Welcome to the electronic newsletter from
Grand Haven Charter Township!

Stay informed on what is happening in the township. This newsletter will deliver up-to-date information including upcoming meetings, development news, township services and more!

You can always find more information on our website or Facebook.
Chief Sipe Announces Retirement
Fire/Rescue Chief Sipe announced that he will be retiring with his last day being Tuesday, March 29th.
Chief Sipe is making a mid-career change – similar to what is discussed in “Half-Time,” a book by Christian author Bob Buford who writes about how many people in their mid-life transition from a life of success to a life of greater significance.  

Specifically, Chief Sipe feels called to work with a lifelong friend who is a part-owner of Sytsema Funeral Homes in West Michigan (i.e., five funeral homes and a crematorium).  He wants to support those who are in the midst of grief and change.
Township Manager Cargo has appointed Captain Schrader as the Acting Chief during the interim.

Because the Township has qualified internal candidates to fill the vacancy that Chief Sipe’s retirement is creating – Cargo expects that the process of hiring a new Fire/Rescue Chief will be a relatively short process. 
The job posting for this vacancy has posted to the Township′s website and to Great Lakes Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Eastbrook Homes - Proposed Development
Eastbrook Homes has submitted a revised PUD plan for the 40-acre Reenders blueberry field located north of Comstock Street and adjacent to the City′s affordable housing project and the Village Green Mobile Home park.  (See location map below.)
The proposed development proposes (170) residential units – which is a reduction↓ of (99) units from the proposal presented at a pre-application meeting in April of last year.

The plan consists of (79) townhome-style units and (91) single-family lots.
Staff are reviewing the revised plans with the intention of holding another Planning Commission pre-application meeting on March 21st.
Census and State Shared Revenues
The Michigan Department of Treasury announced modifications to State Shared Revenue payments that will reflect the per capita changes from the 2020 census.  (Michigan is required – pursuant to state law –to adjust each local unit′s constitutional revenue sharing payment—based on the census numbers—retroactive to October of 2020.)

Without delving into the State Sales Tax formula that controls State Shared Revenues, the Township will receive a supplemental payment of about $375k that will reflect the State Shared Revenue adjustments – which includes about $242k for FY2021 and about $133k for FY2022.  The adjusted payment is the third highest↑ in Ottawa County with only Allendale Township (with a population of about 27k and includes Grand Valley State University) and Georgetown Charter Township (with a population over 54k).

The $375k that the Township will receive is greater↑ than all the neighboring communities combined – which demonstrates that most of the population growth in the Tri-Cities region is occurring within the Township:
  • Port Sheldon Township will receive about $131k.
  • Spring Lake Township will receive about $87k.
  • City of Grand Haven will receive about $58k.
  • Robinson Township will receive about $26k.
  • Spring Lake Village will receive about $19k.
  • City of Ferrysburg will receive about $1k

Overall, for FY2022, the Township should receive about $2 million from the State of Michigan in the form of State Shared Revenues.  This is about $43k higher↑ than the FY2022 budget estimate, which should help relieve some of the inflationary pressures that the Township will experience. 

The following graph shows the history of State Shared Revenues for the Township and their increasing importance to Township general operations.
Spring Leaf Drop-Off
The Spring Leaf Drop-off will begin on Monday, April 4th and continue through Sunday, April 24th at the Township Administrative facility at 13300 168th Avenue.

Leaf and grass clippings ONLY – No wood, tree limbs or brush.
Summer Help - Two Vacancies Remain Unfilled
Grand Haven Charter Township is looking for two (2) additional employees to fill seasonal positions in either our beautiful parks or maintaining fire hydrants.  If you want to spend your summer days outside, learn new skills and work with a great group of people, this job MAY be for you.  WARNING! You must also take great pride in the work you do, be willing to break a sweat and get your hands dirty. 

The summer laborers work Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., and typically work one weekend a month.  Our season runs from April through October, with flexibility on start and end dates for those with school, sports and family schedules.  The laborers assist in the maintenance and repair of the Township’s buildings, hydrants, grounds, parks and facilities.  Someone with a strong work ethic and experience in painting, mowing, leaf pickup and cleaning will be a great fit!  If this sounds like an amazing opportunity to you (it truly is), keep reading to learn more.

What We Offer:
  • A competitive hourly rate starting at $13.69 per hour.
  • Opportunities to return each summer for employment and the potential to grow into other positions within the Township.
  • Trainings and access to a fitness facility to keep your mind and body healthy.
How to Apply:

Application deadline:  April 15, 2022, or until filled
Grand Haven Charter Township is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting and retaining the most qualified employees regardless of race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, height, weight or disability.
Township Questions?
If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to bcargo@ght.org .
(616) 842-5988  | info@ght.org | www.ght.org