12:36] » Next year I would say perhaps but one
time. One time
[1:12:41] » and it would be revoked.
>> Yeah.
[1:12:43] » Joe, is that something that's
reasonable?
[1:12:46] » Thank you very much. I really appreciate
that.
[1:12:50] When you say it was one person. It was
not excuse me it was not
[1:12:54] » okay
>> read read the sub what I have submitted
[1:12:57] to you
>> okay
[1:12:58] » and please understand
there have been so many more calls
[1:13:04] and people coming in complaining and
I've asked them to document them and for
[1:13:10] whatever maybe they don't they don't
want to they don't have time no I came
[1:13:12] here that's why I came here I came here
to tell you this I cannot tell you how
[1:13:17] many of those verbal complaints that
we've received it Not just one person,
[1:13:22] » okay?
>> And it's the same thing over and over
[1:13:24] again. No solicitation zones. I'm on the
do not neck list. They came anyway. One
[1:13:30] snuck up behind me. Read the material
that I've submitted to you.
[1:13:33] » I did read that one um where they were
outside.
[1:13:36] » This is so much I took an oath to
protect the residents of Ada and this
[1:13:42] falls right in line with that. And I
live here too and I don't want to be
[1:13:46] bothered either. And I want you to know
solicitors knocked on my door
[1:13:49] » and it didn't end well for them.
>> Okay?
[1:13:51] » Because they were they were not even
permitted. Not your company. I'm just
[1:13:55] saying.
>> Okay?
[1:13:58] » This is a business model that has gone
wonky.
[1:14:03] It's up to you to correct that.
>> But please understand that townships
[1:14:07] have a requirement to protect their
citizens. And I'll also throw in that
[1:14:12] many other townships around here have
adopted the same policies and procedures
[1:14:16] that we put in place here and I'm very
proud of that.
[1:14:20] » So I will ask you to rethink and sit
down and talk to your employees and
[1:14:25] maybe you need to redesign your policies
and procedures
[1:14:30] » enforcement.
>> Yeah, we did this year and there's a
[1:14:33] huge change that's happened. I mean,
just uh my LLC here in in Grand Rapids
[1:14:38] has spent over $200,000 in permitting um
throughout the Detroit markets. So, we
[1:14:44] are we're we're trying to make leaps and
bounds. We're trying to move forward.
[1:14:47] We're trying to be as compliant as
possible. That's our 100% goal.
[1:14:51] » Well, maybe this is a learning
experience for you to take it one step
[1:14:54] further.
>> Yeah.
[1:14:58] » So, I I don't know if there's a motion.
>> We would need Yeah. I mean, so
[1:15:03] ultimately there would be a motion to
deny the appeal if there's a desire or a
[1:15:10] motion to grant the appeal if there was
a desire to go that way.
[1:15:13] » I'm perfectly fine with next year, guys.
I I'm not asking for forgiveness and
[1:15:18] letting us to get back into the township
like this year. I'm just here to let you
[1:15:22] guys know like I'm I am hearing you guys
I do agree. I think that we need to
[1:15:27] follow rules better and I've terminated
guys this year just off of that. So,
[1:15:32] we're headed in the right direction.
Next year is fine with me. Um, I'm not
[1:15:37] even I don't even need you guys to hear
me out this year. I just want you guys
[1:15:40] to know that I am hearing what you're
saying. I do agree it shouldn't come
[1:15:44] down to your time. You shouldn't have to
police other people. You shouldn't have
[1:15:47] to police uh other companies and we
should be better. I just ask that next
[1:15:52] year we can apply.
>> Thank you.
[1:15:55] » Yes.
Well, then I will uh deny the appeal
[1:16:00] uh for any service yet this year. Any
more uh
[1:16:05] what's it called?
>> All you're doing is appealing or uh
[1:16:09] denying the appeal as
>> denying the appeal. But I think there
[1:16:13] was in the appeal here
>> it was for permanent. We don't want to
[1:16:17] be permanent, right? No, I mean I would
I would think it's for the current year
[1:16:20] and then obviously any future permit
requests would be under the discretion
[1:16:24] of the clerk.
>> Thank you.
[1:16:27] » So that's my motion.
>> I'll second that.
[1:16:36] Trusty Carter to deny the request appeal
for the current uh year
[1:16:45] but allow a reapplication in 2027 with
approval at the discretion of the clerk.
[1:16:53] » Is that it correctly?
>> Right. So all in favor of that motion
[1:16:58] signify by saying I.
>> I.
[1:17:00] » Anyone opposed?
hearing none. That motion carries.
[1:17:06] Thank you everyone. That one good.
All right. So, moving on to schedule the
[1:17:12] special work session to review revised
size of the proposed township hall
[1:17:16] following work by Dixon Architecture.
So, I think Julius, you're going to give
[1:17:19] us a bit of an update planning here,
right?
[1:17:22] » Yes. Super supervisor, sorry, trying to
get to the slide. Um, yeah. So,
[1:17:27] obviously we've now engaged with MFCI.
We're starting down the path of of
[1:17:32] potentially um bonding.
Uh Ken Dixon from Dixon Architecture met
[1:17:37] with uh department heads and met with
staff. Um and right now we're sitting uh
[1:17:43] he's taken the 24,000 foot building to
about 18,255
[1:17:47] feet with an extra 2,000 square feet
that is still white space. So really in
[1:17:53] alignment with the original 16,000
square foot space need study that we
[1:17:57] completed uh three years ago. Um, but
obviously before we bring uh
[1:18:02] documentation to the board to notice of
intent to bond or what that amount looks
[1:18:05] like, we want to make sure we present
this to the board um have the revised uh
[1:18:10] plans even, you know, reviewed by
department heads and staff. And so I'd
[1:18:13] like the authorization to schedule a
special work session uh based on board
[1:18:17] availability to review that draft
schematic design so that we can keep
[1:18:22] this moving forward at the August
meeting. Moved
[1:18:26] » second.
All right, thank you. So, we have a
[1:18:30] motion to set a special meeting
Julius to help us figure out those
[1:18:35] dates.
>> Um,
[1:18:39] lost who who moved on it?
>> I second.
[1:18:42] » Trust moved on it supported by trusty
Carter.
[1:18:47] » All in favor signify by saying I.
>> I. Opposed. None. That motion carries.
[1:18:54] Okay. So, we're now on to department
reports. The first one we'll start with
[1:18:58] is township manager report. Would you
like to go through?
[1:19:01] » Yep. [clears throat] Just a couple
items. Um, one I wanted to bring up the
[1:19:04] King County Road Commission public
hearing uh that is scheduled for
[1:19:08] tomorrow 7:14 at 6 p.m. here in the
assembly hall. Um,
[1:19:14] the township I've communicated with um
Jerry Burn from the township or from the
[1:19:19] road commission. Originally, the road
commission had a policy that outlined
[1:19:24] natural beauty roads. Um, at their June
meeting, I believe following our
[1:19:29] continued persistence that they could do
what we wanted them to do without
[1:19:34] removal of the natural beauty road
designation, they updated their policy
[1:19:38] to require removal of a natural beauty
road designation if this type of work is
[1:19:44] completed. Um, and so it's a little bit
of a conund conundrum because the
[1:19:50] township has spoken previously about
being opposed to the NBR designation
[1:19:54] being removed. I don't necessarily want
to submit a letter indicating that the
[1:19:59] township is opposed to the NBR
designation being removed because
[1:20:02] essentially if the township is against
that then there's no point in the
[1:20:06] engineering moving forward and there's
no point in the conversation continuing.
[1:20:11] The other option is is not doing
anything. saying, I mean, the road
[1:20:14] commission knows our position. Uh, we
can let the public hearing happen.
[1:20:17] They'll make a decision at their
following meeting or I could provide a
[1:20:21] letter um indicating we support moving
forward with this process, getting the
[1:20:26] engineering, and if the if the only way
to complete any improvements to the road
[1:20:30] is removal of the MBR, then obviously
that's within the discretion of the road
[1:20:35] commission, not up to us. Um I'm going
to be traveling up to a conference
[1:20:39] tomorrow evening and um because it is
just a public hearing listening to
[1:20:43] comments was not planning on attending.
I don't know if board members plan on
[1:20:47] attending but I wanted to get a sense
from the board if if there was a strong
[1:20:52] desire for us to issue a written
statement to the the road commission or
[1:20:56] not.
[1:20:59] Julius, I just want the residents to be
satisfied with the condition of the
[1:21:04] road, whether that applies to having
>> the designation there or not.
[1:21:10] » It's it's how do we get the road to be
the way it should be and make the
[1:21:13] residents happy,
>> let's be honest. if they're we want them
[1:21:17] to do it right and per the residents
and if the only way that that's going to
[1:21:23] be achieved is the removal of the
natural beauty road
[1:21:31] then I'd say we have to go for that and
they say that we would be in favor of it
[1:21:37] but there's still the goal is that they
wouldn't come in and clearcut for 10
[1:21:42] foot on each side that they would do the
minimal necessary
[1:21:47] » to preserve as much as possible
>> and ultimately anything that is I mean
[1:21:52] once the engineering is complete we
would be presented with what that plan
[1:21:55] would be and if the township's not
supported at that time then we then the
[1:21:59] township just doesn't have to fund it
>> and then you know we've spoken or the
[1:22:03] board has spoken and so there is still
avenues
[1:22:06] » sure and we need and we need that if
>> um if it they find out that the
[1:22:11] engineering when they look at the
engineering plans
[1:22:15] that we don't like it, the residents
don't like it, that we can stop it. So I
[1:22:19] would say certainly in my opinion that
we would
[1:22:22] » speak of another road
>> commission
[1:22:26] before we would we would get all that
engineering work though with the natural
[1:22:31] beauty uh designation already have been
removed.
[1:22:34] » So they need to make a decision within
30 days or at the next regular meeting.
[1:22:39] So uh their next regular meeting is in
the beginning of August. uh I don't
[1:22:43] believe the engineering will be complete
by then. So they would have to make a
[1:22:46] decision. Now the road commission could
make the decision to not remove the
[1:22:49] natural beauty road designation at this
time pending
[1:22:53] whatever comes out of the engineering
>> and you know ultimately that's what
[1:22:57] it'll be because if
>> is that a recommendation we could make
[1:23:01] » so we could ask that and we could say
you know we appreciate the original
[1:23:05] petition for the NBR designation to be
removed but we would request that the
[1:23:10] road commission deny it as it currently
sits to just remove it instead waiting
[1:23:15] until the engineering is
for the conversation to continue.
[1:23:19] » I I think that might be the best
approach. I think, you know, in talking
[1:23:22] to different neighbors there, um and and
there's a lot of people that want to see
[1:23:26] it pave, but then when you say, well,
you know, your the arborite you have
[1:23:31] there, they're going to be gone. You
know, that tree that you have there,
[1:23:34] that's going to be gone. And you it's
like, wait a minute, what what are you
[1:23:37] saying? And uh you know, they're going
to put uh you know, he he mentioned that
[1:23:42] they're going to have to probably put
ditches in. Okay. And the and the
[1:23:47] residents that are there, I don't think
understand that a lot of them. And so
[1:23:51] that's why I think it would be better to
do that and get the engineering report
[1:23:56] so people can see this is what's going
to happen if we go forward with this and
[1:24:00] make sure they totally agree. Otherwise,
I see that uh if we go through and do
[1:24:05] this, I think you're going to end up
with some people going, I never
[1:24:08] understood what was going to happen
>> and I feel I got this ramrod down my
[1:24:13] throat. I I totally think you're correct
in that and that's why I'm saying let
[1:24:19] them take it off with the condition that
get the engineering done. We'll have the
[1:24:25] public look at it.
>> We'll describe it.
[1:24:28] » Maybe let the let the engineering
somebody walk the engineering and see
[1:24:33] what how it affects quote them
>> and then if they still want it now we
[1:24:39] know that we can proceed. And if they
don't want it, well then uh we know what
[1:24:44] how to
>> but I'm confused a little bit on what
[1:24:47] you said.
>> We've been talking about trying to have
[1:24:50] the designation left alone while
engineering is done and allowing
[1:24:54] » other
kind of spoke. He did
[1:24:58] » that's I think what he means.
>> Yeah.
[1:25:00] » But they're not going to do that though.
Well, so what I would request, I mean,
[1:25:04] what I'm basing, you know, on the
board's feedback right now is that I
[1:25:08] would communicate a letter to the road
commission to be part of the public
[1:25:11] record for tomorrow is that the township
would request that any removal of the
[1:25:15] MBR designation um be denied or or not,
you know, not removed at this time until
[1:25:22] engineering is complete and a plan can
be presented to residents to fully
[1:25:26] understand the scope and impact of any
potential project.
[1:25:30] » There you But they just initiated in
initiated a policy saying that you know
[1:25:35] the MBR has to be
>> correct and it could be once the
[1:25:39] engineering is done. I think the concern
from some of the board members is if
[1:25:42] they move forward in August with we
remove the NBR and the engineering is
[1:25:47] not done for a couple months and then
the engineering or the proposed
[1:25:50] improvements are more significant than
people think then the NBR has already
[1:25:56] been removed and then maybe the township
board says we're not moving forward with
[1:25:59] these improvements or the residents push
back and then the MBR is already removed
[1:26:04] » and we would only have say at that point
in time if they wanted 50% of our money
[1:26:09] » which they They will.
>> Yeah. For improvement if you're certain
[1:26:11] for that.
>> Yes, they are. Yes. Okay. Yeah. And
[1:26:12] that's what Jerry's communicated to me
when I've pushed back is he said at the
[1:26:16] end of the day you guys are going to
have the final say because if you don't
[1:26:19] fund the 50% we're not going to move
forward.
[1:26:22] » Then why move the goalpost? That's what
I I think bothers me a little bit is
[1:26:25] that you know we agreed to pay for half
the engineering even before having to
[1:26:29] remove this this designation. Now they
basically created a policy. So their
[1:26:35] credibility to me is somewhat suspect in
regards to u what's going on here.
[1:26:41] Frankly,
>> I think you know I think they probably
[1:26:44] quite frankly to put it bluntly were
getting irritated that I kept bringing
[1:26:47] up that they could do what we wanted
them to do without removal of NBR.
[1:26:51] » And even though our attorneys and legal
counsel felt that was appropriate, they
[1:26:57] indicated that theirs did not. And I
said, "But if you read the state law,"
[1:27:01] and so the way to handle this was they
updated their policy. So it became in
[1:27:05] their eyes less of a gray area. But I
agree it it felt disingenuous because we
[1:27:10] weren't notified that suddenly the NBR
policy was up for reviewer discussion at
[1:27:15] the board meeting uh for the road
commission and there was only one piece
[1:27:18] that was changed and it was related
specifically to the NBR and improvements
[1:27:23] being made on road.
[1:27:28] It's just my concern that you know they
Yeah, forget the 50% of the township
[1:27:33] money. We're going to do what we want.
Go. We've done the engineering. The MBR
[1:27:37] is removed
>> and you guys have your paved road.
[1:27:41] » I
think you're right, Kevin. But I do
[1:27:44] think that if we come forward with this
recommendation from the start.
[1:27:49] » Well, it's just a recommendation. I
mean, it's not going to do anything. I
[1:27:51] mean,
>> well, it does one thing. It
[1:27:53] » It's on record.
>> Yeah. And it puts us in better light
[1:27:56] with the residents that we're
>> they just want the road fixed and I
[1:28:00] don't think that they were aware of what
the options were. I think going back to
[1:28:03] the beginning they thought that the only
option for them was to get the road but
[1:28:08] Julius has done a phenomenal job of
putting a lot of information out to the
[1:28:12] residents and everything and there's
been discussion and meetings you know
[1:28:14] and all that. So now they know that they
have there's other ways to go about it.
[1:28:19] So, as long as they know that our main
objective is to have the road fixed
[1:28:24] properly, but then there's this other
issue, that's up to the engineering and
[1:28:29] them.
>> I think write the letter.
[1:28:33] » Yeah.
[1:28:37] » And I mean, I've spoken to residents who
want to see the road paved. I've spoken
[1:28:41] to people who want to see improvements
to gravel road. And I've seen people
[1:28:44] I've had people reach out and said,
"Don't touch the road. I moved here
[1:28:48] because I want people's cars to rattle
when they go 35. Uh and and you know,
[1:28:53] and they don't speak for everyone. And
so it's a big cross-section. So um you
[1:28:58] know, it'll be interesting to see what
the feedback is tomorrow. And we've
[1:29:00] communicated to the residents um what
the public hearing tomorrow is, what
[1:29:06] we've done already with the road
commission in terms of approving
[1:29:08] approving engineering um and so we can
continue to communicate with them as
[1:29:11] well.
Um, next item I want to thank uh, John
[1:29:18] said. So, as you might have noted uh, in
his planning director report, uh, John
[1:29:23] has indicated his retirement. Um, for a
date no later than December 31, 2026.
[1:29:30] So, he's given us a long runway and I I
appreciate that. But, I just want to
[1:29:34] thank John. Um, he's been a a tremendous
asset to the team. Um he's shephered
[1:29:40] master plan update, zoning ordinance
update. Um has been just a wonderful
[1:29:45] team player and really appreciated
working with him. Um so just want to say
[1:29:49] thank you, John.
>> Thank you.
[1:29:51] » Um want to take a second to introduce uh
a new intern, Adam Buckwalter. Adam, if
[1:29:56] you want to give ways a wave. Um so Adam
is here. Um he is currently a BYU
[1:30:01] student uh in psychology but potentially
interested in pursuing a career in
[1:30:06] municipal government. His dad is heavily
involved uh at Grand Valley um with the
[1:30:11] MPA program and has uh been instrumental
in us having a really good relationship
[1:30:15] with Grand Valley and having good
interns. So um he is currently working
[1:30:19] on um some donation policy pieces um
music on the lawn, some sponsorship
[1:30:24] pieces. Um as we continue to evolve as a
community, we get new requests that uh
[1:30:29] fall sometimes outside the parameters
what we're used to. So we've got to make
[1:30:33] sure we clean some of this up with
policies uh for our staff. Um, and then
[1:30:38] finally, just wanted to note that the
township has received uh the NRA
[1:30:43] inspection of the Kent Conser Kent
County Conservation League Gun Club. Um,
[1:30:47] I did share that uh via email with the
board. Um, staff has not had an
[1:30:52] opportunity to review yet with legal
counsel. We are planning on doing that
[1:30:56] in the um next few days. Um, one of the
pieces that is unique is that the uh NRA
[1:31:03] has indicated that this is a copyrighted
report and so it is not subject to
[1:31:08] public release. Um, which we disagree
with. Um, so we are working with our
[1:31:13] legal council to ensure that any release
of this is appropriate and does not put
[1:31:18] the township in hot water. I've
communicated it to the residents who are
[1:31:22] interested in the release of this report
um because we we want to be transparent
[1:31:27] with them. that was always the plan. Um,
we were not expecting uh this hiccup,
[1:31:31] but we want to make sure that we do our
due diligence in understanding the full
[1:31:35] legal ramifications. Um, we've also
received a media request for a copy of
[1:31:39] the report and so uh we need to make
sure we handle that accordingly. So,
[1:31:43] just wanted to make that aware uh make
everyone aware and you do have a copy of
[1:31:47] it. So, we will be reviewing um and then
discussing um hopefully uh you know,
[1:31:52] we'll have some updates at the August
meeting for um what action or or what
[1:31:56] can be done, what needs to be done. Um I
know the gun club uh also has
[1:32:02] conversations they'd like to have with
the township about changes to operations
[1:32:05] and different things and so um we'll
need to vet all that and go through that
[1:32:10] as as we move forward. So, just want to
communicate that
[1:32:14] and that's all I have. I'm happy to
answer any questions uh if the board has
[1:32:18] » them.
[1:32:26] Just one other item. Sorry. So, a couple
years ago we made a a small decision
[1:32:31] that probably seemed really really in
insignificant but it has gone a long way
[1:32:35] and this is the temporary speed data
signs. Um, I know when we took it to the
[1:32:40] buildings grounds utility committee, I
know there was concern about, you know,
[1:32:43] us tracking more data and and, um, you
know, how were we going to use it, where
[1:32:47] were we going to place it, but I will
say, um, when a resident reaches out and
[1:32:51] expresses a concern, you know, the first
thing they say is, "Everyone's going 60
[1:32:55] miles an hour. Everyone's, you know,
going this and and so we say, hey, we're
[1:32:58] going to put a speed reader out. We're
going to we're going to monitor it and
[1:33:01] then we're going to get a report and
then we're going to provide you a copy."
[1:33:04] Uh, and so I've provided kind of a
sample um that we had on I believe that
[1:33:09] was on Scar Bro. And so only one vehicle
traveled between 41 and 45 miles an
[1:33:14] hour. Um 93.52%
were traveling under 25 uh and slower.
[1:33:20] And so it does feel good when we do see
this kind of information because we're
[1:33:24] dealing with data and not the anecdotal.
Um, and so this is helpful and we share
[1:33:29] this with res residents and I can
communicate with the resident and tell
[1:33:33] them that we work with the road comm or
work with the sheriff's department and
[1:33:36] all this when I send them a copy of this
report
[1:33:40] the tone changes a little bit in terms
of wow I didn't realize that I didn't
[1:33:44] » is it because of the sign?
>> Um, so you know we've talked about that.
[1:33:48] Um that's one of the pieces is well
people slow down because they see the
[1:33:52] sign and I would say well then it's
working but also we do move them around
[1:33:55] so when the sign is not down so we have
had conversations about could we get um
[1:34:00] speed uh data collection that is not
visible and so we're having some of
[1:34:06] those conversations. It's not an
immediate priority but it could be
[1:34:08] something we look at uh in conjunction
with the road commission. They have the
[1:34:11] ability to do so. Um but you know we we
even change whether it's west facing,
[1:34:17] east facing, we work with residents and
so when residents reach out um it's one
[1:34:21] of the first things we offer and a lot
of them have been very very satisfied.
[1:34:24] So um hopefully it's all of those
things. Uh as we're seeing pedestrian uh
[1:34:30] even vehicle behavior change in the
downtown with our slender bender signs.
[1:34:34] Um you know sometimes it is uh just
continuing to put it in front of them
[1:34:39] and reminding them that um they need to
slow down is is really important. and
[1:34:42] stuff. Just wanted to highlight that. I
know the board deals with millions of
[1:34:46] dollars of expenditures. I think the
speed data signs were $6,000
[1:34:51] uh that we purchased years ago and they
have been instrumental in our ability to
[1:34:55] communicate and and work with the
public.
[1:34:57] » Yeah. One thing off subject that really
I thought was cool and worth mentioning.
[1:35:02] I love the videos that you sent around
bridge installation
[1:35:09] » and uh that really has gone well.
[1:35:17] » Thank you for everything.
>> Okay, so we've got several other reports
[1:35:22] from um department heads. Does anybody
want to talk about anything specific
[1:35:27] there? Or also do any department heads
want to come up and speak specifically
[1:35:32] to
[1:35:38] » All right. Good afternoon, the township
board. Kevin Austin, DDA director. Um, I
[1:35:42] just wanted to take a moment to
acknowledge uh the the entire staff's
[1:35:46] effort on the 250th 4th of July. Um, I
looked at some data. We had about 11,000
[1:35:51] people in downtown ADA from 8:00 a.m.
till about midnight. So, a full day's
[1:35:56] worth of events. Uh, for reference, when
ABA puts on some of their biggest
[1:36:01] events, uh, i.e. pumpkin prowl and
tinsel treats and trolleys, you know, we
[1:36:05] get probably 8,000 9,000 people, but
they have probably a staff of 20 to 30
[1:36:11] volunteers or so, uh, or more. And I
think we had 16 staff members uh
[1:36:16] including uh the fantastic parks
department with their seasonal staff uh
[1:36:20] the BFG. Um also uh you know my my
intern Sophie Treasure Moran Julius
[1:36:27] Suchi was out there as well. Um so I
just want to make sure you guys are
[1:36:31] aware that to make sure that those guys
get their attention. Um it was a
[1:36:35] fantastic event. 47 different uh floats
that participated in the parade. Harkup
[1:36:41] was involved. They said it was one of
their favorite parades that they've been
[1:36:44] a part of to be inside of and witness.
Um so lots of people came through. No
[1:36:48] safety issues, no logistical failures.
Um the couple of children were were
[1:36:55] linked up with their parents when they
were lost by Ethan Angel. Uh they had a
[1:36:58] good system for that with the bike
parade. There are a lot of great
[1:37:01] pictures that we got if you guys haven't
seen them. Um really great effort, but
[1:37:05] about 16 staff members made that happen
uh for about 11,000 people throughout
[1:37:09] the course of the day. Uh, I know we got
on a lot of people's radar for the
[1:37:12] parade and for a lot of different
things. So, uh, kudos to the entire
[1:37:16] staff and and also for the township
board for investing in um, in the 250th
[1:37:20] this year to make it as successful as it
was. So,
[1:37:24] » it was being around ADA for a long time.
That was by far the best parade and in
[1:37:32] day.
So, definitely good job.
[1:37:36] I've had several
people comment to me exact same that it
[1:37:44] executed flawlessly. You guys worked
your tails off and then it was without
[1:37:47] question the best
that we've had perhaps ever. So, thank
[1:37:53] you to everyone who was part of very
very much appreciated.
[1:38:02] Comments from anyone
>> I just wanted to mention that um photos
[1:38:06] that I that I gave you all for the
cemetery. Um that happened after the
[1:38:10] fact after I submitted my report. Um
this month we've been inundated with
[1:38:15] election preparation and just a reminder
early voting starts July 25th. So we're
[1:38:19] really up to our ears in that. Um but
then over the July 4th of July weekend
[1:38:24] we had um a little inclement weather and
the result is which of which I sent
[1:38:29] these pictures to you.
This unfortunately was a very large
[1:38:33] tree, but it was not in the cemetery. If
you noticed, it was on private property.
[1:38:38] It fell over the fence. This is what
happens when trees are dead and
[1:38:42] diseased. And FYI, there's a few more of
these inside Finley Cemetery that
[1:38:48] they're quite large and they're, you
know, I mean, I submitted information um
[1:38:52] to hopefully remove them as soon as we
can. And I know that sounds upsetting
[1:38:57] and not caring, but again, this is the
result of and weather when trees are not
[1:39:03] as healthy as they should be. So, we
have to go back out because it's still
[1:39:07] laying there like that. Um, I have to
take better pictures and investigate
[1:39:12] headstone damage and whatnot. So, I'm
going to get better pictures and then
[1:39:16] get it cleared out as soon as possible
and then reach out to two potential
[1:39:22] residents whose property this actually
was on. We have a we have a really good
[1:39:26] idea. one of our I call him the Finley
secretary guru, John Dystra. Thank you,
[1:39:32] Dennis, for for letting us borrow him as
often as we do. Um, he knows that area.
[1:39:38] He can he can walk it and name everybody
in there in his sleep. Um, we are pretty
[1:39:43] sure we have the residential address for
the people who own this part of the
[1:39:48] property where the tree fell. So, just
wanted to show you in detail. Here's
[1:39:52] what happens when trees are around
longer than they should be.
[1:40:00] Thank you.
[1:40:03] » What's the status of the parking lot?
>> Um, you mean next to the lift station?
[1:40:10] » 10 spaces we lost.
>> Oh, 10. Um, so once it's backfilled,
[1:40:12] John, I don't know. I know. I saw him
removing forms today, so I would assume
[1:40:16] it's going to be back filled shortly.
Uh, and then those 10 spaces will be
[1:40:19] back in.
>> Not no repair work has been done part.
[1:40:22] Okay.
>> No, it was done more as a precaution,
[1:40:24] you know.
we we could have been okay, but um they
[1:40:29] went a lot longer than we thought in
terms of pulling the permit and then
[1:40:33] actually pouring for them. So, we
communicated with them. They came out
[1:40:36] and they um
did what they could to uh put up
[1:40:41] supports. Um but we just thought, you
know, we're going to play it safe so
[1:40:44] that we don't run into a bigger issue
for ourselves.
[1:40:46] » Thank you.
>> And before we go, could I introduce our
[1:40:49] new administrative assistant, the lovely
young lady sitting back there with the
[1:40:52] black hair, Emma Hondorf. She's met you
all per video
[1:40:57] there. Just please stop by and say
hello.
[1:41:01] » Welcome aboard.
[1:41:05] » Is there any other board member comment?
>> I I got one thing. Um I got to
[1:41:12] experience the emergency services of the
township and uh I wanted to say thanks
[1:41:19] but I see all the emergency guys are
gone.
[1:41:23] Uh
>> yeah, they had an emergency.
[1:41:26] » But uh yeah, you really you end up
really appreciating what the uh what the
[1:41:31] township offers and the value of that.
Uh you know, when you're in a in a a
[1:41:38] tough situation,
and mine ended up not being that bad. It
[1:41:44] was almost embarrassing.
You know, they show up, they haul me
[1:41:48] away in an ambulance, and it turns out
to be a back spasm that I had. And I
[1:41:53] thought it was, in fact, I asked them,
"Please throw something else in there."
[1:41:59] [laughter]
Bullet wound
[1:42:02] bullet wound. [laughter]
>> But anyway, I very much appreciate the
[1:42:09] the services we have here at
>> you know, just a word on that. You can't
[1:42:13] believe we This is a years ago going
into history when we wanted to take the
[1:42:19] fire department from day only to a
24-hour shift. We got so much push back,
[1:42:28] but it was within
probably
[1:42:32] five or six months after doing it. We
received nothing but letters and thank
[1:42:37] yous. And you know, um we are a
community that cares and that really
[1:42:43] shows it.
Glad you're doing well, Dan.
[1:42:48] » Yeah.
[1:42:53] » Just like to make a comment. Uh the
director um said that first off, we
[1:43:01] still got about six months to do, so
this is not goodbye. But but at the
[1:43:06] moment, uh the fact that you you made
the announcement, I want to say what a
[1:43:10] pleasure it's been working with you
through the years. and um
[1:43:14] certainly was a change from our previous
planner who was here many many years,
[1:43:19] but you you've added a whole framework
and organization of the community that's
[1:43:22] really really appreciated and um so I'm
looking very forward to all your work
[1:43:26] over the next several months to finish
up what you your your kind of your uh
[1:43:30] your your most important piece of work
here at the township. And so just want
[1:43:34] to say thank you.
>> Yeah, I'd echo that as well.
[1:43:41] same. But I was going to say you can't
leave. [laughter]
[1:43:50] » Frankly, I'm a bit envious.
[laughter]
[1:43:55] [snorts]
>> All right. Uh, anything else from
[1:43:56] anyone? Okay. So, we'll go on to just um
an opportunity for additional public
[1:44:01] comment. Would any members of the public
like to come up at this point and speak
[1:44:04] to us for a few minutes?
[1:44:09] My name is Adam Finstra with Fenstro
Associates and I was here with uh Mr.
[1:44:13] Dave Woods uh the owners of and
developer of the 68 Hills the reszone.
[1:44:19] Um I'm a little disappointed that we
weren't given an opportunity to provide
[1:44:23] a counterpoint to the um presentation
given by the planner. Um
[1:44:30] I the only reason why we even submitted
this was because the master plan changed
[1:44:35] this area from real residential to
neighborhood residential 3 years ago. Um
[1:44:41] so we thought this was what you guys
wanted and now um
[1:44:46] we're being told that that change was a
mistake evidently. So um if that's the
[1:44:51] way it is, I guess that's the way it is.
But I would request that you guys um
[1:44:54] make sure your master plan is up to date
with what you actually want.
[1:45:00] Thank you.
[1:45:03] Anyone else?
[1:45:06] Go ahead and close the uh second public
comment and ask for a motion to adjurnn.
[1:45:13] » So move
>> second motion by trusted supported by
[1:45:17] trust to adjourn.
[1:45:22] » All in favor signify by saying I.
>> I.
[1:45:25] » Anyone opposed? Hearing none, that
motion carries. So, we're finished for
[1:45:28] today. Thank you.