Work continues on Saugatuck holiday star

The new star is made of aluminum. Here, it is displayed at Saugatuck High School. Photo courtesy of Brent Birkholz

Work continues on the new holiday star for Saugatuck.

The current wooden star remains attached to the radar tower on Mount Baldhead until the new all-aluminum star is ready to be placed on the tower. That star, welded together by Saugatuck High School industrial arts students, is complete except for the lights.

Organizers are waiting for the LED supplier, said Brent Birkholz who has been coordinating the work on the star.

The wooden star on Thanksgiving Day.

The wooden star has been in place for almost 60 years. It was recently vandalized and is falling apart.

The costs to replace what some council members have called a community icon is being covered by donations and money from the city’s general fund.

The wooden star, once removed, will go the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society to be restored for possible display at the museum.

For background on the project, visit:

• http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1665832775/Saugatuck-community-making-new-holiday-star-shine

• http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346783614/Saugatucks-holiday-star-vandalized-needs-to-be-replaced

A closer look at the wooden star on Mount Baldhead.

More on McClendon, planning commission

The Saugatuck Township Planning Commission discusses a proposed development by Aubrey McClendon on Monday, Nov. 19.

Saugatuck Township Planning Commission members decided on Monday that they needed more time to consider the site condominium proposal from Aubrey McClendon’s Singapore Dunes LLC to build 25 homes in duneland north of the Kalamazoo River, saying the development is one of the most complex proposed in the township.

To read the story, visit http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1665837070/Duneland-development-in-Saugatuck-Township-on-hold-another-month.

Here are some more points from the almost 4-hour meeting:

Spokesmen for the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance made it clear why they believe the proposal should be denied by planners.

“The plan as submitted is deficient, simply put,” said Shawn Seymour of LSL Planning, Inc., of Grand Rapids.

• It lacks enough open space: Development in the R-3B zone where the homes are using private wells and septic systems requires 35 percent open space and the plan allots 5 percent;

• Mooring boats on the seawall is, in fact, a marina. Such a use would require a separate application and a special approval use from the commission;

• The development has one access point from 135th Street. An “internal loop road or other means” should be incorporated into the plan;

• The plan needs state and regulatory agency input on wetlands, critical dunes and endangered species.

“This is the one and only chance to look at the entirety of the development,” said Scott Howard, attorney from Olson, Bzdok & Howard of Traverse City. “You don’t get a second shot at it.”

For more on the dunes group, visit http://www.saugatuckdunescoastalalliance.com

Saugatuck Township planning consultant Mark Sisson, left, and township attorney Ron Bultje listen to discussion on Monday, Nov. 19, at a Saugatuck Township Planning Commission meeting at Laketown Township Hall.

 Attorney James Bruinsma of Myers Nelson Dillon & Shierk of Grand Rapids, who represents Singapore Dunes LLC, responded to the issues:

• There is no open space requirement in the R-3B zone because it is in the critical dunes overlay district. Township attorney Ron Bultje of Scholten Fant of Grand Haven agreed, saying the open space rules do not apply in a critical dune area because of the large lot sizes.

• The mooring of boats along the seawall has been going on for years. “We’re just continuing what’s been done there,” said Hank Byma, landscape architect for the project.

• The consent agreement that ended the 2-year-old lawsuit in federal court allows a single access road for the development. There is a well and pump station for fire suppression. The Saugatuck Township Fire District is looking over the road plans, according to Al Ellingsen, township zoning administrator.

• The issues of wetlands, critical dunes and endangered species are handled at the state level, outside the township’s authority. “There is a process — and it happens at the state level,” said Bruinsma. The developer needs the preliminary plans approved before going to the state to get the environmental issues addressed, he said.

The planning commission would be giving preliminary approval to the application, not a final OK, Bruinsma said. Changes to the plan would have to come back to planners for approval.

For more on the development, visit singaporedunes.com.

Other anecdotes:

• One resident asked the planners about street lights and the impact of them on the view around the development. No street lights are planned for the area, Byma said.

Dayle Harrison talks to the planning commission Nov. 19.

• You know it’s going to be along meeting when it takes the planning commission almost 40 minutes to approve its minutes from a previous meeting.

Commissioner Dayle Harrison wanted to make sure his objections to being recused from discussion on McClendon’s proposals was reflected in the minutes. He read a letter to his fellow commissioners then moved it be added into the minutes. No one seconded the motion, so it went nowhere. After more discussion, Harrison’s letter was made an addendum to the minutes.

For more on the recusal, visit http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x2053808930/Lawsuit-fears-lead-to-recusal-of-Saugatuck-Township-planner

New Saugatuck Township board brought on board

Clerk Jane Wright, right, swears in new Saugatuck Township Clerk Brad Rudich on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

The new Saugatuck Township board was sworn in Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Only one incumbent — Supervisor Bill Wester — ran for re-election. The remaining four members did not run again.





New Clerk Brad Rudich was first to become official, sworn in by Clerk Jane Wright. Rudich then read the oath to the other members:

• Wester, a Republican, who remains supervisor. He defeated Democratic challenger Jon Helmrich 872-830 in the Nov. 6 election.

• Lori Babinski, Republican, new treasurer.

• Republicans Roy McIlwaine and Jonathan Phillips, new trustees. McIlwaine received 875 votes and Phillips with 809 defeated Democrats Laurie D. Goshorn and Virginia McGinn received 779 and 689 votes respectively.

• Pat Knikelbine, former treasurer, was sworn in a deputy treasurer.

• Aaron Sheridan was sworn in as deputy clerk.

The new board’s first meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the township hall, 3461 Blue Star Highway.

Saugatuck Township Supervisor Bill Wester, left, takes the oath of office from Clerk Brad Rudich on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Saugatuck Township Clerk Brad Rudich, right, administers the oath of office to new Trustee Jonathan Phillips on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Roy McIlwaine, new Saugatuck Township trustee, takes his oath of office from Clerk Brad Rudich at Saugatuck Township Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Saugatuck Township Clerk Brad Rudich swears in Treasurer Lori Babinski on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Putting the sparkle in the holiday season

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire at last year's event in Glenn.

Glenn, Saugatuck celebrate season with lighting ceremonies:

Glenn: The Circle of Lights holiday celebration starts at 5 p.m. Friday at the Glenn Square, the corner of Blue Star Highway and 114th Avenue. The tree lighting and community sing-a-long starts at 5 p.m. with Santa arriving in a horse drawn surrey at the at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in Glenn last season.

Following the tree-lighting, St. Nicholas will lead the procession through Candy Cane Lane to the Glenn United Methodist Church where home-baked cookies and hot chocolate will be served. Children will also have the opportunity to visit with Santa. Other events include free family photos in an old-fashioned sleigh from 5-8 p.m., a Holiday Walk of local businesses and a Bake Sale at the Glenn School.

The Glenn Community Center will be hosting a Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the community center, 6953 114th Ave. More than 18 vendors bringing local, handcrafted and homemade products to the event.


Saugatuck: The tree-lighting ceremony is 5-7 p.m. Friday at Wicks Park on Water Street. The city’s lights will be turned on. The event includes music, refreshments, crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. Carriage rides will also be available from 4-6 p.m. throughout downtown.

Coming up:

• Saugatuck’s Christmas parade is 1 p.m. Dec. 1 through downtown.

• Fennville’s holiday events are Dec. 1 and include a holiday parade at 5 p.m. and tree-lighting ceremony.

Saugatuck’s ash trees ‘to be no more’

An emerald ash borer. Image courtesy of emeraldashborer.info.

Saugatuck city — a Tree City USA — just can’t catch a break when it comes to the timber.

More than 50 ash trees on city property and along roads will have to be cutdown after staff members discovered the trees have been decimated by the emerald ash borer, according to Councilwoman Jane Verplank, a member of the city’s tree board. The group oversees the protection, removal and planting of trees in the public right-of-way and on public property.

“I planted them all, but now we’re going to lose them,” said Bruce Simonson, head of the  department of public works who has worked for the city for 47 years. “It’s pretty devastating to have this.”

The insect — Agrilus planipennis — is a native of eastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea and was found in Michigan in 2002, according to emeraldashborer.info, a website maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Michigan State University, Purdue University and Ohio State University. The ash borer is about a half-inch long and is bright metallic green. It infests a tree from the top down and destroys the water and nutrient tissues under the bark, the website said. The larvae make serpentine tracks under the bark.

The trees will be replaced, Verplank said.

Ash trees haven’t been planted in the city for years, Simonson said. He has been planting a variety of trees throughout the years so the city won’t be deforested by the infestation.

“The ash are destined to be no more,” he said.

The city is still dealing with dying trees in a public park between the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan.

Earlier this year, residents began to notice stressed and dying trees on the Park Street side of Mount Baldhead. The spraying of an herbicide in an attempt to rid the sand dune of oriental bittersweet, a vine that strangles and covers trees up to 70 feet tall, led to the problems.

A mild winter, warm March, freezes in April and a summer drought have contributed to the problem.

Officials from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan are still investigating if the herbicide is seeping down the dune, possibly destroying more trees.


For more on the story, visit http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x764810900/Soil-testing-will-determine-extent-of-herbicide-damage-in-Saugatuck

And a large maple tree along Perryman Street is also destined to be removed. In its quest for sunlight over the years, the tree has grown at an angle over the eastbound lane of the road to Oval Beach. Now, though, its low enough that trucks can hit it.

Saugatuck council members sworn in

New Saugatuck City Council member Bill Lint, left, and returning members Barry Johnson, center, and Jane Verplank, right, take their oaths of office on Monday, Nov. 12. Sitting are Council members Jeff Spangler and Bill Hess. Below, Clerk Monica Looman, right, swears in Mark Bekken. Sitting are City Manager Kirk Harrier, far left, and Councilman Henry VanSingel.

 Before electing Bill Hess the new mayor and Jeff Spangler the new mayor pro tem, four members the Saugatuck City Council had to be sworn in. Clerk Monica Looman had the members raise their hands to take the oath.

Bill Lint was elected for the first time on Tuesday. Barry Johnson, Jane Verplank and Mark Bekken were all re-elected.

All ran unopposed Nov. 6. Bekken received 314 votes, Johnson received 306, Verplank 284 and Lint 272. The city had an 80 percent voter turnout.

Douglas gets top award for downtown work

Felicia Fairchild, center, executive director of the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau, presents the City of Douglas with the President’s Plaque. At left is Mayor Jim Wiley and at right is Ryan Kilpatrick, director of community development for Douglas.

Felicia Fairchild, executive director of the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented the City of Douglas with the President’s Plaque, the highest honor in the statewide Keep Michigan Beautiful competition on Monday, Nov. 5.

Fairchild nominated the city for its renovated downtown. The Center Street project done in 2006 included new sewer and water infrastructure as well as landscaped bump-outs, street trees, decorative lighting, on-street parking and a reconstructed roadway.

The improvements were designed to enhance the town’s atmosphere with streetside gardens with benches, sculpture and the capability to filter stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces

Saugatuck Township: Four board members say goodbye

Outgoing Saugatuck Township Treasurer Pat Knikelbine talks about her 21 years of service with the township at her last board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Saugatuck Township board members have been yelled at, threatened with bomb scares, named in a lawsuit, called crooks and back-room dealers, but on Wednesday night, the meeting hall was filled with hugs and tears as four of the five board members finished their last meeting.

Jane Wright, Chris Roerig, Jim Hanson and Pat Knikelbine — a total of almost 60 years combined experience — decided not to run for re-election. Supervisor Bill Wester was re-elected Tuesday.

Saugatuck Township Trustee Chris Roerig listens quietly as his wife Linda talks about his 12 years on the board at the Wednesday, Nov. 7., board meeting — his last as a trustee. In the background is Clerk Jane Wright. Roerig and Wright did not run for re-election.

Roerig sat quietly with his head down as his wife Linda told the board the  challenges of serving on the township board. Chris has served on the board for 12 years and 4 years on the parks commission.

“I’ve shared him with the township these many years,” Linda said. “He worked long hours — there was more than one sleepless night.”

He was always patient with the public, Linda said, “more patient than I would be.”

He did what he felt was right for the township and is helping leave the municipality in a strong fiscal condition.

“I’m so proud of his service and so grateful for his contributions to this township,” she said with tears in her eyes.

State Rep. Bob Genetski and Treasurer Pat Knikelbine.

Knikelbine received a tribute for her 21 years with the township, including serving as treasurer, from state Rep. Bob Genetski, R-Saugatuck. The proclamation was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder. It reads in part:

“At a time in our history in which local officials face many challenges and changes, Pat Knikelbine has responded with energy and heartfelt concern for the citizens, businesses and institutions of Saugatuck Township. She has become a staple in this community over the years.”

Many residents pay their taxes in person so they can talk with Knikelbine, said township Manager Phil Quade.

Not running for election was a difficult decision, Knikelbine said, looking at her husband, Gus, in the audience. A bouquet of flowers from her daughter, Deb, rested on the table in front of her.

“It was really hard to make this decision. I love people, I truly love people,” she said. Once she knew that Lori Babinski was interested in running for the post, Knikelbine knew it was OK to leave — the township would be in good hands, she said.

“We hugged. I said I was going to retire,” Knikelbine said.

Babinski, who works in the township office, was elected Tuesday.

Wright and Hanson each served on the board for 12 years.

On Wednesday night, the board approved money to train the new clerk, Brad Rudich, starting today through Nov. 20. Both he and Wright will receive pay for their time.

“It’s important to start. There are lots and lots of details to work out,” said Quade. “The township is very fortunate that Pat and Janie have offered their full and complete cooperation unsparingly in the unusual transition of two key functional positions at the same time.”

“You got the keys,” Wright said to Rudich after the board approved the training time.

The Saugatuck Township board on Wednesday, Nov. 7. From left, Trustee Chris Roerig, Clerk Jane Wright, Treasurer Pat Knikelbine, Trustee Jim Hanson and Supervisor Bill Wester. Only Wester is returning to the board. The others did not run for re-election.

Deb Knikelbine hugs her mom, outgoing Saugatuck Township Treasurer Pat Knikelbine, at the Wednesday, Nov. 7, board meeting.

Pat Knikelbine, left, and her daughter Deb pose for a photo at Pat’s last meeting as township treasurer on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Pat Knikelbine, left, and her husband Gus pose for a photo at Pat’s last meeting as township treasurer on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Jane Mayer says farewell to Douglas council

Outgoing Douglas City Councilwoman Jane Mayer discusses issues at Monday's city council meeting. To the right is City Manager Bill LeFevere.

Jane Mayer’s cell phone rang during Monday’s Douglas City Council meeting — just like it did when she took her council seat at the first meeting of the new city in 2004.

She was so nervous then that instead of turning it off, she turned it back on again. Eight years later, the veteran council member just walked over and shut it off for the rest of her last meeting.

Mayer decided not to run for re-election this year. She served on the village board in the 1980s, then the new city council before leaving office. She was elected again in 2010.

“I loved working with all of you,” she said as Monday’s meeting drew to a close.

She received a hug from City Manager Bill LeFevere and praise from her fellow council members.

“You brought a unique perspective to our council. You will be missed,” said Councilwoman Diane Bailey.

“You have served with such great passion, with spirit and heart,” said Mayor Jim Wiley, who was elected with Mayer in 2010. “I’m proud to have served with you.”

Mayer laughed.

“Honey, I’m not going to leave you alone,” she said.

Four people are on tonight’s ballot for the city council: Incumbents Lisa Greenwood, Eric W. Smith and James I. Wiley and newcomer William H. Japinga will be elected to the four open seats.

A look ahead: Elections and marijuana

• Elections: Tuesday is Election Day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hot local issues include the Saugatuck Township supervisor and trustee races, as well as the Allegan County clerk race.

Here’s some background

Saugatuck Supervisor: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/2012-elections/x264122046/2-seeking-Saugatuck-Township-supervisor-position

Saugatuck Trustees: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/2012-elections/x264122058/4-seeking-2-trustee-seats-on-Saugatuck-Township-board

Allegan Count Clerk: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x738673146/2-seeking-Allegan-County-clerk-position

 • Douglas: The city council is holding a workshop at 6 p.m. Monday at city hall, 86 W. Center St., to discuss a proposed medical marijuana ordinance. This has been in the works for two years. The proposal will be discussed at the 7 p.m. regular council meeting as well.

For more on the meeting, visit: http://www.ci.douglas.mi.us and scroll down under “News and Announcements” to “Current City Council Agenda.”

Here’s more on the medical marijuana proposal: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x346790289/Medical-marijuana-rules-come-before-Douglas-city-council

• Saugatuck Schools: The school board’s workshop session is 6 p.m. Monday at Saugatuck High School, 401 Elizabeth St. One item on the agenda is the May 7 election. The board has been considering a bond vote for building improvements.

Saugatuck Superintendent Rolfe Timmermann talks about district needs earlier this year.

For some background, visit: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1907522518/Saugatuck-schools-looking-at-bond-proposal-for-2-6-million-in-repairs

• Laketown Township: The township board work session is 4 p.m. Wednesday at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road. No agenda is available.

• Saugatuck Township: The township board meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the township hall, 3461 Blue Star Highway. The agenda includes a discussion of the Saugatuck Township Fire District rules and bylaws.

• Saugatuck City: The city council meets in a work session at 4 p.m. Thursday at city hall, 102 Butler St. No agenda is available.

West Side County Park could get a new look, including better lake views and a refurbished World War I memorial, right.

 • Allegan County: The board of commissioners meets at 1 p.m. Thursday at the county services building, 3283 122nd Ave. in Allegan Township. The board will address a new contract with Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance for operation of the animals shelter ( http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346787873/Allegan-County-Animal-Shelter-looks-at-increasing-fees ) and vote on whether or not to accept a new development plan for West Side County Park ( http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346787690/West-Side-County-Park-in-line-for-a-makeover ).

A look back: Costume parade, McClendon surprise

Fun at the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults on Saturday.

The Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults was a huge success: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/photo/x346787428/Douglas-Adult-Halloween-Parade?page=0

Even monsters can text during the Saugatuck family Halloween parade.

Earlier in the day, the family Halloween parade brought out hundreds in costumes: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/photo/x346786898/Saugatuck-Family-Halloween-Parade?page=0

Variance requests for a hotel and golf course in Saugatuck Township were put on hold by developer Aubrey McClendon: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346788710/McClendon-plans-for-hotel-on-lakeshore-put-on-hold

Experts expect water levels in Lake Michigan to continue their drop: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/topstories/x1757123737/Experts-Lake-Michigan-needs-more-rain-snow

The depth of Kalamazoo Lake is dropping as the sediment is rising.

 
Plans for dredging Kalamazoo Lake continue: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x303003181/Plans-progressing-to-deepen-Saugatuck-Douglas-harbor