Anonymous donor picks up all the checks at coffee shop

Renee Waddell, owner of Respite Cappuccino Court, 48 Center St. in Douglas, makes a drink on Monday, Jan. 7.

Respite Cappuccino Court, 48 Center St. in Douglas

The donor of a pay-it-forward day at a Douglas coffee shop had fun watching the joy on people’s faces as they got their order paid for free.

“I sat there for awhile to quietly observe, and that was fun, too,” said the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, about the Dec. 11 event at Respite Cappuccino Court, 48 Center St. in Douglas.

Owner Renee Waddell left a notepad for customers to write to the donor.
 
“They expressed their pleasure and surprise, and also felt inspired by this rather small deed,” the donor said.

Waddell was at first taken aback when the donor asked how much the shop makes in daily off-season business.

“When I replied, there seemed to be a light that came on in his head,” said Waddell.

“The idea came on its own accord, meaning that there is a higher consciousness/awareness operating all the time in each of us, and if we are ‘listening,’ so to say, then we become open to whatever serves best. Surprising things will happen,” the donor said. “I strongly believe that if we all, individually and collectively, can make supporting each other any way we can a steady impulse, then we will be lovingly guided all the time.”

Patrons were grateful and some left money to pay for the next day.

“The reaction from patrons was a gift to us. We were able to deliver the message and enjoy their reactions,” Waddell said.

The donor would like to do it again next holiday season as well.

A look ahead: Consolidation talk, jail tour

Pre-formed jail cells are worked on Thursday, Sept. 27, at the new Allegan County Sheriff’s Department & Corrections Center. The commissioners will tour the facility on Thursday.

Here’s what’s ahead this week in Allegan County:

Monday

• Douglas city council — The council will discuss the issue of consolidation and what the next steps in the process will be once the director of the department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs OKs the State Boundary Commission recommendation to merge Saugatuck and Douglas.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at city hall, 86 W. Center St.

For the agenda, visit http://www.ci.douglas.mi.us and scroll down to “Current City Council Agenda” on the right.

Tuesday

• Douglas Downtown Development Authority — The authority will consider capital expenditures.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. at Douglas City Hall, 86 W. Center St.

• Fillmore Township — The township board meets at 7 p.m. at the township hall, 4219 52nd St. An agenda is not available.

Wednesday

• Police committee — The Saugatuck-Douglas Joint Police Commission meets at 4 p.m. at Douglas City Hall, 86 W. Center St. There is no unfinished business or new business on the agenda. The commission will review the revenue and expenditure summary and hear the report from the police chief.

• Laketown Township board — The board will discuss a liquor license proposal for the Red Barn Events Center, 3657 63rd St. The action will not be the final approval but will start the permit process at the state level. The board will also set the annual meeting date and make its annual salary resolution.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

• Douglas Planning Commission — Planners will discuss draft updates to the zoning ordinance and hear presentations on draft multi-family guidelines and draft private road acceptance standards.

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Douglas City Hall, 86 W. Center St.

Thursday

• Allegan County Board of Commissioners — The board meets twice:

At 9:30 a.m., the group will assemble at the new jail, 640 North St. in Allegan for a jail update and tour.

At 1 p.m., the board meets at the County Services Building, 3283 122nd Ave. to elect a new chairman. The board will also affirm the Police Officers Labor Council Road Patrol Deputies Unit settlement agreement, renew the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality services agreement and authorize $74,000 for work on the mezzanine system at the jail.

For a copy of the agenda and supporting material, visit http://cms.allegancounty.org/sites/pages/Calendar/default.aspx and under “Upcoming Events,” click on “Board of Commissioners.”

This will be the first meeting of the full board since redistricting and the November elections that reduced membership from 11 to seven members. For a list of the new members and the areas they represent, visit http://www.allegancounty.org/Government/BOC/Members.asp?pt=Government

Saugatuck Township starts new year with quick action

The participants in the third annual Shiver on the River on New Year's Day in Saugatuck.

 With the New Year’s holiday over, local governments started returning to their normal meeting schedules this week.

On Jan. 2, the Laketown Township board began considering the renewal of its single waste hauler contract with Chef Container. The contract expires March 31, 2014. Also at the workshop, the board set a meeting of 3 p.m. Jan. 16 to start work on the 2013-14 budget. http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1665857144/Laketown-will-consider-liquor-license-proposal-from-events-facility

The Saugatuck Township board hit the new year running. The board:

• Set up a committee to examine the need for additional legal counsel or a new attorney to handle the Aubrey McClendon development: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x1353229353/Saugatuck-Township-sets-up-committee-to-look-at-attorneys-role

• Announced plans to revive negotiations for cemetery maintenance with Saugatuck and Douglas cities: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x1353229414/Cemetery-maintenance-no-longer-a-dead-issue-in-Saugatuck-Township

• Put plans in motion to make the part-time manager position a full-time hire when the current manager retires this spring: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x1353229614/Full-time-manager-might-be-in-future-for-Saugatuck-Township

The crowd at the first township meeting of the year was a little sparse — five people. The meetings usually draw at least a dozen people if not 20 to 30.

And a New Year’s Day tradition brought 18 people out to kayak or stand-up paddleboard on the Kalamazoo River. It was cold with light snow falling, but the river was calm: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1233663874/Stand-up-paddleboarders-kayakers-welcome-new-year

Water levels in Lake Michigan hit a new low as the National Weather Service reported that 2012 was the warmest year on record in West Michigan: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/topstories/x1665857288/While-temperatures-hit-record-highs-lake-levels-at-record-lows

Some other big stories

The Keewatin was adorned with holiday lights in its new home of Port McNicoll, Ontario. Photo courtesy of Eric Conroy/drone-on.com

 

 

I hope you got a chance to catch The Sentinel’s Top 10 stories of 2012 at http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1233663266/Top-10-Local-News-Stories-of-2012. There were a couple of big Saugatuck-Douglas stories that didn’t make the list:

Keewatin gets a new home

2:46 p.m. Thursday, May 31. The 105-year-old steamship Keewatin was pulled free of the mud of the Kalamazoo Lake where it had been for more than 40 years and towed to the channel to Lake Michigan.

R.J. Peterson, front, owner of Tower Marina, participates in a farewell ceremony for the Keewatin passenger ship Monday, May 28. Peterson brought the ship to Douglas in 1967. Holding the flag is Douglas City Manager Bill LeFevere

 On June 4, it was eased through the channel into Lake Michigan and on June 23, it arrived in Port McNicoll, Ontario, to be the center of a redeveloped waterfront park. The vessel will be transformed into a social center with a movie theater, 122-seat dining area and museums of Georgian Bay maritime history.

June 23 was chosen for the homecoming because it is the 100th anniversary of the when the ship first arrived in the Canadian port and the 45th anniversary of the year R.J. Peterson had it towed to West Michigan.

A boy fishes off the south pier in Saugatuck after the Keewatin was pulled from the channel from the Kalamazoo River into Lake Michigan on its trip to Canada on Monday, June 4. Jim Hayden/Sentinel staff

 The ship was purchased last year by Gil Blutrich, chairman and president of Skyline International Development Inc., a private Canadian investment and management company.

Eric Conroy, who once worked aboard the vessel, coordinated the move and maintains a blog about the Keewatin — drone-on.com.

The vessel has been secured for the winter and was draped in holiday lights. Conroy reports the group Friends of the Keewatin is busy collecting historic artifacts for display in the ship and preparing the pistons in the engine room to turn for tourists next season.

The Keewatin opens for public tours on May 11.

Travis Randolph, left, chairman of the Consolidated Government Committee, waits for the State Boundary Commission to negin discussion Wednesday,Oct. 10, in Okemos. Also photographed are Douglas City Manager Bill LeFever, Saugatuck City Manager Kirk Harrier, Saugatuck Mayor Jane Verplank and Saugatuck City Councilman Bill Hess.

State approves consolidation

On Dec. 12, the State Boundary Commission approved the recommendation that Saugatuck and Douglas consolidate into one city.

The recommendation is now waiting at the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs office where the director makes the final decision. If the consolidation is approved, which is expected, a referendum could be held if petitions for a vote are signed in the cities. Both sides of the issue said they will circulate petitions.

In October, the boundary commission decided the two cities should combine, mainly to save the Kalamazoo Harbor.

The state got involved in the consolidation movement after a petition was submitted to Lansing in 2011 by the Consolidated Government Committee asking for a merger to save the communities money.

The group Citizens for Independent and Cooperative Communities has been leading the opposition to consolidation saying the towns already share services and should maintain their identity.

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

Adult parade a challenge to photograph

A blurry parade shot from Saturday's parade shows the crowd.

 There are three challenges in photographing the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults:

1: The lighting — or, more precisely, the lack of light. The event starts about 10 p.m. and despite the blazing street light and illumination from Beery Field, picture-taking can be tough for me. People are constantly moving, so I end up with a lot of blurred images. Asking people to stand still for a posed shot works, but I prefer action shots so people who see the pictures get a sample of what the event is like.

2: The crowd. Some folks said 5,000 or 6,000 people were packed into about four blocks. I conservatively estimated 3,000 people. My math was fuzzy after the first block or so where people could be eight to 10 deep because some the crowd moved with the parade — some fading into the parade itself then out again.

The crowd also becomes an obstacle at times, blocking quick movement around the route and some angles. The parade organizers were very nice to the media. We were allowed in front of the barriers to shoot, but some in the crowd quickly got impatient with having a large tall reporter in front of them. I had some people smack me on the back, telling me they couldn’t see and to get out of the way. Because of the darkness and my rudimentary camera skills, I did have to stay in one place longer than I was comfortable with, so I apologized and moved as quickly as I could.

Overall, the crowd was well behaved and respectful and the organizers had control all the time.

3: The costumes. Every year I am amazed at the creativity and work that goes into the costumes. My photos don’t do them justice.

In this election year, there were many costumes jabbing Obama or Romney. I didn’t use any photos of these for the paper or web. The parade is a perfect place for this expression, but I just want to stay out of the fray. You know if I used the Zomneys — a zombie Romney group — the paper would have heard cries of bias. Same for any of the Obama critics.

And this is a parade for adults. I stayed away from the overly sexual costumes. Each year I see a new use for balloons. No pictures of Gumby and Pokey in compromising positions or the Menstrual Cycle pedaling up Center Street. No video of leather-masked women on dog leashes.

They’re all OK for the parade and I wouldn’t censor a single costume — I just can’t see myself explaining to my editor that waist-high ring toss game.

A look back: Dog decontamination, buoy is back

A look back at some of the stories that made news in the last week:

Emergency workers and volunteers practice decontaminating a dog.

 • Area emergency workers learn how to handle pets in case of a radiation leak at Palisades Nuclear Power Plant: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346785873/-Dirty-dogs-get-decontaminated-in-radiation-drill

• Saugatuck Mayor Jane Verplank presides over her last regular meeting: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/community/blogs/Saug-Doug-All-Lake-Glenn-Ges/x1224698738/Saugatuck-mayor-completes-term-and-some-big-projects

• Fate of Saugatuck fireworks up in the air: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/community/blogs/Saug-Doug-All-Lake-Glenn-Ges/x1224698876/Sparks-in-the-air-over-Saugatuck-fireworks

Holland weather buoy returns to shore.

 • The Holland weather buoy is removed from Lake Michigan to an uncertain future: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x346785901/Future-of-buoy-could-be-sunk-without-funding

• Record-breaking heat on Thursday — then the cold comes: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1831583400/Holland-hits-record-high-of-80-degrees

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects record-low Lake Michigan levels in the next few months: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/newsnow/x1831583715/Lake-Michigan-approaching-record-low-levels

Sparks in the air over Saugatuck fireworks

A possible change in the Fourth of July fireworks in Saugatuck is causing some sparks.

The Rotary Club of Saugatuck-Douglas has proposed taking over the funding and organization of the July Fourth parade and fireworks.

Spectators wait along Butler Street for the parade on July 4.

 The parade has been organized by volunteers including Linda Kinnaman for years. Kinnaman said she is stepping aside. Rotary plans to get marching bands or other music and seek donors to award prizes and trophies for floats or costumes.

Through this summer, money for the fireworks was collected by a volunteer committee. This July, organizers said they were running $5,200 short and were desperate. Only an 11th-hour plea kept the show from fizzling.

Members of Rotary approached the city council earlier this month to say the group could take over the parade and the fireworks.

“Rotary will take the leadership. We will ask for support,” Robin Bauer of Rotary told the council. Bauer has already been asking surrounding municipalities for support.

The council is interested in the proposal and asked City Manager Kirk Harrier on Monday to draw up a document spelling out how the partnership would work.

The support, though, came with some hesitation at the Oct. 18 workshop.

Councilman Mark Bekken wanted to make sure that fundraising for the Fourth of July fireworks didn’t hurt fundraising for the Venetian Festival, held later in the summer. The three-day  festival also has fireworks. Money for the pyrotechnics of both shows was raised jointly.

Fun in the July 4 parade in Saugatuck.

A fear is people would give to the Independence Day fireworks and not have money left for a Venetian Festival display.

Rotary does not want to handle anything connected with Venetian Festival.

Councilman Barry Johnson was concerned that money raised for the fireworks stays with the fireworks.

A memo from Rotary handed out to the council on Oct. 18 said any amount raised over the $10,000 needed for the July Fourth fireworks would “be used to support future fireworks or other S/D Rotary activities, or to enhance the actual display.”

“I would not support this if funds raised went for other Rotary activities,” Johnson said.

Bauer said the fireworks money will only go to the display, nothing else.

Saugatuck mayor completes term — and some big projects

City Manager Kirk Harrier, right, describes the renovation to the zoning and assessing offices upstairs in Saugatuck City Hall on Monday night. From left are council members Henry Van Singel, John Porzondek and Jane Verplank.

Jane Verplank tapped the gavel Monday night to end her last full meeting as mayor of Saugatuck, a tenure she described as a time of finishing several major city projects.

Verplank will start the next city council meeting  Nov. 12, but will then relinquish leadership to whomever the council decides should be the new mayor. By tradition, the mayor serves two one-year terms.

She thanked city staff and council members — “You guys have been great,” she said.

Many key city projects wrapped up under her leadership, including the complete transfer of the 173-acre Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area to city ownership, the completion of the $4 million Blue Star Highway Bridge repair and $3.5 million road reconstruction program and the remodeling of city hall.

Verplank won’t be leaving the council. She, Mark Bekken, Barry Johnson and Bill Lint are seeking the four seats on the council to be decided in the Nov. 6 election. Terms are two years.

John Porzondek is not seeking re-election. On Monday night, he thanked all the people who helped serve his single term. He was elected in 2010.

“I will still be an earshot away,” he said. “I will find my way back.”

Halloween parades ahead

Here’s a look ahead at some meetings and events this week:

• Saugatuck City: The council meets at 7 p.m. at city hall, 102 Butler St. The agenda includes the 2011-2012 fiscal year audit review and the approval of the Sparkle Holiday Lighting ceremony on Nov. 23. For more information, visit http://www.saugatuckcity.com/index.php/city-council.

• Tree trimming: Consumers Energy is holding an informational meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Douglas City Hall, 86 W. Center St., about upcoming line clearing projects. A Consumers Energy representative will go over tree trimming plans. For more information, visit http://www.consumersenergy.com/content.aspx?id=1592

• Allegan County: The board of commissioners meet twice on Thursday at the County Services Building, 3283 122nd Ave.

-- At 9:30 a.m., the planning session topic is a wellness presentation and a review of health insurance options for the county.

-- At 1 p.m., the commissioners will get the equalization report as well as look over fee changes at the animal shelter and discuss the next steps of a proposed settlement agreement from Georgia Pacific regarding the Kalamazoo River.

For more information, visit http://cms.allegancounty.org/sites/pages/Calendar/default.aspx and choose “Board Planning Session” for the 9:30 a.m. meeting or “Board of Commissioners” for the 1 p.m. meeting.

Last year's Saugatuck parade begins.

• The Saugatuck Family Halloween Costume Parade is 4 p.m. at Mason and Griffith streets.

• The Douglas Halloween Parade for adults is 10 p.m. at Beery Field.