Grow Giant Pumpkins

Check this site out.

http://www.giantpumpkins.com/howto.htm

I had some growing in my backyard but the deer ate them a few months ago. 

Board Meeting Minutes September 22, 2008

ADA TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING

MINUTES DRAFT

 

SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

Meeting was called to order by Supervisor Haga at 7:30 p.m. Members present: Supervisor Haga, Treasurer Pratt, Clerk Ensing Millhuff, Trustees: Damstra, Proos, Sytsma and Westra. Also present: Recording Secretary Smith and 18 community members. Trustee Damstra left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Added to the agenda under Reports/Communications: Supervisor's Report #2 – September – 09/20/08; added to the agenda under Warrant Report: Item A. Roselle Park Improvement Project Application #1 – Twin Lakes Inc. Moved by Westra, supported by Sytsma, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion carried.

 

 

KENT DISTRICT LIBRARY UPDATE

Pamela VanderPloeg, Assistant Director, explained the 2007 Annual Report, highlighting the facts KDL is the busiest library in Michigan with a 23% increase in circulation. She explained programs, current projects, and finances. Diane Cutler, Cascade Branch Manager, gave an update on activities at the Cascade library, including the life-size bronze sculpture donated by the Lewis family, book discussions, Friends donations and author visits. Charles Fry, delegate, explained stewardship issues and the creation of a foundation.

 

 

GENERAL TOWNSHIP BUSINESS CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of Minutes

September 8, 2008, Regular Board Meeting

 

 

Receive and File Various Reports/Communications

1. Building Permit Report – 08/31/08; 2. Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes – 08/05/08; 3. MTA Weekly Legislative Report – 08/29/08, 09/05/08 & 09/12/08; 4. Region 8 Notes – 09/08; 5. KDL for the Blind and Physically Handicapped – 08/08; 6. American Planning Association (APA) 20 Year Member Recognition Supervisor Haga 08/18/08; 7. Kent County – Gypsy Moth Suppression Program – 09/10/08; 8. Treasurer's Investment Report – 07/08; 9 Supervisor's Report #2 – September – 09/20/08.

 

 

Moved by Westra, supported by Pratt, to approve items on the Consent Agenda. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF WARRANTS AND RECEIPTS

Treasurer Pratt presented Warrants and Receipts in the following amounts: Hand Checks: #101 $5,091.02; #205 $1,394.05; #208 $337.75; #590 $39.98; #591 $645.54; #592 $1.63. Total Hand Checks: $7,509.97. Warrants: #101 $11,805.00; #205 $30,557.77; #208 $3,835.95; #211 $25,398.95; #590 $16,196.39; #591 $10,078.12; #592 $3,523.39. Total Warrants $101,395.57. Total All Checks and Warrants $108.905.54. Moved by Sytsma, supported by Proos, to approve the Warrant Report of September 22, 2008, in the amount of $108,905.54. Roll Call: Yes – Westra, Haga, Pratt, Proos, Sytsma, Ensing Millhuff. No – 0. Absent – Damstra. Motion carried.

 

 

ROSELLE PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT APPLICATION #2 – TWIN LAKES INC.

Moved by Proos, supported by Westra, to approve the Application Payment #1 to Twin Lakes for Roselle ark Entry Project in the amount of $48,436.15. Trustee Proos added that he thought the township should consider making the AIA procedures mandatory. Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

 

 

BOARD COMMENT

Trustee Westra referenced the legislative report in regard to limiting cell towers. He also asked about the for sale sign on Pettis near Lena Lou having been removed. Supervisor Haga replied it was still for sale and there was still an open grant. He encouraged the board to do whatever it could in the Administrative Committee to establish formal written policies and procedures to allow for a smooth transition of new officials.

Clerk Ensing Millhuff announced a free program sponsored by the Ada Historical Society with author Kit Lane regarding the history of the Grand River, exploring various aspects of the Grand River. She also reminded everyone of the a pumpkin carving contest for Halloween, the October 4 Open House/ River-fest at Roselle Park, and the river clean-up on September 27.

Supervisor Haga announced the work session on the DDA on October 6 at 7:30 p.m. and referenced an article regarding Cascade Township and the continuing gypsy moth discussions.

Ada Township Board Meeting Minutes September 22, 2008 Page 2

OLD BUSINESS RESOLUTION R-092208-1 – FOREST HILLS CENTRAL HOMECOMING PARADE Forest Hills Central student council president Austin Clover and vice president Wade Hall explained the October 3 parade will begin at 4:30 and take the same route as the last few years; adding the assistance of Kent County Deputies along the parade route will be requested. Moved by Sytsma, supported by Proos, to adopt Resolution R-092208-1, which is the Forest Hills Central homecoming parade. Supervisor Haga noted the insurance certificate had been provided. Roll Call: Yes – Damstra, Westra, Sytsma, Proos, Ensing Millhuff, Pratt, Haga. No – 0. Absent – 0. Resolution adopted.

NEW BUSINESS

 

RESOLUTION R-092208-2 – RESOLUTION APPROVING CONSENT JUDGMENT FOR PURPOSE OF RESOLVING PENDING LITIGATION – PETTIS V ADA TOWNSHIP MATTER Moved by Westra, supported by Proos, to postpone vote to allow more time to review information presented to us in our

current packet. Roll Call: Yes - Sytsma, Proos, Damstra, Westra. No – Ensing Millhuff, Haga, Pratt. Absent – 0. Motion carried.

MOTION TO RECEIVE AND ACCEPT ADA TOWNSHIP AUDIT REPORT FOR FY 2007/2008

Dan Veldhuizen from Siegfried Crandall explained the auditor's report, letter to internal control and comments and recommendations. Of most importance is the unqualified opinion. The purpose of the audit is to give an opinion on the fairness of the financial statements. Explaining there are two relatively new audit standards this year and 12 in the last two years. Standards include communication and audit adjustments. There was one deficiency related to no systems or controls in place to prepare financial statements with GAP stating this is true for 97% of their audit clients and is probably not a fair expectation of townships in West Michigan. Mr. Veldhuizen recommended improvements include specifying the division of the Parks and land preservation funds; both the Treasurer and Clerk signatures required on the tax fund (stating this had already taken place); in-depth monitoring of Fire Department payroll; new accounting standard for post-employment benefits. Board members had questions/comments regarding the public safety budget, fund balance, splitting of the parks and land preservation funds, need for strategic planning, and the need for written policies and procedures.

 

Moved by Westra, supported by Proos, to receive and accept the Ada Township Audit Report for fiscal year 2007/08.

OPEN SPACE ADIVSORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES Moved by Damstra, supported by Westra, to approve the recommendation from the Open Space Advisory Board to pay $9,000 to Soper and Associates for an appraisal on the VanderWard property, with the money to come from the open space preservation funds. Supervisor Haga suggested a sharing of expenses with the property owners as the appraisal would be a benefit to both Ada Township and the property owners. Trustee Westra asked how much of the property was reasonably developable. Jamie Ladd explained the reason for the appraisal in addition to Township knowing the value: property owners would have a value for tax purposes. Trustee Proos asked about references of Soper and Associates for the appraisal. Mr. Ladd explained he sits on another committee and they used Soper. Lloyd Paul, 1268 Pettis, agreed Soper was very experienced and reasonably priced, adding the standard is the prospective purchaser pays for an appraisal. Motion carried.

 

OPPORTUNITY FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT

Lloyd Paul, 1268 Pettis, stated he was surprised to see tonight's agenda reflecting the settlement with Pettis & Associates. Mr. Paul stated he is the closest neighbor and believed the board had not reached out to the neighbors for input. He added the Planning Director had been to his house and taken pictures of the impact of both the recycling plant and composting on his property. During the whole process there has been no gate, no hours posted no dust control, and a strong odor.

Sue Schellen, representing Forest Glenn, Forest Bend and Longpoint Court, encouraged the board to continue the emphasis on discussing gypsy moth spraying. She described the effects experienced on these streets.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

______________________________

Deborah Ensing Millhuff, CMC

Ada Township Clerk RS: JS

Events in Ada

Ada Parks & Recreation Department

Program Offerings - Fall 2008

 

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department:

Office located in Ada Park, 1180 Buttrick Ave, Ada, MI 49301

Mailing address: P.O. Box 370, 7330, Thornapple River Dr., Ada, MI 49301

Phone: 616-676-0520 fax: 616-676-5870 e-mail:
adaparks@ada.mi.us
web site: www.ada.mi.us

 

Mission: "To provide all community members with diverse recreational opportunities including access to premier natural, historical and cultural areas that enhance our quality of life and inspire the preservation of nature."

 

Ada Township Parks:

Ada Park & Locke Arboretum 1180 Buttrick Ave., 57 acres

Softball & soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, fishing pond, trails, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, gazebos, Les Craig Learning Center and the Bud Locke Arboretum.

Leonard Field & Ada Covered Bridge 7490 Thornapple River Drive, 2 acres

Softball field, bike path, river overlook deck, Ada Covered Bridge.

Grand River Natural Area
Grand River Drive SE, enter via Ada Park or McGraw Park , 110 acres

Nature area, trails, bike path, woodlands, wetlands, Grand River.

Roselle Park     1010 Grand River Dr. NE, 247 acres

Bike path, trails, picnic area, observation decks, natural areas, wetlands, prairie, forests, wildlife, river shore.

Observation silo open dawn to dusk – call Park office to set time for access to silo observation deck.

 

For your information:

Park Hours: Park grounds are open to the public dawn to dusk. Park office open daily 9-5.

Dog Policy: Township ordinances require dogs to be on a leash and cleaned up after in all parks.

Shelter & Gazebo Reservations: Ada Park, available April through October. Contact the Park office.

Athletic Field Reservations:     Area leagues use the ball fields in Ada Park and Leonard Field throughout the playing season. For use times or to reserve one, contact the Park office.

E-News: Are you interested in receiving newsletters or announcements from the Ada Parks & Recreation Department via e-mail? If so, send a request to: adaparks@ada.mi.us

 

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Special Events:

 

River Clean-Up Day        Saturday, September 27      8:30 a.m. -12:00

All along the Thornapple River and Grand River volunteers will be removing trash and debris from the shores and in our rivers. This event is in partnership with the Thornapple River Watershed Council and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council. Ada Township volunteers will meet at Leonard Field Park and Covered bridge between 8:30 and 9:00 am for an orientation and supplies then head out to designated sites along the rivers. Individuals or groups are welcome to help out but must pre- register with the Ada Township Parks office by Wednesday, September 24. To sign up or for more information contact:

Ada Township Parks & Recreation Department 616-676-0520 adaparks@ada.mi.us

Thornapple River Watershed Council      269-948-8056 ext 117 dstrouse @thornapple river.org

West Michigan Environmental Action Council 616-451-3051ex 25
kklomp@wmeac.org

 

Roselle Park Open House and River Festival Saturday, October 4 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Come out and enjoy Ada Township's new Roselle Park! See how the development of this unique restoration project is coming along and enjoy the new park facilities.

Special activities set for the day will include:

*Exhibits and displays by local river conservation and history organizations.

*Live Music            *Hands-on and discovery activities for kids

*Wagon Rides            *Special Presentations

*Bike paths opens            *Guided Hikes

*Snacks available            *Free admission

Ada Parks & Recreation Programs – Fall 2008 P. 2

 

Lectures and Special Speakers

 

The Grand:   Rivers of Michigan Series    by author Kit Lane

Wednesday, September 24, 2008         7:00 p.m.     Averill Museum      No fee

Hosted by the Ada Historical Society and held at the Averill Museum at 7144 Headley St. in Ada.

Kit Lane, author of more than 20 books on Michigan History, will speak about her new book, The Grand. It is the second book of the Rivers of Michigan Series. Kit will discuss the longest and most historic river in the State of Michigan with a mile-by-mile survey discussing interesting history and sights along the way. There is no fee for this event but Kit may have books for sale.

For information call 616-676-9346 or email: adahistoricalsociety@gmail.com

 

Bats of the World
    Saturday, October 18        4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Ada Park Learning Center                $5/adult, $3/youth

Reservations are required since space is limited. Call ahead: 616-676-0520.

A special presentation by the Organization for Bat Conservation (www.obc.org) with live bats and an exciting multimedia presentation about bats from around the world. Learn about the benefits of these fascinating creatures, their unique adaptations, sound waves, ecosystems, food webs, conservation and world geography. Live bats to be shown including local brown bats, large fruit bats and a "Flying Fox" with a 4-foot wingspans!

 

Planning and Certifying your Backyard Habitat

Two presentation times: 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 23

Ada Park Learning Center             $4.00/adult

Pre-registration by phone or e-mail appreciated, pay at event.

Presentation will focus on methods for developing and enhancing habitats on your property for wildlife as well as the certification process for the National Wildlife Federation's Backyard Habitat Program. Open to residential landowners, schools and businesses. More details about NWF is available at: www.nwf.org.

Participants will receive materials to certify their property with the NWF.

 

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Walks with a Naturalist        Times & Days vary     $3/adults $2/youth.

Guided outings by Park Naturalists in the Township Parks. Dress for the weather of the day.

Pre-registration is appreciated by calling 676-0520 or email. Pay on site.

 

3 Parks in 1 Hike        Thursday, October 9     9:00 a.m.    Ada Park

This walk will start in Ada Park, follow the bike path through the Grand River Natural Area and end up at the McGraw Park to view the Grand River. Walking on the bike path, about 1 ½ miles.

 

The Back Trails of Roselle    Thursday, November 6     10:00 a.m.     Roselle Park

This hike will leave the paved paths to explore north section of the park including a visit to the Fen on site. Walking on the bike path, dirt trails and open fields (rough terrain) about 2 ½ miles.

 

Full Moon Night Hike    Thursday, November 13     7:00 p.m.    Roselle Park

Come dressed for a cool hike through Roselle Park by the light of the moon. Silo observation deck open as well. Walking on the bike path, about 1 ½ miles.

 

 

River City Wild Ones meeting & workshop     Monday, October 20 7:00 p.m.     Ada Park

River City Wild Ones, a group dedicated to the preservation of native plants and education programs about them will hold its October meeting and program at Ada Park at 7:00 p.m., Monday, October 20.

The topic will be on sowing wildflower seeds and presented by Julie Frankie of the Meijer Gardens.

Pre-registration is required through the River City Wild Ones: 616-233-0833, rivercitywildones@gmail.com.

Ada Parks & Recreation Programs – Youth Programs P.3

 

Schools Based Programs – Field Trips, Rentals, Service Learning

*Field Trips: K-12 Environmental and Outdoor Education Field Trips are available at Ada Park & Arboretum, Leonard Field and Covered Bridge and the new Roselle Park. These are naturalist guided, outdoor programs, 1-2 hours in length, tailored to your curriculum needs. Themes may include ecology, adaptations, plants, trees, wildlife, rivers, wetlands and others. There is a fee of $2/student. Contact the Park office for details and to schedule events.

*Rentals: Ada Park has shelter rentals available for self-guided programs by schools. $15-$25.

*Service Learning Projects are available, usually without a fee.

*Outreach programs into schools or other properties are set up by individual requests.

 

Boy and Girl Scout Programs:

*Badge work in the Parks: Guided and instructed programs are available for Scouts after school,

some evenings and occasional weekends. Contact the Park office to discuss details on your groups

needs, program options, set up a time, and fees.

*Rentals: Ada Park has shelter facilities available for self-guided programs by Scout groups.

*Service and Conservation Projects: A variety of projects are available for Scouts ranging from

conservation work to facility improvement to helping with education and recreation programs. No fee.

Other Youth Groups:

*Contact the Park office for facility use, guided program opportunities or volunteer service projects.

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Junior Naturalist         Ages 8-12    Dates vary    4:00 – 5:30 p.m.     $4/youth*

Each event with special presentations, hands-on activities, games and outings. Pre-registration requested & guardian contact information form required.

*Fantastic Fall Fishing        Thursday, September 25        Ada Park

*Terrific Trees            Thursday, October 16        Ada Park

*Who are you calling a Turkey?    Thursday, November 6        Ada Park

 

Terrific Tuesdays     Ages 3-5     Dates vary    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon $4/youth*

Pre-Schoolers bring your parent for a fun morning of nature study, hands-on activities and a craft.

Pre-registration requested by calling 676-0520 or email adaparks@ada.mi.us.

*Be A Nature Detective        Tuesday, September 30        Ada Park

*Trick or be a Treat!            Tuesday, October 21        Ada Park

*Amazing Animal Adaptations    Tuesday, November 4        Ada Park

 

"Halloween Happenings"

 

It's a Hoot! - Pre-Halloween Fun Day         Ages 6-12        Ada Park

Saturday, October 25        10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon        $4.00/youth*

Join in a series of fun activities to put you in the spirit of fall harvest and Halloween fun. From playing games like bobbing-for-apples, to taking a hike to look for creepy creatures, to painting mini-pumpkins to playing themed games. Parents welcome to stay to help or drop off kids.

 

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest     Ages 12 and under     Averill Historical Museum

Drop off - Thursday, October 30, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. Awards - Friday, October 31, 7:00 p.m.

Drop off your carved pumpkins and Jack-o-Lantern creations to the Averill Historical Museum on Thursday, October 30 between 3:00 and 5:30 for display and judging. Awards will be given for the "funniest," "scariest" and "most creative" pumpkins at 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 31.

 

Trick or Treat             Ada Township Fire Station

Friday, October 31            6:00 – 7:00 p.m.        Free

Stop by the Ada Fire Station Halloween evening for their unique Tricks & Treats event.

 

*Ada Township residents receive $1.00 off the fee of these programs.

(Don't miss the Bats on October 18! – See P.2 for details)

Ada Parks & Recreation Programs P. 4

 

For the Health of It!

 

Yoga for Nature Lovers        Wednesdays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29     9:00 - 10:00 am

Instructor: Melissa Gaudette.     Ada Park        Fee of $70 for the 6 session program.

Pre-registration is required by contacting the Ada Park office by Monday, Sept. 22^nd.

Start your week with yoga in beautiful Ada Park !   We will meet outdoors (weather permitting) or we'll use the multi purpose room in the park office building (next to the tennis courts).  All levels welcome.  Please bring a yoga mat.  Enjoy the park before or after yoga to walk, bike or run for a complete work-out experience.

 
 

Pickleball at Ada Park        Mondays & Wednesdays     Ada Park

Pickle-Ball is a hybrid of badminton, tennis and table-tennis, played with wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball on a tennis court with the playing court smaller. Tennis Court #1 at Ada Park is reserved on Monday and Wednesday afternoons & evenings for adults to enjoy this fun game. Newcomers are welcome. No fees.

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Averill Historical Museum of Ada

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 – 4:00 PM or by appointment.

On Headley St. across from the Ada Post Office.

For membership, to volunteer or other information call 616-676-9346

or email: adahistoricalsociety@gmail.com
www.hsmichigan.org/ada/museum

 

The Ada Farmer's Market

Located at the Averill Museum and Barn

Open Fridays until October 31^st

11:00 am - 3:00 pm.

 

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Ada and Cascade Township's Fall Trash Collection Day

Saturday, October 18        8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Leonard Field parking lot for "Shred-It" paper recycling and Salvation Army donations.

Kent County Road Commission Fase Street facility for all other items.

 

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Volunteer Opportunities:

Ada Parks & Recreation Department is recruiting Volunteers to assist in the following areas:

Grounds, gardeners, odd jobs, trail monitors, habitat stewards, program instructors, clerical.

Contact the Park office at 676-0502 to apply or attend one of the following work days:

Upcoming Volunteer Work days –

 

Tuesday, September 23, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Ada Park. We will remove woody plants from the Prairie Fen and work on the Woodland Garden and Backyard Habitat areas.

 

Saturday, September 27, from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. River Clean-up. Join us for a morning of cleaning up the banks of the beautiful Thornapple and Grand Rivers. Meet at Leonard Field for donuts and coffee and then head to near-by river access points for clean-up duties.

 

Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Roselle Park Open House and Riverfest. Be a part of the first annual Riverfest. Help is needed with set-up and clean-up, information tables, host, parking, snacks, youth activities and guided nature walks.

 

Tuesday, October 7, from 9 – 11 a.m. at Roselle Park. We will prepare the Rain Gardens for the winter and work on the NWF Backyard Habitat demonstration site.

Carl Creek Wetland Preserve Dedication

The dedication for Carl Creek Wetland Preserve is scheduled for Sunday. Ada Township purchased 34 acres of woods and wetlands along Alta Dale Avenue, south of M-21. The $300,400 purchase came out of the township's open space fund with about $102,250 in donations from residents. A conservation easement with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has been placed on the property, which includes a tributary of the Grand River, to maintain the land in a natural state. The township eventually might consider installing a path along the south side of the property and a small parking area. The dedication is set for 3 p.m. at 155 Alta Dale Drive SE.

from
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1223298922168420.xml&coll=6

Belle Tire Fixes Flats for Free on 28th Street by Centerpointe

I recently got a flat tire coming home from work the other day. I was swearing up a storm as I was driving through one. I got home called Discount tire which closed at 6, I called Belle Tire which was open until 8. Got to Belle Tire at 6pm got out at 7pm. One hour and it didn't cost me a thing. They were able to fix the flat tire and put it back on for free.

I didn't even buy the tires from them and I didn't have them do any prior work on my car but still it was free. Not sure if it was a mistake but I asked them once and they said no cost. Not wanting to argue, I left and the tire has been great since. Hats off to Belle Tire for this great service.

Ada Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest Details

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest

Ages 12 and under

Averill Historical Museum

Drop off - Thursday, October 30, 3:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Awards - Friday, October 31, 7:00 p.m.

Drop off your carved pumpkins and Jack-o-Lantern creations to the Averill Historical Museum on Thursday, October 30 between 3:00 and 5:30 for display and judging. Awards will be given for the “funniest,” “scariest” and “most creative” pumpkins at 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 31.

Ada Fall Clean Up Day October 18, 2008

Saturday, October 18

8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Leonard Field parking lot for “Shred-It” paper recycling and Salvation Army donations.

Kent County Road Commission Fase Street facility for all other items.