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