The Township was notified that the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Classification Report for Grand Haven Charter Township increased↑ the community rating of the Township from an ISO rating of “5” to an ISO rating of “4”. Most of the improvements within the department were related to firefighter safety, training, and department operations – such as inspections of commercial/industrial businesses and pre-plans for all commercial/industrial businesses.

This places the Township on “par” with many of the Township′s peers – such as Grand Rapids Charter Township, Holland Charter Township, the City of Grand Haven, and the City of Norton Shores – except that the Township remains the only Advanced Life Support (ALS) certified fire department in West Michigan.

Fire/Rescue Chief Schrader expects that the Township will have a strong opportunity to improve to an ISO community rating of “3” at the Township′s next evaluation with the addition of the training facility within the new fire station (e.g., the Township received zero points in this category with the current facility) and the opportunity to capture additional training points based upon modifications to the department’s SOPs and improved compliance with the Michigan firefighter’s training guidelines.

Congratulations to the Chief Schrader and the entire Fire/Rescue Department!

The basketball court at Hofma Park was improved with new hoops and the court was painted, striped and the benches were installed.

During this election season, it is important to remember the Township’s Signage Rules and Regulations that provide some limitations while protecting the First Amendment right to Freedom of Speech:

Trick or Treat hours in the Township will occur on Tuesday, October 31st from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Be Safe and Remember to:

The restrooms in the Township parks are not heated – and will be closed on November 1st to protect the pipes from freezing.

Jost International purchased a vacant industrial property on 172nd Avenue – south of Hayes Street – and will be investing about $3.16 million to improve and expand the facility. Once complete, the firm will move about 190 full-time employees to the facility.

Although new to the Township, Jost International has been part of the greater Grand Haven community for many years. Jost International will be seeking an industrial tax abatement pursuant to state law on their investment to renovate this vacant industrial property that will save the firm just over $30k annually.

If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to bcargo@ght.org .